Visiting Singapore (Part IV)

January 15

Nothing special happened in the morning, did the same old routine of finding jobs in the internet and opening my Facebook account. Went to Fitness First after lunch, attended the Body Combat class there which was instructed by a Singaporean guy (the guy was really good). Compared to

At night, Sig, Michelle and I decided to meet and have dinner together but before that Michelle and I took a picture of us and The House of Condom as our background. Aftre that Sig treated us to his favorite Thai restaurant (forgot the name) inside Paragon mall? (already my memory is failing me)

The food tasted really good and the price... really great :P . But for Sig it was no major of a deal. Thanks Sig!

Visiting Singapore (Part III)

I'm so sorry about my blog. It's text heavy and probably lots of errors. I'll do my best to make things interesting. I don't have pictures to show, especially the previous parts, it is because I don't have a camera with me. (Poor guy... donations please?)

January 14
Going to Changi Airport to fetch Sig

Sig will be arriving in the morning. I was planning on riding the bus instead of the train. Buses here makes me nervous because It goes around certain areas that I don't know. The map that I have does not show all roads in Singapore, if I leave the but at the wrong place, its a big problem. Tita suggested I took the train going Woodlands and take the bus going to the airport.

So I'm at the bus going to the airport. Quite a long ride if you ask me but its worth it. The view was great. In about 20 minutes I was there but I have a problem. Sig will be at terminal 2 and I don't know where will the bus stop. I decided to go down at the first stop, which is at terminal 3. Sig and I were talking on the phone exchanging info on how and where we should meet. I took sometime to figure things out.

Its a great thing I went inside terminal 3. Man it was one hell of a place. Its does not look like an ordinary airport, if you think terminal 2 is good, terminal 3 was super, hyper, totally wonderfully awesome. Terminal 3 was massive and the architecture was outstanding. To get to terminal 2 you must take the train or the bridge. I don't want to spend so I pass using the train.

I think I'm inside the Star Trek ship. The bridge was not brightly lit but it has this future techy feeling. After asking some people for directions, finally I was there. Sig and I took the cab and went to his place. A fine place he's staying. Liked the pool though. I forgot which floor he's at but I think 23? After unpacking his things we left and went out to eat lunch.

(3 weeks had past - real time)

Alright, after quite some time, I decided to continue this part three and with pictures. :P

Now where were we... Oh yup. After eating lunch, Sig and I went to visit some good places in Singapore. Our first destination was in Suntec. We went there so that I'll have an idea on how to get there , especially I will be going to a job fare there on Friday.

Next we went to Funan, a place to be, especially for the computer enthusiast and technology gurus. Lots of low prices gadgets, from personal computers to gaming consoles. Really neat place.

Nest stop was in Esplanade,

we went through a parking lot and found ourselves surrounded with extravagant cars. I found this car and asked Sig to take my picture with it. I'm not into cars but this one caught my eyes. *sign* (dream on aids :D)

moving on... well Sig and I felt the tiredness already and as much as we wanted to extend our journey we decided to head back home.

Visiting Singapore (Part II)

January 13
My Sunday Experience

The whole morning I was checking the internet and the Saturday newspaper for job openings. There was a lot for a graphic designer position but most of them does not apply for my status there as foreigner. Some companies would only accept Singaporean or PR (Private Residence). From 13 companies looking for a graphic designer, now I am only qualified to apply for 6, well its better than none. I asked my sister to send me my resume and a picture to my email account at yahoo because I failed to bring my one and only flash drive.

During my stay at our pharmacist's house, I was able to get to know Joy, Riech sister and an electrical engineer. I asked them if there are any churches here in Singapore for me to go. You know, its a Sunday, its a basic ritual for a Christian like me to go to mass. Joy told me that they have a 'praise and worship' near the mall beside Paragon (forgot the name) and she will be expecting us there at 5:30pm (I will be going with her mom to Lucky Plaza at 2pm).

2 o' clock Tita and I left the house (for two weeks I was not able to get kuya Reich's mom's name but I call her Tita instead). When we got there, she told me that she will have her nails done and while she's at it, she told me to look around and enjoy. We'll meet near the Mcdonald's stand in front of Lucky Plaza.

For 2 hours I walked around Lucky Plaza, a place where most Filipino's meet during week ends, especially Sunday. Where ever you go you can hear tagalog words fying around. It feels like home, in a way. It's funny when you see some Pinoy establishments, especially when you read the Titles of the store: Baclaran store, Glorietta store, etc. There's this KTV establishment that looks like a 'kabaret' with a message on the door saying "Welcome kabayan!". I came upon Absolute Comics, a store that sells comics and action figures, there, I spend most of my time looking at the things they were selling.

