Shophouse. The Social Hostel.

The Shophouse is situated along Arab Street, Singapore. It was a bit tricky going to the place the first time though. The location is awesome... MRT's, bus stops, and malls are just nearby. I timed myself one morning when I met up with my brother at the Bugis MRT station, and it took me about 5min to get there from the hostel. Well I kind of power walked all the way so that explains it :))

http://www.shophousehostel.com/

There is an all ladies floor, two floors with mixed rooms, and the rooftop (my favorite!). I got locked out a couple of times as we were only given one key card (there were four of us), and my sister wasn't really paying attention to her phone/tab at that time. So I just hung out, watched the view and tv on the rooftop. They have this tv/game room on the top floor which you can use. There have dvds and books there. And oh, the couch was so comfy I think I could sleep there ;) Its a nice place to socialize with other backpackers staying there. 

This is the only downside for me - the reception closes at 10pm. So if you get locked out at that time, which happened to me, you just got to wait until someone opens the door for you.tsk

I read about some reviews regarding bed bugs but luckily no bugs were in sight when we were there. Also read about not having enough water and that the hot shower isn't working. There are two shower knobs, the first one is for the "main" water pressure and the other one is the shower switch. There's also a "heater" switch outside the shower room.

There are also some stuff which you can use there and some came pretty handy. Need to de-wrinkle your clothes? They have an iron and ironing board. Need to have a quick blow dry, they have one too :D I'm not sure if they have it on all floors though (we were on the all ladies floor).

Some of what Working Title serves.

There's a cafe on the reception area called Working Title. So if you're looking for some place to hang out before you get some shut eye then what other place to go to than downstairs? We haven't really tried dining there as we we're always on the go and when we head home we're just so tired we cant wait to sleep ;) But the vibe there was good and the place is almost always packed. So you can tell that what they serve is good :)

http://pichunotes.wordpress.com/2014/02/14/shophouse-the-social-hostel/

The hostel offers free breakfast which starts at 8am but we start to head out around 7, so we  haven't really tried eating there. Our favorite breakfast stop is at Subway, located around the corner of Raffles Hospital, a 2-3min walk from Shophouse. 

The Pod.

http://www.thecoolist.com/the-pod-hotel-singapore/

http://www.thecoolist.com/the-pod-hotel-singapore/

This is something that I found out online and really wowed me. This is quite unique, I think I want to check this out on my next visit too. This is slightly farther from Bugis and is pricier too compare to Shophouse. But the place does look amazing and I think Pods can actually offer a bit more privacy. 

http://thepod.sg

It really depends on what you prefer and how much you are willing to pay for your accommodation. It all boils down to that. 

So where did you stay while you were in Singapore?

Touchdown at Changi Airport! Their airport was soo big it really didn't feel like one as it was filled with shops! Yes you can shop right then and there. You would think that the items sold at the airport would be waaay more expensive compared to the shops outisde, but its just the same. The best thing about shopping at Changi Airport is that its tax-free! Regardless if the amount your spending is less than 100sgd (Im not quite sure though if all the shops are priced the same as the outside ones and if they are all tax-free). Aaand just by going down a few floors you will find... tadaaa!!! The MRT. Its already there to take you wherever you want to go. 

The best way to go around Singapore is by walking. Yes, like literally. Almost all of the malls I went to are connected to each other, so you don't need to ride the mrt or bus that often. Not unless if its so far apart. Like Vivo City then Bugis Junction or Esplanade after Orchard Rd. Its not that far but I'm pretty sure its not within walking distance :D Although I love riding the MRT, second place goes to the bus rides. Their system is nowhere near ours in PH, like you can stop and hop out wherever you want to and you can ride almost all of the buses that goes in the same direction where you want to go. No no no, not in SG. Their buses have different routes and they will only stop at specific ones. So if you want to go to mall "1" and only buses "A" & "B" will stop there, though "C" also passes by the same direction, don't expect that "C" will stop at "1"... cause it wont. Sure hope that that example helped rather confused you even more :P I'm still not familiar with the bus routes but you can find them at bus stops. I think its more prone to getting lost compared to riding the MRT, but I prefer the bus because you can see the view plus I haven't really experienced any traffic jams in SG.

