PAL RAINE

I've been a CIGNAL TV subscriber for 10 years now. I applied November 2012, you can read my first blog about Cignal TV here: CIGNAL DIGITAL TV Review

And what made me blog again about Cignal TV? Here's my story.

Last September 2020, we've encounter an issue with our remote and I requested for a tech visit because even if we already change new batteries with our remote, we still cannot properly use it. The technician pull out our box and change to a new box.

This is the box that we used from September 2020 to June of this year.

The box was good and my two senior citizen parents are the one using (watching) the TV. Just this month of June they complain about the channels. They told me, it seems that the channels are decreasing. So, I've check my channels and yes from 25 channels I only have 10 channels in my list. I message Cignal TV and here's our conversation.

DISCLAIMER : It's a very long rant. Please bear with me.

JUNE 17, 2022

Immediately, I ask Cignal TV, "How many channels in Postpaid Plan 390?".

Cignal TV replied, "Plan 390 has 81 SD Channels and 13 HD Channels. Total of 94 Channels.

JUNE 18, 2022

But, as you can see I only have 20 Channels available. So, they told me that they will send electronic signal to my box and advice me to keep my box on a standby mode.

It was not resolve, my channels are still the same. So, they get my contact number and told me that after 2 hours someone from the technical team will call me.

June 19, 2022

9:38AM. I received a text message coming from Cignal TV. That they process account set up correction. That I have to check my programming.

9:55AM. I immediately replied to Cignal TV Facebook Page, that it is still the same. I still have 19 channels.

10:04AM. Cignal TV told me that they check my account, it is active and programming should be up and running. They also request me to do troubleshooting, using the link they provide from their website. And choose the set up box assign to me. But the problem for my issued box is not in the list for troubleshooting. They told me to wait for a call.

3:15PM. Cignal TV customer care call me via phone and ask me to do Factory Default. But instead to add channels, one channel was deleted in my channel list. From 20 channels, I got 19 channels!

June 20, 2022

Again, I made a complain and they always said the same excuses. This time I am very, very disappointed with their service. We've been doing the Factory Reset, etc., but issue is still not resolved!

They told me that they're trying to contact me but my number is not available. I got angry here, because how come my number is out of reach? They already called me once and I even talked with one of their customer representative. In my dismay, I ask for a technician immediately, to visit and check our box.

June 21, 2022

June 22, 2022

I waited and waited for their technical team to visit.

June 25, 2022

My address is not under 8Telcom? What? I have Cignal TV cable here for 10 years and my address is not listed??? What a crap!!!

June 26, 2022

They advice me to upgrade, and I said NO! Resolved my Plan 390 first before giving me an advice to upgrade my plan. Honestly, I'm still very linient here, even though I'm very disappointed with the service. I am still compose and trying to understand the situations.

This is my first experience after 10 years with Cignal. I still have that high hopes that everything will be fine.

June 28, 2022

And so I waited and waited for the technical team.

June 29, 2022

June 30, 2022

Viola! I received a call from the assign technician.

I still have high hopes that they can solve the issue. They checked both my satellite dish and the box, but in my dismay, everything they've done are useless.

They pull out my box and they will (again) change it to a new one, and ensuring me that all my channels will be restored.

So glad to hear that, but I will be the one to get my box after a week. Yes, that's what they told me. That I will be the one to get it at their office. Hmmm... What a customer service SATISFACTION! I have to wait for another week!!! Honestly, I got frustrated. I mean, I'm paying for maintenance fee for plan 390 (my monthly bill is P490, add P100 because of maintenance fee) and need to wait for a week? And I will be the one to get the box???? Is that normal, Cignal TV?

But, don't have time to argue with the tech, I'm tired and I don't have any more to say. I am disappointed.

July 1, 2022

At early morning I message Cignal TV Facebook Page regarding the box pull out.

Then 8:43 in the morning, Cignal tech call and inform me that my box is ready to be pick up at their office.

I went to their office at Cignal TV Satellite Office at Wheels & More located at JP Laurel Ave., Davao City.

As soon as I arrive in our house, I message Cignal TV FB page (Manila base) that I got my box. And they ask for my CCA for activation. But, before that the Cignal TV Davao already told me that my box is already activated. Got confused? Yes, me too! Hahahhaha.

And we are eager to see if the issue has been resolved. Yes, there are channels that are added to my list. But, as I go back to see the added channels, I found out that there are some channels not available eventually.

