Mickey's Delicatessen at Jupiter Makati Closed Down

We've always loved eating at Mickey's Delicatessen.  They have the serve the best sausages.  So when we saw Mickey's Delicatessen being offered at Cashcashpinoy.com at 50% off, we immediately bought one. The expiration date was even until Aug 31, 2011.

I've always been cautious when availing coupon deals.  When I purchased the deal I thought it was one of the best ones I could have availed off.  It was a well-known establishment.  But when we went there last June, we were surprised that it was closed down already.  We asked its neighboring establishment and they told us they were all surprised too.  One day, all the employees just never showed.  It never opened again.  Funny, because last food expo at the World Trade Center, they were was of the food concessionaires and we even bought their sausages.  We didn't buy a lot because we were hoping to purchase via coupon.  We didn't expect that to be our last batch of sausages from Mickey's. =(

I was so disappointed that I emailed Cashcashpinoy.com about it.  I received a reply from Catherine of Cashcashpinoy.com stating that they too were not aware of it and offered a refund wherein the processing will be 30 to 45 days.  I agreed since the coupon was worthless to me already.  I admire Cashcashpinoy.com's honesty because they investigated on the matter and later on emailed me to confirm that Mickey's Delicatessen has closed down.  After giving them my refund details, the money was refunded to my account within the period promised.


      I learned two things about this:

1. A coupon purchase being an advance payment transaction is risky despite precautions
2. For my future transactions, it is better purchase from responsible Coupon Deal sites like Cashcashpinoy.com because imagine if my money was not refunded then my money would've gone down the drain 

What do you think?  

50% OFF All-Day Pass to any Global Gutz Paintball Park w/ Full Gear

I recall trying out paintball at Global Gutz a few years back with my cousins and siblings.   In case, your missing some paintball action, you can purchase the 50% OFF All-Day Pass to any Global Gutz Paintball Park w/ Full Gear.  It's now only 250 php instead of the regular rate of 500 php.

     Click here to purchase deal

        Highlights

• Play with your friends at  5 different locations: Philippine Army Gymnasium at the Fort, Global Gutz Paintball Field at CCP Complex, "The Jungle" @ La Mesa Ecopark in QC, Clarky Adventure Park at Holiday Inn (Clark) and at Splash Island
• Full gear and equipment included: Mask, Vest, Gun, CO2 refill and 50 bullets (good for several games)
• Experience tactical teamplay and endurance
• Gather your friends/family/colleagues and enjoy a very thrilling day
• Pure excitement, fun and action!

The fine print

• Redemption period: July 1 until Aug. 1, 2011
• Additional paintballs for just P2,50 each
• Please call for reservations with your MetroDeal voucher
• Price is Net (includes VAT)
• Voucher is transferable and can be given as gift to family and friends
• Buy as many vouchers as you want

Here are my tips for you:

1. Don't play during/after the rain unless you want to enjoy the mud and have fog on your googles
2. Conserve your ammo and take aim before you shoot (like real war bullets are scarce and expensive!)
3. The more the merrier so invite more friends
4. Protect you hand and elbow, its a pain to get hit there!
5. Wear long sleeves and maong pants because you have no protection at the lower part of your body
6. Expect bruises

Group buying, Collective buying and Coupon deals Ultimate Guide

Group buying, collective buying and coupon deals websites have boomed after it was pioneered by Groupon.  Here are some tips to aid you in choosing the right deals for you.

List of Group buying, collective buying and coupon deals sites in the Philippines:

 

                                                       

Add me as a friend bliss_stacy888(at)yahoo.com

Note: Malware warning when using Chrome

How to evaluate coupon deals:

1. Know the product being sold and the establishment offering them - Coupon Deals can be good or bad so its better to check as much as you can

• This is very important!  Let me share our previous experience: (will add more as time passes)


• Mingoy's Restaurante from Cash Cash Pinoy (see separate entry)


• Mickey's Delicatessen (closed down issue) from Cash Cash Pinoy (see separate entry)


• Some items are being sold at a minimum of 50% off may be enticing but do check if the discount is really seasonal.  Like a nearby salon that has been handing out a 50% off promo for the past 6 months!


