Text Scams: More Fun in the Philippines

Sa makabagong panahon ng teknolohiya, lalong dumami ang manloloko at mga modus operandi. Pati sa text ay kumalat na rin. Kailangan ng ibayong pag-iingat at huwag basta magtitiwala lalo na kung hindi mo talaga kilala ang isang tao lalo na kung ang pag-uusapan ay tungkol sa pera at negosyo. Huwag kayong magpapadala sa mga pambobola nila at mabulaklak na dila. Nung linggo ay nakatanggap ako ng text message sa isang numero at taong hindi ko kilala. Narito ang kanyang cellphone number at eksaktong text na pinadala sa akin:


From: +639072980300
08/25/2012  11:45 AM

Invitation message

Gusto mo sumali ng 
networking? P888 lang 
pero mas malaki pwede mo 
kitain kumpara sa mga 
company na libo libo ang bayad.

Pakinggan molang para 
makita mo na malaking 
pinagkaiba nito sa ibang 
company at habang maaga
pa para maka pusisyon ka 
sa taas.

Marami samin dito 15-17 
years old nakaka bayad na
ng sariling tuition saka
naka bili ng kotse within 
3-4 months!

For more info: just txt ur
name/age/location
send to:
globe- 09051878237sun-
09435594123
talkntxt-09072980300


Nung una kong makita ang text na ito, naghinala agad ako dahil tagalog na nga lang, hindi pa siya marunong magsulat at magbaybay ng maayos. Halatang walang pinag-aralan ang taong nagpadala ng naturang text sa cellphone ko. Sinubukan ko pa ring tanungin kung sino siya at saan nya nakuha ang cellphone number ko. Heto ang sagot nya:

From: +639072980300
08/25/2012  11:52 AM


Nag roaming cp No. lang po
ako, hinuhula ko lang yung
mga cp no. Pinapa-kalat
ko kang yung invitation
letter


Napakaimposible na naka-roaming ang cellphone number nya dahil Talk N' Text ang gamit nyang SIM. 
Wala itong kapakanan na magroaming sa ibang bansa maliban na lamang sa Globe, Smart at Sun Cellular.
Kung nakaroaming man ang cellphone ng isang tao, P25 per message sent kapag naka-roaming ang kanyang numero. Hindi na rin niya sinagot ang tanong ko kung sino siya. Ang nakakatawa pa ay nanghuhula lang daw siya ng cellphone number?!

Dahil diyan, sinagot ko ang text niya na may kasamang mura at tinakot ko siyang taga-media ako. Heto ang reply ko sa text ng bobong manloloko: 

From: +63917******9
08/25/2012  11:54 AM


Tangina mo gago ka!
Manloloko ka ano?!
Alam mo bang taga-media ako?


Pagkaraan ng ilang minuto, sumagot din sa text ang gunggong at binaliktad pa niya ang sitwasyon. 
Basahin ninyo ang kanyang tugon sa aking text message:

From: +639072980300
08/25/2012  11:59 AM

Feeling ko ikaw ang
manloloko, hnd ka taga
media, mga media kakilala
ko malinis magsalita di
tulad mo madumi, xenxa na
sir s istorbo nag
tratrabaho langng
marangal sir. GOD BLESS


Ang kapal mg mukha niya na sabihin na ako daw yata ang manloloko. Tinawag pa akong sir, samantalang babae ako. Higit sa lahat nagsabi pa siya na nagta-trabaho daw siya ng marangal?! Talaga lang ha?!
At may GOD BLESS pa! Kilabutan ka sa mga ginagawa at pinagsasabi mong manloloko ka.
Sinagot ko siya na maghintay siya at may gagawin akong hakbang. Medyo natakot yata siya kaya nagreply siya ng ganito:

From: +639072980300
08/25/2012 12:05pm


oK, Puntahan nyo ako sa 
branch office namin para
mag usap tau


Hindi pa rin siya nagpakilala kung sino siya at kung anong pangalan ng kumpanyang pinagta-trabahuhan nya. Kaya kayo, bata man o matanda, huwag magtitiwala kung kanino lang. Marami ang nabibiktima at naloloko sa pera dahil nagpauto sila sa mga manloloko. Iwasan din ang makipag-text mate. Huwag makikipagtagpo sa hindi mo kilala. TANDAAN: WALANG MANLOLOKO, KUNG WALANG MAGPAPALOKO.

Moonleaf Tea Shop: White Taro Milk Tea

Last July 23, I was one of the announced winners of Moonleaf's #SomethingWhite contest. Where in you need to post a picture of your favorite white object either on facebook, twitter and on your blog. Since I just got my new HTC Desire C (White) that I also won from a raffle so I decided to join the contest. 

