Singapore was a mix of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Filipinos and Caucasians. Sing food generally catered to these various palate: noodles, curry, roti prata, kebabs, laksa, fried chicken, chili crabs!

My first meal in Singapore was seafood rice and homemade iced lemon tea at a hawker center, the Singapore version of food stalls ala pinoy carenderia. Seafood rice was a hefty serving of fried rice with scrambled eggs, steamed fish, squid, and shrimps; and paired with dip made of bell peppers, light vinegar and soy sauce. The rice was a little oily, but still yummy! The homemade iced lemon tea on the other hand was real tea (unlike our commercial powdered iced tea ) with a slice of lemon. It had a bitter-tangy taste common with Chinese tea. Seafood rice costs SGD 4.00 while the iced lemon tea was SGD 1.60.

I ended up with a clean plate (and glass). And I thought I would lose weight in Singapore. Hah! Cannot! I have yet to try their famous Hainanese chicken rice not to mention the rotti pratas! More Sing food, having here please!

I remember what my niece said at the airport, “Tita, in Singapore, do not pronounce the letter “R” when you talk.” That was Singapore lingo lesson no. 1 and she was right, because of the Chinese accent, “R” is not pronounced clearly. So you might hear them say, “Bus fare is 2 dollahs” with h to represent the airy “R”.

Singaporeans usually end of their sentences with “Lah”. I was told that this has no specific meaning, and more of an expression. “you wait here, lah”.

“Can/Cannot” is used instead of ok/not ok. When buying anything, the storekeeper may tell you, “5 dollars, can”? Or if you’re called for an interview, “schedule is on Monday at 9am, can?” of course, if you disagree, you say “cannot”.

“Handphone” is used instead of cellphone while “SMS” is used instead of text message. Which is probably better if you say “Send me an SMS in my handphone” rather than “Send me a text message in my cellphone”. To add value or load to your SIM, you say “top up”.

When asking for directions to the Comfort Room or Bathroom, you should use “Toilet”.

When ordering food you do not say Dine In or Take out, but you say “Having here or take away”.

I still have a lot to learn in the Singapore lingo,lah. Can! 

My life in Singapore is somehow a déjà vu of my life in Cagayan de Oro City during my college days (almost 10 years ago!!!). Things that are the same were my being far from home (family, friends, and boyfriend/now husband), doing house chores, trying to keep within budget and recording my expenses.

But, everything else is up-scaled.

For food, my all time favorite, Lucky Me Pancit Canton (abbreviated LMPC by my friend) - Php4.00 was replaced with Mee Poh Dry - SGD 0.50 or Php 15.00. Blue Bay Tuna or 555 Sardines - Php13.00 replaced with Lee Chao San Si – SGD 1.50 or Php 57.00. Iced tea is SGD 1.6/Php 51.20 but in a big bottle. Usual meal ranges from SGD 4-6 or Php 120-180.

For transportation, jeepney fare of Php4.00 (if I remember it right) is now a one way bus fare of a minimum of SGD0.70/Php 22.40 or Mass Railway Transit (MRT) of SGD 1.20/Php 38.40.

For accommodation, my “studio” type room of Php 1,200 per month with utilities is now SGD 450/Php 14,400 (whoa!). (Luckily, my supposed roommate has rescheduled her trip and I have the air-conditioned room solo.) Handwashing is replaced by the washing machine and dryer, rice cooker now paired with microwave oven and gas stove.

I remember my first cellphone, a Motorola Modulus, with free SIM card and text messaging, and Php 12.00 per minute cellphone call, not to mention my trips to the local telecommunication center for cheaper landline calls of Php8.00/minute. Here, I got my SIM for SGD 8.00/Php 256. And to think SIM cards in the Philippines are usually at Php10.00 or given away, free! But thanks to the Internet, I use Yahoo! and Skype to call home,free. 

Unlike before, my relocation purpose was to continue schooling for me to have a brighter future. Now, purpose is still for a brighter future but for me and my family, with “up-scaled” responsibility (and risk). But, like before, I still have the unwavering support of my family and friends, I miss them so much.

