Driving 101 for California Immigrants

Click to download the 2017 California Driver Handbook.

We write…

Almost every person who was either born or raised in California grows up embracing the concept of driving. 

Living in one of the areas outside of the densely-populated downtown area of Los Angeles makes owning and driving a car a necessity as much as a way of life for mobility to work, school, or just getting around town.

The steps for getting a driver’s license can be lengthy and quite involved, but they are comprehensive to ensure that all drivers know what to expect via the “rules of the road” that are aimed at ensuring safety and enjoyment for all.

Commuting in LA One Tap at a Time

To go around LA without a car, you will need a phone, tap card, power bank and other essentials. 

She Writes…

Los Angeles abounds in charm and character but it has a flaw when it comes to getting around town—you need to drive.

LA’s public transportation has an interesting back story. Taking the LA Conservancy’s historic Downtown LA walking tour, I learned that it once had an efficient streetcar public transportation system until the arrival of bus and car companies that led to the former’s demise in the 1960s.

Who Gets Exempted from Ph Travel Tax?

Click on the image to pay for travel tax online 

She Writes…

Every Filipino international traveler leaving the Philippines has at one point complained about paying for travel tax and I’ve joined the lamentation several times myself.

While the Philippines is not the country with most expensive departure fee, the P2,700 ($54) and P1,620 ($33) travel tax for first class and economy passengers, respectively, can be quite an additional price to pay for a vacation or a business trip abroad.

Travel Guide for Green Card Holders

Documents that a legal permanent resident need to travel in and out of the US. 

She Writes...

Our recent journey back to the Philippines was exactly what Ray and I needed- quality time with family, nostalgic friend-aissance, and a brief time away from the cold city life. 

Coping With Winter (If You’re From the Tropics)

In California, you can surf and snowboard on the same day. Even if Southern California is the sunniest side of the state, there are snow peaks such as those at the San Jacinto State Park in Palm Springs. 

She Writes…

Winter was about to start when I arrived here two years ago.  It was Decem-brrr but I’d bet that to many residents, it was a welcome chill.

I wanted to come prepared and grilled Ray about what clothes I needed to survive the four seasons of California. He thought that I didn’t need thick coats and parkas because he said that compared to states in the East Coast, the California weather was rather mild.   

Welcome, 2017!

Welcome, 2017!

We Write…

A funny (but accurate) meme going around New Year’s Eve said, “if 2016 was a person, it would be Ramsay Bolton.”

The year 2016 was a very difficult one for us, making the meme relatable.  But as much as we want to say “obliviate” and just move forward, it is also good to look back and realize that last year revealed much of our fortitude as individuals and resilience as a couple.