As said before, you should have just left a small item (ie tissue/disinfectant wipe packet etc) on the table at the hawkers centre. Its called chope-ing, and it "reserves" the table for you. Saying that, probably only Singaporeans or travellers who know would leave the table alone
In Singapore, you leave a tracker of tissues or some other item to indicate the table has been taken and you can then go get your food. I sometimes leave my ear phones on the table or a bunch of keys. Some people leave their phones as SG is considered very safe but even that’s a step too far for me. It’s a pity you isn’t take he train from the airport it would have cut your travelling time quite a bit. On the flip side, you wouldn’t have seen much of the cityscape as the train is mostly underground.
I loved it. It really helps with the videography when you have a friend driving. Definitely makes me want to visit the Scottish highlands. Thank you for sharing.