Universal Studios Singapore® - Santa's All-Star Christmas 2015

ABBEY: I've been to Universal Studios Singapore many times and I act as a tour guide to our visitors. This time my highschool bestfriend paid a visit. The theme park "theme" is of course Christmas as the holiday is fast approaching. We were given candy canes at the entrance. We first rode the Madagascar : A Crate Adventure. Next is the 4D movie of Shrek in Far Far Away. After that was the new ride Puss in Boots' Giant Journey. I started to get dizzy. Haha.

We also got a chance to watch a dance showdown by Rockafellaz; Pinoy's very own Streetboys. We had pizza and pasta for lunch. Good thing that it was saved by Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase.

We got a chance to see and feel how it is like to be in a sound studio in Lights, Camera, Action.

By the time we rode Transformers The Ride, my head is really spinning. It rained hard but still Wilma and Jennnee queued up for Cyclon of Battlestar Gallactica. Me? Just waiting for them to finish.

No one ride The Mummy indoor roller coaster. No one wants to experience the unknown.

We also got a snap with Marilyn Monroe. As the rain pour hard, we rested in Jurassic Park's Discovery Centre while sipping coffee and munching chicken lollipops. The Waterworld show was cancelled due to the weather.

The last ride we had is the Canopy Flyer. Our guest was happy and got a great time.

WILL: This is my first time to go to Universal Studios Singapore during festive season. Why? Because I am avoiding a jam-packed themed park, because I hate long queues for the rides and for the toilets, because it is very hard to take a seat for some snacks, and ultimately.. because I will not enjoy the rest of the day. But, when we were there, there is no queue at all, but of course except the leading rides. Haha. 

I am praying not to rain but it did. It is Sunday but the sun fails to showed up! Argh! But still the fun never stops. Umbrella is on! Haha. 

I enjoyed their Sesame Street Saves Christmas Show, as if I came back to my childhood! Haha. As the rain is pouring, we sat and ate at Loui's NY Pizza Parlor. Luckily when we went out from the diner, drizzles greeted us. Oh, I am so excited for this.. Battlestar Galactica Cyclone version. Wohoooo! I only got to try the human version because the cyclone is always under repair when we visited the park. So what I can say? Cyclone version is indeed the best! Literally a hair-raiser, haha! I want to go for one more ride but Jennee refused my suggestion. Hmp!  

Next stop is the Transformers. Because I am with engineers, after the ride, they are explaining how it was made. Still raining, so we go to witness my one of favorite, Lights..Camera..Action. The. We go for kiddie ride Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase. Speaking rides for kids, we also got to try the new Puss in Boots Giant Journey and Abbey and Jennee cursed me when I asked them to seat behind the Canopy Flyer at The Lost World. 

We ate our snack at Discovery Food Court with my favourite corndog. Haha! We ended our USS tour with Donkey Show. We are definitely entertained. 

I hope our visitor enjoyed as we do. :) haha! Thanks rain and cloud another first time. First time visiting USS with no sunburn. 

The Future of Us (Singapore) Exhibition 2015

ABBEY: As the name of the exhibit implies, The Future of Us showcases the future plans for Singapore. It was located besides Gardens by the Bay. It shows how an individual sees a problem and makes a solution for it. 

Intelligent cars that can drive by themselves, playground for persons with disabilities, future housing designs with vertical gardening are just few examples shown. 

The last dome asks every guest to put their wish for the city state. It just shows that nobody will be left behind when the Little Red Dot progress beyond.

WILL: So what's with Singapore after celebrating the big SG50? It is inlaid in this dome. 

From here, people saw what will the futuristic Singapore will be look like. What will be the steps to achieve those and how easy the life will be if that will happen. This Future of Us Dome mindsets the residents that those brilliant ideas are the plans of government for the Little Red Dot. 

I am so excited to see the future. I am fan of vertical gardening. Woooohoooo!! Majulah Singapura! 

Louis Vuitton Series 3 Exhibition @ Marina Bay Sands

ABBEY: When somebody says or boasts that her bag is from Louis Vuitton, I can say "Wow that must cost a fortune". In current times, owning a branded merchandise means that you can afford a lot. But there are more factors than meet the eye. Louis Vuitton proved it on their exhibition "Louis Vuitton Series 3". The designers found and revived an old emblem found in the their trunk. The logo now has a circle around it.

