September 27, 2007
I'm here...
...still here, in the Philippines, at home, writing this blog entry.
I wasn't able to fly away because apparently, I didn't have exit clearance from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Of course, I had no idea whatsoever that every Filipino working abroad (immigrants are excluded) has to pass by the POEA office first to get cleared to leave the country. If you are a Filipino and you are going to work abroad soon, please make sure to go to the POEA office (the main branch is in Ortigas) and get your exit clearance ASAP; here's how.
There I was, having exhausted all my tearful farewells, all ready to check-in, only to be told I couldn't leave. Talk about anti-climactic. My family had to fetch me from the airport, already a balikbayan. We just laughed at the whole episode. Thanks to our contact at the POEA, I was able to secure my exit clearance in record time; 6 hours, as opposed to days! My flight has been re-booked and I'm leaving (again) tomorrow morning at 8 am.
There's a reason things like this happen. I've been able to spend another day with my family, make some last minute purchases and printouts, and even watch the Ateneo-La Salle game (hahaha, talo La Salle, 1 point!). I bet tomorrow's farewell won't be as heart-wrenching.
(P.S. I am now officially an OFW, and proud of it! Mabuhay ang mga Bagong Bayani!)
...still here, in the Philippines, at home, writing this blog entry.
I wasn't able to fly away because apparently, I didn't have exit clearance from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Of course, I had no idea whatsoever that every Filipino working abroad (immigrants are excluded) has to pass by the POEA office first to get cleared to leave the country. If you are a Filipino and you are going to work abroad soon, please make sure to go to the POEA office (the main branch is in Ortigas) and get your exit clearance ASAP; here's how.
There I was, having exhausted all my tearful farewells, all ready to check-in, only to be told I couldn't leave. Talk about anti-climactic. My family had to fetch me from the airport, already a balikbayan. We just laughed at the whole episode. Thanks to our contact at the POEA, I was able to secure my exit clearance in record time; 6 hours, as opposed to days! My flight has been re-booked and I'm leaving (again) tomorrow morning at 8 am.
There's a reason things like this happen. I've been able to spend another day with my family, make some last minute purchases and printouts, and even watch the Ateneo-La Salle game (hahaha, talo La Salle, 1 point!). I bet tomorrow's farewell won't be as heart-wrenching.
(P.S. I am now officially an OFW, and proud of it! Mabuhay ang mga Bagong Bayani!)
hehe. i'll take note of that clearance, it might be helpful someday.
Good luck, bossing!
I'm sure you'll make all Pinoys proud!!!
take care.
Thanks for the warning. =) I'll keep that in mind when I visit home in March. Good luck with all the paperwork!
unfortunately, the blue boys gave up the last game to the green shirts :(
5 points :(
hehe, hope the weather's treating you fine over there
punzki! bagong bayani!
Been busy settling in Redmond? Keen to see some photos soon :)
Wow. Sobrang late ako sa balita. Hahaha, Nandito ka na din pala ;)
Anyway, God Bless Punzki! My wife is coming in today and the good thing is that we were able to secure those OWWA papers as early as 3 weeks ago.
Hopefully i could see you next month in Redmond. What project are you connected to?