BadAmmoWitch

Hey everyone. My fiancee got her K1 visa and we successfully made it home to the USA last night, but we had some scares along the way.
 
Our flight out of Manila was Sunday morning at 9:30 am. About 6am, we took the elevator down to check out of the Airbnb and get a taxi to NAIA. The elevator then got stuck and powered down on the 5th floor. This is somewhat of a nightmare for me, and I was picturing us missing our flight. I was already sweating, now stuck in this tiny, hot elevator for who knows how long? I can't imagine the elevator techs in the Philippines are going to be easy to conjure at 6am on a Sunday. I sounded the alarm from inside the elevator, and finally one of the residents on the 5th floor woke up and got security, who opened the door from the outside. We were only stuck for about 30 mins.
 
We made it to the airport and proceeded to go through the initial security checkpoint with all our bags. The security officer noticed something in the scan of my fiancee's bag, and pulled us aside to investigate. One officer started filming everything on his phone, which scared me a bit. They emptied and searched the bag, but came up with nothing. Then they re-scanned the empty bag and now noticed a second suspicious item. In the liner (!!!) of the bag, accessible via zipper that she or I had never opened, the security officer found two 9mm bullets right in front of my eyes. 
 
I bought this bag, a typical medium-sized piece of luggage, in the Philippines for my fiancee in 2019, and it was never out of her possession. I read stories online about airport security planting bullets and then extorting money to let the traveler go. Airport security involved a police officer, who grilled us for about 30 minutes. They ultimately believed us and let us go. We know that someone planted those bullets, but we can't figure out who or when.
 
We made our flight with a little time to spare, but I got a few gray hairs out of it. Everything else went smoothly, and hallelujah, we made it home.

Hey everyone. My fiancee got her K1 visa and we successfully made it home to the USA last night, but we had some scares along the way.
 
Our flight out of Manila was Sunday morning at 9:30 am. About 6am, we took the elevator down to check out of the Airbnb and get a taxi to NAIA. The elevator then got stuck and powered down on the 5th floor. This is somewhat of a nightmare for me, and I was picturing us missing our flight. I was already sweating, now stuck in this tiny, hot elevator for who knows how long? I can't imagine the elevator techs in the Philippines are going to be easy to conjure at 6am on a Sunday. I sounded the alarm from inside the elevator, and finally one of the residents on the 5th floor woke up and got security, who opened the door from the outside. We were only stuck for about 30 mins.
 
We made it to the airport and proceeded to go through the initial security checkpoint with all our bags. The security officer noticed something in the scan of my fiancee's bag, and pulled us aside to investigate. One officer started filming everything on his phone, which scared me a bit. They emptied and searched the bag, but came up with nothing. Then they re-scanned the empty bag and now noticed a second suspicious item. In the liner (!!!) of the bag, accessible via zipper that she or I had never opened, the security officer found two 9mm bullets right in front of my eyes. 
 
I bought this bag, a typical medium-sized piece of luggage, in the Philippines for my fiancee in 2019, and it was never out of her possession. I read stories online about airport security planting bullets and then extorting money to let the traveler go. Airport security involved a police officer, who grilled us for about 30 minutes. They ultimately believed us and let us go. We know that someone planted those bullets, but we can't figure out who or when.
 
We made our flight with a little time to spare, but I got a few gray hairs out of it. Everything else went smoothly, and hallelujah, we made it home.

Hey everyone. My fiancee got her K1 visa and we successfully made it home to the USA last night, but we had some scares along the way.
 
Our flight out of Manila was Sunday morning at 9:30 am. About 6am, we took the elevator down to check out of the Airbnb and get a taxi to NAIA. The elevator then got stuck and powered down on the 5th floor. This is somewhat of a nightmare for me, and I was picturing us missing our flight. I was already sweating, now stuck in this tiny, hot elevator for who knows how long? I can't imagine the elevator techs in the Philippines are going to be easy to conjure at 6am on a Sunday. I sounded the alarm from inside the elevator, and finally one of the residents on the 5th floor woke up and got security, who opened the door from the outside. We were only stuck for about 30 mins.
 
We made it to the airport and proceeded to go through the initial security checkpoint with all our bags. The security officer noticed something in the scan of my fiancee's bag, and pulled us aside to investigate. One officer started filming everything on his phone, which scared me a bit. They emptied and searched the bag, but came up with nothing. Then they re-scanned the empty bag and now noticed a second suspicious item. In the liner (!!!) of the bag, accessible via zipper that she or I had never opened, the security officer found two 9mm bullets right in front of my eyes. 
 
I bought this bag, a typical medium-sized piece of luggage, in the Philippines for my fiancee in 2019, and it was never out of her possession. I read stories online about airport security planting bullets and then extorting money to let the traveler go. Airport security involved a police officer, who grilled us for about 30 minutes. They ultimately believed us and let us go. We know that someone planted those bullets, but we can't figure out who or when.
 
We made our flight with a little time to spare, but I got a few gray hairs out of it. Everything else went smoothly, and hallelujah, we made it home.

Hey everyone. My fiancee got her K1 visa and we successfully made it home to the USA last night, but we had some scares along the way.
 
Our flight out of Manila was Sunday morning at 9:30 am. About 6am, we took the elevator down to check out of the Airbnb and get a taxi to NAIA. The elevator then got stuck and powered down on the 5th floor. This is somewhat of a nightmare for me, and I was picturing us missing our flight. I was already sweating, now stuck in this tiny, hot elevator for who knows how long? I can't imagine the elevator techs in the Philippines are going to be easy to conjure at 6am on a Sunday. I sounded the alarm from inside the elevator, and finally one of the residents on the 5th floor woke up and got security, who opened the door from the outside. We were only stuck for about 30 mins.
 
We made it to the airport and proceeded to go through the initial security checkpoint with all our bags. The security officer noticed something in the scan of my fiancee's bag, and pulled us aside to investigate. One officer started filming everything on his phone, which scared me a bit. They emptied and searched the bag, but came up with nothing. Then they re-scanned the empty bag and now noticed a second suspicious item. In the liner (!!!) of the bag, accessible via zipper that she or I had never opened, the security officer found two 9mm bullets right in front of my eyes. 
 
I bought this bag, a typical medium-sized piece of luggage, in the Philippines for my fiancee in 2019, and it was never out of her possession. I read stories online about airport security planting bullets and then extorting money to let the traveler go. Airport security involved a police officer, who grilled us for about 30 minutes. They ultimately believed us and let us go. We know that someone planted those bullets, but we can't figure out who or when.
 
We made our flight with a little time to spare, but I got a few gray hairs out of it. Everything else went smoothly, and hallelujah, we made it home.

Glad all went well .. .(finally)
 
Now for a few days of sleep ...

Ok let to be clear, she is not really a diplomat but my oncle can get a diplomat visa for her , just to come here and be with me. that's why I'm asking if she's just coming here, can she stay with me? and what we have to say the USCIS? Can I tell them that the person I made the petition is already here?

You can expect to collect your bags at LAX and then recheck them after you exit the customs hall. 
 
You should stay with your fiancée to the extent CBP lets you. 

You and your fiancee will clear immigration/customs.  At immigrations stay in the same line with your fiancee (not sure of what line, ask the agent as you enter immigration).     You will collect your luggage before you clear customs (you did it last time too    ), you will have to re-check your luggage for the flight to Sacramento.

Federal laws say:
 
Only citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents in the U.S. can purchase guns freely. This is subject to local, state, and federal restrictions. Non-immigrant aliens that are not lawful permanent residents can't purchase guns in the U.S. They can borrow or rent a gun, but they can't purchase one.
 
An alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa is prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing a firearm or ammunition unless the alien falls within one of the exceptions provided in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2), such as: a valid hunting license or permit, admitted for lawful hunting or sporting purposes, certain official representatives of a foreign government, or a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business.
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_Texas
 
has charts for who can buy ,  own and carry
 
your USC spouse can own one 
and a rifle or shotgun  kept inside the house can protect family 
 
permits and licenses are needed to carry a handgun /special permit for concealed hand gun 
and most states do not allow u to go from state to state with a hand gun
u need to know your state rules and the rules of surrounding states
 
Examples:
i own a hand gun
i keep it locked in the house as i do not have a permit to carry
even if i go to the gun range to practice ,  i must take it there in a locked box
and each state is so very specific,  for another examples NYC residents are not allowed to own one unless law enforcement
 
when u buy one,  make sure the dealer is legal and has a permit to sell ,  learn the federal laws,  follow Texas laws within that state

I’m a K1 visa holder currently waiting on my AOS. 
filed for AOS in Feb and did biometrics in March. 
 
I’m curious if I would be permitted to purchase a handgun or if I legally need to wait until I receive my green card. The atf form is a bit confusing with regard to immigration status as the k1 is a non-immigrant visa but with an immigrant AOS file under processing. 
 
thanks. 

I just flew back from PH on the 5/19. I used Padlab antigen test. Located very close to the airport. It was quick and easy. I got my results in less than an hour. To save yourself some time pre register online and walk right up and pay cash. If you are far from the airport there are a lot of DOH accreddited test sites in many SM parking lots.

Honestly, sounds like you think of her as a commodity that you are now displeased with.   You feel you didn’t get your money’s worth.
 
We reap what we sow.

My story of driving in the Philippines, would love to hear yours.
 
When I visit, I love the freedom of having a car to drive anywhere, wherever. We like to stay in out-of-the-way places without constant trikes, jeepneys, etc. We like to go to the palengke at 6am. We like to get ihaw at 10pm. It's been well worth the hassle to rent a car for all the time I have visited the Philippines.
 
My fiancee lives in Pampanga, and during our visits, we've always stayed on the big island Luzon. Subic, Zambales, 100 Islands, Vigan, Baler, Tagaytay, Mabini and other places, so no ferries or planes. Driving in the provinces is great. It's still not what Americans are used to, but it's easy. Manila is a nightmare.
 
There are very few signs in Manila, so I often exit a highway when I shouldn't. The globe/smart coverage is spotty, so Google or Waze cannot be relied on completely. Obviously there is so...much...traffic. Defensive driving is #1.
 
In 2019, I was in stop-and-go traffic in Manila, and a police officer on foot flagged me over to the side of the road. I only realized later that he saw a foreigner and fabricated some kind of offense I had committed. He took my California driver license and said I need to come back to some municipal building in a week to pay the fine and get my DL back. But surprise, there was an option to settle it immediately for 4500 pesos. I would not be returning to Manila then, so I opened my wallet and (thankfully) I only had 2000 pesos. He accepted the 2k, gave me back my license, and sent me on my way.
 
Two days ago, I was driving in Manila in stop-and-go traffic (sound familiar?) and was flagged down by a police officer. I already knew. I also remembered that I had about 8000 pesos in my wallet at that time, which was a stupid thing to do. Long story short- the same exact thing occurred, but this time I had the money and he saw it when he took my DL. He got me for 7k pesos.
 
The moral of my story is that it's very rewarding to be self-driving when visiting the Philippines, but beware of metro Manila. If you look like a foreigner and a police officer has the chance, you'll likely be pulled over and have to give up whatever money is in your wallet. I have a new rule: maximum 2k in my wallet when I'm driving.
 
Do you have any experiences to share?
 
 

LBC will text (?)/email you for availability.  You can also request for status " email at ustraveldocssupport@lbcexpress.com or their hotline at (+632) 8858-5999 "  If you are picking up from MOA, and have flight details for her, go to CFO right after, you might be able to get the seminar/CFO sticker same day.  

CFO
Citigold Center
1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue corner Osmeña Highway
Paco, Metro Manila
Philippines 1007

Yes- the roads to the Airbnb are really steep. We haven't been in the town yet, but I prefer to let the grab/taxi drivers do the driving for me while in a heavy traffic area. The Wigo has been great, and ultimately it did the trick, even here in Baguio.

My story of driving in the Philippines, would love to hear yours.
 
When I visit, I love the freedom of having a car to drive anywhere, wherever. We like to stay in out-of-the-way places without constant trikes, jeepneys, etc. We like to go to the palengke at 6am. We like to get ihaw at 10pm. It's been well worth the hassle to rent a car for all the time I have visited the Philippines.
 
My fiancee lives in Pampanga, and during our visits, we've always stayed on the big island Luzon. Subic, Zambales, 100 Islands, Vigan, Baler, Tagaytay, Mabini and other places, so no ferries or planes. Driving in the provinces is great. It's still not what Americans are used to, but it's easy. Manila is a nightmare.
 
There are very few signs in Manila, so I often exit a highway when I shouldn't. The globe/smart coverage is spotty, so Google or Waze cannot be relied on completely. Obviously there is so...much...traffic. Defensive driving is #1.
 
In 2019, I was in stop-and-go traffic in Manila, and a police officer on foot flagged me over to the side of the road. I only realized later that he saw a foreigner and fabricated some kind of offense I had committed. He took my California driver license and said I need to come back to some municipal building in a week to pay the fine and get my DL back. But surprise, there was an option to settle it immediately for 4500 pesos. I would not be returning to Manila then, so I opened my wallet and (thankfully) I only had 2000 pesos. He accepted the 2k, gave me back my license, and sent me on my way.
 
Two days ago, I was driving in Manila in stop-and-go traffic (sound familiar?) and was flagged down by a police officer. I already knew. I also remembered that I had about 8000 pesos in my wallet at that time, which was a stupid thing to do. Long story short- the same exact thing occurred, but this time I had the money and he saw it when he took my DL. He got me for 7k pesos.
 
