the sunday currently | vol. 3

It is still Saturday the time I wrote this post but in few minutes, it will be Sunday anyways. I will not have any time tomorrow to do some blogging stuff because we will travel to the airport right after the meeting. My emotions are now sinking in and everything is running through my head the whole day. This trip is going to be my second international trip.



Last night, we had a good time and it was just what I needed. Few people plus a good conversation and good food, I'm solved. Anyways, before I spill out everything in the intro, here's the rest of my sunday currently.

Reading about the travel insurance that I will use on this trip. I am now very conscious of the insurances simply because I learned it from GJ. He really is so mature about things, what might happen and I realized that I should also be the same.

Writing cards that I will give to our host at the end of this trip. Though I do not know their name yet, I am already done with the cards that I'm going to give them. It is just amazing how our organization is, even if we are from other part of the world, we love them.

Listening to the sound of my laptop as I turn it on. I know it will retire soon but I hope it will still wait for me when I come back because I am really in for a check up. I actually asked a lady from the computer repair center and suggested me to bring it to them. I'll do that, but not now.

Thinking of getting rid of the clothes that I might not use in the place I will visit. I don't know. It feels like I have a lot of stuff and I still need more for this trip. I keep on mentioning that I only have a 7kilo bag and I am now analyzing if it will really fit or not.

Smelling the scent of the detergent used for my clothes. It might not as strong as the fabric conditioners but it is acceptable to my liking. It just smells clean.

Wishing to have an amazing stay in Vietnam and yeah, my stuff to be fit for my daily use in VN. Hayys.

Hoping for this trip to be as awesome as my Europe trip.

Wearing a navy blue blouse and a checkered shorts. Oh, I'm sitting in an Indian sit position but I am still wearing slippers. Why not?

Loving my future husband's family because they are simply amazing. They are now having a vacation too in a theme park and seeing them so happy and enjoying the fun is making me feel the same way too.

Wanting to buy something for our host but it is so late now and I only have tomorrow morning to do that. So I hope I will be able to.

Needing to finish preparing everything because I deserve a good night rest and it will be a very long day tomorrow.

Feeling excited because it will be another awesome experience. Aja!

Watching a movie on iFlix with Nicolas Cage but wasn't able to finish it. We recently had a blackout few hours ago and I don't have that urge to continue and finish it again.

I am also thinking if I still need to buy Viettel, a Vietnamese sim card. If the host has an internet connection, then, I won't be needing it anymore. I hope they have. Ohh, I am super excited. I hope I'll be able to sleep fast or right after I laid on my bed.

Fast Passport Renewal and Gratitude

If you are a loyal reader of my blog, then you have seen the post I had with regard to the PSA Birth Certificate that I got. The reason why I needed to process these things is that I need to renew my Philippine passport the soonest. And I still thought that I'll be needing my birth certificate, which is actually, not included in the requirements for those who'll renew. Don't be deceived. Full requirements are available here. Nowhere else on the internet.



It was sad to know that the online appointment for application is fully booked that time. It was mid-November when I tried applying for a new one. Upon seeing the schedule, I had my heart broken for a week. But then, I did not stop there.

I know that there is still something I can do to acquire a new passport without breaking the rules. Learning new things sometimes depend on yourself. As I've mentioned in my previous post, bits of help and tricks are widely available on the internet, one just needs to dig deep. Being naive is just for kids. And I always do believe in the saying, if there's a will, there's a way. And that has always been my principle in my most impossible thoughts.

Anyways, here is the timeline of the process when I went to DFA main office in Manila.

10:20am - arrived at DFA Manila
11:07am - got a queue number for step 1 (processing/checking of documents)
12:25nn - proceeded to step 2 (paid passport fee)
12:53nn - waited for step 3 (data capturing and encoding)
2:30pm - photo and data gathered
2:42pm - paid delivery fee (LBC Express)
2:48pm - done (went to ATC to have dinner at Yabu)

It only took me 4 hours and I'm done. Then I waited for 9 days and my new passport arrived, assuring me to be able to fly once again before I finally tie the knot. I remembered having that conversation with a friend about her trip. She was a bit anxious because she cannot find someone who will be able to go with her. Suddenly, GJ came out of nowhere and started to suggest things. Then, the rest is history.

