Thank you guys
Here I add my complete timelines FYI:
Applied: Sep 2005 to CIC Manila in the OLD SYSTEM
Received AOR: Dec 2005
Updated documents on April 2006 and February 2007... Both times pressing them to "do something" because nothing was happening (although nothing happened anyway...)
April 2009: Received a letter asking me whether I was still interested in continuing with the application. Replied YES.
June 2009: Got another letter saying that my file will be transferred to CIC Tokyo for further processing.
July 2009: CIC Tokyo said that they got the file.
November 2009: Updated my application (sent forms & photos along with docs supporting additional work experience)
January 10, 2010: Got request to pay RPRF, submit new police clearance and IELTS results, and do the medicals.
February 5: Got passport request, which I sent on Feb 8.
March 8: Got my passport with the precious stamp!!!!