*Singapore Skyline taken from 1 Altitude Bar.
I chose this photo as my entry to Weekly Photo Challenge : Future Tense simply to make myself more thrilled of our upcoming sponsored family trip to Singapore next week! lol 
I was invited with my wife, Tina & our son, Gabby to revisit the Lion City to review a hotel and an all-theme-park-pass cards and feature them on this site. We cannot wait! 
THANK YOU, 2012!
It’s only mid-December and the BEST SEASON, the BEST CELEBRATIONS are yet to come.
Despite all problems, challenges and daily hassles, counting blessings makes life more meaningful.
Words are not enough to express my gratitude for everything that happened to this personal passion called blogging.
Allow me to press the replay button, and sentimentally share with you once more
the vibrant and happy colors that made our family’s 2012 a kaleidoscope!
>>><<<
May 2012 : BEST EXPAT BLOG AWARDS from MINISTRY OF TOURISM MALAYSIA
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/05/09/2012-ministry-of-tourism-malaysia-best-expat-blog/
January 2012 : BATU CAVES, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/01/27/caves-and-bears/
January 2012 : PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS SKYBRIDGE VISIT
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/01/21/our-fun-homage-to-malaysias-magnificence/
February 2012 : HONG KONG DISNEYLAND THEME PARK & HOTEL SPONSORED TRIP
blog posts :
http://docgelo.com/2012/02/23/our-hong-kong-disneyland-trip-2012-arrival-lunch/
http://docgelo.com/2012/02/27/our-hong-kong-disnyeland-trip-2012-spectacular-burst-of-colors/
http://docgelo.com/2012/03/01/our-hong-kong-disneyland-trip-2012-timeless-magic/
May 2012 : HAVING MY OWN DOMAIN + BLOG HEADER
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/05/25/happy-blogging/
May 2012 : AN INVITATION from @ SAKAE SUSHI, GEORGE TOWN, PENANG
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/05/28/love-affair-with-japanese-food-continues/
May 2012 : INVITATION to PENANG SPICE TRAIL from MINISTRY OF TOURISM MALAYSIA PENANG BRANCH
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/05/22/penang-spice-trail-enticing-sensory-experience/
June 2012 : SHOWCASING GEORGE TOWN, PENANG
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/06/24/how-i-introduced-george-town-penang/
July 2012 : PHOTO PUBLISHED ON LONELY PLANET ASIA MAGAZINE
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/07/17/surreal/
July 2012 : INVITATION from SINGAPORE BLOG AWARDS | FAR EAST HOSPITALITY HOTELS -
OASIA HOTEL SPONSORED 3D2N ACCOMODATION
INVITATION from MARINA BAY SANDS SKYPARK | HARRY POTTER EXHIBITION -
ANDY WARHOL EXHIBITION
blog posts :
http://docgelo.com/2012/07/25/oasia-my-oasis-in-singapore-2012/
http://docgelo.com/2012/07/28/marina-bay-sands-my-awesome-experience/
http://docgelo.com/2012/08/08/infinite-dose-of-spring-gardens-by-the-bay/
http://docgelo.com/2012/08/05/singapore-on-greater-heights/
http://docgelo.com/2012/07/27/a-bloggers-weekend-in-singapore-lah/
July 2012 : HARD ROCK HOTEL PENANG SPONSORED 3D2N ACCOMODATION
blog posts :
http://docgelo.com/2012/08/01/glorious-food-porn-hard-rock-hotel-penang/
http://docgelo.com/2012/07/31/our-rock-roll-family-weekend-hard-rock-hotel-penang/
August 2012 : BANGKOK, THAILAND
blog posts :
http://docgelo.com/2012/08/20/bangkok-series-2012-grand-palace/
http://docgelo.com/2012/09/01/bangkok-2012-series-golden-reclining-buddha/
http://docgelo.com/2012/08/23/bangkok-2012-series-we-highly-recommend-mystic-place/
http://docgelo.com/2012/08/25/bangkok-2012-series-chatuchak-weekend-market/
http://docgelo.com/2012/09/04/bangkok-2012-series-heichinrou/
http://docgelo.com/2012/08/28/bangkok-2012-series-penang-bangkok-penang-via-bus/
September 2012 : INVITATION from LEGOLAND MALAYSIA
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/09/22/our-legoland-malaysia-experience-2012/
September 2012 : SINGAPORE ONCE MORE WITH TINA & GABBY
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/09/29/a-saturday-in-singapore/
October 2012 : FINALIST in PHOTO CONTEST @ CHINAHOUSE,
GEORGE TOWN, PENANG, MALAYSIA
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/11/11/we-got-free-brunch-chinahouse/
November 2012 : EXCLUSIVE INVITATION to FOOD TASTING @ FEAST VILLAGE,
STARHILL GALLERY.
SKYBAR @ TRADERS HOTEL | CHYNNA @ HILTON HOTEL | 7ATENINE @ ASCOTT
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
blog posts :
http://docgelo.com/2012/11/17/village-bar-an-underground-fantasy/
http://docgelo.com/2012/11/20/my-delicious-afternoon-at-feast-village-starhill-gallery/
http://docgelo.com/2012/11/14/intoxicating-views/
http://docgelo.com/2012/11/24/7atenine/
http://docgelo.com/2012/11/23/dining-chinese/
November 2012 : SPONSORED AIRLINE FOOD REVIEW
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/11/26/malaysian-dishes-on-air-an-airline-food-review/
December 2012 : PHOTOSHOOT for FAMILY PORTRAIT @ MACALISTER MANSION, PENANG
blog post : http://docgelo.com/2012/12/02/weekend-at-macalister-mansion/
We commissioned one of the brilliant Malaysian photographers from Penang to do our family photos on the first day of December for an hour of unlimited shots at a very reasonable cost and a week after, he posted these two teaser-proofs on his facebook account. The rest of the photos will be delivered in weeks time.
As of this blogging, I’m also waiting for the result of ExpatBlogs.Com Best Expat Blog Awards
of which my site is nominated and currently 3rd among 13 expat blogs in Malaysia
(blog post : http://docgelo.com/support-docgelo/).
I’m also excited to share my interview and blog feature on InterNations.Org based in Germany soon!
On a more serious note,
Thank you to those people who lifted our spirits during our lowest moments this year.
Thank you to those generous souls who helped us in so many ways during those trying times.
Thank you to my blog readers, followers and fellow bloggers who have been a constant inspiration.
Advance Happy Holidays! A Blessed Christmas And A More Prosperous New Year to all of us!
THANK YOU SO MUCH, LORD ALMIGHTY!
All Glory and Honor is Yours, Now and Forever!
>>><<<
This is also my entry to Weekly Photo Challenge : My 2012 In Pictures
Love in the Lion City. Photo taken at ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
Despite various challenges of expatriate living in Penang for more than 2 years now, we’ve been counting our blessings continuously. Big and small blessings are all blessings to be grateful for! When I left Manila back in 2010, my only goal was to work for my family; I never thought that earning a decent living in Malaysia would give me an opportunity to bring my family to my work place, to live abroad and be with me, more so, to go to neighboring countries with them with travel expenses less than you imagined.
Flying to another country by all means, is considered the most convenient way but indubitably, doesn’t come cheap in spite of so many seat sales every now and then. Apparently, we’re a family of 3 so all costs are always multiplied by 3. You do the Math, I’m weak at it. Fortunately, Malaysia is a gateway to other Southeast Asian countries that can be explored by crossing borders on foot via commuter buses or trains without spending an arm and a leg. We already experienced crossing Malaysia-Thailand borders on foot last year when we went to HAT YAI and just recently, when we revisited BANGKOK. But it was the first time for us to head south by bus and cross the Malaysia-Singapore borders sans air tickets.
