SG Day 5 Travelogue: The CnK Madness

( i just realized Joy's already here and I haven't finished this ;-)

If there’s one sports I wish to officially call my own, it would have to be swimming. And if there’s one lesson I learned from all of the business trips I had, that is to always bring a swimsuit; which is what I did. Except that, the promised 15-min workout each morning didn’t pan out due to the hectic nights I’m joggling between Joy and my counterparts. Today is the last day in the hotel and I haven’t fully used the amenities yet. So after a hearty breakfast downstairs, I put on my 2007 swimsuit and plunged down to 4th floor for swimming. I love swimming. It works out all muscles of your body in a refreshing way. Plus, I love the sexy attire also (next to tennis outfits). ;-) After some minutes, I was joined by Dien from Vietnam whom I learned is a certified sports buff.

After some 1.5 hour, I decided to call it enough work-out and cosseted myself with a super extended lathery bath. I will meet Joy after lunch and our agenda is somewhere in Sentosa. It started raining as soon as I’m packing my things and figured that this might impede our Night Safari adventure. It’s been raining a lot these days in SG. Big splashy drops that puddle in the gutters and drip off canopies (Huh? Where did this come from?) Before I checked out, I did some photo-op in my room.

Last day Photo-Op

When the door of her flat swung open, there I saw Joy wearing a top which had the same style as mine. Back in the Phils, we used to plan outfits together as though we’re twins. But this is something clairvoyant. I swear, we didn’t really talk about it. Aaww, some things never change. We truly are sisters. So, this called for another cam whoring session (ala Beautiful Liar) ;)

Beyonce, Shakira =P

Just as expected, the two men we’re going out with (Joy’s bosses) advised us not to go since the animals might not be out in the open. It’s sad. I really want to maximize my stay here and as much as possible visit every famous place. But its ok coz when the agenda gets cancelled, there’s always one good substitute activity and you very well know what would be it. Just like what they say, “When the going gets tough, the tough goes shopping.” Wahaha! :D

Out the 3 of us went to Vivo City somewhere in Bedok. I’m in my comfy flats and top so I’m sure the night before incident will never happen again. :) I have to buy something for folks back at home. There are a lot of boutiques we visited in that big mall but I can’t find anything that is good yet cheap. Hehe. Besides, the auto “times 30” in my head is going on when I see the price in Sing dollars and I have to say things here are quite expensive. So for a good 1.5 hours of walking around, I settled for some neckties for my dad and tito bet whom I owe a lot for driving me to the pick-up point during Intel days (Joy’s dad) and a Mango bag.

It must be destiny (haha!) when our feet finally landed last to our fave shop. Those exquisite shoes and lovely bags reminded me that I'm in my element, indeed my natural habitat. What else but Charles n Keith? The position of the store being from far end from where we entered and the fact that I haven’t bought anything yet (I almost settled for some bag before), I know it’s meant to be. As you all know the sale is still ongoing and Singaporeans are still going gaga inside. My hands fast-picked the nicest bags from the racks (actually, almost everything are gorgeous I wanna buy them all, haha!) and started fitting those precious shoes, stilettos and wedges. The sales lady reckoned we’re big time shoppers and informed us of the discount card benefit for reaching a certain amount. Yes, this has to be kept a secret so you won’t keep tabs how much I spend for shopping, haha! With 4 bags and 1 nice red wedge plonked on the counter, I computed I need a little more to get the much coveted discount card. Hey, don’t look at me like that. The 2 bags are for my mom and Tita. Besides, this panic-buying is justified because (1) I really dreamt of a shopping spree abroad with my BFF (2) this is a SALE with a lot of items not available in the Phils and (3) surely if I was buying too much, I was just helping the world economy. =P =P =P I’m currently eyeing one more bag when Joy came up with the brilliant idea of joining their purchases on the receipt. Pshaw! Several hundreds of Sing dollars later, I got hit by the fact that the discount card can’t be used in Phils. Phhhbbbbt! It’s my penitence for behaving badly the night before and another reason for my recipient to love me:

my very happy recipient

me and my shopping bags

in front our fave shop ;-)

shopping break

I figured I’ve got everything already and decided to call it a day. Dinner will be spent at Joy’s flat for she will cook white pasta. Yum! But then we passed by this very intriguing donut store because of the very long queue it has. They have posted signs of ordering a maximum of 2 dozens only and another sign informing customers of hiring a lot to accommodate them. I think its SG’s #1 bagels so it’s a must-try. Joy went on the queue and Juliet and I were already picking from the mouth-watering flavors on the display. I was curious why only Yet and I were picking and after some time I asked Joy why. Then she reiterated the fact that she doesn’t like much sweets! Bollocks! I couldn’t believe I got blasé on this; it hasn’t been that long. :(

