Simply Amazing... Not

I spent the long weekend with Chuy in Jakarta. This being the 2nd time for this year, I did not call Smart customer service because they (always) tell me, whenever I call before an out of the country trip, that it is AUTOMATICALLY activated when you are on a postpaid (which I am).

Let me start this 'mad' story by telling you that I have been a subscriber of Smart since 2000. That makes it about 9 years now, 6 of those on pre-paid, 3 on post paid. I never shifted to another service provider, although I also used Globe pre-paid for sometime when Chuy was in Caribbean. I am THAT loyal to Smart (or that lazy to change numbers).

Last March, I decided to downgrade my post paid since I am already in Manila and Chuy was assigned in Asia. Meaning, I will use less of my text and calls compared to when I was in Ilocos Sur. But still, I retained my plan. But that, I think, was my gravest decision this year.

I got a new phone as part of my retention plan which got stolen a week after (bad omen). But that's ok, I still got to retain my old number. But no, Smart made me pay a freaking 350 pesos for the SIM card replacement. Yes, 350 pesos, eventhough my phone (with SIM of course) was stolen.

Going back to my story. I didn't call the customer service prior to going to Jakarta because I have always had roaming when I leave the country. But guess what? Yes, you guessed it right. Once I landed in JKT, I don't have a signal. Not a bar.

Thinking that it had something to do with my new SIM, I asked my cousin Weng, who's in the Philippines, to call Smart customer service to activate my roaming. Here is the 'new' rule that got me pissed off, big time, that I can't wait for the day that my plan with Smart will end.

• when you are on plan 1200 or lower, the subscriber needs to submit a letter of request and deposit 2500 pesos for roaming activation
  

I don't get it! Why is that it is free to have your roaming activated when you are on a prepaid but when you are on a post paid plan, they make it doubly hard for you? Not to mention that I have been a subscriber of this company for YEARS, always on time in paying bills and with my usage, I can apply for their platinum plans!

I was raging mad while I was conversing and instructing my cousin online. I felt violated and I feel like injustice was done to me. I really can't wait to end my contract with this company who falsely claims to be of service to the Filipino people.

The power to lead? Simply amazing? I so doubt it right now. Read more!

(In)Convenience of Online Booking

Who ever said online booking was convenient?

A week ago, I decided to book, my roundtrip ticket to Tacloban, with Philippine Airlines (PAL) online booking. Thinking that this would be more convenient since I am still in Ilocos Sur, won’t be going to Manila anytime soon and the ‘nearest’ PAL office is in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Laoag is a good 5 hours away from my area and this gives the word ‘nearest’ a new meaning.

A few days later, I found out that my Chuy is coming home on the day of my flight so I decided to re-book. Guess what? You CAN’T do that online. So I called PAL booking hotline (855-8888) and asked how can I solve my predicament? Thankfully, the CSR (customer service representative) understood my situation and re-booked my flight instantly. But she said that for my flights to be confirmed, I have to pay the re-booking fee ASAP in any PAL office. Now, we’re back to square 1.

My cousin Weng, who’s in Manila, volunteered to fix my rebooking for me. Just to make sure that I have my tickets come end of the month. The CSR she talked to said that YES, she can pay my rebooking fee FOR ME so long as it’s a domestic flight.

This morning, Weng went to PAL office only to be told that I am the only one who can arrange (which I did through phone) and PAY my rebooking (but your CSR said she can do this for me!). To make things more frustrating, the sales representative added that can always pay in Laoag, the ‘nearest’ PAL office from my area.

What?!? Did you say go to Laoag? First and foremost, know your geography since you work with the flag carrier. Even though Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte are neighboring provinces, it will take me at least 5 hours to get to Laoag. Secondly, I don’t understand why your CSR and your office sales rep are saying different things. Thirdly, why are you making things so difficult? You have my credit card details for crying out loud! The very reason why I booked online is because going to a PAL office is such an effort. Now, you are making me wish I never booked with you in the first place.

You are defeating the purpose of it (online booking) all. Or is my frustration getting the best of me? Seriously, who ever said that online booking is more convenient? By the way, my tickets are still not confirmed. Good luck to me.

Photo from here.


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