My Time in Singapore

Singapore F1 - 2011 Grand Prix

2011-08-26T21:10:00.000+08:00

It's coming! The day of F1 Grand Prix race in Singapore is zooming in fast in the calendar. I checked the countdown on the Singapore GP website, it's exactly 29 days to go!

When I first arrive here in Singapore, it was the week of the F1 Grand Prix. But during that time I don't have the money to buy tickets so I didn't watch it. But a year later, it's a bit different. And because it's the last year of F1 in Singapore, I will not miss the chance to get my eardrums crushed by the booming thunder of Formula 1 race cars! What's more, one of my favorite international bands, Linkin Park, will be performing on the race day. So it's a double whammy! I get to see the race, and I get to see the band! Two birds in one stone.

Single day tickets start from $38, based on the website. If you want to watch the 3-day event, which falls on September 23, 24 and 25, you can choose from different pricing and areas. What I will book is the single ticket for the race day, September 25, on Zone 4. This will cost me $148, but this may be my once-in-a-lifetime chance to see F1 and Linkin Park, so I know it will be worth the money.

Are you going to see F1 Grand Prix? Hit the comments!

Introducing... The Ask-a-question Page.

2011-08-20T16:37:00.002+08:00

Ever wondered how to ask a question to me, the blog author but don't know where to go? Do you want to give some suggestions or feedback about the blog posts or layout? Now you can, with the Ask A Question page found on the top of the webpage. You can also click on the link.

I created a new page here, and put a Facebook comment plugin for visitors who want to ask or give suggestions and feedback about the blog. Just log-in on your Facebook account and comment away!

But please, no spamming and flaming. Be kind to others.

Canon PhotoMarathon 2011

2011-08-19T23:03:00.001+08:00

Calling all photographers, amateur enthusiasts and pros alike! Canon will be having its 9th PhotoMarathon in Singapore on September 10, 2011 at Suntec City Convention Hall 401. This will be open for all shooters, DSLRs and point-and-shoots. And even if you're not owning a Canon camera, you are welcome! Just bring your camera, extra batteries and memory cards. And lots of water.

And I only learned about this contest this week. Since I just bought my camera this year, (and also arrived here less than a year ago) I'm not aware of this contest. I was also surprised when my colleagues told me that even if I own a Nikon, I can still join. I initially thought it's open for Canon owners only.

Here's what you get when you win the Best of Show(for both Open and Student Category):
-8-Day Photo Clinic to Tasmania, Australia worth SGD 8,000
-Adobe® Creative Suite® 5.5 Master Collection worth USD 3,159
-Datacolor Spyder3Elite worth SGD 345
-Lexar products worth SGD 766

The online registration for the Open Category/Student Category will be $10
while the walk-in registration will be $15 depending on availabilty. The event starts at 7:00am and will end at 7:30pm.

Screen grab from the Canon PhotoMarathon website.

Register now by visiting the Canon 9th PhotoMarathon 2011 website. You can also get the rest of the details on this site, like the rules and program. See you there! I already registered! If you don't have a credit card, you can use your DBS or POSB VISA debit card. I just used it for the first time! ^_^

My Time in Singapore 3.1

2011-08-16T18:26:00.002+08:00

You may have noticed the some changes on this blog. With the help of Photoshop, I successfully created a new look for the header. It took me several days to finish it: from the conception of ideas to completion(mostly around the wee hours of the morning). One by one, ideas came by and I was finally able to construct a mash of words and images in CS5 for a good header. And with the help of the available tutorials online, I was also able to include the fireworks(took me several hours to complete, even though there's a guide). Still, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm planning to modify and redesign most parts of the blog. It's still a long way, but I can do it if I focus on finishing small steps and it will add up.

I want to share to you my readers on how I did it, but I'm no guru on this. I'm still learning new things about Photoshop and Blogger and HTML everyday. Maybe after several months, I can share you the things I learned redesigning and improving my blog.

Thanks for reading this and expect more posts to come by!

