Suppose This Happened To You At The Check-in Counter

A French girl, Mari (not her real name) booked a ticket with Ryan Air. She snagged a cheap flight to Spain and it’s her first time to fly with this budget airlines.

Photo by © Lee Shaver

She knew there were baggage restrictions, so she weighed her luggage to make sure her carry-on fell under the 7kg only rule. She’s quite proud of herself. Aside from her carry-on, she had with her a sling purse, which was small enough to put her passport, and a few loose change.

While in the check-in line, she noticed the individual passengers ahead of her. One had a belt bag around his waist, but was asked to pay an additional charge for that extra item he brought on board. The same happened to the junior executive who brought his laptop bag. By the time it was her turn, she snuck her sling purse inside her shirt.

Photo by © Michal Sacharewicz

The ground crew gave her an insulting look. She argued that she did not have an extra item with her while raising both her hands. The deliberation went on for a while until the crew caved in.

Mari checked in without having to pay any extra charges but it sure served a lesson for her.

You may well be within your baggage weight allowance, but read the finer print, specially in budget airlines. Are you allowed to take an extra piece of item with you? How much will they charge?

After that pesky experience, Mari learned her lesson, and now struts effortlessly in the check-in counter.

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5 Sure Ways to Snag that Rock-Bottom Air Ticket

Expensive airfare tickets are already a thing of the past! Thanks to the burgeoning travel industry, airlines now make domestic travel accessible to every Juan (ehem).

I remember the time when traveling to nearby Hong Kong was cheaper than a flight elsewhere in my homeland, the Philippines. By instinct, one would choose to travel to the neighboring Asian countries than explore one’s own 7,100 islands.

My first time to Davao, I took the flagship airlines, and I paid a hefty P7,000++ for the roundtrip ticket. Good thing, we saved up on accommodations because we stayed with a relative. Imagine coughing up the same amount every time you fly, in your own country. Difficult ei? You’d have to be rich to be able to travel regularly.

But thank heavens. Things have turned around. And the trend is not only in the Philippines, but almost all over. So snagging that cheapo ticket comes by easy nowadays. Just at the top of my head, AirAsia leads the SouthEast Asian route, then there’s Ryan Air in Europe, and of course, Cebu Pacific, followed by AirPhil Express in the Philippines. For a complete list, I always refer to this website to know which budget airlines fly to a certain destination. http://www.whichbudget.com

OK so you might be thinking, are the cheap fares really true? Is there really such a thing as Zero Fares or Piso Sale? In a roundup of Pinoy Travel Bloggers, here’s the cheapest ticket they bought for a flight:

The zero fares are really true. Either they just got lucky, or those were complimentary tickets to make up for delayed flights.

How does one find cheap tickets?

1. Subscribe to an airlines’ newsletter. 

Because you’re in their mailing list, you’re usually the first one to know if there’s an upcoming seat sale. Get ahead of the pack, and book on a midnight or the wee hours of the morning.

2. Have a lot of patience. 

The moment the sale starts, expect their website to be busy. Some may not even be able to take in the volume of visitors. So just keep on trying. Better yet, pool your friends together and assign the booking of one destination per person.

3. Have your important details ready. 

Like your passport number and your credit card details. And if you’ll be traveling with a group, have a copy of their complete names and birthdays as well.

4. Be flexible. 

Since these are promo fares, they normally don’t give you the flexibility given to regular paying customers. Any changes with the flight details and rebooking will be an additional charge. They can also be tricky. Normally, they know that people travel within a week, so although you may find a zero fare one way, your flight back usually takes on the regular (or cheaper) price.

5. Breathe and relax. 

After each purchase, I usually get the jitters and the excitement consumes me. I bought a flight to KL once and I woke up in the middle of the night, thinking about my trip. Then, I remember, my flight’s not until the next 4 months. Sheesh. Yes, these promo fares, usually makes you buy way ahead of time. But for less than a hundred pesos? I’m sure it’s a sweet way to part with your bucks, and look forward to that authentic roti and curry dip in your next trip!

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Location Independent: Have You Ever Dreamed of Earning While Traveling?

Being location independent pertains to the idea that you can work anywhere. Be it in your homeland, the Philippines, or elsewhere in the world. In a private island, or the comforts of your home. Literally, anywhere. As long as there's internet. Your income does not depend on the continent you are in. Money still comes in regardless of your location. Because you do not depend on it. You are independent of your location. All you need is an internet.

