2010 December | RWScoop

Monthly Archives: December 2010

Beat the traffic this New Year’s Eve!

December 29, 2010 rwscooper

Planning to usher in 2011 with us this Friday? Here are some tips on getting in and out of the resort and beating the jams –

Tip #1: Go Public
We encourage one and all to take public transport in for that day. Traffic is expected to be slow moving!

Tip #2: Remember these characters ‘R-W-S-8′
Specially for 31 Dec, the frequency of our RWS 8 service fleet will be increased with the waiting time reduced from 5-7mins to 3-5mins

Tip #3: Know your exit strategy
If partying through the 2010-2011 window isn’t your cup of tea, there are several (free and painless) ways to make your way out of the resort. Pick one and add it to your plan for the day:)

- Last RWS 8 service leaves the resort for VivoCity at 2a.m.
- Sentosa Express will also be extending their hours, last train leaves Waterfront Station at 1.35a.m.

Tip #4: Do not ignore Tip #1
For those who are still planning to drive in, do note the changes in parking rates for that day

Check out our website for more details on getting to the resort.

At last, they take flight!

December 23, 2010 rwscooper

Nearly 3 Years in the making

A story of how love

transforms…

Premiering at WaterFront, Resorts World Sentosa

25 Dec 2010

Inspired by the myth found in most folk lore of how love can magically transforms inanimate forms into life, in this case, 2 mechanical cranes into real birds engaged in a seamless ballet.

So why cranes you may ask? Well…it’s in their blood! All 15 species of cranes, down to the chicks, love to shake it! Not forgetting, the beautiful mating dance ritual they whip up to get hitched. Yes, we know, many birds do that. But the combination of the cranes’ size, elegance of moves and the way they spread their wings whilst taking flight sets them apart from the rest.

As if that doesn’t convince you enough,

famed four-time Emmy Award-winning designer, Jeremy Railton, steps it up a notch. Mimicking the cranes’ graceful courtship moves with the artistic combination of groundbreaking audio and visual technologies, Railton and his team casts two 30-metres-tall (that’s nearly 10-storeys high!) steel cranes in the world’s largest 10-minute long animatronics of water illusion and play of lights.

Convinced? Don’t miss out on this spectacular waterside display this Christmas!

Check out our website for more details.

The Fe(a)stive Season!

December 23, 2010 rwscooper

[ Christmas blogpost (part 2) by Tania H. ]

In part two of my foodie blogpost for Christmas, we move on to the festive themed menus around the restaurants this December. Give mom a break from the stove or your wife for that matter and take them out for a festive feast followed by a stroll to Singapore’s tallest Christmas tree at Resorts World.

A picture speaks a thousand words and I’m sure the shot below speaks volumes to your parotid gland. Are you salivating yet?

Grainge Black Angus Beef Striploin MS 3

Titled Grainge Black Angus Beef Striploin MS 3 with creamed chestnut, roasted artichoke, field mushrooms and bacon beef glace sand, this is one of Osia’s main highlights on the Christmas menu, available both on Christmas Eve and the day itself. If you haven’t tried Osia’s cuisine by Australian celebrity chef Scott Webster, it’s a reflection of Australia’s cultural melting pot. Showcasing the freshest produce from the Land Down Under, beautiful ingredients are transformed into morsels of goodness on the plate with an adept chef’s hand which practices absolute meticulous finesse.

Valrhona Hot Chocolate Soup

At $180++ per head, you’ll also get to taste Chef Webster’s legendary Valrhona Hot Chocolate Soup. It’s a larva cake but without the cake. Some guests have commented it’s better than S.E.X. Yum!

Palio turkey ravioli served with its own gravy topped with pomegranate seeds

If you’re looking for something hearty, the food at Palio will have you licking your lips all the way home. Serving authentic Tuscan cuisine, our Italian chefs have come up with a Christmas menu that’s exciting yet familiar. Featuring the Turkey ravioli as seen above, Pan-seared Monkfish served with fine beans in Prosecco wine and caviar sauce, and the decadent Pandoro Christmas cake served with Panettone flavored ice cream and warm chocolate sauce as dessert, your family will be pleased. The 5-course Christmas Eve set dinner is at $88++ per head.

Rib eye Tagliata with cannellini beans purée, roasted figs and brandy sauce

On Christmas day itself, Palio will be serving the Rib eye Tagliata and other delicious items on its 4-course set dinner menu at $68++.

