waiting

I'm feeling hopeless and ruffled in waiting for the verdict of my visa. It's been past a month since I submitted my documents and until now as per checking it is still under process at the British Embassy. I kept telling myself that everything will be OK, but as days and weeks goes by... I'm bothered. There were times that I have forgotten but not for long. Because of this. I am anxious if I need to accept the job offer from my previous employer.

...in the hall of FAME.

January 24, 2009. Ati-Ati Tribe Competition.



I watched the Ati-Ati Tribe Competition and I was assigned at the Maria Clara Judging Area. It feels great that this time I was at the front together with some of the photographers from different organizations and media outlets. I remember I sat beside the photographer of The National Geographic. I felt little because he is a veteran in the field of taking pictures. The gear he is using is way topnotch compare to the one I'm using. He is a Japanese and he is at his 40s already. It is a memorable experience for me even I was alone in taking pictures I'm still loving it.

During the competition all of the tribes were remarkable but only two tribes that made me wowed at my post. They are the Tribu Bola-Bola and Tribu Paghidaet. These two tribes are always the one who is watched and anticipated every year. Their concepts, costumes and dance routine are excellent.

Tribu Paghidaet


Tribu Bola Bola

Official Results of the Ati Ati Tribe Competition 2010

Grand Champion - Tribu Paghidaet
1st Runner Up - Tribu Bola Bola
2nd Runner Up - Tribu Pan-ay
3rd Runner Up - Tribu Salognon
4th Runner Up - Tribu Silak

After effect

To Note: My family is safe. The fire did not catch our house. Everything is OK! Thanks for the concern! ;-)

January 23, 2009. Kasadyahan Festival. When everyone is celebrating and merry making in the streets of Iloilo City, Our Barangay is crying for desperate help. It was sunrise when it finally got through me the damage that was brought about by the fire. Though we are not affected. I, my family feel for the fire victims. They are evacuated temporarily at the school of our Barangay. Help are coming in every now and then. Politicians are also present rendering their help either financial or goods. Politics are all over the place. It's OK because at the end of the day the fire victims will be the one to benefit.

On a lighter note.
Last January 22, Friday. I Got my Media Pass courtesy of the Dinagyang Foundation with the help of the Iloilo Bloggers (Special Thanks to Ms. Junelle). Though I have the media pass I was not able to watch the Kasadyahan because of the unfortunate event. It bothers me to watch the Kasadyahan considering the situation in our Barangay. Instead, I opted to stay at home and help in cleaning the house and packed relief goods.

P.S. I appologize to the Iloilo Bloggers that I was not able to meet you guys @ Green Mango. I will make it up to you soon!

Unfortunate Event

9:38 pm. I am sitting in our terrace overlooking the school's facade of our Barangay. Cars are passing by in slow motion. People are walking coming in and out of the school. I see children from a far playing in their ingenuousness.

Honestly. I don't know where to start this entry. I'm still in shock. Because of so many events that happened in 48 hours my thoughts are jumbled.


Let me start early morning of January 22, 2009. I woke up at 3am and ecstatic because I received an email from Marlboro. They sent me an invite for an exclusive party at MO2 Ice in Smallville. I've been wanting to go to a Marlboro event for I know it would be a blast. I remember last holy week of 2009 when I with friends went to Boracay and was a bit disappointed because we were not able to get in for the reason that we don't have an exclusive invite. We just hang at the Marlboro lounge and sign up for a membership just in case in the future we can have an invite. Going back, because of the excitement I was not able to get back to sleep instead I waited until sunrise and went to work around 8am. yada yada yada.. I texted my friends to go to the event and meet up by 8pm. Came 7pm I was rushing to go home from work because I need to freshen up for the party. It's a bliss to see my biatches friend, its been 3 weeks that we haven't seen each other. We met and had a few drinks at Olio before we headed to the main event of the night. Now. The real thing. 11 pm. We fell in line and went in. Free drinks and food everywhere. To top it all more cute gay guys flirting. lol We were so overjoyed and in nirvana so to speak. I was on my dancing moves that night. If I am only alone that night I might end up having one night stand with that cute hot korean guy. hahahhaa

