r/PinoyTraveller

Consul 2X, American Blonde

Purpose of travel: Attend an awarding ceremony where I am one of the 3 global nominees among X00k employees to be awarded by our CEO. I'm representing the Philippines out of 100+ countries for the programs I led in the country. I also said that I will be attending in-person meetings for knowledge sharing to talk about diversity,
Inclusion and sustainability projects implemented in the Philippines.

I work as a Strategist for a multinational firm with X000 employees in the Philippines. Not a remote worker.

I was asked: Purpose of travel, how long I will stay (2 weeks), favorite part in my previous travel in the European country I've been to, what's my work and how long I've been there. Supporting documents NOT reviewed.

Profile:
3X, F. Manager for 4 years working in a multinational company.

Single and no kids. No history of overstaying in any country or crime or whatever. No lahat sagot ko sa questionnaire.

Not a remote worker. Not non-profit.

No relatives sa US or anyone I know.

Been to 35 countries (4x Schengen, 1x Uk, 1x Australia, 1x Japan, 1x South Korea, 1x China, 10 countries across SEA)

Payroll account:
3xx,xxx current balance, 1xx,xxx adb (BANK DOCS NOT ASKED DURING THE INTERVIEW INCLUDING ECONOMIC TIES). 100% of the trip will be funded by the company. Bank docs were never asked or any other document proving economic ties. THIS IS A 100% COMPANY SPONSORED EVENT.

I never said that I will work din but to accept award, attend knowledge-sharing sessions to talk about the details of the programs we've implemented in the Philippines about diversity, sustainability and inclusion projects

What happened? :( The global awarding ceremony will be in 3 weeks and this is such a rare opportunity. I will be re-applying and this time we will provide the significance of attending this award in person, details of the awarding ceremony like anong part don yung hindi lang ako uupo but magsasalita, etc. any other tips?

I'm in my mid-20s and I'm torn between prioritizing my savings and going on a solo birthday trip next week (Thailand, Oct 18 - 23) I've been looking forward to.

My round-trip flight is already booked and non-refundable, and I've booked a hotel that I can still cancel for free. I haven't booked my activities yet.

Here's my dilemma: my mom wants me to shoulder around ₱26,000 for replacing our family car's tires. I understand that tires are important for safety, and I'm not saying we shouldn't maintain the car. However, paying for them would mean sacrificing my birthday trip or cutting back significantly on my travel budget.

For context, I earn around ₱100k per month from my work. That might sound like a lot, but I also have monthly obligations of around ₱50k–₱60k, which should end later this year. One of my income sources may also end around that time, so I'm trying to be more careful with my money going into next year.

As of today, I have around ₱180k in cash savings. I know that might seem like a decent amount, but I haven't established a proper emergency fund yet. I'm concerned about my income potentially decreasing, and I want to make sure I have enough savings to support myself if that happens. That's why spending another ₱26k feels significant to me, even though I can technically afford it right now.

We're a family of five. My mom is a single parent, my older brother lives abroad, and my two other siblings are still in college. I understand that my mom has a lot of responsibilities, and I want to help my family, especially while my siblings are still studying.

However, my older brother rarely sends money home, at least from what I've seen. When family finances come up, my mom sometimes makes remarks about how my brother is also having a hard time abroad. I understand that living abroad isn't easy, and I'm not saying he has no struggles. But sometimes I can't help asking myself: what about me?

I'm working hard, paying my own bills (rent, electricity, internet, internet for my college sibs) and obligations, trying to save for my future, and still helping my family. I feel like I'm expected to understand everyone's situation, but I don't always feel that the same understanding is extended to me.

Now, with the tire replacement, I feel guilty even thinking about continuing with my birthday trip. Part of me thinks I should cancel it because the tires are a legitimate family expense. Another part of me feels frustrated because I work hard for my money, and I don't want every personal plan to become something I have to give up whenever a family expense comes up.

I've solo-traveled internationally a few times recently, so I know some people might say I've already traveled enough and should focus on saving. I agree that I need to be financially responsible. I'm not trying to pretend that travel is a necessity. But I also don't want to feel like enjoying the money I earn is selfish just because my family has financial needs.

I'm not against helping my mom. What bothers me is the feeling that I might be expected to shoulder expenses without a clear conversation about what everyone can reasonably contribute. I don't know if I'm being selfish or if I've simply become too used to putting my family's needs ahead of my own.

What would you do in my situation?

1. Cancel the hotel and skip the trip, accepting the non-refundable flight cost, and preserve my remaining cash for the tires and emergency fund?
2. Still go on the trip, reduce my spending, and pay for the tires separately?
3. Talk to my mom about sharing the expense or setting clearer financial boundaries?
4. Am I wrong to feel resentful that my brother's struggles seem to be acknowledged while mine feel overlooked?

I'd appreciate honest advice, especially from people who support their families while trying to build their own financial security. I don't want people to tell me to travel just because it's my birthday. I genuinely want to know if I'm being financially irresponsible or if it's reasonable to want some balance between family obligations and my own life.

Hi everyone! I’m a Filipino citizen with Canadian PR, traveling back to the Philippines for a vacation. My itinerary is:

🇨🇦 Canada → 🇯🇵 Japan (5 days) → 🇵🇭 Philippines (20 days) → 🇹🇼 Taiwan (1-hour layover) → 🇰🇷 South Korea (4 days) → 🇨🇦 Canada

For those who have had a similar experience, I’d appreciate your advice! Do I need to apply for visa for South Korea?

Edit: Saw this note in their website while checking the requirements, wanted to check if anyone had the same experience.

***“Visa Free Entry for Three Country Transit Passengers***

The Korean Government resumption of the Tourist in Transit(B2) from Apr. 30th. 2023.

For Non-Canadian citizens (e.g. China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Philippines, India, etc), Tourists in transit to another country via Korea, can visit Korea without a visa for up to 30 days.

Eligibility

A person who holds a valid visa (permanent residency, study permit, work permit etc.) of Canada

A person who holds a flight ticket reserved for departure flights within a 30-day period and has no illegal facts, such as an unlawful stay in the relevant country”

Thank you so much! 😊

Hi guys!! We applied sa Reli last Sept. 26 and was informed na they will submit the documents kay VFS ng October 2 (confirmed naman na they did when i called). Just wondering when ang possible date makakuha ng update na pwede na makuha ang passport? 😊

Baka nanibago lang ako kasi last 2024 parang less than a week may update na. Now wala pa din 😅 for additional info, 5 kami, in case number of applicants matter.

​

Will it be considered a red flag if I applied another Japan visa after using my single entry, and right after arrival from Japan?

For context, my family (husband, me, child) scheduled a trip to Japan in January and coincidentally, I had a work trip this month. When I applied for visa, I was only granted a SE, even though I did explain the family trip in my ME request, possibly because it's my first time to Japan (I do have a US visa and travelled to US this year).

Since I will definitely go through with my work trip and our Japan trip is also scheduled, we plan to apply as family after I arrive from my Japan work trip. Since it is recommended to apply for visa within 3 months before the scheduled trip, we should be applying this November, which will be right after I arrive from Japan.

In terms of our profile, my husband and I both work (>5 years) in a multinational company registered in Stock Exchange. ADB is 4xx,xxx. Combined salary is more than 1xx,xxx net. We have a mortgaged house and lot.

Thank you.

Mataas na po ba chance maapprove Japan visa kapag may Schengen na dati? Ano po mas mahigpit in your opinion?

Hi! Planning to go to Japan in January 2027. Employed ako for a year already, earning 20,000 as a basic pay + commission monthly. My ADB might be ranging from 40-50k ADB only. No international travel history at all, first time talaga. I’ll be with my boyfriend (in Japan) and his family (i’m going with them from PH).

Need advise, need ko pa ba taasan ADB ko? Someone suggested maki-joint account ako with someone who has higher adb than I do. Wala naman ako plans to overstay at all. Vacay lang talaga for 7 days.

What can you suggest?

Thanks in advance! 🥹

Hello!

Just wanted to share that I got my Japan ME visa approved.

Since hindi ko makuha yung regular appointments sa VFS, I just opted to submit via agency. I actually thought the process might take longer since the agency provided an acknowledgement form that they will submit the application to VFS at a later date (October 9).

