Category: Millennial Lifestyle

A wedding is only as good as its hashtag. Well, maybe not, but they sure are fun to think about in light of the 100 other details you need to take care of for your impending wedding. Wedding hashtags show the couple's personality, are functional, letting you see the photos your guests have taken, and of course, are the creative embodiment of two become one. Common among young couples, there are even <a href=" hashtag generators out there to help you come up with an innovative hashtag for your big day! In need of some inspiration for your own wedding? Here are 15 of the smartest, most creative hashtags we found that deserve a special shout-out.

1. #JincomPATible

Taking the ‘Jin’ from Pei Jin and the ‘Pat’ from Patrick, this couple came up with this. “Jin” is Hokkien for “very”, so the hashtag reads to mean “very compatible”.

2. #LimmingTheDream

A play on the groom’s surname “Lim”, these lovebirds are now living the dream.

3. #TheAudBentureBegins

The adventure of AUDrey and BEN begins.

4. #OnceInALifeTham

Those who’ve been following the founder of online fashion store Vaingloriousyou, Tricia Ong, will know this one. “Tham” is used to replace time because it’s the groom’s surname.

5. #ChewgetherFioever

The groom’s surname is Chew, and he will be together forever with Fiona.

6. <a href=" Feel the love of Philipp and Lavon.

7. #HansGotCharmed

John Hans tied the knot with beautiful Charmaine, so you could say #HansGotCharmed.

8. #Jun男Mel女

The groom’s name is Jun Long and the bride’s name is Melissa, while “男” is mandarin for guy and “女”, for girl. “Mel” from Melissa can also be read as “Mei”, which is mandarin for pretty. Pretty clever word-play for “handsome guy and pretty girl”!

9. #ThisChanSoHeng

Chan is the groom’s surname and Heng is the bride’s. ‘Heng’ is Hokkien for lucky, so it loosely means the groom is so lucky.

10. #MellyYouSoon

Bride’s name is Melissa (Melly), groom’s surname is Soon – marry you soon.

11. #theWANforNAB

SafWAN is the Wan and only for NABilah.

12. #FongLingInLove

Borrowing the “Fong” from Wei Fong and “Ling” from Wei Ling, this hashtag is a cute play on the phrase “Falling in love”.

13. #YuanMarriedLiao

The groom’s name is Si Yuan and bride’s surname is Liao. Very Singaporean, we like.

14. #HappyLeeWithPris

Groom's surname is Lee, bride’s name is Pris. And they lived happily ever after.

15. #KOKlovesBJ

KOK (Hwa) loves B(ao) J(i). Solid hashtag. Good one bro!

What’s Your Hashtag?

Know of other creative wedding hashtags? Share them with us in the comments! If you’ve been seeing your friends get hitched one by one and wonder if you’re going to end up #ForeverAlone, don’t worry because you can meet others in the same predicament as you <a href=" Also read, The Breakup Reasons These 10 S’poreans Gave Their Ex-es Will Make You Say ‘WTF’

I can’t wait to grow up!” "Why can't I skip this whole part and just be an adult!" Oh no, there is no fast forward button in this thing we call life. I don’t know about you, but growing into adulthood was one hell of a journey for me. When you grow up, you grow out of who you used to be, and sometimes, you grow apart from the people you used to be close with. The girls in class you used to be #bffs with, that one special person you shared a special romance with. You went everywhere, did everything together. You guys were inseparable. Like a ‘buy 1 free 1’ package deal; like an egg to an otherwise kosong prata. They were forever to you--were. The hard truth is, sometimes, forever is but a spoken word.

Why You Need To Let It Go

When the truth hits you right in the face, it sucks. But do you let it bog you down, or do you just forget it and enjoy the ride? I once had a best friend who broke up with her partner because of how mentally abusive the relationship got. He moved on to the next girl fairly quickly, but she just couldn’t. As someone who cared a lot about her, it was heartbreaking to see her resorting to hanging around his house, hoping just to catch a glimpse of him. It was even more painful to see her putting herself down, comparing herself to his new girl. It definitely didn’t help that she denied being hung up on him – which brings me to my next point.

Be Honest With Yourself

Are YOU happy? If your answer is not a straight out, 100% yes, then you need to think about why this isn’t so. Maybe you really loved the person and you truly believe you won't find another like them. Maybe you feel like you lost a part of yourself that you can never find back. Maybe you envisioned a perfect future that included them and now that they're gone, you can't imagine any other kind of future. Maybe you feel like you just aren't good enough for anyone or anything. If you relate to any of this, or if you're going through these crappy emotions you wish you didn't have to go through, you are certainly not alone. Acknowledge your feelings and know that what you feel is okay. I've gone through these emotions myself, and so have many, many others. The sleepless nights, the tears you shed behind bathroom doors, the “Oh, I’m just tired” you say to people, pretending everything is okay, the fear you have of never finding someone else like them, the difficulty of trusting people again, the flashbacks you get whenever you see, hear, taste, or smell anything remotely associated with them. It’s painful, and it sucks.