JobsCentral Singapore Jobfair 2011

2011-07-20T18:57:00.004+08:00

Planning to find a job here in Singapore? Don't know where to start?

Now's your chance! JobsCentral has scheduled a job fair here in Singapore. For those who are planning to go here, make it during the fair! It's scheduled on 13th and 14th of August 2011 in Hall 403 and 404 of Suntec Convention Centre. If you have a valid working pass and already working here but planning to find another job, go there on the 13th. If you're still in the Philippines and planning to get a job here in Singapore, then go there on the 14th. Which both falls on the weekend.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Register online on the JobsCentral website as soon as possible. It's way better than registering on-site which, of course, will be full of lines and queues. Deadline of online registration is on 12 noon August 12, 2011. A fee of $10 (roughly Php340) is required for applicants without valid work passes and payable at the entrance. For those with valid work passes, no entrance fee is required.

Please read the details carefully.

Click on the image to enlarge.

Print this one out (or list it down) so you don't forget the details.

Here are some of the participating companies/organizations:
ACCA Singapore Pte Ltd
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore
American International Assurance Company, Limited
At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy
Auston Institute of Management Pte Ltd
Aventis Graduate School
Aviva Ltd
Baking Industry Training Centre Pte Ltd
Canon Singapore Pte Ltd
CSM Academy International
DAS Academy
Dreamwork Organisation
East Asia Institute of Management
E M Services Pte Ltd
ERC Institute Pte Ltd
Executive Counselling and Training Academy
FCm Singapore Pte Ltd
Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
Great Eastern Life Assurance Co Ltd
HSBC Insurance
Institute of Technical Education
InterContinental Singapore
International Compliance Association
ITC School of Laws Pte Ltd
JACK Study Abroad
Kaplan Higher Education Institute
Luxury Ventures
Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)
Marketing Institute of Singapore Training Centre
McDonald's
Melior International College
Micron and IM Flash Singapore
Millennium & Copthorne International Limited
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Manpower
National Library Board
Newstead Technologies Pte Ltd
NTUC Income
Nuance-Watson (S) Pte Ltd
NUS (Bachelor of Technology Programme)
Outward Bound Singapore
Pico Art International Pte Ltd
Prudential Assurance Co (S) Pte Ltd
REC Singapore
Rockwell Automation Asia Pacific Business Center Pte Ltd
Sapura Synergy Singapore Pte Ltd
Sentosa Leisure Group
Singapore DUCKtours Pte Ltd
Singapore Saizeriya Pte Ltd
Singapore Tourism Board
SMa Institute of Higher Learning
SMRT
S P Jain Center of Management - Singapore
Stamford Raffles College
Swissotel Merchant Court, Singapore / RC Hotels
Walton International Group (S) Pte Ltd
Wildlife Reserves Singapore

(Image and data from JobsCentral)

Father's Day

2011-06-19T23:51:00.000+08:00

Today, we celebrate the Father's Day. Here in our flat, only two of us are already fathers. This weekend, one of them went back to Philippines to celebrate his son's baptism on Father's Day. So only me was celebrating here at the house. Happy Father's Day to all fathers.

Birthday Celebration

2011-06-18T20:50:00.002+08:00

Today, we celebrate the birthday of my sister. Her birthday is on Monday, but surprised her today. It was a blast.

BCG for my baby

2011-06-17T20:39:00.000+08:00

Earlier today, my baby's pediatrician administered another vaccine to her. It's called BCG or Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine. This is for preventing my baby from acquiring tuberculosis. Last June 13, the doctor also gave her the second shot vaccine against hepatitis-b.

That time, she was out of breath when she her skin was punctured and cried afterward. My heart was broken when I saw my baby cried like that. It was heartbreaking, really. I couldn't do anything but to pretend that it did not affect me at all.

Today, my wife told me that my baby didn't cry when she was given the BCG vaccine. But she cried when they wrapped her in a blanket and held them to prevent the baby from moving while she was being vaccinated.

