Boston

As if being able to get back into the training room is not enough, I was given the opportunity in 2015 to assist two scholars from Boston with my counseling services through ConsultAsia Consulting firm. Grateful for the opportunity. Boston reminded me of two things: City life does not mean chaos, one. And second, truly educated people hold the door for you. Please see some snap shots of my visit.

Bali, Indonesia

I was lining up for an airfare for somebody else...I would not be outdone. In a whim, I booked a trip to Bali and soon..there I was basking in the sun, living the high life. Mond was gracious enough to join me and as we read each others' minds, it was an easy travel,no fuss. I have always defended our very own Boracay from Bali enthusiasts, I still do think we have the best beach... but my resolve softened and would even consider coming back. Take aways from this holiday: Bali hotels think of everything for you. You'd want to redecorate your homes after seeing the handiworks in Bali (not all are Buddha heads anyway). Bali sells a lifestyle, not only a destination.

Tokyo and Yokohama

An opportunity came up to visit one of my dread destinations. 2015 indeed was a wonderful year.

I appreciate the serene way of the gentle Japanese. In no corner did i feel like my space is being challenged. So meek, organized and polite, I would vote the Japanese people to be the best people in the world anytime!

A short, tummy-filling visit. I would love to come back for more  of Japan someday!

Singapore's 50th!

Would not miss this for the world...thank you Singapore! at least for cuddling me once in my life and for showing Asia what is could be when things are done right.

Lake Sebu and General Santos City

Chanced upon a conversation with my good friend Jona, I joined their family trip to GenSan and Lake Sebu, a dream destination for some time now. I have long dreamt of going to a place in the Philippines that not many people go to.

Some surprises of Lake Sebu:  It is in an elevation that permits the freshest air and the coldest,crispest cold monts.  Second, it is hailed as one of the most peaceful places in the Philippines despite it being in Cotabato, and third, that there are a lot of adventure to be had in this quaint little town.

Let the pictures tell you more...

U.S. Trip

There are just some trips that choose you. I definitely did not choose to take it but tagged along anyway when the opportunity came. 20 days, just 4 days short of completing it, every minute spent thinking.." what did I do to deserve this? " Well almost every minute. Sometimes I also think " how in the world did I afford this?"
No answers for that one yet.

Touring under the sun, enveloped with the cold wind and surrounded by the color of autumn, this tops my list of best trips so far. Domingo Say, Aaron Say, Leiman Arroyo-Say thank you for being very patient with me when I do not get my way, Louisa Say thank you for taking over so we could take off, Aidyl Manansala-Acosta and mom thank you for treating daddy to his nilaga because he is having withdrawl symptoms from Filipino food (and only on our third day) , Tito Alvin and Tita Nelia for sharing us your home, Analea D Lopez for showing up at the airport with a box of pastries and sending us of with yet another one as well as for the truck load of food you fed us in between, Keath Cpm for the company and the Sinigang ang adobo, Ej Cabigting Liezl Legaspi-Cabigting Grace Amos for meeting up with me and daddy.

 I do not know when a trip like this will come along again but surely, the world just got bigger and smaller for me at the same time.

One of our New York Album

Philadelphia Album

Washington D.C. Album

San Francisco Album

Yosemite National Park Album

Napa Valley Album

Los Angeles Album

Coron, Palawan

To start my year right, I took a HOLIDAY. Distancing myself from the many things I needed to do, I flew to Busuanga with my dear friend Elise and spent four days unwinding in Coron. We decided to entrust our ultimate relaxation to Majika Tours and was not disappointed.

We were shuttled to the Balai Majika situated in town from the Airport. It was small and simple but the warm smile and welcome of Met, Baby and the other girls in the Balai immediately made us feel at home. We were served Tinolang manok and fried fish for lunch before we were ferried down to the Majika island resort by our boatman, Edwin.

The resort has a rustic appeal to it. Our cottage had two huge beds, a spacious toilet and bath, airy balcony and the whole cottage was elevated for us to have a better view of the

beach and the majestic mountain right in front of the island resort.

The hall for the guests was welcoming and homey... significantly so because of the friendly staffs and owner of the resort, Maji (Margaret). It was easy to realize how important people's names were in Majika not only because their names were printed on their company t-shirts but mostly because, everyone called each other by name. In fact, if you happen to be in the hall at the same time with other guests, the staffs would go out of their way to introduce you to each other.

Being the usual "aligaga" girls, we were looking out for

things to do as soon as we unpacked our bags. But the staffs knew better. Vangie visited our cottage and sternly told me "Ma'am diba relax naman kayo? Pahinga lang muna kayo

...pag ok na kayo pwede ko naman kayo ipa bangka papunta sa boat house o kaya pasamahan pa akyat ng hill." This made me realize soon enough that this is going to be a "petiks" vacation. No bruhaha and what not. Just lazing around, no rush, no worries. Embarassed, I sat down

and took time to savour the fresh warm air and the quiet surroundings. Thanks to that visit, the mood of the trip was set.

With no activity planned out for us on this first day, we ventured out to explore the activities in the resort first. We started with a quick snorkeling trip just off the coast of the island. The waters below the boat house just meters away from the coast was teeming with marine life. It did not take me long to concluded that we made the right choice.

After our snorkeling trip, we had a short chat with Margaret at the hall while

helping ourselves to the best merienda of the trip...their home made turon. Charged and ready for a walk, we caught the sunset atop the Majika hill with Aris, Vangie's child. I was panting and short of breath but the view on top was worth it. Elise and I eased ourselves unto the swings that hang by the trees atop the hill...a perfect spot for our tête à tête.

