ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesVisa Received!
QUOTE (RyaNRiza @ Jul 21 2008, 10:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Everyone received the yellow envelope on the same state, so don't worry about it smile.gif I too was wondering at first and found out that the cut on the side is normal.

Thank you for the information. I thought it HAD to be correct because it's such a large cut in the envelope, hehe.

Thanks everybody!
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-07-21 23:02:00
PhilippinesVisa Received!
My fiancee said that the packet is inside of sealed cellophane, but the envelope is cut open at the top and the left side. Is this acceptable or does she need to return it to the Embassy?
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-07-21 22:50:00
PhilippinesVisa Received!
I'm so happy, she got the Visa! She has just one question but doesn't think it's a problem. If there's no problem, I can get her a flight to San Antonio this Saturday!

PARTY TIME!!!!! kicking.gif
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-07-21 22:36:00
PhilippinesCongrats to the Philippines Embassy on K1 processing time
Wow, that's good news for the new filers! Now if they can just get rid of the stupid AR Document Verification!

Edited by fitzee21, 12 July 2008 - 06:06 PM.

fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-07-12 18:05:00
PhilippinesA little nervous
Actually, they take U.S. dollars at Narita airport in Tokyo, but they give you Yen for change. I still have some Yen from my trip through there last year smile.gif
Also, her flight was early, but I guess it's probably difficult to get a phone card.

Nonetheless, I didn't get a phone call in the middle of the night so I'd say she's just fine and on the plane. The flight is scheduled to land 29 minutes early, YAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY! Hehe!

Thanks everybody.
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-07-27 08:44:00
PhilippinesA little nervous
Hey all,

I'm a little bit nervous because I told my fiancee to get a phone card in Tokyo so that she could call me to let me know that she's alright. Well, the plane is boarding right now and I still didn't hear from her.

I was just wondering, did anybody else make an attempt to call their petitioner while in Tokyo or a different non-US airport? Maybe it's more difficult to get a phone card than I realize. She had about 100 minutes in-between her flights. That should be plenty of time right?

Sorry if I'm being a whiner, I just want to know that she's ok, lol

Thanks in advance!
Brett
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-07-27 01:31:00
PhilippinesWhat is the quickiest way to get married here in Chicago, Illinois?
Simple, fly to Vegas, lol
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-07-02 09:38:00
PhilippinesARE U PROUD OF BEING PINOY??
Hindi Pinoy ako, pero I'm proud to marry a Pinay and be a part of her family. My stepmother is her auntie, so I'm very familiar with the culture. Hehe, I'm only a beginner in Tagalog wink.gif
WOW Philippines! biggrin.gif

Edited by fitzee21, 09 June 2008 - 08:33 PM.

fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-06-09 20:31:00
PhilippinesVISA!!! :-) :-) :-)
Congrats! My fiancee got hers yesterday too and is going to be here on Sunday. You will be together soon! YEHEY! kicking.gif
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-07-22 09:20:00
PhilippinesProgram to check delbros delivery
Too bad, it says, "Delbros is offline". How typical sad.gif

Please tell your bana "thank you!"
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-07-06 11:05:00
Philippinesquick question re sputum test
1 of every 3 people (33% of all people) worldwide has tuberculosis, but it is rarely active in that individual. In the Philippines, about 220 of every 100,000 Filipinos (0.22% of Filipinos) has active tuberculosis (data gathered from a study I read from 1999). So most likely, there will not be an issue and they will clear her in about 2 months.

My fiancee went through this too. Sorry to hear about the delay. Do what you can to be patient, pray, and always believe that your prayers have been answered. You will be together soon. God bless!
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-06-18 07:26:00
PhilippinesAfter 436 days of meeting the only true love of my life
Congratulations!! I wish you all the best, lots of love and understanding for each other wub.gif


QUOTE (Donna A @ Jun 20 2008, 10:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
not to be a twit or anything but isnt the wedding band supose to be wore on the inside, closer to the heart?
im just traditional so im not being insulting or anything and maybe this is the new way to wear rings that im not aware of.
I heard the engagement ring is moved to the right hand just before the marriage so the wedding ring could be put in his place... and kept there. I heard that after the wedding they put it over the wedding ring. I heard women keep their engagement rings and just place wedding rings over them (simply put them in order they got them in, as showed on the picture).

I also heard engagement rings are worn on the right hand all the time as wedding ring goes to the left. Then again, I heard completely vice versa, that wedding ring actually goes to the RIGHT hand.



