Manila Embassy Interview

[Jeff and Boo 0]

Hello all! Can someone tell me the name of a shipping company that can ship Luz's stuff without costing more than her things are worth? She will be bringing her important stuff with her but she also has a lifetime of stuff that she wants to send here. Overseas (in a boat) shipping is what I had in mind. Thanks!

well gary i also sent some of my stuff in advance i paid 5,000 for i think 15 kilos.. seafreight ordinary took less than 30 days before they arrived in San Diego Cali ..She can go to Post office and ask about it..It is much cheaper thou if it is ordinary and seafreight.

Boo

[Birdysboy 5]

PW, finally you can change our status to approved. Lilia saw the CO write "K1 APPROVED" on her file as he sent her to pay Delbros.

congrats!!

One thing interesting. Since I am self employed, I sent a year's worth of ORIGINAL bank statements (both company and individual accounts). I expected to get those back when Lilia arrived here for use in filing taxes for 2006. The USE KEPT all my bank statements! The Filipina screener told Lilia they would just keep them. Now I have to pay the bank to get copies generated. I should have made copies. No big deal, but noteworthy for the self employed.

Thats great I am so happy for you. God bless your life together.

[Glenn & Rosemarie 0]

Hi Glenn! I'm very interested to read your story because I will be there In Florida next month. I know Jacksonville is close to Paul (Lake City) I will talk to him about this and if its ok with you both I would like you to be our friends there. I am thinking of taking classes for Real Estate agent when I'm ready and adjusted. Don't worry she will be fine. Just give her time to adjust and give her some activities to make her mind busy and forget her worrries.

God Bless to both of you and hope to see both of you when I get there.

Lily

Hello Everyone, I find myself here with nobody to talk to about this and hope that some of you possibly will be able to shed some insight into this serious issue for me. My wife has been here now in the USA for 18 days. I have tried to be the best husband that I can possibly be. I take her places, out to dinner and even cook gourmet dinners for us. I am an indepenent broker and my office is in my home. My day's are somewhat busy and sometimes hectic from 8:00am to about 7:00pm Monday through Friday. Since my wife arrived here, I have made a point to take a few hours away from my work. My wife seemed to be sad and unhappy over the last few days. She is not the type of person to say what is bothering her or complain. I finally got her to tell me what is bothering her. It seems that she is feeking lonely and scared. She has made numerous comments that our neighborhood is very quiet and she rarely sees anyone outside. She relys on me for transportation, as she has not taken her driving exam yet. I live in a community next to the ocean, so its about a two or 3 mile drive for shopping, dining, etc. The biggest problem she describes to me is she is scared here. She isn't sleeping at night. She says it is because she is scared, as she hears noises above the master bedroom of which is upstairs. She thinks it is a spirit or a ghost walking around up there! I am serious, she thinks this. I hear things also and I have explained to her that it is the rustling of the very tall Palm trees outside our house. It is always windy or breezy here, as our house is a stones throw from the Atlantic Ocean. My wife is a smart person and well educated, so that isn't an issue. I respect her culture and beliefs and know that this fear is real to her.

This is serious and to the point that she wants to return to the Philippines. She is lonely and scared and I just don't know what to do. All of you have become like an internet family to me, so I am hoping that possibly some of you can share experiences or shed some insight into this issue for me. I am very frustrated, as I don't know what else to say or do. You can send me a private message if you prefer. Thanks, Glenn

Lily, thank you for your response. Lake City is not very far from us. We live in St. Augustine and it is very close to Jacksonville. Hopefully, we can all meet up sometime after your arrival here!

[Ken_Maria 0]

PW, The immigrations folks actually take the X-Ray if Honolulu is your final destination. I am not sure what they do if you are just passing through. I do suggest 2-3 hour lay over if Honolulu is you POE and not your final destination, there was a long line and it moved slowly, took us about 45 mins before we were sent to a CO.

Maria is adjusting to the time difference and missing her sister more than anyone. It is a bit more difficult here as I live on the base and she can not really do much without a military spouse ID. Today is my first day back to work, we will see how she does this week. Ken

Just came through the Honolulu POE today and Hawaii does require the X-ray. Not many questions and if you are traveling with your finacee, they will process both of you together. If your x-ray is in the check luggage like ours, they will go to the baggage claim with you and get it.

Thank you Ken for this info. Looks like its official now that Honolulu POE requires the x-ray. So those of you whose POE is Honolulu, please hand-carry your x-rays.

