It’s just one of those days when you’d experience pure bad luck. Last Friday, We (Val, my brother Paladin and little Vaughn) went to Ayala Center Cebu just to spend some family time since it was Val’s day off and I usually go to work at night. After having a great time eating at our favorite rendezvous, MyJoy, who are the only ones selling inexpensive delicious burgers and trying out our new Ixus digital camera, Val decided to drop by one of the ATM s to do a quick withdrawal from his BDO account. Unfortunately, the machine never dispensed the cash and to my distaste it didn’t release a receipt either. We immediately went to the only BDO branch in Ayala Center Cebu only to find our that there were several of us who underwent the same unfortunate experience. When we asked how we can go about getting our cash, we were told to call their 1-800 customer service number since according to their tellers, it’s their SOP and they don’t have the power to correct the error. What really annoyed me was the lack of empathy the tellers displayed with their customers’ predicament. I even asked one of the tellers to perhaps place a sign board on the specific ATM that didn’t dispense cash since anyone who tries to withdraw from that machine would obviously undergo the same fate. The answer I got was “That’s not our machine, it belongs to another branch.” So I go “Oh, but don’t you guys represent the same company…the same name which is BDO?” The teller looked dumbfounded but didn’t bother to answer me. What went on inside my head was just because it’s not your branch’s ATM, you don’t even have the decency or humanity to place a signboard that says the machine is not working properly? In the end, we had to contact their stupid 1-800 number and listen to their rep inform us that it would take 5 business days before the money can be credited back to our account. We were also told that an investigation would be done that’s why it would take this long. This really infuriated me since there were probably 7 of us who were reporting the same problem so why the stupid heck would they need an investigation for? This is just one of the usual mistakes big companies do to their customers whenever something goes wrong with their system. It was definitely a bad experience for us. Vaughn was crying a lot inside their little office branch so we were forced to go home instead of complaining a little more. I couldn’t stop cussing at how nonchalant their tellers were and how much we needed the money. Val was his usual calm self. By the time we went home I promised myself I’d blog about my bad experience with BDO. I hope our readers will find this information useful. I learned that we should be careful where we withdraw money especially if you have an ATM account with BDO. Their so-called policy is just so inconvenient for customers.

I’ve been so preoccupied with my job that I haven’t done anything productive lately with our blogs. Now, I forced my already tired body to focus and finally do something I love…write. If you’ve watched the news lately, you may have come across the typhoon that hit my country last September 26. The typhoon “Ketsana” more popularly known as “Ondoy” caused severe flooding which resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes and the loss of many lives.

Due to the fact that all the time I have is mostly spent at work and taking care of my son, Vaughn, this is the only time I got to check YouTube hoping people were able to shoot scenes that happened when the typhoon hit.

My family and I are lucky enough to be far away from where the tragedy was hit but seeing people cry over the loss of their loved ones and what was left of their homes is just too much to bare. I thought the only way we can offer help is to at least give them the things they need to survive after the disaster such as donating dry goods, clothing, money or any form of assistance. Even employees who work at our company’s sites in Manila were affected and some are even proclaimed missing. So with this said, I am imploring you to help the victims of the typhoon “Ondoy.” Even just a small amount can make a difference to the lives of the victims.

This is definitely a tragic moment for Filipinos. Please pray for those who’ve lost so much during this tragedy.

In case you’re not aware of this tragedy check out YouTube for videos taken when the typhoon hit our country. Check out this video.

Want to donate? Click here for more information.

Former Pres. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino dies at 76

Once again the Filipino People weeps due to Former President Cory Aquino’s death. Earlier this morning, her son, Sen. Benigno “Nonoy” Aquino III confirmed that at exactly 3:18 a.m., Corazon Cojuangco Aquino died of cardio-respiratory arrest. Mrs. Aquino had been diagnosed with colon cancer earlier last year and was recently confined at the Makati Medical Center for more than a month.

She will always be remembered as a courageous leader and icon of democracy who helped the country fight for its freedom against a thoughtless dictator. She led the popular people power revolt back in 1986 and this proves her deep love for her country and her love for the Filipino people.

It was reported that at 5 a.m. earlier today, her son, Noynoy read a statement announcing the death of his mother.

The statement read:

“Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m., August 1, 2009, of cardio-respiratory arrest.

“She would have wanted to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and your continued love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and for our country.

“Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang kaunting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina.

“Later today, we will be announcing further details of her wake para sa lahat ng ating mga minamahal na kababayan na nais magbigay ng respeto sa aming ina. Maraming salamat po.”

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who is currently in the US, expressed her condolences to the family of Cory Aquino. According the Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, Pres. Arroyo is set to declare a week of national mourning. Arroyo is expected to be back in Manila on August 5 after her US visit. Arroyo’s Secretary also stated that under the law, all presidents were entitled to a state funeral but this would be subject to the family’s approval.

Kris Aquino’s close friend and a close friend her family, TV host Boy Abunda told reporters that the Aquino family were praying the Rosary when Cory Aquino gave her “last breath.” After finally realizing she’s gone, all five siblings wept quietly. Kris Aquino, Cory’s youngest daughter on the other hand, was very quiet according to Abunda. She was trying to be brave even after her mother’s death.

Abunda’s actual statement read:

“Malungkot. Tahimik na nag-iiyakan. Tahimik, except for Kris who was very quiet,” he said, referring to the youngest daughter of Mrs. Aquino.

“Kris was very quiet. She was displaying such courage pero noong dindadala palabas mga labi ni Tita Cory… because you have to remember that Kris was in the hospital, Kris was by the side of her mother since July 20 hanggang sa mga oras na yun. Hanggang ngayon si Kris ay nasa tabi ng kanyang ina,” Abunda said.

It was also reported that Fr. Catalino Arevalo, a very close friend of Cory, held a mass after her death.

Source: Inquirer.net