The Holidays

It's great to be a Filipino living in Singapore because I get to celebrate back to back long holidays. As a Fil-Chi, the Christmas holidays are sacred to me. I usually take 2 weeks time off starting from 23rd all the way to after New Year's. I've been doing this for the past 5 years I've been working corporate.



Being back in Singapore after the long vacation home is a bit disorienting. Good thing Chinese New Year was coming up! 2009's CNY holidays were a bit earlier and it meant two days off of official holidays (Jan 26 and 27 which were a Monday and Tuesday respectively). They actually celebrate CNY more here with more people taking long leaves (some for the whole week) and suppliers giving mandarin oranges and special gifts.



Since I was able to convince my boyfriend to visit me over the long weekend, I decided to join in on the festivities (partly at least) by making a visit to Chinatown. It's quite ironic as in the Philippines, I have neever (nor I think I will) visit Chinatown during the CNY holiday. Come to think about it, I'm not even sure I have been there at all!

Here in Singapore, the hustle and bustle in Chinatown a year before the eve of CNY felt like Hongkong. Gone was the normal Singapore efficiency and quietness. The streets were overrun with vendors shouting their wares. People were milling about haphazardly. There was a big stage erected where local performers were singing. A giant inflatable Ox with a large mandarin orange tree wherein angpao hanging from the branches were at the center of the main street.

food street

yummy warm peanut soup with peanut dumplings

I have never really "felt" fully Chinese (even though my parents are both Chinese, I live in the Philippines and admittedly is more influenced by American trends). But I am happy that in a way, I get to experience and understand, even partly, some of these traditions. Admittedly, I feel embarrassed sometimes because the Chinese have a reputation for not being very open and accpeting of other cultures (especially with Filipinos) but I also feel proud whenever people comment how hardworking the Chinese are. I am Chinese but I say my nationality is Filipino. But if asked I also would never consider myself a true Filipino.

I'd like to think I am a citizen of the world instead.

Another Festival

As I've said before, Singapore is a land of festivals and events and exhibits. Some are inane, some are creative. The good thing is there's always something new to visit.

January opened with the M1 Fringe Festival. Some of these festivals I don't even understand anymore what it's about. According to the website, it's basically an "explosion of works from Singapore and around the world on a central theme". This year, the theme is Family. In short, it's exhibits, plays, dances, and interactive events around the city that revolve around the chosen theme.

I chose to visit 2 exhibits (the free ones!).

The first was a photo exhibit by Philip Toledano. It was a poignant and very touching set of photos wherein he documented his days with his father who was slowly losing his short-term memory. This was following the death of his mother. And it was painful to read how everyday the father would forget that his wife had died. The son would then have to tell his father everyday about the death and have to relive the pain every single time with his father. Eventually, Philip decided to just say that his mom had went away on a trip. Is ignorance bliss?

But then a statement later on goes to say that sometimes, his dad would be sigh and that's when Philip knows that his dad knows about his mom. When we love someone, there is always a hole when they are away.

It was the movie Memento brought to life wherein the dad would leave lists and notes and questions all around. There are the small things he forgets he has done already so he repeats himself like go to the bathroom or eat eggs but the big things like ambition and pride over his son stays on. It is these things that define who we are after all.

The second was the strangest "museum" I have visited. Called the Museum of Broken Relationships, it is a travelling exhibit revolving around the concept of failed relationships. Basically anyone can donate items from past relationships to the museum together with a story or anecdote about it or the actual relationship. On display were various objects like stuffed toys (ugh! the bane of every relationship), figurines, underwear, love letters, hair dye, keys, shirts, handcuffs, and other crazy items. It goes to show how everyday material things can actually mean so much more. It was interesting to read some of the stories and the emotions ranging from hatred to regret to just nonchalance. According to the website, the museum hopes to create a place for "secure memory". We all, no matter where, how and when we live all share in a common human experience. Anyone who has had a failed relationship can relate!