Have a happy life with Maria. How does she find Hawaii so far?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Filipinos are very social people. We thrive on the support and closeness of our relationships with our family, friends, relatives, neighbors, and extended families. Rosemarie’s support was cut off all of a sudden and she felt the loss.

To reiterate what others before me have suggested, you might want to consider doing these things for her:

1) Subscribe to TFC (The Filipino Channel) so she can watch Filipino TV programs. http://www.abs-cbni.com/ It costs money but my US relatives tell me it feels just like home when they watch TFC.

2) Contact Fil-Am associations and attend their get-togethers with her. Rosemarie would feel an immediate reconnection and this will help in her adjustment

3) If she is Catholic, you might want to ask a priest (a Filipino priest if you can find one) to come and sprinkle holy water around your house. Offer to buy a crucifix (blessed with holy water) to be placed in the wall of your living room and near your bedroom door. This would help her to feel secure around your house. I’m sure you guys have noticed the crucifix, statues of saints and rosaries in Filipino houses or cars. They our security blanket.

4) Serve Filipino food at least 3 times a week.

5) Buy phone cards so she can call family regularly.

6) Continue to assure her of your love and support and don’t snap at her even if you want to. Try to empathize with her.

7) If you can afford it, a promise of a trip back home will give her something to look forward to. But make sure you come with her.

I appreciate the fact that you guys here are sensitive to your ladies' feelings and are seeking ways to help your loved ones cope during her period of adjustment. Loads of patience, bucketful of love, and tons and tons of understanding are what both partners need in this difficult stage.

After the euphoria of finally getting the visa has subsided, real life starts.

Let us remain steadfast in our love for each other and pray for the success of our marriages.

Cora

Amen, sister Cora! That brought tears to my eyes. I've told Jinky many times that I am humbled that she is giving up her whole life in the Philippines to start a new life here with me. I want that transition and the life we develop together to be as comfortable for her as possible.

(4 days to go!!!)

[Dean iWait 0]

Hello Everyone, I find myself here with nobody to talk to about this and hope that some of you possibly will be able to shed some insight into this serious issue for me. My wife has been here now in the USA for 18 days. I have tried to be the best husband that I can possibly be. I take her places, out to dinner and even cook gourmet dinners for us. I am an indepenent broker and my office is in my home. My day's are somewhat busy and sometimes hectic from 8:00am to about 7:00pm Monday through Friday. Since my wife arrived here, I have made a point to take a few hours away from my work. My wife seemed to be sad and unhappy over the last few days. She is not the type of person to say what is bothering her or complain. I finally got her to tell me what is bothering her. It seems that she is feeking lonely and scared. She has made numerous comments that our neighborhood is very quiet and she rarely sees anyone outside. She relys on me for transportation, as she has not taken her driving exam yet. I live in a community next to the ocean, so its about a two or 3 mile drive for shopping, dining, etc. The biggest problem she describes to me is she is scared here. She isn't sleeping at night. She says it is because she is scared, as she hears noises above the master bedroom of which is upstairs. She thinks it is a spirit or a ghost walking around up there! I am serious, she thinks this. I hear things also and I have explained to her that it is the rustling of the very tall Palm trees outside our house. It is always windy or breezy here, as our house is a stones throw from the Atlantic Ocean. My wife is a smart person and well educated, so that isn't an issue. I respect her culture and beliefs and know that this fear is real to her.

This is serious and to the point that she wants to return to the Philippines. She is lonely and scared and I just don't know what to do. All of you have become like an internet family to me, so I am hoping that possibly some of you can share experiences or shed some insight into this issue for me. I am very frustrated, as I don't know what else to say or do. You can send me a private message if you prefer. Thanks, Glenn

Hi Glenn,

I think that it happens to everyone to more or less a degree. Did you both talk about how your daily lives would be together? During the period apart, how much time did you spend on the phone or chatting online? My fiancee will be here this coming Friday and I'm currently waiting tables at night (3 days a week) in addition to my full time job - so I'm concerned about how the transition will be for her, but we talk about it all the time. Keep in mind, she's left EVERYTHING behind her, she's not only in a strange neighborhood but a strange country as well. If she can't drive right away, show her the public transportation system so that she has a way to get out of that house that will quickly feel like a prison to her if it doesn't already.

