ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippinessending card to us
There won't be any problems at all if you send stuff to the United States by the Philippine Post Office. Nobody's looking for money from the Philippines to the United States. laughing.gif I sent my husband a book, lots of birthday, christmas card and post cards. They all got to him pretty fast maybe two weeks the most.

Rocky
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-03 20:36:00
PhilippinesFunny Filipino-English Translations
"Sure" means "yes".

"I'm okay" means "no".

--Bullwinkle
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-05 12:42:00
PhilippinesFunny Filipino-English Translations
"chaka" means "ugly face"

"nakabingwit ng matabang isda" literally means "caught a big fish" for finding someone who is rich

We will make a funny, sour face and say "Grabe!" when we just mean, "Oh, really?"

--Rocky
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-05 11:36:00
PhilippinesFunny Filipino-English Translations
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Feb 4 2009, 05:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rocky_nBullwinkle @ Feb 4 2009, 10:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Feb 4 2009, 05:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wheres the one for sex blush.gif


"Nagkwan" rofl.gif

Rocky opens and closes the lights. "Yari ka!"

--Bullwinkle



My friend's wife kept saying something that sounded like 'chuck chuck' blink.gif


Rocky says to look closer at your friend's wife. blush.gif Bakla siya!

--Bullwinkle

Edited by Rocky_nBullwinkle, 04 February 2009 - 10:53 PM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-04 22:52:00
PhilippinesFunny Filipino-English Translations
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Feb 4 2009, 05:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wheres the one for sex blush.gif


"Nagkwan" rofl.gif

Rocky opens and closes the lights. "Yari ka!"

--Bullwinkle
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-04 13:57:00
PhilippinesCFO seminar???
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Feb 5 2009, 05:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (4MYMEVE @ Feb 5 2009, 05:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Search for the term CFO here in this forum, and you will get a few hours worth of posts, LOL. unsure.gif


good.gif Maybe even more with the way the system seems to freeze up and then release blink.gif



I am thinking someone could pin this subject to the top of the Philippine forum, since it seems to get asked a dozen times a week. blink.gif

Edited by Rocky_nBullwinkle, 05 February 2009 - 08:56 PM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-05 20:54:00
PhilippinesTax Return
QUOTE (wemissedbigdaddy @ Feb 6 2009, 03:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My husband and i are wondering if he could include me and my 2 children as his dependents,we've been here in the US for 4 months as K3 &K4..I still dont have SSN

for we haven't apply our AOS yet,Is there any option.And how can my children obtain thier SSN?husband will get his tax return ready soon...If someone out there has

knowledge about this matter please advice..Thanks a lot


If you were married in 2008, then you and your husband can file a joint return. There are a few things you have to do extra, and there are a few threads around here on VJ telling you how to do it. Mainly, you need to make a statement asking to be treatied as a resident for tax purposes for the entire year of 2008, and declare the worldwide income in 2008, for both spouses. You can probably exclude what you earned in the Philippines, there is a form for that. The instructions should be included in the 1040 family packet you received from the IRS in the mail.

I know someone will flush out the rest of the details here on VJ, I am sure. Try the Wiki on the top of the page.

--Bullwinkle

P.S. You should be able to visit your local SSA office to get your SSN or ITIN your husband needs to file the tax return.

Edited by Rocky_nBullwinkle, 06 February 2009 - 07:24 PM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-06 19:22:00
PhilippinesTravel Tax and US Green Card?
QUOTE (ED*Riza @ Feb 6 2009, 12:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, Last October 2008 , Ed and I went to the Philippines for 3 weeks vacation and when we came back I only paid P 750 for terminal fee and P 200 for the processing fee for the travel tax since I have a green card. Hope this help.


Riza


I forgot about the processing fee:


MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 03-2003


TO: ALL CONCERNED
RE: PROCESSING FEES



Effective January 1, 2004, the processing fee collected for every travel tax certificate issued, whether exemption, reduced rate or refund, is hereby increased to Two Hundred Pesos (P200 .00).

This accordingly amends Memorandum Circular No. 001-2000 that took effect on January 1, 2001.

Please be guided accordingly.



(original signed)
ROBERT DEAN S. BARBERS
General Manager & Chief Executive Officer



03 November 2003

--Bullwinkle

Edited by Rocky_nBullwinkle, 06 February 2009 - 06:17 PM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-06 18:17:00
PhilippinesTravel Tax and US Green Card?
QUOTE (Dogwood_Poet @ Feb 6 2009, 10:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have been looking at the Philippine Tourism Authority site and it says my wife should be eligible for a exemption/reduced rate on her travel tax since she is US permanent resident.

Has anyone gotten this exemption? Kathlene has been living in the US for over a year and we just went back for a visit. I had to come home to go back to work, but Kathlene is staying another three weeks then coming home. I just want to be sure she brings enough money with her to the airport, but we also don't want to have a lot of extra pesos to have to sell back at a reduced rate either.

This is what the Tourism Authority site says about permanent residents of other countries:

Who can avail of a Travel Tax exemption/reduced rate and
What are the documents required?

(Presentation of passport required in all cases.)

Filipino permanent residents abroad whose stay in the Philippines is less than one (1) year.

Copies of the ID pages of passport and stamp of last arrival in RP
Proof of permanent residence in foreign country (e.g. US Green Card, Canadian form 1000, etc.)
_____

Also, is it an exemption or just a reduction in the tax? I know it isn't that much money, but if she doesn't have to pay it, we'd like to keep it!


