Glad That Globe Got My Back!

I have previously seen the Globe Telecom and Nuffnang invite for Globe users to share their stories on life happenings that made them grateful to be using Globe sim on their mobile. I can think of many instances with which I am grateful for Globe usage, but one incident particularly stood out. Sometime in June, I attempted to write about it since it had been nagging in my mind, but was too busy with personal dealings to finish it.

Earlier today, July 15, while checking my emails… I saw a Nuffnang email notification informing subscribers that Globe has extended the deadline. My heart is beating a little fast when I checked the email. Yes, I can still make it. Today, July 15, is the last day of submission of entries. At the back of my mind, I thought it might be fate calling up to me to share my experience.

Click the image to know more via Nuffnang’s blog

DESPERATE SITUATION CALLS FOR… QUICK THINKING AND TRUSTED MOBILE NETWORK

Sometime September last year, I decided to let go of my useless Olympus underwater camera. It had blurry pictures and I want to go for an upgrade. As like any other aspiring sellers, I turned to online communities like Sulit.ph and Ebay.ph to advertise. I gave out my contact details in the advertisements that I have posted for faster transactions.

sleek but practically obsolete

As luck would have it, some person got interested and wanted to buy it pronto with the reduced price. I have little patience with online selling so the heck, I proceeded with the sale even though I feel ripped off. Don’t get me wrong, I love my gadgets but this one really had to go.

After several exchange of messages and from what I have gathered, we were to meet at SM Mall of Asia at around 10pm. I think I came from work on that day, and I have to go back to the house, pack for a trip for next day, then proceed to the meeting place. I left my Makati abode around 9:10pm and took a cab to get there.

I felt pretty proud of myself arriving around 9:30pm, and texted the other party that I’m already in the meeting place. I asked her where the exact meeting place is, and she told me I can wait in the activity area for she’s still on her way. Not knowing where that was, I asked the guards on duty about the place. They seemed confused and could not give me a confirmed answer where’s the activity area. Some even pointed me to the skating rink’s direction.

Exhausted, I read her text again. And to my horror, I realized that she’s expecting me in TRINOMA! I really don’t know how on earth I translated that 7-letter word to SM MALL OF ASIA! So that’s why I can’t find the said activity area.

even I was puzzled. lols

Timecheck, it’s already 10:10pm. I literally ran amuck, hailing cab after cab to take me to MRT who’s last train trip is 10:30pm that day!  Options were running inside my head….I’ll take the MRT and get there fast, wait what time is it? Oh hell no, I need to catch the last trip! What if I missed the last trip? Inevitably I have to take the bus, which means around more than 2 hours of travel time. Will she wait for me? What if I offer to bring it to her place if I arrive so late? These thoughts streamed through my head as fast as my breathing.

After 5 minutes of flailing my fat arms on those nonchalant cabs, somebody took pity on me, for a price. He wanted Php100 from SM MOA to MRT Taft. That’s less than 3-5 minute drive! I relented since I’m emotionally exhausted already. What’s another buck if it will save my overall effort on this whole transaction, right?

After I relaxed in the backseat of the cab while we embarked on that not-so-long journey, I proceeded to inform my customer of the little kerfuffle that I was in and how I plan to go around it. There had been several worried texts from her, so I immediately replied back. To my chagrin… “message cannot be sent”. After several attempts, I checked my load balance. OMG! The hell I only have Php0.50 load balance on my account and that, as the BALANCE INQUIRY emphasized, is not enough to send  a message. More and more worried texts came my way, and my customer is threatening to go home since I have not been replying. I prayed and prayed for her to call instead, but apparently that idea never crossed her mind, lols.

So after paying that “highway robber” cabbie, I sprinted up the stairs of MRT…as I hear the announcement for the last train trip. I bought a single ride ticket, and raced my way past security check. I heaved a sigh of relief as I sat the near-empty train coach., but a little uneasy with the uncertainty whether the client had left already or if there’s a chance that she had stayed on and still there when I arrive after 20minutes or so of train ride. I was feeling hopeless and hopeful at the same time. I’m really exhausted and I want to get this transaction over with!

