NBI Online Renewal Headache

WHAT IS THE EXACT PURPOSE OF ONLINE RENEWAL PROCESS?

I needed my NBI Clearance renewed. So I went online, set an appointment, set up a pick up point, and paid at a Bayad Center.

January 5, 2018 at noon [appointment time], I went to the appointed pick up site at the NBI Outlet, SM Center, Las Pinas; expecting to just pick up my renewal. Lo and behold, it was packed! To my surprise, all 3 attendants at the door, told me to get a number and get in line for the bio metrics and photo.

I was taken aback as to why this had to be done all over again. I have explained to all three that I have done that previously and this is just a renewal of my clearance. Yet, they insisted that I fall in line and repeat the process over again despite my presentation of my ID's and NBI Clearance forms.

There are two types of citizens going to NBI for a clearance. 1. a new applicant - which ALL process have to be done, from photo taking, finger printing, payment, to releasing. 

2. Renewal - which all the process have been done previously, and assuming no changes were made to their fingers and faces.

I have search and researched countless articles and instructions on line regarding renewals, and all advised of an easier and faster process. It is in these news articles that gave the impression to the citizens that an online portal was created for renewals to ease the traffic at the offices, and ease the stress on the citizens.

My experience said otherwise. There was no distinction between New Applicants and Renewals. ALL WILL HAVE TO FALL IN LINE AND REPEAT THE EXACT SAME PROCESS.

So again I ask, WHAT IS THE EXACT PURPOSE OF ONLINE RENEWAL PROCESS? I will tell you: apparently none. 

Even if you file a renewal online, you will still repeat the process: Go the office, get a number, get your photo taken, get your fingerprint scanned, present you paid receipt, and then get your clearance. This process also completely NEGATED the appointment set up. Regardless of time appointed, upon arrival you will have to wait for your turn along with the first time applicants. You will, however, have to pay MORE at a Bayad Center only to repeat the whole process.

I am being unfair. There are points in which the site is beneficial. The useless portal, in fact, do two things effectively:

1. Cost the government/citizens money to run the site, and

2. Cost the citizens extra P25 for the whole process.

I did an online renewal process this past year. I followed the instructions well. I went online, competed the forms, set up a pick up site, and paid my bill. Upon arriving at the office, I presented my ID's, the form, and the receipt of payment. To my astonishment, I was asked to sit for a while, and less than five minutes later, my name was called and was given my clearance. Despite a long line of New applicants, it seemed that this new program was working! Now what changed from then to now?

I am not selfish enough to just be ahead of the line. I am more than willing to wait in line just like every other Filipino citizen, as long as that is the protocol. This is to put into focus a system that either: was tried ones and failed; or the NBI office no longer adhere to the new set protocols. If so, sadly were back to square one. 

I offer simple solutions: Remove the Online Renewal process and save the citizens money on running the site, or DO what it was created for in the first place. Set up two reception tables, one for Renewals and one for New Applicants. 

Lastly, GET THE DAMN PROTOCOL STRAIGHT SO WE ALL KNOW!

The Root of All Problems Pt 2

- by Xavier Manalo

Welcome back. By now you would have a better understanding of our current state of mind. How we see things. How we feel. How we face each problem. By now you are ready to know the harsh truth of it all. The grim reality we all face. The problem of all problems.

The problem is YOU. It's ME. It is US. It is all of us. It is all 7,528,729,861(est.) of us. The root of all problems is OVERPOPULATION.

We have grown exponentially in the last century. The death to birth ratio is at a great imbalance, and the longevity of an average human lifespan extended far longer than before. Our population is growing at an alarming rate, and showing no signs of stopping. If you didn't know then, it is time to take notice now.

We have been trying to address every so called problems in front of us. Only now do we truly see the truth.

LACK OF FOOD. This planet can no longer sustain it's inhabitants. Our farmers can no longer feed it's residents. Solution: import food. Import food you say? Those who export food to us can no longer sustain their own people. Soon they will stop exporting just to sustain their own. There will be outcries, chaos, even war for food. Very soon.

HUNGER. Each generation our farmers decline in numbers. There are less and less people who produce food, and there are more and more people consuming. The land has been overrun by people. There are fewer and fewer farm lands available now due to overpopulation. We are more focused on where to put the people than feeding them. The ratio of food to consumer is alarmingly off balance. Year after year more and more and born to be fed, and year after year less and less are those who feed. All the while, the existing farms are experiencing drought, each year less and less are produced. As long as we have food on the table when it is time to eat, we are happy. We don't care at all where they come from do we?

