Make Your Celebrations Bigger with the Samsung GIGA Fiesta Promo

This weekend features the highlights of the Masskara festival here in Bacolod. Aside from the wonderful activities such as street dancing, fireworks display, electric masskara and huge parties, the Masskara festival is also a time for family reunions. 

Samsung believes that this is also the best time to upgrade your family’s home entertainment system as Samsung launches the GIGA Fiesta promo. 

Some of the exciting deals to choose from:

• Get a free 32-inch Samsung Hyper TV when you buy a Samsung GIGA Sound MX-HS7000 or MX-JS8000.
• Get a free 24-inch Samsung TV and a DVD player when you buy a Samsung GIGA Sound MX-HS6500

These special offers are valid during the MassKara festival from September 30 to October 31, 2016 only.

The Samsung Giga Sound System is the perfect entertainment system for your fiesta celebrations.  It produces 2,400-watts of clear, quality sound with a powerful bass. Create fun and memorable singing sessions with the Karaoke function. Liven up your party with family and friends with the built-in DJ Beat and Lighting effects that pulse to the music’s beat.

Aside from the promo, Samsung and Barangay 107.1 Bacolod FM will had a Giga-oke challenge last October 19 at 8:00 AM at Barangay 16 Covered Court to let the public experience the power of the Samsung GIGA Sound System. In the Giga-oke challenge, contestants performed a song of their choice using the Samsung GIGA Sound System. 

Hassle-Free Bills Payment with Bayad Center

As technology and innovations continue to make our lives easier, we become more aware of different life-hacks – things that help make our daily activities less complicated, giving us time to do more important things like pursuing our passion, starting a hobby or even just have more time to spend with family and friends. 

Paying multiple bills, as you will agree, continues to be a daunting task for us adults as we have to transfer from one place to another, switch from one website to another, just to beat the clock so to speak. Do you know that Bayad Center has transformed itself to a multi-channel facility to help us in whichever situation we’re in? Talk about ultimate convenience.

Over-The-Counter

We know this -- BAYAD CENTER has over 5,000 payment locations nationwide, accepting more than 200 types of bills in its roster.

Take for instance our area here in Bacolod, we see a lot of Bayad Center branches carrying that “bahay-kubo” icon and the Meralco seal on their signages. These branches are strategically located in commercial centers and other convergence areas to cater to your payment needs, as well as other services like Prepaid Loading, Airline Ticketing, and Remittance Payout.

If you’re the one who prefers paying their bills while doing shopping or groceries, Bayad Center powers the bills payment facility of Robinsons Malls & Supermarkets, Savemore, Waltermart, Alfamart, Isetann, Landmark, Sta. Lucia Mall, San Roque Supermarkets, and the Gaisano Malls, so you get the same seal of service and integrity in your payments.

Aside from these establishments, Bayad Center also runs the payment system of LBC, Philpost, 2Go, Cebuana Lhuillier, M. Lhuillier, Tambunting, Villarica, BHF Pawnshop, CVM Pawnshop, Raquel Pawnshop, Palawan Pawnshop, as well as major Western union agents like USSC, eBiz, Pera Hub, and DA5. There’s Luzon Development Bank and Citystate Savings Bank as well.

Overseas Over-The-Counter, Mobile Application & Web-based Facility

Understanding the needs of our Kababayans overseas, Bayad Center has partnered with Saudi Call, for those who are in Saudi Arabia & Ventaja which branches are present worldwide. With these partnerships OFW’s process of sending money to pay for the family’s bills are easily shortened. If you are an OFW who prefers a mobile application, there is - miLine which caters if you are in the countries of Singapore, Japan, Honkong & UAE. You can simply download the app for an easy way of paying bills back home.  miLine’s bills payment system is powered by Bayad Center. On the other hand, Partnership with PLDT Global allows overseas Filipinos to conveniently manage their payables back home through an easy to use web- based payment facility - simply log on to www.smartpinoystore.com. Through the Bayad Center International Bills Pay, overseas workers can already settle their household bills over-the-counter through these accredited partners of Bayad Center in the different countries abroad.

