Wednesday, March 20, 2013

List of PUPCET Passers in Sta. Mesa Campus

The result is out! Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) just published the list of PUPCET passers for the Sta. Mesa (Manila) campus. The list can be accessed by going to the PUPCET 2013 passers website.

The list of passers shown in the list are names of examinees who took the PUPCET on January 17, 2013 (first batch) and February 17, 2013 (second batch). Take note that the list only shows PUPCET passers who are qualified for admission to PUP – Sta. Mesa campus only. There will be a different list for PUPCET passers for the other campuses of PUP.

PUPCET examinees can check if they passed the exam either by using the search box or by viewing the complete alphabetical list of passers.

Search box to find PUPCET passers
PUPCET passers search box


A total of 10,968 examinees passed the PUPCET and are eligible to enter PUP – Sta. Mesa campus. The list started from Aala, Jobelle Bernardo and ended with Zurbito, Ma. Carmen Molina.

Congratulations if you are included in the list of PUPCET passers. All you need to do now is to wait for the letter from PUP. The letter contains instruction for your enrollment to PUP.

Congratulations to all PUPCET passers! God bless to your college life.

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Do you have questions about PUPCET? Read my tips for PUPCET.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

How to Make an Appointment for Philippine Passport Application

I was a little confused when I applied for a Philippine passport about three years ago. DFA's Consular Office is flooded with people and there are so many queues. I also experienced being surrounded by many “passport agents” before I entered the DFA office. In short, my experience when I applied for a Philippine passport is not good.

So, it is good news that the Department of Foreign Affairs made an online appointment system for the application and renewal of Philippine passport. The good effect of this is that the long lines at the Consular Office will shorten because DFA can control the number of people that it will entertain per day.

If you're planning to apply for or renew your Philippine passport, I suggest that you follow these easy steps:

1. Go to the DFA Passport Appointment System website. Fill up the reCaptcha form and click on the “Start Individual Appointment Process”.

2. Fill out the application form completely.

Online form for Philippine passport appointment application
Screenshot of the Philippine passport online appointment form.


3. Double check the information that you typed in the application form. Make sure that they are correct. Keep in mind that wrong information will give you problems when you are already in the Consular Office for your personal appearance.

4. Click the “Submit” button located at the bottom of the page after you checked that the info in the application form is correct and complete.

5. A pop-window will appear. Just click the “Yes” if you want to submit the information that you typed in the application form.

6. You will be directed to a page that contains important reminders for the renewal or application for Philippine passport. Take note of the information written on this page. After that click on the “Continue” button at the end of the page.

Another step for Philippine passport appointment application


7. You'll be directed to another page with important reminders. Take note of these info. After that click at the “Continue” button at the end of the page.

8. In the next page, you'll be asked if you're ready to proceed or not. Just click on the “I understand the requirements and I'm ready to proceed” button if you're ready to proceed to the next step.

Another step for Philippine passport appointment application


9. The last step is setting the date of your appointment.

For this step, you must pick the date that you want to go to DFA. Just use the calendar located on the page and click on the day that you want. Then wait for the possible slots to appear. Choose another appointment date if there is no available date on the day that you chose.

This is what the page will look like if there are available slots:

Another step for Philippine passport appointment application


10. A page will appear asking you to confirm your application by clicking the confirmation link on the email sent by DFA. Make sure that you confirm within 24 hours or else your appointment will be canceled.

11. Open your email account and read the message sent by DFA. Click on the confirmation link as shown in the image below:

Confirmation email for the Philippine passport appointment application


12. Print your e-passport application form on long bond paper.

Then you're finished with making online Philippine passport appointment with DFA. All you have to do now is to prepare the required documents and make sure to photocopy all of it. You should also have at least one valid ID for Philippine passport application. Go to the Consular Office 30 minutes at most before your appointment time.

Notes: The steps listed here is just for individual appointment at the DFA. For family application, please go to Family Application form of DFA.

