ANZA TOURS MAR/APR

Uncover local history, cultural traditions, cake and magic on these eclectic tours.

Singapore Biennale Art Tour

DATE: Thursday 16 March

TIME: 10am – 12 noon

MEET: 9.50am at Singapore Art Museum (SAM), 39 Keppel Rd #01-02, at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. Nearest MRT Outram Park

COST: Members $30, non-members $35

WWII Southern Front - Bukit Chandu and Fort Siloso

This tour covers the history leading up to The Fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. Learn about heroic events that took place as well as the struggle to defend Keppel Harbour and the southern front of Singapore from Japanese invasion. Starting at Bukit Chandu (Opium Hill in Malay), we’ll end the tour at Fort Siloso, the only preserved coastal fort in Singapore, where we’ll see the battery with sixinch guns, as well as the command post and an underground tunnel leading to the fire director tower.

The 7th edition of Singapore Biennale “Natasha” is one of the highlights for contemporary art enthusiasts showcasing pieces by 50 artists and collaborators spanning from Singapore, South Korea, Germany, India, Jordan, Iraq, Indonesia, The Netherlands, and more. Join us for the chance to see video art installations, animation and paintings over two levels at Tanjong Pagar Distripark and discuss the ways of seeing art through imagination and research. Please note, an additional entrance fee of $25 will be required on the day to enter Distripark.

DATE: Saturday 25 March

TIME: 9.30am – 12.30pm

MEET: 9.20am at the carpark entrance to Newton Food Centre. Nearest MRT Newton

COST: Members $65, nonmembers $75

Anzac Day Dawn Ceremony

Join the Australian and New Zealand communities in Singapore as we gather at Kranji War Memorial Cemetery to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, hosted by the Australian High Commission. We provide buses that will depart from Newton Food Centre car park and then leave the cemetery and return to Newton afterwards. Please note that due to parking restraints, we will need to walk about one kilometre up a gentle hill to reach the cemetery.

DATE: Tuesday 25 April

TIME: 5.30am – 9am

MEET: 5.20am at the entrance to Newton Food Centre, adjacent to the carpark

COST: Members $12, non-members $15

Ramadan Ramble

Join us to learn about the traditions and rituals associated with the most important Muslim festival, Hari Raya Puasa, which celebrates the ending of a month of fasting. Discover some of the lesser-known paths and byways of the Muslim area of Kampong Glam and hear the history of the place which was once home to Malay Kings. We’ll visit an antique shop and exotic perfumes and craft shops before stopping for tea and some traditional snacks.

DATE: Wednesday 12 April

TIME: 3pm – 6pm

MEET: 2.50pm infront of the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque at 4001 Beach Road, next to Kampong Glam Community Club. Nearest MRT Nicoll Highway

COST: Members $50, non-members $60

NOTES: Men are required to wear long pants and short or long-sleeved tops. Women are required to wear long pants or long skirts to the ankle and long-sleeved tops. Please wear footwear that is easy to remove as we will be going into a mosque.

Explore Tiong Bahru

Tiong Bahru is Singapore’s most charming and chic Art Deco housing estate. Discover the meaning behind the name Tiong Bahru, stroll along the narrow backstreets, and uncover a rich tapestry of people, stories, buildings and history. Meet Alice Wang, the cobbler who conducts business from her street level apartment window; see murals by Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong; and taste Mrs Cheng’s award-winning Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake.

DATE: Thursday 4 May

TIME: 9.30am – 12.30pm

MEET: 9.20am at Tiong Bahru MRT station, Exit B, next to Decathlon

COST:

Members $45, non-members $50

This April, the world’s top rugby nations battle it out for two days at Singapore National Stadium to be crowned champion at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens. The two-day event will feature teams from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Samoa, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay and USA.

This Singapore leg is the ninth of eleven tournaments in the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022/2023 season which started in Hong Kong in November 2022. Beyond the action on the field, there’s a whole host of exciting activities for all the family including games, live performances and an Easter Egg hunt. Purchase the one or two-day passes and get in on the action.