Expectations are so important. I would sit down and have a heart to heart talk. Make some immediate goals that will help her to feel comfortable (introducing her to some of the neighbors, introduce her to your friends, get involved with your church, find a network of Filipino Americans nearby that she can communicate with). Then I'd talk about long term goals (getting her driver's license, signing up for classes at a local college, etc.). Whatever the main plan was that you both had imagined, in terms of your lives together - that has to be ironed out where both of you have a good idea of what to expect.

Just try to put yourself in her place and imagine what you would need to do to keep your sanity. Going back home is NOT the solution and both of you need to believe that. The transition is going to be painful and there's no way to get around it, but tell yourselves that it is temporary. Eventually you will both form a life together that feels comfortable.

Don't despair. Best wishes!

We have been married since December 2005. I visited her twice for 6 weeks prior to our marriage and I met her in Manila 3 times for 2 to 4 weeks during 2006. We chatted or talked on the phone everyday since the first time we met. I let her know before we married that my business life was not only a busy one, but very hectic most of the time. I think she is somewhat surprised at the way I do business, as there is a lot of emotion at times. But, that is just the nature of my business.

I wish desperatley that I knew Filipinos here. I know there are many here, but haven't a clue on how she can meet them? I appreciate your concern and feedback.

Hi Glenn,

Hang in there buddy. I hope somehow you can find some way for her to meet some of the filipinas in your area. I'm lucky that my mom has a friend who knows some filipinas here. One of them advised me to call her basically as soon as Sheryl steps off the plane. They have a monthly get together with a bunch of filipinas in the area and their husbands. I'm really hoping this will make a big difference in how Sheryl gets along her first few months here and beyond. God bless.

Dean

[Kayz 0]

Congratulations to all who just had their interview and were approved...

I just got a text message from my Honey..he received the packet 4 today ..Please update us Ate PW ... It was funny coz I called Manila Embassy last night and the lady told me that the packet was mailed on February 14th and the latest time he will receive it will be around end of March ...She probbably got confused with the month

We're almost there... I'm flying on April 13th to be with him at the interview..Goodluck to us all

[Dean iWait 0]

Dean, Just getting back from the interview (15 Feb) and here was our experience at the interview. Both the pre-screener and CO had more questions for me than Maria. Neither had an issue with me answering the questions they asked Maria if there seemed to be confusion in the question. Some of the questions were 2-3 part questions and general, leaving it to us to figure out waht they were asking... do not be afraid to ask them exactly waht do they want.

Most questions were centered around the relationship; 1) When did you first meet? 2) How did you meet? 3) Are you happy with this relationship? 4) How long have you had a relationship?

We met through mutual friends so there were questions about how we knew them: 1) How do you both know this couple? 2) How did they introduce you?

Bottom line, it more a converstation then an interrogation and was relatively easy compared to the preparing of documents and the waiting. The prescreener was more concerned with the documents and organinzing them in the proper order for the CO.

We saw people in the waiting area filling out their 134 and some were turned away because they di not pay the visa application fee at the bank. VJ members were well prepared. Ken & Maria

Oops I forgot I wanted to ask one more thing and it wouldn't let me edit my post. I will attend Sheryl's interview. What questions did the CO have for you specifically?

Thanks Ken. Very helpful. But now I'm even more nervous than before.

[felnfrank 1]

Hey guys, just a quick question here, is there a number at the US Embassy here in Manila that you can call to check the status of your visa after you have been interviewed? I am kinda wondering if there is such a number aside from the call center number that they have. Any information you guys can provide will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

hello karen,remember me?i remember u well

the embassy will not entertain questions unless u have a written inquery,that's what is said on their site. Frank sent a letter (fax) asking for early release of our visa and it was released on feb 20,after my interview last feb 16. delbros delivered it on feb 23 and i flew to US. I couldnt believe im here now with my honey here's the contact numbers.hope this helps u:

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwhnv10.html

i wish u luck for ur journey!

Hey Fel, who could have forgotten YOU and all those LOVELY PEOPLE at the dinnner that we had? Hehehe. Thanks for the information anyway, I'll try to tell my fiance what you guys have done and maybe we may opt to do that as well. But don't you think its to early? I just had my interview February 21, I'm still kinda thinking of waiting until tommorow February 27, if I still don't get any news from Delbros then I guess that's the time to send them a written inquiry. By the way, do you mind sharing to me the letter that you guys sent to the embassy? Thanks is advance.

