Noel & Via

Today is the big day. We were off early to go to the embassy. We were inside at around 7:30am. We were one of the first 10 people seated. All we have to do now is wait...

And wait we did until 10:30am. We were called to give in our passports and pay the fee. We had to sit back and wait again, we were still wondering if they
will still deny us since we had paid already. Apparently not. What a joyus day since both our visas were approved (not that I doubted it will be, hehe) We were both issued student visas. Mine was effective for 1 year, and Via's was for 6 months.

Now it's time for us to focus and prepare for our trip... aside from attending despedidas.

Posted by Noel at 10:48 AM | Permalink

We haven't had a decent rest in days, and moving into a new bedroom doesn't help. The smell is different, the aircon is as noisy as a boat, and not to mention that we have to get up early tomorrow to get our visas.

We decided to go back and get one of our own aircons and get some sleep. But today we still couldn't get any since most of our stuff were still in boxes. The rest of the day was spent unpacking and organizing our stuff.

Posted by Noel at 10:40 AM | Permalink

The first step we had to embark on this long journey is moving to my in-laws house in Sucat, Paranaque. The house is strategically situated near the airport. We will be here for the next few weeks until it is time for us to leave for Spain then Italy.

Why the move? One reason being that we wanted to clear our condo so that it can be rented out and earning extra. Second, we wanted to be near the airport so that we won't have to get up so early. Third, we had to do this early so that we will have time to get used to living out of our luggages.

So how did it go? The move took a lot out of us. We had been preparing for more than a week. The night before the move, we had to organize things so that it would be easier for us to find them. Unfortunately this was not the case, we moved more than 71 boxes plus our furniture. It was impossible to remember which box had what. God help us.

Posted by Noel at 10:31 PM | Permalink

Tomorrow we shall move to my parents' home in Gatchalian, Paranaque. It's so strange to see your whole life in boxes. Most contents trigger great memories, some make you wonder how you were coerced by friends' dares and some you even forgot existed! Even normally sprightly Cosi-Cosi was exhausted from all the sorting and packing...

Of course there were two great things that happened today. We finally got our Thinkpad T40 thanks to Cherylyns great help!!! :) It's a really sleek machine that's only 1 inch thick! And Noel's really happy with it- that's something for a jaded IBM person.

But the more wonderful thing is the great news I received from a good friend that she's tested positive for pregnancy! This after several doctors saying she could not conceive because of her condition- it is another example of the miracles that God blesses us with when we truly let go. And so in our Italian adventure, we shall let go and let God.

Posted by Via at 02:49 AM | Permalink

Going once, going twice....all items sold! My Honda CRV and even this computer have been promised to someone. We are now trying to pack all our remaining things as we prepare to move in with my in-laws this tuesday (July 29.) We are still bracing ourselves with the release of our visas this Thursday (July 31.) Stay tuned for more...

Thanks again to all those who bought our stuff specailly Pats who brought almost half of the items on the list. :)

Posted by Noel at 11:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Check out our cool stuff that's going pretty quickly.
Reserve your piece today!!! :)

FOR SALE

Thanks guys!

Posted by Via at 09:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

It was a while before I realized I was holding my breath, waiting for our turn to be called. Watching the folders and pieces of paper get sifted through the windows and listening to the different applicants detail their reasons for visiting Italy, I remembered how it was said in philosophy class : "Don't you realize that we spend most of our lives waiting...?" (This is already our third visit to our beloved Ambasciata d' Italia Manila. I am beginning to memorize its smell already, and like it even.)

Finally, we hear: "Emmanuel Perlas" said very faintly into a microphone. We hustle to window #4.

"Good morning." I say. No reply. The woman does not even look at us. "How long is your course?" She asks me. "It is there on the acceptance certificate..." I begin to explain but she cuts me: "Just answer the question. So I won't have to look."
"6 months." I respond. She tells us to come back on July 31 for the results. I ask if we can come anytime. "It's there on the paper, 9am."

Goodness, maybe her husband forgot her birthday today? Or perhaps I reminded her of someone who wouldn't be her friend in highschool? Mary, Mary, quite contrary INDEED!

Posted by Via at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

All requirements are in. We have been scheduled for a final visit to the embassy on July 31. We will find out whether or not the embassy will issue us the appropriate visas. Well, at least that's what the girl at counter 4 says with a threatening voice ( more about her in Via's side --> ). But personally I think they have no reason not to give me at least a 1 year student visa and a 6 month student visa to Via.

