Capilano Launches The World's First Pure Prebiotic Honey

Australia-based FMCG business, Capilano Honey, is setting the industry abuzz with the launch of the world’s first clinically-tested honey with naturally occurring prebiotics, Beeotic. Beeotic is the result of extensive research and a world-first clinical study conducted through the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to identify the widely-recognised, and now proven prebiotic health potential of selected Australian honeys.

Boost Your Digestive Health Today

Merlion Wayfarer recommends trying out Capilano's Beeotic Honey because...

• Consuming prebiotic rich foods help the good bacteria in your gut grow, improving the good-to-bad bacteria ratio and therefore helping improve your digestive health.
       
• Honey is a good source of prebiotics; this has been evidenced with human clinical studies.
     
• Beeotic is 100% pure Australian honey. The name ‘Beeotic®’ comes from the incredible natural phenomenon in which, during the process of converting nectar into honey, bees add special enzymes that help create prebiotic sugars in conjunction with their own diverse gut microbiota.
     
• Consumers who are increasingly conscious about their health and well being can now improve their overall digestive health by simply consuming a 1tbsp of Beeotic honey daily.
    
• Beeotic is halal-certified and is recommended for children 12 months and up.

Beeotic is now available in all leading supermarkets (NTUC, Giant and Cold Storage) in Singapore in two BPA-free PET variants: 340g jar (RSP with GST: $16.80) and 500g upside down (RSP with GST: $22.00). 

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SG Coffee Festival 2017 - Upcoming Highlights

A stimulating spread of brewing workshops, home roasting demos, flavour profile discovery classes, café talks and coffee degustation sessions await java junkies at Singapore Coffee Festival (SCF) 2017. Singapore’s only coffee-centric festival will also play host this year to the electrifying Singapore Aeropress Championships 2017, organised by Common Man Coffee Roasters, as well as the largest-ever Barter Market, a unique cashless bazaar featuring more than 20 local makers and artists and presented by urban artist Sam Lo’s Indigoism outfit.

Other highlights this year will include workshops on leather-crafting, candy-making and no filter photography, as well as morning yoga and other family-friendly activities including storytelling sessions. Arts will also play a big role in this year’s festival, which has the theme “espresso’self”. Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) will conduct SWF POP @ Coffee Festival, where two teams of writers and artists compete to produce poetry/prose and illustrations based off coffee-related prompts from the audience. Visitors can also join ST artists in live graffiti performances along the wall panels of the venue, or get coffee doodles and coffee poems on takeaway cups in an Artistic Recycling Programme.

More than 80 exhibitors will be showcasing their premium brews at the event, including new entrant Jewel Coffee and hipster stalwarts Common Man Coffee Roasters, Chye Seng Huat Hardware and Oriole Coffee + Bar. Cafes such as Symmetry and Hyde & Co will offer an al-fresco dining experiences along the Sunset Wharf amid live music acts on Saturday (5 Aug) and Sunday (6 Aug) evenings. Festival-goers can also enjoy hard-to-find artisanal gourmet and beauty products from social enterprises at The Good Market. 

Tickets are available for sale from $18 (for ST subscribers with promo code or DBS/POSB cardholders) for 4 August, Friday, to 6 August, Sunday via sgcoffeefestival.com.sg. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/sgcoffeefest or www.instagram.com/sgcoffeefest/. 

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Korean Comedy JUMP Coming In October 2017

Having performed worldwide in over 152 cities in more than 87 countries, Red Spade Entertainment brings wacky action-packed Korean comedy sensation, JUMP, to Singapore for their 30, 000th show. Bold, funny and fascinating, JUMP is set in a typical Korean home, revolving around an average yet dramatically agile family.

Combining comedy, martial arts and acrobatics, eight kick-ass shenanigans showcase an incredible display of gymnastic and combat moves with a generous dosage of slapstick humour sure to tickle your funny bone.

From the dictatorial grandfather, drunken uncle and Tae Kwan Do savvy mother to the daughter’s inappropriate suitor, each member is a martial arts expert possessing championship levels of Taekwando, Taekkyum and butt-kicking moves. 

