Category: Life in SG

Offering multifaceted opportunities for exploration, be it shopping, international trading, tourism, or education, Singapore stands out on even if it’s just a tiny dot in the world map. As well, it is a great job hunting spot, where pay is attractive to most foreigners.

However, contrary to what I’ve heard and past beliefs, landing a job in this country is not as easy as it seemed. I’ve heard of many stories and know of unfortunate ones who spent months searching for a job and end up going back to their home country with hopelessness.

This year, the demand is even tougher, as the Ministry of Manpower tightened rules in accepting and approving foreign talents’ employment passes, trying to limit the influx of foreigners.

What’s more, effective December 1, 2011, the granting of employment pass eligibility certificates (EPEC), which made it easier for foreigners to be hired, was discontinued.

Side Note: In reply to Yahoo! Singapore’s queries on why the scheme was removed, a MOM spokesman said, “The EPEC Scheme was not meeting its intended objective of helping employers recruit EP-calibre talent.” Of the EPEC applications received each month, only less than 10 per cent were approved, he added.

Now, how can job-seekers living outside of Singapore get a job here? This question is overrated but since I’ve been asked to give out advice countless of times, as if I were some expert, in this page I hope to be able to provide sound suggestions to the hopefuls, before I exit.

On my part, I just got lucky, I guess. In any case,  here is the synthesis of tips I’ve collected:

1. Stock up on CASH. You will need lots and lots.

This is for your food and transportation expenses for the first jobless weeks, for advanced and deposit money for room or bed space rental, for utilities and other things. Essentials are as follows:

ROOM – Prices of room range from 300SGD to 1200SGD or higher, depending on the size of space, location, amenities and arrangements with the agents, main tenants or house owners. Staying in a HDB room or flat is much cheaper than in a condo or landed house. If you have not decided to stay for long, stay in rooms for transients instead, as some landlords require minimum number of months of stay (3-6 months) from their tenants.

FOOD – If you want to save up some more, you might want to look for a place where cooking is allowed. Most landlords don’t allow real cooking but just light cooking (e.g. noodles only). Eating out for every meal is costly (and might be unhealthy).

2. Don’t go touring around for leisure just yet. Save that for later; FIND a job first.

Let me lay down the facts: Time is limited and nobody can guarantee you’ll get a job. Recommendations by friends do not seem to work here as much as they do elsewhere. Relationships with friends are not judged by the company. They don’t get the job for you; your qualifications do.

It’s wise to spend every jobless day sending your CVs to recruitment websites such as JobsDB, JobStreet, JobHub, Strait Times, Monster, CareerJet, etc. Allocate about five hours per day reading along job offers online. Walk-in applications may also work but it’s better to apply online to save effort, time, printed copies of your resume and explore more companies with positions to fill.

Speaking of resume: Update your resume and specify clearly your skills and abilities to match the expectations of the employer and increase your job hunting success. Also prepare a nice and relevant cover letter which states your intent about the position and entering the company.

Many jobs, you’ll notice, are earmaked for local Singaporeans and Permanent Residents as written in the job ads, because they already are eligible to work in Singapore (they’re already here). Also, the government prioritizes them more. (Of course, what!) In this case, to be more efficient, use the advanced search form of the online job board and specifically search only for those who accept foreigners.

Side note: If you choose to display a Singapore address in your resume even if you’re still in your home country, you may do so. Just see if this will better your chances of being contacted.

When you’ve received an invitation for an exam or interview, entertain them and attend even if you don’t exactly feel to be part of that company, just to gain confidence and experience in facing the HR.

Sometimes, you can compromise and take a not-so-preferable job just to get a pass and prolong your allowed period of stay in the country.

3. Stay positive but be realistic at the same time.

On your first week, with all support and encouragement from family, friends and previous work mates, your confidence level maybe at its peak. On the second and nth week onwards, especially when you don’t receive good responses, your confidence level might be decreasing. But don’t be wary, as long as you have the patience to wait and resources to live by, you can stay.

Side Note: To quote Confucius, “It doesn’t matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” I could not have been more primed to appreciate the significance of this message.

It’s normal to feel depressed, regretful and homesick. Give yourself some time to grieve, and move on! Just because today sucks doesn’t mean tomorrow will–until the last day of your visitor’s pass. Work on your own way to find hope.

