biggish data

Anyone know of a good florist in Manila for Valentines?

For $2500, my wife and I will personally deliver a spectacular flower arrangement to your wife anywhere in 'Pinas on Valentines Day!!! :jest:

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2011-01-24 17:50:00

Schedule Appointment

From the U.S. Embassy Manila website:

"Please plan your visa application accordingly to avoid problems securing an interview appointment. Even though nonimmigrant visa fees are valid for one calendar year, options to schedule an appointment are limited. Applicants are only allowed to reschedule twice (not including the initial appointment) without penalty. If the second rescheduling attempt is canceled, an applicant will only be allowed to reschedule a new date after a waiting period of 90 calendar days."

U.S. Embassy Manila link: http://manila.usemba...pplication.html

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-02-28 10:10:00

Schedule Appointment

Keep checking the web site. Something will become available. Good luck with scheduling your interview!

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-02-22 11:57:00

To return to St Luke's for Psych Evaluation due to Psychological Incapacity as ground for Annulment Decree

I'm also hoping Mike can complete his medical on the 24th and interview on the 25th. To be interviewed, it's my understanding that the medical must be completed, including the psych evaluation results and the immunizations. However, the results don't have to be at the Embassy by the time of the interview. When Mike interviews, he can simply show them his DS-3025 vaccination record and his x-ray CD from St. Lukes. The Embassy will issue him a 221g pending the receipt of the medical results from St. Lukes.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2012-10-16 00:52:00

No appointments available for manila embassy

dear VJC,
good morning everybody... i have a question about the pettion of my four kids but only 3 are approve how do i pay the processing pay to the US EMBASSY in MANILA acoording to visa center the gonna forward all payments in manila pls help me.. thank you..

sincerly yours.

midnightblue20021

You might want to start your own thread because you are more likely to get the answers that you need.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-03 11:32:00

No appointments available for manila embassy

What does This mean? My fiance tried to schedule a appointment for our k1 and it's saying none are available?

The U.S. Embassy Manila is quite busy right now, and it's making K-1 appointments difficult to schedule. However, if you diligently keep checking the website, an available date may pop up. Grab it.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-03 11:26:00

I'm glad you started this topic.. thanks!

Our love story is also a success! Well, we are married for almost 5 years now, with two beautiful kids a girl and a boy... love my married life!

and waiting for my N-400 interview next week. I will update you guys next week! hope to pass yaiks! hahaha! just happy )

Visa journey , this website helped me a lot! and i helped some friends too, through this and i am grateful!

I believe that there are many Fil-Am success stories. It's great that you are enjoying your marriage. How's your interview?

~ Chinook

Hi Batch mate!

Yep! We're getting to the fifth anniversary. We moved from IL to neighbor state MO because of job. We just got back from our vacation in the Philippines with our one year old daughter and missed the polar vortex here in the Midwest. Life isn't easy especially when living far from our family. Not much Filipino friends here in St. Louis but at least I am happy to have Filipino Priest in our new parish. I am also done with my immigration process. It's just nice to have blue passport. LoL. Not much query.

Since, we're coming to our 5th year anniversary, we might do some travelling within the states while our daughter is with my in-laws on summer. So far, I didn't see any changes with our relationship which I don't expect to have changes anyway. LoL. But having our first baby after 3 years of marriage gave us time to know more each other as well as adjust to our differences. We're still silly and in-love to each other. I got more flowers and cards than before during different occasions. LoL. Trying to get more dates as much as we can since hardly do that when you have a kid.

I hope that a lot of us here that arguing in some interesting threads before are still in good and happy marriage after all these years.

Hi batchmate, good to hear from you.

Those were the days - fun! I'm glad all is well with you. It's been 5 years already, Tahoma and I are doing really great too!

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-02-28 03:11:00

Thank you... I am proud of her, especially since the military was a big part of my life (was Army here). She really has excelled in the military, even though it is not the passion for her as it was for me. But she does very well in all things she makes a commitment to. I remember teaching her how to do her very first military push-up, and then at her Air Force technical school she got the highest score in push-ups of the over 100 women in her squadron. Now she is also working on becoming a nurse. You are a nurse, arent you Chinook?

Just an update here about our son. I am home schooling him for pre-school, and he is doing great. He is doing addition and subtraction, on his own even, and I dont think I was doing that at 3 years old. It is exciting being his teacher. If my wife would allow it I would teach him up through 6th grade, and maybe beyond that even. I have found that I love teaching

Yes, I am a RN. I studied in Pinas and took my NCLEX here in the U.S.

Good luck on her studies. It will definitely give her a stable career.

