BANG-kok

This post is waaayyyy overdue. My Bangkok trip was last April 2012 and it's just now that I got the chance to write something about it. Me and my friends actually decided to go to Bangkok since AirAsia was on sale. We got our tickets for only 150SGD :). AirAsia is a decent airline for short haul flights however, if you'll ask me to ride AirAsia to US or Australia or any other long haul flight, I might pass.  The legroom isn't that big. You don't have the space. I think long haul flights have different aeroplane.

Day 1.

We arrived in Suvarnabuhmi Airport at 10pm. We had to take the last flight because we didn't take a day off from work.  To cut it short, we did nothing. We stayed in Lub'd. It's a cool hostel. I highly recommend Lub'd . Good Location!! It's right in front of National Stadium MRT. I also bought an AIS sim for my Blackberry so I can contact my friends in Singapore in case I get lost  :))

Day 2

We went out of the hostel a bit late. We then went to Chatuchak Market. It's a huge market and we got lost. Sharmain and Chris went together while Poppy and I went together.  We just roamed around the place and we tried to look for them.  It's not an English speaking country so looking for lost people isn't that easy.

Since we lost them already, Poppy and I decided to go back to the hostel to drop stuff I bought haha.  After that we decided to roam Bangkok. We went to different Museum but we didn't try it out because the ticket to the Grand Palace (which we will visit the next day) is the ticket to these museum. Below are some photos of our museum trip. Forgive the fat me.

Now, One of my favorite part of our trip was the Cabbages and Condoms. It's a cool condom themed restaurant. It's not advisable for conservative people to go there. They might be shocked with what they will see. The food was meehhhh. Free Condoms for everyone!!!

Resto Sign Board

Some cooollll Condom Art

This can be found at the Exit. Condom all you can. I think I got about a dozen. Condoms can be balloons too!

After our Cabbages and Condom trip, Poppy and I decided to go to Siam Square. It's actually a nice shopping district near our hostel.  While strolling around Siam Square, I saw a Wax Museum. I forced Poppy to go with me since I got a 50% off coupon. Anyway we'll be visiting the one in Sydney when I go there. Below are some photos of mine taken in the wax museum.

Wazzaaappp Mr. Prime Minister!!

Me and my buddy Elizabeth.

My man Beckham told me to workout since I'm overweight already

After the Wax Museum, Poppy and I decided to go back to the hostel and wait for Sharmain and Chris. If you think our day ends there then you're wrong. But I'll end my blog about this day here. What you don't know won't hurt you so yeah. Day 3 is just temple hoping and budha hunting.

I'll write about part 2 soon. Getting lazy now. Forgive my grammar. Too lazy to proofread everything.

Random thoughts

A while ago I watched a video about my former school, CSA. No matter how many bad memories I had during my entire stay in this school, good memories still dominates.  I actually like the way I was trained by this school.  I cannot imagine myself studying in another school. My dad once told me I was supposed to study in LSGH or Xavier. Thank God it didn't push through. Thanks to my older brother for staying in CSA. Every year I spent in CSA is fun and interesting. Imagine having tons of minor and major offenses during my 2nd grade then the following I transformed and became the most religious kid in class haha. My 3rd grade was the complete opposite of my 2nd grade.  If in my 2nd grade my adviser wants to kill me, in my 3rd grade, my adviser loves me and we go to mass together hahahaahahahah. I saw the transformation of CSA from non-aircon classroom to the aircon one. High School was a good one. I was able to connect with every single class I spent with which is good. 

Now I'm in my last year in college and I realised one thing. I just want to travel the world. If there's a job that will pay me to travel I'll take it. No matter how small the compensation is as long as my travels are for free I'll do it. Compensation doesn't really matter if you're enjoying what you're doing. I don't care about the name of the company cause I'm not planing to brag my life after college.

Quote for the day: If you know for sure that you're heading to hell, might as well ride a limo.

Dream Destination: Pyongyang, North Korea

What's your dream destination? Most of us will answer Europe, America, Africa, and so on.  No one would actually want to go to North Korea.  A while ago, I decided to read some articles regarding North Korea and it really excites me. I love how controlled North Korea is. You can't talk against the government and you must respect their culture. Really cool! For me only lah! Someday I'll visit North Korea. Promise!

The Lazy Kid Inside Me.

