Cheapest Way to Reach Dubai from Riyadh

Remove the comfort and swift travel of reaching your dream destination, Dubai. Through SAPTCO (Saudi Public Transport Co.), people can now reach Dubai and Abu Dhabi with little spending. In addition to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, they also offer travel to Qatar, Dammam, Jeddah, Bahrain, etc.

SAPTCO is a 2 by 2-seater bus where women and family are seated in front while men are on the back area. It has 2 stopovers for you to go in the comfort room or eat for 20 minutes and another 2 stopovers in the border (exit to Riyadh and entry to Dubai).

EXPENSES:

1. Bus fare- 300SR (back and forth)
2. Exit and Re-entry Visa from Saudi- 200SR
3. Entry Visa to Dubai- 271SR

     TOTAL: 771SR

As compared to fare in the plane, which is around 800 to 1000SR, fare by bus is less than fifty percent cheaper. However, if time is too short for you since travel hours will take 14 hours, it is better to book plane earlier. In our case, travel time took 18 hours since there are delays in the border such as problem with my friend's passport, passengers who were not able to book their entry visa online, and officers who had random check on one of our co-passenger's belongings.

SAPTCO terminal station

The terminal of SAPTCO in Riyadh is located in Azizia Exit 19.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

1. Book everything online. SAPTCO should be booked online. Don't forget to print hard copies of your booking as a proof. If you don't have a place to stay, then also book your hotel.
2. In order not to create delay in the border, book your entry visa online. Book it a month before you leave since it has expiration. The processing of visa will take 2-3 days but luckily our visa was sent a day after sending the documents. Make sure to send it before the holiday (e.g. Hajj or Ramadan) so as not to cause further delay. Furthermore, there are bus drivers and conductors asking for money when you don't have the visa so beware. This however is the case of passengers who were not able to book their entry visa to Dubai online. To apply visa online, click HERE.
3. Bring your passport and iqama (residence I.D.). The staff from the passport office allowed us to bring both documents since they know that we will travel to  Dubai and it is badly needed.

This is the longest ride I have ever been in Riyadh and all I can say is that it is safe. The ride may be long but I had a great experience and knowledge leaving Riyadh by land. My parents asked if it is safe since the journey takes a while but there are a lot of FIlipinos who will also go to Dubai and even on our way home, the conductor is a Filipino. Unleash those worries, pray, and have a safe journey! 

Top Things to Buy in Beauty Buffet Thailand

When I went to Thailand, I noticed that Thai women do not only have wonderful skin, but also great makeup along with their love for fashion. For a four-day vacation, I learned that they have a wide interest for beauty products together with their healthy diet as they are fond of eating fruits and vegetables proven in the restaurants and customers who love to eat vegetables in their platter.

The hotel that we have stayed was in front of Big-C Supermarket and inside the supermarket lies Beauty Buffet. The products in Beauty Buffet is quite cheap and they have promotion on that day making me buy products I have not been used before. These are the products I bought:

1. Collagen Mask. Collagen decreases as we age particularly when we reach 30 and up. This component in our skin provides elasticity so that skin does not sag and maintain its youthfulness. We, women all love to maintain the glow and youth in us.  Their collagen has a powdery scent that is applied every night. It is not sticky and comfortable to the skin. I think that the price is too affordable for the product since collagen products are very expensive. FYI, collagen from Face Shop or Tony Moly cost 600 and up, so I think this should really be on your list although I cannot assure you of its effect since I am a new user of this product. I bet you better try this one mainly because it is cheap and you don't want to regret not owning it. PRICE:  220 Baht
   
2. Matte Lipstick by Gino McCray. Most matte lipsticks will make your lips dry since it lacks moisture. However, when I tried their lipstick, it felt lighter and did not give chap to my lips. It usually lasts for 2 hours and can take longer when you don't eat or drink more often. The positive side of it not lasting longer is its low lead content, meaning it is not that harmful to the body. However, re-application can be made. In addition, it is does not feel sticky or does not feel itchy upon application unlike the other brands. PRICE: 249 Baht
   
3. Foundation by Gino McCray. This powder foundation is light and great for my skin. Although it does not cover much like in Mac or other top-of-the-line brands, it feels light upon application and has a smooth and natural appearance. If you can notice, I've tried to cover the lipstick I applied on my hand. It has a powder finish which is great for everyday look. PRICE: 350 Baht
   
4.  Concealer. The best with Gino McCray crayon-like concealer is it does not cake after long hours of application.The problem with my eyes is its raccoon appearance since I inherited it from my mother, having dark circled eyes. The application is barely noticeable since I put it in my hand, but what I showed you from the picture below is I tried to conceal my veins in my hand. On the eyes application though, it can cover light to medium circles around the eyes and blemishes on the skin.  PRICE: 210 Baht
   
   

Review of Fantasia Cafe

Located only at Fairview Terraces in Quezon City, Fantasia Cafe offers a masquerade themed party through its music, gargantuan chandeliers, colorful paintings and the masks placed on the table as you enter the restaurant. This fascinating appearance has probably attracted food goers to have a taste and have a glimpse of the restaurant.

