Sorry for the Inconvenience. Right.

I'm terribly busy but I'm posting this entry as a protest to bad automated system and customer service. I am very calm by nature and don't usually grump about people or companies unless the situation absolutely calls for it.

But today, I've simply had enough of Globe's system delays and constant glitches.

Here's what happened:
It's my first time using their Share-A-Load service on my few months-old Globe sim; and I know for a fact that there's a short registration procedure in using the system. So I sent 5 pesos to my mom's number only so that I can get the confirmation message which includes the mechanics for registration of Share-A-Load. After a few messages saying my request cannot be accommodated and an hour's delay, the P5 I sent was received, and I finally obtained the mechanics for registration. Obviously I'm not dumb or blind, so I read AND understood the registration procedure. I did the thing in a breeze, and again, after so much delay, I received the message confirming my registration. And by the way, with that I also got a second message confirming the P5 I sent to my mom... which means, because I tried sending it so many times, two transactions were recorded in their system and processed, only because they always CANNOT accommodate the request. How's that? So anyway, after that I tried sharing P100 to my brother, using the four-character PIN I registered with. The return message from Globe said that I entered the wrong PIN and that I should send GET <mother's maiden name> to retrieve it. So even though I was  wondering why that happened, I again followed the instruction and expected to get my PIN. And yet again, after such a long time, I received something saying that I entered the wrong mother's maiden name. How can I be wrong about my mother's maiden name?! I assumed (because I couldn't find any other explanation) that it was probably a glitch. So I sent the Share-A-Load request to my brother repeatedly, like I always do when weird stuff happens like in frequently palpak UnliTxt or Sulitxt requests. And then magically, WITHOUT THE USUAL DELAY, I received the service message saying that my Share-A-Load capability was blocked due to sending the wrong PIN three times! And it said to call 215 for my concerns, etc. After mutterring a few WTFs, I decided to call this 215 and got hold of a poor call center agent. I was ranting non-stop on the phone but then my kinder alter-ego actually wanted to be more considerate to this agent who's not actually the one at fault. Just when I had given my name and number and calmed down a bit, the line went dead. With my patience reaching the critical limit, I called again and got connected to the program playing music while waiting for an agent to pick up. I heard the line pick up but there was only dead air. So for the friggin' third time, I called and fortunately got connected to a new male agent (the first one's female). He told me the same stuff the girl told me before we got cut off and asked for my name and number again, but then also asked for my sim serial number which I cannot fetch due to my location (duh). He explained that I have to call again when I get the serial so they could verify it before they can even activate my Share-A-Load capability. And after a thousand apologies from him and some standard closing spiels, I got nothing.

All the hassle for nothing. In the first place, if the system was reliable enough I wouldn't have resorted to calling Customer Service and the guy wouldn't have to keep saying he's sorry for the inconvenience he didn't actually cause. There are a lot more complaints on several forums on the net when I checked, especially on the Globe Rewards and the UnliTxt service. Besides, I've had enough calling them again and again to ask about mysteriously disappearing phone credits; or the strange load-devouring tendency of my brother's previous roaming service.

I'm not saying we boycott Globe or anything. I'm also not saying we call them up and yell on all of their customer service reps... I'm just ranting.

He kept saying "Ma'am, sorry for the inconvenience". It's his job. I can only imagine him trying to handle the other irate, less understanding customers because they had the same or worse problems that I had with the company's services.

Considering they're a major service provider, probably abound with experts in the telecom and sales industry, I wonder what they could be doing wrong.

Random Thoughts and Jitters

Judgment day is near. (While writing this, I'm just taking a well-needed break from thesis mode.)

