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Publisher’s Note
It was 22 years ago when I arrived in Canada and chose Calgary, Alberta to be my home. Leaving my family and friends behind, it was a new adventure for me to be in a new country without knowing anyone. That was the time I looked for a Filipino community paper and never found any, [...]
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Singapore……The Lion City

by Connie Kriaski

Going to the Philippines for a holiday is an excellent idea but while you are visiting your home country, you can do a side trip to one of it’s neighboing countries, the Lion City, Singapore.The average flying time for a direct flight from Manila, Philippines to Singapore, Singapore is 3 hours 33 minutes

Dining, along with shopping, is said to be the country’s national pastime. The focus on food has led countries like Australia to attract Singaporean tourists with food-based itineraries.The diversity of food is touted as a reason to visit the country, and the variety of food representing different ethnicities is seen by the government as a symbol of its multiculturalism. The “national fruit” of Singapore is the durian.

In popular culture, food items belong to a particular ethnicity, with Chinese, Malay, and Indian food clearly defined. However, the diversity of cuisine has been increased further by the “hybridisation” of different styles (e.g., the Peranakan cuisine, a mix of Chinese and Malay cuisine). Going into one of the food courts in Singapore, I was surprised that they have a FILIPINO CUISINE food outlet.

Since the 1990s, the government has been promoting Singapore as a centre for arts and culture, in particular the performing arts, and to transform the country into a cosmopolitan “gateway between the East and West”. One highlight was the construction of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, a performing arts centre opened in October 2002. The national orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, plays at the Esplanade. The annual Singapore Arts Festival is organised by the National Arts Council. The stand-up comedy scene has been growing, with a weekly open mic. Singapore hosted the 2009 Genée International Ballet Competition, a classical ballet competition promoted by London’s Royal Academy of Dance.

Here’s some of the tourist attractions in Singapore I’ve gone to when I went on a short trip while I was out in Manila the other year.

1. Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studio singapore become the top tourist attractions of Singapore. Universal Studios Singapore is located in the Resort World Sentosa, which includes the Integrated Resort has just opened officially in April of 2010. Each set foot in the various zones, you will experience a different feel. Universal Studios Singapore is divided into 7 zones, Madagascar, the Palace of Far Far Away from the world of Shrek was the first in the world, The Lost World where you can find a world of dinosaurs and Waterworld, Ancient Egypt – a world full of ancient Egyptian mummies, Sci-fi – a futuristic city and the last two zones of the theme of a famous city in America that is Hollywood and New York. Universal Studios Singapore has over 30 restaurants and food carts, together with 20 unique retail stores and carts located around the park.

2. Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is one of the two Integrated Resort in Singapore’s new in the open in 2010. After the Resort World Sentosa first operation in early April 2010. Marina Bay Sands is located in the Marina Bay area, joined with Singapore icons that had already stood up like a statue of the Merlion, Esplanade and Singapore Flyer. Marina Bay Sands has very complete facilities. Guaranteed you can find all you need to be available in this place without having to get out of this region such as casino, sand sky park, hotel, restaurant, cafe there is also a Food Kiosk that provides local flavor from the chicken rice, curry Indian team and sum up western-style roast chicken and sandwiches. In addition, the Marina Bay resort is a paradise for the shopaholic. Equipped with a luxury shopping centers are also a variety of world-class retailers and restaurants make this place is the biggest luxury shopping mall in Singapore.

3. Clarke Quay Central

Designed to showcase Clarke Quay Central’s unique location along the Singapore River, its retail component features specialty Japanese restaurants with inviting water views, and trendy, independent fashion boutiques. The urban chic Clarke Quay Central is home to over 150 exciting retail stores & F&B outlets spread over five levels with each level offering unique themes. Whether you are indulging in a spot of riverfront shopping or treating yourself to a riverside dining experience, you will always find something refreshing at Clarke Quay Central.

4) The Merlion

The Merlion is more than just a statue. It’s a mythical symbol of Singapore, a place to take in some incredible views, and of course, is the city’s most sought after photo-op. The term ‘must see’ will forever be used to describe the Merlion, with the iconic statue attracting over a million visitors per year. Although the 70-tonne, water-spouting Merlion is the main focal point, you can also relax on the terraced seating area, which boasts some great views across the water to Marina Bay Sands.

5. Esplanade

Theatres on the Bay is a waterside building located on six hectares of waterfront land alongside Marina Bay near the mouth of the Singapore River, purpose-built to be the centre for performing arts for the island nation of Singapore. Taking its name from the nearby Esplanade, it contains a concert hall which seats about 1,600 and a theatre with a capacity of about 2,000 for the performing arts.

The library@esplanade is located on the third floor of the building. There are outdoor performing centres, and retail and food space at the Esplanade Mall. There is an outdoor open space on the fourth floor of the building, which is the highest point open to the public.

You can visit Singapore is anytime of the year due to tropical climate that constant, but June-August is considered to be the best time to visit

Singapore……The Lion City

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