Random Thoughts🦋

Showing posts with label Living in Thailand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Living in Thailand. Show all posts

Friday, June 03, 2011

Patience is a VIRTUE



I thought the word "hopeless" exist for real because I was feeling it before.. Especially, when it comes to having better opportunities for me to work with a permit.


I figured it was just a state of mind. Hope ends when we're buried 6 feet below the ground... "When there's LIFE, there is HOPE"~Cicero.


Fortunately, I came across online about this private organization which is pretty much related to my field of expertise/study. The good news is... I lived very close to it.., I have spent 160 baht on taxi fare (back & forth) yesterday :)


I skipped doing my other online activities the past few weeks so as to give way to my searching online jobs and thinking about how could I be able to work legally, with less competition. Luckily, I got many options to work with a permit here. But, I don't need to work right away.


So, I have spent my entire two weeks to search jobs that are relevant to my Bachelor's degree. I just thought that there are so many teachers around here and felt that it would be difficult to be one just because of other qualifications that they're asking.


I have decided to go and apply (by myself) as a VOLUNTEER. Why? because it is the only way that I could for now. I could provide assistance and so building my professional networking strategies, preparing for the near future.

When I was there, they greeted me and I introduced myself. They're so welcoming. I handed my curriculum vitae along with my credentials to the Psychologist and Managing Director (English-speaking Thais). We had a brief interview about their Foundation. They're amazed how I found their website and the job vacancies but rather would become a volunteer. In fact, there are possible jobs available for me. I told them that I have to take care of my 13-month-old baby and when she turns 2, I could be able to work full time. They agreed. I have learned that volunteers are also given work permits but it depends on the evaluation or discretion of the Director (of course).


Immediately, they decided to accept me as a volunteer at KG. They have 18 children ages ranging from 3-6. It is a Foundation so the tuition fee is cheap (1,000 baht a year). They introduced me to the KG teachers and the children. I was so happy to meet them all. Out of curiosity, I asked the Psychologist if there are Thai Social Workers employed in their Organization. He replied, "None, we are psychologists here, if given a chance that we hire you, it's for the first time.."


They insisted that I could go visit the jail about 3 hours away from Bangkok. I declined. I said that I prefer to volunteer or work close to my home so I could come early to work and go home easily (notwithstanding the traffic).


We already have scheduled my first volunteer work for next week and I am so much excited. We exchanged numbers so we could contact each other. I will have to draft my work plan this weekend and email it to them.


Meanwhile, my hubby had a salary increase effective last month. He told me yesterday that my daughter may enroll in November this year. But, I told him that she was too young to go to school. She will be 19 months old by then! He reasoned out that children here are going to school as early as 2 years old. We have agreed that I could only work full-time.. if our daughter started going to school. 


But, the Bible said: "Good things come to those who wait.." (Psalm 27:14; Lamentations 3:25-26; Romans 8:25) God is good all the time! :)

Saturday, April 23, 2011

The Worst Job Offer For Me This Year


Finding a job here in Thailand is not very easy, especially for those non-education graduates. If you are, it is still a problem because you need to prove that you can teach students who couldn't understand, read, write, or speak any English. It is indeed a challenge for job hunters to prove that they can. During the interview, they will ask you to do demo teaching and you are expected to communicate with your students more effectively using your methods, tools, and teaching techniques/skills.

Some of my friends in the Philippines, they thought working here is easy... They are completely WRONG! Teaching careers here are in demand but, there is a huge population of competitors/applicants from other countries. Apparently, their priority is to choose English Native Speakers for any teaching positions, especially in some International Schools. Secondly, they also take into account the educational background (which is a BS Education graduate) with Masteral is an advantage.

List according to importance when applying for a job here:

1. English Native Speakers (US, UK, Canada, Australia,etc.)
2. Educational Background
3. Work Experience as a teacher in his Country + here in Thailand
4. Teaching Skills/Tools/Methods via demo teaching
5. Physical Attributes (Presentation)
6. Age Requirement

On the other hand, other nationalities from all over the globe are applying for the same position. And I am one of them! I worked as a Guidance Counselor cum Science teacher way back in SY 2000-2001 in Antipolo City. I have the experience to hold a Home-room adviser position for 4th Grade in one of the Christian schools in Penafrancia. But, my teaching skills aren't enough to teach in the classroom for foreign pupils/students. I admit that, because I know my strengths and weaknesses, as far as my career is concerned.


