ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesMy Wife Wants to Join the Military

Actually I was just joking and being a little facetious. The military was the best thing that happened to me. Out of thirty years active duty I spent 17 overseas, something I never would have done without the military.


Ok cool, just wanted to make sure you knew we were not bashing the Air force. I tell young people all the time, when they talk about joininh a service branch. "If I had it to do over I would join the Air Force, without a doubt.

If I really thought about it I would join the Coast Guard.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-06-20 04:38:00
PhilippinesMy Wife Wants to Join the Military

It depends on the skill identifier. If you are talking advanced electronics, that requires a extremely high score, and if you finish in the top two-thirds of the class, bonuses and a quick initial advance in rank come your way. Cooks, and welders qualify with the lowest scores. Air Force does take care of their people though. Their EM quarters are nice than any Army BOQ I stayed in,...well, except for Fort Belvoir,...that place was the Ritz! Nothing finer than cocktails on the Potomac!

Too bad they took that away from the engineer officers and moved the school to Fort Wood in Misery! That was sweet! :angry:


Of course I was just saying generally overall it's tougher to get in the Air force. It is darn near impossible ot get in the Air force without a High School Diploma for any job. The army takes about 20% th high school graduates. .

Funny I called to Damneck onetime and got a Boq. I reserved it as Capt so and so. They thought I was an 0-6. LOL Put me in that room for one night.

I use to go love to go up to Ft. Story and stay at the OLD BOQ. Dump of a remodeled WW2 barrack, but right on the beach and so much fun.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-06-19 18:42:00
PhilippinesMy Wife Wants to Join the Military

Gee I only spent 30 years in the Air Force. I saw lots of people wash out, most were later accepted by the Army or Marines.


and having been an Army Officer I agree with you 100%. The Army takes what the Air Force will not for sure. ( That is a very general statement) I was referring strictly to the physical part. That may be the only catagory the Army is more stringent in. Brains vs Bullet fodder thing. Peace !

If I remember right the most selective in order or required the higher ASVAB if they still give that

Air Force
Marines
Navy
Army
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-06-19 18:22:00
PhilippinesMy Wife Wants to Join the Military

Washing out of Air Force boot camp? I didnt know people were that pathetic. Doesnt the PT test consist of walking on a tread mill for five minutes and being able to eat a large thick crust pizza unassisted?


Since I recently got a slap on the hand, I wasn't going to say anything. I would not use the word pathetic, as the Air Force is the hardest branch to get into, but washing out physically from the air force. ??/ Really. I could see washing out for various reasons but physical. ?? No way. I think they would not let you in if you were on your death bed, which you would have to be to not pass the Air Force physical test.

I understand the 1/4 mile road march with canteen and M-16 reduced to fire a 22 can be heck.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-06-19 17:36:00
PhilippinesMy Wife Wants to Join the Military

A lot better shape than I was in when I went through Basic Training at age 18. By the way, I never heard of "washing out" of Basic Training. When I joined the military in 1978 there was no such thing that I was aware of. At that time your life belonged to Uncle Sam, not to some fitness club, unless things have changed that much from then... I certainly hope not.

Anyway, she is tough. And, she is a fighter... She will do great



I went thru Basic Infantry Training at Ft. Benning in 1981. We a lot of soldiers, due to not being able to keep up mentally and physically.. If I remember right it was about 25-30% for one reason or another. it was an intense not for the weak minded experience..
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-06-18 17:16:00
PhilippinesManila Case Number received today!

I called this morning to see if the NVC received our petition. I was told it was received
today but it could take up to 20 days to be entered into the system. :blink: I called again
on my way home from work. This time I was told that our information was entered in the system.
I asked for and was given our Manila case # :dance: The operator also asked me to confirm my
phone number and e-mail address. She also asked for my Fiance's e-mail address. Needless to
say we are very happy. 15 days from our I-797 approval date of June 18th.

So are we able to make payment to BPI using my fiance's passport number at this time... even
though the petition probably has not been forwarded to Manila yet?


