Singapore Pharmacy Congress

Last September 2015, I went to Singapore together with my co-author and my good friend, Shiru for the 25th Singapore Pharmacy Congress. My research was accepted for Mural and Oral Presentation. It was a milestone for me and my co-authors to represent our research and at the same time my university, Our Lady of Fatima University in an international, prestige and prominent institution for Pharmacy research. Before my research got accepted, two of my professors, Dr. Angelita Rodriguez and Ms. Maritess Abad, already went there for mural presentation. But before I get to share my experiences, lets go down memory lane on my journey.

Despite the discrepancies such as getting delayed for 5 hours, I was able to reached Changi Airport Terminal 3 by 5:30 am. It was already 7:30 am when I left my aunt's house from Simei to Havelock Road where the main convention is. I was accompanied by my aunt then for it was my first time traveling alone. I informed Shiru that I'll be able to meet her in Grand Copthorne Hotel already due to time constraints. She's needed to help me setting up our poster. Together with my aunt, we reached Grand Copthorne Hotel. I was in awe. The venue was beautiful and classy, people are hospitable and I got surrounded by Pharmacists around the globe. The vibe was inviting; making me more excited. 

The 25th Singapore Pharmacy Congress was co-organized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore and National University of Singapore for their 110th Anniversary. The main congress themed: Pioneering Care for Tomorrow. The congress opened to much funfare with drum performance. Afterwhich, the chairman of the congress together with the Ministry of Health of Singapore opened the congress with a countdown and pressing the giant buzzer. After which, a breakfast buffet was served. Food was delicious and really got myself full. I needed to have food for I'll be presenting in the afternoon. Each delegate were given souvenirs and freebies from various pharmaceutical companies. The congress took two floors of the convention hall. Third floor was for oral and mural presentation, while the fourth floor was for the main hall, the buffet area and a place where sponsors may set up their stall. 

I went to the third floor to check all the posters and got the chance to read their abstract and know their topics as well. I also got the chance to present my poster to local and foreign Pharmacists. Several seminars were conducted simultaneously during the day.

The moment is on! Its time for my oral presentation. Each delegate nominated for oral presentation has a specific time frame on what time to present. When my time came, together with the judges and a small audience, I was able to present my research. My knees were shaking and I never mind my vocabulary whether good or bad. I really got nervous. Nevertheless, I explained and executed my research well. Afterwhich, I went to see my aunt in a coffee shop near the reception area. I never finished the first day of the congress, the host told everyone to be back at 8pm at the Hotel Fort Canning for a Dinner Gala. 

We have 5 hours before the dinner gala. So, we went to Esplanade to see the famous Merlion and the Marina Bay Sands. My aunt left me and Shiru to my cousin, Ate Ann. My aunt needed to pick her daughter from school, thats why. Together with Ate Florence, Ate Ann, Shiru and me, we went to Marina Bay Sands, Helix bridge and Orchard Road. It was already 7:30 pm when we reached Hotel Fort Canning. Other delegates were busy filling up the registration. A photo booth was set up to those who wants to get picture and served as souvenir as well. Shiru and I fell in line towards the photo booth  to have our own souvenirs. 

The dinner gala started by introducing Pharmaceutical Sciences of Singapore and National University Singapore. They collaborated the event for their 110th Anniversary. To keep other delegates entertained, the organizers conducted Pharmacy Idol and a grand Auction. Food was scrumptious by the way. 

It was a tiring day because of walking, however, it was fun and was a day to remember. 

On second day, I went back to the hotel and ended the congress; halfday. After which, I went to Bugis to buy pasalubong then went to Chinatown. 

Next day, my uncle accompanied me to Changi Airport until I got checked-in. Got landed in Manila by 11pm and my cousin fetched me by the airport and went Starbucks Morato. 

It was an unforgettable experience. I am more hopeful that I could get the chance to showcase more my research around the globe.