Nadulas?

... dalawang araw pagkatapos lumabas ang "expose" ni EllaGanda (isang blogger) tungkol sa mga nakaimbak na relief goods sa DSWD warehouses

... at pagkatapos ipagdiinan ng mga kinauukulan na nanawagan naman sila for volunteers, wala nga lamang masyadong pumunta

...finally, for the very first time, may nakita akong panawagan! (Take note, never talaga ako nakarinig o nakabasa ng call for volunteers galing sa DSWD noong nakaraang mga linggo since dumating sina Ondoy at Pepeng, pramis!)

Dito nga lang ...

Since masyadong maliit ang fonts, eto yung part na gusto kong makita ninyo, yung bottom two posts:Hindi ko lang napigilang magtaka kung bakit may nakalagay na NOW doon sa post. Para kasing, ang dating eh, ngayon lang talaga sila nananawagan sa tao na kailangan nila ng volunteers.

Kung akin yang Twitter account at matalino akong tao, ang ilalagay ko doon instead of NOW eh STILL or kaya naman eh CONTINUES TO LOOK FOR para naman hindi halatang ngayon lang talaga kami umaaksyon tungkol sa dilemma ng kawalan ng volunteers.

Yun naman eh, naisip ko lang.

Ang tanong, tama kaya ako at may dapat tamaan d'yan sa tabi-tabi? Kayo ang humusga!

DSWD is Hoarding Relief Goods!!!

Almost a month since Ondoy and Pepeng came and there are still thousands of relief goods languishing in DSWD warehouses!

Please read this blog entry and the see the accompanying photos. Nakakagalit! Hayop talaga ang karamihan ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno!!!

The introduction to the post goes:

Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo? (A special report from a volunteer)

Oct 21st, 2009 by ella

Dear friends,

I’m asking your help to spread the word. Tulungan po ninyo akong ikalat ito. Beyond this, we should also demand action. I disabled a plugin so you can copy the photos of relief goods rotting in DSWD warehouses. You can link this post to your blogs, facebook, websites etc. You can also email the photos.

Philippine News (US based Philippine newspaper) will use this as its front page story this week. Every Filipino has the right to know where the tons of donations from the UN and other counties go. Kahit po nakakahiya sa mga nag-donate. Kung sa ganitong paraan, matutulungan natin ang mga nasalanta, then by all means, let’s do it.

For those who have the time, please try to volunteer sa DSWD warehouses. Getting in was not easy. A friend had to put in a word for us. Let’s see kung madali nang makapasok sa DSWD warehouse ang mga volunteers.

Please read on and good luck to us.

Ella

Bota ng Ina Mo!

Wala akong masabi. Parang maglalakad lang si La Gloria sa isang Paris runway instead na lulusong sa baha ... Ola! Rampa!

(Paki-click na lang yung photo kung gusto n'yo pang ma-enlarge at makita ang mga detalye ng outfit ng lola n'yo)

Eto ba?! Eto ba ang dapat ibotong susunod na presidente????

Sa panahon ng kalamidad, dapat ang inuuna ng mga gustong tumulong eh yung PAGTULONG! Hindi yung pagpapa-print ng tarpaulin, stickers at mga labels na itatapal sa mga relief goods!!!

Bukod sa extra gastos yang mga yan, sana yung perang ginamit eh isinama na rin sa pondo na ibibigay sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo.

Ang malaking tanong: MANNY VILLAR, paano mo babawiin ang bilyon-bilyong pinag-gagastos mo galing sa sarili mong bulsa kung ikaw ang maluluklok sa pagka-pangulo ng Pilipinas sa susunod na taon?

PINOY, mag-isip-isip ka na ngayon pa lang! Iboboto mo ba ang ganitong klase ng pulitiko na nagpapabango ng pangalan para sa eleksyon kaya lang tumutulong? Maniniwala ka pa rin ba hanggang ngayon sa mga propagandang gaya nito? Magpapauto ka ba kay "Mami Villar"?

Sabi ng iba, ok lang daw yun kasi nakatulong naman. Excuse me, kahit saang anggulo tingnan, WRONG MOTIVES eh.

Taos puso ka dyan!

Le Cirque - Mga KINAIN ng mga Kampon ni GMA sa NY with sample photos and prices

Na-forward lang ito sa akin via emai. Finally, nakita ko at makikita n'yo rin kung ano nga ba ang itsura ng pagkamamahal na pagkain na nilafang ng presidente at mga kampon n'ya sa Le Cirque.

Kainis, ginutom tuloy ako habang naga-upload ng mga lintsok na pictures na ito!

----

Mga kababayan silipin nga natin kung ano itong pinag iinitang mga kinain daw ni Kamahal-mahalang Pangulong Gloria sa Le Cirque New York at ang kanyang mga kampon. Since may ambag naman tayo (as a taxpayer)dapat lang sigurong makita natin kahit sa picture man lang ang mga pagkaing nararapat daw para sa ating mga honorable public servants. Take note mga kaibigan, US DOLLARS yung nasa bill ..... pero kinonvert sa peso para mas may impact kung gaano sila kamahal!!!

