You might have already seen my sneak peak update on IG and Dayre (@ena_teo) after NDP 2016 media preview last week.
And here’s the full post of what we can expect for the upcoming NDP 2016! Isn’t it awesome how much lead time there is for our Nation’s birthday that’s coming up on 9 August? Preparations usually start about a year in advance, from idea creation to logistics preparations.
Will jump straight into the initiatives and engagements for this NDP and talk about the 3 highlights along the way in this post! 🙂
We (Nuffnang bloggers and managers) arrived about 20 minutes early for the preview and we had time to settle down, pick the colour of our Fun Pack and head outside for the breakfast items before heading back in. I haven’t attended NDP in a while, and forgot that a lot of Army/NSAF men are involved, so it was quite a culture shock to suddenly see so many men/guys at a media preview. Haha!
Col (NS) Fong Khai Seck, this year’s Chairman Engagement, sharing the NDP Committee’s intentions behind the engagement efforts of the NDP 2016, anchored by the idea of encouraging collective ownership and promoting inclusiveness.
The theme of this year’s NDP is:
Building Our Singapore of TomorrowHighlight 1:
Our Collective Dreams and Aspirations –
a large mosaic consisting of 50,000 individual paintings digitally stitched together.
Our Collective Dreams and Aspirations encourage students and youths to share their dreams and aspirations for Singapore’s future through painting. It aims to stretch the imagination of Singaporeans in dreaming of a better future for Singapore. This stitching of the individual paintings together symbolises the need for collective ownership in charting Singapore’s future. Renowned Singaporean artist, Mr Sun Yu-Li, will create abstract designs based on each of the 51 years of Singapore’s nation building and overlay them atop the mosaic. The resulting Our Collective Dreams and Aspirations thus represent the collective journey of our nation over 51 years.
I love how meaningful and layered this initiative and artwork is. I fondly recall the times when I was in primary school and we were encouraged to draw and paint our vision of a future Singapore. There is so much power in a child’s imagination and vision for the future as it will captivate and motivate them to realise these visions and goals. This reminds me to not give up that child-like wonderment, belief and vision for a better tomorrow, a better society and a better Singapore – even though so often we are touted to already be the city of the future – there is still much we can improve and progress on.
Another creative initiative this year is Our Pledge to Singapore card, a collaborative effort by former TV artiste, Mr Edmund Chen and children with special needs from Pathlight School as they co-design this year’s Pledge Card. The public can participate in this initiative by making our pledge to Singapore in two ways: 1. through the e-version of the Pledge Card which will be available on the NDPeeps App from 7 July 2016 onwards or 2. by completing a hardcopy Pledge Card which will be distributed to the general public at the National Stadium during Previews 1 and 2 and on National Day. Completed Pledge Cards can be shared on individual social media platforms as well as official platforms such as NDPeep FB, Instagram (@ndpeeps_2016) and Twitter (@NDPeeps) with hashtags #NDP2016, #NDP2016theme, #NDP16, #NDP and #NDP2015Pledgecard.
Highlight 2:
AR Technology in the NDP Souvenir Magazine
The souvenir magazine is embedded with digital content that aims to engage readers in an interactive way. With the use of augmented reality, readers can access additional content – images and videos – using the NDPeeps App on their mobile devices. Readers will be able to view a 3D time-lapse video of the National Stadium’s evolution by focusing the camera on the picture of the National Stadium in the magazine, users can even pan and zoom during the video to appreciate different perspectives of the transformation of the National Stadium.
Well, this technology certainly isn’t new as we’ve seen it on IKEA catalogues but to have this technology applied on our NDP souvenir magazine? I don’t know about you guys, but I’m feeling like we’re the cool kids on the block.
Highlight3:
LED Wristband in the Funpack
The LED wristband is programmable and can be wirelessly synchronized with the show’s lights and sounds. It is capable of emitting lights with varying intensity and in 16 (!) different colours and modes. In wearing this LED wristband, every spectator becomes an integral part of the show, collectively contributing to massive visual displays and enjoy a truly immersive experience.
This year’s Funpack comes in 2 colours, red and white which are the representative colours of Singapore, in our State flag and serves as a reminder to be rooted to the values that define our collective strength and harmony. It is lightweight, multifunctional, waterproof and durable.
I love how versatile this bag is, as it can be used as a sling bag, hand bag or haversack/bagpack. To ensure that it would be enjoyable bag, the NDP 2016 Logistics and Finance Committee even gathered and incorporated feedback from students from over 10 schools!
