Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore (USS)

After a fruitful afternoon at the Shiseido sale and a blogger's event last Saturday, I made my way to Resort World Sentosa in the evening, on an attempt to be frightened at the Halloween Horror Night 6 (HHN) event happening at the Universal Studios Singapore (USS) theme park.

Here's the HHN promo video on what horror awaits you~

The highly-raved annual HHN had the theme park transformed into a bloodcurdling location, engulfed by horror, screams and shrieks as thrill-seekers wander into the five haunted houses filled with vengeful and creepy figures - Bodies of Work, Salem Witch House, Hawker Centre Massacre, Hu Li's Inn and Old Changi Hospital.

Salem Witch House

Hawker Centre Massacre

Ulu Pandan Hawker Centre

The Debaucherous and Ghostly Fun at Hu Li's Inn

Old Changi Hospital

Despite having the express pass, there was still a long queue in the Express ticket holder lane. But still, it was better than having the normal ticket which could have one queuing up to 90 minutes just to enter into any of the houses. Braving the heat and long queue, I waited for my turn with the other four in my group to enter all five haunted houses, to get freaked out and scream our lungs away.

At certain timings, the March of the Dead - The Resurrection paraded on the streets, showcasing elaborated costumes, props and makeup held by the performers. It was quite similar to how the Day of the Dead (Dias de Muertos) is being celebrated, but only more solemn and not as festive as how it should actually be. This said festival is somewhat akin to how the Chinese sees QingMing Festival and the Seventh Month Hungry Ghost Festival as, but of happiness and celebration instead.

There are two Scare Zones - Suicide Forest and March of the Dead, where scary figures roamed around to give us the fright of our lives. But it turned out to be more of a photo opportunity location where we could take photos with or of them, haha. Photos taken below were at the March of the Dead area, where performers were decked out in calaveras makeup and Victorian costumes. I was excited to take photos of them as I have always been intrigued by the intricate design of calaveras.

The calaveras makeup clad talents were all very obliging to pose for my camera. I managed to take some photos which you can see below. The makeup and costumes were all spot-on, and the place's lighting and smoky effect brought out fantastic photographic results IMO.

When you feel that you may get a heart attack from all the scares and need to cool down, hop onto any of the available theme park attractions like the Transformers 3D battle ride, Revenge the Mummy and Battlestar Galactica - Human and Cylon roller coaster rides. Not sure if the roller coaster rides will not get your heart beating fast though... If so, better off being scared in the haunted houses, ha!

By the way, there is also the live "Jack's Recurring Nightmare Circus" performance happening daily at various timings, where audience was treated to singing, dancing, acrobatic and dangerous do-not-try-this-at-home dagger-throwing acts.

Other than the usual restaurants and food carts peppered around in USS to get your food and drinks from, check out the candy floss cart where the stick is illuminated! Also, the costly blood bag (fruit punch) and syringe drinks amidst the canned and bottled drinks.

So hurry, 'chop' your tickets and get butchered
into a whole load of thrills, shrieks, scares and laughs at
USS's Halloween Horror Nights.
Happening for the final few days till 31 October 2016.

Visit USS website for more tickets.
Book your tickets online HERE.

* Special thanks to Universal Studios Singapore and Alvinology Media for the ticket and invitation.

THE ENTERTAINER App - Hot Summer Nights (Up to 3 Nights Free)

The Entertainer 'Hot Summer Nights' promotion is back!

Members get to enjoy up to 3 complimentary hotel nights' stay!

What/Who is "The Entertainer"?

The Entertainer is an international company that offers a portfolio of worldwide #Buy1Free1 incentives - Ranging from Dining, Beauty & Fitness, Attractions & Leisure, Retail & Services, and last but not least, Hotels WORLDWIDE. This means by using this app - If you dine in one of the participating F&B merchants and order a main course, you get the 2nd main course free. Likewise, if you book a night with one of The Entertainer's hotel partners, you get the 2nd night free!

