When In Singapore: Singlish

Going to Singapore, a simple visit or a big move, one will experience communicating with Singlish - Singapore's version of the English language. I can say that it's quite unique as the creole english phrases and expressions are a mix of Malay, Chinese and English. Being here for some time now made me pick up and understand a few of these phrases that at first found them interesting to translate and decode. 

Here are some words and phrases from an outsider's perspective - not mine. Singaporean friends, help me verify. Can? Just saw the article randomly on the internet, I found it interesting enough to share. Someday, I will have my own list and have another entry in here based on my own experience and conversation with the locals. 

Source: http://www.angmohdan.com/singlish-efficient/

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Singaporeans are efficient people, and prefer to take less time and words to express themselves.

Singlish is the creole version of English spoken in Singapore. Much of its grammatical structure comes from Chinese and a lot of its emphasis words (“lah”, “leh”, “meh”) come from Chinese and Bahasa languages. It is spoken super-fast, and super-compressed.

“Me go now, wait for you, lah?”
“Can anot?” (Will you or won’t you?)

When time is money, we really can’t afford to spend time on those extra syllables when it is possible to get our meaning across with far fewer words.

More of Singapore: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/11/when-in-singapore-picture-perfect-in.html

When In Singapore: Picture Perfect in Marina

Whenever I have friends or relatives visiting Singapore for the first time, a walk around the Marina Bay area is a must. You see the magnificent Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the ArtScience Museum beside it and the Helix Bridge - the way to the Flyer, Esplanade Theatre and Merlion from the opposite bank of the river.  

And I can't help but snap a few shots of the area even if I see them everyday from my office window. You just can't ignore the beauty of these structures. So here are some of the shots I took of the Marina. I guess jogging around the area is a good idea too. Who wants to join me? Of course, we'll schedule it when the weather is good. As I am writing this article, it's raining cats and dogs outside. 

The MBS

The ArtScience Museum (Upclose)

MBS and the Helix 

More of Singapore: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/11/when-in-singapore-1-altitude.html

When In Singapore: 1 Altitude

Because this is what you are going  to see when you go to the highest Al Fresco Bar in the World - 1 Altitude. 

In the middle of the busy district of buildings after buildings after buildings lies this another tall structure that would give you the best view of the cityscape ever. No doubt, all of its visitors snap a photo or photos of the city from the viewing deck. Seeing the Marina Bay Sands from the 63rd floor, and watching its light show has rendered me still even though the band  was playing my favorite song. Yeah, the view alone is worth the entrance fee. However, this is not another viewing deck, it is a bar and when you visit this place, you would get good music and drinks. So this isn't your underground bar where in you will sweat like hell; this is the perfect place to get that fresh air while you enjoy the company of your friends over a drink with the perfect backdrop ever - the city full of lights. 

Information:

Address: 1 Raffles Place, 048616

Phone:6438 0410

Website: http://www.1-altitude.com/#!

Of course, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to have my photo snapped. Told yah, everyone will be snapping.. If you won't,  then something's wrong with you.. HAAHA

When In Singapore: Happy Diwali

Let's celebrate the victory of light over darkness; good over bad; knowledge over ignorance; and hope over despair. Let's celebrate the only holiday in Singapore not known until the last minute. Let's celebrate Diwali. 

To all the Hindus out there, Happy Diwali

Read more: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/09/when-in-singapore-sentosa-boardwalk_23.html

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper

When In Singapore: Iced Lemon Tea

Every time I decide to cut down on my sugar intake, that's when I would be craving for a glass of Ice cold Lemon Tea. And nothing can compare to how Singaporeans do it. I think I can say that I have tasted the best Iced Lemon Tea in this country. And you do not need to go to fancy restaurants to taste a good one. Even in the nearest Kopitiam, you will get this oh-so-good drink for as low as a dollar and fifty. So if you intend to visit Singapore, stay away from the canned sodas and try this goodness. It's safe, it's sinful yet it's delicious. 

And if you really want to take with you this drink back home, then I can recommend Seasons Iced Lemon Tea. It's the best for the canned version but not as yummy as the ones auntie is making for you. 

Related Entry: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/04/when-in-singapore-singapore-zoo.html

When in Singapore: Singapore Zoo

Let's get wild in Singapore. Well, I am not talking about the foam parties, the booze and the likes - though that sounds awesome too, I am talking about visiting the World's Best Rainforest Zoo, the country's namesake, the Singapore Zoo. I guess, it's one of the first places I visited when I was still a tourist and never had a chance to come back ever since. It's not because it's not good, it's because I live at the other end of Singapore. For me, I am not used to visiting zoos with animals that are not caged. At least in Manila, the animals are confined in one area, most are in cages for safety purposes of the visitors. So when I first set foot of this beautiful zoo, I was in awe when I saw the animals walking around their area without those huge cages and barricades. I was once again a kid with all the "awws" "ahs" and "ohs" - very stoked.

