ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippineseducate me, please!
I don't have so much wisdom to share but I can share my experience.

My former fiance (now hubby) only sent me money for wedding expenses. I was working so I din't need help from him.

I set-up a spreadsheet for our wedding budget vs actuals.

From my first pay check after college, I was giving my parents 3K a month. That's sort of my room rent :).

One month just before our wedding, I resigned from work. From then on, my hubby equalled my paycheck and a little bit more.

.. that means the 3K every month continued ...

When I got here.... hmmm... what ya think? Am I a gold digger because I still need to send money back home?

The first month I got here, hubby volunteered to give my parents $100 a month. ... (I started working after 7 months of being bummed)

... just look at it this way... my parents found the comfort of 3K pesos a month from me. ... if I stop doing that, that would give them stress on looking for some 3K or tighten their belts to help with food and bills. We're not talking about because my parents can't support themselves. Both of my parents were retired teachers. Have some houses for rent. But it was my pleasure to give them 3K every month. Just to see their look on their faces. Everyone grow old and fade. But those smiles I will treasure forever.

My dad passed away two years after I entered the United States. But I will never forget those hugs and kisses that my proud daddy gave away every time I give.

We sent my sister and sister-in-law to college. That way we won't be hearing a lot of "help me" stuff from them. (Recently graduated-both of them)

Up to this day, my mom receives the gift from us.

I know everyone's financial situation is different. Maybe if it was a little harder, I may not have done it. But all I know is that there's joy in an honest giving.


R&WFemalePhilippines2010-11-29 12:39:00
PhilippinesSt Lukes and Embassy

Hi All,

I have a question. My wife only had a copy of her NSO Marriage certificate with her at her interview. She gave the one she had to the passport people when she renewed her passport. As a result she had to go to their Pasay office and pay for another copy. Well the Embassy now has a copy. My question is has anyone experience a similar issue and how long did it take for the Embassy to courier the VISA to their house. Her interview was on Nov 3rd and I am hoping she can fly on Dec 1... Any thoughts on this... Thanks.. GO MANNY..


It takes 7 to 10 days for the visa to be delivered.
R&WFemalePhilippines2010-11-22 11:20:00
PhilippinesWho are the Filipinas here that received money before getting married to their foreign fiance and sending money when they got here in US?
As a girlfriend, no, no. We're boyfriend/girlfriend for 18 months.

As a fiance, yes, for some wedding expenses. Our wedding was funded by both of us.

As a wife, yes. I did receive montly allowance from him. We agreed for me to resign from work and he felt there's a need for him to support his wife.

Do we send money to the Philippines? Yes. Every month.

We are 100% transparent financially. We know each other two years before getting married. We're now 5 years and 9 months married. Still blooming and happy.... even we send money to the Philippines. Money eh. That's just money baby and let's move on.

For Filipinas.. if your budget looks ugly... just don't do it. Don't let money pull your marriage down.


R&WFemalePhilippines2010-12-15 14:58:00
Philippinespictorial help please
I still have my "evidence folder" at home from my K3 petition and I can get a picture of it tonight when I get home from work.

Enjoy this moment.... build some memories :)

The long wait will be over soon.
R&WFemalePhilippines2010-12-21 11:39:00
PhilippinesFilipinos and saving money for retirement
Filipinos in the US having hard time to save for retirement? I think it's the same as the rest of America. Why?

- Filipinos work too. That means we have 401K. (I've seen Filipinos doing 15% from each paycheck) .. and by the way .. a ton of Filipinos out there make good money.

Filipinos in the Philippines having hard time to save for retirement? Now this is a complete different story. Could be yes to many.

-Not in my mother's case. She got her lumpsum money for almost a million. And she gets her monthly pension. Where she puts her money I don't ask. But for some reason, she sounds she doesn't have money all the time.. at least when she talks with me. .... she's like a Lady Santa. Just like Tom D describes.


R&WFemalePhilippines2010-12-16 12:04:00
PhilippinesDS 230

so yung part 2 i fill up ko pero hindi papirmahan ng mama ko? Nakalito kasi ang iba sabi hindi i pa sign ang part 2 oo gets ko hindid papirmahan pero dapat hiil upon diba



yes let them fill it up, but no signature.
R&WFemalePhilippines2011-01-05 11:09:00
PhilippinesDS 230

Hello sa inyong lahat..... may tanong sana ako sa lahat ng may alam nito, itong ds 230 na kailangan kong fill upon lahat part 1 at part two tapos sign ng mama ko sa part 1 at part 2 din?



