On the 20 & 21 October, support local, home-grown social enterprises at the Festival For Good 2018 at Marina One! For those of you clueless about what’s going on, social enterprises are organisations that tackle environmental or social problems through profit or non-profit means.

At the Festival For Good, enjoy live performances, take part in workshops and talks and engage in retail therapy at the 50 booths set up. Additionally, get to know that stories and motivations behind these enterprises and be inspired to help the community/ environment.

Here are my personal favourites at the event!

1. My NoNNa’s (Booth 42)

My NoNNa’s aims to provide employment to individuals with disabilities and special needs. Having opened a cafe next to Upper Changi MRT Station, the folks at My NoNNa’s are at the festival with a pop-up booth. Expect hot and hearty food that are prepared by the chefs, including roast chicken, baked pastas and sausages.

Get to know the members of the team that are incredibly friendly and beaming with happiness. I couldn’t help but smile throughout my short interaction with them.

I got the Italian Roast Chicken on Quinoa ($8.50), and I have to say that the chicken was well-seasoned. On it’s own, the Quinoa was a tad bland, but the acidity and sweetness from the tomatoes really made it pop.

Would have loved to try the Beef Lasagne made with homemade pasta as well but I could only eat so much.

2. The Everyday Revolution (Booth 54)

The Everyday Revolution (TER) helps commission works and designs by special needs young adults to the general public to provide a source of income to these individuals. The booth sells a plethora of items ranging from clothes and cups to artworks.

Get smaller handicrafts like pouches or pencil cases as well that are not only look good but bring about a positive impact to these young adults’ lives.

3. Deaf Artcraftsy (Booth 27)

Deaf Artcraftsy is an avenue to empower individuals with hearing disabilities as well as provide them with a sustainable source of income. Purchase the various artists’ handicrafts which range from paintings to customisable bookmarks that are hand stitched.

Consider getting the mini-easels with inspirational quotes and sayings on them to keep you going in support of the hearing impaired artists. The artist’s biography is placed next to each range of artworks so do find out about their story and maybe get to meet them at the booth itself.

4. Unpackt (Booth @ Forest City)

For those of you who shop at zero-waste stores, Unpackt is a name that you’ve probably heard before. Aimed at reducing wastage and protecting the environment, this booth sells everything under the sun, from cutlery sets and metal straws to Beeswax wraps (as a replacement for cling film).

Since everything is priced affordably, I guarantee you’ll be spoilt for choice at the booth. If their store is a little too far for you, just head down to the festival to pick up some of these reusable items.

Consider getting some snacks as well. (I definitely recommend the Honey Mustard Soy Crisps)

5. Edible Garden City (Booth @ Forest City)

At Edible Garden City, pick up some vegetable packs, including Curly Kale and Pink Oyster Mushrooms. This service is tailored to your needs and delivers a Citizen Box filled with fresh produce right to your doorstep.

The produce are grown locally by urban farmers and are the freshest greens and fruits you’ll be able to source for locally.

6. Terra SG (Booth @ Forest City)

Reduce waste in the environment with Terra SG’s creative and fashionable items. Terra aims to upcycle waste to create products that are functional and stylish.

Buy recycled glass bottles fitted with fairy lights or wallets made with wallpaper or used milk cartons to do your part for the environment. (And look good doing it)

Special Mention: The Given Company (Booth 50)

The Given Company acts as a platform in order for charities to raise funds more effectively and efficiently. Through interactive methods like online raffles and donation draws, The Given Company boosts the visibility of these charities so people are more willing and able to donate.

At the festival, they’ll be giving out FREE shirts. Just partake in their quiz and you’ll be rewarded with a #GIVEN shirt.

Special Mention: Sembcorp

I guess most of you are familiar with Sembcorp. In order to raise awareness for clean energy and recycling, the Sembcorp booth gives out freebies for taking part in the quiz.

Get 6 questions correct and receive a bamboo straw. For the overachievers, a score of 10 and above is needed to get a prize from their lucky dip! Find out more about saving the environment while receiving great prizes.

The festival was fun and engaging and allowed us to meet inspiring individuals doing their part for the community and environment. Do head down to check out what the hype is about, to do your part for the society and enjoy yourself!

Festival For Good 2018:

Marina One, 7 Straits View, S018936

11 am – 7 pm

Free Entry

Credit: BigHit Entertainment

Brace yourself as popular K-pop boyband BTS will be coming down to Singapore on 19 January 2019 at the Singapore National Stadium.

