Well, aside from the vacancy in the top post of the Department of Tourism which (as of this writing) is still speculated by various interested parties from all sectors, there are other interesting developments we should be aware of.
For US visa holders up for renewal (B1/B2, multiple entry, for 5 years or longer), here is some good news: the Visa Re-issuance Program (VRP) is put in place at the US Embassy. For more convenient processing of the re-issue of tourist visas, one can apply for re-issuance within 12 months of the expiry date and will be given priority in the scheduling of the appointment dates.
No need to line up and wait for more than half a day to be interviewed by a consul. One will just go to the Consular Section of the US Embassy on the designated appointment time and date, with a valid passport and the printed copy of the online application confirmation. No more interviews; just the fingerprints to be digitally scanned for the new visa. But, am told by someone who just availed of the VRP, you must bring all your previously issued U.S. visas. Otherwise, you will be asked to set another appointment schedule.
Cost of visa is still at US$140.00, no additional fee for doing the VRP appointment. The VRP applicant should receive the passport with the new visa within a week. However, there may still be instances wherein VRP applicants would be asked to undergo an interview or present necessary documents when they appear for the appointment. Nonetheless, the VRP lessens considerably the long lines at the US Embassy and makes it quite convenient and less costly for out-of-town applicants to just fly in -fly out within the appointment day. For more information, check with the Embassy’s call center: (02) 982-5555, or their website: http;//manila.usembassy.gov
Meanwhile, here’s more good news for Skymilers out there. Delta Air Lines installed full flat-beds in their Business Elite cabins of all Boeing 777 and 767-400ER aircraft. This month (August), all Boeing 767-300ER are also scheduled for full flat-bed seat installation.
“A full flat-bed seat with direct aisle access is a premium cabin feature that’s important to our customers and we are delivering,” Delta’s Senior Vice president Tim Mapes pointed out in a press release. “Installing full flat-bed seats on each of our widebody international aircraft is a major component of the $2 billion investment Delta is making in our product and customer experience over the next two years.”
By the end of 2013, the entire widebody fleet of 140 craft for international flights will have been retrofitted with the full flat-bed seats in their Business Elite cabins. So now, we have more choices for the full flat-bed seats in business class: Cathay Pacific, Philippine Airlines (ex-Manila but with a Ceb-Mnl international connection that frees you on the excess weight in the domestic sector) and now, Delta. Price-wise, Delta can give you the best offer to the US, with domestic connections throughout the US. Just watch out for short windows they offer and book your flight right away. Ask help from the friendly staff at the local Delta Office at QC Pavilion, Gorordo Ave., or your favored travel agent.
For me, the most convenient is still exiting from Mactan International Airport and coming home straight to Cebu. Manila International Airport is not only old and dirty, its transportation facilities are a nightmare, especially for travelers arriving late at night.
Travel safely and enjoy!