Amelia's Nest: March 2011

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

March 30, 2011 - A Day of Mourning for Philippines

Today, three Filipinos were executed in China for the case of drug trafficking; namely Ramon Credo, 42, Elizabeth Batain, 38, and Sally Villanueva, 32. This was confirmed by Vice President Jejomar Binay. They were executed through lethal injection this morning. China as we all know are tough and consistent when it comes to implementing their law. Philippine government has done their part and all their best to seek pardon and vindication from the case. But China government only postpone and still carry on with its verdict. The Filipino community mourns for the lose of these Filipinos but there’s nothing we can do but to accept the fact that they committed a heinous crime in that country and was expected to be punished.

It could have been fairer if those Chinese caught for drug traffic in the Philippines be put to death penalty as well but sorry to say Philippine Government abolish the "death penalty law". I hope this serves as a lesson to all of us to respect each boundaries law. I sympathize with the family of these 3 executed Filipinos in China...God bless them!

Friday, 25 March 2011

Earth Hour 2011

Don't forget tomorrow, 25 March 2011 at 8:30PM for the EARTH HOUR. It will only take sixty minutes of your time. Please turn-off your lights and make a difference. Let's all support and have a say on the rising issue of global warming. It's a not too late to be concern.

Thursday, 24 March 2011

Destiny is a thing to be Achieved

This is my favourite quotation, I read this in my school's bulletin when I was in Primary 2 from then on I kept it in my heart and was my guiding principle.

"Destiny is not a matter of chance; but a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; It is a thing to be achieved."

- William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925)

Monday, 21 March 2011

Lion King the Musical

You may noticed that I love watching theatrical shows. Last 2009 I make it a point to watch Cinderella, starred by Lea Salonga, one of my favorite stage actress. Being exposed to these kind of medium since I was in primary school makes me aware and hone my interest in theaters and musical. And more-so when I joined a theater club during my secondary years.

When I received the tickets two months ago from a close friend as a gift to us (me and hubby), from then till now excitement fills my senses. I so look forward for the day that I will be able to see the show, The Lion King. Since the inception of this animated story which was made known to public last 1994 until now it never ceases to awe me. This was one of my favourite animated movie. Makes me wonder how a simple story produce a magnificent creation. Not to mention the music that harmonies the story. Splendid!

Lion King the musical has been known in western countries. The internationally acclaimed musical show that has received numerous awards from various renowned international award-giving bodies will make its way to Southeast Asia and their first stop is Singapore. It will be shown in Marina Bay Sands from March 3, 2011 until the end of May. For our ticket, it will be on March 26, 2011 Saturday at 2:00PM show.

Don’t miss the chance to catch these must-see theatrical show if you’re in Singapore during these period.

Sunday, 20 March 2011

Disney-on-Ice Worlds of Fantasy

As expected kids love the show, Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy. When my son saw McQueen he almost shout with his heart-out. After the first half, he asked his dad "dad, McQueen will show again?" and his dad replied, "maybe, am not sure. I hope so" and they continue watching.

What I like about the show was the last act, Tinkerbell. A girly-girly thing. Me and my daughter liked it. Disney never fails to amaze kids of all ages and adults as well.

Also on the show were Lion King and Little Mermaid and of course Disney is not Disney if Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald were not there. They appear at the start and at the end of the show.

Friday, 18 March 2011

Another Show for the Kids

Actually I don't have plans of watching this show since we already watched the same kind last year and undeniably kids love the show. But when my son saw the advertisement while watching his favourite channel, he asked me if we can watch the show, Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy. How can you say no to a kid knowing that you can give them what they want (but at least with moderation). And so I give in. I purchased four tickets and scheduled it tomorrow, March 19, 2011 at 2:00PM show time.

The show is a bit different since Mcqueen, Mater, Tinkerbell and the rest of Disney characters will be there. The show has already started last March 17 and will end on March 20, 2011. The show is held on the same venue as last year, Singapore Indoor Stadium. My kids are really excited and looking forward for this show.

Thursday, 17 March 2011

Cancelled Trip

My husband and I (together with some friends) have planned for this trip six months ago. I’m super excited and agitated to hit the road and experience my first Sakura (cherry blossom) and spring in land of the rising sun, Japan. But three weeks before the planned trip something came up. A disaster that no one wants. A disaster that happened on the 11th of March 2011, an earthquake that hits the northern part of Japan that brings a tremendous amount of suffering and pain now to many Japanese not to mention the tsunami that followed after wards. Plus the nuclear radiation issue that they are battling as of this writing. Due to obvious reasons, we have decided to cancel the said trip. We have prepared everything from our flight ticket, hotel accommodation, itinerary and the required visa. We are supposed to go to Tokyo on 2nd-8th of April. I maybe sad but mine is just a pinch compared to the pain and suffering the people of Sendai and Fukushima is experiencing as of this moment. I must not think of myself only. There are a lot of things that needs to be done.

