Throwback Thursday - Singapore

"I'm still not over it!", my mind said referring to our last trip in Singapore.  It's always nice to do things differently on a frequently visited place because every visit marks a distinct memory from the previous and it makes the journey extra special.  This time our Singapore visit were for:

A CELEBRATION

1. Celebrating a 10 year old marriage on a high note.  
2. SG celebrated the Nation's 48th Birthday. 

A DISCOVERY

1. Marina Bay Sands is huge inside out.  Luxurious.  Stunning.  Architecture at it's finest. 
2. There is now an option to eat your street ice cream inside a plastic cup.  I just saw it as we passed by the long queue along Orchard.
3. Central Mall at Clark Quay starts to have their own version of Love padlocks or love locks and they call it Locks of Love.
4. With from where we are from (Cebu) luxury cars are so rare.  So, a Mercedes Benz and a Chrysler as taxis are a real jaw-dropper.  Even here in KL they have no such high end taxis.  I really mean a taxi with a taxi sign on top of the car not a rent a car.
5. So, its name is The Interlace and meant for residential.  It's like a storey of boxes and so very well positioned/designed.  I wasn't able to take a pic but you can check from here www.theinterlace.com.  All I can say is, "Wow!".
6. Parking Location and Avail slots signage.  I don't know if I wasn't so keen last year but this time I was just all praise seeing the signage.  It's a very helpful tool, don't you think?
7. SG released new designs for their coins. 

 A GLOBE-TROT

How I really wish we had globe-trotted!  But for now, having visited these shops were the closest we could get to these countries.

1. France for Ladureé.  So, it was Ladureé.  I think, I still prefer TWG's Bain de Roses over Ladureé's Pétale de Rose but it doesn't mean Ladureé's is not delish.  In fact, I was on a bite after bite spree with the chocolate flavors☺.  We also tried Citron(Lemon), Caramel à la Fleur de Sol(Caramel with salted butter) and Strawberry Candy Marshmallow but it's the chocolate ones that made me pop.  I also like the SCM, the marshmallow compliments well and gave the macaron a different experience.  Over-all, the soft crunch of each macaron and the sweetness were well received by my palate.  Often is not my word for Ladureé but rare because it's heavy in the budget ☺.  Each macaron costs SGD3.80.  My hands are too willing to receive them as a gift though!  I love the key ring and the bag but maybe, in the future or someone ... again ... will give it as a gift hehehe.

2. Israel - Laline Bath and Body Care.  It was conceived by two Israeli cousins and they became an international brand over time.  I just chance upon it on the net then the curious me surfaced when I read the Dead Sea Salt content, intriguing! What I have is the Pomelo Classic Diffuser Set(non-body care prod), the Lavender Hand Relief Hand Cream, and the Body Peeling Soap Cocktail Tropical scent.  Oh my! I thought it's just a simple shower gel but peeling?  Hmmm, I'll just let you know then when I have become like a snake.  You know, skin shedding?!  Knock on wood hehe.  It has tiny beads so it's like a body scrub sibling.  The diffuser smells good but it seems too mild that an Ambi Pur can overpower its scent.  I used 6 sticks and everyday I swap the dipping ends still the smell doesn't linger long and doesn't fill the room with its fragrance only if you stay nearer to where the glass stands.  I'm kinda disappointed or this is how a diffuser really works?!  Ignorant me?!  Could be?! ☺ I use the hand cream before going to bed.  Pamper one's hands after all the day's domestic labor of love.  Hands that work hardest, deserves some lovin'!  For more info (if you like) you may browse from here www.lalineusa.com. 

3. USA for Dean & Deluca store.  It's a shop for the chefs and ala chefs.  Olive oil, salt, and tomato sauces in various combination and type.  There are wines, kitchen utensils, and more too. If you want to give their products a try, there's a separate store beside the product store and give your tummy a fill.  Jack just bought the mini bottles of 6 in 1 pack at 20 ml per bottle consists of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Basil dressing, and Lemon dressing.  They tastes good.  Perfect for your green salad with or without salt.