the product of a "love-hate" relationship which ended in the apartment (and a mannequin) getting trashed

a product of a failed long distance relationship - postcard from NY during the aftermath of 9/11.. like the statement

of course, what is a failed relationship without an unused condom representing months of no intimacy thus no chance to use it

this is super dramatic! a vessel for teardrops!! the guy intended to send it to the girl who broke his heart. ugh, i would be so grossed out. but i love the words he put "relationship with a wonderful (but sneaky) woman"

Schizo Christmas

Long overdue post. Haven't been blogging much. Been too busy living :)

Since I'm stuck at home trying to get some rest so my fever won't break out, will catch up on blogging.

Christmas in Singapore is... different. In the Philippines, it is the biggest holiday of the year because aside from the humongous retail sales possibilities, it celebrates the birth of Christ which is the central religion in the country. I didn't realize how much I love the traditions of noche buena, simbang gabi, parol, christmas lights in houses, gift giving, endless food giving, midnight mass, the belen scene, christmas dinners/ reunions with every circle of friends, caroling, exchange gifts,... even though I don't really partake in all of the above.

Here in Singapore, there is no image of the manger at all! There are a lot of cliche Christmas images though. Each mall/ department store has a theme. Taka had the cute light blue teddy bears. Tangs had the orange and green plaid pattern with blonde children. Paragon had a huge Christmas tree. The rest are forgettable.

But what I dislike the most is the schizo decorations in Orchard road. It's supposed to be a candy land theme so there were gigantic candy canes, candy shaped lights, hearts, random stars and ribbons all around. There was even a "candy" house in the middle of Orchard with fake lollipops and sweets. What does that have to do with CHRIST-mas?

Too commercial for me. The season is a bit lost here. I guess it's because majority aren't really Catholics. The celebrations here feel a bit forced and not as genuine. Or maybe I'm just turning into a Scrooge...

Ugh, take those Orchard lights away please.

2 Lives

I feel like I'm leading 2 different lives.
It's more glaring coming back here in Singapore after a 2-week stay in Manila.

In Manila, I hardly have time to myself to just be alone. I am constantly swept up in family meals, boyfriend quality time, reunion dinners and after dinner drinks with friends. I am dependent on others. I can't even go out alone because of security issues and the simple fact that I don't know how to drive. Somehow, I am also less adventurous. I always want to go visit this province but I never do it. I always read about exhibits or plays but I never consider going. I become sucked into a routine quite easily. I am somehow lazier also knowing there are maids to clean up after me. Time seems to pass quicker. When I'm there, I think is this it? The same places again? But if I'm not there, I miss those old places.

In Singapore, I am alone half the time whether holed up in my room after work or during a forced weekend home alone stay or while commuting. I am happy that way. In all honesty, I think I look forward to weekends here more than in Manila coz in Manila weekdays can be as fun as the weekends. Whereas here, I can literally do what I want on a weekend. Weekends are more precious. I am more adventurous and spontaneous here. I have gone out at 12 midnight for a girls night even when at 11pm I did not feel like it. I explore the city more, I go on cultural exhibits. I am more confident although I am a foreigner in this country. I am more hard working in a way, I have done laundry at midnight and do my chores every Saturday. I can do what I want on my own time.

So in the end, the question is, what is more important? To enjoy freedom and the first world OR to enjoy my loved ones and dependency?
It shouldn't have to be a choice. I should be able to have both.
That's one of my big faults, I always want to have it all.