TRAFFIC. You might see that there are more vehicles on the road today causing traffic. Hence you naturally see that the traffic is due to lack of roads for them. Again the symptom is there, you focus on it and try to resolve that particular symptom. And yet, you fail to see passed it and see that the real reason we have so much vehicles is because we have people in them. We need vehicles because we have people going places. Current solution: road widening, color coding, enforcers, etc. Really? This is the solution? The time it takes to widen a single road, upon it's completion the populace would have increased by one third. So, another road widening? I don't think so. Again another failed solution.

At this point, you would have an idea were this is going and get the point, but let's continue, shall we?

TRASH. Can you imagine how much trash a household generate in a day? How much in a city? A country? In a single day tons upon tons of trash are generated. Imagine this. Close your eyes for a moment. House, town, city, country, planet. In one day, how much trash did you see? Where do these trash go? You don't care, as long as they're not in your line of sight, right? They go to landfills. Again less for farmlands. Recycling? Have you recycled, or just expected someone else to do them for you. Burn trash? And do you realize it's impact in the environment? At this point that is a no.

CLIMATE CHANGE. This one is easy and is the most logical of them all. However, we still ignore it. BECAUSE WE DO NOT CARE. Picture this: in a small room and you're in it, nice isn't it? Now There are two, then five, then ten of you - fun isn't it? Now there are twenty of you. It's getting hotter now, can you feel it? More people squeezed in. Hotter? Now there are a thousand of you. Blazing hot? That's just body heat. Next comes the appliances. We have all been squeezed in a tiny planet that our bodies alone generate heat. Add the animals. Heat generating objects - cars, factories, etc. Put them all together in a single day, we could generate heat as hot as the sun. And we wonder why there are more storms, El Nino, tornadoes, drought, and so on. Well now we know.

With overpopulation come great things as well - DISEASES. We only treat symptoms remember? There hasn't been a real CURE. We have vaccines to suppress or inhibit but not cure. We can not make a living organism vanish into thin air with a flick of a finger. With a rapid growth of the populace means more hosts for viruses and bacteria. Then comes a score of various virus variants (say that three times. I should patent that VVV). We incubate them in our bodies and sometimes mutate creating new and deadlier diseases. At this very moment new viruses are emerging without our knowledge. With a mass increase of brains on the planet, only a fraction of a fraction of those brains look into diseases to find a solution.

"Problem" is a tree. Overpopulation is it's root. As the tree grows, fresh new little problems branch out. We tirelessly and desperately trim out as much as what we see as problems before our eyes, and we fail time and again when it regrows. These examples are few of the mere leaves in the great tree. More and more grow as time go by. The root is the key to them all. Find the solution for the root, the rest will fall into place.

Next up: Solution

The Root of All Problems Pt 1

-by Xavier Manalo

Collectively we all have individual ideas on what our biggest problems are: world hunger, traffic, sickness, war, poverty, climate change, drought, crime, lack of electricity, and countless more. We all focus on each one and try to solve (or at least complain) about them. We fail to recognize the root.

Much like sickness, we tend to find a resolution for each symptom as we see it occur. You get runny nose, you take medicine for it. You get a headache, you take medicine for it. You get a fever, and you take medicine for it. Yet you fail to see that the symptoms are part of a singular sickness that provide individual clues as to what it really is. We tend to focus on one and fail to see it as part of a whole. I guess that's what we do; in everything, in fact.

We are so focused on individuality that we ignore the signs as a whole. We treat the singularity but neglect the truth. And time and time again we fail. Only a few would think past the individual and really recognize it's correlation to a bigger reality.

You, us, household, city, country, government, world leaders; all practice the same method. See a problem, focus on it, resolve it. The issues we face are acted upon in three parts, and there in lies a problem on it's own. One is WHICH problem we see. Two is failing to SEE the real problem. And third is trying to resolve the WRONG problem. Apply this to any issue a person faces and you see it's truth. Be it a world leader, a manager, a CEO, a chaiman, or simply just yourself; you will see that the method have been done over and over, hence a failed result.

