Calaidescope World

Singapore Swing

I was in Singapore for work last week. First of all, I got my flu shot from our company doctor in Makati on Monday, wasn't feeling all too well when my boss and I were in Cebu on Tuesday (also for work), and had a horrible case of dysmenorrhea and a bit of a fever when I arrived in Singapore on Wednesday. Needless to say, I didn't exactly enjoy Wednesday and Thursday all that much because I was either in pain or dizzy. My only real saving grace amidst the pain was Taylor Hicks winning American Idol and my wonderful companions from MSSC (and if any of you are reading this, many thanks to Roda, Lhen and Bettina for being such great company. Roda, you're such a mom!). I found the strength to walk around on Thursday. I was supposed to fly back to Manila on Saturday, but as I was feeling better and wanted to spend time with some old friends, I opted to stay until Sunday. Many thanks to my hosts, Jeric and Melisse (the same couple I stayed with in December), for taking care of me over the weekend.

Now, I've always had my reservations about Singapore. In his blog, Gabby observed that Singapore is just so GREEN, and it really is the first thing you notice coming out of the airport. It's a garden city. My favorite city is still Bangkok even if it's a concrete jungle, but I'm starting to appreciate how "convenient" Singapore is. Best public transport system, hands down. The food is good, too, although despite this being my third trip, I have yet to try Singapore's famous chili crabs. Shopping is still cheapest in Bangkok and Manila, but I was surprised to find some really good bargains during the Great Singapore Sale (now ongoing until the end of June), especially in Chinatown and the Bugis Street Market (although Chatuchak and Market Market are still the best, dahlings), as well as at Borders (they had better deals than Books Kinukoniya), The Body Shop, Bossini, Charles and Keith (better selection than their shop in the Alabang Town Centre), Daily Planet (a comic book themed clothing store in the Sun Tec City Mall), G2000, Geox (fantastic brand of Italian "breathable" shoes), Giordano, HMV, L'Occitane en Provence, M-Industries, Popcorn Movie Memorabilia in the Esplanade Mall, Top Shop, U2, and Zara. Not that I bought something at each of those places, but I wish I had enough money to do so!

So, here's a run-down of the highlights of my trip (not all of which are related to shopping, hahaha):