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-02-28 02:53:00

We'll be celebrating our 5th anniversary in March. We have a daughter and son (2 years apart) and now an infant girl. Our house is a happy and noisy one, filled with laughter and children's happy screaming. We are going back to Manila in July to pick up my Mom and after that, my husband and I will be on the road..travelling. We love road trips

We love road trips too! We drove to several National Parks and, they were awesome! We plan to go for a road trip this coming summer.

Enjoy your trip to Manila.

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-02-28 02:46:00

Happily married 6 years today, January 15. Right now my wife is at work, she works 3rd shift. She will be starting work on another degree in 2 days from now. She also has excelled as an airman with the United States Air Force Air National Guard. We have a beautiful and very intelligent 3 1/2 year old son, and I am home schooling him for preschool.

My heart is made full by my wife and son... I love them dearly. I am so thankful for our little family.

Wow! nice photos of your wife in uniform. I salute for her for her service to our country.

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-24 17:49:00

It's great to read all these success stories. I am happy for all of us.

Love is in the air!

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-24 17:43:00

Mhmm! Doing it Filipino style with the sugar and banana ketchup. Haha!

I'm going to take my NCLEX tomorrow too. Wish me luck everyone! Hopefully another success story on it too Then I can start helping my husband with expenses.

How's your exam? Hope you made it!

I know how it feels while waiting for the result. I felt drained after taking the exam. It will all be worth it though, especially when you get your first RN pay check!

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-15 03:39:00

Thanks! We will! Till death do us part! Right?

Just like what I promised to Tahoma ...

"Mamahalin kita habang buhay at magpakailanman."

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-15 03:33:00

And, we listen to each other...well, sometimes he pretends! Bless his heart.

~ Chinook

Langga, did you say something?

~ Tahoma

Edited by Tahoma, 11 January 2014 - 12:09 PM.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-11 12:07:00

Coming up on 2 years of marriage in February. Been some rocks along the way, to be sure, but rocks just stir the waves and cause the water to blend faster, eh? Between cultural differences, a stubborn old man, and a hard-headed Pinay, and neither of us willing to admit the other is a better cook... we have made it this far, and it's been great. My previous marriage was good for a long time, but this one... I am amazed sometimes at our similarities and all the things that make us "click".

Also been a good year for us in regards to other VJers... We have been blessed with knowing and living near Rlogan and his beautiful wife and kiddos, meeting up with Bumbero and his lovely lass in the PI, having Curt and Dahlia cook us an AWESOME dinner and breakfast during our "sleepover" after our return from the PI. Tried to link up with Hank and his wife, but she had to work when we were breezing thru, so that is a meeting still in the bucket list. Might even have to meet up with The conciliator, as he may be the closest to us now that we have left the icy mantle of AK behind us so that Asawa Ko may be happier in the near-tropical climes of LA (Lower Alabama).

Yes, a troublesome, often trying journey dealing with two different (and not always user-friendly) governments, but she is so worth it. I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world!

Good luck on your new place. Keep the love going...

Glad all is well with you.

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-11 05:34:00

^{4.5 years and all is well. Picture is our daughter and one of her cousins when we visited the Phils last spring.}

Your daughter is pretty. How was your vacation in Phils?

I noticed that carabao in the background, then I know, that she's in Pinas. It looks peaceful.

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-11 05:25:00

In our seventh year now. It's been wonderful, especially being objectified as a sex slave. It's been great since the beginning.

She got five months this year with the family in the Philippines and I am taking over three months. Nobody can touch me in traffic on a 200CC Honda mountain bike. I'll do whatever it takes - the shoulder, sidewalks, going the wrong way into oncoming traffic, etc. I once stopped at a red light in a more isolated area with no traffic. The only reason I stopped was because there was a cop there with his own bike and I didn't want to give him a reason. He yelled at me for stopping, because there was no traffic.

You seemed to have adapted to the way of life in Pinas. Good for you! I don't think I will have the guts to drive a car in Pinas. Even though, I was born and raised there, I still find it scary how the drivers drive there.

No, thanks, I love driving my humble hot rod here in the U.S.

Congrats on your seventh year!

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-11 05:18:00

4 years of being apart.. 2 more weeks of waiting for my fiance's culture result and positively looking forward to a February K1 visa interview! It's been a roller coaster ride but we both know that soon..very soon.. we will be together here in US just like the rest of you guys! You are our inspiration and helped us to keep our hopes high.

Again, thank you for all the encouragement and good stories like yours... wishing you all of the best!

You are almost there! Hope you get that February interview.

Good luck!

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-11 05:10:00

My fiance and I just recently started on our own visajourney.

