“Blue” Pongtiwat is Swarovski's First Male Friend; Skyscanner's Zodiac prediction; Forbidden Forest comes to SG
Get 15% off Sephora and shop for your Valentine's Day gifts, donate your old apparels and get rewarded with S$10 Zalora voucher, get KFC's HuatWear shorts
New Things On The Block covers all the latest lifestyle news you need to know at the tip of your fingers.
Swarovski Announces “Blue” Pongtiwat As Thailand’s First Male Friend Of Swarovski 2024
Swarovski announces rising star “Blue” Pongtiwat Tangwancharoen, as the first male Friend of Swarovski from Thailand. An emerging talent in the entertainment and fashion industry, Blue Pongtiwat is set to create more moments with the brand in his new role.
I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Swarovski in many major brand moments and celebrations. Being chosen as the Friend of Swarovski for Thailand is an honor and a privilege... It is sure to be another exciting and sparkling year for both Swarovski and me.Blue expresses excitement in role as Swarovski's first male friend from Thailand
Blue was featured in sparkling Swarovski pieces consisting of last year’s collections: the Dextera octagonal crystal ring and the Dextera gold necklace and a heart-shaped crystalized Volta necklace from Spring/Summer Collection 2023, and the Lucent oval half-cut dark crystal ring from Fall/Winter Collection 2023, together with the upcoming collections: a heart-shaped Hyperbola bracelet and a heart-shaped Hyperbola necklace embedded with pink crystals from special Valentine's Collection 2024, the white crystal cross cuff Hyperbola, and the Imber gold necklace with pink crystals pendant from Spring/Summer Collection 2024 that tied in and enhanced the overall looks.
Shop Swarovski.
Sephora celebrates Valentine’s Day with a 15% off from now till 4 February
As Valentine's Day approaches, get inspired with beauty gift ideas from Sephora. Whether it's a treat for yourself or someone special, Sephora Beauty Pass Members can revel in 15% off and exclusive gifts with a minimum spend, conveniently accessible both online and in stores. Seize the opportunity to share the love, elevating your Valentine's Day celebration with thoughtful and exclusive beauty discoveries.
To add to the romance in the air, Sephora is giving away a Limited Edition Sephora Puffy Beauty Pouch with a minimum spend of $160* online or in-store. No code is needed. Promotion is from now till 4 February only.
Shop Sephora today!
Get S$10 cashback at Zalora when you recycle your apparel
Zalora’s Snap and Drop apparels donation programme, conducted in collaboration with Life Line Clothing is back! Since its successful launch in 2023, Zalora collected 17,000 items weighing over 5,500kg. With the ongoing spring cleaning in every household, the Snap and Drop initiative seeks to inspire increased donations of preloved apparels during this period, allowing a second chance for them to be loved and worn, or upcycled into new items.
In the spirit of renewal and celebration, Zalora hopes to work together with everyone to promote a more circular and responsible fashion ecosystem, starting with the Snap and Drop. For their used apparel donation, donors will receive S$10 cashback redeemable for their next apparel purchase on Zalora. How great is that?
Here’s how you can take part in the Snap and Drop Program:
1. Pack any clothes, shoes, bags or other fabric items.
2. Snap a picture of their bag of donated items in front of the collection box at one of the drop-off locations.
3. Drop the items into the collection box, and do note down the collection box number located at the front of the box.
4. Fill up a form located on the Zalora website to obtain cashback.
Best of all, the donated clothing do not need to be purchased from Zalora or be in good condition to qualify for the S$10 cashback voucher, which can be used with no minimum spend. However, please note that the cashback can only be redeemed once every 30 days, and the cashback expires one month from your drop date. Let’s spread the word and be part of the sustainability initiative!
Check out the links here for drop-off locations.
Skyscanner launches Everywhere Agency and Zodiac Prediction videos
Exciting time for Skyscanner, as they have just launched two new functions in 2024. Firstly, check out the Everywhere Agency, the world's first ‘pop-up’ travel consultancy connecting travellers with a collective of five record-breaking travellers – or Everywhere Agents – who have visited every country in the world.
Powered by Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search, which is the most searched destination for Singapore travellers, the Everywhere Agency seeks to alleviate Singaporeans’ travel anxiety in exploring new destinations, at a time where most Singaporeans are willing to visit new places, but are overwhelmed by options and considerations on where they should go. Travellers can explore tips offered by Everywhere Agents through 1:1 exclusive virtual appointments, and access an online widget on Skyscanner that responds to frequently-asked travel questions based on each Everywhere Agents’ personal experience.
