ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesCPR AND FIRST AID CERTIFICATION
you can enroll in the CPR course for the professional rescuer and first aid classes with the American Red Cross. The CPR certification and class cost 79.99. It takes one whole day. the first aid classes take longer and are a little pricier. I got certified before residency. good luck!
jhcruz18FemalePhilippines2009-05-07 19:52:00
PhilippinesVONNAGE
What we did so that my mom can stay in contact with our family in the Philippines is that we ordered the phone adapter from vonage and got a US number. We sent that to the Philippines and now we can call them anytime we want. It is just like local calls. And they can call us too. As long as you have connection to high speed internet, everthing will be good. I've heard of magic jack too but we already were under vonage. Magic jack is soooooo much cheaper than vonage. smile.gif
jhcruz18FemalePhilippines2009-05-12 10:58:00
PhilippinesI AM PREGNANT!!!!
Happy birthday and congratulations! Best wishes to you all. star_smile.gif
jhcruz18FemalePhilippines2009-04-27 20:13:00
PhilippinesDetoxing hair..
QUOTE (maritoni @ Mar 27 2009, 02:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jhcruz18 @ Mar 27 2009, 01:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Really? I have long hair and I love it. I was thinking of cutting it but every time I actually go to the salon, I end up changing my mind. thanks for the tips!



Dont cut your hair short,that's the least you would consider sis,sayang as in!so keep it,try to trim them every three months para matangal yung lumang buhok sa dulo good.gif


yeah thanks! smile.gif they've used my hair in some commercials. just the hair. hahahha
jhcruz18FemalePhilippines2009-03-27 08:54:00
PhilippinesDetoxing hair..
QUOTE (maritoni @ Mar 27 2009, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I like my long hair. I've always received compliments on it; I like having the option to curl it or straighten it or put it up; and, I admit it, my long hair makes me feel feminine and attractive,and my secret?DETOXING!here is how to do it..You can do it yourself at home..

1 teaspoon vitamin C powder (available at any chemist)
1 teaspoon of cider vinegar
4oz.of hot water

Method
Wash hair with shampoo,rinse well.
Mix all the detoxic ingredients and rinse it through your hair,before applying an organic protein rich conditioner.

Try it girls...very healthy sa buhok:) good.gif


Really? I have long hair and I love it. I was thinking of cutting it but every time I actually go to the salon, I end up changing my mind. thanks for the tips!
jhcruz18FemalePhilippines2009-03-27 00:47:00
PhilippinesTragic Story of Thomas Hunt and Filipina Wife
oh my gosh. i can't believe that there are people in this world who could be so cruel. karma will come back and do its job at the right time. ugh what a stupid b(*&h. rest in peace mr. hunt. rose.gif
jhcruz18FemalePhilippines2009-05-18 09:36:00
PhilippinesSETTING APPOINTMENT AT US EMBASSY MANILA
you have to use a post paid IDD/NDD PLDT landline or a post paid smart cell phone. we used PLDT when we scheduled my husband's interview last november 2008. Good luck ad God bless!
jhcruz18FemalePhilippines2009-03-07 11:28:00
PhilippinesGot that pink!!!
cool! congrats! we wish you all the best. smile.gif
jhcruz18FemalePhilippines2009-07-28 06:19:00
Philippinesyehey!! medical passed
awesome! star_smile.gif
jhcruz18FemalePhilippines2009-04-02 09:09:00
Philippinesyeheey my visa approve!!!!!
Hey girl. Congratulations good.gif You finally made it.

Few questions though:

1) Did the consul ask anything about the affidavit of support?
2) How long did you have the interview?
3) How old are you and your fiance? that is if you won't mind.

We have just started our journey, reason enough for me to be quite apprehensive about the whole process.

I will appreciate your reply.

Best Regards.
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-07-31 19:29:00
PhilippinesDuring argument or conflict with your spouse/fiance...
As my fiance would put it and I quote, "Baby, fights are just part of the whole package. It just shows one thing - we care for each other."

In this world, there is no such thing as a PERFECT RELATIONSHIP. In the least time we expect it to, disputes would arise QUIETLY testing our faith, desperately wanting us to give up. Sometimes, it gives us the reason to question our love for the other person. Oftentimes, we decide to make moves right away without even realizing the consequences in the end, we become selfish by focusing more on our wants and not the emotional needs of the other.
However, the foundation you have built together will always be your fortress when situations like this occur.

In our case, I have always been the emotional one. Whenever he gets frustrated, I quietly listen while he expresses his rage, then I give my side of things. I have always preferred to lay things on the table rather than throwing things or shouting at each other.