4. Turkey for the Turkish ice cream at CQ.  It's like DQ's blizzard where the ice cream stays put even when flip downwards.  Only they tastes differently and the Turkish ice cream is served with entertainment.

A FIRST TIME

1. It's nice to look at but never had I the interest to ride one of those water taxis.  This time I rode one because of Z.  The route was from Clark Quay to MBS and back.  As you sail away there is history being played in the TV and it's up to you to listen intently or just focus on taking pictures.  Not bad for an experience as it was like having a  history class in a relaxed manner and into some a mundane four-walled classroom.  

2. Plaza Singapura, Central, and Orchard Central.  These are malls of distinct building designs.  I am more fascinated with Plaza Singapura.  It's the facade and the mini park in front of the mall that captures my visuals.  They used big stones as benches and the greens, isn't it cool!

A REUNION

1. Re-visiting Singapore is a reconnection of the place, the sceneries, and the fastest moving escalators at train stations which I really am not a fan.

2. Sarpino's Express is gourmet pizza and we were smitten by it last year so it was in the to-do list.  We like the size and the taste.  It's along Orchard Road but this stall will soon be renamed as the franchise soon expires.  Unfortunately, my note is deleted so I can't divulge the new name now. tsk tsk.

3. Surprise, surprise!  Jack got reunited with his Quiznos.  We were discussing about it days before the trip and tada! We never thought it will have a branch in SG and it was tummy filling happiness.  It's like Subway by the way.

4. Oh! The extreme rides are still there at CQ.  It's almost 10 years too when July G. & I had 1st saw them.  We were sent for a Microsoft Training in SG and Myraflor(a High School classmate) was just too kind to give us a tour.  I'm not sure but I think there was bungee jump that time but what I can't forget are the riders nervous squeals and relieved laughter afterwards.  Xtreme rides you rock but I can never imagine myself on it.  Tino, Z, and Kliff had their funny acting moments while sitting on the model chair it's the best that they can do too ... strike a pose.

5. It was a reunion with a family member (Kliff) and our Best Man(Tino).  It was a night of talk, laughter, reminisce the old times, food and beer at Hooters.  It was $$$$$ and the food was not that good.  It must be the beer, yes it was the beer hehehe.  1 pitcher costs SGD38.90 + SVC + GST.  What matters is that Jack enjoyed and we were in a good company too.  He seldoms hang out and we rarely have night outs. So, no problem☺.

6. After all the days of happy, happy moments it was but appropriate to celebrate the Sunday mass at Cathedral of the Good Shepherd despite sleepiness.  A rainy day but a blessed day.  The priest gave out a good homily and it was delivered lively and with humor.  I miss that kind of delivery. ☺.

7. Brunch at Black Angus.  We have the same food attendant.  She's a pioneer of the restaurant and she's on her 17 years.  I asked her what made you stay so long and she replied, "I'm old already so I stay."  She doesn't look like her age and she's the best in the resto.  She talks fast like someone is chasing after her but she's always the one who greets the guest with warmth and interest.  

L-L:  Xtreme rides   L-R: colorful restos at Clark Quay

U-L: 2nd Reading  U-R: Good Shepherd Church

L-L:  @ Black Angus   L-R:  Huober chili, sticks, & brezel and Kinder chocs @ Candy Empire; Shoes selfie .... until the next airport. 

A SHOCKING

Ewwww!  A drunk man peed behind Xtreme's Ad board or something.  Gosh! It was so unexpected, in SG?  Too bad my picture is a blur.  tsk! 

A REFLECTION

It's normal in SG to see old Aunties and Uncles still making a living.  It's sad and breaks my heart but they are a source of inspiration and courage as well.  They sell tissues at SGD1.00(for 3 mini packs), clean tables at restaurants/hawkers, work as a janitor, waiters and even pick cans from trash bins.  They are strong willed individuals who chose to do labor to make money and survive instead of being a parasite.  At their age, they uphold their honor and dignity to work and not merely sit on the streets and beg.  I feel for them.  This is one reality that no matter how advance or rich a country there'll always be discontentment, complains, and sad stories.    

