The Little Santorini of Southeast Asia

I was browsing through my archives and saw some of the pictures we took during our honeymoon.  here is actually an article i prepared for another site, i hope you find these informative.

The archipelago of the Philippines is a country full of hidden paradise.  Known for crystal clear waters and white sand beaches of Boracay, Palawan and Amanpulo, the country has again added another world class white sand beach resort in the list by the recent opening of a hideaway perfect for honeymooners who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.  Take a peek into the enchanting Marinduque.  Famous for its Moriones Festival, this city comes alive during the Holy Week which usually falls between the end of March and the beginning of April.  This festival is a reenactment of Christ’s journey to his crucifixion and is played using colorfully crafted masks and costumes.  And amidst the musically colorful festivities is an enchantress in the embodiment of an islet beckons all weary partakers.  The islet where the hush of the wind will lull you to sleep and the cerulean waters that kiss the shores will calm your nerves, welcome to the islet known by the locals, as the Elephant Island.

The islet is originally privately owned by a business tycoon who once owned a big share of the country’s airline flag carrier until a Japanese visionary bought it from him and turned the islet into the country’s version of a little Santorini.  Welcome to The Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa.  The resort is a 45 minute drive from the airport which cruises along the coastal road of three municipalities of Marinduque.  The drive will give you captivating glimpses of the shore with gentle waves that curl with the wind.  A local airline, Zest Air services the province, one flight on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  When planning to give yourself a major pampering make sure to book with the hotel before going there in order for the hotel crew to pick you up from the airport since transportation going to the wharf is quite challenging.  Upon arrival at the wharf, you will be taken to the island via a 10 minute pump boat ride. 

What makes Bellarocca outstanding is their service oriented personnel.  The crew will welcome you by singing local songs while they hang lei around your neck.  Guests will then be ushered inside their reception area with refreshments and hot towel to freshen up from the long drive.  While enjoying your drink, the manager will welcome you to the Greek-themed resort while some personnel will check your reservations.  After a few minutes, a golf cart will take you to the main hotel where you will be checked-in.  The Suite Room lives up to the name it was given.  The huge bedroom is equipped with a plush king size bed loaded with tons of pillows that felt like clouds.  The small living room area is also complete with all kinds of magazine if you don’t feel like surfing the cable channels.  Also, the hotel made it sure that despite the distance away from the city you can still connect online with the provision of an internet service.  The bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub is big enough to accommodate 10 people is complete with the finest toiletries made from organic materials.

Villas are also scattered within the resort for those who prefer outmost seclusion.  These villas will be provided with their own golf carts.  Guests who will be staying in the hotel also have their own golf cart and driver upon request without any charge.  The hotel opened at the early part of 2009, it has massage parlors that are located at the top of the resort where you can enjoy the view while being pampered with your choice of massage style.   An infinity pool is located near the water sports shop.  The pool has a sunken bar which serves any drink you’d like to enjoy while soaking in the water.  The resort is also equipped with water sport paraphernalia if you are into water activities.  A little tip though, snorkeling is not as enjoyable as one would expect.  The water is full of little jelly fish that stings really badly.  But if you are up to the challenge soaking at the infinity pool for 30 minutes will cure the itch.  Water sport rates starts from Php 600 and up.  Breakfast can be served in your room or at the terrace that overlooks the Mt. Malindig.  Romantic meals can be set up upon request.  The resort has many romantic spots that overlook the water and enjoy the twinkling lights of the fisherman at night.  The chef is always available to explain the specialty of the house and recommend good eats listed in the menu.  The menu rates ranges from Php 200 and up. 

And if you think you have eaten all the sinfully delicious food and think of shedding some unwanted weights, the resort has also an indoor gym.  For more relaxation session, a library, a coffee shop and a pool table is also available.

A week in this beautiful island is not enough, but alas, time and money can easily fly away in this place.  However, it is worth all the money you paid for.  The warm accommodation, the romantic ambiance and the moments you spend with your love one will truly make one unforgettable getaway.

