Life is all about waiting

Recently, I realize that I am always waiting for something. While at work, I wait for the break, I wait for the shift to end, I wait until I arrive home and take a restful sleep. The following day, I eagerly wait for my off from work. I am waiting for my husband to come home, I am waiting for the result of my exam. I always love to wait for my pay slip. I am waiting for our food to cook, I am waiting for the time to speak with my family.

After all the chores at work and at home, I enthusiastically wait, so I can have time to watch a movie, eat out with my husband and have a talk sensibly.

I can remember how I waited for our visa to arriv. Before that, I also waited for a response from the Canadian embassy regarding my application, then waited for next correspondence...then waited for our flight.

Few years step back, I waited for graduation, I waited for the Local Board Exam, I waited for the result. I wait and wait and wait. I wait for a vacation, for Christmas, for birthdays, for party, for all the rest of the celebrations throughout the year.

Looking back at the previous scenes of my journey, I come up with a conclusion that Life is all about waiting. We wait for our goal to be achieved, for our desires, for our needs and wants to be met. Throughout those waiting period, we expect something that will make us happy, we are always reaching for that deep core happiness.

It is a continuous cycle, once you have achieved something, a need or want met, there is another one waiting, or can also be simultaneous. And then again you will wait for it. It never ends.

They say that happiness that the world brings is temporary. That is why we still continue to search for something new that we believe would make us high spirited. I myself, worry most of the time, search for that positive emotion that the world brings, the satisfaction that achievement provide, enjoyment from what social and environmental aspect offer, and the physical attributes that give self confidence.

Beauty, travel, money, confidence, achievements, family, friends, security and so on. These are all that make us happy momentarily. I know that I miss the single most fact that provide endless contentment - Faith with God. I am happy with what, who, with whom, where I am right now, but I haven't felt the true happiness that what elderly religious people would talk about as I still worry most of the time - about the future. I still feel unsatisfied with the life that I have now, unsecured when I am walking by myself. The good thing is I am now working on it.

I'm labouring to search for that unbounded elation. I know it I won't happen instantly. Just like how we work hard to achieve our goals, we should also put effort on it so we can achieve this certain type of imperishable satisfaction.

This is what I am waiting for and I am doing my daily grind for it. Or maybe my previous goals, desires, wants and needs bring me to God. Without me knowing, God is also doing his part, to bring me closer to him. I am waiting.

ROLLER COASTER

A month has passed and I was not able to write a new blog. It has been a tremendous experience last month, my forth month here. I can say that it was like a roller coaster ride: ups and downs, twist and turn, shrill and thrill, laugh and cry.

First of the few reasons of being down- shrill and cry moment was I miss my home, my family, my friends - my old me. Back home, I can easily talk to anyone, I have my family, can talk to my mom and dad about anything instantly, I feel secure with them. Also, if I'm feeling dull and dreary, I can just tag a friend, hop a ride and be with them in a bar, resto or anywhere to drink and let hours pass by with laughter.

This is not the first time that I felt this as I've had felt gloomy on our second month here. But what adds more is my adjustment in work, that's my second reason. Nursing here is difficult. I can simply say its difficult. Why? Culture, Co workers, Procedures, Routines, Language..and so much more... Its mind boggling for me. I am the newbie! And you know how newbies are, you are the silent one, just listening to your co workers while they talk about things not familiar to you. You smile a little, laugh a bit, comment with a few words. Regarding procedures and routines, there are a lot and I am not familiar with it yet, so much to know, so much to do, there are immeasurable things to remember - its overwhelming! I just say what da? what will I do now? What's next? I see my self as an alive robot, just do this and do that. With communication, since English is my second language, I have to think first what I will say, translate it in English then express it verbally. Its not that easy for me. I experienced lost of words sometimes, thinking what is the correct term of what is in my thoughts.

Before, once hospital shifts are done, I would just sit and relax, watch my favorite show or movie until my eyes hurt, or drink with friends until before dawn. Now, I need to wash my own clothes, do the dishes, prepare food and do other domestic chores that my mothers does for me few months ago. I even realize how my mom sacrifice for me, hence I miss her more. There are moments that tears just fell and it has become my habit - to reminisce good old days back at home.

