Balik Kampung.... Oohhh... Balik Kampung...

We had booked for our trip to Philippines! Every year, Jhon would go back to hometown for a week or so for family bonding and since we are married, it's a trip for 2.

The last time I visited Philippines was 4 years ago and 5 years next year when our trip will be; late January to be exact.

We always liaise with Fil Air Travel and Tours (not sponsored ah lol) because it's less stressful. Plus, sometimes travel agents have special promotions so we got S$100 off which we wouldn't if we had bought online.

It is to also coincide with his grandma's big birthday party.
Mak was greatly invited to follow but due to unforeseen circumstances, she can't which is unfortunate especially after watching her and Ma got so close.



I simply can't wait because I've officially been bitten by the travel bug since Cambodia and if I have plenty of excess cash, there's where I would splurge on!

I crave for adventure and exploration even if it's a tiny one.


   

Certificate of No Marriage

If you are marrying someone from a different Nationality, Singapore ROMM requests a letter from the country of origin to confirm the marital status if single (not more than 3 months from date of issuance). Nobody wants to get married only to know their spouse has already wed in their country right?? The horror!

Since Jhon is a Filipino, I am going to share the process of getting the Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) in Philippines. If you want for other Nationalities, sorry ye...

There are 2 ways to get the Certificate of No Marriage.

Via Online

Proceed to https://www.ecensus.com.ph/ and click the request button.

"After you complete your online application, you will be issued a Batch Request Number and, for each request, a Request Reference Number. When paying for all requests in the batch, specify the Batch Request Number. When paying for a particular request only, specify the Request Reference Number."

Delivery within the PHILIPPINES: PHP 415.00 per copy
Delivery to OTHER COUNTRIES: USD 25.00 per copy
(Fees are inclusive of processing, delivery & government taxes)

The CENOMAR will be delivered between 3-9 days in Philippines depending the address and 6-8 WEEKS in other countries upon payment. If you require the CENOMAR within 5-8 days, you may email them for a faster delivery. All info is on their website.

Via in-person

 You may head to any Census Serbilis Centers. It's one of the reasons he went back to Philippines and he said he felt more secure requesting the certificate in person as opposed to online and wait for the document to fly into his hands.

Jhon went with his sister, Loi because she recently got married and the procedure was still fresh in her head. haha Jhon said he simply had to fill a form and queue. The procedure was relatively easy although he had to wait in line for about 1-2 hours. After paying an amount of a rough equivalent of SGD10 , he had to return to City Hall after 5 days to collect the CENOMAR.

Info that will be requested:
* Number of copies you are requesting
* Name (maiden name if married female)
* Sex
* Place of birth
* Date of birth
* Mother’s maiden name
* Father’s name
* Purpose of your request

Please take note that no matter what, for every Nationality, your certificate to prove your single status HAS to be in ENGLISH. For Philippines, it's originally written in English but there was a BTB who is marrying a Japanese guy and had the cert. written in Japanese. GTB said he could just translate for the people-in-charge during the Declaration of documents at ROMM. She had asked to clarify if it was okay.

Cannot, okay?

ROMM clearly stated on their website:
"Please note that you must produce the original documents. Documents that are not in English/Malay language must be accompanied with its certified translation in English."

Anyways, after all that process,it's just an official documentation/ declaration of Jhon's single status in Philippines. Such a simple document with such a huge importance.

   

Philippines 2012 Day 6 - The Goodbye

Click here for Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4.1, Day 4.2 and Day 5.

It’s our last morning in Philippines and not only will I bring loads of shopping goods and touristy stuff, I will also bring countless of memories from Day 1.

Up to date, this may be the best vacation I ever had mainly because of the love brought onto me. Jhon’s entire family has been ever so hospitable beyond words and I am glad they enjoyed my company too.

Everyone has been nice and respectful to my needs in terms of my faith with no complains. Even Jhon’s grandma who is a devout Catholic.

Other than that, although the weather has been hot and humid, being in Philippines was fun and relaxing at the same time. There were fantastic breathtaking views with delicious food. My diet in Philippines was so healthy that I poop floating light color poo every morning. I know, too much information hahaha but it’s just to show how healthy my diet was even thought there were a lot of sweet savouries.

