“PEKENG PASSPORT: PROBLEMA ANG DULOT”
“DFA lang ang nagbibigay ng tunay na passport.
Wag sayangin ang sinakrispisyo nila. Siguraduhing tunay ang iyong passport.”

I got my new Philippine passport in 25 minutes! Kudos to DFA for their new system in passport renewal! First, one has to set an appointment with the DFA through the internet http://www.dfa.gov.ph/form/app/index.htm .

Download the passport application form http://www.dfa.gov.ph/download/index.htm , accomplish it completely, bring your passport pictures with you (blue background) . On appointment date, bring your appointment letter, passport form, pictures and 500 pesos as application fee. You don’t’ need to come back to claim your passport, courier service is available at 99 pesos. The courier service will deliver the passport within two weeks at your doorstep.

If you are also renewing the passport of your minor children, be sure the mother’s passport is up to date or she is renewing it together with her children’s passport at the same time. If not current, her children’s passport cannot be renewed. Remember that the mother’s passport should be up to date or current if she wants to renew her children’s passport. The children’s passport application form should have a Xerox copy of the mother’s passport.

There are many people outside of the DFA gate claiming they have DFA forms, no long queues etc. Never mind these people just go ahead and enter the DFA compound, and you will have everything inside. Photo copying machines and picture studio are available inside the DFA compound. Do not entertain these people even if they claim to be DFA employees, even if they have their ID’s. Its better to ask people inside the DFA compound rather than people outside of the DFA premises. There are security personnels inside the DFA compound that would help and guide you where you need to go in order to process your papers.

Do not forget to bring a pen, water and fan. There are portions in the area that is little hot! How to get to the DFA? If you are accessible to the LRT. its at the LIBERTAD station, then ride a jeep going to the DFA. It’s advisable to go by public transport, parking is a problem.

Visit the Department of Foreign Affairs Website: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

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Census Serbilis Centers under the National Statistics Office have been opened for the convenience of the public applying for copies of birth, marriage, death certificates and certificate of no marriage record (CENOMAR) for local and foreign use.

Because of visa requirements, I had a chance of going to a Census Serbilis Center at the Ground Floor, Lifestyle I Building Hobbies of Asia, at Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. I requested for 4 birth certificates and 1 marriage certificate. Really. it’s a long queue, it took me 3 hours to complete the processing and another 2 hours to wait for the release of the said original copies. It was a long wait at screening area since only 2-3 persons are staffing the screening booth. The fee is around 140 pesos per document.

I wonder why they are showing an Indian variety show and something about a Chinese war, which show some form of brutality at the TV monitors in the area. Maybe they could show some historical Filipino films about Rizal or something that is very Filipino.

I decided to get the documents some other day, and when I came back 3 days after to claim the documents, it took me 20 minutes to do so. At the back of the building, is the where you can claim the documents. It is more convenient in terms of less people at the waiting area, air conditioning system is cold, but maybe because it was 8:30 AM.

Do not forget to bring a pen, a valid ID, water to drink and something to kill the boredom. You will also provide some basic information (address, birtdate,birthplace etc )to facilitate verification and issuance of your needed document. It s better for you to bring an old copy of the document or “kodigo” so as to prevent errors in your application.

But if you are too busy going through this process, getting documents from NSO is just a phone call away. You can DIAL 737-111 “ isang tawag na lang ang birth certificate”. NSO Birth Certificate delivery 24 hours. The fee is 300 pesos to be paid at Metro, Bancnet or any Bayad center, document will be delivered right at your doorstep.

For more information about Civil Registration log on to:
http://www.census.gov.ph/data/civilreg/csc_location.html
http://www.census.gov.ph/data/civilreg/civapfaq.html#birth

For more information about fee collection visit:
http://www.census.gov.ph/data/civilreg/ocrgrevfees.html

The 2nd Philippine Blog Awards was held at One Esplanade , Mall of Asia, Pasay City last September 21, 2008 was an event which brought together the “crème dela Crème “ of the blogging community. It was a packed house where bloggers met and, mingle. The attendees represented quite a cross section of the bloggers community.

Around 36 awards were given to the different categories dubbed as the “Oscars” of the blogosphere. Senator Mar A. Roxas graced the occasion and he talked about personal responsibility attached to being a blogger. He said that if one puts his name on what one writes, it would also reflect what one stands for and what one believes in.

Another highlight of the occasion was the raffle of prizes (Nokia cellphones, the most coveted one) and dinner served by Josiah’s Catering plus the different booths displaying products of sponsors of the 2nd Philippine Blog Awards.

