ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesMail to Philippines

From my experience the package was sent thru FED EX from the US and then it was 2GO Courier that delivered it when it reached the Philippines. You can ask them to be sure.


If you're sending to someone based outside of Metro Manila and other major urban areas like Cebu, the international courier companies (FedEx, DHL, UPS etc) usually work with a local partner like 2GO. This can add days to the delivery estimate of the international courier both ways.

Btw, I find DHL to be the fastest for outbound packages (going to the US).


Grace
graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-03-15 23:28:00
PhilippinesYou Might Be Filipino If Thread

You Might Be Filipino If...your nieces, nephews, siblings, etc etc...has nick names such as...Junjun, Ningning, Lengleng, Ghingghing,...:rofl:


And you're still nicknamed "Baby" even in your dotage just because you're probably the "bunso" in your family :)

Edited by graceroxas, 17 July 2011 - 01:09 PM.

graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-07-17 13:09:00
PhilippinesYou Might Be Filipino If Thread

You might be Filipino if.... you put chopped hotdogs in your spaghetti.


And the spaghetti sauce is sweetish. It has catsup kasi :)
graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-07-14 21:54:00
PhilippinesHigh school CAT and I-485 questionnaire
Hello guys,

To those filling up the I-485 form for adjustment of status and were old enough to have undergone the Citizen Advancement Training (CAT) in high school, how did you reply to question #18 under Part 3 "Have you ever received any type of military, paramilitary and weapons training?"

CAT is supposed to be this rudimentary military training that every high school senior in the Philippines has to go through. But answering "yes" to this question seems to be a lot of hassle in the making... I'm really inclined to just put "no" although that might not be truthful.

Grace

Edited by graceroxas, 19 August 2011 - 12:02 PM.

graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-08-19 12:00:00
PhilippinesProblems calling the Philippines?

Has anyone else had trouble connecting with the Philippines since the earthquake? Some nights I only get a message saying: "Your call cannot be completed as dialed." for several attempts then it will finally connect.

Some nights I never do get through.

I called the phone company and they said everything checks out OK, I wonder if the increased traffic with people trying to connect with friends/family in Japan is just overloading the system.

Anybody else having troubles as well?


Are you calling PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Co.)?

I know PLDT/Smart encountered an earthquake-related problem with their international cable facility. They have an advisory for customers calling their repair hotline as of early last week. Not sure if they've fixed the problem already. I won't be surprised if the other telcos also had that same issue.


Grace

Edited by graceroxas, 27 March 2011 - 07:56 PM.

graceroxasFemalePhilippines2011-03-27 19:56:00
PhilippinesApplying for passport name change while visiting the Philippines
Hello everyone!

Is anyone familiar with the procedure for passport name change application with DFA Manila?

I married a US citizen and has adopted my husband's surname. Am now in the Philippines for a vacation. I'm just wondering if it's easier to apply directly with DFA Manila for this instead of going to a Philippine consulate abroad. Unfortunately, the DFA official website can't seem to provide the right information.

Thanks in advance for any replies.
graceroxasFemalePhilippines2012-04-08 03:23:00
PhilippinesBalikbayan Boxes
Hi Ria,

Welcome to the U.S.?

Sa Oregon ka ba? If you are, then LBC is the courier for you :) I send my boxes thru them, and it's $65.00 per box. check out their website for more info:

http://www.lbcexpres...sa/default.aspx

I haven't been back to the Phil. since I cam here more than a year a go, and I was able to send a balikbayan box, so you can too. I guess it's called balikbayan box kasi bound to Pinas (buti pa ang box!) They have an official LBC box they sell for $3.00 (i think it's an 18x20x20), no weight limit (just be sure they can move or pick-up the box:), and they will replace the box for free. their office is in Powell Blvd., Portland, just check the website for the exact address and call them to schedule a pick-up.

there's no additional fees/customs fees, etc anymore, but they have a list of things that you can't send (nasa website din). and since it's a sea cargo, it will take more than a month to reach your folks in the philippines.

i hope this answers your questions and concerns.