If you're applying for a Philippine passport because of medical reasons (i.e. you will go for medication abroad), incident of death or an OFW with job placement order then you must DFA Emergency numbers: 834-4424 and 834-4855. You need to call those numbers so your passport will be processed quickly.

For information on going to Consular Affairs Office, please read my post: “How to Go to DFA Office”.

For more info on applying for Philippine passport, please read my tips on applying for Philippine passport.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

How to Avail FlyPAL Express Promo Fares

I previously reported the rebranding of AirPhil Express to FlyPAL Express. Included in this rebranding is the change of AirPhil Express promo to FlyPAL Express promo. This means that those who want to avail of the express promo fares should go to the new FlyPAL Express website and book the promo flights there.

I outlined here the way on how you can avail of the FlyPAL Express promo fares.

1. Get Timely Updates from FlyPAL Express

There are three ways for you to receive updates of FlyPAL Express promo fares. The first is by signing-up for a FlyPAL Express newsletter.

Go to FlyPAL Express website to sign-up for the newsletter.

Sign-up for FlyPAL Express promo fares newsletter


Just type in your email address and then click the “Sign Up Now” button. And that's done. All you have to do now is to wait for the FlyPAL Express newsletter to be e-mailed to you.

You can also get the latest FlyPAL Express promo by following FlyPAL Express Twitter account or liking the FlyPAL Express Facebook page.

2. Decide Quickly

The fight over for FlyPAL Express promo fares is very fierce. Hundreds of people are vying for the limited offer. Thus, available promo fare slots are gone in mere seconds. Deciding on the destination and day and time of flights should be quick so you can beat other people for the FlyPAL Express promo fare.

3. Ready Your Credit Card

Paying FlyPAL Express promo fare is easy when you use your credit card. FlyPAL Express accepts MasterCard or Visa credit cards. Those who didn't have credit card should not worry because you can still pay your FlyPAL Express promo fare through M Lhuiller, Petron, 7 Eleven, Metro Mall, POS Digital, Prime Asia Pawnshop, Enterprise Bank, NCCC Department Store, NCCC Supermarket, NCCC HB1 and ViaExpress.

Another  tip that I can give you is that you should always be alert when it comes to FlyPAL Express promo fares. Updates for promo fares usually come out during midnight or during the dead of the night when most people are sleeping. If you are fortunate enough to be awake when the FlyPAL Express promo fares come out then you have a good chance of getting the promo fares that you want.

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Read my other posts on how to avail Cebu Pacific promo fares and Zest Air promo fares.

Friday, March 15, 2013

AirPhil Express Promo Changes

On October of 2012, AirPhil Express announced that their flights is now included in the Mabuhay Miles program of Philippine Airlines (PAL). This meant that Mabuhay Miles members can earn miles when they fly with AirPhil Express.

The inclusion of AirPhil Express flights to Mabuhay Miles program is just the beginning of the changes the sister airline of PAL. This month, AirPhil Express announced its total transformation. AirPhil Express was rebranded as Fly PAL Express.

Change of AirPhil Express promo to Fly PAL Express promo


The change of AirPhil Express to Fly PAL Express reflects the improvement and aligning of its services and products with that of Philippine Airlines. One of the improvement that AirPhil Express customer will experience is the inclusion of complimentary snacks and drinks and reading materials on board the aircraft.

AirPhil Express will also have a new logo, which is “sunriser” PAL livery and logo on its tail and fuselage that are seen on the airplanes of Philippine Airlines.

Aside from these changes, AirPhil Express promo will also change. It will now be called as Fly PAL Express Promo. The promo offered can be seen at the new website of Fly PAL Express.

So, you should not be confused if you are looking for AirPhil Express promo fare and found nothing. It just meant that the express promo can now be found with Fly PAL Express.

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Image and info was obtained from AirPhil Express Facebook page.

