The Unlawyer

With rising food, fuel, and commodity prices, it comes as no surprise that Philippine inflation last April was pegged at 8.3 percent, the highest in three years, higher than the 6.4 to 7 percent range forecasted by Philippine economic analysts.

“”Rising food prices in the international market exerted pressure on local counterparts as prices of rice and corn increased by double-digit rates compared with the previous month,” acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Augusto B. Santos said in a statement.”

I’m not the only one to notice this unfavorable news: check out Manuel Quezon III for more.

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Many, many thanks to Tales of the Nomad for suggesting that the best time to ride the Singapore Flyer, Singapore’s latest tourist attraction, is at dusk. At this time of year, this falls approximately between 6:15 PM to about 7:00 PM.

Look at the pictures after the fold and see for yourself.

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Signs of the times: notices like the one pictured above announcing price increases on meals were a common sight at almost every other food stall and restaurant Mrs. Unlawyer and I visited in Singapore last week. A pointed reminder that no one is immune from rising food prices.

Returning to Philippine current affairs, today’s intended tender by the National Food Authority (NFA) for 675,000 tons of rice was scrapped after only one bidder, a private Vietnamese trader, participated. Authorities probably seized this opportunity after realizing the consequence of placing such a huge order at today’s aborted auction as it sent rice prices skyrocketing in the weeks since this offer was announced.

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I find it difficult following my exercise regime, much less sticking to my diet, each time I fly out of Manila to some domestic or foreign destination. Imagine what a struggle this was while I was in Singapore together with Mrs. Unlawyer and her nephew, and with all of us in the care of S., Mrs. Unlawyer’s good friend, who was hell-bent on showing us the best cuisine this island-state has to offer three hungry Filipinos all too eager to sample it.

After thinking about this issue somewhat and yes, I’ve realized that keeping fit while abroad shouldn’t be that difficult. I’ve taken note of some of my bad habits while travelling and turned them around.

So, let’s find out what I’ve learned so far.

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Mrs. Unlawyer and I are in the Lion City for a few days, mainly to meet her friends and to take a brief summer break. While air fares to this island city-state are cheaper than ever, thanks to the presence of intense competition among the airlines flying to and from Manila to Singapore, finding reasonably-priced lodging is another thing altogether. Consider this: a four-star hotel that used to cost SGD 115 a night some two years ago [Okay, this was the low season tariff - Ed.] now charges a whopping SGD 225 a night - taxes not included.

Singapore was never a cheap city to live in to begin with. Now, with inflation running at 26-year highs, it has become even less so: Affluent Singapore feels pinch of inflation at 26-year highs. A government-sponsored website, according to a Xinhua report, has even dedicated a page highlighting food stalls in the Bedok district that sell food costing SGD 2 or less.

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One of the neat things I appreciate about my new neighborhood is the sheer variety of food that’s literally a few steps away from my door, from upscale delicatessens to fast-food restaurants to greasy spoons and everything in between.

Now, a nearby Korean grocery is selling what must be this summer’s unheralded treat: Korean ice cream bars.

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