ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
PhilippinesManila too dangerous for my fiancee to stay there...
I'd agree Manila - Ermita around the Embassy is generally safe. Just follow standard rules for large cities...

Stay on well traveled roads, don't flash cash, don't venture out after dark. Don't place too much trust in
anyone.

There is plenty of safe and reasonably priced hotels in the area.

I have been around the area all hours of the day and night,,, never felt threatened or targeted,,, other then
some kids trying to get a few pesos or others trying to "Assist you" with a hookup.

My wife was from Zamboanga del Norte,,, never been to Manila before, and she never once mentioned feeling that
she did not feel safe.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-06 09:26:00
PhilippinesThing to do in Manila

If you think the Mall of Asia is big you really need to check out the Mall of America.... ok its not in Manila....


Technically incorrect...

Mall of America is the 21st largest mall in the world... Mall of Asia is #10.

Philippines has 4 Malls larger then the Mall of America according to Wiki.

http://en.wikipedia....ls_in_the_world

+++

Splash Islands and Enchanted Kingdom are a couple of place my wife wants to
see next time we are in Manlia w/her family.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-11 07:35:00
PhilippinesReport her or Not?
Darren,,, never one to disappoint....

As far as the OP.... Just send the EMail to the PI Consulate. If they investigate "As they are supposed to" she gets busted...
Either way you tried to influence the outcome with the information you have.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-05-09 09:14:00
Philippineswhy are we being over looked?
I just had a friend get a cr1 approval from VSC with an I130 date of mid-dec. Of course he did contact his Senator once he crossed 5 1/2 months
with no... NOA2... Within 48 hours he got his NOA2. Did it make a difference using the Senator? Probably,,, but, his timeline was close to the
published processing times.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-14 07:38:00
PhilippinesIs it ok that they use my maiden name and not my married name?
Whatever name is in the passport submitted to ST Lukes will be your name as far as USCIS is concerned.

Your VISA will be issued in that name as well as your, Soc Sec card and Green Card.

Our paperwork name changed several times

I130 = Married name
NVC = Maiden Name (As we submitted passport copy w/maiden name)
Visa = Married Name (As we submitted new passport to St Lukes w/married name)

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-15 09:13:00
Philippinesi-130 form
That is what we put there,,, literally only 10 days for us...

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-16 08:17:00
PhilippinesUse of Maiden vs. Married Name: CR-1 Visa process
I have sent this info before...

Applied I130 CR1 using married name with registar photocopy of marriage cert
++ I130 had married name
NVC process submitted NSO copy of marriage Cert and passport copy w/maiden name
++ USCIS paperwork changed to match passport (Maiden name)
St Lukes submitted new passport in Married name
++ USCIS paperwork changed to reflect married name
Consulate
++ USCIS paperwork and Visa issued w/married name

regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-15 23:24:00
PhilippinesTourist Visas for wedding...
More like a rope with a padlock on the end,,, USCIS will beat you with it,,, after taking your money and then say no.

Unless, your extended family is pretty much wealthy, a tourist visa is extremely difficult.

Too many TNT (Tago Ng Tago)...

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-21 16:03:00
PhilippinesAmended Philippine passport problems
Hawaii is part of the USA. So, as long as she has a visa she would be good to go.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-24 08:46:00
PhilippinesPlease Help
The airlines used to allow a stop over on international flights without additional fees. Might want to check with the airline.
Could save you some money rather then purchasing two tickets.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-07-12 06:41:00
PhilippinesGood Travel Agent? Cheap Airfare?
Note: Tickets for a lap child is not free. They still need a ticket,,, price is usually around 10% of the adult ticket.

And,,, also, short notice tickets during peak period (Now) is much more expensive then waiting till Sept.

Regards,
dc

Edited by DouglasFiel, 13 July 2012 - 07:57 PM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-07-13 19:55:00
PhilippinesHas anyone ever had there teeth worked on in the Philippines?
Of course it is cheaper,,, as far as labor costs (and no malpractise insurance),,, but, materials cost the same,,,
and some of the latest technology has expensive materials.

