The long wait is over

Jan 31, 2019

I haven't been able to write for more than a month now so I think this is going to be a long one. That part of my life was called 'Almost tired of waiting game'. 

After the CIC Ghost update as what they call, I haven't received any update regarding my application. Some people who receive the update would usually get their Passport Request (PPR) within days, but why is it that mine has taken a very long time. I waited not just days, or weeks but Months! The anxiety is growing day by day. 

One time I sent an inquiry email to CIC and got no reply. The second time I sent another email telling them that I received an updated status in my EE account but nothing has changed. Then a few days later they responded telling me that my Permanent Residency application has been approved and just I have to wait for the PPR email. 

I was again happy and excited and felt like my almost tired waiting became not so tired waiting game! lol

Then month passed, and again no email. I started to become anxious again and again, and became tired of waiting. The emotion is just too much on this part of my Canada Permanent residency journey. 

Again, I turned to God. Prayed so hard and started to again let go! I don't know, I'm just so stubborn. I've been to this situation before and God saved me. Why is it that I'm still not totally trusting this to him? I asked myself. Then I started to let go.

It was after Sinulog week here in Cebu that I started to just check my email once a day and my express entry profile. Jan. 24, 2019 Thursday, I have not checked my email because I don't want to be disappointed. Then on the next day, it was Friday Jan. 25, 2019. I arrived at my office desk, open my computer and instead of checking my email, I decided to do my office works first. 

Finally, I'm done with my work so now I can check my email. I prepared myself because I was expecting to be disappointed again, but then I saw an email with the subject that says 'Ready For Visa'. The world stopped, and slowly moved in slowmo! Then the email says, it is requesting for my passport! Yes! The most awaited passport request is here!!!! Finally!

I was so emotional and couldn't concentrate in what I am doing in the office. I open my Facebook and started to type a message to meepo letting her know about the good news, but then a thought came in. I won't tell meepo, I will surprise her along with my proposal! So I tried holding my emotion but I'm just really not good at it so on the next day meepo figured it out. A fail surprise, and I was not able to give her the ring too. 

Anyway, for the wedding proposal, I still have some ideas for that. It would be my next goal. 

Monday, January 28, 2019. I submitted my passport to the VFS Cebu. Then 4 days later, today is Thursday Jan. 31, 2019, I received a confirmation that my passport is now available for pick up! 

What a journey it has been. God was with me since day 1. Now I know my life wouldn't be easy in Canada on my first few weeks, or even months but I definitely know to that God is with me and that everything will be good! 

The waiting time after Ghost Update from IP2

November 22

I'm still waiting for the Golden PPR email. I'm starting to get anxious again. I think I'm not learning anything. How can I discipline myself to be steady and still in times like this? I've been to this situation a lot of times and God always comes to save me! But why I still get anxious? I don't know! I pray God will forgive me for my spiritual immaturity despite what he already did to my life. - These are my thoughts while I was driving to work. I turned off the car's stereo so I can concentrate my thoughts to God. I was asking lord what do you want to tell me?

Now I access YouTube and came across this talk of brother Bo Sanchez about 'Secret to Success'. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8y5AbC3O_Q

With this talk, I realize that God already concede the miracle in my life. Let me give you a quick overview about the talk.

There are 3 elements of success that we have to go through. The first is the planting part. This is the most exciting part. This is  where we are most energetic and optimistic about our dream. However, after a few days, months, and even years that nothing happens to our goal. We began to lose our hope. And this is when our dreams usually die because we don't have the same passion anymore. We are no longer doing what we need to do to achieve the dream because we don't see progress. And  that is the 2nd part.

We have to realize that in this stage, God is already filling us with everything we need to be successful. This is the part where God's love is most highlighted! This is the part that our dream has already been given to us by God. The second part is the real success of your life.

The third part? Its when the blessing overflows and you will become a blessing to other. It is the achievement of your goal.

So how did God talked to me?

God already concede the miracle in my life. This process of waiting for PPR has transformed me into a better person. I learned to trust in him more. Love the people around me more, and most especially I learned to value all the people I love. The waiting part is really difficult if you don't let go and let God. The moment I lift my hands to God, I feel all these waiting burden go away. I feel so much lighter now. God told me that even before the Miracle of PPR will arrive, I should already celebrate what God has promise.

If you commit your work to the Lord, you will succeed!

Lord I am expecting! Your will be done.