It all depends where you come from and what the customs are there. In my country (Croatia) western part of the country wears wedding rings on left hand, and eastern part of the country (more influenced by Islam/Greek Catholic Church I guess?) wears wedding rings on the right hand. As for engagement rings, extremely rarely see women wearing them at all after the wedding.
Ivy.FemaleCroatia2008-06-22 13:47:00
PhilippinesI-134 for K2 question
QUOTE (dbears @ Apr 12 2008, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jj1028 @ Apr 12 2008, 11:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hmmm.. as far as i remember me and my son (k2) only used one I-134, he is my dependent so he is just under the dependent for affidavit of support so i was wondering why you need each for you and the kids? have you check the affidavit of support form? i think you only need one for you and your kids


The first line of the I-134 states: "A separate affidavit must be submitted for each person." so I assumed that my fiance would need to file a separate I-134 for each of us since we will be paying separate visa fees, fill out separate DS156 and DS 157 and would therefore be required to present a separate affidavit of support also.

But maybe you are right, maybe I just need one affidavit of support for the 3 of us... the derivative status of "K2" visa applicants has temporarily escaped me. wacko.gif

thank you very much and God bless. rose.gif


as your kids are derivative on your visa application (k1) they dont need a seperate I-134 smile.gif
jj1028Not TellingPhilippines2008-04-12 09:57:00
PhilippinesI-134 for K2 question
hmmm.. as far as i remember me and my son (k2) only used one I-134, he is my dependent so he is just under the dependent for affidavit of support so i was wondering why you need each for you and the kids? have you check the affidavit of support form? i think you only need one for you and your kids
jj1028Not TellingPhilippines2008-04-11 22:42:00
Philippinestime at POE
QUOTE (dannyrmartin1 @ Apr 5 2008, 09:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (fitzee21 @ Apr 5 2008, 09:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (fitzee21 @ Apr 5 2008, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'd say it depends. If you're going to a large airport such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas etc., your line is definitely going to be longer. If your POE is a smaller airport such as Houston, Minneapolis, Detroit, etc., your line will be shorter.

I always say better safe than sorry. Make sure you have at least 3-4 hours and bring plenty of Sudoku books wink.gif



EDIT: (for some reason, it won't let me edit my original message, UGH!) Anyways...
What I'm planning to do is fly my fiancee either to Minneapolis or Chicago which are the nearest (main) POEs in the area where I will be. When she gets here, I'll be about 80 miles north of Kansas City (I live in San Antonio except during the summer, I live in northwest Missouri) and will drive to pick her up at the POE so that she will not have to deal with other problems at the airport. I also figure that she will enjoy the scenery, even if it's another 5-6 hours drive smile.gif



Where are you at? Maryville? That would be a nice drive to Minneapolis. It would give your Fiancee a chance to see the Heartland.... good.gif

That's funny. Actually, I went to college at Northwest, but I'm originally from Bethany; it'd be an easy drive considering I-35 runs through Bethany and would take me straight to Minneapolis smile.gif. Yeah, I think it'd be a nice gesture and make things easier for her if I make sure that her POE is where I can drive to pick her up, or if I arrange to fly to her POE even if it's in Dallas, LA, etc.

Edited by fitzee21, 05 April 2008 - 09:35 PM.

fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-05 21:34:00
Philippinestime at POE
QUOTE (fitzee21 @ Apr 5 2008, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'd say it depends. If you're going to a large airport such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas etc., your line is definitely going to be longer. If your POE is a smaller airport such as Houston, Minneapolis, Detroit, etc., your line will be shorter.

I always say better safe than sorry. Make sure you have at least 3-4 hours and bring plenty of Sudoku books wink.gif



EDIT: (for some reason, it won't let me edit my original message, UGH!) Anyways...
What I'm planning to do is fly my fiancee either to Minneapolis or Chicago which are the nearest (main) POEs in the area where I will be. When she gets here, I'll be about 80 miles north of Kansas City (I live in San Antonio except during the summer, I live in northwest Missouri) and will drive to pick her up at the POE so that she will not have to deal with other problems at the airport. I also figure that she will enjoy the scenery, even if it's another 5-6 hours drive smile.gif
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-05 21:07:00
Philippinestime at POE
I'd say it depends. If you're going to a large airport such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas etc., your line is definitely going to be longer. If your POE is a smaller airport such as Houston, Minneapolis, Detroit, etc., your line will be shorter.

