Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Philippines	pdos prism seminar	QUOTE (DianneWalgreens @ Nov 21 2009, 08:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (mrsean @ Nov 20 2009, 11:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (DianneWalgreens @ Nov 20 2009, 09:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (mrsean @ Nov 20 2009, 08:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i am going to the taft ave pdos seminar next week before my interview,then i will get stamp after my visa is issued.can anyone tell me the exact documents needed at the prism office i just want to bring what is needed for that seminar to get certificate saying i did it, i here all differant docs,and can i bring photo copy of what docs,nbi,passport[embassy has mine] birth certificate etc i would love to know what i need at prism has any one been there lately, thanx go and check here for the required docs CFO i suggest go to St. Marys instead of PRISM cause PRISM sucks! i need info from someone that went to prism i read cfo site prism is not cfo thanx anyway ohh i wouldnt recommend you the St. Marys if PRISM dont sucks and i wouldnt say that they are sucks if i didnt experienced it i did my seminar at PRISM last nov 2008. they are really sucks you will gonna waste your 1 hour with the BDO counselling before they start the PDOS counselling. i get inside at 8am it only took 5 mins for me to fill up their forms then went to the other room after and waited for 2 hrs to watch the "MGB clip" after 10 mins of watching here comes the BDO man with the BDO thingy it took an hr with him then finally the real counselling starts at 12noon theres a group counselling and theres a one on one counselling i get done at 3pm (without eating!) i dont think anybody here on VJ has a good review about PRISM At first, I did not intend to attend the guidance and counseling seminar at PRISM. it was because i read a lot that they really sucks and believed it coz it was based on the personal experiences of the applicants. However, due to the travel time from ermita to quezon city where St mary's is located, i took the risk of attending the one at PRISM. Im just glad that it was fine , there was no BDO ads whatsoever so far. maybe they were smart enough to figure out that that applicants has nothing to do with that ads at all. The counselor was nice to us and allowed us to participate in the process. I think, the docs they required varies on the circumstances of each applicant. An applicant just have to bring the basic identification documents or valid IDs and other documents peculiar to one's case.( i myself didnt bring my NBI and birth cert so i was asked to present 2 valid IDs). other applicants were asked for the pics of their fiance and them together while i was not asked for pics at all. I can say that with my personal experience with PRISM, i can rate them fine. Personally, i dont understand why the CFO required applicants to undergo such seminar. Its just additonal cost and time for us. But who knows our government sucks!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-11-24 05:39:00
Philippines	pdos prism seminar	QUOTE (mrsean @ Nov 21 2009, 09:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i am going to the taft ave pdos seminar next week before my interview,then i will get stamp after my visa is issued.can anyone tell me the exact documents needed at the prism office i just want to bring what is needed for that seminar to get certificate saying i did it, i here all differant docs,and can i bring photo copy of what docs,nbi,passport[embassy has mine] birth certificate etc i would love to know what i need at prism has any one been there lately, thanx Hi, I attended the seminar at PRISM the other day(Nov 19, 2009). the following are required based on my experience: 2 valid IDs and photocopy of each ID, photocopy of the court order of declaration of nullity of my previous marriage and photocopy of the divorce decree of my fiance's previous marriage. I was just asked how did we know each other and when was our first meeting and when i told her that we already met 10 times for the last 6 years. She smiled and nothing was asked. For others who attended the seminar, she asked for 2 valid IDs, birth certificate and pictures of the fiance/spouse with the petitioner and asked when was the first and last meeting. Be sure to know the maiden name of the mother of the petitioner. So far, the seminar was somehow informative and she entertained some questions. Goodluck!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-11-21 03:58:00
Philippines	pdos prism seminar	QUOTE (mrsean @ Nov 21 2009, 09:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i am going to the taft ave pdos seminar next week before my interview,then i will get stamp after my visa is issued.can anyone tell me the exact documents needed at the prism office i just want to bring what is needed for that seminar to get certificate saying i did it, i here all differant docs,and can i bring photo copy of what docs,nbi,passport[embassy has mine] birth certificate etc i would love to know what i need at prism has any one been there lately, thanx	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-11-21 03:47:00
Philippines	december 4th interview	Hi Daisy, I already added you in my yh messenger. I understand your anxiety. Do whatever that will make you feel confident and erase your fears/doubts. Tulad mo, I took with me all the receipts when i filed the petition for the declarartion of nullity of marriage in 2004 and including the psychological evaluation report. The embassy didnt even ask for the court order.I think it was the St. Luke's that is interested with that. 8lbs documents ang dala ko, in 4 clearbooks (20 pages each) hahahaha!! Hindi man lang tiningnan yon. Hindi kami nag request na i hand carry namin ang medical reports, nagulat na lang ako na binigay sa amin ang passports at sealed med reports. Ni hindi nga nagsabi ang st luke's na may bago na kami na appointment letter. Mabuti na lang at nagbukas ako ng email at don ko nakita. During the interview, may nakita akong mga US citizens with their fiancee/spouses and they were allowed to get inside the interview room. By the way, sa feb pa ang alis namin, kasi spring next year ang wedding date. God bless!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-11-25 22:44:00
