ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippinescooking

How's that working out for you? :pop:

And...the saga continues... :pop:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-06-16 10:48:00
PhilippinesFed Ex customs and tax fees
IIRC, the recipient does not pay any customs/tax fees. All fees were already paid by the sender.
Philippine postal mail is a different story. They will charge taxes on anything and everything. :whistle:

As Caryh mentioned, stick with FedEx. Much more reliable, and much less corrupt. :lol:

Edited by Markieboy, 22 June 2012 - 09:33 AM.

MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-06-22 09:32:00
PhilippinesMissed my Interview Appointment

My prayers were answered.

I read your post. You must have someone watching from above. :innocent:
Situations like this do not fare very well...especially in the Philippines. Consider yourself very, very lucky.

Congratulations and good luck with your interview! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-06-28 18:20:00
PhilippinesCan someone suggest a good US cellphone plan to call and text to Philippines?

This looks like an awesome option. So my mother-in-law in the Phil has download viber to her phone for this to work?

Not necessarily. If the person you're calling does not have Viber, then the call will be placed as a regular call. Meaning, the caller will be charged (rates depend on the cell phone plan). However, it will be free for the receiver in the Philippines.

Best option...would be both caller and receiver have the app on phone. Then, use wifi. That way, it will be completely free (assuming you're within data caps :D ).
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-03 14:58:00
PhilippinesCan someone suggest a good US cellphone plan to call and text to Philippines?
My vote would be Viber.

We use that to call and text family in the Philippines...for free. The app uses our home wifi internet connection. It does not affect the minutes allotted by your cell phone carrier. The receiver in the Philippines doesn't even need to have load on the phone to receive calls/texts. The quality of the calls are even better than most calling cards I have used in the past.

Our cell phone plan is prepaid with Virgin Mobile ($35/month). IMHO, I believe they offer the most for the price...300 minutes, unlimited text, and unlimited data (2.5GB, actually). Best of all, no contracts. I do hate contracts... :lol:

As long as Viber is free, I'm never looking back to calling cards.

Edited by Markieboy, 03 July 2012 - 02:09 PM.

MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-03 14:07:00
PhilippinesA big Thank YOU...
Congratulations! Good luck with the rest of your journey! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-08 19:34:00
PhilippinesNBI clearance centers

Hi all. Im planning to get my NBI clearance next week on victory mall (caloocan) but I read in a blog post that it was now relocated on Taft ave.. Is it true? Online application doesnt seem to work either.. I'm looking for a branch near my area, preferably caloocan or marilao bulacan branch. hope someone can help me. Also, I need to know the requirements in getting a clearance. Thanks

The NBI's FAQs state that there's a branch in Marilao Municipal Hall, besides PNP station (Marilao, Bulacan).
The requirements for getting a clearance are also listed in the FAQs.

Hope this helps you some! Good luck! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-14 14:22:00
PhilippinesGood Travel Agent? Cheap Airfare?
Expedia has always been my choice. The prices quoted are tax-inclusive.
But if you can get the first time immigrant special...even better!
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-14 14:10:00
PhilippinesVisa in Hand
Congratulations! Excellent news! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-14 14:05:00
PhilippinesAwaiting Passport from Embassy

Here is what the U.S. Embassy Manila says:

But don’t book your airline tickets!

Applicants are advised not to finalize their travel arrangements, dispose of their property, or give up their jobs until they have been issued visas. Quitting a job, leaving school, selling property and/or closing bank accounts prior to visa issuance may be risky. In some cases an application may be delayed for months or years.

:thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-12 07:45:00
Philippinestaxes

Hi everyone. Had my CFO seminar yesterday, got my certificates, sticker and a cfo kit. Aside from a
travel tax which is 1,620 Php,
terminal fee 550 Php and
security fee 200 Php

Is there also an entry fee to be collected at your port of entry?

It's bothering cause I forgot to asked the lady yesterday :unsure:

Thanks for those who can give an input

GODBLESS us all

No, all the "fees" are collected in the Philippines.
There will be no BS entry fee when you arrive in the U.S. There will also be no BS travel tax, terminal fee, security fee when you leave the U.S. to visit the Philippines.

Hope this helps. :whistle:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-21 10:38:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~

I'm hoping that everyone had an eventful Halloween! Jordan and I surely did. We decided to dress up as a 20s couple! I was a flapper and he rocked his mobster look. What did you guys do for Halloween?
Oh yeah! We finally got married on October 29. Posted Image

Congratulations on your recent wedding! You both make a great looking couple!
Tell Jordan that the mobster look is really fitting for him. :yes:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2010-11-06 19:09:00
PhilippinesHave you sampled Balut (philippines delicacy duck embryo
Eating balut, like most delicacies, is an acquired taste.

I tried balut for the first time about 10 years ago. Before then, I had heard horror stories on how disgusting it was. But when I tried it, it wasn't as bad as people were saying. To me, it tasted like a cross between chicken and egg. I tried it at night...so I didn't examine every little thing. But I just tried it for what it was. I think I ate 5 or 6 that very night.