Please leave a comment if you have questions or reactions regarding AirPhil Express promo.

Acceptable IDs for DFA Passport Renewal and Application

Comments: Aldrin Somera, a commenter of this blog post, said that the DFA at ASEANA did not accept the supporting documents if there is no valid ID. Because of this, I suggest that you get a valid ID when applying for passport.

Another commenter said that the DFA doesn't accept student driver's license. Aycee, another commenter, said that the DFA accepted the postal ID as valid ID for her aunt's and cousin's passport application.

Nfinium mentioned that DFA accepted her application even if she doesn't have ay valid ID. She submitted supporting documents that have photos like NBI clearance, police clearance and TOR with picture.

In the early comments, I said that supporting documents can be used in obtaining a passport even if you don't have any valid ID. Please disregard those old comments of mine. I was corrected by helpful commenters on this blog post. They clarified that valid ID is needed and the supporting documents is just used bolster the validity of your identity as shown on the ID.

Take note that the DFA is inconsistent when it comes to accepting IDs not included in their list of acceptable IDs. So, to be on the safe side I suggest that you bring valid ID when applying for a passport.

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Majority of commenters in my post “Tips on Applying for a Philippine Passport”, asked me about the identification cards or IDs that are acceptable when applying for a Philippine passport. Many were afraid that the IDs that they have will not be accepted by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

I understand their worries. The DFA is so strict when it comes to documents being submitted to them for passport application. The department is strict because they are avoiding fraud. Many people tried to provide false identity for their passport.

Image of Philippine passport


To help those who are confused with the strictness of the DFA, here are the list of IDs acceptable when applying for a Philippine passport:

Government issued IDs

1. Digitized Social Security System (SSS) ID
2. Driver's License
3. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) E-card
4. PRC ID or professional ID.
5. IBP ID
6. OWWA ID
7. Digitized (Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ID
8. Senior Citizen's ID

Non-government issued IDs

1. Old College ID
2. Alumni ID
3. Old Employment Ids (current employment ID may also be acceptable)
4. Voter's ID (included in the list as suggested by commenters on this post)
You only need to show at least one of the government issued and non-government issued IDs listed above.

If you are using Old College ID then you should bring your Transcript of Record (TOR) as supporting document.

IDs Accepted According to Commenters

1. Old High School ID (with accompanying TOR OR form 137)
2. Postal ID

Take note that these IDs may or may not be accepted by DFA. It all depends on the strictness of the DFA clerk that you will encounter.

Here are the supporting documents that you should bring together with your acceptable IDs listed above:

1. Marriage Contract issued by the NSO
2. Land Title
3. Seaman's Book
4. Elementary or High School Form 137 or Transcript of Records with readable dry seal
5. Government Service Record
6. NBI Clearance
7. Police Clearance
8. Barangay Clearance

You can also bring old documents issued at least one year prior to the date of your passport application. The old documents must show your correct name, date and place of birth, picture and signature. Here are the acceptable old documents:

1. NSO Birth Certificate of child or children
2. SSS-E1 Form or Microfilmed Copy of SSS-E1 Form
3. Income Tax Return (ITR)
4. Voter's Certification, List of Voters and Voter's Registration Record. Attach receipt in case of newly issued Voter's Registration Record (VRR).
5. School Yearbook
6. Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)  

You should bring to DFA at least three of the supporting documents or old documents with an acceptable ID to prove your identity.

Hope this post help you. Don't hesitate to leave a comment if you have more questions regarding passport application.

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Want to know how to go to the DFA office that issue Philippine passport? Please read my post, How to Go to DFA Office.

Visit the DFA website for more info on acceptable IDs for Philippine passport application. 

Monday, March 11, 2013

Mang Inasal Delivery Hotline

Are you hungry but you're too busy to get out of the office? Do you want to eat barbecued chicken without the hassle of cooking it? If your answer to these and similar questions is a resounding “YES” then I think that it is time for you to fetch your cellular phone or landline telephone and call Mang Inasal.

