tingya

I just came here in Kentucky and have the same feeling. But having the thought of being together with my man, I just made myself braver and took the flight alone.

My flight was from Manila -> Nagoya, Japan -> Detroit - > Lexington. My fiance waited for me on the final destination with no problems at all along the way. I met Filipinos on the flight, so it helps ease out the worries. Officers at the POE are nice, friendly and fast. Just get your papers out when you get out of the plane. I was surprised the lady assisting the lines for visitors and non-immigrant visas is a Filipina. And the Custom officer asking me talks a little Filipino too!

I know there are flights from Cebu -> Korea -> Atlanta. Maybe you can have her on that. Lesser connections are better for her. I agree to biaobiao too, meet her at POE.

Hoping for her safe flight soon!

(This is my first post.)

Medical taken: Feb 4-5, 2013.

Stayed at: Hotel Soriente (just a few walks to the clinic)

Thank you Lord for a passing medical examination at SLEC!!

The examination went smoothly, the nurses and doctors were friendly. Staff and security guards were helpful and approachable.

Tips:

1. Please bring all the requirements needed as stated in the clinic's website and a black ball pen to sign up forms.

2. Make sure to eat your meals before going to the clinic as foods are not allowed. I was able to bring a bottled water though.

3. Bring a jacket. It's pretty cold inside.

4. Bring a book or something that'll keep you busy while waiting.

5. (Like!) Be prepared to make new friends!

6. Please check your PDS form and make sure all laboratory and examinations has nurse/doctor initials or signature. That means you have completed that exam else you need to go back.

Here's my medical examination experience: (Waiting time may not be the most accurate for I did not bring my watch :-) )

First day - Feb 4, 2013

1. Arrived at the clinic around 4AM. I was accompanied by my brother-in-law so I was able to have him wait in line while I ate breakfast at the carenderia in front of the clinic. There were already a long line of applicants before me and noticed two lines were formed, one for US applicants and one for Canada, Australia, New Zealand applicants.

Waiting time to #2 below: approximately 1 hr, 30 mins.

2. Around 5:30am, the guards started accepting applicants. Make sure to have your papers ready. As for my case, I handed two copies of St. Lukes online registration form, two copies of the first page of Appointment confirmation, a copy of my NOA2 from NVC, a photocopy of my passport biographic page, my passport. The guard check the papers and handed me a Patient Data Sheet(PDS) form to fill-up and my "lucky" red-colored number 21. I then went inside to the ground floor waiting area, filled up the PDS form and waited.

Waiting time to #3 below: approx. 30 mins.

3. Around 6:00am, U.S. reception counters started calling out numbers. When it was my time, I handed in all my papers to the cashier. She asked for my name, birthday, educational attainment, and civil status. She then took a picture of me and a finger print. Then she handed me my PDS form with my patient number and told me to go to 5th floor for payment.

4. Few applicants are on the cashiers line so not much of the waiting. After paying, I was told to go to the X-ray @ 3rd floor. The lady took my PDS form and called me to proceed to the X-Ray room. I was the first for that day!

5. After the X-Ray, I was told to go 5th floor for Vital Signs, Eye Test, Height, Weight and Physical Exam. This has the most crowded area and the most waiting time. I waited almost 30mins. to have my vital signs, eye test, height and weight taken. Left my PDS form to the nurse and waited to be called.

Waiting time to #6 below: Approx. 1 hour.

6. I was given back my PDS form with number 8 for the physical examination. Don't worry ladies you'll be given a female doctor. :-) Waited a few minutes then went inside to the doctor's office. The doctor asked for some medical history and current medical situations. Be sure to honestly tell them so. Then be prepared to go naked!!! But my doctor was nice. It took about 15 minutes to complete. The doctor then told me to go to 2nd floor for Immunization Interview.

Waiting time to #7 below: Approx. 20 mins.

7. At the second floor, I was given a form to fill-up and waited for my name to be called. The doctor asked for some personal details (to ensure I'm the correct patient she's looking at on the computer), my vaccination history. She typed some on the computer and informed me that if my lab tests are good I'll be given two vaccines. I was then told to go to 4th floor.

Waiting time to #8 below: Approx. 20 mins.

8. At 4th floor, I was having my urine test and blood extracted, then waited for about 15 minutes. The nurse then said I will be back tomorrow at 7:30AM for my results. Told me to bring my passport and 2 pcs. 2x2 photos.

At around 10AM, I was out of the clinic with Payment Receipt and Passport on hand!!! Made new friends!!! :-) Went back to the hotel and talked to my fiancé about my day and roam around some parts of Manila for a treat :-)

Second day - Feb 5, 2013

1. Arrived at SLEC around 7:20AM. Went straight to the guard and showed off my receipt. You do not need to go to the line again just like the previous day. The guard checked my PDS number on the computer and stamped something on the PDS form and told me to go to 2nd floor for Immunization.

Waiting time to #2 below: Approx. 1 hour.

2. I handed to the nurse my payment receipt and waited long to get my results. I was a little scared as my results might have a problem! I was not bored though for I was able to chat an applicant whom I met yesterday. When I was called to the Immunization room I got relieved for I know I'm okay!!! I got two shots! and was told not to get pregnant in a month :-( The nurse then told me to wait to be called at the ground floor for releasing.

Waiting time to #3 below: Approx. 35 mins.

3. I was surprised to be called ahead from the rest of the people in the waiting area. The nurse have me signed some papers which I did not bother to read. I trust them.:-) Then waited for like 5 mins. I was called again at one of the releasing counters and asked for my passport, 2 pcs 2x2 photos and was asked for some personal details to confirm my identity at the paper's she's holding. Then she had me pointed at the finger scanner and my patient's profile went up on the computer. She double checked everything and asked me to double check my information on the papers she showed me. Once everything are done and were found correct, she asked for my interview date and told me they will forward the Medical results to the embassy. She gave me a copy of the vaccination form and told me to create copies of it as I will need it in my future applications in the U.S. She also handed me back my passport and gave me a CD with my X-RAy results. She told me to bring those in the U.S. I asked if the CD is needed in the interview, she said "No". After that, she said I'm done and I can go home.

Around 9 AM, I was out of the clinic with the payment receipt, passport, CD and immunization certificate in my hand!!! I hurried back to the hotel and informed my fiancé that I passed!!!! We're so thankful and happy!!! Praise the Lord!!!! God is Great!!!!

God bless everyone! And thank you for reading my post.