It was past 2am when we decided to leave the place and transfer to another bar but unexpectedly we bumped into Ms. Claudette. She delivered the bad news. My world suddenly stop and I was literally numb. She told me that there was a huge fire happening in our place. She never knew where I live and Gordie informed her that I also live in the area. Just when I heard the shocking news I called at home and my little sister answered the phone crying and told me that the house is on fire. I rushed immediately without even saying goodbye to my friends. I took a cab and I was shaking. The driver told me that the fire started since 12 am and it's been 2 hours and the it is still going on. I told the driver to drive as fast as he could. He told me that he cannot drop me off at my place instead I need to walk a block because the fire martial is barricading the area. I got off the cab and in less that a minute I ran at our house. As I was approaching my neighbors they were crying out loud and all their belongings are in the streets. At that instant I was praying that my family is OK. Thank God! When I got there. They are safe and our house is OK. It's a good thing that we have a firewall. The fire was so fast that it catches almost all the houses that were made of light materials.

It was past 3 am when the fire was under control. The reason that it took 3 hours to bring the fire to an halt because there were parties everywhere in city and the Firemen were 40 minutes late. The sad part there were setbacks in their fire host and fire trucks.

I wanted to know where the fire started but I came to realize what for.. It will just haunt me.

Dagoy is back!

I'm excited that Dinagyang is fast approaching. Again. The city will make some noise and it will be colorful! The warriors from different tribes will again flaunt their black painted ass! teehee. I'm not really sure what is in stored for this years Dinagyang but it sure it will be great. Tag as the Best Tourism Event in the Country, the city will raise up their game to continue the name. More than the festivity that will happen on the 23rd and 24th of January. I am more excited of the different parties and events that will take place on those days which I have already plans of attending.

Dinagyang 2009

My camera is geared up already for the different tribes. So friends across the globe! I'll be your eyes! heheheh

I'll make sure to have a very good foot and whole body massage before that day. It will going to be a long tiring walk. hehehe

Adios 2009

I owe it to 2009.

For the past days I've been thinking of what or how 2009 impacted me. I carefully scrutinize the year that was. A lot of things happened that made me reflect. To site a few: 2009 had been rough on me. I flunked for the 2nd time in my licensure exam. The pain was there but it just slipped away so sudden that I was able to move on. I was jobless for a year and I felt that I was unproductive. But at the back of my head, I know. Everything happens for a reason.

Goodbye 2009!
Still I thank 2009 for the life lessons.
It made me strong and these lessons are my weapons to face 2010.

So, as I embark in another year of journey.
I wish of happiness, good health and overflowing blessings for myself, my family and my friends.

Finally. It has been dispatched.

I flew back to Manila last December 27 and stayed at my Aunt's place. The moment that I have been waiting for finally came. December 28. I finally appeared at the VFS Visa Application Centre in Makati. My Aunt accompanied me there. James texted me that he was already in the vicinity and told me that there were many applicants in line. We arrived 6AM. Indeed, there were many applicants in line outside the building. James told me that some were there 1AM. I fell in line and waited. 6:30 AM when they finally let us in. We proceed at 25th floor where the VFS office is located. I left my aunt downstairs while she look out for my luggage. We fell in line again and were given served number. I was number 57 and James was 56. While waiting for our turn I met Kat from Baguio. She was a darling. I didn't notice that we waited for almost 5 hours until we are served. Thanks to Kat for her stories that made me forget the tension that I was experiencing during the wait. Anyway, going back. When my number was called I proceed to counter 7 and greeted the girl with a smile. I took out my documents and I handed it over to her. That's it. No questions ask. I paid for the courier which will send my Visa and for the sms service which will be responsible to notify me about the status of my application. Then, I proceed to the biometrics room. It was so fast. I think with my biometrics, I'm done in less than 2 mins. It was 11:10 when I finished everything. My aunt and I headed to Greenbelt to have our lunch and to roam a little. I can't help myself but to be in awe of the beautiful bags with its tag price from that high end boutiques like louis vuitton, prada, balenciaga and hermes. I wanted to shop (not in those uber high end boutiques - I'm so poor to that) but I have time constraint because I will be flying back home in the evening and I need to be at the airport before 4:00PM. It is unfortunate that I was empty handed as I went to the airport. If only I have more time or my flight is on the following day. I would have bought something for myself. Darn! On the lighter note. I did not spend money over some expensive things. But, the next time. I, sure will.

