Sunday, May 8, 2011

Club Astoria - Holiday Ownership Promo Marketing Experience

Last May 6, 2011, I received a call from Club Astoria that I won on their raffle promo - complimentary lunch buffet for 2 and a 3 days and 2 nights complimentary stay gift certificate. I asked them when was that and they told me it was during the wedding fair. They' re so eager to convince me to  attend and claim my prizes. I ignore them first and told it to my mom and sister. They told me it was a SCAM.. alright.. so when I received another SMS message from the yesterday May 7, 2011, I asked them thru SMS if they have a DTI number and they called back "yes we are registered ma'am. you can check it in DTI.", but the catch is they want me to check it out on my own. If they really have they could gave me the DTI number. Below are some of the SMS messages I received from them:








After several calls and sms exchanges and out of my curiosity, I decided to give it a try, I just want to know if they will grant the 3 days and 2 nights Gift certificate. I and my bf went to Astoria Plaza Hotel at Escriva drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig. When we got there, there was no available parking space so my bf have to searched the area for pay parking. I went inside and inquire to their reception. I showed the SMS message to the receptionist and he direct me to the Cafe Astoria.  I went to Cafe Astoria, a senior waitress accommodate me. She gave me a guest list form to fill up. The details are:


Guest Name 1, Guest Name 2, Occupation , Email address, Tel. No
Household income: 0 - 34,000
                                 35,000 - 50,000 (forgot to take a photo of it)
Where did you learn this promo? 
To get the gift certificate you need to attend a 90 minute of presentation.                        yes, I'm willing to attend the presentation 
no, i will not attend the presentation


Our first stop is to eat lunch, in fairness the foods are OK and they served us a bottomless iced tea. The servers in Cafe Astoria are very accommodating. 


My plate, I'm on a diet.. hehe. My plate has 2 Tempura Maki, 1 spoon of Kani salad, 1 Seafood skewer, 2 slices of Cold cuts with Honey mustard dip,1 sliced of Roast Pork and small serving of rice.

 The Oily Garlic soup, my bf thought it's a Mushromm soup. It tasted like a batchoy.

The Bottomless Iced tea

The Turkey slices.. I didn't like it because it is cold already. 

My bf's dessert plate.. fruits (Watermelon, Papaya and pineapple)
and a some kind of pastry ball. When I tasted the pastry ball, 
it has a rum with a mix taste of cocoa and nuts.


My dessert plate: Mango ???? in a shot glass, fruits (Watermelon and Papaya), 
carrot cake and minted cake. I like the carrot cake. 


After our lunch, a lady in uniform approached me and my bf and introduced herself. Her name is Angeline. She's a marketing officer. We went to 35th floor of the hotel. She asked how's our lunch and if we find it hard to locate the hotel. We only mentioned that we had a hard time finding a parking slot and she mentioned "wow! ang yaman nyo pala may car kayo..". Her reaction made me and my bf laugh. My bf told her that we just borrowed the car from his parents. We already knew there's something in the 35th floor  and my bf mentioned the Family First.. he told me to be ready and attentive. At the 35th floor,   I saw  several tables with computers for presentation.  She also asked our dream vacation, me and my bf shared our dream vacation. It was a long exchange of conversation about dream vacation. I even mentioned that there are hotels in Asia that offers Backpacker package which is very cheap.  She also asked if we have credit cards, and  we answered back that we don't have credit cards and only pay cash. She said again, "wow ang yaman nyo cash kayo nagbabayad." It's another red signal for me and my bf.  After that, she discussed that Club Astoria is a member of RCI - Resorts Condominiums International, Ltd. A global provider of leisure travel services to businesses and consumers. She also mentioned that Mr. Boy Abunda is their endorser. She discussed their offer Holiday ownership at Club Astoria where you have a 1 week per year to use your benefit as a Club Astoria Member.  She also mentioned that you can enjoy it in 5 ways: Save, Sell, Exchange forgot the other 2. If you'll be a member, the membership can last up to 30 years. What caught my attention is you need to pay for maintenance fee of 8,+++ pesos annually and another 5,+++ for your monthly membership fee. The membership fee for 30 years is 500,+++ pesos for 30 years but they lowered it to 300,+++... huwaaaatttt???!!! She even show the calculation on how cheap the vacation if we avail their Holiday ownership promo. But, still I'm not convinced by her marketing strategies.. hehehe! To cut the long story short, we did not avail their Holiday Ownership promo offer. They asked for the reasons and I said we have a wedding to prioritize thus we can't accommodate other stuffs like that and it is out of our budget. I told the Sales Manager, named  Allan, that I and my bf  prioritize things that are categorize as NEEDS rather than WANTS. What they offer is a WANT. The Sales Manager told me that their offer is good for people who have less responsibilities in life, I think he understand my point. But but but! they have another offer which is a Platinum membership good for 1 year with a membership fee of 11,+++ pesos. you are entitled to stay for a 3 days nights at their hotel in Ortigas. They also let us checked the different vouchers included in the platinum Membership package but still I declined and rejected their Platinum Membership offer. It's out of our budget, honestly. 

