ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesAnother tragic story of a Filipina

The entire US embassy operation in the Philippines is an embarrassment.

So is the US embassy in China any better ? All embassies operate under the same rules and issues visas based on facts not sentiments . The manila embassy have thousands of success stories --is that an embarrassment? In fact I think that the embassy in the Philippines was instrumental in reuniting more couples than the one in China and who is still in love and have a strong ongoing relationship .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-09-23 21:20:00
PhilippinesI thought NBI clearances take a day to process?

Ok just got off the phone with my fiancee. She was part of the group that applied back in July 2011 for an NBI clearance and they said here NBI clearance will not be able till first week of October 2011 due to some computer glitch/upgrade. Someone on the site and various other sources have stated that they got their NBI clearances in one day. She first applied thru Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga and I told her to go the San Fernando branch and inquire if they can process her NBI clearance in one day. They said it will take 35 days! So she didn't reapply for a new NBI clearance and she plans to wait till October till the NBI Clearance comes in... where in the hell can you get a NBI clearance in one day... i swear its a myth!

I'm sorry but she's been trying to get her NBI clearance since July 2011 and its already September 15, 2011 and she still does not have one! I am so pissed off with all the bureaucry that you have to deal with during the visa process.

It is not a myth --its True .My Fiancee (now my wife ) applied for her NBI in the morning and received it in the afternoon . She applied in General Santos where she lived . Maybe they are running some additional checks on you .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-09-15 21:08:00
PhilippinesHow was the first meeting with your fiancee/fiance?
Our first meeting was exciting and unforgetable . I arrived at the airport and after clearing customs --I looked around for my fiancee. Suddenly I felt a hand on mine and she said ''honey ''. I hugged her for a few mins and told her she was more beautiful in person- :lol: On the way to my hotel --we chatted and I showed her much affection . We were engaged 1 weeek after . We had 2 weeks of fun , joy and happiness.
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-11-06 23:37:00
PhilippinesAge difference between fiance and fiancee
My Fiancee (now Asawa --wife ) did not have any problems at her interview . I dont wish to say but I am older than my Pinay Gwapa asawa. :lol: Once all the documents are in order and you both have a favavorable background check --No problems .Good luck .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-11-19 00:34:00
PhilippinesTaxis and Hotels Cost in Manila
My Fiancee (now wife ) stayed at Grand Prix on Roxas Blvd --walking distance to the US Embassy and St Lukes . I think she payed about $40 per night . Its decent . My wife payed 200 pesos($5 Us ) to the airport (but of course she is pinay and speaks the language --lol ) . I was ripped of several times when I travelled alone to the PI.

Edited by Richie Rich, 22 November 2011 - 11:54 PM.

Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-11-22 23:53:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Surprises

no refund policy- If you bought an item that has a defect or realized that you don't want it, you can't get your money back anymore. They will just replace your item with a better one. Same price same kind
Also in a restaurant, if you didn't appreciate the meal and talked the manager, they will just serve you another order of the menu of what you are complaining for.

Asking someone if they can you speak English can be offensive- An ability to speak English is in a way a measurement of intelligence here even if in fact it's just a matter of exposure and education. Remember when you ask a question like this to a Filipino, it's kinda asking them if "they are intelligent or not."

fish is served with a head- Filipinos are not used to fillet fish. Serving fish with a head is just a matter of presentation and "manners". We feed out pets with leftovers here so if you served the fish without a head, it looks like you fed the pets first.

All white guys are American- When Filipinos sees a white guy, even a black guy, they quickly assume it's an American. Who knows it's a German or Brit or Canadian?

Movies and Music- 95 percent of the movies being shown in Cinemas here is an American, 50 percent of the songs on the radio is american too.

You are expected to treat everybody- They think you are loaded so if you invite someone to go out for a drink, you are expected to pay for them. It's a tradition here to share your blessing and it goes the say with everybody.

