The Unexpected Singapore Trip with Skyscanner

When Skyscanner posted the Philippines’ Best Travel Blog for 2014 on Facebook, I wasn’t surprised with the chosen winner. Allan of Lantaw led the voting tally for weeks. Lucky dude. He just won a Trip to Singapore plus Php 50,000 worth of flights!

What surprised me is the revelation that the second and third placer will join him in Singapore for the awards night.

And I placed 4th.

You know that feeling, right? Don’t get me wrong – Carla of BlissfulGuro and Che of Backpacking Pilipinas deserved their spot on the final tally, but we weren’t informed that the 2nd and 3rd placer will go to Singapore too. So near yet nahnahnah. I’ve been hoping to visit Singapore again and this could’ve been the chance to explore the ‘Most Expensive City in the World’ for free!

Then I received an unexpected message on my inbox a week before the scheduled departure for the winners.

It is from Harold of Skyscanner. He is inviting me to join the rest of the winners to Singapore for free.

I had mixed emotions after reading the e-mail. I was happy because hello, that’s a Singapore trip! I was sad at the same time because replying yes means I’ll miss the Yeng Constantino concert in Dagupan. Travel or Music?

I’m lucky that my boss understood my dilemma. She allowed me to go as long as I finish my tasks and do the reports. If only all bosses are like that!

I replied with a yes and gave the necessary details needed. I am also looking forward to meeting my companions for the trip. It’s my first time to be travelling with Allan, Carla and Che.

Manila-Singapore Flight via Philippine Airlines

The four of us met up at NAIA Terminal 2. While waiting for our flight, we were already exchanging stories and taking tons of selfies.

While waiting for boarding selfie at NAIA 2 (Photo grabbed from Backpacking Pilipinas)
While waiting for boarding selfie at NAIA 2 (Photo grabbed from Backpacking Pilipinas)

We arrived in Singapore at around 2PM. Harold welcomed us in Changi Airport’s arrival area. Yey, we’re in Singapore now!

It was gloomy when we arrived. It rained really hard a few minutes after.

Singapore Flyer on a rainy day
Singapore Flyer on a rainy day

Thanks for the wet welcome, Singapore! Shower us with more blessings!

The Ibis Singapore Bencoolen Experience

We were assigned in different hotels. Allan stayed at Novotel Clark Quay, Carla in Ibis Novena while Che and I were booked at Ibis Bencoolen Singapore.

According to an online write-up, Ibis Bencoolen is a budget hotel. Che and I were surprised upon entering the vicinity. The glitzy lights at the Taste Restaurant were too inviting. Gimme some mocktails!

My Room at Ibis Bencoolen in Singapore
My Room at Ibis Bencoolen in Singapore

We stayed in separate rooms, each upgraded to Executive Suite. Lovin’ it!

Aside from the minimalist yet comfortable stay, I enjoyed the fact that we were given Handy phones for us to use anywhere in Singapore! I’ll write more about this feature on a separate post.

Exploring Singapore via FunVee City Tours

 

Bloggers taking photos of Marina Bay Sands from the FunVee Top Deck Bus
Bloggers taking photos of Marina Bay Sands from the FunVee Top Deck Bus

 

Skyscanner Asia Pacific contingents met up at the Singapore Flyer vicinity on Friday morning. It was fun meeting fellow bloggers from Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, South Korea and of course, Singapore. We were given the opportunity to take a glimpse of SG’s city vibe through the FunVee Hopper by City Tours. So many impressive skyscrapers and architectural designs all over!

The Merlion and the Tourists
The Merlion and the Tourists

We also had a short river cruise trip from Merlion to Clark Quay. Enjoyed the Lunch Buffet by Novotel Clark Quay. Obviously, I overstayed 😛

Skyscanner APAC Travel Bloscars Awards Night

The main reason why 18 bloggers were invited by Skyscanner and Accor Hotels is for the Bloscars! Now on its second year, the Skyscanner Travel Bloscars aims to recognize some of Asia Pacific’s well-loved travel bloggers.

A glimpse of the Skyscanner HQ
A glimpse of the Skyscanner HQ

The Skyscanner crew gave us a tour of their workplace. It’s fun looking at their travel-themed conference rooms and I automatically imagined myself as one of the employees. Yep, I want to work there!

TEAM PHILIPPINES: Carla, Allan, Mica and Che
TEAM PHILIPPINES: Carla, Allan, Mica and Che
Travel Bloggers from Asia Pacific
Travel Bloggers from Asia Pacific

Top winners per country were given plaques of appreciation. After a number of photo ops, the Skyscanner team and travel bloggers went straight to Group Therapy – the restaurant!

Selfie Photo using the 'Forever Alone' gadget
Selfie Photo using the ‘Forever Alone’ gadget

Overflowing drinks and food, Team Philippines used this night as an opportunity to bond and at the same time mingle with fellow bloggers from Asia Pacific. More selfies and group shots were taken after.

Travel and Beyond by Joseph and Rose was named as the Best Travel Blog in Asia Pacific! I’ve read their blog prior to the event and I can say that it is a well-deserved recognition. Congrats!

