Craving For Gong Cha @ Pop-Up Shilin Market Again

Hi Huneybees,

Yes I'm up and awake, all excited and craving for another cup of Gong Cha from the Shilin Market pop-up at Turf Club. Knowing that Gong Cha has made an exclusive collaboration with my favourite artist - Simone Legno, hubby and I purposely made a beeline over to the special event on the first day last week!

Converted out from an open carpark space at Turf Club, the Shilin Market pop-up really got us all excited as it brought back some fond memories of the Taiwan Street snacks that we missed so much. But sadly, not only was the weather not being that friendly, but it was also overcrowded.

With the food street being packed to the max, it was difficult to maneuver around and with the lack of seatings, we literally wanted to give up and head home instead.

But luckily, the Gong Cha booth saved the day for us. It was well placed right at the entrance of the fairground, with area crowd control well-handled by the friendly Gong Cha staff that kept everyone's morale high despite the rain and overcrowding effect from other stores. 

For Huneybees, Gong Cha booth is made up of 2 different sections, the usual over-the-counter order corner and the Funhouse, with the payment booth smacked in the middle.

You can find Gong Cha x Tokidoki merchandise there as you make payment for your drinks, featuring Boba Bob and Boba Betty on a specially designed tumbler and cup sleeve. There are 3 brand new and exclusive flavours launched at this Shilin Market pop-up, featuring an innovative mix of ingredients beautifully incorporated using the art of ‘茶墨’ (Chá mò), also known as Tea Ink. 

Made popular in Taiwan, ‘茶墨’ refers to the technique of creating a splashed look across the bubble tea cup using strokes of contrasting colours. There's the Rosa Latte, Berry Biscotti ad Bambu Boba waiting for me to try when we return to the Shilin Market pop-up for a second chance this weekend.

Why didn't I try the 3 drinks out? Well, coz we opt for another option that I think was more exclusive to the pop-up event. Hubby and I spent all our time in the 512 sq-metre Funhouse where we got to personalize our very own Boba brews at the DIY stations within the Funhouse’s experiential zones. Kids and those who are looking for insta-worthy shots can also chill out at immersive Boba ball pit. 

Knowing Funhouse at Gong Cha booth was my Tokidoki Wonderland, hubby did not stop me from taking photos at every corner. If only I could wake up to these cutesy designs every morning and make my own cuppa to start the morning, this would definitely be the "blueprint" I would give to my next home decorator!

DIY Gong Cha Brews begin with the payment in the middle booth, then queuing to enter the Funhouse, where you can get a Gong Cha cup to fill up with all your favourite toppings, flavour syrups, and lastly tea brews. The friendly Gong Cha staff will be around to assist. 

For me, I pile up on the Rainbow Jelly, Pearl Boba and gave my Milk Tea a lychee twist before sealing it at the machine for my enjoyment...wee...

The Shilin Night Market will be back for Round 2 at The Grounds @ Kranji, Carpark B at Singapore Turf Club, 1 Turf Club Ave from April 26-28, 3pm-11pm. Admission is free. 

See you there as I will definitely be back for more Gong Cha x Tokidoki goodness and hopefully get to try more of the Taiwan Snacks too!

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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5 Reasons Why ARTBOX Singapore Is Better In 2018

Hi Huneybees,

Singapore largest pop-up creative market, Artbox Singapore, is back for its second edition and this time it promises to be bigger and better than before.

We made a trip in advance to Marina Bayfront to confirm that the organiser has indeed learn from the mistakes that blemished what was an highly anticipated local rendition of Thailand's acclaimed creative night market - Artbox Bangkok - in 2017.

Here are the five (5) reasons why we feel that Hunybees should make a beeline for this year's Artbox Singapore:

#1. Artbox Singapore 2018 is almost THREE (3) times bigger

The area for the second edition of Artbox Singapore that spreads across the Bayfront Event Space is now over 140,000 square feet, which is almost 3 times bigger that its inaugural rendition in 2017 of mere 50,000 square feet. What we really like about this is that the organiser did not simply monetize the bigger space by filling 3 times as many booths/stalls but actually created more spaces between each roll of stalls to allow for Huneybees to walk or queue up at their favourite stalls more comfortably.