If there's anything else that you would like to add, just post your comments here and have a good laugh of fun! :dance:

They only think that WHITE guys are Americians . I am not Black nor white . I am of Indian ancestry but is an Americian (with a straight nose ) and morena in color :lol: .Many were asking my Fiancee where I was from so many times I was getting annoyed . Some --not all have you sterotyped. When in the mall or public places --I hugged my fiancee(now wife ) even closer when they stared at us .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-11-24 23:23:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Surprises
Dont expect Toilet paper in the Tiolets( CR) in the Pi.I was shocked at first .The people use water . :lol: I actually had to walk with tiolet paper with me just in case I had an urgent call of nature . Also I had to pay the CR attendant for some water to wash my hands .Maybe I open a tiolet tissue business in the Pi . :lol:

Edited by Richie Rich, 24 November 2011 - 11:12 PM.

Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-11-24 23:12:00
PhilippinesCFO for fiancee in Manila, Philippines

I have been studying and researching this. There are some gotchas not listed on the CFO site.

1) if your filing a k-1/k2 visa, the fiance must take the guidance and counseling seminar. this can be taken at the time of travel to manila for the medical and/or interview at the embassy. The cost is 250php. during the medical, you will have a couple of days to wait to finish the medical anyway. Might as well put it to good use.

2) if the fiance is under 23, the parents (or one parent) must attend with the fiance. this is due ot the consent law of parents must give consent to those under 21, and counseling to those under 24. PLease make sure to know this is also in effect for CFO.

3) also if you fiance is under 21, the parents must be present for medical AND embassy interview.

Plesae note these requirements do not apply to k3 visas for parents to be in attendance. However, the guidance counseling session is still required. Please make sure to attend the proper one for your country.

4) you still have to pay the 400php for the CFO stamp, but you do not have to attend the other CFO required lecture since you attended the fiance/spousal guidance session. However, you should be prepared to attend if they so desire you to.

5) please note you cannot pay for #4 until AFTER having your visa in hand. However, you CAN attend the guidance and counseling session BEFORE you have your visa. They actually prefer you attend the guidance counseling session BEFORE your embassy interview.

6) you cannot leave the country until you have the CFO stamp on your passport. At the customs area to leave, you will be turned back if the CFO stamp is not present. Please also note the filipino(a), and the person traveling with them can be detained and or arrested since leaving the Philippines without a CFO stamp is illegal.

7) do not try to bypass the CFO step. It is for the Philippine Government to track their people. It is also to warn Filipino(a) of the differences in culture they will encounter. there are many, many differences once you get to know the culture. it is up to you to delve into their culture. They will not invite you in. the more you work on it, the deeper you will get. Until they eat pig knuckles in front of you, you are not a full member of the clan. (No matter how much you think they like you.)

just some points to note. The embassy should make you aware of this requirement.

Thanks --very informative . I have to take note :lol:
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-03-14 21:23:00
PhilippinesGetting my kids in the Philippines

Hello everyone, ask ko lang if anybody knows how long will it take for me to get my kids who are still in the Philippines. I am under K1 visa and I am planning to work on getting them early next year. I waited months because I wanted to get my EAD and get a job to help paying for the fees needed and all the expenses.

Happy New Year everyone! God Bless =)

It depends on many factors . You will have to wait until you become a permanent resident then file for them . If your kids are under 21 and unmarried -it can take up to 3-5 yrs ( once a visa becomes available ). If your had put them down on the form when you were petitioned for and yr US husband petition for them --it can take between 1-2 yrs (once a visa becomes available at the embassy ) .This is all subject to other factors --dont quote me . Good luck .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-12-29 22:07:00
PhilippinesAfter NOA2: Detailed Summary
Thanks for the very informative post . It will come in handy for me and my fiancee soon .I appreciate all the detials .This post should be pinned . best wishes on yr interview . Post yr interview experience also .Good luck .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-02-02 22:04:00
PhilippinesWhy do Filipinos don't greet each other?

