biggish data

I've definitely been trying to keep up now, Mae

It's like getting in touch with old family. Which is what I'll be doing for real on the end of the month. We'll be driving (rather, I will be driving, and dear hubby Sean will be on the passenger seat) to Chicago for a wedding. I think it's where about half of my relatives in the US are, and it'll be my first time meeting some of them (the cousins, mostly).

Great hearing about all the good news! Approvals, babies.. hee! So excited for you all. Congrats Gary and Fely! We're not planning on having babies soon, so I have to live vicariously through other members.

iya

Female

Philippines

2008-07-12 07:29:00

QUOTE (David-Mae Forever @ Jul 10 2008, 01:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This thread used to be our own little community when we were not part of the Regional Discussion yet. Some old time members like Roy and Yazi, Sheriff, DARUMA07 and myself were the only ones left in keeping this thread alive. Every now and then, our dearest Ate Cora aka Pinay Wife will drop by and see if we're behaving

, same thing with Skeeter111 who, once in a while, will join the riots.

It would be nice to see this thread goes on and on and make it as lively as it used to be.

Ate Cora, PatientlyWaiting, is now Pinay Wife? I haven't been around in ages (went back to Manila for a couple of months, and basically just haven't been around much), so if so, this is a surprise for me

iya

Female

Philippines

2008-07-10 20:26:00

Hi all! I'm getting ready for my trip to the PI! I'm so excited

I'm still kind of nervous because 1) this will be my first time traveling on a greencard - although word is that it's no pain, I'm still my paranoid little self; 2) this will be my first time flying, with connecting flights! Do I have to pick up my luggage at the Chicago Airport? Do I have to run? Do I need to pay for anything? Gosh... So many questions, so few answers from those I've asked! 3) My luggage is heavy. VERY heavy. American Airlines is kuripot when it comes to baggage allowances, apparently. Just 50lbs a bag, when in Korean Air, I got 70lbs a bag. So afraid I'll go over the limit (all pasalubong - chocolates and stuff. I'm not even bringing clothes with me!).. In case I do, can I give my chocolates away at the airport so I don't have to pay?

Still! So excited! I'll miss my hubby, but the winter-ish conditions are killing me, and he understands. My mom so loves him for letting me go visit on christmas

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-11-25 09:21:00

QUOTE (jj1028 @ Nov 19 2007, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

hello guys, now we're here in the US and got married.. now on to AOS.. ive got a question w/ TD, i know it has been asked before but im sorry if im gonna ask it again coz i tried to browse around and couldnt find the answer.. Where do you guys had your TD shot done? i think ive read somewhere here before about having tuberculin test too and im kinda confused is it really needed? thanks! happy thanksgiving to everyone

I had my TD shot done at one of the civil surgeons (Tama ba?) the same day I had my vaccination info transcribed to that other form.. The shot and the transcription cost something like 50, I think.. more than what some people paid, but at least I got it all over with. And in my case, I didn't get the TB skin test done here.. but I still got approved

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-11-19 15:44:00

Hi hi! I just want to share that I've (finally) received my GC. It was a long wait! But now that I have it, life is better. I'm going home to Manila after Thanksgiving, and won't be back til before Valentine's (long story, but my mom loves my hubby so much now for his understanding that she needs me with her right now). We won't have our first Christmas together, but we'll still have each other (and I can sort of escape from the snow here in Ohio, for two months, anyway).

Getting the GC is such a relief, because even though I have my AP, I'm still worried that certain airport personnel won't recognize it for what it is, and thus give me hell when I try to fly back next year. All's good now, though! I was even able to get my driver's license today

I had my temporary permit for a while, too the test last october, but didn't get the real DL car until today (para valid hangga't valid ang GC). Great thing, though.. my DL is valid for 4 years! Haha! It's valid for much longer than my green card. Aliw lang..

So what's up with everyone? The thread has been relatively quiet ever since some key people made it to the US. Not complaining, just curious

Hope you're all happy! And good luck to y'all who're still waiting for their interviews and such.

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-11-16 13:17:00

Hi all! I finished my AOS interview yesterday, and it went well. Hopefully, we'll hear about the green card production being ordered soon

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-10-17 08:47:00

QUOTE (David-Mae Forever @ Oct 9 2007, 03:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nobody knows for sure but we paid $50 for my vaccination supplement, reading the TB skin test that I had at the city health department and attesting that even though the result was positive (size of the red swelling on my skin was 15mm), is because of the BCG shots I got when I was a kid. You need to get the list of Civil Surgeons in your area and make some inquiries. Just remember, you only need the vaccination supplement, not the entire medical since you came here using K1. The only reason why you will need to redo the entire medical is if the last medical you had is past 12 months.

