Paypal to GCASH missing funds? How to Get Your Money Back Faster

If you had been following my blog and Facebook page, then you'll know that I love GCASH. Val and I have been getting a lot of discounts, perks, and promotions ever since we decided to go cashless. Not to mention, the convenience of online bills payment and online banking (You can read more about it here.) 

As a freelancer, one of the major reasons why I use GCASH is the real-time withdrawals from Paypal to GCASH account at no additional cost. This means I do not have to wait for the usual 2-3 banking days if I withdraw my Paypal funds through my regular bank account. 

Unfortunately, there is really no perfect system. We can't deny the fact that Paypal to GCASH transfer sometimes fails. Personally, I have experienced this around 4x already. Though I got my money back, I suffered anxiety, inconvenience contacting their customer service plus the dilemma of not getting your funds on time when needed. It was such a huge hassle that I can only imagine all negative emotions that every customer has when he/she sees his/her Paypal account deducted but the GCASH funds are missing. 

The common course of action is that customers can call the GCASH hotline, 2882. They can also email customer support and file a dispute. Unfortunately, these options are not really customer-friendly. You may need to wait at least 1-2 hours before you get to talk to a live representative if you call the hotline while the turnaround time for email responses is 24-72 hours. If you're unlucky, you may get a resolution after a week. 

Thus, I am happy to share with you a workaround in case your Paypal to GCASH withdrawals fail. Instead of calling GCASH customer service, all you need to do is file a dispute through Paypal directly. 

Here are three (3) easy steps on how you can report directly to Paypal: 

Step #1: Login to your Paypal account and open the transaction details. On the lower right part of the screen, select "Report an issue" 

Step # 2: After clicking "Report an issue", a new window will open asking you what type of issue would you like to report. In this case, select " I didn't receive an item I purchase. " 

Step # 3: Provide details of your purchase. Select "Service, ticket or digital good." and on the provide additional information field, you can write "Gcash funds did not reflect on my account." then click submit. 

You should receive a confirmation regarding your report via email. Wait for feedback and resolution from Paypal. Based on my personal experience, I usually get an update and a completed fund reversal in just 1-2 hours. Once you see the funds available again, you may retry to withdraw via GCASH or simply use another withdrawal option. 

Here's a brief timeline on my GCASH incident report: 

via GCASH Email - I sent an email on June 28, 2019 with all the details. Had to follow up after 4 days (July 2) and got a response by July 8, 2019. Sadly, that is 10 days after my transaction. 

via Paypal - I sent my dispute around 11:13 AM on July 2 and got a full refund from Paypal by 12:58pm. :)  

Note: There are also instances that the pre-approved payments for GCASH will be canceled once you file a report against them. If this happens, all you need to do is just link back your Paypal account to your GCASH account via the GCASH app. 

Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the exact processing time of the said report or request for funds reversal. Please follow these tips at your own discretion. 

Still don't have a GCASH account?  You may register via this link: https://gcsh.app/r/r7p8nsm and get Php 50 instantly.

The Best Way to Lock your Mobile Phone

Every mobile device has a built-in capability to screen lock for security reasons. Most of us set our device to automatically lock when it goes to sleep to avoid accidentally calling someone or delete important apps or files. Also, we don't want other people to readily have access to our devices. 

But have you thought about what is the best way to lock our phones? 

Whether you choose to set a PIN, Pattern or Swipe, one should opt to lock his or her phone screen in a way it would allow them to get free mobile load or gift certificates. 

Is this even possible and legit? Yes, definitely. PERA SWIPE is the latest popular mobile app available for Android users. You can download it for free at Google Play Store. 

PERA SWIPE aims to provide an efficient all-in-one lock screen platform for Filipino smartphone users. PERA SWIPE will also bring added value to content and promotions by rewarding users with points that can be redeemed for mobile load and other prizes.

How do you get points? There are actually various ways to get PERA SWIPE points. 

First, by swiping left or right.

• Get +1 point from every swipe.
• Get +3 points for up to 4 times every hour.
• Get more points from lock screen events and app installs.
• Swipe and scroll up and down on your PERA SWIPE lock screen 100 times a day and get 30 bonus points the next day.
• Earn up to 200+ points every day by just swiping!

Second, joining events and contests conducted by PERA SWIPE.