I always say better safe than sorry. Make sure you have at least 3-4 hours and bring plenty of Sudoku books wink.gif
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-05 20:57:00
PhilippinesAnother Airline Ticket Question
You're filing a marriage-only Visa, no need for the government to be suspicious of your actions.
If you were filing for a tourists Visa, that would be a different story.
Just get a one-way ticket. Travelocity and Expedia have good prices for one-way tickets from Manila.
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-05 22:56:00
Philippinesis providing 2006 and 2007 W2's good enough?
QUOTE (Dr Mirage @ Apr 6 2008, 11:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you for the reply.

Yes, I am self employed and I also receive salary from another company.

This is why I have W-2's and 1040's.

So far I have:

Notorized Copy of I-134
1040's from 2005, 2006, 2007
W-2's from 2006 and 2007
Self Employment Letter
Employment Letter
Copy of Articles of Incorporation
Copy of Business License
Copy of Seller's Permitt
Last three checking account bank statements
Last three months pay check stubs
IRA 2007 statements


I'm worried because I only have 2006 and 2007 W-2's. Most people I have seen provide three years of W-2's.

Dr Mirage

QUOTE (fitzee21 @ Apr 6 2008, 10:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Dr Mirage @ Apr 6 2008, 10:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just realized that I only have 2006 and 2007 W-2's.

Will this be sufficient to show the pre-screener?

I also have 2005, 2006, 2007 ITR's (1098's) since I am self employed and I will be providing my last three pay check stubs.

Thanks.

You're self-employed and receive a W-2? I thought a 1099 is for a self-employed individual.

Anyways, I'm self-employed and receive a 1099-MISC. I sent my 2005, 2006, and 2007 tax returns. I also sent:
- 2 months of bank statements
- 8 weeks of sales statements
- proof of life insurance
- proof of property ownership
- statement of bank information signed by bank manager (date joined and amount deposited since joining - I joined back in August, 2007 so I wasn't able to provide them with 1 year of deposits)
- printout from my SEP-IRA

It's way more than what they ask for, but as far as I'm concerned, you can't provide them with too much information smile.gif



Oh I see. Well, do you have your 2005? Even a faxed copy is acceptable if there is a place where she can receive it. Also, lots of printers with scanners allow you to make PDF (Adobe Acrobat) files of your documents. I also only sent my 2006 and 2007 originally. My attorney suggested that I go ahead and send the 2005 just in case, so I made a PDF of the 2005 and sent it to her e-mail and she just printed it from there.

Main thing is, they want to make sure that your income is at least 10% above the poverty level, you're employed or self-employed, and that you pay your taxes. But, you can't provide too much info I don't think smile.gif

QUOTE (loi48 @ Apr 6 2008, 11:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi! my fiance' is self-employed too and heres my checklist for Affidavit of Support

. Form I-134, Affidavit of Support
. Self- employment letter from the Petitioner with Companys letter head
. Copy of Board License for Petitioners Company
. Print out form of Business Registry for the Petitioners Company
. Letter of Employment for the Petitioner from Companys Partner
. Petitioners Individual Federal Tax Returns and W-2 forms for 2005-2007
. Petitioners Company Corporate Federal Tax Returns for 2004-2006
. Letter from the Bank with details regarding Petitioners bank accounts (personal & company)
. Copy of Annual Tax and Interest Statement regarding Petitioners Real Estate Holdings



Is this sufficient?


Thanks!

According to the requirements on the paper, everything has been met. I'm sure you'll be just fine with that information.

Edited by fitzee21, 06 April 2008 - 11:31 PM.

fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-06 23:29:00
Philippinesis providing 2006 and 2007 W2's good enough?
QUOTE (Dr Mirage @ Apr 6 2008, 10:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just realized that I only have 2006 and 2007 W-2's.

Will this be sufficient to show the pre-screener?

I also have 2005, 2006, 2007 ITR's (1098's) since I am self employed and I will be providing my last three pay check stubs.

Thanks.

You're self-employed and receive a W-2? I thought a 1099 is for a self-employed individual.