Ghost update Application/Profile updated

November 15, 2018

I can't believe how this happen so fast. After a few days of anxiety, I finally received the most awaited ghost update in my Express Entry profile this morning. Truly God will give your desire when you least expect. What I learned from this whole process is to trust in God more and pray as hard as you can. Don't expect too much, and always lift everything up to God. After days of waiting, I learned to let go and let God. My prayer's ending has changed to 'You know my hearts desire, but I lift everything up to you. And your Will be done'

This line has lessen the burden of anxiety and worrying about the outcome of my Canada PR application. Now that I got the ghost update, its now just a matter of time before the Passport Request will come. I'm so thankful and excited..But I know someone is more excited and happy as I am. It's my ever supportive Meepo. She's everything that makes my life sweet and easy. I will do another update when I get the passport request.

Waiting for my Canada Passport Request moment

November 6, 2018

Let me try to describe how I feel about this waiting for PPR moment. Now my I'm starting to be emotional by just thinking of it, I can't even express. Let me still try. I feel insecure, uneasy, sad, excited, happy, scared, unsure, hopeful, and more............ But I know God is teaching me something here. God always talks to me through my situation, and I strongly believe this dream came from him to make me bless the world. All I can do now is keep my faith and offer everything to him.

April 2017, I decided to leave my Canada dream behind and pursue a more realistic goal. I went to Singapore to look for a job. I was there for 1 month. I prayed everyday and is always talking to God especially when my tourist Visa was about to expire. Staying in Singapore is a real struggle for me. Aside from I am living in other people's room, my heart is also not there. How I felt was, I really want to find a job! But at the back of my head, its saying 'This is not what I really want'. 'This is not where I want to be'. What I really really want is to be in CANADA!!!!!! (wrote that with conviction!)  But I have no choice. I need to get a job or I will go back to the Philippines as a failure. My one month started to run out, until I came across the New Brunswick website to read some update. You see. I was in Singapore, but instead of searching for a job, I was researching about CANADA. That itself would show what I mean when I say I want to be in Canada. 

May 2, 2018 when I learned that my skill and job experience is needed in New Brunswick Canada from their website. They will issue invite to those who will qualify for their Provincial Nomination requirements.

I submitted my application online.. It was called EOI (Expression of Interest). I might write down the step by step procedure here so people with the same goal and struggle as mine would have a guide. I'll probably do that on my next blog.

June 11, 2018. I received my first ITA (Invitation to Apply) from NBPNP (New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program). A few days later, I submitted my full application. These includes my Education, Employment records, IELTS result, Bank certificate, and other documents on the checklists. I sent it through mail (DHL). I was already here in Cebu at this time. 

July 13, 2018. I received the AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt) email from NBPNP (New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program). 

A few days later, I received an email for ADR(Additional Document Requirements). They are asking for my latest bank statement. They are very strict when it comes to your financial capability to live in New Brunswick. Since I am single, I only needed 13,000 CAD for my PF (Proof of Funds). I'm not sure for couples if how much is the POF. What I have only submitted previously is the Bank Certificate, now they want the latest 6 months Bank Statement as well. I submitted this after a week.

August 15, 2018. I finally received the nomination letter from the Province of New Brunswick, Canada. I was so happy and my heart is filled with joy. But this is not the finish line yet. This is only the start of another long long journey of waiting, and letting God.

August 22, 2018. CIC has conducted their express entry draw. Since they have issued an invite to those candidate with 440+ points through Express Entry. My CIC point is only 380+ but because of my Provincial Nomination from NBPNP, I got an additional 600 pts which made my CRS score 980. Definitely way above than the minimum CRS required. 

September 8, 2018. I submitted my full application to be a Permanent Resident in Canada through online. God gave me another resources by leading me to my Meepo's(girlfriend) Aunt. Her Aunt let me borrow her Credit card so I can pay the processing fee. You see, God is really faithful and his always leading me to where I should be at the right place at the right time. He provides! I am a testament to that.

But before that, I struggled with my POF. I needed an equivalent of php 550k. I didn't know where to get that. I thought its the dead end. All the resources I have is exhausted. I gave up, I thought my dream ends here and I will be walking with a realization that some dreams do not come true. This is really true. I thought its the end, until my Meepo again. The source of all my blessing came in to rescue. Her Mom and Dad agreed to have me used their money for my POF. God is faithful! I reach to this point without my own resources. Everything is a blessing from God. He brought me here! 

October 3, 2018. The status of my Express Entry profile notified that they have reviewed my medicals, and that I passed. Way back when I took the medical test. It might be embarrassing to admit, but I am really scared with needles. On that day, I conquered my fear :D . I had blood extraction, and vaccine! 


 November 6, 2018. My Express Entry profile status changed to 'We are now processing your background check.'. Usually a few days from this status a PPR will come. I'm hoping it will be very soon for me.

All God's will be done! 