The manager told Angeline to grant the 3 days 2 nights gift certificate for attending the presentation. She discussed the terms and let me signed the acknowledgement receipt of the complimentary accommodation Gift certificate. The GC entitles me to stay to any of the 5 mentioned destinations: Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Bali Indonesia; Bangkok Thailand; and Tagbilaran, Bohol.  Below are the photos:










Overall experience, I can't say that this is a SCAM. The lunch buffet and the Gift certificate is real though I haven't use it. They just have a very different way of Marketing their product. If ever you are invited by Astoria, you should KNOW and be BRAVE to say NO if you can't afford what they offer. The Manager and Angeline said to me that I am not obliged to avail their offer.. No strings attached. So, DON'T be SHY to say NO. If they asked you the reasons.. tell it straight that you CAN'T AFFORD it.

111 comments:

  1. Not exactly a scam, but it sure smells like one. Had a bad experience similar to this marketing type, although with an insurance company naman.

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    1. Hi, I registered as a member last May 7,2013 I signed the contract, only providing my name and billing address and mobile num,And yesterday I cancelled it because I realized that their 'good' presentation is like a SCAM. Fortunately I didnt provide my credit num because that time I dont'have my card and I dont remember my card number. I also did not give any cash for downpayment cause I just went there to use the 'buffet' prize[Don't have enough money for downpayment]. Problem is, they are texting me now that there will be a mail to be sent in our home asking me to pay the 20k fine stated in the contract. Do I still need to pay that? Can they have me arrested/filed a case regarding this matter? Thanks.

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    2. hi could you update me what happened to your account before? unfortunately isa rin ako sa mga nagsign na nagsisi just days after ko pumirma.

      Did they charge you or did they do some legal action towards you? your response is appreciated

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    3. hi pls let me know wat hapend. did u pay the 20k? did dey take legal action against u? ngsisi din kami after a few hours, we bought july 29, 2015 pls advise thanks...

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  2. my friend also attended a presentation with astoria. she said it's not really a scam but if you want to avail of the gift certificate (for the free accomodation) you need to make a deposit which will be refunded once you avail of the offer. she said this would ensure daw na pupunta ka talaga sa chosen destination mo. malulugi daw sila or something if the person booked the hotel/resort then decided to cancel afterwards.

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    1. Has she refunded the deposit?

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    2. Hello! I recently got this GC after going through the buffet dinner and presentation. Just curious now if anyone ever tried to use the GC and actually got the refund and how long did it take?

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  3. they really have a very different marketing strategy, an aggressive one.

    @ayen, yes it is stated in the terms and conditions. the GC holders needs to deposit Php5,000 for local and Php10,000 for international destinations. They will refund it after the trip. Un hassle lng is may deadline un booking so dapat before July 7, nakapagbook na ako.. haays..

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    1. I totally agree. Ive tried it once i used the gc sa pp palawan legend hotel. I say maganda yung hotel hindi basta basta. The only down side is medyo delayed yung refund ng 1 week. But then again whats important is narefund diba

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    2. Thanks for this info. Got the complimentary pass and also saw that booking fee. Pwede naman pala magamit talaga yun. :)
      Medyo sayang yung 2 hours sa pakikinig pero tinake ko na lang bilang learning experience. The whole time ina-analyze ko yung script, power phrases, gestures at data na pinapakita nila. Its like mystery shopping. Thanks Astoria for showing me some examples NOT to follow when selling. :)

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    3. How was it refunded? Through bank deposit also? I am a bit skeptical about the refund because I wanted to use the GC for my out of the country trip. Thanks!