Deal With It

So... What can you do about it? Here’s a blunt but handy flowchart which really helped me through my own tough times.
Image Credit: Raptitude

Granted, it doesn't give you any specific instructions on how to let go, but that's the thing: there isn't a clear-cut way to deal with your emotions. There isn’t a step-by-step cheat sheet to teach you how to let go and move on.

The only thing you can do is either A – decide to do something about it, or B – STFU and move on. Don’t complain. Don’t live your life in despair. Don’t live in denial. Don’t feel sorry for yourself. At the end of the day, what are you going to do for yourself?

Do Something For Yourself

Ironically enough, when I stopped giving a shit, when I stopped replaying in my head all the times I had to let go of the many treasured friendships and relationships I've had, life became a lot less shitty. I started doing things for myself. I went on shopping sprees. I ran. I made an effort to take up dance classes again. I caught up with old friends. I appreciated my family. I splurged to explore the world. Heck, I even resorted to Tinder to curb my loneliness. I decided to let go, to let loose. I decided to make my sunshine in the storm. I made a conscious effort to be happy, and it worked.

Perspective Changes Everything

Letting go of someone can be hard, but it is only as hard as you make it out to be. Dig deep and find yourself. Only then will you know how to let go and be happy. After all, no one knows you better than you. Nothing new is going to magically appear in the fridge if you don’t put something into it. Nothing will change if you’re not going to do anything about it. So get out there and do something--anything! Channel your emotions into things that will benefit you. Do some exercise, clean up your room, take up a new hobby, do that one thing you’ve always wanted to do but never got the chance to because of whatever reasons. It could be the most liberating, most empowering thing, and it could be the very thing you need. Let go of things that are not meant for you, because what is meant to be, will be.
You probably would have heard of Artbox Singapore by now. Thailand’s ever popular pop-up creative market has made it to our shores, and for two weekends, it promises to give Singaporeans an unforgettable experience. This would be Artbox’s first stop in its Asia tour.
Artbox
One weekend of Singapore’s inaugural Artbox is over and we were there to soak in the atmosphere with fellow millennials. I’m sure that, like us, you would have read about the overwhelming crowds that thronged the event at its opening. We hear that Artbox Singapore will be better prepared for the crowds this weekend, which is good news because word is that more vendors from Thailand will be joining in the festivities. Examples include clothing brands Rosalyn and Urban Indigo, as well as jewellery brand Mizuchol. We’re excited but also preparing ourselves to brave some crowds and try some of the food we missed out on before, like the photogenic Talad Thai drink and Dragon’s Breath! Having been there ourselves last week, here are some handy tips we have for you to maximise your Artbox experience: 1. Avoid peak periods – Vendors mentioned that the bulk of the crowds usually start streaming in around 3 to 5pm and this continues all the way to 8pm. So head on down after dinner for a (hopefully) more comfortable experience. 2. Bring wet weather gear – If the past weekend is anything to go by, there will be rain. So remember to bring your trusty raincoat/poncho along to keep yourself dry. Umbrellas, unfortunately, add to the clutter, and you don’t want to be hitting others with your umbrella! 3. Don’t dress to impress – As much as you may love your #OOTDs, dressing comfortably is the smarter thing to do. After all, you are either going to get sweaty from the heat or wet from the rain. Come in comfortable shorts and t-shirts, and wear slippers/sandals for a super chill time. 4. Get your Instagram-worthy shots near closing – Artbox Singapore closes at 11pm, and around this time, crowds will start to disperse. Get your shots with the containers and beautiful lights then. 5. Bring along your POSB and DBS cards – Artbox Singapore has a special area just for POSB and DBS cardholders, where you can chill out as long as you want! While there last weekend, we also took the opportunity to speak with some visitors at Artbox Singapore to find out what drew them to the event. Here’s what two of them had to say:

Joey

Joey
I find it liberating to wander around in flea markets overseas. There is always this orderly chaos that is so alluring. It is interesting to see the kind of wares people hawk - from intricate handcrafted accessories to antiques, to even amulets in Thailand. I’m glad Singapore is finally getting Artbox onto our shores. It’s a big step towards promoting creativity and entrepreneurship - things the government has been trying to push for in recent years. I truly believe the arts scene in Singapore will flourish in time to come.