Yeah.. don't get the full physical! In my case, although I said it again and again that I only wanted the supplement, they almost gave me a full physical. Gah.

And.. I didn't get the TB Skin test done

Very risky of me, but by the time I'd learned about the skin test, my visit to the doctor's was all over! Imagine my panic after that.. But now I'm hopeful that it will no longer be an issue because the TB scare seems to have died down, and it (skin test requirement) seems to be based on the interviewer's discretion.

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-10-09 02:59:00

QUOTE (jeng @ Oct 9 2007, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What should I tick-mark on #3 section of the SSN application (SS-5), under Citizenship? I am on K1 visa. Choices are US citize, legal alien allowed to work, legal alien not allowed to work and Others.

thanks.

You're a legal alien allowed to work

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-10-09 02:55:00

Hi all! Just updating, got my EAD last Saturday, and my AP papers in the mail yesterday

Interview na lang!!

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-09-26 07:35:00

Sean and my mother-in-law both laugh at me every time I feel guilty after shopping (and converting). Things ARE so much more expensive here, if we base it all on the Philippine standard. I still shock myself when we go to the grocery... I just don't get/look at clothes and shoes anymore, unless they're on sale for like 75% off

THEN it becomes acceptable.

Oh, and in preparation for the move to the US, I bought 12 bras, and 4 dozen panties!!

Now I don't have to wait for people to send them here from Divisoria!
Also bought a ton of jeans, but jeans are ok here, I think. Especially the levi's when they're on sale. They're still not 6 to 7 dollars, (more like 20 to 30), but the quality is MUCH better.

Edited by iya, 30 August 2007 - 06:16 AM.

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-08-30 06:13:00

QUOTE (lirachadsbaby @ Aug 26 2007, 08:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

hello! iya,
when we applied for my bank account, they didnt asked about state ID, just my SSN and i applied using my married name.

different place, different policy...and more to deal for us.

When hubby added me to his account, they just asked for my SSN and my passport. But when I wanted to open my own account, I started encountering problems - one wanted a State ID, the other wanted a "credit card from another Big US Bank", another wanted a GreenCard! Hala... different places, different banks, different policies! Gosh...

QUOTE (David-Mae Forever @ Aug 26 2007, 08:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hang in there sister! We love coupons too and we're always on the look for big sale

. What I couldn't get over until now is the cost to have your nails done. Goodness! $35 plus tip for manicure/pedicure???

Ever since I got here, I only had my nails done once (for the wedding) and I was really shocked and almost got choked of how expensive it was. Everytime we would pass by a nail salon, David would ask me if I want some pampering. My answer's always "HECK NO!"

Now, I do my own nails. Not so bad, even though it's unprofessionally done.

I should have brought with me my manicure set in PI.

Haha, I never got a manicure or pedicure even back in the Philippines, BUT! Haircuts. Haircuts!! The prices here are killing me. All the time I say I need to get my hair cut (it really gets in the way, and it doesn't dry as quickly here!), and all the time hubby says "Let's go to Fantastic Sam's" and.. I never go. I said I'd give that "layer your own hair" thing a shot, but I'm too chicken. Hahay.

QUOTE (Richard&Maria @ Aug 27 2007, 02:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Sisters,

As your Ate, I would like to share with you some of my experiences. I applied for a state ID using the marriage certificate, bank account, SSN and proof of biometrics completed, together with a download print-out of a DMV regulation stating that a state ID can be issued while awaiting for the finality of the AOS/greencard. We requested to talk to the supervisor who readily understood that the state ID was needed to encash checks, do money transactions like paying for credit card purchases, etc. The sate ID came in the mail within 10 days and it costs $9.

I have a local Manila driver's license and an international driver's license so I did not go through a temps (should drive with a companion with a valid license) but I still need to get a regular driver's license before the international license expires. Also consider that cost of car insurance if you do not have a driver's license.

Hope I have shed some light on your predicament. After being here for 5 months, i already learned how ti drive the US way...speed limits posted everywhere. And yes, obey traffic signs.

Maria

Yes, I had all of that except the printout. My boo-boo. Sayang, but I think I'll just wait it out. It's just a couple more months anyway.. if the interview goes well. I did manage to open a checking account with Chase, which came with a free Visa Check Card, so I don't have to bring cash with me anymore. In the case of check encashments, I'll survive - no one will issue me a check anyway

And I agree - obey traffic signs and speed limits

I don't care of I have a "parada" behind me, I'm not breaking any laws and speed limits while I'm on my International License! :laugh:

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-08-28 10:17:00

QUOTE (David-Mae Forever @ Aug 25 2007, 11:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My state ID arrived in the mail yesterday. It's a non-driving class as I still need to learn how to drive and take various tests. I didn't have any problem applying for one because the lady who accomodated me at the DMV knew about immigration BS and she said I did the right thing of applying for the state ID before my I-94 expires. Otherwise, I will need to wait until I got my greencard.

