ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
the forum is alittle lively today. one thread seems to be getting most of the attention...
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2010-08-18 15:55:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
Happy 4th of July everyone...

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2010-07-04 13:08:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
I don't know which makes me more confused, a thread in saw in the forum today or this...

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2010-04-23 01:21:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
and as has been mentioned in the forum, the are more than one way to make whoopee. oral and from behind...

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2010-04-19 19:31:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
I noticed the subject of whoopee came up in the forum...

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2010-04-19 19:14:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~

Congrats to you and Yazi and the daughter. It was a long ROC for us too Roy! We filed in July and got the 10 year green cards earlier this month. We will take a couple year break from it and then apply for Citizenship for Ruchie and Mathew. We are probably going to go for Dual Citizenship. Best of luck to you and the family!!!:thumbs:



The song says it all!!!:lol:


we filed a couple of weeks after you and received our green cards a couple of weeks after you. the process was the same for both of us, as slow as cold molasses...
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2010-04-16 16:32:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2010-04-16 00:37:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
don't know how many oldtimers browse the forum. hopefully their ROC didn't take as long as us. finally, 10 year green cards arrived in the the mailbox. the journey is at long last done.. :dance:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2010-04-15 20:39:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a lifetime of happiness with their SO...

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sunandmoonMalePhilippines2010-01-03 00:00:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
Merry Christmas everyone..






sunandmoonMalePhilippines2009-12-25 00:04:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
QUOTE (Tahoma @ Oct 23 2009, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Lanzones.

Soda or fruit juice?


soda....



sunandmoonMalePhilippines2009-10-24 16:47:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
QUOTE (Señora Bonita @ Oct 23 2009, 08:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ruffa or Ai Ai?




sunandmoonMalePhilippines2009-10-24 16:34:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
QUOTE (* Bituin * @ Oct 24 2009, 08:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Fry or Grill?




sunandmoonMalePhilippines2009-10-24 16:28:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
Tabogon, Cebu
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2009-10-18 17:49:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
Santa Maria, Davao del Sur
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2009-10-13 16:28:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2009-10-12 18:07:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
Lipa City, Batangas
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2009-10-12 15:33:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
Davao City
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2009-10-12 13:53:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2009-10-12 00:36:00
Philippineswaiver

nah.. its because i tried to ask st. lukes if they have a "waiver" for if ever my son becomes positive with culture i can just say that we will have his treatment in the US.. they said that some tried to do that, to ask for that waiver in the embassy.. but then they're not sure how many got approved..and if the embassy really approves that.. so im just asking.. has anyone here ever tried that?


I believe someone at ST. Lukes gave you misinformation. there is no waiver to travel to if you test positive for TB. your son will not be able to interview for the visa until he has been cleared by St Lukes.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-10-26 22:33:00
Philippineswaiver
I don't think she's trying to hide anything. hopefully your son's culture results will be negative.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-10-26 00:21:00
PhilippinesNeed help understanding "don't open" visa delivery instructions
as I recall, the brown envelope, and passport are contained in a plastic envelope. it's ok to open the plastic envelpoe to get her passport, but do not open the brown envelope. it contains her physical file which is turned over to immigration at her POE. also don't worry if the upper corner of the brown envelope has diagonal cut in the left hand corner. that's normal.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-10-24 23:10:00
PhilippinesOur Packet was lost between USCIS and NVC

Thanks so much for the advice. On the lost part the USCIS told me that they have a record of Vermont sending the packet. They informed me that they would send another copy because the first one did not make it.

On the 90 days I am concerned because the NO2 states that the approval is only valid until 18 Jan 2012.Again we will post any updates as we receive them.


At this point, I wouldn't worry about it. in my situation the NOA2 expired on Nov 30th. the interview was scheduled before the expiration. the interview date was Dec 13th. the Embassy automatically revaildated the petition. if you are unable to schedule an interview date before the expiration, contact the Embassy and ask for the petition to be revalidted.

Edited by sunandmoon, 25 October 2011 - 05:59 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-10-25 17:58:00
PhilippinesMedical Days Open
It's closed on weekends.

St Lukes Website http://www.slec.ph/index.php
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-11-09 23:17:00
PhilippinesCFO Reviews
CFO Website... http://www.cfo.gov.p...gram&Itemid=833
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-11-09 23:48:00
PhilippinesCFO Reviews
here are a couple of recent ones, along with links to the threads.