Market Day in Abu Dhabi

Going around Abu Dhabi is quite a challenge especially during summer time. The sun is already blazing hot at 7 a.m. and dodging the rays is quite impossible simply because UAE is one big open desert. On a Friday morning, a visit to the Mina Port Fish Market and a shopping spree of fresh seafood is a good way to spend your hard earned salary. At 7:30 a.m. the fish market is already packed with shoppers. Most of them are Filipinos who are working here in UAE.

The good thing about buying your seafood supply from Mina Fish Market, aside from it being fresh and the first catch of the day, is you can haggle for the price. For those expats who are penny pinchers this is definitely heaven. All kinds of fish, squids, prawns and crabs lined up every stall with vendors barking their prices. Tip for the first time seafood buyers go from stall to stall before buying, you’ll never know when you can get a good price for a kilo of crab till you completely scanned every stall. By the way, just make sure you remember the stall that bid the lowest price, because they all look the same. Also another point for buying fish from the fish market is that you can have the fish cleaned and have it cooked right away at the grilling station at the other wing of the building unlike at the mall.

A small part of the building also holds stalls that sell fresh vegetables and herbs. But if you prefer more variety, a few kilometers away from the Mina Port Fish Market is the Abu Dhabi Vegetable Market. The vegetable and fruit market is a mere 15-20 minute walk. Of course, if the sun is already up and about like around 8:15 a.m., the 20 minutes is like an hour already.

The vegetable and fruit market is an open market stall unlike the fish market which is inside a building. Vegetables and fruits sold in this market are cheaper than the ones sold at the malls. Some of the fruits are packed in bundles and are sold for 10 AED or less. Buyers can also haggle for the price of fruits and vegetables per kilo. An open space used as the drop-off area also serves as temporary/ make shift vending areas for vendors with no stalls. Most of the vegetables are still inside their crates and trucks are even used to display goods. Feel free to choose among their products and haggle for a good price too.

After 3 hours of scouring good finds and haggling for its price, market day in Abu Dhabi is complete. A good supply of fresh seafood and a mountain of huge vegetables enough for a week of healthy cooking will only cost you more or less 50 AED. Remember, when going to the market, always bring a shopping bag suitable for the wet market, wear a poker face when haggling and oh yes, bring along a good friend to make the day less hot but very fun.

How to Begin Living the Expat Life in Abu Dhabi

When I first stepped foot in the sands of Abu Dhabi, it was 12 midnight. My heart was racing so fast and I can hardly breathe. I was a bag of complicated emotions – anxious, excited and terribly terrified, plus had a tearful flight. Before I left the Philippines, my home country, I was basically bawling my guts out for leaving my family and joining my husband. For a 30 year old professional woman like me, it was quite a sight. It would seem that I am way past the age when I am supposed to leave my parents and be on my own. But let’s just say I’m a late bloomer, I started the whole dating and getting married thing at a later part of my life. I did a lot of things before I jumped into the marital wagon. So, while I was pushing my baggage cart, I was confused with the airport signs and information. What to do? What to do? When all else fail, nothing can get you lost if you go straight. That’s what I did, luckily I ended up at the immigration center. It was my first time to have eye scan for identification. It was so like a Tom Cruise movie. So far, my fear of not passing the immigration officer’s scrutiny is ebbing despite the fact that I’m holding legal papers and I don’t have any legal issues from any country I’ve been to. Still, I can’t shake the feeling of being terrified. At last, I passed all queries with flying colors. I rushed towards the exit sign where hopefully my husband would be waiting for me.

I came in this country with a husband sponsored visa. This visa was sent to me via airmail and is basically temporary and a permanent visa shall be stamped on your passport once you are already in Abu Dhabi. The processing of this visa would entail another set of requirements to be complied within the 90-day period since you have arrived in UAE. For the permanent residence visa stamp on your passport, you will need the following requirements:

a. Residence visa paper stamped by the immigration officer when you arrived in the country
b. A medical certificate obtained from SEHA
c. Wife’s Insurance policy under the husband’s company.

When you arrive in the country your 90-day allowable period will start ticking. So first things first, your insurance. Under the UAE New Health Insurance Law, medical coverage for all expatriates working and residing in the emirates and visitors staying for more than 2 months should be provided. And effective January 1, 2007, it is mandatory for all expatriates residing and working in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to have health insurance provided by their employer or sponsor. As for my case, my health insurance is covered by my husband’s company. Again, to quote from the UAE insurance law, “All employers and sponsors are responsible for the procurement of health insurance coverage and possession of valid health insurance at all times for their employees and their families ( 1 spouse and 3 children under 18), inclusive of registration fees, as well as the cost of the policy and for the cost of all health care services that are provided to persons on his sponsorship.” My husband took care of this through their office.