Some of the albums on my FB that are hidden or viewable only to some. 

I've been a bum since I returned from my 1 week vacation in Taipei.  I decided to checkout my FB albums. I actually have many albums some are from my trips outside the country but most of them are notes and other materials that will help me and my classmates in school.  Above are some of them. I do it for most of my subjects maybe because I have a bad hand writing or I'm just too lazy to write and listen at the same time.  If they can do it let them do it. I'm the kind of kid who get all the possible resources.  (*If you need resources from different subjects, you know who to contact :)

I remembered a quote of Bill Gates why he gives lazy people the hardest job.  He stated that lazy people always look for the easiest and fastest way to complete a job which is true for me. I tend to look for all the possible ways to get the job done the easiest and fastest way possible.  I guess Dr. Ginny is the only professor who made me pushed myself to the limit. I like and hate it at the same time.  After my HUREONE, one of the major subject in ACM, I realised that I can be as awesome as the other people who get a 4.000 GPA every term if only I will push myself to the limit.  

I may be lazy but not to the point that I'll be slacking all the time. I can also be the most productive person you can ever meet.  Just push me to the limit or make me push myself to the limit or give me some motivation or inspiration or whatever.  My grades are above average and some people consider me smart but I don't consider myself smart. I don't even know the basis of telling the person is smart.  Some may be flunking in school now but they'll be the most successful individuals someday. Look at Ms. Zamorra. She's proud that she flunked accounting a lot of times. But look at her now, her knowledge of marketing is way beyond what I can imagine.  Her knowledge compared to mine? I don't even want to compare.

I'm currently waiting for the grades now. Despite the fact that I maximized all my cuts in all my subjects this term, I think I'll end up with flying colors again. We'll see.

I wrote this blog simply because I'm bored and I'm lazy to be lazy lying on my bed. My whole body hurts due to excessive exercise yesterday (YES! I decided to be productive yesterday and now I'm back to slacking)

Things to do in Singapore.

During my 6 months stay in Singapore, there are still a lot of things I haven't done. Maybe because I just find it a waste of time and expensive. Below are the list of things I haven't done.

Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and Jurong Bird Park

These 3 zoos are the best in Singapore. I decided not to visit these zoos because the price is equivalent  to a 1 day pass to Universal Studios.  I'd rather enjoy riding the Battlestar Gallatica  instead of watching the birds fly in Jurong Bird Park, the animals sleep in the Night Safari, or animals play in the Singapore Zoo.  However, I'm planning to visit these zoos when I visit Singapore again.  Did you know that I only visited USS on my last few days in Singapore that's why I decided not to join my fellow Google Ambassador when they went there haha.

Songs of the Sea

I dunno what this is all about but I heard it's a great show.  Almost all guidebooks will tell you to watch this show. Well, I'd rather ride the luge and stroll in Sentosa beach than watch this "amazing" show.  I don't want to stay in Sentosa during the night because it can be a bit scary.

Singapore Flyer

This is the Ferris Wheel like observatory in Marina Bay Sands. I  wasn't able to try it because I'm scared of Ferris Wheel like ride.  I repeat I'm scared of Ferris Wheel and Cable Car. I'd rather ride the scariest roller coasters in the world than ride  Ferris Wheels and Cable Cars.

Ride the LRT

Yes, there's an LRT in Singapore.  It's in Bukit Panjang, Sengkang and Punggol. Haven't tried those because it's far away from the city.  The LRT is the small version of Singapore's MRT.

Tried Singapore Sling

This is their specialty drink. Too bad I wasn't able to try it or maybe i did but can't remember.... But I think I haven't.

Entered or Exit using Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is the best terminal of Changi. I haven't tries it because I don't use the airlines in that terminal.  Soon maybe when I'm flying to Europe after graduation.

VROOOM VROOOM

I loovveee cars. When I was a kid, I always play with cars, trucks, mixers, and so on.  Those were my favorite toys and until now I still love buying toy cars.  My childhood dream was to become a driver of a container van but that changes one day when I woke up my dad surprised me with a 1:18 Enzo Ferrari from Shell.  That was the day when I fell in love with luxury cars and wanted to drive one someday.  Every time I see a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and other luxury cars on the streets, I stop and I feel like melting on the spot.  Even the fugliest driver becomes the most handsome/beautiful driver in the world for me! Gah. Someone please give me a new toy to display!!!

