FILIPINO Passport: Schengen Visa Application for Travelers Without Show Money

So, today marks the 100th day countdown for my trip to Germany.

Before I start, I will write about my past two applications which occurred last 2013 and 2014.
In 2013, I applied Schengen Visa (19 Days) as a graduating student. In 2014, I applied as unemployed (80Days) (I was preparing for board exam for Civil Engg). Luckily, those two applications went very smoothly especially the last application. For my trip this July 2016, I will apply as employed. You may message me for questions about these two previous applications as these may need further writing. Please take note that my application is under VISIT VISA. This applies if you want to visit European friends you met along your backpacking adventure, not necessarily boyfriend/girlfriend. Of course, this includes visiting relatives in Schengen States.


In this blog, I will write about my visa application process which will take place on my first Entry-GERMANY.

These are the documents I will submit:
Please note that requirements differ, case to case basis.

Passport

Two current passport pictures

Visa Application Form

You may fill-up the form in this website https://videx.diplo.de/

Signed Declaration according to §§ 54 and 55 AufenthaltsG

You may download and print this by clicking the link in the requirement page in the website of Germany Embassy. 

Proof of relationship to the sponsor 

e.g. Facebook Chat screenshots, snail mails, email, flight tickets of you together, courier forms, Viber messages, movie tickets, etc

 Printing your conversation does not necessarily printing all your conversation. Few pages is enough. 

 Sadly, photos will not save you. The embassy does not honor those lovely photos.

Informal Invitation from the sponsor (This is in letter form which includes the sponsor's important details)

Plane ticket reservation (You may get this from airline ticket reservation or travel agency)

Visa Fee (60 EUR)

Formal Obligation (In Germany, they call it Verpflichtungserklarung) 

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT and shall be in original form. Yes, your friend should send this via DHL or any courier.

 This is the document that will spare you from submitting your personal bank account. Hence, less hassle!

Travel Health Insurance

From my previous research, the Embassy prefers travel insurance from Germany. Does not necessarily be in original form. Scanned copy is honored as well. I got my previous insurances delivered together with my Formal Obligation 

Approved leave of absence

Certificate of Employment

The Process:

1. Set an appointment 3 months before your trip. You may do it online.

2. Prepare all documents. Just make sure all documents are COMPLETE and in synchronized form. Follow the sequence in the Visa Requirement page which can be downloaded in German Embassy Website.

3. Be on time, dress smart casual.

4. Answer the questions honestly, avoid long answers. Yes if yes, No if no.

5. After the interview, say Thank You and let the agony of waiting begins.

Take Note:

1. Visas can be delivered as soon as 2 days after the interview. But the normal processing time would take about 1 week.

2. Consuls in the visa sections are Filipinas, you don't have to speak English at all.

3. Prepare 2 sets of photocopy for each document.

4. Make sure all details that you will input in the VISA APPLICATION FORM shall be all CAPITALIZED.

You may leave your questions and I will be happy to answer them as soon as possible :)

Happy travelling!

Ilocos Series 2015: Laoag, Vigan and Pagudpud

Credits to northlinkph.com

Places we visited:

Hidden Garden

People normally go here for breakfast. However, I do not like the food. But the place is truly a hidden garden filled with different kinds of plants. Still a must-visit!

Baluarte

 Marcos Mausoleum

Too bad pictures are not allowed inside. :'(

 Marcos Museum

 Marcos Photo Gallery

Paoay Church

Malacanang of the North

 Paoay Lake

Sand Dunes( Paoay / La Paz)

 

 Sinking Bell Tower

Light House / Cape Bojeador

 Kapurpurawan/White Rock Formation

This is so far my favorite in my Ilocos trip. Very picturesque place! 

 

Bangui Wind Mills

Patapat Viaduct

 Paraiso ni Anton

Bantay Abut Cave

Pagudpud Arch

Blue Lagoon (Boracay of the North Beach)

 

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol

Calle Crisologo (Pasalubong Shopping)

Plaza Burgos

Paburnayan / Jar Making

How did we get there?

