ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesYou Know You're Filipino If.../YOU MAY BE MARRIED TO A FILIPINA IF . . .
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Jan 21 2009, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Claudeth's sister is named Lovely and Claudeth can't pass on a sale because......stuff is on sale whether she needs it or not blink.gif



The other term for that is "bargain".. we often use the word... naka kuha ka ba ng "bargain"?( but what we really mean is if we got an item in a discounted price). Sounds funny now but it a term that we Filipinas only understand just like " for a while"...... laughing.gif

gladysFemalePhilippines2009-01-22 12:49:00
PhilippinesYou Know You're Filipino If.../YOU MAY BE MARRIED TO A FILIPINA IF . . .
QUOTE (charles! @ Jan 21 2009, 09:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (gladys @ Jan 21 2009, 06:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hoy!

If any of the following sounds familiar to you, then you're probably Filipino. Admit it, some halo-halo sounds pretty good right about now.

well not exactly why they sound familiar.......
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=158025



Oh!! I was not able to read that one. Sorry for re-posting this. This was just recently shared by my friend to me. And I found it really funny.

Its also nice to know that opinion of the American husbands to these things.
gladysFemalePhilippines2009-01-22 12:44:00
PhilippinesYou Know You're Filipino If.../YOU MAY BE MARRIED TO A FILIPINA IF . . .
I think the husbands should read the second part to understand more about the Filipina wives..... yes.gif
gladysFemalePhilippines2009-01-21 20:09:00
PhilippinesYou Know You're Filipino If.../YOU MAY BE MARRIED TO A FILIPINA IF . . .
Hoy!

If any of the following sounds familiar to you, then you're probably Filipino. Admit it, some halo-halo sounds pretty good right about now.

• You answer to "Pssst!!"
• You point with your lips.
• You have relatives whose nicknames consist of repeated syllables like Ling-Ling, Bong-Bong, or Che-Che.
• You have uncles and aunts named Boy, Girlie or Baby.
• In your dining room there's a picture of "Last Supper" - and on either side of it are a giant wooden spoon and fork.
• The furniture in your house is wrapped in plastic or covered in blankets.
• You use shopping bags as garbage bags.
• You have a piano no one plays.
• You keep a tabo in your bathroom.
• You own a barrel man from Baguio.
• You can't resist buying items on sale even if you don't need them.
• You eat with your hands.
• and you cut your meat with a spoon and fork.
• You know a meal isn't a meal unless there's rice.
• There's Spam, Vienna sausage and corned beef in your pantry.
• You eat or have eaten fried spam and eggs with rice for breakfast.
• Whenever friends come over, they ask for "meat rolls" and you know they mean lumpia.
• You greet your elders by touching their hands to your forehead.
• You always kiss your relatives on the cheek whenever you enter or leave the room.
• Your relatives sing karaoke when they come over.
• A party isn't a party unless there's line dancing (who doesn't love the Todo Todo, Chilly Cha Cha and September???)
• You don't get grossed out by balut.
• Your mom puts sugar and hot dogs in her spaghetti.
• Your Lola taught you to gargle with warm salt and ginger water when you have a sore throat.
• You always take your shoes off when you enter a house.
• You know what the "chocolate sauce" in dinuguan is actually made of
• The tissues in your bathroom came from Holiday Inn.
• You "open" and "close" the lights.
• Your friends know what it means to be on Filipino Time.
• You think Christmas season begins in October and ends in January.
• Your second piece of luggage is a balikbayan box.
• You've mastered the art of packing a suitcase to double capacity.
• You've ridden in a tricycle that doesn't require peddling
• You hold your palms together in front of you and say "excuse, excuse" when you pass in between people or in front of the TV.
• Goldilocks is more than a fairy tale character to you.
• You say "prijider" instead of refrigerator
• Your Dad is/was in the Navy or your mom is a nurse or in many cases both.
• You leave a party with more food than you came with.
• You pronounce "v"s as "
• You're seen with a boy who's not Filipino and he's automatically your boyfriend and everyone knows about it
• You have Chinese furniture and walls screens in your house
• Your mom or dad came from a family with at least 10 children
• Your parents over exaggerate the time (ex:" hoy gising na ! its almost 12 o clock," when it is really 11:15am)
• You pronounce "f's" as "p's" and "p's" as "f's" eg. pliffing = flipping , pork = fork [or vise versa ]
• Finding relatives at the airport entails scouring the crowd for a bunch of people fussing with a balikbayan box.
• Anyone whose name you can't recall in conversation is referred to as "si ano".
• Somehow there is always room for one more on the motorcycle or tricycle!
• You take off your shoes in the house.
• Your mom tells you to wear your "chanelas" when you go outside.
• You ask your mom what your "ulam" is when shes cooking.
• Your mom likes oriental furniture.
• You can speak one or more: tagalog, illocano, kapangpangan or cebuano
• You can understand either: tagalog, illocana, kapangpangan or cebuano
• You always have sardines in your pantry.
• You've eaten the bird of the balut at least once was
• You know the "Otso-otso".
• If you're not the youngest in the family, you look like your mom.
• You like Kare-Kare.
• Church is a must on Sundays.
• The first thing you offer your guests is food.
• You like the "Black Eyed Peas" because one of the guys is Filipino.
• Taho is Deeeelish!
• You believe its bad to waste food.
• Your mom tells you that its bad luck to sleep with your hair wet.
• You own a "walis ting ting".
• You like ALL of the following: Sinigang, Nilaga, Tilapia, Dinuguan, Pansit, and Lumpia.
• Mango is a dessert.
• You get excited when you see a Filipino on an American channel.
• if you're living abroad, you have family in the philippines that expect you to bring pasalubong that's fancier than anything you even own yourself
• you know that the "white" version of "come here" is palm-up, fingers waving toward the body, but the pinoy version is palm-down, fingers moving toward body in sort of shoveling motion
• You nod backwards to say yes
• You raise your eyebrows to say yes
• You know that Adidas is more than just an athletic company
• You or your parents have a santo nino on the mante and a big wooden rosary hanging on the wall somewhere in the house
• When you know that "dat white one" means a CLEAR object and NOT white at all!
• You can measuring the water for cooking rice with two fingers
• The house you grew up in had a chandelier made of shell (capice)
• Your parents believed in various superstitions: like turning the plates at dinner if someone had to leave; saying "tabi tabi, po

