All is not lost with PLDT... Yes, it is a dream come true!

I know, i know I am being melodramatic but I have limited connection at home through mobile data plan since we moved here in the south and it so happen that the exact location of our apartment has weak signal. So this took a lot of patience for a techie gurl like me.

When our landlord spotted the PLDT crew installing in another tenant, they called us up to follow up ours. I explained to the crew our predicament. Yes, it was already a predicament and I couln't figure out what in the world is happening to our application -- TWICE.

Milan Garcia, who embodies his title as a Customer Service Specialist, was quick to apologize. He responded right there and there deciding to redo my application on the spot. He took out the Techpad using their own product PLDT Telpad from their van and got my information details and processed my application electronically on-site. After clicking submit button in his Techpad, I refreshed the email inbox on my phone and saw that I got a copy of my application. He excused himself for a moment to call up their operations office to verify they received the application and requested to expedite my request.

Bonifacio Global City and Las Pinas/Alabang Crew (R-L) Jhun Abella Field Service Engr; Milan Garcia, CS Specialist and Eric Edralin, Field Service Engr

Milan and Eric are actually from BGC area where the Techpad gadget was initially launched . They were currently training the Las Pinas-Alabang crew headed by Jhun on the said tool. So simply put I was their guinea pig, hahahaha!!! 

Basically the Techpad is designed to actually help out the crew when they are doing field work. Containing apps for their field crew to have consumer information on their products and operations capabilities. At downtime, it can also serve as gaming and entertainment console. They were also excited to use it right in front of me to test it out. Hubby actually took a quick video of it while they explain it to to me but you have to forgive my kadugyutan as I was in my pambahay mode so early in the morning.

To cut the long story short, they installed in our home 3 days later and I am now blogging using my PLDT Connection. Yay! Thanks, Sir Milan for redeeming my faith in your company after all the bruhahahaha. Kudos!!!

In IG, I already shared that just recently I have redeemed our accumulated Globe points to watch a movie for 2 ... in 3D! Yeap, folks Hubby and I got treated to a free movie screening of Captain America in Alabang Town Center last March just because we have our Globe Rewards points.

 

 

 

Well with vast line up of coming soon movies this year then this is something you want to download into your smartphones -- The GMovies App! Available in Google Play or App Store for FREE, it is the ultimate pocket app for Globe loyals and movie goers just me-self.

 

 

 

 

I don't exactly remember if it was the first movie I saw in the movie theather but it was definitely the first movie I could remember that I saw back in the 80s.

 

Staring Maricel Soriano and Aiza Seguerra, a comedy family movie entitled Super Inday and the Golden Bibe. Di pa ko masyadong nakakapag English nun kaya bentang-benta sa akin ang mga kembot ni Maria and of course ang duck walk ni Aiza.

 

 

 

In my pre-teens, Tatay accompanied me to watch Casper in Harrison Plaza. Come to think of it, it was a perfect father-daughter movie date featuring Bill Pullman and Christina Ricci.

 

Truthfully, I held my breath at the end of the movie when Casper started descending from the stairs in his human form played by Devon Sawa. I just died there at the theater!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, this one nailed it and made me into a movie lover -- a combination of action and a love story with a thrilling plot line starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. Speed! It wasn't just a hit but it also started a trend in Hollywood and made the actors as the stars that they are now today.

 

 

 

Here ye! Here ye!!! Get free movie tickets for you and a friend. Just make a comment in this post below by answering the question

"What made you fall in love with watching movies?"

 

Yes, it is that easy courtesy of Globe. If they pick this post, they will also pick one of the commenters. Just make sure to leave some contact details as well.

 

 

Fully enjoy the GMovies experience by following our social pages:

https://www.facebook.com/GMoviesApp
https://twitter.com/GMoviesApp
http://instagram.com/GMovies/
https://www.youtube.com/user/GMoviesApp



The kids nowadays are so techie, I have nieces and nephews (ages 5-12) who have their very own tablets and smartphones EACH. This kind of power in technology at tip of their "little" fingertips should be harness for good. So how about downloading an app called JoomaJam!