Kind Regards,

Jesse



Yes without a doubt you are ready to pay and schedule interview.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-07-09 21:44:00
PhilippinesAfter NOA2: Detailed Summary

Nice write up. I would like to add that you must speak to an operator at the NVC to get your case number for a K visa.


Your right automated system does not work for K-1
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-07-22 07:51:00
PhilippinesAfter NOA2: Detailed Summary
Great write up. Should push Pin.. Just want to point out one thing.. Lot of people here don't understand. If you have a k-Visa and you put that number in the automated system at NVC, you are always going to get a not found.

In order to get status on a K-Visa, you have to talk to the operator. That applies to any NON-immigrant visa. The automated system is for immigrant Visas only.

Press 1 for English (assuming that is your language)

Then Press 5 for live operator.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2011-10-15 15:18:00
PhilippinesAfter NOA2: Detailed Summary

Nice post Faith and Andz very helpful indeed. Good luck on your interview.

I would like to know if the beneficiary of the K1 visa can do the interview scheduling here in the USEM or should the USC have to do that for the beneficiary? Many thanks everyone for whatever info you can give on this one.



Does not matter. either can do it. However it easier for the beneficiary since you have to have your passport number etc.

hi! what number do you have to call here in manila to see if they've already received your case? because i called the embassy, and they say i have to wait for the notice of eligibility.

thanks!



No you don't. If you have you MNL go ahead and pay then schedule your appointment. You don't have to wait on anything .You got an MNL your good.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2011-10-15 15:14:00
PhilippinesThe Track Thru DHL Thing

It does work. See link in prior post.
Why bother?
Depending on the Embassy, the fact that you positively know your petition is there, allows you to be proactive. For example, say the Embassy sent you packet 3 and it got lost in the mail. How would yo know to start inquiring? In some Embassies, you don't even have to wait for the packet3 or 4 showing up, you could go to Embassy site, download forms and send back immediately. It would be possible to save 1-3 weeks of wait time, depending on the Embassy and other variables (such as when do they schedule interviews, etc).
It might not make a difference in Manila, others here with experience there will chime in.


I have yet to see hard evidence that an individual package can be tracked. I see a lot of back and forth. As for the Embassy and Package 3 and 4. This is the Philippine Forum so my question was specific to Manila, which only requires the MNL number you get from NVC, before you can schedule your interview. Manila does not even send out a package only a letter and many do not get that.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-07-22 11:06:00
PhilippinesThe Track Thru DHL Thing
I have seen that talked about a lot on VJ, but I am not sure I have ever talked to anyone who made it actually work. Not sure it is a big deal anyway, once you have your MNL, your set anyway.

Anybody here actually made that work or is that an Auburn Legend ?
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-07-22 07:55:00
PhilippinesLess and Less Communication

Hi everyone, Im here asking for advice. Im a Filipina in Love with American man.
He is the most wonderful thing that ever happen to me. When he was here with me
I felt like part of Heaven.

He filed for K1 visa in February and still waiting for NOA2. But recently He has not
make good effort to stay in contact with me. He used to email me every day, sometimes
two times day. Now Im lucky if He email me two times week. Sometimes he text me
but not too much. He says I Love You , but now not sure if true.

Im thinking about if he has girlfriend in the U.S. and hes not time for me anymore.
He used to be more willing to email me and contact me everyday. Now not anymore.

Should I ask him about if he has girlfriend ? or should I tell him Im done with relationship,
until he can make better effort with me ?

Im really sad about this, and dont know what to do. He still says , I Love You , but
how can I know if he doesnt want to talk with me.

Please, need help about what to do.



Just ignore him for a bit. If he is serious that should wake him up.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-06-27 18:26:00
PhilippinesFlying from Manila.

I have a question for my fellow VJers.. Dealing strictly with the flights. What airline did you choose to fly to the USA and for what reason? I am thinking about either Qatar Airlines bc I am a FF or Delta which has a good time of us getting to my home in NC.


