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Philippines Immigration – Letter of Invitation

What is an Invitation Letter for Visitors to the Philippines?

Some statements taken from a Philippines Embassy website MAY help to work out if an Invitation Letter is applicable or even appropriate.
However, this information was taken from an Overseas Philippines Embassy and refers to a Filipino in another country inviting a relative to visit from the Philippines to that other country.

What is an Invitation Letter?

A: The Bureau of Immigration requires that this document, in the form of an affidavit of support or guarantee, be authenticated at ….
A: The so-called “invitation letter” is just another affidavit issued by an Embassy.

How to do an Invitation Letter?

A: If you have determined that your relative requires an invitation letter, please come to the Embassy during office hours…. Processing takes two working days, as any other authentication.

Is an Invitation Letter a guarantee of the visitor being accepted?

A: During the application for the “invitation letter” at the Embassy, we always mention at the counter that this document is not a guarantee that the invited party will not be offloaded.
A: The assessment of the Immigration Officer, at the point of entry, is the final decision on whether the preson is allowed in or is turned back.

This page is intended to give a guide to some aspects of the “invitation letter” and is not to be taken as expert opinion in any way.

Self Storage facility in Mandaue City, Cebu

Container Conversions & Modifications Inc.

Mabugat Road,
Lower Tabok,
Mandaue City
Cebu

Contact:

Tel: 032 350 1610
Mob: 0917 773 9915
Email: erivas@ccm.com.ph
Web: http://www.ccm.com.ph

Details:

CCM Storage Services specialises in providing exceptionally secure commercial goods storage at very low cost and flexible rental periods. From locker spaces to forty foot container vans, we’ve got a space that’s right for you.

Our storage service provides a flexible, customised approach to the storage and distribution of a wide range of items.

When you store with CCM Storage Services, you get much more than just an empty space…. Ask about our shelving, racking and decking systems (fixed and mobile). They are currently exported to The United Kingdom and Australia.

Every customer has different requirements and different products. Our Services List is a shopping list. Choose which services you would like and we will provide you with a cost estimate. Below are prices for space only.

Space Rental Rates Size Price (Php P/Mth)
Storage space excluding extras services Size One : 3.5m² Php 2,600
Storage space excluding extras services Size Two : 7m² Php 3,706
Storage space excluding extras services Size Three : 14m² Php 5,850
Storage space excluding extras services Size Four : 28m² Php 9,860

S&R Shopping Philippines

S&R Shopping Philippines

Various Locations in
The Philippines

Details:

S&R is a membership-shopping club modeled after the warehouse membership shopping chains introduced in the United States.
What S&R Offers
S&R offers high quality products on local and international brand names that guarantee satisfaction, unmatched savings and value for membership delivered always – – – everyday!

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Sunday: 9am – 9pm

S&R offers imported grocery items and extensive selection of premium wines and liquors from all over the world.

Meat: Regularly flown-in fresh Australian/New Zealand beef.
Poultry: Poultry products are delivered fresh, straight from the dressing plants.
Seafood: An extensive selection of deep sea and fresh water fishes, crabs, shrimps, shells etc
Fruit: Premium grade fruits – the freshest and juiciest one can ever find.
Vegetables: Garden-fresh quality produce delivered daily from the country’s premiere growing regions.
Bakery: Gourmet Selection without the gourmet price.
Consumer Electronics: Quality selection of consumer electronics and appliances for everyday household needs.
Health and Beauty: Wide-ranging choices of quality branded Health and Beauty products for indulgence.
Automotive: brand name tires at warehouse prices

Eating:

Offering piping hot New York style pizzas, calzones, churros, hotdogs, cheeseburgers, blue bunny ice creams, clam chowder, rotisserie chicken & rice. Premium coffee, sumptuous cakes & pastries, creamy & delightful imported ice cream.

