Letter from a Reader: Is It Really More Fun in the Philippines?

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Dear Fashion PULIS,

I am an avid reader of your blogs and it makes life fun especially to those people like me who are not really into following the showbiz world.

I would like to share the experience I recently had in our Terminal Airport because I really wonder why we promote the tag line: “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” Is it really fun? I guess the government/DOT should fix our tourism first before using this tag line.

When I got back to the Philippines, I experienced the following that made me think of how much the government needs to work to provide truth to the tagline.

1. We waited for about 15 minutes inside the plane because the ground crew was still looking for an available ladder.
2. Terminal 1 really needs renovation. Its age, smell, and small size add stress to being in the airport.
3. When I got my 2 pieces of luggage of about 50 lbs each, nobody helped me to get it from the conveyor (unlike in the US, someone helped me immediately).
4. The custom officer rudely asked if I had things to declare. When I said I had nothing to declare, he asked where I came from. I replied I came from the US. Then, he retorted with, "Ano mga binili mo sa US? Ano laman ng bagahe mo? Ang laki ng bagahe mo wala kang ideclare?"
5. While I was in the toilet, I overheard a conversation between a worker and a passenger. After her sad story, the passenger gave her five Canadian dollars, to which she replied with, “puwede na po ito sir.” The toilet is so small that I could not bring my cart inside and there was no air conditioning.
6. While I pushed my heavy cart towards the exit door, five male porters were waiting. One of them said, "patulong ka na, konting pera lang naman yan. Di makakabawas yan sa dollars mo!" By this time, I was very frustrated already. I did not say anything because I was so tired and sweating too much.
7. When I was waiting for my ride, I felt sad how the waiting area looks like. It is such a shame for foreigners and balikbayans. I remember there was a couple on the same plane I rode saying they were excited to go to the Philippines for their much-awaited vacation and it was their first time. I wonder how they felt when they reached the airport.

Is it really fun in the Philippines? Perhaps, the government should consider that fun in the Philippines begins with its airport and I wish this were positive fun.

Yours truly,
Frustrated Balikbayan

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The Great Chaser

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Her latest controversy was a major meltdown in front of a camera, which was followed by a series of tweets that said she valued her family and privacy most. While the public gave into her wish for peace, stories of her drinking binges are emerging. Her love for alcohol allegedly transforms her into an entirely different person. When drunk, she licks, bites, and touches the people around her regardless of gender. When her potential victims run away, she continues to chase after them. This unethical behavior is indeed quite embarrassing according to people who have seen her in this state.

Do you know who she is? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

Follow Micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to: michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for always loving Fashion PULIS.

Just an Equally Sad Story

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Some people have columns that speak positively about a network just to be noticed. Some people hang around the station so bosses can remember them (even if the bosses hate seeing them around). After a while, loyalty can equate to payments, paid publicities, and a stable position.

What if one of these people (X) succumbs to the newfound power and starts to use the new position to lure good-looking boys who want a career? X moves up the ladder and the poor boys are left with no career. (Sometimes, smarter boys are able to go to the other side quickly.) When exposed, denials come from left and right and fights are picked over print or new media technology.

It is just so sad! 

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Coming Into Her Own

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Until the very last minute prior to her contract signing, she waited for the other network. However, at the back of her head is the thought that the other network prioritizes the blood-related talent over her and the others. Having worked at that network for a time, she still has yet to land another lead role in a primetime soap again and receive a higher talent fee worth her accomplishments. Hoping against hope she waited but the other network did not bite into the counter-offer game.

Was she just waiting for more money or something else? Can you identify who she is? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

Follow Micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to: michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for always loving Fashion PULIS.

Make That Move to Mabuhay Miles MasterCard

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Now is the best time to switch to Mabuhay Miles MasterCard. With the “Lipat Na Lipad Pa” balance transfer promo, cardholders get more value with as much as 30,000 instant bonus Mabuhay Miles. Transferring to Mabuhay Miles MasterCard can even let cardholders fly to Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei or Xiamen for free! Promo is extended until April 15, 2012.

If getting those bonus Mabuhay Miles for trips is simple, then moving to Mabuhay Miles MasterCard is even easier. Cardholders need only apply at the nearest Allied Bank or Philippine National Bank and complete the Lipat na, Lipad pa application form.

The “Lipat Na Lipad Pa” balance transfer rates are available in easy 12, 18, and 24-month terms with a minimum balance transfer amount of P10,000. A P10,000 balance transfer gets you 5,000 bonus Mabuhay Miles. That already gets you to a local destination for free.

The higher the balance to be transferred, the more bonus Mabuhay Miles one gets. To illustrate: P20,000 gets you 10,000 bonus Mabuhay Miles; P30,000 get you 20,000; and P50,000 gets you 30,000.