SG's # 1 Donuts

I was disappointed with the tastes of the donuts. I'd prefer my Cream Cheese Go Nuts Donuts. =P For dinner we filled our stomachs with Joy’s yummy pasta while watching TFC on TV. Then she told me that when she was cooking, she felt like she’s just at home, because of me. Reminiscent of those times when she taught me how to cook (with me forgetting all the details hehe), I felt a glow within me. I hope it was somehow enough to ease her longing for home.

I wasn’t hoping for any more bedtime chikahan with her for the afternoon had been energy-consuming already. She slept early and the addict that I am went online for a short while to check on my usual stuffs before hitting the bed, or at least my mattress next to her bed. ;-)

SG Day 4c Travelogue: Shopaholic Turned Drama Queen

Still in the hotel. I called up the airlines to move my flight from Saturday to a holiday Monday so I can spend more time with my best friend. Sadly, Sunday’s the only available and I had to be waitlisted. After the call, I looked at the time and to my utter horror, it’s already 5:30 and Joy’s already waiting in her office.

Friday Agenda: Orchard Mall. Woohoo!! Since August, Joy’s been urging me to visit her because of the massive Charles n Keith sale. Based on the latest news, it’s still on and I have to hurry. ;)

Just like any best friends would do, she introduced me to all of her officemates. So you know, the next time we talk about gossips, we can easily relate to. Haha!! Joy even told me that one of the Indian managers found me pretty and he’s offered to find me a job there. That sounds Wow pero Indian na naman? Go figure!

Joy's office

Since Orchard is too far, we’ll take the MRT. The EZ link card is dual purposed (for bus and train, why can’t we imitate that?). And with our camera, expect a lot of pics along the way. By the way we were with Juliet. She’s Joy’s ex best friend and was about to get married when I came into the picture so I can say it’s a perfect timing. She followed Joy in SG and I’m thankful she’s there to look after her.

I will never get excited again in riding SG’s MRT. I found it hard to breathe inside the crowded train because of the well, mixed odor. It’s not that I’m maarte or sensitive, it’s just simply unbearable. Still, I preferred not to use my hanky to pay respect as a tourist. Ehem, hehe.

On the way to Orchard

As I see the mob walking on the streets, I feel overexcitement rising through me. This is it! My dreamt-of shopping spree with my best friend abroad is finally happening. =) As I look left and right, a series of fabulous names rushes past my eyes. Despite my not-so-shopping-friendly sandals, my steps have more spring in them that when I stepped onto the Takashimaya mall, I silently muttered “I’m home.” Haha!

On our left is a very familiar name that perfectly fits the phrase: TO DIE FOR, Louis Vuitton. There’s no question, we’ve got to enter. I’ll be a hypocrite to say that I don’t fancy having a bag here, WHO DOESN’T????? But you know, it’s just an easy answer to the question: “If money is of no matter, what would you splurge on?” just like what I see in those magazines. I have to confess a little secret here, it’s my first time to enter this boutique because frankly you can never do that in the Philippines, your own country. Looking for bags after spectacular bags, I feel buoyant with relief. I didn’t check the price though ‘coz I don’t want to experience vertigo. Haha!!

We checked on different boutiques that catch our eyes and honestly my legs are already hurting. And what’s adding more and has got me slightly annoyed is the way Juliet and Joy checks for other less interesting shops for their needs. Am I selfish?

