Today is my Public Holiday (PH) leave. I did not choose this date, my manager did. But even so, this is somehow helpful because I was out of work for two days. I really did have a good rest. I mean a good rest from Tavern duties because I got quite tired of roaming Toa Payoh.
Toa Payoh is like Ang Mo Kio. However, in Toa Payoh, there were more stores for household items. It is actually a mix; there are stores for shoes, clothes, household items, electronics, and food. I was able to buy two skirts for the price of 15 dollars, wherein Bugis I will be able to buy that for 20 dollars. But I only have a few options. Well, I did not see those skirts in Bugis. I also bought a pair of black shoes which is made of cloth for S$9.90 dollars. It feels comfortable to my feet. I bought one because I need that for work. The pair of shoes that I brought to use for work makes my feet always aching, and makes me prone to slipping. By the way, I went to Toa Payoh all ALONE.
I actually plan to spend a whole day going to different places. But, I just love to sleep tightly and I can’t help it. So, I woke up at 16:00 and went to Toa Payoh at 17:00. It is quite good because it’s the time when the sun is not so hot and it is still bright.
How was Toa Payoh? It seems like an urban area with a touch of being rural. It seems peaceful there although there are stadiums and sports complex. I actually enjoyed walking through the overpass for some reason.
I got nothing more to say. That’s it for now!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
2010 May 11, Tuesday
Today, I was not really able to help a lot during the afternoon shift. I was unable to sleep well and to go to Tanglin early. Well, for the sake of knowing, it is better to work for us if we sleep or rest for an hour in the female staff room before going to the restaurant. Since I am almost late, I did not have the chance to do that.
While having our lunch, Karlaine took some Tanglin Club magazines from the shelf. We scanned what is being written in the magazine. And in two magazine issues, two of my colleagues in Tavern were featured. Hadi and Linda were used as models for the new uniform which is the chequered one. I also want that uniform, but unfortunately, there are no more available sizes to fit us. Then Hadi also appeared in another issue because he scored the highest in a competition between the staff and the members for the Lawn Ball Competition. I cannot explain what lawn ball is. All that I know about that game is that it is similar to bowling and it seems boring.
Tanglin report! Little by little, I am learning to take orders from members aside from dessert and beverages. I think that was a pretty good improvement for a beginner. My problem is that, I am too idle to read the menu and memorize the setting for each dish. I will get used to the setting as I stay longer in Tavern. Oh! And Bab, who is placed in Deli lounge and Terrace, was brought by Mr. Loy Fat in Tavern to help because we were short in people. We still manage to settle everything at the very least.
I feel very tired tonight for some reason. So I think there is nothing much that happened today.
While having our lunch, Karlaine took some Tanglin Club magazines from the shelf. We scanned what is being written in the magazine. And in two magazine issues, two of my colleagues in Tavern were featured. Hadi and Linda were used as models for the new uniform which is the chequered one. I also want that uniform, but unfortunately, there are no more available sizes to fit us. Then Hadi also appeared in another issue because he scored the highest in a competition between the staff and the members for the Lawn Ball Competition. I cannot explain what lawn ball is. All that I know about that game is that it is similar to bowling and it seems boring.
Tanglin report! Little by little, I am learning to take orders from members aside from dessert and beverages. I think that was a pretty good improvement for a beginner. My problem is that, I am too idle to read the menu and memorize the setting for each dish. I will get used to the setting as I stay longer in Tavern. Oh! And Bab, who is placed in Deli lounge and Terrace, was brought by Mr. Loy Fat in Tavern to help because we were short in people. We still manage to settle everything at the very least.
I feel very tired tonight for some reason. So I think there is nothing much that happened today.
2010 May 10, Monday
Who will be the new President of the Republic of the Philippines? Today is the day of the election. Today is supposed to be my first time voting for a Presidential election. Well, the last time for the SK election thing, I was not able to register and I did not plan to vote. I don’t even know who the candidates were! Anyway, due to being out of the country, I was not able to vote for the first ever automated counting election. This one should finish faster unlike the other presidential elections.
I decided to take MRT to reach Orchard. The travel time is not long. It only took me 10 to 15 minutes from Geylang to Orchard, however the fare is quite expensive. I don’t know how much does it costs me to reach Orchard Station from Aljunied Station. There was an interchange, making it more expensive. I only have to walk longer than using the bus. The bus stop is near the dormitory and I don’t need to walk for 5 to 15 minutes going there compared to using the MRT. I left the dormitory at around 9:00, and I arrived Orchard at around 9:35. I still have time to walk around so I explored the Ion Mall. I visit the Food Opera which is a food court. It is very stylish and I think that I cannot afford to buy food there.
I saw a poster saying something about Japan Fashion Style in Isetan. Maybe, the mall is featuring Japan fashion for this month? I HAVE to check it out! I also want to see this Art Festival thing happening this May until June. I just don’t know all information about this stuff.
Tanglin update! I am having a great time in Tanglin. I have kind managers and seniors. I can blend with my classmates in Tanglin. Little by little I am learning how to make a move to steal things from the club. My seniors were also telling us if there were available food for us to eat. Today, I ate spicy chicken and pizza with a very thin crust. It was very delicious. Well, those are only left overs from orders and from buffet. We are monsters when it comes to food! Empty stomach knows no danger.
During the afternoon shift, Ate Aisa received a tip from a member which is very unusual. But, Ate Aisa told me that, that member usually gives tip and is living in the Philippines. The good thing is, Ate Aisa gave me the tip that she received. She is very generous. I don’t know if she is earning enough for herself and for her family. She sometimes treat us to something especially when we just came in Tanglin. For us, money is very precious that even cents are not allowed to be wasted. But for her, money is just of a little value. So I think, maybe, she is earning enough?
I decided to take MRT to reach Orchard. The travel time is not long. It only took me 10 to 15 minutes from Geylang to Orchard, however the fare is quite expensive. I don’t know how much does it costs me to reach Orchard Station from Aljunied Station. There was an interchange, making it more expensive. I only have to walk longer than using the bus. The bus stop is near the dormitory and I don’t need to walk for 5 to 15 minutes going there compared to using the MRT. I left the dormitory at around 9:00, and I arrived Orchard at around 9:35. I still have time to walk around so I explored the Ion Mall. I visit the Food Opera which is a food court. It is very stylish and I think that I cannot afford to buy food there.
