braggies

Looking back

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:38:00 +0000

In three days, another year will become into past year. No matter what was the outcome to us of the year that was, we always look back and review the events that shaped our life. I myself has never given it a thought in the past, its not my habit of assessing the things that I have done in my life in the year that past. But I make an exemption this time, but I have nothing interesting to share personally so instead I concentrate on the trips I have made the whole year.

It was this year that I become active traveling that I have been to different places some of them first time. I went back to thePhilippines in April as my birthday gift to myself and visited Guimaras and Iloilo in the visayas, and to Manila before heading back to Singapore. It was not my first time to be there but since it was an invitation and was drooling for the beach so I went.

In June I went to Bintan Indonesia for a weekend holiday sort of. It's my first time and it was quite an experience. I was acting like a rich man spending thousands of money for a holiday heheh. Can you imagine bringing in two million rupiah as a pocket money lol!

August I find myself in Malacca and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur was my home for three years years ago, so it was like homecoming to me and once there pictures of life back then instantly flashed in my mind. But it was my first time to be in Malacca and I felt in love with the place, theres this feeling of traveling back into yesteryears sort of thing lol.

September I went out again this time I just fence-hopped to Johor Bahru Malaysia. How far it is from my place you may asked? My place is just two bus stop to Causeway Bridge that link Singapore to Malaysia, so let say I already enjoyed sightseeing there while I am still inside the mrt if going to Orchard road.

October I went back to Malaysia for the third time. I went to Tioman Island for island and beach tripping. I have a not so nice experience going there but I must admit I enjoyed the place, and I want to go back there to explore the other side of the island, and I hope it will going to be a new experience sans the not so nice. It was on that same month the I went out farther from Singapore but within southeast asia. I went to Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. I enjoyed my trip there and must say I want to go back there next year given time and budget heheh, and it would be Hanoi this time.

November I went back to the Philippines and spends some time with the family. It is always nostalgic and I must say cash draining one compared to the usual travel trip lol. Need I say more? And this month also that I went to Jakarta for the first time.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

CamSur Watersports Complex, Philippines

Jakarta, Indonesia

Christmas Day in Orchard Road

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:21:00 +0000

The whole week leading to Christmas day, the stretch of Orchard road was literally filled with people. And on Christmas day it was closed to traffic. The center of Christmas celebration here in Singapore is concentrated on Orchard Road.

This year show is better than last year, it is a theatre act on Nativity story.

Enjoy the pictures.

Arriving Jakarta

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:45:00 +0000

This is my late post on my holiday to Jakarta Indonesia for the first time.

I managed to arrive at Changi terminal quite early as planned since I only took the mrt on the way there. Since it was my first time to take the train as I always took a cab to the airport. Arriving at the airport I immediately checked in upon reading the tv monitor that the counter was already open. I guess the counter lady which I believe an Indonesian was caught by surprise or just don't know what she was doing. The lady was at a loss she does not know that I was checking for the other flight other than she was checking in that moment. She gave me a wrong boarding pass luckily I review it first before leaving the counter. When I told her about the error she begun talking in Bahasa and talking to me in a language I have little understanding. Puzzled, I told her I don't understand what she was saying, surprised only then that she know I am not an Indonesian, to my horror since she has my passport. She begun asking me questions which I believed she should not be asking, like what I will be doing in Jakarta. I quickly left the counter soon as I have my boarding pass with me. The tv monitor indicates the flight she's checking in, how come she has this confusion? I begun to have second thought if my decision to spend the weekend in Jakarta would be a good idea. Worst was when I was at the Immigration counter at Jakarta and the officer was interrogating me like I was an alien not capable of flying nor has no capacity to come to his country. He was asking me the purpose of my travel, when I told him I'm on a holiday for four days. He asked me if I know someone and where to stay. When I told him I'll be staying in a hotel and showed him the print out of hotel voucher given by agoda, he asked me how much did I pay for the hotel. I told him the amount I paid, he was demanding for a receipt reflecting the amount I just told him. I told him I paid online using credit card and I don't have it with me, he was puzzled. All these takes time, and to add that the mouse his using was not working. I felt humiliated standing there and looking at the people standing after me waiting their turn. I don't know what the Immigration Officer was thinking of me that made him react that way. Was he surprised to know someone like me capable of visiting his city, or something else. After a while he stamped my passport while asking for the other counter to borrow him a mouse, when I asked if I still have to wait, he just waved his hand shooing me, what a jerk! Double whammed. While going out, I keep telling myself that is it just an isolated case and things will going to be alright. True enough the duration of my trip turned out fine.

