by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 14, 2017 | Food & Beverage
Treat yourself to a luxurious chocolate experience without the guilt with the Bonta Dark Chocolate of Villa Del Conte.

Villa del Conte Bonta dark chocolates
These hand crafted artisanal chocolates from Padova, Italy gives you the healthy goodness of dark chocolate in three luscious flavors:
- Dark Chocolate with White Cream and Cocoa Cookies in silver foil wrapper
- Dark Chocolate with Cocoa Cream and White Chips in gold foil wrapper
- Dark Chocolate with Hazelnut Cream and Whole Hazelnuts in red foil wrapper.
The new Bonta Dark Chocolates collection is available at Villa del Conte stores in:
- Greenbelt 5
- Century City Mall
- Shangri-la Mall
- Resorts World
- Alabang Town Center
- SM Megamall
- and Robinsons Magnolia
For bulk orders, please contact 893-2575 or 621-6101.
To know more about Villa Del Conte, you may visit http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com or follow them on:
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 13, 2017 | Stories
Just in time for the Chinese New Year festivities, Lazada.com.ph is kicking off the celebration with its Lucky 8 flash sales, deals, and exciting promos happening from January 17 to 19, 2017.
Chinese New Year is the best time to indulge in some retail therapy. To celebrate the Year of the Fire Rooster, Lazada is offering up to 88% off on items for home and living, electronics, gadgets, fashion and beauty, health and wellness, fitness, and more!
For home and family
Start the year spick and span with amazing appliances to de-clutter your home. The Imarflex Vacuum Cleaner IV-100R is the perfect dust-proofing tool with its 1.9 kpa suction power. Rechargeable and easy to store, get it for only Php 2,125!
Invest in good quality kitchen tools for more sumptuous meals with loved ones. The Philips HR1680 Jamie Oliver Hand Blender is a great purchase with its Titanium-coated blade, 650W/60Hz power with chopper and whisk accessories. A steal for only Php 3,507!
Clean through the hardest grooves, and the dirtiest tiles and floors with the Black and Decker Electric Pressure Washer. This electric pressure washer is a great bargain exclusively offered by The SM Store for only Php 2,995.
Families also get their share of fun with discounts on musical instruments and equipment. Learn to play the guitar with a Thomson Acoustic Guitar w/ Pickup TS410. Made of mahogany, spruce and rosewood, you can start strumming away for only Php 4,229.
For electric guitars, the Thomson Heavy Duty Guitar Amplifier with built-in Overdrive is a perfect choice with its 15 Watt Output Power, 24dB@10khz treble control – a steal at Php 3,149.
For fitness and beauty
Work your way through a healthier 2017 with the Sunbanker 724C Magnetic Manual Treadmill. With its 8-level tension control, 250lbs user weight capacity and health monitoring LCD features, users can run and keep fit at the comfort of their own home! Get this for only Php 7,888.
Explore new places and exciting destinations with the XiX R1 Mountain Bike made of alloy material with a steel fork and seat post. Get your healthy fix of workout and adventure for only Php 4,888.
For the fashion savvy, get discounts up to 70% on watches from Casio, Geneva, and Invicta, as well as fashionable shoulder bags and backpacks from JanSport and Elena.
Prioritize health and beauty with great offers from Burt’s Bees, L’Oreal, Nivea and Crest. Get as much as 50% off on products for makeup and personal care.
For gadget geeks
Enjoy a mix of work and play with Lenovo Phab 16GB (Black). Experience fasterspeed and good online connectivity with its 4250 mAh battery life, 13MP camera, Android OS v5.1 operating system, and dual sim feature, all for only Php 4,499.
