We were supposed to go to our company outing in Waterfront Beach Resort, but since we were able to leave the house at around 9am already due to a series of booboos, we decided not to go there anymore since it was too late. (we were supposed to leave at 6am) sigh...
We decided instead to go to Sunset Cove, also in Morong Bataan. This is a resort recommended by my friend, apple. We wanted a beautiful, not-too-crowded beach resort for Bea’s first Beach experience, and we got just that.
The resort’s owner, Mrs. Cecille Jimenez is very warm and welcoming. She is so hands-on when it come to running the family resort. 
When we arrived, they had no electricity. we were definitely bummed out. it was lunch time already and it was hot. i was hoping to rest in our airconditioned room. the owners were apologetic, assuring us that this is a rare occassion. they even lent us plastic beach beds and pillows so that we can rest outside, beside our nipa hut. hubby was disappointed, but was soon snoring off to dreamland since the bed was comfy and the ocean breeze was very relaxing. the thick trees also provided cool shade for us weary travelers.
I was pretty excited to get a passport for my daughter; this will be her first ever valid ID. First things first, I had to prepare the requirements. (I just called the NSO hotline: (( 02) 737-1111)
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST-TIME APPLICANTS:
Additional Requirements:
For Minors (below 18 years old)
Personal appearance of either parent (if minor is of legitimate status).
Personal appearance of mother (if minor is of illegitimate status)
** There is no need for a personal appearance of the minor
If minor is NOT traveling with either parent:
Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance
Affidavit of Support and Consent
If both parents are abroad:
Affidavit of support and consent (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Consul).
Special Power of Attorney (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Consul designating the representative by name and authorizing him to apply for a passport on behalf of the minor).
Passport and photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion of the minor.
Identification Card and photocopy thereof of the duly authorized person.
When we had all the requirements, the next step was to go to the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Site to get an appointment (click here to be directed to appointment page). This step is key, believe me! When hubby and I got to the DFA, we were shocked at the mass of people lined up at the basketball court. At first I thought we had to go and line up too, but then we were informed that if you didn’t get an appointment online, you’d HAVE to fall in line FOR AN APPOINTMENT, and then go back the next day to have your application processed. Since we already have an appointment, we skipped that loooong line. (whew!) I scheduled an appointment for the three of us on Saturday afternoon and was scheduled the following Tuesday afternoon. Just remember to print the DFA’s confirmation letter along with the application form (downloadable from their site) that way you’ll save time by accomplishing these forms beforehand.
My daughter being a minor, I had to sign my daughter’s application form on her behalf, I was also the one who placed my thumb marks.
Then we went directly to gate 2. From there we were directed to a room filled with people sitting on long benches. We also fell in line. The wait was not that long, plus we were comfortable since we were sitting down. When it was our turn, the girl behind window # 3 checked our documents and asked me to have my application form photocopied because it a duplicate was attached to Bea’s application. 
After this, we were directed to the auditorium where payments are made.
PASSPORT FEES:
Regular Processing
(14 working days)
44-Page = P 500.00
Expedited Processing
(7 working days)
Additional P 250.00
Replacement of Lost valid Passport
44-Page = P 700.00
Then we had to fall in line again for the encoding. Again we were made comfortable because we were provided with seats. The line moved fast since there were more than fifteen encoders arranged in a semi circle in the auditorium.
After this, we headed back to the basketball court where there were companies offering door to door deliveries. If you wanted to save a hundred pesos, you can opt to return to the DFA and claim your passport yourself, or you can choose to avail of their services and have your passport delivered to your door step. You can choose from LBC, 2Go, Air 21 and DHL. We chose 2Go not only because they were a peso cheaper (P99), they also exerted more effort in trying to lure us in. hahaha. I got the feeling of being in the MOA seaside area were guys/girls/gays beckoned at everyone passing by to come and try their food. =)
That was the last step, and then the waiting begins. I’m so excited!