Next in the list is to have a medical examination from SEHA or the Abu Dhabi Health Service center. My husband accompanied me there. When we entered the building, we went straight to the information counter have the officers checked our documents. You will need a photocopy of your passport, of your residence visa paper and your insurance identification card. We were told to go upstairs for women examination area. I took a queue card and waited for my number to be called. My husband was not allowed to go inside so he stayed at the husband’s waiting area still on the second floor of the building. When my number was called, I went to the counter and submitted my documents. My picture was taken and was ask to pay 250 AED for the examination however for women who are over the age of 35 and has already a kid will be vaccinated and the total cost will be 350 AED. Then I had my eye scanned and was queued for medical consultation, blood extraction and x-ray exam. The whole process took me an hour and 30 minutes. Medical results will be available within four (4) working days.

When all required documents are ready, couples can go to the Immigration Office to have the visa stamped on the passport. Upon arriving, go straight to the typing center at the left side of the immigration building. Typing offices lined the area you can choose from among the offices with less people queuing for faster transaction. Submit your documents as well as your passport to the typist and tell him/her that it is urgent. Payment will vary for the visa stamping process. 350 AED is the regular rate and will take 3 days. As for my case, since it was urgent, we paid 450 AED. After payment we went inside the immigration building and 2nd floor of the right section. We took a queue number and waited for our turn. When our number was called, my husband submitted all required documents. My passport was handed back to him with my visa stamped on it after 20 minutes. I am now officially an expat living in Abu Dhabi. My adventure in discovering this culture rich country has officially started.

Prologue to my UAE Adventure No.1:

Adventures are supposed to happen like lightning. It strikes anywhere and anytime, but not my type of adventure. Before I hopped on Etihad Airways going to Abu Dhabi from Manila, Philippines I went through a lot of red tapes to finally get hold of one paper that would open the doors of the land of the Zaby.
For couples who are separated by thousands of miles away, the constant communication can reach its strain after a few years. And for someone who just got married, that’s me, a few months away from my husband is almost like years. We were married on January and had a quick honeymoon and back to our separate lives again. It was like it never really happened. The exchanged “I do’s” was just a fleeting moment and was not really meant to start a new beginning. So, to actually make it a real marriage we decided that I should go and join my husband in Abu Dhabi. I’m located in Davao, Philippines and that is exactly an 11-hour flight away. So how did we go about it? First things first, you need to have your marriage certificate signed and approved by the church and by your local civil registrar. If you don’t have that paper, you probably were not married at all. In the Philippine, the time period for those marriage certificates usually takes from 2 months to 6 months from the day of your marriage to be registered in the local registry system then to the National Statistics Office (NSO) which serves as the archive vault of the country. But, yes there is always a shorter version for those who have a time limit in staying away from husband too long. That’s me again. So I did frequent visits to the church where we were wed and the local civil registrar. After, 7 pleading and begging moments, 50 taxi rides from the city proper to the outskirts and 2 cake bribery, I am holding my NSO certified and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) authenticated marriage certificate and ready to be sent to my husband. In obtaining an UAE Husband’s visa you would be required of the following documents:
a. A photocopy of husband’s passport
b. A photocopy of husband’s residence visa
c. A photocopy of husband’s labor card
d. Husband’s salary certificate with Arabic translation
e. Husband’s employment contract with Arabic translation
f. Marriage certificate. NOTE: 1.) Should be red ribbon certificate/ DFA authenticated with stamp of UAE embassy in the Philippines at the back;2.) Should have a stamp of UAE in Abu Dhabi at the back ( this is obtained through the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs located at Carrefour Airport Road, just tell the attendant that the documentation is urgent so you can get the it stamped immediately); 3.) Should have an Arabic translation.
g. Wife’s recent ID picture with white background (minimum of 4 copies)
h. Scanned copy of wife’s passport
My husband was the one who processed my visa. So upon completion of all those requirements my husband went to the Abu Dhabi Immigration office and did the following:
a. Went straight to the typing center. These offices are located at the left side of the immigration building. There are many typing offices to choose from. Accommodating merchants will be standing outside their offices and are ready to assist you with your needs.
b. Get a priority number. If it’s your turn, you give your documents and inform the typist that you are applying for an urgent husband’s visa in order to get the visa after 2 hours.
c. After payment, the typist will print the application and the husband shall sign on to the sponsor space. Please make sure to check the spelling of the name and other information to avoid any repetition of the whole process.
d. Bring the documents (application form and required documents aforementioned). Go inside the immigration office and into the New Visa section. The office is located at the left side upon entering the building.
e. Get a priority number and wait for your turn. If your number is called proceed to the counter and submit the documents.
f. If your application is approved, the officer will give you another priority number and will ask you to proceed to the releasing area upstairs of the same building.
When you get hold of the visa, the husband can now send this document/paper to his wife in the Philippines so she can now process her travel documents. A 90-day allowance shall be given to the wife to process the resident visa sticker for her passport upon her arrival in UAE. I’m also done with that, but that will have to wait. This is the longest prologue to an adventure ever.