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
YOU MAY BE MARRIED TO A FILIPINA IF . . .

? your refrigerator is always full but you cannot find any food that you recognize.
? instead of a dowry, you got the whole bill for the wedding and honeymoon.
? most of the decorations in your house are made of wicker.
? you are expected to be able to read her mind just by watching her eyebrows move up and down and which way her lips are pointed.
? all her relatives think your name is Joe.
? the instant you are married you have 3000 new close relatives that you can't tell apart.
? your house isn't really on fire, but there is a very charred fish right on top of the stove burner.
? all the desserts are sticky and all the snacks are salty.
she eats her fruit with giant salt crystals and her fried chicken with ketchup.
? even the ketchup tastes weird . . . very weird.
? you throw a party and everyone is fighting to chop the leathery skin off a dead pig.
? all your kids have 4-5 middle names.*
? your in-laws take 10 years to acknowledge your existence and to call you by something other than "that white guy."
? you try to call her up on the phone and someone tells you "for a while" and you want to know "for a while, what??"
? you are trying to go to sleep and she keeps asking for the comFORT'r, and you ain't got a clue what she's talking about . . .
? your first Christmas present is some funny looking baggy see-thru shirt made out of leftover lace doilies.
? your phone bills are all international and average 3 hours per call.
? she sweeps with something that witches usually fly around on.
? her idea of classy, expensive champagne is Asti Spumante
? the rice cooker is on 24 hours a day and uses up 50% of your electric and food budget.
? on your first trip to the Philippines, you have 18 giant boxes that weigh 1000 pounds each and your "carry on" luggage requires a small forklift truck.
? the same luggage is over filled with things that cost an average of 15 cents each like old magazines and M&Ms -- the worst part is when you get off the plane, the same stuff you've been hauling around half way around the world is available in every store in the airport for half the price!
? all her pajamas look like they were worn by the Dalai Lama until they got too faded.
? the first time she's pregnant you have to go out at 4:00 in the morning looking for some weird type of greasy sausages, green mangoes and bagoong.
? You buy a new $500 freezer so she can store 200 pounds of SPAM and CORNED BEEF that was on sale.
? everything in your house was bought on sale, even if you don't need it .. as long as it was a "bargain" is all that matters.
? she gets really excited by sucking the fat out of pig knees.
? your daughter gets her ears pierced when she's 2 minutes old but your sons are not circumcised until they turn 21.
? all your postage bills instantly double.
? you hire a yaya because your wife thinks you clean mirrors with soap and a sponge and the yaya seems cheaper than a divorce.
? the only "white meat" she likes is You, and that's if you're lucky . . .
? her favorite sauce is called patis, Americans call it turpentine.
? she actually thinks that bowling and golf and billiards are real sports and are more important than baseball and football.
? you were married 5 years before she explained to you that "ARAY!" doesn't mean "ooh, baby!"
? she prefers bistek to beef steak.
? her idea of new upholstery is rinsing the bagoong stains out of the slip covers.
? she can eat and talk at the same time, in fact that's her especialty!
? her favorite meal is leftovers, her favorite fancy dessert is Jello mold and for something REALLY romantic, she'll offer you a halo-halo with 2 straws.
? you still don't know what's the difference between manong and manok.
? she and the kids are always saying "Daddy made utot" and you still don't know what it means but they think it's pretty funny.
? other than eyebrow raising and lip puckering, her next most expressive form of communication is grunts and pssst's
? she goes to the movies just for the AC.
? her homeland has more Megamalls than islands.
? before every holiday and visit, her sisters fax you a 10 page "bilin" list which says "suggestion only."
? your kitchen table has a merry-go-round in the middle.
? all the vegetables she buys at the Filipino store look like they were grown at Chernobyl.
? your in-law's first visit lasted 5 years.
? her friends are named Chinky, Girlie, Boy and Bimbo and you are not allowed to smirk.
? her home economics course only taught shopping, eating and siesta; cooking, cleaning and sewing were not electives.
? her idea of edifying reading is gossip magazines.
? all your place settings has the silverware backwards and there are no knives.
? she washes her hair with a bucket and her car with a broom.
? she uses an umbrella even if its not raining.
? her favorite book (she has 3 copies) is "1001 New Recipes for Pig Parts You Were Gonna Throw Out"
? you are the only family in a 200 mile radius with 6 DVD player, 5 televisions.
? she's done her best job planning a surprise party for you if she manages not to tell you about it until a week or two before.
? she "cleans" her closet by throwing all the ####### into your closet.
? you are pretty proud of yourself because you think you snagged up for yourself some unique, rare, tropical goddess type until you go to the Philippines and can't tell her apart from anyone else in the whole country (unless she's taller than 5'1", then it's a bit easier).
? there's always singing in your house, even when the radio's off.
? your own mom, who was lukewarm about your marriage originally, now calls you long distance...to talk to your wife, not to you.
? your family announces that in the unlikely event of a divorce between you and your wife, she will always have a place to stay, but you better find a new family.
? your wife asks to get a job so that you will both have a little extra money, then thanks you for not complaining about having to drive her to work.
? your wife has a contagious smile.
? you both decide to divide your spare income, and you spend yours on a computer game or a power tool, only to learn that she spent her money buying clothes for you
? she might not have had a second pair of shoes growing up, but she's rapidly making up for lost time.
? everything in your house is "namebrand".
? you have a Western Union "Preferred Customer" card. Really.
? you complain when your wife tells you that longaniza is only for breakfast.
? you learn to like rice, even plain.
? you have a budget.
? she may only tell you she loves you once in awhile. But, she shows you that she loves you in everything she does and says.
? you go to sleep each night knowing you're the luckiest man in the world.