Since 1973, Singapore Zoo has been known for having among the most beautiful wildlife park settings in the world, where animals roam freely in open and naturalistic habitats.

Nine-time winner of the coveted Best Leisure Attraction Experience award by the Singapore Tourism Board, our 26-hectare wildlife park is nestled within the lush Mandai rainforest that stretches into the magnificent Upper Seletar Reservoir. More than 2,800 animals representing over 300 species of mammals, birds and reptiles call Singapore Zoo home.

Step into this massive biodome and marvel at the richness and diversity of the rainforest - recreated in the form of a 20,000 cubic metre flight area - one of the largest in the world.

Opening Time: 8.30am

Closing Time:   6.00pm

For more information: http://www.zoo.com.sg/
Related Post: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/04/when-in-singapore-kaya-toast.html

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper

When In Singapore: Kaya Toast

Imagine me being sad this morning. Actually, scratch, that. Imagine me without that big smile plastered on my face? Pretty unusual right? And this is all because of not having a supply of my Hainanese Kaya Spread. So, I settled with Nutella (not that it's not good, but damn these taste buds of mine for craving that coconut-y taste of Kaya - something I enjoy every morning. The best partner of the very famous Teh Tarik. I can say, the best breakfast ever. It can compete with the Big breakfast at Burger King that I always drool over to during Sundays (cheat days). Anyhow, back to the main subject, the star of this entry the Kaya toast. 

Kaya toast is a well-known snack in Singapore and Malaysia.It is is prepared with kaya (coconut jam), a topping of sugar, coconut milk and eggs, pandan, and sometimes margarine or butter. I am not going to provide you the recipe, I am satisfied with the commercial ones from Kopitiams, bakeshops and groceries - personal favorite is the Hainanese Kaya Spread with Honey from FairPrice (only 5SGD!). This spread is used with that special thin toasted bread and butter and BOOM! the best breakfast ever. I am telling you, this country is influencing me in a good way little by little. You really better get that Kaya Combo Meal when you visit Singapura. Start your day sweet. Gotta go, I need to buy my supply so that tomorrow will be a better day. 

Best Partner Ever: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/02/when-in-singapore-teh-tarik.html

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper.

When in Singapore: Orchard Road

Spending time in malls is actually considered a fun activity for Filipinos. We love malls, and their air-conditioning units – it saves us electricity cost and  we are having tons of fun out of window-shopping, shopping for real, timezone and karaoke sessions, and indulging into good restaurant food, or if in tight budget,   mouth-watering, high in sodium and preservative, but insanely satisfying fast food  goodies. Anyway, so you know that I was stoked when I first visited Orchard Road. HAHAHAHA! Imagine a stretch of not stores (like Rodeo Drive) but a stretch of malls of more than 3 floors of shops and restaurants. From high-end shops like Louis Vuitton and Prada to highly budget friendly stores like H&M and Forever 21, if you like to shop, just think of a store and for sure you’ll see it in one of the 22 malls of Orchard Road. Yes, 22 freakin’ malls and 6 Departmental stores with over 5,000 brands, surely you’ll get what you need. 

Here is the list of the Malls that you can choose to hang and shop around in:

313@somerset
Cathay Cineleisure Orchard
Delfi Orchard
DFS Galleria Scottswalk
Far East Plaza
Forum The Shopping Mall
Hilton Shopping Gallery
ION Orchard
Knightsbridge
Liat Towers
Lucky Plaza
Mandarin Gallery
Ngee Ann City
Orchard Central
Palais Renaissance
Paragon
Plaza Singapura
Scotts Square
Shaw House
Tanglin Mall
Tanglin Shopping Centre
The Centrepoint
The Heeren
TripleOne Somerset
Wheelock Place
Wisma Atria

More Information about Orchard : http://www.orchardroad.org/

Related Post: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/03/when-in-singapore-merlion-park.html

 When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper.

