I moved to the U.S. from the Philippines five years ago and got married to a wonderful & hard-working man. Now, happily married and blessed with our adorable Shadow (brown & hairy English springer spaniel). Life in the U.S. is very comfortable and you can afford pretty much anything you want as long as you work hard & smart. But how did I end up as a fitness coach?? Well, I lost control and indulged myself to all the mouth-watering foods as if it was my last day on earth; gaining over 40 lbs was easy. I tried to get back in shape few years ago; I went to the gym, I did Zumba classes, I ran. However, the motivation wasn’t just there & I kept failing.

My dad had a stroke with a 50% chance of surviving at a very young age of 47. I didn’t want that to happen to me. On January 3, 2017, with no hesitation, I joined Beachbody as a “Discount Coach” and started my journey right away with a 21 Day Fix program. My husband introduced me to Stephanie (my amazing Coach!), so that’s how I got here. I was 140.02 lbs when I started. I took a picture of me and it was scary. All the crap I fed into my body was not good. So, I am sincerely thankful that I took that 1st step to change my lifestyle. Because I really want to be healthy not just for myself but also for my family (for my husband, family in the Philippines, and my dog).

With dedication and the motivation I get from the Challenge Group, I’m down to 124.8 lbs on February 3, 2017. Yes! I lost 15.96 lbs in 30 days!!! I love it so much; the result even motivates me more. As my fitness journey progresses, I also noticed that I inspired some of my friends, family, & other people online (thanks to technology). Currently, I have a team working out with me & helping each other to reach our fitness goals (the more, the merrier!). The fact that I am inspiring other people, I am also earning EXTRA income which is a life blessing. By this means, I am able to extend more help to my family.

So it all comes down to one simple thing: How bad do you want it?

Need to get seriously shredded in the shortest time possible? Check out 21 Day Fix Extreme!!!
Or see how this video will help you!!!!! >> goo.gl/Nq8Okt

Another great year and counting...

 Today, marks another year of being married to the man who made all our “chats” a reality! I constantly look back on those days and those memories when we started our life together and they always make me smile -- so unique, sweet, challenging, encouraging, and educating.

Before I left Cebu:

I was very excited, happy, also nervous, and could not wait to see him. While, the feeling of missing my family was there too, it was a mixed emotion. As soon as I received my plane ticket, I started packing all my stuff right away, all summer clothes, flip flops, sandals. I had NO clue what Montana was like! #LessonForMe #Educating Who cares about the research, Ill be seeing Mr. Hottie in few days!

The #sweet part is, I got a biggle bag of UA cold gear, more jeans, and etc!

In Amerika

At Las Vegas airport, saw him right away… that smile.. shaved and very neat (as always).. soo good-looking man! “Kilig to the bones” my heart was like beating “togodog togodog x1000 per second” and in my mind “wow wow, im really here now.. no joke.. wow hhooh”.

We flew together to Montana. and hmmmm…

As I am remembering and writing this. I was like WOW!! I was really very shy that time in comparison today! I remember he asked me what I want for food and I said ummm hmm wheat bread, green apples (period). I don’t know what happen to my precious “RICE” that time.

I saw microwave, vacuum cleaner, washer. Oh Great! because I used them in the Philippines all the time. hmmm

#Challenging  Before, I was too sensitive and cried when he says the F words. Now, I could care less if he says all the ABCD FFFFF. #GettingHisJokesNow #BigFan.

I was worried that I was not going to get a decent job when I moved to America. Yet, he encouraged me and pushed me to try applying for a job that I deserve. My very first job interview when he said ”Don’t worry you will do great” J #myheartsmiling

CONCLUSION

Life from where I came from vs the Life he gave me was magically different.

I have learned a lot because he showed and taught me things.

He helped me gained confidence and not be afraid (which I probably still need help with it and will always do – just the way I am).

He stood by me and fought my fight.

  

I found a few filipino stores in Virginia! TG!

Filipino Global Market Falls Church VA USA

Filipinos

Wherever they are in the world, Filipinos always crave for Filipino food and look for Filpino stores to get them.

There are few places in America where significant populations of Filipinos or Filipino Americans can be found such as in California, Hawaii, New York, Illinois and Texas.

