My Simple Life

My Own Nanny in Singapore

2014-02-26T11:01:00.000+08:00

This is one of my biggest challenge this year, after obtaining Pass for my kiddo's then who looks after them when we are out digging the ground. We see several options, Child Care is a no because of high fee for infant care and sorry I am not comfortable with the idea. Flying relatives over every two months is also a no. Getting a local Nanny, one possible option. Finally, we decide why not bring our very own Nanny to stay here with us then, brilliant right, but how to get a work pass for her, and so the challenge begun....

My son was used to nanny since I had been working even then, so having a nanny is not new to us, but as much as possible we make sure we know them personally (you know the kidnapping thing) if possible relatives.

Nanny/House Helper/Maid falls on the Work Pass (Foreign Domestic Worker) and Singapore government was strict when issuing this pass both for employee and employer as to protect both parties most specially the Maid since they are vulnerable to abuse. You can read the full facts regarding applying for FDW here at the MOM website http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/work-permit-fdw/before-you-apply/Pages/default.aspx

I personally do all the paper works and it save me up some hundred dollars compare on going through employment agency, and to share how I obtain Work Pass for my Nanny here is my step by step guide....
(August 2013)

New Application (never been employed in SG, Female, 23~50 year old, from approve country, with minimum 8 years formal education)

SINGPASS - this is necessary to access websites for Work Pass Application as well as CPF website for levy.

EMPLOYERS ORIENTATION PROGRAM (EOP) - (S$40) - I took Online, the course can be finished in 3 hours, but you have the option to cut session according to your available time. Upon completion print your certificate since it will only be available online for 2 weeks after completing the course.

WORK PASS APPLICATION - you need your maids details specially passport and if she is married you need her husbands details. You also need to indicate your maids salary. Also, remember points to consider.

Your Maid a Female
Your Maid is not in Singapore
Your Maid age is between 23~50 at the time of application
Your Maid is note related to you or your husband (better check middle and maiden surnames)

Upon Approval buy 5K bond and health insurance, I bought mine in NTUC (S$307+)

Wait for the bond and health insurance to be transmitted to MOM for 2 to 7 days, you will know if reached MOM once you check WP Online there are already details of bond at health insurance. After that you can print out the IPA.

Schedule for her SIP - better have her scheduled the next day after arrival since it was strictly quoted that FWD need it "within the first three working days of their arrival in Singapore (excluding the day of arrival)" (S$75)

Schedule for her Medical Exam - I scheduled this one the next day after her SIP , it will take 4 to 5 days for the result.(S$50~S$60)

Apply GIRO arrangement for monthly Levy.

Email/mail the copy of IPA, Bond/Insurance and Health insurance to your maid.

Fly her to SG (choose your options if she will go out PH as OFW or tourist). NOTE: She need to show sa SG Immigration Officer a copy of IPA, Bond and Health insurance and will only be given 14 days visit pass.

Have her attend the SIP and do the Med exam.

When you had the result of Med Exam have her scheduled for MOM appearance for card application.

Wait for the card delivery.

She was given a 2 year pass validity under my employment (my name & address was stated on her work pass card) and just need to do the routine med examination every 6 months.

It is very important to note that having a maid here in SG is a way different from having a maid in PH, here she can only work for you and your family members for domestics works only, she cannot work in your store/business (in case you have one here) even sweep the office/store floor your violating the rules.

You have to give your maid a decent accommodation, toiletries, enough rest and food. Having a helper here will surely chunk a portion of your $$$ so be ready for it, but at least you have your very own nanny, but sometimes it's frustrating that my kids seem to think she was their mummy! sigh! but that is another story.

John Paul and Francis

2013-12-21T12:36:00.000+08:00

POPE JOHN PAUL
Photo Credit

Who is not fond of Pope John Paul II specially if you are a Catholic born and an 80s baby. He is called as "The Pope of the Youth" for initiating World Youth Day, I can still remember the WYD in 1995 and that records of around 4 million people gathered for its final Mass and its song "Tell The World of His Love" we are all ecstatic seeing him. He takes the heart of the world with his natural charisma and youthful spirit.

