Family Weekend in Winterpeg

Back in December, we decided to book a trip to Winnipeg  since we wanted to see most of Canada before we leave. It's the 7th province we've been to - and hopefully not the last but the rise in jet fuel prices are leaving us no choice LOL [edited 5/20/26].

We've been thinking of going east to N&L because of Iceberg Alley and the puffins but ultimately decided that holidays are best spent with family - Aries2crat Family that is.

And it turned out for the best because we had so much fun! So here's a quick 3-day itinerary for the weekend warriors like us:

Day 1: February 14, 2026

8:05am - Flight from YYZ to YWG via Air Canada

9:49am (local time) - Should've arrived in Winnipeg but we had to be diverted since it was too foggy to do a safe landing and we were running out of fuel. Unfortunately the nearest airport was in Minnesota so technically we landed on US soil even if we didn't deplane. Because of this, we had to go through immigration upon landing despite being on a domestic flight. 

Over all it was a 4-hour delay so everybody was hungry, cranky and scrambling to update family and their reservations - which was difficult since we had no data.

2:00pm - Tims stop of course

2:30pm - Maze in a Corn! We did the Snowmaze, tubing, saw ice sculptures and watched a stand up slash fire-eating number. 

7:00pm - Valentine's night (adults only) at The Leaf

Day 2: February 15, 2026

11:30am - Cheerleaders at my godson's Filipino basketball league practice

1:00pm - Human Rights Museum

3:00pm - Snacked on pizzas and coffee at The Forks Market. I tried their Black Forest Cappuccino and it didn't disappoint!

5:00pm - Ice skated and ice cycled at The Forks' River trail! Now that was hella funnnnnn! I fell down once and my Aritzia long puffer made it hard to move but we had so much fun playing there.

Ice skate rentals were $8 a pair and you have to leave an ID. Ice bicycles were rented out by the hour.

7:50pm - We took a leisure walk towards the Esplanade Riel Bridge and took our pictures by the Winnipeg sign. There was also a skating trail there but it was much smaller than the one on the frozen river.

8:30pm - Valentine's slash Anniversary slash Family Day dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory

Day 3: February 16, 2026

12:00pm - We went to the Assiniboine Zoo to gawk at bisons, muskox, elk and most especially, the polar bears! The enclosure felt a little bit like Jurassic Park with the electric fencing at the top. 

4:30pm - Headed back to YWG to do an early check in. Air Canada's doing credit card holds now if you do online check in without carry ons - which sucks btw - but I read online you can avoid this by doing the check-in in person. First it was the charging extra for carry ons, now it's additional holds for assuming you're bringing bags bigger than a personal item *grrrr* I'll be avoiding air travel for now until I find a better alternative.

Banff & Canmore Thanksgiving 4-Day Itinerary

Oct 11-Day 0 | Arrival

10:00am - Departure from YKW 

2:00pm - We arrived at YWC then we took public transit to downtown. You can use the app as a transit pass, just load it up or buy a single-trip ticket, and you're good to go.

5:00pm - We booked a Toyota Prius via Turo because 1) it's Mr. A's longest wish to drive one and 2) to save on gas. We booked one that offered a free park pass and bear spray but we still bought one upon entry so we can stick it on the dash.

Couchsurfed on the first day! Great way to save on hotel/ accommodation costs - choose a city where family/friends live and be prepared to sleep anywhere :)

Oct 12-Day 1 | Banff, Lake Louise and Lake Moraine

5:30am - We drove to Banff High School Transit Hub because parking is free (for 9 hours) at Banff Train station public parking. It's also near to our pick-up point for the Parks Canada shuttle.

• 8:30am - Line up for Parks Canada Shuttle to Lake Louise (Route 8x to Lake Louise) at Banff High School Transit Hub (9:00am)
• 9:00am - Shuttle to Lake Louise
• 3:00pm - Lake Moraine to Banff

5:10pm - Banff Gondola (2hrs)

7:30pm - Checked in at The Georgetown Inn (Canmore). We chose to bunk at Canmore since hotels there are more affordable and it's a chance to explore another area other than Banff.

Oct 13 - Day 2 | Yoho National Park and Canmore

7:00am Hotel checkout

7:30am Sunrise viewing at Quarry Lake

8:30am Picked up croissants and coffee at Le Foulnier Cafe (Downtown Canmore)

9:30am Drove to Emerald Lake and did a short hike in Emerald Lake Loop. Since we forgot our bear spray and we didn't bring bear bells, we turned back after doing 1km.

