Post-Honeymoon Trip - Australian Visa

We went back to the embassy in the morning and got hold of our visa. It's not as fab as US and Japan's visa but it will do. As long as we have now the entry permit to enter Australia. 

Post-Honeymoon Trip - Visit to Australian Embassy

Australian Embassy is at Nassim road just beside US embassy near botanical gardens. The application for visa is from 9am to 12noon and 2:30 to 4:30, Mondays to Fridays only. We took a cab from the Orchard MRT. Before we went in, we were asked to leave our camera phones, laptops, cameras and other electronic devices. They also asked us to leave any id with a photo then went through under security inspection. The visa application is on the second floor and we went straight to the reception area to get a queue no. It was quite fast than what I've expected and there's only few people waiting. While we were waiting for our no to appear on that screen, we overheard one applicant with her husband i think telling the officer that her husband is very rich. :D Wow. Talk about desperation. Hahaha. It's so funny though. When it was our turn, we submit all the requirements to the officer, asks us to pay $136 each, told the officer that we need the passport by friday for our genting trip to which she asked us to come back after 2 days. All that in less than a minute. By 10.30 am we both got a call which we both missed. It was from the Australian Embassy. And we thought that we forgot to submit something or that our visa got denied. Habiga called the office before lunch time and he was told to call before 2.30. We were both anxious to know what the call was about. Before 2.30, habiga called again the embassy. And he was told that our visa got approved! That was really fast! Wopeeeeeeeeee. So happy!

Birthday Celebration / The Dawn at the Arena

Woke up at 6.30 am with my throat so dry from last night's tequila and wine. Slept few minutes earlier after my thirst was quenched. I have ditched this habit long time ago and I think it's not because of my own choice. I guess it has something to do with the fact that I really am not getting any younger. Well, anyway, after mass we went to the Arena for "The Dawn's" concert. It was really worth spending habiga's birthday at that concert. It was a good concert and though they performed earlier than what I've expected we still spend the rest of the night having dinner at boat quay with mareng bebit and hubby rak, mi ami, bes joey, and cuz with anhya and wife. So good to have chilli crab once again! BUT I like No signboard's better. The day ends and it was a magical birthday! At least that's what I see in my bebe's eyes. And I guess it's true that you feel whatever emotions that someone you love is feeling :)

   

Post-Honeymoon Trip - Preparing the VISA requirements

Travelling is so much fun. Preparing for it isn't that fun although it's good you had to experience those things. And I couldn't say how fun it is to go after your employer asking for that piece of paper they called certificate of employment which they can edit the name in the template and print in a whim and still took them days to give it to you. Of course, after numbers of follow up emails. Habiga got his day after he asks his employer. Mine took 4 days.

Now that we already have two items off the list, we still need to photocopy a lot of things. Good thing we have our good ol' reliable printer/scanner/photocopying machine. It has been a great help to us since day 1 of preparing things for our wedding :)

Anyway, I've listed below the things needed so you won't get lost in knowing the requirements for getting the "Australian Visa (tourist)". Set for the travel date and scout for the cheapest ticket first. You can get an idea on the ticket price on my post Ticket Hunting.

1. Visa Application Form (48R) - can be downloaded at australian embassy site. pm me if you want a copy :)

2. Certificate of Employment - File your leave and ask your employer to provide you your certificate of employment. It should state the date of your employment, your salary, and your approved date leave. This shouldn't be a problem to the employers as they have a template for this. Photocopy the original.

3. Travel Itinerary - Compare the price quotations you got from different travel agencies. Don't forget to scout in the internet too. (But having it book on your own may cause you problems as you cannot buy your ticket yet unless you have your visa granted. And you can't get your visa unless you provide a copy of your itinerary. So I think for those holding a Philippine passport, better do it with a travel agency.) Once settled on the cheapest package, book the flight with the hotel and ask for a printout of your itinerary. Please remember that this should not be confirmed yet. A deposit of certain amount will be asked but don't pay for the whole package yet. Photocopy the original.

