I've blogged about Yubengco Star Mall last time as a 'destination' in Zamboanga City (Click here to read that blog). Apparently, it was nice to just stroll outside but BUYING YOUR GROCERIES THERE IS TERRIBLE. Well, at least for me. I've been buying there because it's the nearest 'mall' to our house. Just recently, I've learned my lesson: TIME IS GOLD. Buying 6 items there would take you FOREVER to checkout, what more if you buy in bulk?

I did not like their service because of these:

1. Cashier ladies have these habits of in-between laziness.
If falling in line to checkout your goods is like riding a bus, getting into the destination took a lot of useless "stop-overs". What I mean is that there were lots of unnecessary actions that is cancerous to the operations. The cashier tends to regularly yawn reaalllyyy sllloooowww aaaannnddd lllooooonnnggg as if the long line of patiently waiting customers doesn't mean anything, as if she's just in her house - chillin'.

There were also lots of chikkas/chit-chats with other employees that would make you wait longer before your goods are checked-out.

2. The place is filled with unsure counters and unsure buyers.
Come to think of it, people, you are already at the counter, anything you bring there should be for checkout already. You don't do your shopping there! People who buy there tends to test-scan the items and if it exceeds their budget, they would recall it which is very time-consuming! Why not count and calculate the things you buy first before actually buying it? I know it's a customer's privilege but they are overdoing it. Or maybe I just got used to faster service? I dunno.

The cashier were just like "oh, yeah, sure, I'll wait for you to finalize the things you want to buy and make me your calculator. I don't mean customer service anyway, I don't want to help you choose anyway, I don't care anyway". Well, for me that's what it seems like.

3. Lack of sense of urgency.
They (cashier & customers) lack sense of urgency. The customers should be wise enough to realize the place is wasting their time. All of them are complaining but none of them, including me, is complaining to the cashier. Well, because when it was my turn, I tried to tell the cashier through my gestures that I am in a hurry and I don't want her to waste my time so, unlike the others, I checked-out really fast.

I don't know if it's a good thing or what but Zamboanguenos are really patient. It's nice but the tendency is that capitalists will exploit your patience. Because you are patient, they will not give effort to train their employees to give you the service that you deserve with all these overpriced items. Because of your patience they will not care to act immediately on the black-out issues.

Patience - It's a good thing but too much of anything is bad.

I did not say you have to go nuts, yelling on the cashier because you're in a hurry or what. You can say it properly or give them the impression that you deserve a faster service.

4. There were lots of goods that you could buy here but, no thanks, 1 hour for checkout? No thanks.

5. The cashier is slow in counting money. They should be trained.


I know this is a rant. I was just, URGH! You know, I never thought buying 6 items would take me forever. Let me know if I've been wrong, right, rude, nice. After all, we still have our online democracy.

This is my 8th time to celebrate Christmas in Zamboanga City. When I left Manila for Dipolog last 2003 (or something), all I can remember is that Christmas in Manila was a blast. Literally. When the night of Dec 24th comes, all you can hear are endless fireworks until Dec 25. After that, all that's left are trashes - trashes everywhere.

This is not how ZC celebrates Christmas. Lights are few and fireworks last for a short time. There are only few houses w/ Christmas Decoration. Perhaps, it's because of a wide range of religion in the land. But there's an exceptional place in the city where you can visit every Christmas time. It's the City Hall! It boasts lights and sounds to entertain you. The city government always decorate major landmarks here every Christmas season. This includes the City Hall, Paseo Del Mar, Plaza Pershing, etc.

I've captured some un-professional shots of they City Hall from my P&S and here they are:

"TSOKOLATE byLinfood, produces a complete line ofbread, cake & pastry items that are made fresh daily. They do notcompromise in their ingredients and take pride in their baking. Their creation can be made to your exacting specifications to fulfill your desires and tosatisfy your unique taste."

 

I love this display of collection because, first, it's a music - related memorabilia, and it features artists that I like. You can see a jukebox there where they put the electric fan. There are also large disks which are the CDs used before. There's also a guitar, pictures of bands and album covers. There are also cute old telephones under the flat screen television.



I think the owner is fond of collecting cool stuffs like this old telephone. There are also old radios and old cd player. I'll be posting the pix soon.




They sell cakes, barbecues, lomi, breads and pastries.


 
 Customers may rent laptop or desktop computers for 30 pesos/ hour.


  

This is what one of their tables looks like. It's a table with an aquarium below it. I find it really cool.



 
They also have a modified sewing machine table.


 
We ordered  Lomi that costs 75 pesos. It is sooo delicious. I love it!
Rating based on price and taste: 4/5


 

Their cakes are a must - try!


If you're looking for delicious and affordable meal, Tsokolate is one of the place to visit. :)

They are located in:
18 Ns Valderosa , Zamboanga City, Philippines
Zamboanga del Sur 7000
Philippines

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You can contact them at: (63 62) 992 5168‎

All picture credits goes to Vincent Paul Arnuco
Location: Bolong Beach Resort, Bolong, Zamboanga City

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How to get there - An hour or two away from the city center. You may ride jeepneys, buses or your own transpo to get there. The place is famous so you could just ask people there to direct you to the place.
Safe? Sort of. If you like, you may bring escorts from Zamboanga task force to accompany you there. That's what we did.
Food?  - Bring your own food. However, there are carenderias (mini - resto) there where you can buy food.
Cottages: made of bamboo and other woods.
Rating: 2
Additional info: There are mini - stores there. CR are made of wood, a little bit dirty but it's okay. You should pay first before using any comfort room there. The place is underdeveloped.

I will be sharing a few pictures for now. I am really busy so I can't finish this post yet. Keep posted guys. :)