AXN’s “Asia’s Got Talent” is set to premiere first on AXN on 12 March 2015, airing on Thursdays at 8.05pm in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and Hong Kong, and 7.05pm in Jakarta and Bangkok. The series is the biggest talent competition in the world and it features some of the region’s most incredible performing artists.
With an esteemed celebrity judging panel made up of 16 time Grammy-winning Canadian musician David Foster, UK pop sensation and former Spice Girl Melanie C., Indonesian rock icon Anggun, and Taiwanese-American pop idol and actor Van Ness Wu; the four judges must select the most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, and breath-taking performances from thousands of applicants from 15 territories across Asia.
Supporting the judges are Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez as hosts of “Asia’s Got Talent”. Marc and Rovilson are familiar to AXN audiences as contestants of “The Amazing Race Asia Season 2” and hosts of the talk show “The Duke”.
“Asia’s Got Talent” is the 63rd adaptation of the Guinness-World-Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.
Our Personal Review/Thoughts About “Asia’s Got Talent”
With a star-studded celebrity judging panel, “Asia’s Got Talent” is going to be a top quality production that will thrill Asia and personally, we are pretty excited because the semi-finals and finale will be held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands.
Those who advance to the semi-finals will face an even tougher judge, the AXN audience at home who will decide the winner of the first season of “Asia’s Got Talent”.
In addition to enjoying the amazing performances, audiences can expect to learn more about their favourite acts as “Asia Got Talent” tells the life stories behind some of the most colourful individuals and groups in the competition.
“Asia’s Got Talent” will span a total of 10 weekly episodes, leading with five judges’ auditions episodes, before three semi-finals, a finale episode, and concluding with the results show. If you want to find out more information about “Asia’s Got Talent”, do check out AXN Official Website and like “Asia’s Got Talent” Official Facebook Page!
Australia’s most successful theatrical export, Dein Perry’s TAP DOGS, is now showing at the MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands and they will be performing for a strictly limited season from 27 May 2014 to 1 June 2014 for eight performances only!
The global dance sensation has performed in over 330 cities across six continents and has been seen by over 12 million people. Dein Perry’s TAP DOGS continues to take the world by storm and now it’s Singapore’s turn to experience the award-winning show that has been described as “the hottest show on legs” by the London Time Out.
The winner of more than 11 international awards including an Olivier Award [UK], an Obie Award [New York], and a Pegasus Award [Spoleto Festival in Italy], Dein Perry’s TAP DOGS is an 80-minute show that combines the strength and power of workers with the precision and talent of tap dancing.
The show features high-energy dance numbers, theatrical performances, and live music performed by the cast and musicians, who bring an imaginary steel works to life in a fast-paced, unstoppable spectacular.
Whether they are in water, upside-down, or jumping through scaffolding, Dein Perry’s TAP DOGS have been performing to the beat of their own drum since their world premiere at the Sydney Theatre Festival in January 1995. Success quickly followed with seasons in London, New York, Tokyo, Paris, Berlin, and many other cities. A worldwide television audience of over 3.4 billion saw 1,000 Tap Dogs performing in the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Created by Oliver Award-winning choreographer Dein Perry, Dein Perry’s TAP DOGS is directed and designed by the late Nigel Triffitt, one of Australia’s leading theatrical visionaries, with music by Andrew Wilkie, lighting by Gavin Norris, and sound design by Andy Jackson.
Our Personal Review Of TAP DOGS
TAP DOGS is extremely entertaining and definitely worth watching. Word-less, super-slick, and set on a construction site in the steelwork’s town of Newcastle, just north of Sydney; Dein Perry’s TAP DOGS is the perfect show for the whole family with an awe-inspiring mix of dance, music and performance in a full-scale stage show production.
The 80-minutes show is performed without an intermission and it is highly energetic and positively electrifying. Be sure to catch TAP DOGS and book your tickets early as they will only perform for 8 performances till 1 June 2014.
TICKETING AND SHOW INFORMATION
From 27 May 2014 to 1 June 2014
Tuesday to Friday- 7:30pm
Sat – 2pm & 7.30pm
Sun – 1pm & 5pm
Ticket prices start from $65 * Excludes the booking fee of SGD$3 per ticket
[POST PERFORMANCE UPDATE AS OF 11 SEPTEMBER 2013]:
Having caught the full performance of Barbie™ LIVE! yesterday, we have to absolutely say that it was a splendid performance that was put up by the performers and the entire session was really engaging. We are pretty sure many of the little ones whom were present had a blast and adults alike were very impressed with the wholesome storyline! Even as we are typing this blog entry, we just can’t stop humming to the uplifting songs that were sung during Barbie™ LIVE! With only 4 more days to go, don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to bring your little ones to catch Barbie™ LIVE! because it will definitely be a delightful treat for them!
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We’re pretty sure everyone knows who Barbie is and for those of you born in the 1980s, you probably would have heard of the Barbie Girl song by Aqua. Now, if you’re a fan of Barbie, we have some exciting news for you and that is, Barbie will be coming to Singapore LIVE from 10 September 2013 to 14 September 2013 at the MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
[Image Courtesy of EMS Entertainment / Mattel, Inc.]
