Ok. I just got back from Department of Foreign Affairs in Aseana Business Park in Macapagal Blvd.

Nakakaloka!

I had an appointment today at 10:30 this morning after I went through the DFA Passport Appointment System online. DFA advised everyone to be there 30 minutes before your appointment time. I wonder why that is at first. Then I knew why. It’s because you have to line up outside before they let you in for processing. It was fun observing. Different kinds of attitude, different personalities. Interesting fashion sense for some. I saw someone who looked like she was from Manga comics. She was wearing two overlapping corsets over a long dark skirt and long sleeved shirt. With our weather I wonder how she was able to stand that. Lined up for more than thirty minutes and it was so annoying when some offsprings of the Gods cut the line. That really made me want to shout at them for having no discipline.

Then once I got in, the Information Counter gave a number. I made friends with people around me who kept me company during the three long hours I waited there. There are 23 processing windows but not all of them are open. My number was 1661. It was only 1420 when I got in so before my number was called 3 hours already passed. I was starving but got nothing to do but wait.

After the processing, you have to pay in the Passport Enrollment Section where you’ll find the Cashier and the Encoding Section in the 2nd floor. Then the Encoding Section will give you a number, AGAIN you have to wait to be called. Since it was another two hundred before my number, I went across the road to the nearby McDonald’s for my late lunch around 2:00 p.m.

Went back in around 3:00 p.m in the Encoding Section and waited in the waiting area (where they will take your photo, check your details etc) and only 50 to go before my turn came. Good thing, the line was faster in the second floor. I decided to get the passport myself and not have it delivered. You have to pay Php 120 for the delivery. By 3:30 I was done. But then there has been some problems with the released date so I have to go back next week.

It took me 5 1/2 hours to finish. So stressful. Why can’t it be easier?

I advise anyone who will have to renew or apply a new passport to get a very early appointment if it is possible. That will save you a lot of trouble and save you from the heat of the sun. My heart goes to those who had to line up outside in the heat of the sun.