How I realize God's dream in me

Today is July 13, 2018

Few years ago, it somehow crosses my mind the thought of living and working in Canada. However, due to the high requirements, and huge amount of money involved. I did not entertain it. I said to myself, I am too ambitious and I’m dreaming a close to impossible dream. I don’t have any relatives in Canada, and I don’t even know anyone there. So, my life goes on and on back then, but deep in my heart, I really want to go to Canada. As time goes by, that little voice slowly fades away. I decided to maybe just go to Dubai, or Singapore as it is more realistic.

I reflected on myself. Why do I really want to go to Canada? And the main, and strongest reason is my mom and siblings and my girlfriend. I want to give them everything they deserve but I can’t. I can’t even afford to buy an engagement ring for my girlfriend for 10 years, or even buy floor-mat to my mom’s house, or even give school allowance to our youngest brother. The salary I’m getting is just enough to survive until the next payday. If I have new things, it will have to be paid in debt. I can’t continue leaving this way. I needed bigger income, and the only thing I can think of is going abroad.

One day, my girlfriend out of nowhere just suddenly told me that there’s an orientation about how to immigrate in Canada. Then I thought of just maybe forget it because I don’t have the money anyway. As I said, the money I earn is just enough to survive to the next payday.

One day, a cousin invited me to join a worship session called The Feast. I have been an active Christian back then when I was in high school and college in Cagayan de Oro, but after I moved to Cebu I haven’t attended any prayer meetings or even church for almost 5 years.

At the Feast, I remember the speaker named brother Buddy Tan. There was a part there where he asks to listen to your heart and think of your innermost desire. He said, that little voice inside is the dream God planted in your heart, and he specifically planted it to you because he knows you will become a blessing to a lot of people! Just thinking of it now while I’m typing makes me emotional. He also asked me to write it in a Novena to God’s love, so I can pray for it every day, and in the Feast.

I wrote my dream of going to Canada with conviction, and I also wrote down another dream of mine which is to finish a college degree. After that emotional moment, I had written all my dreams in that booklet.

Few days, weeks, months passed. I was overwhelmed with God giving me the resources to achieve my dreams. My girlfriend is the source of all the blessings happening in my life. One of these is when she came across an orientation regarding the Expanded Tertiary Educational Equivalency and Accreditation Program in her office. She asked for a form to fill out and she gave it to me. The requirement to get into this program is you must have a 5 years straight work experience in the field related to the course you want to apply for.

That was 2014. I had already 5 years work experience in IT, so I decided to apply for BS Computer Engineering in the University of Cebu. The process was not as easy as you think, and it is very expensive. But then again, I remember the teaching in the Feast that, you must be willing to pay the price of your dream. It could be your time, money, or anything to achieve it. I forgot the exact amount spent but it was around 100k php. The cost has been half by my mom, my cousin who also sent me to school before, and my own. Attaining my college degree was not easy. I must research and read on my own, do projects on my own because I don’t have any classmates and most of my lessons are sent through email. I have also learned to forget my pride and be as humble to the ground to get what I need.

April 2015, all the sacrifices paid off. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering. A dream that wouldn’t be possible without God’s grace and blessings of providing me the right resources and people to help me.

Above I shared to you where my determination is coming from. In 2016, my Canada journey begins.

Around September of 2016, we attend a session from a migration consultancy company who promise to assist you with everything to migrate to Canada. They are full of promises, and since I was already entice with Migrating to Canada, I took the chance and paid their service fee of Php 80,000.00. It was my Mom and my cousin Manang Anne who were the source of my funds. 

After paying for that consultancy firm, I waited for what they could possibly do or suggest. I complied all the requirements they asked, which some are irrelevant and I just found out at the end. Nothing happen while waiting for them to do something, so I took everything in my own control. I read, research, and asked in the forums. I did everything to get useful information about how to achieve my Canada dream. That was my 2016. On the next blog, I will write about my year 2017 and 2018. These are the times when I got my Provincial Nomination from New Brunswick Canada, and my Express Entry application.

Progress for my NBPNP Full Application

Its going to be Day 2 Since I received the ITA from NBPNP. What have I accomplished so far?

I was able to completely fill out the form for step 1 and 2. I was able to request for funds, and I was able to request for my employment documents which was already on hand.

Day 3.  I need to go back to PC to get my documents, have it ready. I will also need to scan it for my personal file because I will need it for CIC later.

15:26 13/06/2018

This is a running diary for my NBPNP application. 

Progress.. 

08:30 14/06/2018

Today, I got a confirmation message from my consultant about my finances.  I also got all the needed documents to submit.  I was able to pay WES and the NBPNP processing fee as well..

ECA or Educational Credential Assessment is one of the primary requirement in obtaining a PR to Canada. There are many institutions that are accredited by the IRCC or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. However, I choose WES or World Education Services because I think they are more reliable. Please pay attention to the abbreviation as I might be using these a lot in the process.