I always meet people (mostly white) on the street or in an elevator etc who greet you (Good morning, How are you?) even if they don't personally know you. I also met a lot of Filipinos who doesn't even bother to smile.

Is this a culture thing, or is it because we are just afraid to be rejected? Are we scared to smile or greet for fear that it might not be a Filipino after all? Or are some Filipinos just snobs and think highly of their stature now that they live comfortably abroad? I am just wondering...

If the white people can say "Hi, how are you?", why can't we?

Why you say mostly white people are friendly to others in the street .? I am not white nor black but color do not determines politeness. My Fiancee is from the philippines . Maybe your fellow pinays are yet to adapt to the cultural shock .Trust me --when they are adapt to it --they are more ''Americanised '' than I .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-06-03 00:17:00
PhilippinesHOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE THE VISA FROM US EMBASSY-MANILA?
My Fiancee picked up her visa at the 2GO office in her city after 12 days . Good luck .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-06-06 23:47:00
PhilippinesValidating Credit Card for Plane Tickets

I only bought a ticket for her from Manila to SFO. As along as it is a clear copy of both, then that should work. Make sure your fiancée does not leave the copies with them, if possible. You don't want your information ending up in the wrong hands.

I don't know about whether she could get a better deal for you if she buys the ticket. I just went ahead and bought my wife's ticket online because that seemed the most direct way to do it, and the price was within 30 or 40 dollars of the lowest price I found on other sites.

Thanks .I aapreciate the reply .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-04-19 18:59:00
PhilippinesValidating Credit Card for Plane Tickets

I don't know about Delta. Check with the airline for information on boarding with an e-ticket purchased by someone not in the boarding party. PAL requires a clear photocopy of the front of the credit card used to buy the ticket and a photocopy of the cardholder's government issued ID (passport page with signature and identifying information).

Some Old Guy --I am about to purchase a ticket from PAL for my fiancee to go to manila to do her medical/interview . Would a scan copy of the credit card and the passport work ?? Also in yr experience purchasing a domestic ticket online costs less than purchasing it in the Philippines at the PAL office .?
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-04-18 20:28:00
PhilippinesAge difference of fiance to fiancee?

To those who filed k-1, what is the average age difference of a fiance to a fiancee? Is it a matter of desperation for such young girls to marry old guys? Is it for love or money?

Hubby 4 like --Age is just a number .Love transends all barriers (color , race , age etc) . I am much older than my Fiancee (now wife ) .We are happily married and love each other . We just happen to meet and fall in love . She is beautiful and educated . I cant answer for others but we married for LOVE.
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-11-26 23:39:00
PhilippinesAge difference of fiance to fiancee?

It can be either or or both. Me and my fiance got 29yrs age gap but I am already 28, I got a good paying job in a call center and I reached graduate school in a known State university. I can basically get any guy that I want if I wanted to. I am not ugly even if I am short.

I am just not sure if I want to live in the US or not that's why I took K-1 route. If I didn't like it there, we will go back to the Philippines, so I don't call myself desperate to get the US visa.

teapotgur1983-You did not answer her question --Did you marry out of desperation ? Did you marry for love or money ?
1.I got a good paying job in a call center -Which call center job on the Pi pays good ? 6000 pesos a mth ?
2. I reached graduate school in a known State universityMost philippino girls attended some form of college and cant even get work , or sometimes work as sales clerk .Besides that degree means nothing in the Usa (maybe except a nursing degree).
3.I can basically get any guy that I want if I wanted to-That is showing off your ego and boastful . Then why did you engage a foreigner ? That would be a ''red flag '' for me if I was yr Fiancee.
4.I am not ugly Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder .what you consider ''not being ugly '' may be ugly to others .Besides inner beauty is really what matters .
5, I am just not sure if I want to live in the US or not that's why I took K-1 route--So why did you ever had your fiancee petition for you --another red ** .
6, we will go back to the Philippines, so I don't call myself desperate to get the US visa. You sound like your relationship is a ''Trial and Error" affair . Is your fiancee aware of all this revelations ?
I dont wish to offend anyone from the Philippines --but there are hundreds of Pinay girls who are more well off than you that wish and dream to migrate to the Usa so that they are in a better position to help themselves and their family .You sound like you have it all going on for you and your Fiancce just happen to come along and you are doing it to please him .
Maybe I am just looking into this too far but I do not like the tone of your reply .Be humble and thank God for his blessings .God Bless.
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-11-26 23:33:00
Philippinespayphone at airport, what calling card to use??