• Check the industry standard for the price.  For example a nail spa may normally cost 200 php.  When you see a deal at 80% off but amounting to 500 php then you're not saving but instead you're spending more.  Unless you really know or prefer that brand, better do more research first if its worth it.

     2.  Check its claiming policy.

• It might provide for a specific date or time which you are not able to meet. 


• It might exclude items you want to purchase.

      3.  Only go for verified coupon sites.  Regardless whether the deal is tempting.

      4.  Take note of the whether the quantity is limited and if not the time left to purchase so that
           you know how much time you have to consider the deal.

           NOTE: Most sites update every midnight but special deals may pop out any time of the
                       day.  Some sites do not offer their deals daily.

      5. Check the payment method to see if you are able to choose any of them.

How to interpret Coupon Deals

1. Check how many purchased to know if the product is good or bad, popular or unpopular and woth it or not.

Use consolidating sites if your out of time like:

http://kuripons.com/metro-manila/
http://www.dealies.ph/group-buying/
http://www.alldealsasia.com/deals/philippines - Shows how many have purchased
http://frugalpanda.ph/ - Great Categories
http://ph-deals.com/


*There are also updates in marketing sites like: 
http://everythinginbudget.blogspot.com

NOTE: may be:

• Incomplete


• Delayed

Try to purchase in local currency to avoid foreign exchange rate losses because foreign exchange rates are usually understated.  

• For example: Although I can avail of 7% discount on my purchase by using my virtual card, I may lose more because of the low foreign exchange rate.  Try and compare each time and see which is the better option.  Problem is you may not know what the rate of exchange the banks will use during the time of purchase.

Keep track of all your coupon purchases to ensure all are claimed before expiry.


To earn more credits, most coupon sites give incentives when you refer a friend.


If you think you cannot claim your coupon, you can still sell them here:
http://www.facebook.com/couponsexchangephil

50% OFF at Sofitel's Heavenly Spiral Buffet!

In case you missed out on all the previous Spiral offers or fave a craving for the best buffet in the Philippines, then this is your chance to purchase.  Note that it is stated to be of limited quality.  Good Luck!

Click Here to Purchase Deal

Highlights

• The Heavenly Sofitel's Spiral Buffet is one of the most fashionable eatery in Manila!
• Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, European,Middle Eastern, as well as Pinoy favorites… Enjoy international cuisine prepared by world-class chefs.
• Your voucher is valid every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday, for Lunch and Dinner!
• Exceptional ambient interior design and lighting.
• The Top-notch service of a courteous and attentive staff from a worldwide famous palace.
• Use as many vouchers as you want!

We're bringing back one of our instant hit promos: An eat-all-you-can lunch or dinner buffet for only P1160 at the Hotel Sofitel Manila's posh Spiral Restaurant!

If you availed this promo the first time around, then you know how fantastic the dining experience at Spiral is! If this is all new to you, let's hope this clues you in: Multiple buffet stations each one serving a variety of dishes from around the globe! We're talking heaping selections of Mediterranean, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, American, Italian, and Indian food!

Start off with appetizers like fresh dimsum and/or Chinese noodle soups from the Chinese food station, then move on to the do-it-your-own salads at the Mediterranean station. You can also take a sampling of various cheeses and pair them with a good glass of wine. As for dessert, their freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies oozing with warm melted chocolate goes really well with Spiral's chocolate ice cream or do-it-yourself halo-halo.

In terms of ambience, a bedazzling industrial artwork greets you as you descend down the main spiral staircase to the restaurant below. The interior lighting itself is very soft, warm and calming.

Take this can't-miss culinary journey around the world courtesy of this ultra-exclusive CashCashPinoy

My dilemna on which Sandy's Pizza Deal to Pick: 50% vs. 45% off

There are two Sandy's Pizza deal both with different combos.  Can't decide on which to pick...  Let me show my rationalization.

