Grateful Dad #17.24: Our Passport Renewal Experience At DFA Central (Robinsons Galleria)

Grateful for the trouble-free passport renewal, as well as family time in Robinsons Galleria.

A few weeks ago, we were finally able to renew our passports (the first application for the kids) at DFA Central in Robinsons Galleria. To say that we were relieved was an understatement, considering the challenges and hiccups that I encountered when I was trying to get a DFA appointment. Nevertheless, we were grateful for having been able to get an appointment and getting through with our family passport renewal and application in a breeze.

Kudos to the efficient system at DFA Central

We were a few minutes late when we arrived at DFA Central in Robinsons Galleria, so we immediately submitted our application forms. It was a good thing that the DFA officers were still processing passport applications ahead of us, which gave us time to relax and freshen up before our turn.

In less than 30 minutes, our names were called. We were assigned to a nice lady who was patient enough to inform us of our “lacking” requirements; mostly documents that I was not able to photocopy correctly as well as fields that we were not able to sign. She also kept Rafa entertained by letting him borrow a pen and paper. She asked Rafa to write the letter “a”, which Rafa did. She said very good and Rafa smiled happily.

After completing our document submission, we went to the picture-taking section. I thought this was going to be the most challenging part. However, I was able to convince Rafa to imitate my face with just a slight smile and the DFA officer was able to take a decent photo of Rafa. The next was Miguel but, again, it was thankfully just a quick photo session.

After all of that, we were done. We finished our passport application in a little over 30 minutes. We were just amazed at how fast and efficient DFA has evolved. The horror stories of having to fall in line before the break of dawn in the DFA main office are now just a thing of the past. DFA is now modern and friendly. Kudos to the reforms of this government institution in the last several years.

By the way, if you are thinking of what documents or requirements to bring during your passport application, here are the things to keep in mind:

If it’s your first time to apply:

• Passport appointment

• Passport application form

• PSA Birth certificate

• Valid IDs

If it’s passport renewal:

• Passport appointment

• Passport application form

• Your expired passport

• Valid IDs

Spending the rest of the day in Robinsons Galleria

We spent the rest of the afternoon in Robinsons Galleria to maximize our long trip from Novaliches.

Six spice chicken

After having a sumptuous family lunch at TGI Friday’s (Mommy Khris and the kids had their favorite six-spice fried chicken while I had the crunchy fish), we decided to walk for a few minutes to check the shops before heading to Kidzooona where the kids can play and have fun.

Experiencing the first and one of the biggest Kidzooona outlets in the country

Our kids love playing in indoor playgrounds whenever we visit the mall. As such, we made it a point to take them to Kidzooona in Robinsons Galleria. It’s the first Kidzooona outlet in the country and, at one point, their biggest outlet. We decided to get the three-hour session since the price difference with the one-and-a-half-hour session was just P50.

Miguel jumping on the air track in Kidzooona

It does make a difference to play in such a big area. The children can comfortably run around without bumping each other. Miguel and Rafa spent a few minutes in the giant slide before checking the other sections of Kidzooona.

Rafa as a veterinarian

Rafa loved the pretend play area where he cooked burgers, prepared pizza, and cut my hair. He was also very active in participating with the other kids in the games and balloon-twisting activity. Meanwhile, Miguel spent most of his time in the ball pit and the giant air track.

Children participating in the games

We thought three hours would be enough for Miguel and Rafa but we were wrong. We still had a hard time convincing our boys that it was time to go. Just the same, we will be back in Kidzooona one of these weekends.

Calling it a day

We also had a quick dinner in the food court before heading home. We were all tired by night time, but it was time well spent with my family. We accomplished a lot of things and the long drive was worth it.

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More Grateful Dad:

• Grateful Dad #16.24: Meeting Halfway

• Grateful Dad #15.24: Amazing Family Lunch at Botejyu

• Grateful Dad #14.24: A New Home

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