Alexis

Alexis
I'm a huge fan of travelling and one day, I finally decided to take the plunge and quit my job to travel for a year. It opened my eyes to the world and the different lives of others. I'm grateful to be able to do so and would recommend everyone to try it, after saving up. The three things I like to do when overseas is check out the museums, hang out at cafes and go to the local markets, or Mercado, as they call it in South America. I find that these are the best places to get in touch with the freshest local food and culture. That's how I discovered the night markets of Taiwan and Thailand, such as Chatuchak and Rod Fai markets. Even though I have not been to Artbox in Thailand, personally, I love that it is here in Singapore because it just makes our city more vibrant and interesting. I hope that Singapore can create our own brand of outdoor markets, similar to those in Thailand or Berlin's, by seeking inspiration from elsewhere, while maintaining the Singaporean identity. This will give Singaporeans a place to go and shop in a fun environment, sort of like a carnival. I’m optimistic that our little red dot will become more vibrant as time passes and I'm excited to be a part of it. This article is brought to you by DBS. Also read 15 S’poreans Share The Sweetest Thing Their Partner Has Done That Will Make You Say ‘Spoil Market’
Consider yourself a bit of a Grammar Nazi? Find out for sure with this quiz--and don't worry, it's not an English test... Or is it?
[qzzr quiz="402732" width="100%" height="auto" redirect="true" offset="0"]
Also read 15 S'poreans Share The Sweetest Thing Their Partner Has Done That Will Make You Say 'Spoil Market'

(Top Image Credit: Quintessential Bibliophile)

When you're in love, everything is beautiful. Even the weirdest habits and tiniest idiosyncrasies seem cute to you – the way they snort every time they laugh, the hair growing awkwardly out of one of their moles... Heck, even a deathly fart from them can make you laugh. That said, what keeps a relationship alive is the actions partners do for each other to keep that fire burning. We asked 15 millennials about the sweetest thing(s) their partners have done for them. Here are their stories.

1. "He was my glorified hair band"

I was really sick one day and he came over to make me feel better. Really sick like stomach flu, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting – the whole enchilada. It took him about 40 minutes to drive all the way from Bukit Batok to Pasir Ris just to be my glorified hair band, holding my hair and rubbing my back while I threw up. And the thing is, this happened at 4am in the morning! At the time, I didn't want him seeing me in the state I was in – the pathetic whimpering, the contents of my vomit and all. But he said even if he didn't see me at my worse then, he would in the future. He even cracked a joke, saying we must buy a flat that's not so 'ulu' and with a 24-hr clinic nearby. That night, he was my bed warmer, tucking me in, holding me close and patting me to sleep before bringing me to the clinic in the morning. – Samantha

2. "He walked around to 'test' my balloon"

The other day at i Light Marina Bay, he won me a huge, super cute teddy bear balloon. But it kept deflating, so we thought there was a hole on it somewhere. I got really upset, so he went to exchange it while I waited. It took him so long! Turns out he went to exchange it 5 times! He exchanged it, and then walked around to ‘test’ the balloon. The first four times, the air escaped, and he kept going back to change it because he knew I would be sad if I got a defective balloon. – Nur'Ain

3. "He makes my safety his priority"

He sends me home whenever we go out, regardless of the time and place. We're both working adults with a decreasing supply of energy, so workday dinners are both a sweet and tiring affair. There was once when he was so drained from a full day of work events that he fell asleep standing on the train! I kept telling him to go home, but he stubbornly refused through his sleepy eyes and all. It's a simple gesture, but him sacrificing his precious rest time just to make sure I always get home safe is really sweet. – Melissa

4. "He sings me sweet lullabies"

Ever since the song 'All Of Me' was released in 2013, it has been my favourite jam and I find the lyrics very sweet and meaningful. At the end of our nightly phone calls, he always sings that song to me to lull me to sleep (it works by the way!). I think he may have gotten lazier over time though, because nowadays, he only sings the chorus. But the fact that even after more than 5 years of dating, he still sings me to sleep? I think it's very sweet! – Zaf

5. "She splurged on me"

On Valentine’s Day, she surprised me with a pretty expensive watch. I have a watch I usually wear when I go out, but it was spoilt, so I stopped wearing it. We are both saving up to get married, so I was surprised that she splurged on that watch for me. It’s sweet to me because she makes my needs a priority despite having to save up for our big day. – Julian

6. "She thinks of my family"

She always thinks of me and my family whenever she goes overseas. She brings snacks and bits back for them, even if it’s a short trip. I remember how one time, she bought durians for my parents (I hate durians by the way) because she knew they like eating them. The fact that she has me and my family at the back of her mind when doing things is what makes it very sweet. – Ming Da

7. "She made me a lucky charm"

I was going for an important English exam and she made a good luck charm for me: a handmade paper-craft that could be tied to the key chain I use. She knew I was unprepared and all tensed up, so it was her way of helping calm my nerves. She probably took a whole day to make it, and that's a heartwarming thought. – Vincent

8. "We look good for each other"

