ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippinescalling PHILIPPINES FROM USA... what to use

If they have a landline, they can get DSL. Then you can use an OBI with google voice which is free and the call quality is amazing, tons better than Vonage or a MagicJack, and you would be money ahead paying for their internet.


How much is DSL there. I know some family rather spend on food than internet.
WarizaMalePhilippines2013-02-22 11:27:00
Philippinescalling PHILIPPINES FROM USA... what to use
What if your wife's family has no internet service, but only landline? What is our best option then?
WarizaMalePhilippines2013-02-20 21:10:00
PhilippinesAverage Anulment Time in the Philippines

It should be noted that there are times that an annulment will not be granted at all despite hundreds of thousands of pesos and years of your life being spent in court.

The Philippines is the last country in the world outside of Vatican City where divorce is illegal. Marriage is constitutionally protected. While aaron2020 is being honest he is missing the fact that the fundamental structure of Philippine law (their Constitution) states marriage is 'an inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be protected by the State.' To legalize divorce would require changing the Constitution.


That is the more convincing and logical argument. Thanks
WarizaMalePhilippines2013-02-03 13:52:00
PhilippinesAverage Anulment Time in the Philippines
Off topic, but why does Philippines not allow divorce?
WarizaMalePhilippines2013-02-03 12:58:00
PhilippinesSend money to the philippines for free!
We sent xoom recently and my wife told me to send USD and have her mother use money changer to get better rate. Wouldn't you know, it was $2 more to send it that way. They make money one way or the other.
WarizaMalePhilippines2013-04-25 16:51:00
PhilippinesHow is your Filipina / Filipino Adjusting?

This might change the first time you bring her to all you can eat crab legs... My wife can pit fown more crab than i can, its amazing to watch. Her othet favorite is T-bone steaks. She can eat $30 worth of steak from the butcher, suvks the bone dry.. I know I'm good on the grill and maraming masarap, but holy cow. Good thing I buy 1/2 cows from my friend... But, I love it and life is good.

 

Same here. Clariz's favorite after she got here was grilled steak. She had snow crab legs this past weekend, now it is her favorite.  Steak and crab legs this weekend it looks to be..........


WarizaMalePhilippines2013-06-04 19:57:00
PhilippinesHow is your Filipina / Filipino Adjusting?

See is happy because we have a garden she enjoys tending to. She cannot wait for the fresh vegetables. I had to put her up a clothes line. She is always trying to conserve energy. It is difficult for me to explain that leaving the ceiling fans on actually conserves more because the a/c does not run as much. I did have to teach her to use the thermostat instead of turning the a/c off. I come home from working and it was 85F inside. I don't need it too cool, but th at is not comfortable. I usually leave 78-80F.

 

We cannot find her deodorant brand here. She will have to find a comparable brand here I guess.


WarizaMalePhilippines2013-06-01 09:36:00
PhilippinesHow is your Filipina / Filipino Adjusting?
Clariz is like the energizer bunny. She is always cleaning or doing something productive around the house. And yes, the dishwasher now is used as a dish drainer. We planted a vegetable garden, and she has been working it every day. We are currently looking for a used sewing machine. She hemmed her wedding dress by hand. I hope her work ethic never changes.........my first wife was allergic to work :rofl:
WarizaMalePhilippines2013-04-25 13:21:00
PhilippinesHow is your Filipina / Filipino Adjusting?
Okay, we just got home to the US this week so things should be interesting here on out. I know we are wasteful here, and many in Philippines waste not one morsel of food. She cracked me up because she took the individually wrapped bread we got on airline flight but did not eat and put it in her bag. They are not sitting on the dinner room table. She was painfully watching me cutting the tops off strawberries because she thought I was cutting too much off. I told her that part is bitter and tough. I thought she would faint when I started cutting the pineapple up. Will this change?

The first thing I did was take her to get new shoes. The shoes she was wearing were fake leather high heels. The plastic was peeling off and the underneath showing. I bought her a pair and good heels, keds, and some sneakers. She did not want but one pair, but I convinced her she needed more for different occasions.

She was very happy though when we went shopping and I bought her fish, rice, and a rice cooker. :P
WarizaMalePhilippines2013-03-28 15:25:00
PhilippinesHow is your Filipina / Filipino Adjusting?

