Describe Singapore - my cousin's homework :)

Yesterday, my cousin sent me a message about his homework on social studies - a 150 word essay describing Singapore.

I'm too busy right now, preoccupied with things such as managing my Internet Cafe, studying Teradata architecture, and playing Starcraft II. But thinking that I was the best option that my cousin has in that assignment - I told him okay, I'll send him the essay by today.

And here I am in my blog space to write just about that.

Singapore is a very small country. It's one of the only 3 countries considered to be a sovereign city-state, others being the Vatican and Monaco. Popular for it's ban on chewing gums, Singapore is widely known for its very strict laws and policies concerning lifestyle, thus, making an impression that living in this country would make you feel very restricted. But such is life, you win some you lose some. If you look more deeply into Singapore's lifestyle and culture, there's more to it than the fines and restrictions. Singapore is a haven for people who want to live a peaceful life. Its crime rate is considered one of the lowest in the world. Sitting as the primary financial hub in South East Asia, Singapore has also been considered as one of the top places that expatriates would love to work in. Aside from a very competitive salary, an employee would also enjoy the day-to-day travel  - well timed trains, accessible bus stops, numerous taxi cabs, and big expressways, one can exactly plan and schedule his travel time around the city-state. Working on to also be the primary IT hub in South East Asia, Singapore is also greatly focused on technology. Its mobile networks are world-class and wi-fi hot spots can almost be seen anywhere. You can basically stay connected all the time, anywhere and everywhere. There's so much more to this country other than feeling restricted and a simple essay won't do justice to cover them all. But if you want peace, convenience, money and technology - Singapore has to be your top destination.

catch-up no more

I arrived back here in the Philippines last August 4 on a gloomy Wednesday afternoon. My mom picked me up in the airport and she probably waited about 1.5 hrs because I came out around 3:30PM already. Reasons are: 
1) delayed flight
2) I was seated at the back of the plane
3) I had 42KG check-in luggage + 3 heavy plastic bags + 1 laptop bag with me. 


I missed my mom and it was really nice seeing her again.


Since I only dozed for 2 hours the night before, she dropped me off for a massage near to our place while waiting for my siblings to arrive from school. The massage was okay but the place was not comfortable and a bit itchy. But I was able to get 1 hour of rest and a peaceful 30-minute nap - exactly what I needed to go through 6 hours before hitting the bed.


I was excited to see my siblings because this time it won't just be a visit... I'll see them not to catch-up but to connect and live life together with them again. I can honestly say that I wasn't really involved in their lives for the past 3 years. And it wasn't because of distance; YM, Facebook and Skype can practically connect you to someone in an instant. It was more because of the focus that I had when I was back in Singapore. Young and excited, all I wanted to do was for myself. Working, getting fit, enjoying the lifestyle, playing games, having a girlfriend, partying, etc? I can pretty much say that I have lived and enjoyed myself during those 3 years. And this time it will be a bit different.


I really missed my family and I'm hoping I can manage my time between them, career, business, gaming and basketball. Aw.. doesn't it seem to much? tsk tsk... Love you guys!

timely taxi cab

Today is my last day here in Singapore and what a very timely way for me to catch a taxi cab driver on my way home. He gave me a simple motivation and confidence on what I'm about to do. Coz right now, I'm in one of the biggest crossroads in my life. 


Though I've already decided long back that going back to the Philippines is the best for me. The promising convenience, money and lifestyle of staying here have always kept me doubting. Each day passed led me to thinking each of the small things that I'm going to miss here. Its no secret that I've learned to love Singapore as a country. I've already told my friends that eventually, I want to come back and live here. Whether that thing will change or not, I'm not sure but all I want to say is Singapore has been a part of me. This is where I learned to experience the early adult phase of my life. Although its very far from perfect, it surely is fulfilling and educational. This is where I came to learning more about myself and my habits. Surely, there's some truth to the saying that you'll never know yourself until you go out and try to live your life on your own.


Philippines is a very beautiful place, nothing feels like home. Family, friends and relatives who I grew up with are all there. That is also the place where I experienced the 'real world'. There are no second doubts on my mind now that I want to grab the opportunity that was presented to me. I'm going back home not to relax, unwind and enjoy my welcome back party. I'm going there to work hard, gain more experience and be a better person, Data Warehouse professional and businessman. My eyes are set on one goal and that is to prosper in the aspects which are very valuable to me - myself, family, career and business.


I chose to go back home because the opportunity will make me better rather than staying here. I'm going to build all those new data warehouses, get certified and be an expert. I'm going to manage my business to the best of my ability and make it prosper.


This is my goal, this is what I'll live by.

auto-pilot

It has been 3 years since I last blogged about my life and all that's happening around me.

Reading through all my previous posts made me think of these things
1) How different my mindset has become
2) How important writing your story is
3) Why conscious thinking only happens during the start and the end

Surely all that's going through in your life sometimes sucks you into it so bad that it makes you forget to look at the big picture.

Sometimes life just goes on auto-pilot, and it's not about doing what you don't want to do but more of being conscious on what you are doing.

I'll be leaving Singapore in a couple of days or rather I'll be going back to the Philippines in a couple of days and I want to make a promise to myself that from now until forever I'll keep on writing about what's happening.

I feel like I've lost 3 years worth of stories, lessons, inspiration and motivation and I don't want to lose more.