I saw a poster saying something about Japan Fashion Style in Isetan. Maybe, the mall is featuring Japan fashion for this month? I HAVE to check it out! I also want to see this Art Festival thing happening this May until June. I just don’t know all information about this stuff.
Tanglin update! I am having a great time in Tanglin. I have kind managers and seniors. I can blend with my classmates in Tanglin. Little by little I am learning how to make a move to steal things from the club. My seniors were also telling us if there were available food for us to eat. Today, I ate spicy chicken and pizza with a very thin crust. It was very delicious. Well, those are only left overs from orders and from buffet. We are monsters when it comes to food! Empty stomach knows no danger.
During the afternoon shift, Ate Aisa received a tip from a member which is very unusual. But, Ate Aisa told me that, that member usually gives tip and is living in the Philippines. The good thing is, Ate Aisa gave me the tip that she received. She is very generous. I don’t know if she is earning enough for herself and for her family. She sometimes treat us to something especially when we just came in Tanglin. For us, money is very precious that even cents are not allowed to be wasted. But for her, money is just of a little value. So I think, maybe, she is earning enough?
2010 May 07, Friday
Today is Friday and all of us who are having our training in The Tanglin Club have settled our minds that this will be a very busy and tiring day. However, I noticed that compared to last week, today is not quite busy. But come to think of it, last week’s Friday is the last day of the month and the next day is a holiday. So there will be a big number of members coming in. By the way, “member” is the term we used to address the guest.
Actually, I did not help out at all in entertaining the guests. I feel really tired. I just clear the tray a lot of times, and replenish the pitchers. I almost did not leave the section counter. I am not very familiar with the menu yet, so I cannot help well in taking orders and even in setting the table. But I can manage to take orders, set the table, pick up the order and serve the order when it comes to desserts. I almost memorize the dessert menu except from the cheese platter. Aside from being a very uncommon order, there are a few cheeses that I can’t really remember the name. As far as I remember, there is a cheddar, blue cheese, port, and brie. There is also a salt and pepper cream-like thing, grapes, crackers, peach, carrot and celery. Whenever I am asked to take the cheese board to show to the members, or when I am asked to return it I am taking the chance to eat the grapes.
There is a fun thing that happened today. The chefs prepared the dishes for the white asparagus promotion of Tavern. There is a salad, lamb, beef, and desserts. The desserts are, of course, not white asparagus but berries. I love the Ice cheese cake thing although that is not cheese cake. That was an ice cream in berries compote which is a mixture of strawberry and blueberry. I am not a berry person, but I love it. The taste is berry-like fruitiness. There is also another desert which has mango and lemonade sorbet. The flavour was sharp so I did not like that at all. I love the lamb dish. It was very delicious. That was the very first time that I ate at Tavern with permission and in front of Ma’am Betty.
I needed to have new pair of shoes with rubber heels that feels soft to the feet. During Afternoon shift, I almost slipped in the kitchen. My shoes are indeed very slippery which pushes me more to buy a new pair of shoes. It’ll be used for 6 months so I must invest on it.
That was all for today! I will have a long day again tomorrow. Oh! And by the way, today was the start of my second week working in the Tavern.
Actually, I did not help out at all in entertaining the guests. I feel really tired. I just clear the tray a lot of times, and replenish the pitchers. I almost did not leave the section counter. I am not very familiar with the menu yet, so I cannot help well in taking orders and even in setting the table. But I can manage to take orders, set the table, pick up the order and serve the order when it comes to desserts. I almost memorize the dessert menu except from the cheese platter. Aside from being a very uncommon order, there are a few cheeses that I can’t really remember the name. As far as I remember, there is a cheddar, blue cheese, port, and brie. There is also a salt and pepper cream-like thing, grapes, crackers, peach, carrot and celery. Whenever I am asked to take the cheese board to show to the members, or when I am asked to return it I am taking the chance to eat the grapes.
There is a fun thing that happened today. The chefs prepared the dishes for the white asparagus promotion of Tavern. There is a salad, lamb, beef, and desserts. The desserts are, of course, not white asparagus but berries. I love the Ice cheese cake thing although that is not cheese cake. That was an ice cream in berries compote which is a mixture of strawberry and blueberry. I am not a berry person, but I love it. The taste is berry-like fruitiness. There is also another desert which has mango and lemonade sorbet. The flavour was sharp so I did not like that at all. I love the lamb dish. It was very delicious. That was the very first time that I ate at Tavern with permission and in front of Ma’am Betty.
I needed to have new pair of shoes with rubber heels that feels soft to the feet. During Afternoon shift, I almost slipped in the kitchen. My shoes are indeed very slippery which pushes me more to buy a new pair of shoes. It’ll be used for 6 months so I must invest on it.
That was all for today! I will have a long day again tomorrow. Oh! And by the way, today was the start of my second week working in the Tavern.
2010 May 06, Thursday
Yesterday is my day off from work. Today, I came back to The Tanglin Club like usual, aside from the fact that I don’t feel like going to work. Maybe, it was because I am on break yesterday and I did nothing much that I felt this way.
Anyway, today we did something unusual. We bought food or our lunch before going to work. This way, we will be able to save a little. We always eat at Far East Plaza and it costs us SGD4.00 to SGD5.00 everyday which is only for lunch. We decided to just buy food around our dormitory vicinity because food here is much cheaper. Soon, we will be cooking our own food for lunch. All of us will be sharing for the expenses. I can’t live alone in Singapore (I think it sounded like some common saying).
About work today, I took a few sugar packs (white and brown sugar), and a few packed butter. I don’t still have sugar and I just don’t know where to buy, so for the time being, I will be using those stolen goods. I know that I still need to do some shopping to buy frozen goods and condiments. I am only waiting for another day-off which will be next week.
One of my seniors, Becky, made me sign a leave application form while waiting for the dessert order. That leave was for my Public Holiday leave. On my schedule for last week, I have to work on 01 May which is a public holiday in Singapore. That was Labour Day and my Birthday! I did not know that Philippines and Singapore are celebrating Labour Day on the same day?! Anyway, since that was what happened, I have an opportunity to take a one day leave from work using my Public Holiday leave. It is up to me when to use it. But since they made me sign the leave application form, I will be having my leave on 13 May 2010, and that was next week. I am strongly hoping that my day-off and leave are not the same, which most probably will happen. However, there is still a day when I need to arrange my work permit.
