Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Tintin and I went to SM North EDSA this afternoon.

We had buffet merienda at Cabalen's before we we went to do some grocery shopping.

At the mall's grocery, the first item I always pick when shopping is the rice. I normally buy 2 - 5 kg of Jasmine Rice (enough for one week consumption). To my surprise, from Php 47.50 per kilo ten days ago, it went up to Php 62.50! A Php 15.00 per kilo price increase was very shocking and they told me it will still go up.

Two years ago, the dollar exchange rate was Php 55.00 and the cost of Thai rice was Php 40.00. Today, Thai rice is Php 68.50 and the dollar exchange rate is Php 41.00!!!

Budgeting these past few months is quite hard to do in spite of lower dollar exchange rate, I still cannot figure out why prices are going up while dollar rate is going down?

I now realize why evening news always feature rice buyers falling in a long line to buy 3-4 kilo of packed NFA rice. Commercial rice is now over US$1.50 per kilo! Even if I want to buy more rice to save some penny in case its price will go up again, I still have to balance my spending...

Randy told me prices of commodities in San Diego are also rising...

In a third world country like the Philippines with nearly 90 million population, high unemployment rate, and prime commodities' prices rising, most overseas Filipino workers (OFW) abroad who contributed to the country's economic growth are also suffering from their lower take home salary since the dollar to peso exchange rate went down.

I have three brothers working in Saudi Arabia and a sister working in Hong Kong. They're complaining how hard it is for them to send money to their families here in the Philippines to meet their families' daily needs.

At times like this, I was wondering how I will manage our budget on my next shopping if every other day, the prices of commodities shock the consuming public.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Pacette and I arrived at Civil Registry - Legal Section, Manila City Hall at 10:00 o'clock in the morning and claimed the certification from Sally that my marriage to Abdulelah is null and void. We are supposed to go to NSO to do the annotation but we do not have enough time to do so.

We had a quick breakfast at Jollibee then went to Eddie's Furniture, paid the 5 pc Dragon Wooden Sala set, gave them my address where to deliver the items and presto! Thirty minutes after we arrived home, furniture was delivered, assembled, and we moved some stuff around the house.

At past 7:00 o'clock in the evening, Tintin and I did some quick grocery shopping. I got lost again at the SM - North EDSA grocery because every time I went there, they were moving things around while remodelling the store. Since two months ago, things had been like this and I couldn't complete the stuff I needed. I have learned from the cashier, remodelling will be done in November. I was annoyed on our way home because I didn't find the cheese I want for the burger.

At past 9:00 o'clock in the evening, everything is ready for Randy's arrival... he will be happy to know that we're almost done with Case I...

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Bayantel technician came early this morning and installed our new telephone line. They had difficulty with the wiring but after an hour of dedication, they hooked up a new telephone line for us.

While the Bayantel men are working, my kids embarassed me not only to those people but to all the neighbors who reside in the building. They had heated argument over the house keys of Junjun and Denise which accidentally were thrown to the garage of our neighbor. Pearl arrived at past 2 am and needed a key to open the gate. Both Junjun and Tintin were playing a local network game, they hurriedly throw the key from the balcony but they miscalculated it and it landed in our neighbor's garage downstairs.

Because of misunderstandings between my kids, only Paul Denise joined me to hear the 5 PM mass at Lady of Hope Parish. Rev. Fr. Jun Pascual said the mass and assisted by a deacon, Rev. Fr. Bong Turingan. It's the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. The First Reading was Is 62:1-5 and the Second Reading was 1 Cor 12:4-11. The Gospel was Jn 2:1-11. Rev. Fr. reminded us about the importance of family and marriage in God's eyes.

After the mass, Denise and I did some grocery shopping at SM - North EDSA. Pearl followed us later and helped us with the shopping. When I was almost done with the shopping, Ate Neth met us inside the grocery section and handed me Flora's Christmas gift. A Victoria's Secret cream and an umbrella with her recruitment agency logo. Flora worked for my EX as Liaison Officer in Saudi Embassy for several years. Whatever made her remember me, I didn't call her even Ate Neth gave me her cellphone number.

The annulment case is on-going and I didn't liked to have any connections with the EX and his employees. Calling her would reveal my contact details and being quiet about the gift is better than losing my privacy.

Now that we have a new phone line, it only proves one thing, I must forget about the past contacts and must move on. I thanked God I have Randy...

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Today is Day 18 of Randy's fourth visit in Manila.

