Little Miss Honey

A Lifestyle Blog about living an inspired life through travel, food discoveries and books

EXPAT DIARIES: AMBER, AMERICAN BLOGGER IN THE PHILIPPINES

by 3,223 Comments

(Wikipedia) ‘An Expatriate (often shortened to Expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country other than that of their citizenship. The word comes from the Latin terms ex (“out of”) and patria (“country, fatherland”).

This blog aims to discover people who are Expats or I would often call it, adventurers like me, venturing out in a new place to call home and creating memories. I have previously lived with my parents and siblings in the Saudi Arabia when I was in high school. I have enjoyed and cherished my memories the beautiful Sandbox I once called my home. Now, I am in a new adventure with my husband and two sons living here in Singapore.

I am featuring expats in different countries  to share their experiences and adventures with you and me. I love listening to thier unique adventures.

I am excited to introduced our featured expat for this month. Meet Amber Folkman, an American blogger of AMommabroad, who is having more fun in the Philippines with her family. Let’s get to know more about her.

___________________________________

 1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are originally from?

Hello! I am Amber Folkman and I am an expat from Seattle living in Manila. I grew up in California but we lived in Seattle for a number of years before making the jump to the Philippines.

Expat in ManilaPhoto Credit: www.instagram.com/amommabroad

2. What made you move to Philippines? How long have you been there?

My husband Jake had traveled to Manila for work and pitched the idea to his boss to just move us there instead of all the traveling. They went for it and we have lived here since 2009, with a short stint back in Seattle for my husband to attend graduate school.

3. What do you miss about your home country?

That is actually a difficult question for me to answer. I miss my family but to be honest, I only ever saw my siblings and cousins once a year to begin with which is the same now. I miss the family time for my kids to be with their cousins and aunts and uncles. We actually have never had that to begin with so I am not sure if miss is the right word but a ‘longing for’ for those interactions. I miss Trader Joe’s quite a bit.

4. What are the wonderful discoveries and things you like about in the Philippines?

Oh my gulay, where do I begin? I love the markets for handicrafts and palengkes. I love the access to nature, take your pick of the mountains or the beach or a few hours away. I am now a kakanin addict. I cannot get enough kakanin. Suman, espasol, pinipig, karioka- you name it, I love it. Most of all, I love the people. Their smiles reflect the endless summer felt here, another plus. I love their friendliness and cheer.

5.  I love your humor! Hahaha! Oh my gulay! You will fit right in with Filipinos. What are the 3 tips you can give to fellow expats in Manila or those you planning to move there?

Expectations. Expect traffic. Expect certain groceries to be expensive. Expect harsh smells. Expect a few blunders in terms of culture.

Eat the food! Find a friend who knows your palette and try everything you can. A Filipino menu can be intimidating but as soon as you find a foundation for certain sauces or dishes you can expand.

Make friends with lokal Filipinos. This is your bridge to longevity and happiness in the Philippines. Once you make friends the language will come, the food becomes familiar, you learn the culture and they know where all the good stuff.

6. The LITTLE MISS HONEY community gets inspired through travel, food and books. Can you tell us your current FAVORITE TRAVEL SPOT, current FAVORITE FOOD/RESTAURANT DISCOVERIES & current FAVORITE BOOK?

My favorite travel spot is definitely Punta Fuego. We go down there once a month. It’s easy because of the drive and we cook a lot of our meals in our rental. Since it is a private community there aren’t a lot of people. You have access to a great beach, great pools and the 2.5 hour drive cannot be beat.

My favorite restaurant of the moment is SOUV, a new greek restaurant by Chef Robby Goco who also runs Cyma. Their frozen greek yogurt is to die for!

I recently devoured the Firebird Series by Claudia Gray. I also highly recommend her book Lost Stars if you also love youth romance and are a nerd, it is set in the Star Wars realm!

7. Where do you get your inspirations? Who or what inspires you?

Color inspires me. I am drawn to simple bold backgrounds and lots of pops of bright color. I went crazy in Batanes over Pacita Abad’s art work.

I really love textiles as well. They are tangible color but tell a story and serve a purpose. I have a particular affection for the Inabel weave. I almost can’t pass one up.

8. Share with my readers more about your blog. What is it about?

I blog about life in Manila and looking for the positive. I have an umbrella of topics but most of my favorites have to do with family focused activities. I love sharing about nature and where to go to feel connected to the earth or arts.

9. What are your 3 favorite Filipino dishes?

As I mentioned earlier, I am a kakanin addict although it is not a dish.

– Merienda with tsokolate tablea, ginger tea paired with pandesal, kesong puti or suman

– Sinigang na Hipo

– Adobo Kang Kong also.

