Today

Privilege, entitlement, and first world problems

This afternoon, our company had a function at The Penthouse 8747. The place is nice. Mahangin. The couches are comfy. The view is great. Except for this eyesore of a building construction inside Ayala Triangle that threatens to consume the only remaining patch of green in this frkn district. Unless they're building a multi-level botanical garden, which is highly unlikely, I hope they consider the environmental implications of crowding the city with more dead blocks. Ayala needs more life (that is not human). They're building monsters. Back to The Penthouse. They served cocktails. Thin-ass pizza, malnourished chicken tenders, and mini crab cakes. They all tasted great. But the portions were too small. Having a controlled pica pica buffet sounds a bit too much for me. We already can't eat a lot, and still you control it by serving much less. It'd be more effective if they laid out saucers instead of regular plates. Funny thing is, I was okay when they started serving. They'd give two of each. At least to the people in front of me. When it was my turn to receive their breaded goodness, a new waiter appeared, "Pre, isa isa lang". And so my plate was bare.

Anywaaay. I came back for round two so I'm definitely not complaining.... yet.

Until I got sleepy and felt the need to buy some coffee. I borrowed money and stepped out a bit to buy a medium cup of brewed coffee from 7-Eleven. It's only 29 pesos. Havey. I love City Blends. When I came back, the guard at The Penthouse won't let me in. "Ma'am bawal po magdala nyan sa loob", referring to my cheap coffee. Boy was I hurt. And it hurt more because I know one of my colleagues inside was able to bring in a venti drink from Starbucks, it was sitting right across me before I left.

Even though I could say that 1) we have a reservation, and 2) but you allowed outside coffee inside.... I decided not to argue because I was feeling super sleepy. And besides, my phone is dying so I wouldn't have anything to do inside. I decided to go back to the office, feeling defeated and dejected. I wish I had a privilege card I could play, damn that would be useful. It's during these times I know having privilege and influence would work. I got no pretty card, no sex-appeal card, no intimidating card, no well-dressed card, and apparently no starbucks card. These are just a few of the cards that grants you access to places even if you don't ask. So what's an overweight, poorly dressed girl holding cheap coffee's gotta do? Play the nice card and leave. It's all I got.

But of course, to let off some steam, I did a very offended-millennial thing. Duh, I ranted on Instagram.

I was just joking ofc. Rules are rules. But The Penthouse replied and apologized, even sending me a pic of who I thought brought outside coffee inside. It was their staff. I clarified by saying that's not who I was referring to, and that it was a fellow guest they allowed to bring coffee in. They probably just missed it. And of course I just had to let my mind wander to privilege and discrimination charot.

[Review] Ahmad Brothers Cafe at Labsan/Yandoc St., Baguio City

Ahmad Brothers Cafe is one of the restaurants my husband and I tried on our short vacation at Baguio.

We had a hard time looking for this place, but it was well worth it. From our place at Megatower Residences, we decided to walk all the way to their location at Legarda road, after all Google Maps said it's just a 20min walk. But wth, we got lost and pissed off at the throng of people flocked over at Session Rd. (read: Panagbenga Festival). Eventually we just hailed a cab and got dropped off around Giligan's. According to Google Maps, it should be at the same building, if not beside it.

It wasn't there. 

Imbyerna. We asked around, and finally one of the guards said Ahmad has moved to a new location. He told us it was walking distance. So we walked. But not before calling the establishment to confirm their existence. Thank God for Google (the same Google who led us to a wrong location), I was connected to one of their staff who texted us about their actual location. It's only 450m away from their old spot. Great!

And so we walked. As of writing, their current address is at Labsan St. cor Yandoc St, Baguio City. You can always confirm at their mobile number 0908-740-7284 or their landline number (074)-244-7292.

We found Ahmad Brothers Cafe tucked at the lower levels of Hotel Caterina. At this point in my Indian food loving life, I learned not to care about restaurant interiors. As you can see, nothing fancy here, but it's a big enough eatery offering Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. 