Also, I feel a little sick. My body might just give up one of these days. But I need to survive, and I need to be healthy (even though I am only eating one decent meal per day). I broke two water goblets! I don’t know if I am proud of it, I am just happy that I did that kind of mistake. I am a beginner so I must experience breaking glasses and plates at times. I am only thinking that way. During afternoon shift, I carry a banquet tray full of glasses and cutleries. Ma’am Betty, our manager, even followed me to the ware washing section. She might be very afraid that I might break all the glasses I am carrying. Well, Tavern had a short supply of water goblets so I would not wonder as to why. I even kept a piece of the glasses that I broke.
I am also able to learn swiping the membership card. I lead the guests to their seat, I presented the menu, I took their order, and I swiped their card. I even keyed in their order. My only problem was after swiping the card I am lost in the procedures. All I can remember is that I need to press enter a lot of times.
Today is a free food day in Tavern. Aside from taking butter and sugar, I also eat vanilla cookie that is used as a complimentary biscuit for the coffee. I also ate the fries that Hadi, one of my seniors, took out for us, and the fruits from the salad bar that the chef gave us. I love the watermelon because it is so sweet!
Then, while on the way back to the dormitory, I realized that I must make myself free on 12 May because of some reason. Well, I am thinking that, that day will be my day-off so I cannot do something about that.
Dormitory news, very early today, at around 1:00 or 2:00, Mr. Garry Choo knocked in our room door. I am a little afraid to open because my roommate, Roxanne, is not here. I don’t know what to tell. I open the door and I saw Anise, one of my batch mates, and Mr. Choo of course. I know that Anise is together with Jeanne and Jarm, my friends. It occurred to me that they will be transferring to our room so I got a little excited. I saw Jeanne and hugged her. I just missed her so much. Then, later on, I got a little out of my mood because the three of them will be staying in our room which is only for four persons. So we were already five people staying in one small room. And they have a lot of things they brought with them, and now the room that was almost empty just yesterday became so crowded. Their things consume bigger space than ours. Oh well, they will only be staying here until Saturday, because they will be transferring to a soon-to-be-vacant room on Sunday. I just need to bear with that.
I am just new in the fourth floor so I am still getting used to their system here. This floor is just a little bit dirtier than the third floor. The third floor, where I once belong, was very clean but the refrigerator is always full and the bathroom is so dirty. I only mean clean when it comes to the kitchen, living and laundry area. However, the clothes are always stacked in the living room because it also serves as the hang-drying area for clothes. The refrigerator in the fourth floor is almost empty, well it was because the dividers are already broken. The kitchen is also a little bit messy, but that was the sign that it’s being used. The bathroom is well maintained. The laundry system is organized, and there are lots of notes posted in the walls - message for everyone and message for particular persons.
That was everything for today. I did create a long entry but it feels like the day was short.
Anyway, today we did something unusual. We bought food or our lunch before going to work. This way, we will be able to save a little. We always eat at Far East Plaza and it costs us SGD4.00 to SGD5.00 everyday which is only for lunch. We decided to just buy food around our dormitory vicinity because food here is much cheaper. Soon, we will be cooking our own food for lunch. All of us will be sharing for the expenses. I can’t live alone in Singapore (I think it sounded like some common saying).
About work today, I took a few sugar packs (white and brown sugar), and a few packed butter. I don’t still have sugar and I just don’t know where to buy, so for the time being, I will be using those stolen goods. I know that I still need to do some shopping to buy frozen goods and condiments. I am only waiting for another day-off which will be next week.
One of my seniors, Becky, made me sign a leave application form while waiting for the dessert order. That leave was for my Public Holiday leave. On my schedule for last week, I have to work on 01 May which is a public holiday in Singapore. That was Labour Day and my Birthday! I did not know that Philippines and Singapore are celebrating Labour Day on the same day?! Anyway, since that was what happened, I have an opportunity to take a one day leave from work using my Public Holiday leave. It is up to me when to use it. But since they made me sign the leave application form, I will be having my leave on 13 May 2010, and that was next week. I am strongly hoping that my day-off and leave are not the same, which most probably will happen. However, there is still a day when I need to arrange my work permit.
Also, I feel a little sick. My body might just give up one of these days. But I need to survive, and I need to be healthy (even though I am only eating one decent meal per day). I broke two water goblets! I don’t know if I am proud of it, I am just happy that I did that kind of mistake. I am a beginner so I must experience breaking glasses and plates at times. I am only thinking that way. During afternoon shift, I carry a banquet tray full of glasses and cutleries. Ma’am Betty, our manager, even followed me to the ware washing section. She might be very afraid that I might break all the glasses I am carrying. Well, Tavern had a short supply of water goblets so I would not wonder as to why. I even kept a piece of the glasses that I broke.
I am also able to learn swiping the membership card. I lead the guests to their seat, I presented the menu, I took their order, and I swiped their card. I even keyed in their order. My only problem was after swiping the card I am lost in the procedures. All I can remember is that I need to press enter a lot of times.
Today is a free food day in Tavern. Aside from taking butter and sugar, I also eat vanilla cookie that is used as a complimentary biscuit for the coffee. I also ate the fries that Hadi, one of my seniors, took out for us, and the fruits from the salad bar that the chef gave us. I love the watermelon because it is so sweet!
Then, while on the way back to the dormitory, I realized that I must make myself free on 12 May because of some reason. Well, I am thinking that, that day will be my day-off so I cannot do something about that.
Dormitory news, very early today, at around 1:00 or 2:00, Mr. Garry Choo knocked in our room door. I am a little afraid to open because my roommate, Roxanne, is not here. I don’t know what to tell. I open the door and I saw Anise, one of my batch mates, and Mr. Choo of course. I know that Anise is together with Jeanne and Jarm, my friends. It occurred to me that they will be transferring to our room so I got a little excited. I saw Jeanne and hugged her. I just missed her so much. Then, later on, I got a little out of my mood because the three of them will be staying in our room which is only for four persons. So we were already five people staying in one small room. And they have a lot of things they brought with them, and now the room that was almost empty just yesterday became so crowded. Their things consume bigger space than ours. Oh well, they will only be staying here until Saturday, because they will be transferring to a soon-to-be-vacant room on Sunday. I just need to bear with that.
