DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) Authentication of Documents

I have my documents authenticated by the DFA and I've searched on how to do it but unfortunately the website of the DFA lacks some information.

This is the process I went through:

1. Authentication of documents by DFA DOES NOT require a "schedule" or "appointment" date unlike when you are getting/renewing a passport. You may directly go to DFA Office at Roxas Boulevard.
2. If you will go there using the public transport system (Jeep from MRT Taft station) don't talk to any "fixers"; those selling black ballpens and envelopes, or else they will try to fool you.
3. At the DFA Entrance Gate, there is a signage of "Authentication"; go inside, show the guards your documents to be authenticated.
4. Upon entering the gate, you will immediately see another signage "Authentication"; show again the guard your documents to be authenticated.
5. Look for the "Information" kiosk. Get an Application Form (as of this writing its color is Blue).  Fill-up the required fields.
6. You may follow the "seated lines" while filling up the form.  Don't worry it's moving :)
7. If you are just authenticating for your NBI Clearance, the guard will tell you where to fall in-line, they have a booth for NBI clearance authentication only.  FYI, have a photocopy of your I.D. or if you forgot, there is a photocopy area inside the DFA.
8. The "validator" will check your document and will ask you if you want regular or special.  Regular means payment (100php) and 4 Working Days processing and Special means payment (200php) and the next working day you can already get the authenticated document.
9. Go to the Cashier and pay, return to the Validation booth, they will give you the copy of the receipt.  You may get your authenticated document depending on the payment method that you've paid for.  There is also a signage when and what time can you get the authenticated document.  In my case I've filed at around 10am that's why I can get it around 10am-12pm.  FYI, DFA opens at 7am.
10. When getting your document, you need to put your receipt inside the "box" in Information kiosk.  It has a label "Regular" or "Special".  Have a seat and wait for your name or  the name on the document to be called (because you may also apply for in-behalf of a person, you just need to have a authorization letter, photocopy of the picture of the I.D. of the person, photocopy of your i.d.; both bearing signatures)
11. Upon receiving the authenticated document, double-check if the spelling of the name is correct (you may find it below the document. If not, tell them. It's a long document so you may bring an envelop that is size "long".

Running the Condura Skyway Marathon-2013

I've ran the full marathon category and what I can say is... it's great! Although I've ran it even if I lacked training, I still finished it.  I've learned some new things in running this event.  The partner for providing hydration is Summit-Natural drinking water (water) and 100 Plus (energy drink). I should have tested this during my trainings. As soon as I drank the Summit water, my stomach went upset.  I am not used to drink "natural" water, I'm used to "purified" water.  Also, the 100 Plus energy drink, it's carbonated, it really hurt my stomach.  It has affected me during the run, I want to take a "poo" but I was concerned about the cut-off time although it has a 8-hours cut-off time.

I think I'll run again this event next year if there's an opportunity.  The race course is challenging and well-organized.  And most of all, this is a "run-for-a-cause" event.  They've showed where the proceeds went from last year's event (Zamboanga).  The mangroves that were given  has helped the fishermen in terms of income and protection for natural calamities such as flooding, storms, etc.

Condura Skyway Marathon Run for the Mangroves - a GREAT running event.