ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesMemoirs of a USC (Feb 7th interview and approval)
Very funny story, and brings back memories from last February. I'll never forget the girl who lost her numbered ticket and had a bunch of people in there trying to help her find it. We were lucky and didn't have to leave for lunch, and got out of there about 1:30PM.

It's good to hear everything went well at the interview, and your written request for VISA pick-up worked. BTW, my wife's cousin was there Feb 7 too, but we haven't heard yet how it went for her.

Edited by garya505, 07 February 2008 - 07:41 PM.

garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-07 19:38:00
PhilippinesCredit Cards in the Philippines.
QUOTE (doug & angel @ Feb 7 2008, 05:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sofia2009 @ Feb 7 2008, 04:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I used my debit card with mastercard logo on it, and I don't have any problems using it internationally..I even used my debit card to pay my fiance cenomar and birthcert online and booked the hotel at hoteltravel.com..Maybe, it's about ur bank policy..I don't know about credit cards because I have only one credit card with $350 credit limit on it laughing.gif laughing.gif ..i hate credit cards!!!.



I use mine on SEAAIRs website without a problem. I've also had the bank issue one in my fiancee's name and her PI address as an alternate. This allows her to use it there for things like checking into the hotel or picking up the tickets.

I did have to go through a little security red-tape to set that up, but it was a phone call and a faxed form.

Also as a rule, whenever I travel overseas I always call the credit card companies and inform them of the dates of my travel, its a process I've been doing since the 80s after a particularly embarrassing incident with Mastercard while standing in a store in a mall in japan.


I call them too. They'll ask when you're leaving and returning, that way if someone picks up your CC number and tries to use it after you return, they can detect it easier.

What equipment does SEAAIR fly, little puddle-jumpers? laughing.gif
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-07 19:47:00
PhilippinesCredit Cards in the Philippines.
BTW, City Garden Hotels in Manila has their own website. You can check availability make reservations with a 10% deposit (credit cards do work on their website) and pay the rest in person at check in time. They can tell where the nearest ATMs are.
http://citygardenhotels.com/
They own the Lotus Garden and the City Garden Suites, both within walking distance of St. Lukes, and a short taxi ride to the US Embassy.
We always stayed at the Lotus Garden. My wife's cousins and friends did too.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-07 13:51:00
PhilippinesCredit Cards in the Philippines.
QUOTE (SMOKE @ Feb 7 2008, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
he is not traveling to the PI. he is trying to prepay for her hotel in Manila.
1 so she doesn't have to carry the cash & 2 so he can rest easy knowing she has a place to stay.


That's probably not going to happen. Too much room for fraud.

For hotel, just make the reservation and transfer the money to her bank account. She can make daily ATM withdrawals to pay the hotel. That's what I did when I wasn't there. ATMs are everywhere.

Edited by garya505, 07 February 2008 - 01:43 PM.

garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-07 13:42:00
PhilippinesCredit Cards in the Philippines.
My cards are from Bank of America (MBNA) and FIA Card Services. IMO you always need at least two cards if you travel, and they should be from different issuers.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-07 13:28:00
PhilippinesCredit Cards in the Philippines.
Both of my CC companies were able to allow specific charges from the Philippines when I called them. Maybe you need a different credit card company.

I only used CCs for airline and sometimes hotel. Everything else was cash.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-07 13:01:00
Philippinestrying to organize my paperworks/evidence
QUOTE (Pinaylang @ Feb 3 2008, 06:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi... I went to Target today to buy a notebook or a binder to put the evidence in there. I couldn't really find anything that is flexible enough. I ended up getting a 1/2 inch three ring binder.. Is this okay? I read somewhere that it has be small enough so it can go through the window when we get to the embassy.. Or does anyone have any idea where I should buy one? I tried going to Office Depot didn't find anything... Please let me know

Thank you everyone.