First random thought: So anyway, I just saw this on TV: Korean pop star Rain is in the new Clear Men commercial! Yes, CLEAR - Unilever's well-publicized anti-dandruff shampoo. That was rather unexpected, considering I last saw him with dyed hair; and I was actually too busy processing the thought in my head that I forgot to see if his hair was any blacker this time. Lol. As far as I know, in anti-dandruff shampoo campaigns; the blacker, the better. I guess it has something to do with the better contrast to white flakes. Anyhoo, I'll just have to watch out for the next rerun so I could check his hair color. Haha. I already kinda like Clear, the shampoo, so having Rain there doesn't do much in my product likeability meter. Besides, it actually seemed more like he advertised himself rather than the product. He's being all cool and sleek then says "My name is Rain." Lol.

Second random thought: I haven't cleaned up my place in the lab yet, 'cause I want everything to be done before I pack up. However, I've taken my cages and remaining rats home; and sis is planning to adopt my favorite albino rat Rein.  Their eyes are a little pinker than usual, contrary to the blood-red hue that I was used to. Well, I haven't fed them in weeks... I'm actually surprised they're still alive so I guess I can settle for light-colored eyes. Haha. And by the way, if you are interested, you can check out my rats album in the Photos page for new rat pics.

Third random thought: CAGES FOR SALE!!! Since I don't know what to do with them and I also need moolah, I'm selling my cages. They're actually bird cages, sizes 9"x14" and 9"x16". They were only used for around two months, so they're in fairly good condition (which will be in even better state when I clean and repaint them). 28 in stock. Contact me for info and price negotiation. Wehehe. Eto na naman ako, nag-aadvertise, pasensya na.

Now that I've unloaded the excess stuff that's been hogging some of my important brain space, I return to thesis mode.

Dimsum, Noodles and a Jacket

Then it was pizza and roses. Now it's Chinese food and a jacket.

Somehow I ended up choosing the most congested and inconvenient of all days in Quiapo, a Friday. People flocked to the church and the surrounding plaza for the weekly mass; adding to the already disordered Carriedo markerplace. But then my desperation due to recent incidents led me to endure standing for an hour in the plaza watching the priest from the projector screen. A drizzle followed after the mass which I thought was some kind of blessing (or so I hoped).

Anyway I was so hungry after that; but my onee-chan took me out for a lunch treat. Yay! Siomai and Noodles! And the best part was that it was free. JOKE. Hehe.

Then the next stop was the SM Clearance Outlet nearby, which was kind of frustrating 'cause I intend not to buy anything for a while due to budget constraints. But I learned that even a person as frugal, ehem... as kuripot as me, just won't be able to resist some things.

Guess what, I got this super cool jacket for 200 pesos!


Thank you, onee-chan!

Taga UP

Got these from Verna. Thanks!