Series 3 shows the collection of new designs where in fact they are "old". Old in a sense that the designs or patterns were already there but got missed for a long time like the trunk keyhole and diamond patterns.

They also presented how a handbag was made. Every stitch and overlay of the fabric is carefully done by the artists. Some of them flew to Singapore to show how its done. Simple tools were used to make them. Now I know why they cost a lot. It is for the effort and hardwork rendered to each of them.

WILL: After our date at DC Comics Cafe, we headed immediately to this Louis Vuitton Series 3 pop-up museum. 

We were warmly welcomed by the staffs. The guided tour is very informative. From historic trunks to the fashion shows and to the 2 people originated from Paris just to show live how they do their handcrafts. Now, I know where they get the inspiration on the new line of Louis Vuitton. Yeahbah! Abbey also got an idea how will be my future closet look like. :) 

Once we get out of that hall, I appreciate more the Louis Vuitton products. It is a work of art from the heart of many people working in those pieces for days, weeks or even months.

Masters of Wealth Singapore 2015 - Live with Robert Kiyosaki by Success Resources

ABBEY: Financial education is needed now more than ever. Me and my wife read books, watch talks and attend seminars. That's why we were so excited when we knew that Robert Kiyosaki will be having speaking engagement here in Singapore. No more booking of hotels or catching a flight. It was held last November 29 at Resorts World Convention Centre. 

I saw parents went with their youngsters exposing them and giving them education at early age. It was a whole day affair, literally. We started at 9AM and stretched until 9:30PM.

The facilitator Jason Tyne ensures that the audience is not sleeping as he always asks questions and give exercise routines to the attendees. All of them are good speakers in their own fields. But there's one thing common in them: to motivate, boost and make you do the act and that is the start.

The ones who caught most of my attention were Peng Joon, JT Foxx, and of course Robert Kiyosaki.

Peng Joon talked about how to setup and earn money online. He is younger than me and my wife but he already reached greater heights. We opted to enroll my wife for his intensive seminar and I know this is the start of our formal training in that field.

JT Foxx randomly give his perception on the attendees. I'm glad that I was picked and everything he told is true and I got instant personality check. He talked how a person needs to take action to progress and should be done now.

Most of the speakers offer their classes which don't come cheap. You just need to choose what you really want. Time passed and the last speaker were introduced on the stage. Robert, as entrepreneur, no need for him to promote his classes nor the books. They are selling themselves. The take away from him is that change the mindset, study, learn and act.

WILL: He is one of my favourite author in financial literacy arena. Well, who am I to pass a great deal to see him in flesh and directly talking to me. Thank you Robert Kiyosaki and the gang for going here in Singapore!!! 

In pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, we were at Resorts World Sentosa too early to get a good seat. We were got the 3rd in row in the center. Yey! 

PengJoon make his way on the stage first and taught us how to earn in internet. JT Foxx interacted with my husband about branding. Kevin Green awed me when he blatantly told the audience that his secret in surpassing Robert Kiyosaki's real estate business. And a lot more speakers are there to make your eye and ears open for you to get a piece of their brains. 

Then Robert took the stage around 8pm. We never had dinner but still it is okay. Do not care with the growling tummy, I am there to feed my brain. As usual Robert uses a harsh words. But it is okay, because stup@d people need those forceful words to open up their minds for them to use their braincells. So Robert says saving money is not a good thing to do today, financial education is very important and people who are ready within will never be affected of any financial crisis that the economy goes through. In fact, if you are knowledgeable enough, you can make a tons of money in a crashing market. Do not worry Robert, I got you there! :) 

This is one of the most beautiful self-investment I ever went. Thanks Wealth Resources for making this dream come true. :)

Panerai - History and Legend Exhibition Singapore 2015

ABBEY: We were given a guided tour for the Panerai exhibition at Orchard. In it, they showed us the history of the timepieces. They were used on military missions under the sea where conditions were cold and harsh. 

