Resorts World Sentosa Blogs

We've moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 06:38:00 +0000

That's right, Resorts World Sentosa Blogs has had a makeover!

We're now:

Find us at http://www.rwsentosablog.com/

See you there!

Resorts World Sentosa at your fingertips!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:32:00 +0000

When the resort first opened early in 2010, we got lost. From getting from one hotel to another to finding our way to the various restaurants and Universal Studios Singapore, we took some time to warm up to the various paths that led around this 49 hectares resort. It didn’t help that the directional signages were still being put up.

Following feedback – from both guests and team members – we now have our very own Resorts World Sentosa App [http://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/rws/id403904593].

Not only can you navigate around the resort on the go, the *free* app also updates you on the latest happenings and promotions here. Looking for a nice place for dinner? Browse the app’s expansive Dining Directory, with locations from within Universal Studios Singapore to the Forum and the hotels.

It gets better if you enjoy maximizing your time in Universal Studios Singapore trying out the various attractions – instead of waiting in the queue. Once in the resort, the Resorts World Sentosa App allows you access to real-time wait times – making the choice of whether to take a spin on the Battlestar Galactica before the next Waterworld show an easy one to make, even as you munch on your burger in Mel’s Drive-in.

Can’t stop taking photos as mementos? The App comes with a photo booth function that allows easy sharing with friends on your Facebook profile. It even comes with a select set of frames.

Even better, to celebrate the launch of this new iPhone application, we’re running a series of weekly specials, where you can use the RWS iPhone App to stand a chance to win many prizes, including:

Tickets to Universal Studios Singapore
Hotel stays at Resorts World Sentosa
F&B vouchers
Tickets to Voyage de la Vie

What are you waiting for? Take part NOW!

NDP 2011 Contest 1: Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:25:00 +0000

NDP 2011 Contest 1: Wish & Win!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:46:00 +0000

Singapore will be turning 46 in a few weeks time. Give our nation a birthday shoutout as a comment below and stand to be one of 4 lucky winners of a pair of exclusive invites to the National Day Parade Preview 2011 this Saturday, 16 July! (Terms and Conditions apply)

Tip: We're looking for the most creative & heartfelt ones. All the best:)

Terms & Conditions
1. The contest is open to all persons who are eligible facebook users as per facebook terms of use. Employees of Resorts World at Sentosa Pte. Ltd. (RWS) and their family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.

2. The contest will run from 14-15 July 2011. Entries after 1pm on 15 July will not be taken into consideration.

3. To participate in the contest, participants are required to do a birthday shoutout as a comment. Each participant can only submit one (1) entry. All other forms of entries are not accepted.

4. RWS will select FOUR winners, who will each win a pair of exclusive invites to the National Day Parade Preview 2011 this Saturday. The winners will be announced on the RWS blog on 15 July.

5. By participating in the contest, a participant is deemed to have accepted and agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions and any other instructions, terms and conditions that RWS may issue from time to time. The participant further accepts and agrees to the terms and conditions governing the use of the complimentary tickets to the National Day Parade Preview 2011.

6. RWS shall not be liable to participants for any injuries, losses or damages in respect of, in connection with and/or arising from the contest.

7. RWS reserves the right to publish the participantsí entry, images and details for any purpose whatsoever without having to pay any fee or compensation to the participants.

8. RWS reserves the right to withdraw or cancel the contest, substitute or replace the prizes, and/or amend these terms and conditions at any time for whatever reason and without giving prior notice to the participants. The decision of the RWS on all matters relating to or in connection with the contest is final, and no correspondence will be entertained.

9. In the event of discrepancy between the English version and the other versions of these terms and conditions, the English version shall prevail.

10. These terms and conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with Singapore law. The Courts of Singapore shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising from these terms and conditions, including the validity and enforceability thereof.

New Annual Pass Program unveiled

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 04:18:00 +0000

We know all of you are excited and waiting to learn more about our new Annual Pass Packages. We have been putting together an exciting Annual Pass program packed with even more benefits at new prices.

Check this out – our new Annual Pass program will now have the following:

Superstar Pass- Adult: $638/ $618 (renewal*); Child: $558/ $538 (renewal*); Senior: $508/ $488 (renewal*).

Fun Pass- Adult: $338/ $298 (renewal*); Child: $258/$238 (renewal*); Senior: $208/ $188 (renewal*).

We are also introducing a new tier called the Action Pass with these rates: Adult: $488/$468 (renewal*) ; Child: $408/ $388 (renewal*); Senior: $358/ $338 (renewal*).

The new Action Pass is created for fans who want to visit the park all year round, including black-out dates, but didn’t require Universal Express access to attractions.

More details in the next few days, so stay tuned!

*For all current AP holders

Marine Life Park

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 09:38:00 +0000

Hi all, here are some stuff you may like to know about the Marine Life Park. Let us know what you think in the comments below, which we will collate and address in time.

1. What is the Marine Life Park?

The Marine Life Park (“MLP”), one of the main attractions at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), will be the world’s largest oceanarium when it opens in 2012. It will house over 100,000 fishes in over 55 million litres of water which includes the aquarium, dolphin experience and Reef Swim. The MLP will be all about family fun, interactive multi-sensory experiences and, most importantly, ocean conservation. We envision MLP as a showcase for ocean science education, research and stewardship.

