Q&A Portion 4

1. Can you please tell me about good and reasonable parlors in Riyadh?

Prices of salon/parlor services here are waaay overpriced when you compare it with the ones available in the Philippines. Take for instance a haircut which will take you aback for SR50. That's almost PHP600 already... and that's only the most basic cut! Hair coloring can go for SR500 up and rebonding for SR1,000! But of course, we have no choice especially when our hair's becoming unruly and vacation time is still several months away. Red Carpet in Suleimania, near Military Hospital, is where we get our haircut for SR50 (once or twice a year). But we found a good directory of beauty shops and other ladies' shops in Riyadh. Check the Riyadh Guide for Bridal Beauty. We'll be checking some of the shops there too in the next months.

2. Hello poh...I ♥ your blog. I learned a lot from it. I'll be leaving Pinas this June. I'm a newbie... I'll be working as a nurse in Al Hada. I have no idea about the place. Can you give me some information about the place??? :)... Thanks a lot poh.

Will you be working in Al Hada Armed Forces Hospital in the Taif region? Hospitals manned by KSA's ministries (MOH or MODA) have generally better working conditions than those which are privately-owned. (But don't quote us on this, we haven't been to many hospitals and clinics here in Saudi, though we have a few friends working here and there.) Taif is like the Philippines' Baguio. It's considered as a good summer destination. Unfortunately, we haven't been in the Taif region of Saudi Arabia so we can't say anything about it based on our personal experience. We're sure you've researched about it on the Net so we can't add anymore than those which are published online about the hospital and the region. The only personal insight we can share is that Al Hada and Taif are still parts of Saudi Arabia so you may want to read all our guides and how-tos in living in the Kingdom. If ever you'll be visiting Riyadh (we're 8-9 hours away by land), drop us a line! Okay poh? :) Good luck!

3. I will work as a teacher in Saudi Arabia soon but my wife doesn't have a job lined up as yet and hopes to find one there. Do you think it would be easy enough?

Most dependent Filipinas here work as secretaries/hospital assistants in the hospitals. They usually get work through referrals of friends. Of course, it depends on her qualifications too. She can try submitting her resume through the local employment department of hospitals and companies (who accept females). While she's not yet employed, she can be not just a desert housewife.

4. Is it easy to meet Filipinos there?

Of course! You can start with us. Lol. There are many Filipinos here and we usually gather when there's an event in the Philippine embassy. One single event can lead to another and you'll soon have a vast network of friends and acquaintances. Also, maybe you can befriend your neighbors. I'm sure they know a lot of Filipinos (if they're not Filipinos themselves). Actually, wherever you go here in Riyadh, you'll find a Filipino, hehe. Make that... anywhere in the world! :P

5. Can you go to church?

There are no churches to go to.

6. We hope we can meet you there... we read your blog. It was funny and interesting.

Thank you very much! We hope you continue reading our blog. Good luck on your move to Saudi Arabia. Hope our blog helped.

If you have any comments or further questions on any of our topic there, comment here or ask us via formspring.

Toodles!

Q&A Portion 3

1. Hi ladies. I've been here in Riyadh for almost 7 months now. I'm a housewife and a mother of one. I would just like to ask if there are YOGA Classes here in KSA, particularly in Riyadh? Please help! TIA ladies!!!

Hi! How is your stay so far? :) For your question, we know of only one place. Al Manahil in the Diplomatic Square offers yoga lessons and other services. They have fitness classes and swimming courses too. And they also have a spa and salon for women. There are membership types that cater to a woman's specific needs. Visit their site at http://www.almanahil.com.sa/english.

2. Hi! I'm from Jeddah. I studied high school here and is currently working at a hospital. I love your blog. In fact, my sister and I would like to create a Jeddah-version of your blog in the very near future. Inshaallah. Do you mind? Hehe. :)

We don't mind at all! Go ahead and make your blog. Link us when you're already blogging ha. We'd love to know what's life like there in Jeddah compared to Riyadh. We know though that it's less strict there. Good luck! :)

3. Are Jews allowed in Saudi Arabia?

Hmn, we don't know any Jews in KSA personally so we are not really sure about this one. All we know is that Saudi Arabia does not recognize Israel as a state. (Israel being the place of origin of the Jews/Jewish people.) Therefore, they do not recognize an Israeli passport as a legal document in traveling/entering the Kingdom. (Even passports with just an Israeli stamp will be denied entry to the Kingdom.) But since not all Jewish people come from Israel or are Israelis, then they can probably be granted a Saudi visa. Although the odds might be really, really low (or might just be zero).