--Mae

Congrats, Mae, on your successful acquisition of a StateID!! (inggit ako)

If I'd known that they would give me hell over the State ID, I would have just applied for one in my maiden name, even though it would expire in a month - I really only need it to open a bank account! Oh well, guess I'll wait for the greencard. Hope it's soon, though! I would solve a LOT of problems for us

I want to start working. (I can feel my brain turning to mush with my inactivity.. I'm so not domesticated)

SideNote - it's fun to know that coupons in the US are worth something, unlike the ones in PI. Hehe, I've been keeping myself busy with coupon clipping and decimating my CVS shopping from about 100 down to 50 dollars, or 40 and 20 down to 2 dollars.

I need a greencard so I can stop this coupon nonsense!

Edited by iya, 25 August 2007 - 12:30 PM.

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-08-25 12:29:00

Hay.. I had trouble with the DMV too. The people here were actually nice about it.. They were going to give me a state ID (I still use my Philippine license, since here I'm allowed to drive on it for a year, unless I get Permanent residence status first), but weren't sure how long it would be valid. They called the Columbus office, and THOSE people said they can't give me one because my passort and visa are in my maiden name (of course.. it's a k1 visa) and my letter from the DHS (NOA) was in my married name (Duh.. i got married), so even if I had the marriage certificate (original!) it doesn't count. The people in the local office were surprised, but.. they had to go with what was said. But at least I didn't pay them yet.

Any of the other AOS people gotten their interview dates yet? Besides Ate Luz? Just got mine today, and I'm *(@^#in scared. Stress levels just skyrocketed! Mainly because I have no idea where to get "evidence". We only have marriage-stuff, a joint bank account, and insurance. No bills, no nothing, because we live with my parents-in-law (but pay them rent) so everything's in their name. Gah. :stress:

Sis Jackie, ano balita sa iyo? Haven't heard from you in a while!

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-08-20 14:12:00

Hi All, just a quick update. I got back from my biometrics appointment in Cleveland just now. This is for the AOS and EAD. It wasn't bad! I just noticed, though... they're not that strict about times. I mean, they don't mind if you come early

I dunno about coming late though.. but I wouldn't even dare be late anyway.

Hope everyone's doing ok. Congrats to all the new approvals

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-08-14 10:50:00

Ei Jackie, the wedding went well. Family from New Jersey drove over, so I still had family with me

I don't think I have to rush with the SSN since as ronmay said, it won't make a difference. How's your thing with the DMV? Figured out what to do yet?

imaskin - You might have to get a copy of the DS form from back home.. or you can get a titer done here, so they can tell which vaccines you -have- gotten. And yeah, I assume there'll be fees for that - nothing's free in the land of the free. Except huge chunks of ice falling from the sky! The first week I was here, hale was reported to be the size of baseballs. I didn't know cuz I didn't go out then.

I didn't know about the TB skin test, though. Sent the AOS thing yesterday, but only found out about the TB skin test today. Bleh. I'll probably get it done when we have an interview scheduled... Buti na lang the CS is like 15 minutes' drive away from here! But really, if I'd known, I wouldn't have insisted that I didn't need it when they tried to make me take the test before. Haha. Oh well. (This is why I'm doing it later - hoping they'd forget that I was the one who fobbed off their attempts to ####### me with needles)

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-07-13 10:08:00

hi all.

Got married 7-7-07 as well, and just sent out the AOS package yesterday.

I had issues with the SSA guy, as he wouldn't issue me an SSN with my name bearing my husband's name, even with the marriage certificate in hand. He told me to go to Cleveland (at least an hour away, provided i don't get lost), report to the DHS, get my name changed there, get it certified, and THEN he'll change my name to my married name. Meh. But I'll be getting the SSN under my maiden name by next week, hopefully. Good thing it's not required for the AOS package, or I'd have throttled the man.

About driving... how long are we allowed to drive on an international license? I've heard 3 months, I've heard 6 months. I'm confused. and scared of driving when i'm not supposed to be driving

I've also heard that it's state-dependent, but Ohio's BMV site is worthless! Anyone who can give a heads-up on this?

Thanks

PS - Oh, I got my Td shot for 40$, and my vaccination supplement transferred for 25$. It was a close call, as no matter what I said about not needing the physical, the nurses were all like "Yes, yes, you only need the supplement.." or "Yes, but you need to do this as well.." or "I really don't know. They told us this is how to do it." while making me go through the physical procedures! But when the Civil Surgeon walked in, I said that before we start, I wanted a question answered, which was "Do I really need to do all this again? I just need my info transferred, etc etc..." So he went out, and told the nurses that the next time someone needs the info moved, they should just do it, and not trouble the patient AND the doctor. Whew!