2. Why did RWS include the MLP as one of the attractions at the integrated resort?

Situated on Sentosa Island, our integrated resort has the advantage of being surrounded by water and, hence, we wanted to give Singaporeans and visitors the opportunity to understand and appreciate the unique marine life in our oceans. The MLP will play an important role in educating visitors on the diversity and beauty of marine life. For many visitors to the MLP, it will likely be their first close-up encounter with marine life, and we hope this experience will inspire them to think about the part they can play in caring more about marine animals and their conservation.

In addition, the MLP will also have a structured education and research programme for the propagation and conservation of marine life animals. MLP will work with both local and overseas academic institutions and other marine animal facilities to collaborate on a variety of research and educational programs.

3. What can visitors expect when they go to the MLP?

There is plenty awaiting visitors at the MLP! The MLP will offer a myriad of activities for guests of all ages. At the Reef Swim guests will be able to snorkel amongst thousands of brightly colored tropical fish. Or they can hop in an intertube to tour the 620m Adventure River which includes an underground grotto or experience the fun and excitement of our exhilarating water slides and a wave pool.

4. How big is the marine life population at the MLP?

There will be over 100,000 fishes across various species of fish such as non endangered sharks, jellyfish and moral eels. Other aquatic species include a variety of rays, angelfish and many pelagic school fish. One of the most interesting and educational elements of MLP will be our Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

Testimonials abound about how deeply-moving encounters in aquariums and parks have inspired guests to become more aware and proactive as it relates to conservation of the environment. Some guests may even be inspired to take up careers in marine conservation and education. We offer many of the same opportunities and experiences that will inspire our guests and potentially make a positive impact.

5. There is the view that certain marine life species, such as dolphins, should roam free rather than be housed in ocean parks and aquariums? Would they be safe in your park?

We have assembled a team of experts to support our efforts in various aspects pertaining to the care, well-being, education, research and conservation of marine life.

The MLP has already opened its laboratory and developed the required veterinary and husbandry procedures and protocols required to house and maintain marine mammals. In addition, we are pursuing the launch of new conservation and research initiatives. The care and well-being of our marine life will take precedence over all else.

6. Why did the MLP source its dolphins from the wild instead of from captive sources?

We hold the belief that zoological organizations have a role to play in wildlife conservation and that to avert species crises, controlled wildlife collections can occur for quality zoological facilities to increase our understanding of the species and for breeding purposes.

To put it in context, the movement of marine animals including dolphins is governed by the United Nations Environment Programme which upholds the internationally agreed upon policies of CITES. Bottlenose dolphins, which are the species of dolphins that will be housed at our marine park, are not classified as endangered nor are they threatened with extinction.

Our research programs with our animals in conjunction with field research are on the fundamental pieces of worldwide conservation of marine mammals. Our staff will collaborate with other research facilities and institutions to conduct studies important to the conservation of marine animals and their environment. We want to play our part in the propagation of dolphins, and very early made the decision to implement a breeding programme at our marine park.

Dolphins have bred successfully in marine parks, an important measure of successful adaption of dolphins to human care. Today, the success of these breeding programmes provides us with valuable insight and knowledge into the propagation of this and other marine mammal species. Decades of successful breeding of bottlenose dolphins in parks that span Australia to Hong Kong and the United States have shown these animals to be very adaptable to living in controlled environments.

7. Does being in a marine park shorten a dolphin’s lifespan?

No. Scientific data over the past decades show that bottlenose dolphins can indeed thrive in marine parks. Dolphins in marine parks have lived in excess of 40 years, often exceeding the average life span of many of their counterparts in the wild. Contrary to popular belief dolphins in the wild do not necessarily enjoy a totally carefree life; in the wild, they can become victims of predation, are taken as ‘by catch’ by many fishing fleets, and are subjected to on-going ocean pollution.

The MLP will ensure that our animals will be given top-class care and treated with respect and dignity at the park.

8. How big will the MLP be?

The MLP is eight hectares in size and contains 20 million litres of seawater which is part of the overall 55 million litres of seawater that make up the entire park.

9. When will the MLP open?

The MLP will open to the public in 2012.

Yours Sincerely
Marine Life Park Team

Up close & Personal: The Voyage de la Vie band!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 02:46:00 +0000

What is it like to play ‘live’ for a circus theatrical like this?
Adam: It helps to have a background in improvisation. Circus acts are very precise art forms and the music needs to move with the act, especially the drums – it handles much of the subtle accenting that makes the movements come to life. It was a challenge to pull together a complex show with this mix of ‘live’ orchestra and multi-track sequence arrangements. We had to be creative with the multi-track sequence so that we keep the wonderful details and textures created by composer Jonathan Lim. Even today, we still find ways to make the music better. It is – and likely will always be – a work in progress.

How ‘common’ is this style of music playing?
Erik: It’s very common – just look at Broadway and Cirque du Soleil.
Peter: I’ve done this for 20 years now.
Norbert: I’ve played for theatrical shows for 10 years but only as a sub. So playing for the same show for 7 days a week, for nearly a year is quite a new experience for me.
Bill: I’ve been doing it since high school – 7 to 12 shows a week since college. It is fun, I get to travel and so here I am!