On my first time in the Ilocos Region, I did Do-It-Yourself Style.

Via Air:

I flew to Laoag International Airport, upon arrival there is a free shuttle that will drop you off to your hotel/inn. All you have to do is to register at the tourism desk.

In Laoag, we hired a tricycle for 800 pesos to tour us around.

In Vigan, we were walking tour as all of the sites are just walking distance.

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On my second time, I toured the area together with my family. We booked our tour via Aze Travel and Tours for 2800/pax 

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:

Private Van transfers from Manila Ilocos Manila
3 Days Tour: Vigan Laoag Pagudpod
3 days and 2 nights Standard Air-conditioned Room Accommodation, Coordinator, All Entrance fees, Registration fees, Environmental fees, Permit fees, Toll Gate fees, Gasoline, Driver

Where did we stay?

For my Ilocos Backpacking we stayed in:

Laoag: 

UKL Ever - 800/night/room (Good for 2) With free breakfast

Vigan:

Green R Hotel - 750/night/room (Good for 2)

For my Family's Outing we stayed in:

Farm Side Hotel (Courtesy of the Travel agency)

Credits to Rosary Elizabeth Reonisto for some of the photos :)

Sorsogon Series 2016: Roadtrip to Subic Beach and Donsol Whaleshark Interaction

SORSOGON SERIES 2016

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Places we visited :


1. Subic Beach Liit

Travel Expenses for Subic Beach:


-Registration Fee: P70-Boat(Good for 10pax) overnight P2000,Day tour P1600-Cottage P500
Tips:
1. You may do sidetrips in Cagsawa Ruins, Barcelona Church and Bulusan Lake on the way to Matnog. P35 for Bulusan Lake and P10 for Cagsawa Ruins.

2.You may also go to Paguriran Lagoon or surf in Gubat which we didn't do because of the lack of time. Hopefully, next time! 3. Last boat trip to Subic Beach is at 5PM, or else stay in the close beach resorts in Matnog (Which we did)

4. There is no entrance fee in Juag Fish Sanctuary, but give enough amount of donation. You are not allowed to swim in the sanctuary unless you scheduled one.

Sunrise in Matnog Beach

2. Tikling Island

Tikling Island is now a private property. Travellers can not dock on this island unless you are the owner's visitor. It's worth a side trip. I guess Subic Beach is a lot better, lol.



3. Juag Fish Sanctuary

4. Donsol Whaleshark Interaction 

Donsol Sorsogon: Gosh, this is definitely one big check off on anyone's bucket list! Highly highly recommended than anywhere else. Donsol practices the whaleshark mode of conduct, NO FEEDING, NO TOUCHING.

Travel Expenses for Whaleshark Interaction:

-Boat good for 6 pax: P3500

-Reg Fee P100

Tips.

1. Register as soon as possible to be able so you can be included on the first batch of whaleshark interaction at 7:30AM. Only 30 boats are allowed per batch. There are only 3 batch of divers allowed.

2. Use FINS! And chase lady whaleshark!

Budget Biyaheros Team with Fabi and Laura from Germany. Ready for Whaleshark Encounter.

5. Side trip in Bulusan Lake

6. Side trip in Barcelona

Known for its old church, the ruins and picturesque baywalk.

7. Side trip in Cagsawa Ruins

The Holy Week crowd in Cagsawa Ruins

Group snap!

No sight of Mayon and Holy Week crowd. Sad day :(

Sa bukid walang papel, UY!

Thank you to BUDGET BIYAHEROS for this awesome trip!
Itinerary was made by the Budget Biyaheros CEO, Otep Savaldico (IG: @otepburnsred)
Some pictures were credited to
 Floyd Querijero (IG: @chrisflloyd)
Kez Marris (IG: @aizekism)