It has been six weeks and no job yet. Numerous versions of my resume, continuous submission of online applications, 2 job fairs, a series of (failed) walk-ins and with the volume of newspaper I have bought, I may start my own recycling business.

Looking at the brighter side though, I was fortunate enough to get one interview. Yes, you read it right, ONE. At that time, it was already my third week of jobhunting. Depressed, hopeless, and about to give up, I asked for a sign that if I didn’t get an interview within the week, I might as well go home. By Thursday, March 5, I got a call for an interview (Yes! Thank you, Lord!).

The interview was for a Health Performance Executive position in a government-owned hospital, and done by a male doctor and a lady (probably a doctor too but she didn’t introduce herself and she wasn’t wearing a name tag). Questions were:
- why I resigned from my job
- how and what did I know of the job that I applied for
- since my family was in the Philippines, what were my plans if I get the job
- did I encounter difficulties in handling people, how did I handle it
- do I have any problems in dealing with top management

The lady interviewer’s queries revolved on my being a foreigner, why I gave up my job and risk coming to Singapore to look for another job with uncertain results, and leaving my husband and daughter. I really wanted to say, ‘Desperate times call for desperate measures” or “it’s my problem, not yours” hehe. Of course, I gave my best answers. I was told that they will give feedback, positive or negative, within 2-3 weeks.

Well, one interview is better than nothing. Last Friday, I called them up and was told that the position is still open and no decision has been made yet. Depression, hopelessness, and desperation starting to rebuild. Another 2 weeks to go, if no call. I really have to go home. 

Six weeks and counting…and again, asking for another sign…

From the airport, I had to take a taxi to my friend’s house, alone (that gutsy for a first timer, eh?). It was 1145pm, probably not that late for urban time, but still late nonetheless.

A few meters from the Budget Terminal exit was the taxi queue. There were around 40 people (mix of Caucasians, Indians, Chinese, and pinoys) before me so it was quite a wait. I reprimanded myself for bringing big luggage and an oversized hand carry bag and not listening to my husband who repeatedly asked why I needed such big bags. I was lugging around a total of 30kg, really heavy for my 5’2” frame.

Anyway, as I waited in line, I tried not to be too obvious that I was observing how the process went. There were 4 taxi slots that can be served at a time and 2 guards(?) who assisted and directed the passengers to each of the vehicles. When my turn came, I was directed to a not-so-new model car. The Chinese driver had a difficult time in lifting may bags and said “help, help”. Again, the double words. I guess this is the Singapore habit? 

Inside the taxi was a small flat screen,I gave the driver the address, which I wrote down to save misunderstandings. He said, “Ok, I take you there. But I am not very sure with the block, ok? Maybe you can call a friend when near already?” I agreed, I also texted my friend on the arrangement, and was on constant communication the whole trip.My friend also told me that taxi fee should not exceed SGD 35. I learned later on that there were different taxi rates for different times, peak/off-peak, etc. I had my midnight view of Singapore, a series of tall buildings, trees, and a crisscross of highways. The airport was far from my soon to be house, the trip took around 35minutes, no traffic.

I paid SGD 31, almost Php 1000, for my first Singapore taxi ride.

As the plane eased down on the tarmac, I was looking forward to breathing the Singapore “air”. Going down the plane stairs, I took a look around and thought, still looks the same with Davao’s airport. I guess I expected more.

As I followed the other passengers who entered the airport building, I decided to take a picture under the “Arrival” area. I took out my camera, and as I was about to take a picture, a lady Singaporean (an employee of the airport)told me, “Excuse me, excuse me. No camera, no camera!” I replied, “Sorry” then kept my camera. So much for taking outdoor airport pics. I asked myself, do Singaporeans always repeat what they say? Maybe for foreigners like me? hmmm

Well, being reprimanded still counted as my first conversation with a Singaporean. 

I was told that Cebu Pacific didn’t offer free food on the plane. I expected more since this was an international flight and took 3 hours, but then I chose the promo/budget flight (beggars can’t be choosers!) I came prepared, I had my baon of yummy McChicken fillet (thanks,papa!). I was looking forward on having a Coke in can, perfect combination! Sadly, it was a Pepsi flight.

