ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Hong Kong Police Clearance sent to NVC
My wife had her interview at the Manila Embassy Nov 13th and passed pending receipt of her Hong Kong Police clearance. Finally she got notice the police clearance was issued but they sent it to NVC rather than the Manila Embassy.

Do we have to worry about NVC knowing to send it on to Manila?
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-12-11 20:17:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Cases completed at NVC
Yipee! My wife's interview is scheduled for Nov 13th!

THAT'S what I'm talkin' about! good.gif
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-10-09 18:26:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Cases completed at NVC
I just talked to the NVC operator and she said our case was complete September 23rd.

I'm really hoping for a November interview!
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-10-02 14:38:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCRIS Login
QUOTE (sference @ Jul 23 2008, 01:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone having trouble logging into CRIS?


Yep, I get an error message.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-07-23 15:49:00
PhilippinesScanners or Pat-down???
I would prefer that we all just fly nude IF THEY TURN UP THE DARN HEAT IN THE AIRPLANE!
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-06-12 11:26:00
PhilippinesIs there a backlog of passport applications in Phils?
My wife has been putting off renewing her passport. She lives in Baguio and the nearest DFA office is in San Fernando, La Union. Someone told her it would take two months! Yikes! I found a news release from last November that said normal processing is 20 days, expedited for another 250php is 15 days. We got the NOA2 on our CR-1 and I want to move through as quickly as possible.

Anyone have any recent experience with this office?
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-07-22 10:35:00
PhilippinesWhy Choose a Filipino Girl
All true in the case of my Filipina but I hasten to add that one must be careful to choose a well-bred girl. Just like anywhere else, there are "bad apples" that don't have these qualities.

But if you are lucky and get a good one there are no better wives in the world!
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-07-29 11:14:00
PhilippinesNeed Some Advice For My Fiancee and I She is 17
QUOTE (Haole @ Jul 28 2008, 06:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
One thing that may pop up is her relatives having introduced you. I've "heard" USCIS takes a closer look at such cases.


Why would USCIS do that? To be introduced by relatives is the preferred culturally acceptable way for courtships to begin in the Philippines.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-07-29 11:24:00
PhilippinesIntial travel to US from Phils
I would recommend she fly Philippine Airlines for the following reasons:

She uses the much nicer Terminal 2 at Manila.
The flight crew speak her language.
They serve Filipino food.
They have Filipino movies.
It's very likely her seat mate will be a fellow Filipina.
It's either nonstop or one stop to the US.

Then you meet her at her port of entry to the US and fly together to your final destination.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-07-24 14:03:00
Philippinespoe 8.10.2008 at sfo
Congratulations!

We were on the same plane. I was coming back with my son from visiting my wife in Baguio. Hopefully she will be making that trip by Christmas if all goes well. I actually had a pleasant border agent this time smile.gif
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-08-13 15:36:00
Philippinesmy filipino fiancee's new name after our marriage
QUOTE (envy_me @ Aug 15 2008, 12:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (polar77 @ Aug 15 2008, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
so, it looks like just a preference thing huh...... blush.gif


a filipino culture, tradition, whatever u call it.. laughing.gif
it's more of a filipino thing.. blush.gif


I don't know... I think it was a traditional thing in the US too. My mother was born and raised in the US midwest and she used her maiden name as her new middle name after she was married.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-08-15 15:01:00
PhilippinesMoneygram
I use it and like it. Fast and low price.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-07-30 11:54:00
PhilippinesHusband interested in learning Tagalog?
For anyone that works for the US Army as I do you can take the Rosetta Stone Tagalog course online free. Soldiers too. You just need a AKO account.

