ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesWhat do you regret most when you had your wedding here in US?

thats good to hear. we actually had our wedding 3 days after i arrived. lol

we'll def have a big wedding. i want to do it in the PI but depends if the husband agrees.


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-26 12:53:00
PhilippinesWhat do you regret most when you had your wedding here in US?

A complete control of my wedding. :)
My weddding here in the US was prepared by my MIL and my husband's aunt. It was really nice of them to do it.

We were suppose to just have it in a courthouse but we ended up doing it at a park. With a rabbi.

The husband is Jewish and I'm Catholic. I'm fine with it but a little heads up about some of the Jewish ceremony would be nice.

Alhtough the husband doesn't practice it - claims to be a science believer, he doesn't want to do a Catholic ceremony which I respect. So I was expecting they return the favor.

It wasn't something that I cried about [lol] something that I want to change.

 


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-25 08:59:00
PhilippinesAOS - Entry Stamps
On the I-148 it was asking for the biographic page with entry stamps. does that include all entry stamp to the US or just that entry you use the k1? What if the stamp is on the page next to the visa page [when you photocopy it it'll just be in one page]? Do I need to provide a different "sheet of paper" with the visa and entry stamp or that one page would do? Turned in the AOS package will all of my entry stamps and one page with the visa and "final" entry stamp... I hope there's no issue on that
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-26 20:35:00
PhilippinesAny Tips on Bringing my Baby to Manila?

 

Any tips regarding infant medications like creams and ointments to hand carry? Do I need to put them in a plastic bag during security check?

 

Does the baby diaper bag is allow to hand carry aside from your personal hand bag? I know I am allowed to have 1 hand carry luggage and then a personal hand bag.

 

Thanks again.

 

Just bring your regular diaper cream. Didn't have to bring any meds. Safe to put it in a zip lock.

Yep. The diaper bag is not counted against your regular carry-ons. However, I suggest that you just put your personal belongings in the diaper bag. That's how I did it. Oh and bring at least 3 change of shirt for you. You'll never know what will happen.


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-29 10:56:00
PhilippinesAny Tips on Bringing my Baby to Manila?

 

mrsSpitze,

 

Question please. We'll be traveling with an infant to the Philippines for the first time. Where are the makeshift changing tables located? Inside the lavatories?

 

Thank you

 

Yep! Inside the lavatories! :) Bring extra milk if you are formula feeding as they usually don't have the kind your baby drinks - and vice versa.


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-28 18:25:00
PhilippinesAny Tips on Bringing my Baby to Manila?

There is a make shift changing table in the aircraft.

They don't have belts so be careful. :)

 

Yes! You can gate check your stroller.

 

Also another plus of having a baby with you, you get to board first. LOL


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-28 15:34:00
PhilippinesAny Tips on Bringing my Baby to Manila?

Anything that is discounted I am for it! LOL Seriously, take advantage of just paying 10% and tax for the LO. That is if you are travelling with your husband. (On a different note, you can do it without the husband too.. I did it.. so can you! :) ) 

 

Just bring with you a lot of patience.

 

Also, I was thinking if maybe you can get an aisle seat and one window seat so the middle seat would be empty. if the plane is not full, you or the plane can just give you the space. If not, you can just ask the person in between you and the husband to exchange seats. Risky, I know! :)

 

LOL

 

Oh and try not to bring bulky strollers! If you are, check it in. I prefer an umbrella stroller.


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-28 10:55:00
PhilippinesAny Tips on Bringing my Baby to Manila?

I travelled internationally twice with my son. First when he was 6 months and the most recent when he was about 15 months.

Travelling with a baby younger than my son (5 months below) is easier compared to what I "endured".

 

Try familiarizing yourself with wraps/slings. You'll have both your hands free and wrap can work as a nursing cover.

Bring toys that your LO is familiar to and bring a new one - for entertainment purposes.

If you haven't done yet, request for a bassinet from your airline. Availability is seat dependent. It should be free.

When you're using bottles - get a disposable one, ex Playtex Nurser and some extra nipples. It'll lessen your diaper bag load and wouldn't have to deal with tagging along empty bottles.Downside - you'd have to bring your own water specially if the baby drinks some specially water. Airport security will just check the water and powder formula.

Whenever I go to the bathroom, I just brought my LO with me. But you can def ask your neighbor, seatmate to help out.