If buffet is more your thing, Starz at Hard Rock Singapore has a wide array of seafood including beef carpaccio, baby octopus with sesame, cold appetizers and excellent Chinese food for the whole family. For Christmas, we’re throwing in a plump roast turkey stuffed with chestnut, my favourite stollen, pudding drenched in chocolate sauce and lots more. There’s even a dedicated Indian live station for those piping hot pratas and a Japanese station for fresh sashimi and sushi! Starz’ Christmas Eve international buffet dinner is at $98++ per guest and on Christmas day itself, international buffet brunch at $88++.

Not forgetting a place where you can party the night away and count the seconds to Christmas Day, come by the Rock Bar where a selection of luscious festive shooters is just an order away. Located at the lobby of Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, our shooters go by quirky names like Electric Blue, MYS-T-VIOUZ and Beary Holiday.

For a refreshing burst of lime, try Electric Blue, designed to jazz up your Christmas, after combining main ingredients of sambuca and bols blue curacao. For MYS-T-VIOUZ, it’s indeed a mysterious potion of Midori Melon, some grenadine syrup and a splash of creamy Baileys Irish Cream (and other secret ingredients), making it the perfect indulgent drink. To relive your childhood, order Beary Holiday, which promises to put on a smile on your face with nostalgic gummy bear lollies.

Performing every Fri and Sat from 8.15pm, you can also catch the live performance of homegrown artists, Zsa and Claire as they blow you away with their awe-inspiring percussion music.

So drop by Resorts World today and celebrate Christmas with us!

Check out our website for more details.

Look Mommy! Christmas but no snow!

December 15, 2010 rwscooper

[ Christmas blogpost part 1 by Tania H. ]

I heard from a friend’s six-year-old who lamented Christmas ain’t Christmas if it’s not a scene out of Home Alone. Remember ‘Kevin’ and his misadventures about town as he waded through thick snowfall which blanketed Chicago? It’s the slushy ‘ice kachang’ we’re missing in Singapore this festive period.

But thanks to Thomas Edison, we’ve got tons of light bulbs spreading the festive cheer all around Singapore and of course at Resorts World Sentosa. It’s our first ever Christmas and our theme this year is, “It’s a Musical Christmas at RWS”. If you haven’t already heard, we have Singapore’s tallest Christmas tree at 11-storey high in the Bull Ring™, all decked out in blue and silver! And we have up to 30 carolers standing at the base of the tree belting out Christmas tunes every weekend. It’s becoming our next hottest prime spot for photos, next to the Universal Studios Singapore globe of course.

With parties to attend and home celebrations aplenty, we have some excellent Christmas goodies for you to bring as gifts or for purely selfish indulgences *wink, wink*

You might think this is a simple loaf of bread but not when it’s a stollen! A traditional German bread made with basic ingredients of egg, flour, yeast, and a range of yummy candied peels, raisins, almonds, cinnamon, etc, and finished with a layer of icing sugar, the stollen is always a personal favourite of mine. It’s not overtly sweet as a fruit cake but has just enough flavour and fluffy like a perfectly-baked loaf. Great as a filller before the party officially starts, your guests will fall in love with our stollen (500g—$15), I’m sure.

Secondly, here comes the ubiquitous gingerbread house and its resident boy and girl to cast some fairy dust during this magical season. They are most apt for display to welcome your guests or why not as a lucky draw gift! At 700g, our delightful German spice bread is covered in shortbread biscuits, sweets, snowy frosting and a jolly Santa standing at the door. For an affordable $30, it’s yours to take home and don’t forget to pocket the boy and girl for $6 each.

For dessert, we have the raspberry ivory logcake and caraibe logcake. If you want something lighter on the palate, go for the raspberry ivory which is fruitier but if you’re a choc-crazy fan, the dark chocolate caraibe will knock you out. Either way, you’ll be licking your lips for more! The locakes are priced are $25 for 500g and $40 for 1 kg.

The ultimate indulgence for this Christmas must be our traditional Christmas pudding (500g—$15). Best served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s the ultimate lethal combination to make happy bunnies out of your guests. Moist and luscious, anticipate a whirlwind of intoxicating cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus and alcoholic flavours tingle on your palate.