When many couples are together for a long time, they tend to get comfortable and stop doing what they used to for each other. However, she’s different. To me, the sweetest thing is that she always dresses up to look pretty whenever we meet. It’s not that she doesn’t look good when she doesn't dress up, it’s more about the effort she consistently puts in. I really appreciate it and I do the same for her – this way, we always look forward to seeing each other. – Lawrence

9. "It's in the little things"

There is no one sweetest thing, but rather many little random acts which are all equally sweet. For example, during dinner, she always puts food on my plate first. And because we have different work schedules, sometimes we may not get to see each other for a few days. But almost every day, she will text to say 'good morning', and this is 6 years plus into our relationship! These little gestures actually do mean a lot, even if they don’t seem like much. – Kelvin

10. "He got the hint"

He surprised me with flowers during Valentine’s Day this year. This is the first time ever, because I told him I didn't like flowers last time, so he never gave any. A month before Valentine’s, I told him that actually flowers are quite nice, just that they will probably die quickly in my hands. So on Valentine's Day, he came to fetch me from my place and there he was, waiting in his car with the flowers and he used Facebook live to capture the moment. – Naomi

11. "She sacrifices her sleep for me"

I work as a photographer for weddings and events and often come home late after shoots. The sweetest thing shes does is cook supper for me, which sometimes is really my dinner. This is in the middle of the night, when she is already about to sleep, and she has to wake up early for work the next morning . – Clement

12. "She still gives me morning calls"

We've been together for more than 4 years, and she still gives me morning calls to wake me up for work. There are times when I have to wake up really early as I shoot weddings, and she'd be my very reliable human alarm clock. She would set her own alarm to wake up at 4am in the morning to call me, just to ensure I don't oversleep and be late for my shoot. This is even when she has her own work commitments from 10am to 11pm that same day. – Ivan

13. "He makes me feel safe"

One night, my sister told me she could feel a ghostly presence in my room. I was so scared I couldn't sleep and I sobbed. That's when my then boyfriend (now husband) called me and asked what he could do to make me feel better. I didn't reply and continued crying, until I heard him strumming on his guitar. He started singing praise and worship songs in an attempt to calm me down. He assured me that God would be there to protect me no matter what and that he would keep on singing until I fell asleep – and that's exactly what he did. – Dorothy

14. "He made me a dream catcher"

One of the sweetest and most thoughtful things my partner has done for me is learn how to weave a dream catcher. I used to have a lot of nightmares and on one of our anniversaries, he made one for me. Hanging the handmade dream catcher above my bed, he told me it was to catch all my bad dreams. Just imagine a man weaving a dream catcher! And this is coming from a man who doesn't even usually do handicraft work. – Patrina

15. "He waited 3 hours for me"

