Perfect Pairings (They're Hot!)

Now that the weather is quite cold, it's lovely to head outdoors and have some coffee noh? Unfortunately for us ladies, coffee shops don't have an outdoor section for us unless you consider Lenotre and La Vela in Centria Mall. They have a terrace open for families but even that can get claustrophobic since walls separate us from the street scene below. All we ever see are the rooftops and the skyscrapers. Oh well, it's still good to drink something hot and warm to comfort us during this winter nights. And here are some cool, er warm, pairings you can try.

Versus Caffe is newly opened in Panorama Mall. You've probably seen the Versus by Versace Boutique there. This is their coffee shop. No idea they're meant to have one but this red cafe just suddenly opened in front of Longchamp, Furla, Coach, etc. Must be a great idea to be surrounded by luxury brands while sipping your overpriced coffee. Haha! Anyway, you'll actually feel like a celebrity while entering it because there's a rope and a red carpet... and a bouncer. Yes, a bouncer-like person in black. We found it hilarious but whatever works with the theme, yannow? What's more hilarious than that? The spelling in their menu. For a luxurious cafe, they scrimped on copywriting. We won't show how misspelled the names of the food in their menu are so we won't spoil the fun for you.

Cafe Melange + Red Velvet Cake

The coffee I ordered is laced with honey and cinnamon. It's subtle and sweet. The red velvet is just the right kind of moist but overly sweet. I was looking for the familiar cheese cream icing on red velvet but this one is sporting a white sugar icing.

Versus Caffe 
Panorama Mall, Takhasussi Street
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
T: +966-11-205-7401

*****

Leil Nhar, a Lebanese restaurant in Tahlia Street, is not exactly a coffee shop but the friends and I find it quaint and quiet so we really enjoyed our dinner and desserts there. Their menu is simple; pretty much just wraps, sandwiches, and pizzas. They're fresh and healthy. Naturally, it would scare me to eat something healthy (hehe) so I insist on something sweet (read: unhealthy) to counter the healthy food I just ingested. Hehe. So, that's when I discovered this pair:

Black Coffee + Chocolate Cake

Please disregard the Chocolate Biscuit on the side. Concentrate on the moist and fudge-y slice of cake in the center. I love this cake! It's a bit heavy but once paired with black coffee, it's the bomb! It also doesn't hurt that the coffee came in a mug with a cute design. My friend can't help but arbor one from the flustered waiter. Haha!

Leil Nhar
Al Salam Building, Tahlia Street
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
T: +966-11-288-3366
FB: http://www.facebook.com/LeilNharRestaurant
Twitter: @LeilNharLeb

*****

Maya La Chocolaterie is one of the popular after-dinner spots for ladies. This is where you can enjoy a good dessert and hot drink with just the right ambiance. While we frequented the branch at the end of Tahlia Street, we're also liking the branch at the Home Offices building in Oruba Street. It's more airy and bright and we got scored free chocolates.

Cappuccino + Chocolate Fondue

What better way to enjoy coffee but with chocolate... the kind that melts even before reaching your mouth. Fruit slices, mini cakes, and marshmallows are dipped in this heavenly fondue. You can choose if you'll go for dark, milk, or white chocolate. All good! But if it's down to one choice, then go for milk. It solves everything!

Maya Le Chocolaterie

a. Tahlia Street (T: +966-11-211-3311)

b. Hayat Mall, King Abdulaziz Road (+966-11-2015-7942)

c. Home Office Center, Oruba Road
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MayaLaChocolaterie
E: info@maya-la-chocolaterie.com

*****

Dr. Cafe is a favorite for those craving for a quick caffeine high; you can find it every where, or mostly every where. The branch in Khurais Road across King Fahd Medical City is probably the most popular. It's the closest to Starbucks in terms of popularity. Dr. Cafe has branches in Singapore and Malaysia.

