Kenneth Ma Graces Official Opening of Chow Tai Fook

TVB celebrity Kenneth Ma Kwok Ming 馬國明 was here in person to grace the official opening of Chow Tai Fook boutique at Ion Orchard. This latest storefront at Ion Orchard, spanning at 1,000 Square feet in size, features a wide selection of jewellery. Chow Tai Fook 周大福 which boasts 80 years of history in jewellery-making craftsmanship, certainly has designed timeless pieces which can be passed down from generation to generation. Thanks Ion Orchard and Chow Tai Fook for this wonderful opportunity to meet Kenneth Ma.

This photo was taken by HerWorld Plus. It's the first time that I have seen Kenneth Ma in person and he's sooooo suave!

Kenneth Ma was here to unveil the latest collection of jewellery which is a collaboration with the whimsical Disney and is available exclusively at the ION Orchard store. Check out the beautiful and exquisitely designed jewellery!

Love this fairytale-like necklace from the Disney collection!

Selfie time for me...lol

ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS A NEW COMMISSION IN SINGAPORE BY AMERICAN ARTIST CARLOS ROLÓN/DZINE

Was at the unveiling of a new art installation by Chicago-based artist Carlos Rolón/Dzine (recipient of America’s award for the National Endowment of the Arts) at Rolls-Royce Singapore showroom this afternoon. ‘Untitled (Opulence)’ is Carlos' first work to be presented as the feature showpiece of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Singapore showroom for a month, in collaboration with Pearl Lam Galleries, one of Asia's most important contemporary art galleries, and will be shown for one month to coincide with Art Stage Singapore (22 – 25 January 2015). This latest installation is part of the Rolls-Royce art programme, which draws together the handcrafted elegance of Rolls-Royce motor cars with contemporary artists around the world.

This neon sculpture is inspired by the traditional Parthenon style Grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy of each Rolls-Royce motor car. Measuring 3M by 3.5M, this new installation explores movement, lines and the interaction of colour together with changes of mood and perception. By juxtaposing the use of neon and a mandala-like pattern, the work employs the combined language of post minimalism, pop art and abstraction. Meditative and therapeutic, it creates a trance-like effect for the viewer. Untitled (Opulence) appeals to the senses and projects into the future, while encompassing the story of mythical beauty, energy and ecstasy.

Posing with Untitled (Opulence), which is inspired by Rolls-Royce’s tradition of expert craftsmanship, and a Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II are, from left: Mr Karsono Kwee, Executive Chairman of Eurokars Group; Carlos Rolón, artist; Pearl Lam, owner of Pearl Lam Galleries and Paul Harris, Asia Pacific Regional Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

A bonnet ornament on the new Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, ’The Spirit of Ecstasy’ is seen with the ‘Untitled (Opulence)’ in the background at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Singapore showroom. ‘Untitled (Opulence)’, the showpiece by American artist Carlos Rolón was inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy, Parthenon Grill and Starlight Headlining of a Rolls-Royce.

Love the vibrant hues of this interesting creation by Carlos Rolón

Rolón, who also goes by the name Dzine, has been recognised for his elaborately crafted paintings and ornate sculptures. His practice encompasses a range of media moving seamlessly between murals, sculpture, painting, and installation while he investigates pop culture, craft, ritual, beauty, spirituality, and identity and its relationship to art history, subculture, appropriation and the institution. His carefully crafted works, often inspired by a hybrid of cultures, are playfully situated between the contradictory worlds of conspicuous consumption and urban artefact.

Mr. Paul Harris, Asia Pacific Regional Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, addressing the media during the unveiling of ‘Untitled (Opulence)’

Paul Harris, Asia Pacific Regional Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “Rolón is a critically acclaimed, international artist who, through his own background, appreciates craftsmanship and Bespoke, two tenets of our own Rolls-Royce business. His philosophy is grounded in identity and self-expression, and so we believe that his work will touch a cord with Rolls-Royce clients and enthusiasts alike. It is an honour that we are able to support the artist and his work at a time when Singapore has emerged as an internationally vibrant hub for contemporary art.”

