ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesIs Shipping USPS to Phils Safe via Registered Mail?

Most of the items I've sent USPS never made it to my wife's parents address in Samar. The things we've sent to Iligan City did make it. I'm not going to pay Fedex $100 for a few ounces when I can send 100 lbs. for the same price.

 

We send everything by balakbayan now. If we're in a big hurry we just send money with Xoom.


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2013-11-25 16:34:00
Philippineshard to deal with the goverment in the Philippines

I would go over their head and make a campaign contribution to someone that can help you, (i.e., governor or congressman). It will probably be cheaper than a lawyer in the long run. I'm not speaking from experience :)


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2013-12-05 13:54:00
PhilippinesMoney Changers/New 100$ Bill

Thanks for the replies. Some of the best exchange rates I've gotten have been from small time money changers. They compete with each other across the street sometimes. There aren't any malls where we stay in N. Samar and I've had trouble exchanging in banks in the past. They may have changed their policies by now. I've also used M. Lhuillier.


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2013-11-26 22:26:00
PhilippinesMoney Changers/New 100$ Bill

I'm looking for first hand experience with money changers in the Philippines. Have you changed $100 bills in Phils since the new $100's came into circulation? Do they still take the old version of the 100?

 

It's been my experience that most money changers prefer the absolute newest crispest $100 bills and sometimes refuse to accept anything but those. I usually depend on debit and Xoom but always carry some cash in case of emergency.

 

Thanks for any feedback,


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2013-11-26 16:19:00
PhilippinesCan a LPR ( Green Card) holder travel to Canada

Just curious, didn't you show your GC upfront?

 

I think she was only asked for her passport the time. I can't really remember the details, it was 2011. The airline had just started that flight through Vancouver and didn't really know whtat they were doing yet.


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2014-01-14 19:51:00
PhilippinesCan a LPR ( Green Card) holder travel to Canada

 

Idiots abound in government of all countries... wink.png

 

Actually, I think he worked for the airline :)


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2014-01-14 18:51:00
PhilippinesCan a LPR ( Green Card) holder travel to Canada

Can a Conditional  Green Card holder with a Philippine passport  travel to Canada without a Visa?

 

I looked around and got some conflicting answers. Anyone know for sure?

 

On our last flight to Philippines we booked tickets that had a layover in Vancouver. When we tried to board the flight in Chicago they told us my wife couldn't go through Canada because she was a Philippine citizen and didn't have a Canadian visa. After a very tense and tearfull 15 minutes a kind lady arrived and asked if my wife had a greencard. After we replied YES, she said, no problem then, you can board. The man that refused her was clueless.


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2014-01-14 16:16:00
PhilippinesCitizenship

I guess many on here these days are focusing on GETTING a K1, not so many who are already married seem to be around (or are not willing to share their plans).

 

*sigh*

 

Jena has been in the US since 2007 and we still haven't dealt with citizenship yet. We're just lazy I guess. We always find some reason to put it off. Now the plan is to start working on it this coming fall 2014 after returning from Phils. smile.png


Edited by kev_n_jena, 14 January 2014 - 04:33 PM.

kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2014-01-14 16:32:00
PhilippinesAdvice of Parents refused.....

I'm already too far into the K1 process to think about marrying her in the Philippines. I'm loosely planning the flight for April 16 and I really don't want to delay her coming here another year by canceling the K1. Although she's not the quiet type, I seriously doubt she'll play hardball like that to her parents. I've told her to just keep talking to her mother and reassuring her that they will stay in touch and she won't be forgotten about. My fiance is going to let her have her iphone and pocket wifi with the promise that I'll keep them both loaded(within reason) so they can skype. Right now that looks like the only option we have besides rolling the dice at the CFO interview.

Jena's parents tried to pull a stunt similar to that as the interview date got near too. They said she had to get married in Phils even though the K1 process was almost complete. She stood up to them and let them know that she was going through with it one way or the other and if they wanted to be in her good graces they should let her do as she pleases. She was helping to support them at the time too and was also 22 years old. Your story is giving me flashbacks smile.png

 

Hopefully she can talk some sense into mama.

 

Good Luck!


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2014-01-29 22:40:00
PhilippinesNiblet just got hitched to his Pinay!!

Well no one has defended me,,I have been in VJ jail 3 times now!

I'm on my last legs,,,, 

Hang in there Nibby, I'll defend you. I haven't read anything you've posted that bothered me. Having said that, I'd like to see a wedding picture :)


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2013-12-21 03:10:00
PhilippinesPhilippines Domestic Flight Ticket Purchase

We flew Zest from Manila to Catarman Samar three years ago. I was pretty concerned because their website was down for about a week and I thought maybe they went out of business. :) After they site came back we booked tickets and all went well.