Check out: http://www.bakitwhy.com
gladysFemalePhilippines2009-01-21 19:23:00
PhilippinesI MISS MY LIFE
QUOTE (dbears @ Dec 22 2008, 04:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"Ang pag-aasawa ay di parang kaning isusubo na pwedeng iluwa kapag ikaw ay napaso." (It means : Marriage shouldn't be taken lightly. Marriage isn't like eating rice, spitting it out the moment you realize that it is very hot.)

I can understand people sharing how homesick they are, most of us doing that just want to share it and somehow pass the time with people who are going through the same and finding comfort in some who says it is normal and will just pass, being homesick and missing the Philippines do not equate to wanting to leave our partners behind... heck, if i do go back to PI, i would drag my husband with me..... What I don't understand though, is when people vent and tell about their partner's negativity instead of talking it out with their partner and trying to find resolution for it. VJ maybe a good place to vent but wouldn't it be better if personal marital problems and issues be discussed privately with your partner instead of venting it out for other people to feast on? Let's say your partner starts sharing all your negative traits (everybody has some because nobody is perfect) on vj or other forum also, how would you feel about it?

Just my 2 cents worth. God bless and Maligayang Pasko.



Well said Dbears!!!!

As much as we want to be with our friends and family back home, life is not still complete without our husband.

Coming here in this country is a bitter-sweet situation. But we just have to deal with it and find ways to enjoy. This is a new place for us, instead of whining of the things we don't like and we don't have here, why not appreciate the new things around us and start to adventure!!

Its always nice to see new things, places , learn a new culture , meet new potential friends (and being cautious at the same time), try to cook new dishes ( watch food network, and internet is always available for ingredients and procedure) etc. etc. If we have a positive mind, the ideas to try out new things is endless. biggrin.gif


gladysFemalePhilippines2008-12-22 19:14:00
PhilippinesI MISS MY LIFE
QUOTE (leejoy_and_ron @ Dec 18 2008, 05:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (gladys @ Dec 18 2008, 04:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (leejoy_and_ron @ Dec 18 2008, 08:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
yeah buti kayo..theres someone make you stronger...e ako....?.im out of no where...walang kakampi...except GOD



There are others who are fortunate enough to have family members here in US. I don't. But I have a "kakampi" -my husband. You should consider your husband as your kakampi. Where is he anyways? Are you living alone now?

If you are just in San Jose, we can go around together!!!

Take Care!



he is not on my side.....i wish i could turn back time....... crying.gif crying.gif crying.gif crying.gif crying.gif crying.gif


Ngano man day? Asa man diay xa? Kinsay imo kauban karon? Lisod jud na ang mag-isa sa foreign land. Just a suggestion, try to check if there are other Filipinas in your area. I was able to befriend a Filipina here when I got here and she also introduced me to her other Filipino friends. They both speak Cebuano, I speak Boholano before and I'm using it when I'm with them. smile.gif


QUOTE (my_panacea = Greg @ Dec 18 2008, 05:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Guys, I have a question... What if your husband doesn't want you to work?
he just wants you to stay at the house and be a dedicated housewife?
what are you goin to feel?, do?....