5:10pm, Tita and I accidentally met at out meeting place. Why accidentally? She told me that she will give me a call after she's done with her errand but unfortunately she was not able to contact me. It is good thing I decided to go there.

Then we walked and found the location. It is an open place with lots of tables for people to eat on. There I met joy and her friends. She introduced me and told them that I am looking for work. When we entered the building, we took the elevator and entered an auditorium. Somebody hander over a flyer that tells about the the "Hope Church", a Filipino Ministry in Sinagpore. Joy introduces me again some of her other friends, telling them again that I am looking for work. Wow talk about free advertisement. Yes they were helping Filipinos find work there. I met Euan, a Singaporean. I met Bangs, Anthony, Merwin, Ramil, Susan (A), Susan (B) and many more Filipinos whose name I have forgotten.

The 'praise and worship' began and to my surprise it was the same as to how we do it during our praise and worship at YAM (Young Adults Ministry) in the Philippines. They play Hillsong and Don Moen songs. There is a pastor who gives a sharing. While I was listening to Pastor Cristy, she's a Singaporean by the way, I felt that the message she was telling the crowd was almost about me. I remembered when she said "For 25 years God molded you and brought you here for a purpose". Yeah I wish my stay here, though its short, will bring good fruits. After that the shepherds (the leaders) came in front, those who wishes to be prayed for, may come to any of the shepherds and they will pray for you (I went to Susan and ask her to pray for me).

After that very wonderful praise and worship, Joy introduced me to her friend, a girl (name forgotten) and a graphic designer, to see if she can help me. Unfortunately, she was not able to because her company needed someone who can understand Chinese.

We went out to have some dinner. Euan went with me and told me that all new comers will be treated for dinner. So he showed me around, told me to look for interesting food that I wish to eat. I am undecided, so he escorted me to this Korean stall and told me that the food here was good. So he asked which food I would like to eat, I pointed to this meal that looks like a spaghetti, it was called Laksa, he paid for the meal and the drinks as well. When we went to the group's table to eat, some body told me "can you handle the spice?". I thought I can but the spice was too much I could not finish the soup. Good thing they bought another glass of iced tea.

We left the place and on our way to the train station, some of the folks that I met asked for my number. They might text me if they find a job for me and to keep in touch as well. We all departed and said our goodbyes.

Visiting Singapore (Part I)

Yep, I know its kinda late to tell you the story of my life while I was in Singapore for two weeks. Internet use in internet houses there is expensive. They will charge you 1 SGD (1SGD = 29 Php) for a 20 min use, so let's just say writing in blogs and chatting are not the best way into spending your money, unless of course needed. ( Facebook is an exception :P )

January 12
Inside the airplane of Philippine Airlines

The plane took off at around 7:30 in the morning. Beside me was a Filipino guy on his mid 50's? Not sure actually. He asked me if I'm going to study there and answered him that I am just visiting and it was my very first travel abroad. I was trying to get some sleep within the three hour travel time but unfortunately I was not able to because my whole being does not want to. I would blame the Rush Hour 3 they're playing on the monitor screens, for it sure does keep me entertained and could not escape it.

Changi Airport (Singapore)

Three hours had pass, we are about to leave the plane. When I got off I was both nervous and brave. I don't know where to go and have no idea what awaits me there. On the bridge we were welcomed by Singaporeans, most of them Chinese girls and at the end two Indian women shouting while waving some forms in their hand saying "Whose going to Jakarta!?". Obviously I continued walking, I'm sure I don't have any business with them or what so ever.

I came out and light flashed so brightly that I could not see where I am. As the blinding light fades, the picture of reality was made clear. Lots of different people moving about, from Chinese to Indian, some you might think Filipino but they are of Malay nationality and many more. I was inside Singapore's ginormous airport.

Looking around I know I was lost. 'I hope that I could meet a Filipino so that I have someone to talk to and show me where to go' was in my thoughts. Then I saw my Pinoy seat mate in the airplane, I know this guy could help me out and when I was about to approach him, I already sensed that the guy knows my concerns. He told me to go down the elevator where the immigration is stationed. We introduced ourselves to one another. The guy's name is Bong. He worked in Singapore for two years and now he's going to another country (forgot where). I think he was just stopping over.

Finally I was at the immigration. I observed how people do it. Then I suddenly remembered what my mom and dad told me before I left. They said "Whatever it is that they might ask you... don't tell them that you are looking for work."

My turn came, trying to be brave, I gave my passport and said good morning. The woman was dead serious, didn't even bother to greet me back but I was anticipating a question that she might ask me. To my surprise the lady stamped my passport without any word and I was free as a bird. From there I followed the signs that leads me to the taxi area.