We saw a couple of Arab looking kids ordering a plate of what looked like chicken tandoori with rice. And you know the drill, if you see foreign people eating their local food in a foreign country, the place must be legit.

And so we ordered the usual.

Vegetable samosa - ₱65

I super love this! It's a different kind of samosa, the wrap is made of something like lumpia wrapper, and the dip isn't the usual tamarind and mint-chutney. It's garlic sauce haha.

Chili Pakora - ₱80

Another great item from their menu. The chilis look super payat but I assure you they taste perfect, specially with their cheese dip. Jusko and ₱80 lang syaaaa. (for comparison, Chili Pakoras at Naan cost ₱150).

Chicken Masala - ₱240

Aaand our main dish. I know it looks like Adobo, the sauce is brown and there are large potato chunks too. It looks so far from the Masala we know. But the taste? AMAZING. Walang kwenta tong food blog na to, basta masarap - amazing yan. Try nyo na lang. The sauce isn't that thick but the flavors are all there. The spices really get to you. I love it.

We also ordered Sweet Lassi (₱70) and it was, again, amazing. I can't believe we're drinking super cheap Lassi that's also super good. Huhuhu. Goes to show that food in the metro is ridiculously overpriced. And their beef shawarma? ₱70 lang diiiin!

We tried to order Naan bread but didn't have any, they served us with pita bread instead, the one they use for shawarma. Okay lang naman hahaha.

Our bill went just a little over ₱600. Not baaaaad for two Indian food gluttons!

Location and contact

Address: #1, Yandoc st. corner Naguilian rd. Baguio City, Philippines (basement of Hotel Caterina, just beside Justice Hall)

If you're navigating via maps/waze, use the one pinned at Labsan st.

Operating hours: 9am to 9pm (Mon - Sat) and 11am to 9pm (Sun)

Contact number: (074)-244-7292

Facebook: Ahmad Brothers Cafe

[Review] Globe at Home Prepaid Wifi (w/ Homesurf599 promo)

While waiting for slots at Converge, we decided to use a prepaid wifi unit for the meantime. Globe offers this Prepaid Home Wifi Unit for ₱1,999, equipped with an LTE simcard. It boasts of 50% stronger wifi coverage and cheaper LTE promos (₱599 for 15GB good for 30days). During that time I was subscribed to Smart Bro Plan 499 (6GB monthly + FREE LTE pocket wifi), so I felt like I needed to switch immediately because the price difference is so huge! Alright, here's a rundown on important things you need to know before you fully decide on (not) getting this unit.

Where do I get one?

I bought mine at a Globe kiosk at Greenbelt, Makati. You don't have to pre-order this or line up at customer service, just go to any Globe kiosk or any prepaid load station and they pretty much have it. It's quite abundant out there! Again, this one's priced at ₱1,999 and comes with free 10GB data (valid for 7 days) upon activation.

What's in the box?

At the kiosk display, the router box looks pretty small and cute, so I was surprised when they took out a box that's 50% bigger than the one on display haha. Here's what's inside:

Prepaid wifi router
LAN cable
Charger
User manual
Instruction card (for activating)
LTE sim card (already inserted)

Globe at Home App

You'll be advised to download the Globe at Home mobile application to activate your unit. It's available for both Android and iOS users. To be honest, their app sucks big time. Aside from activating your unit, the only other purpose of the app is to give you info about your data usage - and it's not even working properly. The usage is not accurate and refreshing the app doesn't update your data in real-time uuurgh. Plus you'll keep getting this 'Request Error' bullshit that doesn't make sense. This app is sooo crappy I want it to die, I'm so angry just typing all this. It's just cute but doesn't really offer valuable functionalities. How the heck did this even get deployed.

It doesn't even show a graph of your daily usage so you wouldn't know why you're suddenly out of data (happened a lot of times to me).

