Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Hi all, hope everyone had a good Christmas. Marivic and I processed through Detroit for POE this morning via Manila - Japan. The POE was a simple 2 minute stand at the window get a few stamps and hand them the sealed envelope. We are both jet lagged but very happy to be home together. It was the first time I have flown home from the Phils without feeling so depressed ;-) Welcome home!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-02 15:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	PatientlyWaiting, Jinky finally received packet 4 on January 2, 2007 as an update to your list! Thank you!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-02 15:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Hi friends. I have just received my notice of I-130 approval in the mail. At last, maybe I can be official and join the list here? Watcha say PW, add me to the list? Thanks! Oops, December 28th, I guess you need that info. Congratulations!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-03 20:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	hi guys n gals, would anyone be able to provide me with experience with mailing stuff (ie: documents) over to do Phils, cause I use US postal service, usually when I send documents I have no trouble but about 45% of the time he doesnt get it, and I need to send copies of stuff over there for interview ,anyone use another service? Also , for the interview does he need original items; ie cards he sent me, and vice versa? Do I need to send original paystubs? Thanks! Fed-Ex and UPS are expensive. USPS international rates are ok, but once it leaves the USA you are at the mercy of PhilPost. I sent a package and paid for 4 to 7 day delivery, it arrived after 1 month. I sent 2 boxes surface rate on October 16th and still waiting for delivery. Although I have not used USPS Global Express, I guess it's worth a shot. I sent an International Express USPS envelope for Jinky and it arrived about 5 days later. She's in Cebu. The catch was she went to the post office directly. I think I paid about $18.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-05 18:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	FYI - on shipping using USPS. Global Express Guaranteed® Now you can prepare your expedited international shipments online Global Express Guaranteed is an international expedited shipping option from the U.S. Postal Service and FedEx. It offers you reliable, date-certain shipping to thousands of destinations in nearly 200 countries/territories worldwide. This service is available from nearly 8,400 participating retail locations throughout the United States. Please check the Participating Post Offices to find the post office nearest you that accepts Global Express Guaranteed mailings. Print a Global Express Guaranteed label with or without Postage. (Registration Needed) Order supplies online at www.usps.com/shipping, by fax at 1-800-270-6233, by phone at 1-800-610-8734 or at a Global Express Guaranteed participating post office. If your local post office is not currently a participating service location, you are encouraged to speak to your postmaster about expanding service so that it may be locally available to you. https://sss-web.usps.../jsps/index.jsp You'll save money if you use the USPS. For an envelop that's less than one pound, the cost is about $33. A 2 pound package will cost you about $20 more. Edited by Steven_and_Jinky, 05 January 2007 - 09:08 PM.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-05 21:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	well, it s about my NBI clearance...i have one since april 2006, my interview is on feb...do i need to get a new one which is recent and closer to my date of interview? clearance here in Phil is good for one year, so mine is not expired yet...buut. just want to make sure if the USE would require me a recent one.. thanks, fel Hi Fel, I think I read it somewhere that it should be a recent as 6 months, so I would recommend getting another one just to be on the safe side.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-06 02:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	FYI - on shipping using USPS. Global Express Guaranteed® Now you can prepare your expedited international shipments online Global Express Guaranteed is an international expedited shipping option from the U.S. Postal Service and FedEx. It offers you reliable, date-certain shipping to thousands of destinations in nearly 200 countries/territories worldwide. This service is available from nearly 8,400 participating retail locations throughout the United States. Please check the Participating Post Offices to find the post office nearest you that accepts Global Express Guaranteed mailings. Print a Global Express Guaranteed label with or without Postage. (Registration Needed) Order supplies online at www.usps.com/shipping, by fax at 1-800-270-6233, by phone at 1-800-610-8734 or at a Global Express Guaranteed participating post office. If your local post office is not currently a participating service location, you are encouraged to speak to your postmaster about expanding service so that it may be locally available to you. https://sss-web.usps.../jsps/index.jsp You'll save money if you use the USPS. For an envelop that's less than one pound, the cost is about $33. A 2 pound package will cost you about $20 more. Sure but USPS has never delivered anything for me anywhere near on time. The last Global Express I sent (for about $16) was supposed to be delivered in 4-5 business days and took 9 business days. Keep in mind that weekends and national holidays will delay things. I understand what you're saying but I personally would rather save the $60 or more by taking the chance that it might take a few days more. Also, I would recommend your fiancee go to her local post office and check for the package everyday because many times, the actual delivery is what adds to the delay.