Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	The medical is nothing more than a physical and not an OBGYN apointment. I keep seeing the post worried about the menstural cycle and it has no bearing what-so-ever on the Medical exam. Of all the ladies in this thread, I have not heard of any of them being affected by their menstural cycel but have heard many being concerned about it. If I remember right, they only made my fiancee get down to her panties and no further. Ken & Maria My fiance's medical is scheduled for the 7th, and she got her monthly period on the 5th. Her plan is to make the appointment to complete as much as they will allow her to, and then return on the 12th to complete the physical once her period is done. I worry that the medical results won't make it to the embassy for her interview on the 14th. Do you think there could be any hang-ups, and is there anything she should be doing to insure that the results are forwarded to the embassy in time. Thanks	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-06 10:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	We just came back on PAL to Honolulu on 24 feb and I saw many Balik bayan boxes on the baggage belt. I did not see any difference in the non-immigrants that processes at the POE with us or the rest of the passengers on either end. Maria used one of my 5ft dive bags and it was full. The biggest concern is weight, do not get over 70lbs each or she will have to pay for excess baggage which is not cheap. I did see the folks at the check in with their measuring tapes, taking measurments of the boxes and extra large luggage. Good luck, Ken & Maria I am wondering if anyone has experience problems with their baggage being a little oversize while flying with PAL. My understanding is that the total maximum linear measurement is 107". She plan to use 2 - 20x20x20 inch boxes which has a total linear length of 120". She told me that during her CFO seminar she was told the airlines are stricter with nonimmigrants travelers (e.g., K1 VISAs).	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-05 03:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Have you checked this site? VisaAppointment... i never waisted my time or money calling the embassy about the interview. based on time lines, the interview is approximately 4 months after the Embassy receives the petition from NVC. Ken Does anyone know when Manila gives out new interview dates? There is also a phone number to the Department of State, somewhere in this thread, that you can call on the 15th. They usually have it and will give you the info before the website has it posted, or at least that was the way it happened in Feb. I called the number on Valentine's day and found out we had an interview schedule. It was a fantastic Valentine's gift. Best Wishes in your journey, Dean	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-04 21:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Thanks Sheriff and Rebel, Ken & Maria. Sheriff, Question about the SS-5 for the SSAN application... Block 3, I assume K-1/3 unless you received an EAD at the POE will check Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work???? In the directions it ask for proof of the Alien status to be sent with the aplication. Di you send in the K1 Visa (with passport) or just a copy of the I-194? I hope I am not the only one that could not figure this out ... Ken & Maria Yes! You may check Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work. Maria's SS Card will have "Valid for work only with DHS authorization." Once Maria receives her AOS approval, re-apply for the SS card and it will be absent of that note. Cheers!!!	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-01 10:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Bangus, Yes, she will have to pay the 1620 Peso travel tax. The desk is directly in front of the x-ray machines after entering the Terminal 2 and yes the security fee has started, so now a total of 750 peso departure/security fee prior to gettig to the immigrations desk. I hope they are not 3 hours delayed liek we were. Remember, she needs to carry her x-ray with her as the POE will take it from her and she need to go to the far left at the end of the immigrations section. There will be a desk there with 2-3 immigrations officers taking the K-1 envelope and the x-rays then they will call her to the individual CO booth... you can request to enter to meet her if you are not flying back with her. Good luck, Ken and Maria Aloha to all. I have two quick questions to ask. Recently, we made a change to my fiancee reservations with PAL. Fortunately there was no change in the price of the air fare so we only paid the rebooking fee of just $25. We paid the rebooking fee at the PAL center in Makati. The PAL office issued her a paper ticket. My question is, will she be asked to pay the travel tax at the airport? I assume she still needs to. I paid the original eticket through expedia.com. My second question is that I've read on VJ the security fee of 200 pesos will go in effect at the beginning of the year but some members had left the country in Jan without having to pay the security fee in addition to the terminal fee of 550 pesos. Is the airport now charging this security fee? Mahalo!	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-01 10:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Gary, if you piurchased the tickets online and through a U.S. agent/online, they will have to pay an additional 1620peso at the airport for each ticket. It is easy, there is a desk that actually has a sign stating "Travel Tax" in each of the terminals. No, I never noticed them before either until we left on 24 Feb and I actually looked for them. If Luz had purchased the tickets from an agency in the PI, the tax would be included already. Good luck, and Happy Easter, Kan & Maria [quote]Luz and Robin just finished their CFO. I guess everything is ready for an April 6 reunion! Question- What is this travel tax? I bought her ticket directly from NorthWest. Is there more she has to pay? I know the airport fee is now 750php but is there something else?