Still

We’ve travelled far enough already as Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore and experienced 3D2N cruise in a luxurious 5-star Super Star Virgo, but I still keep on reading back my entries about our Baguio, Bohol and Tagaytay travels.  I must admit I still miss the feeling of being totally relaxed and worry-free during these times. I wonder if anybody feels the same thing as mine, but given the chance…I would still prefer discovering Philippines and its living wonders.

At this very moment, I’m actually thinking of Sagada, Pagudpod, Vigan and more of Tagaytay bed and breakfasts that I would want to visit with Gil in the future. I’m imagining waves of beaches of Panglao Island again with its fine-powdery white sands beneath my feet, the excitement for breakfast at Bohol Bee Farm, the experience of being lost again at Camp John Hay in Baguio…

I never been to the whole world yet, in time I hope, but I knew and I’m sure that my heart will always be longing for my home, the Philippines.

Update

Inasmuch as I wanted to update this online journal regularly, I just couldn't find the best word to start, not because I don’t have anything to discuss but because I don’t know where to start since a lot had happened since I’ve been in hiatus for some time now.

Just last Saturday, we moved out of Sembawang and transferred to a more convenient, nearer and cheaper room along Jurong West. It’s located three bus stops away from Boon Lay MRT which is two stations away from Joo Koon where Gil works and three stations away from mine. Luckily, my office arranged taxi service for me every morning, free! The taxi will be waiting for me at the car park, right behind the HDB’s elevator… no rush and definitely no reason to be late anymore. For Gil who previously needs to leave the house at 6:40 in the morning, is just starting the day that same time! Lol 

the efficient MRT system of Singapore

...and yes, we're located at the end most part of Singapore already! :)

Pura Vida Villas: Tagaytay's Perfect home-away-from-home

The first time we went back to Philippines after more than six months in Singapore was a blast! I’ve tried to squeeze-in overnight out-of-town trip for both our families. And where else is the best spot nearest to Manila in terms of climate, foods and views? Definitely Tagaytay!

Gil and I had been to Tagaytay for several weekend escapades during our bf-gf stage. Gil’s family actually has their small ‘bahay-bakasyunan’ in Tagaytay, but we preferred sampling the bed-and-breakfasts around the area. This time, we wanted them to experience the comfort of Tagaytay accommodation and to sample some of the best places and delicacies of Tagaytay.

Tita Ninang Lally in front of Pura Vida- Villa Mar

 Want to take a dip?

Singapore for First- Timers

It’s been more than a year already since we first set foot in Singapore, finally after several invitations by Gil’s best friend Dhel. Thanks to Air Philippine’s irresistible P888 promo, we were able to book RT air tickets for two for only P5,434.00. Glad to have booked AirPhil as well because unlike other budget airlines, AirPhil’s terminal (and PAL) is in Changi Terminal 2- the more upscale airport in Sg. Quite a warm welcome for first timers like us! J

Gil at PH Terminal 2 while waiting for boarding

2011 Recap

We consider 2011 as our year as blessings pour down on our way continuously since the year began. Gil officially asked me to marry him January during our 3^rd year Anniv  trip at Kinabuhayan Café. The wedding was supposedly December of this year, or the same January 18^th but seemed like God has a better plan for us, as always.

February was a busy month spent with work and preparation for our 1^st time out of the country trip, Singapore-Malaysia second week of March. Good thing we were sponsored by Gil’s best friend Dhel and so we had free accommodation along with unlimited treats and freebies (Yey!). I only stayed for 5 days because of work while Gil stayed for two weeks, the first week to accompany me strolling around and the last week to apply for work. He started sending out applications after I left Singapore and during that one week, he got the job! He went back to Pinas to resign from his almost 10 years job at Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd. and went back to Singapore 2^nd week of April, after we have completed all our wedding requirements.

happy deepavali!

Diwali: The Festival of Light

Deepavali (Diwali), also known as "Row of Lights", marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year based on Lunar Calendar. The name itself derive from Sanskrit; Dipa means lamp, and Awali means row. -source here.

As Singapore participates with India's Deepavali festival, the working people including me and Gil rejoice as this day was declared holiday. The past few weeks been so stressful that a day-off would favor our much awaited us time--rest and shopping-on-a-budget at that. And yes, more movie time at home.