[ ] worried about getting bullied by fratmen or getting killed in a riot
[] got bullied by fratmen
[] witnessed a riot
[X] watched the Oblation Run (Maliit lang ang AS, makikita't makikita mo talaga sila. Lol)
[X] made friends with a teacher (Slight. Di kasi ako ma-PR.)
[] was tricked as a freshman into attending a rally / prayer meeting
[X] wore red or black on one of those wear red or wear black days (Once as a freshie and never again.)
[X] wore red on Valentine’s Day (Probably did it unconsciously.)
[X] wore black on Valentine's Day (Probably did it unconsciously as well.)
[X] celebrated a birthday at Robinson's Place, Ermita (We celebrate everything at Rob Manila! Why not? Haha.)
[] learned UP Naming Mahal
[] got on the dean's list as CS or US
[X] slept on a bench (Matigas ang bench. So sa couch ng RR.)
[] was an RA (registration assistant) or SA
[] lied or begged to an RA for a slot in class
[X] participated in a there's-only-one-more-slot-are you-feeling-lucky? (Sa subject. Solo flight na Biochem. At least it's over, kahit maraming weird memories.)
[X] jogged around the university oval (PE Walking finals! Sa Sunken Garden.)
[X] visited the Paco Park (Nadaanan. I suddenly remember the LTS days. Pandacan days.)
[] knew at least 1 xerox lady, manong, or technician by name
[] attended university level graduation (Masyadong bitter para umattend ng grad. haha.)
[] got an activist for a teacher
[] watched a La Salle vs. Ateneo UAAP game live
[] watched a UP vs. any school basketball game live
[X] studied at the caft (Yeah, freshie days nung nahihiya pa sa RR. Haha. We used to disinfect several tables with ROH bago maupo ang buong block. Lol.)
[X] studied in Robinson's food court. (Definitely. Freshie days din, nung di pa ko sawa sa pagkaing food court at amoy ng salisbury steak. Hehe.)
[X] studied along Taft (I guess studying inside a jeep caught in traffic along Taft counts.)
[X] bought food from the OUR (Of course, it's so much cheaper than sa AS caf. Spam+rice+ketchup = pag walang pera. Plus masarap pa ang food dun. Pag bored na sa class ni Sir Billy, dun din ang takbuhan aside from Rob.)
[X] watch a play that's required (What I watched wasn't a play kasi. It was a movie. About gay women. Memories. Lol.)
[X] went stargazing (Curfew is at 9PM. The closest I got to stargazing was looking above rfom the balcony of GAB 4th floor to look for rainclouds. Lol. Plus the overnight "makahiya" adventure.)
[] slept in the lib (Well, I'm a rare visitor.)
[] struck up a conversation with a taong grasa
[] wrote to / for the collegian
[] went to the chapel
[X] cut class with your block to watch a movie (Movie or no movie. No one attends class. Period.) --- Uy, Physics 73 days! Sorry talaga, Doc. Haha.
[] had a voltes V for a teacher
[] lied to the transcript lady to get a transcript earlier than the standard 3 months
[] went to a freshman-only concert where you had to show your form 5 to prove freshmanhood
[X] subsisted on just streetfood (Well, di naman streetfood ang Smokey's footlong. Pero it comes close.)
[] learned how to smoke
[X] went on an out-of-town trip with blockmates or orgmates (Field trip. As if namang may natuloy na batch outing. Haha.)
[] fell in love
[] actually read the book you keep borrowing from the lib (Never borrowed. Sorry.)
[X] played cards during your free time (Mostly watched people play cards. I crossed this din dahil sa unforgettable RR memories. Nahuli kasi, hehe.)
[X] dress in business attire (Happens only during thesis defense and Comm 3. We're very casual people. We like tees, slippers, and... lab gowns. Lol.)
[] got sung to or sung to someone in class during Valentine's day
[X] watched the lantern parade (It was required for PE 1. We didn't have a choice.)
[X] helped out a total stranger (Mostly people asking directions.)
[] helped out a total stranger because he/she was hot
[X] learned to stay awake for more than 24 or 48 hours straight
[] got bullied by fratmen and feeling cool wannabe people
[] took Wednesday and/or Sat classes WILLINGLY
[X] volunteered for the pahinungod (Too bad we've become inactive. Mahirap sabay ang Pahinungod at Biochem. Sayang, naka-attend pa naman na kami ni Faye ng ilang seminars.)
[X] ate "tasteless white sauce" pasta
[] got a boyfriend/girlfriend
[X] took time to read the vandalism in the CR (If only words could kill... I bet nag-evaporate na ang DPSM due to mere CR vandalism. Hehe.)
[X] watched a sexy art film for any GE class (The lesbo movie. Is it sexy? Ewan. It's probably R-18.)
[] got held up or pickpocketed
