Anyway before I digress, in this post I'd like to share to you my experience last week when I applied for my NBI Clearance. Last week's experience in securing my clearance was waaaay better than the last time.
So here goes..
In securing your NBI Clearance, first thing you need to consider is location. Aside from the Main Office in Manila, there are several NBI Clearance centers where you can get it. In my case, I decided to get my clearance at Robinson's Mall Galleria. You can see it here --> http://www.nbiclearance.com/where-to-apply-nbi-clearance-location-complete-list-of-nbi-clearance-outlets-in-the-philippines/
Next, you have to register online, fill out an application and pay. For more detailed information, you can click on this link --> http://www.nbiclearance.com/how-to-apply-nbi-clearance-online/
In my case, after I have registered and filled out the application form, I used BDO online banking to pay for my clearance although there's an additional charge of 20-25 pesos as processing/web fee i guess? But for those who cannot avail of the payment options given in the website, you can opt to just pay at the NBI Clearance centre.
Also, you get to choose the date when you want to be scheduled for NBI Clearance processing. Don't worry because they have so many slots each day that there's no doubt you can be accommodated in the schedule of your choice. Just choose if you want the AM or PM schedule. I think once you're done registering, they will give you a set time on your chosen day. You don't have to follow the indicated time though because once you get in the centre, they just give out numbers to whoever's there.
Oh, and before I forget, personal appearance is required for securing your NBI Clearance because you they have to take your fingerprints and your picture. You also need to bring 2 valid ID's as required (though they only checked 1 id in my case)
That boys and girls is just the pre-NBI clearance game. All the things you have to do and prepare for before the dreaded day of lining up for your NBI Clearance.
Okay, the last time I got my NBI Clearance was in 2014 and I had to go back to Robinson's Galleria TWICE because i cannot handle the long lines. During my first try, I went there in the afternoon and the lines were just crazy. As in!! How I wished there was someone I could pay to line up for me and process the entire damn thing but nope, I had to suffer all through it. I had to line up just to PAY during the first day then go back the following day super early (mall opening) just to have my fingerprints and picture taken. Imagine the hassle.
So this time, I vowed not to go through the same hell experience as before or at least psyched myself that I had to really endure the long hours of standing and waiting.
On our scheduled day (I was with a friend and I totes advice you to bring along someone so you won't get bored or at least he/she can save the line for you or whatever), we arrived in Galleria around 10 minutes before 10:00 a.m. or before the mall opens. Take note that I was already panicking by this time because a read a blog that said he was there around 6am just to be among the first ones in line to get a NUMBER!!
We parked our car and entered through the basement parking (sorry, the only landmark I know is that we entered the door where the Mr. Quickie outlet is located). When we got through the NBI Clearance centre, I thought we made it in time with NO LINES AT ALL. But of course, I was wrong. We were given numbers for the queue instead. Guess what are numbers were? Number 147 & 148. what the f*ck right? the mall hasn't even opened yet!
It turns out that people have been lining up super early just to get a number near the entrance where Ministop is (Again, i do not know where this entrance was). Based on the blog I've read that morning, people line up as early as 6-7 am just to be the first ones to get a number and get in line.
No need to worry though because they call out the numbers by 50's. There are chairs provided anyway, so just sit and wait for your number to be called. We were part of the 3rd batch to line up and this is the worst part (or maybe not so much), standing in line. Although I have to commend the people working in that NBI Clearance centre, they were so efficient that you would not stand that long.
At this point, they divide the people into 2 groups. Those who have already paid (this is usually the longer line) and those that have not. I'm not really sure which is better since I did not pay attention whether those in the "have not paid" line get to have their fingerprints and picture taken right after paying without need for lining up again.
So after they've taken your fingerprints, signature and picture, they'll let you know whether you have HITS or not. If you do have hits, they they just stamp a date on the back of your receipt as to when you can claim you clearance. If you're lucky, you get to claim your clearance right away.
In my case I have hits (duh my name is so common) so I have to return after 2 weeks for my clearance. I tried asking if the release date could be earlier but sadly, no. Also, if you don't have time to claim your clearance on the release date, you can just authorize someone to get it for you (basic authorisation letter and a copy of your ID will suffice).
All in all, we only spent 2 hours for the whole NBI thing which is so much better than my 2 day experience from before.
When you think about it, it's a good thing we didn't arrive super early like 6-7 am just to line up and get a number.
Here are my tips for you to have a slightly hassle free NBI Clearance experience:
1. Prepare everything before you go to the clearance centre. Your receipt, REFERENCE NUMBER (will be shown on your application form), 2 valid ids, money if you still have to pay
2. Bring snacks and drinks with you. You'll need this especially if you've been in line for a long time and can't get out of it otherwise you risk losing your spot
3. Bring your fan/pamaypay. Even if you're getting your clearance from the mall, you might still feel warm because of all the people around you
4. Bring a book/newspaper/magazine/ipod/ipad/ etc to keep you entertained while waiting for your turn. Don't forget to bring a power bank as well for your phone in case you end up draining your battery playing candy crush or browsing through Facebook
5. If you can, ask someone to accompany you. Not only will you have someone you can talk to, but he/she will be very helpful when you need to go to the restroom or whatever and save your seat or spot in the line for you. If this isn't possible, then just befriend whoever's the one beside, infront or behind you in line. That way, if you really need to go to the restroom or get something, then you wouldn't have to go all the way to the end of the line again.
So that's about everything. Good luck! :)