11:00am Natural Bridge

1:00pm Lunch in Field, BC at Truffle Pig Bistro

2:30pm Takakkaw Falls 

3:00pm Early dinner at Lake Louise Village

4:00pm Drove back to Calgary

Oct 14 - Day 3 | Happy Thanksgiving! Downtown Calgary 

🦃 Boodle Fight Thanksgiving

5:00pm - We picked up my nephew at Okotoks and had the car washed before returning it to the owner. We  usually do this for our Turo rentals, except of course when owners specifically instruct us otherwise. Then, boodle fight!

8:45pm - Took an Uber back to YWC for early check in. I'm really paranoid with Flair since they make us line up for personal item sizing.

12:00am - Departure to YYZ - au revoir Banff! 

PGWP Series: OHIP Renewal

How to renew OHIP coverage once your status has been restored after PGWP approval? 

I gotchu!

The process was mostly the same as our initial one, which can be found on this link. We also had to wait for the new permits to be mailed out to us before going for renewal.

The only thing was we had to go back because our employment letters weren't up to par. To make sure you won't make the same mistake, here's the additional requirements given by Service Ontario for those renewing OHIP under OWP or Open Work Permit and PGWP or Post Graduate Work Permit:

The employment letter must be:

• Printed on the employer's company letterhead
• Must state that employer is working full-time
• Must include employee's current title or occupation
• Must state that the employee is working for an employer located in Ontario
• Must state position start date of full-time employment
• Must state that the employer will employ the employee for a minimum of six (6) months and/ or can state that the employee is permanent
• Must include employer's contact information
• Must have original or e-signature and dated by employer
• Original, and not a photocopy, scan or email. 
• Not an offer or acceptance letter.

Since I wasn't able to change my employment letter, I submitted three latest paystubs as proof of my Ontario residency. This was accepted since I applied as Mr. A's dependent.

Initially, we went to Mississauga's Westdale Mall first but we forgot Mr. A's updated employment letter so we had to go back and get it. To not make the day a complete waste, we decided to go to a nearer location in Milton Mall (and less waiting time) and finished everything in less than 15 minutes.

Also, if you're still not PRs by the time your OHIP renewal comes around, don't be using the forms that Service Ontario sends by mail. You will be given new forms specifically for temporary residents once you get to Service Ontario. The guy at the Westdale reception was pretty uptight about this and got pretty snippy with me when I asked why. 

IS Series: We Just Bought A (Used) Car!

Hey there! 

I know, I know it's been too long, but I now come with great news! WE. JUST. BOUGHT. A. CAR!!! I can actually taste our hard-earned freedom from the elements, from 1 hour+ bus rides and missing buses! We can now grocery shop with utmost abandon! :P No more lugging around personal carts while waiting under the harsh summer sun or during snowstorms. We can now go to wherever we want, whenever we want! FREEDOM BEYBEEEEE

 

Okayyy, too much happiness my friend. 

So how did we go around shopping for one? Well, it started when Mr. A got serious about taking his G license. As soon as he passed (thank you Etobicoke!), we started looking around Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or just randomly looking around dealerships around town for good second-hand vehicles. Our criteria were:

 

1) It should be a Japanese brand (reliability factor), 

2) Not above 300,000 km, 

3) Not more than 5K CAD,

4) the body should still be presentable/the engine is not too worn out, and

5) it should be an SUV.

With our budget, however, we were working on a limited market. Used Toyotas were still expensive for <2005 models, and even then the frames are either too outdated, too rusty, or no warranties were offered. We can't risk buying one that will give up on us 3 months in. We also didn't want to consider financing just to get something brand-new, it's not a practical choice for temporary residents. 

So after 2 weeks and 2 failed trips to Scarborough and Dundas, we found Dar Motors in Halton Hills. There, we had to compromise on our above list as Mr. A fell in love at first sight with a used 2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2-door coupe. We had to re-work our list on multiple levels based on its nationality (Korean), pricing (>5 but <10), and that it was a sedan, albeit a coupe. I originally wanted an SUV because I felt that it was a more practical vehicle for winter and that we can carry more items on it vs. getting a sedan. However, Mr. A pointed out that its fuel economy is top-notch, and that the body is well-maintained for its age. At this point in our life, getting a car that is appropriate for our family size is what we actually need, and not a gas-guzzling, older model SUV. We also had a 1-year engine warranty plus an additional 6-month coverage on our AC. They will be taking care of registration and car detailing, and all we had to do is pay a $500 down payment at the onset and the rest of the balance on the day of pick-up. 

