A Quick Layover in Singapore

Singapore. The Lion City

I had the chance to do a quick tour in Singapore as the ticket I booked for my Bali trip includes a 5.5 hours layover in the Lion City. So instead of just waiting in the airport for my next flight, I opted to roam around the busy streets of Singapore. 

Merlion Park w/ my epic fail face

It was my very first time to travel out of the country. I had a little "bobo moment" with the SG immigration. I didn't fill up the embarkation form as I was under the impression that I won't need to as it's just a quick layover. When it's already my turn to be interviewed by the officer, he had me go back to the line and fill the necessary information needed. As he stamped my passport he said "pasaway ka kuya." Haha. 

Me, Ericson, and Jawo

Marina Bay Sands

I was lucky enough that I have friends working in Singapore. They have offered to tour me around the city. Ericson, fetched me at the Changi airport. He let me experienced riding SMRT and I was truly impressed. We boarded the East West Line and we've gotten off the Raffles Place station. I was only able to visit Marina Bay sands and the famous Merlion park due to time constraints. After having our lunch at Esplanade Mall, I decided to head back to the airport so I won't miss my flight to Bali, I anticipated the long lines in the immigration. 

Some of the authentic SG food I've tasted

Back at the Changi Airport, I was able to do a quick tour to enjoy the amenities offered by the airport. They say that the best place to have a layover is Singapore. I couldn't agree more. If you're the type who prefers to just stay at the airport while waiting for the connecting flight, you still could enjoy a lot of things in Changi. 

As I boarded Singapore Airlines, I stayed at Terminal 2. Here you can find the ORCHID GARDEN and SUNFLOWER GARDEN. Also, you may enjoy free movies and internet while waiting. Shop all you want with different stores inside the terminal. I also qualified for the $40 voucher under the Changi Transit Programme. I used it to shop "pasalubong." 

Should you have more than 5 hours layover, I strongly suggest you take advantage of the Free Singapore Tour being offered by Changi Airport. If your flight is arriving in Singapore between 9am to 6 pm, you can join their Heritage tour which would take you to several spots such as The Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, The Esplanade,The Merlion Park, Colonial District, Chinatown, Little India, and The Central Business District. They also have the City Lights Tour which goes to Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, Marina Bay Financial Centre, Bugis Village, and Raffles Hotel. These tours are absolutely free. All you have to do is to register at the Free Singapore Tours (FST) Registration Booth. 

I am really glad that Singapore was the first ever out-of-the-country destination I've ever been to. I'd definitely go back here soon. 

Canyon Cove

The Beach on a perfect weather.

Nasugbu, Batangas. Last October 25 we headed to Canyon Cove for our much awaited team building. Straight from our shift, we traveled all the way from Taguig City to Nasugbu Batangas which took us about 4 hours, including the stop-over in Paseo Mall in Laguna for some shopping. 

We originally planned to conduct the team building in Pico De Loro but ended up in Canyon Cove. Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa is pretty old already. But they are currently doing some maintenance to improve its interior. 

Panoramic View of Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa

The time we arrived at the hotel it was already lunch. The hotel's restaurant is being catered by Max's. Guests are not allowed to bring in food at the hotel. Their service was not of hotel quality though. After finishing our food, we checked into our corresponding rooms. We rested for at least half an hour and then we prepared for our "Team Amazing Race."

Room 332. This room can accommodate 3 guests.

The Amazing Race prepared by our Operations Manager (and her boyfriend) was a lot of fun. It involved many challenges. My team ended up in the second place. The winner decided to share their prize to the whole team.

Consolidated Accounts (Team Reliant, Texas Instruments, and Data Entry)

Canyon Cove offers a very good spot to do sunset watching. Such a perfect way to end the fun-filled day. 

 Beautiful Sunset in Nasubu, Batangas

Just before we head back to Manila, we made sure to enjoy the beach and the pool. 

Fun under the Sun. 

Jason Mraz Live in Manila 2014

#SpreadYES. Finally, Jason Mraz along with the Raining Jane group will be staging a one night concert here in the Philippines. Official announcement came out today from Ovation Productions and MMI Live International.

"An Acoustic Evening with Jason Mraz and Raining Jane," will be held on November 27, 2014 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Tickets will be available starting September 28 through Ticketnet. Please call 911-5555 for inquiries.

It was July 15th when Jason Mraz and Raining Jane released their album entitled "YES." It has 14 beautifully written tracks. My personal favorites are Everywhere, Best Friend, and It's So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday. But of course, all songs are amazing. Raining Jane is composed of Mai Bloomfield, Becky Gebhardt, Chaska Potter and Mona Tavakoli. "A Beautiful Mess," is their first collaboration.

The announcement came as a pleasant surprise to all Pinoy Mrazians as it can be remembered last July, in an interview from Philippine Star, that he may not be coming back to our country anytime soon, "You wouldn’t expect me soon, but there is a great possiblity that we will be in the Philippines again and I’m bringing Raining Jane with me. If there’s one arena in the world that I would play right now, it would be the Smart Araneta Coliseum with Raining Jane." Jason added, "You know, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Filipino fans all over the world. I love knowing that they take their pride everywhere they go. There’s only one country in the world that is like that, and that’s Brazil. But the Filipino people are extraordinary in the light that they give, and I hope that it’s not just limited to me. I thank them for their listenership and the love that they’ve shown me and the love they continue to give to others.”

For more information, please visit Jason Mraz - Philippines Facebook Fanpage, Ovation Productions, and MMI Live International. #JasonMrazMNL

Jason Mraz: YES! to Green

Jason Mraz - Philippines. Last 22nd June 2014, Pinoy Mrazians went back to the earth and planted trees at the Binhi ng Kalayaan and Quirino Grandstand at Luneta Park, Manila. 37 trees were planted to celebrate Jason Mraz's 37th birthday (June 23). 

Jason Mraz - Philippines

This is the 2nd year Mrazians united to support one of the advocacies being promoted by Jason Mraz, which is environmental protection by doing tree planting activities. Jason and his team have noticed and appreciated the efforts of Pinoy fans. 

Amazing Mrazians

The success of the event was overwhelming. I never thought that there are fans who are more than willing to dedicate their time and spend their spare amount to support this effort initiated by the Jason Mraz - Philippines team. It is not easy to organize such event. We had to secure permit from the National Parks Development Committee of Luneta Park and they have specific requirement in terms of the trees to be planted. On our case, we were asked to plant "Balitbitan trees."

Jason Mraz - Philippines team (L-R) Coordinator Jill, Admin Bryan (me), Coordinator April, and Admin Praz with the representatives from NPDC - Luneta Park. 

We were guided by the representatives from the National Parks Development Committee of Luneta Park all through out the tree planting event. 17 trees were planted at the Binhi ng Kalayaan while the other 20 trees were planted at Quirino Grandstard (it was the first time they allowed to have trees planted at that this venue). Right after the tree planting event, Mrazians once again met up to do a quick "get-to-know-each-other" session. Everyone introduced themselves and stated their favorite Mraz songs. Each Mrazians went home with a smile on their faces not only because they were a part of this good deed but also because of the fact that they were able to meet fellow fans of Mraz. 

For more information about Jason Mraz, please visit our Facebook fan page "Jason Mraz - Philippines." Meanwhile, please check out some of the pictures taken during the event. See you again next year.

* Life is Wonderful *