Just as we are sinking back into the mundane work life post-Christmas, others are gearing up for an equally grand celebration elsewhere around Singapore. The streets of Orchard Road, once bedecked in the silver and sapphire lights reminiscent of icicles have been given a complete makeover, as Singapore starts to segue into the festivities of Chinese New Year 2017.
And while you might not be seeing them yet, the upcoming few days will definitely see more brands around Singapore embracing the CNY spirit as ang paos (red packets) and mandarin oranges started lining the glass windows of shop windows as well as the NEL trains.
And since Singaporeans and malls are known for going all out when it comes to our national celebrations, we can probably see some really amazing sights in the upcoming weeks.
Here are the brands who already gearing up for CNY 2017:
1. Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is no longer the winter wonderland Singaporeans remember from Christmas 2016, but has now undergone a massive overhaul to reflect the beauty of spring.
Visitors will also get a chance to experience live music and dance performances with the debut of the largest LED phoenix, an aerial contortionist performance, as well as explore the artisanal market “Spring Street”.
2. Tiger Beer
Tiger Beer is celebrating Chinese New Year 2017 by letting you drink your way to $888 this year, with the bottle caps of 633ml quarts bottles determining whether or not you’re a winner. But since they do that every year, Tiger Beer is raising the stakes by giving out gorgeous limited edition mahjong sets that you can flaunt at your reunion dinners as well.
On Chinese New Eve, Tiger Beer’s “Make Reunions Count” campaign is also giving Singaporeans free Taxi rides home from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 (ComfortDelgro and Trans-Cab).
3. StarHub
For the past 3 years, StarHub has been partnering with popular local YouTuber Eden Ang for their CNY video campaigns, highlighting the joyous prosperity that comes with family time during the celebration.
Eden Ang has always been known for his hilarious take on familiar situations, and the latest is a perfect rendition of a perfect ang pao strategy gone wrong.
In addition, StarHub is also running multiple promotions with lucky draw amounts totalling $38,888 as well as 5 chances to win a pair of Category 1 Fan Meeting Tickets worth $456 to the Park Bo Gum Asia Tour, which… get ready your trigger fingers, includes a group photo with the man himself.
4. McDonald’s
Chinese New Year for McDonald’s has always put the spotlight on bringing the family together, such as in their 2016 campaign of grandmotherly love. This year, they’ve taken family bonding activities into a new world of what looks to be a dragon kites and lights festival.
In addition, they are also doling out a series of Chinese New Year souvenirs this year for food shoppers in the form of French Fries and McCafé Frappe orange bags. These bags are available for purchase at $5 with any orders via McDelivery and at McCafés respectively.
As for their red packets, they are available in four designs this year and come free with every Golden Prosperity Meal. Do take note that the McCafe ang pao is only available via McDelivery, and the sundae ang pao is only available in store.
They look delicious but please resist your urge to eat them. Also, I’d suggest keeping them for yourself as opposed to giving them out with money this year.
Prosperity Burgers Aside…
Chinese New Year has always been a period for families and friends to come together in celebration and camaraderie. The tough truth is that nowadays, the fast pace of our lives is slowly fracturing into what little bonding time we have left with people we care about.
So let’s not use work as an excuse to escape from family reunions any longer.
There are plenty of ways to spend time together, from enjoying a trip to the Gardens, to sharing a prosperity burger meal that comes with free ang paos. Or why not do both? After all, there is a McDonald’s right there on the doorstep of the Gardens.
Happy Chinese New Year 2017 from the Vulcan Post team!
Featured Image Credit: Starhub, sethlui, gardensbythebay, mcdonalds.
