It's always easy to get a CEDULA in Mandaluyong!

Though we know that this is a simple piece of document that is supposedly easy to get, there are things we must know in order not to be confused when you suddenly are being charged PHP200++ for that piece of paper.

Relax.

We all were used to receiving a 5-peso Cedula (community tax certificate) because either we were too young, unemployed or seeking for a job. Yes, we all know that a Cedula is not supposed to be too costly. But you should know that it’s our way of giving back to the community.

Cutting the bullcrap, this is a form of tax to all residents and owners of corporations, and each have respective fees.

A. For basic community tax:
1. Resident Individuals - P5
2. Corporations - P500

Usually, after we graduate, only pay for the basic community tax since some companies or other government offices require this piece of document for identification purposes. Some offices can be very lenient in issuing this type of document.

A person is required to present a cedula when he or she acknowledges a document before a notary public; takes an oath of office upon election or appointment to a government position; receives a license, certificate or permit from a public authority; pays a tax or fee; receives money from a public fund; transacts official business; or receives salary from a person or corporation (inquirer.net).

Then later on in life, after landing our respective dream jobs, we will be needing to update some of our government or company IDs, and here’s where we will likewise be needing another cedula since its validity is good for only one year.

Now don’t ever think that it will still be the same P5 document.  As your income increases, your responsibilities as a resident individual also changes. When you start earning on your own and have been working for at least a year, your next cedula will ask you to pay for additional community tax.

B. Additional Community Tax:
1. Resident Individuals - P1 per P1,000 of income
2. Corporations - will depend on earnings, and real property the preceding year

However, these additional taxes must not exceed P5000 for individuals, and P10,00 for corporations. (inquirer.net)

Now in Mandaluyong City Hall, you can easily get the Cedula at the main city hall building. They will not ask you for any form of identification, but they will instead have you fill out their information slip that will ask for the following:

1. Name
2. Address
3. Birthday
4. Monthly Income

The Mandaluyong City Hall

After handing over that piece of paper that contains your details, they will compute the applicable taxes, and give you your very own cedula, which is again, good for one year.

Exempted are diplomatic and consular representatives, and visitors staying in the Philippines for less than three months. They can still get a cedula voluntarily for P1.

Simple isn’t it?

Awakened and jetlagged

Okay. I am a delinquent blogger.

Technically speaking though, I never considered myself as a blogger because I never liked blogging, (well, not really) but it's kind of an occasional thing. I only write to my heart's content, and when inspiration calls for it. 

One of the reasons why I wasn't able to update this page is because my laptop broke down, setting my blogging mood down -- suddenly not inspired to write anything unless I wanted to join some sort of ridiculous contest. Apparently, some of my blogger friends seem to feel the same, so I'm not exactly alone in letting cobwebs grow out of my blogs.

Aside from which, I also got too busy with other stuff, which includes my preps to see my husband once again. Remember how I tried to document my US Immigrant Visa status? And now - I'M FINALLY WITH HIM in beautiful Oceanside! I am just in time for our 111th month as a couple. Who knew we'd end up together, rather, begin life with each other? 

 

And after unpacking my stuff, de-cluttering the apartment, and coping with the jet lag (pretty much on it still),  I am now finally able to post an entry! Now ain't that quite an accomplishment after 5 weeks of not being able to blog? lol 

So in my spare time, while waiting for my Social Security, I will just be chillaxing and will probably post an entry or two about random stuff or stuff that could be informational in nature. Who knows? 

That's all for now!

How I got my Japan visa

D always wanted to show me around his turf and what Okinawa has to offer, aside from the fact that we both miss each others company. Thus, we planned my trip to Okinawa on Valentines. The first step would have to be obtaining a Japan visa.

