WALKING THOUGH SINGAPORE’S TOURISTS DESTINATIONS - Part 4 The Long Bar - Home of the Iconic SINGAPORE SLING

​The Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel Arcade is home of the iconic Singapore Sling. It is the concoction of a Hainanese bar tender, Ngaim Ton Boon. 

It all started as a gathering hole for the community; gentlemen hangout drinking gin and whiskey while they watched the ladies come into the hotel lobby. Oftentimes the ladies joined them at their tables, so the concept of the long bar came about. 

In the early 1900’s, ladies were not allowed to drink alcohol in public. In 1915, this bar tender concocted a drink out of pineapple juice; added cherry liqueur and grenadine to get the pink color. The colorless gin was added unnoticed and people accepted this drink with a the pinkish hue as a suitable beverage for the ladies. 

And the SINGAPORE SLING was borne! 

Waiting at the veranda of the Raffles Hotel Arcade, it didn’t take long before we were seated in spite of the long queue of tourists trying to get in. We had time to take photos. 

As we sat, we noticed the small jute sack of shelled peanuts already on our table free of charge. This is in keeping with tradition when there were an abundance of peanuts from nearby plantations and the peanuts were on the house. 

What’s interesting is the absence of a receptacle for the shells; as we looked around, peanut shells were all over the place; on the tables, on the floor and everywhere. A tradition as well. 

Part of the bar decor were native fans attached to the ceiling that turned to and fro like they are making air circulate; a feature from the early days. 

When we gave our orders,I asked the server: “can you go slow with alcohol on my drink, like maybe put just half of the gin?” 

I wasn’t sure if I could take in the gin; besides we still had that river cruise and dinner afterwards. 

“Of course ma’am,. I can make you the original, sans the alcohol”. She pleasantly replied. 

While having drinks, we saw that most of the guests just ordered one drink, grabbed a handful of peanuts and they were on their way 

Just like me and my sister the  guests just wanted  to visit the Long Bar and have a taste of the Singapore Sling. No wonder one can get a table quick in spite of the long queues; most of the guests did not linger. 

Before we left, I threaded carefully to the restroom lest I’ll step on a peanut shell and slip. 

I thank my daughter in law, Tanya for bringing us there. It was a novelty to see the Long Bar and taste the Singapore Sling. 

“Today, the Long Bar is where visitors continue to undergo one of the true rites of passage of world travel- savoring the original Singapore Sling right where it was created more than 100 years ago” 

- from the published history of the Long Bar- 

IT’S GREAT TO BE HOME BUT I’M MISSING SINGAPORE ALREADY

​ All good things come to an end and time flies fast when you’re having a good time. Singapore is a bustling city, there’s always something going on; tourists arriving by the thousands; construction in every turn for a new building here, a train station there, etc. 

We gave up tickets my son bought for the river cruise due to heavy rains. Moreover, we ran out of time to see the Van Gogh immersive exhibit. My daughter in law said it is quite an experience seeing come to life The Starry Night, The Sunflower Summers and many more. 

I especially thank my son who had a busy day of meetings ahead but managed to  bring us to Changi 2 when we could have taken a grab. But of course  we welcome the extended time to be with him. 

Before our flight coming home, we messaged our children for a wonderful holiday even when we kissed and hugged when leaving their homes. 

Waiting to board. 

I can’t thank my children enough for giving us a good time. They really wanted us to make this trip unforgettable. What I appreciate most, set aside the treats, the dinners and lunches, and the sights is their patience. 

They didn’t mind making reservations for every meal we took so we could eat at the best restaurants. I learned that the Italian restaurant, LAVO, at the Skypark of Marina Bay Sands required a month or longer to get a table and my daughter really planned that. 

They gave up part of their vacation to bring us around. I know that they reserve that for their vacations abroad. 

Like most people who traveled for a holiday day say, “ back to reality”. 

My reality is welcome. I’ll be with my older daughter and her family again. I’ll be walking everyday again with the Sweet  Magnolias. 

