Spain's Schengen

Having been to a European Union state, France, and having to acquire a Schengen Visa to enter previously, I can only but compare on a similar task in getting another one for this year's visit to EU's state of Spain via New York City's Consulates. Bottom line: While there is a standard application with a standard list of requirements, Spaniards are more laid back and warmer in dealing with their clients. Everything else has been standard. More smiles at the Consulado General de Espana. And when the day came -- after clarifying as to when -- I could pick up my visa, I was allowed to get my passport with visa out of the time frame period of the day for pick-up. See, I had a previous appointment with my tax accountant on the same day I decided to come back to pick up my visa from the consulado. On the day I applied, I had my requirements fulfilled and the nice hombre wrote the day I could pick it up; I clarified because the note says Thursday which was the next day. The man did not change it and says come back Friday. Friday tho, I had work's competency class. I asked if I can come back another day and the man obliged, "Any day next week." So I decided to come back Monday first thing in the morning. I reached the Consulado. The security man initially asked me to come back within the visa release time which would be two hours later after I had arrived there but coming thirty minutes earlier would be good. While shopping at H&M around the corner, I realised I needed to catch a train with just enough leeway to make it to my tax accountant appointment. I went back to the consulate and clarified with the guard if I do come thirty minutes earlier would I be seen immediately and explained I needed to catch a train to make to another appointment in Westchester county. The guard initially asked if I had proof but I stared at him blankly. He proceeded to just go inside and ask. And I did. I could have been asked to come back another day, however, the kind man across the glass window asked nicely, "What country?" I replied, "Filipinas" Voila! I got my visa!

San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir Turns Over CD Sales Proceeds to Caritas via PhilDev

Last night at a PhilDev Meeting at the Philippine Consulate, our San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir GM Armel Martinez with a few choir representatives handed over proceeds from our Christmas CD sales, as committed, to Caritas Youth Educational Program via PhilDev.