Locations:

S&R Bonifacio Global City

32nd St., 5th Ave.
Bonifacio Global City,
1634 Taguig City
Philippines

Telephone: +63-2 888.0640

S&R Congressional

30 Congressional Avenue,
Ramon Magsaysay,
Bago Bantay,
Quezon City,
Philippines

Telephone: +63-2 929.8888

S&R Alabang

West Gate Development,
Filinvest Corporate City,
Alabang-Zapote Rd
Alabang,
Muntinlupa City,
Philippines

Telephone: +63-2 771.9999

S&R Aseana-Baclaran

Bradco Avenue,
Aseana Business Park,
Blvd 2000,
Baclaran,
Paranaque
Philippines

Telephone: +63-2 853.9999

S&R Cebu

Ouano Avenue cor. E.O. Perez St.
Subangdaku,
Mandaue City,
Cebu
Philippines

Telephone: +032 344.3399 / +032 505.7057

S&R Pampanga

Jose Abad Santos Ave.
San Fernando City,
Pampanga
Philippines

Telephone: +63(45) 963.7788

S&R Davao

McArthur Highway cor J Rodriguez St.,
Talomo Ave.,
Brgy Ma-a,
Davao City
Philippines

Telephone: +082 299.0909

S&R Shaw

514 Shaw Boulevard,
Mandaluyong City,
Metro Manila
Philippines

Telephone: (02) 532.2888

S&R Imus

Barangay Anabu 1-D,
Aguinaldo Highway,
Imus
Cavite
Philippines

Telephone: (046) 471.8888

 

Australian Visa Application – Medical Locations

Immigration Visa for Australia and need a Medical ?

Locations of medical panel doctors authorised to carry out Medicals for Australian  Immigration.

Australian Visa Application – Medical Locations

MANILA

Nationwide Health Systems AUX Inc
2nd Floor Annex, Zeta Building
191 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village
Makati City 1299
Metro Manila

St Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic – Global City
Room 1002 Medical Arts Building,
St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City
Bonifacio Global City
Taguig
Metro Manila

St Lukes Medical Centre Extension Clinic
1177 J. Bocobo St
Ermita
Metro Manila

BAGUIO

Nationwide Health Systems Baguio, Inc.
Room 1, Ground Floor
EDY Building
144 Kisad Road (near BGH Rotonda)
Baguio City
Benguet 2600

CEBU

Nationwide Health Systems Cebu Inc.
G/F Gillamac’s Building
169 Sanciangko
Cebu City 6000

DAVAO

Nationwide Health Systems Davao Inc.
Suite 4, Pelicano Building
Ecoland Phase 1
36 Quimpo Boulevard
8000 Davao City

Source: http://www.border.gov.au/Lega/Lega/Help/Location/philippines

Commission on Filipinos Overseas Program

An emigrating Filipino, or one who has been granted an immigrant-class visa, is required to register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas before leaving the country to settle in a foreign land. They need to attend a seminar to help in understanding what their new life may be like.

Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) or the Peer Counseling Seminar

  • CFO = Commission on Filipinos Overseas
  • The Guidance And Counselling Certificate of Attendance = Seminar Attendance Certificate needed for the CFO Certificate.
  • The CFO Certificate = The Stamp in the Passport, needed to leave Philippines as an Emigrant.

Why do you need a CFO clearance ?

Who needs the CFO Seminar Stamp?

An emigrating Filipino, or one who has been granted an immigrant-class visa, is required to register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas before leaving the country to settle in a foreign land. They need to attend a seminar to help in understanding what their new life may be like.
Note: Emigrants attending the PDOS or Peer Counseling Session must be at the CFO office at least 1 hour before their schedule to complete the registration requirements.

Starting 30 January 2017, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) will be strictly implementing the ONLINE RESERVATION AND REGISTRATION requirement for J1 visa holders or Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) participants attending the mandatory pre-departure orientation seminar.

Does a Tourist Visa holder need to attend the CFO Seminar?

No. Only those who are leaving the country to settle in a foreign land will need to attend this seminar.

The CFO website now shows this statement:

If you are fiancé (e)/ spouse/partner of a foreign national or a former Filipino and you hold a visitor/ tourist visa, you only need a guidance and counseling certificate from our office. Kindly present the CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate (GCC) to the port of exit and show them your temporary/ visit visa and other requirements asked by your host country.

What is the CFO Seminar?

The Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) or the Peer Counseling Seminar, is a brief, two-hour seminar on settlement issues and concerns such as finding employment, rights and obligations of immigrants as well as policies and procedures on how to secure foreign citizenship.

Exemptions from attending the PDOS include: Those who are 60 years old and above

One of the requirements for the CFO is to show proof of the relevant of Visa Grant. However, they seem to be not very strict on this, as I know of at least one person who went there with a Tourist Visa grant.  She got the CFO stamp but didn’t actually need it.  Another, also on a Tourist Visa, went for the seminar, but was turned away saying it wasn’t needed for her.

