Frugal Friday #5 - Paranakan Museum

Introducing our adventure into the Peranakan Museum! Upon letting Js know our agenda, we had an extremely hard time explaining what a Peranakan is. It's not like an object or an expression that they can easily comprehend. We spared no effect explaining though.

The word Peranakan means 'descendant' or 'child of'. Used to refer to people of mixed ethnic origins. Chinese peranakans are the majority, but there are also peranakan of other ethnicities. During ancient times, travellers stayed and put down roots over the Southeast Asia crossroads. They married local women and their descendants are called Peranakans.

Our Peranakan Musuem showcases the finest and richest collection of Peranakan art and objects. Very much exhibited to our local history. We were very wow-ed when we entered the Museum. It was elegantly built on the outside and inside. Standing glam with 3 levels of 9 galleries. Extremely impressed too, with how well-kept the place is. 

Beautiful building

Level 1

Learn about its origins and perceive a better understanding and history of who they are. There is also a short video playing repeatedly, about its origin.

watching the video attentively

Level 2

Explore the traditional Peranakan wedding and take a peek into their wedding chamber, which is very much skewed towards the olden days of a Chinese bedroom chamber. A wedding celebration of 12 days is most definitely interesting and exciting to know about.

Wedding chamber

Level 3

Enter further into their language and fashion influenced by life in Southeast Asia. Pick up the nostalgic phones to listen to the recordings of Peranakans' conversations from the oldest days to 1975. You would notice, as the years progress, the Malay language diluted much to be fully conversed in English. It was interesting to hear them out.

Spot the 'Now' and the 'Then'

Learn also about their religions, public life, food and feasting! I love Peranakan food. So much so that we ended our night with a Peranakan feast after that visit. We saw too, the very beautiful and colourful nyonyaware porcelain used to serve their delicious dishes. 

In one of its gallery (gallery 7), do note it's where they display death rituals and mourning with funeral setting. Avoid entering if you don't feel comfy. It did get a little spooky for me, but Js were fine.

We also spotted various contributions from Mr Lee Kuan Yew's family to the museum. Mr and Mrs Lee's barrister wigs were on display for public viewing. There's was also a display of cheongsum worn by Mrs Lee during Mr Lee Hsein Loong's appointment ceremony as our Prime Minister. Yes, they are a family of Peranakans. 

You would realised too, many local streets were named after a couple of remarkable peranakans from the past.

Rich exhibits within

It was overall a very good experience and learning journey for us. Remember to register and get an activity sheet at the reception when you enter. This activity sheet is gonna keep your little ones looking forward to the different galleries, to collect 8 auspicious symbols embossments.

Making themselves really comfortable

I also love how the Museum created some interactions by casing up selected displays for us to touch and feel.

Stop and touch, please

Enter into the world of Peranakans soon! The best time to visit would probably be the second Sunday of each month, which they call it Straits Family Sunday. A family event of different theme every month, to keep you and your family well engaged. Don on too, batik shirt and sarong kebaya for a Peranakan moment.

3 months theme schedule as follows:
Time: 1pm to 5pm
12 July: Bead by Bead. Find out more about their beaded artworks and create a unique craft inspired by this collection.

09 Aug: Supersized: Majulah Singapura. Join their guided tour and make craft inspired by their collection.

13 Sep: Mythical creatures. Join the guided tour, hunt for mythical creatures and make craft inspired by them.

Peranakan Museum
Address
39 Armenian Street S(179941)
Opening hours
10am to 7pm (Daily)
10am to 9pm (Fridays)

FREE admission to all Singapore citizens and PR (Bring identification along).

And of course, many other exciting FREE activities (Other than Museums) as below:

1. Let's get groovy at City Square Mall

Date: 06 to 21 June (Except Mondays)

Time: 1pm and 7pm (Tues to Fri), 1pm, 4pm and 7pm (Sat and Sun)

Venue: City Square Mall

Barney, BJ and Baby Bop are back this June school holidays with a super fun retro show featuring your favourite hits with a new twist!

2. Hi-5 'live' show at united Square

Date: 11 to 23 June (No shows on Wed)

Time: 2:30pm, 5pm and 7pm
Venue: United Square

Redeem meet and greet pass with minimum spending of $50 in single receipt.

3. Catch the Ninja turtles in action 
Dates: 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th June
Time: 4pm and 7pm
Venue: Downtown east
Various locations at 4pm time schedule. 7pm at Event Square Stage. Check link above.

Have a fun-filled weekend!

