Singapore...part 2

7. Ancient Egypy - where a Space Mountain-like ride is to be found. You end up riding a fast speed roller coaster in total darkness (almost) and since I was seated at the end of the coaster, I expected a 'mummy" to just grab me during the ride (which of course never happened)

So was it worth spending that much to go to Universal Studios Singapore...yes, it was worth every penny since I had a fabulous time with my cousin Carol and good friend Kim. Will i go back again...probably not until all the rides/attractions are complete and running.

So what else is there to do in Singapore? Shop til you drop! The latest shopping center along Orchard Road is 313 Sommerset or you can go to Ion where luxury brands abound

If you are a bargain hunter like me, then go to IMM in Jurong East. This mall is a bit far but the MRT will take you there...plus they have shuttle buses to the Jurong East station if walking from the station to the mall is not your thing. They have outlet shops here for Samsonite, New Balance, Esprit, Timberland, Cotton On, etc etc. Prices are definitely lower than the stores along Orchard Road but be stocks are probably of last season's.

If you're into electronics, gadgets, computer stuff, then head on to Funan Center located at the City Hall station. I recommend getting a Challenger member's card valid for two years (SGD 30 or Php 990) if you spend a lot on gadgets since this will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Also visit the Singapore Art Museum from time to time as they may offer free entrance is one is lucky.

Singapore... part 1

Pinoys, Pinoys and more Pinoys all over Singapore. You see them dishing you the tiny main course at a fine dining restaurant, or serving you your signature coffee at starbucks or coffee bean, or attending to your needs at the duty free shop at the airport, or delivering your luggage to your room at the Fairmont Hotel. Heck, even the one who refunds the GST at the airport is also a pinoy. I just love seeing them all over Singapore. The excellent hostess at Donkey's interactive show at Universal Studios was a pinoy (excellent diction and a lively act made the show even more entertaining). The only Pinoy i never liked was the one working the Nooka counter at Tang's Orchard who had this haughty attitude as if people asking cannot afford his ware!...has he imbibed the Singaporean attitude? or this his natural sour puss attitude? ok, first thing i did when i got to Singapore? of course visit the newly opened Universal Studios. I've been to the one in LA so this one suffers in comparison but i'll give it the benefit of the doubt since this is located far away from its home base and its probably geared for the asian market (much like Disney Hong Kong suffers in comparison to Disneyland in Annaheim). Entrance to the park is at SGD72 per person (or approximately Php 2300). This entitles you to all the ride except for the Rock climbing section (which you can totally ignore). The park is divided into 7 parts:

1. Hollywood - where all the souvenir shops are located. make this your last stop to shop. Even though all the other sections have their individual shops, the shops at the Hollywood section are the most comprehensive.

2. New York - where the special effects studio of Steven Spielberg is located. Plus Loui's NY Pizza Parlor is where one should take lunch with their tasty pizza (huge too)

3. Sci-Fi City - where you'll find the Battlestar Gallactica roller coaster which has two tracks weaving against each other as if the trains will collide with one another (unfortunately, at that time, the ride was closed for maintainance...i heard from sources that it was deemed unsafe!)

4. The Lost World - where a Rapids kinda ride is the attraction...expect to get wet or you can purchase disposable raincoats at around SGD 1.50 (Php 48) each. The Waterworld show ala Kevin Coster is also found in this section.

5 Far Far Away - Shrek's kingdom where attractions are mostly for kids but that didn't stop me from enjoying the attractions as well

6. Madagascar - based on the movie which as of this writing, is still closed to the public. I was told they will open this section in a couple of months (no definite date yet)