Jel's Singapore Life

Immigration execs implement new screening rules for intl travelers January 24, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:52:00 +0000

Our Bureau of Immigration just announced the new screening rules. Here's the link;

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/245428/pinoyabroad/immigration-execs-implement-new-screening-rules-for-intl-travelers?ref=secitem

Unfortunately there's not much detail in the article. Upon visiting the website of BI it's not loading at all. If anyone of you knows the details of the guidelines specially for tourists young and old and the contacts for complaining abusive Immigration personnel please comment here.

No Visa Required for Filipinos in the Following Countries Aug 17, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:41:00 +0000

I'm not sure if this is updated so please double-check.

Hit the link below:

Public Holiday on Singapore Polling Day - 27 August 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:39:00 +0000

FYI to all OFW in Singapore...

Hit the link below:

Racial Profiling or Simply Ignorance? July 2, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 03:06:00 +0000

I just like to share the post of this young professional woman who was harassed, humiliated and traumatized by some Officers in Denpasar Airport when they went for a vacation in Bali, Indonesia. I truly believe that this could have been handled in a totally professional way but from what i read those officers are no short of ignorant and unprofessional in all levels. They should have a code of conduct like how police officers in US handles suspects. They are respectful but emulates authority at the same time. Please do share with everyone you know. I'm sure this does not reflect all Indonesians. I just wish those officers are at least remanded and issue an apology to those they've victimized. Yes i say victimized because although they are doing their jobs, they did not execute it professionally.

Hit the link below:
http://www.chyngreyes.com/2011/06/my-traumatic-experience-as-alleged-drug.html

Philippine Embassy launches Passport Appointment System but for Renewals only July 01, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:28:00 +0000

I truly hope this is a start of much needed improvement in Philippine embassies services. Hit the source link below
http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/news/2011/06/embassy-launches-passport-appointment-system/

Pag-IBIG Membership Mandatory for OFWs, Required for OEC Issuance June 28, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:34:00 +0000

For all the OFW's out there see below link:

http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/news/2011/06/pag-ibig-membership-mandatory-for-ofws-required-for-oec-issuance

Housing Loan interest rates in the Philippines June 28, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:22:00 +0000

For those planning to buy a house or condo in the Philippines, some of the banks have promotional rates in loan interest rates. Make sure you study the Repricing Period.

Home Loan Interest Rates in the Philippines (as of June 2011)

Repricing Period	Allied Bank	BDO	BPI FB*	BPI FB**	EastWest Bank	HSBC	Robinsons Bank*	Security Bank
1 year	8.50%	7.88%	5.50%	8.75%	5.88%	5.75%	5.88%	8.75%
2 years	9.00%					7.49%		9.50%
3 years	9.50%	9.75%	7.75%	9.75%		7.69%		9.50%
5 years	9.75%	10.00%	8.75%	10.00%		8.99%		10.00%
10 years	11.50%	11.00%	10.00%	11.00%
15 years	11.50%	11.25%	11.00%	11.25%
16-25 years		11.50%		11.50%

Notes:

* BPI FB – promo rates of BPI Family Savings Bank, valid until June 30, 2011

** BPI FB – published interest rates of BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank, before the promo period

*** Promo rate of Robinsons Bank, valid until June 30, 2011; no other fixed interest rates published for longer years

See source blog for more details:
http://www.pinoymoneytalk.com/low-home-loan-rates-philippines/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PinoyMoneyTalkpmtPinoysMakingMoneyTogether+%28Make+Money+Online%2C+Stock+Trading+%26+Philippine+Investments%29

Filipinos Mindset on Investment or Savings? June 20, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:34:00 +0000

I want to share this blog that i read in Pulse. It's about how we Filipinos in general fall to the trap of zero savings lifestyle because of "Inggit" or simply ignorance.

As a Father I'd like to educate my self in managing Finances and investing so that i can pass it on to my children at an early age.

I have a vision that if all us OFW's start to inculcate and share our knowledge to our children at a very young age then we will reap the benefits of having financially independent and literate children. In turn it will benefit our country.

So i call to my fellow OFW's to start on our own families first and always share your knowledge to those who are willing to listen.

See link for the blog
http://www.filipinoinvestor.com/the-consumer-country/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

Maharlika Band gig at FWC Idol 2011 Finals @ Firefly Bar, Singapore June 19, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:25:00 +0000

See our latest videos to the recently concluded FWC (Filipino Wednesday Club) Idol 2011 Finals held last night (19June2011) at Firefly Bar (previously known as Bar None) just below Marriott Hotel near Tangs.

Congratulations to the contestants and the organizers!

