MARINA BAY SANDS EXPERIENCE: THE ORCHID SUITE

I got my booking for the Marina Bay Sands Hotel from Cheaphotels.com which is sort of an irony, isn’t it? The site gave the best deal at the time of browsing, although, most sites gave similar deals.

After much thought, I chose the Atrium Premiere room with a 45 sq. meter area, instead of the 35 sq. meter Horizon De Luxe and Atrium De Luxe, which were all quoted the same price. Of course, a “non-refundable room” would be given an even better discount.  
Being a photography buff, I would have wanted a Horizon room which is situated at the 24th to the 55th floor, but settled instead for the larger Atrium room. [By the way, the price of Marina Bay Sands is competitive with the other five star hotels in Singapore in the booking sites, but may be higher in MBS in the official sites]

From the booking site, we were already informed that there is a coach service to the hotel which is very convenient for the hotel guests. 
It is easy to find and it transfers from one Terminal to the other including the Budget Terminals.

But luck came my way and we were upgraded to the 90 sq. meter Orchid Suite by a very gracious lady named Regina at the front desk.

the smiling Regina welcoming us to Marina Bay Sands

at the Marina Bay Sands front desk

Before I went up the room, I waited for my niece, Karen and my cousin, Madi who are now working in Singapore. 

So happy to see them and so happy to share this Marina Bay Sands experience. 

I also met Aden there, Madi’s friend and thanks to him, we had lots of photos in Marina Bay Sands (MBS).

Madi and Karen welcomed us to Singapore!

Tower 3 elevators to the horizon floor

Of course, when you ride the elevator, use the card key so you can be brought to the right hotel floor. You can't go anywhere without the card key.

As we walked through the carpeted hallway, we were led to 4727, the room at the end of the aisle, with the amazing Singapore Flyer as the welcoming view through the window.

hallway to the room

Great view just outside our suite... no less than one of Singapore's pride, the Singapore Flyer!

We entered the Orchid Suite using the card key with the Lion King logo and were welcomed by the two George’s who went ahead in the room. 

Lo and behold, the room was too much for the three of us...but at least, we were able to taste luxury at its best in this prestigious hotel! 

us... feeling so comfy!... and rich!!!

There were three main areas of the Orchid Suite: 
** one = the living room and dining room area; 
** two = the bathroom and closet area;      and 
** three = the bedroom and office desk area.

Though, I requested for a view of the city, the Orchid Suite gave us the best of both views! 

As we entered the room, we are welcomed by the round dining table with four chairs.
Just beware of the refrigerator! 
Warning...warning!!! 
There are sensors for the beverages and if you take it out of its place, you’ll surely be charged. 
Don’t worry, they’ll advise ( warn ) you of that!

the dining area...but now it is filled with laptops!

The Living Room area was at the Western side facing the sea, although, at this time there are new structures sprouting up and definitely are interesting structures in the making. 
There is a very large sofa in the living room facing a 40” flat screen TV. 
We closed the curtains (remote control) for the large window because it also comes in view through the hallway window!

looking at the sea view

the sea view...in the future, looks like more interesting structures to see

The huge bathroom shows a separate bath tub on the left side, a very large central mirror with lots of lotions, soaps and hair dryer ready for use.
On the right side are separate rooms for a shower and for the toilet. 
A phone is available at the toilet area.

there is a separate toilet and separate shower on the other side...

Across this is a large closet area for the bags as well as an area for hanging the clothes, ironing and also for the kettle. 

Two bathrobes are ready for use.

As we entered the huge bedroom, we saw a kingsize bed on the right side, with a lounging chair beside this. 

At the center part of the room is a dresser with a revolving 40” flat screen TV. 

On the left side is a sofa, which converts as an additional bed. 

At the corner is an office desk with a bubble jet printer to boot. 

Of course, complimentary internet came with the Orchid Suite. 