[/quote]I bought the tickets directly from NW. It's the same arrangement that I always use when I go there. Is this just for Filipinos traveling or anyone that leaves PI? She said they mentioned that at her CFO to be sure the tax is paid.[/quote]	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-01 10:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Sheriff, Question about the SS-5 for the SSAN application... Block 3, I assume K-1/3 unless you received an EAD at the POE will check Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work???? In the directions it ask for proof of the Alien status to be sent with the aplication. Di you send in the K1 Visa (with passport) or just a copy of the I-194? I hope I am not the only one that could not figure this out ... Ken & Maria Well, my wife (then fiancee) applied for her SSN two weeks after she arrived (maiden name). It took one week for her to receive her SS card. She applied for her SS card after we were married and it arrived in about five days. Conversely, my wife's friend who applied for her SS card after she was married has been waiting for three weeks now and still does not have her card. This may either be a coincidence or what I call blind irony. The only problem is the SSN, at least here in California, is not given at the point the beneficiary applies. SS cards are free of charge so the only thing that is spent is time in applying. Either way, your beloved will eventually receive her SS card. Just make sure that you get it done before the I-94 expires or your wife will have to wait until the AOS is approve to have the SS card updated to her married name. Cheers!!! Sheriff Uling	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-28 23:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	For the CFO, you only need a photo copy of your NBI clearance, BC, Passport (photo copy or actual passport with K-1 Visa), divorce decree/annullment... if 18-21 the letter of consent from your parents... 22-25 letter of advice from your parents. If I am not mistaken, the K-1 is a non-immigrant visa not Immigrant so the requirement for the Immigrant Data Summary (IDS). Maria was not asked for anything like that and we are in Hawaii??? You can fill out the CFO forms there while waiting, bring a pen. 250 peso for the counseling and 400 for the actual stamp/certificate. Ken & Maria	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-28 02:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	PW, The immigrations folks actually take the X-Ray if Honolulu is your final destination. I am not sure what they do if you are just passing through. I do suggest 2-3 hour lay over if Honolulu is you POE and not your final destination, there was a long line and it moved slowly, took us about 45 mins before we were sent to a CO. Maria is adjusting to the time difference and missing her sister more than anyone. It is a bit more difficult here as I live on the base and she can not really do much without a military spouse ID. Today is my first day back to work, we will see how she does this week. Ken Just came through the Honolulu POE today and Hawaii does require the X-ray. Not many questions and if you are traveling with your finacee, they will process both of you together. If your x-ray is in the check luggage like ours, they will go to the baggage claim with you and get it. Thank you Ken for this info. Looks like its official now that Honolulu POE requires the x-ray. So those of you whose POE is Honolulu, please hand-carry your x-rays. Have a happy life with Maria. How does she find Hawaii so far?	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-26 10:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Dean, been in the PI for a couple of weeks and this may have already been answered. That week in Holy week, so I would not wait untitl that week. Once your fiancee gets her packet 4 with the medical appointment letter, she can go at anytime prior to her scheduled date. Since things either come to a crawl or stop completely during Holy week and Easter, I suggest going earlier. Good Luck, Ken & Maria BTW, Does anyone knows if St Luke's open on the 5th and 6th of April? Just curious if those who are schedule on the 4th would need to go back on the 5th?... or better yet, is anyone planning to go medical on that week? I supposed thats a long weekend for everybody in the Ph?	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-25 17:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Booking online directly with PAL was $560 including the government tax, one-way to Honolulu. We paid the 1620P at the airport. Considering you are going to LA, this is still a good price. We did not get the "first time immigrant fee" because it was bought online according to PAL... if you want the "first time immigrant fee" I suggest buying your tickets in the PI through agencies such as this one. Good luck to everyone, Ken & Maria Yeah its a great price and I called several agencies and the price difference is around $70-150.	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-25 17:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Dean, Just getting back from the interview (15 Feb) and here was our experience at the interview. Both the pre-screener and CO had more questions for me than Maria. Neither had an issue with me answering the questions they asked Maria if there seemed to be confusion in the question. Some of the questions were 2-3 part questions and general, leaving it to us to figure out waht they were asking... do not be afraid to ask them exactly waht do they want. Most questions were centered around the relationship; 1) When did you first meet? 2) How did you meet? 3) Are you happy with this relationship? 4) How long have you had a relationship? We met through mutual friends so there were questions about how we knew them: 1) How do you both know this couple? 