The Beauty of Sipalay City in Negros Island

Coming from a wonderful visit to Bais City and the Manjuyod White Sandbar, we now set off to Sipalay City, “the Jewel of the Sugar Island”. Home to numerous dive sites, pristine beaches, shipwrecks, and islets that resembled the Hundred Islands of Pangasinan, Sipalay City is definitely an emerging tourist destination and is another priceless gem in the province.

IMG_0240 Continue reading

Manjuyod White Sandbar couple getaway

“I stood agape with wonder as I watched the fragmenting sandbar. I just couldn’t contain my fascination with the entire view. I thought I was only dreaming.”

I’ve read about Manjuyod White Sandbar in 2011 and was captivated by seeing its picture-perfect view of the glistening crystal clear waters, the sandbar, and the huts on stilts. From that moment I was itching to go there so I considered it saving in my bucket list.

IMG_0119

I wish we could go back here with the whole family and we will stay in this lovely hut looming above the crystal clear water

Continue reading

The artistic gardening and lovely flowers of Mount Costa in La Trinidad, Benguet

We will spend our Christmas in Baguio City and for our fifth time, we decided to skip visiting places we frequented in the past, except at PMA for some nostalgic feel and at Camp John Hay for a coffee moment in the quaint old American bungalow of Starbucks Coffee. Guess where are we heading this time? It’s on Mount Costa! The newest attraction in the foggy land and the first stroll around garden of the North.

IMG_8695

Continue reading

Christmas Time is Family Time in Baguio City

When we say it is Christmas time, we mean “family time”. Families tend to celebrate the most awaited season of the year in various ways. For this year, we opted to go to Baguio City to relax from the lowland heat and see how colorful and well-lighted the Summer Capital during this festive season.

IMG_8781

the lovely petunias of Mount Costa, the newest attraction in the Summer Capital of the Philippines

Continue reading

Dfarm and Park in Masinloc, Zambales: Rainy but Happy

It was my post-birthday celebration and we are about to spend it in Armada Beach Resort on the island of Magalawa in Palauig, Zambales but typhoon Odette abruptly changed our plan. We were on our way to Subic Bay when Grace, the owner of the resort called us not to go to the island because the beach had gone dirty with seaweeds and branches of trees swarming the shore. My hubby hastily decided to proceed to DFarm and Park in Masinloc, still in the province of Zambales to continue our family getaway.

IMG_7598

the tranquil and beautiful Infinity Pool overlooking Oyon Bay

Continue reading

Singapore Day 4: Palawan Beach-the finest beach in Sentosa Island

During our first visit to Singapore, we ran out of time to drop by at Palawan Beach because we spent one whole day frolicking on rides and attractions at Universal Studios. On my next visit to the country, I enjoyed my sojourn on the beach with Lyn, my sister-in-law. Together we immersed in its unique topical vibes amidst the scorching heat of the sun.

IMG_20170925_164645

the panoramic view of Palawan Beach as seen from the wooden observation deck

Continue reading

Singapore Day 4: One Sunny Afternoon at Siloso Beach in Sentosa Island

Singapore may lack natural resources but with the government’s brilliant mind they developed and created man-made attractions such as the beaches of Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong. It attracted a massive influx of tourists every year. Each has different attractions, tones, and charm. Among the three, Siloso Beach is the liveliest as it offers various sports activities and is home to the coolest bars and restaurants. This is well-loved by fun-loving people because the beach is alive from day till night.

IMG_20170925_145738

Lyn and her happy smile when we reached Siloso Beach

Continue reading

Singapore Day 3: Flower Dome in the Gardens by the Bay

Coming from an informative and exciting visit from Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay, I set off to the next cooled conservatory, the Flower Dome which will give me another dose of learning and feast of wonder to my eyes.

DSC_0966 Continue reading

Singapore Trip 2017: Part 1 – My Second Visit

I’ve been to five countries in Asia and so far, the best among them is Singapore when it comes to cleanliness, safety, efficient transport system, environment (pleasant and smoke-free) and language (English as a common language). It simply amazed me how a small country, a once hinterland and lacking natural resources had progressed rapidly. Their jaw-dropping man-made attractions, grand buildings and luxury shopping malls attracted an influx of tourists from around the world. With that, I’m so excited in getting back to the “Lion Country”.

DSC_1039

the towering Supertrees in vivid and colorful lights at night

This is my second time traveling solo outside the country. As much as I wanted my family to travel with me, they simply can’t. My hubby was so busy with various projects in his company and my children did not want to be absent from school. Since Singapore is so safe for female solo travelers, I braved this trip and made sure that this is another record-breaking adventure like I did in Hong Kong and Macau!

DSC_0090

I’m so excited about getting back to Lion Country with more adventures this time

Singapore is surging with great places to explore. This time, I wanted to see and visit places I had never been to. I will be staying for five days in my brother’s flat which is few distances away from the MRT Station. This saves a lot in my budget. Hotels are quite expensive in Singapore but if you are on a budget there are homestays, apartments, and rooms ranging from P1,500 to P5,000 depending upon your choice of accommodation. 

