In 2010, Singapore still offered a Long-Term Visit Pass for graduates from the top three universities in the Philippines. I’m not sure if that still exists today, but because of that privilege, I could stay in Singapore for a full year.
A lot of people I met there would go on a 30-day job hunt, fly out before their visa expired, then return to start the process all over again. I didn’t have that pressure. I could take my time and find a job I actually liked.
Allen’s college friends kindly took me in while I was job hunting. I told them that once I found work, I’d look for my own place too.
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My first interview was for a Property Management position. It was okay, but it didn’t spark any joy haha. The only thing I remembered there was the beef brisket noodle — unforgettable up to this very day. 😂
The second one, though, was different — Ad Sales for a local shopping magazine. The office was bright, colorful, and full of creative energy. It was near Clarke Quay and my favorite Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, and it was only one bus ride away from where I was staying. Ang perfect.
So, I accepted the offer and started working less than a week after arriving in Singapore.
So much for “no pressure,” hahah.
What I didn’t know (and didn’t ask 😅) was the compensation structure — it was quota-based, and apparently, if I didn’t hit quota, I didn’t get paid. I’m not sure that was even legal in Singapore, but I’m also not sure if that company still exists today, hehehe.
I started in February. My first paycheck? April pa 🙁 HAHAHA
So yes — lahat na ng pagtitipid, nagawa ko. 😂
Good thing Allen’s BFFs let me stay rent-free until I could stand on my own feet (financially and literally).
In May, I celebrated my birthday there and flew my family to Singapore for the first time! We went to Universal Studios, the Singapore Zoo, and every tourist spot we could fit into a weekend. Ubos agad ang April paycheck!!
Did I ever think about applying for a more stable job?
Honestly… no. Hahaha.
I was okay with the setup — “no quota, no salary” — because deep down, I knew I didn’t want to stay in Singapore long-term. It would definitely change if I had a more stable job. Was i scared for my career or the future? No. For some reason, I did not even feel a hint of worry. When my savings ran out, I’d call my mom to send money from the Philippines. I never paid her back (sorry and thank you, Mom and Dad — I love you 😂).
I was the OFW na pinapadalhan ng pera — baliktad!
Looking back, it was really more of a career break. A relocation break. Maybe even a mini quarterlife crisis. I started wondering, after Singapore, “What do I want to do next?” I even considered teaching — preschool, religion, or math — back in the Philippines!
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While I was there, I filled my days (and nights) with everything else but hitting quota, haha.
I joined the Philippine Football Club and even played in tournaments. I played golf with friends, went to events and house parties, reconnected with high school batchmates, and became the unofficial tour guide for every friend who came to visit Singapore. Every. Single. One. 😂 I even had a ready itinerary — complete with train, bus, and walking routes.
Whenever someone visited, I’d gather all our common friends living in Singapore for a mini reunion. Even my childhood, college and work friends visited!
And yes, I also went home to Manila several times within that year — always bringing back canned goods from home. Canned sardines became a staple. sometimes for grilled sandwich with cheese, or pasta, or for fried rice. Hahaha.
But honestly, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
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That job — strange as it was — became my first experience with remote work. I had to learn self-discipline and time management while working from home, skills that became invaluable years later when I started working independently in 2017 and eventually built our brokerage.
It was also my first time addressing my bosses by their first names — no “Sir,” “Ma’am,” or “Ms.” like in the Philippines. That small cultural shift felt liberating and taught me a lot about professional confidence — something I carried with me when talking to clients later on.
By June, one of the housemates moved out, so I took over his room and started paying rent and utilities. Toward the end of the year, I paid that kindness forward — a friend was job hunting, so I let her stay with me for free.
I recently found out she’s paying it forward now that she has her own house in Australia. Full circle. 🥹
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In February 2011, during a football tournament, I tore my PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) — a complete tear. I had a flight that same night back to Manila, and I took it despite barely being able to walk.
When I landed, my parents met me at the airport. My dad literally carried me to the ER. 🥺
I spent almost the entire Feb in Manila and towards the end of the month, still on crutches, I flew back to Singapore with my mom and aunt to pack up my things. Gathered some friends for a mini despedida and we even went to KL to visit my cousin who just got there.
It felt like that chapter was ending — i learned a lot, made so many new and real friends, but it was time to go home.