Filipinos are the biggest asian people in California, finding filipino food, filipino stores, or filipino restaurants is not a problem.

In Montana, where I lived for a year, my filipino friends and I drove to Great Falls to get filipino food from an Asian Store called Kims Oriental Market. Not a lot of choices for filipino food but Kims Oriental Market sells Pancit, Lumpia Wrapper, Patis, Mang Tomas, Monggos, Sardines, Longganisa, & Suka, stuff that Filipinos will most likely buy.

When we moved in Virginia, my husband surprised me when we walked inside the Filipino Global Supermarket - Manila Oriental in Springfield Alexandria Va. I was very happy, first thing's first, I grabbed Pancit Cantoon and searched for my #1 Polvorone.

The people working in Manila Oriental filipino store are all Filipinos. The store has big selection of Filipino food. Manila Oriental is not only a place to shop filipino food, it also offers dining-in cafeteria-style. After shopping or before shopping, Filipinos can enjoy a meal from a selection of Chicken Adobo, Pancit Bihon, Lechon Kawali, Fried Tilapia, Mechado, banana-que, pork sticks, bangus, buwad, bagoong, lumpia, and many more.

Filipino Food Shopping in Filipino Global Supermarket in Falls Church VA

FILIPINO STORE LOCATIONS  (Northern Virginia & Washington DC area)
Filipino Global Market 
5509 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041

(703) 820-1961
(this was the old location of Manila Oriental, the store has moved to a new location -- please see new address below at Springfield VA)

Manila Oriental
7026 Commerce St
Springfield, VA 22150
(703) 379-0595

Philippine Oriental Market
3610 Lee Hwy
Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 528-0300

Fiesta Oriental Store
4815 1st St N
Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 516-9160

Danny's Tindahan
 4115 Wisconsin Ave NW
(between N Van Ness St & N Upton St)
Washington, DC 20016
Neighborhood: Tenleytown
(202) 244-7221

Filipinos Love Siomai

http://instagram.com/p/Y9KEGONq-B/
 4th of May

I love Siomai,

Filipinos Love Siomai

Few weeks ago, hubby had a lunch with colleagues at Red Parrot Asian Bistro. "Oh it was pretty good" he said! and I said, "hmmp"!

I knew he's gonna take me to Red Parrot Asian Bistro and he did! We went to Red Parrot Arlington, everything on the menu looked really good to me. I was going back and forth with the Thai Pattaya Seafood and Katsudon. I was, "Can I just order everything?"
 
Anyways, we had the Spicy Shrimp Sushi, Happy Family (Jumbo shrimp, scallop, chicken & beef sautéed with mixed vegetables in brown sauce), it was a huge plate for a Filipina woman like me! Burp! :) I super love the Spicy Shrimp Sushi, the Happy family was okay for me but my husband love it!

Then I had quick glance at the appetizer menu, I saw the Siopao.. I kept reading.. I was like omg! it's SIOMAI!!! It's siomai... it's my favorite! it's famous in the Philippines, I wanna have it too! I couldn't describe my feeling that time, it was like not seeing a good friend for a very long time.

Siomai is a dimsum of Chinese origin, made of shrimp and pork wrapped with small wanton or siomai wrapper. We, filipinos love siomai!

The Siomai in Red Parrot Asian Bistro taste a little different, but it was good. The sauce was different too and not spicy. In the Philippines or the Filipino style Siomai ~  Siomai is dipped in a Chili Paste and it's very very good and very very spicy!!!

Filipino Siomai is made of ground pork, water chestnuts,  carrots, minced onions,  spring onions , egg, sesame oil,  freshly ground pepper, and salt. And, filipino style siomai sauce is made of soy sauce, lemon, sesame oil, & chili paste.

Overall, the siomai at Red Parrot Asian Bistro made my weekend's foodgasm!

To Filipinos , if you're in America or just came to America and craving for Siomai, go to Red Parrot Asian Bistro!

Why Filipino Mama is the best?

2010 Mother's Day Picture of Mama

2013 of May (Happy Mother's Day)
Living in America, /ˈjäblis/, gives me extra time facebooking, tweeting, instragraming, blogging... as inzz... not that I'm bored, it's just my passion!!! No kidding!!! lol

Another night of updating facebook status, uploading pictures, browsing albums, reading timeline, and all that... then I found
 <<== this!!!

