Drum Gaia Rehearsals, Marina Bay Countdown to 2015

Hello everyone! With 2014 about to end, I'm back with another lead-up event regarding the Marina Bay Countdown (: 

As mentioned in my previous post, there was one event which I mentioned regarding Drum Gaia. Drum Gaia consists of a group of 400 drummers coming from various drum communities and enthusiasts who have gathered together to showcase a spectacular performance this 31st Dec. I'm glad to be able to catch one of Drum Gaia's rehearsals which was held a couple of weekends back. 

I was also able to have a short interview with Riduan Zalani who is one of the composers of the score for the fireworks display and in charge of the Drum Gaia segment (: 

Riduan has started learning traditional Malay drums at the age of 7 and then he moved on to percussion drums and undertook a diploma in music at Laselle College of the Arts. He's really proud that he is from Singapore as he travels a lot around the globe for music. The name "Drum Gaia"came really naturally and consists of an arsenal of drums from all around the world; there are even drummers from the SCDF where they drum on fire extinguishers to create music! 

Here are some close-up photos of the drums that were used at the rehearsal; it's fascinating how all these different percussion instruments from various cultural backgrounds come together to create music and rhythm. 

When asked on how he incorporated the drumming element in this year's fireworks music (since it is the first time live drumming has been included), he answered saying that it would start off with very loud drumming for the first 45 seconds, followed by choreographic drumming to music and the fireworks would then be triggered with drumming. It is also rare to find drumming in sync with a fireworks installation, so this Drum Gaia is definitely one event to look out for! He spent a lot of time with the leaders of the various drumming communities who have come together to create cohesiveness of the drums too (: 

His inspiration was to create that harmony between all of the different drums and to invoke a sense of nostalgia in the piece to represent various phases of Singapore. 

A snapshot of Riduan in action; leading the drummers 

Next, I asked about what are some of the challenges faced when coordinating hundreds of drummers. And he mentioned that there were not much major difficulties except for the coordination of schedules. But some of the things that had to be considered were: (1) that each type of drum is different, (2) some drummers are professionals whereas some were novices.

He is really touched and encouraged by the enthusiasm to learn by the drummers who all come from different backgrounds and ages. Many of them have forged friendships among each other and showed great energy during rehearsals! It's like how they are different people who've come together because they share the same vision and love for drumming and they can't wait for the next performance and to see how Drum Gaia can grow to even 1000 drummers in future. 

I've never been very musically-inclined although I really do enjoy singing, but you could really feel the passion in him when during the interview when he spoke about his love for drumming and music. I ended off my interview by asking Riduan what would be his wish for Singapore in the New Year. He hopes that all of us would learn to appreciate more about the simpler things in life, love Singapore as we have always have despite all of the changes that are happening and to constantly think of how it was like before in the past. 

I've also managed to catch the media preview (new post coming up!!) for the countdown where they created a simulation of the fireworks display, and it is absolutely amazing because the music, drumming and fireworks display are really all in sync together!!!

They'll start drumming from 6pm onwards on the 31st of Dec (more details here) so do head on down if you'll like to catch them earlier and you'll also be able to try the drums out if you're lucky! 

It's definitely something to look forward to for the countdown (:

Thanks for reading! (:

Love, Jo ♡

Marina Bay Singapore Countdown: prelude

Hello everyone! I'm finally back at this space; the semester has been absolutely nuts and I'm so glad it's over and I have about a 4-5 weeks holiday break before the start of the next semester (which I hear is gonna be even more crazy).

But okay, here's to happy and carefree days once more! :D

Well, December is definitely one of my favourite months of the year because of Christmas and New Year. So....I'm excited to announce that I'm gonna be one of the official bloggers for the Marina Bay SG Countdown 2015 this December! 

Since we are counting down into the Jubilee year (50th year of independence for Singapore, the events this year have been specially tailored to embrace local talents, efforts and sights.

