Janet Jackson Live in Singapore "Again"

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What's Wrong With The Picture?

Please tell me what is wrong with the picture. This is not an IQ test if you're wondering. Hehe...



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Singapore 10th Expensive City in the World

I saw this news the other day on Straits Times and I was surprised that Singapore was actually one of the most expensive cities in the world.  From number 15 last year, it climbed to the number 10 spot.  Also climbing to the ranking is Tokyo, from number 6 it is now the most expensive city in the world. According to reports, the reason to is because of the Euro's plunge in value.  Basis of the ranking is determined by local prices and exchange rates.

Here is the complete ranking of the most expensive cities in the world (Rank six months ago):

1. Tokyo (6)
2. Osaka (8)
3. Paris (2)
4. Copenhagen (3)
5. Oslo (1)
6. Zurich (7)
7. Frankfurt (4)
7. Helsinki (4)
9. Geneva (12)
10. Singapore (15)
11. Hong Kong (28)
12. Vienna (10)
13. Dublin (11)
14. Brussels (12)
14. Milan (12)
16. Munich (16)
17. Berlin (17)
18. Barcelona (19)
18. Noumea, New Caledonia (20)
20. Madrid (20)
21. Caracas (35)
21. Lyon (24)
23. New York (39)
23. Chicago (39)
23. Los Angeles (39)
23. Hamburg (26)
27. London (8)
27. Amsterdam (27)

If Singapore is top 10 in the list then for sure I can survive in London and New York.

Photo from dia.org.au

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February 16-20, 2009 Peso-Dollar Forex

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One Day Of No Talking

Sunday morning, I finally went to the Doctor to have my throat and cough problem checked. The Doctor told me to rest until Monday and not to talk. According to his findings, my throat was swollen and I need rest. I was supposed to go to work on Monday but I have decided to just follow the Doctor's advise to rest. After I took my medicine and had my little breakfast, I went back to bed and sleep. Before I went to bed also, I informed my supervisor and the agency that I won't be going to the office.

I woke up that day around 11:30 in the morning and cooked my lunch. After blogging and watching some TV series, I went back to sleep. Yesterday was a silent day for me. I was only able to speak when my housemates arrived that night. My voice was cracking and it felt good that my throat was back in its good shape. The only problem that I am experiencing now is the drowsy effect of my medicines.

At work today, my supervisor asked me why I was on leave yesterday. I think my supervisor was a bit worried that I, including my two Filipino officemates were on sick leave yesterday as well. A pure coincidence I guess. When I left the office today, my supervisor even jokingly told me not to go on sick leave tomorrow with a smirk look.

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How to Apply for OWWA and OEC in Singapore

The other day, I wrote a post about the number of OFWs around the world. With that, I would open this post with the statement that I am officially an OFW. Last Sunday, I went to the Philippine Embassy here in Singapore to apply for an OWWA membership. I also got my OEC (Exit Pass), which is a requirement if an OFW will exit the Philippines.

I woke up Sunday morning around 9 A.M. I was really tired and sore from my Chinatown and Mustafa shopping last Saturday that I wasn't able to wake up early. I sadly reached the Philippine Embassy around 10:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. I was surprised that the registration at the guard house is full. The last time I visited the Embassy was during the weekdays and there were few people. Inside the embassy was more jam packed. All Filipinos and foreigners were all there.

My mistake was, I didn't photocopied my documents. I have to queue for the photocopy machine. After my long queue at the photocopy, I was told about the procedure and was furious that my number is 226 and the last number that was called was 100. When it reached 12:30 P.M., I have decided to take my lunch first at McDonald's, Forum. By 1:30 P.M., I went back to the Embassy and luckily found a chair to sit in.

I even saw my former and current housemates in the Embassy. They were also applying for the OEC and the OWWA membership. My other housemate have a queue number of 286 and 400 digits. After five hours of waiting I finally got my OWWA form and the OEC pass. OWWA membership by the way is S$42 and S$5.50 for the OEC. Make sure to bring your contract and a photocopy of it, your work permit and passport. My housemates told me to bring my airline ticket but they did not look for it. Just bring it just in case.

One more week to go and I'm finally going home.

