My TRAGIC NBI clearance story..

Having  a new job means processing of requirements again which I hate the most, and I have no choice but to get a NEW NBI clearance. Yes, NEW! (dahil sa new system ng NBI which they implemented sometime last year) This simply means na wala nang renewal ng NBI clearances but we all have to apply for a new one even though you had it many times before!

Last Sunday, I searched the internet for NBI processing centers na mas mabilis at mas madaling kumuha. Some said mas OK daw sa Robinson's Otis (which I don't know where on earth that is!). Upon researching, I've learned that some people line up as early as the mall closes (YES! Naisip ko rin ang salitang OA..) and some go as early as 3 am or 4 am. (Seriously, I was thinking of suicide when I found that out! Charot!) I also learned that only 500 applicants were processed everyday at all NBI centers except in Victory Central Mall in Caloocan (I think they're processing 2000 applicants in that particular branch).

So this is really is it! Last Monday, I woke up early (5 am) took a bath and all and went straight to Robinson's Metro East. (Take note: It was raining pa that day!)

Around 6:30 in the morning.....
I got there and gaaaaaaahhh ang haba na agad ng pila! (So totoo nga sigurong may pumipila as early as the mall closes) At kinakabahan pa ko dahil ako na ang nasa dulo at wala nang pumipila after me.. But after 15 mins, jaraaan! Around 10-15 people lined up next to me.

I kept on praying na sana ma-accommodate ako (at ang mga nasa likod ko) dahil kung hindi kailangan ko pumunta sa Victory Mall na hindi ko pa napuntahan ni minsan (one of my friends said that it's gruesome there kung pupunta ako ng sobrang aga) or other option is aabsent ako the next day at babalik sa RP Metro East ng mas maaga.

 Around 7 am.....
 The guards started to let us in sa parking lot. Yes, since the mall would open at 10 am, we all have to stay at the parking area and wait for the NBI center to open at 8.

One guard is doing some headcount.

Pahinto-hinto ang pila.. Kumakabog na ang dibdib ko. Inisip ko kung bakit huminto? Ibig bang sabihin naka 500 na? Oh em!!!!!

Tumuloy ang lakad..

Oh yes! Meaning kasama pa kami sa 500! YEHEY!

The guards counted us again. Based on their count nasa pang 460+ ako. Naisip ko, okay lang as long as maaccommodate ako that day. I was thinking of watching movie, shopping, etc. to kill time.

Imagine the 500 people on a parking lot, all sitting alined on concrete stoppers, waiting! There were no stoppers in our line so I decided to sit on the other side. I nearly fell asleep sa sobrang antok at bagot sa paghihintay. Then... a lesby approached me. She asked kung mag-isa lang ako. I said yes and she asked if I wanted her slot. I hesitated at first thinking na baka scam or whatever (sorry suspicious talaga ako sa mga ganyan) and she said she just accompanied her friends pero she already have her NBI clearance na, so sayang ang slot nya dahil binilang sya ng guard. I was convinced and whola! From 460+ naging pang 157 ako. LUCKY day for me e? (But at the back of my mind I wondered on how they managed to go there super early just to be in that spot.. at nabilib talaga ako sa tyaga nila..)

8:15 am to 8:30 am.....

People were already asking kung bakit ang tagal magbigay ng numbers. A woman went to the mall entrance and asked. When she got back, she said na ginagawa pa daw yung numbers! And I was like, SERIOUSLY???!!

Past 8:30 am.....

Finally, they started giving out numbers and letting the first 100 in to the mall. Then they started orienting people on what to write on the form, bla, bla, bla! By the way, there were 3 seats allotted for pregnant women, senior citizens and persons with disability. Courtesy lane indeed..

Tip for some women: Get your NBI clearance when you're pregnant and have the whole process done in 15 mins! Yes, in all fairness with the new system, matatapos mo talaga in 15 mins (from payment of Php 115 to encoding of information to biometrics to releasing).

This is how we looked like inside the mall. Some sitting on the floor (including me) kyeme na sa maduming floor, makaupo lang! Imagine kung gano kaaga pumila ang mga nasa kahelera ko, (as early as 3 am. SERIOUSLY) sino ba namang hindi gugustuhing umupo na lang..