Disclaimer: The narrative will only state the actual things I did, and results may still vary. Visa requirements differ as per Japan Embassy’s requirements. I suggest that you visit your travel agent or the Japan Embassy in the Philippines website for more details, and feel free to click the blue links on this post. :)

Here are actually the visa types posted on the Japan Embassy website:

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/index.htm

To download the application form, click this link:

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/apply-form.pdf

The most appropriate type in my case would be the VISIT RELATIVES / FRIENDS INVITED BY US MILITARY PERSONNEL (SOFA STATUS)

After much research, the best bet to get a visa for me was to go to Reli Tours & Travel Agency at SM Megamall. When I made my inquiries via phone, all the staff were very accommodating and answered all my queries and I got everything covered. Good business indeed! By that time, I had already prepared some of the documents required. D also mentioned that some of his friends with fiancées and spouses would go there for services. Even Raunche, one of my friends, also mentioned Reli Tours to me. After all, SM Megamall’s only a stone’s throw away, or maybe a few meters would be a better way to describe it.

Reli Tours & Travel, 5th floor, SM Megamall (Near bridge)

So D sent out our required documents via FedEx so that I can start my application at Reli Tours.

There was one slight problem though -- he was not able to send a notarized photocopy of his DOD ID. He said that it is NEVER allowed to have their Mil ID photocopied as per Federal Law. That really made me quite nervous because the guy assisting me said that it was indeed a needed requirement for me to obtain the visa. He even added that I was the first and only one who said such things. I instead handed the agent a printed copy of the narrative from the US army website that prohibits those in the military to have their IDs photocopied.

I wouldn’t want my man be in trouble just because of some ID! Of course, the agent was actually surprised, but then went ahead and gathered all my documents together. I used D’s US passport and CA Driver’s license as the substitute IDs. I mean, they already have the Statement of Service (dry seal included), so it should suffice as evidence that he’s indeed an active duty member.

I even added a copy of his current orders, just so that they’ll see that he was really based in Okinawa, even if I have already given the Statement of Service and Certificate of Residence. The embassy encourages to affix other documents that would strengthen your proof as to why you deserve to be granted a visa.

Although this type of visa is supposed to be gratis (meaning free) for Philippine passport holders, the travel agency fee for this type was PHP2000, whether the visa would be granted or not. The good thing about this is that they’ll take care of everything else, and you wouldn’t have to personally go to the embassy for an interview. I also surrendered my passport, along with the prayers in the hope that my visa would get approved. I gave also my cell phone number in order to receive updates from that agent. He said that it may take a week or so for the results.

Turns out, I shouldn’t have been worried after all! In 5 days, I received a text from them stating that I can claim my Japan Visa straight from Reli Tours. In just five days, I became Japan-ready!

Lesson here: Completing documents is key, and additional related documents won’t hurt

Next stop, Japan!

Japan Visa Requirements -- Military Spouse

Getting a Japan Visa could really get nerve-wracking and stressful because of the different requirements being asked. However, due to the numerous illegal migrant workers in the past, they have to really make more strict guidelines for visa applications to ensure that tourists will really have to stay as tourists, and not for any other purpose.

But then again, you shouldn’t worry much about it especially if you are going there for the right reasons. In my case, my husband is still staying there for work, and being a navy wife somehow gave me the right reasons for visiting him. Besides, who would want to take that privilege away from any married couple?

People weren't really kidding when they said that there were a LOT of requirements!

This next portion will present visa requirements specific only under the type/category “VISIT RELATIVES / FRIENDS INVITED BY US MILITARY PERSONNEL (SOFA STATUS)” All information were taken from this website:
http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/us%20military%20sofa.htm

For all other visa types visit this website instead:
http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/index.htm

All documents must be original unless otherwise stated.
           
1.  Philippine Passport

Broken lamination of the photo part is not accepted. Must have at least two (2) blank pages.

2.  Visa Application Form, click here to download: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/apply-form.pdf

This is also available at the Embassy Website, at the entrance of Embassy or accredited agency.

3.   Photo (4.5cm x 4.5cm, white background)

This must be pasted on the application form.

4.  Birth Certificates to prove relationship (*see below)

EXEMPTION: If the applicant is visiting friend/distant relative and has his/her passport (old or valid) with a used Japanese Visa

5. Marriage Contract (if the applicant is married)

*** 4 and 5 must be from NSO Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within one (1) year. In case of non-record, you must submit certificate of non-record together with the one from Local Civil Registrar.)

