Medical Exam Experience (Part 1)

I just want to share my medical exam experience at St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic last September 19, 2011. By the way, SLMCEC is located at 1177 J. Bocobo Street, Ermita, Manila. They can be reached by telephone at 521-0020 and 521-8647. They are open from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For me, it is best to arrive for your medical examination before 6:00 a.m., but for some they say after 1:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday after all we will go back the next day for the result. Don't go on a Friday because it's normally a two day ordeal which means you don't need to stay for the weekend when you are not from Manila or travel again by bus to come back before the second day if you live in a nearby province. Applicants are served on a first come first served basis, but the order of release of the medical reports will depend on the complexity of the results of the medical examination. Please note that I am not an expert on this matter, some facts here may not be applicable to you.

Things to bring to making the days so much easier for you:
1. Appointment Letter-original and photocopied or NOA2 letter and NVC Letter with MNL Case No. Those with no interview schedule yet will be asked to sign a form at the receiving counter.
2. Passport-(valid at least 6 months)
3. Four colored pictures (2 inches x 2 inches) with a white background. Print your full name at the back. For photo requirements, click here
4.Medical Examination Fee- $213.35 (15 yrs old and older) and $185.35 (under 15 yrs of age). SLMCEC does not accept credit card or dollar payments. The fees must be paid in Philippine pesos at the prevailing exchange rate.
5. Black ballpens-not the sign pen
6. Folder or envelope- to place and safekeep the documents during the exam.
7. Snacks and bottled drinking water- Although,at the entrance there is a sign there that says " No food and drinks allowed" I was able to bring mine inside even the guard saw it when he inspected my bag. I guess you just have to keep it inside the bag and drink or eat discreetly.
8. Bring umbrella- It wasn't raining when I went out of the hotel but as soon as we were falling in line outside the clinic it started to rain so hard and I was too scared to leave the line because there were already a commotion going on regarding who comes first. And you guess it right! I stayed in line outside the building, under the rain without an umbrella. You never know when it is going to rain!
9. Jacket-to keep you warm
10. Magazine,book,gadget- that will keep you entertained while waiting for your name to be called. I had no worry about this because I easily made new friends when I was falling in line.

Hotels near SLMCEC with current rates:
1. Lotus Garden Hotel (P2250) Tel. - This is where I stayed for the duration of my medical exam. SLMCEC is just around the corner from this hotel. Free buffet breakfast, free wifi access inside the room (which is also one important factor for me because I can chat with my hubby every night or as soon as I am done with the exam), free toiletries, and Robinson's Mall is just walking distance too! *Just be careful not to wear the hotel's slippers because they will charge you P200 for it. That is already too pricey for me for just a room slippers so I brought my own.
2. Paragon Tower Hotel (P2,464) Tel.526-5541 to 47
3. Citystate Tower Hotel (P1,750) Tel. 400-7351 to 61
4. Grandprix Manila- (P799-Easy Bed) (P1500-Superior) Tel.353-3319 and 353-3323
5. City Garden Suites- (P2,300) Tel. 536-1451 and 526-0959
6. Tropical Mansion- (P1,000)

I arrived Sunday, a day before my planned medical exam. After checking in my luggage at the hotel, I went to inspect the area outside the hotel and the way going to the clinic. SLMCEC has no name outside the building. It is more like a gray hotel with glass exterior. I took a picture so you will have an idea in case it is already your turn to have your medical exam. Then, I went to have my lunch-dinner at the Robinson's Mall.

FIRST DAY:
I arrived at St. Luke's at 3:30 a.m. I was hoping I'd be the first or even the first five on the line, but when I got there I was already no.24. Unfortunately, it rained and so some people were already starting several lines which cause the arguments because our batch that came earlier was now the last people in line, but it was settled that we're really the first to get inside. I had no umbrella that time and was too scared to be walking away from the line. Anyway after patiently waiting for almost two hours outside the building (under the rain!) we were finally moving to get inside. The guard at the entrance will give your number as long as you have completed with the requirements.
For us ladies, take note of the first day of the last menstrual period. They will be asking you this several times along the whole process so be very consistent with the date. You will also be NOT allowed to have the physical exam during your menstrual period even when you are only having the last few days or spotting. So if you want to save time and effort, plan the medical exam at least a week after or before your period.
Be sure to eat a meal before going to the medical exam. It might take you up to seven hours to finish the first day of the exam and surely the long waits will make you hungry.
1. After giving the guard the appointment letter with the photocopy, the passport with the photocopy, he gave me no.24 and a form called Patient Data Sheet (PDS) and the other guard at the entrance door stamped my right hand after checking the contents of my bag. I should only fill out questions with check marks. Under “Alien Case No.”, I put the MNL Case no. Don’t forget to sign at the back of the PDS form.

