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by Erica Jahn

Travel Restrictions Imposed Upon DOST Scholars Lifted, Tuesday, June 14

In Airports, Travel, Travel Documents, Uncategorized
September 1, 2019
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2019 Note: This blog post was originally published in 2013, but since it is one of my most popular posts, I have updated it to include the latest research, up-to-date information, and most helpful tips in this topic. 

Please check the comments section especially THE FEATURED COMMENT on the Disqus thread. As of today, travel ban is still lifted. DOST/CHED/SUC scholars are removed from the BI watchlist.

Just got back from my Thailand trip last month. As usual, I didn’t secure travel clearance from DOST before leaving yet didn’t encounter any problem at the immigration at the airport. 

This just proves, DOST scholars like me can travel outside the Philippines without having to apply for clearance. 

If you are a DOST scholar and you want to travel abroad, you may travel without applying for any document/ clearance to get through the BI officers. Unless you have other lawful cases, nothing can prevent you from travelling abroad! 

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

You can verify if there is a derogatory record against you that may prevent you from departing the Philippines. I also did this a week before my flight schedule.

  • [message]
    • HOW TO VERIFY YOUR NAME FOR A DEROGATORY RECORD:
      • 1) Visit the Immigration office near Intramuros, Manila and file for a request for verification at the Clearance and Certification Section.

        2) Fill out the small form, present it along with your passport at Window 10. You don’t need to pay anything but if you wish to obtain a certification, you’d have to pay respective fees. 


*** *** ***

The distressing and controversial travel restrictions imposed upon DOST scholars was lifted Tuesday, June 14, 2012,  in a memo released by the Bureau of Immigration Commissioner, Ricardo A. David Jr.

Please refer to the screenshot below for the signed copy of Memorandum.


Memorandum lifting DOST/CHED/SUC scholars watchlist

The memorandum is addressed to the Chief of Information and Communications Technology Chief, Jolly Bert G. Galleon, and Airport Operations Division Chief, Benito G. Se, Jr., stating the removal of the names of DOST scholars from the watch list. Thus, starting from June 19, 2012, DOST Scholars will no longer be required to secure TRAVEL CLEARANCE from DOST nor any document from the Bureau of Immigration to travel out of the country unless the concerned scholar is prevented to travel by some other lawful case.

Indeed this is great news for scholars who wish to travel abroad!


 By the way, for those who haven’t applied for their passports yet, you might want to apply now. 



Don’t worry, you just need your PSA Birth Certificate and two valid IDs. 

Please don’t use your NBI clearance with travel restrictions as I’m not so sure if you’d be required to present DOST-related documents because of the travel restriction hit.

Let’s keep updating one another down the comment section below! Thanks!  

Author

Erica Jahn

Erica is a former PR pro turned entrepreneur. Her greatest joys are family, blogging, music, skin care and social justice. As a Muay Thai enthusiast, Erica prides herself on working with increased focus, humility and diligence. She believes in living a fit life doing everything with a flair of creativity and love! Stalk her social channels @thegirlwiththemujihat

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DAMI IM Obsession!

In Uncategorized
August 9, 2014
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It’s been almost a year now since the time I published my DAMI post [perhaps as one of her armies] – – you can scroll down below to find Dami Im’s X-Factor 2013 Journey…

Beautiful Dami!

Photo credit to SMH Au

These days I’ve been listening to her SUPERLOVE acoustic performance on VEVO. Her voice is the pitchy kind that I’d love to listen to over and over and over and over again… I don’t know. Her voice is so clean and mellow and strong at the same time… and really high and angelic and sweet and clear.. crystal clear! Ugh! I think on the average I listen to her Superlove — wait… I’m counting and now I just realized  I couldn’t count the times I listened to her songs — One thing I’m sure, I listen to her all day long!

Dami really got the X-Factor!!!!

Dami’s been really busy traveling to and fro between Brisbane and some Asean countries. I watched her appearances in Korea and my heart melted when she dedicated a song to his husband Noah… the thing is before her song, Noah confessed on an interview his gratitude for Dami’s love… he said he was so happy that Dami loved him and stood by him even when he needed to work as a part-time Janitor. He added that Dami has always been proud of him. Awwwww!!! Sweet Dami Dami!!!

HERE!!!!!!!!

