The Exchange | Singapore Bars and Clubs - Ladies' Night

ABBEY: Wednesday nights are Ladies' night in Singapore. And we visited The Exchange (Asia Square Tower One). 

No entrance fee for the men. They are offering free margaritas and cocktail drinks to the women from 5PM to 9PM. Yes, only until 9PM as there will be office the next day and it is only the middle of the week. 

We had a lot of fun, stories shared with a good serving of nachos and bucket full of garlicky fries. Tip: You can sit on chairs at Tower One's facade. Appreciate the staff for delivering our orders there.

WILL: Just want to clear up the middle week blues but do not want to break your budget? Why not go to The Exchange for some round of frozen margarita for free! Yes an unlimited frozen margarita for free. 

From 5pm-9pm you can go here for some shots plus pica-pica(try their nachos) and non-stop stories with your friends. Forget your phones and socialise in real life and The Exchange is the best place for it for sure. 

Be early as you don't want to end up standing without even a table to put down your drinks. Hooray Ladies Night!

Ban Heng Restaurant Harbourfront Branch - Dinner Ala Carte Buffet

ABBEY: Ban heng is located at the fourth storey of Harbourfront Centre. In here we have farewell dinner with Kar Yin. 

They are offering a 22SGD ala carte buffet. By the time we get there, I immediately get a bowl of congee. It has thin slices of pork and century egg and I topped it with green onions. Next is a plate of Chinese fried rice combo with our ala carte orders; deep fried chicken, honey glazed pork ribs, fish in sweet soy sauce, sweet and sour pork, and roasted pork. I think I really like the roasted pork then dip in balsamic vinegar as I finished 4 orders of that :) 

Be cautious in taking a bite with their fried chicken, it is spicy. I also finished the leftover hor fun of April. It was delicious and the fish taste good. This place is recommended for wedding or company affairs.

WILL: It is my fault, I thought their dimsum buffet is served until dinner but I am wrong. Anyways we were there so we just decided to go for Chinese cuisine buffet dinner. 

We ordered too many food and there are few of them that I will not ever forget. First is their Gong Bao Chicken, then their out of this world thick Fried Hor Fun with Sliced Fish with Egg Gravy, their Deep-Fried "Soon Hock" with Superior Soya Sauce and their sweet yum. 

It is a great place for you and your tourist friends that want to splurge for food without emptying the wallets. One of the best and yet cheap buffets in Singapore!

Cafe Mondo at Orchard Central

ABBEY: After our sumptuous dinner, our bodies are going for shutdown. But still we're not at home, we're in a mall. So we went to Cafe Mondo. 

I was about to order their signature hot chocolate but their affogato entry caught my eye. For 7.5sgd I got a shot of espresso with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Yes it was small but it gave me a jolt. The vanilla ice cream is smooth and creamy. Half of it I melted with the espresso; instant ice-creamed coffee :)

They also serve pasta, cakes, chilled beverages and tea.

WILL: Its a waste of time, money and experience if you do not try the varieties of cafes here in Singapore. So after our fulfilling meal at Tony Roma's we paved our way to Cafe Mondo for a dose of hot drinks. 

It is one of your unusual cafes that you can find at the stretch of Orchard Road. It was exactly located at Orchard Central 2nd floor.

Since my throat is shouting for me to take liquid in and my brain wars me that taking anything in to my stomach will make me vomit and that is the reason I asked for Calming Your Tummy tea. 

When I soaked the teabag the water turns to green then after few seconds turned to brown. Sip by sip my tummy pacifies. Love the minty taste and soothing effect. 

Delight yourself and check it this out cafe that serves coffee, tea and ice cream in one roof :)

Tony Roma's Singapore - Signature Trio or Anniversary Trio

ABBEY: Tony Roma's Suntec City celebrates its 20th anniversary. And from July 1 to August 31, they're having an offer to taste their Anniversary and Signature trios, yes for 20SGD++ only. But the magic doesn't end there. It is not only valid in Suntec City but also at their branch at Orchard. 

