HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!:)

We celebrate this day

In this 8th of May

It's the time of the year

When all children cheer

Let us all gather

For all the mothers

To give thanks and praise

For God's ultimate grace

We offer you our highest devotion

And heartfelt appreciation

For constantly being there

Always ready to care

Soothing our pains with a kiss

Celebrating our gains with utmost bliss

You do everything for our sake

Even when we always ask and take

You gladly give it all

Even if we sometimes fall

You forgive and understand

You always offer a helping hand

The values you've taught

It won't be for naught

Despite the hurtful things we've said and done

As mother and child, we are one

The love and bond we share

Is a treasure so rare

I'll keep it in my heart

Our memories together I'll never part

Forever it shall be

For always you and me

Thank you mother for all the love

You're one of the best gifts from above

-renkei

Holy Week Distraction in Bantayan: Day One

It started last January when Nx suggested that we go to Bantayan Island during the Holy week. I was a bit hesitant to go since I never experienced leaving the house during that time. There were also financial and parental considerations to deal with. April came and we had to make up our minds if we were going or not. After the group’s deliberation, we all decided to go.

A little info about Bantayan Island here. 



Bantayan Island (by stein)

We agreed to meet around 5 A.M. at the North Bus Terminal (NBT). The NBT is the hub for buses, mini-buses, and v-hires bound for the northern part of Cebu. It was pretty funny because we originally planned to go there around 4 a.m. to secure comfortable seats. It was peak season due to the holy week so it’s expected to see a lot of passengers. Unfortunately, the group’s constant rule/curse is to arrive one hour after the meeting time, thus, the 5 a.m.:)

NBT from Google maps

When we arrived at the NBT, we then headed to the Ceres bus bound for Hagnaya. You can ride buses from AutoBus or Ceres. We didn’t expect to see only a handful of passengers considering the peak season. However, we were thankful. If you want some drinks and snacks, you can buy it at the terminal. The bus will also have a one-time stopover in a restaurant throughout the trip. Take note that aside from buses, there are also v-hires that can take you to Hagnaya.

CEBU-HAGNAYA TRIP (via bus)

Travel Time: 2 ½ hours (morning travel), 3-4 hours (noon to night considering the frequent stops and traffic)

Bus Fare: P132.00 (regular fare), P106.00 (student fare/with ID)

After the bus trip, we then headed to the Hagnaya port terminal to purchase a ticket. You don’t have to worry because the bus will stop in front of the port terminal. There are many shipping companies to choose from depending on the time you arrived. Fast crafts are also available. It really depends on your preference and itinerary. Pay for your ticket and then fill in some details for the passenger’s manifest.

HAGNAYA-STA. FE TRIP (via ferry)

Travel time: 1-2 hours (standard ferry), 25 minutes ( fastcraft)

Fare: P170.00 (regular), P144.50 (student), and P85.00 (children 1 year and above)

Terminal fee: P10.00

You have to prepare yourself if you’re suffering from seasickness. Waves tend to be big depending on the season. The ferry docks at the Sta. Fe wharf. You will be greeted not only by a huge “Welcome to (the) Municipality of Sta. Fe” but tricycle as well as trisikad drivers. You can just tell them where you’re heading and they will take you there for a P20.00 fare. The good thing about Bantayan is that there are a lot of resorts and lodgings to choose from. It ranges from P16,000 (suite from Ogtong) to 350.00 per day lodgings. Just ask the drivers about it and they can give information for free. For adventure seekers, resorts also offer tents for rent at a very affordable cost.

MOVING ON…

After the trisikad driver took us to our lodging, we arranged our things and went to the Sta. Fe market for our lunch. Restaurants, carenderias, and barbecue stands are available in Sta. Fe so you won’t have trouble looking for food. There are also stores that sell basic necessities like water, toiletries, carbonated drinks, and a lot more. When we’ve managed to appease our hunger, we went to visit Stef’s grandmother.

stef chatting with her kind grandmother

Nx trying to relax even if it's too hot

the photographer

Subject #1: Gumamela

Yummy bread:)

Fresh papayas!

After lots of catching up, we decided to get henna tattoos from a sidewalk artist. When the artist was drawing on my skin, I think I had a stiff neck from too much stretching and limited movements to ensure a clean and mistake-free tattoo. Lol.

