Latest news with #KellyChen
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Grasshopper's Remus Choy returns to stage after brain surgery
HONG KONG: Hong Kong singer Remus Choy of pop group Grasshopper made his much-anticipated return to the stage on July 27, marking his first performance since undergoing brain surgery in October 2024. According to The Straits Times of Singapore, Grasshopper appeared as guest performers at Hong Kong singer Kelly Chen's concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum last Sunday. The Cantopop trio comprises Remus, 58, his brother Calvin Choy, 60, and Edmond So, 59. All dressed in white, the members of Grasshopper and Kelly Chen performed the upbeat tracks 'Beat The Heat Wou Bom Ba' (1993) and 'Open The Sky' (1995). Chen's concert was the grand finale of her 10-show 'Season 2 Live In Hong Kong 2025' concert series. On stage, Remus, 52, shared that Kelly Chen was the first person to message him after he revealed in October 2024 on social media that he had undergone an operation to remove a brain tumour. "Kelly said she was very worried about me and that the large scar on my head broke her heart," Remus said. "She hoped I would recover soon and cheered me on, even complimenting me on how good I looked with a bald head." Remus has been openly documenting his recovery journey on social media since his surgery, sharing videos of himself working out in the gym in recent months. Most recently, on July 22, he posted a photo of himself in the recording studio.
The Star
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Kelly Chen reveals she once considered retiring from music after marriage
Kelly Chen is currently on her Kelly Season 2 World Tour. Photo: Kelly Chen/Instagram Hong Kong singer-actress Kelly Chen is currently on her Kelly Season 2 World Tour. On July 11, the pop diva launched her highly anticipated 10-night live in Hong Kong concert series, boasting eight costume changes and nostalgic hit numbers. Sin Chew reported that during her July 15 show at the Hong Kong Coliseum, the Cantopop star played a clip from her 2008 performance – where she had famously announced her marriage on stage. Reflecting on that moment, Chen shared with the crowd: 'At that time, when I was getting married, I thought I'd quit the industry. Who knew it wasn't necessary…' The 52-year-old went on to express heartfelt gratitude to her fans for supporting her through every stage of life. In the 2008 video, she had asked the audience if they'd still come watch her perform even though she's married and has children. Thankfully for her fans, Chen has continued to perform – and she still looks and sounds amazing. However, she acknowledged that change is inevitable, and that she'll need to adapt her performances as she gets older. 'I think by then I will leave the dancing to all of you,' she said with a laugh, imagining what her shows might be like in 10 years. Chen married her long-time boyfriend, businessman Alex Lau, on Oct 2, 2008. The couple now has two children. View this post on Instagram A post shared by· 陳 慧 琳 (@kellychenwailam)
Business Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Getting real on Good Class Bungalow prices
[SINGAPORE] Some time last year, a 30-year-old bungalow in Peirce Hill owned by Kelly Chen, the wife of failed Three Arrows Capital co-founder Kyle Davies, was quietly put on the market at an asking price of S$45 million. No deal materialised then. In May this year, the freehold property, in the Ridout Park Good Class Bungalow Area (GCBA), fetched S$37 million, reflecting S$2,144 per square foot (psf) on the land area of 17,260 square feet (sq ft). A similar-age bungalow at a T-junction in Old Holland Road was put up for sale at S$66.7 million in March 2024 by Teo Hock Seng, chairman of Komoco Holdings. It could not be sold for a year. In April 2025, Teo put the property on the auction block at a reserve price of S$36 million. This was not met at auction but the two-storey bungalow – with six en suite bedrooms, a swimming pool and a car porch for 10 cars – was sold soon thereafter via private treaty. Market watchers believe the price to be between S$35 million and S$36 million, translating to S$1,512 psf to S$1,555 psf on the land area of 23,148 sq ft. Over the past eight months, there has been a string of similar cases of some owners in Singapore's GCB market turning more realistic and lowering their previous price expectations. These transactions involved bungalows in locations such as Joan Road, Gallop Park, Leedon Park, Bin Tong Park and Belmont Road, say agents. They attribute the trend to a cocktail of factors – including the Republic's ageing demographic (with some empty nesters seeking to divest their GCB to free up cash for retirement, among other reasons), an increase in estate sales involving bungalows in GCBAs, higher property taxes and even US President Donald Trump's election. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up According to Realstar Premier managing director Julian Yip, buyers who want a new bungalow in a top-tier GCB location will continue to set record prices. PHOTO: REALSTAR The Old Holland Road bungalow sale, with its estimated 45 per cent gap between the asking price early last year and the eventual transacted price this year, was an exception. The transacted prices for other deals were generally between 5 and 20 per cent below earlier asking prices. That said, the greater willingness to compromise on pricing that is being shown by more genuine sellers is by no means across the board. Owners of new bungalows in top-tier GCB locations and who have holding power are not budging. 