White Chocolate Mocha + Chocolate Chip Muffin

My go-to drink in Dr. Cafe is their cafe mocha. It's sweet and creamy and just makes a dull day lovely. Even if there's probably more milk and sugar than espresso shots in my tall cup (coffee drinker? pffft please!), I still order it more than the other available variants. I usually pair it with a muffin, any flavor! It's just that chocolate chip is the one here in the photo. I love Dr. Cafe' muffins because they're soft easy on the pocket (I'm looking at your pastries and sandwiches, S*bucks!). Oh, I love their cheesecakes too.

Dr. Cafe
Check their branches here.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcafeksa
Twitter: @drcafecoffee

*****

Yeah, yeah, I'm pretty much biased with coffee but I do not disregard tea. I mean, having been to Sri Lanka and having visited wonderful tea plantations (yes, I just have to insert that here), I got enamored with tea. It doesn't surprise me to find delicious, fresh-tasting tea in a Japanese restaurant, specifically Shogun Japanese Restaurant in Radisson Blu Hotel along King Abdulaziz Road.

Green Tea + Ice Cream

Now that is one weird pairing huh? Not sure if the staff are just hurrying us to finish our dessert and drink our tea that's why they decided to serve both at the same time or maybe it's just how they do it there but then, we're not complaining. The combination works! The slightly bitter taste of the tea is countered by the sweet ice cream. No, you don't have to mix them together like what you do in Coke Float. Eat and drink separately; alternately if you must.

Shogun Restaurant
Radisson Blu Hotel,
Al Mubarakiah Plaza, King Abdulaziz Road,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
T: +966-11-479-1234

*****

You can enjoy all these pairings in all-year round but it's time to take advantage of the pleasant cool weather. Yes, you will be indoors but if you really must, then walk outside for a bit before settling for the warmth comfort of these drinks and their partner. Then chat along, ladies! ;) ~ Sundrenched

The Fancy Shmancy Le Chateau

This restaurant we're featuring has some case of an identity crisis. We don't know what their overall theme is because the name is French, the food is Chinese, and the decorations are over-the-top futuristic (like in the movie Tron or something). It's an assault to the senses. Literally and emotionally. Seriously. 

Le Chateau - Cuisine de Luxe Restaurant occupies a building along Takhasussi Street. It's the biggest restaurant in Riyadh! During the day, you won't miss this building because it's colored pink and yellow. Yes, like a box of stained glass in the middle of the city. During the night, it has this flamboyant feel to it; you'll be attracted but you'll also feel the need to stare for minutes gaping and wondering if it's a chandelier and furniture store.

Is there a party inside? 

It's a surprise!

The entrance to the Bachelor section

Trust me, our jaws dropped when we stepped into their lobby where a guest relations officer was telling us they're full. The waiting rooms were very interesting. On the left you have a subtle room filled with white sofas glowing under the pink lights. Being Pink Tarhas, we could've stayed put but we wanted to check out the other waiting room. On the right, you have Madame Butterfly's lair. It was so red, yellow and orange I had to blink a couple of times for my eyes to get used to it. I don't think my eyes got used to it but we stayed anyway because this room has a more energetic vibe than the other one.

Madame Butterfly's lair

We didn't know if we entered a leveled up Timezone or an inter-galactic space ship. The escalators are all aglow with bluish lights and running lights. We were excited boarding the escalator. Haha!

Whoah!

We went up the escalators and entered a massive room where the hustle and bustle of Riyadh converged. Okay, OA, but all the booths seemed so busy, the honeybee structure seemed so apt. People flock Le Chateau because of the family booths that surrounds the restaurant. You have a great view of the streets outside from the glass walls. We chose an open table in the middle to get the overall vibe of the place from the center.

Let's get this party started!

Open kitchen.

The middle section has a bar centerpiece where you can enjoy your drinks, non-alcoholic of course, and the shabu-shabu set which we find new in the city. There's also an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs cook and do their thing. And then there's a room with doors taken from the Forbidden Kingdom in China. And then there are larger than life chess pieces. And a horse covered in mirror I can probably skip the bathroom to fix my hair just by looking at it. And the disco lights in various colors that goes over and over the area. My goodness, what is this place? We couldn't understand the theme really but let's just say it's grand and flamboyant. We were in awe the whole time!