4. Passport and EP or NRIC - photocopy each

5. Passport Picture - to affix in the visa application form

6. Proof of Funds - print out a proof of funds (dbs / uob account)

7. Payslip - Photocopy latest 3 months of payslip

Pre-Birthday Party

The time we reached the magic "3" we made a deal with each other that we won't be having any more of those crazy expensive parties we used to have when we we're still in our 20's. Habiga's friends planned a get-together "inuman" with only one person knowing it was his birthday. Some friends hahaha. So, when they went to our place they were totally clueless that it was a get-together-cum-birthday celebration. I did invited few friends who we usually go out with. After consuming 2 bottles of vodka, 2 bottles of tequila i think and 3 bottles of wines, it's really obvious that most of us did enjoy that night. Tenchu sa mga nag-greet at nagdala ng food and beer and cake. It's realy obvious how everyone made my bebe so happy. :D Super tenchu to our friends who made it to the mini celebration. Super tenchu to our hawsmeyts Tita Abby, Dennis, Glynz and Sheila who were so patient with the noise.    Pinoy Sunday's very own Ronald and John planned a small gathering too in our function room. They had "The Dawn" as their guest so we did made a little appearance too hihihi. FYI, habiga's bday party happened to coincide with "Pinoy Sunday's" welcome party for the "The Dawn" in our function room hehehe.

Post-Honeymoon Trip - Ticket Hunting

We so love travelling but honestly, I think none of us wants to do all the trouble hunting for cheaper fares and hotels. And going to a place where a tourist visa was needed which requires a lot of things to complete added up to that little burden of planning your travel. We've looked for days in the internet and going to chinatown and calling some travel agencies collating the quotations given to us for comparison later. Below were some of the quotations we got from ChanBrothers, Asino and Perfect Travel. But from those quotations, the tax is what's making the price so high.

ChanBrothers
Flight No Date From/To Dep
Arr
QF 032 N 28AUG 4 SINSYD DK1 0930 1850 28AUG E 0 744
QF 031 N 07SEP 7 SYDSIN DK1 1655 2245 07SEP E 0 744
QF - QANTAS AIRWAYS
SIN - SINGAPORE
SYD - SYDNEY

Adult Selling Price $ 598
Agent Service Fee $ 60
Taxes $ 557 SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Total $1215 per adult

Chan Brothers Travel Pte Ltd
150 South Bridge Road #04-04 Fook Hai Building Singapore 058727
E-mail : airfares@chanbrothers.com.sg
www.chanbrothersflights.com
Ticket Collection Hours : -
Monday - Friday : 10.00am to 6.30pm
Saturday : 10.00am to 2.30pm
Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays

________________________________________________________


Perfect Travel (99) Pte Ltd

Stella Siow
1 park Road #03-21
People's Park Complex
Singapore 059108
Tel: 6538-6812
E-mail: sales@perfecttravel99.com.sg
www.perfecttravel99.com.sg
Monday - Friday : 10.00am to 7.30pm
Saturday: 10.00 am to 7.00pm
Public Holidays: 1.00pm to 6.30pm
Close on Sundays


________________________________________________________


And from today's quick visit to chinatown, we found a good deal. Well, it's not cheap but at least it's way better than the other quotations we got. We were already desperate with some of the prices from some travel agencies. Since we need to secure the tourist visa first before we booked our ticket, one agency requires $500 as a deposit before they can provide you an itenerary eventhough the flight isn't confirmed yet. Five Star requires 80% payment of the total price so they can provide us a booking. If visa got denied, this is the exact words of the girl, "Oh I'm sorry we can't do anything about it. We can't return you your money." What the hell? And this agency that we found was having a cheaper package but was only asking $100 / person as a deposit. If visa got denied, they will be returning the $50 only. So we made the deposit and went home with a smile on my face and that itinerary on my hand. I thought, at least now we're moving and I can say that this trip is definitely on :D

