HOW TO: Get a U.S. Visa

My mom has been pushing us to get our US Visa for some time now so we can visit them and our relatives in the US. They were asking us to go to the US last August for a reunion but Jill and I was too busy [procrastinating] to process our papers.

After putting off our application and interview for more than half a year, we were able to get our visa last January 2015

Here are steps that we did to apply for our Visas. The US Embassy website has steps listed but it's not really that clear and details seem lacking that I had to do some guess work to complete.

How to Apply for Philippine Passport

Did you know that you can now apply for your Philippine passports in malls? If this is your first time hearing this then read on.

Getting a Passport is now made easier and more accessible as we can now schedule for an appointment online and make our personal appearance in their satellite branches located within malls! Yehey!

My passport has two more years left before its expiration but my husband insisted on renewing it to update my last name to my married name so that we can apply for a US VISA. So here's the steps on

Loom Bands Galore

I just got myself a set of Loom Bands and I was so excited to try it out.

I bought my set at 1StopBiz for Php150 but for a limited time it's now sold at only Php100! This set is perfect for those who just want to try it out first before investing on those expensive ones.

The set consists of 600pcs bands, 24pcs s-hook, loom board, multi-purpose crochet, and instruction manual.

The instruction manual only had instructions on how to make a single loom band which in my opinion is not so nice to look at. I suggest you start your loom band adventure by making the basic fishtail.

But don't fret, youtube is overflowing with lots of loom band tutorials that you'll never run out of projects to do.

Warning: This is a very addictive hobby. I ended up doing 3 more projects for 3 straight days since I got the kit. Heheheh I really had a hard time doing the Star Burst pattern. I had to start over 3 times! But nothing beats the feeling of satisfaction once you complete it.

Fishtail and Star Burst

The making of the Hexafish

How to apply for a UMID (Unified Multi-purpore ID) Card

UMID (Unified Multi-purpose ID) Card is the all-in-one card for SSS, GSIS, Philhealth and Pag-ibig members.

Ever since getting married, the only ID I have bearing my new surname was just my company ID. And after a year, I have finally managed to take the time to get an official government ID to have my married name on it.

Did you know that SSS agencies are now open on Saturdays? Yes, it is true! Now isn't that convenient! Two thumbs up to whoever thought of the idea. (",) SSS agencies are open from 7AM to 5PM on Mondays to Fridays with no lunch breaks and are open from 8AM to 5PM on Saturdays but with lunch breaks.

SSS also has satellite offices in malls too which are open 10 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Saturday. Click on the image for a larger picture.

Before going to SSS to apply for your UMID, make sure you bring at least one (1) of these primary IDs:

• Passport
• Driver's License
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) card
• Seaman's Book

Or two (2) secondary IDs/documents which has your photo and signature.

And if you have just recently got married and you have no other ID bearing your new name, make sure to bring a copy of your NSO Certified Marriage Contract.

First step to apply for a UMID card is to get a UMID application form found in Step A. You may also download the form and fill it up before hand but you still have to go to Step A to get a number. Form can be downloaded here.

After filling up the form, proceed to Verification and wait for your number to be called. The UMID card is free if this is your initial card application but if you have an existing SSS ID card you will have to pay Php 300 as the card replacement fee. You will be provided an R-6 Payment Form which you will be filling up then proceed to cashier to make your payment.

After making the payment, go back to the Verification booth and present your validated R-6 form. You will be asked to surrender your existing SSS card then you will proceed to the queue for Data Capture.

You will have to wait a long time because queue in Data Capture lane will be long since there's only one personnel doing this on Saturdays. I had to come back after lunch to have mine. In Data Capture, they will be typing in your information in your database, getting your fingerprints and signature and taking your picture. Before saving your information to the system, you will be asked to confirm all the data they have inputted and you will be requested to affix your fingerprint to affirm that you have agreed to what you see.

Note: Do not wear contact lenses when applying for your UMID card. Data Capture will request them to be removed. Any forms of jewelry like earrings and necklaces will also be asked to be removed.

Finally, you will be given a claiming stub. The UMID card will be delivered to your mailing address after one month. But in case card did not arrive after a month, you can go to the SSS agency where you have applied for the card and ask Verification to check for the status of your card then claim it. That's it! I'm done! Can't wait to see my ID soon.

Will update this blog once I receive my ID. (",)

[UPDATE: 6/10/2014]
Got my new ID around 3rd week of May.