There are a lot of places to see and I have to do some homework myself. My sister made the whole itinerary because I did not have any idea of where to go, I just want to be there. Period :D haven't been to all of these places during our stay in SG, but I'll be sure to visit all of them next time ;)

1.) Sentosa

   1.1) Universal Studios

   1.2) SEA Aquarium

2.) near Marina Bay

   2.1. Makansutra Gluttons Bay

   2.2. Gardens by the Bay

   2.3. Marina Barrage 

   2.4. Suntec City

3.) Singapore National Museum

4.) Singapore Zoo

5.) Chinese Garden & Singapore Botanic Garden

6.) Somerset and Orchard Rd. (mostly for shopping)

There's this place called Chijmes and I'm pretty curious about it. An old church which now houses bars and restaurants? I really don't know. My bro and sis already visited the place a while back and I think I'll probably take a look next time too. 

Shopping. There are a lot of good places to shop there, and if ever you go beyond 100sgd in a single receipt, don't forget to ask for the tax refund receipt so you can process and claim it in the airport before you leave the city. So keep your tax refund receipts especially if you are a heavy spender :)

Its best if you can shop and go dine outside and have a great view or have a tourist spot nearby. Saves so much time. One example is shopping around Esplanade and Suntec City Mall on the afternoon, eat out at Makansutra Glutton's Bay and by night time sit around Marina Bay to watch the light show and fireworks (saw it on a weekend so I'm not sure if they do it on weekdays). Singapore just becomes so much alive at night! Don't ever forget to have your cameras on full charge ;)

How I wish that I got to stay for a lot longer to experience and submerge myself in the Singaporean culture. The place really is a melting pot.

And oh.. a quick thank you to my brother, sister and the travel buddies we met and bonded with during the trip! It was awesome spending another first experience with you guys :)

Cant wait to go back ;)

Travel checklist, travel essentials, packing list... Whatever you call it, its important! Its a hassle when you forget things especially the ones that you really need most. Like the time I forgot my jacket on our way to Manila and unexpectedly a few days later we were on our way to Baguio :( Or bringing extra stuff when you really don't need them! Just a waste of extra space in your luggage. 

So when I got more mature, at least to some extent :P, I learned to make a checklist a month before the travel date. I'm not quite sure if this would be the most suitable time to create one, might be too early or to some it might even be late. To give you an idea of why I plan this early/late, I already have some things in mind of what to bring with me even months before... like what to wear for the rest of the trip. So when the date is nearing, I edit it out from time to time according to what is more suitable for me and finalize it a week before I leave. I pack 3 days before the departure date, check the list upon packing and double checking it before locking up the bags (a few hours before heading to the airport/bus terminal)

So here's my travel checklist / travel essentials / packing list  

documents & money
What I've done before was just bring with me my ID's, my ticket, and when I use someone else's credit card to buy the ticket then I would also bring a photocopy of his/her ID with the card that was actually used. No one really asks for them in the airport, but its good to be prepared :)
1.) Passport/Visa - for International flights (my first one will be on July! Yippie~ im super excited!)
2.) Ticket
3.) Confirmation of where you will be staying - Hotel, Transient houses, etc.
4.) Government ID's aside from the passport - SSS ID, Drivers license, PRC license, etc.
5.) Photocopies of the above 4 documents
6.) Cash - take note of the currency if you're going overseas.. as advised by my friends, you should only convert your cash upon arriving in your destination. If this is not the best idea, please let me know by dropping your comments below ;)
7.) ATM / Debit / Credit Cards - if you have this history in going over budget, just leave your credit cards at home. But I think its good for emergency use though ;)