2) How did they introduce you? Bottom line, it more a converstation then an interrogation and was relatively easy compared to the preparing of documents and the waiting. The prescreener was more concerned with the documents and organinzing them in the proper order for the CO. We saw people in the waiting area filling out their 134 and some were turned away because they di not pay the visa application fee at the bank. VJ members were well prepared. Ken & Maria Oops I forgot I wanted to ask one more thing and it wouldn't let me edit my post. I will attend Sheryl's interview. What questions did the CO have for you specifically?	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-25 16:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Tet, after just going through the interview on 15 Feb, I suggest you just print the archive logs and not the individual text logs. We did this by opening the yahoo chat archives while chatting; typically an entire month at a time; then do a screen capture of the archive and the open chat window plus open cam and copied it to a Word document. I printed all of these off as proof of relationship. We presented so much "proof of relationship" it would not fit under the window of the prescreener nor the CO. Neither really looked at it, kind of just fanned through it. In my opinion, things like hotel receipts, atm withdrawals, boarding passes and pictures were mor important to prove you have been together in the Philippines. Since you are required to turn in all electronic items at the front gate (cell phones, cameras...etc) I do not suggest bringing a disc into the interview. Ken and Maria hi im tet and im a new member here!! im so thankful i find this site,its so interesting!! and i have some questions here and hope guys to here answers from you..it would help me alot! i just want to ask on how many days does the medical exam takes? and in presenting the proof our relationship,is it ok to bring a hard disk for our chats?	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-25 15:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Just came through the Honolulu POE today and Hawaii does require the X-ray. Not many questions and if you are traveling with your finacee, they will process both of you together. If your x-ray is in the check luggage like ours, they will go to the baggage claim with you and get it. As far as Visa delivery, interview was on 15 Feb and received Visa on 22 Feb, 7 days total or 4 working days. Delbros text me on the 21st and the Visa was delivered on the 22nd. Ken & Maria someone posted in another thread to hand carry the X Ray coz they asked for it at the at their POE in Hawaii. everything I've read or heard is you don't need to hand carry the X ray. I told Yazi to put it her in checked in. I just want to check to be sure, do you need to hand carry the X-ray?	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-25 01:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	PW, Thanks for updating us on the list. Yes we were approved on the 15th, just getting around to a computer. Still waiting for delivery as we were not successful like Gary in convincing the CO to let us pick up the visa. Hopefully by Wednesday as he promised. More later about the ease of the interview. Congrats to those on the 16th, ran into them at Robinson after their interviews. Ken & Maria	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-17 23:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	I checked the NSO web site yesterday fo rthis exact same thing. basically if you have a late registered BC, it will be 2 pages with the 2nd page being an affidavit explaining the late registration and there will be a stmp on the BC "Late Register". This is according to the NSO web site, but as we all have seen before, not all thing in the PI are as they should be. NSO also states the Birth should be registered within 30 days. If the date on the BC is within 30 days of birth, you should be ok. Ken hey folks, hope someone can clarify this for us, i think we are ok, but just want to be sure. with all the talk about late registered BC's, exactly how do you know if a BC is late registered? On my wifes BC, from the NSO, in block 25 date prepared is the date of her birth done by the midwife at the birth, then in block 20 Received in the office of the Local Civil Registrar there is no signature or anything, just the stamped date which is abt 1 month after my wifes birth. this would not be a late reg bc, would it? thx 4 the help! anybody else had it where the local civil registrar did not sign but only stamped d date? thx	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-13 11:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	When you say "Evidence of Support" are you referrign tot he 134 Affidavit of Support? If so they need the notorized copy but I would still fax a copy to her just in case. If you r referring to "Support" as in the requirement for K3/CR-1, you are interviewing for the K-1 right? If I am not mistaken, for the K-1 you only need the 134 Affidavit of Support and if you make 125% of the poverty level or more, they will likely not ask for bank statement and such... Ken Hi! I need advise if just in-case my fiance's documents will not arrive on time before I go to USE for my interview. Will I still have my interview and just bring back the lacking documents? Lacking documents - Evidence of Support FedEx Tracking Number is: 858509113023 Left Jacksonville - Feb 10 Estimated delivery Feb 14 - 6 pm I called FedEx customer service - the route will be from Subic to NAIA Parañaque then to Sta. Rosa Laguna then to my residence in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. I'm freaking out here Lily	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-12 23:04:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Em yeu called consulate...	