AND A LOOKING FORWARD TO

1. Future feature ... 77 new trains and 7 more integrated transport hubs.  

2. Completion of Orchard Gateway.
3. Going back to SG for another set of itinerary. Save. Save. Save. 

          Z enjoyed the Turkish ice cream and the head turner luxury cars.  He enjoyed watching the cars come to life.  It was like releasing cars from his game Need for Speed Hot Pursuit and unfolds before his eyes in reality.  His excitement was contagious every time Maserati, Jaguar, Porsche, Renault, Bently, Lexus, recent models for Audi, BMW, and M Benz speed by the streets of SG.  

          While waiting for our boarding time, Z and I busied ourselves counting all the loose change.  We made most of the remaining time and laughed our way for a shopping  spree at Candy Empire.  We patiently looked for items that exactly matches our money on hand.  Every cent counts! ☺☺ 

Until next time!   Got any Throwback Thursday to share too?  A happy day to you.

Around KL - Taman Botani Perdana

It was high time to re-visit a picturesque, serene, and impressive place in this city.  We knew it as The Lake Gardens but as per www.malaysia-traveller.com it was in July 2011 that the park was officially renamed to Taman Botani Perdana also has been known as Taman Tasik Perdana and Perdana Lake Gardens. 

usual spot

          I enjoy the place as much as Z.  There are 2 playgrounds where he can run, roam and play around.  The other playground is still a long walk from our usual spot but as long as it's for your child, Jack is always there on my behalf☺.  When we first visited this place my first line was "wish Cebu has this kind of place!".   Children can enjoy the colorful slides, see-saws, swings, and simply to just run free.  One section of the playground is called Fantasy Planet and you can see plants trimmed in dinosaur patterns.  Although it's not fully green now but still you can recognize a dinosaur form.  There are benches provided, limited picnic tables, water fountains (not all is functioning) around the playground and a waiting shed.  Like any thing, tear and wear is something unavoidable especially for outdoor things but with proper maintenance and care its life span can be fully maximized.  It might not be this soon but I'm sure KL's government will also look into the state of these playgrounds and do repair once it's really gotten dilapidated and unsafe for the children.  You can bring also bring your own bicycle or scooter and pedal around.  It's not just a playground for kids but also for lovers.  I don't know if it's a pre or post wedding pictorial but we saw 2 couples on that day with their photographers.  

          As you walk away from the playground, there's a beautiful manicured landscape.  Before, it was just plain greens and now purple flowers are added.  I thought it's lavender flowers but it's not.  Sorry, I'm not a know-how in plants or its name but one thing is certain I know how to appreciate mother nature and the beauty of these plants.  Across it is a huge space of Bermuda grasses.  You can play around, chill out, read a book, picture taking and picnic with friends and families.  Right next to it is a lake.  This time no one is doing boating and it seems like the 2 docked boats are not as reliable as they used to be.  Maybe because it was a Sunday that no maintenance personnel was around or it's starting to be neglected which I really hope not but I think on that day, that part of the lake is left with unattended compared from our previous visit.  And something is missing, where are the lilies near the water fountain?  Anyways, fish feeding is fun especially seeing those very aggressive or hungry fishes that really jump out from the water and do the kill.  It's RM1.00 for a pack of fish food. 

U-R = the beautiful manicured landscape.  more and better details now than before.  L-R = fish feeding

             They have an edible garden.  Jack asked me what plants were those which he is not familiar with and the only answer I gave him was, "If only I'm Imma then I can surely give you an answer☺".  We saw Toesa (tisa), ginger, pandan, calamansi and that's all my brain can accommodate. 

U-R = when I took a picture of this spot before only Hilton - Le Meridien stood out.

U-L = tree house w/ an important notice: only 5 pax 1 time only.  L-L = there used to be more boats.

L-R = lovely! L-R = ouch! how can one be so irresponsible.  No littering please!