The one in orange shirt is the one who gave her slot to me. Whoever you are sorry hindi ako nakapag thank you sayo in personal and I feel guilty for that so THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! whoever you are :)

12 noon.....
Finally, I'm done! Lahat ng gutom, antok at pagod after 6 long hours matatapos na. The only bad thing was my name got HITS and I have to go back on March 6 (2 weeks after) to get my clearance.. :(

I have comments and suggestions to NBI, since I'm a TAX PAYER and that I PAID FOR MY NBI CLEARANCE, I think I have the right..

1st - There's only one personnel in charge for collection of payment, two for encoding, one for biometrics and one for releasing. That makes them 6 (the other one is supervisor siguro - he's the one who explains things and checks on things from time to time) in that particular branch who have to accommodate 500 people, everyday.

- So why don't they hire for additional manpower? Kahit contractual lang for 6 months? Since nasa adjustment period pa sila, baka pwedeng gawing 2 or 3 yung sa payment then 3 or 4 sa encoding, 2 or 3 sa kukuha ng biometrics then 2 or 3 sa releasing. That would definitely make their staff and many people lives easier at least!

2nd - Mura lang ang webcam (mahal na sa 1K) and fingerprint scanner (around 5K sa sulit.com) so I believe, kayang kaya bumili ng NBI ng maraming ganon para bumilis mas mabawasan ang time sa pagkuha ng clearance!

Given the two instances granted, I'm sure more than 500 pa ang kayang i-accommodate and people don't have to go there as early as 12 mn or 3 am or even 4 am parang lang makakuha ng clearance. Also, people don't have to waste one whole day processing their clearances. Instead of working para may ipakain sa pamilya, yung iba talagang umabsent pa para lang makakuha ng clearance.

Sana naiisip ng NBI ito. Mahirap maghanap ng trabaho, ang hirap kumita ng Php 408 sa isang araw tapos pati pagkuha ng NBI clearance pahirapan pa rin?! It's as if we all have a choice! Hello, every employer asks for NBI clearance from their employees!

Some even said na mas okay yung dati. Yes, this is the third time that I'll be getting an NBI clearance and this is the worst! I remember the first time I got my clearance at NBI Taft, it only took me an hour or two for the whole process! And I will undoubtedly say na baka nga mas OK yung dati..

I hope in time all would be fine. I pity those who have to go through all those just for a piece of paper (I honestly even pitied myself). But as I said, it's as if we all have a choice.

So to those who are planning to secure an NBI clearance, a big GOODLUCK to you!

UPDATE TIP: Some friends tried E-clearance and it took them only few minutes to get their NBI clearance. Just look for it in NBI website :)

1st travel for 2012: Boracay

Let me first share you how this trip was created..

Sometime around April 2011, I scored a cheap airfare to Kalibo for 2 via Cebu pacific for just Php1600 (two-way) with 20kgs each bag allowance (yes! OA. Ang kulit kasi ni Ches). At first I planned it to be a couple trip but then I realized it would be more fun to tag some people to join us on this trip!

I searched for a place where we could stay. There were lots of options there from cheapskate rooms to super high-end hotels, from beach front and the not-so, from ones with pool and ones without. Good thing Tripadvisor helped me find a good one. After considering the location, the amenities and the price, we decided to stay at Best Western Boracay Tropics. We booked for their dorm room which can accommodate 6 persons at Php 5850 per night which means less than 1k per person per night with breakfast! It already includes welcome drinks (Iced tea), cable TV, hot and cold shower, mini ref, mini bar, AC, wi-fi.. Good deal right?! :)

Top view of the pool. I like it's lighting drama during the night!

I super like this shot. Nice background! :)

Here's how their dorm room looks like..

