Free iPhone 7 at AT&T, How Does It Work?

It’s been 8 months since I moved here in the states from the Philippines. Relocating to a different country means I need to get a new phone number too.

My husband and I decided to wait until I am eligible to work before we get a line for myself. There’s no point in getting a line (and paying for it) when I’m just at home. But yesterday, we decided that it’s finally time.

My husband is already in a family bundle under AT&T. He’s not under any contract anymore so we decided to just get a entirely new line for the 2 of us. And we got lucky!

AT&T currently has a ongoing promo: Free iPhone7 (or Samsung S7 Edge)

The website says it’s just iPhone 7, but you can actually choose Samsung S7 Edge too.

So how does one get a free iPhone 7?

Telecommunications companies here in the US work differently from telecommunications companies in the Philippines. In the Philippines, you have to be in a contract and depending on the package you will choose, you will either get a free phone or pay a specific amount of money to get a specific phone model (if the phone model that you like doesn’t come for free in your chosen package). Here in the US (at least with AT&T at the moment), there are no contracts anymore. Just choose the amount of data that you like, how many lines are going to share the said data, then choose a phone (that you have to pay for in installment).

Since it will be for the 2 of us, we chose to get the 6GB data for for 60 USD, and 2 lines for 20 USD each.

60 USD – 6 GB data
40 USD – 2 phone lines that will share the 6GB data (both have unlimited call and text)
_______________
100 USD

The 100 USD doesn’t include any phones yet. That’s just the line, aka the sim cards. And since they have a promo, we decided to take advantage of it.

So did we get a free iPhone7?

Yes.

Did we pay for it?

Yes.

So how is it for free then?

The promo is only applicable if you will get 2 lines. If you get just one, you won’t get any free iPhone 7. But if you get 2 lines and decided that you also want a phone (which is an iPhone 7), you have to pay for one, then you get an iPhone 7 for free.

In short, it’s Buy 1 iPhone 7, Get 1 iPhone 7 for free, as long as you also get 2 phone lines.

The “free” iPhone is iPhone 7 32 GB. If you choose to upgrade to a higher memory or to a Plus, you just have to pay the difference. AT&T takes care of the 649.99 USD.

We chose one iPhone 7 Plus (128 GB) and one iPhone 7 (32 GB), the free one.

An iPhone 7 Plus 128 GB is at 29USD per month for 30 months. That’s an additional 29USD to our monthly fee. In total, our monthly fee is only at 129USD a month, and that already inclues 2 phone units!

So here’s my new iPhone 7 Plus!

Yes, I’m the wife, so I got the better model hahaha!

AT&T doesn’t have any iPhone 7 32GB on stock so they ordered it for my husband and he will get it tomorrow.

We were lucky to get a great deal. We saved 649.99 USD! We did get a free iPhone 7!

So if you’re in the US and you’re thinking of switching to AT&T or getting a new line, grab the promo! As long as you’re getting 2 lines, it’s worth it!

 

 

Review: CND Vinylux Nail Polish

Don’t you just hate it when you have to wait around an hour just for your nail polish to dry and harden?

 

Coming from a country where local nail polish brands take hours to dry and harden, having easy access to good nail polish brands is like being in manicure paradise!

I learned about CND when I saw their advertisement on Facebook. CND or Creative Nail Design, from what I have read on the comments, is a salon-exclusive brand, which you can only buy from a professional nail technician. Recently, they started selling their Vinylux line at Walgreens (much to the dismay of the professionals). I got curious, and got myself a bottle.

CND Vinylux #144 – Rubble
Steps done:
• OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
• OPI Chip Skip nail prep
• 2 coats of CND Vinylux
• OPI Rapid Dry top coat
• OPI Drip Dry
Where to buy: Walgreens
How much: 9+USD

Since it’s quite expensive, I didn’t buy the top coat anymore (I still have top coats from other brands). I think I paid around 11 bucks in total including tax. That’s expensive if converted to Philippine pesos, but I have learned to stop converting everything to pesos or it will just make me cry XDDD

It dries within seconds and hardens in a few minutes. I am really impressed!

It didn’t stay true to its promise of 7days with no chipping though. At day 6, this is how my nails looked like.

But I will consider the fact that I cooked several times within the week and that includes chopping the ingredients and washing the dishes. As you can see from the picture above, the nails on my right hand chipped more because I am right-handed and most chopping and scrubbing were done by the same hand. The polish on the left hand are quite intact though!