Hungry and tired, we headed down the hill at about 6:00p.m. and dressed up for dinner. After which we cancelled our firefly and plankton (both glow in the dark creatures) viewing and sneaked into bed. We could not figure out how to lock our door from the inside but this surely did not deter us from having a sound sleep.

The next day, we met our comrades for the day... Marlon, our dive master, Jay and Ken (both from the U.S. Jay was Phil-Am and Ken was an American with Japanese descent) our companions in the trip, Angga and Avon our boatmen. Our group went to Siete Picados (known for

the big tropical fishes that makes the spot famous for snorkeling), Twin Lagoon (I love the water here, as it is a merging of salt and lake water, the swim is an interesting mix of warm and cold water....mostly cold and refreshing!), lunch by the beach (we had chicken adobo, fried fish and pineapple chunks) , and Cayangan lake ( lake water is so000 much better to swim in! No distractions and kinder to the skin...I felt much safer!). The day ended with cold drinks with Jay, Ken, Marlon and two new friends for the evening, AB and Rommel - two savagely experienced local travelers who seemed to have plowed the archipelago bit by bit with their prowess in finding unspoiled beaches and reliable bus and tricyle drivers :).

On the second day of our island tour, we were joined by Ram and Joy (newly wed young Filipino couple living in Dubai) , Grace and Aris (also a couple, Grace is a Filipina with a Canadian Citizenship and Aris from Morong, Bataan) and of course Marlon, Avon and Angga.

This time, we started the trip with an intro dive! Our first dive was on a shipwreck 10 meters deep (thank goodness there's beauty in that depth or my ears would have surely exploded given that I could not seem to equalize quite easily). Our beautifully decorated shipwreck was endowed with hard and soft corals and lotsa lotsa' fishes.

The second dive was closer to home... Majika's own coral garden. I found this dive much more picturesque because of the huge corals! I enjoyed diving and I hope I'd be able to do it

again. It did help that Marlon, who guided me throughout the whole experience was kind enough to take care of the technicalities of diving and just let me enjoy the view with ease.

We were famished after the second dive and since the reefs were only minutes from the shore, we rushed to the hall to catch some lunch. As we were getting accustomed to each other's company, we had a delightful lunch filled with travelers' stories and adventures that surely made my own travels fall below mediocre compared to our companions. But their reliving of their travels and activities made me even more convinced that although travelling may dent your pockets, it surely enriches you as a person. You simply could not underestimate the education that travelling and engaging in fun activities could give. At the very least, its memories serve as a refuge in dull and even sad moments. After that lunch, my bucket list was full to the brim.

We continued our day's trip at 2:00p.m. after a short nap (see how relaxed?). We then proceeded to another shipwreck site. This time it did not even require diving... just by snorkeling above water, you can see the treasure that this shipwreck could offer. Unabated by our whole day underwater, our next stop was the coral garden. We missed swimming with a sea turtle by a few seconds when we spotted it just when we were boarding the boat. Lastly, we headed to a hidden hot spring that required us to walk through an opening surrounded by mangroves. It was quite a treat. By this time, our group has gelled together (in the name of pictures and good company) and that certainly spiced up our day even more. At 5:00p.m. we returned to the island resort beckoned by our longing for Turon once again. :)

We capped our day with a visit to the mangroves to view the fireflies and planktons. In complete darkness, we traversed the sea right in front of Majika island and under the star filled skies, we "quietly" sneaked into the night creatures haven. Albeit our gregarious nature, the stillness of the night and the darkness that surrounded the evening caused us to be still and mellowed. What I enjoyed the most was the boat ride going to and from the mangroves. As Elise puts it, it was like riding to Hogwarts. It was by all means a pleasant ride and quite an experience.

Needless to say, I quickly dozed off as soon as I got back in the room... tired and content.

After breakfast the next day, we sent off our new found friends hoping that we may travel together again. To you... all the best!

Many times during the trip did I find myself praying, thanking God for the chance to travel yet again and to such a serene, friendly place. I was again reminded of my state of health, the events that preceded this year and I just could not help but fall silent and be filled with gratefulness for His providence and love.

Not long ago... I was singing this song... filled with hope and comforted by God's love.

"Holy darkness, blessed night. Heaven's answer hidden from our sight. As we await you oh God of silence, we embrace your Holy night."

Indeed your Love saves and is beautiful! Happy New Year!!!!!

Bangkok Again

I was in Bangkok in 2001 with my best friend Jheng. It was the first time I ever left my country the Philippines. Armed with my crisp new passport and tagging Jheng along we rode Air France's last round trip flight to Bangkok before KLM acquired their asian fleet.

This year, I went with yet another person who I could say know me more than most.

He called me a week earlier and told me he'd sponsor my ticket to Thailand if I go with him. I called on the dare and went. Come to think of it, not only was I going with someone who knew me inside out (and only a very few people could say that) but another similarity of this trip from 2001 was that I got it for free! Wahh!

Anyway, our first day was a voluntary "confusion" day. We planned to be cool about it - deciding not to book our hotels ahead of time and just look for a place to stay when we get there. He on the other hand decided to be even more "ultra cool" by not booking a flight back to Manila. In the end, he booked a flight which costs a 100% more than usual @ business class and us, staying in a hotel in the midst of what we thought was a close semblance to Tondo.