Anyways, I'm self-employed and receive a 1099-MISC. I sent my 2005, 2006, and 2007 tax returns. I also sent:
- 2 months of bank statements
- 8 weeks of sales statements
- proof of life insurance
- proof of property ownership
- statement of bank information signed by bank manager (date joined and amount deposited since joining - I joined back in August, 2007 so I wasn't able to provide them with 1 year of deposits)
- printout from my SEP-IRA

It's way more than what they ask for, but as far as I'm concerned, you can't provide them with too much information smile.gif
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-06 22:54:00
PhilippinesDay 9 in the USA...Funny Things She Asked
LOL, that's funny. I was on the phone with my fiance when she found a snake in her house. She poured gas on it and lit it on fire. I said, "Why did you do that? It's just a snake!" But she said everybody in the Philippines will kill a snake because they don't know whether it's poisonous or not - people don't take chances on that there, hehe.

Whereas, in the U.S., many people know whether or not a snake is poisonous. If it's poisonous, I would just call the local animal control center to have it relocated. The cultural differences are fun! biggrin.gif

QUOTE (jom @ Mar 31 2008, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The first time I saw a baby garter snake came out of the bin while my husband and I were cleaning the pool deck I just grabbed my slipper and started to hit it while screaming Oh my God repeatedly, hahaha. . Joe told me they dont kill snakes here as long as its not poisonous so he just drove it away to our neighbor's backyard. . darn, in the Philippines, we kill snakes when we see one, hahaha, baby or not. We still laugh about it until now.

fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-03-31 15:58:00
PhilippinesHow do others deal with being apart.
My fiancee just tries to stay busy doing work around the house and tutoring her sister.

As for me, I just try to stay busy with work and have as much human contact as possible. One of the reasons why I hang out here on the message boards all the time, lol. I also post on *removed for spam*(dotcom) but it has a lot less members compared to visajourney. I play video games online with my Xbox and I go out usually on Tuesday and Friday nights. I also increase my Tagalog vocabulary with Pimsleur Language Programs and Rosetta Stone. I also practice street magic so sometimes I'll go out the the mall and have fun with a deck of cards. However, she's never off my mind no matter what I'm doing or who I'm with, but these activities help me.

Edited by fitzee21, 06 April 2008 - 09:28 PM.

fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-06 21:26:00
PhilippinesMy end of the road...
QUOTE (STEPHnRIA @ Apr 4 2008, 07:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (fitzee21 @ Apr 5 2008, 03:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (STEPHnRIA @ Apr 4 2008, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It is just so really hard to explain. My fiancee was asking me questions but he will never understand because he never lived here in Philippines. He would always say that is impossible because here in the US its like this or that. But really, you can't compare because this is a third world country. Not everybody has social security numbers. Not everyone pays taxes. A lot of times, its all about who you know and how much you can pay. But I think its a bad move to tell him that. I don't want my country to look so bad because that is not the total picture. He told me before that he will move here in Philippines if I don't get the visa. I will not ask him to move here. I know he will but he won't be happy and I don't want him to hate me for it someday. All I ever want is to make him happy, so now I will tell him that I love him so much, I will set him free.

By the way, this "guy" who made the fake marriage is US citizen. He is half American, half Filipino. We have evidence that marriage license was fake because first- in order for US citizen to get married here in Philippines, he nust have a certificate of legal capacity to marry... and he didn''t have that.

Anyway, I don't wana talk about evidences or whatever. I am more worried with my relationship to Stephen. I really don't know what's going on in his head...

Didn't he read any culture books or ask a lot of questions when he was there? I have a bit of an advantage because my stepmother is Filipina and she has a sister in Michigan that I talk to regularly, but most of what I know about the Philippines was read in books (I actually know more about the history, government, geography, etc. than my stepmother, she always skipped classes when she was young, hehe). However, I read about 10 books on the Philippines before I ever visited. I was curious about the culture and family life and how to show respect. A lot of the books that I'd read contain information regarding some of the daily challenges of a Filipino.

I'm really sad to hear about everything, I really hope that you everything can return to normal and that he knows you're telling the truth!


He hasn't been here to Philippines. My parents have invited him to come here so they could finally meet him. And we're supposed to have an engagement party, I would take him to places, do the interview together and fly to the US together with my son. He read a lot of books and newpapers but those won't tell him anything how I got into this situation. I really think that he has to live my life in order to understand.