I just used one of those multi-pocket thingies. Worked great.
Like this:
Student File Thingie

I brought everything on the plane with me in my carry-on bag. I had tons or emails and chat logs, but they only asked for a couple of photos and letters (snail-mail). You never know what they'll ask for, so label the tabs, pockets, or envelopes so you can find it fast.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-05 21:04:00
PhilippinesWaiting on the CO to review Doc. verification.
They have some fraud going on over there. I married woman my wife used to work with got a new birth certificate in a different name and just got her K-1 VISA. I'm not surprized they're looking at documents a little closer, but I guess the verification doesn't work that great anyway. The fiance doesn't know about the husband. I think she told him she was married before but her husband is dead.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-10 23:12:00
Philippinesfiance one way to usa?
One way worked for us.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-17 00:21:00
PhilippinesAnyone from Pangasinan
QUOTE (john & jean @ Feb 14 2008, 09:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone here from Pangasinan, Dagupan area? john&jean


You should check out www.friendster.com

My wife hangs out there and has made a large number of Phil friends in our area. She even met a woman from her hometowm, which is unbelievable. We just had a baby shower for a woman from Cebu yesterday. If you're in Dallas I'm sure you will find some people on Friendster there.

Edited by garya505, 14 February 2008 - 11:47 AM.

garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-14 11:46:00
PhilippinesRequest for Visa pick up!
QUOTE (sneblett @ Feb 19 2008, 11:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello guys,

Just want to know if it is possible to have my visa pick up the next day after my interview at the embassy? My fiance is gonna be with me during my interview this coming March 13 and he will fly back to the US on the 15. We just want to know if it is possible to have my visa on the 14. My fiance is really hoping that i can fly with him back to the US on march 15. (praying and hoping that everything will go smoothly with my med exam and interview!)

Thank you guys!


Some of us who have been with our fiancee at the interview have gotten approval for VISA pick-up. Your fiance should present a written request for pick-up to the Consular Officer, which will improve your chances of getting approval. However, even if they approve, it usually takes at least 2 days for the VISA to be ready for pickup. Since March 15 is a Saturday, you probably wouldn't get the VISA until at least Monday, March 17.

Are you planning to do the CFO seminar when you do your medical exam? That would save some time later.

Edited by garya505, 20 February 2008 - 02:39 AM.

garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-20 02:35:00
Philippinesbooking hotel room thru directrooms
http://www.citygardenhotels.com/
I always paid a deposit with CC then paid cash for the room.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-18 14:33:00
PhilippinesCENOMAR ?? Has anybody from the Phils. went to the interview w/o it and got approved?
QUOTE (nicole/philip @ Feb 22 2008, 01:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi fellow travelers,

i'm still waiting for my CENOMAR to be delivered before my interview date on feb. 27th which is getting pretty close. we (myself and fiancee) were not expecting to get an early interview appointment date when we called and asked the embassy if it's possible 3 days ago (but hey, we got it). we just didn't expect it to be that close. i know the CENOMAR issue has been discussed a gazillion times now. i've read the threads. a lot of people are saying that it is "better" to have one and also saying that it is a "requirement" to have a copy for the interview. i've been reading the packet 4 for K1/K2 applicants and to my understanding, it never mentioned anything about CENOMAR, although it did say on Required Documents (#2) letter j. Proof of Termination of a prior marriage (if applicable). it is very obvious that this requirement is for people who are/were married. i know a lot of you will probably tell me that i still have to prove to the CO that i was never married and a CENOMAR will prove that. if this is truly a requirement at the time of interview then why doesn't packet 4 specifically identify the CENOMAR as a requirement?? is there an updated packet 4 for the philippine embassy mentioning this? the one that i got from them was revised october 2005. the sample in the K1 manila guide by sheriff uling was revised february 2007 and saying the same things as the older one.

now, having said that, has anybody from the philippines who were never married went to their interviews recently without the CENOMAR and still got approved? i'm just asking this just in case my CENOMAR doesn't come on time before my interview. thanks everybody for any replies.

philip


My fiancee had a CENOMAR with her at interview in February 2007 but it was never asked for and we picked up her VISA after two days. My fiancee said they didn't ask for it cause her passport name matches her BC so how could she be married. Right! I forgot that women in the Phils always change their name when they get married. Doh! blush.gif

Even if you don't have it with you I suspect you would just have a short delay if they ask for it. I mean, you have a lifetime of happiness to look forward to so what's a couple if weeks if you have to wait a little? smile.gif
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-22 18:58:00
PhilippinesTravel advice to Philippines
QUOTE (mamba @ Mar 2 2008, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
we're going back to phils this coming may for our wedding there..my question is if it's ok to buy a ticket on my married name and just show my ead id and green card w/c is on my married name?any advice pls


The airline may ask for your passport. Your ticket should match the name on your passport, but you can bring your marriage certificate if you want to get the ticket in your married name.