Until finally we reached this sale, the very reason why we went to Takashimaya in the first place: the great toy sale. Juliet wants to buy something for her daughter and Joy as well for some family friend’s baby. Before they left me in a corner, Joy was aware I’m already bone-tired. You all know what happened yesterday. She even took me photos before she left and it’s obvious in the picture below:

toy store

As they go on searching on the sea of toys, I don’t know but for some reason that tingling in my right eye which I was complaining about before is getting worse. I think the rate is almost at par with my heartbeat I kept on winking. Also, my legs are hurting I feel like a varicose vein is about to sprout. We haven’t reached CnK yet and already I feel my excitement ebb away and worst, replaced with frustration. This isn’t the girlbonding I’m expecting it to be. They can always have time for themselves. But as for me, I’m not staying too long. I want to spend more time with her trying on tops with our most favorite sweetheart necklines or slip-on the most darling shoes we’ll ever find. Some days ago, I invited Joy to sleep over in my hotel tonight but she cancelled earlier because she doesn’t want to leave Juliet behind. But what about me? Am I not important anymore? Half-blinded by disappointed tears, I went out of the toy area and schlepped to where my feet would lead me. God, what DRAMA!! But what can I do? I’m the veteran of hormonal imbalances and no one messes with that. I landed on what must be a department store and plonked myself on an encircled chair ignoring the different stares of strangers as they see my eyes turn pink.

This is wrong. All wrong. Joy and I may have had slight misunderstandings before but we never reached this point. But I was hurt and I need to get away to think clearly. I stayed there for like 15 mins and it’s almost 9 when I left. I was hoping that for that span she’ll call me. After all, I’m a stranger to the place but I didn’t get any. What if I was kidnapped or anything bad happened to me, doesn’t she care? The more I was hurt. I returned to the place and when I was aboard the downstair escalator, I saw them on the opposite side going upstairs. I opened my mouth to shout to them but no voice came out. How?? I can’t even bring myself to speak to them.

So I stayed there in the second floor for some more minutes before I finally summoned my courage to call. I know it has to end that way. I left without them knowing and it would be rude to just leave and go home (or to hotel at least).

I was still silent the whole time I was with them. I actually ignored Joy when she asked me “Badtrip ka?” We finally reached CnK where everyone’s gagging on the sale but honestly I can’t get excited anymore. Gosh, maybe I should always be in this mood to save money, haha!!

Knowing that it’s so uncommon for me to just stare on those shoes and bags on a Charles n Keith sale, they got this idea that maybe I was hungry. So we went right after to MOS burger where Joy treated me for some cheeseburger and sat beside me for atonement. Her usual way is of course through her jokes which I had to react to with suppressed smiles. Look at the pictures below,

MOS Cheeseburger

Then they started conversing,

Joy: Bakit kaya MOS Cheeseburger ang pangalan nito?
Juliet: Ano ka ba!? MOS!! E di pinaka!

And by that time, I can’t hide anymore. I gave out a chuckle and in turn showed them this very funny video saved in my phone. I’m so shallow talaga! By the time we walked out of the fastfood, I’m already in my usual joker self. :P

SG Day 4b Travelogue: Sweet Goodbye

We’re compatible! Totally and utterly compatible. Walking with Lawrence on the way to Pagi Sore an Indo restau, I learned that he appreciates fashion. He knows about styles, textures and fabrics. As in! I mean, how many guys have I encountered who share a vicarious interest? Answer: None. Nada. And did I hear him say his girflriend’s naïve on those things? Gosh! What kind of girl is she? I almost wanna confess “I can be your girl!” Eewww. Hahaha!

Honestly, it’s been addling my brain since last night how he often says that their relationship is perfect because they’re completely the opposite of each other. Don’t get me wrong here. Yeah I know there’s a rule in physics that opposites attract but what about that compatibility thingy? Haven’t they heard about the rule on……..uhmmmmmmm..aaaahhhhh..ok! I can’t recall any rule to oppose that. Hahaha!!

Let’s just put it squarely. If he was sweet earlier then I’ll return the favor, simple as that. Since I was seated next to him, I get to serve him with the viands on the table: as in putting some of the food right on his plate. But before you accuse me and lambaste me with “You-b****-boyfriend-stealer-home-wrecker (huh?)”. Allow me to explain. I perfectly understand where I stand. I guess I just missed that feeling of having someone to care about. Is that supposed to be a crime?

