The most difficult part for us during these trying times is the lack of in-person communication with our extended family, friends, and colleagues. Thankfully, we’re halfway through the circuit breaker period.

We’re sure that all of us are looking forward to seeing our extended family, friends, and colleagues again. But if you think that you’re not able to last 2 more weeks without keeping in constant contact with your loved ones, fret not.

Group video platforms are now on the rise, and here are some of our fave 5 platforms to use to keep in touch with your loved ones during the circuit breaker period, for the next 2 weeks. Ranging from the usual Skype video calls to playing mini-games with your friends via Houseparty, these apps have something for everyone.

HOUSEPARTY

Houseparty is a free-to-download application that allows its users to video call and play quizzes and games with each other. This brings us together online, when we can’t do it face to face. What makes this app stand out is the addition of quizzes and games you can play over a call, giving us the freedom to do more than just talk. It is one of the most popular apps on the App Store.

Available on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Android. More information can be found here.

SKRIBBL.IO

Skribbl.io is a free multiplayer drawing and guessing game, and the largest drawing game online. In one game, there are a few rounds. In every round, someone draws their chosen word on screen, and the others in the group have to submit wild guesses as to what the drawing is to gain points. The person who gains the most points at the end of the game wins. A great way to rewind with your friends on a lazy afternoon, we think.

Play Skribbl.io here. Available on iOS, macOS, and Android.

SKYPE

Before WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Houseparty, there was Skype. Skype is a veteran telecommunications application, specialising in video chats and voice calls. It’s also very family-friendly and has parental control features that allow their children to only add people they know, so parents need not worry.

Skype is available on various platforms, ranging from macOS (for Mac users), to Android tablets, to Amazon Alexa devices. Find the full list here.

ZOOM

Zoom was originally mostly used by business organisations to host business meetings. Nowadays, people use the app to host virtual birthday parties, or virtual classrooms for kids stuck in their homes. Their free plan allows you to host up to 100 participants, have unlimited number of meetings, and a 40-minute limit on group meetings.

Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. More information here.

KAST

Kast is a video sharing app that allows its users to host watch parties with friends. Kast allows you to host TV and movie watch parties with 100+ friends, and you’re even able to play and live stream your games by sharing your screen. These features make Kast stand out from the usual telecommunications app.

Available on Windows, PC, and macOS. Download and find out more here.

Our latest mission to up your Instagram game brought us to the Joo Chiat neighbourhood where we uncovered colourful shophouses, a vertical playground, creative murals, and architecture.

Nailing an Instagram-worthy photo can be a tricky thing but always keep an eye out for even the most unlikely of places. Remember, don’t just do this for the gram. Have fun and explore all the ways you can frame your shots because that creative challenge is a huge reason why avid photographers can keep revisiting the same ol’ place.

Find your own ways up the ante but here’s our guide to how you can start!

JOO CHIAT COMPLEX

The first thing we did was explore the Joo Chiat Complex right opposite Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre.

In an open area surrounded by outdoor retail shops and FairPrice are long panels in varying shades of green. Get in a full body portrait shot of that to capture the concept.

Another image you’d want to try is with the slanting link bridges between the complex and the carpark.

If you can get in a wider shot you’ll catch its interesting angles.

We explored deeper into the housing estate area and found a quiet resting spot with plenty of vines growing behind wooden chairs. It might be experimental but you could try framing this spot with leaves.

MURALS

If you prefer an artsy backdrop for your #ootd, most of us know about Haji Lane and Joo Chiat, so rake in the likes with a couple of these murals.

If you want to blend in with the picture, maybe try a walking shot or even get a gif of you touching the cattle.

A playful splash of art we found deeper in the residential area along Everitt Road was the Jousting Painters mural.

Pull our your brolly right here to add some humour.

VERTICAL PLAYGROUND

You have to find this blue three-storey vertical structure in Carpmael Park and indulge the kid in you. This urban pay structure is a “Wallholla” playground with ribbon-like platforms that look like they’re floating within a metal cage.

Climb through all its ins-and-outs while taking all kinds of crazy shots you need to fill your Instagram feed.

SHOPHOUSES

The Joo Chiat district is defined by its pre-war architecture and much of its charm from back when it was still a Peranakan enclave still remains. Play with the colours of its rows of two-storey shophouses and terrace houses that have been injected with some modernity from fresh tenants.

Take pictures with ornate facades that bear reliefs and motifs.

Or pose with those that exude minimalist vintage vibes.

Get your cameras ready for whimsical pop of colours that accentuate the traditional architectural style too.

WALKWAYS

As you navigate yourself through the cobweb of narrow lanes and five-foot ways, you’ll easily come by collapsible grilles that are a nostalgic throwback to our grandparents’ youth.