Pre-Birthday Dinner Date

We had our "dinner date" for habiga's birthday celebration earlier at Oscar's restaurant in Conrad Hotel in Millenia. We're on a "tight budget" mission so we choose this place so we can make use of our voucher hihihi. They server international buffet at $60++ per person which is really worth every cent spent. There wasn't much choice on the hot dishes as they were serving either an indian or malaysian cuisine. But really the unending supply of shrimp, lobster, crayfish, oyster and sushi's were all worth it. Just don't eat much rice :) Supply of bread will be served too. There's a bowl of mix fruits, salad, soup and a lot choices for the dessert. Their dessert lists waffle with ice cream, 3 or 4 flavours of ice cream, banana crepe, hors 'd vours and my favorite chocolate pralines. Plus you can still get a cup of coffee at the end of it all. We did get a 100ml each of red and white for only $9 each! Our total bill sums up to $160+ with GST and service charge less $60 voucher, a $100 dinner date isn't bad at all having all that delicious meals. When I called for reservation, I also asked a birthday cake to be serverd. When I got the bill, I was so surprise to see it was FOC. And to top it all, service is the best! Although ambiance wasn't that at all romantic inside the restaurant, well compared to Swissotel's Equinox, you can request to be seated outside so that it won't be too noisy. This was my birthday gift to him along with the CK long sleeves :)

Perstaym

Though we've been to KL many times before, we've never tried planning on going to Genting until now. I guess this is just the kind of place that we don't want to go to alone. So now, planning it with friends make it more exciting! So yeah, we are going to GENTING! Yipeeeee. Hopefully this won't be our so-called "post-wedding hanimun slash anniversary getaway". Last year's original plan was a euro-tour which got down to LA-visit-to-friends which was also turned down as the fare is really expensive. Man, I could already own a designer bag by that amount. Now it's down to a place that is much nearer and a bit ok for our budget *habiga's budget actually hihihi*. Secret muna para matuloy. Chekolo chekolo. *pahiram cuz*

Pinoy Sunday - Search for Little Miss Pinoy Sunday

THE SEARCH IS ON FOR :

LITTLE MISS PINOY SUNDAY

THE ARENA @ CLARKE QUAY
4-9 pm

Participants must be a Filipino residing here in Singapore with a valid dependent pass / PR status or Singaporean Citizen with Filipino parent/s. Ages should be between 4 to 10 during the start of the competition.Able to show their talents on stage whether singing, dancing, etc. Able to speak Filipino or Taglish during Q and A portion.

1st Prize: S$500.00
2nd Prize: S$300.00
3rd Prize: S$200.00

Elimination dates:
August 3,2008
August 10,2008
August 17,2008
August 24,2008

Grand Finals: September 7, 2008

Parents/kabayans we are encouraging you to bring and let your kids join this contest. This is your chance to see your little angels performing on stage with our Kababayan watching them. See them how they answer questions, deliver their talents and most of all, how they look like when they are on stage. Be ready with your video cam for this memorable event.

We are also looking for bands to perform for the month of August.

For more details, call us at:
98719507
97670768

Or email and visit our website:
pinoytalents@gmail.com
Pinoy Sunday website

The Dark Knight

With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as the Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces the Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.

I was a little subdued watching "The Dark Knight" as I've never been a follower or fan of Batman though I've seen all of it. I just can't seem to remember much of the story though. But I'll say it was the BEST batman ever. Or the BEST movie I've seen this year. Heath was really scary and the story seem realistic. I was scared all throughout the movie. Better watch it!

Great things in life

I never thought a heart so small could endure much feelings of different "levels" and "categories". God is truly amazing for creating things that's beyond our comprehension. Who else could think of such complex structure where a fertilized human egg grows inside another human being's body nurturing for nine months completing the cycle. Lesser or more week of staying in the womb will make that baby physically incomplete. Turning the human's womb into an oven with precise temperature is absolutely amazing. Having a heart that's as small as a palm can grasp bearing much emotions that could turn someone into an instrument of peace or chaos in the world. I guess this may be nonsense to you but to me, it's one of those meaningless idle moments of my time at work thinking about anything :) Anuvah-itu!