Going to Woodlands

It was weird having ridden a right hand drive taxi and it was an expensive car compared to the taxis we have in the Philippines. I called Ate Lanie, our former-pharmacist and now working at Singapore, told her that I will be heading to Bencoolen to look for this traveler's lodge my dad is talking about. She thought that I will be staying with my friend but told her that I won't be because he will be leaving on the 14th. After hearing this her husband, Reich, called and offered their place for me to stay.

I have to accept the offer for some really big reasons... One, I need someone to teach me things that a beginner must know. Two, I need to adjust, culture shock might give me bad trauma and finally, some company while I'm there.

After our conversation, while I was enjoying the scene around me, the taxi driver interrupted my silence with a question, "Are you Chinese?". Wow I think my first complement for the day. I told him "No I'm Filipino... Why? Do I look like Chinese?" He answered "You look like a Filipino Chinese." I dunno if he's being funny but I laughed. He was conversing with me for just a couple of minutes, I was not able to grasp everything that he just told me because I could not understand most of his words. We discussed some good places to visit here in Singapore and why I was here. He thought I was studying here but I told him I came to visit.

Finally, I arrived to my destination. It was in Woodlands, a very peaceful place to begin with. There was no houses there, I think there are no houses at all in this country but residential buildings. As the taxi stopped, kuya Reich approached us and quickly handed over some money to the driver as payment for my fare (Definitely I felt ashamed. He denied the money I was giving him for fare that I should be paying for) .

To keep the story short. The whole family welcomed me. Kuya Riech showed me how the whole train thing works and bought me some newspapers for my job hunting. I decided to walk around and find a good place to eat. I wanted to try something new but was afraid to do so, so I went to McDonalds instead. Looking at the meals, I see that there is nothing cheap. I bought this 2 SGD burger, which I thought that it is inclusive of a drink and fries but to my shock my meal cost 5 SGD. Oh well.

While I was eating I notice the couple with their kid next to my table. They were Filipinos. When the guy went to buy some drinks I introduced myself to the lady and started to converse with her. Her husband came and her wife introduced me to him. The guys name is Mer and the his wife, Shiela. They were looking for a new place to stay and because the rent had increased, they need a cheaper one and nearer from where they're currently working. After our conversation we both exchanged email addresses. They might contact me if they happen to find a job opening for me. I went home after and rested.

Off to Singapore

One more day and I'm leaving for Singapore (Today is January 10 but here at blogspot, its January 9). The very first country that I will be visiting. I don't know what to expect and definitely don't have any idea how to adjust. It feels weird not being nervous, specially given the thought that the first 2 days will be on my own.

So basically I'm an idiot there, scratching my head in confusion and understanding how things go. But hey that's Singapore, I think the most clean and orderly country, what else could go wrong?

I'll take what Jef, a good friend of mine, told me. Take it as an adventure. Have fun and make the most of the time.

Tonight, I'll be packing my things. I dunno what to bring, if only I have that PSP console, then it could help me pass the time... but it's a good thing I don't have it, coz I dunno what I could miss while playing.

Before I leave, I would just like to extend my deepest gratitude to friends and family who helped and even prayed for this:

Hey God, lots of thanks is not enough for all the blessings. Be with me always. Guide me, in all my travels there. May my cause be successful and fruitful. I lift up to you my life and all my concerns. Thy will be done and to you be the glory.

To my dad, I could not thank you enough for giving me this opportunity and for everything that you and mama did for me. I love you both and I am very proud to have you in this life.

To the Young Adults Ministry, thanks for the prayers and encouragement. More power in the coming years and God bless us all. To Ate, Liza, Maria, Bong, Gly and Cindy (thanks for that very wonderful prayer Cindy), take care always and thank you. You guys are my angels.

Thanks to my friends at Fitness First, SM Southmall... To Leo for giving me a map of Singapore, I'm sure it will help me a lot during my stay there. To Jomar, thanks for all the advice.

Sig! You saved me in so many ways and thank you very much. Marla, Jef, Casey and Joms thanks for encouraging me all the way. When I get back, remember to always make a schedule for our DOTA sessions. When I get a job there, hopefully, we'll celebrate.

Tita tess, how could I forget. Thanks for arranging my flight schedule, I apologize for interrupting you every time I call you for updates.

The Bloginner (Part III)

So part three it is. We'll I did introduce my title and stuff, so now let me tell you about the man behind 'Doppelganger' (naks)

Yeah I'm an artist, a Multimedia Arts graduate. Print designs, animation and other media stuff are my craft. If I could just live the whole day making artworks would be nice. On a personal level, I enjoy the time conceptualizing and creating presentations. Spending hours of non-stop creative thinking, sketching and mouse clicking. It is different on a professional level though. I struggle instead of enjoying it but of course not most of the time.

So, what inspires me? Here are some of the things that puts me into drawing.