We are lucky, that one of the local stations carries some Filipino programs, like Balitang America, and a half hour of TV Patrol at the 6 pm every night. The wife got bored with it after she discovered the Food Network, and Hallmark Channel.

There are a few free streaming sites on the internet for Filipino programming, you may want to search for those. I think if you have a good internet connection, and invest in a netbook computer for her, she will be less bored.

Oh, don't forget the electric blanket, some fleece pajamas, and some winter clothing. It will take her a while to get acclimated, if ever. She will need a tabo, or do what I did, and invest in a detachable shower head. If you live on a septic, get the tank pumped before she arrives, and get hair traps for all the sinks. For the vacuum cleaner, get in the habit of unwinding all those hairs before putting the machine away. Mildew control will be import to your home's health, what with the rice cooker going every morning, stews always boiling, and two or three baths a day (hot water will be something she will get used to quickly, and enjoy).


Thanks. I already have some of the items. Electric blanket is already a necessity as I turn the heat down overnight. She will not be here until late March so hopefully the coldest weather is gone, but I know she will still insist 50 degrees is cold as she is not accustom to anything below the 70s.
WarizaMalePhilippines2013-02-28 09:03:00
PhilippinesHow is your Filipina / Filipino Adjusting?

We also got a subscription to TFC.tv so she can get her favorite programs from back home. The online streaming subscription was really pretty cheap compared to what our satellite company wanted, and they didn't carry the ABS-CBN network, which is what she likes.


Please share...........I wanted to get this, but Direct TV is super expensive for the package. Thanks
WarizaMalePhilippines2013-02-27 17:15:00
PhilippinesHow is your Filipina / Filipino Adjusting?
Wow, this thread was hijacked. Can we get back on topic?
WarizaMalePhilippines2013-02-27 13:14:00
PhilippinesCultural Differences

LOL, I do get tickled all the time when she gets he and she mixed up. She also corrects my Tagalog saying I am using words in the wrong context.

We are learning to drive now. It is amusing to say the least. 


WarizaMalePhilippines2013-07-19 15:58:00
PhilippinesCultural Differences

Claire uses the term too much to mean many or a lot.

She was watching my father can tomatoes the other day and she saw many of them in the boiling water and she said "that's too much". He looked at her like I know what I am doing. I had to explain that she wasn't telling him he was doing it wrong,  just that it is was a lot of tomatoes. :))


WarizaMalePhilippines2013-07-18 12:17:00
PhilippinesOne day medical at St. Lukes

Clariza had hers all done in one day. After lunch vaccinations and done. 


WarizaMalePhilippines2013-07-17 10:31:00
PhilippinesH0TELS in Manila
Another review I am copying that I posted on Tripadvisor:

Goldland Millenia Suites

"Good Value"
Reviewed May 13, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Good value for the price. Nothing special. The bed seemed low to the floor, but I adapted. The mattress was thin, but I slept good. The AC was not the cold, but much better than outside. The exercise room was a joke. The staff is super friendly. The pool was nice.You better print out a map of the location to give to cab drivers. None of them know where this place is. I would stay again if I needed to be near that location again.

Stayed April 2012, traveled as a couple
WarizaMalePhilippines2012-12-12 13:01:00
PhilippinesH0TELS in Manila
Here is a copy from my Review on TripAdvisor about The Heritage Hotel Manila


Bring a Fat Wallet”
Reviewed May 13, 2012
3 people found this review helpful
I stayed here the last two nights while I was in the Philippines because it was close to the airport and had an airport shuttle. It is overpriced, and everything will cost you extra. They charge 600php for 24 internet access. The Evian 330ml bottled water was 180php. The dinner buffet was 1400php. You will pay for drinks what you expect to pay in LA. I thought the airport shuttle would be free, but no. 800php for the airport shuttle. I took a cab and paid 200php. You can rent a movie for 540php and watch it on your 20" tube TV. O.K. I have complained enough. Now the positives:
Shower has very strong water flow. Close to MOA. Friendly staff. Casino in hotel if you like that sort of thing. Nice lounge with live singer. All and all I would not stay here again. The internet thing just plain ticked me off.

