Passport Renewal for me and my kids (DFA Alabang, January 2019)

If you aren't aware, there's a new system now in setting an appointment for your passport application/renewal. Now you have to pay first before your appointment can be confirmed. This new system was put in place to prevent scammers and fixers from getting all the available slots and then selling them for a much higher price which was the case last year.

Finally got my driver's license card after almost a year! (LTO Alabang)

I renewed my driver's license last year and as expected, the card itself was not available and would be released months later (I renewed August 2017 and release date was April 2018).

Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina in Alabang

Whenever we go to Alabang Town Center and pass by Silantro (on the way to the basement parking of Metro), I notice the place is usually full. We've been curious to try this place for quite some time now and wasn't so lucky when we tried to eat there for lunch. So one time we got to ATC at around 5pm, we decided to have merienda/early dinner while there were still available seats.

LEGO Certified Store opens in Alabang Town Center

The second LEGO Certified Store in the Philippines (the first branch is in BGC) opened last September 10, 2016 in Alabang Town Center. We were super excited to check it out because my kids love Lego of course!

Hanamaruken Ramen in ATC

My son was craving for ramen one time we were at Alabang Town Center. Upon looking at the list of restaurants, we found one tucked away in the 2nd floor of the new wing. It was kinda surprising to find this place here since most of the stores on this level are for clothes, shoes, and sports stuff. And then suddenly, there's this ramen place in the middle of it all!

Renewing my kids' passports

I just realized that my kids' passports were expiring next year when hubby and I were planning a vacation for this summer. I went online to schedule an appointment and the earliest date I got was January 27, 2016.

Good thing we asked at DFA Alabang and found out that kids 7 years old and below don't need an appointment anymore and can just walk in anytime. So off we went last December 28 and we were allowed to enter at once.

However, we couldn't line up at the priority lane since that was only for minors below 1 year old. There weren't that much people in the waiting section of the Processing Area, but this is where it took the longest at more than an hour. There were a lot of windows (I believe 8) but only 4 were manned and at times it would take so long for one person since there were still questions about their documents.

Anyway, for minors, requirements for first time minor applicants are still needed. Here's what we brought:

- Printed Application Form (on long bond paper)
- The kids' current passport and photocopy of the data page (page 2) and back pages
- Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA (plus photocopy)
- Their school ID (plus photocopy)
- Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA (plus photocopy)
- Original and photocopy (page 2) of valid passport of parents

We arrived at 11:30am and finished by 1:10pm. I can't wait to see their new passport photos! Look at how cute they were when they were still babies. How time flies!

Oh, and if you noticed in the requirements stated in their website, it says the birth and marriage certificates should be issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). I got confused since the copies I had were from the NSO or National Statistics Office.

I emailed info@passport.com.ph asking about this and got this very quick response:

Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) is the new name of National Statistic Office (NSO).
You need to secure new birth certificate if the birth certificate you mention is more than 3 years in your custody.

Well, the ones I had were from 2011 pa so I really had to get new ones. Good thing you can get your NSO documents in SM malls too! I got ours in SM BF at the ground floor of the department store. :)



You can also read about how I applied for my baby Skyler's passport for the 1st time HERE.

DFA Alabang Consular Office
http://alabang.passport.com.ph
4th Floor, Metro Alabang Town Center,
Alabang - Zapote Road 1700,
Muntinlupa City, Philippines

The DFA Appointment System is also available via the hotline (02) 737-1000.
Call anytime from 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday to Saturday.

Applying for my baby's passport at DFA Alabang

I was so happy when I found out that there was already a DFA branch in Alabang Town Center because it would be so much more convenient for us to go there. Plus, it's inside the mall which makes it even better! ;p

I realized that I needed to get my passport renewed already, and figured I'll just get Skyler one as well para sabay na. Although it says in their website (http://alabang.passport.com.ph) that children below 1 year old do not need appointments, I still went ahead and made one for both of us (using the family appointment option).

We were scheduled on a Tuesday at 4pm. We arrived a little bit earlier (like around past 3pm), and normally you will not be entertained until 30 minutes before your appointment. But since we were with Skyler (who was 9 months old at that time), they let us in at once. Oh, and hubby was also with us. I think they usually only let one parent/companion in (unless all of you will be getting passports) but since I also had an appointment, hubby became Skyler's chaperone.

Here were the other requirements I brought:

- Printed Application Form (on long bond paper)
- Skyler's Original Birth Certificate from the NSO (plus a photocopy)
- Our Marriage Certificate from the NSO (plus a photocopy)
- Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person traveling with the minor (in our case, I brought mine and hubby's as well)
- I also photocopied our IDs (driver's license) just in case they ask for it

In the general requirements list though, there is an item requiring a Notarized Affidavit of Support and Consent to travel from either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / from mother (if minor is an illegitimate child).