The boarding area, waiting to board plane

The plane

While waiting for the plane to take off

Leaving Singapore

Approaching Jakarta, interesting view from above

Landing Jakarta

Outside the arrival lobby

Is this the same ZTE deal that made noise back home?

Yes there were toll gates too, if you are riding a taxi, you are the one to pay for it!

Tuk tuk!! Seeing these on the streets finally affirmed that im already in Jakarta, lol

The hotel lobby

The room

The view

My plan on my first night in Jakarta was to explore the local nightlife, but I was told by the hotel receptionist being holiday that day bars were closed so there was nothing to explore. After I settled in I went out of the hotel and check the neighborhood without my camera. I received advice including my landlord about the situation during nighttime in the city. Have this in mind and being not in pleasant neighborhood, I traverse the Mangga Besar road with caution and presence of mind. I came across an old shopping mall, which sells majority of the tenants selling used mobile phones and retail shops selling cheap clothing. I headed to the supermarket and bought items i'll be needing for the next three days. I took my dinner in a chinese fast-food inside the mall. On my way back to the hotel, a was surprised to see mobile hawkers came out both sides of the street. I did not try any of them, judging from the appearance, I decided not to be adventurous. But I set in for a durian as there were few vendors squatting along the street selling just durians. One of the best tasting durian I have eaten so far. I arrived the hotel past 11 pm already, 10 pm local time. I forgot to adjust my watch so I thought it was already late. I spent the night mapping out my itinerary for the next three days. First day will be national monument, national museum, Istana Negara, and the Ancol Themepark . Then the following day will be attending sunday mass, Kota Tua (old town), Chinatown district. The last day will be spent malling before heading to the airport.

My trip to Jakarta Indonesia

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:58:00 +0000

I went out of Singapore last weekend for a 4-day sightseeing trip to Jakarta. Friday was national holiday and Monday was my off-day so it was a four days of free time not to waste. I took the mid-afternoon flight and as I want to arrive in the capital before night time. Just like Vietnam, Indonesia timing is 1 hour behind Singapore. I stayed at Sparks Hotel in Mangga Besar Dua road, it is not an ideal location but the hotel itself is nice, clean and cozy, a value for money for a 51 dollars a night. I booked the room in advance thru agoda.

To sum up my four days trip, I was able to explore the old town, climbed up the national monument, visited the museum, shopping centers, and yes tried the night life too. And also I found out that the city has a Cathedral that dates back 1901 and has a distinctive spires and built in neo-gothic style architecture.

The Jakarta Cathedral

The National Museum

Fatahillah Square

National Monument

Ancol Dreamland

Allan K, Julia, Lougee, & Kim invades Plaza Singapura, Singapore

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Yes the hosts of Eat Bulaga came here to perform infront of the Filipino community in Singapore. I have no idea what was the occasion why they were here.

I let the pictures speaks itself.

