ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesPassport via outreach program
I meant necessarily

Edited by let-it-be, 14 July 2012 - 06:02 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-07-14 18:01:00
PhilippinesPassport via outreach program

You can't bring your own pre-paid envelope, because nowhere can you find the FROM: address until you get to the outreach. Yes, I could have gotten the address then, went out and bought the pre-paid, then went back the next day, but it wasn't worth it to me. I just paid.



Really. I did bring my own two pre-paid envelopes for my boys (minor 3 y/o & 2 y/o) passport applications during the outreach program. But they only took one envelope. You don't necessary need to write anything on the FROM portion, only the TO ( your home address).

Edited by let-it-be, 14 July 2012 - 05:56 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-07-14 17:47:00
PhilippinesPassport via outreach program

I went to a different state but got mine in 40 days. $19 for mailing the new passport to you???? :wow: I only paid $6 in December - did you have it expedited?


That is USPS Express Mail Flat Rate . If you did not bring your own self-addressed envelope, the consulate will provide the envelope for $19. They just round it off from $18.95.

Edited by let-it-be, 14 July 2012 - 04:38 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-07-14 16:37:00
PhilippinesPhilippine passport

My Husband is intrested to obtain a Philippine passport. I have researched online on how he can apply for one but its just so confusing, Does anyone have info on this? Btw, he's pure caucasian.

Thanks ;)


Your husband cannot apply for a Philippine passport for he is not a Filipino citizen. For a foreigner who wants to Naturalize in the Philippines, the residency requirement is 10 yrs.
If married to a Filipino citizen it will only be 5 yrs.

Ask your husband if he is willing to renounce his US citizenship.

http://immigration.g...d=206&Itemid=37



Edited by let-it-be, 31 July 2012 - 03:52 AM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-07-31 03:49:00
PhilippinesForms of ID

What is PRC and SSS? Thanks.


Professional Regulation Commission ID - licensed professionals ID
SSS - Social Security System ID
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-02 09:59:00
PhilippinesREPORT OF MARRIAGE OR NOT BEFORE CR1 APPLICATION
Edit my above post to:

Only marriages CONTRACTED abroad of Filipino citizen/s can file for Report of Marriage.

Edited by let-it-be, 31 July 2012 - 01:08 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-07-31 13:07:00
PhilippinesREPORT OF MARRIAGE OR NOT BEFORE CR1 APPLICATION

Hi Everyone,

I got married last May 2012 in the Philippines, then my husband flew back to USA and I flew back to UK. We have our marriage certificate already. But still waiting for NSO certificate.
My question is this, I still do not want to change my name yet but are we able to start the filing even we do have our marriage certificate in hand and haven't reported my marriage in Philippines? Or NSO is considered as Marriage reported? Just really confused about this. thanks

-Yalee


You don't need to file for Report of Marriage. You are already registered in Civil Registrar because you got married in the Philippines. Only marriages abroad can file for Report of Marriage.

Edited by let-it-be, 31 July 2012 - 12:59 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-07-31 12:56:00
PhilippinesFil-Am Baby born in the US

Thank you so much!



Your welcome! Posted Image
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-06 15:39:00
PhilippinesFil-Am Baby born in the US

Hi everyone,

I am not sure where to post this question. And since this is Philippine related question I decided to post it here. i have a question, I know that under the principle of jus sanguinis which the Philippines has,which means that those who were born of Filipino fathers or mothers are considered citizens of the Philippines. If a baby is born here in the US, with a USC father and Philippines Citizen mother, by virtue of the doctrine of jus soli ( here in the US ) the baby is likewas a US citizen. There is no need to for the to child recognized as a Philippine citizen because the constitution itself grants im/her the Philippines Citizenship through jus sanguinis. So my question now is, how will the Child get a recognition of his Philippines Citizenship? Anybody knows he process and so as the fees to include? - Thank you everyone!


You need to File a Report of Birth to the Philippine consulate that has jurisdiction to your state. The fee is $25.

