Singapore 101

Heads up to those planning for a vacation or considering better job opportunities here in Singapore. :) Fortunately, we did not have a hard time adjusting since we have friends who provided lots of information about things here.

Hmmm, Singapore is the second country that I have been to. I went to Hong Kong several times already (cumulatively: about 3-4mos) and I'd say there are lots of similar things on these two countries. Mapping as follows (hahaha, analyze to the max ito)! Some are merely observations so you (readers) may not entirely agree with me. hehehe...

• Local residents of both countries are Chinese and they are both under British Colony before. Most Singaporeans can speak english well compared to those in HK. And I'd say, SG locals are friendlier than HK locals.


• They have a very efficient transportation service. Commuters can pay via cash or through their automated payment system (SG: ezlink, HK: octopus). Using their fare cards is actually cheaper than paying in cash. And having designated stops, prepare your feet for long walks (healthier though hehehe)




• MRT (SG)/MTR(HK) stations are strategically located per area. There are several train lines to go to several places via interchange. Both countries calls train lines via area (SG: North West Line, East West Line, North East Line and soon, Circle Line) (HK:Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Disneyland Resort Line Etc.). Similarly, their trains can also be identified per color (i.e. Green Line, Red Line, Purple Line, etc.)


• Bus stops are also properly organized to cover most areas. Most bus has upper decks too. Some difference though,




• In Singapore, you have to signal the bus driver that you will board the bus at the bus stop and press the stop button before your actual stop since bus drivers does not normally stop at all designation bus stops unless there's a signal. Commuters need not queue since there's no specified area in the stop per bus code.


• In HK, there are rare cases that one has to press the stop button. Normally, commuters who will alight the next bus stop just have to stand near the exit to signal the driver. Also, per bus stop, there's a designated area where each bus should stop (depending on code). Therefore, drivers can determine if someone needs to board his bus. Commuter queuing is required.
  

• Food: I haven't explored much on SG local delicacies but there are the usual dimsum, cheong fun, iced milk tea, iced lemon tea, roast/barbecued pork, soy chicken, hainanese chicken, congee, curry/sweet and sour dishes.


• Shopping Malls: They are just about anywhere. Most of the times stores are on sale. Feast to women's eyes hahaha..


• Filipino Hot Spot: It's Lucky Plaza (Orchard) in SG and World-Wide Center (Central) in HK.


• Grocery/Convenience Stores: 7-11 almost everywhere (for both SG and HK)... There's Circle K in HK, Cheers in SG. Groceries: Fair Price, CarreFour in SG while Wellcome and Park N Shop in HK.
  

Oh! I could list a lot more comparisons for both countries but enough of that. I'm just happy that there are a lot of same things to both countries that I did not have so much adjustment to do. Now, I'll focus on Singapore alone. :)

Temperature is almost the same with our country. Only that it seems that it rains here more often. Someone said (can't remember who) that considering that Singapore is a tropical country, amount of precipitation is high. So if you perspire a lot, bring water, fan, towelette or what have you to be more comfortable while walking.

First timers may find it difficult to get used to navigating Singapore. But if you have internet connection, you can go to their online street directory. They also have an available street directory book and bus guides to help you find your way better.

As with the laws, strictly no eating and drinking on buses and MRT stations. No spitting and definitely keep the surroundings clean. Cross on the appropriate pedestrian lanes. Most authorities are in civilian clothes so beware! Penalties cost a lot.

Aside from Filipinos, there are other races here. Along with seeing Chinese/Locals in public transports are Malaysians and Indians. There are many Caucasians and other races as well but I think they are mostly expats or tourists.

Cost of living in Singapore is definitely much expensive. Eating in fast food chains in malls would cost you a minimum of SGD6-8 (around PHP150-240 [PHP30 conversion]). Expect shelling out more cash on restaurants. Good thing there are hawker centers that are cheaper (minimum of SGD2.8). Take note that there are no drinks to the estimate cost I mentioned (minimum one dollar).

Piracy is a no-no here. Boring life, it is. Also, downloading of music, videos or movies over the internet are strictly monitored. You might be surprised that someone is knocking your door only to discover that you've been caught. Katakot!

