Singapore Adventure (Day 3 – Nov 07)

We all woke up late on Day 3. I guess, everyone got darn tired of those long walks at the park, zoo and safari the day before. But we could not afford to stay in bed as we have planned another long day ahead of us.

Day 3 is Sentosa Day!

And so, we left the hotel a little past 10am. 

We again took MRT from Aljunied Station and alighted at Harbour Front Station. Headed straight to Vivo City to purchase admission tickets. We again got ourselves another promo package. The Sentosa tickets were priced at SG$33.90 inclusive of admission, 3 choices from experience category and 1 choice from adventure category. So, we opted to get the Merlion’s Walk, Images of Singapore, Sky Tower and Cable Car. You may click on this Sentosa link for details. We also got separate tickets for Songs of the Sea (priced at SG$8), a must-see Lights Musical Show.

Since we were at Vivo City, we took the chance to check out some stores. Some short window shopping and lots of photo op (what else do you expect?!) first before our grand Sentosa adventure.

The Sentosa Express train is located inside Vivo City so it wasn’t hard for us to continue on to our grand schedule. It really amazed me how Sentosa conveniently set up a train station inside a mall going to that spectacular island.

Oh well this train ride is far different than our usual MRT experience. The “air” as well as the sites are a bit too pleasing this time… LOL!

 First stop was Imbiah Station… off to start the tour with The Merlion Walk.

This Merlion Walk was a nice experience. They had this audio visual presentation about Singapore’s origin. How the place transpired to having a half-lion and half-fish as their icon. I’m not telling though. It’s for you to know… LOL!

We were able to go inside that Merlion monument behind us and had some photo op at the top and in its mouth. And here are our shots:

Our next stop was the Images of Singapore. I particularly liked this experience as we were able to peek at Singapore’s history. And the way it was presented was really awesome. A hologram started off the presentation while some moving slash speaking portraits which were hanging ont he stage walked us through in details. It’s like being in a Harry Potter film where portraits come to life and speak to each other. That’s how amazing the presentation was. And with that short spectacular presentation, we learned that aside from the Chinese people, Malays, Indians and Europeans were the first migrants of Singapore. So much for additional knowledge, eh!

We were then lead to a museum of some sort where history was showcased in human-sized mannequins. Very educational tour indeed. But it was a bit too freaky to take pics with those mannequins… it’s as if they will wrap their arms around you once you stand beside them.

Next stop was the Tiger Sky Tower. Contrary to the first two stops, this was just a simple ride which allowed us to see the entire Singapore. So, it’s not much of a very high tower. LOL!

So, after that 360-degree-view-of-Singapore experience, the four of us (except my Mom, of course) immediately ran to take the Sky Ride. It was a very cool experience to travel via open-air cable from Imbiah to Siloso and vice versa. It’s really a cool and relaxing ride for me. I don’t know with Alann though. LOL!

After the Sky Ride, we met up with Jing’s cousin, Remia, who was appartently in Singapore that time. Remia was such a blessing to us as she gave us lots of munchies for the rest of our stay in Singapore. Luv yah, Remia for this!

As it was past 6pm, we all decided to go to Siloso Beach to prep us up for the Songs of the Sea. We were scheduled to witness the 7:30 pm show.

Nikki, Mommy and I were able to squeeze some tram rounds before the show. We saw more of the Siloso seashore and had some other photo ops.

And after that short sight-seeing and pictorial, we rushed back to the other side of the shore where Jing, Alann and Remia reserved seats for us. Actually, reservations were not allowed. Makapal lang ang fez namin! LOL!

The Songs of the Sea is truly a must-see show in Sentosa. I have never seen such wonderful display of lights and it’s far different from seeing those usual fireworks. I will now let the pictures tell how spectacular the show was:

My apologies, these were only taken by my left hand as the other one got busy taking video shots 😛

The Songs of the Sea concluded our day in Sentosa. So, we went back to Vivo City via cable car. Yes, we still have that last ride to avail of. Sulit di ba?

As it was our last night in Singapore, I insisted that we go to Chinatown to experience dining and having some drinks at the famous street restaurants. And so we did…

Oh well, 3 bottles of Tiger beer, 1 plate of black noodles, 1 serving of carrot omelet ( but no carrot at all, how weird is that?!) and some other street food finally concluded our Day 3 in Singapore.

Tiring but so much fun!

Still to be continued…

Singapore Adventure (Day 2 – Nov 06)

We did not opt for Ian’s tour service for the rest of our stay in Singapore. We instead decided to explore the place on our own. Thanks to Nikki’s research materials. It helped us a lot in navigating Singapore.