Yesterday, I started packing my things. It is winter once again so I prepared some long sleeved shirts (the base layers shirts I had from Europe) and tights as well. Most of the clothes I prepared are in stripes of black and white. In that case, I don't need to think of which color of the shawl will I partner with each one. I only have a black one I bought yesterday for a very affordable price. Of course, I prepared Twixy for this trip. She'll be with me again as I travel the world.

I am super duper thankful to Jehovah, my fiance, our parents, our supportive friends who made this trip possible.

the sunday currently | vol. 2

Hi there reader! (or readers, if ever.) My week went good. And as you can see on my thumbnail, I got my new passport. Yes! That is just so unexpected. I am going to share how I got mine in a separate post. For my sunday currently serie, you can read the previous posts here.



Reading all about Vietnam's bests when it comes to food. I am such a big fan of Vietnamese cuisine now. And I did not expect that I'll fall inlove with the cuisine. At first, for me it was a nah, just because of the what happened to GJ. But then one time, he brought me and my sister to a restaurant and made us try the pho, my heart melted, and the rest was history.

Writing letters for the persons who need to be contacted about our wedding. I am happy that we did a good job as we work together on this very special event. GJ is just an amazing guy and I am just, you know what I mean.

Listening to the song, Hearts Don't Break Around Here by Ed Sheeran. I am not a fan though, but I've been listening to his album the past days. It's calm and makes me more productive. Thanks Ed!

Thinking of what to put inside my bag and what to do with my life. Haha. Everything was so fast that I wasn't able to follow the flow. I only have less than a week now and only few knew. I am not intending to let others know so yeah. I am also thinking of how can I apply this principle more in my life, "Mind your own business." Yep, it is written.

Smelling the fabric conditioner that I used on the shawl that I bought. It's black, as usual. And I got it for only Php120. At first, it was Php300 from the tag stuck on it. Plus, it has a red tape saying, 50% off, so I bought it. Upon checkout, it was actually Php150 as a regular price and I got a 20% off on that, making it Php120 for the final price. Instead of paying Php150, I only paid Php120. Steal! SM is really tricky when it is sale. Hihi. I am tricky too.

Wishing to accpmplish something more with regards to our wedding planning and I wish too to have an awesome start for the year 2018.

Hoping for a bountiful sale for our small online store.

Wearing my fiance's black shirt (it says GOOGLE). The only thing I requested from him, then, he did not stop giving me shirts. Hihi. He's so cute.

Loving my new phone, which is a gift again from GJ. It is an HTC One m9 plus. It is quite difficult to find a case within the vicinity but I found some online. I just need to be back here in the Philippines before finally placing an order online.

Wanting to experience winter again. And also autumn.

Needing to clear my bead up because it is so messy since I started to pack something up. I only have 7 kilos of bag which is not even a check in luggage. So yeah, wish me success.

Feeling excited because it will be another awesome experience. Aja!

Watching (?) No. I am not actually watching anything right now. There is not that much interesting serie or movie on iflix anymore. I've watched all of them already. Last time, I tried watching the very first episode of the trilogy Star Wars, but yeah, I fell asleep. Hihi. But the movie was good.

How about you? How was your week so far? I was always late. I hope this week, I won't be anymore.

Chiffon Prom Dresses, Hottest Formal Dress & Party Evening Gowns In All ...

the sunday currently | vol. 1

Just like what I was cooking last week (no, not food.), here is to siddathornton.blogspot.com for her wonderful idea of this series. As I've mentioned in my current post on Instagram, I want to show appreciation on every little blessing that comes my way. Hence, the birth of this series on DP blog. So, let's start.



Reading the awesome admin of LRPHC's blog, http://www.livibautista.com/ just because she's a well lit girl with a big big brain, making me realize that I do not have any talent at all. Her works are inspiring and her writings are very informative. I am just so happy that I found her blog about Lightroom tutorials and other helpful tips and tricks in photography. It's not just she's so smart but she is so pretty too. *fangirling here*
I also came to realize that my bible reading became so irregular that I wasn't able to read for almost a month. So yesterday, I started to do it again. Even I try to rationalize everything, it's me who's always the one to blame. I cannot reason out that procrastination is haunting me.

Writing another blog post for my food blog about the first ever food park in the vicinity.

Listening to the song, Our Love Funeral by a Dutch group called Racoon. I first learned about them when GJ sent me a song and I fell in love with it. Not only that he is personally singing for me, but also that the song means so much and it digs into my bones every time I listen to it, and it is still happening.

