(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.
It is nice to know a fellow Filipina blogger in Singapore. I meet our featured expat in one of the blogger events in Singapore. She is a delight to be with and she has an amazing fashion sense. I enjoy her OOTD photos in her instagram. Meet the charming Hannah Tantoco.
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1. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and where you are originally from?
I’m Hanna, a 20-something Regional Marketing Partner for Southeast Asia by day and a fashion and lifestyle blogger hopeful at night. I share my musings at Every18thofJune.blogspot.sg(that’s my birthday, by the way) and via my Instagram @hannatantoco.
2. What made you decide to move to Singapore? How long have you been here?
I’ve always wanted to move to Singapore because the quality of life is definitely better, career opportunities since this is the financial hub as well safety. I moved here 4 years ago.
3. Besides Singapore, have you ever lived in other countries, of course besides your home country?
Madrid, Spain. I did my Masters there for a year before going back to Asia (Singapore)
4.What are the wonderful discoveries and things you like about Singapore?
Food, Fashion and Freedom. I was never into spicy foods growing up, it’s only when I moved here that I actually discovered the real definition of spicy. I’m addicted to anything with chili.
Needless to say, here in Singapore I’m able to express my passion for fashion without anybody judging, the fashion blogging community is also open and friendly, there’s also easy access to countless brands around the world and online shopping. Like I said, it’s safe here. I can go out at night without the fear of getting mugged, I can take public transportation alone and best of all live in total independence.
5. What are the 3 advices or tips you can give to fellow expats in Singapore?
Travel while you are here. Changi airport is a major airport that directly connects to major airports which makes it cheaper.
Explore doing a hobby or a sports. I’ve never been so sporty in my life. I’ve recently been practicing hot yoga at a boutique studio and been doing a lot of marathons and runs.
Visit a community once a month. I would say once a week, but of course we have chores right? I am guilty that I’ve never really explored the inner Singapore up until a year ago when my fiancé (Editor’s note: who is now her husband) insisted for us to take random bus trips. There’s so much places to see, whole-in-walls to try and spots to take photos at.
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?
Favourite Travel spot – this might be a bit common but top of my list would always be Tokyo, Japan. I’m a sucker for anything matcha, the place is so clean and the people are genuinely happy.
Favourite food – I am lucky to have a job that allows me to travel, one of the places I visit frequently is New York City, when you’re there you definitely must have the original Halal Guys at 6th .
Favourite book at the moment is this business book called Leaders Eat Last, it’s a page turner even for non-business folks.
7. Where do you get your inspirations? Who or what inspires you?
I get inspired by the girls within the fashion community in Singapore, I look up to them a lot. I also love design houses such as Moschino and Valentino and high street labels such as Zara and Topshop. Finally, I’m inspired by my mom’s decors. I swear she put in a lot of effort in decorating and changing the theme on our quarterly basis.
8. I love your OOTD photos in instagram! I know I will never be a fashion blogger because I don’t know how to pose for the camera. Teach us, how you do your conceptualize your OOTD shots? And if you can share with us some fashion blogger tips to pose for the camera.
Hahaha! I literally laughed when I read this. Of course you can be a fashion blogger, anybody can as long as you’re interested in fashion. Posing in front of the camera would come 1000 takes after, I swear. I used to take a lot of safety shots until I learned what my good angle is. Vince ( Hanna’s husband) takes 99% of the photos I share. I prepare him every week on our shoot days, I psych him up so that he’s not cranky or else it will show in the photos too. I also seek out inspirations in other fashion blogs I read and in ads of high street labels.
9. Lastly, can you share with us what is your inspirational mantra in life?
Plan out your life, but do it in pencil.
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Thank you Hanna for giving us a glimpse of your fashionable world. I am sure you will inspire other fashion blogger hopefuls out there. Congratulations on your recent wedding with Vince. I shall see you soon.
Do check out Hanna’s blog: http://every18thofjune.blogspot.sg and head to her awesome instagram account @hannatantoco for fashion inspiration.
If you are an expat or know any expats who are interested to be featured, drop me a line at littlemisshoneyblog@gmail.com.”