Miss Universe 2012 in Las Vegas, USA

Congratulations to Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, for being crowned Miss Universe 2012!

It was a good fight, Janine! (Miss Philippines, Miss Univers 1st Runner Up)

xoxo

The Singapore Zoo

Unbelievable, but, true – after being in Singapore for almost 4 years, this is the first time that I visited the Singapore Zoo.

Tiring, but it was a great experience to see the animals “up close” and learn about their characteristics and special abilities.

For me, the highlight of our visit was seeing the 2 White Tigers, Omar and Winnie.  They really are the “Fairest of them All”!  However, it is saddening to know that there are only, roughly, 1,000 left of them in wild.  With a very low chance of 1:10,000 of having a genetic mutation of Bengal Tigers to produce a white tiger, I’m afraid the future generations might not have a chance to see one in their lifetime. 😦

The Singapore Zoo opens from 8.30 am daily and they have different zones where you can get frenzy with different types of animals – and maybe feed some monkeys, too! 🙂

Here’s the Singapore Zoo map:

Click the image for a larger view

Too bad the Singapore River Safari wasn’t opened yet when we visited.  I guess that’s one good reason for me to go back – to see the 2 cute Pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia!

The Singapore Zoo

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826

Website: http://www.zoo.com.sg/

 

(Photos were taken by Tago Fabic)

Jennifer Lopez in Singapore

I’m such a fan!

Was really happy when I found out that Singapore is part of her Dance Again World Tour, and boy, I counted down the hours til the 1st day of the selling of tickets!

I actually got my nick, PAOtotheLO, from the first song off her album J.Lo, “Jenny from the Block”.  (If you’re familiar with the lyrics, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.)

It was held at The Meadows in the newly opened Gardens by the Bay in front of the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore.

Being an outdoor venue, it was a rain or shine event, despite the slight drizzling just before the show, fans were still mightily charging towards the venue to see a godo show! (Having said that, I didn’t bother bringing a camera, hence, the not-so-good quality of the photos, as I only used my phone’s camera.)

The concert had 4 parts: Old Hollywood Glamour, Back to Bronx, Funk & Love and Party. She sang her previous hits songs Let’s get loud, Waiting for tonight, an acoustic version of her very first song “If you had my love”. It was like going down memory lane and recalling how I have come to love her.

She also had powerful dance numbers together with her dancers and boyfriend, Casper Smart. Her costumes were stunning, sexy and beautiful – created by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

She ended the shows with her current hits Papi, On the Floor and an encore of Dance Again.

It was tiring, but, definitely worth the hassle!

She’s now on her way to Australia for the last leg of her Dance Again World Tour 2012 before heading back to do the final show in Puerto Rico.

xoxo

Melbourne on foot

Laid back – that’s one good word to describe the City of Melbourne.

Don’t get me wrong, laid back doesn’t mean boring.  The city has a unique charm that makes it very interesting and  happening.

Federation Square

Melbourne: The Great Ocean Road

If you’re in Melbourne, you should not miss the Great Ocean Road!

Before flying to Australia last September, I’ve already decided to do the Great Ocean Road tour in Melbourne, despite having to endure a long drive (read: pain in the a**), but it’s all worth it – A MUST SEE/DO in Victoria!

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

It has been long since I last updated my blog.  Been very busy with work and other personal stuff. 😦

But, I’m back!

Boasting as the Most Decorated Michelin-starred chef, Joel Robuchon has ventured into the Singapore Food scene by opening Joel Robuchon Restaurant and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Resorts World Singapore, Sentosa.

Sydney: Climbing the Harbour Bridge!

I’m scared of heights!

So when I visited Sydney, I made sure that I’ll try my very best to conquer it – and I did! I conquered Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge!

Extra Virgin Pizza, Singapore

Move over EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), now, pizzas can be extra virgin, too!

Tucked in the relatively quieter area of Asia Square in the Central Business District area (CBD), is a hip pizza joint named Extra Virgin Pizza.

Taipei: Fisherman’s Wharf

Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Taipei in Taiwan is the historical Tamsui District.

Set on the western tip of Tamsui and along the Tamsui River is the Fisherman’s Wharf.

Taipei: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Located right in the heart of Taipei City is one of the most famous landmarks, the Chiang Kai Shek (CKS) Memorial Hall.

Aside from Taipei 101, the CKS Memorial Hall is one of those places wherein you have to do an obligatory photo with. 🙂

Ni Hao, Taipei!

My 3rd city this 2012 – Taipei!

Visiting Taipei alone for the first time, and “ni hao” being the only chinese words I can utter and understand, it was a mixture of adventures and misadventures.

Saveur: Affordable French Food in Singapore

TASTE. FLAVOR. SAVOR.

You’ll get everything in a very affordable price in Saveur.  Originally from a hawker place in Joo Chiat, Saveur has grown (and moved) to a cozy cafe in Purvis Street, still offering delicious french fare at wallet friendly prices.

Ikoi: Japanese Buffet in Singapore

Who doesn’t love Japanese Food?

I dont know anyone who does not have Japanese on their top 3 favorite cuisines – it sits comfortably next to Italian Cuisine on my list.

Ikoi Japanese Restaurant offers good quality Japanese ala carte buffet at a very reasonable price.

Singapore: My 3rd year anniversary

June 12, 2009, 8 pm: Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, I boarded a plane heading to Singapore.

2012, I am now celebrating my 3rd anniversary in Singapore. 3 years of living on my own. 3 years of being independent.

Since it’s also my friend Tago‘s 3rd year in Singapore, we decided to cook dinner to celebrate it!

Call Me Maybe?!

Okay, this is an overly delayed post, I know!

But, I just can’t help it so I’m sharing this Call Me Maybe Craze that has been playing on my mind (and iPod) for weeks now.

This video has got the world doing (and dancing) their own versions and interpretation of the song, thanks to Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Ashley Tisdale, to name a few.