Trompie

4 hours ago, flicks1998 said:

I received an update that as of today, the quarantine period is now 10 days and then 4 additional days at your residence.  

I can't believe how often they change the rules. Is there any country in the world doing this? Most seem to have had stable policies, whether open or restrictive.

1 hour ago, flicks1998 said:

Yes what a mess.  It seems this guy doesnt know exactly what he is talking about, but you may find some guidance down in the comments.

 

 

By the way, was it PAL airlines that your friend was refused to board?

1 hour ago, flicks1998 said:

Just FYI, an acquaintance who used the same strategy (come hell or high water) went to check in today for a flight to MNL (at LAX) and was refused boarding.  He has a pre-approved 9a but his spouse is in the Philippines.  He was told he needs an "exemption waiver" document from the Philippine's DFA.  They told him he must travel with his spouse and/or child.  If you decide to try this next week, please let us know how it goes and if you were able to secure an exemption waiver.  I actually have no idea what that is or how to get or how long it takes, but I would imagine it would be a convoluted mess of a process.  However, you may also want to call the Consulate that issued you the visa and get information from them, asking if your current visa is still valid and if not, how to apply for one with the exemption waiver.

 

 

Thanks for sharing this story. I've heard mixed accounts, some got lucky and where let in, and some not like your acquaintance. DFA announced today you DO need this exemption letter, so it's looking bleak. I'll wait until the day before and decide then, hoping there is a positive change, but I think that announcement today was pretty clear.

On 5/1/2021 at 9:22 AM, flicks1998 said:

Looking at the details, it appears they have reverted back to the same requirements that were in place for March, although they did add some categories for people with work visas that could return.  If you have a current 9a, you can use it as long as you travel to the Philippines with your spouse or child.  The requirements between October and end of February 2021, which was the timeframe I had applied, was you had to prove that your spouse or child was already in the Philippines and that was how I spent Nov-February there.  

 

However since every time they make an announcement its as clear as fatberg, try writing to the Consulate for your area and get clarification.  Dont call.  You want the details in writing.

I'm boarding that plane to Cebu next Wednesday come hell or high water.

On 4/30/2021 at 1:38 AM, RO_AH said:

Maybe I will be able to go for my son's birthday. But it still sucks that I have to quarantine for a week by myself. 2 week trip to spend 1 week with my wife and children.

I've got a valid 9A and a ticket to the Philippines, but now the Bureau of Immigration has added that 9a's visa's need "DFA exemption", so it's clear as mud whether people like us can travel there. Hoping they clarify it in the next week.

16 hours ago, Skyman said:

I just flew CEB-TPE-LAX on the 16th.

What's the layover experience in Taipei?

22 hours ago, AlaMike said:

She had a small stroller that she used in the airport. They take it right when you board the plane and stow it for you. When you get to your destination its returned as you get off the plane to the ramp.

She did not use a carrier but was fortunate the seat beside her was empty otherwise he would have had to stay in her lap the entire way. 

Most airlines say that if you want to use a carrier that you bring aboard, you must purchase a ticket for the seat. 

Good to know, I think I'll try the shortest route possible but will need 1 layover in either Manila or Taiwan

45 minutes ago, AlaMike said:

My wife (fiance at the time) flew from Manila to San Fransisco via PAL in late January. It was more expensive to take the non-stop route but I felt it would better for the both of them. No getting on/off the plane, no layovers and much faster trip. She said the people on the plane were very helpful since she was alone and there was no problems getting bags as there were people to help getting on and off.

Did she put your baby on her lap on the plane? Also, did she use a stroller?

Thanks

5 hours ago, milimelo said:

No baby sleeper allowed at take off and landing only during cruising time. They also take it off if turbulent flight. Best to have baby in flight approved car seat and give the baby pacifier or milk to drink during ascent so ears pop. 

So do you mean purchase an additional seat for the baby and put the carseat in that seat?

Has anybody had their fiance fly over to the US once the K-1 was issued with an infant baby?

Any experiences you would like to share or tips? I can't imagine doing the trip with a baby and no other help.

The route would be Cebu City to LAX or SFO.

Thanks

In addition to AlaMike's experience, I saw a Youtuber who said she got her results the same day and hand carried them, this was for a 2021 K-1 interview.

When you book your appointment at SLEC they ask for your K-1 interview date, so I would be surprised if they were confirming appointments if there is a risk the results are not ready in time.

