Happy Anniversary To My JTH Blog

Whoa! I didn't realize that this month is my Journey To Haven blog's 1st anniversary. Not so much active last April-August because I had so many activities during those times.

I have 43 posts (including this) here in JTH. I've also created 4 other blogs in the same account, in the same year. I have another confidential blog but it was created this year.

Wow! not bad, after all! I've made it somehow. I wish to write more blogs that will be interesting to the public and will enhance my networking skills to increase traffic. Most importantly, I wish that I would be able to inspire, help, uplift someone's spirit, and entertain while reading my blog. Happy 1st Blogging Anniversary!

Misa De Gallo in Bangkok (Day 3)

Third day of my "nine mornings", I was awaken at 5:00 in the morning. Yeah, five o'clock and the mass will be at 5:30. I was afraid to be late again, so I hurriedly went to the toilet to wash my face and brush my teeth. I checked on my baby and she pooped her diaper. I changed her quickly and I hurriedly dressed up without taking a bath (ewww!). I was almost running to church. I was a little late again, but not so bad.

When I was sitting there, at the back row seat, I heard a guy (or gay?) who was talking to his seatmate (woman). He was saying something in "bisaya" (dialect in the Philippines) and I understood what he said. Heard him saying, "I couldn't be able to attend a holy mass without taking a bath". I looked at him and he was smiling at me (pretending that he did not say something bad). I was so surprised that he is my neighbor. I smiled back and focused myself on the mass. I looked around and I found out that I was the only person who did not take a bath (yikes hahaha).

I just thought, why this kind of people would even think that way going to Church. Well, I just don't care about what he thinks of me because first of all, I was there to attend a mass and not to criticize people about how they look or if they take a bath. I consider it too petty, so shallow to think about. If I take a shower before going to church at that time, obviously.. I will miss my day 3 of my novena. But because I love to complete the nine days, I went on.

On the hand, It's my fault, I woke up late. Instead of getting angry or annoyed by his unpleasing comment on me, I just take it positively. At some point, he is right. Why would I go to church without taking a shower? I know that I should look more presentable in the eyes of God by taking a bath, by dressing up neatly and properly. We have to treat God as if we are on a DATE. It's like we are dating a very, very, very important person... THE LORD.

I feel partly guilty by that. If I don't like being criticize by my neighbor, I should have not gone to church without taking a shower and I should have not woke up late so I was able to take a shower and I should have not sleep late so I woke up early... Regrets? NO! I don't have to take it as regret, but it will be a MAJOR LESSON to me.

Come to think more about it, what's even worst is that our outward appearance is ready, but not our soul, mind and heart. When we go to church we have to focus on our purpose why we are attending the holy mass. This is another subject to blog about and I will write about this next time.

Deep in our hearts, we know how sincere we are when we pray. We may be deceiving ourselves but not God. He knows well our faith, he knows well our mind, our sins, our prayers and EVERYTHING about us.

A friend of mine quoted, "Our religion is what we do when the sermon/mass is over". Moreover, we define our faith and religion by what we think, say, do. That is before, during and after our prayers.

Misa De Gallo in Bangkok (Day 1)

Literally, Misa de Gallo means "rooster's mass" in Spanish. We call it "simbang gabi" in Filipino which means "evening/night worship, nine-day dawn masses, or the nine days". It is a very important Christmas tradition in the Philippines. 16th of December is the start of nine-day mass.

The schedule of English mass here at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Church in Soi 184 Rhumkamhaeng, Minburi, Bangkok is at 5:30-6:00 am only. The holy mass should take an hour, but because the Church has made some considerations to those people who are going to work and school. Our Reverend Father Leo Travis, C.Ss.R. There is a free breakfast after the mass.

I have attended the first time with my family, today. I was surprised that my hubby attended with me, since, he was telling me that he has no religion (in my knowledge and was stated in his profile online).

We were trying to come early but were late for 3 minutes. When we were inside the church, I noticed that there were only 20 people more or less in the church and that included us. The 30 minutes mass was solemn for me, my mind was relaxed and I was able to pray wholeheartedly.

When the church choir sang, the Christmas song "Silent Night", I had goosebumps and I felt very sad because I remember my family and relatives in the Philippines. I missed the way we celebrate Christmas at home.

While we were all singing the song, I heard his sad voice. I glanced at him, I saw him almost crying but he was holding on to his tears... I could feel his sadness, he hasn't been home for long four years! He could only phone his mom and dad in the US. The tears finally fell from his eyes, he immediately wiped them so that nobody would noticed (even me). But, in the corner of my eye I witnessed how emotional he was. I pretended that I didn't know.

The mass had ended by singing a famous Filipino Christmas song "Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit". I miss singing this song very much. When I was a kid, I was always singing this on Christmas caroling.

We were invited to have breakfast with other attendees. My husband refused to eat because he was in a hurry to work. I kissed him goodbye. I was so glad that I could be able to motivate him to go to Church without even arguing or asking him.

Our baby and I was left at the church chitchatting with fellow Filipinos while having breakfast. I made a hot coffee and grabbed two pieces of chiffon cake. I had fun not only because we had some pictorials. But most of all, I had fun because I had attended the day one of nine-day dawn masses, with my family.

