ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesWhat has your adjustment to life in the USA been like?
QUOTE (USA1138 @ Jul 24 2008, 03:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all,

Now that the reality is here I juat wanted to (hopefully honestly) hear from some of you out there.

What has it been like for you here in the USA? Everything is different from the life I had there in Phil. Our life there is so laid back.

For those of you that have been here for about a year now, is everything the same for you? Is your love still as strong? Stronger everyday

What if any problems have you had in your relationship and how have you overcome them? Open communication is the key. We don't let the sun go down on issues.

What do you miss back home? Family and friends and Jeepneys

How long after you have been here did you wait until you returned back home to visit? Was it just as hard to leave the second time to come back to the USA? Been here for 9 months now and we plan to go home this October.

What did you think life would be like here in the USA before you came here and now that you are here what do you think? What would you tell someone life is like here? I already have some idea of the life here before I arrived since my youngest sister is here. I just taught that I could find job that easy and money is easy but it is not really . People here work so hard and always on the run. I always tell my family and friends the reality of the life here. You have to work hard to have money.

Do you find our foods to be the same or totally different? not really, I can eat all food here.

Has any of his/her friends offended you in anyway and how did you handle it? Never

Have you had any racial issues? Sometimes.. instead of talking to me they will talk to my husband thinking that I don't speak English.

Is your husband/wife everything you had hoped for? Has anything changed? yeah He really is.

What have you enjoyed the most about being here in the USA? What have you not enjoyed? Being with the man I love so much, driving and going to places.

I am asking this to all of you because recently while trying to book my flight, the travel agent stated he has been dealing with the Philippine culture since 1964 and he flat out stated that my marriage would break down in 9-12 months. That I should hold off on Marrying her and see how the first 60 days go. Not to have a child within the first year. ohmy.gif This shocked me to be hearing this. He went on stating that she will hear things she does not like while being here. She will keep things in. She will miss her family too much. She will realize that people here are not as friendly as back home. Family is not as close to one another here as back home. It will all start to build within her until about that 9-12 month period and she will ask to go home. He said he has seen it time and time again over the past 40 years of booking flights for people getting married to filippina girls. I was silent on the phone. I was in shock.

After I hung the phone up I felt my heart drop. I had a talk with her(fiance) that night about all these issues that the travel agent raised. She stated this is her decision. She understands fully what she is doing and as long as I am by her side, she will be fine. She stated we can build our own family here(USA) and raise them the way we want.

That is why I asked the above questions. If you would please answer what you wish and feel free to comment on what the travel agent said after.

Thanks ~J~


ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-25 04:59:00
PhilippinesWhy Choose a Filipino Girl
QUOTE (Sheriff Uling @ Jul 29 2008, 04:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'll be watching...



Thank you Sheriff ..
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-29 15:13:00
PhilippinesINTERVIEW PASSED!!!
QUOTE (egwgewggewgegewge @ Jul 31 2008, 02:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
YES YES!! YAHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

WE PASSED THE INTERVIEW!!!

kicking.gif kicking.gif



congratulations!!! I can still remember after my interview we want back to the hotel and I kept jumping in our room like a very silly girl .. rofl.gif rofl.gif
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-31 08:21:00
PhilippinesHotel near NAIA
yes riz, duol sya sa heritage. nice baya ang place and superb jud ang customer service, i think that is their biggest+. I've stayed in westin (sofitel na karon iyang name), manila pen, waterfront, marco polo etc. though courteous ang ilang mga staff pero lahi ra jud sila muatiman if foreigner compared sa kapwa pinoy unlike sa mabuhay, serbisyo galore jud sila kahit pinoy ang guest. sayang pud bitaw ang ibayad kung pila ra ka oras ang stay... just give mabuhay manor a try and let your husband experience pinoy hospitability at its best.

wala ko nila gibayaran ha, wala sad koy discount sa ila, i'm just one satisfied customer.
[/quote]


rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-01 05:34:00
PhilippinesHotel near NAIA
QUOTE (blairbitxh @ Aug 1 2008, 01:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
dbears is correct about all the details she mentioned about Mabuhay Manor, I think cockroach is isolated case anyway, but I saw a cricket once in their bathroom. It is clean and disinfected enough and would pass 3 star hotel standard I think. There are 2 Queen size bed in most of the room, except if you chose Junior suite. What I like most about Mabuhay Manor is their Wi-fi access. I also like their Prayer Room.
Oh they also have free pick up and drop off from and to Mall of Asia everyday (as of this season) but with designated times (11 am, 3 pm and 8 pm if I am not mistaken).


