Top 3 Things NOT to talk about in the Philippines

On this video, I shared 3 top things that tourist or expats should not discuss with filipino conservatives in a conversation.  There are certain topics that filipinos are not open to talk about. Filipinos may appear very cool and hospitable but just like any nationality, there are things that are not openly discussed without causing a fight or misunderstandings.

Even when dating someone from the Philippines, these topics may be off limits. A woman may get very discouraged if you start discussing one of these things. They will have a wrong interpretation of you and will judge your existence base on what you have said.

Hurry and download the Green card App!

Once you arrive in the United States under a k1 fiance visa, you have to apply for Adjustment of Status to become a permanent resident also know as a Green card. This app serves as a checklist of requirements and a guide throughout the process. It also has sample images of the letters that you will receive. This app is available in App store.  Goodluck! :-)

Download the k1 fiance visa app!

Hey guys, this app is free. If you are petitioning your foreign fiance for a k1 fiance visa this app will definitely help you throughout the process. Grab it while its still free :-)

Can I still get a 10 yr green card even if I get divorced?

 Hey guys,

This is a repost from my website efilipinowomen.com. Just want to share it to more people who do not know their rights. This is additional knowledge about the green card process in the United States.

 

After you get married (k1/fiance visa) and apply for a Permanent Residence, you receive a 2 yr conditional green card. All of us are expecting that our marriage will be forever and hopefully it will. But you should know that you can build your own life in the USA even if your marriage has to end.

 

A fiance who contacted me asked: Can I stay in the US if I get a divorce after getting the two year conditional green card? The answer is yes.

 

A fiance gets married and she applies for the adjustment of status/conditional green card through the USCIS. She gets her 2 year conditional green card. And after 2 years she must apply for 10 year green card. Once you apply for the 10 year conditional green card she can apply alone (divorced) as long as she can prove that her marriage/relationship was real.

 

YESSSSSS. You can.

 

 

Tagalog: Hi mga sis! Manuod kayo sa video na ito para may knowledge kayo sa green card process natin dito.

 

After dumating dito, kung k1 fiance visa holder, mag apply kayo ng Permanent residence or green card. Mag sesend ang USCIS ng interview appointment para pumunta sa interview kasama ang US citizen na asawa. Tapos nyan i send nila ang green card through mail. Sa point na ito kung hindi mag work ang marriage pwede kayong magpatuloy ng mag isa.

 

After 2 years, kailangan ulit mg send ng form I I751 to remove the conditions ng green card at para makuha ang 10 year green card kasunod ang US citizenship. May nag message sa akin na member din rito. Hindi sya tinatrato ng maayos ng kanyang asawa. Nung na mention nyang makipag divorce, tinakot sya na hindi sya makakakuha ng 10 year green card nya kung makikipag diborsyo sya.

 

Totoo ba na madedeport tayo kung nakipaghiwalay kapag natanggap na ang green card? Hindi Yan totoo. Kung abusuhin kayo ng asawa huwag matakot!!!! Pwede pa rin kayong maging US citizen kahit wala na ang asawa. I secure nyo lang ang pagpakasal at unang process ng pagkuha ng green card. Yung 2 year conditional green card. Pag nakuha nyo na ang green card at kung hindi maganda ang pagsasama nyo or hindi kayo tinatrato ng maayos ng inyong mga asawa hindi nyo kailangan mag stay sa ganyang sitwasyon.

 

 

Identity Theft of Yuri Sincero Beware!

Hey guys,
Some scammer is using my name to try to steal money from people.
Just wanted to warn you.

https://youtu.be/wKF5bONuTSI

This is the profile of the scammer in instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gadgethubph_/

Address:
Maxie Ibarra
156 Brgy.
Balibago 1st, Tarlac City
Tarlac

Fake Email:
yuri.sincero11@gmail.com

Visa Approved 14 Victims San Bernadino K1 Visa Podcast 1

i129f (fiance visa) Video Compilation

This is a video compilation of all the steps that you need in completing your I129f petition application/US k-1 visa. The videos provide information on I129f petition, tips for the k1 requirements and the k-1 visa interview process. For more k1 visa assistance, you can also join us in our k-1 visa/Aos Facebook group discussion.
Fb group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/k1visaAos/?fref=nf


k-1 visa process I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9wOAFaOlPQ

k-1 visa process II
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T70OtIn1dhs

k-1 visa process III
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqE5mBhH57s

How to schedule an interview appointment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwxKL6we-cU

Interview Practice tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hNDR4HthQc

The rest of the videos can be found in my youtube channel. Goodluck to all the couples! :-)

Youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClPn38quemFi2x5VqqhRNQA

Traveling to Philippines :Tips

If Philippines is one of your planned travel destination, preparation is a must.  A trip to a developing country is not as convenient as what you might experience in a developed country but it is an adventure you will never forget.

