ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionk1 visa denied, help pls
Every consulate accepts co-sponsors Manila included. Ryna is correct if its Fiancée on K1 then you need the I-134. I can only assume that the CO either did not see your dads I-134 (unlikely but possible) or it was not completed/documented correctly. Did the CO mention anything?
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-22 20:48:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCitizenship: thinking of joining the military, advice

thank you for your posts - to be honest im not seeking attention, in fact i have bottled this up for a very long time and this is probably why im in this situation.

ok from your knowledge of filling with a decree and all the necessary proof - do i have a cahnce to get it without a job and with this arrest on my record.

@ Bobby+Umit - i just saw your post, thanks


It will most likely depend on the type of job/employer that you are trying to get. I dont know what State you were convicted in, but most States treat public intoxication as a misdemeanor. (where I live this is ticket, no court appearance necessary) Just be honest and straight forward on your job application (if it asks) and explain in detail the crime. I dont know that a misdemeanor conviction will affect your immigration status, perhaps others can answer. Again, honesty is always the best policy. Admit your mistakes, learn from them, and go on. Best of luck
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-23 10:32:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCitizenship: thinking of joining the military, advice

Couple things. First you have your "conditional resident" green card (2 yr card) and you cannot file for your "permenant residence" (10 yr card) without her signature and usually an interview to show marriage is still valid and was entered into in good faith. You can file on your own if there is documented proof of abuse by her towards you and if you can prove you entered the marriage in good faith.

I am military and was in recruiting for 6 years; but things do change. Last I knew, you need to be a "permenant resident" of the US to enlist in the military. You would have to have your 10 yr card before you could enlist. Which based on the above you may have difficulty in getting to begin with. The benefit of joining the service for non-citizens with permanent residency status is that basically 1 day on active duty enables them to apply for their citizenship. There is talk of changing the law to allow even illegal immigrants to join the military to give them a fast track to residency and subsequent citizenship. But those changes have not been implemented yet.

As far as thoughts of suicide... please by whatever means necessary -- you need to talk to a professional right away... your going through a rough experience right now in your marriage, new culture/country, and alcohol (I know personaly) only makes matters in our head exagerated and inhibits our ability to reason and execute reasonable actions overcome tough times.


Great Post Dluke. Wannastay, I will reiterate, If you are thinking of harming yourself get some help, even if you walk to the nearest police station and tell them...they will get you the help you need. Things are never quite as bad as they seem, I have had my own issues in the past, and I can appreciate where you are coming from. As dluke says, you are at a very stressful crossroads in your life, and at times these issues/problems can seem overwhelming. But trust me, the world is better place with you in it.

As far as I know, the military still requires one to be permanent resident to enlist. I would seriously consider delaying your enlistment until things stabilize a bit in your life. I was in the army for 4 years, and I can say that basic training and AIT can be very stressful. Also, think about the reasons you are interested in the Military. The Military is not everyone's cup of tea. I wish you best of luck!
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-23 09:50:00
US Citizenship General Discussionu.s citizenship for children born abroad

Does anyone know how my usc husband can get our kids citizenship w/o getting a certificate of citizenship or consular record of birth abroad? Can we just get them u.s passports for proof of citizenship?


How are your kids claiming derivative Citizenship? In any case there is no way to get a US passport without presenting proof of US Citizenship, (a CRBA, BC, etc).
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-07-16 12:25:00
US Citizenship General Discussionreceipt number on back of check?

The letters NBC are not on the back of the check. I do not think there are any three consecutive letters.

I'm Guessing the receipt number is not on the back then, but will defer to those that have filed an N400.
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-09-10 16:18:00
US Citizenship General Discussionreceipt number on back of check?

I am talking about n400 application that was filed at the Dallas Lockbox. There are a lot of numbers on the back of the check but is any one of them the receipt notice? thanks for any input....

In that case I believe it should start with NBC for National Benefits Center. It should follow the same format stated above after NBC...
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-09-10 16:11:00
US Citizenship General Discussionreceipt number on back of check?

Where did you file? also, the rcpt numbers MAY or MAY not be on the back of the check...Many are not, mine as an example.

Vermont is VSC California is WAC followed by the fiscal year (10) then the computer work day then 0 for a paper app then random numbers identifying your case i.e.