Another grace from living in Malaysia is delighting in a volume of gazetted public holidays within a year. On our last long weekend, we savored my invitation to review LEGOLAND MALAYSIA in Johor Bahru, the Malaysian state a few kilometers away from the Lion City. Expectedly, we grabbed the opportunity to visit Singapore again. My family’s very first trip to Singapore was in August-September 2011, and I came back solo in mid-July a year after to attend to the sponsored trip by OASIA HOTEL and SINGAPORE BLOG AWARDS. It always feels good to go back to the city and unwind.
THE NIGHT SPENT INSIDE SUPER NICE DOUBLE DECKER BUS
The bus liner’s called Super Nice and it truly lived up to its name and our expectations. We availed of our bus tickets to Johor Bahru from Penang Sentral in Butterworth a day before our trip (it’s wiser to purchase an advance tickets, about a week or two prior to schedule; tickets are easily sold out like hotcakes particularly during long holidays).
Reclinable seats ala-Lazy-boy, super comfortable leg room and uninterrupted sleep made our night trip very remarkable. For a 60 ringgit (USD 19.60) per ticket, we got to rest entirely and became ulitimately ready for a day in Singapore.
We left Penang around few minutes past 9PM, Friday, September 14, 2012 and arrived Johor Bahru via direct trip (did not pass by Pudu Raya bus station in Kuala Lumpur) at 6:30AM. Nine hours after, we found ourselves in LARKIN BUS STATION in JB. We hit the restrooms to freshen up and filled in our tummies with much needed breakfast.
Our first meal in Johor Bahru were roti canai with egg that came with Indian-Malaysian tamely spicy dip that even Gabby learned to love, coffee for Tina and me, and a canned soya milk for Gabby. Solb!
After grabbing some bites, we hailed a taxi cab and went straight to our hotel in Johor Bahru. Believe it or not, I only made the reservation online few minutes prior leaving our apartment in Penang. Most hotels in Johor Bahru were fully booked because of the much-anticipated-public opening of Legoland MY thus, even the recommended hotel of the said theme park was packed. I luckily chanced upon ZENG ZENG BUDGET HOTEL and paid RM 80 (USD 26) only for one night in a deluxe-twin-bed-air-conditioned room with breakfast for two.
We checked in and paid additional RM 45 (USD 14.70), took shower, freshen up again. The staff of Zen Zeng were so friendly, they were even ready to provide us embarkation cards for Immigration purposes. The staff at the reception counter advised me to take a shorter trip via taxi to the bus station closer than Larkin. Around 11AM, we found ourselves in KOTA RAYA Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru en route to Singapore.
As first time travelers by bus from Malaysia to Singapore, we learned that other than those more expensive tourist buses that one can avail from travel agencies, the best option is to take either of the two public bus numbers that transports passengers in and out of two countries in less than an hour with frequent trips until midnight. These are SBS Transit Bus # 160 that takes travelers from Johor Bahru to Jurong East and the one we rode, SBS Transit Bus # 170 that took us to KRANJI MRT STATION in Singapore from Kota Raya in JB. The fare’s SGD 1.70 per pax (USD 1.38).
There’s a FOREX within (Larkin and) Kota Raya Bus station; we changed our MYR to SGD. Good thing I didn’t forget to bring my few SG coins; they’re necessary for purchasing bus tickets.
Inside SBS Transit Bus # 170…
*TIP : Take all your belongings before you hop off the bus. You only need to pay for the bus ticket ONCE. Keep your bus ticket and alight at Departure Hall/Malaysia Exit border for Immigration purposes. After having your passport stamped (or as they frequently termed it here, chopped), go down the escalators and turn left as you reach ground level. Look for the signage of the SAME BUS NUMBER but NOT necessarily THE SAME BUS (either 170 or 160 if you took SBS Transit), wait and queue. The waiting will not take few minutes. Hop on the bus and no need to pay again, just present your ticket previously purchased. The same process is repeated as you reach Arrival Hall/Singapore Entry border where you need to present passport again and an embarkation card.
Walking towards Arrival Hall/Singapore Entry Border…
*Repeat : Hop on the BUS with the SAME NUMBER but NOT necessarily the SAME BUS. You only pay once. Get it, children?
It was a Saturday, and the following Monday is a replacement holiday in Malaysia so it was not surprising to experience traffic jam in the short bridge connecting Johor Bahru and Singapore. It took us almost an hour and a half exiting Malaysia to Singapore including the Immigration formalities. But on our way back from Singapore to Zen Zeng Hotel in JB that night, traffic was already eased.
Finally, Singapore! We meet again!
SBS Bus Transit # 170 took us to KRANJI MRT Station and from there, we purchased a reloadable MRT cards. It was only one long-45-minute-train ride from Kranji Station to our destination.
“Gabby, look here! Look at the cam!”
It’s impossible to tour Singapore in a day, so we only chose two spots. Because Tina and Gabby had only seen the most luxurious hotel in Singapore from afar last year and they were not with me when I went there last July, I opted to bring them to Marina Bay Sands this time for our late lunch. Yes, it sounded like, we only went to Singapore to eat lunch and dinner and to use their spotless toilets. 
The other place we went to was City Hall Mall to meet a Singaporean friend.
The scenes inside MRT from Marina Bay Sands Station to Bayfront.
Look how Gabby enjoyed his time inside those highly efficient MRT trains…
Et voila! We’re inside THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS…
I’ve been to the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands thrice and was invited by the MBS PR Officer to experience Sands Sky Park last July so somehow, I became a bit familiar with this iconic Singaporean landmark. I told Tina and Gabby the dining options in MBS and we knew where to go. With only limited budget, we can only dream of dining in CUT by Wolfgang Puck someday.
It was not Mozza by Mario Batali nor Cut by Wolfgang Puck nevertheless, it was a family favorite! We decided to savor what’s not found in Penang. It was a sumptuous late lunch at PEPPER LUNCH! The last time we had those sizzling-cook-it-yourself-beef-pepper-rice with ultra yummy honey brown sauce and butter was in TUNG CHUNG, HONG KONG last February and in its sole branch in Malaysia in Pavilion Mall, KUALA LUMPUR last May. Gabby’s favorite in PL is Beef Pepper Rice, I always have it double beef servings, while Tina tried PL’s Beef Yakitori with a hint of spicy sauce. Sarap!
After having our late lunch, we went outside MBS and I brought them to ArtScience Museum…
Because Harry Potter The Exhibition which I saw (with Andy Warhol 15 Minutes Eternal Exhibit on media pass) last July was still on display, I was glad Tina and Gabby became excited to see it. It’s a must for fans of HP movie/novel series to experience whenever they find a chance. (The show in MBS runs only until end of Sepetember 2012). We went on queue, paid SGD 24 per ticket for Tina and me and SGD 14 for Gabby. Despite no photography’s allowed inside the exhibit, it’s a bliss to see Gabby enjoying everything, specially pulling those mandrakes from its pots and shooting balls in that Quidditch set up. Tina had fun going through all those props and costumes used in the actual movies as well. It felt stepping inside the movie scene and it was more exciting for me the second time around.
Love Marina Bay Sands… Definitely, a breath of fresh air!
DINNER AT CITY HALL MALL
We left Marina Bay Sands for City Hall Mall via MRT at around 5PM. We strolled around City Hall Mall and met our Singaporean-blogger-friend, Mag with her friend, Angie. I asked her recommendations for dinner and we all opted to try the offerings at The Hand Burger. Everything looked nice and tasted OK too except the Chicken Cajun Cordon Bleu which Gabby and I ordered was surprisingly spicy; our boy’s taste buds were too young for such.