The Philippines has very unique food, attractions and people.  If you go with an open mind you can  learn a lot from the culture.  The people there have a different standard of happiness.  Traveling in my own country and other South East Asian countries has given me a wealth of memories and experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Here are few tips for going to the Philippines:

1. Restaurants. When eating in a restaurant giving 1 or 2 dollar tip is already more than enough for filipinos. They are thankful with that amount. The current exchange rate now is $1.00 = P 44.69. Average minimum wage for Manila is P466.00 and Cebu is P 310.00.

2. Blend in. To look normal, do not carry a backpack if you are going to the mall. That is just weird for filipinos. Plus in the cities, some malls may block you and thoroughly check your body and bags especially the guys to ensure that you are not carrying anything the might be seen as a weapons. Malls are guarded with cctv cameras. They are strict in inspecting people and people carrying backpacks because thieves usually carry backpacks to steal stuff from the store.

3. Pick Pockets.  Always feel and watch your pants pockets because there are many pick pocketer there.

4. Dating. If you are going on a date with a filipina, always offer to pay and if she offers to contribute, refuse immediately.  It's an automatic rejection when they have to pay a share.  If she had to pay at all you should not expect a future in that date.  A few girls might reconsider this but only if she is super into a guy.

5. Whitening products.  If you are using a special soap, get some before travelling to the Philippines because 90% of the time, it will not be available there.  Also, all lotions, face creams and soaps have whitening chemicals. Only Vaseline and baby products do not contain whitening.

6. Exotic food. While traveling in the Philippines, you will notice that filipino cuisines have so many exotic food that we do not classify as exotic and that may be gross to you.  Do not try it if you are not ready. You can stick to American restaurants there, they have a few like TGI fridays, McDonalds, Shakeys and Pizza Hut.

7. Deadbeats. If you are walking alone and a filipino shows up trying to be nice and befriended you, be suspicious and ignore him/her if you can. They are not trying to be nice for free. They
want money from you.

Immigrating to the US: A new path

October 2014

After 4 flights, I finally arrived in Denver, Colorado. A 24 hour flight (with layovers) is definitely exhausting. While at the escalator looking up, I started getting energized because guess what? My husband was there waiting for me with big smile :-)

Then I thought to myself, "Finally, I am home".  I felt relieved and happy.  After all, he is my reason of being here.  I did not anticipate that there would be more to be excited about in the US.

husband and I

A few weeks after my arrival, the fun began.

first step in snow

Cold.  It started snowing.  It was the first time I had seen the powdery stuff drift from the sky.  It looks very beautiful but I can not stay out long because it's so cold it actually hurts my skin too.  I look out from the balcony and watch the snow as it piles up.  I have never experienced weather as cold as a freezer.  The heater is always on during daytime.  on of the first things we had to get was jacket.  I picked the thickest jacket I could get from Burlington Coats.  I also bought a few pairs of thermal clothes.  I had to get used to wearing leggings, gym pants and socks to cover my feet.  Back in the Philippines we flipflops through out the year!

Great customer service. People here are so well trained to give excellent customer service.  I was not used to that. It is extreme for me when someone suddenly pops up by my side to ask me if I found what I am seeking for or if I need any help shopping for items.  It makes me uncomfortable because I am not used to the this level of customer service.  There are times when I would intentionally avoid them so that no one will ask me for what  I'm seeking for or how is my day? Lol. I am not used to sales people being extra friendly to customers.  But I really still feel lucky to be here because wherever I go, my questions and needs are being attended and catered.

Food.

yum yum :-)

Oh my god! I think this is the best part and the worst part and the US. 

          Why is it the best part? It is the best part because companies here give convenience to consumers in every way. They sell canned fruits and veggies so it is easier to prepare. Companies provide a variety of pastas, chocolates, drinks and any products you can think of. 

          What is the bad part? Since everything is provided with people are tempted to keep eating and eating until they become obese.  It takes a lot of discipline to stay in shape here because of temptation of cheap, tasty and unhealthy foods.  

Tardiness is bad.

Really bad. Adults attending birthday parties , gatherings, school meeting and programs are always planned out on exact time. People always come earlier than the agreed time. In ph, I was always late in going to places but nobody really make a big deal out of it unless I was 30 minutes to an hour late.

