When Medical Results Get Switched?

After a few weeks of cleaning from the wreckage typhoon Ondoy has given us, physical pain on the lower back troubled Nanay (my mother). At first, she can tolerate and endure the pain. Thinking that it could be just a minor muscle pain from all the walks and cleanings she did, it would just go away when she give it a rest or a few rubs of liniment. Sad to say, just a couple of weeks ago, she decided to go to a doctor for a checkup. We feared that her kidney stones could have returned again but after a few more tests, her kidney is cleared BUT when the Xray results came in a bone somewhere near her pelvic area was sort of mislocated.

My mom has Scoliosis for the record. It’s pretty obvious recently because her right should blade seems to be bulging out more through out the years. She not much of a milk or dairy fan. Then after the doctor explained to her the result. She admitted that she did carry some stuff during the cleanign period that could have caused the bone misalignment/damage.

My mom is 69 years old. Doctor’s advice, look for a hospital that do Bone Densitometry.

Thanks to technology (Google to be exact) I was able to locate a hospital (Delos Santos Medical Hospital) that provides that service. Called them up, asked for details and the fee for the service. True enough, this hospital was mentioned not to charge that much for hospital and medical services compared to other private hospitals. I’m glad that they provide these kinds of services but I have a little bit of doubt since I heard before that in this hospital happened a baby switching mishap. But I was also advised that it has teamed up with STI school which provides some “new” technology approach for the hospital, so I guess it’s worth a try since it’s near and accessible since my mom will be coming from our province. Last week my mom went there to have the service and was asked to come back a couple of days after to get the result.

Come weekend, my usual schedule to go home to the province to rest and be with my parents. My mom showed to me that the last page of her bone densitometry test was not hers. Well, true enough it’s not her because it’s not her name nor her other details (like age, weight, date of test and physician’s name) but they both have the same surname that might have been the cause of confusion.

So just this morning, I called up the hospital to ask what happened. The moment I mentioned that there’s a mistake on the results released, the woman on the other line seemed mum for a few seconds before she asked for the details. They told me to come back and get the results but it’s a hassle for me or my mom. I told them can they just email it since the results were “computerized” (though my friend said I should demanded that they send a copy via courier). They said they’d come back to be within the day and gave them my mobile number.

I was giving myself until 3PM today before I call up again. But just a few minutes ago, they called up and explained that the 3rd and last page is not part of the indicated test results on the first page. They just took a photo of my mom’s spine from the side, no readings from it. It gave me the impression that it’s not needed but for my peace of mind I asked that they provide my mom’s file (of course we would like to have a file of it with my mother’s name and details on that sheet of paper). Within 30 minutes they emailed me copy.

I’m not bad-mouthing the hospital. In fact I’m kind of glad they expanded their services and fees are not that jacked up compared to other private hospitals. I admit too that we have our faults as well so here are the lessons learned that I hope you guys will take considerations also:

1) As much as you can, do accompany your friend, family member or relative specially if you know they are a bit on the senior age. I admit that I am at fault that I didn’t go with my mom. But I heard my brother was with her when she got the result. I believe being with someone when you go to hospitals or do medical checkups somehow helps ease the “tensions” or even mistakes like this. It’s also good to know what’s happening, what’s the test is all about and what is the result. Honestly, my mom is quite annoyed at me when I asked her what the doctor said. She could explained it to me… but I guess I’ll be forgiven (somehow) when she hears that I got the switched result.

2) Check the results. Double check (triple if you like). Though we non-medical practitioners may not understand what it says on the results, at least we know how to read. We know our name (or the name of the person you are accompanying) and other details. In this way, you can avoid much hassles like going back and taking the waiting queue again. Less hassle and time wasted. Because of what happened my mom had to wait a day or 2 for her back and waist/hip brace to be done/measured.

3) Be nice to others and communicate with courtesy. Well, if anyone from the said hospital is reading this blog entry, sorry if I raised my voice a bit though at times it works when you raise voice to get their attention but I still prefer 9and it’s really BETTER) talking and explaining in a modulated way. I have to admit if my personal deadline (the 3PM mentioned above) did come, well, let’s leave it to your imagination But kudos to the medical staff (Mylene or was it Michelle?) who called me up, explained and responded to my request. I consider that a fast action. I just hope your hospital won’t commit another mishap (may it be like this or the baby switching insident).