Ang bill ng entourage ni Gloria sa Le Cirque

Golden Osetra Caviar. Sa Tagalog, kumpol-kumpol na itlog ng isda. Rare daw ito. Malansa at lasang bagoong, sabi ng iba. Kulay itim lang to pero ang lasa siguro nito ay kagaya din ng itlog ng galunggong, di kaya? Php13,720/order.


California Osetra Caviar. Kumpol-kumpol na itlog ng isda na mula sa California. Mas mura kesa sa Golden Osetra Caviar. P4,900/order.


Le Cirque Salad. Pinaghalo-halong mga gulay tulad ng lettuce (wag kayong jologs, hindi [let-us] ang pronunciation nyan, kundi [let-is] , okay?)... sige na nga litsugas nalang ... ano pa ba yan? er ... sibuyas, balat ng sibuyas, sitaw, mayana, dahon ng gumamela, etc. P1,078/order lang yan.

Le Cirque Lobster Salad. Merong lobster meat, pipino, avocado, kamatis, okra saka dahon ng sibuyas. P2,842/ isang plato niyan.

Le Cirque Tuna. Syempre merong tuna dyan (na posibleng galing sa GenSan), orange, sesame seeds, wasabe ata yung green paste sa ilalim, anim na pirasong halamang ligaw (dami dito samin nyang dahon na yan!) saka ilang patak na orange sauce. P1,029/order naba yang apat na hiwang yan?

Le Cirque Soft Shell Crab Tempura. Ngayon ko lang nalaman na meron palang crab na soft ang shell nya…ahihihihi…So ang ingredients dyan ay crab saka harina tapos may kamote at ang paborito ni Popeye na spinach P1,078 /platter
Le Cirque Spring Pea Soup. Mga pataning pinaikot at pinalamutak sa blender para maging soup. A.k.a. Etchas ng baby P1,176 isang bowl?


Le Cirque Wild Burgundy Escargot. Pronounced as [es-kahr-goh] . Tandaan nyo yan para hindi kayo magmukhang enggot pag kumain kayo sa Le Cirque in the future, okay? Ang escargot ay kuhol. Madami niyan sa palayan kapag tag-ulan. Hmmmmmmmmm…sarap ng ginataang escargot! Kasama ng escargot dyan ay 2 munchkin donuts, makapuno, itlog ng isda saka ferns. Ito daw ang nagustuhan ni Senator Lapid dahil favorite nya ang kuhol. P1,421/order. Grabeng mahal naman ng kuhol na yan!


Le Cirque Torchon of Foie Gras. Ang foie gras ay atay ng bibe or gansa. Ang pagbigkas nito ay [fwah-grah] . Ang torchon naman ay isang paraan ng pagluto ng foei gras na kung saan ibinabalot ito sa isang tuwalya at niluluto sa mainit na likido tulad ng alak o tubig. P1,715/order lang naman yan.

Paupiette of Black Cod. Ito’y manipis na piraso ng isda (black cod) na nirolyong parang shawarma at merong mga gulay sa gitna. Paupiette is pronounced as [poh-pyet]. P2,401.00/order

Le Cirque Halibut Poached in Cocunut Milk. Halibut is pronounced as [hal-uh-buht] . Ito ay isang uri ng isda. Ang price P1,960 /order

Dover Sole. Isa rin itong uri ng isda at ito rin ang pinakamahal sa main course na inorder ng ating mga public servant P3,675/order wow na wow. Ano kaya ang lasa nyan, noh?


Le Cirque Saddle of Lamb. Ano ba ang saddle sa Tagalog. Hmmmmmmm…part daw ng backbone and loins. Eh ano yung loins sa Tagalog? Tadyang o pigi? Ay basta tupa lang yan! P2,548/order naman yan

Krug Champagne. Sa sobrang sarap ng Krug, umorder sina Gloria ng labing-isang bote nito. Kulang-kulang Php 249,000 lang naman iyang 11 bottles na yan. Ilang ginbulag kaya ang mabibili sa Php 249,000.00? Teka, downpayment na yan para sa isang bahay ah! Tsk…tsk…tsk…

Sorry wala yung pix ng ibang entrees. Pero sa dami na ng na-post dito, baka bundat na ang mga mata n'yo!

Hay, nako, ang saya-saya ... nila!

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Kawawa talaga tayong mga Pilipino sa ilalim ng Pang-gulong ito!

To All Filipinos Everywhere

I got this from a forwarded email. It's too good not to pass along. Please read ...

- - - - -

Dear Friends and Relatives,

Here's a wonderful letter to all the Filipinos written by a brave woman. She wants to do her bit in these trying times of our nation.

Please pass to as many persons if you think her article is worth reproducing via email.

