ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesFast Way to Send money to Fiance in Philippines?
THANK GOD I FOUND THIS FORUM. just had a verybad experience this weekend. i had to send money to the Philippines and used xoom.com and i didnt know that if checking account is being used, it'll take 5 working days for the money to get to the system of ML lhuiller where my hubby can claim the money. i didtn know that... all i was relying to was their ad on tv. they should have mentioned about that... but now??? ill try to go to wells fargo and get some info on the 2.50 charge for money transfer... and also, how can i get that paypal that mentioned on the previous reply?

been using western union for 3 yrs now but its getting expensive already.. we just realized they are charging $1 for the receiver to claim the money and $12 for the sender.

its getting too much!!!
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-06-23 15:10:00
Philippinesflying with the baby
my son was 5months old when i flew him from philippines to LAX. During take off and landing, he had pacifier and bottle with just fruit juice in it... until the plane settled down. make sure to ask for basinet from the flight attendant. if youre taking PAL, bring extra blankie for your angel to lay on. and lets cross our fingers off that youll have a very nice co-passenger sitting next to you... they can help you too... i had a hard flight back then, and plus there's this storm that was happening in asia... but hoping you'll have an easier and have a safe and happy trip!
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-07-06 13:18:00
Philippineswhat to wear going to us?
Everything that happened during our first entry in the US are all stored in the core of our brains huh? way back 1999 can still remember my exact attire when i got on the plane and my first step to LAX.

i was wearing jeans departing Manila and when the plane settled down, right before they served the meal.... i changed attire to my great and comfortable PAJAMAS AND comfortable LONGSLEEVES. 2 hrs before landing, had to changed back to jeans and shirts for my
POE... that was so much comfortable so i could curled up and can move a little bit in the very small space.

everytime i go home i always do that.... made the looong trip a litte bit better.
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-07-06 12:00:00
PhilippinesEVA and HAWAIIAN
i flew with EVA AIR and had just one way ticket... booked it with a travel agent which happens to be my aunt. i paid her cash, she gave me the e-ticket and didnt had any hassle at all.

i had 1 way ticket way back in 2004 with PAL and twas good too... no problems... i paid cash thru a travel agent.
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-07-13 18:40:00
PhilippinesFilipino Fruit
nag lalaway naman ako while reading all the posts.... i usually see frozen santol sa mga oriental stores... and maybe saw frozen lanzones too.... hopin' youre close to one of these asian stores... they are the greatest.... CONGRATULATIONS AND TAKE IT EASY!!!
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-07-13 18:43:00
PhilippinesOFF TOPIC- lumpia wrapper?
some people here in our area also call it EGGROLL WRAPPER!
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-07-22 16:58:00
Philippinesair21
im guessing its the VISA!
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-07-23 12:34:00
PhilippinesWEDDING IN CALIFORNIA
hi.... im next to riverside county! i live in Lomalinda!
when my cousin applied for marraige cert here in San Bernardino Hall of records... all they need was the passport! and im for sure they paid 80bucks...
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-07-29 15:23:00
PhilippinesRefused Visa
as what ive learned from my cousin's case... they had to turn in additional document after the interview and they really waited 6 weeks until they made a follow-call. my cousins' fiance just got here in the US just fine....
you should be fine.... so nothing to worry....
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-07-28 18:43:00
PhilippinesSome things that remind me of Pinas
when i am in pinas i dont even tune my TV to any filipino channel ( not much even to watch TV ) now??? all day long.... even 25 hrs... (hehehehe longer that 24 huh?) naka ON lang sa TFC... i even cry wheneve the WOWOWEE is having a great BIGATIN! that really reminds me of HOME
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-07-07 16:59:00
PhilippinesWestern Union Sucks
i am using LBC money remittance... for every 100.00 dollars, they charge 3.00 ... so everytime i send like 200.00 i get to pay 206.00

for the first time you apply for an account, they will set up a ATM card just for LBC and its totally free.... your family in the Philippines will receive the card in 3 days and thats they card that they will use whenever you send the money... they will just have to withdraw from that LBC atm.

>>> send money thru a LBC office here and they can withdraw the money from their LBC atm in 5 mins.. its free and i didnt had any problem since i use that...

