FINANCE

Purchasing a Household Appliance Through Home Credit

6/09/2017 12:00:00 AM

Home Credit has a bad reputation to me before I even tried availing their services. My brother made me one his reference person when he applied for a phone. He had missed some payments, so Home Credit calls me like 24/7 to follow-up on his due. From that moment on, I swear that I will not avail any of their loans. 

A twist of fate came. Our 7-year old washing broke down when laundry is more than a dozen basket full. To make it even worse. It's the start of the rainy season. We don't even have enough cash to pay the washing machine in cash. What now?
In Roxas (Isabela), a few establishment offers household appliances. There's S and J, Adessa, Everest and Robinson's Appliance. These establishments also offers installments as payment mode. The tie breaker is the establishment's ability to offer post-purchase support. 


APPLICATION PROCESS


My mother convinced me that we should purchase our washing machine from Robinson's Appliance in Xentromall Roxas. Through Home Credit. Yes, through Home Credit. Since, I was the one with a good credit standing my name is used for the application. Home Credit promised a fast approval. All you need is are identification cards and a list of reference persons. 10 persons to be exact.

I signed up my application form. I think what made my application process is indicating an auto-debit payment scheme. Approval came within 20 minutes.

Once approved, your fingerprints will be scanned and now you can pay 30% of the principal amount of the unit your are purchasing then you are ready to take home the unit. 

A welcome kit will also be given to you which will contain:
  • Transaction receipt of the purchased item (photocopy this as thermal printed receipts fades easily)
  • Loan Agreement
  • Payment Schedule - this is where loan details is broken down, see sample below
  • Acknowledgement Receipt of Sunlife Grepa Financial Insurance - yes, to get you covered for any untoward events
  • Auto-debit Arrangement Enrollment Form/Auto Debit Arrangement (ADA) - if you availed of the feature
Two days later, you will receive a call checking and verifying the details of the loan you have availed. I wish Home Credit will invest on training their call center agents to speak more natural.




PAYMENT SCHEDULE

I have been prompt in paying my dues. My deadline is every 5th of the month but bank debits happens every 2nd of the month. As explained to me, it should be this early to facilitate the clearing period. There was an instance that my bank account was not funded. So what I did was pay the due at SM's payment center. Did I receive a call from an collecting agent? Yes, I received 2 calls reminding me to pay.

Pros:
Fast approval of application
Convenience of payment
Friendly staff (you can also contact them if you have concerns regarding your loan)
Payment status/transactions can be viewed online
Responding online chat agents (might require waiting)
Last payment is waived when payment is paid on time (applicable for Robinson's Appliance)
Allows installment even without credit card

Cons:
High interest (almost 30% of the item you purchased)

Will I recommend Home Credit? Yes, in terms of the ease of application and other facilities they offer. No for the high interest. On the brighter side, availing micro-loans like this will develop your skill on budgeting and sticking to it. So thank you, Home Credit.

What's your Home Credit story?

*Not a paid post. 

LIFESTYLE

Falling in love with Divisoria

4/22/2017 01:38:00 PM

I have this love and hate relationship with Divisoria. Love for the great finds and cheap bargains. Hate for the heat, traffic, congestion, bad smell, dirty pavements. This love-hate relationship was put to rest for a time since I already moved to Isabela. 2 years later, I have to go back into her arms to source out materials for a wedding. On top of that, I would want to see for myself the improvements in Divisoria that the current administration is boosting about. Third, check out some stuff that Youtubers recommend. Read: make-up brushes. 


Love for the improvements
There are only 2 footwear I packed for this trip. A pair of white sneakers and a pair of flip flop. I don't want to get my feet dirty so I decided to put my sneakers. Divisoria and white sneakers, yayks! But, but, as the jeep went deeper through the streets of Divisoria,  I am amazed how light the vehicle traffic is. Jeepneys can go as far as Tabora. Less walking. Streets are cleaner now. It no longer has this after-a-muddy-flood feel. My white sneakers managed to stayed clean but of course I wasn't saved from occasional incidents of being stepped on.


There are still areas that doesn't smell nice. I think the estero near 168 Mall would really need some time to clean. So can I say that Divisoria is changed? In general, yes. I am really hoping that Divisoria's state of cleanliness will continue to improve.