I am just new in the fourth floor so I am still getting used to their system here. This floor is just a little bit dirtier than the third floor. The third floor, where I once belong, was very clean but the refrigerator is always full and the bathroom is so dirty. I only mean clean when it comes to the kitchen, living and laundry area. However, the clothes are always stacked in the living room because it also serves as the hang-drying area for clothes. The refrigerator in the fourth floor is almost empty, well it was because the dividers are already broken. The kitchen is also a little bit messy, but that was the sign that it’s being used. The bathroom is well maintained. The laundry system is organized, and there are lots of notes posted in the walls - message for everyone and message for particular persons.
That was everything for today. I did create a long entry but it feels like the day was short.
2010 May 05, Wednesday
Today is my first day off from work, and my first day of nowhere-to-go ever since I came in Singapore. I did nothing much today and it’s such a short day for me.
Since the other day, my friends and I decided to assign the laundry task for the uniform to the one having her day-off. That routine started with Karlaine, yesterday is her day-off. And today, I need to wash my long sleeves uniform and Bab’s, and Kit’s Luau polo. The easiest one to wash with hands was Kit’s, because it is short sleeves polo made from a light material cloth. I started washing at around 14:00 because I just woke up at 13:00. I washed the uniforms first, then my underwear, then my clothes, and the extra towels that I used to clean the room. By the way, I finally settled in a room with my own bed just this early morning when I got back from work. Only Roxanne and I are the only ones staying in the room so far. But it feels like I am staying in the room all by myself because Roxanne is always out, or rather our schedules are really different.
After putting the last clothes in the dryer, I bathed and went to Fair Price. I did a little exploring in the place. I found a new restaurant cluster, and a bakery that I will definitely return to. How I miss eating fresh bread?!
I found a small food store and I ate there. I had a pork, fried egg, and rice for today’s meal. That is good enough for me. Then, I went to Fair Price to buy food for midnight snacks and laundry detergent and fabric conditioner. I noticed that the brands for my necessities are not found there. It’s either I change into the common brand here, or I will ask my mother to send me my toiletries. Delivery will be costly so I am really thinking about that.
After buying stuffs, I walked for a little along the Old Port Road. I saw a lot of food stores there. I will check the food in one store that sells Chicken rice. It really is a must to return there.
On the way back to the dormitory, I am really perspiring because of the long walk and because I am carrying heavy stuffs. I bought 3.5kg of detergent which I think will be good for my whole stay and a liter of fabric conditioner. My arms are being over used in Singapore.
When I got back, I ironed my uniform and spend some time staring. I did not notice that it was almost 21:00. Time surely passes by quickly. That’s it for today.
Since the other day, my friends and I decided to assign the laundry task for the uniform to the one having her day-off. That routine started with Karlaine, yesterday is her day-off. And today, I need to wash my long sleeves uniform and Bab’s, and Kit’s Luau polo. The easiest one to wash with hands was Kit’s, because it is short sleeves polo made from a light material cloth. I started washing at around 14:00 because I just woke up at 13:00. I washed the uniforms first, then my underwear, then my clothes, and the extra towels that I used to clean the room. By the way, I finally settled in a room with my own bed just this early morning when I got back from work. Only Roxanne and I are the only ones staying in the room so far. But it feels like I am staying in the room all by myself because Roxanne is always out, or rather our schedules are really different.
After putting the last clothes in the dryer, I bathed and went to Fair Price. I did a little exploring in the place. I found a new restaurant cluster, and a bakery that I will definitely return to. How I miss eating fresh bread?!
I found a small food store and I ate there. I had a pork, fried egg, and rice for today’s meal. That is good enough for me. Then, I went to Fair Price to buy food for midnight snacks and laundry detergent and fabric conditioner. I noticed that the brands for my necessities are not found there. It’s either I change into the common brand here, or I will ask my mother to send me my toiletries. Delivery will be costly so I am really thinking about that.
After buying stuffs, I walked for a little along the Old Port Road. I saw a lot of food stores there. I will check the food in one store that sells Chicken rice. It really is a must to return there.
On the way back to the dormitory, I am really perspiring because of the long walk and because I am carrying heavy stuffs. I bought 3.5kg of detergent which I think will be good for my whole stay and a liter of fabric conditioner. My arms are being over used in Singapore.
When I got back, I ironed my uniform and spend some time staring. I did not notice that it was almost 21:00. Time surely passes by quickly. That’s it for today.
2010 May 04, Tuesday
I went to work early today so I was able to rest for a short time while waiting for my shift to come. Today is Karlaine’s day-off so I was able to go to the Club at my own.
Yesterday I asked Betty if I can get a cookie from the coffee counter and she told me that if I’m really hungry she can give me one or two. I did not take yesterday, so I took today. Of course, it is with consent from Becky who is our drinks runner at that time.
After the lunch shift, we had our training with Pauline. They said that Pauline is the one who has been giving training to the trainees. So most of the time, she will tell us things like this and like that. And probably, most of the time, she will be the one who will give us discussions regarding the restaurant.
When I return to the dormitory, the door was locked from the inside. I am actually thinking that someone is inside and she’s just sleeping. But that’s not the case. So I asked my friend for Mr. Garry Choo’s number and called him. The other girls in the floor also called Mr. Garry Choo informing him about what happened. In no time, Mr. Garry Choo arrived and came to my rescue. He told me that there is an available room in the fourth floor and offered me to go there. Of course I agreed to that since it’ll be more convenient for me. So, even though I feel tired, I still grab my things and brought it upstairs. I also cleaned the room before my other roommate arrived. So, Rox and I are the one’s sharing the room together so far. At least, I’m settled in a room with my own bed.
Yesterday I asked Betty if I can get a cookie from the coffee counter and she told me that if I’m really hungry she can give me one or two. I did not take yesterday, so I took today. Of course, it is with consent from Becky who is our drinks runner at that time.
After the lunch shift, we had our training with Pauline. They said that Pauline is the one who has been giving training to the trainees. So most of the time, she will tell us things like this and like that. And probably, most of the time, she will be the one who will give us discussions regarding the restaurant.
