Anyone know how you can update the photo's in the album, now that there are only 3 pictures allowed?

Biggest thing for protection is to keep your eyes open and if you think it isn't right or if you feel like something is weird..., go with your gut. More than likely..., even though you won't be right about it except once in 5 times or 10 times..., depending on your level of nervousness and your Awareness of your surroundings...., still for that one time that it saved your stolen __??____ it will have been worth it. The beginning of this month I was in a pet mart near Makati somewhere..., and I felt like I was being tailed. sure enough, some kid kept positioning himself near my right rear. Either he had a thing for my buns or he was trying to make a grab for my wallet....., or maybe it was my imagination, but I moved out of the way and sure enough a few moments later he was there again. After that I just kept facing him until he left the area. Was he a pickpocket? Don't know for sure, and never will, but I still have my wallet. Di ba? After that and until we left that mart, I had my fiancée stay near my fanny to keep it from being a target for a pick pocket. Also, I wore my shirt outside my pants and held the corner of the shirt down so that a pick pocket would have to tug the shirt out of my hand before reaching into my pocket. Finally..., my pockets are actually quite deep and hard to reach my wallet. The shorts are custom tailored and the tailor did that to protect me. Could be the reason that he did not make a grab earlier before I realized that he was staying on my tail so close.

just my prespective, best you forget about shipping auto, if everything is not 100% right you could end up with it confisicated, engine size must not be loarger than 1.5 litres, whole list of stuff, I don't have now. You will be much better off to buy another vehicle here, and depending on where you live, you may never actually need a car. I f you ride the Jeepneys as I do, instead of driving. My aswia says the reason I like to ride the jeepneys is all the pretty girls that are on them, I just smile an say ""you got that right"" I can go anywhere in Iloilo City I want to go for less than 20 cents, thats if I have to change onece, if not its 10 cents, an I leave the Revo at home in the garage, an leave the driving to them. Just like Greyhound, but much cheaper. An lots better views, all over the place

I am trying to find the most cost effective way of sending my personal effects from the UK to the Cebu. I have searched the archives but not found anything yet. I probably will not have enough freight for a container (the most would be a small rooms worth) and the least would be 4 - 5 parcels each about 1M square, 30kg weight. Speed of delivery is not important.

We have a trip planned to Cebu next month which goes through Hong Kong. I am hearing from our relatives in the RP that flights from China are being quarantined due to the new potentially deadly respiratory virus. Do any of you living in the Philippines have any information on this?

Hi,My daughter (2.5 yo) went to public pre-school. She had balikbayan stamp, but nobody asked to see it.

We (my wife) processed a Fiance Visa in 2001 at the British Embassy I sent the Fiance Visa fee I think it was £280 to my wife who paid the fee at the embassy when she applied at the Embassy - For some reason the Embassy exchange rate of pounds to Peso is a little lower. The application form is very easy to fill out, and there is a help form for the sponsor so its not necessary to employ a company to do it for you. It will take 6 months to process because of the waiting list and it is impossible to get the application processed quicker than that (unless there is a fall in Fiance Visa applicants) she needs her NBI clearance, CFO class and stamp, passport valid for 6 months and all the documents her Fiance should have sent to her before applying as listed on the application form downloadable from the IND. The hardest part is the waiting for the interview. ps my wife just got her indefinate leave to remain in the UK which took six weeks to process here in the UK.

One thing that might explain the price difference. IF she is buying them by the piece they would normally cost more..., even here in the US..., (If you could even buy them that way). Ask her to price a 20 pc set if she can find it there..Not sure I am on the right track, but it just struck me as a possible explanation for the high price.

It is amazing to me that a Service such as the phone company can be so ineffective. When I use my land line phone to call the Philippines the corresponding charges are reflected on the monthly statement. When I call the same number in the RP on my cellphone no charges appear. This has been going on for the past 5 months. (Yes, I do expect to get a billing for these calls sooner or later.)I called my Cellphone provider (AT&T wireless) and they state they must wait until the phone company in the RP informs them of the rate to be charged. If this is the way things are done generally in the RP with business?

i'd consider a phone call to the BCIS to see what they say about the situation. they might pick up the tab to send her home.

You know ive been stranded in a ditch in the Phil..the driver crashed[going to fast],i spent 15 hrs near MAYON volcano, with little food and no water, but i was in the Phil and the people there are loving and gave me rice ,ginebra,water and sweets,i was a total stranger, they kept me company, and kept me amused i feel for this young lady, and would like to offer some money towards her flight home. cant offer much as i already have commitments, but who knows if it helps her get home...

received an email from a Filipina who is in America on a Fiancee Visa. She stayed with the guy for a couple of weeks and it did not work out. She moved out to a filipina friend's house there in America. Her Visa will run out in a April and she has no ticket back to Manila. Isn't the guy who brought her to America responsible for a round trip ticket?

