Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Summerpointe Residences in Cavite - My Experience with the Developer

Last year, my quest to find a house to finally call it my home has ended. I paid the reservation fee and made it through the monthly payment to the developer until it gets transferred to PAG-IBIG (a government agency catering for housing purposes).

I was happy and excited, though it is really hard to make it through the month as I am also paying my housing rent and other city services in my apartment. Still, I was still happy then because I knew that in the nearest future I will be having a small little house that I can call it my own.

Early this year, my housing loan gets approved and I am so excited to move in. I moved it to my new home at SummerPointe Residences very happy at last.

The Problem Arises

Last January, I had inspected the house, including the wall, doors, windows and everything seems to be fine. The windows and doors perfectly fits. I requested the developer to do some minor touching up on the small cracks on the wall and they said they'll definitely do it. However, it took me 3 months before they'd finally fixed it with splashes of cement on the wall to cover it up. I have to go there on a weekly visit from work to follow it up for 3 long months before they finally fixed my issue.

A simple problem that Prosperity Builders IGNORE!

Application for city services, like Meralco and water took also a lot of my time as according to the developer, its no longer their problem. I have to do it on my own. Fine, I filed my vacation leave and fixed all the requirements so I can have my own water and electricity. I am just so envious to those who have a responsible developers who are willing to help their clients to set these up for them. It was still ok with me at least I am learning the ins and outs of such transactions.

When I moved in, last summer around MAY, I noticed that the faucet in the CR has a leak, including the bowl and the shower. So I thought may be it was just new and give it a day or two before I reported  it to the engineer office on site which I did because the leaking never stopped.

I had to follow up with the engineering office almost every week to ask them to do some action on my request and they keep saying it was being worked on. 3 months had passed till finally someone came and tried fixing it. They noticed that the leaks on the faucet is because the valve has crack and promised to change it. I told them to come and visit me on weekend because I am asleep on weekdays. They oppose my preferred day because accordingly it is a weekday. The guard on duty said they are in the vicinity on Saturday. So I further explained that I might be asleep when they come and I might not be able to look after them or worse the problem wont be fixed. I told them that I can no longer afford to take a vacation leave as most of my vacation leaves are used up when I am fixing all the requirements for the city services. They agreed to come but no one appeared. Until now my problem on the faucet gets worsened and still no help has arrived even though I personally handed them the letter. I had my 2 week use of the water and it spiked up to 28 cubic meter. Unbelievable because we just use the water every weekend to do our laundry and everyday to take a bath and to wash the dishes. That's all and it is 28 cubic meter. In my letter, I told them that we are wasting resources here because the dripping never stops.

Another problem that I raised to the developer many months ago was the septic tank issue of my neighbor dripping on my backyard. That was part of my complain. However, I am very much surprised when they told me that the problem gets solved when I will extend my house as it will be covered by my own wall. I am surprised but gained my composure and told them they have to fix it because I am not extending in the near future. It could be a cause of illness when they will not fix it. Of course it is many months and counting and no one seems to care about it. For me, this is not part of the contract to sell that when a septic tank leaks from your neighbor is not part of their business even though they are the ones who set it up.
The water coming from the septic tank flows rigorously from my neighbors tanks to my own backyard.
My friends jokingly says I have a built in fountain full of bacteria in my own backyard. A potential hazard to health that Prosperity Builders (the developer of SummerPointe Residences) IGNORE.
A septic tank is a tank in which the solid matter of continuously flowing sewage is disintegrated by bacteria.
It appears to me that the developer cares less when the houses they developed has been sold. It appeared to me that the developer doesn't care about their clients time for as long as they are being paid.

I took a pre-selling house because its cheaper. However, I never imagined that a simple request took much of my money, effort and time and it never get fixed.

My Own Action...

Since there are no action coming from the developers side, I took charge and roam around the subdivision asking those workers who could possible help me. Finally I saw kuya who checked initially worked on my request. I asked him if he could come back and fix what he promised to fix months ago. He did come after long hours of waiting. Unfortunately I have to tell him that I have a visitor coming and that he can come back on Monday (thats after 2 days). Of course he did not come.. .accordingly because its holiday... but I was able to see his colleagues working on a certain project.

Finally, the following day (Tuesday) I went back on their construction site and asked if the tubero is coming, they said they dont know. A very good samaritan, (their truck driver) came and help me fix broken water valve.

