Stored Treasure: A Taste of Singapore's Cultural Mixes

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Stored Treasure / 25 December 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/12/taste-of-singapores-cultural-mixes.html

Explore Singapore - Day 6 and 7

Okay, I know this post, the last of my Explore Singapore series, is long overdue, but please bear with me, and let me conclude it the right way.  =)

Anyway, this post will narrate my last exploits (Days 6 and 7) in the Lion City: Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza, Sri Mariamman temple, Chinatown and Laupasat.

My cousin Rose and I met at the MRT station in Clementi and headed for the first location in our itinerary - Orchard Road. Well, I heard this is just like our very own Ayala Center or Makati Central Business District but I guess it's still worth seeing.  I'm a fan of cosmopolitan cityscapes anyway! =)

Jandy I initially planned to go to Lucky Plaza  (the mall in Orchard Road where Filipinos go to during their day-off) on a Sunday but we ran out of time.  But I will not let my week pass without seeing it so my cousin Rosey again became my tour guide here.  And of course, you have to forgive me, I can't not have my photo taken at the facade of this mall! =D (feeling OFW!)  And when we went inside, although it's not Sunday, the mall is still very Filipino - the people, the food, the stores, the remittance centers etc.  I guess this is a haven for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who miss home. 

Stored Treasure: Boys' Toys -- ooops, and Girls' too!

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Stored Treasure / 15 November 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/11/boys-toys-ooops-and-girls-too-explore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 6, Part 1

We've always been used to museums that house archaeological artifacts, dioramas and other historical finds, that help keep and enrich a specific cultural heritage.  So when I first heard about the MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys) Museum of Toys in Singapore, I immediately got curious and excited!  Well, that's because I am both passionately serious about history and playfully child like on toy collection! =)

 
And in the Day 6 of my Explore Singapore mission, my cousin Rose (we actually used to call her Osang when she was a kid hehe), was my guide for the day since Jandy has to go to work that time.  We then explored the rest of the spots that were left in my target list, one of which, of course, is the MINT Museum of Toys.

Stored Treasure: The Lion, The Treat and The Photos -- The Chronicles of Singapura

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Stored Treasure / 12 November 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/11/lion-treat-and-photos-explore-singapore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 5, Part 3

Everytime I visit a country or a province in the Philippines, I always see to it that I have a shot and a photo with the place's landmark or where its known for as backdrop.  So my Explore Singapore wouldn't be complete without a photo with the Merlion!

Right after touring Asia in 3 hours (via the Asian Civilizations Museum), we crossed the bridge, took snapshots of the vicinity and the interesting people walking the place. 

"Stop the wedding!"  Is the girl trying to stop the wedding?  =)

Stored Treasure: Around Asia in 3 Hours!

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Stored Treasure / 10 November 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/11/around-asia-in-3-hours-tour-of-asian.html

Explore Singapore - Day 5, Part 2

Multi-armed Quan-Am, 18th Century or later, North Vietnam.  Mahayana Buddhism was brought to Vietnam from China during the early 1st millennium CE, and by the 2nd century CE, Hanoi had become an important center for Buddhism.

I think I have previous posts declaring my passion for history, specifically on ancient civilizations.  I cannot pin point the actual reason but perhaps it may have started with my fascination on stories that dissect the essence of every race or the backdrop of temples, castles and other architectural wonders sans modern technology; or perhaps it's because of the influence by the popular media I grew up with and eventually embraced (e.g. Indiana Jones, The Adventures of Tintin, The National Geographic etc.); or perhaps it's brought up by my thirst for our people's authentic identity through my quest for pre-colonial literature, artifacts and historical data.  And with that, the Asian Civilizations Museum can't be in the list in my Explore Singapore mission.  And here it is, my Around Asia tour in 3 Hours! =)

Stored Treasure: The Mark of Jurong Bird Park

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Stored Treasure / 30 October 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/mark-of-jurong-bird-park-explore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 5, Part 1

It's my Day 5 in Singapore and still my sched is pretty packed with exciting activities and places to check out!

First in the in the itinerary is the third in Singapore's wildlife triad, the Jurong Bird Park!  And since it's my friend Jandy's birthday that day, his entrance fee in the facility is totally free!  =)  We arrived at the park at around 11 am and we were lucky to catch on the time the Birds n Buddies show!

