Category Archives: Work Abroad Tips

I once asked a friend if he ever cry when he is homesick. He has been working abroad ever since we graduated from college.

He said that during the first few years he not only cried – he wailed. He cried out really loud.

Homesickness is every OFW’s enemy.

So how can you beat homesickness?

My suggestion would be to stay in touch with your love ones. If possible keep in contact with them everyday.

This is easier these days thanks to the Internet. It is best if you can talk to them via video conference. If not a audio conference or chat will be just as good.

If you are able to talk to them most of the week it would feel like you never went away at all. It would like they are just in another room.

And then when you are at work, keep yourself busy with work. Keep yourself occupied so that the feeling would go away. Homesickness strikes you the strongest when you are idle.

But I think the most effective way is, when you are missing home, remind yourself your purpose why you had to work abroad in the first place. It’s for your family, for your love ones.

That is what I do whenever I am away.

The first step you need to do to get your ePassport  is to  Setup an Appointment with the DFA.

After you are given an appointment date there are documents that you will need to bring.

New Application

1. NSO Issued Birth Certificate 2. Original Valid ID (Senior Citizen’s ID, Voter’s ID, SSS ID, GSIS, BIR, Driver’s License, School ID) 3. Marriage Certificate 4. Other Supporting Documents (NBI Clearance, Marriage Contract, Land Title, etc.)

Passport Renewal 1. Old Passport 2. NSO Birth Certificate 3. Valid ID 4. Other Supporting Documents

Loss Passport 1. Same Requirement with New Passport Application 2. Notarized Affidavit of Loss 3. Police Report if passport is still valid You will be required to pay 200 pesos for Replacement Fee if the passport is still valid.

For a more exhaustive explanation please refer to the DFA website.