When in Singapore: Merlion Park

At the heart of the city lies the very mythical national personification of Singapura - a creature with a head of a Lion and a body of a Fish, the MERLION.  Its name combines "mer" meaning the sea and "lion". The fish body represents Singapore's origin as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, which means "sea town" in Javanese. The lion head represents Singapore's original name — Singapura — meaning "lion city" or "kota singa". As this is the official mascot and symbol of Singapore, you can see it everywhere but of course, one must visit the original structure infront of the Fullerton Hotel in a park by his namesake, The Merlion Park. 
I always say that you've never been to Singapore without having your picture/ selfie taken with this Merlion spitting water to the river. I've been to this park several times and whenever I have friends from Manila who are visiting Singapura for the first time, I am encouraging them to include in their itinerary this park. Well, I'm not having a hard time convincing them because they probably will include Marina Bay Sands in their itinerary. So when you are in Singapore, don't ever forget to visit this park and have your silly pose taken with this mythical creature.

Related Post: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/01/when-in-singapore-universal-studios.html

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper.

When In Singapore: The Very Famous Hainanese Chicken Rice

That roasted chicken partnered with Hainanese rice… Oh it’s definitely a must-try when visiting this country. I still remember having this food as the number one food on my must-try food list when I was still a tourist. I guess this meal contributed the most to the five pounds I usually gain whenever I visit this country. Being a chicken lover, I could easily devour a whole chicken partnered with that perfect chili sauce and voila, couple of pounds has been added and I don’t mind at least a bit. And that’s because, I so freaking love the dish. I need to master making the hainanese rice and probably have to know the perfect seasoning for the rotisserie then I have my own version of the Hainanese Chicken Rice Meal – I can probably name it as Chicken Rice a-la “insert my real name here”. 

In the meantime, here are the best five Chicken Rice stores that will surely give you the mouth-watering, tummy-satisfying, palate-enticing Chicken Rice meal. 

This is based from the site: The Best Singapore

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice

 Boon Tong Kee

 Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice

 Chatterbox

For more information, please visit the original article: http://www.thebestsingapore.com/eat-and-drink/the-best-5-hainanese-chicken-rice/

A definite must-try here in Singapura.

Related Post: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/02/when-in-singapore-watch-movies-for-less.html

When In Singapore: Watch Movies for Less

If you want to catch the latest movies on big screen but with limited budget, you can always have the option to be a Golden Village Member. I am used to watching movies back in Manila for only 7 dollars so when I went here, I was shocked to know that the price here's forty percent more. Of course, I earn more here but I still tend to compare the prices. With that being said, I was so happy to learn about the discounted movie tickets price if you're a Golden Village Member. With this, I will be able to watch all the must see movies of 2014. 

Wanna be my Tuesday Movie Date? 

Here are the perks of being a member. The best part of this, membership is free. Come on! Register now and enjoy all these perks.

Here's the link for you to register: https://www.gv.com.sg/movieclub/register.jsp

	$9.50 Movie Tickets for 3D and GVmax® Dolby® Atmos™ - every Wednesday! Now you can enjoy watching in 3D as well as GVmax® Dolby® Atmos™ 2D & 3D movies at a lower price every Wednesday!			Gold Class Dining Privilege – Enjoy 10% off Wine & Dine. Relax and enjoy fine wine with restaurant quality food in the cinemas and private lounge. Feel extra privileged, simply present your membership card to enjoy this offer.
	$6.50 Movie Tickets - every Tuesday. So many movies, so little time. With the discounted ticket price just for members, you and your loved ones now have another reason to visit the cinemas every Tuesday!			Priority Seat Selection - reserved just for you. We will help you get your favourite seats online every week! So go on, gather your friends and plan your weekend effortlessly with us.
	Be a GV Movie Club Movie Reviewer today! Get to upload your photo, username, rate and write a review after watching a movie.			Invitation to Gala Premieres - plus other exclusive members-only content and communications. You’ll always be the first to know about the latest news and receive exclusive invites to gala premieres. Look out for other exciting benefits and privileges!
	Buy 1 Get 1 Free Movie Ticket - on your birthday. Login to print your eVoucher then bring a friend and treat yourself to a free movie on your birthday!			Members Monthly Draw - win free movie tickets simply by visiting GV cinemas. Every month, we’ll have a lucky draw for members who recently presented their card at the Box Office. The more times you visit GV cinemas, the higher your chances of winning!
	Top Spenders Giveaway - be rewarded monthly with a free Gold Class ticket or Standard movie tickets. It's all about rewarding you. The top five spenders monthly will be treated to a Gold Class ticket each! The next top 15 spenders will receive a pair of movie tickets each!			$1 OFF Combo of the Week – indulge and save even before the movie starts. Buy as many as you like and save a dollar everytime! Combo of the Week usually comes with a collectible, so take home that something special today.
	Free SMS Confirmation - save S$0.20 with every online booking. Simply log-in to purchase your tickets online and we'll waive the SMS confirmation fee.