Stored Value Card

Since I was solo, I’m the boss of my itinerary. I made a keen study of the transportation which I found it now easy as 123. My brother gave me a stored-value card, the NETS Flashpay card loaded with cash that I will be using in MRT, LRT, buses, and grocery stores. EZ-Link is the other card but with limited retail stores to purchase.

22539844_1875121685833179_6163549513039780869_n

I will be using this NETS Flashpay card in public transportation and grocery stores

Promo Fare

Plane fare going to Singapore is quite expensive but I booked in advance a two-way fare via Jetstar Asia for only P6,000. This is another savings for me. Though it was a low-cost airline from Australia I never get scared during series of strong turbulence. Captain announced ahead of time the expected turbulence. Coming from a good experience I won’t hesitate to fly with them again in my future travels. And one good thing is, the seat width in the restroom is wider so the comfort level is better. 

IMG_20170922_135530

approaching Singapore

Changi Airport Singapore

It was so amazing to set foot again in Changi Airport which is in its 5th year as World’s Best Airport according to Skytrax World Airport Survey. The airport continues to innovate and expands its facilities for customers thus making the travel experience relaxing and memorable.

DSC_1456

the lush green in Changi Airport

Like what I described in my first visit to Singapore, Changi Airport is by itself a wonderful universe to explore. I suggest this should be included in the itinerary to have a better view of the exciting attractions inside the airport. But since I was running out of time, I decided to explore the airport on my last day. For now, I will savor its beauty and elegance beginning from walking at the impressive carpet down to the walkway at Terminal 1.

Changi Airport has breathtaking interiors. And despite the state-of-the-art architecture, the airport has a surreal tropical setting that will bring you closer to nature.

What I enjoyed much this time is watching the moving sculpture, the Kinetic Rain which I did not pay much attention to before. The copper-plated aluminum raindrops weighing 180 grams are suspended by a thin wire where computer-controlled motors are attached.

DSC_0068

The Kinetic Rain is one of the exciting attractions to watch in Terminal 1

I was mesmerized watching the glossy raindrops as they floated and moved slowly up and down. I felt the world had stopped from moving. It took me several minutes standing there amazed by this beautiful sight.

Another attraction I passed by at Terminal 1 was the Social Tree towering at almost nine meters tall. One can share and save their photos and videos to any of the eight touchscreen photo booths. If you want to be part of Changi Airport history, go share your photos there. You may retrieve it in your future visits.

DSC_1433

Social Tree is an interactive technology allowing travelers to save and share their photos and retrieve them on their next visit

Internet Connection

Free WiFi service is available both in public and transit areas in the airport. For a hassle and fast service in getting the password of free WiFi service, I headed to the information counter and presented my passport. In an instant, I was given a print-out password. I now had an internet connection which is consumable for three hours. I immediately informed my brother upon my arrival because he will fetch me as he had promised.

22549666_1875413752470639_2664979996788973552_n

printed password upon presenting the passport to Information Counter

Aside from the counters, some chose to obtain the password from the WiFi kiosks located across the terminals and gate-hold rooms with three-hour access to the internet. In Changi Airport it is so easy to stay connected as there are more than 400 internet stations available to enjoy the free WiFi service. This is another thing I like here.

On my way to immigration, I passed by several stores and boutiques offering luxury goods and necessities. But I was not into shopping, I just let enjoyed my eyes feasting on beautiful bags and shoes.

DSC_0085

Then I proceeded to the immigration after filing up the embarkation form. I grabbed a map and headed to the arrival area. I was already famished so I took a seat and ate my packed lunch. My brother arrived at 4:00 pm. I was so happy seeing him again and felt so proud because he has a very good job in this country. He is a manager in a Business Consulting and IT Solutions company.

It was my brother’s off from his work today. Since this is his free time and his wife Lyn is at work, he volunteered to stroll around with me.

As per my itinerary, I will visit Flower Dome and Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay on my first day. But it was almost 5:00 pm and I do not want to indulge in a rush visit so I decided to move it to Sunday. Instead, I will visit temples and mosques in Telok Ayer and Chinatown.

I can’t hide my excitement as we set off to the MRT station. My mind was thinking of the authentic food, places that I should explore alone, and the thrill of visiting Pulau Ubin, Singapore’s last frontier. Can’t wait for another unforgettable trip!

Related Posts:

 You may also like:

Smiley face Smiley face Smiley face Smiley face Smiley face
Part 4: Hong Kong and Macau Trip: The Peak Experience Loreland Farm Resort: Changed and Evolved Dinner at Mesa Filipino Moderne, Greenbelt 5, Makati City Vigan: As We Travel Back in the Past – part II Ramen Night at Kimono Ken, Blue Bay Walk

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more of my adventures and travels. Enjoy!

A stress-free day at Villa Filomena Natural Spring Resort, Indang, Cavite

The advantage of soaking in a natural mineral spring is the absence of harmful chemical treatment or filtration. Swimmers can freely open their eyes under the water because there is no chlorine or peroxide that will cause irritation. This is the reason why we went back in a laid-back natural spring resort in Indang, Cavite to celebrate my daughter’s 11th birthday. We chose Villa Filomena Natural Spring Resort as suggested by my son who had a wonderful experience there with his classmates.

IMG_3679 Continue reading