central singapore and the merlion

when i was looking at the island state from the plane, i observed that it isn't that small as i thought it was. it's the smallest nation in Southeast Asia yet the entire island is actually bigger than Metro Manila.it is even expected to be bigger in the coming years as it expands through reclamations like its airport. yet when one talks about it's central area, then it is definitely small. its financial center covers a great part of the central area.it's a cosmopolitan gateway and port hub, thus having its workforce as its main resource for its stable economy. today it is considered as one of the most business-friendly economy in the world.it is as well a nice tourist stop for the urban chic as it has high class shopping centers and the city itself, looks like one big park. among the country's most iconic sites includes the center for performing arts Esplanade and the symbolic Merlion.fronting Marina bay, stands the original Merlion statue, which was repaired recently after it was struck by a lightning February last year. lightning was named Kidlat. a cub merlion can also be seen in the same park which is smaller than the original one. three more can be seen around Singapore the largest in Sentosa.the original statue is made of cement with porcelain plates layer and its eyes made up of red tea cups. according to my Singaporean counterpart, the Merlion has a mythical background back in the olden days. one that i need to find out.