 Love for wedding DIY materials on Tabora St.
Tabora St. is one of the most colorful street of Divisoria, Raw materials for rustic decors, hats, costumes, paper lanterns and paper mache adorns the street. This is also where you can find party needs which are cheaper compared to the ones you can find in 168 Mall. When I did a DIY birthday party for my daughter, Tabora is where we sourced our materials. Truly, a crafter's haven.

Tabora have transformed to a place where you can find pieces for your DIY wedding. From wedding invitations to souvenirs, decorations and even Tiffany chairs.
An initial plan is to assemble a scented candle in a mason jar for a wedding favor. We scoured the streets for other options until we saw samples frosted shot glasses decorated with smoke print. I got sold out with the concept so we ordered 100 pieces of this instead. This kind is around PhP13.00 pesos, printing and individual plastic bag included. What a steal, right?

You may contact EDONG SOUVENIRS (edongsouvenirs@yahoo.com, 0917050603761), their display stand is in front of Banco de Oro and Justina Marketing.


The sales assistant of EDONG'S also suggested a place where we can get cheaper materials to adorn the favors we chose. It's the stall on the right of (when facing) Good Morning Textile Company. It is an air-conditioned store with a glass door. 


Walking along Tabora made me proves how party planning and wedding coordination have grown into a big industry.

Love for the make-up brushes
I first learned about these make-up brushes from Youtuber Real Asian Beauty. Dupes of high-end brushes are also available, like "Ecotools", "Sigma Brushes", "Kylie" Paddle Brushes and "Real Techniques". I bought some brandless make-up brushes - a fan brush, a blending brush for eye shadow and a foundation brush (hmmm, I think). There is a lot of FAKE make-up offered. I never want to put my skin on the line so PASS.

I must admit, re-visiting Divisoria made me realize I missed her. Her current state of chaos, the labyrinth of street vendors made her more interesting. And yes, I am more in love with her now. She'll always be this kuripot and crafty person's mecca.

Some friendly tips for a Rural Mom visiting Divisoria:
  1. Dress comfortably that includes a compfy footwear. No flashy blings please.
  2. Bring your own ecobag.
  3. Bring some protection from the heat and rain.
  4. Stay hydrated. If the weather gets too warm, head to the nearest mall for cooler air. Usual tambayan spots is 168 Mall stairs and food court, Tutuban entrance.
  5. Be alert. Salisi gang and pickpocketers could be anywhere. It's best to have someone with you.
  6. If you are buying in bulk, you can rent a kuliglig from Divisoria to the bus terminal (if the bus terminal is in Sampaloc Area). Ask the stores you are buying from to pack your bought items in boxes for easier transport marking those with breakable items.


You may also check Ang Istorya ng Divisoria, Homemade Parties, RealAsianBeauty for more information.

LIFESTYLE

How To Survive the Beach (While Having a Period)

2/14/2017 06:13:00 PM

Itinerary is planned.  You have packed your things and supplies for the trip. Then you found out that it’s the time of the month. Such a kill joy. Should you push or back out from the trip? I had this experience last year prior to a trip to Anawangin. It was a bit of a hassle but I still manage to enjoy it. Here’s how I did it:


Bring in the pads and some extras.
Base your estimate based on your flow.  Having too many supply will never hurt. Anawangin is a remote area and I am not sure if the sari-sari stores  in the island have pads. For a 2 days and 1 night trip, I brought 3 packs of overnight pads. Overnight pads are recommended for long travels and prolonged sitting.
I have read that it’s best to use menstrual cup or tampon if going to the beach with a menstrual period because (1) pads can get wet and soggy when submerged in to the water,  (2) it’s noticeable under your suit, and (3) “floating pad” incident may happen. But for me, sanitary pads is still my best option besides there are ways to go around the downside of wearing pads to the beach. If you want to wear flaunt your bikini, choose the ones without wings ’cause it could be seen outside your suit. I opted to wear dark shorts with my bikinis to conceal the adhesives and prevent “floating” incidents.
Wear something dark.
Dark bikini bottom, dark cover-up, dark shorts. Leaks can happen, dark cloths can cover it. ðŸ™‚
Dark clothing can also hide those bloated tummies. You can also ask your girl friend to check your rear (but not in an annoying  and paranoid frequency).
Prepare for the cramps.
Stress and unhealthy foods can lead to menstrual pain. Ibupropen, Midol can be give you comfort. If those two won’t help, go back to the water and forget about the pain. But, but you still need to listen to what your body is saying, it the pain is too much to bare rest for a while. Relax, feel the sun on your skin and listen to the crushing waves. Find ways to interact with your friends while you are out of the water.
Change those pads.
Going out of the water for lunch or going for a trek? Change your pad first. You will feel more comfortable walking around on those dry pads. Changing pads is also for hygiene purposes and will keep you from getting rashes. If you’re out of the water, change your pads withing 2-4 hours to keep you fresh.
Dispose off used pads properly.
Roll it, wrap with paper or plastic then dispose then off in the garbage bins provided. Do not flush them in the toilet nor throw them out the shower window. You don’t want to ruin someone else’s escapade with those pads, right?
Enjoy the beach.
Period is a normal thing for us ladies. Forget the myths that it is not safe to swim if you are having a period. Don’t worry about sharks, they will not smell your blood.

