ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesCan my fiance ( Petitioner) purchase an airline ticket for me?
Some airlines want to see the card that the ticket was purchased with when you check in. Have your fiance check with the airline, then if necessary, photocopy the front and back of the credit card used to purchase the ticket and send you the copy. My wife already had her card from our joint account and Delta never asked to see it but I've heard that some do.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-09-17 08:00:00
PhilippinesWhere do you buy your tickets going to US?
I just searched it for a week from now on Kayak, one way MNL to JFK and there are some really good prices - Delta and Continental.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-09-17 08:09:00
PhilippinesApply for U.S citizenship or not ?
Here's the info from the Phils Bureau of Immigration website. There's a link at the bottom to download the forms and a FAQ section that answered all my questions. After naturalization it looks like a good idea to go to the nearest Philippine Embassy and submit the docs and take the oath. I guess it could be done if and when you went back to the Phils but I'm guessing it MAY be a bit easier to do stateside.

http://immigration.g...d=163&Itemid=83
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-09-17 07:44:00
PhilippinesApply for U.S citizenship or not ?
Very good info...thanks to the OP for bringing it up and thanks to all of you for helping to clear it up :thumbs:
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-09-17 07:02:00
PhilippinesApply for U.S citizenship or not ?
That's what I thought Tahoma, that as long as you renewed your Philippine passport and didn't let it expire you never fell off the radar so to speak. I may be wrong but I could swear I'd read that in the guides or on the state dept website, or the Phils DFA website...I dunno, I'll start digging again..lol Won't be long and it will be AOS time so I'd better find out for sure myself ;)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-09-16 14:46:00
PhilippinesApply for U.S citizenship or not ?
The US doesn't recognize "dual citizenship". As far as their concerned you're either a US citizen or you're not. That's not really relevant though because it's not them you're concerned about. Once you have US citizenship, you're one for life...it's the citizenship in the Phils that you're concerned with. The Philippine government DOES recognize and allow dual citizenship. I'll have to re-read but It was my understanding that you really didn't need to do anything at all. You never technically give up your Philippine citizenship, you only acquire US citizenship...did I read or understand wrong??
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-09-16 01:46:00
PhilippinesXOOM money transfer
I've used Xoom off and on for the last 2 years or so, never had any problems at all.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-09-06 01:29:00
PhilippinesWhat is Your Favorite Airlines To Fly To Philippines?
I've flown on China Air twice and was very happy on both trips. The first was to Vietnam and then to the Phils most recently. The food is great, free drinks, decent leg room, no baggage fees, good entertainment selection, nothing I'd complain about at all. They transfer planes in Taipei from either LAX or SFO en-route to Manila. It's a nice airport and easy to get around in. Only unnerving thing is the welcome sign and the end of the jet-way - "Drug trafficking in the ROC is punishable by Death". On my return from the Phils I completely blew off my departure date missing and not rescheduling my flights. All of the US carriers charged me huge fees (It was cheaper to buy new tickets) but China Air didn't charge me a dime and let me reschedule whenever I chose.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-11-16 06:57:00
PhilippinesPAL Baggage Allowance
Just over 2 years for me too but they got me for a pound or two over weight. If' they're that particular about the weight then I'd imagine they will be on size as well...better safe with a few extra dollars at hand :thumbs:
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-11-27 17:13:00
Philippinesbest way to ship card and letter
I sent a lot of items back and forth while my wife was still there. If you are sending something you don't mind losing (a card, a letter, etc.) then it's much cheaper to send it USPS. Like the poster said, it's not the USPS that's the problem but once it hits the Phils mail system it's a ####### shoot. 1 in 3 of my cards was never delivered and it can take ages to get there. I used FedEx once and UPS once as well. Neither of those companies have offices or workers in the Philippines though. The immigration forms I sent via FedEx were delivered but not by the delivery guy. Apparently he got tired of looking for her, asked some kid if he knew her then handed the kid the package and told him to take it to her Posted Image. FedEx uses Air21 as their forwarder and UPS uses Delbros so, again, no one is all that "accountable" once it's there. I only use DHL now. They have offices all over the world and have their OWN employees on the ground. I think the last packet I sent was about $30 and it was a large document envelope about half full.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-12-04 06:33:00
Philippinesbest airlines to travel between phils. and US?
I've flown to Vietnam and Manila and flew on China Air both times (not to be confused with Air China). I couldn't have been happier really. They had great service and great food and both times they were actually the cheapest. They offer some pretty flexible schedules from both SFO and LAX as well. I missed my departure on my return and was forced to buy new tickets for all of my US connecting flights but China Air didn't charge me a dime, just rescheduled me :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-12-04 06:41:00
Philippinesadjusting
Yup, what they said :) This is Merlaine's 2nd winter starting and it's a little easier than the first (not much tho). Scarves have helped her a lot, along with all the other stuff listed here, because she can pull it up over her face too if needed. She wears the thick cozy socks with her fuzzy lined boots and that works pretty well. There's just not really any way to get used to it really, I've been here all my life and I wanna go back to the Phils every winter too ;)

As I was typing this she got up to get ready for work, turned up the heater, put on thermals and grumbled "hay nala"

Edited by Kevin-n-Merlaine, 04 December 2011 - 06:05 AM.

Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-12-04 06:02:00
PhilippinesWants to give up and Return to Philippines?

Are you sure there are not lots of Pinoy's in Cleveland? Here in Maryland, on the surface it may appear there are not a lot of Filipino's here but there are TONS of you guys here...granted, I was married to a Filpina for 30 years, so I know many many because of that, however once you network and meet one or two local Pinoy's and the big thing is going to Filipino party's....BINGO, you're in.

You know how Filipino party's are, they have them for this, that and the other thing, hahah...always having birthday party's for the kids, and its also a social Filipiono get together, sharing food, friends, and good times.


My wife and I live in Wichita, Kansas and there are a LOT of Pinoy/Pinay even here! I met quite a few before she arrived and since she's been here we bump into someone new constantly. There are a LOT of Filipinos EVERY where in the US. Granted there are far more on the coasts but there are a lot more Kano on the coasts too! ;)

I found these 4 links on the very first page after I googled Filipinos in Cleveland...I'm sure there are a lot more too. It's hard I know but If she has Rebtel for a phone call anytime she wan't to make one, skype for anytime she's homesick and can find even ONE Filipina here to talk to on occasion, it will make both of your lives much easier. Rebtel+Skype=:thumbs:
http://blog.clevelan...heast_ohio.html
http://www.cleveland...ino/filip1.html
http://www.thefilipi...oresinOhio.html
http://www.cleveland...no/filipino.htm
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-11-30 15:23:00
Philippinesworried
Postal service is much slower than if he'd used Fedex or UPS. It takes a while, I wouldn't worry yet :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-12-10 17:28:00
PhilippinesDeductions?

Have you thought about helping them start a business and be self sufficient if you are sending any kind of substantial recurring amounts?


Yes, we're working on it. They had a business then 3 or 4 others in the Barangay decided it could work for them too and they ran each other out of business.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-12-17 10:42:00
PhilippinesDeductions?

:rofl: would be nice but no


I didn't think so but we have a pretty creative community here ;)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-12-17 09:21:00
PhilippinesDeductions?
We've sent a pretty decent amount to the family over the last year and I wondered if anyone has found a way to claim it on their taxes? I haven't found a definitive answer on here but did read online that only citizens of the US, Mexico and Canada can be claimed as dependents. Is there any other way to claim that expenditure? No big deal but it would be nice Posted Image
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-12-17 08:59:00
Philippinesmet once & got married

The requirement is to have met in the past 2 years. There is no Law Stating more than that.
Sure, more visits with proof add to the Case/Validity. But is not required.
What is asked for is proof of a on-going relationship and meeting other USCIS Guildlines.


Posted Image
Other countries are very strict where meetings are concerned - Vietnam for one. Only one meeting there is very questionable and could (most likely will) cause a denial. After 3 years here on VJ I can say I haven't seen one case denied from the Phils for a short courtship/meeting.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-01-18 08:49:00
Philippinesmet once & got married

There will def be so e questions,specially if you don't see each other before interview would be very suspicious so try to travel there.


I didn't travel back, we just kept very good records of online chat, remittances, etc. I sent chat logs and video captures dated twice a week for the entire time. She was never asked to see any of them Posted Image
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-01-18 08:27:00
Philippinesmet once & got married
My wife and I met online and chatted for only 2 or 3 months before I flew there. I stayed 32 days and we were married while I was there. I don't think she was ever questioned about it but we had tons of evidence when she went to the interview. I think, from our experience and reading here, that how you present your evidence is as important as what you actually have. If you go prepared and confident it speaks volumes. My wife was only asked a few questions and they only looked through a couple of pages of photos but she went with a file folder that had 5 or 6 binders full. Your courtship time doesn't matter as much in the Phils as it would in other countries.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-01-18 08:01:00
PhilippinesWhat is this "next procedure" they are talking about?

