“(Wikipedia) ‘An Expatriate (often shortened to Expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country other than that of their citizenship. The word comes from the Latin terms ex (“out of”) and patria (“country, fatherland”).

This blog aims to discover people who are adventurers like me, venturing out in a new place to call home and creating memories. I have previously lived with my parents and siblings in the Saudi Arabia when I was in high school. I have enjoyed and cherished my memories in the beautiful Sandbox I once called my home. Now, I am in a new adventure with my husband and son here in Singapore.

I am featuring Expats in different countries every two weeks to share their experiences and adventures with you and me.

Today I am excited to be featuring a Filipino food blogger. I have been a follower of her blog. I think she is such an amazing gal. I was very happy to meet her in one of the blogging events here in Singapore. I enjoy reading here blog because I get to discover great food finds in Manila as well here in Singapore.  She is in my top favourite food blogger list. Meet the one & only Frannywanny.”

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1. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and where you are originally from?

I’m Fran, the girl behind Frannywanny.com. I’m originally from Manila, Philippines. I love to write and definitely to cook and eat.

2. What made you decide to move to Singapore? How long have you been here?

I moved to Singapore with my hubby Paul a little more than 2 years ago. It was a career move and we both loved this city-state since then.

3.What do you miss about the Philippines?

3 Fs: Family (my dog Scottie included), Friends and FOOD! Oh gosh, I super miss the food back home.

4. What are the wonderful discoveries and things you like about Singapore?

• How genuinely nice everyone is. Adjusting has been a breeze because we never really felt like we are outsiders. We immediately felt welcomed and it’s all because of everyone whom we have the pleasure to encouter with.
• Singapore is indeed Asia’s food mecca. Never a dull meal moment here in Singapore, I tell you.
• Despite how small Singapore may be in terms of geographical size, there’s really a lot of places to see and believe it or not, we still haven’t ventured out to most parts such as the East and up North yet. We will definitely get to those areas someday.

5. What are the 3 advices or tips you can give to fellow expats in Singapore?

• Take each day as it comes. Moving out of home is pretty much leaving your comfort zone. Allow yourself to soak in all the sights, sounds and experiences that you’ll come across with. I feel like if you’re relaxed, you’ll find adjusting quite easy.
• Make friends. Don’t just stick to your fellow countrymen but allow yourselves to assimmilate. It’s always fun to learn about new cultures and Singapore is the perfect place for this as it’s pretty much a nice melting pot of different races.
• Do something fun each weekend. A friend of mine would visit one MRT area every so often, while Paul and I would take impromptu weekend trips to the farthest point of Singapore and even beyond. It’s all about making your stay fun and enjoyable.

6. The LITTLE MISS HONEY community gets inspired through travel, food and books. Can you tell us your current FAVORITE TRAVEL SPOT, current FOOD/RESTAURANT DISCOVERIES and current FAVORITE BOOK?

• Favorite Travel Spot: definitely fun shopping cities like Hong Kong and Seoul.  I also love the beach so that would be Boracay for me.
• Food/Restaurant Discoveries: Lately, I’m into checking out the different brunch cafes in Singapore. So far I’ve tried The Beast , Artistry and Symmetry.

                      Crab Burger from Artistry

• Favorite Book: I just finished reading Love the One You’re With by Emily Griffin. I love chic lits.

7.Where do you get your inspirations? Who or what inspires you?

– I love writing about food and I guess the experience itself of being able to try a new place inspires me. Of course, the people whom I dine it also plays a big role too.

8.What got you started in food blogging?

I started blogging back in 2001 through a personal, now defunct blog. Then I went back to blogging this time focusing on food back in 2007. Frannywanny.com has been around for 8 years already!

9. Name your three favorites restaurants in Singapore.

Aside from the cafes mentioned above, I love Din Tai Fung for very reliable Shanghainese food, Poulet for their to-die-for Poulet Roti and Gyoza King which never fails to satisfy my Japanese craving.

10. Name your three favorite restaurants in Manila, Philippines.

Cibo has always been my #1 favorite as I can always count on the reliable taste quality, good service and reasonable price.

Shang Palace as they have the best dimsum not only in the country but I’d say in this part of Asia too!

Mesa – I’m not really a fan of Filipino food (yup, surprise surprise!) but whenever I want real good Crispy Pata or Kare Kare, this will always be my go-to place.

11. Lastly, can you share with us what is your inspirational mantra in life?

“Live each day as if it’s your last.”

I’m never afraid to tell the people I love how much they mean to me and I really hate going to bed with a heavy heart. I also make it a point to give my best in everything I do. Life is too short for mediocrity.

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“Thank you Franny for granting us this interview and sharing with us your favorite restaurants which we will be checking out soon.

If you are a foodie and enjoys discovering new restaurants just like me, head over to Frannywanny’s blog for more suggestions to satisfy your gastronomic cravings. 

If you are an expat or know any expats who are interested to be featured, drop me a line at littlemisshoneyblog@gmail.com.”