ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippinesvisa pickup
Last summer ('10), we had the embassy hold the visa for pickup. It took nearly 2 weeks after the interview until the visa was available for pickup. So unless you want to wait around Manila (which was not a problem for us, since I have lived there and we have family/friends), then I would say go ahead back to her province. And for sure don't book plane tickets until you have the visa IN HAND.

Edited by AKteacher, 30 July 2011 - 01:05 PM.

AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-07-30 13:04:00
PhilippinesComing to interview with my wife

u can not accompany her for her interview with the officer,they would want her to be alone on her interview


Not true. I attended my fiancee's interview, and most people I know that accompanied their fiancees to the embassy were allowed into the interview as well.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-07-30 12:59:00
PhilippinesComing to interview with my wife
I attended the interview in Manila with my fiancee last summer. They will definitely let you inside the embassy (bring your US passport of course). They will most likely let you attend the interview as well, but that is up to the individual CO.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-07-30 12:56:00
PhilippinesShould I allow my wife to eat
Dude, are you crazy? If you want to live longer, then adopt her diet. Let her cook most (but not all) of the time. Just be glad she's not hooked on Jolibee, sisig or greasy pork all the time (tasty thought it is). Good luck!
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-08-03 00:12:00
PhilippinesThings to do when you visit Philiipines
Stuff to bring from US to PHL:

Chocolate is a big favorite, and US t-shirts and baseball caps. Electronics are also really expensive here in PHL. My wife's camera (a pink Canon SD-1400), was $150 in the US and I saw one in the mall here for 18,000+ pesos (~$400). Other electronics (laptops, etc.) seem to be similarly priced, probably due to high import taxes.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-06-06 19:57:00
Philippineshotel near st.lukes
Having stayed at many/most of the local hotels over the past couple years, the Hotel Soriente is the best deal. 1700PHP/nt if I remember correctly. Nice big rooms, only a couple blocks from St. Luke's.

Fully Air-Conditioned Rooms
Refrigerator and LCD Television with Cable
24 Hour Room Service
Free WiFi
Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services
Safety Deposit Boxes
24 Hour Security
Next to Puregold & Convenience Store

Hotel Soriente http://www.hotelsoriente.com/
545 corner A. Flores & J. Bocobo Streets, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Tel. Nos.: 525-7304 | 523-9480 Fax No.: 522-3913 E-mail: hotelsoriente@yahoo.com
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-08-28 11:37:00
Philippinesembassy to 2go

thats a long time for your visa to be issued to you over two weeks for it to be printed. I wonder why so long from your interview for the embassy to print it up?


