ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippines7 year anullment
Oopps... not true!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-02-05 17:53:00
PhilippinesPinay Ako!
Stay on topic! smile.gif

Rocky nBullwinkle - keep it coming brother!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-01-19 11:10:00
PhilippinesSETTING APPOINTMENT AT US EMBASSY MANILA
When I call the USEM, I always dial 109, and ask the operator to transfer me to that number, it never fails. I always get through. I suggest you try that.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-06 14:49:00
PhilippinesCFO:Review, tips and advise
When you do get thru the seminar it will make sense. As I have said, there were so many ignorant women there who went for this seminar... they were clueless and I hate to say it but they don't look legit.

Just kind of a wake up call for gold-diggers and a good source of info for possible victims of domestic violence.

Also, the attendees of this seminar are not just US-bound. It's a way for the government to protect us. It's all for our sake.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-20 06:59:00
PhilippinesCFO:Review, tips and advise
Spent the whole day at SMEF and CFO today. Overall it was a great experience. I have met many lovely ladies out there. We even had lunch together at Abuhan beside Robinson's Place.

TIPS and ADVICE: You would opt to bring the requirements you presented to the US Embassy as the SMEF staff may ask for it for their own records. These will be kept in confidence and will be for your own good. It's a shame that when I was going thru the seminar I did notice some women there who are clueless about their partners and what klind of life they are entering. It was also evident for some that they are getting engaged or married for the sake of the money. This made me a lil sick. sad.gif

The SMEF in Cebu have been getting very good feedback and they were all approachable and accommodating. Way to go!

Requirements:
SMEF
K1:
> Passport and visa photocopy
> 2 valid IDs and photocopy
> Photocopy of Birth certificate for me and my daughter
> fee of PHP250.00
***My daughter is 7 so she was not required to join the seminar.

Documents requested:
> Biographic info of fiance
> Letter of employment of fiance
> Letter of intent to marry from fiance
> Photocopy of divorce decree of fiance
> Photocopy divorce certificate of fiance
> Photocopy of fiance's birth certificate
> Pictures together

CFO
K1:
> Blue certificate from SMEF
> Photocopy of passport and visa
> Passport and visa
> fee of PHP400.00

K2:
> one photo passport size or 2x2
> Photocopy of passport and visa
> Passport and visa
> Fee of PHP400.00
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-20 05:49:00
PhilippinesMGA BISAYA...ATO NI BAY......
Pastilan kagahi naman lang gyud sa dila sa bisaya oi!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-28 18:41:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy K1 Visa Guide
QUOTE (Joyce/Jeremy @ Apr 6 2009, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all!!... I have read the guidelines and have gone through the reasons for doing each and every step there is for the visa to be granted.
But I have a question regarding the Document Verification. I can't understand why it is required...I know it is needed for the eligibility of my current status but can't a CENOMAR suffice?... just asking and not complaining... hehehehehe!

Thanks in advance!!!


No more document verification since August 2008. You are now required to secure CENOMAR and BC in security paper from the NSO for your interview. Hope this helps.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-06 14:05:00
PhilippinesCFO Manila - Which One is BETTER?
K2 Derivatives who are minors are not required to go Fred.

Edited by HappyDancer, 30 April 2009 - 02:07 PM.

HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-30 14:07:00
PhilippinesWhat's needed for interview (and to schedule the interview)?
QUOTE (Dave & Jenny @ Jul 13 2009, 09:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, the NVC has *finally* gotten my case and assigned a case # (MNLxxxx). I have a few questions on the next steps for a K1 in the Philippines.

Hi Dave! I will try my best to answer this based on my experience out of bugging the NVC and US embassy duting my K1 process. LOL

First, what is needed for me to call and get an interview scheduled? Is it just a matter of giving it a few days for the case to be received by the US Embassy in Manila? Is there any way to know when I can call? Or do I need to fill in a DS-230? From the US Embassy web site, it seems I don't need this.

The moment the NVC assigns a case number for your petition and visa process, allow them about 2 weeks max to send a notice to the USEM in Manila. The USEM in Manila will then send the K1 fiance/e a written notice that they have received the case and advise him/her that she/he is now ready to go for medical at St. Lukes and schedule an interview date at the USEM via the call center.

