CFO Manila: Anyone Have Bad Experience at PRISM?

[ILoveJoy 0]

Hi Folks,

I have heard some horror stories about Fiancees getting the "third degree" during the CFO Guidance and Counseling session. Mostly, it seems that the worst experiences come from those who attend the ones managed by nuns at the St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers (SMEF-COW) in Cebu and Manila. The other Manila alternative for the G&C session is the People's Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization Inc. (PRISM), which is a non-religious organization.

For a variety of reasons (age difference, divorces, etc.), I am concerned that my fiancee may face difficulties because of "counselor" prejudices, so I am speculating that maybe the PRISM session may be easier because it is not conducted by nuns.

Has anyone had any negative experiences at the CFO guidance and counseling session conducted by PRISM? Thanks.

Marc

[JSRF 0]

Hi Folks,

I have heard some horror stories about Fiancees getting the "third degree" during the CFO Guidance and Counseling session. Mostly, it seems that the worst experiences come from those who attend the ones managed by nuns at the St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers (SMEF-COW) in Cebu and Manila. The other Manila alternative for the G&C session is the People's Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization Inc. (PRISM), which is a non-religious organization.

For a variety of reasons (age difference, divorces, etc.), I am concerned that my fiancee may face difficulties because of "counselor" prejudices, so I am speculating that maybe the PRISM session may be easier because it is not conducted by nuns.

Has anyone had any negative experiences at the CFO guidance and counseling session conducted by PRISM? Thanks.

Marc

My fiancees went up there ahead of her interview. She did not have a copy divorces paper. Also she did not if my ex-wife was remarried, have BF, or what she was doing. In fact I do not even know that. She went thu the seminar but have to go back to put up with more of thier third degree. She almost at the point she does not want anything to do with the CFO. They wanted to see picture of us together, wanted to know my mailing address and also my land line phone number which I do not have, only cell phone. I suggest if you are going over to bring her back over here, you have her wait until you get there so you can go up with her. You can not go into the CFO seminar with her but you can be outside waiting for her for support. You should go back and read some of the other CFO seminar story there is a lot them in here. GOOD LUCK.

[daenna 0]

Hi Folks,

I have heard some horror stories about Fiancees getting the "third degree" during the CFO Guidance and Counseling session. Mostly, it seems that the worst experiences come from those who attend the ones managed by nuns at the St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers (SMEF-COW) in Cebu and Manila. The other Manila alternative for the G&C session is the People's Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization Inc. (PRISM), which is a non-religious organization.

For a variety of reasons (age difference, divorces, etc.), I am concerned that my fiancee may face difficulties because of "counselor" prejudices, so I am speculating that maybe the PRISM session may be easier because it is not conducted by nuns.

Has anyone had any negative experiences at the CFO guidance and counseling session conducted by PRISM? Thanks.

Marc

My fiancees went up there ahead of her interview. She did not have a copy divorces paper. Also she did not if my ex-wife was remarried, have BF, or what she was doing. In fact I do not even know that. She went thu the seminar but have to go back to put up with more of thier third degree. She almost at the point she does not want anything to do with the CFO. They wanted to see picture of us together, wanted to know my mailing address and also my land line phone number which I do not have, only cell phone. I suggest if you are going over to bring her back over here, you have her wait until you get there so you can go up with her. You can not go into the CFO seminar with her but you can be outside waiting for her for support. You should go back and read some of the other CFO seminar story there is a lot them in here. GOOD LUCK.

[daenna 0]

I had my CFO seminar and guidance counselling in SMEF - COW in Cubao. I think each of us had different stories., mine was good, people there was very nice and accomodating. I chose to go there because tehy have CFO satellite office there so no need to to the main office for the sticker. When I went there there were only few applicants and we were handled by social workers not nuns and the CFO satff also were nice and friendly. Iam CR 1 i'm alraedy here in San Francisco the fact that my husband is a FIL AM and both of us has no previous marriage I was not asked a lot of question, the social wprker asked only 3 questions during the individual interview like, is your husband a Filipino? How did we meet?, What are my plans in the US? , But the other applicants with me was a faincee visa, her fiancee is american and both of them had previous marriage but i think there was no problem back then because we got our stickers and certificates with smiles in our face. I never encountered a Nun in SMEF, all i know is SMEF is run by the Nuns but its the Social worker who will take care of you. GOOd LUck and hope that everything will be fine. me too before felt the same thing. Just pray to God

[jayzar 1]

hello! B)

I had my CFO GC and Seminar in PRISM. I went there friday, 3:30 pm, and out by 4:15. It was quick. Im fortunate that the lady who gave us the seminar (there's only 3 of us in US room) is the same lady that counseled me. She only asked me how long have I known my husband. I just answered her that I know my husband since higg school, we were batchmates and been together since then. She just smiled and said "tagal nyo na" and made me sign the document.

After 5 mins i got the yellow cert already.

Just be true to your answers and be consistent and you'll be fine. Good Luck!

-jyz

[wizardfitz 13]

My fiancée had hear CFO at PRISM yesterday. she didn't say it was bad, just the amount of paper work she needed. they wanted my divorce decrees, her passport and another ID, pictures of us together, her birth cert. Then she had to fill out a form with my info, so of which was, my address, occupation, mother, father and siblings names, where and when i was born. which fortunately her she has a great memory

[Sheriff Uling 3]

From what I've read, there does not seem to be much difference in the staff, procedures, or outcome of either of the SMEF-COW in Cebu or PRISM in Manila locations. The Guidance and Counseling Seminar seems to be designed to inform future brides about the "potential" dangers of marrying a foreign national they may not know that well. It seems to be somewhat of a scare tactic to ensure that folks are aware of the potential dangers and to inform them on how to get help, which is not necessarily a bad thing. There is also a brief one on one session with their staff whereas they may as some questions about the relationship, nothing invasive, but on the same lines as the visa interview. On the surface, it can seem intimidating, but if the fiancé(e) is confident and strong about their relationship, it seems to be just another stepping stone to their ultimate goal. Just be aware that this is not designed to be a pleasant experience, but a tad bit uncomfortable one.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

p.s. My wife attended the Guidance and Counseling Seminar in Manila (PRISM).