NBI Clearance in Mandaluyong City Hall

Okay, so I totally forgot about posting this topic because of a ton of things I needed to accomplish, as my timeline suggests.

My first attempt to get an NBI clearance was years back (2003), because I needed this piece of document for employment purposes. I went to the Carriedo Branch and surprisingly, the experience was not so bad after all, even if we could say that the line resembled a human caterpillar detangling itself. But then again, it was really organized, and the ride was fairly smooth. 

Here‘s the best part, renewals are much easier because you can swing by at the nearest NBI kiosk, which gives you a shorter queue on off-peak days. For more information about my experience in renewing the NBI Clearance in SM Megamall, click here. 

Months ago, I decided to have my NBI clearance updated to my married name. Reasons would include the fact that I urgently needed this piece of identification:

- as a requirement for my CR1 application;
- that it IS considered a valid ID; and lastly,
- it was SUPPOSEDLY the easiest to update.
 

The last item appeared to be false (well, in my case, at least).
 

Forget the long lines from renewal kiosks, because changing your maiden name into a married one is completely like applying the NBI clearance for the first time. 

To do this, you have to go to a NBI Satellite Office (NOT a renewal kiosk). You can do the application at the following locations:
1. Quezon City Hall **
2. Pasig City Hall **
3. Muntinlupa City Hall **
4. San Pablo City Hall **
5. POEA **
6. Kalibo, Aklan **
7. Las Pinas City hall
8. Mandaluyong City Hall
9. Caloocan City Hall
10. Valenzuela City Hall
11. Marilao, Muncipal Hall
12. Los Banos Municipal Hall
13. Taytay Rizal, Municipal Hall

** Installed with computers. Releases NO HIT clearances applied on the same day (thanks to blog4charity.org).

My proximity to the Mandaluyong City Hall branch was the supposedly perfect place for me to have my NBI Clearance updated. Well, it was! Since I lived in that very district, I did not hesitate for a second to rush its expected busy office.

Well, almost rushed there. I arrived at 3pm -- bad idea! It’s because their cut off is only until 3. You may think that it’s quite unfair for a government office to have a cut off time, but you’d really understand why -- it’s even quite impossible for them to finish by 5pm because of the volume of people trying to avail of their services.

So as a tip, transact before 3pm! Do not even think about going to a kiosk, because they won’t entertain you if you needed to change your name or status.

What to bring:
1.  Current NBI clearance (no photocopies allowed) - it’s okay if you were not able to bring it on the day of your renewal. They will just ask you to fill out the NBI Application Form- the kind that first-timers use.

As a suggestion, BRING it. It is a way of immediately identifying you, so that they wouldn’t need to “double-check” your identity.

2. CEDULA - this is to prove that you are indeed a resident of Mandaluyong City. You see, it’s a way for them to make sure that actual residents of the city are getting the benefits of utilizing the town’s facilities. All you need to do is show it to them, and you are not to submit this as a requirement. 

3. Amount of PhP115 processing fee.
 

There is actually only one counter/window opened to submit the form and pay the processing fee. You will just have to wait for your name to be called for the image capture, which is basically also the window beside it. You will just have to stand (or sit) behind the white “background” provided and look at their web cam to capture your smile. Note: you may sometimes not realize that they already took your picture so better be on the alert side.

And then you wait.

Agonizing, I say, because you will have to wait under a “tent” used for street birthday parties and wakes. They have also provided monobloc seats and benches for all applicants who are likewise waiting for their name to be called. Yes, you’d have to wait in “open air” and sometimes, under the scorching heat. You could be lucky if there are unoccupied seats. It was brutal because it’s gonna be humid, noisy and tiring, so a mini-merienda and some drinks would be helpful to cope with hunger and possible dehydration.

I also mentioned it was noisy. You will hear someone shouting out instructions or people’s names through a loud speaker, even if it wasn’t necessary especially if you already have a device that will already blast your voice. Aside from that, the windows to the right also has their own microphone that will blast the names of people getting the Mandaluyong Police Clearance. At least the man there did not have to shout. 

And for about an hour or so, you will finally hear your name once they find your records “clear”, meaning, no hits or similar name. Otherwise, they will ask you to return after 1 week on a time they will specify just to get your clearance. So for those with unique names, good for you!

