#1 – MINT Museum of Toys (04/04/09)
Exhibition = 4/5
Cleanliness = 5/5
Staffs = 5/5 (Singaporean handsome guy staff)
I didn’t know that there is a collection of toys in Singapore until I was surfing internet on this Uniquely Singapore and other websites. So, it might be because of my curious character, I went and check thorough to the museum in the day itself, which is located at Seah Street. There is just in front the Bras Basah Complex and next to the Raffles Hotel. After visiting it, it took me back to my reminiscence when enjoying watching Popeye, Betty boo, Superman, Batman, and other superhores.
The MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys), is the first museum of toys in the world & purposely built in Singapore since May 2006. It has 50,000 toys from around the world and some are very old toys. Eventhough the contemporary building built by a famous designer with MINT café & lounge surrounding it. Somehow it matches with the antique toys arrangement collection at every storey and also fetches a very high price. In this moment, I recalled when I was in very young age and asked my father to buy a toy (A Cinderella toy) for me. Ironically speaking, he did buy it for me with reluctantly and said to me “Buying toys were waste money and no point/useless”. However, in today world, “old toys” are extremely high value, isn’t it…? J
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#2 – Singapore Museum of Philatelic (10/04/09)
Exhibition = 4.5/5
Cleanliness = 4/5
Staffs = 5/5 (Singaporean handsome guy staff)
The reason why I visit Singapore Museum of Philatelic was getting a free ticket from promotion package MINT museum of Toys (2 Museums in 2 Days!). So, I visited the museum with my friend. But then after visiting, it was really amazing place and I enjoyed exploring the galleries due to high tech exhibition present a host of changing philatelic throughout the year. In addition, there has a special “Heritage Room” which transports me back in the century time again.
#3 – Peranakan Museum (10/04/09)
Exhibition = 5/5
Cleanliness = 4/5
Staffs = 3/5 (Malay gal staff WITHOUT smiling face)
Peranakan?? Sounds like familiar.. Eventhough I have heard before thru the TV Corp Media but it still first times knows about “Peranakan” culture. Well, guys let me ask you a simple question. Do you know what Peranakan is?
Peranakan is mix ethnic origins mainly from Chinese, Malay, India. Peranakan story is actually quite making sense. In the 17th century, there were a lot of Chinese merchants going to Southeast Asia for barter and then married with local ladies. So, they will also “produce” a new generation which called them by Peranakan. 
Frankly speaking, the very first peranakan was found in Palembang, Indonesia.. (eee… I am not even know that…–||) and then sooner and later exported regionally in Malacca and Singapore as well.
After exploring this museum, I did some case study which is below;
1. Origins – Peranakan is not only found in Southeast Asia but also from other such as Jawi Peranakan (Indian Muslim) and Chitty Melaka (Indian).
2. Wedding – Rituals are usually held by exchanging gifts within 12 days!
** Gifts from Bridegroom’s family to Bride’s family
1st – Jewellery and Ang Paw (dowry money)
2nd – An uncooked leg of pork (means receiving virginal bride)
3rd – A pair of phoenix candles, 2 bottles of brandy and 12 oranges (wish for long life)
4th – Cloth (expection bride convert into garments)
** Gifts from Bridge’s family to Bridegroom’s family
1st – Replace of Jewellery with watch and silk handkerchief,
2nd – Only a portion of pork leg (means bridegroom to be head of family)
3rd – Replace pair of phoenix candles with dragon decoration,
Replace2 bottles of brandy with syrup,
Taken 4 oranges and replaced with 2 cans of longans (represent sweet and blissful marriage),
4th– Replace with garments and slippers (to display women skills in new family)
3. Nonya – Nyonyas were trained for married at young age and devote a perfect art of embrordery and textile skills.
4. Food & feasting – experience peranakan cuisine and dining customs usually held during wedding or special occasions.
5. Religion – Daiosm, Buddhism, ancestral worshipa, supernatural realm, and folk belief.
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