An American in Dumaguete City, Philippines

U.S. Immigration Timeline: From K1 to Conditional Permanent Resident

2008-03-31T18:38:00.016-04:00

Above: Marilyn, shown in a web cam image from early 2005. This was still a whole 2.5 years before she arrived on U.S. soil.

>>> NOTE: To read about my experiences as an American in Dumaguete meeting my now-wife Marilyn for the first time you can jump to this post, and then use the links under "Previous Dumaguete Notes" to navigate. Or, continue below as I share our ongoing experiences with immigration. Enjoy! <<<

When I first began to ponder the idea of bringing Marilyn over to the U.S. from the Philippines, it was indeed an intimidating thought. However, I found solace in the writings of fellow Americans who were kind enough to share their experiences with the immigration process. At every point along this journey, from inception to the present moment, I have forged friendships, both online and outside of the virtual world, with those who have walked in the same path. As a way of giving back to all who, knowingly or unknowingly, helped guide me through this adventure of a thousand steps, I wanted to provide an immigration timeline that nicely summarizes the path Marilyn has taken from Dumaguete, Philippines to the U.S. If you are about to embark upon a similar journey you must take heart, for you do not go alone. God surely goes with you, as do so many friends who have been there...friends you have yet to meet.

Okay, enough of the wordy introduction...:)

January 18, 2007 - K-1 (Fiancee) visa petition is received by USCIS
May 16, 2007 - We receive notice that our petition has been approved and forwarded to the NVC (National Visa Center) for further processing
July 27, 2007 - Appointment for medical examination (Note: Due to Marilyn's lack of a real street address in Dumaguete her application packet never arrived. I received a copy of her appointment letter a few weeks before her exam, so she had to locate the appropriate application materials and complete them in a matter of days. In the end, though, it was still more than enough time...phew!)
August 3, 2007 - Visa interview appointment and subsequent approval (Thank the Lord! She said the consul who interviewed her was stern at first, but then became quite warm and easy to talk to)
August 11, 2007 - Marilyn recieves her K-1 visa via courier
August 16, 2007 - Marilyn attends her CFO counseling program. This is a day-long class required by the Filipino government for all citizens wishing to leave the country. Marilyn took her class in Cebu.
September 12, 2007 - Arrival in the U.S. in the great city of Minneapolis. A few hours later she takes a connecting flight into Detroit where she is greeted by myself and six other members of the family.
October 20, 2007 - Beautiful wedding ceremony in Lansing, Michigan
December 7, 2007 - Adjustment of Status application (I-485), work authorization application (I-765), and supporting documents are mailed to USCIS.
January 8, 2008 - Date of biometrics appointment.
February 11, 2008 - Employment authorization card received in the mail. Now, Marilyn can be an official taxpayer! :)
February 25, 2008 - Date of initial interview for adjustment of status.
March 31, 2008 - Welcome letter received from USCIS. Marilyn has officially been declared a conditional permanent resident of the U.S. Yippee! The notice mentions that her green card should arrive in 3 weeks.
April 4, 2008 - Green card arrives in the mail. Wow, that was a quick 3 weeks ;)

We now have a bit of down time since our next immigration step will be to file the I-751 after Christmas of 2009.

Adjustment of Status (I-485) Update: Initial Interview Completed

2008-02-25T14:23:00.021-05:00

Many worlds removed from the warm sun of Dumaguete, Marilyn poses in our snow-covered yard in Cincinnati.

Marilyn had her green card interview this morning. Of course, being the basis of her eligibility for the green card, I was asked to accompany her. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, but the "Request for Applicant to Appear for Initial Interview" we received early last month sounded rather threatening. It plainly stated that a failure to bring all items in the included checklist would result in a denial of the application. Well, I was rather sure we had everything we needed, but some of the items were written in rather ambiguous terms. How could I be absolutely positive that we had both the originals and copies of all supporting documents submitted with the application? What exactly is a "supporting document", and how could I know that I was thinking of the same thing they were? Or, what if we didn't have the proper documents that would "substantiate our relationship"? Then, I tried to remind myself that our interview was with a human being, not a robot. There is a certain level of subjectivity to be expected on the part of the interviewer, and that is exactly what we encountered. The officer was friendly in her questioning and there was even time for some casual chatting after the interview was finished...far from the stereotypical robotic or blatanly strict demeanor we seem to attribute to such officials.

Overall, I'd say the interview was no more than 15 minutes, though we were in the waiting room for over an hour. We arrived 25 minutes early for our 10:30am appointment, but weren't called back until about 11:15am.

Biometrics and Adjustment of Status and EAD, Oh My!

2008-01-14T19:34:00.002-05:00

Marilyn with one of her many new Filipino friends at a New Year's Eve party in Fairfield Township, Ohio

The seemingly never-ending immigration process continues, but at least it is a bit more bearable now that Marilyn is actually here. Still, I will be quite glad when all of the paperwork and appointments are finished. Sadly, that won't happen for another five years (when she can apply for citizenship), but it will thankfully become much more intermittent from here on out.

We filed Marilyn's I-485 (Adjustment of Status) and I-765 (Application for Employement Authorization) on December 9th. A few weeks later we received a notice containing her biometrics appointment information. The hardest part of that appointment was navigating through downtown Cincinnati attempting to locate both the J.W. Peck Federal Building and an available parking spot. In retrospect, my first foray into the bustling metropolis was rather uneventful. I actually took a vacation day from work in the event we were tied up for the entire afternoon, but after arriving 40 minutes early we were immediately waited upon and finished about 15 minutes before our noon appointment. I didn't actually accompany Marilyn back into the room where her fingerprints and photos were taken, but I could see her. I'm not quite sure why they call it a biometrics "exam", though perhaps it refers to the fact that her fingerprints will be examined by the FBI to insure she has no outlandish criminal history heretofore unknown by anyone. Anyway, the lady who actually took the biometrics told Marilyn to expect her Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in about five or six weeks.

