Singapore: Land of Diversity

On my recent trip to Singapore, I did not expect to be amazed at what's in store for me there. My idea of Singapore is that it's just a concrete jungle where the corporate world thrives, and strict rules abound. This is not so...

A couple of friends and I stayed at the YMCA International House. The cozy ambience greeted us, with it's neat interiors and facilities. We stayed at a dormitory room there where 4 people had to share together. We we're very lucky as our roommate, a Pakistani national, got along with us, so we had no problem sharing a room with him.

The diverse cultures of Singapore were already prominent where we stayed, as every morning, people from various nationalities would meet for a scrumptious buffet breakfast at the cafeteria. This is our daily morning ritual there, as we get ready to face a day outside sightseeing and enjoy what Singapore has to offer... and there's lots!

In a country where business is at its center, shopping malls thrive in Singapore - from the high end malls of Marina Bay Sands, to the seemingly endless boundaries of Vivo City, you'll find shopping an enjoyable experience - that's if you have plenty to spend, otherwise just hang around the mall, window shop, or dine in a variety of multicultural food Singapore serves on its platter.

Sentosa Island is a must go attraction. A whole day of your time is required to experience what's inside this vast playground. There's the Universal Studios movie-themed park where you'll find the super-speed hanging rollercoaster, which we bravely rode on 3 times! There's Sentosa Beach - where you can relax, have a tan on their man-made beach, or paddle away on their large indoor wave pool. Among other attractions inside Sentosa are the Mega-Zip, Go-Kart, and the I-Fly Indoor Skydiving.

What impresses me most about Singapore is it's a very organized or ironed out country. The cleanliness of surroundings, and the many architectural sceneries gives out a refreshing and peaceful vibe to its visitors. You can get to any destination safe and sound with their efficient public transport system - the MTR and coded buses makes going around Singapore a breeze.

There are many other attractions or reasons for going back to Singapore. Whether you are an extreme adventurer who would love to experience indoor skydiving, to the laid back person who has an appreciation of the arts - there's something for everyone in Singapore. It's really a melting pot, a land of diverse cultures and attractions!

Chaya Resto-Inn, Baguio City

On a recent trip to Baguio, we went in and checked out Chaya Restaurant in Legarda St., just a few steps away from the hotel we stayed in. We were surprised what we saw inside. It's not your typical restaurant. Entering the place you will feel you were just at home, and the dining room is where you're at. They have a living room sofa a big-screen tv, a piano, and a working fireplace beside the dining area. This place is not just a resto - it's a lodging and resto place combined with a Japanese-American style suburban feel. The food they serve is reasonably priced, with lots of leafy greens, beans and berries on the side, which will satisfy the health buffs. They have a special complimentary desert which is the macha tea ice cream with mongo beans which is delectable to the last scoop. I won't post any pics of the interiors, so if you happen to visit Baguio soon, check out Chaya Japanese Resto for something truly different and satisfying. (Photo courtesy of Domne)

Starbucks (SM Southmall, Las Pinas City)

A cozy hangout and workplace far away from home. Starbucks Southmall has nice interiors with large windows that you see similar in classic diners. Sit conveniently on their sofas beside the windows as you observe people pass by inside the mall. This coffee place has no wi-fi connection but mallwide it has its own. Speed may be inconsistent so bring your handy usb broadband with you. Good thing they have their own comfort room also, so you won't have to go outside. Staff were friendly and service was served with a smile. Overall, I would rate this place 4 out of 5.

Starbucks (U.N. Avenue cor Roxas Blvd, Manila)

You'll never know what you'll find just lurking around your neighborhood. I just discovered it yesterday. This Starbucks branch along U.N. Avenue has 2 corner stores, and the one I went in has a 2nd floor with a veranda overlooking Roxas Boulevard. Inside the store you'll find nice and relaxing interiors and lightings. Paintings and art deco line the walls that adds to the peaceful ambience. The store is usually not crowded even at peak hours, you'll definitely find a good seat somewhere inside or outside on the veranda. This has been the longest I've stayed in a coffee shop because it feels so comfy inside. Their staff are friendly and accommodating too - even offered free mini-cup fraps. I'll definitely stop by often here. They do not offer free WiFi, but if you have your own USB Broadband, then this is a definitely a great place to work or relax.

McDonald's (U.N. Avenue, Manila)

This is my most frequented place for free wifi because aside from being just around the vicinity from where I live, it's one of my favorite fast food chains. An order of chicken fillet rice meal, cheeseburger, fries (the bes fries there is), and any kind of float drink will get me working away. The place is very spacious, and it's usually not very crowded. You can eat, work, relax and surf comfortably on their bench tables while viewing the vehicles, pedestrians, and not to mention the street kids that begs for your food from the outside. WiFi signal inside is for the most part is strong, but occasionally it slows down and even disappoints. The McCafe is also inside if you prefer just to have a coffee break. This branch is open 24 hours, so anytime you can just come in, even on wee hours of the morning. Overall I give this WiFi establishment 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Burger King (Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City)

If you want to hang around with fellow netizens and cloud commuters like me, then this is the ultimate place to hangout, as you'll find many of its customers with their laptops availing their free wi-fi access. What is good also, is that Burger King is the only fast food chain that you are allowed to plug your laptop into an electrical outlet (if I'm mistaken let me know). There are limited plug outlets, so better charge your laptops before you leave your home. You need to order of course to avail of their wi-fi access. A full meal of burger, fries and soda will cost you around P150+. How fast is their wifi access depends on the number of customers logged in so don't expect fast browsing or download/upload time. If you want fast access then come early before noon, and also to get a better and comfy seat at the side. Overall, I give 4 1/2 out 5 stars for this wi-fi hotspot.

First Post: An Introduction

Hello and Welcome to The Wi-Fi Life: #Workaywhere Blog! My name is Ron, and my life pretty much revolves around my laptop, and working online. Since I have resigned from being a BPO employee, I now work as a Digital Marketing Specialist handling social media accounts of clients worldwide and promoting their business online. I enjoy the freedom it gives. Not only I can work anytime and anywhere I want, I can do pretty much whatever I want during the day on my unscheduled free time, and of course I have my weekend breaks too! I can go to a local coffee shop to work and relax, watch the current movies showing, dine out and taste some specialty dishes I haven't tried out, window shop, or travel to places I haven't been to. I want to share with you the pleasures of having the freedom to do what you want, move around, and that's why this guide and review blog was created. I hope you'll enjoy reading what I will be posting here in the future. Comments and suggestions are very much welcome! Thanks! 😃