Michi Photostory

The rise of digital technologies has revolutionized several industries, and the financial sector is no exception. Online loans in the Philippines have gained substantial popularity in recent years, posing a significant challenge to traditional banking. So, what makes online lending platforms, such as Cash-Express, stand out in the crowded Philippine loan market? Let's delve into the advantages. 

Inflation is one of the familiar words that I always hear and read since my college days because Economics is one of my subjects but until now, this word lingers in my mind. Even though I’m a full-time homemaker now, this word still affects my financial decisions and our monthly budget. 

My husband and I did not grow up with a silver spoon so traveling is considered a luxury. So when I was a kid, one of my dreams is to become a flight attendant but I did not pursue it because I’m petite. It is funny because one of my husband’s dreams is to become a pilot, but it did not happen too because it is so expensive. 

Debt is pretty normal and I’m pretty sure that the majority of us experienced borrowing money. Even I am allergic to debt, I can’t deny that borrowing money also helped us during our difficult times and family emergencies. Some people think that debt is evil but the truth is not all debt is bad, there are good debts and bad debts. 

Almost two weeks ago, I received an email from Globe that they are giving me 400 points. At first, I did not mind it but when I learned that the 400 points will expire on October 1, 2020, napacheck ako bigla. I browsed the different options where we can use our Globe Rewards, so we can use it for Zalora, Lazada, McDonald, Jollibee, Krispy Kreme, Shoor, GCash Insurance, and raffles.

If you still remember, I blogged about “How to Donate your Globe Rewards Points” last March wherein we donated our expiring points. So for the past several years, we used our points for free movies, shopping, donations, and this time, we used it to redeem Digital Vouchers. Since March, hindi pa kami nakakapagfastfood meals, parang bigla ko namiss ang Jollibee and McDonald.


I have 443 points while my husband has 1145 points, we have a total of 1588 points to spend on food. Yehey! We can redeem in Krispy Kreme, McDonald, and Jollibee but the Krispy Kreme branch is too far so hindi ko na sinama sa list ko. Here are the options for food.

Jollibee

78 points - 1 pc Chickenjoy
52 points - 1 Spaghetti
12 points - 1 Vanila Twirl

McDonald 

75 points - McCrispy Fillet with Rice Small Meal
66 points - Cheeseburger
31 points - Hot Fudge

Last March, there is a limit of 3 per day so I was surprised that now they increase the limit to 5 per day. Since my husband will be claiming the food, I tried to SEND A GIFT but I cannot use my FREE 400 Points pala sa GIFT so I just redeemed na lang and pinadala ko na lang phone ko kay hubby pag nagclaim siya ng food.

Inubos ko na points namin para hindi masayang. Last year, we were not able to use our FREE points, hindi ko kasi alam na may expiration date. Nagulat na lang ako na nawala na yung points as app, so lesson learned, read the fine prints. Hehehe! Anyway, we were able to claim some of our meals na. I’m so happy with our free meals, libre na hindi pa ko napagod sa pagluto.

First free meals at Jollibee, my husband was able to claim 3 chickenjoy, 3 spaghetti, and 3 vanilla twirl.



Second free meals at McDonald, since we are a family of three, we need to claim 9 foods but unfortunately, sa McDonald, they only allow 3 transactions per day so 3 for my husband and 3 for my account. We only claimed 3 McCrispy Fillet, 2 Sundae, and 1 Cheeseburger.


Last weekend, when my husband was out for errands, he claimed 3 cheeseburgers for our merienda. We still have chickenjoy, McCrispy Fillet, and sundae digital vouchers. The code is valid until December 15, 2020 (McDonald) and March 1, 2021 (Jollibee). Redeeming a digital voucher is easy because you can do this on Globe Rewards App. Choose your rewards, click redeem and confirm, then you will receive a text message from 4438 and 8080.

Donate a Book is one of the projects of #SMShareMovement and I think it’s been years already that I’ve been seeing this every Back to School season but I’ve never donated my son’s books. I always keep my son’s school books for future use. And if I feel that he no longer needs it, I will give it to family or friends.


But I think they never used my son’s books din kasi nakita ko na nakatambak din siya and nabaha na nga lang so I stopped giving my son’s books so from Grade 1 to Grade 4, nakatambak siya sa house. When I went to SM, I saw “Donate a Book” project again but since I was busy for my back to school preparation, hindi ko siya naasikaso.