God bless

Fr Francis Gustilo, SDB

- - - - -

To all Filipinos Everywhere:

I used to think that corruption and criminality in the Philippines were caused by poverty. But recent events tell me this isn't true. It is one thing to see people turn into drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves and murderers because of hunger and poverty, but what excuse do these rich, educated people have that could possibly explain their bizarre behavior? And to think I was always so relieved when petty snatchers got caught and locked away in jail because I never fully realized that the big time thieves were out there, making the laws and running our country. Can it get any worse than this?

Every night, I come home and am compelled to turn on my tv to watch the latest turn of events. I am mesmerized by these characters. They are not men. They are caricatures of men - too unreal to be believable and too bad to be real. To see these "honorable" crooks lambast each other, call each one names, look each other in the eye and accuse the other of committing the very same crimes that they themselves are guilty of, is so comical and appalling that I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It is entertainment at its worst!

I have never seen so many criminals roaming around unfettered and looking smug until now. These criminals wear suits and barongs, strut around with the confidence of the rich and famous, inspire fear and awe from the very citizens who voted them to power, bear titles like "Honorable", "Senator", "Justice", "General" and worse, "President". Ironically, these lawless individuals practice law, make our laws, enforce the law. And we wonder why our policemen act the way they do! These are their leaders, and the leaders of this nation – Robin Hoodlum and his band of moneymen. Their motto? "Rob the poor, moderate the greed of the rich."

It makes me wonder where on earth these people came from, and what kind of upbringing they had to make them act the way they do for all the world to see. It makes me wonder what kind of schools they went to, what kind of teachers they had, what kind of environment would produce such creatures who can lie, cheat and steal from an already indebted country and from the impoverished people they had vowed to serve. It makes me wonder what their children and grandchildren think of them, and if they are breeding a whole new generation of improved Filipino crooks and liars with maybe a tad more style but equally negligible conscience. Heaven forbid!

I am an ordinary citizen and taxpayer. I am blessed to have a job that pays for my needs and those of my family's, even though 30% of my earnings go to the nation's coffers. Just like others in my lot, I have complained time and again because our government could not provide enough of the basic services that I expect and deserve. Rutty roads, poor educational system, poor social services, poor health services, poor everything. But I have always thought that was what all third world countries were all about, and my complaints never amounted to anything more.

And then this. Scandalous government deals. Plundering presidents pointing fingers. Senators associated with crooks. Congressmen who accept bribes. Big time lawyers on the side of injustice. De Venecia ratting on his boss only after his interminable term has ended, Enrile inquiring about someone's morality! The already filthy rich Abalos and Arroyo wanting more money than they or their great grandchildren could ever spend in a lifetime. Joker making a joke of his own "pag bad ka, lagot ka!" slogan. Defensor rendered defenseless. Gen. Razon involved in kidnapping. Security men providing anything but a sense of security. And it's all about money, money, money that the average Juan de la Cruz could not even imagine in his dreams. Is it any wonder why our few remaining decent and hardworking citizens are leaving to go work in other countries?

And worst of all, we are once again saddled with a power-hungry president whose addiction has her clinging on to it like barnacle on a rusty ship. "Love (of power) is blind" takes a whole new meaning when PGMA time and again turns a blind eye on her husband's financial deals. And still blinded with all that is happening, she opts to traipse around the world with her cohorts in tow while her country is in shambles.

They say the few stupid ones like me who remain in the Philippines are no longer capable of showing disgust. I don't agree. Many like me feel anger at the brazenness of men we call our leaders, embarrassment to share the same nationality with them, frustration for our nation and helplessness at my own ineffectuality. It is not that I won't make a stand. It is just that I am afraid my actions would only be futile. After all, these monsters are capable of anything. They can hurt me and my family. They already have, though I may not yet feel it.

But I am writing this because I need to do something concrete. I need to let others know that ordinary citizens like me do not remain lukewarm to issues that would later affect me and my children. I want to make it known that there are also Filipinos who dream of something better for the Philippines. I want them to know that my country is not filled with scalawags and crooks in every corner, and that there are citizens left who believe in decency, fairness, a right to speak, a right to voice out ideas, a right to tell the people we have trusted to lead us that they have abused their power and that it is time for them to step down. I refuse to let this country go to hell because it is the only country I call mine and it is my responsibility to make sure I have done what I could forit.

Those of us who do not have the wealth, power or position it needs to battle the evil crime lords in the government can summon the power of good. We can pray. We can do this with our families every night. We can offer petitions every time we celebrate mass. We can ask others to pray, too, including relatives and friends here and overseas. And we can offer sacrifices along with our petitions, just so we get the message to Him of our desperation in ridding our nation of these vermin. After all, they cannot be more powerful than God!

I implore mothers out there to raise your children the best way you can. Do not smother, pamper, or lavish them with too much of the material comforts of life even if you can well afford them. Teach them that there are more important things in this world. I beg all fathers to spend time with their children, to teach them the virtues of hard work, honesty, fair play, sharing, dignity and compassion – right from the sandbox till they are old enough to go on their own. Not just in your homes, but at work, in school, everywhere you go. Be good role models. Be shining examples for your children so they will learn to be responsible adults who will carry and pass on your family name with pride and honor.

