Happy Birthday to His Majesty the King

      Happy birthday to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej!

     
      Every 5th day of December is a very big and important occassion all over Thailand. All provinces from the biggest to the smallest community celebrates this day as it is the birthday of the so much loved and revered head and father of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). He is the longest reigning King who has been in the throne for more than 50 years. As a father is the head of the family, the birthday of the King is at the same time celebrated as Father's day, a special day to give honor to all the fathers in the country.

      Year 2011 marks the 84th birthday or 7th cycle of His Majesty the King. A grand 7 days celebration has been organized and prepared which was held at Sanam Luang area including the Grand Palace which started on the 3rd to the 9th of December 2011. The highlight was on the day itself at 10:30 a.m where His Majesty the King granted public audience to the Thai people approximately reaching 18,000 at  Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall. Watching the momentous event in a wide TV screen can make one feel the good feelings of love and great respect to the King by the Thai people and even those non-Thai who had learned to love the country as their own.

     Though much preparation was done it was simple as compared to the first birthday celebration I had witnessed. I had learned it was due to the wish of His Majesty to have a simple celebration considering the severe flooding calamity that has been experienced by the country. The first  one I witnessed before, in the night the whole street of Sanam Luang was closed and it was full of small shops representing the different private and government agencies. There were a lot of well lighted glimmering floats of different designs that showed the creativeness of the Thais for the love of their HM the King. Though this years celebration was simple but it was still festive with the light and sound show in the walls outside the Wat Phra Kaew and variety shows. People flocked in the Sanam Luang and many buses had changed their routes to better serve the people going to the festival. 

        One of the biggest attraction is the Grand Palace. It was opened for the public for the people to have the chance to see the Grand Palace at night. It was indeed a good opportunity to get inside the number 1 must-see tourist place of Thailand. Another attraction was the light and sound at the walls at the front of the Palace.

May the biggest event of Thailand had been celebrated lavishly or in simple way, one thing so sure, Thai people adore their King.
     
        Long live His Majesty the King!

Banrie Coffee and Restaurant

       A friend adores eating out as well as trying restaurants. Banrie Coffee Bar and Restaurant did not escape her eyes of interest. After watching movie, we walked the path going to Ekkamai BTS Station as she would be taking the skytrain to Ploenchit and I will be taking the bus back to my place. And there at the corner of Sukhumvit 63 along Ekkamai is Banrie Coffee and Restaurant, at the foot of one of the four Ekkamai BTS Station exit, opposite the Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal.

     The setting and ambiance of the restaurant is one of a kind, not the typical airconditioned restaurant with a well decorated wall and neatly arranged chairs, but rather it has a sort of of antique look design of a garden. The view when seen outside looks like an old place that has not been taken care of and the brick walls around had been left to crumble or they had chosen to ignore. The trees and plants look like it just grew up and left as the way they grew up, not trimmed or were not under the caring hand of a gardener. The picture of the restaurant as I picture it in my mind is warm lighted ambiance due to the warm type of lighting, color of furniture as well. But when sitting in one of the tables in the open area, the ambiance makes the diners feel relaxed with a garden-like feeling though the tables and chairs are not the expensive wooden ones. I remember I had to choose the table where the chairs have a back support as some are benches. There are areas of different settings to choose from including an air conditioned room that would be good for a touch of fine dining (but not really fine dining). Diners also have the choice to stay out in an open area or in a covered air conditioned one.

       The restaurant serves Thai foods for a complete meal as well as appetizers for those who wish to linger and pass the time while drinking some beer or other alcohol drinks while listening to the live music rendered by a Thai singer and a guitarist. The live music can be enjoyed in the open area as well as in the close room.

       As the name calls for coffee, they serve special coffee with their own style of serving.  It was evening that we dined and was not good for me to take coffee so I did not have the chance to try their coffee. However, my friend did and the serving was not the typical way of putting in a small cup for hot coffee but they put it in a medium sized drinking glass. I had learned the coffee came from the Southern part of Thailand, made of Arabica and Robusta beans which has been roasted to level 8. They described it in their website as bitter and make the drinker awake.

