Never Again!

Today is the last day of voters' registration, unless COMELEC would decide to extend the deadline for a few more days.  That is, if they would consider the recent influx of prospective voters at the registration centers such as what I saw in SM MOA yesterday.

I almost got myself unregistered because of that.  If not for the declaration of half day work yesterday, my chances of going to SM MOA for that purpose would have been nil.  And mind you, I felt like a ping-pong ball being tossed by the guards when I asked for directions to the satellite registration center.  I was already worried then as it was almost 5pm and I knew the registration center would be open only up to 6pm that day.  Alas, when I found the place, the door was already closed as they only accommodated a maximum number of 800 registrants.  I was advised to come back early the following day.  I asked how early, and the lady guard answered that there was already a queue as early as 4am.  What?!  And to make matters worse, the giving out of priority numbers starts at 830am, while the processing commences at 9am. Que horror!

No, I'm not going to make a sacrifice just like that.  Never again!  I would have registered long time ago and not waited for a few days before the deadline, if not for the hectic schedule.  I didn't had the chance to register when a registration activity was scheduled right within the convenience of our condominium as I was just leaving for Rome then.  Nor was the time when the same was also previously scheduled in SM MOA.  Blame it to my confusion with the date.  And when I learned from the local COMELEC office that  they will have another schedule in SM MOA on the last week of October, I just waited for that.  And the half day work yesterday would have been the perfect time for me..

While I was staring at the signages, a man approached me and asked if I would want to register.  When I said yes, he then gave me a piece of paper, which says "357".  I realized it was a priority number!  He then advised me to immediately go inside the center and do my thing.  So, I flashed the paper at the guard and he then let me in.  Inside, the line was looooong!  I wanted to back out as I remember the traumatic experience I went through when I registered in Taguig six (6) years ago.  I just held on knowing that this would be my only chance..

My Samsung Galaxy Note 3!

Oopps! I did it again..

It's been almost three months had passed and I still could not believe that I, again, allowed myself to indulge in what I call as, "a taste of a lavish lifestyle".  And every time I take a look at my credit card bill, my heart still palpitates.. :(

Well, I just consoled my frugal me that I guess I deserve a treat once in a while.  And the best of it all is that I do not have any regrets with my decision.  In fact, I am enjoying my new phone! ;)

The sad part, however, was, I was not able to avail of the promo for the discounted S View Flip Cover.  Samsung's store outlet in SM Megamall did not have any stocks when I purchased my phone then.  I finally bought my S View Flip Cover at SM North just last month, only after I squeezed myself through Christmas traffic in going to SM MOA and found out that they were out of stocks. :(

But that's okay.  I just wish I had more extra time to explore my Samsung Galaxy Note 3.. 

Looking Forward to My Magical Christmas Treat!

It's been five years since I last watched a live magical show.  It was the Wanders of PAGCOR which up to this day, I could still recall how the child in me was so mesmerized with those amazing acrobatics being executed by the international and local performers alike.  If given the chance, I would want to watch it all over again.  But then, it is no longer possible.  Wanders had wandered off somewhere. :(

Well, here's the good news!  The internationally-acclaimed Circus Vargas troupe, one of the world's biggest travelling circuses, will be arriving in Manila!  This extravaganza of magical proportions will be held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City and will run from December 25, 2013 to January 1, 2014.

What to expect?  Well, I was told that, Circus Vargas will be showcasing a gravity-defying flights, flashy costumes, fun dance routines, and other deliriously delightful antics, among others!  Also, charismatic illusionist Patrick Gable will be performing his mystifying illusions that are guaranteed to impress, astound, and make everyone in the whole family a believer of MagiKaria.  Who is Patrick Gable and what is MagiKaria all about?  There's only one way to find out, that is, to watch the show!

Are you excited as I am?  So, what are you waiting for?  Tickets are now available at SM Tickets, SM Cinema, and Snack Time outlets.  For inquiries, call Tropical Productions, Inc. at telephone no. 519-8984, or email info@tpiguam.com, or visit www.circusvargas.com.

Craving for Mr. Chips!

