Monday, September 19, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
[Snapshots] Color Your World » Pahiyas Festival Photo Set
Today I'm adding post series to my blog by accepting snapshots and photo sets from visitors and friends. I'm still experimenting on accepting guest posting on this blog so I got no rules yet. Here are some photos submitted by my friend Aldan Reposo.
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| Somebody |
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| Waiting |
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| Sizzling Faith |
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| House Blooms |
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| Human Scarecrow |
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| Sun Temple |
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| Corny Day |
Our Guest Shutterbug: ALDAN B. REPOSO
Aldan is corporate drone based in Manila intrigued by the magic of photography, aiming to capture outdoor images when he is outside his cubicle doing travel gigs with his friends.
Links: Multiply | Facebook: Aldan Reposo Friday, September 16, 2011
I Am Not A Rapist
“No one would confess to so heinous a crime had they not committed it.”
Larry A. Hammond
Larry A. Hammond
I came back at Robinsons Galleria to pick up my clearance, two weeks after enduring the exhausting NBI clearance new application process. However, I was advised that I needed to undergo a personal interview at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) head office before they release my clearance. I am totally bored that day, so I thought maybe this unusual glitch on my daily routine could put some color on my uninteresting day.
I was entertaining weird thoughts on my way to NBI head office. Imagining myself sitting in an abandoned and dark interrogation room with swinging light bulb. Bully NBI officers would come in, with torture written all over their faces, holding electrodes for my sorry testicles, and other officers coming with rubber hoses to beat me up.
Of course not, I was actually smiling while imagining this torture-interrogation thing just like in the movies – me and my boring days and hyper mind. But yeah, all I need was an NBI clearance and what I got was an irritating {yet exciting} day.
The interview
We sat in silence for a minute. I just breathed easy.
“Do you know why we want to see you?” asked the lady officer sitting on her shabby standard government issued desk.
“Hmm, No I don’t Ma’m,” I replied calmly.
Then I was barraged by questions about my work, hometown, present address, college degree and other personal info, which of course didn’t intimidate me a bit. She flipped into my dossier, stopped on a page then said,
“So you got a government scholarship during college?” she asked, then flatly added, “You cannot leave the Philippines because you have a contractual obligation with the Dept. of Science and Tech”
Well I am well aware of that, and I already served my obligations to our Republic years ago. So I just gave a lazy nod – thinking about my recent trip to Hong Kong without any hassle.
She then asked me to sign some documents and instructed to proceed to the adjacent desk to swear, with my right hand raised, that I am not a criminal, in front of an administering officer, holding a Special Prosecutor III stamp, ready to seal my dossier.
What’s in my name
It was so trite, so routine. She seemed happy with my answers. With a smile, she reached out her hand to shake mine. Would I accept and shake the hand of an officer representing the Philippine criminal justice system who disturbed my day as a suspect in a crime – as a rapist?
This was not normal; I am a law-abiding citizen. The only crime I can think of is vandalizing LRT stations during my college years as an activist. So I asked her what was this all about.
“We are tracking a guy with a rape case in Mindoro with the same name as yours. That is why we want to talk to you.” She quickly quipped then pretend to be busy stamping and signing some documents.
Well I just said, “Whew, blame my Mom for giving me a generic first name.”
But I thought my middle name and surname is unique in the Philippines – because people always pronounced it wrong! (And I grew tired of correcting it, so I just let people read it the way they want) But still I am unlucky enough to have the same name as a rapist suspect with pending case in Mindoro.
Afterthought
It's bad enough if you share the same name as terror suspect or in my case a rapist. What would you do when the NBI interrogate you? Sue?
There are many interesting mistaken identity stories which reflects the flaws in our criminal justice system. I am sure you heard sad news about these cases of mistaken identity where innocent people experienced torture and imprisonment. It's one of the tragedies that can occur in the criminal justice system.
Does this type of “HIT” or probably “lack of common sense” happen more often? Why would a criminal voluntarily come to the NBI willing to be interrogated by the investigating officer?
