Makati

[Soapy Smith]

1. Hotel Options - I will be in Philippines for 5 nights arriving on a W at 11pm and returning early the following Monday morning. I am considering stay W-F at the Hyatt in Malate and then ST-SN at the Marriott Renaissance in Makati. Would appreciate input on whether this is a good plan or if better to just stay at one hotel. It hard to tell on maps how far apart Malate and Makati are. I was thinking the Hyatt since it has a pool and the other doesn't appear to have one.

Depending on traffic the taxi ride from Malate to Makati will be 20 to 30 minutes.

2. Arriving at 11pm - By the time I get baggage, taxi to hotel (what should cost be?) will I have time to go out on W night? If so, what is the best option/venue?

EDSA is probably still open. LA Cafe is open 24 hours, though numbers and quality of freelancers is a fluid equation. Usually between midnight and 2 thee will still be some passable possibilities.

3. Nightlife Location/Cost Factors - Reading the reports it seems like Makati is more high end than Malate so I am wondering what the current pricing structure is for say 4 beers and a beatiful woman till morning. It seems that some bars require that the bar be paid to take out a girl, is it doable to just get there number and have them come over the following afternoon? Also, is the quality of the women that different between these two locations?

4. Daytime Activities - Some of the reports refer to the possibility of going to the malls and meeting girls during the day for afternoon fun? Does this really happen and if so what are the best locations to explore?

Two such malls in the Ermita and Malate area: Robinson's Place and Harrison Plaza. In Makati some claim to score with freelancers hanging out at Havana Cafe and at the escalator nearby; I believe it's in Greenbelt Mall on the Second floor.

5. Daytime Activities/"Must See" Attractions - are there any sites that should not be missed, ie, Manila Zoo, Bayfront, Macapagal Palace?

As somebody already said, forget the zoo. Other possibilities:

Chinese and Japanese gardens and, even better, the orchiderium along the North and Northeast part of Rizal Park. Rizal Park is just North of Ermita. You could walk here; it's a good 10-15 minute walk from the Hyatt. Small admission fees.

Cultural Center of the Philippines, if you like historical and anthropological kinds of things. Take a taxi. South on Roxas Blvd. from Ermita until the bay is no longer right along Roxas, then take the first right (at Pablo Ocampo). It's the first building on the left. Small admission fee.

Intramuros. This is the old walled city that the Spanish settlers established; between Rizal Park and the Pasig River. Mostly it's been restored to look like colonial Spanish buildings, but everything was bombed out by us or the Japanese during WWII, except for the San Augustin Church. But the walls around the neighborhood are still standing. You can walk here if you continue on across the middle of Rizal Park. You could also taxi. There's supposed to be some good restaurants in the area, but most are only open at night.

A great place to buy native craft souvenirs is under the Quezon Blvd. bridge over the Pasig River, on the North side. This area is called Quiapo. Be on your toes. I never had a problem here, but this is not the most savory neighborhood. There's a very famous church just north of the bridge that is home to some famous little statue they worship called the Black Nazarene. The church is Quiapo Church. In the area from the church back south down to the river, especially under the bridge, is where the craft dealers are. Don't ever take the first price. Always bargain, then shake your head and start walking away. You may then get their best offer. Maybe. Or just keep walking and come back later after comparing prices elsewhere. Other vendors who don't have stalls will follow you around trying to sell you pearl jewelry and other small stuff, but their prices will come down too the longer they follow you around. Walk into a shop that's selling the same stuff the camp follower is offering, and watch both their prices suddenly get lower. Bottom line, you can come away with some fascinating handmade stuff here for bargain prices. You could go here by taxi, although the streets tend to get congested during the day and some taxi drivers don't want to drive into the congestion. You can also ride the light rail #1. Go out the Pedro Gil side of the Hyatt, turn right, walk about seven blocks to Taft. Across Taft and up a hundred feet to the right is the entrance to the LRT. Ride North to the third station, Carriedo. It'll cost a grand total of about 12 pesos. You come down out of the station into a pedestrian mall and lots of shops. Keep track of the turns you make coming down out of the overhead station so you don't lose your sense of North and South. Go East a couple blocks and you'll see the Quiapo Church. Go around the Church and you'll see the big highway starting to rise up to the bridge. This is Quezon Blvd. Turn right and start looking under the bridge for shops. You'll know you're out of the craft shops when you find shops selling fish, chicken, smelly pig carcasses, and vegetables. Hey, this is more detail than you get from a Lonely Planet guide, and it's free.

