ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
PhilippinesBuying wedding dress and rings in the Philippines
QUOTE (itzallgood @ Oct 30 2009, 12:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kevin-n-Merlaine @ Oct 29 2009, 07:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When you buy the dress they're basically going to take it apart to fit it anyway, but I'm sure you could do it cheaper having it made. Most things there are cheaper that way. Our rings were very reasonable. A problem you're going to have is getting someone to try it on to make sure it's right. Your Filipina bride IS NOT going to put on a wedding gown before the wedding..LOL



Then how do the brides get a perfectly fitting dress in all the pics I see. If no one fitted their dress, they would all have the baggy saggy look. whistling.gif

I asked the same thing! We wound up unable to have a church wedding so the dress wasn't a problem. Before we found out that there was no way for us to marry in the church, we had gone gown shopping. We went to several different stores and found several different dresses that she liked. Finally she found "the one" and the ladies in the store started helping my sis-in-law (Janette) put it on?!? I asked them why Merlaine wasn't putting the dress on and every woman standing there looked at me like I was nuts!! I was then told that it was verrrry taboo for the bride to put the dress on before her wedding day!! She said they would just find someone close to her size to fit it too. I don't know if it's different in other provinces or cities, but I know there was no way she was putting that gown on! LOL
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2009-10-30 08:44:00
PhilippinesBuying wedding dress and rings in the Philippines
When you buy the dress they're basically going to take it apart to fit it anyway, but I'm sure you could do it cheaper having it made. Most things there are cheaper that way. Our rings were very reasonable. A problem you're going to have is getting someone to try it on to make sure it's right. Your Filipina bride IS NOT going to put on a wedding gown before the wedding..LOL
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2009-10-29 21:27:00
PhilippinesBuying wedding dress and rings in the Philippines
I was shocked at how inexpensive gowns were there in Tacloban. You'd be much better off going shopping with her THERE as opposed to trying to buy one here. You'll spend 5 times the amount if you buy it here. As for rings, we had our bands made my a jeweler there. They are beautiful rings and they made them in just a few days.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2009-10-29 20:44:00
Philippines1040 vs IRS Transcripts
How things change.. When we went through this a couple of years ago, it was my understanding that transcripts were preferred and that was all I sent. We didn't have any problems at all. I'm getting ready to send the I-751 packet in the next couple of months and was going to call for transcripts again. Guess I need to rethink that huh :blink:
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2012-01-18 08:23:00
PhilippinesHow do you guys text your family in the Philippines that's low cost?
I had my wife roam her Smart sim before she left...incoming texts are free and you can receive them even with NO load. If you have an iphone, get an app called BiteSMS. You can prepay for text messages and they're cheap :thumbs: I receive texts on the Phils phone free (1 peso to her family) and send them on my ATT phone for about .06 cents each.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-11-08 02:51:00
PhilippinesHOW TO OPEN A JOINT BANK ACOUNT IN PHIL
I did something similar Dakine. Before I went there, I got a prepaid MasterCard through Greendot (they offer similar things that a bank does, ie. direct deposit). When I came home, I left her that card, added her to the account, set it up direct deposit for my paychecks and ordered a second card in her name. It's worked so well, once she's here I think I'll get another in her mothers name and send it to the family DHL (new account).

It's a good way to solve the joint account and have evidence of it :) It costs $4.95 to load and there's a small monthly fee - unless you use direct deposit or load more than $1000 a month, then no fees.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-13 08:27:00
PhilippinesAnyone know of a good florist in Manila for Valentines?

http://filgifts.com/...asp?xitemcat=21


+1 for Filgifts! I've used them a lot and been very happy :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2011-01-24 03:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProblem with g-325a form
I think I will just hand write it or have it typed. I just hated to hand write it. It looks much more professional if it's typed. Looks like it's not uncommon and it's not just my inability to change a setting somewhere (thank god lol). Thanks for the help smile.gif
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2009-09-21 19:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProblem with g-325a form
I wasn't sure where to post this and it sounds like a dumb question, but I can't figure out why it's doing this. In the portion of the form where the parents dates of birth are entered there's a drop down where a calendar can be displayed. Not using the calendar function, I enter the dates into the boxes. The last two digits of the year of their birth aren't visible in the boxes - not a large enough box for that many characters. Then when I print the document, there is a black box with a white + sign in the spot where the drop down arrow would have been. I can't get it to print without those stupid things showing up. Am I missing something or do I need to just print the blank forms and have it typed (don't own a typewriter)? Even if the black boxes weren't printed over the date, there wouldn't be enough space for their entire year of birth to show. It happens in all four spots on the form where that drop down calendar is used. Has anyone else had problems with the Adobe forms from USCIS?

