EchoZone
SM advantage
This is approximately one-week late or later by the time this goes to print. But someone smart out there who is probably always late once said, “Better late than never.” So yes, better late than never for me to say Thank You to one of Iloilo City’s major malls – SM City and their partner supplier (?), CRISSA Jeans. Sorry. I have no business sense thus no idea really what the right word is.
At any rate, I am taking time out to say Thank You. For historic reasons too. You know those mall promos and anniversary specials with prizes? It actually works! It actually is true!
I mean, I know it is legit with regulations done by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and draws done in public view. But see, in my 40 years of existence, well not counting my ‘non-promo’ years (I think you have to be at least 18 to join? Or maybe not), I have never actually won anything. I also seemingly have the flair for giving but not receiving. You know, the bridesmaid not yet the bride luck. Or the half-empty not half-full outlook. And no worries or angst about that. I think that just secured my spot in heaven or cooler spot in hell. Whichever my wandering soul ends.
Anyway, my luck just totally changed and what better day for the news to reach me than Valentine’s Day – the Love Day. With me starting that day in the accompany of singled-reporter friends (misery loves company sort of inspiration) then back home enjoying my solitary afternoon with Nelson Demille, (while my two teen-age sons had respective dates) I got this text from Jocelyn, the CRISSA Jeans supervisor. She is, by the way, ultra customer-friendly and was really happy for me, I felt it. I was told that I won a Nokia phone for this SM City 50th anniversary and CRISSA Jeans promo. Told further to bring two valid IDs and that other half of the coupon.
So good news – I won. Then bad news – I can’t find my coupon. I broke the news – good news first then bad news second, to people I can immediately bother that time which included my fave sis-in-law, Tita Maysie, pals Jeana and Joann. I would have called my other fave sis-out-law but lost the moment and opportunity. In between shrieks, we figured out to seek lawyer friends to help me out with the missing coupon – you know, impressive lawyer’s name in the Affidavit of Loss. I also texted back Jocelyn if I can drag SM City’s Troy Camarista to vouch that I am indeed who I say I am. But lo and behold! When all hormones have settled and my better brain took over, I began to methodologically search my shoes and bag closet – Oh yes, I have one purposely for that – my only source of pride other than my two most-of-the-time wonderful teen-age sons.
And because I believe God really wanted me to trust modern-day miracles, the missing coupon showed up, not in any of my purses and wallets scattered. That teeny-tiny pink colored coupon was all along in my Kipling wallet (Original. Sorry just have to stress that, DO NOT BUY FAKE PLEASE. Mine, by the way, was a gift from my sis, Tita Beth). Which reminds me, Kipling is opening a store in SM City. Yey!
And so come Monday, I went to SM City and went through the wonderful process of claiming my new Nokia phone. Thank you to CRISSA Jeans and Jocelyn, the supervisor. Thank you to the perfect Customer Service lady of SM City – in my excitement I forgot to get her name but she was warm and efficient, with Tagalog-accent and really professional. To the SM City Management, keep her where she is. She does breathe “Customer Service” in her over-all aura. Thank you too to the ladies in the SM City back office, all three of them were just as happy for me when I claimed my phone. I tried calling Troy of SM City mall administration to share everybody’s excitement but he was out then. Busy Troy, that’s him. And we love him just that.
“No pictures, maam?,” one lady SM office staff said as she gave me my brand new phone. I know I managed to say thank you several times but did not get to answer her question.
And oh. My winning coupon? I actually have only one entry. And it was a national draw too! So, what does this winning tell me? My non-winning days are so over! Happier days are here to come! All it takes is one win to break the chain of no-win then it shall be okay onwards. It has to be.
Thank you SM. True indeed the SM Advantage. And I am a Prestige Card holder too. Who says there are no rewards in shopping?