My 40th Birthday Bash Giveaway at Riablahgs.com

This is out of the ordinary because it is remotely related to traveling. But I am turning 40 in few weeks and I want to share few of my favorite things to my blogger friends out there who have made my blogging life as colorful as it should be.

Please join my giveaway and 2 lucky participants will be taking home some H&M and Bath and Body Works loot soon. The mechanics are simple so head on to my www.riablahgs.com for the entry form and pass on the word to your blogger friends out there. It is open for all!

You can embed the entry form in your blog article by copying this code:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NzY5NjY0ZWZmMTE3OTQxMmM1ZTFiZmRlMmZkZmIxOjA=/

Passport Holders

My family's passports are always in their holders. I had the misfortune of finding my passport soaking wet one day and it ruined some of the visas I already have. I had to change my passport and cancel my trips because of that. And to this day, I still don't know who "accidentally" spilled "tea" in my bag. That remains a mystery which caused my vacation!

So I learned a lesson the painful way. My and my family's passports are well covered now and protected. Whenever we travel, I make sure that our passports are in their holders and I put all of them inside a zip-lock transparent bag. Yes! I can be very paranoid and going through passport renewal in our consulate here in Dubai is such a nightmare so I am not taking chances.

We're not traveling to Tokyo this year. Maybe next year when my leave dates are settled. But that didn't stop me from buying new holders for my daughter's and my passport. They're my favorite Kimmi dolls and they look like geishas. Aren't they cute?

I have 2 other holders that I can use as replacement depending on my mood. For now, I am secured because our passports are covered properly and they are traveling in style!

Singapore - The Lion City

www.riatravelbug.blogspot.com

I have been to this small but nice country twice. The first one was in 2002 and the second was in 2008. I haven't been back since then and I would certainly like to go back for a brief R & R with my family, when time permits.

The country is small and if you need to go around Singapore City, you only need to book a max of 5 days and 4 nights to see the whole place.

There are plenty of places to see there like the famous Sentosa Island and the cable ride at Vivo, Merlion Statue, Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, the Botanical Garden, Esplanade, the recently opened Universal Studios (which was still under construction when my family and I visited Singapore last 2008), the Resort World (casino and a nice hotel), and the Marina Bay Sands with the infinity pool on top of the hotel, overlooking the city of Singapore. When you love shopping like I do, the best places to go to are Bugis and China Town. Orchard Road is for the high-end shoppers. I normally don't buy antyhing there.

Food is cheap in Singapore and so are the hotel accommodation. The first time my husband and I went to Singapore, we stayed in Marriott Hotel which was centrally located at the corner of Orchard and Scotts Road. It is like a tall pagoda in the middle of a bustling city. I love that hotel. It is very beautiful and right beside the MRT station and walking distance to restaurants and malls. The second time we stayed at YMCA International Guest House at Bencoolen St. It is facing the Canning Park and a church is close by. It is close to Dhoby Ghaut MRT station and a walking distance to Orchard Road.

If you love to dine out and experience the various food of Singapore, go to Clark Quay for some nice dining experience. Eat by the river and enjoy the skyline of Singapore.

The weather is similar to the Philippines. It gets a bit humid and rainy at the same time. It is best to go there during November until February where the weather is still cool and plenty of events to celebrate like Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Christmas, New Year, and the grand Chinese New Year.

We're looking forward to visit the country again. We will explore the new attractions next time.