The most important place visited by Tutubi and friends in Angono really is the 3000 year old Angono Petroglyphs inside a sprawling playground of the rich and infamous-- the Fiesta Resort and Casino.

The Fiesta Resort and Casino, now Thuderbird Resorts, said to be owned by a former president and retired generals. The refugee truck will "deliver" its "cargo" there.

Going there wasn't easy as there's no public transportation available. The gang literally looked like refugees inside a truck they boarded in front of Maricor Bakery used by employees of Thunderbird Resort (formerly Fiesta Resort and Casino).

Alighting at the marker (picture above) and walked about a hundred meters to the guard station and registered there.

The guards led the gang to a man-made tunnel about 30 meters long



at the end of the tunnel is a marker that said Angono Petroglyphs in Binangonan, and a trail that points to a museum managed by the National Museum plus a viewdeck of the Petroglyphs.



The pre-historic drawings, officially called Angono Petroglyphs in Binangonan due to its within the territory of Binangonan town, consists of 127 drawings of human, frogs, lizards and other animal figures inscribed on the rock wall estimated to date back to 3000 B.C.

Discovered in 1965 by National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco on the mountain at the boundary of Angono and Binangonan, Province of Rizal, Philippines




Signs of vandals on the loose. People that desecrate important cultural places like this should be hanged or crucified with the head down!

The Angono Petroglyphs is a National Cultural treasure that should be preserved for generations to come.

Related Site:

Angono: Art Capital of the Philippines

How to get to Angono Petroglyphs in Binangonan, Rizal:

Commute to Angono: Board the Angono-bound jeepney/vans at EDSA Central terminal on Shaw Blvd or alternatively the Angono-bound jeeps in Cubao, Quezon City. Alight at Angono market. Board a tricycle to take you to Maricor Bakery. At Maricor bakery, wait for the truck used by employees of Fiesta Resort and Casino (you need to pay a small amount for this). Ask the driver to drop you off at the junction of the road going to the Petroglyphs then walk about 100 meters to the guard station. Register at the guards and look for the man-made tunnel about 30, turn right on seeing a golf course. There is a building and small museum maintained by the National Museum. There's also a guard stationed at the site. No video allowed, only photographs.

Driving directions to Angono, Rizal: take the Manila Road East (not the one leading to the town proper), turn left on the street where Maricor Bakery is (ask tricycle drivers since there were no street signs in that part of the world when we visited). That road leads straight to Fiesta Resort and Casino (now Thunderbird Resorts Rizal) where the Petroglyphs site is located.

If you want to get to Angono, Rizal from abroad, book a flight to Manila then take a taxi to EDSA Crossing, board a jeepney/shuttle to Angono. Taxi Fare to EDSA Crossing is about P300.00 plus the approximately PhP30.00 shuttle fare to Angono.

Updated: April 2014

Labels: Art, Calabarzon, National Cultural Treasures, Rizal

Much like Tutubi's hometown Paete in Laguna province, Angono is sandwiched between the rugged slopes of Sierra Madre mountain range and Laguna de Bay. The two town's people also share the same gift of transforming ordinary items into extra-ordinary works of art; Paete is touted as the Carving Capital of the Philippines; Angono as the art capital of the country.

Some time ago, Tutubi, along with R and O, decided to take a daytrip commuting to Angono to see for themselves the fabled artists of the small Rizal town noted for its artists including two National Artists: Carlos "Botong" Francisco and Lucio San Pedro.

Meeting up at EDSA Central terminal, Tutubi and the gang of intrepid explorers available at a moments notice for unplanned trips, boarded a van (FX) bound for Angono. The trip was pleasant one, passed by the fork on the road where "Ang Nuno" greets all passers-by, and alighted at Angono public market; the gang transferred to a waiting tricycle that took them to Balaw-Balaw Restaurant, once (in)famous for serving "exotic" fare that includes usa (dear), sawa (python), baboy damo (wild boar) and bayawak (an endemic and endangered lizard), but now serves highly palatable Filipino dishes with a serving of the signature balaw-balaw appetizer.


A hearty lunch of adobo, tahong (mussels), crabs, kangkong, and itlog na maalat (salted egg)

Balaw-balaw is actually an Angono native sauce made from fermented shrimps, red rice and a porridgy base.