I would be thankful for his suggestion but I'll insist to get a job of my own.That way you have other diversion aside from your married life. As much as we love our husband, we need something to do just on our own to get more spice out of life!!!! good.gif
gladysFemalePhilippines2008-12-18 17:57:00
PhilippinesI MISS MY LIFE
QUOTE (leejoy_and_ron @ Dec 18 2008, 08:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
yeah buti kayo..theres someone make you stronger...e ako....?.im out of no where...walang kakampi...except GOD



There are others who are fortunate enough to have family members here in US. I don't. But I have a "kakampi" -my husband. You should consider your husband as your kakampi. Where is he anyways? Are you living alone now?

If you are just in San Jose, we can go around together!!!

Take Care!
gladysFemalePhilippines2008-12-18 16:29:00
Philippineshelp mga sis!!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (chadherm @ Jan 23 2009, 08:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Mga sis , ok lang ba na one day lang ang gap between my medical at interview? i plan kasi feb 9 and 10 for medical and 12 sa interview? sa 13 sana kaso lang Friday the 13 ehhhhhhhhh... any suggestions mga sis?



Its better if you have the medical exam a week before your interview , so that by the time of your interview the medical result is already forwarded to the Embassy. Your visa will only be issued if all the documents are ready.

I think it will still be okay to have a day apart gap but the consul will not be able to tell you right away if you passed or not since they have to wait for the medical.

Good Luck!
gladysFemalePhilippines2009-01-23 15:05:00
PhilippinesInquiry about AOS interview.
QUOTE (RonMay @ Feb 9 2009, 08:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Feb 9 2009, 04:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (gladys @ Feb 9 2009, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just want to ask my fellow VJyers here.

I am scheduled to have the interview on March 11 of this year. However I just renewed my passport because it will expire on April. I will have the new passport by the end of March.

My question is-- Is it ok to bring my old passport (with the holes since its no longer valid) or do I have to call to re schedule the interview?

For those who had their interview done. Did the Immigration Officer looked for the passport? Do we have to submit it like when we had the K1 interview?

I also know that their will be a I-551 stamp. Is it really necessary?

I will really appreciate whoever can enlighten me with these queries. I just hate to reschedule the interview because God knows how long we have to wait for it again.

Thank you in advance!!


I-551 stamp is not always offered... it is typically given if requested and there is a reason (immediate travel) but otherwise you may not be given it.


when i had my interview back then, yes the officer did took my passport coz he checked my I-94 and kept the I-94 to his file... if i remember it right my passport just served as my ID since i didnt have a state id nor a driver's license back then... i am not sure if you will have issues but its best not to reschedule your interview... best to call the uscis itself coz they may know the best answer... i hope its gona be fine for you! im hoping it will. just bring all the extra docs that proves, you're renewing your passport. God bless!!!

edit to add: and he also checked my visa coz my alien # was wrong on my visa and they couldnt find me in their system...





Thanks for the information 'payxibka and RonMay !!

The I-94 and the visa is in my old passport anyways. I hope the old passport is alright. I will call USCIS too as advised by Vida.

Vids, I was able to read your reply to my inquiry on the Sept filers thread. Thank you!

gladysFemalePhilippines2009-02-09 20:33:00
PhilippinesInquiry about AOS interview.
I just want to ask my fellow VJyers here.

I am scheduled to have the interview on March 11 of this year. However I just renewed my passport because it will expire on April. I will have the new passport by the end of March.

My question is-- Is it ok to bring my old passport (with the holes since its no longer valid) or do I have to call to re schedule the interview?

For those who had their interview done. Did the Immigration Officer looked for the passport? Do we have to submit it like when we had the K1 interview?

I also know that their will be a I-551 stamp. Is it really necessary?

I will really appreciate whoever can enlighten me with these queries. I just hate to reschedule the interview because God knows how long we have to wait for it again.

Thank you in advance!!
gladysFemalePhilippines2009-02-09 18:42:00
PhilippinesCan I divorce my wife for cooking fish?
QUOTE (chadherm @ Jan 10 2009, 07:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (gladys @ Jan 10 2009, 01:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (chadherm @ Jan 9 2009, 09:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rocky_nBullwinkle @ Jan 9 2009, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Help! I have a shirt wrapped around my face as I write this post. Some sort of small fish she cooks in oil, produces lots of smoke. wacko.gif It smells like the warmest day in gym class, only 100 times worse. It has been two days now, and I can't even go in the house without covering my face. sad.gif

helpsmilie.gif -Bullwinkle



Just be thankful your flipina is there with you. I would kill to smell a dead fish in my house right now. We are still in the immigration process. sad.gif

Although when my filipina gets here... She will cook that stinky ####### outside. biggrin.gif



Oh!! Just make sure your Filipina will not read this!! I'm sure she also love that "stinky #######". Although its hard to find it here.

Btw, where in Bohol is she from? I came from Garcia Hernandez.. PM me is possible! I'm excited to know a fellow Boholana here....