       As it is a Thai restaurant, same as typical Thai restaurants, not all waiters and waitresses can comprehend English language and if ever they can, some can only understand very few basic English. When we dined for the first time, we pointed out most of our orders on the menu book. But when we ordered rice, since I am familiar with the name of fried rice with seafood I volunteered to  tell the name "khao phad talae". A bit funny, at first they brought to us one cup of steamed rice in a white plate; second time, one cup of fried rice in the same type of plate. We were three and the dishes we ordered were for the three of us so it is common sense that the rice should be good for us three also. Finally, for the third time, they got it right. The second time we dined-in the restaurant, my friend ordered Pepsi but we were given a bottle of Coke. 

        There are many foreigners who go to the place and I do not understand why mistakes that can be rooted down to not understanding what the customers got to say. But anyway, if one can't speak Thai it is best to just pinpoint the food to be ordered in their menu list. As the Chinese saying goes, less talk less mistakes.

        Thai foods are good enough and they have variety of liquors to choose from. When one wants and feels like discharging after drinking or eating a lot, the toilet are nice and clean with a touch of uniqueness that compliments well with the entire perspective.

       By the way, do not be surprised if one says Banrai or Banrie... I think Banrai in Thai and Banrie in English. Even their website is confusing to what the real name is as it both contains the same name. Nevertheless, it is a nice place to dine if you are somewhere near Ekkamai area.

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The Splendor of Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

        
     Splendid! It is the most beautiful place I have ever been when talking about nature, and the first time for me to  be in a vast botanical garden. When I visited the majestic Grand Palace (the number 1 must-see place in Bangkok) I admired it as such I uttered it was the nicest tourist place I had ever seen. However, when I was in the grounds of Nong Nooch Garden, I had the best time touring, my eyes feasting on the colorful surroundings, every moment admiring the landscape and scenery. My favorite was the French garden which held me breathless and in awe as I tried to take pictures in every angle. It is really a beautiful place worth visiting! Though we stayed overnight, still I think we were able to tour only about one-third of the approximately 600 acres (1500 rais).

       Approximately 155 kilometers from Bangkok, I got to know Nong Nooch Garden Resort when I saw one photo of it in an online Filipino Community in Thailand, the Siam Pinoy. From then on I had the strong desire to visit the place and included it in my list of places to visit. Opportunity came when there was a three day weekend vacation in July 2011 in celebration of Buddhist lent.  Three of my friends planned to go to Underwater World in Pattaya but I convinced them to go to Nong Nooch instead. Anyway, the garden is also in Pattaya.  One in the desire to go out of Bangkok City and have fun, six of us went for the tour.  But beforehand I had made inquiries and reservation at Nong Nooch. It is best to always plan and organize things ahead to make the tour enjoyable, hassle free and successful.

     
       When I called the office for inquiries the lady I talked to asked for my email address and sent the location map. Overall I found the staff very accommodating and friendly. The entrance fee for foreigners is 500 baht per person and 100 or 200 baht for Thais which includes touring around the approximately 600 acres area, entrance to the Thai Cultural show and Elephant show.  For Thais, the entrance fee of 100 baht does not include the cultural and elephant show.

     As I had inquired on details, I arrived to a conclusion that for foreigners it is more than worth the cost to stay overnight than just going for a day tour most specially if done by group of two or more. Why is it so? It is like this... if one stays overnight, the entrance fee is waived and one has to pay only for the room. They  offer different type of accommodations from the luxurious one to backpackers standard room. So far cheapest rate of a room good for two is 1,200 baht per night and it already includes buffet breakfast for two. I was with five of my friends and we rented a room for 5 at a rate of 3,000 baht plus 350 baht for an extra bed since we were six. Each of us only paid approximately 560 baht for an overnight stay. With the 560 baht each, for almost two days, we had more time touring the very big area, taking pictures with different poses with very nice backgrounds, dining in two of their restaurants, watch the Thai cultural and Elephant show.  We did not have a car to go around the place but it was not a problem at all because we just made a call at the reception area for pick up and after few minutes the shuttle service comes in whatever part of the resort we are waiting.