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The Christmas Party Story

This Christmas party story has been over due for over two weeks now and I won't let this pass. The Christmas party happened last December 24 at the club house of Bukit Batok. The invitation was scheduled from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. I arrived the club house around 9 A.M. and my officemates directed me to go to this room where the registration of the party is held. It was raining at that time so I placed my wet umbrella on the floor near that room.

After the registration, they asked for my gift and they placed a tag on it. We then seated inside from the room that looks like a dance studio. I was looking for chairs and buffet and there is nothing. Around 9:30 A.M., the party started. I am just surprised that the theme to this Christmas party is the salsa dance. We were greeted by our officemate and a Salsa instructor. Right after their introduction, I immediately knew it that we're going to dance the Salsa. I have a video with my officemates dancing in my other blog.

Since I have no choice, I went on to the Salsa tutorial. I went to stand though on the back side of the studio so no one would see me. When it's time to partner with my lady officemates, I escaped and went to the toilet. Of course, I have kill joy officemates like me that escaped the Salsa dance. They seated near the toilet and after I relieved myself, I went to have a chat with my Singaporean officemate.

The Salsa dance/tutorial literally was the whole party. There are no presentations, games and fun stuffs. That surprised me a lot. That made me miss the Christmas parties of my former company in the Philippines. 30 minutes before 12 noon, the exchange gifts took place. Would you believe that I picked a number that is my own gift? I just told my officemate that that was my gift and he just gave me the gift that he received. After that, the Salsa contest happened and the awarding for the best dressed male and female. Of course, I did not win anything.

After that, we went to the function room where the food would be served. It is not buffet though and it took forever before the caterers. When the food were served, we immediately went to queue. My plate was literally full. The food was just okay but I still prefer the buffet served in the Anniversary party of my recruitment agency.

Here are some of the pictures from the party. Tomorrow would be the end of the holiday. Work again. I can't wait for January 23 so I can go home already.



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Excited About 2009

One more day to go and we are going to welcome 2009. I am very excited of 2009, not only I would be able to go visit my family and friends in the Philippines, but I also have one more year of work here in Singapore. By the way, my roommates and I are planning to go to Marina tomorrow night to watch the fireworks display. That I am very excited about. My first Christmas and New Year here in Singapore. I just hope the fireworks would fascinate me.

One more thing that I am very excited about 2009 is the Cinderella and CATS musical. I was very happy yesterday that I finally bought the premiere ticket to the Cinderella musical this coming January 2. My ticket for the premiere is S$75 plus Sistic fee. The cheapest ticket now is S$100. Pinoy talent and Tony Award winner, Lea Salonga will play Cinderella of course. I just hope I will see her perform. When I watched Miss Saigon in the Philippines, a different performer played her role.

You can catch Cinderella starting January 2 until January 22 at the Esplanade. CATS on the other hand will start on April 2009.

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Tagalog Mass in Singapore

Yesterday, after my short visit in the Philippine Embassy in Nassim Road, I went straight to catch the mass in Novena Church. I finished my business in the Embassy around 10:30 A.M. and I was hoping that the mass is around 11 A.M. I have an article coming up in my other personal blog about my second visit in the Philippine Embassy.

Anyway, the mass started 10:30 A.M. and I was surprised that the priest was talking in Tagalog and it was indeed a Tagalog mass. It was a great mass especially seeing many Filipinos and hearing them sing in Tagalog. I had chills actually especially after the communion where the choir sang "Christmas in our Hearts." That song of Jose Marie Chan was really something.

Right after the priest's blessing, I went straight to the exit of the church where the priest would come out. I was the second person after the young kid to make "mano" to the priest. Hehe.

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Anniversary Party in Singapore

I just hope I can still remember the details of the anniversary party. Anyway, the Anniversary party of my recruitment agency was last December 20. It was held in Amara Hotel near Tanjong Pagar MRT. I went with my Indonesian office mate, which of the same agency. My Filipino officemates from the same agency was already vacationing in the Philippines so I was the only Filipino guy in that party.

The invitation said that the program will start at 12 noon and will end by 3:30 P.M. We came in late almost 1 P.M. and the CEO of the agency was already having his speech. Since the room was already full, we just sat on the table near the buffet. By 1 P.M., we started feasting on the buffet. The buffet was very impressive. They served many variations from Muslim food, vegetarian, Chinese and some that I don't know. There's this other room where they the deserts, seafood, salad and sushi are placed. I just love the look of the cakes and fruits. That was heaven! I tried to eat everything but my stomach cannot accommodate that much.