Check out this video to find out more about the Funpack!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iRai2RIroo
The bloggers and I caught a photos with Edmund Chen!
Before we headed to the National Stadium for a quick photo taking with our bags.
Thank you NDP 2016 and Nuffnang for the media preview invite!
x
Ena
Kate Tokyo’s new and latest Forming Edge eyeshadow palettes and BB Powder Changing Mousse ($23.50 each).
Kate Tokyo’s new and latest Forming Edge eyeshadow palettes in BR-3 (brown), PK-1 (pink), BU-1(blue) and GD-1 (green). Check out all eight shades on their site 
Kate Tokyo’s Forming Edge eyeshadow palette in PK-1, my favourite of the 4 shades. The colour in the middle is actually more peach (pinkish orange) than pink, nonetheless the colours in the palette complements very well for a sweet and romantic look that’s wearable on a daily basis too. Super love!
Wearing Kate Tokyo’s Forming Edge eyeshadow palette in PK-1 in this look.
Kate Tokyo’s Forming Edge eyeshadow palette in BR-3 is my second favourite colour of choice and I pick this colour on days when I want to go for a more understated glam look, like this:
Kate Tokyo’s Forming Edge eyeshadow palette in BU-1 is a colour I have yet to try but when I do, I’d likely match it with gold or orange to create a more friendly look rather than just full blue, which is a tricky look to wear on its own on a regular day.
Kate Tokyo’s Forming Edge eyeshadow palette in GD-1, unfortunately the powder came cracked when I received it, which goes to show how fragile it is, so do be careful when you handle them. Though the pigment and formula is great, and the fancy diamond packaging looks pretty, it does make it more fragile.
KATE Powdery Mousse BB. I have yet to try this out.
Rounding off my Kate Tokyo review with their Eyebrow Set, which comes with the brow palette, brush and comb, was retailing at $20.50, in December 2015. Not sure if you can still find the same promotion now. My Japanese friend commenting on IG (the same pic as above) that Kate is a very popular brand in Japan and that she has bought the same brow palette 10 times! Wow. However I am more of a eyebrow pencil kinda gal… I tried to apply and like this product but I am just not as efficient with this eyebrow palette as I am with the eyebrow pencil… oops.
That is why we need more than one brand in the market, such as Clio which caters to girls like me who prefers eyebrow pencil rather than eyebrow palette, although you an also spot their version above. They also have their Kill Brow All Day Tattoo (which sold out in Korean when they first launched), which is the K version of Benefit’s Gimme Brow, Gel Brow Pencil and waterproof eyeliners! Have actually yet to break into all of them yet, but do check them out in Watsons stores. As mentioned above, I highly recommend Clio’s Kill Black and Brown brush eyeliner and lately am also really loving their Gradation Dual Eyebrow pencil which is their new summer 2016 collection, which I will review in another post! 🙂
Sometime back, the kind folks of 
Arteastiq started out at Mandarin Gallery and it’s known to be a place where you can spend hours painting and/or having tea with friends, so it’s also only appropriate to dress up a little for it (not that I need any excuse to dress up, really). 😉
Promotion boards and a space for painting just in front of the store. During the weekdays when I’ve passed by, they also exhibit artworks there.
Already loving the very French-esque (read: style) shop front with the black and white canopy and old school bike prop.
Have I mentioned how much I love an updated, modern yet classic interior? Loving the gold accents amidst the black and white colours.
The interior decor and furnishing is eclectic yet classy and comfortable.
Green plants and candles set a cosy ambience.
You could also choose to lounge in these green sofas.
You’re getting a very soothing open skies and greenery view if you’re seating by the windows. 
Longan tea is an Arteastiq special and many have asked where to get the tea from but it’s a trade secret! My friends and I love it iced as it’s refreshing and perfect for Singapore’s sunny weather.
You can opt for biscuits and biscotti to go with the tea too!
Aphrodiate Crabmeat Benedict ($25) is a store recommended dish, the crabmeat was a little dry.
I super love this Tuscan Sun Porcine et Polenta ($20) which is eggs over mashed potatos and mushrooms, basically all my favourites on a plate!
Mount Etna’s Peak ($13) Crisp chocolate triangle filled with Valrhona chocolate mousse, yuzu gelato and berries coulis – I don’t know about you, but this is basically all my favourite desserts on a platter!
Airy Fairy ($13) pairing Valrhona Chocolate Mousse with Vanilla Cream Parfait and Mixed Berries. 