As we entered the cafe, we were immediately welcomed by the waiter. The ambience of it will make you feel the glamour of being a prince or princess.

What they serve?

They serve all kinds of dishes from viands to desserts. The platter is served glamorously and in a large plate. Sorry for the eaten rice.

Chicken with Stuffed Spinach and Cheese

For me, the best would be teriyaki chicken as compared to stuffed chicken as the stuffed chicken is not well marinated.

Teriyaki Chicken

For the dessert, their best seller would be the toasted bread with ice cream topped with blueberries and cream. Moreover, you can share it for three as it is served liberally.

Price Range: 180 to 200 and up

Veridict: 7/10. The place and food are both appealing but the taste of the food doesn't seem to be too interesting like you would want to visit the place all over again. In addition, waiting time is longer than expected as the cafe lacks manpower. On the other hand, the price is right for the serving and for the great place for people who would want meet-ups and group selfies.

Top 4 Affordable Unwinding Spots in Marinduque

Famous for its Moriones festival, Marinduque is one of tourist destinations that offers a little because it is not well advertised unlike the other provinces. Also, schedule by plane had ceased because of low percentage of tourists coming to this place. Little was it known that it has amazing things to offer. Two weeks ago, I came for a vacation and learned  two things: First, happiness does not mean spending too much and  second life is simple here.

How to go?

1. From Cubao terminal , ride a bus (JAM or JAC Liner) going to  Lucena or Dalahican port. 
2. Alight at Dalahican port and ride RORO ship or fast craft. If you are in a hurry, ride a fast craft since traveling time will last for 2 hours unlike RORO that is 3 hours of travel. The good thing with RORO is that the vessel is very steady and you will not feel the waves of the water. This is very beneficial to people who often experience motion sickness in the sea.
3. Alight at Balanacan port and there you will see public vans that offer rides to Marinduque. Drivers will meet you immediately upon arrival and will ask you where to go. Fare is 80 php whether it is air conditioned or not so better choose the vehicle where you are most comfortable since traveling time is 1 hour. From  Balanacan, you can ride vehicle to the destinations that I will mention below (e.g. Torrijos, Buenavista, etc).

I know you are pretty excited which place is the cheapest. The number 1 spot is the place I considered the cheapest and good for on-tight-budget backpackers.

Top 4 Affordable Spots:

1.  Kawa-Kawa falls

Kawa-kawa falls is located in Bangcuangan, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Kawa-kawa means basin because of its basin-like appearance. There are actually 2 basins, one from the top and the other at the lower part. Because there is a light rainfall before we went there, the water became a little dark but rest assured that it is clean since there are caretakers in the area and the water is flowing.

Entrance: 10 php
Cottage: 50 php

2. Poctoy Beach

Although the sand is not as pristine as Boracay, it is white and the mountain behind it attracts tourists and locals as well because of the wonderful view. Today, it is slowly becoming popular as it is one of affordable beach destinations in the Philippines. If you are lazy to bring cooked foods, don't worry as there are stores offering "paluto". They serve seafoods and pork stewas well.

Entrance: 30php, 25 for senior and 20 for child
Cottage: 200 php

3. Marinduque Hot Springs

If you are frequently suffering from muscle ache or tired muscles from work, then this is the best place to be. Although the entrance is more expensive than Kawa-kawa falls,we did not avail the cottage since we ate at Poctoy beach. It contains two pools where the water comes directly from the spring.

Entrance: 50 php

Cottage: 200 php but becomes 250 during peak season

4. Maniwaya Island

Entrance: Entrance to the island is free but since there are resorts you can also avail of there amenities.

Cottage: It will depend on the resort that you will be staying but if you are for a day tour then you can just bring things that you need and leave it to the seashore. Cottage in resorts ranges from 500 php to 1500 php.

Boat ride: 500 php  but if you will come in a large group boat ride is 3, 000 php.

