Lifestyle

Photographers capture S’pore culture spots for Chinese New Year

Shot on the iPhone 13 Pro Max

Published

January 26, 2022

GadgetMatch

Some of Singapore’s finest photographers whip out their iPhone 13 Pro Max to capture the country’s nostalgic spaces and traditions.

Like with any tradition, they are at risk of fading with time. But as Chinese New Year approaches, these photographers visit these places to capture and immortalize them digitally. Hopefully, this does not only help you look at Singapore culture fondly, but also encourage you to keep making memories and capture them beautifully.

Jason Lim — @jsnjnr

Taking a nostalgic walks through Haw Par Villa, photographer Jason Lim shares how a Buddha greets visitors halfway though the journey and notes “I remembered looking at my parents inquisitively when I was much younger, wonder how the Buddha managed to land on top of the pagoda”. Jason shot the image with the Wide Angle lens, using the surrounding leaves to frame and create a focus on the main subject, the Buddha. Found in the 10 Courts of Hell exhibit of the Hell’s Museum.

Jason share’s his “mom once told me that spirits would cross this bridge in the afterlife and their memories in earth would be erased, coming back again, I loved how Portrait mode captured the details of it”.

A familiar face found within the garden in Haw Par Villa is the Goddess of Mercy aka Guan Yin Ma.

“I made use of both the Wide Angle lens and macro function to capture it,” he said.

Jason shares it has been more than 30 years since he last visited Haw Par Villa’s Hell’s Museum exhibit. He says, “my parents would often remind me as a kid that if I misbehaved, I would land here and be punished by the Gods. It’s amazing coming back how detailed the exhibit is, especially when using Night mode”.

Taking a photo of The Pagoda, Jason notes using the Wide Angle lens while having an object nearer than the subject can create a great contrast or “bokeh” effect.

The macro photography on iPhone 13 Pro Max really captures all the details of the embroidery found on an altar.

Lauryn Ishak — @laurynishak

Commercial and editorial photographer Lauryn focused on places that brought personal nostalgia such as Beauty World Plaza at dusk, shot on Ultra Wide Angle. She shares “Beauty World is an iconic place in Singapore — most know it as a place that houses tuition centers and helper’s agencies. It’s not a place frequented by most Singaporeans unless looking for a specific store although the area is currently and slowly going through a little bit of a renaissance”

Snacks from our childhood seen at Nelly’s Retro Snacks – the assorment seen here is something I haven’t seen in many many years. It brought me back to my childhood when I used to buy some of these and I am surprised to still find then decades later.

Taking a walk through nature, an empty black and white bungalow on Malta Crescent in Sembawang shot using 3x Optical Zoom captures another era as “these iconic black and whites in this estate are currently empty.”

A close up of flora near Yishun and shot on Macro captures the ever changing greenery in Singapore.

Darren Soh — @darrensohphoto

Thomson Nature Park was formerly a Hainan Village vacated in the 1980s and then overgrown by secondary forest, so in a way, Singapore did forget about its existence until recently when it was turned into a Nature Park. Many Singaporeans are still unaware of its location or even its existence, so there is much to (re)discover there. Treks through the park early in the mornings will yield morning mist and dew which I have photographed with the iPhone 13 Pro Max”.

On the other hand, visitors to the Night Safari are almost always there for the animals, but since its opening, Darren shares the Night Safari has had an area right next to Upper Seletar Reservoir where the landscape is amazingly beautiful. “I have made three images in this area – here’s a tip, go right when the Night Safari opens at 6.30pm because you will need to trek by foot to the spot I’ve photographed near the Indian Rhino enclosure where you’d be greeted by the last light of day”.

CR Tan — @xlbcr

Having moved to the Katong/Joo Chiat area a year ago, Food Photographer and Stylist CR has found the neighbourhood is filled with heritage, art and culture hence retaining it’s charm among this ever changing city. He shares “there aren’t many high rise buildings around, mostly shophouses with interesting histories like the Peranakan Shop Houses which I am currently staying in.”

Some of the shots include wall murals done recently on shop houses around the hood which CR feels “give a pretty good refresh to the hood, adding more colours and charm to it. He used the Ultra Wide Angle to capture the murals in different perspectives.

CR shares he also happened to take a shot at nigh at Blair road after attending a ART x Wine Exhibition housed in one of the shophouses around the area.

The shot was taken at the back street of the shophouse around 10pm using Night mode, with the street light shining directly on to the subjects with an art piece leaned against the wall. The unique door design further accentuates the story in this photo.

Nicole Quek — @nicolequek

Photographer Nicole also focuses on Katong, a place that has had “significant meaning to me since I was child. This place brings back memories especially during the New Year when my grandmother was still around. It still amuses me until this day that this was a kampong where I used to run around barefooted”. Nicole share she “remembes vividly accompanying my late grandmother for walks along the shops. I wasn’t fluent in Malay as that was the only language she spoke. So I spoke gibberish hoping that she would understand me but all I remember was that warm smile on her face. It’s a happy memory for me whenever I walk around this area and coincidently I hanced upon this cute husky sitting across Roxy Square and her name is Roxy too! Portrait mode really helped capture her expression and the details of her fur”.