It was really not much of an effort for me to get used to the transport system as it’s very similar to HK. All places were interconnected and tickets were available via electronic purchase.

And buses were likewise strategically located near MRT exits for conveniece.

We started the day at around 9am. Took the MRT from Aljunied Station. Alighted at Boon Lay Station and hopped in bus 194 that took us straight to Jurong Bird Park.

We arrived at Jurong at almost 11 am. We opted to get the 3-in-1 package. Tickets were priced at SG$45/pax which allowed us to see three major sites in Singapore: (1) Jurong Bird Park, (2) Singapore Zoo and (3) Night Safari. Pretty good package there eh!

 

We were a bit late for the Bird Show at the Apmphitheatre. Kids were already having fun watching some bird tricks when we arrived. Despite us being late, I found the show and those well-trained colorful birds fascinating.

Since there are no other show scheduled, we opted to just explore the place. Walked from one bird kingdom to another. And here are some of my snapshots:

When we were looking for a place to eat, Alann and I saw a very nice floor fountain. Of course, my naughty side instantly surfaced. We tried to study the fountain’s water-spitting pattern and learned that the middle portion doesn’t spit. And so, I had my photo taken while water are up in the air.

 

Like to know what happened after this shot? The hole at my feet spitted water… so I got dead wet! LOL! Good thing, I brought an extra shirt with me. So, I changed shirt. But my short skimpy skirt got wet! *weep* 

Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are located in a different place so we needed to finish Jurong Bird Park at around 2pm. Travelled back to Boon Lay to catch MRT that will take us Choa Chu Kang Station. From there we boarded bus 927 and got us straight to Singapore Zoo.

We arrived at Singapore Zoo at around 3pm. Had a quick lunch. Had lots of photo ops (of course!). And went straight in to check the show schedules. But Jing went back to the hotel to attend to some very personal matters 😛

So, it was a trip for me, Mommy, Nikki and Alann.

The Singapore Zoo is another place that required a lot of walking as animals nests were far located from each other. I was suprised to see though that all animals were not contained in cages but rather allowed for personal interaction. We did not try doing so though as there were additional fees for that. Kuripot! LOL!

We were able to watch the Elephant and Sealion shows in separate time slots. Both were nice and fun though.

Alann and I got a chance to be kissed by Carlos (the sealion) after the show. But when it was my turn, I freaked out when I felt his wet lips all over my left cheek. Too bad, we didn’t get a good shot of it.

The zoo closed at 6pm and we had to wait for Jing before we proceed to the Night Safari which is adjactently located the Singapore Zoo.

It seemed that the Night Safari is just an extension of Singapore Zoo. Most of the animals found in the zoo were also found in Night Safari. Di kaya lumipat lang din sila? LOL!

It was an ok experience for me. I wasn’t that impressed… except for that hotta-hotta performance at the Safari Entrance slash resto.

It was a truly long day for us and the Night Safari Tour was a nice activity to end the day.

To be continued…

Singapore Adventure (Day 1 – Nov 05)

It has been pretty hectic for me at work and at home lately so I wasn’t able to post anything about my recent trip. I know of some friends who are dying to read about the details of my recent escapade but I was overly pre-occupied with a lot of things. Well, I already gave you some preview which were I posted in both my Friendster and Multiply site. Pardon me, those are just few of my LOADS of photos 🙂

Anyhow, let’s not waste another second. But first, let’s start off with cast of characters so you’ll be guided well as I transpired from one kwento to another:

Main Casts:

• Mommy – the birthday celebrator and 73-year old traveling bandit
• Nikki – my colleague (remember her from my Bohol & HK trips?)
• Jing – one of my best college chummies
• Alann – Jing’s ever patient hubby

Special Participation:

• Mammu Elva – former colleague and a current resident of Singapore
• Mari – Mammu Elva’s son
• Remia – Jing’s cousin who works as a stewardess in cruise ship docked in Singapore
• Ian – Singaporean-Portugese tour guide/driver/van owner

Are we all set now? So, here goes my first installment of Mommy’s post-birthday celebration in Singapura.

As always, I traveled via Cebu Pacific as I availed of the promo fare some months back. And contrary to my statement in my Bohol check-in moment in February, I got us the 6:25 a.m. flight so we could again maximize our stay in the land of the famous Merlion. And as always again, Mommy and I were the last to arrive at the airport (NAIA Terminal 3) a little past 5 a.m. We found Nikki waiting for us at the check-in counter while the couple, Jing and Alann, were already settled in the boarding area.

It was my first time to enter NAIA’s newest airport. Obviously looks new as there were a lot more areas closed for, I guess, commercial occupancy.