Balaw-Balaw restaurant doubles as an art museum, with its intricate architectural design, large wooden doors, colorful windows, a small pond, and adored with various artsy things on display using earth colors mostly dealing with mystical subjects testifying to the rich folklore of the town. (try also Exotic Restaurant in Laguna)

The gang visited Nemiranda Arthouse with its figurative realism artworks, had merienda of halo-halo and sinful pasta with aligue (crab fat) sauce at Nemiranda Art Cafe and Restaurant before boarding another tricycle to the street lined with re-interpretations of Carlos "Botong" Francisco's works.








Some of Angono's prehistoric inhabitants, however, left the town a great legacy in the form of 127 drawings carved on volcanic tuff, The Angono Petrolyphs, of which the upcoming post will be about...

Note that Angono needs a second, third or more visits from the Tutubi :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Notes on Angono:

Balaw-Balaw Restaurant is at #16 Dona Justa Sudb., Angono, Rizal (Tel.: 651-0110 Telefax: 648-5779)

Higantes Festival, November 23, where higantes (giants) made of papier mache are paraded around town in honor of San Clemente (St. Clement), the town's patron saint.

Other Angono Tourist Attractions:

Nemiranda Arthouse and Atelier Gallerie

The Arthouse, like a labyrinth, environment-friendly architecture concept where a wide collection of the artist's paintings using figurative realism in the artworks portraying rural life and folkloric art. One of Nemiranda's most visible work are the murals inside the EDSA Shrine, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue.

Location: No. 10 Doña Elena St., Doña Justa Village, Barangay San Roque, Angono
Tel No.: (632) 651-3867 (more info here

Tiamson Art Gallerie

A painter, a musician and transmedia artist Orville Tiamson depicted Philippine culture using modern cubist style.

Location: No. 203 Doña Nieves, St. Angono


Blanco Art Gallery

The museum displays the incredibly life-like paintings of the most famous family of painters in the country.

Location: 312 Ibañez St., Angono Rizal
Tel No.: (632) 651-0042

Village Artist Gallery

The gallery houses Pepito Villaluz’s unique graphic and much-detailed realistic style.

Location: 256 Carnation St., Nieves Hills Lakeview Subd., Brgy. San Isidro, Angono, Rizal Tel. No.: (+632) 451-0303

Vicente Reyes Art Studio

One of the most prolific and talented students of the late National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco.

Location: Doña Aurora St., Brgy. Poblacion Ibaba, Angono, Rizal

Juban Studio

The private studio displays the works Salvador Juban.

Location: Doña JustanVillage Phase 11, Brgy. San Roque, Angono Rizal

Hernandez Studio

style ranges from the early "realistic" to the more recent "conservative-imaginative realism in transparent cubism."

Location: Manila East Road, Brgy. San Roque, Angono, Rizal
Tel No.:(632) 295-3127 www.freewebs.com/obramaestra

Angono Artist Village

Ang Nuno Artists Foundation Gallery

A vast collection of paintings, sculptures and other art froms conceptualized and made by independent and budding artists from Angono, the gallery is located at Balaw-Balaw Specialty Restaurant, where customers, visitors and guests alike, oftentimes enjoy viewing the artworks on display.

Location: Doña Justa St., Doña Justa Village Phase 1, Brgy. San Roque, Angono, Rizal
Tel. No.: (+632) 651-0110

Angono Ateliers Gallery

Location: Villamayor Bldg., Manila East Road Highway, Corner Justa Street, Angono, Rizal Tel No.: (632) 295-4023

How to go to Angono:

Commute: At EDSA Central, there are vans/FX that'll take you direct to Angono. Travel time is about an hour. Alight at the town market and hire a tricycle to take you to your desired destination, if far. There are also jeepneys in Cubao plying the Angono route.

By Car:

Coming from Pasig, take the Manggahan Floodway along Pasig River; make a left turn at the end of the Floodway; right turn at the junction towards Provincial Road.
A left at the junction towards Manila East Road (where you see some Giant Sculptures) takes you to the Nemiranda arthouse. A right turn will take you to the town proper.