I was sent this V-Mina Feminine Hygiene Trial Pack some time end last year and I particularly like the Cleansing Mousse. I am not a daily user of female personal hygiene care because I feel that normal body care products are sufficient for me. However during “that time of the month” aka periods, using personal hygiene care feels extra nice. Read more about V-Mina on their site 
So many Korean beauty products, so little time to try and buy them. If you’re a huge Korean skincare, makeup and fashion lover like I am, you might be happy to know of 
Last but not the least, if you’re looking for an affordable sun screen range, consider LipHop, a made in Korea sun care line with products Ultra Whitening Sun Protection Lotion, Kids Hypoallergenic Sun Protection Lotion, Super Defence Ex Sun Protection Milk, Moisturizing Weightless Sun Protection Spray and Soothing Aloe Vera Gel. With all of the variety, you’re bound to find a type of sun block that suits your preference and needs this summer. I’d brought these along with me on my trip to Penang a while back and I like the lightweight Ultra Whitening Sun Protection Lotion. 🙂
New cosmetics from Etude House Play 101 Sticks / cushion concealers, Laneige BB Cushion, K-Palette Rose Eyeliner, Kate Tokyo Eyeshadow Palettes, Stenders Handcream and Lipbalm.
Swatches of Etude House Play 101 sticks, creamy and pigmented.
My picks for the day. 
Coffee break with Cafedirect (available at Fairprice Finest & Fairprice Xtra) before heading out.
Chic photo spots around every corner around Middle Road, if you seek, you’ll find. 😉
Headed back and washed up with 
We were well fuelled by 
*satisfied grin*
And YES I had also lugged over the new ranges of skincare goodies; shower gel, scrub, body creams from The Body Shop to try out during the staycation, best decision ever! Our bathroom and room were filled and smelled so good of summer fragrances from the Pinita Colada (Pineapple and Coconut) to Polynesian Tiare (island flowers), they’ll all launch by June 9. 😉
And a wefie with the lovely one before we tore ourselves away from the room… we really didn’t want to go.
A very cosy and bubbly lobby atmosphere when we left, ideal for friends or family to gather before heading out.
You’ll find the MTG ReFa Body massager roller and a soft cloth to clean after each use.
Some of the creams and lotions I recommend to be used with the MTG Refa Body massage roller: 
(Forgot to include the gel I use into the photo above)
MTG ReFa Carat is a smaller version compared to the ReFa Body and is catered for the face, head and the more delicate and smaller parts of the body.
Traveling with my sis for this trip! On the coach~
My cute personalized passport cover thanks to Tiffy!
They had nice bread, but servings were huge. We didn’t want to be too full as we were expecting a buffet lunch at Coffee Terrace~
So I snapped a few photos and we headed to check out other food places.
Apparently my sis is a pro at it! 😛
Here’s one of me after a few takes. But as you can see, I can’t seem to take on with one hand only… I need more practice. Haha.
Here’s one with the group before going in! The plan was to take 5-10 min before it was open to public, to snap some photos before we can have fun after! Photos and cameras are not allowed (except for media) inside Snow World as they have professional photographers inside and will charge you for photos, should you want.
Super cute Easter eggs and sweets decor~
They have ice sculptures too.
Another group we-fie, inside!
With sis outside the Igloo house! 
The menu, sorry it’s a little dark, basically you have choices from Pizzas, Pasta and Meat.
Aglio Olio.
Refreshing Blackcurrent with apple base juice.
Slow braised lamb shank.
Spaghetti Bolognese.
Carbonara Pizza.
Lam Lee Burger, tastes like a restaurant version of Ramly burger.
Oblong Margherita Pizza.
Kampung Chicken.
Old Angus Beef T-Bone Steak.
Old Angus Beef T-Bone Steak. This was pretty good! Overall the food at Bubbles & Bites were of great value with prices from RM29 for Ethiopian Chicken to RM75 for the Old Angus Beef Steak. I highly recommend the Grilled Salmon Tagliatelle & Cremosa Pesto (RM33) & Chicken Schnitzel (RM29).
Oops, I didn’t snap a pic of the room / hour rates HAHA. I thought this was it. T_T I think it’s about RM80 per hour.
Leong looking so happy with his food! 🙂
With the group after a hearty and full breakfast!
And sealed shut.
With Aaron Crow, Fearless Cast & bloggers~
Banana Bailey, $10
Soft passionfruit marshmallows, not on menu.
2 weeks ago, 
Wooden interior and earthy colours makes for a luxurious yet comfortable experience.
View of the city from the comfort of our room!
Changed & chilling a little before heading out again…