All Christmas goodies are available for sale at our signature patisserie, the Boulagerie at Festive Hotel. Guests can make over the counter purchase from now until 25 December. Pre-order is also available and ends on 22 Dec. For enquiries, please call (+65) 6577 8888 or click here http://www.rwsentosa.com/language/en-US/FestiveCelebrations/FestiveTreats for online bookings. Bon Appetit!

FANS DAY OUT

December 14, 2010 rwscooper

Many would have had their calendar marked out in bold on Dec 11 with the words ‘Zouk Out’. For 25 of our community members, it would’ve been the inaugural RWS facebook Fans Day Out.


All set to go!

‘Headhunted’ for their participation on RWS facebook – from long time fans to contest participants – this day out was a treat to express our gratitude for all the support. Here’s a look at the day’s activities:


Name… Check! Business Pass… Check! Complimentary USS cap… Check!

First up, registration. This is usually the portion of an event that blog posts will skip due to its mundane nature. But for Fans Day Out, it wasn’t. Camping at the Thinker as we waited for the guests to arrive, we found ourselves engaging in a mini Spot-the-face challenge – matching the thumbnails of Facebook profile pictures with the people arriving at Festive Walk (and smiling smugly to ourselves when some of the guests went “Ahh? How you know it’s me?”).

“Initially it was supposed to be named Graves Hotel, but it wasn’t too auspicious..”

First stop of the day – Hotel Michael. Securing a suite to kick-start the day’s tour was quite a feat, with the rooms packed with ZoukOut-ees in preparation for the nightlong of partying. But kudos to the hotel management, we found one!

Did you know? A Hotel Michael suite CAN hold up to 29 people??

So in we went, all 29 of us (including the four RWS team members) – at the same time. Of course there had to be the right permutation of those standing, sitting, moving; that didn’t stop cameras being whipped out followed by consecutive snaps about the room.

Boy, Woody better not see this!

After the ‘oohs‘ and ‘aahs‘ subsided, we left the boutique hotel and visited USS where the guests were treated to guided tours to Revenge Of The Mummy and Lights, Camera, Action! - one that included exclusive sneak peeks of back-of-house areas. Sweet! It was a real eye-opener, not just for the fans, but for us too.

Getting up close and personal with the cast..

Last stop before lunch – WaterWorld. In view of the various “I DO NOT WANT TO GET WET!!!” reminders, a strategic location was reserved for the fans as we (sadistically) watched as the people in the front rows get drenched. As usual, the show was really engaging and some fans even managed to grab a shot with the casts before we headed for lunch.

John addressing the fans @ KT’s Grill

Whether it was the promise of cool air after walking in the blazing sun or the mouth-watering aroma of food that wafted from the kitchen, (or both!) – we quickened our pace as we neared KT’s Grill. After they were seated, Vice President of USS Operations, John Hallenbeck, took centre-stage and engaged the fans in a candid discussion on the park’s cool and not-so-cool factors. Our guests enjoyed the session very much (that’s what they told us afterwards), but not a few actually glanced at their starters (it was a long morning!); John finally finished his oratory and our guests happily tucked into their lunch. What followed was a sight to be satisfied about – we saw people from all walks of life engaging in cordial chatter and sharing frequent laughs. Awesome!

Thanks to all who turned up for our very first Fans Day Out. It was a blast and marks the start of many more to come!

Valentino, Retrospective: With The Experts

December 08, 2010 rwscooper

The anticipation is torturous, we know. Approximately 14 days are all that stands between you and the feast (to the eyes of course, the dresses aren’t edible the last time we checked) of 100 Valentino dresses. But that doesn’t stop us from still talking about it on our blog. Rubbing it in? Nah, we’re probably just as, or even more, anxious than you are!

This week, we speak to 2 of our renowned local stylists – Karen Ng and Jerome Awasthi – on their take on the Italian’s work.

About them…

Hailed as one of the “top 20 most invited socialites”, Power Stylist Karen Ng is the founder of local style and image consultancy, Glitz, which targets high nett and high profile individuals. She is also the ambassador for French champagne brand G.H. Mumm.

Model-turned-stylist, Jerome Awasthi is no stranger to producing runway magic for international brand s like Marchesa, Louis Vuitton and Fendi nor fashioning budget buys to billion-dollar looks for magazines. Rising rapidly up the ranks in the local fashion scene, he was also named by Singapore as one of the 30 Singaporeans under 30 in 2008.