Then last weekend, I saw one FB post, she donated 57 books and got 57 coupons so it means, one coupon per book. And because of that, I decided to give it a try so we went to SM Sta Rosa to donate my son’s books. I only bring Grade 1 books para hindi naman mabigat dalhin. Good thing I did that because we still looked for the staff pa kasi wala tao sa booth. So imagine kung ilang books ang dala ko habang naghahanap ng staff, ang bigat lang.

I thought I will get one coupon per book but I was wrong. The staff informed me na kapag may sulat na daw yung book, per bundle daw. So 5 books = 1 coupon so in the end, I only got two P50 Off Coupon. Imagine I spent P7000+ for this set of books and P100 na lang value niya after gamitin. But of course, it is better than nothing. Wala naman ko nakuha sa Nursery to Kinder books na pinamigay ko din. Hehehe! At least may pakunswelo si SM sa pagdonate mo, nakatulong ka sa ibang bata and nabawasan ka ng tambak sa bahay mo.

But keep in mind that there are terms and conditions in using the coupon. P50 Off Coupon with a minimum of P500 single-receipt purchase of regular-priced items from the SM Store’s Stationery Department Store.

1. Can only be redeemed on regular priced SM Stationery items from the SM store. May 20, 2019 - July 07, 2020.
2. Offer is not in conjunction with other ongoing promos or discounts.
3. Only one dicount coupon may be used per transaction.
4. Folded, crumpled or stapled savings coupons may still be accepted by the SM Store given that bar codes are not encroached and security features are still intact.
5. Must be surrendered to the cashier upon redemption.

I already used my one coupon and I still have one coupon pa, next time na lang pag worth P500 na yung bibilhin ko. Next year, I will donate our Grade 2 school books naman.

Batanes is one province of the Philippines that is part of my bucket list but it took me a long time to visit this place because airfare is so expensive. Yes, there is no other way to visit Basco, Batanes except to book a flight. There are flights from Manila, Clark, Tuguegarao, and Vigan so just visit the airline website so you will have an idea of the flight time and rates.

Manila to Basco 
Airswift
Cebu Pacific
Skyjet

Clark to Basco
Philippine Airlines

Tuguegarao to Basco 
Northsky Air
Sky Pasada

Vigan to Basco 
Platinum Skies
As I’ve said before, Batanes airfare is not cheap so most of the time, Filipinos will just visit other Asian Countries than Batanes. I won’t deny that because I’ve experienced that when I was planning for our holiday.

SIDE STORY:

December came and I was planning for our holiday getaway. We’re supposed to go to Taiwan, I already checked for plane ticket and hotel. But I was having second thoughts because it is more on nature trip and temples so I’m not sure if my son will like it. Remember our Bangkok Trip? Ayaw niya ng temple trip namin, hehehe!

Read: 6 Days in Bangkok with Kid

When my son came home from school, I asked him where he wants to go. Taiwan or Batanes? Temples or Mountains? I enumerated the possible places that we are going to visit in Taiwan and in Batanes and he chose Batanes.

So we let go of our Taiwan Trip and we immediately plan for our Batanes Trip. I’ve read some articles like PHP8000 Batanes Budget Trip and PHP12,500 DIY Batanes Trip, in my mind, I thought makakatipid ako because we’re not having an international trip but I was wrong.

When we decided to pursue our Batanes trip, my husband immediately called Bernardo’s Hotel to reserve a room and I purchased our plane ticket on the same day. The following day, I continued my getaway planning and at that moment, napapaisip ako if I’ve made the right decision. Why? Ang mahal pala talaga pumunta sa Batanes.

1. Our Batanes plane ticket is more expensive compared to Taipei plane ticket.
2. Bernardo’s Hotel rate is almost the same with Taipei hotel rate. No kids rate for my 10-year-old son.
3. Lastly, the tour package rate is so expensive. No kids rate too for my 10-year-old son.

So I checked some possible options on how we can save for our Batanes trip and I showed it to my husband but after brainstorming, we still chose Bernardo’s Hotel + Tours + Meals Package. My husband deposited 50% downpayment to confirm our reservation.

But of course, that is only our preference. We all know that we have our own needs, wants, and lifestyle. If you are reading this post, I’m pretty sure you are planning to visit Batanes anytime soon and you are curious if you can really go to Batanes on a budget. My answer is Yes, yes there are some ways to save money for your Batanes trip.

How to Save Money for Your Batanes Trip 

1. Buy cheap airline tickets. 

Batanes is known for expensive airfare but from time to time, you can score cheap airfare. Yes, watch out for airline seat sales, visit travel expo or if you have an airline membership card, use your miles. You can read a lot of blog post where they were able to buy an affordable plane ticket.