Labels: Art, Calabarzon, National Artists, Rizal Restaurants, Southern Tagalog

List of National Holidays in the Philippines

Note that some holidays are moved to the nearest Mondays as part of "holiday economics" to spur local tourism


REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9492

AN ACT RATIONALIZING THE CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 26, CHAPTER 7, BOOK I OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:


SECTION 1. Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order No. 292, as amended, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987, is hereby amended to read as follows:

“Sec. 26, Regular Holidays and Nationwide Special Days. – (1) Unless otherwise modified by law, and or proclamation, the following regular holidays and special days shall be observed in the country:

a) Regular Holidays


New year's Day - January 1
Maundy Thursday - Movable date
Good Friday - Movable date
Eidul Fitr (End of Ramadan) - Movable date
Araw ng Kagitingan - Monday nearest April 9
(Bataaan and Corregidor Day)
Labor Day - Monday nearest May 1
Independence Day - Monday nearest June 12
National Heroes Day - Last Monday of August
Bonifacio Day - Monday nearest November 30
Christmas Day - December 25
Rizal Day - Monday nearest December 30

b) Nationwide Special Holidays:

Ninoy Aquino Day - Monday nearest August 21
All Saints Day - November 1
Last Day of the Year - December 31

c) In the event the holiday falls on a Wednesday, the holiday will be observed on the Monday of the week. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday will be observed on the Monday that follows:

Provided, That for movable holidays, the President shall issue a proclamation, at least six months prior to the holiday concerned, the specific date that shall be declared as a nonworking day:

Provided, however, The Eidul Adha shall be celebrated as a regional holiday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”

SEC. 2. All laws, orders, presidential issuances, rules and regulations or part thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.


Approved,

(Sgd.) JOSE DE VENECIA JR. (Sgd.) MANNY VILLAR
Speaker of the House of Representatives President of the Senate


This Act which originated in the Senate was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on January 30, 2007 and February 7, 2007, respectively.


(Sgd.) ROBERTO P. NAZARENO (Sgd.) OSCAR G. YABES
Secretary General House of Representatives Secretary of the Senate

Approved: July 25, 2007


(Sgd.)GLORIA MACAPAGAL – ARROYO
President of the Philippines

Related Post:
Thanksgiving in the Philippines

Hankering for Indian food and exotic cuisine in Manila and nearby cities?
Look no further, a list provided by the Indian Embassy provided below:

Indian Restaurants in Manila


Prince of Jaipur
Unit E Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila
Tel. No.: 8841692 / 94
Fax: 8857201
Mobile: 09175526666


Prince of Jaipur Kebab & Shawarma
G-5, Fuente Circle, Citywalk 1, Eastwood City, Libis, Q.C.
Tel. No.: 9111204 / 9113346
Fax No.: 9113346


Prince of Jaipur Kebab & Shawarma
Shell Station cor., Mc Kinley Road, EDSA,
Ayala Avenue, Makati City
Tel. Nos.: 8921295
E-mail: prince_of_jaipur@hotmail.com
Website: www.prince-of-jaipur.com


Queen’s Restaurant
146-B Jupiter St., Makati City
Tel. No.: 8951816 / 8951316
Website: www.queens.com.ph

Spices Restaurant
Manila Peninsula Hotel
Cor. Ayala & Makati Avenue,
1226 Makati City
Tel. No.: 8123456


Swagat Indian Cuisine
119 FCC Bldg., Rada St.,
Legazpi Village, Makati City
Tel. No.: 7525669 / 8882560

Tandoor Restaurant
1268-G Midtown Executive Homes,
U. N. Avenue, Paco, Manila
Tel. No.: 5214579 / 5230266

Tandoor Restaurant
Unit 101-102 Metropolitan Terraces Condominium
Kamagong cor., Sacred Hear St., Makati City
Tel. No.: 8907971


Bollywood Bistro Restaurant
Level 3, Greenbelt 3, Makati City
Tel. No.: 7573536 / 7573537

Kashmir Restaurant
Merchant Center Bldg.,
# 523 Padre Faura cor., Adriatico St., Ermita Manila
Tel. No.: 5246851 / 5231521