People are conservative in clothing.

rummyofficialministryorg.

I don't know about other places in the United States, but here in Colorado there is not much fashion going on.  And when I dressed up, it was kind of awkward since all eyes are on me (if not all).  It was enough for me to noticed.  I have found that blending in with people's simple style of clothing is better.

This it for now, will keep you updated next time!!. have a happy travel everyone. Or have great days everyone !

                                     

Elf beauty reviews

Elf beauty reviews

I have tried a beauty product called  ELF (eyes, lips, face).  They have a variety of tools from eye make up to make up remover.  So far, I am satisfied with every thing I have used.  The last time I ordered from ELF they were offering free shipping on orders of $35 and above. It was a great deal so I immediately grabbed it!

After a week my package arrived and it was time to try it out.

ELF's make-up brushes are a decent quality.  Back in the Philippines, I had used it and noticed how soft it was when I applied my foundation. The eye brush is equally good.  Though not as soft, the eye brush is great for the price.  It is only a dollar.  The small brush I had used for my eyebrow gel made my eyebrows look so defined and beautiful.

The Eyebrow kit was especially impressive.  The Eyebrow gel and powder allow me to sculpt and shape my brows to achieve the look I want.  I use it every time I go out with my husband for a special occasion and it can last all day.  NO matter what the weather is, my eyebrows stay intact.

Another thing I really like in my batch of order was the cream eyeliner. I ordered metal blue and black. Because my eyes are small, the cream eyeliner really helps in defining and making them look bigger.

Another ELF product that I would recommend is the pale lipstick. It is beautiful!  Even though it is probably more suited for light skin women, it looks good on me too ;). I hope so.

The only thing I was really disappointed about was the nail polish remover. It had a very strong chemical odor when I used it which is probably unavoidable.

ELF also sells a few nail tools and a set of 14 different types of nail polish on their site. It was on sale for $14.00.  It is good quality and so worth it for what you are getting.

Does Age matter to Filipinas when marrying a foreign national?

Does Age matter to Filipinas when marrying a foreign national?

You will often see Filipinas dating much older men in the Philippines.  You will see a 20-something woman walking in a park or having dinner with a white guy who is over 40 or 50 years old. Sometimes the couple looks very happy together.

I think this is because many Filipinas seek the comfort, love, understanding and stability that an older more experienced man can bring.  Many Filipinas lack a father figure.  So when they find a man with these qualities they are more than willing to give the opportunity a try.

Unfortunately, stable male figures are very hard to find among filipino men.  The good ones are usually taken.  The young, handsome men are busy with two or three women.  So older foreign guys are a natural attraction for a single Filipina who has already had a bad break up with a young filipino first love.

Filipinas often gravitate toward a father figure.  A responsible, matured guy who is not afraid of a serious, long-term commitment.

photo from bellanaija.com

I have found that many filipino guys are dependent to their parents (not ALL but many I met).
Some still live with their parents or their decisions are based on what their parents think or say which is not good in building a healthy marriage. It can actually make the relationship shaky (including my parents).  It is cool to have blessings and guidance from parents but it is NOT cool to have parents involved with every decision that a couple should be making for themselves.

Another unfortunate trend is that many Filipinas are impregnated and left behind by irresponsible filipino guys so they end up finding another father for their child/children to be able to raise them better and to have financial stability.  There are very good Filipino men out there, who are great role models and incredible fathers.  I am not talking about them.. those guys are usually taken.

Marrying an older guy is not unusual in the Philippines. Filipino women also marry older Filipino guys who are doing pretty good in the home country.

Age differences don't worry most Filipinas.  We focus more on stuff like manners, personality, financial status and upbringing of our men because these factors have the most impact in the relationship.  As long as the guy can still perform in bed, everything is kool ;)

Asian dishes: Nasi goreng

Asian dishes - Nasi goreng

Nasi Goreng is a famous Indonesian beef fried rice. This recipe was shared to me by my uncle who worked in Indonesia for a year.  He said it was good so I thought I should give it a try.

Nasi Goreng tastes different from all the fried rice I have made before. It is a simple Asian dish but it tastes good. The spices used for this recipe helps bring out the flavor of the ground beef.  It has a little sour taste from Tabasco sauce and a little sweetness from oyster sauce.

Overall, I would rate it 4 out of 5.  It does not have that "WOW" taste but it is definitely worth trying if you are up to eating a new different tasting dish.  You can also try adding 1 more tablespoon of oyster sauce, spring onions and sprinkle of salt to make it more tasty.

Nasi Goreng

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 C garlic, minced
1/2 C onion, minced
3/4 C red bell pepper or green
1/2  pound seasoned ground beef
3 C cooked rice
1/8 C tabasco green pepper sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp pepper
sunny side up egg topping

 Procedure:
1. Heat your pan and pour the olive oil.

2. Add garlic and beef. Saute for 10 minutes in high heat. Add onion and bell pepper. 

   
                           
3. Add rice and green Tabasco pepper sauce.
4. Add oyster, pepper and stir until mix evenly.
5. Serve in a bowl and add sunny side up egg on top.

Unfortunate kids in cebu city

Cebu City:  The Kid on Fuente Osmena Blvd

Article created: June 2014

This is a true story about a little girl I met on the streets of Cebu City.

In 2008, I was approached by a little girl who had been wandering Fuente Osmena Boulevard.  She looked about 8 year old.  Beggars and con-artists of every age are common in that area and I really did not want to be bothered that day, so I told her to leave me alone.  I had troubles of my own.  I only had enough for my own survival at the time.

As I continued walking, she followed saying in Cebuano, “Ate, sige na, malouy ka naku gutom na kaayo ko wa jud koy kaon”.  Which means:  Elder sis, please have pity on me.  I’m very hungry, I have not eaten yet.  

I stared into her eyes trying to figure out if she was sincere.  Her dark eyes were hopeless.  She had layers of dust on her pretty, brown face.  Her hair was a tangled mess at shoulder length spilling on skinny shoulders.  She wore an old, gray t-shirt with holes at the seams, filthy brown shorts and no shoes.  

I felt sorry for her.  As bad as my situation was, hers was 10 times worse.  So I asked, ‘’Ok, what would you like to eat?”

“I wanna eat Jollibee, ate,” she said.  

“What would you like to eat in Jollibee?” I asked.

“I want burger, coke and french fries,” she replied.

photo by: filipinobackpacker.com

The fact that she was a little demanding and knew exactly what she wanted made me smile.  We went to the counter to order her food which left me 100 pesos (about $2USD at the time) for the rest of the week.  We got our order and sat down right next to as statue of Jollibee himself.

“Do you like the food?” I asked.

“Yes,” she replied through a mouth full of fries.

I looked over at her and did something that I bet she was still too young to do.  I wondered about her story and why she should have such a fate, “How come you  are out in the streets begging? Do you have parents?”

“No,” She said.  “I don’t have parents.  I have been abandoned and a lady adopted me. She has a  very small shop on Fuente corner but she does not have a home too..”

“I heard DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] has a project for street kids,” I told her.  “Don’t they pick you up so you can be adopted permanently?”

“Yes, they do pick us up at daytime but throw us back in the streets at night time.”  Then she said something that haunts me to this this day.  “Ate, can you just bring me home with you and adopt me? I would be a very good girl for you.”

At the time, I was also homeless living on about 2,900 Pesos/month ($64USD) per month.  I had to  refuse.  I was homeless because I decided to live by myself rather than be pressured by my parents to marry a rich guy for money to help them out of poverty.

Street kids are not allowed to enter Jollibee loiter because the staff does not want paying customers to be bothered while eating. There are too many beggars in the Philippines these days.  The situation is out of control.  More families are living in the streets and pushing their kids to beg or worse.

These kids are brought up on the streets and sometimes turn into criminals taking violent risks to survive. They stop begging and resort to stealing wallets, snatching necklaces or purses.

It makes me wonder what is the source of the problems in Cebu City? Is it prostitution, street kids, beggars?  It seems like these are all the results of one thing...poverty.  But what is causing the poverty?  How can it be solve?  

I think it might be that the population multiplying much faster than Cebu’s socio-economic growth can handle.  I am relieved that RH bill has been approved allowing organizations to teach and promote family planning. Now, people can decide for themselves the right choices for their families.

Passing a law will not change the situation of the Philippines overnight. It will take time. In the mean time little kids have to suffer.  

I still wonder about that kid on Fuente Boulevard.

Moving to America - The taste of Fastfood

Moving to America - The Taste of Fast Food

OH NO! I'm becoming an American :-) Lol.

Just kidding. I love being here. I love the people most have been nice. I have had the great fortune of participating in the US holidays like Halloween for kids and Thanksgiving.  Both are awesome. People really get into the holidays here. Since most of us in the Philippines do not celebrate this holiday (or eat a giant turkey), the experience has been very interesting.

Customer service is great wherever we go.  The environment is beautiful and clean in Colorado.

One of the biggest treats for me, has been the food.  I love the food. Including the huge variety of fast food! Yummy. Below is my own survey of the fastfood that I have tasted so far. 