I call on educators and teachers – we always underestimate the power of your influence on the minds of our youth. Encourage them to be aware of what is happening in their surroundings. Instill in them a love of their country, inculcate in them the value of perseverance in order to gain real, worthwhile knowledge, help us mold our children into honorable men and women. Encourage our graduates, our best and brightest, to do what they can to lift this country from the mire our traditional politicians have sunk us into. The youth is our future – and it would be largely because of you, our educators, that we will be able to repopulate the seats of power with good leaders, presidents, senators, congressmen, justices, lawmakers, law enforcers and lawful citizens.

I ask all students, young people and young professionals everywhere to look around and get involved in what is happening. Do not let your youth be an excuse for failure to concern yourselves with the harsh realities you see. But neither let this make you cynical, because we need your idealism and fresh perspective just as you need the wisdom of your elders.
YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!
Let your voices be heard.
Do what you can for this land that gave you your ancestors and your heritage.
Use technology and all available resources at hand to spread good.
Text meaningful messages to awaken social conscience.
Try your best to fight moral decay because I promise you will not regret it when you become parents yourselves.
You will look back at your past misdeeds and pray that your children will do better than you did.

Remember that there are a few handful who are capable of running this country.
You can join their ranks and make their numbers greater. We are tired of the old trapos. We need brave idealistic leaders who will think of the greater good before anything else. Do your utmost to excel in your chosen field. Be good lawyers, civil servants, accountants, computer techs, engineers, doctors, military men so that when you are called to serve in government, you will have credibility and a record that can speak for itself.

For love of this country, for the future of our children, for the many who have sacrificed and died to uphold our rights and ideals, I urge you to do what you can. As ordinary citizens, we can do much more for the Philippines than sit around and let crooks lead us to perdition. We owe ourselves this. And we owe our country even more.

Ondoy Victims Given Priority to Migrate to Canada

News Release from http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2009/2009-10-01.asp

Government of Canada announces special immigration measures for typhoon victims in the Philippines

Ottawa, October 1, 2009 — Residents in the Philippines who are significantly affected by Typhoon Ketsana are being offered special measures to facilitate immigration to Canada, announced Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

“I would like to express my deepest sympathy and support for the people of the Philippines affected by this terrible disaster,” said Minister Kenney. “This government is moving quickly to reunite Canadians and permanent residents with their families by extending a welcome to those who wish to come to Canada.”

Effective immediately, Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) visa office in the Philippines is responding on a priority basis for those directly affected by the disaster.

This will be applied to new and existing applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who have close family members in the Philippines. They must, however, identify themselves as being directly and significantly affected by the current situation and notify CIC.

New sponsorship applications should have “Philippines” prominently written on the mailing envelope. Sponsors and applicants presently in Canada who have applications in process should notify the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only) to identify their existing applications, if they or the family they have sponsored have been adversely affected.

Temporary residence applicants will be given priority processing by the visa office in Manila once they demonstrate that they have been significantly affected by the typhoon.

These special measures are in addition to the up to $5 million for humanitarian assistance and early recovery to respond to the needs of the populations affected by Typhoon Ketsana announced by International Cooperation Minister Beverley J. Oda earlier this week.

For further information, please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Alykhan.Velshi@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

Media Suicide by Mikey Arroyo

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/171228/mikey-arroyo-says-wealth-came-from-wedding-poll-donors

Read the article and watch the video where he was grilled by Winnie Monsod. This st*pid politician just embeded himself deeper into his mire of lies and he seems to not even realize doing it.

PGMA and Party ate $20,000 worth of dinner in NY while Filipinos mourn for President Aquino

What blatant insensitivity! What gluttony! These public officials should be ashamed of themselves!!!

Check out the following links to read more about this:

http://www.marketmanila.com/archives/gmas-20000-dinner-at-le-cirque-in-new-york

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08072009/gossip/pagesix/eat_and_drink_183333.htm

http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=6617

Goodbye Pres. Cory

We have lost an honest-to-goodness Filipino leader today. May her death be for nothing. It's time to wake up from the slumber of apathy fellow Filipinos!

Let's continue to fight for our freedom!

Please Boycott Boyet Fajardo RTW Labels

I received this forwarded email yesterday. Needless to say, I was appalled and horrified at the audacity of this so-called designer who thought that he was god. I googled the issue first and verified its veracity before I decided to post it in this blog.

I read a news report from gmanews.tv where Fajardo's lawyer was defending his client's bad behavior as a "creative outburst". What bullsh*t, what crap! And they expect Filipinos to believe that???

Boyet Fajardo is a fine example of how to be inhuman. Let us not be like him.

Oh and btw, if he is so well-known, how come I only heard the name Boyet Fajardo when I got the email? Duh!

===
Last March 13, 2009, Filipino Fashion Designer Angelino Boyet Fajardo created a scene, to the shock and horror of shoppers and employees of Duty Free Philippines alike, when a cashier politely asked for his ID after presenting his unsigned credit card. This is a standard operating procedure applicable to all stores to verify ownership of the credit card and prevent fraud.