Kashmir Restaurant
816 Pasay Rd.,
Makati City
Tel. No.: 8444924 / 8444927


New Bombay Food Inc. (New Bombay Restaurant)
Sagitarius Bldg., H. V. Dela Costa St.,
Salcedo Village Makati City
Tel. No. : 8192892 / 8937506

New Bombay Food Inc. (New Bombay Restaurant)
Wilson Square, Wilson cor. P. Guevarra Sts.,
San Juan, Metro Manila (near Alex III Restaurant)
Tel No.: 7270737 / 7234135

New Delhi Restaurant
1418 Pres. Quirino Ave.,
cor. South Superhighway Paco, Manila
Tel No.: 5629160

List of Restaurants serving Indian Food in Manila


Persian Kebab
Unit 5 & 6 Fort St. Bldg., Fort Bonifacio,
Taguig City (in front of NBC Tent)
Tel. No.: 8161165 / 8161167


Persian Kebab
7857 2nd Flr., LKV Bldg.,
Makati Avenue, Makati City
Tel. Nos.: 8905928 / 8906137

Banana Leaf Restaurant
Glorietta 4, Makati City (near Oakwood Hotel)
Tel. No. 8186987

Banana Leaf Restaurant
7th Floor, The Podium, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel. Nos.: 6875896 / 6876818
Fax No.: 6875896


Banana Leaf Restaurant
Shop #35, Level 1, The Power Plant Mall,
Makati City
Tel. Nos.: 8961826 / 8953018


Ziggurat Cuisine
G/F Sunnette Tower Bldg., Tigris cor.
Euphrates Sts., Makati City
Tel. Nos.: 8975179
E-mail: www.zigguratcuisine.com



List of Indian Caterers


Manita International Cuisine
6 Comet St., Bel-Air II, Makati City
Tel. Nos.: 8961824 / 8962633 / 8999136
Fax No.: 8961824
E-mail: manila@pldtsl.net



Sundris Catering
1465 Oliman St., San Miguel Village, Makati City
Tel. No. 8961452 / 8963921
Fax No.: 8962620



List of Indian Groceries


Assad Mini Mart
1268-IJK Midtown Executive Homes,
U.N. Avenue, Paco, Manila
Tel. Nos.: 5261349 / 5265034


Assad Grocery
5 Thaddeus Arcade, Gil Fernando St., Marikina City
Tel. No. 6451596



Metro Gaisano Supermarket
Basement Level, Market! Market! Supermarket
Mabini St., between McKinley Parkway C-5 Road,
Fort Bonifacio, Global City, Taguig
Tel. No. 8186642



Taj Grocery
1 Guijo St., cor. Bagtikan St.,
San Antonio Village., Makati City
Tel. Nos.: 8900558 / 7573992


Uncle Ed’s
1268-G Midtown Executive Homes, U. N. Avenue,
Paco, Manila
Tel. No.: 5214579 / 5230266


Uncle Ed’s Grocery
Unit 101-102 Metropolitan Terraces Condominium
Kamagong cor., Sacred Hear St., Makati City
Tel. No.: 8907971


Simron’s Grocery / Little India Grocery
1268-E Midtown Executive Homes, U. N. Avenue,
Paco, Manila
Tel. No.: 5248169

Talwar Grocery
1268-H Midtown Executive Homes, U. N. Avenue,
Paco, Manila
Tel. No. 5363062 / 5365031

Prince Indian Grocery
(outside Indian Sikh Temple)
1350 U.N. Ave., Paco, Manila
Telephone Number: 306.0035

please call the indian restaurant contact numbers for sample menu prices or reservations

related post:
Visa for Indians

Labels: Restaurants

Tips for first time visitors and tourists in the Lion City or those thinking of living in Singapore

(The last of Tutubi's Surprising Singapore Series)

After narrating stories of the Singapore sojourn, herewith are accumulated travel wisdom, tips and non-sense for your information and travel planning to Singapura:

UPDATED: August 2013

Where to eat in Singapore:

Anywhere of course! The Lion City offers an exciting array of choices from pricey food to hawker stalls most locals eat in. In fact the hawker stalls has become tourist attractions themselves. Singapore can always lay claim to having the cleanest street food in the world tag!

Groceries from supermarkets can be ordered online and delivered to your place.

