A Merry Camping We Go! The East Coast Park Experience.

Pitched our tent just in time before sunset

All images were taken 24th of December 2013, the day before Christmas. A week before the holiday break, we were blessed to be able to secure a rental car for 7 days. 

In the Philippines, we have this centuries-old tradition called Simbang Gabi. Here in Singapore, various Filipino communities from different parishes have continued this nine-day devotion. It is said that at day one, if you make a wish and go on to complete all consecutive days without fail, it will be granted. Since the mass was held at different churches, it was just convenient and reasonable (with a little one in tow) to have our own transport. Though at some nights, one or the other was sick, we managed to wrap it up without a single absence. 

One of the many free stuff to do in Singapore with families is visit parks. The low crime rate and safety is an asset the Lion City is proud of. This camping trip was the culmination of all those nights we got home on the wee hours. Me and Casey got to pick up Nina at work since she got off at two in the afternoon. She is exceptional at packing and making sure we have all the stuff (like she always does) with us!... she did it the weekend before. As soon as we got home, she and Casey napped until around 4ish. Good thing I just had to load the trunk of the car with two grocery-trolley-full  of goods needed (e.g. sleeping bag, mat, tent, camping chair, cooler, etc) and we're off!  

I was anticipating of beating the rush hour since most offices get off at around five or six. Thankfully, traffic at the AYE - PIE expressway route was fluid. Maybe, 'coz most were already off for the holidays. 

As soon as we got to the park, we found ourselves a parking spot that was close to the campground. Did I mention parking is free? ;)  We managed to just unload and wheel off the cargo at a short distance. Ahhhh, the fresh breeze... music of the pounding waves...  and the sight of numerous far-off ships. A signal life is slow here. Not a lot of people were yet around. Even some of the barbeque pits, which we weren't able to reserve since they were all booked, were still unoccupied. 

I hurried pitching our tent as the sun was going down and I was ecstatic to capture some sunset snapshots. Casey was enthused to see me assemble the poles of the tent and hammer down the pegs with a stone. At his age, I can see he could now get grasp of what were trying to do as he was observant and participative. The awesome guys at Nalno were also prompt in dropping off our inflatable mattress and fan rental. Also, the KFC delivery guy was at our doorstep or should I say tent mat ready with our hot meal. Yup, she arranged all those herself.     

Noche buena under the stars at Singapore's East Coast Park and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

Wait, there's more. See how awesome she can get? A portable, folding table complete with white placemat, wine glass, and candles! A dinner under the stars with a chill out view as we await the eve of Christmas. A dinner that would normally hurt the pocket just to enjoy that ambiance. Taking fast food to another level. Haha. We may not have the usual dishes like lechon, arroz caldo, lumpia, etc. but it was a modern and special noche buena we will reminisce.  :)

Mommy and langginggong Caseyboo decorating our tent ceiling with Christmas trimmings

Angler and his family checking out their first reel-in of the night

This Malay-speaking family came at nightfall at set up their tent right beside ours. The dad has this extended fishing rod he set in front of our tent. He was pretty good at casting his line and finding a location. There were several of them fishing but it looked to me he got the most. The tip of his pole has a glow stick and tiny bell (that starts to jiggle when it hooks on something) that is visible and audible from where his laying down. Waiting with him in his tent were his two teenage kids and wife.  We could also hear their conversation (though we couldn't understand any) and laughter. A great way to bond and catch up as a family I'd say. 

After several minutes, as we were busy decorating our tent, they all jumped out and were delighted for their first catch-- it was pretty decent-sized one.       

We were just seated on our camp chairs, our backs reclined and feet outstretched towards the rocks. Soaking in the view from the city-like lights from the ships passing by and jumbo airliners approaching the runway getting ready to land.

As the clock was inching closer to midnight, we tested out our whistle sparkler. It would whistle before it would spray off. We did it at a distant from Casey as he was not yet comfortable with the fire and smoke. We've lit up two boxes of this. Another couple could also be seen doing the same. In case you were wondering, fireworks/firecrackers are not allowed without permission. 

Family selfie while goofing around inside the tent

Unlike our previous experience, we had a well-rested night and sound sleep this time. Aside from the occasional re-inflating of the mattress, which was a minor concern, everything was perfect! Mommy brought along milk and cereal for breakfast and still had lots of leftovers from the night before. We got to stroll around the area and relax most of the day until it started to drizzle. Not that our tent couldn't handle the rain but we just decided to call it a day. A low cost and quick relaxation and getaway. Great family bonding experience!