UK Tourist Visa Application

Are you planning on visiting Big Ben? The famous Trafalgar Square or you just want to sing London Bridge Is Falling Down at the London bridge? Whatever your reason is, first, you need to secure your visa.

I am just a student, living alone in the Philippines whilst my family lives abroad. The processing itself is easy, however, they are very strict with the requirements.

VFS Global is the official application centre of the UK. It means that anywhere in the world, the company that handles our applications is VFS. In the Philippines, they are located at VFS Manila Visa Application Centre, Mezzanine Floor, Unit M01 Ecoplaza Building 2305 Chino Roces Ave. Extension Makati City 1231 Manila.

If you do not know how to get there, take the taxi, however, you can also take the MRT and go down at Magallanes. From there, there will be jeepneys going in the extension of Pasong Tamo, ride it and alight at the Ecoplaza Building. The fare is 7.50Php (as of 12/02/2015).

Your first step would be completing the application form found in their website. It will cost you US$135 that’s why you need someone who has credit card to prepare it for you. Please do make reading a habit. Before I applied, I read lots of blog posts regarding their application.

You have to be honest with your answers because it might be one of the reason that you’ll get refused. If you have realized, after you printed your form, that there was a mistake, make a letter stating the mistake, the true answer and the reason why did you come up with the wrong answer. The policy is to be honest. I got rejected during my first application because I lack documents for support.

After paying online, you’ll receive your receipt and the next instructions on what to do on your e-mail. The letter contains your application confirmation and the appointment date and location.

There is also a choice of applying for their VIP lounge which costs 2,500Php. There will only be queue for those who applied for the VIP lounge (of course, expect lesser and most likely businessmen are there), there are spacious leather couches, free snack, free photocopying (in case you have only brought the original documents), free passport-sized photo, and you get to have the SMS and e-mail alerts for free!

I suggest that you get your visa during off-peak hours because the queue is really quick.

You need to be at the application centre 15 minutes before your appointment. TAKE NOTE: Do not go earlier than 15 minutes because you’ll have to wait outside and there’s not much to see or place to stay within the Ecoplaza building while waiting.

The guards will ask for your appointment time and they’ll check your bag. It is advisable that you only go with your folder containing your documents otherwise, if you have bags, you’ll have to leave them at the counter for a fee of 100Php.

You are also not allowed to use your phone or any other gadget inside. After securing your bag, go to the counter and a staff will check your application form. Print it in two copies just in case. She’ll give you a number and a checklist of your documents. Then proceed to the door where there is a scanner. Here, after the guards have checked you, you’ll need to go inside another room where the processing of application is. (You go right if you applied for the VIP lounge, otherwise, wait in that room ’till your number is called.

Together with your application form, bring other documents like a sponsor’s letter in case you will be sponsored by someone else (I did not have this during my first attempt, that’s why I got rejected). Also, if you are a student like me, print your certificate of registration, schedule, photocopied school ID, school calendars, and anything that would support your claim that you are a student. Check the guidelines for the passport photos as well because it’s very strict.

Before anything else, fill-up the form that the staff outside have given you. Then wait for your number to be called. It is best when you have arranged your documents according to the checklist so the staff waiting to collect it will just get your documents. He’ll then issue you the receipt and will tell you to wait for your name to be called for the biometrics. This will only take less than five minutes afterwhich, cross your fingers and pray for the approval!

It is not possible to attach more documents once they sealed your package. So, bring everything at once.

Good luck on your trip to the United Kingdom!

Ciao,

Capricious Fate

Unconsciously Capricious

Ola!

We can’t deny that the emergence of technology have become a phenomenon. To give this blog a head start, let me tell you the story.

I’m a frustrated blogger since I don’t know when. I post stuff on the Internet, mostly on my social media accounts. I am self-conscious about the post of other people who call themselves bloggers. It’s always a dream to build my own site and be known to others, but what kept me stuck in the situation of not making my own blog is that, I did not learn to embrace and appreciate the works of others.

I get jealous.

Lately, realization started kicking me. Why should I get jealous? Why am I jealous? I don’t even have the certificate that allows me to.

Now, here I am, writing this first post which later on will be looked back – I hope. I know 5 years from now, while reading this, I’ll be laughing at myself.

To keep it short, I started this blog because I don’t want to be jealous anymore. I have to explore what my capabilities can bring me.

Blogging, I guess, is a great way of expressing an introvert’s activities. I like being alone, yes. Being an introvert doesn’t always mean you don’t have friends nor you don’t go out of the shell. For me, introvert is being someone who loves to be alone in a way that she still hangs out.

I have been traveling. Eating different foods. Frustrated photographer. Fashion model wannabee. And an avid fan of great books. Those will be the categories of my blog. However, expect some unrelated post too because I’m capricious like that.