After doing the morning routines, Randy and I went to SM Shopping Mall - North EDSA. He bought tools for household use and to make Junjun's project easier. We got also some stuffs for his kids in San Diego, an adjustable garment rack for me, and some more grocery items.

We're suppposed to eat out and treat Mama to celebrate her 70th birthday but she's suffering from Diarrhea again and couldn't make it so we decided to stay home instead. Randy and I watched couple episodes of HOUSE today while he's assisting Junjun on my son's amplifier project. The kids have high respect for Randy and I'm happy they get along well.

Anyway, the big dinner we're planning for tonight has been cancelled and we'll treat Mama on Randy's next visit instead. Afterall, we had enough from the recent holidays and we ended up having light dinner. Pearl brought home some sandwiches from McDonalds and Jollibee this evening.

To Mama, Happy 70th Birthday! We love you and get well soon...

Thursday, November 09, 2006

After whole day of collecting facts and figures yesterday, Randy finally corrected the PLDT complaint letter I drafted. Then, after Pearl printed them for me, Pacette and I dropped by to PLDT Business Office and settled with MS. ADELIZA M. ISIDRO my disconnected phone line before doing my shopping to celebrate my son's birthday.

I was fortunate that customer ticket no. 78 was assigned to her as she was the representative who received modem instrument I surrendered on August 11, 2006, when I terminated PLDT MyDSL subscription due to frequent downgrade / interrupted bandwidth speed. I let Ms. Isidro acknowledged the 3-page complaint letter I submitted with subject line: DISCONNECTED PLDT PHONE LINE XXXXXXX.

Ms. Isidro and I spent almost three hours of discussion over how much I should pay so my disconnected phone line could be restored. At first, she told me to pay over 6k, after ignoring DSL charges billed in my account but I told her she's charging me back the disputed amount we already settled in August until she came up with over 4k. Nervous, I already raised my voice and I stood up and asked if there's anyone among other representatives or clients can help us with the computation.

I told her to follow the figures in my letter and have it marked so they can understand well how much I have to pay only. She seemed annoyed already and insisted that she only followed their system computations which made me more nervous. I told her if that similar situation happened to her, what she's going to do about it? Since it's my money and I know how much I have to pay for the phone line basic charges plus IDD/NDD toll charges, I asked her to write the following, to understand better how much I have to pay:

• For September statement: Php 29,715.49 (current charges) less Php 28,224.01 (September DSL), that's Php 1,491.48 I have to pay.
• For October statement: Balance forwarded, Php Php 1,491.48 less Php 773.73 (adjustment), that's Php 717.75 (Sept balance) plus Php 1,046.21, that's Php 1,763.96 I have to pay for the months of September and October phone line with IDD/NDD charges.
• After issuing the check, I remembered that I have to pay for the splitter for Php 200.00 so I cancelled the check and issued another in the amount of Php 1,963.96!
• I reminded Ms. Isidro that for three consecutive months (May, June. July), I paid Php 2,500.00 monthly for DSL subscriptions that they failed to render. Since I expected rebates, they should reflect them in my October bill but, instead, they disconnected my line for not paying 'September and October DSL charges' which they billed in my account even though I terminated already my subscription since August 11.

I told Ms. Isidro that I need an apology from the billing section whoever made a mistake charging me Php 28,224.01 for September. That's equivalent to eleven months of internet usage! I also told her not to charge me for reconnection fee since I didn't owe them anything. As far as payment is concerned, I still have money with them which I paid in advance for DSL service that I didn't get for three consecutive months. Ms. Isidro apologized to me and she said she represented the billing section as well.

After Pacette paid the bill, she gave Ms. Isidro the OR no. PLAOR000013644 so she can request for reconnection of our untimely disconnected line. Then, Pacette followed me in Jollibee where we had our lunch. I called Randy that we would go straight to SM North after we're done eating. He's happy that I didn't pay the ridiculous charges PLDT billed me in my last two statements.

We went to Cyberzone and inquired about SMART's retention plan and they handed me models of cell phones I can choose from when I want to renew my current subscription plan. My mind is numb worrying too much what to prepare for tonight's dinner. So, I just decided to pay Bayantel SkyDSL NetBasic bill and accompanied Pearl, who met us while in Bayantel. We spent so much time looking for USB mouse for her new laptop. I got myself a keyboard light which is perfect also for her laptop.

I'd thought we're not going to have time to do the grocery shopping but, thankfully, my daughter made up her mind what item to buy. Electronic items these days are so fashionable that it's hard to select which style best suits the budget and its usefulness.

Grocery budget had been tight for this month because I have three students helping me spend the money. After doing my shopping, it's late for me to cook so I bought 3 layer birthday cake from Goldilocks, two stuffed family sized pizza from Pizza Hut, Birthday noodles from Super Bowl of China and some chick-n-chips in a basket from Shakey's.

Kids were starving when I arrived home and we had our happy dinner together. HAPPY 27TH BIRTHDAY, Junjun!!!

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Randy and I woke up early and recited the rosary before we went to McDonalds, SM North EDSA, to have breakfast at past 9 am. Kids were all sleeping and we didn't bring them with us.

After our breakfast, we then did some grocery shopping before going home. We've planned to buy some ingredients to make taco for lunch but we ended up buying one full cart of goods. Shopping with Randy was fun. He's quick on finding items in the grocery and he seemed to know the place more than I do. We got some breakfast from Jollibee for the kids after the grocery.

We wasted no time as we got home. He kept all the goods we bought in proper places while I was busy pressing his clothes. We're both packing his clothes when delivery guys from Abenson arrived. They delivered the LG 11.5 kg. washing machine Randy purchased 7 days ago. It was so wide it didn't fit in the door, we had to let it pass through kids' room window.

Time is running so fast today. After we removed the old washing machine and cleaned up the mess, he then cooked the meat for taco while I was cutting lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. Taco made by Randy was so yummy I had eaten two big tacos. Kids enjoyed eating with us as well. They had been throwing jokes on me by stopping me to eat more. Behind those smiles, we know deep in our hearts that we're going to miss Randy around...

When Jhun arrived at 6:30 pm, we then went downstairs with Randy's luggage, off to the airport. Paul Denise carried it for Randy because he severely hurt himself yesterday. On our way to the airport, I called Egay, who is celebrating his birthday today. He talked with Randy also and wished him a happy trip. HAPPY 36TH BIRTHDAY, Egay!

At the airport, Randy called me up as I arrived home and we talked for about 30 mins before his final boarding. I can hardly believe ten days is over and he's going back to San Diego again.

Monday, June 26, 2006

Chef Richard's Micromax3 Third Generation Cookware set for the microwave oven Randy gifted me had been delivered, along with a recipe booklet. I ordered it last Saturday from Home TV Shopping Tel. No. 8902345 while we're in the dental clinic and Pearl was having her oral prophylaxis treatment. In addition to the cookware delivered are 8 pc Express Bakeware set.

I was proud with my Fissler and PhilKraft imported stainless cook ware sets but, this new plastic kitchen collections will enhance our baking needs. Daughter will surely do some baking for us. Yummy!

Saturday, March 05, 2005

Nasser and I finally meet each other today after he arrived in Manila from Taiwan last month. He brought his son, VJ, with him. They picked up mama and I here at home and we went to buy VJ's graduation needs. Then, we dined at Chow King - SM North Edsa but I had difficulty finding Nasser food that has no iodized salt. I ended up with Greenwich grilled chicken square pizza take out for him and his Muslim wife, Jane.

He said he's feeling better now except that he was shy to go out of his house. Big pimples were growing around his neck and torso when he began taking medication. I advised him that he should never worry about what other people might say about his skin. The most important thing is they are visible instead of growing as cysts inside his body.

When I took this photo, I commented that his eyes looked scary. He said, doctor told him that even after radioactive iodine treatment, his eyes will never go back to normal ever again. I felt sad then but, anyway, his son, VJ, will have an audition tomorrow in Channel 2's Going Bulilit.

Let's offer them some prayers, please...

Sunday, January 23, 2005

Since we moved here in Quezon City in April 2004, Ate Neth and I seldom talk nor meet each other. She's always busy with her work and calendar business. Sad to say, even her clients didn't pay her until now, she has to continue with what she has started to pay the money she borrowed. Anyway, glad she finally asked me this morning if I want to go with her to buy something in Ukay-ukay, a store for second-hand or used items, like clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and even underwear!

It's in my schedule to return the CD player daughter bought a week ago because the adaptor I bought last night had no power. I picked her up in her house and to my dismay, we didn't find the place along Quezon Avenue which she's bragging me about.

As expected, we went in SM Appliance Center. They were very accomodating and friendly when I explained to them my daughter's problem. Since the unit was under warranty for 6 months, we got a new adaptor. I also returned the other adaptor in SM Audio-Video outlet and replaced the item with charger adaptor and 2 Blast prepaid internet cards.

My sister was looking for white pants in SM Department Store but, I ended up buying my own while she didn't get what she's looking for. Trying on different pants made me hungry so we had palabok with chicken in Jollibee. Most of the time, we talked about losing weight and about the ABS slimming tea she's advising me to try.

On our way to drop her home, we passed Quezon Avenue again hoping to find the store she told me about. We finally found the place but, according to her, not too many stores were open just like last month. Instead of white pants, she got a cheap blanket and sandals for a total of PHP 145.00 only.

Saturday, January 22, 2005

Tintin arrived this afternoon to accompany me and Mama for grocery shopping. While shopping, Sweety Pearl text to us her requested stuffs, including adaptor for her CD player. When we're done and about to pay at the counter, two of my cards were declined by their swipe machine. I was embarassed because I was able to use it when I bought circular lamp at SM Workshop an hour ago. Glad Tintin was around and I sent her to get some money from a nearby ATM machine since I had about 5k cash only. When she came back, we settled the bill and left hurriedly. It's about 7 in the evening and she has to go back to Parañaque soon.

As we reached the gate of the building and unload all the stuffs we bought, I was surprised to see Paolo Bediones, a GMA 7 TV personality and host of Extra Challenge (Pinoy Reality-Game Show). I uttered in a loud voice, "Paolo?" He nodded and shoke hands with me. And the rest that I said was, "I didn't know you were handsome in person." He smiled and went out of the building. Paolo was taller than me and has dark skin.

I found out later from the maintenance of the building that the controversial Katherine Luna, who was interviewed today in StarTalk for being 5 months pregnant and rumored that Paolo might be the father of her baby, lives in the same building where we live, as well as Aleya Kintanar.

Anyway, I realized EX is more handsome than Paolo B and thoughts about it made me smile....

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Mama and I rushed to SM supermarket to buy ingredients for fruit salad. While in queue to change some money at SM Forex counter, we walked around the Beauty and Cosmetics section. Next thing I know, L'ORÉAL promo girl made a mascara demo on my eyelashes! When I was about to take the item, I saw a woman with a shining pale lips. When I asked her what brand of lisptick she's using, it's Max Factor. In short, I paid over US$100 worth of L'ORÉAL and Max Factor beauty enhancers which were duplication of what I already had.

Anyway, I made Mama tired walking around so, I left her in Starbucks while in the supermarket. I was in a hurry picking items from the shelves when suddenly, a bottle of Nata de Coco slipped and fell to the floor. The lady guard asked me to pay it immediately in the nearest liquor cashier but I just gave her a smile that I will pay all what I was buying later. They had thought I will argue or complain for charging me the item, I just shrugged my shoulders and went to buy fresh chicken and the rest of the stuffs. I knew eyes were following me wherever I go but, I won't run from my responsibility.

Thanks to the mascara power, I feel beautiful and didn't like to get mad and be ugly because of a broken bottle.

By the way, I got myself 5 new Krizia blouses to compliment with my new beauty enhancer chemicals... :-)

Monday, October 25, 2004

Tintin and I did some grocery shopping at North Edsa this afternoon. The same inconvenience with my Allied ATM card occurred - it's OFF-LINE once again and I didn't have enough cash with me. Short of Php2,500 cash, I sent Tintin to take some cash from another ATM just to pay the groceries we bought. While waiting, I couldn't believe I have to pay the same amount each time we shop, total amount of groceries we purchased went doubled since almost two months ago!

Upon payment, I was given 4 complimentary tickets for one hour skating time to FREE Fun on Ice at SM Megamall-South Mall Ice Skating Rink! What a relief!

Sunday, September 12, 2004

Pacette, my sister, had lunch with us this Sunday and she's the one who cooked adobo Chicken and I cooked my specialty, a KFC-like fried chicken. We seldom cook vegetables as Paul Denise didn't like to eat them.

Since the kids were busy, Pacette accompanied me first to Smart Wireless Center to buy international roaming load for Junjun and later went to SM supermarket. I was careful with my budget and limited the goods we bought based on their importance but still, I paid too much with one cart of grocery items!

On our way home, Junjun sent a message thanking me for the load I sent him. He's fine in general in spite of the fact he's having problems dealing with his foreign co-workers.