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A colleague and I were talking about a news article in National Geographic channel about a lobster which was caught is "half-cooked". I was saying that it's much like humans having different skin colors due to a gene fault or skin disease like Michael Jackson (by the way, it is reported that Mike is in Bahrain and photos of him wearing an "abaya" can be found on the net). It might be rare for one to find a lobster like that but it's not impossible nor miraculous. It's not a sign that the sky is falling. So after our discussion, he suddenly says:
"Michael Jackson is nice...He likes little children."
It took me about 3 seconds to digest what he said and then laughed at his comment. Nice one.
We renewed our passports the last time we were in the Philippines for vacation. But great news for everyone who wants to avoid the whole process of passport renewal (that is having to go to the Department of Foreign Affairs very early in the morning only to find out that there is a long queue waiting). Now, everyone can apply online via the DFA Passport Renewal Service. This guarantees 6 to 8 working days delivery time and will cost Php 1300 all-in. You can either visit http://passport.com.ph/ or call the DFA Passport Direct Hotline: (02) 737-1000. Door-to-door pick up and delivery runs from Monday to Saturday via Aboitiz One Courier.
It is important though that you have the requirements ready before you fill out the Passport Renewal Online Form and ready for pickup by the courier. It is also important that the applicant is present during pickup because there are some documents that need to be signed. The following are the general requirements:
3 copies of picture
Passport Size 1.77" x 1.37"
3cm. from head to chin
Colored with plain white background
Decent attire with collar and sleeves
Studio taken
Most recent (never use a photo that had been used in a previous passport or else it will be returned and will delay your application by a few more days)
Identical and frontal shot
Clear, no shadow
Proportionately taken
Not Allowed:
Earrings or long hair for male
Eyeglasses
Signature / writings (front and back)
Computerized, fotome, polaroid
Same picture with old passport.
For the complete list of the requirements for brown passport holders, seamen, married women (who want to adopt their husband’s surname, minors and illegitimate children visit this link.
Original Passport - Green
*If you're a brown passport holder, there will be a personal appearance at the DFA but with assistance, and you should submit any of the following documents with complete middle name (original & photocopy)
§ Birth Certificate
§ Baptismal Certificate
§ Old SSS E-1 form
§ GSIS policy
§ Driver's license
§ PRC ID
§ Voters Affidavit or CTC from COMELEC
§ Income Tax Return
§ Transcript of Records
§ NBI Clearance
§ Seaman's Book
§ Marriage Contract
§ Photocopy of passport from pp. 1-4, last page, and the pages showing latest BID Departure and Arrival stamps.
For acquisition of NSO (National Statistics Office) Birth, Marriage and Death certificates and POEA OFW exit and OEC, visit http://www.teleserv.ph/.