WALKING THROUGH SINGAPORE’S TOURISTS DESTINATIONS - Part 3 The Merlion Park

​The Merlion Park is one of Singapore’s most famous landmarks. It is a must stop for tourists to get an overall view of Marina Bay. 

The Merlion is Singapore’s National Icon. Spouting water from its mouth; it stands 8.8 meters high and weighs 70 tons. It has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. 

As advised by my son, I posed by this iconic symbol at the best spot of the Merlion park located at One Fullerton, just a few steps from Fullerton hotel where we had lunch. 

The Merlion’s fish-like body tells of Singapore’s history as a fishing village, locally known as Tamasek. It’s head symbolizes the original name of Singapura, Lion City in Sanskrit. 

Legend retold that a Srivijayan Prince of Palembang landed during a tempest at sea and he saw a strange creature which he identified as a lion. 

From this vantage point, we can see the Marina Bay Sands standing in all its splendor with the boat-shaped Skypark on top. 

Also visible from here is the Singapore Flyer

WALKING TROUGH SINGAPORE’S TOURISTS DESTINATIONS - Part 2 The Supertree Observatory

​Built high up in the air to reach 50 meters above ground to provide stunning views of The Flower Dome, Marina Bay Sands Hotel with the Skypark on top, the Artscience Museum and The Singapore Flyer. It provided a total view of the Marina Bay and the entire Singapore cityescape.

There is this still photo I took from a video that runs at the elevator ceiling as we ascended to the top. 

My son kept asking us if we were thirsty so we can stop by the Social Kitchen Cafe housed on the observatory floor. That is the topmost floor. 

There is the Supertree App to scan the 360 skyline and get informed of the famous landmarks of the Marina Bay Area. 

Up there is windy and cool which encouraged us to walk around the entire perimeter to appreciate a full view of all these wonderful sights. 

WALKING THROUGH SINGAPORE’S TOURISTS DESTINATIONS -part 1 Gardens by the Bay

​Many great things has been written about Singapore and it’s many tourists destinations. On this trip, I visited them again to see what’s new and to update my photos. 

“Where do you want to go?”, my son asked and I replied that I wanted to go through them again. 

“ Again? I thought you’re through with the tourist spots by now with your frequent visits?”Nevertheless, patiently accompanied us. 

GARDENS BY THE BAY

Going through all the rare plants and colorful flowers is a refreshing and calming experience in a big air conditioned dome. 

I believe that the air condition is more for  the plants than for the guests. 

The Gardens by the bay is better appreciated looking at a video, but I only took stills on what took my fancy. 

By the cherry blossom in pots

Can’t help to take a selfie. 

  

There are amazing bonsai trees,succulents, herbs, cacti and a lot more. 

It took us two hours to leisurely appreciate everything and we were not tired at all. The place was so cool and there’s a pleasant melody on the background. 

SINGAPORE HERE I COME!

Today, ​Jim and I are excited to see Singapore again. We went to the airport early because no one can tell how long it will take us to go through immigration. We were lucky that we went through quickly. Those who traveled recently said that there are long queues, sometimes none at all. 

Finally we alighted from the plane at Changi terminal 3; I felt like I could breathe easier; more refreshed and alive. 

Why is it different here?  It is still Asia; why couldn’t our beloved Philippines be as pleasant as it is here? 

Oh, I miss Singapore! It’s been almost 4 years since we visited last; it was October pre pandemic. 

When my grandson was a baby; then a toddler, our visits were more frequent until he was old enough to know us and to remember us. 

How thoughtful our son is to personally get  us from the airport. We are proud of him; busy as he is running 5 Asian countries plus Australia, he took time for us;  if he is otherwise busy, he usually sends a car service to get us. 

We arrived at his new home we haven’t seen yet and this is our welcome floral arrangement. Plus a sumptuous dinner. 

SWEET MAGNOLIAS SENDOFF

​What a lovely morning walking with friends and taking photos whenever we fancy. This led us to a generous breakfast hosted by Tess. 

It was a sendoff for me and Jim since we are  leaving for a week’s vacation. Interesting, isn’t it since it is such a short trip. I’m wondering why; will they really miss me that much?