I didn’t cry when we said farewell. I could’ve had but I tried to be strong and not want them to see how emotional I can be. =P But I did tell Jhon my thoughts and feelings about his family the night before.

I bawled.

Honestly, I have never seen such love, respect and dedication within a family in my entire life. It was as if I was in a dream. I know they had their squabbles and hardships but I kept seeing things that I don’t get to see often.

Actions like both Jhon’s parents doing household chores without nagging, his dad and bro so hands on in helping his mom do crotchet and that I can see his parents sit and talk with love. I have never seen married couples and especially old married couples talked so nicely to each other. Even I don’t talk to Jhon so nicely all the time.

Anyways, this trip was nothing but wonderful and beautiful. It has opened my eyes and heart.

I understand how Jhon always wanted to have his parent’s character and personality and you know what? I do too.

When I reached home, Jhon’s mom told him that everyone missed me. They sort of expect me to go down stairs in their house in the morning to say good morning, brush my teeth and have breakfast together.

Perhaps at this point, everything is lovely because we just met but at least our first impressions of each other were memorable.

Thank you, Tolentino family for having me into your lives. =)


   

Philippines 2012 Day 5 - Tagaytay

Click here for Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4.1 and Day 4.2

Day 5… The last touristy day before Jhon and I leave for Singapore the next morning.

On this day, we went to Tagaytay to watch over the Taal lake and volcano.

Okay, a little prelude. April happen to be my birthday month and Jhon felt bad for not doing anything for my birthday so he decided to have a belated picnic in Philippines. The only thing is that I don’t know when. I only suspected it would be by the beach or by a volcano.

On day 2 and 3, Jhon’s family discussed about their birthday plans for me. They speak in Tagalog but I can pick out some words. They talked about what food should his mom cook, what to bring and even what cake to buy. It was so sweet to see these people I just met planning with full gusto just for my birthday. I don’t get to see this at home. =)

So at 7.30am, Dennis, our driver came by to drive us to Tagaytay. We saw several pineapple plantations along the way.

When we reached the place, it was still early and it was cooling because we were on a mountain. It’s like we were in an air conditioned place. We passed a viewing spot and when Dennis and Jhon's dad heard me squealed in delight, they offered to stop for me to the check out the view even though I could get an eyeful later.

I thought it would be cool the entire day but as soon as the sun rises, it got heaty again.

We were the first few to arrive Tagaytay Picnic Groove so we were spoilt for choice. I was busy juggling climbing up and down the steep staircase, finding the perfect spot and looking at the beautiful view.

[I know, my elbow went wonky. I have weird joints okay? #insecure]

This is the closest I have ever been to a volcano and do you know we can actually trek on it or sail around it??? SYIOK! We didn’t have enough time for that so perhaps next time! hehe So exciting!

My belated birthday picnic started with yummy noodles! Yey! Hehe One of Jhon’s uncle and of course, Dennis, our awesome driver joined too. hehe So far, I feel so lucky to always get awesome, dedicated and sincere drivers whenever I go for a vacation.

The picnic ground has shops and ZIPLINE!! There were 3 types. In a boring cable car, sitting down and SUPERMAN where you lay down and zip line! Lol Naturally, I wanted to go but Jhon was hesitant for me going for my safety but eventually, he gave in! Thank you, mahal ko! I went with his sister, Loi. She is much more adventurous than Jhon. =P

We went superman zip line and came back via sitting zip line. It was a short distance but fun nonetheless.

After the thrilling ride, we went back to the gazebo to take a breather and CAKE TIME!

Jhon’s brother (who never followed us out but did a lot of behind the scenes work like this) bought chocolate mousse cake! It was really delicious because it was a mousse cake; it’s not so chocolaty and sweet.

High with sugar, we had a ‘wacky-wacky’ shot which is a Pinoy version of candid shot. Hehe Oh wait, the cake box is not opened yet so this is before lol.

I really had a wonderful time and I truly appreciate for every effort made from everyone. Even Jhon’s mom and bro who didn’t always follow us around but I knew they are the ones who bought food and cooked for me. I have never met such a hospitable and loving family.

