My passport expires on 25 December, 2010, I know the guy in Hawaii who issued that to me, got a real big laugh out of that, but since it was ten years down the road I blew it off.
Here in the Subic Area the Embassy has an outreach Program, and every 90 days they visit to help out us old geezers who don’t like to go to Manila.
Last year when I applied for Social Security, I spent more time eating breakfast than I did applying for the SSA. I was out of the building within 20 minutes after talking to the very helpful lady from the Embassy.
So Friday 3 September I’ll go again and renew my passport, August 24th, I went to town to get new passport photos, thinking to myself that I really don’t need them as they will probably take my picture there with a computer, but why take the chance and miss out, and I need to have a great lunch and do some shopping while in town anyway.
Prior to this year you had to have USD’s to do any business with the U.S. Government, here in the R.P., and according to the notice I received by e-mail, now only Philippines Pesos are accepted. Which is good for me, as I only have pesos, I just don’t have much use for “Bucks” here? Can you believe they send out notices by e-mail? I must be special, or was it that I signed up to receive them. Albeit, most of the notices tell me not to come here as it’s too dangerous, should I tell them I’m here and perfectly safe? They’ll find that out when I go there Friday.
Tuesday Morning I go to the photo store, the same one I went to ten years ago to get photo’s for my Visa to reside here, that day I was told no, as they had no film. I did wonder why they bothered to open. But it’s all digital now so I took a chance. I could have done this at home with my computer, but I had no photo paper, and the other thought was that the Embassy would not like the picture. So I wanted that lunch in town anyway.
Sir you must remove your glasses, I told them that my embassy wanted me to have them on (my first mistake), the last time the request was, that I had to have a shirt with a collar, some local rule I guess.
Young man would you put a copy of my picture on my USB, Oh no sir, that’s not allowed, then it dawned on me that if he did, I’d have no reason to ever come back there. Okay fine, no USB.
Sir, it will take two hours to process your order. I was the only customer there, and his computer was already lit off. Okay I’ll go next door and see if they are any faster. Ten minutes later I left with photos in hand. Nice young man he was!
Nice lunch also, fish & chips (Dorado) with real Malt Vinegar, quite good. Goes very well with a cold SMB, but then doesn’t everything? Now I just wait ‘till Friday morning.
Shower, shave and off to The Grand Leisure Hotel on Subic Freeport, the Embassy always stay at the best hotel, and I want them to. I arrive at 07:45, all paperwork in hand and take a number, run into a few folks I know and spend some time talking and joking. Hey it’s also a social event. Aside from that I did notice that I was one of the younger people there, notwithstanding the 4 dozen children running in all direction at once
Number 37 was my luck of the draw and my place in line, but even then I was done by 10:20 am, not bad and all went smoothly. Well there was one small thing, the pictures I brought, it seems that my eyeglasses were two dark, I guess I should never have purchased those glasses, as they have the photochromic lens. (For those who don’t wear glasses, there the one’s that turn dark in the sun.) The head Embassy guy looked at the pictures and told me he didn’t see a problem, but I could just FedEx, some new ones if they were rejected, and took my phone number and e-mail just in case.
But here’s the part I really liked, they put all your paperwork in an envelope and after you pay the fees, there is a FedEx table and for 350 pesos they send the papers to the Embassy for processing, and it also covers the return delivery of the passport to your door.
But there is always a rub. It has nothing to do with the U.S. Government, and everything to do with the Philippine Government. My old passport holds all my entry visas, and information to back up my ACR or I-Card that allows me to stay here, and in 2012 when I renew my I-Card I must show those visas, how smooth do you think that will go?
What is the chance I can get it done with the same speed and ease as with renewing my passport. Or how do I leave the country when my new passport has no stamps or visas in it. Readers stay tuned, as I feel one heck of an article coming up in the near future. Even though the Embassy will return my old passport, I feel doom and gloom in my future. I choose to reside here, and I’ll need a new adventure by then, which proves, that my glass is half full, I’m just not sure what’s in it.
Addendum: Remember I wrote about Pesos vice USD’s? 60% of the people there Friday, never got the memo. I could have made a killing selling pesos, if I’d brought 50,000 with me!
Love it Paul, nice story. Yeah, in theory you should be able to staple your old passport to the back of your new passport, and immigration officials will understand. On the other hand, they may see it as an opportunity to extract more pesos from you. I guess you could contact the immigration department and ask what you should do, then await their reply which will probably won’t come, because the reader of your letter won’t know what to do, but won’t want to admit it, so he or she will thrown away your letter and pretend it never arrived. So, you might have to go there in person. Have a large breakfast that day, because your lunch might be delayed!
Best of luck.
Oh boy, I love irony.
