Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo Lead Wicked: For Good’s Singapore Premiere on Nov 13

Wicked fans, mark your calendars. On November 13, 2025, Singapore will turn emerald green as the Lion City hosts the Asia-Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good, the much-anticipated sequel to the global hit musical film Wicked. The exclusive event will take place at Universal Studios Singapore (USS) in Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), marking a milestone moment for the region’s entertainment landscape.

Singapore stands out as the only Asian stop on the film’s international promotional tour, joining an elite lineup of cities including São Paulo, Paris, London, and New York.

Image Credits: facebook.com/wickedmovie

Leading the star-studded cast are Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who reprise their iconic roles as Glinda and Elphaba. They will be joined by Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, Hollywood legend Jeff Goldblum, and director Jon M. Chu, celebrated for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights.

The celebration will begin with a special handprint ceremony, followed by the Asia-Pacific premiere screening at the Pantages Hollywood Theatre in USS. Guests can look forward to an exclusive gathering at Weave, the newly launched lifestyle and community hub of Resorts World Sentosa, which provides a fitting setting for this fusion of Hollywood glamour and Singaporean sophistication.

Image Credits: facebook.com/wickedmovie

Beyond the red carpet, the premiere represents a significant achievement for Singapore’s entertainment and tourism industries. As regional travel continues to recover, hosting one of Hollywood’s most beloved musical franchises reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a premier destination for experiential and world-class events. For Resorts World Sentosa, it also highlights a growing emphasis on immersive storytelling and entertainment-driven tourism.

Special tickets for the USS Premiere Day on November 13 are priced from S$93 for adults and S$72 for children, offering fans a rare opportunity to walk the yellow carpet alongside the cast. For Universal Studios Singapore, the premiere serves as both a marketing triumph and a renewed invitation for guests to rediscover Sentosa’s signature mix of leisure and spectacle.

Following the event, Wicked: For Good will open in local cinemas on November 20, 2025. Industry observers expect the film to set new box office records across Asia. With its timeless themes of friendship, ambition, and redemption, along with a soundtrack already evoking nostalgia, the film is set to enchant a new generation while reviving the cultural and economic magic of the Wicked legacy.

Image Credits: facebook.com/wickedmovie

As Glinda once said, “Happy is what happens when all your dreams come true.” That dream takes center stage on November 13, when Wicked arrives and the city shines in shades of green.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Singapore’s Homegrown Brands That Found Global Fame

The little red dot may be small, but its influence stretches far beyond its borders. For decades, Singapore has quietly been producing brands that not only define local identity but also win admirers overseas. These are names you have likely seen on Orchard Road or in your neighborhood mall, but what makes them remarkable is how they have grown from homegrown concepts into international players.

One evening, as I scrolled through Instagram, I stumbled upon a vintage listing of a Risis brooch from the 1980s. At first, I assumed Risis was a newcomer that had sprung up after the pandemic. To my surprise, the brand has been in operation since 1976, when it debuted at TANGS Orchard and sold thousands of its signature gold-plated orchid brooches within days. Risis even captured royal attention, presenting its orchids to Princess of Wales Diana in 1982. Personally, its delicate Vanda Limbata and Doritaenopsis Summer Red orchid brooch pendants (i.e., both plated in 24-karat gold and priced at S$140), are the ones I gravitate to the most.

Another name that resonates strongly with a younger crowd is Beyond The Vines. Founded in 2015 by husband-and-wife duo Daniel Chew and Rebecca Ting, the label began as a womenswear brand before evolving into a lifestyle powerhouse. Its Dumpling Bags, which start at S$69, became viral sensations for being practical, stylish, and surprisingly collectible. The philosophy behind the brand is simple but powerful: to make good design “accessible to all”. That vision has helped it expand into markets like Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia, proving that thoughtful design travels well across borders.

Image Credits: instagram.com/beyondthevines

Of course, no conversation about Singaporean exports would be complete without Tiger Beer. First brewed in 1932, Tiger has grown into a symbol of bold Asian flavor, now enjoyed in more than 50 countries. Brewed under Asia Pacific Breweries, the lager is celebrated for its full-bodied taste and rigorous brewing process. At under S$4 a bottle in local supermarkets, it remains an everyday favorite at home while standing as a premium Asian beer abroad.

