ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesBuying a wedding dress in the Phils
What is a "reasonable" amount to expect to pay for a nice wedding dress in the Philippines? I realize that this is very subjective and can range from 5,000 to 50,000 php, but was wondering what the feeling is here on the subject.

Thanks.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-03-22 15:31:00
PhilippinesPlease give me dos and donts when wife arrives from Manila
QUOTE (Michael and Milahjean @ Mar 31 2009, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brian and Jopay @ Mar 31 2009, 09:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have thought and thought and thought already about how to make things good for my wife when she arrives ehre. But I want to hear from experience what to do and not do in hte first month of ehr arrival, to ease her heart and make everything as good for her here as possible.

Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot....

Brian in Tennessee


Brian,

I can remember very well the anxiety I felt when the time drew near to bring my asawa to America. She's from the distant boonies in Leyte province, so there were many "modern" conveniences she had never experienced. Just a couple of weeks after her arrival I posted my experiences. It may be of help to you. Sorry for the length of this, and the lack of some breaks to catch your breath, but it's a good summary of that first few weeks. It's kinda old and hard to find in the archives.

http://www.visajourn...showtopic=64485

On April 5 this week it'll be 2 years since her arrival. She's adapted much better than I could have ever imagined. We're both very excited to see when this incredible journey will lead us.

Good luck on your journey!!

M&M


Wow, thanks for that linked post. That brought tears to my eyes. I can't wait for my Bing to be here...

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-03-31 18:03:00
PhilippinesDid I miss something?
[quote name='Donald-n-Analyn' date='Mar 30 2009, 10:08 AM' post='2787567']
This is a checklist that I made for our interview. We had no problems or issues at all.

With the I-134 affidavit of support, be sure to read the instructions carefully. The accompanying proof depends on what the petitioner is using as his basis for support. If he is relying on income, then he needs W-2 forms, pay stubs, and a letter from his employer. If he is relying on assets, then he needs proof of the assets, such as bank or investment statements. I took some bank statements even though they were not strictly required. It is better to take too much than not enough!

Good Luck & Ingats!

I have a question on your list.
Under interview requirements, it shows: "photos (2 turned in at medical) - Beneficiary"

Are these the photos that get attached to the DS-156? I have seen other instructions that indicate that you are required to bring one photo to the medical exam and attach one to the 2 copies of the DS-156. Your list seems to only indicate the need for 2 photos. Any clarification would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-03-30 17:08:00
PhilippinesNEED HELP: APPOINTMENTS
I'm confused... You're saying ther USEM scheduled your medical exam? I thought those were purley first come, first served.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-03-31 11:26:00
PhilippinesWedding day
Congrats and may God bless your marriage.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-02-19 19:44:00
PhilippinesJapan Visa for connecting flights
Nope.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-04 13:06:00
Philippineswhy some of foreigner felt in love to pinay?
QUOTE (AmyStan @ Apr 5 2009, 02:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Off-Topic2.gif To the OP - There are many reasons. First, my fiancee looks at things with an almost child-like facination that is very rare in the US. Although very mature in most things, she has kept her youthful outlook regarding life and its wonders. When she laughs, she doesn't give a polite "teehee" - she really laughs. And she can always find something to laugh about, even when times aren't the best. She sees joy when others would only see despair, and by sharing that joy, she lifts me.

She is happy for what she has, rather than bitter for what she doesn't have. Her glass is always half full.

There's so much more. But to end, I would say she might also use "felt" or "spelt" - and I find that cute. Ultimately, communication is conveying an idea from one person to another. And I never have a bit of trouble knowing where I am in her life, regardless of how she spells things. Let's face it, her English beats my Tagalog by several hundred miles. smile.gif


Very well said. That is exactly my fiancee too. Always so happy, always so positive. Her laugh is so pure and joyful. I am so blessed to have her in my life. wub.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-05 14:19:00
PhilippinesPhilippines
QUOTE (HappyDancer @ Apr 6 2009, 04:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
November is cool and dry. Very comfy for you!



Cool & dry? Well, I guess relatively speaking that's true. For me it was incredibly hot and muggy! The weather is sooooo different there than where I live. smile.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-06 18:51:00
PhilippinesI-134
If you meet the income requirements, they won't even look at the bank statements. Personally, I would not send them - It might just confuse them.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-09 11:15:00
PhilippinesI-134
QUOTE (AvoidDaNoid @ Apr 9 2009, 03:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For the Bank Statements that I am including...is it OK if I just include the front page of the each monthly statement. Some statements have 5 pages. The 1st page shows the balance and is a summary? Is it safe to just include the 1st pge of each?