Flying to Singapore by yourself geared up means you’re not a baby anymore. Surely, you must have developed enough wisdom to do stuff you think you can live with. It’s time to prove you’re one independent professional to the peanut gallery.

The question is, will you continue hoping to be employed in Singapore or go back after a month? Seek answers from friends, relatives or trusted ones. Ultimately, your decision is your own. How good are you at listening to your conscience and translating what it’s whispering? Just asking.

4. Pray.

If you have not gone to Singapore yet, you have nothing much to lose. You’re just sending your resume online, and the only requirements are time, luck and hope. If you’re already in Singapore, adding to the list is money. In either scenario, it’s best to pray. If you’ve done your part as you should, the heavens will somehow repay you in ways that will blow your mind. That’s for sure.

So go back to the heart of worship. Pray that your resume gets noticed. Pray to be called. Pray that you get accepted. Pray that your pass gets signed and approved. Pray for satisfactory rewards. Pray for obstacles to come. Pray for decisions. Pray for patience.

In life, there are various assortments of challenges. It’s easy to say that we have to fight and overcome each one, but acting and doing so is just (most of the time) hard, I admit. In every struggle we surmount, we get stronger anyhow.

Even if you’re unsuccessful in winning that job post, trust that there will be a better opportunity knocking. And if in hindsight you don’t see it soon, build another door. Kapit lang.

Next week I’ll be visiting my chosen top 9 vegetarian restaurants in Singapore to try their most popular dishes. Reviews will be posted before I’m back home in MANILA!

I have been living in the Merlion City for a year now.

Hooray!

In the beginning, it’s as if I were living in a dream, in a perfect world. I have seen it through the eyes of a tourist, a worker and a devoted admirer, aware of its flaws but fascinated by its beauty.

There are trees and plants everywhere. The sidewalks and the streets are all clean. People abide by strict rules and live neatly in their own worlds. They communicate in their own languages with their free minds. But amidst all these, I think of them as a facade revolving life more on physical and material things.

Everyone knows that the this developed island is congested and stiffing with immigrants and foreign workers. Work is so much the demand. In the name of excellence and world-class standard, working for progress and money is like a pressure cooker without an outlet.

Only God knows when it will explode. There is so much to do in so little time that caring and reaching out to others personally is almost next to impossible. People pause for coffee or tea only to stimulate the weary mind and get it over to work again.

Moving on, here are my answers to three BIG questions people mostly ask me.

Question # 1: What are the things you will miss about Singapore?

Answer: I think these are the ONLY five:

1. Comfortable public transport

Avoiding cabs is a good rule of thumb, if you don’t want to pay unnecessarily. If you’re using a smart phone with GPS on, you’re surest you won’t get lost. Use your legs, walk and take the MRT or bus whenever possible. Here, interesting finds can be located in almost every corner so walking, quite literally, gives you better chances to explore.

Everything I needed is just a stone throw away. The transport system is so efficient. Pedestrians are guided with traffic lights with countdown timers and maps in bus stops and train stations. Small piece of advice, though: learn how to use the maps and your GPS well.

The last thing you want to have is “I don’t know” for an answer. Yes, many times I’ve been on the road (Redhill, Chinatown, Aljunied, Orchard, Punggol, City Hall, Bugis and Raffles Place are all I can remember now) feeling lost. I asked locals who man stores and stalls, thinking that they should be most familiarized with the nearby territory of their work area. But alas, all of them have replied “I don’t know” or “不知道” then pointing to others (or coach me to the wrong direction) 100% of the time. Aigoo.

2. Clean and filtered water

When you get thirsty, take advantage of the clean and filtered water from the faucet. You can go to any public toilet and drink from there. A bottled water from any convenience store is expensive (at least to me). Water from hawkers also mostly requires some payment.

3. Being safe

Security is undoubtedly the best attribute about this place. Here you can you take a stroll down the streets in the wee hours of the morning without worrying about being mugged or drugged. Also, there are no earthquakes (yet), forest fires, landslides and volcanic eruptions.

