OEC lah!

So I learned it the hard way.  Last Monday, I went to the Philippine Embassy at around 10-ish to have some documents certified and to obtain an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate).  Processing the documents was a breeze but I was surprised to know that the Philippine Embassy has imposed a quota for OEC processing during this period.  I felt sorry that I wasn't a frequent visitor of their website so I was totally uninformed.  I know it's a busy period since a lot of fellow Filipinos will be rushing to get their OECs for Christmas  vacation.  I just didn't expect that the said quota will be out before 10 AM on a Monday... and just an FYI, the embassy opens at 9 AM.  That quick!

With this awareness, I went back at the embassy yesterday (Wednesday) and started my trip at 6:30 AM.  Yes, I had to wake up at 5:30 Singapore morning to get ready!  Zombie-like, I reached the embassy at 7:30 AM and this was the scene that "woke" me up:

Long queue outside the Philippine embassy at 7:30 AM, on a weekday. Queue was doubled behind me by 7:45 AM.

Other embassies nearby were still "sleeping" but the Philippine embassy was already quite a scene.  Super early birds were on queue (and standing) as early as 6:30 AM and most of them already complained of hunger.  People I've spoken to were on their 2nd trip as well and were unlucky to be served previously... just like me.  Leave was wasted so they had to file for another leave or a medical leave to make this 2nd trip.  Well, you'd hear different stories and make friends during this time. :)

Finally at 8:50 AM, after waiting and standing on queue outside for more than an hour (or more for the others), they let the first batch in.  Official queue numbers and forms were given.  I was number 56!  In a day, they give out 250 queue numbers, to be processed until 3 PM.  All 250 were given out by 9-ish, I guess.  I bet more than a hundred behind had to leave and didn't make it yesterday.

I hate to say this, but it was still a mess while we're inside waiting.  It was normal to expect that at least, due to the quota, it would be a bit manageable.  Unfortunately, it wasn't.  Most people were confused, angry and impatient. Well, probably due to the time and effort they need to endure to get the thing done. You have to be at 2 windows/counters if you'll only be processing an OEC.  If you haven't paid for Pag-ibig (which is a requirement), you have to visit a total of 3 windows.  For those who would renew OWWA membership, you need to devote more time.  Hold on to your queue number, you're going to need it the whole time you "come and go" to and from the windows.  A classic story of the Philippine window-system...  What's worse, at around 10:20 AM, they announced that people holding 151 and above will be served at 1:30 PM.  Imagine how loud the "aahhhsss" were!  They were advised to go out first, eat, or pass the time and then come back after lunch.  Considering the location of the embassy, I don't think people would want to walk under the hot "Singapore" sun or take a cab to pass the time and be back again... Oh well.  

I was number 56 and I finished at 10:45 AM.

So if you want to finish before noon, plan your trip and be there at 7:30 AM latest.  Sunday might be worse, though.  Make sure to bring all the requirements with you.  For OEC/OWWA processing (Employees) you'd need passport, work pass, pag-ibig receipt, air ticket (they no longer check this, but bring it anyway), and the duly completed form, the one you need to fill out on the embassy.

Wishful thinking, I hope they'd consider an online OEC processing.  Embassy has started with an e-appointment for electronic Passport so I'm hoping we're not far from doing most services online...  It will help both the embassy and the people anyway...  God bless the Philippines! :)

Our very own "Christmas-for-a-cause" event

I am overly excited that I'll be back home in the Philippines this coming Sunday.  Aside from the fact that I'll be reunited with my family, I am so looking forward to our first ever family "Christmas-for-a-cause" event!  This year, we have picked Sister Maria Bertilla Vangelista Orphanage in Lipa City as our beneficiary.

The Sr. Maria Bertilla Vangelista Home for Children is an orphanage dedicated to Sr. Maria Bertilla Vangelista, a member of the Congregation, who strongly desired to continue the work of Mother Chiara Biagotti in the care of the poor, abandoned and orphaned children.  Currently, it is home to 17 young girls aged 5-15.  There are 4 nuns who take care of them and almost run the whole orphanage.  Mostly needed are rice grains, canned goods, girls' clothes and sandals.

Our family's effort is to do an early Christmas event for the kids and to donate goods for them.  We are so lucky to have generous and kind-hearted friends who are also willing to contribute to the event as soon as they heard about it (Thanks all! You know who you are).  We have everything planned on the 9th of December starting with the holy mass at 8am. Kiddie party will follow after.  What's another delight is to have it on my husband's birthday!  He may not have his last year's "birthday-for-a-cause" in Singapore, but we are blessed to organize such an event this year.

I can imagine how much fun it will be not only for the kids, but for us, too!  We are very grateful to have been moved by God and share in our own little way.  After all, Christmas really means giving...

Will definitely post fun photos after... :)

Sweet November

It's the 11th month of the year. I still have 60 days more to accomplish even my littlest goal.  Oh, how quick this year unfolds! But before I recall how my 2012 has been and in the spirit of the All Saints Day and All Souls Day, i post...

Today, I thank all the Saints I have called upon during my lifetime for the hope and intercessions given to me.  

"How shining and splendid are your gifts, O Lord


which you give us for our eternal well-being


Your glory shines radiantly in your saints,

O God
In the honour and noble victory of the martyrs.


The white-robed company follow you,


bright with their abundant faith;


They scorned the wicked words of those with this world's power.


For you they sustained fierce beatings, chains, and torments,


they were drained by cruel punishments.


They bore their holy witness to you
who were grounded deep within their hearts;


they were sustained by patience and constancy.


Endowed with your everlasting grace,


may we rejoice forever
with the martyrs in our bright fatherland.


O Christ, in your goodness,
grant to us the gracious heavenly realms of eternal life."

                           - A Catholic Prayer In Praise of the Saints

And who could ever forget the Philippine tradition that November 1 & 2 are the busiest 2 days in the cemeteries nationwide?  Although memories of our departed loved ones live in our hearts everyday, we pay our utmost respects by visiting their eternal homes, bringing flowers, lighting candles and most especially, offering time and prayers.  Most of the time, the event serves as a family reunion when both days are declared national holidays.  Trick or treat for children, halloween costume parties everywhere, creepy shows on tv... Now, I'm missing my family more. I miss my dad more.

"Just as Jesus died and rose again, so will the Father

bring with him those who have died in Jesus.

Just as in Adam all men die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

God our Father, we ask that you hear our prayers

and bring us some consolation in our lives.

As we remember in our prayers all of our loved ones who have died,

we pray that they have received the promise of eternal life

and that they are with you in experiencing the joy of heaven.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever.  Amen.  "

- A Catholic Prayer For  the Souls of the Faithful Departed

To my father, you are always remembered and we miss you everyday...