ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippinessending money to the philippines
I am extremely satisfied with Xoom. First time, she and I had to wait several business days for the money to clear my checking account. The next 2 transactions, she was able to pick up the money on her end BEFORE it cleared my account! VERY reasonable fee, in my humble opinion.

That will get you started quickly, but I like what I read of other's advice to open the PNB account for the long-run.

FYI, if you don't already know. They won't allow a woman over 7mos pregnant to fly. So, IF you've filed K-1, best to let the USEM know of the urgency in processing you concerning your pregnancy. If she's delayed too long, she'll be forced to stay and give birth there. Then, I think that your K-1 is no longer good, and you have to re-file for the petition for fiance AND child. unsure.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-16 08:41:00
PhilippinesNOW, DON'T USE XOOM
Once again, the ONLY delay my fiance and I faced was with the very FIRST transaction to clear my checking. I'm now on my 4th one, as of yesterday. These last three were instantaneous, with her able to withdraw on her end before it cleared MY account.

Since it was pointed out in this thread {IIRC}, I checked the excange rate on XE.COM prior to the latest Xoom transaction. They shorted me about P300, vs what the exhange said it SHOULD be, plus the $6.99 fee. Still, not too bad based on what I'm reading. And the sureness and immediateness of it is GREAT.

I am assuming that problems, when there are some, are isolated.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-17 23:40:00
PhilippinesHOW DO YOU COPE, REALLY COPE?
Before I committed to my love, I had done a lot of preparation. There is a sizeable Fil-community here in my city, including many Visayan, which my fiance' is

I love the foods and culture of the RP, and I am thankful to be able to embrace it all. I know that she will be able to meet many, many folks from home, and make new friends. In fact, I've already been befriended by a group of 6 Fil-Am couples, all the wives of which have spoken with my fiance' on the phone, and are eager to welcome a new friend.

Church? We are of the same faith, and I feel that's a HUGE plus. But, I've been to four of the Fil-Am evangical congregations here, and I've found a 'second church home' in one of them. So, it'll be my current church for morning service, and the other in the afternoon. MORE opportunity for my wife to network, after she's here.

Family will be the only absence. However, she's strong and will cope with that. SHe's already assured me.
I do have sympathy for those men and women that have little or no Pinoy community where they live. I know that must be even tougher.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-12 23:06:00
PhilippinesLeaving for USA
Angel, congrats to you!

I would caution you to ask for help from ladies over men, wherever possible. Ladies with their men{couples}, would be even better.

For the most part, you can trust our Police officials. But, don't confuse a uniform as automatically being Police. In Las Vegas, their uniforms are tan, with a gold star, and the patches on the sleeves read "Las Vegas Metropolitan Police". If I recall correctly, the State Highway patrol officers are gray uniforms with "Nevada Highway Patrol". However, I assume your fiance' will be meeting you there?

Rhea welcome to the dessert, during the COLD TIME of the year! laughing.gif
At least you will have TIME to adapt to our dry-HEAT. devil.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-26 21:49:00
PhilippinesSHIPPING A GUITAR?
Couldn't re-edit this part. SOrry.


Obviously, too much packing foam is better than too little. Brace some foam under the neck, and around the head. Pour some foam peanuts down into the soundhole, once you've loosened the strings to do so. Double boxing for the overseas trip is highly encouraged. In fact, I'd wrap the case itself in plastic food wrap, just in case there's some contact with water on the box. Do put your receiving address on another label inside the box, in case the outer labeling is damaged, or torn-off. IF they remove it from the box to check, at least they can discover the recipient inside.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-28 11:16:00
PhilippinesSHIPPING A GUITAR?
I've shipped many instruments for sale. De-tune the strings a GREAT DEAL, but not so loose that they'll fall off, or scratch the finish of the instrument. The bigger concern is the humidity, and WHERE this guitar will end up. WHERE is your home-town, and what sort of weather does it have? You're taking it from a moist tropical environ. Is it going TO a freezing, dry winter area? unsure.gif Be careful.

Upon pick-up, or drop-off at your door, check the exterior for any signs of impact or puncture that could mean shipping damage. Note that with the delivery service, and a couple of digital photos would not be a bad idea.