POPE FRANCIS
Photo Credit

For this generation we have new one, Pope Francis, he was just elected 13th of March this year and known for his humble nature and simple lifestyle. He is loved by the youth for his patience and kindness. While he condemns homosexual acts he got the human understanding to gay people and quoting him saying "If a person is gay and seeks God and has a goodwill, who am I to judge them?"

They are icons, vicar of Jesus Christ, Supreme Head of Catholic Church here on earth, a living epitome of sanctity and virtue.

Win a Starbucks Planner 2014

2013-12-17T15:00:00.000+08:00

Ms. Wendy of Animetrics World is giving away not one but two Starbucks planner 2014 head to blog for details good luck (I'm also joining hee hee!)

Giveaway Page: http://animetric.blogspot.sg/2013/12/starbucks-planner-2014-giveaway.html

Free Pantene Kit From BDJ

2013-12-16T15:42:00.000+08:00

I stumble free stuffs while visiting some Blogs and here to share just click on the the link for you to avail as well http://group.ilovebdj.com/sign-up/.

I sign up last week and just a few minutes ago I received an email with tracking number... so its legitimate. I will post the photo once we received the kit, promise!

Leap Of Faith

2013-12-10T16:36:00.001+08:00

My 2012 and 2013 can be sum up to these words ASPIRE, PURSUE, DREAM, ON, WORK HARD, PRAY HARDER and PURE BLESSING. I feel so blessed to have granted all the blessings that I ask for and so I thank the people behind these blessings and most of all Bossing, it was always true that God won't give you things you can't handle.

Learning that I am pregnant leads me to choose to go home and just be a mother, but I was not given the permission too, my boss didn't accept my resignation twice and I thank him for that.

Leaving my children to work abroad again is the hardest thing, and I am thankful I surpassed that day at the Airport.

Taking chances is one thing I am afraid off, good thing I love my children more than anything else and I can say I have done everything just to have them beside me.

And as they say the rest is a history, they have been here with us for three months now and we are still adjusting. It will not be easy, but I know we can get through it day by day. People do ask if until when are we planning to stay here, sorry folks I don't know the answer as well.

My All

2013-04-27T12:54:00.000+08:00

They are the battery that keeps me going.

They are the reason to keep my hopes high and keep my sanity intact.

With them I believe, with them I dream, with them I live...

Remember make believe in you

All the things I said I'd do

I wouldn't hurt you, like the world did me

Keep you safe, I'd keep you sweet

Everything that I went through,

I'm grateful you won't have to do

I know that you will have to fall

I can't hide you from it all....

.....RUN-Pink

Graduation Letter for my Son

2013-01-31T16:46:00.001+08:00

Its been a while.... for now let me share to you this open letter to my first born who is about to achieve a new milestone on his early life.

Vividly I can still picture our first meeting, every pain and fear I had after 23 hours of induce labor had gone after seeing you. My crybaby, even from the start nobody can force you to do something out of your will.

Little by little you develop and discover things by yourself. Your face lights up in every successful bravery and little tears show with every failed attempt, if only I could take out the pain, but those aches and bruises will bring out a better person in you. Your personality and attitude starts to show and I am glad that you are an affectionate and loving child and I hope you retain it until you mature.

I pray that as you grew older you learn things more than I do, you achieve life as you aspire it to be. But for now I am very much please that you are a happy and active kid, ABC and 123 can still wait for your attention you are just starting enjoy what life has to offer. You will always be my pride, my joy and my little baby I named James Levi.

How I earm my living

2011-10-23T01:15:00.003+08:00

This is how I earn my living..., let me share some of my activities this past few months tracking and monitoring MRT tunneling and station progress and stuffs.

DSM or Deep Soil Mixing

Messy isn't it? Cranes everywhere

Kentledge Testing

23 meters below, my knees are wigging just looking at it and don't ever dare me to go down that improvise access coz definitely I WON'T!

Braces anyone?

This site stretch to about 1.3 km which I try to cover at least twice a month, but I suppose to check it every week to verify the reports.