I message Cignal TV page and inform them what had happened. Then a customer service call me via mobile phone and request for a DIAGNOSTIC TEST and Installation. Then make a Reset. Upon checking, all my local channels are gone, the added channels stayed in my list. I have to call again after 2 hours because they told me that they will make an electronic system reset. And advice me to message again Cignal TV page if the reset is successful.

Right that day, I send a text message to the technician and advice me to return the box.

Going back to the Cignal TV page, I also message them about the issue, that after 2 hours they perform the electronic reset to my box my local channels are back, but the added channels are gone.

This is their reply.

July 2, 2022

I send them the list of channels that I have with the new box they've issued.

I told them that it is not yet resolved, problem is still there, my channels are still the same!

Remember, I just got my new box last July 1 and if the problem still not resolve and if I request for a technical visit again I have to pay. What? I got angry this time.

July 3, 2022

All they want me to do is to troubleshoot over and over. Going back from where we started.

They assigned a technician again to visit since my box is still under warranty.

July 4, 2022

While waiting for the tech, another problem occur. This time channels keep on changing, actually it's jumping from channel to another channel.

Reported it to Cignal TV page.

July 5, 2022

July 6, 2022

I ask for an update for the tech visit, and told me the assign tech is going to visit and check my box again. And yes, tech arrived in our house and do the checking. Finally, they told me to downgrade my plan, since my Plan 390 is an old plan that it is not anymore in their system. And my reaction is WHAT? WITH THE TROUBLESHOOTING WE'VE DONE FOR THE PASS DAYS, ALL ARE USELESS?!? And that's the reason why we encounter problem again and again, even if they will do the electronic reset it will not push through because my box will not accept the update.

I have no choice but to downgrade my plan from Plan 390 to Plan 290, which is more cheaper but got a lot of channels!

And about the other issue of my box, they request for a pull out and give me another new box.

July 7, 2022

Tech send me a text message that my box is good to go. And I reply that I will get it tomorrow.

July 8, 2022

After my bank transactions went straight to the Cignal office to get my box.

I went home in a hurry, excited to check my box if it's OK and if it is in a Plan 290. And yes, it is. As of this time channels are working great, no more jumping of channels and now my parents are enjoying watching because they have so many channels to choose from.

After all the hardship and sacrifices I've encounter with Cignal TV, I can finally say that there customer service done great! Despite of my persistent and "kakulitan" in messaging their FB page, they still handle their customers well. I hope next time, they will come up with a precise solution with the problems like mine. All they need is to say, "you need to upgrade or downgrade your plan". Don't give your subscribers a waiting game. It's very traumatic and stressful, especially to the senior citizen subscribers.

The internet is the most powerful source in today's world and people cannot resist watching using both computers and wireless devices. Aside from that connection, internet is also known advantages of entertainment because it provides the total package related to tech as well as entertainment world where you can watch "throwback" movies that once you've enjoyed and loved.

AQ Prime Entertainment

Relaks. Stream. Enjoy.

AQ Prime Entertainment is a streaming company that offers original and legacy Filipino movies, rent-to-view on-demand shows, pay-per-view live events, and cable channel subscriptions.

Set to go live in June 2022, AQ Prime provides thousands of hours of streaming entertainment on all smartphones and TVs across the Philippines, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South Korea, and North America.

AQ Prime uniquely offers classic Filipino shows and movies, as well as new and exciting independently produced films.

"We are excited to provide Filipinos across the world the most complete access to entertainment content a streaming platform has to offer," said Atty. Aldwin Alegre, President, and CEO of AQ Prime. He adds, “This exciting undertaking will be aided by multi-cultural partnerships with the Korean entertainment industry and other foreign filmmakers for a unique and diverse programming experience.”

Atty. Mary Melanie “Honey” Quiño, Chief Operations Officer of AQ Prime Entertainment adds, “We are focused on delivering high-quality entertainment Filipino families know and love. With these tenets in mind, we at AQ Prime will also provide a talent development company in collaboration with our Korean film and entertainment partners. Our very own Filipino talents have a chance to showcase their talents in Korean films, K-dramas, and the like.”

As the Philippines’ new streaming platform, AQ Prime highlights topical and compelling content like LGBTQIA+, music, game and talent show through reality programs.

As part of AQ Prime’s mission, it aims to promote and uplift the local film industry. In addition to movies and shows, a subscription gives customers access to pay-per-view live sporting events, shows, and festivals, rent-to-view adult movies, and Filipino independent films.

AQ Prime also takes pride in another platform called Director’s Cut by AQ, which is a separate app dedicated for sexy and mature contents — both teeming with original titles produced by AQ as well as acquired titles from Korea and other territories.