If I’m asked if we’ll take medical services in the same hospital again, yes, why not. They corrected their mistake and so far the result is accurate. I’m pleased they responded immediately.

Not my mom's spine but the REAL image (in bone densitometry test) is sort of like this

Drained (and Feeling Defeated?)

I feel like a loser. And I never ever wanted to use that word to others what more to myself.

I feel like beaten. like the feeling of running and running to hours, even days and yet you seemed not to reach or even don’t have a specific destination to go to. Or that feeling of waking up from really long hours of sleep and yet you still feel exhausted.

I’m tired.

The Art of Critics

A little tweaking on the title but it’s still the same.

Making criticism “tasty” at some point… interpreted by Tom Fishburne Ü

My Comeback

Is it really my return?

Forgiveness I ask and I grant myself for not posting and sharing my thoughts how rough and inconsistent they may be in terms of schedules and all that. I can’t even call myself a blogger now… It’s been months since my last post and I didn’t even finish my postings for my much-acclaimed and sought after vacation in Bangkok (I still owe you guys 5 days of it)

I really feel sad. Ashamed. Really.

It all started that I, call it neglect if you must, not anymore updating this blog since my Biggie then that later became (and was renamed) Hughie started to show some “sickness”. For those who never knew who (or rather what) was this “Biggie” that later on became “Hughie”, it’s my Powerbook (yes, Powerbook, not Macbook just Powerbook). It started to show signs days before I went for my vacation trip to Bangkok and while I was there, it’s sort of cranking up already. Thinking that probably it’s overworked or something, I let it rest and used it a few days later.

To cut the story short, it crashed on me not once but twice! Yes. TWICE. The very reason why it became a “Hughie” renaming it from Hugh Jackman whom I wish… ah, nevermind. Twice I lost my files, personal files… including my sorted photo album in iPhoto and my latest photos from Bangkok But later on, I found out that some of the last pictures I took was still in one of my compact flashes and I was able to retrieve them. But I lost energy to sort and select since I’ve done it before. (The pain… huhuhu)

Let’s just say, this might not be really a good year for me. Aside from the crashes and losses, I was diagnosed one day of having an asthma. Well, for a few months after diagnosis and a whole week of absence from work I avoided food that might trigger to coughing that then leads to sleepless nights and asthma attacks. I restrain myself from chocolates, eggs and milk or anything that had those. Until recently, I can’t help myself… but thankfully, no attacks so far

Surely you’ve read about the flash floods and typhoons that hit Philippines. Well, my family and I and some close friends of mine are victims. My old drawings and illustrations, photo albums, first publication and printed works, my airbrush and compressor to name a few were destroyed by the flood. Books of my granddaughters were ruined by it too that it breaks my heart knowing the kids cried because of it. It was hard to throw things that once you knew was yours, was intact and you loved or at lest liked. But we have to move one. A couple of days after I’m done cleaning up in my home in the province, I went to Manila to help out a friend. I shared to him my technique to make the cleaning and sorting fast. I told him to psych himself that if it was only that time (cleaning) that he remembered he had those stuff, it means you don’t need it so better throw it/them. Well, it could have worked on me or to some people. But if you see your big box of comic books you collected since way back then, dripping in muddy water… if it was mine I’d cry. Honestly, it hurts but again, all has at least a reason, a sane reason why it happened to you and it won’t be given to you if you can’t handle it well.

But I’d say, we’re still lucky for none of our families lost a loved one. God is still good to us.

A few things happened to my family. Tatay was hospitalized due to head trauma when he fell off the stairs. But prior to that, he had to go back home because no one will take care of him after he had that thing inserted in his heart (sorry, I forgot the term). But he’s fine now, recovering. But he won’t be able to come back and work in the US. Nanay, well, strong as ever. she may have tantrums or breakdowns once in awhile specially when I don’t go home but she’s a fighter. My kuyas, well, both have their families to deal with. They visit once in awhile.