The plot thickens when two burglars daringly break into the house in the middle of the night. When the family discovers the intruders, a mighty battle begins, entertaining audiences with their skilled yet hilarious antics as they try to get rid of their unwanted visitors.

Catch jaw-dropping moves and be prepared to laugh out loud from October 6 to 8. Suitable for the whole family, this non-verbal theatre comedy will be staged live for four shows only at Resorts World Singapore Theatres. Tickets priced from $38 (excluding SISTIC booking fee), are available at all SISTIC outlets and online via sistic.com.sg

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Scotland Beats Italy In Historic Rugby Test Match In Singapore

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend was rewarded with a well-deserved 34-13 win over Italy for his first match in the first-ever international test match played between two Six Nations teams in Southeast Asia at Singapore's Sports Hub Stadium.

Singing of the national anthems by the choir...

The Scots delivered a five-try victory for their coach in front of over 9,000 fans at the Singapore National Stadium and were off to a fast start when flyhalf Finn Russell kicked Scotland into an early 3-0 lead after just six minutes. Italy drew level through a Tommaso Allan penalty in the 10th minute and managed to hold the Scots for most of the first half.

Scotland finally made the breakthrough in the 38th minute when scrumhalf Ali Price dived over the line for a 8-3 lead. At the stroke of half-time, Scotland scored yet another try when Tim Visser gathered a delightful chip kick from Russell. Duncan Taylor stepped up to convert for a 15-3 half time lead for Scotland.

Scotland's ever-present Scrum Half, Ali Price, was always visible in the thick of action..

Just two minutes into the second half, Scot Ben Toolis rose highest to claim a line-out and the Azzurris defence could do nothing to stop the rolling maul powering over its try line as veteran hooker Ross Ford grounded the first of his two tries.

Soon after, Italian Dean Budd was sent off for repeated infringements and a minute later, Scotland got the crowd on their feet through quick, off-loading rugby and a sensational team try which gave Ford his second try of the night as the Scots pushed to a 27-3 lead.

A Scotland handling error in the 67th minute allowed Italy flanker Maxime Mbanda to race clear before offloading to Michele Campagnaro to score Italy’s first try and to make the score 8-27.

In the 72th minute, Italy’s discipline failed them once again when Abraham Steyn earned a yellow for a dangerous play on Henry Pyrgos and a minute later, Scotland scored their fifth try of the night through Damien Hoyland, which Peter Horne converted from the touchline for a 34-8 lead.

In the dying moments, Italy managed to make the scoreline look more respectable when winger Angela Esposito dived over in the corner to make it 13-34.

"We knew conditions were going to be tough. It’s our first game together and we started well. Italy is a tough opponent and you need to keep working at it. The players kept believing themselves and worked hard to get the two tries before half time. Our team played some good rugby in the second half and our set-pieces were key to our victory."

--- Scotland Coach Gregor Townsend ---

"Our guys never stop trying, but we had some tough calls tonight and it’s hard to play with one less man. We had to really make up ground and we need to work on our discipline. We played some incredible defence as Scotland had a lot of possession. I’m proud of the boys as they kept going and deserved the two tries in the end."

--- Italy coach Conor O’Shea ---

Scotland will travel to Australia to play the Wallabies on 17 June 2017 in Sydney, before taking on Fiji on 24 June 2017 in Suva. Italy will be facing Fiji next Saturday in Suva as part of their Summer tour.

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DBS Paylah! - Cashless Payments With Ease

Southeast Asia’s largest bank DBS is leading the way in driving cashless payments within Singapore with the introduction of the “Smart Nation Ambassador Programme” (SNAP). The programme will see DBS recruiting up to 1,000 ambassadors that will fan out across the island to encourage small, cash-based merchants to adopt DBS PayLah! QR codes as a payment method.

This was announced during the DBS Paylah! X *SCAPE Palooza event – Southeast Asia’s first QR code payment-led bazaar which features some 100 youth vendors setting up shop at *SCAPE from 5 to 7 May. All vendors at the event will be able to accept payment for purchases via DBS PayLah!’s QR code payment function. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Grace Fu, officiated at the launch of the event.