Thanks for that. But all the papers and other documents were submitted already to USCIS upon filing the I-130. And what is DS-230 all about? ( :unsure:


That link I posted for you will explain every step and how to get through it all as quickly and easily as possibly :) When your Immigrant Visa bill shows paid online you can print the necessary barcode page and include it with you DS-230 packet -


Send your IV Package (USPS Express mail gives tracking and essentially insures delivery)
Below are the package contents:
  • BARCODED Cover Sheet (to be printed from web when your status is PAID online for IV bill)
  • You OWN cover sheet listing what documents are in the package, so they're easy for the reviewer to locate
  • Completed DS-230 part I & II and ONLY part I signed by beneficiary.
  • Photocopy of the beneficiary's passport biographic data page.
  • Original/certified copy of beneficiary's birth certificate.
  • Original/certified copy of beneficiary's and petitioner's marriage certificate.
  • Original police certificates of the beneficiary.
  • Original/certified copy of military record, if applicable.
  • Original/certified copy of divorce decree, death certificate, etc. of previous marriage, if applicable.
Make 2 extra copies of this package. Send 1 copy to the beneficiary
Once everything has been sent in, it's time to wait.



That is copied from the LingChe shortcut link. Hope this helps :) the LingChe shortcut really will make it a breeze for ya
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-01-18 10:47:00
PhilippinesWhat is this "next procedure" they are talking about?
I'm not sure if you're using it or not but this -http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut - will answer all those questions. I couldn't have done all the paperwork without using it :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-01-18 08:09:00
PhilippinesWhat's the Best Way to Call Philippines

Rebtel has been good for us.


Yah, Scott told me about Rebtel over a year ago...been using it ever since and couldn't be happier really :thumbs:
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-08-14 12:57:00
PhilippinesBalikbayan Boxes
Never had a problem with the BB boxes and were in Kansas. There's actually a couple of different people (Filipinos) here in town that can ship them for us. It does take a while, about 6 weeks, but it's only $125 from here to their door step in Tacloban, Leyte. Star Kargo - ABS/CBN - Villamayor enterprises is the shipping company.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-08-14 13:10:00
PhilippinesSending balikbayan box to MNL from IL
http://www.balikbaya...pines/illinois/ Found this one with google. We use a local lady here in Wichita that sends ours via Villamayor. The prices on that link are the same that we pay, good luck :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-10-05 09:52:00
PhilippinesPlane Ticket from Manila to Erie, PA
I bought my wife's ticket online with delta as well. She already had a debit card on our joint account so it didn't matter but if your fiance doesn't then she may need a photo copy of the card you use to purchase the ticket. Some airlines require it to board or even get the boarding pass so you might want to check with Delta. I don't remember exactly but I don't think any of the airport fees were included in the ticket. I just made sure my wife had the cash to cover those plus travel money Posted Image
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-03-12 01:36:00
Philippinesgetting married in the Philippines
I'm surprised you need an appointment in Manila. I just "walked in" in Cebu. It was very quick and easy - I don't think we were there for more than 45 min total.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-03-21 06:38:00
PhilippinesWhat are the best ways for an old Kano to keep a young Pinay from getting bored on her day off?
If she's anything at all like my wife, take her to a second hand clothing store - goodwill, DAV, or if you have one, Plato's Closet...my wife loves that place! She's really addicted to garage sales and estate sales too. You can spend time riding around seeing the town and shop cheap..lol BTW, it was NOT my idea to do this stuff. I was the one trying to get her to go to the mall...SHE's the cheap one! (I'm a lucky man, I know..lol)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-04-20 19:38:00
PhilippinesHow TO REPORT Corruption at St Luke's?

Paul...

To clear up your lingering confusion:

1. She had sex.
2. She could have been pregnant.
3. Taking the pill is not a 100% guarantee against pregnancy.
4. Ovulation tests don't work the way you think they do.
5. The vaccinations she could have gotten at St. Lukes are contraindicated for pregnancy.
6. The nurses had nothing to do with you not keeping your ####### in your pants.

Any questions?


