After a lengthy wait of 49 days, our SIM replacement has finally been delivered.

We promptly reported the loss of our phone, along with the registered SIM, due to theft. However, the process of resolving the issue involved numerous days and weeks of follow-ups, during which we received generic replies indicating that the matter was still under review. The level of stress I personally endured was unimaginable, particularly when we discovered that our registered number was still active and being used by someone else. Despite reporting this to the provider, they failed to take immediate action, such as temporarily deactivating the SIM. Consequently, the unauthorized user continued to consume the remaining GB of data, even after we had submitted all the necessary documents, including a police report and proof of ownership (such as the SIM bed). Each time we reached out to the provider, their response merely stated that their support team was still reviewing the case. This situation has left me wondering if there are multiple users facing similar challenges with SIM replacements.

In retrospect, choosing this mobile data provider for my sons' usage was undoubtedly a mistake. I deeply regret my decision, as I believed it would be a better choice, especially considering that we did not actually require mobile data at home. The offer of no-expiry data seemed appealing initially, but the experience has proven to be a source of great disappointment and regret.


Anyway, let me share the steps we followed to obtain our SIM replacement, in case it proves helpful to others. However, if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend switching to SMART as soon as possible. They also offer a no-expiry promo, making it a more favorable option.


1.  Before reaching out to GOMO, it is important to prepare an AFFIDAVIT of LOSS (notarized). This document will be required as part of the submission process for your SIM replacement request. Keep in mind that GOMO has a deadline of 7 days from the initial report to accept the necessary documents. Therefore, it is crucial to have the affidavit ready beforehand.  


2.  To contact GOMO, it is recommended to reach out to them through their Twitter account page. However, it's important to be prepared for the security verification process that they have in place. They may require specific details to verify your identity before assisting you with your SIM replacement request.

Information they needed are as follows:

GOMO Number: 
Name registered in the app:  
Email Address registered in the app:  
Recent Transactions:  
Date of latest transaction:  
Time of latest transaction:  
Reference Number of latest transaction:  

TIP: It is advisable to avoid using their Facebook Page for SIM replacement inquiries. This is because the Facebook Page might lead you into an AI loop, where you might not find a specific menu option for SIM replacement. It can feel like navigating through a labyrinth maze, making it difficult to get the assistance you need. Even if you manage to reach the part where you can chat with an agent, there is a possibility that no agent will be assigned to you, causing delays in resolving your issue.


3.  After successfully completing the security verification process, GOMO will guide you on the next steps to obtain your SIM replacement. They will advise you to send the following mandatory requirements to changesim@gomo.ph within one week: 

Email Subject: GOMO Change SIM Requirements <GOMO Number>
Email Content/Details: < Requirements >
a. Duly notarized Affidavit of Loss (send digitally along with a selfie holding the Affidavit of Loss)
b. 2 Valid IDs (should match with the selfie) See list of Valid IDs in the Appendix
c. GOMO SIM bed (with visible SIM serial) (can be optional)
d. Any other proof of ownership of the lost SIM card (ex. Screenshot of Gcash linked to the lost SIM card) (can be optional)
e. Delivery Details of the customer where the SIM will be delivered.

Please submit the requirements within the week.
We will not proceed with the request if the requirements/documents are not provided and approved.
Once the requirements are submitted, they will be verified again.


4.   Please ensure that you follow up with the Twitter agent until they confirm the approval of your SIM replacement. Once approved, they will provide you with instructions on how to make the payment for the new SIM card and the associated delivery fee.

It is important to note that payment must be settled within 3 working days, and you will be required to submit proof of payment within that timeframe as well. If the payment and proof of payment are not submitted within the specified time, you may need to start the process over.

To avoid any delays or complications, make sure to promptly settle the payment and provide the necessary proof of payment within the given timeframe. This will help ensure a smooth SIM replacement process and prevent any unnecessary restarts.

Please note that the payment and delivery fee details may vary, so it is essential to confirm the specific instructions and fees with the agent.   To give you an idea of the current fees as of this writing.

SIM fee (Php 40)
Delivery Fee (Php 100 for MM/NCR; Php150 for VISMIN.  For out of delivery areas, there will be additional costs) Payment will be via Bank Transfer/Deposit.


5.   The final step is to follow up and inquire about the status of your delivery. It's important to note that the responses you receive may be generic, indicating that the company is actively working on your request. The only way to confirm that your delivery is en route is when you receive a text message from ENTREGO (in our case) notifying you that the delivery is on its way.