          How I wish I can have a garden like this.  It's from one green to another.    It was a nice afternoon to just stroll and blend in with the atmosphere's serenity and silence.  Sigh! The lushness of it!  Currently, there is a portion that undergoes construction so it's something to be look forward to.  We didn't walk further because the heaven started to cry but it didn't stop me from taking a picture of the roadside mini waterfalls. 

          The afternoon's walk may have ended when it started to rain but it didn't spoil the healthy air we had breathed and the super relax time squandered.  Like us, there were also stranded visitors who found comfort at the kafeteria Kiosk Tasik Perdana.  RM5.00 the cheapest pig-out ever!  

          There are other interesting spots nearby which we had visited before like the Bird Park and Deer Park (you can buy bread and feed the deers, it's fun).   We haven't been to the Orchid Garden, Butterfly Garden, and Islamic Art Museum maybe next time.  As I can remember from before, we just walked from Bird Park to Deer Park to the lake. They also have this transportation that roams around and brings you to places nearby but on that day they were all motionless. 

          Going there is best done with your own car or via a taxi but it's also too difficult getting a taxi going back like to KL Sentral.  For more info on how to get there just visit the page I mentioned above.  

It's mid-week just hang on, a day more and it's the weekend.  Appreciate nature, do something for Mother Earth today!  To a Lovely Wednesday, don't forget to eat your breakfast ☺☺☺.

Sunday finds

It was one of those rare Sundays!  Lazy-me was overpowered by wandering-me after celebrating mass (wide, wide smile).  There was a change in destination but no change in activity -- m a l l i n g.  It was the most ideal time to be at the mall because it was still lull and spacious to walk around.  So, here were the Sunday finds:

1.  Garrett Chicago popcorn's Spicy CheeseCorn.  It says for a limited time only so grab on! (easy fooled ☺).  I like it when paired with the Almond CaramelCrisp and taken together.  I like it's being spicy and I love cheese.  But this cheesecorn is just too cheesy-oily or maybe the cheese they used?  Bottom line is that I am not so smitten with the cheesecorn.  Still, it's Almond CaramelCrisp then and forever. 

2.  Emergency Chocolate by Chocolate World.  It was just a window shopping then suddenly my eyes wandered near the cashier and so it caught an interest.  It's so cute and funny for a chocolate to be called.  I didn't expect that it could taste good.  The texture was so smooth and tastes like Cadbury milk chocolate which Z also thought.  This got our votes ☺☺.  As it says, emergency so until my next craving!  For now it's enjoying cold company of fridge ☺. 

3.  Petrosains, The Discovery Center @ KLCC.  For the nth time that we plan to try out the place, at long last we made it.  I thought it was just any ordinary science exhibit hall but I stand corrected because the place is huge.  It was like spelunking an unknown cave.  It was fun, educational, and interactive.    There was a demo or a show where topic was about gas.  Ha! Stock knowledge worked this time.  I was too eager to participate in the show not that I was on the stage but in the Q&A portions along the way.  Not bad I was approached after to fill up a survey form and received an activity puzzle sheet which was just to Zs' delight as it was of dinosaurs.  So many inputs on that afternoon, brain overload and I ended up hungry hehehe.  We enjoyed the experience and we never bothered looking at time and when we were out only did we know that we were there for 4 hours.  My!  It took us 4 hours to roam around, read, and try what were there. Yes!  The place is worth visiting and it was a good place to waste time☺.  Here's a little tour:

L-Upper: Harmonograph - just please zoom the view ☺.  R-Upper: Me & Jack for the ride of our lives.  Ride The Hurricane at 126.9 kph the maximum.  
L-Down: Singing T-Rex.  I like the beat of his song, so cool!  R-Down: The safest place to experience an Earthquake.  

L-Upper: Robot Football☺.  R-Upper: Z with the Super Dig machine.  It's a good experience for kids to use an excavator and work on a building site. 

L-Down: Just like a racing game inside Timezone. F1 like experience.  R-Down: One place any kid will try and have fun --- tube slide.

This is one place I had fun too.  It was fun watching the kids working hand in hand with the simple mechanical machines.  They don't know each other but they sure worked well to get the results.  

