Monday, August 28, 2023

🇵🇭 PERFECT & EASY Silvanas Recipe How to Make Philippine Sylvanas Cookies Using Digestives ANG SARAP

The only difference I observed between sans rival and silvanas is that silvanas are mini versions of sans rival. The ingredients are the same. 

Ingredients:
Merengue 
3 egg whites
1/2 cup cashew nuts (crushed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vinegar pr 1/2 tsp lemon
Corn flour (optional)

Buttercream
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter (softened)
1 tsp vanilla

Note: Adjust the sugar and butter to liking.

Merengue:
Beat the egg whites until frothy then add the vinegar (lemon).
Gradually add the sugar and beat until medium peaks are formed.
Fold in the cashews and put the mixture in a piping bag.
Trace circles (2-3 inch in diameter) and flatten it.
Bake for 45 mins at 160C or until lightly brown.

Buttercream:
Mix egg yolks and sugar in double boiler until sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and beat until light and fluffy.
Add the butter (in batches) then add the vanilla and continue beating until the color becomes light.

Assemble the silvana by alternating merengue and thinlayer of buttercream. Cover it with remaining buttercream and garnish with roughly chopped cashews or crushed graham crackers. 


VERDICT:
WILL:Abbey was bombarded by my side comments how silvanas will make me extra happy. Yihee. Well, it took months for him to clear up his schedule and bale it for me. Well, the main point is…he still do it… ha!ha! 

The taste? It is the higher/better version of what my Nanay used to buy at Minute Burger. The cashew bits are prominently everywhere in this silvanas. Love it! The crust is crispy yet gooey (do you understand me right? Abbey is now a seasoned baker haha! 

Wondering what should I request next! wink*wink

Friday, August 18, 2023

Documents Needed to Avoid Being Offloaded at Philippine Immigration

Although as Filipinos, we have a liberty or right to travel in and out of Philippines (as Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution - https://chr.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Human-RIghts-Advisory-Right-to-Freedom-of-Movement-CHR-V-A2020-013.pdf). You can also some immigration policies under: Republic Act No. 7610 o ang Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. Immigration officers enforce strict procedures and regulations for departing travelers for several reasons. These reasons are generally based on the country's immigration and security policies: 

1. Illegal Migration Prevention: 
Immigration officers are tasked with preventing illegal migration, which could include individuals attempting to work or stay in another country without the necessary visas or permits. This is to ensure that people entering a country have the appropriate legal status. 

2. National Security: 
Countries have a responsibility to protect their national security by preventing individuals with potential criminal or terrorist affiliations from entering or leaving. Strict screening processes help identify individuals who might pose a security risk. 

3. Human Trafficking and Smuggling: 
Stricter immigration checks help combat human trafficking and smuggling by identifying and stopping individuals who might be coerced or deceived into illegal activities. 

4. Return Assurance: 
Immigration officers want to ensure that individuals leaving their country have the means to return. Immigration officers might ask about travel plans, return tickets, and financial resources to ensure that people won't end up stranded in another country. 

5. Visa Violation Detection: 
Individuals who have violated the terms of their visa, such as working without proper authorization, may be flagged by immigration officers during departure checks. 

6. Documentation Verification, Public Health and Safety, Bilateral Agreements, etc. 

Documents Needed to Avoid Being Offloaded in Philippine Immigration

Avoid Being Offloaded 
Here are some tips that Filipino travelers might consider to help prevent offloading: 

1. Complete and Updated Documents:
Make sure all required travel documents are complete, up-to-date, and valid, including your passport, visa (if applicable), return ticket, and other supporting documents. 

2. Clear Purpose of Travel: 

Be ready to provide clear and truthful information about your purpose of travel. Immigration officers often question travelers about their destination, duration of stay, and reason for going abroad. Be honest and consistent with your answers. 

3. Sufficient Financial Capacity
:
Show that you have enough funds to cover your travel expenses and stay abroad. This could include bank statements, credit cards, ITR or proof of sponsorship if applicable. 

4. Itinerary:

Have a detailed itinerary of your trip, including accommodation details, travel plans, and contact information of people you will be meeting abroad. 

5. Supporting Documents and Ties to the Philippines
:
If you're traveling for work or business purposes, have employment certificates, company IDs, business permits, or conference invitations as proof. If you're a student, provide enrollment certificates or school IDs. 

6. Confidence and Courtesy: 

Approach immigration officers with confidence and courtesy. Prepare for possible questions about your trip. Where are you headed? Why? How long will you stay? Confidence and concise answers are your travel buddies here. Answer their questions calmly and respectfully 

7. Stand Up for Your Rights:
You have rights as a traveler. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if things aren't clear. You're entitled to know why you're being held or questioned. 

Commonly asked questions by Immigration Officers:
*Why are you going to the <country>?
*Have you been to the out of Philippines before?
*Do you have relatives in <country>? 
*Who is going to sponsor your visit?
*Where will you stay in the <country>?
*What are you going to do in <country>?
*What is the purpose of your trip?
*Do you have return air tickets?
*How much is your budget from this trip?
*What places do you want to visit?
*How long will you stay in <country>?
*What is the guarantee that you will come back?
*What work do you do and what company?
*Did you take leave at your job? 

Remember that the role of immigration officers is to ensure that your travel is legal, safe, and compliant with regulations. Following these tips and being prepared can help increase your chances of a smooth departure without offloading issues.

Enjoy planning your international trip! 