Furthermore, it is worth noting that Twitter agents will not provide you with a reference number, not even for the process of sending the requirements via email. There is no option to follow up through email either, as you will only receive an automated response from a no-reply email address acknowledging the receipt of your email. At times, this can be frustrating when you attempt to follow up and the agent instructs you on how to request a SIM replacement, despite having already submitted the required documents.

Aside from the convenience of ordering via Shoppe/Lazada/GrabFood for my "deserved ko to" buys, I began to adapt and loved other door-to-door services that cater for daily item needs.  *been using FoodPanda lately*   Two of my most used services aside from the three mentioned, are Watsons and GoCart (Robinsons Supermarket).


My hunt for the best shop began during pandemic, and I have tried other shops/services.  I remained loyal to these two.  Major reason is the benefit of earning points, plus it comes with free membeship program (for life, I hope).   Second, but significantly important, is that they offer free delivery if you reached a minimum purchase. 


WATSONS

First week of this month, I ordered my son's prescribed meds via Watsons.  It was a great deal, because I got a discounted same-day delivery at Php 10, regular rate was Php 50.  Express delivery comes with an extra cost by the way, otherwise, you can get free delivery (3-5 days) with a minimum purchase.

I was expecting the delivery, when the rider called and informed me that he's outside waiting.  My eldest hurriedly went outside, but no rider in sight, he checked twice still none.  So I called the number listed on call history, rider was so sure that he's infront of our house.  

Then I realized, he's in the wrong city, same street but different city, this is not the first incident for the same provider.  Rider said that the PIN location routed him to Mandaluyong.  I told him to call the person who initiated the delivery, which he said that he already tried but no one is picking up his call.  

He got the package delivery from SM San Lazaro, our place is within Manila (which he already passed by going to the wrong location).   I can hear his frustration, imagine the time/fuel wasted.  He also said something like, "Magkano nga lang ung fare nito, sige Maam, babalik po ako at idi-deliver ko sa inyo".   I offered to compensate him PHP 50 for the wasted time and his effort, it's not much but hope it would help.  I gave him waze link/pin to get to our location.   The delivery took about 2 hours from the time of pick-up, which is supposed to be just just 20-30 mins motorbike ride.

Watsons customer support called me, I forgot if it was the same day or the day after.  They provided me Php 50 voucher in return, this was after verifying with the Grab rider of the said incident.

What I liked with Watsons support, was that they initiated a callback, instead of text/email.  He also said that for future concerns, I can message Watsons FB and look for him.   Also, they constantly updated me of the progress re voucher via email.


GOCART

Mid-month is when Robinsons' would have their promos, plus we've run out of our daily  needs.  I know it was quite late and not the usual, I mostly do online orders early and then schedule them for delivery at a later date.  Our preferred delivery time is in the afternoon, and not beyond 6pm.  Since, the promo period is almost over, I decided to have this delivered same day.  We finished our list prior to 5pm, then scheduled for delivery 6pm-8pm.

As their protocol, I received a text re unavailable items and suggested similar item replacement.  If there's none or no reply, they will proceed with which are avaialble on the list of orders.  I started my work at 6pm (working from home), so I let my eldest check the phone from time to time.  Last text we received is that delivery rider is on his way, he sent the same text twice at around 8pm.

GoCart app would prompt about the order status, so it notificed us of a delivered status at 9pm.   My eldest went out to check if the rider is around, no rider in sight.  We waited, thought that there might be heavy traffic, or delays due to multiple drop-off of orders.   I texted the rider that we're still waiting for the groceries, and why it's showing delivered on the app.

At about 10pm (my lunch break), still no delivery.  I started calling the rider, the first number who texted me re items that weren't available, both no answer.  Sent text message to the first number, to call me ASAP and to clarify what's happening.  Tried checking GoCart app to see if I could get someone over the phone, but support can only be reached via email.  Tried their FB page, but the message wasn't delivered.  I was panicking at that time, as it's past 10pm way beyond their servicing hours, and my break is only for an hour.  We have orders too that needs to be stored in a freezer.

Finally, the first number replied, and said that it was successfully delivered at our store.  We don't have a store, so where or to whom it was delivered then?  Checked with the supervisor, after some time, I received a text from the rider.  

Same advise/reason, and said it was received by mother.  I immediately called the rider to clarify.  Evidently there was a mistake made, what irritates me more was when he said that I didn't reply.  What should I reply to his text, that he's on his way?   I didn't reply so he'd drop off items to any person? 

He went back to get our groceries and finally items were delivered to us, almost midnight.  Rider apologized via text.

It turns out that same name (both regular customers), of the same street (but on opposite ends), ordered and scheduled delivery on the same time.