I do agree, though, that balut should be eaten while it's hot. Balut is high in cholesterol. Eating cold fat is no fun. :no: Balut does taste better when drinking alcohol. And no, it's not because eating balut requires a lowered inhibition. It seems like the alcohol balances the richness of the balut (or any polutan like sisig, liempo, dinakdakan, etc).

Most of the stigma surrounding balut is already established even before one tries eating it. I do encourage everyone to try it...at least once. I did, and have no regrets. :unsure:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-17 11:46:00
Philippinesgetting my kids

guys i might need all ur info here,i will start my story:i been in the US for 3 years and we are filing for my kids papers,we expedite it in USCIS and they approved us for 7 weeks,the papers is in NVC now but no case number yet.The kids dont have passport yet so i fly back to the philippines to get their passport bcuz my mom thats watching the kids has cancer and cant take care of the kids anymore.i dont get the passport until aug 8,i was wondering if i can request an expedite at NVC even i dont have the passport yet so when i get the passport we already payed and sent some of the documents that NVC needed to complete the processing.im sure NVC will grant our expedite bcuz USCIS grant it and we have all the medical records of my moms health problem.im a government employee in the US and needed to be back as soon as possible and need to work also for my moms treatment.i just dont know if i can request expedite at NVC without the passport of the kids and just send some document to them and pay the visas and just sent the passport copy later,pls advice,thanks and more power


IMHO, your best approach would be to expedite the processing of your passport. The Department of State website expedites passports in emergencies. I believe your situation would qualify.
Once you receive your passport, attach a copy of the biographic page for the DS-230. Then, request the expedite with NVC. Otherwise, I believe you may still get an RFE if you do not include the passport page.

I am very sorry to hear about your Mom. We will keep her in our thoughts and prayers. (F)


Good luck with your case!
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-23 09:56:00
PhilippinesWhat are your hobbies?

My newest hobby is checking the USCIS website at least 5 times daily to see if NOA2 is approved.

I am (or was) guilty of that. :lol:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-21 10:40:00
PhilippinesCouriers
As mentioned, DHL or FedEx are the most reliable couriers.

But whatever you do...please, stay away from USPS/PhilPost. Sending from U.S. via USPS is fine...the package is tracked to the Philippines in a reasonable amount of time. But from my personal experience, it takes forever from Manila to final destination. PhilPost is very unreliable. IMHO, it is much better to spend now sending it right, than to spend later trying to remedy the situation.

Good luck with whatever you decide! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-17 22:22:00
PhilippinesFinally will be leaving tomorrow, thanks you vjers
Welcome to the U.S.! :D
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-07-31 15:46:00
PhilippinesPhilippines Stepchild Custody Question

Evidence to prove that the child is illegitimate

1.. Child's Birth Certificate
2. Mother's CENOMAR/CEMAR (The document will show details about the mother's marriages or previous marriages if any.

THE MOTHER OF AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD HAS FULL CUSTODY AND EXERCISES FULL PARENTAL AUTHORITY OVER THE CHILD.
Travel permit is NOT required of the child.

100% accurate information. :thumbs:

So, does that mean that the Mother of the child can file an I-130 petition without having the consent of the biological father...???

Yes. The information that sparkygirl gave is correct.
I was in a similar case, and had no problems processing the respective visa.

Good luck with your case! Please PM me if you have any questions or concerns. :D
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-08-19 09:04:00
PhilippinesOur Son is born!
Congratulations! A child's birth is always a miracle! :D
Nine pounds? Wow...big, healthy boy! Very nice!

Very happy everything worked out for you. Take care during these times of terrible weather...
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-08-10 09:40:00
Philippines10 Days!!!
Enjoy your well-deserved vacation! Safe travels... :D
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-09 09:44:00
PhilippinesDo I have to furnish a copy of DS 230 on the interview?

Hi guys! I was scheduled for an interview this coming thursday. All my docs and pictures were ready. But out of nothing, i wondered if DS 230 is still needed to bring by an applicant eventhough as I remembered we sent that form already at the NVC and I also saw from other post here that when they arrived at the embassy they show the DS forms and an appointment letter? What is it? Any info will be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance! :)

IMHO, it is best to have a signed copy of DS-230 for the interview.
Even though it was submitted during the NVC stage, we were asked to furnish another DS-230 during the pre-interview.

It never hurts to have copies of everything. Hope all goes well! Good luck with your interview! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-14 13:03:00
PhilippinesMy step son

Today my step-son was teaching me how to eat with my bare hands. I was making belief that I didn't know how to do it. Oh boy, that kid was laughing so hard that I had to stop. What a Sunday morning.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention, Yes, I had to eat white rice for breakfast. What else is new? LOL

Very nice! For some strange reason, food tastes better when eating kamayan. :yes:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-14 12:59:00
PhilippinesVISA APPROVED 10.11.2012
Congratulations on a successful interview!!! :dance:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-16 07:07:00
PhilippinesClass Picture - is this needed for CR1 applicants as added proof?
Hmm, I never heard of a high school photo as a requirement. :unsure:
I married my college sweetheart, and was never asked to show actual college photos. When in doubt, bring them.

