CFO Manila afternoon session

[Greenbaum 12,259]

On ‎5‎/‎30‎/‎2017 at 10:50 PM, Sunnybanana1913 said:

Just another way for Gov to collect taxes? 

It's more than collecting a "fee for tax". You need to research what the CFO's mission is and I think you would change your outlook.

[Sunnybanana1913 11]

1 hour ago, Greenbaum said:

It's more than collecting a "fee for tax". You need to research what the CFO's mission is and I think you would change your outlook.

Yeah Hank already educated me about it  in the previous posts im suprised you didnt see it.  

[The.Fab.Ella 17]

Attending the CFO changed my outlook about this requirement.  At first, I thought it was a waste of time for someone like me who was well-travelled and exposed to a lot of different cultures. Besides, even though my husband is a USC, he was born and raised as a Filipino, so no cultural differences there. I didn't like the idea of attending a session when I thought I already knew what was going to be covered.

 

There were four rooms where they were conducting the CFO the morning I went.  Two were for those going to the US, one for Japan and another for Europe.  They discussed human trafficking and spousal abuse, ways to report it or get out of it, and it saddened me to hear of a lot of cases of abuse, angry at the same time for those who have made it a business to sell brides to foreigners.  There were tips on how to make the marriage work, things to do to make the foreign spouse understand our culture and sense of family, wise advice that even if you already know what to do, it was good to be reminded about them.

 

The CFO seminar was still an eye opener for me, a humbling experience where I got to meet people from all walks of life.  At one point, we were divided into groups to discuss our goals for our marriages and what we are willing to do to achieve those goals.  We were told to ask ourselves what we thought would be our biggest challenges.  As we got to share our personal goals and fears with each other, it was humbling to be in the presence of very young women who are brave enough to leave their small comfort zones and simple lives to be with their partners, most of whom have only been together briefly.  Their eyes were brimming with anticipation of taking care of their partners who are a lot older than them, of stepchildren who are also older than them, and the underlying dream of being able to help their families in the Philippines.  They seem oblivious to the daunting task and adjustments they have to make, or perhaps they are not just showing it. May God bless their unions and make it an easier time for them transitioning into their new lives, their new families and new environment.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

9 hours ago, The.Fab.Ella said:

Attending the CFO changed my outlook about this requirement.  At first, I thought it was a waste of time for someone like me who was well-travelled and exposed to a lot of different cultures. Besides, even though my husband is a USC, he was born and raised as a Filipino, so no cultural differences there. I didn't like the idea of attending a session when I thought I already knew what was going to be covered.

 

 

Thanks for sharing. Safe travels.

[Hank_ 9,174]

On 6/4/2017 at 0:00 PM, The.Fab.Ella said:

The CFO seminar was still an eye opener for me, a humbling experience where I got to meet people from all walks of life.  At one point, we were divided into groups to discuss our goals for our marriages and what we are willing to do to achieve those goals.  We were told to ask ourselves what we thought would be our biggest challenges.  As we got to share our personal goals and fears with each other, it was humbling to be in the presence of very young women who are brave enough to leave their small comfort zones and simple lives to be with their partners, most of whom have only been together briefly.  Their eyes were brimming with anticipation of taking care of their partners who are a lot older than them, of stepchildren who are also older than them, and the underlying dream of being able to help their families in the Philippines.  They seem oblivious to the daunting task and adjustments they have to make, or perhaps they are not just showing it. May God bless their unions and make it an easier time for them transitioning into their new lives, their new families and new environment.

So very true.   I have received many PM or emails regarding issues with adjusting or not being able to and wanting to "go home".

 

Huge leap of faith for sure, packing up ones life in a suitcase to move half way around the world.

 

Most have wonderful marriages. 

[Ay & A 0]

Yesterday they finally changed my fiancee appointment to the afternoon session, they actually needed their programmer to do it and he was away last week.

[Hank_ 9,174]

10 hours ago, Ay & A said:

Yesterday they finally changed my fiancee appointment to the afternoon session, they actually needed their programmer to do it and he was away last week.

 

That is crazy!     Now that the programmer is back from vacation, they should have him improve the program.

[Redheadguy03 505]

On 5/30/2017 at 11:45 PM, Hank_ said:

That is a good question.

 

I know CFO has a bad rep, and for a time it was rightly deserved.. bribery, and abuse rather than guidance.   They cracked down hard on the bribery.. I had the joy of turning one such person in.. that person is gone from CFO... they do listen when you email them about bribery and such.

 

 

You turned someone in? I know I'm not the only person who wants to hear that story!!! 

 

My fiance finally did her CFO, she said they do mention that age gaps are bad and told a couple of stories about why. Mostly because older people tend to have children or be divorced and it creates problems. She actually enjoyed it, she said her class was laughing and telling stories. She had the morning class, but still wasn't out of there til like 2. They apparently are slow when it comes to paperwork for everyone. (not surprising considering I lived in the Philippines, I'm well aware of their paperwork timelines lol) 

 

Good luck everyone!!! 

[duckhunter1 18]

I gave my experience with the CFO office and my opinion of them.  Unfortunately Greenbaum responded with a derogatory comment about me, then deleted both my post and her derogatory comment.   I've still got that comment on my email notification.  I'm considering complaining about it! 

[Greenbaum 12,259]

On 5/30/2017 at 3:01 PM, khristine0509 said:

Don't stop calling them.

 

I don't know why only in the Philippines need the CFO... I processed my visa in Singapore, but my mistake  I flew from Philippines to SeaTac. I heard about CFO but doesn't give much attention because I know I got visa. When I was in immigration, they asked me my CFO. I said I didn't  know about it. because I was based in Singapore. I went to the CFO table and told about my situation. Officer in charge called his manager, and I did talk to my her, geez it takes me 1 hour on the phone to beg for her to give me sticker. they want me to rebook my ticket, I told her the ticket is non refundable unless you want to shoulder my ticket I will attend the seminar... She told me you should call them if there is no schedule available, I said I was calling but no response.. finally the officer in charge give me the CFO sticker.

 

But you know what, the immigration officer in SeaTac told me, what is this sticker for???  I just laugh.. I said for display  ..    

Lol