Explore Singapore! (Day 1 -- The Magic of Sentosa)

HELLO WORLD:

Explore Singapore - Day 1

Merlion, the symbol of Singapore

First, in 2008, our tour was an Asian Cruise via Star Cruise Virgo that sailed the South China Sea and brought us in Sanya City in China, Halong Bay in Vietnam and Hong Kong.  Then in 2009, we all flew to Shanghai.  And for 2010, we decided to invade no less than the lion city, Singapore! =)

And when people heard about it, I got questions like "Why Singapore?".  And my response is, "Why not?".  Singapore is such an amazing city, a fusion of different Asian cultures.  It's a progressive city that balances technology,culture, environment and of course, fun =) -- things that really capture my interest.  And in my 7 days stay in the city, I never ran out of things to do.  So I planned somehow what will happen in my 7 days in SG and called this mission as "Explore Singapore"! =)

Day 1 - Sentosa (Luge, Sky Ride, Underwater World, Dolphin Lagoon, Songs of the Sea)
Day 2 - Universal Studios, Chinatown, Clark Quay
Day 3 - Siesta in Pan Pacific Hotel, Marina Square, Vivo City (National Geographic Cafe, Golden Village Cinema, Botejyu) and St. James Power Station
Day 4 - Clementi Holy Cross Church, Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
Day 5 - Jurong Bird Park, Asian Civilizations Museum, Merlion Park, Jandy's Birthday
Day 6 - Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza, Mint Museum of Toys, Chinatown, Sri Mariamman Temple, Raffles Road, Laupasat
Day 7 - West Coast Plaza, Nike Factory Outlet, Singapore Changi International Airport

foydi in singapore zoo

foydi in chinatown

Wheh!  And in fact, I think 7 days aren't enough as there are still places and things I weren't able to check out.  Do you know what else I need to see in SG? =)

Actually, our trip was just from September 30 to October 2 but i extended until October 6 because as you already know, 7 days aren't enough to fulfill my mission "Explore Singapore" =).  And besides, I haven't had a real long vacation so I think this is a pretty perfect opportunity to make it all happen.

Day 1 - Our flight was  at 7:30 am so we were told to be at the airport at around 4 am.  And from work to packing the day before September 30, I decided to skip sleep to fix all the things I need and not to miss the flight!  So come 4 am, I saw nothing but familiar faces at the entrance of Centennial 2 terminal! =)  And as soon as we checked in, the airport seemed like our employee lounge because we are around 100 from the company.

As expected, I was mesmerized by the Singapore Changi International Airport, just like Hong Kong's and Shanghai's.  'But as we went out of the airport, heavy rains (like a typhoon!) welcomed us!  Our first concern was, how can we play in Sentosa, Singapore's favorite playground (Sentosa play is first in our itinerary)?  Well, we parked that thought for a moment and moved immediately to our buses to catch lunch.  And Deborah, our tour guide (up to now, I don't if she's a she or a he but who cares =), made us all comfortable during the ride.

Team CaPRI in SG

our tour guide Deborah

Romsy and the City - road trip from airport to hotel

We then checked in at the Pan Pacific Hotel, and I was again caught in awe with the spectacular view and great amenities of our room!  In fact, sleeping in our hotel room became a rival of going out at night for us! =)

We had a free wi-fi! =)

Well, after unpacking and changing clothes, we then went straight to Sentosa!  And since it's raining hard, we were given ponchos to protect us from getting wet.  We first tried Sentosa Luge, and goodness, it just brought back the child in everyone!  The ride was fast and we were all shouting hard as we move from one point to another, avoiding to hit each other's cart!  And while we were in our offguard moments, there's the camera who captured our shots and ready to take our Singaporean dollars away =).  'But since it's a priceless moment, buying our photos didn't give us any second thoughts. =)

My colleague Jiejie Jane.  Is she excited or scared? =)

Ferdie, Neil and Henry ready to take the Luge challenge

We then moved to the Sentosa Sky Ride to see the tree tops of Sentosa.  It's a pretty slow paced activity than the Luge, but it somehow dried up our ponchos and put us in a relaxing moment.  And of course, there's the camera again!  And again, we just hurried to see and buy our pics! =)

Neil, Henry and Ferdie at the Sky Ride

After the Sentosa Luge and Sky Ride, we were then picked up by the Sentosa Bus and brought us to the Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon.  Well, this is the 4th oceanarium I already saw (first was the Hong Kong Ocean Park, then the Ocean Adventure in Subic and then Manila Ocean Park), but still, as I am somehow a marine life fan, I was excited to see what's in store in this marine facility.  I think the people who created the Sentosa Underwaterworld and Manila Ocean park are the same, so there are many similarities I noticed.  'But still, visiting a marine facility is always a welcome treat for me.  In fact, I've visited Manila Ocean Park for 3 or 4 times, and I never get bored checking it out.  =)

That's what you call Underwater World

The Diving Trio of Dolphin Lagoon.  These are Indo Pacific Humpback dolphins which are commonly known as pink dolphins. 

