To me, and probably some of you who have seen it, this Social Tree is probably a "duh" thing (since we do not know its real purpose). To others (there are more of them than 'us'), it is fun, therefore valuable!
What does it do? Ah, you decide later, but let me tell you what you do, aside from just looking at it!
Around that 'tree', there are 8 booths that look like gigantic phones (where those people are standing). Each has a screen, a keypad and a camera. You take a 'selfie' by standing in front of that 'giant' phone, while the camera makes a countdown for you to smile. Then you can 'flick' your picture up to that tree!
That's it!
You then see your face 'floating' (traveling) up on that big screen together with on-screen graphics like gardens, flowers, animals, airplanes, the sea, the beach, and so on - of course, with the faces of other people who also just did the same thing as you. Back on your touchscreen, you can post the same pic you have taken out to the whole world via your own usual social media accounts like FB, IG and so on!
Here's more: you can save your profile (with the selfies you just did) into the 'social tree' system, which they say, you can retrieve and use at a later date you come by Changi Airport again. What for? aba ma!
I did notice that the younger folks are the ones who stay longer-engaged WITH this Social Tree. Ah, as in, they could even "hog" any or all 8 booths in some instances! Watching them I came to know there's a game app in this thing (pala!), where your progress and/or results are shown at those wide screens!
You probably now get the drift why it is called 'The Social Tree', right? It looks like a tree alright, but the "social" in its name represents, signifies, and is attributed to "Social Media" - the latest craze on earth!
Now that is cool!
I remember when this thing opened (in late 2013 or early 2014?), there were airport staff going around this place just to tell us about The Social Tree. But I was either always in a rush or not interested then.
Hey, look at the greenish glass walls atop the stores (right side of that picture above). That was where I was actually walking-to this time, but happened to have passed-by (and stopped) at 'The Social Tree'! What is it? Another attraction of Changi? Well, another big attraction to/for me - it is a Smoking Room!
The views from that smoking room are really good. Many non-smokers go there just to take photos!
That lobby-like area at left is what they call the Central Plaza or Central Piazza of Terminal 1. It is a big open space with an often-changing festive atmosphere, as its displays or decors keep in step with the seasons or events. As you can see it has an air of a wintery Christmas - though I know Pikachu is also everywhere and around those places below - including by the Christmas Trees! Hmm, wala sa picture?
Anyway, looking at it, I was already sure, this place will soon metamorphose into "Chinese New Year"! Well I don't know if Pokémon will still be around, because I noticed, they're also the season's featured big stars of this airport (for some time now). As in naglalakihang Pokémon, ewan ba't wala sa pics ko!
By the way, to the left more, not seen in the above photo is actually Terminal 1's Immigration counters. As you emerge from there, you can't miss seeing the Central Plaza and that towering 'The Social Tree'!
Haay, it's hard to sit still in this airport. So many things to see! Sayang oras kung matutulog ka lang!
Next is another beautiful garden. Promise!
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