Stranded Pinays

Somebody at siampinoy.net forum posted the news about 2 Pinays stranded in Songkhla, south of Thailand. They were in Malaysia where they had some visa problems so they came to Thailand. The complete post can be found here, including the subsequent discussions and suggestions on how to help them. The best action is to refer this to the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok. However, Songkhla is more than 1,000 km from Bangkok. It's good fellow Pinoys in the south are helping them with their day to day, and even ready to raise funds to help them pay their overstaying penalty fees to Thailand as well as air ticket back to the Philippines. Such is the good heart shown by our kababayans over there. Here is hoping that help will come soon for them.

Flood-baha-namtoowam

Today we went to the Immigration Department of the province where we reside. The office is situated along the Chao Phraya River. Last night it was mentioned in the news that this area was also affected by the deluge which has affected many provinces in Thailand since Saturday. We thought maybe we should call first to ask if it was flooding over there and if the office was open for service. But we had to leave early to avoid the traffic. We arrived there before 8:30 and indeed the river was over its banks and the area infront of the office was flooded. We had to fold our trousers up to our knees. And my 1,500 baht naturalizer slippers experienced their first flood! Good thing they are made of "plastic rubber", the sort that even if it gets wet it will not be destroyed! So anyway, it was good we went there today because they might close the office in the next few days if the water level increases.

We were just reading in the papers about water borne diseases and then there we were, wading through brown coloured water. Below are some of the photos I took today.

How's my day in Siam?

So what does a day in a Pinoy’s life in the Land of Smiles looks like? For me, it is quite a simple one but not boring, in fact each day something exciting or fun happens (or I try to  make it like that)! 

If it is during a working day, and I don't have field work, then I am in the office from about 830 am until 5pm. Sometimes I arrive before 830 am and leave after 5 pm. If one is a researcher like me, then there is no fixed time really. Even at night I still work, reading, writing, analyzing, discussing, thinking. At night it is still work because we have European partners and they are just starting work while we are winding down, and sometimes we schedule video conferencing around 8-9pm here.

During a normal working day there is hardly any other time for doing other things. Unless you really schedule it. So gotta make work as fun as possible. I do not just do one thing but try to multi-task or vary my tasks. But it also depends on whether one specific task needs to be finished soonest so it has to be done first, with full concentration. It depends on how one manages time and allocation of work. I take breaks of course especially as sitting in front of the computer for long periods is not advisable. The breaks usually consist of walking around, drinking water, eating some snacks if any (sometimes only but my Thai RAs bring a lot of kanoms!), going out of the office and walking on the corridor, looking out of the window to look at the greenery, etc.).

As my office is quite far from the coffee shops on campus, and it is just so hot to go walking over there, it is not that easy to just go out and buy from there. So I set up a coffee corner in the office so anyone can just make their own coffee (instant, 3 in 1, brewed) any time they want.

There are no Pinoys in my office so I don't get to interact with one face to face, only electronically or by phone, sometimes. I also go to Siam Pinoy Community website  for some Pinoy-related information and discussions. 

After office hour activities depends on where one lives. Living in the same area as the workplace has its advantages, as there is more time to indulge in activities such as exercise and playing sports, visiting friends who also live nearby, and cooking meals. But if one lives a bit far, like me, well, there is really no time to do these things. One has to jump into his/her vehicle, brave the traffic, maybe stop by a mall or food center for dinner, then go home, arriving there by around 7 or 8 pm. And if there is traffic jam, or if it has been raining causing more traffic jams, probably one would arrive home by nearly 9pm or later. Sometimes there is food at home for dinner, which was prepared the night before so that saves us time.

It is more tiring than stressful as a passenger. To be sitting for an hour or more is not good to our muscles and joints. If one drives, then it is both tiring and stressful, I think. It will be sabai-sabai (thai for nice and easy) if there is no traffic and if people drive properly and keep within their lanes. And if it is not raining and there are no flooded streets. Sounds just like Manila, eh? We can still survive despite that, and every time we arrive we thank the Lord for keeping us safe. It is always a relief to reach home.

Keeping daily contact with family and friends in the Philippines is common, even if one is busy. I would usually send text messages to my loved ones to greet them for the day and wish them well and encourage them, reminding them to trust in the Lord, and to thank Him for his blessings. If there is any urgent matter then it is time to call. I use deedial service which is much cheaper than most phone services here. Other means of contact are by email, chat and social networking.

