Touchdown : The Arrival

Touchdown.

The Honey Bear has landed.

On October 2, 2015 I arrived at the O'Hare International Airport at around 3pm. This was it!! I was finally going to see my Polar Bear. I would get to hug, touch and kiss him. This was it, finally!!

⌈Read my journey on KimiGoesPlaces : Hello USA!! My 22-Hour Journey with ANA Air⌋

When I got off the plane, the first thing that I tried to do was contact Alex Bear, but my phone wouldn't connect to the airport internet and for some reason, my phone that was on roaming wouldn't connect to their telecom services either.

Okay, that was total desperation!!

Yeah, I have to admit, I was really scared. So many things popped in my head - what if I don't see him? What if he's waiting elsewhere? What if he gets so worried? I'm generally a very carefree person - but when it comes to my Bear, I worry a lot. Ah, this reminds me of my mom. Now I understand when she worries about me. I used to think that it was exaggerated but I guess I now realize what's it's like. Or maybe I'm just getting old? NOOOOO!!

Anyways, after going through immigration, I hired porter services to assist me because I had three huge luggage bags (yes, the biggest ones allowed which btw were overweight - well, I knew about that), a big box (extra luggage - the amazing balikbayan box! perfect for moving), my camera bag, my backpack, and my purse. Hey no judging, I was moving across the globe LOL!

When I was finally outside the busy area, I think it's the waiting area, I scanned around but I didn't find Alex Bear or his dad anywhere. I was starting to get nervous, but just like most of my trips, I kept calm and looked for a phone booth. I finally saw one across the place and walked towards it.

While I was getting my credit card, someone poked my shoulders.

OMG! My BEAR!!!

Source : www.kimigoesplaces.com

I cried. Many cry. Such cry. Wow.

Catching Up : CFO Seminar Process

Ready for the final step?

I know that it can be really stressful for both you and your beau when you start the visa application process. The thing is - you still need to secure the CFO sticker and certificate even after  you get your visa. Come to think of it, it's all worth it right? You'll finally be with the love of your life!

The whole process was really stressful for both Alex Bear and me - there's the part where you need to secure all the documents from both of you; the waiting game; and the approval/denial of your petition/visa or CFO.

Yes, your CFO sticker or certificate!

It may not be part of the visa but it plays a significant role in your immigration.

Catching Up : Scrapbooking for My K1 Interview

Mode : Backtracking

Ref my previous blog - I'm back and yay! It's time to catch up in sharing updates, tips and experiences from my visa application, travel and settling in the USA.

The moment of truth has come. I was about to have my interview and all my documents are ready! Okay, "kind of" rather.

Well, everything was ready until I decided to make something special - a nice scrapbook!

During this time, I had just started posting charms and kawaii jewelry on my Starr&Sparkle Shoppe. I was also experimenting in decorating boxes and many other random stuff using quality clay. With only three days left I challenged myself.

Make a kawaii scrapbook!

And a scrapbook I made ^.^

Hibernating Honey Bear ^.^

Hello lovelies!

❆ It's winter time!! ❆

I know it's been so long since my last entry and I know I should've posted things as they happened. However, due to certain circumstances, I wasn't able to do that. Let's just say I've hibernated for a while. I'd still love to let you know what's been up so here are some few stuff I'd like to share :3

Leaving the Philippines was a big challenge. It wasn't like working in another country for a few years. It wasn't like going to college and be able to go home every few months. It definitely wasn't like any of my trips where I would be gone for a week or two - indulging in a memorable vacation.

This time, I was leaving for good.

It's hard to fathom leaving the country that I've always loved. Despite all the flaws you may have heard or know about it, it will always be my homeland. It was never in my plan to leave forever and settle in a different country, let alone it being halfway across the globe. Coming back for a week or two vacation every two years will feel so different now.

Meeting Good Ole Friends

Before I left, there was one thing I have to do - meet most of the people that matter to me. I know it's impossible to get them all together, consider that there's a bunch of good friends. But I had to see some of my closest loves!

It was very bittersweet, but I was so happy I was able to see them again.

From the amazing people who loved me for who I was despite my flaws way back the time that I was still getting to know myself; to the people who took care of me and treated me like a baby when I first started working; up to the person who loved me when I was at my worst.

I know there are so much more to thank and I should've seen, but I just didn't have the time (and funds omg!). But yeah, this was the time when I was off to meet many people - because I would miss them so much!

The St. Lukes Medical Experience

Hello lovelies!

