What's up in Singapore

This City State is just three hours away and we have flights that start from Cebu, so it is quite convenient to go to Singapore for a weekend spree or for a longer stay.  It is a place that continually reinvents itself, for tourists and businessmen alike. As far as economics is concerned, Singapore is one of ASEAN's truly stable states with a highly progressive stance towards growth and international network. What is most important  - for us, at least - is that English is the language of commerce and the tourism industry.  Thus, getting around Singapore is a breeze.

It is that time of the year when the Singapore Tourism Board sends out friendly updates as to what is happening in the Lion City for the holidays.  Let me share this with you:

1)         November 10 - Matchbox Twenty North Tour for rock music lovers out there. The rock band's first visit to Singapore. They will perform their chartbusters, as well as tracks from their latest album.

2)         November 23 - January 5, 2014 -  "Christmas on a Great Street" will once again transform the definitive shopping strip on Orchard Road into a twinkling Christmas wonderland.  Enticing discounts await shoppers, as well as street performances for the tag-alongs (meaning, the young ones and the young at heart!)The 2.2km stretch of Singapore's upscale shopping belt will be sparkling and festive, along with the awesome window displays of the various shopping centers. And on Christmas Day, there will be a parade of floats, then an evening concert to celebrate Christmas!

3)         December 13 & 14 - ZOUKOUT 2013will once again throw an all-night party on the beach that has attained legendary status among revelers from all over Asia. "Organized by Zouk, this 2-night music festival features world-class acts that span house, tech-house, techno, trance, hip hop and electro. It has seen the likes of Carl Cox, Tiesto, Armin van Buren, Hardwell, Avicli and Richie Hawtin."

4)         November 16 - Sundown Festival featuring some of the biggest bands and artists around the region, including Rico Blanco and Rock Steddy from the Philippines. Also catch the promising talents from Korea, Japan and many more as they bring out dazzling performances that can be their shot to fame.

5)         November 21-25 - Asia Pacific Food Expo will highlight the best of Asian cuisine to foodies from all over. There will be 100 exhibitors setting up stalls that will showcase thousands of food products out for sampling. Take some home and concoct your own version for your loved ones . This expo attracts more than half a million tourists every year! Be there to savor what's all the fuss is about.

6)         November 23-January 01, 2014 - SentosaPlaycation transforms the little island into a wonderland for kids on school break.  There will be entertaining workshops, interactive educational programs and unbeatable promotions. So, haul your little ones over to this kiddie paradise!

7)         November 30-December 22 - Penguin Wonderland will take place in Jurong Bird Park. Hop onboard the Jurong Bird Park explorer ship and meet over 80 kinds of colorful birs in all sizes, then on to the Penguin Coast to seeup close some huggable penguins in their various activities.

8)         December 31 - Siloso Beach Party will help cheer in 2014 on the sandy stretch of Singapore's famed beach. Party from dusk to dawn among separate party areas of your choice playing trance, house and electro tunes.  There will be food and drinks stalls everywhere. This is a must-attend among the region's partygoers.

So, as what I have told you, Singapore is a place that is ever reinventing itself to be able to offer non-stop fun for shoppers, young party animals, foodies, art lovers and culture buffs. There are some artsy happenings I did not include here, like the dates for Grimm's Fairy Tales at the Drama Centre Theatre& Starlight Express (a United Kingdom group).

Travel safely & travel well!