Unfortunately for me, I was one of those that needed to go back because they must have seen me with a “hit”. For those who know my full name, I don’t think everyone will agree that I have a namesake with anyone else in the world, especially with my new married name. You could probably imagine the odds.
 

On the other hand, it may be because I wasn’t able to give my personal copy of my NBI clearance and filled out the form as a new applicant. I only assumed this because they may think that I would have a namesake, which is just probably myself! Haha!

So after a week, I went back to get my NBI clearance. Went as early as an hour before the schedule, but the staff said to wait at 4pm, since it was their specified time to accommodate all those who were asked to come back. No exceptions.
 

So I waited again, only because I don’t want to be shouted at by the ones calling out the names. They are sometimes giving out nasty comments to the “pasaway” people who have nothing to do but make their job worse by asking if they were already called or if they could already get their NBI clearance.

Finally I got my NBI clearance. For some reason, I always get called last! Maybe it’s because I have THAT ENOUGH patience to endure waiting unlike those that were with me.

And I was so glad that I had to change my name once!

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?

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

How I Did My SSS ID and Some tips

What a tedious day it was!

Getting married has a lot of perks -- but there's a TON of paperwork that goes along with it, especially for us women since we are the ones changing our surname.

Okay, so I'm pretty much used to the whole deal of getting NSO (National Statistics Office) documents from the East Avenue Serbilis Center. No problem. I needed a lot of my Birth Certificates as both D and I also needed copies essential in updating our status. We also needed a number of copies of our Marriage Certificate to legally prove that we have indeed tied the knot!

I just realized that SSS (Social Security System) Diliman was only across NSO! Imagine what I had been missing all this time going back and forth in the area! Well, no point complaining here, but it could have saved me a lot of trips and MRT Stored Value Tickets! Nevertheless, I was still thankful to have accidentally found the place, since I found out that their branches in Mandaluyong and Pasig have defective ID machines.

With my SSS ID and other documents on hand, I marched inside the SSS complex, hoping at my chance for getting an amended ID.

I previously went to SSS Mandaluyong to update my last name last December and completed form E-4 or simply called the Member's Data Amendment Form. I must add, when I went to the Mandaluyong branch on an afternoon, I was the only person there, and the employees looked like they were anticipating the holidays.

Usually, it would take them a week or so to update your records. However, since I submitted the form a day before the Christmas holidays, I expected it to be a week or so after the holidays.

At the same time, I sent an email to the SSS Member relations (member_relations@sss.gov.ph) to inquire about remitting payments even if I have already left my employer. Usually, payroll would deduct my salary for loans.

According to the SSS Department head who replied to my email, this could still be done through SSS accredited banks, or remittance center, SM malls or any SSS branch that has tellering facility by using Form ML1 or Loan Payment Form.

Luckily, SSS Mandaluyong has a "tellering" facility, and that Megamall's pretty much within my proximity.

She was also able to inform me that the request for change of name and status has already been updated in the database. That was a relief.

Then again, I still have no ID yet, hence, the Diliman Branch was inevitably the next destination. To complete the process for SS ID application, here are my tips:

NOTE!!!! This is intended for people who are to change their last names only, and provided that the E-4 form has already been submitted. Some of the other steps may not apply.

1. Get the E-6 form from either Booths 1-3. All 3 booths are information kiosks where you could get forms and information about the various services they offered at the building. They could answer any inquiry regarding transactions, and gives you a number to the appropriate window. Usually booths 1-2 are for general inquiries, so the line could be long here. However, booth number 3 is a kiosk solely for ID applications, and where you will get your number.

2. On the same booth, ask for an R-6 (Miscellaneous Payment Return), otherwise known as their Official Receipt. You have to fill out the form 4 times since it's a carbonless form. Can't this get any more tedious!

3. If there are more people ahead of you on queue at the E-6 verification, proceed to the Main Building (still within the SSS complex) and ask the guard where you can pay. Show him the R-6, and you will be pointed to the right direction. Once there, prepare PHP150 for the replacement fee.