Stay connected with everyone you love with the Cherry Mobile Alpha Prime 7 8GB (Black). With its Windows 10 operating system and 1.1GHz Quad Core processor, users can not only connect, but also enjoy playing games, browsing online through its 7-inch resolution screen and taking photos with its 5MP front camera. Yours for only Php 3,299.
Capture milestones and priceless memories with the GoPro Hero5 12MP 4K Ultra HD Action Camera offered at a special price of Php 18,888, W8 Ultra HD 2″ Wi-Fi Sports Action Camera offered at a special price of Php 1,688, and the Yi Dash Camera for only Php 3,199.
Lazada Philippines gives you enough reasons to shop more and spend less with the loudest offers this year of the Rooster! It’s time to let go of the old and welcome the new with all the lucky deals featured in this 3-day sale.
Lazada Philippines offers a wide range of discounts for anyone and everyone from big brands such as Lenovo, Bosch, Penshoppe, and Olay. Shop and get lucky. Visit www.lazada.com.ph or download the mobile app for free.
About Lazada
Lazada is the Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment.
Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns. Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.
For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 11, 2017 | Family and Pets, Product and Service Review
I’ve seen Mamypoko Diapers in the grocery for some time but I’ve always ignored it in favor of the more popular brands or the less expensive brands. Like most consumers I often choose products based on price and reputation.
When Star was a baby it wasn’t that big a deal, but as she got older like most toddlers she started to become precocious and naughty. Whenever possible she would peel off the tape of her diapers and take it off laughing.
She also needed diapers less. For some time now the only time we would put a diaper on her is when she goes to bed (to sleep) and when we go out. This made us wonder why she kept trying to take her diaper off (considering she didn’t wear them so often anymore) and we realized it was because it was causing a diaper rash which was either itchy or painful. Poor baby!
For some time we stopped putting her in diapers but it was difficult to manage, especially at night when she would wet her bed in her sleep. So, despite our better judgement, we decided to try diapers again, if only for when she goes to bed.
So I went to the grocery and at a whim picked up a pack of Mamypoko Easy to Wear Pants.
I remember when my daughter was a baby they had something similar but they were called “pull-ups” because, I suppose, you just pulled them up like pants.
With Mamypoko Pants there was no tape to worry about. Just wear them like you would underpants and, voila! your baby is wearing a disposable diaper. However, figuring out which way was front was a challenge. To this day, I still have to hold them out and then pray that I don’t put it on her the wrong way.
Mamypoko Pants for Girls
During Lazada’s online revolution last year (2016) I discovered Mamypoko Pants for Girls. Because I purchased it from Lazada it was so much cheaper than buying it from the grocery and I didn’t have to leave the house to get it. Sure there is a little bit of a wait … I ordered in the morning and it arrived the day after. But it also meant that I didn’t have to brave the traffic and the long lines at the grocery.
If all things were equal and I had to choose between the regular Mamypoko Pants and Mamypoko Pants for Girls I would definitely get the latter … even if it is pink (which is my least favorite color, hyuk!) because, let’s face it … it was designed specifically for a little girl. 🙂
Why will we keep buying Mamypoko Pants for Girls?