DBS’ introduction of the SNAP initiative is one of many cashless payment initiatives the bank is driving as it takes the lead in boosting the adoption of cashless payments within the nation. The bank will recruit up to 1,000 cashless payment advocates to educate small businesses – primarily hawker stalls, wet market vendors and neighbourhood stores – on the benefits of going cashless and encourage them to adopt the QR code payment method. In conjunction with the SNAP initiative, the bank will also partner ComfortDelGro Taxi to implement QR code payment in its fleet of 16,300 taxis by 3Q17. Altogether, the bank hopes to have more than 30,000 QR code payment acceptance points available to customers by the end of the year.

DBS’ decision to focus on small businesses with SNAP is driven by the fact that small businesses here still overwhelmingly prefer the use of cash, despite a concerted national drive encouraging businesses to go cashless. 

“One of the obstacles to widespread cashless payment adoption we’ve identified is that there are still various myths circulating around cashless payments – that high costs are involved in setting up the infrastructure to process payments; it is unsafe; it is complicated to use for both merchant & consumers, etc. We set up SNAP as an outreach programme so we can help debunk these myths and demonstrate to businesses how going cashless can be low-cost, easy and raise business productivity, taking us one step closer to our vision of a Smart Nation.”

--- Jeremy Soo, Head of Consumer Banking Group (Singapore), DBS Bank ---

DBS PayLah!, is the first in Singapore to give users – including non DBS/POSB customers – the ability to generate their own QR code to receive funds as well as pay via QR codes. Cashless payment using DBS PayLah!’s QR codes comes with many benefits for both merchants and consumers compared to cash. Barriers to entry are very low: Both consumers & merchants only need a Singapore bank account to send or receive funds via DBS PayLah!’s QR codes – at no cost

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The Force Is Strong At Gardens By The Bay

The Force is strong this evening on "May the 4th" - Star Wars Day - as Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) officially launches the STAR WARS DAY: MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU Festival. For three days from May 4th to 6th, a dazzling spectacle awaits at the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay in celebration of both "May the 4th" and the 40th anniversary since the release of Star Wars: A New Hope.

The Minister first takes selfies on stage, then goes on to greet Chewie on his arrival...

To turn on the lights, the Minister is inducted into the Jedi brotherhood with a blue lightsaber...

Organised by local event organiser Esprimo and The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, with event partner Gardens by the Bay and supported by Singapore Tourism Board, the festival is a full-fledged STAR WARS celebration like never before. To transport fans to a galaxy far far away, fan-led themed activities, meet-and-greet sessions with STAR WARS characters, and a multi-sensory music and lights extravaganza were organized.

A life-sized All-Terrain Scout Transport (AT-ST) - first introduced in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back - stands guard at the Supertree Grove set against the panoramic Marina Bay skyline...

Now till June 2nd, visit the SuperTree Grove for the Garden Rhapsody: STAR WARS Edition. At 7.45pm and 8.45pm every night, with additional 9.45pm shows on 4 to 6 May, the spectacular light and sound show will be set against an epic STAR WARS soundtrack, with matching effects inspired from scenes such as Luke's landing in Dagobah, his first meeting with Yoda, the first appearance of Darth Vader with his lightsaber and even the fight between Anakin and Obi Wan on Mustafar.

The SaberTrees installation is a lighting marvel as it transforms the Supertrees in Gardens by the Bay into giant lightsabers that cast light beams up to 200m high...

Making their first appearance in Southeast Asia are Chewbacca, one of the heroes of the Rebellion and Kylo Ren, the dark warrior from the First Order. Choose between either for the meet and greet session. Over here, Chewie and Qui-Gon Jinn share a fun cuddly moment...

STAR WARS DAY: MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU Festival kicks off a three-year collaboration between Singapore Tourism Board and The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia. Beyond the 3-day festival this weekend, fans can also expect more unique STAR WARS experiences held in Singapore in the second half of 2017. From August 31st to September 10th, there will be more galactic excitement at Orchard Road with STAR WARS Force Friday II, a global fan event celebrating the launch of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The celebration continues with a STAR WARS activation at the Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC) from September 9th-10th.

