Happy Holidays!

It's not too late to greet everyone on the last day of the year.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

xoxo,

Miko

Bugis Night Market

Bugis Night Market is the largest street shopping location in Singapore. It's the counterpart of Greenhills with mostly clothes, shoes, trinkets, gadget accessories and food. The choices are not as extensive as Divisoria or Greenhills but you can still find good bargains.

 

Night shoppers

 

Bugis shopping center facade

 

 

Trishaw stall for tourists

 

Shopping stalls extend to Bencoolen St

 

Weekend crowd

Inside Bugis shopping center

Fitting in in my new home

In a country where almost everyone has either an iPad or a smart phone, where Prada, Louis Vuitton, or Miu Miu is just an everyday bag, I found my new home.

It's always a great conversation starter when you need to talk to people (considering my lack of social skills), I very well know what I have to say.

I thought it will be tough moving in a foreign country. Imagine I had to pack a whole lifetime in a 15-kilogram luggage! Good thing I'm a light packer.

Leaving the people I love is not always easy. One of the reasons why I chose Singapore is that it's only four hours away plus there are plenty of budget airlines to choose from. Of course, I had to attend several despedidas or going away parties.

Moving around is a breeze because their transportation system is very efficient. I still get lost occasionally but I don't mind walking. 

Living with friends somehow makes the homesickness go away. Home cooked meals become very satisfying (which reminds me I NEED to learn how to cook).

I've been blessed with a cool job and very, very nice colleagues. I may have encountered a few challenges before becoming a legitimate foreign worker but things eventually fell into its rightful place.

Now, I'm taking my sweet time to just enjoy what life in Singapore has to offer. 

Ta ta for now!

###

My 24th in Singapore

Guess what? I've been here for 7 friggin' months. I can't believe I've lasted this long but I'm really enjoying except for the occasional homesickness and boredom.

As promised to whoever wastes their time reading this blog, my birthday post. Enjoy!

Part of living in a foreign country is experiencing your many firsts. No sleazy thoughts please, haha! And so here I was, celebrating my FIRST... wait for it... BIRTHDAY here in Singapore.

I didn't really have a plan, my birthday this year falls on a Saturday and that's my wherever-my-lazy-bum-drags-me day. I was thinking of spending it all by my lonesome cause I like not making plans. But the celebration started a day early thanks to my colleagues.

27 Aug, Friday: It was moving day in our office so everyone was busy and I didn't actually expect them to know that it's my day the next day. I was really surprised when everyone gathered in the meeting room and presented me this lovely and delicious homemade chocolate cake. It was gone in minutes!

Chocolate cake baked by Elsa

After work, I met up with Joycee, Joe and Cho for my birthday salubong. Joycee gave another chocolate cake, Joe gave me dark chocolate flavored jelly beans and Cho gave me a box of cookies from Penang.

Birthday salubong in McDonald's Raffles Place 

28 August, Saturday - Actual Birthday: Keeping up with my tradition of celebrating my birthday in the office (since I started working), I actually went to the office and cleaned my desk. And then Wai and I went to get our hair done - which was actually my first haircut here. It was my team's gift for my birthday. Sweet, aren't they? 

 Wai and me and our new hair.

 

Dinner with Lewis and Wai.

After dinner, Wai and I went to Resorts World in Sentosa to watch Voyage de la Vie. It was amazing, but not as amazing as Cirque du Soleil, well I haven't watched one yet but it's definitely in my list of to do's. No pictures for this portion because I forgot my other phone at home.

I really had a fun day filled with love despite the fact that I'm 1486.24 miles away from home and not being able to spend it with family and friends. At least I know that they remember me because of the overwhelming greetings I got. I'm grateful for another year to live my life, another year to spend it with new friends, another year to make my dreams come true. ;-)

I love you, I hate you Philippines

I admit I have a love-hate relationship towards my country and being a Filipino. I am not all nationalistic or patriotic but I'm a full-blooded Filipino.

I'm writing this because of what happened last Monday, 23rd of August, in Manila. The hostage taking of a bus load of tourists from Hong Kong which left eight dead made headlines - not the headlines we'd like to be in.

