Bino

Hotel Staycation Review: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay – Garden in a Hotel

February 25, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

The PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay is perhaps the first large hotel to open in 2020. Although not entirely new – the property was formerly the Marina Mandarin Singapore – the overall feel is a marked departure from the hotel’s Meritus days. Under the PARKROYAL COLLECTION branding, this upmarket hotel now sports a rather calming warm tone as well as an inviting garden theme.

This garden theme is palpable the moment one enters the property. At the ground floor reception area, a high wall filled with hanging plants acts as a focal point while the bubble lifts that take guests up to the main lobby on the 4th floor provide glimpses of pavilions surrounded by lush greenery and an iconic hanging sculpture conceptualized by the late architect John Portman. The soaring atrium is a trademark of his design and this property is one of four that he conceptualized in Singapore – the others being Regent Singapore, Pan Pacific Singapore and Mandarin Oriental Singapore.

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Hotel Staycation Review: The Westin Singapore – Of Stunning Bathtubs & Infinity Pools

February 16, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

It is easy to categorize the The Westin Singapore as a “business hotel.” Located squarely within Singapore’s central business district, the Marriott property has the regional headquarters of several banks and multinationals right at its doorstep. But to dismiss it simply as such would be a travesty. The property boasts of a stunning infinity pool and a jacuzzi overlooking the bustling seaport, to name a few bells and whistles. The lobby which is situated at the 32nd floor – is the highest hotel lobby in the country and affords guests with plenty of sumptuous views.

the westin singapore lobby – highest hotel lobby in singapore

If you are staying here on a weekend, you will find The Westin Singapore relatively quieter as the bulk of its guests are business people. The lack of warm bodies is great news for leisure travelers as well as locals on a staycation. During weekends, rates are markedly cheaper compared to its peers – the St. Regis Singapore and W Singapore Sentosa Cove.

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Free Apple AirPods Pro or S$300 Cash Citibank / Standard Chartered 2021 New Cardholders in Singapore

February 15, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

Update: The Citibank Airpods Pro promotion has ended but there is a new Standard Chartered Apple Airpods Pro sign-up promotion where you get a brand new Apple Airpods Pro with every successful new application. If you are an existing cardholder, you receive S$30 via PayNow instead. You can access the new promotion here. This Standard Chartered card has a benefit of 1.5% cashback for all spend. Promotion valid until 17th March 2021 (11:59PM)

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There is currently a Singsaver credit card promotion where you can get yourself either a brand new Apple AirPods Pro (UP S$379) or S$350 cash via Paynow. New Citibank cardholders (those who have not held a Citibank card in the past 12 months) who apply for a credit card and get approved can choose to receive one of the following gifts: a pair of Apple AirPods Pro or S$350 in cash. This promotion is valid from now until 7th March 2021 (11:59PM).

Annual fee is waived for the first year for all the cards listed below except for the Citi Prestige. Citibank normally waives the annual fee for succeeding years as long as you actively use the card but if not, you can always cancel to avoid paying the annual fee. You can even cancel the card after receiving the Apple AirPods Pro or cash reward if you wish.

If you are already an existing Citibank cardholder, fret not. You still get to have S$30 with your successful application.

you can also opt to have the apple airpods instead when signing up

Note that this offer is valid only if you apply via the below exclusive links (direct application with Citibank doesn’t count for the promotion). Why is that so? Singsaver actually acts as an aggregator and affiliate partner for Citibank cards and from time to time, Singsaver and Citibank may jointly fund the gift in order to split the marketing expense between them.

Similar offers have been running for the past couple of months, with the gift going as low as S$200. The current S$350 cash offer is the highest it has ever been in terms of the cash sign-up reward.

After clicking submit on your credit card application, make sure to take note of your Application Reference Number. You will have to fill out a redemption form (automatically sent to your email once you make a card application) in order to be registered.

Once your card is approved, remember to spend at least S$200 within 30 days of receiving your card in order to receive the Apple AirPods Pro or cash reward. You will get an email within 60 to 90 days with instructions on how to claim your gift.

Here are the Citibank cards that qualify for the promotion:

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Review: Rockon Tokyo – Kyoto Style Homecooked Meals in Tanjong Pagar

February 8, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

Rockon Tokyo at Tanjong Pagar is an intimate 22-seater Japanese restaurant that serves traditional Kyoto homecooked-style meals with an emphasis on fresh seasonal ingredients without using MSG or preservatives. The type of cuisine is called obanzai in which at least half of the ingredients are supposed to be sourced from the Kyoto area. The cuisine is also usually identified by the heavy usage of vegetables and seafood.

rockon tokyo

Entering the venue for the first time, the homecooked style becomes palpable. It’s a quaint eatery and bar – and reminded me immediately of those charming family-run restaurants that I encountered during my trips to Japan – the types that have their menus purely in Japanese and cater mostly to locals. In Rockon Tokyo, all staff members are Japanese – adding more to that overseas vibe.

Although Tokyo is part of the name, the cuisine here is decidedly more in keeping with the Kansai region. The name “Rockon” on the other hand, is derived from the Japanese word for 6 – roku.

Rockon Tokyo has a number of dishes in its ala carte menu but for this particular visit, I tried their omakase menu which starts at S$88 and could go higher, depending on addons that one chooses.