But basically, looking at a different perspective, my sentiments are so shallow, I know that I only feel this way because I experience a humongous change in my life. I am out from my safety net. I've been kicked out from my comfort zone. And with this situation, on the other side of my mind, I know I am learning a lot and is teaching me more about life. First, I learned humility. Second, my patience is being enhanced. Sharpened like a sword. Third, my family and my faith with God is getting stronger day by day, our communication with him is more constant now. Forth, me and my husband have a meaningful, hard rock, heavy metal relationship as we deal with difficult situations together. Fifth, I realize that I am a fighter because I didn't give up and I don't want to give up. This is my dream, though its hard I always tell my self that "I would not always be a newbie" Soon, I will be accustomed to my new life here and everything will flow just like the feathers, so light it goes through the wind that it provides comfort. I am creating my new comfort zone.

GETTING BETTER

I can't still believe what just happened to me this past few weeks. It felt like I was just dreaming.

My dream, that is to become an international Nurse, is happening! Three weeks after knowing the frustrating result of my CRNE, I received a call from the Health Region inviting me for an interview. I was so surprised. I didn't expect that they would still call as they prioritize local graduates and internal applicants. As what others say, its difficult to land in a government position.

I was then interviewed and it went well. It was just an informal one, it was like a snap, asked me situational questions and hola, you may start the soonest date after your orientation. If I'm not conscious at that time, my mouth would just drop with both eyes wide and say "Are you serious?". After the interview, the manager, who interviewed me took me to a trip within the unit and introduced me to the team, telling them that I will start soon. "Oh is this really happening?" "Wake me up" "I just can't believe this" were the thoughts that I have at that moment. I just smiled and shook hands with them. I even thought of dancing in front of them or taking the hand of the manager and do a waltz dance with him. I was really overwhelmed. My dream is coming true.

For another week, I waited for the next correspondence with the Health Region. Because of my surprise after the interview, I was unsure if they would give me a part time or a full time position. The only words that lingered to my ears then were "you may join the next orientation". But I don't really care if it is permanent, temporary, casual or full time. As long as it is a Graduate Nurse position, I am glad and really thankful for the opportunity. To land in a related career for a new migrant, in just a short span of time, is such a blessing already, what more can I ask for. Even a casual position as a Graduate Nurse would be really appreciated as it will give me a great chance to learn the routine and standards of nursing practice of Canada. Practising actual nursing will help me pass the exam. Also, I'll have access to the hospital library for the needed review materials. Not only that it will provide assistance for the test, but it will also increase my chance of landing a better position in the future as they say - you just need to put my one foot in and the rest will follow.

The waiting time has ended when I opened the envelope which contained the job offer. When I saw the words, Temporary FULL TIME Graduate Nurse position, valid until I have passed the exam, my heart started to pump harder and faster. My body trembled. At that moment, it seems the time has stopped. I didn't hear any sound, the typed words seems to be bold and got bigger when I read it. Its like in a cartoon that the letters just circled and danced around my head. When I had the opportunity alone, I jumped up and down like a kid, and said "Thank you so much, Lord". I cried.

Graduate Nurse is the one who works to deliver care with clients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. I will be assigned in one of the biggest hospitals here in Saskatchewan. This is just what I need, physically, mentally and financially. Indeed, God knows it even if we don't ask for it. Again, God gave me more than what I asked for. Now I know why he didn't answered my prayer with my recent exam, Indeed, he has better plans. Everything gets even better with God.

JOB SEARCH and JOB INTERVIEW

New migrants in any country will face a lot of difficulties. One of these is finding a job. When we were on that period, I felt that I was a newly graduate, though equipped with relevant experiences, I do not feel confident as employers, based from what others say, want candidates with professional experience gained in Canada. But when you're already here you shouldn't give insecurity a chance to put you down. The day after my exam, the CRNE, I immediately applied for jobs.

I didn't look for job postings online yet as I want to experience dropping by resumes to prospective employers. Thanks to my husband and the car which was lent to us by one of our angels, my goal for that day was achieved. I was able to visit five longterm care facilities within the city. Not only that I personally saw the institutions, my communication skills were practiced.