Ahh! but it became a tradition for our group whenever someone goes abroad no matter the length of the trip 

Today was so fun, full of laughter and our tummies were full as well. It was food overload as usual when talking of parties hosted by Tess 

Tess set a precedent when she gave Mel a Bidibidi bag for her birthday last month. So it became the most coveted bag among us. 

Today I got mine! It was not my birthday but Tess gave it to me since it is a travel bag and I’ll be traveling.  Believe me when I say that it can hold all the things a lady needs to bring. It can even hold a pair of Hoka walking shoes along with everything else. 

This bag is made in Bicol by housewives in the locality allowing them to earn a living. The beautiful art is hand embroidered and patched on the bag exterior. All materials used are local in the province. 

Today is Juliet’s birthday. While she scheduled her birthday treat for us when I get back, we urged her to join us today so we could greet her properly. 

Of course she got her bag too! 

As I mentioned in a former blog, this send off celebration is now a tradition. . 

I recall giving a breakfast to sendoff Tess when she went back home to her family in Holland in late February. We thought she’d be gone for months but she gave us a pleasant surprise when she came back after a month. 

Carol along with her husband, Alfred left for the US in mid-March. It was Claire and Dr. Kim who gave them the sendoff breakfast. 

It was never in our wildest dreams that we will become such good friends all because of walking; the bonus being that our husbands often join us in walking and other celebrations. . 

Moving on, we all look forward to countless mornings when we are up at dawn to complete 7 kilometers; the very reason we got together in the first place. 

Thanks a lot for breakfast today Tess and thank you for my Bidibidi. 

Happy birthday again Juliet. I hope you had a wonderful day. Hey! What’s for dinner? 

BIG BREAKFAST TO SENDOFF DOLLY

​Aside from walking, food, glorious food is the center of our enjoyment, a joy that binds our friendship.  While many cool down at Starbucks, that is not our routine since we can do breakfast better in our own homes. 

Once again today, The  Sweet Magnolias and guests husbands gathered for this big breakfast to send off Dolly and Vener.  They will leave for the US this week and will be gone for sometime. 

As we became better friends, we have slowly weaved and blended into each other’s lives. As Mel put it: “we even know when one was not able to sleep last night”. Nowadays too, we mark the comings and goings of each one when we leave town or travel abroad; hence this breakfast. 

Recently, our birthdays too are calendared; looks like Mel set a precedent when she invited us all for breakfast at Palms Country Club to celebrate her birthday last week.

 Juliet and Cheska already set their birthday celebrations for April and May. 

Just like the spectacular dinners given by Tess, this breakfast is beyond compare.  Here we are in front of her kitchen island raring to eat but we need this photo. 

There were fruits galore! If there is a “bahay kubo” folk song for veggies, then we need another one for all these fruits served. Notice that they are all local, nothing imported. 

My fruit plate, yum! 

This breakfast was a big one, the savory arroz caldo is the specialty of Vener served complete with trimmings. The crunching bean curd brought by Cheska was a good pairing. 

Not to be outdone are the Samar delicacies, our breakfast favorite. 

The dried iliw from Allen

And 

The Calbayog tinapa. 

There were two omelets, the rolled Japanese omelet 

And the mushroom-spinach omelet; both so yummy and healthy that I feasted on them. 

Another dish which can go along with the dried fish is the grilled eggplant, peeled and mixed with coconut milk with other trimmings. 

Of course breakfast is never complete without dessert, our fave too which Juliet  brought, the Biko. I consider it my friend and foe for it is temptingly delicious but not good for me. So I had a teaspoon full and it took a lot of resistance not to get another. By the way, this was served with chocolate made from the best tableya from Iloilo. 

Here you see Tess doing the last few stirs of chocolate making it thick and velvety. 

A serving of dessert 

There was also the ginatang plantain (inog oh) in Visaya which was so rich and yummy

Have a pleasant trip Dolly and Vener.  Come back home soon so you can walk with us again. 

Tess sendoff gift for Dolly; the most coveted  (by us) is that native and embroidered  bag from Bicol which is convenient for traveling.  

Happy Landings!