DFA & My Passport Adventure

DFA & My Passport Adventure


For those of you who are planning to get their Philippine Passports, you might want to read my story first so at least you are (slightly) guided.

Anyway, I have been asked to urgently have my passport because there's this immediate company training in Hong Kong.


I initially visited the Department of Foreign Affairs site so I can get a view of the requirements needed during the application. You may view the requirements >>here.


So off I went to the DFA on one Monday morning bringing with me a filled up application form which I have downloaded from the site (front and back). Along with the application form is my birth certificate (authenticated by the NSO), 2 valid IDs (Company and School ID) and Passport Pictures (required: Royal Blue Background).

Even before I am able to enter the DFA premises, there are these fixers near the entrance who'll try to take advantage of you. Some were acting as if they are also applying for passports and persuades you to go to his "kakilala" who can help you get your passport easier.

Very Important: Do not, at any time, entertain people OUTSIDE the DFA Premises. Proceed directly to the DFA gate and ask the guards on the proper procedures.

Now some people have already advised me to bring candies, bottled water, sandwich or biscuit because there's this "unbelievable" queue of applicants.

1st Line would be the line where you may enter the Basketball Court (this is where the documents are being assesed and verified).- so bale, entrance pa lang pala ito sa pagpasok, hindi pa ito yung pinaka pila ng mga applicants. parang sa MRT wherein, pipila ka muna sa mga guwardiya bago ka makapasok ng MRT station.

Once you have entered the Basketball Court, there will, again be a line before you can enter the "assesment premise".

And so I thought, " Siguro, about 75% of these people are applying for their passports so they can work abroad. Parang kung iisipin mo, ganoon na ba talaga karami ang gustong lumabas nang Pilipinas? Can't we have enough work here for all these people?"

The third line would be the queue for assesing your papers. Now this has caused me into a "desperate" mood, really. Imagine, waking up early in the morning so you can come early to the DFA, then taking three queue of lines, only to find out that the requirement list in the DFA portal is actually incomplete.

Anyway, I lack my NBI clearance. If you have only relied on the list in the DFA website, then you will notice that the NBI clearance is not a requisite. Rather, it might be used as an additional supporting document to prove your identity.

Can't the people in-charge of maintaining the DFA website just update the records?

Dito naman, naisip ko, "Gaano ba talaga kahirap i-prove ang identity mo kung ikaw na mismo ang nandoon at sinasabi sa buong mundo na 'AKO 'TO."

And so, I left DFA without actually having to accomplish my application. My next step from here would be to go to the National Bureau of Investigation to get my NBI clearance.

But that's another story......

Aaaah.... Pulitika

Hindi lang sampung beses na may nagsabi sa akin- tumakbo ka kaya sa eleksiyon?, kumandidato ka kaya? kailangan natin ang mga kagaya mong may malasakit sa bayan. dapat ang mga tumatakbo dito sa bayan natin eh yung may mga natapos, hindi iyong mga basta na lang sikat pero wala rin namang nagagawang matino.

Nagsimula ang 'political career' ko as early nine years old nang kumandidato ako at nanalo via a landslide victory sa elementary school Student Body. Mula grade three, taun-taon hanggang grade six, kung anu-anong posisyon ang pinanalunan ko hanggang sa maging Presidente ako ng Student Body.

Dati pa man, uso na ang pagdidikit ng mga karatula na may nakalagay, 'HECTOR for President' VOTE STRAIGHT! Republican Party!. Umiikot ang buong partido sa bawat classroom, ipinapahayag sa mga murang kaisipan ng mga estudyante ang mga plataporma namin. Sabay sasabihin- 'kami po'y lumalapit upang hingin ang inyong tulong at suporta upang ako, sampu ng aking mga kasamahan ay inyong iboto sa darating na halalan'. At kapag nakapagsalita na lahat, sabay-sabay kaming sisigaw- 'VOTE STRAIGHT! Republican Party!'

Dati pa man, madalas nang manalo ang sikat-mga campus figure na siyang tinitingala at ginagawang modelo ng mga mas batang estudyante.

Dati pa man, uso na, kahit sa aming mga murang isip ang salitang 'pamumulitika'. Hindi maiiwasan ang panglilibre ng sago, gulaman, mangga, chichirya, sa mga kaklase, kakilala para iboto ka nila.

At dati pa man, uso na rin pala ang mga kaibigang nagkakawatak-watak, nagkaka away away kapag nagkakaiba ng mga kandidatong pinapanigan. Ngunit pagkatapos nang halalan, muling magkakabati at sabay-sabay pa ring maglalakad pauwi pagkatapos ng klase.



High School ako nang sinubukan akong suyuin ng ilang kabataan para tumakbo sa Sangguniang Kabataan. Pero dahil sa ibang bayan ako nag-aral ng high school at laging wala sa amin, ipinasya kong huwag na lang kumandidato.

Maaaring doon nagsimula ang pagkawalay ko sa takbo ng pulitika.

Subalit paulit-ulit, animo'y nananadyang sumusulpot sulpot ang himok ng pulitika. May nagtangka ring mag-endorse sa akin na kumandidato sa Senior Officers noong College. Kailangan daw nila nang righteous leader na pwedeng tumapat sa noo'y sikat na kumakandidatong prominent figure sa Campus.

Pero nag-iiba pala ang perspective nang tao. Marahil na rin ay hindi na school politics ang focus ko, kaya hindi ko pinatos ang endorsement. Siguro'y dahil na rin sa alam kong mabigat na tao ang babanggain ko at isa pa'y kaibigan ko rin naman ang tatakbong presidente.

Pagdaan nang panahon, kapag nagbabalik at nag uusap-usap sa bayan kong pinagmulan, paminsan-minsan, pasulput-sulpot, nabubuhay ang dugong pulitika.

Lalo't higit kapag napag-uusapan ang tungkol sa mga kakulangan nang mga namumuno sa bayan. Tungkol sa kung paanong kahit hindi naman kwalipikado ang isang tao ay nananalo sa eleksiyon dahil may perang 'pamudmod' sa mga botante.



Malapit na ang 2010

Kabi-kabila ang naririnig mong balita kung sino ang may planong tumakbong presidente, senador, gobernador, congressman, mayor, konsehal.

Sa mga speech ay hindi nawawala ang salitang- 'Dahil gusto kong maglingkod sa bayan'. Service to the Filipino People.

Hindi ko na ninanais na bumalik/pumasok sa mundo ng pulitika. Maglingkod sa bayan? Hindi lang pagpasok sa pulitika ang paraan upang maglingkod sa bayan. Maaari tayong magpakita nang malasakit sa bansa kahit hindi tayo inihalal sa isang posisyon.

Maraming ibang paraan. Madalas, ang mga ito'y hindi na kailangan pang isa-isahin upang intindihin at malaman nang bawat isa sa atin. Madalas, ang mga paraang ito'y nakatago na noon pa man sa ating mga sariling puso at isipan- naghihintay nang panahon upang ating ilabas, gamitin, linangin at pagyamanin para sa ikabubuti nang bansa.

-----hector_olympus-----

Militarized Zone

The Presidential Management Staff will formally be "militarized" on February 1, 2009, following the appointment of Hermogenes Esperon as PMS Head.

PMS Staffs better be good, better be ready, better be on-time, better be suave, better be clean, better be snappy.

Or else-baka mapatawan ng push ups.

So, will the staffs welcome Sec. Esperon with arms wide open?



Survey says.......................................

Obama's Inaugural Address

US President Barrack Obama
Inaugural Address
January 20, 2009
Washington


Excerpts:

• On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

• The time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

• Greatness is never a given. It must be earned.

• The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.

• To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history.

• For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

• This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.



__________

The Complete Text: here.

Trip to Jerusalem

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced on January 21, 2008 that there will be a Cabinet Revamp effective February 1, 2008.

Former PNP Chief Avelino Razon, Jr. and now Deputy Director General of the National Security Council will take over Hermogenes Esperon's position as Presidential Adviser on Peace Process.

Esperon will be the head the Presidential Management Staff, currently supervised by Cerge Remonde.

Remonde will take over Jesus Dureza as the new Press Secretary.

Dureza will be appointed as the new Presidential Legal Counsel which used to be the position of Sergio Apostol.

So para palang Trip to Jerusalem lang ang nangyari. Kasi nagpapalit-palit lang ng posisyon. In the end, isang tao lamang talaga ang nawala sa posisyon-si Sergio Apostol.

Pero hindi ba talaga namang nag-retire na dati pa si Apostol Sergio?

Mr. Palengke(ro)

****I actually would want to refrain from posting this because of some offensive words but am posting it anyway because this really made me laugh. Forgive the words, though.*****


Speaking of the 2010 hopefuls (see previous blog entry), I was able to browse through this funny entry on The Professional Heckler's blog about the scene-stealing cursing of our Honorable Senator Mar Roxas during the anti-cha cha rally in Makati wherein Roxas shouted


“Putang-ina! Patayin ang Gloria Forever Cha Cha na ito!”

to the surprise (and dismay) of the people who heard him.

Here's the Professional Heckler's Top 10 Messages Left on Sen. Mar Roxas’ Answering Machine:

10: Senator Roxas, this is Yolly Ong of Campaigns & Grey. I think you’ll need our help.