Overall, I will give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

It dries and hardens fast, and if you don’t do much handwork it will really last a week without chipping, but it’s too expensive. OPI is still better.

My Korean Skin Care Haul from SMYLEE

Moving out of the Philippines have it’s advantages and disadvantages.

And oh boy, one of the disadvantages is not having easy access to cheaper, larger variety of Korean skin care products!

Lucky for me when I was still in the Philippines (and until now, when I know someone who would visit or come back to the US lol), I know a place to buy products at almost the same SRP as in Korea. They even have less popular (and often better!) brands!

Welcome to SMYLEE  or SaeliYuriMelissaLee’s All About Korean Cosmetics and Skin Care

The owner is a classmate of mine since elementary (until college lol). She moved to Korea several years ago and started selling Korean beauty products. I’m one of her first customers and I still find ways to buy stuff from her until now.

When my aunt who lives in Alaska went to visit the Philippines for the holidays, I asked her if she could bring back some stuff that I will buy in the Philippines to the US. She agreed.

Below is my haul from SMYLEE

At SMYLEE, you have to choose an “angel” who are like your Avon Ladies. Mine is a former school mate from my hometown (Olongapo City, Philippines)

I will talk more about my haul on my next post 🙂

12 Step Korean Skin Care

Some say it’s 10 steps, while others say it’s 12. Either way, Korean skin care routine is definitely different from what we are used to.

The normal skin care routine from what I remember when I was younger was 1. Cleanse, 2. Tone, and 3. Moisturize. Just doing those 3 steps already makes me feel like my face is so clean. When I was even younger, I don’t even tone and moisturize! I only cleanse haha! Those were the days!

But as we grow older, our skin’s needs change. We lose collagen, which contributes to the elasticity of the skin, thus, resulting to wrinkles. We’re lucky that there’s already a lot of skin care products available everywhere, both cheap and expensive.

In this entry, I will talk about my own skin care regimen. I will also provide cheaper and drug store alternatives to the products that I use!

I’m not into luxury brands because I’m not rich. I also feel guilty to splurge too much on things. So don’t expect that I use expensive brands hehe!

My skin care routine is slightly different when I have worn makeup that day, and if I haven’t. As much as we all love makeup, we need to make sure that everything is removed before we go to bed.

Following the famous Korean Skin Care Routine, here’s mine.

Step 0: Oil Cleanser/Micellar Water/Other Makeup Removers

What I’m currently using: Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
My Holy Grail: Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
Original Price: Around 300 yen
Where to buy: Japan drug stores, Amazon

When I was still in the Philippines, whenever I have a friend who will visit Japan (or a friend who lives in Japan visits the Philippines), I ask them to buy me this (along many others lol).

I brought a bottle of this here in the US (and 2 refills) when I moved. Since I can’t work yet, I seldom use it. But once I’m working, I know that my stock will slowly diminish.

Luckily, a friend of mine who will visit me here in CA in July recently went to Japan. I asked her to get me some refills. I’m also planning to visit Japan hopefully this December, and I will buy a year’s worth of stock, I’m telling you! This is my holy grail in removing makeup!

Why I love it: It removes makeup gently but surely, and it’s easy to wash! Despite it being an “oil cleanser”, it washes off like water!

Alternatives: 
Kose Softymo is only available in Japan, and can be expensive if purchased online. Here’s what I suggest as alternatives:
1. Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover – available in Watsons stores in the Philippines
2. Biore Micellar Cleansing Water – also available in Watsons stores in the Philippines
3. Human Heart Nature Cleansing Oil – available in their website (both in the PH and internationally)

Step 1: Facial Wash/Soap

What I’m currently using: April Skin Magic Stone Black (day) and Grey (Night)
My Holy Grail: Kose Softymo Hyaluronic Acid Face Wash
Original Price: Around 300 yen
Where to buy:
SOFTYMO – Japanese drug stores, Amazon
APRIL SKIN – Amazon

I already ran out of Kose Softymo’s Hyaluronic Acid Face Wash. My new stocks will arrive most probably around February. I’m currently using April Skin’s Magic Stone soaps. They’re really good and long lasting. I will make a separate review on the stones maybe next time!

Why I love it:
Softymo

Just like their Speedy Cleansing Oil, their Hyaluronic Acid face was is the best! It’s been my favorite since 2015! It gently removes all the gunks on the face, while leaving it soft and healthy. I never had any breakouts while using it.
Hyaluronic Acid – aids in anti aging and making the skin look youthful

April Skin Magic Stones

I’ve been seeing a lot of good reviews about this soap, so I tried it. They said that it lasts long, but mine is not even a month old yet and I’ve already finished half of it. I guess it’s ok! It cleans the face thoroughly, but makes it dry. So make sure to always put on moisturizer afterwards! It’s something that I bought because I wanna try it and I also already ran out of my favorite.