>>> been using western too for 3 years but i find it expensive if i just send like 1-2hundred dollars...
>>> but if sending thousands... better use other option maybe xoom.com
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-08-20 14:07:00
PhilippinesTerms of endearment.
i call him "dad" and he calls me "mom" wheneve the kids are around but when they're asleep? we call each other "mahal"..... not to mention the fullname calling when were both pissed! i hated it.... it sounds like where just neighbors

Edited by -mitch-, 27 July 2009 - 01:58 PM.

-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-07-27 13:57:00
Philippinesfilipina living in Carlsbad, California?
If you throw a stone in a crowd in san diego, most likely you'll hit a filipino!!!!!

im from Lomalinda in san bernardino county... we could be friends too... smile.gif
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-11-05 17:43:00
PhilippinesSmall Misunderstandings May Result In A Lifetime Of Regrets
i was shaken and awaken by this story.... thanks for sharing!
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-09-29 16:17:00
PhilippinesPlease can a bisaya speaker translate something for me? :)
i tried sending you a pm...basi pa diay makatabang ko.....( i might be of help)
-mitch-FemalePhilippines2009-07-01 18:18:00
USCIS Service CentersNVC or USCIS phone hours??
(hint: Google the phone number)

1-800-375-5283 is USCIS Customer Service.

Live assistance is available Monday through Friday as follows:

Customers calling from Alaska: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time;
Customers calling from Hawaii: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM local time;
Customers calling from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time;
Customers calling from anywhere else in the United States: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time.
In Guam, live assistance is available Tuesday through Saturday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM local time.

The best times to call the NCSC for personal assistance are Tuesday through Friday.


http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Edited by NutMagnet, 06 November 2009 - 05:01 AM.

NutMagnetMale02009-11-06 04:58:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Can someone tell me how the waiver process works once it is submitted?
QUOTE (1Fleur2 @ Nov 2 2009, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My husband was denied his AOS due to a past criminal record (possession of a controlled substance when he was 18). Apparrently there is a new law that gives applicants only a few weeks to file a waiver after their AOS denial. We hired an attorney to help with this process, however this time around I am not clear as to how the process actually works. I know there is a long waiting period, but is there an interview? Can someone give me an idea of what to expect and what the present wait is? We are filing next week, in the U.S. Thanks for the help.


Thirty days, from what I remember, but if there is a new law, well? I believe it would be an I-601 Waiver.

Work with your attorney. Get his butt in gear and file for an extension. Things will work out in due course.
NutMagnetMale02009-11-05 01:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow many times did you meet with your fiancé before submitting I-129F?
Six times too many.

Edited by NutMagnet, 23 January 2010 - 06:30 AM.

NutMagnetMale02010-01-23 06:29:00
Asia: East and PacificK1 denied.. now what??
QUOTE (NODINK @ Oct 27 2009, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Petitioner proposed marriage to beneficiary within 4 days of meeting in person for the 1st time.


Looks like Big Brother is looking out for you.

Edited by NutMagnet, 28 October 2009 - 10:39 PM.

NutMagnetMale02009-10-28 22:38:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow strict on I-130 pictures
QUOTE (brainiac @ Jul 23 2009, 11:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am a US citizen and was married in Colombia. I have a question about the pictures that were taken for our I-130 submission. There are apparently different dimensions required for passport vs. visa. The pics we had are visa style and look slightly doctored. Will these be rejected on submission of I-130? S
ee attachments.



They certainly look doctored to me, there appears to be a large white oval where the FACE should be. "Will these be rejected on submission of I-130?" Its six to five, and you pick 'em. headbonk.gif goofy.gif jest.gif
NutMagnetMale02009-07-27 02:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIs engagement ring important?
QUOTE (KGH @ Aug 26 2009, 07:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Every one,

is having engagement ring important at the time of interview? I met my fiancee but we didn't get each other engagement ring, is having it important.

Thanks



NO

In many countries, the wearing of jewelery in public invites theft and robbery. If it important to YOU, go out and pick up some cheap fake diamond gold plated ring for show. Your "real" ring will come later on.


NM


NutMagnetMale02009-09-07 04:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionhelp! interview next week..theres some problem
QUOTE (Mc and R.kid @ Oct 2 2009, 12:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello, has anyone had experience with identification? The file the embassy has on me lists me without my middle name, but my passport and NSO have my middle name listed. Will this be an issue for me? My interview is on this tuesday.

Thanks unsure.gif


No worries, they already know your middle name from the G-325A. They will include it where necessary.

Good luch,

NM
NutMagnetMale02009-10-02 00:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPLEASE! HELP!
Excellent advice!!!

Edited by NutMagnet, 29 October 2009 - 12:27 AM.

