How to Renew PRC Licensure ID (PIC) as Electronics Engineer

Updated as of May 2024

How to know the latest requirement and process on PRC License ID Renewal:

In general regardless of your profession, the best and updated way how to renew a PRC License ID is to check directly the PRC online renewal website and cross-check with your professional organization (IECEP for Electronics Engineers) 

Major Requirements for PRC License ID Renewal:

1. CPD Units (waived until Dec. 31, 2024) 

2. Your professional organization issued Certificate of Good Standing (COGS)

3. Filled out PRC Application Form online

4. Payment of PhP450 (minimum)

CPD Waived for PRC ID Renewal extended until December 31, 2024.

- Extending the Acceptance of CPD Undertaking for the Renewal of Professional Identification Card until December 31, 2024. To address the concerns raised by professionals who have difficulty with the required Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit units, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) informs the public that the acceptance of CPD undertaking for the renewal of Professional Identification Card is extended until December 31, 2024. Concerned professionals with previous renewal transactions but withheld Professional Identification Card (PIC) issuance are advised to proceed to their original place of appointment for the execution of the required CPD Undertaking Form and release of their respective PICs.

For queries and concerns, please email CPD Division at cpdd@prc.gov.ph.

Cost of PRC License ID Card Renewal Fee:

- For professions requiring baccalaureate degree: ₱150.00 per year or total of ₱450.00 for three (3) years. 

- For professions requiring non-baccalaureate degree: ₱140.00 per year or total of ₱420.00 for three (3) years

- A surcharge of ₱30.00 (baccalaureate degree) and ₱28.00 (non- baccalaureate degree) is added if PIC is renewed twenty (20) days after birth month.

 

Cost of IECEP Membership Fee for Certificate of Good Standing (COGS):

EcE Membership Fee - Php 1,300.00 for 3 years / Backdues (Php 350.00 per year)

What I did / Timeline of my Electronics Engineer PIC Renewal (2024):

1. I booked first my PRC appointment (appointment now available within 2 weeks) in PRC Online and paid PHP 450 for standard 3 years via credit card online.

2. My IECEP Membership COGS still valid, so I just printed out from the IECEP website (for Electronics Engineers only).

3. Printed the appointment form and receipt per item #1 above, and COGS per item #2 and went to PRC branch. In less than 30 minutes I have my updated PRC Licensure ID.

What I did / Timeline of my Electronics Engineer PIC Renewal (2022):

1. I booked first my PRC appointment (3 months before my intended schedule) in PRC Online because appointment schedule is always closed if just within a month. Paid PHP 1,530 (450 for standard 3 years, 1,050 for 7 years back due and 30 for surcharge).

2. For latest membership updates, visit IECEP fb page and IECEP website (for Electronics Engineers only). Follow the procedure posted there. I sent the filled-out membership form and paid PHP 3,750 (1,300 Membership and 2,450 for 7 years back due)

3. IECEP replied within minutes, I had my Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) and receipt attached in email. These files can be downloaded also in IECEP Website.

4. Printed the appointment form per item #1 above, COGS and receipt per item #3 and went to PRC branch. In less than 30 minutes I have my updated PRC Licensure ID.

How to Renew PRC Licensure ID (PIC) as Electronics Engineer (valid until 2027)

My Job Transition: From Traditional Office Set-up to Work from Home

not just as a Solo Backpacker but as a Corporate Slave like most of the Filipino travelers (2006-Present)

I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering. I have been in the Aviation Industry for over fourteen years focusing my experience on Aircraft Maintenance and Production Planning. Throughout my career, I have been fully exposed to Airline (Part-M) and MRO (Part-145) engineering planning processes. Furthermore, I have handled complex maintenance checks and completed work packaging from light to heavy maintenance to achieve the targeted TAT and Return to Service milestone. 

After my Bachelor's degree graduation, I ventured into the BPO IT industry where I took the PRC board exam review simultaneously. I took the PRC Licensure Examination (Electronics Engineering, 1st take) in 2005 on a self-review basis while having my IT work on the graveyard shift. I review if I have a chance, i.e., in a jeepney while stuck in traffic and around 2 hours before going to sleep. Luckily I passed then resigned and jumped to leap of faith. 