Philippines	december 4th interview	QUOTE (LaneAndDaisy @ Nov 25 2009, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (robbie jeannet @ Nov 25 2009, 11:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i need company and friend to talk during interview....please meet me at the bayview hotel on the 3rd day of december.... hi there sis..im for December 4 interview too... Hi Daisy, Best of luck on your interview.Dont worry abt your annulment, there are so many divorces in the States and as long as you have the annotated marriage contract, that makes you eligible and free to get married.Feel free to send message to my yhmessenger, here is my account..movinia208. you may send offline messages and i will answer it when i get home from work. Go girl! God bless. Movi	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-11-25 18:06:00
Philippines	Made it through the sputum nightmare	QUOTE (Westindy @ Nov 24 2009, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I called tonight for the results of my fiances sputum testing. I was advised that he should report at St. Lukes with his passport, reciept and original appt letter for immunizations. Does anybody know and estimated time when they may reschedule the interview. My fiance lives in Cebu so I was thinking that he can just stay in Manila and wait for the interview. Do you guys think that's fesable? Hi congrats!!! saw that your fiance was negative in the sputum culture test and has completed the vaccination and got a new schedule of interview. May i know if the new schedule of his interview was given by st luke's or he requested for such date. I am interested to know coz my daughter's result will be on the Jan 18. Our planned departure is feb 6, and we are now looking into the possibility that my daughter can travel with us. Thanks.	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-03 19:32:00
Philippines	Made it through the sputum nightmare	QUOTE (Westindy @ Nov 24 2009, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I called tonight for the results of my fiances sputum testing. I was advised that he should report at St. Lukes with his passport, reciept and original appt letter for immunizations. Does anybody know and estimated time when they may reschedule the interview. My fiance lives in Cebu so I was thinking that he can just stay in Manila and wait for the interview. Do you guys think that's fesable? Glad to hear your fiance's sputum culture test is negative. My children and I had our medical at st luke's last week( Nov 16). My son and i passed ,however my daughter was required to undergo sputum smear test. As soon as the result turned negative, my son and i had our interview yesterday( this was our original schedule) and we were approved. So we are now waiting for the results of the culture test which will be this jan 18. We will be interested and appreciate if you can update, as to what was required of your fiance and when your fiance get the interview so this will be our basis in our timeframe and planning. We intend to travel with her to the states, so while processing my authority to travel abroad at the same time, we will wait for the results of her test. Thanks and God bless!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-11-24 05:09:00
Philippines	Our Christmas tree	QUOTE (PhiLandShiR @ Dec 4 2009, 05:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Shirr did a wonderful job. I was really impressed. All I can claim is putting the angel on the top. By greatwhitenorth at 2009-12-03 Wow. real nice. Congrats!!! just thought is it ok if we post our Christmas trees too? Filipinos love Christmas and having a tree is the start of this joyful season.	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-03 19:19:00
Philippines	ANOTHER ONE GETS THE PINK	Congratulations!!! A review will be very much appreciated. will wait for it.	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-04 10:03:00
Philippines	Visa APPROVED!!!!	Congratulations!! Im just curious if you submitted a written request to the consulate officer to pick up your visa or you just asked verbally. My daughter will hopefully have her interview next month and we are hoping she can travel with us to the States on our scheduled flight so we plan to request for a visa pick-up. Your reply will be of great help. Thanks in advance and best wishes !! [/quote] I just ask verbally to the consul and he allow me. Good luck to your daughter's interview. [/quote] Thanks a lot for that fast reply. Have a safe trip and God bless!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-04 07:38:00
Philippines	Visa APPROVED!!!!	QUOTE (Lady AA @ Dec 4 2009, 01:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi to my vj family. My visa got approved today and my interview went very smooth... the consul ask only 2 questions to me, My name and my husband's name and he just look in my CEMAR. The pre-screener do the same question what the consul ask me. The consul allow me to pick-up my visa and he said I can get it by Monday just wait for the call so i know what time i can get it in the embassy. I am very thankful that i found vj... it is a big help to me. And I found new friend here. Thank you also lovely Anna L. Congratulations!! Im just curious if you submitted a written request to the consulate officer to pick up your visa or you just asked verbally. My daughter will hopefully have her interview next month and we are hoping she can travel with us to the States on our scheduled flight so we plan to request for a visa pick-up. Your reply will be of great help. Thanks in advance and best wishes !!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-04 06:23:00
