I'm thrilled to be visiting Singapore again, this time with the opportunity to spend some leisure hours during my layovers. Although it's a bit more expensive this time, my company insisted on planning the leave just a month before my actual departure. I'll make the most of the longer hours during the layover to do a side trip right.

Despite initial hesitation, I met up with Ate Gigi, and after a bit of uncertainty, we managed to make amends. I'm happy to see her doing well, even though there's still a lingering negative vibe. Nevertheless, Ate Gigi had a significant impact on my life during my time in Singapore, and it's good to reconnect and can’t help it but to accept her, she will never change.

I hung out in AMK, enjoying local noodles at a hawker stall, had lunch at her place, and even squeezed in a nap before heading back to the airport. The bonus part? Uncle Sweety and Ate Gigi surprised me with an Ampao. I was shy at first, but it turned out to be a delightful blessing, haha!

It's a great opportunity to reconnect with Ate Gigi, share some time for conversation and gossip. I can't help but feel empathetic about the challenges she's facing—lost in this phase of life, filled with pain, anger, and personal struggles. I've suggested she ease up, return to Manila, and take a break, but she seems content in Singapore. Despite our differences, I admire her journey of determination and luck in navigating life there. While we may not always see eye to eye on choices and lifestyles, I just want her to find happiness and safety. It seems like she's reached a point in life where everything is already established, making it challenging for her to change.

Feeling a bit sad as I left. I hugged her, and I could see the sadness in her eyes. It reminded me of the day I left Singapore for Maldives three years ago. That's life. Nonetheless, thrilled to have seen her again.

On my way back to Manila from Maldives, I had an 11-hour layover in Singapore. Not bad, right? I had the opportunity to stroll around and meet up with Kuya Melvin. Seeing him again brought me so much joy. Our shallow conversations, which are a safe space for me, may not always delve into deeper topics, but from time to time, we get the chance to discuss more profound matters. Throughout my six years in Singapore, Kuya Melvin has been one of the people who made my life much easier—a good and reliable friend. Spending time with him during this layover was a great catch for me.

Guess what? He just snagged a suite at Marina Bay Sands—so fancy, right? LOL. That's what I love about him, he knows how to enjoy his vices to score a free hotel stay, and every now and then, a little casino action. He's not a big gambler, just looking to have a good time, but I always remind him to take it easy. Anyway, that stay at Marina Bay Sands was incredibly luxurious, and I was all for it. It got me daydreaming about being seriously wealthy, you know? Staying in places like that, shopping, getting whatever you want... That fantasy keeps popping up. Sometimes I can't help but wonder why I feel like I'm on a tight budget.

Hahaha, honestly, staying in a hotel like that and enjoying life feels amazing. I wish my mom could experience it too, and I dream of being able to spend time and money on her without a second thought. We strolled around Marina Bay Sands Mall, revisiting familiar places. Singapore holds a significant place in my life, and if given the chance to live there again, I'd seize it. Every time I set foot in Singapore, there's an urge inside me to return and work in that city.

Do I regret choosing Maldives over Singapore? I don't know, maybe yes or maybe no. Maldives isn't a bad country at all, and I have fond memories in both places. Yet, Singapore feels more like home to me, with its larger size and openness to anything.

Well, I suppose I've been feeling sentimental lately. Failing the exam, dealing with family issues, and the impending return to Maldives have made this moment a bit sadder than usual. Revisiting places, encountering familiar faces, and reconnecting with past memories is emotionally challenging, yet strangely fulfilling at the same time. It's a weird mix of emotions.

Labels: memories, Singapore