Best wishes to you both!

hello karen,

the letter was a convincing one as what ate anna has said hehe...he asked me to prepare the letter for him.i made it simple and sent to franko ,then he sent it over to the Phil,USE. (fax)I think u dnt need it cos ur visa might be around tomorrow. It's feb 26 here in Cali.well, just like to share my letter hehe

i indicated my case number then the reason. It was a brief letter. I typed as if i was Franko, requesting for early release of the visa because his fiance (arrived in Manila for the first time) was alone,far from her family and love ones.His concern of my safety and needed to come and join him in california as soon as possible. Though i had my plane tickets already for US, i didnt mention it. Only to Delbros

mmm 7 days is enough for u to wait for ur visa.

That if u r really in a hurry like me inquire Delbros, once they have ur visa, it will take few days to deliver it to u if ur in manila.

Goodluck!

fel

[Glenn & Rosemarie 0]

Hello Everyone, I find myself here with nobody to talk to about this and hope that some of you possibly will be able to shed some insight into this serious issue for me. My wife has been here now in the USA for 18 days. I have tried to be the best husband that I can possibly be. I take her places, out to dinner and even cook gourmet dinners for us. I am an independent broker and my office is in my home. My day's are somewhat busy and sometimes hectic from 8:00am to about 7:00pm Monday through Friday. Since my wife arrived here, I have made a point to take a few hours away from my work. My wife seemed to be sad and unhappy over the last few days. She is not the type of person to say what is bothering her or complain. I finally got her to tell me what is bothering her. It seems that she is feeling lonely and scared. She has made numerous comments that our neighborhood is very quiet and she rarely sees anyone outside. She relies on me for transportation, as she has not taken her driving exam yet. I live in a community next to the ocean, so its about a two or 3 mile drive for shopping, dining, etc. The biggest problem she describes to me is she is scared here. She isn't sleeping at night. She says it is because she is scared, as she hears noises above the master bedroom of which is upstairs. She thinks it is a spirit or a ghost walking around up there! I am serious, she thinks this. I hear things also and I have explained to her that it is the rustling of the very tall Palm trees outside our house. It is always windy or breezy here, as our house is a stones throw from the Atlantic Ocean. My wife is a smart person and well educated, so that isn't an issue. I respect her culture and beliefs and know that this fear is real to her.

This is serious and to the point that she wants to return to the Philippines. She is lonely and scared and I just don't know what to do. All of you have become like an Internet family to me, so I am hoping that possibly some of you can share experiences or shed some insight into this issue for me. I am very frustrated, as I don't know what else to say or do. You can send me a private message if you prefer. Thanks, Glenn

Hi Glenn,

I think that it happens to everyone to more or less a degree. Did you both talk about how your daily lives would be together? During the period apart, how much time did you spend on the phone or chatting online? My fiancee will be here this coming Friday and I'm currently waiting tables at night (3 days a week) in addition to my full time job - so I'm concerned about how the transition will be for her, but we talk about it all the time. Keep in mind, she's left EVERYTHING behind her, she's not only in a strange neighborhood but a strange country as well. If she can't drive right away, show her the public transportation system so that she has a way to get out of that house that will quickly feel like a prison to her if it doesn't already.

Expectations are so important. I would sit down and have a heart to heart talk. Make some immediate goals that will help her to feel comfortable (introducing her to some of the neighbors, introduce her to your friends, get involved with your church, find a network of Filipino Americans nearby that she can communicate with). Then I'd talk about long term goals (getting her driver's license, signing up for classes at a local college, etc.). Whatever the main plan was that you both had imagined, in terms of your lives together - that has to be ironed out where both of you have a good idea of what to expect.

Just try to put yourself in her place and imagine what you would need to do to keep your sanity. Going back home is NOT the solution and both of you need to believe that. The transition is going to be painful and there's no way to get around it, but tell yourselves that it is temporary. Eventually you will both form a life together that feels comfortable.

Don't despair. Best wishes!

We have been married since December 2005. I visited her twice for 6 weeks prior to our marriage and I met her in Manila 3 times for 2 to 4 weeks during 2006. We chatted or talked on the phone everyday since the first time we met. I let her know before we married that my business life was not only a busy one, but very hectic most of the time. I think she is somewhat surprised at the way I do business, as there is a lot of emotion at times. But, that is just the nature of my business.

I wish desperately that I knew Filipinos here. I know there are many here, but haven't a clue on how she can meet them? I appreciate your concern and feedback.

Hi Glenn,

Hang in there buddy. I hope somehow you can find some way for her to meet some of the filipinas in your area. I'm lucky that my mom has a friend who knows some filipinas here. One of them advised me to call her basically as soon as Sheryl steps off the plane. They have a monthly get together with a bunch of filipinas in the area and their husbands. I'm really hoping this will make a big difference in how Sheryl gets along her first few months here and beyond. God bless.

