Some vital piece of information

So not in the mood to blog. But, I really think I have to share this piece of information to everyone out there. Have to pay forward, cause I've been lucky these past few days.

Now to the point! I have recently been called back from a job (that I really prayed for) and got accepted! YEY ME!! Thank You God.

They emailed me a list of some of my partial requirements, and one of them is a nightmare to get; the NBI Clearance.

We've all heard the story. People having to line up at 3-4am (some even at 1am!) just to make it to the 500-applicants-per-day cutoff. It's a shame, really, as it reflects the system (or the lack of it) of our government.

To know why such lines exist, just google it.
**In a nutshell, everyone's now considered as a new applicant, no more renewals, so lines are crazy. (Approve the ID System NOW!!)**

So the question is, where to get your clearance without having to waste an entire day waiting, waiting, and waiiiiting? The answer, at Robinson's Otis!

Haven't heard of it prior to my need of a location for a more "convenient"  place to get my clearance. It's relatively an unheard-of Robinson's branch so people don't really know that they can get their clearance from there. (And really, it's not too commuter-friendly. Weird location. Or maybe am just not familiar with the place.)

Fastforward: I got a hold of my clearance after 3 hours! NOT BAD AT ALL. If you google for NBI experiences, you'll get to read stories saying they lined up at 4am and got their clearance at 4pm, or something along the lines of that! My sister's got a first hand experince of this from Ronbinson's Metro East. She lined up at 6am and got her clearance at around 5pm. And I think she's lucky, cause from what I've heard recently, at 5am the 500 slots are all already filled.

I could have gotten my clearance from Rob Otis at a much less time if only I had taken note of the following:

1. I went there on a Tuesday (November 8), and arrived at 1:11pm (finished at exactly 4pm!). Monday (November 7) was a holiday.
My mistake: It was the start of the week!
Should have: Lined during midweek. i.e., Wednesday, Thursday
Another improvement: Should've been there a little earlier. I think the best time would be immediately after lunch. Like 12:30pm. But going really early is a good strategy too, i think. Go for 8 am if you're within the area! I don't know if they take lunch breaks, but if they do, then that's another story.

2. I took the long route. I came from UP Diliman to process some documents and when I googled for commute instructions, all I found were LRT-1 instructions.
Rewind: From UP, I took a jeep to Katipunan, boarded the LRT-2 Katipunan Station and alighted at Recto Station. Then crossed to LRT 1 Doroteo Jose Station (they are connected via bridge), then squeezed my way into the train and alighted at UN Avenue Station. I then took a tricycle (10 pesos. Do not take a pedicab!) to the mall.
My mistake: Taking the LRT all the way to Recto. And having to go through the crazy LRT 1 sardinas mayhem.
Should have: Alighted at Pureza station of LRT 2!

Fastorward: My route FROM Robinson's Otis after getting my clearance (I was too tired to go all the way back to LRT 1 so I asked kuya guard for some commute routes. Go me!) : Rode a jeep from the mall front, and asked kuya driver for Nagtahan Bridge (alight in front of Save More. 8 pesos). From Nagtahan Bridge, you can just walk (I could've walked this distance. But I was tireeeed and had some girl hormones acting up so took a jeep instead. 8 pesos) to Pureza station (just ask to which direction). A warning though: if you are not a fan of walking, then ride a jeepney! From estimates, its probably shorter than a kilometer but heh. 5-10minutes walk maybe. =)

So, you'll just have to research the commute way FROM Pureza Station to Robinson's Otis. And save yourself from the chaos of LRT 1 and even get to save some commute coins.

Some more tips:
1. If you plan on going alone (like me!), then do not be shy to ask your seatmate (they have waiting areas that are airconditioned and have proper chairs. Wooot!) to save your seat when you have to go to the restroom (or buy some waffles for lunch, like me. hohoho). Leave a folder behind or something. NOT your belongings, of course!

2. Bring plenty of water and snacks. I paid 20 pesos for a bottle of water (because I already finished my own bottle) and had to buy some quick lunch/meryenda beacuse I didn't have food with me, and because it was embarassing to have my seat reserved while I order some "real fast food".

3. Always bring a pen with you! Always. Did you know that pens are a common ground for bacteria? (I forgot where I read this. But makes a lot of sense.)

4. Come there weeks before you need your clearance. I got mine the same day because I didn't have a "hit" (aka my name didn't match any ~criminal's~ name who has a record.). If you are not too lucky (like my seatmate. or if you have the most common name ever), then they'll ask you to come back weeks after. (seatmate was asked to return on November 21. ouch.).

Okay. what else. That's it I guess.

Goodluck!