Thanks
Kevin
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2009-09-21 18:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI Got my NOA1
Congratulations! We have the same dates smile.gif Received our NOA1 on the 2nd and we're at the CSC too! Comeon NOA2!!
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2009-11-04 09:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresanyone from wichita, kansas, USA?
I'm in Wichita :) Hopefully Merlaine will be here this spring!! I have some friends in Ponca too :) Maybe we can meet up sometime!!
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-01-28 03:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAddress change question
Got it done :) Thanks everyone! I wasn't sure if it would be better now or after USCIS was finished and it was on it's way to the NVC, so I'm glad I asked :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-01-30 08:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAddress change question
Hahahha..thanks! I'll get online and get it done :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-01-30 08:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAddress change question
I filed the I-130 and received our NOA1 on November 2nd. I moved a couple of weeks ago, and know I need to change my address with USCIS, but I don't want to delay our second notice. My mail will be safe and received if it goes to my old address so should I wait until I receive the NOA2 or should I change my address with USCIS now?

Thanks everyone :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-01-30 07:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 NOA2
Our NOA1 was on November 2nd. It was touched on February 1st and 2nd then we finally were approved on March 2nd.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-14 08:27:00
PhilippinesEarthquake in parts of Metro Manila and Luzon provinces!!!
There was one week before last in Leyte. The epicenter was somewhere near Ormoc and it scared my wife to death! Not big by any means, 3.sumthin but, yeh..afer Chile it really struck a nerve.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-26 07:43:00
PhilippinesCould anybody possibly transport a very small laptop to my wife in the Philippines from the U.S.?

How expensive can it be to buy there and does it really have to be the best quality? there are good pc stores in the philippines if you think about how much it will cost to buy here and then ship.

http://www.pcx.com.p...aptops.html?p=3, this is a pc store in the phils and you can buy a notebook for as low as $250.

Exactly! You buy a badazz laptop, ship it there, she turns it on - taps into the net and runs at a blistering 56k right up until the power drops to 56 volts then goes off for a week.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-26 07:40:00
PhilippinesCould anybody possibly transport a very small laptop to my wife in the Philippines from the U.S.?
I've used FilGifts for a lot of items and have been very happy so far. They have a decent selection of computers and you can't beat their service. I bought a Samsung washing machine and had it shipped to Leyte and it was very reasonable. There is another site where they have some very good deals on computers there in Manila. They supply a lot of internet cafe's there, it's openpinoy.com I'll probably be buying some new desktops from them soon to update my wife's internet cafe. Their shipping is very reasonable (P800 or so to the provinces). Either of those would be a far better option than having someone take one there for you and USPS from here is NOT an option IMO. You'd be very very lucky if she ever got it. I can almost guarantee someone in the postal system there would have a new laptop.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-22 13:48:00
PhilippinesSending package to philippines

Kevin, I woulda used DHL, but they have closed down offices on the west coast. Went with FedEx when I had to send Embassy documents, and envelope got there in 5 days, so I am sold on FedEx to get vital docs around the world.

Woah really? That stinks :( I know for sending anything of value, Air21 hits you hard for "fees" and taxes but I guess they can't really if it's only documents. I had no idea DHL had pulled out of ANYWHERE? They're a global monster so that's pretty surprising.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-29 07:39:00
PhilippinesSending package to philippines
If you use FedEx they will hand it off to Air21 for final delivery. I really don't like that idea so I only use DHL. DHL is the only international company that has DHL employees in the Phils. Just get the best address you can from her, they'll find her! The way the cities there are laid out, you really have to be local to ever find anything anyway..lol
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-28 21:43:00
PhilippinesMagic Jack
yeh, just depends on her connection. We've been using one since last year and 90% of the time it's good. Bayantel's service isn't very good so she's going to switch to Globe pretty quick. I understand it's a lot better where she is in Leyte.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-28 21:40:00
Philippinesdo I need CERTIFICATE OF NO MARRIAGE RECORD
Yeh, if you can go to the NSO office you can get it quick. My wife and I got it while we sat and waited at NSO in Tacloban :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-31 01:13:00
Philippineshotel manila

I stayed at the Manila Airport Hotel, and I recommend it for short layovers. It is not a good place to stay if you want to get out and walk around though; I tried but could not find anything interesting.

Yeh, we stayed the night there but I dont' think I'd want much longer than that. It's nice enough and has KFC in the lobby basically but it's right in the airport pretty much. Can't get much closer to the international arrival area so for that it's great.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-04 09:35:00
PhilippinesWhat holiday is th USEM observing today?
There's a national holiday every 8th day in the Phils, you didn't kno? :devil: :rofl:
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-09 08:00:00
PhilippinesMy boyfriend is coming to Manila
Yes, you'll HAVE to look for him! The waiting area for you is across the street from the ramp where he'll exit the international terminal. Like was said here, there are alphabetical signs there too that help narrow down the area you'll have to look through. If he's close to 6' tall he'll stand out pretty well though..LOL