Today I'll be starting my updates on my experiences in finishing my US Visa application.

Applying for a US Visa (or, in fact, any type of visa) involves a lot of procedures. This usually includes taking a medical exam to prove that you are fit to travel and have passed the standards for that country. There usually are limitations such as infectious diseases, or one might still need to undergo treatments prior flying out, or any other reasons. All these factors vary from one country to another.

I have some knowledge  in applying for visas since I used to prepare documents for my crew in my previous job. US Tourist and Business Visas (B1/B2) are very different from Spousal and Fiance Visas, but they require the same medical exam for the interview. The requirements may vary for each time. In my experience, I will focus on the K1 Visa.

So, where do we start? Here's a simple guide and my own experience!

Quick Update - Finally Approved!

Hello lovelies!

I'm just really eager to say that my visa is finally approved!!!

I know I have so much to update and I will in the next few weeks. Since I was working on my documents, scrapbook and the interview itself, I have so much work to be done. I also have to meet many friends in the following weeks so this will be really time consuming.

I will post everything accordingly so you can check on Visa Updates!

Ah the feeling is quite bittersweet but I'm really happy. Upon checking with 2GO, my passport is already in transit.

This chapter is almost ending but then, of course, a new one is about to begin!

xoxo

~ Honey Bear ~

Contact : kimistarr@photographer.net | Travel Blog : Kimi Goes Places | Official : KimiStarr.Net | Starr&Sparkle Shoppe

Interview Preparation + Checklist Download!

OMG! We're two days away!!

Oh hai lovelies!! ^.^

Finally we're two away from my actual interview at the US Embassy in Manila. The past few months have been quite stressful since we had to go through the final steps in preparing for the interview.

I have finished my medical exam from St. Lukes Extension Clinis (SLEC) last week and I will be posting more information about the experience soon. In the mean time, I'm having fun doing some document arrangements and scrapbooking!

[Keep your documents organized too and download our K1 Checklist Draft here ^.^]

You can bring photos in albums or just simply glued on paper or however you wish. I just like the idea of making a scrapbook (which I have to finish tonight so I can decoden it later!). Since I got my stock of rhinestones last week, might as well add some too!

Steps After Your K1 Petition Approval

Hey lovelies!

A few months ago I was really happy to announce that the Polar Honey Bear petition for a K1 visa has finally been approved. Since I was really busy, I wasn't really able to update anyone and give any advice.

Here's a quick recap of the steps we have taken since we received the notice!

NOTE : The following photos are the actual mail that we got. We have removed any personal and confidential information on these records for security purposes.

NVC Letter

Once your petition gets approved, your fiance will receive a mail stating this. Note, that this is a snail mail and not through email. They will advice you that your case has been approved and forwarded to Manila. The Filipina/Filipino fiance will then receive a (snail) mail stating what steps to be taken next.

We have received our NVC Letter on May 13th. To be honest, we're taking things quite slow and easy since I'm not in a hurry to leave.

K1 Interview Requirements Quick List + Download!

Hello lovelies!

Here's a quick list of the requirements that I have prepared for my K1 visa interview at the US Embassy. I know that not everything here is included in the official list but I have included other documents that may be requested based on other Filipino's experiences.

Note : I will update this list after my interview to advice what were actually asked.

ADD : Download this checklist here! You can add and edit details on MS Word ^.^

Kimi Honey Bear's Documents

Passport

Passport Biopage - 2pcs

DS-160 Confirmation Page

Note : Do not print the whole DS-160 Application Form

Appointment confirmation

Birth Certificate

Cenomar

NBI Clearance

3 pcs Visa Photo

SLEC Medical Certificate

NOA1 Copy

NOA2 Copy

RFE Copy

NVC Letter Copy

Approved I-129F

 Alex Polar Bear's Documents

 W2 Form

Form 1040

Note : I had his originally signed forms sent to me

Form I-124 Affidavit of Support

Certificate Of Employment

WU Remittances

Birth Certificate Copy

Passport Copy

Entry Stamp

 Polar Honey Bear's Documents

Engagement Status

FB & Skype Chat Logs

 Vacation Photos

Cabin Photos

PHB.com copy

Bear Tickets, Receipts, etc.

If there are any corrections or suggestions, please feel free to drop a comment or message us!

xoxo

~ Honey Bear ~

Contact : kimistarr@photographer.net | Travel Blog : Kimi Goes Places | Official : KimiStarr.Net | Starr&Sparkle Shoppe