Little did we know that we were gonna be picking gems along the way. First, on our list was to walk around and try street food. That of course led us to an appetizer of maggots , crickets and frogs. We explored the BTS and some high end places where we had an amazingly affordable japanese dinner (yeah I know, japanese dinner in bangkok! Bummer!). We then proceeded to Pat Phong...the infamous red district of the pussies. Well, disgusted as I was before, we left the club a bottle of beer and one lighted cigarette later.

The next day, we were chauffered around by our guide Anurah. He was a delight to be with because he was such a classy tour guide you know you could afford some private time while on the tour. He does not oversell his services but he surpasses your expectation of service that is why he quickly became a favorite of our trip.

I went through the usual routes ones again...but definitely much more pleasant than the first time I walked the temples of Bangkok. This time, i did not burn myself because I had to walk back having overshot our destination because no one in the bus knows where we were headed. This time around, we were dropped off on every single doorstep/ gate of our destination.

We punctuated our day with Siam Niramit, a cultural show of grand proportions. We called it a day at around 11 p.m. and just landed face down on our beds and snored the night away.

Day 3 was less tiring although we went to the outskirts of Bangkok. But no elephant,crocodile or floating market could top our accidental discovery. Right across the hotel where we stayed the first night was a shopping heaven. We immediately lost our heads in the astonishing view of rows and rows of clothes and trinkets. In 2 hours, Mond has added 10kgs of goodies in his trunk.

Although I may just be speaking for myself... I wish the trip was longer and our pockets deeper. :) Nah! none of those limitations got in the way of us getting on with a wonderful trip. Till our next adventure... Sayonara Bangkok...open your shops to us again next time!

Mond, it was a pleasure travelling with you...you should know that I would always be bewildered by the circumstances by which we met and how those brief meetings led to such a surprisingly deep friendship. Thank you. Thank you.

Perth Australia

I am currently in Perth and about to end my 10 day school holiday. This time, instead of going back to the Philippines I decided to visit my friend Donna and her family. She has a lovable baby little Tyler and I have to admit, being with TJ was the highlight of my holiday. I once spent alone time in the city and it did not feel quite right without Donna and Tyler around. I sure hope I could have plenty of time with our dear Nathan (my nephew) as well...I can't wait for June!!!

My first official day into my holiday was last Saturday 27 March. I spent time with Donna in the supermarket as well as helping her with some errands. Then Nana , TJ's lovable and very hospitable grandma treated us to her home made banana cake. Ooops, she also treated us to Dome for breakfast the same day, lunch the day after and dinner the next! Hah! Quite a lovely lady Nana!! Mwah!

I explored the city and the malls, went on a cruise, drove to the vineyards, went to the beach,visited the local church, ate free chocolates and cheese, savored the country side view and taste! Perth is such a wonderful, relaxed holiday destination!

But it would not have been possible without the hospitality of Joel, Donna, Nana and the presence of Tyler! I could not have wished for more hospitable hosts! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!! No words can express my gratitude for your warmth and sincere friendship!

My top picks for perth: Joel and Donna's company, the clear blue skies, the cool weather (at least during my stay), TJ, and Nana's banana cake!

Perth may be the world's most isolated city...but it sure is warm and friendly!

Bintan

What a need to travel and fitting our budget of $150 can do... I should say we did a good job! Enjoyed Bintan with Joanne and Vilma...all first timers despite our many years working in Singapore. I guess it was meant for the three of us to explore it this time. Nice work guys!

My Misadventures in Unadventurous Singapore

I seem to have a very eventful life in Singapore. It seems to me that I am being showed around every possible wrong turn in this otherwise boring city.

• What would happen to you if you could not get into the career you've spent many years to build?
• What would happen if your house agent is not truthful?
  What should you do if you lose your work visa on the day before you are to go out to another country for a holiday?
• What would happen if you accidentally lose all your travel documents, certificates and important papers in an MRT train?
• What would happen should your employer forget to renew your work visa?
• What will happen if you become sick in a foreign land?
• What woulld happen if you suddenly find yourself LONELY in a foreign land?

I do not want to bore you with the answers but YES, I do know the answers. I think I found out how life is for a foreigner in Singapore the hard way. I am nonetheless grateful that in all of them, I learned and was not conquered.

I am inclined to believe that, despite the fact that I still do not have a solid plan to go back to the Philipppines for good, Singapore was not very kind to me. However, I also know that all of the experiences I had here has something to do with what is in stored for me.

Now, some good points.

• I have always lived in beautiful houses in Singapore and always with wonderful people.
• I have always been working and have not found myself without money or without work.
• My relationships changed here...it showed me the true status of what part people play in my life - REALLY.
• I find that I have become closer to God here and more free to engage in the different activities of my organization and church.
• I learned to cook, to be careful of my speech in the presence of others and to live with other people apart from family.

I know that there are a lot more... and a lot of mishaps as well... that I just laugh about now. I am one clumsy, thoughtless, careless person...and GOD has been very good to me!

Jakarta

I went with Vilma to visit Jakarta (and Worley my friend) and we had a blast despite our limited time. Due to some work constraints, we were forced to only spend two days in this capital city of Indonesia. Just as is accustomed, I went there just when things are happening...particularly bombings in the area. We stayed in hotel Ibis near the city center and met up with Worley first thing after checking in. We had a late lunch and soon after headed for the Saturday anticipated mass at 4:30 p.m. After mass, we were off to explore the city.

