We have been using this magicjack for 3 months now and so far its been really great. We bought one for us and the connection is just like using landline. The great thing about it is you can call anywhere in US and Canada unlimited. Not like our old landline where its 5 cents per minute.
We only have to pay one time $46. For the magicjack plug, the one yr subscription and tax and shipping. If we wanted to renew it next yr which is more than likely, we only have to pay $19.95 for the whole yr, its less than $2 a month! Cant beat that.
After trying it for 2 weeks with us, we decided to buy another one and sent it in the Davao, Philippines for our family and the item paid for by itself on the first call. We talked for 2 hrs that time and sounds just like local call. At least this time we dont have to worry about minutes running. They can call us anytime in our cellphone, both me and my husband and our landline. They can call anyone here in US and Canada unlimited.
Someone asked me how it works. Well, you have to have an internet connection and a phone. Plug the magicjack in the usb of your pc. When you register it for the first time, they will ask what area code you would like. We chose (480) since thats our area code here in AZ. Then start dialing! Another great feature also is, it has call forwarding feature so at night when we turn off our pc, we can still receive calls through our cellphone. If you have Vonage, it works just like it, without the monthly payment.
I just noticed they sell it at Walmart now. I saw the advertisement on tv. I was hesitent at first but Ive heard good reviews about it from people I know. It works great for us too!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Mama's bring home gift
Before mama left to go back to Davao, we gave her a gift she could never refuse. A brand new laptop, its our way of saying Thank You for all the help with the past 3 months. She cried as she didnt expect it and for her, coming to Arizona and taking care of her imported apo is a lot.
When I told my brother about it, he was excited and wanted my mama to go home asap. :) Its something that would be of good use to them when she gets home. Something she can use when she has training, using the power point. My papa can learn how to chat and email too without having to go to my brothers room.
It was all worth it and I too love it.
HP G60-123CL 2.0GHz AMD Turion Dual Core Notebook - FT474UAR#ABA
2.0 GHz AMD Turion X2 RM-70 Dual-Core Mobile Processor, 3GB RAM, 320 GB (5400 rpm) Hard Drive, SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW w/Double Layer Support Optical Drive, NVIDIA GeForce 8200M Video Graphics, Windows Vista Home Premium SP 1 .
HP G60-123CL 2.0GHz AMD Turion Dual Core Notebook - FT474UA#ABA
The HP G60 series delivers easy-to-use entertainment. Enjoy DVD playback with QuickPlay on the crystal-clear 15.6" diagonal HP BrightView display and Altec Lansing speakers that brings your entertainment to life. The G60 series has AMD Turion X2 technology with 3GB of RAM enables you to use multiple demanding applications, such as photo editing, DVD burning and playing a game, at the same time. Burn audio CDs and DVDs to share your favorite songs and video clips with friends and family.
When I told my brother about it, he was excited and wanted my mama to go home asap. :) Its something that would be of good use to them when she gets home. Something she can use when she has training, using the power point. My papa can learn how to chat and email too without having to go to my brothers room.
It was all worth it and I too love it.
HP G60-123CL 2.0GHz AMD Turion Dual Core Notebook - FT474UAR#ABA
2.0 GHz AMD Turion X2 RM-70 Dual-Core Mobile Processor, 3GB RAM, 320 GB (5400 rpm) Hard Drive, SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW w/Double Layer Support Optical Drive, NVIDIA GeForce 8200M Video Graphics, Windows Vista Home Premium SP 1 .
HP G60-123CL 2.0GHz AMD Turion Dual Core Notebook - FT474UA#ABA
The HP G60 series delivers easy-to-use entertainment. Enjoy DVD playback with QuickPlay on the crystal-clear 15.6" diagonal HP BrightView display and Altec Lansing speakers that brings your entertainment to life. The G60 series has AMD Turion X2 technology with 3GB of RAM enables you to use multiple demanding applications, such as photo editing, DVD burning and playing a game, at the same time. Burn audio CDs and DVDs to share your favorite songs and video clips with friends and family.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Hannah Montana Movie
Yup its finally here.. The release of this movie is today..
As Hannah Montana's popularity begins to take over her life, Miley Stewart, on the urging form her father, takes a trip to her hometown of Crowley Corners, Tennessee to get some perspective on what matters in life the most.
Genres: Comedy, Kids/Family, Musical/Performing Arts and Teen
Running Time: 1 hr. 42 min.
Release Date: April 10th, 2009 (wide)
MPAA Rating: G
Distributors: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
As Hannah Montana's popularity begins to take over her life, Miley Stewart, on the urging form her father, takes a trip to her hometown of Crowley Corners, Tennessee to get some perspective on what matters in life the most.