And then you know, there's an option there that allows you to subscribe to surf promos, but it's freaking useless if you're not a Globe user. Clicking subscribe to any of the promos on the app will launch the native messenger of your phone, populate the message field with the promo code, and the recipient field with a Globe access code (2+10-digit Globe at Home number). So naturally, you can't reload it using a Smart/Sun/TnT number (see above photo). I'm frkn rolling my eyes at the lack of insight the developers put into this. Is it so hard to turn it into a web service instead? After all, you're already have to be online to open the app. Aaaaargh.

Anyway.

How to reload?

You can reload using the good ol' AutoloadMax. That's how I do it. 7-11 Cliq booths doesn't work. Suuuucks.

Surf promos

The major selling point of this unit is really the HomeSurf Promos which are exclusive to Globe at Home Prepaid Wifi users. Here they are:

GoSurf 50 - 1GB for ₱50 (valid for 3 days)
HomeSurf 15 - 1GB for ₱50 (add-on to GoSurf 50)
HomeSurf 349 - 10GB for ₱349 (valid for 10 days)
HomeSurf 599 - 15GB for ₱599 (valid for 30 days)

If you're a Globe user, you can register your prepaid wifi to any promos by texting the keyword and sending it to 2 + your 10-digit Globe at Home number. Note that there's 1 pesos service charge for every text.

For example, to register to Homesurf 599: text Homesurf 599 and send to 29171234567.

Alternatively, for non-Globe users, you can borrow a Globe phone from one of your friends and register using their phone lol. If you're not a fan of that (like I am), then you have to login directly into the admin panel of your wifi router and use the SMS messaging system of your unit.

Turn on your wifi, and go to http://192.168.254.254 on your browser (you can do this even without internet access). Login then open the SMS feature of the panel. Create a new message and send your desired keyword to 8080.

Speed tests

Alright, here are random speed tests conducted from our place in Mandaluyong. It was never blazing fast, and there were times it's utterly slow. Grr

Date	Time	Location	Download (Mbps)	Upload (Mbps)	Ping
Feb 27 2018	1:09 PM	Mandaluyong	0.73	11.85	22
Apr 6 2018	5:07 AM	Mandaluyong	1.33	4.01	35
Apr 12 2018	2:57 AM	Mandaluyong	3.26	2.32	23

Finally

This certain product isn't for heavy users who do a lot of streaming and downloading. It's good for casual browsing, and the performance still depends on where you are located. It does its job well supporting me on my late night surfing activities though, so I'm still a bit thankful for it. As long as I don't stream videos haphazardly, 15GB could last me 20 days.

[Review] 50's Diner at Session Rd., Baguio City

50's Diner serves your favorite comfort foods at very affordable prices. Chicken, steak, spaghetti, shakes, ice cream, name it, their menu is filled with satisfying platters that won't break your wallet! This certain branch is located at the 4th floor of Porta Vaga Mall, Session Rd. It's walking distance from SM Baguio and Megatower Residences (where we were booked) too. During the time we visited, the place was packed with people because it's Panagbenga Festival, but we didn't have a hard time getting a seat because they have lots haha.

The ambiance is very casual, and the restaurant stayed true to its theme. Neon tube lights give the place a retro glow, and the checkered floor just adds more to the 50s vibe. Don't forget the vintage movie posters!

Now onto the food! It didn't take long for us to get served, I got myself a mocha shake, mushroom soup, and one of their fully loaded meals - Guys on the Hood.

50's Mocha (₱ 100)

Guys on the hood - a combination of pork chop, chicken, spaghetti and homemade bread pizza. Served with rice and buttered vegetables. (₱ 165)

My plate was overflowing! Jeckie, on the other hand, ordered steak. Of course.

