ABBEY: Before heading to LTA Galleryfor our visit, we had our lunch first at Banana Leaf restaurant at Race Course Road. The place was almost full and the staffs were busy attending to guests need. We placed our order via their interactive menu (iPad). Since it was packed, the order was delayed for a couple of minutes. Good thing the soda came early. I had chicken briyani. For the price, the serving is small compared to other Indian restaurant I've been but it is full of flavor. We also had another bowl of papadum for 2SGD. I think the restaurant will appeal mostly to foreigners and visitors of Singapore.
Chicken Briyani
Chicken Tikka Masala
Receipt at iPad
WILL: After my Saturday work, we took our lunch at Banana Leaf Apolo. It is one of the most popular Indian Cuisine Restaurant in Singapore. But the question, is it the best? All seats are almost occupied when we reached around 1:30PM. Not more than 10 minutes when they guided us to our seat. 15 minutes after we gave our orders, the food was served. Anything special on their food? As my memory and taste buds serves me right..none. Maybe it is famous because it is one of the oldest/first. 'Till our next food hunt! Thanks for visiting our blog!
ABBEY: The Land Transport Gallery exhibits how the transport system in Singapore evolved to what it is now. We hop on to the "train" and go back in time. The first phase shows the early public vehicles used for transport. It includes old models of buses and taxis. The next phase gave us a glimpse of the tickets given by the conductors and also the driver information cards. Then the works began on the next phase. As there is scarcity in space, Singapore dug tunnels to cater expressways and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). With this, the traffic flow is more manageable and efficient. We were guided to an auditorium where we were shown situations that need our opinions in terms of votes. Would you rather build more roads so less traffic or build more playground and malls for people to use? Would you prefer MRT to be built near your home where there will be noise or ride a bus before you're able to get to MRT? Would you rather take public transportation where seat is not guaranteed or drive your car and not have guaranteed parking spot on the place you're going to? These are the same situations Singapore considered when developing the system. There is no right or wrong answer. It only shows that there will be trade offs if you take one of the steps and everybody should accept that to move forward.
Different EZ-Link Cards
Singapore Sample Car Plates
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Land Transport Strategies
WILL: One of Singapore's pride. The way they develop their public transportation over the years. To learn where to go in future you need to acknowledge the past and that is the reason we visited Land Transport Gallery. Guided tour is FREE for everyone. Like other tours we have encountered, it is fun and educational...oh, there is an exam before you go out of the gallery. So better listen! :) Videos are not allowed inside but photos are permitted. Well, what I can say with LTA? They are doing their job in a fast-pace! Till the next inauguration of new MRT line LTA! Cheers!
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Land Transport Gallery (Singapore)
(A) No 1 Hampshire Road Block 1 Level 1
(H) *Mondays to Saturdays: 9am to 5pm (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays)
(W) https://www.lta.gov.sg/ltgallery/index.html
For Booking: Send email to ltgallery@lta.gov.sg with the following details.
ABBEY: This blog aims to help readers on how to apply for a US Visitor Visa (B2). Only that and nothing else. I know this is not the first blog to give this information but I felt compelled to clear things out or debunk myths about the application specially to my countrymen, the Filipinos. Since this is a process, it is standardized and it doesn't matter where you apply for visa. Be it India, Canada, Singapore or Philippines, it will all be the same.
Without further ado, here are the steps: 1. Determine what visa type are you applying. 2. Pay for US Visa application Fee. 3. Fill up DS-160 form online 4. Schedule your interview 5. Visit US embassy on your scheduled date. 6. Passport delivery Yes, only 6 steps. But I'll explain each of them further.