Since it is halfway between mine and Wilma's office, we went to latter. I got the Anniversary platter. It comes with a soup (potato), mozarella sticks, fish and chips, baby back ribs and salad. As usual I was able to finish it all and my tummy so full. It was a good dinner as we also celebrate Ate Monnette's promotion. So you know who paid the bill :) 

Congratulations Tony Roma's and Ate Monnette.

WILL: This is our second visit in Tony Roma's but this time it is on their Orchard Central branch. They do not accept reservation and we are truly lucky that we arrived there with more unoccupied table. 

We ordered our food while waiting for the star of that dinner, Ate Monnette. We, three girls went for Signature Trio. Once the soup was served my colleagues reached seconds after. We linger in the hot potato soup. Soup is an appetiser but it make us quite full. Haha. Plateful of food was served and we immediately dig in. Their ribs is really remarkable, tender and meat is tasty and the bones also clings on its flavour. The fries is too much and I just got only one few slices of my chicken and Abbey finished my fries. $20.00++ for this is truly a great deal. 

Thanks for the treat newly promoted Ate Monette. :) more more promotion to come. ;)

Changi Museum Singapore

ABBEY: Entrance is free for this museum but to make the experience better, rent their audio guide for 8SGD. It will narrate the events that happened during Japanese occupation on Singapore. 

It was a dark period of Singapore's history. Food was rationed, security was scarce, justice is always given to the one in power. It also exhibits the part of a cell where 3-4 prisoners of war stayed. But even with their bad condition, the POWs still came up with their arts like paintings and other activities to keep their morale up. The narration also contains account of a comfort woman on that time. The heroes of war and all those people who helped for the liberation were listed and given honor at the museum.

The last phase of the tour is the chapel. Despite of what people experience, they still look up to God. Just like what a prisoner prayed every night "to deliver us from present circumstances".

WILL: Are you brave enough to hear the stories of the survivors in Japanese occupation here in Singapore? Their grumbling voice? You can? Then check-out the one of the must-visit place of Singapore...The Changi Museum and Chapel. 

No photos and videos inside please. Pictures and memorabilia will make you feel how cruel that era is. 

You can rent an audio guide to maximize the experience and I will strongly recommend it to you. 

Simple and yet touching presentation guys. My tears are about to welled up. One of my favorite place here in SG.  

Prata Wala - Bedok Mall Branch

ABBEY: It was past lunchtime when we finish our visit at Changi Naval Base. We dined in Prata Wala at Bedok Mall. 

Wow, they have fried chicken biryani rice set for 7.50SGD; veggie strips, fried chicken, big serving of briyani rice and pappadum. It was delicious, spicy, and hot. We also have an order of naan and extra pappadums to complete our sumptuous lunch.

WILL: Indian cuisines were either be seen at hawkers or at stand-alone restaurants. Well, this Prata Wala reached out to be a fast-food-like theme. 

Prata Wala is well-known for its, of course, pratas. But that time due to a growling tummy we adhere to our decision of taking rice than pratas in our mains and naan at the side. 

I got buttered chicken. It is delicious. I even asked for mint sauce to elevate more the richness of its flavors. Naan is on its usual taste. 

Next time, we will back to try their pratas. :)

The Navy Museum - Ministry of Defence (Singapore)

ABBEY: We've been to Singapore Navy camp when they had an open house last 2013 but we haven't got time to check on their museum as their "stars" on that occasion are their big ships for warfare, monitoring and security. Shuttle buses were used on open house but going there on your own, you have to go either by own car or cab (15-20min ride from Tanah Merah MRT station). You have to register as a visitor and you will be escorted to the museum. Make sure to follow all the rules on the camp.

Big numbers will guide you on viewing the exhibition. The museum exhibits their navy history, from wooden RSS Panglima to their state of the art ships. It also shows how Singapore helped in search for MH370 when it crashed on 2014, defend the waters from sea pirates, and doing humanitarian works.Simulators and games were also made available for more interaction with the guests.