Star displaying the back of her Mamypoko Pants for Girls
All the diaper commercials say mostly the same thing but this is the first time we’ve actually experienced using one that surpassed our expectations.
Eyecatching design
This batch of diapers came with a Winnie the Pooh design that our little Star just loves. What we like, too, is that the design does not bleed even when the diaper is full.
As the name suggests Mamypoko Pants for Girls is designed for girls which is why it comes in pink, making it easier to spot on the grocery shelves when stacked beside other brands.
Easy to use

Mamypoko Pants for Girls has a label that indicates front from back so there is no way (short of inattention) for us to put it on her backwards.
Mamypoko Pants for Girls are pull ups, not secured with tape on the sides, which means we just pull them up her legs like pants making them easy to put on and take off.
Taking them off like pants is important for us because Star is at that age where she is already potty trained so when she is awake she prefers to pee (and poop!) in the toilet rather than in her pants so, whenever possible, even if she is wearing her diaper, she asks to be brought to the toilet to pee. With Mamypoko Pants for Girls we can just pull them down like her undies then pull them back on again when she’s done.

sealing tape
What my daughter likes, though, is that the sides of the diaper can just be torn off along the seam when we want to dispose of the diaper when removing it. This is particularly important when the diaper has poop in it. We don’t want that mess touching Star’s legs on the way down, after all.
In addition, the diaper has a strip of clear tape with a tab that you peel off (except for the end) and then reattach to hold the diaper closed when you roll it up for disposal after use. It is very well attached so it won’t come off accidentally. And, the tab is designed in such a way that curious toddler fingers will not notice it immediately and pull on it. 😀
Hypoallergenic
Unlike one other brand we’ve tried, Mamypoko Pants for Girls does not cause an adverse reaction to Star’s skin.
Very absorbent
After several hours of wearing her diaper we were wondering why Star was not complaining yet about her diaper so we had to check. Her diaper was so full that the absorbency gel was already thick, bulky, and cold on the outside … and because we were worried about diaper rash we hurriedly removed the diaper to wash her. Imagine our surprise when we removed the diaper to find her and it completely dry.
The diaper was several times heavier (and thicker!) than it was at the beginning but when you touch the pad itself no moisture could be found. When we touched Star’s bottom, it was dry, too. Amazing!
Since this diaper was made especially for girls it meant that the diaper was designed to give the most absorbancy where it was needed most. We loved it so much that we posted a review on the product on its product page.

Conclusion
So if you have a little girl like we do you may want to try out Mamypoko Pants for Girls. It is one of the best purchases I made for Star, and I am sure you would feel the same once you try it, too. 🙂
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 10, 2017 | Awards and Competitions

make up vloggers that use Ever Bilena products
Unleash your inner artist and win big cash prizes as Ever Bilena dares you to experiment with different looks through The BIG Beauty Challenge – a weekly make-up tutorial video contest following different themes.
Who can join the Ever Bilena big beauty challenge?
Open to video bloggers, aspiring and professional make-up artists residing in the Philippines, the contest requires participants to create a tutorial video on how to do a complete make-up look, following a specific theme, using only Ever Bilena products.
Ever Bilena, the leading local cosmetics brand, carries:
- Ever Bilena Advance, a full range of make-up essentials for young professionals
- Ever Bilena Naturals for skin care
- Careline cosmetics for teens
- Blackwater for fragrance
- and other personal care products.
When will the contest run?
The contest, which began on the first week of December and will end on the last week of February, will test the creativity of the participants as they create their versions of Ever Bilena’s weekly theme which will be announced every Monday on Ever Bilena’s Facebook page. One winner will be announced every week and will take home P10,000 cash.
Weekly winners will qualify for the grand finals where the grand prize winner will take home P50,000 along with three winners who will win
- P10,000 for Special Award
- P15,000 for 2nd runner-up
- P30,000 for the 1st runner up

Big cash prizes await make-up lovers, budding artists and video bloggers like Week 3 winner Christine Gem Anicas (shown) at Ever Bilena’s BIG Beauty Challenge!
In Week 3 Christine Gem Anicas won the challenge. Super congratulations, Christine! Your makeup is so fab.
Entries must be public and uploaded on Facebook with hashtags #EBBigBeautyChallenge and #EverBilena and tag Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc.
Criteria for judging the Big Beauty Challenge
Participants will be judged based on the following criteria:
- 40% most number of Ever Bilena products used in the video
- 30% creativity
- 20% make-up executions and skills
- 10% most number of views and shares.
Show off your inner artist and join the biggest and most beautiful challenge this season!
To know more about Ever Bilena and The BIG Beauty Challenge, visit Ever Bilena’s website, www.everbilena.com.ph and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 5, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Holiday rush might be over and It’s officially a New Year. Around the globe, most people are trying get back to their old figure after bingeing on holiday fares and sporting new clothes, new gadgets, and new shoes, but can these make up for looking best at what’s on top of our head, our hair!
Taking care of our mane should be on top of our list just as we go to spa to pamper our body, our hair needs pampering as well. Novuhair, Nature’s answer to hair loss has got you covered.
As we bid adieu to 2016, throw away your difficulties on hair loss and scalp problems with Novuhair’s 19 natural ingredients. Made of herbal ingredients that include moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint, Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp.

Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching.
The brand has helped thousands of satisfied users here in the Philippines, thus merits its fifth consecutive year of being awarded by Watson’s as the leading Medicated Hair Care Brand in the country.
How to order and where to buy?