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-06 18:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	well, it s about my NBI clearance...i have one since april 2006, my interview is on feb...do i need to get a new one which is recent and closer to my date of interview? clearance here in Phil is good for one year, so mine is not expired yet...buut. just want to make sure if the USE would require me a recent one.. thanks, fel Hi Fel, I think I read it somewhere that it should be a recent as 6 months, so I would recommend getting another one just to be on the safe side. And, just a reminder, the NBI clearance needs to be stamped "for foreign travel" or "for US travel", or something like that. gary and steve, thanks...what about my police clearance?it s good for 6 months here and i got mine last november ... thanks again fel Hi Fel, Here's what it says on the Manila Embassy website regarding the NBI Clearance: NBI CLEARANCE. Applicants aged 16 years and older must have a valid Record Clearance for Travel Abroad Purposes from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). An official letter of explanation from the NBI is required for any notation of “No criminal record”, No pending criminal case” or “With derogatory record.” NBI is located along Taft Avenue in Manila. For immigration purposes, an NBI clearance is considered valid only for a year from the date it is issued. I think I got the 6 months somewhere on VJ because you never know how long the process will take. If yours is as recent as November, you are fine. Hope that helps ease your mind a little. These last details are driving us all crazy.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-07 20:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	hi all!!! it will be my first international flight this coming jan 27th and as much as im so excited to finally be with my babe at last i also cant help being nervous and worried being alone too... just wondering if there's someone on vj has the same flight as me. il be flying PAL 8:10 AM on the 27th bound to hong kong and has a connecting flight to United Airlines going to San Fran as my port of entry... Anyone??? thanks PS any reminders/advices what to expect especially arriving at my POE??? is very much appreciated I can't help you with the joining you on the flight, though I don't blame you for looking for a travel companion, that flight is long and boring. However I've flown into SF often and can tell you the immigration officers are very friendly and helpful (I'm U.S. citizen but I've heard good stories from immigrants also) and the customs officers are friendly, even when they hold you to look through your luggage. You shouldn't have any problems. Incidentally be prepared for a possible long walk between gates at Hong Kong, that airport is huge. It actually took my wife and I a half hour to walk to our departure gate. that's why I decided to have my fiancee fly PAL direct to SFO. she'll be flying with her daughter and want to make it as easy as possible for her. I'll be picking them up at SFO. PAL is the best way too go for the direct flight. @ 46,746.00 PHP (956.42 USD) one way the cost is not bad for the not needing too change planes. I try too sleep on the long flights or watch a movie or read. But sure I have made friends with the persons setting next too me also. Holy Cow! That much??? That's about what I paid to fly to the Philippines round trip from LAX on Cathay Pacific back in April. I was counting on finding a one-way ticket for under $600, especially since I'm going to need to buy one for Jinky and her 5 year old son, Job. Did you look into your fiancee purchasing the ticket over there? I believe you'll save some money that way as well.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-07 20:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	hi all!!! it will be my first international flight this coming jan 27th and as much as im so excited to finally be with my babe at last i also cant help being nervous and worried being alone too... just wondering if there's someone on vj has the same flight as me. il be flying PAL 8:10 AM on the 27th bound to hong kong and has a connecting flight to United Airlines going to San Fran as my port of entry... Anyone??? thanks PS any reminders/advices what to expect especially arriving at my POE??? is very much appreciated I can't help you with the joining you on the flight, though I don't blame you for looking for a travel companion, that flight is long and boring. However I've flown into SF often and can tell you the immigration officers are very friendly and helpful (I'm U.S. citizen but I've heard good stories from immigrants also) and the customs officers are friendly, even when they hold you to look through your luggage. You shouldn't have any problems. Incidentally be prepared for a possible long walk between gates at Hong Kong, that airport is huge. It actually took my wife and I a half hour to