When it comes to problems, we have that "problem solved", "done and done", "move on" "out of sight, out of mind" mentality. As long as an immediate problem was addressed and have something to show that the problem was addressed, we are happy and content. If we no longer see it then there's no problem. At least until it returns. We have such telescopic vision on subjects that we fail to see the bigger picture. The bigger issues. The real problems.

Let's take it for a spin on a common problem we all face, shall we.

TRAFFIC. Day in day out, we cry out loud to the top of our lungs! We heat up instantaneously. Our faces get red. Heads fume and rise to the surface (hence global warming, hehe just kidding). We call out all the deities of the world every time we are stuck in traffic on a daily basis. A problem arose so now we cry to our leaders. "What are you going to do about it?", we all cried. As our leaders ponder, they see the immediate problem and try to come up with a solution. Monorails, color coding, enforcers, road widening, and so on and so forth. We see the action, and we recognize their solution. Done and done. Or at least for now. Then the traffic builds up some more and then we cry again.

Sound familiar? Apply this scenario to other problems you see and you will get the same result over and over again. Change the problem, change the action, and the result will still be the same.

Formula 1:

Symptom + Temporary Solution = Unresolved Problem


Take note of this formula as it will keep coming back to you. It applies to everything you do in your daily lives. 

In order to find a cure one must identify the real sickness. To find a real solution, the real problem must be identified. But the Real Solution is kept behind lock and keys.

The locked door requires two keys. First is SEEING; the opening of one's eyes. To see beyond what is accustomed to seeing. To realize the truth in it. To put all the clues together as one and acknowledge the real one behind it. Second is ACCEPTANCE. One must be able to accept the new knowledge acquired. To know that this new knowledge IS the problem and the one that needs addressed. Once you have both, you will have have a better understanding of the real problem. You would've unlocked what so few have access to. You will then be able to find a Real Solution.

"Selfishness". "Do not care". "Not My Problem". "There are people for that". "Complain". "There's nothing I can do about it". "Rant". "I Don't See A Problem". Do any of these sound familiar? Do they apply to you? You see a great problem and immediately turn you back to it. What do you do when there's no water? Or stuck in traffic? Which of the above applies to you. You see a mountain of trash on the road, what comes to mind? No trash on the road means no problem, right? So you move on until you come upon trash.

This mentality is what has kept us from rising to the top. It has hindered us from evolving. It's the brick wall that kept us apart from the rest of the world that have centuries of change ahead of us. Dare I say it? WE ARE IGNORANT. We have become so dull that we can't see past our arms reach. While others have reached for the horizon and stars, we are stuck in the middle ages. Waiting, hoping, wishing.

We tend to wait for hand-me-downs. That is what we are accustomed to. We tend to rely on others to give it to us.  We curse ourselves having this mentality, so much so, that we are left in the dust. We yell, scream, bitch and moan whenever someone reaches out to give us knowledge to do it ourselves. We dont want knowledge, we want it already done and gift wrapped so we dont have to. That is who we are and our characteristics. Right?

Our sense of Entitlement is disturbing and misguided. We think everything is owed to us. That things have to be done for us. That we do not have to lift a finger because other people are supposed to do it for us. I for one am guilty of this. I would be the first to admit. But now I see the truth. My eyes have been opened. I am now free to receive knowledge, and I am ready to do what needs to be done. To recognize the problem, and to find the Real Solution. What about you?

This first part is the beginning. It is for you to prepare you mind of whats to come. For you to be able to grasp the truth of what's about go you way. To receive knowledge. The realization of what we have done so far is integral in the coming solution.

For now, look around you. See the problems, then try to see what's behind the symptoms and attempt to find the root. Think. Reflect on what you have done so far. Think of what your immediate answer would be. Play around with the formula and place real problems out there into the formula. See the "solutions". Are they temporary or are they permanent.

The truth, the real truth is there. SEE it.

A Call to Awareness

- by Xavier Manalo


Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me a moment of your the time. A time for contemplation. A time of awakening.

Close you eyes for a moment. Lift yourself up to the atmosphere. Now you see the earth turn ever so slowly. Minding it's own business. You see the lands as they pass by you. The oceans as they circle the globe. You see the countries go by. You see events as they happen. You even see yourself as you're reading this.