Of course the day starts with a quiet time with the Lord, reading His Word and meditating on it, thanking Him for the night before and committing the day ahead, and for other prayer requests. The day ends with a prayer, thanking God for His protection and provision during that day, asking for forgiveness, praying for protection while sleeping, for a good sleep, healing, and also praying for others. Reading God's word and devotional before going to sleep helps to bring quiet and peace to the mind and heart, especially after reflecting on how the day has been. 

Each one living away from home and what's familiar faces different challenges and have different experiences. These things can sometimes strengthen us, or discourage us. Hopefully they are more of an encouragement, but if not, hope that we can try to look up and see the good in each thing that happens, and remind ourselves that we are special in God's sight, no matter what.

Kaset Fair 2010

The much-awaited Kaset Fair organized by Kasetsart University started last 29 Jan and will end on 6 Feb. This is held annually during this period. I am amazed at the magnitude of this fair. One would think that it is just a university event, featuring only university outputs and such. However, through the years, it has really grown into a major national event, wherein not only the KU community gets to showcase their work, but also those from outside the university, from north to south, and from different sectors. They get to show research outputs, beta and marketable products, innovations, and many other interesting stuff. Various items are being exhibited, such as plants, animals, dry goods, machinery, prototypes, food stuff, household items, clothing, etc. There are also many activities organized by the different faculties, such as competitions (drawing, aquarium decorating, fighting fish, dog, eating, etc.), shows, and technical conferences.

There are just lots of activities. I haven't even completely moved around the fair area which is scattered over the whole campus, indoor and outdoor. There are also various Thai food, desserts and seasoning on offer and one can taste them first before buying. Walking through just one row of food stalls would make one feel full as there are lots of food and snacks to try (chim-chim).



I have not finished looking at all the stalls and displays as there are just lots of things to see. At night there are also some activities but I could not give details on them as I have not visited at night. But I know from previous years that it continues to be busy even at night. Especially as it is a lot more cooler than during the day.

Looking at the lovely plants and flowers I wish I have a garden at home. They all look so nice, and to have all these greenery and colors at home is so tempting. However, a small thought would ask me who will take care of them when we are away on travel. The same thought comes when I look at the ornamental fishes and the cute puppies.


There are also some products from other parts of Thailand and somehow looking at them and interacting with people gives one a glimpse of Thai culture. So for those who still have not come to the Kaset Fair, why not drop by Kasetsart University today or tomorrow (last day). Bring enough to indulge in shopping for Thai stuff, food, khanom, etc.

LP: Merienda (Snack)

Isa sa mga masasarap na kakainin sa merienda ay ang mga produktong tinapay galing sa Iloilo. Masarap isawsaw sa kape or tsokolate na cacao. Naalala ko yong aking ama tuwing pumupunta sya noon sa Iloilo palagi syang bumibili ng mga ganitong tinapay para sa amin. Masaya nga dahil sa isang kahon iba-ibang klase ng tinapay ang laman. Pero napansin ko ngayon medyo lumiit na ang mga ito (kiddie size), siguro dahil na rin sa ekonomiya natin kaya nagtitipid na rin ang mga gumagawa. Pero masarap pa rin sya, lalo na gustong-gusto ito ng mga bata.

Dito naman sa Thailand kung saan mura lamang ang mga prutas, madalas prutas na rin ang aming kinakain tuwing merienda, lalo na pagdating sa bahay galing sa opisina, o di kaya pagkatapos ng bible study o kahit anong pagtitipon. Kahit sa mga coffee breaks sa mga otel, may mga prutas na rin silang binibigay kasama ng mga tinapay o cake. Sa mga ayaw kumain ng mga nakakatabang pagkain, puede na itong prutas at maganda pa ito sa ating kalusugan.

Marami pa doon sa Litratong Pinoy ang tungkol sa Merienda.

LP: Tanghalian (Lunch)

Ito ang ilan sa mga paborito naming kainin sa tanghali lalo na kung kami ay nasa Isan (northeast region of Thailand). Doon sa probinsya ng Ubon meron kaming paboritong kainan at ito ang palagi naming inoorder. Ang sarap talaga ng mga ito. Kaya naman kahit nandito na kami sa Bangkok hinahanap-hanap pa rin namin ang mga ito.

Here are some of our favorite food for lunch especially when we are in the northeast region of Thailand. In the province of Ubon we have a favorite restaurant and we always order all of these. They are really delicious and we are always looking for this kind of food even here in Bangkok.