Farewell A-Rod

Andy Roddick after winning US Open 2003

Andy Roddick is my favorite tennis player before Djokovic came.  I grew up idolizing him and Serena Williams.  It's sad to see him leave the world of tennis.  I know I'm not really looking forward on seeing him play on TV but it sucks that I won't be able to see him play live. I'm watching Shanghai on October and I don't think I'll be able to see him there because he'll be retiring by the end of his US Open campaign.  

I started playing tennis in 2001 but I started watching tennis in 2003.  The first ever tennis match that I saw on TV was the US Open semi finals of Andy Roddick and David Nalbandian wherein Andy Roddick fought back from almost being deafeated.  After seeing how awesome he was, I decided to wake up at 3am just to watch his finals against Juan Carlos Ferrero which he won 6-3 7-6 6-3.  Andy Roddick ended up being the World Number 1 beating Federer in the ranking for 2003 TEE HEE.

Every year I'm always hoping that Roddick will add more grandslam trophies to his collection.  What I didn't know is that his maiden grandslam title is his last grandslam title.  Anyway he's lucky to achieve 2 of the most important milestone in his tennis career, winning a grandslam and reaching #1.

After losing the ranking to Federer, he's the world number 2 until Nadal came in 2005. Andy Roddick started to fade away.  It's in 2007 that I found a new tennis player to idolize when Andy Roddick is somewhere out there but still awesome.  I still use him in Top Spin 2, Virtua Tennis 3, Smash Court Tennis 2, and all other tennis computer games.  I used to hit with a Babolat Pure Drive Roddick.

Now Roddick's gone, Novak Djokovic is still my favorite tennis player. Serena Williams' my favorite female tennis player and I'm still awesome (Labo sabaw)

Traveling with friends and family

Traveling is one of my favorite thing to do.  Ever since I was a kid, my parents always tag me along whenever they travel.  I never really experienced traveling with friends until earlier this year.  The first time i traveled without my mom or my dad was when I went to Singapore. After that, I was able to go to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia with friends.

Ocean Park with my ACM 111 majormates.

I can say that there's a big difference when you travel with friends and with family.  When you're with your family, you don't have to worry about the expenses because your parents will surely cover it for you.  On the other hand, traveling with friends will test your budgeting skills.  In terms of enjoyment, I can't really tell because the enjoyment you experience with your family is different with the enjoyment you experience with your friends.  Spending time with your family strengthen your family bond. While spending time with your friends will make you explore new things and you're free to do anything you can't do with your family.  I refuse to give an example of things you cannot do with your family. I know you know what I mean.  Anyway, I love traveling whether I'm with my friends or with my family.

This is my and my buddies during our Thailand trip.

If you need some tips or advice on traveling maybe I could help.

1st week of 2012

2012 is the best year of my life so far and I wanna share my experiences during this year to everyone :).  January 1, 2012 is not a usual new year celebration that I'm having every year.  I'm really scared that day because come 6am in the morning I'll be on my way to Singapore for my 6 months internship.  It was hard to leave my home.  I dunno if i can survive 6 months without my family and my beloved kasambahay.  I have no idea how to wash and iron my clothes. It was really scary.

Fitness Centre in front of my block in Sembawang

Our supposed 6am flight became 9am because of zero visibility c/o the Filipino people.  It was foggy.  My cousin and my landlady in Singapore were already worried.  Luckily, I was able to find my way to my new home in Singapore.  I'm living in the northern part of Singapore.  Sembawang to be specific.  I stayed there because the accommodation is really cheap for a whole bedroom without any bed spacers. Just me.  FYI a whole room will cost you 800-1500sgd a month. I got mine way lower than the average price plus it's walking distance to the MRT station. After settling down, I went to Orchard to buy a Sim Card and roam around. The next day I just brought Sharmain to Sentosa.

The view of my office from Marymount MRT

The 3rd of January is my first day of work in the office shown above.  It was kinda tough for me because I'm not really used to listening to different English accent.  My 1st day was blur.  I cannot understand anyone.  We had an orientation from the HR but I cannot understand her :(. Poor me.  Our 1st day was full of orientation because our bosses are on leave.  During my 1st week, I have 5 co-interns.  2 of them are from Vietnam but both of them are studying in NUS.,1 is from Austria, 1 from Singapore, and 1 from the Philippines.

