US Immigration from Philippines

Well its that time of year again. We will be headed over on the 15th of December for our annual Christmas venture. Does anyone here know of any new requirements? I'm pretty sure its all gone away but I just want to make sure. Please feel free to respond or ask any questions of your own.

We are booked for St Luke's on January 22nd an Interview is January 25th, will that be enough time? They were not booking interviews on Fridays, so this was our best choice. Has anyone done an exam on Monday morning and interviewed on Thursday. We are a family of 5 on W1/W2 visas.

Is there an updated list of recommended places to eat affordably, with good food? Anywhere near the Embassy or St Luke's extension.

Hello group has anyone had to file an I-131 and had it mailed to the US EMBASSY in Manila Philippines? My wife will leave the USA for a family medical reason she holds a 10 year PRC

she will more than likely be out the USA for at least one year could be less has anyone experienced this or had any luck with getting it approved and having it delivered to an Embassy in another country if so could you please share your experience.

Do I need my husbands original death certificate from the states, or will consulate and CFO except the emailed copies from my MIL? Also if I need an original, will my kids also each need one or will copies in their interview packet be ok, since they are now on my case as derivatives?