Posted by Noel at 09:24 PM | Permalink

He had the most amazing big brown eyes framed with unbelievably long lashes. His soft brown hair cut short and very neat. He immediately entertained me, taking my hand in his as we watched the water fountain in Greenbelt 3. His language was very foreign to me, as he spent most of his time abroad. "Chicha" meant bird and "baca" meant bike, but that's about all I could understand. Nonetheless, eye contact and smiles seemed sufficient to communicate. Everywhere we went together, people turned to admire his wonderful face.

His name is Saifi, my friend's beautiful 19-month old son. He has me completely enamored and wrapped around his little fingers.

Thank you again Kristina for bringing him along yesterday! Noel has been wanting to strangle me, as he was all I would talk about. :) He is going to break many hearts one day! :)

Posted by Via at 03:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Yesterday morning we were scrambling around makati . First our revised itenerary at the travel agent then I had to collect a check from a client. And finally to the embassy.

It took longer for us to be called this time. We were in a different room which seems to be where they issue out the Visas. We would hear people in rage at the window but there were others feeling quite the opposite when they saw that shiny thing stamped on their passports.

It was our turn at the window. We were called earlier than a couple of nuns who seemed to be there forever. We submitted our requirements and was asked to sit down again. Shortly after, we were called by the girl who got our application forms the other day. She said that the consul has seen the papers and it seems like Via will be getting a student visa at least until april 2004. But we have to go back and give them the original papers from Via's school. This is great news. Thank God that we are winding down this part of the process.

Posted by Noel at 04:53 PM | Permalink

Yesterday seemed like an extension of our visit to the Italian Embassy, a blur of hodge-podge events. Trying to confirm with Brunella (my soon-to-be Italian teacher) if she received the fax after about 10 attempts from the bank, proved to be quite exhausting.

Our Secret Agent Superheroine was flying all around IBank together with her fellow crusaders to ensure that the necessary steps were done for Brunella to receive her fax. This was amidst meetings and other pressing deadlines which made our Secret Agent have to summon all her superpowers. :) If not for her, we would still be in utter panic today.

We were able to heave our sighs of relief upon receiving Brunella's email today confirming receipt of the payment. She was also able to fax my acceptance certificate already so that we can present that again to the Embassy on Monday for granting of my student visa.

We are so thankful to our Secret WW (Wonder Woman) Mommy for being the champion of dreams. We really put her superpowers to the test yesterday. We wouldn't know what to do without her! Special thanks also to Tita Evelyn and Bernie! :)

Posted by Via at 03:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Say it with me... nothing is ever easy. After yesterday's horrifying experience in the embassy we search for other options. The day started early... too early in fact that it started at 12 mn. While in bed last night, we were still thinking of alternatives to make Via's Visa longer.

We got up and rushed to our computers last night as we concluded that a 6 month language course could be the best option. We quickly wrote the school that she had been talking to for several months now, and asked them to give us the required Certificate of Acceptance since we are going to pay tomorrow.

So the day was spent trying to get in touch with the school and Via's teacher named Brunella. Because of the time difference (-6h from local time) it was difficult to call or fax them a copy of the money transfer. Only at 430pm were we able to send it successfully. Sigh. Thanks Bernie. I'm glad I will end the day with a dinner with a couple of my ex-officemates.

Posted by Noel at 06:43 PM | Permalink

This is what seems to be the underlying theme of our lives right now. Nothing, not the scholarship and especially not the Visa, comes easy.

This morning we arrived early for our Visa appointment and we were called early. After submitting all our requirements, we had to wait a while for their response. After a short time, they called us again to approach the glass counter. It seems that I have no problems with my papers and that my student visa will be issued easily. But the problem was with Via's application. She cannot get the same visa as mine, since she isn't studying. And they will not give her a visa longer than 3 months.

This is what we feared. What now? I cannot stand being separated from Via. We pleaded, called back, and searched for other options. In the end, we are still lost, tired, frustrated and sad. Is this a sign? Or another challenge?

Posted by Noel at 11:54 PM | Permalink

That's what I used to call boys that had blonde hair when I was a kid. They had me intrigued and awed. And today's blonde consul looked like he swam in a vat of golden liquid.

And it was this blonder that I thought would have been more understanding of our plight at the embassy. But no, there is no policy for spouses to join their studying spouse on a study visa. They can only give me tourist, good for three months. Unless, I show them an acceptance certificate from my own school. But the place I was planning to study Italian, has 6 mos. to be the longest course.