Charles and Keith is another brand that transformed humble beginnings into global recognition. Established in 1996 by brothers Charles and Keith Wong, the label began as a modest shoe store at Amara Shopping Centre. Fast forward to today, and the brand is a global fashion force, with a presence from Tokyo to Mexico City. Known for staying ahead of trends while keeping prices accessible, the brand continues to draw in customers with bestselling bags, sandals, and accessories. Lucky for you! Bestsellers like the Koa Square Push-Lock Shoulder Bag in pink (S$34.90), Chain-Strap Pointed-Toe Slingback Flats in black (S$41.90), Samala Triple-Strap Sandals (S$48.90), and the Pony Hair & Leather Ring-Handle Bag (S$135.20) are currently on sale on their website.

Image Credits: facebook.com/charleskeithofficial

And then there is TWG Tea, a name that has come to embody luxury in a cup. Founded in 2008, the brand is unmistakable with its iconic yellow packaging and exquisite presentation. Offering more than a thousand varieties of tea, along with patisseries and fine dining, TWG has carved out a niche in markets as diverse as Japan, France, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. It is an experience as much as it is a beverage, one that has positioned Singapore as a global tastemaker in the tea industry.

Even everyday staples have found their way abroad. BreadTalk, the bakery that many Singaporeans consider a fixture of daily life, has expanded across Asia with its famous floss bun and inventive pastries. With dozens of outlets in Singapore and a growing footprint in markets like Thailand and Myanmar, BreadTalk proves that comfort food transcends cultural borders.

Image Credits: facebook.com/breadtalksingapore

What ties all these brands together is not just their Singaporean origin but their ability to balance authenticity with global appeal. From the timeless elegance of a gold-plated orchid to the everyday joy of a floss bun, each brand carries a story of local pride and global ambition. Which brand captures your heart the most?

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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All the Fun Things to Do in Singapore This Weekend

Singapore is buzzing this October with experiences that blend play, culture, and wonder. From Japanese adventures to pastel pop fantasies and prehistoric giants, the city is alive with color and curiosity.

At Guoco Tower, The Japan Rail Fair brings a taste of travel magic with its Stamp Rally inspired by Japan’s famous station stamps. Visitors can collect 23 beautifully designed stamps while exploring over 20 booths that showcase the charm of prefectures such as Yamaguchi, Nagano and Fukuoka. Each booth offers a slice of Japanese culture from tourism highlights to regional snacks. Completing the rally earns you a shot at winning round trip tickets on Japan Airlines and AirJapan, JR East Passes and rail inspired souvenirs. The event runs from 9 to 11 October from 11am to 8pm and entry is free.

Image Credits: facebook.com/JAPANRAILCAFE

For something colossal, Science Centre Singapore presents Dinosaurs | Extinctions | Us in collaboration with the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. This 3,000 square meter exhibition invites visitors to stand beneath a 40 metre cast of the Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest creatures to have ever lived. The showcase features 33 fossils and 60 full scale models tracing 400 million years of history. Beyond the spectacle, the exhibition reflects on how past extinctions connect with the environmental challenges humanity faces today. Tickets start from S$25.90 and come with a free dinosaur plush toy while stocks last.

Over at Bugis Plus, POP LAND Pop-Up makes its overseas debut and transforms the atrium into a pastel wonderland. The pop-up store celebrates the irresistibly cute world of MOKOKO with exclusive merchandise, whimsical photo corners and a joyful dose of kawaii fun. It is the perfect stop for those who love collectibles and crave a feel good escape in the middle of the city. The store is open from 15 to 26 October from 10am to 9.30pm. While it is not happening this weekend, consider this an early heads up as the event tends to fill up fast and registration slots often get snapped up quickly.

Image Credits: facebook.com/popmartsg

For a night of theatre and thrill, Cirque Alice takes over the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. The show reimagines Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale with breathtaking acrobatics, puppetry, dance and contemporary music. It is a world where Alice tumbles through wonder and chaos guided by performers who twist, fly and balance between fantasy and artistry. Tickets start from S$78 and performances run from 9 to 26 October.

Image Credits: facebook.com/cirquealice

If you are chasing nostalgia, art or awe, Singapore offers something extraordinary this October. Step out and let a little wonder find you and your loved ones!