Invitation Letter from Philippine Embassy

2011-06-16T22:35:00.000+08:00

For those who want to go to Singapore, sometimes it is required by an immigration official to present an invitation letter from a relative or friend who is in Singapore. Last time, when I went here, I only have an invitation from my sister which was just a simple invitation letter with her name and IC number.

What I heard from my friends, right now they require an invitation letter signed by officials from the Philippine Embassy here in Singapore. This invitation letter should be applied personally in the embassy and has a fee($45?). My housemate went there last Wednesday and he was in for a surprise. The invitation letter will be processed for several days and you would only be able to get a copy after that time. Not recommended for those who procrastinate. If you have friends or relatives who plans to visit you, try to get an invitation letter as soon as possible.

Going back is hard

2011-06-15T21:08:00.000+08:00

This time, it was the hardest. I had to free myself from selfishness and needed to overcome any force to stay. I needed to get back here to work to be able to give anything for my family. But, this time was the hardest. I was unable to sleep after arriving at the flat. I had to take MC to rest and regroup my thoughts. I have a broken heart, that can only be healed if I'm with my two angels. T_T

Celebration

2011-06-14T20:47:00.001+08:00

Do you celebrate your birthday? What do you expect on your birthday, which comes every year on the same date?

Well, for one, it's your day. The same date your were born, several years ago. For me, it was 25 years ago.

One way or another, we celebrate our birthday. We post status messages, we eat out, we buy cake, we gather with friends and families, we drink.

But this year, I will celebrate differently. I will be spending my whole day with my baby girl. I know this will be the greated birthday of my life.

Cheers!

First Month

2011-06-13T15:46:00.001+08:00

It's the first month of my baby girl! How cool is that? And I'm celebrating it with them. ^_^

Live Free

2011-06-12T08:46:00.002+08:00

You have the right to live freely. Choose any path to take. Live on the good side or the bad side. It's up to you. Your choices determine your future.

You can either choose to be happy and live for the day, or otherwise and live in the past.

But.. choose.

Early Morning Food Fest

2011-06-11T07:45:00.001+08:00

I'm planning to go back to Mercato, where delicious food is served from 7am to 2pm. It's a special food fest in Bonifacio Global City area.

If you haven't tried going there, then this is you chance before they close.

Office hassles

2011-06-10T23:44:00.001+08:00

All I want is to go back home after I arrived at the office this morning. I want to prepare my things and take my ride to the airport. I'm very excited for my comeback. To Manila, and then to Batangas. I. Can't. Wait.

I'm going home...again!!!

2011-06-09T23:20:00.000+08:00

Yep! You heard it right! I'm flying back home again tomorrow night. I'll be spending my weekend and two days with my baby girl and my wife. I just want to be there for her first month, and also celebrate my upcoming birthday with them.

Plus! I get to see the new addition to the family. My sister gave birth earlier this evening. Welcome to the world, Fatima Isis!

SimpleTips: When inside an airport

2011-06-08T23:24:00.000+08:00

For those of you who are fond of traveling, one way or another you have spent a time in an airport. Included also here are our friends who tried to find work outside the country and those who have succeeded and returning back for the holidays. The gate going outside the country is most likely an airport, and same applies when visiting another country.

You know the security inside an airport is tight. They check everything, scan your bags, and even X-ray. This is to prevent unwanted and dangerous objects and person from leaving or getting inside the country. You don't want to have a seatmate in the airplane with an explosive in his laptop bag, yes? There are many "rules" inside an airport, some of which are posted everywhere for everybody to see and some are not.

I've listed some of the known and lesser known "rules" when inside the airport. I'll start off with the known ones and proceed on the lesser ones as I go on the list.

1. No Smoking. (In most airports, there are designated places to smoke)
2. DO NOT speak or say "bomb" or "explosives" or "terrorist". (Especially when there are news about terrorism)
3. You cannot bring any firearm or knife in your hand luggage. Included also are explosives and flammable materials and aerosol.
4. You cannot bring liquids in your hand luggage which exceeds 100mL.
5. Do not bring luggage from a person you don't personally know.
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended while inside the airport.
7. If someone requested you to bring a package or bag to your country of destination, DO NOT accept it. (You don't know what's inside it. Even if the person pays you, which is very likely.)
8. Keep your passport and ticket to yourself.
9. Be calm and polite. Answer questions clearly and smile. (You don't want to be suspected of something.)
10. Always bring a pen. (You'll need it. And bring extra pens.)