We rode their version of the MRT only they are trams/buses that were alloted a special lane on the streets and designated stops in landmark areas. We were very lucky to have not encountered traffic during our trip...quite unusual according to Worley. In fact, the day after, the area we visited actually had the streets closed and thus...no traffic at all! Only the metro buses i referred to earlier were allowed to run on the streets. Is that luck or what!

After going to malls and places of interests, we spent some time listening to music, eating some canapes and drinking tea/coffee at a hotel lounge. Of course, it was a pleasure experiencing shelling out hundred of thousands of money for a night cap! I kept the receipt of our RM250,000 bill. I felt so rich!!!

Our second day was the heritage tour going to MONAS and Chinatown. After a tiring day of walking and eating...we headed back to the airport and ended yet another travel adventure with my travel buddy Vilma. Till next time!

Conquering Davao...From Islands to Highlands!

It was four days of adventure like I never thought I would have again after my series of "Rayuma" and "P's". It's great to be alive.

We arrived in Davao last Wednesday (June 24) and was picked up and sent to a hotel by my cousin Kuya Pip. After visiting Tito Esting, Tita Lourdes and Tita Poleng, my companions and I (Jheng and Elise) thought we are still set to hit the road. But all went blank after we hit the bed!

The next day we hit the road early, having our breakfast on our way (Mcdo drive thru) to get to the Davao Marina Wharf on time (7:30) to catch our ferry to Pearl Farm. The resort is a sight to behold but you know it has had its better days. The staff are accommodating and always pleasant to interact with. However, our desperate efforts to find the famous marine life around the resort ended in disappointment. In fainess, it was picture perfect and the food were really excellent. Maybe the dessert table needs some improvement but ... well, it was still a thumbs up for me.

We ended the day buying pearls in Aldevinco from which we found some real steals, dinner in Yahong, and coffee in Jack's Ridge.

Third day was the highlight - Wild Water Rafting. I thought it would be a straineous activity but as it turned out...it was mostly relaxing as we traverse the calmer waters in our three hour rafting through Davao river. The sights were refreshing and the company was good.... no make that great!

After rafting, we went to spend the night in Paradise resort. We had a spanish dinner coupled with spanish songs rendered by the resort singing trio. After a few drinks and a stroll along the beach, we called it a day and were sound a sleep very soon after.

Our last day was spent half day in the beach, half day in the mountain. We went to Eden at 10:30 a.m. and ate our heart out as soon as we arrived in Eden...as in we literally charged to get plates shortly after our entrance.

Our good driver Leo sent us to get our free zip line ride at Zip city after Eden. It was short and sweet.... it was a suitable ending to our adventure trip.

Cameron Highlands

We had a relaxing weekend at the Highlands. The cold crisp weather, the tasty fruits and the great company more than makes up for the 10 hour bus ride to get there and the even more frightening 10 hour drive back (day time). It was worth it although we hope we had the time to put our feet up longer and savor the freshness of everything in Cameron.

What I learned in Singapore

A year in Singapore and these are the good and the bad of what I discovered...

1. The grass is always greener on the other side. I came here full of admiration for this country. How their government is. Their low taxes and efficient use of tax money. How they are given GST rebates. Impressed by how short their history has been as a country and yet they have gone leaps and bounds ahead of other Asian economies. But guess what? A lot are still not happy. They feel that rebates are given to ease the blow of another price increase. They feel that their education system is no good because their island is so little and that their choices for educators are scarce. They do not have enough... Whatever complaints I could hear in the Philippines, I hear here as well...believe me...they even complain about traffic! Once I was talking to a Singaporean convincing her that it is not usual for idle lands to be flat green with bermuda grass and for the streets to be totally free from even dry leaves. She replied smuggly..." Well other countries can have that too...they just have to pay their taxes"....and went on to complain about her tax deductions. Of course, for someone from the third world, I just give her a grin. :)

2. Passion in being THE BEST, THE FIRST, THE ONLY is what paved their lives forward. Everyone wants to contribute to their nations pride. Excellence is in their psyche. Yet, along with that, I can also see simplicity in the way things are done. Whatever things they do, they make life easier, systems user friendly and priorities in tacked. Government programs include, promotion of family building, pairing up singles so they should marry, eating two servings of fruits and vegetables everyday, increasing the practice of social graces, those sort of things.

3. Cultural Tolerance is possible only to a point of Usefulness. Singaporeans tolerate foreigners only because they help to do what they themselves do not want to do. At first, I was amazed of how diversified people are in this part of the world that I thought they were culturally tolerant. This is until I realized that it is only so because there simply isn't enough people here who can do too low or too high demand jobs. But inside, they grudge that the pie is getting smaller and smaller for them to share.

4. This is simply a SMALL country. It is like living in a water pod. Imagine growing up, working, building a family and growing old in Quezon city? In Singapore, you simply have to get out of here sometimes... it could get suffocating.

5. You are what you think you are. Singapore has succeeded in putting up the facade of success, stability, beauty. In most respect, it appeared so true that everyone believed it and so they went. Image is everything. Are they more intelligent than others? Nah. Are they more hardworking? Nah. Are they more good looking? Nah. But look at where they are. They just have a winning attitude. They just think they are more beautiful they dress up well. They just think they work hard ....that's why they feel so tired....ahahahah! Truth is, truth is relative.

