(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 featuring a Filipina blogger who is having an adventure of her life here in Singapore. Meet Reg!”

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

I’m a twenty-something millennial trying to live my best possible life. I’m always in the pursuit of good food, my life purpose, and “God, it’s good to be alive!” experiences. I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines but I don’t let geography define me. After graduating with a degree in Psychology, I went into fashion as a stylist and co-owner of an online boutique. I then went to Bialystok, Poland for a couple of months as a youth empowerment volunteer. Now I’m here in Singapore.

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

I’ve been here for a little over 3 years now. I moved to Singapore coz at that point in my life, I was dying for an adventure. Singapore seemed like the perfect choice as I had family and friends here, language isn’t a barrier, it’s close to Manila, and basically, it’s the only place safe enough for my mom to allow me to move to on my own.

3. What do you miss about your home country?

The food!!! I swear, Filipino food is soooo underrated!!! I also miss my family and friends and getting to hang out with them and do random things on a whim. Now it takes so much planning, even for just one Facetime call. I also miss not having to do my own laundry!

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

I like that Singapore is a safe place and everything is so efficient. I love the fact that it hasn’t always been this way and that it’s a product of hard work and dedication. Truly, it’s an inspiration to all developing countries. I mean, if they were able to do it, why can’t others follow suit? Not saying that it’s easy, but it’s possible.

5. What are the 3 tips you can give to fellow expats in Singapore or those you planning to move here?

-Don’t be afraid to try the food. I promise you’ll get used to chili after a while.

-Take advantage of the fact that Singapore is a hub and it’s the ideal jump off point for your travels. Don’t forget to explore our island too!

-There’s a difference between lah, leh, and lor. I’ll leave it for you to discover 😉

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

My favorite travel pot at the moment is New York. I went last May for 12 days and I really fell in love with it. It’s bustling with so much art and culture and there’s so much to do! I think you’ll appreciate it better when you discover the city on your own. I would move there in a heartbeat!

Favorite book: The Alchemist is my ultimate favorite book. It always feels current, no matter how many times I re-read it. The last book I thoroughly enjoyed though was Hector and the Search for Happiness.

 

Favorite food: STEAK. I super love steak. I even went on a STEAK-Ation last long weekend which meant having steak everyday. I was in heaven!

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

Carrie Bradshaw. I know it’s all fictional but I like the thought of making a career out of writing about love and living. That’s my ultimate peg.  For my writing, I get inspired when I analyze my own personal experience and find previous psych lessons or articles/books I’ve read reflected in it. I feel that more living will translate to more substance and that’s why it’s no surprise I love traveling. There really is such a lot of world to see and it doesn’t get more inspiring than that. ♥

8. I have been a follower of your blog even when you were still in Manila. Share with my readers more about your personal blog.

Thank you!♥ I’ve been blogging for half my life-now, from Geocities to Diaryland to Livejournal. In 2010, I moved to Blogger to document my life in fashion. It was mostly outfit and behind-the-scenes entries, but through the years, it has evolved to include more facets of my life like food and travel. Lately, I’ve also been steering my blog, heyrocketgirl, to my roots, which means more insights and reflections. It’s more personal now. I find that not only am I happier about writing lengthy posts as compared to just outfit details, the engagements I get – although fewer – are much more genuine than “nice outfit!” and I really, really appreciate that. I love that other people can relate and find inspiration in my posts and that my blog allows me to meet a lot of awesome people too. ♥

9. Where is your next adventure? Share with us some of your upcoming travel plans.

My mom and I are planning our “dream trip” for next year. We’re going to enjoy tapas and visit La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona before exploring Italy. We plan on visiting Venice, Milan, and Rome but the bulk of it will be spent in the Tuscan region – Florence, Chianti, Pisa, Siena and hopefully, Cinque Terre. This is really exciting because we’ve never been to Italy together. I’m really looking forward to going on cooking lessons, eating legit Italian food all day every day, and of course bonding with her over wine.

10. If you have a friend coming to visit Singapore for the first time and you have the whole day to show her around, which places are you going to take her?

I’d start the day with a kaya toast and kopi breakfast followed by a trip to the Singapore Zoo. Half of the day would be spent there, then we’d catch the sunset from Marina Barrage to enjoy the Singapore skyline. Satay dinner at Lau Pa Sat, followed by drinks at either Club Street or Ku De Ta.

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

“Eventually, all the pieces will fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment & know that everything happens for a reason.”

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Thank you Reg for giving a glimpse your adventures. For more adventures to come! I am so happy to have met you here in Singapore after following your blog for a few years.

For more of Reg’s travels, musing, food trips and OOTDs, head over to www.heyrocketgirl.com.

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