SM Bicutan Taxi Bay Still Sucks

Just when I thought SM Bicutan's Taxi Bay just got better, I had a now-becoming-familiar-taxi-experience late this afternoon on my way home from the said mall.

First of all, the driver of the first taxi in line was talking quite happily with the guard on the other side of the bay, when the Paalala in big bold letters clearly states that taxi drivers should be inside their cabs at all times.

So okay it was scorching hot, it's understandable that the driver would wanna get out of the car while waiting for a passenger with the engine off.

Immediately upon getting in and telling the driver my destination, I started rummaging inside my bag for my loots of the day. A few meters off, the driver asked me how much I usually pay to my destination. I got alarmed and immediately looked at the taxi meter. It was off.

"Hala, wala kang metro," I said, even smiling, but secretly fishing out the digicam from my bag.

"Wala nga sir, e, kasi pabalik-balik lang ako dito," the driver replied.

I told him I usually pay Php60. The meter would always be somewhere between 45-50, and I think I'm already generous enough to give an additional 10. So this driver, taxi meter or no, would only get 60 from me. I snapped a pic of the license number.

"100 sir, wala kasing pasahero pabalik."

100? I thought. Wala na ngang metro 100 pa? It irritated me so much also because (1) he had no right to wait for passengers in that bay in the first place because his taxi had no meter; and (2) he's over-charging.

He went down to 70 but I insisted on 60. The conversation was getting so heated and long already, my voice was already showing signs of anger, that I asked him a final, "Ayaw mo?"

He said ayaw so I stormed out of his cab. Sayang nga lang I forgot how irritated he'd be if I left the door open, but I banged it hard before walking back to the taxi bay.

Good thing about it was that I had my PLDT Landline Plus with me. And since I already had the Security Office's number from previous reklamos, I was able to talk to the head of security in an instant, through a cellphone, and with no extra charge. Okay it sounds like a paid ad but I’m just really happy I availed of this PLDT SIM card.

The security head arrived (in a motorbike) seconds after I reached the taxi bay on foot, and in no time I was complaining. The head, whose surname I always forget (it sounds like Fabian Ver, Fabinier, Fafabear... I'm sorry), promised me they'd ban that plate number at their bay.

I just hope so because I've already made it a vow to check on taxi plate numbers at that bay everytime I’d go there.

But be that as it may, I really wanna thank the security head. He's always been so accommodating every time I'd call or see him about something. And never did he show signs of anger. Laging mahinahon.

I know SM Bicutan sucks, but it doesn't mean the service couldn't be improved. All we have to do is tell them why they suck and hopefully they'd look into it.

But why do I always go to SM Bicutan? It's the accessibility. If only there's another mall as close from where I live.

I Don't Wanna Go To Cubao

While at the movies watching The Red Shoes, I received a text message from Danilo asking me to buy him a digital multimeter (whatevs) at Cd-r King. And since I'd pass by a Cd-r King branch on my way home, I gladly obliged.

But the Cd-r King sales assistant told me it's out-of-stock. She said it too quickly, it made me suspicious. You know these salesladies can sometimes be so tamad to check. So I told Danilo to check their inventory online.

While waiting for Danilo's message, I passed the time away at Booksale.

The paperbacks (especially the one in the middle) reminded me of high school. Our school library housed paperbacks like these but only the seniors were allowed to borrow them. So we were confined to Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley, and academic books up until third year.

Speaking of Joe, Frank, and Nancy, I didn't know they already had comic books:

Astig. I wanna collect. But I still want to own a complete collection of the hard bound mystery series. They're my first love.

After a while, Danilo texted:

A Cheap Way to Get Connected

I didn't realize Globe Tattoo is so matipid to use. I was waiting in line at the doctor this afternoon and decided to while away the time by Facebook-ing. I have used my Tattoo before but only once and for 4 minutes only. Besides, I didn't check how much that 4 minutes cost me. I mainly use the Globe dongle to text because texting on a computer is way easier than on a cellphone.

That's my cheap but powerful Lenovo S10-2, the main computer I use for blogging.


Anyway, so I checked my balance before I connected to the service and it said Php 220.

The connection was kinda fast I was actually able to tweet and check/update my 2 Facebook accounts all in 11 minutes.