When I return to the dormitory, the door was locked from the inside. I am actually thinking that someone is inside and she’s just sleeping. But that’s not the case. So I asked my friend for Mr. Garry Choo’s number and called him. The other girls in the floor also called Mr. Garry Choo informing him about what happened. In no time, Mr. Garry Choo arrived and came to my rescue. He told me that there is an available room in the fourth floor and offered me to go there. Of course I agreed to that since it’ll be more convenient for me. So, even though I feel tired, I still grab my things and brought it upstairs. I also cleaned the room before my other roommate arrived. So, Rox and I are the one’s sharing the room together so far. At least, I’m settled in a room with my own bed.
2010 May 03, Monday
Today is Monday and it is totally different from the weekends. Since it is Monday the turn-over rate of people is low. It’s a good thing since from Friday to Sunday, the restaurant is very busy to the point that the “on-waiting” list never ran out.
After the lunch shift which finishes by 15:00, we had our training about the restaurant with Betty. This kind of thing has been going on for like a few days already. Since, the only time that they can train us and teach us things about the restaurant is only after work. It’s not a problem since our schedule is always split shift.
I went out with Karlaine to eat outside and we eat at this Chicken Rice store which is the best so far in Far East. Then, we roam around the mall for a little and found out that there are also food stores in the basement floor of the mall. I bought this crispy pancake that really made me curious. I like it since it’s crispy and delicious but it’s thin and small. I think it’s not worth the money?
After the lunch shift which finishes by 15:00, we had our training about the restaurant with Betty. This kind of thing has been going on for like a few days already. Since, the only time that they can train us and teach us things about the restaurant is only after work. It’s not a problem since our schedule is always split shift.
I went out with Karlaine to eat outside and we eat at this Chicken Rice store which is the best so far in Far East. Then, we roam around the mall for a little and found out that there are also food stores in the basement floor of the mall. I bought this crispy pancake that really made me curious. I like it since it’s crispy and delicious but it’s thin and small. I think it’s not worth the money?
2010 May 02, Sunday
My Dad passed by Singapore. What I mean is because the ship that he had been working in passed by Singapore. Anyway, so much for my family affairs…
I think we don’t have much members coming in Tavern even though it’s busy. Maybe, I think this way because my first day of work in Tavern is very busy that I feel like quitting already. So, probably I’m getting used to the job?
I am almost late for the lunch shift, well just for the briefing. We’re actually required to attend the briefing by 11:45 before the lunch shift starts. Honestly, we’re the only outlet who’s having a briefing before the operation starts. And it’s not just a short simple briefing. It’s been taking more than 15 minutes of our time.
I think we don’t have much members coming in Tavern even though it’s busy. Maybe, I think this way because my first day of work in Tavern is very busy that I feel like quitting already. So, probably I’m getting used to the job?
I am almost late for the lunch shift, well just for the briefing. We’re actually required to attend the briefing by 11:45 before the lunch shift starts. Honestly, we’re the only outlet who’s having a briefing before the operation starts. And it’s not just a short simple briefing. It’s been taking more than 15 minutes of our time.
2010 May 01, Saturday
Today is my birthday but none of us our seniors knew about that, just the five of us. Today is also the second day of our work in Tavern. Karlaine and I did the opening duties of the 11am person together with Becky. I kind of remember not everything but at least I can still manage with asking a few questions.
Since it’s my birthday, I treat myself with some fries and a good meal of chicken cutlet for lunch. I spent just S$11.80 for the lunch.
Surely, today is a busy day. And when I arrived home, what awaits me is my futon in the floor. This is so much of a hassle for me since I don’t have a bed. However, I have to bear with it.
Since it’s my birthday, I treat myself with some fries and a good meal of chicken cutlet for lunch. I spent just S$11.80 for the lunch.
Surely, today is a busy day. And when I arrived home, what awaits me is my futon in the floor. This is so much of a hassle for me since I don’t have a bed. However, I have to bear with it.
2010 April 30, Friday
Today is the first day we are working separately in our assigned outlets. I’m together with Karlaine in the Restaurant. Kit is assigned in a family restaurant – Wheelhouse. Bab is assigned in Deli Lounge which is more like a coffee shop. Rox is lucky to be part of the banquet.
Anyway, our shift for today starts at 11:00. We’re together with Becky for the morning duties. She taught us the things we need to do for the opening. We need to be familiar or rather we need to know what we have to do whenever we’re the 11am person on duty. We have to get iced water and hot water for the two sections. We also need to get the condiments from the kitchen. It’ll take us about 20 to 25 minutes to finish the duty. After that, we need to help the person on 10am duty with her tasks particularly in folding the napkins.
Anyway, our shift for today starts at 11:00. We’re together with Becky for the morning duties. She taught us the things we need to do for the opening. We need to be familiar or rather we need to know what we have to do whenever we’re the 11am person on duty. We have to get iced water and hot water for the two sections. We also need to get the condiments from the kitchen. It’ll take us about 20 to 25 minutes to finish the duty. After that, we need to help the person on 10am duty with her tasks particularly in folding the napkins.
2010 April 29, Thursday
We had our second day of training under Mr. Zaini Today at the Draycott Room. It’s just like recalling our lessons for the course Meal Management. He taught us how to lay table cloth and such just like what we did in Meal Management back in our second year of college. However, we learn some new things about the laying of table cloth. For fine dining restaurants, it is not appropriate to let the guests see the table naked. So in order to prevent that, one must lay the new table cloth while removing the dirty one. That’s the new thing I learn from this training. We actually told Mr. Zaini that we will tell our professor about that technique when we return to the Philippines.
Aside from the table cloth laying and serving the guests, we also had a short training with the wines. I really don’t like wine studies since I don’t appreciate wines. But since this is part of this training, I should just go with the flow.
We had our lunch at the Theaterette in the Staff Gathering. This is our first staff gathering in the Club even though we’re not officially part of it. Actually, this is our introduction to the Club Staffs. We saw a lot of people and most of them are probably part of the outlets that we are assigned to. Anyway, we had a lot of fun in the Staff gathering. It is also called the Birthday Bash!
