Photobook Philippines discounted deals (Review)

Most of us treasured memories being together with our family, thus photo album making became a part of every household member, whether digital or the traditional scrap-booking type. I'm one of those who keep records of any occasion, travel, and life event I had for decades. Gone are the days you need to buy films, batteries, and flash bulbs for your camera and let the professionals do the job of developing your roll into beautiful crafted pictures. Digital camera was born and you will no longer pay for the cost of unwanted photos. Thanks to our technology, life makes it easier. 

screenshot of the promotion

Today, preserving your photos is like fashion trending for new styles and colors. Photobook was introduced by several companies competing with each other and offering different promotions. The deal from MetroDeal offered 75% savings which is too good to be true. You can create your own personalized softcover photobook for P500 instead of paying P2,000. It was proven that the more discounts given, the more people will buy as evident for 2,888 who purchase the service. I was amazed of the offer and grab my voucher. 

Photobook according to Wikipedia is a book in which photographs make a significant contribution to the overall content.

After installing the software, I created an online account and started designing my own photobook. Page styles, frames, backgrounds, and designs vary according to your needs and themes. There are several ready books also to choose from for different book size and style. The instructions are easy to follow and the tools are user-friendly. The software by the way is free to download and you can go back to your project anytime you want. Internet connection is not needed unless you are ready to place your order.

details of shipment

During the checkout process, you will be asked to enter your voucher code. Be mindful of the expiry date as this cannot be extended. I am near my deadline; my voucher is valid until August first, so I need to finish my other photobook. Shipping fee is not included. I paid P350 for a Medium Portrait of 40 pages Imagewrap type. Production of the album will start as soon as you have completed uploading your files. Photobook Philippines will send you email promptly acknowledging your purchase and notifying the status of your order. The service courier provided is really fast. You can track the delivery process of your order by checking the tracking code number provided to you. After three days, I already receive my photo album. The product itself is satisfying and the book binding looks good and sturdy enough to last a lifetime. My chosen cover was wrapped beautifully into a matte-laminated format. The photos are printed on a premium silk paper as stated in the fine print. I can’t deny my admiration for its glossy appeal and the smoothness it feels when you touch the pages. However, the image quality did not pass my standard. It looks very different from the one I created, lacking its radiance, dull and dim; it seems that the cartridge was almost drained from its ink. Should I deserve this kind of service in exchange of availing the product for a discounted rate? Well, I guess not.

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Guide for DFA Authentication of Documents (Red Ribbon)

All Filipinos planning to work abroad should undergo the process of authenticating all the needed documents required by your agency/employer. Why need a red-ribbon? Sovereign states usually require authentication of foreign documents to be used. It is a way of providing your employer legitimate documents. Here's a simple steps to guide you on how to Do It Yourself. As an individual who's eager to accomplish all tasks in an organized way, thus sharing once again my own experience in getting my credentials authenticated. 

Here is the list of documents that need to be authenticated for Nurses:

• Transcript of Records and Diploma -- Certification (CAV) from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and certified true copies from the school
• Professional Identification Card, Board Certificate, and Board Ratings -- certified true copies authenticated by Philippine Regulation Commission 
• Certificates of Employment -- should have a duly notarized affidavit with certificates attached to it

For State Universities:
You can get your CAV from your respective school and follow this process listed below. On the other hand, for those private universities, the registrar office will forward your school credentials to CHED, then CHED will send your documents directly to DFA after their verification of your legit school attendance. This process will take longer as you need to go back to your alma mater to get your DFA claim stub. Proceed to DFA on the date of release and pay the necessary authentication fee. This will take in less than a month period, really time consuming for processing school documents. Same steps apply to other documents that needs authentication in the Department of Foreign Affairs.