• Follow PERA SWIPE’s events and announcements in the app or on their Facebook page to join contests and win exciting prizes from Gift Certificates to Smartphones and even flight tickets!

Lastly, inviting friends to install PERA SWIPE. 

• Earn 555 points from referring friends. The more friends you invite, the more points you can get.

It's very easy, right? So, what are you waiting for? Download now at https://goo.gl/KnFjgL and sign-up using this referral code: mymetrolifestyle and get 555 points instantly! 

Do you have any questions? Feel free to comment below.

FREE Premium Bus Rides and Shuttle Transfers from NAIA

Public transportation has drastically improved because of the availability of premium buses. Due to the traffic and high fuel prices, I  personally prefer not to be picked up at the airport whenever I am in Manila. Instead, I just take these P2P buses. After all, it's safe, convenient and very cost-effective.

So if you haven't tried this service or if you love taking these NAIA shuttle transfers, you are in for a treat! Here's how you can get a free ticket/ ride: 

Go to: http://bit.ly/NAIABusTransfers

Use code: EXPLOREHOME

Pick a bus schedule that's most convenient with your arrival time and choose among many premium bus options. 

Aside from non-stop travel from the airport to your choice of destination, these buses are also equipped with Wi-Fi to keep you connected while on the road. No need to worry about your time of arrival as a new bus will come every 30 minutes. 

Bus Service Routes and Schedule:

NAIA to/from Century City Mall Makati

• NAIA Terminals 1-3 to Century City Mall: 4:30am-9:00pm
• Century City Mall to NAIA: 6:00am-11:00pm

NAIA to/from Roxas Blvd. Area

• NAIA Terminals 1-3 to Heritage Hotel, Midas Hotel, Atrium Hotel, Networld Hotel, Hotel Jen, Diamond Hotel, Robinsons Place Manila, New World Manila, Pan Pacific, Century Park Hotel, Manila Pavillion, Manila Hotel, Bayleaf Hotel Manila, Bayview Park Hotel, and Luneta Hotel: 8:00am-11:00pm
• Roxas Blvd. Area to NAIA: 10:00am-10:00pm

NAIA to/from SM Mall of Asia and Entertainment City Vicinity

• NAIA Terminals 1-3 to SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Kabayan Hotel, Conrad Manila, Microtel, Golden Phoenix Hotel, Hotel 101, Red Planet, Solaire Resort & Casino, City of Dreams, Icon Hotel, and Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX): 8:00am-11:00pm
• SM Mall of Asia and Entertainment City Vicinity to NAIA: 10:00am-10:00pm

Point to Point Bus Service:

• Please note: For arrival transfers, participants originating from Terminals 1,2, and 4 will be picked up and transferred to Terminal 3

NAIA to/from Ortigas

• NAIA Terminal 3 to Robinsons Galleria: Departs every 6:00am, 7:30am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, and 9:00pm
• Robinsons Galleria to NAIA: Departs every 6:00am, 7:30am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, and 9:00pm

NAIA to/from Cubao

• NAIA Terminal 3 to Araneta Cubao: Departs every 4:30am, 5:30am, 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm, and 11:00pm
• Araneta Cubao to NAIA: Departs every 12:00am, 2:00am, 4:30am, 5:30am, 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm, and 11:00pm

NAIA to/from Alabang

• NAIA Terminal 3 to Alabang Town Center/Ayala Southpark: Departs every 4:30am, 8:00am, 11:30am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm, and 11:00pm
• NAIA Terminal 3 to Starmall Alabang: Departs every 4:00am, 7:00am, 10:30am, 2:00pm, 6:30pm, and 10:00pm
• Alabang Town Center to NAIA: Departs every 3:30am, 6:30am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 5:00pm, and 9:00pm
• Ayala South Park to NAIA: Departs every 3:00am, 6:00am, 10:00am, 1:00pm, 4:30pm, and 8:30pm
• Starmall Alabang to NAIA: Departs every 2:30am, 5:30am, 9:00am, 12:30pm, 4:00pm, 8:30pm, and 11:30pm