Ang somtam thai ay papayang hilaw na may halong kamatis, hibe, mani, sitaw, bawang, palm sugar, lime juice, patis, at sili. Tawag namin dito ay papaya pokpok dahil dapat pukpukin sya sa almeres na kahoy or marmol. Marami itong klase lalo na hinahaluan din ng hilaw na talangka at pla ra (fermented fish) na di ko kaya ang amoy. Tawag nila somtam lao. Kaya ako somtam thai na lang para enjoy ang kain.

Inihaw na tilapiang pula (pla taptim). Masarap din ito syempre lalo na preskang preska dahil binebenta ito na buhay. Punong-puno ng asin ang balat kaya dapat tanggalin sya at hwag kainin dahil masyadong maalat. Masarap isawsaw sa namprik (chili sauce).

Inihaw na spareribs. Mahirap lang kainin kung matigas at parang nakikipag-away ka. Masarap ang timpla na medyo matamis ng konti.

Kaning malagkit (khao nyao). Mabigat sa tiyan at siguradong aantukin ka pagkatapos ng pananghalian. Masarap siyang isawsaw sa somtam at sa namprik.

Preskang gulay. Kailangan sya lalo na kung maanghang ang kinakain dahil ito ay medyo malamig sa dila. Maganda pa sa atin health. Marami namang klase ng sawsawan na ibat-ibang levels ang anghang. Yong nasa ibabang kanan may halong insekto kaya meron syang kakaibang amoy na sarap na sarap silang isawsaw ang malagkit at kung ano-ano pa na pagkain. Di ko rin kaya ang amoy at lasa nito.

Bisitahin nyo naman ang iba pang mga pagkain sa tanghalian doon sa Litratong Pinoy.

Earth Hour 2009

It's 28 March now where I am. Today is the day for Earth Hour 2009. Just turn off the lights for one hour. Better still, also unplug all electrical appliances. Ooooops except the fridge if you have one. But even if you have it will still be ok to unplug it as long as you don't open it for one hour. Maybe it's defrost and cleaning up time for the fridge. What about the AC and the electric fan? Turn them off as well. Or maybe not? coz it's hot!

So that is why we are in the mall. At least we are sharing the light and the AC with many others here. But we came here by car. We use gasohol and our car is more than two years old. Is it safe to say that the emission from gasohol is not hazardous? I am mentioning this since last week there was this issue about cars using gasohol releasing toxic and carcinogenic substances into the atmosphere, causing more air pollution. Especially if the car is old and has no mechanism to filter such emissions.

What will be accomplished during the Earth Hour campaign? At least an awareness that we need to take action from our everyday activities, to do our own little bit to make the environment better. To have that environmental consciousness everyday.

It's just noontime. At least at home the lights are off and the appliances are unplugged. A few more hours and we will be home. At 8:30pm the real test will come.

back to blog

the past weeks had been so toxic i had no time to blog. but now i am back. and still trying to find the time. lots of catching up to do, especially with ec drops, LP, twitter and just reading my fave blogs. first off, i want to share this email from a friend, mary rosary, about her experience in bangkok last saturday. hope this will help us to be more careful whenever we eat outside.

she sent this letter to the office of tourism and development, ministry of tourism and sports:

Report on the Incident in Sta. Fe SteakHouse, Century Mall, Victory Monument
Date: 8th March 2009, Time- 6.45pm to 8pm

We went to Sta. Fe Steakhouse to have dinner last night. The restaurant was packed so the waiter told us to wait for a bit so they can clear up a table for the 7 of us. While waiting, a Man who came from inside the restaurant (Tall, slender man, wearing a striped polo shirt, slacks) told us to wait, as well. We assumed that this Man is the Manager of the restaurant as he was also chatting with the waiters (wearing a grey shirt/uniform). We ordered our food (6 orders of 99 baht steak promotions+ 1 spaghetti+ 2 jugs of pepsi). Once they've cleared up the tables near the entrance of the restaurant, the Man showed us in, and even asked the waiters to move the other small table and add an extra chair so all 7 of us could fit in.

