Month: April 2018

New Zealand Tourist Visa for Filipinos 2018 – DIY Online Application Guide with Photos

Published on by iamjosemanuel19 Comments

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WAIVED NA PO ANG TOURIST VISA FEE FOR NEW ZEALAND!

True! Hindi po ito fake news. Before, it was mandatory to pay NZ$ 165. As of June 2017, A resolution has already been approved, stating that the Citizens of the Philippines do not have to pay anymore the fee or immigration levy for TOURIST/VISITOR VISA application, when coming to New Zealand for fewer than 60 days (Reference: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/).

However, point out ko lang po clearly, NZ is NOT VISA FREE. It is only the big amount of fee that was taken out. We still have to submit necessary requirements to the NZ Embassy for the issuance of visa prior to our trip.

Traditional method of submitting paper requirements is still being implemented today. However, NZ Immigration already formulated a “Passport Handling-Online Application” method, which has taken visa application to the next level of easiness. With this method, applicants are only required to completely fill up a form on their website and then submit online the scanned copies of usual visa requirements. For this convenience,however,applicants shall pay a fee of less than 1,000 Pesos for the “Passport Handling”, which shall be discussed later. This is relatively a small amount compared to the big chunk of levy that has already been relieved from us. Passport handling fees may also be bank transferred na. This has made the application process more convenient, especially for us living far away from Manila/Cebu where embassy offices are located.
This guide blog focuses solely on Visitors (Tourist) Visa via Online Application. For other types of Visa, refer to https://www.immigration.govt.nz.

So without further ado (Char), here is a step by step guide on how I completed my application.

STEP 1 : Gather the visa requirements,

  1. Photo – passport sized (900 x 1200 pixels minimum), light colored background(except white, ideally light gray), JPEG Format straight from file. Bilhin nyo yung file ng picture sa studio. scanned from printed photo is not allowed; file size between 500KB and 3MB
  2. Valid Passport – scan pages with personal information; PDF Format
  3. Government issued Identification Card – either driver’s license, PRC, SSS, GSIS, TIN, Philhealth; PDF Format
  4. Proof of Employment – letter of approved leave from employer ideally with salary and other details ; PDF Format
  5. Evidence of Fund – Bank Certificate with ADB; Bank Statements; Updated Passbook; PDF Format
  6. Evidence of Onward Travel – Airline confirmed booking(meaning, ticket reservation from a reputable travel agency); PDF Format ; pwede rin Airline ticket mismo if you already have one, but not advised.
  7. Cover Letter – letter of intention. You may also put here your proposed day to day itinerary ; PDF Format
  8. Other Financial Document – Credit card billing statement, ITR; ; PDF Format
  9. For Self Employed – business permit, SEC or DTI registration. Annual ITR for the employed; PDF Format
  10. Record of Previous Travels – Scanned copy of your past and current passport with all stamps
  11. Copy of other Valid First World Visas (If available) – USA, Schengen, Japan or others; PDF Format

Re bank funds, some successful applicants mentioned “100 USD per day x # days stay x 2” maintaining balance. I guess we should prepare the same na din (or more) to prove our capacity to visit their country.

Step 2 : Go to https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa

Select appropriate visa options. it will look something like this.
Click on the RealMe Link at the bottom to start application

Step 3: Create a RealMe Account which serves as your application form. This is where you will be uploading all your infos and scanned documents.

Provide usual infos, username and password. This step will also ask for an email verification.
After Email verification, your RealMe account will now look something like this. Click the “Visitor Visa” Highlighted in RED.

Step 4: Fill up RealMe Form in order that is given.

Fill up all the “Identity and Contact” requirements. one after the other. Save infos from time to time.
This may be intimidating, but just say No to all these entries, unless you seriously have a condition to declare.
The interface still asks for this stage even if you declared “single” early on. Samok ha!
This is the part where you upload your JPEG and PDF files
The good thing about this interface is that it prompts you for detected errors such as this. Cool! Very first world!

Step 5: Submit online your completed RealMe Form. In 24 hours, you will receive an email confirmation and instructions on where to submit your passport. This is not yet your approval.

Step 6: Payment of Passport Handling Fee thru Bank.

While it is most common for applicants to submit their passports personally, NZ offers an option to pay through Banco de Oro, which is very favourable for people away from Manila. Passport handling will be catered by VFS Global, which is NZ embassy’s partner agency. Details can be found at http://www.vfsglobal.com/NewZealand/Philippines/how-to-apply.html

Instructions on Bank Transfer Payments are detailed on this website.

For my application, I paid the 570 Handling fee plus 380 Courier Fee for them to return my passport after assessment. I did not avail the SMS assistance anymore, since the updates on my application can be monitored on my RealMe Account

Print the bank form and show to the bank during payment.

Step 7: Submit Passport to VFS Office for Assessment and Verification

Photocopy Bank Deposit Slip/ Transfer Slip and submit this to VFS together with your valid passport, the printed and signed bank form, a printed copy of “thank you” page and the Email Confirmation. Applicants from the province may send their documents ti VFS via any preferred courier.

