Thursday, April 23, 2015

Singapore: Your Gateway to Priceless Experience

Planning to visit Singapore anytime soon this year? There are daily flights to and from Cebu to Singapore vice versa. You might want to read this post first to see what Singapore has to offer.

Day shot Marina Bay area - Singapore Flyer, GBTB, MBS and the highways . Photo by: Singapore Tourism Board 
Singapore gears up for another year of thrills as the country proves it's a place to see where the world is heading with a slew of grand festivities set to take place in 2015. Visitors of all ages can expect only the best experiences in Singapore. Whether it's  your first-time or you regularly visit, Singapore never runs out of celebrations that let you journey to a world of unique experiences set to spark wonder and excitement at every turn. This 2015, get ready for spectacular adventures, starting with:

Events


World Gourmet Summit - 06 April to 03 May 2015

A celebration of culinary diversity since 1997. An annual epicurean festival that showcases the craftsmanship of prestigious chefs around the globe. Witness the world class culinary chefs from Spain, France, UK, Germany, Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia. List of chefs here. For the calendar of events, please click here. For more details about the event, you may visit their website at: http://www.worldgourmetsummit.com/.

Great Singapore Sale - 3rd week of May till middle of July 2015


Interior shot of the shops in Bugis. Photo by: Singapore Tourism Board
If you happen to visit Singapore from 29 May to 26 July 2015, you are just in time for the Great Singapore Sale. Enjoy great deals from fashion, jewelry, watches, toys, electronics, and more, all over Singapore! The event also offers exclusive privileges from MasterCard® – Official Card of the Great Singapore Sale 2015. For more details, please feel free to visit: http://www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg/2015/index-pre.html

South East Asian (SEA) Games - June 5 - 16, 2015

The goal of this event is to strengthen the ties of the South East Asian nations. It is Singapore's fourth time hosting the SEA Games which the country also commemorates the 50th year of independence. There will be 36 sports and 402 events this 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015. The Philippines will be sending approximately 400 athletes to participate in 33 sports. Visit the official website of 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 at: https://www.seagames2015.com/

2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix - September 18 - 20, 2015

Singapore has been the proud host of the world's only street night race since 2008. The backdrop of heritage buildings, modern architecture and breathtaking skyline culminates in an unparalleled combination of sights, sounds and a festive atmosphere. Come September 2015, the adrenaline-pumping non-stop action will once again enthrall crowds for the eighth year as the world's finest drivers prove their mettle on the challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit. Be part of a world-class event that combines gripping race action with an all-day entertainment program featuring international headliners, dazzling productions and delightful roving performances.

Race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd has unveiled three award winning, multi-platinum headliners for the 2015 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX entertainment line-up. American Grammy award winning acts Pharrell Williams and Maroon 5 will headline the Padang Stage, Singapore’s largest outdoor entertainment stage. Over at the Village Stage, one of Britain’s most iconic and influential bands Spandau Ballet will be making their Singapore debut at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Race fans can enjoy significant savings of up to 25% off regular ticket prices during the early bird phase for the eighth installment of the world’s only street night race to be held on 18, 19 and 20 September. Marina Bay Street Circuit.

ZoukOut - Held on the weekend of the 2nd week of December

Singapore’s biggest annual dance music festival, ZoukOut. Tagged as “The time when light appears in the morning; dawn”. Usually held at one of the beaches on Sentosa island, a sun down to sunrise party, two days of best electronic music. 

Planning to make a trip and witness how Singaporeans party? You can buy ZoukOut tickets online. Just login to: https://ticketing.zoukclub.com For more details, please visit the ZoukOut Official Website at: http://www.zoukout.com/

Attractions in Singapore:


Breakfast with Elmo & Friends - Available on Saturdays till 1st August 2015

Start your day right with Elmo and friends. Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa offers you a hearty breakfast buffet with a variety of delicious treats accompanied with fun and hugs by your Seasame Street's favorite characters. Available on Saturdays only until August 1, 2015. Don't forget to bring along your camera when you visit. More details on: http://www.rwsentosa.com/

Trick Eye Museum Singapore - Located at Resorts World Sentosa 

Trick Eye is short for ‘Trick of the eye’, which refers to an art technique that turns two-dimensional paintings into three-dimensional images through the use of optical illusions. With that, 2D paintings on the museum walls, floors and ceilings appear to pop out of the surface and come to life. Visitors are more than welcome to explore the various themed galleries with their eyes, hands and even cameras. Step inside the paintings to complete a visual narrative with your creative poses, and watch a “tricky” story unfold before your camera. 