JoomaJam is a smartphone app that contains animated songs sung by some of our famous OPM artists, teacher-tested and approved lessons and stimulating activities that can be performed both on and offline.

If you calculate it the parents who have pre-schoolers by now are those who probably grew up in the height of  OPM 90s band so you will definitely like the artist line up in this app because the artist are mostly parents themselves already as well.

Since I am mostly interested in finance nowadays -- saving up and building my investment portfolio, the first thing I played was the lesson about saving money. Also, it was the least topic being discussed back when we were young. I mean we were taught about identifying money (coins, bills) and how to spend it but not too much on the saving part.

 

I first played the Sing-a-long English track and oh boy the rock music started playing hahaha. Despite the pre-school theme and lesson, when you reach the bridge and Jet Pangan started singing "Oh yeah! Whoa!" you will definitely get to hear the signature sound of The Dawn which we all love to jam to. So you are hitting two birds in one stone -- teaching your kid how to save and appreciating your music influences.



I also played the Filipino track or the Tagalog version which I liked more. Calling it alkansya vs. piggy bank made a lot more sense. Teaching kids that it doesn't have to be a piggy bank really -- it could be a box or a jar, anything you can put your coins or money that you can later use for the rainy days. Then you can also browse through the rest of the menus like the lesson guide and JoomaJam activities.

Will definitely keep your bonding times with the kids lively and fun. So start downloading this app so more lessons can be added as we show support to the group behind it. Let us take pride that it is being developed by fellow Pinoys! 

Download for FREE

Android smartphones
OS smartphones

 

Learn more and follow them

JoomaJam Website

Facebook Page

Twitter Account

 



 

Ritmo Learning Lab is a start-up venture, in support of NGO RepubLikha, designed to encourage fun learning and family bonding, to empower parents and their children to become a smart and principled people, and to hone in them a sense of pride and ownership towards their beloved nation.

Our reliable Brother Printer has finally reached the end of its service. I think more than 5 years is quite a feat for this printer to last. It has served its purpose well and even helped us out to print some of our wedding items few years back. So with that kind of performance, we decided our loyalty remains with Brother Printer and our investment is worth every penny.

Last weekend, we swung by Octagon Computer Superstore at Festival Mall and inquired about their latest model.  Good thing, the store attendant Renante was very patient in all our inquiries and happily assisted us in choosing from their line of products.

Little did we know about this promo and was surprise to get a voucher after paying at the cashier. We were entitled to a Jollibee bucket meal which includes 6 pcs Chicken Joy, 3 rice, 3 softdrinks and 3 Regular Yum. It was an added bonus that we decided to give Renante his share in our freebie after claiming it at the branch right across the store.

Visit their website for more details.

I was a former Sky Cable Subscriber when we were still in Makati but when we moved to the south, I requested for termination. But it is unfortunate the TV reception here is so, so bad. So after a few months, I was desperate and decided to apply online for Sky Cable again.

During the time of my application they have new offerings already, one that I took notice is the Sky Cable Dual Def with iRecord. Since July last year, we got to enjoy the usual Standard Definition (SD) Channels plus several High Definition Channel (HD) under the Php 499 bundle like National Geographic, History, RTL-CBS, Lifetime, HBO, Fox Movie Premium, Star World, Balls, Fox Sports, CNN and Warner TV. Here is the rest of the channel list.

I didn't blog about it right away because I would like to give ample of time to learn about the iRecord Feature. This capability is already built in the Digibox that they issue but you have to connect an external hard drive to start recording.

I must admit that it is a nifty feature wherein you could record the show that you want to watch later while you are out of the house. For this scenario, make sure the Digibox is on and you have scheduled the program to record (the TV itself can be turned off). My only concern here is the possible power surge during lightning or brownout. You know, yung biglang naaaffect yung appliances sa biglaang kidlat.

You could also record a show while watching another TV show however they must be within the same frequency grouping. So indi pede yung tipong nanunood ka ng local channel tapos recording a HD channel kse they are not within the same group.