Step 8: Result

Once the result is released, VFS will send your passport back to your given address. Courier fee for the return is part of the prior payment.

NZ Visitor Visa issuance is indeed fast. I got my approval 4 days after submission of passport to VFS.

Points to remember:

As per website, results are released 20 days after the submission. However, most of the recent applicants got their results within 3 to 4 days!

Since this is an online application, no need to print and submit paper requirements. Unless your uploads are not clear, then they may ask for those.

You can apply as early as 6 months before the trip.

Grant on duration of stay varies. Wala talagang template for this. But definitely, your stay will not exceed 59 days at a time.

For online application, No more sticker on your passport. The approval certificate that will be emailed to you shall serve its purpose.

—0—-

So there, hopefully this blog will be of help by the time you apply for your own. Though I am fully aware that this guide will not guarantee approval for everybody. Kaya sabayan nyo nalang din ng Novena for 14 days with miryenda cream bread and mayonnaise.

This guide,however, is focused purely on tourism/holiday visit. For other types of application, see https://www.immigration.govt.nz for details.

Re Waived visa fee, there is no information on until when this waived fee will last. So while we are enjoying the current privilege, might as well consider visiting this green country very soon.

Lastly, if you are unsure of your documents, or if you find the D.I.Y. online application too complicated, please get in touch na lang with a reputable travel agency to process your papers.  Life is short, wag na pa stress!

Take Me Back Balabac: A Travel Guide 2018

Published on by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

With the clearest turquoise water and unspoilt shores, Balabac is one of the less visited destinations in the Philippines that deserves a spot on top of your travel bucket list. Here’s a quickie blog with nitty gritty details on how I reached the Balabac Group of Islands. But first, a little information muna about the place.

Balabac is a 2nd class municipality situated at the southwestern tip of Palawan province. Surrounded by the rich water of Sulu Sea, Balabac is a group of 31 islands and islets blessed with unspoiled fine sand beaches, wide sandbars and rich marine life. As per record, there are only about 40,000 inhabitants scattered around the islands. The province got much of its recent popularity after being featured by GMA’s Jessica Soho. As the show mentioned, this group of islands is our country’s last of the last frontier.

Balabac is only 8 hours away by boat to Malaysia. Kaya expect nalang that Malaysian products are a common thing in this very small province. Some locals do back door (paperless) entry to Malaysia, but as a responsible Filipino citizen, please do not consider doing that. No, no, no.

How to Get to Balabac – DIY Style

The municipality of Rio Tuba is the known gateway/commercial port with public boats traveling daily to Balabac main island where most of the community is located.

Puerto Princesa City — 6 hours –> Rio Tuba by bus + Rio Tuba — 3 to 4 hours –>Mainland Balabac by boat.

Public buses leave Puerto Princesa City (Palawan) from San Jose Terminal starting at 4AM. Fare is at P275++ for non-aircon bus and P450++ for aircon shuttle or bus, travel time is approximately six (6) hours.

From Rio Tuba, A public boat departs daily at around noon to mainland Balabac. Travel time is approximately four (4) hours and fare is P450 one-way. Please note that there is no fixed schedule of boat departure as it depends on sea condition and passenger traffic. Best to be at Rio Tuba as early as 10AM. You may also opt to stay overnight at Rio Tuba town. Basic pension houses at P 300-500/room can accommodate you.

Balabac Main Island Accommodation As recommended by a friend, JD lodging: (0910 662 0073) at P400 per night for 2 pax.

DIY Island Hopping from Balabac Mainland. To go around the sub islands, the only mode of transport is by boat. There are no public boats that go from island to island since most locals here own their own motorised boats. Chartering a small boat (4 pax-6 pax) from the locals usually starts at P5000 per day. Lodging houses can recommend this to you.

If you intend to stay outside of mainland Balabac, expect to homestay or with guided camping for a fee. It is advised that you pass by the municipality tourism desk upon arrival and have yourself registered. Small amount may be imposed to visitors in the coming months, as Balabac Tourism Board is already being put up at the moment.

Budget for 4 days 3 nights? Probably around P 7,000 to 9,000, assuming you’d share the boat rentals with 4 -6 pax.

Pre-arranged Tour Style – I Prefer this!

Considering its isolated location and limited facility, Balabac is relatively new to the tourism industry. Tourism standards are yet to be formalised. For convenience, as well as safety, I HIGHLY recommend joining pre-arranged tour to take you around the islands. A number of independent tour providers offer “island camping” packages with rides, insurance and on board meals for P 10,000 to P 12,500, 4 days,three nights. Check out Biyahe ni Josemanuel on facebook for recommendations.

What to Expect. As a relatively isolated destination, do not expect fancy accommodations and the comforts you’d find in Boracay. Balabac is more on the rough side for the adventure seekers. Clearly, it is not a destination for everybody at the moment. In addition, there are no ATMs in the Island. Bring enough cash with you; preferably small bills.

Best Time to Visit. Summer . March to May when the sky is clear and the water is calm. Imagine island hopping with a nagbabadyang typhoon…. rainy season is a no, no!