4. What Philippine food do you miss the most?

Just the pork dishes like pork sisig, liempo, pork chop, lechon(!), etc. Otherwise, all the other Filipino viands and products are found here. Filipino brands are usually found in Batha. For example, Sundrenched, who has been craving for Lily's peanut butter found it in Al-Swalim Supermarket. We miss Philippine mangoes and bananas (saba and lakatan) too! They are available here but are way too expensive.

5. Name the top 5 not-to-be-missed events in Saudi.

Seriously? Nada! Nothing. We don't know of any event here in the Kingdom that is not-to-be-missed. Janadriyah Festival, which we will be writing about soon, might fit the bill but we doubt it if you're not really a history or culture buff. Well, there's the Eid al Fitr, the Muslim holiday that ends the month of Ramadan, because it's vacation for most expats. Other than that, the Pink Tarha awaits the sale events (and we barely miss 'em!). LOL.

6. How can one "date" in Saudi Arabia? What places are safe to meet? What do you do? (Also someone asked: Paano kayo nagliligawan ng mga BF/GF ninyo d'yan sa Saudi? Paano kayo nagkikita? I hope ay masagot at ma-post ng fair and square.)

Hmn, dating in Saudi Arabia. Controversial question! Haha. This is the only thing that we want to say about this: Rule of the thumb, ladies, is, do not go out with a guy who is not related with you in PUBLIC (malls, parks, etc.). Of course, chatting and texting are prevalent, but the Pink Tarha ladies really don't encourage going out in public. Srsly.

Got more questions for the Pink Tarha ladies? Formspring us! :)

Q&A Portion 2

Our Formspring is getting lots of questions! Yey! Keep 'em coming! :) Here's the second batch of Q&A.

1. Hey Tarha ladies, you know a catering service for an event? There's an upcoming celebration but I'm not good in cooking & I'm tired from work to prepare for such a party. Please give me any contact person that will help me. Thanks.

Are you looking for Filipino dishes for your party? Most Filipino/Thai restaurants offer catering services. You just have to tell them how many guests you'll be having and they'll whip up your choice dishes good for your event. La Paz Batchoy Restaurant (01-4779647) in Suleimania offers Filipino viands. Try their kare-kare, adobo ribs, and sisig. Kruathai Filipino/Thai Restaurant (01-4647228), also in Suleimania, makes good pad thai, curries, and spring rolls. Peking Restaurant (01-4765250) has, you guessed it, Chinese cuisine! Villa Restaurant in Umalhamam is a favorite too. Home makers who turned their cooking passion into business can also be contacted for catering. TitaMariyah's is good for a large gathering.

2. Just wanna ask where Citymax is? i'm near Euromarche in Thakassusi. Hope you could help, thanks! :)

CityMax is like SM. It's almost everywhere. The nearest branch in your place that we could think of is the one in Thalateen Street. Eyecandy, who's living near your place, shops in that CityMax branch. There's a bigger CityMax near Sahara Mall, along King Abdulaziz Road. Farther ones would be in Khurais Road and somewhere along the road to IKEA (Exit 15).

3. Are the Philippine schools there okay? Are the students well-attended to and the education system okay? - Gabby

Good question! Eyecandy, who studied here in Riyadh (and who has a brother studying high school here now) is preparing an entry about Filipino schools in Riyadh. Please stay tuned.

4. Among all the Filipino schools in Riyadh, which can you recommend? Which has good feedback from the parents?

We can't say for sure which is the best but we know personal friends whose children are studying in the Second Philippine International School (SPIS) and Palm Crest International School (PCIS). Eyecandy studied in the International Philippine School in Riyadh (IPSR) and Elite International School. Stay tuned for E's entry on this.

5. Are there companies [in Saudi Arabia] that accept female graphic designers? Thanks so much for the answers. God bless.

We don't know of any companies here in Saudi Arabia that hire female graphic designers through employment agencies in the Philippines. But if you're already here (through a dependent visa), you might get a freelance job. You can also be hired locally but graphic design works for women are really rare.

6. Kung mahilig ako sa night clubs, can you recommend Saudi Arabia as a place where I can work?

Nope.

7. What is the worst thing about living in Saudi Arabia?

Getting homesick and for us girls, not having the freedom we're used to in the Philippines. Feel free to browse around the blog so you know what we're totally missing (example: commuting in jeepneys and LRT).