As an entertainment powerhouse, the Barbie® brand has been bringing fans of all ages engaging content for decades and now, Barbie will bring fans a new opportunity to sing and dance with the introduction of an all-new musical, Barbie™ LIVE!
Barbie™ LIVE! is an engaging musical featuring contemporary music with empowering lyrics, energetic choreography and a modern storyline that will appeal to fans of all ages. With a talented cast of 19 singers and dancers, dazzling costumes, spectacular lighting and set designs, and popular songs, Barbie™ LIVE! will deliver fans a one-of-a-kind show experience featuring the world’s favourite doll, Barbie!
[Image Courtesy of EMS Entertainment / Mattel, Inc.]
Set on a Hollywood sound stage, the show follows Barbie and her best friend / co-star Teresa on the set of their new movie. When Teresa starts to doubt herself and her theatrical abilities, Barbie leverage lessons from her past taught in her popular DVD’s – Swan Lake, Princess and the Popstar, and Mariposa & Fairy Princess to teach Teresa [and the audience] to be confident, to believe in themselves, and to embrace the power of friendship.
[Image Courtesy of EMS Entertainment / Mattel, Inc.]
Barbie™ LIVE! also features popular songs from the animated Mattel hit movies, as well as new music from distinguished producer, Robbie Roth. Join Barbie™, Ken™ and their friends as they ‘get their sparkle on’ in this dance-inspired musical that is sure to engage fans of all ages within two hours of delightful entertainment.
The musical will premiere its worldwide tour here in Singapore and then travel throughout Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States. Tickets are now on sale and don’t miss the world premiere of Barbie LIVE! because they will only be here for a week! Personally, we have never been a fan of Barbie but trust us, when we caught a sneak preview of the musical during the media call event, we were very enthused by the contemporary songs and energetic dance that we started tapping and grooving along during the performance. Barbie LIVE! will truly be a treat for all your little ones whom are fans of Barbie!
[Video Courtesy of EMS Entertainment / Mattel, Inc.]
Tickets are priced from SGD$35 and if you purchase the VIP tickets that are priced at SGD$125, you will have an exclusive photo opportunity with the cast from Barbie LIVE! What’s more, if you are a SAFRA Member, you can enjoy 10% off ticket prices, subjected to terms and conditions.
Alternatively, you can also book your tickets through the phone at +65 6688 8826 or in person at the Marina Bay Sands Box Offices that are located at the Museum, Theatres, SkyPark, Retail Mall and the lobbies of Hotel Tower 1 and 3.
For VIP, Hotel and Dining Packages, do visit www.showbizasia.com. Corporate and Group Bookings are also available via Showbiz. All you have to do is email Showbiz at corporate@showbizasia.com or give them a call at 6688 1029.
It was my first time to the ArtScience Museum at the Marina Bay Sands and I am really thankful for the wonderful opportunity to be there to view the two current exhibitions that are on display, The Art of the Brick and Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb.
The Art of the Brick was on display since 17 November 2012 and from what I heard, the exhibition was supposed to wrap up last month but it has been extended till 26 May 2013 due to popular demand.
The Art of the Brick is deemed as CNN’s 12 ‘Must-see Exhibitions’ and it showcases 52 large-scale LEGO sculptures by New York-based artist, Nathan Sawaya.
When I was there, I must admit that the works by Nathan Sawaya were really thought-provoking and reading the short description that accompanied each of Nathan’s work really challenged my thinking.
In this piece entitled ‘Swimmer’, Nathan used 10,980 LEGO bricks and took 15 days to create it in 2009. As you can see from the picture, the piece can only be seen above the surface and Nathan challenges viewers’ imagination to fill in the rest of the sculpture below the surface.
Inspired by the changes that takes place on his journeys, Nathan created this piece entitled ‘Yellow’ in 2006 and it is probably one of his best known piece. Nathan used 11,014 LEGO bricks to create this piece.
Nathan made use of 3,720 recycled LEGO bricks to create this piece entitled ‘Peaces’ in 2010. The description that accompanied this sculpture says, “What does it take to create Peaces? It takes many pieces. And all the colours in the world working together”.
I particularly like this piece entitled ‘Mask’ which was created in 2007 using 18,509 LEGO bricks. The description that accompanied this sculpture says, “Masks are used by just about every culture on the planet. They keep things hidden and show only the face we want others to see. I build Mask as a reflection of revealing our true selves. So often we put on a different face and then can no longer identify our own self. Mask identifies the facade we hide behind”.
There is this other piece entitled ‘Grasp’ that I also like. It was created in 2007 using 17,356 LEGO bricks and the description that accompanied this sculpture says, “No matter where your heart wants to lead you, there will be hands that try to hold you back. Life’s challenge is to find the strength to break free. I created this sculpture in response to so many people telling me ‘No’ in my life. I wanted to break free of those people”.