We have our initial interview for the adjustment of status on February 25th, though it's anyone's guess as to when the actual green card will be processed. The sister-in-law of my co-worker was approved for hers about six weeks after the interview, so we'll see...

Ain't waiting fun? ;)

Adjusting to Life Away from Dumaguete & Following the K-1 Visa Trail

2007-12-21T17:28:00.009-05:00

Marilyn sharing special time with a friend, hours before leaving Dumaguete for the U.S.

It was over three months ago that Marilyn boarded a plane for Tokyo, leaving behind family, friends, and all she had ever known. Her journey would eventually span over 9,000 miles, culminating in an emotional homecoming of sorts in Detroit, Michigan. It doesn't seem so long ago, but in that short span a few major events have occurred:

we were married on October 20
we found a new house

How's that for an action-packed 90 days? ;) That doesn't include the daily struggles that Marilyn must face as she adapts to a brand new culture. Needless to say, her plate is full, but thankfully we have been doing some networking with the local Filipino community in Cincinnati, and that has already provided some great support for her. Once she receives her authorization to work she should begin to feel right at home :)

Marilyn and I experience our first Christmas together. Too bad there wasn't any snow left in Michigan, but the temperature felt like Christmas ;)

Here is Marilyn again during Christmas Eve. I was testing out the new camera ;)

I began this blog as a narrative of life in Dumaguete during my relatively brief two-week adventure in 2005. I had so many memories that I wanted to detail in writing and share with friends, family and anyone who happened to stop by. However, I have since abandoned this format in favor of providing intermittent updates on our immigration process, as that has been the central focus over the past year (though you may still read about my Dumaguete adventures starting at this post).

Long Way from Dumaguete

2007-11-09T18:29:00.000-05:00

The long wait has finally ended. Marilyn officially arrived in the U.S. on September 12th, and our wedding date was October 20th (in Lansing, Michigan). Despite the short amount of time to plan, we could not have asked for a more blessed day. God is so good!

Long Road From Dumaguete to America:Visa Granted 08/03/07!

2007-09-01T18:00:00.000-04:00

Above: Marilyn inside Greenwich on Perdices Avenue, Dumaguete

You would think I would have shared this news weeks ago, but I have been remiss in my posting as of late. Or, perhaps the shock has not yet worn off that Marilyn is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. on September 12th :) The end of that long road from Dumaguete to America is soon to be reached.

Now, for some details...

Marilyn flew from Dumaguete to Manila for her medical exam on July 27, which consisted of some x-rays, a blood test, and a measles vaccination (officially, an MMR vaccination). Her visa interview took place at the U.S. embassy a week later...on August 3rd. The embassy does not allow electronic devices within its walls, but Marilyn had forgotten this rule, and had to make a trip back to the hotel to shed her cell phone and her music player (two separate trips, mind you). By the time she was allowed to enter the premises it was around 9am...about 90 minutes after her interview time! She should have been forced to reschedule due to her tardiness, but there must have been angels working there that day :)

I really don't know when Marilyn's interview took place, but she texted me around 12:20pm local time. Here is the actual text she sent to me on Chikka:

Marilyn: (August 03, 2007 00:22:43)
I am granted a visa.The consul was nice.It didnt feel that i was intrviewed.He even told me about his wife :-D

She later referred to the gentleman who interviewed her as the "kindest consul", even saying that it felt more like a casual conversation than a visa interview. Others, however, were not so blessed, as she also witnessed a few somewhat harsh interrogations...and even a couple of denials. Due to the time differences I stayed up well into the night, waiting to receive that lovely text above.

As soon as Marilyn arrives, we will immediately begin planning for an October wedding. All these months of waiting for the visa, and now everything just happens so quickly :)

Heavenly Father...thank you for this wonderful gift that You have given to us. Please forgive me for those many times when I allowed fears and worries to take away the joy of what You were about to do. If only I had rested in You, and sought that same peace which passes all understanding...that peace You granted me when I first prepared to meet Marilyn two years ago. Please be at the center of our lives together, for even if we have each other we still have nothing without You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tags: fiancee visa, k1 visa, visa interview, dumaguete

Long Road From Dumaguete to America:Visa Petition Approved

2007-05-06T18:28:00.001-04:00

Late last week I received notice that the fiancee visa petition has been approved! While this is not the same as being approved for the visa itself, it does represent a significant milestone in this process.

Long Road From Dumaguete to America, Pt. 4

2007-01-18T21:27:00.000-05:00

The petition for Marilyn's fiancee visa was filed today! Holidays, the flu, and an annoying passport photo debacle set us back an extra month, but perhaps these delays were fortuitous. I am quite relieved to finally reach this day, though I know the road remains potentially long and tortuous—in the form of more heaping paperwork, filing fees and infinitely more patience.

Marilyn and I request your prayers for the Lord's favor in this process, and for her possible move from Dumaguete. Blessings and peace!

Tags: fiancee visa, filipina in america, dumaguete, philippines

Magic on the March to Dumaguete

2007-01-10T20:44:00.000-05:00

Tambuli Beach Club on Mactan Island near Cebu City was the setting for my first night ever in the Philippines.

Some of my most incredible memories from the Philippines did not even take place in Dumaguete, but came within hours of setting foot in Cebu. This city was to serve as a literal pit stop before a final push into Dumaguete, but it became a place of firsts that will forever endear me to the Queen City of the South. It was here in Cebu that I first witnessed the intense beauty in Marilyn's eyes and the alluring charm of this tropical wonderland known as the Philippines. I was not altogether sure that I was truly here, wondering all the time if I would soon awaken to a reality 10,000 miles distant. I looked up and saw the imposing silhouettes of palm trees against a mellow twilight sky. They were gently waving in the ocean breeze, as if to welcome me into their heaven. It was indeed a dream, but I was awake. It was magical.