PPS - That Td shot can be a pain. Really. Couldn't raise my arm for like 10 days! WAH!

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-07-13 07:49:00

hi sister!!!i was at baguio from may 4-may 6. just got home at 12am . we stayed at morning glory located at navy base morning glory and very close to st. joseph church (where charlene and aga got married). I liked the flow of the wedding ceremony that was organized by the wedding coordinator on my friends wedding .so many things wanted to do however my time is very constrain since there were lots of things to arrange. omg 24 days il be leaving...rush..rush..rush for my school reqrs.hehehehhe. miss yah iya!

Hi sis! I just got back from Baguio as well. Arrived there Friday, left Monday morning. Grabe, wish I could've stayed longer! I so didn't want to leave this morning :crying:

I had to laugh at myself cuz I still went to the sale at SMBaguio, even though I kept telling myself I won't cuz it's the same sale that I can go to when back in Manila. :innocent:

I was going to text you, but my phone ran out of juice, and I left my charger at home. Hope to talk to you soon!

PS: I counted houses, there's more than 3! I wouldn't have been able to tell without counting cuz it's so peaceful and quiet where I stayed.

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-05-07 00:05:00

You said Baguio was very polluted. Lina and I were planning to go there while waiting for the visa to be delivered. Is it bad everywhere in Baguio or just certain areas to avoid?
The areas around Camp John Hay (The Manor) and Baguio Country Club are nice and not polluted because they are surrounded by pine trees.

http://www.campjohnhayhotels.com/
http://www.baguiocountryclub.com.ph/

08..Robor007........02-06-07..02-26-07..03-30-07..05-15-07..2007-546xxx

I'm in Baguio right now

I agree, it's gotten so polluted! Luckily, I'm staying at a place that's still surrounded by pine, with only a few (like, 3, I think) houses in the immediate area. If anyone's interested, it's near Wright Park, and.. St Joseph Church? I'm not sure of the church's name.. but it's big. Charges 3,500 per night, inclusive of everything but food and your clothes

Has a fireplace, cable tv, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. I wish our house looked like that pad! It has a detached cottage thingy too.. Smaller, but cheaper (apparently, it has no fireplace, cuz I see no chimneys).

The contact person is Mr. Rene, 0919 4734536.

( :whistle:

can't find how to get my pics off of my phone. but they have a friendster account! - That Baguio Place! :thumbs:

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-05-05 01:36:00

Hey guys,
Question on POE. So far, only medical forms and CFO asked what port my fiancee will arrive in US. Once we recieve our visa and go make ticket arrangements, does it or will it matter if the we enter into another port.
Example:
We put honolulu on form but may use Continental to Honolulu. The problem is it goes through Guam which is US territory and requires all to do immigration there.

Does anyone see an issue with this? I do believe the visa is generic to any port and not one port specific.

My fiancee will ask the immigration officer this Thursday once interview is over.

Let me know and good luck to all.

DJ

Hi DJ. It doesn't matter if your actual point of entry is different from the POE you guys wrote down in the forms. I had to ask this, myself, as I did not know which point of entry I would be using at the moment.

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-04-30 03:16:00

Last year, I had my 2nd shot of varicella with my private doctor. She wrote me a certification ~ something to this effect: "This is to certify that Ms. Patiently Waiting No More, 44 years old, received Varicella No. 2 on April xx, 2006."

My doctor wrote the certification in her Rx form that had her name, address, telephone number and PTR and license number. Without asking for St. Lukes advice, I also had her sign the form that St. Lukes gave me. But on hindsight, maybe I should have called St. Lukes first to ask if it was okay to write on the sheet so that is what I suggest that you do now. Call St. Lukes to confirm if it's ok for your private doctor to fill in the forms for Varicella 2. Otherwise, the doctor's certification will do.

Thank you so much, PW! I'll follow your footsteps with regards to having the doc write a certification. But I think I'll take that detour you mentioned - not touching the St Luke's Forms. Although I'm assuming there's a copy inside the mysterious envelope, I'd still like to keep it as virginal as it is.. Too bad my mom spilled coffee on it - it's not as virginal as it used to be :whistle:

Again, thanks PW! This is invaluable to me

And Congrats to everyone who's been approved!! I still attribute the relative ease of getting the visa to all the great people in this forum. Especially this thread. :dance:

Good luck to upcoming interviewees!! Bring home those visas!

Edited by iya, 27 April 2007 - 02:58 AM.

