ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
PhilippinesQuestion about purchasing ticket for fiancee
QUOTE (jsnearline @ May 28 2009, 12:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I booked a one way ticket for my wife on Northwest out of Manila using the nwa.com site and my wife didn't encounter any problems. She just paid the travel tax and airport departure fee at the airport the day she left. I just checked the nwa.com/ph site and they still allow you to purchase one way tickets online. I don't think they'd be doing that if it were illegal.


Thanks for the reply. Yes, I can't understand how this would be an issue. When you check in at the airport, how would they know or care how the ticket was acquired.

But the Philippines just seems to have some odd rules sometimes. Thank God I know about the CFO requirement. I don't want any surprises on the rest of our Journey.


Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-28 11:32:00
PhilippinesQuestion about purchasing ticket for fiancee
There was a thread back in April that had the following comment:

VJ link

QUOTE
A word of caution.....When you go buy a one way ticket out of the philippines you have to go through a travel agent, and you will have to pick up the ticket in manila. With help from Asiana I found a travel agency in Los Angeles called Four Seasons Tours and Travel (phone is 213-381-8000) asiana cannot accept payment for the one way ticket, you have to go through agency. There is a philippine government rule that tickets for flights out of the philippines have to be printed in the philippines and picked up in the philippines. it took me all day today to get everything worked out.


I am going to buy my fiancee's ticket through a travel agent but I don't understand the issue if I did not. How would the government know where the ticket was printed or picked up? I assume I will get an e-ticket and she will just print it out and then get her borading pass when she checks in at the airport. But I don't know how they would know or care if the tickest was purchased directly from the airline or through a travel agent.

Has anyone dealt with this issue?
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-28 10:55:00
Philippinesat long last thank you lord..
Awesome news!! Congrats!! kicking.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-29 19:59:00
PhilippinesTourist Visa - Ties - Show Money
She wants to leave her 2 young kids for 4 weeks! blink.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-29 19:05:00
PhilippinesPOE Detroit
QUOTE (Krikit @ Jun 1 2009, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What do they mean the paperwork expired? It's the visa expiry date which counts now. Not the paperwork. headbonk.gif Good thing you answered your cellphone. Your poor fiancee may have been stuck there for ages. sad.gif Hope all goes well now. smile.gif

Oh wait. I just realized. You guys go through an additional process. I guess that must be what they're referring to. Never mind. lol


Curious as to what guys go through an additional process and what the process is? blink.gif

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-01 18:19:00
PhilippinesWhat is the nicest (not cheapest) hotel near the US Embassy??
You were close! Zamboanga's Restaurant
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-05 12:38:00
PhilippinesWhat is the nicest (not cheapest) hotel near the US Embassy??
QUOTE (TripleG @ Jun 5 2009, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Swagmans Hotel. Not the most glamorous, but has the best ammenties. Western food, Free breakfast, Free Internet Cafe on second floor, Travel Agency on-site, Free airport transportation. Cheapest room rate 2200 php a night. Its an older place with smaller type rooms, but well maintained and very clean. Hot water, cold air-con, and cable television.

Zambonga's Restuarant (Totally mispelled that! lol, its spelled like the province down south)
It has a Chavencano theme, with a Mariachi band that plays
Good seafood, good atmosphere and a proffesional waitstaff
My fiance and I went with an expat friend, his wife and his driver in May. We ate so much they could have rolled us out of there, and the bill was around 5000 peso's.

Hope this helps,
Wyatt


Yes - thanks a lot. Actually the restaurant I was trying to think of is Harborview Harborview Restaurant but I will have to consider Zambonga's or whatever it is too :-)

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-05 12:35:00
PhilippinesWhat is the nicest (not cheapest) hotel near the US Embassy??
Anybody know the name of the very good restaurant, specializing in sea food, on Manila Bay I believe (its right over the water)? Its a short cab ride from the Embassy I believe. Near where the tourist boats leave for Corregidor.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-05 11:48:00
PhilippinesWhat is the nicest (not cheapest) hotel near the US Embassy??
QUOTE (nowhereman @ Jun 5 2009, 12:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Jun 5 2009, 12:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've seen a lot of posts about the cheapest but what is the nicest hotel within walking distance of the US Embassy? And what is the best nearby restaurant for dinner?

Thanks for any replies.

My wife (then fiancee) stayed at the Bayview hotel twice (medical & interview) & she said it was fine. Its not the cheapest or most expensive hotel in the area, but from what I've heard its one of the better ones.


Thanks - Its definately the closest, but it sure gets some bad reviews TripAdvisor reviews
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-05 11:39:00
PhilippinesWhat is the nicest (not cheapest) hotel near the US Embassy??
I've seen a lot of posts about the cheapest but what is the nicest hotel within walking distance of the US Embassy? And what is the best nearby restaurant for dinner?