No more words. Happy reading!

Ciao,

CapriciousFate

DISCLAIMER. The author does not mind grammar as long as she expresses her thoughts well. Any writing erratum that will be found on her post must be forgiven because she’s just a human being who’s unconsciously capricious of her fate.

My PwC Internship Application

I am currently taking up Internal Auditing at Far Eastern University. One of our second semester requirement as seniors is the 450-hour student apprenticeship program where we will be exposed to our fields.

The advice was to look for a company during the first semester, however, I panicked and it came to a point that I have not yet tried finding one. In a span of less than 2 weeks, I don’t know where to go. I don’t know where to apply.

One of my colleague, who is now a Certified Public Accountant, encourages me to apply at Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Since I look up at him so much, I took his advice.

They only accept resumes that are sent to them online. So I did send them mine (hrd@ph.pwc.com).

It was Friday when I sent my e-mail to them. This was the only chance I got. Monday, I was so worried because I have not received any e-mail or message or call from PwC. Tuesday, I am already losing hope because usually, it will only take 2-3 business days.

I became so paranoid that I stopped doing something productive and I just took a lot of sleep to cover my nervousness.

Next thing I knew, I received a message from Ms. Cheska saying I was qualified for the written and oral interview on Thursday at 10 AM.

Usually, since I am a member of an organization, I don’t settle for just being qualified for the exam and interview because many still fail and does not make it inside even though they passed the exam.

I don’t know what to expect in the exam. If that would be accounting-related then I’m doomed because I was not prepared (ironic because I’m studying it.)

Came Thursday, I woke up really early and offered a little prayer at the Church then took my breakfast at Mcdonalds at 7 AM. Afterwhich, I found myself strolling along Ayala Triangle at 9 AM. I still have to wait for an hour. As I can recall, my hands were perspiring. This is the real deal. This is my future.

Time came and I went inside the Philamlife tower. This was my first time seeing the office of PwC.

The lady in the reception area asked us to log and wait. So, there’s still a waiting game. There were, I think, more than ten of us who will take the exam but only two of us were interns and I only knew she’s also from FEU after the exam.

We were called inside the testing area, it was beside the learning room which is kind of a hallway, so if there are employees who’ll walk pass you, don’t worry, they also went through that situation.

The exam consisted of multiple choices and essays. I cannot elaborate any further. Take it yourself. I can’t also say that it was easy because I was even unsure of my answers.

After the exam, we waited again for our names to be called for the interview. It took about 30 minutes or so. We were seated infront of the elevator and I got so dizzy with so many people going in and out.

Then, a pretty lady came out calling my name. Alright, panic mode, I was going in first. She took me to the 25^th floor because that’s where the Human Capital office is. The interview went smooth even though I was shaking.

I think it took us 15-20 minutes to finish the guide questions she have.

Then she said the result will take up to 2-3 working days. Ms. Cheska, my coordinator, will just message or call me if I passed.

According to some blog I have read, the moment they were finish on the interview, they were already told that they got accepted. Same goes with my colleague. I was so disappointed with myself afterwards. Maybe that’s how they reject. They’ll tell you they will call you.

Then, I cannot sleep properly.

Friday morning, I still did not receive any message so I decided to pass my resume to another company because I somehow gave up.

I came back home at 4 PM and rewarded myself with a good nap. At exactly 7 PM, my ringing phone woke me up. At this state, I was the most sabaw human being ever.

The first greetings were very vague until I heard PwC! My blood came rushing through. My heart was pumping really hard.

That was Ms. Cheska who called me asking if I could already start on November 4, 2015. Well, my enrolment was so complicated back then that I told her were not supposed to start before the 23^rd. However, she asked me if I want to even though my hours won’t be credited.

I don’t want the opportunity to slip away so I excitedly told her, yes!

I jumped and jumped and silently shout to my extent because I feel so privileged to be part of the firm.

That’s my PwC application journey. Most of the times, something’s worth the wait, time, and effort. 🙂

Ciao,

Capricious Fate

Travel with Friends: Siitan River Quirino Province

So have you heard? There’s this paradise in the North between Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya called Quirino. The peaceful land is also between the border of Aurora where the famous Baler is.

There’s one river that their tourism department have been implementing; the Siitan River in one of its first class municipality, the Municipality of Nagtipunan.

If you’re into seeking peace with nature then I recommend this place! It’s secluded, very poor phone signal, not a lot of tourist go here [yet], and the water is assuringly fresh!

Make sure you have a private ride when you’re going here. It’s a tough way in. There’s no public transport!

There you go! But you can still ask to just pay the environmental fee and the river cruise if you opt to exclude water tubing and the likes.

So here’s the gang! Excited for the river cruise, eh?