Hi guys,

I just wanted to know if it's safe sending balikbayan boxes to the PI. I was thinking of sending one to the family back home. Also I have just arrived in the US, so would I even qualify to be able to use one or do I need to go home first to be considered a balikbayan? My husband threw in another concern too and that is customs and applicable fees. How much would it cost to send one? Would it have a hard time going through customs?

Sorry guys. I am just not sure where to get the answers to my concerns. I have looked on some courier sites but nothing seemed specific.

Thanks a whole whole lot to any answers that come my way.







Ria
[/quote]
betsayFemale02010-04-06 20:36:00
PhilippinesDo we really have to wait?
QUOTE (kalapino @ Jul 20 2008, 03:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Donny @ Jul 20 2008, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, you can call to inquire if your petition has finally reached USE.

Our petition was already in the USE but we were not able to schedule an interview appointment on our first call (April 29). As it turned out, that first call generated the issuance of our eligibility letter the following day. When we called several days later on May 5, we finally scheduled the appointment even though I still did not received the said letter. So the next day, we flew to Manila for an early medical exam for May 7 & 8. I was already in NAIA terminal when DHL sent me a text msg that they have a letter from the USE. I was by myself then as my fiance's flight was delayed for many hours. We wanted to be in the same flight but his flight was fully booked. Since our flights were only an hour apart we thought it was okay. Beware to those that will book their flight thru PAL website, they will not inform the customer that they are going to put you in their "sister company" AirPhilippines flight.

Guess you can say we had a very exciting experience. biggrin.gif One unexpected thing after another. laughing.gif


Thanks.
thats what i was planning to do. I am not sure why the othey replys came back ticked off.

I figured that we can schedule the interview since we have the MNL # and we will get the letter in a week or so. And as soon as we get it its on to ST Lukes for the early medical.

I appreciate the proactive and posative reply.
Peace and Ingat Po !
good.gif





You're welcome! yes.gif

Good luck! good.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-07-20 17:11:00
PhilippinesDo we really have to wait?
Yes, you can call to inquire if your petition has finally reached USE.

Our petition was already in the USE but we were not able to schedule an interview appointment on our first call (April 29). As it turned out, that first call generated the issuance of our eligibility letter the following day. When we called several days later on May 5, we finally scheduled the appointment even though I still did not received the said letter. So the next day, we flew to Manila for an early medical exam for May 7 & 8. I was already in NAIA terminal when DHL sent me a text msg that they have a letter from the USE. I was by myself then as my fiance's flight was delayed for many hours. We wanted to be in the same flight but his flight was fully booked. Since our flights were only an hour apart we thought it was okay. Beware to those that will book their flight thru PAL website, they will not inform the customer that they are going to put you in their "sister company" AirPhilippines flight.

Guess you can say we had a very exciting experience. biggrin.gif One unexpected thing after another. laughing.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-07-20 16:51:00
Philippinesjust arrive in washington seattle
Welcome to US of A. biggrin.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-07-22 13:53:00
PhilippinesCarol Misses tabo
I missed tabo too sad.gif . I am using a big tumbler since I arrived here. My fiance was wondering why it was in the bathroom all the time hahaha laughing.gif. I explained that I don't feel comfortable with just the toilet paper. hahaha. Nakakaloka talaga ang mga Pinay hahaha.

P.S. Anyone here in Portland knows where I can buy tabo?