Posted by Dean_De on Oct 30th

Hi Fellow VJ,

I just want to share how my SMEF_COW seminar went. I was done with my seminar last October 28, 2011 ( Friday ) @ Cebu City. Cebu coz I live in Leyte and its closer to travel to and from Leyte

Anyways, I went there at 7 and I was the first one to arrive and wrote down my name. When I went there, the security guard told us to read what we need to prepare and made us wait till 8:00. At around 8 we were allowed to get inside and went at the 3rd floor of the Aya-ay arcade building where the SMEF is located. the building doesn't look nice itself from the outside and you can't tell that it is really the SMEF not unless you ask the guard Well, I didn't went there to be a building inspector so I would focus more on why I was there, the seminar.

The process started at around 8:15am. First They called us based on who came first and so, I was called first..YEHAAAAA! When I was called, the lady behind the counter asked me for my my passport biographical page, visa, live birth, 2 valid ID's , my fiance's live birth, and his passport ( all mentioned are just photocopy )After the lady verified the veracity of the documents, I was given a form to answer. Talking about the form, it was funny coz there were check marks in there telling us to answer what was marked with a check. After being able to fill it up religiously, we were told again that there were still details left unanswered ( CONFUSING ) but we did what we were asked

While filling up the forms, we were again called by the cashier. there we paid 250 php and we were told to wear orange shirt and our pictures were taken ( hehehe - kidding with the orange shirt - but the lady behind the counter took our pics from the webcam in front of the counter ) then we went back to continue filling out the forms.

TIPS for the form:

1 Know your fiance/e's :
- mothers maiden name
- know his phone and cellphone number
- educational attainment ( if they are done with college - know his specialization )
- work and its exact address
- if he / she is divorced, know how many time he was divorced and the nationality of his x's

2. Contact person here int he Philippines
- exact address
- phone & mobile number
- email add if applicable

3. Any relative int he US
- exact address
- mobile number

4. You will be asked to state how did you guys met. and write down the website if you met online. If you both are introduced by a friend or any acquaintance, be sure to know the exact name of the person, address, contact number, and email add.

After I was done and passed the exam..hahahha - I mean after filling up the forms religiously, I submitted it and we were told to wait at the conference room ( i will just call it that). there the actual guidance and counseling seminar occurred.

Before the seminar started, my mind was already wondering if REALLY the ones facilitating the seminar is biased / anti-Foriegn I read some VJ's here complaining that the people who lectured them was giving negative statements against their foriegn fiance/e . I told myself, if I hear something not right, I would surely share my opinion

Ma'am Loi came in and introduced herself and what SMEF is all about. Why there is a need for this counseling and getting the sticker and certificate. While the discussion went on, I have not heard her say anything negative about foreign fiance/e
Well, she shared bad stories of Filipinas abroad. But she wasn't so biased and blamed it all to foreign fiance/e. We shared thoughts and opinion on how to take care of the genuine relationship with our soon to be husband. And what to do just in case we are placed in a bad situation. We were educated about immigration laws and policy, where to check and get updates..so on and so forth...all I heard was really nothing but to prepare Filipino/a who decides to travel abroad.

We had our lunch break at 12 and went back 1 pm. That afternoon, the one- on- one talk happened. Questions ask are ( well, it differs from case to case ) :
1. Who was my petioner
2. His birthday and age
3. My age
4. My children
5. His children and its ages
6. His x, nationality
7. Questions about his previous divorce ( i thought the questions was too personal, but I think why they ask it is not to really be judgmental but to really know how far the couples talk..the reason why fiance/e got divorced. they ask this coz they do have list of the immigration black list and they will read the divorce paper..and if the x-spouse is dead, they will ask for a death certificate to really know the cause of the x-spouse death )
8. about my x-husband..where he lives, is he ok with the kids and their relationship to their son to be father..reason why I got annulled.
9. What are the positive and negative traits of my fiance and how do I deal with his negative traits
10. How is his relationship to my kids.
11. Was I bringing my kids? I told him they will follow.
12. Does my kids accept my fiance as their soon to be step dad?

I might be missing some more questions but majority of that I think is listed already

After the talk, Ma'am Loi told me the interview went well and I am OK to leave..lmao..she wrote OK at my paper.

I went out and waited until my name was called at the cashier. I signed at their log book and paid 5php for the certificate. After getting the certificate I was told to go at the CFO office for the sticker.

