The prospect of a large-scale invasion of Rafah, where around 1.2 million civilians are sheltering, has sparked intensifying global alarm
world2 hours ago
Filipino expat Blessing Martinez lost her passport early this month; she then applied for a new one on August 8 and now, she can proudly claim that she's the first Filipino in the UAE to get the newly-designed Philippine e-passport.
What makes it special to be the first to have the freshly-minted Philippine travel ID?
"It's such a blessing," Martinez told Khaleej Times in a phone interview. "Aside from the bragging rights, simply put, the Philippine e-passport is really now one of the most visually-striking and highly-secured passports in the world."
"Flipping through the pages (of the passport), I was really amazed at how designers and researchers put great efforts to come up with a very likeable passport," added Martinez, 29, who works as a cabin crew for a Dubai-based airline.
Philippine consular officials unveiled last week the 44-page travel document which depicts Philippine artefacts, cultural icons, historic places, renowned tourist destinations, and even lyrics of the Philippine national anthem.
"There's also a strong sense of patriotism that is rekindled by looking at the passport," Martinez said.
"I just was impressed by the prominent display of our national bird, the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), which is one of rarest species in the world and endemic to our forests in south Philippines. Also, the Manunggul Jar which dates back to Neolithic era and the ancient script or 'baybayin' all bring a great sense of pride for us, Filipinos," explained Martinez
But more than the colourful features and pictures of world-class tourist destinations, Martinez is better impressed with the new security features. "The holographic photo and indigo ink used, plus the microchip, microprints and ultraviolet marks will surely make it hard to make a counterfeit copy of the passport."
And where will Martinez first use her new passport? "I'm travelling back home to get married in October and after the wedding I hope we can go the Maldives for our honeymoon," she said.
Angel@khaleejtimes.com
The prospect of a large-scale invasion of Rafah, where around 1.2 million civilians are sheltering, has sparked intensifying global alarm
world2 hours ago
The festival saw the participation of 120 students in school theatre, Arabic calligraphy, and visual arts
uae2 hours ago
The PTI founder emphasised a deal is made by someone who wants to leave the country or avoid incarceration
asia2 hours ago
The ministry said later that Russian aircraft and air defence systems had downed a total of 15 ATACMS in the past week
world2 hours ago
Judge ordered the police to ensure the appearance of nine suspects in the Jinnah House attack case, and five others in the Askari Tower case on May 15
asia3 hours ago
Honouring Sharjah as the Guest of Honour at this renowned cultural event also recognises its central role as one of the key World Book Capitals
uae3 hours ago
This year's contest has so far been dominated by calls for Israel to be excluded over its war in Gaza, which the organisers rejected
europe3 hours ago
Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan, mourned his passing by posting a heartfelt tribute on X
gulf3 hours ago