6. Daily Schedule in Japan (in case of visiting friends)
           
7. Documents or photos etc. to prove relationship (if visiting friends)
           
8. Statement of Service (With e-mail address of attestant if possible)
           
9. Military ID Card Copy and Passport Copy

Except blank pages, must be a clear copy. Color copy is preferable, with a notary public stamp

10. Invitation Letter from Guarantor in Japan (must have hand written signature) 
           
11. Bank Certificate
           
12. Income Tax Return (Form 2316) original and photocopy

***11. and 12. are only applicable if he/her has account in bank or income tax return

EXEMPTION OF [11,12]
If the applicant is eligible for Multiple Entry or Guarantor shoulder all part of travel/living expenses for relatives (parents, sisters/brothers, or aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews).

If Guarantor in Japan Shoulder Any Part of Travel / Living Expenses
1-A. Guarantee Letter (Must have handwritten signature - Format available at the Embassy Website or at the entrance of Embassy
1-B. Most Recent Income Tax Return Copy (Form 1040 and Form W-2)

EXEMPTION OF [1-B]
-If the applicant is a parent of Guarantor in Japan
-If the applicant is a child (must be 19 years old and below) of Guarantor in Japan

 Please note: It is applicant’s responsibility to ensure that he/she meet the requirements for the grant of a visa.

Submission of any supporting documents not listed above is encouraged:
-Applicant’s economic or social ties with the Philippines
-Urgent reasons for visit: medical certificate, wedding invitation

Submission of requirements does not guarantee issuance of visa.

Validity of Documents is three (3) months from the date of issue (unless otherwise stated).
               
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

If Birth Certificate from NSO is unreadable, or if there is no record in NSO, (in addition to “Certificate of Non-Record” from NSO Headquarters)

• BIRTH CERITIFICATE FROM LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

If Birth Certificate (NSO) is “Late Registration”

• BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE
• SCHOOL RECORD (Form 137)
• SCHOOL YEAR BOOK (If applicable)

***Please indicate complete address and land line (telephone, if applicable) of the church in the baptismal certificate, and of the school in school record.

FILING APPLICATION
           

Application should be filed through accredited agencies. The applicant may be required to appear in person for interview or appearance.

NOTICE

Additional documents may be requested where necessary.  Applicants are given three (3) months to submit additional requirements. Otherwise application will be terminated. Documents submitted for application will not be returned. Applicants can get information from accredited agencies when his/her application is pending.

When visa is granted, VISA FEE is gratis for this category (Philippine passport holder). When visa is not granted, the reasons of denial will not be disclosed. Applicants may apply again after six (6) month with the same purpose, unless there are emergency / humanitarian reasons, or application for different purpose.

FOR INQUIRIES in MANILA

ENGLISH/ TAGALOG
( 02 ) 834-7514
3:00p.m. ~ 4:00p.m.

As much as possible, have everything ready before visiting the travel agency who will take care of the rest. It’s better to have complete documents, otherwise, the embassy might ask you for more documents, and the processing could take another 3 weeks before you could get any result.

That's all for now! I will tell you next time how this went when I did it myself!

Mandaluyong City Police Clearance

I never thought getting a Police Clearance would be a piece of cake! Again, another hats off to the Mandaluyong City Government for the efficiency! :)

Mind you, a Police Clearance is different from an NBI Clearance. They differ in scope. While the NBI Clearance checks for any records on a national level, the police clearance checks for any derogatory record within city limits. It can also be used as one of the secondary IDs and could be asked as a basic requirement for local or overseas employment.

NBI clearance can be valid for up to 1 year (if abroad), but the police clearance is only good for 60 days (boo!).

Requirements:
1. CEDULA (Residence Tax Certificate)
2. Official Receipt as proof of payment.

That's it!

You DON'T have to bring any photos as they are prepared to take your picture at the location. Just to be sure, bring any white background 1x1 picture in case their web cam breaks down. No fret, there is also a nearby RUSH ID van parked within the city complex premises (just in case only that their camera becomes defective).