walk to our departure gate. that's why I decided to have my fiancee fly PAL direct to SFO. she'll be flying with her daughter and want to make it as easy as possible for her. I'll be picking them up at SFO. PAL is the best way too go for the direct flight. @ 46,746.00 PHP (956.42 USD) one way the cost is not bad for the not needing too change planes. I try too sleep on the long flights or watch a movie or read. But sure I have made friends with the persons setting next too me also. Holy Cow! That much??? That's about what I paid to fly to the Philippines round trip from LAX on Cathay Pacific back in April. I was counting on finding a one-way ticket for under $600, especially since I'm going to need to buy one for Jinky and her 5 year old son, Job. Did you look into your fiancee purchasing the ticket over there? I believe you'll save some money that way as well. on PAL website. one way from Manila to LAX 28326p adult, 22,564p child for a total of about 1120 USD. that's if you book 30 days in advance. Thanks, Rob!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-07 20:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	hi all!!! it will be my first international flight this coming jan 27th and as much as im so excited to finally be with my babe at last i also cant help being nervous and worried being alone too... just wondering if there's someone on vj has the same flight as me. il be flying PAL 8:10 AM on the 27th bound to hong kong and has a connecting flight to United Airlines going to San Fran as my port of entry... Anyone??? thanks PS any reminders/advices what to expect especially arriving at my POE??? is very much appreciated I can't help you with the joining you on the flight, though I don't blame you for looking for a travel companion, that flight is long and boring. However I've flown into SF often and can tell you the immigration officers are very friendly and helpful (I'm U.S. citizen but I've heard good stories from immigrants also) and the customs officers are friendly, even when they hold you to look through your luggage. You shouldn't have any problems. Incidentally be prepared for a possible long walk between gates at Hong Kong, that airport is huge. It actually took my wife and I a half hour to walk to our departure gate. that's why I decided to have my fiancee fly PAL direct to SFO. she'll be flying with her daughter and want to make it as easy as possible for her. I'll be picking them up at SFO. PAL is the best way too go for the direct flight. @ 46,746.00 PHP (956.42 USD) one way the cost is not bad for the not needing too change planes. I try too sleep on the long flights or watch a movie or read. But sure I have made friends with the persons setting next too me also. Holy Cow! That much??? That's about what I paid to fly to the Philippines round trip from LAX on Cathay Pacific back in April. I was counting on finding a one-way ticket for under $600, especially since I'm going to need to buy one for Jinky and her 5 year old son, Job. Did you look into your fiancee purchasing the ticket over there? I believe you'll save some money that way as well. Steven, Check the website www.philippineairlines.com I checked 2 days ago. The one way is 25,000php with taxes included. Cathay Pacific is 66,000php go fiure. Cliff. Thank you! That is a big difference. I will say though that Cathay Pacific's service is excellent, although I've never flown on PAL.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-08 02:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	I just realized that our NOA2 is now over 4 months old. Do I need to contact the USE and tell them to renew it? Gary, I would call just to be on the safe side.....with the Manila Embassy you just never know. How's the smoking cessation coming along? I am battling that habit as I type Our interview is either 5 days past the 4 month mark or 3 days shy since we received 2 NOA2 letters! I feel safe enough but it would be great if the Manila Embassy website would address the issue of NOA2's expiration date. They must realize that once the NOA2 is sent to the NVC, we have no control over the speed at which we finally receive the Visa, which is probably why it seems to be a non-issue with them. I have yet to read of anyone who was delayed or denied a Visa because their interview was scheduled after the NOA2 expiration date.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-09 16:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Every city that you lived in since your 16th years old, get the police clearance on every municipal that you lived in, if u went to work outside the Philippines you still need also a police clearance from that country, eventhough you got police clearance in city you lived in, you still required to submit the NBI to the embassy. Goodluck. Do I really need to get A POLICE CLEARANCE TO ALL THE PLACE THAT I LIVE IN SINCE IM 16th YEARS OLD?CAN SOMEBODY HELP ME OUT?THANKS! To clarify this question. Do you need a police report from each city in the Philippines or are police reports only required for other countries you lived in? If you only lived in PI is the NBI the only thing you need? Whoah. Either I misread the instructions on Packet 4 or something because that is NOT what I understood it to be. The NBI Clearance should suffice unless the beneficiary lived in another country. Can somebody tell me where else does it say you need a Police Record for all cities you've lived in, in the Packet 4 instructions? Here's what the instructions specify. OTHER COUNTRY POLICE CERTIFICATES. Applicants aged 16 years and older must also present police certificates from other countries where they have lived for six (6) months or more after reaching the age of 16. Information on police certificate availability by country can be found on the Embassy’s website or at http://intranet.ca.s...tyweb/index.htm.