4. Free copies of newspaper

I take MyPaper and Today every day to work. I don’t mind if I can’t get unpublished contents that are censored. I just want something to read. Hey, at least I’m informed of some news after all.

5. Workmates and church mates

If I were to go to Singapore again in the future, the reason is definitely not to rekindle the stressful moments, tour around for the attractions or the food but to visit the people I’ve made friends with. These are real people who cared for me who had always given me strength and support.

Question#2: What’s the best Singaporean dish?

Answer: There’s a lot of tasty treats. But as a pescetarian, I can only recommend dishes which are safe for me that I know. Local Singaporean dishes to try are: seafood char kway teow, carrot cake (not exactly carrot but radish), chili crab, fried prawn noodles, sambal stingray, laksa, oyster omelet, fish soup or congee and fish head curry. Don’t go to fancy restaurants. Eat on the cheap. Dine in at hawker areas.

Question#3: Where’s the best place in Singapore?

Answer: To me, it’s our house. Haha. Apart from it, I like hanging out in Orchard even though I don’t shop there. This is just because it’s near to our house and I could hear many people talking in Filipino making me feel like I’m home (in the Philippines).

Also, it’s nice to watch people of different races walk and converse there. Sometimes I just sit and observe how they act, joke, share, get mad, smile, frown, laugh, conclude…in restaurants, in the malls and even outside in the street. I watch them, appreciating the beauty of life and all His creations. I’m just fascinated with the whole thing. I feel the pulse, settle in to the pace.

I took the day off from work last Thursday, very excited. I slept almost all afternoon to prepare myself else I’d be so sleepy past midnight. Her plane was set to land at 11:55PM. I left home four hours earlier. I had dinner and also bought for her. She must be hungry; I knew she has not eaten before or during the flight. My sister accompanied me via Skype while I was waiting in the arrival area in Changi airport.

Scanning silhouettes, I tried to remain inconspicuous about my search. The time was right but she has not gone out yet. What’s taking her so long? I knew I couldn’t miss her from the crowd. I came with a jacket on but air conditioning in the budget terminal was not enough. Sweat began to form on my forehead, so I removed my jacket and blended with everyone else. At 12:25AM, she met my gaze, coming out from the exit.

MOMMY! ♥ 

I didn’t really expect myself to be jumping up and down quite so giddily. But I was pretty excited to see her (with knots in my stomach and everything). After giant hugs and lots of talking, finally we headed home.

For the many past months, I’ve been saving a lot for this occasion: her visit. I planned to treat her to many restaurants and just let her choose whatever she likes. I’ve been like a soldier, composed and disciplined, who didn’t worry about my personal comfort but was set on pleasing only my “commanding officer,” never forgetting what is due to my honor.

My mom is really the sunshine in my life when I’m a stormy cloud, even when we’re far from each other. We fawn over each other and get so deep into these conversations of outpouring affection but then try and pull ourselves out, for fear of being too cliché. We finish each other’s sentences, sometimes thinking we’re mind readers.

My mom is so quirky and bubbly that whenever I see or hear her, I smile. She always gives me that insta-smile or insta-laughter. She reminded me what being happy is and has shown me that I’ve been missing out on happiness for far too long. 

So what was in our itinerary? On the first day, I toured her around Novena: to the nearest SingPost, IRAS, Velocity@Novena Square and Novena Ville. We had breakfast in Burger King and went into FairPrice and Cold Storage where she checked items repeatedly but happily. Groceries are like her Disneyland. Grocery items amuse her, especially unique vegetarian stuff for Daddy.

We had lunch in Fish & Co. and then traveled to Little India where she found more vegetarian diners. For almost every one she saw, she’s reminded of my dad and hoped that he could also join us here to taste and experience all food delights. Sheng Shiong at The Verge was our next grocery endeavor where we bought a number of varied frozen vegetarian products not found in the Philippines.

At 3PM, we checked in at Fragrance Hotel-Ruby in Aljunied and took a bus straight to VivoCity, HarbourFront. My original plan was to purchase the Sentosa Noon Time Play Pass but time was not enough for my chosen four land activities. Instead, we roamed around the island, enjoyed individual passes and laughed to our hearts’ content. The two growling tummies were satisfied after having dinner at Din Tai Fung and Food Republic’s Thye Hong for the famous local flavor: fried prawn noodles.

