Sunday, November 7, 2010

Faces of Singapore


Diversity is welcomed in Singapore, or is it safe to assume that, given the variety of people that you will meet anywhere? I could only hope that this will go on as an optimistic atmosphere. Something that feels like everyone appreciates and respects each other’s culture, and keeps friendly mutual relationships with people of different races while preserving this nation’s own identity. I’m still in the process of finding out what Singapore really is. I mean, I want to find the uniqueness that this country has.

Orchard Road


Singapore is a melting pot (video taken at Orchard MRT Station)

I sense that Singapore is fast becoming into an Asian version of an American melting pot (though I have never been to Uncle Sam’s myself). Chinese, Malays, Indians, Caucasians, and Asians from various backgrounds constitute the faces of Singapore. And not to discount foreign workers from all around the world. Singapore does very well in attracting foreign professionals and those hoping to find just any kind of job. FYI, I am part of the 150,000 Filipinos residing in this country, and have thus far met people from Myanmar, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, China, Thailand, and a few Caucasians in the office.

For multi-cultural immersion? Definitely this is an excellent place.

I talked to a Singaporean of Indian descent while waiting for the bus going to Church of St. Mary of the Angels in Bukit Batok. Our conversation surprised me as it was the kind of perspective I had always wanted to hear, and so he went on talking about his own people and even compared them to Malays, Indonesians, Filipinos, and Thais, his own travels around Southeast Asia (said he used to work for Philippine Airlines), their food, government, economy, army, and Singaporean companies in general. It was probably out of pure honesty, but it wasn't all that pleasant to hear.

8 comments:

  1. Wow you never fAil amaze me with your articles.... This is nice...

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  2. @MLoy: Thanks Miloi! I can't wait for your first post. :)

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  3. I agree with you. I think Singapore is truly an excellent place. I feel it is more of the land of opportunities. And I know Filipinos are doing well there in their jobs, and that includes you. It makes me proud to be Pinoy! :) Again, I adore this entry, and the pictures! And also the things I learn from this place.

    P.S. The video makes it easier to embrace the culture of Singapore. Thanks for sharing it.

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  4. @Cindy: Oh, thanks Cindy. I have just started though. But I'm praying that everything will turn out well. It's good to note that there are successful Filipinos here. :) Thanks to you once again Cindy! :)

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  5. Dude, welcome to Singapore!

    And I'm interested to know the "wasnt all that pleasant to hear" honest bit. Haha.

    How long have you been here? How long will you be here? Perhaps we might bump into each other some day ey? It feels as though the world's getting a tad smaller. (:

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  6. Ha ha! I knew it! That somebody would ask me that. I'll probably tell you but not in this blog of course! Ha ha!

    I've been here since September. Will be here for looong.

    Thanks for the welcome! It would be great to meet you my friend. :)

    P.S. I always pass Marzuki (Ave or St?) somewhere in Kembangan. Named after a person? :)

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  7. I've always wanted to go to Singapore. Your post made me want to go even more! :D

    First visit! :)

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  8. Thanks! Singapore is a nice place. :)

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