And me, well, after months of no personal computer and seeing my Powerbook just being a dust collector or a paper weight beside me everyday when I report to my work post I’m pretty much ok. I guess learning and losing things we worked for or things that we knew we once had may hurt but it does take time for you to get over it. It depends actually on you. I let it go. I accepted that fact that it happened. Actually, I’m surprise myself that I didn’t violently reacted specially when I lost my files twice. It seems like I saw it coming or sort of expecting it. there were sacrifices, yes. I had to stay late in the office for me to play or watch something online or downloaded. But somehow it gave me time to think of other things to do. I now read… yes, read… novels, short stories. I try write, by hand mind you. The old school journals. Even do word hunt puzzles, the old way: bought a couple for my Tatay as his past time only thing is, one was left with me and I’m the one who worked on it. It’s easy ah! It’s addicting too… hihihi. Brain exercise for me… non-work related exercise.

So, pretty much the world continued to revolve. Either to with it or counterflow it. But why resist when you know you can manage to drive with it. Gees. What am I saying here? Oh well, Im just glad I got to write again here. But I can’t promise when again. I did plan to draw or doodle too manually, not digitally but still… I haven’t done or even started at least one of project on it. I got 3 blank notebooks, good material for illustrating as gifts from my last birthday. I guess some force is telling me, persuading me to draw or at least doodle.

I guess this is it… goodbye for now but I’ll be back but God knows when it will be or what I’ll be posting.

As for now, ta-tah… live well

Revisiting Thailand – Day 2

Sunday. Among other Sundays that I recall today is really different. One thing is, I’m hearing mass for the first time in a Catholic church here in Thailand and I’m up and about as early as 5:00 AM. I got up 30 minutes earlier than my alarm in my mobile phone.

I’m not that excited, don’t I? :p

First stop, Lumpini Park. Located in the business district of Silom. this park is among the popular place to go to. And compared to other parks I know, it has a closing time (8PM). It was interesting and quite encouraging for people, both Thai nationals and foreigners alike to spent some time here with it’s luscious greens to interesting group of people you’ll see around… of all ages and all sorts of activities. Even if you don’t run, jog or do any form of exercise, sights will be a feast of the eyes.

Ballroom dancing anyone?

Fan-dance (sorry I don't know what it's called)

Taichi

Don't mess with these ladies with swords

Gian and I just walked. And that walking gave some sweat too? Why?

Lumpini Park Area Marker

That’s the length of the walk we did. The area (I think) of the whole Lumpini Park.

We definitely had something with just merely strolling in the park.

All those walking (and sweating too) made us hungry. Let’s have some breakfast! Where o where? Let’s go across the street… the Thai way…

Sausage wrap with coffee meal in McDo

Well, it’s McDonald’s all right. But unlike the usual McDo that I know in the Philippines, the fastfood chain here has other varieties of meals and combo to choose from. Like for example this breakfast meal I got. It’s sausage wrap with egg. I’m really a coffee person anymore but their coffee isn’t bad. They even have Cha Yen as a choice of drink.

Oh! And one more thing. I did try one more item…

Choco Pie from McDonald's Ü

Yes. If it’s chocolate you’re thinking, it is chocolate. It’s their chocolate pie! It’s like that chco pudding you buy in the groceries but wrapped with the usual pie dough and baked. Along with this pie are the pineapple pie and the corn pie. I wonder how the corn tastes like…

A few more walks and talks and there we were, the Catholic church in Bangkok named Holy Redeemer Church.

Altar of the Holy Redeemer Church

See the Buddhism/hinduism icons influenced in the altar design?

Ceiling of the Holy Redeemer Church

The ceiling has lotus motif with gold trimmings.

I think the mass we heard was the 3rd mass that morning. The celebrant were 2 priest: one Caucasian, not sure if it’s Brit or German but the main celebrant is a Thai priest who was ordained in the same church. He mentioned like it’s coming back to where your origins are.