However, for usual rooms, internet comes with a surcharge with rates as follows: 15 Sing Dollar for an hour, 25 Sing Dollar for 5 hours and 35 Sing Dollar for 24-hours.

the bedroom 

the desk area

The best part is a glass window in the whole span of the suite where I got the best view of the City. Needless to say, I brought the tripod for the nightshots. 

the amazing city view...with the Arts and Science Museum 

the city view has a very interesting panorama...
and Marina Bay Sands is at the best advantage to appreciate the breath-taking sight! 

These are the nightshots I got... Marina Bay is definitely the most beautiful place in Singapore!

City view panorama at night

with the Fullerton Hotel in view at night

the Helix = a bridge connecting the Marina Bay Sands to the rest of Marina Bay at night! 

The day views are also as great! But I still have to get the map to identify these landmarks...

the outdoor theater at the Esplanade

the historic Fullerton Hotel

this is the Fullerton side of Marina Bay

the Durians = these are the theaters and mall in the Esplanade area

I was looking for the famed Merlion but for this Bienniale celebration, 
the Merlion is temporarily house in the red box which will serve as a one-room hotel

Youth Olympic Park

viewing the City Hall and the Peninsula Excelsior Hotel

St. Andrews Church

the Helix = a bridge connecting the Marina Bay Sands to the rest of Marina Bay

The place is very cozy and with comfortable beddings, that we didn't want to wake up in the morning. 

But as they say, even good things have to end, and it is time to check-out! 

Check out time is 11 a.m. (Check-in time is 2 pm)

To top it all, the Express Check-out is a breeze and just close to the elevators. This is separate from the front desk and reception area.

Express Check-out area

Anyway, the Orchid Suite experience is worth our while and I am very grateful for the short time of luxury we had!

OF ORDEALS AND AFTERMATHS...

Few days have passed and it is amazing to see how people can immediately smile after a physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually exhausting ordeal! They say this is a very positive Filipino trait, and I believe this is really so and well demonstrated by everyone in the hospital.

It is unimaginable to know that something as devastating as this could ever happen. Never in one’s wildest dreams could we even think of this happening to us! 

It is relieving to know that the EXPLOSION was not a terroristic activity. It was due to an unusual fireworks explosion, unfortunately, the fireworks were inside a 40 footer van and a 20 footer van which exploded!

It is sad to know that the “great big series of bangs” should not have happened in the first place. This is the city proper and fireworks warehouses such as this shouldn’t have been allowed in this area at all. 

It is comforting to know that people REALLY CARE.

...How God has given us ADRENALINE and REFLEX ACTIONS as ways to protect ourselves and react accordingly. 

...How leaders stayed on to do their part in a very unimaginable and confusing situation!

...How doctors continued to care for the patients even in very difficult surroundings!

...How the staff cared for their patients inspite of the unknown dangers it may pose on themselves! 

...How a nurse could cover a sick child from the flying broken glass pieces and be hurt in the process! 

...How they could think of covering patients with leaves just to keep the patients covered from the scorching heat! 

...How a pregnant tech could still think of the patient’s ventilator first before her own well-being resulting in premature labor! 

...How everyone put patients’ well-being before themselves!

...How even the injured staff continued to help out! 

...How someone can carry the hospital bed or the oxygen tanks! 

...How they can try to comfort the shocked patients and families with kind words inspite of their own uncertainties! 

...How the patients remained strong inspite of the ordeal! 

...How volunteer firefighters, paramedics, policemen, rescuers and other civil servants extended their services knowing the dangers they may encounter! 

...How family and friends who cared expressed their concern by phone or FB! 

...How looters and other bad elements were prevented from preying the helpless!

...How much everyone prayed with us and for us!

It is heartwarming to know that everyone have immediately regained their HIGH SPIRITS and have done their best for the recovery process. 

...How the top management have dealt with the disaster! 

...How everyone tried to assess their own areas and clean it up after even when they were weary after the incident!

...How those off-duty still came to help out! 

...How even ex-staff have come to extend their help! 

...How maintenance have tried to fixed up the facility fast so that it doesn’t look so depressing now! 

...How many patients want to come back!

...How the responsible parties have made know their intentions to help! 

These are just some of the stories, but it all boils down to LOVE AND SERVICE! 

There may have been less happy tales but that only comprises a small group and hopefully, did not negatively affect the majority.