Just as a side note,,, a US based dentist was wondering where a Filipina friend got some extensive dental work done... She
said, "Manila"... The dentist remarked,,, it was some of the best dental work he has ever seen. YMMV.

My wife had some composites done, I think was about $15 per surface... So, that is maybe %10-%20 of US retail cost. Or %25 of
the discounted rate. (FYI,,, not sure what the actual insurance costs would be)

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-07-28 10:39:00
PhilippinesDelta airlines?
Worst airline? All of them just give them time. Had bad experiences on Korean Air, American Airlines, Delta,,, Plus others. If you fly
enough, something unexpected will happen. Sometimes the airlines fault, sometime not.

Currently for the past couple of years I have been flying Delta (better connections to Asia),,, maybe 120-150k miles a year. I have had no
outlandish delays or issues. But, service is not what it once was,,, on ANY airline.

YMMV...

Good Luck!!!

dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-07-26 16:31:00
PhilippinesAmerican vs Filipino

EATING DOGS is a FILIPINO tradition 'thing'?? Where the heck did you learn that???fc]



Guess the first time I was told this was sitting in a restaurant in Baguio City about 1975, looking at the menu I asked the waiter what is Asocena? He said, "That is Aso, dog, it is a traditional dish here it will warm you up". I said no thanks, it's warm outside today! He he.


Eating dogs were Igorot custom but not true to all tribes in the Philippines. That person misuse the word "tradition."
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-07-15 19:19:00
PhilippinesAmerican vs Filipino
[quote][/quote][quote name='Mimi and Gary' timestamp='1341596520' post='5507237']
[quote name='Brandon+Roslyn' timestamp='1341511929' post='5505210']
Well living in a part of the country that is considered exremely poor even to the Filipinos iyam(dog) is not only eaten, its a celebratory food. They cook it for birthdays, fiesta, etc... Most people here cant afford to buy a lechon. They actually get a dog and feed it and raise it just to eat it for a special occasion. I'll have you know that dog is absolutely delicious. Dont knock it til you try it! Seriously, tastes like beef.


Yeah I have seen dog served at a wedding, I have probably eat dog just did not know it. Don't think being poor or can't afford other meats has a lot to do with it, just a tradition thing i think. If I had to, guess I rather eat dog compared to grilled chicken guts!, he he.





EATING DOGS is a FILIPINO tradition 'thing'?? Where the heck did you learn that???fc]

Edited by DouglasFiel, 07 July 2012 - 07:38 PM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-07-07 19:36:00
PhilippinesAmerican vs Filipino

Seriously!?!? Do you just need attention? This thread has been dead for three days but you revive it with the "Asians eat dogs" stereotype.


Really,,, just Asians eat dogs. I believe Obama said, "They taste good".

Actually, there is a particular breed grown in South Korea just for eating. And, a few Filipinos DO eat dogs. I was been witness to two
separate cases. One in Luzon and another time in Leyte. I am a dog person, but, to be honest. Did not bother me too much.

Oh, and another time in Angeles City. The guys in a club were making stew from some excess cats. Guess, they were too successful from ridding
the bar of rats. There offered me some. Although, I make it a habit of trying almost anything my host offers. Not this time.

Dogs,,, "Not just for Asians, anymore".

Of course, we have some Zombies cases here, eating who knows what...

Take with a grain of salt.



Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-25 08:39:00
PhilippinesUS Citizen NOT allowed to attend interview???
Never seen a US Citizen kept from entering the embassy. It is up to the interviewing consular officer if you
will be permitted into the actual interview. I didn't even have the ask. The officer asked me if I would
like to be present.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-08-16 09:20:00
PhilippinesDirect Flight
Delta,,, is same flight number from Manila to Detroit,,, it stops in Japan.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-08-16 09:16:00
PhilippinesImmigrant Visa-Attorney required?
If you are in Manila,,, you can stop by the consulate and verify whether or not you qualify (or just perform the paperwork) and see
if they will accept it. I think it is somewhat subjective as it states "In most cases". Probably would not take too long to get in
front of a consular officer,,, I think last time I went there,,, was maybe 20 or 30 mins wait.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-07-28 10:02:00
Philippinespassport
Yes,,, and they need a ticket too (international travel requirement),,, even if they are a lap child. Usually costs about 10% of your ticket price.
Make sure you do not wait until departure date,,, or it will be about 10% of a last minute ticket price. A couple going to Korea had to pay more
then $400 for a last minute child ticket,,, where as our daughters lap-child ticket was $200 more or less,,, can't remember.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-09-17 17:10:00
PhilippinesRED RIBBON
I am the husband (Wife is currently licensed in Texas),,,

First you need to find a state that will give authorise you to take the test it is called ATT (Authorization to Test).