It's been three years since I took this beautiful picture of my mom on a Mother's day in the Philippines.

And, I was like, dang, if my mom was here, all I have to do is to earn money and period.

So anyways, I thought  I should write something meaningful about it. This is actually the first time I posted a picture of my mom on a web page available for public view.

Filipino Moms are the best. Why?!!!

• Mama hand washes and irons not only your baby clothes but, to school uniform, to office uniform, to her *apo's clothes, kay sayo man naminyo!!! (*grandchildren's clothes)
• Mama prepares your breakfast, lunch, and supper even you're *gi bol bol na! (*grown up to take care of own's self)
• Mama patiently listens to your *"yawyaw" (*constant bickering)
• Mama tells you "You are beautiful *pero padaut gamay day para samot ka gwapa!" (*even you are fat)
• Mama hides your secret from papa *kay ga ibog ibog lagi maskin highschool pa. (*about your puppy love)
• As a kid, Mama scolds you but gives you a lollipop afterwards kay nangluod naman konohay ka unya dili na mokaon ug kan-un. (Filipino Moms are tender-hearted)
• As a teenager nga wala pay buot, Mama just cry when you balikas at her! But uban mama kay sili an jud imong baba. (Filipino Moms  only cry when her teenager kid is back-talking at her)
• Mama takes good care of you until her last breath!!! (maskin nilapas na sa kalendaryo imong edad si mama naa japun gaatiman sa mga anak) Literally takes care of you - cook for you, do laundry for you, make coffee for you & etc.....

 

This Filipino Girl enjoyed the former SNL Stars

16th of February

Saturday night date with my American Hot Lover Husband at Moon Palace Cancun Mexico.

During our stay at Moon Palace we received  $1500 worth of credits that you can use for extra services , entertainment, or souvenir shopping.

We used the $300 credit to watch the Former SNL Stars:  Jon Lovitz, Chris Sattan, and Tim Meadows.

Before the show, there was a cocktail party and a lot of people came to watch the SNL stars.

The show was fun but there was a drunk man sitting behind us who kept laughing like a hyena! So, we just left early, before my husband gives him a swift kick in the butt!

Filipino and Dog 24/7 Bonding

As I've said on my previous blog posts, this is my very first time having my own dog.

My husband got us an English Springer Spaniel from North Dakota and we named him Shadow.

Shadow is a very loving dog who always want to be around with people. Having him has completely changed my feelings towards dogs.

Back in the Philippines, I grew up with dogs at my grandparents house. We call them "askal", they are outside dog and most filipinos don't treat them family. Askal dogs are feed with human food in the Philippines, no toys, & no chewing sticks.

When an english springer spaniel puppy came to our family! He's been around me like 24/7. Shadow is a good companion that stays beside you in sickness and in health.

Living a life in America, especially states like Montana can be lonesome and too quite. You barely see people from your neighborhood during a long winter season. It honestly helps a LOT having a dog as a companion. You can at least say something like sit, come, go get it, and NO! lol

And just so know, dogs are very smart, and they can be really good dogs if trained well.

To filipinas married to a foreign man,  if you live in places na parang nasa toktok ng bundok, Get a Dog! :)

Leron Leron Sinta Dance Practice

Filipino Cultural Dance - Leron Leron Sinta Dance Practice with Filipino Dance Group "Pacifica".

Leron, Leron Sinta Lyrics

Leron, Leron, sinta
Buko ng papaya
Dala dala’y buslo
Sisidlan ng sinta

Pagdating sa dulo’y
Nabali ang sanga,
Kapos kapalaran
Humanap ng iba.

Halika na Neneng, tayo’y manampalok
Dalhin mo ang buslo, sisidlan ng hinog
Pagdating sa dulo’y uunda-undayog
Kumapit ka Neneng, baka ka mahulog.

Halika na Neneng at tayo’y magsimba
At iyong isuot ang baro mo’t saya
Ang baro mo’t sayang pagkaganda-ganda
Kay ganda ng kulay — berde, puti, pula.

Ako’y ibigin mo, lalaking matapang
Ang baril ko’y pito, ang sundang ko’y siyam
Ang lalakarin ko’y parte ng dinulang
Isang pinggang pansit ang aking kalaban.