Tags: cebu city, dumaguete, philippines

Dumaguete via Seoul, Hong Kong & Manila

2007-01-05T18:33:00.000-05:00

Hong Kong was just one of many cities I marginally experienced on my way to Dumaguete. Even if I never left the airport, I can still say I was there, right ;)

My voyage to Dumaguete took me through several cities, only one of which I had ever seen before (Atlanta):

Atlanta, Georgia
Los Angeles, California
Seoul, South Korea
Hong Kong
Manila, Philippines
Cebu City, Philippines
Tagbilaran, Philippines

For someone who had scarce traveled in his own country this was a fantastic journey filled with new and wonderful experiences. Although it was quite taxing at times (at no point did I sleep) I kept thinking about that final moment when I would meet Marilyn for the first time.

Before I knew it, the plane was touching down in Cebu City and my trepidation increased exponentially. Marilyn had traveled up from Dumaguete to "fetch" me at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. After 10,000 miles and 23 hours of flying, I was met by this princess from Dumaguete. We spent a few days in Cebu, and then boarded the Super Cat ferry, destined for the Gentle City.

Tags: dumaguete, cebu, philippines travel

Long Road From Dumaguete to America, Pt. 3

2006-12-29T18:07:00.000-05:00

Marilyn standing near the pier in Dumaguete, above.

I recently read a very inspiring blog from a Filipino woman who arrived in the U.S. with her American husband on Christmas Eve. She is originally from Davao City and has been taking in all of the nuances of southwestern Oregon these last few days. Though married since last February, she was granted a visa earlier this month.

As Marilyn and I contemplate our long road from Dumaguete to southern Ohio, I am blessed by the stories of others who have taken similar journeys. I know that the Lord orders our steps (Psalm 37:23), and that He is ultimately the driving force in our lives. I also know that an approval of Marilyn's visa is not guranteed. Instead of giving in to fear and worry about this, I am doing my best to rest in God's goodness. Perhaps He has plans for me in Dumaguete, though the idea of me living in the Philippines comes with its own list of obstacles and challenges. For now, we will continue the path upon which we have tread these past few months. Marilyn's visa petition shall be filed as soon as her forms complete the long journey from Dumaguete to the U.S...mere days from now.

I'm getting nervous...Heavenly Father, I need Your peace.

Tags: fiancee visa, immigration, dumaguete

Long Road From Dumaguete to America, Pt. 2

2006-12-21T18:26:00.000-05:00

Marilyn and I will be filing her fiancee visa petition in the next few weeks. We have both become quite anxious as the last few loose ends are tied up. The next phase of this process will involve lots of patience and lots of prayer as the U.S. government literally decides our future.

For Marilyn, the thought of leaving Dumaguete is sad, exciting and frightening all at once. It helps that her sister recently came to the U.S. and is now in West Virginia. She also has some good friends from Dumaguete who will be in the U.S. shortly. Still, as the popular movie declares, "there's no place like home".

As we celebrate Christmas this year, we are thankful for the blessing of our relationship, and how it has blossomed despite the enormous distance. The love and commitment Marilyn has shown me over the last two years is unlike anything I have ever experienced. This is one reason among many why a part of my heart will always live in Dumaguete, for the Gentle City gave the world this wonderful woman.

I love you, Marilyn, and I look forward to seeing you soon and spending my life with you...whether in Ohio or Dumaguete or wherever the Lord should lead us.

Tags: dumaguete, fiancee visa, immigration

No Shortage of Friends in Dumaguete

2006-12-15T18:18:00.000-05:00

Over the course of two weeks in Dumaguete I was introduced to several of Marilyn's friends. Actually, it was much more than "several". I would meet them at dinner, after church, or simply running errands downtown. They were everywhere!

Indeed, friends are like family. Sure, there will be quarrels and disagreements from time to time, but close friends will always be there in the end. Marilyn is truly blessed in this regard. She has no shortage of friends in Dumaguete.

"...a friend loveth at all times..." (Proverbs 17:17a)

Tags: dumaguete, philippines, friends

Finding Jesus in Dumaguete

2006-12-10T10:01:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year a small group from Christ Presbyterian Church in Huntington Beach, California embarked on a mission trip to Dumaguete. I did not personally know the members of this group, but often viewed their online updates, curious to know how God was using them to bless the people of Dumaguete. More often than not, though, the people of Dumaguete were the ones doing the blessing.

When I was in the Philippines I witnessed a dependence upon the Lord that is largely absent here in America. Many of us who claim to follow Christ simply play the Sunday morning routine, but have little idea who He really is in our daily lives. Bank accounts, job titles and retirement destinations seem to take precedence over any need or desire to live within His will. Therefore, I was truly blessed by my time in Dumaguete because I witnessed a genuine hunger for Christ's love. Perhaps Marilyn has been the greatest example of this, as she has faced incredible hardships with an unwavering belief that His love would sustain her—and it did.

Heavenly Father,

Break us, and mold us. Remove all of our dependence on worldly things, that we may cast our cares upon you and trust in your sustaining mercy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tags: dumaguete, philippines, mission trip, jesus christ

Dumaguete Dreamin'

2006-12-07T18:37:00.000-05:00

Marilyn sent me this photo taken by a friend of hers a few months after my visit to Dumaguete. I hope she doesn't mind that I posted it ;)

One mistake I made during my trip to the Philippines was not setting aside enough time to get more photos. Actually, it didn't help that my camera lost its charge and I had no voltage adapter to recharge the batteries. It was just bad planning all around. Unfortunately, I am running out of personal Dumaguete photos to show here and have recently borrowed images from Wikipedia where appropriate, as well as using photos from Marilyn or her friends. I fancy myself more of a writer than a photographer, though I understand how important it is for a blog to express more than simple words on a screen.

Tags: dumaguete, filipina, travel photos

Hot Dumaguete Sun, Cold Midwest Winter

2006-11-29T22:33:00.001-05:00

(Above: Marilyn and I at the open air cafe on the grounds of South Seas Resort, Dumaguete, sporting our much-used sunglasses)

Growing up in Michigan, I was never accustomed to seeing very many sunny days. In fact, for years I had no idea what people meant when they talked about this thing called the "sun". Okay, that's obviously a lie, but I had never seen the sun as much as I did during two weeks in Dumaguete. It was so bright. And so darn hot, too.

