We Are One in Taiwan!

So here's the thing. We only stayed 4 days in Taiwan and obviously, it wasn't enough. On the first day, we roamed around the city by foot, attended a meeting, ate noodles and dumplings and the last time I remember, I was laying in the hotel bed, feeling tired and sick (expecting the long flight from The Netherlands to Asia, that was like 15 hours). But that did not stop us. We were just starting our trip.

The second day, we were able to have authentic Taiwanese breakfast (which I have been waiting for since we booked our ticket going there). We walked for ten minutes to the food court, arrived there expecting a long queue of of hungry souls, but fortunately, the line moved so fast that we did not even realized that we were inside looking at the fresh sesame buns they're baking on the spot. It was something that I will always cherish, our awesome second day.

After that, we had a little tour outside the capital city and was able to see what's laying in the outskirt of Taiwan. It was still amazing. The people, the food, the scene, the neighborhood. Also, there's this technology mall that G cannot miss in this trip. It is called Syntrend. They have 9 floors of so many stuffs that you will want to take he building in your pocket and take it home with you (if you will not be caught in the immigration). We had the chance to go to one of their night markets too. Ugghh, that was the best! For dinner, we ate at a toilet restaurant and that was so fun, food's good too!

Finally, we needed to leave and go back to our normal lives in The Philippines.

Don't think that we did not bring anything for you guys. We actually filmed a lot for you to see what's in the island of Taiwan.

You can watch the videos at our YouTube channel "The Dutch Pinay Couple" or just click play below.

Enjoy watching! And please don't forget to share love always!

Few Days Left, Asia Soon!

Here I am, sitting in front of the computer, blank.

Actually, not. There are just too much and too many things running in my head and I do not know where to focus.

First, we only have very few days left in The Netherlands. I am happy we were able to scout around the capital city even for a day. It was surely worth it. Things are more expensive though (ohh hilariously expensive). After three months of stay (work work work), we are finally going home to see our family and friends in The Philippines. It's always exciting to see them again after few months.

But passing to Taiwan is another thing we are looking forward to. It has been one of our dream destinations in Asia. And now, it's happening! For the longest time, we can finally have our honeymoon (sort of).

I am happy that I can bring my new printer which was mentioned in my previous post here. But I am sad that I need to leave my die-cutting machine. It is too heavy that it might cause an additional fee on our luggage. I really love that machine, it is so handy, easy, and lovely. Soon, I will share with you the cards I made using that thing.

In few days, I am going to start working again, maybe. As of now, we actually don't know. See how blank we are these days. We are so full of beautiful emotions that we cannot even manage to think.

Very First Handmade Junk Journal from Spares

There's nothing perfect to do in foggy and chilly weather but to stay at home and do all those thingamajigs. I'm guilty. What can you do in a 0°C temperature? For me, it's the best and perfect time to have some hot tea, play mellow music and grab my construction paper and fold them up. That was actually the idea I had last night. From my last post, the art supplies that I had made me so excited about future ideas that will enter my head. It's not that I cannot sleep thinking, but it is just super exciting for me.

So today, which is the first official day of my leave, I spent my day in the room (without even having lunch or snack) doing my crafty things. Since I cannot go out because it is cold, and I can't buy anything because I do not have any cash, I've made my very first junk journal instead. (I actually don't want to call it junk, it's not that bad. Hehe.) There is already a lot of things I can use as well so why buy more?

With all the spares I had from the cards I made and had given away, I compiled the bigger sizes and added some short paper in a pile. All in all, I was able to accumulate five sets of sheets. After folding them in half, I made sure that the distribution of the sheets is good according to my preference.

Update: Love2Craft Die Cutting And Embossing Machine From Action

Hey you everyone! As you can see at the title, this is an update about the hobby I want to pursue more and more while staying here in The Netherlands. From my previous post here, I've decided to have some investments aside from merely scissors and papers at hand. Happily, my loving husband is very supportive in everything that I do and I am more than happy about that. Ever since, I already love making cards and doing crafts. So here I am now, owning my very own die-cutting and embossing machine that we bought few days ago. For an add on, we also bought a Canon Selphy printer (€119) for pictures that I will include in the cards that I'll give away to friends. I am very happy with all of these.

This die-cutting machine is a life changer, there are now endless possibilities. We got it from Action (a Dutch/English owned discount store chain) for €39.95. It came with 2 3D embossing folder plates and a pack of a die set.

We also purchased some fancy die sets from the store since they do not cost that much, not even a euro per set. Here are the first few cards that I made the time I got the machine. Of course, I couldn't wait but to splurge my time doing some crafts.

Another Hobby Relived: Myxed Crafts

Since last week, I have made a realization (this is the worse thing to do when you got time off, you can think haha) that I want to relive the hobby I had since the very beginning of time. From my other blog, I've made a statement that I am a crafty person. There's not that much project I share here, or on our vlog (https://www.youtube.com/thedutchpinaycouple) except the one where I gave my husband an explosion box when we celebrated our very first anniversary while we were courting.