At first, I was very happy to win the contest. Moonleaf announced the winners on July 23 but they emailed me last August1 that I can claim my prize - a free cup of White Taro milk tea at my preferred branch which is the St. Thomas Square in Sampaloc, Manila. After 2 days, I went to the branch to get my prize. 

Fact:  Moonleaf conducted the contest because they said that the contest winners will be the first ones to experience Moonleaf's new milk tea flavor - White Taro.

I was disappointed because the store crew said that they can't give my prize since they were not advised by the head office regarding the facebook promo. I even want to show them the email I received but its useless. After two weeks, I tried again and it was still the same.  I have not claimed my prize yet. I was so frustrated so I emailed back Moonleaf to dispute my prize. 

I was replied back after a day by Eugene A. Sugian (Marketing Officer of Moonleaf Tea Shop). He apologized to me about what happened and compensated me by giving 2 free White Taro Milk Teas with pastries :)

The next day, I went back to my preferred branch of Moonleaf which is at St. Thomas Square. I have been in Moonleaf before but it is always full of customers, mostly students from FEU and UST. Having tea, chatting or just hanging around with friends. Even the white table and chairs are so small for an adult like me, it's like kiddie size. 

When we arrived at Moonleaf, the store crew waved and smiled at me when he noticed me. He even said that they were given instructions already regarding my prize. I was even going to show him the email sent to me by Moonleaf's Marketing Officer but he said no need as they have their own copy.

Here's what I got: 2 cups of White Taro Milk Tea 
The White Taro Milk Tea is made from Taro (a root crop - Gabi in Tagalog). Most milk tea companies have this kind of flavor though this one tastes different. I enjoyed it so much :)

They run out of Muffins so they ask me if its okay with me to pair it up with Carbonara. I agreed to have Carbonara but my companion has chosen to have a Tuna Turn-Over instead. 

The Carbonara was a big serving, more than enough for a snack which is dinner for me already. It has several slices of sweet ham and the sauce of Carbonara was creamy enough. It was served with two toasted bread on the side. Its tastes okay, not bad at all.

I still consider going back to Moonleaf soon to try out their pastries, pasta and other meals. The prices of their products are also affordable that even students can afford, no wonder. Other milk tea shops don't have meals unlike Moonleaf that's why I am reconsidering it. I appreciate the effort of Moonleaf's Marketing Officer, Eugene A. Sugian for acknowledging my concern.  


Moonleaf Tea Shop has several branches in Manila. Check the nearest branch to you using their Store Locator: http://moonleafteashop.com/main/store-locator

Website: http://moonleafteashop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonleafteashop

Phil-Cosmetics Expo: 5th Pilipinas ang Ganda Mo

The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines Inc. (CCIP) will hold its fifth staging of the annual exhibition of leading cosmetics and personal care products on August 31-Sept. 2, 2012 at the Megatrade Hall 1, 5th Floor, Mega B, SM Megamall. 

 CCIP is an organization of companies composed of manufacturers, importers, distributors, traders and retailers of cosmetic products, as well as suppliers of cosmetic ingredients and packaging materials. CCIP is a proud founding member of the ASEAN Cosmetics Association (ACA), the ASEAN federation of national cosmetic associations.

This year’s Phil-Cosmetics Expo: 5th Pilipinas ang Ganda Mo! Exposition is also being staged in celebration of the Cosmetics Month in September. Entrance to the Expo is free of charge.

Over the years, this Expo has established a loyal and growing market, and has always been one of the most anticipated annual events. For the past four years, this Expo has provided CCIP members and other companies in the same industry, with great opportunities to showcase their products and services to the dynamic market. The Expo has also become a venue for launching, promoting and demonstrating new products and services. It has also proven to be an ideal environment for generating contacts and sales leads, as well as for networking with vendors, suppliers, and distributors. The exhibit goers have also benefited tremendously from the great promotional values and entertainment during the event.

This year, the Expo has also opened its doors to the public who are interested in breaking into the business of beauty through its seminars and its exhibitors who offer opportunities other than big discounts on their product lines. Furthermore, the event showcases hair and make-up and nail art competitions and the prestigious Mr. & Ms. Cosmetics 2012 which discovers new talents that represents and supports the objectives of the industry.

The event also aims for CCIP members and non- members to interact with each other and establish camaraderie within the industry.