“When I was young, this door was like a portal of emotions and seeing it is really nostalgic for me. I remember running out to the door from the kitchen while playing catch around the alley and sometimes even getting punished here for being a naughty child.

But my most fond memory was folding paper boats with my family and watching it stream down the drain in this alley.

Nicole points out the Wide and Ultra Wide Angle is perfect for capturing the details of Katong’s intriguing alleyways or even the Unfinished beads on the Manik Kasut.

Nicole also shares an overview of the street she is very fond of using Night mode and adds “I shot this by using the bridge railing as a tripod. However with the advanced night mode, I still can shoot amazing and sharp pictures at night without worrying if it’ll turn out underexposed or blurry. I wanted to try creating some light streaks which I’ve never done before. This was shot by adjusting my shutter speed to 1 second”.

Ivan Kuek — @phonenomenon

While many have heard of the Green Corridor, photographer Ivan notes “what many don’t know is that it has a lesser-known sibling, the Jurong Railway Line. Leading westwards from the Bukit Timah Railway Station, the Jurong Railway Line was a 19KM-long railroad that connected Malaysia, then known as Malaya, to the Jurong industrial area’s docks, and National Iron and Steel Mills. Owned by the KTM Railway, the line, which opened way back in early 1966, was projected to generate a revenue of S$3-4 million annually. But with Singapore’s independence, its use was limited and it eventually closed down in the 1990s”.

Ivan focuses on the old Bukit Timah Railway Station and Clementi Forest taken through Macro photography and Ultra Wide Angle.

Entertainment

Sony confirms ‘Horizon’ and ‘God of War’ shows are coming

And a Gran Turismo show

Published

May 27, 2022

Luigi Leonardo

After years of terrible video game adaptations, the entertainment industry just can’t get enough of them in the past year or so. Shows and films based on popular video game titles are setting the world on fire. If Sony’s latest investor’s meeting is anything to go by, it looks like we’re not done with the genre. Horizon Zero Dawn and God of War are reportedly getting TV series soon.

Sony had a lot to say during its latest meeting. However, amid all the announcements, the general implication was simple enough to understand. The company wants to expand and grow its branches outside of console gaming. That plan includes adapting more of its exclusive properties into television.

Reported by analyst David Gibson on Twitter (via IGN), Sony has officially confirmed development for a Horizon series on Netflix, a God of War series on Amazon, and a currently untethered Gran Turismo series.

Unfortunately, the presentation did not reveal any other details for the upcoming shows. Plot and casting details are still an unknown.

All three titles, especially Horizon and God of War, are part of Sony’s prized possessions. An adaptation for any of these titles is huge. However, it’s always a hit. Most recently, Sony allowed an Uncharted film to show in theaters, and the response was… mixed. While the sheer number of video game adaptations are impressive, their quality is definitely all over the place for now.

Her GadgetMatch

Dyson just upgraded the Airwrap — here’s everything we’re loving about it!

The upgraded version is something you’ll love even more!

Published

May 26, 2022

Carol RH Malasig

The Dyson Airwrap has got to be one of the most talked-about hairstyling tools in the market. Anyone who’s remotely interested in gorgeous hair has seen the video tutorials all over YouTube and TikTok.

Known for its hefty price tag, it’s still highly coveted due to its technology and ability to create different hairstyles without damaging one’s mane. Four years after it hit the market, Dyson released a new, upgraded version.

Is it time for Airwrap virgins to bite the bullet? Should current Airwrap owners upgrade their sets? Let’s discuss.

First, here’s everything that comes in the case once you get your Dyson Airwrap Complete for long hair.

Quick, pro blow-out at home

Something the Airwrap brought to the table when it first launched is the promise of salon-quality blowouts in the comfort of one’s home. The upfront expense, off-setting frequent salon visits for styling. Sure, there’s quite a learning curve with using the curling barrels.

However, once you do master how to make the Coanda effect work for you, styling one’s hair with the Airwrap becomes such a breeze. This, of course, continues with the upgrade.

While the body looks and feels similar, I must admit that it took me even less time to dry and style my hair with the newer version. I’ve been growing my hair, wanting to stick to a 70s blowout to go with my fringe and I was able to achieve precisely that. From wet to fab in 20 minutes. Who doesn’t love efficiency?

I have naturally curly hair and this style took me only 20 minutes! I also slept with a silk cap on and it still looked great the following day.

Coanda smoothing dryer

Airwrap users were feeling pretty left out when Dyson’s Supersonic Hairdryer got a flyaway attachment. If you’re someone who uses the Airwrap’s Firm and Soft brushes to straighten your hair, the flyaway attachment would have been the perfect finisher for your style.