star_smile.gif star_smile.gif star_smile.gif star_smile.gif star_smile.gif star_smile.gif star_smile.gif blairbitxh



Thanks Blair.. im considering wi-fi access too .. addict sa online here ..I don't mind the cockroach at all i can chase them or kill them hahhaha but my husband I don't know.I have not seen it here since i came here.
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-01 05:19:00
PhilippinesHotel near NAIA
QUOTE (dbears @ Jul 31 2008, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
there is also kabayan hotel in pasay, near MRT taft, i haven't tried the place so I can't say if ok. yong paligid hindi ok but the accesibility of the place is good.


As for Mabuhay manor, I would also recommend the place, they have the nicest staff ever. I have been to many 5 star hotels in Manila, Cebu and Davao when I was still working for a multinational pharmaceutical company but I have yet to encounter hotel staff as accomodating to the Filipino guest as they do with foreign nationals. Mabuhay manor staffs are just awesome. good.gif good.gif good.gif .

Stayed there twice last year, the rooms are not really that impressive but it is large and ok.. malinis naman yong place though I saw a few cockroach here and there pero ok lang di ko naman ikinamatay. The surrounding area is not that nice (what can you expect sa Pasay) but whatever shortcomings the place may have, it is more than compensated by the FRIENDLIEST staffs on the planet (from the guard-to the waiter- to janitor and to everybody that works there) plus they also have great variety of food choices in the breakfst buffet, pinoy na pinoy yong food which I am sure you would greatly love. and also the music that they played during breakfast, mga pinoy folk songs and christian music which suited me. The place used to be a motel but since the owner became a born again christian, he converted the place and other places he inherited from his parents into wholesome family oriented hotels... there is even a nice prayer room at mabuhay.

Just book directly from their website, and also ask for the free airport pick-up... their airport drop off used to be free but they are charging now pero their airport drop off service fee is still way lower than what other hotels charge, last time I checked 250 pa rin ata.

When do you plan to come home? We might bump into each other if you'd stay there. Me and my kids will be staying at mabuhay manor september 2 and 3 for the CFO and then early flight to NC on sept. 4.

Well, you have a safe trip soon. God bless always.


Gaye,

Thank you so much for the complete report of Mabuhay manor... i tried to remember this hotel. Is this close to Heritage? I am trying to talked out my hubby to stay in heritage when we get there kay intawon oi 12 mn mi abot unya we will fly to pagadian the next day sayang bayd sa hotel for few hours stay blink.gif Di na ta mag abot when I get there kay second of OCt mi uli diha. Salamat kaau for taking time to give me a final report. God bless you too with your kids and ur sweetiepie.

RIza
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-01 05:16:00
PhilippinesHotel near NAIA
Pink, Blairbitxh and Cloe thanks for the informations. Appreciate it girls.. good.gif
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-31 09:02:00
PhilippinesHotel near NAIA
Salamat Pink.. Have you been There? It looks very nice and indeed affordable. Kuripot kasi ako and since we will be arriving 11pm and leave the next day at 8 am i dont think that being picky is nice. Wish I could convince my partner LOL.
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-31 08:18:00
PhilippinesHotel near NAIA
Hello Guys..

Those who are familiar or living in manila.

What hotels are closer to NAIA. We will be arriving very late and I am not familiar with the place. Any help is welcome. Salamat.


RIZa
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-31 07:24:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar
I would like to add to bring copy of his BS or passport and picture of you together with his whole face on the camera because they will keep it . The woman who interviewed me was so annoyed that i dont have any copy of BC / Passport of my fiance and lecture me on How sure am I of who he was. I told her that my faince will come to attend my interview and I am so sure about who he is. They did not release my certificate on that day I have to come back after interview with my visa and my fiance's BC.
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-30 06:30:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar
I was lost so I arrived late there .LoL. But they will still let u join even u arrive at 9 am. There are paper works to finis that is why they will say 7:30am. The film showing started at 10am . God bless you Sangay and enjoy your time with family there.


Riza
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-30 05:17:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar
QUOTE (RyaNRiza @ Jul 29 2008, 04:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I called St. Mary's (Cebu) for my CFO seminar and the lady who answered me said that the seminar is done whole day and not half. This surprised me because as far as CFO posts here are concern, mostly said it will only take 2 hours. I asked the lady why the whole day, she told me that a one-on-one counseling is done in the afternoon. Any idea about this?