2. When the staff calls the number, we are asked to fall in line front of the counters usually by batches of 10. When it was my turn, I was asked to have another picture taken because my ears were not clearly shown, but the staff was nice enough and told me I can do it during the releasing of the result. I told him it was the same photos we sent to the NVC, but he warned me that the US Embassy is stricter than the National Visa Center. For those with the acceptable photos, the two photos will be stapled on the PDS and the other two will be on a resealable plastic and stapled. So I thanked him for that. He asked me to look at the cam and had my Digital Picture taken while I was seated. They also asked me about the degree I finished in college. He instructed me to put my right index on the fingerprint scanner four times. After a few questions, he told me to process to the cashier to pay the medical fees located at located at the 5th floor. By the way, for Immigrant Applicants I wasn't aware that we can already do it faster because we can fill out the form online and we have a separate window for online web registration. Click here

3. I took the elevator going to the 5th floor and at the corner, just right beside the elevator I found the cashier and handed her the documents and payment in peso. At that time, I paid P9,174.00.

4. I was asked to proceed to the 3rd floor for the X-ray. I gave the set of papers to the nurse at the reception and was asked to fill out a form and instructed to put the first day of the LMP at the upper corner of the page then affix my signature, then I waited for my name to be called. When I was called, we were instructed to change into hospital gowns and to not tie the back part of the gown. We disrobed our upper garments, no bra, necklace allowed and hair should be tied up. I used a hair clamp because I have long hair and it was easier for me. I then waited at the waiting area for my name to be called for the X-ray. When it was my turn, the nurse positioned me and asked me to check the names located at upper front of the machine. She told me to inhale deeply, hold my breath then exhale. I went to put back my clothes and went back to the reception. I told her I have the old films, but she firmly said that they will not accept it, then she told me to proceed to the 4th floor.

5. When I was at the 4th floor, I gave the set of documents to the nurse at the reception. I was told to sit down and wait for my name to be called. After a few minutes, she called my name and have the fingerprint scanning done and gave me back my papers and pointed the blood extraction room and wait for my turn there.
6. The nurse asked a few questions before the collection of the blood sample. She asked me my name and first day of LMP. She asked me to breathe deeply, then she was already getting a few millimeters of blood. She told me to press the cotton ball firmly for a few minutes and instructed to proceed to the Urine Collection Area. The staff gave me a small plastic container with my name on top of the cover. She said they will just need a few samples of the urine so no need to fill up the whole container. I handed her back the sample then washed my hands then instructed to go to the 5th floor.

7. At the 5th floor, there were two counters. I walked towards the US counter that is located at the right side and handed my set of papers to the staff. She asked me to sit and wait for my name to be called. When I was called, I waited outside the door of the Visual Exam Room. The nurse called my name and asked me to go inside a dark lit room. Only the computer screen and the Snellen chart is lighted. They measured my body weight and height then asked to sit down on a chair with a Snellen chart behind me. I was looking at the Snellen chart from a mirror view. I mentioned the letter as soon as she pointed it. I couldn't see the one letter she pointed. Guess, I am not 20/20 vision anymore.
8. I went back to the US Counter staff again and asked me to sit down and wait for the taking of vital signs. After several minutes, my name was called and the nurse took my blood pressure and pulse rate then asked me to give the set of papers to the US Counter staff again. She then made me wait and be seated at chair just outside the cubicle no. 6 for the physical exam.
9. The sign at the door of cubicle no.6 says Dr. Maab. Don't worry about getting naked; all female applicants will only be assigned to a female doctor. So after the prior lady applicant got out of the cubicle, I went in, smiled and greeted the doctor. She smiled back and asked me questions such as if ever I had previous pregnancies, LMP, surgeries and different diseases. She made me signed a logbook then asked me to undress completely and change into a hospital gown located at the foot of the bed. There's a curtain between the doctor's desk and the bed. She told me to leave the gown untied at the back and lie down on the bed. She examined both my ears/earlobes (I believed it was for checking earring holes that might have infected.), throat (for any swollen nodes), neck (for any suicidal attempts), breasts (for any lumps), wrists and arms (for any suicidal attempts and/or use of drugs). She pulled up the gown and checked my abdomen for any scars if I had any operation. Lastly, she made me lay on my left side with my knees close to my torso somewhat like a fetal position. She spread my butt cheeks and examined my anus for any hemorrhoids and my private part for any other possible infection. After changing back my clothes, she asked me to go to the 2nd floor for the Immunization Interview.