11. Where are your recommended travel spots and places to hang-out  in the Philippines with your family and friends?

I love our access to museums! There are so many museums, not just in Manila. I am partial to Pinto Art Museum, the National Museums and Quezon City Experience. I love the mountains of Antipolo. I recently ventured to Masungi Georeserve and couldn’t believe the unreal beauty. That place is a treasure. Rizal has so much to offer and is so close! I also love anywhere near UP Las Banos. The Makiling Gardens are a sight to behold and don’t miss the dairy on campus. Just a short ways away is San Pablo which again, is another treasure trove. Lake Pandin, Cafe Lago, the 7 lakes, so much to explore!

12. I am sure you know a lot of Tagalog words and phrases by now. Can you give us one Tagalog sentence for my Filipino and non-Filipino followers to read?

Mahal ko ang Pilipinas! Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas!

Hay naku si children!

13.  I think you are adorably cute, haha! Lastly, can you share with what is your inspirational mantra in life?

It changes but lately this part of my journey has been to focus on the good and find the everyday magic.

—————–

Thank you Amber to showering a ray of sunshine with your positive outlook in life and finding joys in everything you see. I wish you more fun and adventure in the Philippines.

For more of Amber, check out her blog: Amommabroad.com and follow her instagram: Amommabroad.

If you are an expat or know any expats who are interested to be featured, drop me a line at littlemisshoneyblog@gmail.com.”

Comments

  17. I am no longer positive where you are getting your information, but great topic.I needs to spend a while studying much more or understanding more.Thanks for wonderful information I used to be searchingfor this information for my mission.

  22. Your method of explaining everything in this paragraphis in fact fastidious, every one can without difficulty be aware of it,Thanks a lot.

  43. Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!

  44. Thanks , I have just been searching for information about this topicfor a long time and yours is the greatest I have discovered till now.However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you positive in regards to the source?

  50. erectile on demand reviewserectile dysfunction remediesdoes erectile dysfunction come on suddenlydoes erectile dysfunction cause depression

  53. What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist different users like its aided me. Great job.

  63. A motivating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you need to publish more on this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but generally folks don’t talk about such issues. To the next! All the best!!

  92. I am now not sure the place you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or working out more. Thanks for fantastic info I used to be on the lookout for this information for my mission.

  95. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.Is there any way you can remove people from that service?Bless you!

  107. I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I really hope to see the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal blog now

  130. I have read so many posts on the topic of the blogger lovers except this piece ofwriting is in fact a pleasant article, keep it up.

  136. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return. learn more

  149. There is noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made certain good factors in options also.

  155. I’m really impressed with your writing talents and also with the layout for your blog.Is this a paid theme or did you customize it your self?Anyway keep up the excellent high quality writing, itis rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays..

  157. It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you just shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  160. Very well written article. It will be supportive to everyone who usess it, including yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – for sure i will check out more posts.

  162. Hi just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few ofthe images aren’t loading correctly. I’m notsure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in twodifferent browsers and both show the same outcome.

  167. I want to to thank you for this great read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it. I have got you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…

  179. Hello! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!

  199. 938205 560676Hi there, just became aware of your blog via Google, and discovered that it is truly informative. Ill be grateful in the event you continue this in future. Lots of individuals will benefit from your writing. Cheers! 599090

  231. This is the first stage in actively questioning formerly subconscious choices. You may store for poker cards from the local store. Poker cash is precisely the purpose why you have performed poker in the first location.

  246. What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon thisI have discovered It positively useful and it has aided me out loads.I’m hoping to give a contribution & help other customers like its aided me.Good job.

  254. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thanks a lot!

  336. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you might be a greatauthor. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back down the road.I want to encourage you to continue your great writing, have a nice evening!

  361. Usually I don’t learn post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to check out and do it! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great post.

  371. Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  377. It’s really a nice and helpful piece of info.I am happy that you simply shared this helpful info with us.Please keep us up to date like this. Thankyou for sharing.

  379. When someone writes an paragraph he/she retains the image ofa user in his/her mind that how a user can understand it.Thus that’s why this post is great. Thanks!

  399. It’s hard to find well-informed people in this particular topic, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  439. I think the admin of this website is genuinely working
    hard in favor of his website, because here every information is quality based stuff.

  457. Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  458. Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?

  469. The player who’s got all understanding of the game winseach individual video game and has some most effective gun poresand skin and characters is named PRO Participant.Free Fire Account Free 2021 Garena Accounts And PasswordFree Fire Account Free

  547. Useful information. Fortunate me I discovered your website by
    chance, and I’m shocked why this coincidence didn’t happened in advance!
    I bookmarked it.

    as 40bh
    how many cups in a pot of coffee
    my toro lawn mower won t start
    bullshooter galaxy 3
    steamed milk machines
    crossfit med ball workouts
    pro dart board
    commercial bunn coffee maker
    how to clean a bunn coffeemaker
    breville bes900xl dual boiler semi automatic espresso machine

    my web site; 1900ts bonavita

  556. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the page layout
    of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of
    content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two images.

