Why Ramboy's Lechonan and Restaurant Lost a Customer...

Don't get me wrong. The food remains of top quality. The waiters and servers were nice and happy to be of service. They always served us with a smile... 

Yet, there will always be that employee whose soft skills is--to say the least--missing in action. Frankly, some people in the food industry will always require extensive people-skills training.

Lack of Extended Courtesty CAN Ruin a Good Meal Experience 

That's why I will never eat a Ramboy's Riverside Boardwalk again. Honestly, it shouldn't be a big deal. After all, my overall eating experience was nothing short of satisfactory. Still, I can't get it through my head that Mary Grace not only lied to me, but she just stole away the lingering taste of what should have been a good, memorable meal with my mom. 

Got tired of adding the embedded map. Here's a picture instead.

My mom offered to pay for dinner. She had two five hundred peso bills. I told her we'd split the bill instead (hoping to pay for the entire meal with my credit card). Still, she reasoned out that we needed the change for taxi fare. So, to accommodate her request, I asked the waiter if they could replace our 500 peso bill with 100 peso bills. He went back to the cashier and relayed our request. 

A few seconds later, he came back apologizing, saying, "Ma'am, sorry. Wala." So, I told him, "So, kung mabayad kami sang 1000, wala kamo change?" (So, if we pay you with 1000, you won't have change for it?") With a smile, he went back to her and made a second attempt to Ms. Grace who acted mataray (I think the correct English term that fit that same description would be "bitchy"). Annoyed that she was asked a second time (apparent through her hand gestures and an unforgettable frown on her face), she answered, "Wala gani." 

In short, she would never allow this request. We paid in cash, by the way. And we got the exact change. No hundreds went missing in the making of this post.

Meal for two. Two main dishes, one fried rice, one leche flan, a can of Mountain Dew and a can of Del Monte's pineapple juice. Price is steep. Affordable nonetheless.

I'm not sure if it's the sight of her being annoyed by such request (We were seated near the cashier, and I saw how the entire conversation between them transpired.) or the way she told the guy "wala" in a high-pitched, irritated tone or the way she lied (saying "wala" which means "none" rather than "indi pwede" which means "we can't"), but this really struck a nerve.

Rather than make a scene, I just asked for a name. When he returned with her first name, I asked him if she didn't have a surname. He went back to her again, and she finally peered through the glass display to where we were. I gladly smiled. She wrote it down and passed the piece of paper to him.

Miss Mary Grace Arcenio, smile! You're now Google-searchable.

A good restaurant meal always comes along with two things: good food and good service. If one is lacking, then the experience isn't worth revisiting. 

No matter how great Ramboy's ox tongue, fried rice, and kinilaw na tanguige was, it's a shame that I would never come back to their Boardwalk branch. 

Ramboy's is located at the Riverside Boardwalk,

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Blake's Wings & Steaks in Marikina City

We unexpectedly decided to check out Blake's Wings & Steaks House in San Roque, Marikina. We had to wait quite a while before we were seated.

Word of Warning: Parking is limited. They do have a parking makeshift parking area at the street a few meters back.

The steakhouse was relatively cheap. The place itself had a certain Texas charm. I assume the owner poured his/her heart in decorating the place with wood-themed furniture and decorations.

This is the Blake's Wings & Steaks House waiting area.

I just love the restaurant's front. I've imagined witnessing their intense cooking routine beyond the walls made of glass. But enough about the place, lets talk about the food.

Blake's On-and-on Strings

The onion strings were seasoned and battered fairly. I can't say they're as good as Rack's onion brick, but that's just fine-given the price it's being sold at.

Dibs on Ribs. 1/2 kg of Pork Ribs at 350 pesos.

Now, the Pork Ribs, those were unforgettable. I never thought a hint of curry flavor would mesh well with Hickory barbecue sauce.

1/2 kg Wicked Wings for 195 pesos.

Then, there was their Porterhouse Steak. I swear the steak looked like a T-bone. The waiter said it was a Porterhouse Steak, but it had a T-shaped bone in the middle! Kidding aside, the mashed potatoes were really good. I would eat seconds in a heartbeat. The same goes for the leafy greens.

Blake's Porterhouse Steak at 250php.