The highlight of the exhibition would probably be this piece entitled ‘Dinosaur Skeleton’ which was created in 2007 using 80,020 LEGO bricks. The description that accompanied this sculpture says, “This is one of the largest sculptures I have ever made. It took an entire summer to build and nearly drove me crazy trying to make it work. After seeing so many kids flock to my first solo exhibition, I wanted to give back something and create a sculpture that children would enjoy. What could be better than a dinosaur?”
After looking at all the pieces that were on display, I was truly inspired by Nathan Sawaya because his works are not only thought-provoking but it really sends a strong message that transcends our core inner being. What is shown in this blog entry is just a few of the many wonderful pieces that were on display at The Art of the Brick and really, you should check it out if you haven’t because it will only be here in Singapore till 26 May 2013.
The Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb is the latest exhibition at the ArtScience Musuem and it will be here till 4 November 2013.
At the exhibition, the secrets of the mysterious Egyptian burial practices and mummification process will be revealed in technologically-advanced detail and it pairs mummies and artifacts culled from the extensive and famed Egyptian collection of the British Museum with an innovative 3D film experience that captures the “virtual unwrapping” of the Egyptian mummy.
As I wasn’t allowed to take any photographs when I was there, I have obtained permission from a fellow writer, superadrianme.com,to use the pictures that he took when he attended the media showcase.
There’s a host of engaging and hands-on opportunities that are available to visitors of all ages and this includes an interactive Embalming Workshop that will shed light on the various steps and rituals that comprised the embalming, mummification, and cartonnage procedures of the time.
Visitors will also be able to take part in a specially-designed exhibition quest through age-appropriate activity bags containing a host of engaging activities and tools that are directly related to the artifacts on display. Among these are jigsaw puzzles, creative games, and magnifying glasses to help young Egyptologists complete various challenges.
With the use of the most advanced and cutting-edge scanning technology, details about Nesperennub’s life and death and images of him with regards to how he looked like 3,000 years ago were retrieved without opening the coffin or disturbing Nesperennub’s wrappings .
Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb will showcase more than 100 stunning artifacts and six mummies in total.
Among the other mummies on display in the exhibition is the mummy of Tjayasetimu, a singer in the temple of Amun, whom died when she was still a child, around 800 BC. Her carefully embalmed body has been enclosed in a cartonnage case representing her with the golden face of a divine being, and with her hands, feet and arms partly freed from the traditional mummy wrappings.
Unfortunately, I don’t have photos of the mummy of Tjayasetimu.
For me personally, I had an enriching time at Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb and to be able to see for myself all the Egyptian mummies and artifacts that has a history dating back to more than 3000 years ago is truly an experience that is really amazing. This is perhaps one of the rarest opportunity that I have to get a slice of Egyptian history without having to travel all the way to Egypt.
My Thought After Visiting the ArtScience Musuem:
Honestly, I really enjoyed both the exhibitions and it was truly an enriching time for me. As a matter of fact, I would highly recommend you to purchase tickets for both the exhibitions because not only is it cheaper, it provides the greatest value as well. With that being said, the prices for the souvenirs were exorbitant and as much as I wanted to buy some souvenirs for keepsake, I decided that it was not worth the money. Nevertheless, do go catch these two exhibitions because they are truly awesome.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are conducted in English and Mandarin on Saturdays and Sundays. Each guided tour takes up to 20 people and is on a first come first served basis. Stickers will be given out 5 minutes before the tour time.
The Art of the Brick
Meeting Point:
Exhibition entrance at the Upper Galleries (Level 3)
English Tours:
Saturdays, 11.30am
Sundays, 5.30pm
Additional sessions: 1 & 24 May, 2pm
Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb
Meeting Point:
Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb Galleries (Level B2) It is recommended that visitors view the 3D film before joining the tour.
English Tours:
Saturdays, 5:30pm
Sundays, 11:30am
Additional sessions: 1 & 24 May, 4pm
Mandarin Tours:
Saturdays, 3pm & 6pm
Sundays, 3pm & 6pm
Additional sessions: 24 May, 3pm & 6pm
How to Get to the ArtScience Museum at the Marina Bay Sands:
You can get there via the following modes of transportation: MRT, Bus, Taxi and Car. The nearest MRT Station would be Bayfront Station [Circle Line] and the buses which stop at Bayfront Avenue are 97, 97E, 133, 133M, 502, 518, and 106.
If you’re travelling by car, the nearest car park is the North Car Park at Marina Bay Sands and the parking rates are $6 for the 1st hour and $1 for the next subsequent 30 minutes, up to a maximum charge of $26 from 7am to 7pm.
If you are planning to drive there, I strongly suggest that you park your car at Gardens By The Bay and then take a 15-20 minutes walk over to the ArtScience Museum at the Marina Bay Sands. The parking rates for Gardens By The Bay is $0.025 per minute for the first 5 hours and $0.05 per minute thereafter from 5am to 6pm. This is way cheaper than parking your car at Marina Bay Sands.