How has the journey of life changed you in the past one year?
Adam: I’ve learnt a lot – though trial and error – about technique, software, music and management. Being a Musical Director for a show this complex is a first for me. We’re all very much like family – and like any families, some squabbles are bound to happen. I believe we are all very happy with where we are at now as a band and as ‘family’. Talking about families, the biggest change is parenthood! Both Peter and I had children one month apart – Peter’s second, my first. Norbert is expecting his first child in October.
Erik: I now know to trust only God and my heart.
Norbert: This country is very different from where I came from – that means a lot of changes.
Billy: I feel more like a citizen of the world. I’ve never lived outside USA previously so it’s very different for me. I’m more aware of the goings-on in SEA and see places I’ve only dreamed of visiting.

What are noticeable changes in the troupe over the past year?
Billy: New directors, new technical directors, new cast members, some acts that we opened with have been cut – overall, there were quite some changes. The music however, has changed very little.

If you can change one thing, what will it be?
Norbert: I’ve never seen the show as the audience. Perhaps whatever changes are required to make the show better for the audience?
Billy: Have the show tour (eventually). It would be cool to bring the show to some other cities – and to experience these cities myself as well!

Any hopes for the upcoming year?
Adam: For the show to keep growing, sharing it with even more people. I would love to see the show extended or to begin a new production here in RWS. I think we have grown quite fond of all the great things Singapore has to offer. I come to work in shorts every day – I LOVE it!
Erik: To continue to help this show improve to a highly professional level.
Peter: Good health.
Billy: To grow as a musician. Outside the show, to play lots of tennis! Love the warm weather all year round – where I grew up in Upstate New York, we can’t play tennis outside during Christmas.

More about the band...
Norbert Elek – Keyboards / Accordian
- played the piano since 5 years old
- performed with many leading Hungarian pop bands
- created pop music albums, including one for the winner of the Hungarian Idol TV show
- orchestrated for the Hungarian Military Big Band and several other symphonic orchestras

Bill Leary – Saxes / Ethnic Flutes / Clarinet / EWI
- played with jazz greats in college
- toured with Broadway musical “Annie”
- travelled with a 3-ring circus – complete with elephant, lions, horses and clowns!
- sailed around the world while performing on a cruise ship

Adam Kimont – Musical Director / Keyboards
- travelled 5 years with America’s (most famous) Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (RBBBC)
- met and played alongside Bill and Erik there

Peter Csaszar – Bass / Guitar / Cello
- a bassist in the Hungarian State Opera for 6 years
- has performed in orchestras, concerts and musicals with notable names, like Yehudi Menuhin and Diana Ross

Erik Hargrove – Drums
- performed for kings and dignitaries on every continent except Antarctica
- toured and recorded with James Brown for 7 years, Bootsy Collins for 2 years and Sister Hazel for 3 years and Thomas McClary of "The Commodores"
- has performed with names such as Michael Jackson (at the 2004 BET Awards), Sting, Pavarotti and Red Hot Chili Peppers while on tour with James Brown

Check out our website too for more info on Voyage de la Vie.

Calling all you Reggae fans!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:52:00 +0000

The Wailers LIVE!

Hard Rock Hotel® Singapore and Hard Rock Café Singapore brings a slice of Jamaica to Singapore when its global Ambassadors of Rock Tour rolls into Singapore. Reggae legends, The Wailers, are set to take the stage at The Coliseum™ at the Hard Rock Hotel® Singapore for a one-night-only, special performance on Saturday, 11 June 2011.

The Wailers are best known for their invigorating, energizing music and hit singles, including “Get Up Stand Up” and “I Shot the Sheriff.” Together with Bob Marley, The Wailers have sold more than 250 million albums worldwide. The band has produced more than 20 music chart hits, including seven Top 10 singles. Outside of The Wailers’ groundbreaking work with Marley, the band has also played or performed with international acts like Sting, Stevie Wonder and Carlos Santana as well as Reggae legends, such as Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and Burning Spear. The Wailers have also toured the globe, playing to an estimated 24 million people, from the United Kingdom to Africa and the Far East.

“The Wailers are one of the most successful reggae bands in the world and have produced legendary hits throughout the years and we are proud to have The Wailers as official Hard Rock ‘Ambassadors for 2011”

- Duncan Craig, Vice President of Hard Rock Cafe

So to the Reggae hardcores and those game for a night of good music, you really shouldn't miss this! Check our website for more concert details and how you can get your pair of tickets to the Wailers LIVE concert.

We're (still) Hiring!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:45:00 +0000

We had a Walk-In Recruitment Drive last weekend. For those who missed that, we have another session this week.

This Walk-In Recruitment Drive is open for those keen in the positions of Retail Sales Associates and Croupiers*. If you are interested, meet us at e2i!

Date : June 3 & 4, 2011

Time : 9:00am – 4:00pm

Venue : e2i (Employment and Employability Institute)

e2i is located at 141 Redhill Road #01-01, Singapore 158828 (5 mins walk from Redhill MRT Station)

Please bring along the original and photocopies of the following documents:

1. Resume

2. Identity Card & Passport

3. Highest Educational Certificates

4. Other Professional / Job Related Certificates (if applicable)

5. 2 Original passport size colour photos (non-returnable)

* Requirements for Croupiers:

• At least 21 years of age

• Minimum height requirements: Male – 1.65m; Female – 1.58m

• Normal colour vision

We're Hiring!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Mon, 23 May 2011 08:37:00 +0000

Interested in joining our ever-expanding team?

