ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesBuying a laptop in the philippines
I bought my fiancee a dell laptop. Brought it there. She just plugs it in without anything. I don't believe I've ever needed to convert and I've traveled allover the islands, provinces to large cities.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-02-27 12:44:00
PhilippinesCalled USCIS today
Does their process involve doing a criminal background check? I wonder if a name is common, like John smith, that perhaps they consider it more difficult to research a background, whereas if someone has a kind of unique name then it is considered "easier"? My name is unique in the US and my i-129f was approved in 16 days. I'm as clueless as anyone about why it was approved so quickly. No complaints from me, but it does seem unfair and without any transparency.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-02-28 16:43:00
PhilippinesMY EXPERIENCE AT USEM INTERVIEW
Congratulations! Brad Pitt is a lucky man.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-02-25 12:08:00
PhilippinesTracking from NVC to Embassy
Well i phoned my congresswoman. If there's one thing I've learned from this site it's to be persistent and verging on outright annoying. The call got me nowhere as the aid asked a few no-brainer questions and exposed my my flaccid complaint for turgid impatience, and the utterly absurd request for them to get involved already, however if it takes a day over 7 days, I'm going to call them back and make an a$$ of myself as if it was the end of the world. It's how I roll.

Edited by Ugly_American, 01 March 2011 - 07:25 PM.

Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-01 19:25:00
PhilippinesTracking from NVC to Embassy
Would it help expedite it if I call my congressman a day after the NVC gets my documents? What exactly would I say? Maybe something polite like, "Would you please expedite my case? It's stuck at the NVC. Thanks!"

I've no problems making a request from a politician. I'm a VERY low maintenance tax-payer...

Edited by Ugly_American, 01 March 2011 - 06:50 PM.

Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-01 18:49:00
PhilippinesInterview date has been set can we go to st. lukes now?
damn.... "Platinum Member"? I wish i could be one some day....
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-03 14:06:00
PhilippinesBest day for medical & interview
I'm not clear on precise logistics either. Most people's fiancee's seem to go 2-3 days prior to interview, staying in MNL for that time. I believe the medical is two days; The first day is testing and the results are available the second day. I know I need to read up more on it myself. My fiancee called st luke's with a few questions like this. She lives in Cebu and we're considering having her visit MNL once the papers leave the NVC. The medical results are good for 3 or 6 months, depending on results (a threshold of sorts I gather). Airfare isn't bad and I figure it's just one less thing to worry about. Then for interview she can just fly in the evening before.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-08 18:57:00
PhilippinesInternational ATM fees through the roof!
Bank of America bites. The first time i sent money I made a bank transfer. I sent like $200 and the fees for this transfer were $45. I quickly switched to western union.

As for ATM's, B of A charges a flat rate of $5 + 1% for all atm withdrawals. It's absurd.

I'll look into other banking options. State Farm sounds interesting, but I didn't realize they also did banking. Perhaps the best thing is just to bring cash and exchange it at some place there? I can't believe we taxpayers bailed out those banks. I wish we would have let them go under. Seriously. I've no safety net other than the unemployment I've had to earn myself.

I think opening up an account in Phil is not a bad idea, maybe... Or just ya, bring cash and stow it away James Bond-ishly in an ####### capsule.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-09 14:05:00
PhilippinesTraveler's Checks
why do you need so much cash to bring her back? Unless she's shipping a ton of things back. Hmm, i guess mine might do that also, but I hope she can pack it all in a few boxes. Maybe send a few balikbayan boxes back here, cost i dunno $75 each? I know Johnny air offers that service. Their office in SF is always filled with boxes going to Phil.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-09 16:23:00
PhilippinesMen Your Thoughts On Filipina
mine is of course lovely, sweet, smart, observant, loving, loyal, and her English is mispronounced, but still good enough to beat me at word games. I searched for her over the course of several trips to Phil. I treated the women I met with respect and did my best to keep a clean karma because I believed and still do that you can't just go there and wreck girls and expect to earn a good marriage. They were fun trips and great adventures. When I met her online after a somewhat disheartening trip it was like there was never a doubt or a question. I was there six weeks later and proposed. Her sense of humor is incredible. She can make my tummy ache with laughter. Two things i always remember that i appreciate. One was a story she told about having a really nice lunch at a good restaurant, she ate a lot, then upon returning to the hospital she was charged with assisting a man use a bedpan, he had diarrhea. At one point she had to excuse herself and went to the cr where she lost her nice lunch and then was hungry again. That made me laugh hard, mostly the way she told the story. She's a silly creature. Another thing that grabbed me was watching her sing along to youtube videoki songs. Her voice is so amazing. She never hits the right key and is just awful, but she doesn't care at all and she laughs and sings despite being vocally challenged. I went there searching for a wife, mainly because i have great pinoy friends here and i just love their families.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-11 00:41:00
PhilippinesAir China
i agree bob. same here with sf as home airport and direct to mnl basically gives me an extra 12 hours with fiance. whats that worth? cathay pacific sux. im glad they're there though. like how i like the fast food restaurants keep my little favorite restaurants less impacted
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-15 05:29:00
PhilippinesAir China