Good Luck!!

She is from tagbilaran city.She really loves that stinky #######. actually when i visited her last May. I able to eat that stinky crab.. so masarap hehehhe



She is from tagbilaran city.She really loves that stinky #######. actually when i visited her last May. I able to eat that stinky crab.. so masarap hehehhe



I told you!! Its masarap... You just have to try it.. The specialty if somebody came from the Visayas is the "Danggit". Tell her to bring it from Tagbilaran or Cebu when she comes here..

gladysFemalePhilippines2009-01-12 13:31:00
PhilippinesCan I divorce my wife for cooking fish?
QUOTE (chadherm @ Jan 9 2009, 09:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rocky_nBullwinkle @ Jan 9 2009, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Help! I have a shirt wrapped around my face as I write this post. Some sort of small fish she cooks in oil, produces lots of smoke. wacko.gif It smells like the warmest day in gym class, only 100 times worse. It has been two days now, and I can't even go in the house without covering my face. sad.gif

helpsmilie.gif -Bullwinkle



Just be thankful your flipina is there with you. I would kill to smell a dead fish in my house right now. We are still in the immigration process. sad.gif

Although when my filipina gets here... She will cook that stinky ####### outside. biggrin.gif



Oh!! Just make sure your Filipina will not read this!! I'm sure she also love that "stinky #######". Although its hard to find it here.

Btw, where in Bohol is she from? I came from Garcia Hernandez.. PM me is possible! I'm excited to know a fellow Boholana here....


Good Luck!!





















gladysFemalePhilippines2009-01-10 00:42:00
PhilippinesCan I divorce my wife for cooking fish?
QUOTE (Rocky_nBullwinkle @ Jan 9 2009, 06:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (kawawa @ Jan 9 2009, 02:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (gladys @ Jan 9 2009, 06:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rocky_nBullwinkle @ Jan 9 2009, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (luntian @ Jan 9 2009, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think you are talking about tuyo or dried fish


Yep. That is what she called it. Any ideas?


Don't be too fuzzy Rocky_nBullwinkle!! Taste it!! It taste good!!! Pair it with rice and dip it in vinegar with some chille!! You won't think of divorcing your wife.. you may ask her to marry you again!!



QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Jan 9 2009, 02:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
laughing.gif Stay away from the duck eggs blink.gif


Is what you are referring to? This is good!! Taste it!!







oooooh, yum, yum, yummy!!!!!...exotic like us Filipinas!!!



Yummy! Masarap! --Rocky

p.s. At least he thinks I'm tasty blush.gif .

p.p.s. My new desktop!



My husband said that he will charge you for the picture of the Balut!! Just kidding.. He is glad you liked it. My Chris had tasted the balut and he said the taste is ok but he is not crazy about it. He despised the "tuyo" though. I can still remember his face when he was still living in one of the condos in Manila and smell the scent of the dried fish being cooked. He always curse the good all American cursing and wonder why we can eat that " stinky food". They just don't know how it taste like...



gladysFemalePhilippines2009-01-09 23:28:00
PhilippinesCan I divorce my wife for cooking fish?
QUOTE (Rocky_nBullwinkle @ Jan 9 2009, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (luntian @ Jan 9 2009, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think you are talking about tuyo or dried fish


Yep. That is what she called it. Any ideas?


Don't be too fuzzy Rocky_nBullwinkle!! Taste it!! It taste good!!! Pair it with rice and dip it in vinegar with some chille!! You won't think of divorcing your wife.. you may ask her to marry you again!!



QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Jan 9 2009, 02:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
laughing.gif Stay away from the duck eggs blink.gif


Is what you are referring to? This is good!! Taste it!!



gladysFemalePhilippines2009-01-09 17:47:00
PhilippinesMy horrible interview story at USEM
Wow!! You are really brave!! I admire you and Congratulations.

That woman should really lose her job. There are far more better people here in US who can do that job well. People here are losing their jobs like crazy and someone deserves a job than the woman who interviewed you.

Anyways,you and your angel have a safe flight!!
gladysFemalePhilippines2009-01-23 14:58:00
PhilippinesCFO... ARE YOU KIDDING ME???
QUOTE (Noh81 @ Dec 16 2008, 04:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jose Rizal @ Dec 16 2008, 03:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (STEPHnRIA @ Dec 16 2008, 03:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hope you will tell us if you were able to get out of Philippines without the CFO sticker.



they can do the srickering in the airport but you must be able to show your certificate of attendance.


Oh well, I got nothing to show at all. I couldn't leave the country then???


Its better to go there and attend the Seminar, just got there early so that you can finish it in a day. Just go to St. Mary's so that you will not be harassed. It only one day processing and you can get the sticker there too. No need to go around Manila.

When I was about to leave Philippines, upon checking the bags, they check if you have the sticker on the passport coz if not you can't get out of the country. A day for the seminar is worth the trouble than re booking your ticket and paying for extra to change your flight.
gladysFemalePhilippines2008-12-18 20:54:00
PhilippinesCFO... ARE YOU KIDDING ME???
QUOTE (ray77755 @ Dec 12 2008, 10:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So what documents does my fiance need to bring to the seminar?