(These are images taken from deviantart...sad to say it is not mine... but hopefully, someday, my artistry will reach this kind of level)

(I) Wizards and Sorcerers. It is their magic that makes me want to stand up in awe and excitement. It is their wisdom, their god-like voice and tranquil posture that makes them 'astig'. Every time I witness wizards, take Lord of The Rings for example, I imagine taking their place, chanting destructive spells and sealing protective wards.

Although you can't be like one in real life but there are things that you can actually do wizard-like. Writing and reading poems are good examples. I am not inclined to writing but because of my fascination and inspiration with wizards, I dedicated some of my precious time engaging in poetry. I used to read the readings during masses, which for me feels like reading spells. Cooking is like creating potions and antidotes.

(Again, images taken from deviantart)

(I) Ninjas and assassins. Truth be told I am a ninja wanna be (poor me, forever dreaming to be like one). If there is a school for those willing to study the art of ninjutsu, I might find myself part of that institution but unfortunately no such thing existed here in my country. I idolize them in so many ways and this resulted to my enthusiasm for sports and an active lifestyle.

I was part of the track and field varsity team during my college years. I enjoy running sprints and long distance run, and until now I still spend time running and exercising and will never get tired doing it. In a fitness club I always attend combat and yoga classes.

(Images taken from deviantart)

(III) Archangels. I rarely talk about my fascination with the heavenly beings. Imagine the massive army of God descending from heaven, all armored and wrapped in bright radiant light. Picture the final battle between good and evil, the hordes of demons rising from the darkness... now that my dear friend is one hell of a setting.

Perhaps my likeness for archangels is best associated to my spirituality. What is physical strength if the spirit is frail? Would you rather consider something temporary as important rather than what is everlasting? Prayer and moments of meditation brings you closer to the highest authority and keeps your soul healthy.

You see it is not just in drawings that my state of being inspired with these beings is channeled but also through the way I live. It has helped me achieve a certain degree of discipline and somehow improves my lifestyle.

The Bloginner (Part II)

This morning I was thinking about writing something, and I just realize that I should have given an introduction as to why I chose the title for my blog. This should be my part one instead of the part two, the thing is it didn't cross my mind... was excited maybe.

Doppelganger, in the dictionary is a ghostly double of a living person, especially one that haunts its fleshly counterpart. Then why doppelganger? Do I have a dual personality that changes in different time interval? Or perhaps a no brainer idea just for the sake of having a title.

It was in 2004 that the title Doppelganger came into place. My friends and I went to Puerto Azul Golf and Country Club for a group vacation, there we discussed titles for our portfolio. My first idea was Geminus, my friends told me it was cheezy and although it is short it does not have the charisma and impact as a title. I told them that I just wanted a title that is best associated to my zodiac sign, gemini (to know more about the sign gemini this is the best site that I could provide: http://www.astrology-online.com/gemini.htm). Vinz, a good friend of mine, suggested doppelganger for me. Yes it was long but classy, complex but sounds good to the ears. It was the best title so far and a good suggestion and everyone did agreed on it as well (Magic the Gathering was popular in our group at that time... he got it there I believe).

You may be curious about the 'The Archangel Raphael' written at the lower right side of my banner. Raphael is my archangel. There's a store here in the Philippines called Angelissimo where they sell angel figurines in all sizes and they have this circular chart or whatever they call it, that will tell you the archangel assigned for you. You just need to give the complete date of your birth and the exact day you were born. It is a cool device if you would ask me.

hmmm....

We'll I guess that was it for today.

If I have this much free time to tell you in details about everything regarding my title, details and symbols, I could have written more but alas words seems to fail me quite more often. Maybe next time.

The Bloginner (Part I)

Wow, I just spent 20 minutes of my time just thinking for my very first title here at blogspot and I can't wait to spend more time thinking on what to type in next. Just for the record I wanted to make this year, a year for writing and reading, I need to practice and exercise these areas more, It was actually for my preparation for my next goal... to write a book.

My current goal is to increase my weight, from 120lbs to 150lbs, until I finish my one year contract in Fitness First, which will end in the month of March 2008. At present I weigh 140lbs. (9:39AM - 3 Jan 2008) and I'm scratching my head thinking, I might fail my goal... 10 lbs for a 3 month worth of body lifting, extreme exercise and gluttonous eating... sounds impossible. I only gain a pound for a 2 week workout.

I am impressed with all the effort that I am putting in and the discipline that I am establishing and learning in this goal. After my payed visit at ASEC Asia last December 17, 2007, the reactions of all the people I used to work with are very overwhelming... "Aids tumaba ka na!!" (this is the most common), "Di ka na mukhang addict!!"... wahahaha and my most favorite "Ang gwapo mo pa lalo!!". Do I really need to share that?... well definitely. It is an affirmation of my progress, it is not everyday you get to hear such praises. Come march 2008, witness the before and after pics.