So yes, we are talking about a whole load of savings here! I strongly encourage you to get The Entertainer app, especially if dining out and staying luxuriously when you travel is your cup of tea (It's mine, definitely). As of today, my total savings ever since I started using it in 2014 is almost S$1500.

The Entertainer Travel

Now, you may wonder how did I even save so much,  with my frequent travel and for the fact that I was even temporarily based in UK for a period of time? SIMPLE... I check if there is any hotels under The Entertainer Travel promotion in the cities I visit. In this way, I get to satisfy my love for luxury travel yet save at the same time... Absolutely brilliant! With more than 400 4-star and 5-star hotel partners, there is definitely a fine luxurious accommodation suitable for the increased number of affluent travellers.

The Entertainer Travel Corporate Video

Just like my trip to Phuket where I stayed at The Vijitt Resort Phuket - Paid for the first night and got the second night free via The Entertainer! So far, I have utilised The Entertainer Travel for a few cities. I must say the process of searching for my desired hotel, to the hotel reservation and the redemption upon check-in have have been done effortlessly.

Short Review of The Vijitt Resort Phuket

Taken during low tide

The Vijitt Resort Phuket comprises only of private villas by the pristine Andaman Sea, with its own private beach and numerous facilities. Each of these 92 high-ceiling villas comes furnished with a bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe space that connects to the large bathroom. I adored the bathroom for its superbly-large bath tub, 'His and Her' separate washing area, and the outdoor standing shower area. Aside from that, 1/3 of their villas come with their own private pool.

The infinity pool facing the Andaman Sea

Buggy service to anywhere in the large resort area,

anytime of the day!

Waking up each morning, with a view of the

majestic sunrise from the bed

The bathtub - So spacious that it can even fit 2 pax!

The Fabulous 'Hot Summer Nights' Promotion

More than 120 leading hotel partners are taking part in the 'Hot Summer Nights' promotion to extend their "Buy 1 night, get 1 night free" offers to cover MULTIPLE night stays. If you have The Entertainer app, you can now stay 2 nights and pay for 1, stay 4 nights and pay for 2, and even stay 6 nights to get 3 nights free! View the video below to discover how does The Entertainer Hotel Redemption works.

How To Use The Entertainer App
For Hot Summer Night Promotion

Sofitel The Palm, in Dubai (UAE) is part of the 'Hot Summer Nights' promo!
One of my 'To-Stay' hotels in Dubai.

My estimated savings for a night stay at Sofitel The Palm Dubai hotel, would be S$578! Depending on the hotel and length of stay, an Entertainer member can save as much as US$3000 in one stay. The promotion comprises of top-notch hotels and resorts throughout Asia, Indian Ocean and Middle East - Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Vietnam, Mauritius, Maldives, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and Egypt. The 'Hot Summer Nights' promotion is till the end of August 2016.

These are some of the hotels that are part of the

Hot Summer Nights promotion:

Fairmont The Palm

Banyan Tree Bangkok

Conrad Koh Samui Oceanview Three Bedroom Pool Villa

Sun Siyam Maldives Jetty

How Does The Entertainer App Works?

Have I gotten all you wanderlust-ers and foodies craving for luxurious hotel or gastronomic dining experiences (Not forgetting the beauty/spa/lifestyle/attractions/leisure promos!)? Watch the video below to find out how to sign up for The Entertainer app, and how to redeem your free item/service/stay using this marvellous app.

$10 OFF The Entertainer Singapore App Purchase

Enjoy the whole range of products and services in Singapore by purchasing the Singapore annual edition at S$85. Get a $10 discount when you key in this promo code <2016SGBLOG> when you purchase.

If you frequent Malaysia often, there is the Malaysia edition going at S$50. When I was based in London, The Entertainer London gift-ed me the London edition to try it out too. Thank goodness for the app.... I SAVED LOADS and spent my savings elsewhere - Like on shopping! ;)

The Entertainer app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. All ready and waiting for you to take the next step to a world of thrills and savings. Remember to key the promo code <2016SGBLOG> to save $10 from your purchase.