Paying for the Processing fee for the NBPNP.

The payment for the processing if is on step 5 of the checklist.
NBPNP-011 Fee Payment Form -- Skilled Workers.

Here's what I did for the Processing Fee Payment;

1. Open the PDF file for the NBPNP-011 Fee Payment Form. In the form, there is a link for paying online through credit card. The last time I check it was www.snb.ca/NBPNP. . Please verify it with the form as it may change.

Fill out everything that has *. For the Civic Number, and Street type you can put the number of your house, and the street type would either be ally, road, avenue, etc.. After your done, click on add basket and proceed with the credit card details. After that, don't forget to print the page since you will need to send it along with the form. 

As of this time, the payment amount is 250 CAD or around 10,000 php.

For WES. Just login to the WES website, and select upgrade report. The recipient should be change to the Government of New Brunswick. On the next page it will show you the summary of the request. Proceed with the payment using a credit card. The total amount paid was 41.81 CAD.

In Progress.. 

8:51 AM 6/21/2018

- Had all my documents ready except for the settlement funds. I'm still in the process of gathering all my resources. I hope to hear the good news within this week.

CCNA Journey Day#1

Okay, I haven't updated this blog for quiete a while now. I was too busy with doing a lot things that I can't find time to write in my blog. Today, while I was reviewing my notes from my Cisco Certified Network Associate class, I realized that it would be easier if I post my notes here. Aside from it would be accessible anywhere if there's an internet, It will save space in my flashdrive as well.

Let me start with Initial Setup/Securing you Cisco Switch/Router..I am using Secure CRT software to configure my Cisco switch.

==============================================================
Initial Setup
==============================================================
enable
conf t
int fa 0/0
ip add 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0
no shut
exit

hostname (your hostname)
enable secret (your password)
service password encryption
no ip domain lookup
line con 0
password (administrative pw)
logging synchronous
exit

line vty 0 14
password (your password)
end

==============================================================
Reserving DHCP
==============================================================

Conf t
ip dhcp excluded-address 192.168.10.1 192.168.10.20 <-example ip>
ip dhcp excluded-address 192.168.10.240 192.168.10.255 <-example ip>
ip dhcp pool data
 network 192.168.10.0 255.255.255.0 <your Network IP>
 default-router 192.168.10.1 <Default Gateway>
 dns-server 8.8.8.8 4.2.2.2 <DNS Server>
 option 150 ip 192.168.10.1  !<---TFTP server

end

===============================================================
configuring Analog phone system
===============================================================

conf t
 voice-port 0/0/1 <- port where the analog phone is connected.>
 cptone PH <- can be set to US or any counter/location.>
 signal loopstart < or groundstart. If you using a PBX, set to groundstart. If regular analog phone loopstart)
 comfort-noise
exit

 dial-peer voice 10 pots <change to other value if you're adding another analog phone >
 destination-pattern 8888 <- Any # you assign >
 port 0/0/1 <- port where the analog phone is connected.>
end

ex.

phone 1

conf t
 voice-port 0/0/1
 cptone PH
 signal loopstart
 comfort-noise
exit
 dial-peer voice 10 pots
 destination-pattern 8888
 port 0/0/1
end

phone 2

conf t
 voice-port 0/0/2
 cptone PH
 signal loopstart
 comfort-noise
exit
 dial-peer voice 11 pots
 destination-pattern 7777
 port 0/0/2
end


csim start (number) <command to test if the phone is working>

===============================================================
Configuring IP Phones
===============================================================

conf t
 telephony-service
  max-ephone 10 < can be changed depending on how many IP Phones you connect.>
  max-dn 10 < can be changed depending on how many IP Phones you connect.>
  no auto assign
  no auto-reg-ephone
  ip source-address 192.168.10.1 < your Default Gateway >
  create cnf-files

 ephone 1

 mac-address fc99.470f.a442 <mac address of your IP phone>


 If you can't register, remove your IP Phone from the switch and paste the code below.

conf t
no telephony- service
 telephony-service
  max-ephone 10
  max-dn 10
  no auto assign
  no auto-reg-ephone
  ip source-address 192.168.10.1

  create cnf-files

 ephone 1
 mac-address fc99.470f.a442 <routers mac address>
end

conf t
 telephony-service
  ephone-dn 1
  number 8810

  ephone -dn 2
   number 8830

ephone 1 
  button 1:1 3:2

  restart 

end

===============================================================
Inter-site communication setup
===============================================================

conf t
 dial-peer voice 20 voip
  destination-pattern  YY.. (number)
  session target ipv4:200.0.0.Y (IP Address)
  dtmf-relay h245-alphanumeric

  codec g711ulaw



This is my Day#1 Note.