I’M a bit stubborn when it comes to streaming music digitally via platforms like Spotify. At my utmost organic self in this highly digital age, a downloaded track stored locally in my device is what I consider the way to go. But when it comes to shopping and paying for things, I may get used to digital wallets.
Last weekend, GCash celebrated GDay in Ayala Center Cebu. Why it wasn’t called Gdays since the promos ran from Friday to Sunday, I’ll never know. But that’s the least of my worries. The main point was that shoppers who used GCash to purchase items or avail themselves of services from over 100 participating brands in the mall were given 20 percent of their total cash payments back. This was done on a per-store, per-transaction basis, with a cap of P500 for the cash-back.
It was like a party at the mall, with a mascot dancing near the garden area on the fourth floor and music blaring over the speakers. Promo models were giving away fliers and people happily obliged, downloading the app and trying it out for themselves.
Here’s what I did with the little cash I had in my digital wallet.
Haircut. I just got back from a holiday trip hosted by ABS-CBN in Manila and decided to have my monthly haircut done. Right after the service at Bench Fix Salon, I went to the counter and asked if I could use GCash for the payment instead. Since this was fairly new techology in the locality, there was a little confusion on the part of the cashier. No worries though, as after a few minutes, the transaction went smoothly.
Vitamins. Manila weather was okay. But in Cebu, it was freezing when I arrived. (It’s real sunny right now as I’m writing this entry, so imagine our erratic weather). Given the change of temperatures, my body started to conk out. I headed on to Rose Pharmacy and bought myself a pack of Berocca. Some people swear by it. I’m a few days on it. I think I still prefer a cup of natural hot calamansi juice except that it’s much more tedious to prepare than dropping a tablet of Berocca in water.
Dessert. My brothers were in the mall so I decided to treat them to some Krispy Kreme that day—I got 20 percent of the bill back anyway. Yes, I was under the weather and could’ve done better without the sweets. But dessert is life.
Cinema. This was where the deal got sweeter. Instead of a 20 percent cash-back, I got P100 back for a ticket I bought to see “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” That means I paid P135 for the ticket instead. What did I think about the movie? I guess I’m more of a Star Trek guy.
Popcorn. What’s a movie without popcorn, right? Well, my purchasing and snacking patterns are usually influenced by budget. But with the holiday spirit around, a chance to bond with family and a 20 percent cash-back guarantee via GCash, getting some snacks for the movies wasn’t too big of a deal.
And that about wraps up my little GDay adventure.