Genres: Comedy, Kids/Family, Musical/Performing Arts and Teen
Running Time: 1 hr. 42 min.
Release Date: April 10th, 2009 (wide)
MPAA Rating: G
Distributors: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tourist Visa (B-2 non Immigrant Visa)
I had been receiving a lot of inquiries about tourist visa since mama got here in Arizona to help me out with my baby. Basic questions like, how she did it. What documents she prepared and what questions were asked. And I told everybody that applying for tourist visa is a matter of luck. There's no guarantee wether you have millions of money in the bank, or you owned 5 houses or you have 10 cars. All of that doesnt matter.
Mama doesnt have money in the bank when she applied for it, but I told if the Immigration Consul will ask you how can pay for all the expenses if you don't have money in the bank, tell him/her that me and my husbnad invited you here to come in U.S so you can see your grand daughter and that all expense will be paid for, including airline ticket and you also have a place to stay. My husband and I made a letter of invitation although, its not necessary.
We were told by friends that we need to give mama an Affidavit of Support notarized but since does not constitute any ties to the Phil. we didnt do it. AOS, is only required for immigrant visa. Plus, the interviewer is less concerned of how she will support herself during her stay in U.S. but rather show proof that she will return home. So, we didnt waste our time with it.
She prepared all documents that was stated in the Embassy of US website. The most important thing is that you have to prove to the Consul that YOU ARE GOING BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES. Here are some of the list that can prove your ties to the Phil.
EVIDENCE OF TIES
Ties are the aspects of one’s life that bind him or her to his or her place of residence, including family relationships, employment and possessions. In the case of younger applicants, who may not have had an opportunity to establish such ties, interviewing officers may look at educational status, grades, the situation of their parents, and the applicant's long-range plans and prospects in the Philippines. As each person's situation is different, there is no set answer as to what constitutes adequate ties.
The interviewing consular officer may request supporting documents during the interview. Be prepared to present evidence of the applicant’s or the applicant’s parents’ (if the applicant is a minor) ties and financial status in the Philippines such as :
1. Bank statements for the last three (3) months and both current and former bank account passbooks
2. Employment certification including salary, tenure and position
3. Form W-2
4. Income tax return with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) or bank stamp
5. Audited financial statement with BIR or bank stamp
6. Pay slips for the last three (3) months
7. Credit card statements for the prior three months
8. Vehicle registration with official receipt
9. Land titles (no certified copies please)
10. Pictures of family, home or business
11. Wedding photos
12. Marriage certificate printed on the Philippine National Statistics Office security paper, if applicable
13. Birth certificate printed on the Philippine National Statistics Office security paper
14. For students, certificate of school registration
15. Certification of membership to legitimate organization(s)
Due to the large volume of applications processed each day, consular officers may not always look at supporting documents, unless there are points in the application forms or in the interview that need clarification.
INTERVIEW
During the interview, my mama was not asked for any of those documents!! She had a whole bunch of them but the only thing that the Consul was holding is application form. Questions that was asked of her was: Why are you going to US? Who are you going to visit? How long did you intend to stay? Where did you work? How long did you work there? How many children do you have? What does your husband do?
I guess what impressed the Consul most is that mama told him that if he will grant her visa, she is only allowed to visit 3 months because she has to go back to work, and that she working in that company for 32yrs! Also, when the Consul ask what my papa do (job), she told him that papa is retired but before he retired he work in the same company she is working for 39 yrs. That in itself is a convincing factor.
After the interview which only took 5 minutes, she was told that she was approved. But she didnt know that she was given a 10 yr multiple entry visa until she receive her passport in Davao, one week after her interview.
For all those, who thought that their mom, dad, relatives or friends of even those who thought of applying for tourist, why not try. Who knows the luck is yours to grab.
Here are some helpful websites:
http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwhniv7.html - Overview about Tourist/Visitor's Visa (B-2)
Non Immigrant Visa Application Procedure
Form DS - 156
Form DS - 157
Mama doesnt have money in the bank when she applied for it, but I told if the Immigration Consul will ask you how can pay for all the expenses if you don't have money in the bank, tell him/her that me and my husbnad invited you here to come in U.S so you can see your grand daughter and that all expense will be paid for, including airline ticket and you also have a place to stay. My husband and I made a letter of invitation although, its not necessary.
We were told by friends that we need to give mama an Affidavit of Support notarized but since does not constitute any ties to the Phil. we didnt do it. AOS, is only required for immigrant visa. Plus, the interviewer is less concerned of how she will support herself during her stay in U.S. but rather show proof that she will return home. So, we didnt waste our time with it.
She prepared all documents that was stated in the Embassy of US website. The most important thing is that you have to prove to the Consul that YOU ARE GOING BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES. Here are some of the list that can prove your ties to the Phil.