My very first international flight and experience as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) lasted for 7 days due to homesickness (2005). I went home despite the debts my family had made just to complete this Taiwan journey. My work has 12 hours of duty a day with 1 day off only a week. Jobless for how many months with zero savings. I saw a Manila Bulletin ad for Engineering graduates to become trainees in the Aviation Industry. The training with a small allowance lasted around 7 months (graded modules). 

My 1st Job in Aviation: Avionics Mechanic to Planning Engineer (Philippines Corporate Set-up)

From 2006 to 2009 I was an Avionics Mechanic which is part of hangar production, directly working inside commercial aircraft. Just weeks after my local vacation, I bid for a Planning Engineer inside the company which is a typical office of engineering setup (assigned PC and desk). Handled PAL fleet base maintenance planning as an initial project for newcomers then Virgin Atlantic, Vladivostok Air, Strategic Air, etc. I took my Master's degree in Engineering while working as a Planning Engineer. My classes were on weekends and weeknights for three years as a resident university scholar in one of the most reputable and famous university in Philippines (all classes are on-site).

My 3rd Job in Aviation: Aircraft Parts Inventory Specialist (Work from Home Set-up)

My Taiwan Journey from Factory Worker (2005) to Solo Backpacker (2023)

"Trust the process, your time is coming. Just do the work and the result will handle themselves." - Tony Gaskins

Taiwan was my very first destination abroad and as an OFW Factory Worker (2005).  This first journey  in Taiwan lasted for 7 days only due to homesickness. My work had 12 hours duty a day with 1 day off only a week. I went home despite the debts my mother had made just to complete this Taiwan journey. I came from a failed IT career when I accepted this OFW stuff.

Imagine my thoughts I went home jobless, with zero savings and lots of debt because of my stupidity. 

My second destination abroad was Thailand (2010) but as a Solo Backpacker. Almost 18 years later I came back to Taiwan as Tourist Backpacker, strolling everywhere independently with financial freedom.

Imagine again if I didn't follow my instinct last 2005... 

I wouldn't be in aviation industry months after.

I wouldn't have an Engineering graduate studies.

I wouldn't visit 137 Countries and beyond.

I wouldn't discover mind blowing life perspective.

 

Life is not a race, everyone has their own separate path. Always try to train our mind to see the good in everything.

As Albert Einstein said, “The one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before.”Also, "A ship is always safe at the shore - but it is not what it is built for."

When life gets harder, don't wish it to be easier, Decide to be stronger. 

Time flies indeed. Live a life you will remember.

My Taiwan Journey from Factory Worker (2005) to Solo Backpacker (2023)

My Beloved Mother's New Journey 3rd Travel - Northern Europe

Travelling together on Her New Journey February 2023

My Beloved Mother's New Journey 1st Travel - Back to United Arab Emirates (Oct. 2022)

My Beloved Mother's New Journey 2nd Travel - Southern Caribbean (Dec. 2022)

8 Days Self-Guided Budget Summer Europe Trip with My Mother (Aug. 2018)

"All that I am, or even hope to be, I owe it to my Angel Mother"

I'M VERY SORRY MAMA... I MISS YOU, I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!

I did not see her alive before she gave up her life, she just suddenly gone. It's like an eternal pain for me that everytime I travel I always feel the guilty of not being there. Until now, I'm so depressed, have floating thoughts and rapid flashbacks of happy memories with my beloved mother. To honor her memories as my favorite and best travelmate, I made her still my favorite and best travelmate despite on her new journey. It's also part of my coping behavior to accept wherever she is now.

On her first journey with me, I travelled with her in the places I've been in the United Arab Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Dubai). On her second journey, I'm with her in Southern Caribbean visiting 6 new countries on my list.

Maraming Salamat Mama, sobrang nami-miss pa din kita.