Last 2009, I started job hunting here in Bangkok. I came across a language center (which I don't wanna mention) online through Thaivisa.com & Ajarn.com. This language center phones me up for a job interview. I showed up so early before our scheduled time. But, I was shocked that they were very unorganized. I was expecting to have accommodated on time. Instead, the owner kept me waiting for an hour! Then, finally, after an hour had my job interview with her. She was a little rude and had high regard for herself. I felt uncomfortable but, I composed myself not to express what I was feeling at the moment. She said that I passed the job interview and told me to start the following week. I asserted to ask about the pay rate, and she told me that it was 13,000 baht only. That includes my housing allowance, ED visa (not a working visa), and meals while at work. All in all, it's only 8,000 baht in take-home pay. Plus, I've got to work on Saturdays and the hours of work is 7:30am-6:30pm (6 days of work!🙄 Whoa!🤯)


In the same year, I was also called for a job interview for a KG teacher in Pinklao, which is about 3 hours travel from my place, then. I was interviewed by the school principal and he said that I got the job and the salary was 15,000 baht and the rent for my apartment will be 1,500 baht a month (he owned it). I hesitated to accept the job offer because it was too far from our home, and I don't need to live in an apartment because I'm living with my husband. He also told me that I don't have to work because he will provide for all my needs. So, I stopped my job hunting. Until I got pregnant LOL.


This year, I've searched again, online for a part-time job during the weekends. I found a private learning and computer school that I thought would be great to start teaching in the classroom. They phone me for a job interview with the Headteacher (a British guy), a few weeks ago. Again... I passed the job interview and he turned me over to an office staff to discuss the pay rate, the whereabouts of the students, and the schedule. I don't understand why the head teacher couldn't be able to discuss it with me, openly. Probably because the system itself is unfavorable.

So, I was about to teach two students (a couple), 35 years old, 2 hours every Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 280 baht per hour. I was startled by the rate! I was hoping to have 20.00 baht more so I negotiated with them. The lady told me that she would have to ask the Academy about my concern and that I had to wait on their phone call if they agreed or not, but I had to start the following week that we had agreed.

One day, somebody from that learning center called me up to tell me that the Management did not agree to the negotiation. In fact, they were offering me 180 baht (too LOW!), the lowest job offer in my life! I was a little upset, but still, I composed myself, as a professional. I thought I was hearing her incorrectly, so I made some clarifications on the pay rate that on the previous meeting, I was offered 280 baht per hour and not 180 baht. Then, she repeated that it was indeed 180 baht (what? goodness, gracious!!!) and her voice was serious. I believed her because I thought it was a joke at first! LOL.

I replied, "I am so sorry that I can't accept your job offer of 180 baht per hour on weekends because right now, I am earning 500 baht per hour for each student and I don't need to travel far because their houses are few walks from my home. Some of my students are learning English online.

The lady said, "But because you are not a native speaker and have no work experience in class here in Thailand, no education diploma (this was the exact message I got from her). Sorry about that....

I responded, "I don't have to be a native speaker to teach two students a basic conversation. My friends aren't native speakers, and they aren't education graduates either. But, they've earned their experience working here in Thailand because they were considered despite that. Yes, I don't have a teaching experience in the classroom and I have no education certificate... But, I can teach. Besides, you're only giving me 2 students so that means it is more of private teaching or tutorial. If I am an education graduate... will you give me a work permit in that given situation? I don't think so. I am rejecting your job offer, I'm sorry.

Charged to experience it again. I am not that desperate to grab any jobs that offer such pay rates. I may have to think about the traveling expenses and the distance. It matters a lot! If you need to travel, you will spend money and if it's far from your home, you will still spend time. Not smart enough to just accept without thinking many times of the pros and cons. That was the worst job offer that I had in my life here in Thailand! I hope it'll be the last (fingers crossed🙄).

It is very essential to know what you want in looking for a job. If you aren't assertive of your priorities and needs here... You will end up working stressful and not realizing your worth as a person. Sure they have the right to offer you a low pay rate but, it is up to you to accept it or not. They're doing that, hoping you would accept it anyhow and so the school/company will have a great deal having you as a teacher working full load or too many unrelated tasks given to you without paying you more about your efforts. This is Thailand, if you aren't that smart, sensible, prepared, resourceful, and skillful enough then, this is not your world. You've gotta learn to compete with other foreign people like you here (in a healthy, professional way).






borrowed images from google

Friday, April 01, 2011

Home Alone (Day 11): Busy As A Bee


I had a long day yesterday and I did what I have planned to do except for going to the gym and paying for the car amortization. I had too many activities from the morning, till night. Time indeed flies so fast and the days are shorter than nights.

I woke up at 8 and had breakfast at 9. I had a shower and went out to withdraw some money to pay for the electric bill and deposit money to my hubby's other ATM so he could spend on something that we need. I withdrew money from his other ATM that he left so I could be able to settle his car payment, and electric bill and send him some money from his salary this month. However, for whatever reason, I couldn't be able to get some more money higher than 15,000 baht. So, I paid the electric bill and send him the 10k and the car's monthly amortization tomorrow.

The weather was sunny and I loved it, unlike the other day when I got so lazy and tied up in bed, so bored.

