Leron Leron Sinta Dance Practice

Filipino Cultural Dance - Leron Leron Sinta Dance Practice with Filipino Dance Group "Pacifica".

Leron, Leron Sinta Lyrics

Leron, Leron, sinta
Buko ng papaya
Dala dala’y buslo
Sisidlan ng sinta

Pagdating sa dulo’y
Nabali ang sanga,
Kapos kapalaran
Humanap ng iba.

Halika na Neneng, tayo’y manampalok
Dalhin mo ang buslo, sisidlan ng hinog
Pagdating sa dulo’y uunda-undayog
Kumapit ka Neneng, baka ka mahulog.

Halika na Neneng at tayo’y magsimba
At iyong isuot ang baro mo’t saya
Ang baro mo’t sayang pagkaganda-ganda
Kay ganda ng kulay — berde, puti, pula.

Ako’y ibigin mo, lalaking matapang
Ang baril ko’y pito, ang sundang ko’y siyam
Ang lalakarin ko’y parte ng dinulang
Isang pinggang pansit ang aking kalaban.

Empanada Recipe - Filipino Food Style Learned from Mama!

My mom makes really good Empanadas!

If you are residing in Cebu or Medellin, Cebu Philippines. Please contact me for orders, my mom or brother can deliver it to you!

Or Find and Add my mom in Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/evelyn.montesclaros.5

Thanks!

#FoodGasm #Yummy #Empanadas #Filipino #Food  mmmm

Here's the recipe:

Empanada ( Filipino Food Style )

Dough
1/4 margarine / Butter GradeAA
1/4 sugar
1/4 tspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup Evaporated Milk (Carnation)
1 kl flour

Filing
1/2 KL Ground Beef
Seasoning: Beef Cubes, Pepper, Salt
Diced Italian Sausage
Diced Red Chilli (Bell Pepper)
Diced Potatoes
Diced Carrots
Raisins
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Diced Boiled Eggs

Filing Mixture:
In a skillet, cook the ground Beef (seasoned) then combine with Italian Sausage, Bell Pepper, Potato, Carrots (until cooked). Set Aside.

Dough
In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, salt. Then slowly mix the flour. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it just until all the flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth.

Roll into a 15-inch circle. Cut out rounds, using a 3-inch cookie cutter. Re-roll dough as needed. Repeat procedure with remaining pie-crusts. Arrange 1 round on a clean, flat surface. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filing mixture (with raisins, mozzarella cheese & egg) in the center of the round. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.

Arrange Empanadas on the prepared baking  sheet.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.

Beat 1 egg and brush on the top of Empanadas. Bake for 25 minutes/ until light brown.

Option: Deep Fry the Empanadas (Original Filipino Food Style Cooking)

Enjoy!

Will be posting more filipino foods here in the future... like the famous Filipino Lumpia Shanghia, Filipino Pancit Cantoon!

*Enjoy Empanada Filipino Style

R & B Drive In - the non-sit restaurant

I had to take a picture of this dining place - dining at the parking lot. This is something that we don't have in the Philippines.

R & B Drive In is a small restaurant in helena montana that serves food for take out or serves food at the parking lot. The parking lot has a menu stand and silver speaker for the waitress to take your order. Pretty cool huh!

Location:
R & B Drive In
928 East Helena, Mt

Our dog is like a little kid

Our English Springer Spaniel Puppy is like a kid, he loves it when he is being carried like a baby! Isn't it cute? :)

Asia Singapore Street Noodles

Life in America is busy. Sometimes Easy and Quick Dinner is all you need.

Enjoying this Smokin Hot Asia Singapore Street Noodles Classic Curry for Dinner. Asian Food always a Good Stuff!

I am one of those Filipino Women who's a big fun of Asian Curry Noodles!

The Original Blizzard at Dairy Queen

My husband and I are having Strawberry Almond Blizzard!

Another good stuff in the US that we do not have in the Philippines - the original Blizzard at Dairy Queen.

I used to always have their Chocolate Cookies Sundae, but when I tried the Strawberry Almond Blizzard, Oh! it was just so good.

