ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesTravel Websites
Just remember if you use a credit card,,, there is always recourse if someone pulls a scam... Your liability is never more then $50.
And the credit card companies seldom charge you anyway... The credit card company has to have a relationship with the entity posting
a charge to you. The only real scam out there is someone getting your card info and using it to make purchases through a legitimate
vendor.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-03-05 14:10:00
PhilippinesFilipina wife issues....advice please...

Hey all, first my name is Scott...my wife is from the phillipines...we have been together over a year and married. We have her K1 visa and we are about to go back to the United States. I am a US Soldier and stationed in S. Korea....for the past year I have been sending money to her family, but during this time we have been financially struggeling. My wife is now 16 weeks pregnant with our son, which is amazing bc we have been trying for about 6 months...and while trying i told her on many occassions that once she was pregnant money would STOP to her family..but yet she doesnt see it that way.

It all started after we first met and her 4 year old sister needed eye surgery or she would go blind, it was only 300.00 USD so it wasnt that bad, but after that it was her family with their hand out on payday. I delt with it but now i cant because my son's future is at stake.

I was sending 350.00 USD every 2 weeks....totaled 7,500.00 USD in 1 year, and then I sent her home with 3000.00 USD when she went home to visit. She has 9 brothers and sisters, two of the boys being 20 and 21. She is the oldest child.

Last night I made a comment on her facebook about how happy I was we were having a son, i check later and her oldest brother posted "send money home now says momma". Now this made me extremely angry not only did he disrespect my way of life but he posted on my comment about my son with such non-sense.

Today she said she wanted to send 150.00 USD home, I told her no we had discussed last check we would send 100.00 USD every 2 weeks...and thats all. She wont talk to her family about them getting jobs, she just sits quietly and lets them beg and i have to see her upset and crying

This is causing our marriage to be in trouble..I love my wife and will do anything to make her happy...but I cant take this stress anymore...what do i do?!

As of now I am not sending any money to them, and she wont speak to me going on 2 days now....


First,, Not time for a history lesson,,, but, I do have a lot of experience in dealing with money and the Philippines.

In your situation, there IS an obligation, implied, moral or otherwise felt by your wife (As she is the eldest)
to raise up her siblings... That said, I offer a simple solution.

Once your financial obligations are met with your immediate family... Assuming, there is some additional funds available.
Offer to REPLACE her earning potential you removed from her extended family. For example my current wife was an RN in the
Philippines. She could make 10-15k Pesos per month. Assuming she gave 100% of that to her extended family... I am
comfortable giving "Income Replacement" without much additional thought. And, when she starts earning her own paycheck we
will balance her need to help her extended family and our immediate family.

That is my thought process. Hope it helps somewhat.

regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-03-05 14:36:00
Philippinesanyone pregnant during their medical exam? did you have to take chest xray?
St Lukes will put a protective lead apron over the area to protect the fetus... My wife was pregnant during the exam.
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-08-22 11:12:00
PhilippinesCFO ID Requirements
If she is below a certain age... She will need written travel approval from her parents. Just a handwritten and signed letter
was all the CFO required. Just state we give our daughter approval to travel to the USA for the purpose of marriage.

Note: If you look at my Photos. There is a scan (albeit from 2009) of the CFO requirements in Quezon City

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-09-13 08:22:00
PhilippinesBringing Electronic Stuff
The airline will let you take almost anything legal... The Philippines custom guys could give you a hassle... Most likely they won't.
I bring two laptops (Go through "Nothing to Declare" line). One for personal use and another for work. Been there 5 times last year
without issues.

However, hate to say it. But, expediting things at the Manila airport can usually be resolved with a $20 Xmas gift.

Or,, you can try to pay the customs excise tax for exceeding allowance. (Never seen anyone do that though)

It is what it is....

