Same-sex couple gets fiancé visa from US embassy

The United States Embassy in Manila on Friday said it had issued its first fiancé visa to a same-sex couple, a Filipino and an American soldier serving in Afghanistan who will get married next month. In a statement, the embassy said the fiancé visas were issued to Noel “Aeinghel” Amaro and Robert Cotterman on Dec. 2. The two met via Facebook two years ago and will be married next month in California. “He proposed to me at the airport. I was so happy, and the people were clapping their hands for us,” Amaro said in an interview on Facebook. They applied for a fiancé visa “around June 2012.” Amaro said he would spend Christmas in the United States with Cotterman and his parents. “They are happy for us. They are excited to see me,” Amaro...

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Posted in: travel news , US Embassy , US Visa , visa tips

Canada to Introduce New Skilled Visa Application Process for 2015

Canada is to introduce a new visa application process in 2015 with the aim of attracting the best and brightest immigrants. The process, provisionally entitled Expression of Interest (EOI,) is being described as a move from a passive economic immigration system to one that actively recruits skilled people to move to Canada to work. ‘We are getting ready to treat most immigration applications in a revolutionary new way. Having a job is the best path to economic integration and EOI will select immigrants based on their skills,’ said a spokesman for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC.) ‘EOI will select immigrants based on the skills Canadian employers need and they will be encouraged to pursue citizenship and be welcomed as equal...

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Posted in: canada embassy , canada immigration , Canada Visa , Immigration News , travel news

South Korea to Tighten Visa Rules for Marriage Immigrants

In an effort to root out illegal international matchmaking agencies, South Korea will tighten its visa issuance procedures for foreigners coming to live in the country after marrying locals, the Ministry of Justice said Wednesday. The move is a follow-up to the revision in August last year of a marriage broker law requiring the marriage brokers to have more than 100 million won (US$94,000) in paid-in capital. The revision, which effectively came into force a year later after a one-year grace period, however, prompted concerns that unregistered agencies, which do not meet the requirement, would provide illegal matchmaking services without the government permit, the ministry said. The ministry said it will cooperate with consular offices...

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Posted in: Filipino tourists , Immigration News , South Korean Immigration , South Korean Visa , travel news

Brian Grubb Wakeskates Eighth Wonder of the World - Banaue Rice Terraces

The world famous Banaue rice terraces of the Philippines have proven to be the ultimate playground for an epic wakeskate winch session! BANAUE (Philippines), October 24th, 2013. Professional wakeskaters Brian Grubb (USA) and Dominik Preisner (GER) traveled to the Philippines for an epic winch session at one of the most beautiful spots in the world. The famous rice terraces of Banaue are considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World and were the perfect playground for a unique wakeskate session! Even for one of the world’s best wakeskate pros like Brian Grubb this spot proved to be a real challenge: “This was my seventh trip to the Philippines, and my biggest project ever! Since I first saw the drawing of these huge rice terraces on...

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Posted in: Banaue rice terraces , Banaue rice terraces wakeskating , Brian Grubb , Eighth Wonder of the World , philippine travel , travel news

PAL's Manila-London Flights Announced Their Introductory Fares to London

Legacy carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced the introductory fares for its direct 13-hour Manila-London flights starting November 4. On its website, PAL priced its one-way Manila-London economy flights at US$442, equivalent to about P19,385. It includes taxes, surcharges and other fees. Business class seats start at $1,292, or about P56,655, also all-in. PAL president Ramon Ang had said their fare structure will be competitive against other airlines that service routes between different points in Asia and London. "Whenever you start a new destination, you should expect a strong competition from any airline that servicing those destinations at the moment. For example, I think one of them had already reacted and lowered the...

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Posted in: Manila-London flights , PAL , Philippine Airlines , philippine travel , travel news

House Bill 23 Filed to Protect Airline Passengers

A proposed bill aimed at protecting the rights of airline passengers has recently been filed in Congress by Reps. Francisco Ashley Acedillo and Gary Alejano (Party-list, MAGDALO). House Bill 23 seeks to address the problem of airline passengers ranging from poor quality of service, delay and cancellation of flights and disappearance of reservations, among others. Alejano said under the bill to be known as the "Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act," an air carrier would establish and implement procedures for handling complaints from passengers. The bill will provide passengers on board an aircraft or in the airport timely, reasonable and truthful information regarding delays, cancellations or diversion affecting the customer's flight...