'Record psf of land prices will continue to be set in these locations, especially for a very-good-quality new house,' notes Realstar Premier managing director Julian Yip. ' An elderly person who bequeaths a GCB to the next generation may put them in potential conflict. ' — A VETERAN PROPERTY CONSULTANT What's so good about GCBs? Bungalows in the 39 GCBAs are the most prestigious form of landed housing in Singapore. They are nestled mostly in wooded areas on large plots in prime districts 10 (such as Nassim Road, Cluny Hill, Leedon Park and Queen Astrid Park), and 11 (such as Bukit Tunggal and Eng Neo Avenue). There are also a few GCBAs in districts 20 (Windsor Park), 21 (Kilburn Estate including Yarwood Avenue, and King Albert Park), and 23 (Chestnut Avenue). Bungalows in GCBAs are subject to strict planning conditions to preserve their exclusivity and low-rise character. For one, a minimum plot size of 1,400 square metres, or 15,070 sq ft, is specified as the planning norm for newly created bungalows in GCBAs. When GCBAs were gazetted in 1980, they included some smaller existing sites. These are still bound by the other planning guidelines for bungalows in GCBAs if they were to be redeveloped. For example, such plots cannot be further sub-divided. According to List Sotheby's International Realty (List SIR), there are only 2,700-plus bungalows in GCBAs, thus ensuring rarity value. One generally has to be a Singapore citizen to be allowed to acquire a landed property in a GCBA. List SIR's analysis of URA Realis caveats data downloaded on Jul 8 shows there were 10 transactions in GCBAs totalling S$320.4 million in the first half of this year (with the latest deal dated Jun 18). This is down from the 14 deals totalling S$440.7 million in the second half of last year, but higher than the nine deals amounting to S$211.4 million in H1 2024. The two largest deals in H1 2025, at S$58 million each, were a property in Joan Road, on 39,276 sq ft of land area, and another in Gallop Park, on 16,306 sq ft of land area. There were also transactions for which buyers did not lodge caveats. An example is the S$45 million sale of the late pioneer architect Alfred Wong's bungalow in Bin Tong Park. Steve Tay, executive director of Steve Tay Real Estate (STRE), observes that many of the GCBs sold in the fourth quarter of 2024 and this year had been on the market for close to a year or longer. 'The common denominator in these transactions is genuine sellers lowering their asking prices in order to attract buyers,' he adds. For silver-generation GCB owners, selling their bungalow and moving into an apartment or penthouse allows them greater flexibility to travel overseas, says Steve Tay of STRE. PHOTO: STRE What is leading some GCB sellers to compromise on price? KH Tan, managing director of Newsman Realty, says: 'We are seeing a bit more estate sales of bungalows in GCB Areas. There's a tendency to dispose of such properties more quickly if family members are not living in them. Higher residential property taxes since 2023 are one reason for this.' Empty nesters and wanderlust Tay says that sellers who are becoming more realistic on their expectations are typically elderly GCB owners whose children are already married and have moved into their own homes. In some cases, the children may have emigrated for career or business reasons. 'The GCB becomes too big for just the elderly couple.' Very often at this stage of life, silver-generation GCB owners are also looking to travel more frequently and spend a longer time overseas, especially if they have children or other family members living abroad, observes Tay. 'Selling a GCB and moving into a private apartment or penthouse, which they can lock up and go away on a holiday, gives them greater freedom and flexibility to plan their travels.' This property in Joan Road, part of the Caldecott Hill Estate GCBA, transacted at S$58 million this year. It has a land area of 39,276 sq ft. PHOTO: BT FILE Minimising future family conflicts Boutique property consultancy firm JQT Private's executive director Jacqueline Wong highlights that another push factor creating the situation where more owners are willing to compromise on price is a desire to avoid potential inheritance feuds and future family conflicts. In a similar vein, another veteran property consultant, who declined to be named, says: 'An elderly person who bequeaths a GCB to the next generation may put them in potential conflict. Not all the next-generation family members may be in the same financial situation; some may want to sell the GCB, while others may want to hold it for capital appreciation. This may potentially sour their relationship.' Instead of locking up the bulk of their wealth in a single, relatively illiquid asset such as a GCB, an elderly person could sell the bungalow and, say, set aside a portion of the proceeds to fund retirement needs and leave the rest for distribution to the next generation. 