My Solo Singapore Trip

Last February 25-28, 2011, I went to Singapore alone. It wasn't my plan to go there alone, but some unexpected, crazy and unfair situation came in why I became a loner on my first out of the country trip. Anyways, things happen for a reason and I think going solo there helped me see myself clear and I did have a best and unforgettable days of my life. :) I never regret pursuing the trip alone. 5 Minutes before Arriving at Singapore

Good thing I had a cousin in Singapore who offered me a place to stay and some friends who toured me around the city. I did have a blast going there and enjoyed my four days stay. I am also thankful to have bunch of friends here in Manila who helped and encouraged me to pursue this Singapore trip. They even provided me some useful tips and itineraries so that I would make most of my time in Singapore. Once the plane landed in Singapore, I was literally in tears of joy. Crying and smiling at the same time because I could still remember what my parents told me a week before my scheduled of departure

"Anak, kaya mo yan and take care. I know you can manage going solo on your first trip outside the country"

and two friends of mine KC, PU and KRL posted messages on my Facebook wall, wishing me goodluck on my trip.

Here are the highlights of my Singapore trip:

Day 1 - met up my officemate and friend, MR who is now based in Singapore after getting married last December 2010. I stayed at their place and did have a lot of catching up with. I really missed MR and our "uwian talks" while she's still in our current office. It feels good to reconnect with her. There are so many things that happened since she left our office and it was fun reminiscing the good old days of our office barkadahan. After our rest and talk, we did the prawning on their nearby park in Pasir Ris. Our first goal was at least catch 2 prawns since prawning is quite hard on beginners. I think I was lucky that day, since we caught 4 prawns in an hour. Promise, nakakaadik gawin! Haha. The four prawns we caught Fresh prawns for fishing Pasir Ris National Park Day 2 - went to Universal Studios with my cousin. This is one great experience to us! Me and my cousin looked like excited kids queuing up for the lines and laughing like there's no tomorrow. We were so ecstatic lining up to do some photo ops with Universal Studios famous cartoon characters. Super memorable day for me because I feel like a kid who doesn't have any problem back here in Manila and just having the time of my life. Some of the must try things in Universal Studios are: 1. The Revenge of the Mummy ride - I'm not a fan of roller coasters but this one is a thrilling ride. You need to go to Universal Studios to find it out :)

2. The Wild River at Jurassic Park - be ready to get wet for the unexpected water coming your rafts. It's no use buying a 2SGD coat to avoid getting wet, just make sure you have extra clothes

3. The Battlestar Galactica - this is one hell of a ride!!! I think this ride is for me! For those who are depressed and willing to do any risk just to forget about something, this for you! Promise, I thought I lost my heart and soul for a while.

4. Watch the Water World - you might want to check the showing schedule first but you shouldn't forget to watch this. Cool props, pyrotechnics and lots of water. Be sure to sit on dry zone area, if you don't want to get wet.

5. Watch Shrek 4D - this is one cool 4D experience! I love Donkey!

6. Watch shows on the Hollywood Boulevard - you might get to see cute waiters and waitresses singing and dancing. You might even catch up our very own Streetboys performing on the street :)

7. Watch the Monster Rock - get to see famous horror villains singing and dancing to popular tunes live :)

8. Enter Lights, Camera and Action booth where you get to see how directors did their special effects on movies. It was really cool show. 8. Shop at Universal Studios Store for some souvenirs and pasalubongs :)

Some additional pictures from Universal Studios Singapore: After our Universal Studios, I met up with my elementary classmate and bestfriend YP, who is now an architect in Singapore. She toured me around Esplanade, Suntec City mall, Marina Bay sands and treated me for a Makansutra dinner. Day 3 - continuation of my catching up with YP. I met her at Singapore Botanical Garden with some of her friends and toured one of the most beautiful orchid garden in Singapore. After our SG Botanical Garden tour, I met my cousin at Vivo city for lunch at Marche - a Swiss restaurant and went to Sentosa to try the Luge, Skyride and extreme Log Adventure in 3D. We also went to Siloso beach for a quick stroll and watched the famous "Songs of the Sea" which feature a cool water fountains, pyrotechnics and special effects that lasted for 25 minutes. It was one cool experience! After our Sentosa trip, I met up again YP for our next tour to Clarke Quay area. It is famous for its strings of expensive bars and restaurants. This is where you can find the Extreme Bungee activity which is featured on Amazing Race Asia last season. While waiting for YP, I was sitting alone on the river bank beside Central mall looking at the river cruises and doing my own silent moment. YP treated me the yummy 1SGD ice cream and we walked along the Clarke Quay talking. Day 4 - Last photo ops with my cousin strolling along the Esplanade area and Marina Bay Sands before going home. Singapore capitol is different during morning and night and I get to witness them both. After our stroll at Esplanade, we went to Chinatown to buy pasalubongs and ate lunch there. I tried Singapore's famous Hainanese Chicken rice and Black Peppered Crab. After our lunch we went to Orchard Road and walked for a while before going back to my cousin's house to get my things and went to Airport. At the airplane going home, I won Cebu Pacific's game for guessing the correct answer on their trivia game :)

What I love about Singapore:

1. Their efficient SMRT system. Tourists doesn't feel awkward navigating the city because of clear directions. Unlike here in the Phils.