Safety. Security concerns have been raised in the past, particularly on foreign travelers (you may google these issues). As such, joining a pre-arranged group tour an advantage for safety and monitoring.

The importance of Insect Repellent Lotion. Some of the stops during the island hop have lots of mosquito and sand fleas. More to that, some parts of Balabac experienced Malaria scare last December 2017. As a precaution, bring your off lotion everywhere you go. Sleeved tops and long pants are also recommended, especially at night.

Mobile Networks. Mobile networks were said to be moderate 2G on the mainland, but most of the islands have none. Prepare to disconnect with your social media hang ups.

Toilet and Water Supply. When camping, expect the most basic toilet there is. Deep well freshwater on the islands is very limited. As such, limit your flush and bathing requirements to the minimum.

Electricity. Electricity at the mainland is said to be up to 12 midnight only. For island camping, solar power is utilised to supply only basic light and gadget charging between 6 to 10 PM.

Snorkeling. Balabac offers the best snorkling sites I’ve visited to date. You can clearly see the corals from the boat as the water is super clear and calm, hindi mo na kailangan bumaba. As a safety reminder, never do snorkeling on shallow water. Only do this when the reefs are ideally 3.0 meters away from you.

Kill nothing but time. Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures. Keep nothing but memories.

Checklist on Things to Bring

-A Lot of Sunblock (Organic/Reef Friendly Please!)
-Insect repellent lotion , moisturizing lotion, skin cooling mist spray
-Rashguard / Aqua Shoes
-Long sleeves / leggings
-Flash light / head lamp
-Powerbanks and extension wire
-Camera / Go pro (Having a drone would be perfect!)
-Snorkel gears
-Waterproof Bag
-First Aid Kit

-Sleeping bag ,Extra food/Snacks/Canned goods if you’re going camping.

Here’s a short video blog from by Balabac Tour. Enjoy =)

One Day Binge Eating Around Puerto Princesa (with Prices and Menu)

Published on by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

During my recent trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, I had one spare-chill day to explore the local food scene of the lovely city. I tried to avoid famous touristy restaurants and preferred to check on hole in the walls where locals usually dine. Walkable restaurants lang within the city centre, particularly near Rizal Avenue where I stayed. Here’s how my day went.

Breakfast:

I was on my leisurely 7 am walk from the city cathedral to Baywalk when I passed by this quaint food kiosk serving lomi near Balayong Pension House. Madami na’ng tao that early, and looking at their hefty serving, I already felt that I am at the right place to have breakfast. Huge bowl with egg and meat slices, meatballs, lumpia and chicharon topping with a load of garlic bits. Ala Eh’ Lomi is worthy of a recommendation.

Lunch:

For lunch, local friends recommended Itoy’s Coffee Haus. Itoy’s is said to be the first legit coffee shop in PP, which also offers a lot of food choices on their menu. I tried the Sizzling Bulalo, which is said to be the house specialty; and it did not disappoint. Tender beef, marrow and a hefty creamy sauce to complete the set. 200 Pesos per serve, good for 2 pax. 

Noon Snack:

Reef Hotdog; A small hotdog stand near the provincial capitol with very high ratings on tripadvisor. I was intrigued with the reviews so I made time to check it out and it did not disappoint. The kiosk basically serves gourmet European style sausages with a great deal of sauces and toppings to choose from. I had pineapple curry sauce with caramelised onion for my cheesy Hungarian. Awesome!

The place is run by a German and his filipino wife. No wonder this is a to go place for foreigners. Buns range from 120 to 200 Pesos.

Early dinner:

Puerto Princesa Baywalk Park. For early dinner, I met up with a friend to share a hefty meat, steamed vegetable and seafood boodle set with. 300 pesos lang for two pax, but seriously, this could feed more! Beachfront ambiance is also a plus plus plus for this place.

Late night eats:

I had a hearty bowl of chao long noodles at Thalia’s to close off this binge eating. Chao long is basically Palawan’s version of the Vietnamese Pho. Palawan has strong ties with the vietnamese immigrants since the WW2. As such, Pho noodles, spring rolls and Bhan Me’s are common sight around the city.

Chao long, however, is really a rice and pork porridge dish in Vietnam, I don’t know why that name was given to a noodle dish when it arrived in Palawan. They must have had some translation issues in the past. But whatever! Bala sila dyan.

So there, I ordered beef stew chao long at Thalia’s. It was good. filling. broth is more on the sweet side with a kick of hot spice. There’s another more famous chao long in PP called Bona’s, but a local told me it is super MSG. As such, I opted to settle for Thalia’s. It did not disappoint.

So there you go, that is how Jose Manuel overeats. Sabayan nyo na ako next time. ‘Til then =)

The Balabac Squad

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My 4 days and 3 nights island camping trip Balabac,Palawan was made even more fun and perky by these awesome travelers. Cheers to more epic travel stories for us in the future! Check out this video blog attached. Para sa inyo to lahat. Halong sa inyo tanan dira! =)

Balabac trip details? Wait lang guys. susunod nah. =)