'This provides more flexibility of options to the elderly GCB owner and, hopefully, fosters family peace as well,' she adds. Higher property taxes are cited as a consideration for some seniors when selling their GCB, whether the property is for their own occupation or is an investment property kept for rental income. For owner-occupied residential properties, the top-tier property tax rate today stands at 32 per cent, double the 16 per cent in 2022. For some owners, it is not worth the time and effort to hold on to a rental GCB property, says Jacqueline Wong of JQT Private. PHOTO: JQT PRIVATE For non-owner-occupied residential properties, the top-tier property tax rate since the start of 2024 has been 36 per cent, compared with 20 per cent between Jan 1, 2015, and Dec 31, 2022. (See table at bottom of this article.) Says JQT's Wong: 'For some owners, it is not worth the time and effort to hold on to a rental GCB property. Apart from the 36 per cent property tax, they have to bear income tax. For such owners, handling maintenance issues is rather time-consuming and troublesome.' Exuberant GCB-rents party busted Leasing activity for bungalows in GCBAs has been quiet since the August 2023 high-profile anti-money laundering action by the Singapore authorities on individuals originating from Fujian, China. Some of those arrested were living in GCBs, paying eye-popping rentals to the tune of S$150,000 a month. There was also industry talk of a leasing deal done at S$250,000 per month, though this is said to have included the rental of luxury cars and provision of art pieces. Wong says that the highest GCB rentals these days are about S$100,000 a month. 'The tenants I serve are mainly family offices; they hail from diverse markets including India, Taiwan and South-east Asia.' Origin of the trend: Trump's election So when exactly did sellers' expectations start to turn? Yip of Realstar pinpoints it to the election of Trump in November last year. The various promises he made, including hiking tariffs on imports into the US, created an air of economic uncertainty globally, dampening sentiment all around. 'The more serious GCB sellers probably think sentiment is not going to get better, and since prices have appreciated significantly over the years, they might as well adjust their price expectation and sell,' he says. Tay of STRE highlights that some sellers may find more value in selling their bungalows at a lower price target, at the fair market price, and executing their next plans, rather than wait for an indefinite period of time to achieve their desired price target. Buyer profiles and strategies George Lee, key executive officer of Myriad Realty, says some GCB buyers are adopting a wait-and-see attitude, hoping to find a good deal. 'In today's uncertain economic climate, buyers do not want to overspend.' Giving his take, Newsman's Tan says: 'Buyers are prepared to commit if the property suits them and the price is right.' Some of those house-hunting in GCBAs are looking for a home for their own family's occupation; they include those upgrading from a smaller landed property or, in the case of a new citizen, an apartment. 'Lately, we are seeing slightly more potential buyers from the IT industry. 'We continue to see new citizens, mostly from China. They have varying requirements in terms of plot size, between 15,000 sq ft and 50,000 sq ft,' Tan adds. The double-volume living room of the Old Holland Road bungalow sold by Teo Hock Seng. PHOTO: SRI Yip of Realstar classifies GCB buyers into two groups. There are those who are price-sensitive and willing to make a purchase when a property with the right price comes along. His advice to them is: 'If you find something ideal, go for it if it's not too unrealistically priced.' The second group of buyers are 'very location-sensitive' and still willing to pay a premium for the best plots, because sellers of this category of bungalows in GCBAs have the holding power and will sell only if the price is right. Says Yip: 'Buyers who are really keen to purchase a bungalow in one of the top-tier GCB locations will have to give in when it comes to negotiating with such sellers, who are likely to be in a more favourable position. 'If the prices are really unrealistic, they will go for slightly less prime locations such as those at the lower tiers.' This bungalow in Peirce Hill, owned by Kelly Chen, the wife of failed Three Arrows Capital co-founder Kyle Davies, fetched S$37 million this year. PHOTO: BT FILE He offers the following advice to sellers. 'If your intention is to rightsize, or to liquidate, it may not be a bad idea to sell if a reasonable offer comes in. If the GCB you are holding is an investment property, bear in mind that rental yield will be low and property tax payable is high.' In the first five months of this year, Realstar brokered five transactions in GCBAs for which caveats were lodged, down from six deals in the same period last year. For deals for which buyers did not lodge caveats, Realstar brokered two transactions in the first five months of 2025, down from three in the same period last year. Outlook Yip predicts that the total number of bungalow transactions in GCBAs this year is likely to surpass 2024's numbers. List SIR research director Han Huan Mei says: 'Market confidence has been affected by the weakened economic outlook due to Trump's tariffs and the war in the Middle East. Transaction volumes for the whole of 2025 are likely to be similar to 2024's tally of 23 deals, but at prices that are slightly higher.' Realstar's Yip forecasts that prices in higher-tier GCB locations will increase by between 5 and 7 per cent this year. 