You'll want to bring the box inside your home, and just let it sit there a day just to acclimate to your indoor temperature. Then, open it the next day, and once again, let the instrument rest. But, do check for any shipment damgage immediately which would concur with what you saw on the box. If all's well, tune it up on day-3 and see how
it sings.

Edited by 4MYMEVE, 28 December 2008 - 11:10 AM.

CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-28 11:08:00
PhilippinesPlaying Matchmaker
I told my fiance' that I would do my best to scour for her best-friend, who also happens to be her cousin. However, I also told her that this whole long-distance, e-love, foreign national K-1 experience is a TOUGH - tough 'sell' for most men.

I thank God for the stranger who approached me in a Filipino restaurant, just because he felt the need to spread the 'gospel' {little 'g'} about Filipinas. kicking.gif My fiance' refers to him as our angel, because he sparked my interest in the first place.

You must explain to her the stigma in our country associated with simply going on-line for dating. Let alone dealing with all of the 'mail-order bride' ####### everyone throws your way. All the gossip behind your back, or comments to your face. Then, that whole adventure of leaving our country, and yes...the expense. THEN, you do fall in love, and the tortuous WAITING process. {ALL WORTH IT, don't misunderstand!}.

It can be a tough one for many men, LOL. But, don't get discouraged. The best you can do is to love your husband, and other men will see it, and how happy he is, and they'll ASK. wink.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-29 10:40:00
PhilippinesOpening Joint Savings Account
QUOTE (nickoftime @ Jan 1 2009, 11:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We pay $45.00 for every wire transaction regardless of the amount sent to the Philippines.


That is insane! mad.gif I've been using Xoom at anywhere from $5-$9 per trans, based on the amount. Quick and easy over four instances so far.

However, thanks to the OP who mentioned the "In Trust For" process, which seems to be the way to go. At least I can fully monitor the account here on my end, at my own credit union. From what I understand, the ATM fees on her end in the islands are not unreasonable.

CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-01-01 12:57:00
Philippineswhat should do first?
Hello Surigaonan! My fiance's from Libjo, and she's going to the newest DFA office in Butuan City to get her passport. After my trip, she plans to do the CFO in Cebu, because she has family there.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-01-02 09:02:00
PhilippinesBagoong anyone?
WHAT would the pinakbet or kare'-kare' be without bagoong? YUM. devil.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-01-05 08:51:00
PhilippinesNeed help regarding K2 visa: Fiance got pregnant and the baby's due will be before the issuance of visa.
I spoke with a K1 beneficiary at church who was pregnant by her fiance' at the NOA2. She said that they will not permit a woman to fly if she's 7mos along or more, SO...she contacted the USEM and asked about expediting her interview. Nothing was guaranteed, but they granted it. She was able to travel at 6mos along to come to USA.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-01-09 09:31:00
Philippinesfor those who will ship things via manila forwarder
Hello Manny. I have NO problem with you posting a defense of your company. I had contacted US customer service due to a 5 week delay between my fiance' being called from your Manila office, and her not yet having received her box. Mind you, this was after the 9week transit time TO Manila.

I was helped out well by a nice lady, Yasmin, here in the US office. However, here's the relevant e-mail I sent which explains why I will not be using Manila Forwarder again.


From: *****@hotmail.com)
Sent: Sat 12/13/08 5:31 AM
To: yasmin@manilaforwarder.com

Yasmin,

Your provincial agent apparently did not wish to take it all the way to {my fiance's} home on the outer island.
He either called, or texted her to ask her to meet him in Surigao. She did do so, because she doesn't know
any better. However, that's not the service that I was expecting. It was not supposed to be her
responsiblity to do that.

Just pass it on to whomever might care, my future business will now be with Forex.
NOT YOUR fault, by no means, and I'm just thanking your for your attention in the matter.

Best,
****
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: yasmin@manilaforwarder.com
To: ****@hotmail.com
Subject: invoice:122*** waybill 08-73
Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2008 17:51:27 -0800

Hi ****

I already called our Manila Warehouse regarding your package with an invoice number 122*** this box is already on our provincial agent and they gonna deliver this package within this week.

I 'll email you as soon as I get an update to your box.

