I Miss Blogging. I Miss You.

Due to my new work, I need to go back to Manila and therefore live in my former apartment, which means no internet for me in the weekdays. I can't sneak in some blogging activities in the office since it's illegal. (Though I did so in my former offices, but then they're not that strict. Don't think I'm a procrastinator. I am, but in an efficient way if there can be efficiency to be said about it. Haha.)

It's been two weeks in the new chapter of my life. Please bear with me.


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Convince Me that Max Payne isn't Boring

I watched Max Payne last night without any expectations whatever because I don't play the game. I wanted to doze off on the start of the film but I considered watching it still because it wasn't my habit to sleep in the cinema. (I'd rather go home instead for that.) Nevertheless, I got to the middle part of the movie and I was still anticipating for something better. I went to the washroom to pee and didn't mind a few minutes off. It seemed that the movie is ending and I still didn't feel its climax nor understood its sensibility (if there is).

Never was I bored in a Hollywood action film. But there's always a first time. Anyway, Max Payne is still a hit because of its popularity. However, good luck with the story.

There are much better Wahlberg films out there.

Slap me, won't you?

My Patience is Running Out

*** Update: I received my refund! Yay! ***

I'm a patient person, really. I truly am. But, Danvil, you're getting on my nerves. Here's some virtual smoke.

(Note to kids: I've never tried smoking in my whole life.)

Easy Come
Thanks to Recipe Hotline for sharing this good info on processing of insurance policies, as commented in my previous post:

Well as far as I know since you signed up saturday evening your application would be process monday which is the regular business day. I just don't know if they process application on a sunday. Granting they process applications for new policy holders even on sundays, your application would be underwritten by the company's underwriter. It would go for an evaluation before they could give you a policy number. This is how I know because I've been working in an insurance company for 7 years. So, if you went there sunday afternoon, they should have canceled it per your request because your application is still on process that is why there's no amount yet being debited on your CC because they're not yet done with the underwriting.

By the way, Danvil Plans, Inc is formerly Berkley International Plans.

So given that knowledge and going back to when I got my policy that Saturday night, how come they were able to finish off the policy and give me my contract number in just a few minutes? (The presentation itself took more or less an hour but the approval of papers were in a jiffy.)

But Not Easy Go
Okay, so given that I have to wait for 30-45 days for the chargeback of that transaction, Danvil should still polish its system. I called yesterday to follow up on this and they told me that the courier sent my cancellation papers to the head office. I asked them if they could fax my Statement of Account in the office so I won't go through the hassle of going there. (SM Pampanga and Clark are not neighbors, I tell you.) They said they'll try and I gave the fax number.

Come this lunchtime and I followed up on them again. (That's how much I don't trust their word.) Choco (this time I got the name alright) told me that I'd get the credit memo after 2 weeks. And the Statement of Account was different from the credit memo. Fine, they also have problems with explanations. They told me on Sunday that I'd get the credit memo today and now they tell me that it's only a Statement of Account. Before you speak, you should know what you're talking about. I've actually talked to 4 people on the phone on different occasions besides the three people I talked to personally last Sunday and their explanations don't match.

I'm Still Waiting
Okay (again), so given that I'd only get a Statement of Account which states that my policy has been cancelled since inception, where do you write your notes there? My SOA hasn't been faxed yet as of this writing because "their fax machine is currently being repaired." Jeff, the last Danvil employee I talked to on the phone as of late, told me that they might be able to fax it by 5pm. Is that an excuse for delay? I hope not.

***Update: I got my SOA as of 4:30pm today. Whew!***

Customer Service Should be a Priority
Yesterday, I also emailed gstamaria@danvil.ph, mypolicy@danvil.com.ph, and mypolicy@familyfirst.com to follow up on my cancelled policy. A minute ago, I've also inquired in Prudential Life if the policy was really theirs. Let's see if Prudential Life's customer service will beat Danvil's "speed."

Tech Tags: SM Pampanga, Family First, Danvil, Prudential Life, insurance, schemes, trust fund

I Hate Inefficiency

I hate people who don't do their jobs correctly when they're supposed to.