Tagaytay City Trip

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:06:00 +0000

I woke up late the next day since I slept almost 4am the night before. So instead of going to Corregidor as planned, I travelled up south to Tagaytay City. As mentioned, it was my ninth time already to visit the place. There was no particular reason why I chose Tagaytay except to bring accompany someone who had never been there. I never get tired of the place actually, I love the weather and the scenery especially at the Palace in the sky. We dropped by at the Olivares junction to catched a jeepney that will take us to Peoples Park but alas the terminal area had been transferred over hundred meters away so we had to ride back since the new terminal comes before it reaches Olivares junction. There is nothing much to do there except to admire the breathtaking views and the cool weather.

Imelda's Palace in the Sky

Yes this place once Imelda Marcos one of extravagances, unfinished because this edifice constructed by the time the people power revolt erupted.

Picnic Groove

A day tour in Manila, Manila Ocean Park

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:16:00 +0000

One of the good places to view the famous Manila bay sunset is at the Manila Ocean Park located behind the Quirino Granstand at the Luneta Park. But of course the main reason why to go there is because of the place itself. Other things to do are food tripping, bar lounging, and shopping. So there are so much time to kill in this place. Direct from Intramuros, I arrived the place just before the sun set. But before the sun touches the sea level clouds hides it so no spectacular view was captured.

Entrance to the oceanarium is php400 one way, yes because once you come out you can not go back as what I experienced. What happened was while I was halfway of the tour, there comes the announcement that the mermaid show will above to begin in 10 minutes, so I hurried up to go out with the intention of coming back again after the show. I was able to catch the show but were not able to come in again. Should had I asked first and learned the situation, I could have wait for the next hour show, and besides, the mermaid show can be watch also while inside the glass tunnel.

Once you come in, the first section that you will pass is the Agos (Flow), a rainforest motif covered surrounding, as you climbed up on a wooden stair. Within this section are tanks of freshwater fishes.

Next one is the Bahura (The Reef) section where artificial corals in exhibition.

The Laot (Fishing ground) section features big fishes, rays in long tanks.

The Buhay na Karagatan (Living ocean) is the main attraction of the oceanarium where you passed in a 25-meter walkway glass tunnel and thousands of fishes swims directly above you. As compared to other oceanariums in other asian countries, 25-meter walkway is a bit short say compared to Underwater World of Singapore which is 83-meter in length and equip with a travelator, but it is compensated by the 220-degree curved tunnel which differs from other asian countries' standard 180-degree curve.

The Kalaliman (The deep) showcases marine animals found in the deepest parts of Philippines waters.

The hallway has a variety of stingrays flying over.

The Mermaid show

The fish spa. A separate fee is required if you want the doctor fish have their dinner at your expense.

I chose Makansutra for dinner for I was curious to know how the food will fare compared to one in Singapore. It's restaurant concept is same to a hawker's food center in Singapore. We tried the Bah ku teh and hokkian mee, and. The taste is not as good as you can get in Singapore.

Before going back to the hotel, I decided to stroll the Rizal Park and took a few shoots of the national hero's monument, and spent half an hour watching the open theater show of the hero's famous novel Noli Me Tangere. What a way to end the tour.

A day tour in Manila, Fort Santiago

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:31:00 +0000

After four days in the province, I went back to Manila to spend the rest of the remaining days of my vacation before I go back to Singapore. While in Manila aside from the usual malling and bar hopping, I continue my list of places to visit while on vacation. Tagaytay and the Manila Ocean Park concludes the list. Originally my plan was to visit Corregidor since I have never been there, but due to bar hopping the night before, I woke up late so I opted for Tagaytay instead. It's been my nth times to Tagaytay since back in college some of my dorm mates where from within the area, so every time they went home on weekends we tag along and spend hours in Tagaytay before heading to their house.

First day in Manila was spent on touring Fort Santiago in Intramuros. From the hotel, I took the LRT and alighted at Central station. From there I passed by at the Liwasang Bonifacio, and took some pictures of the leader of Katipunan with the imposing Manila Central Post Office building on the background.