Alternatives: To be honest, any drug store facial wash or soap is okay. Facial wash is really important, but I am never brand-conscious when it comes to it. My advise is to use whatever works on you, and depending on your skin needs. If you’re acne-prone, use anti-acne products (I highly suggest The Body Shop’s Tea Tree line). If your face is dry, use a moisturizing wash.

Step 2: Exfoliate

What I’m currently using: St. Ives Green Tea Scrub
My Holy Grail: Human Heart Nature Strawberry Purifying Scrub
Original Price: Depends on where you’re located
Where to Buy: HumanHeartNature.com

Why I love it:
Human Heart Nature
I’m so glad that Human Heart Nature also caters to US customers. They’re my most favorite Philippine beauty brand!

Their strawberry purifying scrub is the best I’ve tried! It’s made from all natural products and the best thing about it is it’s cruelty-free!

St Ives
Since it’s not a “deep scrub”, you can use it up to 3x daily to avoid having pimples. I use it daily and despite it being a scrub, my face doesn’t dry at all. In fact, your face will also feel soft after using it

Alternatives: Other than other St Ives scrubs, I haven’t really tried anything else. But soon, I will try to make my own sugar scrub!

Step 3: Toner

What I’m currently using: It’s Skin Supersize Pore Tightener
My Holy Grail: Human Heart Nature Toners (depending on my skin need)
Original Price: I have no idea, but I got it for 700 pesos
Where to buy:
Its Skin –  Amazon
Human Heart Nature
>> Balancing Toner or at Robinsons Galleria in the PH
>> Nourishing Toner also at Robinsons Galleria

Why I love it:
ITS SKIN
It says it will reduce the size of your pores. Anything that make the pores smaller = I love! But honestly, I haven’t seen any visible effects yet.

Human Heart Nature
It’s cheap, it’s natural, it’s cruelty-free, and to be honest, their toners have worked best on my skin!

Alternatives: There’s a lot of toners available in drug stores. Unless you’re brand conscious, anything will do

Step 4: First Essence

What I’m currently using: Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence
My Holy Grail: Secret Key First Treatment Essence
Original Price: I don’t know, but I usually get it at a kinda cheap price (or free)
Where to buy: Amazon

Why I love it:
I only learned about first essences maybe a little over a year ago. All the first essences that I’m seeing are too damn expensive! You know SK-II? A bottle is like more than 100USD!

I seriously haven’t tried anything else other than Secret Key, so much holy grail might change. People say that Missha’s Time Revolution is better, but I will know that once I finish my current (2nd) bottle.

Alternatives:
Like I said, I’ve only used Secret Key so far, so I can’t suggest anything else. But recently, E.L.F. Cosmetics released their own first essence and it’s only 10USD.

Step 5: Essence

What I’m currently using: Guerisson 9 Complex Essence
My Holy Grail: Guerisson 9 Complex Essence
Original Price: I also don’t know, sorry XD
Where to buy: Amazon

Why I love it:
I’ve been using essences for years now, and already tried several brands. So far, this is my favorite! I’ve seen people heal their scars fast because of this. And not just facial scars, but body scars. I have a friend who got into a minor accident and had a huge scratch on her leg. After finishing half a bottle, the scar is already almost gone. Some friends who have lots of money even use it on their underarms and stretch marks. That’s how good it is!

As for me, I just started using it a few months ago and I always keep on forgetting so I haven’t seen that much effect yet, aside from reduced pimple marks. But that’s already a great effect, yes?

Alternatives:
1. Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion

Step 6: Treatment

What I’m currently using: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
My Holy Grail: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
Original Price: varies per country (I swear, it’s most expensive in the Philippines!)
Where to buy: The Body Shop stores worldwide

Why I love it
Sadly, I’m pimple and acne-prone. I suffered low self-esteem when I was younger because of it. I hated taking pictures lol. I’ve tried a lot of products; clyndamycin, Neutrogena, Cetaphil… all the products that worked on other people didn’t seem to work on me, until I tried TBS Tea Tree oil.

I actually used their entire Tea Tree line, which helped in curing my breakouts. Tea tree really works on pimples, but it dries out the skin. So make sure to use moisturizer afterwards.