Oh ok, I'm sorry to hear about everything. Yeah, he would have to come to visit to get the true experience of the Philippines. I'm truly sorry to hear about everything and hope that it's either for the best or that he can find some way to believe you. From a Kano's point of view, it is difficult to understand, but I know you're telling the truth. I'll be sure to keep you in my prayers.
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-05 00:09:00
PhilippinesMy end of the road...
QUOTE (STEPHnRIA @ Apr 4 2008, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It is just so really hard to explain. My fiancee was asking me questions but he will never understand because he never lived here in Philippines. He would always say that is impossible because here in the US its like this or that. But really, you can't compare because this is a third world country. Not everybody has social security numbers. Not everyone pays taxes. A lot of times, its all about who you know and how much you can pay. But I think its a bad move to tell him that. I don't want my country to look so bad because that is not the total picture. He told me before that he will move here in Philippines if I don't get the visa. I will not ask him to move here. I know he will but he won't be happy and I don't want him to hate me for it someday. All I ever want is to make him happy, so now I will tell him that I love him so much, I will set him free.

By the way, this "guy" who made the fake marriage is US citizen. He is half American, half Filipino. We have evidence that marriage license was fake because first- in order for US citizen to get married here in Philippines, he nust have a certificate of legal capacity to marry... and he didn''t have that.

Anyway, I don't wana talk about evidences or whatever. I am more worried with my relationship to Stephen. I really don't know what's going on in his head...

Didn't he read any culture books or ask a lot of questions when he was there? I have a bit of an advantage because my stepmother is Filipina and she has a sister in Michigan that I talk to regularly, but most of what I know about the Philippines was read in books (I actually know more about the history, government, geography, etc. than my stepmother, she always skipped classes when she was young, hehe). However, I read about 10 books on the Philippines before I ever visited. I was curious about the culture and family life and how to show respect. A lot of the books that I'd read contain information regarding some of the daily challenges of a Filipino.

I'm really sad to hear about everything, I really hope that you everything can return to normal and that he knows you're telling the truth!
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-04 14:25:00
PhilippinesMy end of the road...
Oh wow, I'm so sorry to hear about everything! I hope they will find that guy and be able to do something about it! That's so sad sad.gif
I will pray for you too.
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-04 12:15:00
PhilippinesKorean Airlines
A friend of mine spent a year living in Seoul. He said they speak very good English there and at the airport so it would be a good place to fly my fiancee through.
FYI, I've also been to Tokyo and they speak very good English at Narita Airport.
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-08 23:49:00
Philippinesjust had my interview and the consul said," as soon as we get hold of the document verification from NSO we will release your visa"
QUOTE (RyaNRiza @ Apr 4 2008, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats on the approval. Look at the possible delay as a chance to do those things you can't do here, go to Jollibee or King Chow or Greenwich. Ride the jeepneys or Trikes. Go to karaoke with your friends. I pray that the delay is quite short.

-Ryan

Man, why'd you have to say that?! I LOVE that spicy fried chicken at JB and the Spicy Noodles at Choking! sad.gif
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-05 21:54:00
PhilippinesSome newbie questions
QUOTE (NoelandTintin @ Apr 6 2008, 08:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (fitzee21 @ Apr 5 2008, 09:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
3. That's just how it is in the Philippines in general, it's difficult to find work even if you have experience and a college degree. They're allowed to be discriminatory. For example, I visited a clothing store in one of the rural areas of the Zambales province. They had an advertisement on the outside of the store looking for saleswomen. The 2 requirements I remembered were 18-24 years of age, and "single." As you know, we'd never see that in the U.S.


So True. you forgot to add the height requirements. And the skin color requirements. The fairer skinned ones has a better chance of getting hired.

Haha, yeah that's true! That was one of the things I noticed about most of the women who worked in the city versus the country. Being from an area (originally) that is 99% white, I'm attracted to tan skin. For me, the women in the country were more physically attractive than those who worked in the malls and indoors in the city. But, that's understandable. In the U.S., the desire is to be tan, but in a place that is mostly tan, the desire would be white. Too bad, I love being tan (Sioux Indian is one of my most dominant traits), but my fiancee is attracted to light skin so I get just enough sun to stay healthy smile.gif
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-06 10:58:00
PhilippinesSome newbie questions
QUOTE (forgiven @ Apr 5 2008, 09:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everybody,

I'm not sure if this should be posted in the "off topic" forum but since I'm dating a woman who lives in the Philippines I thought this forum is appropriate.

1- After reading posts of filipina women having problems with their medical exam I have thought that it would be best to pay for a medical exam before I visit her next month to see if there are any problems?