Thinking of the secrets underneath our skin because we cannot talk that much about it yet, but I am totally itching on my seat already. I hope next week, we can be open about it to others. I am super duper excited about everything and I can't promise that I can still keep my mouth shut.

Smelling the cologne I used to have two years ago. The scent that makes me remember the icy breeze of the country The Netherlands.

Wishing to have a good night rest later so I can be of use again for the service tomorrow.

Hoping for a job online which can provide us a good amount of income so we can continue our full-time service.

Wearing my fiance's old white t-shirt that he left at home so he can have something to wear when he is here and if ever he needs to spend the night, partnered with my holed floral sky blue beach shorts which I can only use at home.

Loving my all-time favorite obsession on photography and now, the newly discovered photo manipulator app on my phone, Lightroom. Plus, there are so many beautiful presets available online and they're simply addictive.

Wanting another slice of well-chilled carrot cake Ate L. gave.

Needing to organize everything related to our upcoming big event for next year. Make concrete plans and talk about every single thing and even all the small things that matter.

Feeling sick because I think it is the time of the month again, wherein girls turn into pretty little monsters that need little talks.

Watching this small video that I made before as a memorabilia of our Europe trip last 2015-2016. Mind watching it?

2018 Little Black Dresses & LBDs Trends - The Top Styles Junior Black Dr...

Things Running Through My Head

I've been inspired by a blogger to write something about how things are going from the serie she's up to every end of her week. Then I thought of making my own too. Aside from just posting nonsense blah's, I think I am going to write thoughts that are running in my head, I mean, my serious thoughts.

TOPIC #1: MATURITY

To begin with, there is this video that I saw on youtube and it talks about one's maturity.


The video helped me analyze myself more. Am I mature or immature? I really love the thought that based on studies, people who tend to defend themselves and react on things are immature. It is not because you age, it means that you're already a mature person. No. It takes time, experiences and self-improvements. It is not on the looks you have, it is not keeping up with what is on trend, trying to copy others and just caring about themselves. Maybe, you will think that maturity is just a label. Yes, it is, and I want to be labeled as a matured gal. That's my personal choice.

TOPIC #2: ASSOCIATIONS

Life is a spawn of chaos so we need to pick whom will be in our lives and who will not. I'm talking about friends here. In my self-evaluation and according to my personality test, I am a person who is easy to talk with, easy to be friends with, and I hope these are true. Hihi. But let's face it. Not all we meet and become friends with, will stay long in our lives. That is why I chose not to be too close with those I know that after a year or two, I will not meet again or worse, will not even leave messages on viber or whatsapp. It's not that I am too stingy of myself. I am just open to the thought of wandering and getting out of the comfort zone, so to speak. I made friends, so many friends. But who will still matter at the end of the day? Just you, yourself and couple of chums.

TOPIC #3: BLOGGING

Please do keep in mind that blogging is not a job. It is just a way for other people to share their thoughts and experiences. It is not that you receive some items from PR's or free products and services, you are financially stable. No. Though these gifts are nice, they don't pay the bills. The real job is those with passive income going in every month. I am not blogging because I am getting paid, I am blogging because I love sharing. I want to improve my conversation skill, my post processing skill, and my confidence.

TOPIC #4: SELF INITIATIVE

From the Facebook group that I joined two days ago, there was so many information coming in. People started giving away freebies about the app we are using for our photography business and it is somehow overwhelming for me. It is like I am in clouds of so many good stuff relating to photography and processing. But before getting into the real thing, I needed to read a lot and even I am in my bed already, I still need to read on my tablet. I learned from my sibling that reading is essential when you really want to live a life. My fiance also inspired me to read and do researches. Like for what happened a while ago, no, just ten minutes ago. My computer turned black or dark gray and all the icons I have were gone. The taskbar disappeared too that I cannot press anything and do anything. But then, I found out that the task manager is still working and I can still run some programs. Everything was retrieved and I was so happy that I didn't give up on that, otherwise, I will be frustrated. Helps, tips and trips and tutorials are widely spread in the web. We just need to take an initiative to do it. I am now used of doing things without asking others. I am not comfortable bothering them if I know that I can do it on my own. But worse case, I am not perfect, I still need help. No man's an island, right?