I wonder what Marilyn will think when she experiences a good, old-fashioned frigid Midwest winter. Get me out of here? Here's something for her to ponder: the high temperatures in Cincinnati over the weekend are supposed to hover around the 35ºF - 40ºF range (2ºC - 4ºC). A far cry from Dumaguete's year-round heat, wouldn't you say? And the winter season hasn't even begun yet!

Oh, you'll be fine. We'll just buy you a very big winter coat...maybe two or three. You know how you always ask me if I can bring some snow with me to Dumaguete? Well, how about bringing some Dumaguete sun with you to Ohio?

Tags: dumaguete, philippines, winter, cincinnati

"The Amazing Race" in Dumaguete?

2006-11-28T18:39:00.000-05:00

(Above: Could Phil Keoghan, host of "The Amazing Race", soon be making an appearance in Dumaguete?)

I have become quite an avid fan of The Amazing Race since I started watching the seventh season. In fact, it was during that very season that my trip to Dumaguete became a reality. As I watched my fellow Americans trek across the globe and interact with a diverse range of cultures, I wondered how my experiences in Dumaguete would compare. Obviously, my adventure would be without the road blocks, detours and fast forwards seen each week on the popular TV show. As it turns out, I actually did encounter a few detours, but these were not accompanied by a Phil Keoghan voice-over describing two tasks from which I had to choose. It's too bad—that would have given me something to do while I waited in Manila's domestic terminal.

Anyway, the likelihood of the producers choosing Dumaguete City as one of the destinations in Season 11 seems, sadly, quite remote. My guess is that Cebu will host the next venture into the Philippines (Manila was featured in Season 5). However, I think there are many qualities that would make Dumaguete a great "Amazing Race" town, not the least of which are the kind-hearted people who make it the bustling little metropolis it is.

I can just picture the first team arriving at the pit stop somewhere along the Promenade...

...they make that final dramatic stomp onto the mat and are immediately greeted by a local man who declares, simply and gently, "Welcome to Dumaguete City, Philippines". This pleasant salutation is then followed by some very important news from Phil...

..."Corey and Marilyn.....you're team number ONE!"

Could happen, right? :)

Tags: dumaguete city, philippines, the amazing race, phil keoghan

A Dumagueteño in Cincinnati

2006-11-23T00:08:00.000-05:00

(Above: The shimmering lights of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio at night. Photo credit goes to Cincinnati Images.)

Assuming all goes well with the immigration process, Marilyn will be leaving her humble home in Dumaguete and joining me here in the Cincinnati metro area sometime next year. I often wonder how she will respond to such a drastic change in culture after spending her entire life in the Philippines. I am convinced she will find this place devoid of the activity and personality of Dumaguete. Sure, there are many options for entertainment, but very few involve any actual interaction with other human beings. Socially speaking, Americans tend to be dead from the neck up. That isn't to say we aren't among the most amiable people in the world, but we often must be reminded of our capacity to fellowship with others.

Marilyn, if you're reading this, I'll be honest with you...Cincinnati is no Dumaguete. In fact, I doubt there exists such a place in America that compares with the culturally rich and uniquely hospitable landscape which undergirds Dumaguete.

Ahh, but I am here...and this, she tells me, is all that will ever matter to her. Ain't love swell? :)

Tags: dumaguete, philippines, cincinnati, filipina in america

Dumaguete Endures to the End

2006-11-18T17:39:00.000-05:00

(Above: Silliman Hall, on the campus of Silliman University, is a prolific Dumaguete landmark)

As Marilyn has often expressed to me, life in Dumaguete is hard. Food isn't necessarily guaranteed to be on the table, nor is shelter readily available to all who need it. Opportunities for work lag far behind the burgeoning number of highly-educated and qualified candidates released into the workforce each year. Quality medical care is beyond the reach of those who lay bed-ridden in their own homes, too weak to breathe the fresh air just outside their front door. No one seems to truly understand all that afflicts the people of Dumaguete, especially those elected to be their voice.

During my time with Marilyn we made a point to pray together each day, surrendering everything to our Savior and renewing our focus on Him. These daily conversations with the Lord added a new perspective to my experiences in Dumaguete. I began to understand the full extent of oppression in this part of the world. Yet, at the same time, this worldly oppression appeared to breed a deep reliance on the Lord. There was an overwhelming spirit of supernatural endurance that largely defined the people of Dumaguete, and overshadowed the harsh realities of life here.

As the world crumbles around us—whether in Dumaguete, Riyadh, Tehran, Jerusalem, Tripoli, Mumbai or Chicago—let us all draw from the everlasting well of strength that is Christ the Lord, so that we may endure to the end.

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Matthew 24:13)

Tags: dumaguete, philippines, prayer, jesus christ

Family Ties—Dumaguete Style

2006-11-14T18:47:00.000-05:00

(Above: Part of my soon-to-be extended family, which includes Marilyn's uncle and her cousins)

I was understandably nervous about meeting Marilyn's family during my Dumaguete adventure. Fear dwelt in the back of my mind as I pondered the possibility of making a bad impression. I wasn't entirely sure how this might occur, but I knew these would be among the most protective people in Marilyn's life. Therefore, it was very important that I instilled a sense of trust in their minds.

(Above: Time for a group photo with the big white guy, or "uncle", as I was referred to)

I began to relax about the situation once Marilyn informed me how nervous her family was to meet me, and how they were actually ashamed because they felt their English was not sufficient. It seems they were even more concerned about making a positive impression on me! I was the one seeking acceptance into their family, but here they were seeking my approval as well.

(Above: A quick photo with Marilyn's grandmother before we headed back to Dumaguete)

Despite my earlier fears, the time spent with Marilyn's family was most certainly a highlight of my two weeks in Dumaguete.

