Singapore Archives - It's Me Xy-Za

Touring Singapore on A Budget

Xy-Za — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 16:24:00 +0000

Singapore is one of the most expensive destinations in Asia. If you ask Filipinos living in Singapore, they’d probably tell you to prepare a good amount if you are visiting Singapore. The cost of living in Singapore is high compared to other Asian Countries. If you have at least 15,000 pesos for a 3-day trip, you will surely survive Singapore. I created a separate post for the itinerary and budget you may check it out here.

Here are few tips on how to tour around Singapore on a budget;

1. If you’re staying Singapore for 3 days better get the Tourist pass EZLink card (unlimited rides for 3 days) for easy transport from one place to the other. Cost: SGD 20.00

2. Book an accommodation in a hostel with shared bathroom. Hostel beds with shared bathroom can be rented out for at least SGD 18.00 per day. Prices are higher during weekends and on holidays. For a good deal, you can book your accommodation ahead of time. Book here

Why hostel? Because you will be touring anyways! Unless you plan to have a staycation in Singapore then you choose a fancy hotel instead. Message me for bookings.

3. Buy attraction tickets ahead online. Online travel stores like KLOOK, for example, has great deals for discounted tickets for Singapore attractions that can help you save more and keep you stay on a budget.

4. Have your USD or PHP changed to SGD (Singapore dollar) at MUSTAFA! They give the highest exchange rate in Singapore. The Travelex Money Exchange found at the CHANGI AIRPORT is almost equal to that in MUSTAFA or sometimes slightly lower. Don’t exchange your Peso to SGD in the Philippines, most especially at the PH airports. You can change your Peso to USD instead.

5. Purchase a Tourist SIM CARD. There are a lot in Singapore you can choose between SINGTEL and M mobile. You can buy it from SGD15 to SGD30 that is valid from 3 to 10 days.

SINGTEL gives 4GB free internet, unlimited local calls, few minutes international calls for 3 days.
M mobile offers 100GB free internet, unlimited local calls, few minutes international calls for 5 days. 4G SIM Card (SG Airport Pick Up) for Singapore

You can buy this at a great discount ahead of time and pick it up the moment you arrive at the Singapore airport.

6. Shop for gifts or pasalubongs at Chinatown for Singapore memorabilia’s like key chains, ref magnets and/or bags. You can get key chains at 42 pcs for SGD 10, 7 shoulder bags at SGD 10.00 or ref magnets at SGD1.0 each. For other branded items you may go to IM at Jurong East or Bugis Junction Mall.

7. For cheap quality buys of branded products, check out CHANGI CITY MALL just at the Singapore Expo.

8. For your meals, eat authentic Singaporean meals at hawker stores. You can get a complete set at SGD 3.00 to SGD 5.00. If you’re eating at Makansutra or in restaurants, each dish display has 2 to 3 indicated prices, the lowest one is for a single serving.

For example; $4/$7/$12

SGD 4.0 = small serving (single serving)
SGD 7.0 = medium serving can feed 2-3 people
SGD 12.00 = large serving which can feed 3-5 people

9. If you are a tourist and you’re buying items that total to at least SGD 100.00 in a single receipt, you are entitled to tax (GST) refund which you can claim at the airport after passing the Immigration counter or the store can give you an outright discount, just show your passport.

10. There are a lot of free tourist destinations in Singapore that you can take advantage of prioritizing visiting them if you are on a tight budget. You can pick 1 themed attraction if you prefer to indulge a little. Most of the time, that’s Universal Studios Singapore. But if it’s okay for you to leave that out the Universal Studio globe is free, and other beautiful scenes in Sentosa are free of entrance fee too.

8 FREE SITES you can take advantage while in Singapore:

1. Sentosa Resorts World and Universal Studios globe
2. Gardens by the Bay
3. Marina Bay Sands view
4. Esplanade at the Marina Bay
5. Merlion statue at the Marina Bay
6. The City Hall
7. Chinatown Walking Tour
8. Little India Walking Tour

I hope this article helps your future trip to Singapore. If you liked this blog post, please give this a thumbs up and share it with your friends and family who might need this budget tips to Singapore. Comment down below if you have questions or suggestions too.

Can you suggest other destinations in Singapore that are free of charge too? Comment down below, and I’ll try to visit them on my next Singapore trip.

Klook.com

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SINGAPORE | Universal Studio – Sentosa

Xy-Za — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Universal Studios is one of the themed parks in Singapore that receives a lot of visitors in the country. If you are a fan of movies, you are pretty familiar with Universal Studios for sure. When I visited Universal Studios last year (Feb 2016), We started at around 8 am in the morning and went home at 7 PM. This year we were quite late and arrived Universal Studios at around 10 AM. The sun was already too hot. He he

TICKETS

Last year we bought tickets online directly from their website promos [Link here]. We were lucky to have purchased it at only 54 SGD each with a free tumbler.

In my recent trip, we got our discounted tickets at our hostel. Their hostels in Singapore offer discounted rates in all the touristy destinations of Singapore. We got it at 69 SGD compared to the regular 75 SGD when purchased at the park.

RIDES

If you are a thrill-seeker experience the rides, but be mindful of the wait time and reminders posted outside each ride. Wait times could usually run between 5-120 minutes or more. Most especially for the most thrilling once.

If you are a real adventurous and as long as you don’t have severe heart/health conditions Transformers and The Mummy is a must try. But if, roller coaster ride is your thing, try Galactic and Human.

SHOWS

If you’re not fun of rides, no worries. Universal Studios is both kid and senior friendly destination. Make sure to pick a schedule and a map at the entrance so you can see what the schedules of the shows that you can watch during your stay are.

* Don’t miss out the aqua show at the WATER WORLD.

Book a discount ticket here:
Universal Studios Singapore Ticket (1 Day Pass) – Klook Travel

CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH THE CHARACTERS

You can also line up and meet the characters in different areas of the park. Fall in line to have your photos taken for a souvenir. Check the schedules for you to know who’s around at that time.

* Don’t miss out BUMBLEBEE

SHOPS

You can buy some memorabilia from the store of each attraction available. You can purchase a shirt, ref magnets or key chains. If you’re fun of buying tumblers like me (hehe) grab one, it also comes with FREE Drink if you purchase a mug.

Food stalls are available everywhere, quench your thirst or fill your tummy they have it. Like literally everywhere.

There’s so much activity happening all at once at Universal Studios Singapore, you might not even notice it’s already 7:00 PM. The sun usually sets at 8 in the evening.

*Photos used in this post are a mix of Feb 2016 and May 2017 visit to Universal Studios Singapore

Have you been to Universal Studios? In which country? Share your experience in the comment section below.

Book your discount tickets here:
Universal Studios Singapore Ticket (1 Day Pass) – Klook Travel

Book your Singapore accommodation here

Klook.com

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SINGAPORE | Food Trip

Xy-Za — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Food Trip Media Singapore Edition

When you are visiting a new place, most specially in a foreign country one of the things that you should try is their best seller meals or food.

During my recent visit to Singapore, my high school bff Faith and her husband Louie was generous enough to go on a food trip with me. She was good enough to bring me to Singapore’s authentic and oldest restaurants (brands) that up to know locals patronizes.

SONG FA BAK KUT TEH

Have an original Bak Kut Teh experience where you can enjoy a fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs and flavorful, peppery, spice-infused hot broth that has been enjoyed in the market since 1960’s.

Quick Fact:

Bak kut teh literally means “meat bone tea”. It refers to a soup brewed with pork ribs complete with various herbs and spices.

I really enjoyed the soup. Every sip soothes the tired soul. The soup was very flavorful and the pork ribs are indeed fall-off-the bone tender. We ordered a small one but I think I can even finish the large bowl. The tea soup is unlimited and you will surely enjoy it. It’s a must try when in Singapore. This meal was paid for by my dear friend and her hubby! Thank you so much!

IRVIN’S SALTED EGG

True to it’s label, it is indeed addicting. I don’t know what’s so special about this chips but they are seriously deadly that you just can’t stop it. Purchase of this product is limited to 5 pcs only per person and may run out of stocks before lunch time. They produce a limited number of each flavor daily where locals and visitors fall in line the earliest morning just to grab some. Selling for only 16 SGD for the big pack and 8 SGD for the smaller one. They also have this fish paste that is equally addicting according to Faith and her husband Louie, which I still have to try then in my next visit.

There are some stores that sell this too at a higher price within SG like the one Micai got in Lucky Plaza.

LLAO LLAO

Llao llao is not originally from Singapore. But we had this for dessert. Faith was craving for it and Yogurt is something that I can’t say NO. We tried this one at Jurong East Mall.

When we visited Makansutra on our second night in Singapore we tried the following;

HAINANESE CHICKEN

Hainanese chicken rice is often called Singapore’s National dish. Your visit to Singapore will not be complete without having it in one of your meals. It is also listed at number 45 on the World’s 50 most delicious foods compiled by CNN Go in 2011.

It can be found in hawker stalls, restaurants and in buffets. Hainanese chicken rice is considered one of the national dishes of Singapore, and is often served at international expositions and global events abroad, and in Singaporean-run restaurants overseas. Hainanese chicken rice is also one of the few local dishes served on Singapore Airlines flights.[Source]

CHILI CRAB (35 SGD)

Ordered a big crab that can feed 3-4 persons. I love the sauce and how it was prepared ready to eat. definitely a must try when in Singapore.

CEREAL BUTTER PRAWNS (22 SGD)

Seafood is quite expensive in Singapore, but this prawns deserves to be in the table. I mean, as a Filipino we do serve prawns in our table often and if you compare the price, ours is still cheaper than in Singapore. How this is prepared is basically how we usually prepare it at home too minus the cereal.

WING STOP (9.0 SGD)

This one is not a Singaporean dish. Wing stop is originally from Garland, Texas and is the #1 Wings in America. My Brother in Christ (SFC) Bro. Rhannel paid for this meal, yay! Thanks for the treat! Ate this before leaving SG on that day. I love chicken wings, despite having asthma attacks after hahaha.

So basically this are the food that I have documented during this trip in Singapore. I will definitely try something else in my next visit. If you haven’t tried this yet, then you must! Always remember that in every place that you visit, make it authentic by trying out and appreciating the local food scene.

How about you? Have you tried this meals in Singapore? What are other authentic Singaporean dishes that I should try in our next visit? Leave a comment in the comment section below.

Have a great day!

TRAVELING TO SINGAPORE SOON?

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SINGAPORE | Guided City Tour Itinerary

Xy-Za — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 07:00:00 +0000

The visit to Singapore last May 2017 was a mix of business and leisure. Me and my team mates of Leuterio Realty & Filipino Homes planned a trip to SG since January to motivate us to reach our goals in sales. At least we have something to look forward to by summer. So we booked a trip without having many plans really on what to do in Singapore other than just plain vacation.

Before we left for Singapore, we were surprised that we were booked for a CITY TOUR by our very own CEO (Thank you!). The City tour was 36SGD per person, should you wish to get their service too. But I’ll be sharing with you, our itinerary, just in case you want to do it on your own instead.

GUIDED CITY-TOUR ITINERARY SINGAPORE

STARTING POINT >>> Chinatown Tourist HUB

A shuttle picks us up at Victoria Albert Street which is just across the road where our hostel was. The shuttle brought us to the Chinatown Tourist Hub. From Chinatown, we were aboard a tourist bus, where we were mixed with other tourists scheduled on that day and time.

The Parliament House of Singapore is a public building and cultural landmark and houses the Parliament of Singapore. It is located in the Civic District of the Downtown Core within the Central Area. Wikipedia

Merlion Park is a Singapore landmark and major tourist attraction, located at One Fullerton, Singapore, near the Central Business District. Wikipedia

Thian Hock Keng Temple is an old Hokkien temple in Singapore. Originally completed in 1842, Thian Hock Keng is one of the oldest Hokkien temples in Singapore. Thian Hock Keng Temple is built in Southern Chinese temple architecture style. No nails are used in the construction of the temple. Thian Hock Keng Temple is for followers of Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The main Thian Hock Keng Temple is dedicated to Ma Zu, the Taoist Goddess of the Sea. There is a Buddhist Temple at the back, which is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Deities at the Thian Hock Keng Temple include Ma Zu (Goddess of the Sea), Bao Sheng Da Di, Guan Sheng Di Jun (Heavenly Sage), Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa (Goddess of Mercy), Yue Gong Niang Niang (The Moon Goddess), Tai Yang Gong (The Sun God), etc. After its renovation in 2000, Thian Hock Keng Temple was awarded UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage 2001 Award for Culture Heritage Conservation Building.
Location: 158 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore [Source]

Book a ticket for Singapore City Sightseeing here.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a 158-year-old tropical garden located at the fringe of Singapore’s Orchard Road shopping district. It is one of three gardens, and the only tropical garden, to be honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wikipedia

Entrance Fee: 5 SGD (For our trip this is already included in the tour package)

HOUSE OF TAN TENG NIAH [Last stop]

Possibly Singapore’s most colorful building, the House of Tan Teng Niah sits proudly at the center of Little India. However, unlike the rest of the attractions on this list, the House of Tan Teng Niah isn’t really Indian. As any linguists may have already realized, this building’s routes lie firmly in the Chinese colonialism of Singapore and is the only survivor of its type in the neighborhood. The India community can take credit for the rainbow of colors that the house is so famous for, as well as the building’s renovation and upkeep. Address: 37 Kerbau Road [Source]

PS: It was raining the whole time. I apologize for the low-quality video. I’m even too lazy to take a photo lol.

What I liked about the guided tour was more than just visiting the place itself and take some pictures for souvenirs was the history and story in detail about Singapore, their culture, their government and the value of the site to Singaporeans. A vacant lot may only look like any other lot, but knowing why the government and people appreciate that lot and respect that space a lot was exactly the primary purpose of that guided tour.

We may also see signs and structures that are quite odd in position or location, but if you know the story behind it, you will be amazed at what it signifies.

I personally like guided tours like this, because you’ll learn a lot about the country, the place, the location, more than just taking a picture and marking internet foot prints online. Other than that it also leaves a stamp in your heart and change how you deal with life after it.

One of the challenges of DIY Tours is the transportation. Moving from one place to another may take up so much time, and the possibility of long walks is inevitable. If you are not that of an adventurer and if you’re in a big group, better get the service of guided tours. It helps you maximize time and visit more destinations in a shorter time too. And also let me add convenience.

Thank you to this guy (I forgot his name sorry) for being such a fantastic guide. His English was clear and perfect. Well, at least to me. And also thank you FILIPINO HOMES for paying for this tour.

Book a ticket for Singapore City Sightseeing here.

————–

To know more about Filipino Homes click this link here or just contact me.

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SINGAPORE | Marina Bay

Xy-Za — Sun, 15 May 2016 13:24:00 +0000

Marina Bay Sands

One of the must visit destination in Singapore is Marina Bay. Marina Bay Sands is the boat like structure with an awesome view of developed Singapore from its infinity pool. Marina Bay Sands is actually a hotel.

Marina Bay Sands is the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia.Marina Bay Sands is a premier entertainment destination with its vibrant diversity of attractions and facilities. The vision was to build an integrated development that is timeless, a landmark that possesses a distinct identity which distinguishes Singapore from other cities.

Located along the Marina Bay waterfront, Marina Bay Sands features three cascading hotel towers topped by an extraordinary sky park, ‘floating’ crystal pavilions, a lotus-inspired Museum, retail stores featuring cutting-edge labels and international luxury brands, trendy Celebrity Chef restaurants, endless entertainment at the theaters, the hottest night clubs and a Las Vegas-style casino. Business visitors will also enjoy the extensive Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities featuring state-of-the-art technology, highly flexible exhibition halls, and a convention center that can host over 45,000 delegates.

Marina Bay Sands seamlessly combines business and leisure into a singular destination unlike any other. [Source]

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SG Diaries Day 4.1: The Singapore EXPO, IKEA and Giant

Xy-Za — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:00:00 +0000

Singapore EXPO is known for its huge EXPO halls and conference halls. This is the venue of our CFC-SFC International Conference 2016. This is the very first time of SFC to hold an International Conference outside the Philippines.

As expected, it is more pricey and the most convenient and less hassle conference I ever had with CFC-SFC. This is also the first time for my full-time missionary sister to be a participant and not as a member of the service team.

And not to mention the first time for us to experience authentic Singaporean dishes served in an exquisite disposable lunch box, which I bet a lot of Filipino friends would agree with me that it looks too pretty to be thrown away, lol.

Just me. Grateful that I am here and was able to attend the conference.

The crowd

This is Day 1 of the conference and our day 4 in Singapore. Our generous host scheduled a shopping day at IKEA Singapore and at GIANT. These shops were located at Tampines.

They have the cheapest goods so far if you’ll compare the price at Chinatown, Bugis, Orchard Lucky Plaza and Mustafa in Farer Park. Fewer shoppers, bigger place, and opens until 11PM!

How to get there ? Getting to IKEA Tampines

If you’re coming by bus

A) 27, 34, 58, 168

B) 27, 34, 58, 168

If you’re coming by MRT

From Pasir Ris MRT

From Pasir Ris Bus Interchange, take bus service no. 58 and alight at Bus Stop B, after Tampines Expressway.

From Tampines MRT

Make your way to the bus stop stop along Tampines Ave 4 outside Tampines MRT Station and take bus service no. 27 or 168 and alight at Bus Stop A just before Tampines Expressway.

From Punggol MRT

From Punggol Bus Interchange, take bus service no. 34 and alight at Bus Stop B after Tampines Expressway.

From Buangkok and Sengkang MRT

Take bus service no. 27 and alight at Bus Stop B after Tampines Expressway.

If you’re coming by car

From Tampines Expressway

If you are heading towards the direction of Woodlands, turn left at Exit 5 into Tampines Ave 10.

From Tampines Expressway

If you are heading towards the direction of Changi Airport, turn right at Exit 5 into Tampines Ave 10.

Parking

Carpark is open from 7am – 11pm. Parking is free.

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SG DIaries Day 4: Chinatown invasion

Xy-Za — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 06:29:00 +0000

Day 4 in SG Day 1 for the conference. The Singles for Christ International conference will start later in the afternoon. Today, I’ll be meeting the delegates from Zamboanga, Dipolog city, and Iligan city. I have their conference kits here with me.

Only this side of Singapore where you can see this signs.

Before the conference starts me and my sister decided to meet one of the delegates at Chinatown. They were staying here for a day and will transfer later near the conference venue before the conference starts.

We had breakfast in one of the Chinese stores here. My sister who has been in Singapore before said that the prices near the MRT are higher compared to the ones inside the market area. I couldn’t help it anymore, I was too hungry and impatient already so I picked the first store I see. True enough the chicken rice costs $7.50 dollars already without drinks. It’s way over our daily meal budget already. That’s almost 50% more than what he usually have near our SG home.

There are a lot of tall buildings everywhere. It’s very different from what I perceived it to be. Most of the time tourists stops at the flea market area where a lot of the Singapore memorabilia are displayed for sale

Chinatown is the pasalubong haven of SG. If you want SG memorabilia like keychains for example Chinatown has the cheapest. We hoarded and that costs us big cut from our budget. Haha wew next time I guess I should not buy pasalubongs anymore! lol

If you walk out of the Market area, you’ll see a Chinese temple. When we were there, there are also a lot of tourist who wish to see the temple. We asked permission if we can take pictures inside and they said yes.

In visiting temples in Singapore, make sure you abide with their rules and avoid making too much noise as the people there go their to pray. Avoid taking pictures with a flash to show some respect and also to not disturb others. It would really be nice if you will wear decent clothes too.

We also tried the authentic Chinese dishes and milk tea.