*The last four photos without watermarks are posted with permission from its author, Mag, the awesome blogger of fashion, food and funfinds @ www.modgam.com. Thanks, Mag and thank you for the dinner and coffee treat!
Meet the wonderful blogger behind www.modgam.com, Mag, our Singaporean friend whom I consider the twin sister I never had because in so many ways, we think alike. Surprisingly to a new found friend, she was there when my family and I experienced one of our lowest. Behind those bubbly smiles, colorful locks and stylish outfits lies a true person with a heart of gold.
Mag came to meet us that Saturday night with her good old friend, Angie who’s extra pleasant too.
Thank you so much, Mag & Angie for taking time to meet and dine with us! We had so much fun!
We left City Hall Mall via MRT to Kranji and went back to Johor Bahru that evening. We reached our budget hotel and got to freshen up again before midnight. It was one of our longest days nonetheless, memorable. The following morning was spent in Legoland Malaysia, and on the evening of Sunday, we hopped on the bus at Larkin Station, slept on the bus again and wake up the next morning in Penang. Ahhh, it was still holiday. A Monday-holiday for us then!
Singapore, until we meet again!
If my memory serves me right, it was only my third time to travel solo abroad; the first was back in 2010 in Tokyo for 14 days and followed by my departure to Penang for work on the same year. This was my second time to be in Singapore. Tina and Gabby were with me last year when we visited the Lion City; it was definitely merrier and triple the fun! Mushy as it may sound but it feels incomplete to go somewhere for leisure without my family in tow. Nonetheless, I’m grateful to the invitation of 2012 Singapore Blog Awards, OMY.Sg and Oasia Hotel Singapore for this 4D3N trip.
After a smooth 1 hour-and-20-minute-travel-time from Penang to Singapore via Air Asia (no-delays, thankfully!), I arrived at this tiny but charming and productive city at 1:20PM, Thursday, July 19th, 2012. Due to personal and social commitments, my arrival was a day earlier than the call-time for the events. I knew I had to fight the little homesickness without Tina and Gabby so as not to spoil my days packed with schedules. With my 20-kg-luggage, a backpack with laptop and DSLR inside, plus a suitbag for my jacket (which I didn’t wear!) and fedora hats (Yes, I’m collecting them now. And apparently, I don’t have the skills of traveling lightly; I’m guilty as charged! hehehe!), I appreciate my uneventful airport procedures from Immigration to finding the Skytrain and MRT the very first time (truth is, we were fetched by a Benz limo from Quincy Hotel last year, so I’m really a bit clueless where to go).
Budget Terminal | T1, Changi Airport, Singapore | 19 July 2012
From Terminal 1 of Changi Airport, I had to ride the Skytrain to go to T2 where the Changi MRT station is. As I alight the escalator at Departure Hall of Terminal 1, my attention was caught on a whim by this fantastic mobile and musical installation.
This Kinetic Rain Sculpture made up of 1,216 aluminum droplets coated in bronze located at Departure Hall of Changi Airport Terminal 1 mezmerized me. With soothing music, these silver teardrops float and dance, moving up and down, forming different shapes like hot air balloon, magic carpet and whatnot, providing free entertainment to people in one of the best terminals in the world. I thought little details like providing free fox’s candies wrapped and packaged in Changi Airport branding is already noteworthy of Changi Airport, but with this Kinetic Rain as a new addition to its attractions, this multi-awarded terminal proved that it has so many things to tickle the fancy in everyone!
As a first timer to take the MRT from the airport, I considered myself lucky for not getting lost. However I would not mind if otherwise happened as I can easily shrug it off and consider it as part of adventure. I relied on no one but my instinct and reading signage ability, hahaha! After getting off the train from Terminal 1, I walked through Terminal 2 and thought of going down the escalator; et voila, I found the MRT to the city.
I saw a long queue of tourists buying EZ link card to use in bus and MRT trips. Without asking anyone, I did the same and bought my own EZ link card, topped it up with S$25 for my 4-day-commuting around the Lion City. It pays to be a keen observer! #gaya-gaya, LOL!:)
EZ Link card spells convenience and efficiency in transportation in Singapore. I used it in few of my bus rides and in my frequent MRT trips during my 4D3N in the Lion City.
I took the train from Changi MRT station (Terminal 2) to Tanah Merah. Hopped of the MRT and transferred train the opposite line (East West Line; the green line) that took me to Lavender station and to my budget hotel on my first day (I checked in to Oasia the next day, Friday, July 20th to 22nd, Sunday). After going online in the hotel to check my emails, I went my way to Haji Lane and Arab Street to meet a Filipino Award Winning Travel Blogger for dinner.
Alighting from Bugis MRT Station at around 4 in the afternoon, I found my way towards Haji Lane and Arab Street. My dinner schedule’s at 5:30PM hence, I savored luxury of time in capturing some scenes from Haju Lane and Arab Street.
H A J I L A N E
Undeniably colorful and fascinating, this narrow alley amidst the Muslim area in Singapore is boasting with vibrant hues and quaint shophouses where young Singaporean entrepreneurs showacase their hip and edgy clothing apparels. Other than those boutiques that surely attract the fashion-conscious ones, the spectacular murals found in Haji Lane are enough to convince any traveler and tourist that it’s one of the must-visit-spots in this part of Southeast Asia.
A R A B S T R E E T
As I immeresed myself in the colors of Haji Lane, the next best street adjacent to it drenched me with sights, taste and textures. Arab Street provides an irresistible colossal visual treat!
Stunning Turkish lamps from Sufi’s Corner Traditional Handicrafts. I love these lamps, I want to own a dozen one day, hahaha!
Sultan Mosque, Arab Street, Singapore.
And look who I had dinner with at Sufi Corner Cafe in Singapore….
Beyond Toxicity x Just Wandering. Sufi Corner Cafe, Arab Street, Singapore. 19 July 2012
The one and only (drum roll please!), Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards Best Travel Blog Winner, Nina Fuentes of Just Wandering.Org.
Incidentally, Nina and I first met in an intimate-bloggers’ event conducted by Contact Singapore held in Heritage Hotel back home. Who would have thought that our casual reunion will be in the country that was a topic of the event we attended 2 years ago? 
We planned the friendly dinner via facebook, and I must salute her for being organized and resourceful; she did research of what we must sample in Singapore (she deviated from Singaporean local dishes as we’ve tasted most of them already), even sent me the menu in pdf of Sufi Turkish Corner Restaurant in Arab Street. I trust her so as she has traveled to UAE and Morocco thus, she’s more familiar with Mediterranean cuisine. Her choices from the menu were nothing but excellent! I want to go back to Sufi, seriously!
Babagannus | Sg$ 6.5 | “A favourite meze from Southeastern Anatolia. Eggplant, capsicum, and crushed red peppers cooked with butter and mixed with a touch of garlic together with homemade yogurt.”
Babagannus, take 2. Same plate, still addicting!
Shrimp Casserole (Guvec) | Sg$ 18 | “Guvec style shrimp casserole of Istanbul.”
Shrimp Casserole’s generous servings! nom, nom, nom, nom!
Turkish Mint Tea, Iced | Jug: Sg$ 8.00 | Refreshingly good!
Kebab on a sword! I honestly forgot if it’s mixed kebab or lamb. Its beautiful taste put me on a spell to forget it, hahaha!
Told you that Kebab was on a sword!
