I was really, really dreading going to a BIR because of the long queues and how stuffy the place…read morecan be. But, I found out that I needed to transfer my TIN number to a new district for my new job. Apparently, all my previous employers never told me that I needed to do this like... 10 years ago! At least this was going to be a learning experience and, even though I had to travel all the way to Makati, I had no choice but to do it. Surprisingly, the whole experience lasted for about 45 minutes with me. It would have been shorter had I not made a mistake filling out the wrong form. But, seriously. The whole process was done so efficiently without anybody giving me a hard time. Also, the representatives at the entrance will explain EVERYTHING you need to know before you even get in line. That way you and the processor know which officer you need to go to. Being the OC person that I am, this was an amazing experience! I hope that all BIR offices are this efficient now! :)

Plenty of seating and air conditioning helps make the long wait tolerable. First time here, a…read moreThursday, it was busy but not crazy busy and it took about 45 minutes. The next time, a Tuesday, was crazy busy and took an hour. The employees are helpful, speak English and smile which lessens the amount of anxiety I usually feel in crowded areas. Do not show up dressed inappropriate or you will be turned away. There are signs everywhere stating the expectations. No flipflops, no sleeveless shirts, etc. Be respectful and they will be the same. No need to prefill out any papers....First time I printed a form from online and it said fill out and bring photos, so, naturally, I did. It's a longer form that is out dated and photos are not needed anymore. They threw it away and gave me a tiny half page form to fill out that took all of 2 minutes. So now I've got a bunch if 2x2 photos if anyone wants one! Happy and safe travels! I love the Philippines!

The Pag-ibig office in SM Aura's Office Tower is strategically located at the same floor as with…read morethe satellite offices of SSS, GSIS and Philhealth. When I went here to fix my papers for the new job I was entering just a few months back, I really appreciated how smooth the process was and how convenient the office is. Admittedly, I was initially scared to process anything with any government office because I knew how much of a hassle it could be. Luckily though, SM Aura's office tower housed the best government offices and I saved myself the hassle of being in uncomfortable places. As predicted, I got done in less than a couple of hours. I was able to finish all my errands without breaking a sweat! Hahaha. I don't dread filing government papers anymore, thank God!

It's been 8 years since the last time I had to renew my NBI clearance and I guess I'm speaking for…read moreeverybody when I say that it's not something people look forward to doing. I heard that they have a satellite office located at the compound of Mandaluyong City hall which is nearer to my place compared to their main office. Unfortunately, they have a new procedure in place wherein those who want to secure a clearance need to pre-register using an online form. Fortunately, one of the personnels of the city hall saw me and said that he will just assist me since I am a person with disability. He just directed me to an enterprising soul who has set up a laptop with a printer hooked up to it. For a PhP20 fee, she can register you online and print the form for you. Considering that they usually charge PhP15 per half hour of internet usage plus around PhP3 per page of printout, I gladly took up the offer and paid the fee. The same kuya then talked to the NBI personnel so that I don't have to pay the fee for the clearance in a Bayad Center. Then they took my biometrics and mugshot err picture. The whole process that usually takes an entire day to complete just took me under an hour. Kudos to the personnel of Mandaluyong City for their efficient service. And one thing I also want to mention is around a few minutes after noon, there was a commotion and it turned out that the city mayor decided to do a spot check to ensure that employees are adhering to the no noontime lunchbreak policy. He even approached some of the people waiting to get their NBI clearance to ask them how they are doing and get feedback on the service they are receiving. Talk about a rarity in Phililpine public office.