Latest news with #Sandbox
Business Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Best places to blow off steam for men
[SINGAPORE] In a city that moves at breakneck speed, carving out space to let loose with your boys is not just a luxury – it's essential maintenance. Whether you're a high-strung, high-flyer in finance or a manic creative, here are seven spots across Singapore where you can reconnect with yourself and your mates. Axe Factor There's something incredibly satisfying – and oddly meditative – about hurling a steel axe at a wooden target. Whether you're battling burnout or bonding with the boys, Axe Factor channels your inner lumberjack/Viking in a safe competitive setting. 2 Gunner Lane, #02-04/05 Mess Hall Sentosa (Blk 17), Singapore 099567 Tel: 8923 8945 HomeTeamNS Enjoy adventure time at HomeTeamNS. PHOTO; HOMETEAMNS Playgrounds aren't just for kids – HomeTeamNS has grown-up versions for men who want to sweat, scream and strategise. From Action Motion (a gamified obstacle arena with scoring sensors) and Adventure HQ (featuring Singapore's longest indoor slide and aerial obstacle course), to TactSim (a realistic tactical simulator for airsoft-style missions) and even a paintball arena, the facilities are all about high-energy bonding. 'Through the missions and challenges, [players] get to create new memories with friends,' says Ang Han Wee, assistant director of business development. 'For NS cohesion groups, it's about reuniting and reliving shared memories in a new, dynamic setting.' Multiple locations including Bedok Reservoir, Bukit Batok and Khatib; refer to website for details A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Red Dynasty Paintball Park Bond over a paintball session. PHOTO: RED DYNASTY PAINTBALL PARK Suit up, lock and load. Paintball isn't just a shoot-and-run game; it's tactical, intense and surprisingly therapeutic. 'While action and strategy are big draws, it's really the camaraderie that keeps male players coming back,' says founder Benjamin Seow. 'It's a way to switch off and be in the moment with friends.' Orchid Country Club, 1 Orchid Club Road, Singapore 769162 Tel: 6659 4782 Sandbox VR Strap on a VR headset, haptic vests, motion capture trackers and even prop guns – you'll step into immersive, multi-sensory worlds from haunted houses to alien worlds. 'Surviving a zombie apocalypse together makes you feel bonded,' says Michael Hampden, Sandbox's senior vice-president of content and creative director. 'For many men, it's a rare space where play, presence, and camaraderie intersect – and that's powerful. 181 Orchard Road, #05-31/32 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896. Tel: 9832 5988 Splat Paint House Channel your inner Pollock in this splatter-art studio where expression gets messy – you're encouraged to toss, flick or drip paint across your canvas any way you like. Think of it as an emotional release with a creative twist, whether you're de-stressing solo or with your band of brothers. 207a Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574346 Tel: 8882 0839 The Fragment Room Singapore's first rage room (it opened in 2017) lets you smash glassware, plates, electronics and furniture to your heart's content. Release that pent-up aggression in a safe space, then leave lighter (and maybe a little sweatier). 'For conservative men, the norm is to 'man up'. Eventually that boils over – often into vices,' says Ian Chew, co-owner. 'We offer an alternative. The ones who go all out – screaming or crying – do feel better in general.' 490 MacPherson Rd, Singapore 368198 Tel: 6970 0343 VOS Men Not into smashing or sweating? How about some harmony over havoc – VOS Men is an all-male vocal group that's redefining masculinity through music. 'The choir provides a rare opportunity for men to embrace their feelings openly,' says founder Justin Goh. 'Our recent overseas competition in KL gave members a chance to bond while representing Singapore.' Think of it as group therapy, but with better acoustics. Auditions by appointment or


GMA Network
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
'Side Show: The Musical' dares audiences to see the people behind the spectacle
Step into the world of freaks, where the misunderstood take center stage, and the strange is nothing short of spectacular. This July, The Sandbox Collective invites audiences to confront their curiosities and their compassion as it brings the Tony-nominated Broadway gem 'Side Show: The Musical' to the Philippine stage. Based on the true story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, "Side Show" follows the sisters' journey from carnival attractions to vaudeville stars in 1930s America. Beneath the circus lights and public fascination lies a deeply human tale of love, longing, and the pursuit of identity. Full-circle moment For director Toff De Venecia, "Side Show" is more than a programming decision. It's his return to his artistic roots. 