10. At the second floor, I gave the set of papers to the reception and told me to sit and wait for my name to be called. I waited for more than an hour here! The doctor plainly asked me if I had the diseases she mentioned, LMP and last contact, if I had chicken pox before and I showed her the scar. She told me that I should only be getting two vaccines when the result of my medical exams is OK. She told me to check out at the reception. The staff at the reception area gave me back the receipt, the appointment letter (or NOA2/NVC letter), passport, and the claim stub that is written in English and two other dialects. She instructed me to come back tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. for the result.
Copy of receipt
Copy of Claim Stub
Appointment Letter page 1
Appointment Letter page 2
Map to St. Luke's

•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ Good Vibes Everyone! ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•
to be continued...

One Step Closer

I can't tell you how badly I have wanted to write this post over the last few weeks. But today I can tell you that we have the good news! Thank God we got the schedule for my interview already! Woohoo! We have been waiting for almost a year now since we filed last November 2010 and it feels like forever but now we are one step closer to be together. I still need to pass the medical and interview though. I am getting nervous and excited. Yay! Till then... Wish me luck!

•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ Good Vibes Everyone! ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•

Saying I Love You in Different Languages

"I love you" are three magical words that could always lighten up my day every time I hear it from my husband or even people who are closed to me such as friends and family. It's not only because I want to be reassured at a moment's notice but also it's a constant reminder that someone appreciates and cares about me. It is also a physical connection between me and those that I cared about especially if it goes with a hug or a kiss. It makes me feel loved. So no matter where I am or what I am doing, it is always useful to let your loved ones know that you care about them.
In this post, I'm exhilarated to share with you on how to say I love you in different language translations so that you can surprise your loved ones with these versions and can be an interesting way to say it but remember don’t overdo it or present all these versions at once.

Now you know the different ways of saying "I Love You". It may be fun to include these different versions of "I Love You" when you want to surprise your special someone. The words I LOVE YOU can be the easiest and the hardest words to say. They can also mean so much and so little. Most importantly, "I love you" should be said only when you really mean it. Saying these universal words isn't enough if without the physical act that expresses it.

•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ Good Vibes Everyone! ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•
Thoughts?
How often do you say I love you to that special person in your life? How many ways can you think of saying it? What is the importance of saying it for you? How does it make you feel? Some people feel that the words "I love you" can be said too much, do you?

Outfit of the Day: High Rise, High Waist!

At first I thought it looks silly to be wearing a shorts that is above my belly button but since I love the retro-inspired look,plus, I've seen some celebrities and fashion bloggers wearing different styles and cut of high waist shorts everywhere, so I decided to try it for fun. I've also read that high waist shorts with denim fabric make your body thicker and bottom bigger if you have a wide hips. Those gifted with curvy body, will benefit more when you wear this since it will enhance more your curves and waist especially when you add a thick belt. And for those petite like me, high waist shorts will also look good on us because it will make our legs appear longer. So remember, each of us have our own style, you can be preppy , casual or sophisticated with your high waist shirts you just need to mix and match it with different tank top or shirt and accessories.

•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ Good Vibes Everyone! ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•
Thoughts?

What do you think of high waist shorts that is taking over the fashion scene this season? Are you willing to give it a try?

My Vacation Trip-Around Tacloban & Cebu (part 2)

I have already talked about the first part of my short vacation this month. But for the second part of the post about that, I would like to share to you our remaining trip until going back home. On Monday afternoon, we took the van going back to the city proper of Tacloban. We were checked in at Hotel Alejandro. I guess it was one of the nicer hotels there. The free wifi is only when you are in the lobby or at their cafe. The room was clean and the staff were friendly. After resting for a few minutes, we then went out to Robinson's mall at Shakey's Pizza. We ordered pasta and a big pizza with iced tea. It wasn't a bigger mall that I expected. The side of the building is still being constructed, which they said is a future hotel. We went back to the hotel and spent time with my dear hubby in skype. The next day, we went to the famous San Juanico Bridge and Gen. McArthur's monument.We then went back to that same mall to have our lunch and look for something to buy before our flight to Cebu that afternoon.

Our flight going to Cebu was delayed for 2 hours. All the passengers where relieved when someone announced the plane going to Cebu has now arrived. It was raining when we arrived. It was raining harder when we were at the taxi. We went to Ayala, SM, Sto Niño Church, and IT Park. Oh I just love Cebu, that made me, my husband and elder sister convinced to move there in the future! I had so many things in mind, but so little time. I will definitely be going back!

The Ayala Terraces

At SM Cebu

Outside Basilica de Sto. Niño

P.S. I left my favorite slippers in the hotel but I requested my cousin to get and send it straight to Zamboanga. My advice: Whether business, family or holiday trip, always pack light and pack smart.


•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ Good Vibes Everyone! ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•
Thoughts?

Where have you been for vacation? Have you been to Tacloban? or Cebu? What did you do there? Where did you stay? Did you have fun?

Zumba...exercise in disguise!