Automated Payment Machine

ATM’s? Well Bayad Center now has APM’s or Automated Payment Machines (APM). Bayad Center’s Touchpay Machines are self-service kiosks whose primary use is to help reduce payors’ waiting time in different payment convergence zones. These APM’s are strategically installed in buildings such as the biller’s business offices, government offices, BPOs, factories, malls, and convenience stores nationwide.

Aside from Bills Payment, the TOUCHPAY MACHINE also offers other services namely, Prepaid Loading, Top-up, E-money, and many more. It’s an easy-to-use machine operating 24/7 so you can pay bills whenever your schedule permits.

Retail Machine

Want to pay your bills but don’t have enough time to go to commercial areas? Bayad Center’s Retail Machine is the answer to your problem. The Retail Machines can be installed in Small & Medium Enterprises such as your ever reliable sari-sari stores, neighborhood pet shops & carwash centers, cooperative offices and even PUV terminals, offering services such as bills payment, remittance & E-Loading.

Soon customers can even pay through their credit card, debit card, or Beep card.

Bayad Center Online

If you’re one of those who prefer doing everything online, Bayad Center Online can cater your payment needs thru http://www.bayadcenteronline.com Paying bills is now made easier at the comfort of your home. And since this is a web-based facility, you can also view and do the transactions on your mobile phone wherever, whenever.

Bills payment for Davao Light and VECO (for Cebu based) are now available. I just hope they include CENECO and BACIWA soon for Negros and Bacolod based customers. 

With Bayad Center, every Filipino, wherever they may be, can always be assured of #TatakSigurado! This is a testament of millions of Filipinos using the service. Now with a multi-channel facility, paying bills has never been easier with Bayad Center.

For more information about Bayad Center, visit http://www.bayadcenter.com. Follow them on Facebook: @BayadCenterOfficial

Business Suggestion: Become a Bayad Center Partner in Your Neighborhood

They say for a business to become successful, one must be able to address the current need/s of your target market. Personally, I believe that aside from addressing the need, it should also be aligned with your own interest and passion. 

As a child, I love playing the part of an office girl. My typical play corner had lots of journals, notepads, pen, calculator and play money. I love processing orders, issuing receipts and doing lots of paperworks. Thus, when I grew a bit older, it has been my dream to have my own business/payment/airline booking center. 

As a homemaker, paying for household electricity, water, cable, and telephone bills is one of my common problems. The worsening traffic, higher fares, and longer queues from one payment office to another, all contribute to the hassle and stress of every paying consumers has to withstand every month. Not to mention since I work from home, I do not have the luxury of time to go out and pay our bills anytime and on different due dates.  

So, the idea of being a one-stop shop for all bills payment and e-loading needs is just perfect and I am so thrilled to discover that Bayad Center just made our lives a lot easier.

Understanding every bill payor's tiring journey, they introduced the Bayad Center Retail Machine. This will enable any small neighborhood establishment to transform into a multi-payment channel. Talk about accessibility and convenience.

Bayad Center Retail Machine carries Meralco's seal of service and integrity to the equation, enabling you to solve all your bills payment woes. You can be assured of #TatakSigurado.

Applying for the Retail Machine franchise is just as easy. With a minimal investment of P60,000, Small and Medium businesses such as your ever reliable sari-sari stores, neighborhood carwash centers, and even PUV terminals into more than just a loading center. This gives you a much higher earning potential if that's what you're looking for. The Retail Machine franchise carries with it the use of the Bayad Center brand and system, which is already a household name for bills payment in the Philippines.

Aside from bills payment, the Retail Machine also offers e-loading service, and soon, airline ticketing and remittance services. 

So, if you are as interested as I am, you may contact 09257146961 or email at franchising@bayadcenter.com for more information. You may also visit www.bayadcenter.com for more details. 

IMPORTANT UPDATE TO ALL BPI DEPOSITORS (August 2016)

I love BPI. Express ATM banking, online and mobile banking are all really convenient for someone like me who does not go out much often. Their express assist (more details here) has been remarkable in cutting my wait time when I go to the branch for my banking needs. However, I only have 2 days left before I lose access to all of these. 

As mentioned in their website, If you are unable to update your account information on or before August 31, 2016, your transactions can only be serviced over-the-counter of our branches.  You will not be able to access your account via any of BPI’s 24/7 electronic channels (i.e. ATM , Online and Mobile) until you have submitted your CIS and ID.  