I find your comments very offensive and Ignorant.


I agree.

I've flown them - Honestly the price is sometimes $300 less. For me it's always a 13 hour flight anyway. No amount of luxury makes it fun. I'll save $300 fold myself into a pretzel. I won't fly cathay pacific though, i don't know how/why they are in business. the seats are quite uncomfortable and the prices aren't as low as chine air. One thing bad about china air is a somewhat larger percentage of deaths/flight. I researched it. You can too. It's like 4-5 times worse than most airlines, but those odds are still so low that i never hesitate.

The only airline that blew me away was FinAir. It's been a while since i have flown them but the food - service - and seats were pretty great.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-14 07:43:00
PhilippinesWhat size Balikbayan boxes do you fly with?
To answer my own question, i traveled with 2 20x20x20 boxes from SFO to Cebu and back with no problems. The size of the combined boxes is 120 inches, 13 inches over what they say is permitted, but they were accepted without any hesitation.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-29 04:21:00
PhilippinesWhat size Balikbayan boxes do you fly with?
Thanks for the detailed post Dan & Judy. I still think that the airlines would accept two 20x20x20 boxes and not charge extra. I've never seen an agent pull out a tape measure and add it up. Has anyone ever been charged extra fees for oversize while using two 20x20x20 balikbayan boxes? Technically two 18x18x18 bb boxes are also over size.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-07 18:49:00
PhilippinesWhat size Balikbayan boxes do you fly with?
I've found a few older posts, but none that specifically address a few questions i have.

I know every time i fly to Phil nearly every passenger has 2 balikbayan boxes, and as I recall they seem reasonably large. This time i'm bringing two balikbayan boxes instead of my heavier luggage. I purchased two 20x20x20 boxes. Thinking that it was the size they were bringing. Reading up on the Philippine Airlines website we're restricted to 107" for total dimensions. 20x20x20 = 60" 60"x2 = 120"

1. How much would they charge me for a 13" excess? I won't have weight excess, only dimension.
2. It's not too late and i could still go buy 18x18x18 boxes, but total dimensions of those two boxes would still be 108 inches, 1 inch over excess. Do most travelers use the 18x18x18 and pay for the extra 1"?

Thanks! I just want to get it right, ideally without extra charges, especially is the extra charges are exorbitant.

Edited by Ugly_American, 06 March 2011 - 11:22 PM.

Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-06 23:20:00
PhilippinesWhy are all one-way flights Phil to SFO $1000?
I guess there's no reason at all to buy a flight prior to visa. But it's odd that all flights are the same price now, whether 3 days out or 30. Perhaps it has something to do with oil prices.

A month or two ago the same flight was as low as $600. Now the fares are the same price as a round trip recently cost.

Is this some sort of mail-order-bride inflation???
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-04-01 23:38:00
PhilippinesINTERVIEW PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-04-04 00:09:00
Philippinesfirst met fiance online
it won't be an issue. from what little i know they just want evidence of current relationship, i imagine anything recent is fine, and if you have older stuff, it's ok also, but the current relationship is what they want to see.

Edited by Ugly_American, 07 April 2011 - 05:58 AM.

Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-04-07 05:58:00
Philippineshow long for visa ?
My fiance passed her interview on the 13th, also lives in Cebu. From what I gather we may get them on the same day as from what I read it sounds like the embassy ships a pile out every few days instead of on a daily basis.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-04-19 21:08:00
Philippineswhich is better and easier to file K1 or K3 visa?
it depends on his job, your timeline, and his vacation availability. k3 requires him a few more visits there or one long one as marriage in phil requires some wait time for forms to process. whereas he can file k1 tomorrow. I was lucky enough to file in january and my fiance is flying here on k1 tomorrow. id expect both processes usually about the same time once papers are filed and usually both take around 8-9 months.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-04-26 06:33:00
Philippinesany April interviews?

Yes my fiance had hers this morning and she passed!!!!

Congrats! Same here, mine also passed today. Great relief.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-04-13 00:39:00
Philippinesany April interviews?
April 13, 6:30am

keith&jezyl, CFO can be completed in advance, but you'd still have to go back after the Visa is issued to collect the stamp.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-04-01 21:39:00
Philippineshotel near US EMBASSY MANILA
I was using hotels.com and searching for the best price. There are several within walking distance.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-10-08 11:08:00
PhilippinesWaiting..... Waiting
Congratulations! Nice wedding - small and simple. I'd wait until you two are really comfortable together, then introduce her only after your folks have time to adjust. My family is complicated but not as much as yours.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-12-21 00:38:00
Philippinesreputation
Sounds fishy to me.... like he's already married. No idea what I'd do. In the US there's no national record for who is married. If there were I'd check into him.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2012-02-07 21:21:00
PhilippinesFiance's beware
My wife surprised my one day with something she calls a 'buttercup'. She farts in her fist and delivers it deceitfully to my nose. It's very effective and shocking. I've since made several clever attacks. My proudest attack was farting into the tube of a toilet paper roll and offering it to her to blow her nose. She may have introduced this modern warfare tactic but i have advanced the technology.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2012-01-17 20:18:00
PhilippinesOneWay Airline prices from Manila to USA
I don't enjoy China Air, but it's what I used myself a few times and what I used for my fiance (now wife) to come here. There were two or three stops but it was by far the least expensive.

No matter how you slice it a 13 hour flight is going to be unpleasant, so why not save a few hundred bucks?

China air has the most casualties per flight. In fact it was around twice as high as the nearest. But even still it was like .003% or something like that. I figure having traveled in Mindanao my odds for being kidnapped and killed were much greater, or hit by lightning, etc...
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2012-02-18 19:43:00
PhilippinesAge difference of fiance to fiancee?
Loved the niners win and happy to see smith with better stats than brees. Im just a fair weather casual fan, but i was on the edge of my seat.

To topic: i had a bachelor's degree before my wife was born. We have arguememts and our various issues, but we're both loyal and committed. Topping it off i've fallen on tough job times and she may soon become the bread-winner. I think and hope that any relationship only lasts if both are 100% committed and willing to work out tough issues, even on a daily basis. communication is critical.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2012-01-18 00:27:00
PhilippinesAge gap difference in Philippines
I know a 20 y.o. Pinay who married a 70 y.o. from the Netherlands. Age won't ever be an issue.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2012-03-08 01:52:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere K3 stands
I was approved on 18-AUG-2006; just got the email this morning! Waiting for the official mailer (Hopefully today)!

Updating the list.

Good luck everyone!

