Who would have thought that with just a forty minute ferry ride away from Singapore you can already experience a staycation of sorts (semantics!). Batam is the largest city in the Riau Islands Province of Indonesia, across Singapore and is the third-largest city in Sumatra region (Thank you, Wiki for that fact).

If you want to go for a quick massage (the specialty!), a shopping spree as the items are relatively cheaper than that in the city, and eat some seafood then you came at the right place. Staying over for a weekend, we were not really able to try the massage as we end up lounging on our hotel rooms instead, watching movies from the cable television (a.k.a. the definition of chill). 

We did a bit of a city tour, though, made possible by our lovely, accomodating tour guide. While Batam is not as aesthetically pleasing as its neighboring cities (there is not much to see, to be honest), it did give a sense of relaxation and contentment away from the hassles of the city life. Sometimes we just cannot help but long for the simplicity. It even made us miss staying in the province back home. It did not stop us from having fun, of course.

Here are some of our stops, as told in pictures:

SNACKING!!!

No pictures included in here but we bought J. Co Donuts, too! They are relatively cheaper in Indonesia (Well, this is where the cafe/donut chain has originated so...)

To end this little reminiscent trip, let me also share the Unusuals (and the Punny.)

Until our next escapade.

x

I cannot help but be bummed when the lineup of In The Mix in Manila was announced. I mean getting to see James Bay, Third Eye Blind, Panic! At The Disco and The 1975 all in one night??? That has got to be real awesome. So imagine my joy when I found out that Panic is going to have a solo show in Singapore. I decided I should not miss it even when it meant I will have to go alone. That being said, the very first splurge that I had since the move is probably a VIP ticket for the Singapore leg of Panic! At The Disco's summer tour.

I had it all planned since it was announced back in April. Inasmuch as it is fun to experience the music with my concert buddies back home, I had to go solo (for my very first non-Manila concert experience, that is) but it did not lessen all the hype and the fun. Luckily a friend flew all the way from Manila to catch the show and we did get to hang a bit while lining up at the venue.

The pre-show jitters and shenanigans...well, it is not as organised as I would have thought (knowing Singapore) but the excitement is very apparent with all the spectators in there.

AND THEN THE LIGHTS WENT OFF.
THE CROWD HAS TURNED UP THE CRAZY.
THE BAND TOOK THE HOUSE DOWN.
BRENDON URIE IS A LITERAL FIREBALL AND HE LIT UP THE STAGE.
ALL.
THE.
FREAKING.
WAY.
(Also took his shirt off in the process.)

I am not even surprised that the band is so great! I've seen enough videos on Youtube as proofs. If anything, I am very impressed and even more amazed and grateful to ever be present, watching them in the middle of the pit while rocking their hearts out.

Brendon Urie's vocal prowess is ever so impressive and the energy and the crowd is infectious and loud (though at the back of my biased mind I'd say Manila crowd is still the loudest crowd. ha.) What a wonderful experience, that is!

The old movie poster.