Always look at the brighter side of things. Couples should be happy that they have fights here and there. It's one way of showing how healthy the relationship is. After all, romance after every fight rocks! kicking.gif

Edited by GuardianAngel, 11 August 2009 - 07:47 AM.

GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-08-11 07:45:00
PhilippinesAfter Receiving Noa2
I appreciate your immediate replies on my concern, it helped me in sorting out a whole lot of information in my head right now. Well, I think it's just a matter of organizing evidences to make this entire journey a dream come true.

By the way, the reason why I'm posting this under "the philippines" is because i think one's preparation depends from one country to the other. Some consuls are lenient in handling cases while others would really squeeze your brain out.

I'm still hoping to receive more information. Thank you guys.

GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-10-22 17:49:00
PhilippinesAfter Receiving Noa2
Hello everyone. This month rocks for me, its my birthday and my fiancee just received our noa2. I would like to ask where do i go from here. There are a whole lot of websites I've opened and I can't help but get overwhelmed about all the details.. I would like to gather insights from those who have already gone through the whole process, probably sites which can somehow relieve my confusions.

So far, I already have the following
1) Passport (just started processing today, I need to wait a month to get it done)
2) Cenomar
3) Birth Certificate
4) NBI Clearance
5) Photos have yet to be sorted out (we have like 10000 photos) apart from those
who have already been submitted in the I-129F application
6) Vaccination Details since birth

Not to mention all the stuff I have to sell which can somehow help my finances throughout the whole journey.

What else do i have to get?
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-10-22 08:28:00
PhilippinesIntentional Delay of Packet 3
Unemployed and Affidavit of Support
I did a search and can't find any info.

I was laid off before I went to visit my Fiance and stayed with her for 3 months, then came back and have been looking for a job for the past 4 months since I came back. Due to the economy I can't find a job that will pay to support even my basic needs. Right now Unemployment is able to support my bills, but any job that will meet the requirements will not. Currently I'm on unemployment and been looking like crazy for a job, but no luck.

I have seen mixed reviews on the Affidavit of Support and Unemployment. Is it counted as income? What can I do to get her here when I am unable to find a job? I could easily find a job worth $13 an hour to meet the poverty guidelines, but then I would be forced to sell my assets and move due to not being able to support myself.

I can't do a Co-Sponsor since Manila frowns highly upon them and only *sometimes* supports family co-sponsors, but my mother was recently laid off as well.

Any help would be appreciated.
-----

That being said as posted by my fiancee.

Provided our packet 3 is already approaching my end and i will be expecting it anytime soon, would it be possible to delay it until my fiancee gets a job? I just don't want to go through all the meticulous and tedious sorting of data only to find out we will be denied because of our affidavit of support.

If it is, how long would it take for us to delay it? I have read in my own research that theres a 4 month expiry date for the K1 visa, will it also apply to every process underlying therein? Or is it required for me to send back the packet 3 right away or else our petition will be considered null and void? tongue_ss.gif (yeah overrated.. just thinking of the worse case scenarios)
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-10-30 13:27:00
PhilippinesIs it possible to undergo medical even if the interview date is not yet set?
QUOTE (Shiela-Todd @ Nov 23 2009, 08:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
she can go for an advance medical at st. luke
the medical will last 3-6 months only

requirements


Case # from NVC
noa1
noa2
passport
Pictures 2x2 4 pcs white back ground
black ballpen

Bring some important documents like BC, Baptismal just in case.. etc


"she can go for an advance medical at st. luke the medical will last 3-6 months only," this is me. The one writing the article who is in the Philippines.

Anyway, thank you Sheila. I will take that as one of my options.

Congratulations on your visa!

GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-11-23 07:29:00
PhilippinesIs it possible to undergo medical even if the interview date is not yet set?
QUOTE
I dont understand, why have your fiance look for a job if he will be leaving soon ?


I am guardianangel, the petitionee, also the one writing this article.
The person I was referring to is my fiance, the petitioner.
He still has to look for a job to support our I-134.
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-11-23 07:22:00
PhilippinesIs it possible to undergo medical even if the interview date is not yet set?
Hello everyone.

I have posted quite a lot of inquiries already regarding the NOA2, gladly, we received ours last week. I have also received the letter from NVC stating that our case is ready to be scheduled for an interview. Likewise, I already have our case number as well as the information needed to download the forms (the manila embassy website).