My wife and I are based in Singapore. Obviously, we need to apply visa in US Embassy Singapore. 1. Determine what visa type are you applying: This is where a lot of people gets confused and this is only the first step.Kindly ensure that you know what type of visa you need. B-1 - Business B-2 - Tourism, Pleasure, Visiting B-1 / B2 - Combination of both. We want to tour US so we chose the non-immigrant visitor visa (B-2). 2. Pay for US Visa application Fee. We were able to pay the fee online and paid SGD 224 per person. Make sure to have a copy of your receipt. This is needed when you visit US Embassy for your interview. 3. Fill up DS-160 form online. Upon filling up DS-160 form, you will be asked for the fee receipt payment. For us, our payment only got reflected the next day. An application ID will be given to you upon the starting to fill up the form. This is useful if you're not able to finish it or want finish it later. Be sure to save it frequently as it is timing out when idle and all your information will be lost. Have you passport, employment contract, history, information of your relatives (immediate family, aunt/uncle, cousins), 2x2 picture be handy as information from these docs will be required. For 2x2 picture we went to a photo shop aware of US passport photo requirements. This ensured that our photo is correct. Be reminded to be truthful in any information that you will be submitting. These particulars will help in your case to be strong for your interview. Fill up the form yourself as I heard many stories that is being filled up by somebody for them. Not that I'm saying that is incorrect, but it would be better if you do it yourself. Or review it before submission if somebody do it for you. Upon submission, you will be asked to print or have the DS-160 confirmation page sent to your mail. 4. Schedule your interview You need to register and create a login. We scheduled our interview one week after our online application submission. The site also gives a suggestion the earliest time for your interview (maybe for people who wants to have a schedule urgently). Once your scheduled is confirmed, you need to print it. Once we got the schedule, we were told to bring the following: a. Interview Appointment/Schedule Letter b. DS-160 Confirmation Page c. Passport (bring ALL the passports; OLD and NEW) d. Fee receipt e. One receipt 2x2 photo (with white background) 5. Visit US embassy on your scheduled date. Go to US embassy on the appointed time. Not 15 minutes early or 15 minutes late. Upon arrival, a staff will check the documents specified in the Interview Appointment Letter. Then the security checks began. Empty the pockets and belt will be removed. Our phones stayed at the guard. Only the documents in a bag went with us. It is advisable not bring big bags and other electronic gadgets. Once inside, one staff checked our passports and then pointed us to go to a window to get a queue number. Then our number was called for finger printing. Next is the interview. Our interview lasted less than 5 minutes. Again, just like in submitting online application, be truthful. It will set you free :) And you will hear these words like music to your ears "Your visa has been approved". 6. Passport delivery The passport will be delivered 3 days after your interview. But for us, it came after only 2 days. That's it. I hope this will be helpful for those hopefuls out there. Any advise from me? 1. Speak only the truth. 2. Review the info you submitted. Sometimes we tend to forget details when we get nervous. 3. Don't get nervous in the interview. The consul is just doing his/her job to filter who will go in and out of the US. 4. Give what information the consul is asking for. Get straight to the point. MYTHS DEBUNKED MYTH:You need to buy travel tickets before your interview. TRUTH:It doesn't hold any weight for them to approve your visa. MYTH:Wear formal attire. TRUTH:You can wear clothes you are comfortable with during the interview. MYTH:If you apply too early or too near on your travel date, your visa will be approved. TRUTH:Date doesn't matter. MYTH:You are in too much pressure when you will see the faces of consulates. TRUTH: They are very friendly and warm. MYTH:You must speak fluent in English. TRUTH:You can ask for an interpreter. We were ecstatic when we got the visa. Our smiles were ear to ear. Even though we knew where to go after the interview (to have breakfast), we were just disoriented as we were in cloud nine. Now, we can plan our trip to US to visit my sister and see places of interest in "The Land of the Free".
Multiple Entry Visit Visa
WILL: It is like a beautiful dream because many compared it like a nightmare. Yep! You are reading it right, many people told their horror stories and nightmares in applying for a US Visa. So why it is a dream? Because until now I am in euphoria. I am expecting the worst of the worst and the biggest fear for some people but for us it is like...flawless.