So I took away all my prejudices and said yes. They were also open to bringing the car to our mechanic of choice so we can get it checked, and even dropped us off at home on the way. Talk about customer service! With this in mind, we went ahead and closed the sale 2 days ago.  We even got our lucky number plates customized! Thanks again Naveed of Dar Motors, their service is truly the best :) 

If you want to get in touch with them, they can be reached at below:

See you on our next roadtrip!

5.6.2022

Recently I've been feeling down. It's like everyday is a challenge that must be overcome. I found no passion in life, in my relationships. I even hate going to work. I'm watching My Liberation Notes and what's going on there resonates to what I'm feeling right now. It's like I'm in a bog and life here is slowly suffocating me.

ctto

The last time I felt this hopeless and stuck was 2010. I had no work then, no boyfriend, no direction in life. I felt adrift. All that ambition when I was young went nowhere. I always felt like I was incompetent, that I knew nothing. 

Thinking back, I should've been more grateful because I still had my mom and my little brother. Maybe the same thing is happening now, that I should be grateful for my husband who's able to adjust to our life here. Me, I still can't let go of our life in UAE. Leaving our family and friends for a new life here in CA, was it worth it? I still can't wrap my head around it I guess. I was too excited about coming that I didn't even think about what kind of life we'll be leading here.

Anyway, I decided to make an online gratitude journal. Maybe this way I get some of my enthusiasm for life back. Exert more effort in living in the moment and not thoroughly strategizing our every step like there's no more time is becoming a real threat to my sanity.

IS Series: Convert Your AlHosn Vaccine Certificate to ON Vaccine Certificate with QR Code

 I'm not exactly sure if converting our vaccine certificates has any bearing on our daily life here in CA, but we decided to have it registered in case it might be required later on. Currently, we're already being asked for proof of vaccination for in-door dining so in case we do transition to face to face classes, we have it ready.

To do so, click on this link and answer a questionnaire. It will start out with the below question, and you just have to answer as truthfully as you can and have your own certificate ready for upload. Bear in mind that these are for Ontario residents only, other provinces may have their own procedures in converting international vaccine certificates.

After filling everything up, you will get two confirmation emails stating that you have successfully registered your vaccines and to wait for review. We did ours on February 10th and we received our enhanced certificates just today, February 25th, so it took about 16 days including weekends. Our 4th dose wasn't included though but we do still have our own AlHosn Vaccine certificates ready just in case.

You have to also have your OHIP ID no. ready during registration so you can access your vaccine certificates once it's ready for download.

That's it folks! Need to continue my training now :) See y'all around!

UPDATE: 25/02/24 

Yes, it does have an impact when you want to avail of further COVID boosters. Residents are required to update their vaccination status online if they want to schedule appointments with designated vaccine centres.

For the Peel Region, please visit this link to register your out of province (and country) COVID vaccine status: Peel Region COVID Registration 

25.2.2022

Now on our second month, and we're barely hanging in there.

We had a medical emergency back home but the great thing is Mr. A's mom is now safe and sound. She's currently recovering at home, thank You Lord, and the family's banding together to help her get through this. It's best when you have your slush funds ready, but we do have to get serious now in job hunting to make sure we're not financially short moving forward.

Medical insurance is a must now in the Philippines, as hospital bills can easily rise for a matter of DAYS. Philhealth can be utilized but it's peanuts compared to having an actual HMO or a critical illness cover. We need to plan wisely for our elders' healthcare soon or else our out of pocket payments will bring us to financial ruin T_T

IS Series: Getting OHIP Coverage

Ola from newly covered TRs! :P

 So I just got back from Service Ontario with spanking brand new OHIP coverage :) Sadly it doesn't cover Mr. A's prescriptions but at least consultations are free. We'll have to research more on additional coverage but at least we're one tick off our settlement list.