This is not an easy testing machine, one has to be very quick and alert.  I am not a fan nor I know him not until I saw him in person last year in August participating the Cobra Ironman 70.3 at Shangri-la Mactan Cebu.  He was very competitive and no wonder he also held the unofficial world record of 114 hits in 1 minute by an F1 driver (I'm just repeating the Petrosains' info hehehe).  Oh! Jenson Button ☺.  

This is something I don't think I can ever have the opportunity in the real setting hehe.  We had an experience of strolling inside a gas platform.  Jack can pretty much relate with all those pipes because it's what he does -- design them.  Pretty neat because it has a galley, messhall, quarters, office, and clinic.  On the upper left, the green thing is called the Christmas Tree (defined by wiki --  is an assembly of valves, spools, and fittings used for an oil well, gas well, water injection well, water disposal well, gas injection well, condensate well and other types of wells.).  R-upper: It's called Personnel Basket Transfer.

 This is where I had the mighty, mighty victory.  That guy in brown was my opponent and I beat him twice ☺. 

There are so many things to do inside Petrosains and these pictures are just a few.  I don't know if any of my teachers ever told us or I was absent when it was told or simply it comes with ageing ☺ but on that afternoon I learned that oxygen is a waste product during photosynthesis hehehe poor me ☺!    

I consider myself a student and forever I will be.  Every input whether a review or really a raw knowledge is something to be treasured and accepted with open arms by me.

To a sunny, fun-filled, and educational weekend to you!

a week past

It's been a week since I turned a year older and I hope a year wiser?!☺. 

Thank you heaps with all my heart ....

          ... to those who greeted in advance

          ... to those who sent messages on the very date

          ... to those who gave well-wishes a day after

          ... and to those who remembered days more. 

I'm beyond the word ecstatic for receiving those birthday greetings.  To be remembered on my special day is enough for me to radiate and be energized.  I have also received unexpected greetings from unexpected people ... touched!

As always, thanks to Jack and Z for that hearty, homey, hilarious, and happy birthday breakfast treat.  Yum!  They didn't cook it but they were there for me from sunrise to sunset and from breakfast 'til dinner. 

Thank you for the Gifts of every kind -- tangible and not!  I am humbled and lucky for being loved.  

Sunday life before and now ...

As a Roman Catholic, Sunday is a day of praise and worship.  The only day of the week where a Roman Catholic is required to go to church, celebrate mass, give thanks and give glory to God.  There are also days of obligation like Christmas Day, Good Friday and etc.

What was Sunday to me then?

1. Sunday is the 7th day of the week.
2. Flashback ... sssswwwwiiissshhhh!!!!
• In my elementary years, after the mass my family would visit our relatives or go to a department store / book store / grocery or eat lunch in a restaurant or simply eat lunch at home.  The one menu I can never forget every Sunday is the pork soup, it was pork legs with cabbage, potato and taro.  It's always heart-warming reminiscing the old Sundays.  I miss the old days but what is so nice is that, I can reminisce them with a smile and a joyful heart. 
• When I was in High School, Sunday mass was more spent with classmates or schoolmates.  It was this time that I considered attending mass a chore because it was part of the academics.  Plus I need to buy a newspaper every Sunday which was still part of being a student.  Later on, I became active as a choir member/reader/collector although I don't have the voice.  But the motivating factor back then was the Dawn Mass every December. 
3. As a student, Sunday to me meant a not-so-happy-day because it's back to school the next day. 
4. When I was working ...

·         on a normal shift meaning 8AM-5PM --- Sunday was lazy day because tomorrow is another busy day, Monday.

·         on a shifting schedule --- Sunday was our 1st day of the week. It was always a drag to be in the office when most people are resting or having fun somewhere on a Sunday.

·         on a normal shift and on-call --- Anxiety day as I might be called for troubleshooting and it was so difficult to part ways with my family or an event.

What is Sunday to me now?