    

A Review of Nong Nooch Botanical Garden

Are you a fan of the novel and cartoon series entitled Mary and the Secret Garden? If you are, then you will also relate to a garden in Thailand named Nong Nooch Botanical Garden.

Nong Nooch (pronounced as Nong Noot)  is a huge and beautifully landscaped garden located in Pattaya, Thailand. It's large and picturesque view would definitely attract tourists from all over the world.

What to Do:

1. Ride an elephant. We all want to experience riding or taking picture with the elephant as this played an important role in Thailand's history and culture.

   

   Elephant Ride with Picture for 100 Baht

2. Watch Elephant Show. With elephants as actors and actresses in the field, who would not want to be happy and be amazed with how they show intellect in painting, kicking a ball or hitting a balloon? I assure you that this part will make you want to bring them back home.
3. Watch Thai Cultural Show. The show will last for around 20 minutes depicting the diverse culture of Thailand. It's highlights are Thai dance and Thai boxing. Make sure to arrive on the scheduled time as you may not have a place to sit on. The place has electric fans around so its quite hot during the day.
4. Take pictures in the different sections of the garden. Sections include zoo, aviary, French garden, and other areas I cannot remember. However, you need to allot a day to visit the garden because of its extraordinary size (500 acre). They allow walk-in visit so better travel early morning as the garden opens at 9AM. 
   

How to Go There Plus Advice to Ponder:

If you are coming from Bangkok, traveling would be around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

1. Take MRT to Mo Chit or Ekamai Station. Both stations have the same price so I suggest to alight in the station where you are near. In our case, we alighted at Ekamai station since we are near Thailand Cultural Center. Fare is 119 Baht.
2. Under the station lies Ekamai terminal. Waiting period is not lengthy and as long as the bus is filled then the journey begins. Be aware that the bus number matches the number written in the bus ticket even if the conductor will check if you are on the right track.

   

   Bus ticket to Pattaya

3. After 2 hours of travel, you will alight at Pattaya station. Beware of motorcycle drivers who will ask about your destination. It is better not to entertain them since they will give a very unreasonable price for the ride. One driver gave a price of 500  Baht until he followed us to where we are going. We ended in a taxi with the same price. Meaning, the meter is not right since we feel that we are being deceived. BIG ADVICE: Better wait for taxi who is not parking or just passes the road since it is more reliable.
4. After around 30 minutes of travel, you will reach Nong Nooch Botanical Garden. If the driver insists that he will be the one to go to the cashier to pay for the entrance and that he will drive you inside the garden, just say NO. Remember that taxi meter is running. We paid a hefty amount of 482 Baht for a 30-minute ride. If he also insists in bringing you back home, just say NO.

Links:

1. Bus Lines in Bangkok. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bus_routes_in_Bangkok
2. Nong Nooch Garden website. www.nongnoochgardenpattaya.com

Verdict: 10/10

I think the price is right for a fascinating view and all the amenities they have. Since I am a fan of flora and fauna, I think this is the best place for families and friends who want to be away from the buzz of busy life even for a short time. If you want to savor and feel the garden for a long period of time, hotels are also available inside.

Great Finds in Thailand!

Who would not want to agree that we all desire to enjoy our lives in a place where we do not squander a large amount of money and be happy at the same time? After learning that Thailand is one of the cheapest out of the country destination for a 4-day vacation, I have decided to go with my friend and make my own itinerary.

Why Thailand?

1. No visa required. Because of this, I do not need to process papers which will require a long and tedious process.
2. Easy mode of transportation. Thailand has numerous railway stations and link to the airport that is very easy and accessible, so try it yourself.
3. Cheap products. From foods and clothes to souvenirs, all items are not costly. Since I am from the Philippines, I know if an item is cheap or not. Everytime I buy, I try to convert an item to peso to know if the price is right or not. If you will not buy products from Jim Thompson (since a hanky would cost 500 Baht=665 pesos), then your money can buy a lot of stuff.

Spots I Went:

1. The temples. Experience Thailand with its prominent temples that give Thailand a distinction. From our hotel, we traveled by taxi to reach Wat Pho. From Wat Pho, you can walk to the port to Wat Arun. Each entrance to both temples is worth a 100 so be sure to take every corner a picture. Beware: Do not believe on Thais  who would tell you that the temple is close and will ask you to go in some place. One tuktuk driver told us that to reach Wat Pho, you need to ride tuktuk but do need believe them since it is a walking distance. From there, ride a ferry to reach Wat Arun. The ferry ride is 3 Baht , which is 6 Baht all in all.

