Caught In the Sun

Oh what a crazy night we had, but it was all good. We got up around 9 in the morning because we heard all the chaos on-going in the Dover household. We were extra hands for the move of Benj, Alfie, and their other roomies. So we got up, a little hangover here and there, and carried bags of alcohol, furniture, and clothes to a mover's truck downstairs.

We finished the whole move in about 4 hours, give or take. It was difficult to get things into the new apartment because there was only one elevator working. The new apartment of Benj and the others was a lot bigger than their old one, and it had a huge kitchen -- which I liked very much.

Anyway, I watched a movie while Arnelli napped and at around 4 or 5 pm we headed out to Central where as you can see below, I enjoyed my very first honey dew ice cream in between two wafers. Such a divine experience :>

We walked around a lot, and it was good because we didn't feel it that much since we were busy site seeing. We were pretty lucky because it wasn't very hot during this day, and so we didn't sweat as badly as we would have -- think old Manila in the afternoon. 

I found the bikes all over the city a wonderful site. I imagine myself living in a country where bikers roam free, like in Amsterdam and here in Singapore. Though, a lot of the places are far, you can always take the train as well as your bike. :)

There is just so much to see, and we had too little time. We were unable to explore more places that are unknown to the traveler, and because of this I swore I'd come back again. 

As usual, the food was fantastic. Here is a sneak peek of the roti we had with curry. Oh-so-yummy-yummy :>

You can also expect a lot of affordable hawkers all around the place. When in doubt, follow the crowd full of travelers :>

In the evening, we had dinner by the bay care of Benjo. We had the famous Chili crab of Singapore, and I enjoyed it especially with those little round bread thingys. I forgot what they are called. Hmmm. 

Anyway, we had a round of free beers each, and it was time to go home. By this time it was almost eleven in the evening. 

Singapore is an ideal place for night dwellers since there are a lot of things to do at night. :) Also, it seems everyone in the city eats a little later than the usual time we eat here in the Philippines, and it's mostly coz the sun doesn't set until 7:30. I found most people ate at around 8 or 9. I think that's better so you aren't likely to eat anymore since its pretty late already.

Cheers to my first trip outside of the country last February 25 - 29th :)

We took the Cebu pacific plane from Manila to Singapore, and it was delayed because of air traffic when we entered Singapore skies. Because of this, we arrived in Singapore early in the evening of the 25th. I was surprised to find the sun still up even if my watch was already 6:30 in the evening, so this was definitely something I was excited about. 

Once we were in Singapore, we found our way to the MRT, where we figured out how to get around using a card. It's pretty cool because you can use this card in the MRT, the bus stop, and even to pay for simple things in the grocery. Singapore is surely one of the most organized countries in the whole world. Even my boyfriend who is a traveler can attest to this. He says it is even better than the transit lines of Switzerland. Neat huh? 

We got Dover after almost forty minutes on the train, and it didn't take us very long to find Benjo -- my friend and host for our short stay. We then walked to his beautiful apartment up in one of the top floors. Surprisingly, Singapore gives beautiful and well made public housing for the working class, and I immediately saw the efficiency of the country, as well as why people preferred to work there.

Fortunately for us, we were able to enjoy the place even for a while because Benjo and his roommates were moving to Serangoon the following day.

Benjo then took us to eat at the Hawker place beside his apartment, where I was able to enjoy an original milk tea (as seen above). I was starving so I forgot to take photos of the food, but it was oh-so-divine. The prices weren't that bad either.

Since we arrived in the evening, Benjo planned a whole night for us to party, and drink. Arnelli and I had just finished our hell week, and were eager to get some alcohol in our system so as to confirm the end of our college life.

We ended up in a bar known as thirteen days (I think?) and they had some promo going on wherein you could drink anything until midnight for $30. Not bad huh? But once you convert that to pesos you realize how much pala it is. So being the thrifty girl that I can be, I really drank a lot -- and I mean a lot. Sinulit ko talaga. My hit was perfect -- the kind that makes you feel like your walking on air. You're happy, and you want to dance like there's no tomorrow. <3 I absolutely love that hit and I was glad for the company.

Since we were all feeling light-headed, we decided to head to Chijmes. A small community of bars that is built inside an old church. The band we had was awesome, and Arnelli and I were dancing and having the time of our life.

I must commend the host, Benjo Panlaqui, who is (hands down) one awesome host. :) 

Here's a photo of me and my travelling buddy who I look forward to travelling with more in the future :) <3 That's me semi-drunk but sweaty coz of dancing. :)

And here is the host and my boyfriend who hit it off pretty well. All in all, my first night in Singapore was a blast. Read my next blog post and see what happened the following day. :> 

Top Five Things I Want To Do in Singapore:

1. This might sound corny to you, but I want to ride the Singapore flyer! I'm a sucker for watching sunsets, so I'd like to do it right before the sun sleeps, so I can watch the city come to life :>

2. Universal Studios, ofcourse. Enough said. Haha. I've only been to Enchanted, Star City, and Boom na Boom, so imagine me... :)

3. The Midnight Zoooooo! 

4. Try all the street food!

5. Walk around and explore!! :) I downloaded this application that is like my own personal tour guide. Can't wait to visit Little India, Chinatown, and all these other places that are full of different cultures!!

We started the holidays with a blast by spending our first weekend in Baguio in a cottage at the Baguio Country Club. We ate buffets and burgers with unlimited drinks, firewood, and good company.


It was an awesome day because Arnelli and I decided to drive to Baguio, for the very first time. We usually take the bus because I can't take very long drives for I get very very sleepy. But since Arnelli has perfected the skills of a manual car, we decided to drive together. 

What an awesome ride. It was so chill and relaxing for the two of us. I even found an URQUICO street and Barrio somewhere in Tarlac but I failed to get a nice picture as proof. Next time, I promise.

I was also able to spend time with my sisters -- again I cherish these moments for in a matter of a few years we will probably all be starting out with our own families so it might be different. 



We spent a great load of time eating and hanging around the fireplace. Rose and I went to the Sauna together, while the boys and Jasmine went bowling.

Here's a photo of my folks after they attended a wedding at the ballroom of the country club.



Here's my sister and her boyfriend, JP. Note: Yes, she is the writer of Date a Girl Who Reads.



Jasmine and Darwin - my younger sister who is already engaged.



And Yuji my adopted Japanese brother.



So far, I feel like a warm ball of happiness because our family is so eccentric, yet you can't help but feel so at home. Its even better because Arnelli was right by my side.

Today is the 23rd and Arnelli is already in Davao but its okay. I wish he was here, but I know he is happy with his family now. We both wish we were together, but we know that family time is really a different kind of high. Perhaps one day it will be our own too. 

Anyway, last post before I go. Dad made some paella today and it was lovely. Even if Jp, Yuji, Mom, Jas, and I did most of the chopping. Haha. I think that soon I will be able to make my own paella as well. :) Perhaps by the time I go to Davao for the second time. 

Cheers you guys. Have a happy holiday :)

I hope by the end of this year I will know where I stand.

To explore what it would mean to live fully, sensually alive and passionately on purpose, I have to drop my preconceived ideas of who and what I am.

- Dawna Markova

Let goooo of all inhibitions and let yourself feel what you know you want to feel.

All I can say is, God works in mysterious ways even when we choose to ignore Him. He makes His presence known.

Here's a song that makes me nostalgic and its mostly because of the thought of being a freshman.