Philippines	Intent to marry letter	We had our interview last Nov 23. I brought with me the letters of intent to marry with a date close to the interview date and addressed to the US embassy manila. It were signed by me and my fiance, however, were not asked during the interview. Indeed it is one of the documents required, so better bring it during the interview.	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-06 09:29:00
Philippines	Our interview documents	QUOTE (George and Movi @ Dec 8 2009, 11:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi, Congratulations for preparing such an impressive documentation. I know you put your heart and mind on it. I did the same for our interview documents, spent several nights after office. Only to find out that the embassy asked for only few documents namely, DS 156, DS157, DS 156K,visa payment fee slip, medical reports(coz we hand carried it) NBI clearance, birth cert, annotated marriage contract, pics and cards. Coming to the interview well prepared and with complete documentation makes us confident and lessens the anxiety. What impresses me most is that you were the one who prepared those folders. My fiance did the documentation for the application submitted to USCIS and I was also impressed how he did it. It makes me say that this visa journey really brings out the best in our MAN - dedication, commitment, perseverance, patience and even creativity. Great job and wish you the best! Good fortune on the coming interview! Oops..i forgot to mention that the affidavit of support and the supporting documents was the last that was asked from us. thanks for posting. This is of great help to those who are preparing for their interview..God bless	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-08 10:31:00
Philippines	Our interview documents	Hi, Congratulations for preparing such an impressive documentation. I know you put your heart and mind on it. I did the same for our interview documents, spent several nights after office. Only to find out that the embassy asked for only few documents namely, DS 156, DS157, DS 156K,visa payment fee slip, medical reports(coz we hand carried it) NBI clearance, birth cert, annotated marriage contract, pics and cards. Coming to the interview well prepared and with complete documentation makes us confident and lessens the anxiety. What impresses me most is that you were the one who prepared those folders. My fiance did the documentation for the application submitted to USCIS and I was also impressed how he did it. It makes me say that this visa journey really brings out the best in our MAN - dedication, commitment, perseverance, patience and even creativity. Great job and wish you the best! Good fortune on the coming interview!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-08 10:14:00
Philippines	Need opinions.please help	One of the reason of not passing the medical exams is having a contagious disease. Having a cyst is not one of them.So in my opinion, as long as there was no advice from the St Luke's to the contrary then you can proceed to attend the interview and just undergo the operation later. You will know you passed the medical exams coz they gave you the vaccine shots(should you opt to have it done here) and either they take your passport and tell you they will forward it with the medical results to the embassy or they will return the passport to you and the sealed medical results. I read a post here that an applicant was undergoing chemotheraphy at that time she went for a medical exams, she passed her medical exams, attended the interview and got approved. Good luck!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-09 19:38:00
Philippines	Silly subject....	QUOTE (Bryan+Nelia 4life @ Dec 12 2009, 11:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My fiance' has her medical on Monday and she is worried because her friend is in town (lol her period). I told her that is not a problem but she thinks they will make her reschedule. Can you tell her not to worry guys? Hi, Basically a woman's period has nothing to do with nor will it affect the medical exams results, however,before my children and my medical exams, I called St Luke's and asked if its ok to have a period during the medical exams. I was informed that the applicants should have no period during the medical exams.I think this maybe because the physical exams to be conducted required the applicants to be naked and having a period will be messy. Goodluck on the medical exams!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-12 10:37:00
Philippines	Purchase a flight for my wife to come to US	QUOTE (radialmonster @ Dec 10 2009, 08:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My wife and her son were approved and she has received her visa already. Now I need to purchase their plane tickets. I am in the US, she and her son are in the Philippines. I called some of the airlines to purchase a ticket, but they all say I can not purchase a ticket for her, she has to do it from within the Philippines. I called AAA travel which I am a member of, and they said the same thing. Is this right? How am I supposed to purchase her tickets? I guess I could just send her the money and have her purchase it directly. If this is the case, any suggestions of where I can tell my wife to purchase the tickets? Thank you! Hi, Last monday,my fiance purchased from Northwest (3)one way ticket for me and my two children and a round trip ticket for him since he is coming here to spend the Christmas with us before we will all fly to the US. There was no problem at all. and i already received the electronic ticket. Anyway, should you opt to send her the money, then she can check for Philippine Airlines, cathay pacific or northwest or there might be some travel agents in her locality that she can check. But then the availability of flight is one of the problem this season. We even changed airline due to this constraint. Goodluck!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-09 19:18:00