From my solo-adventures at the airport and MRT stations, to the fantastic sights in Haji Lane and Arab street, to that engaging catching-up-dinner-with Nina, I knew I was in for another remarkable Singaporean weekend!
—————
“Where is this galaxy?” -asked by one of my distant relatives whose humor never fails immediately after I posted this photo on facebook as one of my teasers for my blog series on Singapore, that includes the majestic, Marina Bay Sands. Its laser lights and fireworks show was watched in awe and candidly captured from the 63rd floor of the newest bar in Singapore called, 1-Altitude. I must say, the efforts were worth it!!! More photos on succeeding blog posts!
No, I have not experienced yet the luxurious accomodation at Marina Bay Sands nonetheless, I had an incredibly awesome time at its foot and on its crown.
When I learned that I was one of those International bloggers from Malaysia, Hong Kong and the Philippines who was fortunately invited to attend the Singapore Blog Awards on a sponsored 3D2N accomodation on the 3rd week of July, 2012, I told myself I had to maximize my second visit to the Lion City. I did some planning, conversed online with few of my Singapore-based friends and decided to see Harry Potter : The Exhibition at ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands.
I purchased my ticket online and opted to collect it via the counter an hour prior to schedule. Since I’m going to Marina Bay Sands, I thought of going up the Sands Skypark Public Observation Deck on the 57th storey as well. I emailed MBS if I could bring my camera to the HP Exhibit and to the Skypark but I had to observe the strict rules of the ArtScience Museum where HP Exhibit is ongoing. Thankfully, luck was on my side when Ms. Philicia, the Social Media Officer of MBS replied to me in a blink via email and offered an escorted tour to the Skypark Public Observation Deck for FREE and to provide me of official photos of Harry Potter the Exhibition from Warner Brothers given to media when it was launched sometime in May. They granted me Property License too to take photos at the Sands Skypark thus, I cannot be grateful enough. Excitement heightened as day went by.
As I became so thrilled like a kid and feared being late, I left my hotel at 7AM on that Friday morning, 20 July 2012 and reached Marina Bay Sands less than an hour later via the ever reliable, fast and efficient Singapore MRT. Marina Bay Sands is practically accessible by hopping off Bayfront MRT Station. ;) With only limited budget at hand, I chose to eat my first meal of the day at Rasapura Masters at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, one of the excellent food finds at the food court in Marina Bay Sands. I had the most beautiful and tasteful dim sums for breakfast! Yum!!!
Since I arrived early at MBS and my schedule for Harry Potter : The Exhibition was 11AM-11:59AM, and the time set for me to go up at MBS Skypark Public Observation Deck was 12:15PM-1PM, I killed time productively by cam-whoring in and out of Marina Bay Sands. I had so much FUN!!!
Singapore Skyline taken from the ground near ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
Apparently on my smile, I am a huge fan myself of the Harry Potter movie series. I watched all films with Tina and Gabby.
For a complete experience, I also pre-purchased an audio guide online making my Harry Potter : The Exhibition ticket amounting to Sg$30 nett. The non-tech-savvy in me was expecting a headset or at least a pair of earphones but to my amazement, I was only provided by something that looks like a TV-remote control. I was instructed to look at the number that appears per exhibit display, then to press the audio set and put it on my ear; it’s so cool for it to have strings attached to my neck; very handy whenever I want to listen to the details and trivia regarding the costumes, artifacts and props used in the Harry Potter movie series.
Because photography and video recording are not allowed inside the museum, I’m still thankful Marina Bay Sands ArtScience Museum via Ms. Philicia Tan, provided me some pieces of official photos of the exhibit from Warner Brothers. If you really dig Harry Potter movies and/or novels, seeing their costumes and props used in the movies is indeed terribly wonderful! It felt like stepping into the exact scenes and being with the characters and absorbing the story. Every detail of the clothes they wore and all the artifacts tell a story, a symbolism that’s fascinating.
My most favorite section of the exhibit is the room where Quidditch uniforms are featured. It took me several minutes staring at the costumes as I was imagining Gabby and I wearing those knee and elbow pads and those ultra cool gears! Incredibly awesome!!!
Costumes worn during a Quidditch™ match
Buckbeak™ the Hippogriff as seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™
The school uniform worn by Harry Potter as seen in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™.
Recreation of Hagrid’s hut
Harry Potter’s eyeglasses, Hogwarts™ acceptance letter, the Marauder’s Map and his wand.
Pull your own Mandrake in the Herbology vignette
Harry Potter™ and Ron Weasley™ costumes and artifacts that appeared throughout the Harry Potter films
Tri-Wizard Cup as seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™
I felt I must not leave the Harry Potter Exhibition without a single souvenir other than my photos just to remember that remarkable experience. And because I cannot afford the wands that cost Sg$ 75 and up, I happily settled with this movie poster taken from Prisoner of Azkaban that says, Undesirable # 1. Symbolic to me; like Harry Potter became what the poster described him to be, I believe we do not exist to please anybody. So it doesn’t matter to me whether people like me or not. It’s their problem, not mine. Oops, I digress. *wink*
Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore runs from June 2, 2012 to September 30, 2012. Visit Marina Bay Sands website for details and ticket purchases @ http://www.marinabaysands.com
Blessings and opportunities were pouring in that moment as Ms. Philicia invited me to experience the other exhibit at ArtScience Museum, MBS; Andy Warhol : 15 Minutes Eternal… Who am I to say no when a media pass was generously given? Thank you so much!!! I enjoyed it too!
Andy Warhol : 15 Minutes Eternal, Exhibition Entrance
Early years, Folding Screen
The Factory Years, Campbell Soup Series
Exposures, Sunset and Flowers
Early Years, Gold Leaf Shoe
The Factory Years, Death and Disaster series with Jackie Kennedy
The Factory Years, Liz Taylor and Marilyn Monroe
The Factory Years, Silver Clouds
Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal at ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore runs from March 17, 2012 to October 21, 2012 (Extended). Visit Marina Bay Sands website for details and ticket purchases @ http://www.marinabaysands.com
For the list of Andy Warhol programs/workshops visit http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Museum/Activities/
Right after I saw Harry Potter the Exhibition and before I was immersed in the creativity of Andy Warhol, I met Ms. Philicia at Tower 3 of MBS Hotel and she escorted me to the SkyPark Public Observation Deck for FREE! Words are not enough to thank Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum and Ms. Philicia Tan for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Some interesting and fascinating facts about Marina Bay Sands and The Sands SkyPark :
Here are my humble captures of the Singapore Skyline viewed from Marina Bay Sands Skypark Public Observation Deck. My photos don’t do justice to the spectacular views of the Lion City, nevertheless, enjoy!!!
*Special thanks goes to Ms. Philicia Tan, Social Media Officer | Communications, Marina Bay Sands. Thank you to Marina Bay Sands, Sands SkyPark Public Observation Deck and ArtScience Museum. MBS is totally one of the reasons to visit & revisit Singapore!
Minimalist. Contemporary. Edgy. Relaxing. The zen-like interiors of OASIA made up of mostly wood with detailed grain, interesting textures and nice lines, that very pleasant cedar wood scent of the lobby wafting through the lifts, make any client feel so at ease in a heart beat. Located right across Novena Square mall in Sinaran Drive where Novena MRT Station is, Oasia offers accessibility to Changi airport to any point in the Lion City. As impressive as QUINCY HOTEL which served as my family’s urban sanctuary in Singapore back in 2011, I believe OASIA’s FRIENDLY & VERY WARM CUSTOMER SERVICE puts Far East Hospitality hotels over and beyond the others.