You may be gone, but your love and memory will forever be with me.

Our parents are usually the only ones who have known us since we were born.  Often they know us better than we know ourselves. When you have had a loving, friendly, happy relationship with your parent, their passing will create feelings of emotional turmoil and despair. Feelings we all experience after the death of someone we love very much. As well as the loss of their physical presence, there is also the loss of their advice, support, help, knowledge and counselling in times of life's stresses.

https://www.griefandsympathy.com/losingaparent.html

My Beloved Mother's New Journey 2nd Travel - Northern Europe

My Beloved Mother's New Journey 2nd Travel - Southern Caribbean

 Travelling together on Her New Journey December 2022

My Beloved Mother's New Journey 1st Travel - Back to United Arab Emirates (Oct. 2022)

"All that I am, or even hope to be, I owe it to my Angel Mother"

I'M VERY SORRY MAMA... I MISS YOU, I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!

I did not see her alive before she gave up her life, she just suddenly gone. It's like an eternal pain for me that everytime I travel I always feel the guilty of not being there. Until now, I'm so depressed, have floating thoughts and rapid flashbacks of happy memories with my beloved mother. To honor her memories as my favorite and best travelmate, I made her still my favorite and best travelmate despite on her new journey. It's also part of my coping behavior to accept wherever she is now.

On her first journey with me, I travelled her in the places I've been in the United Arab Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Dubai). 

Maraming Salamat Mama, sobrang nami-miss pa din kita.

You may be gone, but your love and memory will forever be with me.

Our parents are usually the only ones who have known us since we were born.  Often they know us better than we know ourselves. When you have had a loving, friendly, happy relationship with your parent, their passing will create feelings of emotional turmoil and despair. Feelings we all experience after the death of someone we love very much. As well as the loss of their physical presence, there is also the loss of their advice, support, help, knowledge and counselling in times of life's stresses.

https://www.griefandsympathy.com/losingaparent.html

My Beloved Mother's New Journey 2nd Travel - Southern Caribbean

My Beloved Mother's New Journey 1st Travel - Back to UAE

Travelling together on Her New Journey October 2022

"All that I am, or even hope to be, I owe it to my Angel Mother"

I'M VERY SORRY MAMA... I MISS YOU, I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!

I did not see her alive before she gave up her life, she just suddenly gone. It's like an eternal pain for me that everytime I travel I always feel the guilty of not being there. Until now, I'm so depressed, have floating thoughts and rapid flashbacks of happy memories with my beloved mother. To honor her memories as my favorite and best travelmate, I made her still my favorite and best travelmate despite on her new journey. It's also part of my coping behavior to accept wherever she is now.

On her first journey with me, I travelled her in the places I've been in the United Arab Emirates especially if its a long distance bus travel. This places in Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Dubai are some famous tourist landmark and ordinary locations for a Filipino expat.

Maraming Salamat Mama, sobrang nami-miss pa din kita.

You may be gone, but your love and memory will forever be with me.

Our parents are usually the only ones who have known us since we were born.  Often they know us better than we know ourselves. When you have had a loving, friendly, happy relationship with your parent, their passing will create feelings of emotional turmoil and despair. Feelings we all experience after the death of someone we love very much. As well as the loss of their physical presence, there is also the loss of their advice, support, help, knowledge and counselling in times of life's stresses.

https://www.griefandsympathy.com/losingaparent.html

My Beloved Mothers New Journey 1st Travel - Back to UAE 

​My Beloved Mother, My Favorite Travelmate just Suddenly Gone

We love you always and forever my beloved mother. May 1952 to Sep. 2022. 

“There is something about losing a mother that is permanent and inexpressible — a wound that will never quite heal.”

Realization. Regrets. Frustration. Both of my parents passed away in consecutive month. They are separated.

The pain is undoubtedly real, my beloved mother is gone.

I'M VERY SORRY MAMA... I MISS YOU, I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!