'In lower-tier locations, prices will be quite stable, with a likely increase of zero to 5 per cent. This will widen the gap between the two segments.' He adds: 'In future, the majority of top-tier GCBs put in the market will be bought by new citizens. Locals are not prepared to keep paying record prices. But new citizens are different, especially those from China. They see what is happening in Hong Kong, where luxury villas are so expensive – and these are leasehold.' To this profile of buyers, even prices of S$5,000 psf or S$6,000 psf on land area are not considered too high for freehold bungalows, notes Yip. 'These new citizens are prepared to pay a premium for a brand-new GCB in a ready-to-move-in condition; it would be a hassle for them to build their own bungalow. As a result, those who want a new bungalow in a top-tier GCB location will continue to set record prices.' Currently, the highest price psf on land for a bungalow deal in a GCBA is the S$6,197 psf fetched last year for a property in Tanglin Hill while it was still under construction. Standing on a 15,150 sq ft site, the bungalow has a built-up area of close to 30,000 sq ft. The close to S$93.9 million deal involved delivering the house on a completed, fully furnished basis, in a ready-to-move-in condition. It was developed by Meir Homes, which specialises in GCBs. The group is now developing a bungalow in Dalvey Estate with a land area of 15,080 sq ft. It will have a built-up area of more than 40,000 sq ft. Meir Homes is understood to be in talks with potential buyers. The selling price is expected to set a new record psf price in the GCB market.
USA Today
01-03-2025
- USA Today
7 stunning US destinations to see spring flowers in full bloom
From fragrant lilacs in New York to golden poppy fields in Arizona The Flower Fields of Carlsbad put on a stunning spring flower display — Photo courtesy of Kelly Chen / iStock Via Getty Images Advertisement Come springtime, travelers looking for a seasonal escape set their sights on colorful destinations. While the cherry blossoms of Washington D.C. are iconic, many lesser-known spots across the U.S. offer equally breathtaking flower blooms. From wildflower meadows in the mountains to expansive tulip fields and desert poppies, here are seven stunning garden getaways for peeping spring flowers. Boone, North Carolina The misty peaks of the Smoky Mountains make for perfect spring flower viewing — Photo courtesy of Explore Boone When to Go: April through June Boone's varied elevations create a staggered wildflower bloom in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lower elevations see Carolina spring beauty, trillium, and dwarf iris emerging in early spring, while higher elevations showcase flame azaleas, mountain laurel, and catawba rhododendrons in May and June. For prime wildflower viewing, hike the popular Tanawha Trail, which follows the slopes of Grandfather Mountain, or explore the Boone Fork Trail, a scenic loop with meadows, creek crossings, and rhododendron tunnels. For an immersive mountain experience, Elk Knob State Park's Summit Trail offers breathtaking views of the Amphibolite Mountains framed by bright orange azaleas. Note: Popular trails can get busy; early morning hikes provide the most serene and picturesque experience. After a day in the mountains, relax at Rhode's Motor Lodge, a recently reimagined 1950s motel blending retro charm with modern comfort. For a true taste of the High Country, explore the Neck of the Woods Flavor Trail, which showcases local farmers markets, farm-to-table dining, wineries, and breweries. Finger Lakes, New York The meticulously landscaped gardens of the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion offer the perfect place to enjoy spring flowers — Photo courtesy of Visit Finger Lakes When to Go: April through June For a springtime floral escape, the Finger Lakes region is a haven of spring flowers, like magnolia and lilac blooms, that paint the landscape in soft pastels. For a more intimate experience, garden tourists can stroll through the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion Historical Park, where meticulously maintained landscapes and floral gardens blend history with horticulture. At the end of April, the Orchid Show & Plein Air Showcase offers orchid lovers an opportunity to learn about and enjoy blooms and plein air art exhibits. After a day of taking in spring flowers, unwind at Geneva on the Lake or The Lake House on Canandaigua. These fairytale lakeside retreats offer picturesque garden views, where you can wake up to misty waterfront mornings and end your day with a peaceful sunset over the lake. Columbus, Ohio The Columbus Park of Roses creates a spring flower escape — Photo courtesy of Experience Columbus When to Go: March through June Every year, the Greater Columbus Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the city's more than 5,000 cherry trees with events, displays, activities, and a stunning display of pink and white blooms. Springtime in Columbus can be unpredictable, so check bloom reports and bring layers for changing temperatures. For