Witch University is a fictional institution located in Halloweentown, a magical realm inhabited by witches, vampires, werewolves, and various other supernatural beings. This university serves as a place of higher education for young witches who wish to expand their knowledge and powers in the world of magic. The university is portrayed in the Disney Channel Original Movie series "Halloweentown," which follows the adventures of Marnie Piper, a young witch who discovers she comes from a long line of powerful witches. Marnie and her siblings, Dylan and Sophie, venture into Halloweentown to attend Witch University and learn their magical heritage. Witch University is depicted as a grand and enchanting establishment, filled with mystical books, potions laboratories, and spellcasting classrooms. The university's campus is situated in a spookily beautiful setting with towering trees, cobblestone pathways, and ornate architecture.
“If I didn't have any other jobs, I really don't mind driving. It's really fun. I love having conversations with people. I just like to get to know their worlds, how people live their lives,” he said, relating a memorable encounter with an initially grumpy passenger who softened after he offered to switch the music in his car for her. This led to a heart-to-heart conversation and she even gifted him a snack after their exchange.
Ironically, just two weeks after he started, job opportunities picked up and he found himself juggling driving with rehearsals, teaching yoga and lecturing classes. In this final Makan Kakis instalment, Mediacorp Gold 905 DJ Denise Tan chats over chaat with a private hire driver at Dwaraka Restaurant s street food kiosk, just opposite Mustafa Centre.
The university's campus is situated in a spookily beautiful setting with towering trees, cobblestone pathways, and ornate architecture. It exudes an ambiance of mystery and wonder. The university offers a comprehensive curriculum in witchcraft, covering various branches of magic, such as spellcasting, potion brewing, divination, and magical history.
Quick chaat at a Little India kiosk where the street food is as authentic as it gets in Singapore
In this final Makan Kakis instalment, Mediacorp Gold 905 DJ Denise Tan chats over chaat with a private hire driver at Dwaraka Restaurant’s street food kiosk, just opposite Mustafa Centre.
Dwaraka Restaurant's pani puri (left) and papadi chaat. (Photos: Denise Tan, Abundant Productions)
Denise Tan / Gold 905
19 Oct 2023 07:21AM Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn“We're going to end this series with a bang,” I announced excitedly to my friend and occasional private hire driver Oliver Pang, who made it patently clear I had not chosen my words wisely. “Can I get out now?” he asked, jokingly trying to exit my vehicle.
As I drove us to Oliver’s choice for Indian street food, we chatted about how the theatre performer/drama teacher/yoga instructor got into private hire driving. As with many gig economy workers, it was to cover costs while he was between jobs for two months.
“I thought it'd be nice to rent a car and drive my mum around. I drove two to four hours a day mainly to pay for the petrol and rental,” he explained.
Ironically, just two weeks after he started, job opportunities picked up and he found himself juggling driving with rehearsals, teaching yoga and lecturing classes. The workload became exhausting, so he decided to take a hiatus. Still, Oliver really enjoyed his private hire driving experience – despite the physical toll on his back and bladder – and would return to it should the need arise.
05:23 MinDwaraka Restaurant offers 12 authentic Indian street snacks to go – pani puri or papadi chaat, anyone?
“If I didn't have any other jobs, I really don't mind driving. It's really fun. I love having conversations with people. I just like to get to know their worlds, how people live their lives,” he said, relating a memorable encounter with an initially grumpy passenger who softened after he offered to switch the music in his car for her. This led to a heart-to-heart conversation and she even gifted him a snack after their exchange.
“To be honest, I've been very blessed. I've not had any bad experiences. It always starts off not-so-nice but ends very beautifully. If someone is not happy, my aim is to make sure that they leave feeling good,” Oliver shared.
Having worked with him on several stage productions in the past, I noticed the similarity between his approach to theatre and driving. Oliver thrives in situations that allow for temporary, but meaningful connections. To be an actor is to be open and adaptable – traits that also helped him own and operate a successful cafe and yoga studio for more than a decade.
