What the F...Passport Renewal Application Denied!

Several months ago, I struggled looking for a slot because every time I'm checking the DFA on line passport application website...I always end up not getting one for me.
Until one weekend morning, I was able to get an appointment!
And that was one of the "HAPPIEST" moment of my life!

Moving forward, today is the day.
Prior to this, I prepared everything.
Every single thing.
Because I never wanted to repeat the whole process.
The time, energy, adrenaline, I put into.

LOCATING DFA SITE

Okay I am aware that the location of the DFA site in Megamall was at the 5th level of the mall but not so sure where. I asked one lady guard and was instructed that it was on the left side after the second escalator. It was a bit tricky I guess not only for me but for the rest of new applicants for it would appear that the location when you pass by...was just a parking area.
But the truth is...that is the exact location.
For some, to be guided properly you will find it beside the two familiar establishment, one school institution "Informatics" and a barber shop named "Bruno Barbers".

From reading I was informed that the one who was scheduled for passport application appointment should be 15 to 30 minutes early. So I came in around 2:20 pm.
But really there was a very organized system in the DFA site in Megamall, for the guard on duty were very attentive to remind all of us that those who has an appointment set around 3:00 in the afternoon that day, must start to fall in-line.
After, I showed the guard the needed requirements for my application...I was told to come in inside the DFA premise.

THE PROCESS

All applicants requirements will be first verified at STEP A.
For my case, I applied for a passport renewal so I had with me the following requirements...

• NSO Birth Certificate Copy (Original)
• SSS ID
• Passport (Old Copy)
• E-receipt
• Passport Application Form 

I actually got nervous when the checker was looking for an original copy of my e-receipt which I was mistakenly switched the documents I personally separated as a xerox copies.
You must remember that when going there everything should be photocopied in an A-4 size bond paper, clear copies. To ensure that you'll move on to the next step.

BUT before leaving Step A, you'll have to check if your "Passport Application Form" has a seal or stamped with DFA NCR-East Verified.

STEP B PROCESSING

The next thing I know, I was at the next process...moving on to the STEP B.
So what was like to be in there.

Here you'll find many seats provided for the applicants, along with windows that actually accepts and process your application requirements.
I can't exactly remember how many designated windows was around.

But here, you have to stay attentive.

At the very end of the "processing" room there's a huge single LCD that has numbers that changes anytime. That is where you actually find your calling number. The window that will serve you is also indicated there.

Once you'll see that your number appeared on the screen, you'll have to find the window that will verify your requirements.

THE BOLD TRUTH

I am now finally facing one of the encoder and after looking at the requirements I presented, my attention was called for the surname that was encoded on my birth certificate was unclear/unreadable.
To cut the long story short, I was asked to come again bringing a clear copy of my birth certificate.
But before I left the encoder I asked her one question..."What if I will be requesting a new copy of my birth certificate but the copy they will give me was just the same? "
The encoder just told me, to not repeat the same process again...I need to request a "local transcription Copy of my Birth Certificate".
This copy actually contains a type-written readable copy of my personal details especially my full name.
No need to worry about going back because I was told that I can visit the DFA office anytime within the whole month of completing the said missing requirements.

LOOKING BACK

I remember, I had the same problem when I was applying for work after I graduated many years ago. This was at the time I was getting an NBI requirement, I presented the unclear copy of my birth certificate...and there I got rejected.
I never think of this actually happening with my current situation applying for my passport renewal.
But at the end, I gained a very valuable lesson..."do not forget your previous experience from the past. Because to understand the present, you need to go back to the past".

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Not a long time ago, I also wrote a similar information about the step by step procedure on how to book or get an appointment via DFA on line website.

ELJ Center for Media Arts Senior High School 3rd Kalikasan Film Festival: Tagisan ng Paglikha ng Pelikula

September is indeed a bold sign that there is a big celebration to honor and that is the "Science month!"
By understanding and observation, as part of the commemoration, the teacher adviser Sir Erl Camano, gave all 6 sections of Grade 11 students of ELJ Center for Media Arts Senior High School  a requirement to make a short film that has a theme caring for the mother nature.
This requirement was given at the very beginning of the 1st semester  of the school year and expected to submit and finish everything before it finally ends.

Posters made for the 1st screening of the 3rd Kalikasan Film Festival

Luckily, there are 6 beautiful and creative entries that was produced and competed for the following special set of awards.
But for those who are not aware, this was actually its third year.
Yes. It started way back 2016, same month.

The two previous competition, including this year's awarding of "3rd Kalikasan Film Festival: Tagisan ng Paglikha ng Pelikula", was graced at the Quezon City, High School, last 27th of September 2018.
Next year, expect that the ELJ will stand alone. This is because for those years the ELJ Center for Media Arts, Senior High School was under the supervision of one principal.

Among the successful entries that made it to the final battle ground were "Lusong" from the Grade 11, Digital, "Baka Bukas" from Grade 11, Film, "2050: Sa Mata Ng Mga Api" from Grade 11, Radio, "I'll Follow The Sun" Grade 11, Mobile also "Sa Lupang Sinilangan" Grade 11, Print, and "Rosoideae" Grade 11, TV.

Just to give you an idea, the only entry that was different when it comes to the narratives was "Sa Lupang Sinilangan," which has a storytelling patterned to a documentary.

For the minor awards "Baka Bukas" were given a "Best in Art" award.
But the one that stood out for the "Best Poster" was taken home by "Sa Lupang Sinilangan".

While the one that communicated well with the movie teaser were gotten by "I'll Follow The Sun" won the "Best Trailer" award along with "Best in Original Soundtrack".

The other awards were given to "Baka Bukas" for winning the "Best in Musical Scoring".

And the much awaited "Major Awards" were given to the following movie entries beginning with...
"Best Actor" award were given to "John  Selwyn Rosales" from the short film entry "Lusong".

Of course, if there's an award given to the Actor, there's also something that was given to the female lead actress. The "Best Actress" award were taken home by lead actress "Zonia Mejia" from "Rosoideae".

Some exciting awards given were the "Best in Cinematography" received by "Sa Lupang Sinilangan".

But for the "Best in Screenplay" were taken home by the short film "2050: Sa Mata Ng Mga Api".

But the much awaited awards given were the "Best Picture".

Beginning with "2015: Sa Mata Ng Mga Api" for the "3rd Best Picture".

"Lusong" won the "2nd Best Picture" along with a very special award "DENR Choice".
The best thing about this award was the very opportunity to let this short film seen by other students from different schools in the Philippines. There was actually a clear plan that "Lusong" will be with the "Green Films", to be shown in the SM North, Edsa this October.
Actually a great honor for the ELJ and an honor too for the Grade 11, Digital students who made this very special film.

But this year, the "Best Picture" award was given to "I'll Follow The Sun"!

But the big twist was the "Best Directorial Job" award were outside the short films awarded with "Best Picture"..."Sa Lupang Sinilangan" which was won by "Strawberry Ni Jonathan".

ELJ Center for Media Arts Senior High School is expected to have new set of exciting entries next year. This is more exciting because a new blood will be showcasing their short film entries.
This will surely be done by new set of students who will be part of ELJ.