I was at work during that time so I get my updates via Twitter. It was really shocking knowing it already made its way to CNN and all other international news channels. More so disheartening when I watched the news that night.

To be honest, I am ashamed right now, how it was handled was inexplicable. I'm also embarrassed of being a Filipino in a foreign country. I am no police officer or military but I believe it could have been handled differently. I'm not preaching because I know no one wants to be told how their work should be done (and clearly, I'm not a police or military officer for that matter). But it's plain common sense that in critical situations like these, we must learn how to think, assess, calculate our actions and listen.

Hong Kong announced a travel advisory and put Philippines on their black list shortly after. We can't blame them, they are just looking after the security of their people.

The event has badly damaged the country's image (as if it isn't tarnished already). Hearing how Filipinos in other parts of the world are being treated after what happened, I can't help but feel helpless. These things happen all over the world and not just in our country but this time the spotlight's on us. Let's just hope and pray that this doesn't happen again - typing this phrase is like shooting for the moon, but what the hell anyone can hope right?

Been There: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I was making a KLM luggage tag earlier which required a travel photo. Initially, I was planning to put my first out-of-the-country trip which was Singapore with my mom in 2006. But moving here six months ago, I decided not to since this has become my second 'home'. So I searched my archives to look for a really nice one, and if I say nice it means that I look pretty, skinny, and 'fashown'. I decided to use this:

This actually fits my photo requirements. That's the Petronas Twin Towers in the backround.

The trip to Kuala Lumpur was my first out-of-the-country trip with my GMCI family. It was a first year anniversary gift from ze boss. Looking at the photos made me feel nostalgic, alas, this blog post (I really intend to post my travels here and this is a start).

Another thing I miss, my girls: Joyce, me, Nix, Charl, and Arbee (not in photo).

Some nice building with pretty lights in the background with Charl, Nix, Alma, Marlon, and Paul. Sara was taking the photo.

Aside from being the trip with many firsts, this was the time when I told myself I'll travel the world. Traveling requires planning and saving (a lot of it) and most of all, someone to share the experience with.

Step Up

This is what I need to do.

I am now experiencing "Stress Drilon" in Singapore. I actually missed this kind of pressure but it feels a bit odd because I'm too afraid to make the wrong move.

I know I shouldn't think about it as it will make things worse. Ok, back to being optimistic.

I WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN. Repeat 10x or more.

On another note, glad someone made me smile today.

I'm not even sure if I want to go there

And I don't know if I want to talk about it. 

Because talking and telling people about it means it may not end the way I want it to.

But I want to talk about it and I don't want it to end.

It's been friggin' long since I've felt this giddy and well... giddy like a school girl with a crush.

P.S. Thanks and please make it last.

Hello August!

The past six months of my life has been CRAZY! But I love every moment of it. I told myself that this year will be the start of my adventure --- chasing dreams (and 'souls'), traveling, learning, and falling in love. Well, I'm glad I was able to start with the first three in my list. The love part is not a priority but I won't say no to it when it happens.

I can't believe it's August already. I love this month mainly because it's my birth month.

Let me share with you the highlights for this month:

Bangkok Trip. A very good way to start the month! I spent four days in Bangkok with Charl shopping and just aimlessly walking around. It's really nice to see her after five months. Imagine my delight when I saw her walking along Khao San Road. I ran with my bags and all and hugged her. 

 

 Has it been that long? Reunited after five friggin' months.

My first Singapore National Day. I don't really know how to feel about this because my friends aren't here to celebrate with me - Joyce has work and Cho is in Malaysia. I'll just have to play it by ear and drag my butt outside. The problem living in a high-rise building is I get too lazy to move.

My 24th birthday. I planned to go home since I'm going to get a birthday leave (for the first time) but I'll see because the end of the month is going to be busy. The thought of celebrating it away from home is sad but knowing people miss me is kind of exciting. I'm really looking forward to my friend's surprise.

 My 'teaser' birthday gift. Wonder what the actual gift is, a date perhaps?

Office move. I'm really happy with work and my colleagues are just great. I get loaded with a lot of information everyday but I love the thrill it gives me. Even if I'm stuck in my chair all afternoon I'm not complaining because I still need to learn some more before going out there. We'll be moving to a new location soon and it's been a while since I shopped for office supplies. Yes, I love colorful pens and notebooks so YAY! I really enjoy it like back-to-school shopping.

