ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesFarewell Party
Where do you plan to do it? private pool? Club house pool? beach? why not do a pot luck despedida? its cheap and everyone will be able to bring "what they want to eat". will this be an overnight trip? where are you coming from? start with php10k.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-10-29 10:36:00
Philippinesengagement ring
i've live in Manila my whole living life. :)
everywhere you go there are robbers. its just about being careful.
i always wear my eternity ring (which i got myself as a present) everyday and it was never stolen.

and not all provinces are safe. if you wear flashy jewelry even if the people around you dont really have that intention of robbing they might be tempted.

so stay simple, yet elegant. ;)
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-10-29 10:46:00
PhilippinesYay finally in the U.S. now
I recently traveled to the US. My ticket was purchased online (in the US) via the delta site (although i do have an account with delta with previous purchases made in the philippines). The tix covered my travel tax and was never asked by any of the delta personnel to pay an extra p1.6k. The only thing I had to pay was p550. Did you inform them that your tix covers the travel tax? Showed them the printed receipt?

Oh and congratulations, and good luck with the new phase of your life! Be strong and keep praying and believing that dreams always come true! :)
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-10-27 09:22:00
PhilippinesLaws for gifting electronics
just take them out of the box - and put them in your hand carry. i did 2 laptops, 2 iphones, 2 itouch, 1 samsung phone, 1 dslr and was never questioned.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-11-02 10:46:00
Philippinesbuying tickets online
asaptickets.com seems to be offering cheap tickets.
i have been booking my tickets directly at delta. make sure to change the location to philippines when you book the tix. :)
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-10-29 10:39:00
PhilippinesTransit visa in Japan for connecting flight
Not sure if this counts as latest trip. left manila last 9/21 under delta and had a stop over at japan. same thing during my way back. i didnt leave the airport - i didnt need the transit visa. if you're not leaving the airport (neutral ground) - you wont need the transit visa. :)
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-11-01 14:42:00
PhilippinesEngagement ring, bring or ship? VAT- (Tax?)
HAND CARRY! (not to be rude with having it all caps)
my bf sent me a digital photoframe-key chain which costs less than $10 and i had to pay Php2500 ($70). :(
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-12-06 10:02:00
PhilippinesCruch time
is there anyone in the PI to make sure that the municipality that the mother gave birth in has passed the birth certificate in the NSO?
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-12-17 16:28:00
PhilippinesPlane Ticket? How to Buy? How To Pay?
it is not necessary to use PAL (Philippine Airline).
if she will have layovers provide her with at least 2 hours minimum so she won't be running around the airport.
most of the airlines would ask for the CC to be presented by the passenger, (not 100% that they do). send her a photocopy of your CC (front/back) and driver's license.
**personal experience**
my bf bought my tix from delta (online) and he just called the delta customer service and advise our situation. he was told that i did not need to present any CC.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-12-26 16:22:00
PhilippinesValidating Credit Card for Plane Tickets

That's exactly what I was looking for. Seeing it directly from Delta assures me that's what I need to do. Thanks for the link.

-James


In my own experience, my bf bought my delta tix online through my delta account (making sure that the country is set to philippines). He used his CC in purchasing the said tix. The bf called delta and advised them of the situation and was given the go signal for me. At the check-in, I was not asked for his CC nor his ID as well as the tax since it was already incorporated in my ticket.
Another option would be sending in photopcopies of you cc and a valid id - based on what delta was asking.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-01-04 13:06:00
PhilippinesWhat's the reaction to your marriage

If you mean "ate" that means "sister", and is what you call a girl your own age, that you are acquainted with informally. Like a tindera or tambay. Somewhat respectful, yet very informal. Kinda like "hey bro", or "excuse me brother"(in a west coast/surfer/Hulk Hogan kinda way?) We don't have an exact translation or the non-relative sense of 'ate' and 'kuya'! lol

You should call her "ginang"...or "lola" lol ;)



Ate - is what you call a girl who is older than you. Also known as eldest/elder sister.
Kuya - is what you call a guy who is older than you. Also known as eldest/elder brother.

We filipinos tend to call the vendors ate/kuya because we still want to address them when we talk to them. :)

**sorry off topic**
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-01-13 07:00:00
PhilippinesFilipinos in Georgia
ooohhh!! i never thought there are a lot of filipinos there. nice to know!! hope to get to know you guys, personally. when i visited i didnt see a lot (expect for my ex coworkers). and we/he lives in manchester park where people and kids just like to stay indoors.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-01-15 13:40:00
PhilippinesFilipinos in Georgia
Cool! Thanks!!!
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-01-14 17:54:00
PhilippinesFilipinos in Georgia
Hello! :)

I havent moved yet but just wanted to know if there are anyone from the area mentioned above.
My fiance lives in Cumming and it would be great to know anyone from around the place.

