Immigration Officer: Is this your first visit to Singapore? (leafing through my passport)
Me: Uhm..Huh? That’s my latest passport right there.
*Drats those old passport! And I really didn’t understand what the officer asked. I thought he was looking for my latest book*
IO: Yah. But is this your first visit?
Me: Oh no no. I came here in 2002, it was a long time ago…eight years to be exact. I’ve gotten old.
*Which is true…*
IO: Oh there it is (upon seeing the stamp on my previous passport) Ah, you’re not that very old so I think it’s okay!
Me: *chuckles —i know, who could laugh at Passport Control, I’m such a quirk.* Yes, and I vividly remember the whole place.
IO: *laughs* Well, enjoy!
Me: Thank you, I will.

…And I did.

—

At the early age of 13, I already settled my career to be based in Singapore (SG).

It’s not a secret anymore, after all the spamming, begging and vlogging expressions of interest, I wanted to become an MTV VJ for some reason that requires a separate entry. However, due to circumstances beyond my control namely looks and eloquence, this dream already sparked into flames. But then, there a lot more career options in SG other than being a big-shot host, so I still got my heart set for the goal.

Since my brother moved in to SG two years ago, I’ve bugged my parents incessantly on letting me visit him. But that visit ultimately translates: I want to see MTV studios and do a walk-in audition, which by the way will lead to my family’s utter humiliation. I guess they already thought of that hidden agenda so their constant visits were all tagged as  “official”, meaning the series of trips didn’t include me. Even when my brother got married, I was at home sulking to death that I wasn’t part of the ceremony; they argued it will be very expensive to take the whole family for a 10-minute-civil wedding. My dad promised me that one day, I will be able to join them. True to his word, he gave me a full week of exploring the city and I –had a freakin’ blast.

Day 1. Hello, SG!

My flight was scheduled two days after my arrival from Vientiane. We left Los Banos at five freakin thirty in the morning and I couldn’t sleep in the plane because I was too damn excited like a child upon the sight of candy. However, the hotel bed was just too inviting and I fell asleep. I woke up and my brother and sister were there already. It only means one thing: Hell yeah, I’m in Singapore! First Stop: My Beloved, Suntec City Mall.

And for dinner…

Day 2. Funan, Here I Come.

Funan DigitaLife Mall is like SG’s electronics capital; you can find everything and anything in SG but Funan is just heaven. It is a five-minute walk from the City Hall MRT station, so locating it wouldn’t be a problem. Their photography gear floor is my idea of paradise. Too bad I can’t afford it.

First on my to-do/shopping list is to get lights and an external flash unit. There goes my savings. So Auntie was running test shots, I was asking her to let me try and she was like: No no, I will do it.

Me: *deep inside* WTH!

Day 3. Oh Hello, Orchard.

Next on my to-do/shopping list, visit Orchard and make a scene at the MTV Asia VJ Hunt Challenge Week. Nah, as if.

Day 4. The Path to Vivo City – At the Train Station, Kaka’s face was all over!

That day we were supposed to visit Resorts World Sentosa because I want to take a look at Victoria’s Secret. But it rained so hard, we got stranded inside Vivo City. My brother has this theory that I should never be left inside a store for more than five minutes, otherwise, I am bound to buy something. And with that —–

Day 5. Train to Victoria’s Secret

Because of the rain that halted my SG-tour, I decided to stay at my brother’s place that night. Their apartment is close to Vivo City, which makes it closer to Resorts World –I just wanted to see Vicky’s!

We went back to City Hall Interchange and had a nice family dinner at a Japanese Resto called Shin Kushiya in Suntec City. Some crew are Pinoys!!

Day 6. Boots and Toy Story

The next day, I wore my new boots, price marked down 70% mind you, but then again it also knocked down my feet. We watched Toy Story 3…the first Toy Story movie I’ve seen. ;P

Day 7. Jurong East-bound

After my parents’ 3-day conference, we went to visit my brother’s place.

We also had Dinner at Hog’s Breath. Very good food…for that price!

And then, before I knew it…It was time to go.

—

SG is a familiar territory for most businessmen and tourists. Standard of living is very high and well, commodities are quite of the same league. I suggest if you’re on a budget, go try Singaporean food at the Hawker’s or foodcourts cos they got delicious meals for a fraction of a cost. If you want to try high-end restaurants though, I believe it will be worth the amount cos service and quality are guaranteed.

For the shoppers out there, JUNE IS THE MONTH for THE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE (GSS). Almost all items, branded or not, got 50-70% discount tags on them and that’s really something to look forward to. January also is a good month cos it’s their “Everything Must Go” sale… Ohhhh, I will definitely DEFINITELY GO!

So there you have it, my SG-tour after eight years. Hopefully, soon, I will be able to call it my second home 🙂 Just believe.

Entry title derived from the song Party in the USA performed by Miley Cyrus.