Below herewith was the plan:

1. Withdraw money from SCB ATM and have these things settled
- car payment - NOT DONE
- electric bill
- sanitation fee
- deposit money for hubby's ATM account
- birthday gift
- miscellaneous


2. Gym Work-out
- NOT DONE

3. Visit my Thai friend to help me pick up our car from Toyota Ram Inthra because it was repaired (had a minor scratch).

4. Check out Apartments for rent
- how much is the monthly rent? how long is the contract?
- is it with air conditioning and furniture?
- how much is the deposit and advance payment?

5. Tutorial at 6:00-7:00pm

6. Shopping for my birthday gift for my friend's son who will just turn one this month.


Something came up which was unplanned. My Thai friend told me that his hubby would have to pick up our common friend at the Suvarnabhumi airport this afternoon, the guy came from England. I waited for more than an hour at my friend's house for her husband to come from school (he's a teacher, like my hubby) as we were going together. Since Toyota Ram Inthra is just along the way to our common friend's house, they might as well drop our friend at his house and then we go to pick up my hubby's car at Toyota.

So we had a U-turn and when we were there the Toyota asked me to pay 1,000 baht for excess at first, I wouldn't able to understand why the car insurance won't cover the expenses. In my mind, I just said, "what is the use of car insurance, if they won't insure the car when you need it or in a case like this..." For whatever stupid reason that is, which they couldn't be able to explain clearly to their customers, that really sounds too stupid to me. Why the left are you ripping me off for???!! My Thai friend just said it is just the way it is here in Thailand, that even Thais couldn't and wouldn't explain it clearly. They only said that the company changed the policy (as if, it is too easy to change such a policy without even considering/acknowledging the customers' welfare/rights. I was disappointed, but it was okay because our car was returned back home now, I missed it for 10 days🙄


I came home at 10pm, I was too exhausted. I had a cold shower to awaken myself somehow and because I felt so dusty and yucky from going out the whole day (almost, I'm counting my fingers now, lmao). I couldn't be able to sleep well if I haven't showered. Probably, I can hardly sleep, but if I did.. the whole night will be a nightmare because I'd just scratch myself because I stunk, 😂ewwww!


I love to end the night (oh! it's almost morning..) by saying... I had a long day, as busy as a bee, but I was happy. It's now 2:30 am. Good night/morning, bloggers and readers!!!😅

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Charged To Experience


Yesterday, I went to Pantip Plaza to have my new HP notebook's battery replaced because it wasn't charging at all. If my notebook is not covered by the warranty, then it will be too expensive to buy a new one. They said it would cost me around 5,000 baht just for that thing. It was like half the price of my notebook when I bought it.

Going to Pantip Plaza from Ramkamhaeng 150 will take you two hours because of the traffic jam. It was ridiculous indeed as I stayed for only 10 short minutes to talk with them regarding my two concerns. However, the travel time was 4 long hours, back and forth. My two main reasons were: 1.) to complain about the VAT refund for tourists, which I wasn't able to claim because of their *BS* tricks. and 2.) to ask for a battery replacement.

First, when I went to the 3rd floor of the CSC Electronics store. I brought my passport and the official receipt with me so they could validate my identity and the notebook that I bought from their store last December 22, 2010. I asserted that my notebook was under warranty and they told me to go to the 4th floor (the store's service center).

While I was on the 4th floor, I also complained that I haven't got my VAT refund for a tourist last time that I went to the Philippines because they (the store) didn't give me a yellow form when I asked and they said that I should get it at the airport. Duh~! I told them that I went to the airport and explained to them the same but they were saying that the store was not listed as "accredited" to distribute the yellow form.

The staff/technician who speaks English asked me if I know the person who told me that, of course, I didn't know her personally but I remember her face. He said, he would try his best to help. He left for 3 minutes and then when he came back he told me that I wouldn't be able to get my refund because the receipt was addressed in Thailand where I am staying and it was almost 3 months when I bought it, so there's no other possible way that I could get it refunded. I thanked him for his effort in explaining it to me. But then, again... it's a charge to experience.

Moreover, he accompanied me to the 3rd floor of HP's Authorized Service Center and he turned me over to the staff in charge. In fairness, they were so accommodating and friendly. They found out that my battery was not charging. Since it is still under warranty (less than three months old), they will provide the replacement at their expense. My HP notebook is under one year warranty and it is really a good help. But, I wish for the best.

They said that they will get my notebook because they need to replace the battery. But, I told them how can I use my notebook if they'll get it from me. They smiled and said, "Oh okay~ so you're using your notebook every day! No problem, we will just take off the battery so you could still be able to use your notebook while waiting for the replacement".