Mediacorp Gold 905 DJ Denise Tan with her friend, occasional private hire driver Oliver Pang, savour some authentic Indian street snacks outside Dwaraka Restaurant in Little India. (Photo: Denise Tan)
After returning from his studies in England, he went on a soul-searching, life-changing trip to Nepal. Inspired by how simple the Nepali way of life was, he envisioned a cafe in Singapore where he could recreate the same peaceful, grounding atmosphere. Frequent trips back and a yoga-training stint in India solidified his deep affinity for both countries. “It can be chaotic, but you can still be at peace. Somehow it works,” Oliver revealed.
As a personal homage, h e opened cafe and yoga space Going Om in Haji Lane, where it served as a gathering place for local artists and those seeking solace from city life. The menu was a fusion of his travel experiences and input from his Nepali and Indian staff.
However, after 14 years in business, the cafe became a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. But Oliver has no regrets, recognising that the time and labour invested went beyond a mere business venture. It was a conduit for cultural understanding and human connection, with food as the common language.
To relive his past culinary adventures with me, Oliver chose Singapore’s Little India as our makan destination. The enclave is one he frequents, to wander the little lanes, soak in the bustling atmosphere and sample a snack or two. Case in point: Dwaraka Restaurant’s street food kiosk, strategically located opposite the famous Mustafa Centre.
Dwaraka Restaurant offers 12 authentic Indian street snacks to go – pani puri or papadi chaat, anyone?
Professors at Witch University are experienced witches and wizards who impart their knowledge and expertise to the students. The curriculum is designed to develop the students' magical abilities, nurture their creativity, and instill a sense of responsibility in their use of magic. Apart from academic pursuits, the university also provides opportunities for socializing and further honing magical skills. Students can participate in extracurricular activities like broomstick flying lessons, dueling clubs, and magical creature study groups. These activities help build camaraderie among students and foster a sense of community within the university. Witch University has a rigorous admissions process, requiring prospective students to demonstrate their magical aptitude and academic excellence. It is a prestigious institution that attracts witches from all around Halloweentown and beyond. Only the most talented and dedicated young witches are accepted, ensuring that the university maintains its reputation as a center of excellence in magical education. Overall, Witch University is a key element in the Halloweentown series, offering an immersive and enchanting backdrop for the stories of Marnie and her friends. It represents the idea that education and knowledge are essential for witches to harness their powers responsibly and protect the magical world they inhabit..
Reviews for "The Role of the Student Council in Witch University: Student Governance and Representation"
1. Laura - 2/5 stars - I was really looking forward to watching "Witch University: Halloweentown," but I was so disappointed. The plot was weak and predictable, and the acting felt forced and unnatural. It just didn't live up to the previous Halloweentown movies. I also found the characters to be one-dimensional and lacking depth. Overall, it was a letdown and I would not recommend it.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - "Witch University: Halloweentown" was a complete waste of time. The storyline was confusing and didn't make much sense. The special effects were poorly done, and it felt like a low-budget film. The acting was terrible, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. It felt like they were just going through the motions without any real passion or effort. I was really disappointed with this installment of the Halloweentown series.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was hoping for some Halloween magic and excitement with "Witch University: Halloweentown," but it fell flat. The movie lacked the charm and originality of the previous Halloweentown films. The plot felt rushed and poorly developed, and the dialogue was cheesy and cliché. It didn't offer anything new or innovative to the series, and it felt like a cash grab rather than a genuine effort to continue the Halloweentown legacy. Overall, I was unimpressed and wouldn't recommend it to fans of the franchise.
4. John - 1/5 stars - "Witch University: Halloweentown" was a disaster. The acting was cringe-worthy, with wooden performances and awkward line delivery. The storyline was boring and lacked any real substance or excitement. The special effects were laughable, and it felt like I was watching a low-budget made-for-TV movie from the 90s. I was highly disappointed with this installment and it definitely did not live up to the Halloweentown name. I would not recommend wasting your time on this film.