UPDATED: After almost 2 years....

The Dungeon :D

Just need some rail tracks and the choo! choo! trains hee hee!

SMILE!

Find me an inexpensive hand phone please

2011-10-21T09:00:00.001+08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I need two or three right now that much? Yes you read it right, I need two for my parents and one more for my sons nanny. The reason is, my sons playfully took their cellphones for a swim on our dog's water bowl, he treated it like a rubber ducky. It is necessary that I have a contact on them most especially to me being miles away from them. It's a must that I Get into Everywhereness of their activities and whereabouts.

I had scanned some shops and online stores for phones, but since I need not just one, no offer would fit in my budget. I just can't help myself not wanting a TracFone plans with Simple phones for simple needs, calling and texting capabilities for under $10.00 that would be a lot of savings. And the Senior Value seems really good value for my not so young folks and not to mention they offer brand name phones from leading manufacturers like Motorola, Kyocera, LG, Nokia and Samsung. Choose from simple "Candy Bar" phones, to Bluetooth®-enabled "Smart" phones.

Does it interest you too? I am specially with their special offers;

Monthly Plans:

• Pay as you go online or with cards available at thousands of retail stores across the country.

• 1 year service cards give you so much more. Receive double minutes for the life of your TracFone, and 800 minutes, for only $119.00

• “Double minutes for the life of your phone” is a feature that can be purchased separately for only$19.99, but some phones include it!
• Choose monthly plans with 200 minutes for under $30.00, and as low as $9.99 for 50 minutes.

International Long Distance:

• This is the only wireless service where you can call internationally, for the same price as any other call.

• Call over 60 international destinations directly from your TracFone at no extra cost!

• With the International Neighbors program, you can provide family and friends in Mexico or Canada a local phone number in those countries to reach you at your TracFone in the U.S.

Got to run my errands now, for more information on phone and plans offer check this video.

Im joining Ms. Eggplant x Paisley Clothing Giveaway!

2011-10-15T16:23:00.000+08:00

A big shopping bag....

footwear.....

and chocolates!

I am definitely joning Ms. Eggplant giveaway!

Free Choco Marvel Sample

2011-10-12T09:02:00.000+08:00

Out of my curiousness and frugality, I joined an SG site called Sample Store where they got new product for free trials. And just today I received email from them, a redeemable sample of Choco Marvel Drink that promise to boost comfort during monthly menstrual periods.

If you got a Singapore or Malaysia address you can grab a sample just click on this link >> https://www.facebook.com/ChocoMarvel?sk=app_213564948660624

Be Happy!

Lovefemmes Favorite Giveaway

2011-10-10T21:57:00.000+08:00

More Beauty Giveaways for us girls! Che is giving out stuffs that comprises of her fave brands and products, there are three sets of prices three lucky ladies.

Her Contest is open to all until 28th of October check Lovefemme for more details at Lovefemmes "Favorites" Giveaway

Hail to Mary

2011-09-08T17:22:00.001+08:00

Photo Credit

I was born in a Catholic Family, I believe in Holy Trinity and with an utmost admiration with the mother of God. I am a Marian Devotee, it may not be too obvious since I pray with my heart and not with my mouth. I am used of talking to Her just like a pal, I confide to her more than anyone else, Mother Mary knows my deepest desire as well as my deepest secrets. I meet her personally on Wednesdays in Baclaran Church, it’s the best place where I ask for her help and prayers, and most of my prayers were answered with her intercessions.
Marrying a non-catholic is not a hindrance for me to still be close to Her, though there are times that hubby and I got into arguments regarding my devotion, I stick with my beliefs and he must respect that.

Mama Mary Happy Birthday!

Mommy

2011-08-28T01:00:00.003+08:00

photo credit

I always thought mothers are interfering, over acting and domineering being who always gets into the way in their child's freedom. And that outlook does not change now that I am a mom already, with certainty I conclude that mothers are indeed intrusive and selfish because they or we are designed that way because nature made us that way.

Mothers have to deal with a lot of things with regard to their children, caring, nurturing, protecting and sacrificing.