Stayed May 2012, traveled as a couple
WarizaMalePhilippines2012-12-12 12:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC June Filer - **Approved**
Congrats!
We were June 19 and approved December 4 so keep your heads up May-June filers. It could be any day.
WarizaMalePhilippines2012-12-08 11:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK-1 Fiance Visa Denial After Interview

Any earnings I make I report, even if reasonably undetectable, and online retailers charge California sales taxes.

No pedestal, as I stated that each can do what they want as far as lying, merely stating why I don't. I do have a problem with people choosing to blame others for the consequences of their actions however.

 

 

 

Hey same here!  So there are some real honest Americans out here after all!

 

Amen!


 

Same here!!  So you are the other guy paying those taxes along with me?  I knew there must be at least a few Americans that are honest and pay their taxes.

 

God Bless America


 

California enacted the law in 2011, so I guess no purchases were made before then.

My only point was that one should not preach morality to others unless they are blameless, but I see now a couple of individuals that are Jesus reincarnated.........EOM


WarizaMalePhilippines2013-12-04 18:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK-1 Fiance Visa Denial After Interview

 

 
Suit yourself. Personally, I would never advise anyone to lie in this process, no matter what it is about. It's the mindset really. If you can get by with one lie, as petty as it may seem, then you create a mindset where you can get by with things in life. And someday, that will catch up with you. I would prefer to always come clean with the government no matter what it is.
 



 

Let me guess, you claim all taxable income to the IRS. You report income from personal property sales or any income from services performed, etc? I bet you have always paid your state sales tax for online purchases too.

You can get off your pedestal if you answered no to any of the above........................


WarizaMalePhilippines2013-12-04 13:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK-1 Fiance Visa Denial After Interview

Are you saying that the doctor should have not told your fiance to tell the truth and that your fiance should have lied?

 

Hell yea, I would have lied if it had been several years and no trace in my system. Get real..............


WarizaMalePhilippines2013-12-03 13:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo word from NVC
disregard, different VISA

Edited by Wariza, 18 December 2012 - 12:28 PM.

WarizaMalePhilippines2012-12-18 12:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Information
Hi everyone! I just have a few questions on what we are to do. My husband is an American citizen living in the states while I am a canadian citzen living in Canada. Our plan is for me to move to the states but we are not sure what our best plan of action is. We obviously want the fastest route possible. We cant figure out if it is IR-1/CR-1 or K3. We are about to celebrate our 1 year anniversary in a month or so. I am also about to visit him for 4 1/2 months so if able should i apply then? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Stephanie McCalebNot TellingCanada2013-04-20 23:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA few more questions
My husband who is an American citizen is trying to get me to the USA and we are still a little confused on the process. We now understand we need to apply for the CR-1 but have also noticed a form I-485. Also I am planning to visit for 4 1/2 months, can I be there while it is being processed and how long does the process normally take? I live in Canada so do I have to go to the American embassy here in Canada or while I am in the united states can I go someone there? One last question would be where do we send the I-130. We have looked but it all seems confusing to us. Thanks so much!
Stephanie McCalebNot TellingCanada2013-04-21 09:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsQuestion about filling out I-129f form

Thank you,

 

I will use the US Address

 

I meant to say we will spend 2 weeks a month in the USA on average sometimes more sometimes less.

 

We will maintain a residence in the USA but we also have residence in Mexico and travel extensively.

 

I realize for the first 3 months or so we will have to stay in the USA.

 

I have thought about doing spousal Visa  there's just as many hoops to jump through in Mexico to get married there. I will check into it more before we submit the paperwork.

 

Thanks again

 

 

 

 


Brice7489Not TellingMexico2013-07-24 23:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsQuestion about filling out I-129f form

Thanks for the responses so far

not really answered my questions, but as for our living situation, we travel a lot so roughly we spend 2 weeks in Mexico each month and 2 weeks elsewhere.

nothing much Is going to change with our travel plans.

 

So does anyone know if I should fill out section 3...im not military but I do have a residence outside the USA.

 

 

 


Brice7489Not TellingMexico2013-07-24 13:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsQuestion about filling out I-129f form

hello everyone,

I am new to the site, and in the process of filling out the 129f form for K1 visa.

It seems that the form has been updated, and a lot of the line by line tutorials do not match the new form.