Here are some tips, and I will update this list once I get some more important information.

Do you have any tips to share? Hit the comments!

The Dynamic Uno

2011-06-07T22:49:00.000+08:00

Have you heard about the Dynamic Uno? If you're watching How I Met Your Mother, then you'll know what I mean. It's from the Season 1, which Barney told Ted in a taxi on the way to the Liberty Bell.

We were watching this show every Monday on cable, but we started Season 5 until 6. So my housemate downloaded Season 1 through 5, and we are now watching from the start. It's funny. It's hilarious. You should watch it. If you want some relaxing TV show with tons of laughs, then go for this one.

Writing your goals.

2011-06-06T23:56:00.000+08:00

And here I was, thinking I could change myself for the better. I really want to change. Change my lifestyle, my habits, my outlook in life. I want to change for the better. For the sake of my baby girl and my wife. And my family and friends.

I want to loose weight. I'm already over 80kg. I want to make my body fit and prevent getting any serious illness. I want to exercise. I want to run and finish a 5k marathon.

I want to write more, to post more useful and entertaining articles. I want to be know as a reputable source of information on the web. I want to be a giver, not just a blogger. I want to create more writings.

I want to be able to take awesome photographs. I want the viewers to see and feel as if they're on that moment when I captured it. I want to learn more.

I know, it's lame. But this is just a start. I will get my goals. In time, I will fulfill them all.

The first thing I want to do is to list down all those things in paper. It feels really different when you wrote it down on paper. It feels very different from typing it on notepad or any electronic way.

I will own it, and fulfill it. This is just the start.

How about you?

The worst blog post ever

2011-06-05T20:26:00.000+08:00

Today is a good day for me. I received a comment from one of my not-so-good blog posts. Well.. At first look, it made me blush with anger. But when I read the blog post I made, it made me think that the commenter was right. Bull's eye! Dead on target. That blog post sucks big time. I'm trying really hard to make helpful and good posts, but there are good and bad days for me.

Motherhood 2011

2011-06-04T21:08:00.000+08:00

Well this is embarrassing, but I thought otherwise. There is nothing wrong with being a father in a Motherhood sale. Earlier today, we went to this baby products sale in Singapore Expo. There were tons of good stuff to buy for my baby girl, but I was unable to buy that much. I went there to check how the prices are and thinking maybe I can get a baby carrier for her. Even though it's still early. And she's still not here. Maybe just a little bit further, I'll get one of those Maclarens.

Milk Tea craze is back!

2011-06-03T21:45:00.004+08:00

It seems like the milk tea craze is back! I been seeing a hot trend on searches of Gong Cha and KOI beverages. This looks like a new opportunity to blog about these delicious bubble teas. This time, it will be loaded with nice photos.

The Singapore PC Show 2011

2011-06-02T10:44:00.000+08:00

From June 9 to June 12, 2011, the PC Show 2011 will be held at Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre (Suntec City). Levels 1, 3, 4 and 6 will be used for the IT show. If you're planning to go there, be advised that you will be going there together with the thousands of people who are gadget-hungry and also those who want to see the electronic goods. So be prepared to muscle your way in to the booths and stalls.

But I will go there. :P

Hokkien Mee and French Open

2011-06-01T22:36:00.002+08:00

So I ate stir-fried Hokkien mee this dinner. While watching the French Open. Which I don't like. Well, I have nothing to do. Might as well go with it.

Photo of the Day: Bonsai

2011-05-31T22:53:00.000+08:00

I took these photos during my week-long vacation in Manila. We were walking around Serendra in The Fort when I noticed those bonsais. I don't know what plants they were, but I really like bonsais.

Here are some sample "noob" photographs.