Timeline:

September 30 - submitted reqs to agency

October 2 - agency submitted application to VFS 😳

October 8 - notified via email that my passport is ready for claiming

Profile:

Private employee and grad student

BB: 360k ADB: 350k

Japan travel history: July 2025 (6 days, SE visa)

Apart from the usual requirements, I also submitted a cover letter expressing my interest to visit the prefectures outside of the famous tourist destinations.

Also submitted my Form 5/Cert of registration just to prove that I am currently enrolled as stated in my cover letter lol

What have changed from my first visa application last year: I enrolled in a master's prog, travelled to a few countries, more bank savings

Approval dust for everyone too! 🍀🍀

I’m completely clueless. Planning for 5 day trip with my family. Should I book for accommodation first or the flight ticket? Best place to stay?
Looking for an accommodation was really hard considering the convenience (which is cheaper or near to the tourist spots or subways )😭😭

Hello po gusto ko lang sana ask I’m currently working in SG and balak ko po sana umuwi pinas then isama bf ko pabalik SG para mag bakasyon.

However ang bf ko po kasi first time to travel in SG and currently no work since na stroke mom niya and siya nag aalaga while other immediate family members are abroad and nagpapadala ng pera sa kanila for their needs.

May previous travel history naman po bf ko sa Malaysia but with family members so iniisip po namin if mafflag ba siya ng IO if ako kasama niya mag travel considering I work in SG.

I will be able to provide AOSG naman po if ever.

Any advice po please? Thank you

Hello, first time traveling. san kaya mas okay mag magpapalit ng baht? sa thailand or sa pinas na? thank you so much sa sasagot

It’ll be my first time traveling to Bali Oct 24 - Nov 1.

I would love to hear some suggestions and recommendations for places/foods etc.

Since it’s my first time traveling and I know it’s a visa free country, i’ll travel unemployed, share some tips for a smooth travel po sana🥹i am really nervous lmao but anything you can share, thank youuu

Japan visa approved!!! Group of 3 friends ❤️❤️❤️

Provide cover leter when in doubt.
We all have doubts.
F1 First time traveller
F2 low adb
F3 Just started a new job (2 mos tenure).

Sharing approval dust to everyone!

Hi guys! Ask ko lang sana yung thoughts niyo para sa paghahanda ko sa PH Immigration this coming November bound to Malaysia (vacation lang naman).

Gusto ko lang maging ready sa documents para iwas kaba sa IO. Balak ko kasing kumuha ng Bank Certificate ngayong November na may 3 Months ADB (Sept-Nov). Personal savings account ko lang to hindi payroll, and ako mismo nagde-deposito ng money rito galing sa allowance nabinibigay ng husband ko.

Ganito kasi yung naging takbo ng account ko

Sept 16 : onwards Pumasok yung ₱50,000 kaya naging ongoing yung laman nung Sept 16, 17, 18, and so on. Nagsimula siyang mabawasan noong September din, pero paunti-unti lang talaga yung bawas para sa daily expenses.

October : Dahil gradual lang yung bawas, umabot pa talaga siya ng October bago tuluyang na-zero yung balance ko kamakailan lang.

Oct 16 : Malalagyan ko naman siya ulit ngayong darating na October 16 at sure na, na may maiiwang pondo dun hanggang sa flight ko sa November.

November: Dito ko na balak i-print yung cert sa bank para may laman at active ulit yung account.

Red flag ba sa IO kung nag-zero yung account ko pansamantala ngayong mid-October? And since hindi siya payroll account at galing sa asawa ko yung funds, ano yung best proof na pwede kong ipakita sa IO para patunayan na hindi ito "show money" at sapat talaga yung financial capacity ko for the trip?

Strict po ba ang KVAC sa size ng documents? The bank certificate and statement provided by BPI ay naka short bondpaper.😢

Hello! 26F, private employee, and traveling solo to Ho Chi Minh City for my first international trip! 🇻🇳

I usually go on solo dates, so I’m taking it to the next level.

Any tips on Philippine immigration, what documents to prepare, and what to expect? I’d also appreciate advice on staying safe in Vietnam, common scams, and places or situations to avoid.
I’m a pretty reserved person and prefer exploring at my own pace. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you! ❤️