Anyway, when I looked at the menu, canned softdrinks cost Php50 and cup noodles also cost Php50.Hmmm…I know it’s not that much but I was already hesitant in spending more. I was also eyeing the coffee or hot choco. Nope, I wasn’t spending Php 80 on that either.

I was also afraid that what I will eat will end up on the vomit bag. So, no plane food for me. I should be on a diet. hehehe

I know I should have posted this before My Close Encounters with an IO, but better late than never! Read on! 

After holding back the tears, saying my goodbyes and I love you’s to the whole family (all of them went to the airport by the way), I headed on to the airport building entrance. My passport and ticket were checked, and valid ID was requested.

My baggage was screened by the X-Ray ( ?) machine. I was advised to take my shoes of, my belt, jacket, cellphone. All went through the machine. No alarm was set off. Hehehe.



Now for the fees to be paid. There was a counter for the payment of travel tax, Php 1620. Another counter for the terminal fee of Php 550. And Php3600 for 9 kilos of excess baggage!!! I dreaded the thought that if my handcarry bag was to be weighed, my baggage cost might be more expensive than my ticket! I had Php 1500 left. Hand carry limit was 7 kilos, and I knew my bag weighed at around 10kilos. At this rate, I thought I might run out of money and I haven’t left the Philippines yet! Next was the Philippine IO (with a separate post). Good thing there was no weighing counter at the boarding gates. Hehehe. The process took around an hour and 15 minutes.

After a few minutes, I boarded the plane. I felt a mixture of sadness and excitement and gave my silent goodbyes. I had paid a total of Php 5770, a 100% more than my budget. It was a tough night and I know it will surely be tougher in Singapore. Will I survive? 

The Immigration Officer (IO) is the most feared entity for discreet jobhunters like me. The IO can dictate the number of days that you can stay in a country, ask for any documentation to support your travel, or say that your travel will not be allowed.

So there I was in Philippine IO, anxious on what the IO may ask.At that time, he was the only IO at the counter, around age 50, thin, with white hair.

IO: What is your intent in going to Singapore?
Me: For vacation
IO: Where will you stay?
Me: With a friend (I gave him the address)
IO: Are you working? Where? Do you have an ID?
Me: Yes, at *** company, and presented my ID (which was invalid since I have already resigned from my job.
IO: what do you do in *** company?
Me: I handle insurance concerns and claims.
IO: Ok, enjoy your vacation.

Yay! so far so good!

While on the plane, my seatmates told me that they had a hard time at the Phil IO. One was a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) and was questioned on why she had no return ticket and she was asked to buy one for her to leave the Philippines. I didn't know why this was asked from her but PRs are not required to have a return ticket, what's the logic of returning to Singapore as PR? tsk tsk. But she still bought one.

The other girl told me that she was held at the IO Office for an hour. Reason: she previously worked in Singapore for 2 years as a domestic helper, now has a current job in the Philippines, and was invited by a friend to have a vacation in Singapore.She presented her invitation letter to the IO but the IO was persistent on asking assurance from her that she won't look for a job in Singapore.(Well, no assurance in that, if I was asked. Hehehe.)Anyway, she was held til 20 minutes before the flight and eventually released. Thank God I didn't have to go through that.

They shared their previous IO experiences with me. They told me that Singapore IOs were strict,especially to women. They had friends who were advised to be A to A or airport to airport, where they were asked to return to the Philippines upon arriving in Singapore. One also was given only 14 days of stay in Singapore. This really helped in raising my anxiety and lowering my confidence level.

Upon arrival in Singapore, I was apprehensive to the nth level.Based on my research, it was advisable to choose a man IO. I chose the one with shorter queue and faster "stamping" sound on the passport. :-)

IO (man, maybe around 50yo din, not so thin, white hair, maybe chinese or Singapore local)". As I was lining up, I could hear my heart beating fast. I hope I don't stammer or choke when I talk, and hope not to show my fear, preparing on what was to come. It was then my turn.

