st lukes discussion

[gretchen_darren 67]

My discussion with St. Luke's so far. I am glad for my fiancee, but I must say now I do not feel very safe anymore....... I stood out like a "white boy in Harlem". they are constantly telling us to be careful.... then they pull this stunt. Whose is kidding who????

In the other US Citizen's case NONE of the exceptions applied. His fiancee was 10 years older then mine. (29 instead of 19) And he is only a few years older then me. This is why even though given your explanation I cannot accept it for today. I can understand IF it had been carried out to ALL US Citizens today, but I felt as if I WAS being SINGLED out from everyone else today. As for number of applicants. The line was gone from the front door by 8:15 am. There was never a line in front of St Luke''s the rest of the morning of more then 5 or 10 people. Also ONE of the Guards at the front door took a break to urinate in front of St. Luke's on the Handicap ramp. (I was sitting right in front of the ramp, this happened not less then 6 feet from me.) Also, many, many people came and went after this time. I highly suggest completely enforcing the policy or revising it as appropriate. Very few US Citizens come to take the fiancee through the process. I had to give her the cash in FRONT of St. Lukes as she was waling in. I WAS CONSTANTLY HOUNDED by Peddlers and beggars the REST OF THE DAY WHILE WAITING. This is WHY I AM SO IRATE. IT BECAME VERY OBVIOUS I HAD MONEY. YOUR POLICY PUT ME AT RISK AND IN TERRIBLE DANGER WHILE WAITING ON HER.

MAJORITY OF THE TIME The US CITIZENS ARE PAYING ST. Lukes for the MEDICAL. THERE IS A PETITIONER AND A BENEFICIARY. The MEDICAL IS RARELY PAID BY THE FILIPINOS. I strongly recommend changing your policies to allow the petitioner and the beneficiary.

REMEMBER WHERE THE MONEY IS COMING FROM. I PAID FOR HER MEDICAL TODAY. It is HIGHLY OUTRAGEOUS TO DENY A PERSON PAYING - THE PETITIONER -- FOR A SERVICE FOR THE BENEFICIARY. WHAT IF I HAD CHOSEN NOT TO PAY SINCE I WAS NOT ALLOWED IN? What if I refused to hand her money in front of St. Lukes? I AM VERY VERY VERY VERY UPSET. YOUR POLICY PUT A US CITIZEN IN DANGER.

I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE HER TO THE EMBASSY? WHAT DO I TELL THE Counselor Officer? Her medical is not done because I WAS NOT ALLOWED IN TO PAY THE Fiancees MEDICAL?

Cheers,

Darren

--- On Mon, 9/5/11, St. Luke's Extension Clinic <slec@slec.ph> wrote:

From: St. Luke's Extension Clinic <slec@slec.ph>

Subject: Re: WHY WAS US CITIZEN DENIED ACCESS WITH MY FIANCEE

To: "Darren Gray" <graydarren89@yahoo.com>

Date: Monday, September 5, 2011, 2:22 AM

Mr. Darren

In most cases only applicant for medical exam are allowed to enter SLEC with few exceptions: senior citizen, applicants below 17 years old, who are physical and mentally challenged. But there are times we allow applicant's fiancee to enter if there are only FEW applicants inside the clinic. Unfortunately, since you decided to have the medical examination on a Monday at the start of a month in which a heavy volume of applicants are expected, the guards only did their jobs to minimize people inside SLEC, to have ample space and priority seating for the waiting applicants inside the clinic and to provide better security to control the crowd.

Thank you for taking the time to notify us of your unsatisfactory experience with our service.

Please accept our sincerest apology for any trouble this may have caused you. We should have indicated in our reply last July about the exceptions. The US citizen you were referring to might have been allowed to enter the premises because he was accompanying an applicant falling under those exceptions. We highly appreciate your feedback, as it will assist us in becoming better at what we do. We hope for the opportunity to serve you again in the future.

Thank you.