Well, homily was something about no miracles happen if there’s no faith. That Jesus didn’t lose his “supernatural” powers it’s just that he didn’t impose. Well, that’s what the priest said. But what it said to me, love can’t be a one way street. It has to be two-way. It has to be reciprocated. Like if you send an SMS, it has to replied by the person you texted. If not, then… why bother hoping. Ok, I’m beginning to be off topic and too personal… AHAHAHA… moving on…

Next stop, went back to Central World Mall. We took a cab and planned to experience some pampering of self since it’s my vacation. Gian suggested that we try the facial service in that mall. But unfortunately, all slots are taken and could only accommodate just one of us So we decided to watch a movie later after eating. We had our lunch at Mos Burger. It’s a Japanese burger restaurant and what was highly recommended for me is the cheeseburger.

Mos Cheeseburger and Fries

It was ok. Not to big or small. Hey! I ate the tomato… hihihi. Me not scared of the red veggie, I mean red fruit :p Great if paired with fries and a cold drink.

Ice cold Coke Zero at Mos Burger

I didn’t notice their tagline/claim until I almost finished my Coke Zero drink…

Agreeable tagline

Simple tagline and true

The ambient lighting was great. Of course, who else will be my model but Gian Ü

Gian, my model for the day Ü

For experience, I tried watching a Thai comedy movie. WI’m not sure if the title was Wongkumlao but was able to understand what it’s about anyway because of the subtitles. Gian did warn me that the humor is like the TVJ’s era (Tito, Vic and Joey). There was a character in the movie that reminded me of our very own Allan K. It wasn’t bad but perhaps I could have enjoyed a better Thai movie if it’s about love or relationship or drama perhaps. Still my first, fave and unforgettable Thai movie (which I didn’t see in the big scene, just over the net) is the Love of Siam.

But one things for sure, by the way, the cinemas here are first class (for me). Wall to wall carpeting, may it be a small or an old one to the latest ones. Armrest can be pushed back like in some Ayala malls cinemas in the Philippines.

Compared to yesterday, we did a lot of riding the BTS trains and walking. We passed by the previous residence here of Gian in Thong Lo then walked quite a length to look for the travel agency passing by the Philippine Embassy here and reached Phaya Thai. Unfortunately, the agency is not there anymore and moved. Our quest for the day is not complete. Tomorrow, we go to another location and another travel agency for the package tour we can avail of.

Elephant mission is not accomplished yet.

Weather here in Bangkok is like the weather in the Philippines when I left. One time it was so sunny and hot. A few hours later it would be very humid. Sign that it will rain later on. Well, it did. Day 2 was quite a wet and splashy day for me.

And to cap the day off…

Health Land

We had a Thai massage Ü Yup. We did. My first time. Unlike the Swedish and other massages, Thai massage doesn’t use lotion or oil which I much prefer so I won’t feel sticky and have that distinct “massage” smell after. Plus in Thai massage you don’t have to be naked or almost naked. Gian brought me to Health Land in Ekamai district. That authentic Thai massage was a bone-cracking, muscle-aching experience. A painfully good one though.

Revisiting Thailand – Day 1

Again for the 3rd time, I’m finally here at Ratchada, Bangkok to be exact. And going back here won’t tire me even though it’s my 3rd time around. The difference this time: I’m a vacationing tourist!

Flight was on time. Philippine airport I came from was the controversial Terminal 3 which I find quite gloomy and dark. Arrived in Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok’s airport) around 11:30PM yesterday (12:30 AM Manila time, Thailand is an hour late in time). Thanks to the movie “Confession of the Shopaholic” converted for my iPod Nano, I was awake most of the trip. It was a longer walk from the terminal’s gate to the Immigration and  luggage area. I didn’t bring out my camera then. I guess I was tired and sleepy to even think about it. No Put (one of Ten’s best friend) around to welcome me this time (ok, I’ll admit it, I was a bit sad and disappointed. But admit it, my instinct was right – AGAIN).

I’m just happy… very happy I’m here in Bangkok already. Happy to see and be with Gian first and definitely, my vacation mode is on!

Anyhow, I had a few hours of sleep. Even though I was lying down already my mind is still wide awake. I guess I’m still excited. But that didn’t stop us from going out. We didn’t waste time.