Thank you


Why are you sending bank statement? If you meet the income requirements, there is no need for any bank information at all.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-09 10:57:00
PhilippinesUSEM Interview on March 10 at 7aM - APPROVED!
Congrats!! Wow, so many people are explaining their experience in detail lately. Thanks - Its greatly appreciated.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-03-11 18:18:00
PhilippinesUSEM Interview on March 10 at 7aM - APPROVED!
Congrats!! Wow, so many people are explaining their experience in detail lately. Thanks - Its greatly appreciated.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-03-11 18:16:00
PhilippinesInterview Experience at USEM
QUOTE (MMW @ Apr 5 2009, 03:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Apr 4 2009, 01:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you so much for sharing your experience here. It is very helpful!

Question, why do so many people arrive so long before their scheduled interview time?


You really don't need to be there more than 1 hr prior to appoinment time. Most people like us went early because of nervousness and didn't want to take a chance on being late. just make sure you go directly to the line at gate 2/ 3 depending on which one they are using that day, ours was gate 2. don't stand with everyone else in the consoler area outside because that is non immigrant tourist waiting area. We found that out after an hr wait till I asked if we are in the right spot. If you have changed your appointment bring both the new and old appoinment letters with you.


I certainly understand the nervousness and wanting to be there on time. I am going to be with my Bing at her interview. I hope I will be able to sleep the night before. We are apparently stuck at the NVC right now.

Congratulations again.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-05 12:28:00
PhilippinesInterview Experience at USEM
Thank you so much for sharing your experience here. It is very helpful!

Question, why do so many people arrive so long before their scheduled interview time?
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-04 12:50:00
PhilippinesPOE: Detroit Experience
Congratulations and welcome to Michigan! kicking.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-16 12:56:00
PhilippinesVISA APPROVED
Congrats! kicking.gif

Thanks for sharing the details.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-20 17:57:00
Philippinesa song for your partner
So many to choose from... but our song is "You Make Me Feel Brand New" by the Stylistics:

My love, I'll never find the words, my love
To tell you how I feel, my love
Mere words, could not, explain
Precious love, you held my life within your hands
Created everything I am
Taught me how to live again

Only you, cared when I needed a friend
Believed in me through thick and thin
This song is for you, filled with gratitude and love…

Chorus:
God bless you, you make me feel brand new
For God blessed me with you
You make me feel brand new
I sing this song cause you……make me feel brand new

My love, whenever I was insecure
You built me up and made me sure
You gave, my pride, back to me
Precious friend, with you I'll always have a friend
You're someone who I can depend
To walk a path that sometimes bends

Without you, life has no meaning or rhyme
Like notes to a song out of time
How can I repay, you for having faith in me. . . . .

Chorus:
God bless you, you make me feel brand new
For God blessed me with you
You make me feel brand new
I sing this song for you. . . .




Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-07 19:54:00
Philippines2008 good, 2007...not so much
QUOTE (josh383 @ Apr 27 2009, 07:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Mister_Bill @ Apr 27 2009, 10:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Apr 27 2009, 04:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (josh383 @ Apr 26 2009, 11:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, so my 2008 tax info meets the 125% income requirements needed for all of us, but 2007 falls far short (because of business deductions). Should I then: A.- just send 2008 ITR/1099's along with the I134, or B.-send 2008 together with a co-sponsor? We just really don't want any delays since our baby's due date is Oct. 14, and we really, really, REALLY, want to be together by then. Any suggestions?


Dedutions should have no effect on your gross income. You don't report taxable net income but gross income. Your deductions should come after your entire gross income is reported.

That's is why I am wondering if the OP is self-employed. They may want to see three years of returns, if that is the case, or at least the Schedule C for all three years.

Yeah, sorry I forgot to mention that I'm self employed, and because of all the deductions my income for 06 and 07 are far below the guidelines.


Again, deductions have no effect on your income. They are irrelevant. They want to know your gross income, not your net income after deductions.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-27 18:59:00
Philippines2008 good, 2007...not so much
QUOTE (josh383 @ Apr 26 2009, 11:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, so my 2008 tax info meets the 125% income requirements needed for all of us, but 2007 falls far short (because of business deductions). Should I then: A.- just send 2008 ITR/1099's along with the I134, or B.-send 2008 together with a co-sponsor? We just really don't want any delays since our baby's due date is Oct. 14, and we really, really, REALLY, want to be together by then. Any suggestions?