Chronicles of the Wanderer: Davao sleepover!

Chronicles of the Wanderer: Davao sleepover!

24 hours before another chapter of my life

Twenty-four hours ago, I was living the life of an unemployed but very pampered OFW wife – still living with parents and no kids yet.  I woke up at 8 a.m., my usual waking time for the last 2 months.  Alarm beeps, phone calls or early buzz didn’t do anything to disturb my deep slumber.  This is heaven until one small phone call changed everything on this fateful Thursday.

8:00 am: Yawned. Stretched and enjoyed the feel of an over-laundered bed sheet.  It almost felt like it is a 400 thread Egyptian cotton bed sheet. Sigh.  I stared at the ceiling which definitely needs major scrubbing and repainting.  Better tell my Tatay about it.  Sigh.  Yawned.  Thank God for another lazy day.

8:10 am:  Trudge my way to the fridge to grab the milk carton and butter.  Took a healthy swig from the carton knowing my Nanay was nowhere around to scold me. Wink. Wink.  I placed the pandesal inside the toaster.  Sat on the lazyboy and flipped on the TV’s remote control and started channel surfing.  Uh-oh.  I’m a bit late for my “Friends” session.  Reruns are perfect breakfast buddies.

9:00 am:  Closing credits is almost done.  Time to switch channel.  Oh good, Star Movies is showing a good teeny bopper movie.  I shifted and repositioned myself in the lazyboy while the movie starts.

9:03 am:  Need to water my plants!!  Despite the rain last night my horse tail plants still look dehydrated.  Does this mean they’re dying?  My Nanay said plants could die from over watering them.  Is it possible to kill a plant by drowning? Hmmm.

9:05 am: Movie time.

10:45 am:  Better call the post office.  My husband would go berserk if I don’t check the local post.  You see, I’m bound to join my husband since I’ve resigned from my last job and we have been blocked by too many technical issues all over the world just to have that darn visa.  Anyway, I’ve been doing a daily check on our local post since the online tracking message appeared delivered to recipient. 

11:00 am: wheeeee!! My visa arrived. Unfortunately it is still with the local post. However the lady who answered the phone said it is already queued for delivery in the afternoon.  So I can just wait for the package to arrive. Whoa! So this means I need to get everything prepared to fly to Manila the following day.

11:15 am:  I was so panic-stricken that I was immobilized for the whole 15 minutes. So, I called my husband about the news and he advised me to get a plane ticket immediately for Abu Dhabi. Then called up my parents to tell them I need my Davao-Manila ticket rebooked.  Next I called my sister who lives in Manila and asked her what she needs from Davao.  And lastly, I called my brother to ask him to go home ASAP we have some major cooking to be done.  I rushed to the nearest grocery to buy the needed ingredients.  Oh by the way, I didn’t bother taking a bath.  Who would notice? Right?

12:30 pm: I have already started preparing the ingredients for vanilla pudding and Anglio Olio.  Adobo is already simmering in the stove.  No need to fuss over it.  Next check all my clothes for the big trip, which means everything in my closet: all my bags, my clothes, all my shoes and every bric-a-brac that I own.  How to put them all inside one travelling bag? Urg!