KAL to Korea to ATL
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-07-23 17:20:00
PhilippinesHas anyone ever had there teeth worked on in the Philippines?

Thanks for your reply but i want info in the dental field for the Philippines i sure take it in the behind on dental care here lol.


Dental care is outrageous. One of my pet Peeves. I had my shoulder operated on and it was cheaper than my dental implant. My dentist said Pi dentist were good.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-07-27 20:10:00
PhilippinesDelta airlines?

You may find some local third world airlines that have "bad safety record" but with any international airline that flies in US air space you are in good hands .

I have used Delta many times without incident and service was ok.

My absolute favorite is Korean Air. The service even in coach is amazing.


Ditto I love KAL
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-07-28 10:26:00
PhilippinesAmerican vs Filipino

VJ should have a reality video thread based off of thread posts giving personal thoughts on the thread! :lol: i would give a personal interview just like on reality shows. I like Darren, regardless how others feel. He puts everthing on the table and it takes a sac to do that! :thumbs:


I watched a movie the other day with the wife, called Mail order Bride. I did not know it was not a true reality thing until the end.

But I agree with you don't be a wuss puss if you need to speak your mind.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-06-01 18:09:00
PhilippinesLeaving for Cebu Sep 22`

You two have fun! Posted Image

There's a new lodging establishment across Ayala Center Cebu called Quest Hotel in case you're looking for one. I like their free breakfast buffet. It's better than what's being offered in hotel chains in the US and unlike most places in the Philippines that only have sachets of instant coffee, Quest Hotel serves freshly brewed coffee. Really good!

I grew up in Downtown Cebu. After 2.5 years of living in LA, my husband and I went back for a visit in May this year. He still dislikes Cebu. I also thought I could handle things the way I did before but they're different now - the traffic congestion, noise, abandoned construction sites, the food, the heat and humidity. It was too much. I started asking myself how I lived all those years. It seems that there are only two rules of traffic in metropolitan areas like Manila and Cebu: don't kill and don't get killed.

Luckily Bohol is close by, my favorite island. I brought my husband there and he has been enthralled by the dive sites in Balicasag and Cabilao. We intend to join a liveaboard for diving in the Tubbataha Reef near Palawan next time we visit the PH.


I will check it out. Not sure she has our accommodations lined up yet. I think she is trying to rent a house in Talisay. I told her, no hot water is fine, but I got to have the Air con :)
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-15 19:19:00
PhilippinesLeaving for Cebu Sep 22`
Can't wait to get back
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-14 20:35:00
Philippinesconfused and worried
never mind

Edited by Run Herschel Run, 17 August 2012 - 08:48 PM.

The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-17 20:46:00
Philippinesconfused and worried

WILL IT CAUSE A PROBLEM IF FIANCE JUST VISIT ONCE?

WILL IT REALLY CAUSE IT TO GET DENIED?

GUYS IM STAYING POSITIVE,FIANCE WAS JUST SO BUSY AT WORK, AND I HOPE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO GOT A SITUATION LIKE THIS,CAN ANYBODY SHARE THEIR OPINION I WOULD HIGHLY APPRECIATE YOUR ANSWERS AND THANKS IN ADVANCE :) GOODLUCK TO US ALL


Relax lots of us visit only once. I visited only once, could only stay a week and we sailed thru the process.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-17 20:42:00
Philippinesairport pick up plans?

Rice really? hmm maybe that's why she never likes to eat when we go out... I didn't know there is a direct flight to Atlanta, don't even know how that is possible where are they stopping to fuel? For sure I'd have to meet her at Atlanta though that airport is horribly confusing.


No direct flight that I am aware of. We fly Atl to Korea to Cebu. You can fly Manila- Korea -Atl also. This is the quickest way to get to the PI from ATL, that I am aware of .23 Hours.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-21 20:30:00
Philippinesairport pick up plans?

ha ha so cute.. My fiance bought me a rice cooker and a sack of rice few days ago.. He said he knew that I will need rice.. So funny that filipina will be craving for the plate of rice when we get to states.. I am!! :bonk:


After 9 months we can eat at places that don't serve rice on occasion. Not very often.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-21 20:27:00
Philippinesairport pick up plans?