Resorts World Sentosa is currently on the "hunt"... for those interested in working at the integrated resort.

We have an upcoming Walk-In Recruitment Drive this weekend for Croupiers. Interested applicants, come to e2i on 27and; 28 May 2011, 3 and 4 June 2011 for a chance to work in a place like no other with attractive benefits.

Date :             27 & 28 May 2011, 3 & 4 June 2011
Time :             9.00 am – 4.00 pm
Venue :          e2i

141 Redhill Road #01-01, Singapore 158828 (5 mins walk from Redhill MRT Station)

Please bring along photocopies of the following documents:
1.       Resume
2.       Identity Card & Passport
3.       Highest Educational Certificates
4.       Other Professional / Job Related Certificates (if applicable)
5.       1 Original passport size colour photo (non-returnable)

*Requirements:
• At least 21 years of age
• Minimum height requirements: Male – 1.65m; Female – 1.58m
• Normal colour vision

Universal Studios Singapore Grand Opening Contest #3 (CLOSED)

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Fri, 20 May 2011 08:03:00 +0000

As we were experiencing some downtime on our page over the past few days, entries to this contest will be extended till 23 May, 4pm!

Caption this picture as a Facebook comment below (Terms and conditions apply)

1. The contest is open to all persons who are eligible facebook users as per facebook terms of use. Employees of Resorts World at Sentosa Pte. Ltd. (“RWS”) and their family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
2. The contest will run from 20 to 23 May 2011. Entries after 4pm on 23 May will not be taken into consideration.
3. To participate in the contest, participants are required to provide an interesting caption as a Facebook comment below the contest blogpost. Each participant can only submit one (1) entry. All other forms of entries are not accepted.
4. RWS will select ONE winner, who will win a pair of exclusive invites to the Universal Studios Singapore Grand Opening ceremony on 28 May. The winner will be announced on the RWS blog within a week of the contest closing.
5. By participating in the contest, a participant is deemed to have accepted and agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions and any other instructions, terms and conditions that RWS may issue from time to time. The participant further accepts and agrees to the terms and conditions governing the use of the pair of exclusive invites to Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa.
6. RWS shall not be liable to participants for any injuries, losses or damages in respect of, in connection with and/or arising from the contest.
7. RWS reserves the right to publish the participants’ entry, images and details for any purpose whatsoever without having to pay any fee or compensation to the participants.
8. RWS reserves the right to withdraw or cancel the contest, substitute or replace the prizes, and/or amend these terms and conditions at any time for whatever reason and without giving prior notice to the participants. The decision of the RWS on all matters relating to or in connection with the contest is final, and no correspondence will be entertained.
9. In the event of discrepancy between the English version and the other versions of these terms and conditions, the English version shall prevail.
10. These terms and conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with Singapore law. The Courts of Singapore shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising from these terms and conditions, including the validity and enforceability thereof.

Universal Studios Singapore Auditions 2011: Meet Jason Ramsburg

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Thu, 19 May 2011 07:47:00 +0000

With about two weeks to go before the auditions hit the road, we get up close and personal with the man himself - Jason Ramsburg, Creative Director for Entertainment at Universal Studios Singapore.

Check out our website for more info on the auditions and as it states..see you there and break a leg!

So you think you can MOVE IT?

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Tue, 17 May 2011 05:16:00 +0000

WELCOME TO THE MADAGASCAR DANCE CHAIN! (Extended till 25 May, 6pm)

Calling all you people who love to bogey and are in for some fun:) JOIN us in this dance chain and stand a chance to walk (or dance) away with a Madagascar goodie bag AND a pair of exclusive invites to the Universal Studios Singapore Grand Opening ceremony.

We're raising the stakes. TWO WINNERS will be chosen for the best dance entries!

DISCLAIMER: There is no need for filming to be in the resort, you can do the bogey anywhere, anytime, i.e. in your room, at your void deck, whilst out in town... we'd leave the creativity to you:)

Here's how to join:
1) Blast this tune loudly - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4UkBrf5ANk
2) Film yourself doing a LESS THAN 10 seconds dance to the tune, entering from screen left and exiting from screen right (like King Julien and our friends' excellent demo in the video)
3) Make sure we can see you boogeying from HEAD to TOE
4) Submit the video to rwsentosa@gmail.com with the title: "Madagascar Dance Chain - (Enter your Name here)"
5) Have loads of fun

Let's Move It!

Terms and Conditions
1. The contest is open to all persons who are eligible facebook users as per facebook terms of use. Employees of Resorts World at Sentosa Pte. Ltd. (“RWS”) and their family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.

2. The contest will run from 13 to 25 May 2011. Entries after 6pm on 25 May will not be taken into consideration.

3. To participate in the contest, participants are required to send in a less-than-10-seconds long video clip of them dancing to the tune provided from screen left to screen right. Each participant can only submit one (1) entry. All other forms of entries are not accepted.

4. RWS will select TWO winners, who will each win a Madagascar goodie bag AND a pair of exclusive invites to the Universal Studios Singapore Grand Opening ceremony on 28 May. The winners will be announced on the RWS blog within a week of the contest closing.
5. By participating in the contest, a participant is deemed to have accepted and agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions and any other instructions, terms and conditions that RWS may issue from time to time. The participant further accepts and agrees to the terms and conditions governing the use of the pair of exclusive invites to Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa.