Photos from Flikr

Splurging in Penang

It was a series of impulsive decisions after another that led the three of us (Jheng, Elise and Me) to a weekend in Penang. Jheng wanted to buy a laptop (Ok, you'll see later why this is relevant...be patient!) I didn't even want to go as I don't have money. She found her laptop, Lenovo and decided to buy it. After a while, she excitedly told me it comes with a free airline ticket to Penang, of Phuket, or Langkawi. I ended up buying two laptops so we could come with Elise. So much for sticking to a budget!

And so we planned our get away to Penang, our chosen destination. Since our Airline tickets (Malaysian Airlines) are free, we thought maybe we could splurge on the hotel. Having stayed in a Shangri-La managed hotel in Kuala Lumpur before (and greatly delighted by it) I decided to pursuade them to go to the best hotel in Penang since we figured it's not exactly a picturesque location anyway.

So we decided to rent a S$500 a night room in Rasa Sayang Hotel Penang, said to be the best hotel in the area. True. It's wonderful. Plus because we chose the Rasa Wing, we were preferred guests and simply could not keep up with all the eating. We were welcomed with cold drinks, cookies, pistacio nuts and an array of other munchies I do not know the name of plus a box of Orchids. When we went inside the room, there was warm tea and fresh fruits. The pool was salt water and is soothingly warm. The toiletries are branded (Aigner). Cuisine is superb and service is good. The room is not WoW because it's an old hotel. Being a Filipino, the beach is nothing extraordinary as well. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our stay and it justified the price.

The next day, after dozing on and off complimenting the heavy breakfast, we got ourselves a cab to go around shopping areas of Georgetown. Not really pleased...I should say. Penang is a small area with wonderfully simple people and their commerce is as simple as they live, I guess. We rented the same cab to go to Penang Hill the next day and it capped our restful little vacation. The cab driver then took us to the airport for our afternoon flight back to Singapore.

Would I come back to Penang? Well, maybe given another free trip perhaps. :)

Living in Singapore

When I went back to the Philippines a month back, I was often asked about my life in Singapore and frankly, there is not much I could say. Not because it is unpleasant but because it's simply...steady. For an ordinary foreigner living in this foreign land to work, there is not much that you can say, really. But then, time and again some jolts of surprises (or should I say mistake) spice up your stay and you learn even more from living as a foreigner in Singapore.

Just recently, I lost my card that says I am eligible to stay in Singapore to work. Six months ago, I lost all my passport, letter of endorsement to get a pass, birth certificate, transcipt, etc. placed in a FILO that bears all the story of my life. A little before that, a real estate agent tricked us of our money and was on the verge of paying another few thousand dollars for a house we newly rented (whew!). Otherwise, it was smooth as silk living here. (Hah!)

No, really. These are narrow escapes from exile but...

• When i lost my wallet with my work pass, it just took me 20 mins to have it replaced. My credit cards were blocked and requested in 5 mins. My local ATM was replaced over the counter.
• When I lost my FILO in the MRT, the good people of Singapore saved it, returned it to the MRT personnel and they in turn called me (repeatedly even) until I was reunited with my IDENTITY.
• When our real estate agent ripped us off, our good landlord saved the day and we got our money back plus a trusting relationship between us and our landlord emerged.

So enough of the exceptional days... what really goes on in Singapore can be written down because anyway... they are as predictable as the setting and rising of the sun.

Work Visa Holder, Permanent Residents, Citizens

Many of our next discussions will have a mention of any of these. So let us differentiate before we proceed:

Work Visa Holder:

Foreign workers who are new to Singpore or have opted to remain foreigners working in Singapore. The basis of their stay in Singapore is because of their work. They are I think allowed to own properties here under specially allocated properties for foreigners. Some benefits and rates accorded to to Permanent Residents and Citizens will not be given them. On the other hand, they are also not deducted the CPF (Central Provident Fund).

Permanent Resident:

After at least six months of work in Singapore, S Pass and above work visa holders can apply for Residency. Upon approval (which usually takes 3 months max from application), you are now allowed to stay in Singapore as a resident with or without work. As mentioned in my previous post, a PR status is required in most work especially in government offices and the financial sector that requires licenses. Singapore PRs have many benefits including lower rates for schooling, for housing (should you buy one), medical fees, etc. One major difference is the deduction of CPF from your salary. This will range from 4% -15% gradually. There are pros and cons of course... you have to tighten your belt...but at the same time, since your employer will be contributing the same amount as you are contributing to your CPF, more money in the pot. When you decide to leave Singapore to pursue your dreams back home or elsewhere, the CPF money will be given to you. Otherwise, if you plan to stay here for the long haul, then you could apply the money in your CPF to buy a house or for your retirement.

Citizens:

The Singaporeans and naturalized Singaporeans. Filipinos who have had their PR status for five years or more will be given an option to renew as a PR or as a Citizen renouncing your Filipino citizenship. Then you would receive the full preferential benefits Singapore accords to their Citizens. Depends on your priority Kabayan!

Currency and Money matters

Singapore dollars is one of the most steady currency in terms of exchange rate in the Philippines (SGD1 = around 30). It does not appreciate much but neither does it go down sharply. I still get confused with spending in the tens rather than in the hundreds and thousands that sometimes I overspend or even at other times, I forego what I should have purchased thinking that its pricey (or is it just my Math skills?)

Housing

There are different residence in Singapore (apartments, HDBs, Condos, serviced apartments, landed properties) but the most common residence for Filipinos here are HDBs and Condos. HDBs are government housing (?) owned by most Singaporeans (before they buy their Condos and rent out to foreigners). In the beginning, agents say, Filipinos will only opt for Condos. We can afford this because often, the rent is shared among friends/ family. However, with the recent spike on rental since around March of last year, HDBs became the refuge for Filipinos.