Check the attachement here. This was the piece of paper that was sent to me with the VISA packet. The stamp is not a requirement of the USCIS but by the Philippine government. If there is no stamp on her passport, she can't get out of the country.

Hope this will help!

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gladysFemalePhilippines2008-12-12 23:10:00
PhilippinesCFO... ARE YOU KIDDING ME???
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Dec 12 2008, 01:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We went to CFO at St. Marys it took 2 total hours, No problems, no requests for pics, etc.

I had heard CFO at PRISM was like a interrogation, so we passed on that place......


Hi I think I saw you in US embassy Manila when I was processing my papers too!! I envy you then coz you're with your honey ( I went there alone).

When I attended the CFO seminar at St. Marys' and had my passport stamped, everything went A-Okay.. I was just wondering who conducted the counseling and and asked the rude questions for those who had bad experiences.

The staff assigned in St Mary's are nice, the lady who showed the videos and also the other lady who conducted the one-on-one interview.

For the FOREIGNER husbands, don't worry about the interview. The people there just want to make sure that Filipina's wants to be with you for the right reasons which is LOVE and not for any other crappy reasons. They present the worst and the best scenarios for Filipinas who married a non- Filipino and made sure that these Filipina's are ready to face a new adventure in their life- being married in a foreign land, that is.


gladysFemalePhilippines2008-12-12 17:21:00
PhilippinesJoseph and Ana NOA2!
QUOTE (Joseph & Ana @ Oct 26 2009, 05:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Woo hooo! Got the e-mail this afternoon!


Congrats!

I received the NOA2 today as well. Almost the exact same timeline.
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-10-27 00:03:00
Philippineshoping for december
I was able to make the interview appointment for Rosalie today. First available was December 15th. The petition was forwarded to the embassy on 10/30 and the DHL shipment arrived on 11/5 but when I called on 11/9 they wouldn't let me make the appointment yet because it had not yet been reviewed. When I called today they did let me.

On the phone, they ask you, did she receive her letter yet from the embassy (packet 3). I said I had no idea if she had yet or not (probably not). The she asked me something along the lines of who told me I could call for the appointment and I replied I had been told that I could call and make the appointment as long as it was in their computer system. To which she said, yes, I could. So don't let the question put you off trying to get your appointment if you know DHL has already delivered it.
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-11-13 00:18:00
PhilippinesNewbee needs help
QUOTE (defs69 @ Nov 7 2009, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello I need some good advice on the Phillippines. I will visit my fiancee for the first time this December in Manila then to Quezon and later visit her very large family in a far province. A lawyer told me that its hard to file fiancee K-1 visa there how true is that I assumed it would take 6 to 8 months tops pending no mistakes on my behalf and holidays and how the processing center works. please enlighten me.


Its not that difficult. Just read the VJ K1 guide. Its pretty easy to follow. Note down all the things you need to get from your fiancee that you need when you file the I-129F. I had to wait for the signed G-325As, the letter of intent to marry and the passport photos to come in the mail which is slow.

QUOTE (defs69 @ Nov 7 2009, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Also does any one know of good hotels and restaurants and thrifty things to do there my fiancee is a country girl but has been in manila a year or so and is not too familiar with these things she is a sort of a home body.


I mostly stay in Makati when I am in Manila but the hotels are a bit higher cost. I've stayed in the Hotel Intercontinental and City Garden. City Garden is cheaper but its farther away from the malls like Glorietta and Greenbelt than the Intercon is. Quality of the rooms was about the same.

As for things to do in Manila, I liked going to Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and the Saint Augustin monastary. That's a nice way to spend a day and its cheap (cab fare plus a couple small admission fees). Beyond that, movies are cheap there compared to here. Its about 140 pesos in Manila to go to a movie. There are theaters in all of the malls (Glorietta, Greenbelt, Mall of Asia). Walking around the Mall of Asia and window shopping is also relatively cheap if you can resist buying stuff.


QUOTE (defs69 @ Nov 7 2009, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How much is the fees to obtain a passport and the police backround check, vaccinations and other fees and processes to get a K-1 visa out side of the $455.00 processing fee.


I don't remember the passport fee but I gave her about $75 worth of pesos and she was able to pay for it and the travel across the province to the city with the DFA office. The NBI police clearance is cheap. I think the fee is like 115 pesos. She will also need a cenomar and a birth certificate both from the NSO. Those cost a couple hundred pesos each as well. In all my fiancee needed to make like 3 trips until we got it all because the passport, bc & cenomar take a while before they are ready to pick up.


