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