Related Post: http://anapink18.blogspot.com/2014/02/when-in-singapore-old-chang-kee-delights.html

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper.

When in Singapore: Old Chang Kee Delights

I have to stop salivating ‘cause I can’t start writing this entry. Yes! Doing this entry is a bit difficult because I am imagining how mouth-melting these goodies-on-stick are. Ohlala, those fried sotongs for a very affordable price – how can you resist that?! Or my favorite – the Chicken Wrap on stick, dang! Just thinking about it makes my tummy growl. I want one! Really, like right now. 

Old Chang Kee is a local favorite since year 1956. Like any other success stories, this store started with a humble beginning – the curry puff. Singaporeans would travel all the way to Mackenzie Road (the original store) to taste the Rex Puff. Then as the years go by, this brand has become one of Singapore’s Pride. Their products are not only being loved by locals, even foreigners are being captivated by these goodies. You can find one almost everywhere – from the malls to train stations. 

An easy to-go before you start your day; a bite in the middle of your stressful day; or just simply satisfying your craving for fried food.At any time of the day, you can eat it and at any time of the day, it will surely satisfy you. 

So I gotta go,  I need to satisfy my craving. Need to rush to one of their stores now.

Official Website: http://www.oldchangkee.com/our-heritage.htm
Related Post: http://anapink18.blogspot.jp/2014/02/when-in-singapore-teh-tarik.html

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper.

When in Singapore: Teh Tarik

Weird thing that I always try writing about what to do or what to experience in Singapore on the day I need to post one. Yes, I am trying to write future blog entries as much as I can so the entries will be more thought of  and elaborately written and explained. But with this category, I am finding inspiration on the day itself. I think the reason is because I am truly experiencing Singapore. I am trying to share what Singapore is in the eyes of a resident so that tourists would know beforehand what needs to be tried and what needs to be experienced in this small but incredible country. So right now, needless to say, I am sharing something I have tried just this morning - Teh Tarik ( you probably can get it in Malaysia too!).

 This is a hot milk tea beverage which can be commonly found in restaurants, outdoor stalls and Kopitiams in Southeastern Asian countries of Malaysia and Singapore. Its name is derived from the pouring process of "pulling" the drink during preparation. It is made from black tea, condensed milk and/or evaporated milk. Sounds familiar right? Well this is a more economical but equally delicious if not more (since this is pretty much freshly-made when you order one) as the milk teas that you are getting from Gong Cha, KOI & Chatime - less the pearls. This is the best partner for your Kaya Toast (another favourite of course) for your authentic Singapore Breakfast.

So when in Singapore don't ever forget to get a sip of this hot & sweet drink to start your day with a smile.

Related Post: http://anapink18.blogspot.com/2014/02/when-in-singapore-oh-so-chewy-junior.html

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper.

When in Singapore: Oh so Chewy Junior

I told myself that one missed entry is acceptable for a busy working professional who maintains a blog. However, this morning, I found an inspiration - not a lover, or a possible lover, or an apple of my eye. But one of the things that can make my day a lot better and can make me smile that big smile you can already see my gums. HAHAHA. 
This is one of my comfort food- the creamiest, softest and tastiest cream puffs of Chewy Junior. I'm a fan of doughnuts too, but if you're going to make me choose to which pastry I am going to enjoy the calories without regretting it afterwards, then you give me a box of these lovely puffs - not just a piece but a box of it. I am more willing to spend an extra 30 minutes on the treadmill and another set of HIIT to burn the calories. 
Anyway, you should try the cream puffs especially when you're in Singapore. I have tried it once in Manila but nothing beats the original. I am sure you gotta love it more than your doughnut. 

Branches all over Singapore: http://www.chewyjunior.com.sg/findus.html
Official Website: http://www.chewyjunior.com.sg/

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper.

Related Post: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/01/when-in-singapore-indonesian-bbq-grill.html

When in Singapore: Indonesian BBQ Grill

I am going to discuss another local favorite here in Singapore. A dish borrowed from across the shore - our dear Indonesia. Introducing the juicy and tasty Ayam Panggang (grilled chicken). The reason why I like it so much is because it tastes like the chicken barbecue from the very famous restaurant in Manila, Aristocrat. (I guess that's a way foreigners try to lessen homesickness - looking for dishes with taste close to something from their home country).