It is still a special day of the week to celebrate mass together with my hubby and son.  A day of thanksgiving and worship for all the blessings received last week and for the continued blessings in the coming week.  Of course, thanking the Lord and appreciating everything should not be limited every Sunday only but all the time, anytime and anywhere.  Unlike in Cebu, Sunday mass schedule is limited here.  The nearest and we most frequent to is at Holy Rosary Church.  It's about a 10 - 15 minute walk from our place. 

                                 Holy Rosary Church in Tun Sambanthan

                Inside the church.  Re-paintings were done between May and June.

This is where we also celebrate mass on special occasions and on certain times we go to Our Lady of Fatima Church which is 5 blocks away from our place.  

Sorry, this is the only best front picture I had taken for Our Lady of Fatima Church in Brickfields.

                                                 Inside the church.

I have my own flaws on how I observe the rules and responsibilities of my being a Roman Catholic and I admit I am not as devout as I should be or compared to others but I have my own relationship with the Lord.  I always do my best to set a good example specially now that I have my own family.  I have the responsibility to encourage my hubby and son or be their guiding force to wake up and celebrate mass every Sunday.  There are always temptations lurking around but I have to do what is right and just.

How is Sunday spent at KL?

We just go home immediately after the Sunday Mass. 

On rare days, we go to the mall to eat or watch a movie.  But as much as possible, we stay at home, do household chores,  enjoy home-cooked meals or order online, watch TV shows or downloaded movies, or do something worthwhile --- Simplicity at its best!

Let us always be grateful for everything that we have.  May all of us have a calm and restful Sunday☺.  Enjoy and have fun.  This day could be one of those rare Sundays we have .... that is if lazy-me will not activate after the mass (fingers crossed hehehe). ☺

A family that prays and plays together, stays together.  Thanks for taking the time reading this☺!  

13 is 2x a happy number

Jack and I are both the eldest in our families.  He has a brother and I have a sister.  Both our siblings have 2 children and all are boys. We, the children and the grandchildren wouldn't have this opportunity to enjoy life's miracles and adventures if we do not have our parents especially our fathers.  

To Papa Lito and Tatay Anas(RIP) happy, happy birthday! Thank you both for everything.  Pa, chillax and enjoy the ride.  To Tatay, please watch over your grandchildren.  

Today is another day to be thankful for.  Have a thoughtful Tuesday!

August 9 .. a day of celebrations personal and national

          The day started with a little rush.  It was a real push to get up, shower, get dress and celebrate mass which is always the right thing to do in every special occasion to give thanks to the Almighty One above.  My boys thought the mass starts at 7:30AM toink! The first misunderstanding of the day.  Whew!  It was the quickest walk ever to the church on that early morning and a sheer relief because the rosary was still being prayed so there was still a few minutes prior to mass. 

          It was 5 minutes to 8:00AM when we reached Corus Hotel this is where the bus is located.  There was no time to eat breakfast at home so we tried the hotel's a la carte.  Zs' koko crunch with cold milk, hot milk, and croissant came.  Then Jack's continental breaky.  After 20 minutes my Mee Siam fried noodles is still nowhere to be found!  I started to get edgy and upon follow-up the waitress forgot to serve it.  Weeeeeehh! It was the 2nd challenge of the day. 

          At exactly 9:04AM the bus roared to life and the road trip started.  Hmmmm, the upper deck of the bus held most of the passengers and only 2 were down.  Two crews on-board namely the bus driver slash bellman and the female attendant or stewardess.  They were both good and efficient on their jobs.  The Aeroline bus is well-kept with a toilet (more for peeing but if it can't be helped, inform first the stewardess else... ☺) and a cute pantry.  The chair was comfortable and despite that its made of leather you can't feel any inconvenience at your back and the aircon was pretty much working.  There was an attached head support and a small pillow provided.  You can recline the seat as well as the calf support.  Per seat has an individual screen -- movies, music, pictures and games which both adult and child can enjoy to each preference.  My headphone was not working well, good thing I have my own.  A bottled water is put ready in front of you.  Food was served and I liked the simple delish menu -- a sandwich, a croissant, an orange fruit and a choice of coffee or tea or hot chocolate.  You can also charge your phone/gadgets on board.  We made a 20 minute stopover after 2 hours I think of drive but sorry I can't remember now the name of the place if it was Pandu or Padu (memory gap?! ouch!).

