Gelato World Tour - Singapore

ABBEY: After a long walk in Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve, we rewarded ourselves gelato. Not one but sixteen flavors. 

Marina Bay Sands held the first leg of Gelato World Tour. The tour will be coming to Rimini, Berlin, Austin, Dubai, Melbourne, Valencia and Roma.

Sixteen top artisan gelato chefs competed last March 20-22 wherein they showcased their own and unique flavors. Not that I'm biased but I rooted for my own country. The flavor is mango with ube (purple yam) and called Mango Ube Symphony. It was created by Zara Manikan under the flagship of Bono Artisanal Gelato. They won People's choice. The grand winner for Asia Pacific Finals is Sharon Tay of Momolato.

Other flavors I like were Kopi-Fah Sung Thong and  Croccante alla Fragola.

WILL: After our ecotour at pronounced ASEAN park, we decided to continue our day-off at Marina Bay Sands to check out the Gelato World Tour. 

Singapore is the first leg of the gelato artists to compete their works against each other. Singapore known to its hot weather submitted 5 entries, while Philippines have one. We arrived earlier than we expect and lucky to witness the presentation of each chefs to the panelist their gelatos. Its a great experience to see first hand the faces and gestures of the judges while their tasting the samples. :) 

The ticketing open and for only $12 you can get an 8 small tub of different flavors. I tasted it all except the Beer with Ciambella. I am not fond of the smell and taste of it so I do not dare to get some of it. 

What flavors that caught my attention? The Mango Ube Symphony. Maybe because of my native tongue. Congratulations Ms Zara Zaragoza-Manikan for winning the Peoples' Choice Award. She deserves it, the queue is non-stop to her booth. The Croccante alla Fragola also is tasty. We have different preferences so maybe what I like will be not appealing for you. :) 

Well, we will continue to checkout the final judgement on your last tour stop. Hope for you to visit Singapore again.  

Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

ABBEY: We're not able to go inside Bukit Timah Nature Park as renovation is going on. So we decided to go to Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve. 

Some of its parts are also undergoing renovations but the sanctuary for migratory birds is open. Still the same rules apply; don't litter, no fishing, and don't destroy the property. As this is for bird-lovers, taking snaps is no easy feat. Thus the rule be quiet should be observed. Hides and screens are installed within the wetlands for fowl enthusiasts. Kingfishers, herons, and sandpipers were among the birds that can be seen there. 

Beware of crocodiles as well. Back away if you meet some and always be on the guest paths. This is a very relaxing and serene place.

WILL: We are scheduled to hike the Bukit Timah and we found it close for renovation. So, not to waste time, we decided to go to Sungei Buloh Wetland. 

I am not ready to go there. Why? I read a lot of blogs that monitor lizards and snakes were freely roaming the area. I am so afraid of those reptiles that I can't stand to see them even in photos or videos. But Abbey and I need to accomplish a thing without further hesitations we hailed a taxi to roll up there. 

My heart pounding to the site of welcome signage fixated in front of the park. As usual my husband make me feel so secured and make my brain stop to imagine things. 

So we walk, observe the migratory birds, take photos of big spiders hanging on their webs and carefully looking out for stray crocodiles or monitor lizards or snakes on our path. 

Whew! I survived the challenged when we pass the main bridge. That's what I know. Haha! Everybody screamed and ran and to Abbey's delight he saw a huge monitor lizard gleefully swims at the pond. 

Ok. That's it! I will never go back to Sungei Buloh! Haha! Thanks to National Parks for this great experience.  

Remembering Lee Kuan Yew - Thank You Sir!

ABBEY: I came to Singapore on 2009. Cleanliness and orderliness greeted me and was amazed on the progress of the country. Yes, Lee Kuan Yew is not the current Prime Minister, but the passion and vision of current government is rooted to his own. 

He dedicated his life to serve the country and make it stand out on the rest of the world. The people supported him as they know that they'll go on the right path with him. His full-white office attire is a physical emblem to strive for excellence and do it with clean conscience. 

Words will not be able to describe the feeling upon losing him. All we can do is to hold on to the memories he shared and continue to further his work. Some may say that it is sad that he wasn't able to see the fruits of his labor; he was, that was his vision in the first place. Thanks to you, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

WILL: A HERO! That is what I can describe LKY. (Shocks I am in the verge of tears now). My husband woke up around 3AM and when I turned to him. Abbey in a very low voice he stated that LKY passed away. 

I  want to have this opportunity to thank him for dreaming. Dreaming that Singapore will be as good as other Western and European countries. Dreaming that he can change Singapore. Dreaming to be a first world country. Now, his dream and wish for Singapore is my reality. Not only his fellow Singaporeans harnessed the fruit of his labour but also the foreign expats like me. 

I envy Singaporeans because they have a Lee Kuan Yew. A man who have the courage, love and respect to his country and his fellowmen. I envy Singaporeans because they have a LKY who founded People’s Action Party that represents politicians with a pure heart in serving the residents; free from corruption and immense visions for the betterment of  nation. I envy Singapore because LKY used an iron hand in implementing the laws. I envy Singapore for having LKY as their founding father.

Thanks LKY, one of the most clean heart, brilliant and loving father of Singapore.. No one can replace you in everybody’s heart!