Maybe we are impatient, but she called consulate in HCMC and ask them if they can send the packet via currier, but they said they can have her cousin in HCMC get it for her, and then her cousin can send it to Hanoi. YAY!!! Well, turns out that the consulate lied (No surprise there) that they mailed out the packet 3 11/23. Em got the packet today and it was post marked 11/02. Doesn't matter anyways because she already submitted the packet 3 paperwork already and sent it via dhl. Just confirms that the staff at HCMC consulate are lacking in quality service. However, this has been noted and entered into my log as more evidence and such to submit to the consular general when I get there in HCMC and make an appointment with him. I am also going to find a way to make an appointment with the ambassador there in Hanoi as well. I am not one to sit idle by and let things just be broken. I want to help fix this ####### that occurs here for future fellow VJers. President Bush is there now. Why don't you call him and complain directly?? Is it better than seeing the ambassador? one advice for you, be nice to those people; otherwise your file might end up in the trash can!!! Condoleeza Rice is being there too. They are heading to Saigon when I'm writing this. If I were to call, to be more direct I would rather call her as she's the DOS head. And also I would call her because it is said that she is smarter than Bush. Besides, she's an accomplished musician, so she must have a very well-trained ear. Let's try to write a farce inspired from a pop hit in the 60's called "Love Potion Number 9" by The Searchers, to welcome her to Saigon: I took my troubles down to Madame Rice You know your consulate where you're visiting wide She looked at my file and she made a magic sign She said "what we need is an overhaul overnight" You must be high on drugs if you think anyone here believes you actually got within a 100 ft of Sec of State Rice. Your comments are condecending and inappropriate. This site is for members to support each other and to be helpful. If you treat your fiancee like this, what a wonderful life she has to look forward to. If you do not have something constructive or supportive to state, best to be quite. Payato	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-19 12:46:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Dec1st interview dates changed to nov29	(from the web site) Announcement The Philippine Government has declared that December 1, 2006 (Friday) will be the official date of its regularly scheduled holiday (Bonifacio Day). The Embassy will follow this declaration and we will be closed for business on this day. Immigrant visa applicants with interview appointments scheduled for December 1 have all been rescheduled for interviews on November 29, 2006 (Wednesday ). For additional details, you may contact our Visa Call Center at 1-909-101-7878 (available only within the Philippines through a PLDT or Smart landline with NDD or IDD access). Its hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M., except on Philippine and American holidays. My co-worker whom works in the Manila Embassy tells me 30 Nov will be a down day too. Not sure if this effects the USCIS annex or not. If you have an interview on 27 Nov, be aware the verdict of the Marines accused of rape in Nov 2005 will be handed down that day. There will likely be protest around the Embassy regardless if the verdict is innocent or guilty. Payato	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-20 10:11:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Extending visit to the Philippines	My wife is planning on having a baby in a few weeks, and I want to be there for about 5 weeks, which exceeds the 21 days allowed with just a passport. I have seen the form online that is required to extend my visit, but no instructions about where I will go with it. Has anybody else done this? Please advise. Most Travel Agencies will do this for you for a fee of course. It is cheaper if you go to the local immigrations officer yourself. Good luck, Payato	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-20 21:50:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Flights from Manila to USA	[/quote]Question....... The Embassy website says Not To Quit your Job & Not to Book any Flights until Final Approval. So how can buying a Round Trip or One way Ticket be even considered by the Embassy for Approval on the Visa in the 1st place? Should I buy a refundable Ticket to send with my Fiance as evidence? If so.... How long should I give for delivery of the Visa? My Fiancee lives in the Central Visayas on the island of Negros far from Manila & I hear it could take 3 weeks for delivery from Delbros.... Her Interview is Dec 4th.... [/quote] The fact that any of us purchased a return ticket for the benificiary has no bearing on the process of approal or delivery. Once apporved, delivery has taken anywhere from 4 days to two weeks depending on the delivery address. I am going to use my friends condo as the delivery address in Manila or ask if we can pick it up instead of waiting on delivery. If you are going to pick up your fiancee, i suggest arriving a day or two before the interview and plan on 10 days to two weeks after before a departure flight. That is what I plan anyway. If your fiancee is staying in a hotel in Manila, she can give the Embassy that address and delivery might be faster. Good luck on the interview. Payato	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-20 10:06:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Flights from Manila to USA	Hello all Can someone share their experience with picking the best flight to bring their fiancee to the USA. Thank, Bryan Bryan try Orbitz. com I have used it the last two times I have flown to Manila China airlines usually costs about $850 round trip so 1 way can't be much Mark I really suggest you do not use Orbitz. Chicago - Manila per Orbitz for Jan 07 is $1427 compared to TravelPH at $745 plus tax; BestTravelStore $904; you just have to shop around but Orbitz, Travel Velocity and Expedia are not the cheapest air fares online. Payato	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-18 12:29:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Flights from Manila to USA	[/quote] hello fellow philippines vj'ers. i have seen many suggestions that a one way ticket is sufficient when bringing fiancee over here to the u.s. but i am leery of trying that because i have never seen anything official. i suppose the reason that immigration would want round trip purchase is because of situations where they have problem with visa or paperwork and have to send fiancee back to origin. or there might be that requirement because fiancee visa is not considered permanent residency yet. i dont know but if anyone knows of official wording on that i would love to know.