New Phone Number

[Ray]

August 25, 2003
U.S. EMBASSY HAS NEW PHONE NUMBER

The U.S. Embassy in Manila has started using a new digital telephone number – 528-6300 – to replace its old trunk number, 523-1001.

The new number is capable of taking in 30 callers at a given time and will greatly improve the Embassy’s ability to serve the public when they call.

While the old number is still in the phase-out process, the Embassy encourages the public to delete the old number from their directory and start using the new line so the Embassy can maintain its communication with the public without interruption.

[HaroldC]

... in response to New Phone Number, posted by Ray on Aug 31, 2003

Applicants may apply for the “Affidavit in Lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” at the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Branch everyday, from Monday to Friday (except Philippine and American holidays), between 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M only, at (ACS window #12). The US citizen should first get a red number on the wall across from ACS Window #10.  The American Embassy is located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila,

telephone (63) (2) 526-6300 x 2246/2530.

Americans may also obtain this affidavit at the U.S. Consular Agency in Cebu, 3rd Floor, PCIBank Bldg., Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City - tel. no. (63) (32) 231-1261.  The American must present his/her U.S. passport.  There is a fee of $30.00 for the affidavit.

[Ray]

... in response to Ray, is this info from State site accura..., posted by HaroldC on Aug 31, 2003

Harold,

The Manila info sounds right, but you should always phone ahead to avoid any surprises, such as changes in hours, local holidays, etc.

The Cebu Consulate moved from the PCI Bank Bldg almost a year ago. Last I heard they were on the first floor of the Waterfront Hotel. I don’t know if the phone numbers are the same or not.

Getting the certificate in Cebu is a little more tricky. There is only one guy (John Domingo?) who can administer the oath and sign you off and sometimes he is out of the office for the day. He used to require that you show up with your fiancée so he can do his own little pre-marital interview. He usually does the affidavits M-F at 11 a.m. I got mine in Cebu and didn’t have any problems. Again, phone ahead a couple of days in advance of arrival.

$30 ain't too bad. I paid 55 bucks!

Are you having a wedding over there this trip? :-)

Ray

[Peter Lee]

... in response to No, posted by Ray on Aug 31, 2003

When I was there I had to go twice coz he wasn't there.  He is only there a few times a week.  Good thing coz Maricel didn't have her picture ID with her.   We went to see what the hours were and the day to come.  20 min wait and the interview.  John had a hard time believing that I was never married and a few months away from being 60.  He had me sware under oath that I had never been married with the threat of fines and imprisonment if I was lying.  Lots of smiles later and a nice intervies which resembled some of the seminars we attended we got the papers and left.  I was surprised that Marice always would get into a conversation with another Pinay and get the more info on her side.

[HaroldC]

... in response to No, posted by Ray on Aug 31, 2003

sex for me first trip is what I have told her. I'll only be there 12 days so there won't be time- for a wedding (hold it, fellas, I'm not that old). She says "But what if there's a miracle from G_d?"- OK, OK, I'll reconsider the sex if he insists.

I don't think she believes me about the ten day wait for a marriage license, but I want to get it applied for so it doesn't hang us up later- IF I propose . And since I have to overnight in Manila anyway, might as well get it done (have a reservation at the Bayview Park right across the street from the Embassy @ $45)- much better than a one hour bus plus ten hour boat ride to Cebu.

[Peter Lee]

... in response to Nope. No wedding and no ..., posted by HaroldC on Aug 31, 2003

I did this all in Cebu and it was so easy.  Even with the motorbike in heavy traffic it was a breeze.  The Dept of health is on Maxalom and easy to find.  It is crowded but not for marriage licenses.  It was a walk through and hotels were $14 with cable and pool.  Seminar was boring, the other foreigner from Belgium paid only 600 peso per night in a nice hotel in town. So that is my story, Maricel is from Lanao in Mindanao and they all like Cebu.  The palace of justice for the ceremony was very close down town, even had parking for my motorbike.  
I did the honeymoon while I waited for the 10 and sometimes 14 days they don’t count weekends and then the marriage.   You can do a lot in 2 weeks while you wait LOL.  Manila scares me it sounds so unfriendly and busy.  Cebu was more personal and easy to reach.   But I don’t know your situation just this one thread that I read.  Good luck!
Did you know you have to take a seminar and a written test before you can apply for your license?  Once you get the license it is only good for 4 months.  After that you have to reapply but don't have to go through the seminar again.  The seminar was boring but ok but the written test?  We had to go to another part of town in a school and take the written test.  Then back to get the appointment for the seminar approved.  Then the seminar, then the license, then the 10 day wait, then the ceremony.   We had a fun attitude about it and I did it my way.  Remember honey moon first then the wedding ok LOL.   That way you can do a lot in 12 days.  Go to Boracay for 5 days get some sand under your feet.  Rooms were 500 pesos with cable no air.  See Ya

[nealt]

... in response to Nope. No wedding and no ..., posted by HaroldC on Aug 31, 2003

try the silver dollar in cebu nice women

[HaroldC]

... in response to Re: Nope. No wedding and no ..., posted by nealt on Aug 31, 2003

Her nephew's mother is a GRO in Cebu.

[nealt]

... in response to Nope. No wedding and no ..., posted by HaroldC on Aug 31, 2003

i would Not advise having sex with her if she is still a virgin until after your marrige that is what she saved it 4,if you must pay a bar fine and get it out of your system
tneal

[Peter Lee]

... in response to Re: Nope. No wedding and no ..., posted by nealt on Aug 31, 2003

You don't want to know what I think!!   It is your life and marriage should last a long time.  Can you say later that you did everything you could to make sure it is the right one?

[HaroldC]

... in response to Re: Nope. No wedding and no ..., posted by nealt on Aug 31, 2003

nt