No one does summer like your Singapore

CEBU, Philippines - Singapore turns up the summer fun with the launch of groundbreaking attractions, fun-filled experiences and highly anticipated events this summer, Singapore will treat families, barkadas and couples to a fun-filled summer getaway that will surely have them reminiscing about their trip months after, and have them raring to come back for more.With a variety of new attractions and experiences just waiting to be explored, Singapore is poised to be a go-to summer destination this 2013 for Filipinos looking to experience new thrills and experiences.

Family friendly destination

Welcoming the summer months is the highly anticipated opening of the River Safari in Quarter 1, 2013. Developed to present visitors with an up-close view of freshwater habitats and animals, River Safari will transport guests to eight river zones, from the River Nile of Egypt to the Amazon River, giving them an exotic look at 150 plant species and over 5,000 individual animal specimens. The park features river giants and freshwater megafishes such as the giant river otter, Mekong giant catfish as well as the giant pandas, promising a fun wildlife adventure for families and kids.

“With the opening of the River Safari, we hope to cement Singapore as the ultimate family-friendly destination that not only excites and delights the senses of the kids, but provides families with unforgettable bonding moments amidst the breathtaking and iconic backdrop,” said Sherina Chan, Singapore Tourism Board’s Area Director for Philippines and Brunei.

For families that can’t get enough of the many wonders of the sea, explore the newly opened Marine Life Park, the world’s largest oceanarium, containing 100,000 marine animals from over 800 species; and Adventure Cove, Resorts World Sentosa’s aquatic adventure park complete with towering waterslides, wave pools, tropical jungle gardens and grottos inhabited by whimsical sea creatures!

The fun doesn’t stop there this summertime for families as the 101-hectare Gardens by the Bay, continues to thrill visitors with its awe-inspiring domes, intricate installations and amazing flora & fauna displays. It houses the largest climate-controlled glasshouses and conservatories and received the World Building of the Year Award from the 2012 World Architecture Festival.

Barkada fun for everyone

Barkadas trooping over to Singapore once the summer break rolls around will be immersed in all things fashion, music and dance with the launch of the Big Wig Music Festival on the 6th of April at Fort Canning Park. A celebration of musical diversity and a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds, the Big Wig Music Festival will feature some of the biggest names in hip-hop, soul, funk, disco, moombahsoul, latin, raggae and dancehall - creating a global funky vibe. Festival goers can expect to hear the lively tunes and smooth grooves of Talib Kweli, Jurassic 5, Chrom3 and many more.

Fashionistas will also have something to look forward these summer months as one of the biggest fashion events in Asia, the Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX), puts the spotlight on Asia’s most promising young designers. Into its fourth year, AFX provides the opportunity for retails buyers, fashion thought leaders and fashion lovers to come together and support Asian designs and discuss issues pertaining to Asia, in the fashion industry. For barkadas looking to get some retail therapy done, shoppers can indulge in fabulous finds offered at up to 70% discount during the 20th Great Singapore Sale, taking place from 31 May - 28 July 2013. From fashion, beauty, to electronics, the Great Singapore Sale is every shopaholic’s dream come true.

A hearty appetite for a hearty relationship

Couples looking to go on a gastronomic adventure this summer can visit the World Street Food Congress (WSFC), where 40 of the world’s best street-food masters will gather for a 10-day event that begins on the 31st of May at the F1 Pit Building and Paddock. Certified foodies can expect a variety of top-notch street food from the WSFC, ranging from the likes of Indonesian kaki limas, American food trucks, Chinese food inns, and Jolly Jeeps from the Philippines and a chance to catch famous foodies like Anthony Bourdain and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. This is definitely one culinary experience that any individual with taste buds and a sound appetite shouldn’t miss!

Theatre buffs and comedy fans are also up for a memorable summer in the Lion City as it plays host to acclaimed broadway productions and bestselling comedy shows, such as Russell Peter’s Notorious Tour at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on the 25th of March. Listed on Forbes List as one of the top ten highest earning comics in the U.S, Russell Peters has undoubtedly earned that top rank with his act selling out arenas from Madison Square Garden to Sydney Opera House.

“Summer in Singapore is always a treat for travellers as well as the locals. Week after week, there’s always something new that the city offers. This 2013, to kick off what promises to be an amazing summer, Singapore is going full force in keeping everyone in the city busy and entertained. With concerts from chart topping artists, award-winning Broadway musicals, outdoor runways shows, food expos, mind-blowing shopping sales and highly anticipated theme park openings, this summer of 2013 at Singapore looks to be an experience that no traveller should dare miss. So whether you’re travelling to Singapore with loved ones, friends, or your whole clan, be prepared for Singapore to captivate every member of your circle,” says Chan.

Easy, affordable Singapore

In keeping with the spirit of great summer experiences, the Singapore Tourism Board is also partnering with the Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific, for the summer months, to offer exciting offers and value to Filipino travellers that can be found Only in Singapore.

With a total of 32 weekly direct flights from Manila, Clark, Cebu and Iloilo to Singapore, Cebu Pacific offers the most flight options and schedules, be it early in the morning or late at night. Flying to Singapore is so easy and affordable with Cebu Pacific, with lowest year round fares that start from PHP1,599 and constant seat sales through www.cebupacificair.com.

Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog said, “Singapore is one of our passengers’ favourite destinations, so we are making travel to this top tourist destination convenient with direct flights from all over the Philippines. With the Singapore Tourism Board partnership, we can make Singapore even more accessible to more Filipinos.”

For more information on events happening in Singapore visit www.yoursingapore.comor like the Facebook community page, YourSingaporePhilippines. (FREEMAN)