2- Should I convert the dollar into pesos before I get to the Philippines? Also how much money did you take to the Philippines with you when visiting your boy/girlfriend excluding hotel costs?

3- My sweety has a bachelors degree in computer science but has a very difficult time finding a job. Is it that difficult finding a job in Davao?

4- Realize I'm talking from the view of the American culture. Is it common for filipina women to have never been with a man even in their 30's?

I'm sure I will have many more questions as time goes on and I thank everyone for their warm welcomes and advice

Jeff

1. It came as quite a bummer to find that my fiancee has a scar on her left lung from her chest x-ray during her medical exam. We'd expected to be together at the end of this month, instead, she had to go to the medical center 4 days in a row for a sputum test and pulmonary review. We now have to wait until June 4 for the results sad.gif The fact is that there is only 1 medical center used by the U.S. Embassy, so no matter what, she will have to go there and have a chest x-ray. The only thing is that you may get the same shock as me and get a 2-month delay. If you go in with the idea that you will have a 2-month delay, you won't be disappointed and most likely, very happy if there are no scars smile.gif

2. Yes, just exchange your cash in the Philippines. I used my credit card for most purchases but if you're eating or paying a taxi, you'll need pesos for sure. FYI, the worst rate I received while I was there was from the National Bank of China (or something like that). They were about 2 pesos lower than everywhere else. And on another note, they would take ONLY the most crisp $100 bills, they were very strict and annoying about it, but I'm sure they have their reasons.

3. That's just how it is in the Philippines in general, it's difficult to find work even if you have experience and a college degree. They're allowed to be discriminatory. For example, I visited a clothing store in one of the rural areas of the Zambales province. They had an advertisement on the outside of the store looking for saleswomen. The 2 requirements I remembered were 18-24 years of age, and "single." As you know, we'd never see that in the U.S.

4. Virtually all Filipinas wait until marriage before having sex. Losing virginity for a Filipina to the wrong person, or rather, to a person she isn't married to or didn't marry, could result in her being shunned or disrespected by Filipino men for the rest of her life. So yes, it is fairly common.

If you're interested, I could recommend a couple of books that will teach you a lot regarding customs and family life of a Filipino.
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-05 23:12:00
Philippinesanother ds156 question
Do not hide that, they already have the information that your relatives are in the U.S. If you lie, you can get banned for life from the U.S.

Honesty is the best medicine.
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-10 12:29:00
PhilippinesLost engagement ring :(
Yes, thank you for the replies. My fiancee is INCREDIBLY sensitive. She sent me a text message as soon as she woke and I could tell something was really bothering her, but it took her a few hours to tell me, hehe. I just said, "It's ok my baby, it's just a ring, they make more of those!" I'm just glad that she wasn't hurt. Yes, she was mostly torn because it was a gift from me, but it wasn't anything expensive, I don't spend money on jewelry, my opinion is that it's overpriced, hehe. I called my friend who works at Sears and she is going to see if they are still carrying that ring. It's somewhat of a bummer because I bought her the matching necklace and earrings set (has a unique cut on the opal and the sides of the opal) so I'm hoping I can find the same ring again!

If not, it's no big deal, I can just send her some money and have her go and get one that's similar in price.

Thanks again for the information!
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-11 07:56:00
PhilippinesLost engagement ring :(
It's too bad, my fiancee somehow has managed to misplace the engagement ring. I know this is one of the important items that she needs to show as proof of an engagement. However, because it's lost, I think it's somewhat of a problem. She has the original receipt and it's dated about 2 weeks before my visit in May 15, 2007.

Do you think it's important that I replace the ring and send her a new one or if she can use one that would be similar in price and just show it at the interview?

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks/salamat smile.gif
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-11 07:36:00
Philippinessputum results timeline
My fiance's schedule (not yet done but here goes):

March 25, 2008 - Medical Exam
March 26, 2008 - Had to return, was told to return 3 days for sputum test
March 31, 2008 - Sputum test #1
April 1, 2008 - Sputum test #2
April 2, 2008 - Sputum test #3
April 3, 2008 - Pulmonary review, told was negative as of now, told to call on June 4, 2008 for results of culture/smear test.
June 4, 2008 - ?????
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-11 07:44:00
PhilippinesI-134
The I-134 needs to be notarized OR (as written on the form itself) "If you are outside the United States, the affidavit must be sworn to or notice affirmed before a U.S. consular or immigration officer." In other words, you can go ahead and send her a notarized I-134 or you can just print it and wait to sign it in front of the person giving the interview at the U.S. embassy.