6. RWS shall not be liable to participants for any injuries, losses or damages in respect of, in connection with and/or arising from the contest.

7. RWS reserves the right to publish the participants’ entry, images and details for any purpose whatsoever without having to pay any fee or compensation to the participants.

8. RWS reserves the right to withdraw or cancel the contest, substitute or replace the prizes, and/or amend these terms and conditions at any time for whatever reason and without giving prior notice to the participants. The decision of the RWS on all matters relating to or in connection with the contest is final, and no correspondence will be entertained.

9. In the event of discrepancy between the English version and the other versions of these terms and conditions, the English version shall prevail.

10. These terms and conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with Singapore law. The Courts of Singapore shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising from these terms and conditions, including the validity and enforceability thereof.

Universal Studios Grand Opening - Facebook Contest Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Mon, 16 May 2011 10:59:00 +0000

Check out our Facebook page and this blog for more info on how you can walk away with a pair of exclusive invites to Universal Studios Singapore's Grand Opening ceremony!

What's a good Mother's Day gift?

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Fri, 06 May 2011 10:44:00 +0000

Let me guess. You're reading this post cause you've expanded every possible gift option for Mother's Day over the past few years. Or perhaps too consumed by who to vote for at tomorrow's polling day, you've run out of bandwidth to think of something by Sunday. Or you simply forgot - and this turned up when you googled 'Last minute Mother's Day gift ideas/shopping'.

Well, here's one way to commerate the greatness of motherhood:)

The Mother's Love Concert 2011!

8 May 2011, Sunday
3pm and 7.30pm
Resorts World Sentosa, Compass Ballroom

Featuring the main cast from the popular series - Paladins in Troubled Times, 爱 - the performance would include the stars' display of their skills in both singing and acting, that will surely bring a smile to your mums (especially if they're glued to Channel 8 nightly at 7pm). We gather too that this will be the last concert performed by the cast! So hurry to our website for more details on this and grab those tickets before they run out.

And if you're thinking of just bringing her out for a good meal, we have special cuisines arranged for Mother's Day at the resort. Check them out here!

All the best in gift-hunting! And of course, the best gift would definitely still be that personal wish and time spent.

Knowing Joël Robuchon - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 06:28:00 +0000

[Written by Tania H.]

Joël Robuchon and long-time chef companion Philippe Braun sharing his amazement about the amphibians

“He’s amazed by how big the live frogs are. They’re almost double the size of those in France!” his interpreter said.

There was Joël Robuchon, the greatest chef on earth with 26 Michelin-stars (think Oscars) at the Kreta Ayer market in Singapore’s Chinatown at 6.30 in the morning. He’s humble, wide-eyed and interested.

No stranger to live frogs though, they make popular cooked dishes on his menu around the world. But to see such plump amphibians is apparently an eye-opener. Visiting local markets wherever he goes has become part of his travelling routine, or some might call it an ‘occupational hazard.’ Mr. Robuchon has visited the farmers markets in California and the markets in Hong Kong, to which he opined, “Singapore’s wet market is very clean as compared to that in Hong Kong.” He was impressed with the hygiene level of Singapore’s stall vendors and how they kept their space tidy.

We had a big team touring the wet market. Mr. Robuchon was in town to put the finishing touches to his two restaurants—L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Joël Robuchon Restaurant—due to open soon at Resorts World Sentosa, and he had his travelling companions with him; notable chefs who had worked with the maestro for decades. Incorporating the use of local produce is what makes each of his individual restaurants unique around the world. So this is akin to a study trip.

They scrutinised every stall, from the chicken to the pork, and from live frog to seafood. They even whipped out their mobile phones for a quick capture. (Btw, did I mention Mr. Robuchon has a FaceBook page, which he updates regularly. Talk about tech-savvy French chefs!)

It never crossed my mind that slaughtering fish could be an art until this French chef pointed it out. Watching how the fishmonger gutted, scaled and filleted the fish with swift fell strokes, he expressed his admiration. “I haven’t seen fishmongers fillet their fish with such speed and dexterity. I must say they’re at the top of their game,” Mr. Robuchon said, smiling.

Not too far away, we arrived at the vegetables section where the master crushed pandan and curry leaves for a good sniff. He was quite taken with the curry leaves, which had an intense aroma.

The peanuts with roots still dangling were also quite a sight to behold. When we mentioned they are mainly imported from China, Mr. Robuchon shared he had never been to the Far East but is keen on a visit, after his friends have shared how Shanghai’s bustling atmosphere is perfect for opening restaurants. (You heard it here first!)

After a hard day’s work, finally, it’s time for kopi break! So we spread the love. It started with the famous glutinous rice, then chee kueh (steamed rice cake), chee cheong fun (steamed rice noodle roll), yam cake (which Mr. Robuchon liked!), fishball soup, rojak and of course the local kopi. Mr. Robuchon had his with milk and sugar, while mere mortals could only watch on. Ok, I’m kidding, I ate too, and not just the leftovers. With that, the day at the market came to a happy end. I wonder where the next ‘gallivanting’ will be. J

Knowing Joël Robuchon - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:10:00 +0000

[Written by Tania H.]

