Singapore Moments: Look Back… Start a New

Singapore Moments: Look Back… Start a New

            My first day of the year was all about looking back. “Looking back” in the sense of learning about history and other past highlights by visiting different museums. I don’t know with you, but studying different histories excites me. The thrill of seeing old clothes and furniture, learning about past cultures and norms, and imagining life before seems so interesting to me. So on the January 1, 2013 my family and I went to five different museums and numerous historical spots and tourist places. We did most of this travelling by walking. (Yes, its that easy! All you need is a map, an umbrella, and a bottle of water.) Since it was the first day of the year, most museums were open to the public… meaning no entrance fee J [tip: try visiting on National Holidays, perhaps entrance to museums would be free].

            We started at Singapore’s National Museum. I don’t think I have blogged about Philippine’s National Museum… anyways, Singapore’s National Museum was so beautiful and interactive. I expected a look-only type of museum but it wasn’t. The layout of the museum was so great. It had different sections that all-in-all showed what Singapore is. My favorite exhibits were the food part and the fashion part.

National Museum

old cola bottles

movie posters

smell me :)

don't miss the pendulum chandeliers

vintage clothes

   

            The next museum we went to was the Pernakan Museum. It’s about the people of Singapore. It described the origins of some of its citizens. It was more of a hardcore history museum but it was fun knowing about Singaporeans’ history.

            We then decided to go to Asian Civilisation Museum, but before reaching the museum we were able to pass by the Armenian Church (one of the oldest churches in Singapore) and the Civil Defense Heritage Museum. Going to the Civil Defense Heritage Museum was a beautiful accident. We weren’t really aware that it was there. It just so happened that we passed by it and the visit there was exceptional. I haven’t been to a civil defense museum before so it was very interesting that there was a museum about Singapore’s firemen and fire equipment and other disaster responding team. It was a very interactive museum. There were a lot of buttons and knobs that allow you to experience what these professional life-savers do. I learned a lot. Surely, children will have fun here. J

The Armenian Church

old fire trucks :D

i thought some of the mannequins were real :)

            We walked towards the Asian Civilisation Museum and passed by different unique looking buildings and bridges… then at last, we have arrived. We decided to go here because I read somewhere that there was a Rizal (Philippine National Hero) section in the museum (which I needed for my homework). Upon arriving, I saw different exhibits that showcased the neighboring Asian countries of Singapore. It was interesting to see that there were a lot of similarities and slight differences among the different countries. After going back and forth to the different exhibits, I realized that the exhibit of Rizal was already finish, but nonetheless I enjoyed learning about different countries.

scenic views while walking

at the Asian Civilisation Museum

money money money

more scenic views <3

            After the Asian Civilisation Museum, we had lunch then it was back to Museum hopping. We went next to the Mint Museum. At the Mint Museum, we paid an entrance fee. This museum is a go-to if you are a toy lover, toy collector, or a kid at heart. In this museum you would be able to see toys, figurines, and collectibles from the past. After going through different exhibits, we had coffee at the café below the museum. It was a delightful ending to the day.

Mint Museum

do you remember these?

Hey Mickey!

remember them? :)

:)

“If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.”  ~Pearl Buck

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by writer, if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

Singapore Moments: Lights, Camera, Action

Singapore Moments: Lights, Camera, Action

No, I did not shoot a movie while in Singapore (though I wish I did) and no I did not see any famous people there. But I am such a movie and television show fan. Thus, my trip to Universal Studios Singapore was a treat!

welcome!

My family and I decided to go to Universal Studios on the day before the New Year. We arrived at around 12 noon.  It was a sunny morning which turned to a wet afternoon. (Travel tip: bring a raincoat especially during rainy seasons, unless you’d like to buy at Universal and look like walking plastic bags :D ) My heart jumped for joy upon entering because the streets/ walkways looked like movie sets. I saw signs and mascots from movies I have enjoyed and loved.

At the entrance

PO <3

Universal Studios Singapore divided it’s 20 rides (accdg. Wikipedia) into 7 themes namely: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar.  Since it was pouring hard, we opted to try indoor rides. We first tried rides at the New York part. We were also able to see street performances and shows. We continued to Sci-Fi City were we rode one of our favorite rides, the Transformers: The Ride. It was so awesome!!!!! It’s as if you were really there fighting with Optimus Prime. I highly recommend this ride.  Also at Sci-Fi City, my brother rode the Battlestar Gallactica roller coaster while I rode the Accelerator (Universal Studio’s version of the Spinning Teacups J ).

"snowing" 

New York! New York!

Lights! Camera! Action! Hosted by Steven Speilberg (indoor movie set)

Sci-Fi City

Accelerator

Awesome souvenirs

After this, we headed back to Hollywood area and ate lunch at Mel’s Drive-In. The food was great and so was the 50’s atmosphere. The rain didn’t stop so we ran towards the Madagascar area and tried the Madagascar: Crate Adventure. This ride is for all ages since it is like riding throughout the movie Madagascar. Surely, you’ll be singing “I like to move it, move it” after riding this. We then tried the Shrek 4-D Adventure. Our experience there was a funny one. In this ride you are to wear 3D glasses while seated on chairs that allow you to have 4D experience. Well, as the ride began we noticed that our seats weren’t moving unlike the others, so we moved to other seats… but still not much movement. But nonetheless, the experience was fun because it showed another Shrek story.