A few years ago, when I was doing my internship, I was suddenly dragged into a last minute meeting that lasted past 9pm. I was supposed to meet my boyfriend at 6pm at a mall nearby for dinner, but I couldn't tell him I was in a meeting because I didn't have my phone on me. When I left, I expected to go home alone but he was standing outside my office waiting this whole time! I was really touched because I was so drained from the long day, and him being there just made everything better. These acts of sweetness mean so much more to me than grand gestures and extravagant gifts. – Venessa While these may not be the grandest of gestures, one thing's for sure: the littlest of actions can brighten up the day of the one you love. What are some of the sweetest things YOUR partners have done? Let us know in the comments! *Some names have been changed for privacy reasons. (Top Image Credit: Douglas Lin)
Singapore is small, and don’t we all know it. In this tiny little country, there aren’t a ton of things you can do. No road trips, no gigantic carnivals you can spend the whole day at... With so little land, we don’t have much to work with—we get it. So we set out to hear from ten millennials, hoping to find out more about what they do on the weekends, and what are some of their never-miss happenings in Singapore. Here’s what they had to say.
Source: <a href=" 1. “I like to chill with my friends at cafes and talk for long hours over dessert. My favourite place for ice cream is Sunday Folks at Holland V – but you have to be there early to get seats ‘cuz there’s always long queues!” – Zafirah, 27, Content Producer [caption id="attachment_1320" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Source: <a href=" 2. “In the late afternoon, I like to take a jog along the Punggol park connector network. The reservoir scenery feels like an Eden away from the city’s hustle and bustle and is extremely relaxing. With the opening of the Container Bistros, it also provides me easy options for mid-jog snacks!” – Sammie, 25, Editor [caption id="attachment_1313" align="aligncenter" width="558"] Source: <a href=" 3. “I love that over the years, more and more markets have been popping up all over Singapore, from the smaller scale art markets selling locally made stuff to the bigger, more famous ones like Artbox. I’m actually really looking forward to Artbox this coming Good Friday weekend as it’s the first time it’s going out of Thailand! I’m sure there will be new food, products or brands to discover.” – Yun Jie, 21, Intern 4. “I like to go to the National Gallery. It’s in the heart of the city, the architecture is amazing and I get to learn more about Singapore and Southeast Asia history. Most importantly, it’s FREE.” – Natasha, 24, Social Media Strategist [caption id="attachment_1318" align="aligncenter" width="558"] Source: <a href=" 5. “I know it sounds super ah beng but I enjoy prawning on the weekends! I go to the one near my place and can spend HOURS there without feeling bored. To be honest, it’s quite expensive, but there’s a challenge that comes with prawning that I enjoy.” – James, 28, Entrepreneur [caption id="attachment_1322" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Source: Time Out
6. “Music festivals! Last time, the only music festival in Singapore was ZoukOut, but now there’s Laneway, Garden Beats, Ultra… As someone who can’t live without my music, I love the way things are going with music festivals in Singapore.” – Theresa, 26, Healthcare Worker
Source: <a href=" of Everything
7. “It’s a bit touristy for me to say this, but I like going to the beach and just chilling with a couple of friends at the beach clubs there (e.g Mambo and Tanjong Beach Club at Sentosa). We have a few drinks while playing card games and beer pong. I went to the DBS Marina Regatta’s pop-up urban beach last year too!” – Navin, 29, Manager
Source: <a href=" 8. “I love to check out cool cafes in Singapore. I love it when there’s great ambience and affordable food.” – Nate, 24, Designer 9. “I love to visit the projector theatre as they often show independent films which are not showing in other cinemas. I love the vibe the environment gives. It feels like you’ve been teleported back into the past, with its old school furniture.” – Marie, 23, Marketing [caption id="attachment_1314" align="aligncenter" width="559"] Source: William Cho
10. “Bar-hopping around town or the Clarke Quay area in search of the best deals for drinks for chill sessions. It creates a different atmosphere for every meet up with my friends due to the varying environments!” – Jessica, 20, Student Singapore may be small, but for many of us Singaporeans, it has its charm. With an evolving F&B and entertainment scene that’s only getting more exciting with time, and brands like DBS sponsoring fun, exciting events like Artbox and Ultra, there are so many reasons to love our little red dot! Millennials, what are your best kept secrets on the fun things to do in Singapore? What is your number one favourite thing to do here? Let us know in the comments below! This article is brought to you by DBS.
Over the years, we’ve seen celebrity couples come and go and while celebrity breakups seem to be the norm rather than the exception, there are still a handful of them we can’t seem to get over. Here are 10 Singaporean celebrity couples we always thought were endgame but that just didn’t work out. Pass the popcorn.

1. Rosalyn Lee & Justin Vanderstraaten

After 6 long years of dating, Michelle Chia and Shaun Chen finally registered their marriage in 2008. Their wedding ceremony was televised and we all witnessed two very attractive people being brought together in holy matrimony. Unfortunately, their marriage was short-lived and citing personality and lifestyle differences, the couple divorced in 2012.

3.    Allan Wu and Wong Li-Lin

[caption id="attachment_1284" align="aligncenter" width="430"] The Straits Times
This also very good-looking couple were together for 2 years before they tied the knot in Los Angeles–Allan’s hometown–in December 2003. Fast forward 9 years, they have 2 kids, moved to Shanghai, ended their marriage in 2016 and then moved back here to Singapore. The reason for their split remains unknown as the couple would rather keep it private.

4.    Naomi Neo and JianHao Tan

<a href=" Previously known as #NaoHao, these YouTubers called it quits in 2015 after being together for 1.5 years. Naomi confessed to dating someone else while still in a relationship with Jian Hao because he just wasn’t giving her enough attention. Ultimately, work got in the way and the two decided to go their separate ways. We’re still trying to get used to not seeing this cute couple on each other’s YouTube channels.

5.    Nicole Choo & Ridwan Azman

[caption id="attachment_1286" align="alignnone" width="1024"] @ridhwannabe
Just as Dee Kosh had predicted, this pair ended things in January this year. Hands down the most dramatic breakup of all time, the two dated since 2015 and over time, their relationship grew abusive—both mentally and physically. Things started to get really blown out of proportion when they took to social media to voice their anger. What ever happened to not airing your dirty laundry in public?

6.    Jaime Teo & Daniel Ong

<a href=" Cupcakes
After 9 years together, former Miss Singapore Universe, Jaime Teo, and ex-radio DJ, Daniel Ong, decided to dissolve their marriage in 2016. They both still work together on their business venture, Twelve Cupcakes, and have a daughter they co-parent. We said goodbye with heavy hearts but are glad they can put their issues aside for their daughter’s sake. Now, that's what you call an amicable split.

7.    Jamie Yeo & Glenn Ong

Dated in 2001, married in 2004, divorced in 2009. For a long time, Glenn bore the brunt of the blame for the breakup, until Jamie revealed in an interview in 2015 that she was the cause of it. Both have since moved on and married other people, but it’s hard for us to forget that these two were once lovebirds.