Gian’s place is now farther from the main road and from a train/subway station compared to the last 2 place. Option was to either ride the motorcycle and pay 10 Baht which was a no-no for me (I still want to enjoy my vacation and go home still in one-piece) or walk. We went for the latter. Besides, it’s a good way to burn calories and have a chat with Gian

Esplanade Mall
Since it was too hot yet to head for Chatujak, we went first to Esplanade Mall, the nearest mall to Ratchada where we had our brunch. My first meal in Bangkok was Japanese. It was my first time to the mall and it wasn’t bad. Not as extravagant and overly impressive as Central World and Siam Paragon, but it was ok. Japanese buffet in Shabu Shi Restaurant was amazing. I’m so stuffed. Too hungry (and lazy) to take pictures. I was hungry then. Hands (and mouth) are full. Well, at least I can now finally say I have that experience of eating in a Japanese with the food choices you have to chase on a moving conveyer in front of you. Too bad and my loss too that I wasn’t able to document the experience

So what’s a perfect thing to do to kill time?

Watch a movie Ü Guess what movie is being shown here in Bangkok?

It's more than a two-thumbs UP!

OH YEAH! I got excited again learning from Gian that the movie “UP” from Pixar and Disney is already being shown in Bangkok. So there we go, we had to watched it. I can now brag to my friends left in the Philippines that I got to watch the movie already. Way ahead of them… hihihi. Ok, I’ll embarrass myself to you dear reader and admit something but I have to say this first: Darn writers. Darn Pixar. You hit me here, in my heart, AGAIN. You made me CRY… huhuhu.

But I recommend you to watch the movie. Just bring some tissue or hanky so you won’t soak your popcorn and make it taste too salty with your tears :p

Chatujak
Finally, I got to experience and see for myself what this market is so famous for. Well, everything and anything seems to be sold here. Alive only on weekends, we really didn’t miss this chance this time. They say it’s the cheapest place to shop in Bangkok but as my friend Gian advised me, still not all sold here are cheap. Some are still cheaper in MBK or in Pratunam.

It was a huge market. Alleys of alleys of stalls to check out. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any blouse or whatever for myself but I got shirts with good Thailand iconic designs like elephants and tuktuk as pasalubong for my male family members and friends. Gian got a bonsai plant that looks like a really nice small tree Ü

Taking photos of the market or what being sold was not allowed. Gian and another friend of his were scolded at one time when they documented the area. I guess good mobile phones with cameras such as iPhone are of handy and useful in areas and situations like this.

Oh here, I got my Thai sim card for just 14 Baht. 14 BAHT? What the… ok, perhpas it is really cheap here somehow.

MBK
This place is not new to me. But I was still surprised to see it again. It has improved a lot. I was looking for silver bracelets for my female friends and was advised that this is the cheapest place to go to for that. Funny about this place is that the male vendors who sold us the bracelets know simple Tagalog phrase. It sounds kind funny yet amusing them saying it

Photo taken in Skywalk in front of MBK

I LOVE this photo of our Gian! (Kasi ang ganda ko dito… hihihi)

Siam Paragon
Another place not foreign to me. siam Paragon still has it’s splendors and is still appealing to me due to it’s strategic location (has direct BTS stop/station for it), ambiance and great supermarket Ü

We decided to go here because I’m already craving for my fave Thai tea, Cha yen! And since it’s almost dinner time we ate at the food court. Pad Thai and Cha yen is a heavenly combination for me. I wasn’t able to finish my ordered Pad Thai. I got stuffed unexpectedly with the immediate drinking of the tea. Almost half of the glass’ content was only left. I brought it home for next day’s breakfast.

Pad Thai

Half-glass of Cha Yen

But before we had dinner, we bought a few supplies of groceries for my stay like flavored yogurt milk and a couple of Thai toothpaste that Ate Neth always refer to me as my pasalubong to her. And guess what? Gian showed me that Cycles Mild Baby Detergent for Babies is now available in their supermarket while  Bliss Pleasure Enhancing Lubricant is available at their drugstore .