From Liwasang Bonifacio, I took a jeepney and dropped by the front of Manila Cathedral. You have to pay an entrance fee to enter Fort Santiago, I cant recall how much did I pay but my thought after touring the premises that the amount was expensive especially that nothing has changed physically since the days way back in college when we regularly held our school group meetings and practice sessions there and entrance fees were affordable.

Except for the usual tourist and group of korean students having their picnic, I haven't noticed students groups in the open gardens. The place is very much the same and I must admit it is well maintained and preserved. I have a grand time that early afternoon reminiscing those days I spent in there with friends from college.

the Main Gate of Fort Santiago

the main courtyard

Inside the Rizal Shrine

the many passages

After coming out of the fort, I proceeded to Manila Cathedral to attend mass where there is on going wedding, and to enjoy the interiors of the cathedral. My plan was supposed to tour the rest of Intramuros, but I want to catch the sunset so I flagged a taxi right after coming out of the cathedral to Manila Ocean park which is just few kilometers away from Intramuros.

Lounging in CamSur Watersports Complex

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:55:00 +0000

It was my first time to visit the place. Before, I did not pay much attention to the place since I am not into extreme sports. But the CWC become the in thing, and everybody was talking about, a must place to visit and experience so they say and I agree. I did not go there to try wakeboard nor stay longer, I don't need to as my house is just less than an hour away. But lounging there for few hours and watching the wakeboarders do their stuff was an entertainment. The place is picturesquely stunning.Though the wakeboarding is the main attraction, there are other watersports you can try at the complex.

Staying there will really make you want to try the sport, and that's what I will going to do the next time I visit the place.

Journey homeward

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:42:00 +0000

I took a week off from work and where else do I spend it, but to my Philippines specifically my hometown. Homeward is different from the usual holiday trip overseas. You just don't have to buy the plane ticket, you busied yourself days before your actual flight date buying things you bring with you to your trip. But going home specially if your away for months always bring excitement and goosebumps.

I made a list of to do things for the trip. On the list are a visit to Malacanang Palace Museum. I got a chance to visit the place way back months after the Marcoses fled the Palace and the new government turned part of the palace into a Museum and opened it to the public. I was young then so my only recollection was I got to see Imelda's thousands shoes and gowns. I thought now is my chance to really appreciates our own especially that I just recently been to two countries own, the Negara Istana of Singapore and the Reunification Palace of Vietnam. But alas the Malacanang is closed to public for the whole November for general cleaning because part of the Museum was used as the relief operation center during the Ondoy onslaught.

More on the list are the ones in my home province which where I'll be spending more of my vacation days. These two are the Caramoan Islands and the CamSur Watersports Complex. Caramoan Islands became famous because of the Survivor shows. The islands was the place where the tv show contestants outwit, outlast, and outplay each other for a million bucks. The two days since I arrived, the rain continuously to pour so the plan to go to Caramoan Islands has been crossed out on the list. Caramoan is just a two hour trip from our house, the one and half hours by sea so I was not allowed to the trip and reduced to just staying home.

These completes the places I have visited while i'm on vacation.

CWC

Fort Santiago

Manila Ocean Park

People's Park, Tagaytay

Picnic Groove, Tagaytay

Inside the Reunification Palace, Saigon

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:24:00 +0000

One of the places of interest in Ho Chi Minh City I have visited was the Reunification Palace. Formerly the presidential palace of South Vietnam which turned into a museum. The museum has been kept largely as it was. It was also here where the official handover of power during the fall of Saigon was held. The museum is open for a fee, I cant recall how much did I pay for the entry ticket.

Actually I had difficulty locating the place, because I was coming from behind the complex so I really can't pinpoint the building itself though I am within the vicinity. When I noticed a massive fence and assumed to be the one I was locating, I walk alongside and when I reached the corner of the frontage did I spot the building. Approaching the main gate a coconut vendor walk along with me and offer me one for free! I was astounded by his offering because by looking at him he cannot afford to sell his ware for free, though glad for the offer I refused his offer and said thank you with accompanying touristy smile. I sensed something fishy as he was very insistent so I double pace walking and only until I reached the gate that he stop pestering me.