Preben;
I find irony, to be very ironic. But it becomes part of living here, and that’s what makes it fun!
Jim;
Theory, now that is the key word in this saga. I took your advice and wrote a letter to the Immigration Office in Manila, then shredded it so at least I got some satisfaction out of it, and I eliminated the wait for the non-response.
Senior;
I just renewed my passport here in J-ville for that long awaited trip to Subic for that Cold San Miguel you promised me at Texas Joe’s. OH Having a momment LOL
Anyway they returned all my paperwork and my old passport with holes punched in the top.
So I do believe they will return the same for you after all it is the same US Gov.
That’s good information that the US Embassy comes to Subic for us to do paperwork.
My wife hates the traffic in Manila.
Hi Mike;
Yes they said my old passport would be returned with the new one, but I still have to get the Philippines to move all the Visa stamps to the new one, to be legal. That is going to be a MAJOR, MAJOR hassle. But I’ll freely accept the challenge!!! Bob, like how I snuck that Major major in?
I knew a Major hassle when I was in the Air Force…He worked along side Major Malfunction. They both worked for General Disaster.
Hudson;
Very, very good! Thank the stars the Navy had no rank called Major, but we had many with rank that were Major pains…
Hi Paul – Now you join the club where members race their passports to see who can go the longest without expiring. 😆
Sidebar question: Based on the pictures, plus pictures I’ve seen on other websites, is there a Hulk Hogan look-alike contest going on in the Phils? Seems that wherever I go or whatever picture that contains expats, I see the familiar mustache, receding hairline, remaining hair sort of a whitish blonde, . . .oh, wait a minute, that might be age. Quick, the antidote: SMB
😆
Paul from Ohio, who ran away from the rainy season;(lol)
When I lived in Clearwater Florida (before Mr. Hogan) all my friends would say that some old guy from WW something or another) was trying very hard to steal my “Look”, we settled out of court. Get back to the Islands, Shipmate!
Paul,
Just trying to inject a little humor here.
Your picture said “not bad for 63”. Does that mean age 63 or photo was taken in 1963.
Joke lang.
Danny Thompson
To my Younger Brother Dan;
Your parents had told you, your 4 siblings have told you, all that know you have told you, leave the humor to Paul. Hey little Bro, I’m glad you’ve finally logged on to LiP. That was just sibling rivalry about the humor. How’s the weather on Old Cape Cod. (is that from a song?) Don’t be a stranger, like our brother Steve, I know you’ve got that sharp Thompson wit. It’s 2010 has our brother Richard found his way onto the information superhighway yet. or is he still in the parking lot? Love ya bro!
Good article, Paul! Where does my fiancee’ go to apply for her passport? I suppose once she is issued a passport, then we will have to decide which visa to apply for; fiancee’ visa or spousal visa? Many thanks to anyone who wants to comment.
Forgot to mention, my fiancee’ lives in Tondo.
Thanks,
Ed
Ed;
That helps, still the passport is easy for her to get, the visa you must apply for at home, requesting for her which type is best. Call the State Dept. (or e-mail) and get the correct info from them. Philippines, issues the passport, visas are issued by the country you are going to.
Ed;
Philippine or Other passport? I’m not trying to be funny. If it’s Philippines, most large towns have an immerigration office, and travel agents may also do it for her for a fee. If it’s Other, you have to partition for her visa in your home country, and go to your embassy here. Somebody jump in and help me answer this mans question, I don’t want to steer him wrong!
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the informative article! Do you or anyone else know if Davao has a outreach program or would passport renewal have to be done in Manila?
Ed;
Bob or someone from Davao would have to help you on that, my knowledge level on Davao is low.
Usually, there is a US Embassy Outreach in Davao twice per year… usually it is in April and October. The past couple of years, with money being really tight, the outreach has been scaled back, but I don’t know what the future holds.
Bob; Thank you for that info.
Good Article Paul,
I want to know if you have a problem with your passport or social security Or IRS does it all have to be done in Manila? Like the previous reader…Davao???
Hudson;
Again I know the Embassy comes to Angeles City and Olongapo City every 90 days, as for the rest of the Islands, you’ll have to check with the Embassy on line.
Paul, always enjoy your stories, and jokes.
I’m getting close to a pensionable age. I was wondering, will the US send the SS money direct to a Philippines Bank or do you have to maintain a US bank account and send the money from there? Also, how does the US keep track of someone receiving SS payments in the Philippines to make sure they are still alive? It’s pretty easy to keep track if you live in the US but I imagine more difficult in the Philippines.
Mike;
The first question I have no answer for, but check with the Social Security Office or online and I’ll wager you’ll find what you need.