I guess we all do not have a choice but to comply on this and make sure to act quickly since payday is coming in a few days too. For more details, click here. 

UPDATE: If you check your BPI mobile app under the social feeds, you will see a recent update that states clients are requested to update their information on or before September 30, 2016 instead of the original announcement that says August 31. 


Also, if you have updated your client information this year, then you may disregard the advisory. 

Change The Way You See Love

Whenever we hear "LOVE", the first thing that comes into mind is our feelings towards our partners, family and even friends. 

It is such a short word that is so deep and powerful. Love entails sacrifice, selflessness, and hardwork that brings all of us joy, happiness and self-fulfillment. 

If we talk about our love for our family and friends, I believe that there is no need for further explanation. It's inate to all of us. However, I have always believe that we can still change and expand the way we see love. A love that goes beyond our families, friends and inner circle. A love for a stranger, a love for our fellow men and women, a love for humanity. 

Working in the development sector as a Project Officer allowed me to change the way I see love. Love is about caring for others and helping someone who is in need. Love is about volunteerism and fighting for a cause. Love is all about making a difference in this world It is about giving without expecting anything in return. 

So, Yes! We should all change the way we see love just like how Huawei P9 can "Change the Way You See Mobile Photography”. Huawei P9’s camera is co-engineered with Leica. It has dual lenses that produces high quality photos. It allows users to take amazing monochrome, slo-mo, colored, light painting photos among others. Definitely, expanding our potential in photography. 

With an amazing camera phone, I was able to capture love through volunteerism in support to the program for Persons with Down Syndrome.

How about you? How do you see love? #HuaweiP9, #OO #ChangeTheWayYouSeeLove

The Experience of Being Involved in a Road Accident and Life Lessons

Last September 2015, we bought Cheesecake to the vet for another shot of her vaccinations. Unfortunately, on our way home, we got involved in a road accident with multiple collisions. A 10-wheeler truck driving through the Circumferential Road in Bacolod had a brake malfunction that led to a major road mishap involving a total of 7 vehicles. 

Though we are still very thankful that there are no casualties involved. Damage to property was extensive since the truck which carried a heavy equipment/ backhoe had hit a Kia Avanza, Nissan Pathfinder whose tires blew up, a 2-month-old Mitsubishi Montero, a 6-wheeler truck carrying sacks of cement, a motorcycle with a sidecar and our Nissan Sentra. 

It was our first time to be involved in an accident and I had a mix of emotions. There was shock, fear, anxiety, and anger. I composed myself and went down the car. I saw the driver and just looked at him with the facial expression "What the hell did just happen?" He was apologetic and was explaining about the brakes. So, I just let go. We checked on the other cars if anyone was injured then found a way to contact my dad. 

Since I have always believed that everything happens for a reason, let me share some life lessons and realizations I have because of the accident.

1. Always wear your seat belt. I know a lot of us are guilty of not wearing seat belts all the time. Most drivers and passengers only wear them because of the fear of getting apprehended. But I tell you, it makes a difference. I was lucky to be wearing a seat belt during the accident. The impact was strong and without it, I could have hit my head on the dashboard. 

2. Accidents happen in a blink of an eye. Yes, accidents happen very fast and at a time you least expect it. Val and I were happy having a conversation and boom! The damage has been done. It is the same reason why we should never text and drive because your eyes and focus should always be on the road.  

3. Always check your brakes. Driving your car is not all about getting your car to move without problems. It is also very important that we check our cars for our own safety, Make sure that the brakes are working, tires are good and the steering wheel is moving freely, etc. I know that accidents can't be controlled (that's why they are called accidents) but that only gives us enough reason not to drive very fast because the faster you are, the harder for you to control your vehicle in cases of brake malfunction or accidents. 

4. Never drive without your valid driver's license and registration papers. In case of accidents, there would be a traffic investigator who would make an incident report. They would be asking for these documents. 

5. Make sure to charge your phones, I was in a hurry when we left home and forgot to charge my home. I have a measly 20% battery. So, after a few calls and messages, my phone died. Val also did not bring his phone because he said he was with me and wouldn't need to text anyone. Well, during the accident, I did not have a way to contact my dad for help. We ended up asking a stranger to text my dad for me. We also did not have a way to take pictures as evidence that we had to rely on the ones taken by the police. 