Btw, for those who will get their CFO seminar in Cebu, here's the direct line for US applicants: (32) 235-3745

-Riza


Riz,

When I had my seminar there in Cebu it really took whole day. The film showing starts at around 10 am and you have to come back at 1 pm for one on one counseling/ interview for 30-40 min but since there are only 3 sisters who do that. Good if you will come early so you be interview first as well.
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-29 05:53:00
PhilippinesWhat's your friendster account?
beautyriz2000@yahoo.com
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-06-13 12:12:00
PhilippinesArguements
I think this common to Filipina Mae the sulking thing. Like you, I tend to keep quite and stay in the bed for a few minutes when I am upset with My husband or something. I am more on discussing things when I get over it and when I am ready. NOt major arguments though just misunderstanding and I guess it also because both of us has never been married and it is really big change for us but love and understanding and respect are really essential in marriage life and Knowing that we made the vow not only for ourselves and with God.




Riza
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-01 16:25:00
Philippinesgurls... be careful with what you eat..
I've been here for 9 months now and still same weight( 103 lbs). My husband and I usually eat cereals or oat meal for breakfast . We eat at before 6pm dinner everyday. Maybe it is true that eating before 6pm is good. Aside from that I really like green salads too. If you are not careful in eating out surely u will gain with that big serving. The first time we ate out i tried to finish the food because it was expensive headbonk.gif now I will give half of it to him ..


Riza
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-29 06:56:00
PhilippinesMrs. Taylor!!!
Congrats Mr & Mrs. Taylor. May God continually bless you and your family.
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-26 09:47:00
PhilippinesGod GAVE up HIS Son!
So wise for a kid to declare God's love . I am touched with the video. God bless Logan !
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-05 07:33:00
PhilippinesReunited!
Welcome to America!! kicking.gif kicking.gif
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-03-21 10:37:00
PhilippinesTogether Forever
WElcome to USA and May u enjoy and have blessed life together.
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-05 04:44:00
Philippinesvisa interview today - pink slip YAY !!!
[b]congrats!!
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-05 08:47:00
PhilippinesVisa in Hand.....USA here we come!!
Congrats and welcome to USA ...
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-09 09:01:00
PhilippinesRecieved my 10 year Permanent Resident card today
Congratulations!
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-09 11:07:00
Philippinesgot my visa!!!
congratulations!!!
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-09 08:53:00
PhilippinesThe cheapest international call
it works now.. The reception is really great calling my family in mindanao. Thanks alex.
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-05-17 06:42:00
PhilippinesThe cheapest international call
I used your code but i was allowed 10 min only not 30
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-05-17 06:25:00
PhilippinesThe cheapest international call
owtel has a monthly charge of 5 dollars.. i quit using it..
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-05-15 08:07:00
PhilippinesCFO SEMINAR in CEBU
Just bring what they told you to bring. I went there without copy of my fiance husband now passport they did not give me the certificate. I have to come back after i got my visa.
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-24 08:58:00
PhilippinesVISA IN HAND FINALLY...THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!!!
congrats and happy trip to USA ..
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-09 11:03:00
Philippineswhat do you do for fun, enjoyment, consume time,while waiting for VISA?
work and spend time with family and friends.. time will just fly fast..
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-12 09:54:00
PhilippinesPOE-SEATTLE
WElcome to USA!!
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-09 08:36:00
Philippinespoe 8.10.2008 at sfo
Welcome to USA. God bless u..
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-13 04:43:00
Philippinesi was rape
This is really scary. I am so sorry of what had happen to you . I pray that God will give you strength and courage to tell the Police and your fiance.
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-14 09:11:00
PhilippinesINTERVIEW TODAY IS DONE!
Congratulations!!!
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-05 08:50:00
PhilippinesTRANSCRIPT of RECORDS: do I need to have it authenticated?
QUOTE (civiram_hcl @ Jul 20 2008, 08:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ED*Riza @ Jun 16 2008, 09:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My TOR were not authenticated and it was accepted here for evaluation by AACRAO. Some Evaluating Agency will require that your school will send the TOR directly to them. In AACRAO they only asked for a copy.


Riza

hi riza! I have a question about evaluation at AACRAO. Did you send your secondary diploma to them? thanks. Your post is very helpful.