Training keeps ‘til 3 o’clock. A bit earlier than the usual to give way for some who already scheduled their flights home this evening, including him. Boo-hoo! But I would just like to note how he solved a software application network connectivity problem during the training. I know I’m supposed to be knowledgeable on this networking stuff and all and mentioning it means adulating him but really, he’s AMAZING! =P

At the end of the training, I finally get to clear the issue to Alex in a friendly way. He in turn vindicated me to the SG team. He didn’t have to explain how he got that ill-founded info ‘coz my brain already processed the scenario right when I heard the word “Rose.” And the story goes a little something like this, haha!

You see, when Alex visited the Philippines, I was still new back then. I suppose he was asking about me to a certain employee but standing from afar that damned glaucomic employee may have seen his hands pointing to Rose our admin who’s the one married and who’s geologically positioned next to me. Tsk tsk Alex! That’s what you get for undercovering my status. And now you’re bragging about recently having a girlfriend??? Eat your heart out! Haha!! This theory is plausible guys and I don’t really know his motives for asking but I’m inclined to think that way. Right?

My appointment with Joy is still after office hours and good thing the Vietnamese broached on going to Mustafah for some cheap take home gifts. I’ve heard about this also, it’s where I can exchange my USDs for higher rate. So off we went the 3 of us to SYED road near Little India. We dropped by the mall quickly which I had no qualms about even if it's a MALL coz (1) I’m really scared of the place there are a lot of Indians and (2) I didn''t find any interesting thing to buy on that mall. Besides, we have to hurry back to the hotel to get their luggage and catch their flight home.

Time passes really quickly. It was just last night that I met two wonderful people and now they’re leaving. Sad. Just like a child frustrated on a situation, I protruded my lips just when they were about to bid their goodbyes. Believe me guys, I did it just to make the situation lighter so I was really surprised when Lawrence dropped his luggage , opened his arms and said “Come here.”

For some seconds, I was like “Am I dreaming? Is it a mirage?” haha! I think I almost threw myself on him it must be a spring on my feet or something, haha!! But I hugged also Supachai who was rather shocked so I won’t be obvious. :P

And there! My so-called “burgeoning” romance ended LIKE THAT. Haha! (Sam, are you disappointed? wehehe.) They made their way to the taxi and I waved them my goodbye.

Phew! Fridays are really eventful days. I can’t believe I haven’t covered another drama on that night so I guess I’ll just have to create a Part C for this. :)

the indo restau

one last group pic

SG Day 4a Travelogue: Rumor Has It

Thank God it’s Friday ‘coz I’m wearing my fave frou-frou dress. Ü It’s amazing how I woke up early despite the late slumber it must be the excitement of wearing it, haha!! Yesterday we learned that all trainees are staying at the 14th floor so what better way to end the last day than a group breakfast @ 8 AM. Not wanting to be the first, I called up Lawrence’s room to check if he’s out already. We agreed to meet in 10 minutes and just meet everybody downstairs.

Being the habitual latecomers the others are, I quite expected that I’m going to embark on a breakfast date. And yes I did except that it’s just less nice ‘coz Lawrence’s a tad late. It’s ok at least we’ve got the morning for ourselves to talk about a little something something. Ű I know shouldn’t give meaning on him getting a drink for me but it’s a li’l sweet, don’t you think? Hehe. Everything’s basically my idea of a breakfast date except that we are dining on a large table to accommodate the rest. Ngek! Haha!!

After some time the others arrived and we were just having a happy group breakfast. In fairness, they’re not giving me these suspicious looks anymore. Maybe they have already accepted that we make a lovely couple, haha!! Kiddin’. But I was wrong. I knew it the very moment Tri from Vietnam asked me,

“So KC, I believe you are already married, right?”

“WHAT??????” I stare at him, agog.

I didn’t mean to cause a kerfuffle explaining out loud that I am not. This is JUST a really BIG deal for me ‘coz I’ve had history with guys refusing to believe I’m single and thinking I’m bluffing just to make myself available to them. Or maybe I’m just taking it all negatively instead of being flattered. After all, what with my talents and can I just say “looks” hehe, it’s hard to believe I’m still unattached. Whatever! Guys, are just simply conceited. But I digress.