I was so excited yet also experienced a sense of panic when I was called for an interview. Oh no, interview was my weakness! Take note - its a past tense. Before, every time I think that I will be interviewed, I'll pace, get sweaty palms, became tachycardic. I would practice what I will say, what would be my response and even wrote every thing that I need to say then memorize it. But after I underwent to numerous interviews here, the answers that I practiced were never asked. I got to hold of myself and realize that interview process is just like having a casual conversation to employers. The questions being asked were all related to my professional experience. And I can easily answer it. One thing that also helped me was these videos http://www.youtube.com/user/BrianKrueger

Since I came here, I become an internet geek, searching everything that I don't know through the internet. Because of that curiosity and wanting to improve myself as a new me, I found that videos. I highly recommend that link if you have an interview phobia. As they say, "practice makes perfect" which is the phrase that I so love now because its really accurate.

After each interview, I learned to show the correct etiquette of thanking the interviewers, which I have never done back in the Philippines. Here's the link www.quintcareers.com/sample_thank-you_letters.html that I use which assist me in making thank you letters. Ofcourse, I do not just copy paste whats in there. I highly suggest that you put some personal touch to your letter. The letters provided on that site would just serve as a guide.

I am always pushed to my limit. The experiences that I encounter here make me a person with an improving character. Because of the job search process, I have had overcome one of my weaknesses - the interview. Now, everything is a challenge for me. As one goal is achieved, another one is waiting from the long list. I realized now that my life goes on with a lot of obstacles and struggles and the response that I make on each of those difficulties enable me to know who I really am, what I really want in life and identify how to make the necessary steps to achieve it.

RESPONSIBLE = Response + Able. As humans, we are able to respond to what's in front of us, and decide what kind of response is the best.

PDOS important info (late entry)

After booking for a flight and done with packing in half, We went to attend the PDOS, thats Pre Departure Orientation Seminar, which is required for all migrants. So, If you will attend PDOS, here are some valuable advice:

1. The day before your intended date, do the ff:

• Visit this click here
• Accomplish the forms and print it, you may also print it blank, then fill it up..parang initial application form sa CIO

- Sa Suffix pag wala put N/A or dash

- You need to have an address in Canada as well as contact number

- Your visa number is below its validity date which indicates "document no."

- If you are presently unemployed, check self employed, then write your profession/business

- If you are not petitioned and you are the principal applicant, put a diagonal line across the box and write "PRINCIPAL APPLICANT"

- For your spouse and dependent/s, the principal applicant will be the petitioner. The date of migration is the year of your intended departure, like in my case its 2011. For the citizenship status, its still "Filipino".

• Arrange the following in order:

Passport size photo

Duly accomplished registration form

Photocopy of visa

Photocopy of passport

Photocopy of COPR

Note: Staple it on the left side all at once then insert it in your passport.

2. Be sure to arrive there around 5:30-6:30 am to ensure registration.

Others who went there at around 7:00 to 7:30 am were advised to accomplish forms and return the next day, that's according to a man next to me when I attended, he's also a registrant, but I guess it varies. We arrived there at around 6:20 am, Im the 23rd, I guess.

3. Present your Id at the front desk, just one for each family is enough, bound to Canada is given a green client id.

4. Now, here's the most important part. If you are early and you have already prepared the night before, you don't need to be bothered filling up the form there.. Dont worry if the form that you have is different from theirs, the details are the same.

What you should do is sit on the non-back bench, infront ha and on the RIGHT side, wag ka sa bandang left upo, kasi pang US un.. Basta lahat ng bound to Canada sa RIGHT.. pero kung may nakaupo na sa harap then choose the second or third, or just follow your line, make sure that only one member of your family carries all the prepared docs and is to be seated on that bench, the rest may sit on the white monoblock chairs, dun sa may writing tables. In that case, maganda na pwesto mo. :)

5. Then uusad na pila mga 7:30, start na assessment nila, mabilis lang din naman, and after nung review, payment na, then pede ka muna kumain while waiting for the seminar.