Of course, sometimes the police arrest the wrong person, especially when people share the same name or look alike. The interrogation process itself was a punishment.
After that, what will they say? Ooooops, sorry
____________________________
INTERESTING CASES OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY IN THE NEWS
» "Mistaken identity destroys OFW’s dreams" The case of Jason Aguilar detained by the Doha police after he was mistakenly identified as American citizen Jason Ivler, the road rage suspect wanted in the Philippines.
» "Mistaken identity eyed in woman's killing"
» Brutal torture of a 25-year-old man over mistaken identity in General Santos City, Mindanao
The case of Haron Abubakar Buisan who was allegedly illegally arrested, detained and brutally tortured by the policemen attached to the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) following his arrest on 12 December 2005. {Asian Human Rights Commission:}
». Ex-judge in mistaken identity case cleared by SC, gets retirement perks
{GMA-News}
____________________________
Related Post:
» NBI Clearance New Biometric System » How to get it without losing your patience
Friday, September 9, 2011
Contagion Movie » Bloggers During A Pandemic: Voice of Sanity Or Scaremongers?
I watched the “Contagion” movie premiere at Greenbelt last night. Although it is a star-studded humanity-in-peril movie about a lethal virus, it didn’t strike me as entertaining. It just felt rather bland, and it failed to really bite me. For me, it lacks the necessary tension-action twist. But don’t blame me because I’m a Star Wars kind of movie buff.
What caught my attention was Jude Law who played as a kind of mad blogger railing against the pharmaceutical industry and government. His raging posts against big pharmacies and the government turn provocative when people start dropping like zombies.
His character (the blogger named Alan Krumwiede) allows the movie to take digs both at traditional media (described as slow, bias and politically controlled nowadays) and blogging. As the world goes into chaos and the Government tries to control information, Law’s blog posts preaches homeopathic cures and Government cover-up, which provokes riots outside drug stores and health food shops.
What caught my attention was Jude Law who played as a kind of mad blogger railing against the pharmaceutical industry and government. His raging posts against big pharmacies and the government turn provocative when people start dropping like zombies.
His character (the blogger named Alan Krumwiede) allows the movie to take digs both at traditional media (described as slow, bias and politically controlled nowadays) and blogging. As the world goes into chaos and the Government tries to control information, Law’s blog posts preaches homeopathic cures and Government cover-up, which provokes riots outside drug stores and health food shops.
And yet, what I found interesting was that the movie didn't judge or conclude whether Alan Krumwiede is corect or not. The movie didn’t show whether Alan is necessarily a bad guy. Maybe he was correct all along, who knows?
I love that it's left open for the viewers to decide. Is Alan Krumwiede a voice of sanity in the chaos and dread, or a nutter?
Bloggers: Voice of Sanity Or Scaremongers?
I love that it's left open for the viewers to decide. Is Alan Krumwiede a voice of sanity in the chaos and dread, or a nutter?
Bloggers: Voice of Sanity Or Scaremongers?
Although bloggers generally are a selfless lot, many bloggers can be a paranoiac and scaremongers during a pandemic. They can also be a voice of sanity in the chaos and dread. Bloggers, especially those influential bloggers around the blogosphere, have a responsibility to themselves but they also have a responsibility to everyone around them especially to their readers.
Newspapers continue to perform an incredibly important function as informational gatekeepers. But traditional media, as they say is slowly dying. Their articles are sometimes full of their editor’s bias and are always subjected to political maneuverings.
Nowadays blogs could also be journalism – sometimes. There is always this question now whether blogs can be journalism.
I don’t have any answers to these questions. This issue will have to be addressed personally by all professional bloggers and the public.
When a pandemic comes, we will all be faced with hard decisions. Information will be presented to us via newspapers, television, Facebook, Twitter and Blogs.
Which one will you believe?