Here is the full page:

http://www.boristrav.....ax primer.htm

As a US Permanent Resident, or as a Balikbayan, whose stays for less than one year, she is exempt from the payment of travel tax. You still have to pay the Airport Fee.

--Bullwinkle

Edited by Rocky_nBullwinkle, 06 February 2009 - 03:06 PM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-06 15:03:00
PhilippinesDual citizenship for our baby?
Who is a natural-born Filipino citizen?


Under the Philippine Constitution, a natural-born citizen is a person born of one or both parents who are Filipino citizens at the time of birth.




Does the law RA 9225 apply to dual citizens?


RA 9225 does not apply to dual citizens, i.e., those who have both Philippine citizenship as well as foreign citizenship not acquired through naturalization.


A child born of parents who are both Filipino citizens (at the time of birth) in a country that adheres to the jus soli principle (e.g., the United States) is a dual citizen. The child, who is a natural-born Filipino because the Philippines adheres to the jus sanginis principle, is also entitled to apply for a US passport.

Jus soli (right of soil) is the legal principle that a person's nationality at birth is determined by the place of birth (i.e., the territory of a given state).

Jus sanguinis (right of blood) is the legal principle that, at birth, an individual acquires the nationality of his/her natural parent/s.


A child born of one parent who is a Filipino citizen (at the time of birth) and of one foreign parent (e.g., Australian) whose country adheres to the jus sanguinis principle is a dual citizen and is entitled to apply for both Philippine and Australian passports.


A child born of one parent who is a Filipino citizen (at the time of birth) and of one foreign parent (e.g, Australian) whose country adheres to the jus sanguinis principle in a country that adheres to the jus soli principle (e.g., US) would be entitled to apply for Philippine, Australian and US passports.

source

Rocky
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-03 20:47:00
PhilippinesYAYYY! I PASSED!
QUOTE (PhiLandShiR @ Feb 8 2009, 07:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Finally, after the long wait of my interview date, it just happened! And i did it well!! Hahah!
Just a popular PINK SLIP though....
laughing.gif

Well, i cannot say it's painless with the Pre-Screener, but its PAINLESS with the CONSUL!
I had a lil bit of worries after my Pre-Screener interviewed me.
She doesnt really asked me a question first thing. She command me to tell her my love story with my fiance. So i was a bit nervous where to start coz i worry that is i said something questionable even its true...I worry that i'll say something that i didnt mean to coz of nervousness. She asked for my NBI Clearance, Cenomar and Birth certificate.
So after i told her our love story she began asking me questions but all were easy especially that i was telling the truth. She told me to got back to the blue chairs. But then, after a minute or so, she called me to go back again. I was wondering why.... When i got back to her, she said she forgot to ask my Aff. of Support, I showed her my I-134 but she need more.. She wants my 1040, which i dont have that 1040 form, but i have an IRS which will cover that, but she said she wanted the 1040, i told her i dont have it and just showed every financial docs i have, but she never bothered to look at them, instead, she just said, the Consul will be the one to ask me that... So i began to worry, i felt dead nervous! As soon as I got back to the blue chairs, I asked a new friend's fiance i met inside the embassy, and he studied my IRS and he said those will do to cover up my 1040 form.

Still i was nervous, i was wondering what will be the Consul decide if i dont have it?..

When my number flashed again on the queue board. Window 27, i stand and began walking, i just whispered, "God, its all up to you now." And in my surprise, i dont know why i felt so calm, and there was no single, itty bitty nervousness i feel that time.

When i opened the door of Wndow 27, i found our that there are 2 cubicle there and 2 Consul, the first Consul was a handsome young guy in there, already interviewing someone, so i went to the far left, and i saw a pretty woman waiting for me, i think she is in her mid 40s! Anyway, I greet her Good Morning as i saw her smiling at me already and she greeted me too!, I already felt her warm and kind hearted.. A beautiful aura! So i sit one of the chairs there while she was busy browsing the computer and fixing the headset on her ears. She keep smiling at me! By that time, the Consul next to us was i think already lost his temper to the girl whom he was interviewing. The speaker also loud that i worry i couldnt hear my Consul if she start to ask me. So, i said "Maam, i think i could not hear you." (lakas ng loob noh?)
And she turned to me and say "Oh, im sorry.." with a very apologetic voice and she fixed her headset. She asked me if the guy next window was loud. And i said yes, so she told the girl assitant on her back to tell the guy consul to adjust his speaker. So, after that i know i can hear her well and understand everything she ask. So she started asking;

What is my fiance's name.
How old is he? (I told my fiance's age and it was his birthday, she said "Oh, its his birthday!" with a tone of amusement!)
She asked me how old i am.
Who is Phil? (my fiance's name)
Who is Paula (my fiance's sister in law whom i exchanged emails with)
What does she think when she saw my wedding dress.(this question was only a trick, coz i still dont have a dress that Phil's sis in law have seen.)
What is my plan on my wedding.
Am i sure that he is the one. (i said YES excitedly)

After that she smiled and she congratulated me that she approved me to get to US to marry my darling! I felt overwhelmingly happy that time and made me deaf for a sec! i just heard her instructing me to go back now to the blue chairs and wait for my number to be flashed again and to pay the Air21.
Before i left, she told me to tell my darling, Happy Birthday! And so i answered her that i will tell him right away! As soon as i get out. And she laughed and i know she was happy about for both of us! I was in cloud nine! I felt my tears were about to fall and i thanked God, He was with me during that time.