   

   Five-minute Ferry Ride to Wat Arun

2. Nong Nooch Botanical Garden. It is a huge garden that comprises a vast garden, elephant tours and show and Thai cultural show. This is located in Pattaya which is a long travel but I assure you that the entrance fee is worth it for only 500 Baht.  Here is my detailed site of the garden http://iamavrilette.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-review-of-nong-nooch-botanical-garden.html
3. Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. If your a fan of Johnny Depp, Beyonce, Mario Maurer and other prominent celebrities, then go here.
4. Pratunam Market. If you are an expert in haggling with a good taste for fashion,then this is the best place to be. This place is highly similar to Divisoria in the Philippines with almost same price especially with wholesale items but in comparison to  clothes in Divisoria, their items are more edgy and classy. Other than clothes, there are also Thai delicacies such as tamarind and dried mangoes.

Breakdown of Expenses: (All are converted to Peso for easy computation)

1. Fare from Philippines to Bangkok (Round Trip). This is a promo ticket so better book a few months before your scheduled trip. 7000 php
2. Hotel (Prom Ratchada Residence and Spa). This is for 2 for 5 nights - 6070.5 php. 3035.25 php each
3. Fare (MRT, BTS, Taxi and bus). Bus is the cheapest mode of transportation. However, you need to know the number codes for each destination. For example, bus with numbers 113 and 93 are going to Pratunam market from MBK Mall. Note that the fare is for the whole 4 days in all destinations we have been. 3250 php 
4. Temples. As I've said, entrance to each temples is 100 Bhat. Since Wat Arun is under construction, we did not enter the area but rather took a picture from afar. 130 php
   
5. Nong Nooch Botanical Garden. 650 php
6. Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. We made an early bird promo where you can book online and came at 10am. This is 510 Baht only as compared to 850 Baht. 663 php
7. Pratunam Market. The expenses would depend on your budget. I suggest to haggle and buy things in wholesale to make items cheaper. I was not able to go to Chatuchak because were struggling with the days that we have but people say that items here are cheaper than Chatuchak. 

TOTAL: 14, 728. 25

NOTE: Peso to Bhat during the time that I went to Thailand is 1.3 so all computations will depend on the currency. Bring at least 20, 000 php in case so you can buy stuff and foods that you want

Help ful links:

• Madame Tussaud's Bangkok. https://www.madametussauds.com/bangkok/en/
• Hotel. http://www.promratchada.com/index.php/home

My Top Agencies for Workers Traveling the Middle East

Oh yes! We want to experience working abroad because of its obviously high paying salary and the greater chance of earning for the future. So this is the right time for me to share my insights about what agencies you might want to go in applying for a job. Since Middle East is one of the most popular place that Filipinos land and this blog is based on my experience, I gave my top agencies for you to ponder and to encounter the ups and downs of life that awaits you. Happy hunting! 

1. Abba Personnel Services Inc.

Location: Gold Loop Towers, Escriva Drive, Pasig, 1600 Metro Manila

How to go there: Ride an MRT then alight at Shaw boulevard. Walk along Shangri-La Mall until you reach Metrobank and Red Ribbon. Between Metrobank and Red Ribbon, turn left then then turn right on the first corner that you see. Walk straight ahead until you see Gold Loop Towers building.

Pros: I considered this to be the first in the line among other agencies since it offers no placement fee with a very swift processing. My sister, after being qualified from the exam and interview, was given flight in a month. Swift right?

Cons: Strict policies and high qualifications. The place is small but you will be evaluated immediately once you have passed all the requirements. 

2. IPAMS (Industrial Personnel and Management Services, Inc)

Location: 723 IPAMS Building, Aurora Boulevard, New Manila, Quezon City, Metro Manila

How to get there: Ride an MRT then alight at Cubao station. From Cubao, ride LRT 2 then alight at Gilmore station. Landmark is Robinsons Magnolia. Walk across Dona Hemady street until you see the huge letters embossed in the building IPAMS.

Pros: The agency offers various jobs not only in the Middle East but also in European countries. The place is very elegant and comfortable so you will not feel easily exhausted. According to their site, they also do not charge placement fees which I cannot assure since I was not able to pass their requirements.

Cons: If the requirement doesn' t fit, then you will be asked to come back again. Once everything fits, then you can apply again.

3. LBS Recruitment Solutions Corporation
Location: No. 610 Gochangco Bldg. T.M Kalaw St. cor M.Y Orosa St. Ermita, Manila

How to get there: Ride an fx going to Quiapo then alight at Quiapo. Ride a jeep with a signboard Mabini. 
Pros: You can be evaluated immediately after passing all the requirements. In addition, you will always be updated through e-mail or you can be texted in your mobile number you have provided.