Pink dolphins doing a ball trick.

They are just natural performers!

After the visual treat in the Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon, we had dinner near the Sentosa train station.  And right after dinner, we all witnessed the popular Songs of the Sea show.  The show was beside the bay.  At first, I thought it was just an ordinary show, but after the dragging singing part, I was just fascinated with the spectacular display of lights, theatrical pyrotechnics, computer effects and thrilling flame bursts.  It was simply awesome!

It was a long day and with zero sleep and sticky feeling (due to humidity), we were all dying to go back to the hotel and take a shower.  'But my day didn't end when we get back to the hotel as my high school best friend, who's now based in Singapore, treated me for an initial city tour. =)

The day was pretty long but it was just Day 1!  Watch out for more in the next posts in a few days! =)

When I Fall for Cebu and Bohol

Bayanihan Republic:

I'm sorry I've been a delinquent blogger for a few months already.  Though it may already sound cliche, but my sched has really been horrible!  As I shared with my team, hell weeks are over, it's hell year.  Anyway, now that I just finished a big blockbuster event, I am able to claim back my Saturday night to revisit my blog.  And oh my, I just found out that i have draft post that I was not able to publish!  Anyway, I'm still sharing it with you guys.  Please see my post below on "When I Fall for Cebu and Bohol".

I think this was my 5th time in the queen city of the south Cebu but I still get excited everytime I visit the place because though I'm miles away from Manila, I feel I never left my hometown yet fab sites are just within reach from the city. Magellan’s Cross, Tops, Ayala Center Cebu, Waterfront, Chicharong Carcar, Lechon Cebu, Dried Mangoes, Mango Balls, Otap are just few of the things that makes Cebu a favorite destination for me. ‘But for this trip, zero sleep, tiredness and lack of time made me stay and rest inside the Maco Polo Hotel, well most of the time.

I may not have been able to go around the city but this trip became the most memorable and valuable one for me not because I found a new hangout place or taste another native dish, but for having that brief but memorable encounter with a child who once filled our home with smiles, joy, excitement, inspiration and life. 

Little Mags was ten meters away from me when I saw him at Ayala Center Cebu and I can see him with big smiles, shouting and excited to approach me.  And he's just a two year old kid and I've not seen him for more than a year!  What a wonder boy! =)  So we didn't waste any time and spent every minute well playing, shopping, eating, laughing, talking, picture taking and calling over the phone the rest in the family.  As expected, goodbye will be hard, but though bonding time was brief, it's just priceless.  And that encounter relieved all the stress I had while preparing for this trip.

The next day, after having a big breakfast at Marco Polo, we started packing for our trip to Bohol.  From Cebu, the trip to Bohol was approximately two hours via SuperCat, enough time to take a refreshing nap. This is my second time to Bohol but I think, like for Cebu, I also fell in love with the island.  Bohol is just blessed with many natural wonders - beach, corals, river, hills, animals (tarsiers, dolphins), sites and of course, wonderful people!  =)  And that what makes it a paradise!

We checked in at Bohol Beach Club and as mentioned in previous posts, we tried Dolphin Watching in Pamilacan Island, Loboc River Cruise and Bohol Bee Farm Tour. We also dropped by and checked out (my second time) the world famous Chocolate Hills, the manmade mahogany forest and Baclayon Church. 

manmade mahogany forest going to Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol

the world famous Chocolate Hills

Baclayon Church

Bohol Beach Club

It was a short side trip but the out of town getaway was worthwhile not only for me but for everyone who joined the trip.  I know we can't stay forever in paradise but the experience definitely recharged our heart, body and soul to go back and face again the challenges that await us in the city.  So, 'til the next trip! =)

the group at Loboc River

Kiddie Party Planning 101

Web Announcement:

Are you planning for your kid's next birthday party but you don't know where to start and who to call to make it unique and exciting?  Worry no more!  The Grove by Rockwell invites you and your whole family to get tips and ideas on how to throw the best birthday bash ever at the How to Plan a Kiddie Party Fair, to be held at The Grove by Rockwell this August 29 from 10am to 7pm.

Discover plenty of fun ideas for your child’s get-together as The Grove, in partnership with Mommy Mundo, gather top party suppliers in town in one, fun Sunday afternoon. From unique invite designs, yummy snack foods and exciting entertainment options, you can now fill up that party checklist and organize that dream shindig for your son or daughter. Choose from array of activities that kids would love to have in their own birthday parties, plus engage your family to a special sing-and-dance performance by My Masterpiece Movement scheduled at 4:30pm.