2. People - most Singaporeans can understand English and quite approachable when you asked them for directions.

3. The country itself - Their country is beautiful and clean. No clutter is left on the street because of heavy fines and there are designated smoking areas. There are also national parks across the country.

4. The buildings - modern tall building boasts Singapore skylines. All multinational companies are also located in Singapore

5. Food - I love their foods! Quite expensive but you get what you paid for. Delicious and big servings

6. Security - I didn't mind going home late since it is safe to commute to SMRT or buses. And you don't fear of losing your belongings since there are lower crime rate in Singapore because of death penalty

7. Malls - Singapore is one of the best place to go shopping specifically made for shopaholics like me :)

8. Fashion - you can wear whatever clothes you want. You can wear short shorts or skirts without being harassed (unlike here in the Phils). And I get to see lot of cool get ups from teenagers riding the SMRT.

9. Universal Studios - It was one dream come true for me!

10. Their EZ Link pass - swipe card which you can use riding their SMRT or buses

11. Free Singapore maps on the airports, SMRT and malls. And touch screen maps across the malls

12. No AIRPORT TERMINAL fee upon departure! Lessons I learned while in Singapore 1. It is always good to keep in touch with friends. Just like me and YP, we just communicated through YM and FB through the years. It was 12 years since the last time we see each other. Reuniting with her feels good and elating.

2. Read and ask for directions. It is always good to research on the place you're going to so you know what to expect.

3. I realized that I can live and go alone without depending on others or somebody

4. I don't have any itineraries going to Singapore, I just list down the places and landmarks I want to visit then check them out on my free time.

5. Still figuring out how to go back to Singapore :)

Promise I will be back on this country!!! :)

Sadness - Emotera Posts for the nth Time

During February 1st, I posted a status on my Facebook wall that I shouldn't be sad, angry, depressed and bitter. And I am trying naman. I may be experiencing some low downs but I get to manage it and be happy even just for a while… will post some of my February trips next time! Promise ang mahal ma-depress ha, because it is the only outlet you had and all you had in mind is to get away for a while and think things a lot.

While searching in the Net regarding on the instructions or guides on requirements management document (the one document that made my nose bleed), I accidentally googled ways to overcome depression and sadness… Applicable talaga sakin ang tip na ito…Dahil naman kasi naghahanap din ako. Ayoko na rin maging emotera at pathetic sa mga friends ko kahit 100++ times na nila akong sinasabihan na mag-move on na. I need to divert my attention to different things and try to be happy on my own ways. It may be harder than expected but I know I can surpass this loneliness. Don't ask me why I am sad this January and February, I think this is the major crossroad I had in my 27 years of existence. I've experience fair share of heartbreaks before but this time it took a dangerous toll on me. Everything was thrown off into different directions and confusions came in spiraling down on me.

Ok enough of my melodramatics… I would like to share this article to those people who are currently experiencing same feelings I had right now… how to move on and heal a wound. Overcome sadness and depression.

According to Alex Shalman, the one who wrote this article on website: http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/03/10-simple-ways-to-overcome-depression.html

Here are some 10 simple ways to overcome sadness without any happy pills

1. Set Goals
Something special happens the moment the paper meets the pen and we write down our goals. Our brain chemistry changes, neurons fire, hormones are deployed, and we start thinking about how we can achieve those goals.

2. Sleep
Getting the right amount of sleep is healthy for our body and mind. Some argue that sleep deprivation treats depression, but I don't buy it. I think it's a cheap distraction that catches up to you within days. Get enough rest.

3. Exercise
If you're physically capable, try one hour of cardio (or as much as you can). If you're tee-shirt is soaking wet, you're standing in a puddle of your own sweat, and you can feel the endorphins pumping through your body, you did it right. Shower up and try not being happy, I dare you.

4. Forgiveness
Many times we're making ourselves sad for no good reason at all. People have been known to keep grudges for lifetimes (most religions and nationalities keep them for generations). When you forgive, you remove this weight off your shoulders and put yourself in a position to be happier.

5. Gratitude
Many times when we complain we can cause ourselves to be sad. Complaining is just a factor of not taking into account what we're grateful for. Sit down and make a list of 100 things you're grateful for right now (and I dare you not to feel better).

6. Sunlight
Certain people have a disorder, in which, due to a lack of sunlight, they experience seasonal sadness. I'm somewhat affected by this in the winter when the days are shorter. That's why it pays to grab your iPod (or your friend) and go for 30 minute walks each day and embrace the sunlight.

7. Hydration
This has always been my downfall; I don't drink enough and chances are you don't either. Some days I drink only 1 cup of water, and I feel horrible. When I remember, and drink 2-3 liters, I'm happy as a kitten on cat-nip, and productive as a bat out of hell.

8. Friendships
Your life force, support system, and everything that matters. It's not hard to make friends if you put the time in. Everyone wants to be heard, appreciated, and loved. Start off by listening, appreciating and loving, and it will come back your way.

9. Reading
Take a temporary leave from reality and bury yourself in one of your favorite books. A lot of wise people have been through what you're going through and they made it through to the other side to tell about it.

10. Journal
This could be an escape but it doesn't have to be. You can write about fiction, and transport yourself to another world, or you can write about what's going on, and let your thoughts carry you through to a solution. Many great books were written by people who were, at least at the time, going through a period of pain and suffering.