Holi Celebrations 26 March 2011

This is my first feat attending the Holi Hungama celebrations last Sunday.

Prior making decision to attend it with my friends, I've managed to see the preview by BBC at the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=4257D23BC8DCEC0C

I was hesitant on going but I did go. It was a joyous celebrations as we were approached in friendly way where Hindu believers came forward with their palms smeared in colourful powder of their choice of red, yellow, pink and green. They came to me; greeted me in such big smile (and some cheekiness too)and of course with well wishes too.

I've paid SGD 5 for the entrance ticket. I've gotten 4 packets of colourful powder. I was curious & asked around of its content. A lady replied that it was made from herbal ingredients though I could not grasp the name. She gave me a tip to wear white for such occasion as the splattered colours on the white would bring out these colours very well.

I can't agree more with her!
She also said not to wash it away as it bring good luck. She also quipped that it was a celebration to welcome spring into the season. Whether young or old, it was good to wish everyone a Happy Holi and not forgetting to dabbed colourful powder on the face for good luck charm!

Did you see spats of colours on that white shirt?
They greeted in unison - " Happy Holi! " while their palms touched my face. The cheeky ones would gave you a surprise by scattering colourful powder and dashed for their lives! It was a happy time throughout because you will tend to reciprocate their wishes too.

I am not going to give it a miss for next year.
And not forgetting my white shirt to grace this happy occasion!I couldn't load up my photo in the blog because I was in complete sheer mess.

The fantastic friendly crowd. There was a Bollywood couple competition dance on stage.

Anyway, I took photos of my friends who accompanied me there and you'll see the aftermath of colourful pieces of HOLI:

En vogue - Hair Colour!

Colourful Palms

Let me wish all Hindus a Happy Holi!

Happy Holi everyone!

Shopping: STAGE Cosmectics Haul

Stage Cosmetics

I recently started using this brand, Stage Cosmetics and very pleased with the results.

With an occasional break outs and T zone oily skin, tried and tested Photo Pro Foundation. What's good for my skin is that it contain salicylic acid!That really means alot; great help to combat oil and zit. Not forgetting to keep skin matte and less greasy all day.I will rate this 4/5, best ever!

Well, I loved their eye shadows too as they have the matte and less shimmery range.This is good especially for oily or combination skins. Not forgetting their eye primer (which I've started using it and it's not pricey yet long lasting!I will rate it 4/5)

Oh well, here are the haul snippets - all picture explanatory:

Visit their website for more product info and make up vid-tips too!
http://www.stage-cosmetics.com/

ps: I am not paid for this write up and all these bought by my own money..

Travel Singapore : Art in the City

I went back to The Esplanade Theaters on The Bay just last week and the weather was superb!

Sunny weather and humid as the usual-lovely! This taken from the Esplanade Promenade; stood one of the outdoor ground venues for outdoor performances.During evenings, this would be the perfect place for an after dinner stroll.

Ahead of me is the Merlion Hotel. You can't be able to see the mystical creature because she's enclosed within the 100 sqm luxury room. Her guests found themselves a good deal as it was sold out reservations at SGD 150nett!! It will be occupied from April 4 to May 5 2011.Click the link below for more story: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_640037.html

This walk was out of the norm, no definite destination.
On my walk, I found some interesting sculptures along the way. On my way looking up the sunny skies, there stood the clusters of skycrappers and just one building caught my eyes (and some sculptures too)

Here's to another episode show and tell : Arts in the City!

The Bird by BOTERO, Fernando

This sculpture is an aesthetics artwork;roundly figure by this famed Columbian artist.This, I could say a classic example of how my waistline gonna be in years to come should I not diligently follow the exercise regime and of course,this goes without saying - cutting down unhealthy snacks! Locate the Bird on the ground floor, near to the Singapore River's promenade of United Overseas Bank Plaza (UOB PLaza). Anyway,for further reading about public art in Singapore - here's to it: http://www.publicart.sg/?q=Botero-Bird

United Overseas Plaza (UOB PLaza)

As you walk out the plaza and along the Singapore River's promenade,look above the exterior of UOB Plaza and you will see something spectacular.How could a simple geomatric form that was found in usual rectangular buildings could be manupulated into something visually beautiful? You will see not just 1 but 2 octagonal towers linked by an office bridge of 12 meter high. These towers consist of rotated cubic volumes and angled at 45 degrees to each other.This composition set apart from the rest,really and it was designed by the Japanese architect - Mr. Kenzo Tange.

First Generation sculpture by the Singapore River,behind Fullerton Hotel

Ah yes, this the sculpture that I wanted to tell you about.

The boys in their younger heydays, high in spirit and can't wait to leap into the cooling river under such hot sunny weather.The sculptor, Mr. Fah Cheong, CHONG managed to captured such carefree essence which I doubt younger children in today's generation can appreciate the simplicity of life and without any attachment to electric gizmos, agree?

For more information on Mr. Chong - the sculptor, here's the link:
http://www.fahcheong.com/bio.html

Such a lovely art walk in such a short time and all these public art are within reach,we pass them by everyday.On our way to work,out from the office for lunch and appointments.It is always there.

But we never stop and see.We never seem to get the time to appreciate it.We just wade through our surroundings somehow, unknowingly missing out the best of it all.

Travel Singapore : The Esplanade Theatres on the Bay

Here's to another show and tell on the Esplanade Theatres on The Bay, Singapore.

It was rather a sunny turned gloomy day.

Well, darkening clouds shown in the following pictures..

Do you know?

The Esplanade was officially opened on October 12, 2002 & was developed at a cost of SGD 600 million.

The Esplanade is located alongside Marina Bay near the mouth of the Singapore River. It was built to be the centre for performing arts for Singapore. It contains a centerpiece 1,600 seat concert hall and a 2,000 seat theatre for the performing arts. It was designed by two architectural firms working in conjunction, the London-based Michael Wilford & Partners (MWP) and DP Architects (DPA) of Singapore. The unique architectural design has been said to have an appearance similar to either a durian (a tropical fruit) or the eyes of a fly. Many Singaporeans refer to the Esplanade as "The Durian". Some say, it's the microphone!

Well many versions of it, so what's your take on it?

Quick Trivia:
The spikes are known as the aluminum cladding which allow just the right sunlight to penetrate the interior.

desvfashion's Quick Tip:
One sure way to get a good bay of the Marina Bay & the Central Business District is go up to the 4th floor, roof terrace. Breathtaking view and it is FREE!

I know, the weather just make it dull...
You don't get sunny days in Singapore that very often since it is the monsoon season. Still, this is just another side to the usual sunny days in Singapore.

Please feel free to leave in a comment or two!