WAC1027506769 if you see something like this its your case number, if you don't then its not there.


Vermont is EAC....sorry...brain lock on my part. And I believe JenanineL is correct if you mailed to Lewisville the number is non grata. BUT I did read through some threads some people said it was....ymmv. Anyway the rcpt is

the letter Service Center Code Fiscal year computer work day (yes it could be greater then 365) 0 for a paper app, 1 for an online app then a 4 digit number unique to your petition.
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-09-10 16:00:00
US Citizenship General Discussionreceipt number on back of check?

Can someone please tell me how to read the receipt number from the back of the check. There are a lot of numbers. Could someone please clarify? thank you for your help.


Where did you file? also, the rcpt numbers MAY or MAY not be on the back of the check...Many are not, mine as an example.

Vermont is VSC California is WAC followed by the fiscal year (10) then the computer work day then 0 for a paper app then random numbers identifying your case i.e.

WAC1027506769 if you see something like this its your case number, if you don't then its not there.
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-09-10 15:46:00
PhilippinesPhilippine senator angered by Alec Baldwin's joke


The younger Revilla is much like his father.
[/quote]

Totaly agree! I have actually met him. (I live in Cavite) While Baldwin's comment was a bit insensitive....I know he meant no harm. And Revilla threating a beating is just as ridiculous as what Baldwin said.

That said face the facts....there is a negative sterotype in the US against men who fall in love with and marry women from SE Asian/Former Eastern Bloc countries. Its wrong, disgusting, and stupid...But trust me.....I hear the 'mail order bride' comment at least once a week, about my own beloved Filipina. I just laugh in their face and say "what....you Jealous???"

peace

idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2009-05-22 04:52:00
PhilippinesVisa Waiver program

when will Philippines be included in the Visa Waiver program


Most likely never. There is no plan in the works, and the USA is very very selective about the countries to which in adds to the Visa Waiver list.
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-01 15:22:00
PhilippinesSinigang and Sotanghon

Hey Aaron...Floricel's sinigang recipe sounds delicious :) ...except for the MSG. :blink:


LOL....yeah they put the old magic sarap in everything!(as you probably know : ) Fortunately, I'm not sensitive to it...and having lived in Asia where in every country 'cept Thailand its so prevalent, think I developed a tolerance for it! I have actually made it without the MSG in the US...and....its not as good! But I know it bothers a lot of people!
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-02 12:09:00
PhilippinesSinigang and Sotanghon

I anyone here has some family recipes for Sinigang and Sotanghon that are really good, please share. :)


I know there are many variations of both. Thank you.

My wife to be, always makes Sinigang with okra and extra eggplant. The recipe we use is:

10 cups water
1 packet Knoor Sinigang mix, Use the Chili or the Regular not the Gabi, it will be too thick
1 kilo, or more or less depending on your taste of Pork Belly
two Asian Eggplant sliced on the diagonal
about 15 good sized okra pods, sliced
3-4 small tomatoes quartered
1 small purple onion quartered
2 good sized cloves of garlic minced
one good sized bunch of Kangkong (water spinach) VERY hard to get in the USA, its actually considered a noxious weed, and requires a special permit to grow. You can get it sometimes in Asian markets, there is also a canned version. My advice if you cant get the fresh skip it and use fresh spinach I have subbed this here in the US and its not a bad substitute.
cracked black pepper to taste
one small packet magic sarap (available at Filipino grocery stores) DO NOT USE if YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO MSG
pinch of salt

Slice the pork belly into 1" cubes and brown lightly in the pot, Dont over cook, just cook off some of the fat and drain, after draining the fat, add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the onion and cook for about 1 minute. add the water, bring to a boil and add the knorr mix and the magic sarap. Taste the broth and adjust salt if needed, also add the pepper, boil lightly until the pork is well cooked, then add the Tomatoes and Eggplant continue simmering until they are cooked to your liking, then add the okra and kangkong or spinach (these only need to cook for about 3 minutes max) ENJOY with steamed rice!
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-02 09:22:00
PhilippinesCENOMAR times to Hong Kong consulate?

Marie is working in Hong Kong and we have applied for a K-1 visa there.