Have a Blizzard, have a sweet weekend!

-
im filipino girl 
who's a sweet addict

Hauser Lake in Helena Montana

Inner Tubing at Hauser Lake Helena Montana

We have beautiful beaches in the Philippines, but we can definitely do a lot of things to have fun at the Lake. 

Helena Montana USA, the place where I live right now might not have a beach, but it offers several fantastic places that you will surely enjoy going to. Helena Montana is wild, natural, and untouch! 

A relaxing day on a boat traveling in and out of the various campgrounds located along the lake is a fun thing to do. A picnic lunch, playing volleyball, and some sun screen will do it. Sailing is a favorite past time of many people as well as motor boats, jet-ski, kayaking, rafting, and etc.

For Filipina Women who met a foreign man from Montana USA. This place is beautiful, it's like a province in the Philippines, but there are things to do that you can surely have fun. Plus a lot of Filipinos already are residing at this place!

Hauser Lake is one of the beautiful place to visit in Helena Montana. There are day campgrounds peppered along the shore of the lake. All of picnic benches and nice trees for a relaxing day at the lake and a shore line for swimming.

SHADOW - My Dog My Buddy, My Dog My Best Friend

MY SHADOW - Born December 5, 2011

I am 28 years old now and it's my very first time to have a dog as my companion. His name is Shadow - an English Springer Spaniel, a very sweet loving dog. 

When he was a puppy, it was simply his cuteness can make me smile, especially when that night he came into our house, oh! he was such a darling, a beautiful puppy! My husband bought him from South Dakota, it was 12 hours trip by place before he came home. I was really very excited to finally have a dog and to feel what it's like to have a dog. However, after couple of weeks, having a puppy in our home took me to a point that taking him outside like an average of 15 times everyday (snow, rain, or shine) to potty was kinda making me tired already... it was like I was running out of patience taking care of our puppy. Coz back in the Philippines, dogs are treated just like an ordinary animals that stay outside the house, we do not potty train them, we do not buy them chew sticks, we do not buy them toys, and etc. It was so different, but I got used to it after few months. 

Take a look at Shadow's Puppy Pictures Here>> Shadow's Puppy Pictures 

My Baby Shadow - 4 Weeks Old

With Shadow - 4 Months Old @Havre MT

I continued taking him out for a walk, taking him out to potty, and everyday he's with me, he's like my tail that goes wherever I go. So, months & months have passed, I have realized that each day my love for this dog continues to grow and my feeling of compassion for this dog was completely forged. He did not only made me smile by his cuteness but by those days that I though I was alone by myself in the house, Shadow was actually there for me to accompany me. When those times I was caught up working on something in my computer, my dog was right there beside me waiting for me to pet him or he even just put his head on my lap and stared at me. When those crying moments, my shadow was there and just wiped out my tears with his tongue! :) And honestly, while writing this blog, It puts me to tears, and I have realized how amazing God's creation can become - even without his physical presence, he can give us comfort without realizing it. And now, I love my dog very much, i love my shadow, my best friend, my buddy!

And for those who love dogs out there, I found this very inspiring story. I think I gotta share this!!! :)

Inspirational Friendship Story - My Dog, My Buddy

An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice - grassy, woody areas, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on.

They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "Welcome to Heaven "he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him.

The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you." "What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If He can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now. " "Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but, the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road " So the old man and dog went on.

They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "Excuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?" "Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. 

Make yourselves comfortable " "You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere." "Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?" " No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final. "

The man smiled a big smile and said "Welcome to Heaven." "You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?" "That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay.

They soon find out their mistake, but, then it's too late.

The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven.

After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he
separate them in death?"

Earl Hammer
The Twillight Zone

Here's some pictures of my very loving english springer spaniel dog - SHADOW.

Trip to Havre - Shadow fell asleep on dada's lap

He likes to just stare or lay around with you

Healthy Teeth, Healthy Dog

Kisses to Dada

 

 

Cheap Eats at COSTCO - Yummy Pizza

Tips for Filipina Girls: Life in America is different, mama is not around to fix you dinner! So, if  you're not in the mood to cook on a Friday Night after a busy week or you don't have time to cook anymore and wants to have a good pizza. Go Costco and get an extremely huge pizza for only $9.95 - Serving: 5 filipinas! :D Sulit!