• The Intercontinental Hotel Singapore: I had 2 queen size beds in my cozy smoking room, 2 wonderfully soft goose down pillows on each bed, and an extra pillow in the closet. I slept with all 5 pillows. The bath amenities were provided by L'Occitane en Provence. Love it! The hotel is connected to the Bugis Junction so it's easy to get around by MRT. I can't wait to go back to that hotel!
• Finding CDs of the original US recording of Pizzicato Five's 1994 album Made in USA (I have a vinyl copy in Papa and Tita Vicky's house in Pittsburg) and Marty Casey and the Lovehammers. I also found the original UK release of Morningwood (unfortunately, it's got one of those anti-piracy thingies that are not compatible with whatever version of Microsoft Windows Media Player is installed in my office-isued laptop so I cna't even play it. Go figure). I was also very happy to find the collector's edition of The Dark Crystal on DVD - and on sale. Yes, I'm against piracy, I still buy original CDs and DVDs (leaving Gabby to call me insane for not investing in a 60G video iPod), and am suffering for my love of art.
• Toys 'r Us sale: I have yet to justify a SGD30 Boba Fett action figure ("...but Boba Fett is so hard to find!"), yet General Grevious came at less than half the price, so he was worth it. As were my Star Wars Tromp cards. Hehehe. On a similar note: a great many thanks to Roman for Asajj Ventress Unleashed (another one that's almost impossible to find). Roman, I love her! She's gorgeous! She is now proudly displayed amongst my toys in my room. Too bad I didn't get to see you and meet wifey and the twins. I owe you big time! Thanks again!
• The cute Spanish guy I followed from Chinatown to the Outram Park interchange to Raffles, and lost when he and his not-so-good-looking friend went up the escalator to the Raffles City Mall and I had to walk the other way to the Esplanade Mall. Oh. My. God.
• The current art and music exhibit in the underground walkway from the Citylink Mall to the Esplanade Mall. The artwork was obviously influenced by Dave McKean, but combined with the drum and bass, it was just so cool!
• Popcorn Movie Memorabilia Shop sale: pewter Lord of the Rings pendants at 10% off. Failing to find a Beren and Luthien set for Jay and Alia, I got them pendants of the seals of Strider and Arwen instead (yes, my sister chose a mortal life. Hahaha!). In lieu of anything specific to Faramir, I got Bianca a pendant in the form of a Gondorian sheild. To share with my sisters, I also got a pendant in the shape of an Elven sheild, as well as pendants of the seal of Galadriel and the Fellowship. I love that store!
• Jeric's cooking. Words don't do his cooking justice. Melisse, ang suwerte mo talaga!
• Watching The X-Men: The Last Stand with Jeric, Melisse, and their friends Yen, Glen and Samantha, and Candace and Rick: Yes, movies are expensive in Singapore (SGD9.40 vs. PHP110. Hello?), but X3 is a must a see! I realise this has nothing to do with Singapore. But if you're reading this and contemplating a trip to the cinema, go watch X3 and DO NOT LEAVE UNTIL *AFTER* THE END CREDITS! There's a very short but very important scene immediately after the credit roll that viewers absolutely cannot miss! However...I felt really sad after the movie. Not that there was anything wrong with it or because the story was so beautiful that I was moved to tears (I was more in shock watching certain scenes, actually). I remembered that I saw X2 with Bianca and Millette. The moment the X-Men flew away from the lake and the image of the phoenix appeared in the water, Millette excitedly shouted, "Oh my God, it's the Phoenix!". She went on to say how she would love to see X3 hoping that the Dark Phoenix would appear and what the plot line could be. Millette dear, wherever you are, the Dark Phoenix was in X3 and she was played well (if not given enough screen-time). You would have loved the movie. If only, like Jean Grey listening to Professor X, you had enough control to stay and see it. I really missed you while watching the whole story play out.
• Eating bak wah in chili pork flavor. It's like beef jerky. I can't find it anywhere else. It's great! Singapore's kaya toast is good, too. Too bad Roti Boy closed shop. I love Roti Boy!
• Eski Bar in Holland Village: This is the coolest bar I've ever been to. Literally. It's freezing in there! And in the Sub-Zero room, the bar is made of ice! If you get to hang out there, bring your own jacket or shawl (they lend you jackets there, but I wouldn't recommend using them. God knows where those have been) and try their Artic Ice signature cocktail. It tastes like that almond jelly desert at Gloria Maris. Really good!
• East Coast Park: it's a short walk from Jeric and Melisse live in Bayshore. It's beautiful public park with it's water ski lake for wakeboarding and such (just like Lago de Oro in Calatagan, Batangas). The park has cafes, restaurants, great walking/biking/rollerblading trail, a beach, a couple of soccer pitches,...Wow! If I ever have the good fortune of living in Singapore, I'd live in Bayshore just so I could be near East Coast Park. I don't care if it's "far" from "the city". It's so worth it lah!
• Watching Jeric and Joey shop for a watch. My cousin-in-law Mike is like that. Women love jewelry, men love watches. It was very amusing =) Parang silang babae pagdating sa relo. I don't now anything about watches. Ask Andaya. As long as they work and are water resistant, I'm fine!
• Royce Chocolate from Japan, available at the Sun Tec City Mall. Yes, I know, another thing not uniquely Singaporean, and I'm not an expert on chocolate, but MON DIEU! IT'S THE BEST LAH! Thanks to Joey and Jeric for taking me to that shop yesterday.
• Eating at The Asian Kitchen (there's one in the Citylink Mall and another in Sun Tec. I'm not sure where their other restaurants are). It's relatively cheap and really good.
• The Charles and Keith sale: If I am my truly my father's daughter when it comes to music and jackets, then I am truly my mother's daughter when it comes to shoes and bags. Especially bags.
• Travelling back to Manila with Joey. Having a friend with nothing but carry-on luggage is perfect for when your check-in baggage is overweight. Thanks, Joey!

Shopping or no shopping, I'm now looking forward to my next trip in November. Hopefully, my sisters will be able to join me because they've never been there and I know they'll enjoy it lah. I saw a lot in my last two trips (especially when I was there in December!). There is so much to Singapore that I want to explore like the Jurong Bird Park, Botanical Gardens, the shop houses,.... This is the cool thing about having a job that requires travel. Watson Wyatt did a lot for me in terms of opening my mind to other cultures and learning new things. Now, I thank Chevron for a new series of cultural and shopping experiences =)

posted by Calai @ 1:48 PM