Singapore is the very first stop of Trick Eye Museum’s foreign venture with a museum situated on the island of Sentosa. There are a total of 90 artworks in the museum, which consists of six zones in different themes- 'World of Masterpiece', 'Safari Kingdom', 'Star of Circus', 'Dream of Fairy Tale', 'Love In Winter' and 'Adventure Discovery'. Several artworks are designed with elements of Singapore's culture such as horse-racing and also Singapore's most iconic symbol - the 'Merlion'. Classic artworks of Trick Eye Museum such as the ‘Ames Room’ and ‘Magic Table’ are also featured. Trick Eye Museum is an attraction for people of all ages coming together with friends, families and their loved ones. Embark on the adventure as you enter the 3D battle field. At Trick Eye Museum, you’ll be creating unforgettable memories with friends and family amid fun and laughter, with a dash of educational and cultural enrichment. A fun and engaging photo experience awaits you!

Madame Tussauds Singapore

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to pose for photos with your favorite celebrities at 10 fully themed interactive zones that feature realistic wax figures bearing an incredible likeness to the real deal.

The renowned Madame Tussauds Museum – now in Singapore – is the place to be for a star-studded experience like no other, whether your dream has always been to ‘meet’ Michael Jackson, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, David Beckham, Sebastian Vettel or Lady Gaga! In addition, Madame Tussauds Singapore and Singapore Airlines recently announced the launch of a wax figure of the iconic Singapore Girl, one of Singapore’s best known icons.

Madame Tussauds Singapore is located at Imbiah Lookout on Sentosa and sits alongside Images of Singapore LIVE which is now open to the public. Images of Singapore LIVE introduces an entirely new element with live actors, telling stories about Singapore’s history. The two attractions are linked by the ‘Spirit of Singapore’ boat ride, the first-ever boat ride that lets visitors travel through a fantasy tropical garden that doubles as a cultural celebration of the city.

Alive Museum

Alive Museum is Singapore’s brand new fun and entertainment destination. Suitable for people of all ages, be it families, couples or tourists, the Alive Museum infuses and modernizes the concept of art into fun and entertainment. Sprawling over 10,000 sq ft, more than 80 artwork exhibits are brought alive with 3D painting, shading and drawing techniques that create visual illusions.

Visitors will not only be able to experience magical ideas in reality by touching and watching objects, they will be part of the masterpiece. Three genres of art in the form of 80 masterpieces including Trick Art, Digital Art and Object Art will give you lots of fun. At Alive Museum Singapore, visitors may get up close and see 9 locally themed paintings in addition to the other interactive pieces on exhibit.

Tulipmania Floral Display - Gardens by the Bay

Garden display with red colour flowers. Photo by: Singapore Tourism Board

The highly anticipated, annual Tulipmania display returns at Gardens by the Bay in March - this time amidst a colourful setting of magical fairy tales. In this third edition, visitors can look forward to an even wider selection of tulips at Tulipmania - over 40 varieties in a myriad of hues and forms.

Tulipmania is the second of six chapters in Gardens by the Bay's storytelling journey in 2015. This enchanting series of floral displays for the year will draw visitors into the magical world of folklore, legends, fairy tales and nursery rhymes as told through the language of plants.

The highly anticipated, annual Tulipmania display returns to Gardens by the Bay from March 20 to May 10 - this time amidst a colourful setting of magical fairy tales. In this third edition, visitors can look forward to an even wider selection of tulips at Tulipmania - over 40 varieties in a myriad of hues and forms! Look out for captivating blooms like the scarlet "Red Riding Hood," the “Purple Prince,” and the “Orange Princess” as they grace familiar fairy tale settings like Cinderella‘s carriage, Rapunzel’s tower, and the ginger bread house of Hansel and Gretel. There’s even a tulip named “Singapore”!