4. Go back to the Member Services Building where you started and fill out the E-6 form completely and in BLACK INK. The zip code is a required field in the form. If you do not know your zip code, there is an area near the E-6 verification section where all the zip codes in the PI are listed. 

5. By the time you get back to the verification section, prepare the following:

• ONE Primary (aka "stand alone) Document -- either the passport, driver's license, PRC card, seaman's book 

          OR

• TWO Secondary documents. The list of the secondary documents are found here. You can use the marriage certificate as your first ID, and the other one should be another ID that has a photo, and your amended name/married name. 
• Current SSS ID
• Completed E-6 form
• Official Receipt for payment
• Your copy of the E-4 as proof that you have filed the amendment.

6. You will be directed to go to counter 36 for an appointment for the ID and data capture. They will give you an appointment slip that has the date, time, and ID capture workstation number.

I will only post up to this part since I am still waiting for my appointment, which will be on the 11th.

Other things to know:

• You may do your E-4 (amendment) at any SSS Branch as well as E-6 verification. Call your nearest branch to verify if they indeed do so.
• As of now, Mandaluyong and Pasig branches have defective ID capture machines so after you have applied from your local branch, you may need to visit the East Avenue branch for the appointment. Tedious. Tedious. However, some branches could do the appointments for you so that you'll show up at Diliman/East Ave. branch on your appointment day.
• You can pay the fee of PHP150 at any SSS Branch or any SSS accredited bank.
• Senior Citizens have a priority lane, but it may not be posted on the counters. However, information booths 1 and 2  have marked "priority lanes".
• I went on a Thursday afternoon, and it barely took an hour. The moment I got my number, my number was already being called! 

Could there be other simpler ways of renewing SSS IDs? Please feel free to share! :D

SSS Mandaluyong is located at:

Gomega Bldg. , 6 J. Tiosejo St., corner P. Martinez St., Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong, City

Contact Numbers: Tel. No. 531-6461 / 534-1445 /534-1446 / Fax No. 533-9533

Quickie NBI Renewal Kiosk at Megamall

You would usually see a lot of people queued up to the top floor of SM Megamall only to find them renewing their NBI clearance. I was one of those unfortunate few who had to go all the way up to the 5th floor since D needed my clearance as part of his requirements in the marriage package. Coming from a night shift, I did everything I could to stay up -- counted the minutes when the line budged, tried to listen songs off my iPod, and counted the flight of steps. It was about 10 or 11AM when I came and imagine how exhausting the heat could get during this time.

But really, it didn't take that long for me to have the entire thing done, and how relieved I was that they didn't have lunch breaks. If my memory serves me right, it took about 30-45 minutes from top floor all the way down to the basement. With eyes already droopy and so wanting to go home, getting the piece of paper was all that mattered.

Just yesterday, I once again had to embark the same routine as I need this as part of my  Japan visa requirements as well as for my US CR1 visa to be presented during my final interview, and to my surprise this was what I saw at around 5:00pm:

Note: The people seated are maybe just resting

Maybe not everyone knows that they serve the public from 10:00am UNTIL 6:30pm. (**UPDATE: They are ONLY OPEN from Mon-Fri). Anyway, the entire thing took me barely 5 minutes (walking down the basement included!) since there were like 2-3 people lined up. So when renewing your NBI clearance, it is more comfortable to do it outside office hours.

So each time I needed to renew, it had to be 4:30 onwards to avoid that dreaded long line! I tried renewing at around 4PM and had reached the first flight of steps at least.

Remember, NBI Kiosks such as the one in Megamall only processes renewals only on weekdays (Mon-Fri from mall opening till 6PM). New applicants should go directly to the head office or satellite offices. Make sure to bring your personal copy of the old NBI clearance and prepare PHP115.00. Kiosks accepts renewal of clearance applied from 1998 to present provided that barcode is still clear and readable by the computer. They could accept changes only in address and purpose of clearance.

For changes in NAME, DATE OF BIRTH and PLACE OF BIRTH, you are advised to come personally at the NBI Clearance Center or in any NBI Satellite Office to fill-up a new application form and attach a photocopy of your birth certificate (source: NBI). There is actually 1 satellite office in Mandaluyong city hall complex. To read my NBI experience at the Mandaluyong City hall, click here.