Finally, they told me that I will call them or they will call me after 3 working days, to know if they have the new battery for me. I gave them my mobile number, passport details, email address, and home address. They asked me to sign the incident report before I left. They gave me a copy of it, which I will show when I claim the replacement.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Important Tips During A Family Interview @ The US Embassy Applying for Newborn Passport


This image is not mine, photo credit from www.rd.com/Google images

My hubby said that personal appearance is very, very important for applying for a US passport/Citizenship. We weren't aware of the questions that they might ask. I was a little nervous because it was my first time being interviewed at the US Embassy in my whole life. But I pretended to be calm so that everything will be okay (somehow).

When we were called, my hubby handed the forms along with our passports. The one in charge told us to go to the "privacy room" where nobody could see or hear what we were discussing.

The Family interview has two parts:

1. Questions about the validity of the documents, the officer in charge scanned our documents if they were completely and correctly filled out. It also mentioned about the process of getting the Certificate of Live Birth Abroad, Social Security Number, and Passport.

2. Questions about personal like:

*When, where, and how did you meet? (This question is included probably because of child trafficking and mail-order bride, the US government would like to make sure that I am not selling my baby for illegal adoption or probably things beyond my imagination.)

*Tell me something about your relationship. (I already gathered some pictures of us together as a couple, like the first time we met and our love letters from email and registered mail when my hub was still writing me. Good thing, I am a very sentimental person. I gathered all his letters and pictures as proof that we have a relationship.)

The following questions were too personal.

*Are you married? If not, then why not? Are you planning to get married? Do you have previous marriages? 

*How long have you been together? How many years have you been together, before you got pregnant? When and in which country did you get pregnant? 

*How many children do you have?

*Do you have plans on going home to the US, just in case? Are you going to bring your newborn? When and where? Are you going to take your wife, too?

*Do you wish to apply for your wife's visa, in the future. if ever? What is her educational attainment?

*Do you work? What is your job in Thailand?

I hope these questions help you with your family interview. These are some of the questions that they might ask you when you apply for a newborn US passport. They would even check the pictures of the newborn and the parents. If the baby does not look like his/her mom and/or dad, they might ask for DNA through a saliva sample.

For more information about US Visas and Passports please visit - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Christmas Happenings 2010

Christmas is one of the most special, holy and exciting day of the year. Definitely, more important than my birthday, of course! :) It is great to spend time Christmas in the Philippines with family and friends around. This is my second year celebrating Christmas in Bangkok with my family. I am missing my mom and daughter so much.

5th of December, we attended a Christmas party together (as a family) for the first time and still for the first time this month. Majority of the attendees are Filipinos and other expats, I met them through a social networking site called siampinoy.net.

I was fascinated by eating my fave pancit molo soup, pasta and the fried chicken (drooling again,lol). I do really have an active stomach, which means that I do EAT a loooottt! I could eat twice or thrice as my hubby's eating. Luckily, my body is not as big as mother elephant bwahahahaha maybe too soon.. who knows? hahaha

The exchange gift was also exciting.. but I promise to myself not to open the gift until Christmas (want to surprise myself even more). That's how we do it at home, we open Christmas presents at exactly 12:00 am of December 25th. I was surprised, my hubby believes the same :)

Second week of December, we were invited to attend a Christening cum Christmas party in the neighborhood. Good thing, our Parish Church is situated within our village (4-5 minutes walk). It was so convenient for us because we live nearby our neighbor and the Church.

It took awhile for me to post this blog because I got busy on Christmas preparations for the coming week and onwards. Next week will be Christmas day. A very close friend of mine (my colleague), expressed her interest to visit me on Christmas day. I am thinking of cooking spaghetti and macaroni or potato salad. I'll also ask some friends if they are free, so we will have some sort of small party... just a few friends will do. But, I am not sure if they are on holiday out of Bangkok or still be working on Christmas day, since this is a Buddhist country. Luckily, December 25 falls on Saturday.

My neighbor at first street was inviting me on Christmas day for a party as well. The good thing about living here in my place is that there are many Filipinos nearby and the Church, too.



A photo souvenir from our first Christmas party and this is our first Christmas photo together this year. My daughter was sleeping, then (too bad), I wish I could wake her up. More Christmas party to come this month. Cheers! :)

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Vientiane, Laos Trip 2010


The Tower at Vientiane, Laos



My Laos trip with my youngest baby (she's a world traveler,lol)was fun. I got a chance to meet new people because I've decided to try other travel agency for a change.

I thought we'll be late for the trip because I had a meeting before my trip and was last minute cancelled so I waited in vain, but it was okay.. again charge to experience.

When I arrived at the meeting place, the tour guide asked me to fill out forms for departure and to submit my passport. Afterwards, I thought it was all okay because I was sitting and waiting for 30 minutes doing nothing, so I went on the bus.

Thirsty minutes after, some passengers were showing their numbers and searching for their seats. It was obviously out of control due to miscommunication. Some passengers (me, included) were already waiting on the bus, only to find out that it wasn't a first come, first serve seat. They failed to announce us that we had to pay first so we could get our seat number and before we take our seat, whew!