For Philippine Airlines, the cheapest one-way ticket that I’ve seen is PHP4000+ and the rate may change depending on the season. Prepare more or less PHP10,000 for a round trip ticket if there is no seat sale. If you will use miles, just pay PHP800 for Round Trip tickets.

Read: 8 Ways to Score Cheap Airline Tickets

2. Look for affordable accommodation 

After buying your plane ticket, it is time to search for your accommodation, Batanes offers affordable, mid-range and luxury type of accommodation. Of course, homestays, lodge or inns is the choice for the cheapest accommodation. You can book for as low as P1200, check the list below. These are some examples but I’m pretty sure there are more choices on the internet.

Affordable Batanes Accommodation 

Davocol’s Inn
DDD Habitat Lodging House
Dive Batanes Lodge and Restaurant
Florabelle’s Iraya Guesthouse
Martin’s Inn
Midtown Inn
Marfel’s Lodge
Nathaniel’s Lodge
R&E Bed & Breakfast
Shanadel’s Inn
Savatan Homestay
Ysabelle Homestay

3. Prepare your own meals 

To be honest, not only airfare is expensive in Batanes but almost everything. Yes, even food so prepare around P300 budget every meal/per person if you will eat in the restaurant. It is like eating in Metro Manila, hindi siya provincial rate. If you want to save money, do not stay in the hotel because you cannot cook your own food.

Read: Where to Eat in Batanes

4. Look for promos, deals or discounted tours. 

I learned about Bernardo’s Hotel because of Deal Grocer, I love checking this site if I’m looking for affordable deals. Last year they are offering two deals, P19,000 (3D/2N) and P27,400 (4D/3N). I did not avail the promo because that is only good for two persons but as of this writing, they have offers for 4 persons na, P30,900 (3D/2N) and P40,500 (4D/3N). The offer includes room, transfers, tours and full-board meals.

You can also book tour at Klook, I was surprised when I learned that Klook have kid’s rate. Waah! Sayang!

3 Days North Batan, South Batan, and Sabtang Island Tour P5,500 
2 Days North Batan, South Batan, and Sabtang Island Tour P4,800 
North Batan Half Day Tour P1500 
Sabtang Island Day Tour from Batan Island P2500 
2 Days North Batan and South Batan Tour P3500 
South Batan Tour P2000 

If you are not picky, then join group tours. Group tours are cheaper compared to exclusive tours. You can book from your hotel, travel agency or buy tickets from Klook. I paid P7200 per person for our 3 Days North Batan, South Batan, and Sabtang Island Tour, so you can already see the difference. (Private Tour)

Klook.com
5. Book a Tricycle Tour

If you want DIY Batanes tour then book a tricycle, you can ask your hotel for contact, book at the travel agency or read some blogs for tricycle driver contact. We are family of three so we can avail the tricycle tour but we had a bad experience with tricycle tour kasi when we went to Guimaras, that’s why we did not choose this.

According to my research, this is the rate of the tricycle (good for two)

P1,100 - North Batan

P1,700 - South Batan

P2,200 - Sabtang

Tricycle Tour from Travel Agency (with lunch) 

One person

P1499 - North Batan

P1999 - South Batan

P2499 - Sabtang

Two persons

P999 - North Batan

P1299 - South Batan

P2299 - Sabtang

Three persons

P899 - North Batan

P1099 - South Batan

P1999 - Sabtang

* Rates are per person basis. 

Planning ahead of time is very important because you can wait for seat sale or visit travel expo. You can search and compare different rates of hostel or hotel. And you can find more affordable deals that will match your budget. That’s it for my savings tips.

Read: Pasalubong from Batanes

* This post contains affiliate link/s. If you decide to make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

If you are a member of Social Security System or simply SSS, it is very important to register at My.SSS in order for you to access and check your social security records without leaving your home. You can use a computer, laptop, tablet or even smartphone with an internet connection to access the SSS website.


Once you have the SSS online account, you can now view or update your membership records, you can check your contributions and you can apply for SSS loan and benefits. There are more things that you can do using the My.SSS account at the comfort of your home.

HOW TO CREATE SSS ONLINE ACCOUNT 

I created my SSS online account a decade ago so I’m not sure if the process is still the same. But one thing for sure, it is easy to create an account as long as you follow the steps.

1. Go to SSS website https://www.sss.gov.ph
2. Then click the “Click here” button below the NOT YET REGISTERED in My.SSS
3. Select one information, as reported to SSS to register.

