Hurry Up and Sign Up for this Arts & Crafts Workshop!

This workshop is for kids from 2.5-6yo and 7-14yo. Schedules are on 5 and 13 Sept, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

For reservation, do call 02-8560935/36. Pre-registration and payment can be accomodated at Hobbes & Landes Boni High Street, Rockwell, Greenhills Promenade and Greenbelt 5.

I would love to join Moms On The Floor but regretfully, we’re tied this Saturday! I would love to have a refresher course with Jaime for her Baby signs, free class from KinderMusik by Teacher Jeannie, do Mommy Yoga and learn Infant Massage by no other than Rome Kanapi.

Gosh, I’m missin’ a lot! Maybe if our schedule will change, I’ll try to dropby, hoping Mommy Janice would let me in if no slots are available anymore…hehehe

8 August 2009
1:00- 4:00 pm
Crowne Plaza
Ortigas Center

Call to pre-register at 713-8144 or 780-9898 or text them at 0918-930-0313.

A member of my family is bound for China. I have never been to China even if my relatives are from that country. Maybe next time, I will visit China with my family. It will be exciting for all of us to visit the People’s Republic of China for the first time!

Anyway, so a member of my family will be going to China. I volunteered to process his Visa because it seemed that I am the only one more flexy with the schedule and nearer to the Chinese embassy at World Center along Buendia Ave. in Makati. And the process seemed easier than getting a US visa.

My brother gave me almost all of the details but as I was reviewing it, it seemed to be lacking. He told me that personal appearance may not be required. His instructions didn’t mention any authorization letter coming from the applicant to allow me to process his application. There were some apprehensions so I was not really inclined to process it immediately as my brother advised me to. Time is running out so I have to do what I needed to do.

First time I went to the Chinese Embassy, I was not permitted to enter anymore. You know why? Their cut-off time in giving out numbers is 11am and I arrived past 12noon. Yes, I know it’s late but that’s my only time available that day. Anyway, I learned my lesson and I was taking chances too and that the line would be shorter etc. What I did was to ask the building lobby staff to let me go up to where the Chinese embassy was so I can ask and verify some of my inquiry which I didn’t get from my brother.

Some information I got:
1. They give out numbers as early as 8am but ends by 11am.
2. The visa process application is truly easy. I would say, people applying would be out of the embassy by 3pm.
3. Like their hotline, no one is there to assist you with your inquiry. I like to clarify things in person too because there are times, when I either misunderstand their instructions or something else.

I never got any answer with regards to the personal appearance though.

So, come the actual day to apply for “his” China Visa…I had to ask my brother to just bring an authorization letter with “his” signature just to be on the safe side because I did not want to go back the third time. The website did not indicate that they needed an authorization letter but it’s a SOP in every transaction, right?

I arrived a little past 9am. My number was 725. The guard was not strict. Anyone can enter. They’ll just get your temperature and you’re in.

Some notes to consider:
1. Once number is announced and you are not there, you get another number for your application.
2. There are people there who are from travel agency who get a lot of number (for their clients) then eventually, they’ll start to approach someone to have their number exchanged if it’s too near. I guess it’s legal because these travel agency people are almost there everyday and the guards can see it. They are definitely not strict.
3. Consul or the person who accepts your visa application is not someone who you would be afraid of.
4. Please bring an authorization letter if you are not the applicant. Their website doesn’t require but better to bring one than to go back again. A waste of time to go back. Also, bring an identification card for confirmation that you are the authorized person to process the application.
5. Be sure to get the proper VISA application form. Here’s the link for your copy:
Visa Application form or they easily give out to anyone who asks for one.

Visa Application Requirement:

Tourist /Family visit Visa (L)

L Visa is issued to a person who comes to China for sightseeing, visiting relatives, or private matters. Documents to be included with application:

1. Applicant’s passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity left before expiration.

2. A truly and completely filled application form affixed with one passport-sized photo.

3. Round-trip air ticket –My note: We just provided them a copy of a booking reservation ticket. Why would we buy a ticket when we are still unsure right? They accepted it, they just confirmed if it was the actual date and I confirmed.

4. Hotel reservation. Or proof of relationship in case of visiting relatives in China.

5. Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.

For more information, check out Guidelines for Chinese Visa.

Here’s the China Visa Fee:

I was done and out of the Chinese Embassy around 11am. Regular processing of application is 3-4 working days. You will pay according to your application (single/ double entry, rush processing of visa, etc.) when you get the passport. They will give you a pink paper as your claim stub. I will be back after a few days, hopefully I will get an approved application by then.

Get back to you when I do next week!

***********************

UPDATE:

I got the Chinese Visa alright.  No fuss!  I waited for my number to be called and voila!  I was out in less than five-(5) minutes.  Took me longer to get there than wait for my turn to get the approved Chinese visa.  By the way, I did not need for an authorization letter whatsoever!  But I think they should require since passport is one important document especially when you have your US visa and all other Visa on your passport.

Make today special and celebrate Krispy Kreme’s 72nd birthday by picking up the following treats for only Php72:

1. Original Glazed doughnut with medium Signature Coffee combo (choice of Smooth or Decaf), save Php24*

2. A refreshing glass of Orange You Glad or Very Berry Chiller, save Php33**

Or

3. Purchase a dozen doughnuts and get each novelty items for only Php72***
A) An eco-friendly bag, save Php28
B) Gift tin can, save Php72
C) Kiddie Krispy Kreme Shirt, save Php213

Promo runs until August 30 only so be sure to pass by your nearest Krispy Kreme store to celebrate their 72nd birthday and make today special. See posters or visit www.krispykreme.com.ph for more details.

Visit any of the following Krispy Kreme Branches: Bonifacio High Street, Greenhills (drive-thru), SM Mall of Asia (drive-thru), Trinoma,
SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia (main mall), Ayala Avenue, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, SM City Annex (North EDSA)

Contact details for Those Interested to Join the Bazaar:
480-5667, 0926-6941700
apexeventsorganizer@yahoo.com
apexeventsorganizer.multiply.com