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.