biggish data

Thanks everyone. What is the normal wait for interview once I set her time for medical? I guess I am trying to say what is the lead time wait if for example I wanted her interview October 1st as her medical is September 20th. Do I schedule it all September 1st or is the wait time longer? I heard in Manila interviews are sometimes 4-6 weeks in waiting once you schedule.
BTW internationla communication glitch between my fiancee and me... I should have paid the extra 500p to expedite her passport.. I thought she said it was only 2 week different from normal delivery. it is a month ET now for filing is end of April instead of the 1st. Oh well Uncle Sam will get paid first on the 15th... Ouch! Thanks again!

See Hank's reply to your question. However, I will add this, the dance between the medical and the interview is balanced by what the needs are of the beneficiary/petitioner. Some Pinays fly to Manila from the far flung provinces -- they try to get interview and medical done in the same week, so as to lessen any financial burden two trips might place on the petitioner. If finances are not a concern -- then that method would not apply to you.

In your case, if you want your fiance to interview on 10/01, then select that date when you log into the interview schedule portal, well in advance of 10/01. After which, have your fiancee register online for the medical -- then proceed to St. Luke's on 09/20.

Edited by Leatherneck, 25 March 2012 - 10:04 PM.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-25 22:02:00

My Fiancee did her medical 9 days before the interview and the medical report was there for her interview. I have read of others where their medical was closer to the interview date and St. Lukes had them hand carry the medical records to the embassy.

This is true, There have been VJ members that had interviews the next day after the medical.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-25 01:27:00

Okay now I have a dumb question as I am new to this doing it on my own. Does the Embassy scheudle the medical and then we schedule our interview based on medical timeline. Last time I tried this I had an Attorney so I am a novice doing it on my own.. My sweety's passport is schedule by 3rd week of April so we can get this party started Thanks for answering

No, your question is not a dumb at all. No, the USEM does not schedule the medical exam on behalf of the beneficiary, that is left entirely up to you and your fiancee. You get to schedule both medical and interview -- based on what is convenient for you, taking into consideration what days are available for the interview to be scheduled on.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-24 21:04:00

Your question does not sound silly. There is no hard rule on this. For many of those traveling to Manila from the provinces, they try to get medical and interview wrapped up in the same week or within a few days of each other. There's a risk of scheduling the interview so close if there happens to be an issue with the medical results -- but then, an issue with the medical could impact the interview date regardless of how many days apart you schedule them.

Bottom line -- schedule interview and medical based on what is convenient for you and your fiancee.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-24 17:41:00

Prayers bring Miracles...

Edited by Leatherneck, 25 March 2012 - 03:55 AM.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-25 03:54:00

Terminal Fee Question

The terminal fee is php550, not sure how you purchased your ticket, normally if you purchased your ticket in the philippines the travel tax is included in the price of the ticket. If your fiancee purchased the ticket in the states, sometimes the travel tax must be paid before you can board. The travel tax is php1620.

There is no charge when making a connection or a mere stop over, once you leave Manila, there is nothing else to pay.

Have a safe trip!

Edited by Leatherneck, 25 March 2012 - 03:52 AM.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-25 03:48:00

Visa Approved

It really varies as to how long it takes for the visa to be delivered, form 3 days to more than a week. Here's the 2Go contact info -- (+63 2) 528-7400.

http://supplychain.2...ols/outlets.asp

Edited by Leatherneck, 26 March 2012 - 10:33 AM.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-26 10:32:00

pregnancy during k1 visa pls help!!

No no, don't double up
http://www.youtube.c...ayer_detailpage

Ok, guess I better not do that.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-26 16:49:00

pregnancy during k1 visa pls help!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFwYVvrRSx4&feature=player_detailpage

So that's how it happened -- then I'll get a box of 12 and double-up each time to prevent that type of accident.

Edited by Leatherneck, 26 March 2012 - 03:39 PM.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-26 15:38:00

pregnancy during k1 visa pls help!!

It won't slow you down unless she gives birth before the visa is issued or a positive sputum could seriously delay the process, hopefully the medical won't be an issue and she can be here prior to her 8 month.

Hey, by the way, how do you accidently get pregnant? Please share -- that is one accident I'd like to avoid.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-26 11:41:00

can i know why is there a fee if the EAD application is separately filed?

Probably because there are others filing for EAD outside of marriage-based petitions, so a fee is warranted. Look at it this way, the government offers an opportunity to file the application without charge -- I say just take it even if one does not need it.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-26 19:46:00

Whats the requirements to apply a SSN and EAD? Thanks

In your case;

SSN = marriage license + passport with I-94 should be enough to apply for the SSN. However, some social security offices are misinformed and give the K-1 applicant a hassle about applying for the SSN, but you're entitled to get the number/card. Others have simply tired at a different office if the first office does not cooperate.