Mang Inasal is the leading restaurant when it comes to offering Filipino-styled barbecue. It is also very popular for its unlimited rice meals. Me and my beloved usually go to Mang Inasal if we want to eat plenty.


Here are some Mang Inasal meals that me and my beloved usually order:

Items of Mang Inasal menu


Good thing that Mang Inasal already has a delivery service. You can have Mang Inasal anytime. Just give Mang Inasal a call in their hotline number:

Mang Inasal delivery hotline number


The Mang Inasal delivery hotline number is: 733-1111

I am not sure though if this hotline number is available for the whole Philippines or just in metro areas like Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao.

So, are you hungry now? Why don't you give Mang Inasal a call and enjoy their barbecued chicken. However, if you want Mang Inasal's unlimited rice meals you must go to one of their branches. Unli rice meals are not available in their delivery service.

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Images was obtained from Mang Inasal website.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

PHIVOLCS Tsunami Alert Levels

Many people, especially those who are leaving near fault lines, are afraid of earthquakes. Such fear is understandable because the effects of earthquake is very great. Toppled houses, hundreds of dead people and destruction of many lives are just few of the many negative effects of earthquake.

Many people living along the Marikina Fault Line (West Valley Fault) are considering leaving their place and choose an area that is more safe. It is thought that it is safe to live far away from the fault line.

People living away from any fault line but living near the coast should not be complacent, however. Fault lines might be far away from their homes but the fact is that they are threatened by tsunami.

Tsunami is the wave created by earthquakes occuring under the sea. The destruction caused by tsunami is so great that a tsunami in Sendai, Japan (2011) killed hundreds of people.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is the lead government agecy when it comes to earthquakes and tsunami. PHIVOLCS created a map showing the areas in the Philippines that are threatened by tsunami. PHIVOLCS also had maps showing the location of fault lines.

Aside from these, PHIVOLCS also created Tsunami Alert Levels that can be used by coastal communities when deciding what to do when there is threat of tsunami.

Here are the PHIVOLCS Tsunami Alert Levels:

PHIVOLCS tsunami alert level 0

PHIVOLCS tsunami alert level 1

PHIVOLCS tsunami alert level 2

PHIVOLCS tsunami alert level 3

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Information on PHIVOLCS tsunami alert levels was obtained from PHIVOLCS website.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

How to Make Palaspas

The Holy Week is getting near and I am sure that many Catholics are preparing for their yearly “panata”. Some of you will do the Visita Iglesia, which is the vow of visiting 7 churches during Maundy Thursday. Others will do the pasyon, which is the singing of the sorrowful suffering and death of our Lord. Few will do self flagellation and crucifixion on Good Friday.

However, before we reach the Holy Week we had to celebrate Palm Sunday or the Linggo ng Palaspas (in Filipino). On Palm Sunday, we commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem. People welcomed our Lord with great joy by throwing their cloaks and palm leaves as His carpet.

Filipinos celebrating Linggo ng Palaspas or Palm Sunday.
Pinoys celebrating Linggo ng Palaspas.


Palaspas, especially those with beautiful designs, are a little expensive. Fortunately, we have a small palm plant in front of our house. My mother just get some palm leaves and that's what we bring to the church.

What if you don't want a simple palaspas and you also don't want to buy the expensive ones? What you'll gonna do? The solution is to make your own palaspas.

Good thing that Tinay Bialaga made a tutorial video on how to make palaspas. What I like with her videos is that she features different designs of palaspas. These palaspas designs include heart design, whip lash design, cross design and zigzag design.

Watch her video here and learn how to make palaspas.

Palaspas Heart Design


Palaspas Zigzag Design


Palaspas Mized Design


Want to learn the other designs? Go to the YouTube page of Tinay Bialaga. Hope that you watch and learn.