Why the OEC (Balik-Manggagawa) Should Be Abolished

Note: This post is meant for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and has no direct relation to Japan. I'm posting this because I'm an OFW who sees no point for OEC. 

photo credit: http://polomuscatoman.weebly.com/how-to-get-an-oec.html

What is OEC? 

OEC stands for Overseas Employment Certificate. According to Pinoy-OFW:

"An Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a requirement under POEA Rules and Regulations to help ensure that Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) are properly documented and protected. This certificate, when presented at Philippine airports for outbound international flights, also exempts OFWs from travel tax and terminal fees normally charged to travelers."

The purpose of the OEC looks reasonable and noble on print. It's meant to "ensure proper documentation" and to "protect OFW's". It's even meant to exempt OFW's from travel tax and terminal fees. 

But this is only in print.

The Japanese School Lunch

The school lunch is one of the best things in Japanese schools. The food being served is healthy, well-balanced and affordable. The serving is very filling that I don't usually finish it.

photo credit: http://foodhitomih.blogspot.jp/2011/11/school-lunch.html

I'm thankful for the school lunch because I don't have to worry if I'm getting proper nourishment. The menu is prepared by a certified nutritionist. I also don't have the burden of thinking what food to prepare for school everyday. Other countries should consider adopting Japan's school lunch system.

How I Got an iPhone6

comic credits: http://ifabworld.blogspot.jp/2014/02/cartoon-strips-for-iphone.html

I felt tricked into buying an iPhone 6.

I know how the world awaited its release and how people braved the lines to have it. But I don't care about iPhone 6 at all. I don't care about Apple products actually. Though I've used an iPhone 5 for 2 years, I could easily be happy with other brands.

So why did I get an iPhone 6? I'm blaming it on the ridiculous marketing strategy of AU KDDI.

My story started 2 years ago in November when I signed a 2-year phone contract with AU. I was new in Japan and I needed a phone which I could use Google Map and Google Translate. My first phone in Japan, a simple black and white fliptop, charged about 6,000 Yen a month. It's just 2,000 Yen short for a smartphone so I decide to change it.

How Much Money to Visit Japan?

somewhere in Morioka, Iwate

How much will I spend when I visit Japan? 

I heard this question many times. I think people ask me either because they're really preparing for their trip or because they're thinking if they can afford it. Lots of people want to see Japan but there's a widespread perception that this place is expensive. 

Is Japan really an expensive place to visit?

I browsed through several blogs trying to answer this question. They're almost unanimous in saying that Japan's expensive if you compare it with other East Asian countries like Korea, China and the tropical countries in the South. However, Japan's considerably cheaper if you compare with Western European countries, the US, Australia and New Zealand.

What To Do When You Lost Your Bus Pass or Train Card?

Nice Pass (Hamamatsu's Bus Pass)
New Year, New Bus Card for Me!

I don't know if my bus card was stolen or if I just unknowingly dropped it. 

Last Friday on my way home, I lost my 2-year bus pass. I don't know really know what happened. I swiped it upon entering the bus. I took a nice nap on the bus then when I woke up, I can't find my bus pass. I searched my pockets, delved into my bags, hunted around my seat but my green bus pass was nowhere to be found. I kept looking and looking until the bus arrived at the station. I was the only passenger left, still madly scrambling for my pass. The driver took pity on me and helped me search around the bus. He just then told me to get off and go to the Lost and Found department of the station.