I strongly believe Dami is a very kind person and she’s actually reaping her good Karma from her 25 years of existence… hehe Honestly I am so sleepy it’s almost 2 AM… *yawns*

By the way, the 12 X-Factor 2014 contestants to perform in the lives are revealed… What do you think? I’m rooting for Trill and Reigan Derry though…

FLASHBACK DAMI: ***POSTED SEPTEMBER 8, 2013***

I’ve been wanting to blog about DAMI IM for two weeks now [sometimes I get confused when I read Dami’s surname from articles, my mind would automatically read it as I’m]. If you follow X Factor, and other reality talent shows on YOUTUBE like me, you’ve probably come across 2013 X Factor Australia’s singing sweetheart *BREATHE* Dami Im [OOPS! There goes the I’m again!].

Photo credit to X Factor Australia 2013

DAMI’S EARLY LIFE

Dami Im was born in South Korea. She migrated to Brisbane with her family [her mom and younger brother Kenny] when she was 9. In an interview, she mentioned that it was a struggle growing and studying in Australia. When she was in her primary school, children teased her terribly because she couldn’t speak English. But music helped her overcome other people’s prejudice. Her exceptional talent in playing the piano has struck people around her and stopped them from looking down at her.

Dami started playing the piano at 5. She attended high school at John Paul College, where her former instructor referred to her as “high-achieving music student who concentrated on piano and violin”. She received many awards including the college’s Captain’s Cup prize for “the finest all-round cultural person”. In college, she went to the University of Queensland and eventually graduated with first class honors in music.

DAMI’S AUDITION ON X FACTOR AUSTRALIA 2013

When I started to watch her audition (see video below), I expected nothing. The video edit seemed to be [a bit] satirical. I mean they used a perky music bed and focused on Dami’s cat-printed stockings! I couldn’t take it seriously, not to mention Dami’s mirthful answer to Ronan when asked about her musical career. She said chuckling, she started singing RECENTLY [LOL] and that people can expect AWESOME SINGING from her. So who’d have believed???

But then she sang Hero by Mariah Carey. Everybody stood up to his feet and screamed in excitement. I was as entertained and blown away as the people there. I guess our prejudice on Dami’s musicality had left us flabbergasted!!!  Ha!

24 year old Dami said she’ll try her best so people would like her singing 

and if they don’t she still have her husband 🙂 I think it’s sweet… 

speaking of her husband, Noah, he is so supportive of her… 

He said he is Dami’s no. 1 fan! Awww!

My obsession with Dami doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s just started. Dami continued to Bootcamp but unfortunately messed her performance (see video below). She forgot the lyrics while singing and playing JOLENE. To cut the long story short SHE DIDN’T MAKE IT to the top 24.

BUT as what Dani Minogue had put it, luck was on Dami’s side. She was chosen to join the top 23 and continued to the HOME VISIT after one contestant decided to leave the competition. She went to New York to meet the Minogue sisters. In her home visit she sang IF I WERE A BOY by Beyonce (SEE VIDEO BELOW) and gave a killer performance. So, she made it to the LIVE SHOW!

DAMI ON THE LIVE SHOWS

On the first week here’s what she did:

Dami has never heard of U2’s One… I was blown away by this performance! She nailed it!

Result: Standing ovation from the four judges.

On the second week she sang PURPLE RAIN by PRINCE (see video below):

What did just happen?!! She gave another powerhouse vocal performance!

On the third week of the live shows here’s what she did!!!

Don’t leave me this way Performance by Dami Im

Dami sings ROAR by Katy Perry

Dami Im sings BEST OF YOU by FOO FIGHTERS

This is so touching…

Dami Im’s CLARITY!!!

FYI Dami has received 7 consecutive standing Os from the judges now! And it’s justifiable! That’s why people (including me) go “DAMI NUTS” !!!

Week 8 performance!!!!

Dami is the voice!

Week 9 1 of 2 🙂

A perfect vocal performance! 🙂 Dami just sings with full passion! Love this!

Her voice is so clear!!!! 🙂 

I love Dami!!!!

WEEK 10! Here’s what the judges chose for Dami!

Here is Dami’s Grand PERFORMANCE!!!! SO ALIVE!!!

I’m definitely LOVING HER! 

GO DAMI!!!!!