Day 1 is almost done. I wonder awaits me tomorrow as my Day 2 for vacationing and revisiting Bangkok (again).

———-

I just received an SMS a few minutes ago from Put. I did text him today while Gian and I were having dinner at Siam Paragon food court. He said he texted last night that he can’t make it when I arrived. Unfortunate for me, I didn’t receive it. I texted him back with a brief accounts of today and the plan for tomorrow. I asked him too if there’d be a chance for us to meet at least before my vacation ends. As of 10:45PM, not reply from him. I guess it’s a NO CHANCE situation.

Today’s The Day (or Night?)

Last day of the week and my last day to work. In a few hours I’ll be bound to the country they call “The Land of Smiles”

Will my arrival there be as crazy and surprised as my last visit there last year? Will there be any different this time around?

Well, for one, my first Thai friend of mine won’t be there to greet me. Ten who has been such a dear friend sort of like little brother to me (but he’s taller than me mind you) is already in New York City at the moment. Had a chance to chat with him awhile ago. He has been “harrassing” me (in a good way) to move my VL to a later date so we can still see each other before he leaves for Sweden. Well, good for him that he has such great travel opportunities lately. He has been an eager beaver for both his NYC and Sweden trip. I’m so happy for him.

But anyway, going back to my vacation, I’ll be missing one enthusiastic and thoughtful friend to greet me with such remarkable smile.

(Ok. I’m sort of high right now that my writing has seemed to be flooded with adjectives and adverbs! Excited and nervous me. Isn’t it obvious?)

Another thing, there’s a 50/50 chance of me not seeing another friend. Well, he WAS sort of special BEFORE. He’s one of Ten’s best friend who took care of me too during my 1st visit in Thailand. Though he did asked for my flight details. Ever since he has his job in Thai Airways he’s been a busy bee. Good for him too. He’s saving up for another trip. If I’m in love with Bangkok, he seemed to be in love with Japan. (Well, he looks like a Japanese guy :p) He did surprise me during my arrival last time. He said he can’t make it but there he was, at the end of the arrival terminal gate in full suit! But being overpowered now by my pessimistic side, I have a feeling I won’t be seeing him. Who wants to bet against my instinct?

I’m just glad I’m having this break. Gian will be there. I missed him too and he’s excited as well that I’m having my vacation there and will visiting and staying with him. A surprise visit to him supposedly that turned out that I got the surprise instead. Well, that’s another story.

Oh well, it still not my official leave yet. I still have a few more projects to submit. Just one last shout out…

Bangkok, here I come!!!

555

———-

5 in Thai language is “ha”. Thais used that for their chat lingo. Instead of typing “hahaha”, they substitute it with “555″.

I guess I won’t be blending in this time. forgot a lot of basic Thai phrases No time to relearn them. All I remember were “Sawadee kah” (typed as pronounced) which means “Hello” or a female greeting in Thai, “Khap khun kah” means “Thank you very much” reply by a female speaker and “Mai pen rai” which means “No problem”. Thank God (or Buddha) for Gian who will do the bargaining for me

Banking (in BDO) Sucks

I have been emotionally harassed in the thought that I might go for my much-awaited vacation leave outside Philippines without money at hand.

I’m not well-off but I can say I earn enough to sustain myself and a few luxuries (such as traveling and vacation) if my budget permits. Tomorrow is my flight for Bangkok and by now, I should be relaxing somehow but I feel strained with the thought that my vacation money has to be cleared in 7-days.

Yes, you read it. 7-days. WTF?!

I earned that money from an extra job from a friend (let’s call her Friend A). Since she’s in Laguna and I’m in Quezon City, bank to bank transaction came to mind as the fastest and easiest way for me to get the money.

I don’t have my own dollar account. To preserve the money’s value, I had to ask a favor from a friend-colleague of mine (let’s call her Friend B) if I can deposit my money to her dollar account as a way for me to get my payment. She’s kind enough and gave the details. So, Friend A deposited the money in BDO Los Baños to my Friend B’s BDO Dollar account (BDO Sta. Lucia Branch) yesterday (July 1) before lunchtime. Since we were busy yesterday for meetings and internet was down in the afternoon due to heavy rains I guess, my Friend B checked her account online last night.