Mr Karsono Kwee, Executive Chairman of Eurokars Group, commented, “I am very proud that our Rolls-Royce showroom in Singapore is hosting a highly unique artwork that draws its inspiration from the brand’s iconic products. It is a real privilege. I hope that our customers, prospects and the public alike will come down to appreciate Carlos’ work alongside our pinnacle motor cars.”

Pearl Lam said, “I am thrilled to be working for the first time with Rolls-Royce's innovative Arts initiative to present a bespoke neon sculptural work by Carlos Rolón/Dzine. As a brand Rolls-Royce embodies a passion for handcraft, creativity, design and engineering, values shared by Rolón/Dzine and Pearl Lam Galleries. For this project Rolón/Dzine has created a neon work utilising the iconic image of the Rolls Royce radiator grill combining a street art aesthetic and global appreciation of luxury.

About The Rolls-Royce Arts Programme  

The world’s leading super-luxury car manufacturer proudly counts some of the most revered names in the contemporary art world as clients. Recognising this, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, seeks to engage with connoisseurs and admirers of art at their leisure, in the suitably fitting surrounds of the contemporary art scene.  Rolls-Royce’s aim is to create environments in which patrons of the art gain an effortless, artistic and modern luxury experience.  

Just as the iconic Rolls-Royce mascot ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ has been an inspiration for timeless, artistic beauty for over a century, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today remains passionate about creativity and craftsmanship, with a view to supporting often unexpected, surprising and inspiring installations.     

The Rolls-Royce arts initiative comprises a series of art talks, in situ works and artistic partnerships, drawing together the handcrafted elegance of Rolls-Royce motor cars with contemporary artists around the world. Artists and industry authorities including Isaac Julien, Erwin Wurm and Karl Largerfeld have featured in the programme.  In the Asia-Pacific region, Rolls-Royce has nurtured collaborations with Kitty Chou (Hong Kong), Michael Zavros (Australia), Wu Chi-Tsung (Taiwan) and – for the first time in Singapore – Carlos Rolón.

Untitled (Opulence) will be on display at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Singapore showroom (2nd floor) from 23 to 25 January for public viewing.
Address: 29 Leng Kee Road, Singapore 159099
Opening hours: 12pm to 6pm
*Schools and colleges are welcome

Thanks Rolls-Royce for the kind invitation to view the most unique art installation and to get up close and personal with the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Ghost and Wraith masterpieces! =)

With Mr. Ian Grant, Rolls-Royce global client sales manager, posing in front of the very cool Rolls-Royce Wraith

The impressive engine of Rolls-Royce Phantom 

Rolls-Royce Phantom masterpiece at the showroom

The sleek interior of Rolls-Royce Wraith 

At the steering of Rolls-Royce Ghost. Check out the vibrant art installation "Untitled (Opulence)" in the background

With the majestic Rolls-Royce Phantom

I have always thought that Rolls-Royce Wraith looks very cool B-)

2015: A Defining Moment for Sustainable Development at Eden Hall

My honour to meet The British High Commissioner to Singapore, His Excellency Antony Phillipson, at this charity event

Love the historical Eden Hall

Moment with the Queen

Toast The Macallan at Marina Bay Sands

"Awaken your senses and embark on an experiential journey with us into the world of The Macallan."

Toast The Macallan was held here in Singapore for the first time to demonstrate the art of appreciating whisky as well as to showcase the best ways to enjoy The Macallan.

Kieron Elliott, The Macallan Brand Ambassador from Scotland, along with local celebrity host Randall Tan walked us through to discover The Macallan’s heritage and quality through an array of interactive exhibitions, cutting-edge presentations and an insight on its revered six-pillar foundation, which contributes to the essential character of The Macallan.