I was really confused about this and didn't know if I had to make one since Skyler was going to be traveling with me anyway. I tried to research and some said you still had to submit one regardless, while others said there was no need. In the end, I didn't make it since I remember not having one when I applied for Miley and Sabe's passports a couple of years ago. And I was right, since they didn't ask us for it. You only need to submit this if the child will NOT be traveling with the parents:

Affidavit of Support and Consent (ASC) executed by either parent indicating the name of the traveling companion and relationship to the minor. If minor will be traveling alone, ASC must be executed by either parent, stating that his/her child will be traveling alone. If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the ASC.

There are other more specific requirements for minors with different cases (parents abroad, illegitimate, orphaned, adopted, etc). So just check the website for those.

It was all smooth-sailing once we got inside. First, we presented our application forms at the Appointment Counter. Then, we were given a queue number and then waited a bit for our number to be called (maybe about 5 minutes). We then went to the processing window where all our documents were checked. I remember having to photocopy something again but the xerox machine was just a few steps away so no problem. You'll also be asked if you prefer rush (7 working days) or regular (15 working days) processing.

We then proceeded to the Passport Enrollment Section where we paid the processing fees: P950 for regular and P1,200 for rush. We just got the regular since we weren't in a hurry anyway. After, we headed to the Encoding Section where all the data from our application form was entered in the computer system. They also make you double check all information and then when your're ok with it, your photo is finally taken.

Skyler wore a white collared shirt btw. But I think it can even be just a regular collar since it's not even noticeable in the final pic. It was also so funny because Skyler had a scratch near his eye so I had to apply concealer to make sure it didn't show in the pics. They were able to take his picture quickly but then the computer hanged so we had to do it again! Which is a shame coz I think his first photo was cuter hehe. ;p

such a good boy!

Anyway, you can choose to have your passport delivered to you for an extra fee of P120 per passport. But we just chose to pick it up when it was released since it was another excuse to go back to the mall. ;p

There were still a lot of people in line waiting and I don't really know the average time one normally spends if not on the priority lane. But I swear, having a baby is the way to go hehe! Ang bilis! 

Anyway, passport of a minor applicant shall be released to parents only or to an authorized representative. Our release time was from 1:00-3:00 pm, 15 working days later, and it was also a breeze getting it.

And finally, here's Skyler's passport pic! Open-mouth pa talaga e haha! Ang cute! As for me, I'm not happy with my pic as usual hehe. I really can't carry the no-smile look hehe. ;p

Anyway, DFA Alabang is located at the 4th floor of Metro Department Store, Alabang Town Center (near the toy section). They're open from 10AM to 7PM, Mondays to Saturdays. Go to http://alabang.passport.com.ph to set an appointment and for other details.

Crisostomo: Turn of the Century Filipino Dining

We've been eating in Filipino restaurants most of the time this past month since my brother-in-law and his wife, both based in the States, have been here in the Philippines for vacation.

To be honest, I'm not such a fan of Filipino food but I really enjoyed eating at Crisostomo when we were at Alabang Town Center.

click HERE for their full menu

I really liked the restaurant's interiors and the attention to detail - menu items (and even the servers!) were named after characters from Rizal's novels.

Here's the food we ordered:

Bagumbayan Lechon (P285)
Lechon Kawali Chips with Liver Sauce & Garlic Vinegar

Sinuglaw Tarsilo (P310)
Grilled Liempo with Kinilaw na Tuna

Maria Elena (P295)
Kangkong with Lechon Kawali Chips

Salome's Secret (P295)
Binusog na Pusit glazed with Sweet Sauce

Don Juan (P295)
"Liempo" Grilled Pork Ribs

Don Rafael (P625)
Classic Crispy Pata

Adobo Rice (P250)

Fresh Buko Juice (P150)

Everything was really good and needless to say there were no leftovers! :)

Crisostomo also has branches in Eastwood Mall, Nuvali, and Newport Mall. Check out their WEBSITE for more details.

New obsession: Envirosax reusable bags

I honestly have a love-hate relationship with the NO PLASTIC rule in Muntinlupa (and recently now in Makati as well). I applaud the effort to save the environment but I'd hate carrying brown paper bags without handles that would rip apart if they held too much weight. I had some canvas bags at home but I'd always forget to bring them, probably because they were also a bit large to fit inside my own bag.

I'd always wanted to get one of these Envirosax bags from the Reuse store in Alabang Town Center but I honestly found them a bit expensive at first (at just P375 each haha). Plus, I could never decide which design to get since there were so many nice ones.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, I saw that some of the old designs were on sale at 30%  - it was now P262.50 each. And since I can't resist a good bargain, I bought a couple of bags which I'm also planning to give away as gifts. :)

Here are some of the qualities of the Envirosax bag. It says it can carry up to 44 lbs - which means I can even fit Miley inside haha (she's currently 41 lbs) ;p

This is the one I got for myself and I just love how stylish, lightweight, and roomy it is! It really fits a LOT of stuff. It's also so easy to fold and the folded bag is the perfect size to fit inside your bag (not like the other foldable bags I got before from Divisoria which are bulkier and thicker).

Here are the other designs I got. But I honestly love the bags so much now that I just want to keep all of these for myself haha! And I want to go back and even get some of the new designs even if they're not on sale. Can you say addict? ;p

Reuse is located at the ground floor of the new wing of Alabang Town Center.

