by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 7, 2019 | Safety tips
The summer season is a time for vacations, long road trips, and exciting excursions with family and friends. To ensure that your trip is enjoyable and hassle-free, it’s important to prioritize road safety both before and while you are driving. Remember, safety always comes first!
Here are some road safety tips from AXA Philippines, a leading insurance company in the country.
Take your car to your trusted mechanic to have the battery, lights, oil, water, brakes, air, and gas checked (B.L.O.W.B.A.G.), along with the air conditioner. Always keep a tool kit and a usable spare tire in your vehicle in case of a flat tire.
Get a good rest before you hit the road.
Driving long distances while sleep-deprived is hazardous, as it can impair your alertness and overall driving skills. Relying on coffee or other caffeinated drinks is often insufficient. To ensure your safety, aim for at least six to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep before embarking on your trip.
When traveling to a distant location for the first time, it’s important to conduct thorough research on the surrounding areas, the best routes to take, and the general road conditions. Consider using a paper map or downloading a navigation app on your smartphone to avoid getting lost or caught in heavy traffic.
Buckle up, even if you’re a rear seat passenger.
Wearing a seatbelt is crucial for everyone in the vehicle, including the driver and passengers in both the front and rear seats. This safety restraint system helps protect you in the event of a collision by preventing you from hitting the dashboard, windshield, or the seat in front of you, among other hazards.
Be mindful of your braking distances and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. This way, you can avoid potential collisions in the event of an abrupt stop.
Having car insurance, such as the comprehensive coverage from AXA Philippines, can protect you from losses and liabilities resulting from road accidents. AXA Car Insurance can be purchased online.
Policyholders can take advantage of 24/7 emergency roadside assistance coverage nationwide. This insurance product also features the AXA Assist app, which includes a unique emergency red button. In case of an emergency, the app sends a distress message along with the policyholder’s location to their designated emergency contacts and AXA Assistance’s command center. This service provides added peace of mind and security, allowing you to fully enjoy your drive and trip!
To get a quote, visit www.axa.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 12, 2019 | Banking, Finance, and Cryptocurrency
Most people would agree that when it comes to credit cards, Citi has to be on the top of their most wanted list. If they had to choose one credit card to own most, I have found, would say they want a Citi credit card.
Now is a good time to apply for a Citi credit card! Go to https://tinyurl.com/citi-penny and apply for a credit card with Citi Philippines. People with successful applications will immediately receive an e-gift of P5,000 to be used at Uniqlo or no annual fees plus 10% interest back (for successful Simplicity+ Card referrals).
Citi is one of the most highly respected financial institutions in the world and as such, they have the most stringent screening process when accepting applications. After all, they want to make sure that their members actually have the capacity to pay.
* Note: the information below was lifted directly from the Citi Philippines website.
Eligibility of the card applicant:
- is at least 21 years old
- has a minimum income of:
- P180,000 per year if you have another credit card
- P250,000 per year if you have no credit card
- has an active landline or mobile phone number
- has a valid TIN, SSS, GSIS or UMID number
A deposit account with Citi is not necessary.
Required documents:
- if you have an existing principal credit card
- any government issued ID (driver’s license, SSS, UMID, passport, etc.)
- if you do not have a credit card or your existing credit card is a supplementary card
- any government issued ID (driver’s license, SSS, UMID, passport, etc.)
- proof of income (ex. payslip, income tax return (ITR))
- bank statement of your payroll account showing your one-month salary
- a signed certificate of employment
Citi has a different kind of credit card to suit your lifestyle:
Interest back cards
Citi Simplicity+ Card
This is the card for those who like to keep it simple.
- no annual fee EVER
- no late fees
- no over limit fees
- pay at least the minimum due on or before the due date and get 10% back on interest charges
If you’ve never owned a credit card before and you can’t decide which one of the many Citi cards there are you want then this is a good starting place. The Simplicity+ card is tailor-made for newbie credit card holders.
Rebate cards
Citi Cash Back Card
This is the card for those who love to save! Every time you spend you get cash back in the form of rebates that you could use to partially pay for your credit card bill or to make purchases with specific merchants as defined by Citi.
- get up to 6% rebate on supermarket purchases.
- get up to 2% rebate on your Meralco bill payments done through Citibank Online or Citi® One Bill®.
- all your other purchases automatically earn 0.20% rebate.
- save as much as P12,000 per year.
Shell Citi Card
The perfect card for car owners, especially those that gas up at Shell.
- Get up to 5% rebate on Shell fuel purchases.
- Get up to 5% rebate on toll fees (NLEX and SLEX).
- Get up to 5% rebate on auto repairs, accessories, and services nationwide.
- Save as much as P10,000 per year.
Mercury Drug Citi Card
For those who buy their medicine from Mercury Drug. This is probably the card I would recommend for people with maintenance medicine, which means they buy medicine often.
- Get up to 10% rebate on Mercury Drug purchases.
- Get up to 10% rebate on participating hospital bills.
- Get 0.25% rebate on all other purchases outside of Mercury Drug and participating hospitals.
- Enjoy free 24/7 ambulance service worth P10,000.
- Save as much as P9,600 per year.
Travel cards
Citi PremiereMiles Visa Card
Do you love to travel? Then this is the card for you!
- Earn 1 never-expiring mile for every P30 spend.
- Redeem flights and hotel stays instantly through Citi ThankYou Rewards.
- Enjoy local and international airport lounge access with your PremierMiles.
Rewards cards
Citi Prestige Card
This is the creme de la creme of all the Citi cards. This card is also good for those who love to travel.
- Unlimited 4th night free at any hotel booked through the concierge.*
- Complimentary Priority PassTM Membership for primary cardmembers with unlimited access to over 1,000 VIP airport lounges worldwide.
- Complimentary Airport Meet and Assist services and one-way luxury airport transfers for primary cardmembers at select airports, twice (2x) per the calendar year.
- 5x ThankYou points on local dining, shopping, and all foreign currency spend.
This card has special features that the other Citi cards do not have:
- desirable rewards
- Every P30 spend earns you 1 ThankYou Point.
- Earn 5x points on shopping, dining and foreign currency spend here or when you travel abroad.
- Earn relationship bonus points on your card anniversary.
- inspiring travel
- Enjoy an unlimited 4th night free stays at any hotel booked through the concierge.*
- Complimentary Priority PassTM Membership for principal cardmembers with unlimited access to over 1,000 VIP airport lounges worldwide, with four (4) guest passes per membership year.**
- Complimentary Airport Meet and Assist services and one-way airport luxury transfers for principal cardmembers at select airports, twice (2x) per the calendar year.
- exclusive access and elite servicing
- Enjoy three (3) complimentary rounds of golf each calendar year at participating golf courses.
- Access to a dedicated hotline and Global Concierge Service with in-country experts ready to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Citi Rewards Card
The must-have card for those who love rewards. This is the perfect travel card for people who prefer to fly via Cebu Pacific.
- Earn 1 point for every Php 30 spend.
- Get 3X points when you shop, dine or book Cebu Pacific tickets.
- Use your points to redeem free flights, hotel stays, or merchandise.
- Use your points to pay for purchases at partner merchants.
How long does approval take?
Approval usually takes 5 to 7 days but online applications are often faster.
Apply for a Citi credit card now!
Go to https://tinyurl.com/citi-penny and apply for a credit card with Citi Philippines. Do it NOW to enjoy the P5,000 e-gift. This is a limited time offer so the soonest you apply the better. 🙂
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 9, 2018 | Entertainment
In this age of navigation apps and Google maps, writer Jessica Zafra recommends getting lost as the best way to explore a foreign city.
In her new book, Twisted Travels: Rambles in Central Europe, she gets drunk in Prague, wanders through haunted castles in Cesky Krumlov, browses through bookstores in Budapest, and relives the complicated histories of Warsaw and Krakow.
Along the way she visits the Vienna Opera, loses her luggage in Rome, imagines an alternate life in Venice, and becomes embroiled in a Parisian petty crime drama.
Twisted Travels: Rambles in Central Europe is published by Visprint in cooperation with Discover Central Europe and the Embassies of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland in Manila. The book is now available at Fully Booked branches, shopee.ph, lazada.com.ph, and National Bookstores.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 14, 2018 | Safety tips
Traveling is such a wonderful thing! It helps you appreciate different cultures and teaches you so many lessons that aren’t taught in the classroom. But to make each trip truly meaningful, you have to prepare very well for it.
But even seasoned travelers may run into unforeseen setbacks. Here is a list of common travel fails and what to do in case you find yourself in one.
1. Missed flight or other modes of transportation