1:30 pm:  My anxious self is already taking control of my senses thus made me call the local post again.  Still the same information.  The postman has already left and my package is with him already.  I can call back at around 3:30 to check if my package won’t be delivered within the day.

3:35 pm: Vanilla pudding done to perfection.  Butter cookies are being molded and baked another 3 dozens to go.  I called the post office again.  The postman has not yet returned to the office.  I better call back around 4:30 to check.  Hmpf!  Those people in the post office stink!  I’m beginning to get worried and I might not get the visa on time and I have already booked my international flight. What to do? What to do?

4:30 pm:  I decided to be punctual in calling them back because I’m losing my patience already.  And yes, to my dismay, I was informed that the postman took the afternoon off. Meaning he was not around while I was biting my fingernails waiting for him to arrive. Arrgggh!! And so I told them I need to get that visa immediately.  The “nice” ladies in the post office chastised me for not calling them sooner. Egad!! I told her that I was calling on the time I was told to do so and was given misinformation.  So I told them I’d personally pick the visa myself.  She told me it iss almost 5:00 pm and they need to leave around that time.  As much as I hate the whole situation and after all the trouble I have gone through – cooking, baking and getting expensive international tickets – I resorted to yes…lowest of all lowest..begging the “nice” lady to wait for me.

5:30 pm: after 15 minutes of cruel insinuations. I am finally holding my visa. I rushed to the mall and paid all my bills before I leave the country. 

6:30 pm: Continued baking.  Need to bake tons of batches. My sister loves my cookies. What can I say?  Told my brother about my ordeal with the local post office.

7:30 pm:  Waited for the buyer of my desktop. I’m getting rid of most of my stuff.

8:00 pm:  Transaction done.  6 year old desktop – sold!

8:30 pm: Relayed the whole “post office moment” with my parents.

9:00 pm:  The same topic as above with my sister online.

11:30 pm: Sad to say, the same topic was discussed with husband online.  I exhausted all my energy to rant about the people in that darn office.  I feel so harassed.  So, to sooth my bruised ego and tired body my husband promised a Starbucks when I arrive in Abu Dhabi.

2:00 am:  Can’t doze off.  Is this it?  Will this be the last time I’ll be staring up at my grubby ceiling?  Last time to rub my feet into my pseudo Egyptian bed sheet?  Oh the sheer gravity of the situation has not sink in until this hour? Why oh why? I have the first flight to take, which means I have 3 more hours of sleep before another barrage of activities.

3:30 am:  huh? What time is it? Egad!! Please let me sleep…

5:30 am: is it morning already? Too soon.  Can I not take a shower? Arggg….my head is pounding.

7:00 am:  At the airport with a growling stomach.  Hunnnngggrrrryyyy.

7:15 am:  Flight is full.  We have to wait for the next flight. Hmp! Where can I get some sleep?

7:52 am: huff! Huff! Panting from running. My brother and I were able to get two seats. Wahu! My parents will take the next flight.

8:00 am: Airplane taxied and ready to take off. And I’m off to my next adventure. 

Friday afternoon, while a heavy downpour was drowning Manila, my heart was bursting with so much sadness as I kissed a thousand times my niece and my sister, I hugged my brother so tight like I could not let go despite the honking of other drivers behind us.  I kissed my niece again.  I was chocking from holding back my sobs.  My in-laws were at the airport to send me off too.  At last at the door of the Ninoy International Airport, my Tatay hugged me and whispered we love you Langga you take care.  That’s when my tears embarrassingly came out. So many people were sending off their family but I was so grief stricken I was not able to hold back my tears.  And lastly it was my Nanay’s turn to kiss me, I was crying so hard, I was not able to say anything to her. We just kissed and hugged.  I don’t want to let her go. I was holding her tightly till the guard told me to get moving. I kissed her and told her to “stop eating fatty food.” Instead of “I love you”.  But I know that she knows that it meant I love her so much.  Checked and boarded, I sat at seat number 24G of Etihad Airways, I can’t stop from tearing up once in a while then I got tired and closed my eyes.  Make way for anther adventure to the land of Zaby.