Travel Clearance for Minor

I’ve written about general requirements for DSWD travel clearance for minors in my previous blog and had a firsthand experience in applying for it last week.

The travel clearance is for minors (18 years old and below) who will be traveling alone or traveling with a person other than his or her parents to another country. And so in my case, i was applying for the travel clearance of my 4 yr old nephew who is going to travel with me.

I chose to apply at the Legarda office which is more convenient for me. The other office is located in Zapote. Applicants must first get a number from the guard before proceeding to the second floor office. Remember to log your number once you get to the travel clearance office if not, your number will not be called.

I got there at around 930am and there was at least 20 applicants ahead of me not to mention the xnumber of people there to claim(their ofc is open at 8am). I was informed that if your requirements are complete , clearance may be released after assessment but if not you may have to come back the next day for the release once you submit necessary lacking papers.

There are 2-3 assessors and it takes 10-20mins for them to go through your papers. They ask questions pertinent to your relationship with the child and the child’s destination. Needless to say, it was a thorough investigation that there will be no child trafficking about to happen.

If they are satisfied and all papers complete they tell you to pay downstairs for the clearance. Fees are as follows: P 300 – 1 yr validity ; P 600 – 2yrs validity. You may have to wait for a while after payment for they still have to type in details in the travel clearance.

Note: DSWD travel clearance is also needed when applying for a minor’s DFA passport. That is, again if both parents are not present in the Philippines upon passport application.

Download form

City Break Offer

Puerto Galera is certainly the most popular beach destination near Metro Manila. Travel is just 2 hours by bus from Manila and another hour by ferry from the Batangas Pier.

With its water crystal clear and shimmering especially during summer months, it’s perfect for swimming, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. This is why Puerto Galera is a favorite hangout for Filipinos and foreign tourists alike.

Foreigners who came to have found love in the island has set up businesses of their own to cater to the growing demands for accomodations, tourists activities such as diving , snorkeling, jetskiing and restaurants/pubs/bars. This in turn resulted in the ever growing influx of tourists from all over the world.

Those needing a little time for rest and recreation will find a piece of paradise just south of Manila.

Pixie is in

I’ve been musing of getting a pixie cut style for myself but couldn’t get enough courage to do it until today.

Here’s my dilemma. For one , my hair is very thick in texture and slightly wavy. In fact it doubles its volume in the morning after waking up. I’ve tried every treatment formula available in the market in the event that it would do some miracle of taming my hair.

And then there’s rebonding which worked out perfectly for me until your true hair sprouts at the top of your crown resulting in a horrible sight. Half wavy and half straight ughhh. Although a trip to my hairstylist for a rebond retouch would do the trick but the thought of another 2 to 3 hours sitting in the parlor makes me cringe. Well, that’s the price i have to pay in the name of beauty. But then again, i thought i couldn’t do it anymore. It’s not practical anymore. I’ve been doing more damage than good to my hair .

An then i saw a picture of Katie Holmes so cute with her new pixie hairstyle.

Saw Michelle Williams’ pixie cut style and i know i could sport something like this.

I also like this pixie cut of Bianca Valerio, a Filipina model. . . It definitely brought out her eyes.

After careful researching on which type of pixie cut would go for a round faced girl like me, i finally decided to do it. My hairstylist really did a great job. Iam so loving my new hair cut.

Btw, my hairstylist Rose is from Alcutraz (formerly Azta Urban Salon) located in Metrowalk. Their haircut is P 450 a little on the expensive side but totally worth it. If you want them to copy a certain hairstyle it’s best to bring a picture of it.

Here’s their complete address:

Alcutraz  Hair Studio (AZTA Urban salon before)

Unit 12, 2nd level Metrowalk Meralco Ave Pasig City

Call to set an appointment: 631-7915

Mobile: 0908-9086085 ; 0922-8557673

Embassy of Belgium in Manila

Embassy of Belgium

Address: Multinational Bancorporation Center

             9th flr 6805 Ayala Avenue

             Makati City Manila

Tel No: 845 1870 to 73   Fax: 845 2076

Email: manila@diplobel.fed.be

Appointments for lodging visa application:

1 909 1014545  (PLDT)

1 903 1014545  (Bayantel)

1 900 1014545  (Globelines)

Information on pending visa applications:  845 1870 to 73

Be ready with your reference number or passport number.

For information on visa application:

Email: helpdesk.dvzoe@dofi.fgov.be

For complete set of requirements in applying a tourist visa to Belgium click here

Embassy of Australia in the Phils

Embassy of Australia

Address:  23rd Level Tower 2 RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Ave. Makati City 1200

Tel Nos:  757-8100 main switchboard   Fax: 757-8268

             757-8340 Immigration

Website: http://www.australia.com.ph

Call Center for Visa Applications 1909-3622779 (PLDT)

and Migration Matters                1900- 3622779 (Globelines)

                                              1903- 3622779 (Bayantel)

For General Inquiries call : 845 9200

Email contact: aus_inquiry@via.ph (VIA center)

                    immigration.manila@dfat.gov.au (DIAC visa ofc)

Working Hours:  0805 to 1630 M-F

For detailed information on visas and citizenship services see website: www.immi.gov.au

For visa application form for applying a tourist visa to Australia click here

There are many types of tourist visa in Australia and you must identify to which subclass best fits your needs. But generally, a tourist visa to Australia may be 3 or 6 up to 12mos.

How to lodge your visa application?

There are 3 ways in which you may lodge your application .

1. Through PIASI or VIA (Visa Information Application ) center – no prior appointments needed to attend to VIA center. You may also have your documents sent through courier. The Call center charges a lodgement fee and delivery fee.

2. Applications can also be lodged by post direct to the Embassy. However, they do not recommend this because it may not be safe to send documents, passport, fees through post.

3. Applications may be lodged in person but you must need an appointment from PIASI to do this.