Q: Is fast food restaurant food healthy? 

A: No, definitely not.  There are a few notable exceptions (Chipotle and Noodles & CO. ect)
                   

Q: Which fast food serves the best drink?

A: I love SONIC among all. Coconut cream pie shake is the best!.  
                   

Q: Which one has the best sandwich?

A: You know the answer. It's Subway!? of course and it can be pretty healthy.

Q: Which fast food gives the best customer service?
A: I can't compare. Each is unique but all have great customer service.

Q: Which has the best pizza?
A: I personally think that it is still Pizza Hut :-P

Q: In your own opinion, which has the best tasting burger?

A: I choose Classic Smash Burger :-) . It is juicy and mouth watering.
                    

Q: Which fast food has most delicious fries?

A: Smash Burger? They got these sweet potato fries.

Q: Which has best fried chicken?
A: Ahm, I think its KFC. It depends on what each individual likes. Some may not agree with me.

Q: Well, How about Captain d? Is it good?
A: My husband said forget it. It sucks. So I never got the chance of trying it.
                 
                                  
                                                                  Noodles & Company

Of all the other places I have been Taco Bell was also notable.  It tastes okay and the price was very cheap. You can get a taco or burrito for a dollar.  Other places that have quite good burgers are Burger King and Carl's Jr.  Eating fast food is not bad for you if you do not eat too much. You can also be selective about what items you eat in each fast food place.

Until next time :-)

US marine killed transgender

In the Philippines there are a few controversial cases that have put some groups against the US Armed Forces sent to the Philippines.  Unfortunately, we now must add the recent murder of a transgender Filipino by a US Marine.  This particular case is reminiscent of another case that occurred in 2005 involving American, Daniel Smith.

My first reaction when I heard about the headline was in favor of the poor young Marine dude. I thought “Well, I know transgenders and crossdressers mostly  pretend to be women to get laid, to make money and sometimes rob innocent foreigners.  Maybe tricked that guy to have sex with her, the guy found out that he is gay, got angry and hit her so hard that she died”.  I was very wrong.

The story is deeper and more scary than what I thought.  I didn’t know that a US marine killed the transgender brutally. Being drunk is not an excuse to drown her.

This incident is so tragic. He killed her without thinking of the consequences.  He could have just refused and left without doing anything violent and find another woman to get laid.  Problem solved. It’s that simple.  Instead, he drowned her and left the scene as quick as he could thinking he can escape.

Does third-world country poverty make our lives cheaper than that of American lives?  Will we allow this murderer to get slip through the cracks?  A human life was taken and a family has been destroyed forever by the hands of drunk.  

Philippine culture - a town feast

Philippine culture - a town feast

                                       

Festivals are a big part of Philippine culture.  While traveling around the Philippines, you may notice that every town and province celebrates festivities inviting guests, friends and relatives.  The feast is held in honor of patrons representing each town.  A procession of saints is conducted before the day of the event .

 

                Town of Argao

People are gathered for Mass followed by a procession, a slow, reverent walk holding lighted candles. During the procession there is also a novena and songs sang by people leading the prayer. Each family is expected to have food serve for the visitors. Pigs are raised and prepared specifically for the feast.  Lechon, a roasted whole pig, is a special dish prepared during the feast.  It is cooked outdoor in a pile of charcoal and roast until it becomes golden brown. This process takes hours. Other common main dishes prepared for fiesta are pork humba and pancit.

Meanwhile, feast is celebrated for 2 days. The ‘desperas’ and the actual day called ‘Pista’.

There is also another event celebrated by towns that happens every May during the “Flores de Mayo”. Flores de Mayo is an event where the teens have parades all over the town wearing beautiful filipiniana gowns. May is used by many towns to celebrate their own annual fiesta.  

***********************************************************************

continuation of this article is here:

http://efilipinowomen.com/philippine-culture/

how are filipino women

How are filipino women?

When a filipino women has dedicated herself to her man, she will always stay loyal and faithful with or without the presence of her man beside her.

Since we were born and raised to be trustworthy and god fearing most filipino women are good and ideal as wives.

How are filipino women?

Once you earn her love and trust she is so obedient that some might see it as a negative thing.  But you have to realize that in her culture, this behavior is not only acceptable, it is expected.

This does not apply to how all filipino women are.  We are individuals so I know many exceptions to what I have mentioned above.  But I can tell you honestly, if she is in love with you there are not many exceptions.

full article here: http://efilipinowomen.com/how-are-filipino-women/