Singapore Day 5

As they say, all good things don't last.

My brief visit to Singapore had to come to a close. I would have opted for a longer stay but circumstances would not permit at this time. I can't say that I wasn't tempted to find work there but I did not. As I have said in the past, I like Singapore because of their transportation, of how they have planned their city, the diveristy of culture that exists.

We woke up earlier than usual that day because we wanted to have a kaya toast breakfast. Ria had wanted us to do the kaya toast but this was the only time we had done so. When we got to the airport, I checked in and off we went to have kaya toast. Well, for me it was really toasted bred with jam that you dip on semi-boiled egg. It was enjoyable but not at all something new.

While waiting for my time to board, we decied to tour Changi Airport and take some pictures.

Ria went home, most likely to get some more sleep since I keep her awake with my snoring, while I boarded the plane back to Manila and back to reality.

Singapore Day 4

On my last full day in Singapore, Ria and I started it by picking up our cousing from where they were staying to have some breakfast. It was a Sunday, and as it turns out, most of the establishments were either closed or opening late. We ended up having a late breakfast at a nearby Starbucks. Not that filling but at least we had breakfast. As usual, I did not have any hot drinks. Took my pick from the frappuccino menu. From thereabouts, we hiked to the nearest mall which just opened. We did not really stay long at that loaction since we decided to make a trip to Orchard Road.

We took a shuttle to get to Orchard Road, right in front of Tangs. We had Edmund with us so we were really constricted to move around. Ate Tetel decided to get a phone for their duration in Singapore which she can also use when they get home to San Francisco. So while she and Ria were shopping for a phone at Lucky Plaza, I was in charge of keeping little Edmund entertained. When they had finished with their transactions, we were then ready to have lunch. We decided to dine at the Food Republic of Wisma. By the end of the meal, Edmund was more intent to go swimming at the pool of the condominium they were staying than go around Singapore. So off they went back home. That left Ria and I to explore Singapore once more.

We took the tram to visit Vivo City. This mall boasts of having a tram ride to Sentosa.

One does not go to Singapore as a tourist without going to Sentosa. During my previous trip to Singapore I also spent the day going around Sentosa so I had thought it would have been the same attractions. I was surprised to learn that they have improved and they have new rides. What Ria was urging was to ride the luge and skyride. She initially thought that I would not like to do so since *I was afraid of heights. I had vehemently declined doing the bungee jumping in Clarke Quay believing that if I do agree to doing that, I would get a heart attack. At any case, I did agree and we signed up for 3 turns - 3 luge rides and 3 skyride trips. So, we got our helmets and lined up. The luge ride was ok but then it was time for the first skyride trip. I did take pictures while hanging in the air but a little agoraphobia got the better of me. Fortunately my second and third trips were better. All in all, I enjoyed it.

Next on our agenda is visit the other new sights in Sentosa. So we trekked around, taking pictures whenever possible. It rained a bit while we were touring but we were able to get to some spots, particularly the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia. I believe it myight be the best beach in Sentosa - but only because I didn't really go round the whole island. As it is, a lot of people were enjoying the area - a lot of whome were pickniking while some were swimming. Would have loved to pose in my trunks. Hehehe.

We ended the day back in Vivo City. Ria and I were to have our at dinner together either dining chilli crabs or at Marche. We decided Marche. We had an assortment of food that were not only enjoyable to the eyes but the stomach as well. It had been a long day and we had a long way to go to get back home. So after a nice dinner, we were off again taking the tram.

When we reached home, we still took the time to drop by a nearby hawker center. Ria had coffee, I, of course, had something cold to drink. We didn't eat anymore since we really were full from dinner. From there, we were finally headed home.

Another full day. Another tiring day. Another enjoyable day.

Singapore Day 3

We've reached day 3 of my adventures in Singapore.


As usual, Ria prepared our breakfast. After a delecious meal, we took our showers and planned our day. Soon we are off to a very busy day.

First in our agenda for the day is visit Chinatown. A prominent structure there is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. It is a four-storey structure that not only houses a very grand temple but also a very interesting museum - collecting not just their venerated buddha tooth relic but other relics and offers an insight into Buddhism through a very extensive museum. Each floor offers a unique view of not just the temple but also of the religion through the various buddhas collected from all over. The actual buddha tooth relic is housed in the fourth floor where devotees come to venerate it. We were not able to actually view it because it is only opened to the public at certain times of the day.