TOPIC #5: OPPORTUNITIES

Good vibes are attracted by good vibes. When we strive to release positivity, we will receive what has been released. I am not the coolest girl, but I have the coolest people around me. My God is a happy god, my family is the most awesome heaps I know and I have the most amazing man (for my eyes) ever. We are not perfect. Life isn't either. Not yet. But we can make it better if we want to. It is just staying positive. For example, GJ had extremities, but that did not stop him from having the life he has now. He always tells me that he is happy, and I want to be like him too. We don't need to talk about how life has been cruel and how it demanded him to lose a lot of things. We only talk partially of it. And then we moved on. We did not let those things hold us back. Oh well, I think I am not making any sense anymore. I am just joyful of the good opportunities along our way. It seems endless.

Starbucks Planner 2018; How To Acquire One

Finally, I was able to get the second planner I had from Starbucks since 2014. It might be a late post but I still want to share how did I get one and also, another one, even though I never drink coffee.

I am only into teas. I don't know if I mentioned that already in my blog posts but yes, I only drink tea, milk tea, milk, and chocolate drink for breakfast. Coffee is not included in the list. Every time I drink one, I can feel my heart beats so fast and I feel like I am always nervous. Oh well, it doesn't bother me not being a coffeeholic even though I came from the once Coffee Capital of the Philippines. (Fact: Cavite is now the Coffee Capital of the country.)



Anyways, to have the planner, you need to accumulate stickers. And to accumulate stickers, you need to have 18 Starbucks beverages. Nine of those were from the common Starbucks drinks available at any time of the year, and the other nine should come from the Holiday drinks, which happened to be three flavors.

GJ and I started collecting stickers on November 3, I guess. It was just a few days ago since the sticker collection started and GJ already redeemed a planner. I was so surprised because, in just five days, you won't be able to have that many stickers unless you treated all of the customers at the stores one cup per person.

I was not able to move a muscle because I was shocked, happily shocked, when he asked me for the color that I wanted. So then after few more minutes, I came to my senses. Yes, he got the planner for me. Not by collecting stickers from the beverages that he bought, but because he spent Php7000 (less than US$140) for other Starbucks merchandise like tea, teapots, cups and others. Perfect timing to give gifts for anniversary, appreciation and simply pasalubong for his family.

PS. Thank you GJ for the Starbucks planners. And not just that, thank you for being you.
PSS. Shoutout to the one who always read my blog though it is composed of something weird. Hihi. Hi Reren.

Holiday Dresses 2017 - 2018

Hi everyone! The holiday season is finally here. We didn't even notice it as it approaches. Anyhow, sharing you some of the finds I love. Holiday dresses perfect for this season.

Dear Future Husband

Dear Future Husband,

Last night, it was so traffic and there was no jeepney, as usual. At least, I was able to ride beside the driver's seat going home. I scouted three restaurants where we can have our reception for our simple wedding. There were interesting ones, there were also nahs. It was tiring though. I just have to do it alone since you're not around. It could have been more exciting if you're with me. But that's okay, life has its ups and downs, now, it's in the middle. :)

As I was riding the tricycle, I suddenly thought the plan about the trip. You know about that. At the back of my mind, it says, "I know it would be nice, but it is different if you're there as well with me." So then, I thought that it is better not to go. Besides, there is no chance that I can have my documents ready because of the current instances.

Worst Plane Experience; PH to UAE

It has been a year already, since the last plane encounter I had. That of last 2016 was when we went to Boracay and stayed for a week. The first one was when I went to Europe for my fiance's brother's wedding. It was a nice visit I had and the country of the Netherlands had then a special place in my heart.

But let's not talk about the Netherlands, nor the wedding of my future brother-in-law. We can sum it up in another post, if you may. This one is to share with you the experience I had the first time I rode on a plane.

Etihad Airlines, one of the nicest Emirati national airlines. Since it is famous as how it is now, I will not give an intro. I will just tell you why it was the worst flight I had with them.

It was five in the afternoon when my family sent us to the airport. There were so many people that come and go, like everywhere. I was in awe, excited, stressed and everything else. We finished all with the document checking and so. Now, it's our time to board.

Just as a first timer, I was expecting of seating beside the window. Thought of the mandatory window shots all over the internet? Well, basically, I want to have that. But then, I was assigned to the aisle seat. How crazy coincidence is. Haha.

"That's fine", I told myself. A Beautiful scene will never be visible because it was night when we flew. Then it became okay with me. I calmed myself that time.



It was a rough 9 (nine) hours flight. And it was my very first time, so all of the emotions were mixing in.

