Surprising Perks for Senior Citizens in Bacolod

Getting old isn't really so bad. One of the best perks when you reach dual citizenship (a.k.a. Senior Citizen) is that you get special discounts and privileges. 

Some of the law-mandated and government-initiated privileges include: 

• Discounts and VAT Exemptions on medicines, medical tests and procedures, medical supplies and equipment, food and basic commodities, hotels and transportation fees, recreation centers and in places of leisure such as cinemas, parks, museums, etc. 
• Automatic PHILHEALTH coverage under the Senior Citizen Category
• Exemption from paying terminal fees at all ports owned and operated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) nationwide. 
• Priority lanes in government offices and commercial establishments
• Free dental and medical services in government facilities

But that's not all --- In Bacolod City, senior citizens get extra privileges aside from the ones mandated by law. Some of which are: 

1. Lopues Centre - 10% discount on selected dry goods. We were able to try in at Lopues East only and I have yet to verify if it is the same in other branches. 

2. Ayala Capitol Central Cinema - Free movie every Monday during its first screening. Make sure to just present your Senior Citizen ID issued by the City of Bacolod. Other SC cards issued from another city are not honored. Only 20% discount will apply. 

Source: Ayala Malls Capitol Central FB Page

3. Azta Urban Salon, Ayala Capitol - 20% discount on all services

Source: Azta Urban Salon FB Page

** If you visit on a Monday (perhaps, after watching a movie) for only Php 200, you can get a haircut and a FREE Loreal Hair Spa. The FREE hair spa offer is valid until August 15, 2019.

4. Waxcuvado Salon, Ayala Capitol  - 20% discount on all services

You can read more about their services, here. 

Do you know any other special privileges available for Senior Citizens? Feel free to comment below or send us a message at www.facebook.com/mymetrolifestyle so, that we can add it in this post. 

Free Mcdo Regular Fries and Solo Big Mac for Samsung Users

If you are an owner of a Samsung Galaxy S10e | S10 | S10+, Note9, A30, A50, and A20 then you're in for a treat! 

Get FREE Regular Fries every Friday and FREE Big Mac every Payday via the Samsung Members app.

How to redeem:

1. Visit any McDonald's branch near you.

2. Tap on 'Redeem' button at the counter upon payment. 

3. Show your Samsung Galaxy phone with Samsung Members voucher code to the merchant to redeem the reward.

4. Staff will verify and record the redemption code.

** The FREE regular fries promo is valid until October 18, 2019 while the Big Mac promo is valid until September 15, 2019. 

Important Reminders: 

1. Customers can redeem their McDonald's treats at participating McDonald's stores (except McDonald's Boracay stores, NAIA Terminal 3, and KidZania).

2. Promo is valid for front counter Dine-in and Take-out orders only. Dessert Centers, Drive-thru, and McDelivery are not included.

3. One (1) McDonald's treat code is equivalent to one (1) free McDonald's treat. The McDonald's treats code may only be used once and cannot be reissued.

4. Customers can only redeem a maximum of three (3) free McDonald's treat per transaction, per store visit, per day.

Click here for full mechanics

City Mayors who bring hope for man's best friend

As a mom of 3 dogs, I have always been concerned about animal welfare. My heart bleeds every time I see a dog or a cat abandoned, abused or worse, killed. As an individual, I can only do so much - like adopting or fostering a dog, donating to animal shelters and volunteering. 

For many years, I have always wondered what the government is doing to protect these poor creatures. There are a lot of stories where city dog pounds are just like "hell." The LGU workers assigned do not really care about the dogs. Many would even say that the dogs in the pound do not have food because the city does not have a budget. We also heard a lot of horror stories as to how the city dog pound euthanizes the dogs. They do not really care about how much pain they suffer. What matters is that they get rid of the dogs. For me, it was inhumane. 

Don't you think these poor voiceless creatures also have the right to live? Are they the ones who should pay for the irresponsible actions of their previous owners? Why is the government not doing anything for their welfare? 

However, today I found hope when I read the story circulating online about a dog slaughtered and eaten near the port area in Tondo, Manila. It is such a relief that this time the government did not turn a blind eye on the incident. Mayor Isko Moreno through some PNP men responded in less than an hour and the suspect was apprehended and is currently detained. 

Source: Isko Moreno FB Page

Last July 26, Mayor Isko had a meeting with some animal rights group and he gave an assurance that "There will be a place for them" while showing the plans for a new city pound. 

Here in the Visayas region. we learned that the newly elected Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. has ordered department heads to make Talisay City, Cebu a pet-friendly city. 

Source: Office of the City Mayor

The huge open area at the Talisay City Hall is now open to our pet dogs and cats for them to get some exercise. Mayor Samsam believes that the welfare of our pets is also important. Pet owners just need to get a pet pass from the City Veterinary Office by showing their dog's unexpired vaccination records for them to enjoy the city hall grounds.

While researching, we also learned that the Talisay City LGU has been implementing other projects for our dearly beloved pets. They also offer FREE spay and neuter services (which is uncommon for most LGUs because they say it is expensive and there is no budget), FREE rabies vaccination, deworming and even vitamin supplementation. 

They even celebrate a Pet Day headed by the City where there are free veterinary services, a pet blessing, pet fashion show and IEC campaigns on animal welfare. 

Now we can't help but think: what if we have more government officials like this? Can the world be a safer place for both humans and animals? We currently do not have the answers but we are just so happy to find an ally with these local chief executives. We can now start hoping for the best for our furry friends.

If you know any outstanding local government initiatives for our pets, feel free to message us at www.facebook.com/mymetrolifestyle so, we can add and update this post. 

Feel free to share this post to inspire others especially government officials. Thank you! 

Why Mommy Support Groups are Important?

There are a lot of definitions of what Motherhood is with endless adjectives to describe it. It is certainly wonderful however, they also say it is messy, noisy and sometimes crazy. 

According to Donna Bell of www.todaysthebestday.com,

It is a 24/7 job with no rest days. There can never be a perfect mother yet there a million ways to be a good one. However, in this age of time where technology has certainly made our lives easier through unlimited access to information and resources, one cannot deny the fact that Mommy Support Groups online are very important nowadays.

Though it is a challenge to find one where you can be yourself without being judged, I am happy to discover quite a number of online support groups that had been my home. Whether you're tired, happy or nervous, you certainly have someone to share this to aside from family and friends. 

And now, I would like to invite you and other mommies to join our newest community, Filipino Moms Who Budget and Save. 

In this group, we believe that being a mom is hard but budgeting is even harder. Thus, this growing community is a place for moms and moms-to-be to share the things that can help you in budgeting and how to save money. It is also a great place to get updated with the latest promotions, deals, and freebies (a.k.a. Tipid Hacks) 

So, join this growing community and become a "wais mom" as they call it. Feel to invite your other mommy friends too. See you inside. :) 

P.S. Here's the link to the group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BudgetandSavePH/