I claimed my Pink slip at window 37 and headed to the Air21 booth right next to the door that also lead to the exit door! And that's it! I was wondering why the consul didnt even bothered to asked my 1040 or my I-134 or pics though....

Now im hopeful and patiently waiting for my Visa to arrive!

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FRIENDS WHO HAD HELPED US PREPARED EVERYTHING AND PRAYED FOR OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER!

God bless us!


Hey PhilandShir, does she looked like the late Princess Diana? The consul that interviewed you? She's nice. She was the one who interviewed me. COngratrulations! BTW, I hope you get your visa within 3 days. good.gif
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-08 10:35:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Tax
QUOTE (mossycouple @ Feb 10 2009, 06:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am sorry should done it. I re=post it again , thanks.


I think that anything you make working overseas is not subject to tax in the Philippines.
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-10 23:08:00
PhilippinesI miss my life in PHILIPPINES
QUOTE (pathester @ Feb 1 2009, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I miss my life in PI...going to school at 7am riding on a motorbike, going home at 11 and go back at 1pm-4:30pm...(sigh) scolding my pupils if ever arrived to school with dirty sorroundings smile.gif chatting with my co-teachers during break time...(tsismisan) waiting for salary time whistling.gif and most, I terribly miss my neices who were with me since the real mother abandoned them and my brother remarried and the two kids are now with grandma who is already 63yo...il not see them growing up, sleep with me, prepare their breakfast and give them baon in the morning, roaming around the village...wish i could adopt them but i dont know where to start and how much would it costs? I googled but could not find the link on how to adopt my neices...pls help and if anyone has an adopted kids here, pls share if what is the process and if possible for me to bring them over here in US. Any idea, suggestions are very much appreciated. Thanks and Good Luck to all VJ Members.



Republic Act No. 8043 is the law that applies if you want to adopt your nieces. I found this site with FAQs. I hope this helps.

http://www.helplinel...ten/article.php

Rocky

Edited by Rocky_nBullwinkle, 02 February 2009 - 03:20 PM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-02 15:19:00
Philippineslooking for guy freinds to chat
QUOTE (babykim @ Feb 11 2009, 07:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi this is tim,karen's other half!just looking for freinds 2 talk 2 during the wait,i am from south dakota nd going on 4th month of waiting,give ym id if u like to talk,thanks,tim


My hubby says real men hang out at the Off Topic forum. crying.gif

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-11 10:55:00
PhilippinesWhat's the best thing to do?
Yep! Go Steelers!
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-02-13 13:56:00
PhilippinesYoung Fiance?
QUOTE (Ranchris @ Dec 30 2008, 02:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Conan @ Dec 30 2008, 04:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am 29 and my fiance is 19. I read somewhere that in the Philippines a person has to be 21 to get married without parental consent. I already filed at the USCIS. Do I have to have heard dad type up a statement and sign it? If so do I only have to supply this to the Embassy in Manila? Is there a sample parental consent form? Does it have to be notorized? Thanks

Conan...I think that would make since to do what you've suggested....just my opinion.


I hope this will help with regards to parental consent. I got these from the Family Code of the Philippines.


Art. 14. In case either or both of the contracting parties, not having been emancipated by a previous marriage, are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, they shall, in addition to the requirements of the preceding articles, exhibit to the local civil registrar, the consent to their marriage of their father, mother, surviving parent or guardian, or persons having legal charge of them, in the order mentioned. Such consent shall be manifested in writing by the interested party, who personally appears before the proper local civil registrar, or in the form of an affidavit made in the presence of two witnesses and attested before any official authorized by law to administer oaths. The personal manifestation shall be recorded in both applications for marriage license, and the affidavit, if one is executed instead, shall be attached to said applications. (61a)

Art. 15. Any contracting party between the age of twenty-one and twenty-five shall be obliged to ask their parents or guardian for advice upon the intended marriage. If they do not obtain such advice, or if it be unfavorable, the marriage license shall not be issued till after three months following the completion of the publication of the application therefor. A sworn statement by the contracting parties to the effect that such advice has been sought, together with the written advice given, if any, shall be attached to the application for marriage license. Should the parents or guardian refuse to give any advice, this fact shall be stated in the sworn statement. (62a)

Art. 16. In the cases where parental consent or parental advice is needed, the party or parties concerned shall, in addition to the requirements of the preceding articles, attach a certificate issued by a priest, imam or minister authorized to solemnize marriage under Article 7 of this Code or a marriage counselor duly accredited by the proper government agency to the effect that the contracting parties have undergone marriage counseling. Failure to attach said certificates of marriage counseling shall suspend the issuance of the marriage license for a period of three months from the completion of the publication of the application. Issuance of the marriage license within the prohibited period shall subject the issuing officer to administrative sanctions but shall not affect the validity of the marriage.

Should only one of the contracting parties need parental consent or parental advice, the other party must be present at the counseling referred to in the preceding paragraph. (n)


Based from my experience, the age requirement in order for a person to contract marriage is 18.




Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2008-12-30 21:28:00
PhilippinesE-ticket to Philippines
QUOTE (wilhelm @ May 2 2007, 02:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has anyone used a e-ticket for travel to the Philippines? I'm just wondering if it would be alright.


I used an e-ticket on Philippines Airlines when I visited the Phililippines, and again I bought an e-ticket for my wife when she flew to the US. I just printed the confirming e-mail for the ticket I bought online, and presented that at both SFO and MNL, along with my ID and the credit card used to buy the ticket.