While we were in Chinatown, we took the time to go around and check for bargains. We shopped for gifts for our parents and and aunts. I also searched for some trinkets for my bosses. There were a lot to choose from and at one point Ria and I got separated. Luckily, we did found each other and finalized what we were shopping for. We then decided to have lunch at McDonald's. Why there? I saw the limited edition Beijing Olympics Coke Glass which I was not able to get while in Manila. The meal was filling and we were now all set for an adventure at Jurong Bird Park.

Much like my trip to Avilon Zoo and to Zoobic, the Jurong Bird Park requires a lot of walking. It was tiring but nevertheless, it was enjoyable. Our first stop was the penguins. It was their feeding time so a lot of people were watching as these cute birds are fed by their caretaker. Next stop for us was the Fuji Hawk Walk. We had to get in early since there would be a show. Predators are the focus of the show and one by one their trainors show off these birds' abilities - from flying to catching food. The birds even fly so near that you can touch them as they pass by. However, we were warned not to do so because, as predators, they might think that your hand is their meal. Once the show was over, we spent some time trekking the park and visiting the various birds that make their home there. One of our last stops is the Lory Loft where we were able to interact with birds by feeding them.

It was a tiring day but that was not the end because we still had to fetch our cousin at the airport. Ate Tetel and Edmund arrived around midnight and we escorted them to the condominium where they would be staying in Singapore. Once they were settled in, it was time for Ria and I to call it a day.

Singapore Day 2

My second day in Singapore is really my first full day.

My day started with a delicious breakfast cooked by my dear sister. With a full stomach, we were off to the Singapore Flyer. We took the bus to our destination. All I can say is I still admire Singapore's bus and tram service. Efficient. What's new with their service? You can text them to find out how much more time you will be waiting for the bus to arrive at the bus stop you are in. What I also found new is that the same card you are using for the bus and the tram, you can also use to pay in McDonald's! What convenience!

Before Ria and I rode the Singapore Flyer, we took a short detour to Kenko. Well it was not really a detour since they are also located on the same building that houses the Singapore Flyer. We took the opportunity to try the fish spa Kenko was offering. It truly was a different experience I can say. These small fish, the Garra Rufa imported from Turkey, are like nibbling at your feet the whole time. It feels strange, with thoughts of a pirahnas attacking me. It felt ticklish as they seem to be nibbling your skin. They say that these fish are like massaging your feet, stimulating circulation, and at the same time feeding on your dead skin cells. It was definitely a different kind of foot spa.


Now, we are ready to take a ride on the Singapore Flyer. Ria and I were privileged to get a capsule on our own. I had problems with heights but with the Flyer, you can hardly feel that you are over a hundred meters from the ground. From the flyer, you can view the Esplanade, the Merlion and the Marina Barrage. You can see their preparation oThe carriage was spacious and would fit more than 10 people. One can also sip cocktail and even eat in those capsules. You can also see the preparations for the Formula 1 race slated to happen in September.

Where do we go from there? Since we were able to see the Esplanade from the Flyer, we trekked to it's location. We were able to get in and view the history of Arts and Culture in Singapore as well as the development of the Esplanade. We then proceeded to be camera-happy by taking a lot of pictures from there to the Merlion Park. Ria had a job fair to go to in the afternoon so we had to find a place to have lunch but the nearest dining spot from where we were was the Boat Quay, which was also in the vicinity of the Asian Civilization Musuem where her job fair would be held. We had a taste of Thai Cuisine when we had our meal at Reamnam Thai.

While Ria was at the job fair, I had the opportunity to visit a nearby mall - the Funan DigitaLife Mall. On the way there, I was able to pass by the Supreme Court and the Parliament of Singapore. The mall is definitely a fiesta for electronics enthusiasts. Of course, I browsed throught the book store but shops here cater to those looking for bargains for thir computer and electronics needs. A unique store I saw here was the triple-store that offers the menu offerings of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.

After the job fair, I met Ria and her friend in front of the Asian Civilizations Museum. There I had my first taste of the $1 ice cream. From then on, whenever I see a $1 ice cream stand, I had to try a different flavor. Crossing the Cavenagh bridge, we were tempted to go inside the Fullerton Hotel. Of course, we gave in to the temptation. We posed in the lobby as well as the basement of the hotel before we decided to meet Allie, another of Ria's friends in Singapore, to find a place to eat for dinner. Considering it was previously the General Post Office, The Fullerton Hotel has come a long way and has distinguished itself as a 4 star hotel.

