Exhilarating Emirates Singapore Derby 2017 Event

Media Invite

I vividly remembered the day I was introduced to the Horse Racing sport. I was still a kid when my Dad brought the family to the Singapore Turf Club during one of its Open Day events – Where people under 18 could enter and no bet placements took place… Just pure fun and fascination to watch the horses galloping with vigour and speed. It was certainly memorable to be part of the crowd cheering with excitement while witnessing the trial runs!

Fast forward to many years later, and as an adult, those fond memories returned to my mind, when I was at the recent 22nd Emirates Singapore Derby race, sponsored by Emirates. Though often known as the "most exciting 2 minutes in sports" (since that's how a horse race usually last), the Emirates Singapore Derby is MORE than just that, and I am more than happy to share with you why.

Singapore Turf Club

Regarded as one of the most anticipated race and highly-covetable social event in the local horse racing calendar, the Emirates Singapore Derby is the coveted event to attend on a lovely Sunday. This is where one gets to enjoy fine hospitality, dining and wining, high glamour and fashion and soaking in all the excitement and action that entails with the sport of horse racing. Hence, I was thrilled to be once again, invited for the event. Read on as I share my experience and hopefully, it will spur you to attend it next year. ;)

Emirates’s Sponsorship

The Dubai-based Emirates airline company sponsors numerous global sports and lifestyle events, but it has the longest sponsorship portfolio with Emirates Singapore Derby. This shows the prestige and success of the event that has Emirates to sponsor it for 22 years consecutively!

The Emirates Hospitality Experience

The Emirates Singapore Derby event is a brilliant blend of the horse racing sport and fashion, with the finest touch of the Emirates’s signature hospitality provided to Marquee Package (SGD128) ticket holders, which I felt delighted to be able to fully immerse myself in this exquisite experience, all thanks to Singapore Turf Club!

Inside the Marquee Tent

The perks of being a Marquee ticket holder is being steps away from the intense pulsating racing action, with the starting gates for some races being just right in front of the Marquee tent. In addition, having the best views of the races as this is also where the horses make the home turn and power their way to the finishing line! It was amazing to have this opportunity to be that near, and come to think about it... My heart was racing with much excitement as the races were going on. My desire for speed and adrenaline was all displayed so obviously on my eager face!

Witnessing all the Thrills and Spills Upclose

In addition, one gets to eat, drink and get merry at this joyous event, alongside the sumptuous buffet spread and free-flow alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There were the live food stations where one got to also savour the brilliantly-prepared Angus Striploin Beef And to also bring home an exclusive Emirates Cap and Bear as momentos.

There was a myriad of activities held at the Marquee, such as the:

- Catwalk appearances by this year’s Miss Singapore International finalists (Which may I add that I was also a Miss Singapore International finalist once upon a time, haha!)

- Music performances

- Models showcasing dazzling Derby fashion outfits so that people can find inspiration for their outfits next year. 

- Best dressed contest for Marquee ticket holders, and winner was voted by those present.

- Emirates Prediction contest to guess the winner of each of the ongoing races that were going on that day.

Emirates Prediction Contest Form

The Emirates Prediction contest was my favorite activity that kept me busy in between the races, and in between of sipping wine, that is. ;)

Horse Betting

So why just play the prediction contest? Try your luck in horse betting. But in my opinion, it takes more than just luck… It requires much experience and analytical skills to predict a race win successfully, and that ‘gut feel’ in you to select the horse to wager on.

What's more, the unique thing about wagering on horse racing is you would not know the exact odds of it until the race starts, as it keeps changing based on the amount bet on the horse versus the amount that is bet on other horses in the same race.

I actually studied the race information in the race book before placing the bets, such as the number of times a horse won and lost in the races participated, weather, turf, health, comments, etc. Sharing you a piece of good news ---> I won the wagers I placed for two races!  (1) Win the Race *Bet Type: WIN* and (2) Be in the 1st to 3rd positions *Bet Type: PLACE*.

Just for sharing purposes:

Race 6: Chose ‘Dream Comes True’ horse #9, and it was a dream CAME true as it came in FIRST! This was a double-win since it met the criteria to win a WIN and PLACE type.

Race 7: Predicted that it would be ‘Best Tothelign’ horse #3, and it came in third, so it was a PLACE win. Initially, I was reading the comment of him in the race guide and was sitting on the fence as to even wager on him. But I went with my gut feel on this one... So I was surprised he even won! Come to think of it, he was increasing his pace steadily through the race as he slipped from 8th to 6th and finally to the 3rd position. 

The winning ticket for Race 6!