Mr. Robuchon with his top chefs in action

Five Facts You Should Know about Joël Robuchon

1. He is arguably one of the greatest French chefs ever lived.

2. At 66 years of age, he has more than 20 fine dining restaurants in the world.

3. He has 26 Michelin stars awarded to his restaurants, every star as precious as winning an Oscar award.

4. He has mentored TV celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey before the latter shot to fame.

5. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is his unique black-and-red restaurant concept which took the world by storm with its Paris flagship in 2003.

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Paris

Five Things You Never Knew about Joël Robuchon!

1. At age 15, he was training to become a Catholic priest.

- But he helped out in the kitchen a lot when the nuns cooked. Instead of the non-secular calling, he turned to the secular one, when he had to join the workforce to earn a living.

2. You’ll find him on Facebook.

- Yes, he updates his personal Facebook account with photos and all, but it helps if you read French.

3. He eschews molecular gastronomy.

- Despite the hype about molecular gastronomy, he believes it does more harm than good to our human body since chemicals like nitrogen are used in producing the food.

4. High-tech gadgetry amazes him.

- If there’s a hobby he has to name, it’s his fascination with tech gadgets like his iphone and other gizmos alike.

5. He lives out of a suitcase.

- Paris may be where his home is, but he spends most of his time travelling to his restaurants in more than 10 cities around the world and stays only a week out of a year in Paris. A true jetsetter!

Saving Planet Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:55:00 +0000

Spot-the-difference challenge?

Not quite (though we're not stopping you if you wanna spot them all!)

These are before and after shots taken over the weekend as the resort supported the global green initiative - Earth Hour.

For those who don't know, this annual effort involves individuals and companies marking their stand against climate change by turning off lights for an hour on the last Saturday of every March.

So at the stroke of 8.30pm on 26th March, the resort dipped into limited electricity mode - with landscape, canopy and non-essential lightings as well as water fountains in areas all across the resort turned off.

Able to spot our hotels in the pictures? Well, they dimmed to 50% luminance too, along with essential lightings in the car park, giving it a rather 'Gotham City' feel to it.

In line with our emphasis on being environmentally responsible, (without of course compromising guests' safety and security in any way) participating in Earth Hour is just one of the ways we as a resort are playing our part in saving the earth. As the new 2011 slogan rightfully sums it up - 'This Earth Hour, Go Beyond The Hour', here's some of the other ways we're 'going beyond the hour'.

Green Roofs found on top of many buildings inside Universal Studios Singapore providing - beyond a touch of green to the resort - a cooler environment both inside and outside the buildings

Lowering energy consumption from air-conditioning across the resort through the use of extensive canopies to reduce ambient temperature and energy-friendly eco-coolers

Trees that were preserved during construction of the resort (122 of them!) have either been replanted or recoycled into benches like the ones shown here at the Festive Walk.

How have you gone green this year?

Check out our website for more on our Corporate Social Responsibility efforts.

Lunching out?

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:02:00 +0000

Have you reached the point where your entry in that regular lunch spot is welcomed by that all familiar voice of that same stall vendor who can spell out your dish of choice for lunch flawlessly everytime? Or perhaps exhausted every possible permutation of food selections at your lunch hangouts that you've resorted to Google for new options?

Well, if that's you, here's some great deals to look forward to at the resort to spice up your lunch hours!

Lunch Deals till 30 April (Valid for Mondays - Fridays, 12-2pm)

No doubt, a wide selection of Oriental to Western options but more importantly, (and with an all-Singaporean gusto), some really cheap and good deals! Here's some of our picks -

Starz Restaurant International Buffet
Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Level 2
One-for-one lunch buffet for every adult dine-in
Adult: $39++
Child (4-12 yrs old): $19.50++

Palio Set Lunch
Hotel Michael, Level 2
3-course: $18++
4-course: $25++

Seafood Republic Singapore
Waterfront
5-course seafood lunch set: $22++

Tempted already? Here's an overview at where all these gems can be found and how you (and those growling tummies) can get to them! (Note: Lunch hour parking rates are $1 for the first hour or part thereof and $2 for subsequent or part thereof from Mondays to Thursdays from 12-2pm)

Bon Appetit!

Check out our website too for other dining options at the resort.

Another Option For Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:03:00 +0000

[A review by Amelia Eng, winner of Osia signature dish contest]

For this year's Valentines' Day celebration we wanted to have it in Resort World Sentosa. We went to Osia Restaurant for dinner. The first word that came to my mind was 'EXPENSIVE'! But hey, fear not, its all affordable!

Dish 1: Seafood Ice Experience

Served in test tubes with a metal rack, this dish consists of 6 different flavors - pineapple lemongrass ice with blue fin tuna, quandong orange ice with amaebi shrimp, calamansi 'mojito' ice with sea scallop, lychee martini ice with oyster, watermelon lillipilli ice with lobster and apple celery ice with tasmanian salmon. Almost every table in the restaurant that day had it:)

Dish 2: Grainge Black Angus Beef Tenderloin MS 3 200gm (Grilled)

My boyfriend had this in medium rare. According to him, the beef was very delicious! It was tender and soft as if it melted in the mouth!

Dish 3: Long Island Duck Breast

Being a duck lover, I had to try this main course. I always thought duck breast was dry. Surprisingly, the meat wasn't 'dry'. It felt like I was biting on a lychee - soft, smooth and chewy.