Since our flight home was tomorrow morning with plenty of time after the picnic, I told Jhon that I still have quite a good amount of pesos left and wanted to take the opportunity to spend on them. I had to promise it was for me and no more for others. =P

So Dennis dropped Jhon, Loi and I at Ever Gotesco Mall at Pasig. I simply love the shirts there, mainly because their fit is awesome as it accentuates my body shape. ;D And it all cost me SGD8 each. Now if Jhon ever goes back to Philippines without me, I would ask him to go to this place to get me tops. Hehe

Oh yeah, Jhon even get to eat at his favourite place, JollieBee.. lol Halal version can be found at Changi City Point Mall at Bagus. Haha

After shopping, I insisted Jhon to take me to watch awesome coconut peeling skills which I saw when we were going to Tagaytay. He was hesitant at first because he was afraid for my safety and his DSLR since we would be at the side of the road.

He eventually gave in after I reminded him he promised me that he would let me see it in action. Lol Click here for a blog post solely on coconut peeling. I am THAT fascinated and amused!

Afterwards, we rode the jeepney. We were lucky because the ride was empty except for a lady so it was fun. Jeepney is a mostly used form of public transport and it can be packed like sardines. Mind you, there is no air-conditioning!

We reached home by 5pm. Jhon and I rested and started packing. There were lots to pack. When we went to Philippines, Jhon brought a large luggage while I had a medium sized one and we ended up exchanging luggage. Jhon did most of the packing because he is OCD about it and he can’t stand watching how I pack which by the way, is quite decent! Hmph.

Oh yeah, before nightfall, yummy food! I want this again please! Mango dipped soya sos with sugar and sugar glazed fried sweet potato. YUMMMY!!!!

And for dinner, grilled fish by Loi. =D

As night time ensues, Loi asked me if wanted to follow her and her dad to a nearby store to buy something. I was hesitant for a second because I had no makeup and dressed for home but I eventually followed.

Loi was so sweet. She knew I was shy and insecure she kept pointed out other ladies who wore home clothes out too to reassure me. We went to 2 stores and ended up to a nearby mall. Just to look for Nestea Ice lemon tea.

Just for me.

It was because I ever mentioned I wanted to buy a large pack to bring home since day one but I forgot.

Jhon and family, why are you so nice! Now I know where Jhon’s nice and sweet character comes from. His parents! I have never been so touched because they were so thoughtful and hung every word I said.

I am going to miss them to the max.

Next and final blog post on Philippines, Day 6.


   

Philippines 2012 Day 4.2 - Subic Bay

Click here for Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3

Day 4 started at grandma’s house. Click here for Day 4.1

So after a hefty lunch made by Jhon’s sweet grandma, we headed to a beach at Subic. Jhon’s mom stayed over whiles Jhon, Loi, his dad, uncle, 3 cousins and of course, our lovely driver came along with us.

To be honest, we got semi lost because apparently there were 2 beaches we could go, private and public. We went back and forth feeling a little frustrated but monkeys made the journey less stressful. Haha

After 30-45 minutes of random driving, we found out we were at the opposite side of the public beach. But seriously, it was not as bad as it sounds. The view was nice as we got to see yachts, monkeys, WWII abandoned camp etc.

Eventually we found ourselves at Olongapo beach. Luckily we had Jhon’s uncle around because he is a member of the resort and we managed to enter for free. YEY!

The afternoon was piercing hot but it was breezy. The place was rather crowded but I didn’t care because the ocean was bluish green, the mountains were high and the sand is BLACK! Okay, it was not entirely black, only partly. It is black because it was from the ashes of a nearby volcano.

The kids found a dead crab.

The cool water was tempting under the scorching hot sun and we all had a game on who can go into the water the deepest without getting their clothes wet and Loi won with her shorts. Hehe

 

After a while, 2 of the youngest cousins could not resist and went in. haha *jealous*

*sings* Follow the leader, leader, leader. Follow the leader.

 

After a while, the sun gets intolerable so we joined the male adults under the shade and enjoyed the view.

This is where I got my Subic Bay coin bank! #touristy

After a while, we headed back to Dennis’s van and had tea break. Along the way, we had a few distractions though...

By the time we reached the van, we drank water like elephants and ate sandwiches like savages. Bread with kaya never tasted this good!

When everyone has settled down, we headed back to grandma’s place exhausted, tanned, sticky but HAPPY!

For continuation of the day, click here.

Next, Day 5, Tagaytay!!