Its a funny thing Oss that in the Phils you can have more rights unmarried than married as for example you can lease a plot of land from your girl friend but not from your wife
If I may add my own experience... I went to the Australian Embassy in Makati (Manila) to obtain the CNI (Certificate of No Impediment), then flew down to Mary Grace's home town in Misamis Oriental. We lodged the application for a marriage licence and were married 12 days later. To the originator of this thread, Oss, well done for having the tenacity, endurance, and sheer guts to see this thing through... many a lesser man would have wilted, thrown his hands in the air, and walked away. To me, your six years of persistence indicates true love and devotion, and I believe a solid foundation for your future married life. My heartiest best wishes to you both.