Sep. 26, 2022 Monday 1200H I was just starting my usual manic Monday office routine when I received fb missed call from my sister followed by a message "Patay na si Mama". I was totally shocked and devastated that moment. I went downstairs to call my sister, immediately asked for videos and photos of our beloved mother until her last breathe. When I called my sister again it's too late, my mother just gave up. I cried so hard at the side of office building. 

I need to stay focus as I'm just only month old as new employee (probationary status). I need to think logically how to go home as quickly as possible without compromising my professional worth and to "at least HUG my mother's body before placing her in coffin."

Sep. 26, 2022 Monday 1830H I finished all the clearances required and received all the documents needed for my unpaid 10 days emergency leave and salary deduction roundtrip tickets. I brought all my things, as I'm hesitant to go back, I have very anxious and restless thoughts all throughout the day.

During flight cruise early morning, I can't stop crying in the aircraft cabin and lavatory while choosing the best travel pictures of my beloved mother in my laptop. The pain is undoubtedly real, MY BELOVED MOTHER IS GONE. 

Sep. 27, 2022 Tuesday 1630H Aircraft touchdown in NAIA runaway. Due to continuous rain, slow government Exit Permit (OEC) query process, non-availability of Grab car and gruesome traffic, I went home around 2300H. It's too late to HUG the body of my beloved mother in morgue. 

I'm so depressed, have floating thoughts and rapid flashbacks of happy memories with my beloved mother. She just celebrated her 70th birthday four months ago healthy and without a trace of any sickness. I know she's a fighter, it's hard to accept that I will see her the next day in coffin. I did not see her alive before she gave up her life. THIS IS AN ETERNAL SUFFERING. The pain is undoubtedly real, MY BELOVED MOTHER IS GONE. 

“Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything.”

​My Beloved Mother, My Favorite Travelmate just Suddenly Gone

DFA Authentication / Apostille for TOR / Diploma CTC

All Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Requirements Processing, updated as of July 2022

For DFA Apostille online appointment, please check this link.

For DFA Authentication updated document requirements, please check this link.

Must have certified true copy's of all requested docs or comply the requirements indicated at the back page of the Authentication Application Form. PhP100 for single document processed after 3-days. PhP 200 for single document to expedite release on next day. Office open on daily basis (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday except Holidays). In addition, bring government-issued ID's (passport, SSS ID, GSIS E-Card, Driver's License, PRC ID, OWWA ID, BIR ID, Senior Citizen ID).

* DFA Aseana (Aseana Business Park, Beatico Ave. cor Macapagal Ave. Parañaque City

* DFA NCR West (5F, SM Manila)

* DFA NCR East (7F, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City)

* DFA NCR South (4F, Metro Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City)

* DFA NCR Northeast (Level 2, Ali Mall Cubao, Quezon City)

* DFA Regional Consular Office Pampanga (Robinson's Place San Fernando, Pampanga)

DFA Authentication / Apostille for TOR / Diploma CTC 2022

OFW Pre-Employment Medical Exam (DOH Accredited)

Direct Hire OFW Document Processing to UAE, updated as of July 2022 

In the Philippines, the 15-year-old GAMCA monopoly in medical testing for overseas Filipino workers leaving for work in the Middle East has been abolished and OFWs can now choose freely which clinics they would undergo. For the latest DOH-accrediated medical clinics for OFWs (land or sea based), please check this DOH link.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Requirements (if direct hire) - Contract copy, Passport copy, 4 pcs 2x2 color photo and pocket money of PHP 5,000 (minimum) 

Phase 1 (standard for all, land-based, eight basic) costs around PHP 2,500

1. complete physical examination           5. urinalysis / stool examination

2. chest x-ray                                         6. vision test

3. complete blood count (CBC)               7. dental check-up

4. blood typing                                       8. psychometric examination

* Electrocardiogram is required if 40 years old and above.