Mga 9 pa seminar. In our case, tapos na kami magparegister ng 8, kumain muna kami then we returned after. Make sure kumain ka, lalo na kung late ka kasi magugutom ka dahil once start na ng seminar, hangang 12 noon na kayo don

They will inform you naman what to do, but its better if you are prepared diba..

Enjoy PDOS!!!

FAILURES ARE BLESSINGS TOO

I believed I have to post this so you may be inspired with my sad news. What is inspiring with a sad news, Mich? Well, on July 12, 6 weeks after my CRNE, I officially received a letter from SRNA informing me that I failed! I got 111 and the passing was 112. Oh how frustrating is that?

Yes it is for me because on that moment, me and my husband have to revise our plan though we have anticipated the positive as well as the negative outcome, it's still disappointing. But life must go on and its not a nightmare. And I know the fact about the stages of grief, the DABDA, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

Since I have already acknowledge that it was not a nightmare and I don't want to prolong it by undergoing through the grief stages, I have to act fast. Time is on our side and the longer that I contemplate on my failure, the more money we will loose. I gather myself and thought that it did happen for the best because God has better plans for us, that only He knows the reason for letting things happen even if did hurt us. That night, I filled up the registration form for the next available date then I opened the fundamentals of Nursing and I started to review again. The following day, I search for a job over the internet because I have until the next two weeks to register for the exam and I need money for that. Its hard but I can and yes I will because God is with us.

Well, indeed, it gave us life lessons that we really need - to strive for excellence, more patience, determination, perseverance, confidence and belief that we can! Another rationalization that we have figured out was- we are already here in Canada, we are already here in our dream, what happened was just somehow like wrinkles in our clothes that can still be straighten out. And that there's another goal to reach.

Whenever I fall, I always try to remember the words of a father to his son in a running competetion after the child stumbled and fell a couple of times -
"GET UP AND WIN THAT RACE"

For whatever reason, if you don't try to move, you'll not reach anyting. So keep on trying. Keep on believing that all our goals will be met, we just need to wait. As what they say, Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can — working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!

HOW MUCH?

Finally, I have time to update you guys again, I've been busy lately. Anyway, here it goes. Just before I start to click the "new blog", I wondered what would I write because I was so excited it seems that I have a lot of things to update you. Well, I just thought that you'll need to know how much we spent for our first month. I know that the first and second month with your new life here will be very crucial, so I'd like to share our expenses with you. Interestingly, as I am a very spend thrift person, and you might say OC again, I did write every single penny that we spent here during our first month. That is to determine how much we need to earn, how much salary we need to get in order to survive here.

The first few items that we bought were cereals, milk, bread, tuna, banana, eggs, cooking oil and spam. Take note that when we buy our necessities, we look at the price first.haha funny isn't it? Yes it is because although we have enough money in our bank account now, we need to spend it wisely as we do not know how many months we'll live here initially without a job.

When we arrived at the grocery store, we were very overwhelmed because, of course, the brands were different from ours, its like I want to buy everything as all looks inviting, it's new to my eyes (I want to taste everything, my eyes got bigger like in cartoons)! But the problem was they do not have sachets here, Oh no! my budget! (I was thinking of my budget but I don't really know how much was my budget was) Unlike there in the Philippines, you'll go to the groceries, you have Php 1-3k in your purse and when you only need a small amount of what you need, it can be bought in retails. Here, everything was new including the prices, so no specific budget at first. In addition since we were not familiar with the new items, we became hesitant to purchase it. Where are the patis, toyo, bawang, mix sauces, sinigang mix... How can I cook adobo, menudo, afritada, caldereta, sinigang? Oh where are the ingredients located? Oh Oh Oh.. Where are those commodities that I am familiar with. We kept looking but to no avail. Then I said, ok I can't cook my fave menu at the moment, we have to settle for something else.