Regards,

Edited by DouglasFiel, 03 October 2011 - 06:37 AM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-03 06:35:00
PhilippinesIncome requirements- Manila US Embassy
The I130/CR1 option with a co-sponsor would give you the best chance at an approval (And reduce overall cost)... And since you are living
in the Philippinesyou are eligible for DCF (Direct Consul Filing)... This is normally a much quicker approval.

Good Luck,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-05 08:22:00
PhilippinesONLINE western union
I have done online and in person using WU in the past... As stated above,,, there is a big cost difference sending online vs in person.

And yes,,, it is safe. The person picking up the money will need an ID that matches the name you gave WU and a transaction number given
to you.... Before they can receive the money.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-06 14:41:00
Philippineshelp with mama
Lots of red flags here,,, and some of making your own bed and now you have to sleep in it.

However, all is not lost just need to scale expectations and move forward cautiously.

Perhaps, start with income replacement (Her leaving could leave a hole in the extended
families finances).

My wife a new nurse,,, in the Philippines could make 10 to 15k pesos per month. That
might be a good target (if you can afford it) to start with. Once she starts working
in the US,, then she can send a mutually agreeable monthly stipend to help her family.

Just a thought.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-09-20 12:53:00
PhilippinesSo confused...
My daughter new graduate Psych last December,,, passed on a couple of low level jobs because,,, it was below her.

As I always say, "Take the job your offered, look for the job you want". She finally took my advise and started
a job she really did not think would go anywhere,,, and in a few months they are promoting her to a divisional
position with the salary that goes along with it.

People are more willing to give an employed person a chance before an unemployed person. I would certainly give
a employed butt-wiper a chance at a technical position (assuming they are qualified) working for me,,, Before,
I would someone sitting on their ####### waiting for a job that is "not below them"...

Personally, I would explore how hard they really tried to find "ANY" job.

Hell me and my wife rented out our house and moved to the South side of Austin for her to take a ####### position as
a nurse in a nursing home,,, figuring a better job would come along. And sure enough she got a position as a
Dialysis Nurse (they are training her and she has always wanted to practice in this area) with a major hospital.

On top of that they paid her as a trained charge nurse,,, even though she has only a few months of US experience.

I assume that she would not have gotten that job if she was not working.. The interviewer asked her why she took
the long term care position. I fed her the answer before the interview... "Well, I got bills and they need to be paid".
and second, the position she was hired for,,, is a Dialysis Charge Nurse position. I suspect they would also, not
have hired her,,, if the position she held at the Nursing Home was not a Charge Nurse position.

These are two personal examples and my current position is another,,,, of "Get working" to pay your bills,,, the right
opportunity will come along.

In this environment it may take awhile... But, attitude and hard work will get you the position you want.

Good Luck to all of those employment challenged.

Regards,

Edited by DouglasFiel, 26 October 2011 - 11:16 AM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-26 11:15:00
PhilippinesGreen card's validity question
Should not be a problem... But, question... Did you file for AOS? When we did a few months back we received a letter
stating the GC validity was extended one year.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-27 10:59:00
PhilippinesBooking plane ticket from Philippines

Kayak let you book a flight for another person that originated in the Philippines ???


I actually bought the ticket from the Continental Airlines website without any issue.

This was Aug 2009.

Regards,h
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-16 09:35:00
PhilippinesBooking plane ticket from Philippines
I found the flight I wanted thru Kayak and booked directly with Continental Airlines.

Note: Many more flights out of Manila then Cebu.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-15 20:06:00
PhilippinesFilipinos in Austin, TX
hi,,We live in Pflugerville, Texas.Wanna have some filipina friends too.. 2 years na me here nakatira,,Send me ur number and i will call you.

Regards,
FIEL

Edited by DouglasFiel, 02 November 2011 - 09:49 PM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-11-02 21:46:00
PhilippinesAny Philippine RNs who moved to the USA with a K/Spouse Visa?

Douglas... :thumbs: ...Chinook agrees...get ready for the Pharma questions on the NCLEX...Saunders will help in that regard.

:wow: That must have been an expensive review course...having to fly to 'Pinas. Why didn't your wife take a Kaplan review course locally in Texas?