EAD = You must file AOS first to be eligible to apply for EAD - without AOS from K-1, you can not get a EAD.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-17 07:03:00

so let's say after we get married, i can apply for SSN, AOS then EAD so I can say to my prospected employers that I have EAD and then they can hire me? How much to pay for applying EAD?

You can apply for a SSN before you get married. When the I-765 (EAD) application is submitted with the AOS package, there is no fee, if you submit the EAD application separately - then the fee is $380.000.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-17 06:14:00

It does not matter. Obviously you can't apply for the AOS until you are married, but you can apply for the SSN in any order, right away or technically never.

We waited until after the marriage to apply for the SSN, so we would not have to apply for a name change. That's just us. You can apply for it as soon as your paper work has had time to get in the system. If I remember right that is about 2 weeks. Someone correct me on that if I am wrong.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2012-03-15 04:29:00

Very interesting! I wonder why the Chinese government doesn't have a similar agency???

Isn't that interesting, a totalitarian government does not require that of its citizens?

In some respects the Philippine government does treat its citizens like children.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-23 10:35:00

Commission on Filipinos Overseas = AKA/another big nanny-state government agency that thinks so little of it's citizens, they need to be counseled by mother before they leave the her bosom.

Thank you very much! So if I understand correctly before a citizen is able to emigrate they must complete some course of action and have a certification from this agency?

Yes that is correct.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-23 09:51:00

is this a requirement for k1? and you do the CFO after you get your visa packet?

Yes it is a requirement, your fiancee can not get on that plane without a CFO sticker.
Your fiancee can attend the counseling session before she has the visa or afterwards.
If she attends the counseling before the visa is issued, she'll need to return to pick it up.

Per Republic Act 8239 and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Order 28-94, Filipinos proceeding abroad as spouses and other partners of foreign nationals are required to attend the CFO’s guidance and counseling program as a pre-requisite to the issuance of passports.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-23 03:28:00

so funny...

OP, control yourself...

Actually that lady deserves the middle-finger delivered with both hands!

One for putting up with her little "one-on-one" and the second one for having to
provide additional evidence of the OP's relationship.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-23 03:15:00

they will refuse to give me a sticker because of our age gap??? possible??? that's crazy!!!

The age gap between you and your fiance is no reason to refuse you.

What I'm saying to you is, she can use and hide behide "Other documents as may be required by the counselors;"
to not give you a sticker if you do not provide the items she requested.

Who cares what reason she can refuse to give you a sticker, that is not your focus. You will give her what she wants so you can
done with the CFO ####### and be on your way. Not getting that sticker is not an option you want to entertain.

But remember to flip her a middle finger as you leave the place!

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-23 01:25:00

i didn't have any complain with CFO attendee at St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation, they were all nice and very friendly.
the only problem is the one-on-one counseling, i'm really surprised someone will think that for 5 years and 3 months is like nothing and making u feel that u dont know what ur doing.

You were the attendee. Considering you have a 5 + year relationship, the counselor
does seem very silly to question your relationahip. I'm sure she has seen plenty of
relationhips that are much shorter than yours.

Maybe she was in a bad mood or maybe she didn't get laid the night before. Give her
a few pics, provide a brief narrative as to how you met and tell her you guys talk about
future plans, goals, family and dreams of being a happily married couple after so many
years of patiently waiting to be together.

If that is not good enough for her, ask to speak to a manager, director or supervisor?
I know you Filipinos don't like confrontation, but somethimes you have to stand up for
yourself.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-23 01:13:00

the lady didn't tell me that i will pay again. what she told me is come back there again together with my passport with visa on it and give her requirements she's looking for. i really hope that they will give me certificate and sticker.

she's totally nuts!!!

do u think cfo have a power to refuse not to give a sticker?

seminar place: St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation

From the looks of it, yes she/they can refuse. Number 4 is the 'gotcha' and requirement they can use to refuse you.
So just give it to her, then flip her the middle finger as you walk out of the place.

Requirements for Guidance Counseling

Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;
Duly completed guidance and counseling form to be issued by SMEF-COW upon registration;
If married, certified true copy and photocopy of marriage contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office, or Local Civil Registry Offices; or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate (if married abroad)
Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and
Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-23 00:58:00

It certainly is not unheard of for counselors to have an attitude or issues with
a CFO attendee for some reason or another.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-23 00:51:00

I like Jaime Augusto more if were to choose, Fernando has a different kind of charm. I will be willing to be their 50th mistress if they will take me. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala..if you are reading this..PM me!