Dedutions should have no effect on your gross income. You don't report taxable net income but gross income. Your deductions should come after your entire gross income is reported.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-27 06:35:00
PhilippinesFirst Tagalog Word or Sentence/Phase your SO learned?
Mahal kita heart.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-28 06:27:00
Philippinesheed the warning
QUOTE (Col. 'Bat' Guano @ Apr 27 2009, 06:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Seattle2Cebu @ Apr 27 2009, 03:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
im very happy living in cebu. Im just telling you what happens if you bring them to the usa... find out for yourself.

learn the hard way..



QUOTE (AmyStan @ Apr 27 2009, 05:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (john & jean @ Apr 27 2009, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ANYONE ELSE SMELL FISH???


Man, I hope this guy is fishing. I hate to think anyone would get himself into that mess.....




My wife is from Cebu. She's been here for 2 years without an incident. Although, the other night I caughtt her trying to file away at the shackles around her ankles. I just laughed it off and hog tied her for the remainder of the night. I think she learned her lesson.


rofl.gif

(I like the Dr Strangelove reference too).

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-27 17:26:00
PhilippinesCenomar for me ??
QUOTE (Ryan M @ Apr 22 2009, 07:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all, i am new to the fourms and have a question.
My fiancee in the philippines who i am going to marry next month over there in the philippines is saying that people are telling her that I also need go get a CENOMAR. but im 100% american born and raised. so why do i need cenomar ?
please help my email its craftyone714@yahoo.com

thanks smile.gif


It would be helpful for us to know what type of visa you applied for and also timeline.gif

If you applied for a K-1 visa, the USC does not need a CENOMAR.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-22 11:02:00
PhilippinesEating Near Embassy
QUOTE (Manila Girl @ May 1 2009, 02:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Apr 30 2009, 05:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Apr 30 2009, 11:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Apr 30 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AvoidDaNoid @ Apr 29 2009, 11:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Where is a good place for Americans to eat near the Embassy? I am going to be staying at Blvd Mansion Hotel. Is there any thing good to eat around there?


Places to eat all over the place.

I stay away from Fast Food in PI.

Poor quality food and way over priced.


Just like in the US tongue.gif


In USA fast food is priced very cheap

In PI Fast Food is Pirced expensive.


yeah.. very expensive!!! especially chickenjoy meals in jollibee.. almost $2!! que horror!


rofl.gif

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-01 06:28:00
PhilippinesEating Near Embassy
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Apr 30 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AvoidDaNoid @ Apr 29 2009, 11:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Where is a good place for Americans to eat near the Embassy? I am going to be staying at Blvd Mansion Hotel. Is there any thing good to eat around there?


Places to eat all over the place.

I stay away from Fast Food in PI.

Poor quality food and way over priced.


Just like in the US tongue.gif

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-30 11:08:00
PhilippinesInterview Experience
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your interview experience.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-08 11:18:00
PhilippinesThank God, my K1 visa was approved!
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing all the details.

By the way, I would assume all the Consular Officers would have to be American. Apparently the pre-screeners are mostly Filipinos.


Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-28 19:02:00
PhilippinesWho had medical exam on May 2009. Please post here...
Doesn't everyone pay the same based on that day's exchange rate?? (It's a set USD amount).
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-06 10:53:00
PhilippinesWhat is the best time to arrive for 7am interview at the US Embassy?
QUOTE (Kevin & Maria @ Apr 24 2009, 03:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Apr 24 2009, 07:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can someone explain the need to arrive any more than about half an hour before your appointment? What's the advantage of waiting longer?? wacko.gif


Nothing. All applicants would be led to the waiting area unless if the time schedule is called. When your time is called, that's the time all the applicants would go in line. It is how fast you are to go to the line that will give you the advantage.



Yeah, that's what I thought - makes no sense to me to get there that early.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-24 15:24:00
PhilippinesWhat is the best time to arrive for 7am interview at the US Embassy?
Can someone explain the need to arrive any more than about half an hour before your appointment? What's the advantage of waiting longer?? wacko.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-04-24 10:55:00
PhilippinesNOA2 and NVC
Yes, the USCIS is not consistent in there wording - some say sent to the NVC and some say sent to the consulate but they ALL go to the NVC first. After you get your letter from the NVC with your case number you should call them to confirm that you case has actually been sent on. My case got stuck there for 50 days.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-14 15:59:00
PhilippinesMedical Requirements at St.Lukes for K1 Fiance Visa
QUOTE (hanamar08 @ May 18 2009, 03:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The US Embassy hasen't sent me the NVC or NOA2 letter yet ever since which was already confirmed on their file on May 12,2009.


