Have Visa, Will Travel

I write this for the benefit of the peeps who need some reference for their schengen visa application. This is my blow by blow account on how I went through the whole process.

Some background:

The Schengen Agreement was a set of agreements made by European states which consequently has abolished border controls between EU member countries (and also 4 non-EU countries) for citizens of those countries.  See the List of Current Schengen 25 Countries: -source: wikianswers

General fast-track facts:

1. Where to apply?
You need to apply in an embassy where your stay will be the longest (Say, if in your 10-day travel duration, you'll stay 7 days in France; you need to apply your visa in Embassy of France in the Philippines).
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2. Do I need to be there?
Most, if not all, of the embassy (here in Philippines) require personal appearance.
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3. Travel Agent, anyone?
It's more efficient to avail a travel agent services. They're more familiar on how the process are so I think if it's your first time, it's more of a need rather than a want.
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4. The earlier, the better.
Make it a point to schedule your appointment (3-4 weeks before your expected flight date). This will save you some jittery-moment specially during the interview.
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5. Be Prim, Proper and Punctual.
Make sure to verify the proper attire (smart casual is the safest) and do arrive on time.

Specific Inside Tips:

In my case, I need to apply to Embassy of the Czech Republic in Manila. Thank goodness, it's just in a familiar place (30/F Rufino Tower, Makati). Type C Visa. Business.

Here's a list of requirements that you need (though some documents may vary per embassy):

1.  Application form - Downloadable on their respective site.
2. Passport - Should be valid for at least 90 days after the intended departure.
3. One recent photograph - Suggest that you go to Tronix Greenbelt. Had my pic taken there for 2 of my visa appli (taiwan and schengen) -- they know what they're doing promise ;) .
4. Official Invitation form - There's more details here in site but it is up to the host company to furnish you with this document.
5. Official Bank Cert - Particularly for CZ Embassy, they require a clause (some form of a waiver) however, when I requested this in BDO, they declined as they shared that this may violate the Bank Secrecy Law. Workaround : I passed my Bank Certificate (even without the clause) plus the photocopy of my BDO passport for the last 6 months.
6. Accommodation Confirmation - To certify that you will be staying at a specific hotel for your whole travel duration.
7. Round Trip Reservation - In my experience, since my flight date was so close from my application date. The interviewer asked me to re-schedule my flight (hence my tip to be early as much as possible).
8. Travel Medical Insurance - Cost depends how long your stay will be.
9. Certificate of Employment - Including your salary. To substantiate your intention to go back here.
10. Other Documents showing you have some immovable Properties - By chance, I decided to bring Reddie's birth certificate (my car's name). Err.. I mean, Deed of Sale.

Pre-interview:I scheduled an appointment last 6th September (Dad's birthday). I was surprised that my schedule will be on the 8th! I only have less than 48 hours to prepare and my documents were far from ready. Nonetheless, I said: "Sure and thanks Ma'am" blankly. On the 7th, I rushed to Makati, met my travel agent at Mc Do, had some docs printed / photocopied, had my pics taken etc.

During the interview:My schedule was on 8th Sept, 11:20 am sharp. Tip: Do not staple your documents. If you need to sort them, clip them instead. Manong guard asked me and the agent to remove the stapler before I enter. Only applicants were allowed to enter. You need to wait for your turn while seated. A 50-year old plus woman sparked a conversation and asked if I am a student-exchange candidate (flattered) :) I said no politely, and found out that she'll be travelling with his brother who'll attend a convention in Prague.
Then it's my turn, a nice lady with a very, very good English accent checked my documents. 

Questions were (as far as I can recall):

What's my profession and what exactly will I do in Prague?
Who will shoulder my expenses?
How long will I stay there?
Where did I work before my current employment?
Is my bank account my personal savings account?

All went smoothly except my printed flight reservation said 12th to 19th of September (expected flight date). She said they're quite strict on their 2-week rule. She was about to give back my documents but thought for a second. She said she'll be receiving my documents and I can just go back and pass my adjusted flight form. Thank you Lord! :) I ended up going back there on the 12th but I am super thankful for her being so considerate. I know somehow, God touched her heart.