         There are so much things to see, different types of accommodations to choose from, exquisite gardens, restaurants, aquarium, activities to do such as biking, and two-storey building showcasing special cars, as such it is really advisable and wise to stay at least a night to explore the approximately 600 acres area. Nevertheless, if one wants to have a quick tour, there is a tourist bus inside the compound that goes around the area. The passenger have to pay 100 baht only for a round trip. The cultural show is very entertaining and so the elephant show. The elephant show so far is the best I have seen. Two of my friends had their pictures taken sitting in between the trunks of two elephants for a fee of 50 baht per person. I wanted it also but I was not ready with the bad smell from the elephant that might stick on my clothes. After picture taking with the elephants, four of them had pictures taken with a young tiger for a fee of 60 baht per person. 

          
       How did we go there? From Bangkok, we took a bus bound to Pattaya at the Ekkamai Bus Terminal. The bus trip took two hours. When the bus reached Pattaya bus terminal, we could have taken or rented a "taxi" (songtaew) straight to Nong Nooch but we decided to have lunch at the center of Pattaya at Festival Mall. From there we rented a songtaew to bring us to the garden. We had a bit of a guilty feeling as the songtaew driver gave as an initial price of 1,000 baht but we had hard bargaining and it ended up to a price of 200 baht. No one among us six had the idea how far we had to go, we only focused on the amount to be paid for the songtaew. Only to realize and have a guilty feeling when we were on the road as the driver traversed the Sukhumivit road to the garden, the longer we traveled than expected, we realized that the 200 baht is very unreasonable price and not enough for the driver to earn enough for the trip. After some sort of "deliberation" we finally decided to pay the driver 75% more. Maybe income was not good that time so he heeded to our very low price instead of having no income at all. Although as foreigners, it is always best to bargain at the lowest price one can think of to avoid getting ripped off.

        

          There are many tourist places that can be visited in Pattaya or Chonburi province but among all the places I had visited, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is the best place I had ever been so far and I enjoyed every moment being there. Just imagine, we had almost a thousand of pictures taken! See for yourself then...

          When we left the place, we dropped by and had lunch at Pattaya Floating Market. Another good place to visit.

Mum Aroi Restaurant

   

    I had been to Pattaya for countless times, had dined in some nice fine dining restaurants and as well as chain of restaurants that can be found everywhere in Thailand but this restaurant, Mum Aroi at Naklua Pattaya seemed to be one of the popular seafood Thai restaurants. It is located almost in the outskirt of the northern part of Pattaya and can not be easily found if one is not familiar with the location. But two times I had been there for dinner with Thai colleagues, the big restaurant has been full of diners composed mostly of Thai people in groups.

      As the name in the signage  is in Thai, it obviously shows that its main target customers are Thai people. However, there are few foreigners but they are accompanied by Thais. I had to ask my Thai colleague the name so I can write it in English. My engineer colleague told me it is a very popular restaurant in Pattaya. With the big area and numerous dining tables almost filled up, indeed the restaurant is one of the favorite and popular restaurants. Much as I can remember our way when we went to the restaurant, however I can not describe exactly the way to go there. 

        The first time, as we came from the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel, being one of the exhibitors of TEMCA 2011, we passed through the center of Pattaya and then to Sukhumvit Road. There we tracked down the road till my colleagues saw the neon triangular signage of the restaurant giving directions which way to go. The second time, I was with another colleague engineer and he knew so well the way. We passed at North Pattaya to the direction for Sukhumvit. Without reaching the Sukhumvit road, he drove to the left then after few kilometers there was the restaurant. 

       The place is big and cozy. There are more than one air conditioned rooms with karaoke where those who want to have private gatherings can occupy the space. But the most interesting and cozy location is the open space. The open space is big and there is a live music. Diners can have the feeling of being in a garden or feel the sea breeze or hear the waves. I even saw a small pool somewhere in the open space.

