The Journey Officially Begins

[Simply Newt 9]

On 10/22/2024 at 10:12 AM, AlaMike said:

Haven't heard anything since before your trip. Well??? How was it.

I had a very good time. It was everything I expected and so much more. My only regret was that I didn't have more time to spend there. One week was just not enough time to spend with what I hope to be my future wife. Uncontrollable Circumstances were the reasons for that but next year I will certainly return and I will ensure I spend more time there. Hopefully I will not be traveling back by myself either as I hope by this time next year, her K1 visa will have gone through and she can return home with me. 

 

The flights to and from were exhausting to say the least and I have learned a valuable lesson. Pack light and have the proper luggage. Lugging around an overstuffed back pack that weighed more then I could barely manage was very cumbersome.  

 

The people I met there and her family were all very generous and hospitable.  Was this because I was the one purchasing everything? Probably but I didn't care. It put a big smile on her face and that's all that matters to me. 

 

Feel free to ask questions as I could write a small book about my experiences there and don't want to provide any useless information. On a scale from one to ten, I would give thos trip a 9. 

[AlaMike 231]

Hey, I'm glad you had a good time. 

The second trip is always easier (except for the flights). My 1st was hectic and somewhat chaotic, I didn't know where or what to do.

But the ones after,  were even better because we spent time going to different places and actually spending time with each other. 

Now the "fun" begins, with the paperwork and the waiting. If you need anything, be sure to ask on this site. Everyone is here to help.

[maryaaaaaaaaaaa 29]

10 hours ago, Simply Newt said:

I had a very good time. It was everything I expected and so much more. My only regret was that I didn't have more time to spend there. One week was just not enough time to spend with what I hope to be my future wife. Uncontrollable Circumstances were the reasons for that but next year I will certainly return and I will ensure I spend more time there. Hopefully I will not be traveling back by myself either as I hope by this time next year, her K1 visa will have gone through and she can return home with me. 

 

The flights to and from were exhausting to say the least and I have learned a valuable lesson. Pack light and have the proper luggage. Lugging around an overstuffed back pack that weighed more then I could barely manage was very cumbersome.  

 

The people I met there and her family were all very generous and hospitable.  Was this because I was the one purchasing everything? Probably but I didn't care. It put a big smile on her face and that's all that matters to me. 

 

Feel free to ask questions as I could write a small book about my experiences there and don't want to provide any useless information. On a scale from one to ten, I would give thos trip a 9. 

Heyyyaaa!! 
 

Glad to hear you had great time! ☺️

Filipinos are always known for being hospitable and generous (not necessarily monetary but with time and effort specially for someone dear to us).  

 

Let’s get that K1 started! ☺️Goodluck! 

[RO_AH 1,659]

14 hours ago, Simply Newt said:

The people I met there and her family were all very generous and hospitable.  Was this because I was the one purchasing everything?

No, that's pretty standard. That is why people fall in love with the Philippines.

[RufusDawes 12]

If you are an Afam (US male) you get the royal treatment wherever you are in the Phils (so long as you are behaving yourself LOL).

When I visited last summer, some of the kids from my fiance's friends wanted me to place the back of my hand on their forehead as they knelt before me... that was a strange experience, but I was told it was an honor and I was giving them a blessing.

Edited October 24 by RufusDawes

[maryaaaaaaaaaaa 29]

A gesture of respect for an elder person/family member.

 Called "pagmamano" or "mano" 🙂

[Simply Newt 9]

It was a fantastic experience and we are already looking forward to our next encounter sometime next year. Our next step is the divorce. We found a consulting firm who will help us with this and we will begin that process Sunday. It should take 8 to 10 months but can be done as soon as 4 to 6 months providing her ex cooperates. I was told that he would and not to worry. Once that is complete then I can submit my 129F form. 

 

Question here - should I make a 129F "packet" as I discovered on YouTube?  Everything scanned and neatly organized into a package that can be scanned by them. 

[Simply Newt 9]

15 hours ago, maryaaaaaaaaaaa said:

A gesture of respect for an elder person/family member.

 Called "pagmamano" or "mano" 🙂

I did this when I met her mother and father. I brought the back of their hand to my forehead. They both smiled. I did this with her aunt and her and most around us were laughing. I guess a sign of awe? 

[Edward and Jaycel 286]

3 hours ago, Simply Newt said:

Question here - should I make a 129F "packet" as I discovered on YouTube?  Everything scanned and neatly organized into a package that can be scanned by them. 

 

It can't hurt to start organizing all of the "evidence" from this trip (reservations, boarding passes, hotel receipts, pictures, etc.) that show that you two were together in person. It will help when you are ready to file the I-129F. It will be nice to have everything together already instead of trying to hunt it down at that time.

[maryaaaaaaaaaaa 29]

Beautiful photos! ♥ Thank you for sharing!

 

Yes, @Edward and Jaycel is right. 🙂