How long is the CFO stamp valid

The CFO Guidance and Counselling Certificate is a lifetime copy and has no validity dates. (see image below [click for larger picture])
However, if you change your partner, you do need to re-attend.

CFO Stamp Lifetime Validity

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/

CFO – MANILA
Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Ave.
corner Osmena Highway (South Superhighway)
Manila, Philippines 1007
Telephone: (+632) 552-4700
Email: info@cfo.gov.ph

CFO – CEBU
4th Floor, K&J Building
#4 Don Julio Llorente St.,
Capitol Site, Cebu City 6000
Telephone: (032) 255-5253
Email: cfocebu@cfo.gov.ph

CFO – CLARK EXTENSION DESK
One-Stop Processing Center in Clark (OSPC)
Clark Polytechnic Compound,
Jose Abad Santos Ave., Clark Freeport Zone
Telephone: (045) 499-8119
Email: info@cfo.gov.ph

CFO – DAVAO SATELLITE OFFICE
5th floor, AMQ Building, Lakandula St.
corner, Dacudao Ave., Agdao, Davao City
Telephone: (+6382) 228-2432
Email: info@cfo.gov.ph

Ormoc Ferry capsizes 2nd July 2015

An Ormoc to Pilar Ferry has capsized on 2nd July 2015

At least 36 people have died, from the 173 passengers and 16 crew, on board a Banka ferry, the MBCA Kim-Nirvana, going from Ormoc, Leyte to Pilar, Camotes Island. the Banka left Ormoc at Midday Thursday 2nd July 2015.

118 had been listed as survivors at 6pm 2nd July 2015

One report stated that huge waves had battered the vessel causing it to capsize.

Camotes Islands is a group of islands in the Camotes Sea, Philippines

The Ferry Trip is about 30 km between Ormoc and Pilar.

This is an EXAMPLE of a Philippines Banka Boat

Philippine Bangka Boat

reuters.com

Kokomos Restaurant, Angeles City

Kokomos Restaurant

Kokomos Place
Corner of A.Santos Street & Fields Ave.
Balibago
Angeles City
Pampanga 2009

Contact:

Tel: 045 892 0509
Mob:
Web:

Information:

An example of Kokomos Restaurant Prices in June 2015 (pesos)

Kokomos Sunday Lunch
Kokomos Sunday Lunch

325 English Fish & Chips
325 English Bangers & Mash
325 Deep Fried Prawns
325 Salmon Steak
325 Roast Pork with Raisin Stuffing
325 Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Butter Sauce
325 Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding
325 Homestyle Meatloaf
325 Beef Stroganoff
325 Cottage Pie
325 Aussie Beef Pie
325 Chicken & Vegetable Pie
325 Hungarian Goulash
325 Chicken a la King
325 Tequila Lime Chicken
325 Chicken Parmigiana
325 Kokomo’s Fried Chicken
325 Jack Daniel’s Chicken Breast
325 Cajun BBQ Chicken
325 Chicken Cordon Bleu
325 Cajun Style BBQ Ribs
325 Liver with Bacon
325 Chicken Picatta with Capers
325 Roast Chicken
325 Grilled Pork Chops
325 Deep Fried Pork Chops
325 U.S. Rib-Eye Steak
325 Sirloin Burger Steak
325 Texas T-Bone Steak
325 U.S. Tenderloin Steak
325 Mo’s Mixed Grill

The Kings Head, Angeles City

The Kings Head

209 Raymond Street,
Balibago,
Angeles City

Phone: 045 624 6897

Information:

The Kings Head is one of very few air conditioned non-girlie bars in Angeles City.

Lambs Fry, Liver and Bacon, Shepherds Pie, etc., often on the menu, and they do a daily special every day.

Roast Beef is the Sunday Special.

Some Kings Head Example Prices in 2015 (pesos)

450 T-Bone Steak
400 Rib-Eye Steak
375 Lamb Chop
285 Pork Chop
395 Mixed Grill
295 Liver And Bacon
295 Bangers And Mash
295 Fish And Chips
295 Chicken Curry
275 Beef Stew  Served On A Bed Of Noodles
295 Chili Con Carne
295 Corned Beef And Cabbage
295 Hungarian Goulash
295 Chicken Cordon Bleu
350 Cottage Pie
295 Mediterranean Poached Fish
295 Sausage, Chips And Beans
295 Chicken Chips And Peas
295 Ham, Egg And Chips
295 Steak And Kidney Pie
295 Chicken And Mushroom Pie
225 Penne With Tomato/Basil Sauce
150 Egg And Chips

Located between the Orchid Inn Resort and Queens Hotel, Angeles City.