Shining, shimmering! You think I can ride that? Haha!

And the food? Well, if you've eaten in Mirage, Gulf Royale, and Diamond, then you will not be surprised with the menu. They're the same because they came from the same company. So if you have your favorites from those restaurants then chances are, you'll see them here.

Crispy, tasty appetizer and condiments

We started with free crackers and a trip of appetizers. I couldn't help but munch one after the other.

Crunchy outside, soft inside

Our friend J likes the Shrimp Balls, a crispy and oily appetizer that's flavorful. Love it!

Dumplings

Soft and warm, these dumplings are a real comfort food. The wrapper almost sags from the broth inside.

Chicken with cheese kebab, beef teppanyaki, and sweet&sour fish

Our main dishes are delicious; they're the usual food we order from a Chinese restaurant. They all came with a way to keep them warm. The chicken and cheese kebab in a grill was tender. The sizzling beef teppanyaki was sweet and savory doused with the right amount of thick sauce. The sweet and sour fish is just right. All in all, we were happy with our orders. However, they are expensive for Chinese food but we understand that we're also paying for the ambiance. Shabu-shabu sets start from SR 200 up per person.

Chocolate cake

It was Eyecandy's birthday when we visited this restaurant. We ordered this chocolate cake for her. The waiters came out to sing her a birthday song and those around our table were singing along too. Fun! The chocolate cake is interesting; it was mousse-like in consistency.

Cream with fruits and jelly

This came as an accompaniment with the chocolate cake. It's a good diversion in between bites of the chocolatey dessert.

Visit Le Chateau for special celebrations. Better call for reservation because they're always full. Yes, they're the biggest restaurant in Riyadh and they're always full. Wow right? But if you don't mind waiting at the colored waiting rooms, then don't. In Le Chateau, you're going for the fun, vibrant, and impressive place. The food is an afterthought. ~ Sundrenched

Le Chateau - Cuisine de Luxe

Takhasussi Street (near the King Abdullah Road intersection)

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

T: +966-11-480-5352

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Live in Riyadh (or KSA)

​Whoah, that's one crazy title. What in the world were we thinking?! Even some travel guides advise you not to visit Saudi Arabia on the basis of extreme cultural shock and here we are listing the reasons why you should live in Riyadh. Genius right?! This isn't even the perfect timing to publish an entry like this because Saudi Arabia is currently in turmoil over the labor raids, the riots in Manfouha, the flooding during the rainy days, and the recommendation to close stores and shops by 9:00pm (this is a serious threat to our shopping skills, hehe).

But then again, we realize that hey, even if there's chaos here and there, we're still here in Saudi Arabia so might as well remember the good things about living in this country to lift our spirits up. This optimism and looking at the bright side of life might just be the result of ​the pleasant weather.​ (​It's winter, yeyyy!)​​ But then again, this might just be because we're The Pink Tarha, your crazy, unconventional guide to Riyadh who tells you to learn something new every day and take smart risks and choices. ​And be positive all the darn time. It's about time we discuss the matter of living in Saudi Arabia. Or rather, the act of choosing to live and work in Saudi Arabia.

We have read and listened to many misconceptions and myths about Saudi Arabia. ​A lot of people who haven't set foot here are scared of this place. It's just not conforming to the way of living they're used to. The culture here is inexplicable to expats. ​A friend of mine said he won't ever go to Saudi Arabia because rape is rampant here and even guys get raped. (Isn't rape a crime that happens any where?) Another friend said that it's boring here because all we have is desert and sand dunes and camels. Uhmnnn for real?! Yes, it's still 1434 in this country but it doesn't mean everyone is still living in tents and herding camels for a living. Riyadh is a cosmopolitan city for goodness' sake!

(This is why you need to read The Pink Tarha!)