No sign of the US $500 deposited.

I contacted Friend A who deposited the money today if she can helped me to trace the “missing” US $500. It was strange for all of us that the transaction didn’t reflect immediately. As far as we’ve experienced in Bank f the Philippine Islands (BPI) any transaction is reflected real-time and we’re always advised if any transaction would be encountering any problems (ex. can’t me immediately withdrawn or will be charged of so and so). But this BDO experience of mine recently is quite, how can I say it… odd and stressful.

A few minutes later, Friend A called me up to inform me that my money will be cleared after 7-days. She was not advised of such “procedure” earlier yesterday when in fact she mentioned it to the teller that she doesn’t have any account in BDO. Today, she asked the someone (I wasn’t able to catch the name) in that same branch (Los Baños) what action can be done since the money is being expected. We were advised to go to the main branch of Friend B which is BDO Sta. Lucia and give out the details of the transaction yesterday in BDO Los Baños and ask for the money to be “cleared” by paying a SWAP FEE of around PHP36.00 (0.0015% of the amount deposited). If further problems will be encountered we have to notify Friend A so she can call BDO Los Baños.

Can you imagine the hassle and how time consuming this is for me and other people? I feel somehow ashamed that I even hassled and bother other people for this “new” banking system of BDO. I didn’t that such “clearance” will happen. If I had known, I would have risked of depositing it to my peso account in BPI instead, withdrawn my money and bought dollars. It’s a lot of steps but at least I didn’t hassled other people.

I have a BDO savings account myself. I got that because I was persuaded and advised by my boss to have an account there so that my salary will be transferred there electronically. Now, I’m really thinking if I still have to continue that or just close it and asked my boss to hand my salary instead or be it deposited in my BPI Saving Account instead.

I was disappointed on the events happening. I was thinking that BDO made a difference in the banking system of this country. Since they went beyond the usual banking system we all knew like extended banking hours, banks located inside malls and even selected branches open during weekends. All these were advertised and I even heard of it from some other people. But now, I am really, REALLY disappointed.

And sad to say, aside from this bad experience of mine, I’ve been hearing of “money missing” in their peso savings account from other BDO depositors. Another friend of mine lost Php1,000.00 from her ATM savings account. They just told her that there was an event of a certain time that she withdrew but didn’t tell which branch and time it was. And another incident was another friend’s father lost Php 8,000.00 in their account. No efforts was given to them to retrace the missing money as well. Both sum of money went down the drain.

Hard-earned and saved money disappeared with no valid explanation? What kind of banking “service” is that?

Now, where can the BDO tagline “We find ways” being applied too?

———-

Prior to me posting this, Friend B and I went to her BDO branch. They did release my money but we have to pay the SWAP FEE. When I asked them why they have such process. The teller said because it’s not our currency and it’s being done in toehr banks. Told her, BPI doesn’t and it’s realtime to the latter. No reaction. Then they let us wait for roughly 15-30 minutes then I got my money.
Tonight I can rest well because I’m “armed” now and thinking that my vacation is just a sleep away.

An Unexpected Encounter With A Premium Mint

After our lunch a few days back from our weekly client meeting, we went to Froyo for some yogurt fix. It’s not that far from our client’s office which is in front of Office Warehouse in Tomas Morato. So, as Aileen was ordering her yogurt ice cream, and I was still deciding if I’ll be getting one for myself, this was in front of me at the counter top area…

Ooooohhhh…

What were eye-catching was not that huge “MINTS” word down below the countertop display but the mints brand name’s ORALFIXATION and its logo.

Honestly, something else came into my “green mind”… hehehe. I guess working on Erektus for some time and doing some Bliss’ Thai and Vietnamese materials have something to do with it. That was my “primary” thoughts. Alpha Mints came second. Well, using these premium mints that was in front of me for a peg, I mean.

So, why do we say this ORALFIXATION Mints are “premium”?