If arriving in July, get your complimentary chili crab voucher at the airport courtesy of the Singapore Tourism Board and claim at various restaurants listed on the voucher. Bring your passport with you in claiming.

Recommended food include chili crabs, hainanese chicken, roti prata, ba kuh teh (a local pork stew), chicken satay (skewers of Malay origin) with peanut sauce et al

Hainanese Chicken at a restaurant in Suntec

Where to stay in Singapore:

hmmm. this is hard for the Tutubi since his company paid for his hotel. Originally inquired at Raffles Convention Center but, due to late registration, the hotel was fully-booked since it's the venue of the conference. Got billeted instead at Marina Mandarin, IMHO, better hotel and location.

There are plenty of cheap hotels in Singapore, even low-price ones catering to backpackers which are available on the Internet

Most locals stay in high-rise apartments with cramped space, built by the government (sample picture shown below). Only guys with ample purchasing power can afford house and lots



Money Changers:

Money changers are a plenty in Singapore, the first ones in Changi Airport.

Tutubi always brings US dollars when travelling abroad since the Philippine peso is not always accepted (poor Philippines). You can, however bring pesos to be exchanged but usually bought at a lower price.

What Tutubi does always is to buy foreign currencies, Singapore dollar this time, at cost or less expensive than usual money changers in Manila due to his connections with bank employees with access to foreign currencies trading (this is legal, you just have to know the right person)


Moving around:

Singapore is a walkable city with interconnected underpasses, escalators, and passageways that cut through buildings offering a labyrinthine yet easily navigable route. Directions to various destinations are highly visible.

Imagine the Tutubi, on his first few steps outside Marina Mandarin, nearly crossed the street just to go to Suntec; stopped for a moment how to go there until a path was found on the side of the hotel that passed through an adjacent building and overpass. (this feature of Singapore is what's being mimicked by Makati)

Locals here use the highly efficient public transport system, unless they're filthy rich, since cars here come with astronomical price tags.

Taxis, quite expensive compared to the rest of South East Asia, can be hailed at all times. Be wary though of surcharges like a big jump in cost when taking a cab from 1130pm to 6am and various other add-on charges. (a similar system in use in Malaysia, IIRC)

Buses and trains (MRT) are so convenient and efficient. Recommend buying EZlink cards accepted by buses and trains if you intend to stay for a long time. More details on buying and topping up here.

Buses and MRT train fares can also be paid in cash, in case of MRT, single journey ticket.

A highly useful street directory of the city, with tips on how to get to your destination (commuting) is by juse getting those apps for your iOS (Apple iPhone/iPad) or Android smartphones and devices.


Touring Singapore and Singapore Guided Tours

Take the wacky duck: Singapore DUCKTours for a tour of the city both on the road and riverine one the way a mighty duck would :)



The duck will take you to the Singapore Heritage Trail: Supreme Court, City Hall, Victoria Theatre, Civilian War Memorial (a high obelisk with four pylons symbolizing the four races in Singapore: Chinese, Malays, Indians and other races. Structure is near the Esplanade and walking distance from Suntec and Marina Mandarin), Theatres on the Bay, Merlion et al.

The DUCK is actually an upgraded version of World War II era DUKW used with tremendous success during D-Day. Now called LARC (Light Amphibious Resupply Cargo) of Korean and Vietnam War vintage converted into a tourism vehicle.

Note that the route of the DUCKtour was already taken by Tutubi on his self-guided tour. Riding the DUCK would be a waste of his limited time and money :(

More information about DUCKtours here

Another recommended guided tour of Singapore are the Walking Tours, similar to Manila's Carlos Celdran and Ivan ManDy. Information here.

Popular tourist sites missed by Tutubi include Sentosa Island, Jurong Birdpark, Night Safari, and Underwater World.

Photography and taking pictures in public places:

Found this to be very lax i.e. no restrictions even for government buildings unlike other countries visited by Tutubi. The only time Tutubi was not allowed to take pictures was at a colorful fruit stand in Suntec that's so picture perfect but the shopkeeper saw Tutubi fluttering and warned early against taking picture of the kaleidoscopic shop.