Philippines	who is responsible?????	QUOTE (robbie jeannet @ Dec 15 2009, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i tried to tell my girl that her friend or her husband needs to contact the aussie embassy to find out what they need to do. but do they listen nooooooooooo. so here we have another confusing post. Your explanation makes me smile. Your girl was just too excited to help a friend.Thats nice of her.	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-15 06:33:00
Philippines	Fiance's 11th trip to the Phils	[quote name='PhiLandShiR' date='Dec 15 2009, 11:13 PM' post='3566289'] Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Welcome to America!!!! Thanks. Merry Christmas and happy new year too!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-16 05:48:00
Philippines	Fiance's 11th trip to the Phils	QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Dec 15 2009, 11:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Does he have any issues down there. I understand this place is heavy Muslim with ABU Sayaff It's about 2 hours south of a place I hang out in PI, I heard it's a pretty city. Our city has few muslims residents(less than 5%) but dont think Abu sayaff are here. My fiance and I went to far flung areas in the mountains as part of our social works without bodyguard at all but we do observe precautionary measures. This city is relatively safe. He organized a Non government organization, GRACE, Inc., that caters to children in crisis.you may visit our the website www.gracegeneralsantos.org.	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-16 05:46:00
Philippines	Fiance's 11th trip to the Phils	Today, my fiance arrived in gensan. This is his 11th visit to be with me and my children. For the past 7 years since we have known each other, he lives with us for 3 months every 4 or 5 months. However, due to some financial constraints and while waiting for the results of the petition and finally the visa, it took 13 months between his last visit and now. We are looking forward to celebrating Christmas and new year together with our friends and family.This will be his 3rd Christmas with us. As we say, fun times for all before the four of us( my fiance, myself and my 2 children) head to States this February. We already received our visas and the plane tickets. The next 2 months, we will take care of some of the wedding preparations, attend to all stuff at work before i leave, comply with the documentation for the NCLEX, set up the arrangements for the NGO my fiance organized and how will it be run in our absence, and we will see more children this christmas. And of course, we will be spending more time with each other as this will be another long christmas vacation. For all who will be spending Christmas with their loved ones, CHEERS!! Its time to celebrate! The waiting, patience and determination finally paid off. For those who are still waiting, just keep the faith and hold on. May we have all a blessed Christmas and a bountiful year to come!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-15 06:19:00
Philippines	mindanao	From the tuna capital of the Philippines..General Santos City	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-08 17:51:00
Philippines	Sending regular money to fiancee. Good or Bad for Interview ?	QUOTE (lbounds @ Dec 19 2009, 02:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm just wondering if records of my sending regular money to my fiancee is a good or bad thing to be seen during the interview in Manila. I thought maybe this wasn't a good idea because maybe some interviewer might be suspicious if my relationship was based on money. On the other hand sending some regular money monthly may show that I have the ability to support my future wife and am serious about the relationship. Besides it would help my girl. Thanks for helpful comments from those that have done the interview already. Hi, my fiance has been supporting me for the last 7 years. Im receiving a regular monthly allowance. We even have a joint savings account maintained in a Phil bank. I printed all the documents to show proof of the money transfers and secured a Bank certificate of our joint account. However, during the interview, only the cards, pictures and affidavit of support were asked from me to support the relationship.The consul just asked why is it that I decided to go to the States only now. Guess he was surprised of the long engagement(15 days shy of 7 years at the time of the interview). I personally believe that sending money maybe considered as an indication that the petitioner can support the beneficiary and will not be a burden or public charge when the latter will be in the US. So, its not bad for the interview.	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-19 08:29:00
Philippines	FINALLY IM WITH FIANCE HERE IN USA...but.....	Hi Daisy, Sorry about your loss.The least you can do is pray for him. For sure, he was happy for you. I know it will be tough for you at this time but i know Lane will be there all the way to support you. Be happy for your uncle as he has finally rested with the Father. Glad that you and Lane are finally together and will be spending this Christmas together and many more to come. By the way, George also arrived in the Phils last week. We will be spending Christmas with the children in far flung areas where water and electricity is a scarcity. Best wishes and God bless my dear!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-19 08:41:00
Philippines	Annulment and Child Custody	QUOTE (Art1 @ Dec 22 2009, 03:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi, My fiancee' is in the final stages of getting her annulment and has petitioned for sole custody of her two kids. Our question is: If she is granted an annulment and sole custody, does she need the bio fathers permission to take the kids our of the country permanently? Is this stated in the family code anywhere? We have an attorney and will post the question to him to, but want an independent (think 2nd opinion from someone who has been through this) answer. A My previous marriage was annulled and the custody of my 2 children was granted to me. I was not required by the embassy to present the father's permission to travel during the interview. I secured a Solo Parent ID from the City Social Welfare Office, by filling up the required forms and the submission of the documents such as the court order and birth certificate of the children. Under the present rules a travel clearance from DSWD is no longer required if the minor is travelling with either parent.	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-21 17:59:00