Now, in my case, I decided not to wait for the letter from the USEM. I went ahead and allowed about 3 business days after calling the NVC to pass by and then went ahead and called the USEM call center and asked them if they have received my case and quoted my MNLxxx number. Over the phone, the call center rep can confirm if they now have your case on file. In my case, they did - So I went ahead and set an interview date at the USEM. Medical at St. Luke's Ext Clinic are walk-ins for the K1 Visa process so it was not a big deal for me - that part does not need to be scheduled.

DS-230 is not needed for the K1 process.

Second, with regard to proof for the I-134, do I need to provide W-2's for the last 3 tax years? I only have the last 2 years (the year before that I worked in Japan and did NOT receive a W-2 or even a year end earnings statement). I will provide the last 3 years tax transcripts, plus my last 2 years W-2s.

The embassy interview only rquires the last year's W2 or 1040. However, you may overdeliver just to be safe.

Third, for my letter of employment, does it matter if it is 3 or 4 months old (I will be attaching my payslips since then)?

You may have to attach the pay stubs if you want since it has not been a year snce you got your present job, I suppose.

Thanks in advance!
Dave


PM me if you want to hear about the experiences while processing. I am the K1 fiancee and it may help you and your lady.

God bless and good luck!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-07-15 08:35:00
PhilippinesHelp - Valid ID
Classic case of red tape in the Philippines! Oh it aggravates me!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-07-15 14:50:00
PhilippinesHelp - Valid ID
QUOTE (SomedaySomehow @ Jul 13 2009, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So my SO went to the DFA to try and get her passport AGAIN ....

She is being told she needs another Valid ID .. such as a SSS ( Which we understands takes 1-3 months to get the thing ) or a TIN Card ... well she went to get a tin card and would not give her a card .. just a tin number .. which isn't good enough for the DFA ...

Here is what she has already ....

NSO BC
NBI Clearence
School records - Form 137
Postal ID
Baptismal Record
Voter's Registration



We are at a loss what to do to get her passport right now ... I know others have had to have been in a similar situation .. what did you do?

She isn't in college so doesn't have a school ID

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.



Which DFA office is this? Is this in Cebu? I had some stupid guy in the Cebu DFA (checker) deny me the first time in getting a passport since he was not contented with some of the details on my birth certificate - saying that it was too blurred to decipher, etc... Duh, as if that's my fault, right? So I was so disappointed, I could cry. I went over to where the security guard is and she told me to try to fall in line again and fill out another form and pray that I don't get the same dumba*s sonofagun to be my checker hat denied me the first time. Truth to it, I got a very nic lady this time. She took my papers in without any hassles.

If that doesn't work, your fiancee may opt to escalate her case to the DFA director in the Cebu office at the 2nd floor of the same building. Let that know know about your case and show them your documents. You'll realize they are not that hard to deal with.

I swear I would have loved to wring that checker's neck to deny me the first time though.

Hope all goes well.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-07-15 08:45:00
Philippines***Bible Verses of the Day****
Would like to give praises to God the Almighty for the gift of love. No Bible verses for me- Just much thanks and intent to glorify His name.

No matter how bad things get, I know I have so many things to thank Him for.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-12-18 05:26:00
PhilippinesThis is embarassing
Wow! You guys are fast! smile.gif
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 07:04:00
PhilippinesPlease Wish Us Luck. Interview on This Tuesday.
CONGRATS!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 07:24:00
PhilippinesHELP! Middle name mispelled.
You should be o the safe side then. They will correct it on their end. The USEM will have the petition that you submitted and it will all be there. They will amend it on their end. smile.gif Cheer up!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 07:28:00
PhilippinesHELP! Middle name mispelled.
I would suggest that you wait until the USEM in Manila receives the approved petition from NVC and then you may ask them how to get the details corrected. I had a similar issue, but mine was an incorrect house number. I sent them a fax, as per their instruction. It didn't affect my visa interview though.

Also, make sure that you have all the duplicate copies of the documents of the I-129F petition. US Embassy will eventually know what to do and how to deal with this as they will have the petition in hand.