Well, they're called "misconceptions" and "myths" for a reason so don't believe every thing you read in the Internet​ about Saudi Arabia being one of those bad lands​. However, you can also opt to not believe us. After all, we're crazy we're just living the cards being dealt to us. I think we're handling it well. We're handling life in Riyadh well because the same way that there are disadvantages to living in Riyadh, there are also advantages in living here and we're making the most out of it. So here are the reasons why we think you should live in Riyadh:

1. Airconditioned every where. Of course, except in the great outdoors. You know what's the temperature ​on a summer day​? 40 friggin' degrees! And yes, it ​rises from there​. That's like the minimum. That's summer for us; we already feel oven-baked when under the sun for three minutes. Did we decide to live in an oven?! But because of this temperature, air conditioning is available every where. If there's a way to make the whole of Riyadh air-conditioned, they would probably do it. The good thing is, most establishments and places in Riyadh are equipped with air-conditioning. So we can find reprieve from the heat as long as we're inside. ​In cars, buildings, offices, coffee shops, malls... it's generally cold you'll forget it's hot outside. 

2. ​Cheap gas, electricity, and water. ​ ​In other words, the BILLS you dread in the Philippines? They're not so dreadful here. These three major components of life are so expensive in the home country but really cheap here in Saudi Arabia. Ikaw na ang second largest oil producer in the world, ewan ko na lang! Haha! Gasoline is just 0.45 halalas or around 5.00 pesos per liter. Our consumption of electricity and water in a month is around SR 200 each or less, considering we have 5 A/Cs in the house and we don't skimp on water (although I swear we're not wasting it). So, what bills?! Also, if you're in your company's accommodations, sometimes you don't even have to worry about this because they have it covered.

3.​ Large portions of food. We're pretty sure that when you see ​our food​ photos in the blog, you think, "ang takaw naman ng Pink Tarha!" While we can't deny that, we also can't help it if their dishes are as huge as platters. An order of mains in Chili's is almost good for 2 persons, except when you're very, very hungry and has a very, very huge appetite (or when you're just too selfish to share). After a few months of living in Riyadh, I went home to the Philippines and became critical of the portions of food. I paid this and this is the only thing I get?! Ridiculous! Haha! Just go to Jollibee KSA and order their Chicken Joy. Compare it to the chicken part we get in the Philippines and you'll know how much more skin and meat you're missing. Like the chickens in the Philippines are on a diet. 

4. Amazing shopping experience. So you think just because we're in abayas we do not need more clothes? Wrong! Because it's tax-free in the Kingdom, prices of goods are a bit lower. Sales are also ongoing all-year-round. There are the year-end sales, the seasonal sales, the mid-year sale... Sale, Sale, Sale! We love these sales, especially when we need stuff for pasalubong. Prices of gold are also more affordable here than anywhere so might as well begin collecting now. Prices of basic commodities are also cheaper. It's like you can buy whatever your heart desires. Or okay, for your families. ;) 

5. Fast travel. Almost every one in Riyadh owns a car. Why do you think we complain of traffic snarls every afternoon in our Facebook page? There is no concrete mode of transportation here apart from the regular taxis and the 2-riyal bus (if you want to die) but even so, traveling from one place to another is fast because they have huge and wide roads.

Riding the 2-riyal mini bus

Yes, traffic is becoming horrendous over the past few months but it's still better than say, Manila. They have highways everywhere and their major thoroughfares are clean and smooth. It's easy to go from one place to another. It's only traffic because of the volume of cars and the lack of driving discipline but let's talk about that some other time. Also, an advantage to women would be being driven. I know that sounds so princess in distress but with the Women Driving Ban still up for discussion (or is it?), we're still at the mercy of our fathers and husbands and that's not even necessarily a bad thing because a. no stinking cars/drivers, b. safety ensured, c. no need to pay for fare (gas is cheaper), d. conducive multiple stops and e. no strains of commuting.

These are just some of the advantages of living and working in Saudi Arabia. Oh yeah, is it BORING here in Saudi Arabia? I'm sorry, but do The Pink Tarha ladies look bored to you? Hahaha! Granted that this blog started because we were bored (but really, it's because I like to write too), we found the solutions to that for ourselves (and don't worry we'll be sharing more tips on how you can be productive and how you can have fun on your spare time soon). With a world that keeps on entertaining itself, we're sure you'll find something to do. 