The Second Question, in a country that has a Fountain of Youth, like the Philippines, the government (US) found that Spanish American War Vets, were still collecting their pensions. The Embassy now requires retires be seen in person, but I don’t know how often, I know I got a letter a few years back, telling me to report. I answered back and told them I’d report the next time they came to Subic, and they seemed pleased with that. So I guess after a certain age they do. But again ask The Embassy to be sure.
Mike they will direct deposit in a Philippine bank,I have a friend in Subic that has his deposited in a dollar account. never has had a problem.
Mike and Wayne:
There you go Mike, another great LiP reader renders aid in a time of need. Wayne, Thank you for helping out Mike!
A veritable fountain of information…spurting wit and wisdom, lol.
Mark;
Drooling maybe, but spurting? (lol) But I am bright enought to admit, when I just don’t know something.
Good story Paul
I especially like the part about fish, chips & SM! The last time I got a passport here I had to sit in a room with about 100 people and wait 5 hours, trying not to start swearing. I know Canada is a better place to be than a lot of countries, but lately I have been shaking my head and wondering what the hell is wrong with the government here. Don’t the people who work there live here too? The provincial government just changed the tax system on pruchasing. We now have HST – 12% on everything! I got a burger,fries,onion rings & pop at A & W yesterday and it cost me $12.50! But I am off subject. My passport expires January 2012 and I am already dreading the lineup.
Allan;
I applied in Guam in 1995 for a Philippine Visa. The pretty little girl said 3 days wait. I smiled and said “I’m the only person here. my flight leaves in 5 hours!” Now that was a lie, I was flying in a week. Then I told her; “It’s my baby’s Birthday bukas, and I have all her presents here in Guam.” I know I’m shameless, but my passport was stamped and I was having a beer within 30 minutes.
HST? 12% do they collect that with a gun? “HST, the “He’s Screwed Tax” It’s a small wonder that half your counties population, live in Arizona and Florida.
Paul,
Good story as always! Glad to hear you can have fun while doing this passport and visa deals. That is the one thing I hate most here (in Kuwait)! I get the run around each time it seems. Everytime you get sent from one room to the next getting all sort of signatures! Just wish we had a place to get a SMB to make it all worth while!
Steve;
I’ve been off the coast of Kuwait, delivering supplies to the U.S. Fleet, when sailing Merchants, for some reason they did not want us ashore, I’ll assume they weren’t under attack that week.
Hi Senior, always entertaining and humorous article. Thanks and hi to all sailor on this tread and web blog. Like and Paul K, I’m a sailor to, retired MCPO, only better—US Coast Guard-Coastie! Ha Ha! Now that, that’s out of the way…
@Mike Haydock: Yes, sometimes the US Embassy will pay you visit to check if SS recipient is still alive. I was on vacation in 2003 and my Mom said a young American came to visit and verify if she is still living. The young kid recommended to consolidate the SS that my Mom is receiving with my allotment from my Coast Guard salary to avoid thief and have a direct deposit. So at least they check, or maybe just a typical government travel boondoggle—Boracay Beach Resort is just a little more than one hour away from my Mom’s house.
keep the funnies coming, Senior Chief.
Mars
Mars Z;
My best friend from High School is a retired MCPO, from the USCG Johnny Marx. And my dad was USCG 10 years, until he switched to Navy during WWII, (the Navy gave him the “Chief’s Hat”. Boy did he know all the inter-service jokes.
Shipmate, also thanks for helping Mike out with that answer. All is still well here in the land of coconuts and good beer. Life is good, and the living is easy. ( I stole that line from a song) Welcome aboard Master Chief, hope to hear more from the Coast Guard, but not Homeland Security. (lol)
Yes, been reading Lip for almost two years but had just the courage to join the fun. yeah, I spent 30 years and retired here near DC (last tour at USCG HQ). Wish I could be there too. But stuck here right now in Northern Virginia—retired since 1998 and quit work last December 2010. I can’t even find a SMB here in the East Coast liquor store. Been going to Savannah Georgia every 2 weeks the past four months trying to sell a house but no buyer right now–burning that rubber on I-95. Thanks.
Semper Paratus-Everybody forgotus””–you know everytime the government needs a fill-in they move the Coast Guard there–Ha Ha-Homeland Insecurity. Before 1967, we were under Treasury, but Nixon wants to create a Secretary Cabinet job for the Dept of Transportation and we moved there so that the dept have enough people to warrant a Cabinet position—our job remains the same, just different stationary.
Ticker: Just starting to watch the kick-off between the Saints and the Vikings-first Regular game of the NFL season–Go Falcons (they play against the Steelers on Sunday)
keep in the shade Senior,
Mars
Mars;
You forgot the Dept. of the Navy during WWII, you guys get around. They want to change the Dept. of the Navy to the Dept. of the Navy, and the Marine Corp. That’s about time that happened, The Corp always did have the best looking’ uniform.