-pen
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-01-14 15:58:00
PhilippinesCertificate of Birth Abroad

I live in America and my wife lives in the Philippines, i cannot be there for our babies Certificate of Birth Abroad appointment because i have work, so she will have to take our child alone. I'm wondering If they are going to request a DNA test because that would take alot time and i don't want my wife's VISA Expiring b4 our child can get her passport and be allowed to come to America. Plus i don't have the money to keep sending my wife to Manila because she lives in Southern Mindinao.

Do you think they will still approve her if im not there if my wife has:
1. Every requirement requested on the Certificate of Birth Abroad Checklist
2. Pics of us together as a couple from throughout our time together in the Philippines.(We were married b4 she got pregnant)
3. Her approved CR1 visa
4. Her CFO seminar stamp on her passport


Yes. They will approve. I myself did the whole CRBA process while my BF-the USC, is not physically in the PI. We were not asked for a DNA test. Just need to make sure that all documents that needs to be notarized are notarized. Bring originals AND photocopies of the documents needed. for the passport, make sure to bring the statement of consent form - notarized.

Added info: have your wife apply for a PI passport when she's in Manila - to document the dual citizenship and to "get away" with the exit fee and all other "penalties".
Also, your wife can apply for your baby's SSN.

Turn arount time for the CRBA and PI Passport - ~3-4 weeks
PI Passport - (if rush) ~2 weeks
SSN - ~1 week


good luck!
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-12-28 10:57:00
PhilippinesCRBA

we were married at the time of birth. so do i still need “Affidavit of Paternity and Support” (DS-5507)?


sorry! i thought you weren't. if thats the case, then no. you don't need it.

good luck!

oh and since youre doing the CRBA might as well do the PI Passport too if you haven't.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-02-01 15:54:00
PhilippinesCRBA
1. Injection records of immunizations my child has received not necessarily needed.2. 6 ultra sounds in a ultrasound book of my child good
3. 40 pics of me and my wife together during my stay in the Philippines. These include pics of our wedding, us just having fun, and a pic of my tattoo with my wifes name and the day we started dating under it on my chest. make sure to date the pictures, are these pictures taken before conception?
4. 4 passport sized pictures of me with a white back ground 2 of yours
5. 2 passport sized pictures of my wife with a white back ground good
6. 2 passport sized pictures of my daughter a white back ground 3 of your daughter
7. An old appointment letter or our child's for a previous CRBA appointment that she wasn't able to make to show that we've been trying to get her in for an appointment good
8. The CRBA checklist
9. NSO marriage certificate and photocopy good
10. DS-11 - Application for U.S. Passport good
11. My wifes passport and Photocopy of the bio page of my wife's passport good
12. My wifes approved CR1 spousal visa good
13. My wifes voters ID for back up, make a photocopy
14. My wifes student ID not needed
15. My old highschool Lunch card picture ID not needed
16. 2 notarized copies of my Drivers License
17. A colored photocopy of my receipt to prove we applied for our marriage license while i was in the Philippines.
18. A colored photocopy of my receipt from the bureau of immigration to show that i was in the Philippines a month after our marriage
19. A colored photocopy of my receipt from the bureau of immigration for an extension to passport so i could stay in the Philippines longer
20. A colored photocopy of my Affidavit in lieu of legal capacity to contract marriage for American citizens from the Embassy if the united states in manila, signed by me and a consular officer. This also shows i was in the Philippines 3 weeks before my marriage.
21. A colored photocopy of my plane ticket to manila, as well as a receipt for a terminal fee, and a passenger service charge
22. A colored photocopy of my W2, notarized not needed
23. A colored photocopy of my original letter of employment, notarized not needed
24. 2 DS-2029 - Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroads
25. A colored photocopy of my original affidavit of parental consent to contract marriage because i was 18 at the time i got married. Signed by my father and a notary, with a receipt from the Philippine consulate general, in Chicago stapled to it that they put on there.
26. A colored photocopy of every page of my US passport notarized on every page, and a colored photocopy of each of those notarized pages.
27. 20 facebook message screenshots to each other from before and after our marriage.
28. 2 signed and notarized DS-3053 - Statement of Consent for Passport Issuance for Children Under the Age of 16.
29. A letter that proves that the notary that signed my papers is a licensed notary, from he county i live in.
30. Our wedding video on a dvd. not needed/dont bring
31. Our babies NSO birth certificate and a photocopy.
32. “Affidavit of Paternity and Support” (DS-5507) since you were not married at the time of the birth.