We ordered a CENOMAR personally. I messed up and was unaware that I should have requested a CENOMAR sent directly to the US consulate....NOOOO!!!

i WAS ANTICIPATING the letter for Marie's medical and interview appointment..

I know what the e-census says about time frame for delivery, but does any one know how long the delivery of the registered mail to the US consulate from the E-Census will actually take? I requested and payed for it on line.


Well, I cant speak for Hong Kong, but my fiancée and I did order somethings from Ecensus to be sent to Japan, for tourist visa purposes when I was working in Japan. It took 21 days from order to arrival at the embassy in Tokyo. Which, IMHO is not bad, its actually probably faster then if your Fiancée requested it locally and then mailed it! Also this was in the early days of ecensus availability so maybe its faster now. Best of luck hope it comes fast!
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-13 12:37:00
PhilippinesArriving June 26 anybody need anything delivered or brought back??

Meryll has a celfone she was planning to take to Manila, but it appears her trip will be cancelled. She sent you a YM request.


I got it, you can also email me at aarongmoore@gmail.com
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-14 11:32:00
PhilippinesArriving June 26 anybody need anything delivered or brought back??

Yes stop by Gingoog City and bring my wife with you lol jking :whistle: . Have a safe flight to the states and god bless.


I would if I could! yours and mine could ride together!
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-14 09:23:00
PhilippinesArriving June 26 anybody need anything delivered or brought back??
Hi all, I am leaving for Manila on the 25th arriving June 26, (its been almost 4 months since I have seen my fiancée and baby!) I will be returning to the US on July 11. I will primarily be in Cavite just south of Metro Manila, I also will probably go to Bataan and possibly Mindanao. If anybody needs anything delivered (as in documents not balikbayan boxes lol) or anything returned...please let me know, would be happy to accommodate it if I can.
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-13 13:06:00
PhilippinesAnybody using "LUCKY MONEY" ??
I use REMITHOME. http://www.remithome.com/ I can't say enough good things about them. Fantastic service. Money transfers are just 10.00 this includes door to door, bank pick up and bank transfer. They give outstanding customer service, are very secure, and bank transfers to BPI take about 1 day. They are fantastic.
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-22 13:08:00
PhilippinesCENMAR
sorry forgot to post this in previous post. This describes everything needed at the interview.

http://manila.usemba...ov/wwwfk3en.pdf
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-22 12:51:00
PhilippinesCENMAR
Yes, the CO will ask for it at the Interview

On the name spelling. Well, I am not sure, you should have your wife file for a corrected copy ASAP. (these can take Ages in the PI)

Edited by idaho_and_surigao, 22 June 2010 - 12:46 PM.

idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-22 12:45:00
Philippinesquestion about philippine visa

Simply not true, you can stay for one year if you are married to a filipino and enter the country with her. I flew into Hong Kong a year ago met my wife there then flew to Manila and recieved a balikbayan visa, the laws say the filipino has to be out of the country for an amount of time but the customs people just don't care even if its one day, have done it myself and know many others that have too, alot of expats do the annual visa run to Macau do a little gambling then return the next day with thier spouse and recieve another balikbayan visa good for a year


I stand corrected. As of 11/2007 foreign spouses are elegible to enter under their Filipino spouses balikbayan visa.
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-23 21:59:00
Philippinesquestion about philippine visa

hello to all i met a filipina last may and i was wondering if i marrie dher in the phil would i still have to renew a visa every 59 days i heard if u was married to a filipino citizen u dont have to have visa to stay longer than 21 days..i know i could apply for perminent residency but i dont want to do that or else i would Lose my SSI pension i would want to return to the stes once a yr for visits...Godbless to all i hope i get some good advice


You cannot enter and stay in the Philippines under a Balikbayan visa if you are not Filipino. There are several ways you could stay in the Phils. Are you considering retiring there permanently? Check out the BIA web site for your options. DO NOT OVERSTAY YOUR VISA! It can become expensive if you know what I mean, also you can be blacklisted for entry into the PI for this.

http://www.immigration.gov.ph/
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-06-23 10:55:00
PhilippinesI may want to divorce my Husband and go back to the PI
:thumbs:

yeah hope this is a joke...if not you sound like my ex... Mhay has insisted that I take her off as a beneficiary on my life insurance...she said that she only wants to be with me. If she wanted money should could have had any guy she wanted....but she chose love over material things.


idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-08-20 22:44:00
PhilippinesI may want to divorce my Husband and go back to the PI

Sad truth is, the family back home still believes this, no matter how much my wive tells them it is not true. :(


Took two years of physically living in the PI to teach My fiancées family different. First time I met my future father in law...He asked me for 50,000 (dollars not Peso's) When my Fiancée had our first baby...that also helped the situation.
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-08-20 14:44:00
PhilippinesI may want to divorce my Husband and go back to the PI
I hope you posted this a joke. If not you are just perpetuating a stereo-type. And as the other poster said, if you married for streets of gold and dollar bill trees, not love, well then, I guess you got everything you deserved. If it was posted as a joke...AWESOME FUNNY!

Edited by idaho_and_surigao, 20 August 2010 - 02:15 PM.

idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-08-20 14:14:00
PhilippinesAge and language questions

My wife is from Mindanao. She says she speaks Cebuano and that it is a Visayan dialect. She says Cebuano and Bisaya are basically interchangeable terms. In some of the remote regions the natives speak different dialects of Cebuano which she can not understand.

My Fiancée is also from Mindanao. SDS to be precise. Now, she INSISTS she speaks 'Bisaya' which odly enough is NOT the lingo facto of SDS...(Surigaoian, which is a dialect of Bisaya/Cebuano is) BUT she is from Tagbina, which oddly enough is a an area of about 40 square miles where everyone speaks Cebuano! So yep, you ARE CORRECT :thumbs: !! Cebuano and Bisaya (Visaya) are interchangeable. People from Leyete, parts of Samar etc all speak what they call Bisaya...Which is Cebuano. There is a really great wikipedia entry on the languages of the Philippines including maps! http://en.wikipedia....the_Philippines
Yet another cool and interesting thing about the Phil's....over 130 languages. I have friends who speak Kampangan, Bohol, Ware-Ware...and of course the love of my life who speaks, Ceb....er, Bisaya! (and Tagalog, and English : )
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-09-03 00:43:00
PhilippinesAge and language questions

Will filipinos call themselves the age they will be turning on there birthday before they even have there birthday even months before? is that like a cultural view on age

Is Bisaya considered a seperate language from Tagalog or is it considered a dialect of Tagalog?


1. Filipinos (in my experience) will give their age on the day you ask them but will say 30 going 31...(as an example if they are close to their birthday).
2. Bisaya/Cebuano/ are separate languages of the same linguistic family. Separate and distinct from Tagalog, BUT with a lot of over-lap and common words.
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-09-02 18:43:00
PhilippinesCenomar/CenMar

you still need the Cenomar all this is, is a certficate from the Census Should your marriage is on record
for married folks we call its a CEMAR(Certificate of Marriage) not to be confused with your Marriage Certificate Both of which can be gotten at the NSO

CENOMAR....Certificate of NO MARRIAGE

CEMAR....Certificate of Marriage....


Yep, you will need the CEMAR...NOT the CENOMAR.

I kept reading your question as CENOMAR..... :bonk:
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-09-07 13:41:00
PhilippinesCenomar/CenMar

thanks for the reply...im currently married...correct,husband is filing CR1 spousal visa for me...

So, I am still confused. :bonk: If you are currently married, you don't need a CENOMAR. Only proof of your legal marriage. Where did you get married, in the PI or the US? If you married in the Phils, you would have had to obtain a CENOMAR then to get a marriage license. In any case, you dont need a CENOMAR (In fact, couldn't get one as you are already married)
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-09-07 13:38:00
PhilippinesCenomar/CenMar

i am married in US and came back in PI and applying for a CR1 visa.My question is do i still need a Cenomar/CenMar during interview?! i havent report our marriage in the Phil Consulate,is that going to be a problem?! please help...

Thanks...

Im confused....someone is filing a CR1 spousal visa for you? But your asking about a CENOMAR? You can only get a CENORMAR if you have are not married...i.e. Single... Can you clarify your status...ie currently divorced..currently married..etc.
idaho_and_surigaoMalePhilippines2010-09-07 13:22:00