8.    Vernetta Lopez & Mark Richmond

The Straits Times
Here’s a real #tbt – DJs Vernetta Lopez and Mark Richmond were once in love and married. After 9 years together, this power couple annulled their marriage in 2003. Vernetta recently published a book titled ‘Memoirs Of A DJ’, and in it she writes about how Mark cheated on her, as well as the events that followed after. Let’s just say current relationship status? Divorced and pissed off.

9.    Bobby Tonelli & Joanne Peh

Yahoo
Radio DJ Bobby Tonelli and actress Joanne Peh ended their 4 year relationship in 2013. It seemed like a match made in heaven, but as it turns out, Joanne felt they were both on different pages and had different goals in life. Poor Bobby, our hearts are with him.

10. Benjamin Kheng & Sandra Riley Tang

@sandrarileytang
Though they've never spoken publicly about this, something definitely went on and fizzled out between these two in the past. Subtle hints from photos on social media, however, show that the two members of The Sam Willows are no longer together. The flawless pair who got us swooning over their good looks and even better vocals still work together… Awkward much?

Fret Not!

With every one of these breakups, our faith in love has wavered a little and our hearts were left a little more broken than before. Love is a risk and it can be unpredictable—one moment you’re in love, the next, who knows? That’s just the way love works. While we can't make ourselves completely invulnerable to heartbreak, there are actually small ways we can protect ourselves. In time for Valentine’s Day and for hearts potentially breaking all over Singapore on this “special” occasion, Insurance Market has designed a totally unique Broken Heart Insurance to insure against a broken heart. Basically, you insure yourselves in the lead up to Valentine’s Day (from now till 13th Feb) and on Valentine’s Day itself, in the event of a heartbreak, you file a claim by submitting your heartbreak story. As a small consolation to a really crappy situation, you stand to receive two movie tickets. A sweet and definitely unusual gesture by the new fully online insurance brokerage, Insurance Market. To get insured, head down to their website and get your heart covered for Valentine's Day!
I read something funny on one of those Quitline stickers they put on cigarette packs. You know, the ones with needlessly graphic pictures, warning statements about how cigarettes harm you, and the hotline to call if you need help quitting smoking. The label that made me loudly expel air from my nostril was pasted on a pack of Camel mints that I'd purchased when I first tried to 'cut down' on my smoking. A gruesome, bloodshot eye stared out at me, and underneath it was the warning: "SMOKING CAUSES BLINDNESS." At that point, I was trying to 'cut down' to two sticks a day. I'd bought the pack after finishing three cigarettes earlier in the afternoon, and smoked four more after convincing myself that the three I'd smoked 'didn't count' because I was using them as motivators to get through a rough work day. SMOKING CAUSES BLINDNESS. Ha. The Big Guy Upstairs sure has a weird sense of humor. Want to know another funny thing about smoking? It's how non-smokers try to persuade you to quit by saying, "Eh. Quit lah. Very bad for your health, you know?" I'd like to say this on behalf of all the smokers out there in the world: WE KNOW. We know how bad it is for you. We know smoking causes heart disease. Strokes. Every cancer you can possibly name. The smokers who don't drop dead outright from those lovely conditions can look forward to something called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which is the medical term for your lungs degrading to the point where you have to be hooked up to a respirator for the rest of your life in order to breathe. Yet most of us don't quit. Because all those conditions I've listed above belong to people in photographs, or aunts and uncles who have long-since passed away. In short, they haven't happened to us, yet. We still have time. The possibility of passing away, gasping and wheezing for air because my lungs are simply unable to function, was the furthest thing from my mind on my third, smoke-free day this year. I was suffering from something affectionately nicknamed 'quitter's flu'. Basically, when you stop smoking for a bit, the air cleaning systems in your lungs start to work again, and like a person returning home only to find the entire house in a mess because the dog had gotten loose again, begins cleaning in overdrive. I was running a fever, coughing violently enough for complete strangers to start giving me a wide berth on the street, and my nose must have signed up for a Standard Chartered marathon, because it was running like hell. And yet all I could think about those past three days was how good a cigarette would taste right now. Ever since I'd stubbed out my last stick on New Year's Day, it occurred to me how, without me knowing it, cigarettes had become a part of my life over the past few years. I simply couldn't believe there was once a time where I stepped out of a bus, a shopping mall, or my own home, and simply did nothing else except walk to my destination. Seriously. What was I supposed to do with my hands while walking if they weren't busy trying to light a cigarette? Staying at home became less appealing, as I had no idea how I was supposed to spend hours at a stretch without going out to the staircase landing to smoke. And, really, do people actually wait for their movies to start after buying tickets? Don't people just go outside to enjoy their coffin nails? Oh God, what was I supposed to do now before and after every meal, just... other things? Really? And that was how, paradoxically, I wrestled against the urge to head down to 7-11 and say: "Camel Menthol. The black and green one. Number 54. Thanks." It was like having an ex you'd been on good terms with go psycho on you only after you break up with them. This little indulgence that I had taken up years ago as a way to get along better with my friends in the army had now become a constant, yammering voice in my head saying, over and over: "Time for a smoke, time for a smoke, time for a smoke, timeforasmoketimeforasmoketimeforasmoke..." I suppose I could end this article by talking about how my life has changed for