QUOTE (defs69 @ Nov 7 2009, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
how can I make cheap international calls to the Phillippines. my phone bill is shocking.
who has the best airfares with no booking fees and better flight connections from the new york, new jersey area of the east coast


See if there is an internet cafe with webcams and headsets where your fiancee can go. I chat with my fiancee for about 2 hours a day using skype. Its way better than the phone because you can see her on the screen. Cafes usually aren't much more than 50 pesos per hour and most are cheaper depending on where she lives

QUOTE (defs69 @ Nov 7 2009, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
THANK YOU for all responses please give me all insider info and tips to survive and bring my baby to me. good.gif P.S. anyone know a good cheap service or lawyer to file K-1 visa with to help me expidite the process please let me know.


I suggest not using a lawyer. Following the K1 guide here on VJ is not difficult at all.
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-11-08 04:51:00
PhilippinesEmployment letter for i-134

It depends on how you sent it and where she lives.

I didn't mail mine out until 10 days before my fiancee was to leave for her interview. However, DHL + local courier got it there in 6 days even though she lives outside of the direct DHL delivery area.

As for the employment letter, I don't know if it will be a problem. The instructions don't explicitly state you have to have one. You just have to provide sufficient evidence that you meet the support requirements. I would think that paystubs and tax returns would be sufficient but it's the consular officer's opinion that matters not mine.
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-12-15 00:38:00
Philippinesno packet3/letter from USEM
My fiancee didn't receive her packet 3 until after she got back from going for the medical so you don't need it.
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-12-15 00:51:00
PhilippinesHas any one ever scheduled there CFO
QUOTE (badger @ Dec 16 2009, 06:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
just wondering


All of the seminars are run at specific times during the day so one has to be there when it starts.

I've seen mention in the forum that the seminar in Cebu has limited space so doesn't necessarily take everyone that shows up. But I don't know this personally.

The one's in Manila are all walk in and they seem don't seem to limit the number that can attend.
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-12-16 23:35:00
Philippineswaiting in Phil for NOA2 after 129F submit ?

Actually, I think I received the approval email from the USCIS because I signed up for updates here at this site:

https://egov.uscis.g...is/Dashboard.do

Click on the link on the left side that says, "Sign-up for Case Updates". You need the receipt number from the NOA1.
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-12-17 02:29:00
Philippineswaiting in Phil for NOA2 after 129F submit ?
You don't need the actual paper in hand for anything up until your fiancee enters the country - its listed as a required document at entry but I don't know that the immigration's officer actually asks for it. Still your fiancee should have it.

If you provided your email address on your I-129F, the USCIS will email you when the I-129F is approved. I received the email about a day or two before the NOA2 arrived in the mail. So that may suffice for you to know when it is sent to the NVC.

After that point you need to wait for the letter from the NVC because you need the MNL number on it. Their email inquiry is useless. I sent the inquiry the day after I got the NOA2 in the mail and didn't receive a response until after my fiancee had taken her medical exam at SLMEC. So you would need to call them to get the MNL number and to find out when it is forwarded to the embassy.

Once it is sent to the embassy, you need to wait at least a few days for them to process it before you can make your appointment. To make the appointment you need the MNL number and info from the I-129F: full names, date of births and addresses.

I'm not sure I'd worry too much about it. Unless you received it in the mail the week after you leave, you would likely be back home before you could make the appointment anyways if you are only gone about a month.
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-12-16 23:54:00
PhilippinesIf your have TFC, Turn on WoWoWee Right Now
QUOTE (Mike's Lucy @ Dec 16 2009, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
wow.gif
QUOTE (Mike's Lucy @ Dec 15 2009, 03:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
wow.gif



Wee
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-12-17 00:18:00
PhilippinesEvidence of support question
QUOTE (The_Sage1 @ Dec 16 2009, 07:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You have a lot less to worry about than I do. I only make 9 dollars an hour for 40 hours a week but I have a reliable co-sponsor.


According to this calculator you make around 171% of the FPL. I thought I've read somewhere on VJ that they only require you to be at 125%.

http://www.safetyweb...fplcalc2009.asp
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-12-16 23:27:00
PhilippinesBoracay
I've been to Boracay twice.

I've stayed in both the Patio Pacific and the Boracay Regency. I liked the Boracay Regency far more. The Patio Pacific is a 5 minute walk from the beach while with the Boracay Regency you can step right out onto the beach. Both had complimentary breakfasts. The rooms at the Regency are far nicer in my opinion but there was more noise at night (depends on where your room is). As for cost, the Regency costs more.

When I went to the Regency, I had lost the confirmation number for the reservation and they could not find it by my name. However, they had a great deal for walkins. It was 50% of the normal cost but I had to pay in cash up front for the 4 nights. So that actually worked out in my favor. You can have them arrange your transfer from the airport to the hotel. They will drive you to the boat and then again to the hotel.

Some airline had a couple of minor accidents at the Caticlan airport this year so PAL Express and Cebu Pacific don't fly in there anymore as they shorten the runway length. Maybe thats changed in the past 3 months but I just had to go through this in September. Book with Seair if you want to fly into Caticlan. I recommend that. Otherwise its a 90+ minute ride on a bus from Kalibo.