AQ Prime is available this June 2022 on Apple and Android devices, including smartphones and smart TVs. Download and subscribe to AQ Prime Entertainment service for as low as P99 per month through Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

ABOUT AQ Prime Entertainment

AQ Prime Entertainment is a streaming company in the Philippines that offers original films and legacy movies, pay-per-view live events/shows, rent-to-view on-demand adult movies, and channel subscriptions in the Philippines and across the globe. AQ Prime presents an unmatched ability to deliver a broad range of compelling content across original content, news, sports, live shows, and festivals, and key partnerships in Southeast Asia. AQ Prime Entertainment is a subsidiary of A & Q Productions Films, Inc. Learn more from our website at www.aqprimestream.com.

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This is the day, May 9, 2022, the fate of the country will be decided by over 62 million registered voters as they make their choices of officials both from National and Local positions.

Last April 30, I visited my polling area together with my two young adults. It's already a habit for me to visit my polling place prior election. Because, as a former Comelec BEI (Board of Election Inspector), I know what scenario would happen if we will not check our names on the Voters List. That's why I also have to teach my two girls, especially my youngest as a first time voter, because election season can be overwhelming and at the same time confusing.

Screenshot on Pal Raine FB Page
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Today's election process involves pandemic safety protocols, that must be observed. Though elections is not new to me, but because of the pandemic, there are many changes in the voting guidelines, that's why we need to religiously observed.

Last 2016 election voting time is 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Now, it's 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

#ELEKSYON2022 in a PANDEMIC Experience

It's raining here in Davao City, we woke up at 4:00 AM. The night before the election, I told my girls to prepare their copy of their Cluster Number, Precint Number and their Assigned Number of the Comelec Voters Registrations, put it on a piece of paper for faster movement inside the Precinct. I also remind them to bring the new normal essentials: like face mask, alcohol and personal ball pen.

Went to our polling place at exactly 5:30 AM, upon arrival the school gate is still CLOSE. We've been told that the gate will be OPEN at exactly 6:00 AM. People are already shouting to let us in because it's raining very hard and there are Senior Citizens and PWDs are waiting outside. Honestly, though social distancing is one of the safety protocols to be followed, it was never been followed.

And the clock strikes 6:00 AM, guard allowed us to enter the school and have our temperature check taken. But, because a crowd of angry people eager to get inside, the thermal checker got malfunction and again people yelling desperately as they only have one thermal checker available in the school. Well, I don't know what happened next, how the school and the Comelec people do about it. As for us, who are done with our temperature check and we are all OK to vote, we proceed to our designated Precinct.

I went to my assigned room and ask one of the Poll Watchers and guide me to stay first in the Waiting Area.

Yes, you've heard it right! For the first time in my electoral experience, a waiting area was made, as part of the pandemic protocol in Election 2022.

The Poll Watcher calls my name and went inside the Voting Room give the piece of paper to the Electoral Board (remember the piece of paper that we prepare the night before the election) with the precinct number, sequence number and cluster precinct number. So, I skip STEP 2 Procedure here.

The Chairman assigned in my precinct, check her Voters Registration Book if my name was there and upon verifying she let me signed using my personal ball pen on the VRB and handed me my ballot secrecy folder and a marking pen.

I cast my vote exactly 6:15 AM, first feed of my secrecy ballot, the VCM (Vote Counting Machine) did not read it! Waaahhh! I prayed hard for the second time, yepppeeehhhhh! Finally, it reads. Then they give me the receipt and check if it's correct. All are CORRECT and then deposited it in the receptacle.

And at last at 6:25 AM, done voting! Early bird. First in line.

Right forefinger nail stained with inedible ink.

And as for my girls, their voting experience were also fast and smooth.

This election is definitely something new to me.

1. (New) because it's my youngest daughter first time to vote.

2. (New) because I like the Polling Area now compared previous election (it's very chaotic last year). Today, our school polling precincts are well organized despite of small problems with their Thermal Checker. 😊🤞

3. (New) we have our WAITING AREA! Love it. Queue lines, no more.

4. (New) I love the BEI's uniform shirt. I haven't taken pictures of them, but I guess you've seen it too! In our time, we don't have that kind of uniformity in terms of shirt to wear, but we request for it though.

5. (New) VAD or Voters' Assistance Desk is now visible. 😝😝😝🤪 And now, they're all organized. Copies of the Voters List and Cluster Precinct are posted in the GYM area too!

6. (New) And lastly, first time to vote wearing a mask! 🤪🤪🤪🤞

Well, those are just my newest observations in this Election 2022 amidst pandemic. As this will be one of many other instances where you go out and exercise your rights as a Filipino.