Empanada Recipe - Filipino Food Style Learned from Mama!

My mom makes really good Empanadas!

If you are residing in Cebu or Medellin, Cebu Philippines. Please contact me for orders, my mom or brother can deliver it to you!

Or Find and Add my mom in Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/evelyn.montesclaros.5

Thanks!

#FoodGasm #Yummy #Empanadas #Filipino #Food  mmmm

Here's the recipe:

Empanada ( Filipino Food Style )

Dough
1/4 margarine / Butter GradeAA
1/4 sugar
1/4 tspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup Evaporated Milk (Carnation)
1 kl flour

Filing
1/2 KL Ground Beef
Seasoning: Beef Cubes, Pepper, Salt
Diced Italian Sausage
Diced Red Chilli (Bell Pepper)
Diced Potatoes
Diced Carrots
Raisins
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Diced Boiled Eggs

Filing Mixture:
In a skillet, cook the ground Beef (seasoned) then combine with Italian Sausage, Bell Pepper, Potato, Carrots (until cooked). Set Aside.

Dough
In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, salt. Then slowly mix the flour. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it just until all the flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth.

Roll into a 15-inch circle. Cut out rounds, using a 3-inch cookie cutter. Re-roll dough as needed. Repeat procedure with remaining pie-crusts. Arrange 1 round on a clean, flat surface. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filing mixture (with raisins, mozzarella cheese & egg) in the center of the round. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.

Arrange Empanadas on the prepared baking  sheet.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.

Beat 1 egg and brush on the top of Empanadas. Bake for 25 minutes/ until light brown.

Option: Deep Fry the Empanadas (Original Filipino Food Style Cooking)

Enjoy!

Will be posting more filipino foods here in the future... like the famous Filipino Lumpia Shanghia, Filipino Pancit Cantoon!

*Enjoy Empanada Filipino Style

R & B Drive In - the non-sit restaurant

I had to take a picture of this dining place - dining at the parking lot. This is something that we don't have in the Philippines.

R & B Drive In is a small restaurant in helena montana that serves food for take out or serves food at the parking lot. The parking lot has a menu stand and silver speaker for the waitress to take your order. Pretty cool huh!

Location:
R & B Drive In
928 East Helena, Mt

Our dog is like a little kid

Our English Springer Spaniel Puppy is like a kid, he loves it when he is being carried like a baby! Isn't it cute? :)

Asia Singapore Street Noodles

Life in America is busy. Sometimes Easy and Quick Dinner is all you need.

Enjoying this Smokin Hot Asia Singapore Street Noodles Classic Curry for Dinner. Asian Food always a Good Stuff!

I am one of those Filipino Women who's a big fun of Asian Curry Noodles!

The Original Blizzard at Dairy Queen

My husband and I are having Strawberry Almond Blizzard!

Another good stuff in the US that we do not have in the Philippines - the original Blizzard at Dairy Queen.

I used to always have their Chocolate Cookies Sundae, but when I tried the Strawberry Almond Blizzard, Oh! it was just so good.

Have a Blizzard, have a sweet weekend!

-
im filipino girl 
who's a sweet addict

Hauser Lake in Helena Montana

Inner Tubing at Hauser Lake Helena Montana

We have beautiful beaches in the Philippines, but we can definitely do a lot of things to have fun at the Lake. 

Helena Montana USA, the place where I live right now might not have a beach, but it offers several fantastic places that you will surely enjoy going to. Helena Montana is wild, natural, and untouch! 

A relaxing day on a boat traveling in and out of the various campgrounds located along the lake is a fun thing to do. A picnic lunch, playing volleyball, and some sun screen will do it. Sailing is a favorite past time of many people as well as motor boats, jet-ski, kayaking, rafting, and etc.

For Filipina Women who met a foreign man from Montana USA. This place is beautiful, it's like a province in the Philippines, but there are things to do that you can surely have fun. Plus a lot of Filipinos already are residing at this place!

Hauser Lake is one of the beautiful place to visit in Helena Montana. There are day campgrounds peppered along the shore of the lake. All of picnic benches and nice trees for a relaxing day at the lake and a shore line for swimming.