Good luck!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 07:16:00
PhilippinesMedical Completed
Congrats! All will be well with the grace of God. Good luck!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 12:48:00
PhilippinesDS-156, DS-156K, Ds-157
DS 156 and DS 156K will be needed on the day of the interview. Good luck! If you have any questions and curious as to how the interview will flow, click on the link of my signature for the reviews and experiences. The details of the documents and flow of the process are there.

God bless and come out with the pink slip!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 07:08:00
PhilippinesDS-156, DS-156K, Ds-157
BRing your filled out form DS157 to the BDO branch wherethe payment is accepted and let the teller know beforehand that you have a filled out form. They will accept that. If you don't, they have blank DS157 forms in their branch and all you need to do is just attach that to your DS157 forms. Be sure you keep it, that will serve as our receipt. Hope this helps.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 06:44:00
PhilippinesMy CFO Question
Jamster: I see. I would suggest you don't book a flight until the visa packet is received. You don't want to waste away money for cancellation and rescheduling, just in case.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 13:47:00
PhilippinesMy CFO Question
QUOTE (jamster0105 @ Aug 18 2009, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,

In regards to CFO seminar, does my wife have to make an appointment for this service, or can she just show up? My wife is expecting her visa via AIR21 delivery this wednesday and I am trying to get her on a flight friday night. Basically, if she can be in Manila by thursday, will we have time to take care of this? Also, what forms will she need to bring with her?

Please, if anyone can help me with this, it would be greatly appreciated smile.gif



Hi jamster! Have you thought about your wife having the CFO in Cebu? It is so much better and she doesn't need to book a flight for that. Also the CFO seminars and process is Cebu is so much easier. You don't have to book an appointment to have the seminar and get the sticker. Just to be on the safe side though, make sure she brings with her the relevant documents that she used for the visa interview. If you want to hear about my experiences wth the CFO, you may click on the link at the bottom of my signature.
Hope this helps. IF there is any way I can help for your wife in Cebu, let me know.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 12:44:00
PhilippinesMy CFO Question
The ground handling crew for the airline you are going to board upon check-in will check your CFO sticker. And the truth is, they are now very strict with this policy. PAL does have a refund, but it will depend on th circumstances. If you cancel on the day of the flight, you will have to be cahrged a cancellation fee which will be a big chunk of the original fare.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 09:30:00
PhilippinesI129F approved but NVC not yet received
Wow! That IS a long time! Just hang in there, sometimes, they do have additional checks. That's where your $455 goes to. Whew! Sorry, my friend. Let's hope it won't take long now.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 07:54:00
PhilippinesJust found out my girl passed the medical!!!
YAY CONGRATS!!! Happy dance time!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-20 16:20:00
PhilippinesApproved! :)
YAY CONGRATS!!! Happy dance time!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-20 16:16:00
Philippinesmeeting her family for the first TIME!!!
Charlie,

I know what you mean and that does seem to cause some apprehensions on my end. I know it's risky and you really have to practice good judgement. Great that you are asking for input and that should not be taken the wrong way. That place where she is coming from is a rural area. They do have some exposure to city life but not that much which may be both good and bad. Morally speaking, they are conscious of reputation and come from a town where there will be no secrets - everybody knows everybody - which may be the reason why they want to "show off". They are very Catholic. I know this for sure as my mom graduated from a neighboring town where her university is at. You'll be just fine. But again, practice good judgement and do not hesitate to say no - in a nice way as they are sensitive too.

If aunts are 17-18 year olds, just shake their hands! LOL
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 14:38:00
Philippinesmeeting her family for the first TIME!!!
QUOTE (charlie&pam @ Aug 18 2009, 02:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes she is from URBIZTONDO PANGASINAN now I have read that you kiss the and and also that you just put the hand to your forehead which one is it? Also she said that she talk to her father on how much they will need for the party and he said $250.00 american is $10 a head is that about right? and do i do mano to the aunts and uncles only if they are older than me or all the time ? and do you only do it the first time you meet or always?


Kissing the hand is the exact same way you put their hand on your forehead. We just call it that so you are on the right track.