Posted Image (Honestly, I think St. Lukes is probably one of the ONLY places in the Phils that isn't 99% corrupt)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-05-03 01:28:00
PhilippinesBalikbayan Boxes
Thanks Hopp, sadly the closest is in Houston. I suppose I could see if one of the freight companies here would ship it to them. I think the minimum's are pretty reasonable these days...dunno. I could do their online shopping but that's pretty much the same as just calling Filgifts. I need to get MY package delivered first though!! ;)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-05-17 11:25:00
PhilippinesBalikbayan Boxes
Lots of good info here :thumbs:. I'm hoping I can find a way to forward boxes from here in Wichita. There are a lot of Asian markets here and I have a lot of Vietnamese friends so I'm hoping they have a way. It is very special when they get a package there. When I send anything to my wife, half the barangay escorts the delivery guy to her door :rofl:.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-05-17 09:01:00
Philippines10 Reasons To Marry A Filpina
Pretty much true of my wife on all counts lol
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-05-16 08:32:00
PhilippinesDoes your wife know how to swim?
My wife doesn't know how to swim either and was raised a stones throw from the Gulf of Leyte. I think a lot of it has to do with all the ferrys that sink there. She, along with most of the rest of the family, are even afraid to get in a boat. I don't think any of the family actually swims (wading doesn't count lol). They were surprised to see I could swim when we went to Samar for a day at the beach. I did think it's kinda odd to live on an island and not be able to swim Posted Image. I'd be a little nervous hahaa!
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-04-05 16:20:00
PhilippinesAnyone familiar with Smart roaming?
Same with us. My wife's worked great until a few months ago. It took Smart over a year to deactivate it. I'm sure I read it didn't have to be re-loaded. Maybe it's a newer policy like Scott said. We had to have her family send her a new one that had been roamed...I'll keep this one loaded now.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-08-08 05:50:00
PhilippinesNeed help booking flights and hotels in Philippines
I left my wife a prepaid greendot visa when I was there...saved a lot of hassles. The photocopy of the card you use to purchase the tickets works just fine too. It's always possible she can get a better deal if she buys them there too. I had my wife price tickets on her end while still there and it turned out I found them cheaper online.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-08-29 09:45:00
PhilippinesJob Opportunities for immigrant visa holders
It wasn't too hard for my wife to find work. The "immigrant" part didn't come into play at all and she was able to find a job 2 years ago (even at the height of the economy tanking). Most, if not all, of the ladies I've met here on VJ found work very soon after arriving here Posted Image
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-10-14 05:26:00
Philippinesrequirements to get marry in the philippines

I had to wait 12 consecutive days in Butuan.
Just like the pirate code I think the Family code is more of a guideline than concrete rule

Ahahha, no doubt Atencio! All of the "codes" in the Philippines fall into this catagory :thumbs: :rofl:
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-05-26 17:51:00
Philippinesrequirements to get marry in the philippines
Just to clarify - I just did all of this this past September. The waiting period after submitting the documents to the civil registrars office is 10 calendar days, not working days. You can also obtain the Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage at the USEM in Cebu, that's where I got mine. It's around $30 US and only takes an hour or two total to get it. While it's true that the judges are civil servants Jason, it's still expected that you pay a fee for his services. We paid the judge in Palo either 1000 or 1500 pesos, don't remember exactly. A word of advice, get several of copies of everything you get from the NSO office, you'll need them down the road. I'm sure it's different in every province in the Phils just like everything else there is, so you can hope for the best but definitely, plan on the worst. I was there a total of 32 days and spent a lot of that time running everything down.

The K-1 visa is easier up front Jason but I just couldn't ask her to be married away from all of her family. It's also a lot more expensive in the long run, not only for the wedding here but for the AOS fees. Plus, no green card on entry here and no SS card so she can work if she'd like. Pros and cons with both :thumbs:
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-05-26 02:41:00
Philippinesrequirements to get marry in the philippines
You need-

Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage from either Embassy in Manila or Cebu (got mine in Cebu)
CENOMAR for her
Crazy lady at registrars office made me get a CENOMAR
Marriage counseling seminar
Final divorce decree (original)
Passport
Birth Certificates for both of you
Barangay clearance
Police clearance (possibly)

We were cheated out of a few extra days because of the waiting period. It is not business days-it is 10 calendar days. The woman in charge was quite difficult throughout the whole process though and admitted after the 13th day that it was supposed to have been a 10 calendar day wait. A civil wedding can be done quickly compared to a church wedding. If you're not Catholic and do not have a RECENT baptismal record with you, forget it. You won't be able to have a church wedding. If you are and do have, it will still take as much as a month to go through the process within the church (seminars, banns, etc.). I was there for 32 days and it took nearly all of that time to get it all taken care of.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-02-24 11:58:00
PhilippinesList of US Banks affiliated to the Philippines
Greendot prepaid MasterCard or Visa. You can load the card at lots of retailers, walmart, walgreens...many others. You can just order one and send it DHL. I left mine with my wife...works great! She just uses it at the ATM mostly (PBI, Metro Bank). If you load 1,000 a month or sign up for a direct deposit, there's no monthly fee. If not, it's 4.95 a month and 4.95 each time you load it.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2009-12-31 19:55:00