4. Movies under the Stars

Dates: 

20 June (X MEN: Days of future past)

27 June (Night at the museum, secret of the tomb)

Time: 7:30pm

Venue: The Star Vista, Star Plaza, B1 

Free admission for all OR shoppers can also redeem a Gold Star ticket (for 2 pax) into the exclusive Gold Star area when they spend a minimum of $150 and enjoy tasty delights.

5. Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Date: 20 and 21 June

Time: 10am to 5pm

Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874

Learn more about Dr Sun Yat Sen and the Chinese culture. In conjuction with dumpling festival, visitors can learn about the festival through a series of games and craft activities.

6. Dumpling Festival at Wan Qing Yuan
Date: 20 June
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Zhongshan Park 
Try your hands at the dumpling making booth, do craft and participate in the "Dragon boat race"!

7.  French Festival, International Music Day
Date: 21 June
Time: 6pm to 7:30pm
Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage

The International Music Day is a tradition that started in France and now celebrated all over the world to enable music enjoyment for everyone. SWS City Swing has prepared a repertoire of swing jazz and pop music coming from a wide range of diversities including French, Chinese, American, Indonesian and many others.

8. Superhero Me
Date: Till 30 June
Time: 10am to 7pm
Venue: National Library Building Plaza ( Level 1)
Join Singapore's first costume crafting festival where children craft and star in their very own superhero film. Sign up for the various creative workshops programmes here. Event schedule here.

The second annual Read! Fest is here too. Click on link to find out the activities at various libraries within your nearest heartland.

Have a frugal and fun-filled weekend ahead!

This is part 5 of the Frugal Friday series:
Frugal Friday #1 - SAM
Frugal Friday #2 - SPM
Frugal Friday #3 - Reflections at Bukit Chandu  
Frugal Friday #4 - National Museum

We had breakfast with Hi-5!

One of the constantly approved TV programmes Js are allowed to fix their eyes on, are the hi-5 series. When we were homeschooling, it was my filler for the subject, 'Music and movement'. They would bounce, sing and imitate the actions of their songs. They are huge fans of Hi-5! 

This Australian musical group has bagged countless accolades and won the hearts of many parents. A refresh of its members today are:

• Stevie Nicholson (2007–present)
• Dayen Zheng (2012–present)
• Mary Lascaris (2013–present)
• Ainsley Melham (2013–present)
• Tanika Anderson (2014–present)

Last weekend, we had the privileged of an extraordinary breakfast with its casts. Together with Olimomok, we shared a table with Ainsley. Js were so thrilled! I began to dream of such a moment with Korean hunk, Lee Min Ho. Ohhh, I need to stop dreaming. The reality is, Hi-5 is here to tour Singapore! 

We had a most wonderful time chatting with Ainsley over a cosy meal. Js were very much shy and reserved when he spoke to them. Instead they decided to work on a little origami while waiting for breakfast to be served. Jazz had almost everything in her little backpack, she had papers for origami, pens for writing and soft toys! I guess she came prepared to rope Ainsley's help in folding a paper boat and probably to share her lovely toys with him.

Kids' breakfast served first

And since the kids decided they have not much queries for Ainsley, the Mamas entered to keep conversations alive. Among the conversations, I found out that Ainsley is from Sydney. Pardon this new fan. It was also through rigorous rounds of auditions that he emerged as part of the team. I asked if this was something he's gonna do for some while, he said, it's something he loves and that he loves children. I guess, we are expecting a long stay from you, Ainsley!

I asked about the food he tried locally, and he mentioned Chilli crab! Spicy food wasn't much to his liking, we found out.

We went on chatting about our local work pace to that in Australia, as well as being a parent here. We had also curiously asked what would happen to the team if a member was unwell on the day of performance. Did you know, the 3 ladies have one backup who masters the moves of every individual and another one backup for the men. Not an easy task being a back up after all.

We had a really engaging and fruitful chat. Mamas become real fans now.

After breakfast, which Js highly ignored their food for fun, we adjourned to bubbles playing outdoor. Js kept Ainsley to a little corner before deciding to share him with the rest of the kids. A coincidental smart move. Heh.

The kids had so much fun with the casts. In midst, I had very much wanted a picture with Stevie. The longest staying cast and probably, my most familiar. Guess I was too shy, only to find myself sneaking in for a picture without capturing his attention. There goes my opportunity, geez!

Thank you PR Comms for making a dream like this come true. You have planted great memories for the many kids, parents inclusive too.

 

And Ainsley parted in a nice and humble way, he spoke to Jazz (No idea what was conversed), but it was really a nice gesture to part ways proper. A hug, bye and he left. Sweet! Thanks for making their day even brighter.