And after 11 minutes of surfing, I checked my balance again and it said Php 215.

5 pesos was all I needed to get connected! Nice, no?

I Want More Battery Life

Saw Eric, my favorite Asianic salesman, at SM Bicutan’s Bldg A side entrance this afternoon. He’s in-charge of the Asus Eee PC booth.

I was impressed with the laptops' specs, especially with the battery life. All models can last up to 11 hours! But I’m not buying. Kasi 11 hours daw pag standby lang. LoL!

Anyway, I was actually looking for an extra battery for my Lenovo but Eric said it’s only available at the Lenovo store in SM Cubao. I don’t know where the heck is SM Cubao. But I think I’m going there before I go to Nasugbu on the 20th.

Alice in Wonderland

Just arrived from watching Alice in Wonderland at SM Bicutan. I wish I saw it somewhere else. One of the speakers keeps turning on and off and all of the speakers seem "sabog."

Buti na lang it was a great movie. I loved how the White Queen (Anne Hathaway) moved, este, flowed. And I have this feeling I'd be immitating her tonight when I'm alone. LoL! But yea, Johnny Depp was superb as the Mad Hatter. He's really one of a kind.

If there's one thing that the movie pointed out to me, it's how others would take so much effort to please and make you feel comfortable even to the point of humiliating themselves when you're in high power. The Red Queen's (with a bigger than normal head) entourage consisted of men and women with defects - one has the longest nose, the other big ears, big boobs, big tummy... And they did that just so the Red Queen would be fond of them.

But I hate it when they took away my digicam to the security office. As if naman I couldn't take pictures with my phone. Had they known that I had a netbook with me, would they also take it?

SM Bicutan Taxi Bay Just Got Better

Anyway, I’d like to commend SM Bicutan’s taxi bay for a job well done.

I was fourth in line this afternoon when the old lady ahead of me was silently cursing the guard. Yun pala the couple in front of the line was going to MOA and the taxis in line wouldn’t wanna go there. And what’s a guard should do? Paalisin ang mga taxi na tumatanggi!

It’s the first time I witnessed an SM Bicutan guard do that. Dati, they would let the next in line in, which was so unfair especially when you’re in front na.

So my constant calls to the Security Department, and my constant posts about how poor SM Bicutan’s taxi bay is, were finally heard!

I hope it  continues for the sake of the taxi-riding shoppers.

Cheap Wireless Mouse

Bought a wireless mouse for the net book. Sometimes it’s fun to use the scroll pad, but when you’re in a hurry and especially when editing pics, I really need to use a mouse.

I don’t need to say where it’s from cuz it’s already written on the mouse. It costs Php480 and it functions as a mouse naman kahit cheap compared to other leading brands. The default speed is way too fast than the regular A4Tech that I’m fond of using, but you can always adjust that to whatever speed satisfies you.

Now I have a problem with taking pictures of my loot and posting them here. Someone thinks I’m being mayabang. Hello Bam hehe. But no I’m not mayabang. First off, my purchases aren’t that expensive to be called mayabang. Look at all the other blogs out there and compare. Second, I post pics of stuff for reference. Like when and where I bought something and the likes, and of course, to share na rin what I think of them – if they’re good or not so good.

So there. And really I’m not mayabang. As if naman lotsa people are reading this blog. I get an average of 20 hits a day and I’m sure more than half of my daily visitors belong to my immediate family.

Who's Next?

This morning, news about the the magnitude 7.0 earquake in Japan's Ryukyu Islands has spread. Now, an even greater magnitude 8.8 earthquake in Chile is dominating the internet.

The Chile earthquake is said to be 64 times greater than the one that hit Haiti. I can't imagine the damage.

I'm sure I'm not alone in fearing for safety. Wherever you are in the world, I'm sure you are asking the same question as I am asking now: "Who's next?"

So there's a fault that runs in almost the whole of the Philippines. How can I rest tonight knowing that an earthquake can easily hit us?

There are some earthquake safety tips on the net, please read them. And please let us all pray.

Meanwhile, if you wanna see the disaster the earthquake has left Chile, you can watch it on UStream here. It's in Spanish, though.

Listen: Cyndi Lauper & Tori Amos - "Why Don't You Love Me?"

Why Don't You Love Me? is a song off of the album Here Lies Love, a collaboration between David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim.

Imelda Marcos is so pretty in that photo used in the video above, no?

Anyway, Here Lies Love is all about the life of the former first lady and her childhood servant Estrella Cumpas. Aside from Cyndi and Tori, other artists in the album are Steve Earle, Nicole Atkins, Sia, Martha Wainwright, Santigold, St Vincent, Florence Welch, etc.
via ethansays.com, musicfascination.com

Status X folded&hung Love Those Jeans Photo Contest

1. You may send as many entries as you want at marketing@statusmagonline.com
2. Your picture must have a title that expresses your love for those illegally low rise folded&hung jeans
3. Include your Name, Age, Address, Mobile No. and E-mail Address
*Please also attach of the Folded and Hung Logo found in your jeans.
4. 1 female and 1 male photo will be selected as winners. Each Winner
will receive 3,000 worth of Folded and Hung Gift Certificates each.
5. Contest period is from Feb 22 to March 12, 2010
6. Winners will be announced via www.twiter.com/statusmagazine

Globe Tattooo

Bought a Globe Tattoo Prepaid Kit last Saturday. Wala lang. I just wanna be connected wherever I am. I hate feeling helpless especially when I'm in SM and the wi-fi indicator says I'm connected but I can't even browse Google.

What I like about this Tattoo is that I can call and text thru my netbook! Ang sarap magtext using a computer.

I removed the sticker. Ampanget e.

Of Pink Shoes and Tiara

Nica of Animal House texted me this afternoon saying she already had some shoes that would fit Princess. Good thing one of my "assistants" didn't go to school, so I was able to go to the mall early.

Nica had two pairs(?) and the above pic was the one I bought for Princess. Like I'm now so fond of my black Converse, it would be fun if she wore pink Coverse-y shoes when we’re together.


This was the shoes I didn't get. So colorful I found it baduy. At the back is pink one.


And oi! I also found a little tiara for her. Look how cute it was on her. I just don't know why there's a burst of white on the top right and bottom left pictures.

I was also looking for an extra battery for my netbook (I wanna be ready for the brownouts) but Asianic said those were only available at IBM. I don't believe Asianic, though. I'm sure Bam would know where to buy one.

I was out for only 1.5 hours and look what I hoarded:


Not much but what more if I spend the whole day at the mall? Naaa, my limited money could only take as much. Heh!

No More Lola Glasses

So I've had this lola glasses (as my good friend Bans called it) since like 1992. There were times that it gets forgotten inside my bag (the reason for the many scratches because it has no case) as I sometimes opt for contact lenses especially during hot days.

The frame was given to me by my sister. It was actually a pair of sunglasses bought in Hong Kong. And I was like digging Jessica Zafra so much during those days (and up to now) so I used it as eyeglasses.


It had been with me through the toughest times. Parang gusto ko na lang i-Mighty Bond. Ang hirap i-let go.

Right now, I'm wearing disposable contacts. Extra work but I have no choice. Besides, the weather's so hot I guess I'd prefer contacts na rin even if my eyeglasses weren't broken.

But I still need glasses especially at night cuz I like reading before sleeping, and I remove my contacts before bed.


Now I have this smaller frame I have kept for a long time in the drawer. I haven't decided, though, if I should use this or just look for a bigger one just like my old eyeglasses.

Watch: "The Last Airbender" Trailer

I first saw Aang on TV5 one afternoon while I was surfing the tube. I instantly liked the show and fell in love, until they stopped after a few episodes and re-ran it from the start. I tried watching it on Nick but I kinda lost track due to busy scheds.

Then the trailer came out and I got excited all over again. JP (one of my movie buddies) and I nearly screamed when we saw the familiar bald head of Aang during the intermission when we watched 2012.

Now summer 2010 is almost here (can't you tell by the heat?) and with summer comes The Last Avatar! It's definitely a must-see (along with Alice in Wonderland).

Noah Ringer plays the role of Aang. But I'm more excited about Twilight's vampire hottie Jackson Rathbone (Jasper Hale) who plays Sokka in this movie. Dev Patel of Slumdog Millionaire is also in the cast.