DAMI WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

DAMI’S FASHION

Would you believe I sent Dami a message asking about her attire? I did. I happen to like what she wears. Perhaps because she’s Korean??? 

Rummaged some photos from her FB page!!!! 🙂

I admire Koreans [and people] who can easily throw a laid-back outfit… I think it’s so neat and real and comfortably beautiful… speaking of which, I want to push this laid-back style in the next few days and since I’m so busy, I tried to browse from ZALORA some Dami inspired outfits. So here are what I found and what I actually plan to order:

Chiffon top and printed skirt.. what do you think?

(Photo credit to Zalora.com.ph)

Great news is that Zalora offers 250 discount voucher when buyers subscribe to their newsletter [lucky me, lucky you!] …and FREE SHIPMENT!!! Yep! Perks of shopping from ZALORA! I can get gorgeous clothes at discounted price without having to exhaust my feet inside the mall! So convenient!

WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT DAMI IM

Dami is a proud born-again Christian! She is a baptized, regular worshiper at Brisbane Full Gospel Church, a part of the Assemblies of God community. She sings contemporary gospel music and boldly professes her faith! She is inspirational! (see videos below)… When she sings, I can feel in my heart the message of the song because she sings it with conviction…

Dami does a cover of River by Emelie Sande… This left me in tears… God will always be by our side… we just need to recognize His presence…

Dami sings Amazing Grace

Photo credit to Brisbane Times

The photo above shows Dami Im’s pastor at the Brisbane Full Gospel Church, Pastor Joseph Hong, holding Dami’s recorded album in 2010. This CD, consisting of gospel tracks including Dami’s original composition Little John, was recorded to raise fund for Brisbane Full Gospel Church endeavors. Pastor Hong believes that the secret behind Dami Im’s angelic voice and the power behind her singing career success is the Holy Spirit. 

Dami’s husband, Noah, is also a member of Brisbane Full Gospel Church.They actually met at that place after Noah finished his military service in Korea and migrated to Australia.

DAMI IM FOR THE WIN

I think Dami got the X Factor show at the moment. If she continues to belt out songs chosen for her by Danii, no doubt she’ll be pronounced this year’s grand winner. Week after week she comes off better. The reason I see is that she is becoming comfortable performing in a huge crowd. I hope her confidence remains solid and continue to do what she does best…

Even if Dami Im loses X Factor, I think she’s already proven how great of a musician she really is. I just hope she’d create contemporary Christian music to share to the world. And I hope she continues to enthuse other people with her story, her X Factor experience, and most of all with her faith and spirituality.

DEAR DAMI, If you read this, I want to say, thank you for the inspiration 🙂 And best of luck to your music career! God bless you and your family more!

Travel with Bangkok Travel Tips for your next trip to Bangkok

In Uncategorized
September 1, 2019
0

This has been the seventh time I’ve used a travel agency for my trip. I got to know Bangkok Travel Tips through the awesome Bangkok guide I travelled with, Nim Nittaya (which I got to know during my trip with the Tourism Authority of Thailand – Philippines (TAT Philippines)). With my experience with Nim and all the good things she has to say for Bangkok Travel Tips, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try it. It was honestly the best decision I could have ever made.

Bangkok Travel Tips specializes in tours around Bangkok including theme parks, heritage sites, river cruise, combat sports destination, or island tours, to name a few. If you plan to go to Bangkok, Thailand and haven’t planned your itinerary yet, I recommend you book with them for a stress-free trip.

I have listed below several reasons why you should book with Bangkok Travel Tips but I want to highlight this point early on to help remove the misconception “booking with a travel agency would just cost you much more money”. This is not always the case. In fact, in my travel experience, I have proven that sometimes you’d be paying more if you DO-IT-YOURSELF.

Why?

Travel agencies that have established their supplier relationships are able to give competitive package rates, thus saving you money if you book with them. They also offer discounts built into trips. For example, they will likely book transfers for you, included in the price. Sometimes a package that you book yourself won’t include those or free packed lunch as another example. Again, there are other offers you can take advantage of when you pick a travel agency. You can scroll further down to see the list of why you should book with Bangkok Travel Tips.