If you don't find him though, he'll NEVER find you! I stood there looking across the street at a SEA of 5' something Filipinos and thought "omg I'll never find her!!" There will be what seems to be hundreds of people there for him to try to look through. Security let my wife cross the street once she spotted me so she came and got me :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-18 09:48:00
PhilippinesApril 15 interview at 0715!!
Great news Scott and congratulations!
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-23 08:41:00
Philippinesaffidavit of support
Yes it should be his full name. On all the documents I typed my name like this - WILKINS, Kevin H. - last name all caps, and I sign my name Kevin H. Wilkins. Also, it should be fine for you to type and print a new one. As long as his original signature is on the correct page and that page is done correctly, you can do the others :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-10 15:35:00
PhilippinesOur Reaffirmed petition(Approval Notice)
ahh, ok. I didn't know they did them differently. Well I got the approval letter part right!! ;) :thumbs:
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-12 09:17:00
PhilippinesOur Reaffirmed petition(Approval Notice)
That appears to be your hard copy letter of approval from NVC. It wouldn't go back to them because they're done with your documents. It says your documents were/will be forwarded to the "above" consulate so I would think you should call NVC this week and see if your interview has been set. They are scheduling interviews during this week at NVC - we're all waiting to hear some news :) You should get an email (provided you gave one to NVC) with your interview date and instructions. If you didn't then you'll have to rely on calling them.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-12 08:59:00
PhilippinesChine airlines and first time immigrant discount
I've flown China Air a few times now Scott...she won't be disappointed. The food was really good, the staff is stellar, what airplane isn't crowded, I was never charged for a beer after dinner, she'll be served lunch between MNL and TPE, she can text message you from remote control in her seat and did I mention the stewardess? :devil: :thumbs:

Seriously, I forgot to call and change my departure date with all the airlines on my trip home last fall. I extended my stay but somehow forgot to call before my departure date. Continental made me buy a whole new ticket for my domestic flights but China Air said...no problem, when would you like to fly? No fees, no penalty.

Register for their Dynasty Club card and start collecting miles too :)

Edited by Kevin-n-Merlaine, 26 March 2010 - 07:30 AM.

Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-26 07:28:00
PhilippinesMy life is over....

Remove the whole 'green card' from the situation, and as yourself what would you do otherwise?

Homesickness is NO excuse for physical violence.

If you want to try to save your marriage, I think the best bet is to have her move out. See a counselor. Whatever. But you two (imo) cannot continue to live in the same house where there's such a great probability of the violence escalating. What you've described seems outright ludicrous and obscene. My heart goes out to you.

At the very least, a separation is in order. I understand you love her, but love yourself enough to protect yourself.

I don't think it could be said much better than that. Darnell is absolutely right about protecting yourself too. Abuse is completely unacceptable, no excuses!
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-03-27 12:22:00
PhilippinesI want to buy land in the philippines, but...
Yeh, the stuff you're finding online is being sold by an investor most likely (American, Chinese, etc.). There was a nice size piece of beach front where my wife lives that was offered to her last year for P250,000. I love looking online but it's not the place to shop.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-14 14:54:00
PhilippinesInterview timeline
Thanks for the replies everyone! Thanks Daruma :) She's been to the CFO in Cebu before too as a matter of fact. I thought she might want to do that too, BUT she'd rather endure a beating I think than to ride in a boat again!! LOL That girl hates boat rides!! We had to take that same trip to the embassy in Cebu and she was NOT happy!! :rofl: :rofl: Neither was I really but the boat was the good part - the bus and the van about killed me with their 6" of leg room. I'm 6'3" and it was MISERABLE!!

Edited by Kevin-n-Merlaine, 16 April 2010 - 08:18 AM.

Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-16 08:18:00
PhilippinesInterview timeline
Okay, settled that. She's going to go the first week of the month and get the medical done. She doesn't want to push it either. I feel bad because she was trying hard to be home so she could vote on the 10th. This will work a lot better though and there will be 2 full weeks between her medical and interview.

Thanks so much everyone! :thumbs:
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-16 00:22:00
PhilippinesInterview timeline
We're discussing it now on skype..lol She's gonna call PAL and check prices for a RT ticket. If it's not too bad, she may just go on to Manila next week, do the medical then go home. She can fly back for the interview and CFO later.
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-15 23:47:00
PhilippinesInterview timeline
Thanks Dakine, I was thinking about having her go the week before I listed there and do the medical. I don't want her to be too pressed either. We're still talking it over to see what will be best but easier for her too. I really wish it was closer so she could just go get it done now and not have to worry about it at interview time. Tacloban isn't right around the corner though :(
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-15 23:26:00
PhilippinesInterview timeline
Thanks Scott!! :thumbs: She could stay longer or go earlier if need be but I thought that would be ok :)
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-15 23:06:00
PhilippinesInterview timeline
This is what I'd planned to have my girlie do. She'll have to fly to Manila and stay for a week with her brothers and I'm hoping this is enough time...whatcha think??


Medical Tuesday-Wednesday the 11th and 12th
CFO 13th or 14th
Interview on the 18th
Fly back home to Tacloban
Fly back to Manila after the visa is delivered, grab the sticker, fly to US next day

Will this be enough time??
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-15 22:54:00
PhilippinesAnyone else in the same boat as I am ?
ahahhaa :) Well there's TCO! I've been watching locked up abroad for weeks hoping to see what happened to ya! You escape or did they let you out?? :devil: :thumbs:
Kevin-n-MerlaineMalePhilippines2010-04-18 08:12:00