SHADOW - My Dog My Buddy, My Dog My Best Friend

MY SHADOW - Born December 5, 2011

I am 28 years old now and it's my very first time to have a dog as my companion. His name is Shadow - an English Springer Spaniel, a very sweet loving dog. 

When he was a puppy, it was simply his cuteness can make me smile, especially when that night he came into our house, oh! he was such a darling, a beautiful puppy! My husband bought him from South Dakota, it was 12 hours trip by place before he came home. I was really very excited to finally have a dog and to feel what it's like to have a dog. However, after couple of weeks, having a puppy in our home took me to a point that taking him outside like an average of 15 times everyday (snow, rain, or shine) to potty was kinda making me tired already... it was like I was running out of patience taking care of our puppy. Coz back in the Philippines, dogs are treated just like an ordinary animals that stay outside the house, we do not potty train them, we do not buy them chew sticks, we do not buy them toys, and etc. It was so different, but I got used to it after few months. 

Take a look at Shadow's Puppy Pictures Here>> Shadow's Puppy Pictures 

My Baby Shadow - 4 Weeks Old

With Shadow - 4 Months Old @Havre MT

I continued taking him out for a walk, taking him out to potty, and everyday he's with me, he's like my tail that goes wherever I go. So, months & months have passed, I have realized that each day my love for this dog continues to grow and my feeling of compassion for this dog was completely forged. He did not only made me smile by his cuteness but by those days that I though I was alone by myself in the house, Shadow was actually there for me to accompany me. When those times I was caught up working on something in my computer, my dog was right there beside me waiting for me to pet him or he even just put his head on my lap and stared at me. When those crying moments, my shadow was there and just wiped out my tears with his tongue! :) And honestly, while writing this blog, It puts me to tears, and I have realized how amazing God's creation can become - even without his physical presence, he can give us comfort without realizing it. And now, I love my dog very much, i love my shadow, my best friend, my buddy!

And for those who love dogs out there, I found this very inspiring story. I think I gotta share this!!! :)

Inspirational Friendship Story - My Dog, My Buddy

An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice - grassy, woody areas, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on.

They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "Welcome to Heaven "he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him.

The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you." "What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If He can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now. " "Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but, the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road " So the old man and dog went on.

They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "Excuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?" "Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. 

Make yourselves comfortable " "You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere." "Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?" " No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final. "

The man smiled a big smile and said "Welcome to Heaven." "You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?" "That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay.

They soon find out their mistake, but, then it's too late.

The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven.

After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he
separate them in death?"

Earl Hammer
The Twillight Zone

Here's some pictures of my very loving english springer spaniel dog - SHADOW.

Trip to Havre - Shadow fell asleep on dada's lap

He likes to just stare or lay around with you

Healthy Teeth, Healthy Dog

Kisses to Dada

 

 

Cheap Eats at COSTCO - Yummy Pizza

Tips for Filipina Girls: Life in America is different, mama is not around to fix you dinner! So, if  you're not in the mood to cook on a Friday Night after a busy week or you don't have time to cook anymore and wants to have a good pizza. Go Costco and get an extremely huge pizza for only $9.95 - Serving: 5 filipinas! :D Sulit!

COSTCO Food Court offers different other menus aside from Pizza. And, the best place to get a cheap meal is no longer your local Subway, Burger King, McDonald's or other fast food establishment - it is COSTCO! 

Jimmy John's in Helena Montana

A weekend date at Jimmy John's in Helena Montana.

In the Philippines, Filipinos don't really eat a lot of Sandwich. It's all about rice ~ rice for breakfast, rice for lunch, and rice for supper! But when I came to United States I've learned to enjoy having a sandwich and I call it a good lunch! So anyways, on the 4th of August - a one lazy weekend. Usual weekend date with my husband, we decided to drive downtown and look for a good place to have simple lunch.  

We found a new branch of Jimmy John's is opened!  My husband said it's a good place to have a sandwich. 

That was my first experience at this dining place - Jimmy John's, but my husband had it already from a different Jimmy John's branch. 

I had the J.J.B.L.T.  Sandwich - Bacon, lettuce, tomato, & mayo. (The only better BLT is mama’s BLT). It was really good, I love it. And, aside from the Sandwich you also get a choice of chips. I picked the Jalapeno Potato Chips - spicy and yummy!