Part 1 lang pipirmahan nila.

If you want, feel free to add your timeline here: http://www.visajourn..._1#entry4383774 so we'll be able to see how everyone's doing.
R&WFemalePhilippines2011-01-04 16:00:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar at SMEF-COW

Thank you so much Tahoma. Youve been so helpful and supportive in our problems. It is much appreciated. :innocent:


Yeah the map Tahoma gave has it all. I think all taxi drivers know Aurora Blvd so if you and your fiance don't want to deal with jeepneys or the train, you may just grab a cab. BUT, the second you sit in the cab. Tell the driver to turn on the meter. Tell him you will not pay if his meter is not running.

Sometimes taxi drivers would ask for a price instead of letting the meter run, especially when he sees your American fiance. Be careful you two and congratulations in advance on your visa.
R&WFemalePhilippines2011-01-12 13:33:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar at SMEF-COW
cool. thanks Tahoma for the map. I suddenly miss the Philippines when I looked at it. There's a ton of memories on that Aurora Blvd. That's where my church is too where I led worship. And that's the street of my high school as well. Kinda spent a ton of time there. Sweet times.

So, for you Femy11.. enjoy the Philippines, your family and friends while you're still there. It's going to be different when you come over. Blessings to you!






R&WFemalePhilippines2011-01-11 14:13:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar at SMEF-COW

I live here in Marikina and I'm going to attend the CFO seminar this coming January 27, can I ask what is the exact location of the CFO office that you are referring to? cause I don't know that's it's just near our place. I live in Tanong by the way.


The exact address is:

Good Shepherd Convent, 1043 Aurora Boulevard
Quezon City, Philippines 1108

If you're in Tanong, you can get a jeepney going to Cubao. Or get a cab and say "Good Shepherd" . If he doesn't know it, then say PSBA QC. Sorry if I can't remember if it's before or after PSBA. But I will go with before (From Tanong). You don't need to cross the street. It's there on your right.

There's a little sign outside the convent. The gate usually look close, but just push it and it will open up. Sometimes, they let the smaller gate open and just walk through it and you'll see inside a bigger place of flowers and more land space.
R&WFemalePhilippines2011-01-11 12:33:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar at SMEF-COW
Which CFO office you're going to? If you're going to Quezon City,

Good Shepherd Convent, 1043 Aurora Boulevard
Quezon City, Philippines 1108


There is a hotel in Riverbanks Park Mall in Barangka, Marikina City. The name of the hotel is "Riverbend Hotel". From this hotel to CFO office is less than 5 minutes using a cab or jeepney. (It's actually walking distance I just can't remember how long would it take.. but I've walked in that area so many times because I went to college in PSBA. And the CFO is almost just across my school)

It's not the nicest hotel but just to sleep for the night it's okay. Walking distance to the mall and park.

Now if you're going to other CFO office, I'm sure somebody here will be able to help you.


R&WFemalePhilippines2011-01-11 11:25:00
Philippineshey guys!!
That made me cry Bob 4 Anna . That's sweet.

Yes there will be a ton of trying times. Me and my husband are married now for 5 years and almost 9 months. I'm here in US for almost 5 years. And just like all other marriages, it takes work, dedication, faithfulness, loyalty, commitment, and commitment to your commitment :) sure it's fun.
R&WFemalePhilippines2010-11-29 11:24:00
PhilippinesFrosty the SnowMan - Snow in Texas
Housing in DFW that looks like that ranges 250-400K. (There's some that goes to 800K in really really good neighborhood)

Most of my neighbours have 5 bedrooms and they are paying 2,100K/ month in mortgage.

Come on here in Texas! :)
R&WFemalePhilippines2011-01-21 10:21:00
Philippinescultural differences vs. stereotyping
Stereotyping: With negative offense mechanism

e.g. Filipinas become materialistic after they arrive in the US.

Cultural difference: Naive comments with what they think they know

e.g. Filipinas love to serve home cooked meals.



It is nice to read posts on this thread how they love their wives. That is so sweet putting it out there for the world to see.

I hope everyone is keeping marriages alive.


R&WFemalePhilippines2011-06-30 09:48:00
Philippinessending money to the family back in the phils

. They have no idea the cost of living in the USA.
We are currently sending about 300 USD a month. This seems like a lot to us but it's not enough for them. Please give me some advice. Is this a fair amount, too much, too little?? :wacko:



How about make it $100 a month?

And tell your wife to talk to her family. They need to be grateful. If they can't.. just stop it all together.