 

The 3-hour flight to SG was quite smooth and nice. 

From the airport, we were picked up by a private shuttle which was included in the accommodation package I got from my dear friend, Vida. I don’t normally travel in style so I just got ourselves some very affordable hotel which is located in…. naaah, I won’t tell! I’ll just give a clue, it’s the most active and well-lit place in Singapore at night. LOL!

We checked in and had a quick lunch at one of the nearby restuarants as Ian was scheduled to pick us up at 1:30 p.m. for a half-day city tour.

But we were able to buy some time to grab sim cards as we needed to contact Mammu Elva and make calls to loved ones in Pinas. And in the middle of our Singapore-sim-buying moments, we were all surprised to see a kinky store beside the telecom shop. I guess you already know what I did. Of course, it was an instant photo opportunity. Here it is…

And so, the city tour started.

Ian drove us around town where their Parliament House, Supreme Court and other famous offices in City Hall and Clark Quay.

First stop was the Jewellery Company. It wasn’t typo-error nor misspelling but that’s the company’s name. According to Ian, that jewelry shop is the largest in Singapore. We were not forced though to buy anything as it was part of the tour. But my Mom’s hungry-for-earrings look forced me to buy her a pair. I didn’t get myself anything from there so I instead asked Alann to take a picture of me at the front door. Poor Winkie! LOL!

And when we got out of the shop, I immediately asked Ian to take us away from that place before we purchase any other item! LOL!

So off to the next location, the Riverside and Raffles Statue.

We had an interesting experience when we were about to leave the place. Young locals who were having an Amazing Race sort of activity approached us and asked if we could have a pic with them. We just needed imitate the Kung Fu Panda pic that they showed us and take a pic similar to that.

Nikki and Jing were both pumped up to accommodate the kids’ request. So Alann and I opted to be just plain photographers. The initial shot was a bit too dull and plain, so I instead asked them to do a jump shot to make it more fun and realistic. And here are the Kung Fu Panda cast in Clark Quay:

After that fun shot, Ian took us to the next location, the Singapore Super Flyer. I personally requested to have us taken there as I read from the net that it’s the newest must-see and must-go-to place in Singapore.

It was a bit boring inside the SIN Super Flyer capsule as it took us 30 minutes for a whole complete rotation. Well, that how big the Super Flyer is!

It was an effort for Mommy to take the ride as she has acrophobia. So, she just enjoyed the ride by plainly sitting it the middle. Good thing, the capsule is a bit huge.

We ran a bit late and I needed to meet up with Mammu Elva who was waiting for us at Wisma Atria for hours. Good thing, Ian was kind enough to drop us there.

And so, I finally met up with Mammu Elva, who helped me a lot in outlining my 4D3N SIN itinerary. It was really nice to see and visit old-time friends when one’s on a trip.

Too bad, we did not spend much time with Mammu Elvs as she and Mari needed to head back home before dinner time. But they were able to show us around Orchard Road a bit so we’d get familiarized with the place in case we go back there for shopping.

After the short snacks at Toast Box and quick stroll along Orchard Road Mammu and Mari left all of at Wheelock Place for some initial browsing of electronic gadgets.

We did some quick rounds at Wheelock Place. Went to a toy shop for Bakugan toys. Segued to a surfer’s shop to check Havias price. Boy, Havais in Singapore is way too pricey than in Manila! Browsed in Mac Store as both Alann and I have plans of buying iPods.

Then, back to Wisma for another stroll and some purse shopping. I again had a nice shopping experience… this time, at Charles and Keith. When I was at the counter, the cashier asked if I have I VIP card. So, I said, “No.” She then informed me that I can get one if I purchase at least SG$100. But the purse I was purchasing wasn’t even close to that amount. Jing and Nikki didn’t have any intention to buy anything so I asked the cashier to leave it and go on with the purchase. Since she’s a Fil girl, she whispered to me and said, “Ma’am , bigyan na lang kita ng discount.” And when I saw my receipt, it’s SG$10 off! Imagine that, I instantly got a discount on a C&K new arrival item. Nice one, huh?!

We spent the night strolling at some other malls along Orchard Road and Somerset. But since they were already closing, we called the night off.

It was our first public commute to the hotel and being inside the MRT isn’t much of a grand experience… as the “air” isn’t that too pleasing. I’d rather not say more… LOL!

So, that was our day 1 in Singapore.

