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4 Budget-Friendly Ways To Show Your Love For Football Or Soccer

This article is dedicated to the hardcore fans of the entertaining and vigorous sport where you kick the ball by foot to score a goal. In Singapore, this sport is either called Football or Soccer while in other parts of the world such as United States and Canada…you call it Soccer.

Nonetheless, here are the 4 budget-friendly ways to show your love for the coveted sport:

1. WATCH WHILE ENJOYING A DRINK

Watch the World Cup game with a drink from Brewerkz. Brewerkz, Singapore’s first microbrewery restaurant, serves handcrafted beers to suit every palate. Their mock-tails and other non-alcoholic drinks cost about S$6-9. While, the alcoholic drinks (i.e., excluding the handcrafted beers) cost about S$11-26. Game starts at 7:30 pm so, get in the restaurant early to secure a good spot across the 10 flat screen TVs.

Location: 301 Merchant Rd, Riverside Point, Singapore 058282

2. BUY THE BALL OR BE THE BALL

Bubble Bump Singapore offers bubble games where players wear inflatable balls in an attempt to win in a Soccer match. Each suit are harnessed and equipped to make sure your fall will be relatively painless. One session will surely bring all the players loads of laughter as you start the full-on bouncing action just to score a goal. The Bubble games can be enjoyed by a group of friends, colleagues, and families. A casual fun game including 10 bubble suits, 2 facilitator, equipments, and photography starts with S$15/pax (i.e., 20 people). For more information, visit: bubblebump.sg.

Alternatively, you can play at home by purchasing a ball at Toys R Us (S$14.95) or at Decathlon (S$8.90).

3. SUPPORT THE SINGAPORE’S S.LEAGUE LIVE

Nothing beats a live game action alongside the other fans! You can catch the S.League games live at the Kallang National Stadium, Jurong East Stadium, Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Jurong West Stadium, and Jalan Besar Stadium. The S. League games start from July 20 at 7:30 pm while, the Singapore Cup starts on May 22 at 7:30 pm.

Ticket prices range from S$1-6 depending on your age and the venue. For more information, visit: sleague.com.

4. TRAIN YOUR KID TO BE THE NEXT BECKHAM

Translate your love of Soccer or Football to your child by enrolling him or her in fun yet guided lessons. For the young tots of 18 months to 6 years old, you may purchase a GROUPON for 2 lessons (S$23) at TinyTots. For the children aged 4 to 14, you may purchase a GROUPON for 2 lessons (S$19) at 2Touch Soccer School.

I bid you adieu with this famed chant: Olé, Olé, Olé!

The True Cost Of Traditional Chinese Medicine In Singapore

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses several theories and practices that were developed in China back then…for over two millennia. The practices include herbal medicine, acupuncture, exercises, and massages.

In 2013, a study by Jingcheng Dong showed that there are different components in a TCM diagnosis, namely: Inspection, Auscultation-olfaction, Background, and Palpation. The inspection involves visually examining the changes in the patient’s appearance and movement. Auscultation-olfaction involves listening to sounds and smelling different odors. Background, consistent with the Western Medicine, involves checking the past medical records, family health history, and more. Lastly, palpation involves diagnosing an illness with the use of touch.

The common forms of TCM treatment available in Singapore are acupuncture and cupping. Acupuncture relieves the stress and pain while cupping stimulates blood flow and minimizes aches.

SO, HOW MUCH DOES TCM TREATMENTS COST?

The cost of your overall TCM treatment varies depending on the type of treatment and the clinic you go to. For instance, Ma Kuang Healthcare Group charges S$15 for the first consultation and S$10 for the following ones. Adults aged 60 and above get to enjoy their special discounts ranging from 20-30% off. The medicines are sold separately.

On the other hand, Xu Yang Acupuncture & TCM Clinic located at Yishun Ring Road, does not charge a cent for the consultation. And, their acupuncture treatment costs S$45. Aside from this, Singapore’s first integrated TCM and healthcare centre called Chinese Medical Centre charges S$80 for a session of Pulse Consultation, Yang Sheng Therapy, and a choice of whether Acupuncture, Cupping, or Gua Sha treatment.

Image Credits: Image Credits: makuang.com.sg/en

Since the cost of the treatments vary, it is important to do your research first to get the best results.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE TCM SERVICES?

1. MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S TCM PORTAL

You can find registered TCM practitioners at the TCM Portal – available here. Rest assured that the Health Sciences Authority regulates all the Chinese Proprietary Medicines. They must oblige with a set of criteria first before the products are sold in Singapore.

2. GROUPON

The famed online marketplace also houses affordable and discounted TCM treatments such as:

a. One Session of Pulse Consultation, Yang Sheng Therapy, and a choice of whether Acupuncture, Cupping, or Gua Sha treatment for S$28 only.

From Chinese Medical Centre – available here.

b. One Session of TCM Localized Pain Management Treatment and Physician’s Consultation for S$18 only.

From Fu Yang Tang TCM Clinic – available here.

Image Credits: facebook.com/FuYangTang

No matter what the expense totals to, remember to exercise discretion and caution with your purchase! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

4 Ways To Catch Good Movies In Singapore, For Free

1. AT THE CHANGI AIRPORT

If your flight is delayed for another 3-6 hours then, it will give you enough time to catch 2-3 movies at the Changi Airport, free-of-charge! The Changi Airport boasts their 24-hour cinemas that screen the Fox Movies Premium Channel at Terminal 2 and the latest movies of various genres at Terminal 3. Whoever said that getting stuck in a transit for hours could not be great…clearly has never been to ours!

Image Credits: www.changiairport.com

Terminal 2 is located near the Sunflower Garden at Departure Transit Lounge South while the Terminal 3 is near the Ambassador Transit Lounge at Departure Transit Lounge North. To know more about what the airport has to offer visit: changiairport.com

2. AT THE LOCAL LIBRARY

Aside from a wide array of books and electronic resources at the National Libraries, you can enjoy the beauty of performing arts especially at the “library@esplanade”. The library@esplanade offers services in the areas of dance, music, theatre, and film by providing an extensive collection of printed and non-printed resources.

It enables you to watch family friendly, classical, indie, and foreign movies for free! This shall foster learning, innovation, and creativity. They typically show films every first Wednesday of the month. For more information visit: nlb.gov.sg.

For the meantime, you may check out Queenstown Public Library’s moving screening of the “Earth From Space” documentary on May 30.

3. AT THE OUTDOORS

Looking for a perfect first date experience? Look no more as MovieMob brings you the premier outdoor movie screenings that would not cost you a cent! MovieMob, an acclaimed Outdoor Movie Specialist, screens movies to various locations around Singapore.

Since 2009, they have had about 200 drive-in cars per event and up to 800 pax per Picnic event. The overwhelming numbers is due to the fact not it showcases a unique movie experience and that you can vote which movie to watch.

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/apemoviemob

A gentle reminder: arrive early to secure the best spots. Screenings are typically held every third or fourth weekend of the month. So, stay updated by visiting: facebook.com/apemoviemob.

4. AT YOUR HOME

I for one love the experience of watching movies in my own home. It gives me a chance to rewind or pause scenes whenever I need to. Also, I do not have to worry about laughing so hard or dressing up for countless minutes. What is my secret? 1 word…YouTube.

Catch a free flick or two in the comforts of your own home by watching at YouTube’s Movies playlist at youtube.com/user/YouTubeMoviesWW. It has a myriad of films that are Russian, English, Hindi, Dutch, Tamil, Korean, French, and so much more. The films under this playlist are legal as they are copyright supported.

Are you a fan of Drama and Romance movies? Well, this classic film entitled “The Last Time I Saw Paris”, starring the legendary Elizabeth Taylor, will be worth your time.

Losing Money To Hire A New Talent Again? Perhaps, You’re A “Horrible” Boss

In 2014, the aspects of work of 5,000 Singaporean employees were studied by Singapore Human Resources Institute. They found that on average, the employees were considered “Under Happy” in the workplace. Creating a happier place to work in is proving to be a challenge especially when “horrible” bosses are the ones who run the organizations.

Horrible bosses do not just intrude in their employee’s personal time; they also cause huge expenses not only for the company but also for the nation’s economy. The loss of money can be attributed from either faking sick leave or having chronic stress due to the workplace dynamics. Also, the recruitment and legal costs due to high turnover rate cannot be missed!

The loss of money due to lack of productivity can be attributed from the employee’s behavior to either deliberately make mistakes out of spite or to be truly unmotivated. In a recent study by Officevibe, a U.S. based startup that offers employee-engaging activities to other organizations, respondents showed that 50% of the employees who felt undervalued are planning to look for another job the next year. In fact, 65% of them say that they would rather have a new boss than a pay hike. Yes! It is that bad.