Last Wish

I've read one post from Paulo Coelho's blog and thought about posting it here. The story moved me and thought about having it too in my last will as there were places in the world that I still want to travel. Vera is truly amazing for thinking about hope and fulfilling her dreams inspite of her situation. And it's overwhelming to know that people all over the world can still be united inspite of what was happening around us. I guess this is the unconditional love that was sprinkled on our being when we were born that nothing and no one can take away from us. Hope you enjoy this post as much as I did.

"I've always thought about what happens when we scatter a little of ourselves across the Earth. I have had my hair cut in Tokyo, have clipped my nails in Norway, watched my blood flow from a wound halfway up a mountain in France. In my first book, The Archives of Hell (which has never been reprinted), I speculated about this, as if we felt we had to sow a little of our own body in various parts of the world, so that in a future life, something would be familiar to us. I recently read in the French newspaper Le Figaro, an article by Guy Barret about a true story which took place in 2001, when someone took this idea to its final conclusion. It was about the American Vera Anderson, who spent her entire life in the town of Medford, Oregon. In old age, she was the victim of a cardiovascular accident made worse by emphysema of the lungs, forcing her to spend years in her room connected to a balloon of oxygen. As if all this wasn't enough of a burden, Vera's case was even more cruel, because she had always dreamed of going round the world, and had saved up in order to do so in retirement. Vera managed to be transferred to Colorado, so that she might spend her remaining days in the company of her son, Ross. There, before making her final journey - the one none of us return from - she took a decision. Since she would never get to know even her own country, she would travel after she died. Ross went to the local notary office and registered her mother's will: when she died, she wished to be cremated. So far, nothing unusual. But the will went on: her ashes were to be placed in 241 little bags, which were to be sent to the chiefs of the mail services in 50 American states, and each of the 191 countries in the world - so that at least part of her body would end up visiting the places she always dreamed about. As soon as Vera departed, Ross fulfilled her last wish with the dignity one would expect of a son. Each parcel carried an accompanying letter asking for a laying to rest worthy of her mother. All the people who received Vera Anderson's ashes respectfully obeyed Ross's wish. On the four corners of the Earth, a silent chain of solidarity was formed, along which unknown well-wishers organized diverse ceremonies and rites, always taking into consideration the place the deceased woman would liked to have known. Thus, Vera's ashes were scattered on Lake Titicaca, in Bolivia, following the ancient traditions of the Aymara Indians; on the river outside the royal palace in Stockholm; on the banks of Choo Praya, in Thailand; at a Shinto temple in Japan; on the icecaps of Antarctica; in the Sahara desert. The brothers of a charitable orphanage in South America (the article doesn't say which country) prayed for a week before casting the ashes in the garden - and they then decided that Vera Anderson should be considered a type of guardian angel of that place. Ross Anderson received photos from the five continents, from all races and cultures, showing men and women honoring his mother's last wish. When we see such a divided world as today's, and think no one could care less about each other, this last journey of Vera Anderson fills us with hope, knowing that respect, love and generosity still dwell in the souls of our fellow men and women, however distant they may be." - Paulo Coelho

What kind of shopaholic are you?

Webster's definition of a "shopaholic" is one who is extremely or excessively fond of shopping. According to the famous author of shopaholic series books, Sophie Kinsella, "shopaholic" buys things on impulse without knowing the need of something as long as it's on sale.

Not that I'm proud of it, but I think I can be identified as shopaholic too in some ways. I do love to shop but only on "sale season". I love going to the mall and checking out new things without buying everything that I see but I couldn't go home without carrying anything. I have to at least carry something that is new. I do buy things that I'm not sure if it's something that I can use just because it's on sale. I have tons of clothes and shoes that I seldom wear and there were pieces that I think I've only worn once or twice. I'm into buying designer stuff with exorbitant prices but i usually drool on bags only. I never thought of buying a thousand dollar worth of dress or blouse that I can't wear everyday. I'm into bags. Because bags lasts longer and you can use them everyday and wouldn't worry on pairing them on anything you wear. For me, it's an investment. But I'm not that rich to own hundreds of them. I own two and buying another one wouldn't hurt. And this is something I don't buy on impulse *i think*. When there's a book sale, huge amount goes into it rather than buying clothes.