clothing / toiletries / miscellaneous items
When making my clothing list I jot down the specifics. I think this helps in such a way that I don't over pack... or confuse yourself if you have really tons of clothes :P
1.) Outfits for the trip - this is how I do it, but below is just a sample by the way. I don't own a TKEES pair. haha!
DAY1 white cotton on top / favorite blue shorts / comfy tribal-print shoes
DAY2 F21 summer dress / favorite denim jacket borrowed from my sister / tkees sandals
2.) Pajamas and slippers
3.) Undies
4.) Handkerchiefs - my day is a mess without one
5.) A pair of socks - for the sneakers or when it gets cold at where your staying ;)
6.) Towel/towelette - unless someone else will be providing it for you (hotels, etc)
7.) Toiletries
     7.1. soap or body wash
     7.2. shampoo/conditioner or dry shampoo (haven't tried the latter though :P)
     7.3. deodorant
     7.4. lotion / sunscreen
     7.5. toothpaste, toothbrush
     7.6. facial wash
     7.7. napkin / panty liner
8.) Inside my "make up" bag, because its not really a make up bag
     8.1. Johnson and Johnson's baby powder :)
     8.2. Lip balm
     8.3. Comb / scrunchies
     8.4. Hand sanitizer / alcohol
     8.5. Wet wipes
9.) Sunnies
10.) Hat or a bonnet
11.) Phone and or Camera - as for now, its just the camera phone ;)
12.) Charger 
13.) Power bank - a new addition to my list :)
14.) A book to read
15.) Crackers and some candy - for those hungry moments
16.) A plastic bag for your dirty clothes when you get back home

mini first aid kit
Safety should always come... third? hahaha ensuring that you have the weapon for those headache wars.  
1.) Vitamins & Minerals - more energy mas happy! 
2.) Paracetamol - I only trust Dolfenal for the worst aches
3.) Band aids

I hope that I helped you in your packing list. 
Will create a new one if there are some new additions. 

So... what's in your list? :)

Yes. I know. This song is not a recent one from the Irreplaceable Diva ;)
I was looking for Beyonce songs and I was watching the Upgrade U Official Music Video. After playing it on repeat on the third time, I searched for some dance choreography. These are the times how I wish I was back in College, dancing and had a lot of extra time! :P 

Anyway... so my colleagues already know that I tend to cling on to videos that make me happy or make me laugh. There was one time that I felt like I was sostressed at work, I just played our funny group video and it instantaneously made me laugh. Like nothing happened! And its going to be on repeat for like 5 times ;) And its happening again, this video is making me happy! (Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof!)

Cant really remember the number of times I've watched this. Its like I can do the moves in my mind but really cant execute it through my body :P Imagining myself that I'm dancing like them girls in this video, especially the one in maroon sweater. I think she's awesome.

So what do you think of this choreography? Great, huh?

And although its pretty late and this is nowhere near related to this blog post... Belated Happy Father's Day to all you SuperDad's out there. Especially mine ;)

Nomnom Chronicles.

So we were randomly strolling at the groceries, I stumbled upon what looks like a healthy snack: Dole's Apple Cinnamon & Dole's Fruit & Custard (Peach). I've always had this liking towards Apple Pies, and I thought this wouldn't be that much different. I really wanted to try one so I bought two boxes (2 packs per box) so I could also share it with my parents ♥ Also purchased 1 box (4 packs per box) of Dole's Fruit & Custard in Peach.

The verdict - Apple Cinnamon. I think that the packaging is great. The oats are separated, so just in case you're not a fan... you can opt not to include it. But why the heck would you buy something like this if you wont eat the granola, right? sheeesh. The covers just peel off easily and the proportion of the oats to the apples are just perfect that it doesn't spill when you try to mix them. Together it was not just healthy but was also a YUMMY snack. I just the love the taste and smell of apples and cinnamon.

forgot to take a picture when I mixed the oats and the apples. 

As far as I can remember, the Apple Cinnamon was the only one available at that time among the three below. Cant wait to also try the other two :)

http://www.babylovingmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DoleFruitCrisps_4.jpg

For the fruit custard... Was not able to take pictures of the packaging and all as I was so excited to eat this snack! But was a bit disappointed as I expected it to be a bit more sweeter. If you're not really a fan of sweets then I think this is just okay. Don't think that I'll be buying this product again anytime soon though. Just saying.

http://shop.countdown.co.nz/Content/ProductImages/big/38900041557.jpg

This was drafted about 2 months ago, just so you know. I cant really remember but I was about to add something here that's why it was never published.tsk I really need to take some serious notes ;)

A good read. But *sigh* how I wish it did not end to soon. 