Stored Treasure: Singapore by Night

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Stored Treasure / 29 October 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/singapore-by-night-explore-singapore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 4, Part 2

Singapore by Night may first ring the thought of bars, beers and party animals but this post talks about another kind of commune and creatures of the night.  =)  This is about Singapore's famous attraction Night Safari and its animals that wander in the dark and gather under the moonlight.  Well, it's quite similar sans the loud music, alcoholic drinks and people who gets helplessly drunk at night. =)

When I heard there was a plan of having a trip to Singapore, the first thing I thought of not missing is the Night Safari.  Well, the primary considerations for the trip then were the opening of Sentosa and Universal Studios, but for me, Night Safari shouldn't be out of the list.

After that tiring but fulfilling walk at the Singapore Zoo (and after having that big meal in KFC!), we headed to the Night Safari.  And what welcomed us is the fascinating Thumbuakar Performance featuring fire-eating, acrobatic and roaring stunts!

Stored Treasure: The Wild Side of Singapore

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Stored Treasure / 23 October 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/wild-side-of-singapore-explore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 4

We've always known Singapore for its tall buildings, cosmopolitan cityscape and urban lifestyle. 'But have you seen the city's wild side?  Wait, wait, don't get me wrong.  This time, am not being figurative.  And being literal is a good thing this time around hehe.  When I said wild side, I didn't mean about the dirty secrets of the city I fell in love with.  The wild side I'm talking about is Singapore's wildlife triad, the 3 Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) parks - the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park. And this post focuses on my trip to the Singapore Zoo!  =)

The other tiger of Singapore, the white tigers in Singapore Zoo =)

Stored Treasure: More of Singapore

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Stored Treasure / 19 October 2010

Explore Singapore - Day 3

The Tiger of Asia =).  This is what I got in Saint James Power Station - Singapore's Tiger Beer. =)

Day 3 - We were scheduled for a City tour from 9 am to 12 noon but since we will be checking out at 1 PM, Neil, Henry and I decided to cancel the tour and cherish our last hours at the hotel hehe. 

So right after breakfast, I went back to bed and had a luxurious sleep, Neil took a swim, and Henry, I think, strolled the malls.

Stored Treasure: The Hunt for Good Dinner

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Stored Treasure / 15 October 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/hunt-for-good-dinner-explore-singapore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 2, Part 2

We arrived at Pan Pacific Hotel from Universal Studios at around 7 PM.  So right after freshening up, we started thinking what a good dinner will be.  Well, of course, we didn't join the Night Safari so we need to compensate the evening with something equal or better.  And, the verdict, we decided to go to Chinatown to hunt for a good dinner (instead of Bugis)!

Stored Treasure: Fan and Fun in Universal Studios

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Stored Treasure / 13 October 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/fan-fun-in-universal-studios-explore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 2, Part 1

Hong Kong and Singapore have been rivals in economy, in regional operations location, and in tourism.  So when Hong Kong got Disneyland a few years ago, I just thought HK got the upper hand. =) 'But Singapore did not take this sitting down and fought back big time with the opening of Universal Studios early this year!  =)  And as always, it's us, customers who benefit from this healthy competition. =)

At last, Universal Studios! =)

The world is in my hands!

So after touring HK Disneyland in 2008, it's SG Universal Studios this time around!

Stored Treasure: The New Thing in Baby Care!

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Stored Treasure / 10 October 10
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-thing-in-baby-care.html

The New Thing in Baby Care!

This photo was taken on Day 4 of my "Explore Singapore" mission but I can't wait to share this with all of you.  =)  Actually, you already saw the sneak peek in my Facebook but here's the rest of the details.  I saw this scene as we entered the Singapore Zoo on October 3.  I was amazed with this scene and immediately took a photo of it! 

The first question went into my head was, how could a parent put his baby or toddler in this cart??  'But as I analyze the situation, touring Singapore Zoo indeed takes long walks so I guess the dad in the photo found a perfect way on how he and his kid enjoy the zoo.  It may seem odd or unconventional but as long as the baby's safe and comfortable, I am for any innovation in baby care.  And that's what you call Uniquely Singapore.  =)

Stored Treasure: Explore Singapore! (Day 1 -- The Magic of Sentosa)

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Stored Treasure / 10 October 10
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/explore-singapore-day-1.html

Explore Singapore - Day 1

Merlion, the symbol of Singapore

First, in 2008, our tour was an Asian Cruise via Star Cruise Virgo that sailed the South China Sea and brought us in Sanya City in China, Halong Bay in Vietnam and Hong Kong.  Then in 2009, we all flew to Shanghai.  And for 2010, we decided to invade no less than the lion city, Singapore! =)