If you're like us and you don't know where TH to start, here's what we did:

1. GETTING OUR DOCS READY

For the full list of accepted documents, you can refer to this link: OHIP Documents

There are three (3) required supporting documents to present to Service Ontario, and everything should either be original or printed out (if electronic documents). Since we were new residents and we didn't have much paperwork yet, what we prepared were as follows:

• Originals of OWP (for Mr. A) and my SP and WP along with Mr. A's Certificate of Employment. The COE stated that he's working full time, position, start date and that he will be employed for a minimum of 6 months on his company's letterhead. (Proof of OHIP-eligible status)
• Mr. A's and mine's most recent paystub, printed, and with our address (Proof of residency in Ontario)
• Original PHL passports (Proof of identity)
• Completed OHIP registration forms with our signatures.

We actually brought original and stamped bank statements from RBC but the officer said they cannot honor it (maybe only for credit card statements where it's mailed to you). Good thing I received a paystub a day before our appointment or else we would have to go back.

2.  SET AN APPOINTMENT

Not all Service Ontario locations entertain new OHIP applications especially for temporary residents so we went all the way to Westdale Mall to process ours. People can actually walk in since there was no line but you do have the option to book an appointment so you're guaranteed service. To do so, just click on this link to set it: Service Ontario Westdale Mall.

Service Ontario exterior (Westdale Mall)

If you're applying with a dependent, you only have to book one appointment for the both of you. Good thing the office is located inside the mall = no outdoor lines! When we got our SIN, we had to line up for 4 hours outside a Service Canada Center and we both got really sick afterwards! We had to spend NYE in bed with a sore throat and cough when we should've been doing photo ops in Blue Mountain Resort T_T

And THAT'S IT FOLKS! Temporary slips will be issued with your OHIP numbers while your actual cards will come in the mail about a month after. Travel time back and forth from Eglinton to Westdale Mall was almost an hour but the actual application process took less than 10 minutes.

view from Mr. A's workplace

Mr. A had to go back to work right after so I dropped him off before going home. 

The weather was -14 but felt like -20 (it rained and snowed the night before). I had to brisk walk home because it felt like my nails were about to come off my toes and I can't feel my fingers anymore -_-

'Til the next post!

3.2.2022

 I don't really care much at this point.

Everything feels exhausting, I feel like I've worked myself to the bone for almost 9 years and now manual labor coupled with studies made me think I've bitten off more than I can chew.

I'm supposed to study for an Econ and OB test but my mind's off a-wandering. I actually want to study and I've been listening to IU's Gloomy Clock to set the mood. Just made me more restless and think of less desirable things.

Juggling Work & School

A/N : Created on 09/2021, published on 01/2022

Update: We moved to Dubai again for school so no more rent! #FREEDOM

At first, I was trying to figure out how to juggle everything since my first class starts at 3:00 p.m. while my work ends at 5:30 p.m. It was a good thing classes were only held three times a week and I'm still working from home so I can listen to my lectures and participate in class discussions.

To those who want to be supergirls and accomplish both at the same time, below are my go-to apps to keep track of everything and anything: 

• MS OneNote - for digital notes
• MS Office 365 To Do - to list out all my due assignments with dates and tick them off once I'm done
• MS Teams - for group meetings and discussions
• MS Outlook - for all school correspondence (linked this to my Gmail for push notifications) 
• Zoom - for backups in case nobody else wanted to do Teams
• Google Calendar - connected this to our Moodle calendar for notifications

Good luck to us!

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

To lift our spirits from everything that's been happening and maka YOLO, we decided to take a little trip again to Yas Island and try Yas Waterworld for the first time in almost 9 years HEHEHE (me lang because he already tried it back in 2015 -_-)

Thank you ADCB for the B1G1 promo

 To get there we took the 102 Bus from the stop right across the main bus station on Muroor Road. It was a 30-45 minute trip through scenic Saadiyat and we alighted at the Ferrari World section of Yas Mall.

We wanted to eat first before going there as theme park restaurants are hella expensive. I didn't want to eat fast food also so we steered clear of the food court pero all restaurants were full T_T kasi merienda hour.

After almost 30 minutes of going round in circles, we came to find Urban Eats - the food was filling and affordable. We ate chicken katsu curry and chicken ramen.

From Urban Eats, we went down to the bus stop again thinking to catch a cab to Yas Waterworld. However, after checking the map, it was actually within walking distance so we decided to just go there directly instead of dropping 12 AED on a cab ride.

We followed the directions below up until the Yas Mall Tryano carpark. After that we just went across the signal to Warner Brothers and there was a little shortcut there towards the entrance so you don't have to go all the way down to Ansam Bldg 4.