Ding, ding ding… sound coming from the train alarm system indicating that the doors are closing, and at the very same moment an uber bright idea passed me by.

GTSOS! How comforting those 5 letters are. For those non-Globe users, GTSOS is a service offered by Globe to its subscribers who need emergency text loads just like me. It gives you 3 text allocations which you can use to text other Globe users, and Php1 load if you’re in dire need of texting the other network. My mind’s fond of plans, and I hatched one the soonest I got the confirmation from Globe.

howleh mowleh… a savior indeed!

I texted my client a long explanation of what happened and a promise that I will be in TRINOMA in 20minutes time, which by the way consumed 2 Globe emergency text allocations. I also texted my non-Globe friend so that she can load my account Php25.00 and I can register for my regular “ATXT20”. Everything went according to plan, and I executed the sale transaction and disposed my trusty yet obsolete underwater camera.

As I am writing this, 4 hours before the deadline, my heart is racing and I somehow feel a remembrance of that rushed emotions that I have when the above story happened. I may not win on this contest, but being a Globe subscriber enjoying all the perks…I already feel like a winner.

oh yeah… like a winnur!

Add: I’m also grateful for that Figaro Reward that I have claimed… providing a cheer-me-up meal just when I needed it the most.  For the story, here’s the link to the entry in my food blog – http://milaftermeal.wordpress.com/2013/06/24/figaro-and-globe-rewards/

Gadgets Wanted

I can’t say that I’m a hardcore gadget person, somebody who hoards the latest once they’ve arrived in the Philippine market. I haven’ t owned a single Apple product. And to date I only own two… a Lenovo s110 netbook and a Blackberry Torch 9300, after parting with my Samsung Galaxy Tab, Olympus MU underwater camera, Sony Xperia X2, and Acer TravelMate laptop within the last 12 months. For the moment, I’m quite contented with this two.

But as days go by, the need for upgrade ingrates itself upon me. And day after day, I am considering giving in. I don’t desire the latest of them, just the ones that will fill my needs:

1. Fast internet and multiple-gadget connectivity

Back in 2005 when I first get the taste of having a laptop (company-issued), I dreamt of a time when I can have wireless internet connection at home. At that time, the connections are cable-enabled. I go to internet cafes for my personal web browsing. I suffered a lot of times due to co-mingling with smelly and snooping kids at those internet shops. Also, I do personal browsing in our company computer hence I stay  late, up till midnight at the office.

Fast forward sometime year 2010, I managed to own a broadband connection. It was crappy I tell you. My first encounter was with a prepaid one, then I shifted to postpaid. From there, my internet life went downhill. Super slow connection, and at times I don’t have any at all. Sun Broadband managed to widen their coverage and strengthen the signal, but the capabilities of my connection are still nothing to be proud of.

Globe’s ZTE T81 LTE

So when I got a new work and it provided me with cellphone allowance, I decided to get a phone line dedicated to my work. And beyond that, something that will remedy my current internet connection problems. Along comes ZTE T81 with LTE technology (pictured above). What I like about this phone is that this smartphone can double as a Wifi hotspot. That and the fact that it has 42mbps (you’ve read that correct) connectivity speed that is basic in most of LTE gadgets. Upon researching I found out that I can get this with Globe @ Plan 999 with UnliSurf (hope they don’t put a cap on data) plus 100PV worth of extra service. I plan to apply for it one month from now. Yes, I need to wait that long.

With this, I can use Wifi for other gadgets like my Blackberry which I intend to keep for my personal communications, and some of the gadgets I will mention below.

2. Reasonably-sized gadget that can double as e-book reader;data on the go

Of course when it comes to mini-tablets, Apple iPad Mini is a premium choice. Not only does it weigh close to nothing, the screen resolution is uncannily colorful.

Who in their right mind would get that black one anyways?

I can definitely use this while browsing on the go, or passing time reading books. One downside as I’ve told was that this does not come with a built in Adobe reader. I guess i wouldn’t mind shelling off a few more bucks for the app.

DBGadgets.net offer this at Php14,400 @16GB with service warranty, while Villman.com slashed down their regular price from Php15,990 to Php14,499.  This made me think twice as Villman is more established than DBGadgets.