Duped and Stupid
I got a policy in "Prudential Life Plans Insurance" last Saturday night (Oct 11) at SM Pampanga under Danvil Plans, Inc., whose agent told me they're the marketing arm of Prudential Life. After mulling over the on-the-spot decision I made, I came back to my house anxious and wanted to bring back time. I felt duped and stupid.

No Such Thing as Non-Refund
So I came back to Danvil's office on Sunday afternoon (Oct 12). (I didn't notice the first time I went there that Family First was the signage on top of the office. Damn.) I gave my cancellation letter and policy so they can process my cancellation and refund ASAP. Refund here means cancellation of the amount charged in my credit card (CC). As of that day, the amount I paid them was still "floating" in my account, meaning it still wasn't posted by their company and was under the settlement period between them and the CC company. After sometime of explanations and persuasions, I firmly told them that I am decided to cancel my policy. They said I have to get back on Wednesday (Oct 15) to get the cancellation slip for my CC once my policy was approved for cancellation.

Just Asking for Professionalism
Despite them saying that their day-off was yesterday (Monday, Oct 14), I called them at their office to follow up on my cancellation. As expected, I was told that the people I talked to were not around and will only be back by today. I asked if my policy's cancellation was already on-going and she (the one who answered the phone, I forgot her name) didn't know the status or where my policy is. She told me that the only report logged in their system is that I went there for inquiry on cancellation. What inquiry?!, I said to myself. I cleared it up with her that I was there to totally cancel my policy and I even left my papers already. I even have a copy of my cancellation signed as received by the sales manager I talked to. She just assured me that she'll remind them when she reports to office the next day.

Delaying Tactics?
It became my habit to check my CC account online regularly. Because I know that the amount won't be charged in my CC once they cancel the transaction and it's still floating. However when I checked my account this morning, the amount was already posted! I'm really infuriated with their service. If only they acted upon it ASAP then it won't happen to this. I'm even thinking they intended this to happen so I would have to wait for 30-45 days for the chargeback since the amount was already posted. Given that they know that their day-off was yesterday, they should have forwarded my cancellation to someone else so it will be processed immediately. Especially if they know that my transaction will be posted by yesterday.

Or Just Plain Dirty?
What I'm hoping now is that I'll really get my CC cancellation slip tomorrow as promised. Danvil should listen to complaints of all people, policy holders or not, and check on their service. And if what the "consultant" told me that my plan was really under Prudential Plans, why is it that the merchant registered on my CC is Danvil Plans, Inc. and not Prudential Plans? And also, if you're giving out contact details, don't use a photocopy of a site's printout. Please.

*** Update: The cancellation was successful and I received my refund! Yay! ***

Tech Tags: SM Pampanga, Family First, Danvil, Prudential Life, insurance, schemes, trust fund

For Enday

This bloggery (blog post) is lovingly dedicated to my kambal (twin) in the blogosphere, Enday.

I just read her hurt over people who are judging her emo bloggery as entry for an online emo-writing contest. Some bloggers were saying that her blog is considered a humor blog so it was not appropriate to post such emotions. Worse, some didn't even believe her.

I think it's very cruel of those bloggers to judge Enday and misinterpret her purpose. Who would post such painful memories on her family if it were not true? And what would she gain? Can't a funny person have a soft spot, a broken heart? Ironic but I believe that the saddest stories come from those who laugh the most. I'm really infuriated with these people who wrongly judge my fellow blogger. She was just being true to herself but she was told a liar. She was just reaching out but she was told inappropriate.

Well, we have to accept that there are such people in the world. They say life is unfair but I think we make it so. Anyway, I'm here for you, kambal. Hugs.

Eat Healthier, Not Cheaper

More than once have I delved on this topic with some of my friends. Why is it that healthy food is more expensive than junk food (or less healthy food for the matter)? It's also like being in a diet and actually spending more for eating less, especially with value meals set already in fast food chains.

Just take softdrinks for instance. A Coke in can here in the Philippines costs around Php 20 but a regular-sized fresh fruit juice (like my fave apple-carrot) is about Php 60. It's totally unfair! Hehehe.

Fresh is expensive in a polluted world, ei?

Hug a Developer Today

Hug me! Hehehe. So true, funny how it seems... (And I'm singing again.)