Once you're there, you don't have to rent a locker to store all your stuff. You can bring it with you and place it on any vacant sunlounger - but if you want peace of mind while running to and fro between the rides, you can rent a locker for 45 (small) 55 AED (medium). Forgot what the large locker costs but the medium suited us just fine (1 backpack, 1 bodybag, 2 shoes and enough space left over to hang some clothes).

I'd definitely return and without the anxiety attack sa rides :) see you back in August!

 I'll be starting class registrations this July 12th and I'm equal parts excited, nervous, sad, sepanx, you name it! We'll still be here in AUH for the first term though, but we'll be flying out in December to start our new adventure.

To chronicle it, I'll be more active in posting HEHEHE to show what it's like juggling everything -_- but I'll do the DIY process first so I can do a proper intro to it #prayingforasmoothtransition

Not to say that I don't wanna stay here in UAE - I'm actually very thankful to still be here after almost 9 years and it'll be really hard to be away from my older sister with everything that's happened to our family - but I guess the time's ripe for our next step. 

Thank you Nanay and pao as this will always be the fruit of our collective effort and success. Watch over us always. See you soon Kuya Jo in our hearts.

#FuckYouCOVID

Getting an IELTS Band 8 in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Early on this year, I already had plans to take the IELTS - I even bought a full set of reviewers in March but it went untouched till early November :( Kakaiba ang katam! I did not even book my exam yet until I saw Nurse Even's youtube channel (on OSCE) in October and spontaneously booked mine the following month.

Tip #1 on prepping for a goal: Surprise yourself with deadlines HEHEHEHEHE

Since my test date in CPC back in 2015 was November 21st, I decided on the same for my IELTS exam for extra luck. Booked a pen and paper Academic test initially but changed to GT at the last minute.

After booking the test, I dawdled with work and webnovels until I suddenly realized that it was already November! I still had to:

1. Change my module to General;
2. It's been 9 years since my last IELTS exam and there might be new changes. Haven't started reviewing yet for LRW sections nor prepping for the speaking test (Iba ang confidence!)
3. Was there a dress code? What should I bring? 
4. I should've scheduled it earlier because my school mandated me to take an extra English assessment test (for free thank you Lord) to process my LOA. Good thing I scored high :) pero extra tense moment there!

LRW Test at Park Rotana, Nov 21st

School English Assessment Test, Nov 25th (Toronto time)

Speaking Test, Nov 27th

With all these thoughts swirling in my head almost giving me a second panic attack (char), I started to act systematically to minimize the pressure I was feeling.

1. Change my module to General - I emailed British Council for revision and they responded 3 days before my actual test date. Good thing they had extra papers for the GT so I didn't have to reschedule :) 
2. It's been 9 years since my last IELTS exam and there might be new changes. Haven't started reviewing yet for LRW sections nor prepping for the speaking test - Started reviewing in coffee shops round Muroor & Al Wahda Mall kasi I can't review at home (ended up sleeping most of the time). Focused on writing & reading comprehension mostly though. 
• Listening - I did 4 sample tests back to back with Crack IELTS with Rob's Youtube channel and whenever I got stuck on a question, I googled my mistakes and how to improve it. My target timing per question improved per test, so I was able to finish both Listening & Reading tests at least 20 minutes before schedule.
• Reading - practiced my reading comprehension with my IELTS reviewer. Brushed up on my skimming & context clue skills as well to improve my timings per question.
• Speaking - watched a few Youtube videos on my target Band 8-9 tests and timed my responses within 2 minutes. Read up on additional vocab tips on FB and IG as well.
• Writing - did a few exercises on my IELTS reviewer while making sure that all my exercises reached the word limit for both Test 1 & Test 2.
3. Was there a dress code? What should I bring? -  Dress up in casual, comfortable and in my case, conservative attire. I brought a cardigan as well in case I get cold. I even saw some wearing slippers as in Islander levels so there's no actual dress code. On the speaking test I was dressed more formally so I won't feel self-conscious. We were mandated to take the exam with a mask throughout and were only allowed a pen, pencil, eraser and our registered IDs on the table. For me, I used only a pencil for my LRW tests.

So without further ado, here are my scores:

Even if I did not go to a review center, I wanted to set a personal goal of 9 per section so in case I fell short, it would hopefully be within 7.5-8 (too bad for writing). At least I know where to improve on next time :)

EXTRA: I have this tradition where I go to Church to have all my stuff blessed right before a major exam or event (back in Manila, I always go to Mount Carmel in Quezon City and offer eggs and prayers). Good thing that St. Joseph's Church was now open, though all churchgoers need to socially distance inside (only 2 per pew with 1 empty row in between) and been registered beforehand. Since I can't exactly go up to the presiding priest, I just brought my pencils, erasers & sharpener and placed it in front of me all throughout the mass.