My fiance has still been looking for a job. We have decided to just set the interview once he can supply the necessary documents needed for the I-134 as we don't want to risk being denied just because of it.
He has been scheduled for 3 different final job interviews this week and we are really hoping he can make it. Once he gets the job, will it be possible to ask the employer for a certification right away? I know it all depends on the employer but has it ever occurred in the past that the certification is honored by the embassy even if your fiance/fiancee has just been hired by the company? Or is there a minimum number of months for the certification to be accepted? Or worse, do we have to wait for his first paycheck before filing the I-134?

Moreover, my dad has been very supportive to us, in fact he wants to pay for my medical expenses as well as the visa processing fee.
Now, is it possible to have the medical even without having the schedule for the visa interview?
What do I have to give in St. Luke's just so I can be entertained for the medical?
How many months will the medical results be honored from the time my visa interview will be set?

All your brilliant ideas will be highly appreciated.

Best regards,

Guardianangel






GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-11-23 02:35:00
PhilippinesMedical Examination
QUOTE (MayaLar @ Dec 12 2009, 09:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (GuardianAngel @ Dec 12 2009, 06:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Finally I have decided to undergo my medical examination this Wednesday (December 16, 2009). So far, I have already received a letter from the US embassy bearing my MNL CASE, I am hoping this will be accepted even if I still don't have my appointment letter. (Anyone has any problems with it?)

Honestly, I am a little scared and nervous about it. I decided to take it ahead of time since our NOA2 will expire on February of 2010. I haven't even called the US embassy hotline for my visa interview yet as I am still waiting for my fiancee to get his confirmation letter about the job he's being offered. He will start working on January 11 and by then I can already have our interview scheduled.

I would like to ask for your prayers so there won't be any problems.

Good luck to all of us.



Hi there!

You are good to go with Appointment Letter. Show the appointment letter and valid ID to the guard and he will give you a PDS form to fill up. Once you are done you will have it checked with the staff and they will give you instructions of the next step.

You must also bring a valid ID, passport, black pen, 4pcs 2X2 pics with white background and a jacket as it might be cold for you inside.....

I was anxious as well with the procedures of the medical but it went fine and thanked God for the smooth process. We just need a lot of patience to do every procedure because waiting, waiting and waiting are common inside....

I suggests you drink milk, cranberry juice and take lots of vitamin C for you to stay healthy.....plus prayer is so helpful.... smile.gif

Hope this helps!!!

God Bless!


Thank you mayalar tongue.gif I appreciate it a lot. Truly im finding it hard to sleep at night, worried about the outcome. I really hope everything is going to be fine.
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-12 10:31:00
PhilippinesMedical Examination
Finally I have decided to undergo my medical examination this Wednesday (December 16, 2009). So far, I have already received a letter from the US embassy bearing my MNL CASE, I am hoping this will be accepted even if I still don't have my appointment letter. (Anyone has any problems with it?)

Honestly, I am a little scared and nervous about it. I decided to take it ahead of time since our NOA2 will expire on February of 2010. I haven't even called the US embassy hotline for my visa interview yet as I am still waiting for my fiancee to get his confirmation letter about the job he's being offered. He will start working on January 11 and by then I can already have our interview scheduled.

I would like to ask for your prayers so there won't be any problems.

Good luck to all of us.
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-12 06:26:00
PhilippinesThanks for you prayers

I would like to add on my previous post. I incidentally clicked submit and cut some part of the paragraph. duh! being headbonk.gif

Well, I just would like to thank you for your support. I am ready to take my medical exam now. I just need more prayers from you.




GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-12 14:33:00
PhilippinesThanks for you prayers
Thanks

Edited by GuardianAngel, 12 December 2009 - 01:58 PM.

GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-12 13:56:00
PhilippinesCalling the US Embassy Hotline
Has anyone of you called the US Embassy Hotline using your cellphone numbers? I understand there were some members who were able to use the landline but I am just curious if this is possible.

Thanks
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-12 06:33:00
PhilippinesDec 15th interview...nervous, nervous nervous
Even if I am still few months away from my interview and I still have to undergo my medical exam this Wednesday, I am already scared as to what lies ahead.

I share your detriment. I wish you success in your interview! Good luck.
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 08:48:00
PhilippinesVonage
Me and my fiance have been using vonage for like 6 months but so far, there's not much problem with it. Only that SOMETIMES my fiance complains, he can hear hazing sound specially when the weather is not good here in the Phil but other than that it's good.gif
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 08:53:00
PhilippinesMedical Exam Concerns
Hey dave.