Sadly, Marilyn's parents had already passed on by this time. Her mother's death came just months before my visit. I would have been privileged to meet the woman who brought Marilyn into this world, that's for sure.

Dumaguete Ramblings, Part 1

2006-11-06T18:56:00.000-05:00

(Above: Outside of Jo's Chicken Inato in downtown Dumaguete after a delicious lunch that included the famous mango shake. Marilyn, right, is shown with two of her friends.)

Many months ago I had written on the virtues of mango shakes, specifically those served at South Seas Resort just north of downtown Dumaguete. I should also note that I became quite fond of the mango fruit itself, having never before tasted this delectable treat. Now, I do not consider myself a connoisseur of exotic cuisine (i.e. anything other than pizza or cheeseburgers) and so was quite pleased with the rather tame selection of foods that I encountered in Dumaguete. However, I couldn't possibly expect to subsist on a diet of fresh mangos and fattening mango shakes for two weeks, could I? Actually, I probably would have done so without issue, but I possessed a culinary curiosity that required me to leave my unadventurous taste buds at home and experience some native Filipino delicacies.

My decision to be "brave" and partake of these foods quickly evaporated when I got my first look at halo-halo. Admittedly, it looked extremely peculiar to me, though perhaps not quite on the same level as balut or dinuguan. Never before had I encountered such a colorful and eclectic brew as this halo-halo, what with fruits and ice chips and beans and gelatin—all jammed together in a tall dessert glass. To an American who was not accustomed to such a sight you can probably appreciate my apprehension about trying it. There are various American dishes that would illicit similar reactions in Dumagueteños as well. Even Marilyn retorted with an emphatic "yuk" at the mere mention of turkey. Yes, our beloved American turkey. I didn't interpret this eschew as a slam against my culture, but as a reminder of how palatable cuisine in one country can be viewed with the utmost disgust in another (whether actually ingested or not).

Even some Americans would balk at the offer of sampling a bowl (or plate) of genuine Cincinnati Chili.

Pit Stop in Cebu

2006-11-05T00:55:00.000-05:00

(Above: Modern office buildings in downtown Cebu. My photos of Cebu were not very good, so I borrowed this image from Wikipedia, which looks as if it was shot from the Marriott across the street.)

Marilyn and I spent three nights in Cebu, as it provided us a nice transit point to and from her hometown of Dumaguete. While our time was limited, we did manage to visit one of the top tourist attractions in Cebu: an observation point atop one of the highest peaks in the city. Looking back, the taxi ride up the mountain was just as exhilarating as the panoramic views. Our driver was quite the warrior, taking on insanely steep mountain grades that his inferior engine was not designed to handle. We stalled several times, and then one last heroic push ended with the car calling out, "Enough is enough!" The aroma of burning parts made me wonder what atrocity the poor engine had just suffered. We were forced to walk, at least for a quick jaunt up the road that had killed our taxi. Amazingly, a youngster on a motorcycle was waiting for us just ahead, ready to take us the rest of the way. I wasn't sure how he knew of our sudden change of plans. Anyway, here I was, on the side of a mountain in Cebu, Philippines in the dark of night, ready to take my first motorcycle ride ever. Marilyn managed to fit on as well, and soon we were flying up and down hills and around curves until we finally reached the entrance to the observation deck (all without helmets of course). Our reward was the spectacle of thousands of twinkling orange lights emanating from this living and breathing city. It was not unlike views I have seen here in America, yet when framed by the reality that I was in the Philippines the scene took on a surreal appearance.

Tags: cebu, philippines taxi ride

Random Dumaguete Ponderings

2006-11-04T16:58:00.000-05:00

(Above: The Forest Camp, located just outside of Dumaguete in Valencia. I am pictured here, along with Marilyn and her friend Ivy. Sadly, this was taken on my last full day in Dumaguete. The thought of impending goodbyes was beginning to form knots in my stomach at this point.)

The original intent of this blog was to provide (hopefully) interesting and thought-provoking narrative for my Dumaguete trip in 2005. Well, here we are, nearing the end of 2006, and I have yet to return to the City of Gentle People. This lack of travel has presented a quandary of sorts as I struggle to keep this blog fresh enough to appease those who may be repeat visitors. One solution, as evident by one of my prior two postings, is to comment on my current perceptions of Dumaguete. Another, of course, is to report on the ongoing process of obtaining Marilyn's fiancee visa. While I find it much easier to write about my excursions into Dumaguete, I will do my best to insure what whatever I write is engaging and intriguing. I do confess that some of the journaling I did shortly after returning from the Philippines has not yet been recorded in these entries, so there will be more "new" old stories to share, if that makes sense :)

Long Road From Dumaguete to America

2006-10-31T18:11:00.000-05:00

(Above: Perhaps not our most photogenic moment, but what do you expect at 7am? ;) This was taken as the sun was rising over a still sleepy Dumaguete)

I would like to append this primarily "touristy" blog with details from a journey which Marilyn and I recently commenced. It is a journey that is sure to test the depths of our patience, and one that will forever alter our lives...assuming, of course, that our intended destination is indeed reached.

Okay, enough with the ceremonious prelude. Marilyn and I will soon petition the U.S. government for a fiancee visa. It is an idea we have seriously discussed many times before, but the circumstances have always prevented us from acting on it. The process is currently in its most infantile stages, but moving forward with much vigor.

I would request your prayers on our behalf as we lay this decision squarely in God's capable hands. Salamat!

Dumaguete's Vigilante Virus

2006-10-29T11:23:00.000-05:00

Admittedly, this particular entry is more of an editorial piece on the current state of affairs in Dumaguete, as opposed to a descriptive passage about snorkeling at Apo Island or relaxing in the cool spring-fed pools at The Forest Camp.