And that's August for me.

In a Garden of Green

I should have done this ages ago. I'm doing this because it's fun to be vain sometimes. I'm inspired by Nina Garcia and her books and of course the fashion stuff I read online especially Bryan Boy and Sea of Shoes. I'm not really a fashionable person but I do know I have a sense of style.

And because Che Caparas was talking about how other people take business attire seriously, I snapped a photo of myself in my office attire yesterday.

Of course I didn't pose like this in the office. I took this once I got home using Photo Booth.

This one I took:

Green long-sleeved top (Plains & Prints)

Floral skirt (Cotton On) Blazer (Divi)

Bejeweled slips (Havs) Necklace (gift from Bes)

A quick shot before someone sees me. I love full-length mirrors because I can see the entirety of what I'm wearing. It's cold in the office lately so I wear the blazer, my one and only 'serious' cover up appropriate for work.

How I miss thrift shopping.

And then I got bored at home so I played with my favorite thing of the moment: LIPSTICK!

MAC Cremesheen in Hang Up. Very apt name for a maroon/violet-colored lipstick.

"I really don't know..."

I haven't updated this for so long. I've been busy with work but a good kind of busy. I'm slowly learning and getting the hang of things. I didn't expect enterprise tech would be this interesting (and hard, I might add).

So back to the main topic of this entry...

A friend asked me how long will I stay here in Singapore to which I replied, five years. Then I felt a rush of thoughts and visions in my head. I recalled my answer and told him instead "I really don't know". Well, the truth is I really don't know because I'm enjoying and I'm quite happy how things turned out for me here.

There are a lot of things I miss but there are things that I have yet to learn and experience out here.
 

I'm feeling vain so I decided to post this photo which was taken during our company's birthday.

Boo Yeah! I got you now!

The elusive S-Pass. *bow*

After a month of waiting and walking in and out, to and from various offices, I finally got hold of my work permit a.k.a. the foreigner's ID. I covered the photo on purpose for the reason that ID photos are not my best angle. And yes, I am a legitimate individual in this country working my butt off to pursue my dreams and I love every moment of it.

Goodbye Lolo Fred!

I'm so sorry I can't be there with you.

Dad said you'd understand.

Thank you for teaching me how to drive.

Thank you for carrying me on your shoulder so the flood won't reach my toes.

Thank you for believing in me and for being so proud of me.

I love you Lolo Fred.

P.S. Please tell Lolo Frank that I love him too when you get to see him in heaven.

Remember When: Wedding Plans and 27 Stray Cats

Remember when they asked us to make our own wedding details in school?

Not sure if it was in elementary or high school but I clearly remember I wrote the details on a yellow pad and that my groom was Dave Moffatt (the drummer of the The Moffatts, circa 90's. Kadiri, I know! What was I thinking?).

I was just thinking about a conversation I had with my best friend regarding long-term relationships way back. When I was in high school, I wanted to be a single mom and I pictured myself to be a career woman as well. How to have a baby on my own wasn't really an issue at that time since it was just a plan during my teenage years.

My, how my way of thinking have changed through the years. After I graduated from college, all I thought about was getting a good job, saving, traveling, and settle down when I'm 24 (24 to 26 to give myself time to get to know the person I'm going to spend the rest of my life with). But in a country like ours, it is impossible to save much and with the lifestyle I have, it is also impossible for me to settle down when I'm 24 (or 25 or 26) - that is my quota by the way.

Yes, I planned to get hitched when I'm 24 and latest would be when I'm 26.

My reason: the best/smartest/most bibo babies are born when a woman is in her mid-20's (I think this is a scientific fact but I'm too lazy to research). And then, I decided to quit my job, try on new things and maximize my independence. These series of events changed my view on things.

• 24 is too early to get hitched. I'm actually turning 24 this August and I don't want a mail-order groom for that matter.
• This is the 21st century, so I can still have a that bibo baby however way I want to - adoption, in vitro, sperm bank, surrogate, one night stand (I kid!).
• I'm not yet ready to have a baby and at the rate that I'm living now, I can't afford a nanny (not even feeding bottles or hospital bills). I'm still kind of selfish.
• I still have to find my groom so I can have someone with me during the baby drama.
• I want my best friend, Lark, and my fab friend, Keket, to plan my wedding. I want MangoRed for photographers, by the way!