When you get there, there’s this nipa hut where the guides are waiting to accommodate you. If I remember it right, the river cruise costs 600Php per boat that fits 4-5 pax (?) and 30Php for the environmental fee.

You can also bring your own foods and mats for a picnic beside the river. Just like what we did!

Typically Ilocano food; bangus sa kamias, pinakbet, tortang talong, and fried fish!

Another shot after eating. Sorry Ate Rits (Photographer)

There are small fish here. Siitan is an Ilocano term derived from siit which means tinik ng isda.

There are also great rock formations beside the river. One of the famous rock in the province is the Bimmapor Rock Formation.

Do you see it? The rock forms like a ship. Whereas, Bimmapor is an Ilocano term for a ship that has docked.

The river is amazingly surrounded with great rocks. The site is also being developed for rock climbing which is believed to outrun the tallest rock climbing formation in Thailand.

The water is not cold, rather, warm and is refreshing!

Yep. You are required to wear a life vest while within the vicinity because the current of the water is moody.

We did not try the rock climbing and the water rafting but we tried the Kayak! It’s fun. You want peace? Try this and go on the other side of the river. Talk to the rocks. Ha ha!

That feeling model pose again. I’m so sorry. The wooden boats are called balasyan.

The boat is obviously shallow and I myself doubted it’s capability to cruise us along the speeding current of the river but I trusted kuya who’s paddling our way down the driver and yes I’m still alive!

Traveling and discovering new things is so good with good companies! Now, my friends, take two pairs of clothes and catch the next bus going to Quirino!

If you want to go and you’re lucky that I’m home, I might be able to do you a favor. Leave a comment and I’ll see what I can do! Hope to see you there!

Ciao,

Capricious Fate

Travel with Friends: Cabarroguis

Welcome to my province and welcome to my hometown; Cabarroguis, Quirino Province.

From Diffun, the first municipality of Quirino when you enter from Isabela, you’ll pass by the market of Cabarroguis.

How to get here:

1. If you are coming from Manila, there are only two buses that goes straight to the province; it’s the Florida bus that leaves at 9:20 PM in Sampaloc and the Nelbusco that is parked near the PNR Espana.
2. From Manila, you can also ride any bus liner that pass by Cordon Isabela. Tell the driver to drop you at the junction of Cordon and Quirino Province, from there, there are vans which will bring you to Quirino.

This road goes straight to our house.

It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

Our first stop is our house. But wait.

A little trivia. I was actually crowned as the Miss Cabarroguis 2014. 🙂

This was during the Ginnamulan 2014, an annual festival celebrated by the 17 barangays of the Municipality headed by Hon. Mayor Agustin.

Finally at our house and that’s the first thing we did. Ha ha. So now you have an idea for my other post. Nikky looks great, right?

While Nikky, Pritchelle, Christopher and I are having our rest inside the house, these two are actually having a photoshoot outside.

That’s Leah and Richelle. I chose only one photo to upload because there’s too many of these.

They look…uhm…happy?

I look being in this province. The place is calm and soothing, very different from the busy city of Manila. Fresh air indeed. Fresh harvest vegetables for lunch. No traffic. Quiet.

Oh, bring me back home.

Ciao,

Capricious Fate

Travel with Friends: Cauayan City

 

Half-planned, half-random travel with the wanderlusts!

Meet the team. Front left is Leah and on the right is Richelle. Behind from left to right is me, Nikky, Pritchelle, and Christopher. 

Leah and Nikky came all the way from Manila, so they’re basically our guests. I’m from Quirino province, the neighboring province of Cauayan City Isabela whereas Richelle, Pritchelle, and Christopher are from Cauayan.

FUN FACTS. Cauayan City is told to be named after the Ilocano word for bamboo which is Kawayan. It’s the 3rd district of the vast planes of Isabela.  

From Manila, you may ride any Victory liner, Florida bus, Dalin, or any bus that pass by Cauayan City. You may ask the driver or conductor if they’ll pass by the city because some have alternate routes too. There’s also the Cauayan City Airport, whereas, Cebu Pacific handles the flights.

Richelle is really a good host. She printed shirts that says Isabela to welcome us to her hometown.

First stop, the Our Lady of Pillars Church.

 

Did I mention that Pritchelle and Christopher are couples? ❤

We offered a short prayer then proceeded to the Ilagan Sanctuary. For the said place, I have another blog post for it.

Coming back from the Ilagan Sanctuary, we dropped by a barbecue vendor on the street. 

Don’t underestimate the photo. The barbecue tastes much better than by looking at it and it’s only for a very cheap price! Those on my hands are part of my orders so that means, the others are still on the grills.

The place is Richelle’s. 

