ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesWanna clarify about CFO and PRISM
thanks everyone. I'm already done w/ CFO
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-14 05:39:00
PhilippinesWanna clarify about CFO and PRISM
ok thanks! I will be going tomorrow with someone who already has her visa so I will also be accompanying her to CFO building to get her stamp.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-13 10:59:00
PhilippinesWanna clarify about CFO and PRISM
Hi everyone. I'm being OC again so I just wanna clarify something about the CFO seminar coz I'm planning to go there tomorrow. According to the CFO website:

"The St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers (SMEF-COW) and the People's Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization Inc. (PRISM) conduct the guidance and counseling program to Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals.The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) issues the guidance and counseling certificate to clients who have satisfactorily completed the guidance and counseling requirements at SMEF-COW or PRISM."

Ok, so I will go to PRISM building which is across La Sall University and attend the seminar then after I complete that, I will then go to CFO in Pres. Quirino Avenue to get my certificate. Is this correct?
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-13 10:49:00
PhilippinesBig mess I have now
I'm from the province and since I've been living here in Manila for almost 2 years, I just asked somebody to get my authenticated NSO at CDO since provinces are less busy than Manila. We got it right away and also having a family friend at NSO also helped us.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-20 09:01:00
PhilippinesVaccinations
You're from CDO too?! Cool!
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-21 03:21:00
PhilippinesVaccinations
island_princess,

No, I wasn't told what to bring to the doctor. I was too surprised when I was told I would need a 2nd dose that I wasn't able to ask any other questions. We can always call SLEC to clarify on this.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-18 09:17:00
PhilippinesVaccinations
I will have the varicella 2nd dose here in the Philippines. I was told by the lady at the releasing counter that I can also have it here since the shot will be after 4-6 weeks from the 1st dose. I will still be here in the Philippines so I'll just have it w/ my private doctor.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-17 05:38:00
Philippinesestimated expenses
Muntinlupa is very far from USEM. I suggest you search for Manila map in the net so you'll get an idea. Plus also add the fact that the traffic here is very bad.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-20 08:12:00
PhilippinesOn medical
You don't need to lie about that.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-23 11:25:00
PhilippinesFeasibility of our CFO plan
Hmm, I'm not sure. I'm referring about my experience though. I took the cfo seminar across La Salle University and had to ride a taxi to get the sticker at another building. We got to the other building after an hour because of the traffic. The uncle of my cousin took his CFO seminar at SMEF because he's not a partner of foreign national and was petitioned by his daughter. The ones at PRISM are for partners of foreign nationals.

I think I read a post about someone saying she took it at QC area and she didn't have to ride taxi to get sticker because the other bldg was just behind the place where she had seminar. Im not sure if I remember it correctly.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-28 14:36:00
PhilippinesFeasibility of our CFO plan
Joan can get the sticker after the seminar. The sticker will not be given at the same place the seminar was held and she would need to ride a taxi. Don't worry, both buildings are near. I suggest getting the sticker at the same day she had her seminar so you won't have to go back the next day and be jittery to be at the airport asap. I live near the CFO seminar building. The nearest ones here are Orchid Garden Suites and Century Park Hotel. My fiance have stayed at both places. Century is pricier though but they serve very delicious breakfast. Orchid is nice and clean too and both are also just adjacent to each other. About the taxi, there are many taxis here. The hotel can help her get taxis outside. We didn't even have to call.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-28 05:30:00
PhilippinesWhat will I answer?
I'm about done filling out this DS 156 form. On #32 it asks, "Do you intend to work in the U.S?" I intend to work someday when I'm already eligible and have work permit. So would it be ok if I check yes and just put "No employer yet"? What dya think and what did you answer?
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-28 12:23:00
PhilippinesGetting Paranoid
thanks Kansas Dragon. I was able to fetch it from the main Philpost, not in Makati. It was a mistake coz I didnt see the stamp well. I only saw the MA part and assumed it was Makati. When I went to MAkati, I was told, It's in Manila. It was tiring coz of the traffic but good thing I just live near those 2 offices. They opened the package in front of me and I had to pay 35.00 at customs. Thanks for the additional advice though.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-31 09:24:00
PhilippinesGetting Paranoid
I just got a letter from the Philpost to claim the package at Makati Post Office. I don't know what happened. I have been waiting here almost everyday waiting for that darn package but then I have to claim it there grrr. I will go there tomorrow morning and also find the reason why it wasnt deliver to my place. I also saw a note that says "Subject to Inspection." Maybe they have already opened it. It's full of documents with sensitive information, darn. We have learned something from this experince. Thanks for the replies guys!