It took some time for our car to get fixed. Apparently, the truck who hit us did not have on-damage insurance. So, negotiating with them was a bit hard. Will post updates about our case. The only thing that we are certain is that they are the ones responsible for the damages. How we wished to have owned a dashboard camera so that the negotiations should have been faster with more evidence. On the other hand, I have also realized how important it is to have a comprehensive insurance and not just the TPL required by LTO because once you're at fault, the stress and liability is so extensive.

FREE doughnuts to make your day sweeter from the SM Mobile App

SM Supermalls is bringing back its “Download & Win” in-app mobile game and sweetening the deal by giving away 3 Original Glazed® Krispy Kreme doughnuts each to 100 unique SM Supermalls mobile app registered users every day from April 30 to June 30, 2016. 

Embedded within the SM Supermalls Mobile App, “Download & Win” was the first digital scratch card promotion in the country. Its launch during SM Supermalls’ 30th Anniversary was marked with the giving away of exciting prizes such as free mobile data, free Spotify, Facebook, Games, Unli-Call and Unli Text every day for the entire month of March.

The celebration resumes this month with a shower of doughnuts! And joining can’t be simpler – just download the mobile app and get a chance to win. 

Upon signing up in the SM Supermalls mobile app, you will receive a digital scratch card on the app. Scratch off the gray area to find out if you won. Get another shot of winning the next day until the end of the promo period. With some good luck and the daily habit of checking the app, you’ll be closer to sinking your teeth into those craveable doughnut treats for free. 

The SM Supermalls Mobile App is free on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. 

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SMMobileApp-iTunes

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SMMobileApp-GooglePlay

Aside from this treat, there are also other reasons why I love about the #SMMobileApp

• I am able to see current promotions in all SM branches.
• I can filter it according to a specific location or mall
• I can see list of stores and establishment
• Checking cinema schedule has never been more accessible. 
• You get exclusive coupons through the #SMMobileApp
• It also allows you to save your parking details just to make sure you don't forget or get lost. 

To keep up to date on what’s new, visit SM Supermalls website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Viber Public Chat, and Snapchat.

Puppies, Death and Moving On

I have been a pet parent to Crumpy for 10 years. Having only one furbaby at home, I was not really concerned about having puppies until the time we rescued and adopted, Cheesecake. (See separate story about the rescue, here.)

Well, we really did not want another puppy since we all know that having one is a lifetime commitment however, we can't really stop the "uncontrollable" especially that we have one male and one female dog. (You know what I mean.) 

I just took note of the date when it happened so that at least if Cheesecake gets pregnant, I would know when to expect her delivery. Well, she really got pregnant and last March 5, 2016, was the big day. I was excited and scared at the same time. Cheesecake started panting and was very uneasy. She did not want to stay in the whelping box we prepared. (I guess it was my fault since we really did not train her to stay there and she's so used staying on the little bed we made for her inside our room.) I was so lost and have no idea what will happen. Val had to go to work so technically, I am the only adult or let's say human at home. I have been researching online on what to expect, dangers and what should I do in case of an emergency. I even contacted my cousin, Macil whose a doctor and my friend Jen who recently had a dog that gave birth. I was like a husband outside the delivery room -- excited, scared and helpless as I hear Cheesecake crying, panting while giving birth. 

She gave birth at exactly 12:36 AM. I wasn't sure if it's a boy or girl and was undecided with a name. We wanted it to start with the Letter C just like his parents, Crumpy and Cheesecake. I was so happy to see the little puppy beside Cheesecake though I won't be able to hold her yet. I was so contented watching her from afar. I did not sleep that night. I just wanted to make sure that they are both safe and okay. 

It is a wonderful feeling of seeing another bundle of joy coming into our life. Our family is getting bigger. I did not care about our plan not to have another dog anymore. More barks mean more fun. I was ready for another lifetime commitment to see those little toes grow, watch those little eyes open kiss that red nose (just like Crumpy's) and give this little furbaby a life that she deserves. 