Come the modern day, the 44-mm wrist acccessory got contemporary designs and were used by the public as well. We were also shown the insides of the watch. It is intricate and complex. No wonder the cheapest they have starts at 10k SGD.

WILL: I am mesmerised to have lots of watch. I love to see my wrist wearing a huge watch. And almost of my watches were just gifts. :) 

When Panerai announced that they will be holding a mini exhibition just outside their Ion Orchard Store, I didn't think twice, I urgently booked to attend one of their guided tour. 

After the said tour, it is clearer for me where they were from and who were the first users of the timepieces. After a talk with their watchmaker, I asked how much is the price and I almost fainted. Why? The model I like costs S$35,000. Yes! You read it right. Haha!

I know I can have it. In the right time I will own one. :) Thanks Panerai of the magical tour! 

Happy 50th Birthday Singapore (SG50)

ABBEY: I've been here in Singapore for 6 years now. And coming from a not so progressive country, I can clearly see the difference. 

In terms of security, first and foremost, it was great. No worries if you left office late at night; you can enjoy chatting with your friends in your mobile devices. You can even use your phone to save your table while buying your food. And most of all, you can wear your backpack on both shoulders.

With less tax being withheld, we can save more of our salaries. You can breathe fresh air the whole day not only in the morning. Yes, MRT has service disruption, but compared to where I came where delay is a normal occurence, the service is efficient. And free buses are readily available when disruption happens. Taxi fare will be metered, not in a contract and most of the drivers are polite and friendly. You can ask directions if you're a tourist or just read the signs and you'll never get lost. Shop till you drop or go to their museums to learn their history. Diversity is everywhere; food, culture, race, religion and lifestyle but still they are united when it comes to being patriotic. 

I know there is still more for this country to progress and excel. Thanks Singapore for allowing me to live, work, and enjoy my stay at this little red dot. Little it seems but have big impact on the world. Happy Birthday.

WILL: Singapore... My second home. 

Thank you Singapore for the water on tap that is potable. Thank you for peaceful, secured place to live in. Thanks for the unpolluted air. Thanks for the trees and chirping birds. Thanks for the kind locals that surrounds us on our daily lives. Thanks for diversified cuisines in hawkers. Thanks for an opportunity to work in here. Thank you for protecting us consumers and commuters. Thanks for sharing to us how live in a first world country. Thank you. Thank you. 

In touring different sites and museums of Singapore, Abbey and I learned how you reached the top. How everybody worked to change and reach the goal. 

Majulah Singapura! Forward! Forward!  

SEA Games 2015 - Tennis Finals

ABBEY: The 28th SouthEast Asian (SEA) games is one of the events for the celebration of 50th year of Singapore. Most of the tickets of popular sports events were sold out. Good thing that tennis is for free at Kallang Tennis Center. We went to watch the finals. The event was delayed as it is waiting for the rain to stop. It started at 1PM; two and a half hour behind schedule. Nevertheless, the excitement rose once the spectators saw that the courts were being prepared.

The first match we watched is Mixed Doubles between Philippines (Denise Dy and Treat Huey) and Thailand (Peangtarn Plipuech and Sonchat Ratiwatana). Filipino fans' cheers roared at the bleachers giving encouragement to the pair. Dy and Huey bagged the gold on the third set. Filipinos stood up and waited for the match to end on the last couple of serves. Even Huey waved up his hand telling the fabs to cheer more. It was a good match.

Then at 3:15PM, the Women's doubles commenced. Again it is between Pinoys and Thais. After the mixed doubles, Dy was paired up to Katharina Lenhert to step up against Noppawan Lertcheewakarn and compatriot Varatchaya Wongteanchai. The first and second sets were both exciting as the Pinays really exhibited their talents to beat the Thais. But the Thais were not giving up so easily as well. Philippines got the silver for the event. The crowd roared loudly for all the players and awarding ceremony capped the day.

WILL: I love rain and this is the first time I want it to stop. 

Tennis finals is behind schedule and on our luck at almost noon the pouring stopped. We were comfortably sitting at the centre court and one of the ushers announced that Philippines vs Thailand on mixed doubles will be held at the court #4. The stomping, the cheers and applause seems never ending when the Denise and Treat won the match. 