Savings Account Number/Citibank Cash Card/ UBP Quick Card/UMID Saving Account Number Registered in SSS
Mobile Number Registered in SSS
UMID Card
Employer ID Number/Household employer ID Number
Payment Reference Number/SBR No./Payment Receipt Transaction Number

4. Fill-out the form, enter the verification code, check the I accept the Terms of Service and click submit.
5. Check your email and click the link from SSS to complete your registration.

SSS CONTRIBUTION RATE 

Last December 23, 2013, I received an email from SSS stating the increase of contribution rate starting January 2014.

“Dear Self-Employed, Voluntary and OFW Members: Effective January 2014, the Social Security System (SSS) will implement a 0.6-percent increase in its current 10.4-percent monthly contribution rate, thereby setting the new contribution rate at eleven (11) percent. At the same time, the maximum Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) will be increased from P15,000 to P16,000. As affirmed by SSC Resolution No. 711-s.2013 dated 20 September 2013, the new SSS contribution rate and the new maximum MSC will become effective for the applicable month of January 2014."

Here is the SSS CONTRIBUTION SCHEDULE.


WHERE TO PAY YOUR SSS CONTRIBUTION 

Banks 

AUB
Bank of Commerce
BPI
PBB
Security Bank
PNB
Unionbank

Payment Centers 

Bayad Center
GCash
Ventaja
Sky Freight
PinoyExpress
Iremit
SM Payment Center

I'm a voluntary member so I always pay my contribution at SM Payment Center. I choose quarterly payment so I don't have to go every month.

January to March
April to June
July to September
October to December

Payment Deadline 

For Regular and Household Employers. If the 10th digit of the 13-digit ER/HR number ends in | Payment Deadline (following the applicable month) 

1 or 2 - 10th day of the month
3 or 4 - 15th day of the month
5 or 6 - 20th day of the month
7 or 8 - 25th of the month
9 or 0 - last day of the month

For Self-Employed and Voluntary Members (Except OFW Members). If the 10th (last) digit of the SSS Number ends in | Payment deadline {following the applicable month or quarter (For Se/VM only) as the case may be} 

1 or 2 - 10th day of the month
3 or 4 - 15th day of the month
5 or 6 - 20th day of the month
7 or 8 - 25th of the month
9 or 0 - last day of the month

HOW TO CHECK YOUR SSS CONTRIBUTIONS ONLINE 

Nowadays, once you pay your SSS contribution, you may receive text confirmation that your payment has been posted, but it may take weeks after the payment. From time to time, I also check my contribution online, I copy/paste or screenshot it so I have a copy of all my contributions.

1. Go to SSS website https://www.sss.gov.ph
2. Log-in. Enter User ID and Password
3. Click E-Services then click Inquiry
4. Click Member’s Information and Actual Premiums. Then you will see all your contributions and the total of the contributions that you have paid.

HOW TO COMPUTE YOUR SSS PENSION 

From the time you started working, you are already paying your SSS contributions but do you know how much is your pension by the time you retire. Don’t worry, it is so easy to check your retirement benefits online.

1. Go to SSS website https://www.sss.gov.ph
2. Enter your User ID and Password
3. Click E-services, then click Stipulated Retirement

* Assuming continuous payment starting on the month after the date of inquiry up to the 60th and 65th birthday or until qualified for the pension.
* The computed amount of retirement is just an estimate and may differ from the actual amount of your retirement benefits.

To give you some estimates 

Contribution   | Amount Pension at the Age of 60  | Amount of Pension at the Age of 65 

P550                 | P4,673.45                                          | P5,173.57
P1,100              | P8,034                                               | P9,034.00
P1,760              | P12,674.40                                        | P14,274.40

So if you want to increase your pension amount, increase also your contributions and don’t forget this condition.

* SE/Voluntary/OFW/NWS who is below 55 years old shall be allowed to change his/her Monthly SSS contributions without limit in frequency and in number of salary brackets in a given year, but in no case shall be lower than the prevailing minimum monthly contribution for SE/Voluntary/OFW/NWS members.
* SE/Voluntary/OFW/NWS member who is 55 years old and above shall be allowed to increase his/her SSS contributions only once in a given calendar year and by one (1) salary bracket only from the last posted contribution

Note: The monthly pension depends on the member’s paid contributions, credited years of service, and the number of his dependent minor children that must not exceed five. The monthly pension will be the highest amount resulting from either one of the three pension formulae.

1. The sum of P300 plus 20% percent of the average monthly salary credit plus two percent of the average monthly salary credit for each credited year of service in excess of ten years.
2. Forty percent of the average monthly salary credit
3. P1200, if the credited year of service is at least 10 but less than 20; or P2400 if the CYS is 20 or more.