Visit the museum and learn more about navy and maybe you can have your "Andreas and Nicole" who will give you a lift to nearest MRT station :)

WILL: Taxi is the best way of public transport to go in here. To add up their strict compliance of security, once you register and get a museum's visitor ID, one of them will escort you to the premises. 

It was a sizzling Saturday afternoon but all the sweat was worth it. The Museum will welcome you with a chilling airconditioned room, an all smile staff and free badges. You can take photo inside. 

In this exhibit you can see that Singapore doesn't want to repeat the history with Japanese occupation. They will prove to the visitors in this museum that they are in watch 24/7 for achieving peace here in the country. 

You will love this branch of Ministry of Defence even more if you will see the last floor of the museum. It was consisted of their charity works and how to befriend not only their neighbouring country but also the West. 

Love of the country is really the answer and best reason for a good public service.

Star Cinnamon - Bakery - Halal Restaurant

ABBEY: We planned to bring home half a dozen of Beard Papa's cream puffs. But instead we got a box of Star Cinnamon at basement of Bugis Junction  near the MRT. 

Tip: You can buy more on their happy hour. For 10SGD, you can have 6 buns.

The smell of cinnamon will entice you and your tastebuds to look where it is coming from. You will be given a sample bite to keep you from drooling. :)

I like the one with cream cheese and the original. If you cannot finish all six on one sitting,  just reheat the cinnamon buns and match it with coffee.

WILL: It's a feast to bread lovers whenever the clock strikes for the bakeries which are bound to close for the day. Almost all of them will holler a "sale" just to finish all the breads in their displays. I caught the banner of 6 for $10. My joy exceeds when I saw cinnamon... in different flavors. 

Abbey bought a box of six. I ate and I asked my office mates to try it too. I love it. They love it. Since then, whenever I go to Bugis I never failed to buy some for me to take home. 

Thanks Star Cinnamon for a another choice of bread.

The Old Spaghetti House (Mall of Asia Branch)

ABBEY: I admit; this is the restautant where Wilma and I used to date as it is near my office and she'll wait until work is over. Also, I like spaghetti. So after our Boracay adventure  we went to Mall of Asia and found out their branch there. It was nostalgic; going back to where you started makes you more in love with your partner in life. 

We had red sauce pasta, carbonara, 2 large pizza and a serving of fried chicken. We ordered their promotion during that time and it only costs us Php2,599++; enough for 10pax. 

The kids have their strawberry and chocolate milkshakes.

WILL: This is not my first time to eat here, Abbey dated me here when we were still a boyfriend/girlfriend status. 

So when I found out that Mall of Asia have a branch of The Old Spaghetti House, I excitedly told to my siblings that we will have a dinner there. They were happy because they never tried it before. 

It is Thursday night and luckily there are some space available for a big group like us. We ordered one of their Real Deal bundled meal. Since the pesto pasta is not included on the package, I ordered for an ala-carte. The taste never changed, gosh! Memories of their pasta rushed back to my brain. Haha! I love their pizzas. I took 4 slices and one my niece look at me and asked the 4th slice for her, and happily gave that piece. Hehe. (Minsan kasi madamot akong tita)

Total experience is very good. The waiters are very energetic and ready to take all our requests. Thanks TOSH Mall of Asia for the time spent with noisy customers like us. ;)

The Green Market (SIN7) - Changi Terminal 2

ABBEY: We're always excited going to airport as it means we'll go for vacation and we also get to used our lounge passes. Green Market is one of them. It serves Japanese cuisine. 

Upon arrival, we were given comfy seats and then we headed to the buffet. I got a bowl of salmon soup. It was hot and comforting. Each chuck of salmon melted on my mouth, no chewing needed. (Just apply pressure, haha) I also tried their pasta salad. 

It is creamy and aromatic because of capsicum strips. I also had a couple of plates of maki. Too bad their Unagi don is a one-time serving only; it was really delicious. 