1) Its packaging: thin metal containers, shrinkwrapped

2) Marketing/Structural presentation: Countertop display is made of metal (in relation to its tin can feel) and is CLEANLY impressive

3) Price: It’s Php 160.00

So, bye-bye yogurt for me (I got more excited with the mints and forgot about the yogurt) and hello ORALFIXATION Ü Bought all 3 that were available there and here are the photos we are sharing…

From L-R: ORALFIXATION “Classical Peppermint”, ORALFIXATION “Antioximints” (Green Tea Mints) and ORALFIXATION “Mojito Mint” (Lime Mint Cocktails)

“Sugar Free” marking is printed on the shrinkwrap and not on the tin can

ORALFIXATION “Classical Peppermint” has a wax or parchment paper placed inside the sliding tin can, on top of the mints. Prints are notes on a musical sheet (“classical” nga naman daw).

Notice the markings on each sides of the mint? The word “FIX” and a G-clef icon on the other side

Back label of the tin can (“Classical Peppermint”).

Check the top part: Compose Yourself

(Compose = Music = Classical)

ORALFIXATION “Antioximints” (Green Tea Mints) has a wax or parchment paper placed inside the sliding tin can, on top of the mints. Printed on it is a old Chinese man (old = wise) with a description about tea.

The markings on each sides of the mint: “FIX” and on the other side, a Chinese character same as one of those characters printed in front of the tin can. My guess is either it means “TEA” or perhaps “MINT”.

Back label of the tin can (“Antioximints” Green Tea Mints).

Check the top part: Eat for Life

(Antioxidants or was it the green tea extracts that claims that it’s good for our health?)

ORALFIXATION “Mojito Mint” (Lime Mint Cocktails) has a wax or parchment paper too that placed inside the sliding tin can, on top of the mints. Printed on it is an image of a bartender (pero he doesn’t look friendly) with seemed to be words of a person ordering a cocktail mix.

(Make me a stiff one = strong drink)

The markings on each sides of the mint: “FIX” and on the other side, just a star… still wondering what the star means in connection to this mint variant.

Back label of the tin can ”Mojito Mint” (Lime Mint Cocktails). Check the top part: Join The Party

Taste: Well, they are mints. But somehow there are some distinction.

Classical – may be plain mint but the strongest and the most distinct of the 3 mints tasted.

Green Tea – quite thin and plain on the minty side, not as strong as classical and couldn’t tell the tea part taste of it

Mojito Mint – well, minty and little on the lime flavor, ummm… where’s the “stiff” drink part of it?

Checked out their website and found out that they have a lot of variants. Nice packaging design for distinction. I believe it’s for “collecting”. Personally, I’m willing to spend that much for such collection Well, I’m not part of the ordinary consumer anymore but for curiosity on the flavor, uniqueness and packaging I’ll be biting this product and would probably recommend it

Oh, and I’m keeping the tin cans after. even before buying it, I’m already thinking of what other ways I can reuse the container Ü I might refill it with other stuff, like cheaper mints or folded paper bills or anything else that can fit inside. Recycling to help Mother Earth

That’s the tale of our unexpected encounter of a premium mint named ORALFIXATION

By the way, their countertop display is attractive too though the brand name is not properly placed. (Didn’t the designer compute?) Should be a bit higher to be visible and more readable

Monday Blues

Monday morning.

It’s so hard for me again to go to work. Still here at McDonald’s Timog, my seemed to be favorite breakfast place nowadays. It’s because of the free WiFi I guess…

This location among other McDonald’s Store I’ve been is quite comfortable. Though budget-wise I should go here everyday because it will put a hole in my pocket. But all the same, it’s quite comfy.

I wonder for how long will I keep on coming here for breakfast? I just want to feel “happy” initially for the day by ordering that yum-yum Oreo-Caramel sundae. Yup. You read it. I’m having that sundae for breakfast among the muffin and orange juice for breakfast.

I guess that’s it. Until my tongue doesn’t complain on Ronald’s (first name basis? That’s McDonald’s first name, FYI) food I guess I’ll keep on coming back here.

(Somehow) Love ko ‘to!

Oreo Caramel Sundae by gpherman