I've been living a sedentary lifestyle after I resigned from work last year, so I was thinking to keep myself busy while waiting for the "good news". I was beginning to have my Zumba fitness the other day. I watched it on few tutorials in youtube and I am loving it! Zumba used to only be available at special exercise studios and gyms, but now, with the new DVD you can do Zumba anytime you want in the comfort of your home. I opted for the DVDs to do at home instead of joining the gym and letting other people see my jiggle. So when I finally got my Zumba DVDs today and tried the first one, I was in my bare feet. The music is great and the tutorials are easy to follow.They break each step down into 'easy', 'medium', and 'hard' so you can learn the steps and be confidant enough with them to move up into the other DVD's. Fast beats, slow rhythms and resistance training, with a little Latino flavor are used to “spice up” the workout when I do Zumba!It will most certainly help you get fit and burn calories, I was sweating after about 5 minutes! I think it is an effective workout that is fun and works since I love dancing.I will keep you posted on how it goes for me. I'm ready to sweat and work my butt off!

•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ Good Vibes Everyone! ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•

Thoughts?
Are you interested in trying Zumba at home? Do you think Zumba works?

My Vacation Trip- Back to the Future! (part 1)

Hi everyone! I just came back from a short vacation this week with my sister and my niece. It was exhausting yet fun vacation. I always love vacation, it gives me a chance to experience and learn something different. We planned this trip to visit our native province and relatives from our mother’s side that we haven’t seen in 27 years. Now let me tell you how my vacation was…

We left last Sunday. We were pretty early for the flight, so I guess we were really excited (yay!). There was an 1 hour 25 minute flight to Cebu, a 5 hour layover, a 40 minute flight to Tacloban City, and an almost 3 hour bus ride from Tacloban City-Javier.I slept for few minutes in all flights and had small snacks the rest of the time. , then we had to ride a “habal habal” to reach my relatives’ place that is 5 kilometers away. I will never forget how long the trip was. Did I just say “habal habal”? Me, ride a habal-habal. I just can't imagine myself riding one of the popular ways to get around in the land of the Philippines, but there was no other choice. It was scary because the driver was driving in full speed and had to endure a bumpy road with nothing to hold on to or balance myself with. I couldn’t wait till that ride was over. Getting off the habal-habal was all I could think of. You see, I am not the adventurous kind of person. I get scared of heights. I get scared of the deep waters (okay, I don’t swim). So it doesn’t come as a surprise that riding a motorcycle doesn’t appeal to me.

Anyways, the fear was transformed into excitement. Our aunts are already waiting for us outside their homes. They knew we were coming. It was around 8 o’ clock that we finally arrived and stayed at my uncle’s humble house. The dinner was a tasty pork adobo. We had some never ending chats with our uncle and aunts. We talked about the plan for the next day. My niece and I were so tired from carrying the entire luggage, so we politely asked to sleep ahead while my Ate was still chatting with them. There was no signal to call or text my hubby that time and no possible way to use my laptop because there was no internet connection as well. My niece and I were still arguing who’s going to sleep on what side of the bed. We were both scared to sleep near the window. We remembered hearing stories about “aswangs” abound in provinces where basic services such as electricity and mass media infrastructures are not yet available. I live in the city, so I was never predisposed to believe in Aswangs. We stopped scaring each other and tried to sleep in covered blankets (hehe!).

The morning after we had the best breakfast ever! Imagine dried fish with fried rice and hot native cacao chocolate drink (nom nom nom).

We were in full stomach when we went house to house visiting and introducing to relatives. Every house that we went to would offer us something to eat, that’s how warm the people there are. My uncle hired a habal-habal (oh no!) so we can go and visit our grandmother’s tomb, whom I don’t remember how she looked when she was still alive.

We went back to our uncle’s house where we had lunch. We had fried chicken with pancit and some types of sweet yam. They were also drinking “tuba” (alcoholic drink made from the collected juice from the coconut trees). We stayed for few hours but the sad weeping part was about to begin, the bidding farewell.There were many tears sad faces but we had to go back to Tacloban City so we won't miss our flight. We said goodbyes and left them with hugs and kisses necessary before we can meet them again. It was a short trip reunion and we will surely miss them.

To sum up, we had a blast. I think it's a nice idea if you have the chance to go on vacation and should include on visiting relatives especially those you have not seen for many years. It feels nicer to look back where you came from.Family bonds are the strongest relationships you will have throughout your life.
So that is the first part of my vacation. Hope you had a good summer too! Let me know where you all went.

•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ Good Vibes Everyone! ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•

Thoughts?
When was the last time you visited far away relatives? How did it feel when you saw your relatives after a long long time? Did you stay in a hotel or you were a houseguest? What food did they serve you? Did you enjoy your trip? When will you plan on going back?