Thanks
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-01-08 22:48:00
PhilippinesSending Load To A Cell Phone In The Philippines
Pardon me, but I am very technology-challenged.

I loosely understand the sim cards and such, but here's what I THINK I am seeing. When I go to RP, I can buy a phone and use it back HERE in the USA to keep our calls and texts cheaper??? That sounds awesome, if I am understanding this correctly.

Right now, my angel texts within Phil for P2, but it's P15 to text ME here in the U.S. mad.gif

Edited by 4MYMEVE, 25 December 2008 - 01:54 PM.

CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2008-12-25 13:54:00
Philippinesbalikbayan
I've got my first box with them enroute now. The best part is their tracking. So far, I've seen postings for when it was picked-up at my vendor, when it's arrived in L.A., when it's loaded, when it's in-transit, and now, having been unloaded in Marakina.

Cost was $105 to Visayas for their branded 'big-box', and I SWEAR it must weigh 100lbs!
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-01-12 12:53:00
Philippines'Passort' photo w/I-129F?
QUOTE (maliciant @ Jan 28 2009, 03:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
..have her send digital copies by email, which you can then print in walmart ..you are better off to deal with it now and delay sending the packet a few days then to potentially have to deal with an RFE later which will be an even larger delay.


Thank you both SO MUCH! I think I may be Okay, but I will play it safe. I'm so anxious, I didn't even THINK about the easy way with e-mail! That's what I'll have her do today! Much appreciated!

CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-01-28 21:23:00
Philippines'Passort' photo w/I-129F?
From the I-129F instructions on the USCIS site...

QUOTE
The photos must have a white background, be glossy, un-retouched and not mounted.


Well, I've got my entire packet together, and intend to mail it tomorrow. NOW, and only now do I see that the photos I got of each of us there in the RP are MATTE-FINISHED, and clearly not glossy. However, inside the CD-ROM sleeves I've put them, this MAY go un-noticed. When you pull them out of that sleeve, however, it's pretty clear.

I got the size correct, and the white background.

Think I've got an RFE in the works? Should I send her to get glossy ones, and Fed-Ex them to me?
Thanks.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-01-28 08:55:00
PhilippinesPrinting out YM chat?
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Jan 31 2009, 09:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
YM Chat, Emails, etc are easily forged.

Don't spend too much time printing all those out.

USEM looks more at Petitioner Passport stamps.


I've sent off my petition already. The printouts from our initial e-mails went out along with photocopies of letters from both of us to each other. What I'm aiming for now, is some proof of continued relationship for when she gets to her interview. Since we're using YM to save on phone bills, I'm thinking some of that exchange will be good to have in additon to the phone bills.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-01-31 21:32:00
PhilippinesPrinting out YM chat?
QUOTE (sweet_wifey22 @ Jan 31 2009, 04:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Save it in word plus you edit it too tongue.gif ....



Thanks, everyone!
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-01-31 09:04:00
PhilippinesPrinting out YM chat?
I was wondering IF there's a way to do this without having to buy a printer? I tried to copy, then paste, the text into ALL three of my free-mail accounts. On either Gmail, Hotmail, or YH, NONE of them would transfer the pasted text into the body of an e-mail so I could forward it on to my work e-ddress for printing.


CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-01-30 22:55:00
Philippinesmeeting the parents
Good for you. I was privileged, as my future father in-law instructed me, "Do not call me Sir...just Dad". Ditto for Ma. biggrin.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-01 10:02:00
Philippinesvalentine's day in cebu, philippines
For dinner, if you like seafood, I liked the Su-Tu-Kill houses at the Lapu-Lapu Memorial out on Mactan Island.
Fresh seafood, cooked as you like, right on water.

After dinner, consider another side-trip. There's a famous viewing overlook there known as 'Tops', as in the top of the mountains. My local guide suggested the alternative of Mountain View Park, instead. WOW! That's the best memory of Cebu that I'll have forever.

You drive up the side of the mountains, and it's fairly steep, and my ears popped...so you know you're climbing. At the top, it's all set-up as a 'lover's lane' experience with romantic benches, swings, tables, etc, all overlooking the north of Cebu and Mandue. Absolutely gorgeous. There's a refreshments vendor, with drinks, and a clean CR up there also. It's at the foot of a giant cross that's all lit-up, I'd say about 60' tall. IIRC, the security man collected about P400 from us on the way up as an entrance fee. There is limited parking, so you may be dissappointed if you go too late!