The winning ticket for Race 7!

Here’s me at the Betting Counter, collecting my wins.

(Public Service Announcement: Horse betting should be a recreational activity for fun, for a little windfall, within our financial means, but never an addiction.)

Derby Fashion

I love derby fashion as it shows the elegance and sophistication of a lady, along with the hats, fascinators, feathers, lace, colorful cocktail dresses and heels which female Derby-goers would wear. I love how both men and ladies dress up for the occasion!

My outfit choice for Emirates Singapore Derby 2017 was a Karen Millen number that has a fitted bodice and a flared A-lined skirt, which is of a similar cut to the dress by Emilia Wickstead, that Kate Middleton wore during her royal visit to Luxembourg in May this year. The green shade is in-trend as it is one of 2017 Spring/Summer colors, and it is the Summer season now.

Furthermore, when I was deciding on what my Derby outfit should be, I was thinking that red would be an obvious color which people may choose for their outfits as it is one of two corporate colors of Emirates, and also because I have worn red when I attended my first Emirates Singapore Derby event last year. So why not make it a color quartet series of Red, Green, White, Black, as these are the colors of the UAE flag (which Emirates is based in UAE). My dress was the PERFECT choice as it comprised of green, white and black colors (save for the silver zipper). That's some creativity play, isn't it? ;)

My Emirates Singapore Derby 2016 Outfit

My Emirates Singapore Derby 2017 Outfit

My fascinator color was also inspired by
Kate Middleton’s black fascinator style.

A group photo of all the invited E-influencers who
dressed up for the event, along with Singapore Turf Club staff.

Splendid derby fashion by some guests

Horse Racing

Getting to the exciting part of my blogpost is none other than the horse races itself! Horse racing is regarded as a sport, and in Singapore – A legalised recreational gambling activity. Punters place their bets with Singapore Turf Club (Singapore’s only licensed horse racing operator and betting service provider), and may head down to the racecourse on weekends to watch it live and soak in the exhilarating atmosphere.

The jockey's silks (aka jackets) are usually brightly-colored and loud patterns. Why?
(1) To allow race commenters and spectators to spot them quickly and from afar.
(2)  To represent the ‘registered colors’ of the owner or trainer who employs the trainers.
(3)  Symbolic significance of loyalty and festivity, and often with matching helmet, vest and gloves.

With such fine detailing of their uniform, it is to my amusement when I learnt that jockeys will throw their new uniform on the ground, stomp on it and soil it to ward off any misfortune during the races. 

Brightly-colored Silks Worn by Jockeys

Jockeys leading the horses to the starting point

Seconds just before the start of a race

And there they go!

Once the race is flagged off, helpers dashed to push aside the starting gates and make the soil even, in anticipation of the race horses that would pass the area to approach the finishing line.

The bend before the horses gives their all in
a straight direction, towards the finishing line.

Takes physical strength of a jockey to actually maintain
a crouching position while having to also handle the
horse at the same time!

The final seconds before the end of a race

Parade Ring

We were brought to the parade ring next. This is where the horses for the upcoming race will walk around the ring, led by their minders, before walking to the starting point for race flag-offs, via the glass-sided horse walk that runs through the grandstand and connects the parade ring straight to the track.

While I was at the parade ring, I could not help but to feel the bustle in the air as this is also where race-goers can have a close look of the race horses while they are at the Viewing Circle. For the lucky ones like us, we got to stand in the middle of the Viewing Circle (which is only for the horse owners and jockeys to be at) and admire the horses from a safe distance. You would not want to distract/agitate an adrenaline-charged horse that is raring to give it its all, in the next few minutes, right?

A picture of my Burberry clutch, which the brand's logo

consists of a knight and horse!

Simply befitting to take to a horse racing event!

Emirates Singapore Derby 2017

Out of the races that took place that day, I would say Race 9 - The Emirates Singapore Derby is the 'cream of the crop' event for the day, as it would be a great accomplishment and prestige to win this significant race. Undeniably, getting the S$1.15 million prize money would be amazing for the owner, jockey and trainer.

The excitement and anticipation of the race rose remarkably when the thoroughbreds were racing head-to-head, nearing the finishing line! I noticed bated breaths and still positions giving way to signs of joy and and excitement for those who were rooting for the (winning) geld!

For that 2000 metres on the tracks, jockeys pushed their horses to their maximum speed in a bid to be crowned the Winner. The race was won triumphantly by #2 Infantry, a horse trained by HW Tan and ridden by jockey - M Nunes, owned by Thai owners, in slightly over 2.2 minutes!

