Thursday, December 31, 2009

SgExperience



@ the entrance of Bugis Street Market
@ Bugis Junction

Just came from Mustafa @ Little India

City Square Mall


















That's tito Jun right there




Randomness
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galing nito promise... watch the sample video


Kala ko nude parade from afar (hehehe)
Street Performers @ Orchard Rd.
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Walking towards the Esplanade

Esplanade from across
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The Mini Merlion

Ishel and me

tatay and me

The Merlion
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The Fishes
Sam feeding the fishes

View from below

View from the outside

View from the Top
Us riding the Singapore Flyer
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Funan from Outside
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Wala lang
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Singapore Art Museum From the Outside
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wishing fountain @ suntec plaza
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I was alone retracing our steps to sun tec plaza kaya wag maghanap ng wala
(day 5)
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waiting for the New year @ Marina Bay
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nanay and me


@Vivo City
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Koi Garden @ Suntec Plaza
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Walking the Orchard Road
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Budget Airport @ Changi
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Tricia's Birthday Celebration @ Tampines
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MRT Station @ Tana Mera



To be continued ...



Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Terminal III Experience

Just like all the first times in my life. I'm pretty sure that I will never forget my experience travelling alone to a foreign land. Yes this is my first time. SG Baby Yeah! My flight was at 6:25 Am at the NAIA Terminal 3 and like what I always do. I see to it that I have the general know how of how to do things. Making use of all available resources as much as possible. I listed them down on my planner but never got to use them anyways. "Pwede naman magtanung eh."
When they say that you should be at the airport 2 hours before the time of departure is really a grey area but two hours is more than enough time to make sure that you'll be on that flight considering that you're only one of the hundreds if not thousands who are to use that terminal on that hour.
My flight was at 6:25 Am. So the oldies advised me to leave the house at 3:00AM. I live near the airport and to give you an idea how near it is. My taxi fare was about 170 Pesos including the tip. That close. So as expected i was already there before 3:30. My things was all ready for inspection upon entry. But when the airport authorities asked me to open my trolley, I became so unsure all of a sudden. I know what I packed. A couple shirts, pants and undies and the bigger chunk of my luggage came from my sisters bilin list which comprised of a lot of canned goods, several sachets powdered detergent and chicharon. But as soon as they were able to confirm it I was given the go. Though I have to redo everything, I was able to breathe.
The next step was to pay the travel tax but unfortunately for me. I missed this and went straight to fall in line on the check-in counters. But it wasn't such a big deal cause I did it right after. She just held on my boarding pass first so I can settle the tax first. One disadvantage of travelling alone I guess. But the good thing is that I didn't have to fall in line again just to show them my receipt. I just made my way towards the person who assisted me earlier.
Oh and by the way. I was really worried about the weight of my luggage cause of all the tin that I was carrying in it. I was only allowed 15kg for check - in. Luckily, mine was only 12.5kg. Though it may look like I was only pulling a 7kg bag. It felt so much heavier.
Oh, and there are several airport personnel who're distributing immigration forms that needs to be filled up for the immigration of course. So when I got my boarding pass I looked around in search of a person who can direct me to the next step. I saw a security guard who poited me to my bay. I filled out my immigration form and submitted it one of three immigrations officers (who looked like club bouncers) that was inside the booth that day. After answering several questions I moved forward.
The next step was again scanning. After this last step I was almost there when I remembered that I haven't paid the terminal fee yet so again I approached a security guard and told me that I missed that step. That it should have been made before the immigrations people so I made my way back there and settled the Php 750. Again into the scanner and the last step was to wait and prepare for boarding.
For me, I was sitting on the boarding area an hour and a half before the ETD. What can I do? I was early. I'm sure you're guessing that I wasn't able to sleep before my flight and you're correct. I'm not that excited. I was actually holding the sleeping during the flight. I have a terrible fear of heights that even walking on a foot bridge makes my knees shake. What more being in a tube for 3 and a half hours, 35 thousand feet in the air?

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Applying for A Philippine Passport III

I was compelled to make a part three of this article since Anonymous was curious whether or not I was able to get my Passport. Anyhow, The answer is yes. It said on my claim stub that my passport will be ready for release and pick-up on the PM of the 16th, so I did. Went out around 12:30 PM. I immediately asked the guard to which gate I should fall in. It was in gate two. The line was already long when I got there but nevertheless it was all good. Lucky that the lady in front has a big umbrella that served as my cover without her noticing. Thank you Ma'am, who ever you are.
After a few minutes the line started moving. We were already allowed to go inside but not yet in the releasing area. So we were there for only about 5 minutes then the line started moving again. We were let to enter the room where you can see several windows with designated labels on them. Alphabetically. Fore example on the first window, ABC and the second , DEF and so on. We were asked to drop our receipt face down on a basket on the window with the corresponding first letter of our last names. So, I dropped mine on the first window. I waited seating on the benches provided for about another 5 and there it was. Fresh hot off the grill. My Philippine passport. I immediately checked if they got my first name correctly and fortunately they did.
I also have a confession to make, On my 2nd visit I was asked to bring an authenticated transcription copy of my BC on the release date but since I have a big hunch that that won't be necessary. As stubborn as I am I didn't. I just thought that why else would I need one. I don't know if I was right or it's just luck that I got away with it.
So there you go Mr./Ms. Anonymous. Thanks so much for curiousity.

The Boarding Area




"Dear God, I hope I'm doing the right thing when I decided to leave my family and take my chances abroad."
"Lord, sana po maging mabait yung magiging amo ko. Huwag sana akong magaya sa iba na kinukulong at sinasaktan."
"God, sana po walang mangyaring masama sa trip namin today with the family. Guide us."
"Sana magustuhan ni sweetheart yung hinanda kong tour for her. I know that she deserves a break from work."
"San kaya ako magsisimula? I can't wait to shop!"
"Patay! 1:30 AM pala yung flight. Hindi PM. Kaya naman pala hindi ko na nakikita yunug flight sa board. Patay! I missed it."
"Kailangan ko makaipon kagad para matubos na kagad yung lupang isinanla ni tatay para lang maka alis ako ng bansa."
"Sabi ko naman ayaw kong sumama eh. Ewan ko ba naman kung bakit kailangan ipilit! sana nasa bahay na lang ako with my friends."
"Im sure matutuwa si Hon sa gagawin ko. I'll surprise her pag dating ko."

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It was when I was waiting here that I realized that yes, all the action happens in the front but this is probably the busiest place in the the airport in terms of thoughts. It is when you're waiting to get on board that plane that you get to spend some alone time for yourself to think. If you'll remember a scene from the movie "Bruce Almighty", when Bruce was overwhelmed by voices in his head which later on was explained to him by God as prayers. Then this is a place to avoid if you have that ability.