The 7 Churches Visitation "Visita Iglesia" on Maundy Thursday

The Visita Iglesia tradition of worship-hopping from church to church during Lent is said to have originated during the Spanish colonial era. Visita Iglesia is an age-old practice in the Philippines wherein Filipino Catholics visit seven churches in vigil of the Blessed Sacrament, and in contemplation of the agony of Christ. Experience and enjoy a true Filipino tradition in NYC this coming Maundy Thursday. For those who are not familiar with this tradition, this will be a fun way to learn an important part of the Filipino culture. Below is the list of Catholic churches in Manhattan New York and the link to interactive Google map that will help you make your route plan https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zzvWJntBuQ0Q.kt-ovTfeoVX4&hl=en_US

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How to Apply for Dual Citizenship at the Philippine Consulate New York

CLICK HERE TO PRINT THE FORM

Checklist of Supporting Documents enclosed: For the Principal

1. Fully Accomplished “Petition for Dual Citizenship and Issuance of Identification Certificate” Three (3) recent 2x2 photos (colored, plain background, and with collar) 
2. Application fee of US $50.00 (cash or money-order payable to the Philippine Consulate General New York)
3. Submit two (2) copies of the following, and bring the originals on the appointment date: 

• Certificate of Naturalization issued by the US
• US Passport (copy the data-page with photo)
• Latest Philippine Passport (copy the data-pages, photo, name, etc.)
• Philippine Birth Certificate (if born in the Philippines – NSO-issued Birth Certificate preferred) / Report of Birth with sign/seal of the Consulate / Embassy with jurisdiction over the place of birth (if born abroad);
• If applicant’s name is different from the birth certificate, Notarized Affidavit of Change of Name
• Marriage contract printed on NSO Security Paper (if marriage was celebrated in the Philippines) or Report of Marriage duly signed by the Embassy or Consulate which has jurisdiction over the place where the marriage was celebrated if applicant’s marriage was celebrated abroad (please read through our Report of Birth, Marriage, and Death Pages for guidance)
• If previously married: Marriage Certificate annotated by the NSO or Annulment/Divorce Decree

For each Dependent (unmarried children below 18 yrs old, born when both parents were already foreign citizens) submit:

• Two (2) recent colored passport photos 2” x 2” against a plain background
• Application fee of US $25.00 (cash or money-order payable to the Philippine Consulate General New York
• Submit two (2) copies of the following, and bring the originals on the appointment date:

            a) US Birth Certificate

            b) US Passport (copy the data-page with photo)

Mail THIS FORM and the above supporting documents to: (USPS Priority mail w/ delivery confirmation suggested)

Philippine Consulate General New York

556 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10036

Attention: Dual Citizenship Appointment Coordinator

NOTE: Walk-in applicants are accepted Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. A Seminar, followed by the Oath-taking, is conducted daily at 3:00pm.

For queries, email: phcongen.newyork@gmail.com or call 212-764-1330 ext 311 / 318; request for Merle Puruganan

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Easy Guide to Renew Your Philippine Passport at the Consulate of New York

The Philippines has instituted the electronic passport (ePassport) system for all its citizens. The ePassport features microchip technology and a host of other security features thereby ensuring that Philippine passports are virtually tamper-proof. ePassport issuance is also compliant with the security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Philippine ePassport has an integrated circuit (chip) within its pages containing data that are essential in verifying the identity of the passport holder. These include the personal biographical information found on the data page of the passport, the biometrics of the passport holder, the unique chip identification number, and a digital signature to verify the authenticity of the data stored on the chip. The chip technology allows the information stored in an ePassport to be read by special chip readers at almost every international port of entry.

If you are a citizen of the Philippines residing in the United States, you must apply in person to get your Philippine passport renewed. Because a renewal application can take up to six weeks to process, start thinking about your passport renewal well in advance of your departure date. If you live in or around New York, you will need to visit the Philippine Consulate General in New York.

STEP 1
Complete your passport renewal application with blue or black ink. The form must be filled out completely and legibly. You can also opt to type up the form. You can either pick up the form when you go to the Philippine Consulate of New York, or download it and print it out from the consulate's website.

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Where To Learn To Code For Free In New York City?