EVIDENCE OF TIES
Ties are the aspects of one’s life that bind him or her to his or her place of residence, including family relationships, employment and possessions. In the case of younger applicants, who may not have had an opportunity to establish such ties, interviewing officers may look at educational status, grades, the situation of their parents, and the applicant's long-range plans and prospects in the Philippines. As each person's situation is different, there is no set answer as to what constitutes adequate ties.
The interviewing consular officer may request supporting documents during the interview. Be prepared to present evidence of the applicant’s or the applicant’s parents’ (if the applicant is a minor) ties and financial status in the Philippines such as :
1. Bank statements for the last three (3) months and both current and former bank account passbooks
2. Employment certification including salary, tenure and position
3. Form W-2
4. Income tax return with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) or bank stamp
5. Audited financial statement with BIR or bank stamp
6. Pay slips for the last three (3) months
7. Credit card statements for the prior three months
8. Vehicle registration with official receipt
9. Land titles (no certified copies please)
10. Pictures of family, home or business
11. Wedding photos
12. Marriage certificate printed on the Philippine National Statistics Office security paper, if applicable
13. Birth certificate printed on the Philippine National Statistics Office security paper
14. For students, certificate of school registration
15. Certification of membership to legitimate organization(s)
Due to the large volume of applications processed each day, consular officers may not always look at supporting documents, unless there are points in the application forms or in the interview that need clarification.
INTERVIEW
During the interview, my mama was not asked for any of those documents!! She had a whole bunch of them but the only thing that the Consul was holding is application form. Questions that was asked of her was: Why are you going to US? Who are you going to visit? How long did you intend to stay? Where did you work? How long did you work there? How many children do you have? What does your husband do?
I guess what impressed the Consul most is that mama told him that if he will grant her visa, she is only allowed to visit 3 months because she has to go back to work, and that she working in that company for 32yrs! Also, when the Consul ask what my papa do (job), she told him that papa is retired but before he retired he work in the same company she is working for 39 yrs. That in itself is a convincing factor.
After the interview which only took 5 minutes, she was told that she was approved. But she didnt know that she was given a 10 yr multiple entry visa until she receive her passport in Davao, one week after her interview.
For all those, who thought that their mom, dad, relatives or friends of even those who thought of applying for tourist, why not try. Who knows the luck is yours to grab.
Here are some helpful websites:
http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwhniv7.html - Overview about Tourist/Visitor's Visa (B-2)
Non Immigrant Visa Application Procedure
Form DS - 156
Form DS - 157
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Mama Tess in Arizona
Mama has been here for 2wks in Arizona. What a big relief! Taking care of a newborn requires all your attention 24/7. Literally! Now, with mama given a 10yr multiple entry visa, she was able not only to visit me here in Arizona but was able to see her “imported apo”.
Baby Eryn is growing big everyday and its to be able to share it with mama. I know that she miss papa and my brothers there back in the Philippines but she is all excited to experience the things that we only talked about in the webcam.
Time flies so fast these days but I hope the next 3 months will be slow. We are enjoying and taking advantage of every moment..
.JPG)
Baby Eryn is growing big everyday and its to be able to share it with mama. I know that she miss papa and my brothers there back in the Philippines but she is all excited to experience the things that we only talked about in the webcam.
Time flies so fast these days but I hope the next 3 months will be slow. We are enjoying and taking advantage of every moment..
.JPG)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Eryn's First Valentine's Day
Today was Eryn's first Valentine's Day. While she didn't get candy or flowers, she got a special card from mommy and daddy. Look at her reaction:
It's still unbelievable to me just how much Eryn has changed and how much more she will change. As for Jhing and I, this is our 5th Valentine's Day together and, agreeably, our most special yet.
It's still unbelievable to me just how much Eryn has changed and how much more she will change. As for Jhing and I, this is our 5th Valentine's Day together and, agreeably, our most special yet.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Eryn Francesca - Day 50
This is all new for me this blogging thing but I am giving it a try.....today is Day 50 for our daughter, Eryn Francesca, and life with Eryn just keeps getting better. Eryn is a very active baby.....always looking around, stretching, gurgling and crying :) well, not always crying, just when she's tired.
Jhing is very happy bc it looks like Eryn will have my blue-gray eyes :). We were so zoned in on a 'blue eyed baby boy' that we never thought about a 'blue eyed baby girl' :). Of course, the Filipina in Eryn is obvious by her black hair......and the jury is still out on her nose, tho it seems to be somewhere between mine and Jhing's :)
Mama Tess has been here 2 weeks come Sunday and she has been a tremendous help. I try to do what I can but working 2 jobs makes it tough for me to take nights so Jhing and Mama Tess split time mostly in the day then Jhing takes Eryn at night. We thank God that Mama Tess was given a 10 year, unlimited entry Visa.....it was well worth the airfare :) I do take Eryn s soon as I arrive home, usually around 6 pm or so, but Mama Tess takes her from me so Jhing and I can eat.