I came in past two in the afternoon so I have ample time to check the place as the visiting hour ends at 4:00 in the afternoon. After paying for the ticket I preceded and while walking I started taking pictures. From the lobby I headed to the side access stair as the main stair is off limit. Instead of going up I went down to the basement first and it was eerily quiet, The basement contains the communication equipment with old maps pasted on the wall, later I learned it was here where the war has been plotted and controlled. Too bad I was able to take some pictures as I thought it is off limit as I was all alone when I was there. I did not get to see the tunnels this building has. I hurriedly goes up to the second floor and check one by one the rooms of the palace and its functions, pictures chronicled below.

the entrance lobby

the Main stair

View of the front lawn from the main entrance

the Cabinet Meeting Room

the State Room

the room where the President receive his visitors

the room where Diplomats present their credential held here

the Game Room

the Office of the President

the open garden at the private residential wing of the palace

the private dining room

one of the private rooms

At the rooftop, the helicopter used by the pilot who throw two bombs that destroyed the original building at the spot marked red. Insightful read here.

Top floor

I stayed awhile at the top of the building and admired the view of the outside. By looking at the main road and seeing the bikes alongside the cars, it always resembled to a vip car being escorted by traffic police.

After my visit, I leisurely sit in one of the bench at the park just outside the complex. I spotted the coconut vendor having an argument with a white tourist holding a young coconut. By seeing their hands movement and how they are talking I sensed trouble, minutes later the white tourist was handing money to the vendor and left mad.

Then I stand up and move on to my next destination, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office just with in a walking distance.

My trip to Tioman Island, Malaysia

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:08:00 +0000

As mentioned on the post preceding, I spent overnight at Tioman Island in Malaysia. As Malaysia is just a causeway away from Singapore, it is easy to take a short trip to Malaysia from Singapore, and this time I decided to finally push my long overdue plan to explore the island.

For my trip plan, I will leave Singapore early in the morning, catch a bus at Larkin bus terminal in Johor Bharu to Mersing, and from there I take a ferry to Tioman Island. My initial travel time input were: travel time from Singapore to Johor Bahru to Mersing is about three hours and Mersing to Tioman by boat is two hours, so its going to be at least 5 hours travel time from my place for me to be in Tioman.

I woke up late that day so I arrived Larkin bus terminal almost just in time for the 9:30 bus to Mersing. If I was not able to catch the bus, the next trip will be at 2:30 in the afternoon. Luck was with me as I was on the right spot where the dispatcher was standing and giving last minute instruction to the bus driver. I paid directly to him and did not give me the ticket, it was only when I already seated and the bus started to leave that I realized I don't have ticket. I got scared when the bus conductor started taking the passengers ticket. But then he did not ask for it so it turned okay. I arrived Mersing bus terminal 12:15 in the afternoon. Upon arrival I asked for direction to jetty port, I have no idea that the jetty port was quite far from the bus terminal and it takes around 10 minutes by walk. And the bad thing the boat is scheduled to leave 12noon, but the ticket seller at the terminal booth told me to run as I might just be able to catch the boat. I have no idea where it is located, she gave me direction vaguely : go straight, cross rotunda, corner money changer and white building. Like what I said luck was with me so I was able to catch the boat!

I arrived Tioman Island past three in the afternoon because the boat has to stop 20 minutes after it leave the jetty to wait for two lady passengers, they must be VIP i guess.

I did not book a resort beforehand since I thought it would be best option just to check the place first so I can choose a good place to stay. Initially I made a booking for Paya beach resort in Paya Lebar, but was fully booked for the weekend as the resort is a favorite of Singaporeans. So instead I opted a resort in Ayer Batang village. From the internet, Ayer Batang is one of the most popular villages on Tioman. having a wide choice of accommodation and restaurants. I set my mind to Nazri Place because it claims to have one of the best stretches of beach on Tioman.