By the way, get yourself a Metro Manila Citiatlas at National Bookstore in Robinson's Place Mall. Turn right on Pedro Gil outside the Hyatt, go 2 1/2 blocks. National Bookstore is in the wing facing right out on Pedro Gil. It's a little 5 by 8 book of 190 pages that costs less than $4. Well worth its cost.

Enjoy,

Skip

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[FreebieFan]

Someone earlier wrote about some must see places. Well Manila zoo is sadly not one of those. Maybe one of worst zoos in Asia unfortunately. Old dark decrepit and thats only the animals.

[Amavida]

I THINK THIS GOT LOST IN THE DEBATE OVER OL TIMERS I-129f.

Back in 2003 I made my first ever trip to Manila. I read the the WSG that the Filling Station in Burgos was a good place to meet women after the bars closed around 3am. I was on Burgos for 1 night in 2003. I walked into the Filling Station just to check it out, but I was occupied the whole night by the 2 girls i picked up, plus a 3rd that was with me for a few days.

I have read nothing in this form regarding the Filling Station.
Is it still there?
Is it a good place to go later in the evening?

Thanks, Bob

Hi TB, this was answered already recently.
Just do a thread search for 'filling station'.

Happy Filling
Amavida

[Towelboy2010]

I THINK THIS GOT LOST IN THE DEBATE OVER OL TIMERS I-129f.

Back in 2003 I made my first ever trip to Manila. I read the the WSG that the Filling Station in Burgos was a good place to meet women after the bars closed around 3am. I was on Burgos for 1 night in 2003. I walked into the Filling Station just to check it out, but I was occupied the whole night by the 2 girls i picked up, plus a 3rd that was with me for a few days.

I have read nothing in this form regarding the Filling Station.
Is it still there?
Is it a good place to go later in the evening?

Thanks, Bob

[Tjanoski]

1. Hotel Options - I will be in Philippines for 5 nights arriving on a W at 11pm and returning early the following Monday morning. I am considering stay W-F at the Hyatt in Malate and then ST-SN at the Marriott Renaissance in Makati. Would appreciate input on whether this is a good plan or if better to just stay at one hotel. It hard to tell on maps how far apart Malate and Makati are. I was thinking the Hyatt since it has a pool and the other doesn't appear to have one.

2. Arriving at 11pm - By the time I get baggage, taxi to hotel (what should cost be?) will I have time to go out on W night? If so, what is the best option/venue?

3. Nightlife Location/Cost Factors - Reading the reports it seems like Makati is more high end than Malate so I am wondering what the current pricing structure is for say 4 beers and a beatiful woman till morning. It seems that some bars require that the bar be paid to take out a girl, is it doable to just get there number and have them come over the following afternoon? Also, is the quality of the women that different between these two locations?

4. Daytime Activities - Some of the reports refer to the possibility of going to the malls and meeting girls during the day for afternoon fun? Does this really happen and if so what are the best locations to explore?

5. Daytime Activities/"Must See" Attractions - are there any sites that should not be missed, ie, Manila Zoo, Bayfront, Macapagal Palace?

[Nvslim]

Ok fella’s, I got a little dilemmna on my hands here. I have been seeing a Filipina for over 3 years and last October '07 filed papers for a fiance’ visa. Since the fees have changed here in the US, the cost is more than doubled as of July ’07 and have thus caused a backlog in processing. As of this month, they are only up to July ’07 in complete applications. Ol Timer

I really hope everything works out for you and your intended. I married a cute little Pinay from Q-City in July 1987. Best move I ever made. She is sweet, loyal, passionate, stubborn and argumentative but I would not change a thing about her.

Filipinas can be the best, and yours sounds like a winner.

Here's hoping your life turns out well.