Nikki's henna

My henna (back view)

Side view^^

It was already the latter part of the day and we went to the market again to buy our dinner. We watched the ongoing procession while buying our roasted chicken and hanging rice. It wasn’t as grandiose compared to the Bantayan proper’s procession but it was still worth seeing.

Pieta

Uncooked version of our dinner^^

Dinner was certainly satisfying. It was still early and we got nothing to do so we decided to stroll along the shoreline wherever our feet takes us. There were a lot of people on the beaches either strolling, camping, playing, or simply talking. The cool winds mingled with the festive air engulfed us as we walked. Small tables with items for sale were also lined up on the area. We’ve reached the famous Sugar beach as well as Rommel’s beach which was the site of multiple events during the holy week. We went back to our lodging when we got tired of walking. J It was a bit disappointing though to come across lowly-taught individuals who spent their time creating trouble to other individuals who were just strolling. Bummer!

the beach at dusk

thousands of footprints (no, i didn't count it)

LODGING

 For more information about resorts or places to stay in, please refer to this site.

To continue our trip around the isle of Bantayan, please read our second day here:)

Warm coffees, sweet cakes, and endless talks...

My message alert tone woke me up. With my eyes still closed, I fumbled my bed for my mobile phone. I found it near my right foot. I opened my right eye and read the message. My friends texted me to go to SM Mall to discuss our upcoming summer escapade. I dragged my stinkin’ corpse out of the bed and readied myself. When I arrived at the mall, they were half-way through watching I Am Number Four. I decided to skip the movie and carry out my errands. I bought hamster food, wood shavings, and alcohol. I also paid my cable bill. I hope it will only take three days to reflect on the cable company’s system.  After paying, I went to the local bookstore inside the mall and read some travel books to amuse myself while waiting for the movie to end. After scanning Palawan and Cebu’s tourist destinations, my friends told me they’re waiting outside the store. I went out and we decided to eat. We went to Bigby’s and I ordered Carbonara. The meal was satisfying.

by chestlim

After SM, we went to Offroads which is located in Panagdait, Manadaue Ciy. This humble coffee shop offers inexpensive but delicious cakes and coffees. You can either enjoy your coffee and/or patisseries inside the air conditioned establishment or you can stay outside and enjoy the relaxing wind and scenery. It also offers a free wi-fi connection without a minimum charge. You can ask the attendant for the password. If you’re using a laptop, you can charge your battery also for free.

by chestlim

We all agreed that we missed everything about the place: the ambience, the cakes, the memories we had, and the coffee! The coziness of the establishment lifted our spirits and sent us spiraling down memory lane.

The French Kiss

The French Kiss experience:

The cold teased my lips with a curious caress. Suddenly, a warm wave delved inside my mouth robbing me of my sanity. It left me senseless…and wanting. The French Kiss was intensely maddening. -ren

Chocolate Cheesecake and the wi-fi password: cafemocha

While sippin’ our coffee, we talked about a lot of things under the sun…and moon.J The topics started from college days to aswang to body shape to movies to crime series to driving to business plans to summer plans...XD

Blueberry cheesecake!

We had a pleasant trip down memory lane. We also enjoyed chatting about our current lives. I must say, it was really an enjoyable night for us.

A liitle bit of both

Ladies, thanks for the wonderful get-together. I’ll see you both next week for our summer escapade!  

Stef

Nx

Oh, I unearthed this photo from my FS account. It's a memento taken last June 2008:)

French Kiss, chocolate cake, and a movie---heaven!

 Suggestion for improvement:
1. I hope they'll fix the toilet flush. If someone uses the toilet before another, it takes forever to flush. I have to wait for how many minutes before I can flush it.
2. The soap dispenser was empty. I hope they will check it often whether it's empty or not.

PASSPORT APPLICATION WALKTHROUGH: DFA CEBU

Have you filled in the application form and secured your requirements? If not, please refer to this post. If the answer is YES then the next stop is the DFA office.

1. Go to the DFA office before the opening time which is 8:00 A.M. I would suggest you go there around 4-5 AM due to the long line. I went there around 5:30 A.M. and my priority number was 94. A woman went there around 6:20 A.M. and she had #220. Sometimes, you might be lucky with only a few people applying for a passport. Still, it’s better if you’re early than sorry.