Suddenly, the designer reportedly got furious and, at the top of his voice, started berating the cashiers and managers of Duty Free Philippines. He might have thought a celebrated person like he is, with all his accolades and fame, has gone unrecognized by the cashier. A new well-trained casual worker who is carefully doing his job. The designer further shocked bystanders by cursing the people there with words such as leche and p...ina, while angrily expressing surprise why the people there did not recognize him.

Store managers and officers were sought to appease the matter, explaining to him that it is all included as a standard operating procedure in credit card payment for the safety, not only for the company but also his own. Ignoring all this, he pulled out his phone and threatened to call on high positioned government officials whom he allegedly knew, like doing a power-play to make these people realize how important he is. He went on saying "Mga leche kayo! Hindi niyo ako kilala? Ako si Boyet Fajardo! At itong p...ina na babaeng ito (pointing to a lady officer) at ang baklang ito (pointing to the cashier) ay walang kwentang mga tao! I want them fired!!!"

His yelling and berating went on and on. He cannot calm down and as he appeared to have bloodshot eyes, like that of a drunk person and or under an influence. He threw his passport on the cashier's face and later intentionally stepped on the cashier's foot to say "Ay sorry, di ko sinasadya!" He goes on to say, that only if the cashier kneel down before him and/or allow him to freely slap the cashier's face, may he get satisfied.

The ill-fated cashier, with all the onlookers watching, stand down and just simply gave in to probably he thought would end the matter. Crying in shame he slowly knelt down and apologize (for actually doing his job) before this self proclaimed GOD, perhaps for fear of loosing his job. No slapping was made to the cashier's face but the incident landed a harsher and reverberating sound to the faces of the lesser people of this society.

Fortunately, his inhumane acts were caught on CCTV in which a portion was featured in YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojv_kbsEQHQ&feature=channel_page

With such disrespect, discrimination and humiliation towards a good worker, a less fortunate person and a fellow Filipino...

1. We are calling all citizens to stop patronizing Boyet Fajardo's RTW labels such as Substance in SM department stores, Boyet Fajardo and Initials in Landmark and Robinson's department stores.
2. We are calling on all malls to pull out or stop distributing his products in your outlets.
3. We are calling on the Commission on Human Rights, Department of Labor and Employment and all human rights and labor activists to take appropriate legal actions on this matter.
4. We are calling all foreign embassies to deny him of entry to your respective countries.
5. We are calling on the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines to dishonor him of his membership and profession.

...To give him a lesson and to help us stop him from victimizing the underprivileged over and over and over again.

Contact Information:
Boyet Fajardo
Tel: +632 6327120 / +632 6366871
Email: info@boyetfajardo.com
Website: www.boyetfajardo.com

We look forward to your support.

Thank you.

Concerned Filipino Citizen

Gary Granada vs. GMA Kapuso

Please visit this link Gary Granada vs. GMA Kapuso where you can listen about Gary's complaint regarding a song commissioned to him by GMA Kapuso Foundation. Please reserve your judgement until you hear it.

Since I have also been a victim of copyright infringement (as a writer), I totally understand where he is coming from.

If also believe that Gary G. is right in what he is fighting for, please give your support as well. Mag-ingay tayo sa Internet hanggang may hustisya s'yang makamit!

The Philippines is filled with rotten politicians!!!

I was forwarded a link about another injustice done this time by a prominent politician in Lanao del Sur. I was enraged just by reading about the family's account. I pray that they get the justice that they deserve. And may that power-tripping mayor and his cohorts rot in hell!

http://vicissitude-decidido.blogspot.com/2008/12/world-is-fucked-up.html

Finance journalist speaks up on the SM DisAdvantage Insurance Plan

Please read on Ms. Salve Duplito's recent entry on the SMAC-Philam tie-up fittingly entitled "The SM Advantage Rip-Off" at her Inquirer blog Money Smarts.

Again, I just need to express my disgust at SM for the way they are profiting from hapless customers like us. Mapagsamantala sila!

SM Advantage Card Official Answers Issues on the Insurance Program

This is a reprint with permission from Ms. Marou Sarne's blog:

I can't resist but reiterate my initial opinion of Mr. Maclang -- malabo s'yang kausap!!!!

ANSWERS OF MR. REY MACLANG, AVP FOR SM MARKETING, REGARDING THE CONTROVERSIAL SM ADVANTAGE CARD-PHILAM INSURANCE PROGRAM:

1. When did the insurance promo for SM Advantage Card holders begin?

The SM Advantage Personal Accident Insurance Program is NOT a promotion. It is an embedded value-added feature of SM Advantage which is granted to members once they reach a specific points balance in their card. The insurance benefit has been an integral part of SM Advantage since July 2006. This is over and above all the other benefits, perks, discounts and savings that SM Advantage management continuously develops for its members.