      With regards to food, of course, they serve Thai foods. Their menu is in English and Thai but I did not bother to see inquisitively each food offered as listed in the menu book as I often leave the choice to my Thai companions of what food to order. One thing I only request to them is "mai phet" (not so spicy). Thai people always have the first choice of seafood when dining out and it is because of the love for seafood that made the restaurant to be popular. Mum Aroi serves variety of seafoods. So far, though I do not know the names of the food I ate, I can say they taste good. When it comes to service, I say it is the typical Thai way of serving in a restaurant.:-)

        

Filipino Restaurant in Bangkok

      

    Do you want to try Filipino foods? Do you miss Filipino foods? Are you craving for your favorite Filipino dishes?

       
    I have heard from fellow Filipino friends about the Filipino Restaurant here in Bangkok as well as grocery store selling popular Philippine products. But I just took those talks as information and had the minimal desire to visit the place and try their foods. After all I do not have cravings of my country's famous dishes as I was used to eating simple foods when I was in the Philippines.

Bulalo

Crispy Pata

   My two years and four months stay in Bangkok, Thailand marked two first time for me: 1)meeting fellow Filipino electrical engineers who had opted to leave our very own Philippines for a greener pasture in the Land of Smiles, just like me; and 2) dining at the New Mabuhay Filipino Restaurant at Soi 19 Petchaburi road. The ordering of food was left to the choice of Ayi who led us to the restaurant. There we had bulalo, crispy pata, chopsuey (pad pak ruam mit in Thai). Of course, for the guys the highlight was the cold San Miguel beer. Since I do not drink beer, canned Del Monte juice was a nice substitute.When there, I had the feeling of being back home in the Philippines as the food servers and customers were all kababayans, though there were a few of other nationalities having their dinner. The place itself have a Filipino setting showcasing the Filipino groceries for sale.

    With a short talk from the owner, we had been informed about the other services they offer such as  sending money to the Philippines as well as goods. He said that their rates are lower than the famous money sending agency, the Western Union.
     
     Would you like to go there and try their dishes?  The restaurant is easy to find and accessible as it is situated at Pratunam area, opposite the road where Platinum Mall is. Look for Street 19 or Petchaburi Soi 19, walk through the inner part of the street and turn to the left when you see a small street. There is the New Mabuhay Filipino Restaurant.
        By the way, I almost forget aside from serving Filipino foods, they also have some well-known Philippine products for sale. Of course the staff as well as the owners are Filipinos and speak in their native tongues. For sure when you are inside the place, you will not have the feeling of being away from home as it is just like being home. And as the famous saying goes "there is no place like home". If you miss home, I recommend visiting the restaurant. For non-Filipinos, try the Filipino restaurant so you will have the taste of Filipino foods.

Renewing Philippine Passport in Thailand

On the 23rd of July 2011, I went back to the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok to claim my 4th passport issued by the Philippine government as the 3rd one had expired. I have been given the latest type, the biometric or popularly called e-passport with microchips and maroon in color. From date of application, it took more than a month before I was able to claim it, though a month earlier than the announced estimated time of release. It has not been long time since the Philippine government has been issuing the e-passport, a machine readable copy and so there was a huge backlog that explained the reason for a prolonged time in acquiring a Philippine passport. The Embassy informs the applicants that it would take at least two months after the filing of application. My passport would expire on the 31 January 2012 but I applied for renewal six months before the expiration. I would not be able to use it anyway or be allowed to enter any foreign country except in my own country since one of the international requirement when traveling in another country is for the passport to have at least 6 months validity period. Secondly and the main reason, I had to extend my Non-Immigrant B visa that would expire on the 11th of August 2011.

Weeks before I went to the embassy for the application, I gathered information through the website and asked my friend whom I know had renewed also her passport few months ago on what are the requirements in applying for a new passport. My friend told me that it took her only three weeks waiting time after application. She also recommended a photo studio near the Philippine Embassy where I can have  my passport picture taken. In the application for the renewal of passport that I downloaded in the website indicates that a 4.5 cm x3.5 cm picture with dark blue background should be attached.