It's too late for this trip, but you should get your passport amended to your married name to avoid this problem in the future.

Edited by garya505, 02 March 2008 - 07:13 PM.

garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-02 19:11:00
PhilippinesOne year ago today, Jinky and Job arrived here in the states
QUOTE (SqdnGuns @ Mar 2 2008, 08:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
garya505, you can get Maggi here:

SMITHS FOOD & DRUG
8040 ACADEMY RD NE
ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87111
Phone: (505) 823-9500

http://www.thetasteo...here_to_buy.asp


Thanks. Yes I found that website and I saw it listed there. Unfortunately the Smiths I went to only had the Garlic Chili Sauce which is not anywhere near the same (not sure why). I'll try the Academy location.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-03 00:14:00
PhilippinesOne year ago today, Jinky and Job arrived here in the states
Congratulations in advance on the baby!

Now, if we could just find Maggi Chili Sauce here in Albuquerque we would be happy.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-02 21:42:00
PhilippinesFiance's name misspelled.
QUOTE (Pinaylang @ Mar 6 2008, 11:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (garya505 @ Mar 6 2008, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Pinaylang @ Mar 6 2008, 11:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance got his packet 4 today. However, the name is misspelled. or Shall I say it was our mistake. Do you think we can still have it fix by calling the USEM. I'm afraid if we go ahead and pay delbros that it might delayed the visa.. Any input will be greatly appreciated. I tried calling the embassy but no one is picking up. Anyone had the same problem?


My fiancee had the same problem. I called them, emailed them, and sent them a letter to make sure it was corrected before interview.



What is the email address? Were they able to correct it?


I forget the email address, but they corrected it before interview either from my phone call or the follow-up letter. They never responded to my email so I don't even know if they got it or read it.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-07 02:01:00
PhilippinesFiance's name misspelled.
QUOTE (Pinaylang @ Mar 6 2008, 11:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance got his packet 4 today. However, the name is misspelled. or Shall I say it was our mistake. Do you think we can still have it fix by calling the USEM. I'm afraid if we go ahead and pay delbros that it might delayed the visa.. Any input will be greatly appreciated. I tried calling the embassy but no one is picking up. Anyone had the same problem?


My fiancee had the same problem. I called them, emailed them, and sent them a letter to make sure it was corrected before interview.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-07 01:47:00
Philippinestravel tax 1600 p
I bought tickets online and had to pay the P1620 at the Philippine Travel Authority desk on the terminal.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-10 13:31:00
PhilippinesTip of the Day
QUOTE (Sheriff Uling @ Jul 13 2007, 09:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do NOT loose or misplace oops8rh.gif any reports, forms, applications, and/or documents of explicit importance to the immigration process. ranting33va.gif This process is crazy enough! good.gif For all other tips, please visa the star_smile.gif Manila Embassy K1 Visa Guide star_smile.gif (it’s the first link within my signature block). This tip comes to you sponsored by Kellogs and Chow King.


Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling


Hey, you forgot Jolli Bee!
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2007-08-27 11:47:00
PhilippinesVaccine not available in the Phil.
QUOTE (yolly @ Mar 15 2008, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone!

We are ready to submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
My question is : Does my husband has to do the vaccination first, the TITANUS VACCINE I believe, the one that was not available in the Phils. Or can we submit the application without it. Any help is highly appreciated.

Thanks.

Yolly



We sent my wife's without the TD shot or I-693a (we sent the DS-3025) and her AOS was approved without interview or RFE. We know a lot of people who did it that way and all were approved without RFE.
You can send without it and if they really want it they will let you know. The RFE would only cost you maybe 2 weeks anyway.