Before we go home, we received a news from Annie, that we might be moved to a place in Jalan Sultan. Now, I wonder just how many housing units Mr. Garry Choo owns? I just hope that we will be transferred soon because Geylang is 45 minutes away from The Tanglin Club. 45 minutes is just the travel excluding the waiting time for the bus. It’s just so much tiring. The Club is also concern about our condition considering that we are girls and Geylang is known to be a Red Light District.
After arriving back to the dormitory, it and I took a short rest and then we went out again to meet her boyfriend’s relative. We took MRT going to Simei and we fortunately went to the right place. We met Kit’s boyfriend’s Auntie and she was kind to us. She treated us to a cup of Iced Coffee drinks in Starbucks and she gave us chicken from KFC. She also brought us in her apartment. Actually it is a condominium unit. Compared to the Philippines, units here are much better but much more expensive. She was very concern with our condition since we just arrived here. We’re shyly thankful to her. Well, you can be assured that you’ll have a safe and good unit, so that’s not a problem.
We arrived in the dormitory past the curfew but that was the first time that we broke the curfew.
Aside from the table cloth laying and serving the guests, we also had a short training with the wines. I really don’t like wine studies since I don’t appreciate wines. But since this is part of this training, I should just go with the flow.
We had our lunch at the Theaterette in the Staff Gathering. This is our first staff gathering in the Club even though we’re not officially part of it. Actually, this is our introduction to the Club Staffs. We saw a lot of people and most of them are probably part of the outlets that we are assigned to. Anyway, we had a lot of fun in the Staff gathering. It is also called the Birthday Bash!
Before we go home, we received a news from Annie, that we might be moved to a place in Jalan Sultan. Now, I wonder just how many housing units Mr. Garry Choo owns? I just hope that we will be transferred soon because Geylang is 45 minutes away from The Tanglin Club. 45 minutes is just the travel excluding the waiting time for the bus. It’s just so much tiring. The Club is also concern about our condition considering that we are girls and Geylang is known to be a Red Light District.
After arriving back to the dormitory, it and I took a short rest and then we went out again to meet her boyfriend’s relative. We took MRT going to Simei and we fortunately went to the right place. We met Kit’s boyfriend’s Auntie and she was kind to us. She treated us to a cup of Iced Coffee drinks in Starbucks and she gave us chicken from KFC. She also brought us in her apartment. Actually it is a condominium unit. Compared to the Philippines, units here are much better but much more expensive. She was very concern with our condition since we just arrived here. We’re shyly thankful to her. Well, you can be assured that you’ll have a safe and good unit, so that’s not a problem.
We arrived in the dormitory past the curfew but that was the first time that we broke the curfew.
2010 April 28, Wednesday
Today, we came back to The Tanglin Club, and this time, we were on our own. We did manage to go there safely and without losing our way. If yesterday, we met someone from the HR department, today, we were introduced to the Assistant Food and Beverage Director. We actually thought that he was the food and beverage director. Well, anyway he will do the orientation and short training for two days.
He introduced us to the Restaurant Managers of different outlet. To clear things, there is more than one restaurant in The Tanglin Club. There is Wheelhouse (beside the pool and more casual), Tangles (new and more casual) Deli Lounge (café), Terrace (literally located in a terrace), Tavern (only open from 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-23:00 and semi-fine dining), and Churchill (which is a fine dining). Aside from the restaurants, there are also banquets held in The Tanglin Club which is held in Churchill, Draycott, Raffles, Claymore, or in the Theatre. The club sure has lots of diners .
Mr. Zaini, the Asst. F and B director, is a kind guy who loves to smile. I can feel that he is very professional, and he gives that kind of feeling too. He showed us the whole club. It seems big, but it looks small from the outside. He showed us the different restaurants, function rooms, and kitchen. He also showed us the sports and recreation complex, library and management office. At around 14:00, he brought us to the Churchill room to help in the banquet for a company called Seatrade. I think that is a business meeting because I see a lot of delegates and representatives. I work there as a server, and I only poured water, and cleared plates. One of the employees looks like Megan Ong (one of our CFAD friends). Kawaii ne?!
I am a little disappointed, because after walking around the club, he made us stand and walk around the tables for a few more hours. My feet are crying already! Anyway, he made us eat in the employees’ cafeteria, and the food is free. Yummy!
Then, we continued the orientation in the Wheelhouse’s meeting room. It feels like studying meal management again. There are things like familiarizing the cutleries, plates and glasses, do’s and don’ts in serving, and of course background of The Tanglin Club.
He introduced us to the Restaurant Managers of different outlet. To clear things, there is more than one restaurant in The Tanglin Club. There is Wheelhouse (beside the pool and more casual), Tangles (new and more casual) Deli Lounge (café), Terrace (literally located in a terrace), Tavern (only open from 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-23:00 and semi-fine dining), and Churchill (which is a fine dining). Aside from the restaurants, there are also banquets held in The Tanglin Club which is held in Churchill, Draycott, Raffles, Claymore, or in the Theatre. The club sure has lots of diners .
Mr. Zaini, the Asst. F and B director, is a kind guy who loves to smile. I can feel that he is very professional, and he gives that kind of feeling too. He showed us the whole club. It seems big, but it looks small from the outside. He showed us the different restaurants, function rooms, and kitchen. He also showed us the sports and recreation complex, library and management office. At around 14:00, he brought us to the Churchill room to help in the banquet for a company called Seatrade. I think that is a business meeting because I see a lot of delegates and representatives. I work there as a server, and I only poured water, and cleared plates. One of the employees looks like Megan Ong (one of our CFAD friends). Kawaii ne?!
I am a little disappointed, because after walking around the club, he made us stand and walk around the tables for a few more hours. My feet are crying already! Anyway, he made us eat in the employees’ cafeteria, and the food is free. Yummy!
Then, we continued the orientation in the Wheelhouse’s meeting room. It feels like studying meal management again. There are things like familiarizing the cutleries, plates and glasses, do’s and don’ts in serving, and of course background of The Tanglin Club.
2010 April 27, Tuesday
During our orientation upon our arrival, Mr. Garry Choo told us to meet Yvonne, the one who will guide us in going to the employer – The Tangling Club. We decided to meet at 8:00. I am not sure of what to wear, so I just wear shirt and shorts even though I know that I will still change into something more formal. I was waiting in the stairs, and about a quarter before 8, one of my friends, Kit, came out of her room. She is also wearing something casual because she also did not know what to wear. The two of us don’t have a copy of the instructions that Mr. Choo gave us during the orientation.
