What I’ve Learned: David Guison on Returning to Singapore with His Family

The first time you visit a city abroad, you chase the landmarks. In Singapore, that usually means the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and a stroll along Orchard Road—the postcard version of the Lion City.

But come back years later, and the experience changes. The skyline may be familiar, but the way you move through the city feels different. You slow down. You notice the food, the neighborhoods, the people you’re traveling with.

For David Guison, returning to Singapore nearly a decade after his first visit meant seeing the city through a different lens—this time with eight of his family.

At home, a framed photo captures their first trip together in 2016. This year, they recreated the moment to celebrate several milestones: his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, a niece passing her board exams, a string of January birthdays, and David’s final international trip before his own wedding.

“Just seeing my family travel is a core memory for me,” he says. “As someone who’s already moved out, I have my own travel goals, but I also want them to experience moments like this.”

Traveling with family, he learned, changes the way you see a city. At the airport, David slipped into a role his followers rarely see: distributing passports, helping everyone settle into their Singapore Airlines flight, and making sure the younger ones had something queued on KrisWorld. Even his famously picky dad ended up approving of the in-flight meal.

“When you travel with family, hindi mo lang dapat iisipin ang sarili mo,” he says. “Pero don’t sacrifice your own happiness either. Dapat bigayan.”

Once in Singapore, the trip unfolded in ways that went beyond the usual highlights. They began with a Peranakan lunch at Bibik Violet—proof that food is often the fastest way into a culture. For one niece who dreams of becoming a chef, there was a kitchen tour at Bread Street Kitchen. His history-loving father became a fan of their guide, Uncle Toon Hee, whose storytelling—and occasional juggling—brought the city’s past to life.

Even a casual afternoon in New Bahru, wandering through local shops and cafés, revealed a side of Singapore they hadn’t seen before.

Just as memorable was the journey itself. For David, the flight and arrival experience set the tone.

Normally the transit part of travel barely registers for David. “But with Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport, it’s a whole experience in itself. Good design, efficiency—lahat ng magagandang aspects na-cover.”

After landing, he accompanied his mom to the Butterfly Garden at Terminal 3 while the younger relatives headed straight for Jewel’s Rain Vortex. In Singapore, even the airport feels like part of the destination.

Of course, great family trips leave room for your own moments too. One evening, David found himself at Nutmeg & Clove with his 20-something nephews and nieces—still kids in his mind—sharing cocktails and stories late into the night.

In the end, returning to Singapore reminded him that travel isn’t just about landmarks. It’s about the people you bring with you.

“Let us not forget na ’yung parents and family natin, they also want to see places,” he says. “While they still can, let’s make sure na mag-travel pa with them.”

Back home, the Guisons now have a new photo to hang beside the one from 2016.

Same city. New memories.

Plan your own family trip to Singapore and book your flights via singaporeair.com.