I love GMA and I always will. Call her whatever you want corrupt (who isn't?) That pint size woman is so smart and very hardworking. When she says something she means business unlike the current one now. But let's see. I just notice that on his every speech, he never fails to blame the previous administration for whatever difficulty he encounters. Doesn't look like a man that takes ownership.

Hey, when did Obama become the president of the Philippines?

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-25 04:34:00

MSG everywhere! I was wondering what that familiar smell was that reminded of something from my childhood. That smell of "Accent". Not a decent cup of brewed coffee or tea to be found anywhere, they all seem to prefer instant, pre-flavored versions. Tap water smells septic. They got that right! Don't drink the water unless you are sure of the source. LBM seems to be the norm even for the locals.

Thank God for Starbucks! I understand the love for instant coffee, yucky!

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-25 01:09:00

GMA is gone. Now they got another wet behind the ears Aquino, Noynoy III .

Oh yeah, I know she is gone. The current administration is looking for dirt on her.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-24 18:00:00

For those who doesn't know, that's chicken feet. It's called an Adidas because it looks like the logo of Adidas co.

I can get chicken feet when I visit my sisters in Atlanta or family in Louisiana, I pass on it there also. But I will have a large bowl of gumbo, a plate of crawfish-etouffe or jambalaya.

Crawfish etouffee

Posted Image

Gumbo

Jambalaya

Edited by Leatherneck, 24 November 2011 - 06:01 PM.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-24 17:57:00

Do you know what the "helmet barbecue" is? It's 3 chicken heads on a barbecue stick. Nothing goes to waste here. Chicken intestine, blood...

Ayalas are really Spanish by blood. GMA is a polyglot. She is fluent in different languages Pampageño, Ilokano, Pangasinense, Cebuano, English and Tagalog. It's just they use Spanish when they talk among themselves. Her fluency in different languages is one of the reasons why she's very charming and likable (then), just some media hype now. You know how media turns against you?

The Ayalas are German also.

Teapotgurl... I'll pass on the chicken heads, the intestines and that dish you guys have made with pork blood. UGH...Yucky!!!

I still can't in all of these years, eat bolut, nope, not me!

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-24 16:27:00

I once took a lady (Caucasian) out to lunch at an Asian Buffet and when we get to the food isle and get to the shrimp tempura she ask "WHAT ARE THOSE BLACK THINGS ON IT" she was referring to the eyes, I almost choked on a Jello True some Americans are not used to seeing heads served at the table. My brother in law who is white has his own menu every Sunday dinner at my parents house..mac and cheese for him..

Oh no, we really do not like heads on any food. I had a friend visit from Manila this past summer, we bought fresh shrimp and as I was cleaning them and removing the heads, she insisted I leave the heads on. Needless to say, we had separate shrimp dishes that night.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-24 16:13:00

Yeah the Panamanian guy was a real hit, Filipinos were totally amazed that he could converse with them. I love the looks on the locals faces when all of the Spanish speaking guys were commuincating and all of them looked different, the Mexico City born Mexican amazed Filipinos also with his red hair, blue eyes, as in totally white and heavy accented English.

I know GMA is in deep doo doo, not very well liked, but I did not know she spoke Spanish.

I do know the Ayala family speaks Spanish at home.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-24 16:07:00

Teapot, I remember my first trips to the Philippines and Filipinos refering to white guys as American and other Americans by their ethnicity.

For example, that Mexican guy, that black guy and that American guy when refering to white guys.

Just as some Filipinos think the Spanish last names of non-Filipinos are actually Filipino names. Until they learn the same people that colonized the Philippines, did likewise to much of South America and the Carribean.
I learned this during a trip to the Philippines with my buddies, a Puerto rican, a Panamanian, a cuban, an L.A. born Mexican American and a few white guys in the bunch. The black Panamanian was the real amazement to many Filipinos when we went to Zamboanga and he (same with the Mexican American) was able to commuincate and understand much of what was said in Chavacano.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-24 15:36:00

My Fiancee Passed Her Interview Today

Thank you! Good luck on your upcoming interview as well!

Thanks! We going to celebrate as soooooooon as she wakes up, which might not be anytime soon lol

Well, in that case, I'd say have a drink for me... but I know your idea of celebrating does not include cold beer!

Hahaha, just don't distrub the neighbors maning!
You and the fiancee have a great time, you both deserve to relieve some stress! :dance:

Edited by Leatherneck, 24 November 2011 - 12:50 AM.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-24 00:48:00

My Fiancee Passed Her Interview Today

A big Congratulations!

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-22 21:47:00

Filipinos in the US, the elderly especially love the drama and gossip. I hate to sound racist to my own people but I'm more comfortable surrounded with non-Filipinos. LOL. At least, compared to the non-relatives. So far I have no problem with most of my relatives here.

