ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesPolice cert?
HUH? I don't think so!

I only got an NBI clearance. I lived in 1 city (my hometown) before I lived here in Manila. I didn't get police certificate anymore.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-27 04:43:00
PhilippinesBuying Tickets - One Way, Round Trip..??
QUOTE (DeeZee @ Sep 22 2007, 08:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (beckypua @ Sep 22 2007, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I paid about $900 for my wife and $700 for anak one way business [Mabuhay] after getting first time immigrant discount with PAL.
Don't know if they still give the first time immigrant discount tho! It was about 20% at that time. 1 year ago!


I asked my travel agency about that and they do still give first time immigrant discounts - both PAL and Cathay Pacific.


Thanks for the new and good answers to this concern. New question: do you have to go through a travel agency to get those discounts or can you do that over the phone with the ticketing department? I'd imagine the former, but just in case, that's why I'm asking...I don't like to assume with these types of things.

Another question..."business" class was mentioned. Does this reduced rate only apply to business and first class accomodations, or will it also work for Economy/Coach? I'd love to do "business" class...but can't afford something like that...but then again, $900 per person sounds like economy class to me. Maybe PAL is cheaper.

Does PAL or CP give any sort of first time immigrant luggage allowances/discounts, as well?

D

Edited by dj1206, 23 September 2007 - 12:03 AM.

dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-23 00:00:00
PhilippinesBuying Tickets - One Way, Round Trip..??
I haven't really seen a good answer on the original question posed here. Really don't need conjecture or "I think" when it comes to booking tickets. I know that I also have the EXACT same concern that the original poster posed. We had initially looked at flights for mid-January 2008, and one-way trip for J from MNL to JFK (to RDU) via HKG on CathayPacific was around $2200. On the flip side, a round trip ticket from RDU to JFK to MNL via HKG on the same airline, same travel dates, same flight numbers, was about $1200 per ticket.

I called CathayPacific about the difference in cost at the time, because I didn't think it was anywhere near fair. They gave me this talk about the ticket being purchased in the Phils, etc. etc., and the very unfriendly lady I got on the phone didn't seem to care (or maybe didn't understand) that I'm not on Philippine soil, so I should not be subject to Philippine taxes on the one-way airfare.

So, my (and the original poster's) question is...would it be legal and/or valid for me to purchase two round-trip ticket for me and for J, and just not use her stubs for the first leg of the trip (my travel to go see her and her family), and then both of us leave for the USA together? I mean, in the end, a ticket is a ticket, and I can't see why they would care if J used the first half of the ticket or not. Plus, I wouldn't mind having an empty seat beside me on the flight over there. Please, anyone with authoritative answers, share it with us who need to make travel arrangements soon. Thank you.

D

And PS- I wouldn't recommend travel during the Christmas/New Year's season. My two trips in May (06 and 07) were about the same cost combined for airfare as the Christmas trip was last year.

PSS- I understand Philippines Airlines might have a more fair luggage allowance for the things of J's that she desires to bring with her. I haven't really checked with my airline of choice, CathayPacific, yet, in terms of luggage allowances. I guess I'll definitely be doing some checking before I book the final flights...and advice would be much appreciated. Thx.

PS - I've always heard that Tuesday flights are the cheapest of the week, as they are the hardest to fill up to capacity. I'm sure Mondays aren't bad, too, though.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-22 16:15:00
PhilippinesWhat NOT TO BRING to the USA
CFO only gave me and my group a piece of paper with many infos on it. The text was also written in very small fonts. We didn't receive any handbook... cost cutting perhaps tongue.gif
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-25 07:22:00
PhilippinesCebu Pacific
QUOTE (jerzboi @ Sep 28 2007, 09:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (dj1206 @ Sep 28 2007, 08:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You'll typically get cheaper fares online, so I'd go the online route. I'm a USC and I booked several of mine and J's flights on cebupacificair.com with my American Visa card. Your card issuer or bank might have international blocks put on your card to prevent fraud, and that might be why you seemingly can't use it. Before I even thought of booking my flights within the Philippines, I called my bank and asked them to allow any and all charges coming from Filipino companies for a set date range. Had no problems booking flights or using my cards while in country.