So what we did was to buy the food that can be eaten easily


What were those and how much does it cost here:

Cereals = $2-4
Milk = $2-3/L
Eggs = $2-4, 6 pcs
Yellow Corn = $.60 each
Apples = $1-2, 6 pcs
Strawberries = $1.88-2.00, small container (I guess its half kilo)
Bananas = 1.17-2.00, 3 pcs
Brocolli = $1-2 (isang bilog..haha I'm not really a grocery lady)
Onions = $.50, 2 pcs small
Tomatoes = $3.07, 3 pcs big
Baby carrots = $3-5, good for 3-4 cooking(2 persons)
Potatoes = $2-3, 4-5 pcs small
Rice = $4-5, 1/4 kilo
Tuna = .80 each
Wheat Bread = $1.6 - 3.00 , per loaf
Chicken thighs = 10-15, 8 pcs
Meat,pork belly = 10-15, 1 lb


Oh I got bored while specifying that. We also bought pizza, chocolates, condiments and other food to nibble with. To make the long list short, we have incurred $80-90 with our first grocery. It did last for one week and a couple of days, take note that we are only two, just me and my husband and I am a small eater. So in a month our food and grocery expense costs from $300 - 450, with in between purchases.

How about our transportation? Since we have a car, we gas it up for $40/week it
usually lasts upto two weeks. I'm not really good in computing it in per liter use, so lets say that we incur $250 during our first month because its the period of discovering the city and applying for a job too, I dropped off my resumes to the private homes here which do not have job postings online. The $250 cost includes our bus expense as we also use bus service in betweens. Bus fare costs $2.50 each ride, $20.00 good for 10 rides, but a commuter has a choice to pay $62.00/month for an unlimited ride. The $2.50 is good for one way, but you don't need to pay if you make a transfer, that is if you are still within the city you can ask for a transfer ticket, or if you have your bus card, it will not deduct another ride as long as your not going home yet, I guess the card can determine your route. Indeed, its much cheaper when you take the bus here, the problem is - it waste your time. Going to a specific place here can take you only 15 minutes, but with a bus ride it'll be 40-60 minutes because of their routes and has numerous stops, still it depends on the distance but it usually takes you to your destination three to four time longer with a bus.

Communication is another expense you will incur here. That was the first one that we have prioritized also. We applied immediately for a cellphone line. I highly suggest for you to get a prepaid one first, don't be lured with the phone company promotions here with freebies. Because as what we have experienced here, they have hidden charges, the incoming calls are also deducted from your free voice minutes, the caller id has a payment as well as the voice mail. Those features are free in our country, but here oh no no no no!, everything is billed to you. If you will apply for a line, clarify first the service, canvass for the best wireless network with the cheapest rates, ask for the company's credibility if its really reliable and don't apply for a one with a binding contract of two to three years. You can do that if you are earning, but initially I highly suggest to settle for the minimal one, the prepaid lines. Then after a few weeks, if you have canvassed and decided to apply, then go for it. At least you have had few days to think about it.

The reason that I advice you those was because we became so eager to have a cellphone line, we immediately applied for it from one of the popular wireless network here, they gave us 2 blackberry units which were free and a free PS3 too, the plan was only $50.00 per line, so it'll $100 for both of us. The plan comes with shared 500 free voice minutes, unlimited networking, unlimited talk between us and you can choose five numbers which you can call for unlimited also. We just paid $200.00 initially, for the security deposit, which they said will refund to us after one year. After a month, there came our bill, I was shocked at first as it went to $181.93, we complained, the staff told us that there were just adjustments and it will reflect on our next bill. Then came our second bill, it was $308.13 Holy ca molly!! That was when we discovered that the incoming calls, voice mail, caller id were being charged which they didn't explained to us. I complained again, wrote a letter, days passed, then came nothing. Our line was disconnected for two weeks, we cannot make outgoing call, but we can still receive incomings. Then came the day that they cut the incomings too... that was when I got really pissed off because I was expecting interview calls and employers correspondence with us. I immediately called the customer service, which you still need to queue for long. I told them I want to discontinue their service and I am willing to pay the termination fee. They told me it was $400.00 each line and units, I responded that its ok for me than being annoyed and dismayed for three years. I was then transfered to a different dept twice, then to a customer relations for retentions. I explained everything that I cannot pay the $300+ present bill, that I am a new immigrant, that I am looking for a job and their service was not reliable, that they have hidden charges, that I wasn't informed as such blah blah blah. I really aired my anger and frustrations with them. At the end, the person at the other end of the phone gave me a great deal, she reduced my $300 bill down to $180, gave me unlimited incoming calls, free voice mail, free caller id, free 10 numbers for unlimited call, and retain the other free services that I am presently receiving which includes unlimited social networking. I was relieved by that. She assured me that our bill every month will just be $120.00 including taxes, if it goes beyond that I can complain again. That's the customer service that I have been waiting for! Now, our lines were back, lets see next month if this will still give me a pain or else I will transfer with other company.