Bring your tripod with with you. Singapore's such a great place for night photography . Don't be like Tutubi who didn't bother to bring his tripod due to indolence.

Buying Things like gadgets, gizmos, electronics, cameras and photography equipment:

It's usually cheaper to buy cameras and lenses here in Singapore than in Manila, unless you're on Hidalgo St. in Manila and in Hong Kong.

Warned you though of rude shopkeepers who'll come close to shoo you away if they sense you're not going to buy or simply asking. Sim Lim Square has lots of them taking advantage of tourists (tourist traps galore) aside from getting condescending look from people manning the stores. Funan Digitalife Mall has friendlier people than Sim Lim, Tutubi found out.

Tutubi wasn't able to buy the nifty-fifty, canon's super sharp yet cheap lens (canon EF 50mm f1.8 II), btw. It's around PhP3,900.00 in Manila. It's in Singapore where he bought his first digital camera, the Canon Ixus IIs, and later asked an officemate to buy him the 30GB iPod video with lots of freebies.

Internet Access In Singapore:

There's free Internet access at Changi Airport plus free wi-fi in almost all of Singapore (have to check for time when the "promo" is offered though). You can buy prepaid mobile SIM cards at Changi Airport (if you have an open line phone)

Don't try to use your neighbor's open wi-fi connection; it's in Singapore where the first freeloaders were jailed.

Other observations:

Singaporeans are highly cosmopolitan, always in a hurry, unlike in more laid back Manila, always on a lookout for shopping sprees (though it's really expensive there) where my Singaporean friends say is their favorite sport. (something in common with Filipinos, though it's much cheaper to buy things here in the Philippines than in Singapore except for electronic stuff)

Singapore has notorious laws, bordering on being draconian, that work. Chewing gums are not allowed and stiff penalties await those peddling those sticky chewables. Blogging there is very dangerous when it comes to certain issues particularly criticizing the government.

That's it for now. Tutubi will be back in Singapore for sure!

Related Posts on Singapore:

Changi Airport
Singapore DIY tour
The Merlion
Guided Tour of Singapore
Experience India in Singapore

Labels: Singapore

Though Tutubi's been to Mumbai (Bombay), India in 2004 (chronicled here, here and here, he found the presence of many Indians who've made Singapore their home, much like in Malaysia (also noticed this in February 2004 visit to Kuala Lumpur), intriguing and exciting. Compared to the Philippines who has a small population of Indians, Singapore has a bustling presence of Indians who add unique color to the cosmopolitan Singapura.

Located at 244 South Bridge Road in Chinatown is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore: Sri Mariamman Temple. Dedicated to the Mariamman, a mother goddess worshipped for protection against diseases, the temple was founded in 1827 by Narayana Pillay, eight years after Stamford Raffles arrived in Singapore.

the exquisite gopuram of the temple

It's here at Sri Mariamman where the annual fire-walking ceremony is held, a week before Diwali (Deepavali), the Festival of Lights (symbolizes the victory of good over evil)

One of the easily recognizeable icons of Hinduism, is the elephant-headed deity Ganesha (Ganesh), also known as Vinayaka (the prominent leader), the god of wisdom, literature and worldly success.

an artwork of Ganesha at a certain jewelry shop. noticed the rat here? the rat is said to be his vehicle

Ganesha is said to be the son of Parvati and Shiva. Tasked to guard his mother and one time failed to recognize Shiva himself; tried to defend his mother's bath, Ganesha was beheaded by Shiva who later was persuaded by Parvati to resurrect him.

He promised Ganesha that he should have the head of the first creature to appear. An elephant, said to be the wisest of animals, appeared and became the involuntary donor in the first successful head transplant :)

on the gastronomic side, numerous Indian stores cater to Indian minority and tourists alike.

Being the cosmopolitan Tutubi, at one instance, ordered Tandoori chicken, Roti Prata and washed down with lassi



Roti Prata, similar to Malaysia's roti canai, is a Singaporean Indian pancake-like food served with curry sauce. (Tutubi first encountered this dish at a restaurant called Penang in Podium, Ortigas Center years ago. Penang is no longer there, if Tutubi recalls correctly)



Tandoori Chicken, cooked in traditional clay ovens with charcoal fire, with yogurt and certain spices



First tasted by Tutubi in Mumbai and became one of his favorites, lassi is a frothy drink made from yogurt, water, salt and spices.