So while you listen and read news that it's no good here in Riyadh, or Saudi Arabia for that matter, we disagree. The social practices in Saudi Arabia are different from us expats and that's understandable. They have their own country, culture, tradition, and religion. So we can't expect the same things. While it's true that there's more freedom elsewhere, maybe it's time to rethink your concept of freedom.

If freedom is drinking beer, eating pork, and wearing whatever you want in public... then yes, your freedom will be curtailed here. Saudi Arabia is not for you. But if freedom for you is being bold, living beyond your comfort zone, abiding by rules and laws (that don't hurt you), and choosing the pasture that would feed your family no matter how differently-colored that pasture is (it tends to be brown here being a desert and all, hehe) then yes, Saudi Arabia is for you.

For your information, men here can pretty much do their thing as long as they follow the laws (wherever you are, you should follow the laws right?). Women here are not holed up in houses. We are not oppressed. We are independent. We go out, work, eat, shop, express our self, and pretty much do whatever we want...

Might be in the UAE but you get the picture. Girl Power! :P

Just in our kick-ass abayas and covered with a tarha. ~ Sundrenched

Applebee's is Sooo Back!

BACK WITH A BANG! I'd say.

Newly renovated Applebee's in Tahlia looks bigger, brighter and definitely better from their previous look. Since re-opening four months ago, their restaurant is exuding high spirits and fun times with a wider, open-dining area that's reminiscent of your neighborhood pub (with large screen TVs behind the "bar" and all). 

The ladies and I (with a couple of our foodie friends) went to their Tahlia branch to give the new ambience a try and we were glad we did. The family section is cozy (not too dim, not too bright) and we opted to sit in the open area to get a better feel of our surroundings. I'm actually glad that they de-cluttered most of the memorabilia that used to overwhelm the walls. They still have a few around, just enough to still have that Applebee's vibe we all used to know. 

We ordered our drinks first and naturally, the girls go after their signature Sangrias (minus the wine in it, of course). What's fun about the open area is that you have a pretty good view of the bar where you can see the bartenders prepare your drinks. 

Here's our drinks for the night:

Peach Sangria for Shoegarfreeruby - perfect for the girly-girl, according to our waiter.

Red Apple Sangria for Sundrenched, her favorite. Fresh!

Strawberry Mojito for our fellow foodie friend #1. Minty and sweet. :)

Cherry Lime for our fellow foodie friend #2. It packs a sour, tangy punch. 

Now, considering we came in from a long work day, we were hungry for some appetizers! And I think we overdid it. Hahaha! There were plenty to choose from and we helped ourselves to the max. Proof is shown below: 

Applebee's Pretzels! 

The girls went gaga over these deep fried pretzels. The crispy outer layer hugs the soft bread inside so perfectly and if you dunk it in one of the cheese sauces there, you will be in pretzel heaven. This is a must try and THE bestselling appetizer of Applebee's to date!

Sampler of Chicken Wanton Taco and Buffalo Wings in BBQ Sauce.

This is a customized sampler to our liking. We wanted to try the Chicken Wanton Tacos and found them to be of the Asian flair. The wanton wraps are deep fried in a shape of a taco shell, with a garden slaw and chicken bits mixed with sweet sauce spooned inside. The chopped coriander on top accented the overall taste really well. My only comment on it would be that the wanton wraps were a bit too oily for my preference. Otherwise, I ate everything inside the taco. 

The Buffalo Wings were tender and the sauce was just right. I could not have just one piece of it, I had to take two. :) By the way, don't forget to eat those celery sticks! Did you know that celeries have negative calories? Meaning if you eat them, it minuses calories from what you just ate? I kid, I KID! Haha. It was a running joke on our table. But seriously though, celeries are a healthy snack at only 10 calories per stalk. It helps lower your blood pressure and is rich in Vitamin A. So crunch away on those celeries! 