And now you see this:

2017: Manchester City, UK

2016: Orlando, Florida, USA

2016: Paris, France

Today: Kobane, Syria

Today: Kabul, Afghanistan

And Now: Marawi City, Philippines

As the world turns you will see countless more of these images in the past decade alone. They say a picture speak a thousand words. What do they say to you?

These incidents all have one common denominator: 

Whether affiliated or pledging loyalty, heinous acts are committed for this flag. Thousands of lives lost, cities destroyed, people left traumatized. And so so so much more to come.

You realize that the world is indeed much bigger than your room, your computer, your phone. Your house. The world goes beyond the bubble of safety you placed around yourself. Now you realize that all are connected. Peace, Love, Harmony - all intertwined. 

And then there's chaos, war, instability. Now you know they do exist. They happen all around you. Beyond your everyday comfort, they thrive. Reality is knocking at your door. Will you answer it? You see yourself blinded by what appears to be important but shun the coming onslaught. Terror is nearby but you deny it's existence. You look but fail to see.

The world still revolves. Round and round it goes. But now you see something different, something you know deep in your heart exist, but have yet to let out. 

Solidarity. Unity. Comradeship. Fellowship. You see people getting together amidst hardship, amidst terrible depression, amidst terror. 

Despite groups of people united under a flag of terror, people fight. They stand by the flag of the nation. The true and only symbol of unity. 

As you return to your body finishing this, you have just been awakened, truly. You now see that terror had begun for you. You have realized that the nightmare is real. That it is coming; for you, for me, for your loved ones, for everyone.

Will you now stay in your bubble thinking it's safe, or will you break it open and join the solidarity; the union under the rightful flag, the call to arms against the terror we are all facing. It is time to step off the sideline of talk, rants and complaints. It's time to act. And it is most certainly time to choose a side. Our flag? Or theirs?

Choose.

You have now chosen. What will do now?

A Call of a Flag

-by Xavier Manalo


DON'T BE HYPOCRITES!

Kung tinatawag mo ang sarili mo na Pilipino, panindigan mo. Sa puntong ito, tayo ay pumasok sa State of War. WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!

May IISANG BANDILA lang ang Pilipinas. Pero may grupong pumasok at pilit itayo ang dayuhang bandilang itim. Nung nakaraang panahon nagkaisa ang Pilipinas laban sa martial law. Hindi ito tulad nuon. Hindi martial law and focus dito. Ang martial law ngayon ay TAWAG ng pagkakaisa ng mga Pilipino - PAGKAKAISA SA NAG IISANG BANDILA NG BANSA. PAGKAKAISA NG PILIPINO.

Buksan nyo ang inyong mga mata. Totoo na po ito. USA, RUSSIA, KOREA, MIDDLE EAST, UNITED KINGDOM, at sangkatutak pa na mga bansa; lahat nagkakaisa, lahat naghahanda sa darating na mga pagsubok.

AND NOW US. REALITY JUST HIT. BE PREPARED. Wag daldal ng daldal. Pick up a weapon. Protect our land. KUNG Pilipino ka nga talaga. Kung ayaw mo, o hindi mo kaya, SUPPORT those who can and do. Donate to Red Cross. Send blankets. Send food. Send tents. Send bottled water. Donate blood. Kupkupin sa inyong tahanan ang mga nagsilikas. Whatever it takes. Ireport ang mga kahinahinalang aktibidad sa inyong lungsod. WAG DALDAL LANG NG DALDAL.

O BAKA REKLAMO LANG ANG KAYA MONG GAWIN? Dahil malayo sa inyo o di kayo damay "gobyerno na ang bahala" ganun? Kung nasa gitna ka ng gulo "walang kwenta ang gobyerno", naghahanap ng matuturong pagsisipatungan ng sisi? Ganun ba pagiisip natin?

Marami na ang pinatay sa ngalan ng bandilang itim, at marami pang susunod.
ANG BANSA AT MAMAMAYAN ANG MAGDURUSA DITO. Huwag nating hayaan na bawat sulok ng bansa natin ay may itim na bandila na naka wagayway. Tingnan nyo ang nangyari sa Middle East - cities destroyed and ravaged, people dead, hungry, dying. Research. Look and listen. Look at the world today. Look ahead. LETS NOT LET THAT HAPPEN HERE.

PILIPINO TAYO! OUR FLAG IS CALLING YOU. TIME TO SHUT YOUR MOUTH, AND STAND BY THE RIGHTFUL FLAG WAVING OVER US.