Newspapers continue to perform an incredibly important function as informational gatekeepers. But traditional media, as they say is slowly dying. Their articles are sometimes full of their editor’s bias and are always subjected to political maneuverings.
Nowadays blogs could also be journalism – sometimes. There is always this question now whether blogs can be journalism.
I don’t have any answers to these questions. This issue will have to be addressed personally by all professional bloggers and the public.
When a pandemic comes, we will all be faced with hard decisions. Information will be presented to us via newspapers, television, Facebook, Twitter and Blogs.
Which one will you believe?
____________________________
Notes and Citations
» "Contagion" (2011) film is released today September 9, 2011.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte » Architectural Heresy and Our Obsession with Heritage
I had already poked my head into enough elegant churches in Bohol and other old towns in the Philippines but I should not miss Paoay Church, although I used to think all Spanish-era churches in the Philippines are alike. San Agustin Church in Ilocos Norte, popularly known as Paoay Church is definitely unique.
The uniqueness of this church lies in the unceasing nature of its struggles against time and the history it depicts, in its dramatic architecture and the mysterious heresy hidden within its elaborate brick design.
I approached the church from a nearby dry and impotent brick fountain, excited like a virgin bride walking at the long patio decorated by white bougainvilleas at each side. Waiting for me at the other end is the pyramidal and deliberately flat church façade like an unlit altar, gray yet graceful against Ilocandia’s arid air. Above me are dark clouds stripped of its silver lining, painted like the church’s high frescoes, tragic like the life of Judas.
But halfway through the patio, I heard it. This church is whispering heresies of the past. Its fourteen buttresses are like old papyrus, documenting the fusion of the conquistadores and the pagans.
“Sic transit gloria mundi,” thus passes the glory of the world, wrote the monk Thomas à Kempis. The survival of churches through time, architecturally and historically, is a subject matter for the architects and historians. My reaction or theory about this specific church, about it being architecturally heretic is mine alone. But let me expound.
Paoay Church history
Paoay Church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, under the Philippines four Barqoue Churches collection composed of San Agustin Church in Manila, Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur and Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo. It is currently a property of the Diocese of Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
According to the official historical marker at the entrance of the church, the parish was founded by Augustinian missionaries in 1593, cornerstone of church laid 1704; of convent, 1707; of tower, 1793. It was used before completion and kept in repair by the people under joint auspices of the Church and the town officials. An inauguration ceremony was held 28 February 1896.
It was damaged by earthquake in 1706 and 1927. Katipuneros used its tower as observation post during the Revolution and by Guerilleros during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
The massive coral stone bell tower, which was added half a century after the church was completed, stands at some distance from the church, again as a protection against damage during earthquakes.
According to historians, the bell tower also served as a status symbol for the locals. The bell would ring more loudly and more times during the wedding of a prominent clan that it would during the wedding of the poor.
Earthquake Baroque
Paoay Church is the most outstanding example in the Philippines of 'Earthquake Baroque' due to its unique combination of Gothic and Oriental designs. Its façade reveals Gothic designs, its gables show Chinese elements, while the niches topping the walls suggest Javanese influence like the towers of the famous Boroboudur Temple in Central Java, Indonesia. It is interesting to note that the town of Paoay is called "Bombay" in early documents, in keeping with the legend that the earliest inhabitants came from India.
It has fourteen buttresses ranged along the lines of a giant volute supporting a smaller one and surmounted by pyramidal finials. Its details are inspired by the seal of Saint Agustine, the emblem of the king of Spain, the logo of the Pope, the “init-tao” or the sun god, and stylized Chinese clouds.
Fusion of the obvious
Because of its difficult terrain, arid temperature and threat of earthquakes, Ilocos was once described as a “God-forsaken land” and it is said that you have to have the “patience of a spider” in order to survive it. But Ilocanos, hardy people that they are, not only survived in this formidable land but were able to turn this highland country into “God’s own paradise”.
