Blaze the Bay with an Adrenaline Rush at DBS Marina Regatta 2018

Ever since my first attendance of the DBS Marina Regatta event in 2013, I have never missed a single time of it whenever it was held. Afterall, it has always given me an adrenaline-fueled fun-filled, and action-packed time, with many photography opportunities and memories to keep.

Hence it was of no-brainer that I went for this year’s DBS Marina Regatta, which was held not only over one weekend but TWO weekends - 26~27 May and 02~03 June 2018, in celebration of the bank’s 50th anniversary, at The Promontory @ Marina Bay. There were so many activities that were going on that I was there throughout the whole 2nd weekend to fully experience them!

Read on to find out what I was up to!

(1) DBS Marina Regatta 2018 Race

The international dragon boat race is in its 7th edition this year, with about 80 teams from the region coming to battle for the prize money, and of course, the glory. The determination, team spirit, and the strength is something that I have always find commendable within the dragon boaters.

Spectacular view at Marina Bay

Competitors giving their best shot!

Dry practice before the race

I felt this was good sportsmanship - Apparently they

shook hands with the other team after the race.

And this year was extremely special as one team that I have always been rooting for, won something this year. It really showed the grit in them, and how they never allowed previous failures to deter them from giving their best each time they race.

See how intense the race was! Difference of just milliseconds!

This as well. Hence, always give your best no matter what.

Apart from the competitive races, there were also friendly tug-of-war battles onboard a Dragon Boat, which the Young and Old could participate.And Sailing Boats which the Public could also board and watch the race from, or simply to sail on the Singapore River and enjoy the bay view. :)

(2) Battle Bay Extreme

Being the largest first-of-its-kind land and water obstacle course in Southeast Asia, the Battle Bay Extreme, powered by Under Armour, got participants to put their physical strength, determination and strategic planning to the test, against the obstacles like those shown in the photos below.

And yes, Singapore's 1st Olympics Gold medallist,
Joseph Schooling was at the event too! There was a Celebrity Challenge going on as well!

Other than vying for the winning spots to win prizes (such as JBL gear and TripleFit gym passes) and cash money, the participants were doing a good cause since the registration fees which they paid, would be donated, along with the the further contribution of SGD50,000 by DBS, to Thye Hua Kwan in support of the adoption of innovative digital solutions for Active Ageing for seniors.

(3) Bay Passport

Since I am not a dragon boater nor have the stamina and strength of a Ninja warrior, I still got to explore around Marina Bay by going around the various “pit-stops” at Marina Bay.

Bay Passport to explore the area and win prizes!

By completing five simple tasks out of the whole lot, I got to spin the wheel to redeem prizes, though the highly-anticipated prizes in the Lucky Draw eventually were the main point - Porsche Design Huawei Mate 10, and even Scoot Return tickets to Berlin and Maldives! WOW!

*Task 1* - Tested out the JBL products at their booth BL Booth

*Task 2* - Tried out the camera capabilities of the Huawei phones at their booth. I was wow-ed by the camera technology to detect different settings automatically! Just what I need for my social media and photography needs!

*Task 3* - I did some shooting at the Ovaltine Booth.

Video was up on my Instastory!

*Task 4* - Scoot around Marina Bay with PopScoot electric scooters!
PopScoot's free trail service was definitely welcoming
as I need not walk the long route along Marina Bay.
It was my first time trying out the Scooter, and it was easy to learn!

*Task 5* - Attend a Creator's Market workshop

So I attended the Acai Prep workshop by Poppy & Co, since I do eat Acai (supplements).

My first self-made FRESH acai bowl!

Tried some food at Mahota as their booth

was at the Creator's Market.

(4) Buskers by the Bay

I always regard Busking as a niche skill in Singapore, whereby one is to have lots of passion and commitment to their creative arts, on top of the strict regulations and/or requirements to adhere/fulfill, in order to bask on Singapore streets.

Walking along the Bay on both evenings, I got to be serenaded by the talented beautiful voices of some of the singing buskers, melodious tunes by musicians, and even entertaining acts by magicians and circus performers! And one interesting thing is that unlike the usual way of giving cash to the buskers, one can actually use the bank’s mobile payment method to show one’s appreciation of their skills.

Toon Hee with his balancing acts while juggling!

The Pyro Guy and his incredible escapes!

Ping-Loong

(5) Shopping and Eating at Artbox

The ever-popular, Bangkok-originated Artbox event is one that always draw a massive crowd in Singapore. With open spaces, art and light installation, to hang out with friends and loved ones and take photos of, Artbox also offers many food options, activities and shopping choices. Apart from local sellers, there were booths that were manned by Thais, with imported goods for us to shop and imagining ourselves in Bangkok (cos in reality we can't go as we have work/school/family/etc lol).

Spectacular sunset seen while I was at Artbox

Good things come with a crowd. :p

Just chill in the open area, amidst friends and live band music!

Light installations for your Bokeh light effect shots, Wefie,

Couple photo, and playing #InstaBoyfriend for your

girlfriend's OOTD shot. :p

The 2nd evening's Mesmerizing Sunset

I tried brush calligraphy for the first time, by Renee

from PrinksDesign at the StageMetro booth.

(And I was more than happy to try out, as I always thought of learning brush calligraphy).

(6) Social Enterprises stalls at the Artbox

More than 20 regional social enterprises set up booths at the Artbox, so that visitors could indulge in guilt-free and socially-conscious shopping, in support of these purpose-driven businesses, which are supported by the DBS Foundation. I visited some of them, and the stories behind the creation of these social enterprises were really inspiring and heartwarming.

Despite the weather (Saturday morning was raining, with overcast for most of the day while Sunday was blazing hot, but no worries for I went prepared with an umbrella and poncho!) over the two days I was at DBS Marina Regatta 2018 event, I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and there was never a time which I did not feel the adrenaline rush - From watching the action-packed dragon boat races, to the shopaholic and foodie sessions that I had at Artbox.

I ended the night with the prize-giving ceremony for the DBS Marina Regatta racers, and celebrating in the joy and accomplishment of the dragonboaters, who sacrificed their time and effort, for their passion in this sport. And especially glad for the team that I have always bee rooting for... Congrats on the win! <3 br="">

There are always activities for couples, families and friends at the DBS Marina Regatta event, and one will never get bored while at the event. If the Marina Regatta is going to be held next year, I shall see you there! ;)