Scam or not? Cocoplans / Prudential Life Datamex scholarship

Have you ever received a text message like this? (Exact SMS message I got)

Cocoplans Inc. Last Notification:
Good Day! We are proudly informing you that you are one of our lucky recipients who entitled to claim a PERSONAL INSURANCE, FREE SCHOLARSHIP VOUCHER and other Rewards and Privileges. Your claiming code is AT2#***### (*=Letter ; #=Number). You may claim your certificate until Jan. 23, 2010 in our Binondo Business Center. For more info pls call us today at 3096250/3096251/4890375 or this mobile#09326668880. Look for Mr. Fernan Sunga

If you have, we are not the only ones to have gotten this message. In fact, tons of other people have received this message in different variations like this next one:

"Greetings! This is Ms.Rosalie Nicol of Cocoplans Inc. We are proudly informing you that you are one of our lucky recipient who is entitled to claim a two-year DATAMEX Scholarship Certificate with a free tuition fee, personal accident insurance and other rewards and privileges. Your security claiming code is MVS-#####-***. You may claim your certificate on or before August 14,2009 in our Makati business center. For more information,you may call us at 02-8563860/02-8563871. Thank you!"
SMS from +639324237395 (Source)

or maybe this one:

Greetings! This is Maricel Alvarez of Cocoplans, Inc. We are proudly informing you that you are one of the lucky recipients who is entitled to claim a two-year DATAMEX Scholarship with a free tuition fee, personal accident insurance and other rewards and privileges. Your security claiming code is MVS-26619-CCP. You may claim your certificate on or before Sept. 1 to 3, 2009 in our Makati Business Center. For more information you may call us at 856-3169 or 356-3855. Thank you!
SMS from +639229492872 (Source)

Yet another...:

As part of Prudential Life Market Corporation Agency initiated Promotion, you just been chosen to receive free tuition fee for a two year computer course at datamex (miscellaneous and other fees not included) free insurance nd 5 coupons for our cash raffle of Php 50,000 covering the period of July to Dec 2008. Activate and claim it now at Rada branch, Makati/ For your claiming code, please call upon receipt of this message, 8129585.
(Source)

Yes, one message, different companies and tons of variations.

So first, what is this Datamex? Upon searching using Google, here are some of the information I found:

- Datamex Computer College / Datamex Computer School / Datamex Institute of Computer Technology is not registered under Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
- Datamex have 10 branches or more. Here are some: Fairview, Tacloban, Novaliches, Las Piñas, Antipolo, Meycauayan, Mandaue Cebu, Valenzuela, Taft. (For verification)
- Datamex is/must be under TESDA
- Datamex is part of a government program that aims to provide "Ladderized Curriculum". Ladderized Education is a new system of education in the Philippines that allows learners to progress between Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and College, and vice-versa. (TESDA FAQ)

Connection of Cocoplans / Prudential Life to Datamex

Upon reading almost all the possible search results, I found out that Cocoplans/ Prudential Life is using Datamex as a promotional gimmick to attract possible "policy" buyers. They are using the "Free Scholarship" as a bait to attract customers.

According to Starwin14 of TipidPC, he was one of the tele-marketers and they use the phone directory to call their prospective targets. They don't have salaries. Instead, for every person they can bring in, they get 100 Pesos (Roughly $2 USD) If they can sell that person an insurance policy, that's where the commission gets bigger.

So that's their main strategy.

Requirements to claim the "FREE" Datamex Scholarship:
1. Company ID
2. Government ID
3. Bank ID (such as visa or mastercard)

LOL. Bank ID?? haha! Something is really fishy. Why would you need a credit card este BANK ID? hmm...


They win if /You lose if:
Get you interested, make you go to their office, explain their plans / policies (full 100% attention because you are already there in person), sweet talk (maybe) you to let them swipe your card and get your free Datamex free scholarship.

They lose if/ You win if:
You get interested with the free scholarship, go to their office, let them explain their plans and policies (with your 100% decision of not buying any of their plans and policies), not to be sweet talked to swipe your card and get your free Datamex scholarship then leave.

But, how to you do the latter? Read this blog by Melbagabuya (Not a sure-fire way but it worked for her)

Warning though, there are some reports that they include the Free Datamex scholarship only when you purchase their plans/ policies. (source)

So, is the Datamex Scholarship really free with no strings attached?