This function comes after Skyscanner survey insights show that 37% of survey respondents’ biggest struggles when booking travel is deciding where to go; 49% of travellers admit that the prospect of booking travel in 2024 is overwhelming; and 73% of holiday-makers affirm that they place higher trust in advice from seasoned travellers who have explored extensively themselves.
Skyscanner also published its latest findings on the travel behaviours of Singapore’s Millennials and Gen Zs, revealing interesting correlations between travel preferences and Zodiac-based astrology. 70% of Gen Zs supposedly believe in zodiac readings, while 49% of respondents confirmed that they will change their travel plans if predictions actively advise against travelling during their intended dates.
With these insights, Skyscanner released their 2024 Zodiac Predictions video with interesting nuggets of information and tips for travellers as they plan for their travel adventures in the Year of the Dragon.
Conrad Orchard Singapore starts the year with a grand reopening party
On 31 January 2024, Conrad Singapore Orchard hosted its grand opening with a cocktail celebration, marking the official public debut. Replacing the previous The Regent Singapore, Conrad took over one of the few atrium-style hotels in Singapore, transforming it into a sophisticated oasis tucked away near Singapore's vibrant Orchard Road.
Old favourites like all-day dining restaurant Basilico, Tea Lounge, Dolcetto and Manhattan Bar will continue to serve up excellent hospitality, while the exciting reopening of Summer Palace looks set to reinvent the wheel. Don't forget existing restaurants such as Shoukouwa Shinjidai, Seoul, Tenshin and more – all well-kept secrets and excellent restaurants within the property!
Book your stay here: Agoda.com | Expedia.com
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Singapore reopens
Grand Copthorne Waterfront recently underwent a nearly S$40 million facelift. This latest reset includes an overhaul of the hotel’s programming that will now focus on wellness experiences as well as double down on its dedication to sustainability with systemic upgrades. There are also 33 meeting and function rooms to choose from – a well-known business hotel for MICE conferences.
Book your stay here: Agoda.com | Expedia.com
Harry Potter A Forbidden Forest Experience
Following a massively successful run in the US and the UK, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment in partnership with Fever and IMG, has debuted Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Sentosa, Singapore. The first Asia-Pacific destination to host the experience, the light trail will open on 3 February for Wizarding World fans to enjoy in the awe-inspiring woods of the Coastal Trail on Sentosa Island.
Tickets are up for sale, but fans who sign up for the waitlist have unlocked exclusive early access to secure tickets. Visitors will discover some of their favourite moments from the Forbidden Forest, encounter mystical creatures such as Hippogriffs, Unicorns, and Nifflers, and practice casting their very own spells. They can also enjoy the iconic wizarding world beverage, Butterbeer, and explore exclusive merchandise from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies at the gift shop.
Tickets are available for purchase, starting at S$51 for adults and S$39 for children.
Check airfare here: Skyscanner | Trip.com | Expedia
Book accommodations and activities here: Agoda | Booking.com | Klook | KKday | HotelsCombined | LuxuryEscapes
Save big, get the all-inclusive pass & explore your destination in-depth: GoCity
General info here: Tripadvisor
Affordable data plans here
And while you are at it, get your travel insurance with Alliance Assistance | Income | Prudential!
KFC Launches Limited-Edition HuatWear Shorts
Fancy a fun pyjamas shorts for the Chinese New Year? On 6 February, you have a chance to snag a FREE pair of KFC’s HuatWear shorts with purchase of any Chicken Bak Kwa meal or bundle from KFC’s tantalising Lunar New Year menu, featuring its first-ever halal Chicken Bak Kwa, while stocks last.
Designed in consultation with Singaporean Feng Shui Master, Jet Lee, these bright red shorts are printed with auspicious symbols, including the cheerful God of Fortune, prosperity coins, and longevity peaches. The one-of-a-kind shorts are sure to grab attention and bring much joy to all at festive gatherings.
With only 888 pieces available nationwide, don't miss your shot to add a dash of HUAT to your style – visit KFC outlets at VivoCity, Kallang, NEX, West Mall, Jurong Point, NorthPoint City, Causeway Point, and Tampines Mall to get yours before they are all redeemed.