D


No it's not my banks I used my cards in Hong Kong, Cebu Pacific's site clearly states they are not excepting Visa or Mastercards from the USA blink.gif


Odd...I just used mine in like April to book two Cebu-Pacific flights (I even won a prize on one of the flights we took in May!!)!!! Maybe they changed something...who knows? Anyway, if they did, I guess I don't have an answer to your question.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-28 20:15:00
PhilippinesCebu Pacific
You'll typically get cheaper fares online, so I'd go the online route. I'm a USC and I booked several of mine and J's flights on cebupacificair.com with my American Visa card. Your card issuer or bank might have international blocks put on your card to prevent fraud, and that might be why you seemingly can't use it. Before I even thought of booking my flights within the Philippines, I called my bank and asked them to allow any and all charges coming from Filipino companies for a set date range. Had no problems booking flights or using my cards while in country.

D

Edited by dj1206, 28 September 2007 - 07:53 PM.

dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-28 19:50:00
PhilippinesBOOKING FLIGHT MONTHS BEFORE HAVING THE VISA ON HAND
It would also cost you more if you have to rebook because you already bought ticket and you dont have visa yet.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-01 05:53:00
PhilippinesBOOKING FLIGHT MONTHS BEFORE HAVING THE VISA ON HAND
I agree. You never know if you'll be put on AR.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-01 05:47:00
PhilippinesONLY in the PHILIPPINES...
Hi John and Marlene,

How did you get inside Wowowee? My fiance will be coming here and I want to take him to wowowee. It would be fun!!!
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-27 08:59:00
PhilippinesONLY in the PHILIPPINES...
Yummy!
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-27 08:34:00
PhilippinesONLY in the PHILIPPINES...
I sure will miss being a spoiled brat/senyorita at home with helpers/driver etc LOL and the FOOD, my gosh the FOOD!!! hahahhaha
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-26 12:35:00
PhilippinesCFO seminar and Interview questions.
I'm 23. I already took CFO seminar and they didn't require any form of consent from my parents.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-02 01:37:00
PhilippinesHELP!!! Varicella Part 2 in Manila!?!?
I think I'm just talking to myself but would just like to share this info here. I tried to call other docs from Manila Doctor's but sadly, they gave me the runaround. So I went online and searched for doctor's tel or extension #. Nobody answered bec it's already past their scheduled time.

I called SLEC again and I was able to get connected to a guy/gay hehehe. I was told I can just go to SLEC anytime to have the 2nd dose for 2,300pesos but they do pregnany test 1st before they do that so it's additional 400 pesos. He then gave me 2 options: go to private doctor or just wait for me to arrive in the states and have it there w/ the TD shot. I said I need to have the varicella coz it's almost 8th week since I had 1st dose. He said it's ok and I can actually have it anytime. I repeat what he said again to verify if I got it right and he said yes.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-02 04:51:00
PhilippinesHELP!!! Varicella Part 2 in Manila!?!?
I inquired at Makati Medical Center and I was told the fee for 2nd dose is 2,500 +12%vat which totals 2,800. Yikes, I think it's too much. I'll have to call other hospitals. I dont have a landline here, it sucks lol
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-02 03:51:00
PhilippinesHELP!!! Varicella Part 2 in Manila!?!?
QUOTE (vsmtghdy @ Sep 28 2007, 10:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She can have her 2nd dose done at St. Luke's (SLEC), she may have to call so they can prepare the vaccine for her and she will have to bring the vaccination record that SLEC gave her. Or she can have it done at Manila Doctor's Hospital, UP-PGH (Private not the OPD section which she will need white or blue card for that), Medical Center Manila (MCM) or other private clinics in that area, preferably a pediatrician as they have more available vaccines than Internal or Adult Medicine Doctors. If she decides to get it done with the private hospital or clinics- make sure she asks for a medical certificate indicating the vaccine given, the dose and the date it was given.


Thank you so much for your recommendations, vsmtghdy (Helen). If J doesn't see this when she comes on here later, I'll make sure she sees it. I really appreciate the advice.

D

QUOTE (vsmtghdy @ Sep 28 2007, 10:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She can have her 2nd dose done at St. Luke's (SLEC), she may have to call so they can prepare the vaccine for her and she will have to bring the vaccination record that SLEC gave her. Or she can have it done at Manila Doctor's Hospital, UP-PGH (Private not the OPD section which she will need white or blue card for that), Medical Center Manila (MCM) or other private clinics in that area, preferably a pediatrician as they have more available vaccines than Internal or Adult Medicine Doctors. If she decides to get it done with the private hospital or clinics- make sure she asks for a medical certificate indicating the vaccine given, the dose and the date it was given.

