I have some inquiries from Rose about moving back here to the Philippines and about dual citizenship. I’ve known her and we’ve been friends on social media for years now. We’ve been corresponding there lately. I’ve seen pictures of her son ever since knowing her. At that time the son was still a baby, and now he is already getting bigger. He is a good looking kid. I’m just sorry to see that she lost her hubby when the son was still young.
Here’s her message to me: (I also asked her permission to post her inquiries here and she said it’s okay, she’s also eager to see and hear any advice from you guys)!
Some of our conversations:
Rose— “Good evening ate Feyma!!I been a blog follower of your hubby for along time. it is really fun to read all of the topic that he post all the time. and the fact that he is an American and living in our country instead of here in the US is very interesting. Anyway, let me tell you about my self. I am Rose, been married for 11 years now and living here in the US. My husband passed away 2 years ago and left me with a very handsome boy, thank God!! Otherwise I’m gonna be so lost. Anyway ate Feyma, the reason I reach you out because, I have been planning to move back in our country. I been thinking to stay for 5 years or so. Being alone it is not easy. I have been thinking ever since that, if we’re there it is more less stressed because I have a family who can help me. my parents are still both alive so, it is really awesome for them to see their grand son. the only thing that I been worried is the money, I already have an American passport so nothing to worry with that. Questions, unsa man akong option since American citizen ko? l don’t have a plan to get a dual. Please, kindly help me? It will be a lot of help for me. I’m still thinking to dare to going back home although all of my friends are against of my decision. Thank you so much in advance, and have a nice day!! Rose“
My reply:
Hi Rose, Thank you for following our site. Yep, my hubby is really in love with our country. Thank God kay he is not one of those foreigners here nga bad mouthing our country. It’s sad sometimes hearing them. But oh, well.
Firstly, sorry to hear about your loss. It must be hard on you then. But yeah, you’re lucky you really had a very handsome young man.
I advise you to really get the dual citizenship para it’s easier for you and your kid. You should get for the 2 of you. Anyway, you can get for the 2 of you since he is underage. Since you’re an American citizen its limited to own properties here. So better get your dual there, much easier to get it there.
We have more messages from each other. But I want to see what you guys will tell her. One thing I told her that if she wants to moved here now is the good time since the son, he is still young. That was really the best advice our kids pediatrician had given us when we told him that we are moving back here. Our kids were similar aged to the kid of Rose. One thing that Rose has to bring with her here will be plenty of patience. 🙂
Rose, It’s good that you’re thinking of bringing your son here to know your side of the family. It’s going to be a big adjustments for you and your son. Don’t be shocked if your son will asked you to go back to the US right away. You might feel the same way. But hey, it’s just normal. Give yourself time to adjust here before giving up and move back there. I’m going to tell you that moving back here it’s not easy. Just have patience and understanding. Good luck to you. If you have more questions feel free to ask.
Cheers!
I second Feyma’s suggestion to reacquire your Philippine citizenship. It’s a very easy process. It requires that you visit the Philippine Consulate or Embassy that services your location, take an oath and pay US$50. You would then apply for a Philippine passport. As long as your son is under 18 he will become a dual citizen in conjunction with yours. As a dual citizen you will not be bothered with visas or time limits and you will have all of the privileges of a Philippine citizen that you once had.
You have the advantage of having family in the Philippines and that will make your transition easier. Good luck to you and your son.
Hi Ronald – Thank you so much for the comment. Wow, it’s way cheaper there to get a dual than here. Just the lawyer alone for notarization and taking oath almost cost $50 here. It cost more and it takes a little longer if applying from the province. So if possible apply there in the States while you’re there.
Good to see you again and thank you so much for stopping by.
Have a pleasant day!
I just got my dual citizenship in NYC 2 months ago, very fast and easy and pay $50.00, I went in at 11:30 am they had me came back at 4pm for oath taking then gave us our original dual citizenship documents. I thought I have to wait longer. But yes, its easy here in the US.