Anyway, I don’t really have sweat it off explaining to them ‘coz my friends Supachai and Lawrence know the truth and that’s all that matters. But just like movies flashing scenes in gray, my brain recalled how everybody was treating me even the big boss. PIGIL..is the word I’m searching for, the condemning looks. Everything! Well, except for Dien in Vietnam. It’s official guys, he adores me. =P One time he said he doesn’t have to look around ‘coz there’s already a beautiful girl right infront of him and when he saw me at the lobby last night, all he said was “Wow!” Yeah, I can be conceited too. Haha!!

Atleast I already cleared the issue to them and I still have to vindicate myself to our Singaporean counterparts specially Alex who first spread the rumor. Too bad Alex! He’s my 2nd crush pa naman next to Lawrence, haha!! Ssshhh!!

The three of us boarded the same taxi going to the office but Lawrence seems to have left something. His I600, our blackberry is missing and he suspects it fell on the couch while we’re waiting for Supachai. The two of them are already leaving that afternoon and they both had to check out in the morning. *Sigh* It’s just amazing that the phone was returned when we came back. Singaporean’s honesty is admirable. Ü

On the training. I know I’ve been very firm for the last two days but today is just simply laidback. Maybe I was sated during breakfast but last night’s short sleep can also be a factor. My response to the training however interesting the topic maybe is just a yawn. Yawn yawn yawn. Not even two cups of coffee can give me a boost. In gist, I didn’t learn so much this morning thanks to the hand-outs for the review. Haha! =P So can we just fast-forward to lunch?? =D

Oops, this is already long for now so let me just guys leave you with what I wore for today. Specially taken in the toilet. Yikes, haha!!

Part 4b is coming right up. =P

SG Day 3b Travelogue: Still Walking

(Day 3a a prerequisite..hehe..=P)

On the way to Jumbo seafood restaurant along Riverwalk, I spent some time to know some of my co-trainees. Everybody now already understands my narcissistic nature and they were all game taking pictures of me. Hah, benefits of being the apple of the eye. Ü

There were a lot of scrumptious foods served in the banquet, not to mention the bizarre way of eating them, hehe. Feast your eyes on some:

Now, the seating arrangement of the round table looks something like this:

Counterclockwise: Lawrence, Charles, Leon, Cassey

Yeah, I was enjoying on my lobster when I heard Charles the big boss prod this question on Lawrence:

“So Lawrence, tell me do you have a girlfriend?”

And at that juncture, my auditory nerves are on full alert. It’s like it’s filtered all the noise from the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and concentrated on Lawrence’s response. Hmmm, what’s taking him long to reply? I raised my head and swiveled towards the left nonchalantly with my mind telling me: “Please say you’re single, please say you’re single.” Then he opened his mouth,

“You already asked me about that during the interview.”

Alright, I’m disappointed. Why can’t he just answer with a simple yes or no? Is that a thing so hard to do??? Did he say that because of the special moment we had earlier?? Ok, now that’s a bit overboard. But then, WHY???????????

Anyhoo, I had to finish the food served on my plate ‘coz Leon keeps on filling them. After that I requested for a group picture outside the restau:

The 3 Vietnamese decided to take a tour in the city via taxi but Lawrence, Supachai and I agreed to walk back to the hotel. I’m not furious at Lawrence. He even volunteered to carry one of my 3 bags. Sweet, hehe! We passed by Clarke Quay and took some pictures. We decided to explore some more after changing so it’s almost 9 PM when we met at the lobby and started our journey.

That night has got to be the most special night of my stay. Aside from seeing a small part of the beautiful Singapore, I learned more of my Asian friends Supachai and Lawrence. The latter has a lot of interesting things to say. It’s too bad he already has a girlfriend for long (no more shocking, I sort of conditioned my mind to it, =P). But I’m prickled with intrigue as to how she looks like ‘coz she’s so damn LUCKY!!! Haha!! But still, there were MOMENTS during the walk that I hope you’ll understand if I’ll just keep it for myself (just use your imagination guys, haha!). This picture covers the tiresome but all-worth it 3-hour power walk (good thing I’m in my Slim Hav):

see the line? that's how far we went..