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-10 19:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Congratulations to Dave Horton with your step kid's interviews! Just an FYI update with regard to shipping documents internationally. On Monday, at about 9:30am California time, I mailed off 1.2 lbs of documents (Affidavit of Support, copy of I-129F, etc) to Jinky through the U.S. Postal Service using Global Express Guaranteed at the cost of $54. She received it, hand delivered by a FedEx agent today (her Thursday), my Wednesday evening at approximately 8pm...that was less than 3 days! Had I gone directly through FedEx, the cost would have been $164...so I saved over $100. I know some here in this thread said they've tried this service without reliable success, however, I would point out that you must make sure you are getting the 'Guaranteed' Global Express where the label has a FedEx logo on it. The U.S. Postal Service works with FedEx for this service, which is comparible to FedEx's speed but for a fraction of the cost. Just wanted to pass that along and hopefully save other's here some money.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-11 02:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	the article by Mr Ellis is meant to cover all embassies, If you'll look at the letter or P3 letter from the manila embassy it says we want to ASSURE you...blah blah AS LONG AS YOU BOTH REMAIN LEGALLY FREE TO MARRY AND INTEND TO DO SO blah blah... SO what would they be assuring us of if it were not that as long as you still intend to marry that they will revalidate??????? Jazzys right, its automatic but hey send all the faxes letters telegrams candygrams you want, but for crying out loud LET IT GO! Just my two cents - since the Manila Embassy often schedules the interview date after the 4 month expiration, and they felt it the responsability of the petitioner to ask for an extension they would make a point of that on their website, but they don't. Does anybody have an idea how many K1 Visas they interview for in a month? I'll take a wild guess and say it's got to be in the hundreds. Kind of silly to then think they'd be sending petitions back to DHS because they didn't ask for an extension.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-11 13:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	And to put to rest "routine" and "automatic". Here's what the dictionary says: ROUTINE ~ a regular course of procedure; habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure AUTOMATIC ~ largely or wholly involuntary, especially reflex; acting or done spontaneously or unconsciously Since we are talking about a procedure here that requires conscious effort and not an involuntary action done spontaneously, "routine" would be the appropriate word to use. Plus of course, it's the word used by the embassy. The only requirement for NOA2 to be revalidated is for one to remain legally free to marry and that the intent is there. Request to revalidate is not a requirement. Now, can we bury this issue already and start anew? Please? Pretty Pretty Woman Please? I second that!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-11 21:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	For those with February interviews - who has already purchased a plane ticket? Where did you purchase it, what airlines and what was the cost? ...also, how many days after the interview did you book it for? Thanks! Edited by Steven_and_Jinky, 15 January 2007 - 09:23 PM.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-15 21:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	For those with February interviews - who has already purchased a plane ticket? Where did you purchase it, what airlines and what was the cost? ...also, how many days after the interview did you book it for? Thanks! I didnt buy her ticket yet, but i was going too get her a direct flight though philippine airlines: http://wftc3.e-trave...amp;LANGUAGE=GB Price depends on where you are flying our from. She needs too fly too Manila from CDO or Cebu. Also will you get a round trip ticket or one way? I will get her a oneway ticket. the price i got today was: 43,364.00 PHP (888.53 USD) flying too our POE of LAX. That quote you got seems a bit high for a one way...maybe because she's coming from CDO? We're planning on just buying one-way tickets. Do you plan on booking the flight before she has the interview or were you going to wait? For those with February interviews - who has already purchased a plane ticket? Where did you purchase it, what airlines and what was the cost? ...also, how many days after the interview did you book it for? Thanks! I didnt buy her ticket yet, but i was going too get her a direct flight though philippine airlines: http://wftc3.e-trave...amp;LANGUAGE=GB Price depends on where you are flying our from. She needs too fly too Manila from CDO or Cebu. Also will you get a round trip ticket or one way? I will get her a oneway ticket. the price i got today was: 43,364.00 PHP (888.53 USD) flying too our POE of LAX. I asked for quotation from my travel agent here in Manila and they quoted me these Philippine Airlines airfare for Feb. 15 departure MNL-LAX one-way: First time immigrant fare - $554 (inclusive of US taxes) + P1,620 travel tax Regular airfare - $691 (inclusive of US taxes) + P1,620 travel tax You may want to ask about "first-time immigrant fare" for your ladies guys! I think it's only Phil. Airlines that offers this fare type. Thank you, PW! That is quite a bit of savings!