Melaka River

This river has the most important role in Southeast Asia when there was an encroachment of Western colonial powers in Asia. It served as the hub of ships during the shipments of spices from Asia to Europe.



Melaka Malaysia

The Strait of Malacca/Melaka is a narrow stretch of sea between the island of Sumatra & Malaysia and it was one of the most important shipping lanes in the world from an economic and strategic perspective during the 15th century. In present time, Melaka is now one of Federal States of Malaysia. Previously, it was an independent Sultanate that had enormous power in Southeast Asia. When it was conquered by Portuguese & Dutch, it became the hub of seafarers, however when the British controlled the port, it was destroyed and eventually, the kingdoms prowess became extinct.

On March 2, 2013, I decided to visit the former Portuguese, Dutch & British colony. Coming to Melaka is like a journey back in time to witness the adventures and discoveries during its golden age. During my visit, I took the courage to walk into Old Malacca within our walls. I noticed that some of the old structures are preserve with fine example of a late 18th century two-storey building. Some houses look well maintained and it is like a exhibit for protection, conservation and restoration to encompass culture and history of early Dutch hybrid domestic architecture.

 

Jonker Street. I walked through the Jonker street which is a very attractive place in Melaka. The street is more alive in the evening especially Saturday and Sunday. During my 2 day visit there, I felt that I was lucky to visit the former centre of trade and industry. Of course, my visit would not be complete without buying many souvenirs.

Bukit St. Paul. I climbed the hill and on top of it, is an overlooking lovely town which showcase the century old structure and modern buildings. At Saint Paul Church, some portions of it remain standing. One of the highlights in climbing the hill is that, I had the feeling of going back from the past as I walk through the ruins. This is one of the major attraction in the modern city. The church was built in 16th century located on this hill. On top of the hill, there is a statue of St. Francis Xavier. Furthermore, there are many Portuguese tombstones displayed and each of their engraved are still in good conditions. It's a nice walk up a short hill and well worth because of the magnificent views over the city.

U Run 2012 is Finished

Today is Sunday, 24 of February 2013 and this morning I got my second medal for joining the running event here in Singapore. I ran 15 kilometres plus I climbed the NTCU building up to 30th floor using the fire exit stairs. 

 

Every time I join in the running event, I treat it as new experience to widen my horizon and running keeps me alert, positive & young. I've been running for several years now and it keeps me feel stronger and fit. Running is something I enjoy.

 

Everyone was able to finish the goal. Congratulation!!!

 

Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one's levels of aspiration and expectation - Jack Niklaus

 

 

Time to run again! - U Run 2013

After three weeks of having no training due recent travel to the Philippines, it’s about time I get back to running again. Yesterday, I collected my free running apparel in Velocity Mall near Novena MRT station.

 

Now, I am committed more than ever to resume running and get back on the right track just like what I was doing when I was living in Manila.

 

As always, my dear friends, Happy Running to all of you!

Disfruto las compras

A mi me gusta las compras aquí en Singapur porque siempre hay muchas gangas de muchas cosas de muchas marcas. En cuanto a las gangas de las ropas o los zapatos de firma, yo recomiendo comprar en Zara, Gap, Cotton On, Aeropostale, Springfield, Apache, Rockport o Nike. Personalmente me parece más interesante comprar las cosas cuando las tiendas ofrecen precios bajísimos. Creo que vale la pena gastar un poco dinero para comprar las cosas para mí. Además, Singapur es una zona muy turística, entonces siempre hay muchas gangas para ofrecer a los visitants.

Arrival + Departure = Well Wisher



My cousin took a short vacation in Singapore last week and she stayed at our common friends house for several days. She set up few dinner schedules together with our friends but I wasn't able to make it. I felt sorry for her because I had no time to be with her so that we can roam around in the city because I chose to work. Two hours before she left the city, I finally saw her. We met at the airport to exchange our presents. She decided to checked-in her baggage first. Then, we talked a lot while drinking a cup of coffee and we took some pictures. We waited in the coffee shop until we finished our drink. We had a nice talk and updates about our lives. Although it was a short time for us to catch up, we had a great time together. I think the last time we saw each other was before her suitor departed Manila. One hour before her flight schedule, she decided to go immigration for document inspection and we finally bid goodbyes. It was a great get together with my cousin in the airport. I finally sent her off. 

I hope to see you Christine soon in Germany. Dream, Believe, Survive. :D



Cast Away

 

I was so excited with anticipation of my short vacation on my hometown of San Juan, a small town in southern Batangas province. At last!!! I was able to take a long vacation for more than 7 days. Since I started working, I never had a chance to take longer vacation because of few reasons.

 

Immediately after going out from the airport, my friend's husband picked me up and got me from the airport on time. Then, I went down to the nearest MRT station so that I could take a bus going to the province and I travelled 3 hours from Manila to San Juan. Shortly, after I arrived home, I unpacked my bag and I gave my mom her presents.

 

I also attended my sister's wedding in Manila. I only stayed in Manila for less than 36 hours because I had to go back in the province to settle important things in different government agencies and banks.

 

In the next few days, I paid tribute to visit my relatives which I always did constantly in the past. As I expected, they named and called me to a name which does not belong to me and even to my surprise, my godmother called the same name. Should I just call it constant mistake on their end? After visiting them, I decided to go back home and I chose to walk again in short distance with a rocky hills instead of a walking in a long distance plateau. I'd rather walk in a hilly & rocky road because I can see the blue calm water & seaside.

 

While walking, I was very upset because I realised again that I am living in someone's shadow. "Like  Bitter Gourd or Dark Chocolate, it is good to our health." Maybe for them, it is better to remember me as someone who is not me. Well, I think this is life. I only have one hope of visiting them again in the future because my grandmother's sister-in-law, who has dementia, she remembered me in my own name, she described me as very naughty that is why always remember every time I ask her who I am. I am still wondering why it was so hard to understand their behaviour towards me.

 

A day before I left Philippines, I met few friends and former colleagues.