Luckily, I was assertive enough to complain because I didn't know, nobody told me so how was I supposed to know that? They should've posted something or gave out leaflets about the process so people (like me) weren't confused. Anyway, it was just before the trip but during and after our trip was really good. Not to mention the food and accomodation.


The market inside the tower, I payed 15 baht for adult entrance. Not so wise though, but it was a good experience :)


Overlooking from the tower


Reclining Buddha

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Back To Where I Belong (Part 1)


It has been such a long, long time since my last post here (laughs). I got so busy with my family life these days... Speaking of which, we had planned to visit my home town.. "Pilipinas" also known as Philippines and with so much pride I will bring our newborn, baby Sofia.. to meet and visit her granny and great granny, aunts, uncles, close relatives and my friends. This is really awesome for we will be having family reunion then. It is only sad that my hubby couldn't be able to join because he has to attend things at work. He just signed a work contract and it is not practical indeed to have a vacation with us. He would probably will next year.

I was just thinking what to prepare on our way home like what can I give them as a souvenir in Thailand as well as the documents that we need so we could go back without hassles from the Philippine immigration check point at the airport. I mean, there's no need to worry about the round trip ticket it was already booked online by a good friend of mine. It is so much cheaper to book a ticket online.

Here are the documents I must prepare for the Philippine Immigration Check point:

♥ Original and Photocopy of Passports (Sofia & mine)
♥ Birth Certificate of Sofia (English & Thai translation)
♥ Certified Report of Birth(from the Philippine Embassy here in Thailand)
♥ Photocopy of my hubby's work permit
♥ Photocopy of my hubby's passport
♥ Family Photos
♥ Photocopy of House Lease Agreement
♥ Original copy of Satellite TV, Internet and Telephone Bills
♥ ATM international debit card
♥ Letter of Invitation (from my hubby to write down that he's inviting us to go back in Thailand to live with him)

These are just my thoughts and maybe the Immigration desk officer will be satisfied to allow me to go back to Thailand with my daughter.

I have a long list because my husband and I are not married yet. We are working on it very soon. It is only one of my many reasons why I need to go back home. That is to arrange pertinent documents or means to have my annulment approved. I should have thought about this thing before I went to Thailand and live with him but I haven't got clear ideas as to how and where to go about it.

The next thing that I am planning to do is to get an ED Visa so that my stay will be longer as it used to be. That is what we have agreed. But I am also thinking of taking the TESOL or TEFL course. It would cost so much but I am pretty sure it will be worth it!♥:)

Going back to Philippines is such a pain in the ass. Remembering how I was questioned and got pissed off by these people at the immigration desk. However, I am positive that I won't be dealing with this again next time (my fingers crossed, lol). Plus the fact that I need to give presents/keepsakes for my family and close friends. That would be so much expensive! I must remember to travel lightly although, it is impossible to do so (laughs).

I am getting so excited NOW! So... Philippines, here I come with my baby Sofia!♥

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

My Visa Renewal @ The Thai Immigration Office

I went to the new Thai Immigration Office last February 26, Friday to renew my visa because it was due to expire on February 28, which fell on Sunday. I woke up at 5am and left the house at 6am. It opens from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Mondays thru Fridays only except official holidays. I arrived there at 9am already due to traffic and because I had to find the place, knowing that it is indeed a challenge to travel around the place you aren't familiar and specially if you're in a foreign country wherein you couldn't speak and understand their native language.

From my place, I took the bus #26 and went off at Chatuchak Mochit by the MRT station and cross the footbridge on the right side, then got bus #52 which will pass by the TOT and CAT (Thailand's Telephone companies) on the left side of the road.



I was dropped off in front of the CAT. Just beside this building is the street sign Chaengwattana Soi 7, the street that I was looking for going to the new Thai Immigration Office. From there, I took the motorcycle (back ride) which cost me 20.00 baht.







This is the new Immigration Office building, of course I didn't have the courage to take photos inside the building because for sure they won't allow me to and if I insisted, they may put me in jail (laughs). The new building is beautiful, clean, huge and extravagant, it looks like an airport to me hehehe.

So when I got there, I didn't need to stand in line because there weren't many people that time. Although, I had my qeue number but I didn't wait very long to be served.

The requirements they're asking from me were as follows:
♥ Passport
♥ Photocopy
-1st page of passport (the one with the photo)
-last travel visa sticker
-the page which has the last stamped (due date)
♥ Medical certificate (from my doctor stating that I'll have my 90 days not to travel because I am 8th months pregnant)
♥ 1 pc. ID picture
♥ 1,900 fee
♥ Accomplished visa extension application form (this form will be given at the immigration office)
♥ Identification card (will be surrendered at the entrance gate in exchange of the guest ID)

Two applicants were served ahead of me, that was quick and easy. The immigration officer told me that I won't be able to get a 90 days visa according to my medical certificate which was dated December 28, 2009. If I was going to use it I'll only be given 30 days and I'll be back again on March 28. They based their counting of 90 days on the day stated in my document I submitted to them. The immigration doctor guaranteed that if I'll come back on Tuesday which was March 2, Tuesday and with my updated medical certificate, they will give me 90 days and that I won't even have to pay one day penalty (which is 500 baht) as my visa expiration was on the 28th.