After the interview:Called the Embassy last 19th September and verified that I can claim 'it'. Notice the term. I don't know how to react. Friends know how my stomach turns upside down. I can't even eat and function normally but I know deep in me that if it is God's will things will go well.

Verdict day - 20th September. Went up in Rufino Tower and manong guard asked me to wait in the receiving area. Suddenly the Consul came out and the surging tension in me intensified. Then he said "Magandang Umaga..." (gulp) and I answered back "hello" (bloopers - not again!). He is very nice and seemed to be at home here in Philippines.

Going back, I waited for about 20 minutes while holding my pee (longest 20 mins of my life). Then the nice-girl-with-a-very-good-accent gave me the passport and had me sign on their receiving copy. Passport seems to be 'thicker'. I blurted a big sigh of relief and since the building is overseeing the skies, I say Thank You Lord for this victory and this is God's victory not mine really.

Post-Result:
20th September - visa release. 22nd September (10:55 am) FLIGHT! Dates in between went fun and crazy. Again and again, thank you Lord, family and friends for seeing me through this one-of-a-kind experience. ;)

Nailaholics Escapade

I am a bit stressed that day due to some requirements that I need to accomplish. I first went to David's Salon but found out that I am #4. Tried at Going Straight, same response. I wanted to put a new color to these chapped nails of mine so I went straight to Nailaholics. I had a bit of idea that the price here is much higher than the former 2 salons but since I felt so dilapidated (haha!), I gave in and pampered myself.

I was greeted by a nice lady and shared me some of their services. I availed their Water Drift Spa Pedicure (say what? - Foot Spa + Pedicure).  Alas! Found a soft cute green couch and placed my bag beside me (and I kept telling myself to mind my documents or I will die, whew!). While making myself comfortable ate gave me 2 big pillows and asked me to stretch my legs on the ottoman.

Next thing I knew was I grabbed some magazines and started browsing. Plus stole a quick stolen shot of their cool homey place. It was morning that time so I got to enjoy the off-peak season service (translated: you're extra special since Ates are not busy this time of day).

After few minutes, Ate came back with this white basin and hot water. Foot Soak! My favorite part of the spa. My request was for her not to be hard on my feet since I don't want some bruises. She smiled and granted my wish. It was a struggle not to burst laughing because of the tickling stroke  of her pumice and other tools. After the spa, she rubbed my legs and foot some rock salt and rinsed. Poured some lavish lotion and had a massage then she proceeded with the usual pedicure. 

Finally, a bashful of colors were presented. Having been known for my sticky feature, I opted to choose Red once more. Like usual shops, they have a plus 20 charge for imported nail polish but I picked their regular ones (which I noticed was imported too, but no, I'm not analyzing). Service took 45 mins all in all.

Verdict : Not bad for a less than Php 500 value. It's not everyday that you get to be treated like a queen so why not loosen up a bit? I noticed that it's time to go home and prepare myself for work.

While packing my things and about to go, a thought hit me  - it was so nice of Jesus to allow me to feel loved and pampered. Either on things that cannot be touched like love-all-around or tangible ones like this experience that's super relaxing. :) -CMK

your ways are not My ways

It's no news that the paths I happen to travel seem to always have a 'twist' in one way or another. Twists are good for movies but if you are the one living the part, I am overly certain that twists aren't for me.

Knowing only the here-and-now as opposed to viewing the whole plot in one seating, are two different things. But almost all events in my life occur that way. I promise that I'd write this not to glorify myself. Every tick of my keyboard are on to this goal - To Make Jesus The Star!

He makes things possible even at times that doubt gets the best of me. On times like these, I hear my mentor speaking in my mind:

"People should involve God not only when disasters strike or not only when we feel like 'prayer is the last and only option'. Creatures need to involve their Creator before, during and after every milestone."

To Jesus : Lord, I am never perfect and can never be this side of eternity. Yet, thank you for standing by me. Thank You for all the unmerited blessings that You have given me. Be it in form of a success or failure, laughter or tears. You didn't promise that my life will be a bed of roses, but I am rest assured that not even the valley of the shaddow of death can separate me from Your love. I wish more people would know how kind and hands-on Father you are.