Here are the requirements:

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Four (4) original duly-accomplished Report of Birth application forms, typed or printed legibly in black or blue ink, and notarized if sent by mail
  • One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of Birth Certificate (original will be returned)
  • One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of Marriage Certificate of the parents (original will be returned)
  • Notarized Affidavit of Acknowledgment of the Paternity and Permission to Use Father's Surname, executed by the father, if parents are not married and the father's surname is being used by the child
  • One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of proof of Philippine citizenship of either parent at time of birth of the child, such as Philippine passport (original will be returned), and photocopies of alien registration card, for green card holders. If only one parent is a Filipino at the time of child's birth, the non-Filipino parent must submit four (4) photocopies of a government-issued identification card or passport.
  • For parents who are dual citizens, four (4) photocopies of Order of Approval or Petition for Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship, indicating the name of the child as a minor-beneficiary of the parent's re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship.
  • If applicable, four (4) photocopies of U.S. Naturalization Certificate of parent(s).
  • Notarized affidavit explaining the reasons for delayed registration, if Report of Birth is filed more than a year after the child is born
  • Self-addressed return envelope, with appropriate stamps, via US Postal Service or private courier of choice, preferably with tracking numbers, if Report of Birth is to be mailed back
  • Processing fee of $25.00 (non-refundable), payable in money order, bank draft, certified check or cashier's check, and cash when personally applying. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.
The link is http://www.philippin...f/faq-sf/#birth

Edited by let-it-be, 06 August 2012 - 10:37 AM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-06 10:36:00
PhilippinesKumpleto na ba to? Pls help?

Hi Sis and Bros!


I got married last May 15 2009 at nagbakasyon sa pinas nitong taong April 2012. Pwede na ba akong mag apply? Mayroon na akong 2 x 2 passport photo, N400 form, copy of greencard and tska bayad nag $680, may kulang pa ba? And last question eh sino ang mga Lone Star State or Taga Texas dito?


Eto ang mga documents aside sa N-400 Form na finil-apan mo


Photocopy of both sides ng Permanent Resident Card
Two (2) 2 X 2 passport size photos
$680 check or money order
Photocopy of Marriage Certificate
Photocopy of US citizen's (Spouse) Birth Certificate
Photocopy of Divorce Decree, Annulment or Death Certificate (if previously married)
Photocopy of Tax Returns or Tax Transcripts for the last 3 yrs
Photocopy of Utility bill(s) with both your names on it
Photocopy of Joint Bank account (s)
Photocopy of lease(s) (if you are included in the lease)


If applicable sa inyong mag asawa (if he has children from a previous marriage)

Photocopy of court or government printout of child support payments or
Photocopy cancelled checks or receipts or
Photocopy of Evidence of Wage garnishments or
A letter from the parent or guardian who is taking care of his child/children

Here is the link sa Complete Document Checklist http://www.uscis.gov...attachments.pdf




let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-06 16:25:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar

Hi guys, i am wondering if my Mom would need the CFO Seminar/ sticker before she can leave the country? She's getting an IR-5 visa. Since we live in Davao, we need to plan accordingly to make sure that we'll get everything taken care of and not miss a thing.

TIA.


-jean :)


Yes, she definitely has to attend the seminar and register with the CFO before leaving the country.

All the information can be found in this link:

http://www.cfo.gov.p...1347&Itemid=917

Edited by let-it-be, 07 August 2012 - 06:39 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-07 18:37:00
Philippinesreport of marriage and passport renew

The copy they handed us was just one of the copies we gave them, officially signed. They told us we could request a certificate from the (NSO? I forget the right PI organization) in a few months. Not sure if it is really needed, however.


You are right, it is the National Statistics Office (NSO) Philippines. Posted Image
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-07 18:51:00
Philippinesreport of marriage and passport renew

hello to all, I have another question, I will do my report of marriage and passport renewal in Washington DC, do i need to bring 2 return postal envelop? because it says that both need a postal return? i wonder if 1 return envelop will do my original marriage certificate and the renew passport.