 

3. Power on the go to keep my phone and LTE gadget charged up

I haven’t decided on this portion yet, as I’ve not done extensive research on the best possible options that I have. I want to keep the budget at minimum, say in the range of Php3,000 only.

 

4. Wide-screen, high powered, mobile computer

I’ve been used to laptop as my main home computer. It’s just this year that I had the chance to purchase one (Acer Travelmate on installment), and I’m not quite satisfied with the performance. I’ve looked up some high powered laptops in the market and they cost more than Php30,000 which I find quite out of my budget. Bulky desktop is not option. I currently have a netbook which I use, but am having a hard time with the small 10.1 inch display.

HP Pavillion All in One PC

Of course you could tell that I will instantly fall in love with this, and I did. That screen you see there is a whopping 20-inch display. Plus everything you need is there at the back. The keyboard may be a bit outdated though, and the mouse. But I can live with that. I’ve checked this out with shops and it’s around the Php20,000 price range.

 

5. Underwater camera and high-quality digicam

Anything orange will capture my attention. But aside from that factor, I believe that this baby is a value for money.

ohhh lala orange

Most important for an outdoor person like me is the endurance of a camera with water and moisture. Almost always it rains, and you can’t just let snappy moments pass you by because you’re too afraid that your camera will not survive the elements. Would you believe that this costs only a little below Php7,000? I bought my first camera at a whopping Php15,000 without thinking much because I’m too hurried for my Davao trip. I regretted that decision, and from there promised not to cram-buy.

I know how low-quality the photos from underwater cameras are, and if I’m aiming for high-powered shots, I need to have a backup specifically for that. I’m not into the SLR-photography level, and I can content myself with several high quality digicams.

For tha purpose, I’m choosing between 3 cameras:

Canon S110

Lumix LX7

Lumix FZ100 – boasts high power zoom of 24X

 

And since I’m on budget constraints, I need to prioritize the gadgets that I need to get as follows:

a. Globe Plan 999 with ZTE T81 LTE

b. Powerbank

c. Fuji XP50 underwater camera – Php6,700

d. HP Pavillion All in One PC – Php20,000

e. iPad Mini (white) -Php14,000

f. LX7 or FZ100 or Canon S110 – Php17,000

This technological upgrade will roughly cost me Php61,000 in all, which I don’t have at the moment. Lols. I need to save up and plan the acquisitions carefully so as not to interfere with my other expense priorities.

Not so long ago, I promised myself that I will not hop on the band wagon of gadget-crazy society, but change is inevitable. I’ll just keep it as practical as possible.

The nightcrawler kitteh: cat-napped.

I live in a dorm where no pet is allowed. The closest I had to having pets are the dogs owned by the landlady (may their souls be in doggie heaven) and few stray cats that hangout outside our gate. I even got so close to one kitteh that I bought her kibbles on a regular basis, fed her milk outside, and when she disappeared… I was really heartbroken.

For the past few years I always notice this female adult cat hanging around our house every night. She just lay in  a corner quietly, and observes my doings. She’s just a side character, the lead taken by this other gray male tabby who is so confident that he even rubs himself unto my legs. Nowadays, she’s the most notorious food thief in the house, making her way to human food sparingly left on the table. Some housemates who seems to never learn still provides food target for this naughty kitteh.

look at that confident and sassy face!

I know she likes me by the way I see her all comfortable with me around the house. She is usually on the run since she’s a “wanted criminal” by most of the people here because of the food that she stole away.

She usually stays outside my door, and one unfortunate night through the dark I unintentionally kicked her bloated belly! I was so afraid something bad happened to her because she failed to show up that specific night.

look at that cutie patootie fez oh!