A bit expensive overall (But, Flights were Frequent Flyer Miles),,,

However, since she was out of school for 4 years, she needed a more intensive review then Kaplan provides here in the USA.
The full session is 12 weeks in the PI vs 4 days in Austin here. And about the same cost.

In reference to NLE vs NCLEX... My wife thought the NLE was harder,,, which she passed on the first attempt in 2007.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-11-11 23:52:00
PhilippinesAny Philippine RNs who moved to the USA with a K/Spouse Visa?
My wife went through the process and got licensed last April.

1st question,,, Is what state are you looking to get her licensed? Then Google for State XXXX Board of Nursing and try to
find information on "Foreign Trained Nurses".

We are in Texas,,, I reviewed the Board of Nursing rules for licensing for all mid-west compact states and Texas, we found
Texas to be the easiest.

If your Fiancee has the time I recommend a Philippines Based NCLEX training class... The Philippines Nurses are not trained
to pass the NCLEX in their normal classes (from what I understand). My wife had trouble with the Drug regiments used in the
USA and also, prioritization, (which if different in the USA). Our nurses our taught to question everything,,, including
the doctors. A few weeks of Kaplan or Gapuz could save you a lot of time later and subsequently money.

My wife was a licensed RN in the PI for two years,, before moving to the USA in 2009. Then with the immigration and having
a baby,,, another two years lapsed. So,,,, her school knowledge needed refreshing, she went back to the PI this spring and
did the half of the Kaplan course, took the NCLEX in Manila and passed. Two weeks later she was licensed and had her first
job offer in Texas.

My wife said, her biggest mistake was not taking a prep-course while waiting for the immigration paperwork.

That is my two centavos,

Please feel free to PM us, if you would like more information.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-11-04 13:48:00
Philippinesproofs of a bonadife marriage & ongoing relationship
We did a lot of Yahoo Messaging. We just took a transcript of a conversation one about every 2 weeks of the relationship after
the date of the marriage. So, basically 8-10 transcripts for the 4 months between the date we got married and the interview
date.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-11-04 14:03:00
Philippineswhat does she need upom arrival??
She might want to bring a couple of months of personal care products... Shampoo, lotions, Meds etc... As it is more then likely
the brands she uses,,, will not be available. This will give a bit of time to find suitable replacements... And believe me it
WILL be trial and error. We have several bottles of FAILED substitutes.

Good Luck...

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-11-16 22:52:00
PhilippinesFriends reactions
Couple of points... First, regarding a fast marriage... I think most K1 visa petitioners would love to allow their fiancee to visit at least once before committing
to marriage. But, not really a possibility with our broken immigration system. And second, cut strings with those that are not open minded. If they are not willing to give her a chance,,, then do they deserve one?

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-11-19 15:08:00
PhilippinesWaiting..... Waiting
Darren,,, never one to disappoint.

The old adage measure twice and cut once might apply here. If you are always having to explain yourself, you might
want to think twice before speaking or in this case making a statement.

I think we all wish you two the best...

Regards and God Bless.
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-12-21 11:44:00
Philippinesmoney, ATM and exhanging
Although, I have had issues with some ATM locations... Generally you can find them all over the Philippines... Just get to know
where they are and the limits for different banks... Also, use an ATM that refunds the ATM fee (I use an ETrade ATM card)...
Getting stiff lately (200 or 250 pesos for foreign ATM cards).

I usually take a few hundred dollar bills and use them as last resort... Use a money changer, they are all over and quick.

I was in several remote locations over the past few years, and have only needed to cash in dollars once. Just plan in
advance. Almost everywhere there is an airport/transportation hub/shopping malls, even in provincial areas you will find
ATMs and Money Changers.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-01-06 10:19:00
PhilippinesTravel Agency - Airfare Deals (Bulk)
What you are looking for is called a consolidator. Been a long time since, I needed to buy tickets (always use Frequent Flyer Miles).