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Free Sony True Wireless Headphones WF-1000XM3 or Fitbit Versa 2 for Standard Chartered Credit Cards New Cardholders

February 8, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

There is a new credit card promotion with Singsaver this month where you can receive a brand new Sony Noise Cancelling True Wireless Headphones WF-1000XM3 (UP S$349) or Fitbit Versa 2 (UP S$288). New Standard Chartered (SCB) cardholders (those who have not held a Standard Chartered card in the past 12 months) who apply for a credit card and get approved are entitled to the Sony Noise Cancelling True Wireless Headphones WF-1000XM3 or Fitbit Versa 2. This Standard Chartered Sony headphones / Fitbit offer is valid until 28th February 2021 (11:59PM). You make the selection for your preferred gift at the time of application. If you are an existing cardholder, you will receive S$30 as sign-up gift.

sony true wireless headphones WF-1000XM3 for standard chartered credit cards (source: sony)

Note that this offer is valid only if you apply via the below exclusive links (direct application with Standard Chartered doesn’t count for the promotion). Why is that so? Singsaver actually acts as an aggregator and affiliate partner for Standard Chartered cards and from time to time, Singsaver and Standard Chartered may jointly fund the gift in order to split the marketing expense between them.

Once your card is approved, remember to spend at least S$80 within 30 days of receiving your card in order to receive the Sony wireless headphones or Fitbit Versa 2. You will get an email within 60 to 90 days with instructions on how to claim your gift.

Here are the Standard Chartered cards that qualify for the promotion:

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YouTrip Card Review – Multi-Currency Wallet & Better Exchange Rates

February 4, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

While it may not be practical to travel at the moment, possessing a card that allows one to pay for overseas transactions with as little charges as possible is as relevant as ever. Online shopping has become a major pastime in the current situation – more so if you consider that the only way to get one’s coveted items from abroad these days is to have them shipped here. Enter YouTrip – one of the digital wallets available that allow you to make foreign currency transactions both online and in stores using wholesale exchange rates and with no extra charges.

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Best Bak Kwa in Singapore Almost Complete Guide & How to Buy From Your Favorite Brands Without Queuing

January 21, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

Bak Kwa or 肉干 is a form of dried meat that originated in China. A popular snack in Singapore, especially during the Chinese New Year season, the manufacturing of bak kwa entails preservation and the infusion of ingredients such as salt, sugar, sauces and spices thrown into the mix. In more recent years, bak kwa manufacturers have become more creative as well, infusing herbs, honey, chili and even minerals into the bak kwa to differentiate themselves from other brands. There has also been increased preference for more authentic looking bak kwa – which means less on the redness and the sugar.

Bak Kwa is extremely popular in Singapore, with some brands even ingrained internationally as being iconic of the Lion City. As such, it can be said that Singapore is at the forefront of innovation as well when it comes to this snack. Bak Kwa is also commonly used as an ingredient in some everyday dishes such as fried rice, claypot rice, etc; thus allowing it to a stand as a year round item even outside of Lunar New Year.

Some of the common types of bak kwa include:

Sliced pork / beef / chicken / duck / lamb
Chili sliced pork / beef / chicken / duck / lamb
Coin-shaped slices using pork / beef/ chicken / duck / lamb
Pork belly (think: similar to bacon but undergoing the same preservation and cooking technique as the usual bak kwa)
Flavored bak kwa – can be infused with fruits, additional herbs, seaweed, minerals, etc

If you are wondering which is the best bak kwa to buy as an everyday snack or during Chinese New Year, I have tried to sum it up here for your convenience. You will find here the most comprehensive list of bak kwa in Singapore! Do note this list is not arranged in order. Most of these bak kwa brands also sell online and even deliver, giving an added convenience. For next Lunar New Year, you won’t need to waste a considerable amount of time queuing!

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CNY Goodies 2021 Guide – Best Cookies, Pineapple Tarts, Nian Gao, Radish Cake and Other Snacks for Year of the Ox

January 21, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

Whether presented as gifts or left at home as snacks to offer guests, delectable goodies usually come to define CNY celebrations at home. These snacks are undoubtedly good to eat but there is actually a reason why people mainly have them during Chinese New Year. There are many popular CNY goodies and these are the major ones:

Pineapple tarts – In Hokkien, pineapples are called “ong lai” which also means “luck is coming.” Because of this, pineapples are frequently displayed in homes during the Lunar New Year period and pineapple tarts / balls are frequently eaten or given as gifts as a means of bringing in the luck.
BBQ pork – This is probably the most sought after goodie to try during CNY, especially in Singapore. Although available year round, strips of BBQ pork are most popular during Chinese New Year because of their red color, symbolizing luck. This tasty snack also originated as an expensive food item and as such, people consume them during this period to signify prosperity for the coming year. You can check out my separate guide on the best BBQ pork to try in Singapore.
Nian gao – Literally translated as the “year cake,” nian gao is usually eaten during Chinese New Year because its sticky and glutinous quality is traditionally believed in Chinese mythology to seal the Kitchen God’s mouth shut. Offering nian gao keeps him from badmouthing you to the Jade Emperor in his annual CNY report.
Shrimp rolls – Cylindrical-shaped snacks such as shrimp rolls are also popular during Chinese New Year. Their golden color coupled with the cylindrical shape are akin to gold bars and as such, symbolize wealth.
Radish cake – This savory goodie is another popular food to eat during CNY because its Hokkien name (“chai tow”) sounds similar to the Hokkien word for prosperity and rising fortunes.

Here are some of the best and most popular places where you can grab these snacks – including some creative variations for the upcoming Year of the Ox:

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