Basically, iRecord cons are commercials are also recorded and you can only watch it using the Digibox iRecord Player. You can't watch it in your computer. The rest of items I can't still figure out are -- it periodically asks to perform a program search and when you say 'Yes' it erases your Favorite Group list. In our previous bundle we used to have the ALL list and TV list. The TV list contains only those channels you have in your Digibox so browsing is way better but they don't have that now. If anyone knows how to fix this, let me know.

Anyhow, for the iWantTV feature, click here to have an idea.

On our 3rd and last day at Hong Kong, we went around Causeway Bay to try to do some shopping with the last HK Dollar that we still have before flying back home that night. It was still a bit early so the malls are still closed but some smaller stores are already starting to set up. 

Across Sogo Mall at the Lockhart Road side, hubby and I entered a compu-electronics stall called Sunlite. He inquired about a small tripod that can be used in tables. The store attendant was quite attentive and while paying, hubby also inquired for a battery grip with remote control for his Nikon D3100. However, like I said we were already down to our last HKD so we could no longer afford it with the remaining change we have. I tried to be honest and the store attendant made some computation. He remarked with a smile "no business", I think he was trying to imply that they wouldn't make any profit at all. But I honestly told him the change from the tripod is the only money left on hubby's shopping budget so after a few minutes the attendant asked for additional $10HKD to have a good "morning business". Buena mano I think is what he means. I reached out for my pocket and there was a $10HKD coin.

So we started laughing and the attendant introduced himself as Jack. While testing the items, he took a picture of us and said "maganda". The more we laugh because he said he knows "konti lang" Filipino words. In case you are within the area and want to score good deal with some camera accessories, try out Sunlite and look for the very friendly Jack.

Find them at the Causeway Bay Area
(Click the image to view larger picture)

I am just a regular IT employee who spends 8-10 hrs (at times 12)  a day at the office, committed in giving quality service to clients. But more than being a career woman, I love spending my time with hubby just going around the neighborhood mostly to eat out but once a month we go home to visit our family back in #Cavite. Also, one of my stress reliever is buying #Kikay stuff online (Yay! online shopping) like the shoes in this picture and featuring them in my  own little blog.

I can imagine myself capturing more and more simple Life's Everyday Adventure and make it special with a Samsung #GalaxyMega phablet! Looking forward to this exciting giveaway, #xoxoMrsMartinez.

God bless!!!

Just like most of you, I have grown with Globe. Through their evolution and innovation, I have to say that they not only shaped the landscape of the communication industry here in the country but they are truly a trail blazer in their own right. Yet with outstanding track record, they never failed to bring their goods closer to any Pinoy home which includes the agents that go from house to house, superb Customer Care Service, up-to-date website and modern Globe hubs located at the malls.

My Globe Story

Back in our Makati apartment starting 2011, we were subscribed as Globe Tattoo Broadband with Landline. I have enjoyed their service, so much so I decided that it was time for me to get my own Globe Superplan which I did and was able to avail the free Samsung S3 Mini last February under Unlimited Data Plan 999. 

Soon after, career opportunity came up that we had to move from Makati to Alabang. We tried getting their service again at our new place but after technical assessment, we were informed that the facilities are not available in our location. To our dismay, we applied for another network. That was in March but until now no feedback whatsoever from that said other network but if you follow me in Twitter, you probably have an idea which one I am referring to.

But anyhow, the silver lining is that despite this we manage to stay connected with the world wide web through, drum roll please...

My freaking Unlimited Globe Data Plan 999!!!

Yes, thanks to 3G technology plus tethering capability of the Samsung phone, I am able to power up a number of gadgets at home via WIFI - laptop, iPad, smartphones even our desktop with USB Wireless N-LAN. We download, upload, stream, facebook -- name it! We still get to do all of it with the reliable signal of Globe.

 

Napabilib talaga si Mister, that he himself (who is always been prudent) decided that getting his own Globe Plan is worth the monthly dues. We braved the rains when we learned that the Globe Caravan is in town and here he is getting his Windows Phone under the new scheme of My SuperPlan which happened less than a month ago.

 

I am sincerely glad to be Globe. Without it, would have turn out to be an irate caller to the other network who kept following up on our application but with Globe - I was able to keep my cool!

I remember downloading Viber as early as 2010 in one of my low end Android phone but  back then  I was on prepaid so I didn't really get much out of it unless there is a free wifi signal available. Three years forward here they are allowing more than just free calls and text messaging but also photos, location and even video sharing.

Hubby just recently bought a Windows Phone under data plan (3G) so we are trying out several messaging apps with considerations that we are on different platforms since I am using still using an Android Phone but now with data plan. So far Viber is the most fun to use.

I got stuck in the house for almost a week because I was sick and unfortunately hubby also needed to do some overtime so he just check up on me over Viber. Here is a snapshot of our conversation:

Cute right?

Try it out for yourself, here are the rest of the platforms in which you could use this messaging application. Let me know how it goes on your end, okay?

Images: Screenshots from Viber website: www.viber.com

Unlimited Data Plan in Globe Plan 999

Two years ago, God blessed us with Victor, a second hand Mitsubishi Lancer model 1996. It was our first conjugal car and we were thrilled to have it since it was a great testimony how the Lord has provided for financial provisions. But earlier this year, Hubby started to have promptings to pray for a brand new car. So individually we prayed upon it then as a couple then ultimately leading to surrendering it all up to the plans of the Lord in the Worship Night we have attended at our new home church, Victory Alabang.

To be honest, it wasn't a desire of the flesh to have one, I personally didn't experience sleepless nights over it although I did a few searches for possible options. The only thing that I felt all through out this experience is that He is bringing us to another level of maturity individually and as a couple in terms of decision making and trusting His plans. It also felt like He is preparing for the tools that we will be needing for a 'bigger assignment' and a brand new car would help us to do so. We didn't really need one but His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His will be done over our life. As His blessing unfolds, we were just right there at the front row seat in full of awe with the Lord's goodness..

Just like the first one, He brought the right people at the right time for us to have a smooth transition. We were able to sell Victor to another couple then one week later we brought home Jarvis. 

It is not about the blessing but ALL ABOUT THE BLESSOR!

Chevrolet Spark 2013
at Freedom Park Aguinaldo Shrine
Kawit Cavite

Thanks to AcQuabella by Penshoppe, I am now discovering the world of Apple. Unfortunately the iPad 2 Camera is very low quality compared to Samsung Galaxy Note which I came from. So the very first accessory I had my eyes on was the Camera Card Reader (to transfer my cam photos to iPad) but I find that shelling out a thousand bucks a bit too much.

Available at Apple Store Philippines

But thankfully, www.okayokay.com offered this 5-in-1 Camera Connection Kit for less than Php 300.00.

I wasted no time in ordering it and within 30 minutes of one Friday night, I was able to purchase it through BPI Express Online to Merchant DragonPay.

The delivery dates coincided to my out of the country trip so when I got back I immediately tested it and I am happy to report that it works! I also found the exact same kit in Sim City Mong Kok in Hong Kong  but it cost Php 500 when converted. So I was able to save up a couple of hundreds there.

My two-year old Samsung Galaxy Fit is starting to be inconsistent. But I am hoping I could still maximize its lifespan up to next year since I don't have a phone budget for this year. I mindlessly drop by Globe website when this banner flashed on the screen:

Hmmm..."PRE-ORDER" That's the word that stood out for me, meaning...I will still have time to think and cancel the application just in case I decided not to push through with it. So I filled out the form not just once because I kept getting an error everytime I click the submit button. I even reported it to @talk2Globe Twitter account.

They did not get back to me if the error was fixed but I tried for one last time a few days after...Error still. Since I am busy at work, I moved on but lo and behold a Globe sales agent contacted me confirming my application. 