My memories of Dumaguete are of a charming and resilient seaside town—where the natives display permanently fixed smiles and the way of life is both difficult and easy at the same time. As I read over the seemingly daily accounts of turmoil here I can not help but sense that the lifestyle of the average Dumagueteño has been drastically altered as of late. Even from my perch halfway across the globe I can perceive a certain degree of alienation as the locals struggle to recognize what has become of their Dumaguete. One day it was a place that reflected their values and welcomed all who visited with open arms. The next day it was a "killing field", as one writer had put it, where fear and violence ruled. Much of this chaos (though not all of it) has been instigated by the so-called "Roving Vigilantes", whose aim is to rid Dumaguete of all criminal elements "until the cause is clear". While the public appears to be divided on the issue of justifiable homicide, it is obvious that Dumaguete has lost its image as the "City of Gentle People". Or has it? Those of us who have been privileged enough to visit this place can speak volumes on the resolve of these people and their penchant for finding hope in the most horrific circumstances. Tragedy has befallen the people of Dumaguete, but I suspect triumph will soon follow.

O, Lord, may you walk beside these lovely people of Dumaguete, healing their wounds and removing the grief from their hearts. Amen.

My Dumaguete

2006-08-02T22:53:00.000-04:00

Although it has been over 15 months since my trip to Dumaguete, the memories of that journey become brand new every morning. Instead of fading into the passing of days and weeks they seem to retain their color and their emotion, at times even appearing to strengthen. Perhaps the reasons are not hard to understand. After all, this is the place where my love for a tender Filipino woman was confirmed. I think the gentleness of her soul was very well complemented by the graceful swaying of palm trees in the Dumaguete breeze. I have not yet been able to return, but she is very much a part of my life as I am daily connected to her through warm memories, sweet thoughts and promises of more to come. In the Lord's perfect timing, I will return to Dumaguete.

Welcome to Dumaguete: "Hey, Joe!"

2006-06-06T15:46:00.000-04:00

Every Caucasian male who visits Dumaguete City will immediately become synonymous with the the historically significant name "Joe". Of course, I was no exception to this rule as a group of Dumagueteño youths reminded me with an enthusiastic, "Hey, Joe!" I didn't quite know the etiquette for such a situation, but I went with the time-honored smile, followed by a wave.

Fair-skinned foreigners might view this traditional Filipino greeting as being disrespectful or even racist. However, I did not see any evidence of such intentions. The culture in the Philippines is vastly different from what we have in America, especially when looking at the social fabric. White or otherwise light-skinned tourists are sources of great curiosity in the Philippines and the locals are not afraid to drape them in attention. This occurrence may be further amplified in smaller towns such as Dumaguete, which are a bit off the beaten path. By contrast, a Filipino visiting America will most likely be ignored. We Americans are one step above robots when it comes to our treatment of strangers, especially those who we deem to be foreigners. So, in this context, an enthusiastic, "Hey, Joe", seems to be quite amiable after all. In fact, I felt like the guest of honor at times in Dumaguete. I sensed no animosity in their greeting.

By the way, my dad's name really is Joe. He'd feel right at home in the Philippines :)

Geckos & Roosters & Dogs, Oh My!

2006-06-06T15:38:00.000-04:00

Regardless of where you decide to stay in Dumaguete you can expect to see plenty of geckos, roosters and dogs roaming freely. While dogs are pretty much confined to the more residential areas you should expect your hotel’s grounds to be frequented by roosters and geckos (i.e. lizards). The latter tend to be the most invasive, often taking a stroll around the walls in your room. I was understandably alarmed at first when a few of them decided to share my room at South Seas Resort, but my friend Marilyn assured me they do not bite. Their occasional chirping was unnerving for the first few days, but I later pretended this was simply their way of welcoming me to Dumaguete City. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes and countless other biting insects went with the more direct method of eating me alive.

Dumaguete City Traffic or Amusement Park?

2006-06-06T15:33:00.000-04:00

Disney should seriously consider adding a new theme park that is based entirely upon traffic in Dumaguete City. The absence of any speed limits, combined with a very noticeable lack of stop signs at 4-way intersections, provides the perfect conditions for amusement park-like thrills and chills. Add in the lively cast of multi-colored jeepneys, anomalous pedi-cabs and buzzing motorcycles and you could charge admission to this spectacle of sights and sounds (oh, and smelly exhaust, too).

Upon arriving in Dumaguete, Marilyn and I found a nice air-conditioned taxi and rode a few quiet blocks to an affordable restaurant to quell our rebellious stomachs. After lunch, we were literally whisked away to our next destination at speeds that had me closely eyeing the blurred objects zooming by (not to mention closely monitoring the contents of my now-filled stomach). I’m quite sure most of those blurred objects were in fact human beings, all within inches of becoming instant road kill. As time went on I realized this was simply an innate skill on the part of the driver, with the passing distance being inversely proportional to the driver’s dexterity. That is, the closer they were to skinning someone alive or causing a multi-car pileup without actually causing any harm the better their skills as a driver. In this context, ALL of our drivers were unbelievably skilled. However, our bus driver topped them all, as he maneuvered a huge city bus down a relatively narrow highway at 65 mph, all the while dodging vehicles and energetic children playing by the side of the road. Thankfully, everyone respected the hulking, speeding mass of metal by yielding to its terrifying horn that seemed to call out, "move or die!” Even so, the Filipino definition of the word “yield” is approximately thus: “to nonchalantly veer two inches off the path of an approaching vehicle; three inches if said vehicle weighs more than 10 tons.” No doubt, Dumagueteños are fearless when it comes to matters of transportation, whether as drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.

Thankfully, not all conveyances in Dumaguete rely on pure speed and seat-of-your-pants driving. My personal favorite is the pedi-cab, or “tricycle”. It is best described as a motorcycle taxi, complete with a covered seating area that is shoddily attached to the under-powered motorcycle chassis. The pedi-cab is perhaps the noisiest and dirtiest form of transportation in Dumaguete (and the Philippines as a whole), but for an American the novelty of the whole thing makes it quite enjoyable. Also, the 25-30 mph top speed does away with most of the “white knuckle syndrome” so common with other vehicle types, though you can expect to be passed by speedier buses, vans and cars on a nearly continuous basis.

