Why I love Cibo Delivery

WHY I LOVE CIBO DELIVERY

I am taking time out from my hectic holiday schedule to commend Cibo delivery for a superb performance especially during the peak holiday season. Not all restaurants can claim to be as consistent in the quality of food they serve especially during the peak holiday season, when demand for their food is at the highest. I've been a customer of Cibo delivery the past 2 years and have ordered pasta from them frequently, both during peak and non-peak seasons.  The quality of their pasta, both in flavour and the texture of the noodles has consistently been excellent, whether or not demand is high, unlike in some restaurants where quality goes down when customer demand goes up. And the other amazing thing is that even though there's a time gap between food being cooked, delivered then eaten, the quality of food stays the same. How? They are thoughtful enough to pack additional sauce and pasta water to the pasta you order to anticipate the possibility of the pasta absorbing all the sauce and drying it up.

This is why they are my go-to food delivery during peak season important occasions like Christmas day and New Year's day because they are extremely reliable.

To recap, this has been my experience with Cibo delivery :

1. The quality of their pasta is consistently excellent despite heavy demand.

2. They are open and deliver during Christmas day and New Year's day.

3. It's easy to order online and pay at their site.

4. Orders are confirmed via call to make sure they get your orders accurately.

5. They have their own delivery service so you don't need to look for a rider during the peak holiday season.

6. They text you when the rider is out for delivery to assure you it will arrive on time. 

7. The food you order arrives on time.

Take note that the branch assigned to service my location is Cibo Eastwood.

I usually order Farfalle ala Genovese, Penne al Telefono and Linguine alla Ghiotta and Tagliata di Manzo

To order: https://cibo.ph/delivery/

Farfalle ala Genovese

Linguine alla Ghiotta

Penne al Telefono

Tagliata di Manzo

How to test if your Alipay works in China

HOW TO TEST IF YOUR ALIPAY WORKS IN CHINA 

For first-time users of Alipay, the greatest fear is for Alipay not to work when you're already in China. So before you start your trip, you can test it out by scanning the qr code of this charity. For a very minimal amount, you'll get a confirmation of whether or not your Alipay works.

A Heart for China:  https://aheartforchina.com/pages/blog/193-blog-4?fbclid=IwAR16FBOZXjZiUnnPMMXMXGUTHGMwoTBx15_NwIcKdO91XqpNn1HFqhFN04k

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Why ALIPAY is the most important app to have when travelling around China and How to Use It.

Why ALIPAY is the most important app to have when travelling around China and How to Use It. 

90% of China is said to be cashless. Even beggars in China are cashless. They display signs with their qr code and ask people to scan it and make donations. Under the law merchants are prohibited from refusing cash payments, but sometimes they don't have change so if they accept it, be prepared that they might not have change. Foreign credit cards are also not widely accepted so you need to ask before making a purchase or eating in a restaurants whether or not they will accept your mode of payment. That's why I made sure I downloaded the Alipay app before arriving in China. Alipay is widely accepted in China and easier to use than Wechat. I attempted to use wechat, but before I get to actually use it, my account was blocked for reasons i cannot understand. 

That being said, I would say ALIPAY ROCKS! I used the app in China for everything: for my store purchases, for my metro rides and for my taxi rides. You can also buy China train tickets, attraction admission tickets and tours in the app because trip.com is incorporated in the app. It was seamless. All you need is a good mobile data connection. I discussed how to get it in my previous post. Check it out HERE

HOW TO USE THE APP:

1. First you download it to your phone through the app store. 

2. You can sign up using your foreign mobile number or your email address.

3. Make sure your app is switched to the International version so it's all in English. It looks like this. 

If its all in Chinese, it means the app is in the Standard version. So go to Settings and click Switch version then put a check mark on the International Version. See below

4. Then add your foreign credit card. 

Click Account then Bank card then add your foreign credit card.

These are the cards accepted at Alipay:

Once you're able to add your card, you can already use the app. 

WHERE TO USE THE APP:

Refer to this dashboard

1. To pay for goods in 2 ways

A. By clicking SCAN to scan the merchant's QR code, to make payment. It will ask your payment password before executing payment. 