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-04-27 02:56:00

Hi all. I've another question (I really thought I was done with all the asking!). The lady at SLEX mentioned that I have to get the second Varicella shot after two months (April) so now I have to get that shot while still here in Manila (I leave June). Where do we put the record that I -did- get the second shot? Do I even really need the second shot? (i've had chickenpox as a kid, but have no scars because I didn't scratch.. ) Are they allowed to write on the sheet of paper given by St Luke's to indicate that I"ve completed the Varicella thingy? :help:

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-04-25 17:34:00

another quick question, guys. i'm not leaving for the states til June. will I need the cfo sticker even if i'm just going on a trip to japan? i know I'll need it for the trip to the states, but do i need it prior to leaving for japan?

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-04-10 22:17:00

Sillygirl, our condolences to you and your family. Such a tragic thing so early in the new chapter of your life..

Glenn, i hope you hear from Rosemarie soon. If all goes well, then you two will be able to work things out!

To this week's interviewees, good luck good luck!!

I have a quick question. What sort of documents should I bring with me when I leave for the states? BC, and University Transcripts are all that come to mind...

iya

Female

Philippines

2007-04-10 02:42:00

korean air

I flew Korean Air, and it was infinitely better than American Airlines. The stewardesses are very nice, and even though I flew economy, I didn't feel like I was being shafted (which was the case with AA). The food was okay (and so was the wine that came with my dinner), and so was the entertainment. I think the only problem I had was that I didn't always understand what the stewardesses were asking (the accent!)

iya

Female

Philippines

2008-08-21 13:49:00

how much do i need to pay for luggage carts in the airport?

I dunno.. when I used JFK and Newark Airports, their carts had fees.. I don't remember how much exactly, though. something like 3$, I think, and if you return the carts to the racks, you get 25 cents back. In Narita, Japan, the carts were free. In NAIA, they were also technically free, but they boys were "hoarding" them, so you have to give them a "tip" for collecting a cart for you.

iya

Female

Philippines

2008-08-25 06:42:00

ARE U FROM OHIO?

Hudson, OH here

Toledo isn't exactly next door, but then it's much closer than the other states

iya

Female

Philippines

2008-11-04 22:18:00

An Honest Discussion About Fil/Am Relationships

Question 1 - for American men: Did you seek out Filipinas through a dating agency or marriage broker, and if so, why?

> My husband did not.

Question 2 - for the Filipinas: Did you ever place an ad or set up a profile with any international dating agency or marriage broker, and if so, why?

> I have never placed an ad or a profile. We met online, but it was at a Multi-User Dungeon, 6 years ago. Basically, a game

Question 3 - for the American men: What are the differences (including physical) between your Filipina spouse and your ex-wife?

> I'm actually my hubby's first gf

Question 5 - for the Filipinas: What are the differences (including physical, age) between your kano spouse and your last boyfriend or ex-husband?

> I've never been married before, but compared to my ex-bfs, hubby is just very loving and considerate. Physical differences don't matter, it's the personality that counts.

Honest answers please.

iya

Female

Philippines

2009-01-06 19:26:00

Cold Weather

I think it was frost and not snow. Hale happens, and up in Sagada, the temp does drop to freezing on very rare occasions. But actual snowfall, nah...?

When I arrived here, it was late summer. Everyone was in shorts, while I was in a jacket. They had the AC running, while I had a heater under my desk, also running. Adjusting meant putting up with the cold, and trying to get used to it, but up to now, I have my own heater under my desk (even after we've moved). The new wardrobe idea is great

but it's also important to learn how to layer clothes. I hate doing that cuz it means more laundry

but it DOES work.

Also, just because "it doesn't feel that cold", don't let your girl leave the house without gloves. I went out once while hubby was at work, and didn't wear gloves because it didn't seem too bad. Oh did I regret that decision...

iya

Female

Philippines

2009-01-13 10:49:00

Filipino Dishes

QUOTE (I luv my chappara @ Aug 31 2008, 07:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

hey girl, meron filipino store sa raleigh eh, 1 lng... pero at least meron

meron cla mango galing stin, meron p nga haleya eh, bangus, dried fish, etc

try mo ......sa may capital boulevard xa,, oriental store -- pero filipino store un pati workers at may-ari filipino.

Kainggit!

I miss our mangoes. Lahat ng mango dito sa amin galing ata ng Mexico? Yung red at green.. hindi yellow. I always tell my husband it's fake mango, haha. Hindi pa rin ako nakakapunta ng Filipino store dito, but I plan to soon. I went to one when I was in Chicago - namakyaw ako ng Pampanga's best na tocino at longganisa!

iya

Female

Philippines

2008-08-31 23:26:00

Filipino Dishes

QUOTE (gurl @ Aug 29 2008, 04:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

there's no place like home at feeling natin pagkinakain natin yung pagkain natin busog na busog tayo

hmmmmm sana malapit langang pinas

totoo ito. nung umuwi ako this past christmas season, i gained 5 pounds within the first week dahil super namiss ko yung food. ngayon, pag homesick ako, knakain ko yung tuyo na nasa bote with oil. malapit na nga maubos, so i foresee a trip to a filipino store soon. kahit malayo, papatusin ko..

iya

Female

Philippines

2008-08-29 15:43:00

Why there are pinays out there who feels so conceited about theirselves once they arrived here in the States?