'This show is special to me,' De Venecia said during a press conference. 'It was the first production I ever directed on my own.' He first staged the musical in 2010 following his co-directorial debut with "All Shook Up," and later helmed Sandbox's 2023 hit "Little Shop of Horrors." The idea to bring "Side Show" back came unexpectedly during the recent run of "Next to Normal," when a backstage moment reignited his connection to the show. 'It feels like a full-circle moment,' he added. Beyond the spectacle Though wrapped in vintage circus flair — complete with eccentric characters and glitzy performances — "Side Show" is ultimately a poignant exploration of what it means to be different in a world obsessed with sameness. Bound by birth but divergent in dreams, Daisy and Violet confront the pressures of fame, love, and the aching desire for autonomy. 'Like everyone else,' they sing — a haunting refrain that cuts through the makeup and the spotlight. The show doesn't ask audiences to stare at 'freaks.' It dares them to truly see the people beneath the label. Stellar cast Alternating as the Hilton twins are Tanya Manalang, Marynor Madamesila, Krystal Kane, and Molly Langley, four formidable performers bringing distinct energy and vocal depth to the demanding dual roles. Joining them is Jon Santos as The Boss, the manipulative ringmaster, along with two sets of alternating male leads: Reb Atadero and CJ Navato as Terry Connor, and Vien King and Tim Pavino as Buddy Foster. Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas share the role of Jake, the twins' loyal protector. A dynamic ensemble rounds out the cast, portraying the carnival's 'curiosities,' characters that add both heart and theatrical wonder to every scene. Timely, resonant, unmissable As society continues to navigate the politics of identity and difference, "Side Show" feels more relevant than ever. It shines a light on exploitation, longing, and resilience — themes that echo far beyond the big top. The musical holds up a mirror to our own forms of modern voyeurism, where social media spectacle often replaces genuine understanding. In this way, Side Show becomes more than historical fiction. It becomes a cultural critique. Side Show asks: What does it mean to be human in a world that treats you like an oddity? Performances begin July 26 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater. Prepare to be amazed, not just by the costumes or choreography. but by the raw humanity at the heart of "Side Show." It's not just a musical. It's a moving invitation to look beyond appearances and embrace what makes us all uniquely extraordinary. — LA, GMA Integrated News


Mint
5 days ago
- Mint
This built-in Windows tool lets you try out apps or open unknown files without worrying about viruses or system damage
Most people have never heard of Windows Sandbox but it is one of the simplest ways to stay safe when you want to open a file or try out a new app. This tool is built into many Windows 10 and 11 Pro computers. What it does is give you a clean, temporary version of Windows that is completely separate from your main computer. You can open files, test software, or browse websites inside this space. When you are done, you close the window and everything inside it disappears. Nothing you did in the Sandbox can affect your real files or settings. You do not need to be a tech expert to use it. You just turn on the feature in your computer's settings, then launch it like any other app. The Sandbox opens up a fresh Windows desktop, ready for you to use. You can copy files into it or download things right inside the Sandbox. If you are ever unsure about a file or a programme, this is the safest way to check it out. There are a few reasons people are starting to use Sandbox more often than ever. The biggest is peace of mind. You can open anything that looks suspicious without worrying about viruses or malware messing up your main computer. If you want to try out a new program, you do not have to worry about leftover files or changes to your system. The Sandbox always starts clean and ends clean. It is like having a reset button for your computer experiments. Some people use it to keep their Downloads folder tidy. They set up the Sandbox so it can see their Downloads, but only as read-only, which means nothing inside the folder can be changed or deleted by accident. Others use it for browsing websites they do not trust, knowing that no cookies or history will stick around after they close the Sandbox. If you want extra safety, you can even turn off the internet inside the Sandbox, so nothing can sneak out. The best part is how simple it is. There are no complicated steps, no extra software, and no risk to your real computer. You just open the Sandbox, do what you need, and close it when you are done. Everything you did inside is wiped away. For anyone who wants to be careful with files or apps, or just wants to keep their main computer running smoothly, Windows Sandbox is a tool worth knowing about.