STEPS:

1. Secure an application form (blue) from the counter near the entrance of Gate 2. Fill it out and select which documents to be authenticated. (Maximum of 5 documents per application form)  
   
2. Line up and sit on the benches provided. It will take you nearly an hour or more depending on the queue.
3. Present your documents for initial validation by the personnel assigned in each processing window. Don't forget to bring a valid ID.
4. Proceed to cashier for payment of applicable authentication fee. Php 100 for regular processing which takes 4 working days and Php 200 for rush, the document will be available the following day.  
5. Provide a duplicate copy of the receipt to the same processing window where your documents had been accepted.
6. Claim the authenticated document on the release date by first placing your machine validated receipt on the box provided on the counter near the entrance. Second, wait for your name to be called. Lastly, prepare your ID and authorization letter for verification. Note: Be sure to run a spell-check at your documents before leaving DFA so that you will not repeat the same process all over again.

Update: 

There's a separate door now which holds all the claim stubs and receipts; classified into expedite receipts (red), regular receipts (yellow), box for PWDs, senior citizens & pregnant women (orange) and claim stubs (green). It is more convenient and faster claiming documents better than before.

REMINDER:

In case an applicant won't be able to process his/her own document, an authorized representative can file on their behalf. The following should be provided:

1. Authorization letter or Special Power of Attorney from the applicant
2. Photocopy of the applicant's ID bearing its signature
3. Representative's own ID bearing its signature

All documents not claimed after (3) months from the scheduled date of release will be disposed.

Click here for the complete listing of documents that can be authenticated and their requirements.

DFA Authentication Division has been transferred to Aseana Building, corner Bradco Ave., Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Paranaque City. 

There are several jeepneys available for commuters with routes going to DFA:

1. From Buendia -- blue jeep
2. From MRT Taft -- orange jeep 
3. From Baclaran -- yellow jeep

View Larger Map

There is an online service application for documents that needs DFA authentication. If you are residing abroad or away from Manila, you can visit the site of DFA Express Authentication.


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PRC License Renewal in 45 minutes

It is an obligation and also a part of our duty as professionals to renew our PRC card once every three years. My license is still current and will expire next year, yet I need a short trip to Professional Regulation Commission to have it renew earlier. I came at exactly 3:30 in the afternoon and started the process of renewal. I am sharing my own experience like taking the initial steps as easy as Nursing 101.

What you will need to bring: 5P's

1. Professional Identification Card (PIC) -- not really necessary but it's better to be prepared when ask for it
2. Picture -- passport size, colored w/ collar in white background and with full name tag in the format of last name, given name and middle initial (1 pc)
3. Pen (black)
4. Paste or Glue
5. Payment/Cash (P450) bring exact amount

Procedures: 

1. Get renewal form from Public Assistance Counter booth on the left side from the entrance gate. 
2. Fill out the form. Your photo should be pasted not stapled. There is a paste provided in the counter if in case you forgot to bring one.  
   
3. Submit your completed form in window 13. They are accepting renewal applications until 4:00 pm only. 
4. Sit back and relax, wait for your name to be called. It took me about 15 minutes before someone announced my name using microphone.  
5. Go to window 17 and get your printed Application for Professional Identification Card. They are more systematic nowadays, entering your personal details into their data base then printing it out.  
   
6. Proceed to cashier for payment. It is situated outside the PRC main building. I was done in the next 30 minutes. There are four counters; however, two of them were already closed making an inventory of their total collections for the day.

7. Claim your PIC on the scheduled date specified in your claim slip. Check for the designated window to guide you. The usual waiting period is between 14-21 days. Bring your official receipt. Remember that claiming of ID is from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm only. Note: Representative with proper identification should present Special Power of Attorney/Authorization Letter from the registered professional and this original claim slip. I'm ready to leave the premise at about 4:15 pm.  
   
   
   
   I hope you may find this article helpful. It's the same process for different professions with variations for renewal fee. There are renewal centers also found in SM malls but I think it's better to go the main office. For your reference, you can click here for the official website of PRC.
   
   

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