The CFO is at a different place, its close the DFA building @ causing-lozada. It didn't took me long there. I gave them my passport and also a photocopy of the biographical page and visa. then filled up the form. after that I paid 400php then they placed sticker at my passport and clipped the cfo certificate. gave us pamphlets and handbook. One of which they gave us should be sent to them after arriving the US and there for 2 weeks. It is self -addressed so no worries.

Goodluck to everyone!!!

http://www.visajourn...mef-cow-review/


Posted by Deren & Yamy Sept 19th

Hello, everyone! So, I just attended my seminar today (11AM) in the Good Shepherd Convent since I read bad reviews with PRISM (additional P150.00 handouts which is unnecessary cost).

They gave a feedback form but I wasn't able to drop it into the box.

Here's what I think about the experience (registrant with VISA in hand):

LOCATION: If you are going to use the LRT Line 2, it's pretty convenient. It's literally right next to the Katipunan Station (from Recto, Santolan bound). CFO satellite office is right in the same compound as St. Mary's.

It's pretty humid in the waiting areas and the canteen with a few of the fans working. Only one in the Guidance & Counseling waiting room. The canteen is like a random space that they decided to turn into a canteen. Not much food to see or expect here. The fans are turned off too unless you ask the lady to turn it on. TIP: Bring your food and drinks. I had no choice because I was hungry and was moved to the 11AM session since I was late for the 8:30am session.

The seminar room is air-conditioned and is in the 2nd floor.

REGISTRATION: Staff is fair to okay. Not really the welcoming hotel receptionist type. I was a bit annoyed when she asked for 3 photocopies of my passport and my visa when their website didn't state that as far as I remember. She will give you a form to fill-up which is pretty much the same as the one from CFO's website. They will take a digital picture of you and receive your seminar payment of Php 250.

CONTENT: I'm very much disappointed with this. 4 hours of rambling and beating around the bush about domestic abuse. In my opinion, the seminar is not well structured, biased and pretty subjective.

1st part, there was this representative from Metrobank promoting opening a Savings Account and an OFW Remittance account. When I asked her 3 simple yet important questions, she can't answer it. She keeps on describing the accounts but when I asked the crucial questions that everyone cares about, she can't answer it. The questions involved: available bank affiliates in the countries we're going, bank transfer charge (to compare with other wire transfer services like Moneygram or Xoom), how fast the money will be received.

Short briefing of St. Mary's history as an NGO and being an affiliate of the government goes here...Why the seminar was mandated by the government...

2nd, they required us to introduce ourselves to the group. I'm a bit off with the idea since in my head, you (other participants) don't need to know stuff about me and my partner in a way that it is a requirement. I'll tell you if I want to tell you. But for a format to be followed...BLEH. (Name, age, country of destination, optional background story) In my opinion, where is confidentiality. I'd prefer to have these facts asked privately.

3rd, we were shown a video clip of Magandang Gabi Bayan, an old show of Noli de Castro from more than a decade ago? It featured 3 cases of domestic abuse in different forms (physical, emotional, financial/mental) by foreign spouses of Filipinas. The title of the episode is "Karanasan/Kapalaran ng Pilipina sa Dayuhan" (Experience of Filipinas with Foreigners). Can't find it online though.

We were asked about our individual reactions. I expressed mine which is in sense goes like this, "The key is, regardless of being married or not to a Filipino or a foreigner, you have to be vigilant, self-reliant and ready with a contingency plan for the worst scenario. The scenarios presented to us are not limited to foreigners alone, even Filipinos hurt their wives. No one have a good grasp of what's going on another person's mind may they be spouse, friend, sibling or stranger. So, it's important to be prepared for the worst and save some for yourself."

The seminar was more or less 3-4 hours of unstructured rambling and prejudiced opinions and uneducated suggestions (marry someone else if it doesn't work within 90 days...I can't believe they even suggest that. I was expecting "go home to your family and be banned from a K1 visa. 1st, the K1 visa has your fiance's name on it. It's also pretty insulting to say it won't work or your relationship with your lover will fail and is not genuine.")

4th, we were given forms. Asked to go downstairs for the individual interview. Pretty basic questions. I was delayed with the requirement of a "landline". Okay, it might be for record checking but in this time, everybody else is going wireless and for them to require a landline number is absurd.

5th, releasing of Guidance & Counseling Certificate. Annoyed me more when they require you to pay Php 14.00 for the photocopy of documents they would keep/forward to CFO Paco. We paid almost Php 700 and you can't cover that for a copy of our papers? What about the "centralized system" they boasted about during the seminar which reaches until foreign countries? Can't they input that there?