Long time no post ako dito (lurk lurk uli), but all I can say is, I can relate! Going on three years na ako dito, and yet wala pa rin akong befriended pinays. Meron dito sa city namin (and it's a very small city.. definitely within 5 mile radius ang bahay nila) na nung first kong na-meet was all "Are you Filipino?" pero nang malaman na at the time eh clerk ako sa drugstore, ang ere na. It really wasn't my loss.

I just have to say, hindi lang ito mga Pinay.. Pinoy din! May matandang lalake (I'd say about 60ish) na nagbabayad (same drugstore as mentioned above) at lumabas ang pangalan nya sa screen. Hindi ko maalala kung ano, pero 100% sure na Pinoy. Ni hindi Flores o Mercado na kastilang apelyido na maaaring Mexican/Latino.. mala-Bagumbayan o Magdadaro. Eh tila hard of hearing sya at hindi nya maintindihan ang aking "It's been paid for." kaya sinabihan ko ng "Bayad na po." Aba, sabi ba naman "Oh I'm Indonesian."
BWISET! :bonk:

iya

Female

Philippines

2010-03-28 09:07:00

Possible problem w/ Phil Immigrations during flight..Help!

Woo! Congrats, Kezia :dance:

Keep us posted! Hopefully it'll be smooth sailing from her on.

iya

Female

Philippines

2010-11-16 17:37:00

Possible problem w/ Phil Immigrations during flight..Help!

I agree, todong todo. Wala sa hinagap ko na amerikano ang mapapangasawa ko or mag-aasawa talaga ako. Kaya marami ang nagulat sa mga friends and family ko na (1)nagkaboyfriend ako, (2)mag-aasawa ako, at mas lalong maraming nagulat na (3)amerikano pala. (Check http://www.facebook....id=472808241671 for our story) Everyone knows my personality and my nationalism, pati na rin ang pagiging pihikan ko sa boys despite the fact na karamihan sa mga kabarkada ko ay mga lalaki -- I'm a tomboy. Last year nga, in-offer ako ng isa sa mga clients ko ng fully-sponsored work visa with all expenses including tickets, expenses on paperworks, pati apartment ko dun sa US at may shares pa sa isang company na nasa news dahil out and coming talaga sya sa technology industry at may award pa sa government. Tinanggihan ko yun, tapos it's embarassing dahil dun at dun din pala sa US ang landing ko after a year. Palad nga siguro talaga.

Haha, agree din ako!! Tomboy din ako, at karamihan ng barkada ko ay lalaki. Sa UP lang ako nagkaroon ng girl friends dahil lahat ng barkada ko nasa eng'g, ako nasa mbb. Kabilang lupalop. Sayang, ano? Kung alam mo lang na pagdaraanan mo ito, you could've just taken that client up on the offer! Pero naisip ko rin yan noon.. ibang proseso naman din pag nandito ka na with regards to residency and naturalization.

As for the DOST Scholarship being new, I'm not talking about the whole thing dahil alam kong maraming scholarship ang DOST. I was just referring to our "Program". Bagong bago lang yun "Program A" (now called RA something) at "Program B" (now called Merit scholarship) nung mga batches natin, kaya malakas pa ang dating nun sa mga parents at sa mga newspaper.

And in that case, oo nga. Bagu-bago nga ang program. To be honest, hindi ko na inalam ang differences ng iba't ibang scholarship programs. I guess we took it for granted na ang DOST scholarship ay DOST scholarship. Ayan tuloy, napasubo. Haha. I remember my mom being confident na "walang problema yan kung gusto mong mag-bakasyon abroad. Tignan mo ako!" :whistle:

Pero confident rin sya na hindi ako mag-a-abroad dahil nga sa nationalism. She didn't know I was getting a visa until after I actually got the visa!

Thanks for the well wishes. Sana nga, di na ako pagbayarin. Kino-compute ko ang interest, 3-4X na yun kung compounding interest ang gagamitin.

Ouch talaga yang interest na yan, kaya sabi ko noon, hinding hindi ako magbabayad! Nung natanggal yung scholarship by the end of the second year, I was so relieved. Syempre hindi masaya ang family, not because can't afford, but because tanggal ang "prestige" ng pagkakaroon ng scholarship :hehe:

Sabay eto si kapatid.. iniisip pano magagawan ng paraan yung bond. Anlaki ng hinihingi nila!!