Philippines	Merry xmas pilipinas	Hi girls, Reading all the posts above makes me smile at the same time wondered.I haven't been to the States yet, although i read some posts here and heard from close friends how they celebrated Christmas there. Last monday, I invited my fiance to our christmas party. It was a big party(250 participants) and we were divided into groups and each group had their own presentation.It was hilarious and i practically lost my voice by the time we went home. He laughed so hard, had great talk with my colleagues. He know most of them because he has been coming here and seeing me for the last 7 years. I asked him, "do you have parties like this in your company? He answered " No, we don't have and over there parties are boooriiiiiing!!" In the middle of the party, coz he doesn't want to listen to speeches, we checked the other party going on in the same hotel where the our Christmas party was being held. It was the Christmas party of all employees of a town. I personally know the mayor and his wife, so we watched their presentation and we even danced. then went back to our own Christmas party. It was fun hoping from one party to another. I just celebrated Christmas last night with my fiance and family. It his 3rd christmas here in the phils. although, we will be leaving for the States this coming Feb, we still plan to have our christmas 2010 in the phils coz my family already planned for a reunion next year. I agree that its quite difficult to look for a present for a guy, specially for someone so dear to us. I haven't bought a Christmas present for him yet its because he doesn't want to go to mall with me.He witnessed how people flooded the malls during Christmas season. But he said as soon as the Christmas fever here in malls is over then he will go with me and will allow me to shower him presents. I plan to buy him a new pair of shoes and i don't want to take the risk of buying one that doesn't fit him.I know there is no more element of surprise. But I surprised him with a late birthday present last week. Am looking forward to spending Christmas in the States hopefully by 2011. Merry Christmas everyone!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-24 21:11:00
Philippines	credit card debts	I kinda know about it and thought that everybody has debts. I just didn't know that it will turn out like this. This is so bad. He told me mainly because of his travel to the Philippines to visit me. He visited me 5 times before I got here in the USA and we went back this year for his major dental problem but it didn't get fixed. Is it my fault that he visited me many times thats why he owes too much? I didn't force him to.. although i liked it and enjoyed the company but i didnt think that in the future right now that I and him would be in deep debt. [/quote] Sorry that you are in such a predicament. Please dont think that it was because your husband visited you 5 times then it was your fault that he is indebted this much. It will just add to your misery. To tell you, for 7 years now, my fiance visited me for the 11th times now here in the Philippines. His average stay in the Philippines every time he visits me is 3 months. He is a part time employee. He afforded the 11 trips to the Philippines because of proper financial planning. His priority is to make sure he saves, to pay the full amount due on his credit card upon due date and to use the credit card only if he has enough amount in his account to pay for it. (I do the same) I maybe an Accountant by profession, but i can say he is far off better than me when it comes to financial recording and management. I am amazed at how he kept records of all his transactions. He even records how much we owe each other. He uses quicken while i just do the manual recording of my income and proposed budget. We stick to our budget. We have talked about financial concerns and issues even during the first few months of our relationship.(by the way, we are not married yet but will be in 3 months) We opened our financial records to each other so as not to be caught unguarded when we are already married. I know how focused and determined you are to work on your financial problems and how it has affected you. I suggest you prepare a working paper(excel format) which will show the financial effects of what you are suggesting and recommending to him. Sometimes, a concrete proof or report is better than verbal statement. Lastly, a person who has a complete records of his financial resources and expenditures will have a basis in making a sound economic decision. Good luck!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2010-01-04 11:38:00
Philippines	I'm lucky to be alive....	