830 on a Wednesday

Man. It just feels good to wake up at a normal hour. Got some hot choco ready by the counter, some good old not-so-vintage movie playing over the screen and some chill out time by the sofa. Yeah. Life is good. Hope this stretches out longer than expected.

So, I really don't have much to say today but decided to upload some shots I took while doing the usual scheme here at Singapore. Oh! And food. Crazy hormones. 

Took this at Sentosa. Me, my brother and Ate got some good R n R and decided to chill out the rest of the Sunday at Vivo City/Sentosa. It is Singapore's "waterworld". So by that, you can pretty much conclude that this place will be loaded with parks and beaches. And it was crazy hot - probably after all the haze this place has been through, Mother Nature decided to throw in some extra UV here and there. LOL. It was manageable. and FUN! We didn't soak up in any of the beaches though. Being a true blooded Pinoy gives you all the "paradise" advantage any beach junkie could ever want. And if I were to rate it on a scale of 0-10? Man. Theirs would be a 1.5.  

Don't get me wrong. Singapore may be all clean and pristine. But their beaches? SUCK! What can I say. I got high standards :D

major YUM! I experimented with pancit - my Mama's forte by the way. And since I miss her so much and her cooking, I decided to get my hands grimy and try out on some good old fashioned pancit. Surprisingly, it turned out reallly gooooood! And since my appetite is all in a mess right now, I fried some chicken (they weren't half burnt this time) and top it all off with these humongous grapes I bought from my recent grocery shoppin'. I am just in 7th heaven! Who would've thought boredom could be so educational? and scrumptious????? :D

I have just finished watching the first 3 movies from the Fast and the Furious franchise. I don't know, but these movies have been a part of my growing up years. Although, I still won't try car drifting or get all involved with any auto scramble, still, the adrenalin gets you into the zone. As how Jessie explained it, "I don't know man. There's something about cars that calms me." So... looking forward to FF4 'til the 6th. This is what I call, movie bingin'. 

wordplay of songs

Have you ever gotten into so much drama and tissue-soaking scenarios after hearing a particular song? Most, if not always, we associate these very instances to our own personal love stories - stories that evoke either pain or elation. 

As how science would explain it, "Music can be used to relax, incite, inspire, excite, an entire plethora of emotions can be surfaced or repressed by the use of music, which explains why music is so often used in various therapies and as special effects in movies."

Our past experiences help fuel these emotions. To some who may have not underwent a breakup or loss may never fathom the gravity of such emotion in comparison to someone who's been around the block a couple of times. In the same manner that if you are ecstatic and hears an amped-up music, you simply just can't help but fist pump into the air. Music and lyrics are such powerful tools that can tap even the deepest recesses of our very own psyche.

Scanning through my not-so-larger-than-life playlist, I've decided to share a few songs that represented a certain "stage" in my life - or love story - or tboth. LOL. Here's my top 10:

[1] What About Love by Lemar
"There is no rule to blame one another
We just need time to forgive each other"

[2] Children Don't Stop Dancing by Creed
"Whatever life brings 
I've been through everything
And now I'm on my knees again
But I know I must go on
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that  many feel this way"

[3] This Is My Now by Jordin Sparks
"But I have a courage like never before
I've settled for less, but I'm ready for more"

[4] Shoulda Woulda Coulda by Beverly Knight
"And in  my life there's a love that I put aside,
cause I was busy loving something else
So for every little thing you hold on to,
You've got to let something else go"

[5] Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
"I had a feeling that I belonged
I had a feeling I could be someone"

[6] King of Anything by Sarah Bareilles
"You''ve got opinions man, we're all entitled to 'em
But I never asked"

[7] The Remedy by Jason Mraz
"When I fall in love, I'll take my time
There's no need to hurry love, 
When I'm making up my mind"

[8] People Like Us by Kelly Clarkson
"We are all misfits living in a world on fire"

[9] Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard
"And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out"

[10] When Love and Hate Collide by Def Leppard
"Without you one night alone 
Feels like a year without you baby
Do you have a heart of stone?"

As how Albus Dumbledore said it in Harry Potter's final film, "Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it." There is so much more to comprehend in a song other than the usual cliched response of "yeah. it sounded good". It tells a story. It inspires. It makes a conundrum of past experiences seem understandable and relevant to whichever place we are currently thriving. So, whatever emotion you might be going through, whatever situation you find yourself in, take courage in a song. Sing.

stoic

A roommate of mine told me that locals are into whatever that's fast and easy. And that very notion is applied whenever they converse. Let me say, upfront, that they do not speak good English - although they claim to have been trained under the British-English language. (Don't get too giddy about the last part. It's frustrating as hell!)

Anyway, while I was calling employment agencies for any job prospects, one conversation stood out among the rest. Why? Because the recipient on the other line was all MONOSYLLABIC. Here's the rest of the dets...

