You can deepen your relationships with your friends this International Day of Friendship, regardless of whether you meet up in person or not.
PHOTO: UNSPLASH
Commemorated every 30th July, the International Day of Friendship is coming soon, but will we be able to celebrate it in person with our friends? In these uncertain times, nothing’s for sure. The lockdowns and semi-lockdowns around the world have inspired people to come up with all kinds of innovative ideas of how to keep up a social life. Here are some ways you can celebrate important occasions with your loved ones, even if you are separated by physical distance or cannot leave your house.
Virtual house parties
The global pandemic has evolved virtual parties, and along with it, apps that increase the fun and interaction between attendees. While video conferencing apps like Houseparty have been rolling out new games, you might also like to check out online gaming platforms like Treason Coup, Werewolf, Codenames and skribbl.io, which won’t cost you a dime. If your mates are fans of karaoke, one person can play songs while everyone else gives song suggestions and sings along. To make your party unique, consider picking a theme and dressing up accordingly, and even decorating your homes instead of using virtual backgrounds. You’ll be surprised by the options available in your local party supplies shop.
Watch parties
You can also dress up for live streamed occasions. Is your favourite ONE Championship fighter competing this weekend? You and your pals can wear his or her merchandise while watching the match together. Same goes for Euro 2021 and the NBA Finals! If a musician you like is live streaming a concert or releasing new music, tune in together with your loved ones, and don’t be shy to dance and sing along. Check out the websites of venues like the Esplanade, which has been streaming such concerts frequently. If you have lots of time to spare, you can even binge watch Netflix together while dressed in theme — high-speed internet lets us react and discuss in real time as the drama unfolds.
Craft parties
If your friends and family like being hands-on, why not learn a new skill via a YouTube video or have one of the participants teach a craft? Simple crafts like knitting, sewing friendship bracelets, making kimchi and upcycling old clothes can make for very memorable get-togethers, especially if participants prefer ‘doing’ than ‘watching’. Best of all, at the end of the virtual gathering, you can gift one another what you’ve made.
Beer Sommelier Charles Guerrier has been hosting masterclasses for Singaporeans and people abroad via Zoom.
PHOTO: SEABREW VENTURES
Foodie parties
You can entrust your party to a home chef or brewer, for example, who can send all partygoers a flight each of their dishes or drinks. Might your friends fancy discovering new kinds of coffee, tea or beer perhaps? Broadband internet enables us to indulge in new epicurean experiences simultaneously and share our thoughts. If the chef or brewer is available, they can even lead your party in a masterclass or degustation experience. If your loved ones are in a different city or country, you can count on the concierge of a reputed hotel chain to help you deliver the same high-quality food, drinks and creature comforts to all attendees.
Workout parties
Do your friends like getting fit together? As the pandemic panned out, many of us got used to online workout classes. Now, you can even take part in the New York or London Marathons in your home country, on an indoor treadmill or even within a quarantine facility. A wide array of workouts are available online for a small fee or for free. Take your pick — phygital activities nowadays range from HIIT and Zumba to Muay Thai and pole dancing — there’s something for everyone.
Have you tried the 7×7 Workouts by Singapore Sports Hub? People of all fitness levels can follow these seven-minute at-home workout videos, and a different workout video is posted here every day. Get started with the 7×7 Workouts and you’ll be rewarded with health benefits and $5 Subway voucher.
Enjoy the 7×7 workouts anywhere with family and friends of all ages.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB
