The rest of the country was on a holiday last April 26 to celebrate National Heroes Day but I on the other hand, having foreign clientele, had to report to the office - business as usual. But 2013 public holiday is no other holiday as people from all walks of life gathered at Luneta Park to show their disgust in the current expose that fills up the news lately -- known as Pork Barrel Scam involving a certain Janet Lim-Napoles and some incumbent Senators of the country (sadly, a few which I voted) allegedly using our taxes for their own benefit. 

I salute those who took the time and join the picnic protest wearing white to show oneness in this particular issue. A lot of memes are going viral in social media but I find this one simple yet a little funny.

From Facebook

So basically, this is how a payslip look like with itemized items of our deductions with a very suspicious item in the list. It is funny however it hurts your pockets. Anyhow, here is a personal photo of mine -- a collection of some of my Income Tax Return (ITR) BIR 2316 over the years that I have been working, those that survived the floodings, I don't mind paying them for Jesus said in the Bible to pay Caesar what is Caesar but my only outcry is please use them wisely. #ScrapPork

I am proud to say that I have never missed out any national elections since I started voting when I was 19 but I have to confess I need to make better choices. I am glad Filipinos are build to be resilient but we do need to make ourselves informed.

Last January, I went to SSS Tagaytay office to replace my SSS ID for surname change due to marriage.  I knew what I was going into when I applied for this -- a loooong wait! So I actually did not put my expectations that high since base on my research, SSS has a major back log in producing the IDs and sending it out to the members.

Married Name

So it was just a delight that when I visited my in-laws place yesterday that I received a letter from SSS. Yay! Despite the not-so-flattering picture, I am happy that at least they were able to send it within the same year (7 months process). Also instead of the old blue-colored ID, I now own the new yellow-colored Philippine Unified Multi-Purpose ID which can be used in SSS for private sector/GSIS for government sector, PAGIBIG and Philhealth transactions.

Unified Multi-Purpose ID Back

It was almost lunch time when I got to Gil Puyat cor. N. Garcia St. so I was a bit worried that the staff will be on their break and that would mean I have to wait for them to finish up. But I took my chances anyway and got into an orange tricycle (Php 35) going there since I didn't want to walk (the noon sun is starting to give me a headache).

LTO Makati Branch in Pililia St

Basically the process of getting a Student Permit for Driving is:

1. Submit filled-out application form together with photocopy of birth certificate and valid ID
2. Document Evaluation and Data Encoding
3. Picture Taking (you can smile) and digital signature
4. Payment of Php 317.63 in the cashier
5. Releasing of the permit, valid for 1 year

Still worried about the time, the guard pointed me to Window 1: Customer Service, when I asked him about Student Permit. The staff gave me the application form and upon filling it up I returned it to him. He then signed the form and the photocopies attached and gave me a number. I was asked to wait for my number to be called. It seems I don't have to worry after all.

My number was called via the PA system in Window 2: DL Evaluator. He received my documents for encoding. I was asked again to wait for him to call me. 

DL Evaluator

He then transferred to Window 6: Picture Taking and called me. After that, the staff in Window 7: DL Cashier called me and asked for my payment. Soon after, I was called in Window 5 to get my permit and sign the logsheet.

Picture / Releasing

I was done in 15 freaking minutes!!! It was awesome. There were other people there processing their papers but I think it is for the vehicle itself and only 2 of us applying for a student permit. With that, I bid the LTO Makati goodbye happily...

Efficient service, LTO Makati Branch

*** Thank you, Lord for a fuzz-free transaction ***
(May pag-asa na ang mga Pinoy)

Unlike my previous transactions with the government offices, my attempt to get a TIN Card ID did not quite go as I hoped for. 

I was already in a bus going back to EDSA-Ayala at 10 am yesterday after renewing my passport at the DFA Aseana office. I passed by my new employer first to drop off some of my pre-employment requirement then went to BIR Office found in 5F Atrium Bldg Makati Ave (fronting Ayala Triangle). I learned that it is Regional District Office No. 50 (RDO 50) South of Makati sector. I entered the door where the guard pointed me to and there was a table with CDs on top. The CD has a number written on it, so I got one and waited my number to be called by the Front Desk Officer.

I was holding #32 and #23 was the one being served. Sandali lang ako nag-intay kse when the personnel checks the applicant's info, he usually points him out to the correct RDO office that the applicant is under. So medyo kinabahan na ko because I first worked in Paranaque where my employer then got the TIN number for me. True enough, when the personnel checked my information he said I am registered under RDO 52. Schucks!

Anyhow, I have been working for 8 years (3 months Paranaque, 3+ years Cavite, 5 years Makati) and been paying my taxes even without my TIN Card ID so I don't think it is a must-have ID as long as you know your TIN Number. 

My passport will expire on April but I decided to renew it early since I have the time. The very essential step in renewing your passport is to set an appointment via DFA Passport Appointment System. You need to fill up the information about yourself and select your preferred date and time on the available schedule given. An email will be sent to you and you need to confirm it within 24 hours to get your E-Passport Application Form in pdf format. Print out the form in a long bond paper but do not sign it yet, you will not be entertained if you do not have a copy of your appointment.

I scheduled mine today, Feb 06 Mon at 9:00 am and was reminded to be at DFA Aseana by 8:30 am. From our house, I went to Ayala-EDSA and waited for a bus going to Baclaran since it passes by right in front of the DFA building. I wasn't too sure about the traffic jam in EDSA on a Monday morning so I really went out early, I got off the bus at 7:30 am and decided to have breakfast at Mcdo which is just across the DFA. I was crossing the street at 8:00 am.

I entered Gate 2, the guards asked for my E-Passport Application form. Escorts are not allowed from this point. As soon as I entered the gate, there was an appointment verification booth next to it. I showed the form for the personnel to verify the appointment. I then lined up for Door 3, the guard asked me to sit a little while since they are still catering to the 8:00/8:30am appointments. 

The waiting area is made up of tents and plastic benches group by time of appointment. Make sure to sit on the benches for your time of appointment especially if you are scheduled later on the day were there could be more people waiting. After a couple of minutes, the guard signaled that I could enter the building.  No food and drinks allowed inside the building.

So Step 1 begins here: Processing and Documents Evaluation. I prepared my E-Passport Application form, my old passport, a photocopy of the front and last pages of the passport. Since I also wanted to use my married name, I also have NSO Marriage Certificate. There were ample of seats inside and the line moves quickly as there were 23 booths opened for the evaluation. I was already mid-in line when the guard instructed us to stand up and follow him. We went outside Door 3 and were ushered to the adjacent room where there were more booths opened for the evaluation. So my documents were evaluated in no time so how about that, huh? 

If you are using your ID, make sure to have 1 photocopy of it. All requirements will be stapled together, this is where I also signed my application form. You will be asked if you prefer Regular Php 950 or Express Php 1200 processing.  Also, make sure you get your receipt stamped on which kind of processing you prefer because this is needed in the cashier. If the personnel forgets to stamp your receipt, you need to go back. Going back means 50+ more people is going to be served before you, sayang naman! The personnel will also indicate on the receipt the date where your passport will be available. I chose Express, just for kicks since I got excited that I will get it after 10 days. Regular processing takes 20 days. [Update Feb 20, got my passport only today, few days late from the promised date]

I then proceeded to the 2nd Floor through Door 1 and at the right side of the escalator is the Passport Enrollment Center. As you enter, line up to the Cashier window at the the left side. 

No documents needed for this one so just prepare your receipt and your cash. Once paid, get a number and have a seat and wait for your number to appear on the screen which is Step 3.

Make sure to get a number, see the table below the tarpaulin, otherwise you will be waiting for nothing

I was 200++ away from being served but no worries their process seems to be efficient, there are around 70+ booths ready to serve the Filipino people. Hehehe... at least at this government office, my 32% taxes do not go to waste. At this point, here are the papers I have so far

While waiting, a lady announced if anyone wants to have their passport delivered? This is actually Step 4 but optional. I approached her and she issued a receipt of Php 120 for the delivery service. She pointed me to a table near by for my delivery address. After that, I only had to wait a few more minutes when my number was shown on the screen for booth 30.

The personnel encoded my information, took my picture, my thumb prints and digital signature. For my picture -- no earring, no bangs, tuck the hair behind the ears and do not show teeth when smiling. She then printed my information in a pink paper attaching it to the rest of my documents and showed it to me for verification. After checking, I signed it and she said I'm all done. Since I was also done for the passport delivery, I just followed the Exit arrows, they have it pointing up to the Exit gate. I was already outside the building by 9:30am.

Getting NBI Clearance - New Biometrics System

Location: Robinson Otis, UN Avenue Manila
Processing Time: 3:00 pm - 4:40 pm
Fee: Php 115.00 for local employment
Requirements: 1 Valid ID (In my case, my trustee Postal ID) 

Perks: Also acceptable as Valid ID to some offices but more of proving to the party you are transacting with that you have no criminal records whatsoever.

There was a bit of confusion when I was researching in how to renew my NBI Clearance since there were a lot of people who blogged about it. But after much patience, I got na what happened and what to do next. So NBI had some problems with their IT provider in July 2011, so after signing up for a new one they had to redo their records. So everyone is treated as first time applicants. Next, the new system seems to working well but there are a lot of issues regarding lining up causing some horrible stories of endless waiting or worse not making it on time for the day's quota in clearance center. Another blog gave note worthy comments that Robinsons Otis in the afternoon is the best way to go.

Like most of you, I'm not familiar with this mall but I do know UN Avenue since I went to college in a school in Pedro Gil plus I attended a few times in a Christian Church in front of the NBI Main in Taft Avenue.

So from Tagaytay-Lawton-Route bus, I got off in Taft-UN Avenue then to a yellow tricycle (Php 10.00) for Robinsons Otis. I asked the lady guard at the mall entrance about NBI, she mentioned it was already cut-off but still pointed me to the 2nd floor. I got there and saw some people in line, I asked the guard at the end of the line and he instructed me to confirm with the NBI Personnel if they will still accept applicants and so I did. They still handed me a form to fill up and a few more people after me.

I lined up at 3:00 pm

Just my assumption though, the center accepts afternoon applicants even if they reach the day's quota as long as they could still process your application before the closing time.

• Step 1: Fill up the form and pay Php 115.00 for local employment and show 1 valid ID
• Step 2: Encoding, there is a screen in front of the applicant to make sure correct data is keyed in
• Step 3: Biometrics (finger print and picture)
• Step 4: Releasing

I was able to take a seat 40 minutes later

I expected that I have a hit, since I had one from the last time I applied. I was just a bit disappointed that I could get it only after 2-wks... I'll be starting with my new employer by that time.

*** TIPS ***

Prepare the exact amount, this ain't the departments store. They're not very big on change.

Expect long lines so be patient - bring something that will keep you busy while in line.

Bring water and snack if you have to, I was on a partial fasting so I didn't mind not having my lunch or snack when I went around the offices.

 Continue Reading:
Philippine Govt Office I: Postal ID
Philippine Govt Office II: SSS ID

Replacement of SSS ID for Surname Change due to Marriage

 
Location: SSS Tagaytay Branch
Processing Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 nn
Fee: Php 300.00
Requirements: 2 Valid ID (In my case, my recently acquired Postal ID  and NSO Marriage Certificate)
Forms: E-6 for data capturing and R-6 for ID replacement payment
            E-4 if you have not submitted your Data Amendment
Perks: For claiming benefits and applying for loans especially salary. It is accepted as a valid ID in virtually all offices with the likes banks and service providers - phone, broadband, cable.

Right after I got married, I submitted my E4 Member's Data Amendment Form with my last employer to have the updates processed but I never got around into changing my ID Card. This made the processing to the banks harder because they will still follow my maiden name despite presenting marriage certificate.

In SM Bacoor, I waited for a bus going to Tagaytay. This SSS Branch is a bit farther from our house but when I read a recent post in a blog with good feedback in this branch. I decided it is worth the 1.5 hr trip. I'd rather have a long drive than waiting in line. This is where I started feeling I was in  a field trip, being in a bus, looking out the window, seeing the greenery outside. Ang saya! Thank you, Lord for this moment. I boarded off the bus at Olivarez (yung rotonda where you can find KFC, Jollibee, Chowking and Mang Inasal). In Mang Inasal side, I walked turning to the left (the way going to Palace in The Sky) passing by vendors selling plants at the side of the road.

There were a lot of people in the SSS Office, but the guards are very accommodating. Just don't be imitated with their loud voice, as they were doing this because there were a lot of people around the office. In the Forms table, I got a copy of E6 & R6 then proceeded to the Cashier in the 2nd floor. When I returned to the 1st floor, I gave the guard my form and he handed it to the Records Table for checking. Sad part for me is that they took away my current SSS ID Card since it is for replacement, good thing I was able to scan it at home. It was almost lunch time so they were coordinating how many more records they could finish by 12 nn. After my records have been verified, I went straight ahead to the data capturing booth for my fingerprints, digital signature and picture taking (you can smile but no teeth showing). Done, yehey! Still praying that in some sort of miracle to get my ID Card by mail not too far from now.

Continue Reading:
Philippine Govt Office I: Postal ID
Philippine Govt Office III: NBI Clearance

3 Destination in One Day. This is going to be a long post. Read on...

Getting Philippine Postal ID 

Location: Kawit, Cavite
Processing Time: 8:00 am - 8:40 am
Fee: Php 350.00
Requirements: Cedula, Birth Certificate, Brgy. Clearance, 3 pcs. 2x2 ID picture, you will also sketch out the location of your house in the form

Perks: It is valid for 5 years and contains more than the basic name, address, occupation. The back of the ID contains birthdate and place, height, complexion, hair and eye color and birthmarks.

Last Friday, it was hubby's day off and he had errands to run for our car back in Cavite so I asked him so nicely to drop by our local municipal office for my 2012 Cedula then to our barangay hall for my barangay clearance. I sent him with a couple of authorization letter. My dependable hubby was able to acquire both so I'm all set today to start with my excursion. Hahaha.

I've been rehearsing the itinerary in my head for a week now and been praying that all will be well and I'll be safe commuting around alone. First stop, local post office: I asked the old man in the window where can I get a Postal ID and he said I was in the right window. But I have to wait a little because the personnel that does the ID is not yet in. I handed him the requirements then he added 'tatlong 2x2...yung may collar.' I came in prepared I had my picture taken in Picture City - Market Market availed Package 4 (6 pcs. passport size) and Package 7 (passport size & 1x1). He was actually surprised that I had complete requirements but medyo masungit pa rin yung tone nya. He gave me a form to fill up and while answering the form, he was reading through my requirements then said 'Anak ka ni Gloria?'

So I had small talk with him para di nya na ko sungitin. He knew my Tito's, Tita's even my Lolo's so he started smiling as he reminisce their times hanging out. He was about the same age as my Mom if she was still alive so I guess they are really contemporaries. Anyhow, a few minutes later I saw a woman coming in the main door and she was apologetic when she came in to the Postal Office. She said she was late because her blood pressure is high that morning and not feeling well. She started instructing the people inside the office. Despite her loud voice she was still courteous to me and wasted no time in making my ID. Base on the 'scolding' she had with the other personnel, I picked up that she was our local PM (Post Master). While typing my ID, she said to her subordinate 'Magpasalamat kayo itinatama ko kayo dahil concern ako sa inyo, malapit na kong magretire. Para rin naman sa inyo yan.' She gave me the card to check the info before laminating it. She handed it to me, I then thanked her and wished her to feel better soon. I was rejoicing to have my first government ID with PICTURE bearing my married name. So, I hop with glee in a baby bus going to SM Bacoor.

Continue Reading:
Philippine Govt Office II: SSS ID
Philippine Govt Office III: NBI Clearance

I've been married for a couple of years already, although all my records have been updated with my married name, I am yet to own an Identification Card that bears it. So imagine my excitement that after 30 minutes of falling in line, I got this!

Number & Birthday have been omitted in the above photo

Check it out y'all -- it ain't hypenated!

How was I able to obtain it?

Last Dec 22-28, Philhealth set-up a booth in the Food Court Area of our building mainly to print digitized ID for existing and new members. So I quickly filled up the form and line-up. Easy breezy, got the ID above then back to my workstation in no time. I was also able to obtain IDs for my husband and my dad.

Too bad though that the other night, the news showed that a syndicate stole our company's 114M contribution for past 2 years... waah!

Groomy dropped by the municipal office today to double check that our marriage license application is being processed and we would be able to claim it on time. But good thing is, he was able to claim it right there and then.

I handed out all the requirements to the lady employee in a pink uniform in the local municipal office. She verified the content and just gave me instructions to come back a week before the wedding... that's it ang bilis lang di ba?

It was a blessing in disguise that I was assign to do the 1 PM to 10 PM Shift in the office. That gave me a chance to go to the local municipal on a workday. Groomy and I inquired about the process for getting a marriage license. In our case, the local civil register just asked us to submit the following:

- Birth or Baptismal Certificate

- Certificate of Seminar from Church

- CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) from NSO for 25 years of age and above

- Filled up Application Form for Marriage License

- Groomy as the local municipal resident of Kawit

Once we completed the said requirements there would be 10 days posting period and the license will be valid in 120 days. We could claim the license 1 week before the wedding.