QUOTE (Tahoma @ Dec 27 2009, 05:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Tahoma's favorite sentence is "Stop! Stop! Stop! ... What are you doing?" We drive each other's crazy, but at the end of the day, we forgive and forget. Funny but i AGREE. My fiance and I drove each other crazy too. The first time he ever drove in the Phils, I was practically so scared(like holding on for my life). For me, his speed was quite fast. He was not scared even if cars would get so close to us in attempting to get in our lane. I could no longer remember how many cars got marks on their doors because of it. He complained about most Filipino drivers. He was bitching about how discourteous Filipinos drivers are, having no tail lights at night, making a left turn from a right lane or right turn from a left lane, slow moving vehicles on a fast lane, turning without any signal at all and a lot more. He is right about his complains. Most drivers here dont know what they are doing at all!! After about a year of driving here in the Phils, he decided to teach me how to drive. It was melodramatic. He was yelling and I was ready to burst into tears and finally I said " I dont want to drive". No matter how much he prodded me to practice, I did not do it, so he gave up on me. As soon as he left for the States, I enrolled in driving lessons. When he came back here, he complained about my driving. He was there on the passenger seat barking orders. We were having fights that my kids said unless we settle the issue as to who will be the driver then they will not ride with us. Then came the day that he was leaving for the States, and his flight was cancelled. He had no choice but to catch the flight in the next city which is abt 110 kms north from us. I told him that we will hire a driver but he insisted that I drive. I was crying coz it will be my first long distance drive with him, and 50% of the time will be on a steep road with cliff on the side. I drove halfway to the airport and all the way back home. He said he was so proud of me!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-26 17:33:00
Philippines	how safe is it to travel to manila?	QUOTE (kenandakiko @ Dec 31 2009, 10:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i want to go visit my girl in mania and her family. how safe is it for americans to visit the philippines? has anyone here recently traveled to the philippines and had any saftey problems? every since she went back home i miss her so much and want to go see her.. but i hear bad things about the philippines.. if u guys have been there can u give me advice. is it ok to travel there will i be ok to travel there? So you want to visit your girl in "mania." You may get your wish. Just check out the definition of 'mania." [An abnormally elevated mood state characterized by such symptoms as inappropriate elation, increased irritability, severe insomnia, grandiose notions.] Firstly, your 'inappropriate elation', may be your thoughts just before arriving in Manila. You are entering the fifth most polluted city in the world. The air you breathe may be more deadly than anyone who might have their eye on your wallet. Secondly, the 'increased irritability' will not take long to set in. This comes after you've become acclimated to the 'elation' of seeing your woman. You now have a chance to get fed up with the various annoyances that come your way. That will pass. Many NEW things to get fed up with will force out becoming focused on the original ones. The "sever insomnia", in your trip to 'mania', that being all sectors of Manila will find you in need of either a set of foam ear plugs or some real good drugs designed to put-down a bull elephant. (I swear to you, bring those foam ear plugs.) Cab drivers and jeepney drivers would honk their horn if there was not another existing soul on earth. This blast occurs at intervals of about 10 seconds. Multiply that by the number of Jeepney's within earshot of your hotel room window; well, you get the idea. Add to that, the buzz of thousands of air conditioners, barking dogs and the scourge of the earth, videoke machines with a self-deluded singer at the working end of a microphone, will find you in need of the aforementioned plugs or elephant tranquilizer. The final part of your visit to 'mania', is your "Grandiose notions." Regardless of the all consequences, insecurities, threats, cost, bouts with uncontrolled intestinal release, culture shock and language barriers your "Grandiose notions" will still find you wanting to marry your 'Pearl of the Pacific." Take heed to the others suggestions for staying safe and staying next to those in the know. I don't care if I was visiting a monastery. I do not want to look like a tourist. So, if for no other reason, don't look like a tourist. Though off subject, don't show up looking like a BIG LOSER. Get a haircut. Wear decent clothes. I live in General Santos City, Mindanao. Movi, the member of this forum, asked me to contribute my thoughts. I can tell you, on Bohol and Panglao, Movi and I have took a motorcycle trip on a Honda 250 Enduro, into the interior of the island of Bohol and the entire circumference of the island of Panglao. On the island of Mindanao, Movi and I have 4-wheeled up into the mountain villages, where almost none here have gone and only a few have ever heard of. I've ridden my mountain bike a total of about 400 miles; up into the mountains and in places the locals think even they might be kidnapped. All-in-all, I've made 11 trips to the Philippines. No problems. I say, if the State Departments of the various nations want to issue alerts for their people to not venture into Mindanao, then issue alerts for their people to not go the cities in the U.S.A. where the murder rate far outstretches ANYTHING you would find here. If you are killed in Mindanao because you are a U.S. citizen. You are dead. If you are killed in Detroit, U.S.A., because some ghetto fool wants the $5.00 you have in your wallet ... you are dead. Detroit is a hell of a lot more dangerous than here. Enjoy your stay with your "Pearl of the Pacific." George Visit our web site at: www.gracegeneralsantos.org	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2010-01-01 09:44:00
Philippines	WHITE SLIP AFTER THE INTERVIEW	just got a phone call from my Mom.Air21 just delivered my daughter's visa.I am soooo happy! Thanks God! Congratulations!! finally your daughter will be with.God bless!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2010-01-16 04:47:00