Ok that was a very long story, I guess. What else are the usual expenses here? I've already mentioned the food, communication, and transportation. Oh the house rent expense. Well, initially we stayed at Wascana Rehab Center - Hostel, hence we paid the lowest price that you can think of, its just $475.00 for one month with free of utilities - water, heat, electricity. With complete appliance that we need for cooking. Then after three weeks, we were not able to complete the four weeks stay, we found a free house. What did you just say - a free house?!! Is that possible? Yes, we are presently living in a house worth $1,000 rent. Then why is it free? Well, we need to look after a 93 year old woman, who's alone in her house. She's ambulatory, can do every activities of daily living but needs assistance in cleaning her house, laundry and food preparation. We had an agreement with her daughter to try if for a month, she will provide the food for her mother and pay all the utilities(water,heat,power) that will be incurred except our food. Isn't that a great deal. Surely, it is. Thank you Lord again. You really are with us, guiding and helping us to adjust here. Graces to you Oh Lord.


So, to sum it all up, We have incurred $2,200+ during our first month here:

Dine out = $140.00
Groceries $450.00
Lodging = $475.00
Communication = $415.00 (including calls to PH)
Gas/transpo = $290.00
Clothes = $193.00 (little shopping with addtl basic needs, clothing)
Incidental exp = $248.00 (libot exp, church donations, gifts, parking fine, etc.)

I hope that our next month's expense will be lower. I'd be glad to update you with that also.

Always here,

Thrifty and blessed lady :)

MY APPROACH TO THE CRNE

I won't forget the date May 25th, that's six days after we arrived here in Regina, SK. That was the day when we received two extravagant blessings - Job offer for my husband and a car for free of use.


What happened After that?


I focused on my exam, the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination, which I wrote on June 1, while my husband still looked for a better opportunity through the internet, and in between those dates, we would go out and explore our new city.

It was a heap of relief when I finished the test. When I was answering the questions, I just imagine myself in the actual situation and were given four choices of actions. I encountered questions that were really different from our practice, so I just try to visualize it and chose the letter my mind and my heart told me. After I handed out my test paper to the invigilator and left the hotel, I felt as if have just finished an entire shift of duty. Oh dear Lord, thank you because It was over. I know you have given me the guidance that I need and you we're with me. I know your plans for me.

Me and my husband celebrated after the exam, we dined out and ate at one of the buffet restaurants here. It costs about $9-11 each for an eat-all-we-can lunch. I guess the price was really cheap as I convert it again to our currency, like what I always do and I can't help it not to. Well, its not from a five-eight star restau though, Its just a simple Asian buffet but the food were sumptuous. The place is called Glitters.

Oh I almost remember that I still wasn't able to post what I have promised you, the price list of various goods. Don't worry, I'll find time to do it later in my upcoming posts.

SOME QUESTIONS YOU HAVE IN MIND

For those who already have PPR, that's PassPort Request, and visa on hand, you may want to consider reading this as you might feel very anxious of just about anything.

I would like to emphasize that every province here in Canada differs, hence my suggestions may not be relevant to you, but its good to know the facts that I have encountered so far as it can also be very useful to you. Again, as a reminder, I am here in Saskatchewan.


1. PHOTOCOPY/NOTARIZED OF DOCUMENTS

I suggest that you have your documents photocopy with short bond paper only. In my case, I used long bond papers to some docs. When I submitted resume, its better if the attachments are of the same size with your resume, though not required.