          We need to get off the bus for Malaysia Immigration and it was the 3rd tease of the day.  One group took a long time coming out from the immigration.  I think one has a problem with his passport or whatsoever and after almost 45minutes of waiting they were asked by Aeroline personnel to get their stuff so the bus can proceed.  We thought it will be turbo in great scale as we approached Singapore Immigration.  The lane where we queued at only has 1 personnel and servicing 2 queues, such a wrong choice of counter, 4th teaser and we were 2nd to the last to board the bus.  Yes! our road trip was super delay.  We reached Harbourfront past 3PM where ETA should have been 2PM.  It was like a maze going to the hotel, the 5th teaser of the day.  We don't know where we were going hahaha good thing there was a map at Ion Orchard but Jack has to come down again and take a picture of the map going to our hotel because we thought we have a photographic memory, too much confidence!  Along with it we have to look for the correct underpass which could take us to Wheelock Place.  We were running out of time and bang!  I forgot to pack Zs' long sleeves and he can't wear a shirt to the event!  Panicky me, number 6 challenge of the day.  We have no choice but buy him a new one.  Open sesame! It's settled, straight from the stockroom and in wrinkles to Zs' body.  The challenges didn't stop in number 6 .... argh! 

7.  Taxi was very elusive on that afternoon and it was an unnerving moment already.  When it rains, it floods! waaaaaahhhh!

8.  It was Singapore's National Day so there were closed roads within the area of Promenade and Marina Bay.  The taxi dropped us at Marina Square and he gave us unfortunately an impossible route as it was not passable too.

9.  Good thing we approached the young man in camouflage and he told us to take the Promenade MRT to Bayfront and whew! we reached Marina Bay Sands.  But it was also a crazy walk and look for the MRT station and my god!  It was 10th to the power crowded in the train stations and in Marina Bay Sands.  What makes this number 9?  Ggggrrrr, it was jam packed and there are still people who can afford to walk like a zombie.  I wasn't able to hold my reins anymore I moved hastily to push the guys before me and I said loudly, too slow, too slow.  Because if I didn't do it, we would have been left behind and what? wait for the next train? no way, highway!

10.  After checking the theater's location, we need to eat ASAP as we were adviced to be at the theater before 7:30PM to avoid long queues as it was a full house day.  It was so difficult to find a restaurant even a table and chair specially at the food court.  Z was already throwing his tantrums, Jack was in his last straw of patience, and I was starting to get cranky too.  Glad I took a gamble.  I told them we'll eat whatever we can find at Cold Storage because it's impossible to be choosy now.  We were saved by the sausages and the different simple maki of Cold Storage and guess where we ate?  At the entrance of the store in between Cold and another shop.  Just imagine me in a dress and my boys in their rolled-up sleeves ☺.  We had a good laugh of ourselves while munching and what a dinner for our 10th year wedding anniversary but it was a unique eats.  It beats our Jollibee lunch during our 1st year wedding anniversary ☺.

the super crowded foodcourt

where we had our dinner :) 

          After all the avalanche and glitches of the day we deserved to sit for the next hours.  The highlight of the day and how we have celebrated the milestone was really worth the wait and I can't ask for more.  It was beyond English literature, beyond books, beyond movie, and beyond reviews.  Our day ended magnificently as we watched "Phantom of the Opera" at Marina Bay Sands.  The play was absolutely a dream come true for me, I was too happy beyond words to be there and watch it live, I was too grateful that Jack gave us that wedding anniversary gift, and that one moment in time.  I really had goose bumps when the show started hehehe and Phantom (Brad Little as Erik) for me had the best voice among all the characters.  Claire Lyon as Christine Daaé, she has a good voice too but I think I'm still mesmerized with Emmy Rossum's.  The costumes were lavish, colorful, and beautiful.  I thought the chandelier will really break apart hehehe oh well, it fell but didn't really had a great smashing pumpkin or to that effect.  I so love the scene transitions specially when they created the water out of the white smokes.  Indeed it was a full house and we took the opportunity to have our souvenir picture with the tarpaulin hehehe it was for a good cause anyway.  All the sales will be donated to a cancer organization in Singapore.  Still, the show deserves all the extended applause and 1 bucket list is now off the hook. ☺

