Seniors Day-out 2020 at Palanas By The Sea, Boljoon!

Yes! The day that we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! At last, this is our day to relax a bit, unwind from the busy labworks, and strengthen our camaraderie as we had our overnight stay at Palanas By the Sea, Boljoon, Cebu.

Impossible it may seem but we managed to plot our schedules where everyone can join and be part of this much-awaited reward from our back-to-back victory of the last year’s Christmas party.

On February 22, 2020, Saturday, the beautiful weather paved way for our journey. I was so sorry I came late due to personal matters. Peace, guys! 

 It took us approximately 3 hours to reach Boljoon...

HIGHLIGHTS!

Venue

This is the perfect getaway destination for the group. When we reached the place, it was so breathtaking and relaxing! It met my expectations and I do agree that it was a great fit for us.

Our room 'Nautilus' was spacious enough and the sixteen of us got accommodated with their cozy beds! I was amazed with the amenities, there's a fridge to store our cakes and drinks and a microwave to heat the leftovers. The shower/changing rooms are plenty as well.

At nighttime, I was awe-struck with the brightly colored table and seats while we had our sumptuous dinner. It added to the beauty of our outdoor dining.

Picture-taking galore

We didn't miss the opportunity to take group pics to every picture-worthy corners of the resort. Thanks to the lovely cameras our colleagues have, we got to have wonderful shots taken at various angles!

The common dining area has these lovely white flowers hanging at the top. Perfect for pictures as well! They are simply amazing! 

Games

In the afternoon, everyone had a great time participating in the Charades game facilitated by Sir Bryan and Miss Love. It was full of laughter as each one of us tried to portray what is written on the rolled paper (may it be related in the lab or just current events). We were trying to act as best as we could for our teammates to figure it out.

In the easy round, Group 1 composed of me, Miss Shine, Miss Nikki, Miss Mia, Jolie, Abby, and Carine scored more but the tables have turned in the difficult round.

I thought we were losing as we were way behind the Group 2 spearheaded with energetic Miss Arbee and members, Sir Carl, Sir Louie, Ate Charlyn, Maimai, Kristel, and Jupit. We suddenly back to the game when miraculously, Carine guessed ‘Metamorphoses’ worth 10 points! We were declared winners as we got the tie-breaker question right 'EDSA People Power' reenacted by Sir Bryan himself. We shouted for joy as we got the prize: we were free to choose our favorite Krispy Kreme flavor! Yum! J

Pool                                       

Who wouldn't be enchanted to take a dip into their infinity pool? Honestly, I was happy it was not a chlorinated pool water but rather a sea water so I enjoyed plunging with my momshies as we played games to enjoy the spree! Hmm... it was refreshing really.

Food

I couldn’t be any happier as we decided that the majority of our winnings would be allocated for the food. Honestly, I was stuffed the whole time munching the junk foods!

During lunch, we enjoyed the juicy lechon baboy and manok with the bigger puso or hanging rice bought in Carcar. The delectable cakes courtesy by Miss Love were our dessert.

Dinnertime came and sumptuous foods were ordered in their restaurant to satisfy our cravings. All of us had happy bellies despite of the spicy foods we ate.

Tagay time

The time came when we decided to start our ‘drinking sessions’ so Smirnoffs and San Mig came out of the picture and each of us had sound conversations. I really enjoyed Sir Bryan’s game called the King’s Cup where almost everyone had their share of shots. Jupit was so unlucky to have drank the King’s cup filled with a quarter of Smirnoff, a little bit of San Mig and melted cheetos. Well, that’s just better than mixed with dirty stuffs, right? haha.

Missing-In-Action

It was too bad Sir Donnie couldn’t join us as he would be flying to the US. So, we set up a video chat for him and wished him to have a safe flight. Miss Stella and Miss Maye, on the other hand, had also other appointments.

Late night debates

The night grew darker and some went off to bed while others including me opted to stay and talk about debatable issues such as divorce and abortion. Smirnoff ain't a strong drink, so I still have my sanity intact. I remembered I was always on the opposing side while Sir Bryan, Sir Lou and Miss Mia expressed their side of the matter.

Back to reality

The next morning, I woke up without any hangover. We just prepared our things as we would head back to the city. Unlike our way to Boljoon where everyone was lively, the van was filled with dead air brought from exhaustion as my senti playlist were played all throughout the ride.

I wish it was longer...

Even though this is my last day-out with the seniors but this will have an etch in my heart. I still can't believe I was once part of this dynamic team and considered a member of the family. I may seem to be a little shy to some of them but I would like to give thanks for the proper guidance and nice treatment when I was a just a junior. Thank you for believing in my talent guys. This is one for the books, indeed! 

My US Embassy Interview Experience: How did I get my H1B working visa approved?

My face after the interview😂

In the start of 2020, I prepared myself for a wonderful step that I’m gonna take towards my American Dream and that is going to get my US Working visa.

With my H1B petition approved and the Notice of Action in hand, I was so much ready to book my appointment at the embassy. I immediately completed my DS160 online application and paid the appointment fee of 10160 pesos to the Bank of the Philippine Islands.

My scheduled appointment was on January 17, 2020. I gathered all my documents in case they want to see it. Since I was not familiar in Manila, I asked my father to accompany me. We stayed at Uncle Jimmy’s place in Pasay.

We woke up at 5 o’clock in the morning to prepare. I wore a casual outfit: it was a dark blue dress and I paired it with a black blazer.

I was scheduled at 9AM. Uncle Jimmy accompanied us to the embassy by taking a jeep and a tricycle. We arrived at around 8am so we stood there waiting at the vicinity. While waiting, I kept calm and recited a silent prayer. I told my father that I will do my best to get approved.

The time came when we can now enter the premises. I left my father behind and I brought my documents with me. I submitted myself to security checks and seated at the waiting area until we were called to enter the building. There were personnel/ushers to assist you at the entrance so I went straight away to Step 1 in which my passport and Form I-129 were checked, then I proceeded to Step 2 for finger scanning, then came step 3 in which I felt nervous, the interview with an embassy officer.

There were many interview cubicles and again a personnel will tell you which cubicle you should go so you can’t choose an interviewer. We were in queue and as I waited for my turn, I heard questions asked by officers to other applicants. You would know right away if the applicant is approved or denied after so much interrogation. I felt so sad for those people who didn’t get the visa. When my turn came, I greeted the officer good morning. She’s in her fifties I suppose. There was an exchange of questions and answers. She just asked me few questions about my job, my years of experience as a medical technologist, and my workplace in the US. She checked my Labor Condition Applicaton or LCA as well. After that, she gave me a pamphlet of USCIS and said ‘Okay, I intend to approve your visa!’

Upon hearing those words, a smile was formed on my face. This is it! I got approved! Thank heavens!

Before the officer got my passport, I needed to pay the newly implemented reciprocity fee of 540 USD or approximate 26000 pesos. Kinda pricy but they won’t take your passport for stamping if you woudn’t pay for it. I went to the cashier located at the second floor and returned to the officer to give my receipt. That’s the time she congratulated me and advised it would take one week for my passport to be delivered in Cebu.

I went out of the embassy to see my father. My heart was so excited to tell him. As I saw him waiting outside, I felt like crying but I just held back my tears and told him the wonderful news. We went back to Uncle Jimmy’s place to celebrate.

That was it! I got my passport back after one week. I realized that as long as you know all about your employer and you bring all the necessary documents relating to your H1B application, there wouldn’t be any problems in applying for the visa. Also, keeping a composure and confidence in answering the officer will help.

Another milestone has achieved, now I’m getting closer to my dream. Up next, my contract verification to POLO !