Missing your flight or other transfers can be very stressful and costly as it can change your itinerary. But don’t panic! Find out your options, such as travel alternatives to your destination.
Be flexible, too! Know your schedule to give yourself ample time to prepare. While it’s good to have an itinerary, it’s also helpful to have a flexible schedule so you can immediately adjust to unforeseen circumstances.
2. Lost luggage
Make your luggage easily identifiable by adding some personal touches, like a luggage cover protector or bag tags with your name and address. If the airline loses your luggage, report it immediately.
Have the basic necessities and at least one set of clothes in your carry-on bag to tide you over as you wait for your luggage. If the airline is unable to recover your bag, your travel insurance can help.
Make travel insurance a part of your travel checklist. Get protection from Smart Traveler of Charter Ping An. Not only will it provide protection for your personal belongings, it also comes with a wide range of benefits, including 24-hour medical assistance, personal accident coverage, liability and personal safety coverage, and even refunds for unexpected expenses.
Application is easy! Visit the AXA website (www.axa.com.ph/charterpingan/smart-traveller) and choose the ideal coverage for your trip. Eligible applicants must hold Philippine identification documents like birth certificate, long-term visa pass, dependent or student pass, and employment certificate for adults 18 to 70 years old.
3. Luggage overload
Lugging heavy suitcases as you chase after a bus or train or try to catch your flight makes travel more difficult, stressful, and even costly because it could mean paying extra for excess baggage.
Pack light by choosing clothes that are suitable for any situation and occasion. Bring only the most essential. Have your toiletries in miniature containers and carry your jacket instead of putting it in your bag.
4. Lost/missing travel documents