NutMagnetMale02009-10-29 00:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPLEASE! HELP!
QUOTE (itzallgood @ Oct 28 2009, 09:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Anh map @ Oct 28 2009, 09:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (BowieChick @ Oct 29 2009, 12:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Anh map @ Oct 28 2009, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Take it back to the embassy and they will reseal it.



Seriously? It's that easy?


Some things, not many, are that easy in this crazy immigration process. good.gif



But the envelope has 3 words in huge letters on it: DO NOT OPEN. Really, dude opened it anyways? whistling.gif



Yeahhh! Hesus Cristo who can be so dummb. Her know in adbaces about dat. How can U trusts her now? Maybe thay have problem reading 'n have harder time in USa. I think maybe stay home and studys ABC's

Edited by NutMagnet, 29 October 2009 - 12:19 AM.

NutMagnetMale02009-10-29 00:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-157, Question 9, Countries entered in last 10 years

Question 9 on the DS-157 asks for the beneficiary to list all countries entered in the last 10 years. Exactly what is meant by "entered?"



Arrival stamps in the passport.
NutMagnetMale02010-01-23 07:28:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionMy Packet (and what I'm leaving out of it)
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Aug 8 2009, 07:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We included our tax returns. They like to see 'mingled assets' and filing a joint return is good proof of that.


Good evidence at best.


NM
NutMagnetMale02009-08-12 01:02:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCall from Immigration officer
QUOTE (lucy1 @ Aug 11 2009, 01:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys. I just received a call from Immig. Lady asked me if I still live with my husband and what is our address. What do you think. Should I be concern?


Always be careful "giving out" information over the phone.

"Sorry Ma'am, I don't know you. What address do you have on file and I will confirm it."

As you verified the call originating from immigration department number, and the time frame co-insides with your application submission. Satisfy yourself that you most likely knocked off weeks or months of waiting time by talking with this person.

Discuss with your husband how you should handle phone calls from strangers asking for information. There is a large industry of bad people who try to collect information by calling random and sequential phone numbers.


NutMagnetMale02009-08-12 00:59:00
PhilippinesQuestion for a friend
QUOTE (MayaLar @ Jul 22 2009, 12:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A friend of mine will be having her interview next week...She is wondering if she needs to have a notarized letter explaining reason of being late registered? other than that, does she need other supporting documents like baptismal certificate, voter's ID, transcript of records? what are the other things needed at the embassy if you are late registered?

Thank you so much in advance! rose.gif



Her Live Birth is stamped LATE REGISTRATION in the upper right corner in the box labled REMARKS/ANNOTATION. It will not go unnoticed.

Affidavit of Acknowledgement/Admission Of Paternity, and Affidavit For Delayed Registration Of Birth should be Page 2 of 2 of her Late Registered Live Birth as obtained from the NSO.

Prepere her to bring copious amounts of old ID's, school year books, school records, everything possible with her name, photo and birth date.

Evidence of her identity that was issued four years ago and older will most likely be requested in addition to the standard set of recommended documents that may still include, passport, Postal ID, NBI, SSS, barangay clearance, baptismal certificate/book, cedula, Voter's ID, NBI Certificate. The more old and expired ID's, the better.

BTW: How late registered is she?

Good luck

NM

Edited by NutMagnet, 25 July 2009 - 11:32 PM.

NutMagnetMale02009-07-25 23:31:00
PhilippinesHow can she call me while traveling here?
QUOTE (Brian&Naty @ Aug 5 2009, 07:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Naty is flying from Manila to Fort Lauderdale via Guam, Honolulu, Texas, then here. She has a layover in Houston. Do they have calling cards there in the terminal? I do not have a land line so she cannot call me collect. Those cards can be a real pain to use. Any Ideas?



Sign up for something like www.pincity.com and load the account with $10. They have local access numbers as well as 800#'s so she could call you from anywhere in the 48 for under a nickle a minute. They do have surcharge of about $0.70 for calls originating from a pay phone, hotels and regular lines no worry. Easy, quick solution.

Edited by NutMagnet, 12 August 2009 - 12:27 AM.

NutMagnetMale02009-08-12 00:24:00
PhilippinesPassing the Interview with Petitioner there.
QUOTE (Mr.&Mrs.A @ Sep 6 2009, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has anyone gone through the interview with the petitioner right there with them and been denied? If so, can you state the reasons you were denied and what you did about it?