Who would not interfere if you think your child safety is at stake. They may think that are you over reacting in things, but they didn't realize that mom's only concern is her child's well-being nothing less. Domineering it may, but mother's tends to be one because they know better what's good for their kids even from the very start (taking in big sickening tablets of folic acid, iron supplements and gallons of calcium).

When Mom's let their child on freedom, she is making a major sacrifice of letting go, heart wreaking just thinking of her child in tears or in pain, but she got to do it to give her precious the freedom of living ang learning, the freedom of having an identity of his own.

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” - Elizabeth Stone

Cellphone Essentials

2011-08-23T03:00:00.002+08:00

This post brought to you by Sprint. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of the greatest contributions of this century to human communication are cellphones. Having a long distance relationship is not that distant anymore and life is much easier with it.

It will never be the same without my handheld phone, with it I can check on my hubby's whereabouts, easier to monitor my child's activity with just one click of button and quick connection to my love ones in wherever continent they are around the world. Even business was made easy with this technology.

That is why its an utmost important to make sure cellphones are in good shape not only because of its price tag, but as well as to maximize its importance to our daily living. It is advisable to at lease place securities on these gadgets like download applications and everything more like the new application from Sprint that is called TEP or Sprint Total Equipment Protection App which are readily available for Android, Blackberry and select feature phones with only $8 per month you can:

1) Locate phone

2) Sync contacts

3) Remote wipe phone

4) Lock phone

5) Sound alarm

The Protection App included with TEP with no added cost provides the ability to find a misplaced phone with an audible alarm, locate your phone on a map using network integrated GPS technology, remotely lock a missing phone, as well as wirelessly sync and manage and restore your contacts.

If you are already in their phone plan you're in a luck since they have on open enrollment, you can download the application to your existing phone up to 30th of August.

To enroll or learn more visit www.tepenroll.com or see this video for further deitals.

First SG Package

2011-08-09T16:10:00.000+08:00

It was never a surprise for my husband seeing mail man or courier knocking in our door, that is way back in Pinas a year ago where I had been an online contest and giveaway fanatic (or should I say addict) but it was a bit surprise for him to see another one yesterday since we are in already in SG. Yup guys its was confirmed, I finally squeeze in SG's giveaways ayoo!

It had been normal in me that everytime I land a website I always check out promo tabs or when I browse on my walls its not always to look on new chismax but also to see if there are some online promo in my friends walls heh heh!

Yesterdays package fuels the frugality in my vein yet again.

Groupon Deal

2011-08-08T00:01:00.000+08:00

Have you ever tried purchasing discount coupons on those deal-of-the-day websites like Groupon? well I did! and as my first purchase....

I use my paypal monies to pay for it, S$9.50 (8.07 USD) for 2 big bowl of noodles as what seen on the picture its worth it!

As much as I love to share how yummy it is, my hubby is a bit too excited to eat that I only got to show you this

Thanks to my July 2011 EC Droppers!

2011-08-07T20:50:00.001+08:00

Whooha! its already August and in a few days it will be "-ber" months already we will once again hear Christmas carols, love it! love it! But before that let me pay some gratitude to our dear droppers last month and without further ado ....

Enfotainer – Innovative Technology Blog
Third World Geek
GCHK
Pinoy Sports Fan
Vintage Blog
Text to Speech
The Rising Cafe
J5Games
Adelante Care Institiute
Philippines Travel Blog
Free Blogspot BLog Templates
Fashion Blog
Documentary Post
bethere2day
Christina Fong
the way I see it
Big Stick
Local Brown
Sing It Live!
Finance For Us
iTunes App Blog
Duni's Studio
Internet Business Guide
Comedy Plus
Movies Info Hunts

Thanks to all of you until next month!

My Google Adsense Pin, Finally!

2011-08-06T17:03:00.000+08:00

Hi! Oh yes finally! After My second request my Adsense Pin finally find it way on my Philippine Address. My Mom texted me yesterday that I got a mail from Google, I excitedly asked her to open it up and message me the pin.