Luckily, some Singaporeans do know how to decorate and furnish their flats that sans the ammenities and security in a Condo, it might even look better than Condo flats. If you happen to chance upon one, as of posting, three bedroom flats would often cost SGD2,000 and above.



Condominium living in Singapore is still ideal though. With all the ammenities of a pool/pools, barbeque pit, koi ponds, gardens, playground for kids and adults, gym, club house with function rooms, some would even have bowling alleys inside, it is surely a pleasant place to stay in after a hard day's work. And having a security guard at your service is the best part although not frequently needed.



How do you look for a home? Well I did mention that there are pinoy websites where people post for additional room mates, or Filipinos who have been HDB owners themselves who want to rent out rooms or their flats.



Otherwise, there are advertisements in the newspaper. Usually this method is employed by those who do not want to pay an agent (see how much they charge in my previous post). But I would not suggest you do this if it is your first home here in Singapore. Why? The extra money you'd pay the agent will give you a.) more options, b.) help in paper work, c.) advise on many matters regarding rent and how to get the best deal even in settling down your new place (contacts for the plumber, aircon cleaner, cleaners, etc).



Sadly, recently we have been hearing of stories about bogus transactions between owner and tenant/ agent and tenant that are discomforting. One modus operandi is for an owner to agree on the price, get a deposit, and then at the last minute back out and not return the deposit anymore. Our case is another one where the agent did not remit (immediately) our deposit to the owner. Will hiring an agent minimize this...probably, probably not. However, it will not do you harm to hire an expert as added buffer. It is best to seek the recommendation of your friends rather than just advertisements.

Singapore Permanent Residents are allowed to buy HDB estates. I cannot write now of the requirements and special conditions for this now but will soon do when I get the details.

Government agencies

ICA

The first government agency that a Filipino aspiring to work or is working in Singapore will encounter will be ICA. This is the agency that issues the long term social visit pass (even up to 5 years if you have relatives who are Permanent Residents here) , extension of social visit pass (up to 3 months with a sponsoring citizen or PR) and the EPEC. It is a stone's throw away from Lavander MRT station.

Q numbers are issued at the relevant floors in the building and this is the first thing you should always get in government agencies here. It is not unusual to wait for about three hours for your transaction to finish but nonetheless, just bring a book and you'd be fine. The nice people in the ICA counters are firm yet accomodating. Having all your documents (passports, birth certificate, transcripts, diploma, etc) could come handy depending on your transactions.

It is best to go to ICA on Tuesdays to Fridays. Visit very early in the morning as there is frequently a long Q. A range of Q numbers can get their papers the same day. After that, you will be accommodated but you would have to go back the next working day to claim your documents. So it pays to be early.


MOM and your Work Visa

After finding work, your employer will direct you to the Ministry of Manpower for the issuance of your permit to work. There are several work visas that may be given depending on the type of work, experience and salary you have. Do look into the MOM website for your specific requirements. Unlike in ICA where Q numbers are issued at the corresponding floors, Q numbers in MOM are all issued at the ground floor. The numbers will direct you to where you are supposed to go. Q-ing up in MOM will take a long time so do take a book.

After your application is processed, you will be asked to complete the medical required for the visa. If you were recently an EPEC holder who have done your medical, that medical check up result will be valid for the next two years, thus you will no longer be required to do the medical for your work visa. This process, including the medical and the actual claim of the card will take about three days. However, as long as you have the in-principle letter of approval from MOM, you can already start working. This is applicable for Employment pass holder and above. Those working under S Pass, only upon application in MOM will you be allowed to work. Other companies though, in dire need of manpower, will use this time for you to go on training under a training allowance.

After the issuance of your work visa, do remember to bring it along with you at all times. In Singapore, everything needs an identification card. Singaporean Citizens have their IC's and foreign workers have their work visa card. You use this to apply for a phone line, a bank account... no other valid i.d. is taken except for this and passport. If you have both, both will be required for all important transactions.

Needless to say...you have to be very careful with it. Having lost mine once, it becomes really stressful knowing you do not have your pass. But have no fear, just go to the MOM/ Work Pass office and they will replace it within 3 days. Application will just take an hour max. After application for loss work visa, you will be given a letter and it will serve as your visa for the duration of time you still don't have your card back. I myself was able to leave for Penang without my work visa. I just showed the letter in the ICA counter at the airport and presto...I was let in and out of Singapore.

With your work visa, you are considered a resident of Singapore. Not a permanent resident, a resident. Therefore, at the airport, you can line up at the Resident /APEC card holder for shorter Q. There will be no stamping on your passport in Singapore too.

Whenever you change work, you have to change work visa because your stay in Singapore is tied up to your pass. If you get out of work without a new employer waiting, you only have two weeks to stay in Singapore. EPEC cannot be applied twice. Your only option at this point would be to look for a new employer or go home and do the steps (sans the epec option) over again.

You also have to inform the MOM about your change in address should you change residence.

Philippine Embassy

As an Overseas Filipino Worker, do remember to register for OWWA in the Philippine Embassy. I don't really know how this helps but one thing i know, you can save on travel tax and terminal fees with your OWWA membership. I think you also get an insurance from our government.

