Any special things I should take?

[Stephen]

... in response to Last minute tips..., posted by Ray on Jul 27, 2003

Some Johnson's Baby Powder will keep you from chaffing in a very strategic place.

Better have some over there in the hot muggy temperature.

Stephen

[JJ27]

... in response to Last minute tips..., posted by Ray on Jul 27, 2003


Thanks for all of the tips!

I'll get some balloons today to take with me. Their are
alot of neighbor kids, young cousins, and nieces there.

I already got the Pepto Bismol tablets, mosquito repellent,
and sun block. I've asked her what she's having for dinner
many times to get an idea, and I haven't heard squid or
fish heads yet. I really don't think I could down a fish
head, so maybe I should bring something to help with it.

I've already got the photocopies of the passport, and I'll
make sure to clean out the wallet. Her dad has some medical
problems, so I don't think whiskey will be good for him.
I'm bringing lots of chocolates for the kids and family.

Are their certain items that you have to pay tax on when
bringing them into the country? I have perfume for her.
Also, is it a bad idea to wrap some gifts up? I'm guessing
that customs will probably end up unwrapping them for me.
I already bought a shirt for her, and a nice music CD.

I want to bring things for them, but at the same time..
I don't want to come off as if I'm trying to impress
them. I'm normally just a generous type of person.

I've got a bunch of film and I'll post some pictures
and give a report, when I return home in late August.

Also, I've got the I-129F forms for her to fill out one.
I did notice on the forms that under "Information about
you" it has Male and Female both already checked. Why
are these two spots already checked on the form? Also,
I need two 3/4 inch photos of us.. where is a good place
in Manila to have these taken? I'd like to get this done
before we leave for Leyte, so that I won't have to rush
it on the way back. Thanks for all of the tips everybody!

[Ray]

... in response to Re: Last minute tips..., posted by JJ27 on Jul 27, 2003

I guess you’re pretty well set. Sounds like you’re planning to get officially engaged :-)

You shouldn’t have to worry about customs taxes unless you bring any electronics stuff. I think an ounce of perfume is fine. If you don’t declare any commercial resale quantities, then you usually don’t need to worry. Personal gifts are usually no problem at all. It is very rare to have Philippine customs open your bags, but gift-wrapping isn’t really necessary anyway so I wouldn’t bother. It's much more likely that they would unwrap gifts here in the States for pre-boarding security checks.

The new fillable I-129F form on the BCIS site has both MALE & FEMALE checked off for some reason. You can fill in the form on line and print it out or you can print it blank and fill it in by hand. Before you print the form, click on the FEMALE and/or MALE boxes to un-check them. You won't have to complete the I-129F until you return anyway.

You can get immigration ADIT photos at any Florofoto store like Mita mentioned. There are a whole bunch of them all over Manila. Be sure to have her fill out and sign a Form G-325A and put her signature only on a blank set (sign all 4 pages). Have her do the letter of intent also for the I-129F.

Ray

[Esiang]

... in response to Re: Last minute tips..., posted by JJ27 on Jul 27, 2003

I dont think there is a need to pay tax on those little things...
Leave the gifts unwrapped juz in case custom check it ...
Hmmmn...perfume for her that's nice .......

Are you sure that shirt fits her size???
juz kidding........(:

[Mita]

... in response to Re: Last minute tips..., posted by JJ27 on Jul 27, 2003

The rebels have returned to barracks and all is well again.  Only in the Philippines!  Life is so unpredictable back home - and exciting.
Your hosts will certainly appreciate your generosity.  I hope your fiancee has a CD player.  
The best place to go for the photos is Florofoto in Makati - right next to Rustan's department store in Glorietta Mall which the rebels booby-trapped for their short gig.  Last I heard on the news, they diffused all those bombs and traps ;o)

Mita

[JJ27]

... in response to Re: Re: Last minute tips..., posted by Mita on Jul 27, 2003


I really do appreciate the help from everyone. I've never
taken a trip anywhere outside of the U.S. before, so all
of this is brand new to me. We plan to get engaged. She
has really impressed me in many ways.. she's made many
sacrifices for her family and for me. I'm pretty sure
that the T-shirt will fit her. I did search in the Juniors
section, but I had my mother with me.. so I didn't look
so out of place. My mother is the same height and build
so I think I've gotten the right size for her. She does
have a CD player at home.. I did ask about that to make
sure. I've got the chocolates.. mixed bags, and a box of
the more expensive chocolates for the parents. I bought
balloons, and I'm going to get some other things today.

I'll make sure that we get to the Folorfoto shop in
Makati before leaving for the province. I'll be leaving
early in the morning Thursday.. and I own some sites
online, so I'll post some pictures and a report for
all of those interested, in late August when I return.

Thanks again!

JJ

[Dave H]

... in response to Thanks everyone!, posted by JJ27 on Jul 30, 2003

Hi JJ,

Enjoy yourself and advanced congratulations! I look forward to your trip report and photos!

Dave H.