NAIA to/from Sta. Rosa

• NAIA Terminal 3 to Solenad 2 Nuvali: Departs every 3:30am, 7:30am, 12:30pm, 5:30pm, and 10:30pm
• NAIA Terminal 3 to Robinsons Tagapo: Departs every 4:30am, 9:00am, 2:00pm, 7:00pm, and 12:00pm
• Solenad 2 Nuvali to NAIA: Departs every 2:30am, 5:00am, 10:00am, 3:00pm, 8:00pm, and 12:00am
• Robinsons Tagapo to NAIA: Departs every 3:00am, 6:30am, 11:30am, 4:30pm, and 10:00pm

Meet Up Information:

• Please be at the meet up location 15 minutes prior to your preferred departure time
• An UBE Express representative will be waiting at these meet up locations holding a Klook placard for 30 minutes before proceeding with the transfer
• If you arrive past the waiting time and cannot be contacted, you will be considered a no-show. The bus will leave and you will have to catch the next bus

Makati to NAIA

• Location: Century City Mall
• Address: Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Please see map for reference

Roxas Bldv. Area to NAIA

• Location: Robinsons Place Manila
• Address: Robinsons Place Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Ermita, Manila. Please see map for reference

Entertainment City and Mall of Asia to NAIA

• Location: Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX)
• Address: Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Paranaque City. Please see mapfor reference

Ortigas to NAIA

• Location: Robinsons Galleria, waiting shed of Robinsons Ortigas beside EDSA Shrine Chapel
• Address: Robinsons Galleria EDSA Shrine Chapel, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Please see map for reference

Cubao to NAIA

• Location: Araneta Center Bus Terminal, General Aguinaldo Ave. at the back of Shopwise
• Address: Araneta Center Bus Terminal, Times Square Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Please see map for reference

Alabang to NAIA

• Location: Ayala South Park
• Address: Ayala South Park, National Road, Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila. Please see map for reference
• Location: Alabang Town Center
• Address: Alabang Town Center, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila. Please see map for reference
• Location: Starmall Alabang Entrance
• Address: Starmall Alabang, South Super Highway, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila. Please see map for reference

Sta. Rosa to NAIA

• Location: Solenad 2 Nuvali near Roinsons Supermarket, Solenad 2
• Address: Solenad 2, Santa Rosa - Tagaytay Rd, Nuvali Boulevard, Don Jose, Santa Rosa, 4026 Laguna. Please see map for reference
• Location: Robinsons Tagapo near Robinsons Mall, old National Sta. Rosa Laguna
• Address: Robinsons Sta. Rosa, Old National Highway, Santa Rosa, Laguna. Please see map for reference

Important reminders: 

• Valid for new accounts only. 
• Just choose Dragonpay/ OTC-Bank as the payment method. Since order total is zero. The order will be automatically be confirmed.

Love promos like this? Join our exclusive community, Filipino Moms Who Budget and Save

Don't forget to comment below once you have claimed your free ticket/ vouchers. 

[NATIONWIDE] Where can you donate your old clothes?

Did you know that you can donate your old clothes to H&M?

H&M Philippines encourages customers to bring and donate their old clothes (whether in good or bad condition) in exchange for store discount vouchers. This is their way of helping lessen the garbage brought about by the fashion industry. After all, fashion is too precious to end up in the landfills.  

How to donate?

There is no minimum number of pieces. You just have to fill a paper bag with old clothing (no matter what brand or condition) and bring to any H&M store nationwide. 

However, please take note that there is a limit of only 2 vouchers per customer per day regardless of how much clothes you are donating. (Approximately one bag full of clothes is equal to one 15% discount voucher) 

If you are curious what does H&M does with these donated clothes, these old garments are collected by their partner, I:Collect. These are then sorted into three categories: 

• Rewear – old clothes that are still in good condition and can be resold.
• Reuse – old clothes and textiles that can be reused and turned into other materials like cleaning cloths.
• Recycle – everything else is turned into textile fibers, and used for things like insulation.

The proceeds are donated to H&M Foundation and split between social projects and recycling projects. Also, for every kilogram of garment collected, I:Collect donates 0.02 euros UNICEF Philippines. You can read more about it here. 

So, what are you waiting for? It's about time we all get stylish yet responsible Filipino citizens. Whether you are from Manila, Cebu, Davao or Bacolod, you can now donate your old clothes to any H&M branch in the Philippines. 

UPDATE: I just donated another bag last August 17, 2018. So, for those who are asking -- yes, this is still ongoing. Also, here's the voucher that they are giving away.