March 1 was a legal holiday in Thailand and that day was scheduled for my pre-natal check up. I was happy because they were very accommodating and concern about my situation.

I went down stairs and ate at the Immigration canteen. I ordered pad thai or their own version of stir fry noodles with shrimps (40.00 baht); a plate of four kinds of fruits (pineapple,melon,guava and papaya for only 20.00 baht); and iced cold chocolate drink (15.00 baht).



On March 2, 2010, Tuesday, I went back to the Thai Immigration office with my sweetheart. I had my complete documents with me and they stamped my passport stating that I have a 90 days visa extension. They only asked me to pay 1,900 baht for that and I am so happy. I found out from them that the fee is still the same whether it is a 30, 60 or 90 days extension. Plus, they didn't ask me to pay the penalty of one day. Thank God! I stated there in my application that I will change my visa from tourist to student before it expires so I will be able to stay longer.



My sweetheart took a picture of me inside the car, in front of the new Thai Immigration Office :D

I felt so relieved and happy about my visa renewal. It only took me 30 minutes to process my papers.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

My Sweetheart's Soccer Game

It's a wonderful thing that I was able to witness how my sweetheart play football. He is indeed into sports, notwithstanding his figure and weight (laughs). I love him for what he is, no matter what people say about him. Inspite of the fact the he's pretty "healthy", I should say hehehe others would call him fat or shall I say, he admitted that he is fat... and I DONT GIVE A DAMN :D



They usually play football every Wednesday, but it is still depends on his mates' schedule because they are all working and others are still committed to teach privately (tutorial) after school. Their opponent (other team) is Thai youth players. They know that the other team is better as compare to them because they are young, more active and keeps on practicing everyday. But I told him that it is not about winning the game; it is about enjoying the game playing with friends, losing a little weight from doing it and will give him pleasure because he loves playing football.

On that afternoon, I cheered for him and gave my full support. I took several pictures and videos because I want to show to our little one in the future. So I can tell her stories about his athletic daddy. My sweetheart used to play rugby and baseball, too when he was younger.



In this picture, he was really thirsty and sweating so much. He was inspired to play the game... Was it because I was watching him? hmmmm... that was for sure ;)



He was doing some stretching, just before the game started. At first, he was ashamed of his friends because I took ramdom pictures of him and them while playing. But, he didn't mind me after awhile and he suggested to have a group picture.

Friday, January 08, 2010

Living in Thailand: My Friday Afternoon Short Gimmick

It is cloudy with light rain showers here in Bangkok. I have got nothing else to do other than internet hopping all day, everyday... I was really bored so I've decided to roam around our community.

Perhaps, my relatives, friends and people who knew me will wonder how I am here in Thailand. My way of living or how do I manage to live here and some interesting stories here in Bangkok, Thailand.

I grabbed my digicam and door keys quickly as I was so excited to go out again. I usually stay home everyday from morning till the sun sets. I rarely spend time to go with friends or by myself. Although, my sweetheart and I often go out to see a movie and dine out every weekends. Still... you will get bored if you were in my shoes.

I got random shots about our community here. By the way, my place is about 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours from the City. The community is like Bulacan in the Philippines. But, it is more of a commercial area. and I will explain about them one by one.

1. Most residents here are living in a condo or apartment. There are also town houses or bungalow houses. But many residents are living in a studio type condo, especially some OFW and other foreigners who are living alone. There are also town houses for rent and cost as much as 10-50,000 baht a month. Some of the houses I mentioned are semi-furnished or fully furnished already. In a condo, you will only pay about 2,500-3,600 but it depends on the location (Sukhumvit area or in the City locations are more expensive) and structure. The simple ones are the cheapest. The only advantage living in an apartment or town house is the electric and water bills are subsidized by the government, but there is a minimum consumption or limitation. if you reached the borderline, you will pay for the excess. In a condo, you will pay more because the charge will be based on the whole or total bill of the residents living in there, how many persons and the appliances that you have.







In condos, there are washing machines with coin slot that you can use. You will need 20-30 baht per laundry session. But, I prefer to use my hands because I've tried using them and I was not satisfied with the cleanliness and scent of my clothes because many people are using these laundry machines, there are still some kind of body odor or something smelly yucky. I had to wash it again... so it's a waste of my time. My sweetheart's clothes are not really dirty or smelly (though he is a little chubby)because his always in an air conditioned room or place) so hand washing is better for me. We cannot buy a washing machine, though because of the limited space in our unit. Eventually, when we moved to a bigger space (hopefully too soon), we can buy more necessary things.