Sounds enticing?

It did for me a few years ago. I wanted the freedom to travel anytime, at the same time make money while sipping some fresh coconut juice in a beach in one of the 7,100 islands of the Philippines.

This led me to explore work from home. I educated myself, developed some skills, and landed a part-time gig. I was even at it while I was in Europe traveling. I would work 4 hours a day, sometimes even while on a bus, or in a hostel. Then I'd explore a city during the remainder of the day. Good thing it was summer, so the days are longer. At 10pm, I would still be out because it was still bright outside.

I had my passport stamped : Berlin border

biking in Klagenfurt, Austria

I'd have to thank my mentor for introducing me to the world of working from home. I met Jomar Hilario when I attended the Wealth Summit in 2010, and even as he was speaking, my mind was already saying, "I want that for myself." 

I attended a couple of his seminars, and it would be too good not to share to you the good news. This Christmas, he (uhm, his virtual assistants actually) wrapped something up for newbies and experts alike. Whether you're still new to the "work from home" concept or you're already a virtual assistant wanting to level up your skills to be able to command a higher rate, there's one for each.

And he's offering it at an insanely low price. Discount of up to 40%! For something life-changing, it's the lowest it's ever been. 

But you have to act fast. It's only until December 24! 

If, at the middle of reading this article, your heart skipped a bit, and want it for yourself, then grab the chance now. He might never open up this offer ever again.

Give yourself the gift you truly deserve. Visit http://bit.ly/Xmas4u now!

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How to Renew your Philippine Passport at SM Megamall in 1 Hour

by Shawi Cortez

From the time I stepped in to the 7th floor of SM Megamall Bldg C, it only took me an hour to complete the entire process of having my machine readable passport renewed. 

how to renew this machine readable passport in an hour

Prior to that, I visited the official website http://megamall.passport.com.ph  to set an appointment. The website is very easy to navigate and even has helpful tips for first-time users. I chose my preferred date and time. The booking schedules are from 10 am to 11:30 (with an interval of 30 minutes), and from 1pm to 4pm (with an interval of 30 minutes).

scheduled slots to renew your passport 

Once booked, I received an email confirmation. I printed the filled application form, and braced myself for my appointment date.

email from DFA confirming my passport renewal appointment

Come November 27, I was running furiously to catch my 10:30am appointment. When I reached the DFA office, I realized that they're really not that strict. Having a 10:30 appointment meant you can get in between 10:30-11am. 

First step is Verification. I showed them my printed confirmed appointment and my filled application form. Upon approval, I took a number and was led into the Processing section where there were 5 active windows serving the public. Of all the procedures, this step took the longest. The waiting time.

do NOT forget to print this confirmation

Having arrived there a few minutes early actually gave me a head start from the other applicants. I sat and was surprised that the room was only filled to a third. Ten minutes passed, then the people started pouring in. Must be the 10:30 group, I observed.

They were serving 3040 when I arrived

When I was up, the lady only asked for my previous passport, a photocopy of it, and the printed application form. She didn't even ask for my birth certificate although it was one of the requirements. She took my previous passport, punctured it, asked if I preferred the regular (P950) or express processing (P1,200), and issued a receipt. That only took, what, 5 minutes?

Next step was Payment, which was also a breeze. I just showed them the receipt and handed my P950. 

I then moved to the Encoding section where they had about 10 booths set up. They asked for my filled form, and started typing the information written there. While typing, I was asked to look at the screen to make sure that they are encoding the correct information. After that, they took my photo (you can smile, but you can't show your teeth; and no jewelries), captured my thumbprints and digital signature. They printed out the encoded data in a pink paper and asked me to take a final look to make sure it's accurate. I signed and confirmed its correctness. 

©interaksyon.com 

That's the final step should you wish to come back and pickup your passport.

But being based in Ilocos, I opted to avail of the Courier services. On my way out, there's a section for delivery. I paid the amount of P120 and signed a document confirming my delivery address. The delivery date is within 2 days after the date of the passport release.

All in all, it was a fast and efficient experience. An hour at the DFA is not bad, because it left me enough time to do an early Christmas shopping at the mall.

How was your passport renewal experience?