St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic

At 04:00 PM 9/5/2011, you wrote:

> You can accompany your fiancee during the medical examination.

>

>

> I was at the medical extension clinic with my Fiancee today. Not once but TWICE. Both times I was denied access to accompany my fiancee by the guards. the first time by the guards working the door at 6:38 am. The second time I even showed ALL of the GUARDS at the DOOR my US PASSPORT. The guard who gave me his name at 1:40 pm was Reagan. I am not sure if that was his name as he covered up his badge when I tried to look. ABSOLUTELY NONE of the Guards would ALLOW me to accompany my fiancee. I was not ALLOWED either time. Please explain to me why this happened?

>

> I am highly concerned since my fiancee has her Embassy interview on Wednesday. She is to return to get results on Tuesday.

>

> I would like to understand EXACTLY why I was denied access to go through the process with my fiancee when another US Citizen was allowed this morning.

>

> I am in Manila this week and would appreciate a FACE TO FACE meeting with a written explanation.

>

> Cheers,

>

> Darren

>

> --- On Sun, 7/10/11, St. Luke's Extension Clinic <slec@slec.ph> wrote:

>

> From: St. Luke's Extension Clinic <slec@slec.ph>

> Subject: Re: questions: operations holidays and accompanyment

> To: "Darren Gray" <graydarren89@yahoo.com>

> Date: Sunday, July 10, 2011, 5:32 PM

>

> Mr. Gray,

>

> St. Luke's Extension Clinic (SLEC) is open from Monday to Friday (except Philippine holidays) from 6:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. on a first come -first served basis (no appointment is needed). We are located at 1177 J. Bocobo St. Ermita, Manila. You can accompany your fiancee during the medical examination.

>

> The following are needed during the medical examination:

>

> Valid passport

> Photocopy of Passport Biographic/Data Page, the page in the passport that contains the applicant's photo and information

> Appointment letter or Instruction Letter

> Four (4) pieces of 2x2 visa photos

> Old chest x-ray film taken 3 months ago or longer (if available)

> Immunization record (if available, should be properly documented with a valid certificate of immunization)

>

> The cost of the medical examination is $213.35 for ages 15 and above and $185.35 for ages 14 and below. These fees must be paid in Philippine peso at the prevailing exchange rate at the U.S. Embassy. Today's exchange rate is pegged at P 44.00 per dollar. Credit cards and cheque are not acceptable for payments.

>

> With regards to her TB test done, kindly bring a detailed medical certificate from her attending physician.

>

> For other information and requirements kindly visit our website at <<http://www.slec.ph/>http://www.slec.ph/>www.slec.ph

>

> Thank you.

>

> St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic

> 1177 J. Bocobo Street, Ermita

> Manila, Philippines

> Tel. Nos. (+632) 521-0020 or 523-8248

> Fax. No. (+632) 526-0208 or 523-8248

>

>

> At 02:22 PM 7/10/2011, you wrote:

> > I was wondering about what days are you open? What holidays are you closed?

> > Also, am I able to accompany my fiancee through her medical process, or is her mom or dad?

> >

> > My fiancee is 19 years old. She has had her TB test, plus TB shot recently at a local clinic near her village. Plus she has gotten most of the required immunizations for the US between April to June. There is a record of them. What can be expected at the medical exam for her?

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > Darren Gray

[A and T 82]

Welcome to the philippines where everything is backwards, you get used to it after a while . You get used to the beggars after a while , ignore them. They make it impossible to pay for things here as well, no just swiping a debit card. Everyone carries around bags full of cash , or uses shady ATMS to get money.

I live here, so i'm used to it but being a foreigner never wears off. The malls are the worst, see how many pamphlets get jammed in your face , and just avoid the SM department store they will chase you down trying to sell you things. Sad too, because otherwise i would like to shop there but the constant "sales" are nuts.