It took me about 9 days before I shook off my conservative views on Dumaguete City traffic (i.e. my intense fear) and consented to riding with Marilyn on her motorcycle. I tell you…nothing compares to the thrill of riding along on a motorcycle at 40 mph while crossing the center-line to pass a slow moving pedi-cab while being passed by a city bus going 55 mph as oncoming traffic is bearing down in unmitigated fashion…all without a helmet! Apparently, I had great trust in Marilyn’s abilities for I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it (my parents are cringing at the thought). Yielding to her responsibility for my safety, though, Marilyn brushed off my repeated requests to “give it more juice”. Sadly, back-seat driving is likely the only driving I’ll ever do in Dumaguete. Indeed, the complicated mix of obscure rules and sheer chaos is best left for the locals who have a lifetime of learning this unique system. The rest of us can just sit back, relax, and hold on for dear life.

Zamboanguita....Glad to Meet Ya!

2006-06-04T20:44:00.002-04:00

My native friend Marilyn and I spent half a day in Zamboanguita, which is about 15 or so miles south of Dumaguete along the national highway. My prior experience had told me that every town in the Philippines is crowded, no matter how small it is. I was quite sure that Zamboanguita was rather miniscule, but I'll be darned if the downtown area wasn't crowded. We proceeded to the home of Marilyn's cousin, who had invited us to spend some time at her beach house. I was rather impressed with this beach "compound" that was situated on at least a few hundred feet of shore down the road. Apparently, Marilyn's cousin and her family own a pig farm. This can be a very lucrative industry as I understand. Yeah, I'd say so. They could have hosted a party for all of Zamboanguita on their property.

Shortly after we had made the short trip down the road to the beach house Marilyn's uncle asked if I was a beer drinker. Deciding it might be rude to reject what sounded like an invitation, I went along and said yes (in reality, I average about 2 beers per year). He then asked if I'd like to travel into town with him to pick up a few bottles of San Miguel, even offering to pay for them. Of course I agreed. We then set out on the short jaunt via a motorcycle, which is always interesting without a helmet. Thankfully, we only had a mile of ground to cover. When we arrived at the store I quickly noticed how primitive it was, even by Philippines standards. Once inside, I was greeted with a few curious stares from locals who were watching some sort of TV program. When it came time to purchase the beer the financial responsibility actually fell on me, despite the earlier offer by Marilyn's uncle to purchase it. I did not even flinch, but reached into my pocket to retrieve the 100 pesos (i.e. less than $2). Filipinos are masters of hospitality if you are a guest in their home, but in a neutral environment such as a store or restaurant the "rich" foreigner is expected to cover expenses.

Before leaving Zamboanguita I accompanied Marilyn to some sort of Catholic funeral ritual (Marilyn is Protestant, by the way) that was being held in memory of a distant relative. I don't know exactly what was going on, but a group of 4 ladies appeared to be singing verses over and over again and were facing an altar that contained a photo and a few flower arrangements. Marilyn waited outside the door for a good 30 minutes, entered for about 30 seconds, and then we left. I still don't know what it was all about.

By now it was starting to get dark and we still had to get back to Dumaguete. We waited by the side of the road as every conceivable form of transportation passed by. Finally, we flagged down a small van of sorts that looked like it was already filled to capacity. Would you believe there were two spots still available in the very back row? We sat down and began our relatively long (by Filipino standards) 15-mile journey back to Dumaguete. The driver appeared to be a younger gentleman, so you can imagine my shock when the van's audio system started pumping out vintage songs from Kenny Rogers! Of course, my disbelief had more to do with the fact that I was hearing American oldies in this packed little van in Zamboanguita, Philippines. At the same time, though, the familiarity of home was very much with me in those moments. I used to hear those songs on the radio as a kid in Michigan. The world suddenly became very small.

Oh, and do you want to guess the total price tag for that 15-mile trip down memory lane with Kenny Rogers? Sixty pesos for Marilyn and myself combined...or about 55 cents each!

Mango Shakes at South Seas Resort

2006-06-04T20:16:00.000-04:00

I was quite enchanted with the seaside resort north of Dumaguete known as South Seas. While it was very convenient to the downtown area it was nestled away behind a maze of residential streets that gave it a sort of cozy, reclusive feel. The only major drawback to this resort is that it has no real beachfront. Then again, I was trying to minimize my exposure to the brutal Filipino sun, so I wasn't terribly upset. Besides, the lush, green setting of this quaint little accommodation was more than sufficient to meet my rest and relaxation requirements. And at USD $30 per night it was an incredible value.

Oh, and the mango shakes served at the open-air restaurant were easily the best in the entire world. Keep in mind that I have nothing to compare them to, but if you ever make it to Dumaguete be sure to stop by South Seas and order a few.

No Halo-Halo or Balut For Me

2006-06-04T02:10:00.000-04:00

When I arrived in Dumaguete I figured it would be appropriate to at least sample some of the native foods and take in an extra bit of culture. Admittedly, I am a food wimp and am easily scared off by food that has a face or in any way resembles the intact, living animal from which it was derived. In the same way, I tend to also steer clear of foods which, oh, I don't know, try to combine corn and gelatin and ice chips and beans. This is precisely the sort of concoction you'll find in halo-halo, which is a very popular cold dessert in the Philippines. Honestly, when I saw my first bowl of halo-halo I thought it was an art exhibit of some kind. Of course, if I was forced to choose between eating balut or halo-halo I'd certainly choose the latter. For those who don't know, balut is a fertilized duck egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell. This most certainly falls into the first category of foods that I avoid (i.e. intact animals). Suddenly, beans and ice chips don't sound so bad :) Of course, if I had my choice I would just stick with the mango shakes at South Seas resort in Dumaguete.