 As they say... you're not drooling, your mouth is crying... for Jimmy John's!

Sorry, I only have those pics. Next time, I should take a pic of Jimmy John's Sandwich. :)

Jimmy John's Address

619 North Montana Avenue  Helena, MT 59601

(406) 442-3278

My Love Story at Cebuanas.com

www.cebuanas.com

2007 - was my lucky year. I think it was fate that brought me to this dating website Cebuanas.com. 

My friend used to work for this website Cebuanas.com in the HR Department. She was basically in-charge with the hiring of new employees. And that time, I was also actively looking for a job, so she told me to submit a resume to Cebuanas.com coz they were looking for Online Livehelp or Customer Service Representatives. Fortunately, I got the job! And started working as an Online Livehelp for Cebuanas.com. 


Part of my job, was to go through the basic features of the website to make sure that the site is free of errors. 

November 2007, (I could not remember the exact date) it was another ordinary day at work completing my daily tasks, I went online at Cebuanas.com Webcam Chat to check for members who might need assistance or help using the website's features. 

While looking at the online members, I got starstruck with this serious-looking "Tall White and Handsome Man in Black"! :)

So, with no second thought, I initiated a conversation. Excitedly started with, "Hi Sir, how are you doin? Um, do you have any problems using the site's features?" :p Not bad for an intro, huh?! lol

Then, we talk, talk, and talk..... and this guy I used to call Sir became my friend. I was delighted & attracted! Well, coz he's handsome, nice... and dang, it was a torture not to feel excited talking to him. :p With all the efforts,  I tried my best to take it easy! I think growing up in the province, has left a little "Maria Clara Personality" in me, :D I had to bite my lips not to say "You are smokin' Hot". Honestly, I wasn't in a rush for something serious but I knew I was ready. It took years for my careful quest for love, so I exploited each opportunity of getting to know him better when he's available to talk. Nothing cheezy just casual talk, you know, as friends. So, Days had passed, months had passed, years had passed - we did get to know each other more and more each day. I even jotted down notes, like his birthday, his hometown... stuff like that. Seriously, it was like preparing for job application interview - you have to take notes of the company you are applying for to show that you are interested!


And, by the way, I did see this guy on a webcam not after a few months. Imagine that!? I was like... hmppff "A Hard-To-Get Handsome Guy" - I LIKE IT!!! One late afternoon, like a few minutes before leaving work, and I received an invitation to view his webcam. When this YM-Webcam-Mini-Screen Popped Up, I was like, "SHOOT!" Dios Miyo! You are ReaL!

So, anyways, here comes...

 2009 - Exciting Year! He is coming to the Philippines!!! I still could not believe that after two years of ON & OFF chatting with this foreign man, he finally decided to come and see me! Of course, I was Nervous! who doesn't.
Meeting in person with the man you have been talking online for years was a mixed feeling - it was awesome, exciting, happy, tensed up, causing me a palmar hyperhidrosis! :D 

We had a great time together, then he became my Boyfriend, officially! :) So, when he went back into the United States... we were back to online chatting again. The time difference between places can be a little challenging to have a constant communication. But we made it!


Read>> Online Dating Tips for Girls

2010 - He came into the Philippines again and this time I introduced him to my family. 

Read >> Introducing my foreign boyfriend to my family.

2011 - We got married!
I married a man who was so brave to fight for love in-spite of distance.
I married a man who made no promises but full of surprises. 
I married a loving man......  


My love story is just one of the many successful stories that started at Cebuanas.com. Not everyone may get lucky with Internet Dating but I believe that Internet dating, or communicating with individuals via the Internet has helped finding friends or romantic partners among people of different geographic area.


~~ My Internet Love Story Ends ~~

Everything is Big in America!

Dear Filipina Girls,

When you come to America, you will be surprised with the sheer size of everything. Things, Drinks, especially Foods - are Extremely BIG!!!

The  American Barbecue - can be larger than your face!

Let's say, if you go McDonalds-America vs. McDonalds-Philippines, when you order for a Small Drink (Sprite, Coke) that's considered a Large Drink in McDonalds-Philippines!

