[Media Invite/Travel Review] Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Singapore Airlines Launched “ASEAN Is More – First Stop Singapore.” Campaign

In celebration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) 50th founding anniversary, global travel brands Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Singapore Airlines have partnered to launch a regional travel campaign called “ASEAN Is More – First Stop Singapore.” The campaign showcases Southeast Asia’s diverse destinations with specially curated leisure travel offers, which can be reserved from 1 August to 31 October 2017 at http://www.rediscovernew.shangri-la.com/asean-50/about/, for stays until 31 December 2017.

Families can find exclusive flight offers to exciting destinations and hotel deals for any Shangri-La hotel or resort in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand; Hotel Jen properties in Singapore and Malaysia; as well as Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. 

I had the honour to attend the launch party held at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.  All the guests were treated to local delights and local food inspired drinks, like Rojak Cocktail.  We also had the chance to play some Old School Childhood games that we used to play during 70s, 80s like Pick Up Sticks, Five Stones, Chapteh, etc.

A Mama Shop was even set up in the ballroom to create that nostalgic feel.  It brought back memories of the good old days!

The ASEAN Is More - Family Fun Offer includes:

• Accommodations for two adults and two children aged 11 years old and below
• Daily breakfast buffet
• Complimentary extra bed or sofa bed
• for one child
• Complimentary daily dinner buffet for
• two adults and two children – aged 11
• years old and below – with free-flow
• soft drinks, juices, beer and house wine at selected hotels
• Complimentary wireless Internet access 

To turn up the notch on fun, travellers can take part in the ASEAN 50 Holiday Memory Matchgame from 1 August to 31 October 2017. Game participants score points by correctly matching all the cards in the shortest time and the accumulated scores are displayed on a leaderboard on the game’s microsite http://www.rediscovernew.shangri-la.com/asean-50-game/. The top 10 fastest contestants will each win a four-day and three-night stay at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore that includes a SGD200 dining credit at NAMI Restaurant and Bar. Winners of the ASEAN 50 Holiday Memory Match game will be notified through email. 

At the end of the memory game when participants submit their answer for the question, “What is your favourite ASEAN country and why?” they stand a chance to win a four-day holiday from their home country to Singapore. The prize includes a round trip economy class air ticket on Singapore Airlines with accommodation in the newly refreshed Tower Wing of Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.

To discover more about the ASEAN Is More campaign, please visit http://www.rediscovernew.shangri-la.com/asean-50/about/.

Hotel and flight reservations for ASEAN is More must be made between 1 August and 31 October 2017 at http://www.rediscovernew.shangri-la.com/asean-50/hotel-deals/ or http://www.rediscovernew.shangri-la.com/asean-50/flights/, for stays until 31 December 2017. 

Terms and conditions apply.

To find out more about Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Singapore Airlines’ Infinite Journeys programme, please visit www.infinitejourneys.com.

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vacations

[Media Drop/Lifestyle Review] The Targus Transit 360 Spinner

This media drop from Targus came in at the right time when the only 2 wheeled cabin size luggage bag I have is given way due to wear and tear. 

I was actually searching for another cabin size luggage to replace the current one which I normally bring along when I travel to nearby countries for a short holiday or work.  

Just nice... Targus Singapore added this 15.6” compact cabin friendly Targus Transit 360 Spinner to its latest collection!

I fall in love with it as first sight cos it looks so stylish and compact!  I wanted a durable luggage that should have wheels so that I don't need to exert too much strength pulling it around when I travel,  The Targus Transit 360 Spinner comes fitted with 8 wheels with a 360ᵒ rotation for easy manoeuvring for hassle-free travels.  How wonderful is that!  This is definitely built for travellers and suitable for small sized travellers like me... hahaha!

Targus also offer limited lifetime warranty on the luggage too!  If you want to know more details about this, you can visit www.targus.com.  For me, this is an assurance from a brand that will always be there for me.

On closer examination of The Targus Transit 360 Spinner,  it is extremely secured with the built-in travel sentry approved (TSA) locks located on both the front and the back of the bag for all-rounded protection during travels.  So no nasty surprise of seeing your luggage pried open if you do check this luggage in and the airport screeners want to do a random check on luggages.

When I travel, I like to pack a lot of stuff for fear that I will need them during the holidays.  Designed with 38 litres worth of space and equipped with an expandable feature that frees up to 30% more space, The Targus Transit 360 Spinner allows me to move around without worrying about having insufficient space.  