[/quote] The round trip ticket is not neccessary. After the USCIS and the USE approve a K-1 Visa, there is not likely anything the immigrations folks will do upon arrival that will caouse you to have to send your fiancee back. There are many options out there to get from the U.S. to Manila but few that will allow you to book a flight with the origin from overseas. I have flown my daughter from the Philippines to the U.S. and it was always cheaper for her to get the ticket at a local agency in the PI. I just gave her my itinerary so the agency could match the flight. I plan on the same thing with my fiancee. Here are some links to try for tickets TO Manila. AllCheapFares BestTravelStore EdMabunga HotWire Kayak TravelPH Goodluck, Ken (Payato)	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-12 14:47:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Flights from Manila to USA	Hello all Can someone share their experience with picking the best flight to bring their fiancee to the USA. Thank, Bryan You are going to get a lot of differing opinions as everyone has a preference. I am kuripot and use BestTravelStore to secure my flights and usually beat most agencies and a lot cheaper than Orbitz and Expedia or Travel Velocity. I personally plan on going to spend some time with my fiancee and flying back with her. One way tickets are not always cheaper. For those in Hawaii, Emerson Travel usually gets the best deals for you, their number is 808-597-1818 and PAL has a direct flight but it s more expensive. Good luck, Payato	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-10-31 09:57:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Later	Thought I would let you all know that this forum is bullshite. Some people want to play games and harrass others that are here for pure support. I wasn't born yesterday as I am a programmer and have been a programmer for 15 years...I know what is going on here with these two by the names of: "My Le", "GOSSIPSAIGON". Thse accounts are just made up....Oh let me guess...someone will say the date reflects that. You can create any accounts using this forum format with any date you want. These 2 were just made up by the admin of the boards here who have a problem with my views...or a problem with my soon to be wife because she is north vietnamese. It is no secret that southern vietnamese have a problem with nvn like my wife, and or have a problem with me being a patriot...or my patriotic point of views. It is no secret that some American's have this stereotype about nvn people. That is why my love knows when she comes here she cannot associate with others too much here becuase the minute they hear her accent.... It is no wonder Matt_Stevens left the forum as well. I must say that I thought I had a place to rest my worries, or my most troubled moments when needed. I was wrong. Seems that people have a political problem in here who wish to de-moralize others with different views than them. As for those that think this has stopped me from trying help cleanup the consulates...I will use everything in my power to continue to do so...not just for the sake of me...but for the sake of future Americans. I guess it is only for me to find the strength and courage and have to deal with these difficuilties on my own without a forum for support. Thanks for nothing. Lurker, Not sure what youa re talking about as I ahve not seen any flaming or personal attacks in this forum. If you are giving up because of a few people, they have won and you have given them exactly what they want. I would report them to the admin and IPs not user IDs can be blocked. Good luck Payato	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-19 01:42:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Anyone Else going to Manila for Christmas?	We're going to visit friends and family for 30 days, leaving Dec 22 and arriving Dec 23. Is anyone else going back for Christmas? Just got back from a week long visit with my baby ko. Will be back 6-14 Jan, let me know if you have something planned in Manila. We have friends and family in the area and can pop into Manila anytime. Would be good to put some faces with the names here. Ken & Maria.	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-29 12:31:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Question Regarding Packet 4 from Manila Embassy	Jinky and I were under the impression that she would receive her packet 4 after about a month from the time the consulate received our visa application. I just looked at a few timelines and notice that most of them received the packet 4 very close to the interview date. Does this mean we will just get a letter instead that gives us enough time to plan for the interview date? I figure it about like this - after receipt at the Embassy, 1 month to get the letter (if any) from the Embassy, 2 months to get the packet with forms, and 3 to 4 months to interview. YMMV Thank you. So I guess next question would be - does the letter state the time of the scheduled interview? The letter does not give you the interview date. It only confirms that the Embassy has received your case. Packet 4 will have the medical and interview dates as well as forms required. It took about 3 weeks for us to get the letter after embassy receipt. But we didn't have all the holidays and a typhoon between receipt and the letter. Patience. Ken & Maria	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-30 06:57:00