Of course, unlimited tea and coffee are available after filling up your tummy with sumptuous food.

WILL: Again, special thanks to Priority Pass from Citibank for the opportunity to have a complimentary access to different lounges not only in Singapore but to other countries. This is our second time to use the Priority Pass and on this we took the chance to check out the Green Market at Changi Terminal 2. 

It is located at the 3rd floor just beside McDonalds. It is a Japanese cuisine. Please take note that sashimi is limited, so savour it on every bite. I kept coning back for their sushi and salad pasta. 

They have food, tv and magazines to entertain their guests. Well, I can stay there for hours and eat all their salad pasta. Haha! A peaceful place to visit before your flight. 

Dinner Buffet at Riverwalk Tandoor (20 Upper Circular Rd Branch)

ABBEY: I've been here a couple of times but this is the only time I got to write up for Riverwalk Tandoor as this is time I dined there with my wife. Others occassions are with my colleagues. 

In here, I got my favorite chicken tandoor. Partner them with mint chutney or briyani rice and it is heaven. Pappadums are endless. I think I ate 5-6 bowls of it. Order a serving of freshly made butter or plain naan and dip in their chicken or mutton curry. I'm drooling while writing this. They also have menu for vegetarian and have dessert as well (wow, gulab jamun). 

The restaurant is located at 20 Upper Circular Road, B1-38 The Riverwalk. Dinner buffet costs 19.90++ (Mon-Thurs) and 20.90++ (Fri-Sun). Check their site for promotions and other prices.

WILL: Abbey have been for a number of times due to official meetings. Well, if he can tag me along why not. But on those instances I cannot go with him. So on the day that he want to make a farewell to one of his colleague he chose to celebrate it in Riverwalk Tandoor. 

It is just beside the MoM at Clarke Quay. It's dinner on a Monday we do not expect it to be full but all the seats were occupied around 7pm. Good thing we made a reservation.

I love the most is their Tandoori Chicken that i smothered the mint sauce and ate it with their biryani rice. I can't remember how many times I went back to buffet table for papadum. Why? Their papadum is not oily but still crunchy. I love it!

Abbey's colleague is picky in food but this restaurant made her full. It only means that Riverwalk Tandoor has delectable menu. Cheers! 

Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort

ABBEY: Spending quality time with family is a reward for every OFW. But being with them in an out-of-town trip with food and travel is more than a reward. Planning and booking at Villa Escudero got everyone excited and finally the day came. 

We left Manila by almost 7AM and got there by 10. We were welcomed warmly by their staff as well as their welcome drinks. And we were led to the cashier for the tickets. But before going in, we ate our breakfast. Everybody preferred to hop to the cart pulled by a carabao rather than motorised vehicle. I think the carabao got a hard time pulling the 20 of us. A folk singer rendered us native songs along our way to the Waterfalls restaurant. The kids went first to the pool and enjoyed the waters and each adult went for their own selfie time. 

Lunch time is at Waterfalls restaurant. Eat to your stomach's content while the stream of water touch your feet. I think I ate more than 15 lumpiang toge and pork adobo but with less rice. That's how you do buffet. Siesta became alive while the performers (staffs of the resort is part of this too) showcased cultural dances to the tunes played by the string band aside from drinking freshly brewed coffee. After the presentation, the audience had the chance to take snaps with them. 

We stroll along the resort riding a long golf cart; the resort has a church, halls for weddings and meetings, and cabins for guests who will stay overnight. 

We visited their museum which exhibits church relics, coins and notes from different countries, clothes used by former Philippine presidents, and war articles like guns and uniforms. 

It was a fun-filled day and ended up on a sip of hot bulalo of Leslie's in Tagaytay. Hoping there would be more like this.

WILL: This is supposedly a celebration of my mother's bday. In the very last minute, mother backed-out the idea. Well, we still pursue to visit the famous Villa Escudero. 