                                           viewers exiting ... after the show

          It was a very long and exhausting day.  Z slept as the musical show was on it's last 20minute run.  He was such a dear to be with us on that night and he was not the only child who was there too ☺.  My marriage to Jack for the past 10 years is so like the happenings of that August 9, 2013.  There were peaks and valleys, laughter and tears, milestones and struggles and for sure it goes with other couple too.  But if we know how to trust and believe in God, we shall not go astray.  We also have to trust, respect, believe, and be committed to our spouses in order to have a lifetime and resilient marriage.  Marriage is a "Give and Take" and it is always a work in progress. 

          I am so committed to share the events of our wedding anniversary and wow! now it's past 2:00AM ☺.  And ahem it's already my birthday! yahooooooo!!!!  How old?  My age stopped a long time ago so bother not. ☺.

Gotta hit the pillows now and may you have a good day today!  Sorry my page is too long but I hope you have picked up something.  ☺☺☺.  Thanks to my family and friends for the anniversary messages and mwah.  

         

Of Fortune, Love, and Marriage

Grateful, inspired, humorous, and in 7th heaven -- these are my words to today.

          I'm sure you had experienced school fairs way back in the elementary years. There are booths of every kind -- food, horror, romantic, fun, and etc.  It's one of those childhood memories I hold dearly and it was in 4th grade when I had my fortune told.  Whether it was true or not, somehow has gained a spot in my subconscious or lets say engraved.   It said I'm going to marry a man from across an ocean.  So, this has always been my peg.

          If most girls have this tall, dark, and handsome even rich criteria, mine was different.  It doesn't even include the distance.  Hahahaha I can't remember if I had revealed this to hubby but I also can't reveal them now here☺.  Two things are certain, he must not be rich and he must be good in Math.

          Idealistic?!  I had a lot of crushes who wouldn't, it's normal for a girl.  I had moments of falling in love but it's only me who knows hehehe and a few times of reaching the point of giving it a try but I am too glad to have not.  What for?  For the sake of trying and having someone to call a boyfriend?!  As a girl, all I can do was wait, call me conservative ☺.  Of course, there were also panic moments hehehe because I already graduated and has a job!  Some of my friends are already taken, some are taking the road to marriage,  some are married and me still enjoying the perks of singlehood!  It took long years of waiting until real love moved in mysteriously and surprisingly.   Finally, we found each other in 1999 and tada!  I really thank God for granting the wishes of my heart.  I married a patient, understanding, responsible, my one and only Licensed Mechanical Engineer husband ... Jack.  He must be good in Math, huh?!  Worth the wait ☺!

          Exactly 10 years ago, we walked down the aisle and made our commitment before God, before our families, friends, and colleagues.  Our marriage has been blessed with the presence of Z.  Like any marriages, we also have our own trying times, happy moments, challenging years, crazy and wonderful years.  Despite the different adjectives and verbs 10 long years is a milestone.   Here we are still standing proud, together, and absolutely Married.  Great job to us because cliché as it is "It takes two to Tango.".

          Hours from now our weekend sojourn for this milestone begins.  Our destination is not a new one but the event later tonight will definitely be a magnificent one.  We are going on a road trip and let this be your clue for now. ☺. 

I don't want to be late so I'm in my last few lines.  In behalf of Jack, to all our families and friends who were with us 10 years ago, thank you so much.   Thank you for the prayers.  Cheers to all of us and love, love, love!

About the fortune? If Negros Occidental is an ocean away, then it must be true :).

10 years and counting!  Have a magnificent weekend! Fireworks! ☺