My wife obtained her citizenship reacquisition from the SF Consulate on one of their outreaches. It was a 2 day process; Saturday for filing the application, taking the oath and paying $50; Sunday returning for the paperwork. They processed over 250 citizenship reaquisitions that weekend.
It all depends on where one gets their dual citizenship in the Philippines. My wife got her dual citizenship when we traveled to Cebu to go to the malls, S&R, etc.
In Cebu she paid the same fee as one does in the States. She paid $50 at the immigration office which was near SM.
We also knew someone who went through an agent in Tagbilaran and she paid around 15,000 pesos. Yet they still go to Cebu from time to time.
Rusty
I CAN NOT REALLY COMMENT ON THE DUAL CITIZENSHIP AS AN AMERICAN WHO IS GETTING READY TO MOVE THERE AND SPENDS 5 MONTHS A YEAR THERE NOW SPREAD OUT IN 3 VISITS TO BE WITH MY FIANCEE WHO IS A VP OF A LARGE CORPORATION BUT HER BEING FILIPINO AND HAVING A COMPANY PROVIDED CONDO IN MAKATI , A HOME IN BATANGAS, AND COMPANY TIES IN DUMAGHETTI, ILOILO, AND DAVIS CITY , AND A LARGE FAMILY, I CAN COMMENT ON THE FILIPINOS YOUNG AND OLD THAT YOU AND YOUR SON WILL MEET THERE. I HAVE WALKED IN A DARK NEIGHBORHOOD AT 1 AM WHERE IF I HAD NOT HAD A COUPLE DRINK I WOULD NOT HAVE WALKED ON THAT DARK STREET IN MAKATI BUT WOULD HAVE WALKED A BLOCK AWAY ON A WELL LIT STREET, AND PEOPLE WERE DRINKING AND SINGING KAREOKEE AND THEY INVITED ME TO JOIN THE CELEBRATION OF THEIR ANIVERSARY AND THERE AS ABOUT 20 PEOPLE, AND WE SANG AND HAD GREAT CONVERSATION AND ONE DRUNK GUY TRY TO FIGHT ME AND HIS FRIENDS STOPPED HIM AND MADE I LEAVE. OR A FRIEND WHO WORKS HARD FOR A LIVING FOR VERY LITTLE PAY WHO HAD A GOING AWAY PARTY FOR ME A FEW MONTHS AGO AND WAS WORRIED I FOUND OUT THAT SHE ONLY HAD A SIMPLE HOME AND I WOULD BE ASHAMED OF HER SO SHE PAID SOMEONE TO USE THEIR PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER. OR ANOTHER TIME A COUPLE I MET THAT THOUGHT SO MUCH OF ME THEY ASKED ME TO BE THEIR GODFATHER THIS NOVEMBER WHEN THEY RENEW THEIR WEDDING VOWS OF 2O YEARS. I AM 64 YEARS IN FEBRUARY AND I CAN HONESTLY SAY I HAVE NEVER MET SUCH WARM FAMILY ORIENTED PEOPLE, OR EVER FELT SO MUCH AT HOME OR WELCOMED AS THE COUNTRY AND THE FILIPINO PEOPLE HAVE MADE ME FEEL. SO IF YOU DECIDE TO MOVE BACK TO YOUR HOMELAND WITH YOUR SON. I SAY YOU ARE IN A MUCH BETTER POSITION THAN AN AMERICAN STRANGER WHO WILL MAKE IT HIS HOME IN MARCH AND WHO HAS EXPLORED 116 ISLANDS AND WALKED AWAY EACH TIME MEETING NEW FRIENDLY FILIPINOS, AND MET NEW FRIENDS EACH TIME. DO WHAT YOUR HEART SAYS. IF IT SAYS YOUR BOY AND YOU NEEDS TO GO BACK TO YOUR HOMELAND BECAUSE YOUR FAMILY IS THERE AND YOUR SON NEEDS TO LEARN HIS HERITAGE, OR IF YOU FEEL THE USA IS YOUR HOME. BUT DO NOT LISTEN TO YOUR FRIENDS MOST OF WHICH I SUSPECT ARE YOUR HUSBANDS FAMILY. PRAY AND LISTEN TO YOUR HEART AND TELL YOUR SON IF YOU DO DECIDE TO MOVE THAT IN 6 MONTHS AFTER THE MOVE YOU AND HIM WILL TALK AND DECIDE IF PH IS FOR THE 2 OF YOU OR NOT OR IF YOU SHOULD GIVE IT ANOTHER 6 MONTHS. KIDS DONT LIKE TO MOVE AWAY FROM THEIR FRIENDS AND THIS WILL HELP
The biggest concern is the money. Certainly the boy is receiving money from SS, right? He should. We have friends that lost a husband and the child received money.