Even tho today is Friday the 13th, it feels like such a lucky day.....Jhing took the following picture of Eryn and sent it to me
It is just amazing how much Eryn has changed in such a short time......I used to be able to hold her in one arm....now I need two....when did that happen? God blessed us with a beautiful child and He blessed me with a fantastic, caring and loving wife....I love her for her simplicity.....she hand-makes cards for me, she sewed sheets for Eryn's crib, bassinet and changing table and she has done such a great job so far caring for Eryn.
It's late.....9.30......yep, that's late for us now :) so it's time to go......Happy early Valentine's Day my love......you are the best gift anyone could ever ask for, receive and care for......and Happy First Valentine's Day Eryn.....I know the day will come when you bring home lots of cards from the boys in class ;)
Jhing is very happy bc it looks like Eryn will have my blue-gray eyes :). We were so zoned in on a 'blue eyed baby boy' that we never thought about a 'blue eyed baby girl' :). Of course, the Filipina in Eryn is obvious by her black hair......and the jury is still out on her nose, tho it seems to be somewhere between mine and Jhing's :)
Mama Tess has been here 2 weeks come Sunday and she has been a tremendous help. I try to do what I can but working 2 jobs makes it tough for me to take nights so Jhing and Mama Tess split time mostly in the day then Jhing takes Eryn at night. We thank God that Mama Tess was given a 10 year, unlimited entry Visa.....it was well worth the airfare :) I do take Eryn s soon as I arrive home, usually around 6 pm or so, but Mama Tess takes her from me so Jhing and I can eat.
Even tho today is Friday the 13th, it feels like such a lucky day.....Jhing took the following picture of Eryn and sent it to me
It is just amazing how much Eryn has changed in such a short time......I used to be able to hold her in one arm....now I need two....when did that happen? God blessed us with a beautiful child and He blessed me with a fantastic, caring and loving wife....I love her for her simplicity.....she hand-makes cards for me, she sewed sheets for Eryn's crib, bassinet and changing table and she has done such a great job so far caring for Eryn.
It's late.....9.30......yep, that's late for us now :) so it's time to go......Happy early Valentine's Day my love......you are the best gift anyone could ever ask for, receive and care for......and Happy First Valentine's Day Eryn.....I know the day will come when you bring home lots of cards from the boys in class ;)
Friday, January 23, 2009
Best Christmas Gift
Been a while but have been busy taking care of my special boo boo.. I gave birth December 25 at 6:37am after 16hrs of labor, yes, a Christmas baby! She is 6lbs 10ounces and 19.5 inches long.
My water bag broke 1:57pm December 24. Thank God my husband is only 10mins away from home. Everything has been ready as few days before that I put the luggage in the trunk of the car. Clothes going to the hospital has been ready because I know at that time, it was going to be anytime. So, we were ready.
Been a lot of adjustment since baby was home and since its just me and my husband it was tough. My husband was off from work for only 2 wks and i was by myslef since then. Good thing is my mama was approved with her tourist visa last December. She was given 10yr multiple visa and she will be here Feb.1 to help me out.
Here's the pics of my little princess..
My water bag broke 1:57pm December 24. Thank God my husband is only 10mins away from home. Everything has been ready as few days before that I put the luggage in the trunk of the car. Clothes going to the hospital has been ready because I know at that time, it was going to be anytime. So, we were ready.
Been a lot of adjustment since baby was home and since its just me and my husband it was tough. My husband was off from work for only 2 wks and i was by myslef since then. Good thing is my mama was approved with her tourist visa last December. She was given 10yr multiple visa and she will be here Feb.1 to help me out.
Here's the pics of my little princess..
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Nursery Room : Then & Now
My husband and I have been so busy the past few months preparing for our little angel. Hence, I the reason I really haven't had time to post anything in my blog for months!
I am now on my last stretch of pregnancy. Tomorrow, will be my 37th week, baby Eryn will be full-term and the count down has begun. I know I will pop anytime soon these days..
With the inspiration from our favorite TV show HGTV, here's the album of our little princess nursery room. It was a lot of hard work, from painting to decorating. But it was all worth it!
I am now on my last stretch of pregnancy. Tomorrow, will be my 37th week, baby Eryn will be full-term and the count down has begun. I know I will pop anytime soon these days..
With the inspiration from our favorite TV show HGTV, here's the album of our little princess nursery room. It was a lot of hard work, from painting to decorating. But it was all worth it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Arizona 
Philippines