Upon reaching the Philippine Embassy, which is in a place I so far get to only by taxi, you also get a Q number from the gate. It is a small office so you won't get lost when you enter. Your OWWA application and papers will all be given to you on the same day. Please do bring a photocopy of your passport and work visa. Needless to say (but I am saying anyway) you can only apply for OWWA if you already have a work visa.

Everytime you visit the Philippines, you have to get an EXIT PASS. This pass will entitle you for a free travel tax (P1650) and terminal fee (P700) because you are an OFW - not bad! You need not get the exit pass when you are going elsewhere, however. You can also get the Exit Pass in Lucky Plaza (the Filipino mall!) along Orchard Road on Sundays. The Q will be longer here though because it is easier to go here than in the Embassy. However, you cannot transact the application of OWWA membership in this counter. You can get multiple exit pass at a time if you are traveling frequently to the Philippines. Each Exit Pass costs around $5 or $6. Bring your ticket, work visa and passport with you. The counter is located right beside iRemit. Right next to it too is the SSS counter where you can transfer your SSS membership to Singapore and continue your contributions through iRemit and receive your benefits here in Singapore.

Filipinos with a PR status in Singapore is no longer required to get an exit pass. This will also mean that you would have to pay the travel tax and the terminal fees again...but I heard at a reduced rate.

Police

Police stations are usually located alongside their community centers although I have seen one under an HDB estate. This is where you go for all your complaints. A police report always comes handy when things do not go well. When we were victimized by an agent, we went to complain here- more precisely, our landlord lodged the complaint here. Citizens and Permanent Residents go to the outpost to inform them of change in address. When I lost my wallet and work visa, I was advised to go immediately to the police outpost as the police report will be necessary in applying for my work visa replacement and my bank atm.

Remittance and Balik Bayan Boxes

The most famous place (if not the only place) you can do this is at the Lucky Plaza along Orchard Road. I saw Metrobank, PNB, iRemit as the most frequented stalls there although I did see some western unions etc. The rates are quite uniform for all, it may be the location and convenience of the recipient or the fees they charge that would spell the difference and preference of our OFWs. Bank to bank is most popular although for provinces, remittance through door to door still applies.

Couriers are also aplenty in Lucky Plaza. Boxes big and small are displayed in a number of shops especially on the third and fourth floors. Shipping fees will range from $50 - $130 depending on size and destination of balik-bayan boxes. Once you have a record in these firms, some of them offer delivery of balik-bayan boxes to your homes for free. After filling them up, you can call for them to pick it up again with no difference in charges. Shipping your "pasalubongs" is the most cost efficient way to send by bulk to our homeland...especially if they don't amount to much but is just as heavy (canned goods, small items from Ikea, etc.)

Schools

Each community will have a primary and secondary school for your kids. Additional schools run by churches and religious orders are also aplenty. International schools are also sprawling. It all depends on your budget.

Of course, the most cost efficient way to school your children would be in the local schools. Children of OFWs are allowed to enter the Singapore school system. You also have to be ready because I heard they are quite rigorous and strict especially past primary level 3 (grade 3). The cost will be significantly lower is you are already a Permanent Resident.

Some terms : A level = our high school graduates; O level = graduates of junior college (JC) two year courses in our lingo; Diploma/ Certificates= after O levels but may be finished in a year diplomas- closest to us would be special courses equivalent; Poly Graduates = (i can be wrong) our vocational graduates; Degree, Masters, Ph.D = Bachelors and Post Graduate Degree holders.

Church

Singapore is liberal in Religious practices. I am Catholic and I do not find trouble looking for Catholic Churches and even communities in Singapore. My guide is the Veritas site. You can check for church locations, time of services and the latest news in the archdiocese. The Catholic community here is vibrant. There are even Filipino masses in some churches on a regular schedule. But as in anywhere else, the warmth of the community is in direct proportion to your desire to take part in the community life. Other religious denominations also abound.

Shopping

I need not say anything about this. Ika nga ni Elise : "Kagandang Bansa!"

Household

I have already discussed previously about the housing arrangements by Filipinos in Singapore. Maintaining a harmonious relationship inside the house is vital in your survival. You cannot be one foot in and one foot out in your commitment in living in a place with friends. Even if you are on your own, your tenancy in the house you have will dictate commitment for a period of time. This may seem common sense but with uncertainty of work - or sanity... it is helpful to keep in mind that co-existence requires your full commitment.

Household chores and expenses are shared. Expectations should be spelled out and in my experience - notice should be given whenever one feel discomforted by anything happening in the house instead of our Filipino practice of just adjusting and letting it go until you are full to the brim. Be kind to yourself and to your housemates, they may just be waiting for you to tell them your expectations. Tact is essential. Sensitivity to the needs of others a requirement.

In our household, we cook for each other to save on "eating out" on weekdays. We each have an assignment and we eat whatever is served... ahahahha! No worries about this. We all learned how to cook in Singapore.

If the unit you get is furnished, you are most likely to get a washing machine and air-conditioner in every room. Laundry schedule should be arranged as clothes lines are limited. Arrangements in the use of air-conditioner should be clear so that no one over uses the AC while everyone divides the PUB (utility bills) equally.

We also contribute equally to the grocery pot because we cook and eat home plus the laundry paraphernalias and cleaning materials and the daily bread and egg and milk supplies. For our household $60 is enough per person.

PUB expenses include the water, electricity and garbage disposal fees (with some it also includes the gas for cooking) in a household of three bedrooms would cost around $180-$250 depending on use.