Ayam Panggang is simply a grilled chicken (mostly leg part), with that special barbecue sauce. The meal is partnered with plain white rice (with option to put curry on it. I recommend you to try it with curry) and scrambled egg (sliced like a pizza). Sometimes, the meal includes a spoonful of veggie as your side dish and a simple soup. This meal is only less than 10 dollars - that's making it extra amazing.

So here's a treasure find from different hawker centers in Singapore (take note that not all hawker / kopitiam / food republic places have this dish). I have tried this dish in Ion Orchard, Marina Square and Dhoby Ghaut. So far, all tastes great.  The next time you visit Singapura, you can shy away from Chinese meals and try this lovely Indonesian dish that you will surely love.

Related post: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/01/when-in-singapore-having-here-take-away.html

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper.

When In Singapore: Having Here / Take Away

As a Filipino, I am used in saying "Dine In" if I would like to eat what I ordered in a restaurant in the place itself and "take out"/ "to go" if I want to have it wrapped. So when I first tried ordering my first meal here in Singapore (I think it was the famous Chicken Rice), I was definitely not aware of the fact that those verb phrases aren't used here. Needless to say, the cashier didn't understand me and he probably thought that I wasn't speaking English. After figuring it out on my own, I finally had my chicken rice on a plate and ready to look for an empty table to finally taste this dish. I will definitely write another entry for this dish, of course. 

So back to these Singlish verb phrases;  they are pretty useful to tourists so that you will not receive that look from the cashier / uncle when you tell your orders to him. Having here is used when you would like to eat in the place itself. You can use it anywhere - hawker centres, kopitiams, or even in fast food stalls. And Take Away (Tapau? don't know if this is the right pin yin for the term) is being used whenever you want to have what you ordered wrapped up.  

So if you are going to visit Singapura, do take note of these Singlish phrases and you're off to enjoying whatever dish you want to eat. 

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper.

When In Singapore: Universal Studios

First time in Singapore? If yes, then you better add Universal Studios Singapore (USS) on the list of places you must visit. I suggest for you to spend a day in this magical world where you can enjoy exciting rides and feel your adrenaline pump up. By exciting, I mean, not-your-carousel type of rides; but almost heart-wrenching and nerve-wracking  rides. I have visited this place years ago when I was still a tourist and I enjoyed it a lot. Of course, I was with close friends when I visited this place, and together we rode and enjoyed all the "must-try" rides at that time (The Mummy and the Jurassic). Right now, I believe that there is a need to visit the themed park again as people keep telling me that the Transformers ride is extraordinary (I'll be back for this and only for this. Though Galactica is now operating, I will not ride that one (talk about heart wrenching!). 

Universal Studios is a must visited place for tourists and of course locals who love extraordinary rides and movies-themed attractions. This place is divided into 7 themed attractions, each of course has its distinct scene and experience to offer - Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar. You can click on this link to know more about the whole place and for you to plan expertly your route to maximize your time and money. A friendly reminder, please wear comfortable outfit and footwear when you go visit this place to fully enjoy it. 

How to get here: http://www.rwsentosa.com/language/en-US/Homepage/HowToGetHere

And here are some of our photos:

We love Kungfu Panda

Posed like Egyptians

With Shrek

Happiness was never possible without the company of good friends. 

Till the next USS experience.

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper.

When in Singapore: Minced Meat Noodles

Of all the things and places I can feature about the country I am currently in, I have chosen to write about food as my pilot. Why wouldn't I? Singapore is a melting pot of different cuisines- from the most common ones (Chinese, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines) to highly specialized cuisines like Spanish, Turkish and Russian to name a few. Definitely, this country is a haven for foodies out there.

In this entry, I am going to share a personal favorite (to the point of ensuring I get it at least once a week for lunch). This delicious dish is the Minced Meat / Minced Pork Noodles. From the name itself, its main ingredient is ground pork partnered with noodles. Other ingredients include fried dumpling, fried pork, spring onion, cabbage, marinated mushroom, pork liver and some chili (optional). I haven’t tried preparing it on my own, but from the looks of the dish, it’s as simple as cooking the noodles in their special broth, and add the ingredients and voila! there’s the dish.

Indulge in authentic Chinese noodles for only six dollars or less from any hawker/ food court shops in Singapore. If you love noodles, you will definitely need to try this when you’re in Singapore.

When in Singapore is a series of entries featuring the beautiful Singapore - it’s people, it’s culture, it’s food and it’s places). Join me in my journey to get to know this country deeper.