Photo credit: PR communications

When we say dream big and wild, it's true! You never know when will dream come true for a moment like this. Join Hi-5 as they step foot here again in September 2015 for their House of Dreams concert! Enter the magical world of dreams as they embark on musical journeys through a jungle, fairy garden, outer space,  underwater and even in the super cool world of superheroes. Dream alive with their unique mix of irresistibly infectious songs and high energy dances!

For the groovy kids who can't stop moving to Hi-5's songs, you may catch them at their most frequented place, United Square.  Daily performances (except Wednesdays) till 23 June 2015.

Hi-5 meet and greet at United Square
Date: 11 to 23 June 2015
Time: 2:30pm, 5pm and 7pm
Redeem a meet and greet pass with $50 spending in a single receipt. 

Hi-5 House of Dreams concert

Date: 12 and 13 Sep 2015
Time: 10:30am, 2:30pm and 6:30pm
Venue: Marina Bay Sands Theatre
Get your tickets here
Tickets price range from $45 (B reserve) to $115 (VIP 1). 

Disclaimer: Media Invite. All opinions and photos, unless credited are solely ours.

The Mutiple Intelligences in a child

When I was school hunting last year, I came by the term Multiple Intelligences (MI). It was an approach some schools adopt in their teaching. The theory of MI was developed in 1983 by Dr Howard Gardner. He suggested that IQ testing is flawed because it's based towards linguistic and logical intelligences. He proposed that each of us possesses 8 form of intelligences, which represents the broad range of potential not just in children, but adults too.

1. Musical - Appreciates music and musical patterns and excels in composing a performing music and rhythmic movements. Usually possess a perfect pitch too.

2. Kinesthetic - Excels in physical activities and has good reflexes and physical coordination. They enjoy sports, dancing and hands on tasks.

3. Naturalistic - Displays keen interest in nature, plants and animals, and is highly observant.

4. Logical Mathematical - Solves problems using logic and performs well with numbers and patterns. They get a thrill of how things work and how things are put together.

5. Visual - Thinks in pictures, visualize objects easily and often enjoys drawing or art. They have high sensitivity to colour, balance and composition.

6. Linguistic - Displays a flair for languages and communication, excels in reading, writing and speaking in more than one languages. They reason well and are generally good speakers.

7. Intrapersonal - Good at being aware of their own emotions, feelings and thoughts. They enjoy self-reflection. They learn best independently.

8. Interpersonal - Strong in people skills, communicate and works well with others. They demonstrate the ability to interact and manage people.

So we say, "It's not how smart you are, it's how you are smart."

I did a quiz for both Js at actualyse.com. A quick online quiz you can take to discover the intelligences of you and your kids. It's also an online platform where parents can get resources for life-long learning. Lots of good reads and updates within.

I found out that Jazz is dominant in the Interpersonal, Logical and the Visual intelligences, while Jare is dominant in Intrapersonal, Naturalistic and Kinesthetic. Just how different my kids are! From here, it somehow allowed me to nurture them in the right direction of learning and interests, maximising their potential.

Just last week, we brought learning out of classroom with actualyse. We tapped on the naturalistic intelligence to work on a terrarium at the plant story, which is also one of Jare's dominant intelligences. Throughout the building of his terrarium, I could identify his special enthusiasm and interest for the plant he was growing. It's true when we say learning is not confined to classrooms.

Photo credit: actualyse

I am most glad when the different interests and senses of my child is activated. It gives us both a good discernment and expectations from the various forms of activities.

At the workshop, we learned about photosynthesis, why some plants are good staying indoor, in a glass! As well the the process to building a terrarium - the drainage all the way to the decorations on the top. Never too young to learn.

Photo credit: actualyse

I had a great time watching Js build their terrariums and they enjoyed this part of their learning that day. For the grown up in me, I didn't think green fingers were a part of me, till I realised it can be fun growing one!

Have you discovered the dominant intelligences in your child? Take the quiz if you've not. While learning and discovery is a daily affair, I'm pretty sure the results might differ as they grow along the years. The different exposure they continue to immerse in, might tweak their interests. It is, however a good hint for parents to discover their learning style and strengthen those developed areas.

About actualyse.com

actualyse.com is a starting point to support learning for all intelligences and learning styles, needs, and all ages. They bring together education resources and information, housed within a single platform. A digital community where parents, students and adult learners can take the first step to realising their full potential.

Website: http://www.actualyse.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actualyse
Instagram: @actualyse
Multiple Intelligence quiz here

Disclaimer: Media invite. Photos credit to actualyse.com. All opinions are solely ours.