IN the Philippines, nothing brings families closer together in prayer — besides a Gilas match — than a family member applying for a US visa. Colonial mentality, anyone? Our family applied for a US visa at different times and stages in our lives which also meant different degrees of difficulty, not just in terms of getting a consul's nod but also in terms of logistics or the process of simply just getting to the point of standing before one, to be scrutinized like bacteria under a microscope. The first time I applied for a US visa in the late '90s as a college freshman, I would argue, has been the most challenging one among all our US interviews combined, at least logistics-wise, which probably also made it the sweetest of all our 'victories.' Back then, getting an appointment for an interview was on a first-come, first-served basis. And I had spent a total of 24 hours — spread into two consecutive days — before finally getting that 'Congratulations! Your visa is approved.' line from the consul, whose face I forget because it was all a blur, probably from fatigue and lack of sleep. My whole experience with the US visa application is why I resonate with that iconic scene from the Aga Muhlach and Lea Salonga starrer, 'Sana Maulit Muli,' when Agnes, played by Lea, surprised even herself when she got approved of a visa despite her frail and awkward demeanor which made her jump for joy immediately upon stepping out of the embassy. It felt so real! Luckily, all in our family have been granted US visas — pwera usog! — including my niece, who kept our 'winning' streak alive by getting hers approved this morning. Thank God! And soon, she'll be bound for San Francisco! We say, 'bound for' when we're modifying nouns, like most commonly cities or countries, and 'bound to' when it's followed by verbs, which is why we say, 'It was bound to happen.' Enjoy the California weather, Ira! Bring us home some In-N-Out, will ya?