Singapore verve

When you think of an Asian country vis-à-vis the word trust , there is probably none that would fit the tag better than Singapore would. Yet, despite its reputation for being safe and efficient, people have not been keen to fly there as of late. The health scare of SARS has done much to damage their once robust tourism industry.

However, Singapore is not sitting and waiting for better times ahead. Their government has moved to implement effective measures to arrest the problem. Singaporeans who are used to their government’s reliability are not surprised at this move, just like I feel that Singaporeans do not realize how lucky they are that everything in their country works. But to a Filipino citizen like me who is so used to constant scenes of incompetence and disorganization, I can only swoon over such a caring government whose dedication to duty towards its people is unquestionably admirable.

Much as I wanted to see performances at the Esplanade in recent months , I chose to put off my plans due to the health scare. Matter of fact, when my editor asked me if I would be willing to go and see the new program of the theater , I was very hesitant. In jest , I made it a condition that if the person inviting me would go there herself, then I would accept the invitation. There was no turning back when Rita Dy of Singapore Airlines called to say , " OK, I’m going because of you , let’s go !"

My confidence grew upon boarding the SIA airplane. As expected, it was spotless, clean and the staff ever so helpful. The passenger module had been refitted to make for more space in all the three sections and it was a treat not to have to sit in cramped chairs. This includes the economy section where each one also has a TV with all sorts of games to play so that they can while away the time. "Do you know that kids complain whenever the plane is touching down because they still want to play their games?" Rita mused.

I am 5’6 and I can stand straight underneath the newly designed hand-carry compartment. But most important is the clean air. SIA has started its own Clean Air Act with a system that blows in fresh air every three minutes. This air passes through special filters through each section of the aircraft and automatically goes to a slim linear exhaust that excretes the air from the plane. That alone made me sleep in peace compared to the times in the past when I had to drink a lot of wine to blur the thought of breathing the air from everyone else’s lungs during a trip.

The Singapore Airport is always a winner. The new features cater to every passenger’s whim – a cinema where the latest movies are played 24 hours for any waiting passenger, a public bath, shower and sauna – and we are not talking here of any privileged lounge for business and first class passengers. It is for everyone.

Going to the city from the airport also always makes me look forward to the thick lavender bougainvilla-flowers adorning most of the length of the main highway and bridges. The clean surroundings have always been a pleasing sight and I always wonder how all the flowers are in such full bloom. I later learned that the government has a special fund for all these flowering plants as well as for all the beautiful trees that one sees all over.

At the Conrad Hotel , the well-organized staff did their medical examination on everyone – checking our temperature with an ear gadget and giving the "COOL" badge for us to wear as our seal of good health. As expected, Conrad serves its guests the best – everything looks and smells fresh, the cuisine excellent, and visually, the interiors have been put together very well with that essential touch of class that money simply cannot buy.

But the night at the Esplanade was something I really looked forward to. The world—famous Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra was playing with conductor Herbert Blomstedt. Actually, I was excited to go back to the Esplanade, Asia’s premier Performing Arts Center. With the highly respected CEO, Benson Puah at the helm, I was sure that Esplanade would always show only the best. So, when I was informed about the performers for the evening, even if I was not familiar with them, I knew they would be good. Someone more knowledgeable about classical music in our group commented that they are now considered possibly the best in the world – perhaps even better than the New York Philharmonic or the London Orchestra.

For that evening, The Leipzig Gewandhaus played Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony no. 41 in C major, "Jupiter" and Richard Strauss’s "A Hero’s Life". In my case, I am familiar with only a teeny-weeny bit of Bach yet discovered the Leipzig sounds simply engaging. I found myself appreciating that kind of music more than before and my own discovery goes to prove that exposure plays a major key in learning and imbibing the arts. Once again, I am green with envy over what the government of Singapore is doing for its people.

On the other side of this clean city is the Asian Civilizations Museum. Located in the newly renovated Empress Place Building at Armenian Street by the river. the imposing colonial structure stands out, freshly painted in immaculate white. I discovered that it was designed by a colonial engineer by the name of J.F.A. McNair and built through convict labor.

Reputed to be the first museum in the region to present an integrated perspective of Pan-Asian cultures and civilizations , it has 10 thematic galleries depicting the powerful forces that have shaped the origins, identities and artistic styles of cosmopolitan societies in different parts of Asia. The collections are extensive covering Southeast Asia, West Asia and of course, China. Museum lovers would need at least two days to cover the rich ethnographic exhibitions in all the galleries.

And never to be behind the trends around the world, Singapore has caught up with the spa craze that has practically become everyone’s place of refuge when it comes to stress. The tropical paradise that opened in the Sentosa Island resort recently is the Spa Botanica Garden featuring the latest in spa treatments. Not only do they have facilities for men and women, there are special facilities to accommodate couples who want to stay together.

Delicately landscaped gardens with refreshing outdoor pools and cascading waterfalls encourage a cool soak before a massage. Complete with mud pools and all sorts of restorative products and treatments, I personally liked the Meditation Garden – a labyrinth setting of a classical spiral that goes one way in and one way out, it induces calm and buoys one to reflect and contemplate. It is a simple but effective way to be with oneself and feel God’s presence, possibly gain a renewed sense of energy to face the more mundane daily activities.

Hop on the city bus for free and go around the city. Visit The Esplanade, museums, theaters, galleries; go on a boat tour, visit the marvelous day and night zoos and try all the eating places serving delicious delicacies. And for the shopaholics, the sales are ongoing.

And what better treat can there be, Singapore Airlines flies three times to Singapore daily. How about this: $199 for two nights and three days with hotel and breakfast. I would take the trip even just to see The Esplanade!