Phone bills will also differ. Our household have a wireless, land phone and mobile phone (which was assigned to me) which we pay for $70/month. That includes a handphone unit for me tied for two years. But we usually pay including our usage for international calls about $150 a month which is not heavy because we also use skype and yahoo to communicate back home.

Room rent for our household depends on the size and type of room you have. A percentage of which is multiplied to your rent for the flat. So you could be renting a room as low as $500 to $800 or more depending on your flat's rate.

Household help will only be needed when you have little kids in tow and both parents are working. I think the going rate is about $450 a month for a help coming from the agency excluding initial fees and monthly levy for workers paid to the government. So expect to fork up $700 to $800 for house help. We do get some help sometimes at $10/ hour for ironing and cleaning of the house when needed. Minimum is usually 3 hours per mobilization.

So there you go... rent, pub, (household help), communications, grocery, ...your staple household expenses. On top of these would be your personal transportation and lunch expenses.

Aside from Money

I think I have been focusing on the expenses heavily on this blog. But it IS necessary for your decision making don't you think. Of course my indications are for an ordinary worker like me. The expenses you have will depend on the lifestyle you wish to practice while away from home. I could say that based on the fact that I am single, low maintenance and with little obligation, I live comfortably on the expenses mentioned above.

But aside from money, I enjoy the fact that parks and recreational activities are within your reach in Singapore. A lot of travel iteneraries are within reach (Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand...) and affordable. Community centers offer special recreational courses. You can volunteer on a number of initiatives. It is a small place buzzling with activities. Nature reserves abound for your outdoor activities while at the same time (and in the same vicinity) gimmick places and malls are sprawling. If safety is a major concern, it IS safe here.

But I guess, with the length of my blog post, you can only screen information according to your guts. If you think you should go, you would. If you think you shouldn't, you wont. With or without this article. Do pray before making any steps because we are called to be in a variety of places and situations so none of the things that I said will matter in the greater scheme of things. Hah!

New Year Holiday 2008

I visited another Malaysian city for my new year..but this time with my brother, the birthday celebrant Aaron. Even without the trip, my holiday spirit soared as soon as I saw him at the airport. I never thought I would miss seeing my family this much. My father always tells me that this was my choice and that I miss them because I wanted to miss them. Well, life is a choice and it does not mean that I am always happy with my choices.

Anyway, that is not the topic of this blog. I wanted to tell you about my Kuala Lumpur trip remember? Well, we started off in the KTM Railway station in Tanjong Pagar which later on we learned was already Malaysian soil so to speak. I think that was the best part of the journey, instead of going down the train twice for immigration, you only go down once because Malaysian immigration is done before you even board the train. And so we arrive at the Kuala Lumpur SENTRAl terminal and to my surprise, it was much better than I expected. THis is the hub of all the train lines in all of Kuala Lumpur including the train we used straight from Singapore and one directly from the airport. You will not be mugged by taxi drivers as well (as i hear other travellers say when they reach the bus station in KL) because there is a line for us to buy taxi coupons to take us to our hotel. The trip took us 8 hours in all so we are famished when we got to Kuala Lumpur at 5pm.

When we reached Trader's Hotel in KLCC, we are only too glad to see that the location was perfect. It is close to the Petronas towers but not too close (in fact it is across the towers with a park in between them) lettin you enjoy the view even better. The kind front desk personnel Eirene upgraded us (for only a few ringgits) to a top level executive room, with an access to the executive lounge that gave us free breakfast, afternoon tea (which we used as our lunch) and evening cocktails (flowing drinks, wine, etc.). You could imagine how much time we spent on this floor! We also have access to the internet in the lounge where we can print out documents as well. We booked our Aeroline bus ticket to return to Singapore through this terminal.

I enjoyed my time with "bunso" the most. How he was so much in the holiday mood and that it seems like nothing can spoil his holiday. He almost completely let go of sleep for our second night had I not told him we should book a hotel room where the Aeroline bus will pick us up. I love my brother! I mean really love him...I miss him already just thinking he will be leaving in a few days.

Which brings me a thought as I start my new year. I should go home more often. I should even considering going back after my commitments here in Singapore. I don't know, now that I am with my bro, I suddenly felt there was something not right in my leaving home.... well, for now, it is just a thought. I'll let that sink some more.


Happy new year everyone! No flashback of the year that was this year...only looking forward... for the mean time. Take care and Seize the day everyone!

Miri Christmas 2007!

Miri is an island in Sarawak Malaysia (Borneo) near the borders of the Kingdom of Brunei. Simply put it is a land blessed with natural resources (sea, lakes, mountains, fields and the first island of Malaysia to pump oil from their land and water, read: PETRONAS/SHELL), where people are simply dressed but everyones' got wheels, and finally where BATA shoes go on sale with prices that makes me wish I can carry them all to Singapore!

I had a "Miri Christmas" with my new friend Vilma (thanks Och!). She graciously invited me to spend Christmas with her in Miri, and with little hesitation, I went ahead and booked a flight. I was in Miri for 6 days (from the 20th of December to the 26th) and I think I made a wise move after all.

Vilma's warm welcome and great company made me feel at home for the rest of the time I was in Miri. I can feel her hospitality even when we are doing nothing at home...ok, i admit, what gave her away was her kind treatment to my ruined "Menudo" Ahahaha!

It was a simple Christmas spent in good company. We went to parks, beaches, but the most fun is when we hit the road with little or no clue if we are on the right track. :) No worries here.. just pure adventure.

Bora Pictures