The US Embassy does not have the letters from the NVC or the USCIS (approval notice). As others suggested, have the petitioner scan and email you the letter from the NVC with your Case Number on it (MNL2009XXXXXX) and your Approval Notice (NOA2).

Edited by Matt & Bing, 19 May 2009 - 06:27 PM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-19 18:26:00
PhilippinesAfter NOA2
QUOTE (Bill & Bea @ May 20 2009, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am leaving for the Philippines on May 30. My NOA2 is on its way to my home as I am typing this. I am not sure what I will miss in the mail after May 30.

What is to be mailed to me (petitioner), and what is to be mailed to Bea (beneficiary in PI)?

Thanks!!!!!


The NVC will mail a letter to the petitioner with the Case Number on it. After the Embassy receives the package from the NVC, I beileve they only email the beneficiary and indicate that they can now schedule an interview and give links to required forms that can be downloaded.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-20 10:52:00
PhilippinesNVC confirmation?
QUOTE (Tahoma @ May 20 2009, 02:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jeff&Madz @ May 19 2009, 06:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone! I've read that some members here have email confirmation from NVC, will it be sent to beneficairy or petitioner? is it going to be email or hardcopy?

Because hubby will send the other requirments together with the noa2 hardcopy and I'm wondering if the NVC letter will be sent to him (petitioner)..because if its going to be sent to him, we might need to wait for it before sneding the other docs...
is it going to be email? sent to him or me, the beneficiary..? Around hoe many days will this arrive after we receive the NOA2?


Thank sooo much!


Hi Madz,

NVC confirmation mail will be sent to your fiance about 1-2 weeks after the NOA2. You may schedule your interview once you get your case number.Good luck.

~Chinook


Actually, you have to wait until the embassy receives your packet from the NVC and they have time to log it into their system. I have known my case number since since late March and still cannot schedule my interview (I was delayed at the NVC 50 days). Hopefully later this week I can schedule it.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-20 06:46:00
PhilippinesNVC confirmation?
The petitioner will recieve a letter about 10 days after the Approval notice was received. The letter will state that within one week your case will be sent on to Manila but you need to call the NVC at 603 334-0700 to confirm that it was actually sent on. Sometimes cases are delayed for up to 50 days for "additional processing".

Oh, and the petitioner could just email you a scanned copy of the NVC letter with the case number on it.

Good luck.

Edited by Matt & Bing, 19 May 2009 - 11:20 AM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-19 11:19:00
PhilippinesPassed K1 Interview
Congrats! Thanks for sharing.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-20 11:01:00
PhilippinesQuestion about setting interview date
Thanks a lot for the replies.

I am pretty sure though that they do inform the beneficiary that they can now schedule an interview. I do plan on calling before we get that however. They also include links to download the DS-156, DS-157, etc. and inform you about the medical exam requirements at St Luke's. You can view all that info on the Manila embassy web site. Its called the package 3 I believe.



Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-14 20:02:00
PhilippinesQuestion about setting interview date
Hello friends.

We were finally released from the NVC this week and I will be calling the embassy soon to inquire about our interview.

A have a few questions:

Anyone know about when interviews are being scheduled now? Mid to late June??

As I said, I am going to call to schedule our interview before waiting for the notice from the embassy. I believe the embassy will soon send my fiancee an email stating that we can now schedue an interview and a link to their web site with the forms needed and other information.

And then after I call to schedule the interiew, another email will be sent to my fiancee confirming the interview date, correct?

One more question about the medical exam. On the first day, does it matter what time you show up? I saw someone suggesting arriving after noon on the first day. Is that a good idea?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

I meant to post this in the Philippines section - can someone move it please blush.gif

Edited by Matt & Bing, 14 May 2009 - 11:20 AM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-14 11:20:00
PhilippinesInterview Scheduled!
Thanks for all the good wishes. And thanks to those who have previoulsy posted their interiew experiences. I am much more confident knowing what to expect at the interview.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-27 06:38:00
PhilippinesInterview Scheduled!
Bing's interview will be on June 23 at 7:00am. I will be attending too! kicking.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-26 20:17:00
PhilippinesQuestion about purchasing ticket for fiancee
My travel agent (TravelFast International) claims the only issue is that they cannot charge me for the Philippines travel tax. They say there is no problem and they handle a lot of flights from the Philippines.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-28 16:07:00