Overall, our eating experience was okay. Blake's Wings and Steak House is perfect for people who want to enjoy good food on a budget. They're usually full (even on the weekdays), so do be patient while waiting to get seated. 

Blake's Wings & Steaks is located at Mayor Gil Fernando Ave, Marikina, Metro Manila.  You may reach them at (02) 632 71 90 / (+63) 906 904 4919

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Dining at Omakase Japanese Restaurant

We never expected for Omakase to be surprisingly good. The Japanese place is usually caught with empty seats. This, we soon realized, was because people had to wait to be seated--which is completely fine.

Of course, there's also the price point. Four thousand pesos for a group of eight isn't so bad, but it's not the cheapest place to eat Japanese cuisine at either.

Omakase Marikina's Sushi Boat. Don't let the mustard-ish blob scare you. It's good!

On the bright side, be it service, plating, or their food itself, Omakase hit my sweet tooth like a chocolate cake baked to perfection.

Tempura Ice Cream. Vanilla ice cream wrapped in crunchy pancake and doused in chocolate sauce. With a cherry on top!

A most memorable selection includes their Japanese Sushi Boat (920 php), Tempura Ice Cream (105 php), and their cheese-dressed, tuna-filled Maki. If I remember correctly, it's called the American Dream (205 php). 

And my final suggestion: a glass of their bottomless Iced Tea (75 php). You can get refills for both Wild Raspberry and Panama Orange in Omakase Marikina--whichever you choose to order.

Sorry, I had to use another Store's Map. Omakase is located in the same building.

Omakase is located in ESJ Building, Gil Fernando Avenue, San Roque, Marikina City. You may call them at (632)631-6588. Check out there menu at Zomato.

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Chevy Burger in Marikina

Hamburger House. Self-service. Pay as you order.

After a few months of wondering why Chevy Burger was always filled with customers, I finally struck gold when my sister decided we go try it.

The large Chevy Burger sign greets incoming patrons as they enter the small joint.

Indeed, the place is small, but the taste is nowhere in comparison to the crowded seats and the overwhelming abundance in ingredients.

This newly opened Chevy Burger is situated along JP Rizal, across Malanday's South Supermarket.

As you could see, the place is jam-packed. When we entered, they were full. For a brief moment, the seats emptied. A few minutes later, it's like this again.

I second this caption. They definitely know their stuff.

Chevy Burger reminds me of Iloilo Glor's Burger or the old American Legacy. They serve good burgers at an affordable price. Getting the Messy Melt at 75 pesos and a tall glass of Iced Tea for 25 pesos is quite rare.

This Messy Melt Burger oozes with "house-blend" cheese sauce. Each bite was filled with meaty goodness.

I just love that the Messy Melt burger had mushrooms. But then, there was the nachos with cheesy abundance.

Nachos!!! Mmmm....

Overall, the #ChevyBurger experience was worth the wait. It was always full and far. So when they opened a branch more accessible to me, I was ecstatic. I think I've blurted out their name a few times than anticipated.

One of Chevy Burger's newest branches is situated along J. P. Rizal Street, Marikina, Metro Manila. They're open from 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM.

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GT Academy Invades the Philippines

Are you a Gran Turismo veteran?

Do you like that adrenaline rush pumping through your system when you overtake fellow online racers?

Do you want to make that virtual challenge a reality?

Well, now's your chance. Nissan, in partnership with Playstation, is bringing this experience of a lifetime to the Philippines. The GT Academy, launched in Europe last 2008, is now looking for the best Filipino Gran Turismo 6 players to compete in live events. 

From the Philippines top 20, the final 6 will get to compete internationally with other Asian-based players.

Nissan's GT Academy Media Launch last March 25, 2015

Save the date!

April to June 2015- Nissan's GT Academy recruits the top 20 Filipino players to compete on the National Finals

Nissan Philippines, Inc's PR Officer Sara de Guzman deadly in black and ready to race.

July 2015- National Finals 2015. Philippine's top 20 will race against each other to determine the top 6 finalists who'll compete against the best Gran Turismo drivers in Asia.

International Race Camp Week 2. Experience the speed inside an actual Nissan sports car.

August 2015- Race Camp Week commences. Players will be tested for their stamina, strength, mental agility and driving skills against Asia's best in UK's Silverstone Racing Circuit.