The expandable nature of the luggage will come in handy when I want to stow  travel souvenirs as well as any extra miscellaneous items from the trip!  Well... almost every girl like shopping... lol!

More than that, The Targus Transit 360 Spinner features a specialized secure front padded compartment which fits up to a 15.6” laptop, an iPad compartment and fits other small items.  Yeah... this means that I can carry this for my short overseas work trips too.

The benefit of having a compartment dedicated just for your electronic items is such that all my electronic devices are kept safe and sound.  Can you imagine if I were to keep my laptop or iPad together in the main luggage compartment and my facial cleanser, toner, shampoo, conditioner, etc leak out, my laptop or iPad will be gone!

This compartment is positioned in the middle section of the case to protect against shocks and abrasions, as well as for easy access during flight travels. 

 

The Targus 360 Spinner and its 360ᵒ rotation feature makes it easy to pull around in any direction. Further more, the luggage comes equipped with a 2-tier telescopic handle and expandable top and side handles which allows me to move my luggage around with ease! 

The Targus Transit 360 Spinner looks so amazingly stylish and classy that I can't help but want to plan a short getaway to make good use of it!

 The Targus Transit 360 Spinner is available at the following locations here.  Time to grab one for yourself cos this is the best all-in-one compact cabin size luggage which you will ever need!

 I am so ready for a short getaway.  How about you?

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wanderlust

Find Promo codes, Coupons and Deals on KiasuPromos

Online shopping is the new black in smart shopping. Not only is online shopping fast and convenient, but shoppers can find awesome deals online that are harder to find in stores.

Online shopping is about getting a bargain on all the branded items that most of us would not be able to afford otherwise. If you are new to this exciting form of shopping it is important that you look for a quality website dedicated to finding current sales and collecting coupons and promo codes in Singapore to give you the best savings for your shopping.

KiasuPromos Singapore
Kiasu Promos is one of the best bargain hunter online websites in Singapore. For a start, the website has a catchy iconic Singapore name "Kiasu" that sticks. The name is hard to forget and it’s probably the one you will automatically type in when you are accessing an online shopping website.

Range of discount coupons and promo codes

The KiasuPromos range of discount coupons and promo codes in Singapore is impressive. It covers fashion, health & beauty, electronics, travel and even dining & entertainment.

KiasuPromos features top online stores including ASOS, Lazada, Reebonz, Zalora, YOOX, and others. Through these stores, shoppers can access discounts on all of the world’s best brands. The website partners with global brands like Microsoft, Crocs, HP, and Nike to bring deals and promotions directly to shoppers. In keeping with its local origins, KiasuPromos also features iconic Singapore brands like Charles & Keith and KKDay.

An interesting feature that differentiates KiasuPromos from other online shopping websites in Singapore is its impressive range of travel and leisure services represented. Through KiasuPromos, shoppers can find discounts from Hotels.com, Expedia, QatarAirways and even AirAsiaGo.

Site organisation

Keeping up with all the deals and promotions offered in KiasuPromos may seem overwhelming at first because they represent such a large range of products and services.

Fortunately, the folks at KiasuPromos have made it quick and easy for shoppers to find discount coupons and promo codes. The site is well-presented and arranged according to easy-to-navigate categories. Shoppers can click on any one of these categories to find a store, a brand, or the type of discount and promo code available. They can also go to the ‘search’ function and type in the name of the store or product brand then browse through the selection of coupon codes in Singapore to find what they are after. To claim a discount, all a shopper has to do is copy the promo codes in Singapore and apply it when buying online.

KiasuPromos regularly run flash sales that can offer discounts up to 30%. To find their special offers, simply click on ‘Top 25 Codes’.

Free to use

KiasuPromos does not charge shoppers to use its platform. All the discount codes in Singapore on KiasuPromos are available free to use for any shopper. There is no joining fee or membership registration. All a shopper has to do is download the coupon codes in Singapore and apply it when they are shopping online.

Engaging with the shopper

KiasuPromos is one of the few online shopping websites in Singapore that actually connects with its shoppers. While its core business is to provide the best promo codes in Singapore to shoppers, the company has also spent effort in creating additional content that can improve the shopping experience for its customers. A shopper can easily find articles on the latest shopping trends, tips for online shopping as well as advice on how to stretch your shopping dollar.