We finally landed in Abu Dhabi. Another bad thing was, it was night, so I wasn't able to see Abu Dhabi (even the airport itself). But before going out the plane, we first needed to wait for the pilot's instructions. Together with my cousin, we waited patiently while preparing our hand-carry bags with us. As mentioned, I was seated in the aisle part of the plane. That's not just it. I was also sitting in the middle of people (like the third seat in the middle). On my right was my cousin and on my left was other two guys who were friends. (I knew they're friends based on how they communicate the first time they took the seats.)

The guy who's sitting beside me was sleeping so deep that he wasn't able to feel that the plane has already landed. His friend tried to wake him up for several times already but still, nothing happened. I can feel the tense happening around, plus my cousin teasing me that my seatmate had gone somewhere other than his seat like his mind was left maybe in the country of origin. I don't know. That friend started to startle and shook him harder several times. The crew saw him and tried to wake him up as well. She looked at me with a grinning face asking if I'm his friend. I disowned him of course because that's the truth. But I was so nervous thinking that he might fell asleep into death, and the whole time, I was sitting with a dead person.

If you were in my shoe, what will you feel? Sad right? And it will feel worse if it was true.

Happily, after 4 minutes, he finally woke up. It was such a deep sleep. Good thing, the crew stayed calm. And me, I was relieved. My heart pumped so hard as well that I palpitated though I didn't take caffeine (and I never want drinking coffee).

The story was not about the airlines, it was about what I felt inside the plane and not the flight itself. I was happy having them as my very first flight. I commend the crew for all the help and so.

How about you? Did you had some experience like mine?

How To Get a PSA (formerly NSO) Birth Certificate

Disclaimer: All procedures and requirements that I will share in this post are my own experience when I obtained my PSA Certificate. I am not, in any way, affiliated with PSA or any Census Serbilis Center.

There are three ways on how you can attain a PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) birth certificate. First is through walk-in or personal appearance at their office. There are several locations throughout the Philippines so you can choose one. Second is through an online application. And the last one is through an accredited PSA stores like SM Business Center.

In my case, I opted for the walk-in process. If you do not want to wait for 5 or more business days, then it is better to go directly to their office and get it yourself.

The nearest Census Serbilis Center I found was in Fiesta Mall, Lipa City. It was a 35-minute drive from home (still depends on traffic). From home, I've already prepared the requirements. I downloaded the form and fill them up.

You can download this form at https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Secure/DownloadApplicationForms.aspx 

Others may or may not accept the form you downloaded, so it is something you need to take the risk. If ever they reject mine, they'll receive a complaint, for sure. But good thing, they accepted it. Just make sure that the only form that you will print is the birth certificate. Others like marriage certificate request form have their own color codes, in its case is pink.

Here are the requirements:
- Personal appearance
- Accomplished application form (they have forms from their office)
- Valid IDs / Government issued IDs (please bring at least 2)
- Fee (Php140)

Upon arriving at the PSA branch of your choice, take the line to the screening section. The teller will just check your form if it lacks information or if you have an authorization letter (if you are to get a certificate of someone). The screening takes only 20 seconds or less.



After that, you can proceed to the payment section. There are several windows but most of the time, only one or two are open, so you need to wait before it's finally your turn to pay. They move pretty fast so you don't need to worry that much. A PSA Birth Certificate costs Php140 (as of December 2017).

What you can do too is, you can have someone lining up on the payment section while you are still on the checking line. That is what I saw yesterday with a mom and her son. But if your conscience tells you that it is not fair, then you can just follow the process.

Once you're done paying, it is then the waiting game. It states in the posts there that it will take two hours before the releasing of your certificate.

To prevent boredom from striking, you can download a movie on your gadget. I actually started the movie since I was in the bus going to Lipa and just continued watching after I'm done with the payment.



After few minutes, my name was called. My PSA birth certificate was ready to be claimed. All in all, I only spent an hour doing the processes and waiting for my papers.

I find that this is the fastest way to get a PSA certificate. Though extra effort and time are needed, you can have that document in not even an hour.

Here's a VLOG I made when I went to the Census Sibilis Office to get mine. Enjoy!

2018 Short Prom Dresses Trends - Best Designer Party, Homecoming, Cocktail Dress At MillyBridal

There's always a place of pretty dresses in our hearts. That is true, isn't it? So why not have your dream prom dress for an affordable price from MillyBridal. Want to see their designs? Watch the video and tell me what you think.