What is more captivating is the fact that more space has been allocated for dining zones ( three (3) of them in total) where Huneybees could enjoy their freshly prepared meals without having to fight for space with those who are moving around.

#2. Artbox Singapore 2018 is NOT your usual Pasar Malam

The 400 vendors operating the booths/stalls at Artbox Singapore 2018 are carefully selected by the organiser to ensure product diversity and novelty, while maintaining the element of the original Bangkok night market atmosphere.

Exclusive Artbox X Happy Soaks are only available only at Artbox Singapore

Of the 240 non-F&B stalls, compared to the 192 stalls last year, each weekend will bring a different set of vendors offering unique and creative lifestyle and fashion products from Thailand and Singapore. 

Check out creative snacks created by our local retail-entrepreneurs such as "Roasted #WickedMillows" at Artbox Singapore 

My favourite Thai snacks like the authentic Mango Sticky Rice and BBQ Pork are available at Artbox Singapore!

What is Artbox without Thai Milk Tea?

While you may still be able to get your fill of Ramly Burger at this year's Artbox Singapore, it is just a familiar minority out of the 160 F&B stalls that is offering a wide variety of delectable food that are not available at your usual Pasar Malam, a common feedback from last year's patrons.

What's more, there is a fun zone where Huneybees could enjoy carnival rides, indulge in old-school arcades, escape from the summer heat in Artbox's unique "foam pit" or accept a challenge at MTV FearFactor VR Challenge. Also present is an official Artbox container store for Huneybees to grab some limited edition Artbox Singapore 2018 merchandise ranging from T-shirts, tote bags, water bottles and more. 

#3. Artbox Singapore 2018 is also about Sustainability

While the iconic 20-foot containers may be a distinct feature of the wildly popular Artbox, this year's edition goes beyond just decoration or served as a platform for viewing deck.

Some of the retail stalls such as this run by Gryphon Tea is recycled from shipping container.

Lavatories at Artbox Singapore such as this is made from recycled shipping containers!

More than 20 shipping containers of a mix in 20-footer and 40-footer have been recycled as make-shift lavatories, activities stations, and retail outlets. This is double of what has had been used last year.

For Huneybees who prefers a guilt-free and social conscious shipping experience, there are twelve (12) such social enterprises at this year's Artbox Singapore, thanks to its partnership with DBS foundation.

#4. Artbox Singapore 2018 promises an Enjoyable Experience

To avoid the unpleasant experience of overcrowding that undermined last year's event, this year the organizer has a plan to "lock-down" the event if overcrowded occurs again. In such situation, Huneybees are not allowed to enter the venue until overcrowding situation has eased.

Also with the increasing security threat happening around us, the organiser has also deployed a team of twenty (20) security personnel for a secured and controlled entry into the venue, so that Huneybees could shop and dine with a peace of mind through the unique knick-knacks, latest fashions, and innovative snacks offered by both homegrowth and Thai retail-entrepreneurs.

With the security and overcrowding management issues addressed, Huneybees can now let your hair down and groove to a series of live music performances by local musicians under an Instagram worthy venue that features Artbox Singapore's signature fairy lights as well as a fleet of vintage cars, kombis and an original artwork by local artist @Feedbeng on a 40-foot container. 

#5. Enjoy the experience of Artbox Singapore 2018 and DBS Marina Regatta 2018 ALL at one venue

Both Artbox Singapore and DBS Marina Regatta, which host the biggest dragon boat racing in the region, are expected to draw a huge following to Marina Bayfront area during the same period. Instead of having to navigate through crowds between the two venues, Huneybees could soak in the actions of the pulsating dragon boat races while enjoying a creative lifestyle of retail experience, all at the DBS zone within Artbox Singapore 2018, thanks to the partnership with DBS Foundation.

These recycled metal sheets with expression were freshly flown in from Artbox Bangkok

Artbox Singapore 2018 will be held across two weekends from 25th to 27th May 2018 and 1st to 3rd June 2018 and is located at the Marina Bayfront Event Space, next to Marina Bay Sands - The Shoppes.

Have fun shopping and hanging out with your friends, see you there!

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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