It is but fitting that they dedicate their church to St. Augustine. Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis (St. Augustine), the philosopher, spoke with mechanical fluency when he proved in his book “The City of God [against the Pagans] (Book III)]” that external and bodily disasters including moral and spiritual calamities are happening to the Romans; and that even when the false gods were worshipped without a rival, before the advent of Christ, they afforded no relief from such calamities.
Naturally, they build Paoay Church to withstand and defy acts of God. The Augustinians forced the naturally-born pagans to build this church. But these converts have their own memory and obsession with heritage, beliefs and superstitions, thus the Javanese, Chinese and Oriental influences in the design.
Until now, the picturesque front garden of the San Agustin Church is being used for rituals known as the Guling-guling festival, an annual festivity that signifies the last day of merrymaking before the Catholic community's observance of the Lenten Season. There are those who conjecture that there is probably a pagan underpinning to the practice, similar to Valentine’s Day; the tradition that places the birth of Jesus in late December, the darkest time of the year; and the timing for Easter right after the vernal equinox.
Paoay Church is truly the fusion of Catholicism and the pagans.
Final Note
New developments are under way for Paoay Church aside from restoration, which aims to make the province of Ilocos Norte the country’s “northern gateway.” To generate more tourist activities, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte announced a plan to put up a commercial arcade, which would feature the town’s unique products along a stretch of the road lining the Paoay Church.
Aesthetically, I don’t know if these commercial establishments will do any good, so you have to visit Paoay before it becomes a commercial-church.
We, Filipinos are always trying to find what old memories look like… our obsession with heritage is always there, searching within the artificial and re-engineered versions created by our invaders.
Paoay Church does renders Ilocandia as forever enchanting and continues to make its visitors have a taste of past life back in times like in the decade when it was first completed.
Back in the days, when Filipinos are born pagans.
The uniqueness of this church lies in the unceasing nature of its struggles against time and the history it depicts, in its dramatic architecture and the mysterious heresy hidden within its elaborate brick design.
I approached the church from a nearby dry and impotent brick fountain, excited like a virgin bride walking at the long patio decorated by white bougainvilleas at each side. Waiting for me at the other end is the pyramidal and deliberately flat church façade like an unlit altar, gray yet graceful against Ilocandia’s arid air. Above me are dark clouds stripped of its silver lining, painted like the church’s high frescoes, tragic like the life of Judas.
![]() |
| View of Paoay Church from the fountain |
“Sic transit gloria mundi,” thus passes the glory of the world, wrote the monk Thomas à Kempis. The survival of churches through time, architecturally and historically, is a subject matter for the architects and historians. My reaction or theory about this specific church, about it being architecturally heretic is mine alone. But let me expound.
Paoay Church history
Paoay Church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, under the Philippines four Barqoue Churches collection composed of San Agustin Church in Manila, Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur and Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo. It is currently a property of the Diocese of Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
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| Church main altar and roof under renovation |
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| The bell tower |
The massive coral stone bell tower, which was added half a century after the church was completed, stands at some distance from the church, again as a protection against damage during earthquakes.
According to historians, the bell tower also served as a status symbol for the locals. The bell would ring more loudly and more times during the wedding of a prominent clan that it would during the wedding of the poor.
Earthquake Baroque
Paoay Church is the most outstanding example in the Philippines of 'Earthquake Baroque' due to its unique combination of Gothic and Oriental designs. Its façade reveals Gothic designs, its gables show Chinese elements, while the niches topping the walls suggest Javanese influence like the towers of the famous Boroboudur Temple in Central Java, Indonesia. It is interesting to note that the town of Paoay is called "Bombay" in early documents, in keeping with the legend that the earliest inhabitants came from India.
![]() |
| Javanese influence on the Church's buttresses like the towers of the famous Boroboudur Temple in Central Java, Indonesia. |
Fusion of the obvious
Because of its difficult terrain, arid temperature and threat of earthquakes, Ilocos was once described as a “God-forsaken land” and it is said that you have to have the “patience of a spider” in order to survive it. But Ilocanos, hardy people that they are, not only survived in this formidable land but were able to turn this highland country into “God’s own paradise”.