Dish 4: Valrhona Hot Chocolate Soup

This was yummy! We liked everything about it. The hot chocolate soup was rich and sweet. The sesame crisp was very thin yet crispy, and of course not forgetting the black pepper vanilla ice cream that came with it!

Here's a tip - try placing a spoonful of ice cream and hot chocolate soup in your mouth, feel the mixed hot and cold sensations together..wooo..absolutely love it.

The restaurant
The staff were very friendly and always around. During food intervals, they would ask, "How's the food?" and "Would you like to have coffee or tea?". The attention given made us feel like VIPs in the restaurant.

Good job and Thank you Resort World Sentosa!

With love,
Amelia

New kids on the block

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:30:00 +0000

The last person we recall ripping up his singlet and unveiling a whole upper body of muscles/pecs would probably be...Hulk Hogan. Sounds familiar? The legendary star of the World Wrestling Federation whose signature move (or at least one of them) was to tear up his bright yellow singlet coupled with what seemed like a victory cry?

Well, there's a group of hunks who could possibly give Hulk a run for his money - the Chippendales! Definitely no strangers to us with this being their third appearance in Singapore, these global icons in female entertainment are set to heat up the heartlands again with their acts, which of course includes, the ripping of singlets. This time however, we will be seeing new faces! A rundown on who they are? Nah, we know, all you want are pics.

Nate Estimada
Cites his buttocks as his most notable feature.
Can't really tell from here though but watch out for it during the show!

Johnny de Beer
Most notable feature? Muscles.
Hmm, that isn't quite hard to figure out yeah, Johnny.

Kyle Efthames
Tallest Chippendale on this tour.
Possible links to his love for cheeseburgers??

David Nicoll
The new singer and hearthrob...
...whose first real job was a dancer at Walt Disney World!

Hate to spoil your ogling fest but that's all the pics we're providing here for now:) Catch the men live at the Resorts World Convention Center this 23-26 Feb. The theme's 'sinful schoolboy charm', how wrong can that get? Better hurry, only about a week to go!

Check out our website for more on how you can book your tickets.

Fun food to eat at Resorts World this Lunar New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:10:00 +0000

[Written by Tania H.]

When it was time to invite the media over for the traditional lo hei luncheon, I decided to shake things up a bit. Other than the usual tossing and sending vegetables a-flying, I invited a couple of my media friends to stuff Feng Shui Inn’s signature Braised Eight Treasures Duck. [Check out Brad Lau from ladyironchef working his charm on the duck!] A highly sought-after item on the restaurant’s menu, the duck stuffing consists of salted egg yolk, Chinese sausage, chestnuts, flower mushrooms and lotus seeds among other ingredients to infuse the poultry with an aroma to make your mouth water. Seeing how Singaporeans love their duck, no doubt this will be on many tables this festive period.

After the customary lo hei starring our glistening Australian lobster sashimi and delectable Eight Treasures Duck, chef Li served up the rare Japanese sea cucumber and giant fish maw. I was particularly tickled, given it was my first time tasting a premium sea cucumber with stubby spikes and an expensive one at that.

Talking about fun food, the chefs at Loui’s NY Pizza Parlor at Universal Studios Singapore have designed an ingenious Lo Hei Pizza Yu Sheng to introduce this prosperous must-eat to tourists who are visiting USS during this festive period. Tapping on the East meets West notion, this yu sheng is served on a crispy thin-crust pizza base which gives the dish the extra crunch and texture. If you’re at USS sometime this Lunar New Year, be sure to check out this one-of-a-kind pizza yu sheng at Loui’s!

Check our website too for more festive treats at the resort! http://www.rwsentosa.com/language/en-US/Specials/LunarNewYear2011/Dining

Universal Studios Singapore Feb Updates!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 07:11:00 +0000

Planning to head to the Universal Studios Singapore this February? Here's some updates to note:

Park Hours During Chinese New Year

What gets you all hyped up for Chinese New Year? Alright, we know the red packets are a definite (for the receiver at least), the license to pig out, the reunion with loved ones, the LONG break...

Well, here's another thing to look forward to this festive new year - Universal Studios Singapore hours will be extended , closing at 9pm from 3-13 February!

Great news? You bet! During this period, visitors can enjoy an evening in the park and round it up with the Lake Hollywood Spectacular at 930pm nightly. Do note though, evening admission and activities will be available only to those with regular daytime tickets. Separate evening tickets will not be available.

HAH-iatus?
Hollywood After Hours (aka HAH) will be taking a break beginning 1 February 2011. Fret not, though. The resort will still be abuzz with nightlife, including performances like the Crane Dance (9pm, nightly) and Lake of Dreams (9.30pm, nightly). Or you could take a stroll along the new Sentosa Boardwalk opening this Saturday, 29 January:)

Watch love take flight at 9pm nightly at the Waterfront

Check out our website for more details on Universal Studios Singapore, Chinese New Year celebrations at the resort and our nightly performances - Crane Dance and Lake of Dreams.

Check out Sentosa's website too for more on the Boardwalk's opening celebration this Saturday, 29 Jan!

A stroll in(to) the park

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 09:07:00 +0000

Ok, so you've taken RWS-8 or the Sentosa Express till you can literally memorize the timings and routes. Well, here's another option: Walk in!