I guess, my being a shopaholic is something I have to put rein on. It may not be that worst as others but me thinks it's time to change that spending habit especially on season sale. =D

Blessings in Life

Just few days ago, my sister kendz finally open to public her very first botika. It's a joint venture between her good bf roniel, us *from what was left from our wedding cash gifts hehehe* and kendz. I'm so proud of how my babies had matured and actually had the courage that I don't think I have when it comes to realizing their own dream. I'm also thankful that I have a husband who support and understands my family too. Truly, God works in mysterious ways. Giving you blessings that you never thought would come into your life. And when it rains, it pours. And I am so thankful at the moment that it's blessings and happy moments that are pouring in. In 3 months time, we will be welcoming the new baby in the franco family! Oopps, don't get excited. Not yet from me :) And hopefully again a month after that, I keep on praying for my bebi buntso to pass her board exam. Sana ako naman may good news before the year ends hihihi.

THE DAWN - Live in Singapore@the Arena

pm me for the tickets of call the numbers on the ad...

Bespren Jane

Jane has been my best friend since college. I'm a year older than she is but when it comes to life's problems, lovelife and everything she's more mature and very knowledgeable than me. She was my co-SA in ADU and we have been friends since she started there. Share the same food, kakilig kilig times, fun times and of course at down times. We had our own times of tampuhans but never did it happen that we backfight each other. She's a friend you will definitely miss. After college, from the thousand reasons why we lost contact from each other, we just had a chance to talk again just last year - through Dennis, a common friend and friendster. No chance to make her as my bridesmaid as everything was set then. But I was so happy she made it to my wedding along with our other bespren Ronel and wife Mel.

From that long introduction, just last week, she sms me that she'll be in singapore for 5 days for business trip. I met her at Orchard, had dinner at Spageddies in Paragon, and went back to her fabulous hotel - the Regent. From the start we saw each other it was non-stop chika. Definitely miss you girl! Really really good to see you again! Muah!!!

Cebu Pacific (??)

We have been so greatful for the budget airlines like Jetstar, Tiger Airways and Cebu Pacific. The latter was so in demand for its midnight schedules especially for people who wants to go to Philippines on weekends only. But lately, the flight delays has been experienced by almost everyone I know. Haven't experience them though, lucky for me. My friend Ami on the other hand was one of those unlucky ones. She was scheduled to leave Friday at 1:00 AM which was moved to 6:00 PM! The suppose to be flight of 6pm was move to 8 and then 11pm. I will be so pissed if I were her. Now, I'm wondering if I'm still getting that airline :(

Fun Weekend

Don't you just love weekends? You get to stay up so late and have fun on fridays, woke up the next morning really late, stroll along every mall every chance you get and just unwind and go home late again then woke up the next morning really late again. We usually spend our sundays on household chores and going to mass. But still it's the saturday that I always look forward to.

Last friday, I had dinner with cuz at gluttons bay. It's been ages since I last saw the girls. Sadly, only cuz could make it to the usual friday dinner though we did enjoy the night. At least I did. After dinner, we went on with our conversation at DXO over a glass of chiraz and chardonnay and a very soothing voice of the guy singing at the bar. Very SATC-ish. Only we lack two more girls. =) We had talked about a lot of things catching up with the times we missed each other. Updating each other with the latest news in our lives and reminiscing the old times. We didn't notice the time that it's almost one when we got to our senses. It's been a fun night, cuz :) It's really fun to catch up the old times with friends. And I always look forward to it *as long as 'schedule' doesn't get in the way*