For me it's just a matter of taking the time and having the discipline to start.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-09-15 15:50:00
PhilippinesNo DV process not retroactive
Well cases are definitely moving faster through the system in the states at the service centers and NVC so it makes sense that USEM is getting more cases dumped in their lap lately. Let's hope that they deal with the increased load intelligently.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-10-14 09:31:00
PhilippinesIf the HK police clearance doesn't arrive in time
I called my wife just as she left the embassy and she said the interview went fine. I forgot to ask about the pink and white slips but she said the CO said the HK police clearance hadn't arrived yet (as expected) but they kept her passport and she paid the visa delivery fee so that sounds like a good thing!
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-11-13 14:35:00
PhilippinesIf the HK police clearance doesn't arrive in time
My wife is to have her interview at the USEM Nov 13. All her documents are in except the Hong Kong police clearance she needs since she worked there a few years. The police clearance is to be sent directly to the embassy.

If she passes her interview and that is all that is lacking will they keep her passport and just wait? Or will they return it and make her come back to the embassy later?
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-11-03 11:27:00
PhilippinesCENOMAR
My wife had her interview Nov 13th. Her appointment letter stated she had all the required documents submitted. Based on reports on VJ I had her get the CENMAR anyway. She WAS asked for the CENMAR by the prescreener and thank goodness was able to produce it.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-11-21 11:16:00
PhilippinesShippers
QUOTE (Bésame Mucho @ Dec 2 2008, 02:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Allan - I wish you and your GI (Genuine Igorota) wife the best of luck. Can you tell her "Naimbag a Pascua" from me. And to you also.


Agyamanak!

Will you be living in New Mexico? One of my favorite places. We'll have to come visit you, ha ha ha!
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-12-02 17:48:00
PhilippinesShippers
Thanks everyone. I just sent the envelope by FedEx. Seems to have the most votes here and in another thread. Besides, they were closest, lol.

Ended up costing $53 'coz it was under half a lb and fit into their standard envelope and is supposed to be there in Baguio Friday.

That's about twice what USPS International Express is but I think I have more peace of mind.

I was also worried about someone scanning the magnetic strip information so I put the card between two sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil. I don't know if that will help but at least I tried.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-12-02 17:18:00
PhilippinesShippers
I need to send my wife a credit card in her name. It will be unactivated until I know she has received it but it's very very important that she does get it. I have sent documents by US postal service international express but I don't trust sending a credit card that way.

DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer shipping at around $75. Does anyone have experiences using these services? Any failures?
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-12-02 11:14:00
PhilippinesCalling all GIs ......
My wife is from Baguio and is Ibaloi/Kankanee. Her native dialect is Ilocano though.

I guess she's a Genuine Igorota? tongue_ss.gif

She'll be joining me in Olympia, Washington hopefully by Christmas.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-09-29 10:34:00
PhilippinesQuestions about the interview
I am 60 and my wife is 35. She just had her interview (passed!).

The CO did not ask about age directly but she did ask "Why this guy?".

My wife's answer: "Because he is the one who asked me" lol

I guess that satisfied her.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2008-11-21 11:20:00
PhilippinesDelbros visa delivery payment (white slip applicant)
QUOTE (cieloazul @ Jan 16 2009, 05:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Loving Neneng @ Jan 16 2009, 06:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wemissedbigdaddy @ Jan 16 2009, 12:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (cieloazul @ Jan 15 2009, 11:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello, we received a text from delbros asking for confirmation of visa delivery for applicants ..... We texted back a confirmation. Please let us know what the next steps are,,how to pay for the delivery, etc.. Is there an acct number for delbros for delivery?

I dont und what payment you are talking about.Did she have her interview yet?i believed you pay the approved visa delivery after interview.


When my wife had her interview she was told to get a marriage index and bring it to the USEM and when she did she asked when she could pick up her visa as we thought it would be better than getting it delivered and the lady said they would notify her. My wife then got a text saying to deposit the money in Delbros account with the MNL2008XXXXXX number and they would deliver it within 3 days. She did the deposit and two days later she had the visa in hand. Hope this helps.