This announcement was shared on Twitter from its agency BitHit Entertainment as part of BTS Love Yourself world tour.

Shows in Hong Kong on March 20, March 22, March 23 and March 24, as well as April 6 in Bangkok.

“LOVE YOURSELF” 일정 추가 안내#BTS #방탄소년단 #LOVE_YOURSELF pic.twitter.com/temtltlNZq

— BigHit Entertainment (@BigHitEnt) October 10, 2018

Stay tuned as we will continue to update this article for their ticket purchase information once it is released to the public.

This week’s an exciting one. We’ve got a 2000-2018 dance party, art exhibitions (some all the way till 3am) and something for all you tea-lovers out there. With these many options on your plate, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

1. Art After Dark x 6th Anniversary Celebrations (21 Sept)

Photo Credits: Gillman Barracks

Celebrate Gillman Barracks’ 6th anniversary with another run of their Art After Dark! It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend – there’ll be live performances, interactive art experiences and delicious food served all the way till 3am.

Photo Credits: Park Bench Deli

When you’re done exploring the two new gallery openings presented by Ota Fine Arts and Yavuz Gallery, or traversed through our very own Nguan’s photography, you can rock out to the tunes of Pleasantry and The Pinholes. Definitely grab that late night bite from the likes of Park Bench Deli and Handlebar.

Address: Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937

Time: 7pm onwards

Ticket pricing: Free

2. Singapore Tea Festival 2018 (21 Sept – 23 Sept)

Photo Credits: Singapore Tea Festival

Quench your thirst with this year’s comeback of Singapore Tea Festival. With more than a hundred blends of tea, 30 tea and tea-related brands, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

There’ll even be dialogues and workshops where you’ll about learn skills such as modern kombucha making from industry leaders. To redeem a complimentary Yixing Purple Clay glazed porcelain cup, all you’ve got to do is register at teapasar’s booth!

Address: ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801

Time: Fri: 3PM-10PM, Sat & Sun: 10AM-10PM

Ticket pricing: Free

3. V A N I T A S Group Art Exhibition (21 Sept – 23 Sept)

Photo Credits: Sarah Thursday Illustrations

This brings a group of talented women into the spotlight. Featuring six independent female artists, VANITAS is a group show which explores themes like mortality, the transience of life and the futility of pleasure.

Be wowed by the dark art styles of @sarahthursday, @erikartoon, @mothhead_, @peithedragon, @yelselogy and @sanatoriium. Remember to bring some spare cash to purchase some of their merch!

Address: kult, Block C2-5, Emily Hill, 11 Upper Wilkie Road, Singapore 228120

Time: Fri: Opening Night @ 5pm, Sat & Sun: 12PM-8PM

Ticket pricing: Free

4. Xiao Kopitiam #2 (22 Sept)

Photo Credits: 21Moonstone

Pop by this reimagined kopitiam for maybe the chillest weekend you’ve had in a while.

Photo Credits: 21Moonstone

Dig into LAD & DAD’s comfort British fare – think bangers & mash and beef stew (we can attest to the amazingness of this dish), get a intricate henna design from the famous @henn.drawn or just grab a personalised haiku at the typewriter.

Address: 21 Moonstone Lane, Poh Leng Building #09-01, Singapore 328426

Time: Lunch: 3PM-10PM

Ticket pricing: Free

5. The Passion Pop-Up (22 Sept)

Photo Credits: Haikini

Support your local businesses and female entrepreneurship at this pop-up. Try out delicious treats from That Vegan Cake, juicy burgers from Hustle Co and more.

The Passion Panel, filled with names like Isabel Lee of An Acai Affair and Beckie Liu of Haikini,

Photo Credits: Hustle Co

will delve into how they sparked off their passion for entrepreneurship, developing it into an actual business. It’s not all work, though. Play beer pong or sign up for a HIIT session with Charity Chan, a personal trainer!

Address: 52 Craig Road, Singapore 089690

Time: 11AM – 4PM

Ticket pricing: Free

6. High School Never Ends (22 Sept)

Photo Credits: HopHeads

Blast it back to your childhood or travel all the way to the present at HopHeads’ latest escapade, featuring 2000s-2018 electronic dance pop and the hottest radio hits.

Their parties are so popular that all their online tickets have been sold out. Your best bet is to head straight to the door for a ticket, then straight into the most nostalgic night of your life.

Address: 178 Clemenceau Ave, Haw Par Glass Tower B1-00, Singapore 239926

Time: 10PM – 4AM

Ticket pricing: Door tickets $20, inclusive of one drink