I only use tea tree oil on the pimple spot itself, only when I have pimples. No need to use treatment if there’s nothing to treat!

Alternatives:
1. Zen Zest Tea Tree Oil – TBS Tea Tree oil is around 500php. ZenZest’s is only 150pesos. It’s not as strong as TBS’ (I noticed, because TBS is really concentrated), but it works the same, for less than 1/3 of the price

Step 7: Serum/Ampoule

What I’m currently using: Mizon’s HerbSys Deep Sea Marine Collagen Ampoule
My Holy Grail: I’ve only used Mizon’s so far so I can’t decide on a holy grail serum yet
Original Price: Korean brands don’t usually put the price on their English websites
Where to buy: Amazon

Why I love it: It’s my first serum and it was given to me as a gift by a friend. I’ve been using it daily in the past months and though there are no visible effects yet, I love how it feels on the skin.

Alternatives:
1. Skin Potions Tomato Juice Serum
2. Human Heart Nature’s Overnight Skin Elixir
3. Missha Super Aqua Pore Correcting Refine Serum
4. L’Oreal Revitalift
5. Its Skin Power 10 Serums (lots of types to choose from!)

Step 8: Sheet Mask

What I’m currently using: Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Masks
My Holy Grail: Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Masks
Original Price: I don’t know, but they’re much cheaper than the rest
Where to buy: Amazon 1, 2

Why I love it:
I’ve tried so many sheet mask brands from well-known brands to unknown. Popular brands like Etude House, The Face Shop and Tony Moly have them, but it’s expensive (normally 1USD up per mask). They work ok, but no matter what type I buy, they all smell and feel the same.

I obviously haven’t brought enough sheet mask when I moved here because they’re heavy. So the moment I got the chance to buy them at Amazon, I searched for the cheapest ones because for me, they’re all the same.

That’s when I found out about Dermal Korea.

It’s a new brand to me, so I’m kinda hesitant to buy. I tried the SOO brand, and it makes my face itchy. I also tried other cheaper brands, but there’s nothing special.

Dermal Korea is different! Each mask smells different.If it says rose essence, it smells like roses. If it says honey, it smells like honey! And the good thing is, it doesn’t make me itchy! And it’s one of the cheapest brands you can find even on Amazon!

Alternatives:
1. The Face Shop
2. Innisfree
3. Etude House
4. OBS Labs

Step 9: Emulsion

What I’m currently using: None, I ran out of it
My Holy Grail: Hada Labo Gokujun Milky Lotion
Original Price: less than 1000 yen, I believe
Where to buy: Japan drug stores, Amazon

Why I love it:
First, I’m talking about the Japanese version of Hada Labo.
Here in the US, you can buy “Hada Labo” in stores like Target. However, the packaging is different. I haven’t tried it yet (and I’m not planning to lol), so I don’t know if they’re the same.

Hada Labo works great in making your skin look healthier. It also helps in removing scars in blemishes. A friend of mine used to have issues with her skin but upon using it, her skin became clear.

Alternatives:
There’s a lot of emulsions at Amazon, but most of them are Korean brands. If you want something without buying online, you can try the US version of Hada Labo

Step 10: Moisturizing Cream

What I’m currently using: Depending on my skin’s needs
– Guerisson 9 Complex Horse Oil Cream
– Mizon Collagen Power Lifting Cream
– Secret Key Snow White Cream
– The Skin House Wrinkle Collagen Cream
– Eunyul Snail Special Program Cream
– Mizon Placenta Ampoule Cream
My Holy Grail: Guerisson 9 Complex Horse Oil Cream
Original Price: it varies
Where to buy: Check the links on each item above

Why I love it:
Guerisson – it’s the same line as the essence, and together they work wonders not only in moisturizing, but also in repairing the skin. It’s good to use no matter what your skin condition is.

I have also noticed that ever since I used it, I never had any breakouts anymore. I’ve been pimple free for a long time because of this!

Alternatives:
1. Human Nature Night Moisturizer
2. Garnier (the whitening ones are only available in the Philippines/Asia)
3. L’Oreal Revitalift
4. Olay Total Effects Anti-aging face moisturizer
5. Ponds
6. Hortaleza Total Solution Perfecting Cream– super good!

Step 11: Eye Cream

What I’m currently using: Purebess Galactomyces 80 Eye Cream
My Holy Grail: L’oreal Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment
Original Price: 16+ USD
Where to buy: Watsons (Philippines), Target or other stores (US)

Why I love it
L’oreal Revitalift – I’ve tried many Korean brands of eye cream but I honestly haven’t seen any effects yet. L’Oreal is the only one that had effects on me. Sadly, I can’t find my L’Oreal eye cream lol. Good thing it’s available in almost all drug stores all over the world.

