January is almost over and February is about to roll in and I couldn't be any more excited than I am because it'll be my first anniversary as a mom. Too many changes have since happened in my life and I plan to write about in another blog post but for now let me share to you my 10 happy things this week.
“All those cliches, those things you hear about having a baby and motherhood - all of them are true. And all of them are the most beautiful things you will ever experience. ”
-Penelope Cruz
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Here's my happy things this week: -Penelope Cruz
1. The hubs was asked by the Philippine Airlines boarding gate representative in Tokyo to purchase a ticket to fly out of the Philippines. Although he was clueless as to why he has to have one since he wasn't really sure when he would fly out yet. He forked off almost 60,000 yen for a one-way ticket from the Philippines to Hong Kong. That's a lot! I guess the ticket as required by the Philippine Immigration law is to ensure that no foreigner overstays and violates their visit visa. Good thing it was a fully refundable ticket and we were able to after paying almost 4,000 yen.
NOTE: He was never required by any other airlines to have an outgoing ticket (going out of the Philippines) before on any of his trips. However, I think the Immigration officers at the airport sometimes looks for it. Anyway, for all non-Philippine passport holders who reads my blog who plans to travel here aboard Philippine Airlines, please make sure that you have an ongoing ticket to avoid the hassle and the stress and the amount that you have to shell out.
Then again, all is well that ends well.
2. We processed Christian's request to extend his visit visa for another month from the Bureau of Immigration Makati office and we paid Php3,130 for it. One thousand of that amount was for "express lane free and express lane fee (certification)". The reason why I don't understand is because it's not really "express service". We arrive in the office at 7 o'clock, wait for the office to finally start with the process at 8 o'clock, Wait for at least an hour to submit the documents and pay and then asked to come back after 2-3 hours. Express for me is within an hour or two without being asked to come back.
I've never really understood what that fee was for until yesterday. The guard heard me and another woman talking about it and he not being a part of our conversation joined and said the express lane fee was for the salary of the contractual employees of the immigration office. So yes, aside from the tax that we pay, each of the foreigners who wants to extend their visa pays for the salary of some of the employees as well - Php1000 for every transaction. It may not be much but I guess our government should try to be transparent and be truthful to what they charge foreign nationals because c'mon express should be express and express means fast and/or efficient.
If anyone from the Bureau of Immigration reads this, I and my husband would like to be further enlightened what the express lane fee is really for.
3. I have finally launched KT Paper Designs in Instagram and Facebook. I offer invitation card design for any occasion, logo/monogram and branding design as well as media kits and many more. Joining Easy and Creative Market is in the works while I build my portfolio. mention freebie page and blog shop, pouring orders
4. Chatime Pearl Milk Tea 50% sugar, less ice with extra pearl and coffee jelly - my new favorite drink and all for only Php135. Starbucks who?
5. Nap time with my little one. I just love that moment when she snuggles close to me and holds my hand. Priceless!
6. FREE design goodies. I will always be thankful for the chance to download for free. Yay! You have until Sunday to download the following free goodies and then wait for Monday again for the next six free goodies to be published.
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7. L'Oreal Glamor Fuchsia - this is my favorite lip shade this month. I can't do full-on make up anymore so a tube of lipstick is a saving grace.
8. Freshly-baked bread - hubby bakes bread and I love it!
9. Owning my current favorite premium font - Cantoni Pro. This font is very charming and very appropriate for weddings.
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10. My new blog header. Look! I love how simple it is. It's just me and my little family.
That sums up my happy list this week. Do you list down things that made you happy too? Do share, I would love to know.
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