I agree with some comments here that the "attitude" is more of a family values problem than of race.

Good luck to you bro.
R&WFemalePhilippines2011-10-06 09:58:00
PhilippinesHow did you meet your Filipino Fiance?
Your son is so cute sweetpink! Your son has the very same bubbling lawn mower as my son. It's a pretty cool toy.
R&WFemalePhilippines2011-06-30 10:07:00
PhilippinesHow did you meet your Filipino Fiance?
awww I love reading ya'll stories. Here is mine to share:

First off, before I met my hubby, I've never chatted with anyone. One night at work of March 2003 while getting ready to go home, I got a prompt box saying "Would you like to meet Christian friends"... hmm... why not. click yes. I put a weird picture and didn't even finish my profile info. It's christiancafe.com.

He sent me a "hi" note on my 7th day After that we talked 3 or 4 times a week on the phone. He walked me through setting up a YM account. We chat every Saturday average of 4 hours. We snailed mail. We sent report of the day kinda e-mail. Everyday. But we're friends. We talk about Iraq. We talk about faith. My boss. His boss. Our parents. Friends.

After 9 months of talking, he mentioned coming over to visit his friend. Yeah right. Friend. At this point, I think I am in love with this guy. I was scared. I don't know how he feels about me. I know we're really good friends.. to the extent we're calling each other best friends. So I told him, "well let your tourist guide look on her schedule first and she'll get back to yah". I finally said ok come on after a week and he got a ticket the next day.

We met in person March 2004. The feeling of friendship grew stronger the night I met him. The trust that is overwhelming. I can't believe I'm looking at the man who I have poured my life in the past 12 months.

The next day he had a 4 hour talk with my dad. That night he told me how he waited for almost a year to tell me in person how much he loves me. woahh it's just not me! And just like me, he was scared too. I was 25 and he was 28 at this point.

He came back after 6 months and we got engaged.

He came back after 6 months (March 2005) and we got married.

We're now 6 years married. Stronger and deeper.

One thing for sure that helped us see loud and clear that our love is true, is, time. If I have a chance to choose a person to fall in love with again... I'll do it all over with him. Love dusts to all!
R&WFemalePhilippines2011-06-27 11:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 or K-3???
If you want it faster, go for K1.

But, if your wife wants your wedding in her country, you can choose IR-1. A little longer but takes a lot of hassle away when she gets in the U.S.




R&WFemalePhilippines2010-10-13 11:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPhoto Issues
Sorry about pulling old post.. but I'm just wondering if the OP ever got an RFE. Does someone out there know the OP and could tell me if he had? Yes, I have the same issue. The white background pictures are ready when RFE comes.
R&WFemalePhilippines2011-06-22 15:22:00
Asia: East and PacificSignature vs Signature
Well I got some relief too. :D

THANKS A LOT rhouni !!!!!

(Don't know how to quote yet. hehe)

Attached Files


R&WFemalePhilippines2006-02-10 09:18:00
Asia: East and PacificSignature vs Signature
Hehe.... :D . At least now I know.

Nice day everyone!!!

Wendy

Attached Files


R&WFemalePhilippines2006-02-10 01:36:00
Asia: East and PacificSignature vs Signature
It's okay SCY. I guess I'm just getting real paranoid here.

Thank you so much and I am sure my hubby and I will get through this. Please pray for us as well.

To jasman0717, I'm sorry about this but what does ####### mean? Just a newbie here.

Edited by R&W, 09 February 2006 - 09:21 PM.

R&WFemalePhilippines2006-02-09 21:18:00
Asia: East and PacificSignature vs Signature
Oh my goodness.. I'm really sorry...not DS-156 ... it's DS-157.

And by the way I know nothing about DS-156K. 156 & 157 are the only enclosed forms in the Packet 4 I got.

Maybe they just updated their forms.

SCY, my current passport shows my signature on G-325A. So that's perfectly okay. My worry is that my old passport which the consul may want to see because of the HK trip (You know just to make sure that I really went out of the country) shows a different signature than in our marriage contract. Again, same name, but different style.

Thanks for your time guys!
R&WFemalePhilippines2006-02-09 20:36:00
Asia: East and PacificSignature vs Signature
Yes. Different signature but same name. My maiden name.

Attached Files


R&WFemalePhilippines2006-02-09 19:54:00
Asia: East and PacificSignature vs Signature
My interview is on the 20th of March. Any help would really be appreciated.

Here are the infos:

From my school years until end of 2001, I got to use my Signature A.

