Passport Renewal Application...APPROVED!

The 20th of October was one of the most unforgettable lowest point of my life.
Why is this so?
This was because I went home with a news that my passport renewal application was unsuccessful!

 A month ago, I wrote about this and the major reason was because my surname was unclear/unreadable.


A REQUEST FOR LOCAL COPY

One DFA staff told me to come back again with a clear copy of my "birth certificate" this time reiterating that I should be requesting for a "local transcription copy".
This actually a copy details of your personal information in a type-written format, to ensure that all entries are readable and very clear.
The DFA staff by looking at my BC gave me an instruction that I can make a request of the copy in the city where I was born.
A few days after, I went to the Navotas City Hall to finally make a formal request but the municipality staff told me upon looking at my BC that the copy I was asking will be available in other City Hall.
Because my case wasn't an isolated one, the staff informed me that there was a "misconception" thinking that those people who has the information typed in their BC, especially those who was born in the Tondo General Hospital, their BC's copy was not in Navotas City Hall instead I can make a request of that copy in the Manila City Hall.


MANILA CITY HALL VISIT

From the information section of the Manila City hall, from asking what to do first, I was given an application form for "birth certificate application".
There it was clearly stated information, I need to fill-up like that of the name of the person asking for a copy, the date of birth, and my parent's names.

Then the next thing I know, I was at the window 2 (Step 2) for the payment. So far, currently I paid for "P50.00" for the local transcription copy of my BC. Then I proceeded to window 3, (step 3) where they verified the request further more all the way to window 4 (step 4), where I asked and was told that I can claim it, the following day around 9:00 in the morning.
So, I came in before the said time, and it was ready!

AT THE MEGAMALL DFA SITE

I remember that I was told by one DFA staff from my last visit on the 20th of October that I will go straight at the STEP B: The processing area. But was once reminded by the guard that I need to have it checked again at the STEP A: Verification Area, for an update.
So, I went with the same line again, a bit longer but continuously moving.

Excited now moving on with the process that I was intentionally asked to stop, the last time I made a visit.
I gone straight moving up-front, but later on was told that there was a line that I  have to go through.
From asking and looking, I have seen that there was really a line queue. So, here I patiently, waited a little longer. Like it was like I was playing a snake ladder, waiting for my turn to roll the dice and move next. But the thing is, the only sure movement was "one vacant seat" at a time.

To those who are forgetful about making a photocopy of the requirements needed for their passport applications, fortunately there was an existing photo machine copier also located at the "Processing Area". But if I were you, before coming to any DFA site, make sure to photocopy every original requirements needed to avoid inconvenience.

Skipping the STEP C: Payment Area because I made an early appointment scheduled at their website and made payment in the authorized DFA kiosks.


STEP D: ENCODING AREA

It was a pretty small DFA site, but the location was maximized. The hallway going to the STEP D: ENCODING AREA  has a guard waiting for people done with STEPS A, B, and C.
I gave the guard my application form and he wrote a big number on the side...I was number 180 applicants waiting!

Being the curious me, I asked the guard a question..."How long will it took me to finish the entire process?" The guard replied..."2 hours!"
I thought he was just sarcastic about giving me an answer. But I tried looking at the applicants waiting before me, quite many. That made me, validated guard's statement I think he's right.
But this is something I have to personally experience myself.

There's a specific courtesy lane devoted for some applicants especially the senior citizens, PWD's, and pregnant women too.

Here, you'll see several windows from numbers 18 to 28 but the serving windows at the time was only windows 19 to 25.
I was observing and I think the reason behind this was some DFA site encoder has to stop for their lunch breaks.

There was a microphone available at the back but was just an option at the time for the DFA staff to used for they were doing the same "traditional" roll call of the number of the applicants waiting.

Here applicants were instructed using a sign language where to specifically sit just before their time for the encoding of their personal information.


You would know that you are really in the Philippines seeing a very "Filipino Trait" a very resourceful one.
See this two-year old boy, who was about to have his picture taken but uses an "empty HP box" sometimes covered with a coupon bond, and the rest were really uncovered or raw.
They're using this as an improvised high-chair for the children.