Cons: You need to wait for a long time. I and my friend had our initial interview in this agency telling us that we have already passed. However, after the long wait we were not updated. Make sure that your qualifications fit with what they need because it matters most.

4. SCS Placement Services
Location:96 New York Street Corner E. Rodriguez Cubao, Metro Manila
How to get there: Ride a bus/MRT to Cubao. The fastest way is through MRT since it has little stopover. Alight at Cubao station then ride a tricycle to the agency. 
Pros: Although the agency has not been working for a long period like the other agencies, it has proven its strength in deploying Filipino workers all over the country. Send your qualifications through workabroad and a message will be sent to you for interview. 
Cons:The agency is quite hard to find as it is located in the middle of Cubao.  It lacks manpower so make sure that you passed the qualifications they are searching so as not to waste time and effort. There is placement fee but no processing fee. Processing will take long time since a friend of mine waited for 6 months before leaving the country.

5. Princess Joy Placement and General Services
Location: J. Nakpil Street Cor. Dr. A. Vasquez Streetmalate, Metro Manila
Cons: Once you have passed the interview and you get hired, you can immediately proceed to the next step of processing your medical and visa. However, waiting period may take time. Personally, I waited for 6 months before leaving the country because an issue with the officer but finally everything fell off into the right place. There is a huge amount of placement fee that you need to pay (your basic plus the processing fee) so better save and contact your wealthy member of the family.

Pros: Why did I consider this part of the top? Because once you get hired, it is pretty sure that you can leave the country. I doubted because of the long wait but  rest assured that they will not leave you empty handed.

Food for thought:

1. Before going to the agency, call them first and ask if there is still an opening as you might end up frustrated and tired from all the efforts you have made.
2. Always bring water and pocket foods for you to eat. Remember, always expect the unexpected as there are long hours that you need to wait before being evaluated.
3. Bring something that will make you busy while waiting: a book of interest, a game in your cellphone, or a funny movie will let you enjoy your job hunting.
4. Push hard. It is truly disappointing because of the long queue and the long wait. Do not be intimidated with the people around you. Be positive and push yourself to the limits. Personally, my journey as a job hunter became hard as I went to a lot of agencies (I think around 20), and I journeyed all alone because my friend was qualified in the agency that we applied. I still continued and did not lose hope. After 2 years, here I am back in Riyadh.

Note:  All locations are coming from Fairview since I am living in North Caloocan. The agencies that I have written were all based on my experience. If you think these are not top for you or you have experienced a different thing, you can post comments. 

Why Riyadh in the First Place? (Great for first timers)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is often stereotyped as a country that most parent would not allow their children especially for a girl because of their scary thought of rape and people whose law is an "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, etc." Well, here's the picture and a fact. As I have been here 3 years ago, I realized that this is not a bad country at all. Personally, I came back because of work but I said to myself that I will only return if and only if I can work in a government hospital. Think of it, major percentage of Filipinos return to Saudi Arabia not mainly for money but maybe because it is also a safe place if you follow the rules. Also, they bring their families here because of its rich resources and because of tax exemption.

Thought to Self:

1. Always think of yourself. Benefits should matter such as vacation entitlement and freedom. If your employer cannot provide you a good transportation for your own safety, then that's not a pretty great deal.
2. Have great friends to share your happiness with. Great job and great money do not last without great friends so have someone to lean on and share your interests with.

Things to do:

People would often think that this is a place where you cannot stroll around because you are like a prisoner in a desert. I want to break that thought. Here are the things to do in this country:

1. Shop, Shop, and shop. If you are a shopaholic, then you picked the best place. Riyadh is a place of interest for people who want to see wonderful branded products from shoes, perfumes and household items.
2. Go to other countries. Because this is part of the Middle East, it is near every country such as Dubai (2 hours away) or United Kingdom (5 hours away). Isn't that great?
3. Visit Red Sand Dunes. Not only you can experience sand dunes in Dubai or in Ilocos but also in Riyadh. Experience removing your abaya (famous black dress worn by women to cover themselves) and ride an ATV vehicle while taking pictures or walk barefoot in the cold pristine sands in Riyadh.
4. Visit parks, zoo, and beach (Dammam is the nearest and only popular beach here).
5. In the future, a new railway system will be built. Visit the site for a clearer picture:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMh1ll5i41s

Hey, always look for the greater picture. If people keep on asking you why did you choose the country, then ask them back, "Why not?" Moreover, you're not deserted at all if you have great people around.