Sentosa's "A Big, Big World": A Festive Wonderland Transforms Singapore's Favorite Island

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



This holiday season, Sentosa is set to redefine festive celebrations with an extraordinary island-wide experience that promises to transport visitors into a world of wonder, imagination, and pure joy. From December 9, 2024, to February 16, 2025, the island will become a magical playground that celebrates the spirit of discovery across three unique realms.

A Collaborative Festive Extravaganza

In a groundbreaking partnership, Sentosa Development Corporation, Resorts World Sentosa, DBS, and the Singapore Tourism Board have come together to create "A Big, Big World" - an immersive festive experience that goes far beyond traditional holiday events. This inaugural collaboration aims to elevate Sentosa's position as Asia's premier island destination, offering something truly spectacular for both local and international visitors.

Three Magical Worlds to Explore 

Resorts World Sentosa: A Global Festive Journey

Imagine stepping into a whimsical landscape that takes you around the world without leaving Singapore. The carnival at Resorts World Sentosa features four uniquely themed zones inspired by England, France, Germany, and Japan. Highlights include a stunning 8.5-meter hot air balloon, a towering 7.8-meter cuckoo clock, and an enchanting Eiffel Tower projection on a 10-meter LED pyramid. Visitors can enjoy "snowfall" in the tropics, participate in classic carnival games, and even shop from local brands with exclusive DBS cardholder discounts.

Sentosa Sensoryscape: A Dreamscape of Experiences 

At the heart of the island, Sensoryscape transforms into a vibrant playground of dreams. Giant Cloud Swing Dreams invite visitors to experience the thrill of floating, while the ImagiNite spectacular brings interactive light projections to life after dark. The verdant corridor will come alive with street performances, including K-pop dance contests, buskers, and entertaining shows like bubble magic and storytelling.

Palawan Beach: A Kite and Inflatable Spectacle 

Palawan Beach becomes a canvas of color and creativity with the Kite Fiesta. Visitors can participate in kite-making workshops, fly their own personalized kites, and marvel at massive kites from the Singapore Kite Association. As night falls, The Floating Marvels creates a breathtaking display of 15-meter sea creature inflatables illuminating the sky - a mesmerizing audiovisual experience curated by renowned concept designer Myles Ziebart.

More Than Just an Event: A Celebration of Community

The festival goes beyond entertainment. A heartwarming touch is the SG Enable booth, where visitors can purchase handmade gifts created by i'mable Collective, a community of talented artists with disabilities. All proceeds support these incredible makers.

Exclusive Experiences for Everyone

DBS and POSB cardholders are in for a treat, with over 50 exclusive deals across 40 Sentosa island partners. From discounts at attractions like S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark to special offers at hotels and restaurants, there's something for everyone.

A Vision for Sentosa's Future

Michael Ma from Sentosa Development Corporation sums up the vision: "We hope that guests can discover new and unforgettable moments with their loved ones amid the mirth and merriment." This collaboration represents a significant step in transforming Sentosa into a premier resort destination that inspires wonder and discovery.

Dates: December 9, 2024 - February 16, 2025
Location: Sentosa Island
Website: https://abigbigworld.sentosa.com.sg/

Whether you're a local looking for a magical staycation or a tourist seeking a unique holiday experience, Sentosa's "A Big, Big World" promises an unforgettable journey into imagination, joy, and celebration.

Free search-and-rescue dog training offered by UPMV K9 Corps

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Serve with a purpose! The University of the Philippines – Metro Manila Development Authority – UP Vanguard Inc. K9 Search and Rescue Corps (UPMV K9 Corps) is once again opening its doors to volunteers willing to undertake intensive training aimed at imparting invaluable life skills for both dogs and people.



Over the course of 20 Saturdays, the volunteer handlers will learn how to better understand their dogs, who in turn will learn to obey commands and gain improved awareness and stability in a variety of situations. The pair will become closely-bonded companions equipped with basic survival and search-and-rescue expertise.

“Contrary to popular belief, dog training is as much about the owner as it is about the pet,” explains UPMV K9 president Elah Tendero. “We don’t just teach dogs how to behave. We teach people how to better understand and communicate with their dogs.”

“Sadly, pets often get neglected or forgotten in the event of a disaster and get left behind as communities evacuate. But they can still be of invaluable assistance in disaster response and relief efforts,” Tendero adds.

Interested applicants for UPMV K9 Batch 12 must be able to:

Assure your unwavering commitment to the Saturday training sessions, as both handler and dog will be subjected to rigorous exercises. (Unfortunately, the nature of our program makes it unsuitable for toy dogs.)


Prioritize your physical health and endurance, as our program involves strenuous activities designed for both human and canine participants.


Confirm your dog's well-being with up-to-date vaccinations.

An extended list of FAQs and application form is available at https://tinyurl.com/UPMVK9Batch12. The deadline for applications is December 7, 2024.

All applications will undergo a meticulous screening process, and we regret that walk-ins will not be accommodated. Successful candidates from the initial screening will be notified via e-mail/SMS to proceed to the Orientation and Interview scheduled on December 14, 2024 (Saturday, venue to be announced).

Established in 2017, the UPMV K9 Corps provides free Search and Rescue training to help civilian volunteers and their beloved pets play active roles in disaster response efforts. To date, there are already close to a hundred volunteers and K9s in the program.

Sari-Sali portal café show at the PETA Theater Center

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Sari-Sali portal café , an interactive 'cafe-in-a-theater' show created by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Kyoto-based theater group BRDG, opens a limited 5-show run in Manila from December 6-8, 2024, at the PETA Theater Center, Quezon City.

Directed by Ian Segarra and Keiko Yamaguchi, Sari-Sali portal café draws inspiration from Japan's Hokkori Café, a warm and welcoming communal hub where people from diverse backgrounds can enjoy a great meal while engaging with one another.

Sari-Sali portal café features four Filipino and Japanese characters: Ayaka an introverted artist (Hitomi Nagasu), Mayumi, a Filipino music teacher (Zoe Damag), Kaloy, a former political activist (Julio Garcia), and Yoshi (Hiroyuki Kozaka) a part-time worker in the cafe.

The inclusive atmosphere of a community café translates to the unique production design by Ralph Lumbres, which integrates the audience as part of the scenes. The audience, as a collective character, represents the diverse voices and experiences that enrich the Sari-Sali café, emphasizing the play’s themes of belonging, connection, and multiculturalism.

Sari-Sali portal café celebrates the power of community through music, dance, theater, and food from different cultures.

The show is organized by The Japan Foundation, Manila, co-organized by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Kyoto-based theater group BRDG. The work in progress underwent development during the Artist in Residence program at the Kinosaki International Arts Center in Japan in November 2023.