    Maybe you could space it out better?
    https://comprarcialis5mg.org/it/comprare-spedra-avanafil-senza-ricetta-online/
    http://www.bsfotografia.com/index.php/es/tokonoma/las-324-fotos-llegan-a-kianyaga-kenya
    spedra 200 mg prezzo in farmacia https://comprarcialis5mg.org/it/comprare-spedra-avanafil-senza-ricetta-online/

  599. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking the time and actual effortto create a top notch article… but what can I say… I hesitate a wholelot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  603. Howdy! This article could not be written much better! Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I’ll send this post to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

  606. Thhis article will assist the internet visitors for building up neew blog or even a blog from start to end.

    Here is my site :: here

  608. What’s up everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this
    website, and post is actually fruitful in support
    of me, keep up posting these articles.

    http://kofitech.inkoreahost.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=64734
    http://agilereengineering.com/index.php/User:JameyKalb752
    https://mitube.ru/user/JacintoDoak7/
    https://avoidingplastic.com/wiki/index.php/When_Bonsai_Shapes_Styles_Businesses_Develop_Too_Shortly
    https://minecrafting.co.uk/wiki/index.php/User:AprilRincon29
    https://byinna.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=55227&do=profile&from=space
    http://withmedental.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=12518
    http://www.wandtrends.at/index.php?title=Some_People_Excel_At_Bonsai_Styles_And_Some_Don_t_-_Which_One_Are_You
    https://www.seoco24.com/%d0%b1%d0%b5%d0%b7-%d1%80%d1%83%d0%b1%d1%80%d0%b8%d0%ba%d0%b8/why-bonsai-tree-styles-would-not-work%c2%85for-everyone/
    http://hbbs.qiaogan.net/home.php?mod=space&uid=35345&do=profile&from=space

    My web blog bonsai shapes styles

  611. I pay a visit day-to-day a few websites and sites to read posts, but this web site
    gives quality based articles.

    west bend coffee urn parts
    coffee grind size chart
    height of a dart board
    how to make coffee in a percolator electric
    how to make coffee in a bunn coffee maker
    jura capresso ena micro 9
    best night vision goggles for ufo watching
    keurig 2.0 k300 water filter location
    bunn 4 in 1 coffee maker
    bunn coffee maker cleaning kit

    Also visit my web-site … sekijoju bonsai

  614. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all people you actually understand what you’re speaking approximately!
    Bookmarked. Kindly additionally consult with my web site =).
    We can have a hyperlink alternate contract between us

    My blog post – esp8xl

  636. Aw, this was a really good post. Finding the time and actual effort to make a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.

  654. Asking questions are really pleasant thing if you are not understanding anything totally, except this
    paragraph provides nice understanding yet.

    bonsai deadwood
    the best camcorders 2015
    best bonsai tools
    night vision motorcycle helmet
    moss for bonsai
    dwarf japanese garden juniper bonsai
    rolriss night vision binoculars review
    bushnell night vision monocular 2.5 x42
    crimson queen bonsai
    whirlpool undercounter ice maker troubleshooting

    Here is my homepage – best snowmobile magazine

  672. Освоить навыки профессионального броу-мастера проще, когда в руках помада для бровей «Beauty Minerals» от ТМ “Дом природы”. Мы сотрудничаем только с лучшими крымскими косметическими компаниями, которые создают экологически чистую и безопасную продукцию для красоты и здоровья. Брови подчеркивают красоту и привлекательность лица. Ассортимент помад для бровей очень разнообразен. Есть и другие марки. Каждая женщина может подобрать для себя нужную помадку по цвету, качеству и другим характеристикам. В целом, тушь для бровей можно назвать вполне удобным средством для макияжа. Она придает цвет, приглаживает волоски и позволяет подчеркнуть брови, и при этом выглядит естественно. Если вам удобно наносить средство аппликатором в форме щеточки и вам не нужно тонировать светлые брови, то данное бьюти-средство может стать отличным выбором. Политика конфиденциальности Как выделить брови? Возьмите кисточку и нанесите на нее небольшое количество продукта. Удерживая ее горизонтально, начните с выделения нижней части брови. Сделайте то же самое для верхней области, но только на уровне 3 4 длины бровей. Пусть оставшиеся волоски имеют естественный цвет. Последним шагом является заполнение области между выбранными дугами и расчесывание их кистью вверх. https://spiritofdiscernment.com/community/profile/myrtlezahel2930/ В данном аппарате используется безопасный для организма человека переменный электрический ток, который обеспечивает заметное повышение упругости кожи, устранения морщин и улучшение цвета лица. Кроме того, косметологи активно используют данную процедуру для усиления действия активных веществ масок, кремов и др. средств. 1 балл = 1 рублю Для процедур по уходу за кожей лица и тела. Благодаря уникальной форме электрода вы можете самостоятельно регулировать площадь воздействия от точечного до более обширного. Электрод также идеален для проведения процедур в труднодоступных частях тела. Для процедур по уходу за кожей лица и тела. Благодаря уникальной форме электрода вы можете самостоятельно регулировать площадь воздействия от точечного до более обширного. Электрод также идеален для проведения процедур в труднодоступных частях тела. После поступления заказа в ПВЗ, вам придет смс e-mail уведомление.