The Village jetty port

The moment I step foot on the island I easily feel in love with the place. At the Ayer Batang village point of view, the island is totally covered by lush tropical rainforest, and the resorts are concentrated along the coastline only. The road though paved is narrow so no cars can be seen within the village.

The resort is about ten minutes by walk from the jetty. I expected the resort be run by professional staff but I was wrong, it was staffed by a village family living on the resort itself and they are not courteous at all. Knowing I am a walk in customer, I received cold shoulder treatment. I was not entertained at first and the receptionist was nowhere to find, and when she appeared, she was carrying a crying child. When I asked to check the room before I check in, she hesitated at first. Though I expected it is not going to be a nice room but I want to make sure toilet is clean and working. I have already seen the pictures of the rooms that's why I choose the resort than with the other resorts in the village. After I checked in and took my late lunch at the restaurant did I learn the majority of the resort guests were caucasians, old couples actually. That's maybe the reason why I got cold shoulder treatment.

After an hour rest, I hit the beach and swim for over an hour, after that I took my camera and started exploring the place.

Narrow road

Approaching Nazri Place

The resort Sunset bar

the resort beachfront

Marine Park

Snorkeling at the Marine park

Bats on the trees

the Boat

Going back to Singapore was different story. It all started when I was not able to catch the 12:30 boat to Mersing. The receptionist told me that the boat will pass by the port at 12:30 so I checked out and make sure I reach the port before the boat arrive. Alas the boat already left before I arrived, worst is it left before 12 noon. The last trip to Johor Bahru from Mirsing is 5:00, so for me to be able to go back to Singapore that day I have to be able to be in Mirsing before 5:00 pm. My understanding was that there is boat that leave the island every two hours. That day was not the case since the next and the last boat that leave the island was 5:00 pm and I arrived Mersing past 7:00 pm! Expectedly I missed the bus! That moment the boat did not arrive at 3:00 pm, my supposed to be a happy vacation turned out nightmare since I need to be at work the next day.

I arrived home exhausted not by the vacation trip but by the circumstance of the trip back home. How did I made it? I met I taxi driver who was willing to drive me to Johor Bahru for a fee. I paid him 180 malaysian ringgits which if I took a regular bus I have to pay only 20 ringgits!

Long weekend

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:42:00 +0000

I still have not blog the things i have done on the trip I made to Vietnam. I am supposed to do that as a third entry but I cant find time to really make one. Lately I find it hard to compose a detailed entry, the reason maybe is that my mind is not there and was pretty occupied with work. Though the building upgrading job is not demanding technically but more so on physical aspect that keep me distracted from blogging. As our work is concentrated on residential flats where there are residents in it. The job while requires you to supervise thoroughly the ongoing construction but more so on the safety and convenience of the residents occupying the building undergoing construction. Mind you its a challenging work, whoever might say it is an easy job compared to a normal construction site must experience it firsthand, as the responsibility is more like to hell freezes over thing heheh.

Anyway last saturday is Deepavali and it's a national holiday, so it was busy weekend for me. And since Monday is my off day too, I have three days to spend last weekend.

Istana Open to public

Being Deepavali, the Istana, the official residence of the president of Singapore, was open to the public for the whole day. So I spend the late morning around the palace grounds and toured inside the palace, though not all but portions of the ground floor only. These were the Banquet Hall, the room where the president receives state visitors, and the main lobby. At the banquet hall, instead of foods on the dining tables, the items the presidents receives from other head of states are the ones on display. Its quite interesting to see the items as it is labeled by the giver country and groups according to items received. The gifts were really reflects the identity of the country were it came from. Too bad taking pictures were not allowed inside the palace.

But outside you can free to do anything that pleases you, I mean you can take pictures as what I did, picnicking, kidsplay, things like that. I have the grand time taking pictures.