Did Pope Francis really say “divorce is sometimes Morally Necessary”

Many News Headlines showing the story that the Pope believes that divorce is sometimes Morally Necessary

But does he really mean that, and should Divorce be available ?

From:  www.abcdiamond.com/pope-francis-says-divorce-is-sometimes-morally-necessary

Did Pope Francis really say “divorce is sometimes Morally Necessary”

Why the question?

Some recent Headlines…

Pope Francis says divorce is sometimes ‘morally necessary’ AOL Jun 25th 2015

Pope Francis: Divorce Is Sometimes ‘Morally Necessary’ To Protect Children inquisitr.com 28 June 2015

Pope Francis says divorce is sometimes ‘Morally Necessary’ USA Today 29 June 2015

But what where his EXACT words ?

One of those reports itself has these words: “Pope Francis seemed to justify divorce when he said that it is sometimes “morally necessary” to protect the children of the families that go through it.

So, according to that, he actually said:

Protecting the children in families that get divorced is “morally necessary”

I wonder what his EXACT words, and meaning, were.

Indian Nationals entering the Philippines as Tourist

Visa for Indian Tourist into Philippines

A Visa is required before arrival

The visitor must apply for a visa at the Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate in the country of legal residence.

HOWEVER:

Effective 20 April 2015, Indian passport holders do not require a visa for tourism travel not exceeding fourteen (14) days provided that they hold a valid visa or permanent residence permit issued by a specified country:

These countries are (as at April 2015)

Australia
Japan
Schengen countries
Singapore
U.K.
U.S.A.

This exemption is currently only valid for arrivals at NAIA airport in Manila.

Philippines Visa for Indian

Letter of Invitation to Philippines

If a Visa is required, then a Letter of Invitation may also be required, at the same time as the Visa is applied for. This must contain several elements such as: Length of Stay, Relationship Details, Purpose of Travel and Finances/Support.

This may be something along the lines of:

Dear Sirs

I have invited xxx to visit me in the Philippines in Month Year, for about xxx weeks [=length of stay].
He has been a friend for xxx amount of time, [=explaining the relationship] and we have discussed meeting each other for a while. [=purpose of travel.]
He has sufficient funds to look after himself, but could stay with my family (=Finances/Support)

My contact details are:

Name
Address
Phone Contact
Email

Smart Money Centers in Naval, Biliran

Smart Money Centers in Naval, Biliran

Prime Asia Pawn & Jewelry Shop

P. Inocentes St.
Brgy. Sto Rosario
Naval
Biliran

Edmar Electronic Services & Trading

Bernardez Village
Antipolo
Naval
Biliran

Edmar Electronic Services & Trading

Abad St. Cor. Inocentes St.,
Santissimo Rosario,
Pob.
Naval,
Biliran

Source: http://smart.com.ph/Money/use/add-funds/over-the-counter/smart-money-centers

British Passport Renewals in the Philippines

Renew a British Passport in the Philippines.

A British passport is renewed when in the Philippines, by lodging an Application in the UK.

The application can be started at: www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

Emergency Travel Document

You can apply for an emergency travel document if you’re abroad and your passport has been lost or stolen, damaged or expired, and you can’t get a new or replacement passport in time to travel.

Apply online for an emergency travel document If the person needing the emergency travel document is under 16, a parent or guardian should apply on their behalf.

If you are travelling in more than 3 weeks, check if you can get a new or replacement passport in time to travel.

The British Embassy does NOT normally renew passports.

The British Embassy is located at:

120 Upper McKinley Road,
McKinley Hill
Taguig City
Metro Manila 1634
Philippines

www.gov.uk/…/british-embassy-manila

Update 24 May 2022

UK Passport Photos.

The UK government now allows two ways to do a passport photo, but only one is available for people overseas.

These two options can easily confuse people.
They are:
How to get a digital passport photo

  1. Photo with a code
  2. Take a digital photo at home

The first option is only available in the UK, where you use a special E-Photo booth, so you need to ignore that option, and just select “I’ll take or upload a digital photo” and the take a normal photo with your mobile phone.