Hunger and anxiety are definitely not a good pair. I was getting whoozy with disappointment, yet for the first time, I wanted to strangle a "blonder"!

Posted by Via at 10:01 PM | Permalink

For the past 2 weeks I was either sick with flu or down with LBM. This makes me "bugnut" or irritable specially to Via and I am sorry for that. (And this Chinese soundtrack, from the hit TV series Meteor Garden, isn't helping a bit! ) I am in an internet cafe by the way, waiting for Via as she spends dinner with her former officemates from the business consulting firm.

One of our friends mentioned that I am not getting well probably because of the stress and anxiety brought about of our move. He is probably right. I've started selling some of my old design books and my trusty ol' SUV. And change is always hard.

Here are some developments: We finally received the letter from Ivrea stating that I will be accompanied by my wife. We also visited the insurance company today and agreed to purchase a basic insurance policy for Italy. I am going to call for an appointment with the Embassy later. Wish us luck. Hopefully we will have all the requirements are in place and that it won't take long for the embassy to issue our Study Visa.

Posted by Noel at 07:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Had a great time getting together with my friends yesterday. Michelly and Cherylyns picked me up at around 11, and they browsed through our items for sale. I texted Noel that I had sold 1 magazine and mannequin. "Mannequin?" Was the reply. I failed to tell him it was my VCD.

We were so hungry by the time we got to Galleria where we met Nor for lunch at Max's. Chicken never tasted so good! In fact, Che and Michelle noticed how my face fell when Nor only ordered half a spring chicken. Hehehe! She realized how malnourished the poultry is here when our scrawny whole spring chicken arrived.

We had to waddle off the heaviness of our meal so we went around window shopping. Nor and I lost ourselves in the Bench lipsticks area where we were testing all the pretty lip twistie shades- a real steal for only P139.00!

Suddenly this cleaning freak saleslady swooped down, taking all the pretty colors and dumped them back into the glass canister! "Excuse me, we're still using them." Says Nor, her eyebrow raised. "E nagugulo ho." Is the whiny (not to mention rude!) reply. "Aayusin naman namin pagkatapos." I say. And Nor says that we don't have to when she leaves, and I realize she is right! It is our job to examine as much of the merchandise as we please. We are paying customers!!! Noel said that we should've said: "Bibili sana kami, pero bastos ka." We walked out of there feeling rather awry, but with 2 lipsticks and a nice gray sweater (Che found it for me :) ) richer.

We had to say good-bye soon after because Michelle had to be home early and Che had to meet another friend. Michelle dropped us off at Seattle's Best, where Nor and I met Jay for coffee. It is so nice to be surrounded by such wonderful friends! I didn't realize how much I had missed their company until yesterday. Thanks guys!!!

Posted by Via at 02:21 PM | Permalink

"Babe, are you obsessed with that website?" Via speaks with apparent disgust as I update our site. Well, yes. I think I am. :)

A few minor tweaks (minor it seems but not to the amount of time I took updating it. Still really trying to figure out this Moveable Type publishing system.) like the calendar and the "recent archives" to the left. I also updated the comments system, so that it will look more like this homepage. Come back soon as I promised myself that I will update more pages soon.

Posted by Noel at 12:03 PM | Permalink

After a half hour of waiting in the lobby of Citibank Missouri (in Greenhills :) ) the sleek glass doors are finally unlocked by the guard at around 9:05am. We breathe in the very sanitized and crisp air and make our way to the counter. We explain that we need to make a fund transfer to Italy and three different people within earshot of one another ask us if we have an account with them. And because we don't, they cannot help us of course. We leave feeling rather embarrassed.

So we search for a Western Union money transfer. Noel spots one along Ortigas, right beside a BPI. We are told that Western Union is only for incoming remittances so can we please settle our transfer with our mother account??? (This after being made to wait for around 10 minutes after the initial "hello can I help you?") We are told to make the deposit anyway. There are only two tellers, and they seem to have set a new world record for imitating the tortoise. I have just aged by 10 years, standing in line.

My Tita Nin (good thing she was there!) steps in, and they miraculously accommodate our request. Only after she tells them she knew the manager (thank goodness she was on leave!) All they had to do was make a phone call to our branch and ask for a fax!!! Why must one know someone to be treated the way any customer deserves??? This would NEVER happen in I-Bank!

Posted by Via at 06:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)