Philippines	WHITE SLIP AFTER THE INTERVIEW	Hi, I understand your anxiety on what happened and the desire to be with your daughter. I would like to ask if under what visa did your daughter apply? At this point it is best to secure the documents they required the soonest and submit the same to the embassy. A friend of mine requested for a cenomar and was available in a week. As long as it is proven that youre not married to the biological father of your daughter, then under the family code of the phils, the custody of the child is yours( as long as there is no court order declaring otherwise)and as long as your daughter is qualified and no existing prohibitions then i dont see any reason why the visa be denied. In my case, my marriage to the father of my children was declared null and void and the custody of the children was granted to me. During the interview I presented a copy of the annotated marriage contract of my marriage to my exhusband( with the information of the declaration of the nullity of marriage), the birth cert of my son and his NBI clearance. His visa was approved as my derivative. My daughter will hopefully have her interview next month and will be taking same documents to prove that she is qualified to be my derivative. Keep the faith and be strong!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-04 07:28:00
Philippines	MEDICAL EXAMINATION, CFO SEMINAR AND K1 VISA INTERVIEW	QUOTE (Mark and Ivy @ Dec 11 2009, 01:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Congratulations and thank you for sharing. My wife is in Lapu-Lapu City and we still have a while to wait. I will be filing for CR-1 soon. Did you have to go to Manila for your medical exam? I was hoping she could do it in Cebu to cut down on the number of trips for her to Manila. Please be informed that the only accredited clinic by the US embassy to conduct the medical examination is St Luke Extension Clinic, therefore your wife has to travel to manila to do this.	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2009-12-11 22:16:00
Philippines	K2 VISA APPROVAL AFTER ST LUKE'S MEDICAL EXAM SAGA	You are so lucky congrats. My wife tested positive after her 2 month spetum culture (negative after the 3 day) and we are now finished with the 6 month Daily Office Treatment (DOT)...first day med exam is complete...awaiting day 2 and interview date...soon we hope! Glad she religiously and patiently went to the St Lukes for her daily medications. Thats a long wait but an early detection and early treatment is worth all the troubles. I believe she has to undergo another medical exams and pay again the medical fee of $213.35 coz the validity of the medical exams of St Luke's is only 6 months. Goodluck!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2010-01-24 01:47:00
Philippines	K2 VISA APPROVAL AFTER ST LUKE'S MEDICAL EXAM SAGA	Avoid the misery. I had my wife and anak take a complete medical before we even started the immigration process. Daughter had evidence of TB and was treated and cured before the St. Lukes medical. My daughter, my son and I had a medical our medical exams even before we went to St. Luke's. We were all clear. However, the St Luke's medical exams shall prevail as its the duly accredited clinic by the US embassy. Besides, it was explained to us during the pulmonary evaluation, that even if the doctor can not say that it is TB, it is a matter of the US policy that she be subjected to the culture test, to which we have to abide. We are glad that after all the tests, she was declared negative. Congratulations on finally getting your daughter's visa. Thanks a lot and God bless!! congratulations! a longer journey than you expected but it's all worth it! Thanks! Youre right. Its worth it!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2010-01-23 21:49:00
Philippines	K2 VISA APPROVAL AFTER ST LUKE'S MEDICAL EXAM SAGA	having to do the 3-day sputum and the 2 months waiting is so stressfull and devastating. we felt the same...i even cried right in front of the doctor and nurse but i didnt care. i always have faith in God, so i was confident that my sputum and culture results are negative...which they were. anyway, congratulations and have a safe flight soon! Thanks a lot! It was one of the situation in our lives, that I stayed so calm. I need to be strong so my daughter will not feel so devastated. We hold on to each other and support each other.My fiance said "One for all, All for one." The very stressful time was after the 3 day sputum smear when we were waiting for her turn for the pulmonary evaluation. As her turn gets closer, the anxiety level gets higher too. We felt like there was a bomb ticking, ready to explode in any moment. It was a great relief when the doctor told us its NEGATIVE. The next two months of waiting was not as stressful as the waiting for the pulmonary evaluation though. I kept a diary of the details. I can say that even the falling of leaves has its reason. Glad she is not inflicted with TB and so are we!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2010-01-23 21:34:00
Philippines	K2 VISA APPROVAL AFTER ST LUKE'S MEDICAL EXAM SAGA	congrats po ate movi..finally po..soon ull be here with ur fiance and daughter... muah.. daisy Thanks my dear! kaya nga e, its indeed a long journey. George is so positive that my daughter will have a negative results, so when he bought the tickets last december, he bought for 4 of us. As of this time, im taking care of my audit reports and nclex documentation. Believe it or not, my clearance is not yet approved, it is still in manila. Hope i will receive the authority to travel before the 11th of Feb. God bless!!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2010-01-23 21:13:00
Philippines	K2 VISA APPROVAL AFTER ST LUKE'S MEDICAL EXAM SAGA	Congrats on a long jpurney finally completed! Get your CFO for all of you and you are ready to get on the plane!! Welcome to America! -Phil Thanks! Yes, this Feb 11, my kids , my fiance and I will be heading to manila. We will get our stickers since I already attended the guidance and counselling at SMEF last Nov.	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2010-01-23 21:08:00