It is but fitting that they dedicate their church to St. Augustine. Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis (St. Augustine), the philosopher, spoke with mechanical fluency when he proved in his book “The City of God [against the Pagans] (Book III)]” that external and bodily disasters including moral and spiritual calamities are happening to the Romans; and that even when the false gods were worshipped without a rival, before the advent of Christ, they afforded no relief from such calamities.
Naturally, they build Paoay Church to withstand and defy acts of God. The Augustinians forced the naturally-born pagans to build this church. But these converts have their own memory and obsession with heritage, beliefs and superstitions, thus the Javanese, Chinese and Oriental influences in the design.
Until now, the picturesque front garden of the San Agustin Church is being used for rituals known as the Guling-guling festival, an annual festivity that signifies the last day of merrymaking before the Catholic community's observance of the Lenten Season. There are those who conjecture that there is probably a pagan underpinning to the practice, similar to Valentine’s Day; the tradition that places the birth of Jesus in late December, the darkest time of the year; and the timing for Easter right after the vernal equinox.
Paoay Church is truly the fusion of Catholicism and the pagans.
Final Note
New developments are under way for Paoay Church aside from restoration, which aims to make the province of Ilocos Norte the country’s “northern gateway.” To generate more tourist activities, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte announced a plan to put up a commercial arcade, which would feature the town’s unique products along a stretch of the road lining the Paoay Church.
Aesthetically, I don’t know if these commercial establishments will do any good, so you have to visit Paoay before it becomes a commercial-church.
We, Filipinos are always trying to find what old memories look like… our obsession with heritage is always there, searching within the artificial and re-engineered versions created by our invaders.
Paoay Church does renders Ilocandia as forever enchanting and continues to make its visitors have a taste of past life back in times like in the decade when it was first completed.
Back in the days, when Filipinos are born pagans.
___________________________________
HERE ARE THE DETAILED POSTS ABOUT OUR Ilocandia Time Travel
- Ilocos Tour » Laoag-Pagudpod-Vigan Impromptu Weekend Getaway
- Ilocos Tour – Laoag, City of Sunshine » Waking up in the Sparkling Gem of Ilocandia
- Ilocos Tour » Sinking Bell Tower and McDonalds’ Rising Golden Arch
- Cape Bojeador Lighthouse » Death of Elegance, Creepy Tales and A Spark of Wisdom
- Bangui Windmills » Catching Scattered Memories Beyond the Wind
- Pagudpud Beach in Saud, Ilocos Norte » Detecting Your Average Summer Happiness Level
- Kabigan Falls, Pagudpud Ilocos Norte » The Best Lazy Trekking to Waterfalls in Ilocandia
- Jun and Carol Beach Resort Review » Affordable Pagudpud Beach Front Accommodation
- Patapat Viaduct and Kalbario Patapat Natural Park » Pagudpud Tricycle Tour Pit Stop
- Magical Blue Lagoon and the Cascading Agua Grande » Pagudpud Tricycle Tour Pit Stop
- Allegory of the Bantay-Abot Cave and Timmangtang Rock » Is there such a thing as end-of-the-road?
- Batac City, Ilocos Norte » Understanding the Final Argument of a Dictator's Town
- Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte » Architectural Heresy and Our Obsession with Heritage
- Ilocos Tour - Guerilla Style » 5 Interesting Places to Visit On Your Way Out of Ilocos
- Calle Crisologo Vigan Ilocos Sur » Sojourn to the Past
___________________________________
References and Citations:
» Wikipedia Entry “Paoay Church” [Retrieved: 05 September 2011]
» UNESCO Advisory Body Evaluation. Baroque Churches of the Philippines [Retrieved: 05 September 2011]
» Patrimonium-mundi.org : Paoay Church panophotographies - immersive and interactive spherical images
» St. Augustine. Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis. “De Civitate Dei contra Paganos [Concerning the] The City of God [against the Pagans] (Book III)]” Translated by Marcus Dods. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 2. Edited by Philip Schaff. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1887.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight.
