Hi, I’m Bella, a proud Filipina who once dreamed of exploring the beautiful places in Europe, just like many others.

Before moving abroad, I lived in Manila for decades and worked at a well-known multisport company. Life was constant, and then it changed — I met my German partner, and soon after, we started building our life together. I later became a manager at one of the Philippines’ leading supermarket chains, all while raising our son.

But like many couples with cross-border love stories, we started to dream bigger — about living together in Europe, as a family. That’s how this journey began. It wasn’t easy, but every step was worth it.

In the next three minutes, I want to share how I turned that dream into reality and how my own challenges led me to start Schengen Consult, a service dedicated to guiding Filipinos through the European visa process, step by step.

As I mentioned, my partner is German. We’re not married, but we’re deeply committed and raising a son together. My son and I had never left the Philippines, while my partner often traveled abroad for business. When we finally decided to settle in Europe as a family, I began researching how to make it happen.

And that’s when the worries began.

Almost everything I found online focused on married couples. I read countless stories of Filipinas who moved to Europe after marrying foreign nationals. I began to question if our dream — as an unmarried couple, was even possible.

At that point, there was no excitement. Just fear, confusion, and a lot of doubt.

But I refused to give up.

I reminded myself: patience, persistence, and faith in the journey matter just as much as the destination. The process was long — filled with endless documents, legal terms, and long waiting periods. It tested our resilience.

But eventually, things fell into place.

We are now living happily in Portugal. My son is thriving in school and adjusting beautifully to his new life. And through it all, I gained something even more meaningful — the desire to help others.

That’s why I started Schengen Consult — to support fellow Filipinos who feel overwhelmed or uncertain about where to begin. I’ve been in your shoes. I know what it’s like to feel lost in a maze of paperwork, unsure if your dream is even allowed.

But I’m living proof: it is possible.

This journey didn’t just take me across continents. It helped me grow — personally and professionally. I’m stronger, more patient, and more determined than ever.

I’m proud to share our story, and I hope it inspires you — especially mothers, women, and dreamers like me — to keep going, even when the odds feel stacked against you.

Believe in your journey.
The dream may feel far away, but with heart and determination, it can become your reality.

 

Schengen Consult

Bella