Try not to bring a lot of carry-on items so you're not stressed out in carrying them and the baby.

 

Lastly - enjoy every minute of it and don't stress too much. Most of the time baby would just be sleeping.


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-28 07:56:00
PhilippinesFlying in!!

I'm not positive that you'd be allowed in when they question her.

 

I usually get at least a 2 hour lay over so that I don't have to worry about lines and all. Last time I entered in Detroit I waited for about 30 or so minutes in line - even with a baby.

 

Good luck and have a safe flight to her~!


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-29 16:07:00
PhilippinesCFO Form

On another note, on the CFO form when it's asking for your partner's middle name your his mother's maiden name.

EX:

"US Style"

First name: John

Middle name: Shawn

Last name: Smith

 

Pinoy Style - CFO:

First Name: John Shawn

MIddle name: Mom's maiden name ex: Josey

Last Name: Smith

 

Less trouble...


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-30 09:11:00
PhilippinesPhilipinos are so proud!! LMAO (This is hilarious!!)

I lived near where they did the chase scene with the jeepney... my dad was freaking mad because they closed off the road as early as 3AM and I was pregnant then... lol


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-30 21:51:00
PhilippinesPoint of Entry Questions

There will be no issues.

I came in through LAX but we live in Ga.

 


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-07-01 08:40:00
PhilippinesApplied for SSN

Update: The SSN Card arrived today in the mail! About a week of waiting. :) Yey!

My name is spelled correctly in the card. Is there anything/anywhere else I need to verify if everything is fine?

 

 


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-07-01 13:17:00
PhilippinesApplied for SSN

 

 

I hope so too.

 

My friends live in Roswell and Sandy Springs


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-26 17:02:00
PhilippinesApplied for SSN

That's good to hear. The AOS package will be sent today - hopefully. :) I prepared everything and asked the husband to photocopy some things and mail it when complete.

 

New here in the forum? Not really.. I started out as a lurker.. LOL but eventually added some insights when I started with my son's CRBA and when  I was doing the K-1 in the Philippines.

 

New in the US? Fairly new. Got in CA on May 12, 2013 and GA on May 22, 2013. We live in Cumming - I think around 40 mins from the SSS office.

 

 hey there,,u new here? i am from Gainesville, GA really close to the SSS office. U will get it less than 4 weeks. u may have it in the mail within a week.

 


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-26 12:57:00
PhilippinesApplied for SSN

glad to hear!

 

i was baffled that they messed up my name tho.

 

as always, thanks for the information!


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-25 10:54:00
PhilippinesApplied for SSN
Sharing my experience and some question...

So the husband and I went to the SSA office in Gainesville, GA. We went after lunch so I expected a rather long queue.
Upon entering the office, we were welcomed by a machine - a queue machine. It asked if I have set an appointment or not (didn't know you can do this for application of new ssn)- basically my purpose of being there. Got my queue number N284 (I guess N states for "new"). They are already serving N281 so it wasn't really a long queue for my case but they were taking their time dealing with each customer. My number was called and I went to the respective booth. I gave my signed application form and all supporting documents (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Passport, I-94). The lady told me that they need the I-94 that you print off of the internet. [I tried to do that but with all my searches, my name didn't come up]. She then tried to use the 1-94 that I gave her to see if it'll work. She verified some of my information - Place of birth, birthday. After a few minutes of typing on her machine she came back to me and told me that my name on the system was "effed up" [that was my language, not hers. :)]. Apparently they used my whole name (first name, middle name and last name) as my first name.
She photocopied my passport and I-94 and I was given a letter.
She told me that they need to verify my information - they accepted the application form.
I was informed or so I understand that all in all it will take about 4 weeks for them to do that and mail my card.

Is this normal?
Is this how it should be?

mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-25 08:53:00
PhilippinesEAD & AOS

On top of that, you'd have to wait for the marriage certificate which takes about 6-8 weeks to be mailed to you (at least that's how long it took ours. Wedding took place in CA). Ergo, you'd have the delay of about a month after the wedding. :P


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-29 11:00:00
PhilippinesDid not pass CFO seminar
rectify the marriage certificate - or and ask your lawyer about the location discrepancies.
advise your wife to not let her be intimidated by the cfo people but dont be too pushy.
they think they the almighty power - which as the moment they kinda do. =/ (ie no sticker, no fly)
tell her to speak up and have her ask the cfo people what she can do for her case.

when i attended the seminar, the speaker gave her desk number and her personal cellphone number.
ask her to contact them.
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-04-25 10:29:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

hey that's cool - I am always a fan of remodel-ing.