Without lunch and all we had are free bottles of water, we queued to go back at the centre court. This is where the match for women's double. Thailand vs Singapore again. This time, Thailand's people answered back the Filipino cheers. There are laughs when the shouts of encouragement copies each other. Haha! Thailand won the first two sets. 

I am so proud to be a Filipino. Tennis is not an easy sports and not a cheap one for Filipino to get into it. But still some exist to compete internationally and bagged some titles. 

SEA games! Roar!!! I hope Olympics will be held in Singapore too. I know Little Red Dot can accommodate that big event.

Gelato World Tour - Singapore

ABBEY: After a long walk in Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve, we rewarded ourselves gelato. Not one but sixteen flavors. 

Marina Bay Sands held the first leg of Gelato World Tour. The tour will be coming to Rimini, Berlin, Austin, Dubai, Melbourne, Valencia and Roma.

Sixteen top artisan gelato chefs competed last March 20-22 wherein they showcased their own and unique flavors. Not that I'm biased but I rooted for my own country. The flavor is mango with ube (purple yam) and called Mango Ube Symphony. It was created by Zara Manikan under the flagship of Bono Artisanal Gelato. They won People's choice. The grand winner for Asia Pacific Finals is Sharon Tay of Momolato.

Other flavors I like were Kopi-Fah Sung Thong and  Croccante alla Fragola.

WILL: After our ecotour at pronounced ASEAN park, we decided to continue our day-off at Marina Bay Sands to check out the Gelato World Tour. 

Singapore is the first leg of the gelato artists to compete their works against each other. Singapore known to its hot weather submitted 5 entries, while Philippines have one. We arrived earlier than we expect and lucky to witness the presentation of each chefs to the panelist their gelatos. Its a great experience to see first hand the faces and gestures of the judges while their tasting the samples. :) 

The ticketing open and for only $12 you can get an 8 small tub of different flavors. I tasted it all except the Beer with Ciambella. I am not fond of the smell and taste of it so I do not dare to get some of it. 

What flavors that caught my attention? The Mango Ube Symphony. Maybe because of my native tongue. Congratulations Ms Zara Zaragoza-Manikan for winning the Peoples' Choice Award. She deserves it, the queue is non-stop to her booth. The Croccante alla Fragola also is tasty. We have different preferences so maybe what I like will be not appealing for you. :) 

Well, we will continue to checkout the final judgement on your last tour stop. Hope for you to visit Singapore again.  

Remembering Lee Kuan Yew - Thank You Sir!

ABBEY: I came to Singapore on 2009. Cleanliness and orderliness greeted me and was amazed on the progress of the country. Yes, Lee Kuan Yew is not the current Prime Minister, but the passion and vision of current government is rooted to his own. 

He dedicated his life to serve the country and make it stand out on the rest of the world. The people supported him as they know that they'll go on the right path with him. His full-white office attire is a physical emblem to strive for excellence and do it with clean conscience. 

Words will not be able to describe the feeling upon losing him. All we can do is to hold on to the memories he shared and continue to further his work. Some may say that it is sad that he wasn't able to see the fruits of his labor; he was, that was his vision in the first place. Thanks to you, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

WILL: A HERO! That is what I can describe LKY. (Shocks I am in the verge of tears now). My husband woke up around 3AM and when I turned to him. Abbey in a very low voice he stated that LKY passed away. 

I  want to have this opportunity to thank him for dreaming. Dreaming that Singapore will be as good as other Western and European countries. Dreaming that he can change Singapore. Dreaming to be a first world country. Now, his dream and wish for Singapore is my reality. Not only his fellow Singaporeans harnessed the fruit of his labour but also the foreign expats like me. 

I envy Singaporeans because they have a Lee Kuan Yew. A man who have the courage, love and respect to his country and his fellowmen. I envy Singaporeans because they have a LKY who founded People’s Action Party that represents politicians with a pure heart in serving the residents; free from corruption and immense visions for the betterment of  nation. I envy Singapore because LKY used an iron hand in implementing the laws. I envy Singapore for having LKY as their founding father.