Here's how the city folks do it:

1. Proceed to the BOC building, and get the application form at Window 1. The BOC building is very much in front of the PNP building within the city complex.
2. Fill out form and proceed to the Main City Hall Building (blue tinted building) to get your CEDULA.
3. Within the Main Building, pay the amount of PHP125 (local) or PHP250(abroad).
   
4. Go back to the BOC building, submit your CEDULA and OR.
5. Have your picture taken and wait for your name to be called out.
   

Easy.

I know my pic is crappy

What made it easier for me was that it barely took me 15 minutes to get my police clearance! To give you an idea, I went there at around 1 or 2 pm on a hot Thursday. I guess not everyone could stand the heat during this time. What is it with Thursdays anyway? I was able to complete my SSS Requirements in a jiffy too (like say what, 30 minutes?)! To read my SSS experience, you may click here.

I guess we I can safely conclude that Thursday is not a "peak" day of the week for most government offices! :)

What are the other tips you may want to share when getting documents in a cheap, but quick way? Feel free to leave comments! :D

Complete address:
Ground Floor, BOC Building
City Government Complex, Maysilo Circle, Bgy. Plainview
Mandaluyong City

SSS ID Requirements for Renewal

So you think going to government offices is hard enough?

What's even harder is the fact that you'd have to go back again because of an important requirement that you forgot to bring! Imagine the horror on your face after the lady tells you that you need to submit 2 copies of this, when you had only one...and this would go on especially if unprepared.

Save yourself from the trouble. All it takes is a little research and some stories from friends who went through the process already. In my case, I'm sharing little of what I know about this thing.

Should you have lost your precious SSS ID or would want to change any information, you need to have your documents ready.

Note to married women: Aside from the Marriage Contract, prepare any valid ID with photo that has your MARRIED/AMENDED NAME. The best ID would be the NBI Clearance or Police Clearance since both of these documents can be obtained the same day of application.

You can either bring ONE primary document -OR- TWO secondary documents.

 A primary document

Primary Documents:

• Passport
• Driver's License
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Card
• Seaman's Book
  

In the absence of the primary documents, submit TWO of the following. One of them should at least have a photo. For example, a birth certificate and a marriage contract could not suffice because both do not have photos -- so it could be either an NBI clearance and Birth Certificate, since the NBI clearance has a photo of the bearer.

Secondary Documents:

• Alien Certificate of Registration
• ATM card w/ cardholder's name (if card doesn't have name, add the Certification from the issuing bank)
• Bank Account Passbook
• Birth/Baptismal Certificate of children
• Certification from (a) Office of the Southern/Northern Cultural Communities; (b) Office of Muslim Affairs
• Certificate of Licensure/Qualification Document/Seafarer's ID and record Book from the Maritime Industry Authority
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by the Bureau of Immigration
• Company ID
  
• Company Representative Authorization Card issued by SSS
• Credit Card
• Fisherman's card issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
• GSIS Card
• GSIS Certificate of Membership
• Health or Medical Card
• ID card issued by Local Government Units (eg. Barangay/Municipal/City)
• IDs issued by professional associations recognized by PRC
• Life Policy
• Marriage Contract
• Membership card issued by private companies
  
• NBI Clearance
• Overseas Worker's Welfare Administration Card
• Pag-ibig Member's Data Form
• Permit to Carry Firearms issued by the Firearms & Explosives Unite of the Philippine National Police
• PHIC Member's Data Record
• Police Clearance
• Postal ID Card
• School ID
• Seafarer's Registration Certificate issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority
  
• Senior Citizen Card
• Tax Identification Number Card
• Temporary License and Student's Permit issued by the LTO
• Transcript of school records
  
• Voter's Identification Card/Affidavit
  

Aside from this, you need to fill out form E-6 to apply for an SSS ID. You can also download and print out the form here.

You also need to bring your current SSS ID (for renewals, change of information and damaged cards), or a Notarized Affidavit of Loss (for lost cards).

For married women, such as myself, you will have to fill out the Employee's Data Amendment form (E-4), which you may download here.