Random Pictures

Just some images of places around the city:

indian temple at the heart of chinatown (love the mix of culture here)

national library (basement with all the books is heaven & halls at the top for plays)

botanical gardens (great for jogging althought i don't jog plus they sometimes have free concerts in the middle park)

outside the majestic boutique hotel in chinatown (love the food in resto and the look of bar)

P.S. Cafe in Dempsey (great brunch and white wine sangria with relaxed ambience)

old shophouses in chinatown (like the look)
robertson quay (way classier than touristy clarke quay & dodgy boat quay... love the resto's here & my dream is to own one of the condo's in the area!)

white rabbit at dempsey (resto converted from an old church... okay food but great atmosphere)

the iconic fullerton hotel (check out the Phil. flag!)... breathtaking architecture, outstanding rooms & holds sentimental value

A Curious Thought

Why is it that ever since I got here, going home to Manila has been such a treat and privilege? We talk as if wow, that person is so lucky he's spending 3 weeks in Manila for the holidays! Or good news, I'm going to Manila for work and then I'll extend. We get so jealous of people going to Manila and get so excited about going home.

But when we are in Manila, going abroad is the treat.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence...

Ice Cream + Art

Ever since I started my so-called "bucket list", I have been going out more on weekends to explore the city beyond the malls and Orchard Road.

So far, I have attended a visual arts exhibit, watched a play (Vagina Monologues at the National Library -- awesome place, I love libraries! not so awesome play, for me anyway), attended a baking class, finally went jogging (only once so far), went to a photo exhibit, and visited a wetlands reserve (thanks to my boyfriend's insistence).

Last Saturday, I went to the first ever ice cream festival sponsored by Ben & Jerry's at Fort Canning Park. The place was packed! I was amazed, it was a really good idea! There were food booths, bands, a show and of course a kick-ass scooping station with the most number of Ben & Jerry's flavors I have seen. The big draw was 12 flavors never before sold in Singapore and flown in from the USA only for the festival. I absolutely adore Ben & Jerry's because of the inventive flavors, amount of toppings in the ice cream and the unique names. But I proved my absolute love for it that day when I lined up for 1 hour to buy a double scoop cup. Yes, I am a pig as well as the hundreds (?) of other people who did the same. I was there anyway so why waste the trip? I tried the butter pecan (just so-so) and the peanut butter cookie dough (love love!).

where the magic happened

bliss lies beyond this gate!

the grounds
so cute! star-shaped soap bubble... they even had heart, flower and peace sign shapes!


the looooong line... i still had 40 minutes to go from here

the menu

hmm, doesnt look very photogenic! but trust me, it was really good that i wasn't even able to take a pic of my ice cream before scarfing it down

After pigging out and consuming the ice cream in 1/6 the time it took to line up for it, I decided it was time to feed my brain. I have been interested to go to the Japan Media Arts exhibit at 8Qsam since I saw the ad for it but of course, I end up going on the second to the last weekend it's on.

The exhibit was divided into 3 zones:

Zone 1 showed modern japanese art but still with themes/ roots of traditional japanese.

photos showing ths inside of a flower where beauty lies within too

dots and letters made to move like fashion models

manga is art!

this is really cute... "The Lighting Doodle Project":random people made to make doodles in the air with their light emmitting devices like cellphones and then shot with long exposure and put in an animation video

Zone 2 showed that "art" can be in many different forms like figurines based on a manga story, miniature figures, paper wrestlers (this was so cute! the artist created different 3d wrestlers made from paper and each had its own personality and character), portable video games, games (there was a piece that was air hockey but with a mirror so you play against yourself)... Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take pictures. :(

Zone 3 was interactive where you can actually read manga, watched japanese animation or play the games (like wii and mario bros!).

Before I left the museum, I checked out their "school" exhibition. Artists were invited to interpret the theme of school tied in to the fact that the museum was a school before. I found the ones below interesting:

a "school house": 1/2 the size of an actual classroom with a chalkboard "house" where guests are invited to doodle and put in their own memories of school

very visually appealing and to think this can be considered graffiti by some

This piece was in the front lobby od the museum. Made by a pinoy and is modeled after the famous Philippine jeepneys. It actually is a real jeepney but the back is stuffed with all sorts of odds and ends.

Just makes me think... art can be found everywhere and anywhere. It has various forms and medium. What is ordinary for some is extraordinary for another.

Not bad for an ordinary Saturday afternoon. After this, I still had time to go to Mass, go grocery shopping and clubbing at night. Phew!