Here Comes the Sun

Finally, nakita ko din si Haring Araw ngayon! Oh SUN, I  miss you so much! After a week of rain, I don't mind the warmth you gave and bestow upon us. And I feel like singing this song all through the day :)

Bangon Pilipinas!

I think Maloleño is at their lowest point right now. So many calamities in less than one week. First, was the fire in Malolos Public Market. My family, especially my mother who is a meat vendor there, were all worried that her stall will be burned. We're lucky my mom's place wasn't caught in the fire, but those businesses that were burn to ashes, that was just sad.

Then, came HABAGAT! Tuesday morning, we were watching news how many families were affected by the great flood cause by Southwest monsoon rain. The Filipinos were reminded of Ondoy once again. How it takes away lives and left million of properties destroyed. At that time, we are all praying that the rain would stop for good. We didn't know that the worst is yet to come to my hometown Malolos. One by one, baranggays were submerged in flood and homes were invaded including ours. A first! My  family decided to evacuate to our former house that is on higher ground and it has second floor. PAG-ASA said that the weather would not improve until Thursday so we have to took precautions and left.

ankle deep water inside

but outside the water is above the knee

Our town was all over the news. The officials were baffled as to how these happened to Malolos. Many typhoons, storms, rain came but this is really a first. But whatever the reason is, I am happy that it is over and as I am writing this, floods have subsided and we return to our house this afternoon. And after cleaning our house, it is good as new. ☺

This experience has teach me many lessons. Calamity can struck in any minute in any form. But what inspire me is after all these trials, I know that everything would be alright. I salute those who make an effort to help out and reach their hand to all who needs help. To my fellow Filipinos who are still in the evacuation area or your house is still submerge in flood, hang in there! We are stronger than any calamities put together! The Filipino spirit is waterproof, nothing can beat that! 

Passport for Minors

Recently we went to the new DFA office to apply my son a passport. The new DFA is now located at  ASEANA Business Park, Bradco Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City. From LRT Gil Puyat station, we ride a white shuttle that would bring us in SM Mall of Asia. And from MOA, we ride a yellow shuttle that dropped us at DFA. I was really surprise and impress at the service they have provided us. Unlike before, that the moment you enter the gate, you will be lined and wait for who knows how many hours before they can accommodate you! Today, you have to schedule for your appointment first. You can do that in here. Just fill up the form and check if your desired appearance on DFA is not yet full. An email message will be sent to you and you have to click the provided link to confirm. Just print the pdf file in the link and bring an NSO authenticated birth certificate of the minor applicants. Either parent should be present and accompany the child when applying for a passport. Arrive 30 minutes ahead of your schedule. Once inside, the process are divided into four steps:

1. Presenting the documents

2. Payment: P1200 for express processing  (7 days) and P950 for regular (15 working days) 

3. Encoding and taking of passport picture. No need to bring passport pictures unlike before.

waiting for his turn to be interviewed. :)

4. Paying for delivery if you don't want to return and pick the passport yourself. Just pay P120 and it will be delivered right in your home.

I think the whole process took only less than 30 minutes. I wish all government service would be like that. Hassle free, friendly faces assistance, efficient and most importantly FAST! So that people can have more leisure and bonding time together! :)