QUICK LINKS:
Things to Do in Singapore: https://expedia.com/affiliate/ygVn7jL



Monday, August 14, 2023

How To Apply For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore

ABBEY: As a tourist going to Europe, we need to apply for Schengen Visa. Apply it to the country where you will be staying the most on your trip. We prepared the documents and booked a schedule in VFS Global (Visa Application Center) which costs SGD32 per person. Additional SGD130 per person for the actual visa. We paid both fees with a credit card. 

Be in the center on time. We were given a queue number after security check. Put your phone in silent mode and if possible do not use it while in there. 

Dress in casual fashion. Do not wear colored contact lenses. All is going well until we were asked about one of our accommodations. It turned out that our printed document didn’t show the dates of our stay. Mani, VFS staff, is kind enough to have it mailed to him and printed it out. After document processing came the photo session and finger printing. 

A total of additional SGD8 for miscellaneous services (printing, SMS notification service) were paid and we’re given a receipt. We were able to receive messages that our docs were forwarded to the embassy as well as it is ready for pickup (after 4 days). 

Be sure to bring the receipt along with you for passport collection. The process is smooth and seamless as if you’re being given a taste of warm hospitality waiting for you in Europe. 

How To Apply For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore
How To Apply For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore



WILL:  Documentation... This is the part that visa applicants should be really careful. So how do we fill up our application form? You can refer to below photo as sample. 

How To Fill Up Application Form For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore Page1
How To Fill Up Application Form For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore 

How To Fill Up Application Form For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore

How To Fill Up Application Form For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore

How To Fill Up Application Form For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore Page1

How To Fill Up Application Form For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore

How To Fill Up Application Form For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore


The next requirement you need to furnish is the itinerary. This will be checked against your printed hotel booking confirmation. 
How To Apply For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore - Travel Itinerary
How To Apply For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore - Travel Itinerary



On my case, I need a sponsorship’s letter. This is the format we used. Feel free to copy it. Please do remember that one application should be furnished for each person. 
How To Apply For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore - Sponsorship Letter
How To Apply For Schengen Switzerland Visa In Singapore - Sponsorship Letter


This is the link for the documents required for visa application according to travel purpose. We followed Temporary Visit for Sight-seeing For Single Entry and this is the list and we highlighted it in RED the documents that mostly of the applicants were lacking:  

Principal Visa Applicant:
1. One application form duly completed and signed.
2. Two (2) photographs no more than 6-months old, 35–40mm in width, white background.
3. Original passport or travel document valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Schengen area
4. Provide photocopy of the passport data page
5. Previous Schengen visas within last 3 years 
6. Valid USA/UK visas if available
7. Proof of legal residence valid at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen territory. Original plus 1 photocopy back and front of Employment Pass / Permanent Resident card and re-entry permit / Dependent Pass / Student Pass, showing validity (print-out of SG work pass app)
8. Original letter from the applicant's employer: confirming employment, duration of recruitment, status, income and upcoming leave. The original company letter (must be physically signed and stamped) must be submitted.
9. A booking for a round-trip airline ticket or printout of a flight reservation with the applicant’s name (final destination must be outside Schengen territory).
10. A travel itinerary including hotel/apartment reservations for the entire trip in the Schengen area. Train or bus tickets to be submitted for missing nights e.g. overnight train/bus.
11. Schengen travel/medical insurance with following coverage: 
       * Medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation for medical reasons, repatriation of mortal remains, for at least EUR 30’000;
       * Valid for entire Schengen area; 
       * Valid for entire duration of stay in the Schengen area.  A travel insurance explicitly excluding insurance benefits in relation with Covid-19 cannot be accepted.
12. Proof of the applicant's financial circumstances: Please submit complete detailed bank statements of the last 3 months with bank letterhead and the name of the account holder.
13. Tourist Visa Checklist
14. VFS Appointment Letter



Sponsored Visa Applicant:
1. One application form duly completed and signed.
2. Two (2) photographs no more than 6-months old, 35–40mm in width, white background.
3.Original passport or travel document valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Schengen area
4. Provide photocopy of the passport data page
5. Previous Schengen visas within last 3 years 
6. Valid USA/UK visas if available
7. Proof of legal residence valid at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen territory. Original plus 1 photocopy back and front of Employment Pass / Permanent Resident card and re-entry permit / Dependent Pass / Student Pass, showing validity (print-out of SG work pass app)
8. A booking for a round-trip airline ticket or printout of a flight reservation with the applicant’s name (final destination must be outside Schengen territory).
9. A travel itinerary including hotel/apartment reservations for the entire trip in the Schengen area. Train or bus tickets to be submitted for missing nights e.g. overnight train/bus.
10. Schengen travel/medical insurance with following coverage: 
       * Medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation for medical reasons, repatriation of mortal remains, for at least EUR 30’000;
       * Valid for entire Schengen area; 
       * Valid for entire duration of stay in the Schengen area.  A travel insurance explicitly excluding insurance benefits in relation with Covid-19 cannot be accepted.
11. Sponsor's Letter 
12. Sponsor's company/employment letter
13. Sponsor's passport copy
14. Sponsor's 3 months detailed bank statements
15. Original and Photocopy of Marriage Certificate 
16. Tourist Visa Checklist 
17. VFS Appointment Letter 


Please, please! Double check your documents specially the dates of hotel booking. VFS officers are keen in checking those against the intended number of nights in Schengen states. 


If you have question, you can just pm us in our facebook page! 
Happy Planning for your Europe Trip! 


***
Switzerland Visa Application Center - Singapore 
(H) 9:00am to 1:30pm 
(A) 135 Cecil Street 08-01 Philippine Airlines Building, 069536 
(T) +6531051693