BDO debit cards, are they secure?

While debit cards offer some convenience, some debit cards, like BDO's, doesn't feel secure. Debit cards from other banks, specifically Metrobank, requires a PIN code before any transaction can be processed. BDO does not require PIN codes.

If somebody was able to pick-up a BDO debit card that was accidentally dropped, he/she can use it instantly to make purchases. He/she will not be required to present any valid ID nor to key in any PIN. Although one can block a lost card from making any transactions, it might be too late. The card may already be used even before the owner realized it was lost.

Debit cards also doesn't have the perks of cash purchase discounts especially if you're buying expensive appliances. That is why I rarely use my BDO debit card.

World Balance EasySoft Waterproof Office/School Shoes

As early 2013, the EasySoft shoes have been available locally but it was only this month that the brand caught my attention. I may have came across them before, but the style options were initially limited (mostly loafers) and not my type.

I came across the shoes in the suggested items from the Lazada app. The low price of P399.75 for a decent looking pair of office/school shoes intrigued me. While there was no mention of any leather material (genuine or synthetic), it's hard not to expect from the pictures. The ad indicated that the shoes are made from Vicrotech, but what is it? Why is it so inexpensive?

After a few searches on Google, I found out that it's not made from the usual shoe materials and does not undergo the normal shoe manufacturing process. There is no leather, wood, cloth or the likes. There was no need to hammer, dye or sew. They have made the manufacturing as simple as injecting the VicroTech into a mold, let it harden and remove it from the mold. That means the upper and the sole are made from the same continuous material. It's similar to the process of making plastic toys, like doll shoes. That explains the cost. The insole is separate, though. Some styles have shoe laces that also has to be attached manually. 

Despite the material and manufacturing process, the shoe doesn't look like a toy. It looks like a leather shoe. It doesn't feel like one, though. It feels like silicon or rubber. If worn with appropriate socks, the shoes feels comfortable. The flexible Vicrotech bends with the foot. The manufacturer also claims some shock absorbing properties of the shoe. The best part is it is waterproof.

EasySoft Rome model

While the ingenious shoe manufacturing process allows the price to be lowered, the injection molding process leaves unwanted witness marks on some models. Models with more fake stitches are usually free from these marks. Despite the marks, I still bought the Rome model as the marks are negligible. The sole is thin compared to the heel, thinner than rubber slippers. This makes it uncomfortable when walking on rocky surface. The wearer will feel the rocky surface he/she will step on. I believe that we can still criticize the things we support.

Although I saw the shoes at Lazada, I opted to buy from a physical store to get the right fit. I'm satisfied with this shoe. I will probably buy again if I find a style to my liking.


UPDATE AFTER 1 YEAR AND 1 MONTH:

The left shoe developed a tear as shown in the picture below. I used this pair for about 3 times a week and I'm satisfied with the durability knowing the price. I decided to buy another pair of the same model. The price has increased to PhP499.75. That's a 100 pesos (or 25%) increase in 1 year!

A Commuter's View on the Jeepney Phaseout

While I believe that there are many problematic jeeps and jeepney drivers on the road, I don't think that the phaseout of the jeepney is a good solution to our transportation problem.  I do think that we could benefit from the use of modern, safer and more efficient public transportation like the proposed modern jeeps, but I also believe that they can co-exist with the older jeeps. I'm in favor of change and modernization but not the kind that commands something to stop existing, like the plan to phase out the old jeeps.

If the modern jeeps are indeed better, the consumer will support it instead of the older jeeps leading to the extinction of the old jeeps. There is no need to enforce a phaseout. Imposing the phaseout leaves the commuting public with less choice. I value my freedom of choice. The consumer should be given the choice between both jeeps.

#TransportStrike #NoToJeepneyPhaseout