Thanks for any replies.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-05 11:07:00
PhilippinesMay 26 USEM Interview PASSED! May 29, VISA ON HAND
QUOTE (martheena0909 @ May 31 2009, 08:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The security guard took the appointment confirmation letter, checked my passport, and put a stamp on my USEM letter. My last chest x-ray was January '09 as per work requirement, I told the receptionist of this, she asked me of the film but I only have the reading or the result with me. She said, they only take the film not the x-ray reading. So, i have to go through another chest x-ray. Note: Be prepared to fill-up DS 156K form. Have your fiance’s address in your notes in case you can’t memorize it yet, as you have to write it on the DS 156K.


Thanks a lot for sharing!

I'm confused, you needed the DS 156K form for the medical exam?? I thought that was only for the interview at the embassy.



Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-01 11:23:00
Philippinesnedical experience
QUOTE (deomaya @ Jun 5 2009, 11:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
since the embassy call center told you that she would not receive anything except the email with her interview appointment confirmation number , print it twice...

1 for medical ...the guard (ground floor) will staple it together with Patient Data Sheet..... then present passport n 1 2x2 pic ... white background...the only person allowed to come inside is the one who will undergo medical exam

1 for US embassy interview ...( since u dont have appointment letter they will stamp the confirmation email where in you'll show it for your US interview) ...


Yes, very good, that's what I will do.

Salamat po good.gif

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-06 08:20:00
Philippinesnedical experience
QUOTE (edp333 @ Jun 5 2009, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Jun 5 2009, 03:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (deomaya @ Jun 5 2009, 12:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
good eve... just wanted to share my medical experience lat june 2, tuesday @ 1pm...

1st... verification of the US Embassy packet by the SLEC guards (ground floor)... i submitted to the guard ( photocopy of US embassy packet ( bring the original because the guard will stamp it, print out copy of confirmation no. ( emailed by Embassy call center), passport and 1 2x2 pic ( visa photograph )...the guard will give forms including the flow chart...


Thanks for sharing.

What is the "US Embassy packet"? I set up the interview before my fiancee received anything from the Embassy and the call center said she would not receive anything except the email with her interview appointment confirmation number on it. She will bring a copy of the email and a copy of the approval notice (NOA2) and NVC letter with case number on it.


I think she was referring to the email and NOA2 you mentioned. The IV packets can be downloaded at the bottom of this USEM webpage: http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3238.html


Yes, thank you. Those links were on the appointment confirmation email. I can't believe you need to print the IV packet and bring it to the medical. The NOA2 (approval notice) was not sent by the embassy of course. I got that back in March.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-05 21:41:00
Philippinesnedical experience
QUOTE (deomaya @ Jun 5 2009, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
US Embassy packet is an appointment letter from US Embassy Manila... when i was waiting for this for 1 month i tried to email consIVManila@state.gov last may 19, the ff day may 20, i got a reply stating that they no longer sends information packetvand i may schedule my interview...blah blah blah, but may 22, i got an appointment letter via DHL, in your case if you really want to be sure i suggest u to email ConsIVManila@state.gov.. print it out (2 copies, 1 for medical and 1 interview)... the guard at st. lukes might ask for it parin... so have a copy of it and her email with her interview confirmation number ( 1 for med n 1 for interview)... present it to the guard with your passport n 1 visa photograph... but pls bring 2 extra visa photographs coz St. lukes will forward it to the US embassy manila together with your passport and medical results...have your medical atleast 2 wks before your interview... good luck... God bless Us


Thanks for the reply but I'm having a hard time understanding what you are saying. You are suggesting I email ConsIVManila@state.gov ?? What is that? And say what in my email? And print out what?

Thanks ...
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-05 21:36:00
Philippinesnedical experience
QUOTE (deomaya @ Jun 5 2009, 12:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
good eve... just wanted to share my medical experience lat june 2, tuesday @ 1pm...

1st... verification of the US Embassy packet by the SLEC guards (ground floor)... i submitted to the guard ( photocopy of US embassy packet ( bring the original because the guard will stamp it, print out copy of confirmation no. ( emailed by Embassy call center), passport and 1 2x2 pic ( visa photograph )...the guard will give forms including the flow chart...


Thanks for sharing.

What is the "US Embassy packet"? I set up the interview before my fiancee received anythng from the Embassy and the call center said she would not receive anything except the email with her interview appointment confirmation number on it. She will bring a copy of the email and a copy of the approval notice (NOA2) and NVC letter with case number on it.




Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-05 15:02:00
PhilippinesVisa interview experienced :)
Congrats and thanks a lot for sharing your experiences. Its very helpful to those of us waiting for our interviews. good.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-28 20:20:00
PhilippinesI-134 Affidavit of Support question
The instructions for Form I-134, Affidavit of Support say to "submit in duplicate evidence of income ..."

So you really need 2 copies of your tax returns or tax transcritps submitted with the forms? Did anyone not provide 2 copies of your support and was it a problem?

I am going to the interview and have a huge pile of paper to bring - I'm trying to avoid any unnecessary items.

Thanks.

Edited by Matt & Bing, 07 June 2009 - 08:15 PM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-07 20:13:00
PhilippinesPinay Ako!
QUOTE (Laura+Tom @ Jan 19 2009, 11:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Rocky nBullwinkle, your posts are quite interesting. I like learning new things about other countries.


It all came from here: http://www.filipinawives.com/index.htm (page down)

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-01-19 19:51:00
Philippinesjune 16 interview
Good luck - but you are so prepared it will be a breeze!
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-15 17:19:00
Philippinesdating sites
Dating sites like FilipinaHeart.com (even if one party pays for it) do not fall under IMBRA.

As an aside, even if they did fall under IMBRA, it would only mean that you disclose it on the application and would not casue any problem in obtaining a visa.

Edited by Matt & Bing, 16 June 2009 - 11:38 AM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-16 11:37:00
PhilippinesWish us luck!
QUOTE (rizamike1 @ Jun 19 2009, 12:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Jun 18 2009, 08:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello friends.

Tomorrow I will make the looooong flight to Manila to accompany my Bing to her interview on Tuesday. We will have an engagement party the following weekend and then hopefully return together on July 4th.

Thanks to Visa Journey, we feel ready and confident for the interview.

Please pray for us.

Thanks,
Matt & Bing



Hi! have a safe trip to PI and all the best on the interview. I'll be flying to DTW also on 4th of July via NW72. please let me know of your flight too. thanks and God bless!

riza


Yes, that's our flight too!

Thanks to all for the kind words.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-19 06:26:00
PhilippinesWish us luck!
Hello friends.

Tomorrow I will make the looooong flight to Manila to accompany my Bing to her interview on Tuesday. We will have an engagement party the following weekend and then hopefully return together on July 4th.

Thanks to Visa Journey, we feel ready and confident for the interview.

Please pray for us.

Thanks,
Matt & Bing


Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-18 19:59:00
PhilippinesSETTING APPOINTMENT AT US EMBASSY MANILA
QUOTE (jenssiva @ Mar 6 2009, 03:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everybody,
I have been trying to call the us embassy to schedule my wifes interview date for the last 2 weeks. I am calling from the philippines and the number I am calling is 19091017878 However, I am not able to get through! It isnt even ringing! It says to use Smart or PLDT, and we have tried both! Does anybody have any suggetions?
Thanks in advance,
jens


My suggestion is to have the US petitioner call from the US. There is a Fee ($18 I believe) where you get a PIN and can make up to 3 calls.

Also, this question would get better response in the Philippines forum.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-03-06 07:34:00
PhilippinesWow, the Philippines!
QUOTE (SAVM @ Jun 18 2009, 06:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As nice as that sounds, I'm not sure there's any evidence to back up the fact that Philippina women make "better" wives than women of any other nationality. I don't think we're being honest with ourselves here.


Jealous! devil.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-18 18:01:00
PhilippinesWow, the Philippines!
QUOTE (itzallgood @ Jun 17 2009, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (SAVM @ Jun 17 2009, 06:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've got to ask, because some one has to do it, why are the Philippines so apparently overrepresented on VJ in terms of K-1 beneficiaries? I understand that the country makes up somewhere around 1.37% of the world population, but my sense is that somewhere around 75% of the k-1 beneficiaries on this site are from the Philippines. What gives?




Shhhh, itz a well-kept secret: Filipinas make the best wives. They KNOW how to properly care for their man!



good.gif I am a lucky man! kicking.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-17 20:37:00
PhilippinesInterview Passed!!
QUOTE (sweet_wifey22 @ Jun 24 2009, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Jun 24 2009, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MikenKyhen @ Jun 24 2009, 10:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations guys. I'm curious what did they say when you requested to pick up your visa? I had my fiance ask if she could pick up her visa and she was told that you had to have a very good reason to want to pick it up like your so is in the military and going to be deployed soon or some other extenuating circumstances. Anyway I guess we'll just wait for the mail unless you have any advice. Congrats again and I hope you make your projected July 4th departing date. Mike


The fact that I was there and said we want to fly back together I think is why they granted the request to pick it up.

In fact we got a call only one day after the interview that it is ready and we will pick it up today! kicking.gif

Thanks to all for the congrats.

