March 8, 2021 / Monday / Quarantine Hotel / Swab Test Day

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These are the documents you need if you are arriving to the Philippines as a former national or BALIKBAYAN

1. US Passport 

2. Original NSO  Birth Certificate.  (not photocopy)

-In my case, Guam gate agent asked for my original Birth Certificate. It's one of the requirements to board the plane to MANILA, PHILIPPINES.  

Funny story, I have all the original documents in my backpack, properly tucked in my folder so there won't be any crease to it and all photocopies are in my mini bag, folded and I can easily access to. That's the reason I am asking the gate agent if I can just show her the photocopy. #lazy                                                          

3. Expired / Current Philippine Passport - In my case, I just recently got my US citizenship so I still do have my up to date Philippine passport. When in doubt, I brought two Philippine passports with me. Expired and current.

4. Confirmed Hotel Booking for 7days (Affiliated Quarantine Facility) - I booked mine in advance. Why not? Most of the hotels you can cancel your booking a day before your booked date without a fee and booking in advance, you'll be able to steal a great price. 

5. Face Shield (plus face mask) - before I can board the plane GUM-MNL gate agent will require you to wear face shield before you can board the plane and all throughout the flight.

6. QR code for Covid-19 Test - My aircraft uses terminal 3 in NAIA. The available testing lab there, is either Philippine Redcross or Padlab. In my experience, I register for Philippine Redcross (because it is cheaper) but when I was doing the steps of the things needs to be done at the airport. The person told me to just use Padlab and register online to provide them QR code. It's a bit of a hassle. Actually, the reason I do all the paperwork beforehand because the details that's needed to fill out the form entails me to check my passport number, flight number, address of the hotel, etc... but yeah! I just did what they told me to do... Anyway, I arrived safe and sound. I am super thankful and no one can ruin that for me.

7. Original Court order of Change name - I got it with me in case they'll ask for it. I followed to have an American name. Meaning, I didn't include my maiden name in my legal name. So, the US passport I am using is not like the Philippine passport that spelled out your maiden name. 

SUMMARY: After all the steps that needs to be done then off I go to Philippine Immigration. Honestly, the two officers who were there, they were the saddest and snob face on Earth I saw! Grabe! I greeted them, wala man lang hi back or maski taas man lang ng kilay (you know like Pinoy way).  I was about to narrate the nakakairitang encounter with them but bakit pa? Don't highlight the irita nalang. There are so much irita na in the world and I do hope you'll get a Philippine Immigration Officer that's not like them. Wala naman masama to be nice but still be able to do your job as protector of Philippine border to illegal entry when need to. #justsaying. 

I hand my expired Philippine passport and US passport to the Philippine Immigration Officer, I initiated to let her know that I am balikbayan. Finally, she asked a question... Magtatagal ka ba? I told her no and then she stamped my US passport with BB and dated it. I thank her (just kill them with kindness, dba?) after she hand me the passport. Wala pa din eh. Nganga! Saya nuh?

Then, Philippine breeze kissed my cheeks! All the irita was gone! HELLO PILIPINAS! 💓💁 

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P.S.

Please make sure that you have photocopies of all your documents and also soft copy that you can access it anytime you need to.