Edited by dladsyvmp, 31 January 2013 - 11:33 AM.

mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-01-31 11:32:00
PhilippinesCRBA
We did the CRBA process for my son last year. My son was conceived in wedlock.
My BF and I were not married (thus being out of wedlock). My BF did not attend the interview as he was studying and because of work.
We were not asked to do a DNA test. We did the CRBA process when my son was around 4 months of age.
We brought with us all the required document, notarized all documents that needs to be ie ALL pages of ALL passports of USC. Proof of relationship before conception.
The interview went really well. my son did great.
The CRBA and passport took about 2-3 weeks to be delivered.
Also, you can apply for his SSN (for free). give it 7 days to be delivered.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-01-30 13:20:00
PhilippinesHelp! Re: Booking Flight for fiance
I just traveled last month (MNL-ATL) and used delta. My bf purhased the ticket online using my account with delta (which has my info ie im from PI). When I called delta about the credit card issue they told me that the purchaser must go to the nearest delta office. The bf then reconfirmed the instruction and was told that he doesn't need to do that. At all airports check in they never asked for the credit card that was used. This isn't my first instance of traveling abroad and they didn't ask for the card. Best to verify with airline. Although your cc info is safe with your dear ones - its not as safe with prying eyes.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-10-27 09:36:00
Philippinesmoney problems in paradise...
i am trying to prevent myself from chiming in as I am from the Philippines and a Filipina and it might sound bias. I agree with the OP and the others that you do not want to be refered to as the emergency bank of your future extended family. I am also not agreeing to send in the whole $10K for the surgery as it might damage your personal financial situation even if it is extra.

1. Did she or the family actually asked for the money?
or
2. Fiance told what happened and just showed the picture?

Either situation I wouldn't give the $10K but will try to give something (if and only if I can spare some..{a month's worth of coffee? or donuts}). Make sure to explain the part that you don't want to damage your financial situation specially right now that you're in the middle of a visa process as well as the whole "move". At this point, you don't really want to tell them that you don't want to be their emergency bank with endless amounts of cash as this might damage the relationship with teh future family as well as the fiance (At least I(being the fiance) will be sensitive about the topic)). Whatever the amount is, it would still help them.

On top of that, they can always reach out to some government agencies and they would gladly help them.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2012-12-17 15:21:00
PhilippinesPhilippines Passport

My fiance'e is having a lot of problems getting her passport . She said she just walked in without a appointment . Which i read is a requirement of the DFA to make a confirmed appointment . She has 1 Digital ID (Phil Health ID) and the 3 supporting documents . They are telling her that she needs 2 digital ID's to get her passport . I am going to file the I-129F next week and her SSS ID will not be there until at least July or Aug. This may cause a delay with her interview as she will not pass it without her passport . I read on the DFA site " The Department may require additional supporting documents as may be necessary, especially for applicants with dual citizenship and with foreignsounding family names to prove citizenship " her last name is Tambis and she has no duel citizenship . I don't understand why this has become so difficult . Does this happen often in the Philippines ? They said she is not a student or a overseas worker , so she needs 2 digital ID's . Are they dishonest and looking for a pay out ? Has anyone experienced a problem like this ? The office is in Tacloban . How long does the drivers ID take ?


No. They are not looking for a pay out. My brother had the same experience and he had an appointment. You can applu for a driver's license and you will be able to get it the same day. At least thats how it works in Manila - there shouldn't be a big difference (refering to the driver's license).
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-02-05 10:35:00
PhilippinesCRBA
My son was born in the Philippines but he doesn't have a middle name.
We didnt use his dads last name and he is using my last name. (long story...)

NSO BC reads:
FN: JUAN RAMON
MN:
LN: Dela Cruz

CRBA and Passport:
FN: JUAN
MN: RAMON
LN: DELA CRUZ

talked to the embassy people and said that it shouldnt cause an issue.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-02-13 13:00:00
Philippineswaiting.. waiting... and waiting some more
thanks guys!

we are going to call as soon as fiance goes back to the US.

Fiance is here celebrating our son's 1st birthday.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-02-13 14:41:00
Philippineswaiting.. waiting... and waiting some more
just wanted to vent out on the frustration of not hearing anything from uscis.
its been over 6 months and we havent heard anything.
i know there are people who have waited longer... and we are still in the process of a lot of waiting.
the wait just s*cks...


there..
thanks for the breather
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-02-13 13:09:00
PhilippinesBenefeciary Number
What is a brnefeciary number? What is its use? Wiill we ever need it? When? We are now at the NVC stage.