With Mabuhay Miles MasterCard’s very low Miles conversion of P33 to a Mile, the free trips will just keep on coming.

Flexibility in Redeeming Earned Miles

Generosity in recognizing and rewarding customer loyalty – this in a nutshell, is what sets Mabuhay Miles apart from the other frequent flyer programs. One good measure of generosity is flexibility. And Mabuhay Miles surely measures up. Members are provided with award choices, specifically, with options to redeem their Miles according to their needs. Domestic award ticket redemptions may be made for one-way or roundtrip flights. However, international award tickets are only available for roundtrip travel. Travel awards start with as low as 3,000 Miles. Award tickets are transferrable to anyone and upgrade awards may be transferred to family and friends who are also Mabuhay Miles members.

Convenience and Peace of Mind with Mabuhay Miles MasterCard

Everytime the cardholder uses his Mabuhay Miles MasterCard for purchases, his credit card and purchases are protected from fraudulent transactions, theft, and accidental damage—thanks to Allied Bank’s Fraud and Purchase Protection Insurance.

Cardholders do not need to go on installment to avail of the Fraud and Purchase Protection Insurance. Enjoy extended warranty and security for free with the Purchase Protection Insurance. Items bought are covered against accidental damage and theft for 90 days from purchase date.

There is also nothing to worry about even if one’s card gets lost or stolen or if the card information is used for fraudulent transactions. For a minimal fee of only P10 a month, the cardholder can avail of the Fraud Protection Insurance.

Here’s another reason to choose Mabuhay Miles MasterCard: 24/7 travel insurance coverage. While the usual travel insurance is only limited to while inside public transport, Mabuhay Miles takes it further with its 24-hour coverage. It also comes along with assistance for hassles like lost baggage or travel papers, flight delays, and such.

Transferring to Mabuhay Miles MasterCard also means moving to the best travel card. Nowhere else can one find a concierge that boasts of the widest range of service not offered by other concierge services. Whether it concerns dining, entertainment, travel reservations or other services in the world, the World Assist concierge gives personalized assistance all day, all week, and all year round.

So make that move to Mabuhay Miles MasterCard now through the “Lipat Na Lipad Pa” promo! Earn big bonus Mabuhay Miles instantly and enjoy the advantages that only Mabuhay Miles MasterCard can bring.

For more details, call Ally Live at 818-9-818 or visit www.mabuhaymilesmastercard.ph. Like us on Facebook – search for Mabuhay Miles MasterCard.

She's No Good

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Is this television actress herself or in character when she was in a magazine photo shoot? She asked the new hairstylist the brands of the hair dryer and curlers being used on her. When the hairstylist said the brand, she retorted, "baka masira ang hair ko!" ("it might ruin my hair!") and called her PA to get her personal hair dryer and curlers.

Then, she asked how long will fixing her hair take and said, "Matagal pa ba yan? Madali akong mangawit!" ("Is that going to take long? I tire easily in one position.") What is puzzling is that she has yet to establish a name and status in her network. If she keeps bullying production people, her world might just soon crumble without the support of these people.

Do you know who this television actress is? Please abide by the RULES in writing comments if you want me to post them. Initials and comments that are too explicit will not be accepted.

Follow Micsylim on Twitter for the latest update. Please continue to send your juicy stories to: michaelsylim@gmail.com. Thank you very much for always loving Fashion PULIS.

Mom Knows Best

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After they officially admitted they were a couple, he hardly visited her family. Despite his behavior, her mom only said kind words about him and never volunteered any information about the love life of her daughter. Her estranged father did not interfere in her relationship because he knew she was very much in love. However, when the fairy tale ending did not happen, the dad was among the first who replied with a sheepish smile when asked what he thought about the break-up. 

Now, this incident happened recently when mother and daughter were dining with some friends in a restaurant somewhere in Makati. When someone asked the daughter about her love life, the mom cut the conversation and answered in a voice loud enough to be heard by other diners, "ito kaseng daughter ko, ang nagustuhan pa si Nene!" and laughed really hard.

Actions Gone Wrong

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She made a name for herself by her catchy way of expressing happiness whenever a contestant won something. It was this expression that made her a household name and eventually she was known by this moniker. Viewers thought she would follow the footsteps of dancers who successfully moved to acting and other fields.

While her career has yet to take off, she had her share of catfights (over makeup) and public breakups (her boyfriend left her for her best friend). She has been seen drunk and wasted, behaving wildly, and picking fights in bars. Witnesses feel sad seeing her display a seeming lack of breeding in public places.

She was pulled out of a gig because she only went to work when she felt like it. Management had no choice but to cut her contract, while saying that she will pursue her studies over her career. These developments in her life eventually led her followers and colleagues to wonder what will happen to her as she was the one who showed the most promise in her group.

Perhaps this BI will serve as a wake up call for her to value her career. After all, everyone deserves another chance.