I would just do both, print 2 copies. Have 1 notarized and send it, then just bring another one with you to sign in front of the consulate. Just in case smile.gif
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-11 07:42:00
Philippineshusband died two weeks after marriage
QUOTE (guamcouple @ Apr 11 2008, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Very sad to here, at least she entered the country legally, I don't know how they are going to force her out when 12 million others and counting are doing it on a daily basis on our borders. Hopefully she can find some support and help.

That's a good point. This woman honored the laws of the U.S. and came here legally, yet those who are dishonorable are allowed to stay and maybe be given amnesty. Truly sad sad.gif
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-11 23:42:00
Philippineshusband died two weeks after marriage
I have no advice, but that's one of the saddest things I've ever heard. I'll be sure to keep that woman in my prayers.
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-11 07:38:00
PhilippinesUSPS express ?? mail
QUOTE (Ting Tong Farang @ Apr 12 2008, 08:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Zen Den @ Apr 11 2008, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
USPS express mail from R.I.. It was 7 pounds of visa documents, 3 lbs of food/vitamins. It took 12 days before it was ready for pick up by my fiance. I paid $ 120.00 for that. blink.gif
I seem to remember reading a post on this before, it must be picked up at airport(manila). The taxes or tarif paid, and sometimes one can bargin for the amount paid(sorry I only have X pecos... whistling.gif devil.gif

I wonder if any other companys are quicker than that ?? He, he I was told it would take 3--5 days headbonk.gif
Well truth is, I am just glad it got there. good.gif


Before sending documents to Thailand, I checked the USPS website for it policy in regards to mailing international, it clearly said they guarantee the time it will take to arrive to the international destination, once there, it is out of their hands and they have no control over that countries postal service.

To be honest, never send anything to the Philippines in regular mail, use DHL, UPS or FedEx. Chances are the recepient will either never receice it or won't receive all of it.........I know from experience.

Yes, once it reaches the international point, it is out of the hand of the USPS and in the recipient's country's postal system.

If you are going to send anything via USPS, make sure you send it registered. This is the USPS most secure form of mailing. My stepmother and her 2 sisters who live in the U.S. have never experienced problems with the USPS using this (nor have I, it just takes a month to be received).
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-12 22:42:00
PhilippinesUSPS express ?? mail
QUOTE (Zen Den @ Apr 11 2008, 10:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
USPS express mail from R.I.. It was 7 pounds of visa documents, 3 lbs of food/vitamins. It took 12 days before it was ready for pick up by my fiance. I paid $ 120.00 for that. blink.gif
I seem to remember reading a post on this before, it must be picked up at airport(manila). The taxes or tarif paid, and sometimes one can bargin for the amount paid(sorry I only have X pecos... whistling.gif devil.gif

I wonder if any other companys are quicker than that ?? He, he I was told it would take 3--5 days headbonk.gif
Well truth is, I am just glad it got there. good.gif

USPS isn't handled completely by Americans. When it gets to the PI, it is handled by their postal service, which yes, causes delays.

My attorney uses DHL, but I've always used Fedex, which both have services for 3 days (Fedex also has a 5-day service if you're not in a huge rush). They are costly, but I've used Fedex twice and they have always been 3 days (well, calendar days between the U.S. and PI, so technically, 2.5 days, it's fast! smile.gif ).

Prices I had for Fedex (don't remember the DHL):
- Fedex International Priority (3-day option) for both shipments:
- 4.35 pound Fedex box - $132.13
- 0.45 pound Fedex document mailer - $55.58

Edited by fitzee21, 12 April 2008 - 01:00 PM.

fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-12 12:59:00
Philippinesa word of advice
I think we all feel that way at some stages. I only got into a panic when I received an appointment letter on March 21 stating that my fiancee had a March 25 medical and April 1 interview. I couldn't get my attorney to get in touch with me, so I rushed and got it all put together, only to be delayed until June 4 for the sputum test, LOL!
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-09 20:42:00
Philippinesbring and not to bring
I've been telling my fiancee to just bring her most treasured items because we can replace things such as clothing, music, etc. (except Tagalog music of course, hehe).
Pirated DVD's? I doubt they are going to look that hard, but I say better safe than sorry.
fitzee21MalePhilippines2008-04-11 07:48:00