Thanks!
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-01 19:49:00
Philippinesnbi police clearence (green form)
She has a lot of options on where to get the NBI certificate.
Personally I will do it in Robinson's OTIS (ROBINSONS OTIS/Level 2 Guanzon St Paco, Mla/10AM-7PM)as there are not a lot of people who go there. :)
The certificate/clearance can be release on the same day if your wife's name is not common (no hits...).
NBI Clearance - VISA USA = p140.00 (as of 11/2012)
https://nbi-online.c...PurposeList.pdf
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-11 14:14:00
PhilippinesHospital
first off, you need to find a doctor to check her monthly/weekly/daily.
when you have the doctor, then you can determine which hospital that doctor is affilaited with.
Ask if the doctor has a "package" like what the previous posts mentioned it will vary on how she will deliver.
The woamn's body work in mysterious ways. Pre pregnancy I weighed ~98lbs on my 39th week, I am at ~145lbs.
I looked like I was carrying twins. I was huge. I was able to deliver normally and without any problems.
I spent about php30,000 (obgyn's fee, aneasthesiologist fee, pedia fee, hospital fee) and this was in Manila. I delivered in a public hospital as my insurance doesn't cover maternity and I didn't want to spend a lot. My friend who delivered in the province had about P15K of damage for a normal delivery as well. Prepare about Php 60,000. No need for fancy hospital but I suggest to not do it in a lying in clinic.

look for a good ob/gyn for prenatal care and then you guys can talk about the price.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-11 16:01:00
PhilippinesFORM I-134
salamat. We completed the form. looked up the financial requirements, he is almost 5x above the required level so shouldn't be a problem.

for question 7, the i134 instruction document states all wage information that seems easily frauded. it doesn't list w-2 (unless self employed), paystubs, etc. it asks for written statements. so copies of a few of the most recent paystubs and w-2 are not enough?
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-13 14:29:00
PhilippinesFORM I-134
thanks!!
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-13 11:45:00
PhilippinesFORM I-134
Need some help in filling up the form i-134.
Should we put in our son for question #3 (This affidavit is executed for the ff persons) note that my son is a usc by crba.
Question 7: (asks for employment and assets, etc$ does he need to fill up all items? What is cash surrender value?
Question 8 - The followin persons are dependent on me: wholly or partially... Should we put in our son? What does wholly ans partially meant? My fiance doesnt send money on schedule. Only when i ask or when he feels like it.
Question 9 - Question about previosuly submitted affidavit of support. I guess the ds5507 submitted in the crba appliation counts? Need confirmation,

Thanks!!
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-13 10:19:00
PhilippinesAnswering DS-156
nice!!! :) cool! thanks for the help!!! :)
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-14 10:56:00
PhilippinesAnswering DS-156

National ID # ?? Where did you see that?


ON DS-156 FORM.
Question #14:
National Identification Number (If applicable)

**I was thinking not to out any number but wanted to double check.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-14 10:50:00
PhilippinesAnswering DS-156

This is how we did the DS-156:



26: K-1 visa

27: K-1 visa

32: No (it really doesn't matter if you plan to work once you have your green card, you are not planning to work upon entry)

33: No (same as above... you are not planning to attend a school upon entry so NO works)

36: NO (unless this is not your first time being petitoned for a visa)


additional question, what is a national ID number? is this the tax tin number?
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-14 10:27:00
PhilippinesAnswering DS-156
Thank you everyone! :)

Helped a lot!
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-02-27 15:13:00
PhilippinesAnswering DS-156
so ever since we got the notice of our NOA2 I started looking on hanks guide and printed off some forms that i need to fill up. can you guys help me with the questions that i have.

DS-156 questions:
26 - how long do you intend to stay in the US? - should i say forever? (lol) until citizenship? does it need to have a timeline?
27 - what is the purpose of your trip? - should i say to immigrate? be with my fiance?
32 - Do you intend to work in the US? if yes, give the name of company - of course i would want to work, only when I get my EAD. should i say yes? what should i write on the box?
33 - Do you intend to study in the US? - i might study but im not sure.. =/
36 - Has anyone ever filed an immigrant visa petition on your behalf - should this be a no since the K1 petition shouldnt be considered for this and its a non-immigrant visa petition.

thanks,
pen
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-02-27 14:34:00
PhilippinesHow do I present the pictures for the interview?

I put all the pics in a Word document with labels/dates underneath & printed them out for Kathlene's interview and there was no problem. Since nearly everyone uses digital cameras now it shouldn't be a problem just to put everything in a document & print it that way. In fact, it may be easier for them to handle and no worries about pictures falling out or coming unglued.


that was my concern (pictures falling out) and the small opening.
glad that i can just paste them on word doc. thanks guys!!
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-14 15:13:00
PhilippinesHow do I present the pictures for the interview?
bonkers
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-14 09:29:00
PhilippinesHow do I present the pictures for the interview?
i have a question that is in line with yours.. (sorry not heloping..)
can i just paste the pictures in a word doc, label them and print it?
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-14 09:06:00
PhilippinesSending balikbayan box to US
fedex would be really really expensive.... =/
im also looking for one that covers GA.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-18 10:54:00
PhilippinesIt seems like im ready, am i?

Under 2 years old - no travel tax. - need to get exemption from BIR which is p200
2-12 years old - half rate - 810PP for economy class.


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-03-21 13:24:00