Trying out The BEST SINGAPORE TRADITIONAL COFFEE

NANYANG OLD COFFEE PTE LTD

FOR SALES & FRANCHISE INQUIRY:

NANYANG OLD COFFEE PTE LTD

Phone Number: 6100 6334

Website: www.nanyangoldcoffee.com

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SG Diaries Day 3: Sentosa Island

Xy-Za — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 08:27:00 +0000

Sentosa Island. I heard so much about you and the Universal Studios is one of them. In almost all visitors of Singapore, Universal Studios they say is a must visit. And the rides are the must ride. I’m not a big fun of amusement parks, and im not a big fan of amusement rides. But then again when everything seems new you’d love to try them out. Most specially if each ride is a surprise.

We got our tickets through their website. It’s a promo ticket which is way cheaper than the ones sold at the airport or from some travel agencies. It comes with a freebies too.

Of course, never go home from Sentosa without a pose at the famous globe. Located just before the park grand entrance. It is surrounded with food shops and some ticketing stalls. If you got the ticket from their site just like ours, go to the Guest service center for it to be replaced with park tickets and the claim stub for your freebies.

This is the grand entrance and a few meters away is their main gate where security personnel and park staff are to check your stuff and tickets. The universal souvenir stores will overwhelm you but don’t stay long. Each amusement rides and destinations has souvenir shops that you can window shop or check the items as you go along. Save your energy for the rides.

There are also baby and toddler strollers available for rent. If you have babies and toddlers with you, i would highly recommend renting them, but if its possible for you to bring your own, that is much better. Because renting is still expensive for a whole day stroll.

Universal studio is a must see promise! Go there earlier as possible so you can enjoy almost all the ride.

There are a lot of attractions around the island. Look for PAPA/Daddy Merlion. hehehe My sister call the biggest merlion Papa Merlion, while the Merlion in Marina Bay is Mama/Mommy Merlion and the merlion at the back of Mama Merlion is baby merlion. lol

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SGDiaries | Day 2 – Marina Bay

Xy-Za — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 07:22:00 +0000

Our Day 2 Itinerary in Singapore

CFC Mission Center Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
The Famous Merlion
Makansutra Gluttons Place

Day 2 we spent half of the day sleeping. Was amazed when my body clock woke me up at 6:00 AM and it was still so dark, of course I went back to sleep. Woke up at 9:00 AM and the skies were gloomy, It was a rainy morning, such a bed weather. Stayed in bed for another hour until ate Lorna called us up for brunch. Weee thank you ate.

Just a glipse of the mission center. We went to the CFC Center quiet late because of the weather. We pick up our EZ links and conference kits. Here it is;

We went out for Marina bay around 4:00 PM. Took MRT Red lane for Marina Bay. Passed by the Mall And walk around towards Makansutra and the Merlions.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel is famous with it’s amazing man-made adventure resort with an amazing infinity pool and an awesome birds eye view of Singapore viewed from the rooftop. We got the opportunity to walk around the mall. Almost all the expensive brands are there. haha I can’t even afford to buy one. I scheduled a meet-up with some high school friends who’s already living in Singapore.

Taken near the LV Shop. The tall buildings just look awesome.

Walking around the Marina Bay you’ll find a lot of interesting things that Singaporeans do. They are very physically active. You’d usually see people walking and running around doing their routine exercises while tourists would simply just roam around. If you wanted to shop you can visit the Marina Mall. After a long walk at the Marina Mall walk towards the ART SCIENCE MUSEUM. I didn’t really had the opportunity to go in because we’re meeting some friends at Makansutra and it’s getting late for dinner. hehe

We walked pass the HELIX FOOTBRIDGE and pause for a better view of the facade. I can’t stop from getting amazed with the structure and how well they have planned and managed such man-made scenic view. At the end of the Helix footbridge walk few more steps and you’ll reach the gluttonic place of MAKANSUTRA. You will also notice the SINGAPORE FLYER on the side.

MAKANSUTRA is also known as GLUTTONS PLACE because of a number of hawkers (carenderia na medyo sosyal) that serves authentic Singaporean and Persian dishes. It’s an open air food district where tourists and local would never fail to visit. I love the dishes, I seriously do. Much more when you are dining with friends and love ones with such scenic view on the side.