Important Information

DFA Megamall is located at 

7th Floor SM Megamall Bldg C

EDSA cor J. Vargas Ave.,

Mandaluyong City

Passport Fees:

Regular Processing (15 working days)  P950

Express Processing (7 working days) P1,200

General Requirements for Passport Renewal

• Personal appearance
• Confirmed appointment
• No need to submit a passport size photo
• Most recent expiring or expired passport
• Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity.

For a list of additional requirements, please refer to the DFA Megamall website.

NCR Satellite and Regional Consular Offices Directory

Other DFA offices within Metro Manila are : 

DFA NCR-East
Ms. Merle Puruganan
7F Building C, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
T: 570-3230 or 570-3231
http://megamall.passport.com.ph

DFA NCR-Central
Ms. Remen Q. Austria
Level 1 Lingkod Pinoy Center, Robinsons Galleria, Quezon City
T: 631-0806
F: 631-0700
dfancrcentral@dfa.gov.ph
http://galleria.passport.com.ph

DFA NCR-West
Mr. Tamara M. Ayo
5th Floor, SM City Manila, Conception St. Manila
T:536-9994 or 536-9995
dfancrwest@dfa.gov.ph
http://manila.passport.com.ph

If you're not in Metro Manila, here's a list of the Regional DFA offices : 

SO Angeles Pampanga
Mr. Amador N. Abutal
3F MarQuee Mall Pulung MaragulAngeles City
T: (045) 304-0193
dfaclarksatellite@yahoo.com

Bacolod
Mr. Joselito B. Blas
2F East Block Square Circumferential Road Brgy. Villa Monte Bacolod City
T: (034) 434-8338
F: (034) 435-6358
dfa_bacolod@yahoo.com
rcobacolod@gmail.com
http://www.rcobacolod.6te.net

Baguio
Mr. Edgar S. Canta
Upper Basement SM CITY Baguio Luneta Hill, Baguio City 2600
T: (074) 422-2258 or (074) 422-1465
F: (074) 422-2255
rco_baguio@yahoo.com
baguio.rco@dfa.gov.ph

Butuan
Mr. Gangco T. Punginaguina
CESIA Bldg. Mantilla Blvd.Butuan City
P: (085) 342-7822
F: (085) 342-5700
dfarco_butuan@yahoo.com
dfabutuan@yahoo.com

Cagayan de Oro
Mr. Abdurraheym S.Y. Macud
Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City
T: (08822) 724-309 or (088) 857 2175
F: (08822) 726-578
rco.cdo@gmail.com
rco.cdo@philcom.ph
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/cdo

Cebu
Mr. Elias J. Balawag
4th Level Pacific Mall-Metro Mandaue, UN Ave. cor. MC Briones St., Brgy. Estancia, Mandaue Cit
T: (032) 520-5898 or (032) 520-6193 or (032) 520-6550
F: (032) 520-6551
dfacebu@yahoo.com
cebu.rco@dfa.gov.ph
cebu@dfa.gov.ph

Cotabato
Mr. Amir Hussein D. AIonto
People's Palace, City Hall, Cotabato City
T: (064)421-3495
(Info Center): (064) 421-3878
F: (064) 421-3495
rcocotabato@yahoo.com

Davao
Ms. Flora Belinda B. Bacosa
3F SM City Davao Quimpo Blvd., Ecoland Brgy. Malina, Davao City
T: (082) 285-4885 or (082) 285-1900
F: (082) 285-1727 or (082) 285-1552
davao.rco@dfa.gov.ph
mindanao@dfa.gov.ph

GenSan
Mr. Jovencio L. Agus
Robinsons Place GenSan, J. Catolico Sr. Ave., Lagao, General Santos City
T: (083) 553-8380
H: (083) 826-9089
F: (083) 554-2742
rco.gsc@gmail.com

Iloilo
Ms. Sheila Marie D. Tu
Yulo Street, Iloilo City
T: (033) 336-1737  or (02) 487-3041
F (033) 335-0221
dfailo@skyinet.net
iloilo.rco@dfa.gov.ph

La Union
Mr. William G. Garcia
Pasado Building Pagdalagan Norte San Fernando, La Union
T: (072) 607-6487  or (072) 607-6510
F: (072) 607-6491
Globe No.: 0917.895.2322
Smart No.:0999.886.2561
dfa_launion@yahoo.com
launion.rco@dfa.gov.ph
http://dfalaunion.yolasite.com