(ring ring)
Local: "Hello?"
Me: "Hi. Good afternoon. Is this _____________?"
Local: "Yes."
Me: "Okay. Do you accept foreigner applicants?"
Local: "No."
(call ended)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I was laughing insanely instead of getting all worked up in not getting any positive feedbacks for almost the entire day. That was, by far, the shortest telephone conversation I've had in my life. Either the dude on the other line was just plain apathetic that he really couldn't care less how his mundane responses were to be construed by the other side or that's just how he was.

Culture differences I should say.

everyday snippets

The inside on the many "what's" in my life so far.

First up...

This was the first interview I went to. I wore a nude blazer and a nude cami top for that business-like look and a mustard peplum skirt for the extra twang. Initially, I was on my LeDonne mid-heels but opted to change in my strappys right after getting lost in the venue for about 20  minutes spent walking back and forth while asking a local in the Informations desk and having to deal with his lack of English proficiency - which by the way, was an added burden on my end since I literally had to decode the things he was trying to say through his hand waves and facial expression. I was dripping in sweat and frustration. Thus the disheveled look. LOL

After I lived with my Kuya and Ate for almost 2weeks, I had to move out and look for another room to crash in. These are few shots I took with my new bed bunk located at #06-196 Avenue 10 Ang Mo Kio, Singapore. (The name Ang Mo Kio which in Hokkien literally translates as "red-haired man's bridge", where ang mo was a colloqial term for a Caucasian person. The Red Hair referred by the locals was a British Lady called Lady Jennifer Windsor. Lady Windsor was the wife of Lord Windsor, a wealthy merchant who had a huge estate in the Upper Thomson Area in the 1920s until after World War II.)

good morning. 

good night.

Living the "solo" life was a breath of fresh air to me. Although I was not entirely independent so to speak since I still had to gate crash my brother's flat for some free grub and some needed essentials, but managing to get through an entire day on your own is pretty cool. One of the many perks is being able to stroll around the city on a whim. And last Thursday, I did just that. I took the bus to Ang Mo Kio MRT, bought some goodies over at Bread Talk and some soya smoothies at this cool place called "Jolly Bean" and decided to take the MRT bound to Marina Bay thereafter to get some peace and quiet moment with the Lord at Novena Church. Then, I made my way back to Lucky Plaza (this is where you get to see a lot of anything tatak-Pinoy: food, pasalubong area, groceries filled with Pinoy goodies including the ever famous "buwad", money centers, and even couriers). 

Novena Church

I know I am not the smartest when it came to directions but not to brag or anything, I did come back in one piece and with no need for any GPS-tracking device not even gothere.sg. What I lacked in directions, I've put a great deal in memory and intuition. :)

Now, weekends were made for outdoor hoorahs. And by outdoor it means hitting the mall. 

trying on the swaggers I chose at Cotton On.

I pitied my surf-inspired shorts and took this sunday dress out for a little spin. Not bad

gifted Sundress - Cotton On

And what's a verbaljunkie post with nothing to quench the eternal thirst for earthly food?

My dear, you are in for a treat:

Wallys. Gotta love Wallys. And let me say this again, its delicious for just a dollar. *sigh*

As much as I love food, I got to say that breakfasts to me are just pure heavenly bliss and definitely is my favorite. And since I needed a little "homey" feel, I conjured my own Brown Cup breakfast meal version.

This was what I devoured just hours ago over lunch. It's composed of fries, garlic bread, coleslaw, mushroom soup and grilled lamb chops. All for a promo price of S$7 instead of 9. Whew! Hawkers in here are serving some insanely  orgasmic treat! 

Fried Hokkien Mee topped with shrimp, squid and chili paste! Hoo! (S$3)

Charr Grill's Halfspring chicken with California raisin rice and Coleslaw on the side (S$4.90).
Unfortunately, Ang Mo Kio does not have this treat within its vicinity and I have to board the MRT bound to Sembawang to get my gastronomical reprieve. Worth it though!

dots of three

When I first came across blogging, I thought to myself, "WOW! Technology has found a way to create a virtual version of a typical diary". I was euphoric. Not because I had with me a diary or something, but that, I get to read other people's opinion at just about anything - views on politics, sports, travel, food and my own personal favorite, fashion. And not only that. Bloggers are actual people  sporting honest-to-goodness point of views on anything or anybody. And they are not castigated as the bad ones or villains by the entire blogosphere population. Other readers and bloggers hear them out. On top of that, they are simple people, everyday people, that speak, move and dress how they feel on any given day. I've found another piece of heaven in this crest fallen era filled with fabricated stories and melodramatic synopsis of persons we can't even relate to half the time and they even have the guts to call it LIFE! Absurd.