COSTCO Food Court offers different other menus aside from Pizza. And, the best place to get a cheap meal is no longer your local Subway, Burger King, McDonald's or other fast food establishment - it is COSTCO! 

Jimmy John's in Helena Montana

A weekend date at Jimmy John's in Helena Montana.

In the Philippines, Filipinos don't really eat a lot of Sandwich. It's all about rice ~ rice for breakfast, rice for lunch, and rice for supper! But when I came to United States I've learned to enjoy having a sandwich and I call it a good lunch! So anyways, on the 4th of August - a one lazy weekend. Usual weekend date with my husband, we decided to drive downtown and look for a good place to have simple lunch.  

We found a new branch of Jimmy John's is opened!  My husband said it's a good place to have a sandwich. 

That was my first experience at this dining place - Jimmy John's, but my husband had it already from a different Jimmy John's branch. 

I had the J.J.B.L.T.  Sandwich - Bacon, lettuce, tomato, & mayo. (The only better BLT is mama’s BLT). It was really good, I love it. And, aside from the Sandwich you also get a choice of chips. I picked the Jalapeno Potato Chips - spicy and yummy!

 As they say... you're not drooling, your mouth is crying... for Jimmy John's!

Sorry, I only have those pics. Next time, I should take a pic of Jimmy John's Sandwich. :)

Jimmy John's Address

619 North Montana Avenue  Helena, MT 59601

(406) 442-3278

My Love Story at Cebuanas.com

www.cebuanas.com

2007 - was my lucky year. I think it was fate that brought me to this dating website Cebuanas.com. 

My friend used to work for this website Cebuanas.com in the HR Department. She was basically in-charge with the hiring of new employees. And that time, I was also actively looking for a job, so she told me to submit a resume to Cebuanas.com coz they were looking for Online Livehelp or Customer Service Representatives. Fortunately, I got the job! And started working as an Online Livehelp for Cebuanas.com. 


Part of my job, was to go through the basic features of the website to make sure that the site is free of errors. 

November 2007, (I could not remember the exact date) it was another ordinary day at work completing my daily tasks, I went online at Cebuanas.com Webcam Chat to check for members who might need assistance or help using the website's features. 

While looking at the online members, I got starstruck with this serious-looking "Tall White and Handsome Man in Black"! :)

So, with no second thought, I initiated a conversation. Excitedly started with, "Hi Sir, how are you doin? Um, do you have any problems using the site's features?" :p Not bad for an intro, huh?! lol

Then, we talk, talk, and talk..... and this guy I used to call Sir became my friend. I was delighted & attracted! Well, coz he's handsome, nice... and dang, it was a torture not to feel excited talking to him. :p With all the efforts,  I tried my best to take it easy! I think growing up in the province, has left a little "Maria Clara Personality" in me, :D I had to bite my lips not to say "You are smokin' Hot". Honestly, I wasn't in a rush for something serious but I knew I was ready. It took years for my careful quest for love, so I exploited each opportunity of getting to know him better when he's available to talk. Nothing cheezy just casual talk, you know, as friends. So, Days had passed, months had passed, years had passed - we did get to know each other more and more each day. I even jotted down notes, like his birthday, his hometown... stuff like that. Seriously, it was like preparing for job application interview - you have to take notes of the company you are applying for to show that you are interested!


And, by the way, I did see this guy on a webcam not after a few months. Imagine that!? I was like... hmppff "A Hard-To-Get Handsome Guy" - I LIKE IT!!! One late afternoon, like a few minutes before leaving work, and I received an invitation to view his webcam. When this YM-Webcam-Mini-Screen Popped Up, I was like, "SHOOT!" Dios Miyo! You are ReaL!

So, anyways, here comes...