Edited by Donny'sPrincess, 20 July 2008 - 10:12 AM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-07-20 10:08:00
PhilippinesHotel
I stayed in Bayview Park Hotel for my interview and before my flight for the states. Since it is across from the USEmbassy, I didn't have to worry about waking up super early. I left the hotel close to 6 AM, an hour & a half before my appointment (7:30AM)
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-07-28 15:21:00
PhilippinesPROUD TO BE MRS. WILSON
Congratulations to both of you! wink.gif May you have a blissful life together!
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-02 15:41:00
Philippinesgurls... be careful with what you eat..
QUOTE (David-Mae Forever @ Aug 2 2008, 02:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Donny @ Aug 2 2008, 03:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Me : "Baby please promise me that we won't gain weight together."
Donny's reply: "Only apart?"

I am still amazed at the serving size of their foods here in the states. I can't do justice with the appetizing food in front of me. Most of the time we end up getting "doggie bag" for what's on my plate LOL. Which by the way was most of what I ordered. We both like going to "All you can eat" restaurants, this is known to Filipinos as "Eat all you can restaurants". See the difference?

When I left PI I was only 104 Ibs. I gained 3 or 4 Ibs since I got here (June 11), which is a lot for me coz most of it is showing on my pouchy belly area LOL.


Well, since you are pregnant, it's ok to indulge, right? Besides, you're eating for two persons. good.gif




I wish I have the appetite to eat with "gusto" all of the foods on my plate. The ones that I can say I eat with gusto are salads in "all you can eat restau" and Sizzler's chicken wings, KFC (2 breasts minus the soda, biscuit, mashed potato) and skipper's fish fillet, pop shrimps & fries.

Edited by Donny'sPrincess, 02 August 2008 - 05:06 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-02 17:02:00
Philippinesgurls... be careful with what you eat..
Me : "Baby please promise me that we won't gain weight together."
Donny's reply: "Only apart?"

I am still amazed at the serving size of their foods here in the states. I can't do justice with the appetizing food in front of me. Most of the time we end up getting "doggie bag" for what's on my plate LOL. Which by the way was most of what I ordered. We both like going to "All you can eat" restaurants, this is known to Filipinos as "Eat all you can restaurants". See the difference?

When I left PI I was only 104 Ibs. I gained 3 or 4 Ibs since I got here (June 11), which is a lot for me coz most of it is showing on my pouchy belly area LOL.

Edited by Donny'sPrincess, 02 August 2008 - 03:18 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-02 15:15:00
PhilippinesVISA!!! :-) :-) :-)
Congratulations! biggrin.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-07-21 09:06:00
PhilippinesNBI lack of thumb print issue
It'll be faster if she will just renew her NBI clearance. It took me less than 15 mins to get mine. I was too much in a hurry to leave the NBI office I forgot to put my thumb mark. So when I got home I just used our ink pad & voila .. it's done.

Like what others have suggested, to save money & time, better to renew the clearance & send it to you.
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-08 12:41:00
PhilippinesTranslate this please
QUOTE (rosal548 @ Aug 9 2008, 04:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Its in Cebuano

sori kau ma. wa nko n.anser nyo colkay sabi kau dri villa unya ligo ko pool...N ad2 ko g.south kay kta nelaine and julie then buy ice and drinks...wo namakak, ok? sulti ko tnoud.


please translate that to english.

I think she sent that to me by accident but want to be sure........



" I'm very sorry ma, I wasn't able to answer your call, it's very noisy here in villa and I was swimming in the pool. I went to G. South to meet Nelanie and Julie then we bought ice & drinks. I'm not lying, ok? I'm telling the truth."

Yes, this text msg was accidentally sent to you. The text is for her mother.

Edited by Donny'sPrincess, 10 August 2008 - 02:19 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-10 14:16:00
Philippinesletter of intent
During my interview the pre-screener or the CO didn't ask for the 2nd (recent) letter of intent.

Nevertheless, it won't hurt if you have it during your interview. Better to have it & not be asked, right?
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-10 14:24:00
PhilippinesQuestion: DS157
QUOTE (Rodge & Ninfa @ Aug 9 2008, 04:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Mikko @ Aug 8 2008, 06:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We just paid Visa Application Fee @BPI and they issued us a DS 157 validation. Is this the form we fill up together with DS156 or this is just some form of receipt to be presented during medical and interview and we have to fill out a separate DS 157?