Whatever the occasion, whether it is a family vacation, romantic getaway or a barkada trip, Singapore refreshing experiences for visitors promises to bring out the most unforgettable of experiences that will last a lifetime.

Location: Flower Dome
Details: Admission charge to the conservatories applies.

Nature's Paradise Photography Exhibition

Home to over 1.3 million plants and a diversity of fauna including birds, butterflies, dragonflies and even others, Gardens by the Bay is an eco-paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Be inspired and let the wonders bloom as you step into nature's paradise with a collection of winning and featured photographs from our visitors.

Date: February 6 - April 30, 2015
Time: 5:00AM to 2:00AM
Location: The Colonnade
Details: Admission is free.

Resources:

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Quick Trip to Siquijor and Dumaguete City.

My first out of town getaway this Summer 2015. It was an unplanned trip to Dumaguete and Siquijor as we originally planned to go on trekking to Osmeña Peak and traverse all the way to Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu. To be honest, I was really excited to go on trekking but due to unexpected circumstances, we decided to go to Siquijor via Dumaguete City instead.

I've been to Siquijor many times already as my mom was born and raised there. When I was a kid, we used to go there with my sister during summer. I was able to tour the island few years back but we just visited the old churches there but not the other famous tourist spots. It was Ming and Juneroy's first time to visit Siquijor.


Anyway.. We departed Cebu South Bus Terminal around 10:00AM - March 5, 2015. The bus was not full when we left as it was not weekend. We arrived in Lilo-an Port, Santander, Cebu around 2:30PM. 



Late lunch in Lilo-an Port, Santander, Cebu.

Luckily, there was a 3:00PM trip to Sibulan, Negros Oriental. Schedules are every hour to Sibulan, Negros Oriental from Lilo-an Port, Santander, Cebu and vice versa.


From Lilo-an, Santander, Cebu
From Sibulan, Negros Oriental
4:30 AM
5:00 AM
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1:00 PM
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5:00 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
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7:30 PM
8:00 PM

Note: Schedules are subject to change without prior notice. For questions, you may contact Cuadro Alas Navigation Lines, Inc. at (032)419-8280 or 0922-9858234. 


Boarding Santander Express Fastcraft to Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
It was sunny weather during the whole trip but we were bit scared as the boat encountered big waves in the middle of Lilo-an and Sibulan sea. 


Inside Santander Express. :D
One passenger said that it was normal especially in the afternoon onwards. The seas went calm while approaching the Sibulan Port in Negros. The boat ride was just 20 minutes.

Tricycle ride on our way to Dumaguete Port. Hi Ming!!! :D
Touchdown Dumaguete Port. That blue fast craft is M/V GL Express 2, our ride to Siquijor Island.
We arrived at Dumaguete Port around 3:40PM, just in time for the 4:00PM trip to Siquijor, Siquijor.

Daily schedule (except Saturday) of M/V GL Express 2. Dumaguete - Siquijor and v.v.
Note: GL Shipping Lines has no trip every Saturday. I would suggest Oceanjet (Fast Craft) or Montenegro Lines (Ro-ro vessel) as an alternative. You may check out their website for schedules.

We had an Amazing Race like experience because the boat was about the leave already. And yes, we were the last batch of passengers to board. Ha ha ha!



Our faces after that run. Ha ha! #Haggard #helloPhotobomber
The trip from Dumaguete, Negros Oriental to Siquijor, Siquijor took almost an hour due to big waves encountered during the trip.


Touchdown. Hello Siquijor! I'm back after 5 years. :D
Touchdown. :D #Groufie
Fare rates from Siquijor port including the island tour as of March 2015.


Lovely sunset from the Island of Fire. Photo from my Instagram Account.
Where we stayed. Check Casa Miranda for more details.

Swing swing si Ming! Ha ha ha!
Awesome sunset.
While waiting for the food. :D
For a good night sleep. Ha ha ha! :p
Woke up earlier than expected as we have to start the tour by 6:00AM to catch up the 1:50PM trip to Dumaguete.

