I got my 13a visa on Monday, but I hit a little snag. After getting my probationary approval, I needed to wait for my ID card. My problem was I had reservations to fly out of Iloilo to Hawaii in two days and I couldn't board the plane in Manila without the ID or a waiver. I could only obtain either of those in Manila. My initial itinerary didn't have enough time between flights to get that card. So, I moved the first leg of my trip up a day and got my ID card at the Manila BI yesterday and will be connecting to the rest of my itinerary today. The problem was just a set of circumstances, and although frustrated initially, I made the changes and rearranged my schedule to comply. The Iloilo immigration made sure my paperwork was ready for pick up in Manila and they stayed in touch with my wife to reassure us.
It all worked out and I'm in Manila ready to go to the airport with all the proper paperwork. I'm headed to Honolulu for my stay, so the fire in Maui will not impact my vacation. For that, I consider myself lucky.
I now have a Probationary (1 year) 13a visa and my temporary driver's license (waiting for my plastic card in 2 months). When I return to the Philippines in a couple of weeks, I'll apply for my Phil Health card.
I'm really starting to settle in.