An Experience of a Lifetime

Driver Development Program. The new GT Academy Champion in Asia will join other GT Academy winners in an intense pro-race training program under the guidance of professional coaches and racers at the Silverstone Racing Circuit.

Graduation. After passing the Driver Development Program, graduates will receive an International C License. This will allow them to compete in a prestigious international racing event.

And the grandest of grand grand prize?

A spot on the Nissan elite racing team.

Riccardo Sanchez, winner of the GT Academy International 2014 

So what are you waiting for?

Give it a try... You'll never know until you enter the GT Pod and take the time trial challenge during their live racing event.

Interested in the program? Visit Nissan Philippines' Facebook Page

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The Advent of the Bicycles in the Philippines

It’s everywhere, folks. Bicycle lanes here, bicycle rides there.

There’s no denying that Filipinos have the healthy gene in there system. Since more cities are promoting healthy lifestyles, providing walkways, park recreations and more bicycles lanes, it just makes perfect sense to get a bicycle of your own. Even in our own village, the number of bicyclists and bicycle enthusiasts has increased by a tenfold. Yes, those little stainless steel frames with square baskets hanging upfront are now a trending health item.

Bicycles... I’ve seen pink ones, blue ones, and even orange ones. Aside from the now-popular Japanese bikes, there’s also the ones known as folding bikes.

My sister’s officemate has a Pacific folding bike. His health regimen includes biking long distances along the busy roads of Metro Manila (Pasay in particular) and eating four eggs a day. Unlike most enthusiasts however, this person takes his folding bike to the office with him. He uses it to travel with in his free time. You would think Metro Manila was his playground.

His usual bike routine includes going through long distances with his beloved bicycle. Once he gets tired, he stops, folds his bike, and hails the next jeepney he could fit himself and his bike in to go back to his starting poing. He’s been doing this for more than a year, and the fruits of his exercise has paid off—just like John Lloyd’s new hobby has done wonders to his body.

The Many Benefits of Using a Bicycle to Travel

1. Biking builds and tones your muscles. It’s also a great way to increase your endurance.

2. It does not cause pollution, which further helps in promoting the Philippines’ Clean Air Act.

3. It’s a great way to socialize and meet other bike enthusiasts.

4. It’s cheap and convenient.

Taiwan, India, and China are the world’s leading bicycle producers. However, unlike the latter countries, Taiwan-made bicycles are intended for exporting. This is why Taiwan’s bike industry continuously strives for excellence and versatility. Brands like Pacific, Merida, and Giant are becoming names to reckon with in the biking industry.

Yes, expect cold-rolled steel tubing, magnesium alloy and carbon-fiber frames!

Just like Japan’s 5S, Taiwan’s bike industry has 3N (New Materials, New Technologies, and New Designs) to prepare it for the different environments the bikes will be used in.

The Taiwan Excellence campaign, with the implementation of TAITRA (Taiwan External Trade Development Council), aims for us, Filipinos, to discover a range of high-quality Taiwan-made products that carries the country’s seal of excellence. Their campaign is also endorsed by our local celebrity, Iya Villania-Arellano.

You can learn more about Taiwan Excellence by browsing through their pages: the Taiwan Excellence website or their Facebook page.

Disclaimer: Although this post is sponsored, the content and opinions are my own.

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'Tis the Season to be Jolly with Taiwan Excellence's Christmas Contest

We, Filipinos, love the Christmas season. 

We put-up our Christmas tree, reward carolers for singing Christmas songs, religiously attend simbang gabi, and prepare Noche Buena feasts. It’s a long-standing tradition that’s been followed even before I was born. 

Gift-giving has also played a crucial part of this country’s Yuletide season. Most of you may remember bringing canned goods and packed noodles to school in celebration of White Gifts Sunday. Although a Methodist started this tradition, some schools in the Philippines continue to honor it. And just like us, Taiwan Excellence recognizes how special Christmas is for us. This is why they have offered to fulfill 10 Filipino’s “Grown-up Wish list” through the Taiwan Excellence- Made to Enjoy Christmas Contest.

Taiwan Excellence-Made to Enjoy Christmas Contest Flyer

And let’s face it! The act of giving is far more rewarding than the act of receiving. 