The verdict

KiasuPromos is definitely a platform you want to check out if you shop online. The website is easy-to-use and the range of promo codes in Singapore they offer is guaranteed to make your shopping dollar go further.

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Zalora

Review of Gaston Luga Praper Backpack in Pink

As a lifestyle blogger who loves travelling, I am always on a lookout for classy looking, yet durable backpack which I can put all my stuff inside.

Gaston Luga was a brand which I have fallen in love recently after checking out their website at www.gastonluga.com.  Although it is a company based on Stockholm Sweden but they ship their bags to globally.

It offers beautiful backpacks in different sizes for both men and women, from the Classic to Praper to the classy ranges.  The range of colours to choose from is an added point as well.

My personal favourite was the Praper range and I got it in pink as I love the mixed of ruggedness with femininity.  With its dominant, simplistic and elegant design, this bag will look great in any situation.  The bag is made of thick and strong cotton fabric, with adjustable shoulder straps and contains a 13-15 inch laptop pocket and four smaller pockets for the phone, wallet, etc.

The valuables are kept safe with the strong hooks, which are adjustable in four levels to suit current packing need.

You can also customise your bag by matching your personal style with a coloured leather address tag.



The metal feet will keep the base of the bag clean when you put it down on the ground or chair.  The thoughtfulness of the founder can be seen through the inclusion of a special pocket for passport and travel ticket so that it is easy to access and at the same time safely kept.

The dimension of the bag is 30 x 42 x 15cm.


The best part is Gaston Luga ships direct to your Singapore address with free shipping with 20% off as tax rebate.

Great news for my readers...If you are keen to purchase any of the bags on Gaston Luga website, get 15% off by quoting 'mselaineheng15' as the discount code before checking out.

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travel blogger

Media Briefing of New Membership Services Club, Sky Premium on 31 Aug 2016

I was extremely lucky to be one of the chosen few to attend the media briefing of a New Membership Services Club, Sky Premium on 31 Aug 2016.  

When I received the invitation, I was very curious about what Sky Premium offers and at the same time, I looked forward to one of the highlights of the program, which was a live demonstration of the Bluefin Tuna Cutting Ceremony.  I gotta admit that I have never seen a bluefin tuna fish before and to cut it up, I reckoned it requires many years of experience and acquired skills to do it properly.  

And I was so glad that I took time off to attend this very exclusive and interesting media briefing to learn more about Sky Premium.

(All Photo Credits to @seedimage. Please contact myself or Derrick if you want to use any of the photos below)

Media Briefing of New Membership Services Club, Sky Premium 

A must-have photo at the photowall!

 I also bumped into my blogger friends like William and Leong and Derrick, who took most of the photos in this blog post.  Thanks Derrick for the photos!

William, Me and Leong

Notice all the different coloured envelopes on the photo wall?  In line with Sky Premium’s philosophy of being connected under one sky with one common theme for The Good Life, media friends also had a chance to pick out exciting privileges from a photo wall, unravelling their very own experience of The Good Life. 

Lucky me got a one night staycation in Wanderlust Hotel... woohoo!  Thanks Sky Premium for this awesome doorgift!

About Sky Premium International

Sky Premium is the country’s first members’ exclusive privilege services developed to enrich the lives of members across the globe. Pushing the boundaries beyond luxury travel, wellness and unique dining experiences, Sky Premium presents to members a cohesive platform with their comprehensive partners and solutions, for all to enjoy the better life. Partnering with selected esteemed brands and merchants to offer an insider list to exclusive closed-door events, fashion shows, premium sake tastings as well as access to an array of networking opportunities and business facilities. The sky is the limit as Sky Premium’s comprehensive solutions promises a dedication to an intimate high in the sky, customized for every member’s lifestyle preferences to indulge in the good life. 

The media briefing of Sky Premium, a brand new membership services club in Singapore, was held at the Japanese food enclave at Takujo Japanese Dining @ Emporium Shokuhin on 31st August 2016.

Sky Premium International’s inauguration of their new membership services club is poised to be launched in Singapore in Q4 2016. Catering to a growing pool of individuals looking to revel in unparalleled luxurious experiences, Sky Premium is one of the few members’ exclusive privilege services developed to enrich the lives of members across the globe, providing personalised lifestyle experiences to indulge in The Good Life.

