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.

I had no plans whatsoever to get a Starbucks Planner 2013, I haven't availed it for the passed 2 years. But I was  holding a promotional card which I got a while back when we had coffee with Bestie.

It was Jan 21 when my new manager treated us, the new team joiners, for some coffee in Starbucks Valero to officially welcome us to the team. Apparently, it was also the last day to get the card filled up and Starbucks was giving away two stickers for each cup. No one other myself had a card in our bunch so all of a sudden the 4 LONELY stickers on my card met the rest of their sticker posse making me qualified to redeem the 2013 planner! How about that huh?!

Later I learned nagkakaubusan pala ng black planner, mostly what was left was the white one na feeling ko dumihin so ayoko nun. There is also a green version. But a little bird told me that Starbucks E-Com Bldg in MOA still have the black leather one. So off we went there yesterday, just a quick stop, before we went home to Kawit Cavite for this month's visit. As I pray and reflect on what happened, I was sensing that God wanted me to have this planner for He will be filling up this year with activities He prepared for me. He wanted me to jot down notes on planning that I may remember how He unveils all things in its proper time.

That my lovelies, is just grace -- that I didn't have to rely on my efforts and allow God, my Father, to sent forth His blessing to me His beloved daughter at the right moment. I used to be one of those people who made-out-of-the-way efforts just to get what I wanted. I would however ended up hurt, disappointed and frustrated whenever I fall short from my own expectations and the high standards I put up for myself.

Of course, I have nothing against Starbucks especially this year when I got a hold of the planner (My precioussss... Just kidding) - it was well-crafted compared to some of the earlier ones that I tried. But to some the SB planner becomes their idol. You know, when all things and money started revolving into getting the coveted planner kahit di naman talaga nila afford. Hoping to find some kind of self worth in it, aminin nyo na kasi I used to be like that (guilty as charged). It is a status symbol, di ba? Having to spend ALL that kind of money for a planner. Sadly, that is idolatry: when we live for something other than Jesus (- Pastor Mark of Mars Hill Church).

There are a lot of things in this world that becomes our idol and my prayer is that by God's grace, we will let go of it as we focus more on having a relationship with Him instead of building relationship with earthly things. I thank God for the people He used to blessed me with this planner and how sweet He is as a father na despite His 'busyness' -- na naisip nya pa kong bigyan nito.

Psalms 8:4 "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"

Yihiiii.... I am so giddy!

Less than a month from our corporate prayer and fasting, God has already answered one of my faith goals-- to work within the same vicinity as hubby, that is in Alabang.

This week was my first in our south office. Praise God and I am already collecting memories from the morning and evening travel time I have with hubby (just like we used to have during college days commuting from Kawit to Manila). That's a good 45 mins - 1 hour additional kulitan in the am and pm. Plus, our south office is way less crowded and relaxed allowing me to focus more on my assignments.

For sure this is just the beginning of my many posts as I discover the area of the south. Here's a few instagram pixies:

Day 1: View from my building

Day 3: Decided to walk to get familiar with the area

SLEX Tollgate - Alabang Exit

At the Passenger Seat with my fave driver