If you are applying in person then you don't need two (2) self-addressed envelopes. They will just hand you back your copy of the Report of Marriage. So only one (1) self-addressed envelope ......for the renewal of passport. Posted Image
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-07 17:07:00
Philippinesdual citizenship
Correction to my post above:

I meant - Posted Image

After you & your Filipina fiancee are married and decides to visit Philippines, that's when you can avail of the Balikbayan Visa Privilege.
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-07 19:25:00
Philippinesdual citizenship

I am a US citizen by birth. My parents were both born in the Philippines. My parents arrived in the US in the early 70s and became US citizens about a year before I was born so they could sponsor their parents and siblings, which I guess means they gave up their Philippine citizenship? Then in 2003 i guess the Philippine government says you can't lose your Philippines citizenship due to naturalization in a foreign country and gives them the opportunity to re-acquire it. My parents have not applied for dual citizenship but will do so eventually.

My question is assuming they get their Philippine citizenship back because they never should have lost it in the first place and knowing that any child born to a Philippine mother makes them a Philippine citizen, does that make me qualified to apply for dual citizenship as well? If no, can I do anything?

I guess the reason why I'm asking this is because of

1) Almost all of my fiancee's family and some of my family live in the Philippines and so I may have extended stays over there.
2) Eventually I'd like to purchase land and/or property with my fiancee so we wouldn't have to rely on staying with her family or my family when we visit.


You can avail of the Balikbayan Visa Privilege when you & your Filipina wife visits Philippines together. No visa will be required for a maximum stay of one (1) year. Philippine citizens, former Philippine citizens (who have become Naturalized US citizens), foreign spouses and foreign minor unmarried children of Philippine Citizens can avail of this.

The former Philippine citizen shall declare before a Philippine Immigration Officer at the port of entry that he/she is availing of the balikbayan privilege and shall present his/her valid passport in addition to any of the following documents

1. cancelled Philippine passport
2. birth certificate;
3. naturalization papers to show former Philippine citizenship; or
4. certification from the adopted country.

The accompanying foreign spouse and foreign minor unmarried children of Filipinos and former Filipino citizens shall declare before a Philippine Immigration Officer at the port of entry that he/she is accompanied by a Filipino or former Filipino spouse or parent and that he/she is availing of the balikbayan privilege, and shall present his/her valid passport in addition to the following:

1. Foreign spouse: Valid passport and Marriage certificate
2. Foreign Minor unmarried children: Birth certificate
3. Adopted children: Adoption papers


http://immigration.g...d=239&Itemid=80

THE BALIKBAYAN PRIVILEGE (R.A.6768 as amended)

By legal definition, a Balikbayan is:

1. A Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least 1 year;
2. A Filipino overseas worker; or
3. A former Filipino citizen and his or her family, who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines.

? The "Balikbayan Privilege" may be availed of by foreign family members of all 3 classifications provided that they travel together everytime they enter the country (MEMORANDUM dated July 1, 2008 issued by Atty. Edgardo L. Mendoza, Chief, IRD).

? "FAMILY" shall mean the spouse and the children of the Balikbayan who are not Balikbayan in their own right traveling with the latter to the Philippines. (Section 2 (b) of R.A. no. 9174, amending R.A. 6768, entitled: "An Act Instituting a "BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM", by providing Additional Benefits and Privileges to Balikbayan and for other purposes").

Edited by let-it-be, 07 August 2012 - 06:28 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-07 18:25:00
Philippinesdual citizenship
edit

Edited by let-it-be, 07 August 2012 - 05:40 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-07 17:39:00
Philippinesinterview time

Hi all.

I wanna know what time should I best arrive at the USEM on my interview? My schedule is 7.30 am..

And also, I'm just curious about the documents that I'm going to show them, are they getting those or they just look at them and return the documents to the applicant? I'm planning to submit just photocopies and just bring the originals just in case they ask.. But I will ask them to return the originals to me. Gosh I'm scared, I hope the CO wont mind. :wacko:

Looking forward for replies! Thanks in advance!:)


I stayed at Bayview Park Hotel which was across from the US Embassy, so I didn't have to worry about being late. I went to the US embassy around 6 AM even though my appointment wasn't until 7:30 am.

They will actually ask for the original documents such as your NSO Birth Certificate, CENOMAR and NBI Clearance. You have no choice.