Having the task done, I was able to spend more leisure time for myself. I so missed Japan so I decided to have this as my late-lunch-early-dinner meal:

I know right? Bento meals here are not be as good as the ones I had during my trip, but it would have to do. I just found the Fuji Apple sauce in my Tonkatsu a little too strong for my taste, and the meat was not tender at all. I am not having it again.

Don't get me wrong, maybe it was a bad batch. I did still find the veggies buttery just as I like it. Maybe it's just me and my taste. So there!

For more information about securing your NBI clearance, visit http://www.nbi.gov.ph/faq.htm

Food and Road Trip in Tagaytay -- 11.01.09

Growing up in urban Manila, out of town trips during weekends or holidays were always a treat. Malls were not really that popular back then, so just imagine the weekend boredom of watching "Uncle Bob's Lucky 7 Club" and "Penpen De Sarapen" and  the now old school cartoons.

There were times when mom would pack "baon" (lunch) and prepare our extra clothes, while dad prepped up the engine. As an only child before, I would remember playing all day long at the park with other kids while the old folks hung out to watch me and the other kids play, while enjoying the backdrop. Things couldn't be any simpler back then.

Okay, enough reminiscing now.

Since it's my turn to be a grown up, D and I now have the chance and privilege to just go wherever our feet, our curiosity (and car) could take us - just the two of us. We went to Tagaytay because it was a place where we haven't been to as a married couple, and have not fully explored what it had to offer.

The Tagaytay Fruit Arch (or what I at least call)

It was a fine Sunday morning, but I knew we had to get there early because of a possible traffic, and the fact that it was All Saints Day, we could wind up stuck somewhere on the South Expressway (SLEX), and my predictions were somehow correct. After that hour-long drive, we decided to have breakfast at the Pancake House at Paseo de Sta. Rosa. As expected, D ordered a local dish.

Beef Tapa, yum!

One other reason why we went to Tagaytay was because D wanted to relax in a spa. Our trip to Boracay made him realize what he's been missing. So, okay!

We drove off to the Taj of Tagaytay (along Aguinaldo Highway) to have an appointment, though they also accept walk-ins. I mean who would have an appointment on All Saint's Day anyway? However, there was only one therapist available at the time, and we had two hours to wait for 2 therapists.

 

"Yay! 2 hours of road tripping!"

D and I quickly left the place, and thought of having coffee at Breakfast at Antonio's, just to let time pass before lunch time. The long drive from the highway makes you want to feel lost and hopeless along the way, until you find this huge gate where the excitement kicks right back in.

 

It has been known for its very relaxed and elegant setting.  No wonder people flocked to the place! It's colonial America-inspired interiors makes the ambiance quite nostalgic, and homey at the same time. It felt like visiting relatives in an ancestral home! Its elegance can be described by the grand chandeliers, the servers' black and white long-sleeved uniforms, and the grand antique collections that adorned the entire place.

 

I knew I should have taken more b&w and sepia pics of the resto so that I'd end up looking at a photo that came off an old folk's album.

After lounging and talking, D decided to have lunch somewhere else, so okay! The road trip was on!

We went back to Aguinaldo highway looking for good places to eat. We had already gone to Leslie's before and I don't think we need be in Tagaytay to eat Yellow Cab, Jollibee or any resto we could likewise find back home. So we finally landed to Bag of Beans since it was also along the Aguinaldo Highway.

I always knew this place was just a bakery and coffee shop, but I was dead wrong -- well, somewhat. It indeed has its own separate bakery upfront as in the picture above, but if you move towards the left, you'll find the stairs leading to the main entrance of the coffee shop and restaurant.

Starving and all, D and I went down and sat at a non-smoking area, which is similar to a small cottage. The smoking area, on the other hand, would have to be the dining areas all located outside the cottage. This time, the place has a country-style feel -- quite appropriate in breezy Tagaytay.

This bakery turns out to have a wide menu of food choices after all, and we were not disappointed with the servings at all. D's steak was tender, as well as the fish fillet that I had. Perfect!

What I didn't like about the place was that they allowed solicitations from Club Astoria where they make you sign some stubs for a "free raffle", which was sort of a scam anyway. More details are found here.