 

I read that they closed down Catarman airport about a year ago because people were parking on the runway and the directors son was giving his girlfriend driving lessons while a plane was trying to land. The pilot had to abort the landing! There were also animals on the runway frequently and I witnessed that first hand. They blow a siren before the plane lands to alert everyone and scatter any animals. Crazy stuff huh?

 

This time we'll be flying from Manila to Cagayan De Oro. It looks like tickets will be under 2000php.

 

Kevin


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2014-04-24 15:18:00
PhilippinesPhilippines Domestic Flight Ticket Purchase

Thanks!


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2014-04-23 19:59:00
PhilippinesPhilippines Domestic Flight Ticket Purchase

Hi,

 

It's been awhile since we were in Phils and we're wondering about purchasing domestic flight tickets ahead of our trip. Can we buy tickets online by credit card from the US still? I thought I had read something about a rule change at one time.

 

Thanks for any input,

 

Kevin & Jena


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2014-04-23 19:53:00
PhilippinesSo...where are the VJ Fil-Am success stories?

So...where are the VJ Fil-Am success stories?

 

Let me start, me and Tahoma are still happy together.   We've been married for almost five years.  It's been the best five years of my life.  He treats me like a queen/empress and I treat him like a king... I guess this is the formula of our success.  We treat each other with love and respect.  We bicker (like kids), we argue..but we still have fun!  

 

We love to travel, talk, laugh, discuss different topics, and eat!  It's just amazing how we are so compatible in so many ways.  We always compromise.  And, we listen to each other...well, sometimes he pretends! Bless his heart.  

 

I still look forward to coming home to him at the end of my work each day.

 

 

Now, your turn...smile.png eb0dfafc.gif

 

~ Chinook

 

Happily married 6.5 years here and we have a 21 month old son who is awesome. We have 2 fil/am couples that we are close friends with too! We spent Christmas, New Years, and my birthday with them eating and singing karaoke. Despite what some might say, our age gap of 20 years hasn't been a problem. In fact, our gap is the smallest of the 3 couples in our group with the others being 27 years and 34 years. We're glad to see other couples are enjoying life as well.


kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2014-01-14 13:45:00
PhilippinesLife after K1 POE
My wife didn't get her SS# until after we were married. I didn't feel like going to the SS office twice. That was in 07 in Illinois. To each their own.

Kevin
kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2011-07-09 23:56:00
PhilippinesFilipinas in central Ohio??
Local Catholic churches will certainly have Filipino members in a city the size of Columbus. Anyone is free to attend mass. Just say hi and introduce yourselves on the way out of church. If you don't see any Filipinos at that mass, they may be attending a different Catholic church in the area or at a different time. Odds are there is a Filipino priest in the Columbus area but I don't know that for a fact. Yahoo lists 7 Catholic churches there.
kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2011-07-30 13:10:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhat kinds of gifts should I take?
QUOTE (skerber0 @ Jun 5 2009, 09:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I will be going to Egypt in about 4 weeks. I have no idea what kind of gifts to take to his family. And I assume I take a gift to everyone, including his brothers and sister. His sister is married with 3 children. Do I take something to her husband and children as well? Suggestions please?? Thank you all!


I'd say, anything that made in the USA. Especially food (chocolates or canned food). good.gif good.gif good.gif
kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2009-06-11 08:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaGood Morning! It's Saturday!
Good Saturday Afternoon! I hope everyone have an extremely good weekend!
kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2009-06-13 15:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCONFUSED ABOUT VISA/PASSPORT
It's my understanding that if you check the box claiming the reason you need a passport, is because you have a foreign fiance, and want to travel to be with them, you will be required to take the cfo seminar first.

Since I had already applied for a K1 visa for my fiance prior to her applying for her passport, we decided that she should admit that when filling out the passport application.

We didn't want anyone claiming she gave false information when filling out the passport application.

Kev & Jena
kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2008-01-31 11:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresContacting Senators and Congress representatives about a case
I understand everyones frustration with this process. We got lucky when we went through it. My personal opinion is that the federal government should concentrate their resources on tasks like visa processing and others that they are constitutionally responsible for and spend less time telling me I can't talk on my phone in my car, buy an incandescent light bulb, or hauling baseball players before congress. Good luck with the bureaucracy.
kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2011-12-14 21:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Fiance Visa? DO THIS
On my first visit to my fiance I was advised to take pictures of the two of us holding current copies of local newpapers with the date clearly visible. We did that and submitted them with our evidence to prove we were together on those dates.

Kev
kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2011-11-16 09:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2nd Chances For A FIlipina

Please dont no one jump on me, just an innocent question, why is so many men going there to find wives and not the other way around

I happen to see that here alot and wonder....just curious.The way OP puts it as if now he has to go back there as he wont find anyone elsewhere.