Love the interesting video clips showcasing The Macallan world tour to Scotland, Spain, New York and Singapore; and learnt more about what gives this single malt whisky its distinctive character, flavour and colour, making it a cut above the rest. 

At the whisky tasting session

We started off with The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 years (the one that I'm holding in my hand in this photo) before moving onto the Fine Oak 15 years and the Whisky Makers' Edition (only available at the airport DFS) and finally tasting the Sherry Oak 18 years

Personally, I prefer the Sherry Oak 18 years. N I feel that The Macallan whisky tasted better with the Godiva chocolate ;p

Unique bottle of The Macallan 1824 Masters Series Reflexion. Friend attended the vip session yesterday and tasted this whisky

Interesting welcome cocktail 

The Macallan 12 years was used in the welcome cocktails

My nose learnt to recognise and distinguish the different scents of whisky during the scent-tasting session: citrus, floral, prune, apple, vanilla, spice, chocolate, etc. The Macallan staff explained that the different scents are mainly due to the different types of oaks used during the whisky making process. Well, I like the chocolate scent =)

Was captivated by the exclusive Master of Photography showcase, which perfectly conjoins the art of whisky making with an artist’s stunning interpretation of The Macallan world. A display of unique, limited edition bottlings inspired by some of the world’s top photographers, namely Mario Testino, Elliot Erwitt and Annie Leibovitz, was showcased.

Interesting display at the retail section after the whisky tasting session

The exceptional oak casks on showcase: The Macallan's oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, natural colours and distinctive aromas and flavours of The Macallan. The Macallan spends more per cask than any other distillery in sourcing, crafting, seasoning and caring for its casks.

As you can see, yours truly is clearly vertically challenged when standing next to the tall Macallan model...lol

Tasting the welcome cocktail upon arrival 

Another photo at The Macallan photowall

Upon exit of the whisky tasting session

Thanks Edrington Singapore for this exquisite set of The Macallan Twin Rock Glasses

Thanks Erdington Singapore and Fulford Public Relations for this awesome whisky-tasting event during which I learnt more about the art of whisky appreciation and The Macallan's rich heritage.

Roll with Foodpanda at Maki-San

I'm a sushi lover who haven't make my own sushi before so I was really looking forward to making my very own sushi at this "Roll with Foodpanda" event held at the Maki-San outlet at The Cathay. I had great fun making my very own panda-maki. Thanks Foodpanda and Maki-San and Publicist PR teams for the kind invitation and lovely memories! Do scroll down to the bottom of this post for an exclusive special promotion for my blog readers =)

Foodpanda making his rounds at Maki-San before the start of the sushi-making workshop. Other than this outlet at The Cathay, Maki-San has a second outlet at The Arcade @ Raffles Place #01-12.

Everyone gathered around the chef, looking intently to learn how to make panda-maki

And the experienced Maki-San chef made sushi-making look so easy o.O

Armed with all the necessary ingredients and instruction manual, I'm all set and ready to make my very own panda-maki. Flashing a L for Leechie. Cheer me on ya ;p

After struggling for a while, I finally emerged with my very own panda-maki creation! They may not look too aesthetically pleasing but they are still lovingly made by yours truly...All my pandas have different facial expressions ya? lol...n they look like they are having a "bad ears day" ya? 

Selfie with one of my panda-maki

I tried to take selfie with my plate of panda-maki before the helpful Publicist PR staff came over to help me take pics

Check out the words above my head: "Hungry-San" lol

We then went into the kitchen behind the counter to learn how to make sushi roll

It was my mum's birthday and I stood behind the counter to make this sushi roll for her. Do I look like a professional chef now with my cute foodpanda apron? ;p

Tadah! The final product! Looks very professional ya? My mum tried it and said that it tasted good! Yay! Looks like I may have the potential to become a professional sushi chef eh? ;p

Sharing a moment with the cute foodpanda mascot

Look, who's here? foodpanda has company now!