Singapore National Stadium. 1 Stadium Drive, 397629. 8 - 9 April. singapore7s.com.sg

Get The Gogh

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience has already wowed visitors across the US and Europe since its launch in 2017 and from March you can witness it for yourself here on our sunny shores. The must-see exhibition is set to stun with more than 300 of Van Gogh’s sketches, drawings and paintings, alongside floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall digital projections. Look forward to fun activities in the exhibition space too, including yoga classes, art jamming sessions, and a themed café.

From March 2023. Resorts World Sentosa, B1 Forum 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269. vangoghexpo.com/ singapore

Sand Meets Screen At Tanjong Beach

Asia’s most beautiful spot to catch a film returns this April with Hendricks Sunset Cinema at Tanjong Beach. Kick off your shoes, get sand in your toes and settle down in a deck chair with a Hendricks G&T (one drink is included in the ticket price) for an outdoors movie experience. This year’s choices range from I Wanna Dance With Somebody and Triangle of Sadness, to Emily and The Menu.

27 April - 14 May. Tanjong Beach, Sentosa. sunsetcinema.com.sg

HEY MICKEY!

Forget flying off to somewhere exotic, travelling into the magic of Disney100 is also a possibility at Jewel Changi Airport right now. Come here (suitcase free) to witness the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, which comes complete with synchronised Disney-themed light and music projections. The four-metre tall platinum statue of Mickey Mouse is the centrepiece of Disney100, but there are also 10 other photo spots around the Forest Valley and Canopy Park.

Now - 19 April. 78 Airport Blvd, 819666. jewelchangiairport.com

Treehouse Adventures

It’s already completed sell-out shows in Australia and New Zealand, and now The 13-Storey Treehouse: Live on Stage will be brought to life in Singapore. The play, based on the multi-award winning book series by Aussie author Andy Griffith and illustrator Terry Denton, is ideal for children aged 6+ and features a seriously funny cast with magical moments of theatrical wizardry and imagination.

25 - 26 March. Victoria Theatre, 11 Empress Place, 179555. sistic.com.sg

ROOMS WITH AN OOOH!

If you’re partial to the odd selfie, or need fresh inspiration for your Insta pics, don’t miss 29Rooms. This super-cool event has traversed North America and Singapore is its first stop on a bid for world domination. Spread over a 4,000sqm space, this pop-up exhibit boasts 29 themed rooms such as an all-white living room that visitors can throw some paint around in; and a toilet-focused room that pays tribute to the solace that you can only find in the bathroom (unless you have small children, of course). Alongside the interactive installations, there’ll be performances and workshops.

Now - 16 April. Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, 018953. 29rooms.sg

New Anza Event Series

Join this new ANZA Event Series in partnership with Eight Wealth International.

‘Discovering Balance’ is an exclusive series exploring the link between financial, physical and mental wellbeing in search of life balance and a clear path to achieve your future ambitions.

Your host Alexis Livanes has over 18 years of experience as a financial planner in the UK, Australia and Singapore and is passionate about helping clients, especially women, to really understand their relationship with money.

“A large part of my role is removing financial worries so that people can have more headspace to focus on their wellbeing and enjoy life,” she says.

Throughout the four-part event series, Alexis will be joined by Camilla and Lizzie to help you understand and redefine your own version of ‘balance’ and what you might need to do to achieve and maintain it.

Part 1: FINANCIALLY FIT & PHYSICALLY STRONG

GUEST SPEAKER: Lizzie Corbett, Owner and Strength & Conditioning coach at Empower Fitness

VENUE: Empower Fitness, 4 Jln Mat Jambol #01-02, Singapore, 119555

DATE & TIME: 9.30am - 11.30am, Wednesday 29 March

Alexis Livanes, Partner, Eight Wealth International.

Financial Wellness Accredited.

Movement, Breathwork and Meditation.

Golf

Our Golfers showed their appreciation to the prettyin-pink staff at Mandai Golf Club in February by presenting them with Hong Bao for Chinese New Year. Oh, and Annelene (centre) got the birdie!