When I arrived at the Embassy, before I entered the compound I asked the security guard where I can have my picture. There on the opposite road from a distance to the embassy is a photo studio and so I had my photo taken. It took only few minutes for the picture taking and photo processing and so I proceeded to the consular section and submitted the printed application form which I had filled up days before in my office.

  That day I learned some things:

1. Picture to be attached in the application form can be of any color or background, size is 4.5 cm x 3.5cm; 
2. Passport picture shall be taken in the embassy by an embassy personnel; (Funny because I tried hard to make myself beautiful when my picture was taken in the studio but in the embassy, I found my hair in different directions ha ha ha but oh! I am glad because my photo in the passport went out fine. :-) )
3. The processing fee increased from 2,500 baht to 2,700 baht (approximately 3,780 pesos or 90 USD);
4. An applicant can request certification that she/he has applied for renewal of passport. The said certification is given for free.; and
5. As a Filipino citizen it pays to be updated with the latest news on consular services by checking the Consular Section page.

At the same time I took the opportunity to officially inform the Philippine government that I am here in Thailand by registering myself in the Embassy. I got an ID in return. I downloaded the form in the website but the personnel in the counter gave me another form. So better, just request at the embassy the form if you want to register yourself and get an ID rather than downloading in the website. But if you are a Filipino, it is but wise to register. And oh by the way, you need to submit 1x1 picture for the ID.

As I checked the website now, the information contained are more comprehensive and complete, a sign that it is being updated regularly. There is no need then to go to the Embassy just to inquire. Calling the Consular Office would make one feel welcome because they are accommodating in answering queries. Overall, I can say they are efficient in their services. Mabuhay!

Update: For the latest information (year 2016), kindly refer to this blog . 

Filipino Electrical Engineers in Bangkok

     On the 4th of September 2011, there were two first time for me with my history of stay in Bangkok, Thailand: meeting fellow Filipino Electrical Engineers working in Bangkok and dining at a Filipino Restaurant. I write here about the meeting of Filipino EEs and in another page about the New Mabuhay Restaurant.
      We were five electrical engineers (Ayi, Jun, Francis, Omar and me) in the meeting and two of which came with their partners. I was the only lady among the engineers but it was a normal occurrence for me as there are only few lady electrical engineers in general and more so in a foreign land. The meeting was initiated by Engr. Ariel Luces, who has been working in a foreign multinational contracting company in Bangkok as a EE/ME Manager. How he met the other engineers? I presume through business transactions.

      How Ariel and I met may make one say "small world" just like I had exclaimed when I knew that we had some sort of 'connections' back home. It went this way: I met his wife in an online community for Filipinos in Thailand. It started with the desire to find fellow Bicolanos in Thailand. As his wife and me exchanged information, I had learned that her husband graduated in the same university where I had taken my BSEE (Bachelor of Electrical Engineering) and that he was an instructor in the same university. When Ariel left the university to work here in Bangkok, his teaching loads were passed on to me. Aside from having familiar faces, we never had any chance to talk to each other while in our hometown and while in the university as students. And now here in Bangkok we are friends.
         The time agreed to meet was at 2 in the afternoon at the Food Center of Central World Plaza but I came about 1 hour late as I took bus 40 which goes through the traffic loaded street of Sukhumvit. Nevertheless, it did not matter to them I guess because everyone were busy talking to each other while I was on my way. 

      In the evening, we walked through the sidewalk and proceeded to New Mabuhay Restaurant in Pratunam. We had Filipino foods (bulalo, crispy pata and my favorite chopsuey) and drinks (San Miguel beer and Del Monte juices). We parted ways at about 9 in the evening. It was a great time indeed meeting colleagues in the same profession.
         However, it is not the last meeting but rather the first as the group agreed to meet at least once a month. The second meeting is set tentatively on October 2, 2011. We hope more Filipino electrical engineers or even technicians can join us. If you know someone, kindly refer us. We look forward to expanding the network of EE here in Thailand.                