Made to Enjoy Christmas Contest Details

By simply visiting and registering in the Made To Enjoy The Life website, you will have the opportunity to win your loved one a special present this Christmas. All it takes is choosing a Taiwan Excellence product and sharing your reason for choosing that person.

Taiwan Excellence Products

Have you joined the contest yet? If you haven't, do so now. You might be one of the ten lucky winners to give your special loved one the gift they solely deserve. As an added bonus, Iya Villania-Arellano, Taiwan Excellence Celebrity Endorser, might be the secret Santa to deliver it at their doorstep.

The Taiwan Excellence seal is found in Taiwanese brands that excel in quality, innovation, and good value for money. Products you may have already used include Acer, Asus, MSI, and even Pacific. These four are just some of the ones well-known worldwide.

With the assistance TAITRA, the Taiwan Excellence campaign was launched in the Philippines with the purpose of providing Filipinos better Taiwan-made products, or as Taiwan has put it: Bringing Excellent Lifestyle in the Philippines.

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Digitally Transforming the Filipino Haggling Tradition

Yesterday, my sister and I went to Divisoria. We were searching for a certain curtain design for their bedroom. As you all know, Divisoria is the place to go when buying anything and everything at an extremely cheap price. The streets were lined with stalls that were filled with hanging Christmas decors, drapes, and--I repeat--anything under the sun.

The Divisoria Experience

After having to deal with the traffic from Recto to Divi, we maneuvered the busy stalls of Puregold to reach Tabora. In Tabora, we checked every single stall, kiosk, and selling space that sold curtains. To our dismay, we didn't find the particular design. Although a little disappointed, we got some great deals on a few yards of U.S. cotton textile. Yes, like any other Filipino, we ended up haggling for the 7 yards of Winnie the Pooh and some other cartoony-designed bed sheet-to-be.

U.S. Cotton sheets cost 85-130 php/yard

Haggling

Haggling has always been part of our culture. We always here phrases like "Last price?" or "No Discount?" or "I'll buy it by bulk if you give it to me at _____". Honestly, even online sellers from OLX/ Sulit, Ayos Dito, and eBay receive text messages like the ones I mentioned above. It's a typical behavior that's neither good nor bad, depending on the haggler's technique and style.

Selling on eBay used to be as easy as bidding and winning.

Filipino Online Shopping

Nowadays, a lot of us have enjoyed the benefits of buying online. For one, you wouldn't have to deal with the heat, the crowded streets, and the pollution of going to Divi. You also save on precious time and fare because the items get delivered at your doorstep (especially in the Manila area). Some online items are even being sold at a cheaper price than in malls. So, it's really no surprise that a lot of us are now going to websites like Lazada and Zalora.

My first Lazada purchase...

Can't Haggle When it's Sold Online

However, like buying an item from a mall or a superstore, all prices are fixed. There's no haggling allowed, because all prices are final. We don't get the opportunity to talk to the online shop's owner, and it can be a bit frustrating at times. Fortunately for us, we are a resourceful race. Some of us wait for sales or marked-downs; others end up using coupons (usually encoded prior to online checkout).

All it Takes is a Keyphrase

iPrice is a site for the thrifty, budget-conscious Filipino. When all the coupons are at your fingertips, readily available at a click of a button, online shopping definitely gets better. So why bother scouring every single blog/website via Google Search when you can go to a single website for the keywords that can slash a price down to a better bargain?

Is Using a Coupon the Same as Haggling?

It's not. However, these two techniques result to a single outcome. We get what we want at a bargain deal.

Some helpful links:

My Lazada Buying Experience
How to Commute to Divisoria
The EBAY Experience: Pros, Cons and some Tips in Buying and Selling

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Taiwan Excellence to the Philippines: A Tech-Savvy Blogger's Perspective

What does Asus, Acer, D-Link, and Transcend have in common? They're all brands proudly based in Taiwan. These four powerhouses are also names normally sought after by consumers looking for cheap yet reliable electronic gadgets and devices. Ironically, some people still believe that these brands are from the US. For that said reason, it's important for the world to learn about Taiwan Excellence.

Taiwan Excellence to the World

The Taiwan Excellence Award is given to companies who continually challenge themselves in creating innovative and high-quality products that stand out in the industry. Among Taiwan's forerunners are Asus and Acer. Both are well-known for building laptops, tablets, and even mobile phones with specifications as powerful as their US counterparts.

