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.