THE FINAL STAGE

So, I waited before I came in the number was just at 109 applicants...I was an applicant 180.
Since, there was so many applicants waiting and that I waited longer, I can't remember how many sit positions I made.

At the data encoding and capturing area, there was a specific information posted that was suggesting an applicant to check if all personal information were encoded properly. This was to ensure if all information are true and correct.
Information such as your name, surname, middle initial, date of birth and the citizenship were encoded correctly, ensuring a "no typographical error/s" if any.

Here, you'll also see a written reminder notice on how to properly smile..."SMILE BUT NO TEETH" showed.

Here, I also took the opportunity and asked question re: "INDICATIVE RELEASE DATE"
Because there was a disclosure which states...DELAY MAY HAPPEN/DON'T BOOK FLIGHT/BRING ORIGINAL RECEIPT". Because if there are instances that delay might happen, when is the best time to claim it?
The DFA staff was very polite and responded friendly..."You may claim it Sir to be sure after the last date specified or claim it during Saturday, because we are also open that day."

The whole process took me an hour and 32 minutes!



AT THE PASSPORT RECEIVING AREA

I chose to claim it on the 9th of November.

I don't know I think that have an intuition that this was the so called the "perfect timing".

I was instructed by the lady guard on-duty to place the receipt at the "WINDOW 3/FOLDED".
I thought I would render longer time again waiting, but after like 5-10 minutes my name was called  and was asked to go to "WINDOW 5" for jot down my complete name, put my signature and my passport number...after that I was ready to go!

So now, from "GREEN to MAROON" passport...READY TO TRAVEL!

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Last 20th of October, I also made a blog regarding a previously experience unsuccessful passport renewal application process I've been through. This particular blog was just a continuation of the so- called challenge and journey!

DFA ONLINE PASSPORT APPLICATION PROCEDURE

For the longest time, I haven't had the chance to travel. A proof to that was my out of the country trip which was done 16th of August 2003, my very firs tript to Bangkok in Thailand.
The very reason why it was only now that I think I really need to update my passport for it was never updated since then.
I can't believe that up to now, I'm still holding a colored green passport, which was colored maroon now in this modern era.

I thought at first, it was that easy to renew my passport, but I wasn't too aware that there was too much waiting process I have to undergo just to be able for me to secure an on-line passport renewal appointment.

I started the journey of checking for available dates since February this year and there was a series of night where I stayed awake taking my chances to get one for me.
But I think like the classic song I love singing over and over again..."I did my best, but I guess my best wasn't good enough," was my last song syndrome in relation to my very pathetic experience.

Until I finally came to the point to totally forget about it and focus on other matters that needs my attention the most...the other side of my responsibilities in life which to look for a high paying, regular job.

But you know what, just like the rest of you out there, I'm not a quitter.
One Sunday, while I was trying to do something like cleaning the messy house, I think of checking the DFA website for my passport renewal once again.

Upon checking, it was like I'm seeing a very impossible thing that not going to happen in reality...voila there was no slots available!

So, with that hope that I see, I started going to the process of filing-up the information that was needed for my application. I was amazed really for there was still available dates for the month of September...are you nuts! But the website was sure about it, so I went on.

I know I was told a number of times by a friend to prepare all the information I will need, but I was too complacent about thinking that it was just all an easy process that I will eventually pass through.
But never did I realize that one of the most important details as to my passport number will be needed to fill-up the required information.

OMG! I couldn't find it!

I remember there was one time I personally looked for it and kept it...but now that I'm in a situation that I need to see it...I'm having a hard time thinking where did I kept it.

Oh no, I think that there was a particular window time required for ensuring all the information entered in the application form, but it took me several minutes and that nothing ever happened.

I got so frustrated! Another saddest part of my life. My down moment.

I stopped for a while and focus on cleaning the mess inside the house, but what I'm doing was still related for my passport renewal. This time, I was carefully looking at all the possible area in the house where I kept my old passport. Until in the opening of one enveloped, and that was really not expected...my colored green passport was there!