Other than that, it was a fantastic way for us newlyweds to enjoy life.

...and this ain't the best part yet...

Post for the spa sesh, click here!

More pics here!

How To "I Do": D & S style

As what we normally hear, marriage is the union of two persons, formed into one unit -- a day where couples exchange their vows and "I do's" in front of special people in their life. It could be as beautiful and as dramatic as one may opt. After all, it's THE day.

What's even better is that you can do it at a fraction of the cost of a Church wedding!

In the Philippines, one would think that a civil wedding it as easy as just exchanging vows and the whole shebang. There are a lot of things to consider when planning -- the time, budget, number of heads, and a other minor details that you'd like to include.

You could just sit and wonder, "where do I start?"

Careful planning and organization is the key. Never miss or skip steps in the process. You may think for a second that skipping a part of the process shortens it, when in fact it could be an essential element that could prolong your agony if missed.

Being hands-on with this "project", I was able to learn a lot about how civil weddings work, particularly here in Mandaluyong. I will just be enumerating steps of what we did before.

1. We got an application from for the marriage license from the Office of the Civil Registrar (OCR, new building, 2nd floor, left side). The staff are very friendly and accommodating to any questions you may have along the way! Go Mandaluyong! For the requirements and other details, click here.

• You may also inquire through Mandaluyong City's trunk line, 532-5001 local 234. The line could be busy most of the time, so patience here my friends. 

2. Prepared PhP170 for the notarial services, registration and filing fees.

3. While waiting for the marriage license, we attended the pre-marriage seminar. Details are here.

4. After getting the marriage license, we proceed to the Office of the Court of Clerk (OCC). This can be found at the Mandaluyong City Hall of Justice, ground floor. Prepared PhP330 for processing.

5. Attended the "raffle" to determine which judge will officiate the wedding. In our case, we had Hon. Carlos A. Valenzuela from branch 213.

Hon. Carlos A. Valenzuela: A very nice and good-natured person

6. After the raffle, we proceeded to branch 213 to get "your honor's" schedule. We booked October 26, since my family had to fly to New Zealand on the 27th. The only available time was 10:30 am. So we took it!

After all the steps, this was the only time when we started to book the hotel reception, the photographer, and the other stuff. In other words, the rest would be garnishes of the main course, or the icing of the cake!

Stuff you STILL need to know about civil weddings:

1. If you have a wedding date in mind, do not fully commit to it. You will have to book the date with the judge's secretary before making any reservations to your suppliers.

2. Couples should always be flexible with the schedule, instead of running into a hectic "hearing" date where you have to wait for your turn before you get inside. What is this, waiting for a Jollibee Kiddie party to finish before you can start yours? Or maybe unless you would prefer a distraught, haggard judge officiating the rites. Yes, on YOUR day!
 
3. Civil weddings are now strictly held in the judge's "sala" (court), so forget about out-of-town weddings, unless you are holding it in a provincial court.
 
4. The Mandaluyong City Mayor can officiate a wedding every Tuesday. 

5. There are NO weddings held on a weekend, just only during business hours. 

6. It takes about 7-10 business days before claiming the marriage license. You have to think of other things to do, like attending the pre-wed seminar than to sit around waiting for it. More information here. 

7. "Raffling" of judges are only held every Thursday at 1PM.
 
8. There is NO fee after the wedding although it is customary for us Filipinos to give a small token of gratitude for the judge and his staff, for accommodating such a special event. Besides, even if you invite them to your reception, most would not make it because of the office hours. In our case, we provided them with food and simple gifts. 

9. Getting the NSO copy of the marriage certificate may take long, depending on your municipality. In my case, I was able to get it in less than 3 months after my wedding date. Other municipalities may take longer.

What were the steps that you took on your wedding day? Was it the same as what we did here in Mandaluyong?

Getting a Marriage License in the Philippines

I remembered in one of our T.H.E/H.E.L.E (home economics) classes, the teacher discussed about marriage and its pre-requisites, which I did not really pay much attention to. Besides, who KNEW that one day it would come in handy?

But seriously, who would still remember any topic in elementary, especially those of no relevance at that point? I do remember though, that Mrs. Garrido and Mrs. Santos were the ones giving out the lessons in class.

