Good news for our fellow citizens. The Philippine government, especially the Department of Foreign Affairs ( DFA ), National Statistics Office ( NSO ) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration ( POEA ) has upgraded their services. A hassle free online service has been added that would eliminate long lines of waiting and scalpels who prey on people. Citizen Services is the online service made available for every Filipino citizen especially the Overseas Foreign Workers ( OFW )seeking documents with the respective departments that includes the rundown of fees and payment centers.

Passport - Department of Foreign Affairs

Fee - PHP 1,300.00

Birth Certificate - National Statistics Office

Fee PHP 330.00
New Registrations Call (02) 737-1111
Returning Customers - Online Applications
Payment Centers - Metrobank and Bayad Centers

Overseas Exit Clearances - Philippine Overseas Employment Administration

POEA Processing Fees PHP 100.00
OWWA Membership* P 1,121.00
Philhealth* PHP 900.00
2GO / ABoitiz Courier Fee PHP 160.00
Teleserv Service Fee PHP 369.00
Total PHP 2,650.00

For more information and other questions:

Citizen Services Contact Details:
• DFA Express Passport Delivery - (02) 737-1000
dfa@citizenservices.com.ph
• NSO Birth Certificate Delivery - (02) 737-1111
nso@citizenservices.com.ph
• POEA Balik Manggagawa OEC Delivery - (02) 737-7777
poea@citizenservices.com.ph
Note : POEA Balik Manggagawa OEC Delivery service is only available Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Saan ka man sa mundo iwagayway mo ang iyong pagka Pilipino !!!

In commemoration of the Philippines Independence Day or Araw ng Kalayaan which would be celebrated on June 12, ABS-CBN Network and The Filipino Channel (TFC) is pumping up advertisements of the occasion. It is not only celebrated by the local citizens but by Pinoys all over the world especially the Overseas Foreign Workers (OFW). It is one way of showing our true nationalism and we at Paraiso Philippines would like to take part of the occasion. Coincidentally there is a successful film dedicated to our ofw’s abroad, “Caregiver” starring the mega star Sharon Cuneta which is being shown worldwide and a must see for all Filipinos. A story depicting the true sacrifice of an OFW and the hard life experience in order to provide a better life for the loved ones left behind in our country.

In celebration of the Araw ng Kalayaan or Filipino Independence Day we wish our kababayans in the Philippines and abroad all the best. May God continue to shower all of us good health and a never ending blessing. We were suppose to look for photos and post them but instead looked for a better one which is a video from You Tube. Titled “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo”, an original filipino music (OPM) composed by the Apo Hiking Society which is an inspirational nationalistic song, from the Edsa Peoples Power Revolution in 1986. It was a popular song on memorable events that features the Apo Hiking Society, Celeste Legaspi, Coritha & Eric, Edru Abraham, Gretchen Barretto, Ivy Violan, Inang Laya, Joseph Olfindo, Kuh Ledesma, Leah Navarro, Lester Demetillo, Noel Trinidad, Subas Herrero and other artist, actors actresses, composers and songwriters.

To all Filipinos worldwide Mabuhay Po Kayong Lahat !!!

Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo

Di na ‘ko papayag mawala ka muli.
Di na ‘ko papayag na muling mabawi,
Ating kalayaan kay tagal natin mithi.
Di na papayagang mabawi muli.

Magkakapit-bisig libo-libong tao.
Kay sarap pala maging Pilipino.
Sama-sama iisa ang adhikain.
Kelan man ‘di na paalipin.

Ref:

Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo,
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.
Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat.

Magsamasama tayo ikaw at…..

Masdan ang nagaganap sa aming bayan.
Magkasama ng mahirap at mayaman.
Kapit-bisig madre, pari, at sundalo.
Naging Langit itong bahagi ng mundo.

Huwag muling payagang umiral ang dilim.
Tinig ng bawat tao’y bigyan ng pansin.
Magkakapatid lahat sa Panginoon.
Ito’y lagi nating tatandaan.