6th, proceed to CFO satellite office "at the back of their building". I was expecting a more decent space. It was like an old stock room / random poorly maintained public bathroom from the outside with little signage of CFO-this-way-->

Small lounge after a small hallway to the tiny office. Processing is fast here anyway. You need to pay the Php400 here. They will staple the CFO certificate to your passport, check the CFO form (from online or filled-up from St. Mary's if you don't have it), put the sticker on a passport page.

Then, I went home at around 2:30pm to 2:45pm.

Over all, I think they should work on a much structured module for this seminar to include a crash course of starting life in another country (finding jobs, intercultural relations, support system, communication methods, currency/saving & spending in a foreign currency, education, relationship matters, etc.) I think the domestic abuse subject should just be a part of it instead of being the WHOLE thing.

I also suggest doing the CFO and Seminar after receiving the visa to save you from the hassle of traveling back there for your sticker.

That's all I can say for now.

http://www.visajourn...reviewfeedback/

Posted by SJG on Aug 15th

To ALL Filipinos leaving the country on a K1, K3, CR-1 or IR-1 visa:

Please be reminded that in order to leave the country, we are REQUIRED by the Philippine Government to attend the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) guidance and counseling session. It's a half-day seminar held daily on 2 locations in Metro Manila: the St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers in QC or the People's Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization, Inc. in Taft Ave, Manila; there's also one office in Cebu at Causing-Lozada Building, Osmeña Boulevard corner
MJ Cuenco Street, Cebu City. Please check this link for the complete info.

Yesterday, I went to St. Mary Euphrasia office located inside the Good Shepherd Convent in QC (LANDMARK: adjacent to St. Bridgette School, beside the LRT2 Katipunan, across PSBA and Sta Clara Convent.) I was there at around 7am, registration begins at 7:30am and the first session starts at 8:30am. Registration fee is 200 pesos.

The first part of the seminar discusses Domestic Violence at length and how spouses can seek protection if (heaven forbid) one of us fall into the hand of an abusive partner. This lasts from 8:30am - 10am.

The second part comes right after. It's a group and one-on-one counselling where you will be advised on how to proceed with the immigration processing once you land in America. If you have other concerns, may it be personal or document-related this is the right time to ask. Counselling session for the 8:30 batch ends at 12 noon and the counselors will issue you a CFO Certificate of Attendance, which you need to photocopy after.

After lunch, I went to the CFO Office at the 2nd floor and submitted the photocopy of my attendance certificate and the duly-accomplished CFO form (which you can download at the CFO website: www.cfo.gov.ph). You will have to pay 400 pesos for them to issue you with another certificate and a sticker which they attach to your passport. Without the sticker and the certificate, you will be stopped by the Immigration Officer at NAIA and will not be allowed to fly out.

You would also be provided with pamphlets and reading materials about the Philippine Consulate and Embassies in the United States, as well as the contact details of CFO Offices. Make sure you read them because they are very, very useful!

If you have other questions, let me know.

http://www.visajourn...pino-emigrants/


if there are others, please feel free to post...
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-11-04 12:15:00
PhilippinesAnyone here who was rejected at first?
if it was da nial, not de nial, then maybe it would be funny.... :P :jest:

http://www.noslang.com/


:ot2:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-11-18 01:20:00
PhilippinesQuestions from a K-1 Applicant (newbie)

Thanks for the reply guys... My finacee lives in Texas, where/what number should she call (NVC)? Can you give me a link please?


telephone number for NVC... (603) 334-0700

http://travel.state..../info_3177.html
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-09-21 00:32:00
PhilippinesQuestions from a K-1 Applicant (newbie)

Hello VJ's

I'm Amadeo from the Philippines, my fiancee filed for a petition for me. Today (9/20/11) she received the approval letter. Do you guys know around when will I have my Medical Check-up and interview with the US embassy?
Also what do these acronyms stand for:
a. NOA-1
b. NOA-2

Thanks in advance.