 2009 - Exciting Year! He is coming to the Philippines!!! I still could not believe that after two years of ON & OFF chatting with this foreign man, he finally decided to come and see me! Of course, I was Nervous! who doesn't.
Meeting in person with the man you have been talking online for years was a mixed feeling - it was awesome, exciting, happy, tensed up, causing me a palmar hyperhidrosis! :D 

We had a great time together, then he became my Boyfriend, officially! :) So, when he went back into the United States... we were back to online chatting again. The time difference between places can be a little challenging to have a constant communication. But we made it!


Read>> Online Dating Tips for Girls

2010 - He came into the Philippines again and this time I introduced him to my family. 

Read >> Introducing my foreign boyfriend to my family.

2011 - We got married!
I married a man who was so brave to fight for love in-spite of distance.
I married a man who made no promises but full of surprises. 
I married a loving man......  


My love story is just one of the many successful stories that started at Cebuanas.com. Not everyone may get lucky with Internet Dating but I believe that Internet dating, or communicating with individuals via the Internet has helped finding friends or romantic partners among people of different geographic area.


~~ My Internet Love Story Ends ~~

Everything is Big in America!

Dear Filipina Girls,

When you come to America, you will be surprised with the sheer size of everything. Things, Drinks, especially Foods - are Extremely BIG!!!

The  American Barbecue - can be larger than your face!

Let's say, if you go McDonalds-America vs. McDonalds-Philippines, when you order for a Small Drink (Sprite, Coke) that's considered a Large Drink in McDonalds-Philippines!

Here's one of my unforgettable experience. My husband and I had breakfast at Montana City Grill with my Grandparents-in-Law. I ordered Pancakes (Short Order Only!) meaning the smallest size order of their Pancakes. When my order was served, I was like Whhaatt??! Is this really a Short Order?? As in, It's extremely BIG, It's not even funny, - I got 2 BIG-plate-size of pancakes! I could not eat all of it, had only like 1/4 of a one Pancake and I was done. Plus, I had scrambled eggs, coz I really did not expect to get a Small Order of Pancake that Big!

The Pancakes serve at Jollibee-Philippines were not even half of the Short-Order Pancakes at Montana City Grill.

The American Burger - this is just a 1 Patty Burger, not even 2 yet!

The American Size Eggplant & the American Size Empanada

Life in America is Big, Fat, & Abundant. Sometimes, I do wish that my family in the Philippines lives in America too, so they could experience the abundance of everything and enjoy a comfortable life in America.

Dating Tips for Girls: Go for Small Order or Short Orders - these are considered as Large Orders in the Philippines. And watch what you eat or you'll get BIG too! :p

Cebu to Manila to Las Vegas to Montana USA

Excalibur - Las Vegas Hotel

14th of August, Good Bye Philippines, when will I see you again...

I flew with Philippine Airlines (PAL). My foreign fiance purchased my ticket online Manila-Las Vegas, so I had to purchase my ticket for Cebu - Manila.

I went to a ticketing office to get a domestic flight Cebu to Manila for over Php2000 pesos only, cheap right?! But then I've learned that you have to get your flights Cebu-Manila to Manila-Las Vegas or else your luggage wouldn't get checked-thru.

How do you get your flights connected?

I went to the Main office of Philippines Airlines (PAL) to request for my flights to get connected. When I spoke with the PAL agent, he said, "Sorry Ma'am, I cannot connect your flights because your ticket for Cebu-Manila is a domestic flight, Manila-Las Vegas is an International flight", and "You cannot check-thru your luggage as well because the check-in limit for domestic flight is only 15kl, whereas, International flight is 40kl"

Remember this Travel Tip: You cannot connect Domestic flights to International flights in the Philippines.

So, I asked the Philippine Airlines Agent, "What should I do, Sir?". Then, he upgraded my flight from Domestic to International and connected both flights so I could check-thru my luggage. I paid an additional Php4,000 pesos to have my flight upgraded. Solved!

Arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Manila. I had 3 hours before my scheduled flight to Las Vegas. My friend from Manila met at the Airport and spent the 30 minutes to grab some lunch together. Then I went inside to check-in, to my surprise the NAIA departure was extremely busy. I have traveled Internationally (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand) but that via Cebu, I didn't really expect that NAIA would be that busy. Therefore, for Filipina Girls like me, if it's your first time to travel Internationally via Manila. Check-In as early as you can, to make sure that you don't miss your flight when problems arise.