...and new look to my blog as well! ^^

too close...real close

We flew to Singapore 2 days after our wedding, June 20, 2011. I was not actually into looking for a job but since our NSO marriage contract is not yet available until now, the supposedly Dependant’s Pass is not possible. The first week was spent for mere vacation, rest and food trip. Tuesday the following week, I decided to update my resume and started sending out applications via email. I had few interviews within the 1^st month, but seem they’re not really for me as one could only apply for my pass on September while my Social Visit pass will already expire August 19. The other one asked me to relocate to Jurong East area as the work may need me to report in no time.

I’ve been the family’s bread winner since then being the eldest and being a total bum and dependent is not me. Those two months had been the most challenging months for me, as I found myself depressed at times, crying and talking with myself about how my life would go now. I could never be this dependent to my husband the whole time. I only have barely two weeks when another company called up, the day when I was really sick with colds, tonsillitis and severe cough and phlegm. Susan, the HR called up lunch time asking me to report for an interview that same day at 5pm. “Today?” I asked. “I was sick today!” I heard Susan chuckled. But yes, I still went to the interview which turned out to be the best Sg interview I had which somehow made me feel confident and important.

The following day was a holiday, Singapore’s National Day. Gil and I were surprised to receive a call from Susan asking me to start work the following day, Wednesday. The pass will be filed that same day as well. Mixed emotions it was! I cried! I never lose hope and faith in Him that I believe in His every will and plans for me…for us. 

My first day at work was not the usual first day of an employee. It was my busiest first day ever! It helped that I was with a construction company before, very similar with my Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd. role- as an Accounting Assistant, this time assistant to the Singaporean Accounts Manager. 

Having my pass approved was not as easy as I thought it would be. The first apply was rejected—as they were already thinking of just paying me for the days I’ve worked. But thanks to my manager who believes in me and asked HR to re-apply again, this time with a higher salary rate than the previous rate applied. She said it could be with the salary rate and the position as well. So they re-applied from an Accountant position down to Accounting Assistant but from an okay salary rate to a higher, more favorable rate. :)

The 2^nd application was done Friday, and I only have 1 week left to stay. Comes Thursday the following week (2 days before my stay expires), my pass was approved! To my surprise, I had the Medical Exam that same day. Truth is, if there’s one thing I’m so not confident about, it’s the X-ray. I have Fibrotic Infiltrates- medical term for lung scarring brought about by previous lung issues. Though it’s only minimal and I’ve already undergone medications, it has always been an issue since I always need medical certificate with me or films to show lung stability during my Philippine employment. How much more in a foreign land as Singapore?

I don’t know if it was the medical certificate from Makati Med, or the radiologist being a Filipino, or God’s will and faith that my X-Ray was clear! No traces of scars, whatsoever! But personally, I consider that as miracle, testimony of God’s unspeakable love and graces.

My pass was issued August 18, exactly a day before my Short term visa expires. We only got few days left but we never visited any airlines’ websites for flight bookings. Gil and I were tensed, yes, but we firmly believed I would come up with the job God has prepared for me that will allow me to stay legally in Singapore with my husband. It has been a challenging journey, but we knew we’re safe and heading on the right track since He’s with us, always.

Matthew 7:7-8

⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” 

Bon Appetit at Kinabuhayan Cafe

From a relaxing Lake Pandin cruise, we rode on a jeep bound to San Pablo city proper. Little did we know that then was the town’s fiesta so we were greeted by side by side traffics and flea markets on the streets. Few streets from the church are the jeeps bound to Candelaria Quezon, the trip that will pass by Tiaong Quezon. From Tiaong is another ride going to our destination, Dolores Quezon.

We failed to catch the last trip from Tiaong New Market to Dolores thus our last option of a special tric ride for P150 (plus P50 tip). Landmark of Kinabuhayan Café is Dolores Central School, few walks along Dejarme St and you’ll find the quaint café.

To be honest, we were not impressed with the place at first. On the center of the restaurant is a billiard table, on both corners are two tables (one of which I think is the only one being used—the one we actually used in our 2 days stay). Dry cat’s coating was hanging on the wall, candelabras with melted candles, pictures of an ermitanyo looking man on the old big mirror.

Then the same person appeared from the kitchen who welcomed us with his unbelievable perfect English accent. He was Jay Herrera--the person of character, the owner and the chef. Don’t get me wrong, I already saw him on some videos and blogs, but meeting him in person is something. But since we were too tired from commuting, we asked for our ‘room’ first for some rest. Good thing we never expected too much on this trip…and glad to be surprised all along…

sneak peak of our humble 'room' for the night