FOOD

How to Cook Patulid

12/14/2016 08:49:00 PM

After a long travel, Patulid is always a treat my sibling and I look forward to when reaching home. Patulid is a soupy meat dish rich source of protein and iron. 

It is a dish indigenous in the Northern Part of the Philippines. It is an Ilocano term which literally means “rolled over”. No, not part of this dish is being rolled over by a heavy machine. But it’s cooked as if it just rolled over fire. But for me I like the meat simmered for a while to release the flavor of the meat. It will be tasty even without adding pork cubes.


print recipe

Patulid

Ingredients
  • 1/2 kilo pork sirloin steak
  • 1/2 kilo pork liver
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 pieces small onion
  • 2 stalks spring onions
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • water
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Saute onions, then garlic until the golden brown. Ensure that garlic and onions were not burnt.
3. Stir in pork sirloin then simmer to half-cooked consistency.
4. Add the liver. Stir until the bloody appearance disappears.
5. Pour in water enough to cover the meat and liver. You may add more if you want more soup.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Spring spring onions for added zest and garnishing.
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 4 servings

Cooking Notes:

  • Overcooking the liver leads to tough texture.
  • Use the freshest liver and meat available. Frozen ones are not recommended.
  • Meat should be sliced thinly for faster cooking.

LIFESTYLE

How to Renew a Philippine Passport in a DFA Regional Office

12/11/2016 03:39:00 PM

It's always good to keep your passports updated. It's the best form of ID and yes, no one knows if emergency cases arise. I am renewing my passport for the 2nd time. My first passport was processed in DFA Tuguegarao, it was the green one. My e-passport was processed in DFA Oceana office and now I'm back in Tuguegarao for another renewal.


How to Renew a Passport in a DFA Regional Office
  1. Set an appointment via DFA Appointment website. Since I am setting an appointment with me and my 2-year-old daughter, I set a group appointment. (Read story here.)The nearest DFA Office to us is Tuguegarao so I choose Tuguegarao.

    DFA Regional Consular Office - Tuguegarao
    Regional Government Center, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
    078 8464813

  2. Prepare you documentary requirements. Renewal is fairly easier than the first time application. List of documents you need to prepare is shorter. My expired passport is an e-passport so these are the passports that I needed to bring.


    Being a girl scout, I brought 3 IDs - a PRC license, UMID, a voters ID. For the supporting document a a tax community certificate (sedula) and my daughter's birth certificate. I made triplicates of each. But on the verification stage, the checker only took one photocopy of my expired passport and IDs. Then he punched my expired passport. This signifies that my passport is no longer valid but on the process of renewal. I will still be keeping this old passport for keepsake.
  3. Pay for the processing. You have the option for a rush processing and a normal processing. As of writing, express processing fee is PhP1200.00 while the regular one is PhP950.00. We're not travelling yet so no need for a rush processing. Traveling back to Tuguegarao is not part of my future plans so I arranged a delivery via LBC. Note: Check with the clerk if your home address is within the delivery area. If not, opt for a pick up at the nearest LBC branch near your area.
  4. Line up for the pictorial. This is the process where your information are keyed-in to the system and biometrics are taken. Make sure to go through all the details to check errors. Oh, I forgot to mention that you should wear something presentable. read: no plunging necklines, no sleeveless. Smile, Then your done.
  5. Arrange for your passport's delivery (optional).
Overall, my experience with DFA has never been bad. I have received a text from DFA a night before the pick-up date that the releasing of my passport was delayed. But surprisingly, 10 days after LBC informed me that I have to hurry down to their branch because our passports were set for return. I wish DFA and LBC were more efficient in handling this matter.

INSTAGRAM @renewed_anne