Merry Christmas 2011 : Emmanuel by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ

Emmanuel by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ

Isang dalaga'y maglilihi
Batang lalaki ang sanggol
Tatawagin Siyang Emanuel
Emanuel

Isang dalaga'y maglilihi
Batang lalaki ang sanggol
Tatawagin Siyang Emanuel
Emanuel

Magalak isinilang ang Poon
Sa sabsaban Siya'y nakahimlay
Nagpahayag ang mga anghel
"Luwalhati sa Diyos!"

Isang dalaga'y maglilihi
Batang lalaki ang sanggol
Tatawagin Siyang Emanuel
Emanuel

Isang dalaga'y maglilihi
Batang lalaki ang sanggol
Tatawagin Siyang Emanuel
Emanuel

Isang dalaga'y maglilihi
Batang lalaki ang sanggol
Tatawagin Siyang Emanuel
Emanuel

Kahuluga'y "Nasa atin ang Diyos!"
"Nasa atin ang Diyos!"
"Nasa atin ang Diyos!"

- - -

Kuya B (3 yrs. old): "Mama, whose birthday is it?"
Kuya B's Mom: "Anak, we're celebrating the birthday of Jesus."

I had not heard those words mentioned in a looooonnnnnnggggg time.
So much so that I consider myself blessed to have been reminded of
the true reason for Christmas.

A Blessed Christmas to you and your family!

A Day in the Life of an Overseas Filipino

The December 2011 Calendar

My goodness, how time flies! I can't believe it's been a week since M and I moved

into our new home. I'm really happy that the family is finally together again.

As you can see, we're starting over... I thought it was about time we made a

calendar for our Christmas activities... Unfortunately, we didn't have a printer,  

so I hand made the calendar instead. 

Yes, moving overseas is not just about packing your bags and leaving; more

so when there are kids involved. This move has long been planned and prayed 

for. Our non negotiable: we'll do this only if the family can be together.

I share this because I know many Filipinos dream of living overseas. Don't 

just jump and take the plunge. Pray and discern. Research and prepare as

much as you can. 

If you're leaving a spouse or child behind, give yourself a deadline for how 

long you will be apart. Learn from the mistakes of others; there are way too 

many broken OFW families. Refuse to be a statistic!

A new adventure has begun. It is scary and exciting at the same time. We 

continue to pray for His blessing, guidance and grace.

p.s. I just realized that I did not say much about what my day is like... It's 
not all set yet... However, the goal is for me to do VA work during the 
evenings so that I can take care of M during the day. 
... Oh yes, the calendar photo is dark as it was taken late in the evening...  
Computers and toddlers don't exactly work well together...  As such, I have
limited my computer use to late at night... 

What is a Digital Nomad?

Image courtesy of kangotraveler

In the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people
hopping off from one country to another. Real people who've decided to ditch regular
life as we know it to head off to some other part of the world. You may know them
as digital nomads, location independents and vagabonds. Tim Ferriss of the 4 Hour 
Work Week, you sure put a lot of icing on this cake.

I had a funny conversation with my mom on why digital nomads, location independents
and vagabonds exist. You have to understand, there are many Overseas Filipino
Workers aka OFWs living and working in various parts of the world. OFWs usually
go overseas because there are better job prospects overseas. Yes, it is usually a case
of necessity. Most would rather be at home with their families; if only...

On the other hand, digital nomads, location independents and vagabonds, go overseas
for more personal reasons. They usually just want to experience what life has to offer
in this side of the world. Yes, a great number of them are here in Asia. Lo and behold,
a bunch of them were recently in my backyard for their MBA. They're here to try out
the food, the culture and the slower pace of life. Of course, it's a plus that their Dollars
and Euros go a long way here.

Mind you, this lifestyle is not just for slackers. A good number of them are
entrepreneurs. And how do they manage that? Virtual Assistants, like myself, are
hired by these digital nomads, location independents and vagabonds to ensure that
work gets done even while they're in some tropical isle.

If you're wondering, Is this for real? Or, Has the world really changed that much?
Oh yes, it most definitely has.

My life as a Virtual Assistant is taking on a new direction; hopefully for the better.
I will try to post more on this. Stay tuned.

The Philippines is the Social Networking Capital of the World

Image courtesy of Nations Online

According to 24/7 Wall St., The Philippines is the Social Networking Capital
of the World!