Go to Maharlika Band FB Page:

http://www.facebook.com/maharlikaband

How to apply for a Long Term Visit Pass for your Child (For PR Parents)

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 02:39:00 +0000

As long as your child has a Passport you can already apply for LTVSP. You can also apply for an extension of his/her short term visit pass while you wait for the processing.

When we applied last 2010 it took 40 business days before i got approved. You can call ICA anytime to double check.

You don't need to go to ICA. To apply online you can go to the below link and click on New Application. Read through Important Notes first:
https://ltpass.ica.gov.sg/eltsvp/main.do

The following info is gathered from below link:
https://ltpass.ica.gov.sg/eltsvp/jsp/FAQ.jsp

Eligibility for New Applications
- Child of Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Residents
- Your Child's Travel Document has a validity of 6 months or more
- Your Child's Visit Pass (short term) has a validity of 10 days or more
- PR Parents has a SingPass and is at least 21 years of age

Payment
- All applications submitted through e-VP are required to have the processing fees paid before they can be processed. Approved applications under e-VP will also need to go through online payment before completing of formalities. Payment can be made by MasterCard and Visa issued by MasterCard or Visa Electron, or Internet Banking with a valid Internet Banking account with Citibank, DBS or UOB. Once the Payment transaction is successfully completed, applicant will be notified of his/her application status either by email (if provided) or via “Status Enquiry”
- Upon approval you need to pay immediately S$60/- Issuance Fee, S$30/- Visa fee

Application Status Enquiry
- You can go the the below link:
https://ltpass.ica.gov.sg/eltsvp/enquiryLogin.do
OR
You can call ICA
For new application submitted via e-VP, the normal processing time is about 4-6 weeks

Requirements
All requirements will be stated in the Approval Notice Letter that you will receive. You must bring Original and Photocopies of the docs from v) to x) in your formalities. Below are what stated on our Approval Notice:
i) A copy of the notice for scanning in ICA
ii) Child's passport. A copy of particulars page must be submitted to ICA.
iii) A duly signed printout of the form which you have submitted through the e-VP system
iv) One recent passport-sized colour photograph (takem against white background); My advice here is to go to ICA and have your child take the picture there instead to avoid the hassle of getting the picture rejected. They can take pictures of baby or toddlers.
v) Child's birth certificate
vi) Parents Marriage certificate
vii) Parent's Income tax for the last 3 years
viii) Parent's monthly CPF contribution histpry for the last 12 months
ix) Parent's latest letter of employment, date of commencement, designation and salary per month.
x) Parent's highest educational certificate
xi) Child's DE Card (DisEmbarkation Card if Child was born outside Singapore)
xii) Child's medical report in the prescribed format. This will be sent to you along with Approval Notice.

When you receive the Approval Notice and made the payment you will be automatically given a date and time of appointment to complete your formalities. If you want to change this you can go the below link:
https://eappointment.ica.gov.sg/ibook/index.do

New site for Investing in Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:43:00 +0000

There's an up an coming website to learn about different investing methods

http://moolah.asia/single_blog.php?b_id=225

Guidelines and Reminders all for Filipinos in Singapore March 29, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:08:00 +0000

My friend forwarded an email containing this reminder coming from Philippine Embassy in Singapore. Kababayan, fyi.

Philippine Airport Process and Fees October 13, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 07:21:00 +0000

I just want to share the process that we went through in NAIA Terminal 3 when we recently came back from Philippines to Singapore. Our carrier is Cebu Pacific.

1. X-ray and metal detectors (All baggages including mobile phones, documents and wallets needs to go through).
2. Pay Travel tax located at the far right of the terminal
3. Check-in at the Cebu Pacific counter (Max for check-in is 15kg while hand carry is 7kg. You are allowed to bring extra hand bag or laptop).
4. Pay terminal fee,
5. Fill-up departure card (for all passengers)
6. Immigration
7. X-ray and metal detector (remove shoes, belts, blings and pocket contents)

Travel Tax
For PR's and Long term visit pass - 200php
Work Permit, SPASS and EPASS are exempted (Must have OEC)

Terminal Fee
For PR's and Long term visit pass - 750php
Babies, Work Permit, SPASS and EPASS are exempted (Must have OEC)

Pinoy Singapore Life Facebook Page, October 1, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:37:00 +0000

Please go to Pinoy Singapore Life facebook page. You can see it on the right of this site. Just "Like" it.

Just post in the Wall questions related to the topics of this blog site. I can reply there much faster. I will still be updating this blog because it's easier to track.

Thanks.

Child born in Singapore to PR parents, September 24, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 07:24:00 +0000

If you're a Filipino, read on. If not some steps might apply and some might not.