Phase 2 (additional for sea-based)

1. visual acuity with ishihara test (color perception)    3. speech test    2. hearing and audiometry

Other Laboratory Test (depends on the destination / employer requirement)

1. HIV / AIDS test (cost less than PHP1,000), Hepatitis B, Sputum, blood sugar and malaria smear

List of Diseases that would UNFIT TO WORK in GCC countries includes the following;

Infectious category

• HIV/AIDS reactive, Hepatitis B surface antifgen, HCV reactive, VDRL/TPHA reactive

• Microfilaria positive and malaria blood film positive, known leprosy patients

• Tuberculosis – any type, X-ray showing active PTB, past evidence of PTB or healed • Pulmonary scar, including minimum fibrosis, calcification (granuloma) pleural thickening, pleural effusion, tuberculosis lymphadenitis

Non-infectious category

• Chronic renal failure, Chronic hepatitis failure

• Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, Known case of cancer

• Psychiatric disease and neurological disorders

• Physical disabilities, i.e. color blindness, deafness

Pre-Employment Medical Exam Result (phase 1 only) Fit to work (July 2022) 

Direct Hire OFW Travel Document Processing to UAE

All Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Requirements Processing, updated as of July 2022

Direct Hire Travel Document Processing to Work in Kuwait (2011)

"Perhaps the hardest part of finding your courage is remembering how you lost it in the first place." 

For online submission of the direct hire documents, please follow this step-by-step instruction and check this POEA Online Services link 

Back to corporate world after almost two years of solitude wandering (career break) in Latin America (2020-2021) and my Homeland (2021-2022) #livealifeyouwillremember 

Coming from the Philippines, I applied online for an Engineering position with one-shot bloody panel interview (I think the hardest I have so obviously I don't expect to pass). Luckily and surprisingly, the employer emailed me for some documents needed to submit and congratulate that I passed the position I'm applying for. Deployment requirements depend on the country of destination and job position. Ask also the Department of Migrant Workers for the latest update at landbasedpoeadirecthire@dmw.gov.ph under POEA Memorandum Circular No. 08 series of 2018 (Direct Hire Guidelines).

Main Requirements of UAE Employer:

1. Local UAE Embassy Attested Education Certificate

2. National Police Clearance / Certificate of Good Moral Character

3. Medical Exam Result in particular of TB and HIV Test

4. Other documents listed in provided pre-employment checklist such as passport copy and photo, etc.

Main Requirements of Department of Migrant Workers (Memo Circular No. 08 page 3-4):

1. Authenticated Contract from POLO (from employer) with POLO Endorsement Letter

2. Work Visa / permit (from employer) 

3. Insurance coverage certificate (from employer)

4. Passport with 6 months validity (from OFW) 

5. Fit to Work Medical Certificate (from OFW)

6. Notarized statement how did you find the job (from OFW) 

7. Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) Certificate (from DMW / OFW) 

Main Requirements of NAIA Immigration for OFW bound to UAE:

1. Work Visa / permit 

2. Attested Work Contract 

3. PDOS Certificate 

Pre-Employment Requirements Total Expenses: PHP 12,179

1. Medical Exam Result in particular of TB and HIV Test: PHP 4,945

2. National Police Clearance: PHP 180

3. Local UAE Embassy Attested Education Certificate: PHP 7,054

Direct Hire OFW Travel Document Processing to UAE

OFW 4th Episode: Forever Grateful and Proud of My Abu Dhabi Journey

Living my fortunate life in the capital of United Arab Emirates
24th of October 2016 to 29th of October 2020

"The point of living is not to arrive at the future, it's to arise in the present. Train your mind to see the good in Everything"

I arrived in Abu Dhabi on midnight of 24-Oct-2016 and went directly to Mussafa Workers Village for my more than a month accommodation. This was my 2nd visit to Abu Dhabi (1st was in 2012) and 3rd visit in UAE (1st was 2012 and 2nd was 2013). I spent my first 6 months on probation as Aircraft Maintenance Production Planning Engineer until 17-Apr-2017, the first day of being part of the Production Planning family as regular employee.

