The DBS Marina Regatta is back from the 1-4 June, once again transforming The Promontory @ Marina Bay into Singapore’s Biggest BayFest.
Have you ever wondered what goes into the making of the DBS Marina Regatta? We spoke to a few of this year’s personalities behind the fun-filled activities to get a peek into how they keep things alive, and what you can expect from them at the regatta.
1. F&B Curators Pin Goh and Lu Yawen (The Local People)
Pin Goh and Lu Yawen are the faces behind The Local People, the team behind some of the most well-attended artisanal markets in Singapore.
Borne out of a desire to provide a space where artists of all ages, genres and niches could sell their designs, the company has now evolved into creating thoughtful and interactive communities, where consumers and creators can engage and exchange ideas.
The Local People began as an e-commerce site, but quickly blossomed into physical arenas dotted around Singapore.
“It all happened very naturally – we were offered a space so we got a few friends together and [did it],” Yawen says.
The success of their first market came as a complete surprise, something she attributes to how most flea and art markets aren’t able “to provide an experience enjoyable enough that made you want to stay.”
Building on this success, the team has now organised over 30 markets around Singapore’s unused spaces, including the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the West Coast Viaduct.
Yawen was a food writer previously, and Pin a guitar teacher, but the lack of industry-related experience didn’t faze them. “We are always learning on the job,” says Yawen, “ [and this] allows us to know what we want and to work hard for it.”
“We’ve always been the type of people in search for something out of the ordinary. We’ll continue to do weird and crazy things to promote Singaporean art and culture in our own ways.”
The pair has also been re-appointed as the official curators of F&B, and are excited to introduce a wider variety of international cuisine to this year’s DBS Marina Regatta.
To combat the sunny Singapore heat, visitors can look forward to refreshing tipples from Potato Head’s famed pop-up Coconut Bar, as well as ice-cold desserts reminiscent of days gone by from local café Leng Leng Ice Cream.
2. Gabriel Cher, Jonathan Emmanuel & Adam Penny (Three Buns by Potato Head Family)
Housed in the whimsical eclectic Potato Head Folk, Three Buns quickly captured the attention of all burger enthusiasts when they opened back in 2014.
Having made his name in Indonesia, Chef Adam Penny decided he also wanted to reinvent the way we, in Singapore, think about burgers. Together with distinguished Chef Gabriel Cher, the duo put together a menu that mixes delectably classic flavours with a touch of unexpected delicious fun.
Although Three Buns is now the most raved about burger joint amongst those in the know, the journey hasn’t gotten any easier.
“It’s a demanding job. The kitchen is hot, the hours and everything is bad for you… but everything is for the customers, [and] the people you work with…”
“If you saw how many ingredients go into a single burger… each can easily be made out of 40 different ingredients,” Chef Adam reveals. This includes the three different buns – brioche, sesame and wholemeal (hence the name Three Buns) – used for the burgers, and their homemade slow cooked sauces.
As for bartender Jonathan, his greatest fulfilment thus far is him learning to be patient
“Bartending isn’t something anyone can perfect over one year. It takes a lot of knowledge, skill and time. What inspires me is that there’s always something new to learn, from new pairings to creating cocktail menus.”
For him, one of the perks of the jobs is the continual education.
“I always try to incorporate a little education whenever I present drinks to customers,” he says. “I hope to make them more open-minded to funky flavour profiles and the techniques that go into a delightful cocktail.”
“[Bartending] is a never-ending journey, but I have so much passion for it. As long as I love bartending and the craft, I feel that I’m always living my life to the fullest.”
This year’s DBS Marina Regatta will be the first for the Three Buns folks, and Jonathan is excited to share his energy and passion with public.
“I especially recommend the NaNa Colada, because there’s no other way to enjoy a sunny day at the beach than with a good cocktail comprising pineapples, coconut and a healthy dose of spiced Sailor Jerry rum.”
3. Yogi Angeline Yeo (Yoga+)
Angeline first found her inner peace on a mat over three years ago. Today, she is a teacher at Yoga+, and uses her practice to help navigate through life’s many ups and downs.
“Every day, week, and month is a brand-new adventure and I am constantly learning something new just by interacting and teaching students,” Angeline shared. “It has allowed me to put a whole new lens to my yoga practice.”
For her, the gratification stems from watching her students grow physically as well as mentally.
“Being able to show how yoga can expand your perspectives and reignite your passions in (and of) life is one of my key motivations,” she says.
“It is understanding the impermanence of things and that we have the responsibility to make a difference in our own lives, that allows me to live life to the fullest.”
There will be three classes of different levels for all interested yogis at the DBS Marina Regatta, whether you’re looking for a gentler yin session (Revitalise class); an upbeat and energetic Sunset Flow; or a slightly more challenging Power Up session.
Angeline also wishes to dispel the idea of not being fit enough to practise yoga. Every one’s body is different, and there is no one true way of benefitting from your session.
“I am really excited about sharing the practice of presence and mindfulness to the revellers coming to the regatta,” she says.
“We all take away different lessons from our own yoga practice – physically or mentally. We just want to make yoga as inclusive as it can be for everyone.”
Where The Fun Doesn’t End
There are so many other amazing individuals and teams that help make the DBS Marina Regatta an epic experience for all, and here are some other highlights you have to look out for –
The 9m-tall Play Dome will be hosting fitness classes curated by urban active-wear brand lululemon, before transforming into the DBSMR X Ultra Countdown Party (2 & 3 June) at night.
Watch your artwork come to life at the Bay Dome, engage in a round or two of mini volleyball at the beach, or challenge your friends to a game of Giant Jenga.
Nathan Hartono, who will be performing live on Friday, and Jamie Teo will also make an appearance at Battle Bay. Watch them go against each other and have a go at it yourself for a chance to win an all-expense paid 3D2N trip to Beijing, amidst other cash prizes.
Stay on for the grand finale on Sunday and be treated to a spectacular Intel drone light show, a first in Singapore, and as seen in Coachella and Disney World in Florida.
The DBS Marina Regatta 2017 will be taking place from the 1-4 June at The Promontory@Marina Bay. Entrance is free!
This article was written in collaboration with DBS.
Featured Image Credit: Pin Goh Facebook, Lu Yawen, sassyyogi Instagram, GRVTY Studios