*This post is brought to you in collaboration with The Entertainer company

Britons Voted For United Kingdom To Leave European Union (EU) in Britain Exit (Brexit). Global Economy In Frenzy. What's Next For Britain?

Britain's 23 June Referendum - To Stay or Leave the European Union?

Unlike Greece's mulish desire to stay in the European Union (EU), Britain has, over the years, expressed utmost desire to leave the EU. The former would probably have a GREXIT (Greece Exit) if not for the last bailout by the EU. Whereas for Britain, the withdrawal from the EU was decided by tens of millions of British voters in this divisive referendum that will shape the ties between Britain and EU - To remain in the EU or to leave the EU and regain UK sovereignty? What will be the decision that Britons make after years of bitter talk?

BRITONS HAVE SPOKEN - United Kingdom Withdraws From the EU

Mirrored after GREXIT, it is known as BREXIT (British Exit), and the stakes were high. While the votes were constantly updated, most of it leaned towards leaving the EU. Below is the final result of this referendum - BRITAIN IS LEAVING THE EUROPEAN UNION AFTER 43 YEARS, with a 51.9% of voters polled 'YES' for the withdrawal. United Kingdom is the FIRST country to leave the EU bloc.

BRITAIN IS LEAVING THE EUROPEAN UNION

Push Factors for Britain to Leave EU

The top three debate topics for leaving EU commonly fell back on the reason of UK's sovereignty loss to the EU, the EU's burdensome economic regulations, and the EU's liberal rules for internal migration. The EU consists of 28 members states, and one of the laws rules that members have to admit unlimited numbers of migrant from the other EU countries.

When I was living in London, I came across frequent newspapers articles on the immigration issues. Most were not thrilled about the Syrian refugee crisis, though UK ranks 13^th out of 28 countries in terms of failing to resettle the number of people it has promised to take in. With the heightened fear of terrorism (Paris, Brussels, etc), most Britons disagree with the EU's free-migration rules as they believed it may allow more terrorists to enter into United Kingdom easier. But all these years, UK could not do anything about this, or even other issues, as EU laws override all national laws. Other reasons for Britain to leave EU can be read in [THIS ARTICLE].

Brexit's Effect on the Currency and Capital Markets

Widely discussed and warned by governments, capital analysts and investors across the globe, the referendum if passed, will affect global financial markets and roil the currency, commodity and capital markets, and many other sectors such as import/export, property, automotive, medical and travel. It was said that if Brexit happens, the British economy may shrink by between 3.8 and 7.5 percent by 2030 — depending on how well subsequent negotiations for access to the European market ultimately went.


London may lose its attractiveness as a financial hub, that many international banks and financial institutions are currently based at. The Square Mile and Canary Wharf are the two central financial districts (CBD) in London. Banks may move their operations out of UK, as voiced out by Morgan Stanley president, Colm Kellleher on his bank's probable decision. Hence, it was not surprising that Londoners voted to remain in the EU (Check out this article too to check out how UK has voted in terms of area).

View of Canary Wharf from the area where I lived in London
(Lived near South Quay DLR, 5 minutes' walk to London's CBD)

Stirling Pound Plummeted To a 30-year Low

Since the start of the campaign in February this year, the pound has been fluctuating vigorously (Yes, I have been tracking this as I have vested interests in the Stirling Pound). But even without the conclusion of the votes, the visceral effect of the Stirling Pound have was observed as the British currency have plummeted to a 30-year low against the US Dollars. Many have been holding on their cash to buy on the dip. Where in UK itself, the Britons were scrambling to exchange their pounds to other currencies in view of the busy Summer vacation period of June to August.


Asia Markets In Red
While typing this article, I was concurrently watching the Bloomberg live telecast and discussion online. The telecast showed the global stock markets performance, and it was alarming to see the sea of red across the markets. In Asia markets, traders started their day in the wee hours of the morning as the most of the international markets were experiencing tumbling effects as the voting result kept updating, with panic sweeping across the financial markets.