So I went back, following the same procedure but at the latter part of filing-up, I was asked for a payment details. I don't know what was I was thinking...I was thinking then that I need to pay for it now, so my finger I don't know taps the cancel button and upon doing such action, I terminated my application.

After that I felt so powerless. I also felt that I was able to use all the time, energy and adrenaline that I have. I simply closed my laptop and put it in my bed. A very bold sign that I completely surrendered that I wasn't so successful that very moment.

I had lunch, I took a bath, I even fell into sleep for 30 minutes and late afternoon, came another strong voice from within..."you must try it gain!"

It was too powerful that I gave it another try. Looking at the slots for the month of September was all occupied, I tried looking for the month of October and there was not just one, two, three, four, five but SIX available slots!

At that time I felt I was "Popeye, the sailor man," I had my spinach and that gave me so much power to continue my journey on getting my very goal.

So, I chose a date very close to my heart (convenient to me), as well as location that I can come easily.

I went to the same procedure, fill-up the needed and required information, until finally I reached the part where I was asked to do a payment...I can't believe it it's really happening!

So much HAPPINESS!

By just visiting their website www.passport.gov.ph click schedule an appointment, the passport appointment are free of charge, and upon understanding the terms and conditions choose from start an individual or group appointment but do not forget to check the if you read and understood all the statement written above.

From www.passport.gov.ph

Now if you choose an individual appointment, you will be asked to choose what region, country,  and site.
The site contains satellite offices that they have all throughout the Philippines, choose one location near or convenient for you to visit. Choose one site and the information parallel to the other side will appear then click next.

From www.passport.gov.ph

The next window that you will see is where you'll find particular month and dates available for your passport application...feel free to choose one that's convenient to your schedule.

From www.passport.gov.ph

From www.passport.gov.ph

Then after making a final date for your passport application appearance...come the following stages which will ask you to fill-up information about yourself, parent's details and person's to contact in case of emergency.
Then the selected appointment schedule will be shown to you, this is actually a normal process where-in you can check if the date you preferred was actually the one, you came up with.

From www,passport.gov.ph

Then you will be redirected to the payment terms. (See below).

From www.passport.gov.ph

 But here you will be reminded that you need to settle the amount within 24 hours. Along with the information as to where you can pay the amount. There was just additional P50 charged for convenient fee.

As you proceed, you will be asked to print for a copy along with the information of your payment reference accepted through...bayad center, 7 Eleven, Walter Mart, etc...

The look of the printed copy for payment was just similar from what was illustrated above, the only missing part was the details of the payment reference number along with a barcode.

Then finally, a confirmation email will be sent to you, your assurance that the whole process was really part of the procedure on getting a passport on-line appointment.

 And upon payment, you need to go on-line again and enter the required information as to your Appointment code, and your email address.
Make sure that this is the same email you used during the fill-up procedure, to avoid a certain problem as to receiving emails for the status of your chosen appointment date.

www.passport,.gov.ph

I personally chose to pay on the nearest convenience store very near to us.
When I inquired about the process, I was redirected to a machine where-in I need to personally encode all the information needed to as to the reference number sent to my e-mail as well as my contact number.

Along the San Jose Parish De Navotas, 7 Eleven, Sept. 3, 2018

After finishing the whole process there was a "payment slip," with the date of validity printed.
It contains also the same information, I encoded during the process.
This payment slip will now be given to the cashier and upon payment I received an acknowledgement receipt, a proof that there was a transaction made and settled.

Payment Slip

Acknowledgement Receipt

And finally upon checking my email, there was an electronic message that I was successfully finish the payment process and that my passport appointment booking was confirmed!

Passport Appointment Booking received

Disclaimer: The whole procedure was from my personal encounter during the on-line passport application procedure. The purpose of this is to help other people, giving them the very idea about the procedure that they have to go through.
I find this very helpful especially for people who will plan to undergo the same procedure but lack knowledge about it.
Please feel to comment below if the blog was helpful to you.
Thank you and Goodluck on your journey!