By the time we reach back the hotel, I’m totally knackered. But I still have to return to Joy’s flat to get my toothbrush and facial bar. Fine, I’m vain! I can’t live without them. The afternoon without brushing is already too much to bear. If there were just sari-saris along the way, but neither were there 7-11 on the roads we passed by. But I think the toiletries were meant to be left at her flat.

Imagine the scenario: you’re a stranger in the 4th floor of a flat in Spottiswoode, it’s past 12 midnight, the host is not expecting you and your phone’s batt is just plainly drained. Yeah, don’t even ask how many bloody minutes I was standing outside her door calling out JJJJooooooyyyyyyy in an undertone. But when I was finally opened, I didn’t see a Joy that has been robbed of sleep. Instead, I saw her holding a mop, pale-faced and eyes just dried up of tears. What happened was the Indian caretaker broke in their flat around 11 PM when Joy and Juliet were cachinnating inside their room. Ok, let’s digest. Yes, he’s the caretaker but he didn’t inform Joy beforehand he’s coming neither knocked on their room to notify them he’s there. Once again I realized the perils of working away from your mother land. I had to stay with them until they’re finally calm and relaxed. Joy once again insisted on me staying but I had to beg off.

And as if I haven’t been scared, I hailed a cab around 2 AM. You may commend my bravery for this but fyi, I’ve done this a few times in the Philippines thanks to no boyfriend. Bitter? Haha!! And as far as I know SG is safer than the Phils.

Back in the hotel I hurriedly finished my night ritual, set the alarm for group breakfast tomorrow and totally knocked-out.

Zzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!

SG Day 3a Travelogue: Just Keep Walking

The most resounding advice I received on this trip is to KEEP ON WALKING. After all, Singapore is just a small city/country. Well it seems that from my last two days at work all I ever did was to ride a cab to and fro my destinations. And so I intend to apply it today.

8 AM, I was already at the office and to my astonishment, Lawrence was already there. (actually, it was more of elated than astonished, hehe). So, we got to chat more on a little about something something ű though he was still busy attending to mails and I had to match that. As everybody arrives one by one, they were giving us this “Hmm, what’s up with these two? Did they come together” looks. I swear if I wasn’t in my sane self, I could’ve read their thought bubble “Did they spend the night together?” as they see us laughing together. Good grief! The training started an hour late because Supachai from Thailand forgot the time difference between the two countries, haha! Oops, it’s training time gotta concentrate.

During the session, I can’t help but notice the nice new wallpaper of Supachai so during the break I learned from him that he loves taking photos, he even has his SLR camera. Being the user-friendly that I am (haha, just kidding!), I know he will just be the perfect companion for roaming around. He has to be my friend! Hahaha!!

The big boss came and I can now understand his attention towards Lawrence. It’s no biggie anymore. I still did my best though during his short stint in the training room. He can’t make it at lunch for the treat but the night is already scheduled in a seafood restaurant. *drool*

So guess what’s my food at lunchtime? It’s still Subway, haha!! But the Vietnamese went for McDo so I’m indifferent. Surprisingly, we didn’t head back to the office after lunch but rather toured a bit on the city. If I’m not mistaken, we traversed Church Street then Philip Street where I saw a temple and a Starbucks branch until finally reaching Singapore River via a building that resembles that of Makati’s Stock Exchange.

Pics to share:

I was walking with Lawrence the whole time (which made it a bit special ϋ) he’s so gentleman and I just simply don’t give two hoots if everybody’s giving me these condemning looks as though I’ve just confirmed every suspicion they have on their minds.

That walk was helpful in establishing camaraderie among the trainees. When the session resumed, everybody seemed to be at ease now with each other. I even sampled Supachai’s expertise in taking shots of me by the window overlooking Church Street, explored on some of the pics he took last night and bah! The silent guy had also unleashed his naughty side taking candid shots of me and Lawrence during the break.

Segue: for those who noticed, yes, I have to admit albeit embarrassingly that I wore the dress for today same with last night. But you’ve got to understand guys that I slept in my friend’s flat and carried a lot of things, hehe. Besides, I washed them for today and gave it a different look.

Though I think I over-layered it on the right, no???

