Talt

Hello everyone,
 
I don't really have a lot of time these days but if this topic has been covered by someone else I apologize for posting it again. I receive messages on occasion about IMB's so I think this should be a permanent sticky here on the site just to make it easier and less confusing for people to get through this already difficult and confusing process..
 
Briefly, my wife and I met on Cherry Blossoms back in 2014 and we were also confused by this IMB / International Marriage Broker thing. I contacted Cherry Blossoms directly and they sent a very nice email reply clearly stating they ARE NOT an IMB / International Marriage Broker. We were tangled up in this mess back then all it took was an email to Cherry Blossoms and they sent the letter. I guess now they are charging for the letter service which in my opinion is taking advantage of their already paying customers. If their sole intention to operate that site is for DATING and eventually MARRIAGE then why would that letter not be included since you obviously need it to file the I-129F petition properly.
 
Yes this K1 Fiancee Visa process is at times miserable but I have ( unfortunately ) had to do it twice over the past 12 years. The first time i went through this process it was completely new to me, I looked at it as I'm sure you all do with excitement and anticipation of meeting this new person. We talked for over a year, met in person for 3 weeks which is really not a long time to get to know someone but eventually you have to make a decision right?  I mean shes not going to wait forever but after 5 years we realized that our lives were going in different directions. You just can't anticipate everything and we had a very amicable separation and eventually divorce. It wasn't easy because A LOT of work went into the whole relationship so yes we tried but if it's not meant to be no matter what you do will not " FIX IT " no matter what anyone tells you.
 
A few years later I decided that after my past experience I would give it another try going in with a lot more experience and understanding of what I was really looking for. I met my current wife in 2014 while I was already in the Philippines visiting someone else that really wasn't the one for me. Call it fate, destiny or whatever you like but we hit it off great and I felt like I knew her my whole life. Is this time around 100% bliss?? BWAHAHAHAHAAHA!!!!! No not even close BUT we are compatible, we are like minded and we are willing to understand each other and be flexible.  I really think this is the key, flexibility. When you get two people from the same country, culture, socio-economic background, education, etc.... you will have problems so how much more with this?? PATIENCE... dear Lord patience of a saint at times because... well everything is just different here than there and it takes time to adjust and learn about each other.
 
I'm really not trying to be discouraging but I just can't stress enough to TAKE YOUR TIME and get to know your partner because chatting for a year IS NOT comparable to being together for that amount of time. Meeting your partner on a 3 week vacation type of trip is also NOT COMPARABLE to that period of time when they arrive in your country. The second time around was much better but if you consider the chances of meeting your future wife in your last week of your visit and you never even talked before... No I don't believe it's some random chance or happening I believe that the person you are destined to be with will be there in the time they are meant to be there. If that makes sense then the point is take your time because a year or two is nothing compared to a lifetime with the wrong person. But It's REALLY worth the wait when you find the right one
 
If you are not able to view the letter please let me know and I'll try to upload it again. If anyone has ANY questions or concerns please let us know, we re happy to help as much as we can. We also DID NOT use a lawyer either time and never had anything returned, the K1 processed through without an issue even with my divorce included the last time. 
 
Hope this helps
 
Take care
Brian & Marie
 
 
So here is my letter to Cherry Blossoms
 
Brian
Jan 12, 2016, 8:45 AM
to office
 
Hello,
I am a current member on your site and met my fiancee through your site while on vacation in the Philippines. We hit it off and our relationship is going great. We are currently in the process of filing the K1 visa and there is a question about how we met. The I-129f asks if we met through an international marriage broker. I read the "About Us" page on your website but I didn't see anything about you being or not being an IMB "International Marriage Broker". Can you please help clarify for me if you are or are not an IMB so I can answer the question on the I-129f form correctly?
 
Thank you for your help and for a wonderful website. Because of the service you offer I met the love of my life.
 
Sincerely,
Brian Arnone
 
 
Here is my letter to Cherry Blossoms
 
Brian 
Jan 12, 2016, 8:45 AM
   
 
  Hello,
 
I am a current member on your site and met my fiancee through your site while on vacation in the Philippines. We hit it off and our relationship is going great. We are currently in the process of filing the K1 visa and there is a question about how we met. The I-129f asks if we met through an international marriage broker. I read the "About Us" page on your website but I didn't see anything about you being or not being an IMB "International Marriage Broker". Can you please help clarify for me if you are or are not an IMB so I can answer the question on the I-129f form correctly?
 