These brands don't stop at competitive pricing and ingenuity. They broaden their reach by creating ads and marketing strategies focused on the masses, rather than just the Tech community.

An Act of Ingenuity

Back in the days, when people asked what router worked best with PLDT DSL, most computer stores would immediately point to D-Link. Compatibility-wise, D-Link was easier to set-up compared to Netgear and Cisco. This, alone, made Taiwan's brand a highly-recommended product to multiple subscribers. Not only was D-Link able to ensure its product's purchase, but is also created a demand that no other brand could supply.

Customer Loyalty

When memory cards were first sold, Transcend was among the brands that stood out. It went neck-and-neck against SanDisk, Imation, and Kingston. Years later, some users still rely on Transcend because they're cheap and durable. While others have switched due to preference, there's no denying that the brand has now garnered continued patronage for its continued excellent quality and performance.

Bottom Line

There are so many times where people assume that a good electronics brand can only come from the "Land of the Free". Now, Filipinos can rely on brands that are closer to home.

With a design inspired by the spirit of fulfillment in their traditional culture, the Taiwan Excellence Seal provides the world a means to recognize brands and products that are, in fact, made in Taiwan.

Disclaimer: Although this post is sponsored, my opinions are my own.

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Marikina Sports Center Rates, Schedules, and Brochure

In my opinion, Marikina has one of the best sports center in the Philippines. It has well-kept facilities, and most of it are open 24/7. So the swimming pool is closed during Mondays, and only during summers do they allow night swimming, it's not that bad when the rates are affordable.

Marikina Sports Center's Soccer Field.

Given the government's average budget, the sports area and its staff is proof to where the citizen's taxes go. 

Marikina Sports Center contact number, information, and rates.

Postscript: 

MARIKINA SPORTS CENTER

Administrator: Dr. Angelito A. Llabres 

Bookings/ Reservations or Inquiries (02) 682-9573

Administration Office (02) 646-1635

Visit us: www.marikina.gov.ph

But let's not talk about that. I didn't put this post up to review the place.

And if all Badminton Courts are fully-booked, where better than to play beside the track oval.

Beside the veteran chess players...

Honestly, I just wanted to post some pictures and information the Marikina Sports Center rates.

Multicolored bleachers surrounding both sides. Entrance fee is 10 pesos per person.

To make things easier, I took the liberty of posting the Sports Center's brochure.

Marikina Sports Center Brochure
Just click on the image to enlarge it.

Marikina Sports Center Brochure
Just click on the image to enlarge it.

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One Direction VIP Concert Tickets Sold Out Before 3PM in SM MOA

May 24, 2014

We were in SM's Mall of Asia this afternoon hoping to buy a 1D Concert Ticket for one of my sister's nieces. At 1 p.m., this was what greeted us.

  

A very, very long line of ticket buyers that approximately spans SM MOA Arena's perimeter four times over.

How long have some of the patrons been there? A group of teenagers we asked told us that they'd been there since 7 a.m. (and yet they weren't even close to ticketing office!)

Close-up of what's going on in the line. There wasn't any movement for awhile, apparently due to the ticket sellers taking a lunch break.

That's crazy, I know! But unbelievable as it may seem, while we were eating at Sbarro, my sister was able to catch a glimpse of the ticket prices. Guess how much!

More avid 1D fans camped out, sitting on newspapers, and finding means to keep themselves preoccupied in the blazing heat of the sun.

14,000+ ?!? To be more precise, the Diamond ticket cost a whopping 14,800 pesos. This was nowhere near the VIP that amounted to 17,950 pesos. 

SM MOA Arena today, May 24, 2014

When is One Direction's concert in the Philippines?

March 21, 2015!!!

Hopefully, 1D's management will decide to give the horde of devastated One Directioners a second-day concert (based on tonight's news in ABS-CBN's Bandila).

Obviously, a one-day sale on the One D concert tickets wasn't enough. A one-day performance of One Direction isn't enough either.

Ticketing Prices were as follows:

*Bronze (standing) -- P1150

*Silver (standing) -- P2200

*Gold (free seating) -- P3775

*Titanium (free seating) -- P7450

*Diamond (reserved seating) -- P14800

*VIP (reserved seating) -- P17950

How does that song go again? Let's go crazy, crazy, crazy 'till we see the sun...