Our journey has been relatively recent in that we had met fairly recently but have progressed to a level that I never would have imagined I would be at, ever in my life before meeting my fiance.

It has been truly amazing so far.

So many things we talk about are things we only want to experience with each other at our sides.

We are waiting for everything to go through on the US side so that hopefully it gets to the US Embassy soon (crossing our fingers and praying)

It is so difficult to be apart but we both know that the sacrifice is so very worth it. (as i guess all of you posting on this thread have found out)

Reading your stories really helps to stay positive about the journey.

What I also am taking from your stories, even more so now, is that it takes a lot of work for both people but if love is really there, people find a way to make it work

Congrats to all of you.

I hope for the rest of us still waiting, that the road to new beginnings and experiences with our much better, better half comes really soon.

(C'Mon Texas Service Center... help me out!)

Hey gwapo.. nice name!

My husband calls himself "Pogi".

Good luck on your visa journey. It is indeed difficult to be apart, this is the hardest part of the process. I know that patience is a virtue... (I seem to lack this while I was on the visa process), but hang in there. Keep yourself busy. It will all be worth it once you get approve.

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-11 05:03:00

We've been married for almost 2 yrs now and counting. The first year was the hardest part. , but we are way better now. We have our ups and downs but we are happily married now. We have a baby coming in 2 months. Exciting!

Good luck on your pregnancy. Wish you a safe delivery. Being married will always have its challenges, it is how the couple handle these challenges that will spell the result of their marriage. Good that you are happily married now. Stay in love with each other.

~ Chinook

Edited by Tahoma, 11 January 2014 - 05:05 AM.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-11 04:55:00

We've only been married for 5 months but "I don't think I'll ever get divorced" (Brad Pitt as my reference). When I entered this relationship, I knew I had something special and he proves it to me every single day. We were apart for almost 2 years and we held strong despite the arguments, me being indecisive at times and him being impatient. You know how hard it is sometimes to make your point across a table that's 7, 000 miles long. Haha!We just passed our AOS yeaterday and I must say we have grown so much especially with the help of VJ with the stories.

We might have appeared irrational to some by getting married at the age of 22 and 23 but we knew what we have and had to do. Age is never a gauge of maturity, care, and faithfulness. Husbands, your wife is a good reflection of who you are and wives, your husband is also a mirror image of you. I'm proud to say my husband takes care of me in the most endearing way I could possibly imagine and I will be with him throughout everything to reciprocate and give as much or as I am allowed to.

P.S. We are planning on making spaghetti today to celebrate passing our AOS and maybe open a bottle of Sprite, Coke or Mellow Yellow! We're legal to drink but nothing beats good 'ol carbonated drinks. Haha!

Congrats on your AOS! You are on the right track. Good luck!

I can imagine the "sweet" spaghetti. Been a while since I had one...yum!

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-11 04:46:00

Jessa and I are doing great - been married just over two years now. We met our first VJ couple over Christmas - Crashed N2 Me and his far, far, better half. That was great. They're really good people.

We are also planning our first trip back to the Philippines. We'll be leaving June 9 and staying for about two months. Woohoo!!

Hope to hear more good stories from others.

Two months vacation! Wow! Wish I can also get that much time-off.

Tahoma and I went back for vacation for almost 2 weeks last year. It was fun, good to see my relatives again. Food was great, though, not enough time to eat all the food I want to eat. Be prepared to sweat. It was almost too hot for me. Tahoma had a lot of fun seeing me sweat. I still don't like the traffic and pollution. Overall, Pinas will always be my birth country and it will always have a special place in my heart. Now, my home is where my heart is!

Enjoy your coming vacation, time to start packing now.

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-11 04:39:00

Thanks for sharing!

Keep the stories coming guys. May this thread continue to inspire those who are still on their visa journey.

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-11 04:18:00

Happy for you, frostysoftyeaton! I remember you. Wishing you many more "love-filled" years together.

We only hear a lot of sob stories but seldom the good ones.

Sometimes, I wonder, where are our other batchmates. VJ used to be fun... well, maybe, it is still fun(?). I seldom browse here now.

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-09 06:44:00

Let me start, me and Tahoma are still happy together. We've been married for almost five years. It's been the best five years of my life. He treats me like a queen/empress and I treat him like a king... I guess this is the formula of our success. We treat each other with love and respect. We bicker (like kids), we argue..but we still have fun!

We love to travel, talk, laugh, discuss different topics, and eat! It's just amazing how we are so compatible in so many ways. We always compromise. And, we listen to each other...well, sometimes he pretends! Bless his heart.