Deal 1: 50% Off: P465 instead of P935 for 14 Inch Supersize Pizza, Large Pasta and Mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Wings from Sandy's Pizza

click logo to go to deal                             

Highlights

• Delicious hand-tossed pizzas
• Unique menu offering a wide range of Italian and American choices
• Relaxing atmosphere inside of the restaurant
• With this special treat package good for 6 people you will enjoy any 14" supersize pizza, large pasta and buffalo chicken wings  for P465 instead of P935
• This feast combo will ensure that your stomach‘s satisfied baritone grumblings will harmonize with your palate’s angelic falsetto

The fine print

• Voucher validity: June 11, 2011 until Dec. 11, 2011
• Valid for all 3 branches (Makati, QC, San Juan)
• Valid for dine-in, take-out and deliver (for delivery, additional charge of P99 applies)
• Price is Net (includes service charge and VAT)
• Voucher is transferable and can be given as gift to family and friends
• Buy as many vouchers as you want

Deal 2: Up to 45% OFF! Only P450 For Any 18-inch Pizza + some delicious Buffalo Chicken Wings at Sandy’s Pizza! Choose among 3 locations!

click logo to go to deal

Highlights

• Enjoy some Homemade Real New York-Style Thin Crust Pizza.
• Choose among 16 awesome flavors, including some unique Filipino-inspired selections.
• You've got 3 delicious flavors of chicken wings to choose from.
• You can choose for dine-in or take out. Option for delivery.
• Pick up any of the 3 perfect locations : Katipunan, San Juan or Makati.

The Deal's Terms

• Valid from June 24 to September 30, 2011.
• Add P99 for delivery.
• Call in advance for multiple orders.
• Maximum of 3 vouchers per transaction per person.
• Not valid with other offers.
• See universal fine print.

Both deals are:

• Valid for 3 locations

Makati Branch:

Riverfront Building JP Rizal cor. Villena St. (Behind Rockwell), Makati

QC Branch:

154 Katipunan Ave. (Hernandez Bldg.), White Plains, Quezon City

San Juan Branch:

683 J. Abad Santos St., Little Baguio, San Juan

General phone line:

(02) 721-8334 / (02) 721-8329

• Allows delivery but with 99 php charge

Value:

• Deal 1: 14" supersize pizza (480 php 1 flavor/520 php if sampler), large pasta (195 php) and buffalo chicken wings (220 php) = up to 50% off at 465 php
• Deal 2: 18" pizza (590 php 1 flavor/645 php if sampler) + buffalo wings (220 php) = up to 45% at 450 php

        Both deals look good.

• If you love pizza you won't mind the 5% discount difference right?  
• If you love pasta then you should choose the one with the pasta and have 5% more discount than the other deal.  

       So the question is to pick or not to pick the pasta?=)

Ensogo's Flashback Deal P295 for Dinner Eat-All-You Can at Matsuri (valued at P595)

Just weeks ago, I wrote about our dining experience at Matsuri.  (see separate entry)  We were among the last to purchase since that deal was quickly out of stock.  If you are one of those who missed the chance, this is a good news because it is back!  Note though it is on limited amount again so don't let the long duration fool you.  Click the link below if you want to grab the deal.  Share your experience with us too.=)


Flashback Deal: Only P295 for Dinner Eat-All-You Can Japanese Cuisine at the oriental Matsuri (valued at P595) 

  

In Detail:

• Promo valid for Dinner “Order All You Can, Eat All You Can” (Choice of over 60 Japanese Dishes)
• Excluding Drinks
• No Leftover. For Leftover Add P250
• Not valid for Ala Carte Menu
• Same price for children
• Dinner Hours: 6 pm to 10 pm
• Voucher is valid for 3 months, from June 4, 2011 to September 4, 2011.
• Purchase limited to 5 vouchers per person. May give vouchers as gifts.
• Vouchers may be combined for group use.
• Price is Net (includes service charge and VAT).
• No cash back or credit for any unused amount.
• Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with Senior citizen card, other discount cards or promotion.
• Orders in excess of the promo shall be paid directly to the restaurant.
• Not valid for use on June 17-20, special occasions and holidays.
• Please reserve at least one day ahead.
• Reservation: (02) 3766351
• Ensogo processes over the counter bank payments on a first come first serve basis based on when we receive your deposit slip

Highlights:

• It is now Eat All You Can at Matsuri!
• The expert in Japanese specialties.
• The mastery of Japanese cuisine.
• A vast selection of Japanese favorites like – tempura, kamameshi rice, sukiyaki, matsuri steak, tempura, tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi and more!
• Sensational sushi bar line up of salmon, maguro, tuna, kani, uni, tamago and a variety of makimono.
• Zen-inspired and stylishly spare interiors, natural-tones and floor-to-ceiling windows give the impression of a starkly modern restaurant.
• Gives the public a fresh and healthy dining option with flavors that are spot-on Japanese.


Update: Sold out already


Matsuri
233 Tomas Morato cor. E. Lopez Jr., Quezon City    
(02) 376-6351    

Battle of the Splash Island deals: Which deal suits you more?

After being closed for quite some time, Splash Island recently opened with new attractions.    

Zipline

Splash Trax

Kayak

Wall Climbing

Waterball

For those who are intending to go like us, there are 2 good deals you can choose from if you decide to visit Splash Island this summer.

Company: Splash Island

Address: Southwoods Ecocentrum Binan 4024 Laguna

How To Get There

Option 1: CHER, JAM, PACITA LINER, DELA ROSA BUS LINE (along EDSA) with sign board San Pedro / Pacita Complex.Alight at Jollibee Pacita, then take tricycle going to Splash Island.

Option 2: CHER BUS LINE (Park & Square Terminal Lawton) With sign board Pacita Southwoods.
Alight at Sto. Nino Church, then take tricycle going to Splash Island.

Option 3: Jeepney going to Binan (Starmall Alabang)
Go down to Tubigan, ride a pedicab going to Brgy. Soro Soro. From Brgy. SoroSoro, Splash Island is walking distance.

Option 4: With vehicle: Take southwoods exit and follow the map below.

Coupon Deal 1:  

P500 instead of P1000 for 2 entrance tickets + half off on wall climbing, zip line and mini golf + 20% off on photo booth at Splash Island

Coupon offer is until: April 20, 2011

Voucher Validity Period: until May 12, 2011 Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm (except during holidays)

Terms:

• Groupon is good for 2 people
• Children below 3 feet tall may get in for free
• Groupon Valid from Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm (except during holidays)
• For inquiries and reservations. call +632.382.4711 one or two days in advance

Highlights:

• Half off on activites like zipline (P300), wall climbing (P150), or mini-golf (P200)
• Free hotdogs for kids under 4 feet tall
• Biggest water park in Metro Manila
• Free use on all water rides - 12 giant rides, lazy river, shower pool and daytime disco
• Free inflatable rental

Deal Description: 

Splash Island is an aqueous playland that encourages guests to cascade down the Big Bam Boo or Magellan's Drop, frolic in the frothy spumes of the Agos Grandes, take a tumble with friends through the  Rio Montañosa, squeal through the twists and turns of The Dos Supremos, King Pilipit and The Twisted Palms, and lounge in a rubber donut through the lazy Bannakita or Balsa rivers.

Other attractions include the Water Wahoo, the random inflatables strewn around the pool areas, and a slew of shade sustaining cabanas at Isla Pawikan. While adults get their gills wet at the water park, have the children dry off while playing in the Boon Docks, Camp Carambola or get very knotty at Twin Coco Knots. Push your little one out to sea with the Curl-of-the-Orient to experience how loopy and hoopy the real world can be, or anchor yourself for a lot of spiking a volleying with resident sand witches at The Harbor. For the water monkeys who would want to expreience a state of dryness, they can try out Splash Island's non-aquatic attractions, like the zipline (P300), wall climbing (P150), or mini-golf (P200).