So how we get ready to confront this? We prayed then planned for it. Supposedly, we will be leaving for USA this 2016 but due to some circumstances we delayed it. On our Maldives trip, while I am taking a shower, my inner voice dictated to me that we MUST get visa for next year. Lo and behold, when we were back here in Singapore, my sister-in-law break the news that she will not be available to go home in Manila. And that is the best sign and reason for us to pursue to visit her in Chicago. Pray for what you want then plan. That's the key. :)
Abbey tackled above the step-by-step we have done in filing our DS-160 form, in my part, I will tell you what questions were commonly asked based on our observation inside the embassy and what questions consulates asked the people we knew who also applied for US Visa. Commonly asked questions during USA visitor visa interview: *Why are you going to the US? *Have you been to the US before? *Do you have relatives in the US? *Who is going to sponsor your visit? *Where will you stay in the US? *What does your relative do? *How much your relative's salary? *What company does your relative work? *How long has your relative been in the US? *Which visa is your relative is on? *Will your spouse accompany you on your trip? *Why isn't your spouse accompanying you? *When do you plan to travel? *What are you going to do in US? *What is the purpose of your trip? *Have you bought your tickets? *Do you have return air tickets? *How much is your budget from this trip? *Have you been outside your country before? *Is this your first time to visit US? *What places do you want to visit? *How long will you stay in US? *What is the guarantee that you will come back? *When did you last see your relative? *When did your relative last visit your country? *Where do you stay in this country? *When did your relative go to US? *What work do you do and what company? *What is your job description? *How much do you earn monthly? *Did you take leave at your job? *Who will look after your business in your absence? *What assets/property do you have in your country? *Who will take care of your property while you are gone? *Do you have a credit card? *Will you work in the US? *Can you tell me your relative's contact details?
Maybe you are baffled why we can eavesdrop on other interviewees? The consulates are speaking through microphones and the room has a capacity of around 50 persons. Just imagine, how small the room is. Sorry for listening to others conversation. Hehe. Below is the exact interview questions we have with the US consulate. (as we remembered) What will you do in US? Where you will stay in US? How long have you been in Singapore? Is your sister PR or Citizen in US? How long your sister in US? Do you have any other relatives in US? How many years you have been in Dell? How many years you have been Rejoice? Have you been to US?
--- Your visa has been approved!
The consul didn't required us any supporting documents to support our claims. I think I have more than 5 kilos of papers inside my bag. Whew! Anyways, we still pursue to bring all of those whenever they need some proof.
Below are the documents we have in our hands: From our Ate Abigail Copy Birth Certificate Copy of her and Kuya Roy passports. Invitation Letter
From our employers: Latest 3-month payslip Certificate of Employment
From Us: Latest 3-month bank transactions (Philppines / Singapore) Latest 3-month credit card transactions Last 3-year IRAS computation Original Insurance Policy Copy Deeds of Sale / Copy of Land Titles Birth Certificate Marriage Certificate Old Passports US Visa Photo Printed Account Ledger of Shares (Stocks) Printed Mutual Funds Portfolio (Singapore / Philippines)
That's it. Be prepared, emotionally, faithfully and financially (if you will declare that you will be the paying for that trip).
Fear stroked me one day before the interview, but I pray and pray and I assure The Almighty that we really want to visit my sister-in-law and we are now ready to receive the US TOURIST VISA. :)
ABBEY: Facial spa session to me is a painful way being good looking :) Whenever we booked an appointment, I'm hoping it will be cancelled. Haha. It is just that my pain tolerance is low. That's why I wondered where did the pain go when we had one at Spa Symphony (313 Somerset). After laying down, cleansing cream and scrub were put on my face. Next is the steam. Then the pricking began. The staff told me that it will be painful, but to my amazement, it's not the same "ouch" level compared in the Philippines. This is good news for me. After pricking, face massage started. The cream put on me smells good and citrus. Then the "heavy", cold mask was applied. I slept until the mask hardened. The song on my mind after the mask was removed is "I can't feel my face when I'm with you". Haha. My face felt very light. It is as if I became teenager again. Thanks Spa Symphony.
Centella Classic Facial by Spa Symphony (313@Somerset Singapore)
WILL: It was supposed to be facial before our Maldives vacation but Abbey is afraid that the sun may irritate his skin. Then, we opted to avail our package after sun-kissing. Spa Symphony is pretty helpful in looking for perfect schedule that will suit us. Thanks again for the assistance. On that Friday night, I am surprised on how they do their facial.
The room is 'snowy-cold' but they gave us bed with warmer. Whoah! Instance relaxation! The session begun when they put a cold cream on my face, wipe it off, exfoliation, then cream again, then wiping it off again. She put a cold cotton on my eyes and aim the steamer on to my face.