2. If you don’t have an application form on hand, you can ask for it from the guard while standing in line. Just be sure to fill it in because you’re only allowed inside if you show your duly accomplished application form. You also need this to acquire a priority number.

3. At 8:00 AM, people can go in (still forming a line until you’re inside the office). You need to show your duly accomplished form to gain entrance and to receive a priority number.

4. When you’re already inside the office, choose a seat and make yourself comfortable. There is an air conditioning system and an electric fan so the wait will surely be tolerable.

5. You’ll then notice the staff position themselves to their respective posts. An employee will start announcing the requirements and explaining the steps during the processing period. After that, they will call out the priority numbers (30 numbers).

6. Step 1: After you’re number is called, you will approach an employee who will check your requirements. If everything is complete, they will ask if you prefer to pay the regular fee or the overtime fee. They will then ask you to sit down and wait for your name to be called by the cashier.

7. Step 2 (Cashier): When your name is called, pay the processing fee. You’ll then form a line towards the third step.

8. Step 3 (Enrollment Section): You’ll be asked if the spelling of your name, date of birth, and place of birth is correct. If it is, your biometrics will then be taken: photo, signature, and fingerprint.

9. You can go home.;)

PHOTO TIPS:

*If you’re wearing colored contact lenses or glasses, you need to take it off or else you won’t get your photo taken.

*Your ears must be visible. If you want to smile, you can, but your teeth and gums must not show. A Mona Lisa smile is recommended.

*Your hair must be neatly arranged for full frontal image.

PHILIPPINE PASSPORT APPLICATION

So, you want to get a passport? The information below is from the DFA:

Requirements for first time passport applicant:

1. Personal appearance is required.
2. Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local civil Registrar (LCR) duly authenticated by NSO. Transcribed BC/MC from the LCR is required when entries in NSO BC/MC are blurred.
3. Duly accomplished application form.
4. Supporting documents to prove identity. (note: you don’t have to bring it all. One or two would suffice like NBI clearance and/or Baptismal certificate).

*NBI clearance

*Baptismal certificate

*Marriage contract

*Land title

*Government Service Record

*School Form 137 or Transcript of Records

*Voter’s Registration Record

*Seaman’s Book

*Income Tax Return (old)

5. One or two valid IDs

*PRC/IBP ID

*Driver’s License

*Old SSS-E1 form/or digitized SSS-ID

*School ID

*Postal ID

In Case of No Birth Record:

If born after 1950:

-         Apply for the delayed registration of birth at the local civil registry office.

-         Submit authenticated Birth Certificate from NSO and supporting public documents with correct date and place of birth (i.e. Form 137, Voter Registration Record, Baptismal Certificate or OMA certificate)

If born on or before 1950:

-         Certificate of Non-availability of Birth Record from NSO.

-         Joint Birth Affidavit

-         Any supporting public documents with correct date and place of birth (i.e. Form 137, Voter Registration Record, Baptismal Certificate or OMA certificate)

Additional Requirements:

For married woman who wants to adopt the surname of her spouse:

-         Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local civil Registrar (LCR) duly authenticated by NSO.

For spouse of foreign national:

-         Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local civil Registrar (LCR) duly authenticated by NSO.

-         Original and photocopy of Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counseling Certificate of Attendance. (CFO – Tel. no. 5618321)

FOR MINOR APPLICANTS (below 18 years old)

-         Personal appearance of either parent, Marriage Contract and proper ID of parents (if minor is of legitimate status)

-         Personal appearance of mother and mother’s proof of identity (if minor is of illegitimate status)

-         Birth Certificate from NSO

-         Document of identity, if any, if minor is 8-17 years old (for first time applicants only)

-         Original and photocopy of the valid passport of the traveling companion except if the applicant is traveling alone.

Additional requirements:

If minor is traveling with either parent or alone:

-         Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance

-         Affidavit of Support and Consent (ASC) from a parent indicating the name of the traveling companion and relationship to minor. If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the ASC.

If both parents are abroad:

-         Affidavit of Support and Consent (ASC) from a parent indicating the name of the traveling companion (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Consul).

-         Special Power of Attorney (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Consul designating the representative by name authorizing him to apply a passport on behalf of the minor).

-         Passport and photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion of the minor.

-         Original and photocopy o0f proper ID of the duly authorized representative.

If minor is legitimated by subsequent marriage of parents:

-         Authenticated Birth Certificate from NSO with annotation regarding new status as legitimated and the full name of the child.

