Welcome!
1. My application was processed fast. See my timeline. But I doubt it was because I am Japanese. I feel it was just pure luck. However, since we are likely not required to send passport, I would say this much it may get faster. But VO will send CoPR via DHL, this may take time (my CoPR was sitting in the VO for almost 2 weeks).
Hmm, so our application has just been forwarded to Manila today. We have already paid the full fees and Manila already has her medical. We are planning on flying to Canada at the very beginning of April. Sorry, but I am not sure what you mean about the passport. Will Manila just send a paper or something that can be exchanged for a visa? if we get the visa sent to Canada than can we just cross the border and have come back as a landed immigrant?? Sorry, I spent all my time so far just trying to get the paperwork in order and haven't looked to deeply into what happens next!!