HOW TO PAY YOUR SSS SALARY LOAN IF YOU ARE A VOLUNTARY MEMBER

I applied for SSS Salary Loan and according to the email that I’ve received my first payment would be on October 2012 so I’ve made my first payment at SM Payment Center. The only disadvantage of a voluntary member is I have to pay every month at the payment center unlike the employed members, HR is responsible for that.

1. Go to SSS branch or SM payment Center. I always go to SM because it is open every day.
2. SM payment center provides form but if you want you can also print the form from SSS website.
3. Fill it out and make payment.

Read: HOW TO APPLY FOR SSS SALARY LOAN VIA ONLINE
HOW TO REPLACE LOST SSS ID

For more information, read, download or print this SSS Guidebook

Update January 2019 

HOW TO GENERATE SSS PAYMENT REFERENCE NUMBER OR PRN 

I always pay my SSS contribution at SM Payment Center but during the first quarter of 2018, SM stopped accepting SSS payment because they need to update their system. So I started paying my contribution at SSS office. Minsan wala pila pero madalas mahaba pila, the longest that I stayed is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Waah! I hope I can pay na sa SM Payment Center.

Last year, my friend told me that SSS is now requiring Payment Reference Number or PRN, yun na daw ang need at hindi na SSS ID number para magbayad. I just need to login at my SSS account to get the PRN. It started last September 6, 2018 but since matagal pa December, deadma muna ko.

I failed to pay my October to December 2018 contribution last December, good thing that my due date is January 31, 2019. So after the holiday, I checked my email and looked for the email that SSS sent me last September. I watched the Step by Step Guide for Real-Time Processing of Contributions (RTPC).

For Individual Members 

SSS will send your PRN to your registered mobile number and email address or get your PRN through email PRNHelpLine@sss.go.ph, SSS Call Center 920-6446 and 917-777, e-Centers in SSS branches, SSS Tellering Counters, and MY.SSS.

You may also view and edit your Statement of Account (SOA) and change your payment period and contribution amount.

Present the PRN when paying your SSS contributions

View your SSS contributions instantly after your payment

Since April, I haven’t received any text regarding my PRN number so I just get my PRN online. Just go to My.SSS website.

How to Generate SSS PRN 

Step 1: Login to your My.SSS account
Step 2: Click Payment Reference Number (PRN) tab
Step 3: Fill-out the form

Select Membership Type
Applicable Period:
From: Select Month and Year
To: Select Month and Year
Contribution
Total Amount

Click submit request

Step 4: Edit or Print Statement of Account (SOA)

After I paid my contribution, I did not check if real-time nga yung posting but the following day, I received text from SSS regarding my contribution payment. I also received the PRN number for January to March 2019 contribution. I checked my account after one week and my payment was already posted. Unlike dati, parang buwan pa bago mapost so happy ko sa improvement na ito. At least real time na ang posting. While waiting at the SSS, I heard na may expiration daw yung PRN, dapat within 5 days pagkaprint mo, nabayarang mo daw.

They say that experience is the best teacher and sometimes one simple mistake can cost millions. Good thing that my mistake did not cost a fortune but of course paying PHP1500 without receiving anything in return is no joke. I cannot even accept the fact that I will pay PHP1500 for my P2 mistake.

How did it happen? Typo error. Yes, a simple typo error. Last month, I wrote a check to pay our credit card due. My husband signed the check and I went to SM Payment Center to pay our bill. The cashier processed the payment and I got the receipt. After a few days, I checked our bank account and the payment was debited. I checked our credit card online account and the payment was already reflected.

May 12 - wrote a check, hubby signed the check, and paid my bill at SM payment center
May 15 - money was debited to our account and credit card and payment was reflected.

So I thought, everything was clear, I have no idea that something will happen on May 18. I went to school to buy books, uniforms, supplies and of course, pay my son’s tuition. When I went back to the car, I double-checked our bank account to make sure that we have enough funds to cover the check that I issued. I was surprised when I saw the balance of our account, “Bakit sobra?”.

May 18 - I checked our bank account and was surprised to see the balance.

I checked the transaction history and there is a note about “ret chk” and I saw the amount that we paid for the credit card bill. My husband called the credit card company to ask why our check was returned if we have enough funds to pay the due. But the credit card company advised us to call our bank because all they can see is a “returned check” and the PHP1500 fee cannot be waived. Waah!

May 16 - Money was returned to our bank account due to Returned Check.
May 17 - The credit card company charged P1500 for the returned check fee + amount due.

My husband called the bank. At first, they cannot give us the reason why the check was returned. The CSR just kept on saying returned check which we already knew. We want to know the reason why it was returned. Then she gave us a link of possible causes na alam na rin namin, kahit sino pwede magGoogle nun.