I’m blessed to have been invited to
2012 Singapore Blog Awards by OMY.Sg
and was even luckier to have
OASIA Hotel
as my home away from home.
When I arrived at the lobby around half hour past 2PM of July 20th 2012, Friday, I was greeted by a friendly smile from a Filipina staff named, Janice (not in photo) who’s stationed at the front desk of OASIA Hotel in Sinaran Drive within Novena area, Singapore. She warmly received my reservation voucher and immediately endorsed to Malaysian staff, Guru to bring me to THE LIVING ROOM, Oasia’s exclusive lounge for Club Room guests located at the 22nd floor. There I met Randy, another Filipino staff who checked me in one of the Club Rooms at 23rd floor.
My wonderful days in Oasia officially started with this welcome drink called, Singapore Bliss. Refreshingly good!
Beyond Toxicity @ docgelo.com X Oasia Hotel, Singapore…
How do I love OASIA? Let us count the ways…
Showcasing my bedroom at Oasia’s Club Room : It’s sooooo inviting! For that 3D2N Club Room accomodation in this firm bed with varied pillows, you can’t blame me if I wish it could have been longer!
I love the bed and I adore their toilet and bath too. Clean lines, fuss free and always spotless.
In Oasia, I can stay in the bathroom all day; it’s that good!!! The shower comes into two types- the classic rainfall effect and the not-so-common among hotels (but we have the same in our apartment), the hand-held. I prefer the former with lukewarm water! While Oasia went beyond the basic of toiltries – they’ve got loofah which is another rare find in most hotels and of course, THANN aromatherapy body milk, bath gel, shampoo, hair conditioner. And yes, I soaked myself onto the bath tub, I almost fall asleep.
Coffee making facility is as special as a Nespresso machine! If one don’t dig coffee, there are a lot of Twinings of London tea bags included.
Did I tell you already that the mini-bar is complimentary too and best, replenished daily ?
I remember my son, Gabby when I saw the huge Samsung flat screen…
How many hotels that offer so called-STAYCATION provides flashlight for emergency purposes, various electrical plugs and sockets, a safe that beautifully opens upwards, giving you less chances to overlooked things that might be forgotten, flat iron and stand, slippers and bathrobes with more threadcount than you can expect? OASIA doesn’t offer an ultimate staycation but rejuvenation, convenience and maximum comfort.
The health buff in most clients will be delighted because of the topnotch amenities at the 8th floor…
The same floor houses the pool and jacuzzi that are open to all guests checked in the hotel.
While at 22nd floor, there’s an infinity pool and a kiddie one for exclusive use of Club Room guests. Believe me, it’s more inviting as my photos don’t give justice.
Inspiring corners at The Living Room : It’s incredibly creative how they made use of wine glasses as chandeliers…
The view from 22nd floor beside the infinity pool…
The pampering in Oasia doesn’t end at having excellent amenities, outstanding services, relaxing atmosphere, priceless view; the stomach too, is satisfied…
GLORIOUS FOOD in OASIA HOTEL SINGAPORE..
Here’s a rundown of Oasia’s breakfast spread and my first meal and lunch plates during my 3D2N stay at The Living Room…
21 July 2012. Before heading to Singapore Blog Awards at Singapore Flyer, OASIA hosted the bloggers’ buffet lunch at the ZAFFRON, the in house restaurant at the lobby. It was sumptuous!!!
This is Mag, our warmest Singaporean blogger host. She’s like my long lost Singaporean sister, seriously!
COLD ROCK is the house ice cream of OASIA. Can someone top that? …I mixed Coffee and Mint with chocolate chips and M&M. It’s a perfect match made for my palates! Delicious!
Can you blame me if I am terribly missing OASIA now?
OASIA HOTEL. SINGAPORE | 8 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307470 | Tel +65 6664 0333 | Fax +65 6664 0300 | Email : info@oasiahotel.com | www.oasiahotel.com
Do check out PROMOTIONS from OASIA and the other premiere hotels of Far East Hospitality Group
–>HERE!!!
*Thank you OASIA Hotel Singapore, Far East Hospitality Hotels, Singapore Blog Awards 2012 and OMY.Sg for making this wonderful experience possible!
Can you guess where I took my shadow?
Those are the waves at the foot…..err the tail of the merlion…
Merlion has been iconic that a trip to Singapore would not be complete without a visit to its park. I don’t know with Tina and Gabby but I was in awe; it was actually bigger than I thought.
Across the statue of half-lion half-fish are a couple of structures equally worthy of admiration…
The Esplanade : Singapore’s theater for performing arts creatively built with shopping and dining complex, with fantastic architectural shape similar to durian; only more sophisticated looking than the tropical pungent fruit because it’s made of glass. Its waterfront location is just perfect to wait for the sunset in this side of Southeast Asia.
One of the luxurious hotels in the Lion City is The Marina Bay Sands, famous not only for its service, and noted spectacular amenities but it’s strategic location.
At our first sight of its magnificence, Gabby asked me, “Is that a boat above those buildings?”. I replied to our kid with a smile, “It’s the Marina Bay Sands’ SkyPark, anak.”
Believe me, if Tina and I have the fortune, we could have brought Gabby to Marina Bay Sands to watch and marvel at the musical, The Lion King.
From the Merlion Park, we strolled to Esplanade via their sidewalk on the bridge. Had a dose of S$1-ice cream bar, watched the glorious sunset and went inside the Esplanade mall.
When dinner time came, we had to ask directions to Makansutra Gluttons Bay. A few steps more within the Esplanade Mall, we found what we’re looking for.
Our meal that night could have been cereal prawns or chili crabs but our Filipino palates became so biased with 1/2 kg of Liempo (grilled pork belly) from a Filipino hawker food stall in Makansutra. We coupled it with Seafood Fried Rice and downed everything delightfully!
These capped our day 3 in Singapore after we enjoyed Universal Studios.
Other than having the lack of budget for The Lion King, failing to taste cereal prawns and chili crabs, another little regret I also passed the chance of trying to capture Singapore’s beauty at dusk in my lens but then again, it’s all because I prioritized bringing Tina and Gabby back to our hotel to rest. At least there are a lot of reasons to go back to Singapore. It’s that fascinating!
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Beyond Toxicity’s Singapore Blog series includes:
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On a limited budget and with only enthusiasm and a game plan to spend more time & lots of fun with my family in my pocket, I brought Tina and Gabby to Singapore. On our second day in the Lion City, we headed to Chinatown !
After checking out at 12 noon from Quincy Hotel where we stayed the first day, we hopped on the bus along Orchard Road and alighted at Bencoolen Street. We transferred to a more affordable hotel (which deserves a separate post) and more accessible to our itineraries. And like what we did the first day, we just left our luggage to the hotel room and utilized the rest of the day in exploring Singapore.
I am grateful that former colleagues and online buddies (credits at the end of this post) suggested one of Singapore’s most helpful websites particularly for tourists and first timers on the island like us (read: without gadgets with GPS). The site gives you details on your trip from point A to point B from mode/s of transportation (either by bus, train, taxi cab), estimated total travel time(including waiting and walk time), to total fare (click the link and be enlightened!).
The Lion City’s transport system is impressively efficient.
I googled http://gothere.sg/ and lifted details of our itineraries for the remaining days of our stay. We walked through the train station from our hotel, purchased MRT cards from the touch-screen machines (with refundable deposit of S$1 on top of our fares) in the subway.
Subways of Singapore are clearly wider than Tokyo or it might be just me. But creativity is present at every turn in Singapore, so apparent in the mosaics and murals in the train stations…
We told him but I’m not sure if Gabby realized the thought that we were literally underground when we boarded the train.
