Appointment Confirmation Number: 073010L9A0021GMA
PIN Number: L94453635731
Applicant's Name: MARIA TERESA CRUZ MENGUITO
Appointment Date: 12/10/09
Appointment Time: 07:30:00
Consulate: US Embassy - Manila
Visa Type: VSTR
It was the day that I've been waiting for (specially my sister Tina) and try not to think of the result after the interview. Tina and my relatives keep on telling me to apply for a tourist visa long before this day since I have a good chance 'coz I am with Philippine Airlines but I just keep on saying I'll fix my papers and all. But the truth is I did not do anything before because I'm not in the mood to do it or let's just say I don't have plans yet...
Days before, I didn't feel any pressure or am not scared 'coz what I put in my mind is that if "it"s meant for you, it's really meant for you; it's a risk". As what us Filipinos say, " suntok sa buwan!".
Woke up at around 0445 and starting preparing. Our travel agent, Ms. Janet Gregorio, told me that I need to be at the Embassy at 0630 and expect that there are a lot of applicants waiting outside the building. And so it was... I got there around 0635, my very generous brother, Jun drove me (and waited for me at Starbucks) to the Embassy. Then the process begins....
Step 1: Pre-screening
Step 2: Finger printing
Step 3: Interview
2719... waited for my number to be called for the finger printing... while waiting, i had a chat with 2 elderly ladies seating beside me, telling a little bit of their stories. At my right, Luisa, had a visa long time ago but her passport was lost and didn't bother to get a new one 'coz she doesn't have any plans of going to US anyway until now that one of her closest friend is inviting her to LA. She's working in a catholic church in Manila (just forgot the name) and as I remember she told me that her boss was a Bishop. Cool!
At my left, didn't get her name, was a little bit whinning about the process, I guess with the number and waiting, and told me that, "in Australia it's not like this". From what I understand, she meant in Australian Embassy, but didn't bother to clarify. I just enjoyed watching and observing all the applicants. Ms. Janet was right, you'll get to see people from all walks of life! From the simplest to the glamorous looks. There where those who are wearing simple yet too simple for the interview like jeans and shirt or plain top but there were people wearing formal or too formal like coat and tie or office attire; children with their family wearing their school uniform which I thought that maybe they'll go straight to their class after the interview. And there where those who are wearing like they have a party to attend to with like 2-3 inches high heels shoes and as we say, "dress to kill!" =)
anyhow, all of us had one reason why we where there, to get a US VISA!
My number was called for finger printing... "State your full name. What's your birthdate?... Put your left four fingers (pointer to pinky finger) in the scanner... next your right four fingers... next two thumbs together... ok you're good." Then my passport and application form was given back to me for the next step, the INTERVIEW....
When I entered the room where the consul and booths are, I didn't felt scared but quite surprised 'coz I was not expecting the room to be that small. Anyway, while waiting for my number to be called I can hear some of the conversations between the consul and applicant. I felt sad for those who left the room with their passports with them and blue form 'coz it means that they were denied for their application. But of course, others leave the room with a smile which of course means that they were approved. I thought, "oh well! that's life! sometimes you get it, sometimes you don't.. IN HIS TIME..."
As the minutes past, number 2700 flashed already and when I saw it my heart started "jumping!". And as if I was having a countdown... Then there it was, flashing : 2719 - 07 (my number 2719 at counter 7)... And the interview begins... question... answer... type... question... answer... type... and so on... "What is your purpose? How much money you get from work? How long have you been working with Philippine Airlines? Still single or married? Is your boyfriend traveling with you? Who lives with you in Moonlight St.? What is the status of Christina in United States? Have you travelled to other countries? Are you with Philippine Airlines already during those trips? How long will you stay in United States? Who will pay for your ticket? Ok, your application is approved. You need to go back to the pavilion for Air 21...." And there it was, those magic words!!! YOUR APPLICATION IS APPROVED!!!!! =) I already forgot what the consul mentioned after the word Air 21 'coz I know I will have a visa! All I said was, " Thank You very much ma'am. Merry Christmas!" The consulate just said, "You take care." I replied, "You too. Bye!"
THANK YOU LORD! THANK YOU MAMA MARY! Those are the words that I kept saying to myself on my way out the room and arrange and pay the courier for my passport delivery and until I left the premises of the US Embassy....
Haaaayyyyy!!!! It was a relief!
Now I'm excited to visit Tina! When? Next year perhaps.... We'll see...
THANK YOU LORD! YES LORD, IF THOU'S YOUR WILL, SO BE IT! =)
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