Some of the activities ongoing now include the Wishing Spheres Project, where people can pen down their wishes on spheres which would be set afloat at Marina Bay as an art installation. I've actually written one before about a couple of years back I think! (: 

Wishing spheres installation in 2012 (Photo credits to euronews.com)

 For this year, the unique thing about this project is that, it now includes red spheres (5000 of them) which would form a '50' in the water, being surrounded by the other white spheres. 25,000 of these spheres would be set afloat in celebration of SG50 (: There are lots of wishing stations located all around Singapore; click here for the full list of stations and their opening hours. 

There is also an ongoing photography competition, where participants can submit photos and stand to win prizes! (: The theme of this year's photography competition is 'Happy Jubilee' and here are some of last year's winning entries:

First prize winner - 2014

Second prize winner - 2014 

Third prize winner - 2014

More details about the photography competition can be found here (:

And of course, I'll like to share a little about the events which would be happening on the 31st of Dec itself too! There's something for everyone; young or old (: 

These events include: 

 Aux Media group presents: Celebrate With the World 2015

MediaCorp presents: Celebrate SG50

These two events are ticketed entry events and they are concerts held in celebration of the countdown. Lots of local and overseas artistes would be present (psst...like Stefanie Sun and Big Bang, and DJs such as Ronski Speed and Nicole Chen).

DrumGaia

It consists of a series of drum performances by 400 drummers who would perform 'live' and these drummers come from institutions such as Ngee Ann Poly and SMU to drumming bands such as Sambarang Batucran. These performances would be ongoing from 6-12am on the 31st of Dec. 

Esplanade Presents: Celebrate December (19th - 31st Dec)

This event by the Esplanade (at the Esplanade concourse and outdoor theatre) includes the holding of craft workshops, musical performances and many other activities. 

Marina Waterfront Bazaar

A bazaar would also be held around the MBS area where people can shop around for items such as fashion apparel, accessories and handicrafts. There would also be refreshments sold at the bazaar (:

Reflections of our Past, Present and Future (26th - 31st Dec)

A digital art showcase from the Fullerton Hotel to Merlion Park would be shown at various timings from 8pm to 12am. The audience can watch how the landscape comes alive with lights and colours

Let's not forget about the fireworks display as well which would be up at midnight. I've always loved fireworks; Tzu and I actually managed to catch them 2 years back at Gardens by the Bay and it was wonderful watching them with him (: 

"EXCITED FOR DECEMBER!" :D

I'll be covering some of these events which I've talked about above and giving away some tickets too, so do stay tuned to this space!

Love, Jo ♡

Chaceylove ♡

The first few occasions when I shopped on Chaceylove was for my 21st birthday dress almost 2 years ago. I was searching high and low for the perfect dress for my 21st birthday party and, I saw this ombre maxi dress piece on Chaceylove's preview. Then, I knew instantly that I had to get it for my party! 

However, the piece hadn't arrived even after almost a week (BAHHH normal mail) ): I was panicking cause it was that very weekend which my party was going to be held. I sent in an email to Chaceylove asking about my parcel and I explained about my situation in the email. Acelyn, the owner of CL, replied promptly and very kindly offered to mail another piece to me via complimentary A.M. mail to have it reach in time for my party!!!

Okay so here are some shots from my 21st birthday party (2 years ago hahaha):

I was honestly really touched then, and I was very much impressed with their service. I would sincerely like to thank Acelyn for being such a wonderful person and as a customer, I really did appreciate how she handled the matter for me (': And so, I've been a customer since then!! :D

Recently, Acelyn has very kindly sent me two items from their launch earlier this week! So here's how I've styled them! (: 

On me:

Top: Chaceylove's Sherry Top

Bottom: Aforarcade's Paper Plane Skorts in Sky

Necklace: Handpique's Octavia's Thread statement necklace

I've recently taken a fancy to flow-y tops because they go so well with denim shorts or short bottoms for school or lazy weekends! Chaceylove's Sherry Top takes things up a notch with it's subtle open overlap back design which offers a unique twist on this seemingly simple high neck piece. I can picture this pretty piece with pencil skirts or skinny jeans as well to create a different look from pairing it with shorts (: 

The next piece I chose was an outerwear piece (which I have been wearing almost everyday around school for this week):

On me:

Outerwear: Chaceylove's Chloe Drape Cardi in Creme

Top: Rugs and racks's Floral Babydoll Top 

Shorts: Lovebonito's Elinor Denim Shorts

Hat: ASOS

Who doesn't love an oversized drape cardigan? This piece is made of soft knit which is extremely comfy! I've been wearing this almost everyday to school this week because NIE's classrooms are freezing cold. I bring an outerwear piece to school everyday to keep warm but I find myself grabbing this knit piece each day because of its versatility! AND it comes with pockets (score!). This pretty knit piece comes in a total of 3 colours: Creme (pictured above), black and grey; all of which are colours that can be matched easily with outfits (:

Both pieces were sold out after the launch on Monday, but the good news is: 

Chaceylove has opened backorders for these items! *throws confetti*

Heh, so if you're interested in getting any of these items, do go ahead to secure a piece for yourself! (: Backorder's closing at 2359 tonight (Sunday!).

P.S. Photos were shot by Tzu (hehe, thank you boyfriend for braving the haze with me!)

Have a lovely Sunday ahead everybody! 

Love, Jo ♡

Growing up: hello October.

Now that I've moved on from being an undergraduate and prepping to become a teacher, things have definitely changed since. I'm not sure if I'm ready to take on responsibilities that seem so big; not just career wise, but financial and future planning aspects as well. But then again, who is ever ready for transition into being an adult? We are all just trying to keep afloat in this world.

"It's much easier to not know things sometimes. Because things change, and friends leave. And life doesn't stop for anybody." - The Perks of Being a Wallflower

October's gonna be a trying month (and my birthday month too), but I think  I'll be fine at the end. 

Thankful for awesome friends that I have (both old and new), sisters who can't be more different but care indefinitely for each other, and of course, Tzu, who's always there to nudge me along the way ♡

Float on.

Love, Jo

T'was a wonderful Saturday.

Yay, so I'm back to jotting down about last (last) Saturday! (: Although I should really be doing my lesson plans instead oops hahaha. But here's a quick update with lots of visuals! (:

I was lucky to be invited to the Madame Flamingo x The Closet Lover event last weekend and so I brought my second sissy with me for some shopping! (Sorry I didn't snap any photos of the shoes or clothes cause I was too busy trying to decide with models/items to get hahaha).

With my Erjie! (:

Thank you Shi Ling for the invite, and it was good seeing many other familiar faces at the event as well (: And I finally got to meet the TCL sisters properly as well! (: Can't wait to receive the mad pretty pair of wedges I ordered!

After, I headed to Space Invasion at the Cathay to take a look at the flea! Thank you to everyone who came by and bought my clothes! (: I'm gonna be a doing an online sale soon again, so keep a look out for some great deals!

Annnndddd, my photo with Cleo won us invites to a private sale at A for Arcade that very Saturday as well, and OMG I...went nuts there hahahaha. -criessss-

With my shopping budddd

Welllll, so yup I bought lotssss from AFA that day hahaha, It's really one of my fave brands, together with Love Bonito and The Tinsel Rack. 

Ending off with some shots of my outfit that day:

On me: 

Jumpsuit: Love, Bonito's Hariette Halter Jumpsuit in Navy Blue

Clutch: Love Bonito's Curcio Clutch in Silver

Heels: New Look

I'm sold with this jumpsuit. The open back design adds a unique touch and I must admit, I'm quite the stickler for back designs. It's perfect for those dinner dates and wedding dinners towards the end of the year. You'll definitely not regret getting this beautifully tailored piece! Thank you Love, Bonito for sending this piece my way! ♡

And, here's some pictures that Cleo and I took with our newly bought AFA coats! I got the yellow and she got the blue piece (:

On us: 

Coats: AforArcade's Camden Straight Coat 

(in Yellow and Electric Blue)

The coat's quite lightweight, and probably best for degree celsius of 12-20+ perhaps? (: The shades looked sooo chirpy and happy; I was almost tempted to get all colours of it but I restrained myself and got the yellow in the end only heh. Can't wait to wear it out on the streets on Taiwan in January (: And special thanks to AFA for having us and helping us to snap these photos!

Okay, I'm gonna get back to work for now (urpsss it's 1am alrd hahaha). Counting down to December, but well baby steps first, so here's to counting down to the weekend! 

Love, Jo ♡