How Does It Feels Like Having a Long-Distance Relationship?

I am happy that we had a very good conversation with our trusted elders in the congregation. It was a long talk but I appreciate the time they spend to help us with the preparations. I never regret going to them and telling them our concerns. They're always there to help, even if they have some stuff to attend. I felt we are loved by them. And it is one of the factors that keeps me and GJ even stronger. They were mediums, and we love being loved.



"Cause I'm leaving on a jetplane."

This line keeps on playing on my head since last night, until when I woke up this morning. I know it will be a tough end of the year for me and I need to face it, all of what it takes, alone. Though I have my ever supportive family, and close friends around, it will still be different if my GJ is here. All of the stress about the wedding planning will be made through internet conversations and with a time difference. That is what I hate about a long-distance relationship, which honestly speaking, I wasn't able to experience that much, except for few months (like 2 or so) of being apart.

It is also a reassuring that after this, after three long years (which feels like as if it was just three days), we are finally going to close the distance. It was a roller coaster ride but we both believe in the threefold cord priority, through thick or thin, it should be always our main goal. We should never let our focus be shifted to other things but only in the work where both of us will be of use in the future, just as what we promised in our dedication.

Medical Check Up Done

GJ and I just had our medical examination yesterday. Though we are not sick, it is always good to know one's health condition so he can always make a preventive action. We also took MRI test and found out the things we need to work on. Because being healthy outside doesn't mean you're really healthy inside.


After three days, we finally had our results. GJ and I were so happy to know that we are both healthy. There's not that much problem with our blood sugar, cholesterol, lungs and heart and others. Though the doctor told me to look after my regular intake since I lapsed the border for my cholesterol.

We both agreed that we will really do sports and have a regular workout routine. It is always important to have a proper food intake with nutritious food and enough fluids.

So that's it. I'm happy, GJ's happy, we are all happy. :)

Dating a Dutch Guy; Common Things Dutch People Do

For today’s post, I will highlight some of the things I noticed with the Dutch people. It might be very common with them but for me, I find them strange.

Here it goes.

Having their windows open

Most of the houses that we visited, their windows are wide open like they don’t really care if people can see what’s inside the house and what they do. I am not comfortable with that actually. I always want to keep my personal space private. Well, my fiance doesn't want his crib to be
Seen either, so, I don’t know. It’s just, commonly on house, they have their window open (the curtain).

They love weird tasting candies

The very first time I’ve tried their candy called drop, I spat it out. I don’t know what they made it that strong which only Dutch people can only appreciate. To test, I asked other people to try it and they were shook by the taste of it. Weird. But then when they introduced me to other drop candies (and they are relatively the same but differs in strength), I came to like it little by little. And now, I can even finish a piece without smirking.

Dear Future Husband; An Open Letter

Dear Future Husband,

It's been nine days since I picked you up at the airport (had a visit to Canada for my cousin's wedding) and you'll just stay few weeks before you fly again to the Netherlands.

Such a sad thing to know because I was so stressed not having you by my side. This might sound too much but hey, that's how I feel.

We've been so busy with the preparation for our wedding. We ran here and we drove there for our papers, the reception and until now, we haven't thought of a date yet. Though it is the most important detail, we are confident enough that we will be able to finalize it later after everything is settled.

Frustrated With Papers

Let's just get to the point here. But the problem is, there is no point at all.

GJ and I went to the City Hall this morning to ask for the required papers for our wedding next year. We did not expect that we will need just two important certificates from both ends. It was a Legal Capacity and Birth Certificate for him. It was actually very cloudy. We do not have any idea if we are to get what for the reason of what.

Anyways, at least it is clear that documents that we will get will be valid for half a year, so we have time to obtain and secure everything.

I also created a timeline document where I put all the important details of this process. It is not as easy as it is when marrying a fellow Filipino, so I hope that the timeline will be a bit help for a Filipino Citizen to marry a Dutch Citizen. I will be posting about it sometime next year, of course, after the wedding.

My Online Job Hunt

It was two years ago when I left the corporate world in the office and planned to look for an online job. I admit it. It was never easy.

They say that there are lots of opportunities available on the internet. Yes, there are.

My first choice was really teaching online. I always see myself as a teacher for kids. I do not pick students though, just the thought of being a teacher is always connected to kids and youngsters.