Sources:1,2, & 3

 

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Russell Dominates Singapore GP, McLaren Seals Constructors’ Title

George Russell owned the night in Marina Bay, cruising to victory at the Singapore Grand Prix and marking his second win of the season. The 26-year-old Briton led from lights out to chequered flag, untroubled by the chaos that unfolded behind him.

Image Credits: MercedesAMGF1/F1NightRace/OfficialGR63 via facebook.com

The podium fight was a different story. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen held off a late surge from McLaren’s Lando Norris to finish second, while Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri collected enough points to secure McLaren’s constructors’ championship (i.e., with six races still left in the calendar). It is the team’s second consecutive title, cementing their return as Formula 1’s most consistent force.

For Singapore fans, the race delivered everything: a damp street circuit from pre-race rain, a fierce intra-team battle between Norris and Piastri, and the kind of strategic drama that has long defined this Grand Prix.

The flashpoint came early. Piastri, starting third, was clipped by Norris at Turn 1 as the Briton surged past Kimi Antonelli and his own teammate. The contact damaged Norris’s front wing and pushed Piastri back down the order, where a slow five-second pit stop later compounded his struggles.

Up front, Russell kept his cool while Verstappen wrestled with a car he admitted was “difficult to drive.” Even so, the Dutchman clung on, forcing Norris to settle for third after a late push in the final ten laps. Piastri crossed the line fourth, enough to deliver McLaren the points cushion that sealed the title.

Image Credits: MercedesAMGF1/F1NightRace/OfficialGR63 via facebook.com

“This feels amazing, especially after what happened a couple of years ago,” Russell said after the race. “That was a missed opportunity, but we more than made up for it today. The team was incredible all weekend. We don’t know where this performance came from, but I couldn’t be happier.”

Image Credits: MercedesAMGF1/F1NightRace/OfficialGR63 via facebook.com

With the constructors’ crown decided, the spotlight shifts to the drivers’ championship. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri leads on 336 points, just 22 ahead of teammate Norris. Verstappen sits third on 273, with Russell not far behind at 237. Six races remain, starting with the United States Grand Prix on October 17-19. In Austin, the fight for individual glory promises to be just as intense.

Image Credits: MercedesAMGF1/F1NightRace/OfficialGR63 via facebook.com

Trivia! Last 5 Singapore GP Winners:
2024 – Lando Norris (McLaren)
2023 – Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
2022 – Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
2019 – Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
2018 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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Mary Grace Cafe To Debut In Singapore In 2026

Another beloved food and beverage name is coming to Singapore. Mary Grace Cafe, a household favorite in the Philippines known for its heartwarming bakes and homestyle meals, will open its first outlet here in 2026. This marks the brand’s first overseas venture since it began more than two decades ago.

Although the exact opening date and location remain under wraps, fans can follow updates on the cafe’s Singapore Instagram page. Singaporeans have already had a taste of what is to come. Just last month, Mary Grace held a three day online pop up from September 11 to 13, delivering its cult favorite ensaymadas and cheese rolls. The ensaymada, a Filipino pastry with Spanish roots, is typically topped with butter, sugar and grated cheese, while the cheese roll offers a rich and pillowy bite of indulgence.

Image Credits: facebook.com/CafeMaryGrace/photos

Mary Grace prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients with no artificial colorings, additives, preservatives or pork lard. According to the brand, every pastry is made with one hundred per cent real butter and eggs, staying true to the recipes that have made them so loved in the Philippines.

The story of Mary Grace Cafe is as heartwarming as its food. What began in 2002 as a small bakery kiosk grew from the kitchen of Mary Grace, a mother of five with an entrepreneurial spirit and strong family support. By 2006, the brand expanded into a full service cafe serving hot meals alongside its signature bakes. Today, it has around 140 outlets across the Philippines, from kiosk stalls to full cafes, with a strong presence in Metro Manila at malls such as Alabang Town Center, Ayala Malls Circuit, Century City Mall and Bonifacio High Street.

Image Credits: facebook.com/CafeMaryGrace/photos

For fans of Filipino cuisine and those curious to try, the upcoming Singapore debut promises more than just pastries. It is a chance to savor the warmth, comfort and community that Mary Grace has built its name on. Keep an eye on their Singapore Instagram for updates on the opening date and location.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

 

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