A lucky participant will even get the chance to celebrate their special day at The Grove pavilion for free! The Grove pavilion is the ideal venue for kiddie parties with two pavilions that spill out to and a huge lawn. Celebrants may even opt to use the upper deck of the Community Center. In all, the Center can accommodate 220 revelers.

So are you looking at a simple gathering with family? Or do you want a big themed party with games and fancy give-aways?  Either way, stop by The Grove’s “How to Plan a Kiddie Party” Fair and make it the most fun family celebration yet!

Giving in to Anne's whisper

Action & Event-ure:

One Thursday lunchtime, I found myself at Hotel Sofitel... at the Whisper Dares Anne launch event.  Then I asked myself, what the hell am I doing at a Whisper event???  Well, who can say no to be with Anne Curtis?! =)  And I think, all I can say is, I made the right decision to be there. =)

Well, most of us I guess, are always in awe when we see Anne Curtis in almost all channels - film, TV, billboards, glossy magazines, and so on and so forth.   This Liv Tyler look alike is no doubt a goddess of beauty who brought humans closer to heaven. =).  But that is a given info already.  What's surprising is, after the Whisper Dares Anne event, I realized that Anne is more than a pretty face and body. She's witty, bubbly, pleasant, naturally sociable, smart and cute! That's what you call beauty inside and out. =)

Thanks to Whisper (no, I don't have a happy period) for making this possible! =)

The event was an action packed afternoon of revealing questions and exciting physical challenges as the said launch tested Whisper's newest endorser’s wit, coordination and balance in a game of Truth or Dare.

BusinessWorld's Jeff Valisno playing the Truth or Dare wheel for Anne Curtis.

Anne Curtis takes the dare.

Bright, bold and fun, Anne Curtis showed that she was comfortable to take it all on as she gamely answered queries about varied topics, ranging from her showbiz career to her personal life, and completed the dares with ease, from maintaining perfect balance in yoga positions to doing the Whisper dance.

The multi-talented actress also revealed the reason why she was confident in performing these different dares; it was because of her newest discovery, Whisper Cottony Clean.

“I’m very active everyday, especially on Showtime, and as clichéd as it may sound, you just have to choose the right product to use that you feel comfortable in, where you don’t feel bulky and you’re confident knowing that you won’t suffer leaks. Especially in my field of work, where you’re always moving around, you’re dancing, you’re hosting. You just have to have that confidence in knowing na walang boo-boo na mangyayari!” Anne said.

The athletic Anne, who loves dancing, playing badminton and practicing yoga, likes Whisper Cottony Clean because it helps her feel clean and fresh so she’s more comfortable moving around.

“There are some napkins that when you wear it parang naiinitan and I’ve even experienced irritation before! What I’ve experienced is that with Whisper, I feel fresh all the time; there’s that fresher feeling,” shared Anne.

The new Whisper Cottony Clean also provides all-side leakage protection and better absorption through its Circles of Protection, an all-new channel design in the front, back and sides that help direct the flow of your period and prevent leakage.

Rush Hour Puppy Love

Bayanihan Republic:

During one of my routine trips going to work, while I take traffic congestion as my regular diet for breakfast, I noticed this funny display on the taxi dashboard.

Yup, these are the pups display with moving heads - left and right, up and down, and in circle. I usually don’t mind these displays (and there's a lot of kind!) but well because of the long wait during my ride, it then caught my attention. I then remembered the “Hindi Ka Pilipino Kung” TVCs of Goldilocks featuring Dingdong Dantes. Hindi ka Pilipino kung di ka pa nakakasabit sa jeep. Hindi ka Pilipino kung kund di ka pa nakakakain ng balut. And I know it will be a long laundry list of signs to show how Filipino you are. And I think, the display of these pups on dashboards is one of them! =)  Hindi ka Pilipino kung di ka pa nakakakita ng mga puppy display na ito! =)

And I remember there was even a time that the use of these pup displays was ridiculed, in radio, in simple conversations. But as for me, it just brought me some smiles, a silent laugh and another realization that this is just a simple Pinoy ingenuity.

Pinoys just love putting design in almost everything. We can see that in Philippine jeepneys, our homes, schools and offices during Christmas season and festivals, our own bedrooms, cars, desks, computer wallpapers and even our own facebook accounts! =) So these pups are not complete strangers to our lifestyle!

Second, many of us love dogs. They are our bestfriends, remember? =)  And I think this brings working people (both the driver and the passenger) the idea of being home away from home. And any simple thing that gives us the feeling of being closer to home is always a welcome idea.

And lastly, let’s face it, road trip in Metro Manila (especially during rush hours) is a burden that we really can’t avoid. And these pups give a little entertainment to give us some relief from stress so that we can endure this dreaded city congestion.

So, I guess, let’s just take life easy, we don’t have to be hard on the people who use these dashboard displays. Chill out and let the pups do their thing. =)