Salta! A Summer Adventure at ATC

source

Teaming up with their world-class merchants, Alabang Town Center introduces a fresh summer campaign entitled Salta!, literally translating into "jump" or "leap". It is a series of unique events to spice up the weekends of April and May, so jump right in and join the fun!

Yakimix Buffet

Hubby and I had an impromptu lunch buffet last week at Alabang Town Center. As usual, we couldn't decide where to eat. On the way over in the car, hubby was already saying how he wanted to eat in Yakimix. But we already had plans for another buffet later that week and he didn't want to eat so much since he was preparing for the Condura Marathon. Anyway, after roaming and roaming around and narrowing our choices down to 3 (Pancake House, Kenji Tei, North Park), hubby was all like "I really want to eat in Yakimix!" And so we did!

We were sooooo full after it wasn't funny! As in we were both cursing each other for agreeing to eat here haha! But it was really sulit and yummy! Burp! ;p

Post-Christmas date at P.F. Chang's

Forgot to blog about this! Anyway, last December 26, hubby and I decided to spend a little quality time with one another by going on a date. Yiheee! So we went to (where else?) Alabang Town Center. After pondering on the many food choices, we finally decided to eat at P.F. Chang's, the world-renowned Chinese-fusion restaurant.

This is their first branch in the Philippines and they've been open for a year now. We've always thought of eating here whenever we're at ATC but we've been warned that it's quite expensive. But since this was gonna be our last date for the year, go for it hehe! The place was nice and cozy, with modern interiors. The restaurant was full and yet the ambiance and mood lighting made it feel somewhat intimate for a casual dinner.

Here's what we ended up getting:

Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Their signature appetizer. Wok-seared minced chicken, mushrooms, green onions and water chestnuts, served over crispy rice sticks and with cool, crisp lettuce cups 

(P395)

P.F. Chang's Fried Rice (vegetarian)

Wok-fried rice blended with egg, soy, carrots, bean sprouts and sliced scallions 

(P280)

Beef a la Sichuan

US Angus beef strips cooked until crispy and tossed with julienne celery and carrots 

(P695 / For Two P410)

The verdict? Good food, excellent service and yes, quite pricey! What was so annoying is that when we ordered the Beef a la Sichuan, we accidentally ordered the big serving and not the For Two plate. I wasn't really paying attention when hubby ordered it but I do remember him asking about the difference in servings. When we were eating, hubby looks at the plate and says "I think this is the big one". I was like "Didn't you say we were getting the For Two?" He looks at me sheepishly and says "I don't think so..."

Well I was praying that the waitress used common sense and since it was just the 2 of us, would think that we weren't so patay-gutom and that we'd actually want the For Two serving. But no surprise, when the bill arrived, we were charged with the more expensive one. So our bill ended up being about P2k... for 3 dishes and drinks! Haaaay! So if you're eating here, make sure you specify!

Next time, we'll just eat sa buffet na lang para mas sulit! ;p

Finally tried J.Co Donuts!

I've been hearing people rave about J.Co Donuts for quite some time now, but I've never gotten around to having any. It's just because whenever someone buys a box, it gets finished at once. Plus, every time we pass by a store, the line is sooooo long! Well, one random day, hubby and I were at ATC and this is what greeted us when we passed by...

That's right. NO LINE! Finally we can try the donuts out!

hmmm, what flavors to get?

cute names for the donuts!

freshly made

happy customer

Hubby was the one who really loved it! In fact, we got 6 pieces but I only got to eat 1 haha! ;p I think people really like it because it's not as sweet as other donuts. But since I have a definite sweet tooth, I kinda like the other brands more hehe. But it was definitely good and worth having again. =)

Decorative Letters from Invitation House

I'm so happy I found these letters from Invitation House since I've been wanting to place Miley's name on her bedroom wall for the longest time already. The letters are made from lightweight cardboard material and cost P120 each. I think it's already a steal compared to some other letters (although made of wood) being sold online at more than twice the price.

their store in Alabang Town Center

Each letter is 7" tall and 3cm thick. They have different designs per letter so you can mix and match, but I choose this design which I think matches the room the best. And I liked it the most. =) If you don't like any of the designs though, you can just change it by cutting out and gluing scrapbook / giftwrapping paper on top of the letter. I actually plan to do this when I buy letters for Sabe's room since they don't have a design that fits the color combo I want.

Since the letters are super light, they just needed a few strips of my favorite mounting tape (P39.75 at Handyman) to stick to the wall. This tape is super strong which is perfect since I just know the kids will try to remove the letters haha! And I got to test it when I tried moving a letter a few centimeters (since it was a bit crooked) and it wouldn't budge!

And here's the finished product! Miley loves it, she now keeps spelling her name out loud. =) And as expected, Sabe keeps wanting to pull the letters down though (with matching mischievous smile). Don't worry Sabe, you'll have your own set soon! =)

If you don't feel like hanging the letters, you can just use them to decorate a bookshelf or a console table. Or even use them as part of a centerpiece for a party. So cute right? =)