But you know, this could've been avoided if standard procedure was followed.  It is highly important to check the right address, as names can be common, and it's not safe to assume.   A quick text or phone call can save us all a lot of trouble.  Past riders would always call or text prior to handing the items over to us.

Support via email replied to check if all is good, I replied with a summary of what happened (or more like a rant?).  I am entittled to do so, it was a very bad experience for me.  This incident/feedback will help them to improve their service.


#MARCHPHOTOADAY

DAY 7 = SOMETHING I WORE

... and something that I will never EVER wear again!

I deeply regret lending that book to someone who doesn't appreciate fantasy fiction stories. While I understand that it might not align with their interests, I had hoped they would value it because it held significant meaning for me.

That book held a special place in my heart, and I cherished it dearly, reading it over and over again. Each time I delved into its pages, it felt like experiencing the story for the very first time. The vivid world of fantasy within its words allowed me to escape reality and immerse myself in a mesmerizing tale, almost as if I were watching a movie unfold in my mind.

Now, to my dismay, it's lost, seemingly gone forever. The thought of not being able to retrieve a copy of that book again fills me with sadness and longing. It held a special place in my heart, and its absence leaves a void that cannot easily be filled.

Being on the receiving end of jokes about my flaws, especially when they pertain to something I can't change, makes me feel more insecure. It's disheartening, and it becomes even more frustrating when these jests come from mere acquaintances. I can tolerate jokes about my habits or the way I dress, but when it comes to my physical flaws, it stings more deeply. As a result, I am always mindful not to make similar jokes about others, especially if I know it could potentially hurt them.

Respecting others' feelings and being sensitive to their vulnerabilities is essential to maintaining positive and healthy relationships. By refraining from joking about topics that may cause emotional harm, we create an environment of empathy and understanding. It's important to treat others with the same kindness and compassion that we hope to receive ourselves. Ultimately, fostering a culture of mutual respect and support leads to stronger connections and a more harmonious social dynamic.

Cheating

Cheating in a relationship extends beyond just physical actions; it encompasses emotional betrayal as well.

According to Wikipedia:
Cheating by thinking of, touching, and talking with someone you are attracted to may be equally damaging to one of the parties. Emotional cheating may be correlated to that of emotional abuse, which to date is treated seriously in a court of law as physical cheating. Some couples simply believe that cheating constitutes doing anything, whether verbal or physical, that one would not do in front of their significant other. Such examples would include: expressing attraction to another person, electronic communications, kissing, making out, and sexual relations.
The heartbreaking reality is that the person who engaged in the betrayal often refuses to admit their actions and persists in denying the truth. When confronted, they may resort to crafting excuses or alibis to justify their behavior. Disturbingly, some cheaters may even shift the blame onto their partners, pointing out flaws, differences, or any perceived shortcomings in an attempt to justify their actions.

Such behavior can be emotionally devastating for the betrayed partner, adding further pain to the already hurtful act of infidelity. Emotional cheating can be just as damaging as physical cheating, as it involves a breach of trust and emotional intimacy within the relationship.

Oh common!

When I was a child, I wished that my parent had given me other name, like Jessica or Elizabeth (sounds familiar? Names of the Sweet Valley twins lolz), or yet a unique one or a second name perhaps? There’s nothing wrong with my name, it’s just that it is so common, that almost always; I have other classmates I share the same name with. So, our classmates called us by our surnames, too bad, my surname sounds like a type of underwear, yeah whatever. They would intentionally mispronounce it.

When I got married, I acquired the last name of my husband, of course. Bad thing here is that my husband’s surname is so very common, plus my name is common, equals, me sharing the same name and surname with lots and lots of people. What’s wrong with that, you ask? Nothing really, if you share name with famous people whom had good reputation, what if otherwise?

Back when I was single, getting NBI clearance would just take me one day, or even shorter. But after I got married, I had to return the next day or a day after, because my first name and surname matches the names of people who have or had cases, of which I don’t know. Arrgh! Anyways.. thanks that I still have the unique surnames of my dad and mom.

Speaking of same names, I’ve been doing research on genealogy; it’s been years actually, regarding my family or ancestral tree. I usually do research on my dad and mom’s surname on google. I’ve found one person on friendster, because it’s really rare to have that surname (surname of my dad), the possibility of him being a relative is really high. So, I added, told him why I’m adding him. We were able to exchanged messages, and were a little surprised to know that our fathers share the same full name. The thought of us having the same father had come to mind when I first read the message that his father is -insert here my dad’s name-, if he hadn’t told me the middle name, I would have really thought the possibility of us not just only being relatives, but also us being half siblings.

Parents should think of more unique names or should give two names, just so to make it unique. You wouldn’t want your children to be having sharing names with criminals, do you?

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