Recognizing the importance of insurance for every individual, SM Advantage, in partnership with Philam Insurance, created one of the most convenient and affordable programs in the market to ensure that its members can acquire basic financial protection against accidental death or permanent disability. With this modest motivation in mind, we continue to proudly extend this privilege to our members by providing them the following advantages:

· Extremely accessible and convenient insurance coverage simply by being an SM Advantage member.

· The opportunity to have an insurance coverage at a very low price, without any cash outlay. If the member would try to acquire an individual Personal Accident Insurance outside this program, it would cost approximately P500. With this specially-arranged program with Philam Insurance, our members have access to a substantial amount of insurance for only 20 points (equivalent to P20.00).

2. Were the customers informed beforehand that they will receive an accident insurance policy prior to the deduction of their 20 points in their rewards? How?

Yes, we, together with Philam Insurance have consistently informed our members about this privilege through flyers and full page advertisements in the most prominent daily broadsheets such as Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Star in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Loyalty Program. This advertising campaign actually started two weeks before the launch of the insurance program in 2006. Moreover, we continuously explore program enhancements and have lined up activities to raise the awareness of our members about this program, most recent of which are the SMS and e-mail blasts sent to members.

We have also informed our members through newspaper articles of actual claim cases where Philam Insurance paid out the insurance proceeds of more than P100,000 to the beneficiaries of insured SM Advantage members who were deducted a mere 20 points.

This is a genuine, and not to mention expensive effort on our part and that of our partner, Philam Insurance, to efficiently disseminate information and to ensure that all legitimate and admissible claims under the insurance program are paid to the rightful beneficiaries at all times.

3. Did the customers sign an agreement regarding this promotion prior to its implementation?

When members signed up for membership in the SM Advantage Loyalty program, they effectively agreed to its Terms and Conditions.

Section V of the Terms and Conditions of the SM Advantage Program states that:

1. The Terms and Conditions and Guidelines cannot be superseded or changed except by MCI. MCI shall use all reasonable endeavors to provide Members with accurate and timely information regarding the SM Advantage Program including any changes thereof; however, MCI and its Partners shall not be liable in any way for failure to do so.

2. MCI is not liable for any Award or Privilege not being available or being withdrawn for any reason whatsoever by any SM Advantage Partner.

3. MCI reserves the right at all times, without notice and in its sole discretion:

a. To make any changes whatsoever to these Terms and Conditions including the rules and guidelines in the Member’s Manual.

b. To withdraw, cancel, withhold, substitute, deny access to or use of in any way change any of the Awards and Privileges previously advertised or offered, to any Member, at any time, without prior notice, MCI will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by the Member resulting from such withdrawal, cancellation, variation or change.

c. To terminate or materially alter the SM Advantage Program and/or revoke the membership of any Member and/or the right of any Member to use the Membership Card or to utilize any Award or Privilege.

4. If you’re an SM Advantage card holder, are you automatically enrolled to the insurance program?

Enrollment into the insurance program is done every 15^th of the month for qualified members. To qualify, a member must:

1. have a balance of at least 70 points at the time of enrollment.
2. be between 18 to 70 years old.

Upon enrollment, 20 points are debited from the member’s points balance as one-time payment for his/her P100,000 accident insurance coverage for one year.

5. How much premium does SM pay for each qualified card holder’s insurance policy in PhilAm?

We cannot divulge the amount of premium we pay for each insurance coverage. However, because the program involves group insurance coverage and uses the opt-out mechanics for enrollment, we were able to arrange for the members a significant premium discount from Philam Insurance. This is the benefit and the privilege that we give to our members – the provision of very inexpensive financial protection that would otherwise have cost more if our members were to buy it themselves.

6. Did SM follow due process regarding the promotion? Did they get permission from the concerned agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and the Insurance Commission?

Since the insurance program is not a promotion, there is no need to secure approval from DTI. Also, as per Philam, group accident insurance programs do not necessarily require IC’s permission to launch. However, the terms and conditions of the policy issued by Philam were reviewed and approved by the Insurance Commission. We have chosen to partner with Philam Insurance because they are a highly reputable insurance company.

7. How does the card holder get her certification / insurance policy?

Since this is a group insurance coverage, Philam Insurance issued us a Group Master Policy to cover all qualified members of SM Advantage. There is no need to issue individual certificates. If an individual member wants proof of cover, an insurance certificate can be requested from Philam Insurance by calling the Philam hotline at 528-5202.

8. How does she / he claim from the insurance company?

Just like with any other personal insurance, the insured member or his/her beneficiary can call the Philam hotline and he/she will be guided on how to claim. Claim documents will of course be required.

9. Who determines the beneficiaries of the policy in case of accidental death?

The law specifies that the benefits shall go in full to the first group of the following:

· Spouse, if none

· Child/ren, if none

· Parents, if none

· Siblings, if none

· Administrator of your estate

10. Is this a group insurance or an individual insurance? Why weren’t the certificates issued / mailed to the card holders upon the deduction of their points?

Please refer to our answer to Question # 7

11. Why were the card holders informed of the program a few months before the expiration of the policy (and not upon the start of the coverage?)