An Extended Stay in Singapore

 

Dinner at House Dempsey Hill with Tito Raymond and Tito Alex
Dinner at House Dempsey Hill with Tito Raymond and Tito Alex

When Skyscanner sent me the invitation via email, I asked if it is possible for me to extend my stay. I’m glad they allowed me to because I was able to stay in a cool hostel, meet up with friends I haven’t seen for years, ate tons of food, explore new places and bonded with my Uncle Raymond!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time and effort to vote for me! It really means a lot 🙂

I <3 Skyscanner! Thanks again :D
I <3 Skyscanner! Thanks again 😀

With that being said, I therefore conclude that being a fourth placer isn’t bad after all!

P.S: This is just a preview post! Expect more Singapore-related posts from me in the coming days. 😀

Some images courtesy of Skyscanner Philippines

25 Comments

  1. Marx said:

    nakaka-miss din ang Singapore kahit expensive city sya.

    April 4, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Yep! Almost five years din bago ako nakabalik kaya marami nang changes 🙂

      April 4, 2014
      Reply
  2. Fahmi Anhar said:

    Yeay !! c’mon Mica, write more, we want more, we want more hahaha | #bloscars14apac

    April 4, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Don’t worry my friend! You’re featured on the next two posts 😛

      April 4, 2014
      Reply
      • Ariev Rahman said:

        I wanna be featured too! LOL.

        I guess 4 is your lucky number 😀

        April 12, 2014
        Reply
        • Senyorita said:

          Don’t worry – I will feature the Indonesian team on the 3rd post 😛

          I guess 4 is my lucky number just like Beyonce :))

          April 14, 2014
          Reply
  3. Ada said:

    Very proud of you badet!! Our first trip to SG was actually still the most memorable trip for me. Kakamiss!!

    April 4, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Thanks Badet! Can’t help but reminisce our first SG trip din while I was there. Bumalik pa ako ng Tiong Bahru!

      April 4, 2014
      Reply
  4. Jherson Jaya said:

    Seems like you are Miss Singapore posting with Filipino travel bloggers huh! Lol. Kidding aside, CONGRATULATIONS! I was rallying for you because well you are my friend (among the other nominees) and idol ka eh. lol One of the first few blogs I’m reading before diving into this world. Winner or not you got a free tour in Singapore! Isnt that a grand price as well? nyahaha… Continue your journey and let me join on some… lol

    God Bless

    April 4, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Lol! Thanks Jherson for constantly voting and campaigning for me! It means a lot 😀 Natuwa naman ako sa comment mo feeling ko tuloy super tagal ko na nagbblog dito hehe thanks ulit! Dapat may trip na rin soon!

      April 4, 2014
      Reply
  5. soloflightEd said:

    lucky you, mica! and I agree, I’d love to work in their office! hahaha. great to work in a travel-themed environment. most especially if it’s a digital themed. para nandun na lahat. hahaha.

    April 4, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      I’m really lucky, Edcel 😀 Tara, let’s send our CV to Skyscanner LOL

      April 4, 2014
      Reply
  6. “I therefore conclude that being a fourth placer isn’t bad after all!” –> Indeed. Congratulations!

    April 5, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Thanks Claire!

      April 5, 2014
      Reply
  7. Rosemarie said:

    It was lovely to meet you too! Thank you for the shout out and keep travelling!

    April 7, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Thanks Rosemarie! I’ll keep track of your new adventures in Australia 🙂

      April 9, 2014
      Reply
  8. laks said:

    Seems like you had great fun . Nice pics 🙂

    April 7, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      I did! Thanks laks 😀

      April 9, 2014
      Reply
  9. Audrey said:

    That’s so cool that you got to visit with Skyscanner! I was there a few weeks ago and I loved Singapore. I was fascinated by the futuristic feel of it.

    April 9, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Thanks Audrey! I was reading your Singapore entries prior to the trip 😀

      April 9, 2014
      Reply
  10. Lovely B. said:

    Travel or Music? Travel!!! 🙂

    April 14, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Hahaha! Pwede rin naman travel and music sabay 😛

      April 15, 2014
      Reply
  11. Jeffrey Ty said:

    During my short stay in Singapore, I also stayed at Ibis Bencoolen. I was really on a tight budget during that time but was really eager to touch down Singapore for the first time. This budget hotel is a real deal in cost savings. The rooms were dignified but the highlight of choosing this hotel was the handy phone that you mentioned too in this post. Though I wasn’t really able to maximize the use of it, it just good to have one while in Singapore. Please check out http://www.klapsons.com/singapore/

    March 11, 2016
    Reply
  12. May Agranum said:

    I loved to travel Singapore, but Singapore is very expensive city.

    September 22, 2016
    Reply
  13. Boots said:

    YOU ARE ONE LOVELY, INTELLIGENT, and A VERY LUCKY LADY . Keep up the good work. Very informative piece. Thank you.

    November 3, 2016
    Reply

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