Non-Immigration B Visa

      

        Finally, today I got the stamp in my passport for my one year Non-Immigrant B extension visa, the 5th time that I went back to Immigration Office Division 1 at the  Government Complex Commemorating His Majesty the King in Chaengwattana and, after 21 days since I filed the application for such. 

       It was actually my Thai colleague who facilitated the processing of the papers starting from the preparation of the requirements concerning the company documents up to dealing with the immigration officers. I just had to go with her as it is a part of the requirement. As I am the first and only foreigner employee of our company, it was the first time for them (my employer) to apply for papers needed to legalize my stay and working in Bangkok. However, on my part, it is my second employment here in Thailand but on a different type of organization, the first one in a government owned university. As it is not my first to apply for visas, I had taken some of the leads. It was really tough! The least in my expectation.

       With my first job in Bangkok as a government university lecturer, processing of visa including the work permit were not a problem. There was a delay in the application of my Non-B visa when I applied in the Royal Thai Embassy in Manila because there was no attached request letter from the president of the university to the Thai Consul in Manila. After that the succeeding applications and extensions plus the work permit were acquired smoothly. The applications were done by me alone, without the need to be accompanied by a Thai representative from the university.

     With the previous experience, I expected my recent application would be easy plus the thought that it is only an extension and I have my work permit. But it was not! Most of the paper requirements for the extension of Non-Immigrant B were the same as when applying for a new one except that a picture was taken of me working in the office and proof of my salary. I was thinking, because of my past work experience in one of the technology university in Bangkok and the fact that since it is an extension visa only, acquiring it would be easier. But it came to be, the applying of the Non-B Visa was easier than acquiring an extension visa.

       There are few things I had learned which I would like to share to the readers:

      1) application of visas are classified. The department that accepted and processed my documents are in business category perhaps of private companies only; 

        2) the minimum salary requirement for foreign nationals must be met and shown in the tax document as indicated below

• European Countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, and U.S.A. Baht 50,000/month.
• South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong Baht 45,000/month.
• Asian Countries, South America, Countries in Eastern Europe, Countries in Central America, Mexico, Turkey, Russia and South Africa: Baht 35,000/month.
• African Countries, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam Baht 25,000/month;

     3) the application of extension visa can be done one month before the expiration;

        4) if passport is a new copy, requests to transfer previous stamps from the old to the new one.

       One thing I realized though, it is true like what others say, the immigration policies change as often as they want to. So the saying goes "there is nothing permanent but change".

TEMCA 2011

     For three days I was in Pattaya for the TEMCA 2011. My company was one of the more or less 25 exhibitors who had a big space and spent quite a large amount of money to have a presentable booth that showcased and promoted the products each are selling or distributing.

     TEMCA is the acronym for Thai Electrical and Mechanical Contractors Association. Every year for 27 years, the association organizes exhibition and seminars which are supported by leading big companies, may it be internationally or locally owned. This year it was held on the 19-20th of August 2011 at Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH), a facility managed and owned by the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel. There were a total of approximately 50 booths some of which have been built with style and height. To mention some of the exhibitors, first is our very own Magpie Blazetech Co., Ltd.; infront of our booth is Schneider Electric, behind is Draka Prysmian Group, then there is also the  Maxwell Group, Charoenchai Transformer Co., Ltd., QTC, Lekise, U-Group, Samsung, Panasonic/Sanyo, WIP Electric Co., Ltd., Maxwell Group, Tan and Sons Corporation Limited, Arrow Syndicate, Haco Electric Solutions, Fire Victor Co. Ltd, Imperial, Suntec, Compomax and Thai Wire.

