august 23, 2007... my cfo experience...

just want to share my CFO seminar experience... i attended the seminar as a requirement for the renewal of my passport... i went to CFO website to check on the time schedule for the seminars... and ive decided to attend the 1:30pm session.. http://www.cfo.gov.ph/.

in the CFO website i found the nearest place for me to get the seminar from... since im from quezon city, ive chosen SMEF-COW which is located in Araneta Avenue Cubao.. its infront of PSBA school and along St. Bridget School, and just beside the katipunan LRT station... both near Katipunan area ( where ateneo, miriam, and UP are nearby located ) this is their website... http://www.smef-cow-phil.org/ (location so easy to find)i got there 20 minutes before 1:30pm last august 23...

as soon as u enter the good shepherd convent gate, there's no way that you'd missed their building since its just behind the gate, its the first thing that you'd see as u enter the gate... i hurriedly went inside and they let me filled-out some forms (had my ID's and old passport photocopied) and paid 250.00 pesos.. then, after filling out the forms (make sure u know ur husband's address, phone numbers, educational attainment, job and all that), they asked me to stand infront of the webcam to take my picture for the certificate that will be given later on.... then after that... went upstairs to watch a film showing about domestic violence... took maybe around 15to 20 minutes, then had a 30 minute discussion afterwards...

then... after that session, they asked us to go to the respective rooms (depends on the country youre going) to have the seminar proper... group discussion about american culture, adjustments, visa's and everything that you need to tackle moving to the US... then the one on one session follows....during the one on one... they asked how we met... how long have we been dating before marriage... if he's divorced, what are the reasons... even asked a copy of divorce decree.. good thing i brought it with me... the counselor is very accomodating... a little bit strict but, she jokes around once in a while....then, after that she will give u ur information sheet that u filled out earlier and give it downstairs to the lobby... their they will give you your blue certificate...

then you have to photocopy the certificate, and go to the CFO office just behind their building... in the CFO office, you will have to give your photocopy of blue certificate, copy of your visa (if you already have your visa), your passport and your payment 400.00 pesos... then you have to wait til they give your passport back together with your receipt and your green/yellow certificate and will be asked to sign their logbook... for me they said that a photocopy of that certificate is what i need for the DFA requirement... and that i have to go back when i already have my visa so they can put the sticker in my passport!!!! (that is the most important thing!!) i just have to show my certificates... fill out another form from the SMEF-COW and give it to CFO, and a copy of my visa!!!! that was it!! finished the same day at around 5pm...

was so hungry after, so better come with full tummy for the entire session!we were around 10-15 people at the film showing, and trimmed down to 7 in the seminar proper... they can accomodate so much more than that, so no need for appointments... just be there on time!!!

the seminar is very informative, im sure you'd pick up some tips from them when it comes to luggages, what to bring and not, how much weight and dimensions...and so many other things!good luck to you all!!! God bless you!!