Group photo with happy clients
More clients having fun
Happy clients with Bangkok Travel Tips

Reasons to book with Bangkok Travel Tips

1. Best Price Guarantee

Bangkok Travel Tips have wide connection and affiliation that they can get you a better seat on the plane, added amenities at hotels, room upgrades, event tickets, and generally, plan the best activities for you. They fully know the market and, if they listen to what you want, will be able to match you with a better tour package than you can find online.

2. Safety and Reliability

If something goes wrong on your trip, a Bangkok Travel Trip agent will go to bat for you, no matter who is at fault and try to get your vacation back on track. They will not leave you in the cold. For example, during the group tours, some unexpected things happen like someone from our group cancelled, the staff assigned to us was there to assist with that, every step of the way.

3. Experience

Your time is valuable and you shouldn’t have to spend it searching for the right vacation. Bangkok Travel Tips can do that for you. They can match you with the vacation that you actually want, not the one that you saw on television. There is a difference between travel inspiration and actual travel desires. Destinations may look good on photos or videos but not actually be ideal for you personally. Bangkok Travel Tips can help you define what it is you want to get out of a vacation.

4. Better tour packages

Because Bangkok Travel Tips has been in the business for a long time, you can consider them as an authority already. With these, they have inside information on the best times to go to crowded destinations and they sometimes even know what the new “it” destinations are going to be before the masses. If you want to go to a place “first”, better book with Bangkok Travel Tips.

5. Reliability and great personality of the staff

When I spoke with the staff of Bangkok Travel Tips to inquire about some packages I found that they are extremely nice, professional and prompt. They e-mailed me all the information I requested with the type of tours I was looking for and delivered as they promised. No wonder they have excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.

Bangkok Travel Tips has the most well-rounded, funny, personable and knowledgeable people you’ll meet. They come from more backgrounds than you can even count — they have been professors, hotel owners, tour guides, bus drivers. They all have one thing in common: They are passionate about sharing Bangkok with you. With a passion for travelling and sharing Thai culture, it is best to enjoy Bangkok with them.

6. Licensed travel agency approved by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

At the end of the day, it is well worth having an agency that is legit. Having this said, I am confident to share Bangkok Travel Tips to my family, friends, and readers because it is a member of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Its license number is 14/02156. You’ll have the peace of mind that they will deliver exactly what they have told you it will be.

7. Big discounts and promos

There are ongoing promos in some of the deals that Bangkok Travel Tips offer. You can check which promo suits your package. Another way to earn a discount is by sharing this blog to travellers that you know. See the details on my Facebook post.

Services Offered by Bangkok Travel Tips

1. Group tours open for joiners or those travelling on a budget

2. Private tours that deliver clients’ ultimate satisfaction needs

3. Transportation service

4. Wholesale and retail attraction Tickets / Entrance Fees

5. Tourist Guide

6. Customer services before and during your trip

Sample Bangkok Sightseeing and Tours provided by Bangkok Travel Tips with corresponding price:

  • [message]
    • Half Day Trip – Price
      • Bangkok City & Temple Tour Program (A) – THB500
        Bangkok City & Temple Tour Program (B) – THB800
        Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) Tour – THB1000
        Canal of Bangkok Tour – THB1400
        Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tour – THB550
        Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with Elephant Riding – THB1100
        Elephant Theme Show & Crocodile Farm at Samphran – THB850
        Madame Tussauds (Wax Museum) – THB700
        Siam Ocean World (Aquarium) – THB800
        The Ancient City Tour (Muang Boran ) – THB2200

        Full-Day Trip – PriceAyutthaya Day Tour by White Orchid Cruise – THB1700
        Ayutthaya Day Tour by River Sun Cruise – THB1750
        Ayutthaya Day Tour by By Grand Pearl Cruise – THB1800
        Ayutthaya Day Tour by Car – THB1100
        Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Elephant Theme Show & Crocodile Show – THB1200
        Dream World Tour (Amusement Park)- THB1100
        Pattaya – Coral Island Day Tour (By Speed Boat) – THB1400
        Safari World and Marine Park Tour – THB1100
        Siam Park (Water Park) – THB1450