As explained in our answer to question # 2, we have continuously advertised the benefits of the insurance program through various prominent broadsheets, using full page colored ads. In an effort to more effectively inform our members of the program, we distributed flyers and, more recently, we launched an SMS and e-mail information drive to all qualified members regardless of the inception date of their insurance coverage. We know that newspaper advertisements, flyers, SMS and e-mail messages cannot ensure that all our members are made aware of the benefits of the insurance program; therefore we have extended and continue to extend great efforts and expense in informing our members about this important program.

12. If the card holder met an accident before he was informed of the insurance coverage, and if the policy has expired before the card holder was informed that he was covered, can the card holder still claim from the company or reimburse his hospital / funeral expenses?

Whether the cardholder was informed of the insurance coverage before or after he/she met an accident is immaterial in determining the validity of a claim. What is important is that the accident or the loss occurred during the time that the member’s insurance cover was active. This means that a claim can still be made even after the coverage has lapsed so long as the accident or the loss happened within the coverage period.

13. If the customer doesn’t want the insurance coverage, is there an easier way to get out of the program, without going to the SM malls and signing an opt-out form?

Yes, there are many ways by which the member can opt out of the insurance program, all of which are indicated in our newspaper advertisements and can be explained by the Philam hotline:

• SMS – Register first by sending SMAC REG <16> <4> to 2213. Text: SMAC INSURANCE OUT to 2213 [P2.50/text]
• Philam Hotline – Call 528-5202
• Fax – Cut out Opt-out Form from the ad, fill out and fax to 833-8888.
• Customer Service Counters – Fill out Opt-out Form and submit to the Customer Service Counter of any SM Department Store branch.

In addition to these, members who do not wish to be included in the program can now opt out by sending an e-mail to help@sm-advantage.com, and soon via the SM Advantage website at www.sm-advantage.com. No matter how the member chooses to opt out of the program, his/her 20 points will be credited back to his/her SM Advantage account within five days.

We accept opt-outs at any time before or during the member’s 12-month coverage period.

14. How do they check if their points were returned?

Members can request for points balance inquiry at any cashier counter of SM Department Store, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, or any of the other SM stores where the SM Advantage Card is accepted for points earning. Unfortunately, the cashier will only be able to give your total points balance, so you will need to know your balance before you opted out of the insurance program.

For a more accurate accounting of your points, you may log on and register at www.sm-advantage.com. There, you will be able to view your transaction log (points earning and redemption, including insurance reversal) as far back as January 2006.

15. Do SM Advantage Card points expire?

As stated in the Member’s Manual, all unredeemed points will be forfeited if the member fails to renew his/her card before its expiration date. However, as a concession to members who were unable to renew their card before expiration, we normally give a 90-day grace period before we forfeit their points. This means that if they renew their membership within three months after its expiration, their remaining points will still be transferred to their new card.

Other SMAC members start speaking up!

Last week I sent out emails with questions (please see previous post) to explore how much SM Advantage members really know about the SM-Philam insurance tie up that automatically deducts points from members without our knowledge nor approval.

I already received several emails from fellow SMAC members and below are some of their replies. It’s not surprising anymore to find out that ALL who emailed me were also sent the notifications by SM only a few months’ short of their so-called insurance coverage.

1. Are you aware of the automatic insurance coverage for SMAC members? If yes, how did you find out about this and when?

A.S. says: Now yes, but only after I received the email from SM Advantage

I.A. says: Only thru the email I received with the information

J.C. says: No. Until I read your blog, I had absolutely no idea about this!

2. Have you received any email informing you about your personal coverage? If yes, when was the email sent and what are the dates of your coverage?

K.S. says: Dates of coverage are from November 2007 to November 2008. I was emailed May 24 2008

A.S. says: Yes, on Thursday, 29 May 2008. I'm supposedly covered from "10/15/07 and will end on 10/15/08".

3. Is it okay with you to be deducted 20 points from your SMAC balance without your knowledge and be automatically enrolled in the insurance coverage? Why or why not?

K.S. says: I feel that they should have informed us earlier and given us the choice.

A.S. says: No, not without my prior knowledge… as another person already shared, I have too many other insurances already and I don't need another one. While it's only P20, it's still something I can use to add in my purchasing power whenever I do grocery at SM.

I.A. says: I was deducted 40 points! Because I am prestige member. It is also unfair because they took the liberty to use my prestige membership over my SM Advantage membership which took out double points instead. Of course it is not ok without my prior approval!

J.C. says: No, this is not okay. As SM shoppers, we take great pains to earn those points (which compared to other point-earning cards much like it, take FOREVER to accumulate!). And so no matter how small the amount, we should be informed of ANY automatic deduction, even in the guise of something that will supposedly "benefit" us.

4. What are your general thoughts about being automatically insured without being informed about it personally? Do you think you can even file a claim when you meet any accident?

K.S. says: I would have rather that they called us up because not everyone checks their email so often. I welcomed the insurance however wish I could have been given a choice first. It is such a hassle to have to un-enroll yourself from th program.