San Juan, Siquijor. :D
Good morning from San Juan, Siquijor. :D
Our ride for the island tour. :)
Capilay Spring in San Juan, Siquijor, Philippines
First stop: Capilay Spring in San Juan, Siquijor, Philippines.
Old Enchanted Balete Tree
Second Stop: The Old Enchanted Balete Tree in Lazi, Siquijor.
Old Enchanted Balete Tree
Old Enchanted Balete Tree with Fish Spa. :D
My first fish spa experience. Tickling experience. Ha ha ha! :p
My first fish spa experience. Tickling experience. Ha ha ha! :p
My first fish spa experience. Tickling experience. Ha ha ha! :p
Our faces after that fish spa experience. :p
http://mingjamoves.com/
Hi Ming! Ha ha ha!
Siquijor
While on our way to Lazi Church, Siquijor. Beautiful.
San Isidro Labrador Church in Lazi town of Siquijor province.
Third stop: San Isidro Labrador Church in Lazi town of Siquijor province.
Lazi Church, Siquijor.
Main door of Lazi Church, Siquijor.
Lazi Church, Siquijor.
Inside the Lazi Church. Where Mama and Papa exchanged their vows. :p
Cambugahay Falls, Lazi, Siquijor.
Fourth stop: Cambugahay Falls in Lazi, Siquijor.
Cambugahay Falls, Lazi, Siquijor.
Cambugahay Falls, Lazi, Siquijor.
Cambugahay Falls
Breathtaking.
Cambugahay Falls
The Cambugahay Falls is located 2 km north of  Lazi, Siquijor. Cambugahay Falls is one of the attractions in Siquijor Island.
Cambugahay Falls
A must try in Cambugahay Falls. Ha ha ha!

Visited my Grandma and Uncle in Siquijor. :D
Off to the next destination. Hi Ming of http://mingjamoves.com/. :D
Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor Olang, Maria, Siquijor, Philippines
Fifth stop: Salagdoong Beach in Maria, Siquijor, Philippines.
With Juneroy Jacob
With Juneroy Jacob in Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor, Philippines.
With Juneroy Jacob
With Juneroy Jacob. :D
Cedric Lucero in Siquijor, Philippines.
Thanks to Ming's Go Pro. Ha ha ha! Just keep swimming! :D
Chill. :-p
20 Feet Cliff Jump in Siquijor - Cedric Lucero
Your trip to Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor  is not complete if you will not try the 20 feet cliff jump. So sad, I just went here to take a photo. Ha ha ha! 
Oceanjet 6 - Siquijor to Dumaguete
The last passenger to board the ferry. Ha ha ha! Had another amazing experience again just to catch the 1:50PM trip. Off to Dumaguete City, Philippines. :)
Cedric Lucero in Dumaguete City, Philippines
Dumaguete City, Philippines! :D
With Ming and Juneroy Jacob in Dumaguete City
With Ming and Juneroy. :D
Red Velvet Cupcake by Sans Rival in Dumaguete City.
Red Velvet Cupcake by Sans Rival in Dumaguete City.
M/V GP Ferry 2. Our ride to Cebu City. Departed Dumaguete City Port 11:00PM and arrived in Cebu City around 6:00AM.
Passenger Terminal 1. Oceanjet 88 on her way to Tagbilaran City.
Video compilation of our Siquijor - Dumaguete trip by MingjaMoves.com:


Expenses during our Dumaguete - Siquijor trip*:

P175 - Bus ride from Cebu City to Lilo-an Port, Santander Cebu.
P80 - Lunch meal
P62 (Regular fare) - Boat ride from Lilo-an port to Sibulan.
P100 - Tricycle ride (not per person) from Sibulan Port to Dumaguete Port.
P175 - Boat ride from Dumaguete to Siquijor (M/V Jaylann Express).
P12 - Terminal Fee (Dumaguete Port).
P250 - Tricycle ride (one way trip) to the resort in San Juan.
P1000 - Island Tour. Please click this link to download the rates.
P5 - Entrance Fee to Fish Spa
P15 - Entrance Fee per person to Salagdoong.
P20 - Parking Fee 
P12 - Terminal Fee (Siquijor, Siquijor Port).
P210 - Boat ride from Siquijor to Dumaguete City (M/V Oceanjet 6).
P8 - Tricycle ride to Lee Plaza from Dumaguete Port. 

* Prices above are as of March 2015.
* Per person