To be continued…

November Calendar

 

Atrofia (You are my Strength, O Lord)

 

My desire was not to make  this painting just a work of art, I attempted to let the subject experience Christ’s embrace by adopting and welcoming the lolo. Mang Crispin [not his real name] is an 83-year old man abandoned by his seven children. Recently, I rushed him to the hospital due to a bloodt accident. One of the doctors had the same surname is his, Mang Crispin with his hoarse voice went on, “We have the same surname. ARe you from that place __________?” The young medic said, “My father’s name is Red.” The old man coughing answered, “Your father is my own son. You are my apo.” Overwhelmed and helpless, the pain in Mang Crispin’s heart jabbed more painfully than that of his wound.

 

Tearfully, the doctor replied, “I never knew I had a lolo. I always wanted to have a lolo.”

– Joey Velasco

And she turned 73…

Today’s post is again a very special one. I still remember writing a similar entry on this very same day last year. So for some of you who haven’t read it, you can click here to check out what I have written some 12 months back.

And so yesterday, October 27, Mommy turned 73.

As you know, I normally don’t make so much effort in doing elaborative party for my mom. Yeah, call me lousy or whatever you want, but I’m just not into that let’s-make-a-surprise-party-for-Mommy thing. I just find it a bit too cheesy. LOL!

But as always, I want to make each year memorable for her.

Last Friday, three of my nieces – Dhang, April and Potchie – visited my Mom and decided to spend the weekend with us. So, together with Mommy, I took them all to Glorietta for a stroll and an advance lunch birthday celeb. It was a very simple lunch-at-North Park with Mommy’s closest ‘apo’… of course, ‘apo’ from her inaanak-cum-pamangkin. As simple as it seemed, I know Mommy was happy spending it with them.

Call me again a lousy daughter, because I didn’t buy anything for my Mom when we had that whole-day-at-Glorietta with the kids last Saturday.

Oh well, I really did not plan on buying her anything on her special day. I wanted to give her something more special than those stuff I could find in Glorietta. It’s no longer a suprise though and she knew months back that she’ll get one of her last year’s fervent wishes.

So, as Mommy turned 73, I want to grant her one special present this year. If you’ve read the post, you now have an idea of Mommy’s exciting gift… and I will tell you about it in details maybe a week from now 🙂

And to Mommy, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! May the good Lord grant you more love, peace and health that you truly deserve.

Funny Signs in China

I was supposed to post this some weeks back but I was too busy with some other things lately. Please don’t ask what I got busy with… LOL!

Three afternoons back, my colleague reminded bout this post when I heard her laugh hard in front of her computer. And said, “Ngayon ko ang nabasa itong email mo, Winks. Sobrang nakakatawa.”

The email slash collection of funny pics was sent by a very good friend. I bet you already have received this one, too. But what the heck?! I’m still posting them here as this is one helluva fun thing to share.

My apologies though for not posting all the pics as they are too many. Around 20 pics, I guess. So I opted to post what I think are the most hillarious.

The email goes something like this (verbatim comments slash taglines in Filipino):

If you were planning to go to China for the Olympics or even just for a vacation, I just want to help orient you on how to interpret or read signs there:

Pag eto ang sumabong sa nyo sa airport, aba’y dapat lang na matuwa ka!

Oi, itulak mo daw para buhay ka!

Ano daw? Basta bawal magyosi sa loob o tinapang bisita ba?

Gawa sa China kaya ilayo nyo sa anak nyo!

Dito mura magpatabas ng paa!

So ano gusto mong reaction dito???

Para sigurado lang di ba?

May nauntog na ata eh!

Sabi naman dahan-dahan ang pag-untog!

Kung gusto mo lang naman!

Mga fans nina Frodo at Sam, dami kayong mabibiling libro dito!

Teka, di ko na yata kinaya ito ah!

Basta ipuwesto nyo maigi ang silya at panatilihing malinis ang mesa matapos nyong mamatay.

Getz ba?

October Calendar

 

Alay

I chanced upon this mentally deranged woman during one of my coffee breaks. I offered her a glass of Coke as I listened attentively to her rapid soliloquy. She was speaking to some imaginary friends. She heard voices. Tension swelled in me as I relaized she was talking to Edgar Allan Poe and Leo Tolstoy. I felt so afraid She had wild swings between sanity and insanity.

She then grabbed the picture of my Hapag painting close to her eyes. “This strikes me as the poor kids’ Last Supper…” She examined it more closely again like a jeweller, and then she stared at me. “You know my friend, thear are actually not poor…” “What??? You’re the only one who said that.” I wondered smiling at her chilling remark. And she continue, “…. because they have Jesus.”

 

                                                                                                – Joey Velasco

Blogging 101

Nope, I’m not trying to give out some pointers on blogging. I’m no professional blogger and not in the position to do so. The title simply means… this is my 101st  entry.

Yep, you read it right… entry # 101! Hurray for me! Hehehe!