Good news to our kababayans abroad and their friends, with the brand’s aim to help assuage hair problems across the globe, Novuhair products are available in Kuwait, distributed by Bee Organic Import & Export Establishment, Kuwait.
For orders:
- you may contact landlines +96524343885 and +96524343866
- or mobile numbers +96550380380, +96565559935 and +96560755122
Bee Organic’s showroom is located at Arabia Mall, First Floor Showroom # 15 Egaila Area, Kuwait.
Novuhair can also be purchased online through our service partner: www.regaloservice.com. Servicing USA, Canada, UAE , KSA and other Asian countries.
Locally, Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide.
For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, and follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 1, 2017 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
The three kings used camels to travel across the desert. While we don’t have deserts here we do also have to travel. Without our own vehicle we often commute via jeep, bus, or taxi or … we use ridesharing services such as Grab and Uber.
Can’t decide which ridesharing app to use? Let Google maps help you decide. Below are some promo codes to make our commute more affordable.
Uber promo codes

Google maps promo
Use Google maps to book your Uber ride and get a P100 off your trip.
Promo code: LUNCHATUPTOWNBONIFACIO
Have lunch at Uptown Bonifacio and avail of this promo
- P50 discount
- valid for two (2) rides from 10am to 3pm going to and from Uptown Bonifacio at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
- valid from Monday to Friday only
- valid in Metro Manila only
Sinulog Festival in Cebu

Sinulog 2017 by Moon Ray Lo of The Traveler’s Couch
Promo code: LIFEDANCEUBER
- P150 discount
- valid for two (2) rides only
- valid from December 17, 2016 to January 31, 2017 only
- valid for new users only
Promo code: PLUS63CEBU
- P100 discount
- valid for one (1) rides only
- valid from January 12 to 16, 2017 only
- valid for new users only
Promo code: SUGBOAYALA
- P100 discount
- valid for one (1) rides only
- valid for new users only
Grab promo codes