In the Philippines,especially outside of Manila,you can save yourself a lot of aggravation by arming yourself with generic names and going to the Philippine National Drug Formulary site at Most drugstores do not have access to it and if you don't ask for exactly what you want,the clerk(hardly ever a pharmacist) will give you a simple ""wala"" even though another brand or dosage is available.If you want a 50mg tablet and it is not in stock ask what other sizes are available.You might have to take 2- 25mg or split a 100 in two but at least you will have your medicine. Over-the counter medicine is similar:eg.Acetameniphin(tylenol)is known more commonly as paracetamol.The generic versions are as little as 75 centavos/tablet.Ibuprofin(Advil and Motrin)can generally be found in the provinces as Midol.Alaxan,incidentally,is paracetamol and Ibuprofin combination.This combination is discouraged by some U.S. doctors.Though the Philippines has the disadvantage of limited availability,it has the advantage of relaxed prescription requirements so you can improvise and make do in your health care requirements as you must in other aspects of ""living in the Philippines.I am posting this as return of the favor Don did my husband by posting information of the much cheaper Simvastatin,Vidastat.

Don't be afraid too much about the surgery, the result is worth it. I had such an operation (gastric bypass) two years ago and for sure would do it again. My reduction of weight was from about 260 down to 180 pounds, before I had to inject insulin because of diabetes, now no more. Before I had a sleep apnea, that is gone as well... I am living in Switzerland, here the insurances pay it if you have a BMI greater than 40, or greater than 35 and other risks like diabetes - and you must have a history of several failed diets (which anyone with a heavy overweight has)

NB: I am currently in Cebu with my asawa for holidays. Being a lurker to this group, I took the advice to go to Dra. Fernando. It is true, she is an excellent dentist, a beautiful women and she is singing while working. I also bought a complete computer plus some extras at Thinking Tools in SM City 4th floor, told them that they have a good reputation here in this group. BTW I would like to add a recommendation for a hotel here; this is the third time I am staying in the Montebello Villa Hotel. They call it ""a garden hotel"" and that's what it is.

It is not America my friend it is the person or persons that cannot make it work for one reason or the other.... For the cost of the ticket, regardless of whose fault it is, I think the Gent is cheap for just dumping her here. I am new to this site and have considered living in the Philippines as I have met a lady there that seems to be what I have been looking for. I certainly have learned from the various posts here and will keep reading..

That poor girl needs to contact Philippine Embassy, or Consulate General. They can help her to get in touch with ""Commission on Filipinos Overseas"" - Department of Foreign Affairs. That is organization which helps stranded Filipinos to get back home. My asawa used to have ph. # for ""CFO"", but we lost it. (never needed it).

Hello fellow PI friends I will be moving a lot of household goods by air cargo to Cebu City the end of June. I will be arriving on a tourist visa. The official tax is 50% yet I know how flexible that can be (higher or lower). So my question is should I sell most electronic things (stero,tv,vcr,computer, pc) and just start over again or can I get them in as my personel things without too much hassle? Should I try to use a freight agent to help? I have lots of books too. Anyone done this who can advise me. I live in Thailand and there are no Balikbayan box services here that I am aware of.,as is the case from other countries.

I have some examples of what has happened with fiancees' coming here and when things went wrong. I'll share a few of them... I met ""Tom"" at HK when we were both on our way to Cebu. He told me about his fiancee that he was meeting. She had been on the streets since 14 years old. Still didn't get along with her separated parents. He saw the ""red flags"" that I saw, but felt sorry for her. ""All she needs is a chance"" was his mantra. She would disappear after receiving money from him. And what he sent was never enough. She came here. Remained silent and wouldn't have anything to do with him. She was gone one day. He found out that she moved in with his ""friends"" he had introduced her to. I got him to write to the INS and explain that he was no longer her ""guardian"" and he couldn't find her to give her a return ticket (which he had bought). His ""friends"" told him later that she had gone back to Cebu City. We don't know if this is true or not. Although broken-hearted, I convinced him to get ""back on the bicycle"". Told him ""no more fiancee visas"". Introduced him to ""Alice"". He went to Cebu, fell in love (again), married, and she will be here in a few months. When Alice went to the CFO for her class on coming here, they found Tom's 1st fiancee application in their computer. They instantly grilled Alice about what she knew of this. INS never questioned this when he put in the spousal visa app.

brought his fiancee here, then sent her back. Bought her ticket and she was gone. He said they agreed to try this again when his children are out of high school and have left home. I haven't heard from him or her again. Don't know how this story will end.