Alternatives:
Eye creams doesn’t really work right away. I’ve been using L’Oreal Revitalift for months before I saw small changes on my fine lines. I guess you need to use one religiously for a year or so to see visible changes.
1. Garnier Eye Roller – the type differs depending on the location.
2. Burts Bees Sensitive Eye Cream
3. Olay Total Effects 

Step 12: Sleeping Pack

What I’m currently using: Skin Food Facial Water Vita-C Cream
My Holy Grail: I’ve only used Skin Food’s so far and it’s not even really meant as a sleeping pack (though it can work as one) so I can’t say that it’s my holy grail yet
Original Price: Most probably cheaper than Amazon lol
Where to buy: Amazon

Why I love it: I searched for moisturizers that also works as something else on Amazon, and this is what I found. It says that it can also work as a mask, so I am sold!

Alternatives: I haven’t seen any multi-working creams yet aside from this. But for sleeping packs, there’s a lot!
1. Etude House Bubble Tea
2. Tony Moly Banana
3. Tony Moly Panda

 

There’s a lot, right? It’s expensive and it takes a lot of time and effort, but it’s worth it! But you don’t have to do all 12 steps, nor do you need to use the expensive brands. That’s why I linked to alternative products in each step, so you can still try it without having to spend a lot 🙂

It’s been a while

I’ve been busy doing nothing that I forgot to update this blog

To those who are still emailing me about Goree, I’m so sorry for not being able to reply.
I’m not in the Philippines anymore and therefore can’t sell it anymore
However, my niece is now taking care of my online shop and she’s still selling Goree

The shop is

https://www.facebook.com/tarochandesu/

I will continue to make beauty related posts here starting tomorrow 🙂

My K-1 Visa Experience

Undergoing through the K-1 visa process is a long and tedious, not to mention expensive, journey. In this blog, I’ll be writing about my experience from the start of my petition until the current status we’re currently in. I am doing this to keep myself reminded of everything, to share my experience to everyone, and because I just love to blog hehehe.

But I want to make a few clarifications before I start!

• I used Mrs Presson as a guide right after we submitted the papers for the petition (that’s why we got delayed, because we didn’t know about her blog yet when we submitted the papers. If only we’d known earlier, we could have avoided getting delayed for 2 months. So just a tip, if you want a thorough step by step guide, Mrs Presson’s blog is the answer! She’s really helpful!)
• This is solely my experience, and of course it’s not the same with everyone else who’s going through the K-1 petition
• Nope, I won’t be helping you with your own petition haha 😀

My then-fiance and now husband have known each other since we were 6 (we’re classmates from grades 1-6 in elementary) and we’re both from the Philippines despite him already being a US citizen right now. I could say (but I can’t be entirely sure) that our relationship is easier to prove. But then again, one can never be sure. USCIS does not discriminate. As long as your relationship is legit, there’s nothing to worry about.

May 2015
– My (then) fiance visited me in the Philippines for the first time after we became a couple. It’s my first time to see him again since we graduated in elementary!
– He stayed in the Philippines for 2 weeks.

October 2015
– He visited the Philippines for the 2nd time, and stayed there for 20 days! Yaaay!
– We also got engaged hehehe

November 2015
– We submitted the petition to USCIS around November 9 (I think). We followed the instructions here
– Our petition was received on November 24

January 2016
– It took a while to get an update from USCIS again haha!

– Apparently, my (then) fiance forgot to include a photocopy of the engagement ring in the packet that we send, that’s why they needed additional evidence lol.

February 2016
– We submitted the needed paperworks to USCIS the first week of the month

March 2016
– My (then) fiance visited me again for the 3rd time ♥
– Our petition got approved! Woohoo!

– Please bear in mind that having your petition approved doesn’t mean you’ll be getting your visa right away. That’s an entirely different thing!
– We have to wait for around a month to get a Manila Case#. Without that, I can’t have my medical exam nor can I schedule an interview at the embassy.

April 2016
– I think I’m a bit unlucky because while the others got their Manila Case# in less than a month, mine really took exactly a month haha!

May 2016
– I went to SLEC (St. Luke’s Extension Clinic) to have my medical. It costs Php 11,300. The medical took 2 days, and I had to be there for literally 12hours each day.