Part 3b in the offing. =)

SG Day 2b Travelogue: To Belong or Not to Belong

(make sure you didn't miss the 2a post found here. :)

Lunchtime was spent on this place they call China Square the proximity of which is about a hairbreadth from the building. Actually it’s more of a foodcourt building and to my utter disappointment, there are no shops inside. Haha!! The big boss is not around so lunch is what I call “each to his own” (my English term for kanya-kanya, haha!). After finding a huge table to accommodate the 11 of us, each went on their way for their food quest. As the name suggests, I can see a lot of Chinese foods being served and I doubt I’ll go for it due to my chopsticks "proficiency", hehe. It took me some time to roam around though I already knew at the back of my head what I’m going for. So upon my return, I saw all of them waiting for me with noodles on their table and I’m in my tray holding my tadaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa….Subway burger. Hahaha!! Ok, maybe I don’t belong. Haha!

Leon is still conversing with Lawrence and I’m left to entertain this Vietnamese who seems to be amazed by me from the beginning. (Gosh, kapal ko noh?) ‘Twas a very fast break and I’m not surprised ‘coz I know how exactly Singaporeans work. But on that very short time I got to observe the female’s corporate styles and it was just really interesting looking around. I feel like I’m in a fashion haven. Hmmm, maybe I can blend. Ü

I still haven’t talked to Lawrence before the afternoon session began. My competitive stand on the training hasn’t wobbled. Later we had this break where I headed to the pantry for a cup of coffee and Lawrence sort of followed???

The pantry’s fridge is filled with all these tetra packs of hardly heard fruit juices which I promised to try all; there’s chrysanthemum, barley, blackberry and many more. I asked him, who btw is from Malaysia, about the shortest trip to their country ‘coz of our plan B to go there on the weekend. Thank goodness for him being a Malaysian and on this ice-breaker! I finally got to poke the question on him and I was right. He’s not from engineering but rather a marketing guy handling customers. Actually he understands technical stuffs because he has an IT background. IMPRESSIVE!! (as if I haven’t been impressed before, hehe)

When we got back I just found myself conversing with him for a short time on a little about something something, finding my chair near him (unintentional, ok?) because he’s showing some stuffs from his PC, and just all ears whenever he’s speaking. I already forgot how I found out but he's actually an assistant manager in Malaysia. Also, I learned that he did not turn off his phone during the entire flight just to observe the phone's performance. Sometimes, he can be scary too, you know. I almost want to join him on the lift after the session but something in my brain told me “Ok, let’s not get high hopes on this one. We don’t even know his status yet.”

Anyway, I had to rush back to the hotel after the training ‘coz Joy’s waiting in her office in Shenton Way. We’re off to a Christian meeting and I’m going to sleep in their flat tonight. Wooohooo!! Also, I will be finally riding the bus using the EZ link card we purchased yesterday.

You know how bloopers won’t be missed out on first-times like this. When we got in the bus, I didn’t swipe my card on the machine. Ok. First of all, I didn’t see it and second of all, I thought it’s something that is automatically detected by some sensor or whatever it is on the entrance like our IDs back at Intel. Oh, bugger!! Anyway, Joy went back to swipe it for me and good thing citizens there doesn’t seem to care on other’s business. I can only imagine the shame-on-you looks I might have received had it been in the Philippines.

We chattered a lot during the ride but I didn’t expect to hear this line from her when we‘re walking along the overpass:

“Alam mo may mga weekend na gusto kong umuwi na lang bigla sa Pilipinas.”

It took me some time to respond with “Talaga?”. I can't even turn my head and see that doleful look in her eyes. but in that silence, the unsaid is there between us.

I don’t know what to say. For the first time, I finally understood the loneliness experienced by our OFWs working all over the world; why my uncle went home surprisingly after staying for 2 weeks in Saudi and why some Filipinos back at home endures the meager savings just to stay and be with their family.

I know Joy’s personality. She’s been through a lot and her name Joy is very suited to her ‘coz she’s a really jolly person. But she’s making a virtue of necessity so that time I felt like staying and find a work in able to stay with her. =(

Anyways, before the meeting Joy treated me again for some refection: noodles and hot tea with milk?????? I met some brothers and sisters in faith, photo-opped in the bus (actually, everywhere) and slept early.

bus photo-op

Yes, we didn’t talk during the night like we were before. Maybe, something has already changed.=(

SG Day 2a Travelogue: Beat 'Em KC!