Philippines	K2 VISA APPROVAL AFTER ST LUKE'S MEDICAL EXAM SAGA	Last Nov 16, 2009, my daughter, son and I went to St Luke's for our medical examinations. We arrived at 9am and it was smooth and orderly. By 4pm, we were informed that my son and I passed the medical examination while my daughter's chest x ray results showed that there was a nodule on her left lung. It was like a deafening bomb that exploded right in front of us! I was shocked at first, but did'nt question the findings at all. The nurse told us that my daughter has to undergo sputum smear tests for the next 3 days. If the smear tests turns positive then my son and I will not be allowed to go for the interview which is scheduled Nov 23. In addition, if it turns positive, my daughter will be required to appear daily at St Luke's for the next six months for her medication. For us who live in Mindanao, the possibility of her staying in Manila for six months while undergoing treatment means very very expensive. Add that to the anxiety and stress that we were going through at that moment. For three mornings, we accompanied her to St. Luke's . She was wearing mask upon entering the premises and joined the other persons doing their sputum specimen production. It was gross and tough but no choice. What we had in mind at that time was that :an early detection and early treatment is for the best of everyone! Three days later, her sputum smear tests turns negative. But it did not end there. The specimen needs to be subjected to culture tests for the next 2 months. We were told that if the culture test turns positive then, my daughter will be required to undergo the DOTS ( six months treatment). If negative, then she will be given a new schedule of interview. My son and I were allowed to attend the interview and got our visas approved. We waited for 2 months and called on Jan 18, 2010 (the scheduled date St Luke's told us to make the call). After making several attempts, we got in touch with St Luke's. We were informed that the culture tests turns negative. We were advised to report to St Luke's on Jan 20 and her interview is scheduled Jan 22 at 830am. St Luke's did not offer any medical explanation on what was the nodule about.The vaccination was administered to her after requiring her to undergo another pregnancy test and requiring us to pay P495. I accompanied my daughter to her interview. The pre screener just asked for the following: 1. Birth certificate 2. NBI clearance 3. Family pictures together. (the pre screener even asked for baptismal pictures but I had not brought one)Good thing, my fiance started visiting us since 2003 to 2010. For the 11 times that he visited us, like a family we have pictures together during the important occasions like Christmas, graduation, Proms, birthdays, children's activities in school and family trips and adventures together. 4. Affidavit of support ( I presented a photocopy of the affidavit of support I submitted last Nov) The consulate officer who speaks tagalog fluently was impressed about the fact that my fiance visited us for 11 times. He asked the following questions: 1. Who is the petitioner? 2. What is his occupation? 2. How many children you have and their ages? I answered "Two, daughter is 19 and son is 17" 3. Where is your son?why is he not with you ? I answered "We already had our interview last Nov and got our visas. 4. Are you married to the father of the children? I answered "We were married and we have an annulment." The consul asked the following question from my daughter: 1. What is your name?age? 2. Why were you not able to attend the interview last Nov? My daughter replied " I waited for the results of of the tests from St Luke's" The consul said "Ok, let me take a look at your case". He went over the medical results. 3. Are you studying? 4. What are your plans when you arrive in the US? He typed on his computer and then said "Congratulations, your visa is approved." We got inside the premises of the US embassy at 710am and left at 12:30pm.	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2010-01-23 07:52:00
Philippines	K2 Docs and Interview Questions	[quote name='Road 2 Peace Arch' date='Jan 27 2010, 02:03 PM' post='3663428'] Hi, My 19 year old daughter had her K2 visa approval last jan 22, 2010. Please refer to my post.http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=238453	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2010-01-27 06:33:00
Philippines	Annulment papers at medical	Hi, my fiance has been asked to produce the actual court hearing decision from her annulement when she was taking her medical at St Lukes today. This seems strange that they require this during the medical. Is this a requirement? We do have the other court documents (marriage licence with annulment on the side, Finaility of Annulment). Do they ask for this at the interview? Hi, My previous marriage was also annulled and I took a certified copy of the court decision during the medical exams. I think the reason that St Luke's requires the applicant to present the court decision is for them to know the grounds of the annulment. One of the most common grounds is psychological incapacity. St Lukes is interested if the applicant was declared psychologically incapacitated, in which case she will be required to undergo psychological evaluation to be conducted by an accredited psychiatrist of St Luke. The medical examination conducted by St Luke's covers physical, mental and psychological condition of the applicant. Thus, once the applicant is declared psychologically incapacitated in the annulment order, then, it is imperative for St Luke's to evaluate the psychological condition of the applicant.However, if your fiancee was not declared psychologically incapacitated then she will not be required to undergo psych evaluation. I have read a number of applicants who were declared psychologically incapacitated in the annulment proceedings but surely passed the psych evaluation conducted by St Luke. In my case, the doctor just read the dispositive portion of the court decision to check who was declared psychologically incapacitated. She did not read the several pages of the decision at all. I was not required to undergo psych evaluation by St Luke. The court decision and the Order of finality is presented and asked during the interview. Good luck!	George and Movi	Female	Philippines	2010-04-16 14:17:00