The moral of my story is that it's very rewarding to be self-driving when visiting the Philippines, but beware of metro Manila. If you look like a foreigner and a police officer has the chance, you'll likely be pulled over and have to give up whatever money is in your wallet. I have a new rule: maximum 2k in my wallet when I'm driving.
 
Do you have any experiences to share?
 
 

Yes- the roads to the Airbnb are really steep. We haven't been in the town yet, but I prefer to let the grab/taxi drivers do the driving for me while in a heavy traffic area. The Wigo has been great, and ultimately it did the trick, even here in Baguio.

We picked ours up at the Mall of Asia. Ours didn't indicate as delivered until my wife was already in the US. We just showed up to MOA 2GO one day and it wasn't there. Went the next and there it was. This was all pre covid and with a different delivery service so YMMV...

Yes- the roads to the Airbnb are really steep. We haven't been in the town yet, but I prefer to let the grab/taxi drivers do the driving for me while in a heavy traffic area. The Wigo has been great, and ultimately it did the trick, even here in Baguio.

I have had good luck with metered taxis in Manila. Only once did I experience monkey business with the meter. I just shook my head and smiled and said start the meter please. Also, my wife is a meter hawk and will not let someone try to take advantage. Never any issues in Cebu with the the taxis. Always used the meter. I only drove a scooter in my wife's province in Mindanao and only for short distances. There didn't seem to be many rules there as I saw helmet-less children driving all over the place. I would never drive in Manila or Cebu. Too stressful. We always take the aircon bus when travelling longer distances in Mindanao. Perfectly fine for me...

Regular taxis are normally reasonable and honest in Baguio, if you need to use them.
 
Are you referring to the roads to the AirBnb?  The main roads in Baguio are not too bad as far as steepness.  Traffic is terrible most of the time.
 
We have family in Baguio so we have been many times.  I used to have a 1.3 litre manual Avanza.  Had a bunch of people in it trying to go up the small, narrow and steep road to my BILs house.  Could not make it.  Clutch was burning.  Had to kick them out to walk the last 50 meters.
 
Wigo is a solid and reliable vehicle for around the town, but not built for the expressways and mountains.  3 cylinder is one short!  We bought a Honda Brio and it has a lot of zip, but we use our Chevy Trailblazer for long trips and the mountains.  Have a 5 hour drive up to Tondol white sands beach coming up at the end of the month.

I know a nice peaceful country road in Baguio, if you want to go for a drive.  No traffic.

Why not Pampanga?  We spend quite a bit of time there and are considering moving to Angeles.

All the time in the province, but never in the NCR or Pampanga areas. Our windows have limo tint so it's hard to see who is driving, if we do get stopped for more than a check point I hand a neatly folded bill under my drivers license as I hand it to the traffic enforcer.  On our motorcycle we normally get stopped at check points to have our papers checked, we did get stopped for no helmets that is an automatic license surrender and a drive to the police station later in the day to pay the fine.  

Don't drive in Manila unless you do your homework and are prepared.  Those fines you paid are ridiculous and you made it worse for everyone by overpaying.  You just handed over all your money without question?  Standard is p500 or maybe p1000 if they won't budge.  Negotiate.  Everything is negotiable in the Philippines.
 
As Flicks said and adding more here:
 
Follow the traffic laws to the letter in Manila, especially Makati.  "Swerving" is a common accusation.  When approaching an intersection, the lines will become solid white near the intersection and crossing them is swerving. Use a GPS.  Waze is best in the Philippines.  Google maps has failed me several times. If you miss a turn, don't try a quick recovery.  Follow the GPS instructions. At least front dash cam.  Point the cam at the window during the stop.  When you get to negotiating, tell the officer you have a dashcam. Your car should have sufficient tint so that you can't easily be seen. Wear your Covid facemask. Avoid driving a vehicle that does not have NCR plates in Manila.  When the know you are from out of town, you are more likely to be targeted. Never show your cash to anyone in the Philippines. In Manila, keep your license by itself with a p500 note. Don't drive by yourself in Manila.  Have your wife or a Filipino friend / relative with you.  Let them negotiate. Avoid rush hours.  More crocodile activity then. I avoid Manila like the plague.  I have been stopped 3 times but one was legit (turned down a one way street).  In Makati, my nephew was with my on a visit and not much tint, so a double whammy.  My nephew gave him 1000.  The other times, 500.  For the real violation, my Filipino BIL jumped out and said "I'll take care of this".  p500 and on the way.
 
The new skyway is great!  You can go North/South without ever touching Manila.

My wife calls them crocodiles.