application for a Philippine passport

my younger sister, ria, will get married in hawaii this coming september. the good news was announced to us early last year but due to hectic sched and scarcity of funds, we were only able to prioritize it at this time. so the first step is to renew my passport and get the girls their passport.

actually, it's so easy to apply since everything you need to know -- the process, requirements and even setting the  schedule of appearance in the Department of Foreign Affairs office -- are all there in their website.

so, i logged online, followed the simple procedures and went to the DFA office on time. it took the four of us 2 hours to complete the process. sure there's a lot of people but waiting isnt really an issue since there are staff guiding us. there were also signs everywhere. plus, there's a flat screen tv where movies are shown :) staff were also quick.

thank God some department in the philippine government such as the DFA shows progress. clap! clap! clap! i would just like to comment, though. when i went there, i came prepared with all the requirements, both for renewal (for my passport) and new application (for the kids). i had it in original and photocopy forms. when we got to the counter to submit our requirements, this is what was posted on the window:

FOR RENEWAL:

1) original passport

2) photocopy of first and last page of passport

FOR NEW APPLICATION:

1) NSO copy of birth certificate

that's it! i was just surprised since they seem to require more than whats listed above when i finished the online application and had set the appointment. weird. well, better be prepared than sorry.

oh, one more thing. though my husband's passport (not yet an e-passport) isn't expiring in 6 months yet, they did not allow him to renew saying that there are still more pages/space in his passport. he explained that he travels every april or may and if he travels next year, his current passport wouldn't be valid anymore. so he decide to do it now, with his family. the staff said that he should make a request letter with the reason why he wants it done now and have it notarized. then submit the letter to them. duh! well, if passports are still valid for more than 6 months are not allowed/qualified to apply for a renewal, i think they should have mentioned it in their website. what if that person only have the time now? sayang lang ang effort and ang pagpunta.

yun lang.