The emcee for the media briefing was Jaymee Ong.  She is still as beautiful as ever, even after giving birth to a daughter.

Emcee for the media briefing: Jaymee Ong

The event saw a live presentation of a Bluefin tuna cutting ceremony where guests, partners and media friends got a glimpse into one of the many luxurious experiences Sky Premium has to offer.


Immersing in an afternoon reflective of The Good Life, Sky Premium delighted guests with a presentation of the Hon Maguro, also known as the Bluefin tuna cutting ceremony. 

Weighing at a whopping 60kg, the tuna was air flown from sustainable sources in Uwajima prefecture, Japan, where the Maguro cutting was then performed with utmost skill and precision by Chef William Teo, head chef of Takujo Japanese Dining at Emporium Shokuhin together with his expert team of chefs. Utilizing four different sets of highly specialized knives to fillet the tuna, including one that resembles a samurai sword, the delectable Hon Maguro was artfully plated for guests in a platter of sashimi, sushi, maki and a 6-hour braised tuna head.

Just look at how enormous the bluefin tuna was!  It took two men to handle it.

Gotta do it step by step

Executive Chef skilfully sliced up the fish so that all the guests got to taste the fresh meat

That very important fish head that will braised for 6 hours!

Lunch menu for that day

Always great to be seated with a group of friends for lunch and this time round, these are my media friends.  From left: Derrick, myself, William, Leong, Jonathan and Jin.

Appetiser

We started off with an appetiser which was light on the palate as it comprised of vegetables.

Next up is the star of the lunch menu... bluefin tuna!

Live Station

Selection of Maguro Akami, Chutoro & Otoro in sashimi

Nigiri sushi and maki rolls

Sakae is a must have with Japanese food!  Trying a rose sakae based on the recommendation from the server.  It has a tinge of sweetness so I reckoned it would be popular with the ladies.

Braised Bluefin Tuna Head

omg... so big!

6-hour braised Hon Maguro Bluefin Tuna head, with burdock & vegetables, served with Niigata rice

Osaka -style Miso Soup

Japanese Vegetables & Beancurd Miso Soup

Belgium Chocolate Cake 

Belgium chocolate cake with toasted walnuts & banana puree 

I also had the chance to chat with Ms Margaret Koh, General Manager of Sky Premium.  She took the effort to work to our table to introduce herself and let us know more about Sky Premium.  That was when I found out that Sky Premium is also in Tokyo Japan, one of my favourite cities!

Margaret also said, “In a day and age where time is such a commodity, we often miss out and get caught up in a daily routine of things. Sky Premium offers that very balance and luxury of time, to enjoy affordable luxury in the pursuit of living the good life. I’m delighted that we had the opportunity to showcase a novel art form of the Hon Maguro, a first-hand glimpse into some of the many luxurious experiences that Sky Premium has to offer. And we hope to continue bringing the good life experiences to more of our members in the coming months ahead.”

Panel advisors of Sky Premium, Allan Wu, renowned celebrity in Southeast Asia; and fashion- forward lawyer, Tan Min-Li, also warmly welcomed guests during the media briefing session. 

Photo with Allan Wu

Pushing the boundaries beyond luxury travel, wellness and unique doing experiences, Sky Premium presents to members a cohesive platform with their comprehensive partners and solutions, for all to enjoy the better life.

At Sky Premium, the brand delights in creating The Good Life, be it in the form of a gastronomic culinary delight, a cruise to the Antarctica, or invites to closed door events and exclusive product launches.  Offering a robust level of personalised experiencs, Sky Premium listens to members' preferences to deliver a customised itinerary that meets their unique needs, giving members the luxury and balance of time to chase the horizon at every opportunity.

Sky Premium offers that personalised service with a dedicated member service team to assist at every touch point, ranging from providing recommendations to reservation services through consistent, high quality performance and service.  Members can look forward to enjoy preferential rates from esteemed brands and merchants from more than 40 travel destinations, dining, fashion and wellness such as FJ Benjamin, Karma Resorts, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Antarctica XXI and an umbrella of brands under the UNLISTED COLLECTION & Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts.


If you want to learn more about Sky Premium, visit www.skypremium.com and enjoy THE GOOD LIFE now!

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wine and dine