[X] felt depressed because you were not as good academically as you were in high school (I guess everyone sa Biochem feels this at one point. Like, "Bakit dati ang dali lang ng Chem?" Lol.)
[X] did a last minute paper (Always.)
[X] had spent a lot for 1x1 ID pictures (I thought na mag- 120 pcs recopy na lang kasi sa Alva. ?Bente lang. Haha. Pero ano naman kasing gagawin ko sa sandamakmak na kopya ng face ko?)
[X] got exempted from final exams (Mostly sa GE or sa Bio. I still can't forget that Chem 14 incident. Haha. Si "Sir" kasi. For those of you who know.)
[] got exempted from a final exam but still took it
[X] watched any variety show (Syempre DPSM Week!)
[] promised to quit smoking
[] got into at least one (org- or council-sponsored) adventure race
[X] knew where the best restrooms are on campus (Thesis room-adjacent CRs are most convenient. College of Med washrooms are sosyal. Pharm CRs are cute.)
[X] joined an org (BCS, syempre.)
[X] allowed yourself to make mistakes
[X] took summer classes (Do I have a choice?! Do we ever take summer breaks? No. Once and for all, LET ME SAY THIS. Nag-susummer class kami hindi dahil bagsakin kami. Di dahil adik kami at gusto maka-advance. Di dahil malakas ang trip namin. It's just that, we don't have a choice. We have four years to finish something that could normally take five. Okay?)
[X] admired the oblation (I was able able to make a whole Comm 1 paper solely based on the outstretched arms of the Oble. I admire how much I actually got to write about that little thing.)
[X] made a video for a project (We are masters. At last.)
[] had a crush on a teacher
[] had a teacher who had a crush on / tried to court you
[] faked sickness to get an absence excused
[] took a PE class where you had to pay for tuition (i.e. sportsclimbing, ten pin bowling, etc)
[X] went to school in your crappiest yet most comfy clothes
[] learned how to use the Bayantel pay phones
[X] participated in school activities
[] dated someone from UP
[X] rode an IKOT and TOKI.
[X] found a tambayan (And then sort of lost it. I miss RR. Although my lab space is my tambayan now.)
[X] learned how to beg for a higher grade (Replace that: Learned how to beg for a special exam. My own stupidity got me kasi. Anyways, I wasn't able to take a special exam pero I got a 4. At least.)
[X] used your 6 allowable absences wisely (I tried not to exceed. Lalo na sa GE where they have attendance checks. Sa SS2, exams lang ako nakita ng prof. Sa Bio10, halos ganun din. And many other courses. But 20 absences is the norm sa amin. Joke. Half-meant.)
[] lived in a dorm
[] volunteered to be the blockhead or go-to guy for your group / class
[X] had the worst schedule. (7am to 7pm. No breaks. Uwian sa Laguna. Kumusta naman yun?)
[X] not used up all 6 allowable absences (Sa PI. And the prof still hated me for some reason.)
[X] was active in your org (Active tumambay? Yes!)
[] attended an ACLE
[X] learned how to cram. (Always.)
[] sold tickets for (or watch) an org-sponsored movie premiere
[X] saved money to Xerox all of your seatmate's notes
[X] slept in class
[X] finished a homework / assignment / paper at ALVA (Of course. May bonus ka pang virus after! Haha.)
[] had mountains of unused sample exams and/or old testaments
[X] resolved to be "better this semester" (I guess we all do.)
[X] slept during a test (Sa Genetics Lab. Kasi naman may 2-minute break pa sa isang station.)
[X] had groupmates from hell (ie no-shows, babblers, dependents, airheads, dreamers, idea stealers, plagiarists) - Haha! HE who must not be named. Peace.
[X] learned how to work with groupmates from hell
[X] had a bad encounter with one of the guards on campus (Pero friends na kami ngayon. Well, kilala kami ng guards of all shifts and all days. Even yung Sunday guard, and yung sa gabi at madaling araw. Lol.)
[] developed a love for siomai rice
[X] reserved a classroom, AVR, etc. for a class or org function (LRC days.)
[] attended UP Fair. (Nakakahiya naman, di pa ko nakapunta ng kahit anung UP Fair activity.)
[X] went to a library other than your own college's to research (National Library! The lengthy walks to Kalaw and all that.)
[X] lost a perfectly functioning umbrella. (Nung freshie pa.)
[X] used consultation hours properly (Oo naman. Masasabon ako ng adviser ko kung hindi. Kahit pa nagtatago rin ako.)
[] went to the Guidance Office for real, heart-to-heart guidance
[] attend class with a hangover or tipsy
[] drink beer or alcohol while inside UP grounds
[X] maxed out on the 6 allowed unexcused absences but DID NOT drop (20 absences nga eh. Haha.)
[] got invited or pursued by a sorority or fraternity
[X] wore slippers to school