      It was so interesting to go around looking at the booths as each have their own special designs and styles of  presentation. Each boot showcased the latest innovation and technology specifically in lighting, mechanical and electrical equipments, fire protection, electrical cables, safety devices and the likes. There I had known that Sanyo is presently owned by Panasonic though they still exist independently. I also have seen the ready made solar panel, the latest CCTV system offered by Panasonic, the telephone with video call, the multi-layered large cable wire and the latest styles of electric lighting. As an electrical engineer I was also updated with the latest trend in electrical lighting and accessories, The recommended type of fluorescent lamp now is T5 which is slimmer and longer than the previous T8. Also bulbs are the LED types which give more light but consume lesser energy. And by the way, the biggest organization that participated in the affair was the PEA (Provincial Electrical Authority) of Thailand. A lot of managers and employees of PEA coming from other provinces were present, wearing a white polo shirt with PEA Smart Grid Logo. I wanted to ask why it is called Smart Grid but I did not have the chance to talk to a competent English speaking PEA personnel.

      What made the affair more attractive and amusing were the presence of young sexy lady entertainers for which some acted as sales assistants. Some booths had games for the audiences with interesting prizes, guessing games, dance presentations and even a bartender exhibition show. One may ask what is the relevance of the bartender show, belly dancing of young ladies as well as rapping to the exhibition, that was also my question I had within myself. Charoenchai Transformers had even had a booth that looked like a bar and served non-alcoholic drinks for free. 

      I did not actually look much into the products distributed by QTC but what attracted the people most to their booth is that they had distributed forms for each to fill up then dropped in a drop box which has been drawn out later in the day. Wow! they gave big prices like an external hardisk drive and even an Ipad.  Some had their business cards distributed in the booths and they got in return freebies like bags, sample products and brochures.


     Exhibit shows like TEMCA benefits contractors, direct users and most specially product distributors. Marketing wise it is one good way of showcasing the business.

Embassy of the Philippines, Bangkok

Embassy of the Philippines in Bangkok

     Last Friday, I went to the Embassy of the Philippines in Bangkok for the renewal of my passport which would expire six months after, on January 2012. It was my first time to go on office hours and to avail of their services. The first time I set my foot on the grounds of the embassy was during the celebration of the Independence Day 2010, followed by the orientation seminar for teachers which coincided with the visit of the members of the Voyage of the Balangays. Oh! I almost forgot, the third one was when I was invited to attend the meeting of  chosen teachers, the purpose for which to form a teachers' council.

     When I entered the gate of the embassy, the guard mumbled the words "Consular section" so it came to my thought that the consular office is not at the main building. I saw a board with the name "Consular Section" with arrow to point out which direction to take. I misinterpreted the arrow pointing on the direction such a way with a question in my mind, I almost proceeded at the back of the building of the said office.

   The consular section is simple on its set-up and just enough to accommodate about 20 people. The staffs are approachable and accommodating. When I was the concerns of each client were done fast since only few clients were there during that time. Only that it took a bit longer for me to be given a certification that I had applied for the renewal of my passport.

     When you go to the embassy make sure when to have with you an ID to be presented and left at the security guard in exchange of a visitor's ID. You will be asked also to write your name, purpose of visit, address, contact number and time in before the gate will be opened for you. There are two buildings inside the compound. The big one looks like a house and on it's right when facing the building is a smaller one, the Consular section. There in the consular section can you avail of all the services offered by the Embassy.

    The embassy is located at 760 Sukhumvit Road corner Soi Philippines (30/1) Klongtoey, Klongtan, Bangkok. The area is between Thong Lo and Phrom Phong BTS stations, and business hour starts 9 o' clock in the morning to 4 o' clock in the afternoon. For more information, you may visit the website of Embassy of the Philippines in Thailand.

Searching A Place to Stay in Bangkok For Long Term?

Are you searching for a place to stay in Bangkok? In this blog, I will be giving tips on how to search for a place to stay specifically in Bangkok.

Finding a place to stay when one can not be in his own home or residence can be easy as well as not easy. Easy because there are thousands of choices and available places in many locations but not easy as one chooses a place that meets his criteria, taste, needs and wants. To find a place to stay, time and effort are needed in visiting the prospective places most specially if it is for a long stay.