So after a sumptuous diner at Makansutra we passed by Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay. If only I have much time I’d love also to try whatever the Esplanade could offer for entertainment. Hehehe of course a quick shot at the stage with a great view of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

with the Mother Merlion

A few steps more you’ll see the famous Merloin. My sister calls it Mother Merlion because the Big Merlion is in Sentosa Island which she calls Papa Merlion and the smaller one is the Baby Merlion hehehe.

Yup that’s the baby Merlion at the back of Mother merlion hehehehe.

So that’s how we concluded the day on our second day. It was a bit tiring yet fun. When we arrived home we help Kuya Caesar with the decorations for the PRE-ICON Culminations

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Missionary sisters in Singapore: Diary of a first timer in SG

Xy-Za — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 14:36:00 +0000

Dubbed as the most expensive Country in Asia, CFC-Singles for Christ hold the first ever International Conference outside the Philippines and we choose Singapore. Me and my sister who is a full time missionary worker of CFC-Kids for Christ arrived days earlier than the rest of the SFCs. There were a number of Full-time missionaries in our flight and the fear of being held at the immigration is there.

We have been briefed about how strict the immigration people is and a few members who were days ahead of us where indeed held for questioning and got stuck at the airport for more than an hour. In all levels of the trip and in all counters we were always in deep prayer for a smooth sailing check-in. God was so amazing that me and my sister came out from the counters smoothly and with no problem.

We were asked what we’re the questions asked from us by other missionaries. God was so good that not even one was asked from the Philippines and the only question at the immigration counter in Singapore was, “Is it your first time in Singapore?” which I giggly said “YES” as if I was asked for marriage. lol the immigration officer replied with a SMILE and welcomed me to Singapore.

That’s my sister Eunice. She’s the Full Time Missionary. It’s her second time and my first

It was quiet different for people who are coming simply as a tourist. We are there for a conference and for a mission. The fear of being questioned many times is there. The fear of being held up and denied entry was there too. But Praise God everything went okay.

The touchdown smile

Me and my sister met with our host at the airport. They are Filipino young couples who are also leaders of Couples For Christ Singapore. They hosted us for a week of stay in Singapore, which greatly helped us save a lot for this trip.

So basically in this series of post I’ll share to you our itinerary and touristy side trips and expenses in SGD.

Arrival (Feb 23, 2016 5PM)

We waited for almost an hour to be accommodated by the immigration officer. There’s a lot passengers at that time. But we only had 2-3 minutes when it was our turn.

6:00 PM – Ate Lorna pick us up from the airport to their lovely home. We were’nt really expecting a lot but God surprised us big time with our very generous host. The cab from the Changi Airport to Upper Serangoon View is at $20 SGD due to traffic. Yup i didn’t expected traffic though but there was a car accident so that’s what caused the traffic.

Right hand drive. Looks pretty cool to me. (ignorante mode on)

We arrived at Upper Serangoon View at around 7:00PM and yup the sun is still up hehehe. (ignorante mode)

The view from our window! Welcome to Upper Serangoon View.

8:00PM – Ate Lorna and Kuya Ceasar treat us for dinner in one of the hawkers place in Upper Serangoon View. I rode their bus for the first time, paid in coins and amazed to get a ticket haahahaha. We paid in coins since our EZ-Links are not yet with us. We have a customized EZ-links included in our conference kits.

Bus ticket $1.40SGD

Tried the highly recommended Singaporean dishes. Thanks to our ever supportive host for allowing me to take pictures before eating them hehehehehe.

Braised Pork Belly and Hainanese Chicken Rice

The food review for this dishes will be reviewed at HungryIliganon.com.

After dinner we visited the Welcome Dinner for the delegates of SFC PRE-ICON 2016. This is the third pre-icon that I haven’t attended. The others were due to schedules, but this 2016 is because of budget! lol. ahahah But I still had the opportunity to meet them with our host. They’re members of the working committee for the pre-icon.

So basically that’s how our day started in Singapore! See you on my next post.

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