So far INS has not answered any of the above. But most of the fiancee and spousal visa couples that I know are happy together. The above stories are in the minority.

hi all, a business venture i'm interested in, in the PI, relates to the availability of Wood and its prices, can anyone tell me what wood is available there and an idea of its price per bd ft ? wood like Philippine Mahogany, or teak, or others, since i'm not sure just what grows there. another thing i'm wondering about is mailing items purchased in the PI back to the USA, any restrictions or things to know about the postal service ? how are rates compared to the USA ?

I was wondering if anyone knows a good knee surgeon in Cebu? Also if anyone has any knowledge of people who have had Knee Replacement Surgery in the Philippines? Have a Great Day

I would really like to hear both sides of the story. Under normal circumstances the man should be obligated to pay for her trip back but there are situations where I would even refuse to pay for the ticket. Deceit is a big factor; there are many people who use the internet as a tool to lie about themselves in order to gain. I personally would end the relationship and she would be on her own. Of course I would listen and decide if the deception was serious enough to leave but I wouldn't want a relationship that started with lies in the beginning. Most of the Filipinas I met are honorable, friendly and honest. They have the same moral values as I was raised on, but people are people and some will do what's necessary to get what they want. That's why I would have to hear both sides of the story before I can come to a conclusion. My heart goes out to her if she was victimized and if that's the case I would like to help her.

this is America. This is where it is nearly impossible to get an answer from a government official in a timely manner, and where the age old 'pass the buck' theory is the one practiced the most. Without hearing both sides of this story, I would not venture so far as tho call this gent 'cheap'. Several years ago I petitioned a lovely girl for fiance visa. She informed me she could not come to the US until she had a house built for her mother, which at the cost of approximately $10,000, I did. There was also a matter of her always having 'emergencies'. wherein she would need $100 to $1000 at a time for such things as kidney transplants, and leg amputations for family members. Being the uneducated sucker that I was, I sent nearly every last penny to her, until there was no more pennies in the jar. Then came the time when she was finally coming to the US. She was hostile from the moment she first got off the plane, and left after just a few days, taking with her my bill money for the month. ($1463) Come to find out, she had a filipino boyfriend who lived a couple of hundred miles from me, in Denver, and that is where she went. Within a week, I was to get a letter from her fully expecting me to pay for a plane ticket for her to get back to PI. Seems her boyfriend had another girlfriend. I refused to buy her a return ticket, and was immediately labeled by some certain individuals as 'cheap', and an ""a-hole"". Was I one of these nice things I was so labelled? If so, then I am very proud of it. She tried writing letters to INS, and went to a judge, trying to force me to pay her ticket back home, all to no avail. She made it home on her own accord, and before the visa expired. Given all that she gained from this 2 year relationship, I'm positive she has since found another sucker. There is much to be learned about the PI and it's culture, and much of it can be learned on this forum if one keeps one's mind open and does not judge another hastily without full knowledge of the facts. May your lessons be easier than some of mine were.

Not a good story and I am sorry that you had to experience such a negative heart matter. I suppose I am or always have been one to take care of those that need the help. I have a % of sucker in me also but have learned much from the site. I stand corrected and will not jump to conclusions again before the facts are known. I am so sick of American women and their materialistic and self centered mentality that I had given up on having a woman. I have met one in the Philippines and she seems to be very straight as I have tried to cross her up a few times. Time will tell and I appreciate your input..

Very interesting, and particularly your lengthy message Don, This is the best reason it is so important to network between us all, I know of two parties that had situations that did not work out, and both from what I know stemed from a filipina just wanting a ""ticket into the usa"" In one of them, the Filipina did not marry and my buddy notified the INS and withdrew his petition, after which she was deported by the INS and the INS put her on a plane, and then sent the bill to my friend, end of matter, Interesting that I heard much of the details of this story two weeks ago, and my friend,, ( who finally married a truthful sincere loving girl from Cebu) that he has found out that this prior same lady has somehow got ahold of another guy from this same small town and going to do it again!! He says that he will keep his mouth shut and wishes nobody ill, Yes, As Don indicated there are tons and tons of assistance in the USA for women no matter thier situation whether the wronger or not,,,, that is kind of unfair considering nobody that I know of organization wise will pick up the chips for a wronged or needy man., Im not just blithering on here, but have seen this so many times and personally suffered,, and Im not trying to stereo type or generalize, to be sure as Don says one has to look into the details of the real story, and of course the leaning in this country is towards the supposed weaker sex,,,,, I agree extremely strongly that it is much better chance and reality to find a provincial female, and particularly one who you know and thru either a family known member or a friend rather than the blind bowl of soup that the internet is, Interesting that you are a Phychologist Don,, that accounts for much of the savvy of your outlook and advice,, but as you admit,, even so one can still fall into a pit of the human periodic mess right?