Fortunately, my sister's niece was able to procure a ticket in SM City Iloilo because they distributed the One Direction concert tickets to other SMs. That's so 1D fans in the provinces could get an opportunity to buy one.

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Is Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company Inc's (PPLIC) LABB PLUS Refundable?

As of April 22, 2014 at 12:16 a.m., someone was kind enough to post these comments in "STOP Buying Philippine Prudential Life Insurance C...". Latest update was on February 7, 2015.

I'd like to personally thank Theresa, dimakahindi, and the other Anons for keeping us updated and informed regarding their request for a refund on Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company Inc's LABB Plus.

PLEASE READ THROUGH THE COMMENTS (inside this post and beneath it) BEFORE ASKING HOW THEY CANCELLED THEIR LABB PLUS. NANDYAN LANG LAHAT NG HINAHANAP NYO.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Is Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company In...":

Hi guys, naibalik na sakin yung LABBPLUS worth 4500! Pinacancel ko xa Oct. 21 then cancelled na xa ng Nov. 3, hinintay ko lang yung bill just to make sure na wala na nga xa, tsaka wala po akong processing fee, yung iba kasi may nababasa ako na hihingan daw nun.. Ayun, share ko lang, Happy kasi ako eh.. hehe sana maibalik din nila agad yung mga nakulimbat nila sainyo.. Basta agapan nyo lang po, tas kulitin nyo sila ng kulitin para maicancel at maibalik na pera nyo...

-dimakahindi-

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at December 1, 2014 at 11:10 PM

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Is Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company In...":

Hi Haopee, naibalik na po sakin nung Nov. 3 pa, hindi na nirequire ng bank na magsend ako ng kahit anung docs sakanila, kasi 100% sure na cancelled na daw yun! at wala pa processing fee..ayun napakasaya ko lang.. hehe salamat sa tulong po nyo :)

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at December 1, 2014 at 11:17 PM

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "STOP Buying Philippine Prudential Life Insurance C...": 

I had my Endownment plan and LABB PLUS cancelled yesterday. Thank you for all the tips I got from this blog. Sa mga na biktima din ng PPLIC, check nyo lang lahat ng comments and mga links na meron dito sa blog, sobrang helpful. Another tip pag magpapacancel kayo always have a back up whether if it is your parents, close friends and relatives. Makakatulong sila sa iyo lalo na pag pinag aralan din nila yung mga policies sa contract mo. Tandaan nyo MAY LABAN KAYO! Wag kayo papadala sa non refundable na LABB PLUS na yan kasi hindi totoo yan. May 15 day grace period ang bawat policy ng insurance. NASA BATAS NA YAN. Hopefully makuha ko na within 30-45 days yung pera ko. hindi ako papayag na hindi nila ibibgay lahat. Just make sure na nakuha nyo ung statement of account ng both endownment and LABB plus plan nyo, photocopy nung letter of cancellation na ginawa nyo kasama yung written confirmation na nagsasabi kung kailan mo makukuha yung pera. Mas maganda kung papa photocopy nyo ung ID nung kung sino mang kumakausap sa inyo. Kung sila nga nakakapag request ng id nyo para pa photocopy paano pa kaya tayo d ba? MORE POWER SA BLOG NA ITO! 

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at June 25, 2014 at 9:06 AM

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "STOP Buying Philippine Prudential Life Insurance C...":

Guys, narefund din yung LABB+ at endowment ko. so may pag-asa. Sasabihin talaga nila na hindi refundable yung LABB+ (kasi yung endowment may 15-day look out period). Kaya magsesend kayo ng letter of reconsideration for cancellation sa email nila (lagay nyo yung reason. yung akin kasi hindi ko alam na may rider na kasama in the form of LABB plus yung ENdowment ko. so bayad ko na bago nila inexplain na non-refundable yon. so sabi ko this is a violation of contract kasi may concealment silang ginawa). Sa head office yon. i-cc nyo na lang din yung email nyo sa insurance commission (nasa site nila yung email add nila). Anyway, after nyo magsend ng letter tumawag kayo sa main office nila (wag mainip kasi sobrang laging busy. redial lang ng redial). iconfirm nyo sa head office nila kung natanggap nila yung inemail nyo. after non, follow-up lang kayo lagi (by phone lang ako kasi may trabaho ako.) then, tatawag sila sa inyo kapag cancelled na yung plan. Papupuntahin nila kayo sa branch kung saan kayo nag-avail to surrender yung documents. DOn't forget to get your SOA na may nakalagay na cancelled with refund. Yun nga lang may bawas na P250 pesos yung ibabalik nila. after nyan w8 kayo tas follow up lang ulit kasi natagal bago nila naibalik yung akin. around 20 working days (meaning di pa bilang yung Sat at sun plus holiday). so sobrang tagal.