So, while I was taking a shower, something got me thinking: Every single day made in this lifetime is never a story filled only with promises, happy endings and positivity. There are days when you are not in your best and life is basically biting you right in your ass. There was a nagging part of me that wanted to let off steam with the raging thoughts I've been having lately. And being alone in a new country does not provide me the much needed comfort of family and friends that my very own Cebu could. So, I mentally scanned all other outlets, and here I am writing just about the tip most part of my #notsogreat #nearingthebrinkofdesperation Tuesday.

Looking back on the months that's been, I was all in full force thinking that change was what I needed. I was stuck with a job I don't understand fully, I was complaining to both family and friends as to how things are not coinciding with the dreams I have planned out for myself, and I was unhappy. I felt I was missing out on something, something I should've done a very long time ago, but then fear got to the best of me. Probably, leaving what I've always known should've shocked me, but there was comfort when I finally made the step. I can't quite explain it. Perhaps it was because the people I left knew that this is what I should be doing - claiming the dream of making it, and they loved me no matter what. I guess, it provided me something to anchor my dreams with and not totally rely on whatever bad stuffs that might come my way. 

Now, I am on my 3rd week - still job hunting, with 3 interviews made from the past 2 weeks, and still flat out zero with any job contracts. I am unemployed, stuck in this new flat and I haven't had my dose of exercise nor shopped for the last 3 weeks. You might ask me how I am holding up? To be honest, not good. Living in an unfamiliar territory without any promising deal is very challenging. And every decline or mismatch of job credentials is a constant cut to my catatonic, already bruised up psyche. Am I enjoying this? No. But am I going to give up? HELL NO! 

At times it would've been easier for me to simply pack my things, leave Singapore and head back home and keep doing what I do. But, as comforting as it is to see my loved ones again, it just doesn't feel right. It's a mantra I keep telling myself that risks were made and giving up should never be included on the menu. 

Basically, I am at a certain point wherein I can't really seem to make things out. I know it's suppose to be that, but it's just plain surreal. Meaning what you really want and wanting it badly is probably the scariest thing to ever feel in this lifetime. Because it could either be life-changing or life-damaging. Either way, there's no turning back.

So my official status as of today is, still hanging on. Please make this rope extra durable , my biceps extra strong and my hands extra non sweaty so I can really make it no matter how hard things might shake me up. Lead me to my dream Lord.

of buses and trains

" Buzzin' like neon lights " ... My girl Natalie Bedingfield clearly knew what she was sayin'.. And the feeling is very much akin to a heart beat that kabooms twice as fast than the usual. 

Singapore, aside from being The Earth's Greenest City, is a melting pot of all sorts of things : food, work, culture, even fashion. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity of being out of the country and getting wrapped up in this mania, I've put my not so comfortable strappys on and headed out with my brother and sister for some exploring.

pardon my stupid lookin grin. i just cant hide the humor behind this all. while i was doing crappy bisaya conversation with my ate and kuya, that dude behind me was smirking the entire way. little did I know, he was bisaya too. he got all the dirty dets.. hehehe!

Changi Airport. But the interiors are crazy good. I just wasn't able to snap anything from the inside.

the almost an hour bus ride from Changi to Canberra. I was not paying attention to the time and the duration of the whole ride. It was just a lot to take in from touch down. lol. thus, me, dazed, and was interested in just sight seeing.

The next day, a Sunday, we went touring. Starting with...

a Catholic Mass at SG's famous church : Novena Church

not everyone gets to sit when you board this piece. and here I was, learning the ropes of balancing while standing inside an MRT. lol

Orchard. and yeap. That's Prada behind me. hehehe

okay, so we were experimenting on taking the bus from Tang Plaza to Marina and skipped getting inside an MRT altogether. They've got locality maps too to help you out where you're suppose to be going and what route to take. 

Marina Bay Sands. Ridiculously expensive. What's even more ridiculous is the fact that there is this ship-like rooftdeck that houses a pool and bar while being shouldered by these 3 pillared buildings. How does one crosses from one hotel pillar to the next is beyond me. lol

I have always thought before that since the Merlion is sort of SG's official trademark or something, that its statue is basically placed almost anywhere but then again.. I thought wrongly. lol at me for not googling.. hehehe

Fullerton. 

Getting a dose of all things spicy: spicy squid, spicy kangkong, spicy grilled sting ray and seafood rice with chili paste all from Makansutra Glutton Bay. - a hawker spot, or commonly known as "carenderia" back at home. but the food is just.. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! and affordable!!! weehee!

H & M

the best tasting ice cream ever! and it only costs S$1. Y U M!

next hotties to be featured on FF7. LOL

ride or die 

And as you may have noticed, I have been sporting the shorts-look. Blame it on the luggage limit. So unfortunately, there wasn't much space for me to put some extra dresses and other stuff in it. It also came in handy since everything in this place is just on the GO! Will try to squeeze in some muchness in my next outfit posts. :)