We decided on settling with eating at the Lau Pa Sat, a former market turned into a food center. Food choices are aplenty and affordable. An addition is the live band playing at the middle of the center, right above the beverage stall - which by the way refuses to sell a glass of ice, you have to but a canned drink to get a glass of ice. At any case, it was a good experience. Had time to spend with Ria's friends too.

Wait. There's more. To cap off our day, we had some cold beverages from the nearby Far East Square's Teh Tarik Cartel. I got a lemon juice drink. But he night did not end there. Before we went our separate ways, we passed by the Boat Quay to take some pictures. The end.

Singapore Day 1

As promised, I am back.

Allow me to narrate my recent adventures - my Singapore trip.

Recently, there was a rumor (I can now call it a rumor because it has been disproven.) that there would be a major earthquake in the Philippines on the 18th of July. Being the only family member left in Manila, my mother was concerned that I might get hurt if I stayed here. So.... off I went to Singapore where my sister is currently residing. As an afternote, June 18 came and went but no earthquake hit Manila, thereby, proving the prediction to be a hoax.

Originally, I planned on riding Cebu Pacific, knowing it would be cheaper however, their only available flight would be 6:20AM and that would mean I would have to be halfday at work. Being the end of the week, I needed to do and submit all my reports especially since I won't be in during the weekend. Philippine Air Lines (PAL) allowed me to travel at 2:45PM, providing me leeway to finish all I need to do before the trip.

As suggested by my sister, I had a heavy breakfast then left the office at around 10:00AM to head to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to check in. The night before, I worried that I may forget to pack everything I need but as it turns out, of all things to forget, I did not bring a pen with me. A pen! I had to borrow one from a fellow traveller in order to fill out the paperwork needed by immigration at NAIA. Later on, at the end of my flight, I would need to borrow another one from the steward to fill up the immigration form before we get to Singapore. (I forgot his name but his pen sure was handy even during the return trip.) I was early at the airport, eagerly awaiting my flight. I was a bit bored because I did not bring a book, I did not bring my earphones to use on my phone to listen to music and I did not own a PSP to play with. I roamed the waiting area, I played with my phone / camera and just texted my sister to keep me busy.

At 2:00PM, PR501 started boarding. We did not get directly on board the plane, but instead walked a flight of starirs to a waiting bus. We were then transported to the plane. No sooner that we boarded the plane, that we were made to settle down as we were ready to take off.

It was not my first time to fly but it is the first one that I am doing all by myself. I chose the aisle seat because I can get claustrophobic on a limited space. The in-flight movie was 21 - a movie I had already watched a few weeks previous. Nevertheless, I tried to keep awake for most of it. We were made to choose between chicken and fish - of course, I chose fish. And it was indeed a delightful choice. The fish was steamed but it's sauce was for sweet and sour. The trip was not eventful but we had a lot of turbulence.

We arrived in Changi Airport a little after 6:00PM of July 17th, earlier than expected. Upon arrival, I was surprised to see that Changi has not changed and it was as spacious and confusing as my first to get there 9 years ago. I didn't know where to go - where to get my baggage or where to exit. While lost, I was keeping busy by collecting all the pamphlets available. Singapore sure knows how to sell their tourist attractions, providing materials that would keep any traveller wanting to visit all that they can offer. If you were there for the shopping - brochures and magazines abound that tell you where the shops are and what bargains they can offer especially since it was the Singapore Sale. If you were attracted with the sights and sounds that the city had to offer, free maps and amazing tour packages would be your cup of tea. And since it was also the Singapore Food Festival, brochures abound that tell you where best to eat and what cuisines Singapore has to offer.

Well, my sister came in a little late, but that was ok. I was already lined up for the Singapore Food Festival Food Sampler. Once I had that on hand, we were off to dinner. We headed for the Suntec Mall. I was already acquainted with the mall, having roamed it on my last visit. That time around, I got to attend a Book Convention (I was disappointed because most of the books available then were in Chinese.) and visit the Fountain and just window shop really. On this trip, our real purpose was to eat. So, off to Food Republic we go. With the food sampler on hand, we browsed throught the different shops. When we settled down, we each had our meals. We made our plans for the next day as we finished what we were eating then headed home to her apartment.

That was my first day in Singapore.

Am back. I know you heard that before. But I hope this is for real.

Am back. I know you heard that before. But I hope this is for real.

With a lot of things happening, I figured, why not blog them all and keep a diary of sorts.