Asia: East and Pacific	passport matter	that man didnt ask me bout the sticker thing he just asked me to secure a CFO certificate and show it to them so they would process my renewal. Just that... Now i plan to have it in Manila this December, ill attend the seminar first then renew my passport...if possible, ill attend again the CFO seminar just to have a sticker to my new passport...mmmm what d'you think? Fel, What is the expiration date of your passport? If you are within 6 months of the expiration date, they should not need anything to renew your passport. If you are outside the 6 months, that might be why they are asking for the CFO certificate. Second did you tell the passport folks that you are renewing because you are applying for a K1? If so, go to a different passport place and do not tell them why u r renewing. Good luck, Ken (Payato)	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-12 14:51:00
Asia: East and Pacific	passport matter	I don't understand the CFO seminar requirment to renew passport. My girl on Monday went to the passport office and requested hers renewed. She will pick it up on Wed. They didn't ask for a CFO stamp. Though it is possible that she already had the stamp bcuz of tourist visa a couple years back. Excactly BJ, I think the young lady has something confused. If her Passport is withing 6 months of expiration, they know it needs to be renewed and there is not CFO stamp requirement to acquire or renew a passport. Payato	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-06 23:56:00
Asia: East and Pacific	passport matter	Wow, I don't actually have an answer for you. I guess it depends upon whether the DFA notices the change you're trying to make and becomes suspicious. But it gets me to thinkin', when my wife gets her name changed on her passport, if they're going to be asking for her CFO certificate. I guess I'd better warn her about the possibility. mmmm so i just decided now to have the passport renewed in manila before the interview, so ill have the cfop seminar there first then the passport renewal and the medical exam what dyou think guys? do i have the ample time? I suggest the passport renewal now. When they renew a passport, they do not transfer any of the stamps in the passport but will give u the old on back. If u renew now, no chance of losing ur CFO stamp. second thing to remember it take up to 6 weeks to renew a passport in the U.S., so that means 10 weeks on Filipino time? I really suggest you get the passport renewed now or at minimum at the 6 month point which u r already at. Good luck, Payato	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-06 02:40:00
Asia: East and Pacific	CFO Seminar requirements (everything not posted on CFO site?)	My wife just returned from the CFO seminar in Cebu. She did not get her certificate so she can get her passport because she did not have documents from me. (which I didn't see as required on the CFO website) Now she has to wait for me to send her a certified copy of my divorce papers, my Legal Capacity to Marry certificate, and a copy of my passport, which I know she will need to have for her interview as well, but it is very frustrating that she now has to make a second trip just to show them copies of papers they did not tell her she would need! She had a copy of our marriage certificate, which would not have been issued if I didn't have all that paperwork before we got married! They did let her complete the seminar and counseling, so all she has to do is to go back to the office and show them my paperwork and then she can get her passport. Oh well, at least we started all of this with plenty of time before her interview is scheduled! From everything I have read about the CFO since joining this site in June, it is CFO pwersonality driven and dependent on the age of your fiancee. Tis is why lots of people recommend not going to the CFO until after the interview because your fiancee will already have the Visa and they have not been asking for additional documents from those already with the stamp. The CFO is like a checks&balance for the USE. They just stopped one of our VJ members fiancee whom is inder 18 from leaving the country even though the USE approved the Visa. Philippine law state minimum marriage age is 18 and she was 17. I am glad you osted this here, but would be good to post it in Foreign Embassy forum in the Manila Embassy Interview thread too. Ken	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-12-12 22:22:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Increase in airport fees	The Manila International Airport Authority will collect an additional P200 in terminal fees for travelling passengers starting January 1, ABS-CBN News reported Thursday. "The P550 terminal fee that is being collected at present is for passenger service charge while the additional P200 fee is for security and development charge," MIAA General Manager Alfonso Cusi said. Cusi said the new airport fee is expected to generate P700 million annually, which will be used to purchase state-of-the-art x-ray machines, non-invasive walk-through scanners and security vehicles. Oscar Paras, MIAA senior assistant general manager, said the new additional fee was approved by the board of directors after a series of public hearings. http://www.abs-cbnne...x?StoryId=60158 As of last week this was still on hold because the "Authorities" had not "agreed" on who was to collect and manage (embezzle) the funds. It only applies to foreigners traveling in the Philippines and Filipinos that are not OSFWs. Sounds like another foreigner taxt to me. How many year of corruption and scimming off the top will it take to get the needed funds to purchase said equipment? If this is so legal and for Airport equipment, why isn't it added directly to the cost of the ticket like here in the states? Either way I will be there in 12 days and be prepared to pay the fee and will let everyone know if it is paid only on exit as advertised and where it is collected. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Ken & Maria	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-12-23 07:49:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Hotels near Manila airport, Philippines?	My itinerary has overnight transit time in Manila, Phillipines. It does not offer accomodation. Do you know of a decent hotel in the $30-$50 price range that offers shuttle to/from Manila airport (MNL)? Thanks so much. There are lots of hotels in that price range, it just depends on what your standard is for a room. Check the PrecisionReservation link already provided, then click on the Manila map on the top right after you do the search for Manila hotels and it will bring up the Manila map broken down into the different areas like Malate, Pasay, Ermita...ect. Just click on the hotel thumbnails and PR has reviews for each hotel. Transportation to-from the hotel can be arranged with the hotel you choose once you have reservations. Once you exit NAIA, turn right and go to the Hotel transportation section where the Hotel taxis are located. They are more expensive then the meter taxi, but you are less likely to get ripped off. Good luck and Merry Christmas, Ken & Maria	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-12-23 07:40:00