This post is closed.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-29 07:14:00
PhilippinesGetting Paranoid
QUOTE (jj1028 @ Aug 27 2007, 09:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance send me the docs needed for interview thru FedEx. We dont trust the Philippine Postal anymore since we had bad experience with them, USPS is tied up w/ Phil Post, once it reach PI, its under the responsibility of the Philpost already. My fiance once send me a box package filled w/ goodies thru USPS and it arrived like 1.5 mos and he send me a card few mos. back that was lost! Ive read alot of horror stories about Philpost, mailman stealing cards thinking it has money in it and the service can really be slow at times. Dont worry just yet, you still have sometime.. Ingat!


For the record, I sent J's packet of originals to her on the 7th of August via Global Priority Mail. The customs barcode label number, inserted into the USPS tracking system, indicates that the package left a New Jersey facility on the morning of the 9th of August. Anyway, the 7 days receipt by one respondent must have been lucky. But I've sent cards to J via standard mail and they got there quicker than this package has. And also for the record, via Fed-Ex was $125 and Flat Rate Global Priority, which was recommended by as USPS worker over Global Express, was $37.00. I prodded the worker the day before I mailed the package and asked if it indeed would get there within 6-10 business days, like he quoted. He stated yes. Of course, he probably didn't take into account Customs and PhilPost delays. I also prodded the worker and wanted to be perfectly clear that the package would not end up on a boat to the Phils and take 3 months, and they said they don't use boats anymore. That said, I saved far more than $25, but as it appears right now, saving $85 may have been a bad decision, even if I was a little strapped for cash that week I mailed it. Anyway, I'm re-assembling color photographs to print for J tomorrow, and I have extra originals of the I-134 and bank letters and IRS statements, so none of that should be a problem. If the package is indeed "lost," however, we might be in for a world of hurt...the original NOA1, NOA2, and NVC letter were all included in there, and my understanding is that the NOA2 is needed for US entry (I think) and also for AOS process. I don't feel that the package is "lost" yet, but both I and my fiancee are getting very uneasy about it taking this long to get there to Phils. Since she's in Manila area, one would think she would have already gotten it. But even with regular mail, I sent a box of goodies to her before we met in person in 2006, and it arrived in Cagayan de Oro City faster than this package has arrived in Manila!!! Figure that one out!!! Is there any way she could bribe someone at PhilPost to get her package delivered to her sooner? I also had a trace put on the package via the USPS, and they told me on Saturday that it would take them 23 days to get a response back from the Philippine folks. Since that's obviously too late for a response, much less action on my part, I'm preparing an entire new packet for J to take with her, and it's going either via FedEx or Global Express-Guaranteed. I also asked the girl on Saturday if the fact that I had put a trace on the package would delay its delivery to J, and she said no. I also asked my famous boat question, too, and she also said that the USPS doesn't use boats anymore.

Needless to say, I'm very stressed. If the USPS/PhilPost makes me have a heart attack, I hereby bequeath everything I have to J...

Best wishes-

D.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-27 21:09:00
PhilippinesGetting Paranoid
I told him to rush it but he still sent it thru USPS. I don't want to blame him anymore because I know he also regrets it. He will be sending another package but unfortunately some originals won't be there anymore UNLESS if that 1st package he sent me will show up soon! What if I don't have some of the original docs at the interview? would that be a ground for AR until I submit the original ones?
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-27 14:09:00
PhilippinesGetting Paranoid
I'm getting paranoid. My fiance sent me a package containing the original and photocopies of documents that I will be needing for the interview. The package hasn't arrived yet. He sent it thru USPS and he asked to have it traced but he was told the reply would be in 23 days. #######?! My interview is on 09-10 and Im getting jittery not having the papers with me yet! I also want to review the documents...I'm gonna cry!
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-27 14:00:00
PhilippinesSept 10 interviewees
I got different colors of clearbooks. I followed ronmay's style of arranging. I am not done yet. I will need to have photos developed and paste them in papers and put everything in 1 thin clearbook. I think by Sunday or Monday, I'll be done with these.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-31 12:53:00
PhilippinesSept 10 interviewees
Hi,

My fiance placed my name (beneficiary) on # 10.