Computer coding is a booming profession and luckily for you, New York City has a few different places where students, from absolute beginners to advanced engineers, can take coding classes for free.

Do you want to learn how to code but can't afford to pay for a pricey class? They're in high demand, with hundreds already participating and signing up. But time may be running out.

1. Gilt Tech: You may know Gilt for its discount designer goods, but the online retail giant makes it a priority to give back to the community. Gilt Tech, the brand's technology organization, offers free classes and daylong workshops for experienced web engineers in programs like Scala and AngularJS. Classes are taught by experts like Gilt engineers or guest speakers; Gilt recently had a Facebook data scientist and a Columbia adjunct professor teach classes at its Midtown headquarters.

Still a beginner? Lauri Apple of Gilt Tech says she expects her organization will offer front-end web development and product development workshops in the near future. You can find out more at Gilt Tech'sblog; the next class is on AngularJS on May 22.

2. New York Public Library: The New York Public Library offers an eight-week coding class at a few locations. Project Code is free and perfect for beginners who want to take an introductory course. Contact theNew York Public Library for more details.

3. Workforce 1 at the Flatiron School: New Yorkers who want to get serious aboWhere to learn to code for free in New Yorkut coding should apply for the NYC Web Development Fellowship. The highly competitive program selected just 28 students for the five-month, full-time program. These students get to take the course for free, though it would normally cost $12,000. Applications are closed this year, but sign up on the fellowship's website to receive news on future opportunities.

4. Fractured Atlas: Are you an artist looking for a steady gig? Fractured Atlas offers a fellowship for artists who want to learn how to code. Founder Adam Huttler says learning how to code gives artists the opportunity to land stable, well-paid jobs on top of creating art. The fellowship even includes a $5,000 stipend. Applications are closed now, but follow Fractured Atlas' blog to find out about the next opportunity.

5. Access Code: This free program, through the Coalition for Queens, is an 18-week course that teaches students how to code iOS apps. Graduates of the program saw their salaries jump from $15,000 to more than $72,000. Stay updated on the next course by signing up for Access Code's e-mail newsletter.

6. Codecademy: Don't have time to go to in-person classes? Codecademy offers free online courses in Javascript, HTML/CSS, PHP, Python, Ruby and API.

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What is IDNYC? NYC Identification Card

Your IDNYC card is a broadly accepted, official form of identification. IDNYC is accepted:

• By City agencies to access many services and programs;
• By NYPD for the purposes of issuing summons or desk appearance tickets instead of arrest;
• For entry into public buildings, like schools;
• For taking the high school equivalency exam in New York City.

Your IDNYC also card offers a wide variety of exciting benefits that make it more than just an ID card. Your card can help you experience everything New York has to offer.

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NYC Broadway Week 2016: 2-for-1 Tickets on Sale

Enjoy 2-for-1 tickets to award-winning dramas, hilarious comedies and must-see musicals during NYC Broadway Week. Tickets are limited.

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Hidden Gem in NYC - Romantic Fast Food Court Dinner Date with Amazing View

Hudson Eats at Brookfield Place in Battery Park Lower Manhattan

Truly, New York is not your average city.  Where in the world you can find a food court with great food and amazing view? Hudson Eats, a 30,000 square foot complex on the second floor of Brookfield Place (formerly the World Financial Center) is definitely not your average food court.  Some of the food stalls in the area are Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, Chop't, Dos Toros Taqueria, Amada tapas, Financier Patisserie, Sprinkles, Black Seed Bagel, Umami Burger, Dig Inn and Skinny Pizza all under one roof?

Finding something new and interesting to do for your date night can be a challenge. It's so easy to get stuck in a rut or to avoid date night altogether because you think you need to spend a fortune to have a good time. This simply isn't true. Follow this plan for your next romantic evening, and both your sweetie and your wallet will thank you! I had a date here early January 2016 and I ordered 2 Umami burgers, a fries and 2 beers for only $48. Not bad at all for a romantic dinner for two. Then we strolled calmly along Hudson River for even more romantic scenery. We sat down in one of the benches and admired the view of New Jersey shore. You can immortalize this moment so feel free play with the dogs of the passers-by. It is time you learn where to take your #MissUniversengBuhayko in New York.

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