In fact, I can only work with a bunch of paper and a scissor, and viola! I can make something crafty on it. But that's not always the case, of course. Now, I am thinking of making more out of it. I would like to add more to the stash that I have, which is just a pair of scissors and some tapes.

First off, I would like to have my own die cutting machine, a starter kit. I've seen a cute little die cutter online and I am excited to have a hold of it! The sad thing is, it might not be available here in The Netherlands but I am still willing to look for another brand or alternative. It works manually and very handy.

And as I start to relive this hobby, I am going to do it a lil bit more pro this time. There's a lot of plans going on here in my head already and I guess I could not wait another day to lay my hands on them. There's also a new YT channel that I will be making for this specific project. And that's where the title comes in place. How do you like Myxed Crafts (Myx, that's basically me and craft, it's from the word itself), which can also mean mixed crafts. What do you think?

Today, we are going out. I hope we will have the chance to visit the store and look for a cutting machine, I really love to have one! And it's always my dream to pursue this little hobby.

The Best Season to Visit the Netherlands

Me in the Netherlands last 2016

From an Asian perspective, it will always be winter, the perfect season to visit the Netherlands. How so? Let's count the reasons why.

It snows. Winter never exists in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, etc. Playing in the snow or making a snow angel is a dream for many.

You can stay in your bed for the whole day. It is cold, what else will you do then?

People are inside their homes. And because of that, commercial cities (stad), museums, and parks are so unoccupied that one can maximize his time to roam around the halls and try almost all of the park's rides. It's so worth it, I'm telling you! (That was what we actually did at Disneyland Paris!)

I've been visiting The Netherlands for some quite amount of times already and I am still amazed to see how Dutch people do things, in a fancy or very different way. Living in The Philippines, in the very own city that I grew up, and I was born in, I have not really experienced or seen a lot in my life. I am so grateful that my windows opened and I was able to have a glimpse of the other part aside from my hometown.

Now that I am married to the Dutch I dated for 3 years and celebrated our first anniversary this year, already, still, lots of things are yet to be discovered. I've decided not to change the title of this series so they will still be in place and in the same category.

Anyhow, let's not dilly dally and let's start, shall we?

Three kisses on the cheek

Greeting family and friends with kisses on the cheek are pretty normal, we also do that in the Philippines. But in The Netherlands, it is a custom to give others three kisses. I've heard that if someone did that to you, it means that they like you. There's no specific side which one to cling first, whether left or right. Some times, I just go on to a friend and let them do the thing. Hehe.

One hot meal a day

Yes, it is very common in a Dutch household. They only take bread or cereals in the morning, then a sandwich in their lunch, and in the evening, it is when they really have a feast meal. Unlike in The Philippines, we always have hot rice and ulam in all three meals to go on with the day. Dutch loves their potatoes, meat, and vegetables in their table for dinner. And that's perfectly paired with a cold glass of good beer or wine.

Crossing Oceans: Vol. 10 | Mikey & Bella

Hey guys! I am back with another guest! They're from different parts of the world and live a few thousand miles apart. But that doesn't stop them from showing affection and loving each other. Now, let's hear from them.

How did you and your partner meet?
We meet through a dating site, OkCupid.

How long have you guys been together?
Been together for 5 months.

What is your & your partner's nationality?
I'm a Filipina, he is American

What is the biggest pet peeve in your relationship?
I guess it's when we fight. I hate it because I tend to not want to talk to him and of course he doesn't want that. 😂

Another Day to be Grateful!

One of the pet peeves of being in an interracial relationship is the hassle it gives when it comes to papers and documents. For me and G, living in the Philippines is not as easy as it seems. Of course, it is a little bit stressfree but all in all, it is never like that.

Our plan is to visit my in-laws in Europe every once in a while. To make that happen, we always need to ask for a visa for me to have at least 90 days stay (within 180 days period) in The Netherlands. Preparation is doable, I've been on it three times already, but still, we do not know if they will grant me or not. Unlike G, who is married to a Philippine national/resident (that's me of course. haha), he has the privilege of getting a free year visa/stay in the Philippines. We also have submitted required papers for G to acquire a resident visa, thankfully, it was approved as well. Meaning, he has a free visa! "How generous my country is!", I realized.

Today, I received my Schengen visa and it only took 2 business days (from PH to KL to PH + processing). Although we asked for a three years visa, I think it is not yet the time for me to have one. I am more than happy having a year visa, it is really an answered prayer already. Soon enough, we will fly again to EU and I would be thrilled to see my second family there. G told me that we can go to France again, and that's another thing to look forward to.

So yeah, it is a very pleasant day, and month (we just had our 3-day convention with the theme, Love Never Fails).

You can watch here how I applied for a Schengen visa in The Netherlands.

How to Renew and Change Your Marital Status in Your Driver's License (2019)

Disclaimer: All the procedures and requirements that I will share in this post are my own experience when I changed my status. I am not, in any way, affiliated with LTO (Land Transportation Office).