They do everything the "philippines" way, and if you complain about it no one cares. I often do insane things all the time because thats just how it is , i once waited in line 6 hours to just pay for an airline ticket here.

[sparky71 5]

Next time, you should trust your fiancee with regards to financial matters.. You should given the money to your fiancee when you are still in your house or hotel room. Maybe, shes old enough to communicate with fellow filipino.. anyway, enjoy your stay in the philippines..

My discussion with St. Luke's so far. I am glad for my fiancee, but I must say now I do not feel very safe anymore....... I stood out like a "white boy in Harlem". they are constantly telling us to be careful.... then they pull this stunt. Whose is kidding who????

In the other US Citizen's case NONE of the exceptions applied. His fiancee was 10 years older then mine. (29 instead of 19) And he is only a few years older then me. This is why even though given your explanation I cannot accept it for today. I can understand IF it had been carried out to ALL US Citizens today, but I felt as if I WAS being SINGLED out from everyone else today. As for number of applicants. The line was gone from the front door by 8:15 am. There was never a line in front of St Luke''s the rest of the morning of more then 5 or 10 people. Also ONE of the Guards at the front door took a break to urinate in front of St. Luke's on the Handicap ramp. (I was sitting right in front of the ramp, this happened not less then 6 feet from me.) Also, many, many people came and went after this time. I highly suggest completely enforcing the policy or revising it as appropriate. Very few US Citizens come to take the fiancee through the process. I had to give her the cash in FRONT of St. Lukes as she was waling in. I WAS CONSTANTLY HOUNDED by Peddlers and beggars the REST OF THE DAY WHILE WAITING. This is WHY I AM SO IRATE. IT BECAME VERY OBVIOUS I HAD MONEY. YOUR POLICY PUT ME AT RISK AND IN TERRIBLE DANGER WHILE WAITING ON HER.

MAJORITY OF THE TIME The US CITIZENS ARE PAYING ST. Lukes for the MEDICAL. THERE IS A PETITIONER AND A BENEFICIARY. The MEDICAL IS RARELY PAID BY THE FILIPINOS. I strongly recommend changing your policies to allow the petitioner and the beneficiary.

REMEMBER WHERE THE MONEY IS COMING FROM. I PAID FOR HER MEDICAL TODAY. It is HIGHLY OUTRAGEOUS TO DENY A PERSON PAYING - THE PETITIONER -- FOR A SERVICE FOR THE BENEFICIARY. WHAT IF I HAD CHOSEN NOT TO PAY SINCE I WAS NOT ALLOWED IN? What if I refused to hand her money in front of St. Lukes? I AM VERY VERY VERY VERY UPSET. YOUR POLICY PUT A US CITIZEN IN DANGER.

I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE HER TO THE EMBASSY? WHAT DO I TELL THE Counselor Officer? Her medical is not done because I WAS NOT ALLOWED IN TO PAY THE Fiancees MEDICAL?

Cheers,

Darren

--- On Mon, 9/5/11, St. Luke's Extension Clinic <slec@slec.ph> wrote:

From: St. Luke's Extension Clinic <slec@slec.ph>

Subject: Re: WHY WAS US CITIZEN DENIED ACCESS WITH MY FIANCEE

To: "Darren Gray" <graydarren89@yahoo.com>

Date: Monday, September 5, 2011, 2:22 AM

Mr. Darren

In most cases only applicant for medical exam are allowed to enter SLEC with few exceptions: senior citizen, applicants below 17 years old, who are physical and mentally challenged. But there are times we allow applicant's fiancee to enter if there are only FEW applicants inside the clinic. Unfortunately, since you decided to have the medical examination on a Monday at the start of a month in which a heavy volume of applicants are expected, the guards only did their jobs to minimize people inside SLEC, to have ample space and priority seating for the waiting applicants inside the clinic and to provide better security to control the crowd.

Thank you for taking the time to notify us of your unsatisfactory experience with our service.