I have a PR friend who recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl here in singapore. I asked her husband some of the things that they need to do to process their baby's travel documents and visa.

The hospital where the baby is delivered will give you some sort of temporary visit pass and Report of Birth. This gives you 42 days to apply for her passport which is a requirement for applying long term visit pass or Permanent Residency.

You will need to apply for passport in Philippine Embassy. Babies are prioritized in applying passport. Instead of thumbmark they will get his/her footprint. You will need to pay 187sgd. Processing takes 6 weeks and there's no rush processing. The only requirement is Report of Birth which you will apply together with the passport. Report of Birth requirements are:
- Download Report of Birth form from the website and print 5 copies
- Birth certificate from the hospital
- Passport of parents (original and 5 photocopies)
- Marriage certificate (original and 5 photocopies)

Now you're thinking 42 days is not enough if the passport takes 6 weeks to process. In the embassy they will give you a memorandum which you will need to bring in ICA to extend the visit pass.

I'm not sure if these applies to all regardless if you're a PR or not. Please call Philippine Embassy for clarifications.

Did you recently became a PR? April 7, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:15:00 +0000

For those new PR you need to update the following to change your personal details of your FIN to NRIC.
Company or Agency
Bank
Insurance
Memberships

Let me know if i missed something.

Change of Particulars like Address? April 7, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:13:00 +0000

For those who recently moved to a new location you need to update the following to change your address.
Company or Agency
Bank
E-Pass, S-Pass, Workpass or IC
Insurance
Memberships
Some takes a only a phone call or email to change address. Some takes time. So you have to decide for yourself when do you want to change the address else your letters might not be delivered to your new location.

If you're a PR then you can just bring any recent bill, bank statements, tenancy agreement or contract which states your new address to the nearest Police Station. It will just take them 10-15 minutes to update.

They scratch your old address at the back of your IC and replace with a sticker with your new address at no cost. They will also give you the list of Government agencies that will be automatically updated so that you don't need to inform them one by one. I must say they're very efficient.

How to renew Green Passport to Machine-Readable Passport April 7, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:09:00 +0000

If you're green passport is still valid for more than 6 months and you're in the Philippines for a vacation for more than 1 week you can renew your Passport in DFA and have it "RUSH" which takes 7 days. It will cost you 750Php. If you renew in the Philippine Embassy then you need to pay S$85.

Step 1
Get the form online to fill-up and prepare requirements listed in the application form or in .

Photocopy personal particulars of your passport and IC, E-Pass, S-Pass or Workpass front and back because the nearest Photocopying machine in Philippine Embassy is in Tanglin Mall.

If you plan to take an id picture in the embassy itself then prepare small bills like S$2 or coins. Inside there's a Self-Serve Photobooth. You don't need to cut the pictures. During submission they will do it for you.

Bring some reading materials, refreshments, fan, pen, paste and scissors just in case. If you came in late then you better prepare for a long wait. Make sure you get a queue number right away.

Step 2

In the claim stub it indicates the date and time for you to come back. Bring your old passport, IC, S$85 and claim stub. Give the claim stub in Window <> and wait for your name to be called. Once called double-check the details of your new passport and your done.

Step 3

If you are a PR then you need to login to www.ica.gov.sg using your Singpass to update your Re-Entry Permit (REP) of your new Passport Number. Once you updated it you can print your new REP already and wait for 14 days for the approval letter to be received.

Disclaimer: This may not be the latest procedures or requirements. Refer to related government agencies.

How to apply for a Foreign Domestic worker (Maid) April 7, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:06:00 +0000

For those who are planning to apply their own FDW a couple of things you need to consider:
Costs
Salary for a Filipino FDW ranges from S$300 - S$400 depending on your requirements.
Then there's a monthly levy, cost incurred during application including insurance and security bond, Medical Checkup every 6 months, airline ticket and basic necessities like food, bed and rent.
So if you have Parents or Parent-In-Laws willing to take care of your child while both of you are working then that would be ideal. You just need to apply them a Long Term Visit Pass which needs to be renewed yearly. If they can't then you have to do your computation to compare the cost of having one of you stay at home or hiring a FDW.
Other option would be Working from home.

Security
If you can find someone you can trust or at least recommended by a close friend to take care of your child then that would be best. If not you can always setup a basic surveillance system.

Below are the steps i did as of December 2009. Always double-check www.mom.gov.sg for the latest requirements.