 

re: monster - seek out a 'johnny jump-up' and attach it to a ceiling beam when yer working...  hours of fun ! (for the monster)

 

 

As long as it fits a 17 month old monster, I'm all for it! I can try to make something work like that and put onw in his play room


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-07-08 08:44:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

wei ! what news of mobility for you and the monster? 

 

Not really in dire need as of now. :)

We were looking at Toyota Highlander not sure if we want to get a new or used one.

 

No news on my AOS package since I sent last 6/27.

Re-reading on the DMV manual.

 

So far I'm just busying myself with putting in the laminated floor of our basement,

The little monster is busy making all of his mom's task impossible!

 

:) :) :)


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-07-06 15:36:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

That is so good to hear/read! LOL!

 

Congrats!! :)


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-07-06 14:33:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

In PA, I needed my GC to get a license... Wouldn't accept ead. But they did give me a 5 yr license. Some states will only issue the license for the duration of your greencard (2yrs). I suggest letting her study the manual right away so she can pass the test the first take smile.png

 

I've been studying it while I was waiting for the NOA2. Was doing practice tests too. I downloaded the PDF file of the manual. Since I got here, I didn't have the time as there are a lot of activities here and there plus taking care of my son full time. I may need to re-read and do the practice tests at night when the little monster's sleeping. LOL :)


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-29 15:52:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

 

 

My wife got her's here in GA about a year ago or so. You got to pass a test. If you get just the "learners permit" it's just written. If you get the full blown one you have to take a driving test.

 

You will need your SS card

Green card or proof that you are here legally

 

You are also going to need something to prove you live where you live.   I,e, a Bank statment

 

Do I need to give them my PI driver's license? I read somewhere that you have to.. Not sure what state.

 


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-29 15:49:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

 

 

It appears that Georgia accepts the EAD same as Arizona so it would only be a couple month wait to receive that once AOS is filed (with EAD & AP).   But the I-797 is listed as an accepted document also, so they could bring the NOA for the I-485.

 

Its seems the problem is more like "idiot behind the desk" than a document issue.  wacko.png

 

Which is always the issue with this people... innocent.gif

 

Thank goodness we have the EAD and I-797 options. We'll be getting the car next month, so we'll see about that.

 

Thanks guys!!


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-29 14:29:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

many people buy a small-engine moped, not need a license for the driving... 

 

 

LOL! Thanks Darnell! I'm not a fan. Besides, I don't think I want to put my little monster in it and go all PI-style! :)


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-29 10:58:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

DMV would not allow my wife to get her drivers license until she had her conditional green card. Drivers license expires same day as the green card expires. They also run your information through the SAVE database to verify legal presence. 

 

That's no good news. Oh well... I guess we'll have to see.

It's a bit selfish for them to do that... I understand the work permit (EAD) requirement but the green card? Who knows when it will come. And when you work you need a car since public transportation is not really something abundant here... Oh well...


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-29 10:32:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

Nice to know! Who knows.. We migh bump into each other sometime...


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-28 21:38:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA
Can anyone help me on how to obtain a driver's license in GA. I have check the DMV site for GA and I'm a little confuse. Seems like I can apply for it with just a SSN (and other docs) and not the EAD or GC. I'm certainly not in a rush but just wanted to prepare with the docs needed. Besides, I'm still a little scared driving here... LOL
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-06-28 08:35:00
PhilippinesPregnant

If she wants to have a home birth, and insist on having one have a transportation readily available if ever complications arises. In terms of payments with the hospital for giving birth usually you talk to your doctor if he/she has package of some sort and how much the "damage" would be. CS vs NSD.

 

I had a NSD at a government hospital (my then doctor was affiliated) and I spent about $30K-35K all in. I had to have my companion buy some medical stuff.

 

I am wanting to do a water birth for my next pregnancy! :)

Congrats with the baby.

 

Work on the requirements for CRBA as early as now. :)


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-07-06 14:40:00
PhilippinesDUAL CITIZENSHIP FOR NEWBORN (US & PHILIPPINES)

PI passport is less than PHP 2200. On top of that youd have docuementatio for your child as a Filipino citizen.