I'm curious. I've been looking into the future and wondering if it is best to meet my fiance at like LAX or something so that she does not have to try to navigate the airport alone. Being the first time ever flying on a plane and doing it to a large airport in the US might be somewhat confusing. What have others decided to do, I'm sure some go all the way to Philippines. My biggest concern is even when she has the visa I have heard of people getting turned back for odd reasons and having to come again at a later date. The process just isn't that full proof.


I picked my bride up at the POE in ATL. No problem I live only about 1 hour away. It was then and is now everything you are hoping it would be.Carry Rice everywhere you go for the first few weeks.

Funny thing--

About 10 PM leaving Airport. on 75 South

Her- Honey KO I am very hungry.
ME- Ok we have Wendy's, KFC, Burger King, McDonald's, Waffle House, Krystal etc etc.
Her-- I want Rice
Me- Honey I don't think you are going to find rice at 10 PM in GA on a Sat Night.
Her- What kind of place is this ?
Me- That;s just the way it is
Her-How far is your house
ME--70 Minutes
Her- I just will wait then.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-21 04:34:00
PhilippinesPOE Experiences arriving in the U.S.

Hello all. :) We hope to soon schedule Katherine's flight to the U.S. We are just curious what
to expect at the Point of entry? Specifically, wait times, questions asked by immigration officer,
any problems or issues people have had. We were also told that Hawaii is a very easy, laid back POE.
Thank you for any comments or advice. :)



Seems like I waited about 1.5 to 2 hours for Honey Boo Boo Child to come up the stairs. It was Atl, which is not known for having a diverse friendly staff in Customs.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-21 04:27:00
PhilippinesQuestion about I-134 and bank statement

Hi fellow Vjers!

I really need your sound judgement about the situation I have.

My interview is on the 30th and everything seems to be good to go except for one thing. My fiance sent all the necessary docs we need to present on the day of my interview including the form I-134 and his bank statement. When we talked earlier, I found out that the bank statement I have is currently not updated because he withdrew some money from his bank account just recently.

Is it ok if I just put the amount stated in his bank statement in I-134 though it's not updated? My fiance said USEM can always call his bank to check its existence and the amount it contains. He seemed not be bothered since it's legit.

What do you think should I do? Should I ask him to send a current and updated bank statement again? Know that sending docs thru fedex doesn't come cheap. Or should we just leave it at that? I'm really worried about this because I don't want to give the Consul any reason to think that we are submitting inaccurate documents which might lead to the delay of my approval or worse, a visa refusal.

I hope someone could help me with this. I need your response ASAP. Thanks a lot. And God bless us all.


No your fine as long as everything else is in order and you have proof of income VIA ITR and letter from company etc.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-24 01:07:00
PhilippinesLooking for Filipinas ( fiancee) Noa2 approved!

Got my MNL # today - yipee


Happy Happy day .. Congrats. it all moves fast now
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-27 17:58:00
PhilippinesLooking for Filipinas ( fiancee) Noa2 approved!

Hello there! Looking for Filipinas (fiancee) with similar timeline to maybe help each other out. Here's where I am on my journey. NOA2 was approved on 24AUG12....... :dance: I think it will be beneficial to all of us if help each other out. Hoping to here from my lovely fellow-Filipinas! Thanks. :)


There are several groups on Facebook that have many many Pinay that are in the process or newly here in the states. My wife who has been here about 8 months got a lot of good info in those groups and made several close friends.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-26 21:05:00
Philippineswondering why until now no news from the embassy

good day to all VJ members and readers.i am heartily needed for help regarding my worries.my fiance(e)receive NOA2 last July 24 then got our MNL case number then it was forwarded to the embassy last July 30.i started to worry coz until now i haven't receive any mail or notice from the embassy for any details or for interview.i read some articles and forum some has their interview 2 weeks after they know their case number.plz.need help and advice what to do,,it is almost 1 month
now since they forwarded our papers to the embassy..thank you and god bless everyone.


and more than likely you will never get anything from them. Go to BPI, pay your fee and schedule your appointment. My wife has been here since Nov 2011 and we never got anything from the USEM.

and more than likely you will never get anything from them. Go to BPI, pay your fee and schedule your appointment. My wife has been here since Nov 2011 and we never got anything from the USEM.