GRABPAY now supports credits. You may now top up using even more payment options, such as:
- online banking
- via ATM
- eCard or eWallets
- over the counter
Grab also has Phone support. This means that you can call them if you have any issues you would like to have addressed immediately instead of having to wait for an email. Hooray! Good work, Grab!
Promo code: GRABTOMRT
- P50 discount
- valid for three (3) Grabcar rides to Taft Avenue, Araneta Center (Cubao), and North Avenue stations
- valid from January 19 to 31, 2017
- valid in Metro Manila only
Promo code: MSUNIVERSEGC
- P100 discount
- valid for two (2) Grabcar rides to the Mall of Asia Arena
- valid on January 26, 29, and 30, 2017
Promo code: MSUNIVERSEGT
I don’t usually post promo codes for Grabtaxi but this is an exception because it isn’t a discount on the booking fee. Instead, it is a discount on the fare itself.
- P50 discount
- valid for two (2) Grabtaxi rides to the Mall of Asia Arena
- valid on January 26, 29, and 30, 2017
Promo code: FLAWLESS15
Get a FABulous treat care of Flawless as they celebrate their 15th anniversary! Use promo code FLAWLESS15 and get PHP150 OFF your GrabCar ride when you book going to select Flawless branches. #GrabPH #FABat15
- P150 DISCOUNT for one-time use only
- valid for rides going to any of the following Flawless branches:
- Eastwood Cyber And Fashion Mall
- Farmer’s Plaza Mall
- Festival Super Mall Alabang
- Trinoma
- SM Malls (BF Home Paranaque, Bicutan, Fairview, Las Pinas, Makati, Mall of Asia, Manila, Megamall, North EDSA Annex, San Lazaro, Southmall, Sta. Mesa, SMDC Light Residences)
- valid from December 8, 2016 to January 30, 2017
Promo code: NIGHTSHIFT
- 50% discount for up to P200
- valid for two (2) Grabcar rides from 12am to 5am
- valid up to January 25, 2017
- valid in Metro Manila only
Promo code: MIDDAY
- P50 discount
- from 12pm to 5PM
- valid on January 19, 2017
Promo code: GRABPAYDAY
- P100 discount
- valid for two (2) Grabcar rides
- valid on January 16, 2017
- valid in Metro Manila only
Promo code: NIGHTSHIFT
- 50% discount for up to P200
- valid for three (3) Grabcar rides from 11pm to 5am
- valid from January 5 to 11, 2017
- valid in Metro Manila only
Angkas promo codes
New year = new ridesharing service! Angkas is the newest player in the ridesharing market. Instead of car rides they offer motorcycle rides to and from different points in Metro Manila. I wonder, is this an offshoot of Grabbike? Hmmm … at this point all I can do is speculate.
So, for the more adventurous souls out there, this may be the ridesharing app for you. More promo codes to be posted as I catch them. 🙂
Promo code: MANILA
Angkas is now riding in Manila City!
- P30 discount
- valid for three (3) rides
- valid up to February 1, 2017
- valid when pick up point is in Manila City only
Promo code: ANGKAS RAMON
- P40 discount
- valid for one (1) rides
- valid up to January 29, 2017
Promo code: HOLIDAYS
- P20 discount
- Maximum of five (5) rides
- valid up to January 4, 2017
Promo code: ANGKASNA
- P100 discount
- One use for NEW RIDERS only
- valid up to January 4, 2017
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 28, 2016 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
Give love to your family and friends beyond Christmas Day by shopping for presents through Citi Credit Card’s PayLite PayLater promotion.
Choose from a variety of bags and travel gear from Bratpack, Columbia, Tumi and Travel Club. You can also shop for clothes and accessories from Zara and Store Specialists brand boutiques. Or, just fill your shopping bags with a plethora of items from Metro Department Store, Rustan’s and SM Store!
You can take advantage of 0% Citi PayLite for 3 months and what’s more – you will start paying only 3 months later thanks to your Citi Card! This irresistible deal runs until January 15, 2017 only.
You can also grab this deal from Robinson’s Department Store, but only until December 31.
So spread the love and do your holiday gift-giving today.
For more information about Citi’s PayLite PayLater promotion and other unforgettable privileges only available to Citi cardholders, log on to www.citibank.com.ph or call the 24-hour CitiPhone at 995 9999.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 25, 2016 | Health and Wellness
NOTE: This is an old article, pre-pandemic. To find out how to get a letter of approval today (starting 2021) please visit the article on HOW TO GET AN LOA FROM MEDICARD FROM 2021 ONWARDS instead.
For some, part of having an HMO is securing a letter of approval (LOA) for laboratory tests requested by doctors to help them diagnose health problems accurately. These tests include blood tests, urinalysis, chest x-ray, among others.
What is a letter of approval (LOA)?
A letter of approval basically confirms that such tests are indeed part of a member’s HMO coverage and authorizes the diagnostic clinic to proceed with the requested tests. However, securing an LOA may mean going through a process that can be slow and inconvenient sometimes: A medical attendant gets your card, then calls the HMO provider to advise them of the laboratory test that needs to be done. After which, the patient waits for approval.
Medicard Online LOA
Now, Medicard, a leading health maintenance organization in the Philippines, takes the hassle out of getting LOA as it introduces Medicard Online LOA — an online application that allows you to easily request a letter of approval for your laboratory and diagnostic tests in the comfort of your own home or straight from your mobile phone on the go.