Marivic




I did not pass my secondary diploma because I left it there but it is still okay.. In Georgia I am eligible for Teacher certificate valid for 5 yrs in Math and science ED 6-12 . I still I am waiting for some reference from the Philippines for teaching experience .
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-07-20 19:54:00
PhilippinesTRANSCRIPT of RECORDS: do I need to have it authenticated?
Dbears, Just search the board of eduction in your state because they have specific agency.. Mine was really fine. It is nice you got SPED there wish I did that too because SPED are in demand here grabe... I have to take up a 5 hr course for that alone because it is required here if you want a clear renewable certificate. Did you teacher there? if you do bring a teaching portfolio as well they might ask for you to show them your work. My coming here was not so prepared I guess.. Got to keep looking here..In time God will help me find my place here. God bless.


RIZa
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-06-16 09:57:00
PhilippinesTRANSCRIPT of RECORDS: do I need to have it authenticated?
My TOR were not authenticated and it was accepted here for evaluation by AACRAO. Some Evaluating Agency will require that your school will send the TOR directly to them. In AACRAO they only asked for a copy.


Riza
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-06-16 08:51:00
Philippinesmy filipino fiancee's new name after our marriage
QUOTE (polar77 @ Aug 15 2008, 01:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone its been a while since I posted here! My fiancee and I are filling in our form for our marriage licence. I was thinking this would be a simple matter, but now I'm confused. wacko.gif She wants to move her now last name to be her new middle name. I guess this is the practice in the Philippines. Will this be allowed here in the USA, since all her immigration forms state her middle name already, can she go and change her middle name AND last name once we are married??? OR,....Should we just stick to the formality in the USA and just have her take my last name and keep the middle name she has now??? Thanks for the help!!!




I have a friend who used her middle as here middle name still and her last name is her husband's and she has no problem with it .
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-15 15:00:00
PhilippinesWrong Spelling & Typo in Philippine Birth Certificates
QUOTE (jeffcloe @ Aug 11 2008, 08:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
This happen to me too. We learned that my name in my BC was wrong including my family name when I was 24 yrs old. It cost me around 10 thou pesos to correct it and at that time it has to go to court for correction it took 3 yrs and so much hassle.

Cloe, If you have it corrected get a new copy from NSO because what happen to mine was that the judge had ordered the change in my BC but the records at NSo still the same for 3 yrs and I was just glad i had a classmate in college who was in manila at that time and he helped me to follow it up. God bless you.


Riza



Thanks for the reminders Riza, I appreciate it so much, just sad that way back you have to undergone a very long and winding (and expensive) process but the good thing is at least you have it done already yaaaayyy... I just read your message I was out the whole day yesterday to gather documents that I will be needing to proceed with my BC's clerical correction.
I had to wait until today because the certificates I need to submit should be the most recent certified true copies. Later this morning after I get my latest requests, I will have to submit all the my docs and have an initial interview at the City Hall. This still seems to be a long process but I really want to get this gone...

Yaaayyy smile.gif




It is worth it to finish this stuff Cloe at least you still have time to make corrections and also it is easier these days.

God bless you and spend time with your family while you are there.
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-12 08:10:00
PhilippinesWrong Spelling & Typo in Philippine Birth Certificates
[quote name='Michael and Milahjean' date='Aug 8 2008, 12:01 PM' post='2095385']
Documentation consistency is a huge problem there. My asawa's school docs have her first name spelled much different on her elementary, high school and college diplomas/certificates. None matched her BC. Part of the problem is the extreme reluctance of uneducated parents to correct the spelling early on, especially when an educated school administrator determines the child's "correct" spelling upon enrollment without asking the parent. So, the problem is ignored, often for years. Even my asawa when she was older didn't feel it was her place to correct the problem. The end result is your supporting documents often raise more questions than establish continuity. Thankfully, her NBI was correct and all of the important legal docs did match.


This happen to me too. We learned that my name in my BC was wrong including my family name when I was 24 yrs old. It cost me around 10 thou pesos to correct it and at that time it has to go to court for correction it took 3 yrs and so much hassle.

Cloe, If you have it corrected get a new copy from NSO because what happen to mine was that the judge had ordered the change in my BC but the records at NSo still the same for 3 yrs and I was just glad i had a classmate in college who was in manila at that time and he helped me to follow it up. God bless you.


Riza
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-08 11:11:00
PhilippinesGOD IS STILL GOOD during trials
God will make a way Girl.. I can feel your pain. Everything will be okay . God bless you.
ED*RizaFemalePhilippines2008-08-16 09:06:00