This sounds almost exactly what we are experiencing. My wife delivered the marriage index along with a annotated copy of the previous marriage on Jan. 8th and Grace/USEM told us our visa had been approved on the 12th. The delbros initial text was sent on the 16th. Later, after sending back a confirmation text and request for further instructions, delbros sent the info about the payment, etc.. Hopefully,,the visas for my wife and two step-children will arrive next week.

As a side note, I want to wait until the visas are delivered before purchasing airline tickets. Is this typical or have other VJers bought the tickets prior to actually having the visas 'in hand'? We've had delays at each step in this process, so I'm a little hesitant to purchase the tickets before we actually have the visas.


I'd wait for visa in hand. I'm in the same boat. Status shows "Shipment out for delivery" on the evening of the 16th but lots can happen between Manila and Baguio. Not buying a ticket until she has it.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-01-16 21:35:00
PhilippinesMy wife finally got her visa!
The courier delivered the visa package to my wife's house Wednesday. Her parents accepted it and texted Jan at her work. She immediately went to her principal and gave her two weeks notice then texted me on my cell and yahoo IM both just to make sure, ha ha.

I made reservations on Hawaiian Air to Seattle going through Honolulu as her POE for February 9.

I'm so excited I can't even work today!

Just FYI the package was released on Friday and arrived in Baguio Wednesday.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-01-21 13:33:00
Philippinese-ticket (what is needed at airport?)
Yep, my wife is flying on Hawaiian Air and I got an additional credit card issued in her name and sent it to her. They have the most direct route to Seattle and good prices on one-way tickets (got hers for $596).
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-01-25 12:58:00
PhilippinesPlane Ticket
Be aware that some airlines require the passenger to produce the credit card used to purchase the tickets when they check in at the airport. This was the case for Hawaiian Airlines. I FedExed a credit card in my wife's name to her well in advance of her flight date.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-02-24 16:06:00
PhilippinesBeach resorts
We went to Ilocos Norte a year ago and loved it. One thing you will notice is the towns are cleaner and better kept than some other areas on Luzon.

Saud beach is very nice but the resorts are pricey. Being on a budget we stayed at one of the cheapest, Northridge Resort, +639202205089. The people there were very nice and accomodating. It has a rocky beachfront but you just have to walk a few steps to get to the sandy beach. We took a day trip to a place know as Blue Lagoon which has some type of resort but I have no contact details. It is a lovey and quiet place though.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-03-03 15:14:00
PhilippinesGoing to visit Manila
This topic reminds me of 40 years ago when I was a young US airman at John Hay in Baguio. The Air Force didn't stock fresh milk in the commissary. They had this reconstituted stuff which tasted awful. We drank iced tea and beer as a result. We were warned not to buy fresh dairy products on the local economy because they were not tested or pasteurized. We still had cravings though, and we would buy fresh ice cream at a place on upper Session road. Ummm! I can still remember how good that tasted! Especially the papaya and mango biggrin.gif
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-03-09 10:11:00
PhilippinesNeed help as i'm going to the philippines this coming April 15, 2009.
QUOTE (melvs-bhing @ Mar 10 2009, 01:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I changed my departure date on April 11 and arrive in the philippines on Aprill 12. But i had to pay $250 for the penalty for changing my plane ticket. Wedding date is on May 1.

Does she needs to bring any document if she accompany me to go to the US embassy in manila?


I got my legal capacity to marry at USEM in Oct 2007 and my fiancee was not required to be with me. In fact, I don't think she would be allowed to go in with you. Things may have changed. Has anyone recent experience?
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-03-10 09:31:00
PhilippinesAmerican Filipina relationship user manual
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Mar 3 2009, 04:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance arrived in August 2008 at the age of 20.

I have not seen any temper tantrumn, No Silent Treatment, No threats to run away.

My wife is easy going, and always has a smile on her face and seems to be very happy.

Sound like you have had your hands full

Hopefully things will work out and settle down for you.


Yeah, same here. I haven't seen any of these behaviors mentioned in my wife. But then I've always known my wife is exceptional smile.gif
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-03-03 15:23:00
Philippines'Nicole' now doubts if Smith raped her
I have avoided commenting on this case because only two people know the real facts.

