Travel updates: PopMart 'Crybaby' Singapore show, Asian cruise
MANILA, Philippines — For Filipinos who enjoy going out of the country for a respite during long weekends, Singapore has become a favorite place to hie off to. For one, it’s near. Leave in the morning and you are there in time for lunch with just a three-hour flight. It’s also very accessible. You can easily book a flight on a luxury airline or a budget airline, whichever you prefer.
Another reason why Filipinos love to go to Singapore is that the weather is almost the same as in Manila, so there is not much adjustment to make in terms of wardrobe, among other considerations.
What makes Singapore even more attractive is that, for its size, it is packed with tourist attractions — from shopping malls to outdoor stalls in Chinatown, from high-end dining establishments and Michelin-starred restaurants to hawker centers that serve the best local meals for reasonable prices, from theme parks to resort attractions such as the Singapore Oceanarium.
Speaking of Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa, something new is packing in the crowds since June 24 and is expected to draw in more crowds until it finishes its run on August 30
The "Crybaby Cry Me an Ocean" activation reimagines Pop Mart’s beloved Crybaby character as adorable marine animals across 11 photo zones. The first Crybaby activation staged alongside marine habitats happens to be Singapore Oceanarium’s largest activation to date.
Pop Mart has made this possible by partnering with Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to bring Crybaby to the Singapore Oceanarium — the first to be set inside a real oceanarium.
The 11 photo zones features include two towering outdoor inflatables, life-sized sculptures, and immersive photo opportunities present the "Cry Me an Ocean" collection in an authentic marine environment for the first time.
The activation invites visitors to embark on an underwater adventure that pairs Crybaby’s universal appeal with Singapore Oceanarium’s mission to inspire greater knowledge, love and action for the ocean. Each installation is accompanied by a character board that shares the story and personality of the Crybaby marine character, offering visitors a fresh, engaging lens to connect with marine life and inspire ocean stewardship.
The "Crybaby Cry Me an Ocean Activation" is open to the public until August 30. Visitors can explore the outdoor Crybaby installations for free, while installations within the Singapore Oceanarium are accessible with a valid Singapore Oceanarium entrance ticket.
Also ongoing is a Crybaby-themed Pop-up store at Weave at RWS, where fans can browse and purchase Cry Me an Ocean collectibles and merchandise. Visitors who present their same-day Singapore Oceanarium ticket and spend a minimum of S$128 at the Pop-up store will receive an exclusive Crybaby Cry Me an Ocean Eyemask, while stocks last.
Cruise around Asia
In many Filipino families, gathering everyone under one roof has become increasingly difficult. Parents juggle work, siblings live in different cities, and many loved ones have built lives overseas. Even special occasions often end with someone joining only through a video call.
That's why family vacations have become more than just a break from routine — they've become a chance to reconnect, create new memories, and spend uninterrupted time together.
For families looking for a hassle-free getaway, the Star Voyager offers a refreshing way to reunite while exploring some of Asia's most beautiful destinations.
Sailing from Hong Kong, the mid-sized cruise ship accommodates around 1,400 guests, offering a more intimate atmosphere than larger cruise liners. Its variety of accommodations — from budget-friendly interior staterooms to balcony suites and the luxurious The Palace — makes it easier for extended families with different travel budgets to enjoy the same vacation.
Instead of worrying about restaurant reservations, transportation, or constantly packing and unpacking between destinations, families can simply settle into their cabins and enjoy the journey together.
Meals are served across several onboard dining venues, entertainment is available every evening, and activities cater to guests of different ages. While children can enjoy the ship's attractions, parents and grandparents can relax, dine, or take in the ocean views, knowing everyone is just a short walk away.
One of the biggest advantages is convenience. The ship serves as both hotel and transportation, allowing families to wake up in a new destination without the stress of arranging flights, buses, or taxis.
For many Filipinos, Hong Kong is already a familiar destination. Whether it's because of relatives working there, a previous family vacation, or a stopover during international travel, the city often serves as a convenient meeting point for loved ones coming from different parts of the world.
From there, the adventure begins.
The Star Voyager's itineraries include scenic destinations such as Japan's Okinawa islands, Vietnam's breathtaking Ha Long Bay and Da Nang, Taiwan's Kaohsiung and Penghu, and China's historic city of Xiamen. Instead of gathering only around the dining table back home, families can explore new places together while creating memories that last far beyond the trip.
Cruise fares start at USD 169 for a two-night sailing, making it an accessible option for families planning a quick escape or a long-overdue reunion.
The Star Voyager offers several itineraries departing from Hong Kong between July 5 and August 30, 2026. Guests can choose from a two-night cruise to Xiamen starting at USD 169, a three-night voyage to Kaohsiung and Penghu from USD 259, a five-night sailing to Ha Long Bay and Da Nang from USD 439, or a five-night journey to Japan's Ishigaki and Naha beginning at USD 579.
Festive Kadayawan
As Kadayawan Festival fills the streets of Davao City with color, culture, and celebration, Discovery
Samal marks the season with a collection of dining experiences inspired by Davao’s flavors, harvest,
and festive spirit.
Guests can make an island escape part of their Kadayawan plans, whether that’s lingering over a
regional feast, settling in for a barbecue dinner by the beach, or raising a glass to one of Davao’s
most recognizable fruits.
From August 10 to 16, The Bistro presents its Kadayawan Special, a five-course set meal built around Davao's local ingredients and culinary heritage. Priced at P3,500 net per person, the Kadayawan Special is served from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and includes round-trip boat transfers between the Davao Welcome Center and Discovery Samal.
Haribar Lounge puts the celebrated fruit in the spotlight with its Kadayawan Concoction, available throughout August in cocktail and alcohol-free versions. The Durian Breeze Cocktail, priced at P500 net per glass, offers a spirited take on the local favorite, while the Durian Paradise Mocktail is available at P300 net per glass.
As a little extra for locals, Mindanao residents can enjoy the Glamping Buffet Dinner at Haribar Lounge for 2,700 net per person every Saturday in August. Locals can claim more savings upon presentation of a valid ID with a Mindanao address.
Discovery Samal is extending the celebration across more of its dining venues with a 15% discount
on à la carte food and beverage orders for Mindanao residents until August 31. The offer is available
for dine-in orders at Morning Catch, Haribar Lounge, and The Bistro. — With reports from Jan Milo Severo
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