We get football on Monday morning and Tuesday morning, a little early for a beer, but then who cares?
Savannah, now that’s one of the greatest little towns I’ve ever been to, I love that place. I also liked Charleston too. When I lived in the Tampa FL area I could get SMB, paper label (export) is was horrible.
Paul, the Prez can order elements or all of the Coast Guard under the Navy during wartime under some law that I forgot–hey that was on the E-5 promotion test question!
Savannah is a beautiful town. St. Pats is a big beer party, second biggest St Pats celebration the US. Was station in Charleston from ’74-’80, that’s how I met my wife from Savannah. But while station in Base Charleston as a single person, the command always send you TAD all over the 7th District (FL), Jax-Mayport, Miami and TAD on the ship to Bahamas, etc. I don’t think they can do that singling the single guys to go TAD all the time. That would be discrimination! In the old days, nobody cares and you don’t call the ACLU. You pack your seabag and jump. The beer is always colder on the other unit, especially if you are only there for a week.
Lots of retired Navy friend in Charleston. Last month I spend a night at my friends house in Summerville, he was station in one of the Boomers in Naval station and on the Base–lots of memories. I think JAWZ is from there somewhere according to hi previous post or just outside Chasn.
To get a real SMB here, have to go on board one of those ship where their a lot of Filipino crew.
Mars;
I had a house out side Charleston in Goose Creek, I know Summerville Area well (or used too). I was on a Sub Tender there (USS L.Y. Spear (AS-39) we’re shaving with her now.
Paul:
My house was in N. Charleston off Stonehaven Drive just south of the AF Base. I know where Goose Creek is –where the Naval weapons station is. They close the main base and portion of it is being use by the Coast Guard High Endurance Cutter. Last month, my friend has to pick me up off I-26. I did not recognize Summerville anymore –all built up. Completely different than when I left in 1980 for Panama City, FL. When year was it when you were in Chasn?. So you did your Underway Training in Gitmo, before it became famous? Enjoyed the outdoor movie, take out beer and popcorn–went there three times. Hated the NBC concrete box (another story).
Gitmo, oh Gitmo on Cuba’s fair shore.
The land of the cockroach, the flea and the wh–e.
We thank the Navy, that we’re not here to stay.
Let’s get the hell out of Guantanamo Bay
You forgot the cattle car that takes you back to the pier.
Hey Paul,
Another great read! Always an adventure in the PI.
🙂
Danny
Thank you Danny;
And your right about the adventure!
The cattle car–how could I forget. In ’81, just after the Cuban boatlift, we went there directly for our Underway Training and riding the cattle car with the crew from the Sub Tender from Jax (forgot the name) from the club, they rocking the bus while singing “We all live in the gray piece of sh-t” to the tune of the famous Beatle tune. The Haitian driver would stop the cattle car and wait for the MP’s to quell the fun. This well be repeated about 5 times before reaching the pier. I have a poem somewhere about morning in gitmo.
Mars
Mars;
I’ll guarantee they were not the first group to shake the cattle car.
Oh wait, I’m having a senior moment. In the ’80s they are already using a bus, school bus type, but they both rock. It was in ’72, my first Gitmo when I experience the cattle car. The “Navy Riders” had to keep us extra week, we didn’t pass all the requirements. We were on this old WWII ship just got back Vietnam and was renovated like adding real bunk and A/C, plus removing all the anti-sub stuff and torpedo, in short a major rehab. She was one of the only US ship that was at Pearl Harbor during the attacked. She was decom in ’86 and now a museum in downtown Baltimore harbor. Herr’s the poem about Gitmo:
Morning at Gitmo
As I awoke this morning, the wind was soft and still;
A little Robin came and sat, upon my window sill.
The song it sang so sweetly, without a moments lull,
I gently close the window, and crush its f—king skull.
I guess you can call it Morning in Zambales or where ever you but, do the have Robin there?
Mars
Last te I was there was in the 70’s, then I went right coast andjoined WesPac.
Paul this is just slightly off topic, but is there a decent beach in Bataan where I can take the asawa, two teenage boys and the dog for a day trip? Clean water to swim in, enough sand to kick a football, some edible local food n drinks and all within walking distance of a parking spot? I’d be grateful for any suggestions.
Ken;
I live at the very top of the Bataan Peninsula, there are no Bataan Beaches in my area, I use the Beaches on the Subic Freeport, which are always clean, with ample parking and good chow abounds. Depending on the direction you are traveling from, to go down Bataan towards the two coasts, it will be a long trip. Yes there are fine beaches and quaint fishing villages down south of me, it’s just too far for a day trip. Subic is only 10 minutes away from my house using the back gate, so I go there.
Thanks Paul. We’ll explore Subic some more.