I have been busy at work and it doesn't seem that it will slow down any time soon. I started to handle a team back in January. 18 unique individuals compose my team and it was a roller coaster ride. A lot of ups and a lot of downs. There were times I have been frustrated. Times I was so proud of them. Times when I could not feel but happy being with them. Times when I wished I could hide from being made to explain what is happening with them. Times when I would want to just explode but kept it all back. Times when I wish the time I was spending with them would not end. Times when I wish that I didn't go to work at all. I don't regret any of those times. I would always treasure them.

July 13, six months later, I was assigned to a new team. My old team was dispersed to other teams, while I handled a new team altogether. Being a Coach Track Trainee (CTT), not a full-fledged Coach, I am easily disposed off - not because of performance but necessity for the account. Lucky for me, one of the coaches made a career move to look for a better opportunity in China, allowing me to handle 18 new agents - well one was transferred from my old team. From the onset, I am faced with the challenge of not just adjusting to new individuals but to the SME (Subject Matter Expert) project. It is a great opportunity to shine and I hope to live up to what their original coach had accomplished with them and with the project.

Where were you during the Glorietta 2 explosion?

There are happenings in life that leave a mark, whether we were directly affected or not. We tend to recall what we were doing or where we were exactly when these events occurred. One event would be last Friday's explosion in Glorietta 2.

What a tragedy it is. One could just imagine being in the mall, shopping and from out of nowhere, one can get caught unawares that a threat to one's life is in one's midst. We all hope that not one of the people we love or even ourselves be subjected to such a disaster.

Where were you when it happened? Me? I was at the office. How did I learn about it? My mother who is currently residing in Texas called me on my mobile phone to make sure that I was ok and that I was nowhere near Glorietta. Because I usually leave work at 1pm on a Friday, they were'nt sure if I may have ventured to shop or take a trip to Makati and to an extension, to Glorietta. On a normal Friday, I may have left at exactly at 1pm but not this particular Friday. We were finishing our Halloween decorations for the office and I still had to make sure all my work is accomplished. I was shocked to learn of what happened in Makati. What floored me even further was that my parents, who are halfway around the world, get to find out about it even before me. That's how fast new travel in this digital world.

It is quite fortunate that no one in my family or my friends were involved with what happened in Glorietta. I do hope that the families who are affected find some sort of consolation. My prayers go to them.

Still on Changes in My Life

There was a point in my life that I centered all my activities with the community I was serving with - Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD). I was introduced to their activities through my parents who had attended the Marriage Encounter (ME). My mom and dad would urge us to attend their meetings and later on to the Youth Encounter (YE). From the YE, I attended the Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) and cherished a closer relationship with the Lord. I served through the Singles Ministry where I met people like me who were imperfect yet struggling to live a life centered on God. Serving through BLD allowed me to get to know our Saviour better and to be His instrument in touching other lives as well. It is here that I felt my life had meaning, direction. It is in this community as well that He molded me to be less of an introverted individual. By 2005, He had called to me to take a different direction and it was through the work he allowed me to take on.

In the middle of 2005, I was hired by Sitel (I ventured on this topic 2 blogs back) and my scheduled hampered me to keep attending and serving through BLD. We were living in Cubao then and the meetings and activities of BLD were centered in Makati. My office, being located in Ortigas, made it out of my way to venture to Makati and be available for commitments.

Due to the proximity of my residence in Cubao with that of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, I was invited to join the Immaculate Conception Singers which were the choir that accompanied the 4:15pm Sunday mass. At the same time, I decided to attend the Christian Life Program (CLP) for the Singles for Christ (SFC). From there I attended regularly and upon completion of the program, was attending regular household meetings. It was convenient because we held these meetings in the vicinity of our neighborhood. What I was missing from attending BLD, I found with being active with the SFC of West B2-C. This however, would change when in December of last year, I had to move from Cubao to Pasig. With that move is the difficulty to attend activities of SFC in Cubao. Right now, am in limbo. I am being urged to return to BLD as well as SFC but both time and opportunity is against me. It has been almost a year and have I have not been able to at least drop by.

I do have deeper emotional ties with BLD as I had grown so much while being with that community. I have gained a lot of friends who remain near and dear to my heart. I miss them and hope I get a better rein with my time so that I can spend time with the Lord and with the friends he brought me to serve Him with.

This most likely would be the last of my "bringing you up-to-date." Blogging all of these allow me see clearly where I am at this point in my life and bring to the front how I fell about things.