Member Name-------------New or Old---------NOA1 Date----------------Approved or Pending
girl 37-----------------Old Form-----------03/08/06-----------------Approved (151 Days)
pja002------------------Old Form-----------03/08/06-----------------Pending
Michele&Omer------------Old Form-----------03/16/06-----------------Approved (143 Days)
Austin Volgograd--------Old Form-----------03/31/06-----------------Approved (133 Days)
S&S---------------------Old Form-----------04/14/06-----------------Pending
bombay------------------Old Form-----------04/20/06-----------------Pending
Akatagirl---------------Old Form-----------05/01/06-----------------Approved (96 Days)
TracyLuis---------------Old Form-----------05/02/06-----------------Pending
Najia & Anouar----------Old Form-----------05/09/06-----------------Pending
tracimn123--------------Old Form-----------05/17/06-----------------Approved (83 Days)
ahlam ladida------------Old Form-----------05/16/06-----------------Approved (85 Days)
ptcruuizer--------------Old Form-----------05/18/06-----------------Pending
desperatewife-----------Old Form-----------05/23/06-----------------Approved (86 Days)
Greg&Miriam-------------Old Form-----------06/06/06-----------------Approved (100 Days)
twood2k-----------------Old Form-----------06/08/06-----------------Pending
Savanphil---------------Old Form-----------06/13/06-----------------Approved (52 Days)
Lovers------------------Old Form-----------06/05/06-----------------Pending
Waiting in Costa Rica---Old Form-----------06/15/06-----------------Pending
Chris & Mariana---------Old Form-----------06/15/06-----------------Pending
smanam------------------New Form-----------06/22/06-----------------Pending
dougalted---------------New Form-----------06/22/06-----------------Pending
teleos123---------------New Form-----------06/22/06-----------------Pending
Rob and Melinda---------New Form-----------06/26/06-----------------Pending
CapeG-------------------New Form-----------06/28/06-----------------Pending
billyboy601-------------New Form-----------07/03/06-----------------Approved (45 days)
randynrose--------------New Form-----------07/06/06-----------------Pending
ae4ever-----------------New Form-----------07/07/06-----------------Approved (42 Days)
Adriana&Jared-----------Old Form-----------07/07/06-----------------Pending
Azhar-------------------New Form-----------07/11/06-----------------Pending
the_dip_sticks----------New Form-----------07/21/06-----------------Pending
Becky&Sam---------------New Form-----------07/26/06-----------------Pending
BurningInAgony----------New Form-----------07/31/06---------------- Pending
amarceau----------------New Form-----------08/09/06---------------- Pending
Crifever----------------New Form-----------08/10/06-----------------Pending
billyboy601Not TellingKenya2006-08-21 10:14:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere K3 stands
Here is our info...

Member Name------------New or Old--------NOA1 Date----------Approved or Pending
TracyLuis---------------Old Form-----------05/02/06-----------------Pending
tracimn123--------------Old Form-----------05/17/06-----------------Pending
smanam------------------New Form-----------06/22/06-----------------Pending
Rob and Melinda---------New Form------ ----06/26/06-----------------Pending
billyboy601-------------New Form-----------07/03/06-----------------Pending
ae4ever-----------------New Form-----------07/07/06-----------------Pending
Adriana&Jared-----------Old Form-----------07/07/06-----------------Pending
BurningInAgony----------New Form-----------07/31/06---------------- Pending
amarceau----------------New Form-----------08/09/06---------------- Pending
Savanphil---------------Old form-----------06/13/06-----------------Approved
billyboy601Not TellingKenya2006-08-15 18:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Questions 10 and 11
Goodonya Aussie Wench!

:thumbs:

I just spent $10 getting it notarized and the gentleman said, "You better check intend if you want this approved"

I began a debate with him based on everything I've read, which was news to him.

Of course now I had doubt, came to the boards, and once again got an answer that made me feel good about what I had originally chosen to do.

B)
billyboy601Not TellingKenya2006-09-05 18:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Questions 10 and 11
For K-3 applicants I've read on the boards here that the appropriate response is to leave the boxes unchecked and specify in the text area:

N/A (K-3 visa process for permanent residence)

Question 11 is intended more for vistors than for permanent residence. I'd like clarification from anyone willing to provide it as I'm getting ready to cast off the I-134, along with bank statements, tax returns, stock holdings, company letter, etc.

Can anyone provide a definitive answer on this in regards to a K-3 applicant?

Thank you!
billyboy601Not TellingKenya2006-09-05 16:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionConsular processes
Our case has been moving very quickly through the process; it now resides at the embassy in Nairobi.

I called last week to make an address change and casually asked if my wife could come and pick it up. No problem, just arrive at the embassy at 8:00 AM. Well my wife didn't get there until later in the morning, yet was still able to queue and eventually got packet #3.

While on the phone, I also asked what the scheduling was like and was informed there was no back log and that once my wife had gathered all of the information on the check list, to call the embassy and have an interview scheduled.

My wife was also given the same instructions when picking up packet #3.

I've read many other postings where packet #3 is mailed back and an interview date provided some time after receipt.

In Nairobi it appears that once the checklisted information is gathered and medical exam completed, just call up the embassy and make an appointment (I've heard from others going through Nairobi that they usually schedule the interview within the week of the call).