After few minutes, she started to 'deep' clean my face. As usual, she didn't get too many impurities. Fanny was so amazed to know that I do not use anything on my face for past 2 years. Yep! Even cleanser or facial wash.
After that 'cleaning', she started to massage my face. Yes! Massage! I will not forget that event. For almost half an hour, she is kneading my forehead, cheeks, chin, nose and even the eyes. Relaxation at its finest. Her fingers seems dancing on my face! Haha!
She wiped off the cream then put a mask and again a small cold cloth just to protect my eyelashes. Fanny put on cream and shockingly put some on the eye area too, 3points-ahhh moment. After few minutes, you can feel that the cream is already hard and I felt sad because I know it will be the end of our session.
I always wait to visit Manila just to get the cleansing facial I want to achieve and yet after my 6th year here in Singapore, I finally saw what I am looking for. Ahmm, actually it exceeds my criteria.
Thanks to all the staff of Spa Symphony for this memorable facial/massage you have rendered to me and husband.
ABBEY: One time after buying grocery items from Fairprice (Waterway Point), we passed buy Encik Tan and saw long queue. This is the same scenario even by the day we tried to order. We brought home chicken leg/cutlet curry rice. Those are their special items. The gravy is spicy, creamy, and delicious. It really went well with the rice and fried chicken. However it seems that the serving for dine in is more than the take-away. Meaning, we have to come back there :) They also serve noodles, hot and cold drinks.
Encik Tan's Chicken Drumstick Set
Encik Tan's Menu
WILL: Why there is always a long queue? I glanced at the menu and surprisingly the value is reasonable. Then I told Abbey to try the food in there. One night, when we are running out of time for us to cook, I pulled Abbey to this restaurant and instructed him to queue while I am giving an eye on our grocery carts. Few minutes later, he is on the cashier ordering and paying our meal, it is for tapao. We were shocked to see that the rice is so less than to meals that was eaten at the restaurant. But when we tasted the curry sauce! OMG! Now I know why there is a lot people in line just to eat this food. The curry is spicy, thick. :) Chicken is still crunchy! My tastebuds is dancing because of the flavours. :) Recommendable!!!
WILL: We got a $20 voucher, free, when we avail the package of Symphony Spa. And just before it expires, we went to 313@Somerset to redeem it. We chose to dine at Wildfire Burger.
We didn't call for reservations and we are quite shocked that the tables were reserved. Just in luck, we got seat to take. Ahmm, should I say high seat...high chair and high table, haha!
Abbey chose burger for me, and he picked truffled mushroom ($23). Burgers arrived and we were so happy to see the juices flowing out of the meat while we are slicing it.
The taste is awesome! This is not your ordinary hamburger place. Aside for awesome food they got impressive people too. They will asked you how do you do for the day, is everything ok with your meal, do you enjoy your food. Yes! They care!
Thanks for a total experience people at Wildfire! Totally recommended for a date night.
ABBEY: We went out and see what the 9th year of Singapore Night Festival has to offer. We got to see the stickmen dancing, playing and jumping in the facade of National Museum. They are artwork from France called Keyframes. Another show is the Wheel House (on museum's mainground). It is an acrobatic show on a big wheel. Maybe it would be better if there's a spotlight and louder sound for the performance. While the other spectators were busy where to go next I went back to where the Keyframe was installed and I was able to see Les AquamenS. They are men-in-black with upside down bowl aquarium as helmets. Yes, an upsidedown aquarium; meaning with water and fish. Unfortunately, there were no more seats for the The Story Box show and the next performance will be too late. So we headed to Philatelic Museum where the songs from Shakespeare's works were played. I looked forward for The Siege: A light saber sword fight. But to my disappointment, they used the street rather than the stage. I understand the safety factor but a lot of people could have enjoyed it if they can see it better. Only the frontliners see it clearly and knew what has happened. :(
I hope this can be looked at. Setup stages with proper lightings and sounds.