Slim

[Finrod]

I know of a similar situation to yours, just a bit further along. Some girl I met through her friend I dated got pregnant by her American fiance. When I think back on the timing, I'm sure this happened after they started the K1 application. To make a long story short, she was granted her visa during the last month of her pregnancy so she had her baby in Manila almost a month ago. I thought she had 6 months to enter the US following the visa grant date, but towelboy is saying 4 months. Guess you will have to check that out. Having her baby in a Manila hospital is not that bad, you should be willing to chip in a few bucks to make it a good stay.

Since application accelerations are not possible (the couple looked into this too), they resigned themselves to her having the baby in Manila. So since your girl is now almost 2 months along, I suggest you not bellyache about the slowness anymore. Due to the 4 or 6 months time to enter and the need to take care of the baby's paperwork, it's best if she doesn't get her visa until the last few months of her pregnancy at the earliest. You might also research the subject of K1 visa extensions just in case she needs more time.

So now this couple need a passport for their baby before she could bring him with her to the US. This is different from a K2 visa for dependent children because the baby is his so the baby is already eligible for US citizenship. The fiance has to claim the US citizenship for their baby; she cannot do this. For this part, he did not have to go to Manila, he was able to stay home and send her the signed passport application for her to present with herself and her baby at the US Embassy in Manila. I don't know how that worked or what documents were needed. It is supposed to take about a month to get the passport. The 90 days come into play once she arrives in the US.

About the age of the baby when flying to the US, this girl told me that Philippine Airlines will allow babies to fly if they're at least 16 days old. I think that is pretty young as I have been told that some airlines require babies to be at least 4 months old. Anyway, that gets her and the baby to LAX or SFO, then you will have to check with the US domestic airlines if they need to get on another airplane to fly to your home city.

I know Philippine Airlines is often more expensive, but if you have her fly by herself with the baby, then you really want the non-stop service from MNL to LAX or SFO as babies don't travel that well to begin with so don't make her change planes in a strange airport while she has to manage her baby and her carry-ons on her own.

Jackson, this discussion really falls under General Info. Perhaps you could move these posts there.

[Towelboy2010]

Here is the exact timing from my application last year.

April 23 - Visa app received by USCIS in Vermont.
August 31 - Approval notice received by me.
October 30 - Medical exam in Manila
November 9 - Interview in Manila

The VISA is good for 4 months prior to entry to the US.

Michelle backed out before the interviews in Manila so that is all the useful information I can supply.

Good Luck, Bob

Hello Ol Timer,

Sorry but you don't have your figures straight. You have 90 days to marry her once she arrives in the US. But she has something like six or more months to travel to the US, I'm not sure on the exact number.

[Buko Max]

I know you only get 90 days once the visa is approved to bring her to the US and marry her.

Hello Ol Timer,

Sorry but you don't have your figures straight. You have 90 days to marry her once she arrives in the US. But she has something like six or more months to travel to the US, I'm not sure on the exact number.

[Eaglestar]

We don’t want to have the baby in the Philippines just because I believe she will get better medical coverage through me and have access to better doctors.

Thanks,

Ol Timer

Actually you are correct about better health facilities in the US, but there are some pretty good ones in Manila also and believe me, with as many babies there are delivered in RP, they have it down pat.

Can't comment on the accelerated visa application.

ES

[Amavida]

... do you have any information on what options I have. I know the USCIS doesn’t give extensions on the fiance’ visas. Would I qualify to file an “Accelerated Processing” request?

Thanks,

Ol Timer

Hi Ol Timer,
I don't have direct knowledge of the US system.
In answer to your question, yes it happens all the time - you guys never heard of the oral contraceptive pill or what?? Pinays hate taking OCP but if a girl is serious she will take it, at least during periods when its 'inconvenient' to be pregnant.

With most countries immigration departments you are SWOL. You must wait now for nature to take its course. Think about it from their perspective.. you are not married, she's just another face in the crowd at present.

The only other option is a little visit to the church in Quaipo to see the shangi shangi about some cytotec pils, but it may be way too late for that already...

If you have money to support your future wife (you do don't you?) then you can purchase very good health care for her in the Phils since its too late to get her to your own country now. What's wrong with marrying her in the Phils? Then go for a visa to your home country? Why not live with her in the Phils for a year & find out if you are not making a mistake?