I can't help but laugh at this because this is really what I've experienced in my fast-tracked career in Manila! (Except for the child thing, of course.) Still despite the laughs, you cry inside and confirm that "I am in pain." ;)

The World Aches for Gas

Gas price increase is a constant headache that the world endures. When... will... the... hurting... stop?!? Ugh.



Even us commuters feel the gas price hike because of the increasing fares. When I was in college, I jokingly remarked that there will come a time that jeepney fares will be 10 pesos. Back in those days, the fare was around 5 pesos.

Look at us now: Php 8.50 for the average 4-kilometer jeepney fare!?! That totally sucks! I don't cuss, but I can feel my blood boil with the ongoing rate. I miss my elementary days when it was just Php 1.50. Imagine that!!!

Woe to humanity.

Why Am I Still Blogging in the Wee Hours of the Morning?

At least I'm not the only one. It seems that Fab and FaeryRowan are still up with the way we've been hopping to each other's blogs. Hehe.

Well, I've been up because I got caught up in blogging late last evening (coz it's morning already, yeah).

Why was my last photo post late? Because I was dropping by my peers in Litratong Pinoy (LP).

You should join us as well because it's not only fun but inspiring. You don't need to be a photographer, just have some of your own pictures handy for the weekly themes. :)

Tomorrow I'll share with you my favorite LP entries for the past two weeks. I can't share them to you right now because I'm already groggy. Hehe.

But here's my latest LP entry titled "Sunog na Kilay (Burnt Brows)":

Click image to go to this entry.

If you will notice, that photo post is the only one with the image not as enlarged as the others. I'll just whisper to you why... 'Coz I didn't get the shot right so it pixelates when enlarged. Haha!Shh. ^^

I've already picked that as my LP entry for the week but I haven't noticed the problem when I took the pic last weekend. It just so happened that there was a brownout at home because of Typhoon Frank and Let needed the candlelight so she could continue with her lesson-planning. :D

Okei, so bye for now. Good morning, my readers, and my back is already sore. immaout!

I Don't Have a Job But I'm Busy

Taking blogging seriously ain't easy. (But then when you take something seriously, where's the easy part there, ei?)

You have to promote your blog via blog-hopping then link exchanges, submitting your blog to various registration sites, joining forums and blog groups and, of course, blog. And if you really want to stand out, you just don't blog. You have to blog with the best way you can. Still if you want to make an income, it should be SEO-optimized or sponsored.

I've been blogging for less than three years now. First in Friendster then I got into Blogger, Tabulas, and WordPress. Now I'm settled with Blogger until WordPress can accommodate AdSense without additional costs. Haha. (Or I'm just too dumb to make it work there with a free account. I'm stingy; I don't want to get a domain. I'm also lazy, btw. Haha.)

I started out with blogging because I just wanted to practice my English because eversince I got out of school, I hardly talk or write in English. I had to sharpen my mind before it can get any duller. Of course, I only wanted to vent out my thoughts as well, given that I am a frustrated writer.

But now I want to take my blogging to the next level. (If there are levels indeed.) I've been procrastinating for the past years and just doing mediocre posts just so I could post. God help me. XD

Vista Has Stopped Working

I shouldn't be ranting technical stuff here. I said I won't. But here I am.

When will Vista start working... properly?

Since last week, I was receiving prompts of applications not working in my computer:
Nero Home has stopped working.
DivX Player has stopped working.
Internet Explorer has stopped working.

I thought it was because of my defunct Vista Ultimate upgrade (that sucks too) but after searching through the net, this "stopped working" message is annoying most of the people out there.

It really is irritating especially IE. IE for crying out loud!

So I'm still with Vista Home Premium because of the upgrade boohoo and my IE restarts when it likes too (or technically speaking, when a site triggers its bugs). Thank God I haven't encountered the IE problem while in a critical task. Like blogging. Good idea to save this first.

I'm still an XP fan. I haven't installed it yet for a dual boot since I might not be developing anymore. I can be patient if I want to. *cross fingers*

Tech Tags: Windows Vista, Microsoft, upgrade

Status: Achieving Connectivity

I resigned from work. I was an official bum last Friday. Woohoo! However, I don't know till when I can keep this bumhood. Let's see.