I am presently dating a filipina here in canada and from what I can see about their culture it would apear to me that the filipinas work together sharing money and food to a great extent. I am sure this women could get assistance promptly from her own people if she needed it. Sounds more like a scam than a need. I have never been to the philipines but have spent much time in thailand and I personally would not believe a word of this message. I feel the integrity of this sight has been abused by this request.

Is there really a girl stranded here? She should contact her nearest Philippine Consulate, it is their duty and they have the experience to help her. If the girl is a scam artist the Philippine Consulate can tend to it. If she has been abused by the American citizen, the Philippine Consulate can also address that issue with the proper American authorities and the I.N.S. The girl is presently staying with a Philippine friend here in the USA, however she knows this other Filipina, so she is safe and has the help she needs. Enough.

How are you legally able to take your ssi into the RR? I have always wanted to do this, but Supplemental Social Security income is for blind, over 65 and permanently disabled people. Not the same as SSA/SSDI etc. SSI payments to not travel to foreign countries. I'd like to see how you did this. I'd like to take mine to RP too. But legally can't.

Now that sounds like a match made in heaven! Or, probably more likely, heavens counterpart. Well, I guess if she were to do that then the question would be answered as to her intentions, now wouldn't it? What ever happened to people marrying for LOVE? Is that so old fashioned that even in the Philippines it is fast becoming a distant memory? I for one certainly hope not, for that is what drove many of us to the Philippines looking for a life to begin with, was good old fashioned family values.

Interesting article. I would say though that when you want to play the game you play by the rules no matter how unfair they may be.

Hello fellow PI friends. I will be moving a lot of household goods by air cargo to Cebu City the end of June. I will be arriving on a tourist visa. The official tax is 50% yet I know how flexible that can be (higher or lower). So my question is should I sell most electronic things (stero,tv,vcr,computer, pc) and just start over again or can I get them in as my personel things without too much hassle? Should I try to use a freight agent to help? I have lots of books too. Anyone done this who can advise me. I live in Thailand and there are no Balikbayan box services here that I am aware of.,as is the case from other countries.

seems that you are the man to ask about things medical for Ex-Pats in the Philippines. This particular procedure has been in my mind for a long time, but having it done in the US is too cost prohibitive. What is your opinion of having a Gastric By-Pass done in the Philippines? It will be awhile before I can have it done..., heart first so that I can withstand the by-pass and then recuperation B/4 gastric, but should I even consider the PI for this surgery. Need to plan ahead and try to set a timetable for doing things to coordinate with getting married, etc.. I'm going to need to be in better shape because I don't want Lorena to just be my nurse in a year or two. LOL Besides..., I'm going to need more energy to keep up with her since she is more than 20 years younger than I am. Plus, I inherit two kids as part of the deal. I certainly need a tune up. LOL Anyway..., after I saw the results that Al Roker..., the weather man for NBC today show had..., I was impressed. But what Peter from Switzerland wrote really hit home. I'm diabetic and have sleep Apnea. yeah..., I know..., different strokes for different folks and maybe it won't be as much help for me as it was for him, but it has to be a help if I lose 100 Lbs or even 80 lbs. The negative is that I won't be able to enjoy food anymore, but the good news is that I won't be able to enjoy food anymore. But maybe I'll be able to enjoy watching my new family go to college before I kick the bucket. I noted that one of the first casualties of the war was the son of a Filipina / American relationship although I don't think he was blood to the American. But he was a Marine! Made me fell something good inside that his step father was there and he thought enough of this country and the step father that had taken him in to serve this country. Maybe I'll be responsible for bringing in a Dr. or engineer that will affect the course of this country in the future when I bring my Filipina wife and her family here. Not to say that I am not proud of the two kids that I raised already. An engineer and a chef grad of Johnson and Wales Univ school of culinary arts. Why quit now, right? But I digress. Anyway..., thanks for any advice or info you might have for me regarding the feasibility and advisability of having a Gastric By-pass in the RP.