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-16 03:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	me i jsut bought mine last week carrrier korean air route dfw to inchean south korea to manila time 2 weeks price 1030 round trip i purchased mine at emerald travel agency i have used korean 4 times so far and find them impressive in service i have used philippine airlines before and they totally SUCK lol only time i would use them again is if the tickets were free..... good luck in shopping for air fare... hope u find a good deal Korean Air is superb! I took a trip to Beijing 4 years ago on Korean Air. Right now, lowest price is going to be my biggest issue. I flew PAL from Manila to Cebu last April and I thought it was great. If Jinky were flying all the time, she might be inclined to notice the small differences in onflight services, but for this trip, I think she's going to just be happy to see me when she arrives. (6 weeks or less, I hope!)	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-16 03:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	For those with February interviews - who has already purchased a plane ticket? Where did you purchase it, what airlines and what was the cost? ...also, how many days after the interview did you book it for? Thanks! I purchased online with PAL for 28,326php ($468) 8days (Feb28th). That might be pushing it but we are having the visa delivered locally. I think there is a $25 per ticket charge to change the booking. Wow! That's the best price I've seen so far! Thanks! I'm looking at NWA flight 20/2, MNL to LAX (connection in Japan) on Feb 24 or 25. The fare is pretty good but it leaves at 7:50AM. Otherwise Continental has a MNL-LAX flight that stops in Guam and Hawaii but leaves at 11PM. What's the price you were quoted?	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-16 17:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Just an FYI from Cathay Pacific's website: If you are purchasing a ticket for a child under twelve (12) years of age, you may apply for a Reduced Travel Tax (RTT) Certificate from the Department of Tourism, Manila for a discount on travel tax prior to ticketing. Otherwise, full travel tax will be collected and charged to you upon ticket issuance. Policy on child travel tax can be found on Philippine Tourism Authority website: http://www.philtouri...ov.ph/ttax.html http://www.philtouri...tml#t_tax_avail	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-16 17:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	I found Sundays have the least expensive tickets (Kayak). Friday the 9th of February has a real inexpensive ticket Manila to LAX Thanks, Kirk! I should have thought about that! I do recall that last April when I was purchasing my tickets to the Philippines through Cathay Pacific, I called them directly and the rep on the phone was really helpful in finding me the best price ($960 for a roundtrip from LAX to Manila). I just tried Kayak and found the prices the best so far! I even checked to see what the prices would be for a Sunday flight out just over 2 weeks from today's date to see if the price would be much more, but the price was still in the same range, which is comforting because I think I'll wait until Jinky's interview to purchase the tickets. I figure it's going to take about 10 days for Delbros to deliver the Visa to her in Cebu so waiting to fly out a couple of weeks after interview is a reasonable wait. I realize everybody here is anxious to be reunited but I'm wondering how many who've booked their flights too close to the interview date will have to reschedule?	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-18 16:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	does anyone here has experienced visa delivery over two weeks, thanks! im freaking out mine is already two weeks and haven't heard anything from the embassy yet! salamat! Yes, unfortunately I do have experience with visa delivery over two weeks. I believe it took 23 days for our visa to be released from the embassy to delbros. Even though Jenalyn saw "k1 approved" stamped on the documentation and she paid delbros before she left the embassy. A follow-up call a week later to the embassy revealed there was a delay in "releasing" the visa for unspecified reasons. Her interview was Dec. 5, and her visa was released on Dec. 22nd. Or has your visa been "released" and its "in-transit" with delbros for over 2-weeks? A very important point to those who are booking their flights within 2 weeks of interview!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-18 17:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	A Question to everyone preparing for interview: When I sent all needed documents to Jinky, I kept the originals of all receipts, boarding passes (proof of meeting in person) thinking that the copies submitted with the original I-129F were sufficient. I have the originals here with me and my thinking (at the time I mailed her the documents) was keep them here for fear if they were to get lost. For those who already went through the interview - were you asked to show them the original boarding passes, receipts or were copies accepted? I'm planning on mailing the originals to her on Monday via express mail, but it does worry me that she'll be carrying with her all this documentation, some of which we can't replace should it get lost or taken. Any advice would much appreciated! Thanks!