Early of 2002 I got to change my signature to Signature B.

November 2001, I had a Hongkong trip. My passport shows Signature A.

March 8, 2005, got married and hence use a new signature from then on, let's say Signature C.

Our marriage certificate shows [b]Signature B[/b].

My new passport shows Signature C.

Now on DS-156, there's a question there that says something like, "Have you been out of the country?" "Where, when". Parallel to the question asks, "Do you have an old or lost or stolen passport?"

I am guessing that if I will say HK, then they would probably ask for my old passport. Now my problem is that that old passport shows Signature A, and our marriage certificate shows Signature B. My identity might be questioned.

We have options like preparing a notarized Affidavid of Change of Signature or just declaring the old passport lost. Well I don't know. I'm sort of lost here.

Thanks everyone for listening.

Attached Files


R&WFemalePhilippines2006-02-08 23:15:00
Asia: East and PacificWho are waiting for I130 approval (Manila Philippines)
Hi ylime0411 and maryandatif :)

You may want to join this thread:

Manila Thread

Nice day!

Wendy
R&WFemalePhilippines2006-02-18 11:17:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-156 and 157
Hi,

Here's the link for the DS forms:

DS-156
DS-157

Blessings,

Wendy
R&WFemalePhilippines2006-03-17 20:51:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA list for K3 Members
Hi everyone, I'm new on this thread and I hope you won't mind if I feel free to add myself :)

NAME.............NOA1.....NOA2....Days.. NVC Rcvd..EmbsyRcv.Intrview.VsaIsud..Total Days

shojaved.........03/09/5..05/25/5..077...05/25/5...05/27/5...08/26/5...??/??/?...AR
Alex___..........08/03/5..09/01/5..029...09/12/5...09/26/5...12/20/5...??/??/?...???
nimbretil........08/26/5..10/21/5..056...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
PsychoKat........08/30/5..10/17/5..047...10/27/5...11/03/5...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
classic..........09/10/5..10/20/5..040...??/??/?...11/02/5...03/24/6...??/??/?...???
felshen..........09/18/5..10/28/5..040...11/07/5...11/14/5...02/01/6...02/01/6...096
spamacus.........09/20/5..??/??/?..???...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
rofa.............09/23/5..10/31/5..038...11/02/5...11/15/5...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
road2kros........09/26/5..11/01/5..036...11/11/5...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
Alaska...........09/27/5..??/??/?..???...11/17/5...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
cschwa...........09/28/5..11/01/5..034...11/15/5...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
nakashima.ayumi..09/28/5..11/04/5..037...11/16/5...11/23/5...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
getmehome........09/29/5..??/??/?..???...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
Hello28..........10/03/5..11/10/5..038...11/23/5...12/06/5...01/24/6...??/??/?...???
dbachoura........10/05/5..??/??/?..???...11/30/5...12/24/5...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
jxty.............10/06/5..11/18/5..043...11/28/5...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
shakysgirl.......10/11/5..11/18/5..038...11/29/5...01/02/6...02/06/6...02/06/6...118
chumchumbums.....10/11/5..11/17/5..037...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
barker130........10/17/5..11/23/5..037...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
dmd1708..........10/18/5..11/21/5..034...11/30/5...??/??/?...02/06/6...??/??/?...???
bjumanja.........10/20/5..11/23/5..034...12/07/5...12/22/5...03/09/6...03/20/6...???
Chicky...........10/26/5..12/01/5..036...12/10/5...12/28/5...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
sirapraphavidrio.10/26/5..??/??/?..???...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
kaalyx...........11/16/5..12/09/5..023...12/09/5...12/27/5...02/07/6...02/07/6...083
rommelandrea.....11/16/5..12/19/5..033...12/27/5...01/03/6...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
meddykomp........11/29/5..??/??/?..???...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
Satisfaction.....12/16/5..01/20/6..035...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
marriedmL........02/01/6..03/27/06...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
RMHurd...........01/31/6..??/??/?..???...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...??/??/?...???
frank_cuenca.....02/16/6..??/??/?...???...??/??/?...??/??/?....??/??/?...??/??/?..???
scroll...........02/02/6..??/??/?....???...??/??/?...??/??/?....??/??/?...??/??/?..???
Mich............01/21/6...03/06/06...43....03/14/06..03/20/06..??/??/??...??/??/??...???
R&W ..........6/07/05...10/24/05...??.....??/??/??...10/29/05..03/20/05..03/29/05

Edited by R&W, 28 March 2006 - 08:45 PM.