Photo Credit

Now that office is suspended again, I am beginning to get bored as it's been four days that I just stayed home.  I was supposed to make a quick trip to Market! Market! last Saturday for my grocery needs.  And thereafter I planned to go to SM Mall of Asia and Arellano University School of Law for some errands.  However, when it started to rain, I scrapped the idea and decided instead to defer it to another day, and the next day.. and today.. :(

I should have pushed through with my marketing duties.  My vacation grande at home is not complete without munching on my favorite junk food, especially when I'm in the mood for a movie marathon, just like now.  :(

I don't know when my preference for Mr. Chips had started.  I remember few years ago, when my officemate and I went to Batangas for an official business, I brought with me Mr. Chips and shared it with her.  Few weeks thereafter, she admitted to me that Mr. Chips has become her favorite since then.  :)

Right now, I just want to eat Mr. Chips.  Rain, when are you going to stop? :(

My Ultrabook Review..

My daily one-week trip to the Central Office earlier this month made me realize that the laptop I was carrying is too heavy for me.  My colleagues advised me to buy a lighter and smaller size instead.  Two of them recommended an HP Pavilion DM which they are currently using.  A senior auditor purchased hers somewhere in the U.S.A which costs around 20 grand in Philippine Peso equivalent.  The other colleague, on the other hand, bought hers for P25k at SM-Cebu.

Somebody suggested a Sony Vaio T series and my recent stroll at SM MOA revealed that I have to shell off P50k for that.  Huh?! That much?!

That's when I was introduced to ultrabooks, an improved version of netbooks.  My online search for the top 10 ultrabooks included the Sony Vaio T series as one of the most affordable unit but equipped only with the basic features as compared to other brands in the market.

Photo Credit

Hmm.. not my thing, even if it weighs only at around 1.5kgs.  If I have to invest on something, I have to make sure I get value for my money.  Besides, I have already one with the same brand.  Although I can attest for its good quality, I rather opt to try other competitive brands, for comparison.

And there's Toshiba.  Over the years, it has maintained its reputation for being one of the top brands in the computer industry.  My inquiry at SM Megamall Cyberzone trimmed down my choice between Portege Z930-2002 and Satellite U840W-1000 which, by the way, are priced at P69,990 and P54,990, respectively.  Both contains 3rd generation processor and Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium.  I don't know exactly what that heck means, but as explained to me by the sales rep, it is summed up in 4 words, "it is the latest".

Toshiba Satellite 840W-1000

I was about to choose the cheaper one, as its ultra-wide screen allows simultaneous side-by-side pop up of up to 3 windows (e.g., watching Youtube while busy working on an Excel spreedsheet). But then, I was disappointed with the length which has the same as the netbook's.  Again, not my type..

Which leads me to the more expensive Toshiba ultrabook, the Portege Z930-2002.  It weighs only at around 1.2kgs.  I guess the lightest ultrabook one can find in the market.  However, online reviews disclosed that due to its weight, it is still considered as fragile despite it being advertised as durable.  Hmm.. :(

To be continued..

I Will Miss the Sale...

Each year, I always look forward for the sale of SM Mall of Asia.  (Please see my last year's post on this by clicking this link.)

My most-awaited sale usually falls sometime between March and April, as well as, September and October.  Unfortunately, I won't be around.  :( I have a one-week seminar to attend at a far-away place somewhere at Commonwealth, Quezon City. :(

No, I don't consider myself a shopaholic.  However, when I was watching last night some scenes of the movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic, I begin to wonder, maybe I am one.. But I have to qualify, I still consider myself a certified kuripot.  I just go gaga when I find at the mall things that I like at a discounted price.

I'm so sad.  But I guess, I'll find a way. ;)

Watch? Or Cellphone?

I'm not fond of wristwatches (that may be the reason why almost all of my time pieces were given to me, a.k.a. donated).  Hence, when I was asked by Eastwest Bank to choose between a wristwatch and cellphone (as their freebie for a new credit card), I immediately opted for the latter.

Just this morning, I finally received my new credit card.  Attached with it was a voucher (see image on the right) that says, I may claim either a Timex Marathon T5K367 wristwatch or a Samsung E1080 cellphone.

The wristwatch looks cute.  As I wondered how much is its cost in the market, I then googled for Timex Philippines and found the contact number of its branch nearest my office, at SM Mall of Asia.  The person I talked to asked me first if I was referring to the Eastwest credit card promo before answering my inquiry.  Accordingly, the watch is priced at P2260+.

Since I already knew that the phone sells at around P1200, I begin to doubt whether the Timex man was telling the truth.  If the watch was indeed priced at P2260+, then why a big price disparity between the cost of two freebie items?

If you were asked to choose between a valuable item and a less-valuable item, common sense would tell you to take the former, wouldn't you?  To solve the problem, I inquired the phone's market value online and found this:

 It does not however include shipping fees.  But then, I still wonder..