Or just do what Hank said.. I did not see that. he is dead right on.. Someone needs to pushpin that. It has to be posted many times per week.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-27 20:26:00
PhilippinesGoing to the USA

Yep be scared. If there is a problem on the flight they use the coach passengers as airbags for the fist class passengers :rofl: Joke na! At 3 bills I was the largest airbag on my return flight last August,,, another :rofl: or :dance: Flying is easy. relax and enjoy the boredom.. Just think of your sweety waiting for you in USA.....


I am very close to three bills myself. My wife is close to 1 bill. I am hoping since she is going with me I will 1.5 seats and she will have .5. So your close to 300 and ou made it in coach ? If that is what I am hearing then you have made my stress level go down.

Two Biz class tickets are over 12K. I just can't pay that right now.

for those of you that are going every few years. Get a Koran Air visa. You get a lot of miles for signing up. I pay everything on it I can. Next time we go we will have enough miles for two free tickets.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-31 19:58:00
PhilippinesGoing to the USA

If you are flying coach, it makes no difference. Service sucks in all airlines, in coach, beginning with the seats themselves.


I have never flown coach on an international flight before. I am about in 3 weeks. Should I be scared :)
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-31 12:06:00
PhilippinesGoing to the USA

Delta is ok but I prefer Korean Air. The cheap coach seat on Korean air gets much of the same treatment as the First class seat on Delta.


I agree we are flying the USA-Korea-Cebu KAL flight in a few weeks. Great airline. Shortest time to get there
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-08-31 12:03:00
Philippinescalling USEM for K1/K2 Interview schedule

Hey guys, from my experience. Just call NVC and get your MNL# and from there they'll forward your case to US Embassy manila for less than 12 or 14 days. Once you get your MNL# your fiance(e) can set up her medical and interview appointment. No need to wait for any confirmation from US Embassy Manila.



Yes that's exactly right. If you have your MNL number you can proceed.


http://blogs.usembas...lippines/?p=747
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-03-06 21:36:00
PhilippinesQuestion on doing CFO early

Yes, that's the flight I took. The gate doesn't even open until 1030pm local. We flew from Cebu to Seoul with a 4 hour layover, then another flight from Seoul to Atlanta.

I was very happy with the service on Korean Air, they did a great job.


That is the best flight out there- We got a great last second deal from this Lady in Manila--- 09175509980 albie sullanoniua Her Face Book---http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1395999119

She can get the best first time Visa flyer or whatever you call rates out there, Got my honey on the KAL Cebu-Seoul-ATL for around 800 bucks with only 2 days notice
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-02-20 05:24:00
PhilippinesQuestion on doing CFO early

My fiancee is in Manila now, doing the medical, then CFO then interview. I understand she would need to return to the CFO later, but she'd need her passport and visa first for that to be possible, right? i.e. she'd have to fly back home, wait for 2GO to deliver it, then she has to make a trip back to Manila to return to the CFO, then she can get on the plane?

Is that how it would work?

I only ask this because I had been planning on buying a ticket for her straight from Cebu to here, or even one with a connecting flight through Manila, but then how is she going to return for the stamp or whatever it is? This kind of complicates the flight plans. What's the correct way this is done?


And I might add there is no such thing as a flight straight from Cebu to the USA, that I have ever been able to find. Very few from Manila to the USA. There is a daily flight From Cebu to Seoul to the USA. I think it departs Cebu around Midnight.