Step 1
EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION PROGRAM CERTIFICATE

Step 2
GET INSURANCE AND SECURITY BOND

Step 3
APPLY FOR WORKPASS

Step 4
MEDICAL CHECKUP
Make sure you mention to the doctor that it's for first time application of FDW checkup. Bring a copy of form.
Step 5
ORIENTATION AND WRITTEN EXAM
You can go to for a sample of the written exam. Almost all are just common-sense.

Step 6
SUBMIT REQUIREMENTS TO MOM WORKPASS DIVISION WITH FDW
Bring your IC and Passport
Step 7
CLAIM WORKPASS

Umbrella not allowed from DMIA Clark to Singapore December 8, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:04:00 +0000

Take note when coming to Singapore from Philippines don't bring Umbrella in your Hand-carry. Put them in Check-in bags. Mine got confiscated. I didn't see the sign.

Invitation Letter for Singapore vacation December 8, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

One of my friends posted something in Facebook about his friend having been denied to go to Singapore in DMIA, Clark when he failed to produce an Invitation Letter with Seal from Philippine Embassy in Singapore in a closed envelope. Some commented that there's such a thing. Here's what i did to get one:

Philippine Embassy
Office Hours: SUN - THU 9am-12pm and 1:30pm-5pm

Bring
- IC or EPASS or SPASS
- Your Passport
- Pen
- Photocopy of Passport (the page with ID)
- Copy of Passport of visitor
- Age (this would be in handy in filling-up the form)

I went on Sunday around 1:30PM and there were a lot of people outside. They were controlling the people coming in already since it's jammed packed inside. Just inform the guard that your purpose is for notarization only. They only control the Passport application and renewals.

There's a guard house to the right where everyone needs to register however when i told them that i just came to get a notarized invitation letter he just pointed me towards Window 5 so if you want once you're in just go directly to Window 5.

They're just 5 of us in the line at first. When it's my turn i told the officer i want to get the notarized application form. He asked me for whom and i said for my Wife's cousin whose visiting. I guess they just want to make sure that it's really for vacation purposes.

He gave me an Affidavit form and pointed me to the long table at the back. There are sample forms posted in the table (For invitation letter, for affidavit of loss, etc.)

Once I'm done i went to Window 5 again. He checked then told me to go to Window 9 for payment. The amount is S$42.50. I brought the form with attached receipt back to Window 5 and waited for my name to be called. That's it. Just make sure the form has a red seal and it's really yours.

UPDATE 30Dec2011: A comment from jcam

jel,,
hello! jcam here... just want to inform everyone na di pinapayagan kumuha ng AIL kung para sa kaibigan o para sa bf/gf dapat relatives mo na.. so ang ginawa ng iba nilagay "FIANCE" pero dpende kung papayagan parin sa Embassy.. ang iba nakiusap nalang pero may mga pumayag naman na officer ng Embassy ang ginawa di na fill-up yung part na kung sino yung iimbitahin ang ginawa ng iba sila na ang nagsulat.. Ang best advice bayaran nyo muna para ala ng magagawa yung officer.. karamihan ganun ang ginawa.. sana makatulong po ito.. Pagpunta ko dito nahold din ako pero naging smooth naman ang lahat..

Jel,,salamat sa mga infos.. merry xmas and happy new year to everyone..

Disclaimer: This is my own personal experience only. Do check the embassy for latest procedures.

Baby Carriers anyone? December 8, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:58:00 +0000

For me it's a must for people who travels. It's safer for the baby since both hands are free to support yourself in case you fell.

Imagine carrying your baby without carrier then you tripped, instinctively you'll let go of the baby to support your fall. If you carried your baby using the baby carrier you can support your fall without letting go of your baby.

Choose a trusted brand or do an online search to check on reviews. However it's not advisable to use this everytime.

Some don't recommend using the baby carrier 2 hrs straight. we bought the one with the Lying Position if we need to feed her.

Be warned though that some baby still prefers to be handcarried. Make sure to follow instructions and safety precautions.

Do also share your own experiences with your baby carrier.

Finally, certified "Tatay" December 8, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:35:00 +0000

My Wife and I are pretty much convinced that our first child is my New Year's gift to her. It was around February when i got home from work where i experienced the most pleasant surprise from Wife when she came out of the toilet saying "Jel,i'm pregnant...".

It's quite funny because i think she doesn't know what kind of emotion she's going to convey. I asked her if she's sure since i don't want to be disappointed. I'm so ready to be a Dad already.

Unlike in the movies 2 pregnancy test kit are accurate enough for us. It would make more sense to confirm it in an actual clinic.
Next day is saturday so we searched online and asked recommendations from friends for a Female Gynecologist however first lesson we learned...Call for appointment in advance. You can walk-in but you'll have to wait for a couple of hours and most of the doctors recommended to us are fully booked alreaady and won't accept walk-ins.