Through the years I stayed in Abu Dhabi I become more resilient and learned a lot from Cleaners, to Technicians, to Technical Officers, to fellow Engineers and to the Management. Moreover, I never thought I would go this far, the rollercoaster ride was indeed a professional expedition to reminisce. I have had a wonderful exposures working with my previous company and have experienced tremendous personal and professional growth. I was able to grow into the role widening my knowledge in all aspects of commercial aircraft planning function. The only way to do a great work is to love what you do despite the ups and downs. Unfortunately, layoff occurs mainly due to business-wide decisions during the Corona Virus (Covid-19) pandemic.

This is what this is, part of the journey is the end. All I can say is thank you very, very much to the department I belong and to the company I've worked for four years. I am forever grateful and proud working in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Forever Grateful and Proud on My Abu Dhabi Journey (2016-2020)

My 2016 Abu Dhabi City Start of New OFW Adventures

an OFW's new journey in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

November - December 2016

An almost one year of being jobless after embracing the challenge of leap of faith; 1st 4 months in Asia mostly in Nepal while the remaining months in my homeland. A new work in a new work place I couldn't imagine I have right now. Interviewed and confirmed last week of June, departed my homeland again in last week of October. Stayed in accommodation on my 1st month until I have my salary then transferred to city.

The following were the events I visited, attended and enjoyed for a relaxing after-work activity (FREE ADMISSION).

Beats on the Beach in Corniche, Abu Dhabi City (November 24-26, 2016)

45th National Day of United Arab Emirates (Dec. 01-02, 2016)

Amusing Christmas Decors in different Malls of Abu Dhabi (Dec. 2016)

45th National Day of United Arab Emirates (Dec. 01-02, 2016)

Final Kuwait Get-Away; Solo Adventures across Western to Eastern Asia

Winter Solo Trip from Kuwait to Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Brunei back to Philippines

November 08, 2015 to February 20, 2016
Extreme Ultimate Journey as Farewell Tribute being OFW in Kuwait  

1st OFW Vacation; Comeback to my Homeland (Aug. 2012)

2nd OFW Vacation; Pinoy Backpacker China Invasion (Jan. 2013)
3rd OFW Vacation; Summer Solo Tour from Malaysia to Japan (May 2013)
4th OFW Vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land (Oct. 2013)
5th OFW Vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar (Jan. 2014)
6th OFW Vacation; 2nd Ultimate Backpacking across 3 Continents (Jun. 2014)
7th OFW Vacation; From Winter Northeastern Asia to Summer Homeland (Feb. 2015)
8th OFW Vacation; 3rd Ultimate Journey across Summer Europe (Jun. 2015)

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." - Into the Wild

"Travel is rebellion in its purest form. We follow our hearts, we free ourselves of labels, we lose control willingly. We trade a role for reality, we love the unfamilar, we trust strangers. We  own only what we can carry, we search for better questions and not anwers. We truly graduate, we, sometimes, choose never to come back." - The TripRebel Manifesto

My final get-away (serves as my 4th Ultimate Backpacking also) as an Overseas Filipino worker for almost four years of stay in Kuwait. The map below shows the destination of my entire almost 4-months farewell journey. The countries included were Iran, Malaysia, Nepal and Brunei, my 56th to 58th new countries visited. This farewell journey served as my extreme ultimate adventure and purely self-guided solo trip from arrival to departure.

Final Kuwait Get-Away; Solo Adventures across Western to Eastern Asia

8th OFW Vacation; 3rd Ultimate Journey across Summer Europe

Summer Central, Southern, Northern Europe to Rainy Philippines

June 10 to July 24, 2015
36 days summer-rific vacation as an OFW 

1st OFW Vacation; Comeback to my Homeland

2nd OFW Vacation; Pinoy Backpacker China Invasion
3rd OFW Vacation; Summer Solo Tour from Malaysia to Japan
4th OFW Vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land 
5th OFW Vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar
6th OFW Vacation; 2nd Ultimate Backpacking across 3 Continents
7th OFW Vacation; From Winter Northeastern Asia to Summer Homeland

"If you are planning the trip of a lifetime, longing to see the world. Don't let things delay and stop you. For me the number one reason for travel is that you may not get the chance again" - The Guy (Flights and Frustration)

8th vacation as an Overseas Filipino worker for more than 3.5 years of stay in Kuwait. The image below shows the converted jpeg of calendar of events on my entire 36-days vacation journey. The countries included were 2nd visit to Germany, all the way to Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Denmark.