Effect of Brexit on Japan Market

Japanese Yen has gone up, much to the probable dismay of those intending to visit Japan for vacations. Business-wise, companies that rely heavily on Japan imports like parallel imported Japanese cars will be affected. The Japanese government sees the demand for the safe-haven yen as a crisis as it would hurt Japan's exports, and they have been attempting to keep the yen low to stimulate economic growth and boost inflation. On another note, NIKKEI, the Japan stock market, is suffering the worst day in five years.

Gold Price Rises

To investors, gold seems to be the best bet in the long run. Gold prices surged to a two-year high. While pound being dumped rapidly, the glittering attractiveness of this commodity increased. This is, despite the fact that there is no real pattern to spot gold price changes following major shock events, as analysed in the Bloomberg chart as seen below.

FREXIT 

Following the Brexit, this may cause contamination whereby other EU countries may follow suit. For example, France may call for a referendum, and have their own FREXIT. Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Italy may follow suit.

Will David Cameron Lose His Job?

David Cameron, UK's current Prime Minister pledged in January 2013 that a referendum to decide if UK remain or leave the EU will be implemented, should the Conservatives wins a parliamentary majority at the 2015 General Election. However, he stood firmly to what he said that he "will campaign with all his heart and soul for Britain to stay in the EU when the referendum comes", having held rallies over the last few weeks to get UK citizens to vote for the stay in EU. He laid his reputation on the line by doing so, hence analysts reported that it will be difficult for him to keep his job for a long term.


Updated: David Cameron announced of his resignation during his post-Brexit poll speech at 10 Downing Street. This is despite that nearly two-thirds of Brexit-backing Tory MPs sent a letter directly to David Cameron to remain in office regardless of the Referendum results. Cameron will step down as Prime Minister by end October 2016, after holding this post for six years. He leaves the invoking of the Article 50 and other agreements and negotiations to the new PM.

For Myself

UK has a special place in my heart. It was in Central London that I spent some of my happiest months of recent years at. Following this Brexit issue for quite some time, I respect what the majority Britons voted for, with the country of split views waking up this morning (24 June 2016) to the decision of the UK withdrawal from the EU. Amidst the current economic and political impacts from the voting results, let's see how UK makes the best out of this double-edged sword event. Nevertheless, I cannot wait to be back in UK - Pounds up or down, Part of EU or not.

*All efforts were done to ensure no individual views and opinions of my own was expressed in this article due to possible conflicting situations. This article is a consolidation of various views, analysis and market conditions that is/will/has been  affected, as reported by online and televised news sources.

5 Ways How TheSmartLocal.com Makes You a Smarter Local

About TheSmartLocal

TheSmartLocal, or known widely as TSL, is Singapore’s leading Travel and Lifestyle portal that offers editorial content and an online database where their members can make review contributions. Founded by Bryan Choo, TSL now has a team of creatives and writers who regularly produce interesting and insightful videos and articles which are being viewed by more than 2 million pairs of eyeballs monthly. I shall share with you, in TheSmartLocal’s popular and famous listicle style, 5 ways how TheSmartLocal makes you… Well, a smarter local! ;)

(1) Smarter Diner

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD! I don’t know about you, but I live to eat. TSL is like my smart local food directory where they share food reviews too. It is also one of the sites I visit when I need to get information such as hotel buffets in Singapore or healthy food choices in the CBD area (With delivery services to boot)! With café-hopping being a very popular activity for most people these days, TSL also publishes a monthly summary of the latest dining establishments in Singapore. Click [HERE] to read about the 21 NEW Restaurants and Cafes to Try in May 2016.

Not an alcohol addict nor close to having the need to attend Alcoholic Anonymous, but I am just someone who enjoys drinking (in moderation, mind you) - While having meals, when I am out on dates, celebrating or chilling out with friends, or even for movie or drama binge-watching nights at home. If you are going to drink outside, leave your car at home, use the money saved from the Happy Hours promotions at these places listed in this TSL article and take a cab/Uber/Grab home. Don't drink and drive!