the better after quitting. I could say that I am so much happier now, that I realized that I was miserable smoking my life away one stick at a time, or my personal favourite: I've quit for good and I'll never look back! But the simple fact of the matter is, that aside from a slight increase in my bank account at the end of every month, nothing much has changed. In fact, as I write this, some part of me is considering 'rewarding myself' after finishing this article by smoking a cigarette. It's ironic. Every now and then, I wonder if I could go back to 'social smoking', but the sad truth of the matter is that I know I can't do that. There are people who can smoke socially, and I’m just not one of them. It’s all or nothing for me. To paraphrase Craig Ferguson, my favourite talk-show-host: I don't have a smoking problem. I have a thinking problem. I have very little doubt that the little nagging urge to light up will cross my mind at random points for the rest of my life. Maybe it willh be after watching a Wong Kar Wai film, with those long, sensuous close-ups of Tony Leung pensively posing with a lit cigarette in his hand making me nostalgic. Maybe something bad will happen to me and I will think: what the hell. I shouldn't punish myself. Just one cigarette - I'll stop after I feel better. I have, with a single, poor choice made years ago, come to associate comfort with a self-destructive habit, and I will pay the price for that poor choice for the rest of my life. I can't say that everyone who quits smoking will have the same experiences I did - perhaps for some of you quitting was easy. Good for you, really. But to the ones reading this, who like me, still go to sleep counting cigarette brands in their heads instead of sheep, keep the good fight going. I'll see you on the other side. The air's pretty nice around here.
Protests are springing up across the globe since the inauguration of the tweet-happy King of Petty and his weeklong reign of #AlternativeFacts. From the millions that showed for the Women’s March to the people flooding the airports to protest the Muslim Ban - can any of us remember the last time the public mobilised in such staggering numbers? Halfway across the world in Singapore, watching the news roll in, you might be feeling a little helpless. Or maybe even a little removed from the situation. After all, it’s not like we can stage our own protest because of post-CNY food comas... and other more law-entrenched reasons. But even in the face of Trump’s executive order horrors, you can’t help but see the slight silver lining in all of this. Lawyers holding signs at the airport offering their services pro bono, Google putting together a crisis fund, Airbnb offering free housing to those affected by Trump’s executive orders… humanity is coming through. There are ways to show solidarity from a distance. If you feel so inclined, you can donate to the <a href=" Anti-Racist Collaboration or the ACLU. If not, that’s okay too. There are causes closer to home that could use our help. Migrant Workers Home They are crucial to the day-to-day running of Singapore, but so often marginalised and forgotten. This country relies on low-skilled foreign workers to take on tasks most wouldn’t deign to do, and the least we can do is lend a hand in making their voices heard. Home (Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics) is a registered charity that helps raise awareness around migrant worker rights and advocates for foreign workers who’ve been unfairly treated by employers. They funnel donations into providing shelter, legal assistance, upskilling workers and holding educational seminars for both migrants and Singaporeans. Visit www.home.org.sg to see how you can get involved. Itsrainingraincoats​ Itsrainingraincoats​ is a local initiative that supports migrant workers by (you guessed it!) providing them with raincoats. Founder and lawyer Dipa Swaminathan was moved after witnessing a group of workers on a construction site in a thunderstorm, chipping away with only garbage bags as shelter. A strong advocator of their well being, she now organises donation drives and gives out items like raincoats and sim cards to migrant workers in Singapore. Small acts of kindness make a big difference - visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/itsrainingraincoats/ to see what you can do! Gender Equality Casa Raudha Casa Raudha is a women’s home - a haven for those who’ve been abandoned, abused or simply have nowhere to go. They provide computer rooms and an art therapy room, as well as a playground for children. Casa Rauda also runs various workshops and entrepreneurship programs for these women, returning a sense of agency to their lives. Financial aid, medical assistance and counselling are among the services provided. Head over to www.casaraudha.org to find out how you can get involved - volunteers are always welcome! We Can! Singapore This organisation takes a stand against discriminatory attitudes and violence toward women. It’s part of a larger, global campaign that is spread across countries like Tanzania, Kenya, India and Afghanistan. Its goal is to promote healthy relationships and gender equality via interactive theatre and workshops with various local collaborators. How can you get involved? Throw your support behind the White Ribbon Campaign - you can volunteer, take the pledge or donate to the cause - <a href=" Aware The last time you may have heard Aware (Association of Women for Action and Research) surfacing might've been in the high profile Teenage Magazine scuffle of last year. This group is a strong advocate of equal opportunities for both men and women - in education, employment and also in terms of sex and reproductive rights. They run corporate and school programs, support groups and counselling for victims of sexual violence, a free legal clinic as well as extensive research projects. There are numerous ways to get involved - Aware offers internships on top of the usual donation and volunteering avenues -  We may not be facing anything as drastic as a ban on an entire religion or an assault on women’s reproductive health. Regardless, there are enough issues at hand where we can put our money where our mouth is. January has seen 2017 with a rocky start, but hopefully with a bit of compassion, it’s only up from here!