Travelers who are rushing may misplace things like passports or other important documents. When that happens, remember to keep calm and immediately ask for assistance from the nearest embassy or consulate.
Keep electronic and paper copies of your passport and other necessary documents with you, and constantly check your valuables wherever you go.
5. Cash shortage
Having cash is the easiest way to pay for things when traveling, but if you’re not careful, you can run low on cash before the end of your trip. To make your cash last long, bring a refillable water container so you don‘t have to buy bottled water, or shop at local stores for affordable and authentic local cuisines. Create a daily budget for your trip and stick to it. Have a credit card for emergencies.
Traveling is a good investment. Enjoy a hassle-free vacation and always be protected by availing of Smart Traveler now. For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 29, 2016 | Stories
Win a trip to Japan for two by entering the FLYTOJAPAN promo of Mamypoko at Lazada Philippines.
As soon as I saw that I got excited. My sisters and I have dreamed of vacationing in Japan for the longest time and maybe this is our chance to do so. In the last couple of weeks I have done a lot of shopping … A LOT OF CHRISTMAS SHOPPING at Lazada and used every voucher code available that I was eligible for and now there’s this.

Our Bubu and my daughter, Erika
Since we do have a baby in the house, my grandchild Bubu, including Mamy Poko in my shopping list is no hardship. She is still young enough to need a diaper when we go out and when she goes to bed at night.
We’ve tried other brands but I, personally like buying the Mamypoko Extra Soft Diaper Pants For Girls in XL. It is easy to wear and no trouble to remove, especially now that she is at that stage that she prefers to use the potty over peeing in her pants. No stickies to worry about, just pull them up like pants and voila!
Let me add, also, that it is no trouble for ADULTS to remove. For, Bubu, though, it’s still too tricky. She’s already figured out how to open the adhesive sides of other diapers so pull ups or pants was the only solution left. 🙂
How to join:

Joining the promo is easy!
- Buy any Mamy Poko product from http://www.lazada.com.ph/mamypoko-official-store.
- Enter the voucher code FLYTOJAPAN when you check out which entitles you to one (1) raffle entry.
And that’s it! Simple, right?
When will the promo run?
It’s actually been running for some time … from November 7 to December 31, 2016. Deadline for submission of entries is at 11:59pm of December 31, 2016. All Lazada Philippines customers residing in the Philippines are eligible to join this promo.
- Qualified customers will get a chance to win two roundtrip flights from Manila to Japan (up to Php 150,000 in value)
- One successful Lazada order is equivalent to 1 e-raffle entry.
- Qualified customers can generate as many e-raffle entries as they can, as long as the promo code is entered upon placing the order
- Voucher can be used for any product except those marked “Voucher Not Applicable On This Item”
What is the prize?
Roundtrip flights for two (2) from Manila to Japan (up to Php 150,000 value)
Terms and Conditions
- All travel is subject to availability at the time of booking, with travel period from February 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017
- Airline: Cebu Pacific
- Roundtrip Ticket (MNL -TKY -MNL)
- 3D2N Hotel Accommodation
- Pocket money
Here are the mechanics of the raffle draw:
- The winners will be selected at random on January 10, 2016 at 5PM, at the main office of Lazada Philippines. The raffle draw will be done electronically through the RANDOM.ORG program
- The winners will be informed through registered mail and contact number and will be announced via Lazada social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter)
Lazada, Federated Distributors & Unicharm employees and their relatives up to the 2nd degree of consanguinity or affinity are excluded from participating in this promo.
- Draw venue is at the 23rd floor Net Park 5th Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- By joining this promo, a customer confirms that he or she has read, understood and agreed to the promo mechanics, including but not limited to its terms and conditions.
- Cancelled orders will be automatically disqualified from the raffle draw.
- Prize is transferrable but not convertible to cash, and only consists of what is listed above.
- Lazada will get in touch with the winner via registered mail within 7 days upon raffle draw
The winner can redeem the prize within 60 days from receipt of registered mail. If the winner fails to claim the prize within the redemption period, the winner forfeits his/her claim to the prize with prior DTI approval. Lazada will have a list of buffer winners in the event that a winner becomes disqualified.
- When claiming the prize, the winner needs to present at least One (1) Valid ID. Lazada has the right to ask for another ID if deemed necessary.
- In case of a winner’s representative claiming the prize, an authorization letter coming from the winner must be presented together with the winner’s valid ID and the representative’s valid ID. The winner’s signature in the ID and the authorization letter presented must be the same. The Authorization letter presented must be the same. The authorization letter must state the full name of the representative claiming the prize on the winner’s behalf.
- Winner agrees to participate in publicity marketing campaigns.
Ooh! I’m so excited! I want to win. I REALLY want to win … so much that I am already dreaming of Mt. Fuji, snow and Sakura flowers. Lol! But first I need to purchase Mamypoko at Lazada. I’m doing that right after this post.

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