I've been working here on H1B visa since July 2008. In my 2008 tax return, I was given full refund due to the US-Philippine Treaty that states that H1B visa holders are exempted for the first two years of work here. In addition, my tax-preparer filled out forms 1040 and 8833.

WILL I STILL BE QUALIFIED FOR THE FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT?

It is news for me that U.S. philippine Treaty allows tax free status for two years to H1-B holder.
As far as I know H1-B is work visa and every one on H1-B gets same treatment.
Can you provide the link?

I agree with MukatA. H1-B visa holders are subject to the "resident by substantial presence" rules. How is it that you dodged the bullet?