The 2nd Philippine Blog Awards ended with the speech rendered by Jayvee Fernandez who emulated bloggers about personal conviction, integrity, and character. He ended his speech with the line “It is not about how well we blog - it is about how well we live our life.”

Congratulations to the finalists and WINNERS. To the organizers of the Philippine Blog Awards Noemi, Jayvee, Juned, Gail and the volunteer bloggers who were so busy during the event making the impossible possible- WELL DONE!. Their efforts deserve a pat on the back. Hey you are ALL GREAT!

Co-Presentors
Level Up! Games
San Miguel Corporation
Nokia
Blog Bank
Smart Communications
Josiah’s Catering
Toshiba
Geiser Maclang
San Miguel Corporation

Gold Sponsors
Rsun My Technology Store
Yahoo
2go
Belo Medical Group
XFM 92.3
Buddy Gancencia Reality TV
Ultravision Photo and Video
Click Booth
Aloha Board Sports
Sheero Media Solutions
YourPinoyBroker.com
PLDT
Red Box
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Havaianas
California Pizza Kitchen
David and Goliath

Media Partners
Inquirer.Net
ROAM Magazine
flippish tv

Aloha Boardsports, which distributes the VOLCOM premier boardsports brand exclusively in the Philippines, is challenging Filipino artists to come up with their own original T-shirt designs and join the Volcom Call Out for Art with the theme “Why do you keep on hurting your neighborhood? What’s wrong with you?”

Volcom offers designs that can be worn as streetwear and boardsports apparel but is its wearable with a surf or skate appeal. There is a men and women’s line that offers a full complement of denim, casual wear and accessories that incorporate influences from street fashion. T-shirt prints can range from your usual beach-themed graphics to graffiti prints to original artwork with Aloha Boardsports.

Over the last decade, Volcom has provided a platform for aspiring artists to express themselves through the Featured Artist Series line of products and the first Filipina for Volcom’s Featured Artist Series is Sharon Atillo. Her work entitled Melissa’s Portrait with the Exploding Robotic Rhum in Cake, the artwork title with her cousin’s name, for whom the work was originally for, suggests a mirror image or a portrait of the viewer and the viewer’s surrounding mental, physical or sociological environment.

The best among original designs will be handpicked by Volcom and will be featured and produced as a limited edition release under the brand. The winning designer will receive Php 25,000, a P10,000 shopping spree in Aloha Boardsports and an exhibit grant.

Join the Volcom callout for art an Art Revolution. With the theme “Why are you hurting your neighborhood? What’s wrong with you?” Aloha Boardsports paves the way for other Filipino artists to follow in the footsteps of Sharon Atillo.

Its time you start working on your T-shirt now up to October 30, 2008, ’cause you just might be the next Volcom Featured Artist. If you are Interested in sending an entry. Log on to www.volcomcallforart.com for more details. For questions and more information, you may email info@volcomcallforart.com.

Aloha Boardsports Inc. is the exclusive distributor for leading action sports apparel and accessories. For product information and inquiries, please visit Aloha Boardsports, Inc. at Level R3 Powerplant Mall, Makati City or call (02) 899-7332.

The second Philippine Blog Awards will be held on September 21, 2008 at Esplanade , Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. The awards aim to give recognition to the Filipino blogging talent. This year, its more exciting since awards were categorized accordingly as network blogs written by Filipinos, blogs written by media practitioners as well as local corporations that use blogs are effective communication tools.

I am singling out “My Boring Life…. Now a Blog” http//www.brinknotes.org.

The website is cool, I like the new layout/theme used. The blog covers variety of topics and insights from a 17 year old that have a dream of making it big in the net.

He has been blogging for 5 years, podcasting , vlogging, web designer and graphic artist. He is maintaining around 20 websites on his own.

The blogger is young and is dear to me; he is one of my treasures!

Thumbs up for Adrian Jeric G. Peña!

Philippine Blog Awards Sponsors:
Level Up! Games
Nokia
Blog Bank
Smart Communications
Josiah’s Catering
Rsun Technology Store
Yahoo
XFM 92.3
Buddy Gancencia Reality TV
Ultravision Photo and Video
Clique Booth
Aloha Board Sports
Sheero Media Solutions
YourPinoyBroker.com
Belo Medical Group
Inquirer.Net
Toshiba
ROAM Magazine
PLDT
Red Box
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
2go

Havaianas

PLDT

California Pizza Kitchen

On October 1 - 2, 2008, 300 physician dermatologists from all over the Philippines will converge at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City for their 5th Annual Convention of PACCD. This year’s theme “Updates in Dermatology 2008” will have activities such as seminars, workshops on lasers, exhibits, fellowship night and discussion of current issues regarding BFAD rules affecting the practice of Dermatology and the Revised PMA Code of Ethics correlated to the practice of dermatology.