To us, there are no fixed must-or-don’t methods to get That Instagrammable Shot because, to quote Ansel Adams, there are no rules for good photographs. Besides, “you don’t take a photograph, you make it.” Have fun.

Put all your weekend plans on hold because from 16 November to 18 November 2018, you need to head down to Singapore Turf Club @ Kranji for Let’s Go Jalan Jalan, an inter-generational food and music festival that marries amazing food and live music—all for a single weekend!

A food and music event of mega proportions—we’re looking at more than 130 booths dedicated to food and festival grub alone—this is one event you do not want to miss out on. There are also game stalls scattered all over the event space and even a go-kart. On the main stage, be swept off your feet to the sounds of local musical acts such as ORANGECOVE, Goose (Angus Sham) and local jazz maestro, Robert Fernando.

Suitable for both the young and young at heart who adore good music and better food, you are guaranteed to find a vast diversity of fun things to do here, so if you’re all out of ideas for plans for the family this weekend, you know where to go. Here’s a little insight into the things we saw, did and ate!

BUTTERBEER  – SAIKO BUTTER BREW (BOOTH 125)

Fancy something ice-cold to cool yourself off with? Then you should definitely get yourself a Butter Beer (S$5) from Saiko Butter Brew. Made to taste, look and feel like beer without actually containing any alcohol, the froth at the top is actually made using a butterscotch foam that is both creamy, luscious and well, buttery.

MALA POPCORN CHICKEN – SHACKMIE (BOOTH 75)

Festival grub comes in all shapes and sizes nowadays. Many of them stem from different cuisine and the one that has recently gained quite a following for its sheer versatility is fried chicken.

Over at Shackmie, be sure to try their signature Mala Popcorn Chicken (S$4) that comes coated generously with their own blend of mala powder. Punchy, numbing (just the way we like it) and tasty, this is something that we can imagine ourselves going back for.

SATAY, PUFFS AND OTHER MALAY DELIGHTS – MALAY FOOD BOOTH (LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE MAIN STAGE)

For a hit of nostalgia and the flavours of good-old Singaporean local food, be sure to stop by the Malay food booth right in front of the main stage to savour one of their many traditional Malay delights.

Backed by several years of experience cooking authentic Malay food and ultimately, with lots of heart, their satay, assorted puffs and nasi biryani come with the promise of vibrant flavours and alluring aromas.

DURIAN ICE CREAM – 211 HOUSE OF DURIAN (BOOTH 183)

Being massive fans of the iconic ‘king of fruits’, there was no way that we were going to pass up on the durian ice cream from 211 House Of Durian. A notch more flavourful (and richer) than its recent McFlurry counterpart, we highly recommend getting this if you’re looking to cool off or simply satisfy your craving for durian.

And costing S$5 for a large cone, this is something many people would often brush off, but we assure you that doing so would be a huge mistake.

NEON BUBBLE WAFFLES (BOOTH 194)

Inspired by the popular Hong Kong street food snack, ‘gai dan zai’, this stall sells innovative egg waffles that come in all shapes, colours, fillings and toppings.

We ordered for ourselves their signature Bubble Waffles (S$6) which comes filled with all sorts of sweet, diabetes-inducing delights such as Oreos, whipped cream, M&Ms and more.

CHEESEWHEEL PASTA – GIOIA (BOOTH 120)

When it comes to creamy pasta, cheese is a must—and lots of it. Over at Goia, get your hands on their Cheesewheel Pasta (S$8) that features freshly cooked pasta, mixed around directly on a cheese wheel.

Tossed and swirled until everything is properly covered in cheese, the pasta develops a rich, creamy exterior that tastes as delicious as it looks. S$8 may seem hefty but it really is worth the splurge.

LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES (MAIN STAGE)

In between activities, be sure to pop by the Main Stage to check out the repertoire of musical acts in store. The music line-up comprises various local talents ranging from the established musicians to the young and budding ones, so what you can expect is a vibrant mix of sounds from yesteryear and of today.

Let’s Go Jalan
Singapore Turf Club @ Kranji (Carpark B)
16 Nov – 18 Nov 2018
Fri: 5pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kranji

These days, drinking games no longer revolve around King’s cup and a bunch of card games. Sure, those games are everyone’s go-to especially after having countless rounds of ‘Never Have I Ever’ with your old friends during your catch up sessions, but when nights like these become mundane, all we need is an extra boost other than alcohol.

Yes, while we may all agree that everything seems more fun and intense after having chugged down a pint (or two) of beer in a couple of seconds, there are several arcade-style bars in Singapore that have taken nightlife a notch up.

Now, retro-themed arcade consoles, electronic beer pong tables and plenty of dart machines take centre stage in elevating your nightlife, making sure that you have one hell of a memorable time.