We traveled without traffic for almost 4 hours. Whew! I enjoyed the ride because of the non-stop conversation with my siblings. And you will not dare to sleep because Ate Sol relentlessly taking shots of the person who's snatching some slumber. Haha!

We were greeted by genuine smiles of the people at the concierge. We informed them that we have a reservation and we settled the fees. They accept cash and major credit cards. We ate some breakfast at the before we went inside. 

Carabao!!! We got into the cart and carabao pulled us to our destination. When the children saw the pool, instantly they took off their shirts and changed to their swimming outfits. Within a second their already in the pool enjoying the cold waters in it. 

Rafting is free and I love to do it again. Yes! This is my second time in the place. Abbey was partnered by my Kuya Ric and I was with Papa RS. Luckily Papa knew how to operate the raft. We sailed with a great speed. Blissfully enjoyed the experience. 

After our tiring-but-enjoyeable rafting, we went to the manmade waterfalls for our buffet lunch. It made my tummy almost burst. Haha! What ate mangoes, vegetables and lumpia. I made three trips for that. Drool!!! We spend 2 hours of non-stop-chewing. Haha. 

We went back to the pool and my siblings lie down on the beach seats for siestas. 3pm the performance starts. We watched while sipping a hot coffee. After the show we decided to go roam around the villa. You can hail the whole vehicle and they will tour you to the whole land owned by the resort. 

Our last stop was the museum. No cameras were allowed. Strictly for your eyes only. What's inside? Catholic images and a lot of paraphernalia. I hope they preserve and showcase it in a more organised way.  

We walked through the gate and saw our photos. My siblings happily bought it as their souvenirs.  

The long journey of 6 hours back and forth is worthwhile. Time spent with your loved ones is never been a wasted time.

Southwest Tours Boracay - A Hassle Free Boracay Transportation

ABBEY: It was my first trip to Boracay and I can say that the travel time is not boring nor irritating. Thanks to SouthWest as they took care of us for all the transfers that we need to go thru. Yes, from Kalibo airport to Boracay and back. 

Their service is great. Just put the "sticker" to your chest, look for SouthWest staffs or follow their signs, then you'll get to your destination safe and sound. No worries if you'll be in different hotels when you arrive and depart. Tell them the locations and they'll be there ahead of your schedule. Their staffs are always smiling and accommodate the guests well. 

Thanks SouthWest.

WILL: Who doesn't want a stress free vacation with your loved ones? Everyone is aiming a perfect vacation right but a multi-mode of transport holiday is quite tiring. Its either you will book on the spot to save some pennies or to book advance and skip the queue. 

Southwest Tours was recommended by almost all of the hotels of Boracay for their airport-hotel-airport transfers. I checked their rates online and compared to friends who always visit Boracay. They confirmed that if I would like to wait and haggle for some hundred pesos they would recommend for me to skip Southwest and book it walk-in. The catch? You will trade few minutes or even an hour to wait until the bus/boat/tricycle to get full. Well, time is more important to me and Abbey so despite of few peso we opted for Southwest Travels and Tours. 

When we arrived at Kalibo Airport a small banner indicating our name greeted us. We were given a sticker and tickets. We were led immediately to their bus and not more than 20minutes our bus is speeding its way for a 2-hour journey. Seat is comfortable, bus is clean and I never passed the opportunity to take some snooze. Haha. 

We alight from the bus and we were guided by staffs of Southwest until we reached their small yacht. No more than ten minutes, we sailed. Half an hour we reached Caticlan Port. As usual there are their staffs waiving at us and guiding us. We then took a small van up to our hotel. 

On our way back to Manila, their service never fail. Our call time is 1130am for them to pick us up and the hotel concierge informed us that the Southwest staff is there waiting for us from 1030am. They are not on time. They are ahead of it. Haha! 

I felt so VIP on our tour at Boracay. Thanks Southwest Travels and Tours for making our vacation hassle-free. 

Please do visit their website. Please click here.