Who wants the hassle and inconvenience? Of course, no one. Even if I came from PUP, which also means Pila Upo Pila (that was before SIS was created), and though my alma mater helps me develop and lengthens my patience, I still don’t want the hassle and long lines. We are in the generation of technology and an instant phase where every minute counts and so every penny must be spent wisely.
One of the requirements in applying for a Marriage License is a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) and NSO authenticated Birth Certificate. We actually have various options, that will suit our different lifestyles. As the saying goes, “If there’s a will, there’s a way!”
Since we, my fiancé and I, both work from Monday to Friday, and our vacation leave credits are easily consumed by my monthly prenatal check-up, we have to be very careful in choosing our options.
Here are the following options :
1.) NSO Main Office – It is located at East Avenue, Quezon City (in front of SSS East Avenue). It is one ride from Boni Avenue, take a bus with route SM Fairview, for doubts some buses have a card in front which says SSS & NSO. They are open from 7:00 am – 4:00pm from Mondays – to Fridays. There is a step-by-step process instruction when you get there. But you will surely get your documents on that day. Since I am pregnant, we decided not to consider this option.
2.) Makati City Hall- It is located in Makati located at JP Rizal St. In front of the New Makati City Hall, Ground floor of old City Hall Bldg. There is also a step-by-step process that will guide you when you get there. Unlike NSO Main Office, the waiting lines are not that long. But eventually, you will also get your documents on the same day also. We did not also consider these options because we are minimizing our vacation leave credits for other purposes, well merely for my OB-Gyn appointment :)!
3.) PSA Helplines (https://nsohelpline.ph/) – For those text savvy and who don’t want to waste their time queuing in line, you can get your NSO documents online or via phone. You can also call them 24/7 at (02) 737-1111. But, I’m warning you, this is a bit costly. The fee is Php350 per copy. You may pay through Bancnet online, at any Metrobank branch, Bancnet ATM, or select Bayad Center outlets. Delivery is usually within 2-5 working days upon receipt of your payment.
4.) SM Malls – Getting your documents in SM Business Center is like a piece of cake. You just have to go to the nearest SM Malls in your place. For us, SM Megamall is just a minute away. It is located on the 3r floor level. We went there on October 29, Saturday at 3:00pm, yes they catered during weekends but I’m not sure if they also catered during Sundays and Holidays, though. Oh, there is a cut-off time. There were no long queuing lines. We paid Php 140.00 for the Birth Certificate and Php 195.00 for the Cenomar. And an additional Php 20.00 each for the processing fee. One thing to remember when getting your documents in SM Business Center is that it is suited for you if you’re in a hurry. Processing days take 5 – 10 days for the Cenomar. But for us, it just took a week for us to get the Cenomar and the Birth Certificate. Upon claiming, you have to bring the claim stub with you and one valid ID. Just in case you will not be able to claim your documents, you can send your representative together with your Authorization Letter, your ID, and her/his ID as well.
Don’t forget, you must have all the details (such as Mother’s Maiden Name, father’s Middle Initial, Birth Place) before choosing any of the options listed above.
I hope this helps you one way or another. If you have suggestions or corrections, please feel free to leave a comment 🙂 Thanks for dropping by :*
Love ♥,
the tipsy royal pen 