Archive for August, 2009

Osaka Family

August 26th, 2009
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A lot of things have happened since last year. Two friends left my previous company. One went home to the Philippines for good, the other one, to get married. Then recession happened. We were given the option to either transfer to Tokyo or stay in Osaka with lower salary. I was surprised that God has given me the chance to relocate here in Singapore. A few weeks after I left, three more friends left the company.

Things happened so suddenly that I haven’t spent more time with them. I wish I could turn back time so that I could tell them how grateful I am for treating me as family. I was at home in Osaka because of them. I don’t know when I would meet them again but I am sure of one thing:  I will forever hold them dear.

Thank you, my Osaka family. I miss you all!

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Friends

Ikea

August 23rd, 2009
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Just like in Japan, advertising pamphlet always fill our mailbox. Mostly are apartment sales and rental ads. A few weeks back, we got a 2009-2010 brochure from Ikea. I’ve browsed it a dozen times but I just don’t get tired of doing it. After all, I really love looking at home and office furniture. Sometimes, I just go to Ikea to visit their showroom. I often daydream having those furniture in my dream house. Visiting Ikea is one of my stress-relievers. I also go there to look for items on sale. When they are on sale, you could get them at 50%-75% lower than the original price. My beddings are from Ikea and bought each set at S$12 only! I got my full-length mirror at S$5.

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Things I love

Orchard: One of the places I avoid

August 22nd, 2009
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The picture below was taken across ION, a newly-opened mall in Orchard, Singapore’s shopping street. The ION mall is located right above the Orchard station. You can find Takashimaya and Tangs, among others along Orchard road.


Almost everyone I know loves going to Orchard because of the great bargains the malls there offer. But I don’t. I dread going there, to be exact. Not only because I don’t have a penny to spend, but also the place is so crowded! The MRT going to Orchard is always full and it is about 40 minutes away from my place.No matter how I avoid going there, I have to force myself, at least once a month. Lucky Plaza, an old department store, is in Orchard and many remittance centers are in that place. I could send money through Western Union but it costs a lot. In every visit, I go directly to Metrobank, drop by a Filipino store (there are many Filipino stores there) to buy Filipino goods, then go home. I usually take the bus home because I don’t want to go home standing all the way, even if it takes about an hour.
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Singapore

Coffee addict

August 20th, 2009
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I love coffee! I always start the day with a mug of coffee. While I was still in Japan, I had to visit coffee shops on weekends for English sessions. On weekdays, I always had canned coffee. Since I arrived here, I’ve only settled for instant coffee. The vending machine at the office has canned coffee but the taste is not good. I’ve bought once, took a sip and ended up throwing the rest. But I guess too much instant coffee is taking a toll on my health. Maybe I should buy one of those coffee makers, instead? There are very cheap ones but I really hope I could get one of those Capresso coffee makers. I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy the search for good coffee beans.

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Food, Things I love

Just the classified ads

August 19th, 2009
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We usually go early to the staff lounge during lunch break, primarily because of the tables. They’ve only placed few tables to make room for the pingpong table. Early birds also get to hog the TV remote control and the daily newspapers. I usually read the news online but good vacation package deals are in the classified ads section. Last Friday, I saw some Vegas vacations for at least 7 days that cost less than S$1,500. Europe tour packages for 11 days only cost less than S$2,500! There are even deals that offer 50% off! I don’t have finances for that but I just love daydreaming. ;)

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Things I love

Just like nabe

August 17th, 2009
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Before leaving Japan, I had chances of eating one of my favorites especially during cold seasons: nabe. I love putting meat into the pot but I love tofu most. I thought there’s nothing like that here in Singapore, considering that this is a tropical country. I went out with colleagues one Friday. I was told that we were going to a “steamboat” restaurant and by that description alone, I thought that food are just placed in a steamboat-like tray, but here’s how it really looked like:



Just like nabe, you just put all the raw ingredients into the boiling pot. The pot is divided into two: plain and hot and spicy. I have to admit, the soup stock in that restaurant is more delicious than my favorite ready-made kimchi flavored I tried in Japan. The hot & spicy is even more delicious!

*It took me more than a week trying to recall the word “nabe”.  My Japanese words are slowly evaporating!