But, in the day they were significantly cheaper. And, just heard Clark Howard discussing using one for travel as well.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-03-23 11:09:00
PhilippinesCenomar & Birth Certificate
Personally,,, I used an ACCO clip... It is a pain in the #### to scan or photocopy stuff that is bound.

No sense (IMHO) making the work harder for the INS gatekeepers.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-04-11 09:22:00
Philippinesis it possible?

were planning to get married here in the philippines then he will apply for a cr1 visa.. he only have 15days of leave in the Navy.


From what I understand,,, it is Philippine Law,,, Has to do with posting your intention to marry publically for 10 days.

Keep in mind he also, needs to get an affidavit of legal capacity to marry from the US consulate in Manila before you two can apply
for a marriage license.

You can get all of this done in 2 weeks,,, but, will require a bit of coordination.

Good Luck,

dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-04-18 06:59:00
PhilippinesMost marketable degree for the Philippines?
Keep in mind,,, currently the H1b visa is restricted to ONLY those jobs requiring a 4 year degree or higher... For example
a Registered Nurse (RN) in the USA only requires a 2 year degree. Therefore they are not currently eligible. However,
winds change,,, with supply and demand,,, Well,,, in the past a strong lobby sometimes over-rides the supply and demand equation.


Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-04-16 14:09:00
PhilippinesTravelling to the US with pet/s

I am definately an animal lover honestly I have no idea how it is but I am currently checking all of the possibilities. What I have found out is that if the animal /dog or cat/ is less than 7 kilos it can travel with you in a cage, not in the luggage unit but if it is more than 7 kg things will be more complicated. The price is approximately 50 euro. I have a cocker spaniel - more than 9 kg and he also has epilepsy which makes it even more difficult for him to travel ;o(( I have no idea what I am going to do :(


"but if it is more than 7 kg things will be more complicated" That strikes me as really funny... For someone having gone through the immigration process...

And by the way why do animals have an easier immigration process then people... If we stick our Pinoy relatives in a cage, think we can bring them over as
checked luggage? Be alot cheaper and more efficient then the current process.

Regards to all,,,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-04-19 06:57:00
PhilippinesHow much do you send to your wife's family monthly ?
Your first responsibility in my opinion is to your family,,, If you are in debt and giving the in-laws a premium lifestyle that is not balance.

Personally,,, I would only send enough money to cover basic neccessities (they can not pay themselves) until I was in a better financial
position.

Good Luck,

dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-04-19 14:29:00
PhilippinesGuam POE
My wife Aug2009 traveled through Guam and then onto HNL via Continental Air...

Her immigration paperwork was taken in HNL,,, Not Guam.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-04-14 12:07:00
PhilippinesAny N-600 filers? US Citizenship for my Filipina Stepdaughter
Personally,,, I did not,,, waste money on the N600... Just file for a US passport(once the spouse obtains her citizenship).

It is cheaper and easier, and more widely accepted as absolute proof of US citizenship.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-04-11 09:16:00
PhilippinesBig surprise for my wife and I
The only real change,,, is that St Lukes will want to know. As far as the consulate is concerned no-change. Might want to get her added
to your health insurance. Qualifying change for you to add her is a marriage or loss of her insurance. Which you could possibly do once
she arrives here.


Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-05-07 12:32:00
PhilippinesMedicaid for Pregnant women
Regarding unemployment,,, if you qualified,,, you should of applied. It is not welfare it is insurance paid by your employer and DOES NOT having any effect in regards to your affidavit of support.

Note: I think food stamps fall in a non-reimbusable category too,,, as it is funded under the agriculture dept and not considered
welfare... Might want to double check that one.

regards,
dc

Edited by DouglasFiel, 15 May 2012 - 10:17 PM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-05-15 22:14:00
PhilippinesWhat is the process....
As far as I recollect,,, Parents are immediate relatives,,, there is no visa quota (Same as K1 and CR1) visas. The visa will be issued
without delay, once approved.