 

couple questions

I have 2 residences 1 in Cancun Mexico where me and my fiancé live, and 1 in Montana where we will live part time.

 

When filling out the form I don't know what address to use, my USA address or my Mexico address. I am thinking my USA address and explain dual residence on the cover letter.

 

2nd:  question 3.a  fiances mailing address,  should I enter our address in Cancun/ we don't really have mail service in Mexico, we may or may not receive mail that has been sent and can be weeks if not month if we actually receive the items sent. I could do in care of my name to the Montana address and bring anything sent to my fiancé to Cancun.

 

3rd  under the section Part 3 the wording is a little confusing it says 1: if you are servingin the Armed forces overseas fill out the following:

       I presently reside or am stationed overseas and my current mailing address is:

       1:a Street number name.......

 

I am not in the armed forces but the way its worded it sounds like its asking 2 questions do I reside outside the USA, am I in the armed forces.

Do I fill out this address with my Mexico address? or is this section solely for armed forces personel?

 

Thanks for any help

 

 


Brice7489Not TellingMexico2013-07-24 03:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa filling out I-129F and Consular processing questions

Filling out the I-129 and have a couple questions

 

I am a US citizen and I have been a resident of Mexico for several years.

I am looking at moving back to the USA and want to bring my Fiance with me

It is easier to get amrried in the USA then Mexico for certain reasons that I do not want to go into.

 

When filing out the I-129 I have listed my mailing address as my home in the USA

when it gets to part 2. information about my fiance should I fill out his mailing address in C/o myself at my USA address or at our Mexico address?

 

I do not have a lot of faith in mail system in mexico I would rather have t sent to my address in the USA

I will get notification of any mail received in the USA and can travel and obtain mail in timely fashion so should not be a problem for time sensitive documents.

 

 

I am interested in doing Consular processing being as it seems like it is a shorter time period than "normal" processing

any information regaring how to do this in Mexico City or Jauarez?

 

thanks for any tips or advice

 

 

 

 


Brice7489Not TellingMexico2014-02-07 23:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNovember 2013 filers?

Well, here's my update...

 

NOA1 date - 11/08/2013

NOA2 date - 11/25/2013   (From CSC)

 

Called the NVC today, and YAY! they have it.  Received 12/17/2013.   Not processed yet, but it's in the system.

 

They're moving a LOT faster than I had expected.   Which means they're going to be waiting for us most likely  instead of the other way around.

 

 


forrestcNot Telling02013-12-18 11:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNovember 2013 filers?

 

Wow congrats.....thats very quick....which centre were you at?

Oops... forgot that info (although it's on my timeline).

 

California (CSC)...

 

-forrest


forrestcNot Telling02013-11-26 16:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNovember 2013 filers?

Wow!  Just had to share on here to give everyone else encouragement.

 

NOA-1 notice date of November 8.....   Just got the NOA2 notification via email saying it was approved on November 25th.

 

 


forrestcNot Telling02013-11-26 04:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccinations

We just went through this with my fiance.

 

We finally found the lists on the panel physicians websites....

 

http://www.visadoctor.ca/usa   has a easy to read list.

or

http://www.health1stmedical.ca

or

http://www.drcheema.ca/

 

Our challenge was documenting the early shots like MMR.   So she ended up getting some blood drawn and had tests to prove immunity to these.   Chicken Pox (Varicella) just will need a statement of when you had the chicken pox, if you weren't immunized.

 

 

 


forrestcNot Telling02014-02-19 22:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNow totally confused need help to figure out they want us to do

As each embassy is different, this may vary.

 

For vancouver, they wanted a confirmation that you have checked off everything on packet 3.  This includes filling out the DS-160 and similar.   They want to make sure you have everything on the list *before* they schedule the interview and have you schedule the medical.  I wouldn't schedule the medical until they send you packet 4.   

 

If they're asking for it in their packet 3 checklist, you should provide it.  Trust me, it's better to just do what they say.   And in this case, what they're telling you to do is to go over the list of everything you need as they provided you in packet 3, verify you have it, and then submit the completed checklist.   This is a good thing since in our case it look us what seemed like forever to get some things which should be simple.