The wife had some problems at MNL, however. If you buy the e-ticket with a credit card, and are not accompaning the person whose name appears on the ticket, they will not be able to board the plane without a photocopy of the ID for the person who bought the ticket, and a photocopy of the front of the credit card used to buy the ticket. I had blacked out some of the numbers on the photocopy of the credit card, and they did not like that. I had to fax a copy of my credit card statement to her at the airport, and she showed that to them, before they reluctantly let her bride her way aboard the plane.

That restriction applies to Philippines Airlines, and restrictions may be different for other airlines.

Sonomacountygal's husband

Edited by sonomacountygal, 01 January 2009 - 12:58 PM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-01 12:56:00
PhilippinesOpening Joint Savings Account
QUOTE (Anna and Jeff @ Dec 12 2008, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Greetings! My fiance and I are planning to open a joint savings account (passbook ?). What are the requirements for opening an account? What is certificate of alien registration? Does he need to have one? Help please. Many thanks and God bless.


In the US, you just need a SSN and some ID. In the Philippines, we tried to open one at Metrobank, and they said no way! They said it takes 6 months to open a USD account, joint, or otherwise. Clearing US fund transfers would take 30 to 90 days. For a peso account she had to maintain a 500 PP minimum balance, no joint account with a USC.
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2008-12-14 11:46:00
PhilippinesUsing PI abbreviation!
QUOTE (Haole @ Dec 27 2008, 03:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just wondered if Filipinos take offense when people use PI in conversations and posting?


RP is okay. It stands for Republika ng Pilipinas. PI is not so bad, but it makes you think that you are being treated as a colony, not a real country. When you say Republic, then you know you are independent and that is something to take pride in. Of course when you go on the internet, you see PH sometimes added to the URL showing that the address is from the Philippines. I think sometimes when people say PI they are romanticizing the island life and that is not so bad either.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2008-12-29 10:40:00
PhilippinesIs Form W-2 required for form I-134 as supporting doc?
This is one case where there is conflicting information. The pdf for the instructions states indeed that is need not be notoraized (10/30/08).

However, the USCIS webpage dated 12/30/08 states that it does. Getting it notarized can't hurt, and may be the safe play. Some banks do it for free. A public notary generally charges about $10 a page.
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-02 11:11:00
PhilippinesIs Form W-2 required for form I-134 as supporting doc?
QUOTE (MactanLove @ Jan 1 2009, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MactanLove @ Jan 2 2009, 02:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jom @ Nov 18 2008, 11:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rootbeer @ Nov 17 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All,

We're also preparing for the visa interview and we're debating on whether the I-134 need to be notarized. It does not specifiy in the packet but under the "Where to File" section of the USCIS website where you download I-134, it says:

Where to File :
To file this form, it needs to be sworn to or affirmed by a USCIS Officer at any USCIS Office, by a notary public, or other official authorized to administer oaths for general purposes. If the sponsor is outside the United States, the affidavit must be sworn to or affirmed by a USCIS Officer or Consular Officer at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Once the form is affirmed, it should be mailed to the same USCIS office where the application was filed.

Looking forward to your help!

Rootbeer



The I-134 MUST be recent and notarized. My now husband had his notarized in the bank.

Just an fyi for everyone - Form I-134 was updated in October 2008. Per the I-134 current instructions, the Form NO LONGER needs to be notarized because, as it says on the first page of the instructions under "EXECUTION OF AFFIDAVIT", "Signing Form I-134 is under penalty of perjury under U.S. law. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SIGN FORM I-134 BEFORE A NOTARY, NOR TO HAVE YOUR SIGNATURE NOTARIZED AFTER YOU SIGN IT." I hope this post helps reduce the burden and expense for people who read it.

Goodluck!


I am reposting this because I accidently embedded it in the previous poster's post and I want it to be a separate posting so people will see it:

Just an fyi for everyone - Form I-134 was updated in October 2008. Per the I-134 current instructions, the Form NO LONGER needs to be notarized because, as it says on the first page of the instructions under "EXECUTION OF AFFIDAVIT", "Signing Form I-134 is under penalty of perjury under U.S. law. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SIGN FORM I-134 BEFORE A NOTARY, NOR TO HAVE YOUR SIGNATURE NOTARIZED AFTER YOU SIGN IT." I hope this post helps reduce the burden and expense for people who read it.






I think you may be misguided. These are the instructions listed on the USCIS website for Form I-134:

Edition Date : 10/30/2008. Prior versions are also acceptable. Where to File : To file this form, it needs to be sworn to or affirmed by a USCIS Officer at any USCIS Office, by a notary public, or other official authorized to administer oaths for general purposes. If the sponsor is outside the United States, the affidavit must be sworn to or affirmed by a USCIS Officer or Consular Officer at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Once the form is affirmed, it should be mailed to the same USCIS office where the application was filed.

In this case, for K-1 Visa, the sworn (notorized) affidavit is to be filed at the embassy/consulate where the VISA APPLICATION is being filed. In other words, take it with you to the interview.


Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-02 11:01:00
Philippineshello happy new year
[quote name='MONTEL/JACKY' date='Jan 1 2009, 11:45 PM' post='2519346']
hello to everyone
i am new this wib site vj

happy new year


Hello and Happy New Year too Montel/Jacky! Welcome to Visa Journey.
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-02 11:41:00
Philippinesdelbros telephone number
QUOTE (Chris and Rick @ Jan 2 2009, 12:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I need your help this time vj's,I wanted to know the number of delbros here in Cebu because I want to ask when do they deliver my visa..when I call in delbros manila they said its already here in Cebu as of 27 Dec.then until now its not on my hand yet...thank you in advance



You can use this email address for all inquiries:

deliveries@delbros.com

Edited by sonomacountygal, 02 January 2009 - 10:45 AM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-02 10:44:00
PhilippinesAre these allowed ?..............
QUOTE (prettynpink @ Jan 1 2009, 10:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
good.gif Thank you so much!!!Really appreciate it!!oh one more thing can i roll our xray films.?.DO i need to have the receipt for the handicrafts pasalubong and wedding giveaways aswell??,,

thanks..happy new year!!1


Yeah, I rolled my x-ray film to fit inside my purse. But you know, no one ever looked at it since I left St Luke's. And right now, it's hanging on the side of my refrigerator. The reason you bring the receipts is in case there is any dispute on what those "pasalubong" and wedding giveaways are worth when you go to customs.
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-02 20:21:00
PhilippinesAre these allowed ?..............
QUOTE (prettynpink @ Jan 1 2009, 04:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Happy new year!!!
I will be leaving soon this month and wondering if all the stuff i intend to bring are not prohibited..
Please share also the how many you are allowed.. whistling.gif

1.Some native delicacies ,pulvoron,TUYO ,SQUID
2.Wedding souvenirs/giveaways---will i have a problem bringing 30 pcs??
3.Some native handicraft products for pasalubong...
4.GInisa mix and the ready to cook soup like corn soup,cream of mushroom etc.etc..
5.All handouts given on CPE seminars i had attended..(handouts are all photocopies)
6.BOOKS........

Once again...MErry Christmas and a Happy new YEAR!!!
God bless us all...
Thanks good.gif


It depends on your POE. California, Hawaii, and Florida have the most restrictions, since they are agriculture states, and don't want you to bring any creatures with you that might cause harm to local economy. The general rule on foodstuffs: Anything that is prepared, processed, or precooked, and in a sealed package is okay. If it requires refrigeration, or has a limited shelf life, it may not be allowed. If it was recently living, then likely no. If it is long dead, and hasn't spoiled yet, then it is probably okay.

Keep your receipts with you, so that you can give a fair value to customs for any items you may have to pay duty on. Otherwise, they may use the value of comparable items in the US that will probably cost more than in the RP. Things for personal or household use up to a certain dollar limit may be excempt from paying duty.

The wife didn't pay any duty when she came, and the packaged pastries she bought with her did not cause any concern.

For books, just watch your weight, so that you do not have to pay extra for excess baggage.

Hope that helps.

Edited by sonomacountygal, 01 January 2009 - 12:28 PM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-01 12:26:00
PhilippinesRice
QUOTE (GreatWhiteNorth @ Jan 5 2009, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Greetings everyone and Happy New Year!!

I am looking for a good quality US replacement for rice. My sweety sure likes her rice and I want to find something here in the US that is just as good at what can be found in the Phil's.

Anyone have a suggestion?

Thanks!!

GWN


When I first come here, my husband got me to try brown rice. I did not like at first, because it had a weird smell, and seemed so hard when I first tasted it. He told me it was good for me, that I need to get more fiber in my diet, and that white rice has no nutritional value.

I did not believe him at first, but now I am "regular". I don't need the docolax anymore (thank God!). And I like the brown rice, and the white rice seems funny to me now. But it is hard to find in big bags, and it costs more. But we found an asian store that sells it in the 25 pound bags for $18.

Don't worry. She will get used to whatever you buy. Just get a good rice cooker. good.gif
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-05 23:16:00
Philippinesi dunno what to do? actually i do..
QUOTE (envy_me @ Jan 2 2009, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
being in the "the most beautiful place in the United States" doesn't mean you won't be bored or you'll always be happy..
there's no place like home!!!!! sa pinas simple ang buhay pero masaya..
mga tao kahet wala pera lagi nakatawa parang wala problema..
since pinili natin ganto buhay panindigan na lang natin..
pero shempre tao lang tyo.. minsan normal, minsan abnormal.. laughing.gif
hay namiss ko tuloy ang pinas..
when i miss pinas, i try to sing the song "manila"

Hinahanap-hanap kita Manila
Ang ingay mong kay sarap sa tenga
Mga Jeepney mong nagliliparan
Mga babae mong naggagandahan
Take me back in your arms Manila
And promise me you'll never let go
Promise me you'll never let go

oh videoke na to!
sino may magic sing? laughing.gif


.



Me too, I miss Manila. Some things. Some things I don't miss at all: mga lamok, the neighbors screaming at all hours, flooded streets all the time when it rains a little bit. I don't miss them. laughing.gif
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-02 20:54:00
Philippinesi dunno what to do? actually i do..
How can you be bored when you are in some of the most beautiful country in the United States? If you look to your north and west, you'll see wind blown sandstone hills that were featured in every western movie you ever saw? If you look to the south and east, you'll see one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world -- Los Angeles City and County. Just jump on the bus, just like Manila, and go see something. See the Getty Museum on top of the Santa Monica Mountains. Me and my husband went to that place last year when we went to visit his mom in Woodland Hills.

Take a trip to West Los Angeles and jump off on Hollywood Blvd. Put your feet in the steps of the stars in front of Graumans Chinese Theater. We saw that one too. We also saw the Ripley's Believe it or not Museum across the street. You look up and you'll see the Hollywood sign on top of the Hill. Take a journey towards the center of Los Angeles right at the corner of Miracle Mile and check out the La Brea Tar Pits. See all the giant bones of dinosaurs they found there.