BTW, what makes it different than TOPS is the seating, refreshments and CR. It's not simply an overlook.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-05 09:05:00
PhilippinesCFO seminar???
Search for the term CFO here in this forum, and you will get a few hours worth of posts, LOL. unsure.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-05 08:58:00
Philippineshiphip hoorayy!!!
6 MOS! That rocks, and that's even with a Holiday delay. Congrats.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-07 09:19:00
PhilippinesQuestion about age for K1 visa-Philippines
I'm with everyone else who's told you to wait a couple extra months. However, the issue of her age is more for the CFO. For their purposes, I put together a letter with language similar to this.....


To Whom It May Concern:

I {father of fiance} am the father of {beneficiary}. My family and I approve of our daughter's decision to marry
{USC Petitioner}. She has our support and blessing in her new future in the United States.


Sincerely,

{father of fiance}

I left room for her dad to sign it under the salutation. Then, we photocopied dad's voter ID card which has his matching signature. I not saying it's the only solution, it's just that when it comes up in your case it's comforting to have on hand with you to present to the officials.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-10 08:47:00
PhilippinesEmployment law/s in the RP?
Thanks all. I told her to not feel pressured and to do as she decides. In any case, I wouldn't want her doing any job that has something like that hanging over our heads for us to be concerned with.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-13 08:46:00
PhilippinesEmployment law/s in the RP?
In what she was explaining to me, that was in inquiring about a job as a sales clerk in the department store. She didn't mention the contract, but perhaps that was what the employer was talking about.

Yes, I think there ought to be plenty for her to consider without having to sign any sort of contract. Still, we're hoping our NOA 2 won't be much longer than 4mos away, so it would be a temporary job. good.gif
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-12 08:48:00
PhilippinesEmployment law/s in the RP?
My fiance wants to stay in the city to have ready access to computer and mail, rather than go back to her village. She's thought of getting a job. However, she was told even to be a sales clerk, you are expected to committ to the job. IF she were to quit before 3mos of service, that they could "take her to court".

I asked her if what they mean is that she might owe them for training her, or the costs of processing employment. However, she seemed pretty clear that they were telling her it was some sort of civil {criminal?} penalty.

Can anyone shed some light on this?
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-12 00:35:00
PhilippinesConfused about G325a
IF you're filing your initial petition, then your fiance normally would not HAVE an ALIEN NUMBER YET. UNLESS, she was once here in the US on a work permit, possibly. SO, with no number...just type the word 'NONE' in that spot.
CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-13 08:44:00
Philippinesphone
I have been VERY pleased with Startec...

http://www.startec.c.../EN/default.jsp

NO connection charge, and 16.9c min. to the cell with 11.9c min. to land-line. Here's my Feb. tracking so far. We've been using a lot of YM, so that's why the durations are limited, LOL..

02/08
07:37 PM ELITE XL CELLCONNECT 602862^^^^
63907405^^^^ PHILIPPINES
4 0.68

02/06
09:30 PM ELITE XL CELLCONNECT 602862^^^^
63907405^^^^ PHILIPPINES
4 0.68

02/06
06:51 AM ELITE XL CELLCONNECT 602862^^^^
63907405^^^^ PHILIPPINES
5 0.85

02/05
09:54 PM ELITE XL CELLCONNECT 602862^^^^
63907405^^^^ PHILIPPINES
9 1.53

02/05
06:30 AM ELITE XL CELLCONNECT 602862^^^^
63907405^^^^ PHILIPPINES
3 0.51

02/04
09:52 PM ELITE XL CELLCONNECT 602862^^^^
63907405^^^^ PHILIPPINES
3 0.51

02/02
03:21 PM ELITE XL CELLCONNECT 480252^^^^
63907405^^^^ PHILIPPINES
1 0.17

Totals 29 4.93

That last one is from my cell-phone, which bills directly to my home line. Pretty slick. Of course, I still pay the per-minute cell charge as usual, in addition to their's.

CuriousGuyNot TellingVietnam2009-02-10 09:09:00