Please accept our sincerest apology for any trouble this may have caused you. We should have indicated in our reply last July about the exceptions. The US citizen you were referring to might have been allowed to enter the premises because he was accompanying an applicant falling under those exceptions. We highly appreciate your feedback, as it will assist us in becoming better at what we do. We hope for the opportunity to serve you again in the future.

Thank you.

St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic

At 04:00 PM 9/5/2011, you wrote:

> You can accompany your fiancee during the medical examination.

>

>

> I was at the medical extension clinic with my Fiancee today. Not once but TWICE. Both times I was denied access to accompany my fiancee by the guards. the first time by the guards working the door at 6:38 am. The second time I even showed ALL of the GUARDS at the DOOR my US PASSPORT. The guard who gave me his name at 1:40 pm was Reagan. I am not sure if that was his name as he covered up his badge when I tried to look. ABSOLUTELY NONE of the Guards would ALLOW me to accompany my fiancee. I was not ALLOWED either time. Please explain to me why this happened?

>

> I am highly concerned since my fiancee has her Embassy interview on Wednesday. She is to return to get results on Tuesday.

>

> I would like to understand EXACTLY why I was denied access to go through the process with my fiancee when another US Citizen was allowed this morning.

>

> I am in Manila this week and would appreciate a FACE TO FACE meeting with a written explanation.

>

> Cheers,

>

> Darren

>

> --- On Sun, 7/10/11, St. Luke's Extension Clinic <slec@slec.ph> wrote:

>

> From: St. Luke's Extension Clinic <slec@slec.ph>

> Subject: Re: questions: operations holidays and accompanyment

> To: "Darren Gray" <graydarren89@yahoo.com>

> Date: Sunday, July 10, 2011, 5:32 PM

>

> Mr. Gray,

>

> St. Luke's Extension Clinic (SLEC) is open from Monday to Friday (except Philippine holidays) from 6:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. on a first come -first served basis (no appointment is needed). We are located at 1177 J. Bocobo St. Ermita, Manila. You can accompany your fiancee during the medical examination.

>

> The following are needed during the medical examination:

>

> Valid passport

> Photocopy of Passport Biographic/Data Page, the page in the passport that contains the applicant's photo and information

> Appointment letter or Instruction Letter

> Four (4) pieces of 2x2 visa photos

> Old chest x-ray film taken 3 months ago or longer (if available)

> Immunization record (if available, should be properly documented with a valid certificate of immunization)

>

> The cost of the medical examination is $213.35 for ages 15 and above and $185.35 for ages 14 and below. These fees must be paid in Philippine peso at the prevailing exchange rate at the U.S. Embassy. Today's exchange rate is pegged at P 44.00 per dollar. Credit cards and cheque are not acceptable for payments.

>

> With regards to her TB test done, kindly bring a detailed medical certificate from her attending physician.

>

> For other information and requirements kindly visit our website at <<http://www.slec.ph/>http://www.slec.ph/>www.slec.ph

>

> Thank you.

>

> St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic

> 1177 J. Bocobo Street, Ermita

> Manila, Philippines

> Tel. Nos. (+632) 521-0020 or 523-8248

> Fax. No. (+632) 526-0208 or 523-8248

>

>

> At 02:22 PM 7/10/2011, you wrote:

> > I was wondering about what days are you open? What holidays are you closed?

> > Also, am I able to accompany my fiancee through her medical process, or is her mom or dad?

> >

> > My fiancee is 19 years old. She has had her TB test, plus TB shot recently at a local clinic near her village. Plus she has gotten most of the required immunizations for the US between April to June. There is a record of them. What can be expected at the medical exam for her?