Saturday is always the "lovers date" day for me. We usually go out either watching a movie or just strolling at the mall or pig-out or unwind at our favorite place - Que Pasa. This helps us to bond together after our very busy week. We went for a really late lunch *at 6pm! - i hate nba =D* at Vivo City. We had lunch-slash-dinner at "Fig and Olives" which will have a seperate post for the review of the food. It was a really good food. GSS - Great Singapore Sale - is now on. And everyone is going gaga over it. 20%, 30% and some are 70%! Wow, I wish I'm not financially 'disabled' :) I just notice the "Page One" bookstore at Vivo City and I was really ecstatic. I am like that whenever I see a bookstore. I don't know why, but honestly, I go crazy just seeing books stack in a neat pile on a shelf. If I saw one shelf with books not neatly arranged maybe due to some customers who don't mind returning the books to where they got it, I would arranged them, of course, discreetly as possible. And I would always have the urge to at least buy one book. Well, I don't give in easily to those urges as it would make me a poor girl but whenever my finance department permits, I certainly do. If not, my "loving provider" would. I have been guilty of buying lots of books from book sales and I haven't got the chance to read all of them and I'm still buying whenever there's one. After that guilt trip to Page One, we went to see if there's a good movie. Every available ticket is either on the first row or second row so we went to Plaza Singapura to check if there are still good seats. On our way to Plaza Sing, I suddenly remember my pink esprit umbrella :( I left it at the seat at Fig and Olive. Vivo City is really my favorite place to lose things. Though that umbrella is already a year old, it still matters to me. But I'm not worried as I know, the staff there would keep it. Sana :) We had good seat at 11pm movie - SATC - of course, burning three hours before the show.

It was indeed a very lovely and fruitful and very relaxing weekend! :) Just got sick that's why I don't have any updates for you on Pinoy Sunday's top3 of the Amazing Stars and the bikini babes :(

Fig and Olive

We tried eating at Fig and Olive by chance only. There were no other restaurants that is kind of affordable and we we're really hungry by the time we saw this place. We took the chance and we never regretted it. It's located at Vivo City, 3rd Floor with a mediterrenean ambiance. It's one place you will ever go back to whenever there's chance. Al fresco dining is available for diners who prefer to chill out overlooking the Sentosa Island .

ON SERVICE
It's very rare to see good service with good ambiance and great food all in one place. But Fig and Olive proved us wrong. A smile on every staff attending to your needs. Always ready to serve any customer without you trying so hard to caught their attention. And there's always a refill on your glass of water! :) I don't know if there's just few people eating there but they served our food faster than what we've expected.
Rating: "best of the best" service award

ON AMBIANCE
Though a bit small with about 9 or more tables inside and about 5 more outside the restaurant, the ambiance is really great. With a mediterranean style and colorful paintings on the wall, it completes the feeling of just having a sumptous meal at home :)
Rating: "family-oriented" ambiance award

ON FOOD
FIGO CYPRUS STEAK: A slice of beef with garden fresh salad and bits of fig and olive and a bowl of olive rice. Tastes ok but I wasn't that enthralled. I guess healthy-buff will definitely adore this dish. $19.90

CREME CHICKEN MUSHROOM PASTA: Linguini pasta with a cream mushroom sauce and a slice of roasted chicken and bits of green and black olives. Yum! Not a pasta lover but this dish is absolutely divine. And knowing that what you're eating is healthy adds up to the flavour. Love love love this one. $10.50

DIVINE BROWNIE: A huge slice of brown warm brownie with a vanilla-flavoured ice cream melting on top. I am a waffle-with-ice-cream kind of girl but this dessert was heavenly delicious. A dessert that's not too sweet and just about right. Luv-et! $6.20

Rating: 2 thumbs-up *i only have two :)*

PRICE RANGE
Food: $9 - $25

Overall Rating: Highly Recommended
Website: Fig and Olive
Phone No: phone
Location: VivoCity #02-116
1 Harbourfront Walk (S)098585
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11.30am to 10pm | Fri-Sun, PH: 11.30am to 10.30pm

Tagged

I've been tagged by Mami Lily.

Here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person that tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. Share six unimportant things about yourself.
a. I have my dysmynorrhea and dreaded it every month
b. I have two tattoos - one big and one really small and want to have another 2 more
c. I love to travel and being in a new place
d. I can't survive a day without a cup of coffee
e. I love writing so much and my ultimate dream was to have at least one article or post featured in a magazine.
f. I love reading novels by specific authors and have a mini library of my own.

4. Tag six people at the end of the entry.
Bebit, Anik, Novyta, Joey, Mommy Lei, Mitch