Bon Bon
10 Places Before Saying Goodbye to the Lion City
Singapore, our mother country for the past 8 years. The country that helped us achieved many of the simple dreams we had in life. The country that took us in with grace and abundance, utmost safety and sweet tidings.
The country where our daughter grew up and had formative years of education, where she first made friends, discovered her favorites and felt very much at home!
Playgroup - Bingo Preschool; N1- N2 - Josiah Montessori; K1 - Little Preschool
Gabby in Grade 1 at Middleton International School
It is in Singapore where she first had her exposure in playgroup, completed nursery and finished K1. We moved back to the Philippines for her K2 and back in Singapore again for Primary 1.
Gabby all smiles with her Filipina Schoolmates, they are all in Grade 1
Thank you, Singapore for giving Gabby so much fun. I am certain to say that when she looks back someday, she'll find Singapore as the happy and sunny place she grew up in. Many times she told me upon learning of our plans in moving halfway across the globe, that when she grew older, she will find her way back to this beautiful country - and I will gladly tag along!
Singapore, you are wonderful and we are forever grateful! Thank you for the past 8 years ( collectively), those were the best years of our lives! Many plans were made and realized. Many dreams came true. We will cherish all that. We mean no goodbyes but see you next time!
To commemorate our sweet parting, we round up 10 random places we hoped to visit before saying goodbye. Mostly these trips/ visits were spontaneous and not planned. Most places we visited is a walk back in nostalgia. Some were pretty random and wherever the wind takes us.
1. Singapore Zoo
Looking back to when we first came to Singapore in 2011, Singapore Zoo was the very first tourist attraction we visited. Gabby was at that time just 2 months away from her first birthday! I still have happy memories of my last visit. While it is true that and mostly, the second time is a charm, I wouldn't mind coming back countless times and get to know every animal there is at the zoo!
We came at the right time while the Lion King is still hot on the reel. Singapore Zoo celebrates the circle of life, there were festivals and parades of the said theme, souvenirs and just a load of Hakuna Matata!
2. Cebu - Katipunan Trip
There is no place like home! Admittedly this vacation was so short and did not do justice at all! Still thankful for the opportunity to be able to send our goodbyes and hugs personally. I feel bad for Marlon not being able to visit Tacloban since we had limited vacation leave and we just squeezed the visit to Katipunan from our appointments in Cebu.
A little time with friends in Cebu, sadly I didn't have the chance to meet with the Mango Pipz but we always have our group chat up and running 😆
3. A week's staycation in SG: going just about anywhere to old streets and shop-houses.
The sun shines brighter this side of the street, showcasing old shophouses and hallmarks of history. The contrasting sound of the bustling city transported into serenity, in this yet rare glimpse of olden industrialization. Let the carefree birds tell you how enjoyable such a stillness. Oh, what a lovely walk we had too!
A side trip to Johor Bahru in Malaysia
We had ourselves careless and carefree fun for 3 weeks! This little trip aims to revisit the first few places we’ve traveled since coming to Singapore.
4. Legoland
We’ve been to Legoland when Gabby was just 10 months old. She didn't care then. This time was different, she was all over the place, jumping, running and braving every ride and enjoying every entertainment! We initially planned on celebrating Gabby's 8th birthday in Legoland this December, but I guess she'll be having a winter wonderland themed birthday this time :)
The world in bricks!
Legoland express with Kitty the cat-ductor
The boating school - Just like a true child of the sea, we sailed with gallantry!
Junior Car Wash Station - Gabby was a police officer, on a patrol in Legoland chasing naughty bricks and loose pieces. The splashy ride is a splash in every turn. The roller coaster - her bravery sometimes baffled me! I wouldn't sacrifice a good breakfast for this one though if you know what I mean.
This princess found her way to the forestmen’s hideout!
At some point in time, we were the riders of the night, the keeper of a dragon’s lair and tamed them like it's no one's business!
Because we love to play highness, the wizard and the witch came to entertain us.
Imagination takes you places!
The kind of ride that gets you wet!
The kind of thrill for the bold and the daring.
5. Angry Birds Park
We visited two parks in a day! Angry Birds Park and Spooky Holloween Park! Busy indeed!
Angry Birds Park while fun for the kids was overrated and overpriced! There are a lot of good indoor playgrounds that have the same kind of bounce and feel like this one and not as pricey. Oh well, it is a theme park after all.