I got an at&t prepaid card for $20 and it was 550 mins. Any prepaid calling card will be cheaper than using your globe phone. Have your fiance buy a pre-paid card in the US...then have him send you the access number and pin number. That is the best way to do it. That is what I did with my wife...she called me from Guam and Hawaii with no issues.

I got an at&t prepaid card for $20 and it was 550 mins--You get 550 UNITS not mins .It depends on the rate of the day --that determines how many mins you get . Most times it is 2-5 units equals 1 min long distance .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-02-06 22:17:00
Philippinespayphone at airport, what calling card to use??
The card is good for any pay phone and at any time of the day until the minutes are used up .Some providers may charge you a connection fee --maybe 2 or 3 units per call . Most pay phones at the airports are AT&T phones , but you can still use any phones and almost any calling cards sold in the US for domestic and long distance calls .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-02-05 23:38:00
Philippinespayphone at airport, what calling card to use??
Any calling card will do but in my opinion the best calling card is AT&T . For About $20 --you can get about 60 long distance minutes(any part of the US) . He can buy the card and send you the 1800 number to dial first then the pin .Good luck .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-02-05 23:34:00
PhilippinesWhere's your hometown?
My fiancee is from General Santos in Mindanow . I live in Florida .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-03-22 20:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 Timeline
Hi Guys --I am new to V.J . Is there anyone that filed a I-129F petition in Sept 2010 ? I filed a petition in sept and received my NOA 1 in Oct 5 . To date I have not received any further replies . How long does it take from receiving your NOA 1 to recieve your NOA 2 ? I just wish to plan ahead and give my fiance some answers --lol .I appreciate any replies .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2010-12-11 22:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC August 2010.. what's up?
Have patience guys -- things could be worst -Lets hope for the best and expect the worst --lol . I am a Sept filer . Looking at yr progress --lol
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-02 21:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2
Congrats and best wishes on the remainder of your journey .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-13 23:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsYEEEEEEEESSS.. AT LAST N0A2!! JULY VSC..

After 6 months and 10 days we have finally received it.. Oh happy DAAAAAAAYZ!!!!! GET IN THERE!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrat on yr approval --we Sept Filers are not too far behind :yes: .Best wishes on the remainder of yr journey .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-18 23:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsYEEEEEEEESSS.. AT LAST N0A2!! JULY VSC..

Congrats!!!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:


Happiness is married to a Fillippino --And NOT HER FAMILY :D
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-18 23:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSept or Oct Filer ?
Thanks Guys --so now I have to divert my attention to the Oct group . According to VJ -The timeline is between march 24-30 for the NOA2.
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-19 21:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSept or Oct Filer ?
I filed my application on Sept 29 2010 but received my NOA1 on Oct 05 2010 --my question is-- Do I fall under the sept or Oct group of filers ? I just wish to be able to track my fellow filers so as to monitor my progress . Any postings are welcomed .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-19 00:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFINNALY NOA2
Congrats on yr NOA 2 :lol:
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-18 23:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVISA APPROVED
Congrats on yr approval .Best wishes on the remainder of your journey .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-20 21:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsYES NOA2!!!
Congrats on yr approval .Best wishes on the remainder of yr journey .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-22 00:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWedding date!
Wedding date --June 2011
Why that date : June wedding are romantic by tradition .(hopefully my fiancee will get her visa by then --lol)
Filed in Sept 2010 .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-17 23:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVSC : Any August NOA1 processed yet?
Wow -if it takes just 3 mths to process 1 mth of NOA1's -then the entire process will now become 6-9 mths of processing time .Woe be unto us -. I may have to go and visit my honey again or as one V.J member said --Move to their country (that is not a option for me --lol)
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-23 22:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2...Finally!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats on yr approval .Best wishes on the remainder of yr journey .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-24 21:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhat's Vermont's excuse now for not approving NOA2s?
Hi Guys --let us stop all the arguments and focus on the main goal ahead --getting our NOA2 and the visa for our love ones to be with us . No ''mudslinging '' and "bad mouthing'' each other will solve the problem . Lets us UNITE as one family on VJ. Constuctive critisim are welcome not personal attacks . Besides this forum was started to help us through the journey . We will get through this .All we can do now is wait and pray (if u believe in prayer ) .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-22 22:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhat's Vermont's excuse now for not approving NOA2s?

Do you really believe they will get to you in 5 months when almost everyone here has had to wait more like 6 to 6 1/2 months? And it is getting worse, each and every day.

Their claim of 5 months is about as ridiculous as the director's claim that there is no backlog at VSC. Both claims are ridiculous lies, just like the lies they tell you when you call them.

The credibility of the Vermont Disservice Center is ZERO. Nothing they say is worth anything.

5 months? Yeah, right!


Just a thought --the 129F application fee was reduced in nov . Maybe it meant less manpower since it amounts to lesser revenue . It is not an excuse for the service center since I am in the same boat --waiting . I fullu endorse that more emphasis should be placed on finacee visas since it creates hardships on couples .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-20 21:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhat to do?!
She wants it all big white dress, cake, drinks etc.
Does she ever stop to think and consider what you wants also not everythng about HER. :o

I was like, what if we get a small wedding and get a big one later when we have more money?
You just have to make do with what you have now and as most said --keep a bigger one later maybe your first aniversary (when you are more financially stable ) .

She didnt want that because you only marry once.
You only marry once but you have to live a lifetime after . No money after the marriage creates financial hardships .

Now she told me that we should wait a year to marry next summer, eventho we are already in the K1 process,
You can wait and ask the uscis to hold off processing the visa until later , or you can get a later date like 3-6 mths for scheduling an interviewing date . Then when you get the visa --hold off until 4-6 mths before travelling , then 2 mths to get married .


Im a september filer. What do you think we should do? I cant go on like this, I was focused on getting married this summer and now it will be a year later. This is such a blow in my face. Its not that she doesnt want to be with me, not at all..she was crying and everything that she cant pay for the wedding.
Is your fiancee paying for the wedding ?? Where are you planning to get married (a civil ceremony )--in Netherlands or in the Usa (legal)after she comes here?? What about you ? Are you not putting up any money for the wedding ?? :lol: You have to Man -up :lol: .You have got it made --Maybe you shiuld start saving some money or get a loan if it is important to her and if you wish to make her happy :lol: and love her (L) and dont wish to see her cry :o . I wish you luck on your journey .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-27 00:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNoa2 email from Vermont
Congrats --you were patient and did not loose hope :lol: .It is worth the waiting for the one you love so much . Best wishes on the remainder of your journey . We will join you soon :lol:
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-27 20:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 Visa Approved
Congrats --Best wishes on the remainder of your journey .
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-30 21:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsLooks like they have begun on august at VSC
Congrats to all the august approvals fron VSC . Sept filers --we are next :lol: --Keep the faith and be patient . I know many sept filers will be happy at this news that the VSC machine had finally begun to turn :lol:
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-27 00:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsmy interview experience (VISA approved!)
ongrats and thanks for sharing your experience .

I meant to say Congrats :lol:
Richie RichMalePhilippines2011-01-30 01:16:00