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Posted in: Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act , House Bill 23

Skyscanner Reveals Filipinos’ Favorite European Destinations

Leading flight search engine, Skyscanner has recently reported an increase by 53% in flight search to European destinations this year. Following the decision to lift the ban on Philippine Airlines by unanimous votes among the European Commission’s 28 member states, Skyscanner also revealed top destinations of choice among Filipinos. Topping the list of most searched destination is the United Kingdom.  With an estimated Filipino population of 200,000 in 2007, UK has been a favorite destination not only for its rich culture and castles but also for the visiting families of Filipinos working there. Coming in second is Germany, famous for its rich culture, mouth-watering cuisine and people who know and love a good party. In fact, Filipinos...

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Posted in: flight search engine , Skyscanner , travel news

China and Taiwan Excluded in New Philippine Visa Privilege

When the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) extended the visa-free privilege of foreigners last Monday, Chinese nationals criticized the move for excluding them. Zhuang Guotu, dean of the Research School of Southeast Asian Studies at Xiamen University claimed that the visa requirement for Chinese is Philippines' way to get even on the South China Sea territorial row. "Both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan are embroiled in disputes with the country. Its decision to exclude people from the two regions is a retaliatory move, especially, against Taiwan," Godu told The Global Times on Wednesday. DFA extended the 21-day visa-free privilege of 151 countries to 30 days--a list which has not included China and Taiwan since 2010. The Philippines...

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Posted in: Department of Foreign Affairs , philippine travel , philippine visa , travel news , visa-free privilege

Most Expensive Cities for Business Travelers

International business travel is often a necessary part of remaining globally competitive, but paying for transportation, lodging, dining and entertainment can be expensive for companies. A recent report has revealed the top 10 world’s most expensive cities for business travel. Concur, a provider of travel and expense solutions for businesses recently released the report which looks at the habits of business travelers. To determine how businesses are spending money on travel they processed$50 billion in expense reports last year. Note – costs are all in American dollars and are based off the average spend of business travelers.  To determine how businesses are spending money on travel, Concur processed $50 billion in expense reports...

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Posted in: business travelers , International business travel , travel news

Canada Opens New Visa Centers in Manila and Cebu

Hoping to attract more immigrants, visitors and students, the Canada Immigration opened new visa application centers (VACs) in Manila and Cebu to make it easier and more convenient for Filipinos who wish to enter Canada. "The Government of Canada plans to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth by attracting an increasing number of visitors as well as the world’s best and brightest talent to Canada," the Canadian Embassy said in a press statement Monday. In an effort to speed up the application process for visas and permits, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is expanding their global network of VACs, which provides administrative support to applicants before, during and after their temporary resident application is assessed...

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Posted in: canada embassy , canada immigration , Canada Visa , Immigration News , travel news , visa application centers

Europe Union Lifts Ban on Philippine Airlines (PAL)

A Philippine carrier may again fly into European skies after more than three years of being banned. This, as the European Commission on Wednesday partially lifted restrictions which have kept Philippine airlines from flying to European Union (EU) states. Lucio Tan-controlled Philippine Airlines may now resume flights to EU territories, after having been removed from the “EU air safety list.” The Commission in March 2010 included all carriers from the Philippines in the list, following poor results from an audit by the International Civil Aviation Authority. “Today we confirmed our willingness to remove Philippines airlines from the list as they show real commitment and capacity to implement international safety standards in a sustainable...

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Posted in: Europe travel , PAL , Philippine Airlines , philippine travel , travel news

Countries that Filipinos Can Visit Without a Visa

It’s more fun in the Philippines, but amid good economic news, many Filipinos are traveling abroad both for business and leisure. Japan has recently allowed multiple-entry visas for Filipino citizens. South Korea is also reportedly mulling improving visa requirements for Filipinos. But did you know that as of June 30, 2013, Filipinos can go to at least 25 other countries without having to worry about visas? According to data compiled by the DFA's Office of Consular Affairs, the following countries fall in the visa-free category, followed by the length of allowable stay by Filipinos: Bolivia - 60 days Brazil - 90 days (for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports, visa-free for (a) duration of tour of duty or (b) 180 days...

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Posted in: Immigration News , philippine travel , travel news , Travel Tips

South Korea To Simplify the Tourist Visa Requirements

The South Korean Immigration is looking into easing visa requirements for Filipino tourists, according to an official of the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO). Chang Wook Jung, senior deputy director of the Incentive and Exhibition team of KTO, said the KTO head office in Seoul and the KTO satellite office in Manila have been working on convincing the South Korean government to ease up the visa application process in the Philippines. ''There is a process going on at the moment and our government is looking at the arrangements we have in place for the visa requirements. We're hoping that in two or three years, these arrangements will finally be approved,'' Jung said during the Korea MICE Mart held at a hotel in Pasay City. Jung added...