Chicken Quesadillas

Now this is one heavy starter. I'd say one order of it is good enough for three people. What I liked most about these quesadillas was the tidbits of bacon strips scattered inside the edges of the tortillas -- why? Because usually when you get to the crust-end of the slice, you feel like there's no more filling there right? But with the bacon tidbits there, it gives you that kick of flavor you need to not leave your last bite of the quesadilla left hanging. 

Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are pretty standard: it's a finger-sized lump of mozzarella cheese, rolled, crusted and deep fried. But, what makes Applebee's Mozzarella Sticks stand out is its marinara sauce. I would seriously order this just for that sauce alone. Or course, it's basically a deconstructed pizza, but that sauce, I repeat, is simply delicious. 

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

We liked the nachos, we liked the salsa. But for me, the spinach and artichoke were a bit too pronounced in that little bowl and I was looking for it to have more creaminess for some balance. Nevertheless, it's one healthy-tasting appetizer. 

Chilli Fries

Another heavy starter and great for sharing. You'll have the gooey cheese and messy chilli on top of every french fry. If you are carbo-loading, this is a must-have. :) 

At this point, we wondered if we still had any space left for the main course! We indulged in a little chit-chat first before letting the waiter bring in the next wave. Here goes:

T-Bone Steak, Medium Well for both S and R

According to Sundrenched, even though it looks dry on the photo, it's actually tender and juicy. Shoegarfreeruby ordered the same and said it's one of the few steaks that she likes over all the steaks she's tried in Riyadh. That's four thumbs up! 

Seared Rib-Eye with Garlic and Shrimp

This was one of our friend's order and I was able to taste some of it. I love herbs on steak, really, because I think it gives them a different dimension when you bite into them together -- so you can tell by now that I liked this dish. It was also covered in some kind of light soy sauce and sesame seeds - quite Asian in flavors if you ask me. :)

Rib-Eye, Medium Rare

Another friend of ours ordered a different version of the rib-eye steak, this time done medium rare. She's actually a meat aficionado and according to her, they actually got medium rare right - which is a rarity in most steak houses in Riyadh. 

Chilli and Lime Rubbed Salmon

This one is my order - I'm a salmon fan. I'd eat salmon all day for the rest of my life if I could. The mushroom sauce is usually poured on top of it but I asked for it to be on the side so I can still get a taste of the grilled salmon alone. It's very tasty with a little kick of the ground chilli here and there. The fish was cooked great - not dry at all!

Applebee's has fares for those who are health-conscious too! How can a steak and shrimp combo be just 55o calories?! Wow! Applebee's Under 550 Calories menu consists of delicious sirloin steak with garlic herb shrimp and zesty chicken dishes. Try it for a tasty lunch or dinner without feeling guilty of ruining your diet. Applebee's has also amped up their sizzling entrees. We should try those sizzling skillet dishes next time. Oh, and also, if you're opting for some steaks, they slashed off a good discount on them. Try their T-Bone for SR 79 only (from SR 99) while they're in their Steak and Ribs Celebration!

As much as we were full to the brim by the end of the main course, the staff would not let us go without having at least one (or two) desserts. We were hesitant, but might as well cap off our tastebuds with something sweet before we go. 

Final Round...FIGHT!

Chocolate Lava Cake

Choco Brownie with Ice Cream

Truth be told, these desserts were waaaay too sweet. I think you can already get an idea of that with the pictures of the cake and brownie drowning in chocolate sauce, which I think didn't have to be too generous. To offset the sugar attack I was having, I ordered a cup of tea to accompany every bite instead. 

This is the gang at Applebee's! :) 

Having said all that, the night was young and hearty and the company of good friends always make a night out of dining complete. I think us Riyadhizens are always looking for a relaxed and comfortable place with great food and ambiance (plus a decent service) and Applebee's is one of those places you should definitely consider. The food is great, the service is attentive and the place is just right for you to unwind and take a break from your usual routine. 

The weekend is coming, why don't you go and try out their newly renovated branch for yourself? :) Bring your friends and family. 