Legazpi
Ms. Maricor E. Jesalva
3rd Floor Pacific Mall F. Imperial Street, Barangay Capantawan
Landco Business Park, Legazpi City
T: (052) 480-3000 or 820-3396
rco_legaspi@yahoo.com
legaspi.rco@dfa.gov.ph

Lipa City
Mr. Glenn F. Corpin
2F Robinsons Place, JP Laurel Highway, Mataas na Lupa, Lipa City
T: (043) 722-0578
F: (043) 722-0590
dfa.co.batangas@gmail.com
batangas.rco@dfa.gov.ph

Lucena
Ms. Jocelyn C. Roxas
3F Pacific Mall Lucena, M.L. Tagarao St., Barangay Ill Lucena City
T: (042) 710-4526 or (042) 373-1119
F: (042) 373-1898
dfarcolc@pldtdsl.net
lucena.rco@dfa.gov.ph

Pampanga
Mr. Arturo V. Rornua
2F Robinsons StarMill City of San Fernando, Pampanga
T: (045) 636-0007 or (045) 636-0009
Releasing Local 103
OIC: local 124
F. (045) 636-0010
rcopampanga@yahoo.com
pampanga@dfa.gov.ph

Puerto Princesa
Mr. Eduardo V. Aro
2F Puerto Princesa City Coliseum, National Highway,Brgy. San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City
TF: (048) 434-1773
dfarcopprincesa@gmail.com

Tacloban
Mr. Geranfel T. Abrillo
Leyte SMED Center Capitol Site Sn. Enage, Tacloban City
T: Consular Section: (053) 321-8233
Administrative Section: (053) 523-0080
F: (053) 321-8237
dfa_rcotac@yahoo.com

Tuguegarao
Mr. Romulo M. Velasco
Regional Government Center, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley
T: (078) 846-4813 or (078) 846-1482
F: (078) 846-2310
rco_tuguegarao@yahoo.com

Zamboanga
Ms. Judith B. Nohay-De Fiesta
Go-Velayo Bldg. Veterans Ave. Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur
T: (062) 991-4398 or (062) 991-2202
F: (062) 991-7958
rcozambo@yahoo.com
rcozamboanga@yahoo.com
rcozamboanga@jetlink.com.ph

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Little Known Ways to Stay on the Cheap in Siquijor

You've heard of all the eerie stories about Siquijor, right?
I was busy distracting myself. To keep them from spoiling my vacation.

Lazi, Siquijor.

If there was one thing that was not a travel spoiler, it would be traveling CHEAP!
Traveling to Siquijor wasn't such a bad idea after all. Being the Scrooge-y that I am, I would say that Siquijor is topping the charts in terms of staying within the budget. Let me share how.

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EUROLINES Bus Stations: Are Their Facilities Traveler-Friendly?

After having been to eight (8) European countries via Eurolines bus, I have seen enough of their bus stations to be able to give you a rundown on what to expect. Some are just traveler friendly, others are harsh. Read on to find out.

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Budget Travel Around Europe using EUROLINES PASS: Your Guide to a Pleasant Bus Journey

Once you have purchased your Pass online, make sure you print it before leaving home. 

Book your first journey at least a day ahead of your scheduled travel. Eurolines stations usually has one window for sales/booking, and two windows for check-in. 

Get your ticket from the Sales window. They shall print out your ticket for the journey.

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Budget Europe: Paris Transportation, How to Get Around Paris

There are several ways to get around Paris. You can either take a bus or the Metro.  The good thing about their transport system is that they are efficient and on time. You can use the same ticket, even if you switched from bus to Metro or vice versa, as long as you finish your trip within 90 minutes. 

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Budget Europe: How to go to Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport

There are several ways to go to the center of Paris from the CDG airport, but the budget friendly way is either by taking the Roissybus or the train.

First of all, you have to determine your destination and check whether it is nearer to a bus station than a train station.

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Schengen Visa: Flight Booking

photo credit

One of the pertinent requirements when applying for a visa is a temporary flight booking. They specifically instruct you not to purchase the ticket until your visa has been granted.


Since internet age, I have been booking my flights online, and at the end of the process, they get your credit card details, thus leaving you no choice but to pay for it.




So how did I do it?

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Schengen Visa: 4 Mistakes You Should NOT Commit

I arrived at the French Embassy 30 minutes before the scheduled interview at 8am. There were other applicants who arrived ahead of me and by the time I wrote my name on the handwritten list, I was the 21^st.

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