Before your flight to the states you can just go back to NSO for a Birth Certificate if that is the original document you want to have.

Good luck! Posted Image

Edited by let-it-be, 08 August 2012 - 03:10 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-08 15:07:00
Philippinesadopton consent

Hi everybody!I'm not sure if I'm on the right page but I'm not sure where to ask. Any response would be greatly appreciated. My parents who are in the Philippines is in the process of adopting my niece(who is the Philippines as well). My niece( my sister's daughter) has been living with my family in the philippines since she was born and my parents has been her legal guardian ever since and has my parents last name. I'm here in the US and the lawyer who is handling the adoption process needs my consent to be her sister. And he said there is a new law that I need to get the consent RED ribboned here in the states. from my understanding you only need a document red ribboned if it is executed in the Philippines and I don't know anywhere here in the states to get it done at. has anyone heard about this new law? and can anyone tell me where to get it done at? thank you so much!


It is the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that will red ribboned the documents that are executed or sourced within the Philippine legal jurisdiction. You can have your documents authenticated here in the states by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate.

Go to this link for more information about authentication of your documents.

http://www.philippin...#authentication

Any legal document issued in the U.S. must first be acknowledged or authenticated (‘consularized’) by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General in order for that document to have any legal validity in the Philippines. Please check the Consulate Finder or the Consulates Link for the states covered by the Embassy/Consulates General in the U.S.

Each “consularized” document will bear the seal of the Embassy/Consulate General and the signature of the authenticating officer. The Philippine Embassy/Consulate General does not assume responsibility for the contents of the document.

PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS for private documents, such as Special Power of Attorney, General Power of Attorney, Affidavit, Certification, Deed of Donation, Deed of Sale, Extra-judicial Settlement of Estate, etc:

1. Original and one (1) photocopy of document and all enclosures. Document/s should be signed by the signatories/affiants before a Consular Officer.

2. Original and one (1) photocopy of a valid passport or government-issued identification card (original will be returned)

3. If sent by mail:

  • Documents must be notarized by a Notary Public; and
  • Signature of the Notary Public must be authenticated by the Secretary of State where the Notary Public is registered (for applicants coming from states in the U.S. Southeast Region, please refer to the directory below of authenticating officers of the Secretaries of States).

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-08 15:32:00
PhilippinesAFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT

HI EVERYONE!

one quick question;

for the fiancee visa there's this affidavit of support that my fiance needs to file. whats the difference between i-134 and and I-864? and which of these two is necessary? im lazy to go over the info so i might as well just ask here . haha. thank you all..




This is K1 Interview Preparation Instructions (English) (PDF - 285 KB). Just click directly on that link.
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-08 14:37:00
PhilippinesReport of Marriage - Name on Marriage Certificate Different from Form

I was speaking to a couple yesterday that had renewed their passport at an outreach program that the consulate had yesterday. He had said that the passport name must be [first name] [maiden surname] [my surname]. He had said also, and I found other information saying so as well, that she could have "Mrs. [my full name]" on her passport as well.

http://www.manilatim...in-her-passport

From the link above, they state the following from the "Philippine Passport Act of 1996":



Based on this, if we can use the second option for her name on her passport, then we would have no problem in that regard. But, the article also states that since it says "may", it is more or less up to the discretion of the consulate.

Our AOS is currently processing with her current married name and we have already gone through name changes on the identification documents that she has.

My biggest concern at the moment is if putting her non-philippines standard married name on the report of marriage so that it matches the name on the marriage certificate. The question is then if I use her current name on the report of marriage, could there be a conflict when trying to amend/renew her passport?

She eventually plans on getting her citizenship after meeting the requirements and then we could do a name change without any fee. Otherwise, after getting the green card, a name change would require a fee of $450 plus fees and hassle of changing her name everywhere else.

Thank you for all of the response so far. They have been helpful.