Happy eating! 

xoxo,

Eyecandy

Applebee's
Visit their branches at:
Tahlia Street
Rimal Center
King Abdullah Road 
Hayat Mall

T: 011-219-0305
FB: www.facebook.com/ApplebeesMiddleEast

Help The Philippines! #wecandothis

We all cannot believe what is happening in our home country, the Philippines. It has been rocked by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on October 15. The Visayas region hasn't even stood up from the calamity when a supertyphoon came barreling fast and strong leaving in its wake a destruction we have no words for. Seeing the photos and videos in the news channels and websites left us all in shock; our mouths open in disbelief, our hearts swell with anguish for our fellow Filipinos who have perished and were severely affected by the storm. Yolanda, international name Haiyan, is the strongest storm of 2013 and it has chosen to pass through the Philippines at a difficult time already. What are the odds?

We have no words... and these are just the destroyed properties. We cry at the photos of people. (via BuzzFeed)

But we Filipinos are known for our resilience and our bayanihan spirit. With these, we will prevail in these hard times. We highly encourage everyone, especially OFWs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to come to the rescue of our fellow Filipinos suffering in the Philippines. There are a lot of agencies open for relief and cash donations. 

For relief donations such as canned goods, mineral water bottles, medicines, mosquito nets, and toiletries, LBC branches kingdom-wide are serving as drop-off points. You can visit any of their branches:

RIYADH Branch: Store 14-16, Abi Alabass corner Al Murshdi Streets (Near Pinoy Supermarket), Al Batha District, Riyadh 

JEDDAH Branch: Store 175, Jeddah International Market (SARAWAT), Madinah Road, Jeddah

AL KHOBAR Branch: King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz Street Cross A (near RAMANIYA COMPLEX, beside SEVEN ELEVEN), Al Khobar 

Customer Service Hotlines: 800-8-110332

For cash donations, the Red Cross is accepting via Paypal.

Donations via credit cards are accepted via the following websites:

Gawad Kalinga

Feed The Hungry, Inc.

UNICEF

ANCOP Foundation USA

You can also send your cash donations via Enjaz or through your banks to the following Sagip Kapamilya accounts:

Other options to help for people outside the Philippines:

We believe in the generosity of the Filipino people. We also believe in the generosity of the world who continuously pours their donations to the Philippines. Thank you! We wish that these donations are used for the calamity victims and not go to the pockets of our corrupt officials. We appeal to the government to make sure that all donations are given to those who need it and deserve them the most. 

We also believe in the power of prayers. Let us continue to ask strength, guidance, and providence from the Almighty to see the Philippines and the Filipino people through these difficult times. 

God bless the Philippines! God bless the world. 

How To Apply For A Passport Extension In Riyadh

There was a time when I begin thinking that I am an employee of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. Seriously! Have you seen our entry on How To Renew Your Passports in Riyadh? It has over 100 comments that another page had to be made to accommodate more! Whew! The questions were getting more concrete and my replies are getting more obsolete. Who would have thought consular stuff are that complicated? I salute them who have extreme patience to go through each case/problem in the Consular Services section of our embassy. 

Anyway, just to set the record straight, I am not an employee of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. Neither are the rest of The Pink Tarha ladies. I mean I want to just to help our kababayans in Saudi Arabia. Ergo, The Pink Tarha blog. So I am not an expert and feel free to not believe me. I'm quite sure the embassy employees can answer all the questions you have. Sometimes, it's even in their website. And, you can always call them in their hotline: +966-11-4823559. Oh right, they're too busy to answer sometimes? Well, that's what "try and try until you reach your breaking point them" is all about. No, don't think they're ignoring you. No really, they are here to serve and help the Filipino people right? Right? ;) 

IMPORTANT!

In the meantime, I will unravel the mystery of extending your passports. I've received a handful of questions on this and even if I don't need an extension, I just have to research what this is all about. Just in case. 