        Dinner / Night Show / Night Life Tour – PriceInternational Buffet and Seafood Dinner at Baiyoke Sky Hotel – THB750
        Dinner on Cruise by Chao Phraya Cruise with Transportation- THB1300
        Dinner on Cruise by Chao Phraya Princess with Transportation – THB1100
        Dinner on Cruise by Wonderful Pearl with Transportation – THB1800
        Dinner on Cruise by Grad Pearl with Transportation – THB1500
        Dinner on Cruise by White Orchid Cruise with Transportation – THB1100
        Cabaret Show by Calypso Bangkok with Transportation – THB1200
        Amphawa Floating Market Tour / Risky Market (Train Market) – THB1200
        Siam Niramit Show with Dinner and Transportation – THB1500
        Muay Thai Live at Asiatique with Transportation – THB1600
        Live Thai Boxing with Transportation – THB2800Remarks: * All prices in Thai Baht

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I love being on a traditional transport and exploring new areas, especially with locals I can interact with. Gives me a real sense of the culture. . . . What do you look forward to when travelling? . . . #BKKTravelPals #Bangkok #ChaoPraya #AmazingThailand #TATPhilippines #riverboat #cruise #muji #mujihat #ootd #printedskirt #prints #followforfollow #followforfollowback #flypal #likesforlikes #likesforlike #bloggers #travelbloggers #thegirlwiththemujihat #boatshot #blogger #bangkokthailand #riverview #boating #mujihat

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Sample Itinerary from Bangkok Travel Tips:

Ayutthaya Day Tour by River Sun Cruise

  • [message]
    • Tour Itinerary:
      • 06:30HRS: 
        Pick up from your hotel to go to Ayutthaya by coach.

        09:00HRS: 
        First arrival to Bang Pa In Summer Palace: A complex of royal residences first built in the 17th century to serve as a summer palace of Ayutthaya kings. Decorated in combinations of architecture from classical Thai, Chinese and European designs and then we proceed to one of the most visited sites in Ayutthaya,

        Wat Maha That: The monastery of the Great Relic and where can be see a Buddha head entwined within the roots of a tree.

        Wat Phra Meru Rachikaram: The monastery in front of the Funeral Pyre, This temple was one of only a few temples to escape the Burmese army’s razing of Ayutthaya, and you can see complete examples of late Ayutthaya Wat architecture.

        Wat Lokayasutharam:  A huge reclining Buddha image that was constructed of bricks and cement in the art style of the Middle Ayutthaya Period. It is 37 meters long and 8 meters high.

        After that we will depart Wat Lokayasutharam for the  Cruise at the Pier in Nontaburi Province.

        Enjoy a delicious meal served in the luxurious surroundings of the cruise boat.

        Afternoon – Coffee Break – Witness the beauty of the Chao Phraya River and rural life along the two riverbanks from the cruise deck or from the cool, air-conditioned passenger cabin.

        16:00HRS: 
        Arrive in Bangkok by  Cruise and transfer back to your hotel.

        Duration:06:30HRS – 16:00HRS



Price Inclusion:

☑ Pick up at the hotel in downtown Bangkok

☑ Sightseeing as described with transportation

☑ English-speaking guide

☑ Entrance fees

☑ Lunch

Child Policy:

Children under 2 years will be “Free” of charge but have to be under 80cm.

Child price will apply for 2-10 years old, but they should not be taller than 120cm.

Children over 10 years old are charged with adult price.

Remarks:

* All prices are in Thai Baht

* Please dress respectfully, please do not wear sleeveless shirts and wear long pants or skirts that are knee-length.

* The Tour and program may be flexible depending on time and weather conditions.

Book with Bangkok travel Tips

You can pick a tour that you want from the website of Bangkok Travel Tips and directly book here.

Contact Bangkok Travel Tips

You may contact them by email or in any way convenient for you:

E-Mail Address: info@bangkoktraveltips.com / rsvn@bangkoktraveltips.com

Phone Number: +66830136976

Line, WhatsApp, Viber, We Chat: +66830136976

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BangkokTravelTipsThailand/

Parting Words

Bangkok Travel Tips has definitely earned my business forever, just like how I feel towards Amazing Bali Tours with Mr. Nyoman Sunatra or Gigantes Island Tours of Mr. Rhett Paul. I have made future plans with Bangkok Travel Tips for other Bangkok travels we plan on taking. If you are unsure and skeptical, please take my word for it, you will not be disappointed.

What do you think about booking with a tour agency? Do you want to book with Bangkok Travel Tips? What places are you keen to visit in Bangkok? let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you!

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