Departure Tips: Check-in at least 3 hours before your flight time.
- Fall in line (to the International Airport entrance)
- Get ready to show your passport and plane ticket or e-ticket itinerary.
- Check-in your baggage to the appropriate airline, if you have e-ticket they will give your plane ticket and your seat number(ask them to get you aisle, it's much better than seating near window), they are everywhere there so just locate em.
- Pay travel tax (So bring enough cash, they don't accept card)
- Fall in line, Get ready for some inspection, get ready to show your passport and the travel tax receipt, plane tickets. Your passport will be stamped "departure"
- Locate your flight. There is flight number listed in your flight ticket and there will be locators which gate number you should enter, the gate numbers are obviously huge so you can see it immediately.
- Enter the gate. You will be held for inspection, remove your shoes, belts and watches, cellphone and other with metallic objects (just don't wear em)
- Locate the flight number (again). Just locate which airline and it's flight number you have to fall in line.

Arrival at Las Vegas. I came to the United States with a K1 Fiance Visa, so I was held at the Immigration Office for Biometrics and stamp a 3-Months Visa to my i94 Arrival/Departure Record. Keep this record you will need this when you apply for SS# or Adjustment of Status.

My husband and I stayed at Excalibur- Las Vegas Hotel for the night. And flew together to Montana.

Dog makes a Good Companion

9th of January - Shadow came to our lives. They say, "Dog is a man's best friend". 

Is it really true? I have never owned a dog in my entire life since a cute English Springer Spaniel puppy came to my life. My husband travels a lot for a living, so he decided to have a dog for my companion when he's gone. Before, we found Shadow (the name of our springer dog), my husband had been looking for a springer spaniel puppy online for over 3 months.

Shadow was such a cutie little puppy. He sits on your lap for hours when you're watching TV. He is a very loving dog and affectionate. He is friendly and continues to amuse us everyday. Shadow is my buddy, I love him, and he makes me happy!

So, you may get different answers to the question depending on who you talk to, but the truth is, Yes, dog is a man's best friend. People might come and go, but dogs will always be there to lick & slobber on your face when you're sad, as they call it the "Puppy Kisses" or "Dog Kisses". 

Why do dogs make such good companions though?

Dogs are about as loyal as they come. You won't find another pet that will be there for you like a dog will.  When I came to Montana, I couldn't drive, No public transportation (the area where I live), so I had to stay in the house for the most part. The 5-Months stay in this kind of place where you can't do much was almost getting boring. But, when Shadow came, everything changed. I might not have friends whom I can call everyday to accompany me, but I have a fun and loving dog who goes for a walk with me, sits on my lap when I watch TV, waiting at my bedroom door excited to see me, wagging his tail thousand miles per minute when he sees me coming home, and who warns when he sees a stranger. If you want to know when a storm is coming or if the house is on fire, get a dog. A dog will let you know these things without even thinking about it.

Dating and Relationship Tips for Girls: Filipina Girls who come to the United States and live in a place like Montana, if you get bored spending a lot of time in the house alone. Get a dog!

Introducing my foreign boyfriend to my family

The kids just love him!

Dating tips for foreign men, be aware that in a Filipino Culture, family plays a very important role to Filipinos when it comes to making decisions including dating and relationships. As parents, they always want to have the best for their children. 

A new girlfriend or boyfriend in the family is typically known by most of the family members in a few days. Many Filipino relationships start with meeting most  of the family members beyond the immediate parents.

In my experience, Introduced my foreign boyfriend when he came into the the Philippines the second time around. Dating Tips for Girls, Ask your boyfriend first if he would be willing to meet your family, just to make sure if he is comfortable with it. You can also explain to him that it is part of a Filipino Culture.

Then, the following day after my foreign boyfriend arrived, we went to our house and I introduced him to my parents, brothers, and sisters.