Shot taken, showing #2 Infantry in first position

Winner's Group Photo

I was telling my friend while we were at the race that it takes about S$3K a month to maintain a racing horse. My friend said it would be a good investment (if it wins). Why? You see, the S$1.15 million is split three ways to the Owner (48.25%), Trainer (6.25%) and Jockey (5%). Therefore if you are an owner and your horse wins the Emirates Singapore Derby race, you will get more than S$550K! If anyone is keen on doing so, count me in ;p

Galloping On for 2017

Before we called it a day, we were led to the reception area where the Singapore Turf Club distributed our goodie bags and to announce the results of the Best Dressed E-fluencers contest. It was really a surprise to be one of the winners, which I walked away with a bottle of champagne and an exclusive horseshoe (Yay! To more luck!).

Goodie bag items and prizes

It was certainly a memorable event to start off the third quarter of the year. Going back to the story of my dad bringing us to the race course, here's something he said that day which I remembered : "Sometimes, the strongest horse would not win the race... It may be the heart and 'Never Give Up' spirit of a "weaker" horse that eventually makes it the race champion". Bearing this in mind, let this be our motivation to gallop strong and with perseverance for the rest of 2017!

And yes, may I have the best of luck!

Glad to be part of this event – Where the majesty beauty of the horses, athleticism of the jockeys, and sports fans blend seamlessly together to take this perfect ride! Much thanks to Singapore Turf Club for the invitation and lovely experience.

Beijing 101 - Hair and Scalp Care Review

ADVERTORIAL

Being blessed with thick tresses all my life, I always feel that hair loss will be the least of my hair concerns. So when I was approached by Beijing 101 - The experts in solving/reducing hair loss issues, as well as other hair/scalp-related problems faced by their clients for the past three decades... I was skeptical HOW I can benefit from their hair treatments as I did not feel that I was losing 'too many hair' in my opinion.

Nevertheless, I gave it a go as I was curious about my scalp type and condition, and it would be an eye opener to do the hair and scalp analysis, just like how I always see in their advertisements) as it would be the first time to see my hair and scalp in such a microscopic view. Most importantly, given my recent discovery of those few strands of premature greying hair, as shared in my previous post, I know I needed to do something about it and seek the help from professionals, which in this case, is none other than Beijing 101!

Beijing 101 branch at Tiong Bahru Plaza

With a total of seven outlets conveniently located around Singapore, my treatment was done at Beijing 101's Tiong Bahru Plaza branch. Upon arriving, I filled up my personal particulars and did a quick tour of their vicinity and check out their displays of the various "Home Care" products they have for sale. I did a quick look at the types of premium-grade Chinese herbs they use during the hair and scalp treatment sessions and its respective benefits, which seek to solve hair problems in an integrative and harmonious way, aligning with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices.

Some of Beijing 101 'home care' product range

CONSULTATION: Scalp Analysis

I was led into the consultation room, where my consultant, Mr Eken, did a thorough questionnaire to find out more about my lifestyle habits (such as sleeping time, fitness habits and food preference) and the hair concerns that I have, while I sipped on the cup of hot tea served to me.

Eken then shared about Beijing 101's history, the awards and accreditation received - Such as results from the Nielsen Survey where 9 out of 10 had experienced visible hair growth results after receiving hair treatments from Beijing 101. He also showed me images of different types of scalp and hair issues.

My eye-opener moment had arrived - Doing the hair and scalp analysis! Eken scanned through my head and pointed out some areas of my scalp which is more oily and with clogged pores. These issues seem unimportant now, but if left untreated, it can affect hair growth and may even lead to hair loss in future! Thankfully, I do not have a dandruff problem!

He also said that I have to be careful of the hairline near my temples, and proceeded to ask if I always style my hair into a ponytail or bun, which I replied 'Yes' to him. But inside of me, I was like, "WHOA! You can even tell!??!". I basically like to tie my hair in these two ways, especially if I am home, as I like to keep my hair away from my face.

Eken told me that my hair treatment session includes the following:

- Scalp Purification mask

- Herbal hair wash (Type of herbal shampoo and conditioner used is based on client's hair/scalp needs)

- Signature Meridian Herbal Treatment (4 different types of massage to choose from!).

On top of it, I would undergo a TCM consultation with their in-house certified TCM doctor. And to end it off, Eken will conduct another round of hair and scalp analysis. Yay to more eye-opener moments!

I did my hair treatment in the VIP room.

It was like I am in my own private salon,
in complete privacy and tranquility! :)

Warm towel and refreshments served
while I did my treatment

Deep Cleansing Scalp Treatment: PuriScalp Mask

Applied onto my hair roots, followed by a quick massage,
and left on for about 20 minutes.