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    4. hello, any feedback on your experience on the refund and booking? thanks.

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  4. Pakakainin ka muna, para pag nasa harap mo na yung packages eh mahihiya ka tumanggi, good for you for being firm sis!

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  5. Oh my, hindi ko gusto ang ganyang strategy. Kahit pa may free lunch pero aalukin ka ng kung ano ano after. Bukod sa awkward, nakakaubos ng energy at oras.

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  6. It is very unfortunate that me and my wife actually signed the contract to avail the Holiday Ownership. There are several red flags to me when the agent was doing the presentations like "the offer is only good for this day". This strategy does not give you enough time to weigh whether the offer was really beneficial or if the benefits outweight the additional expenses.

    Well, we've signed it and now after arriving home and considering the monthly obligation for 42 months, the offer does not look as good as it was during the presentation. It struck as something that should be on the least priority of my monthly expenses.

    Now we're stuck with it. Is there any legal implacation if we cancel the contract? The catch here is instead of paying the 10% downpayment we were given the option to just pay half or 5% which is PHP 9,100 on the spot and the remaining 5% is to be paid on the 15th of July also specified on the contract.

    My wife and I, after careful discussion and consideration, decided that we can not afford the additional burden of paying the Timeshare monthly installment as we have other more pressing obligation at the moment.

    I really need some advise in this matter before I start calling them for cancellation. I am not interested about refunding the P9,100 dp. I will just consider it as lost money (albeit hard earned money). What i don't want is some collection agent or phone calls from them will have to bother me. They know a lot of my personal information including my wife

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    1. hello, what happened after the cancellation? we just signed yesterday and we are planning to cancel it....please advise ASAP.

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    2. Hi, I registered as a member last May 7,2013 I signed the contract, only providing my name and billing address and mobile num,And yesterday I cancelled it because I realized that their 'good' presentation is like a SCAM. Fortunately I didnt provide my credit num because that time I dont'have my card and I dont remember my card number. I also did not give any cash for downpayment cause I just went there to use the 'buffet' prize[Don't have enough money for downpayment]. Problem is, they are texting me now that there will be a mail to be sent in our home asking me to pay the 20k fine stated in the contract. Do I still need to pay that? Can they have me arrested/filed a case regarding this matter? Thanks.

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    3. Hi jerome i hope you read this, any updaye on what happened on your memberahip?

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    4. any update po sa mga nangyari sa inyo? Id like to know meron ba sa inyong nagquit without any formal letter then later on pinadalhan ng demand letter to settle an amount?

      I need your answer so I would know my next actions. thanks po

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  7. i will try this one today...hehehe...but of course i will follow @mel of mmdc7 Online's advice...i have mastered the art of saying NO! thanks...

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  8. hello i just want to know the update regarding the cancellation of jerome from club astoria... we have the same problem..thank you

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  9. I just got a call today! Thanks for the comments.

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  10. we just got a call today saying that we won a complimentary buffet for two.

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  11. I got a call and even received several messages from them too. Good thing I've checked it online and I'm glad I've read your story,I wont bother to go there anymore.Thank you for the blog@mel of mmdc7! :D

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  12. good thing i researched on-line about this, we are about to book the hotel. we also won a gift certificate and we are going to bangkok next month. when i inquired last night (they were still here in one of the hotels in ppc, palawan promoting) that i read a lot of negative things about their promotion and we are worried that this might ruin our vacation, all they can say is---- "ganon talga mam eh" the nerve! they did not even try to defend their company! and they are insisting that they will contact first their manila office because booking is not their responsibility anymore.

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  13. i said Yes! and I'm tired of paying the monthly deposit..
    I really want to cancel it, but ang worry ko is ung na-deposit ko na.
    all i knw is hnd nia ibabalik money mo, kaya tinatapos ko n lng.

    @Jerome: what happen next?

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  14. I almost said yes to going this evening for the dinner, when I felt uneasy when the caller from Astoria said to allot 90 minutes for presentation. That's when I got on my laptop and read your blog.
    Thank you for the info. It saved me a lot of time and effort as I am definitely not interested in their promo.

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  15. Replies
    1. kinukulit din ako ng astoria sa call at tex nila d nila sinabi na may presentation. i went to MOA SMX last saturday dinner naman sa kanila kaya lang 9pm na d na daw kami umabot sa presentation. buti nabasa ko mga messages nyo guys. d ko na lang pagaaksayahan ng panahon yan.tnx

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  16. wow, thanks so much.

