The Dreaded Visa Interview

This is it. The Judgement day. November 7, 2011, 9AM, the day of my Dutc Embassy Visa Interview. I am still in Jakarta waiting for my flight, and I am expected to arrive in Manila around 5 i the morning.

The flight to Manila is a turbulent one and I haven't had a decent sleep onboard.
Just as expected, I was at the MNL airport by 5AM and I was able to arrive home by 6AM. I decided not to sleep and instead, I told myself that i will just take a shower and leave the house early.

That didn't happen.

Apparently, I fell asleep and was not able to make it to my interview. OMG!!!!WTF!!!!
I told myself as I opened my eyes and saw the clock telling me that "hey it's 11:30 AM and you just missed your interview".

I don't know what to do. I was about to weep and throw all my European dream to waste. But I got up and decided to call the Dutch Embassy. I told the lady who answered the phone if I can still make it. I was advised by the lady that they will give me a chance IF I ARRIVE AT THE EMBASSY BEFORE 12 NOON.

Without thinking too much about myself and the way I looked, I was not able to shower, and I was not able to brush my teeth as well. I grabbed whatever decent clothes i can and wore it on my way down.

Luckily I was able to grab a cab instantly. I told the cab driver that I will pay him extra if he drives faster. Another lucky coincidence is that the Philippine Government declared November 7 (Eid Al Adha) as a public holiday so no traffic for me.

I was able to reach the embassy by 11:50 AM, but since its a holiday, the main entrance is closed and I was asked by the guard to enter using the back door.

"WTF?!!? Are you kidding me?!?" I silently told myself. I ran like i am part of the Amazing Race and reached the back door 5 minutes later. I didn't bother to stop and get permission from the guards, instead, I ran directly towards the elevator and closed it immediately.

I reached the Dutch Embassy by 11:59 AM. Thank God. According to the guard, he may have ro refuse me if I am a minute late.

I took a number (which obviously, I am the last) and got a seat near the interviewers. I bunh of diverse people were applying to get a visa. Some of them are seafarers, some are in a relationship with dutch citizens and some of them are random people just like me lol.

Then it's my turn. The Interviewer asked for my documents,took PHP 3590 (60 EURO) and asked me the purpose of my visit, and That's it. I was able to breathe comfortably and I was asked to pay an additional fee (PHP300) at a separate counter if I wish to have my passport delivered to my office address.

after the interview, you don't know if you're approved or declined for a visa until you receive your passport.

I was told that I should wait 14 working days for my passport and expect it to arrive at the 21st. Apparently i received it earlier with the visa sticker :)


It was a roller coaster ride and I am glad I was able to make it. :)