To the person who said "Go Blue" I say "GO STATE". I went to Michigan State.


Go Tigers!!!!! laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif


OK - that I agree with! And go Lions, Red Wings and Pistons! good.gif

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-24 19:57:00
PhilippinesInterview Passed!!
QUOTE (MikenKyhen @ Jun 24 2009, 10:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations guys. I'm curious what did they say when you requested to pick up your visa? I had my fiance ask if she could pick up her visa and she was told that you had to have a very good reason to want to pick it up like your so is in the military and going to be deployed soon or some other extenuating circumstances. Anyway I guess we'll just wait for the mail unless you have any advice. Congrats again and I hope you make your projected July 4th departing date. Mike


The fact that I was there and said we want to fly back together I think is why they granted the request to pick it up.

In fact we got a call only one day after the interview that it is ready and we will pick it up today! kicking.gif

Thanks to all for the congrats.

To the person who said "Go Blue" I say "GO STATE". I went to Michigan State.


Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-24 19:19:00
PhilippinesInterview Passed!!
Hi friends. We passed our interview on Tuesday! good.gif I must tell everyone that if it is possible, you should attend your fiancee's interview. They did not ask for any evidence of relationship at all - I had letters of intent, many emails, chat logs, photos etc. but neither the pre-screener or the CO asked for them. (but of course you should bring those items with you).

It was funny, the CO was from the town right next to where I live in the US (Muskegon, MI. I am from Grand Haven).

They actually asked me more questions than my fiancee!

Thanks for everyone's help in preparing for our interview.

We asked to pick-up our visa and hopefully we will fly back together on the 4th of July. kicking.gif


Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-23 23:12:00
PhilippinesSending flowers to my honey in Manilla - Recommendations?
QUOTE (bluemist @ Jun 25 2009, 06:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee ( husband now ) used to send me flowers with chocolates and cards here www.flora2000.com

The flowers are fresh and still in the buds.


I have used Flora 2000 many times - no complaints.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-25 21:43:00
PhilippinesAPPROVED (June 18 - Interview)
Congrats and thanks for sharing good.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-18 06:40:00
PhilippinesGood hotel near airport - Manila
QUOTE (Mister_Bill @ Jun 30 2009, 09:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Townhouse Hotel is as cheap you can get, and it owned by an expat. They have free airport shuttle. Roaches are everywhere. Just tell the front desk, and they will spray. It's the Philippines!


Thanks ... I think we will pass on that one! rolleyes.gif

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-30 20:10:00
PhilippinesGood hotel near airport - Manila
QUOTE (MikeeLucyForever @ Jun 30 2009, 08:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I stayed at Bayview Park a day before my flight, not too near but i can assure it's clean.

QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Jun 30 2009, 08:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What is a good hotel to stay at (clean, quiet) near the airport? We will be staying overnight before we depart for the US on Saturday.



Yea, we stayed there the day before our interview (big roach in the CR). We were looking for something closer to the airport. Thanks.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-30 20:02:00
PhilippinesGood hotel near airport - Manila
What is a good hotel to stay at (clean, quiet) near the airport? We will be staying overnight before we depart for the US on Saturday.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-30 19:48:00
PhilippinesIf you got engaged here, then why are you getting married there?
QUOTE (pweettyy @ Jun 29 2009, 10:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
what is the best answer?


"Because we applied for a fiancee visa" is what I would say.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-30 00:04:00
PhilippinesAge Difference
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jun 6 2009, 09:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
WOW! And I thought our 17 year difference would draw fire jest.gif jest.gif jest.gif


Well, it wouldn't in the Philippines, but you aren't interviewing there laughing.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-06 08:25:00
PhilippinesJUne Medical and Interview Schedzzz..
Bing finished her medical exam today - no problems good.gif

Next is the interview on the 23rd I leave on the 19th. kicking.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-06-10 10:59:00
PhilippinesJUne Medical and Interview Schedzzz..
Interview is on June 23.

Not sure the exact date that Bing will have her medical. You don't need an appointment, right?
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-05-28 18:25:00
PhilippinesCFO papers say 4 hrs. early...
I have to disagree that you need to be at the airport 4 hours before your flight. I have flown out of Manila 3 times and it has taken me no more that 45 minutes to check in, pay the terminal fee and get through the security check points. You need to leave some cushion of course but 4 hours is way too much. 3 hours is more than enough but certainly safe (we arrived a little more than 2.5 hours ahead just last Saturday and had a lot of time to wait at the gate).

Edited by Matt & Bing, 06 July 2009 - 11:04 AM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-07-06 11:02:00
PhilippinesVisa at embassy??
We picked up the visa 2 days after the interview.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-07-06 11:10:00