A great belated birthday gift for me..I called NVC today and was informed that our packet left for Manila Embassy on Dec. 22nd.. ..I'm extremely happy with all the little updates that I get about our case.One small update is a big step closer for us to be finally together.. I'm hoping and praying that things will go well with our case as well as for all the rest of my fellow Vj'ers.. Hang in there! 
I hope your embassy experience is quick and successful. Good luck!