By 2 P.M., the much awaited raffle draw started. I honestly wasn't in the mood for the raffle since I usually don't win. There are 17 prizes by the way and I was surprised my name was called on the 14th prize. It was an envelope and you can see through the paper that it is $10. I was honestly dismayed to just receive $10 (320 pesos) so I just folded it and placed it in my pocket. They also have this give away containing green tea and a chocolate coated cookies from Marks & Spencers.

Two days after, I was intrigued by the envelope and opened it up. My eyes were beaming with joy that there are actually 3 pieces of $10 in the envelope. That $30 (960 pesos) saved me from the $12 Christmas food contribution in our house and the $15 Christmas exchange gift in our office. The saying, "Do not judge a book by its cover" is so applicable for me.

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Back With 2Kg Weight Gain

I'm back after many days of absence. I must admit that I am a bit weary and at the same time relaxed coz I'm not stressed out that I need to post a thing on my 4 blogs. I have many stories to tell from my long absence and I will start with my 2 kgs. weight gain.

The last time that I have checked, my weight is only 53 kgs. (116.6 lbs.) but only yesterday it is up to 55 kgs. (121 lbs.). I'm still underweight though coz my ideal weight is 135 lbs. But, I am very happy with the weight gain. I have to eat more and sleep late more (Is is true, you gain weight from sleeping late?). Nah, I have to sleep earlier maybe next year, hehe.

I just woke up actually. I just thawed the ham for my brunch and cooked some rice. I will have my brunch in a bit. I am so excited that after my brunch I will go back swimming. I have been absent in the pool for about 2 weeks I guess because of the back pain drama that I had. I'm still thankful for Salonpas for its wonders.

Check out my other three blogs, I have new material to be posted within this day.

Happy holidays!

The picture by the way is from the Amara Hotel during the 10th Anniversary party of my recruitment agency. I look awful!

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Evil Step Daughter Is Back

It has been two months now since we transferred to our new home. Honestly, it has been quite boring now without the vampire family and the evil step daughter. Since there is still communication with us, I got to know some juicy information about the evil step daughter.

I have mentioned before that it was evil step daughter's plan to get all of us out of the house. I have discovered that she is now having a hard time in finding new housemates. I'm just not sure if one or two rooms are vacant. I also heard that she is having financial troubles since she pays for the rent of the other rooms. The vampire mom even commented on my roommate that, "I thought she has many money?"

Well, that's all our questions. What happened to the riches of evil step daughter?

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Aircon Trouble

Last week, the aircon in our room are dripping water. We have informed our other housemate about it since he cleans the aircon. He fixed the water dripping last week and was pleased that the dripping sound when I sleep was gone. This week though was hell for me and my roomies. The dripping was gone but the aircon cannot produce cold air especially the past two days. It was great though that the electric fan was focused on me.

Last night, we have decided to open the windows and just turn the aircon off since we think that it only makes the temperature of the room more hot. I woke up this morning around 10 A.M. and remembered of the Pacquiao-de la Hoya "Dream Match" fight. I had a great sleep by the way. I just hope the problem with the aircon would be fixed soon. I'm not paying a high PUB just for nothing.

I'm now watching the live streaming of Pacquiao-de la Hoya The Dream Match. de la Hoya looked tired already in round 3. I hope Pacquiao would win!

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Filipina Domestic Helper in Singapore Gone Crazy

This is fresh news in Singapore and I got this on first hand. I was on my way home from Orchard when I noticed a group of people formed near the exit of Orchard MRT. I went to check on what's happening. There's this Filipina domestic helper seated on the floor and eavesdropper including the MRT security police surrounds her.

I didn't bother to ask the people around and just went to the bus stop since it was getting late. While I was waiting for the bus, other Filipina domestic helpers seated beside me and they began talking about the helpless Filipina domestic helper. According to them (speculations and facts), that the helpless Filipina domestic helper was cleaning the streets from Tangs to the Orchard MRT. Someone have noticed her and called the MRT security. That Filipina domestic helper spoke in English when she was asked by the police and the people around her. If she wasn't stopped by the people around her and the MRT security, she would continue cleaning the streets. Who knows what will happen to her, she might be even hit by a car. According to the other Filipina DH, that lady said that she has to finish cleaning until 1 A.M.