To all those who entered (and crashed) into my Manila life, thanks a lot. I don't want to say goodbye, just see you next time. ;) (But I'm not coming back for work in Manila, okei?)

I don't know now what "selected" means. I just inquired in a PLDT office near our house and they told me that we can't get a line because they only serve a selected few. I don't live on a mountain. This is Angeles City we're talking about. I'm in the center of it and we can't get a line?!! That sucks!

So I leave you now with me ranting hehe... I hope I can apply for a DSL within the week. I have to.

Tech Tags: DSL, PLDT

The Irony of Being Unborn

I am 24 years old. (Biologically.)
I exist.
I am a Filipina.
I think I'm human. (Enough.)

Then why the heck is my birth certificate not in NSO*?!
*National Statistics Office

Perhaps I was not born. Eh? XD

A more plausible explanation (and so as not to be annoyed with the government offices some more), perhaps the fates are on my side and delaying my flight. Hehe.

***


I might be going away this coming March or April.
I hope not. It's my sister's graduation on April 22.
I want to stay.

***

I who don't have dreams of working and living abroad.
I who don't have plans of upgrading my cellphone.
Now have the opportunity.
If only I can give it to someone else.

Rally for Peace

Another rally. Another group against the government. It seems that all we do is rant (and gossip) nowadays.

Have we done something beneficial to the country aside from complaining?



Wednesday lunch had us talking about corruption. Someone noted that corruption is already ingrained in our culture. So how do we go about it when the mind is the culprit?

Our philosopher "Pope" gave two solutions:
1. On social terms: Communism. Think China.
2. On moral terms: Annihilate the entire Filipino race save for 10 un-corrupt individuals. Think Noah's ark.

I love democracy but I'm having second thoughts if the Filipinos are disciplined enough to take it. Any more radical suggestions to eradicate corruption?

Kung Hei Ta Ba Choi!

I know, I know... Chinese New Year's long over. We didn't even have the chance to eat tikoy at home. :'(

Hell, I'd rather greet you a Happy New Year than Happy Valentines. Bitterness? :P
I'm skipping tomorrow though. Hehe.

The Pains of Womanhood

Dysmenorrhea. Long since I had it. I don't mean I didn't have the usual on that time of month but today's just too powerful. My lower back aches once again. If only I could lie down but I can't. I am tempted to take a leave of absence but the office is finer to stay in than our apartment. That's hell.

I even made a poem about this bloody thing last night. [edit]

This is the bloody time when you ask those universal questions like "Why do women menstruate?" and "Why is it that men don't?" Trivial, I say. Trivial. Tsk tsk.

I have to trek down to the 3rd floor later and in order to endure this, I need mefenamic acid. Will buy. *nod nod*

Perhaps I just need a long walk. But stuck in this chair.

***

I recently (well, not so recent actually) got an SM Advantage card and had coupons raining on me. I don't buy much so if someone's interested on the following items, I'd glady reward you the respective coupon:

Valid until September 30, 2007

Get Php 100 for every Php 1,000 single-receipt purchase in:

• ACE Builders Center
• Surplus Shop
• Baby & Co. (Branches: Rockwell, The Podium)
• Kultura Filipino (Branches: MOA, Megamall A, SM Makati, North Edsa 3)
• Sports Central (Branches: Baguio, Batangas, North Edsa 3, Sucat, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Dasmarinas, MOA, Fairview, Pampanga, Megamall)
  

Get Php 100 off for every Php 2,000 single-receipt purchase in:

• Watsons
• Toy Kingdom
  

Get Php 500 off for every Php 10, 000 single-receipt purchase in:

• Our Home

I know it's just measly hundreds to others but once saved up could mean a lot. Know what I mean. Got more coupons to give away but that's for now. Tata! ^_^

Die Hard 4

I'm sorry but contrary to my male friends' opinions (but at least similar with Tetay's), I didn't appreciate the movie enough to say that I like it superbly.

It's just that the stunts were a little impossible (or I'm just too judgmental here) and you're not in suspense anymore even if Bruce Willis is in the brink of death (he'll live anyway).