4th of January Sharmain and I met our awesome boss.  At first, we thought she's not okay but we were wrong! She's awesome. A blogpost is not enough to describe her awesomeness.  

5th of January is a typical office day it's just that we had to stay beyond 8pm to pack something for an event.

My Singapore Experience 2012

My 1st day in Singapore. 01-01-2012

Living outside my home country for 6 months changed me a lot.   The way I think and how I look at the world.  My country is an awesome one. We have a lot of nice natural resources. However, I really don't understand why people can't follow simple rules but I still believe these people are awesomeand they can change for the better. My 6 months stay in Singapore changed me positively.  In Manila, I just cross everywhere I want. I just eat and drink inside the train or bus.  In Singapore, I'm different. I follow every rules. I don't throw my trash everywhere. I'm a better person.

My awesome colleague.

For those who do not know, I was an intern in Robert Bosch Singapore for 6 months.  At first, It was really hard working in an unfamiliar environment.  What makes it harder is that I don't understand Singlish accent! However, the feeling is mutual! They don't understand my accent as well.  As time passed by, I got used to their accent and I slowly shifted to Singlish/British/Filipino accent haha.

Poppy(Left) and Sharmain (Right) in Merlion Park.

To be honest, I don't think I'll survive Singapore without these 2 person.  Sharmain is my classmate in DLSU who joined me in my internship.  She's my translator during the first few weeks when I cannot understand anyone.  She's one of the person I talk to in the office whenever I want to speak in Filipino. I learned a lot from her and I think she learned a lot from me as well.  She's also my travel buddy.  We traveled together to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.  Poppy on the other hand is our Indonesian friend who grew up in the United States. What made us click is that Poppy understands us with our Filipino Accent! ahahah. Poppy is actually my best bud in Singapore. We usually go out to eat or watch movies together with other interns from Bosch. I usually invite her to roam around Singapore whenever Sharmain is out there busy doing something.  I'm looking forward in seeing her again soon :) Hopefully this Feb 2013 :). Before I forget, I still need to add Samantha in this blog. She's the one in purple top in the photo above our photo in Merlion.  She's our fellow intern in the marketing department.  She's my friend/enemy in the office.  She's a kind person even though I'm mean to her sometimes but she's also mean to me so the feeling is mutual. She's my table tennis buddy.

That's all for now. I shall add more when I got the chance.

ID 109 LC22 Reunited Again.

LC22 Reunited in Marian Quadrangle 21 June, 2012

I'm really glad that after 3 years of college me and my blockmates still got the chance to be reunited.  In this picture we're only 12.  Originally we're 40 in the block.  Some of us already graduated. Some transferred and some are somewhere out there in the campus. So far this is the most complete picture of us as a block since last year.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Sharmain and I were in Mustafa in Little India when my cousin suddenly messaged me asking me if I want to come with him to Ho Chi Minh.  Of course, I immediately said yes even though my internship adviser, Dr. Ginny, will be coming that weekend. My cousin booked a ticket from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh via Tiger Airways.

My favorite spot in Changi's Budget Terminal.

We stayed in Asian Ruby Hotel somewhere near Bin Than Market. Whatever that market is. I forgot the exact name. It's a decent hotel with breakfast buffet. We got upgraded from a double room to a superior room for free! I just paid 28SGD for this. It's really worth it because in Singapore 28SGD is the price i pay for a Lunch or Dinner Buffet!!!!!

My cousin and I went around Saigon during our 1st day then we rested during our 2nd day haha.  We went to Bin Thay Market, Cathedral, Saigon Sky Deck, War Remnant Museum, Water Puppet Show, Ben Thay Night Market, and a lot more.

I love Ho Chi Minh. The people are awesome. Out of all the countries i've been to in Asia, Vietnam is one of the best. I would love to visit Hanoi soon!!!

Binh Tay Market in Ho Chi Minh

I'm really happy to see Jollibee in Vietnam. I've never tried one since i went to Spore

More motorcycles than cars

Welcome

Hi I'm David Ramos. I'm from Manila. I'll be sharing some of my awesome life experience in this blog. Some of  my posts will not be proofread so pardon all the wrong grammar or spelling.