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Food, Singapore

At least 5 years

August 16th, 2009
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When I was still working in Japan, I had to undergo a series of interviews each time a project is finished. And yes, all of those interviews were done in 100% Japanese. The most common question I encountered was: “How long do you intend to stay in Japan?” The answer I often gave them: “for at least five years”. I may have wanted to stay in Japan for at 5 least years, but I had doubts of staying in the previous company for that long. Because of recession, I had to let go of that plan.

Months after staying in Singapore and I’m still being asked the same question! This time, if it is God’s will, I am very much contented to stay here in Singapore for five years. After that, I may try to relocate elsewhere. Why? Because by that time, I may find Singapore too suffocating. It’s like almost every piece of land is filled with buildings. Even if I have an RV, there’s no place where I could go rv camping! The place I’ve been dreaming of visiting again: the land down under.

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Things I love

Kahinumdum ko ni lola (I remember my grandma)

August 15th, 2009
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Kaniadtong gamay pa ko, nakapuyo ang akong lola sa amoa ug pipila ka mga katuigan. Sa among tulo ka managsuon, ako ang pinakasuod sa akong lola. Ampay kaau ni lola na magkanta-kanta busa atong mga panahona, daghan kaayo kog nakat-unang Binisaya, sama na sa “Pobreng Alindahaw”. Sa sige nakog tan-aw tan-aw sa YouTube, nahikaplagan nako ning manindot na pagkanta ni Sheryn Regis ug mga Binisaya. Giagni ko kamo, hilabi na ang mga Bisaya sa pagpaminaw sa kanindot sa mga Bisaya nga kanta.

When I was still a child, my grandmother stayed with us for a few years. Among us siblings, I was closest to her. Lola (grandma) loves to sing so at that time, I learned a lot of Bisaya songs like “Pobreng Alindahaw”. While browsing YouTube, I came across this impressive video of Sheryn Regis singing Bisaya songs. I encourage you, especially the Bisaya/Cebuano people, to listen to these wonderful Bisaya songs…

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Binisaya

The place called VivoCity

August 13th, 2009
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If you know some Spanish words, or even Tagalog and Bisaya, “vivo” or “bibo” means lively. Indeed, the name VivoCity fully describes the place.  VivoCity is Singapore’s largest retail and lifestyle destination, according to its website, and I couldn’t agree more.

I love what’s inside the mall but I like what’s at the top and the view outside more. Who would think that the following sceneries could be found at the rooftop of VivoCity?

 
From VivoCity, you can see the bridge to Sentosa and the Universal Studios construction under way:
The view during the day is not that good but I found the night view beautiful. After all, I love the night lights! I wish I had a good camera…
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Singapore

Gotta pay the dentist a visit

August 13th, 2009
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How often do you go to the dentist? The last time I had my teeth checked was three years ago. Dentist fee in Japan is so expensive and based on my friends’ feedback, it is not worth it.

Now that our company pays for our dental benefits, it is time for me to take advantage of it. Not only because it is basically free. I just want to avoid wearing dentures for as long as I live. Well, I don’t want to get one of those elaborate cosmetic treatments like what I’ve seen in orange nj cosmetic dentist website. Cleaning and filling are all I need. And maybe, whitening treatment, too. I’ve been drinking a lot of coffee and tea these past 3 years. ;)

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Lifestyle

They turned me down

August 12th, 2009
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Being the sole breadwinner, I often worry about my daughter and my family in then event that something happens to me (knock on wood three times).
So, I would rather prioritize getting a life insurance for me. One of the insurance companies here in Singapore offers a life insurance with savings. The insurance quote seems to be very good but for some medical reasons, I got rejected. Maybe I’ll just stay in my current company indefinitely for security and just get an educational plan for my daughter one of these days.

This applies to vehicle insurances too. If you have an RV, then take a look at www.goodsamvip.com to cater to what you really need.

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Lifestyle

Not so good investment

August 11th, 2009
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Passenger jeepney seemed to be a hot investment in my hometown, years ago. That was before Iligan City banned the jeepneys from outside the city from picking up passengers from the city itself. But before this change took place, my parents started to invest in passenger jeepneys. The first two were pre-owned and did not turn out well. When my father resigned, they sold the old ones and bought new ones. Then the new city ordinance was implemented. The income from this investment dwindled that most of the time, I end up paying for the repairs, etc. Anyway, here’s when insurances are needed the most.

Only about a couple of insurance companies offer insurances for vehicles that it is impossible for you to know which auto insurance quote is better. I do think, however, that both are just below average. Well, better than none at all.

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Family
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