I remember having my first job in the office as a marketing staff. I fully and detailedly shared the procedures I took on my blog on the internet. It was a platform that pays writers for their articles. Too bad that this particular website shut down a few months after. How devastated I was thinking that I wasn't able to back my articles up for future use. Now, I'm starting over again.

Anyways, back to online teaching. It is not easy applying if you do not have an experience. I had no idea what will I do in the teaching demo. I would surely love to share how I was accepted as an online English teacher. Make sure to stay tuned for that blog post.

Aside from teaching, I also tried being a Virtual Assistant. Another thing that I don't know how to do and what to do. A lot of people find that being a VA a very suitable job for their time. I wonder how do they assist people from the web.

Another one is what I do now. I write my heart out and be bold to speak up. Personal blogging is a different field for me. I am used of having food to talk about, and not my personal life. I rant about my reviews about a certain stuff but not about how I feel towards myself and others. But I am more an open book now. Though I don't write everything, it is still part of my life that I share to the world. And by blogging about it, I am hoping that someone will learn from it, or can be of value.

And so, I am still looking on how I can earn money online. There are a lot of ways but I want to make sure that I am not just wasting time for nothing.

Will there be something you can recommend?

What To Consider in Choosing Your Wedding Theme

Last night, GJ and I talked about the theme we want for our wedding. We thought of having a passport theme for our wedding invitations, and instax for our guest book. If we are to combine the two together, we can have a travel photography theme on our wedding.

Why do we need to think of these for our big day?

It is simply because it will make us happy on our very special day.

In a website that I lurked unto last time, wedding theme is needed so you will know how your venue will look like. That is one of the best reason why you need one. It also depends on which country you live in. Your decorations matter and we do not want to have something that fits a winter feel when you only have a wet and dry season like here in the Philippines. You want your wedding to be broadcast in the news as one of the oddest wedding themes there is, then try everything without an overall look, that'll be instant. LOL.

Having the theme in mind makes every piece of the puzzle comes together. So it is really a thing to think about.

He's Back!

Finally, you are back again my love. It was a tough two weeks without you like my world is so down not being able to even touch your face just like what I'm used to doing. Those were gloomy weeks since you flew to Canada. But then, it taught me a very valuable lesson. Living without you is such so miserable, not even my thing. I've waited all my life to find you and I am not into letting you get out of it. I am just so fond of you.

And now that I can touch you again, smell you again, laugh with you again, uggh, such a very nice feeling, feeling that I can exchange for anything in this world just for me to have them experienced again.

Us In The Same Time Zone

You're a few hours away from me. And I am so happy that in just a blink of an eye, we will be together again.

A week and a half are long enough to make me feel homesick of your love.

I cannot wait to see you again baby.

Wedding Planning 101

Few more days and GJ will be home again. After that, we need to do some ocular work to see where is the best fit for our wedding reception. It doesn't need to be elegant, it needs to be just fine for our 100 guests on that special day.

We are excited to do these things together. And I can't hide the excitement I feel whenever we talk about our wedding. Though a simple one will do, we want it to be so memorable for our guests and most especially, for the two of us.

I will update this blog again as soon as we had accomplished something about our big day in the future.

Dear Future Husband; An Open Letter

Dear Future Husband,

As I was eating dinner alone, I was thinking about you. Thinking how things started and how we ended up being into each other's hearts. It is still very clear to me when you asked me if I want to marry you. I was actually shook that day because I was not prepared, though things like that come without a definite time. When you kneeled and asked me, my head was on cloud nine. And every time I watch the proposal video Kuya N made, I still feel very embarrassed because I can't move when you showed me the ring. It is always a funny thing to see.

Be Your Own Kind; It's Called Originality

Just because I don't react, doesn't mean I didn't notice.

Dating a Dutch Guy; Things I Learned About

Hallo allemaal. Me and my fiance have been dating for quite some years now and I am still learning lots of things about him and his culture. Being in an interracial relationship was never easy. But since I have been a very good observer and submitter (at least that's how I feel. Hihi), I came to understand his reasons and we are doing it right (not all, but most of the important things).

They say that Dutch people dress messy. As per what they say about dressing, I am just so not into believing that Dutch people don't care how they look. Wearing jeans is very comfy, but hey! They are very fashionable and conscious with their style too. Though it might apply to most of the Dutch in the Netherlands, I am happy I have my partner which does not fall in this category. My stay in the Netherlands proved this statement wrong. Might apply to ladies hair (they just tie them up like what I usually do or wring it tight for convenience) but never with their dress and clothing. My fiance loves wearing stylish clothes but also depends on his attire to the event.