Dean

Today is much different for Rosemarie and myself. I know that God is shining upon us. Last night we went to dinner at a local restaurant. I saw my wife's eyes light up as a couple was seated behind us. The woman was a Filipina. After we finished our dinner I made introductions and we saat down and talked with them for two hours. The Filipina has been here 28 years. She is going to introduce my wife to other Filipinas here and take her shopping. I also took some advice from some of you on VJ. On Wednesday they are installing " Filipino dish network" and we will get 6 Filipino channels! My cable company didn't offer these. we are going to the Filipino market in Jacksonville also to get some of the foods she misses. Its a good start I think. After we talked with the couple last night I determined that "homesickness" is the major issue for her. I truly want her to be happy, as she is so precious to me. Thanks to all of you here on VJ!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Today is much different for Rosemarie and myself. I know that God is shining upon us. Last night we went to dinner at a local restaurant. I saw my wife's eyes light up as a couple was seated behind us. The woman was a Filipina. After we finished our dinner I made introductions and we saat down and talked with them for two hours. The Filipina has been here 28 years. She is going to introduce my wife to other Filipinas here and take her shopping. I also took some advice from some of you on VJ. On Wednesday they are installing " Filipino dish network" and we will get 6 Filipino channels! My cable company didn't offer these. we are going to the Filipino market in Jacksonville also to get some of the foods she misses. Its a good start I think. After we talked with the couple last night I determined that "homesickness" is the major issue for her. I truly want her to be happy, as she is so precious to me. Thanks to all of you here on VJ!

That's great news to hear, Glenn! As PW suggested, if Rosemarie is Catholic - do get her connected to the local church to see about having the house blessed by a priest.

[dims1 0]

Today is much different for Rosemarie and myself. I know that God is shining upon us. Last night we went to dinner at a local restaurant. I saw my wife's eyes light up as a couple was seated behind us. The woman was a Filipina. After we finished our dinner I made introductions and we saat down and talked with them for two hours. The Filipina has been here 28 years. She is going to introduce my wife to other Filipinas here and take her shopping. I also took some advice from some of you on VJ. On Wednesday they are installing " Filipino dish network" and we will get 6 Filipino channels! My cable company didn't offer these. we are going to the Filipino market in Jacksonville also to get some of the foods she misses. Its a good start I think. After we talked with the couple last night I determined that "homesickness" is the major issue for her. I truly want her to be happy, as she is so precious to me. Thanks to all of you here on VJ!

Glenn,

That is most excellent!

I have been praying and thinking about you two alot. God works in mysterious ways.... Good luck and God bless you!

Mike

[dims1 0]

AN INEXPENSIVE HOTEL NEAR ST. LUKES & EMBASSY....

Hi,

I just felt like I needed to share with you about this hotel.

I'm not a rich guy and am always looking for a deal,hehehe!

Well this place is safe, clean and the employees are very nice and helpful.

Lorna stayed there 2 nights to go to her physical. She liked it enough to book 10days for her friend who will go for physical and interview in the same week. Lorna will go with her for support.

Anyway, the first night we booked the cheapest room which was 800p. It was small, no hot water, no tv but had AC and was clean. Lorna wanted tv so we tried to get the 900p room but they didn't have that available when Lorna got back to the hotel after her 1st day at St. Lukes. So she got the room that was 1000p. She liked it alot and said it was much bigger and had hot water and tv... and a lamp shade,hahaha. I told her it was worth the upgrade just for the lamp shade! :-)

She said the people there were very nice and helped her by drwaing a little map to St. Lukes.

Now St lukes is a little far. Some blocks! I think Lorna walked it in 20 or 25 minutes but I told her to take a cab back to hotel. Its about half that distance to Embassy and should be walkable. Here's the info on the hotel. I called from USA and talked to 2 girls who had good englsh and reserved without CC. Lorna just paid them cash/p when she got there.....