Of course Bob would be able to advise her on ways to make money here. That is his field. There are many, right?
She’d certainly live a stress free lifestyle. That is extremely important. Stress causes so many health problems.
I wouldn’t set a timeline on when she’d want to return. I believe she said 5 years. 5 years will go by quickly. Or they could drag by if she’s set her mind to return. I believe she’ll hate it here if her goal is to return to the States. I’d just go back if and when she wants to.
In my opinion the kids that adjust the best to the Philippines are those whose parents are so happy to be here. At least that is the way it is with my son. Others have come and gone primarily because the parents really didn’t want to be here.
The boy will love it here. He’ll be a real attraction. The girls will love him.
Hi Rusty – Thank you so much for the good advice. Highly appreciated. I do hope that Rose and her son will stay here longer than 5 years. Hopefully they can adjust within that time frame. Definitely her son will be the girls attraction here. Lol.
Nice to see you here, and thank you again for taking the time to advice Rose.
Have a great day!
Thank you ate Feyma Bayoy Martin for posting my questions,it really help me a lot of what I really want to do.to all who give an idea,suggestions thank you so much guys.right now, I’m still weighing my decision,the concequences f I have to go back and enjoying taking care of my son,or stay here in the US and tackle all of the responsibility by myself.
Hi Rose – Thank you for allowing me to post your questions here. Hey, you can email me anytime. Looking forward on seeing you and your son here in Davao.
Best bet for you is to get that dual citizenship there, before coming back here. If it just cost $50 to get one there you got a bargain there. Hey, just to go to the lawyer here to take oath and let him notarized it, it cost almost $50 for me and my kids. Plus I have to get too many papers, and going back and forth to the immigration. Like I told you it cost 30k plus for the 4 of us here. I’m happy that we did it.
Keep an eye on this thread here, many more comments will be coming from our readers here. It will be a big help for you on your decisions on moving back here.
Take care Rose and have a wonderful day!
Rose I think it would be nice to return to the Philippines. I have lived here now for almost 9 years with my Filipino Wife. One problem you might want to consider. There is an immigration ruling here in PI, if you are returning from another country where you gained your Citizenship, you can make one trip back and bring a container of household goods and pay no taxes on it. You are considered a returning Filipino and they will allow you one trip with one container of your personal belongings. If you get your Duel Citizenship in the States this ruling is void…..Just something to think about. Not many Filipinos know this ruling. Good luck on your decision and GOD BLESS…Pastor Bud.
Hi Pastor Bud – Thanks for sharing your thoughts and advice here. Really? I will ask some friends about what you just mentioned above.
Good to see you here. Have a nice day!
I got my dual citizenship in the UK and last January 2015 we went home for good we shipped a lift van of our possession on my name and paid no taxes as I am a returning Filipino. I never heard of this ruling that if you get your dual citizenship in a foreign land your balikbayan privilege is null and void.
Ps: my advice get dual citizenship for you and your son.
Hi Gezel – Thank you for the good advice. I really appreciate your input.
Take care. Cheers!