Thank you for your help and for a wonderful website. Because of the service you offer I met the love of my life.
 
Sincerely,
Brian
 
 
 
 
Cherry Blossoms Letter back to me
 
 
 
Cherry Blossoms Customer Support <office@blossoms.com>
Jan 13, 2016, 3:35 PM
   
 
to me
 
Dear Brian,
 
Cherry Blossoms is not an International Marriage Broker. There are no introductions or matchmaking services or social referrals between US Citizens and foreign nationals. There are no written consent forms or contracts that members sign. Members search and communicate with others from their own free will. The government has written a very broad definition that includes almost all companies. 
 
USCIS is now requiring information on the websites (not just CB) that provided dating services between US citizens and foreign nationals. The intent is to try to identify International Marriage Brokers that charge women $10,000 or more to marry a U.S. citizen.  These companies profit from the marriage whether it is a valid marriage or not.  These companies have an agenda in making the marriage happen. 
 
Your fiancée did not  pay or signed a written consent authorizing the release of personal information. There were no introductions, both of you communicated from your own free will. You may also want to submit a signed letter from your fiancée confirming this fact.
 
Enclosed is our letter.
 
Best wishes,
 
CB Staff

P.S. Our US Visa Support offers an excellent comprehensive visa preparation service. We would be happy to assist you with your questions. For more information please contact us at visa@blossoms.com  or (877)907-8472 for a free consultation. Our telephone hours are M-F 7:30 am to 3:30 pm Hawaii Standard Time.
 

Hi! Gud day everyone! Im sharing to u my interview experience last jan. 28, 2013.
5:30 am- i arrived at the US Embassy (7:30am schedule). There were so many applicants.
7:20 am- First stage
I was asked for my appointment confirmation, passport, ds forms arranged in this manner ds 156, ds 157, ds 156, ds 157, ds 156k (pls attach your photos and sign the ds156 to avoid delays) ds 230 was not asked. The guy stapled the dsforms and gave me a ziplock, place your passport inside of it revealing the biographic information of your passport
Afterwards, i went inside but your things will be checked thru the xray machine. Pls do not bring something metallic and gadgets like cellphones, camera, usb etc for you will be stamped DENY ENTRY
7:25am- Second Stage
I gave my appointment confirmation to the teller, i was asked for my name and birthday. If i completed my medical, was d result given to me in envelope or in cd. In my case, a cd was given. She gave me my number, keep it my mind, the number given to you will be used for the whole process of the interview. She instructed me to drop my papers at window 39 and prepare the necessary requirements for the interview. My lucky number was 6131.
7:30am- i went inside the main building. There will be a separate entrance for US citizens and for visa applicants. Another security check will be done. This time it will be manually checked. The security guard will check your bag. I didn't drop my ds forms at window 39 because a lady who is working there approached me and the other applicants and asked our ds forms. I was able to find a sit and the waiting begins
8:30am- Third Stage
I was asked to go at window 42 for finger printing. She asked my name and date of birth. Fingerprinting starts with the first four fingers (left), then four fingers (right) and both thumbs will be the last
10:00am- Fourth Stage
At window 3_, i forgot what number, it was an interview with the Filipina consul. She asked for my NSO birth certificate, Cenomar and NBI clearance. She didn't ask for my police clearance. She asked for my fiance's Form I-134, ITR & w2 (she took all from 2009-2011). Bank statements, employment certificate & pay stubs were not asked. She asked my to sign the ds 156k form.
Questions:
What is my name and date of birth?
Who is my petitioner?
What is my relation to the petitioner?
How did we meet?
When did we meet?
When did we have a formal relationship?
When did we meet in person?
How many times he visited me?
Did i travel abroad? Where? What did i do? For how long?
When was our last meeting?
How often do i communicate with my fiance? Everyday thru magic jack!!! =)
Then she asked to see our photos.
Whoofff!!! Afterwards, i was asked to wait for my number to be called.
10:30am- FIFTH STAGE
At window 64, interview with the female American Consul.. She was really nice. She asked me to take an oath. Then the interview begins
How are you?
How did me meet?
Can you tell me names of his best friends?
What was the kindest thing he did for u? I answered "when he visits me on my birthday
She said "oh, what was his birthday gift for you?" I answered "this watch that i'm wearing right now" and i showed it to her
She asked for our photos. She asked when was the photo taken? I said 2010,
She asked was that the first time he met your family. I said no, second time.
So you met twice already? I said no, 4 times already.
She said "oh thats great! Ok! You are approved! Just wait for your name to be called"
I was speechless, i was waiting for another question, but that was it! The interview lasted for less than 2 minutes. I just said "thank u" to her. I was on cloud 9. Thank u dear God! I was one of the happiest person on earth!
11:30am- Last Stage
I was called at window 72. She told me to wait for my visa to be delivered.
Just yesterday, feb 1.. I just got my visa and had the cfo sticker! That's it! Good luck on your upcoming interview! Pray... It really works!!