Just this evening around 9:00Pm while chatting with my mom I received an sms from the VFS.

"Your visa application reference number:.......... has been dispatched to the British Embassy on: 12/28/2009 for processing" -Visa Application Centre

I pray that this will be it.

Day 3 - Manila Trip

Disaster day.

My flight was 12:00 noon. I woke up at around 9:20 AM. I was tired from last night that it took its tool the following morning. I hurried. I jumped out of bed and rushed to shower. Too bad. That day I already scheduled it for sight-seeing. I wanted to go to Intramuros to take some pictures. My bad. It did not happen anymore. Sigh. After I shower, headed downstairs at the cafe to eat my breakfast. The food was enticing and I wanted to eat more but I have limited time. I am done with the packing around 10:20AM. I settled my bill. I left the hotel at around 10:40 AM. Took a cab and told the driver that my flight is 12:00 Noon. The driver was considerate enough to rush me to the airport but due to unavoidable circumstances, we were caught in traffic jam. There was fire along Makati and Pasay area. I arrived at the airport 11:30 AM and I did not make it to check-in. I was informed at the supervisor section to wait as a stand-by passenger for the next flight. The next flight was 5:05PM and 7:00pm. There was no assurance if I can get in to the next flight because tickets were sold out. I have no choice but to try my luck. I re-booked my ticket and they gave me a waiver, went to the ticketing office and had my priority number. I was number 7 on the stand-by list for the next flight. I was teary eyed at the airport because I am worried that I might not get into the next flight and worst is that I might celebrate Christmas in Manila. I was hoping for the best. While waiting... I ate my lunch which I bought in Jollibee at the airport. Roam around the airport, checking every area that I passed by. Then around 3:00 PM I wen inside and waited at the standby passengers area.

Those people who were sitting are also stand by passengers.
I am situated at the corner just outside the Male's restroom.

4:30 PM. Standby passengers for Iloilo flight were called to get ready. Priority numbers were called starting from numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and the announcer paused. The announcer received a call from the information. After. He mentioned number 7. My number. We were 14 standby passengers and I was happy that I was called. I hurried to the Check-in Section. I lined up to pay for additional fee for my ticket. I don't have enough cash. I handed over my credit card. He swiped it and told me "card error". Good thing I have another credit card and this time it worked. From there, I proceed to pay for my terminal fee. Then I heard the announcer calling the last passenger for Iloilo Flight. I'm crossing my fingers. "Please don't mention my name!" From the loud speakers of NAIA, I heard my name. huhuhhuh I'm so embarrassed that I was running so fast. Still. I thank God that I made it. I was able to spent Christmas eve at home.

Can't help but smile

During my 3 day stay in Manila. I met Don. yada yada yada. The lucky one. :)

Day 2 - Manila Trip

The day that I have been waiting for. I woke up early, 4:00 AM to be exact. Though still sleepy I went ahead to shower. Had my breakfast at 6AM. Ergo, I was ready for the day. Ready to appear at the British Embassy. As per instruction by my agency I need to be at their office by 8:00 AM because I need to get my documents for lodging. Before that, I meet up with my Aunt because she will accompany me the whole day. We decided to meet at BPI Espana Branch, since her place is few miles away. I road a Jeep (bound to Espana) from United Nation Avenue. The place is already familiar to me. As soon as I reached our meeting place we took a Jeep ride from Espana to Quezon Avenue.