These three are just samplers of the most accessible food from exotic India available in Singapore.

Indian cuisine and culture is deeply embedded in Singapore, add to that contributions of the Chinese, Malay and other races, creating a truly uniquely Singapore experience!

To be concluded...

Hankering for Indian Food in Manila? Drop me a comment, and I'll send you some suggestions from pricey to affordable :)

Labels: Singapore

Singapore is one city so easy to tour with various options of guided tours and easy do-it-yourself tours for the more adventurous (or financially-challenged) individuals.

The Singapore skyline is picturesque and can be seen in breathtaking photos at night with brightly colored lights of buildings particularly those lining the bay.

Problem only was that Tutubi has this chronic "dysfunctional motor system syndrome" made him too lazy to lug along his sturdy tripod to take night photos of this modern metropolis.

singapore skyline from marina bay with the esplanade and marina mandarin in sight. taken near the Merlion with camera firmly held against the steel railings of the park

The night before, Tutubi met college friends, now living and working in Singapore, in Suntec before deciding to chill out at Zuk's, a trendy club quite popular that one of his classmates even saw former PM Lee Kuan Yew inside the washroom urinating. (imagine how much a photo of Mr Lee peeing would cost for a paparazzi :)

The last day of Tutubi, after two days of attending a conference, was the free half-day tour of the Lion City that took him to many touristy places, passing through Singapore's surprisingly clean roads, as narrated through pictures below:

Thian Hock Keng Temple, the oldest Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the Taoist goddess of the sea; a smaller temple at the back is a Buddhist one dedicated to Kuan Yin.


a visit to Chinatown, with it's pastel-colored victorian inspired houses with chinese merchants. (Warning by the tour guide: be careful since some merchants take advantage of tourists.

Tutubi noticed, however, the rudeness of some shopkeepers when they notice he's not going to buy (because they give you astronomical price they thought a penny-pinching tourist like Tutubi can afford)


After looking around and finding out most goods are too pricey, just walk up to the end of the street taking pictures of shops, buildings, and an Indian temple-- the Sri Mariamman temple.

Leaving Chinatown, next stop's Mt. Faber that offers a breathtaking view of Sentosa Island; can be reached via a cable car.



Such a nice toilet/washroom/CR/water closet they have!

The last, as ubiquitous as it may seem for city tours, was a visit to a jewelry shop where they're try to sell you über-expensive jewelries and works of art. )Of course, Tutubi, again, won't let his guard down by buying; candidly took pictures of some items on display)



After the tour, Tutubi asked to be dropped in front of Funan Digitalife Mall, instead of the hotel, to ask for the price of a nifty fifty lens (Canon 50mm f1.8 II).

Funan Digitalife Mall is reputed to be friendlier than full-of-tourist-traps and rude shopkeepers Sim Lim Square where Tutubi went to earlier where he was treated rudely for asking the price of the same lens two days before.

From Funan, Tutubi walked quite a distance again towards St. Andrew Cathedral, the Cricket Club, Capitol Building and other landmarks before the durian-looking, but not durian-smelling, Esplanade Mall.

St Andrew Cathedral, with Filipino markers, and with children catching tutubi (dragonflies) unmindful that a Tutubi is taking their picture to document the "massacre."
I wonder what this little boy's doing at the back of the cathedral
Esplanade Mall



Next: Experience India in Singapore



Tags: 新加坡, >シンガポール, 싱가포르, Singapour, Singapur

Labels: Singapore

The Merlion: iconic half-fish, half-lion personification of Singapore, one of which is located in Marina Bay (there are five of them, as I've learned)

The symbol was conceived in 1964 by the Singapore Tourism Board and is rooted in Singapore's history. The statue, designed by Fraser Brunner, measures 8.6 metres high and weighs 70 tons, built from cement fondue by the late Singapore craftsman, Lim Nang Seng.

In ancient times, Singapore was called Temasek which in Javanese means sea. Temasek was later destroyed by invaders (Siamese or Javanese depends on source); A certain Prince Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya empire (from where the island group Visayas in the Philippines was named), landed there and saw a strange beast, later identified as a lion, so he called the place Singapura (Sanskrit: singa=lion, pura=city).