I dunno if its universally human but usually I find Filipinos, when they leave the Philippines, far more nosy than the Filipinos in the Philippines

I once had an older Pinay for a roommate many years ago (in fact she introduced me to my ex wife-I could kill her for that) and boy, she stayed in my business.

No, your don't sound racist, it's factual and how you feel. I can assure you, I avoid people that look like me whenever possible. That's why I live where I live, a city with lots of Asians and Persians.

Edited by Leatherneck, 12 November 2011 - 02:54 AM.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-12 02:53:00

There is a lot of truth in what you say. It does not help that in the Philippines having a relative abroad "elevates" ones social status which gives the family in the Philippines to spend as if money grow on trees. Not all of course but that is very common.

And your observation on the partner not meeting the financial and career expectations, it's not limited to Filipinos in the US, it is the dominant mentality in the Philippines. Someone marrying below their "social status" is considered "scandalous" and "bad decision". It's either you "marry up" or marry someone of the same social status.

That serious huh! The bad decision part I get, but scandalous is taking it a pretty serious.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-12 02:47:00

I agree with you 100% Leather neck! Especially in California! I see it also!

Great! Then I'm not alone in my assessment of what I've witnessed and experienced personally.

In fact, I've invited Filipino friends out, and they'll ask me, "How many other Filipinos will be there?"

I go anyway for the food, drink and to socialize... I avoid the drama.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-11 22:44:00

First time I was in PI, I was 19yrs old, compliments of the USMC, Always loved the culture and food and people, not to mention I have always thought the women from that part of the world were beautiful, in so many ways. So, after my Divorce made a trip over to HK and it reminded me of how much I enjoyed the Asian Pacific rim, I had forgotten after all these years.

I met my girl online while I was spending the winter in Florida ( live in western pa ) one things led to another and here I am. I enjoy this site, so much to think about and love reading the posts. Still waiting the NOA2 but as difficult as it is, it definitely gives you time to reflect and absorb so that when she is here we can have a very good understanding of whats to come, at least as much as anyone ever knows what the future has in store.

I feel pretty lucky having met the girl I did, I would like to think that both of us being pretty bright and sharing so many similarities will be in good shape when this is all said and done. I think most importantly loving, as in truly loving is the best step forward. Hoping everyone is successful here.

We both have that in common. I was a few years older, but still a young man of 22 years when I first went to the Philippines.
As a young Marine, I remember the stories the old timers and other NCOs' would tell about the Philippines as we floated in the Atlantic or the North Atlantic on those exercises with the Europeans. They told me I had no idea what waited for me and I needed to experience it myself.
I knew if I ever got stationed on Okinawa I was would go to the Philippines, and boy, did I go. I traveled there so many times in my two years on the "Rock' I lost count.

I fell in love just as you did, with the people, their warmth, the country, the food, the culture and especially the sweet Filipinas. It has now been a 27 year love affair. My first wife was born in the Philippines but raised in San Diego from age 2 or 3, I quickly learned there is a world of difference in a Pinay raise here and a Pinay born and raised in the Philippines.

Look at this process as you did your time at MCRD, it was not very pleasant going through it, but well worth it on the other side.

Best wishes to you and the little lady!

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-11 18:47:00

mapletree,

You make good points, hence the reason I would not make a good Filipino. I have too much of the rugged American 'individual' streak in my blood. However, I think it is very noble for one to gain some success then reach back to help other family members to achieve. But there is a helluva big difference from family 'expecting and demanding' help, to the help being 'voluntary.'

I know so many filipinos under tremendous financial stress due to sending money back to the Philippines each month.

There are other groups that suffer from the same "crab" mentality also, black Americans are a good example.

As a side note, but keeping close to the topic.

Filipinos are very tribal in nature and all too willing to please the family as opposed to pleasing themselves and will do mostly as the family wishes. I tried dating Filipnas in the US, if the family here does not approve of you, it will not happen. If a guy here does not meet their career and financial expectations, does not live in the right area or have much potential to earn exceptional money... it won't happen. Now I speak from my experience in California.

That is why I turned to the 'motherland' to look for a Pinay.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-11 18:31:00

yep 0311 Cannon Fodder, hehehe.

Hahahahaha, I laugh because my last unit was a Battalion of cannon-cockers! So I've been in support of the ground-pounder.

3/12 Camp Butler, Okinawa.

3rd BN. 12th Mar. 3rd Mar. Div.

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-11 18:11:00

whats the crabs in a bucket mean? I never heard that, BTW Semper Fi

Click here, this will give you a basic understanding of the meaning.

Thank you, are you a Marine vet? Semper Fi to you also!

Leatherneck

Male

Philippines

2011-11-11 17:55:00