Im sure this comes to no surprise for most Pinoys. I'm probably not the only one
to notice a decrease in emails and sms, and an increase in Facebook posts from
friends. How about hanging out with friends? I think that has gone down
too --- people don't bother to meet up as much because the latest news is on
Facebook for all to see.

Facebook is actually quite useful. You have to understand, most, if not all Pinoys
know at least one person who has moved to another province or another country
(any OFW reading this???). Relationships are highly valued in Filipino culture. Thus,
it is only normal that we Filipinos find ways to connect to family and friends. Thank
you Facebook for making things a lot easier for us.

However, bragging rights aside, we Filipinos just have to be careful that we're not
overdoing all this. Sure, Facebook is a great means of communicating with others.
But let's not allow Facebook to hamper our personal and professional lives. It's
important that we strike a balance between our online and offline activities.

Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5B

Oh my gosh! Just read the news, Microsoft Buys Skype for $8.5Billion.
I will definitely be on the look out for news on Microsoft's plans for Skype.

You have to understand, H and I use Skype everyday. Why? First, because
it's free. Second, because the quality of one's conversation tremendously

improves when it's a face to face communication. I've noticed that OFWs

who use Skype have better family relationships than those who only use

audio communication. 

I'm oh so hoping that Microsoft's plans for Skype include retaining the free
plan. I guess it's now a game of wait and see.

How to Get an NBI Clearance for an OFW

**28 Sept 2013 Update**

I am updating this post as people still drop by in search of answers.

Let me start of by saying that I have NOT requested for an NBI Clearance
in years.

A year or so ago, a friend did get his NBI Clearance. If I remember correctly,
the new procedure is such that the OFW needs to go to the nearest embassy /
consular office for an imprint of his/her 10 digits (all fingers). This will then
be authenticated. The OFW will then send the document to a family
member in the Philippines. The family member will then have to bring
the document to the NBI for the issuance of the clearance.

Things to remember:
- The OFW should call in advance and make an appointment for this: find out
what documents need to be brought, what fees are involved, what method of
payment is accepted, etc. Take note that not all consular offices can
process this request.
- The OFW should make an authorization letter for the family member who
will process the NBI Clearance.

Good luck and God bless!

=======================

Original Post

Hubby is currently somewhere out there. I on the other hand still reside in
THE KAMAO country. Lately, I had the good fortune of having to obtain an
NBI Clearance for H. Yes, no personal appearance is required. BUT BUT BUT,
I had to go to the Victory Mall in Caloocan to get it done.

The fastest way to get there is by LRT. Traffic is terrible from all directions.
Forget parking! The mall doesn't have one?!?!? Remember to alight at the
Monumento Station. When you leave the LRT, turn left then cross the road.
Voila! You have made it to the Victory Mall.

The NBI office is on the 5th Floor. When you enter the building, walk over
to the other end of the mall. This is where the elevator is at. You can
disregard this part. But that would mean taking the scenic route. You see,
the Victory Mall escalators have been strategically placed so that you have
to walk past everyone and everything to get to the 5th Floor. Not that bad
if you're looking for a bargain.

When you get to the 5th floor go to Rm 504. Tell them that Hubby or Wifey
is out of the country and that you need to get an NBI Clearance for him/her.
You then proceed with processing the NBI request (the entrance of which is
at the other end of the 5th Floor). The NBI Clearance comes out around a
week after.

Things to Bring:
1. The OLD NBI Clearance - this is for the NBI's reference. It also
comes in handy when hubby or wifey has the same name as
someone else.
2. Copy of the husband / wife's passport - include the page with
the stamp that shows that your spouse is elsewhere.
3. The CURRENT ADDRESS of the huband/wife - they will put this
on the NEW NBI Clearance.
4. The Authorization Letter - 'nuff said.
5. Official I.d. - this is for the one processing the Clearance.
6. 2pcs 2x2 Photo (White Background) - this is for the NBI Clearance's
owner -- this will be scanned and used for the NEW NBI Clearance.
7. Money for the fees.
8. A black ballpen.
9. "Mr. Magtanong" for the questions you might be too shy to
ask yourself. LOL

Please do not expect a picture. This is the last place you'd want to be
bringing the camera.


NBI Clearance Center
5th Floor Victory Central Mall
Monumento, Caloocan City
Tel 351-4149, 351-0619
www.nbi.gov.ph




Note: This NBI Facility ceased operations on June 2011.