It puts your memory to the test

Seriously, working at a cocktail bar is no joke. You need to have anything from a dozen to over a hundred cocktail recipes memorised, as well as knowledge of their variations and the ability to adapt according to taste profiles. You need to know when to shake and when to stir, when double straining a drink is needed (hint: it involves egg white). If you work at a bar that puts a large emphasis on spirits, you’ll have to be able to describe the nuances between say, a single malt scotch and straight bourbon whiskey. It’s a lot of fun and half the time you feel like a mixologist in a lab experimenting with flavours. Sure, it’s something that comes with practice but people always tend to underestimate the sheer volume of study that’s involved.

And yet, you’re often stereotyped as unintelligent

There’s just something about being a female bartender in Singapore. Sometimes even the most well-meaning people tend to associate ‘working in hospitality’ with ‘unintelligent’ or ‘unsophisticated’. It’s an unconscious bias that manifests itself unnervingly often - customers come off as patronising or condescending when addressing people in the service industry. It’s pretty ironic, given the level of memorisation involved in bartending. And that mentality tends to disregard the fact that many people have a life outside the bar. I’ve worked alongside a host of amazing women - some of them writers, painters and aspiring bar owners. Others are putting themselves through university. It’s not a lack of ambition or intelligence that saddles them with the job - to the contrary, it’s the incredible drive they possess to pursue their passion and make ends meet at the same time.

You get all the gossip

You know that recurring TV gag where a depressed dude plops himself down at a bar, orders ‘something strong’ and starts spilling his guts to the bartender? Well, this is more or less true. It’s a scenario that often plays out on a slow night during the work week. Something about bartending must make you approachable, because people tend to let their guard down and get really loose-lipped as the night wears on (this may or may not have something to do with the volume of alcohol consumed). Not only do you get to hear the juicy tidbits about people's love lives and careers, sometimes you get to witness it too!

And you learn how to read people

All hail Tinder and this rise of online dating. Bartenders become very astute at picking out whether a solitary drinker is actually 'waiting for a friend’ or a low-key Tinderer instead. You learn the tell-tale signs - they arrive to scout out the location, leave and then return. Or they order a drink at the bar and sit there nervously picking apart the coasters. You learn the do’s and don’ts of dating from afar. People watching, especially on a slow night at the bar, is the greatest teacher.

Unwelcome advances are part and parcel of the job

I've talked about female bartenders without mentioning the most obvious and unfortunate aspect of the job - unwelcome advances from customers. Lucky for me, while I was working I seldom felt harassed, and the most I’d get was verbal back and forth. Sometimes it was cheeky, sometimes it was just plain crude and sometimes (rarely) things would get handsy. To take a more optimistic view - rather than saying all men are crap - I try to attribute it to the pack mentality. You know, when a group of guys are drinking together and out to impress and out-do each other, so they act in ways they wouldn’t when alone. Still, no women should have to stand there and take lewd comments. So you do learn how to fend off their advances. You learn to read the room and whether the best response would be feigning obliviousness, humour, or calling their bluff with a sarcastic one-liner.

Friends before coworkers

One of the best things about bartending is that your coworkers and regulars become your family. You see them on a daily basis, navigate the ups and the downs as a team, and defend each other against drunken customers who are #thirstyaf. There are many ways to bond with people, but doing so over a beer is one of the most tried and trusted methods out there. Plus, working at a bar will eventually land you with a group of regulars. It’s a quid pro quo arrangement. You’re on a first name basis with them and remember their drink orders, while they often swing by with random novelty gifts from their travels… or maybe just Haribo candy to see you through a long shift. To quote the immortal words of Christina Aguilera (or James Brown, depending on how old you are), bartending is still widely thought of as a man’s, man’s, man’s world.  But the last few years have seen an explosion of female bartenders, especially the cocktail haunts of Ann Siang, Keong Saik and the CBD. Watch this space - they’re taking the all-boys club by storm!