Possible Causes of Returned Checks 

1. There are insufficient funds in the account.
2. Stop payment
3. Technical deficiencies like stale, post-dated checks, erasures, typo errors, or different signatures.

Then she said, typo error. My husband asked her what kind of typo error, hindi rin masagot. Of course, hindi naman ko matahimik, saan ako nagkamali? I wrote the check, my husband signed the check and the cashier processed the payment. Wala kami napansin na mali.

Finally, after several hours of calls, text,s and emails. The CSR sent us a scanned copy of the check and I want to beat myself when I saw my mistake.

I wrote 

Figures: PHP XX, 632.00 
Words: __________ six hundred thirty pesos only 

I forgot to write “two” pesos. Grr... 

Five years ago, I made a mistake too, an error on my date. I wrote "July 12, 20113" but the bank was kind enough to call me so I was able to correct my mistake and they did not charge me. But now, all checks with technical deficiencies, alterations, erasures, or issued checks with insufficient funds will be automatically returned without the need for confirmation. So wala ng tawag-tawag, penalty agad.

Read: Returned Check Error

And because of that, I have to pay PHP1500 for that simple mistake. At that time, I was worried because I wrote a check for my son’s tuition so napaparanoid ko baka mali na naman sulat ko. Good thing okay naman yung check and that was the last check that I wrote. So far, di pa ko makamove-on. Lol.

Read: Important Advisory on Check Clearing 

I’m thankful that my husband did not get mad at me. I'm thankful that I checked our bank account because nobody informed us about the returned check. I’m thankful that our credit card bill was not due yet so no interest despite the bounced check and I was able to repay our bill before the due date. And lastly, I’m thankful for our credit card points so I was able to pay PHP1500 using our cash rebates. 

Traveling is costly and there is no doubt about that. But this is not a reason for you to stop exploring the world because there are different ways to save for your next travel adventures. You can book a cheap airfare, budget-friendly hotels and discounted tickets. 

Read: 8 Ways to Score Cheap Airline Tickets 

Speaking of discounted tickets, for the past few years, I’ve been reading and hearing good reviews about Klook. But I did not mind it because I prefer buying my tickets on the day of our trip just to be sure that I won’t waste my money just in case our travel plans did not push through. 



My brother has been buying tickets at Klook for their past travels so last month, I finally checked this site. We booked a flight to Bangkok, Thailand, 9 days before our trip so I only have several days to make our itinerary. Spell CRAMMING. I’ve been to Bangkok four times pero hanggang airport lang (layover), so I guess, I never been to Bangkok so it was a challenge to plan an itinerary in less than ten days. 

Read: Glimpse of Suvarnabhumi Airport

I was thankful to Klook because it gives me an idea of what to do, where to go and how to get to different attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. There are so many tour packages on their site so at first, I’m just browsing and adding tour package on my wishlist. 

I was hesitant to book because some packages are non-refundable so before booking, I’ve made sure that we can visit this place on the scheduled date. I told my husband about this site and he agreed with me so I purchased my first voucher at Klook. I fixed my itinerary and booked the ticket, one day at a time. 

How to Purchase Voucher at KLOOK 

1. Go to KLOOK website or download the app and register. 
2. Start searching, filter your choices. Choose country and city 
3. Browse the different packages 
4. Choose package 
5. Choose date 
6. Choose Package Quantity (number of persons)
7. Click Book now 
8. Enter traveler’s information 
9. Pay via credit card or Paypal 

After payment, you will see this note 

Payment successful! 
Thanks for booking with Klook! Your order summary and voucher will be sent to (insert email) Check email for confirmation voucher

* The amount is in peso but during check-out, the amount was converted to dollar amount so I paid USD via Paypal.

10. Check email, print the voucher or just show your mobile voucher. Some attractions, they get my printed voucher. 

Can I Really Save Money?

Honestly, when I was checking their site, I can’t believe that there are really discounted tickets because when we went to Hong Kong and we stayed in one of the Disneyland’s hotel, I paid regular tickets and they did not even give me a discount even we're hotel guests and I purchased our HK Disneyland ticket at the hotel’s reception. But here in Klook, there are really discounted tickets and I even compared it to the website of the places that we’re going to visit and believe it or not, it is much cheaper. So if you want to save money, check Klook site. 

For our Bangkok, Thailand trip, here are the vouchers that I purchased. 

1. Sim Card P499 to P248 

For past previous trips, I’m not buying any sim card nor I’m not renting any pocket wifi. I just rely on my postpaid plan, I turned on my roaming if I really need it. But we all know that the rate is not cheap, I think it is P550 per day. 