I will just put water sealant on all the other dripping water just to solve it because my water bill is sky rocketing as hell. Plus I cant push a person who doesn't want to move.

Existing Problem

Still my problem is the dripping water coming from my neighbors septic tank. That's the only one left. For me, it wasn't my neighbors fault if they have a leaking septic tank because they did not build the house. They are also, a customer like me. I wouldn't think it is my fault too because in the first place I loaned the house with the impression that I can live with it in and out without a problem. I can move around even without the extension they were saying.

They say that the dripping will be fixed when I would have my extension wall. Oh no! 1. With or without the extension the dripping will still be there. Water from the septic tank will still accumulate in between the wall. Plus, 2. the dripping from the septic tank should not be there in the first place. 3. It wasn't our fault to that the septic tank is dripping on our backyard or dirty kitchen (however you call it). 4. You don't expect me to go to your site office or to your main office for me to beg you to fix the problem because every time I go there I am shelling out a budget. Remember that not all of your client have a silver spoon they too are wage earners trying to get by. 5. The developer billed me for a very high water consumption where in the first place I already raised the issue right after I discovered it. You haven't help your clients at all. I was the one who made sure that I get electricity I sacrificed my time and effort and money there. Now I am using the item I bought I discovered that there are minor problem I asked for your help and you just shrugged your shoulders and turn away without a word.

My worry is that... my current issue is just minute. What if, it was a bigger issue? They will just abandon there customer hanging? I am praying that my problem is not a tip of the iceberg.


Tuesday, August 20, 2013

DTC GT7 Astroid Max Specification

Here's the phone at the closer look!
2 years ago, I told my sister.. sorry TOLD is understatement. Let me rephrased that with I promised my sister that when she graduates high school I will give her a touch screen phone. That time, most touch screen phone is pretty expensive and the most affordable one are not as responsive/touch sensitivity as the expensive touch screen phone counter part.


Sales lady is patiently explaining how to operate the phone.

They were setting up the phone settings

DTC Mobile kiosk at SM Molino in Cavite

So, I waited because I wanted to buy her the gift that I promise but I wanted to buy a more affordable phone but as good as their expensive counterpart.

Last weekend, we finally found the phone that we are looking for. It is the DTC GT7 Astroid Max. They have a booth/kiosk at SM Molino in Cavite. Accordingly DTC products are Singapore technology assembled in the Philippines.

The phone in the box!

DTC GT7 ASTROID MAX Specifications

Dual SIM / Dual Standby
1GHz single-core Spreadtrum ST6820 processor
4.3-inch WVGA (800x480) capacitive display, 217ppi
Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread)
ARM Mali-300 GPU
512MB of RAM
512MB of internal storage
microSD support up to 32GB
5MP autofocus camera with LED flash
VGA (0.3MP) front-facing camera
microUSB v2.0 / 3.5mm audio jack
WiFi / WiFi Hotspot / Bluetooth / GPS
GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quad-band)
Motion Sensor / Proximity Sensor
FM Radio / Multimedia Player
(NO 3G/HSPA connectivity)
Color: Black and White

What I like about DTC GT7 Astroid Max...
  • DUAL SIM - I like the dual sim capability. You've got to experience 2 different network at the same time. At least you can call or text your friends and family member without worrying about which telecom provider they use.
  • WIFI - Of course I love the fact that it is wifi capable phone. It gives you the option to connect to internet without worrying about your prepaid loads.
  • Dual Camera - I also love the dual camera capability. At least you can take picture anytime anywhere plus you can SKYPE with your friends.
  • Touch Sensitivity and Responsiveness - I am impressed with the touch sensitivity of the phone. Unlike other affordable touch phone it is really difficult to move and navigate.
What comes in the box?

What I dont like about the phone...

Of course I wont be biased. So here are few of the things I dont like.
  • Detachable charger - I don't like the idea that the charger is USB type and has a detachable socket so you could charge using directly to a socket. Though it is good to have a USB so you could charge using your laptop or computer, I still think that a detachable charger is not good. It is prone of having charger issues. Plus it looks like I just bought the charger in one of the stalls along the sidewalk.
What comes along with the phone when you buy it?

