Going To Cebu.....

[Bear]

... in response to Going To Cebu....., posted by InPghPA on Oct 4, 2001

First of all going to meet one penpal might be a little optimistic.  You should have at least one backup to visit with just in case.  Of course you can always ask a cab driver or just introduce yourself to someone in the malls.

If this is the girl for you make sure you take the G325-A form and have it filled out by her and get passport photos taken.  If you get married there and want to go the K-3/I-130 way get two G325-A forms and two sets of passport photos.

Take lots of pictures and keep all receipts for proof of you trip.

If this is the right girl for you it might be a good idea to give her a ATM/Visa card so that it is faster and cheaper to send money to her.  But still sending money is so dangerous and critical.  Be very careful here.  I think you should make all sure you feel out the family on their expectations of your penpal/fiancee financially (mine in-laws were unbelieveable and I didn't find out till months after I was married).  Make no promises about money - NONE!!!  If she can't live on $150/month or less your making a mistake - my wifes whole family lives on less.

When going about its better just to let her handle the moneys because some there will try to take advantage of you.  Plus its a good way to see how she manages money.  I took 16 people out for a steak dinner and it only cost $60 so your money should go far - do everything you want - have a good time.

Make your own expectations clear as well.  Don't let the hormones interfere with good decisions and questions.  Questions about religion, finaces and family should be well discussed and every ones expectations, that means her family down to the fartherest cousin, should be understood or it will come back and bite you.  That's a promise!

Here lately there have been so many Kanos who have gone over there and come back beaten and bruised emotionally because they didn't talk enuff, ask enuff questions and let physical attraction, niavete and hormones mislead them.  This is for the rest of your life so treat it that way.  There is no question that should be left unasked/unanswered.  I have found the Filipinas that know where you stand on things are the most confidant and secure and less likely to have problems.

Its a great country and generally Americans are well liked.  Lots to see and do.

Bear

[Ray]

... in response to Re: Going To Cebu....., posted by Bear on Oct 4, 2001

I just have a couple of minor corrections/additions.

1. Don't get "passport photos"! Get the ADIT type 3/4 frontal photos. The easiest way to get those is go to FloraFoto (sp?) in Cebu City. I think it's on Colon street. It's a little hard to find, so ask a cabby before you get in. Anyway, they know exactly what you need.

2. If you ask a cab driver to help you meet girls, he is likely to take you to his favorite whore house (LOL!)

3. Forget about trying to get a line on the whole family "down to the farthest cousin". That would take a lifetime! Just try to meet as many of her immediate family as you can. If she has an eldest brother, pay particular attention to him because he holds a place of high importance and respect in the traditional family. If you decide to ask her parents for permission to marry their daughter, which is the customary thing to do, I recommend that you also ask her oldest brother (or oldest sister) as a sign of respect.

Ray

[BrianN]

... in response to Re: Going To Cebu....., posted by Bear on Oct 4, 2001

Doggone it Bear!

Why did you spoil it!?  Just kiddin.  That was a honest and perfectly informative post!

[Bear]

... in response to Re: Going To Cebu....., posted by Bear on Oct 4, 2001

Oh yeah.  I forgot.  Take lots and lots of chocolates - all kinds and don't expect to get any back.  I took 10 bags and got hardly nothing!!!!  They consider American chocolates to be the best.

Take the father some sort of nice gift - I gave mine a Gerber pocket tool.  The mother more chocolates, flowers or pefume and all the young'uns anything with "Made in America" on it.  T-shirts go over very well.

Bear

[Windmill Boy]

... in response to And ....., posted by Bear on Oct 4, 2001

Oh Oh BEAR,   now  you  have  me  going ha ha ha ....

1.) they consider American chocolates  the  best.

Today  I was  making Milk Chocolate  mousse and  I used up some Hersheys milk chocolate bars that  were  left  over  from a chocolate presentation We gave  to the waitstaff a couple  of  weeks  ago.  What  a nightmare it  was  using that garbage instead  of the  Belgian Chocolate  we normally use.  I had to add an extra ingredient that I  wasn't  happy  about  just to make  it  viscious  enough  to use. and  the  after taste of  the  Hersheys  Chocolate  is just scary.

2.)I agree a Gerber pocket tool (they make good knives also)or  a swiss army knife  would  make a nice  gift.

I however am  traveling  back  home  to NY State sunday and I need to  bring  some  of  my knives and tools  with me  for  a 4 day cake decorating  class I will be taking during  my  vacation.  I am   going  to  declare  it  even though it  is  in my suitcase / bag. or  else  the x ray person  might  freak.

I will also have  to  take  my  trusty  Swiss Army knife  off of  my  keychain and  leave  it  in the Truck.  I guess I won't  be able to use it to open that bottle of  Beaujolais on  the plane like  I hoped to.  I  suppose  I  have to stick with the cheap pop top  bottle  instead ha ha ha ha.   I  guess my  blow torch  in my  carry on luggage  is  out  of  the  question right?

I heard today  that  a guy in Phoenix  was  arrested  for  taping  plastic knives  to  his  ankles  so  he  could  protect himself.  Watch  out  those Sporks  can  be  considered  sharp instruments  of destruction and  I am  only referring to  trying to eat  that Chicken  Cordon Bleu  (oh  sorry  that  was  first  class I was  thinking  about)  I  meant  that  week old  blimpy  ham  and  cheese  bun  that  they  give  you in the cheap seats ha ha ha ha.  I want  those  peanuts  back  darn it.  Maybe  I'll  just  bring  a can  of  mixed  nuts  with  me in my carry on luggage ha ha ha.    oops I forgot that the tin foil seal / metal lid  could  be  considered  a sharp object.

Well I'll have  plenty  of  seats  to choose from at least

Windmill Boy

[Jimbo]

... in response to Going To Cebu....., posted by InPghPA on Oct 4, 2001

Welcome Steeler fan,

It is walking distance to Robinson's Mall and the neighborhood has great charm - just check out the buildings next door )

Jim