OR

B. By clicking PAY/RECEIVE so you can generate a QR code that the merchant will scan. It will also ask for your payment password before executing payment. The QR code generated is for one-time use. You need to generate a new one for a subsequent purchase. 

You can use this second mode of payment if the merchant has a device that can scan your qr code. In smaller shops, they don't have a device so they just display their store qr code for you to scan

MY TIP: 

a. Call the bank that issued your credit card that you added to the app to inform them of the dates that you'll be in China to make sure they don't treat it as an unusual charge and suspend the use of the card. 

b. Activate the roaming signal of the sim card linked to the added credit card and bring it with you just in case your bank sends a message asking for confirmation of transaction. 

c. Add at least 2 credit cards to the app to serve as backup in case the other one suffers a glitch. 

2. To pay for metro rides

With the app, you no longer need a metro card. In fact, it's hard to get a metro card anymore because they're phasing it out. 

To use it, set the city where you're using it. In the example above, I set it to Shanghai. Then click transport to retrieve the qr code of your transport card. Display it on your phone then scan it on the turnstile of the metro station for the barrier to open. You can also retrieve another qr code if you want to take the bus. You need separate qr codes for the bus and metro.

 

3. To get a taxi

Click Didi and it works just like Grab or Uber. 

OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH THE APP

Get China train tickets, book tours and admission tickets. To be able to use this, you need to verify your account in the app. This means you need to submit your passport information because your passport will be your ticket to the train and admission to sites. They do not ask for a physical ticket at the entrance of the train station to allow entry. They ask for your passport. 

YOU CAN TEST IF YOUR ALIPAY WORKS BY SCANNING THE QR CODE FOR THIS CHARITY: https://aheartforchina.com/pages/blog/193-blog-4?fbclid=IwAR16FBOZXjZiUnnPMMXMXGUTHGMwoTBx15_NwIcKdO91XqpNn1HFqhFN04k

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How to Have Internet Access in China and Where to Buy SIM card for China

HOW TO HAVE INTERNET ACCESS IN CHINA AND WHERE TO BUY A SIM CARD FOR CHINA

You have three (3) options:

1. Buy a vpn ready sim card at Lazada before your trip. 

Why do you need a VPN ready SIM card?

In China, you cannot access non-Chinese apps like Google, Facebook or Instagram, if you do not have a vpn ready sim card. You need to separately install a vpn to do so. 

I got my sim card from Happy Telecom here: https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.RessQ  It uses China unicorn as the provider. The regular price is 660 pesos for 8 gb good for 15 days. I was able to get a discounted price during the lazada sale at only 420 pesos. They delivered it to my home before I left for my trip so I was ready to connect to the internet when I landed in China. 

 

My review: The sim card from happy telecom is very easy to use. You install it in the first sim card slot of your phone before you land. It receives a signal when you land at the airport and can immediately use it. I used it in Beijing and Shanghai and on the train from Beijing to Shanghai. The speed is even faster than the speed of the hotel wifi. I was also able to access all apps that I regularly use, which are non-Chinese apps. The only con is that the sim is purely data. So you cannot make local calls. If you need to make local calls with your sim, you can buy a sim card at the airport.

MY TIP: Make sure to get 1gb per day data. I noted that while browsing in China, I consumed 500-750 gb per day, browsing and uploading photos, and using alipay for my purchases, and my metro and taxi trips. So it's safe to get a 1gb per day sim for your trip. 

2. Buy a sim card at the airport. 

We landed at Beijing Capital Airport so my information is on stalls selling sim card at Beijing Capital airport. 

You can find the stall near baggage claim area. We arrived in Beijing at 12 noon. I tried to find out the stall's operating hours, but the person manning the stall couldn't understand what I was saying. You can view the rates from the photos below.

The con of buying a sim card at the airport in China is that it is not vpn ready. So you need to separately install a vpn to be able to access non-Chinese apps like Google. Note that you can only install a vpn prior to your arrival in China. 

This is at Beijing Capital airport, near baggage claim

3. Avail of the roaming offers by your telecom provider. 

This is actually the more expensive one which I do not recommend unless you do not have time to purchase a sim card. For example, Globe telecom offers 3gb for 3 days at 999 pesos, 5gb for 5 days at 1599, and 7gb at 7 days for 2199. It's 3 times the cost of a vpn ready sim I got at Lazada. The only advantage of this is the convenience of getting data by simply registering in the app. Also, by using using data roaming, you can access all your non-Chinese apps. 