Here's one of my unforgettable experience. My husband and I had breakfast at Montana City Grill with my Grandparents-in-Law. I ordered Pancakes (Short Order Only!) meaning the smallest size order of their Pancakes. When my order was served, I was like Whhaatt??! Is this really a Short Order?? As in, It's extremely BIG, It's not even funny, - I got 2 BIG-plate-size of pancakes! I could not eat all of it, had only like 1/4 of a one Pancake and I was done. Plus, I had scrambled eggs, coz I really did not expect to get a Small Order of Pancake that Big!

The Pancakes serve at Jollibee-Philippines were not even half of the Short-Order Pancakes at Montana City Grill.

The American Burger - this is just a 1 Patty Burger, not even 2 yet!

The American Size Eggplant & the American Size Empanada

Life in America is Big, Fat, & Abundant. Sometimes, I do wish that my family in the Philippines lives in America too, so they could experience the abundance of everything and enjoy a comfortable life in America.

Dating Tips for Girls: Go for Small Order or Short Orders - these are considered as Large Orders in the Philippines. And watch what you eat or you'll get BIG too! :p

Cebu to Manila to Las Vegas to Montana USA

Excalibur - Las Vegas Hotel

14th of August, Good Bye Philippines, when will I see you again...

I flew with Philippine Airlines (PAL). My foreign fiance purchased my ticket online Manila-Las Vegas, so I had to purchase my ticket for Cebu - Manila.

I went to a ticketing office to get a domestic flight Cebu to Manila for over Php2000 pesos only, cheap right?! But then I've learned that you have to get your flights Cebu-Manila to Manila-Las Vegas or else your luggage wouldn't get checked-thru.

How do you get your flights connected?

I went to the Main office of Philippines Airlines (PAL) to request for my flights to get connected. When I spoke with the PAL agent, he said, "Sorry Ma'am, I cannot connect your flights because your ticket for Cebu-Manila is a domestic flight, Manila-Las Vegas is an International flight", and "You cannot check-thru your luggage as well because the check-in limit for domestic flight is only 15kl, whereas, International flight is 40kl"

Remember this Travel Tip: You cannot connect Domestic flights to International flights in the Philippines.

So, I asked the Philippine Airlines Agent, "What should I do, Sir?". Then, he upgraded my flight from Domestic to International and connected both flights so I could check-thru my luggage. I paid an additional Php4,000 pesos to have my flight upgraded. Solved!

Arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Manila. I had 3 hours before my scheduled flight to Las Vegas. My friend from Manila met at the Airport and spent the 30 minutes to grab some lunch together. Then I went inside to check-in, to my surprise the NAIA departure was extremely busy. I have traveled Internationally (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand) but that via Cebu, I didn't really expect that NAIA would be that busy. Therefore, for Filipina Girls like me, if it's your first time to travel Internationally via Manila. Check-In as early as you can, to make sure that you don't miss your flight when problems arise.

Departure Tips: Check-in at least 3 hours before your flight time.
- Fall in line (to the International Airport entrance)
- Get ready to show your passport and plane ticket or e-ticket itinerary.
- Check-in your baggage to the appropriate airline, if you have e-ticket they will give your plane ticket and your seat number(ask them to get you aisle, it's much better than seating near window), they are everywhere there so just locate em.
- Pay travel tax (So bring enough cash, they don't accept card)
- Fall in line, Get ready for some inspection, get ready to show your passport and the travel tax receipt, plane tickets. Your passport will be stamped "departure"
- Locate your flight. There is flight number listed in your flight ticket and there will be locators which gate number you should enter, the gate numbers are obviously huge so you can see it immediately.
- Enter the gate. You will be held for inspection, remove your shoes, belts and watches, cellphone and other with metallic objects (just don't wear em)
- Locate the flight number (again). Just locate which airline and it's flight number you have to fall in line.

Arrival at Las Vegas. I came to the United States with a K1 Fiance Visa, so I was held at the Immigration Office for Biometrics and stamp a 3-Months Visa to my i94 Arrival/Departure Record. Keep this record you will need this when you apply for SS# or Adjustment of Status.

My husband and I stayed at Excalibur- Las Vegas Hotel for the night. And flew together to Montana.