I was just curious if each embassy/consular office can adjust their processes to fit their needs.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to gather the information and call for an appointment; I was just wondering why other embassies seem to have an intricate system of setting interviews and some apparently just schedule on the fly.
billyboy601Not TellingKenya2006-09-10 13:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 affidavit
We received NOA2 on the I-129F/K-3 petition 18-AUG-2006; we found out that the case was shipped out to the Nairobi embassy 29-AUG-2006.

:dance:

Now we're gatheing information to complete packet 3 in preparation for the eventual interview.

In looking at the I-134 affidavit, I have some questions and would like to pose them to the board (I don't intend for them to be stupid, I just want to solidify the responses).

Item #3, "This this affidavit is executed on behalf of the following person:"

Do I put my name or my wife's name? Because right after this information in the same area (i.e. item #3) it states, "Name of spuose and children accompanying or following to join person:"; from that "join person" reference it makes me think my wife's name and information should go with the first bit of information asked for in item #3.

Item #7, (towards the end) "I own real estate valued at"

What if I own multiple properties? There only looks to be room to enter one, yet I would like to enter a vacation home I own also. Is this even necessary (I make six figures, have savings, own the condo I live in)?

Item #8, "That the following persons are dependent upon me for support: (Place an "x" in the appropriate column to indicate whether the person named is wholly or partially dependent upon you for support.)"

Well right now she is "wholly" dependent upon me for support and will be when she gets here; this is no problem mind you, I just want to make sure her name should be populated in the table for item #8.

Item #10, "That I have submitted visa petition(s) to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) on behalf of the following person(s). If none, state none."

Is this a trick question; I put my wife's name again, right? As for Date submitted, do I put the receipt date of the I-129F? Or the day I mailed it?

Item #11, "That either I intend or do not intend (this is a check box) to make a specific contributions to the support of the person(s) named in item #3. (If you check "intend," indicate the exact nature and duration of the contributions. For example, if you inten to furnish room and board, state for how long and, if money, state the amount in USD and staate whether it is to be given in a lum sum, weekly or monthlyu, or for how long.)

Here is my answer to this statement, please let me know if it is way off base.

I intend to support my wife abroad until a visa is granted, this is at a cost of $800 a month.

Along with the affidavit, I'm planning to provide the letter from my company as to the status of my employment, three years tax returns, bank account information, 401K account information, Peronsal brokerage account information.

It states in area II of the instructions the following:

"A. Statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institution where you have deposits, giving the following details regarding your account:

1. Date the account opened;
2. Total amount deposited for the past year;
3. Present balance"

I have direct deposit where I work; i.e. every paycheck goes straight to the account electronically. Do they really need a letter? I'm willing to get one, just curious if this is an absolute or if statement information is enough.

Thank you in advance to the VJ community!
billyboy601Not TellingKenya2006-09-02 12:10:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionUnemployment a big problem?
Thanks all for the advice and good wishes! With so many people unemployed I'm glad that there are no restrictions on claiming unemployment.
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-10 15:38:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionUnemployment a big problem?
I may be unemployed soon. My husband has conditional residence right now and we will apply to have the conditions lifted in April of 2010. Will the claiming of unemployment benefits from the State affect approval to have conditions lifted?
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-09-09 16:46:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionQuestion about moving and I-751

I will suggest you wait till you move or at least you know the new address and use that for filing. USCIS mail are typically not to be forwarded so there is a high chance it will be returned to them if you use your current address and move during the process. If your 90 days just started and you are moving within the next 30 days, that leaves you with plenty of time (60 days) to file after the move. Avoid getting such important correspondence trapped between 2 addresses. Good luck.


Thanks all, that's good advice. I'll wait until I at least know the new address.
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-25 09:20:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionQuestion about moving and I-751
Hello,

We are finally filling out the I-751 to lift the conditions on my husband's green card. I put our current address on our form, but we are moving house within a month, and I'm not sure where we're moving to. Today is the 90 day mark before my husband's current green card expires. Should I wait until I know my new address, or is there a way for me to put my current address and change it later?

Thanks for your advice!
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-24 12:32:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionEmployment while removing conditions
You don't necessarily need to tell your employer, but definitely carry it with you if you travel! Especially if you travel to Arizona, lol.
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-08 18:11:00