The other Filipina domestic helpers speculated that she was crazy, wasn't fed and paid by her employers and was even maltreated. According to them, that Filipina domestic helper is still young and was very thin. When my bus arrived, I did not ride it since it was full. I have then decided to go back to the exit of Orchard MRT to take pictures of her since I'm going to write this story. Even there are police, I still went for it. It is just silly of me to take pictures coz I got caught by the police. They ordered me to erase it though and leave immediately. I still can remember the airport incident I had with the police. Hahaha.

Now back to the Filipina domestic helper, she looked like on her mid 30's and was thin. She wasn't wearing any shoes and her hands and feet are very dirty. The other domestic helpers were right when they told that she cleaned the streets with her hands. When I got in the next bus, I saw an ambulance and a police car. I just hope that Filipina domestic helper would be in a better condition. Our embassy should do something to protect our domestic helpers in Singapore. There should be a routine check on their condition and programs that can help these Filipinas channel their stress and problems.

Picture courtesy of daylife.com. Photo shown is not the "crazy" Filipina domestic helper.

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How To Save Money In Singapore

During these hard times, we should find ways on how to save money. During my stay here in Singapore, I have devised my own way of saving my hard earned money. Here goes...

1. To save on buying colognes, just be contended with the smell of your deodorant. Quite effective especially if smell close to your former cologne. Haha.

2. Instead of buying your lunch or dinner, cook your own food. I even prepare sandwich for my snack. It is time consuming, but it will for sure spare you some bucks.

3. Never buy things that you don't need. It should be necessity over wants.

4. If you have a credit card, only charge items that you can pay in full on the next cut off of your credit card bill. Don't let your credit card take over your shopping. It should be you that is in control.

5. If you are dying to buy something, it is wise to wait for a big sale to save more.

6. Don't be a one-time millionaire. Over splurging will ruin your budget and you will end up hungry before your next pay check.

7. And lastly, be proud of being frugal. It is nicer to be realistic than to assume that you are rich.

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Blind Singaporean Singing Abba

This is the last video that I recorded last Saturday. This is still of course with the blind Singaporean named Wa Yee. The song is titled "Take A Chance On Me" from Abba. She must have listened to the movie, "Mamma Mia!" Hehehe.

Anyway, here is the video of Wa Yee.



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Random Pictures In Singapore

Here are some of my random pictures that I have taken these past few days. These are of course still in Singapore. Singapore is definitely awesome! The first picture is from Ngee An City, the second is from the Orchard MRT (isn't cool) and the last three pictures are near my place.

I just hope my family and friends are here so it is less lonely.



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Blind Singaporean Singing Manic Monday

Another performance from Wa Yee, the blind Singaporean that I stumbled upon this late afternoon. The blind Singaporean lady on this video sings Manic Monday from the Bangles. Too bad I wasn't able to video her performance while singing "No One" of Alicia Keys and "Breathless" of the Corrs.

Read the complete story about the Singing Blind in Singapore.



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Heart Evangelista Look-A-Like Part 2

I received a comment from a friend saying that the look-a-like picture of Heart Evangelista doesn't look like her. Yesterday, I finally got to take the picture of the closest looking picture of Heart Evangelista's look-a-like.

I took it from the Rexona ads at Orchard MRT. Doesn't she look like her?

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Heart Evangelista Look-A-Like

There is a Rexona deodorant advertisement here in Singapore that I keep on seeing in buses and in other ad spots. I really looks like Heart Evangelista. I was just surprised that it was a Taiwanese singer, Elva Hsiao.

Elva Hsiao was born in Taiwan and lived in Canada during her High School years. Her music career started when she joined a local singing contest in Vancouver. She signed a record deal with Virgin Records Taiwan and her albums sold more than 2 million copies. To date, she is currently signed under Warner Music Taiwan.

Anyway, it would be amazing if it is Heart Evangelista on the Rexona advertisements. What's the latest with Heart Evangelista anyway?

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