"When in doubt, eat Tapsilog"

Haha, that's my attempt in being funny today.  (Tapsilog is a popular Filipino breakfast, a plate of marinated beef with fried rice and sunny side up egg)

I will be honest. My friend, the repatriation blues has re-visited me quite often lately. 

Sometimes I wonder, what if I had the chance to warn myself in 2015 before leaving Dubai and coming home to the Philippines for good? These are the words I'm going to tell her:

Dear Self,

We could just dream, can we?  Opening our cupboards and they would be loaded with items we have grown to love while living abroad. 

Living in a country raining with balikbayan boxes (care packages) sent by family and friends abroad, I have had my fair share of stuffing a super jumbo box while I was living in the Middle East with items I bought during pay day. I packed the box and made sure each space and cranny was meticulously occupied. Shipping it gives one a great feeling, once it is completely full. 

The greatest reward is to see their smiling faces once they receive the box, for the satisfaction that our hard earned money made our families happy back home.

If you look closely at this picture, each tree, wildflower and natural element was created uniquely. Each has a distinct quality and a purpose. When they are all combined together, a beautiful masterpiece is formed. The absence of one will affect the overall essence, beauty, function and composition. The balance shifts. 

After years of reflection and hard experiences, I gather, this is what life is all about. We all have a role to play. 

Harry S. Truman once quoted, “There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”  What a wonderful world this would be if we all combine our talents for the social good. Imagine a world where we'll help each other reach our fullest potential. 

A choice we always need to make, to dance and convene with what life has in store for us, or connive to create havoc for personal gain.

Sadly, the first option isn't always the case. Ruthless egoistic greed exists out there. 

I always believe that life  keeps a record of every thing and no one really gets away with anything.

Familiar with the law of karma, the law of cause and effect?

There's always a price to pay for every deed that no Hail Marys and penance at the confessional can erase. It's inescapable.

I was privileged to have witnessed as a third party spectator countless consequences that swept over acquaintances and enemies who took advantage of others.

How unexplainable misfortune beyond their control met them, in different aspects of their lives in an unexpected fashion,, despite all of their careful planning.  

"Time & Circumstances can change at any time. Don't de-value or hurt anyone in life. You may be powerful today. But remember, time is more powerful than you."

What we sow is what we reap indeed. 

For this path leads to happiness and fulfillment. 

A road less traveled because it requires strength and courage to do good and be good.

Cheers to a beautiful life.

Love & light,

Arni

240 km south of Amman

Dramatic Entrance to the City, through the Siq

Al Khazneh, The Treasury at Petra

Gateway to the Treasury

Inside the Treasury

Our Group Photo

Great Temple, Petra

Royal Tombs

Visas
Do Filipinos need visas in Jordan? Yes.  This can be done through Jordan Consulate in Manila.

Requirements as follows:

• Valid Philippine Passport (not less than 6 months validity)
• Photocopy of Philippine Passport (bio page and pages with immigration stamps)
• 1 Visa Application form, completed and signed (this can be obtained at the Jordan Consulate in Manila)
• Two (2) recent Passport Size Photographs
• Confirmed Return Air Ticket (Manila to Amman, Return to Manila). Stopovers in Israel will cause a delay in your application
• Copy of Hotel Reservation
• Proof of Financial Support (Bank Documents)
• Non-refundable Visa Application Processing Fee.  

*The above information is subject to change. Please contact the Consulate for updates.

What to Wear