Dumaguete Info Search


Hi, new guy here

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Forum' started by lqsi12, Feb 27, 2012.

  1. OP
    OP
    lqsi12

    lqsi12 DI Junior Member Showcase Reviewer

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    Hey PatO, thanks for the input, I appreciate every bit I can receive from this forum. My whole life I've been in a high risk category, I think its the way my life has always traveled, hence why I search for answers. Unfortunately I been "round the block" several times, and of course do not wish to make more errors. Aging has definitely changed my outlook, attitude, etc. so I am wary of this. I need a crystal ball just to see 15 years in the future one time, lol. Presently I do have a bank account in Dumaguete, at the RCBC bank, and have used several different ways to acquire money while there, but I do not like the fee's involved with this. If you don't mind me asking are you retired or working there and still a US citizen ? Thanks again
     
  2. PatO

    PatO DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer Veteran Marines

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    Like you, many of us have been around the block several times, and sometimes we are criticized on the forum for that. I am now retired here but have funds transfers US to here occurring periodically, no problem although there is a charge from my US bank.
    I have a 5 month old baby who is also a US and Philippines citizen; we both receive social security benefits. Our house is here so no reason to go back to the US, and I have a permanent resident visa so no need for extensions. Feel free to ask any questions. Getting married here has some paperwork and takes patience. Make sure you bring your divorce decree, if you plan to marry here.
     
  3. Rhoody

    Rhoody DI Forum Luminary

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    Geo,

    I am not known for sweet-talking and diplomatic skills, so I want to be pretty direct.

    You dig yourself a hole where you won't get out again...

    There is no way in the wide wide world you are seen as anything different than a gift of god, for a huge clan, but not providing fish and bread but hard dollar.
     
  4. shadow

    shadow DI Forum Luminary

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    Some points;

    As mentioned, your bride would have to spend a minimum of 3 years in the US to obtain US citizenship. She would have to spend a minimum of 5 years to collect anything on your SS. IF you had a child together, the child could collect on your SS.

    It is near impossible to lose your US citizenship even if you want to. In order to do so, you must pay $500 and denounce it in front of a consular officer. Even then it can be termed null and void.

    Initially you do not have many choices regarding visa issues in the Philippines. Once you marry there are more friendly options available.

    As for money transferring, what many do is open a US dollar account here in the Philippines, and write a check to themself once a month on a US based checking account. It takes 2-4 weeks for the check to clear, but there are generally no fees. You can use an ATM card for emergency purposes, but better to have a goodly reserve in the bank here in case of medical emergency, etc...

    Larry
     
  5. brian ausie

    brian ausie DI Forum Patron

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    Hello iqsi12 yes tread very carefully, I knew my asawa since 2006 met her in 2008 4 times for 3 week stints, brought her to AU in 2009 for 3 months and again in 2010 for a month, married her in 2010 lasted 6 months, don't let the fury magnet hook you. Don’t let your first be a headache and financial disaster, research and take a good look around, good luck
     
  6. Dave & Imp

    Dave & Imp DI Forum Patron Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer

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    Take you time, and be sure to think and investigate everything

    You are just at a start of a long road ahead. An exciting and rewarding journey. You will have many more questions and answers to discover. The advice given by others to slow down is very good. I have been here for 5 months, but it took almost 2 years to prepare, liquidating assets (including two businesses), studying the culture, 8 weeks in visits here, etc. Take you time, learn what to bring, and almost more importantly what you do not have to bring.

    I think the concern with your relationship from some of the members is warranted from the expat experiences I have experienced and heard here. The family scene you have seen here may be very attractive, but the family has a lot at stake to bring over a "rice supplier" to the clan. The show they put on can be very convincing.

    Personally I met a beautiful young Filipino lady. I asked the typical questions: Are you married? Do you have a BF? Do you have any children? The answers were "No," "No," "Yes one son living with my mom." I was taken to the family, introduced to the son, took them to dinners, etc. One big happy family, wow what a great seen. I was treated like a "god." The "son" even attempted to call me father.(Note: the son was only 7 but already knew the benefits of mis-representation) Remember when you are visiting they are probably eating better because we eat better and more food than the typical family here, and I am sure you don't want to let them be hungry so you (we) share our wealth. She was living with me for 3 months (not a short visit) when a phone call came. Her son had been killed. The short of story, is the son I met was not her son, but here sister's son. Her son was not living with her mother. She had two sons, not one. Now I have gone back and asked "are you married" but the answer really doesn't matter because who knows the truth. The US culture and the culture here are different. The motivation for doing things are different. You will read on the forum many good members trying to help the citizens and the culture, while experiencing many frustrations while attempting to do good. You will also read about may scams and learning experiences here.

    I am not trying to be negative, but I will say that until you are here for a long period of time, you will will still be very naive to the realities of life here. I am still very naive after 5 months myself. I read everything I could about the culture before coming here, including the scams etc. Take you time, and be cautious. After you have seen your first lady boy, and can not figure out "what" you are have encountered, you will come to the conclusion the all is not what is appears to be here. (Personally I had spent 30 minutes talking to a "ladyboy" in a public restaurant and had to ask the waiter, that person that was sitting at my table? He said you mean that guy, and I said "thank you" that is what I wanted to know.) I can be naive too. Just do not be overconfident about your own wisdom.

    I wish you the best of luck, and everything else it takes to survive here. Even though my experiences may not seem encouraging I would not give up the living here one bit. There are great places and people to experience here, it is just that not all people and places are great. Read the forum, and attend a few sessions in the mornings at "Univeristy of McDonald's" expat sessions here to learn quickly.

    PM me if you want more information, I support you move but tell you to be cautious. Have you spoken to an immigration attorney. The attorney I spoke with explained that the Philippines was the number two in the world for immigration fraud coming into the US, and that the US government was very strict about immigration. If you live in California, teacher your lady to swim (it is amazing in a nation of 7000+ islands surrounded by water how few know) as the Rio Grand is not that wide is spots. (there has to be a little humor here everyday)

    I leave you with one last bit of advice: It will be easier for you to modified your own thinking and behavior to the culture you are living in than trying to change a county (culture) of people to modify their thinking and behavior to match yours. I remind myself every morning of that when the roster's crowing wakes me up.
     
  7. PatO

    PatO DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer Veteran Marines

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    Can:wink: you please expand on this?
     
  8. Broadside

    Broadside DI Forum Patron

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    If it greatly expands, she is probably a lot older than she said she was. :D
     
  9. Broadside

    Broadside DI Forum Patron

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    EErrrrrr................ they can have false or hormone-enhanced boobs created, have their meat and two vegetables chopped off and have a tuna tunnel constructed, but they can't get rid of the Adams Apple. First place to look if you have any suspicions.
     
  10. navytexan

    navytexan DI Member

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    I need to enrole in "Univeristy of McDonald's . :smile:
     
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