Actually, it's still not entirely free. Upon enrolling, you will still be asked for 3,000 pesos (est) as miscellaneous fee. From 5,000 to 7,000 pesos misc fee PER SEMESTER according to this reply.

*some people are selling their Datamex Scholarship vouchers. Although transferable, they are of no value and is not for sale. This has already been featured in ABS-CBN's XXX.

Is the Datamex scholarship worth all the trouble?

If you have tons of time in your hands, then go. You have nothing to lose. If you are working your ass off and can't miss work even once because of a tight budget, I suggest you skip this one.

Here are some of the feedbacks of some "students"/ "datamex customers":
- Ratio of computer to student in their Imus branch = 1:10 (source)
- Computer specifications very outdated (source)
- Datamex Valenzuela Branch: No instructors and often has no classes (source)
and lots more. If you want to read the feedbacks, visit THIS WEBSITE.

Now, it's up to you if you want to avail and take advantage of the free scholarship. I'm not saying that this is a scam. What I'm sure of is, this is a marketing strategy of the said companies.

Here are some more reading materials regarding the Datamex/ Cocoplans/ Prudential life Spams:

http://imus.olx.com.ph/datamex-free-tuition-fee-in-any-computer-course-certificate-2-yr-course-iid-2205628
http://www.tipidpc.com/viewtopic.php?tid=174011
http://www.istorya.net/forums/general-discussions/218365-cocoplans-with-datamex-scholarship-scam-or-not.html
http://www.tipidpc.com/viewtopic.php?tid=123300
http://pasig.olx.com.ph/college-scholarship-for-all-iid-2079096


Feel free to share your experiences below.

Good day to all :)

Top Places in the Philippines according to Byahilo

Just recently, I won a round trip ticket to Batanes/ Boracay from a Seair contest held by Byahilo. As we all know, Byahilo is a well-known travel blogger here in the Philippines. Just this morning, I was chatting with him and decided to turn the chat session into a 1-on-1 online interview. I was fortunate enough to have been granted the opportunity since he was usually busy, well-uh, traveling.

Just a quick note. Some people get the wrong impression and think that Seair was the carrier who met 2 accidents (undershot) in Boracay. It was actually another airline carrier. So far, Seair has a good track record.

More about ‘traveling the Philippines interview’ after the break.



This coming February 2, Byahilo will be in Dumaguete and Feb 3-5 in Siquijor! The 2 provinces are just 45 minutes away from each other by ferry.

This would be his 40th province to visit in the Philippines! WOW! We have a total of around 80 provinces here in the Philippines (It was 81 before but Shariff Kabunsuan was dissolved last year). He also said that 3 out of the 5 weekends this January 2010, he is out of town.

Image from Mozcom

Byahilo's passion for travel started way back when he was still in 2nd year high school. He asked for an Iloilo trip as a birthday gift from his mom. Below are some of the questions I asked...

Top 3 must go places in the Philippines according to Byahilo:
1. Batanes
2. Iloilo City
3. Coron, Palawan

According to him, the top 3 might change a bit after his travel to El Nido. I've been fortunate enough to have stayed at El Nido's Lagen resort last 2005 and I personally think that El Nido would make it to Byahilo's top 3 list in the future. :)

Top 3 Best Beaches in the Philippines according to Byahilo:
1. Boracay
2. Coron, Palawan
3. Malamawi island, Basilan

The 3rd one must be a hidden gem! This is the first time I heard that place.

Top 3 Romantic Places here in the Philippines according to Byahilo: (Fit for the upcoming Valentines day)
1. Tagaytay City
2. Cebu City
3. Baguio City

Do check out the Tagaytay link above. Anton, founder of Our Awesome Planet made that post. It's called "Secrets of Tagaytay".

3 places that you wouldn’t actually think that you were in the Philippines according to Byahilo:
1. Batanes
2. Coron
3. Vigan

After winning that ticket to Batanes, I immediately checked some photos of it. It does look like you are in New Zealand! I love it!!! I'll be going there for sure. I just don't know when yet.

His most expensive trip was his Bacolod trips. This doesn’t mean that Bacolod is expensive. He said that it became costly because he knows the place by heart. Meaning, he knows where to eat, what to eat, where to go and what to do. But generally, Bacolod isn’t expensive. Maybe on the part 2 of this interview, I could ask him to make a 4-day itinerary for us? hehe

Cebu, on the other hand is one of the most expensive in terms of transport means. The reason behind is, he travels using cabs or taxis. According to him, the Jeepney routes there are super confusing compared to the ones in Metro Manila.