Maybe they're verifying info provided at the interview.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-09-04 22:31:00
Philippinesbest stores to buy clothes for petite girls
My wife has been buying clothing at J.C. Penney, Macy's & Fred Meyer. Those stores seem to have clothing she likes (looks nice, fits, and is reasonably priced). She looks around different departments, sometimes in the teen section. It can be a bit difficult to find jeans that fit (she's 4'9" and 95 lbs), so we buy those in Philippines. Proper women's shoes can also be hard to find (she's a size 6), so she orders those online, usually off of ebay. If you're short, I would suggest buying several pairs of jeans (if that's what you like), as those have been the hardest to find in the US. Other items can be found here, but it just takes a bit more looking the smaller you are. Hope this helps. Good luck!
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-09-05 00:32:00
Philippinesshould I attend my fiances Interview in Manila
US citizens are allowed in, and most likely you will be interviewed along with her. This is what my wife & I did, and I think it helped the outcome. It was an easy interview, no problem at all. I can imagine it would help having you there especially with the kids, since there's a lot of waiting involved. I would recommend bringing some books, games, or some other form of entertainment for them, and light sweaters or jackets because the aircon can be kind of cold.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-09-07 22:29:00
Philippineshotel near US EMBASSY MANILA
I second Paul & Rain's recommendation of Hotel Soriente. I've stayed at quite a few of the hotels in the area, and it's been the best deal. Spacious rooms, clean, centrally located, etc. Not the Hyatt, but a great deal for the price (I think I paid 1700PHP/nt last summer).
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-10-09 02:11:00
PhilippinesNBI says For Immigration Purpose not For Travel Abroad?
My fiancee (now wife)'s NBI clearance was for "Travel Abroad" and there were no hassles or any issues whatsoever with her K-1 process.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-10-16 01:13:00
Philippinesrecommended reasonable priced hotel near US Embassy (Manila)
Which hotel you will like is really a matter of personal taste. Casa Bocobo is popular, with a simple but delicious breakfast buffet. The rooms are new, but quite small. The Soriente has much larger rooms and I like the location better. There's a convenience store, a Pure Gold supermarket, and a BBQ chicken stand right out front.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-11-01 23:37:00
PhilippinesHow long should we spend in Manila for the Interview and Medical?
3 days is the absolute bare minimum. Any small hitch and you might have to reschedule the interview (not to mention your return flight). Why would you want to risk that? Manila has many things to do and see. I would spend a couple more days, and if you end up with extra time then go sightseeing or shopping.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-11-05 22:01:00
PhilippinesAirline Ticket Prices Are Crazy
Last summer my wife & I flew Asiana SFO-ICN-MNL and back for $948 each. The time in Korea was actually quite nice; we spent a day in Seoul touring around.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-11-11 22:27:00
PhilippinesWhat is Your Favorite Airlines To Fly To Philippines?
Since many airlines now charge extra fees for "premium" seats in coach, many of these seats remain empty. I flew PAL from MNL-Davao, the plane was nearly full. A couple of people asked but they refused to let anyone sit in the empty "premium" seats.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-11-15 22:32:00
PhilippinesNice, Budget Hotels Near US Embassy in Manila?
Hotel Soriente is the best I've found for the money (1700/nt last summer). Good size rooms, near the embassy and St. Luke's, other attractions around, BBQ chicken stand, convenience store & supermarket right out front. www.hotelsoriente.com
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-11-24 02:50:00
PhilippinesCathay Pacific Airlines SUCKS!
I've flown CP a few times (coach) and have always had good experiences, except for the food which was awful, and the small amount of legroom in coach. CP has fancier looking interiors, but I'll take the legroom and much better food of PAL anytime.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-11-26 14:35:00
PhilippinesRestaurants or Places to eat Near US Embassy

Thats lots of good Ideas! Thar BBQ Chicken Stand is close to St.Lukes right???:thumbs: :thumbs:


Yes, it's practically right around the corner from St. Luke's. Just in front of Puregold. The chicken is fantastic! Only problem is they don't always have freshly BBQ'd chicken - you have to wait until they finish cooking a fresh batch. But that's MUCH better than the alternative, which is chicken that is not fresh...
AKteacherMalePhilippines2012-01-17 22:07:00
PhilippinesRestaurants or Places to eat Near US Embassy
Lots of good options nearby. I like Cafe Havana at Remedios Circle. Cowboy Grill (Mabini & Arquiza, or at Remedios Cir.) is pretty decent if you don't mind paying $20 or so for a steak. Iseya Restaurant (Padre Faura & Del Pilar) is another good one, but I think it's been closed. The lunch buffet at G-Point (Padre Faura & Mabini) is a great deal at 500 pesos, and the food is really tasty! I've been dying to try the Zamboanga Restaurant (1619 Adriatico) but haven't tried it yet.

There are lots of cheaper options ranging from Andok's (chicken) to Robinson's Mall (restaurants, food court, a supermarket). Puregold Market is just south of UN Ave. on Bocobo. The BBQ chicken stand in front of Puregold is fantastic! Lots of other places on UN Ave. - I like the BBQ chicken place near UN & Bocobo, can't seem to remember the name...