Asia: East and Pacific	About the burst a gasket!!!	Have you searched Kayak and Best Travel Store. I found flights and seats on both with BTS being the cheapest at $1276 including taxes BTS Search results with seats. You will have to leave on the 11th to get there by the 13th. Good luck, Ken She got her interview date Feb. 14. I am about to blow a gasket. I am so confused, nervous and everything. Cannot get a flight to VN....I don't know what to do....OMFG!!!	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-01-18 17:39:00
Asia: East and Pacific	CFO SEMINARS	The CFO is so inconsistent. The letters od consent are only for ages 18-21; legal age to marry in the Philppines is 18. Letter of Advice is required for ages 22-25 and they asked for it at the Manila CFO. My fiancee just completed her CFO and it was really painless, only asked for the Letter of Advice, NSO BC, Pics of us and my divorce decree. A few questions and she was out of there in 2 hours flat. To be safe, she brought her entire package with her as if she was going tot he interview but did not need any of it. As I said, the CFOs are very inconsistent and personality driven when it come to what they ask for. Like a few have already recommended, go to the Manila Embassy Interview Thread. Lots of info and helful people there. If Manila just got ur NOA2 you can estimate 4 months from the official receipt date for an interview. The average time for Packet 4s has been 3-4 weeks from Embassy receipt. Be patient... Ken If she is going to the CFO in Cebu, she had better come with more documents than what is listed on their site like id, NSO birth certificate, and the fee for processing. A number of the ladies have traveled a great distance only to have to go back home for more documentation. They have asked for such documents as parent consent, a statement of the relationship from the fiance, and in a few cases a 1040 with the W2. Consider it a pre-interview at the embassy and bring the same documents you would there. I gave my lady a copy of the petition I filed here in case they asked for anything that was in it. She should also have plenty of pictures, and emails from you and any other evidence of your relationship. I happen to be in the PI when she had her interview. They wanted a copy of my passport, so she came back to the hotel to get it from me and then made a copies and went back and gave it to them. Pray she gets a good interviewer because there are a few that are totally out of line with what they ask for. Tell her to go there very confident and don't show fear. If they will take that as she is not sure of what she wants, then they will give her a hard time. Good luck	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-01-20 18:57:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Annulment in the Phil's	She has not been abused physically but mentally she defiantly has because there was a total lack of caring for her and the kids. He was just there and not part of the family. He cheated on her and that was the last straw. She found this out when she came across a letter from his lover so she left him and that was about three years ago. She has three kids and she left with the two younger ones and left the oldest with the father because that is where he wanted to stay. She didn’t want to force him to leave. Since then her husband has wanted her to come back but she does not want to go back to him...she was married for 14 years and was taken total granted of and getting nothing in return. He doesn’t really care about her....its more like he doesn’t want to loose what he owns is all. He doesn’t even care about his kids...he never calls or visits them. She has been told by the lawyers she has talked to that she has a good case for an annulment but my lack of knowledge leaves me feeling unsure of where this is heading. I would hate to think that we are heading nowhere because she cannot be free of him! Hopefully some of the members here that have gone through this process can help you. The way I understand what you have said, she left her husband and he did not abandoned her? She may want to go the route of his infidelities and non-support of the youngest 2 kids. Unfortunately this is a very common theme in the PI. It is a long and expensive process when everyone cooperates, be patient and good luck. Payato	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2006-11-29 15:07:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Pesos to Dollars	Like John said, it is too late to put the money in a dollar account. I assume if you can afford to transfer $10K to the PI you can afford to leave it there? Does the account have an ATM card on it? If so I suggest using the money while in the PI. The conversions rate back to dollars is going to eat you alive. Current exchange rate has $10 = 488,200 peso, exchanging it back to dollars 488,200 peso to $9,959.20, a $40 difference. not as bad as I thought. But the banks will charge you a transfer fee and exchange fee... might want to just transfer the money back to the account it came from and let you bank do the conversion. Good luck, Ken & Maria I have a little over P500,000 sitting in my fiancee's savings account. I wired the money over to the Philippines from my credit union savings account. When