 

This mask helps to:
- Balance the hair's pH level
- Cleanse hair bulbs
- Remove oil clogs and sebum
- Provides vital nutrients to hair follicles

Enjoyed the nice minty sensation by
the Deep Cleansing Scalp Treatment

Deep Cleansing Scalp Treatment: Herbal Hair Wash and Massage

After 20 minutes, the mask was washed off at my own private hair washing area. My hair therapist, Jessica, lathered my hair with the selected range of their in-house shampoo, followed by hair conditioner.

She used the shampoo and conditioner from the "Nourishing" range. FYI, the range that the hair therapist uses on your hair may differ from mine, as they will select based on one's head and scalp needs and concerns.

The 'Nourishing' range serves to:
- Restore hair vitality
- Enhances hair texture and density.

Any hair wash is NEVER complete without a satisfying acu-point head massage. And my hair therapist nailed it. Boy, I felt so relaxed and refreshed after that! I was led back to my treatment seat where my hair was towel-dried and then blown-dry.

Head Massage during Beijing 101's Herbal Wash

 PuriScalp Mask Treatment: Award-Winning Hair Tonic

A vial of Beijing 101's award-winning herbal hair tonic was carefully and thoroughly applied to my hair roots around my scalp. There are various types of hair tonic to treat different types of hair and scalp concerns, but generally the hair tonic aids to kill bacteria, strengthen hair roots, increase melanin production, nourishes hair follicles and promotes blood circulation.

Hair Tonic Application

Beijing 101 Signature Meridian Herbal Treatment: Overall Well-Being

Beijing 101's signature Meridian Herbal Treatment, is a head massage consisting of 4 different types (Overall well-being, Tension, Stress and Sleeping Disorder) that one can select from. I chose the Overall Well-being Treatment as the massage techniques seem to be part of each of the above 4 types, so I gave that a shot.

The Meridian Herbal Treatment aids to:

- Promote hair growth and stronger hair

- Prevent hair loss and greying

- Relieves headaches, head tensions and migraines

- Improve sleep quality, alleviates insomnia

- Enhances memory

- Relieves fatigue

It was so relaxing...

TCM Consultation: Better health, Better Hair/Scalp Conditions

It was a pleasure to know that Beijing 101 is not only committed to using TCM methods in their products and treatments, but also to help improve their clients' overall health. Hence, in-house Certified TCM physicians provide consultations and advise on the health conditions.

My TCM physician did a pulse diagnosis and said that my 肠胃 (digestive system) is not good, which I am very much aware of. She asked questions pertaining to my health and habits, and gave much-appreciated advice. I also shared with her my premature greying hair concerns (albeit those few strands but it is startling!).

She told me that hair conditions reflect on:
(1) The health of one's internal organs like lungs, kidney, blood, stomach and liver
(2) Lifestyle such as insufficient sleep, stress and poor dietary habits. 

She promptly advised me to to have a diet rich in Zinc, Copper, Vitamin A and B, and of course, to have more sleep, haha!

POST-TREATMENT CONSULTATION: Scalp Analysis

To healthier and stronger hair!



To cleaner and healthier scalp!

 Scalp Analysis scan done to provide

a 'Before-and-After' comparison.

I was simply amazed with the vast
improvements of my scalp condition!

In the image below, it showed two out of three zones where the scanner captured microscopic shots of my scalp. In Scan #1, the clogged pores were miraculously removed from my hair follicles! Whereas in Scan #2, you can see in the After-picture that my scalp is no longer "glistening" with oil! What an improvement!

WOW!! All the 'findings' we had in the earlier scan were solved
in one treatment by Beijing 101!

I cannot imagine the great extent of my hair and scalp getting
healthier and  if I have more treatment sessions! That will be fabulous!

(As fabulous as Blackpink's Lisa)

If having healthier hair and scalp, while having incredible-looking hair for that classic *hair flick* is your kind of thing, Beijing 101 is offering a customised Scalp Renewal Treatment with Infrared Treatment for one person at a great deal of S$28 (Usual: S$420).
To grab this offer, call 6-5588-101 and quote "Feliza Ong".
Or simply click on this LINK to make your purchase now.

Tips from Beijing 101 on how to dry your hair the right way! 
Watch the video below! :)

To end this blogpost by sharing a quote I saw online -
Invest in your hair, for it is the crown you never take off.

'LIKE' and check out Beijing 101 Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/beijing101haircare.

*Disclaimer: This is an advertorial post, but all opinions remain my own*