Originally posted by philip1975@Aug 27 2005, 01:17 PM
Hey , thanks for taking the time to reply, some interesting/informative stuff.

I best not go to ebay anymore then! BAD for the bank balance ehehhe.

I'm taking note of all the information I read, but I think it's best to settle back for a bit and just enjoy my trip to visit my gf, whilst keeping every bit of evidence I can.

We have talked about my gf doing an english course of some kind, even though her english is pretty good, and I'll suggest the 'care worker' idea as well. That is something i've often thought about, what would she do here for work? :unsure:

I think I have a good general idea of what to do should we go ahead, just a few things i'm uncertain about, but I'm sure those questions can be answered by you guys here? :P

Once again, many thanks for the replies, you've put my ever restless mind at ease... for now!!! :lol:

Ingats.
I would suggest if your Girlfriend and you decide she should improve her English that you take over any books when you go in October. My Wife has already passed on the English books to a Cousin of hers.
You don't need anything special if your Girlfriend is not sure about a course yet. But what about an English to Phillipino Phrasebook. I left my rough guide book it had both a simple English to tagalog and tagalog to English dictonary inside it.

Again this is just personal experience and others may have better ideas.

Try to bring some info on both the area you live in and the Uk as a whole.

Simple tourist guides are quite good, gives your Girlfriend some information on the area, and also if asked in either the CFO or Embassy Interview. Will of course know where she is going.

One Lady on my Wifes CFO course didn't even know where she was going to be living in the UK with her Husband!!! My Wife and another Lady were able to say where they were going what sort of house etc. Again forget the officials, isn't it a good idea to let your Love know all about the area she is going to live in?

If you are planing to make a Visa application after your vist, you maybe best advised to bring along as much paperwork as you can now. Have a look at fed ex and DHL websites for the price of sending documents, better to bring as much as you can now to save you money later. Also can you get Copies done in Uk more cheaply or is it easier in the Phillpines? As the Embassy will ask you for Photocopies as well as orignals.

At this very time im making up the file on proof of accommodation, for My wifes application. This includes Deeds,Measurments and Descriptions of all rooms and Photos.

Its a good idea if you get a little spare time to gather some of the evidence, as you go along to stop you rushing around later on. Same goes for the Finacial side.
Buying or digging out a few folders to file away the information, so its all to hand once required.
I found some useful folders in a local staionary shop, which are waterproof and tearproof, only cost a few quid each well worth the investment. A cup of rosie lee knocked over or somebody accidently damaging the Evidence could cause you major problems.

Also is the time to make sure you have a spare copy of your Full Birth Certificate, this is a must as the CFO will often require to see as will the Embassy. Again another item best to take over yourself, so you know its safe not lost in the post.

But apart from Taking over a paperwork to reduce your Parcel bill, make sure you or your Girlfriend have a Camera and take loads of Pictures together. Its to easy to forget as so much going on once you are there, My wife and I also realised on our first trip that most of the Pictures we took were of each other, not the two of us together.

Phheeww so much Planing to do, but its best to plan ahead and not have to panic at the last mintue.

Most important thing i have learned is to take in as much of the Experience as you can and relax and enjoy yourself.