Manila Doctors Hospital
667 U.N. Ave., Ermita, Manila
Phone 5243011
Fax 523-9114

Medical Center Manila
1122 Gen. Luna St., Ermita, Manila
Phone 523-8131

Philippine General Hospital
Taft Avenue, Manila
Phone 521-8450

If she calls -> asks for the Pediatrician on duty or presently having clinic on that day. Then talk to the secretary and have an appointment for the vaccine.




Wow, J is right on Taft...dunno how close PGH is to her location, though...Taft is a long street! This is a tremendous help to us! We really appreciate it, Helen! smile.gif
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-28 21:52:00
PhilippinesHELP!!! Varicella Part 2 in Manila!?!?
QUOTE (beckypua @ Sep 28 2007, 09:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (dj1206 @ Sep 28 2007, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello guys and gals, I am writing in this regional discussion for the Philippines, specifically the Manila area, as to some good reputable clinics or doctors in the Manila/Malate area who might could administer Part 2 of the Varicella vaccine for my fiancee. She will be remaining in Manila until February 2008, and thus cannot get her second shot here in the States. J hails from CDO, so she's not greatly familiar with where things are in Manila and will be remaining in Manila for a while. She was told at St. Luke's to get her Varicella Part 2 shot within 4-8 weeks, and that was in late August, so we're very near the end of this time frame and need to have J get this done. Anyone from or living in Manila, specifically the Malate area, who might be able to point J in the right direction for this shot, please post your reply as soon as possible. Thank you much for your help/recommendations.

How about at St.Lukes?


I already suggested trying St. Luke's again, but J said that the person at St. Luke's who gave her Dose #1 told her to have followup Dose #2 with her private physician or once she gets to the States, but within 4-8 weeks. Only problem is, J doesn't have a private physician in Manila nor will she be in the States before Oct. 12, which is the end of the 8th week since her initial shot dose. What I was asking was for suggestions on clinics or doctors in the Malate area or even Makati in general which 1) are reputable, and 2) offer the second Varicella dose. Anyone else have suggestions? Please include addresses or local telephone numbers in the event that J desires to call them. Thx.

D
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-28 21:42:00
PhilippinesHELP!!! Varicella Part 2 in Manila!?!?
Hello guys and gals, I am writing in this regional discussion for the Philippines, specifically the Manila area, as to some good reputable clinics or doctors in the Manila/Malate area who might could administer Part 2 of the Varicella vaccine for my fiancee. She will be remaining in Manila until February 2008, and thus cannot get her second shot here in the States. J hails from CDO, so she's not greatly familiar with where things are in Manila and will be remaining in Manila for a while. She was told at St. Luke's to get her Varicella Part 2 shot within 4-8 weeks, and that was in late August, so we're very near the end of this time frame and need to have J get this done. Anyone from or living in Manila, specifically the Malate area, who might be able to point J in the right direction for this shot, please post your reply as soon as possible. Thank you much for your help/recommendations.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-28 19:46:00
PhilippinesYES!!!! We're approved
Congrats...get well soon too smile.gif
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-02 01:29:00
PhilippinesFINALLY
congrats! smile.gif
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-05 11:35:00
PhilippinesINTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN USE MANILA
Questions I can remember that was asked from the CO were:
How did you meet?
Did you chat w/ other guys before?
What is your parent's say about meeting your fiance thru the net?
Tell me about him that other's don't know about.
Did he tell you about the weather in his place?
What town is he from?
When was the 1st time you met online?
What do you like about him
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-08 13:20:00
PhilippinesINTERVIEW QUESTIONS IN USE MANILA
Since it was the Filipino interviewer who asked the passport number of that applicant, I don't think we necessarily have to memorize it. We can check our notes for the passport #. It's not bad to be overprepared too and I can see the point why skyblue had to suggest that here. However, I also don't think that alexandra was mocking your suggestion. She just thought that Jasman's reply was funny.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-08 07:24:00
Philippineswhere to stay in boracay
I wanna go to bora too!!!
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-01 12:03:00
PhilippinesAPPROVED!!
wow congrats!
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-07 09:39:00
PhilippinesHow long after Visa approval can you wait before entering USA?
It is 6 months. I already have my visa which would expire on March 9, 2008 and I'll be travelling on Feb 22, 2008. You're not alone tongue.gif Just don't travel on the expiry date itself just in case something else comes up.