Edited by garya505, 16 March 2008 - 12:00 AM.

garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-15 23:59:00
PhilippinesUS embassy Manila, interview apparel
QUOTE (elar14 @ Mar 15 2008, 04:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancée is very concerned about what to wear to her interview (she doesnt know the date yet, our NOA2 was just approved) she doesn't know what the requisites are: business, casual, etc.

The main reason she is concerned is she lives in the province, and the stores there do not have anything decent as far as dresses go (I know from first hand knowledge...we shopped there for our pamanhikan) but she will have cash on hand when she gets to Manila to buy something nice...she just wants to know what is required to wear.

If anyone has any knowledge on this subject, please let us know...she tends to worry about things like this wink.gif

Thanks in advance!


I'd say it's not important really, just don't dress like a prostitute! laughing.gif

But seriously, it was cool in there and you have to sit around waiting a while, so I'd suggest wearing long sleeves and you might want to bring a sweater.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-17 15:33:00
PhilippinesDoes anybody here who will leave thru CONTINENTAL AIRLINES via GUAM?
QUOTE (july052007 @ Mar 17 2008, 06:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (garya505 @ Mar 17 2008, 12:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (amy n @ Mar 16 2008, 02:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I will travel alone. tongue.gif My ticket shows I have to go Guam, Hawaii, Texas and Florida. So, my POE is Guam right? wink.gif Can you give me DOs and Donts please....I already research yes.gif but, i need to hear from your experiences. Thanks a whole lot guys


I guess you got my PM already but yes Guam is your POE. But that's just for Immigration. Baggage is another matter. When we flew from Manila to Guam and then on to Honolulu last February, we got our bags in Honolulu, not Guam.


how huge is the airport? is it an easy POE for a first timer?
my husband and i are looking for an easy not so huge and time consuming airport for my POE in the future, we're thinking of Vegas, detroit or maybe guam...... i guess baggage depends on the airlines... sometimes they transfer it directly to where youre going...no need to get the luggages.. but sometimes you do.. guess just have to ask when checking in if you have to get and transfer luggages on connecting flights... thanks in advance!

looking for POE experiences from Detroit, Vegas, and Guam.... anything else u can suggest as an easy POE will do.. pls dont hesitate to write down any info...


The Guam airport is small and the POE was really easy. The officer was a Philipino guy who was really nice (but only Tagalog mad.gif ).
The Guam baggage entry is processed in Honolulu because of US Customs, not the airlines. You bags have to be claimed and rechecked onto the US domestic flight.


One of my friends entered in Las Vegas and said it was easy too, but from what they told me, not as easy as Guam.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-17 14:25:00
PhilippinesDoes anybody here who will leave thru CONTINENTAL AIRLINES via GUAM?
QUOTE (amy n @ Mar 16 2008, 02:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I will travel alone. tongue.gif My ticket shows I have to go Guam, Hawaii, Texas and Florida. So, my POE is Guam right? wink.gif Can you give me DOs and Donts please....I already research yes.gif but, i need to hear from your experiences. Thanks a whole lot guys


I guess you got my PM already but yes Guam is your POE. But that's just for Immigration. Baggage is another matter. When we flew from Manila to Guam and then on to Honolulu last February, we got our bags in Honolulu, not Guam.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-17 00:48:00
PhilippinesHow are the Medical appointments made?
QUOTE (Joe&Ghe @ Mar 19 2008, 06:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (garya505 @ Mar 19 2008, 04:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Joe&Ghe @ Mar 19 2008, 03:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So that means you can just go ahead & show up at the SLEC without any appointment letter? Can you do the medical 2-3 weeks in advance or does it have to be 1 week prior to interview? so many questions..sorry bout that.


They say you need the appointment letter, but sometimes people get in with a print-out from the Embassy website showing your appointment date.

The medical at SLEC needs to be at least 1 week before the interview. I always recommend going early in case additional tests are required, or you are planning to start a family right away (MMR vaccine requires 1 month wait before becoming pregnant blush.gif ). My wife went 1 month before interview. You don't need an appointment at SLEC.



So in short what you are saying is..you can go get your medical done at St.Lukes weeks in advance. Thanks.