I keep on asking myself why some people get what they want so easily while I grope just to make it through . Until now, I don't know the answer but then, I came across this verse:

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."  - Isaiah 55:9-11

With that - I rest my case.  -CMK

Why One Should Pray?

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I didn't have time to pray.
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Problems just tumbled about me,
and heavier came each task,
"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered.
He answered, "You didn't ask."
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I wanted to see joy and beauty,
but the day toiled on gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me;
He said, "But you didn't seek."
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I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys at the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided,
"My child you didn't knock."
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I woke up early this morning,
and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

 

Author Grace L. Naessens

Quiet Moments : Mom & Tina's

While walking through the stretch of Makati, I suddenly remembered how I miss to eat at Mom & Tina's. Then, it rained. I guess there's always a good reason to go where you want to go. The look of the place is more like a home. Big wood pieces for tables and chairs are available. Couches are also up for grabs. If you're familiar within Makati area, 'home' is just a few steps across Greenbelt 5.

 

I do have a 'sticky feature'. Meaning, I use to order the same gourmet again and again (Yeah, Boring is me). My all time favorite is no other than Fettuccine with Seafood & Basil Pesto - Sauteed shrimp and squid in their very own pesto sauce with grated parmesan cheese with freshly made fettuccine noodles. Served with garlic cheese rolls. A bit pricey but it's worth it. You'll be full even before you had a chance to notice you still have 2 bread awaiting on the side. (see http://momandtinas.com/)

 

Their coffee is okay too. You have the freedom to ask the waiter your usual specifications. Coffee is a mixture of sweet and strong. But more chocolate-based. It can be a dessert by itself but I'm telling you, once you pass by their gigantic fridge with all those mmmmm goodies, I bet you can't resist the urge of having a full-blown dessert this once.

 

Since the rain was still falling hard that one fine day, I decided to bring out a paper and pen. Wrote some notable notes that I've been meaning to write. Some to-do lists. Some goals. Some shopping prospectus. Before I knew it, a glimpse of sunshine peeked. I guess it's time to go and face the world again. But as always, an afternoon respite at Mom & Tina's is a well spent breather. Bow. -CMK.

 Perfect Place to Think About Your Life's Plans

Simple Makeup Stash

Last Saturday, me and my good friend Donna decided to do the things we're terribly good at... Glimpse of our mini-itinerary includes late lunch and chikka fest at Mom's & Tinas (place is perfect to hang out) then window shopping (which turned out to be a real shopping anyway) ;)

I have to say this, it was my good friend Jolly who opened my eyes to these facts:

1. It is mandatory for girls to apply moisturizers. It's like H2O for our facial skin.
2. A little make up doesn't make you look flirty, instead it enhances your look.
3. Experiment (within the bounds of sanity). Brown-colored hair? Get it on!

Going back, Donna and I happen to pass the Make Up section when I realize that my foundation needs replacement. Here it is.

 Maybelline Mineral Foundation - Light Ochre for Me

I am not a guru in Make Up world so I make it a point to be familiar with the basics. Good 'reasons' that come with this loot are --- it's not that expensive (Less than a thousand damage is not bad for months of use), the Kabuki brush is a no-fail swipe tool (say goodbye to uneven patches) and lastly, it's good for the skin (think : Minerals).

As we're about to pay the item, my eye caught a glimpse of a pinky-peach fuchsia like color on their shelf. Tried it on, looks good. That and Donna's probing that I only do makeup shopping on a once-a-year basis, I bought it too.

 Pink Peach

Not all lip color suits me. Deep red, Bright red, Plum are among those. I became a regular fan of peach, pink palettes. You may want to dab a little petroleum jelly to cure chapped lips. If you have the luxury of time, a swipe of your fave lip gloss will make you extra-glittery.

 Foundation + Lipstick = Mwah!

Okay, so what's the point? Nothing - it's just that there are times you don't have to make things as complicated as they already are. As for me, I am simply happy to go home with these goodies. -CMK.