» Boredpanda.com “50 Most Extraordinary Churches of the World”
» De Jesus, Noel F. Manila Bulletin “Charms of the Old World” Posted: June 5, 2011, 10:58am [Retrieved: 05 September 2011]
» The Philippine Star. “Guling Guling of Paoay: Truly a galing galing festivity!” Updated March 06, 2011 12:00 AM [Retrieved: 05 September 2011]
» Rene Guatlo “Paoay sways to Guling Guling” Inquirer Lifestyle. Philippine Daily Inquirer. 03/15/2009.
» CBCP News “300-year old Paoay Church to get facelift” Posted: March 15, 2011
» ALL PHOTOS on this post are taken by the author YODZ Insigne via Samsung Galaxy S Smartphone
» Wikipedia Entry “Paoay Church” [Retrieved: 05 September 2011]
» UNESCO Advisory Body Evaluation. Baroque Churches of the Philippines [Retrieved: 05 September 2011]
» Patrimonium-mundi.org : Paoay Church panophotographies - immersive and interactive spherical images
» St. Augustine. Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis. “De Civitate Dei contra Paganos [Concerning the] The City of God [against the Pagans] (Book III)]” Translated by Marcus Dods. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 2. Edited by Philip Schaff. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1887.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight.
» Boredpanda.com “50 Most Extraordinary Churches of the World”
» De Jesus, Noel F. Manila Bulletin “Charms of the Old World” Posted: June 5, 2011, 10:58am [Retrieved: 05 September 2011]
» The Philippine Star. “Guling Guling of Paoay: Truly a galing galing festivity!” Updated March 06, 2011 12:00 AM [Retrieved: 05 September 2011]
» Rene Guatlo “Paoay sways to Guling Guling” Inquirer Lifestyle. Philippine Daily Inquirer. 03/15/2009.
» CBCP News “300-year old Paoay Church to get facelift” Posted: March 15, 2011
» ALL PHOTOS on this post are taken by the author YODZ Insigne via Samsung Galaxy S Smartphone
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Yodisphere at One Year » First Year Blog Anniversary
Today just happens to be the first year anniversary of yodisphere.com, a blog detailing my life, my travel hacking gigs, commentaries and anything I find amusing.
Some thank you notes, looking back and a peek to the future are in order.
Yodisphere.com has gone through surprising transformations over a year, and that is something that gives me some sense of fulfillment. Looking back, before I made this a hobby, I had no idea what the next year would bring. I could go on writing intermittent posts about how amazing my day was and a handful of my life’s memorable moments [but mostly frustrations]. However, I realized blogging is not about myself so I move on from being sentimental to informative, although some posts still reflects my static career and personal life.
Thank you notes
As you may have noticed, this blog is leaning on travel niche but I don’t want to get trapped on a niche blog so this is still a general lifestyle blog. With that, I want to thank my usual travel buddies – the Eastgate Backfuckers (Gara, Aldan, Anjho, Bar, Bern, Abby, Rhesa) – for being such an awesome roadtrip cronies.
Also I want to thank inspiring bloggers who make the blogosphere alive and diverse (listed in my blogroll). You may not know it but you keep me inspired and entertained on every bloghopping. Let me also say thanks to all the visitors who shared their thoughts by leaving comments on my posts.
I blog for fun
Although yodisphere.com is meant as a small virtual corkboard for me to share my thoughts, I do it for three reasons, as I’ve already mentioned in my About page:
- I always felt I have something important to say.
- Written words can make me cry.
- I want to sleep at night.
But of course more than any other reason, I blog for fun – if it’s becoming a chore, there’s no point in doing this.
Blogging is also my way of sharing my experiences and connecting to the virtual world especially to those who are worthy of listening to and hopefully give something back to the blogosphere and its community of bloggers that has given so much time and effort to share their experiences and expertise to others. But I’ve always felt that I get far more benefit from this than you ever will from reading it.