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-19 17:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	^it is not necessary to send originals for those things. copies will be great. besides...they probably won't ask for it anyways. at the interview, they will usually look at pictures and snail mail cards. well, that's what happened in my then-fiance's case. Thanks once again, Mychelle! I'll relay that to Jinky.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-19 18:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Since it is a "slow news day" in the Manila forum, I'll share that last night Jenalyn and I got married. We were married by the Camp Hill Mayor at the Cornerstone Coffee House (and wedding chapel) and then everybody walked down the street to the Lebanese restaurant for a feast (complete with belly dancers) prepared by Mike the owner. Not exactly a "traditional" wedding night, but it was a blast, and everybody and a great time (some more then others based upon the number of wine bottles we went through). Congratulations, Brent! That sounds nice! Weddings should be memorable and it seems like so much fuss is put into the big ones that they are more headache than anything. We plan to wait and have a church wedding next year in the Philippines, so nothing fancy for the civil ceremony.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-21 02:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	I finally got a response from PAL online booking regarding re-booking fees. $90 is the re-booking fee for flights not originating in the Philippines and $25 for flights from the Philippines. Wow! That's excellent! Thanks for the heads up on that!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-22 14:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Does anyone know if there is a ZOOM office close too St Lukes? I may need too send money there. Thanks XOOM actually works with various banks in the Philippines - PCI Equitable to name one. Go to the website and they have a list. Jinky is in Cebu and she never has problems finding one so I'm sure there's banks close by. https://www.xoom.com/ WOOHOO got our interview date when i checked the website today medical 03-02-07 interview 03-09-07 Congratulations! It's a nice feeling when you finally get the interview date - like the light at the end of the tunnel!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-22 14:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Sorry for rehashing this but here's what our collective knowledge has come up with regard to cheap airfare: If you use a Philippine Travel Agent and book a flight with PAL, you can get a 'first time' discount (if it is in fact the first time your fiancee has travelled abroad). It's much cheaper to book the departure on a Sunday. If you have to reschedule, PAL charges only $25 for flights that originate in the Philippines - if you book a nonstop from Manila to LAX for example. I don't think you can go wrong with using PAL!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-22 14:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Most of you know the story of Lilia going to her medical exam with a cough and congestion. We were unable to continue with our 12/28 interview because St. Luke's wanted more tests to be certain that she didn't have TB, and couldn't get them scheduled prior to her interview. She ended up going to St. Luke's for 5 days. Finally she was cleared of TB, but missed her interview. The big BAD news was that the embassy was sending us to the back of the queue with a possible May interview date. I faxed a letter with an early interview application that same day (one week ago today). I sent letters to my Senator and Congressman asking that they call the embassy. I called today for outcome of early interview application. Hurah! We are approved for early interview. Our new interview date is February 26. A month from now is double what I asked for, but I will accept it gladly. It is certainly better than May or June. My goodness, this process will age you quickly. Whoohooo! Congratulations! That's fantastic! Hallelujiah!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-22 21:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Well, Jinky attended the CFO seminar yesterday in Cebu and she heard a bunch of the women mentioning VJ and some members names so she asked them if they recognize the names, Steven and Jinky, and they reacted like we're celebrities...hehehe. One of the woman's name was Sherrie (sp) - her fiance lives in the LA of California. Anyhow, it was comforting for her to meet other VJ members there. The interviewers were impressed when Jinky told them that our parents met in Ireland over the summer.