There are mineral water refilling stations everywhere here. This is closest to our place. It cost only 1 baht for 1 liter.


And this is our simple condo. We spend 5,800-6,500 baht a month for the condo rent, water and electricity bills. The condo rent is 3,500 baht (air conditioned unit), but we're paying more in our electricity which costs like 2,000-3,000 a month (jeeezzz.. so expensive!). Aside from our satellite TV (similar to cable) bill which is 2,200 baht a month.

2. Mode of transportation here
Taxi-if you will grab a taxi here and you can't speak any Thai, you will find it difficult to go anywhere because it is either the driver will refuse you to ride or he will take you in circles and the taxi meter is running or jumping so fast to cost u a lot of money, pain in the ass or you will be in big trouble. Some drivers can speak a very little english but you must be aware that here in Thailand has also traffic jams anywhere like in the Philippines. It is really not advisable to take a cab, nevertheless, you are in hurry and you know where you're going plus the driver knows how to get there (you need to validate if he understands you or provide a specific direction how to get there so you won't get lost). The flag down rate is 35.00 baht. From here to Ekkamai, it will cost me about 300 baht or less due to traffic.


Van or We call it FX in the Philippines- I've experienced riding this vehicle and it was really nice. It is cheap and cool. But you must know where to go because the rate varies. The minimum fare is 10.00 baht if you're just near. The only problem is sometimes the passengers have to wait until the seats are all taken.


Buses (air conditioned and ordinary- I recommend you to take the bus because it is more economical. But you have to remember the Bus number because it is very important. You won't be able to read the bus sign (destination). The easiest way is to remember the bus number. Taking the bus is not bad at all because the buses here are in good running condition. The fare for ordinary bus is 7-10:00 baht only whether it is near of far. On the other hand, AC bus' minimum fare is 10 or 12 baht, depends where you'll go. From Ekkamai to our place is 19.00 baht, same price when I wanna go to the BTS station (MRT version in the Philippines). This is the nearest bus station in our place.


This is the bus stop. We always wait here to catch bus 26 going to Fashion Island Mall, when we're planning to watch a movie, shop at Tops, Big C and Robinsons'Supermarket or just eat at our favorite restaurants.

Songkyeaw or our jeepney version in the Philippines- The minimum fare is only 7.00 baht.



The motorcycle- the minimum charge is 10.00 baht.



3. Tesco Lotus, the nearest supermarket - it is 5 minutes walking distance from our home going here. There is a service vehicle for consumers if they wanna go to this supermarket, a great advantage indeed! Here I can go to KFC or at the food court (3rd floor) for my lunch. They also have Dunkin'Donuts stall here. The store opens at 11:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm. Last holiday season, they're open from 6am-11pm.



4. Minburi and Jatujak wet and dry market- Here in our place, we have so many markets surrounded our place. At the back of our condo is the Jatujak 2 weekend market.



Jatujak Market facing the main road going to Ramkamhaeng highway and the opposite side is the Ram Minthra (going to fashion island mall)


At the Minburi market


Inside, you will find these cellphone and computer repair stalls. You will notice that they're using laptops not an ordinary PC. Gadgets like mobile, laptop, digicam, etc are cheaper here, actually.

It's almost past 2:00 pm and I haven't taken my lunch yet... I was starving. I wasn't hungry at 12 noon today maybe because I ate a lot this morning. I was getting even more starving when I passed by Jatujak 2 market. So I parked myself there, to decide what I would like to eat. I was craving for a Thai dish for lunch and I didn't want to dine in at KFC because I wanted something different. Something that I have not tried yet.


I found this interesting menu called "Tom Joet Mara Yot Sai" in Thai which is just a bitter gourd or ampalaya in Filipino term with stuff seasoned ground pork (like embutido without salted egg). It was tasty and cheap for only 25.00 baht with plain rice. The ampalaya here is not bitter as what I expect.

5. Thai street food- Along the road, you will find these food stalls that are moving around the streets. They are made up of bicycle with side car or we call them pedicab store in the Philippines.

She's selling grilled banana, not our traditional banana cue which is coated with brown sugar. It is just plain grilled banana, no sugar or flour added. Here, you will also see grilled egg (with shells)... and I saw three whole eggs with shell on a bamboo stick, really funny!


What are these? They are all processed meats like cheesedogs, hotdogs, fish balls, squid balls and kikiam on sticks. Some of them, grilled these and others they cooked them deep fry. It costs 5-10 baht each stick with sweet and spicy sauce. It is only weird because they eat these together with chopped cabbage. I haven't tried yet (to eat with cabbage) but I don't wanna try either. I have noticed that they haven't got red colored hotdogs here and those plain hotdogs are not delicious if you're buying a cheap brand. However, their branded cheesedogs are really yummy here. I always buy those stuff and include on my grocery list.