June 2016
– I scheduled an interview on June 2.
– I got approved!
– Submitted my resignation paper (and started rendering 30days before I leave) on June 7
– I got my visa on June 17
– Had my CFO seminar on June 23
– Booked my flight June 26

July 2016
– Flew to the US on July12
– Registered marriage on July 14

August 2016
– Got married August 8 (Lucky 8/8)

That’s the very brief summary of my K-1 visa journey. This is not the end though! Because after getting married within 90days since I arrived here in the US, there’s still a couple more paperworks that we need to submit. I’ll talk about that on my next entries!

This post may not be really helpful, but I just want to share my experience. The entire petition took 9 months from the moment we submitted the papers until the time I arrived here in the states. It’s long and tedious, but really worth it!

 

GOREE

Hello!

Sorry I haven’t replied to all the inquiries about Goree. I have recently  moved to the states and is no longer in the Philippines. If you still want to order goree, you can do so by going to our Facebook shop

BUY GOREE HERE

Thanks!

 

Exporting A Pet Cat To The USA From The Philippines Via DELTA Airlines

If you didn’t know yet, I own 3 cats which I consider my children. The first one is my first ever cat Aoife, which is the Mama Cat; and then her 2 babies Nekochan and Makuchan.

In this entry, I’d be talking about how I exported Nekochan to the US from the Philippines. It’s quite a tedious process and I’m going to be as detailed as possible 🙂

FIRST: PET VACCINATIONS

Not because your pet’s vaccinations are already complete means that everything is good. This process is so tedious and “maarte” that the vaccination dates are very important.

A. Anti-Rabies vaccine should be at least 30days before your flight.

Let’s say your flight is on July 15. Your pet’s latest anti-rabies vaccine should not be later than June 15. It can’t be on June 16, nor June 17. It has to be on June 15 just to be sure.

B. Other vaccinations should also be updated.

Make it the same date as the anti-rabies to make things easier.

C. Bring your pet’s health card and get a Health Certificate from a Vet AT MOST 3 DAYS BEFORE YOU GET AN EXPORT PERMIT FROM BAI (Bureau of Animal Inspection)

I went to MACE Clinic because I trust their vets with all my heart. Below are their details in case you want to go there too

Mandaluyong Animal Care (MACE)
155 Boni Avenue, Plainview
Mandaluyong City
Telephone Number: 904-6356
Mobile: 0917-331-6623

Once all the vaccines are updated, ask them for a Health Certificate. Other vets charge for the certificate, but if you get your pet’s vaccines at MACE, they’ll give it to you for free.

Vaccine prices at MACE are as follows:

Anti-rabies: around 400 pesos (I forgot the exact amount haha!)
4-in-1: 750 pesos

This is how their Health Certificate looks like:

Again, THE HEALTH CERTIFICATE DATE SHOULD BE AT MOST 3DAYS OLD ONCE YOU GO TO BAI (Bureau of Animal Inspection) OR BAI WON’T ACCEPT IT!

DATES ARE REALLY IMPORTANT IN THE PROCESS, I tell you. BAI is not as accessible as Megamall or Trinoma and unless you know how to get there via jeepney, you’d have to spend at least 100 pesos for a cab to get there from Trinoma. So you have to be really careful.

THE PERMIT BAI WILL GIVE YOU IS ONLY VALID FOR 10 DAYS.

It means that you have to get it 10 days or less before your flight, or you have to get another one. Which means, you need another health certificate. So much of a hassle, right?

SECOND: GET AN EXPORT CERTIFICATE FROM BUREAU OF ANIMAL INSPECTION (BAI)

I keep on mentioning BAI because it’s an important part of the process. BAI is a section of Department of Agriculture, along with Bureau of Plant something lol. I was actually surprised that we have one in the Philippines, to think that the country seems to not care about animals and nature at all.

BAI is located in Visayas Avenue in Quezon City, near the City Circle. Google maps is really useful when going there, especially if you have data on your mobile phone. Just search for Bureau of Animal Inspection while in the cab, and lead your small dot on the map to the point where Google says it’s located lol.

Sorry, I don’t know how to get there via jeepney or bus ahahahah!

Here’s the map just in case:

Seriously, just take a cab and tell them to go to Visayas Avenue and although the said avenue is long, just pay attention to the right side where BAI is located. Once you see other agriculture-related bureaus, that’s already it! Have the cab drive inside the gate so you don’t have to walk anymore. Ask the guard where BAI is, and I think it’s in Duck or Swine street. I’m not joking. They really have streets inside, named after animals too.

Going back to the dates, your vet health certificate should only be 3days old at most once you go there. Bring the health card too. If your certificate is more than 3days old, they’ll have you get a new one. They will also tell you that the permit they will give you is only valid for 10days so your flight should be in less than 10days when you go there.

The export permit is for free. You just have to present your pet’s health certificate and health card. After they gave you the permit, you just have to go to another building (don’t worry, they’d tell you where) and have the permit dry sealed. Again, it’s for free.

This is how the permit looks like:

The permit doesn’t have the handwritten note at the bottom left of course. The representative of BAI at the airport will be the one to do that. Yes, they have a representative at the airports and you have to present the permit to them, along with the health certificate and health card, and they will get the pink copy of the permit, leaving the original copy with you. KEEP EVERYTHING BECAUSE YOU NEED IT ONCE YOU GET TO THE STATES!

THIRD: CHOOSING AN AIRLINE

You can actually have this as your first step, especially since flights are cheaper if booked earlier. I just made it the 3rd step in this guide in case some of you prefers to book a flight all of a sudden lol.

Based on my research, only Delta Airlines and Korean Air allows you to bring your pet as a carry on baggage, while the rest will have them stay at the cargo area together with your check-in items.

A. What’s the difference?

A LOT. Have you ever experienced taking a plane and having one of your suitcases broken due to mishandling? They just throw away the baggages regardless if they’re fragile or not because they’re assholes. Plus, you’ll be coming from the Philippines where “Laglag Bala” came from, and where the world’s worst airport is. You wouldn’t want your pet get tossed around carelessly while being placed in the cargo, right?

As I love all my cats so much despite only being able to afford to bring just Nekochan for now, I want them to be beside me in the plane.

Expensive as it is, I chose Delta.

B. Why Delta and not Korean Air?

I haven’t flown both, but I know Delta better. I also checked the flights and Delta’s lay over are in Japan and other parts of America, while Korean Air’s lay overs are in China and Korea. I personally prefer Japan over Korea and I am more used to the Japanese language having studied a little of it. And nope, no China for me despite being Chinese lol

But you know, it’s your choice! Whichever is more comfortable to you!

B.1 Only for those who are in a budget: But Delta is expensive!

Yes indeed! Whenever my fiance visits me in the Philippines, he always looks for the cheapest deals in flights. Most of the time, his round trip ticket costs less than $800 all in. With Delta, that’s just one-way. Since I’m on a fiance visa, I really just need a one-way ticket anyway. We got mine for $780 dollars via Priceline.com. It’s way cheaper to book flights there compared to the official website!

B.2 Things to take note before booking a Delta flight:

You can’t just choose the cheapest flight and get on with it. When exporting live animals, there are only a few types of Delta air crafts that allows it.

Pets are not allowed in the following Delta air crafts:

1. In any air craft, as long as you’re in First Class of Business Class and have an international flight.
2. 767 Aircraft
3. Air bus 330-200
4. Other restrictions may apply, so please read everything carefully

How to check the aircraft type?

If you’re booking via Delta.com, this is where you can find it:

Click on details as encircled above, then you will see the flight details along with the aircraft type.

If you’re booking via Priceline.com, click on View Flight and you’ll see this:

FOURTH: RESERVE A SLOT FOR YOUR PET

Already booked a flight?

Good.

Now, call Delta and reserve your pet a slot on the plane 🙂

DO THIS ASAP. Delta only allows 4 pets per plane. One of the reasons why you’re booking via Delta is because of their pet-friendly policy. For sure, you’re not the only one choosing Delta for the same reason. So you better make sure that your pet gets a slot.

A. Once you call Delta’s customer service in the Philippines, you need to have the following information on hand:

1. Pet’s breed
2. Pet’s color
3. Pet’s age
4. Pet’s weight along with the carrier
5. Size of the carrier (must have the following dimensions MAX: 10 inches width, 13 inches height, 15 inches length)

B. Find a carrier for your pet

DELTA DOESN’T ALLOW HARD CARRIERS

Example of hard carriers:

Hard carriers won’t fit under your seat in Delta aircrafts. The space is too small that it’s hard to move even without a pet with you. What more if you do?

Remember the dimensions I mentioned above?

10 inches width
13 inches height
15 inches length

Honestly, it’s hard to find a carrier with the said dimensions. If you have relatives or friends in the US and you have enough time to order stuff there and have it shipped to the Philippines, better do that fast.