Image source: www.boracaytropics.com/rooms/dorm
Forgot to take a picture of the entire room but don't worry because it looks exactly the same

**Tip: If you'll be coming from Kalibo Airport, there were lots of buses, coasters, vans, cars, etc. na pwedeng pagpilian na sasakyann papuntang Boracay. If you're on a tight budget you can ride a van -fare costs Php 200 with bangka na. (Pumili lang ng maganda at bagong van, pwede naman!) Kung may budget, mag coaster ka na - fare costs Php 300. You'll pay an extra hundred for a wider leg room. All you have to pay when you get to Caticlan port is the environmental and terminal fee. Tryk fare from Cagban port (Boracay) to your hotel costs Php 20 per person if willing to wait for other passengers (each tryk loads 6 passengers) and Php 100 for special/chartered trip. So all in all, you will spend around Php 300 from Kalibo to Hotel (one-way). It is way cheaper than the Php 600 - Php 800 airport transfers offered by hotels.

1st DAY: 

We arrived at the hotel around 4pm. Pahinga ng konti then at around 6pm we decided to go out and find a place to eat. While walking around, Kuya Rene offered us Reef Walking and other water sports/activites. Nagstart ang price sa Php 450 but then my companions are really good at haggling so we got it at Php 300 per person with pictures and video on a CD na. We gave in to his offer so we agreed to meet him at 9am the next day.

Ches and I went to D'Mall to find a place to eat (kanya-kanyang dinner muna ang partners). I forgot the name of the place basta malapit sya sa Crocs store. I had sizzling liempo steak while Ches had pork tonkatsu..

Come Hungry. Leave Happy

Sizzling liempo was OK. I just don't like their java rice. Maasim! Parang they put ketchup on it. While Chester's tonkatsu tasted good!

2nd DAY:


We had our buffet breakfast at Boracay Tropics. Food selection was not that wide but enough to satisfy our tummies. They have pancakes, fried and plain rice, omelette, corned beef, daing na something, pasta, congee, breads, cereal (corn flakes and coco crunch), puto, maruya, etc.

After breakfast, we were fetched by Kuya Rene (here's his number - 09278373785) at the hotel's lobby. We walked to station 3 where the speed boat which took us to the reef walking site was anchored. Yes there's a floating dock sa gitna ng dagat for all water sports activities. Para nga naman malayo sa mga nagsswimming. Btw, we overheared na yung mga kasabay namin was offered a rate of Php 500 per person for their reef walking! (Maganda talaga pag magaling ka tumawad :D )

In my opinion, this was the highlight of the entire trip. (Kung hindi lang maalon sa crocodile island nung nag snorkeling kami the second day!) It was F-U-N  walking at the sea bed and trying to catch fish when you thought na ang lapit nila pero hindi naman talaga.

Pagbalik namin sa station 3 while Ches and I are browsing pictures from the camera..
Ches and I: (Nagkatinginan)
Ches: Lumindol ba?
Me: Baka nahilo lang tayo dun sa balsa ng reef walking
Ches: Hindi parang lumindol talaga. Nahilo ako.
Me: Ako din
Pagdating ng hapon Chester's mom are calling them asking if we're OK dahil lumindol nga daw.. So lindol nga pala talaga yun..

After we had our reef walking a.k.a. helmet diving

For lunch we decided to eat at Mang Inasal located at D' Talipapa. After eating we went to Willy's rock and had some Jonah's shake.

Boracay at it's best (View from station 1)

The famous Willy's Rock

Jonah's Shake

I tried one of their best sellers, Mango Banana. Uhm, for me nothing spectacular. Just enough to quench the thirst from the scorching heat of the sun! Is it good enough for Php 110? I guess so...

Around late afternoon, we tried sand carving! Not an easy thing to do and I'm really amazed with local kids who can do the craft very well!

**Tip:  If you're not a fan of long walks (The white beach stretch is 4 kms long), you can ride a tryk from one place to another (station 1 to station 2). Just wait for a tryk to pass by and don't ride from the terminal as the fare is higher. I'm not sure why but tryks from terminals will charge you for Php 20 each while those passing by charge Php 10 only.

For dinner we just ate at yellow cab (boohoo! LAME!).

3rd DAY:

Same thing, we had our buffet breakfast. Same selection naging cheesedog, ham and adobo lang ang ulam (BTW, prior to our 2nd breakfast, sinabi ko kay Ches na ang ulam ay magiging hotdog and adobo! Haha!)