I.A. says: Precisely! And to make matters worse, I recently went on a trip abroad and purchased travel insurance in US dollars. Had I known that I had this coverage from Philam, I could have used my USD for pocket money instead!

J.C. says: At minimum, I expect to be informed of a deduction, even just as a matter of courtesy. And I expect to be informed PERSONALLY as through an e-mail or snail mail message. SM cannot expect that every one of their 4 Million cardholders would be aware of this so-called "added benefit" only through the media. They have to remember that these are their LOYAL customers and should therefore be accorded the simple service of TIMELY, PERSONAL advice ... And not just be told when their coverage is about to expire. This smacks of foul play and of SM not acting in good faith to the very customers who keep them in business! Once again (and believe me, there were many, many, many times!), SM has made me very, very, very disappointed. I really should re-think my loyalty to this store.

As you’ve read blog readers, more and more people are taking a stand against this injustice. We would appreciate it if you can share with us your thoughts (and indignation!) as well. Thank you!

Shocking Numbers!

I've just discovered Marou Sarne's post (dated June 5) in her multiply blog and I was staggered at the sheer numbers she wrote there:

"if you have accumulated 50 POINTS in your SM ADVANTAGE CARD, chances are, you have already been enrolled in the accident insurance program of philam without your prior knowledge.

this is what i gathered from TRADE AND INDUSTRY UNDERSECRETARY ZENAIDA MAGLAYA after my interview with her in the program, BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS this noon in DWIZ 882 khz am (monday to friday 12-1 pm).

according to usec maglaya, she talked to MR. REY MACLANG who is apparently the head of the promo department of the sm advantage card, and mr. maclang admitted that they have enrolled more or less 700, 000 card holders to this program. there are 4 million sm advantage card holders. 700, 000 qualified for the promo. this means P 14 million worth of accident insurance through the deducted rewards points (mathematical explanation: 20 points which is equivalent to P 20 is paid to the accident insurance of every qualified card holder, in this case, 700,000 card holders.)

i asked usec maglaya if sm has violated any law regarding this pre-enrollment and the late announcement / information dissemination through email. she said that they have to investigate deeper and collect evidences before they could conclude that the sm-philam collaboration is punishable by consumer laws.

what does dti need?

1. they need the formal complaints of the cardholders who have been irked / affected by this insurance promo

2. they are asking for the flyers, print ads, emails and text messages that sm supposedly published / disseminated before the promo started

3. they need the contract which the card holders signed before they became members (to check if there was an agreement regarding this automatic insurance program)"

Now at least one of my questions was answered. P14 million pesos!!!! Wow, I wonder WHO got richer because of that?!

Calling All SM Advantage Club members!

Help, Please!

Are you an SM Advantage Club member? If yes, are you aware of the SMAC-Philam Plans coverage tie-up wherein SMAC members are automatically enrolled in the insurance program and deducted 20 points from their card balances for this so-called “privilege”?

Please help us find out how many of us are there who were only informed about our coverage with just a few months remaining before the insurance was about to expire. Our concern is, they didn’t ask if we’d like to be covered and if it is okay to deduct points without our knowledge. Yes, 20 points per member is not much. But imagine if 10,000 members (ergo, worth P200,000) were not informed and no one filed any claims, who benefits from the money???

We’d like to prove that SM purposely sent notification emails late so that nobody will have time to file any insurance claims, if any. Complaints were already filed to the DTI but they are not doing any further investigations unless supporting documents are given. In line with this, please voice your indignation against this deceitful way of doing business so that they will finally realize that loyal customers should be respected and looked after, instead of being considered money-makers for the company.

To know if you are covered by the insurance plan, call SMAC’s hotline at 833-8888 and verify your account. You might even be surprised to know that you have been covered and being deducted points for 2 years already without your knowledge like some members have found out! In case you have an email from SMAC in your archives about the insurance plan, please search for it and see when it was sent and when your coverage was.

To become an advocate too against this scheme, please fill out the form below and email to pinoy.advocacy@gmail.com PLEASE ENCOURAGE EVERYBODY YOU KNOW WHO ARE ALSO SMAC MEMBERS TO VISIT THIS SITE AND FILL OUT THE FORM TOO.

1. Are you aware of the automatic insurance coverage for SMAC members? If yes, how did you find out about this and when?
2. Have you received any email informing you about your personal coverage? If yes, when was the email sent and what are the dates of your coverage?
3. Is it okay with you to be deducted 20 points from your SMAC balance without your knowledge and be automatically enrolled in the insurance coverage? Why or why not?
4. What are your general thoughts about being automatically insured without being informed about it personally? Do you think you can even file a claim when you meet any accident?
5. Please indicate your name and SMAC number found on your card.

Thank you very, very much! Let us not be apathetic to issues such as these. If we won’t work together to make a difference, how then will the lives of Filipinos like us become better?

We would also appreciate if you can leave your comments for this post so that those who need to and should hear about this become aware that we are making a valid point.