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-23 18:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Thanks for the kind word of appreciation. PW is awesome. Through her experiences and tireless efforts, she has really made this thread a viable, fun, and friendly learning experience in which I consider her to be a dear friend. We, meaning every last one of us, have all worked together through the various complexities of our cases to really build a knowledge base to help others. For me, that's what it's all about, making easier for the next person who walks in our shoes. You have all made this experience one that I will never forget and you have all forged a special place in the fiber of my soul. So thank you very much and cheers to you all. May your days be filled with success, love, friendship, and grace. With loving respect… Sheriff Uling p.s. The visa process is a stressful life sucking ambiguous process that I wouldn’t wish upon my most deadliest adversary. AMEN, brother sheriff!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-26 17:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	the DS-156 is the one done online. the third page contains the barcode. print out two sets. bring those to the interview. Ok, I am totally confused now. Luz will be paying for the interview later today. She has: 2 copies of the DS156, 2 copies of the DS 157 and 2 copies of a DS 156-K from her packet 4. Keeping in mind she has her 15 YO son that is going with her, what forms need filled out, how many copies, and do both do exactly the same paperwork? Hi Gary, We were confused on this also, but called the embassy - Robin will need his own DS-156 and DS-157, but as the instructions in packet 4 state, for K2, they don't need a DS-156K. Also, Luz will be paying for 2 Visas as well. Make sure to look over the DS-156 because the answers will be different for Robin than for Luz.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-30 15:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	i have some issue with my son's BC. ive never been married but it just happened that my son's dad signed on the birthcertificate, acknowledging that he's the father.. a lot of friends advised me to secure a father's consent...but...i dont have any idea where in the world is he right now.. i tried to talk about this with larry, but i guess i made the wrong move..i shouldnt have told him about it coz he got pissed off and just starting to lose hope...we're now having this lil arguements this past few days., maybe becoz of the incoming interview and the anxiety and being nervous is there.. truthfully, i really dont know what to do,..ive tried to contact all the members in the forum with k2, so atleast they can tell me any insights about it, but still my situation is a lil bit odd coz of the "ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-BY-THE-FATHER" thing.. Jeramie, I don't think there is anything to worry about. Being an illegitimate child, you have sole parental authority over your son. The fact that your son is below 7 years old makes for a stronger case. The father's acknowledgment has no effect over that authority. Acknowledgment is only important and will serve its purpose pag dating ng “mana” (inheritance). Our Family Code is very clear that the mother has parental authority if child is illegitimate. Even our DSWD, the government agency tasked to protect minor children, exempt illegitimate children from travel clearance if travelling with their mother. Here are the pertinent laws/regulations: Family Code of the Philippines http://www.chanroble...eorderno209.htm Chapter 3. Illegitimate Children x x x Art. 176. Illegitimate children shall use the surname and shall be under the parental authority of their mother, and shall be entitled to support in conformity with this Code. The legitime of each illegitimate child shall consist of one-half of the legitime of a legitimate child. Except for this modification, all other provisions in the Civil Code governing successional rights shall remain in force. (287a) Dept. of Social Welfare & Development FAQs http://www.dswd.gov....tails.php?id=47 CAN A TRAVEL CLEARANCE BE ISSUED TO ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN WHO ARE STILL APPLYING FOR THEIR VISA IN THE EMBASSY? Illegitimate children are under the custody of the mother. If they will be traveling with the mother, they are not required to secure a travel clearance from the DSWD. If they are traveling with person other than the mother, they must secure a travel clearance. I hope that this will put your mind at ease. You may want to PM Rebelheart. I think she has the same case as yours. Maybe others who have the same case can speak up to ease the worry of jeramie and larry. I should not worry if I were you. The embassy knows our law and will abide by it. O ayan, sana magbati na ulit kayo Thank you, PW, you put my mind at ease as well. Jinky and I are in the same boat - she was never married, but her son's biological father's name is on his BC. She did contact the DSWD and they told her no travel clearance was needed as well as the nuns at her CFO, but I was still a little worried whether they meant that only in the case of travelling abroad, whereas he is actually immigrating to the US with his mother. Big sigh of relief! Thank you, thank you! Edited by Steven_and_Jinky, 30 January 2007 - 04:17 PM.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-30 16:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	FINALLY OFF AR!!!!!!!!!! After 9 weeks we are now out of AR.........thanks to everyone. PW please update us. Thanks Congratulation! Hallelujiah!