How to Update your Government Records after Getting Married, the initial step

So what’s next after your much-awaited wedding day? Well, there are tons to do after your big day aside from the adjustments you both do.

First you need to avail of the necessary I.D.s using your brand new surname. Did you know that there’s no written law in our constitution requiring women to change their name after they get married? I think it’s common to celebrities and politicians but for normal people like us, I think we need to. This is also a simplified way of respecting your husband’s family and submitting to your husband.

The most important thing to do is request a copy/copies of marriage certificate form N.S.O. since this is the basis of government offices and banks in updating your record. If you want ease while saving time and energy, you can drop by the nearest SM Malls, Robinsons Galleria or Ali Mall in Cubao to request for your document. These are the only malls that I’m aware of providing such service.

When I went to SM Business Center at the 5^th floor of SM Mega Mall B last June, they declined my request for the marriage Certificate from NSO since they require a period of atleast 6 months after your wedding date. This is to make sure that your record is already submitted to NSO. So I went back yesterday and since it’s already July, they accepted it. Fee is Php 160 per copy. I requested 3 copies making it a total of Php 480. It’s a good thing that malls provide these kind of services that eases getting important documents. Though it’s a bit pricier compared to going to NSO branches, atleast you save time, fare, and energy. Most of the government offices require you these plus more patience. Anyway, so I was advised to check the documents I requested by Friday next week. That’s after 7 working days.

What other things you can transact with SM Business Center:

• S.S.S. contribution
• Request for CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage)
•  Marriage Certificate (after 6 months form your wedding date)
•  Birth Certificate
• Renew PRC License
• Bills Payment

These are the only forms I saw/remembered when I went yesterday.

For Robinsons Galleria (Lingkod Pinoy Center) and Ali Mall in Cubao, there are many government centers like DFA, SSS, PhilHealth, GSIS, LTO, DOT, Pag-Ibig, NBI, etc. It’s like a one-stop shop for everything. If you are near the vicinity of these malls, you can save a lot of time on your transactions. For services offered, you can visit Lingkod Pinoy. In Ali Mall, these centers are located near the movie theatre.

Experiencing Pre-Cana Seminar at EDSA Shrine

So Hubby (Ex BF) and I had our Pre-Cana Seminar in EDSA Shrine which is required as per Villa San Miguel, our Wedding Chapel. They require couples to attend two seminars – Christian Doctrine which is scheduled every Saturday from 8am-12pm and the Pre-Cana Seminar every last Saturday of the month. Note that you cannot take the Pre-Cana Seminar if you haven’t attended the Christian Doctrine Seminar.

The Christian Doctrine Seminar has 3 speakers that talk about the Apostle’s Creed, the sacraments and how you live as a Christian.

The Pre-Cana Seminar starts at 9am at the “Free Clinic” room, ground floor along EDSA side (near the ladies’ washroom). You need to bring the brown paper issued to you after taking the first required seminar.

When we attended this last Sept. 13, 2014, we were the only couple registered as soon-to-wed. The speakers teased us as “Dong-Yanne” (not in looks and figures. haha). Not sure if it’s just me but I never felt sleepy during the entire seminar. 

Tita Minnie (one of the speakers) told us that they accommodate anyone before with which she dropped names of popular personalities in showbusiness (with side stories. hehe). But due to large volume of interested parties, they now allow only those registered from either EDSA Shrine or Villa San Miguel. Attendees are combination of couples who are getting married and/or  having their child baptized, so most of the talk (3^rd speaker) are about baptism requirements. You can contact them through (02) 633 4359.

How to commute going to EDSA Shrine aside from the Bus B (or routing to Ortigas Ilalim), you can ride G-liner bound to Taytay Rizal from San Juan or near SM Centerpoint.