Since 2003, the PACCD is founded and headed by Vinson B. Pineda, M.D.,F.P.A.C.C.D., F.A.A.D. PACCD aims to uplift dermatological practice by providing a venue for information and education for current practitioners and future dermatologists. The birth of the Philippine Academy of Clinical and Cosmetic Dermatology marks the realization of each member’s dream of becoming a part of a professional, non-partisan group aiming to provide quality dermatologic care for the Filipino people.

One voice….One profession…..One service! The Philippine Academy of Clinical and Cosmetic Dermatology , rising to the challenge of a competent dermatology practice. To the organizers of the PACCD annual convention wishing you a successful 5th annual convention.

For more details of the convention, visit their website at http://www.paccd.org.ph email: paccd_2003@yahoo.com.

Try California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) restaurant with branches at Glorietta 3, Trinoma and Shangri-La Mall. It is a not so sinful pizza and a pizza and salad in one. If you are tired of eating salad with a tomato-based sauce and you are in for more options.

Take for example the Tostada Pizza with Southwestern black beans as sauce, sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses topped with chilled shredded lettuce, fresh tomato salsa, green onions and crispy tortilla strips with our garden-herb ranch dressing. Also with grilled lime chicken as protein source. Nutritionally it’s a complete meal with carbohydrates, protein with greens and veggies. Calorie wise, its light but nutritious.

I like CPK Pizza because of fresh premium ingredients, its obvious in the color and crispness of the vegetables. A whole new pizza, try it and savor their different pizza creations… BBQ Chicken Pizza, Greek Pizza, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Cajun Pizza.

Other offerings include salads and appetizers, soups, pastas, focaccia sandwiches, desserts. smoothies, beverages and blended beverages.

Visit their Philippine website: www.globalresto.com.

Celadon Manila, Celadon Residences (townhomes) and Celadon Park (condominiums) a 35,000 square meters new residential development in Manila, located in A.H. Lacson (formerly Gov. Forbes) in Sta. Cruz which was once a part of the former site of the historic San Lazaro Hippodrome race track , home of the Manila Jockey Club.

Celadon Residences provides its residents with facilities like adult and kiddie pools, and clubhouse pavilion for community events and interaction.

It is in the heart of Manila and it’s close to commercial centers like SM San Lazaro, colleges (Saint Jude and Family Clinic College) and universities like University of Santo Tomas , places of worship (Espiritu Santo Church and scores of stores selling religious articles in the Tayuman area). For your health care hospitals (Chinese General Hospital, UST Hospital, Infant Jesus Hospital ,San Lazaro Hospital and Jose Reyes General Hospital) are accessible to the area. Its near the LRT Tayuman station and a jeepney ride from the place can take you to the Divisoria area ( a cool place for bargains).

An added feature of Celadon Manila Is PICK Manila (a lifestyle weekend market)—the first weekend market in the city held every Sunday from 7AM to 2 PM within the place. PICK Manila offers classic Filipino favorites such as “minatamis “ our local dessert , different kinds of dried fish, Filipino pastries and soon delicacies from other southeast asian countries. Visit PICK Manila during Sundays and know more about Celadon Manila residences.

At PICK Manila, organic products , herbal beauty products, cosmetics and fragrances , all Filipino products are available during the Sunday market.

Experience Manila’s grandeur again, take a look at what Celadon Manila can offer, the only complete townhouse community in Manila. Simply there is no place like Celadon Manila!

I was a camper at the WordCamp Philippines ,the First South East Asia WordCamp gathering held on September 6, 2008 at College of Saint Benilde De La Salle University. The event gathered bloggers from the different part of the Philippines, especially the Mindanao bloggers who spearheaded in organizing the event.

I have attended very informative lectures about basic blogging by Jayvee Fernandez and video blog by Kring Elenzano. I like the way they presented their talk because they are brief, concise and they both possess a very pleasing personality in the way they presented. I teach college students and I was impressed with the manner of their presentation. The conducive environment of College of Saint Benilde contributed to the success of the event.

To the organizers Mindanao bloggers, student organizations of St. Benilde, sponsors , Matt Mullenweg, the different speakers and Migs who was guiding the campers from Day 1 to the end. Thank you people! Excellent! May the blogger’s tribe increase!