How could someone with stage fright face her fears? Do things that challenge who you are and what you can do.

I took the risk this year when I became one of the presenters in the 1st annual Singapore Google Apps Summit at the Singapore American School.

Preparations were a blur as days went by fast. Glad Galvin and the other Next team members helped me finish my talk on Xavier’s journey with Google.

I was so pumped I couldn’t sleep the night before my flight. I couldn’t remember what was more scary, traveling alone to a country  for the 1st time or presenting in front of participants during the Summit.

I arrived past 4 am at NAIA Terminal 3 ready to check  -in and board only to find out I was supposed to go to    Terminal 2.

Lesson # 1: Check which Terminal your airline is.

Had to rush to the correct terminal, so I rode a cab waiting in line without asking. We had a long conversation about life. When we reached Terminal 2, I was shocked when the bill reached PhP 500.

Lesson # 2: Don’t ride an airport taxi (unless you can afford it)

I showed my “puss in boots” face and begged if If I could pay a smaller amount. I was relieved when he said yes.

I was about to check in when I was informed that the Travel Tax was not yet part of my ticket. Had to go back to pay for it. There goes my 1,600++

Lesson # 3: Check your ticket for travel tax payments (plus have enough money to pay for it ) 

I can’t explain how relieved I was when I saw Changi Airport. I instantly felt safe. Everything was a breeze, from the immigration to getting my luggage. I loved it and it made me feel more confident.

I was still deciding on which transpo to take when I met a new friend. Frieda was also travelling alone and she was in Singapore to meet her husband. I felt at ease immediately specially since I found out she was a former teacher. We decided to ride the MRT going to our hotels.

The Singapore MRT is so impressive. It is the best and cheapest way to go around the city. As soon as I learned how to do it I knew I would never be lost here.

My hotel was just above the Lavander station so I did not have any difficulty finding it. I was so excited to check in, Martin Gomez (a former student) has prepared an itinerary for me and I wanted to start the adventure.

But like any other story, the lead actor’s adventure never stops. I couldn’t check in because apparently the hotel didn’t accept pre-paid hotel accommodations. There was a miscommunication with the reservations done in the Philippines. I needed to pay it in cash or using a credit card and guess what? I didn’t have both. I wanted to panic but I didn’t have the luxury for it.  Thank God for the internet, I was able to chat and email with people from school.

After depositing a smaller amount, an MRT ride to Orchard Road to get the money allotment and a 3:00 pm lunch, I was able to check in. I couldn’t believe how calm and confident I was – God is indeed good all the time.

Lesson #4: Read the fine print when reserving a hotel room. 

Lesson #5: Get a credit card before travelling abroad ( you will need it)

Lesson #6: Don’t panic. Be brave. Believe nothing is impossible. 

The day was so long, tiring and challenging I suddenly missed the Philippines.

It was nice to video chat with my husband and the next team members.

And another nice extra was when I saw this building across my hotel room.

How nice to see a familiar name in a foreign land. Thank you Lord for signs like this.

The night was a nice to way to cap the day off. I had a wonderful dinner with my former students who are now based in Singapore. I love moments like this when you get to see first hand the fruits of Xavier education and talk to them on a different level – as professionals. They have grown to be fine young men who are successful in their chosen fields.

I went back to my hotel with a smile on my face, a full stomach and heart full of love and hope.