Dating Tips for Men to remember, although most Filipinos can speak English, they typically communicate with their families in Filipino. Don't get offended when they start talking in Filipino to each other.

Dating Tips for Girls , to make it fair to your foreign boyfriend, tell your family ahead of time to avoid or at least minimized speaking in Filipino when your foreign boyfriend is around, as a sign of respect.

Dating and Relationship Tips
Take different pictures of you and your foreign boyfriend with your family, you will be needing these pictures  as "proof of your relationship" when you apply for a K1 Fiancee Visa or apply for any Visa to come to America.

Take your Boyfriend or Fiance for a Quick Tour

Taoist Temple, Cebu Philippines

It's good to give your boyfriend or fiance a quick tour of your home town.

When my husband and I were still dating. He visited me in the Philippines twice. One of things that we did is a 2-hours tour within Cebu City. Took a Cab and asked the driver to wait for us.

Dating and Relationship Tips for Girls
Few days before your foreign boyfriend arrives. Think of what are the three spots should be on the “must see” list for every visitor of your place?, What’s amazing about your city, town or neighborhood?, What offbeat places not on the typical tourist list would you suggest?

THE PLACES THAT WE VISITED

Taoist Temple - this is our first stop from the hotel. 

Going to the Taoist Temple seems like taking a peek of China. The architecture is distinctively Chinese. 

Dating Tips: The Taoist temple is a tourist destination that lies in a village subdivision where you can't easily get taxi gab. If you're taking a taxi from the city it may be advisable to pay for the taxi to wait until you're done with your trip, which shouldn't take more than 30 minutes.

Taoist Temple, Cebu Philippines

Taoist Temple, Cebu Philippines

Taoist Temple, Cebu Philippines

From Taoist Temple, drove our way to Mango Avenue (heart of Cebu City). Then, we passed by Santo Niño church on our way to The South Road Properties (SRP). Our second stop was at:

Crocolandia, Talisay Cebu - a small zoo located in Talisay City, just south of Cebu City, Philippines. The major wildlife categories at the park were the crocodiles, turtles, snakes, lizards and birds. 

Crocodile at Crocolandia

Dating and Relationship Tips  
When you are taking a Taxi Cab with a foreign man, tell the driver to flag down the meter. Pay him an extra money after the total cost of the meter if you keep him on waiting.

Dating and Relationship Tips
Take different pictures of you and your foreign boyfriend, you will be needing these pictures as proof of your relationship when you apply for a K1 Fiancee Visa or apply for any Visa to come to America.

Things to remember before leaving the Philippines

This was one of the most exciting part. When my husband sent me my Electronic Confirmation Ticket. I already made a checklist for the things I need to bring and need to do a week before my departure.

MY CHECKLIST

Important Documents
- Transcript of Records from University of San Carlos
- My Diploma
- NSO Copy
- NBI Clearan Copy
- Employment Certificates
-Training Certificates
- Medical / Health Records


I also have a checklist which I got from the CFO the Departure Checklist or Immigrant Checklist. Click the image to enlarge.

Tips on what Clothes to Bring
Check the country or state that you are going to, if it has long winter. If long winter, bring most of your Jeans!

Visa Application: Medical Exam at St. Lukes does not need a schedule

I had to send an email to the US Emabassy Manila. If I need to make an appointment. 

This was my question for them:

I would like to know, how do I get a schedule for my medical exam? Should I wait for a letter from the embassy stating the dates for the Interview and and Medical Exam?

I received a response quickly and was advised to proceed to St. Luke's Extension Clinic on any workday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. with your valid passport to have the required medical examination. St. Luke's Extension Clinic is located at 1177 J. Bocobo Street, Ermita, Manila. The phone numbers are (632) 521-0020, (632) 521-8647, (632) 523-8258 and (632) 526-4327. 