Fillet Mignon - served with soup, salad, ice cream, and iced tea. (₱ 320)

Don't get your hopes up with the steak though. Jeckie requested for his steak to be cooked rare, and had to repeat it three times because the waiter kept on repeating his order as either well-done or medium rare haha. But alas, his steak came out well-done. Well-done koya in taking our orders! It wasn't such as deal breaker though, their steak still tasted delicious, and for its price we just had to let our rare order go hehe.

And our final bill -- ONLY ₱ 650! The menu prices are all VAT inclusive and they have NO SERVICE CHARGE. It was soooo sulit. If you see yourself dining here don't forget to give them a good tip! <3 Definitely eating here again!

Check out their menu

How Are EIN's Assigned?

When you submit your application to the IRS through the IRS-EIN-Tax-ID website, the IRS provides you with a nine-digit number that you can use to run your business.  Social security numbers, which are personal identifiers, are also nine digits, but the two are set up a bit differently. EINs use the format of 12-3456789 while social security numbers use 123-45-6789. What Do the Numbers Mean?

Your EIN number stars with two digits. Until 2001, the first two digits, which are known as the prefix code, referred to the geographical area in which your company would operate. Since 2001, the first two digits now refer to the IRS office that processed the application. The rest of the digits do not have a specific meaning. They are randomly generated and assigned, although the IRS takes measures to ensure no EINs have consecutive numbers.

What About Old Numbers?

Unfortunately, businesses close their doors and stop using their employer identification numbers every day. Even if you never use the EIN again, it is still yours, unless you contact the IRS directly to deactivate your account. In that case, your account is closed, and the number could technically be used by another company. However, the chances of this occurring are very low statistically.

How Do I Apply for an EIN?

Applying for an EIN online is easy. Simply take a few moments to fill out some information about yourself and your company, and then submit the application along with the one-time processing fee. Many applicants receive a response and their number the very same day. If you submit your application after hours, you will receive a response the next business day. Your employer identification number comes directly to your email inbox to make the process as easy for you as possible.

Are you ready to make your business look more professional? Let IRS EIN Tax ID Filing Service help you put your best foot forward. Contact the company today.

Airbnb stay: Megatower Residences at Baguio

When we decided on a whim to go to Baguio, the first thing I wanted to settle before arriving is accommodation. Of course. Something clean and simple, affordable, and near SM Baguio. Being near SM is comforting because I know they've got it all for me lol. Since we're arriving the next day, there weren't much options that fit our budget, but thank God I found one at Megatower Residences. The room is spacious enough, clean, no hideous furniture, and it's walking distance to SM Baguio. Just right.

When we touched down at Baguio, I was in constant communication with the host. But when we arrived at the condo building, things started to get worrisome. I couldn't contact her. She wouldn't respond to my messages. Her phone cannot be reached. We didn't travel six hours and paid 4k just to get scammed. I double checked her Airbnb profile, and was alarmed to realize that the unit had zero reviews. Why the heck didn't I check that?! We inquired at the lobby guards, saying we were booked at Unit 1B-51. They said that they didn't receive any key for turnover. They asked for a name. I can only give the first name of the host. Finally, they decided to accompany us to the basement to check the room if someone's there. Maybe the signal is poor. Maybe the host is busy. Maybe. When we were about to board the elevator, a miracle happened. THE HOST RESPONDED AND SHE'S ABOUT TO GO UP NA DAW. 

JUSKO! And that ends our stress. Poor signal is the culprit. Next time I'm not booking a basement unit anymore.

Anyway. Here's our room. 

Spacious enough for two. Bed mattress isn't that thick though and doesn't seem sturdy. To be honest, the room looked underwhelming compared to the Airbnb photos. But it's clean enough so it's okay.

Ref, kitchen, dining, check!

TV is very small and they forgot to provide us with the remote control. Too bad, sayang cable! There's wifi but it's not fast. Keri lang. We tried downloading a universal remote control app, but apparently none of our phones are IR equipped. Whatever happened to that feature?! 

Kitchen counter is small. There's barely enough room for cooking, but kebs, we weren't gonna cook anyway. I love the deep sink and the pull-out spray kitchen faucet! 