Here’s what they said –

On Valentino as a brand…

Karen: As far back as I can remember, Valentino is a brand synonymous with elegance and grandeur. For me, this Italian powerhouse is the epitome of sophistication, fashion at its finest. Valentino knows women and his collections reflect his love of women and the female body.

Jerome: Valentino – the brand till this date still resounds beauty, glamor and royalty. Immaculate detailing and intricate craftsmanship with romantic detailing that makes the women feel like they are the most beautiful person in the world every time they put on a Valentino gown.

‘Power Stylist’ Karen Ng sporting a Valentino dress

“The Valentino woman is elusive, exclusive
and always enchanting.”

On Valentino’s impact on the fashion world…

Karen: If a woman is lucky enough to be draped in a gown by Valentino, she must already know that she is somebody special. From the Oscars and the Grammys to Cannes and the BAFTAs (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), Valentino has dressed the world’s most beautiful, the rich and the famous. The Valentino woman is elusive, exclusive and always enchanting.

Jerome: The designer was the known as the emperor of Italian haute couture and known widely for designing exquisite red gowns widely sought after by actresses and socialites for their red carpet events.

Jerome Awasthi, Fashion Show Producer/ Fashion Stylist

“Immaculate detailing and intricate craftsmanship…”

On their favorite dress by the Italian fashion guru..

Valentino Evening ensemble Haute Couture
Autumn/Winter 2007–08, Model 170

Karen: I love this! It is the perfect shade of bubblegum pink that is every girl’s secret dream come true. Whimsical yet feminine and elegant at the same time, the cape is cleverly constructed to create glamour and intricacy to an otherwise timeless fitted gown.

Left: Valentino Cocktail dress Haute Couture
Spring/Summer 1960, Model 66 ‘Sarabanda’
Right: Valentino Cocktail dress Haute Couture
Spring/Summer 1959, Model 79 ‘Fiesta’

Jerome: The vintage 50′s shape is making a big come back on the red carpet. This shape elevates the elegance of a lady and is simply beautiful!

Even the experts rave about it.

Come experience the magic this Dec 22 at the exclusive exhibition – Valentino, Retrospective: Past/ Present/ Future here at Resorts World Sentosa. 100 of Valentino’s finest dresses, don’t miss out!

Check out our website for more information.

Click here for our previous post on Valentino.

A Race Like No Other

December 07, 2010 rwscooper

[by Jimmy S - amateur runner and inline 'speed' skater - who's always looking for more speed]

Team RWS took part in the race too!

The first Sunday on December has become synonymous with the day for runners to meet and run. This year’s inaugural Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) on Dec 5, 2010 – previously known as Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon – is one such Sunday.

However, this time round, change is in the air – the race format is slightly different. After capping out at 50,000 runners last year, the organisers realised that they’ll need to re-strategise if they intend to increase the max number of participants. And increase they did – to 60,000 this year – with all three categories: 10km, 21km and the marathon 42.195km, starting at three different locations.

I signed up for the 21km and was really excited for the race – because for the first time ever, it runs through Sentosa and Universal Studios Singapore! That was until I was floored with a sprained ankle 3 weeks before the race.

Well, since I couldn’t run and I was at the Padang (not because I need to be there for work, uh-huh no-sir-ree, definitely not that *ahem*), I spent some time checking out the sights – one thing I seldom do in previous races because I just wanted to get home, out of the damp clothes, shower and sleep.

So here are some shots of the day: usual things, fun stuff and things-that-made-me-go-WHAT?

In Universal Studios Singapore:

Alex the Lion: It’s time to dance!

Po the Panda: You wanna get something to eat? A banana?

BananaMan: Hey, stop looking at me; I’m not your food!

Runners pounding seriously through New York zone…

… while others stopped for photos with Shrek and Princess Fiona

At the Padang:

Cheerleaders, bringing it on!

A-case-of-Halloween-costume-delivered-late

Hugobelix and Ass‘T’Erix

Gotta love Ben & Jerry’s… ice cream

Not unusual – major cramps after the final sprint

Winner of the Full Marathon – Men’s Open as he blazed past the final stretch

Running is for everyone – unless you are injured. Whether you are running to achieve a personal goal, to prove a point, to lose weight or are just swept up in the wave of running euphoria, at the starting line, there’s just you and the distance to the finishing line. And it’s all about taking one more step.