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > Darren Gray

[gretchen_darren 67]

I thought I was going in with her. Had I known I was not going in, she would have had the money well ahead of time in the hotel room. It was just unexpected, unplanned, and unknown. The rate has been changing a lot the last week due to the US Credit rating suffering. So I have been really trying hard to keep an eye on how much. the problem was the wad I gave her also had ALL of the small bills as well. So I was stuck with a few coins (normally I give her the coins since I cannot yet tell them apart.) and all big big big bills. I couldn't go 15 minutes without someone approaching me. If I looked around it was every single minute. I got to know the planter very very well. I counted 500 ants, two centipedes, and 15 flies. What a way to pass the time. (don't ask how many stones....someone around 34,000) Great way to pass the time.....

[Crashed~N2~Me 970]

Hmmmmmm....Questions please.

1) Did you offer a tip to the guard? Did you offer to buy a seat inside?

2) Why did you feel/think you were in danger?

(I chilled outside during the first day sputum. Bought some drinks and snacks from a few peddlers. Glad they were there. Visited with a lolo hawking smokes, pens, passport photo's and other supplies. He chased off a few beggars for me. )

3) I doubt most VJ's think the Kano will be allowed inside. Why no "plan B"?

(I read your email correspondence but I also know/knew that most Kano's are not allowed in. I rode the taxi to drop asawa ko off and went back to the hotel.)

(Have you ever heard the saying...don't piss off the waitress until your finished eating...? The lolo I mention told me there are 150-200 people showing up every day..just for the sputum. Your cash helps get your visa and happy life together. The cost is insignificant. I'm sure St. Lukes doesn't put much value on 1 Kano's wad of cash either. Do you think Sam Walton rolls in his grave over 1 irate customer?)

Stay focused and enjoy your time with your fiancee's family. Don't forget, if you pull this off, it will be a long time before they see their daughter again as she will be on the other side of the world with you.

Hang in there.

[inyong 0]

Hmmmmmm....Questions please.

1) Did you offer a tip to the guard? Did you offer to buy a seat inside?

2) Why did you feel/think you were in danger?

(I chilled outside during the first day sputum. Bought some drinks and snacks from a few peddlers. Glad they were there. Visited with a lolo hawking smokes, pens, passport photo's and other supplies. He chased off a few beggars for me. )

3) I doubt most VJ's think the Kano will be allowed inside. Why no "plan B"?

(I read your email correspondence but I also know/knew that most Kano's are not allowed in. I rode the taxi to drop asawa ko off and went back to the hotel.)

(Have you ever heard the saying...don't piss off the waitress until your finished eating...? The lolo I mention told me there are 150-200 people showing up every day..just for the sputum. Your cash helps get your visa and happy life together. The cost is insignificant. I'm sure St. Lukes doesn't put much value on 1 Kano's wad of cash either. Do you think Sam Walton rolls in his grave over 1 irate customer?)

Stay focused and enjoy your time with your fiancee's family. Don't forget, if you pull this off, it will be a long time before they see their daughter again as she will be on the other side of the world with you.

Hang in there.

Crashed~N2~Me'

YES You're right ...

[renecherubs 18]

I thought I was going in with her. Had I known I was not going in, she would have had the money well ahead of time in the hotel room. It was just unexpected, unplanned, and unknown. The rate has been changing a lot the last week due to the US Credit rating suffering. So I have been really trying hard to keep an eye on how much. the problem was the wad I gave her also had ALL of the small bills as well. So I was stuck with a few coins (normally I give her the coins since I cannot yet tell them apart.) and all big big big bills. I couldn't go 15 minutes without someone approaching me. If I looked around it was every single minute. I got to know the planter very very well. I counted 500 ants, two centipedes, and 15 flies. What a way to pass the time. (don't ask how many stones....someone around 34,000) Great way to pass the time.....

lol. sounds funny but i'm sorry about that. i'm a filipina. i'll be paying my medical and visa. i borrowed the money though from my parents. but, it's a little bit embarrassing how we filipinos act when we saw foreigners. charge that to being colonized by several other countries. that's why, every time we see foreigners, we always thought they are superior and have lots of money.