It was 8:00 when the other three came out of their room. They were all together in one floor, how fortunate! Anyway, they were wearing formal attire, so Kit and I rushed into our rooms and changed as quickly as possible. I am just too slow that I made them wait for a few more minutes.
We went to the bus stop at Guillemard Road which is very near to our dormitory. We waited at the bus stop. I studied the map given with the route of the bus. I asked them if we were really waiting at the right stop. To confirm it, we asked one of the people waiting at the same stop. He was a Filipino guy but we never talked using tagalong in our short conversation. He told us that the bus stop at the other side is the right one. So we hurried going to the other side of the road. We used the overpass, and then spotted the Bus 7, the one which will bring us to our destination. We run towards the stop just to catch the ride. That was my first time running for a bus ride.
We got down at OPP Orchard Station, as stated in the instructions. Because we are really hungry since last night, we stopped by in a convenience store (7 Eleven) around the area. I bought bread and 600 ml bottled water. The bread costs me SGD0.50 and the water SGD1.80. Just imagine the difference in peso?! I ate my food on the way back to the meeting place, and I finished them right away. I sure am hungry. We meet Yvonne at the OPP Orchard bus station. She was a real beauty.
By reading the map, we never realized that Opp Orchard Station is the nearest one in The Tanglin Club. Well, that is, if we only took one bus ride from Guillemard Road to Orchard Boulevard. It is a very long walk. We actually thought that we will only be going around the city, like a tour. However, we actually went to The Tanglin Club and that was our first report.
We were asked to perform another medical check-up. And to think that it will be paid by the employer, what was the purpose of our medical check-up in the Philippines? Well, since that was all done, I’ll leave it as it was. Yvonne left us in the clinic and told us to just go to EWM office by ourselves. I am really thinking that that was a challenge to us to test if we can be by ourselves in Singapore. Fortunately, we were able to find our way to the office.
Before we report to Yvonne, we first ate our lunch though it was already 15:00. That was our first meal since last night. I am very full. I don’t know if the food is cheap. The cost was SGD2.30 and if converted to peso it was around Php60. The meal includes one cup of rice, 1 meat, and 1 vegetable (mine was omelette).
When we enter the EWM office, Yvonne welcomed us and gave each of us a folder. We need to read that rules which is about three pages. She said that she will ask us about that. Quiz on the first day in Singapore?! Spare us some time to rest, please!
Actually, she just asked a few questions for everyone. Then, she let us go. The sky was still clear even though it is already 17:00. The sun sets late in Singapore.
The day has not yet ended, we went to Fair Price to buy a few necessities. I bought lots of bottled water, laundry soap, and snacks. Then, we eat at some food store in Geylang Road together with other classmates that came in Singapore earlier than us.
We washed our long sleeves because we still need to use that for tomorrow’s orientation in The Tanglin Club. We hand-washed our uniform and did the machine drying in the third floor, where I am staying. Then, we ended the day.
It was 8:00 when the other three came out of their room. They were all together in one floor, how fortunate! Anyway, they were wearing formal attire, so Kit and I rushed into our rooms and changed as quickly as possible. I am just too slow that I made them wait for a few more minutes.
We went to the bus stop at Guillemard Road which is very near to our dormitory. We waited at the bus stop. I studied the map given with the route of the bus. I asked them if we were really waiting at the right stop. To confirm it, we asked one of the people waiting at the same stop. He was a Filipino guy but we never talked using tagalong in our short conversation. He told us that the bus stop at the other side is the right one. So we hurried going to the other side of the road. We used the overpass, and then spotted the Bus 7, the one which will bring us to our destination. We run towards the stop just to catch the ride. That was my first time running for a bus ride.
We got down at OPP Orchard Station, as stated in the instructions. Because we are really hungry since last night, we stopped by in a convenience store (7 Eleven) around the area. I bought bread and 600 ml bottled water. The bread costs me SGD0.50 and the water SGD1.80. Just imagine the difference in peso?! I ate my food on the way back to the meeting place, and I finished them right away. I sure am hungry. We meet Yvonne at the OPP Orchard bus station. She was a real beauty.
By reading the map, we never realized that Opp Orchard Station is the nearest one in The Tanglin Club. Well, that is, if we only took one bus ride from Guillemard Road to Orchard Boulevard. It is a very long walk. We actually thought that we will only be going around the city, like a tour. However, we actually went to The Tanglin Club and that was our first report.
We were asked to perform another medical check-up. And to think that it will be paid by the employer, what was the purpose of our medical check-up in the Philippines? Well, since that was all done, I’ll leave it as it was. Yvonne left us in the clinic and told us to just go to EWM office by ourselves. I am really thinking that that was a challenge to us to test if we can be by ourselves in Singapore. Fortunately, we were able to find our way to the office.
Before we report to Yvonne, we first ate our lunch though it was already 15:00. That was our first meal since last night. I am very full. I don’t know if the food is cheap. The cost was SGD2.30 and if converted to peso it was around Php60. The meal includes one cup of rice, 1 meat, and 1 vegetable (mine was omelette).
When we enter the EWM office, Yvonne welcomed us and gave each of us a folder. We need to read that rules which is about three pages. She said that she will ask us about that. Quiz on the first day in Singapore?! Spare us some time to rest, please!
Actually, she just asked a few questions for everyone. Then, she let us go. The sky was still clear even though it is already 17:00. The sun sets late in Singapore.
The day has not yet ended, we went to Fair Price to buy a few necessities. I bought lots of bottled water, laundry soap, and snacks. Then, we eat at some food store in Geylang Road together with other classmates that came in Singapore earlier than us.
We washed our long sleeves because we still need to use that for tomorrow’s orientation in The Tanglin Club. We hand-washed our uniform and did the machine drying in the third floor, where I am staying. Then, we ended the day.
2010 April 26, Monday
Today was our flight from Manila to Singapore. It was a very long day for me. I had not been able to sleep because of doing unnecessary things the night before. Also, I am a little insomniac, so that is also one of the reasons.