Also, since I took the pen and paper test kasi #oldskul, my exam results were released exactly 13 calendar days after the LRW section (my speaking was moved to November 27th), on the eve of December 4th. Got the hard copy 4 days later via Emirates Post. If you will be taking the computer-based one, I think around 3-5 or 5-7 calendar days you'll be able to get your provisional scores already.

If you're taking yours soon, best of luck and God Bless!

PHL Passport Renewal at VFS Global WTC AUH

 Just renewed my passport today!

My initial schedule at PHL embassy was supposed to be on January 28th and my UAE residence visa was up for renewal ALSO on the 28th :( --- I had to think of an alternative because I need a renewed passport for my Feb-March plans!!!

Ok, panic attack aside - I was really glad I chanced upon an FB post regarding passport renewals at VFS Global. I was hesitant at first because I didn't want to pay extra for an appointment but when I e-mailed them for the earliest one they can provide - they told me I can come in on the next day! 

Convenience fee is TRULY worth it. 

BTW, it's an additional 91.75 AED for it (not bad). Passport release, as per their e-mail, will be 4-8 weeks. If you want to be notified via SMS of process updates, you can opt for their SMS service for an extra 8 AED. Actual fee for renewal is 240 AED.

To book your own appointment, send an email to info.philippinespptauh@vfsglobal.com with your preferred date and time. They will respond in a very timely fashion, with the link to the online application form which you will need to print out and sign. Make sure to save a PDF copy on your mobile as well just in case the QR code is blurry on your print-out.

In addition to your original passport, make sure to bring:

• Copy of passport bio page and residence visa
• Print out of completely filled out passport application form which was emailed to you upon appt. confirmation. Make sure all info is correct so you won't have to go through re-registration (will cost you an extra 20 aed for the typing fee).
• Copy of your appointment
• Exact fee (passport + appt fee) if you'll be paying in cash but if you're paying by card, then kaliwali.

Also, can I just say just how lovely it is not to queue up in a mall vs. in a villa somewhere remote? I didn't have any breakfast yet and once I was finished with the renewal all I had to do is to go opposite VFS to Spinneys for brunch.

How to go there if you're coming from Al Wahda Area:

• Bus - Take the 041 bus (if from Airport Road)
• Taxi - 12 AED

Once you're inside WTC, just go down to the basement. VFS is right across Caribou Coffee and Spinney's. Walk-ins are welcome as well, I believe.

Update: 26 days still no sms for release. Last youtube vid I watched, he got it 48 days after renewal so good luck T_T

Update as of 21-Dec, passport now ready for release. A day after I renewed my EID. Yyyyyyyy

Shawarma Rice

06.18.20

Just thinking of all the stuff I need to prepare for later this year is enough to make me sleep -_-

Anyway, got a new cute weekly planner so I can emulate @jittonee's (IG) handwriting and motivate my lazy ass (see below image)

... and since the #freeAAPC is limited to US-based certified coders only *rolls eyes* will sign up for the SNF one to prepare for the yearly audit.

Annual professional goal: Check!

Char. ZZZzzzzz

OFWs & Infidelity : Gaano Nga Ba Kadalas Ang Minsan?

Kapag Palay na Lumapit sa Manok (When the Chicken Comes to the Rice Instead) (2011)

Oil (91x3.8x91 cm), Paul Hilario

People say that cheating is inevitable in relationships. Whether you're a few months in or been together for 6 years - when the itch comes, there comes a point where you just have to scratch.

Or as a Tagalog saying goes, "Mas madaling hulihin ang manok na nakatali. Wag ka nga lang magpapahuli sa may-ari." [It's easier to catch a chicken who is tied, just don't let the owner catch you]. 

With OFWs, away from families and prone to bouts of homesickness - we're more vulnerable. It's actually so known that it's part of the standard lecture for newcomers, never to trust a kabayan saying he/she's not committed at face value. In the age of Facebook and other social media platforms, you don't have any excuse to not do your homework. 