[LoveLoveLove 18]

im sorry for this unsolicited comment.. sparky is right, it is not safe to pass money to your fiance in public, if there is no way to do it privately, you must learn how to do it very discretely, especially here in the phils... and i second, you should trust your fiance more with handling money..

and with your rant about the clinic's policy and the beggars, and all complains that irritates you about the Philippines.. please remind yourself that you are in a foreign country, PH is different from america, i know there are so many flaws in the Philippine system.. if you cannot embrace the things about the country, at least understand well that you are not in your homeland where you have access to what u need or exercise or over-exercise your rights.. im sorry but i just hate it when i see people complaining without even trying to understand the situation.. i acknowledge your disappointment but you could have reacted in a nicer way or you could have even went back to your hotel room while your girl is in the clinic since phones are not prohibited inside...

on a lighter note, this is why Filipinos are very patient and very understanding...

I guess the Philippines is just teaching you how to be more patient and more understanding and even more tolerating...

i just wish more than changing the system, you realize what you can learn while you have to deal with the system...

[sunshinearizona 21]

hey man you have stayed in the good old usa! its the philippines i think they see your age and her wait until you bring her to the airport -you will have more fun -go back to the usa and wait for her

[AKteacher 104]

When my fiancee had her medical exam, I went back to the hotel and slept in, then to Robinson's mall later in the morning. She texted me when she was finished. It was no problem at all.

[MuDelphi 159]

calm down

[Kevin&Lenith 36]

I saw you mention about bringing Tb results that your fiancee had done prior at another location, since when is that allowable. it hought even if she had xrays and such done elsewhere it still had to be done at St. LUkes??????

[~happyndinlove~ 540]

I strongly recommend changing your policies to allow the

petitioner and the beneficiary.

You really think you have "power" to tell SLEC what to do, huh? I'll applaud if you do.

REMEMBER WHERE THE MONEY IS COMING FROM. I PAID FOR HER MEDICAL

TODAY. It is HIGHLY OUTRAGEOUS TO DENY A PERSON PAYING - THE

PETITIONER -- FOR A SERVICE FOR THE BENEFICIARY.

FYI, St. Luke's doesn't give a d*mn who pays for your fiancee's (and other's) medical. There is no policy on who should pay or where the money comes from. You paying for her medical doesn't mean SLEC should follow your demands. AS IF! you are their boss.

WHAT IF I HAD CHOSEN NOT TO PAY SINCE I WAS NOT ALLOWED IN? What if I refused to

hand her money in front of St. Lukes? I AM VERY VERY VERY VERY

UPSET. YOUR POLICY PUT A US CITIZEN IN DANGER.

Well, then NO medical for you. That's SIMPLE! Your " I want it my way coz I'm American and I'm paying for her medical" attitude put yourself in danger, NOT SLEC.

WHAT DO I TELL THE Counselor Officer? Her medical is not done because I WAS NOT ALLOWED IN TO PAY THE Fiancees MEDICAL?

Sure, why not...? But If I was the CO, I would pause for a second and wonder why you didn't "trust" your fiancee to carry the money herself. and, I doubt the CO would give a ratz caboose whether you were let in or not. No medical = No interview. DUH!

[TeddyHoney 42]

How is it you thought you were going in? I know of at least one time you posted about the medical at SLEC and how you planned to go in and I remember commenting that you should not expect to go in because its too crowded usually for anyone except the applicants, and so did so many others who have been through the experience or who have read the posts indicating that you will not be going in. Or am I thinking of some other poster?

Guess I'm confused as to why you thought you would get in after you were told by so many here on VJ long before and then get so upset when you couldn't get in?

[~happyndinlove~ 540]

Next time, you should trust your fiancee with regards to financial matters.. You should given the money to your fiancee when you are still in your house or hotel room. Maybe, shes old enough to communicate with fellow filipino.. anyway, enjoy your stay in the philippines..

Perhaps the OP does not think she is old enough to be considered competent and able to handle the medical herself.