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! :)

30 Reasons Why I Couldn't Blog

borrowed image from google search

Sometimes, I found it difficult to blog. But there are those times like these past few weeks that I started non-stop blogging again. I have this kind of activity that when I do some thing this week, I will do it one, two or the whole month just for one single agenda, like blogging, chatting, hanging out with friends, etc.

Below are just some of the reasons why I stop or not blogging. I am not going to blog because I am or I have ............................

1. Busy multi-tasking
2. Baby sitting
3. Out of the country for vacation
4. Feeling lazy and lazy to upload the images
5. Asleep (of course)
6. Making love (smile)
7. Bad internet connection
8. No electricity
9. Not in the mood
10. Taking a shower
11. Doing my laundry
12. Talking on the phone
13. Part time jobs
14. Hanging out with family/friends or by myself
15. I love to do nothing
16. Sick
17. In the hospital
18. Paper work (helping my hubby)
19. Cooking
20. Eating
21. Cleaning the house
22. Driving lessons
23. Swimming
23. Facebooking & Online Games
24. Researching seriouly
25. In the Church
26. Dancing
27. Singing/Videoke
28. Exercise/At the gym
29. Doing my nails
30. Watching TV/DVD/movie

I may not post a blog, but I have drafts sometimes and just feel lazy to post because I haven't uploaded some images to each of my blogs so I have pending blogs that I've started long time ago.

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

Sisters: The Reunion

My youngest daughter and I went home last 24th of July to visit my eldest and mom in the Philippines. I've waited for this moment to happen. I was really happy when they finally meet each other.

I took a picture of them and caught their precious moments together. My realization was that I've never thought of my eldest daughter being a responsible sister. The age gap is ten (10) long years. My eldest was born 2000 and the youngest was in 2010.



This is a perfect shot for me :) Loving the way they smile, keeps all my problems away!



We went to the supermarket to buy stuff for my nephew's birthday. They had fun being together and... of course! with ME :)



They are the ones who makes me stronger everyday. I am so happy that I am blessed to have two beautiful girls in my life. Plus, I have a very supportive partner who always there to understand and love me.

My life is 95% complete. The 5 percent thing is that I must be able to have a stable minimal income so as to support my eldest daughter in the Philippines and to save money for my own needs. I hate to expect or assume that my partner will always give me in terms of money. But, it is also good that I have mine. It's not actually being selfish, but I don't actually want to ask for my partner to financially support my eldest kid as I am protecting our relationship. I don't want us to argue about money.

My daughters have different fathers, but I would like them to feel that they are both LOVED equally. My dream, is that ONE DAY soon they will live together with me, sleep together in one room.



I love my daughters so much!!! At last, they've met. But, this won't be the last... :)

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!♥

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.

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.

Celebrating Chinese New Year & Pre-Valentines Day

I had a chance to go out the whole day and night last Saturday, February 13, 2010. My husband was not there that day because he attended his friend's birthday party @ Pattaya so I decided to consume my day by hanging out with my friends. In the morning and lunch time, I was with my college friend, Eds. We went out to see a movie and lunch together @ The Emporium Mall, the place we usually visit each time we have a meeting. She gave me a rose because the following day will be Valentines day. She's so thoughtful.

After my meeting with her, I had another meeting with my siam pinoy friends, Harley and Angie @ Siam Paragon Mall, Bangkok. From Emporium Mall I took the BTS station (from Phrompong to Siam). It was too confusing for me as it was my very first time to go there alone. Plus, there are three building with the name Siam and they are all different. I thought Siam Center is the same as Siam Paragon or there may be a connecting way how to get there. Apparently, I need to cross the way via footbridge because I was obviously lost hahaha and they are waiting on me because I was super late. I felt guilty, though.







We watched the dragon dance ceremony outside which was in front of the mall, after we dine in for afternoon snack @ KFC.





with Harley in front of the fountain



I love balloons :D





Picture taking in front of the mall, @ Siam Paragon signage, super cool! :)



look at the emotion and pose... (laughs)



Fashion model trio indeed! :D



with Angie



with Harley



Alone time with my lovely rose, super emote :)



Super nice shot by Angie... I love it!



The three of us...



The dragon, Harley and Me



The dragon, Angie and Me





The super trio





We had a good dinner at Sta. Fe Steak Restaurant in MBK along Siam Square. It was my first fun, fun, fun night out! I wish I could be able to spend another meet up next time with MC and other SP members so it would be great! ;)

Happy Valentine's Day 2010

I've received pretty red roses from my husband and my close friend Eds today. We've had a dinner and movie date at Fashion Island Mall tonight. I didn't feel that we're celebrating a Valentine's date tonight because almost every week or anytime we are free we could just go out to see a movie and dine out. I guess, everyday is a Valentine's day for us. Everyday is filled with love, caring, thoughtfulness, sweetness and everything.

For once in my life, I've experienced this kind of relationship I always longing for. To love someone and be able to be loved in return. I am always thankful for this wonderful blessing. God is really good! Thank God.