Also, stock up on 20/50 peso notes for tips for the porters. You will have a porter per bag and your bags will be carried at the airport to your vehicle to the boat, carried onto the boat and carried off of the boat and then for the bellhop at the hotel so you need lots of small peso notes for tips. I had to tip 100 peso notes sometimes because I didn't have enough small notes.
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-12-11 03:00:00
PhilippinesUPS-Delbros International are CROOKS
QUOTE (Hopp @ Dec 11 2009, 06:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, glad DHL works for you, but I am sticking with FedEx!


I tried to use FedEx to send docs to my fiancee in Negros Occidental, but they wouldn't deliver to her city (at least that is what the desk drone claimed). DHL at least subcontracted the delivery to her city to a local courier (and it got there in 5 total days).

FedEx has nicer shipping boxes though.
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2009-12-12 07:50:00
PhilippinesTaxi ride from the airport to the USEM

I'm just wondering how much money it costs to get from the airport to the USEM area...and what people here payed. Just want to make sure my fiance has enough money. Also, isn't there a terminal fee at the airport for all flights?


Taxis from the PAL domestic/international terminal area are flat rate and at least triple what it would cost if done strictly by a meter. The rate depends on where you are going but I think I've paid like 500 to get to Malate/Ermita area which is not far from the UME before.

Not sure on the other domestic terminal. I think that has metered taxis but don't remember. Metered taxis will cost under 200 depending on traffic if you can get a driver to go for the metered rate.

The terminal fee for domestic flights is 200.
Chris and RosalieMalePhilippines2010-01-05 01:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers - Makin' It To The NVC

for anyone who's going through Juarez, my packet left the NVC on the 8th. I emailed this morning and got a response saying that Juarez had ALREADY SENT OUT MY PACKET!! Which means they're averaging a little under a week. I'm gonig to rush home after work and see if it's there. Yipee!!!!


Wooo!! That's great news. NVC sent mine to Juarez on Monday, so maybe they'll have it on it's way to me by the end of the week! Keep in touch. It looks like we might be making our trips to Juarez soon!!
ktyjpFemaleMexico2007-05-16 19:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers - Makin' It To The NVC
When I called NVC and they told me they had sent out the packet, I asked if they could see what address was on record for me (I put in a change of address some weeks ago on USCIS online) and they still had the old one.

I tried to call the consulate in Juarez, but I couldn't get access to a phone that would allow me to make a call to a 900 # yesterday, so instead I used the email on the immigrant visa section of the Juarez consulate. I sent it kind of late yesterday and by 10 AM today, they wrote back and said they put my new address in their computer system and would send the letter as soon as possible!

Let's hope it's true!

So, if you're unsure about where the embassy/consulate will send your packet, call or email them. It might help.
ktyjpFemaleMexico2007-05-16 12:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers - Makin' It To The NVC
Just got off the phone with NVC and my packet was sent to Juarez today! All you May 3rd NOA2s should call!
ktyjpFemaleMexico2007-05-14 16:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers - Makin' It To The NVC
WOOOOO!!! Add me to the list of May 3rd NOA2s to get to NVC today. So exciting!! Let's hope for that 4 day turnaround!! :D
ktyjpFemaleMexico2007-05-10 21:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers - Makin' It To The NVC

So, I just got my NOA2, not expecting to make it to NVC for a few weeks. But since we all LOVE the numbers, I thought maybe we could keep tabs on January filers who've made it to the NVC and how long it took to get there? And keep track as more of us get there after last week's CSC funrun on NOA2s?

Any takers? I know I've seen some Jan NOA2s get there already . . .

Would it make more sense to resort the data and say May NOA2 receivers instead of Jan NOA1 receivers?



I'm totally in. I bet all of us that got NOA2 will get to NVC together, so we might as well help each other watch!
ktyjpFemaleMexico2007-05-07 15:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
Just getting started on the checking with NVC thing :) I can't believe how much better I feel after NOA2 even if there's still quite a wait!

In case anyone is interested, here's the website with all the contact info for NVC:

http://travel.state..../info_3177.html

I called the automated line and it said they had no record of my case, so it hasn't been received (no surprise).

I'm assuming this is as good a way as any to check if they've received it? No benefit to talking to someone in person or waiting for a response by email, right?

Let's hope we all get there in less than 3 weeks!
ktyjpFemaleMexico2007-05-05 12:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
WOOOOOOO!!!!! I just got 2 approval emails too, TimsDaisy!!!!

Congrats to everyone who has gotten through. Good luck to everyone still waiting. It will come!!

Kate
ktyjpFemaleMexico2007-05-03 13:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
I'm with you TimsDaisy! I'm really going crazy today. Touched last wed and thurs and still nothing!!! I can't get past the first level on the customer service calls. I hope our cases were approved last week, but I really want to KNOW!!!

Argh!

Kate
ktyjpFemaleMexico2007-05-03 13:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
Cinders,

Sorry if i didn't catch this and you wrote it before...what does it show in your online status? Still the original message about receipt in january? And then just the newer date so you know it was touched? Status still only says "pending"?

Thanks!
Kate
ktyjpFemaleMexico2007-05-02 14:16:00