  678. Jack or Better, Jackpot Poker, Bonus Poker Deluxe, Joker Poker Mamy w naszym kraju naprawdę wielu miłośników pokera: od takich, którzy po prostu pykają sobie partyjki w internecie na portalach z grami towarzyskimi, po tych, którzy naprawdę zmiatają ze stołu stosy żetonów w kasynach. Ale czy to nadal legalny poker? Sytuację pokera w Polsce reguluje ustawa hazardowa z 2017 roku. Zgodnie z obowiązującym prawem gra w pokera możliwa jest tylko w kasynach (w punktach stacjonarnych) oraz w legalnym kasynie online – Total Casino. Ustawa hazardowa wymusiła na zagranicznych podmiotach np. takich jak Poker Stars wycofanie się z polskiego rynku. Największe platformy online do pokera zostały zablokowane, a gra u nich stała się nielegalna i niemożliwa. To skutkowało emigracją wielu zawodowych graczy, by zagranicą móc kontynuować swoją karierę. https://kashmirasitis.com/community/profile/ninasilvestri42/ W Polsce natomiast, pierwsze oficjalnie otwarte kasyno powstało w 1920 roku w Grand Hotelu w Sopocie, który formalnie był wtedy częścią Wolnego Miasta Gdańsk. Zbierała się w nim śmietanka towarzyska Trójmiasta. I choć na czas wojny zostało zamknięte, to po Drugiej Wojnie Światowej szybko je otwarto i funkcjonuje do dziś. Obecnie w Polsce działa około czterdziestu kasyn naziemnych i liczba ta jest stabilna w ciągu ostatnich lat. Gunther von Hagens jako anatom, wynalazca, nauczyciel oraz orędownik zdrowia stworzył estetyczne plastynaty całego organizmu. Dzięki nim mamy możliwość wnikliwego zapoznania się z fantastyczną tematyką ciała. Poprzez plastynację, ciało po śmierci człowieka może zostać przekształcone w niesamowity anatomiczny wzorzec, dając możliwość widzom zobaczenia ludzkiego ciała, jakiego nigdy przedtem nie widzieli. Wszystkie eksponaty, które znajdują się na wystawie są prawdziwe. Ciała pochodzą od dawców, którzy za życia zgodzili się je przekazać na rzecz Instytutu Plastynacji w Heidelbergu. W instytucie tym od lat 80-tych prowadzony jest specjalny program dawców ciał na potrzeby plastynacji.

  684. Thanks for another magnificent post. The place else could anyone get that type of info in such a perfect method of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such info.

  685. I do not even know how I finished up here, but I believed this post was great.
    I don’t realize who you’re however definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already.
    Cheers!

    best thermal binoculars for hunting
    flowering bonsai
    atn viper night vision monocular
    night vision motorcycle helmet
    orange binoculars
    night vision goggles military surplus
    blue atlas cedar bonsai for sale
    elk hunting binoculars
    broadleaf evergreen bonsai
    atn night arrow review

    Here is my web-site :: best pedometer 2021

  692. http://47.106.208.13/home.php?mod=space&uid=82593&do=profile&from=space

    https://km.heinrich-roller-grundschule.de/best-dartboard-lights-play-your-favorite-game-hours-darkness

    http://allkorea.jp/index.php/These_Are_Four_Best_Dartboard_Lights_In_2022_Beginner%E2%80%99s_Guide

    https://desaneglasari.banjarkota.go.id/forum/profile/peterclevenger/

    https://minecrafting.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Best_Dartboards_Light_For_2022

    http://www.newyoungsystem.com/qna/1830

    http://www.zilahy.info/wiki/index.php/User:TheresaTorrens

    http://3.95.9.39/User:LeonieSturgeon4

    https://flowers.personalpages.us/profile.php?id=139331

    https://zodipedia.com/index.php/Darts_And_Recreation:_One_Of_The_Best_Boards_And_Dart_Sets

    Feel free to surf to my web-site :: dart light