Edited by dj1206, 27 September 2007 - 08:31 AM.

dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-27 08:28:00
PhilippinesAnother Approval
congrats!! smile.gif
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-05 11:28:00
PhilippinesCommon Mistake
You're so nice for posting this for everyone.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-10 08:40:00
PhilippinesRequirements for CFO
Just let her bring copies of everything she thinks will be asked from her. Yes they are inconsistent.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-08 12:27:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar
it's only for filipino immigrants.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-12 05:49:00
PhilippinesITR and employment letter
I'm 23 and they didn't ask any parental consent document. I also brought w/ me during the interview my fiance's W2's since last 3 years but they only took the 2006. I also brought the employment letter but they never asked for it. As they say its better to be overprepared. The consul/pre-screener asks each interviewees different things and if you don't have them, you might be placed on AR. I'm not trying to scare you though....might as well as bring them all.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-12 11:49:00
PhilippinesVISA approved and she is HERE!!!!!
Congratulations! kicking.gif
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-14 10:47:00
PhilippinesFinally Here!!!!!
Thats so cool! Congratulations! When's the wedding? smile.gif
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-13 11:29:00
PhilippinesCFO seminar
no
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-10-10 08:37:00
PhilippinesWe have our VISA
Congrats!!
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-19 06:08:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Bank payment DS156 or DS157?
BPI at Pasong Tamo, Makati Branch accepted my filled out DS-157. I just want to share this info.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-08-29 09:30:00
PhilippinesDenied today, worst day of my life
I am so sorry to hear this. I know how depressing this is. You could start checking other options.
dj1206MalePhilippines2007-09-04 07:42:00
PhilippinesVisa Arrived
What a fantastic gift for her birthday!!!
dj1206MalePhilippines2008-02-18 10:43:00
PhilippinesBaggage Allowance w/ Cathay Pacific
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Feb 18 2008, 12:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Claudegth brought two additional bags that were pretty heavy and it cost her an additional $70


This is D (I haven't been on here in a long while!!) Odd, but I called the Phils Cathay office yesterday and they said that we can bring an extra bag, but that it would be $160 per extra allowed bag. $70 and $160 is a big difference. It would probably be pointless for me to ask for a "how to get $70 bag" since we're about to leave for the airport, but perhaps the answer could help others who might want to know. We'll post our experience when we get to the States. I have flown Cathay each of the four times I've traveled to/from the Phils, and aside from delayed baggage last time (due to a delayed American Eagle code-share flight from RDU to JFK), I have never once had a problem with Cathay, not in the slightest. Even the food is mostly edible! My one concern is that Filipinos like to eat like at least 5 times a day, and they only feed you two full meals on the plane from HK to NYC. But then again, they do offer snacks at any time. I once ate 3 "Cup Noodles" in a row on one flight, and they never complained about serving me 3 cups! For American Eagle code-share flights, I'm beginning to get afraid that they will start charging for CR visits...I mean, sheesh, peanuts should be free!!!

David
dj1206MalePhilippines2008-02-19 22:18:00
PhilippinesBaggage Allowance w/ Cathay Pacific
Hello all! I am wondering if anyone had experienced travelling with excess weight on the baggages to United States via Cathay Pacific? Me and my fiance will be travelling together and we each have 2 luggages each for check-in and I feel they are heavier than 32 kilos. Would Cathay Pacific ask us to pay for the excess which is what I'm hoping for OR let us leave some of the things at the airport which I'm very scared about? Your reply would be very aprreciated coz we'll be flying on Wednesday.
dj1206MalePhilippines2008-02-18 09:20:00
PhilippinesLooking for Makati Condotel/Apartment
How about Charter House? It's right behind Greenbelt 1.
dj1206MalePhilippines2008-02-23 15:32:00
PhilippinesFAMILY TO ATTEND US WEDDING
Just an update, in case someone's family are also planning to apply for visa to attend their wedding. My family got approved with a multiple/10 visa. My dad works for a big oil company in the Philippines and my mom and sister have their own businesses while my younger sister is a student. They weren't asked at all for bank statements/financial proofs. The consul was more concerned w/ their ties to Philippines that would compel them to come back and they also checked my name in the fiance visa database.
dj1206MalePhilippines2008-02-23 15:24:00