Now, I realize its worth. There are not a lot of people who know the process. So hopefully this somehow helps.

One of the essentials, or rather THE essential, is the marriage license. This official piece of paper is your ticket to marry anyone, whether you opt to marry in church or the court.

Sample specimen (from http://linmarrdavao.com/images/Tribute/Philippine%20Marriage%20License%20Specimen.jpg):

I wasn't able to get a pic of the license, but this was indeed the same form we used. This form will be obtained from the Office of the Local Civil Registry (OLCR)

To get a marriage license, you need the following:

1. NSO Birth Certificates
2. Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR), also called Cert. of Singleness -- also from NSO
3. Parental consent -- ages 18-21; Parental Advice 22-25
4. Passport-size photos
5. Residence Certificate (CEDULA) -- of the person who lives in the municipality/city.
6. Pre-marriage seminar -- for more info on schedules, etc, click here.
7. Barangay Clearance
   
8. Marriage License Application form

Quick facts:

1. NSO Serbilis Centers release birth certificates on the same day, if requested on mornings. Otherwise, it is released the following business day.
2. It would take approximately 2 weeks to get the CENOMAR from NSO Serbilis Center.
3. Personal Appearance is required when submitting requirements, but claiming can be done by either one of the persons who applied.
4. Prepare PhP170 for the fees: marriage registration fee (PhP10) and filing fee (PhP50). This will be paid at the municipal cashier (ground floor of the new city hall building). The remaining PhP110 will be for the notarial services at the OLCR.
   
5. Seminars are conducted by the City hall's health department. A certificate will be given after. There is no fee, but donations will be appreciated.
   
6. Marriage License will only be released after you have submitted the certificate for the pre-marriage seminar, usually after 7-10 business days from date of application.

Since I married a foreign national, additional requirements are needed before getting the marriage license. You can find more information here.

Union of D&S (behind the scenes) -- 10.26.09

Planning a wedding is always very stressful for most brides (and the groom), especially those deemed as "bridezillas". I don't blame them because you can have your wedding once, so why not make it as nearly perfect as it should? It makes a whole lotta sense since we are formed in a crazy society where people are all boxed up (abu..hehe) as to what a perfect wedding should be like.

However, I didn't have to sweat a bit in orchestrating this wedding. I believe keeping it simple is the key. After all, what's important is the exact, actual exchange of vows. The rest are simply garnishes of a main dish.

D and I had to opt for a civil wedding due to time (and proximity) constraints. With less time before he gets deployed at some random undisclosed location, we simply couldn't afford to really plan a church wedding. The possibility of having canceled reservations from suppliers and contacts is extremely high, (and so would stress levels be!) because of the nature of his work. Maybe at a later time, perhaps we could do this church ceremony. A civil ceremony would have to do for now.

We had an agreement that I will be the one taking care of everything (filing, compiling, logistics) while he's in charge of the paperwork and finances.

After taking care of the legalities and finalizing the date, I had nothing left to do but to take care of the reception. It was already September when the date was finalized as civil wedding dates could never be arranged unless you know a judge who may be available to solemnize the rites.

D and I had to finally talk about the guest list. We have come to an agreement to strictly invite immediate family members only -- ensure that we still keep this as simple as it should. We also believe that it is not necessary to impress relatives, unlike when we invite friends. So less stress! With little time, we had to contact everyone with an RSVP. I even designed an evite for Multiply and Facebook relatives.

Save the Date!

I was in touch with different hotels within Mandaluyong to get the best rates for 40 heads. I didn't do ocular inspections as I was really not that particular with the how function rooms would look like. Bottom line, all function rooms are plain and boring. I was more focused on getting the best rate. Then I saw this promo from Legend Villas. When I showed D the packages available, he was sold to the idea of having the reception held there! Not only the place was accessible to both families, but everyone could enjoy a variety of dishes from the set buffet package.

We decided to go to the Legend Villas at the Lola Maria Restaurant when he came here last September to check out the food. He was instantly into it! I was really happy that we both liked it there...the ambiance, the service, the food! -- the many reasons why I was not that worked up about the wedding.