Good luck with your interview! Keep us posted! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-16 07:04:00
PhilippinesVISA APPROVED!!!!! *FUNNY EXPERIENCE*
Congratulations on your approval! :dance:
Thanks for sharing your experience!
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-15 09:20:00
PhilippinesVISA APPROVED!
Congratulations on your approval! :dance:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-18 07:47:00
PhilippinesGot Approved Today:-)
Congratulations on your approval! Wonderful news! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-22 17:14:00
PhilippinesGot my SSN and GC!
Congratulations! Excellent news! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-22 07:03:00
PhilippinesPicked up visa today
Congratulations! Great news! :dance:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-24 07:08:00
PhilippinesPassport
Congratulations! :dance:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-24 07:07:00
PhilippinesGot my passport with Visa:)
Congratulations! Best wishes to both of you! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-28 10:16:00
PhilippinesGot my NOA2 for my wife and kids. Whats next?
Congratulations! Wonderful news! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-11-15 14:00:00
Philippinesvisa on hand..
Congratulations! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-11-15 13:48:00
PhilippinesPastries inside the check in bags ok?
We brought assorted pastries (mamon, ensaymada, polvoron) from Goldilocks. No problems at U.S. Customs.
OTOH, dried mango is a different story. You must declare this. I made the mistake of assumption. I thought that since it was dehydrated, packaged and sealed fruit...it was okay. Apparently, I was absolutely wrong. Customs officer was alittle PO'd with me not declaring it.

Please do not make the same mistake I made. :D
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-11-28 11:42:00
Philippineswhat to do after arriving in CA

if they told you it's being mailed,
you can go into the SSA office AGAIN, the next day,
and get the actual number.

Try it - see what happens ;)

^^^ :yes: This is exactly what we did. They'll print out something showing your name and SSN assigned to you.
You can then use this document to obtain your driver's license/state ID.

Good luck! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-11-28 11:53:00
PhilippinesInterview Success!!!!

Dale just called me with the news!!! Success at the USEM! I will sleep tonight a happy dude, one of the best moments of my life. A huge thank you to anyone and everyone who contributes to this site and its forums. I echo the responses of others before us that say without this website we would have been lost. I honestly don't know how in the world couples can succeed with this process without the same help we received here. We never did get any letter of instruction at all from the embassy (packet 3). We got all that info here on this site but unless you find this site in time how can the embassy expect applicants to know what to bring? I feel sorry for what must be a large number of applicants who come to the interview only to be blindsided with what they should have brought with them. What an emotional journey! Just the CFO and plane tickets to deal with now. Good Luck to those that will follow and we will stay in touch throughout Dale's journey to be with me in the US.

Congratulations on your interview success! It is such a wonderful accomplishment! :thumbs:
VisaJourney has helped me immensely, as well as countless others. The help this forum provides is only as good as the generosity and selflessness of its members. Please pay it forward with others. :D

Again, congratulations on your journey! Safe travels! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-11-28 11:49:00
PhilippinesGot An Early Interview Date!
Congratulations on booking an early interview date! :thumbs:
My only concern would be booking airline tickets before the interview...and visa issuance. Very risky, IMO.

I hope everything works out for you guys! Good luck with your interview! Keep us posted! :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-10-16 07:12:00
PhilippinesGift ideas
American chocolates are always a good idea, IMHO. Relatives, both young and old, always seem to enjoy the chocolate from here. If you've tasted the local Philippine chocolate...you'll know what I mean.

As KrystelKyle mentioned, lotions from Bath & Body Works are a great idea!

One thing the Igorot people (which includes Kalinga) love is their Levi jeans. Levi jeans are considered the crème de la crème among denim. Walmart has their Levi Signature line of jeans. Relaxed, loose and bootcut...all for around $20. For males, especially, you cannot go wrong giving this gift.


Hope this helps you some! Good luck with whatever you decide! :thumbs:

Edited by Markieboy, 01 November 2012 - 05:43 AM.

MarkieboyMalePhilippines2012-11-01 05:42:00
PhilippinesCr2 interview today at USEM ..is my daughter approved?
Congratulations!!! It looks like an approval to me! :thumbs:
If you were asked to complete a courier information sheet, you were approved!

Again, congratulations! Good luck with the rest of your journey! :D
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2011-06-01 12:36:00
PhilippinesInterview Complete. What Next?

My stepdaughter just got her visa package, and I paid the USCIS Immigration Visa Processing Fee http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

The fee was $165.00. Is this the correct amount? When I was looking into the fee about a month ago, I thought it was about $300.00. Was the fee amount changed recently?

For the A-number, I used the registration number on the visa. Is this the correct number to use?

Thanks

Congratulations to your stepdaughter for receiving her visa package!

Yes. Apparently, the new immigrant fee starting February 1, 2013 is $165.
Regarding the A-number, we placed None in that field. I am not sure if the registration number should be used. You will know eventually.

Hope this helps you some. :thumbs:
MarkieboyMalePhilippines2013-02-28 13:55:00