ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesRing size ( engagement ring)
Ring sizes are prety much Universal. So if you go to a legit Jewelry store like Karat World, their size is the same with US.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-25 18:07:00
PhilippinesWhy a Girl from the Philippines

Do what we did: Buy a sewing machine. Wife is 4-10, and has curves. Everything needs to be shortened and re-hemmed. So it is a hunt through women's for petite sizes, junior misses' that are a little more generous, and even the boys' for work shirts.


I agree. Our sewing machine saved me $$$ from having them altered. If you can do it manually then that's fine. But some materials are hard.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-19 13:27:00
PhilippinesWhy a Girl from the Philippines

Nothing wrong with bar girls, as long as they aren't hiding something you weren't expecting, or maybe you were, not that there is anything wrong with that between consenting adults. :lol:


LMAO...or maybe I was?! Sorry I got lost in translation.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-18 17:38:00
PhilippinesWhy a Girl from the Philippines
Lmao. I don't know how this thread went from dating Filipinas to dating Filipina bar girls but my opinion is...
despite of their job description, I think bar girls also dream of having a normal happy relationship with someone who will appreciate them despite of the nature of their job, whatever it is. That's why they tend to give more attention to their husbands, because they want to get out of their present emotional situation.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-18 17:28:00
PhilippinesWhy a Girl from the Philippines
To each his own. :)
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-18 15:27:00
PhilippinesThings You Hate & Love About The Philippines
LOVE
I miss being able to commute because of the jeepneys and taxis.
The cheap movie tickets!
Cheap and good food!
The HEAT!
The aura when Manny Pacquiao has an incoming fight/ when he has a fight
Rice in McDonald's and in just about any American fastfood in the PI
Filipino humor
etc etc etc

HATE
too much heat (lol)
power tripping govt workers
etc etc etc
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-11 18:38:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar Review/Feedback
Sorry about the bad experience with the CFO Seminar. At least you got your Certificate and Sticker now.

I, on the other hand, had a wonderful experience at CFO because I was the only one going to the US so there's not much people there. They did not make me watch the horrible video and sit for an hour to listen to the lectures. Instead, I sat with the councilor and chit chatted for almost an hour talking about my love life and just question and answer (I was the one who did all the talking and questioning). No Metrobank/Landbank business talk either! It seemed like a girl talk all the way and she even recommended I join Visajourney. I thought it was funny! The people at the reception even wished me good luck and waved when I got out. When I walked out of the building I was smiling coz I didn't expect it to be a fun experience. You are right about the overpriced photocopy but it's expected. So it's advisable to go there not on a busy day. By the way, I went to Good Shepherd Convent at 1PM on a Tuesday.

Have a nice flight! :)
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-09-19 18:24:00
PhilippinesWants to give up and Return to Philippines?
Tell her to search for the booklets she got from CFO, the phone numbers are there. That's what CFO is for.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-10-26 18:17:00
PhilippinesFilipino Attitudes
This thread reminds me of what I saw last week at Macy's. I saw a Grandma, mom, and a daughter walking side by side all of them wearing shades, jewelries, black trench coats, black leather boots and expensive looking purses (I called them Women in black) and they looked like billionaires strutting down the department store. I heard the Lola spoke Tagalog. Oh well. Good life I guess.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-06 01:15:00
Philippinesbetter if fiancee attends the interview???
Unnecessary except from the fact that the applicant gets moral support.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-09 16:38:00
PhilippinesAll Nippon Airlines
ANA was a good experience for me since their aircraft was really nice....BUT THEN....when it came to my 2nd flight, ANA was gone and they changed the aircraft to Delta. What happened to ANA all the way?! Oh well
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-10 13:21:00
PhilippinesMArried.....
Oh wow congratulations! Beautiful wedding!
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-15 11:00:00
PhilippinesHow to report marriage in the Philippines
I will post my experience here after I my passport is amended. If it's successful.

I'm guessing they will attach something like one of the many stickers the PI gov't put in my passport before I left. Or maybe a stamp? I don't know. But yeah, that's what the man said when I asked if I can wait for it, he said yes.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-29 18:18:00
PhilippinesHow to report marriage in the Philippines
I just called them. They said I can do both at the same time and I can just wait for it. This is their last day and they will open again on January 3rd. :) The guy asked me if this is the first marriage for both of us and when I said yes, he said no problem. I guess being divorced or annulled makes it more complicated before of additional requirements.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-29 13:06:00
PhilippinesHow to report marriage in the Philippines

I feel the same. I don't want to leave my passport w/ them. so I'm thinking to report my marriage and get new passport under my new name when my old one is about to expire..I still have 4yrs in it as well anyways.......do u think that's possible?


I have no idea. I guess I'll have to call the Chicago Consulate to get answers to my questions :)
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-29 12:31:00
PhilippinesHow to report marriage in the Philippines

My wife's passport was only 2 years old. However, she wanted a new one in her married name so that it matched her green card.

Yes they keep the old passport, and it comes back to you in the same envelope as the new one. They just punched holes in the old one to show it is no longer valid. As a note, that is the same system we use in the states. When I renew my US passport they keep the old one while they process the new one, and then send it back with the new one.


Darn it I really don't want to leave my passport with them, I still have 4 years in it. I hope they do some stamping instead of giving me a new one.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-29 12:19:00
PhilippinesHow to report marriage in the Philippines

My wife and I arrived at the Consulate at 9:30AM and finished at 4PM. I had to make two taxi rides to get additional copies of documents (above what was listed on the web site). Another taxi ride to get a self addressed paid mailer from the post office, (priority or express). That said, the report of marriage is done on the spot and you are given a copy. The E-passport application was completed at the same time and they said it would take about eight weeks to arrive in the mail. Actually it arrived in about three weeks. My wife took care of her voter stuff also while we were there.


So do I have to leave my passport with them for a couple of weeks? I feel uncomfortable doing it! lol Can't I just wait for it while they do that? My passport is valid for 4 more years anyway.

Edited by paul_kay, 29 December 2011 - 10:45 AM.

paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-29 10:44:00
PhilippinesHow to report marriage in the Philippines
Can I go to the PI embassy and do the Report and Passport Amendment at the same time? I wonder how long it will take since I'll be dealing with PI office again.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-28 22:43:00
PhilippinesHow to report marriage in the Philippines
What does it mean? That we are married here in the US and not in the PI so we had to report our marriage?
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-28 16:55:00
PhilippinesHow to report marriage in the Philippines
Anybody here can provide me with step by step info and the requirements on how to report my marriage to the PI consulate? I live in Chicago. Also, what else should I do aside from reporting the marriage? Passport amendment? I just want to do all of these before I start working. I checked different websites but they are confusing. Thanks everyone :)
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-28 11:41:00
Philippinespassport renewal in chicago consulate
I suggest calling the Chicago PI consulate and ask them yourself so you will get the answers you need. Call this number (312) 332-6458. I called them and they respond quickly.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2012-01-05 12:59:00
PhilippinesHow much do FedEx cost?
I shipped 3 pairs of jeans and it cost around $150.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2012-01-05 13:01:00
PhilippinesPRISM or St.Mary's?
I liked St. Mary's better coz everything you need is in just one building.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2012-01-05 12:54:00
PhilippinesWhat cost for simple Filipino wedding in province ?

If they know a 'Kano" is paying, you'll pay two to three times the actual cost.


Sad but true! :(

When I was inquiring about our engagement party and wedding (for stuff I would just bring with me to the US like the gown, etc.), I have to "bend my answer" about venue and who I'm getting married to.

When Deren visited the Philippines too, I was speaking to him in Filipino just so they think he lives here and just have mixed ethnicity. Hahaha. :lol: Good thing Deren rides along well and he learns our language very fast! :yes:

A tricycle driver exclaimed after dropping us, "Aww too bad! I thought I'm going to get a good deal today!"

Nuh-uh! :no:

Edited by Deren & Yamy, 21 August 2011 - 02:04 AM.

Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-21 02:03:00
PhilippinesWhat cost for simple Filipino wedding in province ?

It also depends on what kind of people your guests are... so we have circle of friends who deserve to be treated with importance...


I definitely agree with this. It would be insulting to serve something "cheap" or lower to what your circle is accustomed to. It's likewise insulting to the couple for a guest to not give gifts or give cheap gifts after being entertained and accommodated. I also don't prefer "feast-like" parties where anyone could crash into the event. I've been to parties like that and it's annoying how certain guests don't even greet the hosts and just proceed directly to their seats or the buffet table to eat then bail after.

One way to control the budget is to meticulously go over the guest list too.


OP, is there any other church that you could probably consider? To be honest, the Manila Cathedral (where famous and rich people in Manila are getting married) is only charging 20,000 for a centralized AC gigantic church and it already includes the whole ceremony (priests, ushers, soloist, organist, red carpet, etc..) You guys are only planning for a simple wedding in a small town in the province. Are you sure that's the real amount? If it is, it's ridiculous.. like you said, it's a small town in a province..


:thumbs: Amen to that. You might as well look at better alternatives. Who knows, you might be surprised on how cheaper or similar they could be.


I realize that it probably is already late to say this.. but the key is to know first how much a couple can spend before looking for wedding vendors/suppliers.. In that way, you guys can say yes and no to any offers and look for other alternatives.


:thumbs: one of the first and most important steps in planning a wedding. it would definitely help you to not bite more than you can chew. :yes:
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-21 01:38:00
PhilippinesWhat cost for simple Filipino wedding in province ?

Just wanted to ask for opinions here what a simple wedding should cost in the province, small town.

We plan to have a simple ceremony in the Catholic church which will last about an hour. The church charged us over $400 for 1 hour with flower decorations and no reception.
On top of that fee the church also charged my wife 8,000 pesos for her Catholic confirmation. To me it seems excessive for those charges. Surely the local people can't afford that cost to be married in the local church.

My wife is looking for a venue, restaurant for the reception and party for family. We also need to rent clothes for the bridesmaids, groomsmen and myself. Get a photographer etc.

I tried to get a quote several times from my wife at least a ball park figure but she hasn't been able to yet which makes it difficult for me to have a clue what our expenses will be. She said she would let me know in a few more days.

We were already married over a year ago. This is just a ceremony for her family that could not join us in the US of course.

If someone can give me an idea of what to expect that would be helpful. Our expenses are crazy right now before our trip costs and additional expenses.

Thank you..


(Yamy replying)

This is so far the average: http://www.filipinaw...eddingCosts.htm

Set a budget then work your way through the other things needed in the wedding based on it. Like maybe instead of hiring a professional wedding studio for your photographer, you might know someone who is an amateur or a student (given of course, ask for samples).

Also, most hotels and venues offer wedding packages (sometimes, even including bridal suite) if you want to be saved the hassle. Just an example: http://www.richmondh...ingpackages.php

Here are also some packages I saw just to give you a rough idea:
http://cebufameswedd...ges_wedding.php

It might help to know your wife's diocese (for their fees in Church and in confirmation)(I don't know where she's from) but this is what I saw for Cebu (but I'm not from Cebu):
http://www.pacific-c...f-confirmation/

I know I didn't pay P8000 when I was confirmed in high school. It would help to call their local diocese. It might be different for adult confirmation.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-18 01:28:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance: Manila?

To those who have received the "new" NBI clearance, what remarks are indicated? Is it still "No record on file", "No derogatory record". etc?


Yes, mine says "No record on file". Still green for international purposes.

The differences are: the thumb mark is now digitally printed on the form and there is a 3D barcode next to it. The purpose is also more specific now than "Travel Abroad". Mine now says, "Travel to USA".
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-07-23 10:15:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance: Manila?
Just got my NBI today! Very fast processing (relative to other areas in news) in Ever Gotesco Mall, Cinema 1 (Morayta. Intersection after FEU and PRC). I arrived 9am and was given the number 127. I finished 12nn.

Later, people started adding in from the main offices (Taft, City Hall and, if not mistaken, Quezon City). They said they were forwarded to Ever Gotesco because of the low flow of traffic there.

NBI Clearance costs P115.00. There were seats available since it is in a cinema.

According to the officer, provincial units usually take a month to process since they process applications manually. So, better call your local/provincial offices first before traveling. I called the Pampanga office yesterday and they told me about 1 month processing which costs P150(? ...maybe it was P115). They even advised that if thinking of going to the main offices, have to be there and reserve queue by 1AM!

Good luck to everyone!
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-07-21 08:36:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance: Manila?

I don't know if it will hep but have you tried checking the NBI office that we have near the Capitol Building? I am from Pampanga too.


Yhang, just called the San Fernando, Pampanga office, they said they do manual processing and will take 1 MONTH to release! :(

With Manila, you can get it instantly but have to wait hours (even fall in line very early in the morning). They say Manila only limits 500 applicants per day.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-07-20 00:27:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance: Manila?

I don't know if it will hep but have you tried checking the NBI office that we have near the Capitol Building? I am from Pampanga too.


Not yet. I was trying to be sure before I travel there. It takes almost an hour or more for me to go there since I won't be using my car (broken) and I'm from another city (3-4 jeepney rides to get there for me! GAH!). Maybe I could try calling their office there tomorrow. Although, the advisories and news are saying that people from provinces are going to Manila to get theirs. Hence, the long line.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-07-19 08:46:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance: Manila?
Thanks everyone for the feedback! I hope they efficiently address the issue soon!

Right now, it looks like I'm off to Manila then. It looks like a surer and better option than traveling an hour to San Fernando Capitol (and just being advised to get it in Manila).

By the way, since this is a new system, any idea on how much it costs now?

Good luck to everyone!
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-07-19 08:33:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance: Manila?
Thanks for the feedback, giamimigio and RenCor! :)

http://www.nbi.gov.ph/Clearance/Advisory.htm


I wonder if the LGUs would accept non-residents of their area. The closest to me among those in the list is Bulacan.

Not really a good time to be changing systems! :P
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-07-19 08:27:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance: Manila?
Hi! We're currently waiting for our NoA2 to arrive. While waiting, I, the beneficiary, decided to compile all our needed documents for the interview (CENOMAR, Police Clearance, etc.).

The only document I haven't applied for yet is the NBI Clearance (I have a previous certificate but it is expired.).

I watched the news from ABS CBN's TV Patrol 2 nights ago (July 17, 2011) regarding NBI's "problems" relating to its technology/processing (dispute with previous IT contractor and new one). Also, I read this article today (July 19,2011):
http://www.gmanews.t...-vendors-heyday

I would like to ask if it's true that satellite offices of NBI no longer exist? Should we all go to Manila to acquire a clearance certification? I also heard they transferred offices. Where? How long does it take to get a certification? It used to be fast but according to the recent news, it isn't.

I am from Pampanga.

Thank you very much for all your suggestions.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-07-19 06:57:00
PhilippinesProblem scheduling the interview

The two phone calls I have Made were to the usem (214)571-1600 and they tell me I can not schedule tell this is resolved, can not schedule tell they have it in there computer.


(Yamy replying)
OR if you can't get in using the receipt number and it gives you some error message, put in your passport number as the reference number. Then, you'd be able to schedule for an interview.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-17 21:03:00
PhilippinesProblem scheduling the interview

The two phone calls I have Made were to the usem (214)571-1600 and they tell me I can not schedule tell this is resolved, can not schedule tell they have it in there computer.


(Yamy replying)
I think then it's a matter to be settled with BPI?
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-17 20:57:00
PhilippinesMEDICAL @ ST.LUKE'S

:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:


did this too. got everything done in 1-2 hours. but the catch is, you need to go back the following day in the afternoon too because the doctor who looked at you is in afternoon duty (accdg to the obnoxious man in the immunization reception desk). although, it doesn't make sense since a doctor's order for immunization doesn't have to wait 24 hours to be carried out.

so, as per instructions, went back 2pm the following day. i got my results around 7pm, got home at around 10pm. :bonk: not a fan of that.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-28 09:39:00
PhilippinesWhat kind of Car for the under 5' Filipina?

Except that is not a Sherman (M4 Medium) It is a Stuart, (M3 Light) :P


Someone knows their tanks :D

To clarify: I guess that day, she drove my tank to work :rofl: HERE is her tank Posted Image
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-17 21:09:00
PhilippinesWhat kind of Car for the under 5' Filipina?

:whistle: ..... A USED SHERMAN TANK WOULD BE GOOD!!! .........:rofl:


It's really no problem for my wifey each morning :D

Posted Image
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-17 20:47:00
Philippineshotel near st.lukes
walking distance is the Manila Pavillion Hotel along UN Avenue...another is Casa Bocobo along UN avenue too.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-28 10:04:00
PhilippinesVaccinations

Hi all,

I looked at the list of required vaccinations and my wife doesnt have alot of them. will she need to get them before she will need to go to the medical or will they administer it there?

Thanks!


St. Luke's will be assessing her vaccination records and decide from there which ones she need. A few of the vaccinations listed are age-dependent. You don't have to worry about the costs since it is included in the P15,050 medical fee. If she would be needing follow-up shots or boosters (some vaccines need more than one), they would just inform you to get those once she is in the US.

Usually, the delays from the medical involve infectious diseases like pulmonary tuberculosis (have to undergo treatment before being cleared). No need to worry about the vaccines.

Good luck! :thumbs:
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-09-04 08:20:00