National Day

Being a known patriot, i've never left home on National Day but having said that, spending the nation's birthday away for the first time was indeed a memorable experience. 

It was even more exceptional being at the front line now, not at war, but representing my country in a foreign land. Very noble huh.

It is an annual affair that the Singapore Embassy hosts dinner in celebration of National Day and this year's was held at the grand Shangri-La. 

I had the virgin experience to be part of the official picture with the Singapore Ambassador and the fellow comrades from the Singapore Embassy. Just too awesome imagining myself in the framed picture hanging on the wall of the state building.  

Other than the Singaporeans residing in Manila (or even other parts of the Philippines), the invitees list had also included diplomats from other nations. I was especially attracted to one from the Embassy of the United States who approached me and exchanged name cards. I wonder if he would call. *wink* Anywayz..

As part of the protocol, the Philippine national anthem was played first, followed by ours. Boy, i missed our Marikita! Wished the pledge was also recited but i guess it was too show-off.  

For the rest of the night, it was a lot of chatting and flirting networking with people, unfamiliar yet sharing the common camaraderie. 

Almost a week later, the celebration continued with a Ladies gathering hosted by Mrs Ambassador at her residence. It was so grossly huge that i wouldn't even wanna think about the rooms i couldn't get to see.

And there i was introduced to Mrs Indonesia Ambassador, Mrs US Ambassador so on and so forth in this genre. Seriously.

Mrs Singapore Ambassador was highly eloquent, high EQ and socially...smooth! I heard she used to be a teacher before turning a diplomat so just imagine Mrs Bala (that's her actual name in fact) jumping out from the Basic Reader textbook. 

As she was addressing the ladies, i couldn't help but toyed with the thought if there's an approved set of pre-requisites for Spouse of Ambassadors. Gee....tough. 

The reception was organised by SLC (Singapore Ladies Club), run by a group of tai-tai (mainly spouses) who are enjoying life here while their husbands are slogging away. Their mandate is to expand their database and organise chichi events for tai-tais. I mean who else can attend high-teas on weekday afternoon? 

After 9 months of falling through their cracks, i was cornered this evening and forced to pay 1,000 peso (appx SGD30) to join the triad. Damn. 

Am already looking forward to the celebration next year. I'm sure i will do better. 

Count on me, Singapore.