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MY STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A CHINA TOURIST VISA IN MANILA

MY STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A CHINA TOURIST VISA IN MANILA

1. First, have photo taken.

- You need to have your photo taken first because you can't fill up the application form and proceed to page 2 of the online form without uploading your photo in page 1.

- The size of the photo should be 48mm x 33mm, white background, in colored shirt with collar.

- You need a soft copy for uploading to the application form and at least 2 pieces photo print to be included with your printed application form. 

- Have your photo taken at Great Image. They are very reliable in taking visa photos. 

2. Fill up the application form online at https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/qzCoCommonController.do?show&pageId=index&locale=en_US

- Fill up the application form in all capital letters. It doesn't say so at the start of the online application form but it is said in the instructions after have submitted it online.

- You can save and edit the same application for a month. But once you have submitted it online, you cannot edit the application form anymore. You need to fill up a new one.

- You cannot edit the application form once you have submitted it.

3. Book an appointment HERE after submitting the application form online. 

- You will need the application ID of the form you submitted to access the appointment calendar.

- Print the application form then sign it. 

- Print the confirmation of appointment 

4. This is the checklist of the documents you need to submit:

FOR ALL APPLICANTS

A. Current passport with 6 months validity, with at least 2 pages free

B. Old passport with other valid visa

C. Photocopy of the information/photo page of your passport 

D. Photocopy of the emergency contact page of your passport

E. Printed visa application form with signatures

F. Printed appointment confirmation page

G. 1 pc photo as stated above

H. Confirmed flight itinerary

I. Hotel booking

I. Daily schedule of activities or itinerary: flight dates, daily activities, hotel address and contact information 

FOR FIRST TIME APPLICANTS, in addition 

A. Certificate of employment (detailing salary and length of employment)

B. Bank certificate indicating account balance, date of opening and average daily balance of the past 6 months, together with receipt of payment for the certificate

C. Bank statement of the past 6 months

D. Photocopy of ITR: Form 2316

E: Other Other relevant documents proving the applicant's economic condition/ employment/study, or supporting the applicant's travel to China, or explaining the travel purpose. 

FOR THOSE WITH EXPIRED CHINESE VISA, in addition

A. Old passport with expired Chinese visa

B. Photocopy of the expired Chinese visa

5. Arrive at the Chinese embassy before 8:00 am on the date of your appointment then get a number immediately. 

Checkout my post: My experience applying for a Chinese tourist visa in Manila

- Regular processing time is 4 working days. Apply on a Monday and pick up on a Thursday.

- After submission of documents, you are given a piece of paper stating the date of claiming of your passport

6. On the date of claiming, arrive at the Embassy before 8:00 AM to get your number.

- When they call your number, pay for your visa at the cashier, then claim your passport (current and old) from another window.

Checkout my post: My experience claiming my passport with visa at the Chinese embassy

8. After claiming, check the details of your Chinese visa BEFORE LEAVING THE EMBASSY if everything is correct.

Here is the link of the the requirements from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines: http://ph.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/visas/201208/t20120814_1336195.htm

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PHILIPPINE AIRLINES: Meals on Shanghai to Manila Flights

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES:

Meals on Shanghai to Manila Flights

Shanghai to Manila, economy class. 

These are the meal choices on PR 339.

Since we left 11:00 AM, the meal served is lunch. You have a choice of chicken or fish

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PHILIPPINE AIRLINES: Meals on Manila to Beijing Flights

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES:

Meals on Manila to Beijing Flights

Manila to Beijing, economy class. 

These are the meal choices on PR 358.

Since we left at 7:00 AM, the meal served is breakfast. You have a choice of chicken or beef.