The Dhoby Ghaught MRT station bound to Harbourfront was just few minutes-and-one-train-ride away to Pagoda Street, Chinatown.
Upon getting off the subway, we were in awe and together we uttered, “WOW” in amazement! Our eyes feasted on a burst of colors…
I read from online reviews of tourists that Singapore has the cleanest Chinatown in the globe, knowing the city implements strictest rules on fines and penalties (read : thousands of dollars), everyone is disciplined regardless of the place in Sg.
One doesn’t need to be Chinese to expect to see mostly reds in any Chinatown…
or Oriental lanterns that doesn’t fail to fascinate…
Souvenir items cost usually 3 for S$10… I got a nod from Tina in purchasing fridge magnets we bought for 6 for S$10.
Of all the things being sold in the stalls of Chinatown, I found these glass balls most interesting. Agree? Do you know what they call these?
Few steps more and another surprise (well, not actually, I included it in our itinerary) caught our eyes…
“The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. It is an agamic temple, built in the Dravidian style. Located at No. 244 South Bridge Road, in the downtown Chinatown district, the temple serves mainly South Indian Tamil Hindu Singaporeans in the city-state. Due to its architectural and historical significance, the temple has been gazetted a National Monument and is a major tourist attraction.” –Wiki
A lion and holy cow guard the roofs of Sri Mariamman Temple…
Fantastic sight amidst the high noon…
The doors to this Hindu temple…
We opted not to go inside the Sri Mariamman Temple, we continued walking in Chinatown. We spotted the famous Ann Siang Hill…
Vivid colors paint the structures built in Ann Siang Hill. Unfortunately, my wife and kid didn’t want to explore it so we went on walking to Sago Street and reached the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. After a Hindu temple comes a Buddhist temple… both equally stunning!
If the exteriors of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is magnificent, the inside’s trully awesome! I’m almost lost of superlatives to describe its interiors,haha!
“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”–Buddha.
I’m left speechless.
Almost right across the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a famous hawker food place, Maxwell.
When in Singapore, must try Singaporean foods! Our late snack-early dinner were made of noodles….
Maxwell’s Tian Tian Chicken House became a word of mouth when Anthony Bourdain gave it a thumbs up. It’s famous for one of my favorite chicken dish –Hainanese Chicken Rice…(believe me, this plate tasted so much better than it looks on photo)
The rice was cooked with chicken broth and seasoning, it’s delicious sans ulam.
For drinks, a fellow blogger, Dyan and former colleague Gina who’s based in Singapore never failed to remind us not to forget to try water chestnut. We’re obedient. I bought a cup, it tasted like sweet pandan; refreshingly good! I took a photo on a whim…
Then we felt it’s time to bid Chinatown goodbye…
but can’t pass the chance without a photo-ops with this Buddha statue…
We finally found our way back to the subway and rode the MRT again. We had Starbucks Coffee break in a mall on way to our hotel (not in photo) and called it one fine day.
Stay tuned for more of our adventures in Singapore.
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Beyond Toxicity’s Singapore Blog series includes:
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*Thank you to fellow bloggers, Dyanie (she did my initial itinerary!), Cza (recommended the other hotel we stayed in), Chyng, Sards , Dom/Dong Ho, Annevdns, Bambi (all of their blog posts about Singapore and replies to my queries served helpful references for this trip) and former colleagues, Ms. Gina (who provided useful links online about her work place), Dr. D. and former student, Lea for replying to my questions about the city we all like.
Several minutes after checking in and marveling at Quincy Hotel, we maximized the day by strolling towards the upscale shopping district of the Lion City, Orchard Road which is about 5-7 minute walk. Thank God, Mr. Sun shone its brightest that Tuesday afternoon because few days prior to this-end-of August-trip, Singapore (and the rest of Southeast Asian countries including home-the Philippines) had experienced quite heavy downpours.
Considering we’re medical professionals, my wife and I felt extra-safer after we saw two huge hospitals several steps away from Quincy Hotel ; these are Paragon Medical Center (adjacent with Paragon Mall) and Mount Elizabeth Hospital. You never know when these facilities will come in handy whenever you’re traveling.
Here are photos of Mt. Elizabeth Street, one of the laterals of Orchard Road…
Our very first glimpse of one of the famous shopping districts in the globe …
It reminds me of Ginza in Tokyo or its counterpart back home, Makati City. But I think, Orchard is busier, more populated and a lot more impressive because it has so many street art installations (read : it doesn’t mean I like Ginza less; it’s still remarkable in my book and definitely, would like to revisit that fantastic street with my family someday and of course, Makati City remains one of our favorites too!). Correct me if I’m wrong -I think Singaporean government really allot budget or possibly requires establishment owners to put up creative structures in streets, is there any truth to my guess?
Don’t you wish Metro Manila will have more street art installations too? (On the second thought : Huwag na lang kaya, unahin na lang ang pagkain sa mesa, edukasyon at pangangailangang medikal).
Orchard Road got busier despite it’s a weekday because it was Hari Raya holiday….
We wish all cities in the world would be as lush as this…
More inspring art installations…
Inside Paragon Mall…
The most lovable mall rat…
Being jologs as we are, my wife and I cannot relate much with the high-end boutiques inside Paragon Mall except for this wonderful shop…
We wonder if Muji in Manila is more affordable or just the same as their branches abroad, can anyone tell? I spotted a light-weight luggage, a dark colored jacket that I like while Tina’s eyes were at Muji’s kitchen stuffs and other functional things. Do you shop Muji?
While we only window-shopped at Muji, ditched out and snobbed these divine sweets from Breadtalk…
to feast on Old Chang Kee….
We have hawkers in Penang that sell these fried balls of fish, squid, crab, shrimp but we have not seen any branches of Old Chang Kee in our probinsya. Perhaps, there is in KL, I’m to lazy to google.
At SGD 1.20 to 2+, each stick of these fried delights are afforbably satiating. We bought a few sticks of crab, shrimp cakes, fish balls, chicken wing for Gabby and paid only SGD 8+. Not bad for a late afternoon snack. We munched them where else but in Orchard Road, just outside Paragon Mall and infront of Takashimaya Mall…(drinks were loots from Quincy) solb!
But wait, we had to taste that one singapore dollar-ice cream bar…
Ice cream’s OK for SGD 1. I had chocolate, Tina enjoyed blueberry, and I forgot what Gabby’s preference was. After having those heavenly snacks (read : late lunch!), we walked through Orchard Road and enjoyed being tourists again.
Then we went inside the Mandarin Mall for a much-needed bladder break. We proved that hearsays about toilets in Singapore are true. Most, if not all comfort rooms in this city are almost immaculately sterile.
Tina was irked at the irritating scents of a candle store inside Mandarin Mall, so we went out and headed to Takashimaya and Ngee Ann City… another couple of malls rich in upscale boutiques.
Here, Gabby found a fountain at its plaza-like facade and asked a coin from me, closed his eyes, whispered his wishes and threw the coin onto the fountain… *sarap, maging bata!*
Must have photo ops of course…
The last photo for this post was taken by Gabby. A bit blurry but nontheless can pass your taste for sure with caption, “lovers in ngee ann city” hahaha
We also checked out Lucky Plaza, the mall that was described by our limo-airport-pick up driver as “The Little Philippines” in Singapore. It’s also in Orchard Road and is frequented by Filipinos staying and working in the city. We didn’t stay long inside, actually, I just had our few USD changed to SgD at forex there, and headed back to Quincy for dinner. Let’s just say that among the malls we visited in the area, it’s far different from all of them. End of story.