This vacation served as my 3rd ultimate journey, the 1st was in last October 2013 (4th Vacation) while the 2nd visit was in last June 2014 (6th Vacation). The countries included were my 43rd to 55th new countries visited and purely self-guided solo trip from arrival to departure.

8th OFW Vacation; 3rd Ultimate Journey around Central, Southern and Northern Europe

7th OFW Vacation; From Winter Northeastern Asia to Summer Homeland

Winter Japan - Mongolia - Mainland China to Summer Philippines

February 6 to March 13, 2015
37 days winter-rific and summer-rific vacation as an OFW 

1st OFW Vacation; Comeback to my Homeland

2nd OFW Vacation; Pinoy Backpacker China Invasion
3rd OFW Vacation; Summer Solo Tour from Malaysia to Japan
4th OFW Vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land 
5th OFW Vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar
6th OFW Vacation; 2nd Ultimate Backpacking across 3 Continents

"If your work requires you to travel, you will understand that there's no vacation destination like home." - Park Chan-wook

7th vacation as an Overseas Filipino worker for more than 3 years of stay in Kuwait. The image below shows the converted jpeg of calendar of events on my entire 37-days vacation journey. The countries included were 3rd visit to Japan, 2nd visit to China and 1st time in Mongolia.

Getting away does not necessarily imply flying south or anywhere else for that matter. The key is to find a setting that will allow you to leave all your worries behind. Some people manage to do it from home, although a change of surroundings often helps one to disconnect from daily concerns. Simply turning off the cell phone and opening a book under a tree in a city park can be a great getaway! Some studies have found a positive relationship between vacations and intellectual function.

7th OFW Vacation; From Winter Northeastern Asia to Summer Homeland

How to Apply for DMW (POEA) Balik-Manggagawa OFW E-OEC

expediting the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) process to return to country-of-work.

Update as of April 2023; All OEC application is through Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) online services. Sign-up / log-in to E-Registration part of the website.

“E-OEC” refers to the Electronic Overseas Employment Certificate generated from the use of the BMOPS which will serve as the travel exit clearance and tax and terminal fee exemption certificate. "Overseas Filipino Worker or Migrant Worker” refers to a person who is engaged, or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a state of which he or she is not a citizen. The aim of this service is to expedite the processing of BM workers who wish to return to their country-of-work. BM Online Processing Service can be availed by Overseas Filipino Workers who were on vacation, rehired and returning to the same employer with existing record in the POEA database. BM workers who do not have a previously issued OEC/E-Receipt under the same employer/principal will be directed to the APPOINTMENT PAGE for regular processing of the OECs on their appointment date and time. 

How to Apply for POEA Balik-Manggagawa OFW eOEC (update as of 2023)

2014 Travel Mash-up; Life-changing Adventures beyond 8 Countries

inside Europe, Africa and Asia... 50 days on 8 countries, 20 flights on 7 different airlines...
June 27 to August 15, 2014

6th OFW vacation; 2nd Ultimate backpacking across 3 Continents

"Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world" - Gustave Flaubert

A mash-up is a song composition created by blending two or more pre-recorded songs, or usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the instrumental track of another. It is also a video combining multiple pre-existing video sources with no discernible relation with each other into a unified video. As for me, I used the term mash-up in travel to blend or combine the function of plane tickets to two destinations. The departure on one destination is the arrival to new destination, not the usual round-trip flight going to original airport departure. The process is not that comparable with the song/video, but somehow the essence is there.

2nd long term travel from June 27 to August 15, 2014. Sightseeing mash-up travels across the continents of Europe, Africa and Asia; 25 days in western side composed of United Kingdom, Morocco, Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania and another 25 days in eastern side composed of Philippines, Indonesia, Japan. 8 countries in 3 continents, 50 days with 20 flights on 7 airlines, countless bus rides, food trips and life-changing adventures...