Sounds like your best shot is just have her lay over in Manila a day or two when she departs for the USA.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-02-18 22:58:00
PhilippinesQuestion on doing CFO early
My wife went to the CFO in Cebu, prior to her interview. Said it was not big deal. After she got her Visa she went back and got her stamp.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-02-18 22:54:00
PhilippinesBought property in the Philippines?

Greetings all,
My wife is from the Philippines and we want to buy an investment property for us to retire to in 20-25 years. Also her parents will live there now. Has anyone done this already and would be willing to help us avoid any potential problems? I know that a PHP national has to be a part buyer/owner (land can't be 100% owned by American)so her parents and my wife will be the signer. We hope that they cans send up papers for her to sign and send back. Other questions would be:
Taxes? for US Taxpayers on the 1040? and PHP taxes (I do not think they have any if not in a gaited community. I told my financial adviser that this was an investment property and not a "gift".
Liability? I know Filipinos are not sue happy like Americans but what if someone gets hurt, can they come after me and my wife?

Any good/bad stories about buying land? I am glad we are not doing this from here and the parents will see the property personally.
Thanks in advance,
SKI



Just my 2 cents worth. You have 25 years until retirement and you want to buy something deeded in someone else name in a foreign country ( a corrupt politically volatile country at that) as an investment. I think that is a bad move. Other than the obvious, and I know you don't want to think about it, but marriages do break up no matter how strong they are now. If that happens you can forget that purchase, it is outside the jurisdiction of american courts and not in your name.

The U.S. real estate market is at rock bottom. Invest in some foreclosed rental property here, which can be had a unimaginable bargains. Invest in securities, stocks or any thing else "here" that you can maintain a vested interest in. Then when you are a few years from retirement start liquidating and hunting for your retirment property in the Philippines. I am just approaching this from a growing your investment angle.

Buying a house you will not need for 25 years, in the Philippines, in someones else s name, is not an investment, it is a very very very risky maneuver that stands a great chance of you losing every penny and almost certainly not growing your money. Be realistic.

You are buying her parents a house. Nothing wrong with that, but it is not an investment and don't fool yourself that you will own anything and it is anything other that that.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-03-11 09:55:00
PhilippinesCR interview questions

well the place that is local is closed tomorrow : (
however i bet Staples does it & there is 1 rite in the town where i work
i'll have to check that out.
i took pictures of everything today 53 of them
my wife tells me some look good but a few are not so good & hard to read
if only the bandits would let my sweetie have the packet i sent 2 1/2 weeks ago
life would be good


thanks
piglett


It is my personal opinion that your going to have issues with printed pictures of documents. You don't have to have originals but I would suggest scanned pdf's. Lot's of places to get that done. I bet you have a local friend that can do it.... You as we use to say in the Infantry "Danger Close" which means you need to get busy.... Good luck with all of it.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-03-10 22:49:00
PhilippinesMailing US Tax Returns From Embassy Manila

Or DHL.


Ditto or.. I am sure you know lots of people coming back to the states. Ask one to mail if for you over here. Over them 20 bucks for the trouble. Lot cheaper than Fedex.

Edited by scruffydog, 13 March 2012 - 04:33 AM.

The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-03-13 04:32:00
Philippines14 days waiting for the NVC?

Are there others waiting this long? 10 working days now.... they tell me 15 working days !!!! Any short cuts?


I hope your calling them everyday asking for your MNL ? You can't wait on anything in t he K-1 process. You go to be proactive not re active
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-03-17 02:44:00
PhilippinesParty Time in Davao area

I will be in Pi for the next couple of weeks. If any one wants to hook up and go looking at eye candy and drink a few cold beers. Send me a PM here

I will be in Davao area mostly, may spend a couple days up in Cebu. I know Davao pretty well

Take care and I will check my PM.

Btw the weather has been great in Davao. Nice breeze, very low humidity, no rain. Good Times So Far.......



Just an observation but if your still wanting to go out partying and looking at "Eye Candy" do you think your ready for marriage ?
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-03-18 07:34:00