Day 2 was as just as wonderful. I was very concerned about the welfare of Cheesecake. She was still heavily panting and I was so worried since I read stories about placenta did not go out or other pregnancy complications. Good thing, Cheesecake was eating and drinking well. We found out that furbaby was a girl yet still do not have a name. We decided to call her "Baby" for the time being. She was okay and got all the attention of Cheesecake since there are no other puppies. We moved them to the living room since it was warmer. Unfortunately, Cheesecake was crying all night since she was not used to sleeping away from us. We all decided to sleep downstairs instead and slept together. This is what Ohana is all about. Well, I was not really able to sleep well. A little bit of sound and I would wake up immediately. I was just so worried and scared. 

Then the worst thing happened, it was the afternoon of March 7 when we lost "Baby" It was only a few hours that I was not really paying attention since I had to work. I work from home but had to send out some emails for a client so I stayed inside the room leaving them outside. Perhaps it was after 2 hours that I was not able to check on them when I saw "Baby" lifeless. I was shouting and crying at the same time. I did not know what to do during emergency situations. I did not know what was wrong but I lost our little furbaby. 

It was painful. When you treat someone as your family, it would not matter how long you had each other. She was able to capture my heart immediately. I cried and cried. No matter how painful it is, I realized that you still have to do what you have to do. I looked for a box where we can place her. I made a little bed inside the box and placed her there like a little angel sleeping. However, I asked Val to close the box because I can't do it myself. We decided to bury her in the garden the same night. Lit a candle, placed some flowers and offered her a prayer. 

I was lost. It was heartbreaking. Val had to work that night. I had to deal this on my own. There was a feeling of guilt. I felt I did not do enough for her. I was thinking of what I have done wrong. Tears were just overflowing. It was one of the saddest moments of my life. 

Whenever I think of her, I still cry. They say that crying is part of moving on and moving on is not about forgetting. It is all about acceptance of what happened while keeping the memories inside your heart. 

I am writing this since it's been a month since we lost her. In memory of my little furbaby, please remember that you will always be loved. Have fun in the rainbow bridge. 

No More Hassles for Home Improvements

You're ready to tear your hair out. You're tired of looking at the same arrangements in your home and you are ready for a change. You have an extra bedroom that make a great office. You think it's time to add one more bathroom to give everyone in the family more flexibility. The kitchen is another priority. You want to enhance this space that acts as the heart of your home. That's all well and good, but you have no idea where to get started.

Be Specific About What You Want
If you are going to give your home an overhaul, you don't want to be vague about it. Whether you review magazines, look online, or get home improvement books, take a look at your alternatives. Find exactly what you want for your home. This will give you a starting point. It will also help you when you are dealing with contractors. If you are going to get a good idea of what will be involved in your project, you need to know where you are going. 

Compare Contractors
Don't jump at the first name you see. You may have friends or family members that have recommended reputable companies to take on your renovations. Before you settle for anyone, make sure that you have explored all of your options. With Renovation Experts, you will have access to a network of contractors that includes thousands of qualified providers from across the country. When you fill out the online form that is available or call in to provide the details about your project, you can sit back and relax. Someone will be in touch with you. As area contractors receive the details about your project, they will contact you in order to review the job. They'll also offer you an estimate, helping you to make an informed decision. You want to know what you are getting into before you hire anyone.

See Your Project Take Shape
After considering your options, comparing quotes, and looking at reviews, you can select a contractor who will take your ideas and put them into action. You'll finally get what you want out of your home. It simply takes placing your home in good hands. Get a quote for free here from Renovation Experts. It won't cost you a dime and will give you the thrill of getting started.

Renovation Experts - http://renovationexperts.com/contactus.asp

View Philhealth Contributions and Print MDR Online

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or most commonly called (PhilHealth) was established in 1995 as a National Health Insurance Program for both employed and unemployed sectors. For just a minimal amount paid monthly (for employed), quarterly (for voluntary) and free (for indigents and senior citizens), it is certainly a big help. It may not cover your entire hospital bill but is deducts a substantial amount from it. 

The only thing we must remember is that you have to pay in advance for you to be able to use it and having a Philhealth ID or number is not enough to be qualify for the benefits. For the employed sector, one must have 3 months contribution within the last six months before the first day of confinement. 