Before even thinking of starting a relationship, one must prove one's status through:

1. Be vetted by at least two (2) uninterested parties;

2. Be able to furnish an NSO certified CENOMAR (certificate of no marriage) or proof of annulment; 

3. Add you to their original social media accounts; and/or

4. Verify with your HR department (if colleague).

Char. Dami diba, but if you can prepare thoroughly for a PRC exam or any kind of test, why can't you do the same for your future partner in life?

Sabi nga ni Warren Buffet: 

"You want to associate with people who are kind of the person you'd like to be. You'll move in that direction. And the most important person by far in that respect is your spouse. I can't overemphasize how important that is.

Marry the right person. I'm serious about that. It will make more difference in your life."

However, all will be moot if you already know that the person you like/love/ in lust with is married. 

So why do we know it and still go through with it? 

Here are 10 possible reasons why:

1. 80% of the year we're away from our families. We're homesick, we're lonely and it's cold during the winter and hard during the holidays.

2. Disillusionment. Most OFWs are breadwinners, sending most of their salaries to their families back home. They see their partners squander their hard-earned money on luxuries while their kids don't do well in school or badly influenced by peers. You'd think won't it be easier to just start over.... with someone else?

3. Marital dynamics; when it's the women who earn more and 'toxic' Filipino machismo poisons the heart and mind. 

4. Proximity -  majority of OFWs live in shared accommodations to save on rent. It's a money-saving move but it's a cheating arrangement waiting to happen (if the heart is easily tempted).

5. The dating pool is limited for singles. Those you won't even dream of dating back home looks comely after some time while all the good -looking ones are either taken or gay. Bottomline is, it's every person for oneself - "matira ang matibay".

6. "Kapag palay na ang lumapit sa manok, bakit di pa tukain?"

7. Since we're all away from home, everybody becomes tolerant, accepting even, of these so-called "arrangements". Nobody tattles, because of well, "pakikisama";

8. Victims of infidelities or escaped from abusive partners;

9. Environment. If you're all in the same age at home, everyday's basically a party. If you don't choose the people you surround yourself with, temptations will surely pop up in every corner.

10. Falling out of love.

It's truly a big risk and not just for long-distance relationships. However, in all situations, you always have a choice. You have the choice to not open your heart up, nobody can tempt you if you believe in yourself, your family and the love and respect your have for your partner. All relationships require work, emotional and financial investment. And say you're crumbling under familial obligations, who's to say you're not just jumping from the frying pan and into the fire?

Being in a foreign land does not mean you have to lose your values and principles just to survive and adapt.

And if all else fails, just remember: adultery can get you deported and is punishable under Philippine law. You might not get caught right away but any partner with the right skills can turn into CID with the proper motivation.

But if you're still insisting that love trumps all despite knowing that your partner is married and has kids - well then good luck to ya, Because in the end if you get dumped, all you can do is just go on Facebook Live, sing your jeje heart out with hugot songs + Neneng B and spout religious nonsense while all your family and friends are bombarded with details of just how much of a homewrecker you are until EVERYBODY knows --- then it's only karmic justice.

Too specific? HEHEHEHE.

Homemade Palitaw with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Since we're grounded at home probably till mid-July, still not doing anything else other than:

1. learning how to cook
2. other chores
3. online study
4. work while I do everything else
5. reading webnovels [Current Fave: You're Beautiful When You Smile :) Drama probably coming out in Dec 2020!]

I don't go out unless it's for groceries because the heat and dust brings out my allergies -_-

So here I am again, chronicling my #wifey101 cooking journey as I learn more and more recipes. And of course more Filipino dishes :)

Palitaw is a Filipino dessert or kakanin ("kain" to eat and "kanin" rice). It was named as so because you'll know that it's cooked once it rises from the bottom of the pot ["litaw" to rise]. Pretty straightforward.

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup white sesame seeds
2 cups glutinous rice flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
shredded coconut [portions as required]

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Toast your sesame seeds in medium heat until golden brown, then set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix your glutinous rice flour and water. Mix until desired dough consistency is achieved. Once done, knead with your hands to balance out the wet and dry parts of the dough.
3. Roll small sections of the dough into balls and flatten with your palm. Make sure that it's thin enough that once it rises, it's cooked all the way through.
4. Boil water in a pot. Once it's hot enough, put the dough in by batches.
5. Once cooked, cover each in shredded coconut on both sides.
6. Mix the toasted seeds with granulated sugar for the dip.

Serve and enjoy!
Missing Laiya! T_T