    Just got a call today from an Astoria guy.

    Now, I just have to say NO.

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  17. Hello,

    We also received a GC for 2n3d accommodation. Do you guys think it's safe and legit? The GC is really tempting..

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  18. Same here.. Just got a call today.. Thanks for the wonderful and helpful blog...

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  19. Astoria Plaza (cell # 09282519737)also called me today Jan. 23, 2013 informing me that I won from the raffle coupon when I purchase gas in Petron . . . They said thru txt "The gift certificate is a 3 days and 2 nights hotel and resort accomodation for free which I can use either locally or internationally affiliated resort in Bohol, Bangkok Thailand, Bali Indonesia, Las Vegas, Nevada or Orlando, Florida USA. Good for 2 persons and valid for 6 months upon claiming. No exchange deal. The gift is absolutely and guaranteed free with no money involved. This is part of our advertising campaign since we are highly promoting Astoria Plaza Hotel. By chance, we are hoping that once you have tried our food and hotel at least you might recommend our place" . . . and had to be in their Ortigas office with my husband? . . . . they are asking me over the phone my husband's work and salary . . . was this were also offered to you then?

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    1. I got a call the same thing as above..Good thing that Ive checked online!Thank's guys!

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  20. thanks for the advice.. we will attend tom but we'll surely say NO to their offers..

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  21. Hello,

    Same here I was duped by the Club Astoria team on April 2012 during our vacation in Boracay. My mga updates ba yung s mga nakabayad n ng malaki? Did they refund your intial payments? Unfortunately ngayon lang ako ng research and I am so helpless when I read all the negative feedbacks sa Astoria. I don't know what to do and I am planning to cancel my membership pero di ko alam if mababalik pa ang pera ko.

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    1. as far as i knw,,HINDI na..within fifteen days of signing the contract P20,000 pesos wil be forfieted in favor of astoria.nanghihinayang ako..kc nag down ako ng 24k for the membership and 6k monthly payment for 36 mos..jst signed up last 14 dec 2013..hnd ko p nagamit ang GC nla n 2N3D..i wil be paying for my first monthly payment on 14 jan 2014, prang ayw k ng ituloy...any advise pls

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    2. Hi, sa mga gustong magpa cancel ng purchase agreement just email: creditdeluxe@clubastoriaplaza.com same with you guys sa boracay din kami nilapitan dahil nagkalat ang agent sa lahat ng station at wala akong idea about sa offer nila. Late na rin akong nakapag search after kong makapag down ng 14,400 para sa contract ko na 10 yrs. Nakapag decide lang ako magpa cancel ngayong April kung kelan ang 1st monthly installment ko dapat at thank god nakahabol ang request letter ko to cancel my contract iisipin ko na lang yung na down ko na 14,400 napunta sa complimentary hotel ko sa Palawan at itutuloy ko pa rin kasi refundable naman ang 5k reservation.

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    3. hi ask ko lang sana kung anong nangyari, kc kami wlang written request for cancellation (just phone conversation with the agent) and we were not advised before to do so. Di na nga rin kami before nag try na magrefund ng Downpayment since di raw possible....But just days ago (after 6 months) we received an email saying you have an amount due na around 40K...anyone who has experience like this? Did they take legal action from you??

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    4. hello, i signed dis 29 july 2015 and want to cancel today 5 aug while di pa lapse 10 days cooling off period. did u pay the 20k cancellation fee? pls reply thanks

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  22. Thank you guys for the information. One person from Club Astoria team called me today and they said that I won and I was scheduled to meet them for a dinner for 2 tomorrow. Thanks for the information because I don't have to bother to go to their presentation.

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  23. thank you guys for the information, i will not go, quite a scam. a waste of time

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  24. thank you, just got the call this afternoon....

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  25. Thanks guys my partner receivd the call today, check it online as offer seems to be too gud ( but whats the catch)with free dinner and free GC for hotel accom, glad we chk online as we were tempted but now will not bother

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  26. Platinum membership is a good deal. Considering that for Php11,000 you can stay at Astoria Plaza's 1Bedroom Suite for 3D/2N with breakfast (which btw is also updgradable to their 2-Bedroom Suite at a minimal fee) and 2D/1N in Astoria Boracay's Deluxe Room with breakfast. Plus you'll get other discount vouchers for Astoria Plaza and Astoria Boracay accommodations, Cafe Astoria, etc. Check out agoda if you want to compare prices. Regarding the 5k deposit that they are asking when you book their rooms, it will be refunded to you upon checkout. Overall, we've been treated nicely as paying guests, both in Bora and Ortigas, so we are happy with the membership. Too bad it only lasts for a year.