Really enjoyed this book, had some tears here and there... and was able to finish it in 2days. Believe that if you really had the time, you can finish it within the day. I think the length of this book is great on a four to five-hour plane ride.

But enough about how long it'll take you to get to the end, lets get to the juicy part ;) This book is about a 16-year-old (or was it 17?) Hazel Grace Lancaster who has (i think) some sort of lung cancer who falls in love with 17-year-old Augustus Waters who, at the start of the novel, was cancer free. He had Osteosarcoma and had his left leg amputated. And they grew closer and closer with the help of the book that Hazel Grace is crazy about, An Imperial Affliction (AIA). Funny because I kept reading the part where it ends and tell myself something must be wrong with this copy. But no... nothings wrong with my copy. AIA just somewhat ended in the middle of the story coz the girl in the story dies or got so sick she could no longer narrate it. And so Hazel Grace and Gus found a way to travel to Amsterdam to go meet the Author of AIA and asks what happened to rest of the characters in the book. I'm not gonna spill any details of what happened there, as for me, that part was both the best and the worst. tsk 

So this is just one of the few lines that I really really love. 

"... I cant talk about our love story, so I will talk about math... Some infinities are bigger than other infinities... There are days, many of them, I resent the size of my unbounded set. I want more numbers than I'm likely to get, and God, I want more numbers for Augustus Waters than he got."

I am so excited to watch the movie, which is already showing in cinemas now by the way. But since I have that cheapskate, or lets just say frugal, personality I think I’m just going to wait until it airs on HBO/Starmovies ;) Until then, guess I'm just gonna have to play the trailer on repeat. Okay? Okay :)

What was your summer experience? Heres mine. #firsttime #scuba #summer

The long wait is over! Finally got the chance to go to Canibad and go scuba diving!!! And I must say that the experience is wickedly awesome. My colleague even said that it was as if he was in a screen saver! haha And he's not even exaggerating. Its true! The corals and fishes looked so beautiful you feel like you're Ariel, only with oxygen tanks! Okay, you can also imagine yourself as Dyesebel if you don't know Ariel :P

When the dive master started briefing us as to what we should do underwater (hand signals, etc)... I was feeling a bit more nervous than excited. He mentioned sharks and barracudas, and my heart just went on a nose dive. I was having second thoughts about going underwater. 

They asked who wanted to go on the first batch and I thought "what the hell lets do this!". But then I was thinking if I was doing the right thing. hahaha and so I did. Never did I thought that it would be so much fun! My dive buddy, whom I named Patrick, bullied me underwater :| And this is the reason behind the name... I really don't like touching starfishes as it felt like they were mushy and gooey and I'd imagine it sticking to your hands.haha yeah I'm a bit over and ahead of myself. He gave the hand signal that it was okay to touch the starfish, and I waved my hand and head to tell him I don't want to. The next thing he did was beyond my control. He picked up the starfish and handed it over to me! I grabbed his wrist and waved it hard so he would stop and so he did. The next thing I knew there was water on my nose. So I did what we practiced before we dove down but instead of exhaling through the nose I kept exhaling through my mouth. So we went to the surface to get the water out and to calm myself. haha When we surfaced he said that maybe I panicked because of the starfish and I said I got confused.. thought I was doing it right but I wasn't. My nose felt a bit bad that I stayed on the surface for about a minute, did some bubbles and went down again. And oh the starfish was fine, by the way. He placed it right where he picked it up and before I went berserk with his wrist :)

there she is, mate!!!

Canibad. She's a beaut.

holding out my hand like so coz I was busta rhymin' underwater :P 

and there's Patrick

me, the girls and our dive buddies :) their dive buddies were no bullies by the way.tsk

The pictures and videos (which I am still about to post) are not that clear but I tell you that it really is colorful underwater. The camera was just not able to capture the moment as it is like my brain did. hihihi no go pro's kasi, maybe next time :D

And if you're wondering why I kept holding that thingy majiggy its because it was so big for my mouth that if I wont hold it, it will just let loose like a balloon. 

Really had fun and I was like a kid feeling all excited about a new toy. Really really really want to go and do it again!!! 

How about you? Have you ever tried scuba diving?