I will answer for my ex-wife in irrevocable absenteeism, YES. Reasons being her late registration Live Birth and lack of sufficient old ID's.

They kept her passport and she was given Form 221(g) "Wait until you hear from us." We did pay for Delbros courier delivery, so not a denial.

After phone calls to the IV Immigrant Visa Unit and a request for appeal was faxed to the embassy, a second interview was arranged 2 weeks later. Same story, lack of old ID's. She claimed that she lost her old memoirs from from moving around and also due to a house fire in the squatters, I saw the fire damage on the walls personally. Still on administrative review.

She contacted her elementary school principal who sent her transcripts to the Embassy, and I also followed up with a congressional inquiry.

Three months from initial interview, Delbros was walking down her street with her visa. I believe the US Embassy now uses a different delivery service than Delbros.

Just remember that the petition first has to be approved by the USCIS service center, then by the Dept of State, THEN it gets forwarded to the Embassy in Manila who's duty is to interview the candidate in person to review and verify the aforementioned. Any case that they put on administrative review is for good cause.

If you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to worry about.













NutMagnetMale02009-09-08 02:40:00
PhilippinesFIANCE AT THE INTERVIEW
QUOTE (LaneAndDaisy @ Sep 4 2009, 11:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks matt and bing..very nice experience there..u know my fiance and I are having confusing thoughts about this if this will help us get the approval after long torment months just to get the approval of the embassy...if this will help us get the famous pink slip, why slip the chance??

i hope there will be more posts as im weighing things really...glad u replied and thanks so much for ur time and effort to write ur experiences...

god bless



Having the USC at the interview is good evidence of ongoing relationship, whether or not he will be able to sit in at the interview is up to the CO. In any case, USC's presence will be noted and they will know he's waiting.

One case where the USC was allowed in the interview, the CO told the USC, "I will ask your fiancee questions and she will respond. Then I will ask you questions and you will respond. Do you both understand?"

Be aware of possible delays in processing and delivery of your visa. Buying an advance one-way air ticket back to the States so that you can both fly back together is a nerve-racking risk and not recommended as per the documents in your forthcoming embassy "packets" and the personal experiences of many here.

One good thing if your USC fiancee can make the trip is that he use his airline luggage allowance (typ. 2 X 35kg) to help bring the bulk of your belongings back to the States with him, or in the best of situations, fly back together so he can help you with your bags/boxes and navigation through airports and the longest airplane ride of your life.

Good luck!

NM
NutMagnetMale02009-09-04 13:46:00
Philippinesquestion abt eva air
QUOTE (nora_g @ Oct 2 2009, 08:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks for replying although your reply has nothing to do with my questions at all



Sorry, I forgot to provide a phone number and that is what you specifically asked for.

I gave only their website and tips about getting that 1st time one way immigrant discount fare to the US (currently MNL-LAX $420 USD on EvaAir via TPE) and a free ride to the airport from Ermita/MM.

Just trying to be as helpful as possible.

Have fun.

NM
NutMagnetMale02009-10-04 09:36:00
Philippinesquestion abt eva air
QUOTE (nora_g @ Oct 1 2009, 06:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
again my sincerest thanks to every one.My husband and I will be callin the numbers u gave us guys and check for a better deal.our sincerest appreciations to y'all.anyone from south jersey pls do contact me that we can meet sometimes...in cherry hill mall hehheehhehhe.seriously



If you are in Manila, or will be staying there the night before your flight, may I suggest Swagman Hotel and Travel www.swaggy.com Their office and hotel is across Roxas Blvd from the main gate of the US Embassy and 1 block east on A. Flores Ave. The Embassy CO's eat lunch there! Honest Australian operation will full service travel agency and hotel, good breakfast buffet, starts around 5am, and otherwise good restaurant, plus FREE mini-van to and from the airport, with no monkey business in dealing with the taxi mafia.

This hotel is not The Ritz diba, but they have made many renovations in the past years. I'll call it 2.5 star accommodations with 4 star service. It is very safe there and 1/2 block from 7-11 and Wendy's Hamburgers, both 24/7, Pizza Hut 2 blocks away. Swagman's steaks are some of the best in the RP and they have Tagalog food too all at reasonable cost.

Ask them for the 'First Time Overseas Traveler" discount on all air tickets. I have never heard that any credit card numbers have been misused by them. I have booked my ongoing air tickets by phone and email through them for over 10 years from the USA and they give me the tickets upon check in. No surprises, seamless transactions. BTW; Swagman has hotels and offices in many popular destinations in the RP, they have a good visa renewal service for those staying over 21 days.