Speaking of her bloated belly, people around here speculated that she’s forever pregnant because her belly doesn’t seem to deflate. My personal assumption is that her big “forever pregnant” belly is from eating in the garbage pile outside… some plastic failed to be digested and stayed as a mass inside her stomach. I wish I could help her, I know that her condition gives her discomfiture.

she really knows how to pose for the camera

One fine wee hours of the morning I saw here dozing off, I dragged her in my room hahaha. There she stayed on the floor near the door. She’s such a sweet lass, she forehead-bumps my hand every chance she got. I bought her a fancy feast once, and I might buy her one again if I remember when I’m doing my groceries. Kibbles are expensive nowadays, around Php110.00 per smallest bag (Friskies). I’ll think about it….

I think the greatest gift I can give her is a name. Any suggestions?

 

 

What your heart desires

So for my new work, I need to buy lotsa stuff. I’ve done shopping for a few tops and what nots, and all I need are bag and new pants. I went to NBI in Taft and since Robinsons Place Manila happens to be nearby so I decided to pay a visit after my clearance application stint.

After hours spent inside Robinsons Mall, I found myself empty handed. As originally planned, I rushed to Landmark for buzzer-beater shopping. I arrived 45 mins before closing time.

The other day I have already kept my eye on this particular orange bag. But since I’m not amenable with the retail price, I kept my options open with other styles almost half the price.

so pretty, them orange thangs!

I fell in love at first sight, but the I was dubious with the price tag. After switching sides trying to decide with the cheaper option (Diorella yellow + orange pipings worth Php599.00) I finally gave in. My main argument is that even though I might buy the cheaper one, my heart will still pine for the orange one and I will end up buying the cheaper one temporarily, and after a few days I will get back to buy what my heart really wants.

So to save myself the trouble and future expenses, I relented and marched to the cashier armed with my new orange bag. And from then on, I promised myself not to settle for anything less… because I know I deserve to get what I desire. And besides, it will be costly if I try to defer my choice, since my inner self always wins. =P

Add: Brand name of the bag is Paddington, and it was worth Php1,299.00. Yes I’m that cheapskate that I need to deliberate hard before buying something important with that amount. Anyways I’m pretty happy with my purchase since there’s an extra sling bag, and the buckles of the main bag are strong enough to hold my netbook. So this is a win-win situation, right? Haha.

 

 

Brand new me

The other day I was surprised when the HR Manager told me that there’s already the introductory email that was sent out to all, featuring me and some details about me.

tis’ the best they could do with Photoshop? Tssskk!

Photo above was taken during my first day, and is going to be used for my ID. I like the dynamics within our company, and I hope to live through the expectations of a very meticulous boss. I look up to her for her business and creativity prowess… the company in itself is full of strong females in respective key positions.

It’s refreshing to see creativity everywhere, and I’m ecstatic to be surrounded by people involved in writing most of the magazine articles that I read.

Courage, wisdom, patience, understanding, loyalty… luck. That’s all I’ll ever need.

 

 

What’s in my bag?

Finally, I’ve felt like joining the bandwagon of the bloggers that feel the need to overshare about the contents of their bag. Not that I’m too nosy, but I find it the contents of their bags quite interesting.

I’m not a bag person, I can do with one bag at a time. Also, I hate labels on fake bags, I’d rather go with generic types. Hence, when I saw this bag lines in Landmark… I thought it’s perfect for my everyday needs.

bag is arte-much

The label indicates it’s a Diorella, I remember buying this for Php600 late last year. I tried accessorizing the plain red jane using a leopard-print hair band and an old necklace from Avon.

few items on slow days

These past few days my bag is pretty light, with the occasional tissue trash. This is what I brought on the contract signing with my new job in Ortigas, and meetup with my brother.

My bag was filled with the following (top to bottom, left to right):

1. orange purse I got from my recent Bicol trip

2. double sided mirror

3. nailcutter

4. small make-up pouch

5. Imari perfume

6. footspray spritzer reused as alcohol container

7. Nivea lipgloss in strawberry

8. wallet containing cash and cards

9. two cheap bracelets

10. PRC license and BDO cash card (outside the wallet)

11. an embarrassing comb

12. planner/notebook

13. 3 pens

 

Boring stuff, yeah I know. There were days when I feel like my bag has interesting things inside, but clearly today is not one of those days. I hope to overshare more in the coming days, this time probably the contents of my wallet or my make-up kit.

 

xoxo,

Mel