The CR is nice and clean as well. Glass-enclosed shower, yehey! 

The room kinda feels stuffy, understandably so because it's at the basement. Yun nga lang, will take note not to book basement units anymore haha. It's too dark in the morning, I'm not used to it! LOL I need my sunshine haha.

We got the room for around ~2,000/night, after applying my Airbnb credits. Not bad for us. :) Will probably book at Megatowers again, but definitely not at the basement next time hehe. :D We really liked the place, it's near SM baguio, bus terminal (to Manila), and the ground floor of the condo has a convenience store, pharmacy, eatery, and bakery. Perfect! Pluuuuus, there's Victory Church on the next block so we didn't miss out on service that weekend. :)

Still not on Airbnb? Man, you're missing out on tons of beautiful and affordable accommodation! If you want to sign up, please do so using my referal link so we'll both get free travel credits! Yeyy!

Late update: Biglaang Baguio Trip!

Late update! Some three weeks ago, hubby and I decided to go to Baguio on a whim. By that I mean we booked an Airbnb 14hrs before our estimated arrival, and bet on slim chances that we'll get bus tickets for a 6am trip the following morning, which we didn't. The terminal was packed with so many people and there were so many chance passengers like us waiting for available slots. We failed to leave early but thank God we were able to secure tickets for the 9am trip. The entire ride took around 6 hours with 1 stop over. We rode a regular a/c bus with Victory Liner and I'm not doing it again haha. It was okay but I'm too fat for my seat and I couldn't sleep properly because of the noise (TV, people). Reason why we took the first class bus on our way back. Bigger seats, less people, and no stop overs.



To justify our biglaang lakad, aka biglaang gastos, we said it's to celebrate his birthday and his finally getting a new job. So there. We got an Airbnb at Megatowers and spent two nights "exploring" Baguio. We didn't really do much. We happened to arrive before Panagbenga festival ended so Session road was still closed and infuriatingly impassable due to the thick crowd. Traffic was terrible and the crowd is intolerable. I personally would rather hole up in our bed. But that's not the point of going to Baguio right? And besides, our room is super basic. The TV is too small, the wifi is slow, and they forgot to give us a remote control so there's essentially nothing fun to do in our unit. Add to the fact that we're at the basement so signal sucks and the room feels stuffy. I did drop a positive review at Airbnb in light of it being a good value for money, but yeah, could've gotten a better place. Anyway. We ate at 50's Diner and Ahmad Brothers, looked around Mines View Park, bought pasalubong from Good Shepherd, and finally tried strawberry taho (love it! but I still prefer the classic). We had fun, overall hahaha. And that's about everything we did on our 2 nights there lol.

I have memories of being to Baguio but I don't remember enjoying it. I just remember it being too cold haha.

For sure I'm going back! I'd be riding Genesis Joybus to and from, and will get an Airbnb at Outlook Ridge or book a hotel room at Azalea Residences hahaha. I just realized, being an asocial homebuddy, I'm not too big on outdoor itineraries. If I do travel, I want to make sure I'm getting a big airconditioned room with fast wifi, cabled TV, and a nice view. I'm too much of a city girl I'd rather admire nature from afar.

While I just confirmed for myself that spontaneous trips like this is not really my thing, it did help that I was with my husband and we're both in a come-what-may mood. Anything goes, good or bad, as long as we don't die or lose our pocket money. It was a good celebration, and I thank God for allowing us to experience it all.

I can finally stop nagging him to get a job hehe. And I on the other hand, can stop blaming him whenever I get tired from my sidelines because 1) it was never his fault, it just feels unfair when I see him at home doing nothing while I cram article after article to meet deadlines, and 2) it's really my personal choice to stress myself out - on everything.

So yeah, following this post I plan to make separate entries for our Airbnb home, 50's Diner, Ahmad Brothers, Pik a Pot, and Victory Liner's first class bus. :)