After placing the reservations, now what?

Since I had a lot of time on my hands, I was able to put in some add ons.

I will just blog about the festivities some other time. 

Did you get to have a stress-free, hassle-free wedding? Share now! :)

Pre-wedding preps on the go! -- 10.25.09

D had this craving for Filo food (again!). Being the loving w2b, we headed to the Powerplant mall to satisfy again the grumbling tummy. Went to Dencio's for a Filipino treat -- sizzling foodies.



After which, went to Lulubelle for another try at their fro yo. This time we tried the green tea flavored one, and mochi soon became D's staple topping for fro yo's.

After the treat, we then headed off to Wow Salon to have my hair and feet done. D also loves the foot spa treatment. Once there, saw mom, kyla and the twins, also having their hair done. Mom needed to add colour to hide the age (lol).

Mom and Kyla

The taming of the hair!

After that, went for a hearty meal at where else, R&J's!

With my tamed crowning glory

The following day would be the start of the rest of my life. Choz.

For complete pics:

Pre-marriage Counseling at the Mandaluyong City Hall -- 09.16.09

So what is this about?

Before getting married the legal way, couples must attend the family planning orientation, or known as the "pre-marriage counseling" c/o the Mandaluyong City hall's City Health Office (CHO).

Some people would "skip" it and go ahead with their wedding. We didn't. Aside from the fact that we have no choice because our license will not be released, Dave and I were curious as to how folks here conduct counseling in our hometown. We find this also as a "rare" opportunity -- rare in a sense that we can only do this once in our lifetime. After all, there is and will only be ONE wedding.

Here's a sneak peek on how this thing goes:

Pre-marriage counseling in Mandaluyong only comes once a week at a certain time (Wednesday, 1:00PM). The session is only good for couples aged 25 years old and above, but those who fall below this age category must instead attend the DSWD seminar.

Seminars are usually done in CHO. However, since we had quite a number of couples attending, the venue was moved to a courtroom-like area. I forgot though the actual name of the room. lol.

The first guy who spoke actually started to give an orientation about the process of getting a marriage license, and other how-to's.

What other people don't realize is that there are really important reminders out there that are not really new to most of us. However, hearing it from a 3rd party professional would get the message across the soon-to-be-wed couples.

City Health Officer teaches the "natural" method of family planning through a marker, 

similar to that of a rosary.

After discussions on reproductive health, different methods of family planning and the importance of foreplay before the intercourse (oh yeah, no holds barred on the terms used), the seminar ended at 4:00pm. Since everyone in the venue were deemed to be "mature" audiences, no censor was necessary.

Just right after the entire thing, we received the certificate.

Next, we would be getting our marriage license!

Couple's Foot Spa at Wow Salon -- 09.15.09

Dave always wanted to have his feet done.

When I first met him, with matching pinkish merthiolate-made toes (sorry baby, can't resist!), I knew that he would enjoy pampering his feet.

So for this day we became Spartans as we trudged Greenhills. One of our pitstops everytime we visit the mall is DnD because of the super-sulit siomai all-you-can. As a dimsum-lover, this is a steal! :) 

After a sumptuous fill, we walked around some more and tried to ride an FX that would go to Ortigas. How convenient it was! For only PHP10, you could get to Galle, The Podium, Megamall or even Shangri-La via crossing. So we decided to get off at Megamall since Dave has this craving for Mang Inasal. 

Sooner, we found ourselves walking towards Crossing (yes, we love walking together!) so that we can get to that tricycle terminal near Bermuda (Hahaha!). We asked the trike driver to drop us off at McDo Barangka (fyi, this was where we first met! Hehe! Mush much?!). From McDo we walked a few meters to Wow Salon.

This is a salon that Dave and I frequented because of the super affordable services, but no short in c-h-e-a-p from the satisfying results for each service availed. My family also would come here for our regular haircuts and treatments.

Their foot spa is an amazing PHP250, which is a combo of a foot soak, foot scrub, foot rub, a quick massage and a pedicure.

A colorful mural of all the services jazzes up walls on the foot spa area

Nothing beats spending time with your partner on simple pleasures like these. No matter what activity you both partake, but it's how you did it together counts.


Complete photos here: