I went to the BI in Iloilo on Wednesday morning. They were polite, efficient and helpful. I needed to obtain a waiver so I could extend my tourist visa 30 days. I am married to a Filipina and retired in the US. We own a house on her family's large farm in Iloilo Provence. We entered the RP separately last year, so I do not have a Balakbyan visa.
The extension (waiver) cost 3020 PHP. I need to return next month for an additional extension of 2 months. Then I need to return to Boston in April for some financial reasons, and I will once again travel alone.
I will re-enter the Philippines alone two weeks later, but will have an exit ticket to Bali, where my wife and I will spend the weekend in the beginning of May. This plan will be within the 30 days of the April tourist visa. When we return together from Bali in May, I will then have my one-year Balakbyan visa, which will give me the time necessary to apply for my 13a visa.
It has been cloudy and rainy for the past 4 or 5 days here, but other than that, everything is just perfect.
I love the Philippines.