We also have heard of some less helpful reactions from others (external forces) where money is the prime root, but we hope some realizations may be made along the way!  

After all the shattered glass have been swept away... windows and doors replaced... all the fallen ceilings fixed ... giddy nerves calmed... uncertainties answered... disrupted operations trying to get back into place... and all the smiles back in everyone’s faces, we know we have a loving God who is taking care of us and protecting us!

We have learned so much from this experience! 

... That all material things may disappear in an instant... so everyone should be prepared in every way!

... That it is not the end of the world...and there is always a solution no matter how grave the problem is.

... That fears and anxieties of the "near-death" experience and the unknown are natural reactions...but let's spring back to reality so better things can happen!

... That people care...and let’s appreciate each other more.

... That each one has his role to play and have to play it well.

... That we pray for guidance and enlightenment as we do what we have to do as we start anew.

... That there is no other way but UP!

... That THANKS may not be enough...but this comes from the bottom of our hearts and we know you all have a place in heaven.

... and That God is good all the time!  

OF FIREWORKS AND HAPPINESS!

After talking about explosions, here is the beautiful side of what fireworks are there for. Fireworks mark grand celebrations of whatever kind = = New Year, weddings, birthdays, inaugurations, etc.! And of course, highlight the end of the evenings in the happiest place in earth, Disneyland and other well known theme parks!   

I was in Florida the Summer of 2010, and really very lucky since I was given by a high school schoolmate, through my cousin, Disney passes for three people for three days! Just right, since I was there with my mom and my son.

I'd like to share with you some of my fireworks shots which I had to find a way to do since it was a really rainy late afternoon with lightning to boot! 

Did you know that Florida is called the "Lightning Capital of the World"? They say that even if Florida is not actually No. 1 when it comes to lightning strikes, the Sunshine State does get a lot of activity! Sunshine State vs. Lightning Capital sounds ironic, right?!?

I was able to catch this lightning...see everyone in raincoats!

Here's a longer lightning image but definitely with motion in the rest of the shot! 

This is Cinderella's castle at night before the fireworks...I initially thought this was Cinderella's castle then thought it was Sleeping Beauty's Castle and finally, I read that this is indeed Cinderella's castle in Magic Kingdom! But this is where you meet the princesses and along the way, Minnie and Mickey...Pluto...Donald Duck are just around!

Encounter princesses from the royal realms of Disney films
 such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella

Mickey and Minnie welcomes us to Disney Florida! Good they were "stuck" in a corner due to the rain... and of course, the queue was shorter also because the night was so wet!

Luckily, the rain stopped about an hour before the fireworks display or it would have been cancelled...and its was all that I wanted to see!

Here are the following fireworks pictures which I am quite happy about! No edits from Photoshoppe or otherwise! Some of the pictures show smoke rather than fireworks and those are effects of the rain...

fireworks initially muted by the rain!

awesome!

the expanse the fireworks display, thus, quite difficult to choose close-up or wide angle!

I love how the castle changes color! It added to the drama of the display!!!

this is actually how far I was... I stayed away to be able to get the panorama...

how little the Castle looks beneath the lights!

The sky cleared up a bit, only with fabulous lights to watch!

And at the end of the show, the sky was filled with a kaleidoscope of light with smoke! See all the spectators in rain coat, all in awe!!!

THE HIGHLIGHT!

Rain came back after the show and we were "trapped" in Cinderella's castle until 2 am (extended hours that night) when the parks closed and we just had to run in the rain...Whew! it was really cold!
ISN'T IT UNIQUE THAT THE PARK CLOSED AT 2 A.M. So timely for us. They say it was a one-day graduation gift... to extend Disney park hours!!!

I was waiting to get more lightning shots,
 but it seems that if we are really waiting, it is harder to get one!

Belle's silhouette... the alleys were dark and the streets wet... it was  an eerie scene.                                                            

Not everyone gets the chance to see Disney in this light!

light is from lightning...

eerie...

It was still a lot of fun but a different kind of magic in Magic Kingdom!

Fortunately, no one got sick and we still had lots of energy for the other parks!