On the second day, we set forth to the West: Clementi Town Centre, Clementi Mall and had lunch in Shin Tokyo (Ramen Ten) inside CityVibe. Mommy bought food vouchers from JuzToday.com last year, so we had Japanese sushi buffet, free ramen and green tea for S$15/pax (S$18 off). Our next stop was in IKEA, Queenstown, where we stayed for like three to four hours pleasing our eyes with exquisite designs and functionality of pieces of furniture.

We passed by Chinatown, Clarke Quay and Nicoll Highway shortly on our way to Esplanade: The Millenia Walk, Marina Square and Theatres on the Bay, the premier destination in the waterfront area of Singapore. My ultimate purpose of us going there was for her to try cereal prawns in batter with curry leaves in the nearby Glutton’s Bay (Sew An food stall). I bought her two packs of those cereals to cook at home.

Full again, we needed to lose the calories at once. We walked to the Helix Bridge, an engineering marvel replicating the DNA structure linking us to Marina Bay Sands (Bayfront). The balls of my feet went dead after walking around all day through night but surprisingly Mom was still okay. How could she defeat me?! I didn’t cry because of that; I did when I thought all my sacrifices had paid off. They were worth it, seeing how happy I made my mother. When she said that never in her life had she dreamed of being in such a spectacular place, I was moved to tears and so was she.

On the third day, we checked out of the hotel in the morning and packed things up back at home in Newton quickly. We rode a bus and MRT to Botanic Garden and Haw Par Villa. It was my first time to the Tiger Balm Garden. Indeed, it’s an odd theme park and considerably one of the most offbeat tourist spots in Singapore. It was a good thing that my mom has some knowledge on Chinese mythologies so she had some appreciation on the freaky statues and such weird colorful elements.

We had our late lunch in Holland Village: Sumo Salad and Holland Village Market and Food Centre’s Pontian Wanton Noodles and the long-queued chicken rice stall. Next, we alighted at Promenade for another grocery escapade at Carrefour in Suntec City Mall and went to Suntec exhibition hall’s IT show to look out for technological gadgets on sale.

Mom thought of buying a blu-ray player but after much comparing of prices decided to just buy one online from eBay. Immediately after, we headed North to Somerset and Orchard for window-shopping and dinner. We met with Ahia Gilbert, Achi Kathy and Achi Cely in Marché, bought stuff from H&M, Paragon’s Market Place and Takashimaya’s Cold Storage.Back at home three hours before her flight, we packed her bags and got ready to the airport.

Achi Cely accompanied us from Kallang to Changi. In the departure terminal,after seeing that the bag was overweight, we transferred some of the things inside the luggage to the hand-carried bags. I didn’t want to take a cab home so I must go back before 11:30PM to catch the last train. It was already 11:15PM then. Because of the rush, we didn’t have our last dramatic episode but exchanged hugs and goodbyes.

Time was 11:45PM when I reached the MRT. Of course, I could not take the train anymore. Thank goodness, a bus came that drove me straight to opposite Orchard station. I was home after an hour, tired but gratified.

In this whirlwind of life, there are those moments (often few and far between) when things just magically fall into place, when everything is just as it should be. These are times when you just want to press pause and inhale the moment into your being.

My mom’s visit has been a fast but magical one. I cherished every moment of it and I’m thankful that for once again in her life, she felt comfortable having me lead the way.

At last it’s over!

I was on leave today to get prepared for the wushu performance tonight. I changed my form last two weeks to an iron fan chop-chop routine and only got short time to practice.

Thank God, my efforts were applauded with great fervor by the large audience. Ex Singapore prime minister Goh Chok Tong was there at the very front table as a VVIP (very very important person?). But I don’t know his face (haha) and my eyesight is poor so I couldn’t really see the people.

Venue was at the Fond Garden Restaurant inside Kallang Theatre near Stadium MRT Station (Circle Line).

We (me plus 7 other FGA members) arrived at 6:30PM but since my number is second to the last one, we stopped over at the mall beside the theatre to have dinner and to “standby.” I saw this giant helium-filled Chinese man and thought it’s really cute. Douglas helped me take a picture:

In three minutes, there’s a clean slate to dream on, a beginning that is tangled up in the bedsheets of an end. Yesterday, today and tomorrow are all just words that melt together in the space between 12:00 and 12:00:01. Blink, and a new day is born.