It made a request last month and it took almost five weeks to land our mail box, which is why my Adsense Ads are back, see up there and on your right it was them hee hee!

I wonder when can I have my first cash out?Hoping hoping.....

And By The my apology to EC Dropper, I will post my July Top Droppers later. Thanks!

Vaccine Schedule

2011-07-22T22:13:00.000+08:00

Got a text message from my Mom few days ago and it shocks me, our pediatrician just reminded her that we are missing Levi's vaccine schedule for months now, oh forgetful me! We are months delayed for his Hepa A and Flu vaccine.

So for other mom's out there who got babies and toddlers better print these schedule and post it in you walls

Thanks for our mindful Doktora, but for those who gone far out of remembering better head here at Catch-up Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 4 Months Through 18 Years Who Start Late or Who Are More Than 1 Month Behind and here as well Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years

HP 07 part 2 Movie Date

2011-07-16T23:05:00.000+08:00

We are all set for the last installment of Harry Potter movie yeh!

I make it a point to book our ticket earlier to grab the best seat, though still a little late since they only accept credit cards for online booking (I really hope they include paypal as a payment mode).

Simone's Fashion Closet Birthday Giveaway!

2011-07-13T23:59:00.000+08:00

Join Ms. Denise Birthday Giveaway, her second from her fashion blog Simone's Fashion Closet where four (4) sets of Fashionable Clothes complete with accessories will be given away to the four lucky participants.

Acceptance of entries is until 23rd of July, see complete contest mechanics here at Simone's Fashion Closet Birthday Giveaway!

Chicken Arrozcaldo for a Sweet Sunday

2011-07-10T12:30:00.000+08:00

For our sweet Sunday breakfast, ja jan! Yummy Chicken Arrozcaldo with egg. I cooked it last night before going to bed and just reheat this morning, took some photo before feasting on it. This is one of the few dish I can easily prepare and might as well share it hah hah hah!

Things that should be present if your planning to cook chicken arrozacaldo
Cooking Oil
Garlic
Ginger
Onion
1/2 kl Chicken (optional chicken liver and gizzard)
1/2 cup rice
1/2 cup malagkit (glutinous rice)
Salt
Pepper

In a saucepan saute crushed garlic followed by ginger and lastly is onion. When the onion is already soft and transparent add in the chicken, let it get brown a little until it starts to juice (sangkutsa). Stir in washed rice and malagkit with 4-6 cups of water. Let it simmer in a low fire, stirring constantly to prevent your porridge sticking on the pan.
When the rice grains are already crumbled season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve it with boiled egg on top or some fried garlic and onion spring.

Back home we usually use homegrown or native chicken since it was pretty much tastier and children usually go for chicken egg and liver for a more nutritious options.

Thanks to my June 2011 EC Droppers!

2011-07-03T00:13:00.002+08:00

This post is sole dedicated to our top 10 dear visitor for this month of June, Thank you all dear dropper for spending a little of your time each day.

THIRD WORLD GEEK
CRISTINA FONG

Thank you all, until next month!

My Source of Happiness

2011-06-29T23:21:00.000+08:00

Two of the most important earthlings in my life, my dear husband and my little man. They are the reasons of my living, my source of happiness and my strength. With them I know I will never ever feel alone or would ever be alone in this world and whatever it takes I will keep this family full of love and happiness.

This is my entry for Daddy Yashiro's Journal's 3rd Blogoversary Contest: A BLOG A BABY.Come and join there are lots of prizes to be won.

A BIG THANK YOU to all the sponsors! For the participants take time to visit them.

Be A Life Saver of Goodness, My Online Journeys, Yashirokuru Online!A Blogger in Japan
Life Can't Wait, My Simple Life, Blogging Park, Fashion Is My Passion
My Quality Day, Real Men Wear Aprons, Life And Then Some, Pinay Mom, Cheap Travel and Tours, Home Remedies, Pop Ups of My Mind, Treat your Palate, My Pink Blog, Pepper Mayo, Home Ramblings, Pink Nimble, What the Fat?!, Lakwatsa.Net, Grab Shell Dude!, Kwento ni Toto