Wednesday, August 9, 2023


Hello Singapore! It's good to be back in the garden city. Like what I promised myself several years ago, I'll go back to sunny Singapore when I get the chance as I miss this city so much! The COVID-19 pandemic stymied travel plans but now that restrictions have been lifted, I took time off from work last May to revisit and explore Singapore. May is the height of the dry season in Southeast Asia and despite the scorching heat and humidity, it is a lovely time to explore Singapore's signature indoor and outdoor attractions. 

I love the early morning rainshowers and the warm and breezy summer evenings. Balmy tropical evenings are best for strolling along Singapore's Esplanade and Merlion Park. Stop for a cool, fruity drink or ice cream on your way home!






Cavenagh Bridge







Before heading out to enjoy Singapore's night time skyline, drop by Lau Pa Sat or Tell Ayer Market at Raffles Quay for delectable Singaporean street style food housed in a charming Victorian style food market building. There are also al fresco dining spots amidst smoky kebab and satay barbecue stalls. Getting a table is quite tricky though as this area is fully occupied all the time. If you're lucky enough to get a table, the dining experience gets doubly fun as you have a great view of Singapore's ultra-modern skyscrapers and busy night scape.





The Bugis Subway Station area 


Getting around the city is easy with Singapore Tourist Pass. If you're in a hurry, taxi rides are convenient and affordable. Just remember the zip code of the area where you are staying. The taxi driver usually asks for the post code for faster navigation. 


A must have for tourists! Get this ticket card at the airport to avail of hassle free, unlimited bus and subway rides. 




We love Ya Kun Kaya Toast! Kaya Jam (sweet coconut spread) with butter is sandwiched together in toasted bread or  French toast and dipped in poached egg.  Washed down with retro style Yakun coffee, it's the perfect breakfast fare to start the day. 




The scenic Balestier area with its beautiful heritage buildings and traditional shops. There are hawker centers nearby and mini malls with upscale supermarkets and restaurants that cater to upwardly mobile condominium dwellers.






Singapore's version of the London Eye. 


This is what we came for- the Avatar Experience at the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay and Tulipmania at the Flower Dome. The misty, cool atmosphere inside the dome was a welcome respite from the scorching summer heat. 









Wandering around the Supertree  Grove 



One of the Michelin rated stalls at the Jurassic Food Nest Food Hall fronting the Supertree Grove area. Yes, the Biryanani was really good! It totally deserved its bib gourmand accolade.


At this point, I may have scratched out the Netherlands from my travel bucketlist. Who knew that tulips originated from Turkiye? Fascinating! It was the last day of Tulipmania and we were lucky to catch the last show. And oh, where will all these tulips go when the flower show is over?











The lotus shaped ArtScience Museum that is a few walks away from Gardens by the Bay. We headed here to see the Future World Exhibition, a Team Labs production. 


The Helix Bridge or (Double Helix Bridge) is a stunning piece of modern architecture. It is the world's first curved bridge.  It's more mesmerizing when lighted up at night!



After a pasta and pizza snack at The Shoppes, we headed to the Skypark Observation Deck, 56 storeys high to get an unencumbered view of the Singapore skyline. 


All the degustatory patisserie and confectionery dreams at the depachika section of Takashimaya SG at Orchard Road.






The journey is the destination! We are talking about the Jewel Changi Airport which is a destination in itself and the vortex of everything cool. 





Till next time, Singapore!

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Iced Kapi ni Tomas (coffee named after St. Thomas), cream cheese bagel and a new book are all it takes to enjoy a quiet "me time" somewhere close to home. Located inside the famous Lizards mansion (now Angelicum School run by the Dominican Order in the Philippines), Cafe Año is a good place for a coffee run if you're visiting Iloilo City and have limited time to explore the city's heritage landmarks. 

This is a quiet cafe for locals too enjoy some privacy (if you're not the "Starbucks type person"), good conversation and decent grub and coffee. A nice view of an elegant mansion is a bonus too. 

                     









 

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Finding the perfect scent is a lifelong quest. Sometimes your nose just knows that you have found The One! I have finally found mine in a bottle of 802 Praline Vanilla by Scentsmith Perfumery, a gender-neutral scent. I've always been partial to gourmand scents like vanilla when paired with other notes.

Praline Vanilla has the following fragrance profile: 

Scentsmith Type: Sweet 

Top Notes: Black currant and pear 

Middle Notes: Iris, jasmine and orange blossom 

Base: Praline, vanilla, patchouli and tonka bean

Another thing I love about this fragrance is the apothecary style packaging which is perfectly my aesthetic. Definitely a homegrown perfumery brand worth checking out!


Scenthsmith Perfumery 

Upper Ground Floor, SM City Iloilo (In front of Aeropostale)

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