 

So I'd hold off on the medical, and work on everything on packet 3 and get it completed.   If there's something listed on packet 3 just note that you'll do that as soon as they've told you to (like the medical).

 


forrestcNot Telling02014-05-15 03:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI have 2 nationalities and 2 passports

Again... different countries, different rules, but I know that they specifically told myself and my fiance (Canadian) that we could visit even with the K-1 in the passport - we just had to be VERY VERY clear we were not activiating the K-1 visa.  At that point, it's just like any other visitor entry into the US - they have to be convinced you're coming to visit and you have to meet all of the other entry requirements.

 

Having not actually attempted this, I can't vouch for how it will go.  In addition, as this is across the Canada-US border it might be a bit different.

 

I'm totally talking out of my area of knowledge in this next part, but I would suspect that the border agents might get suspicious if you tried to enter on a passport other than the one you have the K-1 in.  To me it would seem like you're trying to hide something, which is never a good thing when you cross the border.  

 

 


forrestcNot Telling02014-05-15 04:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApproved

USCIS wanted more information on her divorce. The papers we originally sent were stamped but they wanted more than just a stamp and date. Poor Carolina had to run all over Bogota to get the complete papers. She went to the same office several times before she found someone who knew exactly what she needed and how to find the court documents. The other office people sent her all over Bogota. It was very frustrating, but she was successful and things are moving forward.


Caro & MikeMaleColombia2013-09-20 18:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApproved

After 76 days, and even with a RFE, we have our NOA2. I must give the credit to this site. I followed all the advice and read endless post from members on what to do and how to complete the forms correctly. When we began this process we almost paid a lawyer to do what can be done by ourselves. Now the wait begins for the NVC. Thanks to everyone who has communicated with Carolina. What a great site and members.


Caro & MikeMaleColombia2013-09-20 12:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionSooo about Dual Citizenship

I am a U.S. Citizen. Working on a greencard for my hubby.
I'm currently working on dual-citizenship for myself as I am 3 years short of getting Mexican citizenship.

I would love my husband to be a dual citizen too.
The USCIS says, they're not against it per se but they don't encourage it and the oath strictly renounces all other allegiances to other countries.
How can I get him dual citizenship and have a clear conscience if you know what I mean?
Has anyone done it before?


It's my understanding that if you are an American, you cannot stay American if you become a citizen of another country. However; if you are a Canadian or any other citizenship, you can become an American without renouncing your other country citizenship. The fact is the USA cannot tell another country how to run their affairs. If your country allows you to be a dual then you can do this. The USA does not allow it's citizens to be dual.
canuckbosFemaleCanada2012-07-13 20:42:00
CanadaBooking An Appointment - Vancouver

Medysis processes the medical in about 3-4 days after you have it. If you can afford to travel and stay there for a little vacation it would work.

Montreal is really great for shopping specially near the consul, there are some very high end stores. Also near the medical center too they have some good shops.

Its VERY busy down there tho and the driving is CRAZY. Almost easier most times to just walk because you move faster than the traffic lol.

Thanks, you're so helpful! :)
canuckbosFemaleCanada2011-05-04 19:42:00
CanadaBooking An Appointment - Vancouver

Sorry spousal visas are ONLY in Montreal.

No other consul processes Spousal visas.

Regardless of where you live you are stuck with Montreal.


Thank you! I'm okay with Montreal, it's further away but I've never been there and it should be summer when I have my interview so no standing at that door at 7am freezing!
Can I do my medical at the same time or do I have to have it done way before the interview? I would have to fly to Van or To for the medical if I cannot do it in Montreal the same time as the interview...
thanks!
canuckbosFemaleCanada2011-05-04 14:17:00
CanadaBooking An Appointment - Vancouver

Hi, I don't know if it's different for electronic submission, but usually Alberta would be sent to Vancouver. Of course that depends on the visa you're applying for as well. Some are only processed by Montreal. I would just give it a try and email montreal and ask if they will send yours to Vancouver. They rspond to emails very quickly in my experience.


Thanks, you've been very helpful. I am doing an IR/CR1 Visa and from what I can see there doesn't seem to be anyone with this type of Visa going to Vancouver.... so maybe Montreal it is then.

MBK
canuckbosFemaleCanada2011-05-04 14:03:00