Across A. Flores St from the Swagman are photo studios who can set you up with Kodak passport photos. I think it was P120 for 6 pieces. They have collar shirts, ties and jackets that you can wear for the photos. Directly across the street from the hotel in a white building next to the alley. 10 minute service. They know their business, best to get extra passport photos anyway for the paperwork to be filed in the USA.


Good luck,

NM



NutMagnetMale02009-10-02 03:34:00
PhilippinesMy filipina wife
EWOK & ALL,

We are all friends and at the end of the day there is no one amongst us that wouldn't buy the 2nd round for all at the pub.
NutMagnetMale02009-10-15 01:43:00
PhilippinesMy filipina wife
QUOTE (Rocky_nBullwinkle @ Oct 14 2009, 08:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I met three Pinays here whom are all married to white guys. The problem is we don't get to meet often because we're all busy with work. Bummer! I settled to make friends with the Mexicans at work. They are sorta like Pinoys in some ways. yes.gif



We? White guys busy with work in the USA? That speaks volumes in favor of our industrious society. What else besides the Yo-YO, flooding and poverty can your 7100 islands account for besides earning your rank as the #2 high fraud country for immigration to USA?

Edited by NutMagnet, 15 October 2009 - 12:12 AM.

NutMagnetMale02009-10-15 00:11:00
PhilippinesMy filipina wife
Are there any Asian or Oriental grocery stores close by? I'm sure she is getting hungry for "real" food. Many of these specialty stores carry free Asian community newspapers, a bulletin board up on the wall somewhere, and the owners can help with networking too.

Try this http://www.thefilipi...oresinOhio.html

and here: http://www.google.co...p...;fp=1&cad=b


If you don't have one already, I would strongly consider buying her a Magic Sing karaoke microphone. She'll know what it is and it will help with her boredom. In fact, nothing will say "I Love You" more than a dried fish and a Magic Sing. Get the set up with 2 microphones so you can join in also (talent not required).

In addition, there are 10's of thousands of karaoke songs in all languages and genres avaliable on the Internet and in the Usenet newsgroups along with the software to play and sing on your computer, or burn to CD-R and play on a multi-format karoake standalone DVD player.

Keeping busy helps with the adjustment. PM me for more info on the karaoke stuff.

Good luck!

NM
NutMagnetMale02009-10-14 15:55:00
PhilippinesFor those who had recent Interview
QUOTE (Mr.&Mrs.A @ Oct 28 2009, 05:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know most interviews only last about 5+ minutes. When the pre-screener & CO look at IRS returns did they carefully examine each page or do they just look at line 22 of your 1040 form. My reason for asking is my tax returns are at least 15 pages long and don't want to unnessarily drag out the interview. Anyone who has been through the interview recently, your input would be appreciated.



My hubby give dem that them his corporations papers and attach to 1040s for 3 years ago bcuz hes makulit. Filipino screener guy listen to my dialect and joke 3x only den tell me I speke good Bisayan n dat he have sisters in cebu.

I think you ok.

Edited by NutMagnet, 29 October 2009 - 12:08 AM.

NutMagnetMale02009-10-29 00:07:00
PhilippinesNeed help and advice
QUOTE (MikeInWyoming @ Oct 28 2009, 07:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I gather you are not in the PI yourself. This is an example of how being there helps.



And why would it help Mr. Fields Ave?
NutMagnetMale02009-10-28 22:59:00
PhilippinesTerminal fees
QUOTE (nowhereman @ Oct 28 2009, 11:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Depends on where you live... in the Atlanta area there are several Asian food markets that are affordable and offer fresh vegetables & quality meat. My wife enjoys when we shop there.


I am very proud to you and your asawa-ko for enjoy to shop in the Atlanta.

That Atlanta must be a great place to live. And for us cost or affordable means nothing. U on budget Charlie?

What is "quality meat?" Maybes I txt your wife again. tongue.gif

Edited by NutMagnet, 28 October 2009 - 11:10 PM.

NutMagnetMale02009-10-28 23:06:00
PhilippinesStuff my fiance needs..missing anything?
QUOTE (Starlight95 @ Oct 28 2009, 08:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do they really want your fiance to bring the original NOA2? A copy of it is not suffice?



Copy pine 'cus they send it before.
NutMagnetMale02009-10-28 23:46:00