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.

What I like the most about Twenty One Pilots is that their music makes you ponder about so many things. It's sincere and it makes you vulnerable to the "truths" whichever truth that you believe in, that is. It is powerful, highlighted by Tyler Joseph's soul-stirring voice and Joshua Dun's fervent drumming antics. (Also, because Tyler and Josh are #besfrengoals). 

It could be being on a clique and getting judged by the society.

It could be living the Christian life no matter how unconventional it may look to the public, and reflect His ways and His love through the life that you live instead of shoving up you beliefs up people's arses. (Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. (Ecc.12:13))

It could be standing up for what you believe in and a reminder that even when you feel like you know a person, you still do not know all the sides of a certain story.

It could be many things. Dope things.

***

It is my first time to go out of the country after getting my S-pass and so, my friends and I went to Malaysia over the weekend. We went to Hello Kitty Town and Legoland, both of which are located in Johor Bahru which is more or less 10 minutes away from Singapore (30 minutes away if coming from the flat).

What I loved the most is that the food is less expensive (value for the money, right) and it is so close to Singapore that you could reach it via a bus ride. It is pretty convenient for a short getaway even on an ordinary weekend.

I love Lego's. More so, I love the idea of building something awesome out of nothing but tiny blocks. The sky is the limit especially if you are patient and feeling extra creative. The theme park is a manifestation of all that and that idea alone impresses me.

The Miniland park composing of various landmarks is one of the main attractions of the place.

All made with LEGOs!

It is not too crowded when we went there but the weather is really hot making it almost impossible to visit all the shops and go for the adult rides. Most of the rides/activities are for kids so we really did not get to try all of them. Some rides are even closed for maintenance (Boo ya!) and construction (Ninjago area) but it did not stop us from enjoying the whole experience.

My friend and I get to ride on The Dragon. Well, no biggies as there are no loops but it was really fun with just the two of us the whole minute of it like we rented the whole ride for our own and we are even seated in front.

#KunwariLongLegged

The Castle is my favourite because it gives off a Game of Thrones and Harry Potter vibes. Of course, we took so many photos while we are at it.

I may not be the biggest Star Wars fan but the Miniland dedicated to the film is so rad. It is one of my favourites.

Also, we were able to go to the Lego Mindstorms and although we lack the time to actually participate, I pretty much enjoyed reminiscing the major plot of The Lego Movie which is the theme of the robot programming activity.

All in all, it was pretty exhausting but it is nothing compared to the loads of fun from the good company and catching up over good food and a good place.

Weekend well spent, it is. 

April x

I was looking for a perfect gift for my cousin and I came upon  Carousell , an online shop where you could buy anything ranging from the tech stuff up to the most random of dresses, house accessories and the likes.

She loves One Direction so much and of course, me being the supportive cousin (a fangirl at the same time) did not miss the opportunity to get her a pretty special memorabilia. A COLLECTOR'S DOLL! Dolls, technically, as I got her a Harry and a Louis. 

I got a Zayn for myself.

Anyway, it is my first time to do such thing here in Singapore (or ever. Usually I am just asking a friend for a favor to buy me stuff online). I did pay in cash but still, it was an advert from an online shop. I am still not very keen on the idea of purchasing things online but the first time has been a nice experience so far. The seller is very kind and accommodating and he even delivered the goods straight to our flat. So I asked him why does he own One Direction dolls (he doesn't look like the type who would own one or eight for that matter because he's got two sets minus Niall.) and told me he got it from a warehouse sale. I have been planning to buy a singing doll in 1D World Japan but it's expensive/not practical (It will cost at least 2000php for a singing doll and WHOA? I know, right?). Luckily I found these collector's dolls online and what a bargain (I got Zourry dolls for 15 SGD each).

I think I might have to sew Zayn a new jacket because, you know. ;)

x