I don't think there will be any conflict if you use her current name on the Report of Marriage. They will follow what the Phil standard is for names on Philippine documents especially passports. Personally, i think in this way they can trace you back to your maiden name ( father's surname) like in the birth certificate document.
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-12 10:43:00
PhilippinesReport of Marriage - Name on Marriage Certificate Different from Form

Dunno why they told you that. We did [first name] [maiden name] {my surname], and they were just fine with it.

This was the San Francisco consulate



If you were referring to my post. In my sons' birth certificates their [first name] [middle name] [hubby's surname] and on their Phil passport [first name + middle name] [my maiden name] [hubby's surname].

Edited by let-it-be, 12 August 2012 - 10:32 AM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-12 10:32:00
PhilippinesReport of Marriage - Name on Marriage Certificate Different from Form
The Philippine Consulate will automatically use the Philippine standard for names. My children were born here in the states & we named them using the American standard for names. Hubby wanted it that way! I didn't mind, although I would have preferred to use the Philippine standard. When we applied for my sons' Phil passports, we were told that my maiden name will appear as their middle name. We didn't have a choice. The consulate were pretty adamant about it Posted Image.
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-12 00:54:00
PhilippinesRenewal Of Philippine Passport

Thanks for the information. I had someone suggest going before 5 am. I will have to admit I do not want to get in line that early. :wacko:


They are done early though. And others travel from another state so they wouldn't take the chance waiting in line for the whole day only to find out they can't be accommodated for that day and have to come back the next day.

Edited by let-it-be, 12 August 2012 - 05:55 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-12 17:53:00
PhilippinesRenewal Of Philippine Passport

I think my wife and I are heading to Washington DC tomorrow to get her passport renewed and also get it changed to her married name. I think I have all the documents in order. I have heard that the embassy will not let us make an appointment, is that true? I have also heard that in order to make sure you get seen that day you should get in line very early. Has anyone done this lately? Do I need an appointment? If not what time should I arrive at the embassy to give us our best shot at getting this done in one day? Thanks in advance for your help.


That's correct, you don't need an appointment, it is a first-come first-serve basis. Best time to arrive will be around 7 or 8 am, Others are more inclined to be there before the doors are even open. I personally wouldn't get up at the crack of dawn just to be there early.

Edited by let-it-be, 12 August 2012 - 05:17 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-12 17:15:00
PhilippinesPossible question for interview?

Here's what my wife was asked:

Who is the petitioner?
How did you meet?
When did you first meet?
When did you meet in person?
When was the last time you saw him?

Then she looked at our pictures and said we're approved.


Wow, those were the exactly the same questions that the consular officer asked me. The CO was probably in her late 20's.
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-14 13:35:00
PhilippinesManila CFO account

Ah the controversial seminar.Posted Image Love it or hate it!

BRING your petitioners BIRTH CERT and DIVORCE CERT (if applicable) !! Copy is fine. They will just look at it.
There were some that had to come back the next day with those papers.. and take the seminar again! Posted Image Not sure if they have to pay again.

My fiance said the instructor had a lot of experience counseling abused women overseas. So her focus was to prevent that.
If you are not confident or sure of yourself, they might pick up on that and grill you. They want to help prevent anyone getting exploited. If that is not you, then you have nothing to fear right?
The web site says 9am - 12pm but it didn't start that day until 10:30 and finished at 3:00. Waiting for the certificate took another hour. Out at 4pm. So be careful of your schedule!!
Get there early and eat a big breakfast. Bring biscuits for snacks.


On their site, It is stated on number 4 for the requirements to bring "other documents" that maybe asked by the counselors. It is really not clear what documents might that be. To be on the safe side, bring all the paper works that one had or will bring to the us embassy. In this way, applicant will have the confidence during the cfo seminar/registration. I did it this way, They didn't give me a hard time. As the saying goes, I had my ducks in a row.

Edited by let-it-be, 14 August 2012 - 01:27 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-14 13:20:00
PhilippinesSt. Mary Euphrasia Guidance Counselling Seminar Schedule
Click the link to see the CFO Location map: http://www.cfo.gov.p...s/mapmanila.jpg Posted Image
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-19 17:25:00
Philippinesconfused and worried
Meeting in person can be waived under two exceptions:
1. If the requirement to meet would violate strict and long-established customs of your or your fiancé(e)'s foreign culture or social practice.
2. If you prove that the requirement to meet would result in extreme hardship to you.

http://www.uscis.gov...000082ca60aRCRD

Although, it is a rare case. I heard of someone in another forum that was able to overcome the meeting in person requirement.