Up Next : Chinatown!
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Beyond Toxicity’s Singapore Blog series includes:
Hainanese Chicken Rice… Fried Hokkien Mee.. Iced cold water chestnut… One-dollar-ice cream bar… Sri Mariamman Temple… Perhaps, the cleanest Chinatown… Orchard Road… Esplanade… Sentosa… Merlion Park… These and more can obviously describe the city where we spent our Hari Raya holiday this year.
Now, if you’re still clueless of the place, you may have left your brain cells somewhere, haha! *kidding*
We loved Singapore! Although our pockets and credit cards are now weeping, the experience was worth it! My wife,Tina and I took our soon-to-be 7 year old kid, Gabby to the Lion City for four glorious days (August 30–September 2, 2011) of food indulgence, fun and of course, family bonding!
Let’s begin this Singapore blog series from our arrival at few minutes before 2PM, Tuesday 30th August at the Changi airport, Terminal 1…
Gabby with Mr. Lee, one of the friendliest Singaporean drivers we’ve met (We encountered almost a handful, and you’ll meet them with some of their stories toward the end of this series).
PERSTAYMERS : It’s our first time to be in the city described by the National Geographic as “the smallest nation in Southeast Asia that has long been a financial powerhouse.” and by the -The Lonely Planet as a place with “a strange brew of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western cultures, a rich social stew that’s anything but boring.” …Who would not be excited?
I planned the trip several months back with gradual let go of the budget by purchasing online plane tickets via Air Asia (Penang-Singapore) on its promo rates and reserving rooms in 2 different hotels (read: maximizing the range of experience at the same time, reducing the cost); we only chose one theme park over a volume of choices and pre-paid it online on a non-peak season. I even asked blogger-friends who have been to Singapore many times over and former colleagues who are presently based there, for their recommendations and whatnot (credits at the end of the post). I made sure my family and I would enjoy our vacation the way we know how.
After reading tourists’ reviews at tripadvisor.com countless times and after paying attention to what bloggers have been raving about, I finally settled for Quincy. I thought it wouldn’t be voted as the tripadvisor.com’s Winner, Travelers’ Choice, Trendiest Hotel 2011 for nothing. I know Tina and Gabby will like it too.
Our airport pick up, included in the room package I availed for my family…
Jologs lang po kami. (repeat : Jologs lang po kami!) We’re so easy to please, and so riding a Mercedes benz E-class limo that doesn’t happen on a daily basis was indeed something for the 3 of us! Hence, that explains those sweetest smiles mixed with pure bliss and excitement inside the car…
Mr. Lee made us feel so welcome while he was driving. He confirmed some of the (positive) things about Singapore that I have heard and read. Everything, including the air in Singapore seems so sterile!
Singapore in so many ways is so expensive yet seductively beautiful. Prices of almost all items are notoriously steeper than you could imagine. Hotel rates and charges could leave you begging for alms in the streets, haha! And so one of my considerations that made me chose Quincy is its being an all-inclusive boutique hotel. It’s amazing! Imagine buffet breakfast, set lunch and dinner, all served with appetizers, salad, soup, bottomless canned sodas, free flowing brewed coffee and tea, distilled water exclusively bottled for Quincy and even beer and cocktails in the evening are all included in the package! It’s the first time in the history of our vacations that we didn’t buy bottled water from any 711!
About 25 minutes after we left Terminal 1 of Changi airport, we arrived in Quincy.
Tucked in the secluded end of Mt. Elizabeth Street, one of the laterals of the famous high-end shopping district, Orchard Road, Quincy is strategic in its location. Quincy is about 5-7 minute-walk away from Orchard Road. It works best for guests like us who would like to walk after a sound sleep and particularly after partaking on a heavy, sumptuous meal. We felt so secured (physically) as we passed by Paragon Medical Center and Mount Elizabeth Hospital from Quincy just before reaching the upscale malls like Paragon, Takashimaya, Ngee Ann City, and as per Mr. Lee’s words, Lucky Plaza -”the little Philippines in Singapore” due to its Filipino stalls and patrons.
As Mr. Lee dropped us off at the lobby of Quincy, (although we know Singapore offers jobs to many Filipinos) it was (still) surprising that 2 Filipina staffs were at the reception area to welcome us. One of them accompanied us to the 10th floor to endorsed the entire room and its gadgets to us nicely.
This was the view from our window…
Pillows that provided us one of our restful sleeps…
Everything’s so impressive at Quincy. I love its interiors in neutrals and its atmosphere, so edgy and manly.
The king-sized bed with 400-thread-count-immaculate white sheets were too perfect to curl up in bed the whole day and do nothing. –now, that’s a luxury!
I told Tina, I like this desk lamp other than the presence of 42″ LCD TV and everything so ergonomic!
For a moment, the world seemed to stop revolving as my lovely wife and our wannabe-chef son, had their amusement over the coffee gadget inside our studio deluxe room (read : My wife and I are coffee-addicts!). It’s not just your ordinary coffee making facility but Nespresso Expresso Machine! In Tina’s words, “kape pa lang, sulit na!” (“abundance of coffee alone makes the stay in Quincy worth it!”…. because Quincy also offers free flowing coffee at the spread every meal time, even have takeaway coffee cups to Tina’s delight!)
How many hotels offer complimentary mini bar with Lays potato chips, cup noodles, lots of tea bags, canned sodas, soya milk and iced tea and even canned beer? They replenish it everyday for free!
It’s difficult to get over with that coffee machine, hahaha! …I should get one for Tina (read : but where’s the budget?), haha!
Availability of a number of electric plugs is also a plus! Everything spelled convenience at Quincy!
The tandas was spotless…
The toilet and bath left us in awe! Quincy provides toiletries by Molton Brown, London with scents that definitely, rejuvenating.
There’s that rainfall effect shower, pull-me-down curtain blinds if you want some privacy on that glass walled comfort room. Bath tub seemed sterile, weighing scale’s available, slippers were uniquely thicker than usual hotel room footwears, they’re even smart in providing toothpaste that my gums prefer! Our toilet experience at Quincy was truly beyond expectation…
The wardrobe essentials are commendable too. Sana lang, Quincy goes for better choice of towels…
We didn’t waste time and checked out their facilities at Level 12…
The infinity pool gives you a relaxing view of the slice of Singapore skyline…
Popcorn’s offered every weekend, 9PM when they show movies on big screen by the pool. Chilled drinks are again available for free!
A gym, a sauna and steambath rooms are located adjacent the swimming pool.
The lobby boasts of mac computers and egg-shaped lounge seats too.
Now, the succeeding photos make us miss Quincy more…
Quincy pampers guests on the gastronomic department too! We’re given menu of entrees to choose from, then free flowing beverages from fruit juices, canned sodas, tea and coffee, and cocktails are at the bar for self-service.
The dining area gives you a view of the greens at the hotel’s facade…
Admittedly, Tina and I rarely drink. She tried sipping her red wine paired with her main dish, but she’s really not into alcohol, while I finished my glass of white wine.
My lovely wife had an appetite for prime steak…
She had it well done, still the beef slab was tender, passed Tina’s discriminatory taste.
While I was delighted with my salmon plate… yum, yum, yum!
Gabby had tomato-based seafood pasta; and unlike kids of his age, he loves mussels and clams!
Beverage bar…
The buffet spread is simple but satisfyingly good! There’s a self-service ice cream bar too! The soft ice cream can pass as gelato with its thicker and creamier- less-air consistency. We loved the chocolate syrup topping!
Gabby at the ice cream station …see the reflection of the lush green from the outside; i love this shot! hehehe
I opted for an open-faced steak sandwich… sublime!