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at May 27, 2014 at 5:18 PM

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Ang time line ko ay, March 21 nag-avail ako. March 22, nagpacancel ako then send ng email of cacellation for LABB plus. Then follow-up na lang sa head office every two days. April 1, nakatanggap ako ng tawag na okay na. Cancelled na yung LABB PLus. May 5 ata o 8 naibalik yung pera ko (ang tagal). As for my endowment cancelled na agad sya nung March 22 pa lang pero nabalik pera ko around May 23-25 ata.

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at May 27, 2014 at 5:22 PM 

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "STOP Buying Philippine Prudential Life Insurance C...":  

Hello! This is Antonette. PPLIC called me last night and told me that they already cancelled my LABB Plus. I just have to return the documents they gave me when I bought the plan. They told me that there is a Php 250.00 processing fee so Php 4250 would be returned to me. They told me that my money will be returned after 30-45 days.I told them it's okay as long as I can have my money back. After office, I'll go there to return the documents. 

I don't know how they were convinced to cancel my plan. I just gave them a cancellation letter 6 days after I bought the plan. It stated in my letter the rights I have as their client according to the Insurance Code. I even mentioned Title 4, Sections 26-27 which they violated. Maybe they found my reasons valid and was convinced to cancel the plan even though their contract stated that it was non-refundable. 

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at April 30, 2014 at 11:42 AM

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "STOP Buying Philippine Prudential Life Insurance C...": 

hi haopee, just want to update u that i got my labb plus refund amounting to 4250php last april 12. ~theresa 

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at April 21, 2014 at 4:04 AM

***** 

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "STOP Buying Philippine Prudential Life Insurance C...": 

hi all, just want to update u that i got my labb plus refund amounting to 4250php last april 12. ~theresa 

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at April 21, 2014 at 4:00 AM

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "STOP Buying Philippine Prudential Life Insurance C...": 

hi all, Theresa here.. i have received an email from IC, they sent a letter to pplic requesting for refund on my behalf kaso tagal bago sila ngsend. then i just got my labb plus refund amounting to 4250 last april12. keypoint to get this is be firm na IC said this is refundable, its better kun sabay sabay kayo punta sa HO ng PPLIC wag sa SM north ave. okay din na lahat kau punta sa office IC nang makita nila ganu karami ang biktima. 

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at April 21, 2014 at 4:35 AM

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "STOP Buying Philippine Prudential Life Insurance C...": 

i just got my labb plus refund last april12. it took them more than a month to give it back... ~theresa

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at April 21, 2014 at 4:13 AM

***** 

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Is Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company In...":

Nkuha n pla refund nung nagcheck ako ATM last Feb 5 bio p rin 9k 

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at February 7, 2015 at 9:29 PM

***** 

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Is Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company In...":

Hi. I would like share my experience.
The day was December 7, 2014. I was walkingaround farmers plaza when a girl approached me. She asked if I am already working and if I have a credit card. I said yes. Sabi nya may promo daw sila sa company and if I want to join, saglit lang naman daw and I would really help her if I would say "yes" to their orientation which is going to take about 45mins To cut the long story short, I said yes and she asked me to follow her on their office in gateway, I thought 45mins lang talaga but lumagpas na ng 45 mins, they're not allowing me to go. Everytime that I said no, the agent keeps on offering me a new plan. By that time, I feel pressured. sabi ko ayoko gumawa ng decision in a short span of time since I want to think about it more. Pero di pa rin sya tumigil until such time na nag offer na sya ng mas mababang policy, the LABB PLUS. dahil sa nakulitan na ako sa kanya, I said yes. pero labag talaga sa loob ko yun. After that, dun palang ako nakaalis (after signing the papers and video confirmation), 