I got free time last Friday since a plan to go somewhere in Manila was canceled. So before it expires next week, I had it renewed on time. Upon checking with the LTO Office at SM City Batangas (a remote office), they only accept regular license renewal. Those who need to change status like Student to Non-Professional/Professional or updating marital status shall only be done at their district office, so I headed to Conception. It took me three hours to get mine.

Here's what I did step by step.

1. Have your medical test + blood type
There are a lot of medical laboratories around LTO offices but I always prefer to do it inside their premises. It costs Php450 and blood type costs Php100. If in case you're going to have your license renewed at remote offices like SM Stores, medical examination price stays the same. Part of the exam is your height, weight, vision test and measuring your blood pressure.

2. Log in at guard then fall in line at the customer service representative
There's a logbook you need to sign before proceeding to the CSR, who'll then give you application forms based on your need. You also have to present your old driver's license and a photocopy of your marriage certificate. The CSR will give you a queue number in lieu of your application. Fill up the forms and wait for your number to be called.

Crossing Oceans: Vol. 9 | Eli & Molly

Yey to another interview! Today, I will share with you the answers of an amazing couple from the US and let's see how they cope with differences and make things balance within an interracial relationship. These two are dear to me because of their exquisite uniqueness. I've been following their story on Instagram, even when he proposed, they got married, and finally, having her spousal visa approved and ended their long-distance state. Weeeeeh! I'm so excited!

Here we go!

How did you and your partner meet?
We met at an online dating site, specifically, Christian dating for free (CDFF).

How long have you guys been together?
We've been together as a couple since December 12, 2016. But we started chatting June 12, 2016.

What is your & your partner's nationality?
My husband is American and I am a Filipina.

What is the biggest pet peeve in your relationship?
Eli: I don't have any pet peeve in our relationship. I love everything about my wife. (Char!)
Molly: My biggest pet peeve in our relationship is when I tell him "I miss you" he always sings, "Namimiss din kita, namimiss din kita, namimiss din kita mahal kita sobra." In the tune of feliz navidad. I like the lyrics but i don't like the tune.😅

Wow! It has been a year since I posted a tsc series here in my blog. I should have been writing for my 20th post but yeah, blame Youtube! We became super occupied with vlogging so I got to ignore this blog.

Anyways, I am super excited to be active here again. Sometimes, IG isn't enough for all my life dramas, so this is a good channel for nonspoken words. Wew!

Okay, so, currently I am...

Crossing Oceans: Vol. 8 | Phil & Cris

Hello you guys! It's been a while since my last feature! Today, I have another awesome couple from the States. They are an interracial couple that finally closed the distance a month ago. Since they are now having the best days of their lives now, let's interview them a bit.

So, let's not dilly dally and start the Q&A. :)

How did you and your partner meet?
Cris: we met in a dating app called Skout, which l honestly think was not the best app to use if you are looking for a serious date since it doesn't really give a lot of information beforehand but we got lucky moreso blessed actually that we found each other, I believed it's destiny ... He sent me a message and I responded since he is really good looking with those hazel eyes

How long have you guys been together?
Cris: Though we said I love you's and made our relationship official after 2.5 months, we are counting based on that first day we communicated and it's been 3 yrs and 8 mos.

What is your & your partner's nationality?
Cris: I am from the Philippines and my fiance Phillip is from America

How To Change Your Marital Status in Your TIN ID (BIR) 2019

Disclaimer: All the procedures and requirements that I will share in this post are my own experience when I changed my status. I am not, in any way, affiliated with BIR.

One of the easiest ID to update is the Tax Identification Number (TIN) Identification Card, according to my experience. Here's what I did step by step.

1. Log in at the entrance.
Security guards will ask you to log their book and they will take a photo of you with a valid ID (can be your old TIN ID card) using a webcam from their PC.

2. Ask for form.
Upon entry, you need to ask for a queuing number and the form (BIR FORM 1905 - Application for Registration Information Update / Correction / Cancellation) at the front/help desk.

Registering your marriage right after your wedding is necessary to be able to validate your relationship, in your country, and in your partner's country. And to comply with that, we needed to undergo few processes to have the final paper accepted in The Netherlands.

It is not chaotic, don't worry. You just need to wait.

Here are the requirements:
- Personal appearance
- Authenticated or legalized marriage certificate (click to see how to legalize your paper)
- Photocopy of your passport
- Photocopy of your spouse's passport

Just present these papers to the city where your Dutch partner lives and leave your contact number so you will know when can you pick up the registered paper of your wedding in The Netherlands. Ours took three weeks before they were able to release the paper. But that is fine, we know everything important takes time.

And that's it! If you have any query, please do not forget to contact me in any information available in this blog. It can be on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. So, thank you and have a great day! Doei!

*END NOTE:

You don't have to legalize your documents in The Netherlands if it is already authenticated in the Philippines.
Reference:
Have your document legalised by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. On 1 January 2016 the Dutch embassy in Manila stopped legalising documents from the Philippines. After your document has been legalised by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, you can use it in the Netherlands.
Source: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/