Finally we found a Male Gynecologist in Thomson Medical Center. We were so excited that we don't want to put off the check-up for any other day. Seeing the first ultrasound of my baby is indescribable even she's no bigger than a 5 pesos coin. I can't help smiling throughout the session.

Here in Singapore Male Gyne are not bad since they do Ultrasound almost everytime to check the baby.

Throughout the pregnancy sometimes i hoped the baby would grow faster like Renesme in the Twilight book minus the gore. Luckily the effects of pregnancy to my Wife is minimal physically and emotionally.

I think the most trouble that she experienced is constipation. She's already constipated before so she needs to up the ante on the fibre department. We also feared her clumsiness so from that time in the bathroom were she almost slipped i always make sure that we shower together.

Every checkup day is a happy day for me since i could take a glance again at my baby and see how she's developing. I think most first time parents would mutter to themselves "So...this is how it feels like".

My Wife went back to the Philippines on her 7th month. Airline limits the travelling of pregnant women to 30 weeks. However this might not be the case on some airlines.
You have to bring the medical certificate from your Gynecologist also.

Her due date is Oct. 10 so i booked a flight on Oct. 8. But it seems that my baby is ready to see the outside world and she came knocking around 6am of Oct. 3.

My Wife still managed to inform me that she's already on labor. They rushed her to the humble clinic of her Gynecologist where her sister and cousin delivered their own child.

It's past 3pm already and she still hasn't delivered my baby. I started to get nervous. Her mother called to inform me that dilation is still 5cm. My Wife is already asking for a ceasarian however the doctor told them that they will wait for another hour, if not they will rush her to the nearby hospital for ceasarian. They will just inform my parents once they hit the 10cm mark.

My imagination ran wild. 4:30pm, 5pm, 5:30pm still no call. I was going to call her mother on 6pm but then i she called first. I thought it was her mother...it was my father instead.

And at that very moment i stopped breathing. "You have a daughter!" he said. I asked him "How in the world you got there so fast?" From Antipolo to Muntinlupa it only took them 45 minutes and it's afternoon.

I guess my Mother-in-law forgot to inform me that around 5pm they already called my parents. At the very instant that my father and father-in-law arrived at the clinic my baby is delivered.

A healthy 7.11 pounds baby girl and her name is Jelene Margaux To-ong. Jel for Jelmarven, ene for Magdalene where my Wife's name, Madel, came from and Margaux from the character in the book Sunday's at Tiffany's by James Patterson. My wife nicknamed her Maije.

Things i learned so far...
- Be prepared. My Wife has a checklist of the necessary things to purchase in anticipation of the delivery. I'll post it separately
- How to properly carry a baby (support head and back). Her head is still very soft.
- 1st month to 2nd month her milk formula (Similac Advance 0 to 6 months) is for 3oz = 1.5 scoop, 2oz = 1 scoop, 1oz = .5 scoop
- How to properly clean and change diaper
- Using baby wipes, wipe from genitalia to buttocks so the grit will be away from her genitalia
- Apply Bottom butter to prevent rashes before replacing diaper
- Bottom butter works on neck rashes too!
- Stretch mark creams did not work on my Wife (it also doesn't mean it will not work on others)
- Use distilled water for the milk (not purified or mineral and specially not tap water)
- Help your Wife on everything (she just went through the most exhausting physical activity she ever experienced)
- Newborn babies are relatively easier to take care since they sleep most of the time. You just need to feed and change her diaper
- Her 1st week will be her first bath and massage
- Newborns cries when its time to change diapers, 2 months and above doesn't so you have to check and know the habits
- Habits don't last
- Ask for help if you need it
- Use alcohol on excess Umbilical cord. It falls of on it's own so don't forcefully remove it
- Don't change the diaper first specially if she just peed or pooped, wait for a couple of minutes for the aftershock (followup pee and poop) unless you want to get sprayed
- Changing mat is advisable
- Drypers are ok however it's noisy when you remove the belt, in EQ you can feel the pee and poop in outer skin. Huggies is our choice.

PA PADDLE, Singapore 25Apr2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:44:00 +0000

Videos of Filipino Dragons Singapore race on PA PADDLE held at Bedok Reservoir last April 25, 2009. For future events please visit our website www.filipinodragons.org

MR500 Dragonboat Race, Singapore - 28Mar2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jel) — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:24:00 +0000

Here are some videos of our race during the MR500 held in Bedok Reservoir, Singapore. Our team is called Filipino Dragons Singapore. For more details visit our website
http://www.filipinodragons.org