How to Apply for your Philippine Passport just a Click Away.

With all the cheap airfares and fantastic budget travel tour packages for trips to all over Asia and Europe - it's very overwhelming to catch it. But some of you always got this pause - you still don't have your passport! Well, it happens to me before. But, I finally overcome that sudden PAUSE. That's why I'm going to share with you how to get your first Philippine passport (or for some renew yours) just a click away, no more waiting in-line and just typing on your computer, while sipping your favorite martini.

Before doing anything else, makes sure you all these basic and essential legal requirements:

* Valid Identification - this will either be your company ID (if you are employed), school ID (if you are still in school), or if you have your SSS Identification Card. In my case, DFA ask for my Company ID!

* Don't ever forget to have your NSO Birth Certificate. Click the link to know how to get one.

* Also you need to get your NBI Clearance for travel purposes (it's a lime green one) Still don't know how to get it, click my link on How to get your NBI Clearance!

* And don't forget to have it photocopied. Don't expect they have an available photocopy machine in their coz that is not allowed. You are the applicant so don't ever go in without your complete papers.

So you all have the requirements ready and photocopied, but there's still another requirement you needed. Get your computer and log on at http://passport.com.ph/ an online DFA passport appointment service. Yes dearest you need an appointment schedule! You can set an appointment online from Monday till Saturday. I've got mine last March 02 which is Saturday. I've chosen it because I don't want to take a leave of absence from my job just to file my application. Now once you are logged on - fill up the necessary information, don't forget to double-check your entries. Of course, you don't want a wrong spelled name on your passport application, right?

During my online application, I've chosen to process my passport at the DFA NCR East Office which is located on the 7th Floor of SM Megamall in Ortigas. It is the best place for me since I am living just in The Fort Area. Anyway last March 02, 2013, is my scheduled appointment at 01:00PM - I've arrived 30 minutes earlier and I was surprised by what I've seen. The office is soo spacious, smells very nice, and not crowded (no offense but I hate crowded government offices). I came in there, proceeded to the number 10 counter with a nice smile. After a couple of meetings checking my papers, the lady sends me to the back office, cashier counter to pay my application. For processing, they charged me Php1,200.00 plus a delivery charge of Php120.00 which is not bad at all. Besides, I don't need to queue waiting in line just to just my passport. All in all, including my fingerprint and photo opt. It only takes me 10mins to process my application and get it over with.

DFA NCR East Office located at the 7th Floor of SM Megamall Ortigas

I've applied for it last March 02, and I've got my passport last March 14! That's so convenient for me. Though I don't look very good in my passport photo, I don't mind it {{{hyena laugh}}} Now I can travel all the way I wanted, and wouldn't say NO to my fabulous friends for the out-of-town/ out-of-the-country partee!

Here are some additional tricks that I've used to avoid some irritation and wrinkles on your face whenever dealing with these government-working pals.

* Everybody is feeling tired. So to avoid any negative circumstances, avoid approaching these guys with a frown on your face, or any signs of irritation. Humans are normally adopting/reacts to the situation he's currently into, so don't do it. SMILE even you are tired, or even you've got in a long queue.

* SMILE and GREET then politely. Humans are naturally territorial. You are IN their territory, so be polite. If the problem exists, don't frown or YELL and MAKE A SCENE {{ that's the stupidest thing, hahahaha}}. The lady's way is to ask politely what's the problem and ask them for better solutions and alternatives, again with a smile. Use your CHARM, and you will get what you want.

Hope this helps you guys. Feel free to share your tips and experiences here!