But Gabby’s choice was the winner that lunch…. He decided to eat Creamy mushroom pasta; even asked for more parmesan cheese! The fusion of shitake and button mushrooms with the creamy sauce was unforgettable! Sarap talaga…
Almond jellies and Longan was the dessert of the day. Of course, we had another round of ice cream + dark chocolate syrup topping!
These smiles apparently show that we loved our Quincy experience…
If you are looking for an ultimate relaxing respite from the busy and stressful life, a staycation in Quincy when you’re in Singapore is highly recommended. In a city where hotel accomodation defines a huge portion of its tourism, Quincy rose above the rest in my family’s book.
I’m glad I made a right decision in choosing Quincy. Wouldn’t you be happy if you’re family’s content too?
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This is the first of Beyond Toxicity’s Singapore blog series. Disclaimer : DocGelo’s stay in Quincy was only for 24 hours; accomodation package was personally paid and Quincy has nothing to do with this blog entry. For specific inquiries and details about Quincy kindly *visit their website here -> Quincy Hotel Singapore. Thank you.
UPDATE : 11 September 2011 sourced from tripadvisor
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*Thank you to fellow bloggers, Dyanie (she did my initial itinerary!), Cza (recommended the other hotel we stayed in), Chyng, Sards , Dom/Dong Ho, Annevdns, Bambi (all of their blog posts about Singapore and replies to my queries served helpful references for this trip) and former colleagues, Ms. Gina (who provided useful links online about her work place), Dr. D. and former student, Lea for replying to my questions about the city we all like.
Dear boredom and homesickness,
I hate you both.
I’m sick and tired of entertaining you.
always,
-docgelo.
FYI, long weekend in Penang started last Thursday night for Hindus’ Deepavali or Festivities of Lights was celebrated yesterday, Friday. Of course, our work resumes Monday so it follows I need not to spoil the 3-day-break.
Initially, my friends and I planned to go to Singapore and explore the Lion City via train from Penang; don’t ask me why but it didn’t push through. 
Then one of us suggested to just stay within Malaysia and experience the island of Langkawi; too bad all ferry trips and hotel accomodations were fully booked.
Worst, 3 of my housemates were all out –two of them went home to Manila; one of them chose to spend his birthday alone in an undisclosed place for the duration of our break, and the other one came home late at past 1AM 2 days ago after he attended a medical mission facilitated by our company.
Needless to say, I was absolutely bound to be home alone last Thursday evening.
After 6 years of being with my wife+kid physically every single night and day before I became an expat, it dawned on me that I find it difficult to be alone. Perhaps, I may be able to tolerate such in due time.
So after work last Thursday, I decided to go straight to Penang Island; went to Queensbay Mall (the largest and the most welcoming mall in Penang) and did little shopping…
The kid in me kicks in and I put him beside my other pillows…
Now, Santa and Woody serve as my company whenever Tina+Gabby end call in Skype.
Friday came and docRonnie (my housemate who came home late from Med Mission) and I went again to where else but Queensbay Mall. With our backpacks & laptops in tow, we spent the entire afternoon at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
Two more colleagues came to join us–docJhoram & docAnna.
Before I savored CBTL’s Cafe Americano, chicken pie and yogurt parfait, I thought of resuming my old forgotten on-and-off habit of reading paperbacks. So I went to the basement of the mall and at a bookstore called Popular, I purchased Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol.
After reading Angels and Demons and Da Vinci Code long before they were shown on screen, it’s only now that I am following again Robert Langdon’s adventures.
It’s Saturday and we’re here again at the same coffee shop of our favorite mall, doing the same thing we did yesterday but certainly I am neither bored nor that homesicked.
I’d like to think it’s only mind over matter, is it not?
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Bangkok, Hong Kong, Bandar Seri Begawan and lately, Tokyo.
These are the few Asian cities that I have set my foot from Manila to date. And there is more of Asia to explore and enjoy.
For one, I wish to bring my family to SINGAPORE to experience what most tourists have been raving about. I’ve heard and read so much about that enticing city and who would resist to be lured with its charm and beauty?
Incidentally, I was fortunate to be invited as one of the very few selected bloggers who sat with people who best represent Singapore. They’re Ms. Lynelle Seow, Area Director for Philippines and Brunei of Singapore Tourism Board and Mr. Lee Puay York, Head for Southeast Asia of Contact Singapore (photos of speakers below).
The fascinating talk was held at the Abueva Room of Heritage Hotel in Pasay City last Friday, 16 July, 2010.
“Contact Singapore is an agency of the Singapore government that aims to boost the country’s economy by attracting people from around the world to live, work and play in this country. It is the one-stop center for those who wish to pursue a fulfilling life, career and adventure in Singapore.
YourSingapore.com is Singapore’s destination brand that showcases Singapore’s uniqueness and offers travelers a personalized travel experience.
The Singapore Tourism Board is an economic development agency for one of Singapore’s key service sectors – tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore”
As you may know, Singapore is rich in culture, heritage and opportunities. The small but global city and as a country itself takes pride in offering a progressive and comfortable lifestyle for everyone who wants to WORK, LIVE and PLAY IN.
Singapore’s constant innovation on almost everything opens door for professionals from other countries like ours, who may easily find a work venue in its more than 7,000 multinational companies that operate on highly in-demand and lucrative careers in technology, manufacturing, research, electronics, chemicals, biomedical sciences, infocomms, digital media, engineering, transportation and financial services.
With the affordable airfares that most carriers offer, Asia has become a smaller community. This makes Singapore as a tourist destination more accessible to people who want to visit and enjoy its famous and newest attractions and recreations.
Hopefully soon, I get to bring my wife and our preschooler son to Sentosa, Universal Studios and other exciting sites to experience a slice of what Singapore has been known for.
Of course, Singapore’s multicultural society is so apparent not only on its people and places but moreso on its food.
And during the Bloggers’ Event that I have attended, Heritage Hotel which is a Singaporean Hotel in Manila, prepared wonderful dishes that delighted our senses.
Take a peek at what we savored from the event….
SINGAPORE SLAW. This was so far, the most beautiful salad I’ve ever had. The fusion of textures and tastes was gorgeously plated and was perfectly paired with its dressing.
NYONYA MEATBALL SOUP (Bawan Kepeting).
SINGAPORE LAKSA and MEE GORENG. Heritage Hotel’s Laksa was one of the few I’ve tasted in the Metro that stimulated my palate well; Mee Goreng also doesn’t disappoint. Wonderful pair!
HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE. The most beautiful custom-made plate I’ve ever seen. Delicious serving!
SAGO GULA MELAKA with VANILLA ICE CREAM. Our sweet ending.
These and more are featured in the 2010 Singapore Food Festival that runs from 16 July to 25, 2010.
“At the SFF, visitors from the Philippines can expect to taste flavors they already love about Singapore such as Hainanese Chicken Rice and get a chance to fall in love with new ones, all in one festival. With so much feasting and fun in store, my advice is to leave the diet plan at home and indulge those cravings in Singapore” said Lynelle Seow, Area Director-Philippines, Singapore Tourism Board.
“Through SFF, Singapore enhances its identity as a true melting pot of cultures and as a destination that has something to offer many different nationalities. Fringe activities will also serve up ethnic Malay and Indian dishes, allowing Filipinos to enjoy the true ‘taste’ of Singapore,” added Seow.”
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For readers who have experienced Singapore, what’s your favorite food you’ve tasted there and what are your most memorable moments in the City of Merlion?
For more details on the upcoming events in Singapore, visit my other blog, DOCGELO’S EYES
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