This is just my opinion and I'm sure some of the members here will post more brilliant ideas regarding your case. I don't think they will require a sputum test if the result of your wife's xray is clear. I have read quite a lot of cases who were proven negative after all their waiting period and sufferings. It's best you call them and ask regarding this matter. Just click on this link St Luke's Hospital

Edited by GuardianAngel, 13 December 2009 - 07:37 PM.

GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 19:35:00
PhilippinesMedical Exam Concerns
QUOTE (gary9891 @ Dec 14 2009, 06:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (GuardianAngel @ Dec 13 2009, 03:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (chris@beth @ Nov 14 2009, 11:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks anna..so, nothing from USEM? I guess that's only for K1's. if that so, then i'm ready to go..thanks again and goodluck sa interview mo.

Yes nothing from USEM.CR/IR Visa applicants gets their appointment letter from NVC. While K1,s get their Appointment letter from the USEM. smile.gif

thanks! goodluck sa medical mo smile.gif


I was reading previous topics and I encountered the above mentioned quotation.

crying.gif I'm getting confused now.. I am a K1 applicant but I don't have the appointment letter with me. I am going to Manila on Wednesday (December 16) and I'm planning to just bring the noa2 and noa1 (both sent by my fiance thru email) and the letter from USEM (with my MNL case) stating my case is already eligible for visa interview.

I was thinking that everyone is entitled to have his/her medical ahead of time as long as it doesn't extend more than 3months gap before the visa interview.

Oh god, Im panicking.. Post your opinions and past experiences please.. helpsmilie.gif


DON'T PANIC!

First. The papers you have should be fine to get your medical. My fiancee' showed the embassy letter and NOA2 and got inside just fine. St Lukes doesn't care if you have an appointment yet, they care you are APPROVED to get an appointment.

Second. Do you have an interview date set up? If yes, then your sponsor (fiance) should have received an email with the details (date/time etc.). He can simply forward you that email and you print it out.

If you do not have an interview date have him call the embassy and set it up. You can pick any date as long as there are spots available. He will get an email with all the details immediately and can forward it to you to print.

YOU ARE FINE! lol


Thanks Gary. Geeze i was like "OMG what the H---!" Off-Topic2.gif My fiance still has to schedule our interview date. I am hoping I can get it before I jet off. Oh gosh.. ohmy.gif

GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 17:26:00
PhilippinesMedical Exam Concerns
QUOTE (chris@beth @ Nov 14 2009, 11:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks anna..so, nothing from USEM? I guess that's only for K1's. if that so, then i'm ready to go..thanks again and goodluck sa interview mo.

Yes nothing from USEM.CR/IR Visa applicants gets their appointment letter from NVC. While K1,s get their Appointment letter from the USEM. smile.gif

thanks! goodluck sa medical mo smile.gif


I was reading previous topics and I encountered the above mentioned quotation.

crying.gif I'm getting confused now.. I am a K1 applicant but I don't have the appointment letter with me. I am going to Manila on Wednesday (December 16) and I'm planning to just bring the noa2 and noa1 (both sent by my fiance thru email) and the letter from USEM (with my MNL case) stating my case is already eligible for visa interview.

I was thinking that everyone is entitled to have his/her medical ahead of time as long as it doesn't extend more than 3months gap before the visa interview.

Oh god, Im panicking.. Post your opinions and past experiences please.. helpsmilie.gif
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 16:46:00
Philippineshow many days we need to wait for our passport?
QUOTE (GuardianAngel @ Dec 13 2009, 10:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think it depends where you filed for it. I had mine in Cebu and I coursed it through a travel agency so I won't have to wait, there's no parking area near DFA. It took 19 days for me to get my passport sad.gif


I stand corrected. blush.gif I overlooked the details as I was thinking its about the passport from DFA. Thanks mae good.gif
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 21:12:00
Philippineshow many days we need to wait for our passport?
I think it depends where you filed for it. I had mine in Cebu and I coursed it through a travel agency so I won't have to wait, there's no parking area near DFA. It took 19 days for me to get my passport sad.gif

Edited by GuardianAngel, 13 December 2009 - 09:04 AM.

GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 09:03:00
Philippinesinterview today(12-14-09-philippine time)
QUOTE (andrea4prez @ Dec 14 2009, 01:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello guys!!! ive been a lurker for a long time and i want to thank everybody here for all the help....my hubby's interview is today and im so excited...he will be at the manila embassy at around 530am for his 630am interview... wish me luck guys! everything went by fast, its like 4months and 2 weeks from the time i submitted the I-130 to the interview!!!