I never thought I would last this long in this blogging thing . I can still remember how and why started with my blogsite here in Friendster. My first post was done last year on the night of April 26. I got so overwhelmed with the overflowing blessings I received then so I decided to write them all down through this blogsite. And the rest is history. Too bad, I failed to make an anniversary post 5 months ago as I was on trip to the city of Pines.

Just like any other relationship, blogging is a two-way street… the writer (in my case, aspiring and trying hard one, LOL!) and the readers. Well, I thought that you, my sweet dear reader friends, play a very important part of my blogging life. Up to know, I still get surprised to know that you are having fun reading my posts. I still get those random feedbacks like “Enjoy ako sa blogs mo. Keep blogging!” or “Ang kulit ng last post mo! Katuwa!”. Not to mention those actual comments posted on some of my comment-worthy entries from new and old commenters alike. Each of your comments slash feedbacks, violent or not (LOL!), really puts a smile on my face. A big kinda deal of smile! 🙂

And so, on my 101st post, I’d like to THANK YOU for sticking with me.

Thanks for spending some of your precious time in reading my narrow-minded and senseless entries! 🙂

 

My Year Book Pic(s)

When I went online on YM moments ago, I saw an old-time friend, Liza, was online as well. She’s got a cute old-looking pic of herself in her avatar so I buzzed her. This was our initial conversation: 

 

Winkie: Cute pic! Looks like “lola” version of you.

Liza: Hehehe! My friend made it.

Winkie: Really? How?

Liza: Wait, Ate! I’ll ask.

Winkie: Ok, thanks!

Liza: Here po: www.yearbookyourself.com.

Winkie: Ok, I’ll browse now.

Liza: Hehehe. Patingin, ‘Te ah!

Winkie: Sure Liz!

 

Well, I did browse the site and had a great time playing with my pics. So I made myself lots of year book photos… in different circa! Here they are:

 

Circa 60: Looks like Ms. Tapia to me! LOL!

 

Circa 70: Very Caren Carpenter! LOL! 

 

 Circa 80: On the chubby side with shaggy hair! LOL!

 

Circa 90: With short blonde hair… bagay ba? Hehehe!

 

Year 2000: Blonde girl once again… LOL! 

 

Upon seeing these, I was glad for having a better year book pic. Here’s my original year book pic… in sepia verion: 

 

Very virginal! Heheheh! Promise, no alteration on this one… hehehe!

Year book yourself, too! It’s fun!

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Note to Liza: Thanks again for sharing! 🙂

Art Works at the Mall

For those of you who have been consistently reading my blogs starting January of this year, you already know that I normally start my month with a religious artwork by a Salesian artist by the name of Joey Velasco. The paintings are showcased in my special 2008 calendar. Each painting has a story to tell and those are perfectly written by the painter himself.

Earlier this day, before going back home and while strolling in Glorietta, I came across a some sort of a program. I saw people swamped at the second floor of the Glorietta 4. I tried to squeeze in a bit.  I found out that it was an art exhibit slash project launching. The emcee then announced the unveiling of the biggest art work. And this is what I saw:

 

Prior to the unveiling, I heard the emcee anounced a familiar name… very familiar that I get to encounter that name at the work place on a daily basis. Well, the guest of honour was no other than but our company’s president. Then, I tried to zoom in and further scrutized the painting from afar:

Hmmm… familiar painting, I thought. I checked out the other artworks and yes, the styles all looked familiar to me. I further confirmed my assumption when I saw our official Salesian chaplain at the lower ground of that G4 wing.

Well, I guessed right. All those insipring artworks were done by no other than artist Joey Velasco. The art work exhibit was simultaneously done with the launching of the 2009 calendar.

I guess you’re thinking it’s too early to sell 2009 calendar, right? Not for the Salesians. They usually do this ahead of time. I got my 2008 calendar during the same season last year. Honestly, I bought copies for charity reasons as portion of the proceeds went to a scholarship foundation for the out-of-school youth. One Salesian’s successful projects.

My limited number of copies were shared to some very close friends and relatives as Christmas gift last year. The calendar was a very simple gift… but I hope that those paintings as well as their respective stories brought hope, faith and inspiration to those select friends and relatives.

Well, I’m certain that I’ll buy a couple of copies again this year… and I’m sure that I will continue on with my habit of sharing each and every painting as my opening salvo for the month. I hope that you’ll not get tired of seeing those wonderful paintings and reading those inspirational stories in the coming year.

I think the exhibit will be there for a while. So, for those who want to see the paintings, pay them a visit at Glorietta. Buy some calendars na rin. It’s for a good cause. 🙂