This was addressed with the upgrade. In lieu of the pre-styling dryer attachment, we now get a Coanda smoothing dryer.

When straightening your hair, you can start and end with this attachment. It pre-dries and it can also tame fly-aways!

You can also use this to pre-dry your hair prior to styling. After all, you need your hair to still be a little wet for the Airwrap to work its magic. What’s different is that with just a quick turn of the cool touch tip, it can now act as your very own flyaway attachment. A nifty, two-in-one piece!

Attachment upgrades

While most of the attachments look familiar, there were quite a lot of tweaks in their respective departments as well. The Firm and Soft brushes employ enhanced Coanda airflow which attracts and aligns hair with increased control. They propel air along hair strands, for a smoother, straighter result.

During the media briefing, we were also assured that even attachments like the Round Volumizing Brushes were improved, allowing better airflow through the bristles.

For people with tighter curls (think 3A and above in the scale), Dyson also came out with a wide-toothed brush attachment that’s sold separately.

The new Dyson Airwrap’s attachment line-up for the complete set.

What’s extremely exciting though is what was done with the barrels. Now, there’s no need to keep switching from one barrel to another just to change the direction of the airflow. A quick turn of the cool-touch tips allows you to do just that, saving you more time when you do your hair.

Easier to store

With that said, there’s no more need for two barrels of each size. With the new Airwrap, you only get two barrels – one thin, one thick. Fewer barrels also mean fewer attachments to store. The case of the new Airwrap is noticeably smaller and sleeker than its predecessor’s.

The case’s cover also fully comes off. I love how it makes taking the attachments easier from any side. However, one must be vigilant if you want to travel with your Airwrap in this case as the cover doesn’t lock into the body like the old one.

Sleeker and will take up less space.

Sustainability

It’s been quite common for tech companies to force users to upgrade to the next generation of their products. This, by producing newer accessories or essential peripherals that won’t work with the older versions of their products. It’s a business and they do need to keep making money.

However, one thing I really loved about the Airwrap’s upgrade is how Dyson took sustainability into consideration. Users of the older Airwrap can have the choice to only purchase the new attachments.

This is because the new attachments will still fit and work perfectly with the older version. Yes, even the Coanda smoothing dryer!

The rich copper and bright nickel colorway is such an elegant combination.

Frizz-free

Something I always loved about the Airwrap is how it’s able to keep frizz at bay by producing negative ions. This is something we totally need in the tropics, especially for ladies with wavy and curly hair. So it’s an essential yet often overlooked feature in hairstyling tools.

With the Airwrap, the curls you make with the barrels always come out smooth and adds to a more natural, gorgeously flowy blowout. This is something that’s hard to achieve with a hairdryer. When straightening your hair, it comes out sleek with a beautiful sheen.

This time, without the faux freckles. Washing your hair at night doesn’t have to be a chore. You can now style it quickly before bed for a more efficient morning routine!

Price and color availability

Dyson’s new Airwrap is available starting today, 26th of May, and will retail for PhP 32,900 in the Philippines. It comes in the chic, rich copper and bright nickel color combination as well as in rich copper and Prussian blue.

Should you get it?

So, should you upgrade to the new Airwrap? I’d say get the attachments if you already have the older version and if it’s still working fine. You’ll be able to achieve the same effects after all. If you haven’t gotten the first version, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. Run. Don’t walk.

Lifestyle

Uniqlo celebrates individuality with its latest UT Collection

Wear your world

Published

May 24, 2022

Apple Gamboa

Express yourself and be who you really want to be. That’s what Uniqlo encourages with its latest UT Collection launched during the UT Convention 2022. The collection draws inspiration from pop culture. This includes the realms of art, music, film and more.

The different UT designs are available starting May 2022. You can wear what you love based on your personalities and hobbies.

Wear your world

Everyone feasted their eyes on the launch of the Final Fantasy 35^th Anniversary UT which features different shirts designed according to your favorite Final Fantasy main series.

The Final Fantasy craze was even hyped up by cosplayer Zack. He perfectly portrayed Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII during the event.

Anime lovers were also treated to UTs featuring beloved Japanese titles such as Gundam, Doraemon and Pokemon. There were also collections spotlighting popular and iconic concepts from Lego and Mickey & Friends.

Art aficionados also will get to enjoy the collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), one of the largest and most influential institutions of its kind, which feature art masterpieces.

Another art-inspired collection is the partnership with Magnum Photos. This is international photographic cooperative that has documented most of the world’s major events and personalities since the 1930’s.

And there’s also The Brands Car collection which features automobile designs from legendary automakers.

Lastly, winning designs from the UT Grand Prix (UTGP), a design competition that uses t-shirts as a creative medium, were showcased during the convention and the theme of this year’s competition was Peanuts.

Shop for the latest UT Collection at Uniqlo’s online store or at UNIQLO stores nationwide. You can also purchase items through the UNIQLO App that you can download via Google Play Store or Apple Store.