This Is The Place

I lost legal status in mid-2016 because of unfortunate circumstances. Here’s why. If you were given a multiple-entry visa to Canada, you would assume you could stay in the country for its entirety without any problem. Well, it's wrong. I just found out that border services officer at the port of entry—whether by land, sea or air—will determine how long you are allowed to stay. You will know it upon entry, because they usually stamp a “leave on or before” date in your passport. In my case, I had no stamp in my passport when I arrived here in July of 2014 via the Pearson International Airport. Of course, I didn’t know then that “no stamp” means I’m “good to stay” only for up to six months despite the multiple-entry visa. The thing is, if you plan to stay for more than six months you have to undergo a medical exam from a government-approved doctor. It's a requirement. However, you can not just show up at the doctor's office to get your medicals done. You have...

When I got my Confirmation of Permanent Residence, the first thing I did was apply for an Ontario Insurance Health Plan card (OHIP). Why? because it will take up to three months before your coverage begins. Applying for an OHIP card is done in person at any Service Ontario near you. You can drop in anytime or book an appointment. Doing the latter is time-saving, because it is usually super busy at these centres. There's no right or wrong way to do it, it's just a matter of doing it properly to save you a lot of time. The forms are better filled out before you go to Services Ontario centres. I love filling out forms on the computer, because I can save and edit documents, and just print out afterwards. These are the requirements or documents you need to bring with you . a completed OHIP form   This is how the OHIP form looks like.  three (3) separate, original identification documents (not photocopies or printouts):  one that proves your Canadian citize...

The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto is the place to go if you want to renew your passport, among other consular services. You have to be physically present at the consular office because they will take your fingerprints and picture, or what they call the biometric data capture, so you don't have to bring passport photos. Also, you don't have to make an appointment, meaning you can come anytime between 9 am and 4 pm from Monday to Friday. Be mindful of public holidays, though, both here and the Philippines. Here's the general requirements. Note: Please come in proper business attire (with collar and sleeves).  A. Latest passport with photocopy of the data page (page showing photo & complete name) B. Duly accomplished passport application form. ( Download it here. )  I suggest you fill it up on the computer, not only it's easier but cleaner, too.  C. Original and photocopy of one of the following (whichever is applicable): Valid Permanent Re...

John and me at the Harbour Square Park. Summer of 2017. When John asked me to come visit him back in July of 2014, the plan was only for the whole summer. I was working in a newspaper then and just had permission from my boss to go on a two-month vacation. Sixty days were too short of a vacation when you’re just starting to know more about the special person in your life, and enjoying that sense of being cared about. I dreaded receiving emails from the boss asking if I was coming back to Manila or not. I tried asking extending my vacation leave, but it was declined. However, I understood where my boss was coming from. I loved my job, but I love John even more. He told me that he wasn’t ready to send me home to the Philippines just yet. I was so confused then, and had to seek my sisters’ opinion and advice about the situation. They’d given me their blessing, and supported my decision to stay here with John. After weeks of thorough consideration, I decided to quit my job. It was...