My fiance's SLEC appointment is tomorrow (4/21), so I'll update on what our experience was.

2 hours ago, jskibo said:

Was that Gio or Paul?

Gio, I think he posted the video about a week ago. Good review.

23 hours ago, Joe Kano said:

I found this new development in Cebu called The Mactan Newton, it looks awesome.  Nice pools over looking the ocean with infinity edges, sidewalks with no pothole or beggars, it's very clean.    Price seem to be $450 to $750 per month for a nice condo with washer / dryer.  

I just watched an expat do a review on this place on Youtube, looks awesome. Brand new and very clean, I would live there if I was in Cebu

2 hours ago, Jfresh26 said:

Awesome! Were you guys able to get an interview appointment? 
 

We’re waiting for the embassy’s reply for my expedite request. Then flying to Manila ASAP probably via Cebu Pacific. 

Yes, interview is on 4/26. Expedite based on us citizen baby.

I ended up buying a Cebu Pacific ticket due to issues with booking with PAL online. The flights seem to be consistent, I just hope it's not cancelled as there are only a couple flights per day to choose from

1 minute ago, Jfresh26 said:

Is it to do her medical or interview? 
I saw Manila is on MECQ now, still not great, but it’s better I guess.

Are there any requirements to board the flight? 

Yes, she has a appointment at St Lukes. As of now all that is required is boarding pass, ID and Traze app.

It's not great but at least St Lukes and the Embassy are still open.

My fiance is flying from Cebu to Manila on Cebu Pacific on 4/20/2021.

If you meet the income requirements, is it fine to list your gross income and provide a tax return transcript and leave the other fields (bonds, real estate, life insurance) blank?

3 hours ago, Palawan1 said:

Has anyone recently done the CRBA process through USEM? We are wondering how long it is taking now from start to finish. My wife and I went through the CRBA process at USEM in 2017 for our daughter and it didn’t take long to receive CRBA and passport. Thanks for your help. I have looked through all the postings in the Philippines forum back to September 2020 and have found no CRBA experience postings.

 

We are still waiting for the CRBA + passport, been almost 4 weeks now. We applied at the consular office in Cebu and they told us 5-6 weeks.

However, it seems like most folks applying directly at the Manila Embassy have their CRBA +  passport in hand in about 14 - 21 days max.

I think it depends what you order. I only ever get the Hawaii, and it tastes like they use fresh pineapple. I enjoyed Shakey's too.

Maybe it's that thing where when you are on vacation everything tastes amazing.

I'd rather get Yellow Cab and save the burger for the US.

Does a medical on a Wednesday or Thursday allow enough time If the interview is on Monday?

Traveling from Cebu so trying to avoid 2 trips with the all the restrictions going on.

On 3/19/2021 at 2:43 AM, Immigirl22 said:

I just checked, March 23 is open.

Do you have to have a confirmed interview at the Embassy before being able to make a SLEC appointment online?

3 hours ago, Adventine said:

 

I agree with you. 

 

My March 19 flight with ANA is still confirmed (so far) but I'm preparing myself for a flight cancellation too. Great, I can spend more time with my fiancé, but I have a job, family and other responsibilities to get back to. 

 

 

If you leave March 19 won't you arrive March 21 which is when the ban has started?

1 minute ago, Adventine said:

 

Based on the wording of the original resolution (see the Facebook link I posted), I will not qualify to enter during this period, because I am NOT an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker). I'm only on the US as a tourist, on a trip meant only to last a couple of weeks.

 

It's funny and sad at the same time.

 

I fully expect the guidelines to change again in the coming days, depending on how loudly people complain. 

I hope this is not the case for you, but what if you are a Filipino on a temporary visa in another country which expires during the ban period? Not really asking the question, I'm just surprised at the extent of this ban.

4 minutes ago, Adventine said:

 

I feel for you.

 

I have the opposite problem. I'm in the US, and planned to arrive back in the PH only a few hours before the ban starts on March 20, 00:00. I'm already making backup plans if any of my flights are delayed, and if this ban is enforced without changes until April 19. 

 

I'm continuing to monitor because we will likely see more changes in the coming days. Sources originally broke the news saying that the ban would start on March 18, then revised it to March 20.

Will you not be able to return during this period even as a Filipino citizen? This is crazy