The Merlion, with its fish-like body riding the waves of the sea, symbolizes the ancient city of Temasek. At the same time, its majestic head recalls the legend of the re-discovery of Singapore by Prince Nila Utama, when Singapore received its present name.



It's only in 1819 when Stamford Raffles arrived (not discovered) Singapore. He was accredited for also discovering the Rafflesia, largest flower in the world, named in his honor. The giant Rafflesia can be found in Borneo and certain parts of the Philippines: Mt. Banahaw/Makiling, Panay Island, and Davao.



The Merlion in Marina Bay, walking distance from Marina Mandarin, when we arrived there at night after my Singapore tour, to partake of Singapore's famed chili crab, compliments of Singapore Tourism Board, for those who arrive in July. (no picture of the delectably good chili crab here since it's quite dark dining al fresco at Marina Bay restaurant, the restaurant at the background of the night picture)

After this first Sleepless in Singapore night, the Tutubi was forced to don his business attire again attending the two-day conference.

Labels: Singapore

After clearing immigration and claiming our baggage, we were greeted by the travel agency people and whisked us away to waiting vans to take us to the airport. Along the way I immediately noticed how squeaky clean Singapore really is.

One of my first photographs of the Singapura (Lion City) was the hot air baloon of DHL that I later learned offers rides to be on top of the Singapore for a few minutes-- not free flying as seen.




Checked in at Marina Mandarin, a nice hotel in Marina Bay and opposite Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Pretty faces of Marina Mandarin who gamely posed for me thinking the Tutubi is a professional photographer.


Immediately after checking in, I went outside to look for a place to eat and wander around not knowing I already lost in touch with my three other companions who went ahead of me to a nearby Starbucks but I can't find my way.

Walking further I just explored the nearby Suntec area with it's fountains and multi-colored kois feasting on food thrown by the caretaker




After eating at a nearby (and pricey) restaurant in Citylink Mall, I continued on my walking tour, without a map to guide me, following the path that pointed to the City Hall and remembering, as always, where to come back so as not to get lost.

I found myself in the historic center of Singapore serendipitously!



One of the first monuments I saw was the Cenotaph (above) that commemorates the nation's dead of the first world war.

To the right of the path is a large, open field, called Padang, where the neo-classical old city hall and supreme court buildings stand.

The Padang, I later learned is the "Kiangan" of Singapore i.e. it's here where the Japanese surrendered Singapore back to the British. (Much like Japanese surrendered to the Americans in Kiangan town)

supreme court

old city hall building



Walking slowly and releasing shutters for every opportunity, I caught sight of various other historic buildings of old Singapore: St Andrew's Cathedral, Victoria Theater (with it's clocktower), Old Parliament (now an Arts House), Singapore Cricket Club, Victoria Concert Hall, and came face to face with this man named Thomas Stamford Raffles, who discovered, in the eyes of the western world, in 1819.



A few meters from Raffles' landing site, was a wharf (quay) where a boat taking tourists on a tour of Singapore River with the modern Singapore skyline as backdrop.



Without hesitation, I hopped on to the boat and tour the historic river



The Victoria Theater (above) is a hybrid of neo-classical and rennaisance architecture adapted to tropical setting.

The colorful Clarke Quay. Note: a quay is a wharf parallel to the shore

Cavenagh Bridge, the only suspension bridge in Singapore, finished in 1870

Elgin Bridge, the predecessor is the first bridge to cross the river

The Durian-inspired Esplanade Theaters near the Tutubi's hotel

The exquisite and historic Fullerton Hotel

Singapore has to build these naked boys swimming, probably brass, frolicking in the river of which the Pasig has true ones swimming in its murky water

First sight of Singapore's iconic Merlion, its national symbol (napansin nyo ba wala national symbol ang 'pinas?)

Swissotel Merchant Court



By this time, the cruise returned to the quay near Raffle's landing site and I walked back to my hotel to meet up with my other companions and eat dinner.

When I looked at the map to see where I was able to walk, lonely planet style, I found out I wandered quite far without a guide in this place!

To be continued...

Labels: Singapore