Then pinuntahan na namin yung bankero sa station 1. We scored our island hopping at Php 1300 (good for 6 persons for 3-4 hours) which is inclusive of snorkels. 

West Cove Hotel. The alleged Pacman's resort.

Yes, boatmen and guides say it's Pacman's but after doing some research I've found out that this was actually owned by a Crisostomo Aquino. Click here and here for more details.

UPDATE: Giniba na daw to. I'm not just sure with the exact reason. But it has something to do with DENR yata?

**Tip: Snorkeling is better near the Crocodile Island. Ang mga isda doon ay mga patay gutom. They will literally grab a piece of bread from your hand unlike dun sa malapit sa West Cove mailap ang mga isda.

Too bad the waves are too strong during that time. Ang hirap mag-snorkeling!

For lunch we decided to eat at Calirojan Restaurant and Picnic Area

Reasons why I won't recommend this place..


1. Echoserang order taker - pagkabigay ng menu nakaabang na sya agad at hinihingi na ang order namin. We said "Wait lang po. Wala pa kasi mga kasama namin (nag restroom)". And s/he keeps on insisting na umorder na kami dahil marami na daw customers maya maya. (So bawal mamili? Unang tingin gusto order na agad?)

2. Pricey - Sabi ni order taker all dishes are good for 2. When we asked for the price of their crabs, Php 850 daw isang babae na malaki. (Sa isip-isip ko kung sa Manila ako kakain nun mahigit isang kilo na yun-around 3 pcs. so hindi ako umorder) We ordered sinigang na baboy, calamares, tempura and adobong pusit (all priced at Php 200 per order). Their rice btw costs Php 25 pesos per cup. We asked kung madami ba yung tempura (because it's Ches' favorite). Sabi nya "yes", but when served, nampucha! 3 pcs?!? WTH! Nanlaki talaga mata ko pero wala nang magagawa, na-serve na e. Natawa na lang kami..

3. Taste - Hindi ganun kasarap! Sakto lang. Not worth the price. Yun na!

I think the bangkeros get tips for every tourist they bring there because name based (Banka's name) ang pagkuha ng orders nila. Why not table numbers right?

Heading back to Station 1, Ches and I decided to chill at Starbucks Boracay. After that, I asked him if he wants to rent an ATV and go to Yapak where the highest point of Boracay is. You can actually see the whole island from the top deck. We got it at Php 350 each which is good for 1 hour. 20 mins going to Yapak, 20 mins stop over (You have 2 options of a place to go, either the aviary or the tower) and the other 20 mins going back to base. There's free shuttle from the main road to Red Coral Sea Sports base and vice versa.

Umaala- Jack and Rose

Bulabog beach on the left side and White beach on the right

After our ATV ride, we went back to station 1 to witness the majestic sunset..

And for our last dinner on the island, we ate at D' Talipapa. We had our paluto at Isla Restaurant. We were the only Pinoy eating there, the rest were Koreans and some other foreigners.

We had crabs in spicy gata, baked and may sabaw na tahong, grilled liempo and porkchop, and calamares.

 Bought crabs for Php 350 (2 pcs). BIG savings for me!

We didn't had the chance to booze on our last night. Ches slept early and so do I. 

4th DAY:

Woke around 6:30am to prep up. Had our breakfast and left the hotel at around 9am. We arrived at Kalibo airport at around 11am. (Just in time for our 12:40pm flight) We had some delays dahil jammed ang planes sa NAIA 3 - traffic dahil madaming umaalis at dumadating na plane (as per pilot's advice). Upon arrival at Manila, our plane flew around at nagpaikot ikot sa ere for the same reason.

At around 11pm, I'm finally home! We stayed at Ches' place pa kasi.

All in all, the experience was soooo great! Being with Chester and some people made the trip more fun!

Honestly speaking, Boracay was more stunning 6 years ago. At that time, boat stations 2 and 3 have wider shores (now only station 1 has a wide shore). Boracay island indeed had changed A LOT!!!

But if asked if I would like to come back there, well "DEFINITELY YES!" - I still have to experience Boracay's night life and parasailing!

Who would not want to be in Tripadvisor's 2nd best beach in the WORLD and the BEST in ASIA?!

Till we meet again.. :)