I appreciate that areas here sort of create a community where you can conveniently go to. Seems that almost all areas have their own parks, children play areas, tambayan (frequented mostly by elderly or PDA lovers), wet markets, police stations, child care centers, schools, hawker centers and anik-anik stores.

I think that's just about it. Touring or living (temporarily or permanently that is) around Singapore definitely needs some getting used to but worth the time. Just make sure your pockets are full! Hahaha...

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Constant Change...

I have been bugged by my husband a couple of times to make a blog entry. You see, we both resigned to our work in the Philippines to seek better opportunities in Singapore. (Raises my hand) -- And yes.. more of a risk taker, I am.. I honestly urged my husband to consider working abroad for our family/future. Fortunately, after a long and careful consideration, he finally gave it a shot. I know it was harder on him since he is not that comfortable with changes on things that are crucial (work for that matter). He even hoped I would change my mind after some time but nope, I didn't.

The last few weeks in Manila went by so fast, arranged the things we will be leaving behind (house, payables, car, our Jessie the Jumping Dog... everything), meet ups with friends and catching up with the family. We were both sentimental before leaving but we tried so hard to be strong for the people we love. Only Mon saw me crying, as I don't want them to see that I am. I know we will be coming back but it really sucks thinking that you won't be so near your loved ones. Haaayyy.... Good thing there's ym, email and cellphone. We get to connect with them as often as we can. Another good thing is that we have very good friends over here to make us feel at home.

Now that I am thinking of it, it's not so bad to get out of one's comfort zone for there's a far better things ahead. There will be various changes that will happen to our lives and it's up to us how we deal with it. One great thing I learned on this journey that we took, is to be optimistic all the way. Resenting the change will just keep you from improving. Worse, it will make you more apprehensive and fearful. So, let's just MOVE FORWARD. ;)

** Singapore Adventures will be on a separate post. :D

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Uncertainties

Almost a month of hibernation is over.. So many things happened in the past weeks. If my memory serves me right, I hope I recall it all while writing this entry. Just have to make it short. ;)

I was again sent by our company in HK (last week of August - first week of September) to perform the production deployment of our system. Good that the sale period is over but that did not stop us from going to usual places such as Causeway Bay, 188 and Tsim Sha Tsui. Been drooling over Nintendo DS for quite some time since my officemates are very much into it. Two of my colleagues bought at the same time and another colleague currently in Manila requested if we could buy one for her (and just pay here when we get back to Manila). With Snow's full pocket, Ems got her request.. And to my delight, I was allowed to "test drive" Ems' DS for more than a week. :p

And most of the time, HK == food. Haha.. There's the usual street foods, default maxim's and yum cha. I got to try McDonald's Big n Tasty as well as Gnet's ultimate McDonald's craving.. the Milo McFlurry! hahaha.. We also got to try eating to authentic HK/Chinese cuisine (thanks to Peggy =) as well as dining in Watami Central. And then, there's our finale gimik at Lan Kwai Fong and Ocean Park.

That HK trip will be my last since I am about to embark to a new chapter of my/our life. One of the good things that happened to me in ISI is that I found such wonderful people that I can fully trust and that made my life a very memorable one. Knowing that I am such a cry baby, I try not to think about leaving. As they say, friendship doesn't end there rather it is a challenge to make it a lot stronger.

I already left behind the not-so-good memories that happened, for a long time now. I just treated it as learning experiences. What's on my mind now are the things that made me a more mature person that I am now.

So little time, so much to do. Preparing stuffs and reconnecting with old friends... So far, we met up with Yong and Gilbert as well as my high school barkada. We have yet to meet our college friends. I hope we can all meet them before leaving.

I'm such a worrywart these days just thinking about a lot of things. Our families, our house, our jumping dog... Haaayyy... Most of all, what's really on my mind is.. We took a big risk and with that, the future is uncertain. I don't know if we can really make it. I don't know if we can adjust easily. I don't know how to go about our lives when we're there. I don't know what tomorrow will bring. Thus, the title uncertainties came up.

But come to think of it.. there are certainties as well.. One, I strongly believe that God lead us to it.. Because He know what our hearts truly desire, to help our families more and better future for our own family as well. Along with that is the fact that me and my husband will be working closely together to pull through. The combination alone will definitely overpower all of my uncertainties. :)

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