Take a journey a little farther to the east and check out Griffith Park and see the observatory or just wonder around one of the largest metropolitan park in the world and right next door is the LA Zoo. We've been there too. My brother in-law works at the LA Zoo as a carpenter. You might even see monkeys playing on some of his creations.

These are just a few suggestions. You can spend a lifetime where you live and still not see all there is to see. Here's a few more ideas. Check out Santa Monica Pier. Go check out the LA Harbor, Manila Del Rey, (been to this place last year. I love the view the harbor) go to San Pedro and take a day trip to the Santa Catalina Island. Spend the day at Frazier Park and spend the day in the snow. While on the way, stop and visit Fort Tejon at the top of the Grapevine.

And you can't tell me you don't enjoy all the shopping. There is mall after mall after mall, just to the south of you in Woodland Hills or to the west, in Northridge or the biggest malls in Sherman Oaks and over the hill in West Los Angeles.

I envy you. I'm stuck in the country. As much as I love the peace and quiet, that is boring. I just visited LA and I miss it already. We stayed in a beach house at county line just west of Malibu for a four days over Christmas. We went to the Skecher's outlet store in Azusa and bought four pairs of Skechers for 90 bucks.
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-02 20:05:00
PhilippinesWHERE IS CFO OFFICE IN NAIA?
QUOTE (EWRI6884 @ Jan 7 2009, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My Fiancee will hopefully be flying out on PAL tonight and needs to get her CFO sticker from the NAIA CFO office, does anyone know where it is and what time it closes?

Thanks SO MUCH!!!



Here is the faq site:

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/FAQ.htm

NAIA Desk Office. Departure Area. Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal I

Edited by sonomacountygal, 07 January 2009 - 11:41 PM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-07 23:36:00
PhilippinesBringing a Dog
QUOTE (misispee @ Jan 6 2009, 04:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (~bLairwhich~ @ Jan 6 2009, 06:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (misispee @ Jan 7 2009, 03:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
@ ~bLairwhich~

Thanks for the info. Yeah I have one of those Kennel. I have traveled with my dog when we went to Bohol & Palawan. I think transporting your dog from US to Philippines is less complicated other than Philippines to US. When you got here in manila, did they release your dog right away, or did she have to undergo quarantines and the like?

The quarantine at NAIA was a very short process, it didn't take long or they ask for non-receipt fees. The quarantine section and/or Bureau of Animals at NAIA were friendly and helpful. The fee was like Php 450.00 then after checking the health certs and vaccine reports and stuffs they let me and my rottie go and didn't took long, I think it was as short as 10 minutes.
I transported/booked flight for my dog last minute....and yes it could be much easier to transport the dog if it is from the US going to the Philippines.

However, the airline usually don't have any problem or critical about the animal transport as long as you have the papers like health cert from the vet...I think what you must do is call the State of Virginia or your point of entry about what are their exact requirements.

Again, I insist traveling with her/him as a carry-on smile.gif




Ok. I will ask my boyfriend to call them first. thanks again for all your help. Please if you have more info please post here and let me know. good day to all!! I hope you can all guide me as well when we start our k1 application.




Read this thread, if you have not already.

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=123420

Good luck!
yes.gif
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-06 20:12:00
PhilippinesBringing a Dog
QUOTE (misispee @ Jan 6 2009, 09:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you all for your replies.

We will be living in Virginia. I don't mind if he'll be quarantined for months as long as I can still be with after that. Will there be any special agent or offices that can help increase the chance of me bringing my dog?


Have your significant other contact the local health and animal control authorities in the community where you are going to live to see what their requirements are.

Also, contact the airlines to see what their requirements are for bringing the dog with you.

Other than that, follow the requirements for the POE I posted earlier.

That is the best I can do.

Good luck!
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-06 12:29:00
PhilippinesBringing a Dog
QUOTE (misispee @ Jan 5 2009, 04:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

We will be starting to process our K1 application 1st quarter of this year. i have a dog which I love so much and I really do not want to leave without him. He's just a small dog, a pomeranian to be exact. Will it be possible for me to bring my dog? I need your advice. Thank you!


Pets
If you plan to take your pet abroad or import one on your return, please get a copy of the CBP brochure Pets and Wildlife. You should also check with state, county, and local authorities to learn if their restrictions and prohibitions on pets are stricter than federal requirements.




Importing animals is closely regulated for public health reasons and also for the well being of the animals. There are restrictions and prohibitions on bringing many species into the United States.



Cats must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to humans when they are examined at the port of entry. If the cat does not seem to be in good health, the owner may have to pay for an additional examination by a licensed veterinarian. As a rule, both cats and dogs must be free of fleas and ticks, and have a health certificate that was issued by the country of residence.



Dogs must also be free of evidence of diseases that could be communicable to humans. Puppies must be confined at a place of the owner’s choosing, which can be a private residence, until they are three months old and then they must be vaccinated against rabies. The puppy will then have to stay in confinement for another 30 days following the vaccination.