I think $250.00 is too much, but if you can afford it, then that shouldn't be a problem. And where she is from - gosh that's too much! But if they are talking $10/person, that probably mean,s they are hiring a caterer. That's just the way it is. Whne you marry a Filipina, the guy spends for everything from the engagement party to the wedding details, everything! I just wish they wouldn't bleed you to death, though.

I have nothing against your lady's family, but don't you think if you are spending for a party you have full control as to how much you are willing to spend? whistling.gif

The mano of the aunts and uncles will only be when they are older than you - yes.

Hope this helps. Good luck! With the economic recession, I sure hope you're not ripped off when you come back.

HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 14:03:00
Philippinesmeeting her family for the first TIME!!!
GOsh! You will have a full load of luggage... Be careful will the excess luggage charges.

I suppose your SO is from the province, more of a rural setting then? This "mano"/ kissing of the hands is really big in the provincial areas.

Go ahead and "kiss" the hands of her parents when you get to meet them for the first time. My hubby had to do that as a form of respect to my parents. Also, here in the Philippines, you would have to call your SOs parents "mom and dad" after you are married.

With regards to the party for her family the next day, it doesn't really matter. It's a big complicated social issue in the Philippines and a common misnomer that when a Pinay marries a caucasian man - to most means an American right away- that the guy is well off and independently wealthy. Sad to say, that mindset has not been fully eradicated yet. But do not despair, just let your lady know that you have a set budget for economics' sake. Say about $100 worth of food to feed most of the visitors. Don't worry, food is not all that expensive in the Philippines, and I would guess your SOs relatives are more curious to meet you more than anything - the party is just an excuse. And, you better remember - kissing of the hands might have to be the case for every uncle, aunt, grannies, etc! You'd be dizzy before you know it especially if your lady has TONS of relatives as we are big in extended families.

The giving of the gifts should not be a big deal - but my concern is your luggage. But soaps, perfumes (ot necessarily high end ones), chocolates, disposable watches, purses (again, not necessarily high end), fashion jewelry... anything as a form of a gift will be appreciated in the Philippines... And yes, used clothing will even do. =)

Relax... you will be just fine!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 13:33:00
PhilippinesWe are going to have a child!!!!
wow!!! congrats that's awesome news!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-21 15:56:00
PhilippinesHow often do you talk?
Hubby and I used to talk all the time everyday - be it chat, email, and phone. We worked for the same company too so that was a huge advantage. To all those who were successful - I SALUTE YOU!

This was a great thing for our relationship and a real blessing. I have the kind of personality who is visual-kinesthethic and I need a "touch all the time". I can't honestly imagine how it would have worked without the constant communication.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-21 15:41:00
PhilippinesCalling ladies of Kentucky
Dennis: It's getting close. You will have her here soon! Good luck!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-23 19:43:00
PhilippinesCalling ladies of Kentucky
That's awesome philmae - you enjoy the journey!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-20 16:11:00
PhilippinesCalling ladies of Kentucky
Dogwood: I'm here around Shelbyville, in a little town called Bagdad, about 15minutes from Frankfort.

Pizzadude: Awww, thank you! CONGRATS to you too!


HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-19 17:36:00
PhilippinesCalling ladies of Kentucky
That's great Dave. It's all going to be fine. Just ask if you are not sure. We are all here to help each other. Just hang in there as the waiting is the most painful.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-19 09:57:00
PhilippinesCalling ladies of Kentucky
I know! For sure there are lots here... I don't know if they're all active in VJ though. I would love to go south, just need to convince hubby to drive me all the way there! LOL
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 14:44:00
PhilippinesCalling ladies of Kentucky
BUMP!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 14:23:00
PhilippinesCalling ladies of Kentucky
Thanks Dianne! Wake up Pinays!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 06:34:00
PhilippinesCalling ladies of Kentucky
I'm back people! I am now married to my country boy. So what do you say, we KY ladies meet up? Reply to this thread so we can plan something out!

Take care!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-18 06:08:00
PhilippinesShare Your Recipes!
I have to take out my cookbook for this. I should be back on when I get to the States. Pls save this thread.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-23 06:06:00
PhilippinesFinally!
YAY CONGRATS!!! Happy dance time!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-08-20 16:18:00