Khaleej Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: DFSA begins engagement with firms selected for Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) on Monday said it has begun engagement with firms selected for its Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox in the next phase to test financial products and services under a controlled environment. The regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) will work with the firms selected for the Innovation Testing Licence to co-develop bespoke testing plans. Sandbox participants will begin trials within a controlled environment in the coming weeks. The outcomes from this cohort will help inform future regulatory policy and potential refinements to the DFSA's evolving digital assets and broader innovation frameworks. It received 96 expressions of interest from the UAE, the UK, the European Union, Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Applications included proposals to tokenise financial assets and instruments, such as bonds (including Islamic bonds, or sukuk), units in a fund (including money market funds and property funds), and the trading and safe custody of those assets – reflecting the broad potential of tokenisation across the financial ecosystem. The Dubai International Financial Centre is a community of more than 900 regulated entities. It is home to 27 out of the 29 global systemically important banks, the top 5 Chinese banks, 260 banking and capital market companies, 410 wealth and asset management firms, 70 brokerage firms, 125 insurance and reinsurance-related companies and 75 authorised hedge fund businesses, positioning as a regional and global financial centre. Charlotte Robins, managing director of policy and legal at DFSA, said this strong interest reflects a growing appetite for responsible innovation and DFSA's appeal to innovation as a regulator. 'Our role is to support innovation and its positive contribution to the financial markets in ways that maintain market integrity and protect the public interest within the DIFC. By working closely with local and global firms through the sandbox, we are encouraging responsible innovation and helping to ensure that new ideas are tested against regulatory expectations,' she said. In 2021, the Dubai regulator introduced an Investment Token regime to regulate tokens used as investment instruments and implemented an enhanced Crypto Token regime in 2022 as a second-phase framework for classifying, recognising, and governing crypto tokens. This was followed in June 2024, when the DFSA further refined its approach with amendments – including streamlined token-recognition criteria and the first approvals of stablecoins – underscoring its commitment to adaptive, responsible innovation.


The Star
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
All-American Rejects frontman Tyson Ritter launches free OnlyFans account
Tyson Ritter says his OnlyFans followers can expect 'full-frontal rock and roll', though he kept what he meant by that deliberately vague. Photo: TNS All-American Rejects frontman Tyson Ritter is planning to go 'full-frontal' on OnlyFans. The 41-year-old rocker shared the career update while promoting the band's latest singles. 'I'm starting an OnlyFans. And the All-American Rejects are behind me doing it,' he told GQ in a new interview. Ritter said his OnlyFans followers can expect 'full-frontal rock and roll,' though he kept what he meant by that deliberately vague. Subscriptions are currently free for exclusive content, though Ritter joked that he wouldn't be against charging '69 cents' just because he's 'cheeky.' The decision to launch an account on the platform, typically known for its sexual content, came after the band went viral for performing 12 surprise concerts over the course of 10 days at tiny venues across the country. 'I don't think anybody would have expected the All-American Rejects to make a ripple in the water ever again,' Ritter said about their recent resurgence. 'So the excitement behind this whole thing is like, Where else can we be disruptive?' Ritter said they've always been a band who's got 'a tongue bursting through the cheek,' so why not ride the wave with 'a little peen bursting through a zipper' on OnlyFans. The All-American Rejects was formed in Oklahoma in 1999 and reached peak popularity in the mid-to-late aughts with hits like Gives You Hell and Dirty Little Secret . Its last studio album, Kids In The Street, was released in 2012. Following an unofficial hiatus that began around 2020, the band announced its latest album this March. Its new songs Sandbox and Easy Come Easy Go were both released on Thursday. A 'dirty version' of the latter track is available on OnlyFans. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service