One thing remains, I don't want to grow old alone (or with 27 cats). I'm still young, no rush!

Read: Must-have Bags (per Nina Garcia)

I love bags, so does my Mom, even if she reprimands me for buying too many. I know she also uses them so she really can't force me to stop buying since she benefits from it.

I only buy the bags I need and sometimes I need plenty *wink*.

I just finished Nina Garcia's The Little Black Book of Style and one of the things I took note of is the chapter on BAGS. I did a little research too!

How I wish I could get my hands on these, but who knows. I'm really not big on designer stuff but I'm a hypocrite if I'd say I wouldn't want to have one. And if I'll have one, I'd make sure that it will be an investment piece.

So here is a list of the must-have bags from the book mentioned above and my thoughts on each. Enjoy!

Chanel 2.55

A bag with a very interesting history. Who wouldn't want a classic? Learning about its past made me want it even more. I like the idea of the secret pockets and zippers and I like bags with structure. Oh! I'll have it in black, medium-size.

Photo from the Purse Blog.

Also check out Purse Blog's Five Reasons to Own a Chanel Flap Bag. I don't need any more persuasion, I'm going to get one for myself.

Louis Vuitton Speedy

LV is one brand everyone will recognize. Yes, they are known for its luggage but where I came from, it's the monogram on the bag they're after. The LV Speedy reminds me of a doctor's bag. I like how spacious it is (I don't own one but I've seen a lot of it already) and how broad the design selections are. I think this is something my mom will like but for me, I have a different LV bag in mind.

Photo from the Purse Blog.

 I'll get an Alma instead, preferably the red one:

Gucci Jackie O 

Named after fashion icon Jackie Kennedy Onassis as she was often seen carrying this classic Gucci bag.

As fashion evolves, so do these classics. Gucci has launched new designs of this iconic bag. I'm still not sure if I want this though.

Hermes Birkin

The highly coveted bag popular among celebrities and rich people. Of course, it's only them who can afford. I would love to have one but its a tad bit expensive for a peasant like me.

 Photo from the Purse Blog.

How I wish I could have all these in a snap, but one thing I look forward to is having to save up for something I want and being able to buy it in the end. The question now is - when?

Look What I Found: Can we?

I haven't had an unforgettable Friday night yet...

And after reading three chic lits for three straight nights, can't do anything but sigh.

Wish I could spend Friday nights with YOU (whoever you are). 

Found in Twitpic.

Bloody Red

After four months of being a plain Jane, I've decided to put my manikurista skills to good use.
I wonder if my skill could get me a position in the government???

My nails are bloody red!

Back to Work and LEWIS PR at 15

The end of the first semester of the year marks a new beginning for me. The approval of my visa was just in time for the 15th Anniversary of LEWIS PR.

The anniversary cupcakes colored "LEWIS Blue".

I am not a newbie in the Public Relations industry, I am not an expert either (well, not yet) but I am confident enough to say that this is the right industry for me.

This is actually my first time to be a part of a global company and I was lucky enough to meet my wonderful colleagues from the APAC Region - Japan, India, Hong Kong, and Australia. Of course, the company CEO and COO also joined us.

We had a small gathering at W Wine Bar along Club Street. Several clients also joined us for the celebration. It was indeed an overwhelming experience for me personally, aside from the fact that I am the only Pinoy in the group. I didn't feel left out although I'm still a bit shy because I'm still 'new' and one of the youngest in the bunch.

 W Wine Bar. Level-up from cocktails, I am now more appreciative of wine.

I am really motivated to make this adventure work for me. I am so thankful and grateful for this opportunity.

This post is starting to sound ma-drama na but I really am still overwhelmed. Of course, I have the Big Guy up there to thank for all these blessings, my ever supportive and loving family, my understanding friends who miss me very much and who never fail to make me smile even though I am miles away.

THIS IS FOR YOU! I am going to make you proud.

I am "The Visa Girl"

Now I can finally breathe.

