Singapore or Philippines
Mylab’s move to Singapore has become a great opportunity for us to live outside the Philippines. A country where it's not too far to come home to when needed. The past decade, out of desperation, MY personal orientation was to migrate to Canada, Australia or New Zealand but that opportunity never came, instead, Dad got an oversees assignment in Russia.
Now, comes the Singapore opportunity where travel is just a mere three hours agony and fare is not hard on the pocket, Dad got pressured as Mom got excited to grab the opportunity to make Singapore a second home. Well, I have my reasons, I always have reasons for things that I like. I think I've finally found my dream place. I won't look anywhere else. I won't even go further where you can hardly go home to your family because of distance and cost of travel.
Singapore is a relatively small city/nation/state with over 4 million people of diverse race. Cost of living is high especially on housing and food but which can be compensated by other benefits one will get in terms of safety, cleanliness and discipline. Crime rate is very low. You can take a walk even in dimly lighted places without having to fear being held-up or snatched of your bag or stabbed by crazy individuals. Their people are disciplined. Laws are strictly imposed and voluntarily being followed as it has seem gotten into the system of every individual. Mass transit such as busses and trains are very effective and well organized. If you are used to the chaotic transport system in the Philippines where you can have the convenience of flagging down a bus or jeepney at any point, you will find it tiring the first time walking to the nearest bus stop in Singapore as you won’t have a choice. Believe me, you will get used to it after you see its convenient side. There are no noisy streets. Hardly you will hear a bus or car blow its horn. Their busses don't emit dirty carbon monoxide on your face when you are on the street. Traffic routes are very organized and you will not see busses swerving here and there overtaking each other or stopping at the center of the highway to pick up a passenger. Private car owners are very disciplined as well. They don’t stop anywhere to drop off their passengers. They do it near bus stop areas too.
In terms of cleanliness, perhaps not even the cleanest city in the Philippines can bet Singapore's cleanliness. The air is not polluted. The streets, anywhere you go are clean. Overpass and walkways don't stink of urine. Creeks are clean and free of garbage. Trees are all around.
People are disciplined. You will not get neighbors like the ones I have back in Manila who thinks they are the only ones in the neighborhood singing their hearts out on videoke day and night that you can hardly watch television because you wont hear anything but their singing prowess. Safety is not an issue as Singapore has very low crime rate and there are no gang wars at night right down your building.
Yes, cost of living is high but the security and health of my dearly beloved ones (especially the small ones) is what matters most. Living in Singapore would be a dream come true for us.