I'm sure there are many, many more but these are some of the place I've been to.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2012-01-13 20:44:00
PhilippinesHow to Extend your Stay in Philippines?
I see you've got a K-1 pending. Once you're married you can obtain a free 1-year (balikbayan) visa when entering Philippines with your spouse. You must enter with your spouse and request the Balikbayan visa at the immigration counter as you enter (of course, make sure you have all relevant documentation to prove marriage). They give you a stamp good for 1 year. No fees, no hassles! Works for me...
AKteacherMalePhilippines2012-01-17 22:33:00
PhilippinesEngagement party in Philippines advice
My wife is from Mindanao (Bukidnon). We threw a despedida (farewell) party before we left for the US. I wanted to enable her to have a good send-off and celebrate with all her friends and relatives. We has a mass at the local (Catholic) church. Not a wedding but prayers for the future and for safe travels. It was a really special, wonderful thing. The party afterwards was a real blast. We decided that, instead of putting on some sort of a fancy-schmancy ball or whatever, we wanted to spend the money on food and drink so that as many people as possible could enjoy themselves. We had it at her parents' house and bought all the supplies locally to save money. Food and booze were relatively cheap (2 big lechons, goats, chickens, large amounts of other food, many cases of drink, and a really nice cake - nicer than our wedding cake actually), and we rented a video-cinco karaoke setup with a nice loud PA (but without the need to feed it 5-peso coins). Literally half the town showed up (several hundred people at least).

I wouldn't worry about the mass/party being considered a wedding by USCIS. I even told the CO about it during our interview and he said it sounded like a lot of fun. Of course don't actually get married, and I wouldn't be spreading photos around that make it look like a real wedding since it's not.

Your future family-in-law should be able to help you get good deals on supplies locally if you want to save some money.One thing I would caution you about - It seems to be the expectation (at least in a small town) that if a large party like this is going on, EVERYBODY will show up whether they are invited or not. Knowing this, we planned on having food and drink for many extra people. I got a chance to meet more of the townspeople, who were grateful and had a lot of fun. That night is one of my most cherished memories.

Edited by AKteacher, 19 January 2012 - 10:58 PM.

AKteacherMalePhilippines2012-01-19 22:51:00
PhilippinesCompetent attorney
No need for an attorney for a K-1 unless you want to throw thousand(s) of dollars away. You'll have to do most of the work yourself anyway. I did the whole K-1 and AOS, it was no problem. Just follow the guides on VJ and quadruple-check for accuracy on all forms.

http://www.visajourn.../content/guides
AKteacherMalePhilippines2012-01-20 00:28:00
PhilippinesWhat is the Best Area in Metro Manila?

Tondo, Metro Manila. Safest place in the Philippines!!!


It depends on your definition of "nice." I rented an apartment in Tondo (Tayuman, Pritil City) a few years back and had a great time. No tourists there (and I mean NONE). I got to know the local people and just hung out and lived there. I must say it was a wonderful experience despite the grinding poverty, trash, roaches and high crime rate. A real local feel. I still go back there every so often to visit friends. If you want an authentic experience, go to Tondo! If you want high-priced, flashy glitz, go elsewhere!
AKteacherMalePhilippines2012-01-21 14:51:00
Philippinestravel questions
I think you can go back for short lengths of time (6 months or so), and it should be no problem. Last summer, upon returning from a nearly 6-week vacation in Philippines, my wife received a stamp in her passport with a notation below that said "1 month." USCIS just subtracts the time you were gone from the time accumulated toward citizenship.

Somebody who knows all the details for certain might want to comment.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2012-01-21 15:20:00
PhilippinesWhat time to show up at Embassy?
My wife's (fiancee at the time) interview was summer of 2010. I went with her to the interview, and they never separated us. We arrived at about 6am (2-3 hours early), and I'm glad we did. The whole process took about 5 hours. No snacks or water allowed in from outside.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2012-02-02 10:39:00
PhilippinesK1 Visa Approved
So exciting! Seems like just yesterday we did the same thing. Congrats on your new journey!
AKteacherMalePhilippines2012-01-21 20:10:00
PhilippinesAny experience in departing at NAIA?
I have departed there many times, never had any serious problems. Check out the following link if you want to know exactly what to expect. Make sure to get there at least 2-3 hours early.

http://www.silent-ga...r-departure.php
AKteacherMalePhilippines2012-09-19 23:43:00
PhilippinesPhilipines -- Lodging near Embassy
Hotel Soriente - large rooms, close to all. Great chicken stand, Puregold & Convenience Store right out front.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2012-10-30 22:58:00
Philippinesst lukes discussion
When my fiancee had her medical exam, I went back to the hotel and slept in, then to Robinson's mall later in the morning. She texted me when she was finished. It was no problem at all.
AKteacherMalePhilippines2011-09-05 09:18:00
PhilippinesSafety in Ermita area??