So then we sat and waited for our orders to arrive. The Man again came to us and told us that since we ordered more than 650 baht, we can get some discount. So I said ok, that's very good. The Man can speak fluent English. He showed us the menu and asked us if we want to order soup, I said no, but then he said "oh, its free". He again told us that we need to pay our bill (which came out to be 750baht) immediately so we can avail the promotion. So, we gave him the amount (It was 7bills 100- hundred baht + 6 bills of twenty Baht ). All this time, the waiters were chatting to him. He even went to the cashier, which we thought he gave the money to the Woman there (she's wearing a yellow shirt). We didn't ask for the receipt yet as we were expecting to get it when we finish our meal. After giving the money, the Man then told us that we will also get the Banana crepes for free.

So finally our orders came + 2 bowls of soup+ 1 order of banana crepes (which the Man told us to be free). We had a good meal and we were even planning to recommend the restaurant to our tourist friends who are coming the next day. We didn't notice the Man leaving the restaurant.

When we finished our dinner, we got up and was about to leave the restaurant when the waiter told us we didn't pay yet. The bill included the 2 soup+ crepes (total 1,024 baht). We told them we paid to the manager already. They told us the Man was not the manager of the restaurant and they did not get any money from us. We got so annoyed and angry about it. We asked for the police and for the CCTV camera recording. The security came with the staff of Century Mall.
The waiter forced us to pay half of the bill. Out of pity to the waiter as he told us he only gets 6thousand baht a month salary, we paid the 500baht.

The extra money we paid is irrelevant. We want to report this incident as this is very dangerous to tourists and to those foreigners who live and work here. Sta. Fe Restaurant is a proper eating place located in a well-known shopping mall. The staff of the restaurant should be able to protect their paying customers from cons. The waiters should warn they customers about these kinds of people.

I've been working legally here in Thailand for 3 years. I am paying my taxes monthly to the Thai Government (2,425.00 Baht/month). I demand an action from the management of Sta Fe and the Century Shopping Mall. The waiters/staff of the restaurant will be able to clearly identify the Man who swindled us. The CCTV camera recording will also show this. If they cannot protect their customers from these cons/swindlers, they should not be allowed to manage a restaurant, to run a shop, or a shopping mall.

Hoping for your action regarding this very dangerous scam.

Mary Rosary Caspillo

Christmas is near!

In less than one month we will be celebrating Christmas. During this time with the cooler temperature and the soft breeze I can already feel it. It would be much better if I were in the Philippines now with all the visible and audible signs of Christmas. You can really feel it despite the gloom from the economic and political situation there. But Christmas goes beyond the here and now, anyway. Here in Thailand you can only see decorations in the malls and big establishments, but of course they are mostly Christmas trees, Santa Claus and Rudolph, snow scenes, all the tinsels and glitters. I saw some angels and stars in the decorations. But nothing on the first family, we call it "belen" at home. I know that at least in churches and in Christian homes there will be a nativity scene (I hope). So that the worshippers and attendees will not forget what Christmas is all about.

The thought of Christmas and the excitement that goes with it are helping me go through some discouraging and hopeless moments at work as well as in other areas of living here in prathet Thai. Like today when we went again to the Lifestyles Pacific office. Again another unpleasant experience. They simply lack customer service skills ... that is the last time I will go there. Anyway now that I have another health product (First Vita Plus) to use I can say goodbye to Intra health juice.

The Right Footwear

Wish I brought the right ones when I was in Singapore last July. I was not able to wear then my favorite and comfy Scholl sandals which would have been perfect there. Since my friend told me that it was raining there everyday, I did not want to soil this nice pair. So I chose another pair of step-in which later on I found out was not suitable for Singapore. Especially because they were not meant for walking. And walk a lot we did! As a result, my leg and feet muscles suffered from all the strain of walking and running and climbing. I kept wishing I brought even my older rubber Kito sandals instead of this nice gold, shiny, very flat step-in, which are good only for fashion and short-term wear. My feet had to exert more effort to hold on to the shoe surface because it was so slippery there was no traction on the surface. Until we came back to Thailand, I still felt the pain. So the next day (good I was still on leave), I went to Future Park to have a foot massage. And wow! It was so relaxing and I felt much better.

This shoe experience reminds me of the question my husband used to ask me (a long time ago): “Why do you need so many pairs of shoes?” My answer to him was: I need to have shoes for every occasion. I do not have that many actually compared to some, especially you know who! But I have enough pairs which I can choose from to go with the occasion or with what I am wearing, with my mood or with the weather. When traveling, I always bring at most two more pairs of footwear in addition to what I am already wearing. Just in case. But during this Singapore trip we were using a budget airline so our luggage space was limited.

Anyway, lesson learned: never sacrifice comfort with convenience. Does this make sense?