Dogs older than three months must get a rabies vaccination at least 30 days before they come to the United States and must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate if coming from a country that is not rabies-free. This certificate should identify the dog, show the date of vaccination, the date it expires (there are one-year and three-year vaccinations), and be signed by a licensed veterinarian. If the certificate does not have an expiration date, CBP will accept it as long as the dog was vaccinated 12 months or less before coming to the United States. Dogs coming from rabies free countries do not have to be vaccinated.

http://www.cbp.gov/x...ricted.xml#Pets


Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-06 11:27:00
Philippinesmy SLEC medical experience 1st day
QUOTE (blondprincess @ Jan 5 2009, 08:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (cezychic @ Jan 6 2009, 08:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It was indeed a very r0ugh day for me. For having less sleep after I got from the airport then drove for an hour and a half to go to Cavite where my uncle lives. It was indeed very tiring day but worth it knowing that I'm a day closer to see my fiance again after I'm done with this and so as the interview. Got up around 5AM and drove from Cavite to Manila by 6:30AM. Only to found out that a there's VERY HEAVY traffic ahead.

Things to bring:
Appointment letter (photocopy)
NOA2 hard copy (original)
N0A2 photocopy
Blank ink pen
Food and water (have your own diskarte na di makita ang food sa loob ng bag.. Hehe)
Passport
Most recent xray film (if you have but not necessary)
Money

Got at SLEC by 9:30AM. My number was 428. Given forms to fill out. Pls don't forget to mention if you are K1 because you'll be filling up an extra form. Kinda look like the DS-156K form. Use blank ink pen. Better not to glue or paste any picture yet. The number being called by that time was 150. There were lots of people inside. I think that there were much people there compared to the people falling in line paying their contributions at SSS. Would you even believe that? Haha! I chose to stay at SLEC and filled up my PDS forms. Didn't ate my lunch yet coz I'm full still. At around 2PM, God listened to my prayers, and my number was called. Number was called for digital photo taking. Then fall in line for the PATIENT RECEPTION who will be checking your forms. They would ask you when was your last X-RAY taken. When done at the Ground Floor, go to 5th floor to pay your medical fee. Mine was 10,240.80 as of Jan. 5, 2009.

After falling in line at the cashier, bring your receipt together with the forms at 3rd floor. Hand your form to the counter before taking as seat as you will wait for nothing. Your name would be called to sign forms. At this point, they'll ask if you brought an old x-ray form if you had an x-ray recently. And made you sign a waiver stating that you didn't bring your old xray film.
CAUTION: MALDITA YUNG BABAE SA COUNTER NG X-RAY. hehe.. Biruin mo naman na sinabihan niya yung katabi ko when we were called to affix our signatures na "HINDI PO YAN TINITITIGAN MAM, PINIPIRMAHAN PO YAN.. " tongue_ss.gif
After signing the forms, sit back again and wait for your name to be called. This time, a girl would let you sign the logbook and let you inside the XRAY changing room. Tie your hair in a ponytail the highest way posible. They would take a poster view of your lungs. Remove your top, bra and accesories including dangling earrings. Put on the gown at the dressing room. Wait for your name to be called inside the X-RAY. Then get changed and return the gown.

Take your forms to the 4th floor for HIV testing and RPR (Pregnancy Test). Submit your forms to the Lab Reception. They will let you sign a HIV consent form. After signing the consent, wait for your name to be called at the Reception then take your forms to the HIV blood extraction room. Fall in line there again. After blood was extracted, you would be asked to fall in line near the Female Restroom at the same floor to have your urinalysis to determine if you are pregnant or not.

When done, wait for your name to be called again at the Lab Reception then take your forms to the 5th floor. I guess this was the longest ever part of the medical. Submit your forms to the US counter reception. Tell them that you haven't had your height and weight taken yet. Wait for your name to be called for the height and weight taking. Then sit back again and wait for your name to be called for the eye exam. Then sit back again and wait for your name to be called for vital signs such as BP, PR and RR. Then sit back again and wiat for name to be called at the US Counter for your P.E. Since it was really take LLLOOOOOOONNNNNGGG for your my name to be called, I decided to eat my lunch and dinner in one at McDo. Time check: 11 PM..

After eating dinner with new found friends Laila (K1) and Alma (CR-1), we went back to SLEC again and surprisingly, our name was not yet called. We patiently waited. At exactly midnight, our names were called to the US Counter for our P.E. When it was my name called to get inside the room, I greeted the doctor Good Evening and she corrected me in a very sarcastic way saying, " ANONG GOOD EVENING? MORNING NA NGAYON." I laughed and greeted her Good Morning again but I didn't really care if she was being sarcastic. I was just being nice knowing of what I read her at VJ that not all of the staff of SLEC is nice. I could really care less. During the interview, speak in a loud voice that you and the physician could hear (para di ka masabon tulad ng sumunod sa akin). After answering her questions, call up the other person next to you for her turn. Then go to the bead, disrobe completely. Then cover yourself with a blant. She would check your breast, throat and genitals. She made me turn sidewards and curled my knees toward my tummy like a C-position or fetal position for her to have a better view of your genitals. Then get changed and take yoiur forms to the US Counter and they instructed me when to get the results and what time. Time check: 1:00 AM..


What a rough and tiring day 1.. Wheew! Need to get my results this afternoon. I know I will pass..hehe laughing.gif



ganun ba katagal, sa medical.. until midnight???