In Manila according to him, we have cubao ibabaw cubao ilalim or baclaran. In Cebu, they have 21b, 16F or 22B! Talk about numbers! They might be attempting to pattern the transport routes of Hong Kong, Shanghai or others where routes are called by numbers.

Bus in Shanghai China, number coded. I miss riding my bus route, 537.

His worst experience flying was last 2008. He was on his way to Tacloban and upon arriving at the check-in counter in NAIA, he was denied to travel and he was told that his flight was cancelled. Read more about it in his blog: http://www.byahilo.com/2008/07/01/beware-when-buying-airline-tickets-via-travel-agencies-the-ticketnpost-horror-story/

His worst experience traveling was his recent Roxas City trip just last December 2009.

We went there last december because we were supposed to visit Olotayan island. Upon arriving in the port, the coast guard discouraged us to go there because the places according to him has undeveloped and ugly. Instead of promoting the said city/province, He said, "Go to boracay or in Concepcion in iloilo. The beaches there are way better." We went to Roxas City because we were going to attend the western visayas tourism assembly.

Top 3 Must go and do in the Philippines according to Byahilo:

1. Iloilo - For the rich cultural heritage and to taste the authentic Ilonggo dishes like la paz batchoy, and pancit molo.

2. Bacolod - It's food are one of the best in the Philippines. It is a prograssive and well developed city, but at the same time, they have retained the old-world "probinsya" (province) charm. Life is still laid back despite the presence of shopping malls and Starbucks in Bacolod.

3. Dumaguete - Known as the city of Gentle People. Also known for its Boulevard and the Silliman university. Aside from that, there are a lot more things to do and explore in Dumaguete. It also has one of best tasting Sans Rival and home to the Chicken Inato (Dgte's Version of the Inasal). Apo island is a must-dive destination and the dolphin and whale watching in Bais is a must do.

With regards to Fiestas, according to him, the Dinagyang festival is the hardest one to shoot/ cover because of their very fast movements. Watch the Youtube video below:



Wait for the Part 2 interview :)

Must Read Philippine Travel Blogs:
Byahilo - Ito Ang Trip Ko!

Our Awesome Planet - Slice of Manila's Hidden Places. Food and Travel Secrets through Word-Of-Mouth. Shared through our Awesome Family Adventures.

WhenInManila - When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Manila...

Ironwulf

Just Wandering - Wandering through the Philippines, Asia and Australia!

LetsGoSago - Join Sago in his travel and food adventures!

Halalan 2010 iPhone application

I was checking the Apple App Store out when I saw this application called Halalan 2010.
I got intrigued about it and it was free of charge so, I immediately downloaded it.

Upon opening the application, a simple yet clear user interface greeted me. I registered (it won't take more than 30 seconds) and voila! I can already vote! (This is just a mock election)



To register, you need not input your name. Just your age-group, gender, country and work.


After voting, I excitedly checked out the results. As of January 19, 2010 (1:52pm Philippine time) Here are the results:




According to the creator of the application, he created it because,

I am not motivated by any party or political group. I am not affiliated with any survey organization or company. My main objective is to have an unbiased, honest and independent survey for the Philippine Elections on 2010.

Also, you can check out the live statistics on where the votes are coming from. Nice application!

To view the full statistics, http://bit.ly/5yRqte

So, are you guys ready for the upcoming 2010 elections? The main question is... would the automated elections push through..? hmm...

Bobson - Brand Reinvented

Bobson was established in 1987. It became a concessionaire of SM in 1989. Now, Bobson is one of the most promising lifestyle brands here in the Philippines.


You probably haven't noticed the changes Bobson did to their styles because of the cluttered market. Well, I will show you some of the latest designs they created and I must say that, Bobson TRULY reinvented their brand image.

Here are some of their NEW styles:








and just late last year - early this year, Bobson announced their newest line-up! They called it Series II (Series 2)

The name Series II is synonymous with Edgy, Progressive and Modern, with an emphasis on latest silhouettes, fits, and styles.

Series II is the RE-LAUNCHING of the highly successful 2005 R.E.D (Revolutionized Enhanced Denim) campaign of Bobson Denim bottoms. An innovative line that was launched onto the local jeans scene that created immediate following for its modified designs.