We've been filling up with virtual happy hours looking at our gadgets, and some people are starting to feel exhausted. And for two years living in a life as an introvert — the disaster preppers of a new, ravage social lives.

PUERTO PRINCESA: A Paradise Regained

People are coping with the pandemic and by following safety protocols firmly enforced, Puerto Princesa is poised to again welcome tourists with open arms. In recent years, the highly urbanized city and tourist haven has been paralyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic, then pummeled by Typhoon Odette. But it is now on the road to recovery---as spectacularly as its scenic, romantic and gastronomic attractions.

“The tourism industry is the lifeblood of Puerto Princesa, along with agriculture. Almost 15,000 people directly or indirectly benefit from tourism. In varying degrees, most of the recent construction and development projects are related to tourism: hotel-building, parks, cruise-ship ports, street lights, roads and many more. Unfortunately, some of these have been on hold since the onset of the pandemic,” discloses Demetrio “Toto” Alvior Jr., the city tourism officer.

The Royal Connection

Puerto Princesa, the capital of postcard-perfect Palawan, sprawls across 253,982 hectares of captivating coastlines stretched over 106 kilometers. Due to its strategic geographical location, it has sufficient depth to allow ships of all sizes to anchor, earning a reputation as a “Princess of Ports,” or in Spanish, “Puerto Princesa.”

There’s no contention that Puerto Princesa is one of the country’s greatest pleasures. A holiday destination universally beloved by travelers, beach-combers and trekkers; a bustling business center with a rural allure; a provincial vibe with modern amenities; and a clean and green city recognized for its lush forests, fresh air and frontier character.

Rising Above Covid-19

The city of Puerto Princesa has been struggling to get to its feet since the outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020. The lack of tourists, which is the main industry, has forced hundreds of tourism-related businesses to close, leaving thousands of tourism workers unemployed.

“The public-health crisis forced them to find alternative sources of income, which was made more difficult because of the restrictions of movement due to several lockdowns,” Mr. Alvior reveals. “One factor of low tourist arrivals is the fluctuating number of Covid cases, which in turn affects the determination of quarantine requirements and national government intervention policies.”

Today, Puerto Princesa is experiencing record lows in terms of economic losses, losing around P5 billion a year for the past two years from potential tourist receipts.

“The City Tourism Department has been strengthening its social media campaigns to encourage local tourists to visit local attractions, in a bid to boost much-needed revenues to the ailing tourism sector,” a cautiously optimistic Mr. Alvior says. “We have one important wish in the City Tourism Department, and that is to prioritize the aids for the Typhoon Odette-affected tourism industry here.”

The goal is to regain the city’s glory as an eco-tourism capital. “Our 2022 goals are full restoration of all the tourist attractions affected by Typhoon Odette such as the completion of the construction of the cruise-ship port and other man-made tourist attractions. There will be wide, extensive and aggressive promotions of Puerto Princesa to the local and international market.”

The Last Frontier

Puerto Princesa has a plethora of tourist spots. But many tourists who visit the city put the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the New7Wonders of Nature, on top of their list. As the jump-off point for exploring the world-famous Tubbataha Reef, the city also hosts a fair share of adventurers.

“Since the Covid-19 outbreak, we have never ceased to hope that the future will be better. This year 2022 is no different. And while what we want is a full recovery, we cannot afford to be careless when taking big steps. As we begin to truly understand the gravity of the situation, we also come to realize that our moves must be consistent with the bigger picture such as the national situation,” Mr. Alvior says.

Since February 10, the city has been happily welcoming more visitors once again, hoping that the arrival numbers will soon be back to pre-pandemic levels. In this initiative, the tourism department shares the privilege on with the private sector.

“While the government is the administrator of the State, the private sector is the bloodline. The government and the private sector are two inseparable factors for Puerto Princesa to prosper, and most importantly, to recover,” Mr. Alvior says. “The key to recovery is to enable and support the private sector to keep or resume their business operations. When it comes to the city’s biggest partners, apart from government agencies, it is the collective impact of small-business operations.”

Puerto Princesa may be “The Last Frontier,” but the City Tourism Department is confident that it will always be the first choice of every traveler.

###

But as people began to adjust now, they started to find ways to bring back their social lives. Visiting places is no longer a hindrance now, by following safety protocols, like social distancing and washing hands — this pandemic is upending!

Recreating what we lost for two years, the result of a bizarre feeling of distancing our social lifestyles overwhelmed despite the fact that we can now unwind and relax, a fun that we lost, but now regained at last!

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