Amelie, hindi ko sure kung tinatanggap pa rin hanggang ngayon ang post-dated checks. I just got that advise from an old scholar. Nakalimutan kong itanong 'yan, at parang di ko rin gustong itanong kasi ayokong maisip nila na kaya ko talagang magbayad o magbabayad talaga ako.

Ako rin, I only read about post-dated checks dito. I mean, it might be an option that they give to people who just can't fork out one lump sum for the bond. Kung kailangan talaga, sana nga open ito. But best ask to make sure! Baka andaming pahirap ng pagdaanan to get a checking account, only to find out may specific requirements pala para maging viable option ang PDCs.

At least, dahil may service ka na, di na gaanong malaki ang babayaran mo. Frankly, pumasok sa isip ko na mangdaya at magbigay ng Certificate of Employment na galing sa probinsya namin, dahil may mga willing naman magbigay sa akin noon, pero wala sa personality ko ang ganun, at never pa rin akong nangdaya or naging dishonest in my life (not counting the small rebellions against some teachers in highschool where I gave answers to exams to my classmates) at hindi kayang dalhin ng konsensya ko ang magmanufacture ng ganun. Besides, it could also get you into more trouble that you don't want, with two governments. Kaya para doon sa mga nag-iisip at nagsa-suggest, beware and better play everything safe and honest.

SUPER agree! Even if you get away with it now, it could come back and haunt you later.. The getting a cert of employment from friends seems to be the easiest (dishonest) alternative for people, just because it seems acceptable in our culture. :no:

I got the DOST-PCIERD scholarship in 2002. I think they covered 4 sem and 2 summer. Never heard of that rule na if 4 sems lang you wont need to reimburse. Well at least in my contract it was clear that if u dont finish you pay. I think in my case maaga pa at di pa umabot sa NBI listing yung kaso ko so NBI was not a problem. I suggest communicate with DOST. Get a clearance from them then clear ur NBI din. Sorry I cant help in that area as I didnt experience that. Good luck. There should be enough time. Believe me, I did all of that in one week before my interview at the embassy. I can relate to the stress. I'm from UP Dil also. Civil engg grad & was finishing MS Water Resources but couldnt complete the thesis thats why I dropped out.

Hindi ko rin alam ang terms ng PCIERD.. I thought the two-year clause was generally in all the DOST contracts, but that was just an assumption based on conversations with other kids (at the time). But since you had it all the way til the end, it's a moot thing, no? I just have to say na ang swerte swerte mo na hindi mo na pinagdaanan ang DOST-NBI hassle! Ang traffic, ang oras, ang stress... :thumbs:

I believe I finished mine within a week. just not the week before my interview! :wacko:

Hindi ko kakayanin ang stress nun.

iya

Female

Philippines

2010-11-13 06:43:00

Possible problem w/ Phil Immigrations during flight..Help!

Well, it's been ~3 years since I got my clearance sa NBI, so baka nagbago na ang requirements nila for clearance from DOST contracts. For sure, ang natatandaan ko, nung unang punta ko ay sabi nung Mr NBI guy ay "Ano ba ang plano mo? Hindi ka ma-c-clear hanggat hindi mo naaayos itong sa DOST. Kailangan mong pumunta sa Bicutan." at hindi Termination Letter ang binigay sa akin. Hindi ko na nga sinubukan yung sa Core group at di naman talaga ako natutulungan dun kapag may kailangan ako

They're great people, pero iba lang siguro ang expectations ko.

In any case, hassle nga talaga ang DOST scholarship. Tama ka, kung may ibang options, why not? I didn't think it was going to be that much of a hassle for me dahil whether I took the DOST scholarship in college or not, technically ay may kontrata pa ako with DOST nung HS (pisay). Buti na lang at hindi nag trigger yun sa system.. although if needed, I could have scrounged up proof of employment locally in a science-ish field. Yung kapatid kong kaka-graduate lang, tinapos with DOST and oblation.. so doble ang utang nya, so to speak. Gusto sanang mag master's sa Utah, pero dahil andaming churva ng DOST, parang nag-aalangan na tuloy. You really have to weigh the cost of the scholarship!! For some people, it's worth it dahil wala naman silang plano whatsoever na umalis ng Pinas (that was also my case.. malay ko ba na US cit ang mapapangasawa ko, diba?)

I'm not so sure about the scholarship stuff being "bago" around our time. Matagal nang may scholarship ang DOST, kahit nung NSDB pa sya. My mom was on that scholarship, too, pero dahil jurassic na ang account na yun ay walang record sa NBI. Pero siguro, during our time sila nag-o-overhaul ng system with computerization of records and actually communicating with the other agencies. Dun tayo nasabit. I know some of my teachers in HS (former pisay or DOST scholars din na slightly older than us lang) had problems with their NBI clearances, kaya hindi sa batch natin nag-umpisa ang problems.