I can't speak for others, but for me it was accidental. On the other hand, after I met Jena online I read a lot of success stories about phil/am couples which led me to pursue the relationship. It's been the best decision of my life.

I will also say, I've told single friends of mine to join an overseas dating site and when they did, they were approached by literally hundreds of women from the Philippines.

I've had men stop me in the supermarket and ask how we met. Others have seen the special relationship we have and have been envious. I suppose that might make them want to attempt the same thing.

I'm sure all the adds online contribute also.
kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2012-12-31 15:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
W00t! NOA2 hardcopy in the mail yesterday!! Fiance already has packet 3 too!! :dance: :dance:
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-05-25 07:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
The USCIS website has not been updated either. :blink:
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-05-23 12:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
Well our last touch was on May 4th, and today my fiance got the packet from his embassy. I still havnt gotten the NOA2 in the mail. :S Could it just be late?
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-05-23 12:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
We just had a touch 2 days ago with no email. I hope it is good news!
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-05-07 14:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
We had a touch yesterday!
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-02-07 10:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
I got our NOA1 in the mail today!!! :dance:
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-02-05 13:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
Check cashed yesterday hoping for the NOA1 this week! :dance:
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-02-04 22:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
I sent my our petition to Nebraska on the 24th. It was signed for on the 26th, now the waiting begins. :whistle:
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-01-27 11:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTranslation
I'm sorry, I didn't make myself clear. I am providing them as evidence with the petition.

I will do some more digging on the immigration site about translation.


Thanks everyone!

Elena

Hi Elena!

If you are the USC, I don't think that you would need to submit his bank statements for the 129F petition. They are not necessary unless you are trying to provide some supporting evidence of your relationship... You may need bank statements for the I-134 affidavit of support, but they should be your statements, not his.

But if you still need the translator, any person that certifies on writing that is fluent should be OK.

Good luck! My fiancé is from NL too! :dance:

edi


Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-01-05 09:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTranslation
Hello, My fiance and I are just getting ready to send off our petition but we are waiting on this one thing. He is in the Netherlands and needs to get his bank statements translated. I have paged through my phone book for translators but have found none. Does anyone have any experience with this? Did you use someone local to you or did you use someone online. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Elena

Edited by Elena75, 04 January 2007 - 09:32 PM.

Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-01-04 21:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFinally!!!!
congrats and good luck with the rest!!
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-01-29 20:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview tomorrow!
Good luck and I would love to hear how it goes, as my fiance is from The Netherlands too.
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-02-06 10:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 - How long after that?
Congrats on your approval!



How I wish we could have gone through Vermont :crying:
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-02-07 18:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCheck Cashed!!
:thumbs: The NOA1 will be there shortly!
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-02-08 13:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWe passed NVC!!!!!
Congrats to you!!!
Elena75FemaleNetherlands2007-02-06 10:30:00
Philippinesadjusting
Jena (my wife) the Waray Warrior her first winter here. Just be brave I guess. It's mind over matter, if you don't mind the cold, it doesn't matter.

When it gets down to zero wind chill or lower, she goes all Darna on it and makes it warm again. :lol:

Darna's powers include flight, super strength, super speed and near-invulnerability.

Attached File  Jena A.JPG   30.39KB   19 downloads
kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2011-12-04 09:47:00
PhilippinesWants to give up and Return to Philippines?
Obviously the OP had doubts before. I remember reading that entire thread when he posted it. Sorry to hear his fears and doubts are coming true now.

This situation is all the more reason for everyone to take a very close look at their own relationships and make sure their motivations for filing for a visa are well thought out. It's also more evidence that the petitioner should plan ahead to help their immigrant wife/husband or fiance feel welcome in their new home. Getting a visa is just a small part of the process when starting a new life together. Setting up a network of friends and family for support is essential in my opinion.

Good luck to the OP. If you guys love each other, don't give up so easily.

Kevin
kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2011-10-26 21:27:00
PhilippinesI avoided girls from Mindanao
Strange topic, I just had to read the thread, and now I guess I have to reply.

My first trip in November 2006 to visit Jena was to Iligan City, Mindanao. Our government had a travel warning for all of Mindanao at the time. Having never traveled outside the US I was pretty nervous but Jena assured me everything would be safe. I put my trust in her and her family over the warning from our government.

U.S., Australia warn of imminent terrorist attacks in Philippines
11:01' 11/10/2006 (GMT+7)
The United States Embassy in Manila Tuesday said it received credible information that terrorists will stages bombing attacks in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao in the coming days.

Mindanao, an island in the southern part of the Philippines
The embassy warned American citizens in the Philippines to avoid travel to Mindanao due to threats of possible terror attacks, while American citizens residing and or working in the said area were urged to keep a low profile and reassess their personal safety.
kev_n_jenaNot TellingPhilippines2011-08-06 17:40:00