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PRICE OF CHOOSING SEATS ON ECONOMY CLASS PHILIPPINE AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

PRICE OF CHOOSING SEATS 

ON ECONOMY CLASS

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

After booking your flight, you can choose your seats on economy class PAL international flights. Here are the prices for the MNL- BEIJING/SHANGHAI-MNL flights

Window seat: FREE, unless it's an exit row seat

Middle seat: FREE, unless it's an exit row seat

Aisle seat: 568 php or 10 usd, unless it's an exit row seat

Exit row seat: 2839 php or 50 usd, window, middle or aisle

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My experience claiming my passport with visa at the Chinese embassy in Manila

MY EXPERIENCE CLAIMING MY PASSPORT WITH VISA AT THE CHINESE EMBASSY IN MANILA

I arrived at 8:05 AM and there's already a line at the embassy for people waiting to get in. Office hours at the visa office of the embassy is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM but they open the embassy at 8:00 AM and let people in to get their number. The number I got is 41.

My number was called out on the display on top of the cashier and I paid the visa fee before claiming my passport on another counter. I finished at 9:45 AM. 

MY TIP: Bring cash and the exact amount to pay for the visa. They only accept cash. The visa you applied for is the amount you need to pay before the passport is released to you. Whether or not the visa is issued, you need to pay a visa fee before claiming your passport.

WHERE TO PARK: There's a parking lot across the building where the embassy is located. 2 hours parking cost 90 pesos.

MANILA: What We Order at Gloriamaris Greenhills Chinese Restaurant

MANILA: What We Order at Gloriamaris Greenhills Chinese Restaurant

Gloriamaris Greenhills Chinese restaurant is famous for serving high quality Chinese food. Sharing with you below what we usually order. 

My tip:

1. Reserve early if you want to avail of a function room for a party of 12. A function room has a minimum consumable of 19,000 pesos. 

2. Try to avoid going there on payday weekend. It's very difficult to park. The restaurant parking is full and nearby mall parking areas are also full.

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My Experience Applying for a Tourist Visa at the Chinese Embassy in Manila

MY EXPERIENCE APPLYING FOR A TOURIST VISA AT THE CHINESE EMBASSY IN MANILA 

ON GETTING AN APPOINTMENT 

You can book an appointment HERE. From my experience, the earliest available appointment slot for submitting your application for a Chinese visa at the Chinese embassy in the Philippines is ONE WEEK from the time you open a request for booking. Other people experienced a longer wait time for availability of slots. That's why most travel agencies recommend that you submit to them all documents at least 3 weeks from the intended travel date to give them time to get an appointment. So plan your trips accordingly with this in mind.

Appointment calendar

There are 2 time slots: 

9:00 AM, 10:00 AM

Other things to note:

1. You can't request for an appointment without submitting a completed application online. Only then can you use your application ID to open a request for booking.

2. The feedback on the timetable for approval is 4 working days. This means that if you submit your application form at the Chinese embassy on a Tuesday, you can already pick it up on a Friday. But take note on holidays in China thay

3. The Chinese embassy in the Philippines is still not collecting fingerprints from applicants of a tourist visa. This means you can have a representative submit your application and pick up your passport afterwards.

ON SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION AT THE EMBASSY 

I arrived at 9:40 AM for my 10:00 am appointment at the 2nd floor of the World Centre in Makati, where the Chinese Embassy is located. Immediately upon entering the embassy, I got a number from the lady manning the reception at the right side of the entrance. I was no. 114. I was told to wait for my number to be called by watching out for the numbers displayed on 3 counters in front, dedicated to receiving the documents. Each counter received documents 5 people at a time. You line up when you see your number displayed on the window. When I arrived, numbers 21-25, 41-45, 46-50 was displayed. Apparently, one counter receiving the documents ask a lot of questions so the line moved slower than usual on that counter. 

There are about 8 rows of seats with 20 seats per row in the waiting area. And they are all full, with some people still standing. It took me 2 hours of waiting until it was my turn. Receiving my documents took only two minutes. The person receiving got my current passport and 2 old passports, 1 photo, all the documents attached like flight booking, hotel confirmation, itinerary, certificate of employment, bank certificate, bank statements and stapled them together. Then I was issued a pink slip stating when I can pick up the passports.

WHERE TO PARK : There's a small parking lot across the World Centre building. If it's full, another option is to park at SM Jazz mall at Nicanor Garcia and then walk to the building.

LOCATION:

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