Sa DFA, I had no problems whatsoever. Sa airport, syempre tense ako dahil baka nga may stop order pa ang DOST.. Kahit may visa and ticket and everything na, makalimutan lang nilang i-clear ka sa isang aspeto, problema na! But it all went through with no problems. Ang pinaka-hurdle talaga ay yung DOST-NBI clearance combo, at yung interview sa embassy.

I must say, though.. ang hirap ng kaso mo. Ang dami naman nilang hinihingi na super specific! In my case, dahil wala naman akong termination letter, i THINK ang meron ako ay class cards (na bungi bungi), posibleng tcg (na hindi sa last sem ko with DOST) at form-5 for the semesters when I started paying for tuition (buti na lang pack rat ako, and I had some of those with me!). I remember nung nagpunta ako ng Bicutan, naglabas sila ng giant hardbound notebook, tas dun hinanap yung pangalan ko (feeling San Pedro at the pearly gates! Haha). I think hindi nabigay sa kanila ng Core group ang last set of grades ko kaya technically hindi "terminated" ang status ko sa Bicutan. Parang awol, or waiting for updates or something. So nung pinakita ko yung grades and papers ko, may sinulat lang sa giant notebook, and then balikan ko daw after <x amount of time>. From pick-up ko nung clearance, deretso na ako sa NBI and got my clearance the same day. I'm not worried about whether it's temporary or not. The way I see it, cleared na ako, and if I go back with a US passport, wala nang look-ups sa DOST dbase nyan

Good luck sa clearance! I know it's stressful and can be quite frustrating. Sana nga ay hindi mo kailanganing magbayad, since hindi ka naman tumuntong ng 3rd year with the scholarship. Pasensya na at wala akong mai-recommend na mapagkakatiwalaang bangko. Hindi rin ako nagkaron ng checking account o credit card dyan. I did have that landbank atm account for DOST dahil required for stipend remittance

Baka bigyan ka ng consideration ng landbank if you want to open an account with them, considering it's for DOST, and they have ties?

PS
Naaliw ako at binilhan ka agad ng plane ticket! Excited

Matinding pagpilit ko na ako ang bibili ng ticket ko noon dahil ayaw ko rin nung additional stress na may hahabulin pa akong flight deadline. Pero kilig moment. Mas kilig pag nakakuha ka na ng clearance at makakatulog na kayo sa gabi! Hope all goes well!!!

iya

Female

Philippines

2010-11-12 20:38:00

Possible problem w/ Phil Immigrations during flight..Help!

Batchmate?

DOST, awarded '97 din. Only had it for 2 years, decided in the end it wasn't worth it for me.
When getting the NBI clearance, nag-flag nga na may kontrata ako with DOST, and that I needed clearance from them (for some reason, only the college contract flagged.. yung HS contract namin, wala lang

). Not sure what exactly it was that I brought with me to Bicutan (proof that it terminated at the end of my second year.. pero di ko talaga maalala what it was), but I did get the clearance. I might have had to come back for it? It's been 3 years since I did it kaya di ko maalala. In any case, after I got the clearance from Bicutan, deretso na ako sa NBI to get their clearance.

Since you're going to UP Dil, advice ko lang.. stock up on those original TORs! Yan ang hassle sa akin ngayon. When I applied for a job sa govt, they wanted the original copy. E isa na lang ang copy ko.. so now I'm out. I know pwede naman mag-place ng order from here, pero ang mahal. At least compared to how much it costs to get them there. Since both my mom and my brother are still in UP (PhD and fresh grad na bibisibisita pa) I figured I can get one of them to get me copies. Wag lang tamarin!

iya

Female

Philippines

2010-11-12 17:47:00

QUOTE (LennifelShawn @ Oct 26 2008, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Lennifel & Shawn
City: Canal Fulton
State: Ohio

Hi semi-neighbors

I think we're about an hour away from each other.

iya

Female

Philippines

2008-10-27 01:31:00

Hi hi. We're moving today. Same state, different city. Instead of Kent, OH it will be Hudson, OH.. Thanks lots, RyaNRiza

iya

Female

Philippines

2008-08-05 06:41:00

QUOTE (CaNdiD wiTcH @ Jun 27 2008, 04:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We just started our processing. Anyway, I will be in New Jersey...
I checked your list. There is nobody from NJ but me..

I have family in NJ too. Actually, every time I fly back here, I spend a week in NJ para makipag-bonding

And not to worry, because there are TONS of Filipinos in NJ and NY. Just not VJ people, apparently

iya

Female

Philippines

2008-06-27 10:38:00

hi all! Kent, Ohio here.

iya

Female

Philippines

2008-06-21 07:01:00