R&WFemalePhilippines2006-03-28 20:41:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried In The Philippines
I understand that Philippines requires the LCM. But USCIS doesn't have it on their list of requirements. I also have a friend who got married without it. Got their marriage certificate in NSO paper and everything went well. In your case, unfortunately we don't know what will happen. It's now NSO's call. As some agrees, you may call USCIS or you may also call the judge who signed your marriage contract if s/he is perceiving future problems. There's always light at the end of the tunnel. Keep on praying!


R&WFemalePhilippines2009-06-08 14:10:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFraud
Hello OP,

I understand that this whole journey can be stressful and everything. But understand too, that our consulate is the doorkeeper of our country. They do the best they can to protect our doors. They don't really care on how we feel. They are trained to do what they are doing.. more than you realize.

Sorry to hear your AP.


R&WFemalePhilippines2011-02-22 10:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionmanila packet p/u at st. lukes

get confused with the country codes. I think it starts like 011 63?


I'll answer the question in behalf of JoseandHelen. Manila code is 2. So you'll have 011 632 xxx-xxxx.
R&WFemalePhilippines2006-02-19 20:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about delivery of Visa after approval

My wife lives in Masbate (very rural province) and if we had the option to have the visa delivered to a hotel or friends house in Manila, we may get it much quicker. Anyone have any information on this or know if this is true for the Philippines?


Normally the average time is 5 days. But with me, it's my fifth day today and no news yet. My husband will call the embassy or the Dept of State on Monday.

Yes you can have the visa delivered to any address in Manila. Quicker than Masbate's address. It says in Delbros: 1-2 days inside Metro Manila. 3-4 days to key cities in the Philippines. 5-10 days to regional addresses.

Wendy

Edited by R&W, 24 March 2006 - 10:03 PM.

R&WFemalePhilippines2006-03-24 21:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I have a question about the forms in packet 3. Does it ask if you have ever been denied a visa before? If you tried for a tourist visa before and were denied do you have to put it down?


Unfortunately, yes. Honesty is substantially needed but I think you'll be fine since K1 is considered an immigrant application.
R&WFemalePhilippines2006-09-15 10:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

How were you able to get an early medical exam date? Did you call St Luke's or did you just show up?



Just show up :)

Just bring a copy and the original of your appointment letter, passport, money, 2x2 pic, pen and whatever medical reports that you think is important. Especially your records for the past year.

Nice day!


edited for typo

Edited by R&W, 07 September 2006 - 02:04 PM.

R&WFemalePhilippines2006-09-07 14:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Wow PW,... I'm amazed on your endurance :) I hope things will be over soon.
R&WFemalePhilippines2006-08-23 09:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
You've been through a lot PW, so I believe things will just be fine. I would also like to thank you for sharing your thoughts unselfishly. May God bless you and keep you on your another journey.
R&WFemalePhilippines2006-08-16 08:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I was just wondering if anyone who has already obtained this document has any comments or suggestions that might help Are any documents asked for besides a passport?



Hi StarProg,bbring your passport and birth certificate with you. Be ready for a pen too.

Nice day.
R&WFemalePhilippines2006-08-11 09:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Congratulations brittaniquec_Chic!!!! :) Pack up your things now :thumbs:

Hey Rebel the signature photo looks great. You may want to give them the link to your yahoo photo :) They may enjoy it too.
R&WFemalePhilippines2006-08-08 13:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

i told him, i don't think it's necessary for you to go there that early. maybe try to get there a little before 6 am but 4 am is too early. am i right?



Yes it's not necessary to go there TOO early. If the interview is 6:30AM... then he may try to get there around 5 or 5:30AM. Besides, the lane outside isn't the biggest of the deal. Because when you're inside the building, the original lane outside is useless. Inside, you just need to stay on the seats beside the DS156/157 booth. The security guard will then call out for 6:30AM interviewees and that's the time to try to be the first on the lane.

Blessings on your fiance's interview.
R&WFemalePhilippines2006-07-31 12:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

By the way if anyone needs a cheap way to send money to the Phils, I have a Wells Fargo International Remittance account. Cost $5 for each deposit you make, then she can withdrawl money at an atm there.


My husband sent me a Bank of America and Washington Mutal debit cards before. They are good in ATM machines that has a PLUS sign. As far as I remember, they charge 11 pesos per withrawal.

Nice day.

Edited by R&W, 25 July 2006 - 09:58 AM.

R&WFemalePhilippines2006-07-25 09:58:00