Travel Bits  |  June 18, 2007

US Embassy Notice. Effective May 23, 2007 the US embassy implements a new version of VisaPoint. The old version web-based appointment scheduling system was changed to make it easier for the applicants to use. For detailed information regarding the new VisaPoint system please visit the United States of America website at http://philippines.usembassy.gov/wwwhni26.html.

The following information will appear inside this site: Priority Interview Program; How to Apply for PIP Membership; Criteria for PIP Membership; Requirements for PIP companies and How to Apply for Visa Under PIP.

The Priority Interview Program (PIP) is designed to promote and facilitate legitimate business travel between the United States and the Philippines. It allows qualifying businesses to: 1) Obtain expedited visa appointments for their employees traveling for business purposes, for all categories of business-related visas, including B, H, J, and L 2) Receive approved visas on a rush basis, usually on the day following the interview. Communicate directly with the PIP Administrator regarding questions or concerns via PIPManila@state.gov

EXPLORE THE ISLANDS ! Bacolod / Luxur Place P3650++ Cebu / Maribago Blue Water P6965++ Davao / Marco Polo P7800++ Dipolog / Dakak Park P7045++ Palawan / The Legend P5555++ Boracay / Sun Village P6965++ Inclusions: Roundtrip airfare transfers via PAL, 2 nights accommodations, daily breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers, welcome drinks upon arrival.

AIRFARE PROMOS Roundtrip Manila – Narita on Northwest Airlines From US$428 Roundtrip Manila – Los Angeles, San Francisco on Eva Airways (Sept1 – Dec 2007 travel) From US$580 Labor & Immigrant Fare Manila – Los Angeles / San Fo / Denver / Las Vegas on American Airlines – From US$438 Roundtrip Manila – Europe on KLM – From US$850

All rates cited above are based on twin sharing. Validity as indicated. Rates do not include taxes and other surcharges