6. I was going to write a little parody note like "Omigod, I'm like soooo amazed at you guys, you're like totally sick" but then I thought you might take it wrong. I will say "f'reals" that writing in this blog is topnotch - fun, witty, breezy. The writing is simply excellent and your design is awesome. Regards from Veeds of Arabia.

Why, thank you! Yes, we're really totally sick (in the head) sometimes. Hahaha. Thank you for the good words and please do visit our blog again.

If you have more questions, don't hesitate to ask! The Pink Tarha ladies will do our best to find the answers for you.

Q&A Portion 1

Hi dear readers! Some of you asked us questions via our formspring account and we're happy to answer them here in our blog. Here's the first batch:

1.Totoo ba (na) sa Saudi eh wala kang outlet bukod sa malling at sports sa dami ng (mga) bawal? [Is it true that in Saudi Arabia there are no outlets aside from malling and sports because of so many prohibitions?]

I guess we all know who asked this. But since it's a pretty much a decent question, here's our answer: Malling for women and sports (basketball) for men on weekends are the biggest leisure activities in the Kingdom but there are others depending on your interest. There are clubs that cater to photography, public speaking, etc. There are events that happen once in a while like family gatherings, swimming, and parties in isterahas (private compounds). There are trips and travels that expats can go to like desert camping in Red Sand or weekend getaways to Al-Khobar and Dammam. There are a lot of things to do in Saudi Arabia but let us not forget that most Filipinos came here to work and at the end of the day, we're all too tired to go out and play. So yes... the flats, villas, and housing where the laptops and Internet are are where most activities take place.

2. If you were given the choice of staying in Saudi Arabia or working in another country (USA, UK, etc...), would you leave? Or are there aspects of living in KSA that you couldn't/wouldn't want to give up?

The Pink Tarha ladies love our lives here in Saudi Arabia but we're not hypocrites to say that we won't leave if given better opportunities outside of the Kingdom. But right now, we are fine living and working in Saudi Arabia. Our families tie us to this place and we're not complaining.

3. When is the grand EB of Saudi Bloggers?

We cannot volunteer to organize this because of our schedule but tell us where and when it will be and the Pink Tarha ladies will be there! We can't wait to meet fellow Filipino bloggers in Saudi Arabia personally!

4. What do you love most about living in Saudi Arabia?

Our families.

5. Are there any particular sites/events/etc. that Saudi Arabia offers that you're convinced people need to see/experience?

Truth be told, we do not want to convince people to go to Saudi Arabia just to visit any sites here because they are not as awe-inspiring or jaw-dropping as the other tourist places in the world. (Also, tourist visas are hard to get.) All you'll see here are pretty much sand and rock mountains. It's a huge desert after all. But if you're already here in Saudi Arabia, then check our Travel category (see sidebar) for places that might pique your interest. We'll also be posting an entry on the Janadriyah Festival. It's the largest fiesta of Saudi Arabia. It's a fun, colorful, and very unique event.

5. How can i check for new sales in Riyadh?

There are no official sites that announce sales in Riyadh. The Pink Tarha ladies rely on what we read from the Arab News and our 'connections.' Lol. We pretty much know the sales schedules already. We save up for the mid-year sale (happening this June-August) and end-of-the-year sale (on December-February). There are few sales that happen in between the changes of season collections too. A tip is to befriend (not flirt with, haha!) your fave stores' salesmen so that they'll text you once their store hangs the red sign (some can even reserve items for you). Visit the Pink Tarha blog or become our fan in Facebook and we'll give you sale updates.

6. Hello ladies! If it's not too much to ask, do you know if Thalia street (where Localizer Mall is located) is somewhere near Olaya street? Many thanks... =) jeel

Hi Jeel! Thalia St. is perpendicular to Olaya St. If you're in a car and Localizer Mall is to your right, make a U-turn at the stop light (since Localizer is in a corner spot) and drive straight until you reach Centria Mall, which is located at the corner of Thalia and Olaya streets.

We're thrilled to read and answer your questions. If you have a question on anything under the sun, click here! (You can also click the ? Ask the Pink Tarha button on our sidebar for future Qs.)

Q&A Portion

If you have questions you'd like the Pink Tarha to answer, formspring us! Please use this link:
http://www.formspring.me/thepinktarha

We'd be glad to answer your queries on life in Saudi Arabia, or just life in general.

Have a good weekend, everyone! Oops, to those who are in Saudi Arabia that is. ;)