Land of the Morning, the Philippines and its People

In the afternoon I visited the Asian Civilization Museum. Entrance is free so it was my chance to check the Land of the Morning, the Philippines and its People exhibit at the Museum Gallery. Taking pictures of the items on display is not allowed, thank God I only noticed the warning notice after I took a few. The exhibit will run until January 10, 2010. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a huge old altar salvage from an old demolish church somewhere in the Visayas. If you happen to be here in Singapore or planning to come here, include visiting the Museum in your itinerary.

Little India

Friday night I roamed around Little India to just feel the festivities and tried some authentic indian food.

Tioman Island, Malaysia

Then Sunday and Monday was spent in Tioman Island, Malaysia.

Arriving Ho Chi Minh City

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:28:00 +0000

It's my first time to travel to Vietnam yet I have no apprehension whatsoever for the travel. I booked the flight 3 months ago so though I have to wait that long, it didn't cross to my mind to feel fear for the trip.

My flight was scheduled 7:35 in the morning, so I was at Changi terminal 1 at 5:45 and waiting for boarding at gate C15 by 6:30. My ticket says I will arrive Ho Chi Minh at 8:25am, which means the travel time will be less than an hour. Considering how far apart the two countries are, I thought it's a mistake, but was confirmed by the check in counter personnel that Vietnam is one hour behind Singapore.

By 6:55am, the line for boarding started. My assigned seat is 3A so I belonged to the last batch to be boarded.

theJetstar plane that will bring me to Saigon

By 8:00am local time, I was seeing the city landscape and landed just in time.

window view

Soon as I cleared immigration, I immediately leave the terminal and took a cab.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Some interesting shoot while on my way to the hotel. Along the way, I spotted a very familiar signage that I thought for a second I was traveling in a Manila street. There is Jolibee in Ho Chi Minh!

By 9:00am I was already checked in at a $36 a night room. I had a wonderful stay in this hotel.

Spring Hotel superior room

My tour started after 30 minutes after I settled in.

My Ho Chi Minh Escapade

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:29:00 +0000

I just came back from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A holiday trip to this southeast asian city. To sum up the trip, it was an exhausting yet educational trip indeed. Upon arriving home, it was the Ho Chi Minh City leg of the amazing race show currently playing. Nice, it was exactly what I did, sort of.

Enjoy the photos.

Binh Tay Market

The Reunification Palace

The Central Post Office

Notre Dame Cathedral

The Saigon Opera House

Saigon City Hall

Chinatown lights up

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 04:14:00 +0000

Last night was the Mid-Autumn Festival street light-up and marked the official opening of the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival 2009. The street lights are mix of flowers, butterflies, lanterns. The festivities will be month-long which will end on October 18, 2009.

What a superb occasion to baptize my new gadget. Since its my first time and have no time to study the features, I rely mostly on the camera's scene modes. I hope i labeled the pictures below correctly as I kept constantly rotating the mode dial.

The show is about to begin. This was captured using dusk/dawn mode.

This shot using high key.

Before the lights on, using blossom mode I guess :)

Lights switched on. Captured using food mode

This one I think is night landscape mode

This one using high key. The Higantes :)

The after-show

One of the floats

After that I took the opportunity to walk around Chinatown to captured new and old buildings. The pictures can be found in iBen on the loose

Finally, the wait is over

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:11:00 +0000

I am speechless, pardon my excitement :)

COMEX 2009

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:11:00 +0000

I went to SUNTEC last Saturday for the COMEX 2009, the IT and Consumer Technology Exhibition. Actually it is more like a tiangge of electronic products :). I was aiming for an Olympus PEN E-P1. I read a lot about how good the product is. And I was ready to spend my hard earned money and even convinced myself it's going to be a worth investment. I went straight to the Olympus booth and got hold of the camera. The moment I saw and touched it my excitement turned into disappointment. It looked nice and beautiful in pictures but in actual it is different. So i ended up not buying it. Besides a friend advises me to consider Nikon instead, being a satisfied owner himself.