I will post the link later once I find it. Posted Image

Edited by let-it-be, 17 August 2012 - 05:01 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-17 16:58:00
Philippinescfo seminar..need it

hi to all..anyone here know where is the location of cfo seminar?....pls help..tnxx....need it next week and some infos...


Location map: http://www.cfo.gov.p...s/mapmanila.jpg


CFO link: http://www.cfo.gov.p...1348&Itemid=918

Edited by let-it-be, 17 August 2012 - 06:43 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-17 18:41:00
PhilippinesCFO seminar/sticker

Hi, you have a point there, but I am holding temporary residence permit through family immigration (spouse sponsor renewable every year) issued in norway. From the list of the exemption, it says permanent residence visa.
Can you explain it more, sorry I am really confused here. I am wasn't aware of this CFO thing, coz I moved to Norway from Dubai. It was just a snap when I searched online if there's any documents or anything I should prepare because I am going to Philippines for vacation this week. To be honest, its been nights thinking about this.
Thank you very much for your reply.


How about you send an email to CFO & direct all your questions to them? http://www.cfo.gov.p...id=1&Itemid=841

or call them :
CFO Manila Location Tel. chrome-extension://lifbcibllhkdhoafpjfnlhfpfgnpldfl/numbers_button_skype_logo.png(+632) 552-4700

My guess is that they are going to tell you that regardless if it's a temporary or permanent residence visa or permit issued abroad, you are still exempted. But I could be wrong.



Edited by let-it-be, 20 August 2012 - 06:45 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-20 18:43:00
PhilippinesPhilippines in LL Softball World Series
Living in Portland, I love being able to go to the Little League Softball World Series every year. One of my favorite teams to watch this year is Asia Pacific, represented by Muntinlupa Little League from the Philippines... they play with a lot of heart and have a hugely supportive fan base! They came out of pool play 3-1 and are now into the semifinals, playing (a very tough) Central team from Illinois. In case anyone is interesting in watching, the game is being broadcast live on ESPN 2 at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern. Just thought I would throw that out there Posted Image

Philippines Team Page
kimsueFemaleFrance2011-08-16 11:35:00
Philippineshelp me guys to find a place to stay for 1 month in makati or pasay,that i can afford, maybe as low 10k

hi huys please help me to find a place that i can stay for 1month here in manila,must cheaper..lol maybe least than 10k a month...thanks


There's quite a number of apartelles or serviced apartments in Makati or Pasay that will suit your needs and budget. They have daily/weekly/monthly rates. Try Googling "apartelle," "hostel," "serviced apartments" in those locations.

Condo rentals will typically require at least one month deposit and 1 to 2 months advance and the cheaper business hotels would still probably cost you more than P10K for a month's stay.

Grace

Edited by graceroxas, 02 April 2011 - 01:13 AM.

graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-04-02 01:12:00
PhilippinesPower outages, brownouts in Mindanao

True to a significant degree, but are you saying I'm imagining the bombings of towers?

Cheers.


Nope. Bombings in Muslim Mindanao are so much a part of many Pinoys' idea of business as usual there that they hardly make headlines anymore in the national news, unless MILF and the other Islamic renegades bring their dirty business to a busy Metro Manila street or the body count is very high indeed that "imperial" Manila just had to take notice.


Grace
graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-03-26 01:43:00
PhilippinesPower outages, brownouts in Mindanao

Brownouts have been common because the water levels in the Hydro plants have been low for some time. Almost 3/4 of the hydro on Mindanao is from plants on the Agus River, eminating out of Lake Lanao in the heart of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). More than half the electricity is hydro on Mindanao.

The additional factor there is that the MILF blows up the distribution line towers from time to time because they don't like the resources from their region being commandeered by the government.