Digital Photo UK passport

Australian Passport Renewals in the Philippines

Renew an Australian Passport in the Philippines

An Australian Passport can be renewed in Manila, Philippines.

Appointments should be made at least two weeks in advance to lodge passport applications/renewals. Passport interviews are available from 9am to 11.30am Monday to Friday

  • From 1 July 2015 all passport applications/renewals will require a face to face interview with the applicant, with the exception of minors (below 18) who require an interview with a parent or a person with parental responsibility.
  • Provide a pre-paid pre-addressed DHL or LBC satchel during your interview if you wish to have your new passport sent to a Philippine address.
  • From 1 July 2015 all passport applications/renewals lodged overseas will be charged an additional ‘Overseas Application Fee’ of $100.00 for adults (including senior citizens) and $50.00 for minors (below 18).
  • Passport Information and Electronic Applications
  • Recognised professions for passport application guarantors in the Philippines
  • Passport Fees – Only Philippine Peso (cash) or a Bank Manager’s Cheque (in Peso) made payable to ‘Australian Embassy’.

Consular Section
Australian Embassy
Level 23 – Tower 2, RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City 1200
Metro Manila,
The Philippines

Telephone: 02 757 8100
http://philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/consular.html

Chamorita Resort, Naval, Biliran

Chamorita Resort

National Highway
Catmon
Naval
Biliran Island Province
Visayas

Contact:

Tel:
Mob: 0918 608 3499
Web:
Hotels in Biliran

Information:

Chamorita Resort is located off the national highway in Barangay Catmon between the towns of Biliran and Naval.

Chamorita Resort offers premium and deluxe rooms, with complimentary WI-FI access, satellite tv and beautiful landscaping. There is also a well stocked bar and restaurant.

Chamorita also offers a pick up at the Tacloban airport or at the Ormoc Fast Craft Terminal.
Currently prices are P2,500 for Tacloban and P2,000 for Ormoc, and the van is also available for non-guests for pick up and/or drop off.

Bank ATM Limits in the Philippines

Bank ATM Limits in the Philippines

A selection of the major banks in the Philippines, showing the daily ATM limits.

Virtually all the banks that I have seen, have a maximum withdrawal of 10,000 pesos per transaction. But it is not uncommon for some people to do two or three withdrawals at a time, to get out what they need.

My maximum was 3 withdrawals one after another, at 10,000 pesos each, from the PSBank in Feb 2015.

PNB ATM Limits (Philippine National Bank)

PNB Superteller 

Php 10,000.00 maximum withdrawal limit per transaction
Php 20,000.00 to 100,0000 maximum withdrawal limit per day (Account selectable and dependent)

http://www.pnb.com.ph/index.php/personal-banking/ebanking-services/atm-faqs

PSBank ATM Limits (Philippines Savings Bank)

PSBank Regular ATM card

PhP 10,000 maximum withdrawal limit per transaction
PhP 30,000 maximum withdrawal limit per day
PhP 50,000 daily purchase limit for point-of-sale (POS) and Online transactions.

http://www.psbank.com.ph/psbank-atm-savings.aspx

BDO ATM Limits (Banco de Oro)

ATM card

PhP 10,000 maximum withdrawal limit per transaction
PhP 50,000 maximum withdrawal limit per day
PhP 100,000 daily purchase limit for point-of-sale (POS)
PhP 25,000 “mastercard” Online transactions

https://www.bdo.com.ph/personal/accounts/atm-debit-cards/limits-fees

BPI Direct ATM Limits (Bank of Philippine Islands)

ATM Card

Php 10,000.00 maximum withdrawal limit per transaction
Php 50,000.00 maximum withdrawal limit per day

https://www.bpidirect.com/page/view/frequently-asked-questions

Philippine Banknotes to be discontinued from 2016

Old Style Philippine Banknotes, pre 2010, to have no value.

Old style banknotes, the 1985 design printed pre 2010, can be used, in general use only, until December 31, 2015. However, some smaller places may stop accepting them earlier.

These old banknotes can still be deposited into some banks until December 31, 2016.
At least they can in any of PNB’s domestic branches, PNB Savings Bank’s branches, and BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) offices.

Effective from January 1, 2017 these old banknotes will have no value, and will not be accepted for deposit by the banks.

The old style 1985 banknotes are shown below:

click to see larger

The newer 2010 banknotes are as follows:

click to see larger