I guess I will just have to go to the mall and verify it myself before making a decision between - a wristwatch or a cellphone. :)

Big, Big Sale of MOA Is Coming!

Once again, SM Mall of Asia will be having its few three-day sale, which if my memory serves me right, is their first for this year.  I will surely not miss this event for anything!  This is the only moment when  the shopaholic in me will splurge in my hard-earned (as in!) money without feeling guilty at all.

To those who are also going there this coming Friday, see yah!

Impulse Buying...

The festive mode of the Christmas season gave me a lame excuse to splurge.  In fact, I just purchased five pairs of leather shoes/sandals and four pieces of casual dress days after Christmas parties were over.

As if that was not enough, I ordered two pieces of furniture which is due to be delivered on the 2nd, if not 3rd week of January this year. Good thing, I was able to avail of a 6-month, 0% interest promo of BDO credit card at SM MOA, the 1st intallment payment of which is due on April yet.

Further, I was almost tempted to buy that chic lampshade which costs almost seven thousand bucks at Blims in Glorietta 5 just recently.  I know the urge to possess it won't take long.. as I am planning to visit that store again sometime soon.. (I must have it!  I must have it!)  

I feel guilty.  I am not used to this so-called extravagance.  What came over me?  I don't know..  I just console myself by thinking that my current state of insanity is just... temporary... ;)

Looking Forward To It

Just yesterday, my officemate announced that this coming weekend, SM Mall of Asia (MOA) will be having a big sale.  I was sad that I wouldn't be around to splurge, and at the same time, enjoy the adrenaline rush of finding great bargains.  Because of that, I wasn't even interested last night to check on the print ad conspicuously posted at the activity area of MOA.

However, this morning I found out that the sale is scheduled next week yet.  Hmm... I'll make sure I (and my credit cards, of course! hahaha!) will be available by then. :)

What's Wrong?

image source: ehow.com

I was at BDO SM Mall of Asia last night.  At the last minute, I decided to open an account but was hesitant since it was already closing time.  It was already 7pm then.  But still, I tried.  Surprisingly, the New Accounts Officer politely and patiently accommodated me. I looked around and realized that I was the only client left inside the bank.

Then I remember about a week ago, I went to LBP-Baclaran and tried to open an account.  The New Accounts Officer there rudely explained that I need to show proof that I work nearby.  Since I did not bring any documents then other than my company ID and I didn't have any patience and time to argue with her, I didn't insist.  I noticed though, that while waiting for my turn, that New Accounts Officer was frowning all the time.  I took pity for other clients who transacted with her and opted to be her "helpless victim"... Nevertheless,  I just restrained myself from complaining her unjust act to the bank manager.

With what happened last night at BDO, I could not help but compare the services between the former and LBP-Baclaran.  I could also recall the time when I went to Metrobank and made some requests which the Officer cordially granted.

Question:  What's wrong?  Is that the way government employees deal with their clients?  I would understand if one transacted with local government unit and national agency employees, that's just the way it goes and we could not do something about it (unless a miracle happens).  But from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), a bank at that, where's the professionalism and corporate image that they are trying to project?  I'm just wondering...

Sunblock On A Rainy Season

I recently bought a sunblock just in time for the official declaration of PAG-ASA that the el niño phenomenon has just ended.  :(

Nevertheless, I chose a product that has a higher Sun Protection Factor (SPF) than what I had been using.  I found this Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream with SPF 50 at Watson's in SM Mall of Asia.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not keen on bleaching my face as I do not want to look like Michael Jackson in any way.  It is just that the Nivea Sunblock comes with a whitening ingredient.  What matters most to me is ts high SPF, that's all!

Accordingly, Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream is an effective protection against sunburn and premature skin ageing.  Here's the cache:  No need to wait for 20 minutes as it protects IMMEDIATELY upon application.  Isn't that great?  That means, I need not be afraid to go out right after I apply sunblock on my face.

This is the bonus:  The formula with Licorice extract reduces skin's pigmentation at its source to effectively lighten the skin.  Further, it reduces melanin production responsible for dark and uneven skin tone.  Lastly, it protects the skin's collagen to help prevent wrinkles caused by frequent sun exposure.

If I'm not mistaken, Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream costs at around P350+ (or about US$7.5).  Try it!  And maybe we can compare notes later about its effects (whether side effects or otherwise) on our faces..

I Had Fun (Run) On My Birthday!