Ermita is a bit seedy... but it's not really dangerous. Just use common sense. Don't flash around large amounts of cash, expensive jewelry/cel phones, wander drunk down dark alleys at night, etc.

 

I've stayed at the Hotel Soriente many times. In fact, my wife and I will be staying there this next week (7/16-7/20) if you're around let us know and we can show you around a bit if you like. Having stayed at quite a few Ermita hotels over the years, I would say that the Soriente is the best all-around deal for a decent place. The rooms are decent size, there's a Puregold supermarket, a Convenience Store, and a great Lechon Manok (BBQ Chicken) stand right out front. It's MUCH safer and more convenient than taking taxis to/from Makati... ask Larry (the doorman) if you need a taxi - he logs all the numbers of taxis leaving with hotel guests 

 

There are many interesting things to see around Manila and Ermita is a good central location to explore from, since you'll have some waiting to do during the process anyway. Good luck!


AKteacherMalePhilippines2013-07-14 02:44:00
PhilippinesFlying with child under age 2 to Phils

We went to PHL last summer with our then-14-month old - traveling as a lap infant, no booster seat. Korean Air was very hospitable - the 777's have bassonets in the middle section of the bulkead rows (in coach - but it's first class for the baby!), which work really well for a baby not much over about 20 lbs. He just slept most of the way on that segment. The other direction, we were in regular seating but they moved us next to an empty seat and once again, he just slept. Their special baby meals consisted of juice, fruit, and Gerber baby food in glass jars. He mostly ate fruit, shared our food, drank milk and we kept most of the Gerber for later.

 

My advice:

 

1. Save your money on an extra seat, it's not worth it in my opinion. You'll have to buy a lap infant ticket (cost us $155 RT from the West Coast). Make sure to do this when/just after you buy your tickets. You'll probably have to call the airline after you buy your tickets since most online travel agencies don't seem to sell this type of ticket.

2. If you're flying on a 777, ask for a bulkhead//bassonet seat if he's small enough - they're really nice. Should be no extra charge.

3. Bring bottles with milk for after takeoff and before landing, which will help him pop his ears to equalize air pressure.

4. Bring entertainment, whatever he likes that's portable. And extra clothes and diapers of course.

5. Don't bring a booster seat unless you don't mind it being counted as one of your pieces of luggage. When flying domestic US, these are normally free. An extra piece of luggage (i.e. the booster seat) would have cost us $200 (each way!) on KAL. Other than that, no hidden charges with KAL.

 

Good luck!


Edited by AKteacher, 18 September 2013 - 10:12 PM.

AKteacherMalePhilippines2013-09-18 22:02:00
Philippinessmart not really good in philippines

I used Globe last summer in the Manila Metro area and in Mindanao. In both of these areas, phone/texting was pretty reliable but the internet kind of sucked. It worked but would go on and off and often slowed way down. I think their network must be oversubscribed.


AKteacherMalePhilippines2013-09-23 22:11:00
PhilippinesCan I bring package from US to Philippines?

Philippines is used to people bringing gifts (pasolobong) back to friends & family.... I once brought a bunch of whale baleen (carved of course so it was perfectly legal), and it brought only quizzical looks from Philippines customs as they waved me through...

 

I would check customs regulations if you're not sure:

 

http://www.philippin...ger-guidelines/

http://www.philippin...hilippines.html

http://customs.gov.ph/

 


AKteacherMalePhilippines2013-12-10 02:25:00
Philippineshow long did it take for your petition to be approved?

Early 2010, uncomplicated case - 37 days from NOA1 to NOA2. Probably longer now... but worth every minute!


Edited by AKteacher, 10 December 2013 - 02:30 AM.

AKteacherMalePhilippines2013-12-10 02:29:00
PhilippinesCan a Green Card Holder Travel to Dubai?