Gezel is correct. Returning Filipinos are exempted from paying duty on household goods. This includes someone who has naturalized abroad and have reaquired their Filipino citizenship (dual citizens).
Ron, I know someone who sent their household goods, via a large container on a boat, and they had to pay customs. They’d also shipped their car with the household goods.
The wife is a Filipina and the husband is an American. Is there anything they can do to get there money back?
Rusty?
I have no idea what paperwork your acquaintances submitted with their household goods or if they have a prayer of getting any of their duty back. One thing certain, automobiles can’t be included with household goods!
Thanks Ron. Nope they don’t have a prayer getting any money back.
Rusty
Yes, life is a lot less stressful (as I posted earlier) but the lack of money might be a concern. Doesn’t seem to be with Bob though. He could definitely give some pointers. I’ve often thought about a thrifty nickel type business.
A 5 year time frame is nothing. So, I guess I’d think why even go through the process.
Rusty
Hi Rusty – Definitely not having money is stressful. If she has pension from her hubby and she knows how to budget here, it will work.
Thanks for the advice!
Hello guys!! I hope everyone has a productive positive day!!sorry I didn’t say anything for a while.again,thank you so much for the advices,suggestion.anyway, the reason why I put a timeline for staying there is because, for my son future.right now as everyone knows that he is getting a money from the SSl and it will stop when he turned 18.
Rio,
I can now understand the timeline. Then again I can’t. I just wouldn’t give myself a timeline. If you do it will become a waiting period. You know, “Now we can return to the States where I can make some money” type of plan.
Your son’s college will be a lot less expensive here. Plus if you pick the right college your son will have an American certified degree.
He might really love it here. It is all how you approach moving/living here. If your positive he will be also. Dread it and he will too. Kids feed off from what their parents like. Whether we think so or not.
It’s just too bad you don’t have some other type of resources. I guess Bob would be your resource as he could steer you into the right business.
Rusty
I know that’s along way to go,i have to go to the SSl office to talked to them about it.I’m getting crazy and crazy and confused about going back home,but for sure everybody’s gonna be happy specially my families.sorry I scrambled my topic here.I’m so anxious thinking of going back,but I’m still worried at the same time being single parents is not an easy task.how about a bank account?it is possible if I can keep my account and getting a money with out any issues?
You can certainly keep your bank in the US if you wish. Access to your funds can be done a number of different ways, some more expensive than others. You could have SS checks directly deposited in Philippine banks as well, if you so wished.
I’d only add that you would find much family support if you move, but you may find that opportunities may not be as plentiful. You have much to consider.
Rio,
Ron McCarthy is very wise. He’s been living here for sometime. He’s a great resource.
Rusty
Good Afternoon, I would suggest as many have already Dual Citizenship for you both. Several reasons 1) You both can own land 2) mush easier to go back and forth. 3) No time limits of stays( here or in the US) Also the College cost here in the Philippines is so much cheaper your son would do well to due the major education here, the if his heart is set on going back to USA for work he can do only needed classes for US competencies shorter time in US schools means less debt. I have suggested to my grandkids to due college here and save money rather than go into lifetime of debt for the schools in the US. And once he is here he might see the islands as I do (Paradise). I only go back to visit friends and family once every couple of years. Love it here and I sleep and eat better here and I am healthier here.
That is very true that eating here is much healthier. Of course kids tend to eat at fast food joints here or in the States.
I’ve said that one can eat in the States, on a Dennys’ special, for what they do at a healthy restaurant here. However, there is a huge difference between eating at a greasy Dennys and at a healthy restaurant in the Philippines.
Try and order Guaynabo/lemon grass juice at Dennys. Nope. Or eating malungay (spelling) in an omelet in the States. But then they have spinach. But does Spanish grow outside one’s home.
Rusty
I just started following this blog site. Question for you. If my wife has a dual citizenship….at some point am I allowed to get one?
You are only eligible for Dual Citizenship if you were born as a Philippine Citizen. If you are a foreigner, then the answer is no, it is not available to you.