Singapore's Haw Par Villa

ABBEY: Haw Par Villa is a park themed with Chinese beliefs and tradition. As you have guessed, nearest MRT Station is Haw Par Villa (Circle Line). 

Its name translated also in Chinese can be seen in a stone structure at the entrance of the park. Pagodas, kois, and large statues of Chinese zodiac were among the displays in it. Large obelisk were also erected as a memory for the Chinese brothers, Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par (makers of Tiger Balm).

The most prominent feature of the park is the Gates of Hell. It depicts the travel of the dead; how their acts were judged and sentenced with punishment and until their way to the world again thru reincarnation. The museum is good as it has English translation; helpful for the visitors that came from foreign land. 

WILL: It was Sunday afternoon when Abbey exerted all his effort to wake up after a 4-hour sleep. 5pm we entered the villa and directly went to the Courts of Hell before it closes its doors. 

10 Courts of Hell is a hair-raiser. They magnificently illustrates the punishments for every doings they have sinned. It also shows the purification and reincarnation. Inside is hot, I do not know if they intentionally done it for you to feel the hell. Haha!

Then we went out to see the park. Of course we will see a statue of the tiger balm. 

There's a lot of statue and my favorite are the happiness, prosperity, and longevity. It reminds me of the figurine that people giving to my mom. Hey, if you have a week knee, get ready for a long walk uphill. When we reached the top, Abbey and I sat on one of the benches while my nephew happily playing with the pigeons.

This is a great free park. Please visit. It just few steps from HawPar Villa MRT yellow line.

Singapore Civil Defence Force - Alexandra Fire Station Visit

ABBEY: It was after my night shift and the rain is pouring hard when we were about to visit Alexandra Fire Station. I'm reluctant to come but I was happy I made the right decision. The fire station allows guest every Saturday at 9AM to visit and learn about their operation. You just need to knock on the steel gate, sign up and trade your IC for a visit pass. 

Mr. Saif gave us a tour of the station. He showed us the different components of a fire truck, its models, and its contents. I was surprise that they also have one-man fire motorcycle (used for small fire). Their response time is from 8-12mins depends on the incident location. They will help not only on fire-related matters but they also specialize in rescue mission. 

So if there's something strange in your neighborhood don't call ghostbusters yet call your local hero first :)

WILL: Round-the-clock standby? What a passion for a people to have that kind of job! Saluting the fire fighters of Singapore Civil Defence Force!

I found out that Firs Stations are open for visitors every Saturdays for two sessions, 9 and 10am. Sister and her son coming her so its a good idea for him to see how the firemen do their job. 

We were greeted by Mr. Saif. He showed us the different trucks, life saving equipments, different hoses, inside the ambulance, inside their mini-control stations, patrol bikes, people checking their things and how the computer generates the alert for emergencies.

I am quite shocked that they also the rescue for suicides situations, that they have an ambulance in their stations(I thought all ambulances came from hospitals, haha), and all were computerized ... even the voice announcing what is the emergency all about. Oh, they also have the control of traffic lights outside 2 or more streets outside their station.

Even we do not have the chance to see how long the automatic ladders go up, or the hose sprinkles the foam or water that tour is very educational. 

Thanks to Saif and the rest of SCDF people for this kind of free tour. More, more power! 

Crane Dance

ABBEY: We knew about this light-machine-water performance but we didn't get a chance to see it until last week. Show starts at 9pm at the bay part of Resorts World Sentosa. It's a story of two cranes that fell in love with each other. Just like the real ones they move gracefully. Their bodies were made of metal and their wings are of water. Yes, it is for free; a quality entertainment that every spectator will enjoy.

WILL: Well, I knew this attraction quite some time but we do not have time to see this. The show starts at 9:30pm and be sure to be earlier for 10-15 minutes to get a good seat or else you will be standing in the last row which happened to us. Sad! 

      The show lasts not more than 15 minutes. This is spectacular! Machine, lights, water and the good story combined in one. Do not worry this is for free. 

      This is a must-see when you go to Sentosa Island. :D 

Sustainable Singapore Gallery

ABBEY: 

It's the second time we went here, but on this visit has a free guided tour. We booked our tour online. Once confirmed, guests are expected to be at the venue on time. At the beginning we were told about the benefits of the reservoir and its cycle. They also showed us the pump gates wherein they will be opened once there's too much water at the reservoir. Next, we went to the galleries. There is a total of six galleries; recycle, river of life, rainforest were some of them. They also showed a simulation of the barrage gates operations. We were reminded on how to be responsible to conserve water. Last stop is the green roof. The grass serves as cooler for the building and people can do picnic, fly a kite and other recreations

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This is a six-part gallery showcased at the Marina Barrage. In here, they exhibit the water cycle for the reservoir; canals were built to catch rainwater from other parts of Singapore until it reaches the reservoir. A gallery also shows how they revive Singapore river. Earlier years the river is smelly and no one wants to hang around near it. But today, shops are open and people flock and do recreations along the river. One gallery is about rainforest; how they keep the rainforest clean and have lots of biodiversity. It also shows the future projects for other reservoirs in Singapore. We have seen also a simulation for the gates that controls water in the barrage in case if extreme conditions. People are encouraged to have the tour to be educated on how precious water is and how to be responsible for its use.

 

WILL: We are back after a year to visit Marina Barrage, but now not for just to take some snaps at their green roof, we went there to amaze ourselves. And Marina Barrage exceeded our expectations. 

      We know they have this scarcity with water and I know they have high technology structures to supply the demand but I am so surprised what is Singapore back then. 

      Like Philippines, they suffer from floods. They have lifeless rivers and they have also a problem on their wastages. But now, words cannot justify how clean the roads and waterways they have. 

     On free tour, as leas by Ms. Priscilla, they show us how people of Singapore participate on their government's challenge to clean this country. OMG, i have teary eyes right now. I cannot imagine why Philippines cannot do this for the sake of all. Singpore is Correct! In every changes for the country 3P should participate, no exception. Oh 3P stands for Private, Public, & People. 

     I am so thankful that i experienced here in Singapore the beauty of its rivers and enjoy drinking anywhere a tap water. 

     To go there, alight at Marina Bay MRT station then wait for their free shuttles or wait at Bus 400.