Alright, before you frown at this suggestion, let us qualify that this is no ordinary sheltered walkway...

Sentosa Boardwalk opens this 29 Jan!

620-metre long, the Sentosa Boardwalk offers pedestrians a canopy-covered route into the island. And that's not all, it comes equipped with a network of travellators too, so you get a good mix of strolling and 'gliding' by the waterway with the various F&B/ retail outlets along the way.

Be sure to catch its opening celebration this Saturday, 29 Jan, where there's gonna be a special event, pyrotechnics and lots of activities and giveaways. There will also be an attempt to set a really interesting Singapore Book of Records:) No charges for 29 and 30 Jan, so come on down and experience the walk for yourself!

For more on the opening celebrations, do check out Sentosa's website.

For info on the different ways you can get to the resort, check out our website.

P.S. In other news - With effect from 2 Feb 2011 (Chinese New Year Eve, Wednesday), NightRider (NR) Services will increase the fare from $3.50 to $4.00 for both cash and ez-link trips.

Happy travelling!

OSIA Wins Best New Restaurant!

noreply@blogger.com (Resorts World Sentosa) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 07:21:00 +0000

[Written by Tania H.]

Inset (L-R): Australian celebrity chef Scott
Webster and Chef de Cuisine Douglas Tay

Leaping across the baptismal fire, 2010 went out with a bang with Osia being awarded the title of Best New Restaurant by CNNGo’s Best Eats 2010! Barely a year into its opening, chef Webster together with local chef de cuisine Douglas Tay have won the hearts of many who would attest to Osia’s unique fare (showcasing fresh Australian ingredients like barramundi and lemon myrtle) and service with a smile. Instead of blowing our own trumpet, I got Mr. Eric Teo, President of Singapore Chefs Association and Panel Judge for CNNGo's Best Eats 2010 to share why he feels Osia deserves the award.

Inset: Chef Scott Webster (left)

“OSIA is my choice as Best New Restaurant because the quality of food is excellent and has been extremely consistent since its opening. Australian celebrity chef Scott Webster runs a tight ship and together with Chef de Cuisine Douglas Tay’s impressive culinary creativity, OSIA’s menu is truly value for money. Congratulations to the OSIA team for winning this award!”

Eric Teo,
President of Singapore Chefs Association / Panel Judge for CNNGo's Best Eats 2010

I also managed to steal some of chef Webster’s precious time for a short e-mail interview.

Tania H: Given that Osia has opened for barely 8 months, it has already garnered such commendable accolades. How do you feel about this?

SW: Naturally I am extremely excited, with so many high profile openings in 2010 and then to be voted the best of all the new openings. It is great but more importantly I am excited all the hard work of the team at Osia led by Chef Douglas Tay (a Singaporean) and Restaurant Manager Kori Millar is being recognised by the public and restaurant reviewers.

TH: What do you think is the winning recipe for Osia?

SW: Restaurants in this day and age are not just about food. The package is important, ambience; service and food are a hand-and-glove fit. Resorts World Sentosa has given me and my team the perfect combination of all three.

TH: What do you have to say to critics who’ve given their nod of approval to Osia and those who say otherwise?

SW: Firstly, thank you! Secondly, we do not take awards as the signal for resting and sitting back. We will not get everything right, every day, but it is important that we look on our mistakes, hope they are only minor and continue to work towards perfection.

With good things coming in pairs, five of Resorts World’s restaurants were honoured in Singapore Tatler’s Best Restaurants Guide 2011—namely Osia, kunio tokuoka, Chinois by Susur Lee, Palio and Rang Mahal, and kunio tokuoka received another feather in the cap by winning the Best Service Award.

Looking back on the past year, it’s been an amazing roller coaster ride. How can we forget 2010 with all the headlines we made—the expensive Sultan fish at Feng Shui Inn which was given quite a royal treatment in the dailies for weeks; the elite price tag of a $750 tasting menu (when our four-Michelin starred chef Kunio Tokuoka’s namesake restaurant opened in May) which has since of course been trumped by other celebrity chef restaurants; the orgasmic hot Valrhona chocolate soup with black pepper ice cream at Australian celebrity chef Scott Webster’s restaurant Osia which guests have compared to being better than sex; and the enormous 21-inch pizzas at Loui’s NY Pizza Parlor at Universal Studios Singapore topping the chart as the biggest pizza to ever grace our shores.

Inset: Chef Joel Robuchon speaking to fellow chefs

With all that said, the best is yet to come. Legendary Chef of the Century Joël Robuchon will be arriving in Singapore to open his two restaurants, Joël Robuchon Restaurant and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon early this year, and we cannot wait to dine in his restaurants to find out what makes this world’s most decorated chef with 26-Michelin stars so famous and revered.

Adding on to our list of first-of-its-kind attractions, Maritime Xperential Museum (MXM) is also on its way to completion and I hear we have fun F&B concepts in MXM. If you are not in the know, the MXM will take you back in time to one of the greatest eras in history: It is here that the tale of maritime adventurers, sea pirates, and the growth of sea trade between Asia, the Middle East and Europe is told. Follow historical figure Zheng He as he takes you through to the Maritime Silk Route.

Righto, without revealing too much, stay tuned to this space and better yet, come visit us to experience A Million Moments in One World!

Check out our website too for more on Osia and other dining options at the resort.