Dr. Nicky Montoya
President of Medicard Philippines
“MediCard constantly aspires to make quality healthcare accessible and more convenient for our members because we value their time. With innovations such as the Medicard Online LOA, we are able to eliminate a lengthy and time-consuming wait period to get your LOA since the online application allows quick user convenience,” said Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Steps in getting approval for laboratory tests
Getting an LOA for laboratory and diagnostic tests can be done in five easy steps.
- Go to www.medicardphils.com
- Click the MediCard Online LOA tab.
- Fill out the online form with your MediCard ID number and upload a copy of your doctor’s request.
- Choose a MediCard free-standing clinic or any accredited clinic/hospital where you wish to avail of the test, and then your LOA and instructions will be sent via e-mail.
- Submit the LOA to the hospital together with a copy of your doctor’s request and a copy of the email.
Save yourself the inconvenience of waiting or long procedures and prioritize your good health now with the MediCard Online LOA.
Issuance of the LOA and access to select providers are dependent on the existing plan and coverage.
For more information, call 884-9999 or visit http://www.medicardphils.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 22, 2016 | Stories
Traffic in the metro can easily take a toll on a person’s temper not to mention having to deal with the spiked fuel cost. People are trying not to lose hope for traffic to get better in the country but with the looks of it, we might have to cope with the situation until road repairs and construction gets done in a few more years.
The proposed shift to two-wheel vehicles is an open option to commuters who aims for faster travel time. For an even better option, go green and try Electronic Bikes as it also help care for our environment. California Ecobike stays true to its effort to improve transportation in an eco-friendly way, one e-bike at a time.
Electronic Bikes affordable prices makes it easier for commuters to own a unit. Maintaining one is even easier as there is no exhaust emissions, no need to change oil, neither does it require to replace clutch nor spark plugs which makes up the bulk of regular motorcycle maintenance expense. Best part of it, no need to fuel up!
Being environmental friendly and hip can go hand in hand as California Ecobike introduces its Premiere E-bike variants which promises to gives you the bang for bucks compared to their more expensive rivals.
Emory
Price: P29,900
Features and specifications:
- pure sinewave controller
- cruise control
- USB charging port
- digital panel board
- drum brake lock
- comes in chic matte colors
- 3 speed control (high /medium/low)
- 12v DC converter
- front hydraulic disc brake
- kill Switch / horn with alarm
Muller
Price: P28,800
Features and specifications:
- pure sinewave controller
- digital panel board
- drum brake lock
- comes in classic glossy colors
These new California Ecobike flagship models operate on 60v/20ah Lead-acid battery and has an 800watts power consumption.
Runs on maximum speed of 50kph up to 65 kilometer on full charge. Both also have essential upgrades such as remote alarm for the added protection.
Emory and Muller uses Pure Sinewave Controller which is more efficient in regulating the voltage resulting to lesser battery consumption. This upgrade also equates to lesser noise and smoother ride.
Cruise Control is an added feature on the Emory, this can be switched on to maintain a constant speed without the use of the accelerator. A USB port is also built-in to charge your gadgets.
California Ecobike units are available for purchase on either 3 or 6 months installments at zero interest on major credit cards and Aeon credit service.
Visit the nearest California Ecobike store and selected CD-R King branches. For further inquiries visit www.californiaecobike.com, follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EcoBikePH/ for updates.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 21, 2016 | Travel
I’m sure by now everyone is aware that Google invested in Waze and that ridesharing apps (such as Grab and Uber) use Waze to navigate around the city. But I bet majority of us didn’t know that Google maps is now integrated with these ridesharing apps, not just Waze. It’s true!
Let’s experiment

Google maps for mobile

Route mapped out by Google Maps
Let’s conduct an experiment. Open Google Maps on your phone. It should look something like what you see on the left whether you are on an android or iOS device.
If you have your GPS on it will automatically center on your current location. In the white box on top search for your destination.
For this example I chose SM Aura Premier as my current location and UP Town Center as my destination. Google Maps will now look like the image on the right.
As you can see Google maps shows us a recommended route on the map but did you notice the top part? You know, the part right after the location and destination. It displays 4 icons with text:
- travel by car
- travel by train
- travel by foot
- and then an icon of a guy hailing a ride … this is the icon for the ridesharing option.
Ridesharing apps integrates with Google Maps
Click on the ridesharing option and your screen will change, it will now look like this (see image on the right):
It not only displays the apps, it also shows the estimates for each type of ride, including the surge.
Side note: I don’t like the surge but I understand the need for it. I only wish it wouldn’t go up so high. But then, all it takes is patience. I just wait for it to go down to a reasonable amount and then I book a ride.
Click on any Uber link to open the Uber app
By default it will display the options for UberX and UberPool.
As you can see the rates are slightly different but close enough, really.
Side note: I often opted for UberPool when I am traveling alone or with just one other person unless I have several items with me, which means it will inconvenience other people when I have to load and unload which will take time. In that scenario I choose UberX.
I’ve never used UberHop … mostly because pickups and dropoffs are not to places I come from and go to.
Click on any Grab link to open the Grab app

By default it will display Grabcar sedan, but as you can see, we do have the option to still choose our ride option. The rate is slightly higher than the estimate.
Side note: Sometimes, Grab rates are cheaper … but it is really just sometimes. 🙁 More often than not they turn out more expensive but when Uber surges, BOY do they surge and at those times it is often wisest to choose Grab.
One other advantage to using Grab is they issue promo codes more often … from P50 discounts and up.
Conclusion
With the integration of Google maps and ridesharing apps choosing between Grab and Uber is now an easier decision to make.
Should I take Grab or Uber on my trip? I think I will let Google maps help me decide. How about you?
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