This was fun, may questions na for UPM talaga. Hehe.

Gold Digger

I found this on Snopes, where a woman posts a message on Craigslist apparently having a problem looking for an extremely financially-able partner. Here's the thing, the pathetic message actually receives a reply. It has been posted on e-mails as "The Answer" although the truth to these messages is unknown. However, I felt like posting it too. This is so hilarious. Read on.

What am I doing wrong?

Okay, I'm tired of beating around the bush. I'm a beautiful (spectacularly beautiful) 25 year old girl. I'm articulate and classy. I'm not from New York. I'm looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don't think I'm overreaching at all.

Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could you send me some tips? I dated a business man who makes average around 200 - 250. But that's where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 won't get me to central park west. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she's not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I get to her level?

Here are my questions specifically:

- Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics- bars, restaurants, gyms
-What are you looking for in a mate? Be honest guys, you won't hurt my feelings
-Is there an age range I should be targeting (I'm 25)?
- Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the upper east side so plain? I've seen really 'plain jane' boring types who have nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I've seen drop dead gorgeous girls in singles bars in the east village. What's the story there?
- Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows - lawyer, investment banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?
- How you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY

Please hold your insults - I'm putting myself out there in an honest way. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I'm being up front about it. I wouldn't be searching for these kind of guys if I wasn't able to match them - in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a nice home and hearth.

it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 432279810

---

THE ANSWER

Dear Pers-431649184:

I read your posting with great interest and have thought meaningfully about your dilemma. I offer the following analysis of your predicament.

Firstly, I'm not wasting your time, I qualify as a guy who fits your bill; that is I make more than $500K per year. That said here's how I see it.

Your offer, from the prospective of a guy like me, is plain and simple a crappy business deal. Here's why. Cutting through all the B.S., what you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring my money. Fine, simple. But here's the rub, your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity... in fact, it is very likely that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won't be getting any more beautiful!

So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, your depreciation accelerates! Let me explain, you're 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!

So in Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy and hold... hence the rub... marriage. It doesn't make good business sense to "buy you" (which is what you're asking) so I'd rather lease. In case you think I'm being cruel, I would say the following. If my money were to go away, so would you, so when your beauty fades I need an out. It's as simple as that. So a deal that makes sense is dating, not marriage.

Separately, I was taught early in my career about efficient markets. So, I wonder why a girl as "articulate, classy and spectacularly beautiful" as you has been unable to find your sugar daddy. I find it hard to believe that if you are as gorgeous as you say you are that the $500K hasn't found you, if not only for a tryout.

By the way, you could always find a way to make your own money and then we wouldn't need to have this difficult conversation.

With all that said, I must say you're going about it the right way. Classic "pump and dump."

I hope this is helpful, and if you want to enter into some sort of lease, let me know.

I am Green-minded.

Wow. Again, another quiz that got it right.

                            

        What Color is Your Brain?    

    

GREEN:

At work or in school: I work best by myself.  I like to focus on my ideas until my desire for understanding is satisfied.  I am easily bored if the subject holds no interest to me.  Sometimes, it is hard for me to set priorities because so many things are of interest.
With friends: I may seem reserved.  Although my thoughts and feelings run deep, I am uneasy with frequent displays of emotion.  I enjoy people who are interesting and of high integrity.
With family: I am probably seen as a loner because I like a lot of private time to think.  Sometimes, I find family activities boring and have difficulty following family rules that don't make sense to me.  I show love by spending time with my family and sharing ideas and interests.
Take this quiz!

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