the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) received the wire, they converted the money into pesos and deposited it into her savings account. Now I am getting ready to bring my fiancee back to the states with me and I would like to change the pesos back into dollars to bring back with me. BPI says they can't change the pesos back into dollars. I would like to know from someone who has faced this problem, how can I change the pesos back into dollars. I was told to do it through Western Union, but Western Union says they have to transfer the money to a Western Union Office near my home in the US. That means I would have to leave the money over here and hopefully when I get back to the states the money will be waiting for me at a Western Union ofice at my home. I don't trust people here in the Philippines, so how can I be assured my money will be there in the states when I get there? If it isn't there, I will be in one country trying to get my money from another country. Does anyone know how I can exchange the pesos here in the Philippines and have the dollar cash in my hands when I leave here to go back to the states? I know some banks have dollar accounts, but I need to change my pesos into dollars before I can open a dollar account. Western Union can't change the pesos for me and give me the dollar cash value. I woild appreciate any help anyone can give me concerning this matter.	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-01-25 12:03:00
Asia: East and Pacific	my plans.....in FEB	Essha, the Letter of Advice" is just as the one I entered here. There is no set format that I have found. I am not sure what they are lookign for but the CFO accepted the one I entered here. CFO - Maria went to the PRISM 2nd floor Equitable PCI Bldg 2422 on Taft Ave. 2nd office is in quirino building about 5 mins only from the 1st office if u take a taxi. I am not sure, just text Maria or PM Silly Girl. Ken [quote name='dave_ehssa' post='689302' date='Jan 27 2007, 07:00 PM'][quote name='Ken_Maria' post='686223' date='Jan 26 2007, 12:59 PM']Essha, I did not find any examples of a "Letter of Advice" so I just made one up. Here is the letter without the names: For: Mxxx Xxxx Marriage to Ken Xxxxx Date: 12 Jan 2007 Subject: Letter of Advice for Marriage I, XXXX, mother of Xxxxx Xxx, am aware and approve of my daughter’s engagement to Mr. Xxxx. I have given my daughter personal advice of maintaining a successful and happy marriage. I have met Xxx in person on many occasions; he treats Maria and our family with respect. Mr. Xxx has lived in the Philippines for 5 yeas previously and has visited here on many occasions. Xxx understands the Filipino culture and speaks Tagalog, making communication with our family easier. Xxx’s understanding of the Filipino cultures and customs, puts me at ease as I know he understands and will be patient with XXxx. We are not losing Xxx to Xxxx’s family but rather gaining a wonderful son-in-law. I have talked to Xxxx at length concerning the differences in relationships after getting married and I am convinced she understands and will handle the adjustment well. Sincerely Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx CFO - Maria went to the PRISM 2nd floor Equitable PCI Bldg 2422 on Taft Ave. 2nd office is in quirino building about 5 mins only from the 1st office if u take a taxi.[/quote]thank u ken! how about the SMEF-COW??? am i going to attend SMEF-COW or directly to CFO??? sorry i dont know..:-) thanks for the info again. Thinking of this letter of advice from my parents???? what advices??? give me some ideas plsss..like about handling family problems?? relationships?? [/quote] [/quote] thanks! [/quote]	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-01-28 03:40:00
Asia: East and Pacific	my plans.....in FEB	Essha, I did not find any examples of a "Letter of Advice" so I just made one up. Here is the letter without the names: For: Mxxx Xxxx Marriage to Ken Xxxxx Date: 12 Jan 2007 Subject: Letter of Advice for Marriage I, XXXX, mother of Xxxxx Xxx, am aware and approve of my daughter’s engagement to Mr. Xxxx. I have given my daughter personal advice of maintaining a successful and happy marriage. I have met Xxx in person on many occasions; he treats Maria and our family with respect. Mr. Xxx has lived in the Philippines for 5 yeas previously and has visited here on many occasions. Xxx understands the Filipino culture and speaks Tagalog, making communication with our family easier. Xxx’s understanding of the Filipino cultures and customs, puts me at ease as I know he understands and will be patient with XXxx. We are not losing Xxx to Xxxx’s family but rather gaining a wonderful son-in-law. I have talked to Xxxx at length concerning the differences in relationships after getting married and I am convinced she understands and will handle the adjustment well. Sincerely Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx CFO - Maria went to the PRISM 2nd floor Equitable PCI Bldg 2422 on Taft Ave. 2nd office is in quirino building about 5 mins only from the 1st office if u take a taxi. [/quote]thank u ken! how about the SMEF-COW??? am i going to attend SMEF-COW or directly to CFO??? sorry i dont know..:-) thanks for the info again. Thinking of this letter of advice from my parents???? what advices??? give me some ideas plsss..like about handling family problems?? relationships?? [/quote]	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-01-26 11:59:00
Asia: East and Pacific	my plans.....in FEB	You have two choices. You can wait until after your interview and receive your visa then go to the CFO and complete the counseling and get the certificate and stamp the same day. Or, go to the CFO prior to the interview, get only the certificate of attendance then go back after the interview approval and receipt of your passport and get the stamp from CFO. My head is spinning Claudeth did her CFO after she received the visa. She actually took the CFO in Cebu the day before she flew here. Not sure if that helps you but it worked for us! Good luck	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-01-25 13:56:00