On #11, he checked "I intend" and explained on the blanks provided.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-31 09:00:00
PhilippinesSept 10 interviewees
Thanks so much especially ronmay for the pictures. It helped me have an idea on how to arrange our docs
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-31 05:57:00
PhilippinesSept 10 interviewees
Oops sorry, I used the wrong word. Nevermind. I just wanted to ask.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-30 11:15:00
PhilippinesSept 10 interviewees
Hi I just wanna know if you are already ready with the documents? Are all those in folders already and ready to go> hehehhe. I'm still busy arranging the docs. I just received the docs that my fiance sent me visa usps (dont trust usps!) and had to personally get it from the main philpost, grrrr. I just wanna know if I'm the only 1 not yet prepared with the proper arrangment of docs as of today?
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-30 04:27:00
PhilippinesIn Paying DS157
Yeah, they make applicants confused with what they put in the packet lol. They should update it! hahaha! They can take the $100 dollar bill and convert it first but like what Alexandra said, it will be converted to a lower exchange rate.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-30 04:20:00
Philippinesds 156 form
Hi there. Yes, I also deleted the plus sign (+) for the phone numbers. I also wrote my fiance's name since he'll be paying for the trip as well as placed his name coz he'll fetch me here and we'll be travelling togeter.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-01 01:40:00
PhilippinesMoving the Medical Interview Date
Hi fellow Kagayanon, I dont know anyone yet who had their medical later but only heard of peple who had them earlier. If you pass the medical exam, they won't ask you to come back anymore (for more tests) and they will be forwarding your passport to USEM. They will just give you your xray film and vaccination sheet after the medical.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-03 10:13:00
PhilippinesArrive how early to USEM interview?
I am getting anxious and nervous for my interview next week, Sept 10! I wish I will have a good night sleep before that day lol
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-04 12:55:00
Philippinessending package in the US
Hi mayumi, I'm glad to find out there's someone from NC here too! May I also know what courier service you chose gracy? and the estimated fee and how many boxes you sent? Thanks!
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-03 10:21:00
PhilippinesSmart phone, roaming in USA
Um ok, sorry about the load thingy. That was what was informed to me. Glad you corrected the info
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-03 11:29:00
PhilippinesSmart phone, roaming in USA
Why not let her go to any Smart Office or call their customer service? We inquired about this last year but I forgot about all details. All I can remember is that the phone can only be used for texting only no calls using the smart roaming. The people from Philippines who text her will be charged 1.00 peso only but it would cost more if she replies. I think it's 20 pesos. She will also be getting the prepaid load from the Philippines, let her family send to her.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-03 10:28:00
PhilippinesResults of interview
Both got approved anyway, so there ... yes.gif
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-06 13:41:00
PhilippinesResults of interview
Wow congrats Vann! and thanks for making me feel at ease. I have been worried lol. Her interview was only 3 minutes???WOW What window was that!?
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-06 11:22:00
PhilippinesResults of interview
My interview is on Sept 10 and I'm getting so nervous reading so many negative posts here
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-05 11:21:00
PhilippinesResults of interview
Is the consul male or female? hehehe
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-05 03:32:00
Philippinesannulled need cenomar?
I asked my mother's driver to get my cenomar in my hometown. They just gave an authorization letter and they were able to get it fast.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-06 09:05:00
Philippinespictures
Thanks everyone!!! biggrin.gif I plan to fill up my 20-page clearbook with pictures just to be sure! heheheehehe
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-31 09:11:00
Philippinespictures
wow thank you. Ronmay, nice to hear you're from cdo too. I'm so tired right now arranging documents. I got so overwhelmed with the docs my fiance sent me lol. Thanks again!
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-30 11:11:00
Philippinespictures
Hi, it's me again. How many pictures (with fiance(e)) did you bring for the interview? How many pics did they ask to see?
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-30 06:13:00
Philippinesinterview on sept 4...approved
WOW, congrats!!!!
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-05 10:58:00
PhilippinesInterview (SEPT. 10'07)
Thanks!
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-11 05:41:00
PhilippinesInterview (SEPT. 10'07)
Ross, I met your fiancee at USEM. When I was done w/ everything, she's still waiting for her interview. She asked me for my cell no. also. I'm approved btw, and I believe she is or will be too smile.gif Say hi to her for me.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-09 21:03:00