-         Marriage Contract of parents from NSO

If minor is illegitimate but acknowledged by father:

-         Amended birth certificate from NSO reflecting surname of father with Affidavit of Acknowledgement and Consent to use surname of father.

Foundling:

-         Certificate of Foundling authenticated by NSO

-         DSWD Clearance

-         Passport of the person who found the applicant

-         Letter of authority or endorsement from DSWD for the issuance of passport (if no longer a minor, supporting public documents establishing identity)

Orphaned minor applicant:

-         Authenticated BC from NSO

-         Authenticated Death Certificates of parents from NSO

-         Court order awarding guardianship of the orphaned minor applicant or substitute parental authority under Article 214 and 216 of the Family Code

-         DSWD clearance

-         Original and photocopy of the valid passport of the traveling companion.

Legally adopted:

-         Certified true copy of the Court Decision / Order on Adoption and Certificate of Finality

-         NSO amended BC (BC after adoption)

-         DSWD clearance for minor applicants, if traveling with the person other than the adopting parents

Minor applicant whose mother is likewise a minor:

-         Personal appearance of mother and maternal grandparents

-         Affidavit of Support and Consent from maternal grandparents

-         Proof of identity of mother and grandparents

-         Passport of traveling companion

-         DSWD clearance if traveling with the person other than the maternal grandparents

For Muslim applicants (same general requirements stated above)

Additional requirements for late registered Muslim applicants

-         Certificate of Cultural Affiliation from the Office on  Muslim Affairs

For converts who would like to use their Muslim name

-         Submit annotated BC in SECPA bearing the Muslim name.

-         OMA certificate of conversion

Requirements for renewal of passport (Personal appearance is required):

Brown Passport or issued prior to 01 MAY 1995

-         Old passport and photocopy of passport pages 1, 2, 3 (amendment). The pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps.

-         Birth Certificate to determine complete middle name

Green Passport or issued after 01 MAY 1995

-         Present passport and photocopy of inside and back cover

-         The pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps

IMPORTANT INFO:

For married woman who wants to use the surname of spouse

-         Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local civil Registrar (LCR) duly authenticated by NSO

For married women who would like to revert to her maiden name:

-         If already widowed: Death certificate from NSO of the deceased husband

-         If marriage is annulled: Certified true copy and photocopy of the first page and the dispositive portion of the judgment on annulment and NSO-issued MC with the annotation on the annulment decree;

-         If divorced: Certified true copy and photocopy and the dispostive  portion of the judgement on divorce authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where the divorce was obtained. However, divorce should be duly recognized by a Philippine court.

Renewal of passport for minor applicants, requirements for first time minor applicants are still prescribed, in addition to passport of minor.

Requirements for replacement of lost passports (Personal appearance is required):

-         Fill up Affidavit of Loss (in the form). If the lost passport is still valid, please submit Police report.

-         Submit same requirements required for first time passport applicants.

-         Please take note that there will be a 15-day clearing period prior to the processing of application for replacement of a lost valid passport.

PASSPORT FEES

Regular Processing (ePass) Electronic Passport Passport Php 950.00 (35 working days)

Expedited Processing Php 1200.00 (25 working days)
*longer processing time; advised to expect delays

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS:

*Personal appearance is required except when the applicant is:

1. Below 8 years old

2. Exactly 65 years old and above but with properly filled out application form and to be filed by the immediate family member w/ authorization letter and ID

3. Mentally and/or physically incapacitated but with properly filled out application form to be filed by the immediate family member with authorization letter and ID and medical certificate.

Immediate family members are parents, siblings, spouse, and children of legal age

*Passport shall be released to immediate family member only with authorization letter. Passport of minor applicant shall be released to parents only. Passports unclaimed after six (6) months will be cancelled per Department Order No. 37-03

*Check all data in the passport upon release

*Number of the processing days may vary depending on the location of the Regional consular office where the applications was filed.

*The Department may require additional supporting documents as may be necessary.

DFA CEBU
Causing

Lozada Building
Osmena Blvd.

cor Lapu-lapu Street
Cebu City, Cebu 6000

Tel # +63.32.256-3193 | +63.32.253-6798 | +63.32.256-0624

Note: DFA Cebu is now located at Pacific Mall, Mandaue City.