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-30 16:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	We would like to encourage the "silent majority" of Manila thread and the "lurkers" to join in our discussion. Don't be shy to ask questions. Someone would always try to find answers for you. Okay, I have a question. This may be difficult for anyone to answer, but her goes. Fely is plagued by frequent boils (she call them pimples) on her back. Her entire family gets them, but they have been particularly bad for her since I visited her last May and we both had them. I believe I caught them from her (through intimate contact). Since I have returned to the US, I've stopped getting them (though my scars remain). She goes through periods when she has none, then suddenly several break out. I believe something in her environment is causing them (maybe the water?). I have been trying to get her to go see a doctor. Probably a shot of penicillan would make them go away. But the scars will remain for a long time. I am now worried, after reading about other's visits to Saint Lukes, that these scars may cause a problem for her when she goes to her medical. These boild are communicable though contact. I'm wondering if anyone reading this thread is familiar with this condition. And if so if you know what is involved in curing them. For Fely it has been something she has grown up with and accepts it as normal. But I know that is not the norm for most Filipinos. Any suggestions anyone might have would be appreciated, and if this is something that won't be a problem at the medical, please let me know. Thanks. Gary Gary, Have her go to a doctor to look at this condition before her medical exam at St. Luke's. I would highly recommend every beneficiary to see a doctor before the medical exam. Jinky went to her OB/GYN about a month ago to find out she had a UTI and probably had it for months. p.s. Just wanted to add that the medical exam is more a 'medical clearance' - the beneficiary shouldn't be going there to first discover anything wrong with them medically so if they haven't had a physical in awhile, they should go see a doctor prior to the exam. Edited by Steven_and_Jinky, 30 January 2007 - 09:29 PM.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-30 21:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Thank you, PW, you put my mind at ease as well. Jinky and I are in the same boat - she was never married, but her son's biological father's name is on his BC. She did contact the DSWD and they told her no travel clearance was needed as well as the nuns at her CFO, but I was still a little worried whether they meant that only in the case of travelling abroad, whereas he is actually immigrating to the US with his mother. Big sigh of relief! Thank you, thank you! You're very much welcome Steven. Hurrah to our laws for recognizing the Filipina mothers. We are usually the ones left to bear the brunt of bringing up our children when the father decides to do a Houdini so why give them any parental right, right? They don't deserve it. I'm glad there aren't many Filipino guys around here Well, hehehe...I'm actually a divorced father currently raising my two teenagers all by myself. Although for the most part, mother's are very good and nurturing - there are some who, for whatever reasons, aren't very good at raising children...and some father's who are very good at it. Edited by Steven_and_Jinky, 31 January 2007 - 12:44 AM.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-01-31 00:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Folks, I am afraid that I won't be able to be with you all during the get together. Chris called USE and they said that visa is approved and will be released in a day or two. I am hoping for it to come tomorrow. Thank you everyone for the prayers. Sway I am keeping my fingers crossed for you and toes too. Any news from vic and el? Zane Big Congratulations, Zane! Phew! Hope you be on your way soon after it's arrival!	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-02-01 03:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Luz, where do you want us to meet for the get-together? Ken&Maria, please confirm if you are coming. Maria (Richard & Maria) is confirmed na and so am I. Reminder: please expect the usual "KKB" arrangement (dutch treat). PW, Ehssa of dave_ehssa in VJ. If I remember right her interview is the 16th but Dave could not make it to Manila. We are just waiting on Gary and Luz to set a date, place and time. I am hoping for the 15th since there seems to be a lot of interviews on the 16th. Ken Hello Sis..Hi Ken, What :Manila Thread VJ Members Get Together When: Feb 15th 2007--5:30 to 6:00 pm Where:MEGA STAR seafood & hotpot restaurant- 512 Gen .Malvar St.Malate Manila .Tel.#522 -7009 TO 10 Glad to see and meet you all there.. Some member here that wanna' join you are all very much welcome! Sis Cora..im soo excited to see you.. Hope to hear Garya505's confirmation. Hi Sis! Jinky will text you when she arrives back in Manila on the 15th. Hopefully she'll get there in time to have dinner with everyone! Edited by Steven_and_Jinky, 01 February 2007 - 12:45 PM.	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-02-01 12:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Can someone explain why the Consulate upon completion of the interview will not come out and say, "Your Visa is approved?" I've read several posts of people who weren't quite sure whether they actually got approved or not. Do they blow fire out from their mouths if you dare to ask them?	one...two...tree	Male	Philippines	2007-02-01 12:49:00