Tomorrow we’re going to Peirce Reservoir and Pulau Ubin: pure nature. I will take close-up photos of grass and plants and green living things to make me remember to see. It is therapy to notice the beauty in the chaos of nature, to predict what happens next in the seasons even though each year it’s different, to believe in a God who holds everything in His hand.

Good night.

Lunar years of the Snake are 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013.

I’m not a grave believer of astrology, feng shui, horoscopes or anything of related sort; I just find their accounts marvelous. It’s interesting how the different accounts for different people and settings are created—with various angles and meanings.

I’m not insanely devoted to read and analyze all of them. I only selected the predictions for my sign—a few which seem sound—and summarized them. If you’re an Earth Snake (born in 1989) like me, then maybe you can benefit and learn from the findings I got below.

What’s ahead for us in the year of the Water Dragon?

Here’s what Chinese astrologers had to say.

The prediction:

For the past couple of years, things were good for you but in this year 2012, your fortunes and luck prospects decline sharply. You will face a tough year as the stars and energies in 2012 are not in your favor. You will encounter misfortunes, obstacles, mishaps, loss and the general bad.

My 2 cents:

I shall strive to overcome and subdue these negative energies. We may not be responsible for the things that will happen, but we are completely in control of our attitude and reactions. The best we can do is to adopt a policy of optimism and joy. I’m a firm believer in mind over matter. Our attitude affects our actions, so choose a positive one!

The prediction:

Your inner chi is unstable and your confidence diminishes. It’s a year better to consolidate than to take financial risks. You should also be concerned with manifestations of accidents, financial losses or obstacles in your path of growth.

My 2 cents:

I shall think things through before making decisions and conclusions.

The prediction:

Health and relationships will be good.

My 2 cents:

I shall thank God and have greater faith. Despite the loads of incoming negativity, if I’d still be empowered with good health and good people to count on, then all of the adverse will be weakened. It’s the people offering up love, silence and laughter that make the days filled with mind-numbing uncertainties and exhausting pain a bit more bearable.

The prediction:

The intrinsic connection you share with the Dragon will create some unique opportunities for you! Your zodiac allies are the Ox and Rooster. They will bring you much luck so mingle with them more often.

With their help and support (especially the Rooster), obstacles will be less overwhelming, good fortune will be multiplied and success shared will be so much sweeter. Your horoscope secret friend is Monkey. This is someone you can always depend on, someone who will stand by you during tough times.

My 2 cents:

I shall stick with people having these Chinese horoscopes more often. Haha. The closest Monkey, Rooster and Dragon to me are as follows:

Happy Chinese New Year to everyone!
恭喜发财，万事如意，主里蒙恩！

Marina Bay Sands leaps into festivities as it welcomes the Year of the Dragon as well as the opening of Bayfront MRT station at its doorsteps on January 14. Train commuters can arrive directly at the integrated resort via five different entrances at Bayfront MRT station, including Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Sands Expo & Convention Center, and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. –SoShiok

Today marks the opening of Bayfront MRT station and I just had to be there. My primary purpose was to go to MBS The Shoppes, Asia’s leading shopping and dining destination, without tiring myself to walk down the Helix Bridge. I was not planning to buy anything from there; my intention was to claim Achi Kathy’s prize from a scratch card (received from registering to be an MBS member).

the prize

I gave mine to Eva, my backpacker friend, last month as she wasn’t able to get one. In turn, Achi Kathy gave me her claim card and told me to get her prize for my own in my next visit to MBS. Sadly, the prize was already forfeited.

As consolation, I just enjoyed touring around Bayfront, Promenade and Esplanade. The Spring festival / Chinese New Year displays in the malls enthralled me. I was also able to watch a Japanese person demonstrate ikebana (art of flower arrangement) in Suntec City. Ikenobo, its origin, is celebrating its 550th anniversary this year.

Back at home, I thought God must have pitied me so much for not taking home any actual reward that he sent Ahia Gilbert who gifted me an 8-GB flash drive in a shape of a card. Yayayayay.