She will be starting school in the fall.

Somebody needs a spanking!

...ewwwwwwwwwwww (time for a delete)

1) Economics. This is a multi-pronged subject. Filipinas have a cultural mandate to be a bastion of support for the family. A woman over the age of 25-30 in RP (Philippines) is considered "old" related to finding/keeping a job. This blatant age discrimination in RP affects men too, but perhaps not to the same extent. Even for Filipinas under the age of 25 job opportunities are rare. Thus the mandate to be able to support the family is difficult. Foreign lands offer less age discrimination. Foreign men, especially those who can travel to RP offer economic support. These men are also likely to be able to keep their career intact with no or little age discrimination.
2) At the risk of drawing the ire of some, Filipino males have an undesirable (broadly speaking--of course there are exceptions) set of mores. Mores are cultural/moral values. The machismo attitude runs deep in RP culture. It likely comes from RP's Spanish heritage. It is common for males to woo young females, impregnate them, and then dump them as now being worthless. Philippine men cheat. Again, though there are exceptions, the cultural mores come into play. A male who has the resources to me married and have children and who decides to maintain a second household with a kabit (mistress) is not looked down upon. Though not openly admired, most even within the family will tolerate this, and some will even clandestinely admire the male. Filipina's on the other hand rarely cheat. The book "Lust in Translation" tells that only Tibet and Ghana has women with this level of fidelity. We can ignore Ghana as a male who finds his wife cheating might kill her--a good reason to be faithful. This leaves RP's women very desirable in the eyes of many Westerners who find the mores of Western women with their "Sex in the City" attitude and their lack of fidelity undesirable.
3) Filipinas want white! It is utterly ironic that most Western women admire and try to emulate through tanning the skin color of many Filipinas. Western men enjoy women who are not pasty white--we like all shades of Filipina. Filipinas want their babies to be white and they are smart enough to know how to attain this.
4) Many Americans are culturally adaptable and most are polite and considerate (and indeed, there are exceptions). This runs in opposition to other nationalities such as the Koreans and Chinese. I apologize to those of Korean and Chinese heritage who might be here and realize again, there are exceptions--but having traveled a bit the Koreans and Chinese unless you are friends with one seem by and large simply rude and inconsiderate.
5) Filipinas crave stability. Young men, worldwide do not offer the type of stability--but older men do. (same 'ol caveat--a generalization) Filipinas are age-difference tolerant. In 1972 I remember reading an article that said that the average American woman desired a male partner 2-10 years older than them. Today if that article would be re-written the statistics would likely indicate that American women now want male partners 2-10 years younger than them. This creates a situation where RP offers what American men want, and had until the feminist movement changed things. I, at my age, am, generally speaking, not what American women want and they, especially from their attitudes/morels/mores are not what I want. And I, at my age, value a woman who wants a lifetime relationship and have found one.
6) As others have pointed out: America is a melting pot. Everyone can fit in. America has its share of problems these days, but it's still a wonderful country to move to.
7) American men want sumbissive women. Oops...who wrote that--not me, where is the erase button.
Indeed, this is a loaded subject and all too often misunderstood. To some "submissive" means that a Filipina might become a sort of slave, or second class citizen, kept barefoot and penniless down on the farm and be subjected to the sexual whims of the dominant male. Yet I believe that though this concept might exist--it is rather rare, and really not what most American men desire.
I prefer to remove the word "submissive," and as another poster here has done--interject the word "feminine."
Back in the '60's most women in America stayed home and raised kids while the husband worked. The husband made the decisions. This is far from the case today, in America most women work--indeed most have to work--such is the economics of today. But what it's really about is that the women of the sixties at least seemed happy to have a nice home, a loving husband and happy children. Women of today in America, at least to me, all too many have become "independent," or rather beyond independent. They don't need a husband--in fact millions are better off with no husband to worry about. America's nanny state gives a single mom quite a lot. Subsidized or free housing; free medical; free education (college) and oftentimes even assist the single mom in buying a car. In my opinion America's changed to where marriage is a negative thing and as girls become women in their fatherless environment--the need for keeping a husband around has taken on less importance. For me the close family values that the Philippines espouse is a treasure. That a Filipina is more likely to be happy with the basic necessities of life is a refreshing alternative to the last two American women who I dated about 5 years ago. Both, after a nice dinner, as I walked them to their car said exactly the same thing: Smiling each said: "Oh, which is your car?" I responded: "the older blue Honda Accord." Both reacted the same--there appeared an odd look on their face that might have had a bit of disgust in it. Neither asked: "Why do you drive such an old car?" (Note: It looks nice to me and runs quite nicely, but it is 11 years old) Had either asked, my answer would have been: "I don't place much status value on having to have a new car--I'd rather not have $400 a month car payments (or $800 a month with two cars) and I prefer to pay off the mortgage on my house or use the money for investing. Though I had a nice time with both of them--neither responded to further calls or emails. Sadly--if you don't have a new car in America, a large percentage of women will write you off. It's a terrible thing too as so many men become so stretched out on debt to maintain the supposed status of the new car and big "dollhouse," (a big fancy house) that eventually it is this very economic loop of debt that destroys their lives and their relationships. Filipinas tend not to be particularly materialistic. They seem to be happy with a nice house and a car that runs. I like that.
8) Filipinas don't smoke and don't like smoking. This is not the case of way too many American women.
9) We American males are astounded at how beautiful all the Filipinas are.