DISSECTION OF THE LOCAL “HORRIBLE” BOSSES

In 2012, JobsCentral conducted a survey including the responses of 3,299 employees and 256 hiring managers. A whopping 31% of the respondents said that they do not have satisfying boss-worker relationship. This is because of the following reasons: lack of advancement opportunities (87.5%), lack of autonomy (80.6%), and work demands (71.1%).

The bad habits as confessed by the employers were: making the employees work during after hours (75%), regularly contacting employees that are on leave (46%), lengthening the meeting past the working hours (23%), and asking employees to run personal errands (6%).

Image Credits: Vocab Ninja via Flickr

If you do not want to be considered as a horrible boss then, take note of the actions said above. Do the opposite. Aside from that, here are no-cost tips to change your ways…

a. RESPECT YOUR EMPLOYEE’S PERSONAL TIME

Be sensitive with the employee’s personal time. They need this to shake off the stress brought by work demands. Also, they need to restore their energy so, they can be driven and productive the next day.

b. WELCOME EMPLOYEE FEEDBACK

Have a tri-monthly evaluation (i.e., occurring every three months) of the boss and the employees’ performances. Issues such as frequently shortening the deadlines and abusive behavior should be raised in confidence. This transparent culture will increase awareness and encourage necessary action.

c. DO NOT LOOK DOWN FROM A PEDESTAL

You may be the boss but you do not rule the entire world! Having too much pride to the point that you do not give credit, appreciation, or gratitude when it is due can cause dissatisfaction of the employees. As said a while ago, employees who felt undervalued are planning to look for another job. Fortunately, YOU can prevent that from happening!

Image Credits: Kumar Appaiah via Flickr

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Guide To Singapore’s Public Transport: Saving Benefits And Tips

Singapore’s Public Transportation aids in the nation’s economic and environmental challenges. Most locals prefer to travel via train or bus just because it is safe, fast, and efficient. On that note, here are the background, tips, and benefits of traveling thru Public Transportation…

BACKGROUND

1. TRAIN OR MASS RAPID TRANSIT (MRT)

As most parts of Singapore are accessible by the MRT, it proves to be an affordable and convenient option. Get cheaper rates by traveling with a concession card (i.e., Child Concession Card, Student Concession Card, NSF Concession Card, and Senior Citizen Concession Card). In fact, Senior Citizen Concession Card get 25% off adult fares all day.

If you are a tourist, you are in luck! The MRT stations are made to be merely walking distance from the notable attractions such as the museums.

2. BUS

The buses provide the most picturesque view of the Lion City at budget-friendly fares ranging from S$1-3. All the children below 7 years old get to enjoy free travel. It is important to know that all commuters are charged based on their total distance traveled (i.e., no transfer costs) whether it is by bus or by train. So, the fares depend on your location and destination.

TIPS

1. MOVE TO THE CENTER OF THE TRAIN

Moving to the center of the MRT does not only help passengers to smoothly go in and out but it will also help you to get a seat.

2. CHECK YOUR BELONGINGS

Always take care of your valuables. Although your lost item can be retrieved, there is a slim chance that the finder may choose to keep it.

3. GET AN ESTIMATE OF YOUR DISTANCE FARE

Use the standard online calculator available here to estimate your travel costs. Find alternative routes to get the cheapest fare.

BENEFITS

1. SAVE CASH

It is no surprise that Public Transportation saves you more money as the price of owning a car here is overwhelming. Adding to that, going by bus or by train can help you beat the petrol price hike and the cost for maintaining a vehicle.

2. SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

Public Transportation saves our environment as it reduces carbon emissions, petrol consumption, and congestion. Imagine if every family owns a car, given the scarcity of land, congestion will unfold.

Aside from preventing congestion, it is more energy efficient that private cars. According to the Land Transport Authority, the average carbon footprint per 10 km released by bus is 0.19kg while the by train is 0.13kg. This is smaller compared to the carbon footprint released by a private car (1.87kg)!

3. IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

Access to Public Transportation enables you to walk to and from the bus or MRT station. That is a no-cost way to exercise! Also, it avoids the stress you may get from driving especially during rush hours.

Image Credits: epSos .de via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

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