If you’re familiar with Richelle Sticker Sign in Cauayan City, well, this is the room on the top floor. And Richelle’s family owns the printing house. So, if you need tarpaulins, print ads, stickers and the likes, never think twice to go to this printing house. The owners are very accommodating.

On the last picture, you see us carrying our bags. That’s because on the second day, they decided to come to my province too. And that’s going to be another post. So I hope you’ll come and visit Cauayan some time.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment.

Ciao,

Capricious Fate

 

Setting foot at Saigon

I spent my Christmas holiday at Singapore with my family and we planned a side trip to Ho Chi Minh City or the famous Saigon in Vietnam.

We stayed at Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel.

The hotel have a rooftop swimming pool with a splendid view of the Saigon River. Did I mention that there’s a bar beside this pool if you don’t want to dip yet you want to relax?

Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll be served with fresh juices of the day. My parents did the reservation so I just have to relax from the trip. I vomit so bad at the plane because of the bumpy ride. It was so scary because during this trip, the accident involving the AirAsia plane also happened.

Moving on, so we checked-in and rest until late afternoon. Also, the hotel provides buffet meals. I accidentally gained 2 kilograms because of this.

The white building behind me is the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh, otherwise called the Saigon Opera House. It is also an example of a French colonial architecture.

One of the vibrant streets of Vietnam. Until the end of this road, there’s Christmas decorations lighted up.

Then we had our dinner in one of the restaurants in this street. Forgive me because I forgot the name.

 

With the same afternoon, we booked for our tours because we don’t know where to start. There are a lot of package within the vicinity of the hotel. A tip is that, get accredited tour company from your hotel because that’s what we did.

We were advised to be ready at 7 am in the morning because the trip to our destination will take about 1-2 hours.

First stop. The Cu Chi Tunnels.

The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong’s base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968.

That’s my brother trying to squeeze himself with this hiding hole. Actually, anyone could fit in. It may look small but it’s ironically big.

This part of the land was actually a bomb crater. It’s where one of the bombs that exploded during the war where it left a big crater.

At the farthest destination you could reach before the Cambodian border, there are locals making these rice paper wraps. The process is very tedious and meticulous. They sell it in reasonable prices.

These two men model how to disarm the powder in the bomb. It was discussed that they used small saw to divide it while pouring water on it so that it won’t explode because metal to metal can cause heat that might fire the remaining powder of the bomb.

And tadda! That’s me wearing the typical Viet hat and scarf. I only tried it without actually knowing that my mum is paying for it behind me, so thank you I got a nice hat! Ha ha

There were so many traps within these tunnels and in the entire forest. If you won’t be careful, you might caught yourself hanging or torn with the booby traps. They said the Cu Chi tunnel is 121 km long. However, we were only allowed to explore like 25 meters because it’s suffocating.

There are also free teas and cassava after the trip where you experience how the Vietnamese eat during the war. Cassava’s are good alternatives for rice. It’s delicious with sugar or salt.

It’s undeniable that I’m tired. I just don’t know how my siblings felt. They’re still young anyway so they probably have more energy than I am.

Going back, we were all tired and went back to the hotel while we’re free for the afternoon. However, my mum insisted that we go out and papa with my two sibs will have an afternoon dip in the pool.

So here I am, trying to hide my tiring face. It’s obvious that we went shopping, look at that Louis Vuitton shop.

So, we were able to reach the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica or the Basilica of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. With two bell towers, it heights 58 meters.

During our third day, we took our chance to stroll beside the Saigon river while waiting for our 1 PM tour.

Walking to the left side of our hotel, we saw this monument of Tran Hung Dao. He was honored as one of the greatest military leader of Vietnam leading many victories for the country.

From our stroll, we also glanced at the tallest tower in Saigon which is the Bitexco Financial Tower. It’s 68 floors above the ground making it the 3rd tallest building in the country and 124th in the world.

To end our last day, we were brought by our tour guides at the Ben Than Market which is like the Divisoria of Vietnam. Due to the crowd, we were only there for a short period of time. I bought chips that are made out of different fruits and vegetables like carrots, banana, sweet potato, etc.

 

Monument in the middle of Ben Thanh Market.

Then, to the War Remnants Museum. It primarily contains exhibits relating to the Vietnam War, but also includes many exhibits relating to the first Indochina War involving the French colonialists.

One of the jets used during the War.

Again, we dropped by the Basilica.

It was indeed a very educational, splendid, and great post-Christmas vacation for our family. My siblings enjoyed it too.

Before I forgot, did you know that Vietnam is the motor capital of the world because motorbikes are one of their mode of transportation. You can even flagged down some motorists like a taxi. You can even rent one.

Vietnam is indeed one of the must-visit places in the world. There’s so much to learn from this country.

’till my next travel adventure!

Ciao,

Capricious Fate