A peek to the future
I’m a mind mapping freak so I made a plantilla for yodisphere.com presented in a mindmap to get a quick view of its current state and future directions. Branches include the current state of my blog, my goals for the coming year and plans for improvement and other perspectives.
These are also the things I learned after a year into the blogosphere which maybe helpful if you are a newbie blogger and want to know basic blogging essentials.
Here it is: (Drag to view nodes)
or Click this link to view larger mind map http://www.mindmeister.com/111861080/yodisphere-com Hopefully next year I could give freebies for my second year blog anniversary.
I look forward to a better and useful blog and share more with all of you over the coming years as I strive to make yodisphere.com’s mission a reality.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
NBI Clearance New Biometric System » How to get it without losing your patience
Most probably you already know what is happening at NBI right now and how slow it is to get an NBI clearance. Let’s review the facts:
- Mega Data Corporation has been servicing the computerization requirements of the NBI since the early 70’s. It started opening NBI Clearance Renewal Centers in malls, and had been providing the NBI various computers, data capture, image capture and card production equipment and supplies, to serve the bureau’s data processing needs for almost 30 years.
- Mega Data’s contract with the NBI expired last June 30.
- Mega Data had pulled out its equipment and software a day after its contract with the NBI expired last June 30. The pullout resulted in a breakdown in the processing and issuance of NBI clearances. Long queues formed at the bureau’s main office in Manila as a backlog in document processing ensued.
- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apologized to the public on Thursday for the inconvenience caused by the closure of its clearance office, and slow processing of clearance applications.
- Justice Secretary Leila De Lima has ordered an investigation of the NBI’s contract with Mega Data.
How to get NBI Clearance without losing your patience
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| Long queue at Robinson Galleria even if it is still 5:00 in the morning |
NBI clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation is a usual documentary requirement for job applications, company license renewals, etc. so a lot of Filipinos needs it. While we are waiting for NBI and the government to sort things out and get it back to normal, which as expected will take long, let me share to you my experience and tips on getting your NBI Clearance.
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| Holding room before payment and fingerprint scanning and photo capture |
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| NBI Clearance Center inside Robinsons Galleria |
First, let me answer some FAQs:
- There are no more renewals and all applications are considered "first time applications".
- Cost of NBI Clearance application is Php 115.00 for local and for travel abroad.
- Your old NBI Clearance is now useless.
- It could take you two to three weeks to get an NBI clearance if you got a “HIT” (meaning somebody has the same name as you, or maybe some criminal looks like you)
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| NBI Clearance applicants waiting outside Robinsons Galleria |
Now here are few tips and guidelines to make your application for NBI clearance less stressful.
- Never forget to bring at least two valid ID’s (preferably government issued ID)
- Be at the NBI office or at clearance centers early (repeat: EARLY). They only have specific number of applicants to process daily. In my experience at Robinson’s Galleria Mall today, I woke up at 4:00 am just to be at the Robinson’s Mall at 5:00 am. Still, I got applicant number 289 and they are only processing 500 NBI clearance per day.
- Aside from long queue, expect a long wait so you better bring something that can diffuse your boredom like an mp3 player, a book, psp or your unfinished cross stitch if you like.
- Don’t forget to bring your ballpen.
- Take heavy breakfast because application procedure can take up from morning until 2 - 3 p.m. without lunch break.
- Always keep your cool because there are always undisciplined applicants cutting the line.
- Always ask the guards for assistance in filling up your clearance form and other information and guidelines.
- If your clearance is scheduled for release not on the same day, make sure that you have your receipt with you because this will serve as your stub upon receiving the NBI clearance.
- Review the fields in the Clearance Application Form before accomplishing it.
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| NBI Clearance Application Form Sample (Click HERE to View Form or click the image) |
How to fill-up the Clearance Application Form
- NAME OF MOTHER field: It should be mother's maiden name.