Scouts

This adventurous gang set out on a journey of personal growth, service and community last month as they headed to the East Coast to practice some key cycling and camping skills. Next stop Pulau Ubin!

KILL-O-METRES

Our intrepid walking group have wracked up some serious miles since Christmas with their regular jaunts. Coney Island, Southern Ridges, Geylang Park Connector and the Green Corridor have been some hotspots, and with weekly meet-ups in full swing they may get to see the whole of the red dot before 2023 is out!

6337 4635 info@houseonthehill.com.sg houseonthehill.com.sg/welcome houseonthehillsg @houseonthehillsg

Casual Coffee

We’re seeing more members than ever signing up for our Casual Coffee mornings which offer the chance to chill out, meet new mates and have a good old gossip. Living away from home can be tough, so if you’re looking for some likeminded friends - and also love discovering cute cafes - do join us. Smiley faces are waiting!

Tim Kohler Memorial

ANZA Cycling dedicated a ride to Tim in early February. It was attended by his family, friends and members of various cycling clubs across the island. It’s for Tim that ANZA Cycling will commit to doing whatever they can to promote harmony between cyclists and motorists, to make the roads safe for all.

As a child we laugh almost 300 times a day, but as we age into adulthood we only continue laughing 30 times in an entire day. Okay, this is due to being privy to the harsh realities of life, and not wanting to appear potty, but it also feels like something of a shame. As a good old chuckle is proven to provide physical and mental health benefits such as increased blood circulation, decreased stress and a stronger immune system, perking up can only be a positive thing. Here’s where to find an injection of joy.

Comedy Masala

If your Tuesdays tend to involve a bit of laundry and an early night (facepack, optional), here’s a jollier alternative promising to tickle your funny bone. Comedy Masala is a weekly live comedy series which takes place at Hero’s featuring local, regional and international comedians. The schedule goes up online a few months in advance and party packages are available to book. Be warned, you may be in for some good-natured ribbing if you opt for a front row seat. An Indian and Western-infused menu is available so you won’t go hungry while guffawing.

69 Circular Road, 049423 comedymasala.com

The Lemon Stand

This new comedy venue takes its name from its founder, Canada-born comedian Liam 'Lemon' McDonald, who started doing open mics when he was 19. Only six months old, this venue is all about good cheer and bringing the comedic arts and community together with open-mic sessions, comedy nights, live music performances and the odd drag show. Styled like a slinky cabaret, the intimate setting allows for the comedians to interact with - and involve - the crowd. “It is nice to be back on stage after two years, “says McDonald. “When there’s that burst of laughter, there's an energy that charges the room.”

12 Queen St, #01-02, 88553 thelemonstand.sg

Singapore Laughter Yoga

The repertoire of Laughter Programmes by this social enterprise not only lift you up but also promise a workout due to the jiggling of stomach muscles. Classes and workshops include CardioLaugh, Laughter Therapy and Laughter Yoga. These sessions are particularly good for groups, so if your social circle or office colleagues could benefit from a shake up, look no further.

Pioneer Training Centre, 1 Soon Lee St, #03-49/50 Pioneer Centre, 627605 singaporelaughteryoga.com

Jaz For Laughs at Blu Jaz

As well as being one of Singapore’s most eclectic music venues, Blu Jaz Cafe also has a healthy sense of humour. Getting the cackle back on track post-pandemic, their regular Monday night open-mic comedy shows focus on up-and-coming comics, and the rest of the lineup is your guess as much as ours! This is exactly what makes these sessions fun and no matter what happens, a good laugh is guaranteed.

11 Bali Lane, 189848 blujazcafe.net

The Improv Company

This is the place to be for spontaneous storytelling. Whether you’re at Michael McIntyre-levels of comedy, looking for a two-hour taster session, or want to sign up to their Improv 101 flagship beginners’ course, new classes take place every month and there’s something for all. For younger funny ones (12 -17 years old), Youth Camps are a place where teenagers can enjoy a giggle during the school holidays. In addition, The Improv Company’s Improv 201 classes will be staging their first improv comedy shows this year, with The Banty Bananas taking the stage in March.

The Den Studio, 62B South Bridge Rd, 058692 improv.sg

East Coast Comedy at Crane

The events at collaborative community space Crane are going from strength to strength and this includes their regular comedy nights. For local laffs, head to Crane Joo Chiat on the East Coast where you’ll find the likes of household names Rishi Budhrani, Fakkah Fuzz and Sharul Channa bringing the house down. The comedy format is modelled on a curated open-mic structure, and with a different line-up and veteran host every show, every evening is hilariously different (ask for Prem John if you fancy signing up!). The nights take place on Fridays and SaturdaysHappy Hour prices at the Garuda Bar on Level 2 add to the joyful vibe.

285 Joo Chiat Road, 427535 wearecrane.com

Giving your physical and mental wellbeing a boost is a surefire way to feel better. We asked Singapore’s top experts to share their tips on being the best you.

Feeling good starts with you, but knowing where to begin when it comes to a personal reboot can feel overwhelming. Do you target body, mind, soul, or everything at once? Should you be upping the lunges or spending more time laying down? Does your head need a workout or two weeks in Thailand? With so much health information out there, we’ve done the legwork for you by compiling simple and practical ways to increase feelings of wellbeing as recommended by those in the know. You’re welcome.

Soothe your nervous system

“Go for a walk, jog, or bike ride the next time you’re looking for a way to unwind. This forward motion produces an ‘optic flow’ where visual images pass by you on all sides as you move. The areas of your brain responsible for detecting fear and threats go quiet as your eyes move to engage with this flow, which in turn soothes your nervous system. The crucial aspect of this is that the optic flow is self-generated, so a Peloton or a treadmill do not qualify.”

Martine Hill, Director/Counsellor at Alliance Counselling alliancecounselling.com.sg allianceprofessionalcounselling

Don’t push through pain

“If you’re in pain, do not ‘push through’ it! Make an appointment to check it out with your GP or go straight to see an orthopaedic surgeon. Pain is your body telling you something so don’t ignore it. Oh, and don’t worry. Athough I’m a surgeon, at our clinic we try all options before resorting to surgery!”

Dr Alan Cheung, Orthopaedic Surgeon, International Orthopaedic Clinic ioc-ortho.com

Brighten up

“Add colourful fruits and vegetables (not M&Ms and Skittles!) to your diet. The different colours found in fruit and veg are created by phytonutrients which are beneficial to our health. Each colour has unique benefits and antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Eating a variety is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases including heart disease and diabetes, as well as being protective against certain cancers. So, brighten up your meals for better health.”

Dr Sundus HussainMorgan, General Practitioner, IMC Jelita imchealthcare.com

Get screened

“Stop and think about when your last health screening was. If it was over a year ago (or you’ve never had one), make an appointment with a trusted GP clinic. Preventative screening is a great way to pick up early warning signs and address medical issues before they become a problem.”

Dr Neil Forrest, Family Physician, Osler Health International osler-health.com

Mind your thoughts

“What we think, we become: if you want to change anything in life - your health, your career, your relationships - you have to change the way you think. Start by noticing your inner self-talk. Are you your own worst critic? Can you start being a little more positive and encouraging about yourself and your capabilities? Put yourself in your best friend’s shoes and consider how they would speak to you. Nothing changes if nothing changes, so create a plan for change, starting with more helpful thinking.”

Lynda Williams, Life & Executive Coach @lyndawilliamscoach lyndawilliams.co

Keep learning

“After having two kids it was tough for me to return to my old fitness levels and feel like myself again. My advice to new mums is to take your time, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember that the ‘perfect mum’ image on social media isn’t reality. Learn a new skill like self-defence, swimming or even skateboarding; something you get joy from, to help motivate you to move. If you’re struggling, find your tribe and do it together!”

PeiRu Ng, Founder & Coach, Rei Academy rei.com.sg

Make a Pilates date

“Whether you’re starting your fitness journey or you’re an elite athlete, Pilates should be on your radar. It suits everyone, is multidimensional, and provides an all-over workout through strength, stability and mobility. You’ll get stronger, more agile, and flexible. There are many Pilates styles that can be delivered as a low impact workout or a high intensity circuit-style class. Whatever you’re looking for can be found on a reformer bed.”

Renée Rommeswinkel, Head of Pilates, Virgin Active virginactive.com.sg

Stimulate your cuddle nerves

“Whether it’s the demands of parenting, an unreasonable workload, or social media use, many of us experience frequent stress and worry that leaves us feeling irritable and down. A cooling weighted blanket can help many people feel more grounded and at ease (amazon.sg). They’re similar to normal blankets but feel heavier and the soothing pressure stimulates our ‘cuddle nerves’. In turn, this promotes the release of ‘feel good’ hormones in the brain which calm our body and mind.”

Dr Yisha Stiskala-Yu, Clinical Director of Teatree Health

linkedin.com/in/yishayu

Remember to breathe

“Do a body check. Review what and how you eat: aim for more non-processed whole foods eaten slowly and stop when you feel 80% full. Increase your water intake with broth soups, herbal teas, milk and high-water content fruits and vegetables. Prioritise sleep - this is when your body repairs itself and regulates hormones, blood sugars and metabolism. Lastly, remember to breathe. Take deep breaths including an inhalation for at least five seconds.”

Lena Dobreci, Nutrition Coach and Owner, AnytimeFitness Kovan anytimefitness.sg

Weight & see

“If you are currently not doing so, start lifting weights! The health benefits are endless: it improves your heart health, bone health, balances hormones and positively impacts your metabolism which as a positive side effect makes you look healthier and leaner. If you’ve never lifted weights or have had a long break, consult an experienced physiotherapist before starting your weight training journey.”

Heike Cushway, Health Coach and Co-Founder, The Integrative Medical Centre theintegrativemedicalcentre. com @theintegrativemedicalcentre

Choose aqua

“Water provides 12 to 14 percent more resistance than air, therefore exercising in shallow or deep water challenges the intensity of your workout and activates muscles that are harder to engage on land. Cardio in the pool keeps your heart rate up, improving lung capacity and increasing flexibility with low or no impact on your joints. In a country as hot as Singapore, it’s also a great way to stay cool. Add in pool weights and toys, like I do in my classes, to get full body toning and conditioning.”

Malissa Sander, Founder and Creator of the Aqua Tula method @aqua.tula

Prevent injury

“It’s a myth that lactic acid gives our muscles that ‘burning’ sensation when we work out too vigorously or for too long. Lactic acid actually acts as a buffer to slow down fatigue. Stay healthy with physiotherapy treatments such as sports massage, red light therapy, or lymphatic drainage which helps to flush out hydrogen ions that accumulate (and cause a burning sensation) to enhance training and prevent injuries.”

Jenny Huang, Founding & Senior Physiotherapist hellophysio.sg

Enter the bone zone

“Besides a balanced diet – including calcium and vitamin D intake to facilitate calcium absorption into the bones –exercise is the next best thing to improve bone health. In particular, resistance training helps to prevent and manage osteoporosis, which is prevalent in older adults, especially women. Bone is a living tissue which ‘bends’ under pressure or stress and the pressure from resistance training can nudge bone-forming cells into action and thicken the bone matrix. Always consult a personal trainer on how best to get started on some machine-based exercises.”

Wendy Cho, Master Fitness Trainer, True Group @tfx.fitness, tfx.sg

S Express

“When adding exercise into your daily routine, remember the three S’s: Schedule, Simple and Social.

1) Schedule it into your calendar like you would a meeting.

2) Keep it Simple. Not all exercise needs to be at a high intensity. Walking, swimming and gentle stretching can have amazing mental and physical benefits.

3) Make it Social. Getting others involved in your fitness journey can make exercise more enjoyable and it allows you to hold each other accountable!”

Rinaha Tarawa, UFIT Personal Trainer & Class Coach @ufitsingapore ufit.com.sg