I am from Cebu, so I flew to Manila and went to St. Lukes at 5:30 in the morning the following day. My interview date is 6 days after my medical exam. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

(1) Valid passport
(2)Photocopy of Passport Biographic/Data Page, the page in the passport that contains the applicant's photo and information
(3) 4 pieces recent 2x2 visa photos
(4) Appointment letter from the Embassy or Instruction letter from the National Visa Center (NVC), if available,
(5) 2 photocopies of your Appointment Letter/ Instruction Letter

Whenever applicable, please bring the following:
•Old chest x-ray films not less than 3 months prior to the medical examination
•Immunization record

SELF-REPORTED VACCINES WILL NOT BE HONORED.
Your vaccination documentation will only be honored if it contains the following details:
>>personal copy (e.g. baby book)or copy of medical chart indicating received vaccines
>>complete date of receipt of vaccination
>>must include signature (license number, if applicable) of doctor or health worker who administered vaccine

•Detailed medical certificate regarding a previously-treated or currently managed clinically significant illness which should contain the following information:
>>duration and date of treatment
>>surgical procedure or medical intervention done
>>complete final diagnosis
>>outcome of treatment or treatment plans and prognosis, if available

Applicants are also required to provide the name, address and contact number of their petitioner in the U.S.A.

Medical Examination Requirements
>>Physical Examination - Required for all applicants, regardless of age
>>Tuberculin Skin Test - Required for applicants 2-14 years of age
>>Chest X-ray (CXR) - Required for all adult applicants aged 15 and above, or children who had exposure to TB Cases or history of TB disease
>>Syphilis Test - Required for applicants 15 years old and above
>>Pregnancy Test - For women of child-bearing age (15 to 40 years old)

Visa Application Tips (Important Reminders)
I. Female applicants of child-bearing age cannot undergo medical examination during their menstrual period. Applicants who have their menstrual period should come back one week after the last day of their period.
II. Since Tuberculin Skin Testing requires an observation period of 48-72 hours, applicants 2-14 years old are advised not to come for their medical examination on a Thursday.The clinic is closed on weekends, so the TST cannot be interpreted before it expires.

Applicants are advised return to the clinic at least an hour before the time indicated on the TST return slip, to prevent expiration of TST.

 

You need to attend a CFO Seminar

At first, I really did not have an idea about a CFO Seminar, my friend had to tell me about this. 

So, I received this message from my her:

"Hello! Jelly I hope everything is well there with you and to your family. Here everything seems alright. Anyway yup! soon I'll be having my Medical Exam and Interview, and we decided that Tyler will be the one to e-mail and tell you about it. I'm looking forward that everything will turn great in GOD's will. Well about your question, I and Tyler received the Letter of Appointment from NVC at the same time, you'll see there the schedule of the Interview given by the US Embassy in Manila. Now you said Joe already received your Letter of Appointment from the NVC/US Embassy, he must now then send it to you so you can make a copy of it, because you'll need to show that on your Medical Exam and Interview. But before you'll go for your Medical Exam you must take a CFO Seminar, there's one place in Cebu in where you can take CFO Seminar I know it's in PEOPLE'S REFORM INITIATIVE FOR SOCIAL MOBILIZATION INC.(PRISM), but in Manila there 2 places in where you can take a CFO Seminar in SMEF-COW Manila and PEOPLE'S REFORM INITIATIVE FOR SOCIAL MOBILIZATION INC. (PRISM) in Taft Avenue. Here's the website for you to find out more infos. like how much you'll going to pay for the Seminar, the Requirements & etc."

Website: http://www.cfo.gov.ph or click here:  

Fiancee, Spouses and Other Partners of Foreign Nationals

 

"As Filipinos going abroad as fiancé(e)s, spouses or other partners of foreign nationals, you are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling session in order to secure the Guidance and Counseling Certificate (GCC) and the CFO sticker. You need this certificate to renew or apply for a new passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (per Department of Foreign Affairs Order Nos. 11-97 Implementing Rules and Regulations for Republic Act 8239, "Philippine Passport Act" and 28-94). You will also need to present this certificate together with your spouse/partner visa, at the Immigration office at the international airport on your day of departure."

Why apply for CR-1 Visa and not K-1 Visa?

As I have said in the Visa Application Tips Page. 