Last night, I made sure to check my Facebook account, a popular social networking site now, to see who posted some things on my wall and who left comments on my posts. I saw a lot of “I will miss you” and “Take care” and “pasalubong ko” reminders. Well, I really am looking forward to reading those kinds of messages from friends. I will surely miss my friends and classmates. I would not be able to see them for six months and I would not be able to constantly communicate with them.
Today is also my sister’s enrolment at the University of Santo Tomas as an incoming freshman in the College of Commerce and Business Administration. As a student of UST for three years, I was tasked by my mother to accompany her. However, I was not able to fulfil my responsibility because of the enrolment regulations. So, while waiting for her to finish, I visited my classmates taking summer classes for catering and feasibility study. They were the only classmates present at UST during that time, so they are the only ones that I was able to bid farewell to. Adios mi amiga y amigo!
The enrolment of my sister finished early, so we decided to proceed to the airport. I should be at the airport by 18:00-18:30 (6:00-6:30pm) as part of the check-in procedures. It was only 15:45 (3:45PM) when we arrived at the airport vicinity. So, to consume time, we stayed at McDonald’s, New Port. Waiting at McDonald’s became boring so I asked them to bring me to the airport. It was around 16:30 (4:30PM). Then they left me and that’s it! The next time that I will see them is after six months. It’s not that big of a deal to me since I am used to living away from them.
I arrived at the airport and waited for some of my classmates to arrive. I remember that there will be payments to be made in the airport so I was able to ask my mother for money. I only asked for a thousand pesos because as far as I remember, I only need to pay 750 pesos. Unfortunately, there is a different payment for travel tax (Php1,620.00) and immigration (Php750.00). In addition to that, my baggage exceeds 2 kilos more than the specified amount, so I needed to pay a total of Php800.00. Just to be able to pay everything, I even used the untouched money in my wallet. So before I left Philippines, I already have a zero peso balance.
After the check-in procedures, it did not take us too long to wait for the departure. We board the plane at around 20:00(8:00PM). By the way, the airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the airline is Cebu Pacific, and the flight number is 5J-803. Everything is supposed to be on time however, a traffic occurred before we take off so our flight is delayed.
I felt the aircraft taking off from the land of the Philippines. And by 20:55 (08:55PM), I left the land of the Philippines. Manila was a very beautiful view from the sky. It feels like Christmas with a lot of lights flickering in the dark night.
We arrived at Changi Airport in Singapore by 00:00 (12:00MN) which is five minutes late. I get out of the aircraft and made my first step in the land of Singapore. Honestly, I am not totally delighted that I am already in Singapore. The humidity of the air mixed with the scent of the sea made me irritated. We follow check-out procedures and waited for the driver sent by EWM Pte. Ltd. It did not take us an hour to reach Casa EWM at 26, Lorong 32 Geylang. Mr. Garry Choo welcomed us, and some male trainees, from different school, helped us with our baggage. Mr. Choo did a short orientation, and we were given with cards and linens. Then, we’re on our room. I am in Third floor, room 303. I am a little unfortunate for sleeping in the floor. Well, it does not matter that much. I will surely move in a vacant room as soon as some trainees return to the Philippines.
The day was over. It is such a long day.
Last night, I made sure to check my Facebook account, a popular social networking site now, to see who posted some things on my wall and who left comments on my posts. I saw a lot of “I will miss you” and “Take care” and “pasalubong ko” reminders. Well, I really am looking forward to reading those kinds of messages from friends. I will surely miss my friends and classmates. I would not be able to see them for six months and I would not be able to constantly communicate with them.
Today is also my sister’s enrolment at the University of Santo Tomas as an incoming freshman in the College of Commerce and Business Administration. As a student of UST for three years, I was tasked by my mother to accompany her. However, I was not able to fulfil my responsibility because of the enrolment regulations. So, while waiting for her to finish, I visited my classmates taking summer classes for catering and feasibility study. They were the only classmates present at UST during that time, so they are the only ones that I was able to bid farewell to. Adios mi amiga y amigo!
The enrolment of my sister finished early, so we decided to proceed to the airport. I should be at the airport by 18:00-18:30 (6:00-6:30pm) as part of the check-in procedures. It was only 15:45 (3:45PM) when we arrived at the airport vicinity. So, to consume time, we stayed at McDonald’s, New Port. Waiting at McDonald’s became boring so I asked them to bring me to the airport. It was around 16:30 (4:30PM). Then they left me and that’s it! The next time that I will see them is after six months. It’s not that big of a deal to me since I am used to living away from them.
I arrived at the airport and waited for some of my classmates to arrive. I remember that there will be payments to be made in the airport so I was able to ask my mother for money. I only asked for a thousand pesos because as far as I remember, I only need to pay 750 pesos. Unfortunately, there is a different payment for travel tax (Php1,620.00) and immigration (Php750.00). In addition to that, my baggage exceeds 2 kilos more than the specified amount, so I needed to pay a total of Php800.00. Just to be able to pay everything, I even used the untouched money in my wallet. So before I left Philippines, I already have a zero peso balance.
After the check-in procedures, it did not take us too long to wait for the departure. We board the plane at around 20:00(8:00PM). By the way, the airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the airline is Cebu Pacific, and the flight number is 5J-803. Everything is supposed to be on time however, a traffic occurred before we take off so our flight is delayed.
I felt the aircraft taking off from the land of the Philippines. And by 20:55 (08:55PM), I left the land of the Philippines. Manila was a very beautiful view from the sky. It feels like Christmas with a lot of lights flickering in the dark night.
We arrived at Changi Airport in Singapore by 00:00 (12:00MN) which is five minutes late. I get out of the aircraft and made my first step in the land of Singapore. Honestly, I am not totally delighted that I am already in Singapore. The humidity of the air mixed with the scent of the sea made me irritated. We follow check-out procedures and waited for the driver sent by EWM Pte. Ltd. It did not take us an hour to reach Casa EWM at 26, Lorong 32 Geylang. Mr. Garry Choo welcomed us, and some male trainees, from different school, helped us with our baggage. Mr. Choo did a short orientation, and we were given with cards and linens. Then, we’re on our room. I am in Third floor, room 303. I am a little unfortunate for sleeping in the floor. Well, it does not matter that much. I will surely move in a vacant room as soon as some trainees return to the Philippines.
The day was over. It is such a long day.
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