Obtaining a visa to any country is not easy. Visa requirements differ and even the process varies. There are embassies that require your presence while others accommodate applications through travel agencies. The recent visa I applied for was for Netherlands. A Schengen visa. Here’s the list of the required documents in obtaining a Schengen business visa:

• A passport, valid until at least three months after completion of the intended journey.
• One fully, correctly and clearly completed application form, duly dated and signed.
• Two recent* passport-size (3.5 by 4.5 cm) photograph, against light (e.g.white) background.
• All previous passports.
• Non-Philippine citizens have to present: Philippine visa or residence permit + registration valid 3 months after scheduled return.
• An official letter of invitation from the inviting company in the Netherlands mentioning the duration and period of your intended stay to be faxed directly by the company/organisation to the Embassy (fax no +63 2 7866644). Read more »

With the new organizational structure that happened in our department few months ago, I feel that even the minor tasks are eating our time, always trying hard to beat the deadlines.  Read more »

In prep for the upcoming exhibit in Myanmar next month, I went to Makati yesterday and applied for my visa. I was surprised about the easy and smooth procedure visa application in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Amorsolo, Makati.

They just took my requirements and in few minutes, I was given the slip for visa claim which is scheduled tomorrow afternoon. Visa fee was USD30 paid via the Bank of China in Paseo.

I wish that all embassies and consul offices work that way, no hassle sweat and annoying encounters!

The purpose of delegation at work is supposedly to help get things done but what happens when you delegate and still the work is not done? That would definitely give you stress especially when the bosses are breathing on your neck.

Handling a subordinate who does not function well is a problem. Well, that’s how I see it. And when you cannot do something about it, all you can do is hold on promotional stress balls here, while seated.