Cute Guy

Pegasus area. The landmark where we stop. I saw this cute guy I assumed same age as mine. He was standing there holding his plastic envelop with a brown envelop inside. He was wearing a plaid red/white polo shirt, jeans and sneakers. We were few meters away from him and our eyes constantly meet when we glance. At first, I didn't mind. But I felt there is something good bound to happened. I guess he was tired standing and waiting. He decided to take a cab and voila hes gone. Just right after he took a cab we took a jeep on our way to the agency. To my surprise when we got there at the agency I saw him. He was also an applicant and he was also scheduled to appear at the British Embassy. From there we chatted. We exchanged stories of how our applications and documents went through. He was really good looking. Gosh. I feel like I'm sixteen again. His name is James. He is from Bacolod and a nursing graduate. Currently his working at a call center in Bacolod. Small world. We have something in common. I told him that I am scheduled to appear at the embassy by 10:00 AM. He also nodded that he was also scheduled at that time.

Bad News

While we were happy chatting and getting to know each other. We were informed that we will no longer be able to appear at the embassy because our visa letter did not arrived. We were disappointed in the sudden change of events. We were instructed that one of the head personnel from the agency would like to talk to the both of us. So, we waited. Finally we were called and we were brought to a room. Mr. Manny the name of the guy who wanted to talk to us. He was apologetic because of what happened. We listen to his side of the story.

Now. My turn to justify everything from what was informed to me. I told Mr. Manny that I am scheduled on the 22nd of December as per instruction of my document adviser Ms. Ning. I clearly informed Ms. Ning if that is already final and she said yes. So from there I hurried and checked online to book my plane ticket. Before I left for Manila. I called Ms. Ning about the status of the appearance at the embassy and again she confirmed everything is set. Not only that as soon as I arrived at the hotel in Manila I did call Ms. Ning again to confirm and she said yes, and instructed me to go to the agency on the 22nd, 8:00 AM sharp, which I did. I am bursting with anger and dismay because of what happened. I informed Mr. Manny that it is not only that I and James experienced inconvenience but we have spent our money for this.., NOTHING. Then again. Mr Manny was very sorry for what happened. One of the personnel from the agency received a call from the owner and instructed me and James to wait for her because she wanted to talk to us. That was relayed by Mr. Manny to us. He then offered to treat us for breakfast just to make it up for the inconvenience. I told him, No food would make us feel better. By the way, the owner of the agency is addressed as Madam. So James and I with my Aunt waited for Madam. We sat for hours. Lunch came still no Madam seen. Madam arrived at 4:00 PM. Imagine how many hours we've been waiting for her.

End Result

Madam talked to us and was very mad of what happened. Madam was expecting us to appear at the embassy by 10:00 AM. She knew what happened to us, that we've been waiting for her. I informed her the reason why we did not make it to the embassy because we don't have our visa letters yet. She said, "No, your visa letters are already in since December 17". From what I have heard it made me feel mad again. She said, "there seems to be a misunderstanding with my two personnel". She was referring to Ms. Ning my document adviser and another guy who is in-charged with the visa letters. Since I have found out already. I have no choice but to move on. Good thing. Madam informed me and James to appear at the embassy on the 28th of December. She will be the one to shoulder our round trip tickets via Cebu pacific air. Hearing that is already a relief. Before we left the office we first checked our documents for errors. Thank God. I checked it because if not, I might have been denied for false documents. When I checked my visa letter I found out that my course is BS Nursing. I find it ridiculous because they have a copy of my diploma. They changed it. I really made sure everything is OK.

Goodbye

After the talked with Madam. We left the agency. James asked for my number.
Till we meet again on the 28th :)