What's amazing is how a hacker could play God with the US system and plan such a terrific terrorism attack (I'm not pro-terrorism, it was just so powerful to see in the flick). However, of course, security of such systems should be the utmost responsibility of the government so as not to wreak havoc as seen in the film. Sa bagay, it was supposedly an inside job and the irony of ironies, the antagonist made the system itself. How convenient, right?

Tetay was announcing afterwards that we watched Justice League. There was Superman (Willis) and Spiderman (that hard-to-kill goon that jumped at anything within or without reach).
[If you can remember, those Spiderman stunts were also incorporated in Casino Royale's opening scene. The stunt industry now showcases that extreme sport of jumping.]

It was a good thing I chose to watch Die Hard 4 with a free ticket. Thanks to coupons. :D

Time Out

Ewan ko lang ha. Pero ilang beses na kaming dinaraya sa oras dyan sa Chic 'n Ribs (videokehan sa Fields). Naulit nitong Linggong madaling araw. Puno na kasi sa White House (videokehan sa Diamond) kaya napilitan kaming pumunta sa Chic 'n Ribs uli.

Dalawang oras lang ang stay namin kasi closing na sila nang 3 AM. Ok lang kasi balak lang naman talaga namin 2 hours lang ng kantahan; oras na rin naman kasi no. So more or less, 1 AM kami dumating. Inorasan ni Loim.

After 1 hour and 40 mins (accdg. to Loim):
Waiter: Last song na po.
Loim: 1 hour, 40 mins pa lang naman ah.
Waiter: Yun pong relo rito yung sinusundan. (sabay turo sa relo na nasa labas)
Loim: Pareho lang naman tayo ng segundo, di ba?

Inawat na lang ng mga friends si Loim para wala na lang gulo. Pero sa'kin, tama naman si Loim. Madaya naman talaga. Bad trip.

ASC Balik-Subic 2007

Actually di ko feel i-blog ito ngayon. (Siguro dahil sa antok o dahil pag inaalala ko, napapagod lang uli ako.) So far, na-upload ko pa lang ay yung sa Zoobic Safari. Next time ko na lang siguro explain ang tour, kung maalala ko pa ang mga nalaman ko sa tour guide namin. Wehehe.

Basta ang natutunan ko lang sa company outing na ito:

• Huwag magluto sa outing. O kaya magluto kung naka-prepare na ang food. Huwag mag-prepare ng food then magluto kasunod. Nakakapagod sobra. Plus kung mag-iihaw ka sa beach, di ka pwede lumangoy dahil aabutin ka nang pasma. Tsk tsk tsk.
• Huwag iasa ang dinner sa isang cooking competition. Aabutin ka nang gutom.
• Huwag mag-ayang pumunta sa isang lugar matapos lampasan ang kalsada papunta doon. Sayang ang gas, sayang ang U-turn.
• Huwag kumuha nang driver na di alam ang San Fernando Exit at nilalampasan ang NLEX kung pupunta nang Olongapo.
• Huwag nang ituloy ang outing kung konti lang din naman ang sasama. O kaya may sasama pero uuwi rin after a day. Nakakalungkot lang sa mga naiwan.

In short: MAGPLANO.

a bad recitation day

since i was in grade school, i was recognized for being an honor student. perhaps that led me to the belief that i can be good, that i've done something right in my life.

but life ain't school. there are no written exams to take and formulae to solve. i've not been good in recitation and hated the anticipation of it. perhaps that's what i'm having now... a bad recitation day.

i've not been prepared on the questions i'm answering, on the difficulties i'm hurdling. yeah, that must be it. i must be on the other side of the room, standing due to misunderstood gutteral sounds coming out of my mouth. at least i was not foaming. *wink*

i don't like boiling blood, especially if it's mine. i am not a warfreak; i've always been calm. that's why i hate feeling this way.

***

soliloquy

if i was incapable, perhaps i am. i'm no expert in what i'm doing. i'm just being myself. if that's not enough then find another one who is. i won't kiss ass or play the image of someone who knows what he's doing even if he doesn't. i'm not a very good liar and i can't lie that much.

if i was not doing anything then perhaps what i'm doing is just nothing. just tell me instead. i don't need to hear it from someone else. i would understand if it were someone else who said it, but it was you, of all people who should know. i guess i should have known better.