I still look forward to coming home to him at the end of my work each day.

Now, your turn...

~ Chinook

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-01-09 05:54:00

CFO seminar for K1 immigrants - Philippines

Hi,Happy New year,May i know wheres St Mary located?thanks

Click here to see the map.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2012-01-02 01:27:00

Life after K1 POE

Steph...thanks for your contribution...it will help many VJerz...Bookmarked !!! :thumbs:

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2011-07-10 19:20:00

Sputum Smear Result.. Negative!

maim3...thank you for posting your experience about the sputum collection...and thanks to those who responded.

My question: How many positive smear tests does it take in order to be assigned to Group B? Would someone with only one positive smear be assigned to Group B?

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2012-03-31 13:23:00

K-1 Visa Payment at BPI Bank

Does Manila have to have your physical file after NOA2 approval before you can pay BPI and apply for Visa interview? I need to schedule interview as soon as possible. Paperwork is headed to NVC.

Yes.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2011-02-19 01:28:00

Passport expiring October 2014

The Philippines Consulate Los Angeles will have an outreach event in National City on April 26-27.

You can report your marriage and renew / amend your passport there.

For more info: http://www.philippin... April 2014.pdf

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2014-04-03 16:34:00

Sputum Test in St. lukes Walkthrough

Hello people here in VJ, I have the same issue about my medical, on monday is my 8th week im getting nervous coz when i called the st.lukes this morning they told me that the result is ready and i can go back on monday to get it.. They don't tell me what to bring unlike the other experience I have read here that they have to bring their passport,and stuff unlike mine, the lady said on the other line 'yeah u have the result already u can go back here on monday morning' end of the conversation... I keep on praying and im not losing hope, i just keep the faith to believe that I will hear the good news which is NEGATIVE result for my cultured sputum.. wish me luck guyz...

You will get good news from St. Lukes. If St. Lukes would have called you before the eight week period had ended, then it would have been bad news. However, since you made it through the entire time without a phone call from St. Lukes, then it will be good news. :star:

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2012-08-03 10:55:00

Sputum Test in St. lukes Walkthrough

your welcome tahoma!!!

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2010-10-21 10:16:00

Sputum Test in St. lukes Walkthrough

Bookmarked! Thanks for this thread. :thumbs:

Best wishes to all...may your cultures be negative...and may your visas be speedy! :star:

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2010-10-20 00:45:00

Commission on filipinos overseas

We already have the "marriage certificate" from NSO (yellow copy), Does my wife still need to get a copy of "Cenomar" from NSO?

Yes, your wife should bring along her CRS Form No. 5 - Advisory on Marriages (CENMAR) to her Embassy interview and to her CFO seminar.

When she goes to the NSO, she will apply for a CENOMAR. Since she is married, the NSO will issue her a CRS Form No. 5 - Advisory on Marriages (CENMAR).

For those who have never been married, when they apply for a CENOMAR, the NSO will issue them a CRS Form No. 4 (CENOMAR).

If you want to see these documents, click here.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2012-08-03 11:16:00

Tips on Reporting Marriage & Renewing Passport at the same time in the US

But, if you can wait three years to become a USC, it really won't matter.

Yup, for those who don't plan on holding a dual citizenship.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2011-03-05 03:25:00

Tips on Reporting Marriage & Renewing Passport at the same time in the US

I am wondering why a US Citizen by birth is required to have his birth certificate and marriage information on file in the Philippines? Why does a US Citizen have to have his legal marriage, done in Arizona, on file in the Philippines? What happens if the marriage is never registered? will refusing Registration of marriage keep my wife from getting her passport re-newed, with her married name?

Yup.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2011-03-04 11:05:00

i am diagnosed with HPV. will it deny my visa application?

Hindi.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2012-08-19 10:51:00

^^^ Thanks for sharing your experience, Nurse Angel. :star:

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2012-07-31 18:19:00

Hello po!

Just wanna ask, what could be the possible reasons po to fail medical exam? Just wondering. Like if you have TB? what else po? Thank you so much.

I can't remember anyone failing the medical.

If you have TB, you won't actually fail the medical. You will simply be delayed while you get treatment. If you refuse treatment, you won't pass the medical.

If you have had an annulment where you were "psychologically incapacitated," you simply will have to undergo a psych evaluation.

If you have a history of mental illness or suicide attempts, it's likely that you will have to undergo the psych exam as well as the psych evaluation. I haven't noticed anyone flunking the medical due to the psych exam.

If you admit to illegal drug use, you will still pass the medical. However, it's highly likely that your visa will be denied.

Tahoma

Male

Philippines

2012-07-30 10:24:00