It's not that I haven't been breathing since my application for a working visa got rejected because if I did I wouldn't be alive today and writing this. And by the way, I'm trying to be funny.

Four months ago, I quit my job and came here to Singapore to find a new one. Luckily, after a month, I managed to be interviewed, evaluated and finally HIRED. I was so stoked to be working at an (almost) entirely new environment.

But being a foreigner and having to work here, I need to follow several rules the government had set - I need to get a working visa.

The company applied for it on my behalf. I have started working already while waiting, confident that it will get approved since I hold this eligibility certificate and supporting documents. To my surprise, after three weeks it was rejected.

Luckily for me they wanted to keep me so they filed an appeal. It was an overwhelming feeling, not to mention a surge of various emotions - fear, agitation, worry - knowing that an appeal will take a longer time to be processed.

It was indeed a long time, I was waiting five weeks for it. The waiting part was nerve-wracking. Although I'm Ms. Optimistic and hoping for the best, I was also expecting the worst.

IT'S ALL OVER NOW. My working visa was finally approved which means I'm going back to work. I know I was missed by my lovely colleagues.

I'm really so, so, so happy and blessed to be continuing this chapter of my life.

I'm now a legitimate OF (a.k.a. The Visa Girl)!

Sunset at Clarke Quay

I really love a sunset. 
I like how everything turns to orange or even red orange.
I love how the sun's rays break into the white puffy clouds.
I am fascinated by the straight lines the rays make and how they seem to touch the ground.
I love the golden glow and the warmth of the sun at this time of day.

Photo taken by me!

I know what to do!

So for the past weeks I'm getting totally bored already and I'm running out of ways to entertain myself. And then it came to me like *poof*!

I should already write about the things I do here in Singapore. That's the whole purpose of this blog anyways. 

I'm going to start tomorrow! PROMISE!

Movie Hangover: Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging

One of my favorite romantic-comedy movies ever! I've watched it countless times but I don't get tired.

And if you ask me my favorite part in the movie?

A friend, Dawn, made this. Don't we all wish for a kilig moment like this? *le sigh*

Look What I Found: Manhattanhenge

New York is definitely one of the places I have to visit before I die.

A friend recently went there and I bullied him to get me an "I ♥ NY" shirt and a nice Lady Liberty key chain. ;-)

So anyway, I was watching CSI New York (FAN!) and part of the episode is Manhattanhenge. The story was about compass killer, a serial killer who left a piece of compass in the murder scene indicating the location of the body. He also follows a particular schedule. He already went on a killing spree in the North, South, and East of New York and the last was supposed to be a suicide in the West on a date of a Manhattanhenge.

Well, his suicide was apprehended and here's a photo of the Manhattanhenge from Wiki:

Manhattanhenge (sometimes referred to as the Manhattan Solstice) is a semiannual occurrence in which the setting sun aligns with the east–west streets of the main street grid in the borough of Manhattan  in New York City.

The dates of Manhattanhenge are usually May 28 and July 12 or July 13 (spaced evenly around Summer Solstice). The two corresponding mornings of sunrise right on the center lines of the Manhattan grid are approximately December 5 and January 8 (spaced evenly around Winter Solstice).

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattanhenge

Look What I Found: A Tiny Apartment Transforms into 24 Different Rooms

I really find architecture interesting, be it a house, building, art installation, etc.

I found this on Yahoo! today: http://sg.video.yahoo.com/watch/7423307/19423614

 

A Tiny Apartment Transforms into 24 Different Rooms @ Yahoo! Video

In Hong Kong, because of the space, apartments are small and expensive. Gary Chang, an architect, decided to design a 344 sq. ft. apartment to be able to change into 24 different designs, all by just sliding panels and walls. He calls this the "Domestic Transformer." This video is not owned by me and I do not take any right of it. Visit us at http://jellywoo.com/ for more news related to tech and just life in general.Watch this video and many more at World's Greenest Homes on PlanetGreen.com (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/videos/worlds-greenest-homes/)

Ang Alkansya *bow*

I can't remember when I started to save money using a piggy bank but I always reminisce the feeling when I get to break it and count how much I've already saved.