Eaten Alive, But Malaria Free

2006-06-04T01:14:00.000-04:00

I can honestly say with a good amount of confidence that the threat of malaria is extremely low in Dumaguete—or else I was just very lucky. Even with the aid of OFF bug deterrent I endured at least a few dozen bites from a variety of insects over the course of two weeks. Some of the resultant red welts were not only insanely itchy, but much larger than I had ever experienced in the U.S. I honestly believe I was bitten by more than just "macho" Dumagueteño mosquitoes, though I shudder to think what kinds of winged and/or crawling creatures feasted on my type-A blood. When I consulted with my doctor before leaving the U.S. it was suggested that I invest in some anti-malarial pills. Because they are intended as a preventative measure the regimen must be started 1-2 weeks before exposure to the potential pathogens, maintained throughout exposure, and continued 2 weeks after the exposure has ended. In my case it was going to require about 5-6 weeks worth of disciplined pill-taking. Needless to say, I stopped about 4 days after arriving in Dumaguete and didn't think much of it until I left the country. At that point the anxiety started to settle in as I itched all the way home to the U.S. Could one of these bites be infectious? Could I possibly develop malaria because I was too lazy to take a few pills? Admittedly, I monitored my health quite closely over the next few weeks. The only problem I encountered was a terrible sore throat that began on the plane and lasted for two days after I got home. At the very least I'll remember to drink more water next time I'm on a 13-hour plane ride. However, unless I'm planning a trip to the Sulu archipelago (which is really the only malaria zone in the Philippines), I will likely forego any sort of anti-malarial drugs next time.

The Paradox of Dumaguete

2006-06-03T21:13:00.000-04:00

I knew that Dumaguete City had a population of around 100,000, and I had heard it described as a "sleepy college town", owing to the large number of colleges and universities within the city limits. Such a description brought to mind images of a tranquil, seaside town, which made it all the more shocking to see street after street literally packed with hustling and bustling Filipinos and loud, pollution-producing pedi-cabs (one of which we were riding). As we approached the center of downtown Dumaguete it looked as if the number of Filipinos and vehicles per square foot was increasing exponentially. I was anxious about departing from the rather secure confines of the pedi-cab and entering into the sea of activity. However, we were on our way to make a few purchases at the Lee Super Plaza, which is a large multi-level department store and apparently a very important social center as well for Dumagueteños (i.e residents of Dumaguete). As my Filipina companion and I made our way through the ever-present crowd toward the entrance of the store I was approached by a young child who quickly assumed a begging position. This was not something I was expecting, even though I had read about the prolific nature of such children in Manila. I was taken off guard and gently shook my head. As my friend and I made our way through the security checkpoint outside of Lee Super Plaza I asked her about the incident. Apparently, there is a city ordinance in Dumaguete against this particular activity. She then told me that some of these kids are actually "hired" by adults to be professional beggars. Regardless, it was hard to walk away from a child who was reaching out, especially if he really did need money for food.

Again, my assumptions about Dumaguete had been challenged. Perhaps I wanted to believe that this place would be unaffected by the rampant poverty and economic decay so prevalent in the rest of the country. After all, Dumaguete is a popular retirement destination for many Americans and Europeans and boasts one of the most technologically-advanced infrastructures in the region. However, while I did see examples of relative affluence, it was quite obvious that the typical Dumagueteño must rail against the same social, political and economic cancers that envelop the rest of the country. Amazingly, but perhaps not so surprisingly, there were very few signs that these people were depressed or otherwise hopeless. I even experienced some incredible expressions of generosity and hospitality that the richest American is likely not capable of showing. And it was all done without the slightest hint of an ulterior motive. Sure, there are swindlers and con-artists in Dumaguete, but I sensed an overriding humility that is notably lacking in the American culture....drowned out ages ago by a tidal wave of self-righteousness. We have much to learn, or re-learn, as the case may be.

The people of this great little college town in the central Philippines do not possess much of value, but in so many ways they are more wealthy than us.

Dumaguete: Arriving in Alien Territory

2006-05-31T23:16:00.004-04:00

Above: Marilyn outside of her house in Bacong

The SuperCat fast ferry ride from Cebu to Dumaguete City took about 3.5 hours and included a 15-minute stop in Tagbilaran (on the island of Bohol). Throughout the trip I nervously monitored the surrounding waters, looking for pirates or terrorists or who knows what. Two weeks prior to this moment the U.S. State Department had issued a fresh travel warning for the Philippines. I remember the ridiculously broad nature of the statement, which basically said that Americans should avoid travel to ALL areas of the Philippines (which obvioulsy would include Dumaguete, as silly as that sounded). Well, there I was, in a defenseless boat out in the open waters, one of only a handful of "white people" on board. My anxiety was largely a product of that stupid travel warning as my imagination continued to fabricate numerous "what ifs". Yet, my attention ultimately turned back to my lovely Filipina sweetheart, Marilyn. I had come 10,000 miles to see her, and she deserved the brunt of my focus. Besides, I had just 12 days to make some incredible memories in the Philippines and I didn't want to miss anything.

As we arrived at the port in Dumaguete City the photos I had seen of this faraway place suddenly became alive before me. However, nothing really prepared me for the welcoming party that had gathered near the dock. It seemed as if all of Dumaguete had shown up to greet us. I would soon learn that Filipinos are an incredibly social people. As an American, I am accustomed to everyone minding their own business and acting more or less like robots. We rarely greet a single person on the street. However, it didn't take long for me to understand just how interesting I was to every Filipino who passed by. The stares were not mean or threatening, but for me they were a bit disconcerting. I didn't want to stick out, but unless I suddenly became invisible it was inevitable that I would be the subject of many a curious gaze. After a week of this I started to respond naturally with a smile and a nod. It was my desire to show the utmost respect to these people, for I was a visitor in their country. Being a "spectacle" of sorts was far outside the comfort zone of my timid nature, but I finally accepted the reality that I was indeed different. The anxiety melted away soon after and I was truly able to immerse myself in this alien, yet approachable, culture of Dumaguete. At times I even forgot how different I was and really started to relate to these people from the other side of the globe. In a few isolated moments I felt like I was home.