Far far Away

It was raining hard and we didn’t have any umbrellas or raincoats so we decided to head back because we were trying to catch the bus back to the city. (We wanted to celebrate the New Year in the city).

It was a fun day at Universal Studios though I wish it didn’t rain because some rides had to be closed. Some tips:

1) Buy wisely. There are a lot of wonderful souvenir shops inside Universal Studios so before buying try to think of something that would remind you of fun filled memories.

2)  Try to visit all the areas. Each area provides a unique fun experience.

3) Avoid bringing to much stuff and valuables for maximum enjoyment.

4) Be prepared to be wet. Wet= fun J.

5) DO TAKE PICTURES!! There are a lot of photographic and iconic places and people there.

For more information you may visit this website http://www.rwsentosa.com/Attractions/UniversalStudiosSingapore. Final Singapore moments entry soon.

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by writer, if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

Singapore Moments: Sky High

Singapore Moments: Sky High

There a lot of great places to see in Singapore and many more ways to see these great places. You may opt to walk around; which is great because you get physical exercise plus you can go on your own pace. You may also take a tour bus; which goes around Singapore you can just hope on in and go down any place you’d like to explore. (Tip: you may want to take a double-decker bus with an open roof so that you get to see and feel Singapore roads, but don’t take it if it’s raining :)) You may also take a boat and see Singapore through their waterways. There are those options, but then you may opt to see Singapore through a bird’s-eye-view (literally!).

In Singapore, I had the pleasure of seeing the place through a bird’s perspective. I was able to experience the Singapore Flyer and go up the Marina Bay Sands Skypark.

The Singapore Flyer is said to be the world’s largest Giant Observation Wheel. It is situated along Raffles Avenue. You may opt to buy tickets online, through a tour agency, or personally at the ticket booth located below the Flyer. As for me and my family, we bought tickets at the ticket booth. The line to the Flyer was bearable and educational because while waiting to get on the capsules we passed by a “museum” which was about the history of the flyer. They showed scale models, art pieces about the flyer, and floor plans they made. So when it was time for us to ride the capsule it was exciting.  Each revolution was probably about 30 minutes. During those 30 minutes we were able to see and capture different parts of Singapore. My experience while riding the Flyer was funny because at first my brother and I were so pumped up and we were preparing our cameras and trying to secure a good spot in the capsule… then after a few minutes we were pacing back and forth the capsule to take photos of Singapore… then after a few more minutes we just sat down because we realized that the revolution was slow :).  I guess my brother and I was used to the fast Ferris wheels :). After the 30 minutes, we also went around the shops below the flyer.

Scale model of the Flyer

Almost our turn :)

WOW!!

Busy Below

TOP OF THE WORLD!! *not* 

Although the Singapore Flyer and the Sands Skypark both boasts of viewing Singapore from a sky high view, my experience at Marina Bay Sands was different but also amazing.  We visited the Skypark on our last day in Singapore. Upon arriving in Sands (Tower 1), we first went around the humongous hotel lobby to inquire about the Skypark. We were then directed to go to the ticketing counter. (Side note: THE HOTEL WAS HUGE!!! And the architecture and interiors were remarkable!) When we got our tickets we were ushered to the lift that brought us to the 56^th floor which was the Sands Skypark. TING! Lift doors open and you are welcomed to a breathtaking view of the Ocean (this is if you turn to your right upon exiting the lift) or the cityscape of Singapore (this is if you turn to your left upon exiting the lift). I enjoyed walking around the deck. It was a mixture of fear (due to the height) and thrill (due to the cool breeze). There is a snack shop, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop at the skypark so if you get tired or if you want some memorabilia you can buy in these places. Ok back to the awesome view, at the skypark you may relax and just take in the beauty of the city. Don’t forget to snap memories!

A colorful welcome from the lobby of Tower 1

The architecture :O

Panoramic view from Sands

The Singapore Flyer

Sands Skypark

Both experiences may seem similar but each had its own unique factor. The Flyer’s was the riding a capsule while enjoying a 360° view. The Sands Skypark was the thrillaxing experience of walking up top Singapore.  I do have one suggestion to both though… I wished they had this aerial map that labels different places that could be seen from the elevated place. By doing this I could have known more about the buildings and areas that are unique to Singapore.

For more information on the Singapore Flyer you may visit this website www.singaporeflyer.com. And www.marinabaysands.com, to know more about the Sands’ Skypark. More Singapore moments to come.

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by writer, if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

Singapore Moments: Orchard Road

Singapore Moments: Orchard Road

Touch down Singapore! My family and I arrived in Singapore on December 30, which in the Philippines is a day of celebration for the National Hero (Jose Rizal). Upon arriving, I immediately noticed the changes in Singapore. I saw new buildings, new flats, and the Marina Bay. After settling down in our hotel in Orchard Road, we decided to walk around the area to look at different shops and also to eat lunch.  Well, the last time I went to Singapore (was when I was in elementary) we didn't go to Orchard or maybe we have but I don’t really remember it the way I saw it today.