NOA1 is the receipt notice from USCIS, NOA2 is the approval notice. first the petition is forwarded to NVC, where it will be assigned an MNL case number. then NVC wiil forward the petition to the Embassy in Manila. this process can take from 2 to 6 weeks.
have you seen yet the interview preparation instructions on the Embassy website? if not, here a link to the webpage...

http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3224.html

as far as scheduling the interview, I'm sure others will chime in who are more up to date on the process than me...
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-09-20 11:31:00
PhilippinesA question for a friend

Unless it's a CR1, Manila USEM generally does not accept co-sponsor.




he can be filing for bankruptcy, but still meets the income requirements. having a co sponsor may not be an issue.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-11-24 13:40:00
Philippinesinquiry for k2
when your fiance files the 129f petition, he lists your daughter on the petition. once approved, you and your daughter become eligible to apply for K Visas. for your daughter, you can choose to either apply for the visa at the same time or follow to join. if you choose follow to join, your daughter's K-2 Visa must be issued, not just applied for, within one year from the date your K-1 was issued.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-11-28 11:29:00
PhilippinesIt is starting to get cold here
overnight temps in Honolulu are forecast to be a bone chilling 66 degrees...Posted Image
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-11-30 13:06:00
Philippinescfo help pls

Roy...that's a great story...Yazi really knows how to think on her feet! :)

Note: PRISM asked Chinook for my mother's maiden name. Fortunately, she had the info with her. I think it's on one of the USCIS forms...was it the G-325? Chinook had a copy of our entire I-129F packet with her throughout the interview process and the CFO process. It paid off both times.


yap, that would have been on your G-325a. I also sent Yazi a copy of the 129F packet. it's a good idea for others to do the same. :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-11-30 14:01:00
Philippinescfo help pls

No worries. Your sweetheart just needs to show them your federal income tax return or your income tax transcript. You filed as single. That'll do the job. :thumbs:


:thumbs: you can also use a copy of W-2 or pay check stub. my wife is from Davao. when she went to the seminar in Cebu, she forgot to bring it. she was told it was needed for them to issue her the certificate. she insisted that she knows I'm single. when they asked her " how to you really know?" she told them, " I know, I've talked to his mother, she told me." they stop asking and she got her certificate. which brings up another point. make sure your fiance know the maiden name of your mother. it's a question that seems to be asked frequently.

did you get your cenomar yet? photocopy and bring it to them.
they want proof of singleness of the petitioner.
as to what i think about the cfo they're a pain (charges too high) and needs a great deal of updating with their information but a very big help to young brides-to-be who think that getting married to a foreigner is the solution to all their financial problems. worse, they don't pay attention to the videos and lectures that gives them the possible future scenarios and advice about getting to know their fiances better (do they a criminal background, how many time they'v egotten divorced, why they got divorced etc)

:no:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-11-30 12:54:00
PhilippinesNEED URGENT HELP: PASSPORT MISSING AT EMBASSY
phone number 632 301-2000 ext 5184 or 5185 for inquiries in the Immigrant Visa Unit. you have to be persistent to get thru. perhaps someone knows another ext number.

Edited by sunandmoon, 02 December 2011 - 11:31 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-12-02 23:30:00
PhilippinesPermission to Travel Question

Thanks for the reply...

Ok... so he only needs a PERMISSION TO TRAVEL LETTER if its an international flight... right?


not needed, they'll be good to go.

http://www.dswd.gov....nce-for-minors-
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-12-06 00:20:00
Philippinesshould i file for waiver if a k2 visa petition expired?
I would suggest you petition the child. as a USC, it would be quicker than your wife filing as an LPR.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-12-06 18:12:00
PhilippinesCFO for fiancee in Manila, Philippines
:thumbs:

Fixxored <------- :)


now, when this thread becomes buried in the back pages of the forum. it can rest in peace... (F)
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-12-09 15:50:00
PhilippinesCFO for fiancee in Manila, Philippines

All the information needed for the Fiance CFO Seminar is located on this page at the CFO's websitehttp://www.cfo.gov.p...onals&catid=140

hope that helps everyone.


-Chris



not completely...

Requirements for Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program

1.Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;
2.Duly completed guidance and counseling form;
3.If married, certified true copy and photocopy of marriage contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office, or Local Civil Registry Offices; or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/ Consulate (if married abroad)
4.Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and
5.Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.

this part is pretty vague. it doesn't say proof of petitioner's singleness, knowing maiden name of petitioner's mother, etc...

maybe this thread was better off left in the back pages of the forum. one post contains incorrect information which could cause confusion.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-12-07 23:25:00
Philippines4 days ......

Yup! Seem no one noticed it except me. Is that mean Am I being a chismosa? Really babies are blessings. I have 2 and they are my life:)


actually, it was noticed a few days ago in another thread, congrats again Dareen & Gretchen :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2011-12-09 23:39:00