There are 3 copies of DS157 to be submitted during the interview. Make the ds157 validated in the bank during ur payment as ur third copy that ur goign to submit...



I filled up by hand the DS-157 form validated by the bank and filled up online two (2) DS-157 forms. So overall I had three(3) DS-157.

When I handed all of my DS forms, the guy returned to me one (1) of the DS-157 form I filled up online.

As long as you have all of the following forms during your interview your good to go!

Two (2) DS-156 forms
Two (2) DS-157 forms
One (1) DS-156K form

Click on the link below:

Fiance(e) (K1/K2) Visa Applicants’ Interview Preparation Instructions (English)

Edited by Donny'sPrincess, 10 August 2008 - 02:41 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-10 14:39:00
Philippinespoe 8.10.2008 at sfo
Welcome to US of A! smile.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-14 13:26:00
PhilippinesMaybe my divorce could be why my case under Administrative Review
QUOTE (ArtGirl @ Aug 18 2008, 02:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I went to the Delbros web site I typed my MNL2008XXXXX01 number...wahlaaaa!!! here is the reply

Home :: Products & Services :: Shipment Tracking System
SHIPMENT TRACKING SYSTEM


Query Results...


MNL2008XXXXXX01
INFO DATE INFO DESCRIPTION
8/15/2008 2:13:48 PM SHIPMENT PROCESS IN THE EMBASSY

Is this a good sign...what is "SHIPMENT PROCESS IN THE EMBASSY" mean? Does it mean is being ship to the USEM or what?


It means that your visa is still "in process" in the USEM. They might be printing your visa at that time.
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-18 09:58:00
PhilippinesMaybe my divorce could be why my case under Administrative Review
QUOTE (ArtGirl @ Aug 16 2008, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (TexPamp @ Aug 16 2008, 09:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ArtGirl @ Aug 16 2008, 08:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What was your white slip/paper for?


The only thing checked was the line that states: WAIT UNTIL YOU HEAR FROM US:....

There is reference in that line.....with the documents marked above......with nothing above checked.

In several calls to USEM the only thing that has been mentioned is Document Verification.

TexPamp



Man...you've paid delbros month before the interview and still doing the DV something smells here...I may be on the same boat here (hope is not the TITANIC) he!he!he!. So you are on your 30 days pass...it may be on its way they say it may only takes 2-4 weeks. After 4 week if the USEM still giving me the same s%&#t I may get congressman/representative involve. devil.gif



I think that USEM randomly select applicants whose documents are to be verified. I paid for my Document Verification seventeen (17) days (May 12) before my interview appointment (May 29.... TIME 7:30 AM). My visa was delivered six (6) days later on June 4. According to the delivery guy he would have had delivered it the day before but was busy delivering other visas all over my city (CDO).

My Shipment Tracking Result was:

Query Results...
MNL2008XXXXXX01
INFO DATE INFO DESCRIPTION
6/3/2008 12:43:04 AM SHIPMENT OUT FOR DELIVERY
6/3/2008 12:42:14 AM SHIPMENT BEING PREPARED FOR DELIVERY
6/2/2008 5:01:56 PM SHIPMENT RECEIVED AT DISTRIBUTION CENTER
6/2-2008 4:55:55 PM SHIPMENT IN PROCESS
6/2/2008 11:15:34 AM SHIPMENT RELEASED BY THE EMBASSY
5/29/2008 3 :54:55 PM SHIPMENT PROCESS IN THE EMBASSY