Synopsis:
Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Four nations tied by destiny when the Fire Nation launches a brutal war against the others. A century has passed with no hope in sight to change the path of this destruction. Caught between combat and courage, Aang (Noah Ringer) discovers he is the lone Avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements. Aang teams with Katara (Nicola Peltz), a Waterbender, and her brother, Sokka (Jackson Rathbone), to restore balance to their war-torn world.

Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the live-action feature film The Last Airbender is the opening chapter in Aang's struggle to survive.

Teaser-trailer below:

No More Minimum Purchase Order

If you're like me who is so tamad to cook and almost always doesn't like what's inside the ref, then you're probably fond of food delivery, too. But sometimes like when I'm alone late at night and only want a burger and fries, parang it's so hard to have something delivered because of the minimum amount of purchase these food stores usually have for deliveries. Like sometimes I have to order 5 cheeseburgers (even if I can only consume 1) just so I can have it delivered.

I need not grieve anymore, though, because McDonald's has lifted the minimum order for delivery! And no matter how small or big your orders are, the delivery charge is just Php 40! Yes, it is fixed.

Now I don't have to order 4 extra burgers. I can order just one and have it delivered!

It's not nationwide yet, though. This is only limited (for now) to the following areas: Metro Manila, Antipolo, San Pedro, Laguna, Laguna Bel-Air, Tarlac, Lipa, Batangas, Cebu and Davao. But of course they'll expand it to more areas soon.

To enjoy no-minimum-order delivery, just dial 8-McDO (8-6236) or log on to mcdelivery.com.ph.

Is Bio Research Closing?

I went to SM Bicutan this afternoon to pay the bills and to buy shoes for Princess. I was kinda hoping I'd find some good shoes for Princess cuz there were two pet supplies store available. But alas, Animal House ran out of shoes. And Bio Research is closed.

I'm not sure, though, if they're already closing the branch or if they're just closed for inventory. But all those paper on glass? I still wish they're not closing.

Choices

I was about to have coffee when I saw this book (How to Ruin Your Life By 40 by Steve Farrar) on the dining table. I don't know who owns the book. Parang it was left there for me to read. Not that I'm already forty or anything but it's an inspirational read.

I opened it to a random page and look what I read:

Causes have effects.
Actions have reactions.
Choices have consequences.
That will be the story of your life.

It's like telling me to plan ahead carefully, with caution, and with heart. We all should. We shouldn't just be jumping on decisions, because before we know it, that decision might have already ruined our lives.

Nice morning. The sky is so blue. Let's try to make the rest of the day as lovely as this morning.

Bonding Time

I'm sick. And it means I get to stay inside. And bond with Princess.

Imelda

This is kinda old news (dated 10/09/2009) but I was only able to read a while ago. So I'm copy-pasting.

As for Imelda: A New Musical, which is receiving its East Coast premiere courtesy of the Pan Asian Repertory Theater in association with the East West Players, I can only talk about the first act. With a cringe-worthy book by Sachi Oyama and scored by Nathan Wang (music) and Aaron Coleman (lyrics), Imelda aspires to be the Filipino Evita but fails miserably; no surprise considering its subject. Jaygee Macapugay struggles mightily to make something of the title character but the material she’s been dealt throws her off a cliff without a parachute. The whole production has such a community-theater quality to it, I found myself searching the program to confirm it was really an Equity production.
via nextmagazine.com

Princess Went to Mass

Have just arrived from church. I actually brought Princess along. It's her first mass. We were late so we heard the mass standing outside the church doors. But there were speakers outside. I guess they're really intended for the late attendees.

But before we went to church, we dropped by the mall first to pay Meralco. Angel also had to buy a pair of shoes. She found none, though. So I told her to just go to the pet supplies section of Ace Hardware where Princess and I were while she was roaming around for shoes.

Look what I found at Ace. Haven't seen something like this at Animal House.

It'd be so useful as I always take Princess along with me. I used to bring her drinker, and it almost always wet my bag. Now wet bags wouldn't be a problem anymore.

And no matter how minimal a shih-tzu sheds coat, I still find lint on my bags and shirts. So I bought this:

Thanks

It's a gift from my sister. Can you tell that she's religious?


And this Kensington MicroSaver was from Danilo. Can you tell that he's techy?

Thank you. Thank you. When you get older, the gifts become scarce. LOL!

Of Birthdays and PLDT Fails

I wasn't able to watch PBB Double Up Eviction Night and StarStruck V Live last Saturday. And even if I was able to, I didn't have internet connection from 4 pm of Saturday up to very late last night, so I wouldn't be able to blog about it.

But the reason why I was so busy as of late was because of my birthday. Yeah, yesterday. I kinda celebrated last Saturday. Had lunch at my sister's, went home around 5 pm to change and meet up with Danilo at the mall. I was buying something, and Danilo being a computer engineer and all, I wanted him to inspect the item first.

We had dinner at Pancake House and I allowed myself to eat meat cuz it's my birthday (celebration) naman. Then Danilo and I met up with Mylene and her boyfriend Richard at MOA's Sunset Strip.

The restobars were all full. We wanted to go to Berk's because the oldies band performing that night was so fun but we ended up at the restobar next to it. We were seated at the table nearest Berk's so we were like there na rin.

The bar we went to closed early, though, even if it was a Saturday. So we walked along the bay until the lights were turned off and the guards started announcing something on megaphones. After having coffee, we went to Mylene's and hung out a little. I was at home 4 am but I couldn't afford to sleep cuz Princess had a 6 am medicine. I knew I wouldn't be able to wake up at 6, even if I had an alarm on, if I went to bed at 4.

Yesterday was uneventful especially that I had no internet connection, but I was happy nonetheless cuz Danilo hung out at the house almost the whole day. Just like the old times when we would hang out and talk endlessly.

Come to think of it, the greatest gift a friend could give you on your birthday is time and company. Thanks Danilo!

Another Reason To Love Dogs More

I'm sure everyone's now aware of the powerful 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti. But don't you know that our dogs can feel earthquakes (seconds) ahead before we actually feel it?

Watch this vid:

I'm lucky to have 3 dogs. I will sure as hell get out of the house if ever they start running out all of a sudden.

MTRCB Suspends Showtime for 20 Days

Oh, Showtime is suspended for 20 days starting today. Perhaps they're already regretting hiring Rossana Roces' services as a judge. Well, they suspended Osang after the incident but sadly, it's not enough for the MTRCB. Syempre, they should be responsible for everything that's happening.

Si Osang talaga. Pati mga teacher tinira. Palibhasa...

And just when everyone's enjoying Showtime, and just when Showtime is enjoying its highest ratings, Osang put it off air, albeit temporarily.

Watch the video that lead to the suspension below.

Get Well Soon Danilo

Danilo is in Alabang Med. Confined since Friday. I only learned about it last night.

He was complaining of his tonsils when he dropped by last Thursday Wednesday to borrow my flamenco and talk about my coming birthday. I didn't know it's that bad.

Over the phone this morning, his dad told me that Danilo couldn't eat anymore last Friday and was already feverish. Danilo himself asked to brought to the hospital.

I've texted our friends already. We're gonna visit him this afternoon.

Hospital stories make me sad.

Revolution!

Applied Revolution on Princess a while ago. I last applied December 2 and it's supposed to be monthly. A 3-day delay is not bad. What's bad is that I used a 30 mg applicator which is only designed for a dog up to 10 lbs. Princess is 12 lbs. and should use the 60 mg applicator. Sadly, Animal House has run out of it. But the vet said naman the smaller applicator is okay since Princess is just 2 lbs over the recommended weight. I didn't wanna buy double cuz it's way too expensive than just a single 60 mg. (Like a 30 mg costs 360.00 and a 60 mg costs 390.00. So 2 pcs of 30 mg costs 720.00!)

And then I need to apply Revolution on my bigger dogs tomorrow, so last Sunday, I also bought 2 pcs of 120 mg applicators. And then I noticed a while ago the expiration date - 12/2009.

I immediately called Animal House and the secretary told me those packages are still safe to use, but if I don't wanna use them, they'd replace it as soon as they have stock. Dyuskoday. Out-of-stock din. Anyway, the vet naman daw was aware of the expiry and they're sure it's still safe. But still. I don't wanna pay for an expired merchandise.

My two askals have to wait.