Immediate Relatives are:

a) Spouses of US Citizens;

b) Children (single, under 21) of US Citizens; and

c) Parents of US Citizens (if the US Citizen is 21 and over).



Regards,
dc

Edited by DouglasFiel, 18 May 2012 - 08:36 AM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-05-18 08:33:00
Philippinesfood likes and hates
Seems to me,,, most Filipino's (when they come to the USA) aren't really a fan of Mexican Spices (Cumin?), Italian Spices (Oregano?) and
heavy tomato based foods unless they are sweet. That normally subsides quite a bit after a year or so. Then you need to add the pregnancy
factor on top... (Super sensitive smell and taste).

My two centavos for what it is worth.


Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-05-16 09:26:00
PhilippinesFinances and Such ... Philippines
Great topic and should be discussed in depth BEFORE any plans to marry. Financial issues
always ranks in the top reasons for divorce.

I think thorough discussions regarding yours, hers and ours,,, starting from yesterday, today
and extending through retirement are a good place to start.

btw,,, Wife is a Fulltime Registered Nurse here in Texas and I work for an International Computer
Company. Point being, we are not deciding between paying bills and helping extended family.


Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-05-25 12:53:00
PhilippinesCFO Nightmare
Never under-estimate the ability of people in small positions (CFO) to exert control over the masses.

Think Security Guard that could not get on with the military or police department. Happens all of the
time in the USA.

As someone else stated,,, don't waste your time,,, and move on, most likely you will never be able to
fix any inherent problems in the Philippines.

Focus on your fiancee. Our immigration system is not much better. I have heard some nasty stuff come
out of the consulate as well.

Everything worth having,,, is worth working for,,, and sometimes just shaking your head and turning the
other cheek is the best response. It will be a distant memory in a few months.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-05-16 21:39:00
PhilippinesDivorced american man now married to filipina
No, it is not normal. I can understand some communication in regards to the children,,, and possibly some insurance with the CHILDREN
as the beneficiary with a third party trust (Not the ExWife).

Hope your husband will come to understand the destructive seeds he is sowing.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-05-25 14:37:00
PhilippinesCFO Philippines
Here is a copy of an Instruction Sheet I requested from St Mary's for the CFO process for k1,k3,IR/CR1 Visa holders.

Note: St Mary's is actually above the MRT station Katipunan.

Attached File  St_Marys_CFO_Instructions_small.jpg   82.01KB   81 downloads

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-09-01 13:26:00
Philippinesbad american or bad problem
Time for a History Lesson.

Ferdinand Magellan

Magellan's expedition of 1519–1522 became the first expedition to sail from the Atlantic Ocean into the Pacific Ocean (then named "peaceful sea" by Magellan; the passage being made via the Strait of Magellan), and the first to cross the Pacific. It also completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth, although Magellan himself did not complete the entire voyage, being killed during the Battle of Mactan in the Philippines.

Moral of the story...

These So called natives can take care of an unwanted foreign intrusion themselves.

Regards and good luck with the chismoso.

dc

Edited by DouglasFiel, 06 June 2012 - 10:14 AM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-06 10:14:00
Philippinescollectors
Ask Imelda,,, she collected shoes...

:)
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-05-19 22:31:00
PhilippinesManny gets the shaft
Next time,,, they will generate even more interest (And more money).

Everyone likes a rematch with an air of vindication...

Should be a great rematch.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-10 09:22:00
PhilippinesAbout Ecards
Not sure if the ECard viewer you use has a print option or not,,,,

But, you can almost always. Press PrtSc "Print Screen" button on your PC.


Process:

1. Place the contents you wish to copy on your active screen...
2. Press "Print Screen"
3. Run paint,,, then, press Ctl-V or,,, under edit, select paste, the contents of the "Print Screen"
is usually placed in the paste buffer.
4. Save as a file or print...

Regards,
dc

Edited by DouglasFiel, 11 June 2012 - 09:15 AM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-11 09:15:00