Clean your table. One of the characters of being a Westerner that I admire the most. Whenever we go out and eat at fast food restaurants, he initiates to clean our table and leave no trash behind. I noticed that when we ate at McDonald's. In the country where I live is a total opposite. People are used of letting the staff clean the table for them, reasoning that it is what they're hired for. But considering the amount of work they might have done if you'll clean your table, they can be more productive. So every time we eat out, I just make sure that I piled everything up for the staffs' ease of cleaning.

Butterfly Fly Away

GJ just went to a trip to Canada and he will be there for two and a half weeks. It's been a long time since we had a LDR state and have to be apart from each other. When he arrived in the Philippines, it is like we are seeing every single day. We eat together, we study together, and we work together.

I will miss you baby. See you at the end of the month!

Struggles of an Interracial Relationship

There's no perfect woman, neither a perfect man. There's no perfect relationships. So let's face the fact, every relationship has its own struggles, own ups and downs, own waves of laughter and tears.

But talking about interracial relationship is a different story. Here's comes in different languages, different culture, different behaviour, different insights, different perspective and different understanding. If you are having a foreign mate, then you are one of us.

The following are some of the factors (in random order) that affect those who are in an interracial relationship. Let's see and think of how can we use them to strengthen one's relationship and make it even healthier.

Language

Titled as the top relationship struggle, relationships sometime end without formal closure. One cannot force the other to learn their language if they don't want to. This is why being patient is needed. Take time. Establish an open communication. Teach one another how to converse openly about what they think and what they feel.

Distance

Let's admit it. This is the worst enemy an interracial relationship can have. Five hours difference, six, seven, eight? That sucks I know.

Race

Other people feel that they are superior than the others, that they are more knowledgeable about life and stuff. Sometimes, peoples' color also adds to pressure.

Culture

When they say that this is how they do things, how will you react? Will you be smart to think first before bursting to anger? Will you listen first to what they have to say about the matter? Or you will get mad right after they shared their thoughts about it?

Physical Interaction

Body language, the tone, and loudness of voice, eye contact. These are important to know the inner person of one's mate. Yes, you call via facetime, video call via Skype, talk endlessly over the phone. But does that really shows up what a person feels and how they want to react?

Financial Status

Since there are a lot of opportunities for those who live in industrialized countries, they have better financial status than others. That is the agony of not having a luxury of choices. In this regard, those who don't have a choice sometimes seek to be supported by their partners.


You think you're experiencing all these? No worries. Your relationship will not fail. It just take communication and serious planning.

You're still thinking of other factors? Share it with us in the comment section bellow!

Another Year to Celebrate!

It has been two years since we started courting. And now, wuhoo! We are engaged!

How did he proposed? Well, I will try to share the important things that happened but I know I won't able to remember everything.

It Tuesday morning, we worked with some friends. I was so in a bad mood in the morning because I feel so tired, and yes, it was raining that day. He arranged a photowalk with some few close friends and the place is a bit far. I feel sick and all I actually want to do is go home.

Though I know I cannot, we all proceeded to the place. It was an ancient house filled with different camera gears. It was my initial idea to go there for a visit. Though exhausted, I forced myself to enjoy. It was a rough weather for all of us. My feet were soaked into the rain water and my head was in a dizzy state. The place was nice, though. We were all photography enthusiast so we really made every single time to count.

Near the entrance of the museum was an old camera. It is still working, don't judge. One needs to put his head at the back and hid his head under a curtain to see more of what's in the view finder. That is what he made me to do. Not knowing that he has a ring on his hand, he asked me, "What do you see?". At first, it was just his bare hand. So I answered, "Your hand." He then asked, "Is it clear?". Yes it was. So he pulled off the ring from the box and showed it, asking me again, "Now, what do you see?". Of course, I was surprised. All I was able to say was, "Baaabiiii!" And I went closer to him.

My head was still battling between "Is this real?" and "How can this be?". Why? Because we already talked about getting married but haven't talked exactly when. I know that a couple need to be married within six months after getting engaged. And I know that within six months, he will be away for work in his country. So that is the reason why I was struck in my place, and wasn't able to move a muscle.

It was our friends who pulled me off from the camera and asked me to come closer. And then, he bent his knees and finally asked me, "Will you marry me?". All I was able to say was, "Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss." That was pretty long. It ended with a tight hug.