There’s a brand called SHERPA, and it’s Delta’s choice of carrier. It’s a soft carrier and it looks like this:

You are lucky if you can get a hand on one of those, because it means no headaches for you! As for me, I don’t have it. So it took me a trip from Olongapo to Pasig City where I used to live (Olongapo is my hometown and I already left my Pasig apartment since I’ll be leaving for the states anyway) to get that pet carrier at the pet store near my apartment in Pasig Rotonda. As for the reason why I didn’t just get the said carrier while I was still in Pasig, the carrier is bigger than the maximum dimensions allowed. I tried looking for a smaller one at other pet stores, but even Pet Express doesn’t have one.

Here’s how my pet carrier looks like. I have also included the dimesions

As you see, the dimensions are more than what’s allowed. But I was willing to take the risk because it’s already the next best thing. It’s a soft carrier and using common sense and logic, this could still fit under the seat even with the few inches in excess.

Once you call Delta customer service, they will send a request to the US office to have your slot approved. If for example you bought a carrier that is bigger than what’s allowed, your request will never be approved. So just to get on with it, just tell them that your carrier size is 10 inches in width, 13 inches in height, and 15 inches in length even if it isn’t, just to reserve your slot. Is it illegal to lie to them? No. Why? Because the airport staff at NAIA Terminal 3 (yes, that’s where Delta flights are weeee!!! I freakin hate the other terminals lol) won’t even measure your carrier!! Seriously!! They will just weigh it and that’s it! As long as it’s a soft carrier, they will allow it. Of course, make sure that it’s not really THAT far from the allowed measurements. A few inches is ok. Remember, you will be sitting with other people on the plane and they may not appreciate it if your carrier is too big. Be considerate.

A closer look at my carrier which I’m very proud of. Sometimes, taking risks are really worth it. Of course, you also have to use logic lol

I really love that they have it in BLUE! My favorite color! (They have it in pink and green too!)

This is the side where you can place your pet in. It’s very comfy inside compared to the hard cases because they can freely move inside.

As you see, the Delta tag is still attached hahah!

By the way, in case you didn’t know yet, you have to pay $200 for your pet. They are counted as excess baggage, and I don’t know if you could really add more baggage because of that. I didn’t know that they’d be counted as excess baggage actually. I thought that the $200 is a pet export fee exclusively. You better call Delta if you could actually maximize the weight of the things you could bring since you’re already paying the excess baggage fee. If I had known, I would have brought more stuff to the states!

Once done with everything, you’re good to go! Of course it’s your duty to make sure that your pet is well fed before the trip, and also pack some food for them just in case. Water is free in the plane so you don’t have to worry about that. Make sure that they also have a diaper to avoid “accidents” XD You can also give them a blanket or use the free blanket from Delta because it’s cold inside the plane.

As to where I purchased the awesome carrier, don’t worry! They have a Facebook page!

Arf Arf Love

Please don’t forget to check Delta’s Pet Policies because like any others, they are subject to change!

I hope that my guide, albeit too long, was a bit of help! Please feel free to ask me if you have questions 🙂

Now, our Nekochan is already stateside, and her Daddy bought her a lot of stuff!

SPECIAL THANKS TO CAT CARE PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK GROUP FOR ALL THE HELP FROM VERY NICE AND SWEET FELLOW FURPARENTS ❤

America

Hello guys!

Sorry again if I haven’t posted in a while… I’m already in America!

I arrived here last July 12, and it looks like I’ll be staying for good! I might visit the Philippines from time to time, but not too soon because I just got here.

For all Goree orders, please direct them to my Facebook shop Tarochan Online Shop

My niece is moderating that from the Philippines 🙂

Since I don’t have a job yet here in the US, I’ll be blogging a lot and reviewing a lot of products! See you all soon! 

Delay in Replies..

I would like to apologize for the super delay in replies m(_ _)m

You see, I’m fixing my petition (fiance visa) and it’s a very long and tedious process. The petition got approved around March and we had to wait for a month to get a Manila Case#. The moment we got the case number, I needed to complete my medical and schedule my interview. The past  months have been sooooo busy!

But finally, all the hardships had come to an end. All those months of waiting are finally over! I finally have my visa 🙂

As for the Goree cream orders, I will now have my niece take care of everything. We have an online shop on FB and you can make your orders there moving forward. My niece is a stay-at-home mom, so rest assured that she will reply immediately.

We have already replied to all the emails sent to me. For more orders, please feel free to visit our shop 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/tarochandesu/

Since my visa is already here and I’m just waiting for my flight, I can finally review products again. I have a bunch of cushions to review and I’m so excited!