So, you probably should know that you NEED to renew your passport nine months before its expiry date (quick, check your passports now!) because getting an online appointment is quite tedious. The earliest possible date of renewal might be two months from now. So be as early as possible in having your passport renewed. You cannot travel out of a country into another one if your passport is no longer valid for six months. For example, my passport will expire on October 2014 so I can no longer travel from the Philippines to KSA (or vice-versa) on May 2014. I will have to renew it as early as January 2014 to avoid hassles and stress. 

What if you have some emergencies and your passport is no longer valid for less than six months… or worse, your passport is already expired… what will you do? That's where an extension is granted. 

Passports extensions can only be granted in the following instances: 

1. Death in the family requiring the OFW and members of his/her dependent family to urgently travel to the Philippines. 

2. Medical emergencies requiring the OFW and members of his/her dependent family to urgently travel to the Philippines or another country for medical treatment. 

3. OFWs returning abroad with valid employment contracts processed by the POEA. 

4. OFWs going home on final exit visas. 

If you notice, all of the above are kind of in the category of "life and death situations". Why of course! Because giving an extension should not be as easy as 1-2-3. Remember that a passport is the most important ID you'll ever have (well, except for the iqama here in Saudi Arabia) and it shouldn't be taken lightly. So if you're going to another country just because you're visiting as a tourist and you handily forgot that your passport is already expired? Well, forget about your travel plans too! They won't grant an extension for you. (Hello? If you have a plan to go out of the country for leisure and pleasure, check your passport first!) 

You need to present proof of urgency when you apply for an extension. For example, for reason 1, a death certificate must be presented. For reason 2, a medical certificate. Valid employment contracts processed by the POEA or POLO, along with plane tickets with confirmed flights should be presented for reason 3. 

Reason 4 is what most of our kababayans are asking. Yes, you can go home to the Philippines on a final exit visa even if your passport is already expired as long as you get this extension. 

Now, there are conditions that will apply when an extension is granted. 

1. The extension shall only be done once and shall not be beyond 31 October 2015. 

2. The applicant shall apply for an ePassport at the same time the application for the extension is filed with the Embassy or Consulate. 

3. Payment of the consular fees for the extension of the passport and the application for the ePassport (SR 240). 

4. The extended passport shall be submitted for cancellation on the date of the release of the ePassport. 

*Those who are going on a final exit visa are no longer required to apply for ePassports. 

Those who will be applying for extensions of passport must make an appointment in the Philippine Embassy - Riyadh website (http://philembassyriyadh.checkappointments.com/). But if you are on a final exit visa, you do not need an appointment. You can go as a walk-in. I'm not sure for the other reasons but if you see that the earliest appointment available in the system will be two months away, then that defeats the purpose of your emergency need right? So I suggest you call the Embassy and inquire ASAP.

If you're not residing in Riyadh, what should you do? Well, check the schedule of consular outreach/embassy on wheels in your area. Now na!

Applying for an extension of your passport can also be considered as renewing your passport already (because uhmn, you wouldn't need the extension if your passport is still valid right?) so prepare the following requirements too:

1. Bring yourself because a personal appearance is required.

2. Original passport for renewal

3. Photocopy of passport (data page only: where your photo and details are)

4. E-passport application form (download here; answer it already!)

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh is open from Sunday to Thursday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM. 

For general embassy matters, you can call +966-11-4823559, +966-11-4820507, and +966-11-4821577. For Consular Services (meaning passports, visas, etc.), call +966-11-482-3816. (This is the number you will call when the entry above didn't answer your question. ;)

Some helpful links:

Consular Outreach / Embassy On Wheels Schedule

How To Renew Your Passport

Make An Appointment (Renewal of Passport; both in Riyadh and EOW)

Consular Advisories and Updates

Extension on Passports (where I got the details above)

Consular Services Fees

Philippine Embassy - Riyadh

Diplomatic Quarter

Ummayah Abu As-Salat Street

P.O. Box 94366, Riyadh

11693 Saudi Arabia

FB: https://www.facebook.com/philembassyriyadh

Map (inside Diplomatic Quarter):

A marks the spot.