"K1 Fiance Visa will cost you more money.K1 Fiance Visa will take so much time to get your application for Permanent Resident Status approved. Once you get your Adjustment of Status approved, coming in the United States with a K1 Fiance Visa, the Permanent Residency you get is still "Conditional", this would mean that the time of waiting going back to Philippines to visit your family gets longer because you are not allowed to travel outside the United States if your Permanent Residency is on Conditional Status, unless you applied for a Re-Entry Permit - Form I-131 which will cost over $400 (2012 Year), plus the application is subject for an approval by the USCIS, so NO Guarantee!

I have been here in America for almost a year now, but I still don't have my Green Card (Conditional Permanent Residence). I received my Employment Authorization Document, after 2 months when I applied for it, it means I can start applying for a job? BUT, you need to have a Social Security Number to get an employment. 

I went to the Local Social Security Office to apply for a Social Security #. Most people get it on the same day. Unfortunately, not for me, weeks, months, have passed and I still did not get my SS#. I was told there was a problem with the system, still waiting for verification, still waiting for authorization -- all that stuff. I almost get to the point of getting sooo frustrated of waiting. I called like almost a hundred times to follow up, and I get the same answer.

There were just too many issues going on and almost everything is taking like forever... If only I can turn back time, I would have gotten married in the Philippines and applied for a CR-1 Visa."

On the other hand, if you come to the United States with CR-1 Visa, you automatically have a Green Card or Legal Permanent Resident after entering the United States and NOT CONDITIONAL. Meaning, you can work and visit Philippines anytime you want. After two years of stay in the United States, you can apply for Citizenship. Although it takes like approximately 10 months to get the visa,  but what is just 3 months difference when you can save money, time, and less hassle.

Advantages of Getting CR-1 Visa

1.) This is categorized as an  "Immigrant" Visa and will as such allow the filipina girl to arrive in the US as a Legal Permanent Resident.

 2.) After entry into the US, as a Legal Permanent Resident they may seek employment without restrictions. No Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is required.

3.)  After entry into the US, as a Permanent Resident they will not require special permission to leave the US for travel. No Advance Parole (AP) document is required. 

4.) CR1 Visas often do not take much longer than the K-3 Visa option. The benefit of entering the US and immediately becoming a US Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) to many people is worth the additional small wait in time.

To read more visit: http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare

How to set an appointment for the K1 Fiancée Visa Application?

Visa Application Tips: How to set an appointment for the K1 Fiancée Visa Application?

In my experience, I paid the visa application fee at BPI Bank and kept the receipt. When you apply for an appointment it will ask for a reference number which can be found in the receipt. After I scheduled my appointment for my visa interview online through the USIC website, I received a confirmation letter thought e-mail. The letter said that you must bring the confirmation page, passport, evidence of approved I-129F with you at all steps during the application process.

Visa Application Tips: Staple the payment for the visa receipt to the Confirmation Letter.

Visa Application Tips: If you make your appointment via the call center, please bring your bank receipt to the interview.

You’ve got other way too of scheduling your appointment by calling U.S. Embassy in Manila call (632) 982-5555 or (632) 902-8930. The Visa Information and Appointment Service is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except on Philippine and U.S. holidays. Callers may speak with an English-, Tagalog-, Ilocano-, or Cebuano-speaking operator. Applicants, agents or petitioners calling from the United States may also use this service by calling (214) 571-1600.

Visa Application Tips: To schedule for an appointment online you need to register and create a profile. And you need to have some documents or the following information available:

A passport valid for travel to the United States (with validity of at least 6 months)

Your visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt

Your DS-160 confirmation page

Your e-mail address

Approved Petition (Form I-129F) – My husband sent me a scanned copy of the approved petition

Visa Application Tips: You need to complete the Form DS-160 and submit online prior to your interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. The barcode number on the DS-160 confirmation page is required in order to book your interview. It must be submitted online because Embassy does not accept handwritten or typed DS-160 and you will not be permitted in your interview without the DS-160 confirmation page.

Read more>> Visa Application Tips: The step-by-step guide to the K1 Fiancée Visa Process

Helpful Link:

Find DS-160 Form and Information about it here: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-ds160info.asp