Foodpanda vs the darth vader! o.O Who shall prevail? I last checked with the darth vader and he couldn't light up his light sabre so 1-0 to foodpanda! lol ;p

Meeting the darth vader: His imperial guard passed me his gun and blur me actually pointed the gun at the darth vader?! No wonder the darth vader ain't smiling...lol...but the gun looks v.realistic ya? o.O

With Foodpanda co-founder and ceo, Chinmay. I was actually there at the Start-up competition at RWS a couple of years ago that the Foodpanda team competed in and won. Foodpanda have achieved rapid growth and expansion since and are operating in so many countries now! How time flies! 

About foodpanda 

foodpanda, is a mobile and online food-ordering marketplace, active in more than 40 countries across five continents. The company enables restaurants to become visible in the online and mobile world and provides them with a constant evolving online technology. For consumers, foodpanda offers the convenience to order food online offering a wide gastronomic range from which they can choose their favourite meal on the web or via the app. foodpanda operates in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Azerbajian, Philippines, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia and Serbia. hellofood operates in Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Algeria. Delivery Club operates in Russia, Tastykhana in India, NetPincer in Hungary, Donesi in Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Monetnegro, and Pauza in Croatia. www.foodpanda.sg 

From 1st to 31st March 2015, foodpanda will be partnering in the “Meals that Heal” - Campaign to aid children with cancer and they are pledging $1 for every order placed via their app or website. All customers need to do to participate in the campaign is to enter a code: "MEALSHEAL15" upon check out on foodpanda. All proceeds will go to the Children’s Cancer Foundation.  

The Children’s Cancer Foundation is a noon-profit organization with the mission to improve the quality of life of children with cancer and their families through enhancing their emotional, social and medical well-being. 

“Being in the online food delivery market, foodpanda hopes that the “Meals that Heal” campaign will give hope to children with cancer to get well soon and share a hearty meal with their loved ones. We believe food plays a key role in our lives and we want to give back by supporting Children’s Cancer Foundation in their mission”, says Ms Cassandra Ong, representative of foodpanda Singapore.

"Cosmopolitan Singapore has been a pioneer in creating exciting executions to give back to society – from organizing events like a charity hair wash to a charity flea market. As food is a huge part of our Singaporean culture, we are partnering with foodpanda to implement our 'Meals that Heal' initiative to raise funds for Children’s Cancer Foundation. The team is very excited to be part of this unique campaign of providing essential funds through food," says Ms Jo Upcraft, Cosmopolitan’s Editor-in-Chief. 

“Children’s Cancer Foundation is grateful to be chosen as the beneficiary of the “Meals that Heal” fundraising campaign, jointly organised by foodpanda and Cosmopolitan Singapore. By providing the community with an opportunity to give back to society and an avenue to savour a multitude of Singapore’s delectable cuisines from the convenience of wherever they are, “Meals that Heal” will help to promote a caring and inclusive community spirit. We are also thankful that foodpanda has chosen to partner CCF for the 2nd year,” says Neo Lay Tin, Executive Director of Children’s Cancer Foundation.

foodpanda and participating restaurant vendors* will be supporting this campaign by blasting it on their social media platforms, and promoting it in restaurant outlets. By ordering on foodpanda from the office or home, customers are giving these children a share of their blessings, while generating more personal time to foster relationships with their loved ones as well. This also gives customers an opportunity to understand the role of food, as one which helps nurture precious relationships. With over 350 restaurant options, food for all with varying dietary requirements can be catered to as well.  

Get two satisfactions at once when you order food from participating restaurants* through foodpanda at foodpanda.sg in March – a freshly prepared meal delivered to your doorstep, and the knowledge that the children will benefit.  

*Maki-san, Fleeaway cafe, Big Bern’s, The Soup Spoon, Nara Thai Cuisine, La Nonna, Outback Steakhouse, Yoshinoya (as of 2 Jan 2015) 

(Source: Press release)

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