I still have to decide on what Nikon model do I have to buy. At their booth I got the chance to try few models and I was hooked to Nikon D5000. I hoped before F1 Singapore Grand Prix I finally have my own DLSR.

I posted the pictures on tumbler since blogger has tantrums again.

Working overseas

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:34:00 +0000

This was taken from the forum section of The Straits Times.

An afternoon spent in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:55:00 +0000

I spent my tuesday off in Johor Bahru, Malaysia with no particular reason. My place is just a stone throw away from the causeway which link Singapore to southern gateway of Malaysia. Traveling time to Johor is shorter than say going to Orchard Road. As what I mentioned here, I just want to escape and maybe to break the monotonous life I have been in weeks. True enough the feeling of traveling to another country is quite ahh say overwhelming heheh. Though no flying involved, in fact I just took a regular bus and travelled two bus stop and then I was there already at the border gate, but the fact that you have to pass immigration and present the passport really have a different feeling.

Traversing the Causeway

It was raining that day so I spent most of the afternoon inside the City Square mall located adjacent to the Malaysian Customs building. I opted for late lunch inside the mall as combing the streets for local food is just not possible.

After that I explore the mall. There is nothing much choices actually. I was looking forward for some cheap but nice shirts. As the rain stopped I got some time to check the streets.

Some interesting buildings

Sultan Ibrahim building- the state government house

Rows of stalls selling jasmine flowers for Hindu worshippers

Indian temple

City streets

After that I went back inside the mall, have my haircut, buy a new headset, phone case and few shirts plus my month toiletries to take advantage of the 100 singapore dollars = 242 malaysian ringgits.

Definitely this will become a habit :)

Upgrading to Snow Leopard

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:20:00 +0000

So everybody is upgrading to snow leopard except me, though not for now. The day snow leopard made available,it takes only two days to clear all the stocks at the apple stores here in Singapore. When I inquired when will the next stock be available, I was told I have to wait for three weeks and I have to endure long queue to get one. And also I have to leave from work.

So I left with only one option, to buy it online. The price is the same and no delivery charge. Since my mac is relatively new, I just have to purchase the upgrade version which amount to 48 sing dollars.

photo credit : apple

Comes Monday, as Apple is saying, I expect my mac to be refined and:

- have a new look, new features for Exposé and Stacks.

- faster to wake up and shut down.

- automatic updates for printer drivers, I can just plug my mac to a printer available at hand and leopard will download the latest driver from the internet and viola I can print effortlessly.

- a faster, more powerful Safari.- more reliable disk eject.

- more reliable, higher-resolution iChat.

and more...

Now i'm drooling.. can't wait.

In cloud zero

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Things are still not getting back to normal, my life that is. Even my life in the cyberspace is in vagabond and mac is not of help too, he seems want the snow leopard and it frustrates me. I am being forced to give in. It takes ages to browse and open the pages. Pussy he no longer want.

I need an escape. So I am off to another place just across the causeway, now.

Still undecided to go for it

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Visiting Malaysia

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:20:00 +0000

I finally got the chance to go back to Malaysia and spent two days reminiscing the place. I travelled by land going and took the plane in coming back to Singapore. This arrangement was made because my itinerary was to pass by Malacca then proceed to Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur was my home for over three years years back.

1100

1800

1000

1300

1600

Willie requests removal of live coverage of Cory's funeral in Wowowee.

rfmilante@yahoo.com (I AM ENHENYERO, AND THIS IS MY BLOGSPOT) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:55:00 +0000

This is just ABSURD! He could have asked it discreetly, not on-air. Nagpantig tinga ko while watching this, can you blame me?

Here's the reason how I find it, as I am a PinoyTV subscriber.