Korek ka dyan. yes.gif
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-19 22:37:00
PhilippinesHow are the Medical appointments made?
QUOTE (Mike_Zandy @ Mar 19 2008, 04:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (garya505 @ Mar 19 2008, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Joe&Ghe @ Mar 19 2008, 03:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So that means you can just go ahead & show up at the SLEC without any appointment letter? Can you do the medical 2-3 weeks in advance or does it have to be 1 week prior to interview? so many questions..sorry bout that.


They say you need the appointment letter, but sometimes people get in with a print-out from the Embassy website showing your appointment date.

The medical at SLEC needs to be at least 1 week before the interview. I always recommend going early in case additional tests are required, or you are planning to start a family right away (MMR vaccine requires 1 month wait before becoming pregnant blush.gif ). My wife went 1 month before interview. You don't need an appointment at SLEC.


I guess I will just call the embassy.. I am going to call the 888 # and see if I can make and appointment here shortly since I have my MNL #. I think if I am reading right.. My fiancee doesn't have to have a appointment for the medical. Just show up. I will find out shortly.

SLEC = St. lukes?



Normally, unless you are special star_smile.gif the Embassy schedules the interview appointment and tells you when it is. When you call, they will tell you if yours is scheduled yet. If it's not, you just have to wait. crying.gif

St. Lukes (SLEC) doesn't actually have appointments, they just give you a date 1 week before interview but you can always go earlier.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-19 18:33:00
PhilippinesHow are the Medical appointments made?
QUOTE (Joe&Ghe @ Mar 19 2008, 03:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So that means you can just go ahead & show up at the SLEC without any appointment letter? Can you do the medical 2-3 weeks in advance or does it have to be 1 week prior to interview? so many questions..sorry bout that.


They say you need the appointment letter, but sometimes people get in with a print-out from the Embassy website showing your appointment date.

The medical at SLEC needs to be at least 1 week before the interview. I always recommend going early in case additional tests are required, or you are planning to start a family right away (MMR vaccine requires 1 month wait before becoming pregnant blush.gif ). My wife went 1 month before interview. You don't need an appointment at SLEC.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-19 18:08:00
PhilippinesCFO --- is it before or after interview?
QUOTE (Joe&Ghe @ Mar 19 2008, 03:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do you attend CFO before or after the interview? Also, can the benificiary just show up to attend the seminar without any appointment notice?


You can do it before or after the interview and no appointment is needed. Which one is better really depends on your schedule, and how far you are from Manila. If you do it before you receive your VISA, you will have to return there to get the stamp in your passport.

Sometimes they give you a little personal interview and might ask questions about your fiance, and they can request documents such as divorce papers of your fiance. If you don't have what they want, they will ask you to return with it later. They asked my fiancee (now ny wife of course) for photos of us.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-19 18:00:00
PhilippinesSLEC - Pregnant Beneficiary
I believe MMR is only contraindicated for pregnant women in the first trimester.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-13 01:31:00
PhilippinesFlying on Korean Air (E-Ticket) purchased in the US..
I've flown to the Philippines on Philippine Airlines, Korean, Northwest, and Delta all on e-tickets and never got asked for the credit card used to buy the ticket.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-01-29 16:43:00
PhilippinesUS embassy Manila consul questions?
QUOTE (jom @ Feb 8 2008, 06:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
One very unexpected question asked during my interview : Did you talk to other men online before you met your fiance?

I quickly answered YES smile.gif Follow up question was : And why did you choose him?

Goodluck!!


Seems to me the CO asked something like that too, and my fiance said "because he's the one to prove he was serious to me", or something like that.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-08 20:55:00
PhilippinesUS embassy Manila consul questions?
QUOTE (haroldmarichelle @ Feb 8 2008, 05:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (garya505 @ Feb 8 2008, 06:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The pre-screener asked me what day I got there but I was so nervous I couldn't remember the date!

It seems that they will sometimes ask questions that have already been answered on your forms. I think this is the old detective trick of asking questions to see if your answers agree with information you may have given before.


Can i join my fiancee in the pre-screener stage?
The question they asked you "when you got there" what do you mean? The 1st time you visit or when you got there at that time for the interview?