With this strict rules for availment, we should also be keen in checking that our hard-earned contributions are remitted and posted properly to avoid delays or problems by the time that we need it. 

The good news is we can already check our Philhealth contributions online through http://www.philhealth.gov.ph/. We just need to simply create an account through the member inquiry on the right side of the homepage.  

To register, you will need the following information:

• Philhealth Identification Number (no dashes) 
• First and Last Name
• Mobile Number
• Sex
• Birthday
• Email Address

After submitting your information and answering the security questions, you will be sent an activation email.

Just click the link provided and you will also receive your login details where your username is your Philhealth Identification Number and a default password. 

After clicking the link, you will get a prompt that your account has been activated and you may now login. 

Once your account is activated, you may now view your contributions and even print an MDR which is the main requirement for claiming. 

If you still have questions, let me know on the comments section below. 

No scam: Easy and Convenient Investing through Sun Life

Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI) is kicking off the Year of the Fire Monkey with a new offering that will help Filipinos conveniently grow their money: the Sun Life Prosperity Card.

A first of its kind in the market, the Sun Life Prosperity Card is a gift card worth P5,000 which may be invested in any of the peso-denominated mutual funds managed by SLAMCI under its Sun Life Prosperity Funds. 

“As Filipinos, we follow many of the Chinese New Year traditions that are believed to bring in luck and fortune. SLAMCI encourages everyone to complement these traditions with action, with the help of the Sun Life Prosperity Card,” SLAMCI President Valerie “Riena” Pama said. “They can use the card to begin their investing journey or give it as a gift of prosperity. The best part about it is that it grows in value over time.”

The Sun Life Prosperity Card may be purchased from a Sun Life Financial Advisor, at any Sun Life Financial Store, or online at sunlifeprosperity.com.ph. This paves the way for an easier and more convenient route in investing in mutual fund. With this newest offer from SLAMCI, we all hope that this will encourage more Filipinos to have the habit of investing, earn passive income and ultimately achieve financial security. 

In line with this, SLAMCI’s financial literacy advocate Matteo Guidicelli will be spearheading the multi-media campaign. “I am proud to be part of this campaign because I understand the importance of investing for the future and the value of financial freedom,” Matteo said. “With the Sun Life Prosperity Card, even the youth can easily start investing, because it’s easy to purchase and can be conveniently activated.”

Apart from the Sun Life Prosperity Card, SLAMCI is also set to launch more new offerings as the year unfolds. Two new dollar-denominated funds will be introduced as the latest additions to the Sun Life Prosperity Funds, while a regular investment program will also be initiated in partner banks.

SLAMCI will also be enhancing its digital capabilities and further strengthening its presence in key cities nationwide. Meanwhile, the company will also continue with its multi-media campaign dubbed “Slam the Scam,” which was created as a response to the proliferation of investment scams in the country. With actor Matteo Guidicelli at the forefront, the campaign imparts practical tips on what to consider when choosing an investment company, as well as red flags on dubious organizations

“This 2016, SLAMCI’s aims to introduce more Filipinos to investing and encourage them to explore a wider array of financial instruments that would enable them to achieve their financial goals,” Pama said. “We look forward to touching more lives and helping them find their way to prosperity.”

No More Mosquitoes: The Beautiful and Fragrant Way

I hate mosquitoes. Aside from fact that I am concerned about diseases that they bring like dengue fever, getting mosquito bites which is very itchy is also very irritating. Thus, I grew up using mosquito coils (katol) and insect repellants like "off lotion." 

With attempts to go natural and organic, I am happy to find out about the natural repellants that we can use. 

1. Citronella - This is the most common of all. It is actually from a grass variety and it features a clean, outdoorsy scent. My mom usually buys citronella scented candles. 

2. Lavender - My favorite scent and commonly used in aromatherapy. We can actually grow these plants at home and can double as a decoration. 

3. Eucalyptus - It features a fresh and minty scent commonly used in oils. It is also known to treat colds and flu. 

4. Lemongrass - This is a fresh and sweet smelling scent that is highly effective in warding away mosquitoes. It is also known for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. 

So, before the rainy season begins, please make sure that you find the right mosquito repellant for you and your family. Remember that our fight against them do not end by spraying on our bodies but we can also use the repellants in our home in a beautiful and fragrant way.