Usually, from most states we checked,,, it involves (at a minimum).

1. Evaluate ATT/Licensing requirements for the (BON) Board of Nursing in various states.
2. Send application and fee to the BON for the state you are seeking the ATT and licensing
3. Get your transcripts evaluated. (Note: need to use an Evaluation Company the state accepts)
a. Send application and money to the Evaluation Company.
b. Have your college send an official copy of the transcripts directly to that company
c. If you are an RN in the PI (like my wife is) have the PRC (Phil Reg Commission) send a VOL (Verification
of License) directly to the Evaluation Company
4. If you satisify ALL the requirements for the BON you will be issed an ATT number.
5. Register to take the NCLEX test using the ATT and pay the fees.

6. Take the test and hopefully pass.

Note: I Highly suggest you take the NCLEX test prep in the Philippines before attempting the NCLEX.
From my observation and wifes initial failure Was due to inadequate knowledge in two areas.
1. Drugs (Philippines does not cover the very expensive and common USA drug regiments)
2. Prioritization: The way the questions are formatted,,, it was difficult di-sect the question
and arrive at the correct answer.

My wife went back to the Philippines and attended the first 6 weeks of the Kaplan test prep. She said,
really made the prioritization portion of the test EASY.

(Note: The wife passed the PI RN test w/out attending test prep) so, do not think the NCLEX is easier as some
suggest.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-10-07 08:51:00
PhilippinesI-130 petition: Do we need NSO marriage certificate?
We sent in a photocopy of the Registar signed copy (NOT NSO).... With the I130...

Then submitted the NSO certified copy during the NVC process.

No RFEs...

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-06-14 12:44:00
Philippinessending money to the family back in the phils

I think you are missing the point of my argument. The $300 a month "stipend" the OP is giving more than equals the ENTIRE salary of a nurse in the PHL. Already the family is receiving a windfall that would have been there but for marriage to a foreigner, so the family actually has a significant net gain, rather than loss from the daughter leaving the Philippines. The amount being sent is more than "fair" in light of the OP's circumstances.


I do get the point the OP is being very generous. The standard of living for the family in the Philippines is being maintained or in this case exceeds
the standard before the marriage and subsequent immigration of the wife.

I also,,, think it is a discussion that the husband and wife need to have,,, regarding the level of support (if support is needed)... Is it to...

1. Maintain their current standard of living
2. Elevate their standard of living
3. Help them become self sustaining

So,,, for option 1,,, give them a fish,, option 2,,, give them two fish,, option 3,,, Buy them a fishing boat.

FYI,, that was a lame attempt at a joke...

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-06 14:34:00
Philippinessending money to the family back in the phils

What are you suggesting? If the wife/gf/fiancee was a nurse in the PHL, you should be obligated to send more? He's already sending $300 a month which at current exchange rate is P12,000 plus a month, which would be the entire salary of a typical "professional" in the PHL.


As I suggested,,, if you can afford it.

Many times your new wife was adding income to the larger family. Especially, if she was the eldest and educated. It is only
reasonable to think... With her leaving the Philippines, there will be a loss of income to the family. Again, if you can
afford it... replace the income -- keep the peace. In my wife's case,,, Educated as a nurse in the Philippines and now a
Nurse her in the USA. So,,, it is the least we can do.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-05 17:38:00
Philippinessending money to the family back in the phils
I'll repeat my comments of the past regarding this same topic...

If you can afford it,,, try to replace the potential income she could of added to the family...

Example: If she is educated as a nurse, teacher, or similar, they could make 10-15k per month.

Just a thought...

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-05 08:34:00
Philippinesst lukes discussion

I've been following the OP's story every since and I must say of all your stories, his is the most interesting. :blink: Looking forward to more FAMAS worthy posts from you! :lol:


Well he certainly is a lighting rod and generates alot of blog traffic... I will give him that...

They say patience is a virtue, in the Philippines it is a requirement. Embrace it, strike up a
conversation with everyone else in line,,, meet a new friend or two. Once you learn you can't
fight the proverbial "City Hall" and win... You may find some peace.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-16 19:06:00
PhilippinesBirth of Baby - US or Philippines?
Many good posts here.... The biggest disadvantage is a problem birth. Philippines, you get the "What you can afford to pay service".
In the USA there will be no expense spared... I have a friend with a million dollar preemie twins. In the Philippines,,, Who knows...

Note: I understand a normal hospital birth in the Philippines is in the $400 range for costs. I am sure that costs varies region
to region and is dependent on the type of hospital.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-09 12:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsIs it possible for a petition to be lost while in transit to NVC?
QUOTE (Nana119 @ Jun 17 2009, 02:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've been waiting about 2.5 weeks for a notice from NVC.. I called NVC this morning and said we have nothing showing in the system and she said it is still in transit probably... it can take up to 2-4 weeks or 90 days? Does anyone know if it's possible that they lost the petition while in transit?


Sorry,, this has happened to you,,,

My K3 petition was approved on 5/13 (same date as the I-130), the K3 has not show up at NVC. It is now missing for 40 days.
Lucky the I-130 (CR1) is processing fine. Otherwise,,,, well you know how that is...

Regards,


DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-23 16:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 NOA2 Approved

Congratulations. Getting close.

Regards,



DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-20 18:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSt Mary's CFO Instruction Sheet -- Moderator pls move file

I uploaded a copy of an Instruction Sheet I requested from St Mary's for the CFO process for k1,k3,IR/CR1 Visa holders.

http://www.visajourn...ils.php?album=1

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

I would like to get a moderator to move this file from the gallery overseas to the Immigration Documents/Photos,

Regards,



DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-08-27 17:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsvisa received from us embassy
My wifes was the same... no problem... She went through immigration on 8/23.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-09-16 08:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsdivorced and filing k1,, please give me any advice
I assume,,, that the marriage and subsequent divorce was to an American Citizen.
If that is the case,,, then it will pose no problem.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-04-12 13:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportschat and call logs
Chat logs really don't need to be presented until the interview (use to prove continous and bonfide relations).
We printed out a chat log for about every 10-14 days from the date we got married until the week of the interview.

Regards,
dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-05-24 11:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitioner OK to accompany beneficiary to interview?
You can go with her to the interview (they will let you in the US consulate w/your passport)...

It does not mean you will get to attend the interview. That is up to the consulate officer.

In our case, he invited me into the interview and spent most of the time asking me questions,,,
just some light conversation.

YMMV...
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-09-07 13:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureslacking of requirements!
Kinda LOL.... What better proof of marriage then the "Marriage Certificate".


On a serious note. The consulate during the interview will be very interested in all documentation
that proves you maintained your relationship from the time you filed the I130.

Good Luck.

Regards,
Doug
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-09-17 09:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting ready to apply for CR-1
We got married 3/21/09, submitted I130 with copy of marriage Certificate on 4/8/09 and did not have NSO certified copy in hand until first week
of May. Waiting would of cost us a month or more.

Regards,
Doug
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-09-16 04:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting ready to apply for CR-1
I don't believe you need an NSO certified copy to file the I130. I submitted a photocopy of the local registrar copy with the priests' signature. My application was approved with no RFE... When the paperwork got to the NVC... I Submitted the NSO copy of the marriage certificate.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-09-02 21:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescr 1 category
It is 2 years from your arrival date in the USA... The date you married is not relevant for the AOS...

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-02 11:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpouse upgraded to CR1 .. Now confused
Upgraded means just that... As a citizen your immediate relatives are not subject to visa number limitations and their
visa process will move from "Approved: waiting for a visa prioritized number" to "Approved: Issue Visa"
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2011-10-02 11:09:00