6. Danga Bay and Glass Temple
Danga Bay is home to leisure and gastronomic treats and cheap tinker for the little humans! The Seafood Market in the area boasts a huge variety of ocean delicacies! The place, in general, comes alive at night and is asleep in the day. There is a couple of open establishments but not the kind you'd enthusiastically indulged in.
The beach club by day is a serenity in the city and the heart of the party by night time. The carnival rides, cotton candies, toys, and games brought people together for a night of entertainment!
The Hindu Glass Temple, on the other hand, is mesmerizing and sparkling! It is said to be the very first glass temple in the world!
Back in Singapore
After three weeks of floating in the sunshine in JB, we were back in Singapore to finalize our applications in Canada. For a couple of weeks, we busy ourselves with packing our stuff, shopping winter clothes and eating the food that we think we couldn't easily grab when we move to Toronto! We also managed to squeeze in and revisit more tourist spots in the city.
The neighborhood where we spent our last week in Singapore!
7. Fort Canning Park
A fusion of nature and history! I have a complicated relationship with stairs but this I say is worth the climb!
8. S.E.A. Aquarium and Maritime Museum and Theatre
We had to revisit this place. When we first came for Gabby’s pre-birthday last year, Marlon was not able to come with us. Indeed, it was so much if it is the three of us together!
Today's playground is the vastness of the ocean and the company of marine life.
The Maritime Museum entrance leads you to the old trade of the past. Deep within the hallways showcased the history of the maritime adventures the world has known long ago. I can't help but imagine myself being one in Luffy's crew or maybe onboard the Borobudur Ship of the Javanese People. I will be one of those lazy asses, not care about anything but a dime in my pocket and a rum on my hand. And did I tell you, I'd get my hands before anything else on China Pieces, spices, and rich incense? That's the pirate life for me!
We paid an extra ticket to admit ourselves to the mini-theatre. The experience was not that great but for the fun of it, the price was all good.
9. Night Safari
A little different from our usual nighttime routine. We had this fun night exploring the safari in the company of our nocturnal fluffy friends! I like this experience better than the Singapore Zoo. One - It is not scorching hot while out and about. Two - Less crowd and more breezy ride and queue for the tram. Three - There is something special walking in unknown places during the night, it is kind of exciting. Barely seeing the animals in the silhouette of the moon makes it even more fascinating. I will gladly throw in a dollar or more to visit this place once again.
10. Rainforest Lumina
A surreal spectacle of lights and sounds show with special animations and interactive experience. Worth missing our bedtime clock.
Bonus: Jewel Canopy Park Attractions
We’ve been to Jewel Changi a few times too many as the distance from our home is agreeable. Since the opening not too long ago, this has been our weekend go-to place for eats, treats and simply just walking around.
Only once we’ve been to the canopy park attractions (as the entrance is paid) many months back. I’ve included this experience in the entry since Jewel Changi has been making waves as one of Singapore's most sought after tourist destination.
With all these being done, we said goodbye to the Lion City with hearts full of wonderful memories. These memories will forever be cherished until we set foot again in this beautiful city!
From the initial phase of our plans until it took flight, so much love has been thrown our way. Friends showered us with good wishes. Colleagues who took effort to surprise us with not one but two farewell parties held on separate events.
I am an unsuspecting subject! The whole office showed up for lunch when I only received an invitation to a table for two! The surprise didn't end there, I came back to the office with balloons on my table, cakes, and letters! The best people ever!
Gabby, at the same time at her school, says her goodbyes with little parting gifts she prepared for her classmates and teacher. She has received the same in return plus big hugs, sweet souvenirs and lots of good luck. Some even promised to pay a visit! We will be waiting!
Gabby prepared toys and treats in my hand made goodie bags. She fills the bags with popular old- school toys in the Philippines: skipping rope, jackstones, and slinky springs. The snacks are cloud 9 and cheesecakes - both are Filipino products!
Our ever-supportive family took the extra mile to ease and help us with this transition. Their guidance and prayers are those that helped us find our feet from where we've been and to where we are now.
Finally, Our Lord, all this wouldn't be possible without you. We pray that in faith we continue to serve you and to obey your Will above all else!
Singapore will forever hold a place in our hearts. We've only been to a few places but far and plenty enough to tell a good story. I may never learn to order my cup of coffee like a local but savvy enough to enjoy one anyway. I may never learn to love bah kut teh but believe me, there are other local dishes worth extra kilos gained ( my fave is Hokkien Mee ). There is still so much to learn and so much to do but always and forever, MBGheartsSG!
Thank you, Singapore! Praying for the next visit to happen sooner! MBGlovesSG. Zàijiàn!
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