Edited by Donny'sPrincess, 18 August 2008 - 09:49 AM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-18 09:47:00
PhilippinesVisa Fees
You can pay visa application fee(s) right after you schedule and received your interview appointment email confirmation. That's what I did.
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-18 10:34:00
Philippineswho was interviewed last month(july)
QUOTE (kingmanm2m @ Aug 17 2008, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello VJ members in the PHIl..Who was interviewed last month( JULY)??? Did you already received your Visa? I have my interview last July 18, and until now no visa yet..Its been month..My fiance called the US Embassy in Manila and they said my DOCS is now in the embassy..How much time do I have to wait before my visa arrive? Do you hve any idea..Thankx VJers.. :


You can track your visa thru the DELBROS Tracking System http://pod.delbros.c...track/track.htm.
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-18 10:54:00
PhilippinesMy K1 interview checklist
Good luck sa interview!

Advice lang, kung gusto mo hassle free na walang masyadong madaming dala just put all your documents & evidence sa expandable folder at lagyan mo ng tabs.

If nakafile na lahat in separate folders okay na rin kasi meron ka namang kasama, your fiance.

Wag nenerbiyos, ang bilis lang ng CO interview, 15 mins tapos na.
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-18 10:29:00
PhilippinesI THANK GOD FOR ALL!
Good luck for the interview!
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-20 21:43:00
Philippinesit has finally happened
Congratulations! kicking.gif

Please don't forget to update your timeline! good.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-22 17:23:00
Philippineshow to assemssble doc for intervue
Use an expandable envelope & put tabs. If you've got plenty of snail mails or cards just place them in a big plastic envelope.

Good luck for the interview! good.gif

Edited by Donny'sPrincess, 01 September 2008 - 04:24 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-09-01 16:23:00
PhilippinesVisa Delivery
Don't put the plus sign (+) when you type the case number and 01

example:

your case number - MNL2008123456

type MNL200812345601

Edited by Donny'sPrincess, 02 September 2008 - 12:30 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-09-02 12:27:00
PhilippinesI GOT MY VISA!!! WOOHOOOOO!
Congratulations! kicking.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-30 12:11:00
PhilippinesWE ARE APPROVED
Congratulations! good.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-09-02 12:32:00
PhilippinesTravel tax leavining the Philippines
QUOTE (sitkan @ Sep 4 2008, 06:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For all those that have traveled out of the Philippines. On your first exit of the country what are the taxes that the Philipino Citizens have to pay. My fiancee keeps telling me that there is a extra tax of 1,620 php on the first time leaving the country. Can someone please explain any and all fees that we are looking at? Thank You so Much.


Just click on the links below:

Terminal Fee

Travel Tax

Edited by Donny'sPrincess, 04 September 2008 - 10:00 PM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-09-04 21:59:00
Philippineswe arrived
Welcome to US of A Riza! dancin5hr.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-09-04 21:38:00
PhilippinesMy Interview
Congratulations! kicking.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-09-14 08:31:00
Philippineshot seat SEPTEMBER 18. anyone here have same date.
Good luck! smile.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-09-14 08:13:00
Philippinesquestion about visa delivery
.

Edited by Donny'sPrincess, 14 September 2008 - 08:10 AM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-09-14 08:07:00
Philippinesquestion about visa delivery
Delbros delivered my visa on 4th of June, two (2) days after it was released by the USEmbassy to DELBROS.

Btw, I'm from CDO (Mindanao). Guess I was just lucky.

Edited by Donny'sPrincess, 14 September 2008 - 08:00 AM.

let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-09-14 07:57:00
Philippinesquestion about visa delivery
http://www.delbros.com/faqs.htm

QUOTE
Q: How long does it take to deliver approved Visa?

Answer:

*

DELBROS, Inc. delivery commitment is 1 to 2 working days for Metro Manila. Delivery starts from the date your documents are actually released by the Embassy to DELBROS, Inc.


The above quote is from the DELBROS site.

Good luck for the interview!
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-09-14 07:47:00
PhilippinesFLIGHT SCHEDULES List
Thanks Shape! good.gif
let-it-beNot TellingPhilippines2008-07-05 13:29:00