(because I was informed that I write too long, this would be a half-day account, haha!)

As I face myself in the mirror, I tell myself firmly: “Yes! You can do it. Beat ‘em KC! Beat ‘em!” I had an extra assignment from my boss and that is to impress these counterparts of mine. I’m not actually sure how to do it whilst training but I think being on-time is one.

Everybody knows my problem when it comes to waking up early so aside from the 2 cellphones I had set to 7 AM, another alarm in the room was set, the phone also set-up for wake-up call and I also called the receptionist last night for a manual wake-up. There’s also the TV turned on the whole time for you know, extra disturbance in the morning. (Well, the truth is, I was scared alone. Remember my Davao experience?) But thank God! All alarms conspired to wake me up early.

I put on my finishing touches and added more gloss for extra effect. I already know I am the only belle in the training: the rose among the thorns (like I’m not used to it) and I should put less on my face but you can never (can) tell, (can you?) Haha!

Before I left, one more check on my number. I can’t dress up fashionably yet and have to look smart. So I went for: Top, white polo from Kamiseta (on sale); cincher, no brand; trousers: Ensembles (on sale), Pumps: So Fab! Bag: Guess (on sale). I almost want to put on bordered eyeglasses for a professional feel but alas, I left it at home. Not bad! OK, go!

It’s 8:15 on the dot when I left my room: 1410 of Riverview Hotel. It was a sunshiny morning in Havelock Road. I patiently queued for the taxi that will take me to Church Street. Just for relief, I initiated a conversation to the driver as to how long would it take for us to get there. He mistook me for a Malaysian. Hmm, this is already the 2nd time I heard it, 1st was in the airport. And it just gives me a natural high. I feel like I already belong here. Ü (Ni haw ma? Wo Ay Ni, how's my accent? :D)

Hmm…I wonder what our office looks like. Well, I’m not surprised that it will be a towering building in a place that can be compared to somewhere like Makati in the Philippines. It hasn’t been more than 5 minutes when the cab turned right and there emblazoned infront of me is SAMSUNG HUB. I paid “uncle” the fare and excitedly got out of the vehicle. Now there’s one little glitch, out of the 46 floors, I don’t know exactly where is the training. Damn, I should’ve asked back in the office.

Thanks to the receptionist, I initially got in on the wrong floor. Uuugh! Leon (the trainer) welcomed me from the security protected door of the 32nd floor and ushered me onto the training room. There were about 5 men in the room, 6 seats untaken and I turned my heel onto the chair where my nameplate is which is near the clear glass that shows the view outside. The 4 seats on our side are already filled but I don’t dare look at the faces of my co-trainees. I was just studying the names of the latecomers infront and I reckon they’re the Vietnamese, about to turn on my laptop when the one on my left who was busy typing a while ago on his PC accosted me. “Hi, I’m Lawrence.” I beamed back at him with what I hope is a natural smile, offered my hand to shake saying “It’s KC.” with my mind telling me he’s a bit cute.ű See? The make-up’s subtle yet effective. That’s what I’m talking about (it). Haha!!

the view outside

Of-course the ice-breaker wouldn’t be missed on sessions like this so it was around 9:45 AM when we officially started. I already felt confident after hearing everyone introduced themselves (I’m 4 months employed, the rest are just freshies.) Ha-di-ha!! That will make the training easy as pie! So, I didn’t fail my boss. At each and every topic, I made sure to raise an intelligent question, give my inputs, share my experience but the thing is, this Lawrence also does the same. I felt a slight dart of annoyance especially when he’s asking something and everybody’s like trying really hard to impress him with an answer.

I almost wanna shout: "You should be paying more attention to me. MORE! I’m experienced, I’m fluent and I’m I’m………..pretty!!" Haha!! The morning session was about to end when Leon informed Lawrence of an after lunch meeting with someone. Hey, that’s weird. He’s a newbie. Then my mind flashed back as to how he behaved during the training. Yeah, he was almost all the time busy typing away but manages to listen carefully let alone ask sensible questions. Could he be…………Could he possibly be????????????

(to be continued)