App Review: PERA SWIPE

It has been a week since I have downloaded the latest popular app, Pera Swipe. If you have no idea what I am talking about. Pera Swipe is an efficient all-in-one lock screen platform for Filipino smartphone users where they reward users with points that can be redeemed for mobile load and other prizes. You can read more about it here.

Some may say that Pera Swipe seems too good to be true but it is actually a win-win solution for both users and advertisers. A definite innovation in digital marketing that is easy, rewarding and actually helpful.

Like last Monday, we were thinking what to buy for dinner and was having a hard time deciding. Thanks to Pera Swipe, I saw their post and we got ourselves lechon manok from Andoks. Pera Swipe shows its users relevant and useful ads. 

However the ads are not the best thing about it. Instead, the points that can be redeemed for rewards is the main reason why you should download the app. 

And there are several ways to earn points aside from swiping. Based on my experience, I was able to earn 1,200+ points in 3-days enough to get me a Php 10 prepaid load. Thus, I can say that getting rewards is very attainable. Just remember to always check the EVENTS Tab in order to participate in different promotions to earn additional points. 

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Here are some questions raised by other readers about Pera Swipe. 

1. How do they earn from it? 

This is not confirmed but I believe Pera Swipe earns through product advertisements shown through the app. 

2. Does it load up your phone with unnecessary stuff? 

The good news is it doesn't load your phone with unnecessary stuff. I did not notice any changes to the performance of my device. 

3. How long has the app been around? 

The app’s grand opening was last June 1, 2017 but it has been around a couple of months before. It is now on its version 2.0

4. Can I still use this app even if I am a postpaid user? 

Yes, definitely. Aside from prepaid load, you can also redeem Sodexo Mobile Passes that you can use for shopping and dining. 

5. How was the redemption process? 

The redemption process is easy but is on a limited schedule. Prepaid load can only be redeemed from 9AM-9PM.

Sodexo Mobile Pass are redeemed manually. You just have to fill out a google form. Redemption cut-off is every Tuesday (11:59PM) and codes will be sent by Friday. These are delivered to the mobile number and email address provided during the redemption process. 

Also, here are my other observations about Pera Swipe. 

• You need internet connection to use it. 
• It does not work on rooted devices. 

So, what are you waiting for? Download now at https://goo.gl/KnFjgL and sign-up using this referral code: mymetrolifestyle and get 500 points instantly!  

Update: You can now get 555 bonus points if you use the code: mymetrolifestyle

Do you have any questions, feel free to comment below. 

Road Trip: Bacolod to Cebu

I was so surprised to discover that traveling from Bacolod to Cebu by land is very easy. We were used to flying so, it was only last Mother's Day weekend that I decided to give it a try. 

Our route was Bacolod to San Carlos Port (by land), San Carlos to Toledo (via RORO or water taxi) and Toledo to Cebu (by land.) 

If you plan to bring your own car, the fastest route going to San Carlos Port is through the via Don Salvador Benedicto highway. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours though you might be interested in spending a few hours in the area to enjoy it. You may read about our short Don Salvador Benedicto adventure, here. 

If you plan to take the Ceres bus going to Cebu, then you have two options: 

A. Take a direct trip (BCD - Cebu) 

This means that you don't have to transfer buses and purchase your RORO ticket separately. However, travel time is longer since they take the slower RORO. Estimated travel time by direct trip is 7-8 hours. 

Here is the schedule: (subject to change without notice) 

1:30 AM

4:00 AM

6:45 AM

9:30 AM

12:00 NN

2:30 PM 

9:30 PM

Fare: Php 505.00 and if you have questions, here is the contact number of the Ceres South Bus Terminal - (034) 4329427 / 09177711212

B. Take separate trips 

1. Take the bus from Bacolod to San Carlos via Don Salvador Benedicto

Travel time is 2.5 hours

Fare: Php 144.00

They have buses leaving every few minutes.We took this option since we did not make it to the 12NN BCD-CEB direct trip. When choosing this option, inform the driver or conductor that you will be going to the pier. Once you reach San Carlos, they will be dropping you at the tricycle terminal. 

Take a tricycle going to the Port and ask the driver to drop you at the Fastcat or RORO ticketing office. Fare is only Php 20.00

2. Ride a water taxi or Fast Cat from San Carlos Port to Toledo Port

There are also several options traveling from San Carlos to Toledo. I highly suggest you take the Fast Cat. (This is not a sponsored post.) It is not your usual "fastcraft" that can only accommodate passengers but cars and motorcycles can take the Fast Cat too. It is new, clean and fast. Travel time is only 1 hour. 

Rates start at Php 150 for Economy, Php 200 for Premium Economy (Airconditioned) and Php 250 for the Business Class. I took the Business Class since it's cooler, not so crowded and it comes with a free light snack. 

Senior Citizens and children are entitled to discounts and those below 3 years old are free of charge. If you are bringing your car, an SUV/ AUV will cost you Php 1,535.00 while a sedan's rate is Php 1,139.00. 

For a complete schedule of trips, you may visit Fast Cat's website.

Also, don't forget to pay the terminal fee is Php 20.00 per passenger. 

Additional Tip: If you plan to just leave your car in San Carlos Port, the overnight parking fee is only Php 34.00. 

UPDATED on 10/28/17: Due to change in San Carlos Port's Management, overnight parking is no longer allowed. 

3. Ride a passenger van from Toledo - Cebu City

Once you reach Toledo port, take a tricycle going to the bus or v-hire terminal for Php 10.00. Since most of the buses are non-aircon, I highly suggest that you take a passenger van. Fare is only Php 100.00 per person and travel time is 1.5 hours - 2 hours only. 

Additional Tip: Mcdonalds is just walking distance from Toledo port in case you're hungry. 

If you plan your trip carefully and minimize wait time, you can reach Cebu in 6 hours. It actually has a very minimal difference if you travel by plane. Since BCD-Silay Airport takes 1 hour, the pre-departure wait time is 2 hours, flying time is 1 hour and Mactan Airport to Cebu City takes 1.5-2 hours due to traffic. 

Do you have any other questions? Feel free to comment below or send us a message at Facebook.