We are in the process of adopting a sibling group (ages 6-16) from the Philippines. Everything does move slowly, although I think our wait for a match would not have been long if we had chosen a family who was already cleared for international adoption. If you are willing to adopt older children (over the age of 3 or 4), and especially boys or children with special needs, then your wait will be shorter. I understand that ICAB (the Philippine government's Inter-Country Adoption Board) has posted a notice on their website to that effect.
ICAB's website is
www.skynet.net/~icaba/