Little one creating quite a stir in her Storm Trooper mask...

A Star Wars fan poses with Han Solo in carbon freeze...

Fan Art, edibles  & collectibles galore...

With Marvel and Disney Animation/Disney Pixar taking the spotlight in 2018 and 2019 respectively, locals and visitors to Singapore will continue to be entertained with a wide range of unique and fun thematic experiences and activities.

More than 60 vintage STAR WARS toys produced between 1977 and 1985 and more than 200 contemporary toys produced from 1995 to present will be on display at the fan zone...


Fan Art includes this Donald Duck light saber with a S$250 price tag with the proceeds going to charity...


The latest STAR WARS games with consoles to try out...

Decked out in their own personalized custom made movie-accurate costumes, catch the costume Fan Clubs, the 501st Legion Singapore Garrison, Rebel Legion and FightSaber, as they bring your favourite STAR WARS characters to life...

The global launch of the latest LEGO STAR WARS merchandise at the Simply Toys booth...

For more information about STAR WARS DAY: MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU Festival, click here.

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Monti - Singapore's Longest Brunch Every Sunday

Monti introduces a whole new brunch by the bay concept, complete with stunning views of the Marina Bay and its surroundings, and a fabulous menu and music programme to match. Singapore’s longest brunch will be hosted every Sunday with a superb Italian-style buffet, and featuring the first ever Amp Your Mojito and MYO (make your own) Bloody Mary drinks booth.

What better way to start off a buffet than a light sprinkling of healthy greens
with the backdrop of scenic Marina Bay...

For appetizers, there's the Duck Rillette, and lightly-seared Tuna Tataki, part of the Cold Seafood and Cold Cuts platters...

Sumptuous Fruitti Di Mare Seafood Platter served with crab, tiger prawns, tuna, salmon, oysters, mussels, clams to start off the incredible buffet...

 Fancy an alcoholic drink? Make your own Bloody Mary or Mojito at this station...

Commencing from noon, Monti's culinary experts are presenting an extensive spread of the freshest seafood, including oysters and tuna tataki; a carving live station featuring a roast leg of lamb, roast rib eye, and baked salmon fillet; all complemented by a choice of homemade pastas straight from the kitchen.

Choose your own pasta and ingredients with mouthwatering sauces like
Wagyu Ragout, Pesto and Seafood...

Fragrant tender Iberico Pork Jowl grilled to perfection over charcoal...

For a milder white meat taste, there's the Seabream with Saffron Sauce
and Slow-Cooked Salmon Fillet with Horseradish and Dill Sauce...

No brunch would be complete without a selection of eggs made in an omelette, Benedict or Florentine style, and the special Monti’s famed Truffle Risotto creatively showcased whilst made in front of guests in a parmesan cheese wheel by the tableside.

Truffle Risotto with tableside service with Bacardi and stirred in parmesan cheese for that added flavour...

Part of the "breakfast" part of the brunch includes this pair of delicious Eggs Benedict with bacon. For a white meat option, there's smoked salmon with Eggs Florentine...

With prices starting at only S$120++, the Brunch Buffet is ideal for younger families, whilst the $140++ brunch package includes either free-flow wine or for $160++ free-flow champagne, to ensure Monti will leave guests heartily satisfied with the grape varietals to go with their view of the bay.

End off the feast with French Toast accompanied by berries and banana,
or a soothing cuppa rich Cafe Latte, perfect for those with a sweet tooth...

Desserts are served on an artistically-decorated table complete with gold frames and Ikebana-style branches with romantic Christmas lights...

At the end of their meal, diners and partygoers alike will be thrilled to know that their Sunday fun day doesn’t have to end there, as the food feast is followed by a rooftop day-party atmosphere courtesy of guest DJs enrapturing us with their smooth house tunes until seven in the evening. This is followed by the Jazz At Monti crew with their weekly J@M sessions of live jazz performances commencing at 9pm up till round midnight.

A toast to the stunning bay view with champagne...

 Or order your own selection among the wide choice from all over the world...

Monti is located at the Fullerton Waterfront Pavillion. For more information and reservations, visit www.monti.sg.

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