Three copies will be sufficient since you can also do that here, in the library, at the open door society and Service Canada, though it costs 10-15 cents/page, it can save you space in your luggage. For me as a nurse, the most important photocopies that I have used so far were:

- College Diploma
- RN Registration Certificate

Other documents such as birth/marriage certificate, TOR, RLE, Cert of passing/Rating, etc were not relevant in my applications here. Take note that I was already assessed by the board of nursing before I got here, so I am talking of the importance of photocopies with job hunt. My husband only applied through the internet, hence even printed resume were not needed.

NOTARIZED COPIES were not required from me, so don't waste your money for that, you can spend your money for more important stuff.


2. WHAT WILL I DO ON OUR FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS? WHERE TO GO?

If you don't have relatives or friends at your destination, search the places that you will need to go and how to get there. Remember that the key here is planning.

What and where are those places?

- Open door society
- Service Canada Center (SIN application)
- Health Registration Office (For Health Card)
- Nearest Bank
- Nearest supermarket/groceries
- Nearest library (print and computer needs)

Where are those located? You can visit http://www.canpages.ca/ where you can see the actual road/streets and establishments, just click the street view after searching what you want.

3. TO APPLY OR NOT TO APPLY FOR A JOB NOW

When I left the Philippines, I felt that I am not really prepared to go here as I still have a lot of things in my mind that I was not able to do. And I believe that the most important was to apply for a job while still there. But when I got here, I realize it was not much a concern because you should establish first your identity here, know the places and attend to your basic needs first before searching for a job. But it is really an advantage if you will land here with a job waiting for you. Hence, my answer is, if you have enough time, search the internet and spread out your resume, you are blessed if you arrive here with an interview appointment or a job offer. Just appreciate how blessed you are to land as a PR with a job offer. :)


4. WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE THERE

This will answer also, what will I wear for the trip. It may be cold there, it may be hot, it may be raining.. So to subtract another worry, visit this site:

http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html


So far, these were the issues that I have before I went here. I will add some more if I remember them.

ESSENTIALS

Now that few days have passed, I realize one by one the things that I should have brought:

1. Shopping bag – each plastic bag for your groceries will be charged to you.
2. Century Tuna – just 3-4 cans, sayang din kasi ung $4-5 dollars kung pede naman madala.
3. Food Storage - We usually cook everything in one day then we just reheat it.
4. Moisturizer – I bought only one olay, I should have brought a lot. when you are here and still not earning, you just don’t want to spend the money you are carrying.
5. Sinigang sa sampaloc mix – Yung dala kong nam nam sulit sakin, yeah there are a lot in Filipino stores but bring whatever you can for a few weeks consumption.
6. Zip lock – Sana dinala ko ung natira..marami abubot, para ndi nakakalat, izip lock nyo nalang..

The following are the things that I have brought which are really useful:

1. Salinase – nose lubricant..Sniff ang brand. My nose dries up easily with lil blood stain.. After two weeks saka nawala, nakapagadjust na siguro ilong ko.
2. Eye lubricant – Dahil sa lamig, nakakadry talaga with discomfort feel, Genteal and brand. It costs about P300+
3. Umbrella – There are days na maulan dito kasi, the weather is unpredictable, it rains, it shines, its cold!
4. Ballpens – I brought about 20 pcs, sayang din naman..
5. Socks – I invested worth 2k of socks, lagi ako nakasocks dito, summer na pero malamig parin. Make sure to buy thermal socks too.
6. Powder soap – for the first few weeks of laundry. But later on, I noticed that most washing machines are only compatible with liquid detergent, so better bring liquid detergent instead.
7. Conditioner!! – My hair easily dries considering the temp here.. Bring a lot females! Much better, If you can bring hot oil creams and treatments for first few months of use..
8. Petroleum Jelly – I put it all over my lips and my feet every day and every night..
9. CV sample from CIIP – our pattern that we have used here.
10. Leggings/Jogging pants – I use these as my pambahay, hindi ko pa kaya magshorts then. Pero just now, since the sun is so hot, I am wearing a skirt.
11. Interview clothes – I use these as panglibot too.