This one a bit of a crazy story I’d like to share. I already got the schedule for my blogging workshop in Pakistan last week and that was for Nov. 22 to 24. However, I didn’t realize that I needed to get a Visa until I got my formal invitation to Jakarta last Monday which was slated on December 4 to 6.
So, I rushed and sought help from my sponsor’s local office — itinerary, formal letter of invitation, contact persons, etc. When I got to the Pakistan Embassy (just at the back of Makati Cinema Square), I was surprised to learn that their schedule for accepting Visa applications is only from Monday to Thursday at 9AM to 12NN. Likewise, their releasing schedule is from 4PM to 5PM only. Application fees must also be deposited to their HSBC bank account and not directly to their office. It was already 2:30PM and my luck was running out.
Since there’s no direct flight from Manila to Islamabad, I have to take Thai Airways (Monday, 2PM) and stop at Bangkok, switch planes (Pakistani Air) and fly to Lahore. I will spend the night there and fly to Islamabad the following day.
So, even if I can submit my application, technically I can’t get my Visa until Monday 4:00PM. I pleaded my situation to the guy who receives the forms at the Embassy and though he was hesitant at first, I was able to convince him.
I’m going to HSBC this morning, pay the application fee and hand the deposit slip to them. They say I can get my Visa by Monday morning (11PM) just in time before I run off to the airport. *phew*
Here’s one thing he mentioned to me which was a little confusing and it goes something like “… ikaw na bahala dun sa officer namin ha?”
What does that mean? Cash? A fruit cake? Whisky? What? Anybody care to translate that for me, please?
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Cash of course
Usually, they say, “wala bang pang-merienda dyan?” And when somebody tells me that, I say, “bossing, P50 pang merienda nyo. Pantataxi ko sana pauwi, pero sa inyo nalang.” Pa-guilty ba? Hehe. Others walang pake, tanggap lang. Pero when you return, they’re the ones who feel indebted to you so they don’t ask you for “pang merienda” again. Hehehe that’s the “Gail Art of Manipulation” in action for you! 
Translation: May bayad ang favors namin or dapat may tip.
Ikaw naman Yuga, para ka naman hindi lumaki sa Pinas.
mmmmm pasimpleng style nang hihingi ng maagang pamasko.
Baka may leftover na Krispy Kreme kahapon, pwede na yun sa Officer.
haay kelan pa kaya magbabago ang ibang mga tao sa pinas.
That means “Our officer is corrupt, devoted to Jesus, and just wants to send his kids to school”.
lagay siyempre!
asus photo finish ah. ingat and enjoy the night in BKK. i’m not sure kasi if you’ll enjoy pakistan. hehe.
maraming beses na akong nakaencounter ng ganon, ako na lamang daw bahala sa boss nila….. ibig sabihin pagkabigay ng kailangang documents, kailangan din nila ng pangwallet, maaring si ninoy o di kaya ay yung tatlong itlog.
yuga, di mo naitanong kung pinoy un. kung pakistani, baka kebab.
ALWAYS assume that you will need a visa to enter ANY country of destination, except of course for ASEAN countries. As far as I know, except for ASEAN countries, we can’t travel anywhere else without a proper visa, unless you are a holder of a diplomatic passport.
Incidentally, when I renewed my passport this year, I noticed that in my new passport, there was a stamp that read (on the limitations page, I think): “Not valid for travel to Iraq.” Couldn’t help but laugh.
pinoy talaga
pagkabigay mo ng documents may ibibigay ka pang ibang klaseng papel. Only in the Philippines lang ba talaga ito?