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Posted in: Filipino tourists , Immigration News , South Korean Immigration , South Korean Visa , travel news

Japan Immigration Lifts Visa Requirement for ASEAN Countries

Japan has lifted visa requirements for a number of ASEAN countries including Thailand and Malaysia to help spur the nation's tourism industry and to develop relationships with Southeast Asian countries. According to Foreign Ministry’s pronouncement, visa exemption will be effective for Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Viet Nam after July, 1. Ministry underlined the decision is adopted to celebrate “40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.” Visa exemption is valid for short time visit no longer than 15 days. Japan cautioned those travelers who want to stay longer must still need a visa. The territorial dispute between Tokyo and Beijing lowered the Chinese travelers. Japan’s move to nationalize disputed islands...

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Posted in: ASEAN , Japan Immigration , visa requirements

Philippines’ AirAsia’s 1st Birthday Blowout: “Piso” Fare for All Destinations

To celebrate its 1st birthday, Philippines’ AirAsia is offering a one peso base fare promo for all destinations starting today, April 15, 2013.   "It is hard to believe, it has been a year already since we launched our operations. We had many challenges but the potential for growth is tremendous and we aim to play a big role in growing the market. The passenger traffic in Clark has grown tremendously last year and we have consistently remained committed in providing our guest with the highest standards in safety, efficiency and quality service,” Freddy Herrera, AirAsia Inc. Commercial Head said. &nbs...

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Posted in: AirAsia , philippine travel , travel news

Amanpulo getaway - Power Plant Mall’s Summer Shopping Raffle Prize

The heat is on, with a sizzling summer sale and fab raffle prizes to be won at Power Plant Mall! From April 11 to 14, participating tenants at the Power Plant will have their items discounted, and they've taken it up to 80% off on selected items.  How about a relaxing vacation to complete your summer? Starting on April 11, shoppers get a chance to win a complete travel package to Aman Resorts, Amanpulo. The 3-day/2-night package includes a round-trip airfare, accommodation, massage, yoga class, snorkeling and other relaxing activities at the island. Make it a super summer as Power Plant Mall also raffles off two SUPER sunglasses care of L.S. Pascual.  Every single receipt purchase worth a minimum of Php 2,000...

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Posted in: Aman Resorts Amanpulo , Amanpulo getaway , Power Plant Mall , travel news

UK Immigration Minister Announces Changes to Tier 2 visa system

Mark Harper, the UK immigration minister announced a series of proposed changes to the UK immigration system on Thursday 14th March 2013. He told the House of Commons that the changes will be introduced on April 6th 2013. The most significant changes will be made to the Tier 2 visa scheme, the tier visa of the UK's five tier points-based immigration system that is for skilled workers with a job offer. Mr Harper announced a series of changes including Cap for Tier 2 (General) visas fixed at 20,700 per year until further notice An update of the Shortage Occupation List. Some medical occupations are removed from the list. Some engineering occupations are added Amendments to the Code of Practice for Employers Changes to salary thresholds...

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Posted in: Immigration News , immigration tips , UK Embassy , UK Immigration , UK Visa

Filing H-1B Visa Petitions

As of April 1, 2013, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting H-1B petitions for Fiscal Year 2014 (FY2014). Petitions for FY2014 will allow foreign nationals to work for petitioning employers as of October 1, 2013. USCIS will continue to accept new H-1B petitions after April 1, 2013, until the H-1B cap has been reached. At this time we encourage you to identify any employees who may require H-1B sponsorship so that a petition may be filed well before the H-1B visas for the next fiscal year are exhausted. Congress has placed a numerical limit, or “cap,” on H-1B visas. For FY2014, the limit is 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas available for foreign nationals who have earned a U.S. Master’s degree...

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Posted in: Immigration News , travel news , US Embassy , US Visa

Philippines’ AirAsia Introduces New Hotline and Cash Payment Partners

Philippines’ AirAsia, the low cost carrier with the youngest fleet, today announced significant changes in its customer call center. Starting February 25, Philippines’ AirAsia’s new customer hotline number will be 742ASIA or 742.27.42. “To provide optimum customer care service for our guest, AirAsia is launching two new significant innovations. We have a new customer hotline that is easy to remember and we are also rolling out our cash payment partner with 7-Eleven store for our passengers who want to avail of our online promo and other privileges but would like to pay in cash instead of using their credit cards,” AirAsia Inc. Commercial head Freddy Herrera said. AirAsia’s payment partner service provides the convenience of using cash...

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Posted in: AirAsia , philippine travel , travel news