The Philippine passport has a 10-year validity, which means you’ll have to stick with the same passport photo for a decade. Everyone wants to look good in their ID picture and make that one-minute photo-op count.
It’s no wonder why the passport photo of celebrity Chie Filomeno went viral for achieving a flawless and “plakado” look. Netizens wondered how she was able to pull off her full-on make-up look without getting rejected by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
That said, DFA has several reminders for the public during the whole passport application process.
If you or your family members are applying for a passport or renewing your existing one, be sure to check out these do’s and don’ts in getting your passport ID for a hassle-free appointment:
1. POSE
Do: Frontal pose looking directly at the camera lens and showing your full face. The middle points of the mouth and the bridge of the nose should lie on an imaginary vertical line in the center of the image.
Don’t: Avoid rotating or tilting your head either in an up/down or left/right direction.
2. EXPRESSION
Do: Your expression should be neutral with both eyes open and mouth closed.
Don’t: Contrived expressions are not allowed. Do not raise your eyebrows, squint, or frown. There should be no hair or bangs covering the eyes and brows.
3. SMILE
Do: Applicants may smile, but without showing their teeth and gums. The “Mona Lisa” smile is recommended.
Don’t: Smile too widely.
4. EYE ACCESSORIES
Do: Remove your eyeglasses before having your photo captured. The use of contact lenses for medical reasons is accepted, provided that the contact lenses do not change the applicant’s true eye color.
Don’t: Colored contact lenses are not allowed. If so, applicants are advised to take off their contact lenses before having their photos captured.
5. EARS VISIBILITY
As much as possible, both ears of the applicant should be visible.
6. EAR AND HAIR ACCESSORIES
Do: Frizzy/afro hairstyles should be neatly arranged, showing a full frontal facial image.
Don’t: Wearing earrings is not allowed. Hair accessories should be removed prior to photo capture.
7. FOR INFANTS
Do: Infants or very small children who are unable to support themselves should be assisted by either parent or their guardians. A high-chair for minor applicants may be used if needed.
Don’t: Hands, arms, etc., used to support the child should not be visible.
Additionally, the photo ID can be rejected for the following reasons:
- Women – wearing excessive makeup, large earrings
- Men – wearing makeup, earrings
- Use of headgear other than a scarf or veil for religious or health reasons
- Poor photo quality/poor or uneven lighting
So yes, since Chie Filemono’s make-up is accepted, it is not considered excessive. Still, you might want to go over these guidelines to ensure a smooth passport application journey.
If you want to apply for a Philippine passport, you can visit the DFA site here: https://www.passport.gov.ph/.
Source: https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/guidelines-on-photo-capturing, http://newyorkpcg.org/pcgny/helpie_faq/what-are-the-new-photo-requirements-for-the-epassport/