I handed my passport, Disembarkation Card, and printout my e-ticket, and said good evening. He nodded, took my documents and read the details. I held my breath and waited for the 1st question. NONE! He stamped "30 days" on my passport then let me pass. YEHEY! It was my lucky day!

I am very fortunate in my close encounters with the Philippine and Singapore IO. I hope I am that lucky in finding a job!

:-)

I renewed my passport last October 2008. My older sister has just renewed her passport so she tipped me on the following:
- Passport request/renewal costs Php550, with passport available in 28
working days while a passport available in 15 working days costs Php 750.
- The process usually takes half to whole day and I had to be at DFA as early
as 7am to finish within the day.
- If I will get a passport for my daughter, I will not have to line up since
DFA had a special area for parent and child/ pregnant/senior citizens.
- Documents needed are original and photocopies of NSO Birth and Marriage
Certificates, passport size photos, valid ID, baptismal certificate, other
records to validate identity.
- DFA Passport request form (downloadable in DFA website)
- Old passport (if for renewal)
- LBC express promo was available inside the DFA office. They will deliver your
passport once available for a fee of Php 100 per passport. You just have to
leave the claim receipt.

I was pleased to hear that the government has taken extra steps to consider people under these categories. Lucky me. I had the option to get the services of a fixer and pay Php 1200 per passport. But, well, since I had the time to spare (and not the money) I decided to do it myself.

Armed with the requirements, I was at the DFA office at 7am. The line was already long at that time, I was the number 124. Not bad since the guard told me that 300 requests per day will be entertained and that the 1st 150 people will be scheduled in the morning and 151-300 in the afternoon.

By 815am, I was at the 1st screening point at the entrance. The officer checked my documents and told me to go straight to the special area. I thought, at this rate, I’ll be done before 10am. Good!

The DFA officer 1st asked me about my daughter’s documents.
DFA Officer: Where are her school records?
Me: Sir, just started school so she has no school records available
yet.
DFA Officer: Ok. How about her baptismal record?
Me: Sir, sorry but I only brought her Birth Certificate as
indicated at the back of the request form. I did not know that
baptismal certificate is still needed.
DFA Officer: Ok, but upon claiming her passport, you have to present her
baptismal certificate.
Me: Ok po. (Whew. One down, mine to go.)
DFA Officer: So this is a renewal, huh. Where is your old passport?
Me: (After going through my bag, I handed to him my old passport.)
DFA Officer: This is already punched through, meaning, another passport has
been issued, where is the latest passport?
Me: (shocked, since I thought I was prepared) Sir, that is the only
passport I have. My sister requested it for me that time.
DFA Officer: What? Maybe your sister has it now? Are you not sure? This is
an important legal document? And should be taken cared of at
all times? How sure are you that your sister did not use it
for travel or any other illegal purposes?
Me: Sir, I know my sister po and we live in the same house. She has
not left the country in the last 5 years. She’s not like that
po. (and before I can say another word..)
DFA Officer: No, no. You cannot be always sure. You have to produce the old
passport!
Me: (in a low voice and apologetic face, with the hope of trying to
cool him down) Sir, I will try to look for my latest passport.
If I have misplaced it po, what are my options?
DFA Officer: (a little bit relaxed) Miss, you have to be sure of the
location of the passport, ok? If you won’t be able to find it,
then fill up another form, sign the affidavit of loss, and
present more valid documents. Ok?
Me: ok, sir. Thank you.

So I went out of the office empty handed and feeling stupid for not remembering where I put my dumb passport. I immediately called my sister and she laughed. Of course she had given me my passport, I may have just misplaced it, she said. I also called my husband, also got the laughing response, and told me to look for my passport again. When I went home, I dug up my files one by one, and surely, the latest passport was placed in an inconspicuous envelope. Note to self: Try not to be stupid in Singapore!

The next day, I was back at the DFA office, this time at 730am. Breezed through the line, and was back at the DFA Officer. I was apprehensive in meeting him again. I really don’t want to feel stupid for 2 days in a row. As I was ready to apologize, he just gave me a blank stare, immediately approved the request. I guess he did not remember me at all. I was just another face in the crowd. I was saved from the embarrassment! Whew.

After 28 days, I was able to claim my passport. 