For those of you who are searching for a place that offers more than just average bar grub, live music and irresistible happy hour deals, look no further than at these 7 arcade-style bars in Singapore.

Photo Credit: iamhkh

CLUB CASTLE

Looking for a bar whose walls are fully decked with utterly Instagrammable neon lights, multi-coloured LED chairs and tables as well as entertainment that will keep you busy throughout the night? Club Castle has got them all on top of a wide variety of drinking roulette and dice games.

Besides the myriad of games available, you can look forward to a series of wacky cocktails presented in the most absurd of ways from hospital needle shots to Chinese wine jugs!

217 Lavender Street (2nd Storey)
Singapore 338772
Tel: +65 9722 4018
Mon to Fri, Sun: 5pm – 3am
Sat: 6pm – 4am
Nearest Station: Bendemeer/ Farrer Park

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Photo Credit: Forest Darts Cafe

FOREST DARTS CAFE

While we all know that darts is a traditional pub and bar game, it is serious business here at Forest Darts Cafe. Not only does this indoor forest-themed bar have greenery draped from its ceilings, it has close to a dozen dart machines which are sometimes used for internal dart matches.

Also, if you are the type to think that your singing gets better after a pint or two, don’t be shy to have a go at their karaoke machine where you can unleash your inner Beyoncé.

45 Ann Siang Road, #01-01/02
Singapore 069719
Tel: +65 6227 3522
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri: 5pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 2am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

HOPHEADS

Hopheads posits as one of the best places in town to unwind, chill out, go crazy with your friends and get competitive with a bunch of both drinking and non-drinking games.

Think beer pong, foosball, darts and even table tennis all in the same space as where you can get insanely affordable happy hour deals. The best part? No minimum spend is required so you can play to your heart’s content as long as you make a purchase of a drink or two that night.

178 Clemenceau Ave
Haw Par Glass Tower #B1-00
Singapore 239926
Tel: +65 6904 4019
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 12 midnight
Fri: 11.30am – 2am
Sat: 5pm – 2am
(Closed on Sundays except for private events)
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

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Photo Credit: Level Up

LEVEL UP

Hidden on the second level of a shophouse in Clarke Quay, Level Up is known to be Singapore’s first ever arcade-bar. With walls that are gussied up with bright graffiti murals and quirky neon lights adorning the pillars, you can tell that this spot is all about fun and games right from the get-go.

Boasting over 10 game machines such as air hockey and basketball where you can get competitive with your friends, any night at Level Up is guaranteed to be a fun and fulfilling night. All you have to do is get some drinks to obtain tokens for these machines!

3A River Valley Road #02-04
Singapore 179020
Tel: +65 6266 2276
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 2am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 3am
Sun: 4pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: Nineteen80

NINETEEN80

Nineteen80 is an 80′s-inspired arcade-pub conveniently situated in the CBD that makes for the perfect place to swing by if you are looking for a place to chill out, have fun and chug down some booze after a long day at work.

Their decor will have you feeling like a fictional character starring in an old-school game right from the moment you step in there—here you may snap away at their pixelated walls that make for the most Instagrammable backdrop or go crazy at their arcade machine that feature games such as Space Invaders, Golden Axe, Puzzle Bobble and Street Fighter 2.

21 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-05
Singapore 088444
Tel: +65 9183 6073
Tue & Thu: 5.30pm – 1am
Wed, Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 3am
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

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PONG SINGAPORE

PONG Singapore is the newest kid on the block and a hi-tech one at that—adopting the latest PongConnect™ technology, this bar in Clarke Quay is home to the first ever PongConnect beer pong table in Singapore that guarantees each round to be a fun and action-packed experience.

On top of their digital beer pong tables, you can expect dart machines, an array of beers on tap, hand-crafted cocktails and scrumptious fusion-style food to complete the entire package of what it means to have a lit night—that is to have a great amount of fun, great company and of course, even greater food.

3B River Valley Road #01-17,
The Foundry
Singapore 179021
Tel: +65 8808 7664
Sun to Tue & Thu: 5.30pm – 2am
Wed, Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning / Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: Tipsy Penguin

TIPSY PENGUIN

Lo and behold, a sports bar in the East of Singapore. Situated right opposite Our Tampines Hub, Tipsy Penguin is a rare gem boasting a spacious interior, a myriad of food options, and of course, loads of fun elements—arcade games at Tipsy Penguin include Bishi Bashi Champ, Pinball and even a boxing machine.

If your stomach is feeling a tad empty, you’d be pleased to know that they have an extensive menu with different cuisine options—expect fresh handmade pasta, donburi bowls and even oysters from just S$2 each!

300 Tampines Avenue 5, #01-02A
Singapore 529653
Tel: +65 9179 2051
Daily: 11.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: Tampines

Read: 11 Bar in Singapore’s CBD with the best happy hour promotions.