(2) Smarter Traveller

I loveeeeeeee to travel, so much so that I grabbed the opportunity to be based overseas in London in 2015. I made use of that period of time to live like a local in London and to explore neighbouring European cities. Tons of hours were spent on researching for places to go, stay and eat... Simply time and effort consuming! (If you are keen, check out #ZaUK2015 on Instagram for my UK/Europe pics!)

For countries nearer to Singapore, you can count on TheSmartLocal as your online travel guide where they have plenty of short and concise travel articles for your vacation needs. Think you have already explored Asia fully already, I will say no unless you actually gone to these 14 places in Asia yet to be discovered (and swamped) by tourists! If you are lamenting that you are unable to head to far places due to 123456789 reasons, there are always the nearby interesting beach holidays that you can consider!

TSL team has so far ventured from Singapore to countries like Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. If you are planning a trip to any of these countries, you know which website to visit.

(3) Smarter Beautiful You

Want to be beautifully dressed up or dolled up? Other than sharing beauty hacks, tips and places to get your beauty woes solved on their website, TSL also has a PrettySmart channel on Youtube to learn beauty and tips. I have zero skills when it comes to hairstyling, so I have to say, I really learnt a few easy-to-do hairstyles in this video hosted by the pretty and chirpy Christabel Chua (@bellywellyjelly). I totally adore her personality! ;p

(4) Smarter Shopper

Known to be the shopping queen among my pals, I am the person to go to to find out the latest products or promotions (ie. Black  Friday, Cyber Monday, 11/11). But if we are not acquainted or for some reasons that you are unable to ask me for information, then that's where TheSmartLocal comes in --- Introducing to you the latest deals and reviews of products/services offered by retailers! One of their latest articles on cheap deals at Singapore's food factories got me excited and I cannot wait to shop! #closetauntymode

Shopping smart is not just about getting the most bang for your buck, but it is also about knowing that your purchases are environmentally-friendly or that it helps people in need. It was good to know that there are many retailers in Singapore that practices corporate social responsibility (CSR) by giving back to society in their respective ways. Smart shopper me, thanks to TheSmartLocal!

(5) Smarter Local

TheSmartLocal has interesting articles that make me want to explore this country I called 'Home' in a whole new light --- Exploring the East side of Singapore, up my Instagram game by taking photos that give the optical illusion vibes, and even to know where I can charge my smartphone when its battery life is dying and I am outside with no portable charger. And that includes charging my phone by exercising at a fitness corner - The energy generated by exercising is converted to battery juice for my phone! Save the Earth + Healthy Lifestyle + Battery Life for my Phone??!? Bring it on!

If you have overseas friends visiting Singapore, bring them to local places that is not touristy, or even better... Local places that locals do not even know exist nor have been before. Totally brilliant! All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so make a trip to these old-school playgrounds that we used to have in the 90s... Simply glad for this playground list that TSL had compiled.

If you did not grow up in Singapore, be a smarter local in Singapore and learn the unique cultures and lingos found in this article. And if you are a true-blue Singaporean, do read it and see whether you can relate to any of the points stated.

~*~*~*~*~*~

To sum it all, TheSmartLocal offers a magnitude of creative ideas and guides to their site visitors. As inspiring their articles or contributors' lives may be, it is always important to believe in yourself and in your dreams, and even to make some sacrifices (ie. Getting less pay and putting in more hours than your peers). The founder of the site, Bryan Choo, shared the following on his FB (see printscreen below)... And look how well TheSmartLocal is doing now, being one of the most influential media platform in Singapore. In my opinion, that is the most inspiring story of TSL... And that is every Smart Local in Us should do --- FOLLOW YOUR HEART!

*While this post was written in partnership with TheSmartLocal, all opinions remain my own*