In Iligan City, the first major city directly from the Agus River power stations, eight-hour brown-outs were occurring in our sector of the city one year ago. It's better now but there are still fairly regular rolling brownouts. We bought a generator for our house.

El Nino is the main culprit on these water level crises. They are installing more capacity. APC claims they have 55 hydro plants on the board.


The MILF seems to have a more complicated relationship with the power companies there. When I was writing a coffee table book under the auspices of the National Power Corp, I had to forgo going to that area myself because apparently, we would have to be escorted to certain places of interest not by government soldiers but by MILF rebels. There seems to be a gentlemen's agreement in place that enables government to nominally function in the MILF-controlled areas.


Grace
graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-03-24 21:11:00
PhilippinesTaking Medical results to interview

All visa applicants, regardless of age, need to complete a medical examination at the St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic (SLMCEC) before the visa interview. Applicants are advised to have their medical examinations done at least one week before their interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.


Yes, we were advised to have medical at least 5 working days before the interview as SLMCEC needs some time to write up the results.

Grace
graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-04-23 18:56:00
PhilippinesU.S. Embassy Formally Opens New Annex Building For Consular Services And Other Offices
2nd biggest US consular building in the world next to Mexico. Hope it delivers :)

http://www.gmanews.t...ssy-binuksan-na

Edited by graceroxas, 27 April 2011 - 11:33 PM.

graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-04-27 23:33:00
PhilippinesU.S. Embassy Formally Opens New Annex Building For Consular Services And Other Offices
Wow, are we gonna be interviewed in this swanky,new facility.

http://manila.usemba...annex_bldg.html
graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-04-27 19:58:00
PhilippinesStranger things have been said...BUT

You are right about that Thom . Maybe if they go to N.Y or california --it will be a cultural shock for them , and they better adjust fast . Its funny --when I was there , I told them I was a negrois (native filpina)--(I hope I get the spelling right --lol) They are darker than I , and their hair is more ''kinker '' than mine --lol . I wonder if they have the same opinion of the natives as they do of us .


You must mean the Negritos. The term refers to a number of aboriginal tribes in the Philippines (e.g. Aetas, Dumagats, Agtas) with negroid features.

These people are mostly in the boondocks, very clannish and largely economically marginalized, even in their own turf. These things make the race question a bit more complicated. Whatever race-related feelings the "unats" (the straight-haired i.e. the rest of the Filipino population) may have for the "kulots" (curly-haired) also tend to be mixed up with perceptions of these aborigines as isolated primitives and beggars.


Grace

Edited by graceroxas, 26 April 2011 - 10:03 PM.

graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-04-26 22:02:00
PhilippinesStranger things have been said...BUT

Yes I am well aware of the zillions of bleaching products found in Phils, which totally bends my mind :bonk: .


I used to tell my fiance that I'd probably stand out in my dermatologist's memory as her only (Filipina) patient more concerned with a good tan rather than digging into her epidermis for long-lost evidence of a hidden Spanish ancestry :blush:

For people so racially oppressed in the past (or maybe because of it),many Pinoys can actually be quite bigoted, as has been said by others here. On the face of it, the Filipino words "tisoy"(short for mestizo) and "egoy" (derived from Negro) are supposed to be neutral terms, but we all know they're not. One would sooner call someone "tisoy" to his face than call someone "egoy," even if all we want to do is describe and not judge. These words have evolved thus.

If you do encounter bigots in Manila or elsewhere, I'd say that with their parochial world view, arising most likely from a limited education, they have a bigger problem than you. You probably won't want their company anyway even if you're Brad Pitt.

Grace

Edited by graceroxas, 26 April 2011 - 08:11 PM.

graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-04-26 20:07:00
PhilippinesFilipino Men "Most Narcissistic in Asia"

"nine out of 10 Filipino men polled said they liked to look good for themselves, not anyone else."


So I guess they indeed fit the textbook definition of "narcissistic" then :blush: But I myself am all for guys who in the vernacular are "mukhang mabango." Scruffy handsome types don't do it for me.

Grace

Edited by graceroxas, 28 April 2011 - 09:37 PM.

graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-04-28 21:36:00