My wife has her 10-year Green Card. Can she travel to Dubai without having to apply for a visa? This would be for a short visit only (perhaps 1 week) as a tourist.


AKteacherMalePhilippines2014-01-14 10:37:00
PhilippinesTraveling to the Philippines

Here are a couple websites that might give you some idea of what's out there:

 

http://manila.en.craigslist.com.ph/

http://realestate.sulit.com.ph/

 

It really depends on what part of Philippines you want to stay, but local advice is always best. If you want to rent in advance, of course only deal with reputable businesses. But better deals can be had through private parties. What I've usually done is rent a local hotel room and then look around the area myself, that way I can see a place BEFORE any money is exchanged.


AKteacherMalePhilippines2014-01-20 06:10:00
PhilippinesNew Baby - US or PHL?

Unless you're able to process the birth registration yourself, getting the NSO birth certificate can take up to 6 months.

 

How do I process the birth registration myself? You mean take the paperwork to NSO myself, or are you talking about something else?

 

It could take 1 to 6 months before you can get the child's NSO birth certificate, which is a requirement for CRBA.

 

 

average timeline is about 6 months for the CRBA to be processed and provided there are no hiccups during the process. 

 

6 months just to get the birt cert on NSO paper? That's a long time... is there any way you know of to get  it faster? SennaBrigante mentioned processing it myself... how would that work? Is there any other way?


AKteacherMalePhilippines2014-01-22 00:22:00
PhilippinesNew Baby - US or PHL?

My wife and I are expecting another baby due in August. We're thinking of having this one in Phiippines. My wife wants to be near her family, and we're both teachers so we have summers off anyway... The question is, how much hassle is it to report the birth abroad, and how long does that take to process? We would want to return to the US not tooo long after the birth...


AKteacherMalePhilippines2014-01-20 22:16:00
PhilippinesPAL Domestic Connection / Davao vs Manila Customs?

Apparently PAL has a service where you can check your luggage straight through to a domestic connection (Cebu or Davao), without having to clear your luggage through customs until the final destination is reached (see below) - very nice for those of us with small children, pregnant wife, and lots of luggage!

 

Question 1: Has anybody out there used this service? Does it work as they say it does? Does it save much time compared to Terminal 1 baggage claim/customs?

 

Question 2: Is Davao customs more likely to "take a closer look" and demand fees/bribes than customs in Manila? I've been through customs at NAIA Terminals 1 & 2 numerous times and have never had any problems. Customs in Manila seems so busy they always just wave me through... is Davao customs any different?

 

Here's what the PAL website says:

 

"If you are a passenger onboard a PAL flight from the U.S.A., Canada or Narita and are connecting to Cebu or Davao, you can proceed directly to the PAL Domestic Terminal at NAIA 2 after clearing with Immigration.  You no longer need to have your baggage cleared in Manila, as the appointed Customs personnel in Cebu or Davao will take care of your baggage clearance."   http://www.philippin...in/check_in.jsp

 

Thanks in advance for your advice smile.png


AKteacherMalePhilippines2014-02-19 01:58:00
PhilippinesHotel between doing Med and Interview

I like the Hotel Soriente. It's fairly nice but not too expensive, and very close to USEM as well as a block away from the medical clinic. It's at 545 A, Flores, corner of Bocobo Street, just south of UN Avenue. There are no kitchens, but the rooms are big, they have refrigerators and there's a Puregold market and a great roast chicken stand right out front - not too expensive and much easier than cooking. 1,700 PHP/night as of last sumer. I've stayed there many times over the years. Larry the doorman will get you reliable taxis if you ask him, which avoids the hassles of scamming taxi drivers who always want to overcharge.

 

If you're staying longer than a couple of weeks, you might save some money by renting an "apartelle," but it's been my experience that you have to reserve and pay for at least 2 weeks in advance in order to get a decent rate.

 

I think their website wants payment in advance, but you can make a reservation through booking.com with no advance payment.

 

Here's their website:

http://www.hotelsoriente.com/


AKteacherMalePhilippines2014-03-04 20:35:00