I think the nay-sayers fall into two categories. Those that are jealous, and those that truly care. My family never said anything negative, though I am sure they had some thoughts about it. Some of my TRUE friends told me to be careful, and not rush into it. Stay single. Live life. Watch out, cuz all that some women want is that GC. Etc. (all of which, I may add, is true. And is the SAME advice I give to those looking to do what I have done)
And then there are the true "haters". Those who are stuck in a less-than-blissful relationship. Those who are single but who have never been with a beautiful woman who really lives just to love them. And those who think that my wife is just with me for the money. I would gladly show THOSE people my bank balances, and they would know better, lol. Yes, I make good money. But I put most of it into real estate, so there is little to spend monthly. In fact, when we got married, my wife had more in the bank than I did. It's kind of a joke with us... I tease her that she just married me for my good looks and my money. She snorts and reminds me that I won't even buy her McDonalds cuz I am so cheap. "Yes, but at least there are the good looks, right BebeKo?" She just tells me I am the best-looking guy for her cuz she loves me so much.
At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself... does it REALLY matter what other people think about you? Does it change how you feel, think, or live? I'm sure I was judged in my marriage to a USC, but I didn't care then. Why care now? If people think less of me or my wife because they perceive that she is using me, then they do not understand the joys of having someone who cares enough to cook & clean for you, love you even when you're unlovable, and remain faithful til the end. And I'm not saying one has to marry outside the USA to find these qualities in a woman. Just saying I didn't have them in my previous marriage, and now I do. How long will it last? No one knows. Will she leave me once she gets her 10-year GC? No telling. But I DO know that I'd rather live my life thinking we will be in love til we die rather than live worrying about her motivations.
And I also add THIS tidbit about something foreign to our culture... I met a guy in Afghanistan from India who is now a USC. His parents told him they would "allow him to marry anyone of his own choosing, even if she was American", but that he needed to hurry up, as he was almost 27. Wow, sounded pretty radical to me. But in further conversation, I learned that is mother and father had the traditional Indian marriage where his father never even met his mother until the day of their wedding... almost 50 years prior. Marriage before love? Love before marriage? Does it really matter, as long as you love? If HIS parents can stay together for 50 years never having known each other before the wedding, then why not us who meet in person or online, converse for months while awaiting the VJ process, then eventually get married?

You want to kick your meal up a notch, then head over to the Pioneer Woman Cooks at http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/
and she makes some of the best food. OMG, it's to die for.... you might with what she puts in her dishes.
You will need to get your exercise routine going to eat her recipes.

Internet pimp here. Met my girl online and quickly fell for her. She rocks.
I'd also be willing to bet my left nut that if i would have met munequita linda in the Philippines, she would have gone on a date with me.

hi there,
well im still in the Philippines but my husband living in pensacola, florida.
hope we can be friends if soon im going there With Gods blessing hope to meet you there.
goodluck & best regards.,
janice bowman