I look forward to keeping you up to date with my life. Don't expect too much introspection but don't rule it out all together as well. I'll try to keep it light but that doesn't mean I won't get serious as well.

Unitl my next blog then.

Previously...

Still in the business of what has happened between 2005 and 2007...

Even before 2005 my parents and one of my sisters have already relocated to the United States. My parents have settled in Texas while my sister was situated in California, where our other relatives were. Only my youngest sister and I were left fending for ourselves here in Manila. That changed just this month. My sister decided to try her luck in Singapore.

During the time we were living under one roof, my sister and I were struggling with how to relate to each other. I was living a life of contradictions - serving God and struggling with my sexuality (We'll discuss this at a later time). My sister, I felt, was obviously against my lifestyle. She would continually report to my mother what she felt was happening or suspected was happening. Towards the end, which was around this time last year, she changed how she dealt with me and was not just civil but accepting. I felt, at that time, we were really brother and sister. By the time that we transferred from Cubao to Pasig, I was enjoying my time with her.

Now, she has moved to Singapore. Just a week ago. Now, all three of us siblings live in three separate countries. One in the United States, one in Singapore and me, in the Philippines. She a short vacation to Singapore earlier this year which solidified her decision to try her luck in that country. Prior to that trip, when our other sister was working there, we had visited Singapore as a family. That was back in 1999.

I had expected Singapore to be a little cooler but felt that it was slightly hotter compared to Manila. What I like most from the experience was the buses. They follow a specific schedule. What a great improvement from what Manila has to offer. The food they had to offer was varied as Indian and Chinese food were aplenty. Tourist spots were OK though a little limited since Singapore, to me, seemed to be just the size of the City of Manila. One could tour it probably in a day. But even so, it was more progressive than the Philippines altogether. City planning of this nation is the best as one can distinguish the business district from the residential area. There are quite a number of Filipinos who work there and they usually converge on weekends in the vicinity of Lucky Plaza. They say that this country has very strict laws but from what I observed during my brief stay there, the country had order and the people have disciplined. If only Filipinos were as disciplined in their native country as they are when living on another.

I got a little sidetracked. I strated describing my family situation and ended up talking about Singapore. Going back...

I miss my family. My parents. My sisters. It's different when you are living independently, meaning one has moved out from the family nest compared to living alone. With me here and they located all around the globe, I get sentimental when I think of any one of them. I miss them so much.

That's it for now...

Til next time.

Welcome back to myself

It has been a while. 3 years to be exact. What was to be my first blog became, up to this point, my last. Well, hopefully, this won't be my last blog for the next 3 years.

What has been significant in the past years that has kept me off blogging. I did blog in friendster but that was short-lived. (link to be added at a later date) Maybe what I can start with is what has changed in the last 3 years.

Work-wise, I have been with my current employer for the past 2 and a half years - Clientlogic, now going by the name Sitel (www.sitel.com) The account I am working in is Sony. From being an agent, I am currently a Quality Specialist - the person who is tasked to assist agents be consistent to the standards set by the client. All in all, it has been a good experience especially since this is my first call center job. What has kept me here has been the people I have been working with. Definitely, other call centers have better pay. Well, people from the original Sitel (as compared to us who were in the original Clientlogic before the merge) have better pay. Don't get me wrong. This is by no means a complaint, just an observation.

I joined the company in April 2005. I did not directly apply with the company but through JobsDB, who after screening me, sent me to 3 call centers - Teletech, Convergys and Clientlogic. I went straight to Wynsum, this time to be screened by Clientlogic. I was accepted the same day, however I opted to wait for the new batch for Sony so that I could be a Technical Support Representative (TSR) as compared to a Customer Support Representative (CSR). despite getting accepted, in the following days I also tried to apply with the other 2 companies JobsDB endorsed me to. What made me decide to take the job offer from Clientlogic, instead of the other 2? 1st, I was at ease with how the HR screened us. It made me feel welcome. 2nd, proximity to where I lived. That, my friends, is how I started with where I am currently working with.

That's it for now. But I promise to keep blogging in the following days - not just to document what has been and keep you abreast with what is happening, but maybe to find a niche here in the web.

Have a great day folks!

Welcome to me, to you, to all who are reading this...

Today, I enter my very, very first blog ever. Does it show? Is it obvious I am a novice at blogging? Well, whatever impression I am imparting, I would like to thank you for visiting my blogspot.

I hope to find a direction where this blogspot could be heading. SO if you have any suggestions, feel free to send me a message.

This is it for now.

All of you have a nice day! :D