- HIGHEST EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT: write College Graduate or Undergraduate, don't just put the word "College"
- PLACE OF BIRTH: Don not write "Bicol" or any region only. It must the name of Town and Province
- Other fields: [just use common sense]
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| Applicant is Alien -- CHECK!!! |
NBI Clearance Processing Centers
NBI MAIN OFFICE, TAFT AVENUE MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 7:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 2,000 persons
MALLS (Update [17/Oct./2011] : Based from visitor comments I received here, malls no longer have Saturday schedule. Please verify with NBI office regarding NBI clearance processing centers with Saturday schedule)
ROBINSONS PLACE ERMITA (BASEMENT 1)
M. ADRIATICO COR. PEDRO GIL ST. ERMITA, MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
ROBINSONS OTIS (LEVEL 2)
DR. PAZ MENDOZA GUANZON ST., PACO, MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
ROBINSONS GALLERIA (EAST LANE, BASEMENT 1)
EDSA COR. ORTIGAS AVENUE, QUEZON CITY
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
ROBINSONS METRO EAST PASIG (LEVEL 4)
MARCOS HIGHWAY, BRGY. DELA PAZ, PASIG CITY
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
ROBINSONS CAINTA (LEVEL 2)
ORTIGAS AVENUE EXTENSION, JUNCTION CAINTA, RIZAL
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated:500 persons 350 persons
Ever Gotesco Grand Central (3rd floor, Cinema 5)
Rizal Avenue Extension (Monumento), Caloocan City
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
Ever Gotesco Manila Plaza (3rd floor, Cinema 3)
C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
CITY HALL
Quezon City Hall
Mandaluyong City Hall
Muntinlupa City Hall
NBI MAIN OFFICE, TAFT AVENUE MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 7:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 2,000 persons
MALLS (Update [17/Oct./2011] : Based from visitor comments I received here, malls no longer have Saturday schedule. Please verify with NBI office regarding NBI clearance processing centers with Saturday schedule)
ROBINSONS PLACE ERMITA (BASEMENT 1)
M. ADRIATICO COR. PEDRO GIL ST. ERMITA, MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
ROBINSONS OTIS (LEVEL 2)
DR. PAZ MENDOZA GUANZON ST., PACO, MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
ROBINSONS GALLERIA (EAST LANE, BASEMENT 1)
EDSA COR. ORTIGAS AVENUE, QUEZON CITY
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
ROBINSONS METRO EAST PASIG (LEVEL 4)
MARCOS HIGHWAY, BRGY. DELA PAZ, PASIG CITY
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
ROBINSONS CAINTA (LEVEL 2)
ORTIGAS AVENUE EXTENSION, JUNCTION CAINTA, RIZAL
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated:
Ever Gotesco Grand Central (3rd floor, Cinema 5)
Rizal Avenue Extension (Monumento), Caloocan City
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
Ever Gotesco Manila Plaza (3rd floor, Cinema 3)
C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons
CITY HALL
Quezon City Hall
Mandaluyong City Hall
Muntinlupa City Hall
Disclaimer:
Above information are correct at the date of posting. For updated information check the latest NBI press release and news updates.
_____________________________________
Related News and Articles, Sources of Facts:
» Sandy Araneta “Recruiters: OFWs losing jobs over delayed NBI clearance” The Philippine Star psoted: August 14, 2011 [Retrieved: 24 August 2011]
» “Tips in getting an NBI clearance” Loqal.ph Article [Retrieved: 24 August 2011]
» Ducky Paredes. “That All-Important NBI Clearance”
» Tetch Torres. “NBI apologizes for major clearance applications snafus, Points to ex-technology partner Mega Data as culprit” Inquirer.net
» Macon Ramos-Araneta. “NBI chief decries tech provider’s infractions; firm denies BOT deal” Manila Standard Today
» Sandy Araneta “NBI sees delays in clearance release after contractor's pullout” The Philippine Star
» National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Official Website
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