So when I learned about the 4G Sim Card in Thailand, I did not have any second thoughts. Imagine, I have an unlimited connection for 8 days for P248 only. I can call or text my husband if I need to. THB 100 call credits (30min talk time) This is really a big saving on my part. I picked-up my sim card at BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport Klook Counter and they are the one who put the sim card on my phone and set up. The voucher is refundable too just in case something happened with your flight. 

2. Kidzania Bangkok 

Yes, there is Kidzania Manila already but it is also nice to visit other Kidzania branches. Their rates are expensive compared to Manila branch so it is better to book your ticket at Klook website to get a discount. What nice about this voucher, it is refundable. Yes, full refunds will be issued for cancelations made at least 24 hours prior to the activity. 

Toddlers (2-3) P1150 to P833 
Child (4-14) P1916 to P1433 
Adult (15+) P1150 to P916 

I purchased 1 Adult and 1 Child ticket for P2349 or $45.01. 

3. SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World 

My son likes visiting different zoos and ocean parks so I included this in our itinerary. It is the largest aquarium in South East Asia. They have different packages for SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World so it took me days to choose. I was torn between the Super Combo and Aquarium + Madame Tussauds Admission Only. 

Aquarium Entry Only P999 (P1648) 
Aquarium + 4D movie P1082 (P2147) 
Aquarium + Glass Bottom Boat P1165 (P1897) 
Aquarium + 4D Movie + Glass Bottom Boat P1248 (P2,164) 
Aquarium + Photo P1332 (P2646) 
Super Combo P1415 (P2314) 
Aquarium + Madame Tussauds Admission Only P1864 (P3296) 

But in the end, I chose Aquarium + 4D Movie + Glass Bottom Boat P1248 (P2,164) 

Adult (P2164) P1248 
Child 3-11 (P1831) P1207 

I bought 1 Adult and 1 Child ticket and paid P2455 or $47.09 

Package Details Inclusive Of: 
Admission ticket to SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World 
4D cinema ticket at SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World 
Glass-bottomed boat and Ocean Feeding 

It was a good decision because the Glass Bottom Boat is THB350 already per person if you want to experience it. 

4. Chao Phraya Princess Cruise 

My initial plan is to go to Chocolate Ville and IKEA Bangna on our first day but I changed my mind. So night before our flight I purchased Chao Phraya Princess Cruise so we can explore Chao Phraya River and see the historic landmarks at night while enjoying the dinner buffet. 

Adult P1581 (P2497) 
Child P1332 (P1831) 

I bought 2 Adults and 1 Child ticket for P4494 or $86.21. 

Klook Tickets vs Regular Tickets 

Klook Tickets 

Sim Card P248 
Kidzania Bangkok P2349 
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World P2455 
Chao Phraya Princess Cruise P4494 
Total P9,456 

Regular Tickets 

Sim Card P499 
Kidzania Bangkok P3066 
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World P3955 
Chao Phraya Princess Cruise P6825 
Total P14,345 

So I was able to save P4799. What nice about Klook, aside from discounted tickets, they also give rebates so I also earned points from my bookings and I can use this points for my future purchases. If you haven’t tried Klook, use my link and get discount. 

* This post contains affiliate link/s. If you decide to make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Klook is not only available in Asia, they offer discounted tickets in East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Oceania, Europe and North America. Just check their site to know if the country you are visiting is included. 

You can’t avoid it anymore. It is time to buy a new car. The thought of being at the mercy of the salesman in the car dealership is daunting. The good news is that you don’t have to be at anyone’s mercy.

If you already own a car, it is wise to use that to save money on a new one. Many people choose to trade their car in for a newer one. The downside to that is it keeps you limited to choosing a car only at the dealership where you can trade your old one in.

If you want to be free to choose anywhere you want, cash would be more helpful. Consider selling your car to a junkyard that buys cars. You will then get the cash in your hands. Research to find out how much your car is worth and then find the junkyard that will give you the most for your car.


Research 

It is important to do your research before walking into a car dealership. If you do plan on trading in your old car, research the market values for your current car. This will help you to bargain successfully for your newer car.

Researching the car you want to buy is crucial. Consumer Reports has a list of the best and the worst cars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety sorts safety data by car and make. Cars.com, Truecar.com, CARFAX.com, Costco Auto, NADA Guides, Auto Trader, and Kelley Blue Book, are helpful places to start doing research on cars in your price range. Look for the price that the dealer paid the manufacturer for the car. You will need these prices to negotiate successfully for your car.