The next day, I wrote an email to the insurance commission stating that I felt forced to avail the paln that I never wanted to get in the first place. I explained how the agent tre\ted me. I did not receive a reply until #rd week of February 2015. Someone called me and said she was from the head office of Philippine Prudential. She said she was able to receive an email from the Insurance Commission from which attached my email. We discussed about how I was able to avail the policy and my experience. I told her na di na ako nag eexpect na makauha ng refund and my only concern is the way their agents are offering their prospective clients their policy. Matagal kami nag usap mga more than 30 mins siguro. then finally, she informed me that she would review my case (she will check the video confirmation, papers, etc) and will call me as soon as possible kung ano kakalabasan. Yesterday, March 9, 2015, naka tanggap ako ng tawag. Informing me that my request for cancellation for my policy has been approved. I would just submit to the all the papers that I have signed and bring with my cancellation letter. 30-45 days daw before ma refund yung pera ko which is P4,500.

Posted by Anonymous to Digital Brew at March 10, 2015 at 11:47 AM

So there you have it. I hope this answers the question of whether LABB Plus is refundable or not. 

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Where to Buy Cakes and Pastries in Marikina? Wolly Winkle

Now, before anything else, I have to say that this was not paid nor endorsed by the owner. I simply came across the tiny patisserie while waiting for our car to get upholstered, which took about 3-4 hours!

To make a long story short, I got hungry and checked what was in the Wolly Winkle Cakes and Cafe shop.

Don't let appearances deceive you.

Wolly Winkle is located near MG Square Upholstery at G. Fernando Ave., Corner Dragon Street, Marikina City. It's directly beside the newly-opened, awesome-looking Car Wash and Restobar whose name I have not taken note of.

The Wolly Winkle Cakes and Cafe's atmosphere suggest a cozy and welcoming vibe.

So I entered the establishment with sky blue metallic sticker plastered all over its front display. I'm not sure why the owner chose to do this with the cake shop as you could barely see through it during afternoons.

This cake shop may look barren in the outside, but once you've entered, you'll certainly appreciate the thematic choice of blue and Alice in Wonderland artwork hung throughout the small room. 

I especially love that their service water is served in a wine glass instead of a regular cylindrical one.

There aren't that many tables, which makes sense since it's not an ideal place to eat dinner in. 

However, if you're going to hang out with a friend and just want to try some cakes, it's definitely a place to consider (especially if you're near Sta. Lucia Grand East Mall).

A slice of cake cost within 100 php range. The portions are smaller than what I expected, but I won't judge this yet since I haven't tried any of it.

Cake pricing is as follows:

(Cake - Slice/Whole)

Blueberry - 125 / 1000

Oreo Cheesecake - 125 / 1000

Classic Sans Rival - 105 / 840

Chocolate Dream Cake - 95 / 760

Chocolate Paradise -  95 / 760

Unfortunately, I forgot to name of their best-seller... It had something to do with Marshmallow; it's the one located at the upper right corner of the picture directly above. 

I ordered their Mac and Cheese (95 php) and Revel Bar (45 php). 

The bread was a little chewy (perhaps from having been refrigerated). Nevertheless, the Mac & Cheese was real good.

Okay, so the price is a little steep compared to mainstream restaurants and fastfood joints. After all, Goldilocks' Baked Mac cost about 65 - 75 php. 

Still, it's definitely a place I would consider visiting again. I wasn't able to taste their cakes, but their revel bar sufficed to tell me that its preparation was home-made.. and I just love home-made cooking.

To sum it all up:

***** Ambiance/ Atmosphere - cozy, thematic and just great for friends who want to hang out.

****   Food - Good enough. I haven't tasted the cakes yet, but their Revel Bar was OK! It's not too sweet or too jam-packed with flavor.

***     Price - A little steep in comparison to Banapple (my favorite cake place), but all the well good. Can we go back to the ambiance? It was really cute and adorable.  On the other hand, the pricing just sounds about right if you were to go to a cafe to hang out. It's cheaper than Starbucks albeit the lack of specialized  coffee blends.

Will I go back there to try their cakes? Definitely!

Wolly Winkle Cakes & Cafe is located at #32 Gil Fernando Ave., San Roque, Marikina City

Tel No. 631-76-44

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