(repeat refrain two times)

As a former Japan OFW, I browse the web on Japan topics such as forums, music, news and other of interest that I could read and refresh my memories. Then I read an interesting news about Japan’s proclamation about an official mascot for their tourism industry. None other than the fictional character mascot created and popularized by Sanrio Company of Japan “Hello Kitty”. Since 1983, and because of children’s love and attraction for the mascot icon, it has held the position as Ambassador for UNICEF till present. But recently it was announced as the new Tourism Ambassador of Japan. Funny as some may think but it is a well deserved appointment as it has served its purpose of bringing joy to both young and old alike.

But for the Philippines, with us fast becoming as one of the top tourism destination in the globe, as announced and recognized by the new 7 wonders of the world, we haven’t had any mascot or national banner logo to promote tourism in the country. Sure we’ve had Pedro in Salakot for decades but it has a hundred or so versions. With the Philippines who has an abundant talent of web creators, designers, artists and cartoonist we could come up with one. Nationalistic idea ? Yes of course and that is where we have to start. Our government could spend some few bucks to support this drive. It could be on our air carriers and embassies with promotions on televisions, public and private offices as well as travel agencies.

It could be the one missing link in order to boost more the attraction of our tourism industry internationally. A lot of our fellow countrymen and women are continuously pumping and constantly promoting our country and we ourselves included, promoting the tourism industry and most of all the beauty of our country. Even expats and OFW’s are trying their best but we could not do this without the support of our own government. Sharing of ideas and the best contribution by our web designers, illustrators, cartoonists and many more are what we need and of course our own government. There are times that we need to be more nationalistic and strive hard for the best. There won’t be any prize waiting on our doorsteps most of the times but surely the Filipino people would benefit and the rest of us. Our country has much to offer for tourism and all we need is a booster.

The Bureau of immigration (BI) has installed 125 passport reader machines at 7 primary airports. Bureau of Immigration Commisioner Marcelo Libanan said that out of 125 passport reader machines, a total of 76 were installed at the immigration arrival and departure counters of Terminal 1 and 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The remaining 49 machimes were distributed among other airports of the country such as Cebu, Clark, Davao, Kalibo and Laoag. Out of the 125 machines, 91 were purchased by the bureau and the rest were donated by the Australian Government, under a border management improvement project jointly undertaken by Manila and Canberra.

While upgrades are being undertaken the Bureau of Immigration at the same time eased the requirements on foreign tourists who overstay in the country. They issued an order allowing foreigners who overstayed for not more than 3 days to pay extension fees at the airports. It amended a rule that extensions should be paid on BI main and field offices and not at the airports. These steps are being implemented to make a more favorable stay for foreign tourists and travelers. A small step change that would really make it easier for foreign travelers.

Just a reminder for everyone to check the National Holidays in the Philippines specifically the traveling people. If anyone is booked on one of these days or your travel itineraries includes one of the days listed below, it would be a wise decision to make your personal business or transactions ahead of time or after the holidays listed as most establishments are closed except for some.

• January 1 - New Year - Bagong Taon
  
• March - Holy Week Observance - Mahal na Araw (Maundy Thursday - Easter Sunday)
• April 9 - National Heroes - Araw ng Kagitingan
• May 1 - Labor Day - Araw ng Manggagawa
  
• June 12 - Independence Day - Araw ng Kalayaan
  
• November 1 - All Saints Day - Todod Los Santos
  
• November 30 - Bonifacio Day - Araw ni Bonifacio
  
• December 25 - Christmas Day - Pasko
  
• December 30 - Rizal Day - Araw ni Rizal
  

There are special holidays declared by the government or are announced at any given time. There are also special holidays declared on provincial levels too. Such non working days are declared on case to case basis.

Example :

• February 25 - Peoples Power Revolution Commemoration also commemorates the death of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino.
• January 16 - Sinulog - Public Holiday in Cebu