a truly breathtaking floral experience, visit the Columbus Park of Roses, one of the largest public rose gardens in the U.S., where over 11,000 roses bloom in a 13-acre oasis. The Scioto Mile riverfront park and nearby German Village & Brewery District come alive in spring with picturesque blooms and the perfect spots for walking, biking, or enjoying a to-go cocktail. Stay at The Junto, a boutique hotel with a unique Gear Garage and complimentary amenities such as kayaks, picnic kits, and scooters for exploring the city. The Black Hills, South Dakota South Dakota's Black Hills fills with spring flowers and seasonal splendor — Photo courtesy of Travel South Dakota When to Go: April–August The Black Hills of South Dakota are a must-see destination for seeing spring flowers set against rugged peaks and rolling prairies. Spring brings vibrant displays of South Dakota's state flower, pasque flowers, prairie smoke, and purple coneflowers. Explore Custer State Park and the Black Hills National Forest, where wildflower-filled meadows contrast with granite outcroppings. Take a scenic drive along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, which features cascading waterfalls alongside wildflowers. For hikers, the Centennial Trail and the George S. Mickelson Trail offer miles of wildflower viewing through pine forests and open grasslands. Stay on designated paths to protect the delicate ecosystems and enjoy this unforgettable spring flower spectacle. For a charming stay, Spearfish Canyon Lodge immerses visitors in a tranquil retreat surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery, while Sylvan Lake Lodge offers breathtaking lakefront views. After a day of exploring, unwind with a meal at Skogen Kitchen in Custer, known for its locally inspired cuisine. Picacho Peak State Park, Arizona Picacho Peak State Park features desert blooms and spring flowers in Arizona — Photo courtesy of Arizona State Parks and Trails When to Go: February Picacho Peak State Park erupts into a golden wonderland each spring as Mexican gold poppies and purple lupines blanket the desert floor. This vibrant bloom, set against the rugged backdrop of the Superstition Mountains, creates an unforgettable landscape. Spring flower blooms depend on winter rainfall, so check for seasonal updates before visiting. Join a park guide on the challenging Sunset Vista Trail to the top of Picacho Peak, or try the more moderate Calloway Trail, offering panoramic views of the desert in bloom. Nearby, Lost Dutchman State Park and Catalina State Park provide additional opportunities to experience the Southwest's breathtaking floral displays. After a day of exploring, unwind at Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort in Tucson, an elegant historic retreat surrounded by desert gardens, or Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, offering luxury accommodations with stunning mountain views. Carlsbad, California The Carlsbad Flower Fields is a sea of color in full bloom — Photo courtesy of Visit Carlsbad When to Go: March through mid-May Each spring, The Flower Fields transform the rolling hills of North San Diego County into a dazzling display of giant tecolote ranunculus flowers. Spanning 55 acres, these vibrant blooms peak from March through mid-May, making them one of the most spectacular floral showcases in the country. Beyond the flower fields, visitors can experience activities, from floral mazes and tractor rides to sunset wine tastings, yoga in the gardens, and flower crown workshops. Visit Carlsbad celebrates 'Carlsbad Blooms into Spring,' with local businesses, restaurants, and hotels offering wellness-focused experiences inspired by the season. Carlsbad can get busy during peak bloom, so visit early in the morning or midweek for a more peaceful experience. Stay at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort for a rejuvenating garden vacation and enjoy the Miraval Spa. Alternatively, book a room at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, where the soothing sounds of the ocean enhance relaxation. Complete your visit with oceanfront dining at Jeune et Jolie, known for its fresh, locally sourced cuisine. North Cascades National Park, Washington Spring in the North Cascades brings a dazzling display of wildflowers — Photo courtesy of NPS Photo / Bryanna Plog When to Go: March through June North Cascades National Park is a true wilderness gem for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path floral escape. Home to more than 1,600 species of wildflowers, the park offers a stunning array of spring flowers, from shady forest floors to dry east-side slopes and alpine ridges. With over 400 miles of trails, there are plenty of options for wildflower viewing. The low-elevation Thunder Creek Trail is ideal in spring, offering moderate hikes through lush forests, where salmonberry, Indian plum, and red-flowering currant bloom early, attracting hummingbirds. Note: Snow lingers on high-elevation trails into July, and seasonal road closures may affect access. After a day of wildflower-filled hikes, unwind at Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop or the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin. These cozy retreats offer breathtaking views. You can wake up to stunning mountain landscapes and end your day with a crackling fire.