I called this trip as the most extreme and expensive travel I ever planned because of the highlight adventure for every countries included. 1st was the 21.7km biking to Stonehenge in Salisbury to Amesbury, England of United Kingdom. 2nd was the camel back-ride to Sahara desert night camping in Morocco. 3rd was the parachute gliding above the cotton castle and balloon flight ride in Turkey. 4th was the Masai Mara safari ride and camping in Kenya. 5th was the 6-days Machame route for 5,895masl trekking of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 6th was the family road trip in Northeastern Mindanao (CARAGA Region) of Philippines. 7th was the adventurous river white-water rafting and tubing in Bali, Indonesia. Finally (8th), revisiting Japan for the 3,776masl self-guided solo night trekking to Mt.Fuji via Yoshida trail.

2014 travel mash-up; backpacking across 3 continents (fridge magnet souvenirs)

6th OFW Vacation; 2nd Ultimate Backpacking across 3 Continents

extreme adventure on my 4th year as travel addict

June 27 to August 15, 2014
51-days longest set of vacation as an OFW 

1st OFW vacation; Come back to my homeland

2nd OFW vacation; Pinoy backpacker China invasion
3rd OFW vacation; Summer solo tour from Malaysia to Japan
4th OFW vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land 
5th OFW vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar

“Take vacations... Go as many places as you can.
You can always make money... You cannot always make memories” ― unknown

Getting away does not necessarily imply flying south or anywhere else for that matter. The key is to find a setting that will allow you to leave all your worries behind. Some people manage to do it from home, although a change of surroundings often helps one to disconnect from daily concerns. Simply turning off the cell phone and opening a book under a tree in a city park can be a great getaway! Some studies have found a positive relationship between vacations and intellectual function.

6th vacation as an Overseas Filipino worker for more than 2 years of stay in Kuwait. The image below shows the converted jpeg of calendar of events on my entire 51-days vacation journey. The countries included were United Kingdom, Morocco, Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania, Indonesia, 2nd visit to Japan and Philippines, my homeland.

6th OFW vacation; 2nd Ultimate backpacking across 3 Continents

5th OFW vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar

life anniversary celebration amidst of the stressful work in the Middle East

January 27 to February 08, 2014
12-days shortest set of vacation as an OFW 

1st OFW vacation; Come back to my homeland

2nd OFW vacation; Pinoy backpacker China invasion
3rd OFW vacation; Summer solo tour from Malaysia to Japan
4th OFW vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land 

“Every person needs to take one day away.  A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future.  Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence.  Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.  Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” ― Maya Angelou, Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now

One reason vacations don’t boost happiness after the trip may have to do with the stress of returning to work. And for some travelers, the holiday itself was stressful.

5th vacation as an Overseas Filipino worker for more than 2 years of stay in State of Kuwait. The image below shows the converted jpeg from pdf of calendar of events on my entire 12-days vacation journey. Most of this days were in Georgia and Myanmar without Philippines, my hometown.

OFW 5th vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar

4th OFW vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land

an autumn to winter self-guided overwhelming solo backpacking escapade

October 10 to November 16, 2013
36-days longest vacation ever as an OFW

1st OFW vacation; Come back to my homeland
2nd OFW vacation; Pinoy backpacker China invasion
3rd OFW vacation; summer solo trip from Malaysia to Japan 

"A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking." - Earl Wilson

"A study published in the Applied Research in Quality of Life journal, showed that the highest spike in happiness came during the planning stage of a vacation as employees enjoyed the sense of anticipation.."

4th vacation as an Overseas Filipino worker for almost 21 months of stay in State of Kuwait. The image below shows the converted jpeg from pdf of calendar of events on my entire 36-days vacation journey. Most of this were in Central Europe and Israel with Philippines, my hometown, as my last airport to depart.

my 36-days vacation plan mostly in Central Europe

sightseeing the global wonders... 30 days...27 cities... 10 countries...