Contact Details:For more information, inquiries or reservations, please contact Jonathan Roxas or Emer Dela Cruz of MCT Events Management at (63 2) 576-6362, (63 2) 643-5490, (63 2) 399-2935 and 502 1546 or email: mctevents@gmail.com

HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLNESS FAIR: How to start saving and investing on Wellness Business

Filipinos are continuously innovating and developing Wellness businesses to promote Health and Wellness. This event will showcase entrepreneurs and health enthusiasts to showcase their products and services to aspiring wellness entrepreneurs. We will also tackle wellness of finances and trainings needed for wellness businesses such as Spa, Salon, Fitness, Supplements, Beauty and Consultancy.

PMCM EVENTS MANAGEMENT in cooperation with Beauquest Inc.  is proud to bring you the HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLNESS FAIR: How to start saving and investing on Wellness Business on September 22, 2012 at Bantayog ng Mga Bayani Quezon Avenue, Quezon City Corner EDSA  from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Until August 30, 2012, you can avail our EARLY BIRD RATE of only P 350.00. 

Regular Ticket is P 500.00 when you register after August 30, 2012. 

This includes SNACK + CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION + GIVEAWAYS FROM SPONSORS + RAFFLE PRIZES!!!

Krispy Kreme: The Coffee Passport is back!

For a world-famous doughnut and coffee brand that’s all about the gift of sharing, Krispy Kreme furthers its 75^th birthday blowout with another treat in store for everyone.

 
Starting August 17, Krispy Kreme will be providing perks for those who delight in its Signature Coffee and wide variety of espresso-based drinks crafted just the way they like it—whether rich and bold, topped with thick foamed milk, or drizzled with syrup—as the Coffee Passport makes a comeback.

The Coffee Passport, granted to each Krispy Kreme aficionado upon purchase of a medium or large cup of Signature Coffee or espresso, gives everyone a chance to get free treats from Krispy Kreme.  All a customer has to do is to collect stamps to fill it: one cup of Signature Coffee or espresso for one stamp, and a Brew Box or a Brew Box Jr. for two.
 
The completion of three stamps will get a customer a free half dozen of Original Glazed doughnuts. Six stamps will equate to a free Krispy Kreme birthday mug, while a box of a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts will be given in exchange of a dozen stamps.
 
These passports will be available in Krispy Kreme stores nationwide until September 30. On the other hand, stamps will be given until October 14, while redemption of the free items will extend until December 14—letting everyone revel in this one-of-a-kind goodness brought by the brand’s delightful treats until the end of its birthday year.
 
As it spreads joy in the most thrilling way possible, Krispy Kreme is definitely on the move to etch its flavors in the palates of many. And now, with the Coffee Passport, every trip to a Krispy Kreme store is once again made more exciting—adding delight to the brand’s one-of-a-kind offerings.

Serving world-class doughnuts and coffee since 1937, Krispy Kreme made its way to the hearts of Filipinos when it opened its first branch in the country back in 2006. 
Today, Krispy Kreme has outlets in 33 different locations nationwide, with hotlight stores in SM Mall of Asia, Greenhills Shopping Center, Festival Supermall Alabang, Bonifacio High Street and Cebu IT Park . You can also visit other outlets at Trinoma, Eastwood, Greenbelt 5, Glorietta 4, Jaka Building, RCBC Plaza, Paseo Center, and Valero Street. 

To get more information and updates about the brand and its products, you may become a friend of Krispy Kreme by visiting KrispyKreme.com.ph or by liking Chloe at facebook.com/ChloeKrispyKremePH.

Laura Mercier Make-Up Workshop

Calling fashionistas, fashion & beauty bloggers, career women:

Rustan's and Laura Mercier proudly brings you Jeffrey Tasker, Global Makeup Artist




WORKSHOP DETAILS:

Rustan's Makati Grandmall
Laura Mercier Boutique
September 6, 2012
4 PM onwards

Rustan's Shangri-La
Laura Mercier Counter
September 7, 2012
Batch 1: 2-4 PM
Batch 2: 4:30-6:30 PM 


This is complimentary but do reserve your slot due to limited slots only. 
Kindly RSVP at: thebeautysource@rustans.com.ph or 0922-8787969

Shu Uemura: Chocolat-Donna Beauty Workshop

Hello SHU UEMURA FANATICS! :)

Shu Uemura is bringing the Chocolat-Donna Beauty Workshop to TriNoma tomorrow, August 18, 2012!

Yes, this workshop is for FREE! 
Plus, all participants will get a 10% discount on all Shu Uemura products, excluding the color atelier for the day :)

Join Shu Uemura as they share with you our beauty secrets and to discover the beauty of our newest Chocolat-Donna mode make up collection.


Chocolat-Donna Beauty Workshop 
Shu Uemura Botique Level 3, TriNoma
August 18, 2012  4:00pm-5:30pm

RSVP Karen Crisostomo 0917 8167903