Lego Wall for 10th Anniversary of Singapore Night Festival
Singapore FlashForward
WILL: 9th year!!! Congrats to Bras Basah Bugis precinct on this glamorous and widely known event in Singapore! For this year, it was packed by performers with different genres to offer the public. If you are a youth who loves to listen to local artists, your ideal place will be the the vacant lot in front of SMU school. Out of this world roving performer like Aquamen was at the grounds of National Museum. As usual there is a street party at Armenian Street. We were astounded to see that there live performance at Philatelic Museum. When I heard Cappella Martialis play their respective instruments, I would love to just sleep right there and then. As usual, it is a feast! It is a merrymaking! I wonder now who will be the performers next year. Can't wait for their surprises. Oh! Please do take note that museums are open for public for free when the Night Festival commenced. One more thing, make a contribution for wall of Lego :)
ABBEY: We landed in Male, Maldives 3PM local time. After a 25-minute speedboat ride, we reached Centara Ras Fushi resort where we were ushered at their lobby for resort orientation. A couple of minutes passed, then we were given our pair of keys, ride on to a golf cart and transported to our water villa. Our home for our stay has a jacuzzi, king-size bed, an office table, walk-in closet, docking station for phones, tv, dvd player, ceiling fan, telephones, safety box, mini bar, toilet, and bath. I'll be listing out the resort's features.
Spa
Since we're already on the island, we booked for a 60-minute foot spa for 90USD++ each. We were led to a small villa and then they washed our feet in warm water. This is a foot spa but we laid to a spa table and a couple of minutes later I'm off to Dreamland. The massage is relaxing. I think I snored a lot. After the session, we were given dried fruit and tea.
Bars: They offer wines, cocktails, mocktails, coffee, teas, soft drinks and snacks.
Viu Bar
This is where you can see a good view of the sunset. Maybe that's why they called it a "Viu (view)" bar. It has a hole at its center which shows the blue water and fish can be seen as well; an "aquarium" direct from the sea. It also has nets and couches where you can relax while enjoying the view and your drink.
Pool Bar
As the name implies, it is the bar at the pool. How cool is that? Swim all you want or bathe in the sun and if you're thirsty then just go to the bar and order your drink of choice. The Pool Bar also extend their service to the guests at the beach.
Grivaaru bar
The first bar you'll get into as it is adjacent to the resort's lobby. The view on this bar is the jetty where the guests arrive and go. Also, they have a big screen to project sports shows.
Restaurants: Be quick to plan and get a reservation before they're gone.
Oceans Restaurant:
This is where you can have buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have Western and Asian cuisines. I've prepared my body for Maldives; workout here and there. But once we arrived, all day is cheat-day. Who can resist bacon, omelette, poached eggs, Thai congee, chicken barbecue, roasted pork, croissants, chicken and tuna salads, cold cuts, cheese, grilled corn, vegetable quiche, bread and pastries and fruits? Also, the staff is always asking you to come back. If you're not quick enough to make reservations, then this is your default. Not that it's not good, but it is advisable to try the other restaurants as well.
La Brezza
I told you a tip for making reservations on another restaurant as we learned it the hard way. We were like a chance passenger when we dine for dinner at La Brezza. We only got the seats 30 minutes before closing. And the mindset is that you eat fast. Haha. It is an Italian restaurant which has a homey ambiance. The light fixture is like you are in Medieval times.
Al Khaimah
We secured seats here at 7:30PM. We were the first guests to arrive. A low-spreading tree welcomed us at the entrance and we're ushered to our table. The ambiance is Arabic; in a tent where low tables and pillows and carpets were used. Definitely, footwear should be removed. I got a platter consist of lamb chops, chicken kebabs, grilled tomatoes and capsicum. This time, we pair it with red wine. Messi happily explained to us and suggested which wine to get. I only had a glass as he told us that the effect will be felt later and I don't want to get dizzy or tipsy going back to our villa. Also, Wilma will not be able to carry me. Haha.
Suan Bua
We had lunch at this Thai restaurant. We were given a rack of condiments but no need for that as the food is flavorful and savory. You can enjoy the view overlooking the pool and beach. I also had tiramisu and fruit salad for dessert. I watered all down with a couple of glasses of Blue Ocean mocktail.