I got my son his PI passport first (easy breezy) and did his CRBA and US passport second.

 


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-07-24 15:02:00
PhilippinesNEED YOUR LITTLE HELP!!!

i recently used asaptickets.com as they provided the cheapest at the time i was searching for one.

 

however i normally purchase tickets direct from the airline online.

less hassle when it comes to flight details, etc.

 

what i usually do is search for cheap tickets through kayak, cheapoair, etc. once i found one ill go directly to the airline's site and get it from them. :)


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-07-24 15:05:00
PhilippinesIs Pre Departure Orientation Seminar in Manila a must?

 A friend of mine forgot to attend CFO/PDOS and was turned down at the airport.

Waste of ticket and of time.

This was back in 2009.


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-07-24 14:58:00
PhilippinesMiddle Name (G-325A and I-129f)

I have "2" first names but I used my mom's last name as my middle name - as normal.

My first name now reads:  Penelope May

Middle name: Feliciano (my mom's maiden name)

Last name: Pengson

 

Married version;

First Name: Penelope May

Middle Name: Pengson (my maiden name)

Last Name: Spitze (my husband's last name)

 

This is what I used for all the forms - SSN, Marriage license, Marriage Certificate, AOS forms, EAD and AP forms.


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-09-03 10:24:00
PhilippinesInfant in a Seat: Booking Through Delta Airlines

i paid 10% of the adult fare and taxes for my son's RT ticket with delta - he was a lap passenger.

the adult ticket was purchased online. the kid's ticket was purchased in one of their business centers. 

they just asked for the confirmation number of the accompanying adult

i think the person you spoke to is not knowledgeable enough about the infant lap/seat rate.

 


Hi, just a question... How old is your baby??? Mine will born soon and just wondering how long i will have to wait to be able to travel with the baby in an international flight

 

Thanks

 

 

in terms of when the baby can travel -  you may travel with a 7 days old baby. usually the airline will require a letter from a physician that it is safe for the baby to travel at that age. personally I wont bring a newborn in an airplane. id say about 4-5 months would be ideal. remember airplanes are enclosed space and youd be in it for quite some time thus the germs and all are airtight with you and the baby. i said 4-5 months because theyd just be sleeping, eating, pooping, sleeping, eating...a little play time, eating sleeping in the  plane. 

 

my son was about 7 months when i first traveled with him. it was not something i want to do a repeat of. he wasnt a crier but a whiner. :) he was trying to crawl and try to walk (grabbing on whatever) in the plane. i didnt get any sleep at all. =/

 

good luck!


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-09-04 20:15:00
PhilippinesMy baby have US passport & PH passport does he still need Exit Clearance?
No need for exit clearance. Happy trip!

Source: personal experience


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-09-09 10:29:00
PhilippinesGA Learner's Permit using EAD
so i have been (practice) driving here using my PI license when I noticed that its no longer valid. When I got my EAD we planned a trip to the DMV/DDS for the learner's permit (i wanted to be comfortable driving before I do the behind the wheel). We went in today at 830ish and there was a freaking long line. Took 2.5 hrs of waiting to get my turn. I handed my docs (passport, i766(ead), ssn card, bank stuff, healthcare stuff, i797c). The lady said that she find my immigration stuff so they have to confirm with immigration and it'll take about 5 business days. I can do the knowledge test but won't be able to give me my permit. I'd have to go back when they ask me to and wait in line. She said its becuase I just got my EAD. @_@
mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-09-21 18:04:00
Philippinesreport of marriage form pls help....

its your civil status before getting married.


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-09-29 12:44:00
PhilippinesDenied tourist visa, now on cr1 will they still deny me?

No issues.

When you applied for a B-visa the CO believed that you have immigrant intent.

Now you are interviewing for a CR1 (immigrant visa) you should have immigrant intent. :P

 

Good luck!


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-10-07 13:33:00
PhilippinesAnyone Denied CFO Every Went to Other CFO?

The more you think of CFO as hindrance the more it will become a hindrance to you.

True. You cannot turn a kitten into a lion overnight but she has to make the CFO people/person feel that what you guys have is real.

 

Good luck!


mrsSpitzeFemalePhilippines2013-10-19 22:34:00