Name of the hotel is:

HOTEL JULIANO

El Guerero St. Ermita, Manila

telephone # +632 536 8180

16.00 a night I talked to Jenifer

Remember this isn't a Hiatt Hotel Room for 100.00. Its simple, clean, friendly and INEXPENSIVE!! :-)

[kar3n 0]

Hey guys, just a quick question here, is there a number at the US Embassy here in Manila that you can call to check the status of your visa after you have been interviewed? I am kinda wondering if there is such a number aside from the call center number that they have. Any information you guys can provide will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

hello karen,remember me?i remember u well

the embassy will not entertain questions unless u have a written inquery,that's what is said on their site. Frank sent a letter (fax) asking for early release of our visa and it was released on feb 20,after my interview last feb 16. delbros delivered it on feb 23 and i flew to US. I couldnt believe im here now with my honey here's the contact numbers.hope this helps u:

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwhnv10.html

i wish u luck for ur journey!

Hey Fel, who could have forgotten YOU and all those LOVELY PEOPLE at the dinnner that we had? Hehehe. Thanks for the information anyway, I'll try to tell my fiance what you guys have done and maybe we may opt to do that as well. But don't you think its to early? I just had my interview February 21, I'm still kinda thinking of waiting until tommorow February 27, if I still don't get any news from Delbros then I guess that's the time to send them a written inquiry. By the way, do you mind sharing to me the letter that you guys sent to the embassy? Thanks is advance.

Best wishes to you both!

hello karen,

the letter was a convincing one as what ate anna has said hehe...he asked me to prepare the letter for him.i made it simple and sent to franko ,then he sent it over to the Phil,USE. (fax)I think u dnt need it cos ur visa might be around tomorrow. It's feb 26 here in Cali.well, just like to share my letter hehe

i indicated my case number then the reason. It was a brief letter. I typed as if i was Franko, requesting for early release of the visa because his fiance (arrived in Manila for the first time) was alone,far from her family and love ones.His concern of my safety and needed to come and join him in california as soon as possible. Though i had my plane tickets already for US, i didnt mention it. Only to Delbros

mmm 7 days is enough for u to wait for ur visa.

That if u r really in a hurry like me inquire Delbros, once they have ur visa, it will take few days to deliver it to u if ur in manila.

Goodluck!

fel

Thank you so much for sharing what you have written in your letter. I might do just that. But for the meantime I think I should be patient enough and wait instead. I guess I'm just being PARANOID, BIG TIME!. I dunno, it is turning out this time for me that waiting for the visa delivery is far more stressing than preparing for the actual interview itself. Hahahaha. Crazy huh? We'll maybe because right now after knowing that you got approved and yet you still don't have the visa, you begin to think if there is something wrong, could they possibly need additional documents? If yes, what are those and how come they didn't inform me? Instead what the CO told me the last time is that he is wishing me good luck in my upcoming life in the US, I even ask him if it does mean that I am approved and he told me ''Yeah, thats it" and instructed me to go outside and wait for my number to be called for further instructions. I dunno, I guess its just my mind playing tricks on me. Hate it. Hehehehehe. Oh well, wish me luck and please pray that I still maintain my sanity as I go through this phase, hehehehe.

God bless to you both!

[Erichu 0]

Hello everyone!

Just wana share that im in SF already just last friday, Feb 23, 2007. It feels so amazingly good to be with Eric!

The flight was okay, i flew with PAL 9pm flight to SFO and arrived 5:30pm same day . The immigration guy was very nice, i presented my passport and I-94 and the brown envelope, he stamped on some pages and on the I-94 while asking questions at the same time like.. who's the lucky guy; how did we meet; if i have ever travelled to the USA before; when is the wedding...etc etc.. but he didnt ask for the X-ray and im glad coz i checked it in together with my luggages . After he finished doing stamps, smiled and said... Okay! Welcome to the USA, I ran to the luggages and mine was among the last to appear since i was first to check-in in Manila . When i found my luggages and passed by custom guys, they only asked what i brought and then let me go to the exit without scanning my things, i went to the EXIT and Eric was there, standing and smiling with bouquet of roses and hugged me and kissed me with so much happiness! . We celebrated then Visa day, Valentines day, our Birthdays... we call it B-V day!

So THANK YOU ALL, [esp mention: to PW, Uling, Steven&Jinky, LuzyC] youre all very helpful since the start of this journey, and please stay helpful as we go on to the next part - AOS.

Fel, it was fun to be sharing with you the excitement while waiting for boarding, wished we had same flight, but im happy to know that you had safe flight and youre very happy now with your Franko!

Tessa and Ana, have a safe flight this weekend! Hope Ana will fly via SFO too so we could meet again! Miss you guys! You rock girls!!!

Lyann (joone45) it was nice meeting you in person few days before my flight, looking forward to have someone closer here in the US.

Congrats who just got approved and Goodluck to all whos next in line for the interview!