The phone will come along with a USB type of charger, 2 gig memory card, screen protector, headset and the manual. I bought it at Php 3290.00

Overall assesment: Except for the charger, overall I am satisfied with the performance of my sisters new DTC GT7 Astroid Max.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Hitachi Window Type Aircon Review

I had been browsing the internet and researching about what type of air conditioning unit I should be buying for my new house. For me, air conditioning is really important because of the fact that I work at night and sleep in the morning. Most of the time I had really difficulty sleeping during the day because definitely one of the biggest factor is the heat and humidity of the place.

I am very thankful with the program of the company I am working with because I was able to buy the AC Unit that I really needed.

So I have decided to buy Hitachi Window Type Air Conditioning Unit 1.5 Horse Power.

MODEL - RA-15RB
FUNCTION: FAN/COOLING/DEHUMIDIFYING
INPUT POWER: 230 VOLTS / SINGLE PHASE / 60 Hz
COOLING CAPACITY: 13200 
COOLING:
                  A. RUNNING CURRENT (A): 5.3
                  B. POWER CONSUMPTION (W): 1,189
                  C.ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (EER) (KJ / W-H) : 11.1

According to the sales person and Meralco the higher the EER is the better energy efficient the unit would be. So far it is Hitachi who has the highest EER in the 1.5HP. That is one of the reason why I bought Hitachi. If they are correct my monthly electric consumption for the AC is Php 2500 based on the energy guide. The formula to get the monthly operating cost is Rated Consumption (Watt/1000kW) X Monthly Usage (hours) X Power Rate (Pesos/kW-h) = Approximate Cost of Operation Pesos 

Or it is easier if you just go to Meralco Website and have click on the MY APPLIANCE CALCULATOR 

Here's what I got from Meralco My Appliances Calculator:


So yesterday I am excitedly helped in installing the Hitachi Air Conditioning unit.



Here's the free one that comes along with the AC aside from the air conditioning stand.

I will update this blog to see if the computation suggested is near to the actual bill.\

2 MAJOR CONSIDERATION IN BUYING AIR CONDITIONING UNIT


1. Decide based on the room size so as to avoid over using your AC's compressor.

2. Choose the air con that has the highest EER. though it is estimated but the higher the better on the EER.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Reason Why I bought Transcend USB 3.0 Shockproof Portable Hard Drive

Before, I am dying to have my own memory card to store some of my important documents, pictures, videos and or music. Today, I wanted to have a device with higher memory capacity to store more of my data that I can access anywhere I go without downloading this information online, I wanted to back up all my data on a separate hard drive.



Good thing, a friend shared her discovery on the wonders of external hard drives as she was able to store 3 years worth of her photo on her external hard drive. So today I am able to have my own. I bought the Transcend USB 3.0 Shockproof Portable Hard Drive.

Here's my consideration in buying Transcend USB 3.0 Shockproof Portable Hard Drive.
  1. I wanted Transcend USB 3.0 because of the Shockproof capability. Rugged gadget is my biggest consideration more so I will be carrying this external hard drive anywhere I go so I could easily access my documents or pictures every time I need them. This is of course in preparation where there are kids around, you would never know it might get dropped. Transcend USB 3.0 Shockproof Portable Hard Drive is encased in a reliable shockproof case backed-up by an easy-grip silicone shell for breezy handling.  
  2. Its fashionable and light weight. I never wanted to have a pure black gadget. I wanted to have a sense of style. Something that it could be easily recognized. I bought a pure black Transcend USB 3.0 Shockproof Portable Hard Drive with a touch of green linings makes it more professional with a style plus of course the fact that Transcend USB 3.0 Shockproof Portable Hard Drive is light weight. Here's the product dimension: Width: 5.00cm Length: 13.40cm Height: 18.50cm Weight: 0.37kgs
  3. Good Reviews. Of course before I buy one thing I would make sure that I have done my homework. I know for a fact that gadgets aren't perfect but the question I want answer is Are there more satisfied consumer than those who didnt like it? As per reviews they tested it to be dropped up to 5 feet and it worked. So thats good enough for me. I always carry so many things in my bag and I wanted my Transcend USB 3.0 Shockproof Portable Hard Drive to be sturdy enough to handle the stress inside my bag. (LOL) Sometimes I am clumsy too. Since Transcend USB 3.0 Shockproof Portable Hard Drive has military grade I am sure it wont have internal damaged caused by my clumsiness like tripping off and falling or when I am in a crowded places like MRT and LRT.
Thanks to ENSOGO for delivering it ahead of time! surpassing my expectation!