how long is the visa process?

hi ,
I would like to ask if how long is the visa being process . We already have ticket for out trip in beijing this FEB 5 to 10 2011 and we are planning to apply for visa on december . Is this a one day process . ? What I mean is did they provide us the result if we are approved or deny for the visa application ? or we still need to wait for days or week.
I am a filipino citizen..by the way..

Hoping for your immediate response to this.