Reading and watching the news about Japan makes me sad each day. My thoughts and prayers for the people of Japan for their speedy recovery. Let’s take time to pray for them. God bless Japan!

Sunday, 13 March 2011

Singapore: Sustainable.Elegant Structure.Competitive

Living in Singapore has been a bliss so far. Been here for three years now with my family was more of a bonus for us. Considering the fact that I am a foreigner in this country not until we got our permanent residency permit after eight months of living here. It was a sheer pleasure living in this tiny country. Tiny it may seem base on size but beware this tiny place has tremendous things to offer to the world. Friends and family asked me what’s in it in Singapore. Well, I can sum my riposte with three things, sustainable, elegant structure and competitive.

Sustainable. When I first landed in Singapore I was impressed on how the trees were arranged, landscaped and ordered. From the airport down to the alley of the country you can see trees. You can see trees everywhere. From these you can see how the government gives more attention to nature. Aside from these the government launched a Plant-A-Tree programme to engage citizens to be aware of the usage and importance of trees and its effect to Mother Nature. And undoubtedly they are called garden city. In lieu with these greenery effort and initiatives, the air that Singapore has is definitely clean. Back in the Philippines, my kids has asthma almost every other week I need to use nebuliser for them to ease their breathing-passage-way. Since we are living in Manila (before coming here), the doctors says it’s because of the environment, the pollution so to speak but when we came here kids are perfectly fine. I don’t have any issue on their breathing and absolutely no asthma. Drinking water was an issue for me. Being a mother I want to make sure that my kids drink clean and safe water. Singapore provides safe drinking water; in fact you can drink straight from the faucet without causing any harm. And last in my list when I say sustainable is their transport system. I give this five star rating. Public transport system here is so remarkable, one need not to have their personal vehicle to navigate the country. By merely using the trains, buses and taxis you can commute hassle-free. Yes and speaking of taxi, taxi drivers here are so honest and you will not feel uneasy if you’re a first timer. Just tell the driver where you want to go and you will arrive in your destination safe and sound without worrying if you will be cheated. Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) here is easy to understand, very straight forward. With the use of colour lines it makes it even easier to use. Green Line for East-West line, red line for North-East line, Purple line for North-South line and yellow line for Circle line.

Elegant Structure. Singapore has always make things remarkable. They make it a point they stand-out and the world notices them. Just like the architectural structures that they have, it’s truly world class. Just an example, the Resorts World in Sentosa, where Universal Studios and Resorts World Casino is located. The Marina Bay Sands, three-buildings that looks like a wave with a ship-like structure on top. One must visit Singapore Museum to understand the rich diversity of Singapore. When I came to visit the museum I was impressed with the structure and the content. Fascinating at its best. To add more to the collection of their impressive structure are The Merlion, Raffles Hotel, Old Supreme Court and Esplanade. Esplanade is a durian-like structure that you can see in the Marina Bay area where theatrical performance and the like normally held.

Universal Studios Singapore

Marina Bay Sands

Competitive. As the world goes globalization so as Singapore. The government doesn’t only provide the necessary but they also think of ways how to improve and make the life of its people more competitive to the market. Education system is aggressive and competitive. Here, students are expected to be bilingual meaning aside from English, one need to learn Mandarin, Tamil or Malay as your mother-tongue. As early as pre-school they are introducing this approach and so my kids need to adopt. My husband and I choose Mandarin as their mother-tongue and they are catching-up fairly. Lately, my company assigned me in the fourth university of Singapore, which is Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). This university stands-out because this was created with collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Government gives grants to deserving students and citizen. They really invests in education. Invest in people to make them more competitive and at-par with the rest.

It is true, in Singapore they make things happen. Everything is possible. Singapore is a plethora of innovation, passion and ingenuity.

Wednesday, 9 March 2011

Blog-Off

I got an e-mail from Blog Friend Contest, a blogging contest initiated by www.sg with collaboration with Ministry of Information, Communication and Arts (MICA) here in Singapore, informing me that I was shortlisted for the blogging contest that I have joined. I was so elated and am looking forward for the blog-off on March 12-13, 2011. This blogging contest that MICA has launched is a way of promoting and informing people on what’s happening in Singapore. Topic stretches from food, places, education, employment, living, arts, to transportation and what-not.

Since I started my blog I have wrote few things about Singapore. And I will keep on writing as this country has become my second-home. For the blog-off, the topic is "What are the 3 things that come to your mind when you think of Singapore?". Am doing my best to come up with a good entry. Hoping and wishing to win in the contest. And we’ll see what my entry will bring me. To other participants, congrats and good luck!