Weeks before my 33rd birthday (yes, i'm already old but i'm proud of it!), I was already planning on how to make it memorable.  Then I got an e-invitation for the Kerygma Fun Run at SM Mall of Asia which date coincided on MY DAY.  Hmmm, not a bad idea right?  The last time I joined a fun run was four years ago, which was part of the activities in celebration of the COA Week.  Mind you, I placed 1st then (err, 1st runner up. jejehe).  No, I'm not a runner.  I don't even jog regularly.  It was just that, in my category, only a few participated.  Hence, I was the second best (jejeje, again).


Back to the K Fam Run, there were three categories, namely:  1-km (1k), 3-km (3k), and 5-km (5k).  I decided to join the 3k category although I was almost tempted to take the 1k as I don't want to be breathless on my birthday.  But nevertheless, I took the challenge...

Shown below are the pictures I took (except photos of me, of course) during the K Run:

at 5 o'clock in the morning

d' birthday gurl!

bro. mike (?) at the makeshift stage. don't remember his exact name but in fernez, he is really good at hosting.  was he a somebody from a comedy bar?

the sunrise!

some 5k runners were already on their way back to the station. good for them!

i'm already tired!  i envy the runners ahead of me...

hey!  that's my exit!  but isn't that lady in there guarding that area?

here's another guard!

i can already see the landmark of SM Mall of Asia!

the ambulance! rescue me! rescue me!

runners were lining up at the water station.  unfortunately, when it was already my turn they ran out of water...huhuhu

the st. peter's church beside SM Mall of Asia.  would i go there afterwards?  i don't have to go far... hmm..
(i decided to attend a mass at Redemptorist Church in Baclaran instead since that was what I promised myself long before)

others were already turning right.  yipee!  i'm already near the finish line!

but others were still turning left.  why?  i don't want to go there anymore.  that's already too much for me!

i think this is now my cue for a short cut.   there were already others who went ahead of me.  it won't be embarrassing anymore to take that path since i just followed suit.

i made it!  i deserve a rest...zzzzz...

me again, still at rest. with my socked feet off my my rubber shoes.  arghh!!! my feet hurts!

How Effective Is The Extreme Power Saver?

The unbearable hot weather has caused me to get worried with my high power consumption considering that I could not avoid using an airconditioner AT ALL TIMES whenever I'm at home.  Although MERALCO announced yesterday that it will lower down its power rates this month, I still could not be consoled knowing that I would not be able to maintain anymore my monthly average usage of 60kwh nowadays.

Then my officemate mentioned the Extreme Power Saver.  She learned from the testimony of someone else that accordingly, extreme power saver is effective.  I immediately browsed the web and searched for the product's feedbacks.  I first bumped into this CareerMom's blog wherein the author claims that the extreme power saver functions to its name.  However, when I got across this forum from  http://www.electronicslab.ph, i found out there were conflicting comments regarding the Extreme Power Saver.  Some say the product is composed only of a capacitor and IC (I don't even know what are those for!).  Further research also disclosed that it is effective only when the appliances you are using are already old.


Help!  I really need to know if Extreme Power Saver works!  Right now, I am torn between buying Extreme Power Saver and cooler fan, which both are intended to save power cost but the former has yet to prove its worth.

FYI, according to my officemate, Ace Hardware at MOA has reduced the price of Extreme Power Saver from the regular rate of P1,999 but then the promo will last only until May 13.  In other words, I need to decide fast!

Big, Big Sale at SM Mall of Asia

Had it not for the technical problems encountered with our office's internet connection,  I would have posted this pre-scheduled article yesterday.  Anyway, I'm posting it now.  Check the unedited/untouched version below:

SM Mall of Asia will be having its big, big three-day sale starting tomorrow, April 16, 2010.  This is a widely-anticipated event for bargain hunters like me.

Don’t get me wrong.  You might remember that, I said in my post before that I prefer 168 Shopping Mall over SM Mall of Asia.  So, what’s the inconsistency?   Actually, there’s none.

Let me emphasize that SM Mall of Asia will be having a big sale.  This happens only about 2-3 times a year, if my previous year’s memory serves me right.  168 Shopping Mall, on the other hand, is always on sale, all throughout the year.  Since the former rarely offers sale, my officemates and I are always looking forward to it.

Another thing, there are goods for sale in SM Mall of Asia that can’t be found in 168 Shopping Mall.  For instance, signature clothes and shoes.  Need I say more?

Hope to see you there tomorrow! :)