View from our hotel

That day I saw a hip and vibrant Orchard Road. Literally, there were buildings after buildings of shopping malls. If I were a shopaholic it would be paradise. Left and right you will be able to see well known and loved brands such as Forever 21, Abercrombie and Fitch, H & M, Burberry, and so much more. Orchard is a place where you would be able to find merchandise for all ages. From my observation, there are different classes of malls which I think is a good thing because then you would be able to buy something with a given budget.

Orchard Central

While walking around, I saw a lot of public art. They were lovely and interesting! When walking around Orchard Road, or even in Singapore, take time to appreciate public artworks. Also, take time to look at architectures because Singapore has a lot of interesting buildings.

Nutmeg Grove by Michele Reghetti

We stopped for lunch at 313 Somerset at the Food Republic floor, which was at the 5^th floor or the mall. Food Republic was like a food court wherein different stalls served different types of cuisine. There were Japanese, Chinese, Indian, American, Indonesian, Korean, and more. My brother and I opted for Indian food so we ordered chicken with fried roti, curry sauce, and salad. My parents opted for Indonesian dishes. When dining in Food Republic be sure to try their drinks which are usually sold in the carts. Their drinks are fruit juices and tea… and they’re good and refreshing. I had a lychee drink J.

My food 

Indonesian Food

Cooling Drinks

Youth Park

more street art

Youth Park Chairs

After lunch we walked some more. Finally, we got tires of walking so we went back to the hotel and rested. J

Stick around! More Singapore blogs to come!

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by writer, if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone! Hope that everyone had a great New Year’s Celebration. So I finally got my Starbucks Planner and have started tweaking and writing stuff on it. But I’m not here to talk about the pretty planner, I will be writing about my Singapore Moments. You see, on the first year of the month in my planner there is a paragraph and it says:

“Every year is made up if an infinite number of special moments. Moments where we stop to appreciate the sights, smells, tastes, sounds and textures that make up our daily lives. Take time to share these moments with the people who mean the most to you.”

       

      Isn’t that paragraph just touching? Well, my last days of 2012 and my first days of 2013 were spent in Singapore with the people who mean the most to me, my parents and my brother. Allow me to share my experiences and adventures in the coming blogs J.

Sharing our Moments :)

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by writer, if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad

How was your Christmas Celebration? I hope that you were able to have a wonderful celebration!

As for me, I had a great time with my family. We stayed up till it was December 25 and greeted each other then followed by opening of presents. I feel so blessed with all the gifts I received this Christmas and I also feel blessed because I was able to spend the entire day with family (without having to do school work or errands).

For Christmas Dinner, my father decided to treat us in one of my mom’s customers. (Background story: My mom’s business caters to restaurants, hotels, and other food establishments. She delivers fresh fruits and vegetables.) The restaurant’s name is Tapella. It is located at the ground floor of Greenbelt 5. Tapella serves modern Spanish dishes. Their signature dishes are tapas and paellas.

So guess what we had…. J Yup, we did order paella and also other dishes. My father went ahead and ordered Croquetas Variadas,  Pollo Moruno con Couscous, and Rabo de Toro. Croquetas Variadas are croquets when translated in English. Inside these croquets are ham, salami, and mushroom. The mixture of the ham and salami together with the mushroom tasted good and different from the croquettes I have tasted in the past. Pollo Moruno con Couscous is Moorish Chicken on Couscous. The chicken was lovely. It was juicy and flavorful, without overpowering the chicken flavor. I have heard of couscous but haven’t tasted it before. It’s like rice but not quite. It has a different mouth-feel and taste. The Rabo de Toro was also good. My father picked right. Rabo de Toro is ox tail cooked in wine herbs. The first time I bit the meat, I was able to taste the wine immediately.  The wine made gave the dish an extra kick. The meat was tender and cooked right.  

Croquetas Variadas

Pollo Moruno con Couscous

Rabo de Toro

My mom ordered the Paella de Cocido. Cocido is a type of stew that is based on meat. And it did taste like it. The paella was yummy! I’ve been craving for paella and this dish satisfied it. J

Paella de Cocido

My brother wanted calamares, so he ordered Calamares a la Romana. The description of this dish is “Fried squid, Mediterranean way”.

Calamares a la Romana

Then there’s me, I wanted pasta that evening so I looked for pasta dishes in the menu. I didn’t find a lot of dishes, perhaps this is because the restaurant was Spanish J. But I did order Canelones Vegetal or vegetable cannelloni. It was so good! I thought the dish would taste rustic and earthy because of the vegetables, but it wasn’t. I loved it. It was covered with cheese, I did not know what cheese it was but it was not salty. It complimented the pasta really well.

Canelones Vegetal

It was such a great evening because of great food and great company. Next time, I would like to taste their tapas and other paellas. J

-DOT-

For more information check out: http://www.tapellarestaurant.com

Photos are personally owned by writer, if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J