Suntec Singapore

Our third day in Singapore was spent partly on client meetings and on registering at the Suntec Singapore for the convention that we were to attend.

Suntec whose official name is Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center was established in 1995 and has one of Asia's largest column-free space in the form of a multi-purpose convention hall. It has hosted some of the world's biggest events like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Bank Congress, The World Economic Forum's East Asia Economic Summit and the International Food Festival.

Suntec City is so big it has its own mall and a wide array of restaurants.

It is also home to some multinational corporations and prominent local companies.

And yes, the highest elevator that I have seen so far is at Suntec.

The most interesting thing about Suntec Singapore for me is its Fountain of Wealth. It is made of bronze, with a circular ring supported by four slanted columns. The circular ring top is visible at ground level.

This fountain was listed by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1998 as the largest fountain in the world. It is said that the five tower blocks represent the fingers and thumb of a left hand emerging from the ground, with the fountain forming the palm of the hand. Flowing water was used since water symbolizes life and wealth in Chinese culture and its inward motion signifies water coming in and the retention of wealth for Suntec City.

At night, the fountain looks lovely as it has interesting lighting effects.

For more information Suntec City, check out its official website or click HERE for a Wikipedia entry about it.

Singapore's Parkview Square

After our lunch we had two more client meetings to attend. One of our client's office was located in Parkview Square and while there, I couldn't help but be amazed at how magnificent the building was. The said building housed some of Singapore's top companies and even a couple of embassies it was no wonder the security was so strict they did not allow taking any photo while inside the building. I thus just contented myself with taking as many photos as I could once outside.

The Golden Bird

The building has an open plaza and in its center is a statue of a golden bird which is supposed to bring wealth.

A treasure trove of famous people

Surrounding the open plaza are sculptures and statues of historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill, the geniuses Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, renowned painters Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt and music prodigies Mozart and Chopin.

The Parkview Square at night

This is my favorite shot of the Parkview Square. It was taken during our leisurely walk later that night when we were scouting for a dinner venue.

The Parkview Square in Singapore was designed by the American James Adams, together with DP Architects of Singapore and was built as the last major project of Mr. C.S. Hwang, a Taiwanese tycoon who wanted it ""imposing and monumental, yet stylish and elegant."

For more information about this building wonder, click HERE.

The Mansion

After our sightseeing at Mine’s View Park, we proceeded to The Mansion. The Mansion is the official residence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines whenever s/he is in Baguio. It was built in 1908 and named after the New England summer cottage of Governor General William Cameron Forbes during whose administration the original Mansion House was built.

The place was imposing on the outside that I could only imagine how grandiose it must be inside. Visitors here are not allowed to go beyond the gardens and there are guards who will make sure that this restriction is met.

These wrought-iron gates are quite famous and I must admit that they are rather impressive. It is said to be a replica of one of the main gates of London's Buckingham Palace.


Since I went there during the Christmas season, there were Christmas decors like this Santa hanging by a tree as well as life-sized statues that made up the nativity scene.

The garden was also very well-maintained. And I just love this picture I took. The flowers are just lovely!