THIS IS MY STORY
I still remember the morning of June 24, 2004, the day of my appointment in the US Embassy. I flew to Manila a day before for my interview well-prepared. I wore my best attire and even got a haircut. I wanted to look professional and “approved” in the looks department.
In my mind, that US TOURIST VISA was already mine. What can go wrong? I had prepared well for it. I had been traveling abroad. I had a well-established business. My bank accounts were full. I had a rich-sounding surname. And I spoke good English. I also paid a travel agency to help me with my application.
Armed with my business permits, financial documents, property titles, and passports, I was full of confidence as I entered the US Embassy. After a series of security checks, stamping, more checks, and filing of application, I was finally inside the well-lit appointment room. While waiting for my turn to be interviewed, I took the time to encourage my fellow applicants, telling them that the US TOURIST VISA was easy and that they could get an approval.
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
I waited for 4 hours before my turn came. I presented myself at the interview window. The interviewing consul read my name and I acknowledged. He asked me one question and I casually replied. He then followed up with one more. While I was giving an answer, the consul cut me in mid-sentence, saying emphatically, “I am sorry, but I cannot issue you a US TOURIST VISA at this time.” He handed my passport with a stamp indicating my denial. I waited four long hours, only to get a stamp of denial in less than 2 minutes. My chances of entering the land of the free and the home of the brave were gone in 60 seconds. . .
SHAME & REJECTION
I was shocked. I felt lost and confused. I couldn’t believe what just happened. I wanted to defend myself and reason out—but it was too late. Before I could open my mouth, the next interviewee was called. I was so stunned. Shame crept in. As I turned my back from the interview window, my fellow interviewees who were still waiting from afar, asked me if I was approved, giving me that thumbs up sign. I still gave a thumbs-up—not indicating I made it—but that I will be okay and they need not pity me nor worry about me.
NOT ALONE
I realized I was not alone. Who has not heard of the following US TOURIST VISA APPLICANTS who received a denial?
- The prominent mayor who got denied
- The rich businessman with his bejeweled wife getting thrown out of the embassy for shouting at the consul after being rejected
- The Fortune 500 salesman who was told twice that it was not his lucky day
- The pastor who was backed by his church who still got denied not once, not twice, but three times
- The very well-dressed lawyer who was outrightly denied
- The rich owner of a very popular cellular phone company
THE SECOND TIME AROUND
Let me tell you how I finally got my US TOURIST VISA. . . I am a huge fan of mix martial arts, the Ultimate Fighting Champion or commonly known as the UFC. There was a raffle prize to watch the fight live in Las Vegas, and I was fortunate enough to be chosen as one of the winners. My only problem was that I did not have a US TOURIST VISA. So I had to apply… again.

FINDING PURPOSE IN FAILURE
In the weeks and months that followed, I couldn’t stop thinking about my experience. I realized that I wasn’t alone in my frustration. Every day, countless capable and deserving individuals faced the same rejection, often for reasons they didn’t understand. What hurt me the most was knowing that these denials could often be avoided with the right guidance and preparation.
That’s when it hit me: I could use my experience to help others avoid the same pain I went through. This realization became the foundation for my new mission. I decided to open a travel agency—not just any travel agency, but one that specialized in helping people navigate the complex and intimidating process of applying for a US TOURIST VISA.
TURNING PASSION INTO A BUSINESS
My agency wasn’t just about booking flights or arranging itineraries. It was about empowering people to achieve their dreams of travel, especially to the United States. I wanted to ensure that no one else had to go through the same frustration and heartbreak I did. Over the past 20 years, I’ve coached, mentored, and guided hundreds of clients through the US visa application process. Each approval was a victory—not just for my clients, but for me as well. I’ve helped students, retirees, single travelers, and entire families secure their visas. From those with modest savings to those with seemingly insurmountable odds, I’ve seen the joy and relief on their faces when they receive that coveted visa. My agency’s success wasn’t built on luck. It was built on understanding what consuls are looking for, identifying potential red flags in applications, and preparing clients to present their cases confidently and authentically.A MISSION OF HOPE
Today, my travel agency stands as a testament to the power of resilience and purpose. What started as a painful rejection has turned into a mission to help others succeed. I’ve learned that getting a US TOURIST VISA isn’t just about having money or documents—it’s about knowing how to present yourself, understanding the process, and avoiding common pitfalls.