Thanks LKY, one of the most clean heart, brilliant and loving father of Singapore.. No one can replace you in everybody’s heart!  

Sofitel So Singapore's HI-SO Rooftop Pool Bar - Hi-So Ladies Night

ABBEY: After-office-hours activites can be helpful after a long day's work. Rooftop Bar at Sofitel offers cocktail food and drinks for the goers to unwind with their friends or colleagues. It is at the sixth storey; yes, not that high but the view is awesome as it was surrounded by tall buildings. They also offer mats for those groups who want to sit on the floor near the pool. Due to the tile color and reflection of light, the pool is a sea of gold.

As it is Ladies' night when we went there, first drink is free and the next would be at 10sgd instead of 29. For light snack, we got coldcuts(charcuterie platter) - $31 and potato chips (Truffle and Parmesan Fries - $14) which were fried to perfection; crispy, salted, and thin. 

WILL: Midweek and it's Ladies Night!!!

Thanks to Frannywany for her blogpost regarding to our featured hotel’s bar today.

A lot of people knew about free drinks in many bars at Clarke Quay but we all know how crowded it is every Wednesday. Do you just want a place where you can get relaxed, make some chats and get a free drink just around the corner of your office? Sofitel answered our wishes. Right in the heart of Singapore's business district is the location of the hotel. Beside of the famous Lau Pa Sat where you can find Sofitel So Singapore.

After office hours, we went to the rooftop bar to receive a complimentary champagne for us girls. As usual Abbey go for soda. We have a lot of laughs and many stories were told. We bonded with Princess Sarah's patatas, haha! Their french fries is awesome, thanks for the treat Ate Monnette.  

For sure we will back for more free champagnes.  Nice view, nice dj, nice golden pool. Yes, you can dip your tired feet into the pool, if you want to. Till next reservation Sofitel So.

2014 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix - Pit Lane Experience

ABBEY: What if you're given a chance to see the garages of Formula 1 cars? Would you forfeit it? I almost did. Good thing we got a final reminder letter that I won a pair of ticket for the event. And it must be redeemed online on that day only. It is not that I ignored the congratulatory mail, but it was in the spam inbox. We registered hurriedly and got our tickets. 

The event is on the eve of 2014 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix. We entered Gate 1 at 7:30PM and just in time the party kicked off. Performers from around the world render their acts; live bands, buskers like human topiaries and Invisible Man, and the "drummer boys" (Wicked Aura). It was nostalgia; we're in the same zone last 2012 and there we were again.

At quarter past nine, the walk commenced. We were in Turn 1. The view is spectacular. Now I know why the ticket price is premium. You can have good snaps on this place. Then we came to the garages and pit. The mechanics are busy with the preparation for practice session the next day. We even saw some team practicing their routine in changing the tires.

From the Red Bull, Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel emerged. Just like his car, he was too fast to avoid being mugged by shutterbugs. He did signed some autographs and pose for snap, but lightning-quick giving me a blur picture of him :) We also took snaps on the starting point and then headed home.

WILL: Tuesday night while doing my routine of checking emails, my eyes got bigger when I saw a congratulatory email from Singapore F1. Gosh we won a pair of ticket for Thursday Pit Lane experience. Gosh, we are so blessed! Haha! 

F1 revving engines is addictive. I like racing and the risk that comes with it, the adrenaline and the energy. So when Abbey and I decided not to go for this year, we are quite sad but we need to stand our decision. Even though we do not bought any ticket for 2015 race, Singapore F1 still gave us a chance to feel the F1 fever.

We queued around 7PM watched the performances of Carlos Castano, Fungkimunkees and listen to the beat of Wicked Aura and take some photos with The Living Topiary. Thousands of people were chilling, drinking and merry making before the gate to the Pit Stop finally opens its doors to the public.

When I stepped to the track, our Fan Zone memories came back to me. When I can get to see again F1 from the Fan Stand? Huhu! Anyways, we walked and checked one by one the Pit Stop of every cars. And for a bonus, Sebastian Vettel came out from nowhere, say hi to the fans and run out from the crowd. Haha!

Thanks again Singapore F1 for this. Hopefully next year you got a better performers at Padang stage..