Nevertheless, having been a young US serviceman in the Philippines, I think, like many others I'm sure, "There but for the grace of God, go I".
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-03-17 15:43:00
PhilippinesMinnesota
Wow! I'm amazed and impressed that a Filipina could survive a North Dakota winter blink.gif

(my dad was from ND and he had stories about how cold it got there smile.gif )
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-03-26 13:12:00
PhilippinesENGLISH TIPS
I truly admire Filipinos for being multilingual. I suck at languages. I had two years of French in high school and barely remember anything. Right now I'm trying to learn some Tagalog.

My wife, on the other hand, speaks English (she's an English teacher), Tagalog, Ilocano (her native tongue), Ibaloi, Kankenee (sp?), and picked up a wee bit of Chinese in the five years she worked in Hong Kong.

What kills me is how many Americans complain about the Mexican workers in the US who don't speak much English and then I see how many Americans who live in the Phils ever bother to learn any Tagalog (maybe one in a hundred? LOL).

I'm sure the Filipinos will have a lot of fun listening to me butcher Tagalog, ha ha ha.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-03-26 15:11:00
Philippinespinay..be counted in this thread
My wife has a Bachelors of Science in Education plus completed all work towards her Masters in English as a Second Language lacking only her thesis.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-02-25 12:48:00
PhilippinesPlease give me dos and donts when wife arrives from Manila
Find the local Asian markets that stock Filipino brands. See if there is a local Fil-Am association. Try to discover if any of the local churches has a significant Filipino component in their congregation. Introduce her to the neighbors and especially to your family. Make sure she has some spending money and access to some kind of transportation ( bike, bus, or ?).

Just try to put yourself in her place and imagine what you would like if you were suddenly dropped in a faraway land with no friends, family, or job.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-03-31 10:43:00
PhilippinesJasmine rice
Yeah, I don't like brown rice either. It's also an energy waster because it takes twice as long to cook.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-03-31 10:34:00
PhilippinesDare to Bare?
Hey! This thread needs more pictures, less chatter! LOL Off-Topic2.gif
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-04-13 09:20:00
PhilippinesDare to Bare?
Here's my G.I. (Genuine Igorota)


Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-04-10 18:42:00
PhilippinesRetiring in the Philippines
QUOTE (nowhereman @ May 12 2009, 06:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Haole @ May 12 2009, 02:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rocky_nBullwinkle @ May 11 2009, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (nowhereman @ May 11 2009, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
After I retire from the Army I intend on retiring in the Philippines. I've googled the topic & haven't found as much info as I thought I would. Anyone have some insight on the best places to retire & other pertinent info?


I would try looking into Tagaytay Highlands if you love the peace and quiet.

Ditto! At the same time if you don't speak Tagalog or the local dialect forget it or learn it.
Only social life most puti have that don't know the language is drinking with other expats and chasing young maganda pinay.
Check on the medical also.
DON'T burn your bridges in your home country.

I won't burn bridges in the USA (love my country), but I can live like a king in the Philippines on a military retirement. One thing I will have to check into is how Tricare (health insurance) would work.


There is a yahoo group called livinginthephilippines with a lot of good information in it, including about how tricare works there. Bottom line on healthcare is don't think about it unless you are healthy.

In my opinion it's a bad idea to think about living there just for the economic benefits. Be sure in advance that you love the people and the culture. The Philippines has a lot of rough edges that drive many Americans crazy. It's also tough if you don't have the support of a local family including the extended family of sponsors and friends. Things get done through relationships. If you are single a very careful choice of a filipina mate and her family will make all the difference.

Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-05-12 10:32:00
PhilippinesNot formally engaged yet but...
Good advice so far but I hope you really don't have "firearms laying about the place". I'm a gun owner too and always keep them locked up. Too many criminals can easily steal guns they find laying around.
Allan_DMalePhilippines2009-07-06 12:36:00