This guy is selling chicken balls (chicken coated with flour) and deep fried marinated chicken wings. They looked yummy but I was still full. I continued to walk to see other items on sale.





Small donuts on sale!!! for only 5.00 baht each. I was tempted to buy, because they looked nice, a great presentation with reasonable price. I just wanted to try so I only bought three donuts. I was amazed about the packaging, huh... They put my 15.00 baht donuts in a styrofoam with a signature plastic bag. Great! they really didn't looked cheap at all hahaha. I felt like I bought them at the mall. These donuts were my afternoon snack also known as "merienda". The taste was really good, worth spending indeed. I'll go for more next time. I can compare them with the taste of Dunkin' and Mister Donuts.




Then, I happened to see this beverages stall. They are selling all kinds of softdrinks, shakes, juices and... my favorite which is ICED COFFEE!!! It's been a long, long time since I last tasted iced coffee because the doctor advised me to avoid too much drinking this. By the way, here in Thailand you will find many kinds of delicious coffee which tastes almost like a famous Starbucks coffee at a very cheap price. They also put vanilla mousse like what they have at Starbucks and you won't believe it because it costs only from 25 to 50 baht (depends on the kind of coffee and location). They're selling this along the streets or everywhere here. I ordered a simple iced coffee not brewed because it's not good for me. It only cost me 15.00 baht. The good thing here is they are paying attention about the packaging so it won't really look cheap although they are. Nice idea.



So I had my iced coffee and mini donuts for snacks this afternoon. Awesome!!! My afternoon delight :p

6. Fashion Clothes- It is so cheap to buy clothes here, for a very low price you can buy a decent fashionable clothes, shoes, bags and other dry goods.







7. Flowershop at the market- There are also different kinds of orchids and other flowers here. Some are cheap and some are expensive. Eye catching....




8. Wood handicrafts - A very creative artwork!





7. Prayer hall- I was so tired already so I went out of the market, my eye shopping was finished. On my way out, I took a glance at their prayer hall. I remembered that every morning, Thai old folks are having an exercise session, it's more of stretching. I thought of QC Circle and Luneta Park in our country wherein people from all walks of life gather every early morning for different kinds of outdoor activities like belly dancing, aerobics and taebo exercises, karate and taekwondo practice, Military training for HS students, prayer meetings, etc.


8. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, his royal majesty- is the current King of Thailand. Publicly acclaimed "the Great", he is also known as Rama IX. Having reigned since June 9, 1946, he is the world's longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history.


9. Nawamintra Hospital District 9- The closest hospital in our place. It is about 10-15 minutes walk from our home across the highway near Jatujak 2 market. My sweetheart and I visits here every month for my prenatal check-up. My attending physician is Dr. Wanchai, he can understand and speak English. My hospital bill every month is so cheap, the accommodation is really superb and the facilities are neat and clean. Personnel are really helpful and caring.



10. EK Burapa School- The closest preparatory and grade school in our place. This is a bilingual school. There are many private and public schools surrounded our province. But this school is the closest one because from there, it will take you about 10-15 minutes by walk or less than 5 minutes by vehicle.


11. Suvarnabhumi-The closest domestic and international airport.


12. Paula Taylor- One of the famous international models here in Thailand. Remember the Nesvita drink with fiber commercial in the Philippines? She's the endorser. Her face is so familiar to me as she has done numerous commercials here and in the Philippines. She joined the "Amazing Race" contest last year, where all of the participants were from Southeast Asia. She was the rumored ex-girlfriend of Mark Nelson (a Filipino international model and host of "Duke").


It was a wonderful experience to just walk around my community to take shots and create a simple blog. I love this place because it is accessible to supermarkets (3), wet and dry markets (4), hospitals and clinics(a LOT!), private and public schools from preparatory to college (so many),transportation, banks and ATMS, etc. Two beach resorts are located about 2-3 hours travel (Chonburi and Pattaya). The down town is only about 1 1/2-2 hours trip. Although, this place is considered as country area (province), it is now developed. It isn't agricultural anymore. There is an internet connection and internet shops everywhere. There are condominiums, apartments and town houses, golf courses, other recreational and leisure activities are possible to enjoy here. It is commercialized yet peaceful.

It is safe to walk around at night or late night alone here without negative thoughts that you'll be kidnapped, abducted, snatched, robbed and stalked by a stranger. My sweetheart walks alone every other week, late night or dawn to go to the ATM to withdraw, deposit or check his balance. He sometimes calls his parents via mobile and he needs to go outside to have a better signal. No trouble because there are no by-standers, drunkards, drug addicts, bullies and gamblers here. But you won't see a police patrol or community watcher roving around here, either.

Another thing is, there's no big typhoon here only heavy rains. There might have small floods in low areas somewhere, but it won't take too long to subside.Living in Thailand is really a great experience. My Friday afternoon short gimmick was really fun and successful. I enjoyed so much.

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