All the best to you both & Let us know how things go in nine months...

Amavida

[Andre007]

There is a web site called visa journey. Just go there and search pregnant. Somebody actually asked the same question.

Short answer is your Attorney is right and there is no accelerated processing.

Hope that helps you.

Ok fella’s, I got a little dilemmna on my hands here. I have been seeing a Filipina for over 3 years and last October '07 filed papers for a fiance’ visa. Since the fees have changed here in the US, the cost is more than doubled as of July ’07 and have thus caused a backlog in processing. As of this month, they are only up to July ’07 in complete applications.

I received a letter from immigration saying they received my $455 application fee in November of ’07, which means I still have another 4 months at least until they process my application. My problem is not really the visa but has something to do with it.

I came to visit my girl in Jan. ’08 for a couple weeks and had an awesome time. A few weeks after I got back she called and said she’s pregnant. Before you guys get all crazy and say she’s pulling my leg, believe me, it’s mine and I’m excited about it. But this poses a problem with the visa.

I know you only get 90 days once the visa is approved to bring her to the US and marry her. My problem is that because of the backlog with applications, she might not be able to travel as she will be over 6 months pregnant and most doctors let alone airlines will allow her to travel. My thing is what if the visa comes during this time and she can’t travel before having the baby?

We don’t want to have the baby in the Philippines just because I believe she will get better medical coverage through me and have access to better doctors. Plus the fact that having it over there causes a little more issues with the baby being considered a US citizen. I spoke to an immigration attorney here and she said it’s not a problem with the baby being a citizen just that it may take a few extra months to get it taken care of. I’m not so worried about the citizenship but more about the travel and having the baby over there.

Has this ever happened to anyone and do you have any information on what options I have. I know the USCIS doesn’t give extensions on the fiance’ visas. Would I qualify to file an “Accelerated Processing” request?

Thanks,

Ol Timer

[Ol Timer]

Ok fella’s, I got a little dilemmna on my hands here. I have been seeing a Filipina for over 3 years and last October '07 filed papers for a fiance’ visa. Since the fees have changed here in the US, the cost is more than doubled as of July ’07 and have thus caused a backlog in processing. As of this month, they are only up to July ’07 in complete applications.

I received a letter from immigration saying they received my $455 application fee in November of ’07, which means I still have another 4 months at least until they process my application. My problem is not really the visa but has something to do with it.

I came to visit my girl in Jan. ’08 for a couple weeks and had an awesome time. A few weeks after I got back she called and said she’s pregnant. Before you guys get all crazy and say she’s pulling my leg, believe me, it’s mine and I’m excited about it. But this poses a problem with the visa.

I know you only get 90 days once the visa is approved to bring her to the US and marry her. My problem is that because of the backlog with applications, she might not be able to travel as she will be over 6 months pregnant and most doctors let alone airlines will allow her to travel. My thing is what if the visa comes during this time and she can’t travel before having the baby?

We don’t want to have the baby in the Philippines just because I believe she will get better medical coverage through me and have access to better doctors. Plus the fact that having it over there causes a little more issues with the baby being considered a US citizen. I spoke to an immigration attorney here and she said it’s not a problem with the baby being a citizen just that it may take a few extra months to get it taken care of. I’m not so worried about the citizenship but more about the travel and having the baby over there.

Has this ever happened to anyone and do you have any information on what options I have. I know the USCIS doesn’t give extensions on the fiance’ visas. Would I qualify to file an “Accelerated Processing” request?

Thanks,

Ol Timer

[Towelboy2010]

Back in 2003 I made my first ever trip to Manila. I read the the WSG that the Filling Station in Burgos was a good place to meet women after the bars closed around 3am. I was on Burgos for 1 night in 2003. I walked into the Filling Station just to check it out, but I was occupied the whole night by the 2 girls i picked up, plus a 3rd that was with me for a few days.

I have read nothing in this form regarding the Filling Station.
Is it still there?
Is it a good place to go later in the evening?

Thanks, Bob

[Yxeslhady]

Hi to all members,

I am a new member in this site, but I am a regular reader.

I am so happy to met my friend here in Makati last Tuesday, he was so good and nice at all.

Hope we met again when you get back here.

Thank you so much.