I was still doubtful I would be approved because I don't have a credit card. (I remember my former office mates needing it for their iPhone plans.) I still sent out my requirement - government ID, 1 month salary payslip and Certificate of Employment. I was still being asked for a proof of billing and the first thing that came to mind was my Globe Broadband Landline subscription. When the sales agent learned that I am already a subscriber, he waived the last requirement and mentioned that he will just need to verify my standing as dutiful paying subscriber. Ehem, yun naman alam kong pasado ko hihihi.

During the processing and validation period, I prayed and asked God kung para ba talaga sa akin yung phone? I was just amazed that even though I kept getting an error the application went through then even though I don't own a credit card I was still entertained. I thank God for the blessing and also prayed to continue providing for me para sa monthly bill. Hahahaha.

I revisited Globe website and studied closely their new offerings and procedure - to my surprise they do have a lot of revisions in their process from what I already know. For one, existing subscribers only need to submit a valid ID. For non-credit card holders, you can pay in cash. When applying online, you get exclusive freebies. Lastly, the thing that impressed me the most is they actually deliver the phone to you!!! 

I started being fond of online buying and deliveries last year - shoes and whatnot. Items not going over than 1K but a Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini delivered right at my doorstep is just crazy for me considering not a single agent has met up with me in person for my application. But this is really a big convenience especially for busy people who do not have the luxury to go to the malls and line up in the business center.

As you all know, I have won the AcQuabella and AcQuabene by Penshoppe Promo and got an iPad 2 after I attended the Nuffnang Blogopolis. I have been an android user for a couple of years now and it is my first time to own an Apple product... What a better way to own one other than as a freebie, WEEEHHH!!!!

This will not be a tech review but just a simple unboxing moment. I am sure you could all relate since Christmas time is just two sleeps away and we are all excited to unbox our presents. By the way, did you know that in New Zealand Dec 26 is a national holiday for them called "Boxing Day"? It is the day they (un)box the Christmas presents that they recieved. Oh, that just something I learn from my former counterpart who hails there. 

So without further adieu, unbox this iPad2 with me.

Thank you Lord for using Nuffnang Philippines and AcQuabella/AcQuabene by Penshoppe as your channel of blessing. I pray you make these brands prosper in 2013 that would be honorable to your name!

*****

I got this iPad Halo Case from Glorietta for only Php 835.00. I am wandering how I could better protect this nifty gadget, any suggestions? Feel free to comment below.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Getting run out of time to buy gifts for your Kris Kringle? Don't fret, just go to the nearest 24-hour convenient store, drug store or supermarket and grab a bottle of AcQuabella and AcQuabene scents by Penshoppe. For as low as, Php 100-120 you can buy as much as 5 bottles for those exchange gift worth Php 500. This line of scents has many variants and nicely bottled with cool designs, your gift will not look rushed at all. Just package with a nice bow and you are all set!

Fruity Mist Collection

Flames Collection

The AcQuabella and AcQuabene is exclusively retailed in the said outlets, you won't even find it inside the Penshoppe store. Get one for your love ones and perfect gift to your many inaanaks! You can even match it with their personalities.

I Am Collection

I already bought some and I need not go too far. Buying from the 7-11 store just right beside my office building. No extra time and energy needed to brave the traffic jam or go through the aisles of the mall.

Men's Street Scents Collection

www.facebook.com/ACQUA.BENE

www.facebook.com/Acquabella.by.Penshoppe

*****

Thank you also for this fabulous Christmas Gift!!!

Special thanks to
Chris of AcQuabella and AcQuabene by Penshoppe
AJ and Toni of Nuffnang Philippines

The young and hardworking people I met over lunch. May you continue to be a blessing to the company you are working for. I really appreciate the short time we spent together. God bless!

If you follow me in instagram, you probably noticed I am kinda fancying the Samsung Smartphone WB150F.

But as said in the Bible, we should do all things to glorify God. So I am still praying on it if I should buy one. And if He answers YES, ask God for financial provisions. Ganun naman talaga si Lord ibebless nya tayo according to His will so don't be afraid to ask through prayer.

So while waiting upon the Lord, here is a hilarious video from the young and pretty internet sensation Petra Mahalimuyak. I recently learned about her YouTube channel. I like this video and to my surprise she was using the Samsung WB150F. LOL!

Who is Petra and why does she talk like that? Watch this 24 Oras interview of Ashley Rivera.

Mentions: Ashley Rivera YouTube Channel | Samsung Philippines Smart Camera WB150F

Seller username Jeptall has been in the online industry for many years now. I remember my first dealing with him thru ebay.ph where I had my then-boyfriend-now-husband met up with him to buy 2 units of Motorola V3X Razr back in 2006. If I remember it correctly, he was still a college student in UST at that time. We were actually impressed that he ventured into business so young.

Later when I fancied a Samsung Slide phone in 2008, he again had the best offer online so I met up with him in SM Makati. Hmmm...medyo malaki na pala ang kinikita nitong batang to sa amin. Wala bang loyalty card dyan dear?

But today, although still active in online selling, he now has his own physical store in Robinson's Pioneer - JEP's House of Gadgets.

Upper Ground Floor besides BPI

Hubby has been saving up to invest on a lens. Unlike me who buy almost in an instant (1 month na yung longest of waiting), Hubby took 3 months before making a decision on what, when, and whom to buy. When he finally decided and contacted the different sellers from Sulit.com.ph, Jeptall still had one of the best offer and was quick to respond on SMS inquries. But Hubby wanted to get a feel first of the item before purchasing so instead of meeting up, we dropped by the store.

Located at the very end of the Upper Ground Floor in Robinson's Pioneer (also known as Forum Robinsons). It is a tiny stall unit near Chowking and beside the BPI ATM under the escalator. Do not be deceived by the size of the store, true to its name it is truly a 'house of gadgets' once you take a peek on the items they have on stock: from wrist watches, camera accessories, digicam, DSLR, latest tablet and smartphones. The prices are also competitive.

This item is SOLD

REMINDER: This is just our personal experience in dealing with Jeptall and in no way do we guarantee your own satisfaction to their service.

Test shot: me with the store attendants

Finally, here's one satisfied customer feeling all giddy with his new toy. 

Someone got his Christmas wish early

If you have questions regarding the Sigma Lens itself, you may reach hubby in our YAPtography FB Page.

As early as September I already found in a group buying site what I wanted to have for my birthday. Technically, it will become a conjugal property. But for the sake of argument and the guilt-free feeling of buying yet another gadget this year, let us just say it is a super advance gift for the birthday girl -- ME! Hahaha.

Anyhow, pick-up schedule for the pre-ordered item is this week and I am sooo looking forward to it. Initially, hubby is toying around the idea of buying a video camera but I reasoned with him that our digicams' video features works just fine for our current needs. What we probably would want to look into is a waterproof or underwater camera for that wet and under the sea moments. This is also in preparation to our trip soon where snorkeling is a must activity. I reminded him our experience in Puerto Princesa trip last year where we only got very few underwater shots (rented only a pouch to put our digicam) which did not do any justice to the beauty God created under the sea. In short, I was able to convince him. Thank you Lord for a loving husband and for your thoughtful provision, I was able to click the BUY button before the offer ended.



Discounted GE Underwater Cameras


But I had to look for reviews first - from the unboxing to underwater pool to ocean shots found in Youtube. I liked what I saw so I proceeded with the transaction. As I oftenly mentioned here, we don't own any credit card so I paid via ATM online transaction and shortly received my confirmation voucher. Below are some of the details regarding the deal:

Always read the FINE PRINT

Which color should I choose?

Greatest commandment in claiming orders: Thou shall print and bring the hardcopy of thy voucher (the one with the bar code) when picking up thy ordered item from this group buying site. Regardless if your voucher is accessible from your internet-connected smartphone, it will not be honored. Learn from my mistake, ok? Medyo kainis this part, but never mind. Let us move on to the happy part -- the unboxing and testing of my new toy.

Inside the box



UPDATED: Dec 7, underwater photos from our Island Hopping Tour at Coron Palawan

*** Underwater video test, 3 videos NOW AVAILABLE ***
(YouTube upload seems to have affected quality of the vids)