When I came to Thailand more than two years ago, I did not went through the searching process because I had taken the place that was offered and available for me. Neither did I had the second thought of taking the available place because being new in the country, not to include the language barrier, I knew it would not be easy to do the searching in just a short time most specially that I had to start to report to work immediately.

But when I had changed my work after a year and a half, there was a need for me to relocate. What I did was to announce to my colleagues and friends who are living along the area where I wanted to relocate that I am searching for a place to stay. My time frame in searching was short as I had a deadline to meet. Going around and inquiring was a bit difficult as I can not speak in Thai. Thanks to the technology that brought internet, it was made easier for me.  

Shortly, I found the place of my choice through the website www.9apartment.com. For those who are or will be looking for a place to stay in Bangkok, the old strategies are gone and time consuming. Here are some tips to would make searching a place to stay easier:

      
     1) Decide on a) the location you want to stay, b) the monthly rental range you are willing or can afford to pay, and c) which among the amenities that you would like to have in your place;

     2) Search in the internet. There are many websites for those who are looking for places to stay or rent. Some of the websites are in Thai language. Use Google Chrome browser as it automatically translates the page to English or to any language. To mention some of them the sites: www.9partment.com, www.tee-pak.com, www.horpak4u.com,  www.thaiapartment.com, www.renthub.in.th and www.bangkok.craigslist.co.th The first site on the list is where I got my place now.

      3) Make a list of prospects and call or send email for more information. Don't forget to ask them if there is an available room. Lots of time will be saved.

     4) Visit the places you think meet your requirements or standard.

Time and patience are needed but it is worth the effort when you are finally in your chosen place, you have the feeling of comfort, peace and convenience. 

After all, it will be your home away from your home.

Ways To Explore Bangkok

    

      Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, the country popularly called "Land of Smiles" and there are many things to do, places to see and shopping malls to visit. It depends on what the persons' interest are. Exploring Bangkok by going to the tourists places with a touch of Thai culture and history, from historical to  modern, from nature to man-made, as well as enjoying shopping at the side street bargain markets to the Class A shopping malls is not difficult because Bangkok offers all types of transportation such as buses of many types, taxis, trains (traditional, above and underground), tuktuks and motorbikes. Guides and information are easy at hand as one can easily get maps for free at the information booths of shopping centers, train stations and other locations. For more detailed information and personalized inquiry, it is easy to spot a Tourist Information Center.

      However, if you come to Thailand for limited number of days, it is best to plan your itinerary and do some researching ahead so as to maximize your time in exploring Bangkok. There are thousands of information that can be sourced out of the internet. You need not pay for a tourist guide. In fact with the technology we have now, one can do the researching and planning of trip conveniently at ease by just sitting in front of a laptop with internet. Hotels have their own websites or are advertised in online booking agencies such as Agoda, Sawasdee, Hotel Travel and a lot more booking sites. It is but wise to check the rates not only at the hotels' own websites as most often booking sites offer a lower price. 
      
       Yes, it is true the easiest and most convenient is to take a taxi but for those budget savers and who totally wants to travel in an adventurous way, it is best to use the public transportation available like the skytrain commonly referred to as BTS and the MRT (subway train) provided there is a station near the place where you are staying or visiting. It indeed unquestionably fast as it avoids the traffic. There are many buses available for which route can be identified by the numbers indicated in the front and back of the bus. Google map shows the bus stops with bus numbers stopping on each. Let us say the buses are for local residents only not for tourists because the time is usually limited and it is a hassle to take the bus. It gives one a great feeling of uncertainty on when to press the button to stop, most specially with the existing of language language barrier, one is lucky if by chance he/she finds someone who can comprehend basic English language.

       Whichever mode of transportation one takes, it becomes a part of experience that can be fun with a touch of adventure. However though, as I had mentioned earlier the existence of language barrier, be prepared and anticipate the difficulty of communicating as Thailand is not an English speaking country. Then you need to carry with you the word "patience". But if you know your way, things would be a lot easier. 
        Enjoy your exploration of Bangkok.