Your knowledge of cars is important because it may stop you from buying a car on impulse. Buying a car is a financial transaction that is also tied to emotions and car dealers will always use tactics that play on your emotions. Their job is to sell you the car today, so it is wise to separate the different decisions:

* Figure out financing on one day.
* Test -drive the car on other days. Make sure you do more than drive the car around the block. Drive the car in the conditions you would use it in. Drive in the dark as well as in daylight. Test -drive the car on a windy, rainy day. You cannot be too careful. Bring all the things you usually need in a car such as pet carriers and car seats. Make sure you feel comfortable with the vehicle under all these circumstances.
* Determine the best dealer on another day

Researching the style, model, and make of the car should protect you from buyer’s remorse; finding that you don’t like the performance of the car or that you can’t really afford it.

Financing 

Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist says, “ If you can’t pay cash for it, you need to be asking yourself why you are buying this car. She suggests checking with your local bank or credit union before you go to the dealership.

Lindland of Kelley Blue Book says, “ Negotiate purchase price instead of the monthly payment. You can easily spend hundreds, even thousands of extra dollars by not paying attention to terms. Avoid car terms that are over 60 months.

According to Melinda Zabritski with Experian, the credit agency, “ Longer term loans help keep monthly payments low. But consumers should be very careful because it is easy to find yourself upside down…dealing with negative equity should they choose to trade it in after only a few years.”

Collegio of NADA’s organization has a guide for auto financing at autofinancing101.org. He advises that you get a rate from your local bank which the dealer can then match or meet.

Used Cars 

Used car buyers are often just as happy with their used car as new car buyers are with their new vehicle. The most important thing about buying a used car is that you know everything about the history of the car, including:

* The maintenance history of the car
* If the car was involved in an accident
* The number of previous owners
* Any previous mechanical problems

Whether used or new, getting a new car can be exciting and fun when you use wisdom, do your research, involve people you trust and don’t buy more than you can afford.

A lot of people I knew, do not buy travel insurance whenever they book a flight or travel. I am one of those people who feels that travel insurance is just an additional travel expense. But after experiencing some travel disasters in the past such as delayed flights, canceled flights, damaged luggage, and lost luggage, I realized that we need to buy travel insurance for our future travels. 

Read: How to Deal with Lost Luggage
How to Deal with Damaged Luggage 

Last year was the very first time that I bought travel medical insurance, it is one of the mandatory requirements if we are going to apply for Schengen Visa so I have no choice. Fortunately, we can buy travel insurance online so less stress.

Read: Where to Buy Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa Application

A few weeks ago, we booked a plane ticket and I was contemplating whether I will buy travel insurance or not. I checked the rates of Philippine Airlines and I saw $16, if I will add it to my plane ticket. Then I remembered the travel medical insurance that I bought last year at Malayan Insurance Company, Inc. So I checked their rates and it is cheaper than PAL Travel Insurance so I asked my husband if I will buy it and he agreed. Since I can buy travel insurance online, I just bought it two days before our flight. 

How to Buy Malayan Travel Insurance Online 

1. Go to this link. You can read the Travel Insurance Coverage before buying. 
2. Enter Travel Details 

A. Travel Destinations: Choose travel type and destinations 

1. Travel Local 
2. Travel Asian 
3. Travel Worldwide 

* This time I booked a Travel Asian Destination 

B. Travel Duration 

Rates depend on the number of days that you need. Since we will travel for 6 days, I chose 8 days for P675. 

4 days P375 
8 days P675 
15 days P975 
24 days P1375 
31 days P1675 
45 days P2075 
60 days P2575 
90 days P4075 

* Travel duration must cover the date of departure to the date of arrival. Travel Master rates are inclusive of taxes and charges and are compliant with the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN). 

C. Purpose of Travel 

1. Leisure 
2. Business 
3. Others 

D. Date of Departure 

3. Choose your Travel Insurance Package 

1. Individual  
2. Group (2 or more) 
3. Family (group of 4 only) 

* I choose group insurance. 

4. Enter Personal Information

* Travel insurance online can only process for individuals 18 to 70 yrs old. 

5. Check “I acknowledge and agree to the data sharing declaration above” and click submit 
6. Register for first-timer or log in for those who have an existing account. 
7. Pay the travel insurance, if successful you will see this note 

“Payment Success” 

Thank you for your purchase. A copy of your Confirmation of Cover will be sent to your registered e-mail address. You may also request a copy at (632) 628-8628 or email us at ecommerce@malayan.com. Please retain copies for your records. 

8. Check email, download, and print your travel insurance.