Topper in Bacolod

[katie23]

^yeah. I saw several of them during my brief visit there. Many wore sleeveless shirts + shorts and generally looked unkempt. Didn't see anyone wearing socks & sandals, though (was disappointed).

[Headworx]

^Oh they're here alright, not an uncommon sight at all here or anywhere else in the world with sunshine and decent food. To really pull the look off, they'll wear black socks to contrast against their snow-white legs. Typically bald too with a scowl on their faces and rotten teef. Everytime I see one, the urge to say hi to The Gent kicks in

[Topper]

Have you started the 13A process? Cheers.

I've hired JR Consultants as my fixer, they said I can get it done in 2-3 months with one trip to Cebu for immigration to harvest my biometrics. That will be for a "provisional" 13-A and after 8 months I can start the application for my permanent 13A. Apparently in Cebu they're not doing face to face interviews but are requiring a notarized questionnaire instead. The paperwork should be here later next week, then off to get my NBI clearance the week after.

[DrWilly]

You appear much more settled now, Topper. Do you know think about to Bangkok and wonder why you stayed, given Thailand precariousness, as long as you did?

[katie23]

@topper - I've heard of JR Consultancy, so you're in good hands. I've watched some interviews of JR in several YT channels and he knows his stuff. For the Eaton couple, they didn't use an agency and I think at one point, there was a problem with the machine making the cards, etc. Another factor was covid and reduced processing (I think) that's why it took them 6 months. Yeah, the 1st year is provisionary/ probationary then you'll have to apply again to be permanent. Good luck.

@willy - topper + wife are lucky that they transferred to PH when they did. If they delayed for a few weeks, the PH locked down in mid March of 2020 and they would have been locked out for several months. Now the coiuntry is open to tourism (but still requirements to enter) and the economy is trying to recover.

[TizMe]

Another factor was covid and reduced processing (I think) that's why it took them 6 months.

Immigration procedures have been very slow here in the main office at Intramuros.
In July, 2021 I changed employer, so had to apply for new work permit and visa.
The visa was finally approved on 9th March, 2022.

[katie23]

@tiz - wow, that took many months! But I believe you.

I have a Taiwanese hike-friend who works for one of the POGOs (online casinos). He arrived in Feb or March of 2019. When we hiked together in ~August 2019, he said his work permit/ visa wasn't done, so he was still working on a tourist visa (illegally). He said many of his colleagues were in the same situation (re: visa). Immigration was taking its time to process their work visas. I asked how they got paid, since tourists cannot open bank accounts (many banks refuse). He said they get paid in cash. I'm glad he was able to do some hikes and dives (skin diving) in PH before the lockdown of 2020. He's a cool guy - was an avid hiker in Taiwan (based on his FB pics).

Another thing about visa processing (for 13A,13G, etc) is that all applications from the provinces must be sent to the Manila/ Intramuros main office. So the provincial applicant (e.g. Topper) must expect longer wait times.

[Topper]

You appear much more settled now, Topper. Do you know think about to Bangkok and wonder why you stayed, given Thailand precariousness, as long as you did?

I really enjoyed where I worked and the people I worked for and at the first sign of visa problems we did abandon ship and moved here. Yes, we've settled in nicely, though it was tough at first.

[tomcat]

though it was tough at first

...trailer park training came in handy then...

[Topper]

...trailer park training came in handy then...

reckon so

[Topper]

I got my police clearance today!!!!! It says I'm a good person!!!!! Woohoo!!!!

My trip to Cebu to visit immi is all arranged for next month, I'm kind of stoked.

[cyrille]

Well yes, I can see why the cops having no interest in you could do that.

[Hugh Cow]

Good luck Topper. How is life in Bacolod?

[katie23]

Congrats on getting your NBI/ police clearance, topper. Hope your 13A gets processed quickly (but don't hold your breath since papers move slowly in PH).

Btw, there's tsismis (gossip) here that there might be a lockdown again after the elections on May 9. Let's hope not.

[Headworx]

Congrats Topper!

Sorry but I can't help but giggle at the NBI/Pulis handing out clearances, you'd just need to slip them 1000 Piso if anything needed to be brushed under the carpet

[Topper]

How is life in Bacolod?

We're doing really well, I think we've finally gotten adjusted to life here. Thanks!

Let's hope not.

I do agree, I'm flying to Cebu on the 16th. I don't know why they'd lockdown again, Covid is virtually non existent here. The agency said 2-3 months so I'm hoping by June.

you'd just need to slip them 1000 Piso if anything needed to be brushed under the carpet

It had to be done in Manila, it's hard to grease the skids there from here.

[Topper]

Today being a holiday, we decided to hit the mall and withdraw our rent money from an ATM. So did everyone else on the island.

The mall we visited has 7, yes 7 ATMs for our bank. Guess how many were working? Two and the line to use them was literally 300 people long. The rest of the ATMs were down for some reason.

So, rule number 1.....make sure you have plenty of cash laying around the house, cause the ATMs are completely unreliable. That's probably my biggest complaint about living here. Rent will be a bit late, but luckily my landlord is understanding.

[tomcat]

make sure you have plenty of cash laying around the house

....and make sure none of your neighbors knows it...

[Topper]

...and make sure none of your neighbors knows it...

Or the family....

[TizMe]

It's best to know when the locals' pay day is.
Plan to do everything a few days before payday.
Banking, paying bills or going to restaurants.

[DrWilly]

It's best to know when the locals' pay day is.
Plan to do everything a few days before payday.
Banking, paying bills or going to restaurants.

.Now you tell him.

topper, I’m surprised you have to pay rent via cash. No bank transfer available?

[Bonecollector]

@tiz - wow, that took many months! But I believe you.

I have a Taiwanese hike-friend who works for one of the POGOs (online casinos). He arrived in Feb or March of 2019. When we hiked together in ~August 2019, he said his work permit/ visa wasn't done, so he was still working on a tourist visa (illegally). He said many of his colleagues were in the same situation (re: visa). Immigration was taking its time to process their work visas. I asked how they got paid, since tourists cannot open bank accounts (many banks refuse). He said they get paid in cash. I'm glad he was able to do some hikes and dives (skin diving) in PH before the lockdown of 2020. He's a cool guy - was an avid hiker in Taiwan (based on his FB pics).

Another thing about visa processing (for 13A,13G, etc) is that all applications from the provinces must be sent to the Manila/ Intramuros main office. So the provincial applicant (e.g. Topper) must expect longer wait times.

Not to bogart this fabulous thread but, good hiking in PI Katie?

[Bonecollector]

both make 10 cents a year

5555555

[Bonecollector]

Can't believe no one took you up on your offer. The world is in a sad state. So, what do I win?

[cyrille]

Now you tell him.

Basic, basic stuff.