One thing I can suggest to the management with regards to reservations: be strict with the time by giving grace period only and not the whole dinner time. If the guest reserved for 8PM, and hasn't come by 8:15PM, then it will be forfeited and be given to other guests. Or schedule the guests when will they dine on each restaurant. Yes, I understand the customers are always right, but this will give a total whole experience of the resort for each guest.
Centara Ras Fushi also offers waiting for lounge for the guests who checked out after 12PM but the flight is later that night. The room is full of comfortable couches where you can lay on and also offers coffee and tea. After checkout, guests can enjoy mocktails but any alcoholic drinks and snacks will be charged.
We enjoyed our stay. Thanks to all the staff specially Natsumi, Zoey, Zarah, Faizal, and Fahad. Had a slight misunderstanding with Lovely but got resolved eventually.
Centara's Welcoming Icon
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
Boardwalk to water villa
WILL: News after news that Maldives' Island will soon be submerged in waters of Indian Ocean made my husband was devastated. Abbey hit me again with a request, he wants to see the magnificent Maldives.
Maldives is well-known for honeymooners and couples who want to have an "us" time. And for you to stay at these impressive islets that hold resorts, you will need half of your life savings to be in there. Whew! To tell you the truth, this is our most expensive getaway. For 4days/3nights stay, we withdrew S$4,630.80. Flights, speedboat, use of non-motorized water sports equipment and full board accommodation. Oh by the way, 'full board' means it includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, wine, mocktails, beer, and cocktails.
So what can I say with Centara Ras Fushi Resort of Maldives. Me, Wilma, a self-confessed frugal woman, chose to be in here rather than the resort that is cheaper in value. Actually, W Maldives have a inexpensive offer than this Centara but why I still went for this? Because of the reviews of bloggers. You should consider how far the island from its airport, why? You will be disturbed by the in and out of planes. You should check too if that resort is open for day-tour, if so, you should check how extensive they can roam to that island. Is there a pool? What the bloggers have been told about the customer service? How clean the room is. And a lot to consider. After two months reading reviews here and there, Abbey and I decided to go for Centara Ras Fushi.
Let's start with De Luxe Spa Over Water Villa. Abbey and I want to have a full blast celebration of our wedding anniversary. So why not book for the high-end room. We talked to our travel agency that we want the best room, which is not in their offer letter to us, Dawn of Green Holidays Tours and Travel came back to us with the excellent deal they can get, we primarily booked the high-end room and within 30minutes she came back to me telling that this room is fully occupied on the date of our visit. The difference is the overwater netting that can also be found at Viu Bar. So, we went for the 2nd best. Huhu!
The room, is clean and spacious. We are on 'sunrise' area, which is a good thing for me as I am ecstatic every time I see the light creeping up the darkness. Just below our water villa are corals that house different kinds of fish. After you splashed on cold waters of the ocean and pool, you can soak yourself in the hot and calm water of jacuzzi and feel the breeze of the sea.
There are 3 restaurants in the island resort. Oceans offers a buffet from breakfast to dinner, the Suan Bua (Thai) and La Brezza (Italian). They only serve lunch and dinner and only 1 menu for the whole day. Al Khaimah has a Middle Eastern Menu and only open for dinner. So you need to schedule early for this because it is always fully-booked. Do not forget to pair your meats with wine and take note of the restaurants timing.
For snacks you can go at Viu Bar, this is the best place to witness the sunset while sipping your favorite cocktail or mocktail or wine. At the pool bar, you can order drinks to hydrate your body while having a dip.
So that is what we do at the resort for our stay. Sleep, eat, swim, repeat! Haha.
Oh! On our last day, we visited their renowned massage/spa. We booked 4pm. We ate our last lunch at La Brezza, sleep at their cozy Chill Lounge then we headed to Cenvaree SPA to pamper our feet. That is the first time we were requested to lie down for just a foot massage. Heaven!! After kneading, we were lead to an open space and there are a drinks and pack of sands that were pressed down to our shoulders! Wooohooo! Relief.
After our relaxation time, we headed to the lobby to get some drinks. After we finished the snacks, we went back to the chill lounge to wait for our speedboat.
We bid goodbye to the ever loving people of Centara. This is a memorable experience for us. We will never forget this! Ever!!!