Lurker rofl.gif I used to do that too Off-Topic2.gif Good Luck on your interview!!! I'll have my own share of nervousness soon on my medical. You're husband will be okay good.gif

Edited by GuardianAngel, 13 December 2009 - 03:45 PM.

GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 15:43:00
PhilippinesWhen are we going to submit DS-156, DS-156k and DS-157?
QUOTE (Dakine @ Dec 15 2009, 02:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Medical is $213.35 US in Pesos.
Go after 1 AM tuesday thru thursday, Sooner the better.


blink.gif Oh geeze.. 1 AM? crying.gif te hee.. kidding I know you meant 1PM.

Yes I'm planning to go there in the afternoon since I will arrive in Manila tomorrow at 10AM. So probably, I will have the whole afternoon to work on my medical.

Thank you so much for your inputs.. I really appreciate it. good.gif

Edited by GuardianAngel, 14 December 2009 - 03:07 PM.

GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-14 15:04:00
PhilippinesWhen are we going to submit DS-156, DS-156k and DS-157?
QUOTE (Dakine @ Dec 15 2009, 02:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Medical is $213.35 US in Pesos.
Go after 1 AM tuesday thru thursday, Sooner the better.


Yeah thanks for that information Dakine and Phil. I already prepared it. My fiance and I are sharing expenses. He paid for the 400 USD filing fee while i am paying for my medical (yes you are right its 213 USD from the Manila Embassy website) and processing fee of 131 USD which has to be paid before the interview. I just don't want to pass on the burden of expenses to him all the time in fact, I always get irked whenever he sends me money.
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-14 14:57:00
PhilippinesWhen are we going to submit DS-156, DS-156k and DS-157?
QUOTE (edp333 @ Dec 15 2009, 02:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This guide used to be pinned, but since the OP never updated it the pin was removed. The guide is still accurate except for the Doc verification and DELBROS is now Air21. Hope this helps.

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=129059


Thank you everyone for your brilliant insights and for taking time in sharing your experiences smile.gif It enlightened me. kicking.gif Now I just have to be worried about the medical.. trying to take one day at a time.. I think Im gonna have nervous break down if ill think about the interview and medical exam all at once helpsmilie.gif no0pb.gif helpsmilie.gif no0pb.gif
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-14 13:21:00
PhilippinesWhen are we going to submit DS-156, DS-156k and DS-157?
I am confused as to when are we going to submit those sheets..I have searched through the threads and I found out that in one of the recent medical exams of one of our members, she/he was asked to submit a DS-156. On the contrary, based on the instructions of the Manila Embassy regarding the St. Luke's exam, the paying of the Ds-156 was never mentioned. With regard to the experiences of some members, I have seen some of them not mentioning anything about it.

Does this mean i have to pay the visa processing before the medical?

Do we have to send it to the embassy for assessment?

Hoping for your patience and understanding as I have posted lots of threads already tongue.gif I can't stop thinking about it kasi eh sad.gif
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-14 09:09:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar Poll
QUOTE (john & jean @ Dec 14 2009, 09:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
there would need to be someone who has had the seminar in Cebu, and Manila to be an objective opinion!!!


True john & jean. good.gif I forgot to say that though but I think its already understandable that this poll will serve as a guideline for those who still have yet to decide where to take their seminar. I just hope we will get viable results.
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 21:05:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar Poll
Please share your insights about this poll. I believe this will help us decide which office will match our expectations.

Edited by GuardianAngel, 13 December 2009 - 08:55 PM.

GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 20:54:00
Philippinescounting the days for my interview..
QUOTE (Scott St. Hillier @ Dec 11 2009, 06:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Im counting the days for my Interview its making me nervous already... blush.gif Please pray for me to get PINK SLIP...


I wish you good luck kicking.gif
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 15:59:00
Philippinesno packet3/letter from USEM
Kindly check this site.. http://www.visajourn...howtopic=232539 good.gif That will make you feel at ease.


GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-14 15:20:00
PhilippinesStill no packet from the embassy
I will have my medical this Wednesday even if I didn't receive the packet as I understand we just have to download the instructions through the Manila Embassy website. Don't worry just schedule your medical so if there are hindrances in between, you still have time to work it out.
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 09:13:00
Philippinesozamis city misamis occidental
I am from Iligan City, near Uzamis. When my fiance visited my hometown, unluckily the rebels headbonk.gif bombed the bridge in going to Linamon, so we weren't able to visit the beautiful city. We would have wanted to swim with the dolphins but we didn't have the chance, we got scared sad.gif
GuardianAngelFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 08:59:00