See you at next year’s race, alright? Who knows, maybe StanChart will be coming back to Universal Studios Singapore in 2011. And I’ll finally get a chance to run through it. And you could too.

For more photos, check out RWS facebook photo album.

Work with us! [JC Edition]

December 03, 2010 rwscooper

We’re having another Walk-In Recruitment Drive!

Interested Junior College students, come to e2i on Dec 7, 2010 (Tuesday) for a chance to work in a place like no other.

Date: December 7, 2010 (Tuesday)
Time: 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Venue: 141 Redhill Road (5 mins walk from Redhill MRT Station)
Registration Counters at Tentage in front of B1-05

What to bring:
1. A recent passport colour photo x1
2. Resume x1
3. Photocopies of Educational Qualifications x1
4. Bank Book / most recent Account Statement x1
5. NRIC x1

Share this with your interested friends – and see you at e2i next week!

Please see http://www.rwsentosa.com/careers for other career opportunities.

Christmas Shopping Guide #1 – The Cute Ones

December 02, 2010 rwscooper

Buying a Christmas gift goes beyond mere shopping. It’s an art.

The art of finding a gift that hasn’t been presented before throughout the course of the year to the same loved one/ friend. The art of finding a gift that looks fitting for a ‘Merry Christmas!’ card to accompany it. And of course, in the local context, the art of getting the best deal! We are no experts ourselves but hopefully, this series will help you add some finishing moves (or buys, rather) to your festive shopping frenzy.

To kick-start it all, we bring you into the enchanted segment of our resort – Universal Studios Singapore.

The Cute Ones

Key challenge for this category of gifts: evoke an “awwwww” from receiver.

UNDER $10

These caught our eyes even before we saw the price tag. Love how the DreamWorks stars like Shrek and Princess Fiona are carved out in various shapes and sizes, and attached to pens. Perfect gifts for mass distribution (especially those volunteer Santas at kids parties) and they look great even without a wrapper!

‘Awwwww’ factor: 3/5

Spotted at: Star Characters, Universal Studios Store (Can be found at That’s a Wrap near USS entrance too)

UNDER $20

Ever wondered what’s the link between Gingerbread Man and Christmas? Here’s one explanation we found: Santa was supposed to be made of gingerbread! Hmm, any others?

Nonetheless, it was the soft toy that, for us, stood out from the rest. Brought a smile instantly to our faces upon sight (perhaps cause it reminded us of its edible form too).

‘Awwwww’ factor: 4/5

Spotted at: Star Characters

Definitely one of the more unique gifts we’ve spotted – potion-flask-shaped bottles! Our personal favorite: the shortest one (with blue liquid within). Voila!

‘Awwwww’ factor: 3/5

Spotted at: Fairy Godmother’s Potion Shop in Far Far Away

UNDER $30

Another variation of Gingy – bigger, softer, rounder gift featuring his trademark thick-lipped smile. A must-hug/cuddle ain’t it?

‘Awwwww’ factor: 5.5/5 (too irresistible. we all walked out with one each)

Spotted at: Star Characters

So, USS or Hollywood After Hours patrons/ patrons-to-be, do look out for these hot ‘cute’ picks for Christmas gifts:) Stay tuned for more in the other upcoming features!

End The Year With A Bang!

December 01, 2010 rwscooper

Here are a few updates as 2010 draws to a close.

A Gift That Will Last (… for a year at least)

Share the festive joy this Christmas with a bang! Get your loved ones Universal Studios Singapore (USS) Annual Pass Gift Certificates and send them on a year of fun.

For more details on the gift certificates, do visit our website.

NEW! USS 2011 Seasonal Calendars
Planning your trip to USS next year? Get the most bang for your buck by utilizing our new 2011 seasonal calendars, fully loaded with school holidays, weekend and Black Out dates They’ll be up on our website soon!

For USS Annual Fun Pass Holders

For USS Day Passes

Hollywood After Hours
For guests planning to spend the last few hours of the year at the resort, we regret to inform you that there will be no Hollywood After Hours on Friday, 31 Dec 2010.

That’s all for now folks! Watch this space as we will bringing you other gift recommendations from around the resort to add to your Christmas shopping list:)

03-DEC-2010 EDIT: Updated USS Seasonal Calendars