Rack up a pirate's appetite and celebrate good food at the Fiesta Sa Pulo, where children under 4 feet tall can commandeer the hotdogs they find hidden in treasure chests and under plant pots. Before heading back home, drop a few Galleons by dropping by the Gift Galleon and purchase souvenirs for their relatives who couldn't make it to join in the fun, and take pictures at the resident photobooth to commemorate the water-fledged experience.

Where to purchase the deal:  

Remarks: Can be used only from Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm (except during holidays). This deal is good for 2 persons (P250/person).  You can save up to 50% on each attraction.  If you decide to try out all 3 attractions, you can save up to P325/person.  If by chance you have a kid under 4 feet tall, you also get free hotdogs.

Coupon Deal 2:  

P660 Boracay night party entrance, dinner and use of other attractions at Spalsh Island (Save 990)

Coupon offer is until: May 12, 2011

Voucher Validity Period: valid on FRIDAYS ONLY from April 29- June 3, 2011  from  1 pm- 12 mn 

Terms:

• Will accept unlimited number of e-vouchers
• Price is inclusive of VAT and Service Charge
• E-vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with any discount card or promotion
• Need to present the printed e-voucher and VALID ID during redemption
• For inquiries, please call (02) 727-5325; 577-0189; 577-3353 or text 09175804728; 09175804478
• Not valid with other offers.

Highlights:

• All-Day Pass, use of all water rides, and delicious dinner at Splash Island
• Free use of inflatable
• Use of two of any of the following attractions: Kayaking,Wall Climbing,Zip-line, and Mini Golf
• Affordable.
• Exciting activities.
• Safe getaway for the whole family.
• Perfect for company outing and team building, barkada, gimiks and birthday parties.
• Well-trained life guards on post.
• Near Metro Manila for that instant summer getaway.

Deal Description: 

Summer had arrived and there is no great way to enjoy the heat but to spend it in wet and fun adventure with your barkada. Splash in excitement with the latest DealSpot Philippines deal: P 660 instead of P 1650 for All-day unlimited pass, choice of two: kayaking, mini-golf, wall climb, zip-line, and dinner at Splash Island. Definitely a big saving for a fun weekend getaway with the whole barkada!

The water park’s layout is set up with 17 thrilling attractions that include Magellan’s Drop, which is possibly among the tallest, farthest and longest slide one could ever take in their lifetime. The Agos Grandes, a machine generated wave pool for that natural, beach-like experience. The Rio Montanosa, the park's new breathtaking mountain-high river rafting ride that surely delivers that ultimate thrill. The Big Bam Boo, a covered tunnel ride that slides straight into pure excitement. We may also try for a more relaxing feel their Balsa Ride a lazy river which drifts gently along the flowing river as a raft. You can also use for FREE the inflatables located in their pools.

For the water monkeys who would want to experience a state of dryness, they can try two of Splash Island's other attractions, like the zipline, wall climbing, mini-golf or kayaking.

Afterwhich, enjoy an awesome serving of their either pork Barbecue or Chicken Inasal, both with rice and drinks.

Later, enjoy fire dancers, live bands, and enjoy the Boracay themed luau party called “Boracay Nights", which invite you and your friends to experience night swimming at Splash Island. 

So if you’re looking for a fun summer vacation, we’ve got what you’re looking for. C’mon just click that BUY button.

Where to purchase the deal:  

Remarks: Deal can only be used during FRIDAYS ONLY from April 29- June 3, 2011  from  1 pm - 12 mn.  The deal is P660/person but this includes a free dinner, either pork Barbecue or Chicken Inasal, with rice and drinks and 2 attractions (worth up to P500)

Overall: Both deals offers almost the same amount of savings.  It just depends on your schedule, your preference for attractions and dinner.