HD


Yes, you can go with her. The pre-screener is just at a window, not an interview room. My fiance was so nervous she was shaking. I was very polite and stood to the side holding the papers, but the pre-screener asked me for the I-134 and supporting docs, then asked me some questions. The pre-screeners seem to be very rushed and stern, but that's probably just because thay have to push a lot of people through, and they know some of them are lying. Yes, she asked me what day I got there on that trip for the interview. She also asked me how many times I visted, and for how long. She asked us each if we had ever been married, and if either of us had any children. She was shuffling through the papers the whole time she was talking. She asked for 2 photos of us together, and 1 letter (snail mail) from each of us. Our case was fairly simple, no marriages, no kids, all "clean" docs.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-08 20:43:00
PhilippinesUS embassy Manila consul questions?
The pre-screener asked me what day I got there but I was so nervous I couldn't remember the date!

It seems that they will sometimes ask questions that have already been answered on your forms. I think this is the old detective trick of asking questions to see if your answers agree with information you may have given before.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-08 18:09:00
PhilippinesUS embassy Manila consul questions?
QUOTE (haroldmarichelle @ Feb 8 2008, 02:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For K-1 visa Manila consul who got approved and finish the Visa Journey.

What questions the consul asked?

We're getting ready for the interview and I wanted to know the typical questions the consul would asked?

thank you for any help....

HD


How long have you known your fiance?
What is his job?
Where does your husband live?
How old is he? When is his birthday?
Does he have a house or apartment?
Does he have any hobbies?
How many times did he visit you? How long?
Does he have any sisters or brothers?
Have you ever been married?
Do you have any children?
Has your husband ever been married?
Does your husband have any children? How old are they?
When do you plan to get married?
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-08 17:40:00
PhilippinesWife's family demanding money
Anyone marrying someone from a poor family should make sure he/she knows the expectations of the spouse and family in advance. This goes for domestic marriages as well as international.

In the case of Filipinas, some families are just happy to see their daughter marry a guy from the US. It's somewhat of a status symbol for them. As my wife says, her family is "proud".
Filipino tradition is that the children help support the family, which of course is strange to us in the US, but that needs to be understood by the US spouse. Now, some of the women and families have expectations regarding money, and that's what you've got to watch out for. Some families will really pressure their daughter to send more money, which is very sad IMO.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-03-06 19:36:00
PhilippinesAnother Fil-AM Pride
QUOTE (Paulily @ Sep 7 2007, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
unsure.gif ohmy.gif What is this Latest News about our Filipina Pride? NUDE Pictures for her Boyfriend Zac Efron????

http://ns4w.org/vane...dgens-nude-pic/

http://www.nationall...272615923.shtml

She's not the sweet innocent girl as we think sad.gif


shocked.gif
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2007-09-07 11:00:00
PhilippinesIs box will be fine?
QUOTE (PatientlyWaiting @ Aug 22 2007, 11:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For trans-pacific flights, you are allowed two pieces of checked in luggage (or 2 balikbayan boxes) the weight of each box of which should not exceed 70 pounds or 32 kilos. You are also allowed one small carry-on. However, do check with the airline you are flying with as baggage policies do vary. Make sure you mention you are flying trans-pacific.


The last time I flew, it was a 50lb limit for each bag. Anything over 50lbs is charged extra.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2007-08-23 15:28:00
PhilippinesHow many luggage for petite filipina leaving PI???
Watch out for carryon weight too. The last time a flew PAL they were weighing carryons (though not consistently) and they made me take some stuff out of my single carryon bag.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-02 23:00:00
PhilippinesK-1 Visa denied at interview, for meeting at Cherry Blossoms.com
QUOTE (Tanjay @ Jan 23 2008, 07:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do you think if you met at Cherry Blossoms, or Filipinahearts your fiancee will be denied visa at interview? I hope nobody is worried about this.....They are both marriage brokers. So, your fiancee may not receive a visa. No matter how strong the love is...you both met at the wrong place. If only you met at Yahoo Personals, or Match.com instead. crying.gif


No. It's not a problem.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-02-09 00:29:00
PhilippinesK-1 Visa denied at interview, for meeting at Cherry Blossoms.com
My wife and I met on Cherry Blossoms. It never came up at interview or any other time. It's really not an issue.
garya505Not TellingPhilippines2008-01-25 04:05:00