9: Mar, Si Archbishop Cruz ‘to. Amen!

8: Hello senator, Danton Remoto here. Naloka ako sa ‘yo!

7: Hi, it’s Teddy Locsin. I thought my “Fuck You” then was good. But your “Putang Ina” was awesome!

6: Mar, si Erap ‘to. Salamat sa pagmumura mo. At least, mas madaling ma-narrow down ang choices ng opposition.

5: Manuel, this is your mamita! Hijo naman, ano na lang ang iisipin ng akin mga amiga? Na ikaw ay persona mal educado? Na mal ejemplo ako bilang madre de familia? Usted debe pedir perdón! (Read: You must apologize!) Ora mismo!

4: Hello senator, Danton Remoto again. In fairness, lalaking lalaki ka that night!

3: Hon, Korina here. Ang tanga-tanga mo! ‘Di ka ba na-inform na may nakatutok na camera?

2: Mar, it’s Senator Villar. Hahahahahahahahaha! One down.



And the No. 1 message left on Sen. Mar Roxas’ answering machine…



1: ‘Tol, si Mikey ‘to. Puta’ng ina mo rin!

Who's In? Who's Out?

As expected, the nomination for the country's top post come 2010 has informally begun. The newest addition of course, is our SC Chief Justice Reynato Puno.






Early this week, Kapatiran Party has expressed their interest in picking SC Chief Puno to be their flag-bearer in the 2010 Presidential Elections. Puno, however, declined any interest in entering the political arena.

In fact, even Ping Lacson, himself a presidential wannabe, also endorsed Puno as someone who can be the next president of the Philippines.

Inquirer.net, then, reports that Bro. Eddie Villanueva, spiritual leader of the Jesus is Lord movement, is offering Puno as his Vice Presidential running mate. In 2004, Villanueva bid (and lost) for the presidential post against GMA and FPJ.

In a separate report, however, Former Presidential Legal Adviser Apostol Sergio (er, Sergio Apostol) comments that "Puno does not know his politics and would not be bankable enough".

Inquirer's January 19 editorial thus notes:

++++++++++

No, Puno does not know his politics if what Apostol means by it is the dirty, traditional politics of deceit, dishonesty, corruption and cheating. And true, Puno would not be bankable, unlike former President Joseph Estrada or Senators Bong Revilla or Jinggoy Estrada. If you want “bankable,” you will have to nominate somebody from show biz or sports. After all, the word is often used to refer to stars whose names could be used as collateral for getting big loans from banks.

The trouble with presidential “headhunters” is that all they talk about is popularity, “winnability,” “bankability.” They forget about the traits of leadership: integrity, honesty, dedication and patriotism. They do not care if their candidate is a traditional politician who is ready to sacrifice his principles for the sake of expediency.

The last time we had a similar situation was when Cory Aquino, widow of the assassinated former senator Benigno Aquino Jr., ran for president against the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos scoffed that she knew nothing (“walang alam”). Aquino retorted that she really knew nothing — about cheating, dishonesty and corruption. She was not “bankable,” and so people contributed millions to her campaign fund. She won the snap election, but was cheated by Marcos and his minions. But the people, in mounting the EDSA People Power Revolution, recognized and installed her as the true winner.

Not “bankable” enough. “Does not know his politics.” Those who scoff at a possible presidential run by Puno had better review their history.

++++++++++

So now the question still stands-Who's got what it takes to be the Next Philippine President who can lead us to progress and prosperity?

(For sure, if the hunt would be made a reality show like PBB, Pinoy Idol, Survivor, etc., the Networks will fight for the airing rights).

Who's In? Who's Out? to run for the Presidential Race (And not necessarily to WIN and TRIUMPH)

In my opinion-

SC Chief Justice Puno is In. By all means he is qualified; not withstanding that He is a righteous leader (much like then Chief Justice Davide). But his weakness would be the local areas because he's only known in the Metro.

Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva is Out. I continue to stand by my personal opinion that he should not meddle with running for the post. His running in 2004 has caused division in the body of Christ- and I hope this serves to remind him that yes, He can pray, advise, and stir moral ascendency for the Filipinos, but be the President? Oh, It would be much better if he will just allow his son, Joel (Congressman of Party List CIBAC), to run for Senator (then He can later flourish and may run for President-Why Not?).

Senator Ping Lacson- Out. I think his failure in 2004 shows the reason why.

Senator Mar Roxas- In.

But for Roxas, his cursing during one of the rallies in Makati recently has put a clear negative point against him (Sana ay nag ingat ingat naman kahit paano).

Senator Manny Villar is In.

Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga has the pesosesoses needed to launch his nationwide campaign.


Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay is In. No! Out!



I believe he should first run for Senator. Then President in the next next elections. Same thing with his nemesis, the famous, and singing sensation, MMDA Chair and Mr. Gwapo, Bayani Fernando.

And what can we say about pareng Erap? I think he is In. But the people should not vote for him. Not this time.

And..... when all else fights for their own battle to the top, this next personality is certainly the Man to Beat!

Certainly, Eddie Gil can provide the fun and laughter during the campaigns. Go, Eddie Gil!!!

Pinoy Pasaway Series #2

Kwento nang isang teen-ager na nagnakaw nang motorsiklo:

++++++++++
Bike thief makes series of mistakes…
…until finally arrested by police
By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

For committing one blunder after another, an 18-year-old was arrested by Quezon City policemen on Saturday.

The unlucky man was identified as Ramon Igay, a resident of P. Basilio Street in Pasay City.

According to the police, Igay’s first mistake was stealing a motorcycle that had been left in front of his house.

While driving the vehicle on his way to Novaliches, the teenager committed his second mistake: He ignored a group of policemen who tried to flag him down on North Avenue.

In his haste to escape from the pursuing lawmen, Igay made yet another mistake: He turned right into the North Luzon Expressway where motorcycles are banned.

Insp Angelo Nicolas of the Quezon City Police District’s anticar theft unit said it was only after they caught up with Igay that they discovered he had stolen the blue Honda Wave motorcycle with license plate 4360 DP.

Nicolas said his men flagged down the teenager because his motorcycle did not have a registration sticker from the Land Transportation Office.
++++++++++

Nakakalungkot. Isipin mong isang 18 years old na bata ay natututo nang magnakaw at maging pasakit sa lipunang ginagalawan. Kung susuriin nga naman, sino ang dapat maging responsable sa mga ganitong pangyayari? Ang mga magulang? Ang gobyerno? O ang mismong taong nagkasala sa pagnanakaw?

Anu't anupaman, ang mga ganitong kaganapan ay patuloy na nangyayari sa iba't ibang dako nang Pilipinas.

Nakakalungkot.

Pinoy Pasaway Series #1

Kung minsan, hindi na kailangan nang mahabang eksplanasyon para maipaliwanag ang pagiging pasaway ng mga Pilipino.




Madalas, ang karakter na ito ay nagkalat sa ating paligid. Tahimik na bumubungad sa mga mata natin ngunit hindi natin napapansin dahil nga "nakagawian na" o nasanay na tayo sa mga ganitong pangitain.

Pinoy Pasaway Series

Ang Introduksiyon

Ilang beses ko ring pinag-isipan kung dapat ko bang umpisahan itong series na ito sa aking blog. May posibilidad kasing maging tampulan nang pagkamuhi mula sa mga kapwa-pinoy kapag nakita o nabasa nilang inilalathala pa ang mga kahinaan ng Pinoy.

Subalit naghuhumiyaw ang katotohanan na tunay ngang napakaraming kahinaan ng pinoy.

Ang sabi nang ilan ay kailangan mong kilalanin ang iyong kaaway upang ikaw ay magwagi laban sa kanya. Sa ganitong kaliwanagan, pipilitin kong mangalap nang mga artikulo, kwento, sanaysay at balita na magpapakita nang pagiging pasaway ng mga Pilipino. At sa pamamagitan nito, nawa'y makita natin kung paano natin mapagtatagumpayan ang kahinaang ito.

Tara! Umpisahan natin ang pagdiskubre sa ating mga sarili.

Pinoy, pasaway ka bang talaga?

One Day

Two In A Row

So that makes it two in a row.


Here's Mr. J's belated treat for Ms. J's bday.

(Syempre lahat kami kasali sa libre)



Thanks, Mr. J!

Pleasant Treat

Happy Birthday Ms. J!

Salamat sa treat.

2009 Holidays

Proclamation 1699, signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on December 2008, enumerates the Holiday Schedule for the Year 2009:

Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on April 9 (Thursday) was moved to the nearest Monday which is April 6.

Easter holidays from April 9 (Maundy Thursday) until April 12 (Easter Sunday).


The other regular holidays are:

Labor Day-May 1(Friday)
Independence Day- June 12 (Friday)
National Heroes Day- August 31 (Monday)
Bonifacio Day - November 30 (Monday)
Christmas Day- December 25 (Friday)
Rizal Day- December 30 (Wednesday)


Arroyo declared the following as Special Non-Working Days:

Ninoy Aquino Day - August 21 (Friday)
All Saints Day - November 1 (Sunday)
All Soul’s Day - November 2 (Monday)
Christmas Eve - December 24 (Thursday)
New Year’s Eve - December 31 (Thursday).