OO nga. grabe naman yan hanggang hatinggabi? Sobrang dami pa pasyente doon? Dapat pinabalik na lang kayo the next day. Crazy huh! My friend had her medical December 23, 2007 (first day), but they asked her to come back January 8 2009 for her vaccination and x-ray result.
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-08 14:13:00
Philippinescancellation letter received by uscis
QUOTE (arian @ Jan 8 2009, 05:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello to everyone,

The uscis got my cancellation letter for my K1 application, dated december 22, 2008. (based on the courrier). Are they going to send me mail that they received my cancellation letter? I keep on looking the status of my case online and still said that the CASE RECEIVED AND PENDING. I am the beneficiary. Any info will be appreciated. Thank you.



I am not sure, but I would expect some sort of NOA. I wonder if they send that to the petitioner only, or if they will reply to you.

Don't worry about the website. They update infrequently, but at least once a month.

Edited by Rocky_nBullwinkle, 08 January 2009 - 10:05 PM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-08 22:04:00
PhilippinesFiling married status on income taxes
The same rules apply if both spouses are in the States as of December 31, 2008, with the exception that some, or all, of the foreign income can be excempted. Whether or not a foreign spouse that spend no time in the USA prior to 2009, while the USC spouse returned to the US, can be claimed as a dependent for 2008 is something unanswerred so far.

I hope the OP will enlighten us, if he finds an answer before we do.
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-07 23:28:00
PhilippinesFiling married status on income taxes
QUOTE (cieloazul @ Jan 7 2009, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Loving Neneng @ Dec 21 2008, 10:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello. Not sure if this is the proper place to ask this question but I got married this year and want to claim my wife on my income taxes when I file early next year. What do I need to claim her as she is still in the Philippines and has never been to USA yet. It normally asks for social security number but of course she has none. Any help is appreciated. Thanks



The following link has some good info on filing for a non-resident: http://www.aca.ch/brunaltx.htm . Good luck.



"If you are married to a non-American and you both live overseas,"

An interesting article, but my impression is that the OP is back in the States.
Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-07 23:12:00
PhilippinesFiling married status on income taxes
QUOTE (Loving Neneng @ Dec 21 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello. Not sure if this is the proper place to ask this question but I got married this year and want to claim my wife on my income taxes when I file early next year. What do I need to claim her as she is still in the Philippines and has never been to USA yet. It normally asks for social security number but of course she has none. Any help is appreciated. Thanks


You probably should call the IRS and ask them. If you can claim her as your spouse for 2008 and file a joint return, you can claim her as a resident of the United States for tax purposes for the entire year. Since she in not yet a resident, that might be difficult to do. If you do file a joint return, then you must report her income as well as yours, but you can take a rather large exception of that income, that is probably more than she made. Remember, she also has to sign the return, so that should be a clue as to what you can and cannot do.

Call the IRS. They are friendly enough. You will need to get the forms anyways, and you will have to attatch a statement to your return. I did it that way, and no one objected yet, and I got my stimulus check as well for a joint return.

Sonomacountygal's husband


Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2008-12-29 12:10:00
PhilippinesAn Honest Discussion About Fil/Am Relationships
QUOTE (DEDixon @ Dec 29 2008, 08:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Too funny.... all these people answering with a capital NO so basically yelling NO as if they are saying "OMG, online dating??? me??? never!!!" as if online dating is for the desperate I guess they are thinking.

I met my fiance online, went to the RP to see her 4 times, talked to her twice a day for hours for over a year... blah, blah, blah.

My take these days on spending lots of time together before marriage: All these people who knew each other for years and years before marrying and had kids together after marriage ended up divorced... what does knowing each other for years really do? I no longer think spending years together makes any difference.... Americans, the Brits, Canadians... the industrialized world has proven it makes no difference.


Yeah, you got a point there, DEDixon. I met my husband on penpalnet.com. I don't know if you call it a dating site, but yes. I met him through that site. He told me he wasn't looking for a Filipina. He wasn't looking for anybody. He was thinking about opening a "night" club in Costa Rica. So he was looking for contacts in Latin America. I was looking for a penpal because I was bored going to work, going home, get some sleep and then go back to work again the next day.

So we did end up together. Fate has its own way of doing things huh! But then again, my husband says, quoting Rommel, "Chance favors the prepared mind."

Edited by sonomacountygal, 30 December 2008 - 10:13 PM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2008-12-30 22:10:00
PhilippinesAn Honest Discussion About Fil/Am Relationships
QUOTE (Mister Fancypants @ Dec 30 2008, 07:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for all the honest answers so far. smile.gif

Question 6 - for the American men who didn't meet their Filipina spouse through a dating service or marriage broker, what stories or rumors had you heard about those sites and the kinds of Filipinas you'd find?


Question 7 - for the Filipinas who didn't join a dating service or marriage broker, what stories or rumors had you heard about the kinds of men you'd find that way?



1. Nope.

2. Nope.

3. Smaller and tanner.

5. Paler and a little older.

6. No answer. Never heard anything about it.

7. I don't know. All I know is that they charge money.













*** star_smile.gif

Edited by sonomacountygal, 30 December 2008 - 10:27 AM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2008-12-30 10:26:00
PhilippinesAny one there who ask the help of congressman about your case
We had no problems with our K-1 process, but our good friends did. He married a Baguio City girl, and fully expected to bring his wife back without any problem. It took him two years, and he enlisted the help of Lynn Woolsey's office, (D) California, at the end. They said she was most helpful in directing them to the proper agencies, and helped with the filling out of the forms.

- Bullwinkle

P.S. I don't that she helped at all, other than focus my friend on the proper process to follow.

Edited by Rocky_nBullwinkle, 09 January 2009 - 10:46 AM.

Rocky_nBullwinkleFemalePhilippines2009-01-09 10:42:00