I remember an IM conversation between me and my sister a few months back regarding the alkansya I left back home. Here goes:

ME: May laman pa yung alkansya ko? (I was supposed to ask her to continue putting Php5 and Php10 coins.)

OSHIN: Nung huling dukot ko meron pa!

ME: *facepalm* Bakit mo binabawasan?

OSHIN: Eh wala akong barya pamasahe.

*tugsh*

I miss home (a.k.a. Maligaya) and all the noise therein.

Fashion Find: Topshop Vintage Bag

I am a sucker for bargains and discounts and if I find one it's like there's a war in my head. Taking a learning from Nina Garcia's "Little Black Book of Style", you don't buy immediately when you find a bargain (no mater how cheap it it). Well, that's not how she exactly said it but that's the way I understood it. Weigh the options (if there are), and in this case there aren't a lot - it's the only bag on sale with a really cheap price (for a brand like Topshop).

And I'm talking about my recent fashion find:

Topshop Floral Vintage Bag

I'm not really a fan of the brand but I admit there are some great finds in there. Well, here at least. The bag originally costs S$96 (Php 3,000) but the orange tag told me it's only S$19 (Php 600). So yes, no war happened in my head because I surrendered.

What I like about it is the vintage vibe and the floral design.

It will be a pretty date bag or office bag. I just have to make sure that I don't put in too much things in it because the material is not suitable for carrying heavy things. Can't wait to use it. ;-)

Distractions

I've been going through something that can give my life a 360-degree turn (or 180, depends on how you look at it). Well, unfortunately, I can't disclose it here.

It's a good thing I'm a very optimistic person and waiting is kind of my thing. I just need some distractions to make me forget for a while. I found several I want to share:

• Get your own internet connection.
• Watch movies or series you like.
• Read a book or a magazine
• Run.
• Walk.
• Talk to friends and family - SMS, e-mails, calls, etc.
• Window shop.
• Stalk.
• Think (or not).
• Sleep.
• Eat.
• Pray.

I guess these are enough to distract me but I'm keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed.

I'm hoping for the best and expecting the worst at the same time.

Guys I Would Like to Marry Someday

Some day in my perfect world I'll marry one of these guys. *sigh* 

Shia LaBeouf

Where you have seen him: Even Stevens, Transformers, Eagle Eye, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Aaron Johnson

Where you have seen him: Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging, Nowhere Boy, Kick-Ass

Chuck Bass

Where you have seen him: Gossip Girl

Ian Somerhalder

Where you have seen him: Lost, Vampire Diaries

 Mark Salling 
Where you have seen him: Glee

OK, fan girl mode is on so apologies for the stalker-ish post. Can you blame me? I'm in love. ;-)

Photo credit: Google 

Look What I Found: Darker Disney

Look What I Found:

A gallery of "dark" Disney Princesses drawn by illustrator Jeffrey Thomas.

More photos in his site: http://jeftoonportfolio.blogspot.com/2009/02/twisted-princess.html

Look What I Found: Disney Princesses Level Up

Look What I Found:

I have always been a fan of Disney Princesses and Cinderella is my favorite. Found this while browsing and I was stunned, boy do they grow up too!

For more photos visit this link: http://ideallychallenged.blogspot.com/2010/05/sexy-disney-princesses-by-comic.html

Best Birthday Gift (to date)

My birthday is three months away and yet a friend already gave me the

BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!

Well, she said that this is only a teaser but this already made my year.

I wonder what the actual birthday gift will be.

Run. Run. Run.

Sometimes you got to run after your dreams.
No matter how far they are ahead.

Because it is the only way to catch up.

Every good thing comes naturally.

A fledgling soon grows to be a mighty bird.
It then flies to other heights other birds could not attain.
One is lucky to get this prediction. Every good thing comes naturally.

- 29 April 2010, Kwan Im Thong Hood Temple

Spring is here.

Spring is here.
The situation is right. Proceed.
This is just the beginning.
The God and the Buddha will aid you.

- 24 April 2010, Kwan Im Thong Hood Temple

7 Things: Ian Somerhalder

I love you Ian Somerhalder!
Even though you have a girlfriend. 
And it's so sweet that you save stray animals.
I know I look and sound like a demented stalker already.
Oh you have a tattoo, we are so MFEO.♥ ♥ ♥