Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated.

May 05, 2025
Batangas, Philippines

Date: April 2, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Seat Details:
Level: Stalls
Section: Stalls Center
Row: Q, Seat: 19
Entrance: Door 7

Amount Paid:
SGD 208 + SGD 4 (MBS booking fee) = SGD 212
Equivalent to PHP 9,144.63 (based on the exchange rate as of May 5)

The last time I watched a musical in Singapore was back in 2018—and it was the unforgettable Lion King. While I did catch another show just last year in the Philippines, I couldn’t resist returning to what I still consider my second home: Singapore. Before heading off on my Himalayan adventure, I made it a point to book a flight, reconnect with old friends and former colleagues, and soak up the familiar energy of the city that means so much to me.

Visa Requirements

Philippine passport holders could stay up to 30 days “visa free” in Singapore. But before traveling to Singapore, make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

Flight Details

I booked a one-way ticket to Singapore with Singapore Airlines for USD 109.30 (around PHP 6,086.81 at the May 5 exchange rate), which came with 25kg of checked baggage and a 7kg carry-on allowance. The following day, I’ll be flying to Nepal with Thai Airways—but I’ll dive into those details in my next blog post.

Things to Note:

1. All visitors entering or leaving the Philippines must register at the eTravel website at least 72 hours before their arrival time. When it’s done, guests will get a QR code that they need to either scan or take a picture of and show when they get to the country.
2. Upon arrival in Singapore, simply scan your passport or use facial recognition at the automated gates. You’ll then receive an email confirmation regarding your immigration clearance and departure details.
3. Travel insurance is always a wise investment for any trip. For this journey—spanning Singapore, Thailand, Nepal, and the Philippines—I opted for Travel Master by Malayan Insurance, which cost PHP 2,620. What I appreciate about Malayan is that it covers hiking-related incidents that don’t involve technical equipment like rappelling. It even includes emergency helicopter medical evacuation. I’ll go into more detail in my next blog post.

Currency – The current exchange rate is 1SGD = 43PHP.

When traveling abroad, I always rely on my GCash Debit Card to withdraw cash—it’s a convenient way to access funds through local ATMs. Just be aware that withdrawal fees can vary depending on the bank.

Power Socket – Type G, three-pin socket 220V

Language – Malay, Tamil, English, Mandarin. English is widely spoken so no need to use translation apps.

Weather – Weather-wise, Singapore is much like the Philippines, with only two distinct seasons: the hot, sunny “summer” season and the rainy “wet” season.

Time zone -+8 GMT, same as the Philippines

Internet Connectivity – I purchased e-sim for my trip to Singapore for 2 days with data unlimited package through Klook for only PHP278

Transportation -Singapore boasts an impressive public transportation system, including its remarkable SMRT train lines. If I want to get around the city using public transport, I can simply tap any debit or credit card, eliminating the need for the usual stored value card that I typically buy when traveling around Asia. For taxis, I can easily use the ComfortDelGro app or Grab to hail a ride. Just a heads-up: the train service operates from 5 AM to midnight. If I need to take a cab during peak hours or after midnight, the fare typically costs around SGD 30, which is about PHP 1,230.

Accommodation – During my entire stay in Singapore, I was lucky enough to stay at the place of my former boss, who has since become a great friend. Thanks to that, I didn’t have to worry about accommodation costs. Haha!

Day1 April 02 (Wednesday)

I left my home in Batangas early in the morning, around 3:00 AM, and arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 by 5:00 AM. Fortunately, the lines weren’t too long when I got there, including at immigration. After clearing immigration and settling in, I boarded the plane and made my way to Singapore.

Once I arrived, I dropped off my things at my accommodation and then met up with a friend for a quick snack. Later, I joined a few more friends at Marina Bay Sands for dinner.

Audemars Piguet Cafe
SGD20-30

AP Cafe, located in the Bar & Billiard Room of Raffles Hotel within AP House, quickly became one of our favorites. The charming alfresco dining area, combined with perfect weather, made it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal. The café offers a well-curated menu of Swiss dishes with a unique Singaporean twist. We enjoyed some delicious coffee and desserts before heading off to meet our friends at MBS for my Wicked musical. Dining with my best friends in Singapore was such a laid-back and fun experience, filled with laughter and great memories.

Angelina Singapore
50-100SGD

Catching up with my friends before the show was such a delight! We met up with a few more friends and dined at an iconic French restaurant and tearoom, renowned for its pastries and rich heritage dating back to 1903, located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. From what I remember, we enjoyed a delicious spread that included salmon fillet, truffle fries, Caesar salad, and seafood aglio olio pasta.

The Wicked Musical

I was beyond excited to finally see Wicked: The Musical live. I first heard about it through my youngest brother, who’s a huge fan of musicals, and one of my best friends back in the Philippines. Their passion for theater rubbed off on me, and while I’m no musical expert and rarely attend shows, their enthusiasm sparked my own curiosity.

One of the main reasons I made this trip to Singapore was to catch Wicked, especially since, unfortunately, it’s not making a stop in the Philippines. I couldn’t miss the chance and I’m so glad I didn’t.

Wicked traces the unexpected friendship between two very different young women: Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba, born with green skin and a sharp, no-nonsense attitude, possesses powerful magical talent and a strong moral compass. Glinda, on the other hand, is bubbly, charming, and adored by everyone around her. When they meet at Shiz University, their clashing personalities ignite immediate tension—but what begins as rivalry soon transforms into a deeply moving bond. It’s an “opposites attract” arc that feels both familiar and fresh, layered with emotion and complexity.

From the moment the curtain rose, the performance was absolutely magical—stunning vocals, breathtaking set design, and a story that never fails to move me. The Australian cast, led by Courtney Monsma as Glinda and Zoe Coppinger as Elphaba, delivered powerhouse performances. Numbers like Popular, The Wizard and I, and the iconic Defying Gravity lit up the stage, earning thunderous applause from the audience

Without a doubt, my favorite moment was when Elphaba soared literally and emotionally while singing Defying Gravity. Hearing it live, backed by a full orchestra, was breathtaking. The power, the emotion, the energy—it completely captivated me. No recording or movie can truly capture that magic.

If I had the chance, I’d watch this musical again and again. Compared to the film, the stage production delivers a depth and impact that’s simply unmatched. And unlike the movie adaptation, the musical offers a complete and emotionally resonant ending—bittersweet, unexpected, and deeply satisfying. Wicked on stage is not just a show, it’s an experience.

Love,

Maria,sometimes,Niskie