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    1. good to hear positive feedbacks... well I'll just probably recommend my friends who are capable to grab the offer.. they'll probably be happy for the discounts offered... thanks!

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  27. Got a call from astoria too..saying the same thing.. so unsure that's why I searched the web.. thank you so much..

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  28. got a call yesterday, free buffet dinner for 2 tonight at ortigas. definitely we'll attend for the gc's only.

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  29. This is a SCAM!! save yourselves.

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    Replies
    1. Hoy February 28, 2014 at 11:43AM, AGENT KA SIGURO NG SCAM NA ASTORIA NOH?!!

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  30. Just got a call and SMS several times. I said yes to booking and cancelled several times. we were able to talk on the phone and explained that GC no obligation part. The thing is.. I was sick several times they called me for booking and during my actual presentation just today. I was asking them what's the catch? Because even after I did not show up today, they're still willing to book me for another day/s.. They're too eager and determined that I come. Good thing I checked the net for this and thanks for the info.. I just can't say no for now.. But after reading this blog, I think I know now what to say the next time they insist me.. Thanks so much appreciated.

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  31. DAPAT SA MGA NANLOLOKO NA TAGA CLUB ASTORIA E MAHULI NG OTORIDAD, AMARAMI NA PALANG NALOKO NG MGA ITO. WHY NOT REPORT THIS TO THE POLICE, LAHAT NG VICTIMS MAGREKLAMO KAYO PARA WALA NANG MALOKO ANG MGA TAONG ITO.

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    1. We felt betrayed by their aggressiveness. Blinded by their effective strategy. We also signed the contract for studio type only to realize in the end we cannot be able to make the monthly payment. They are depending on withdrawing members in earning money. Cold cash. Does any individual or a group help to create organization to stop them so no more will be victimized? and an organization to sue them so we can get back our money. Please help. Thanks

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    2. thanks to the internet , our eyes were opened to the convincing power of the people behind club astoria! kaWAWA ung mga tao na naging victims !

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    3. Totoo ito pre, wala ka lang pera pangbili... hahaha

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    4. This is TRUE, it's NOT a SCAM... kung hindi totoo to, they will not advertise this on TV by Boy Abunda. At matagal na sanang na 24 Oras ito.. I am paying them directly sa office or kung saan ako nagbayad ng dp ko, para receive ko agad ang receipt ko, and updated, i can even ask a few questions and answered right away! But it's because you can't afford it, don't claim that it is not true.. Did you pay the whole membership fee? Are you a member to say that it is not true? Paano kung magsumbong ka sa pulis at napahiya kayo sa accusation nyo at ibalik ng Astoria ang sumbong sa inyo as perjury?! hahaha

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    5. Wag kasi mag offer ng free buffet, then suddenly may membership na babayaran.. napagkakamalan tuloy na scam

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    6. Tama ka po jan. @Anonymous March 2, 2015... dapat kasi direct to the point cla.. just like they did to me yesterday.. i got super excited co'z i won. And first tym in my life i'd heard that i won on the raffle draws..at tinanong ko sya kung may MONEY involved, kasi i'm not interested.. pero wla daw talga.. JUST EAT and CLAIM ur PRIZE (GC).. THAT'S IT... Sino ba nmang Luko luko ang hindi ma amaze sa mga sweetssss talksss nila?? un plang ni SACM na nila ang feelings ko. then pag dating don, para ka nilang ma hi hypnotize sa mga sweets talks nila. then pag uwi u sa hauz u... OMG nawala na ang power of HYPNOTIZING nila.. kawawa talaga ung mga na read ko dito.. DAPAT HINDI ganun.. HINDI KO KAILAN MAN MAIISIP N KATANGAHAN UNG MGA NANYARI SA MGA NABASA KO DITO... something NA NAKAKADALA LANG TALGA ANG MGA SWEET TALKS NILA..THATS MY OPINION.. SANA MA STOP NA TO.

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  32. Same experience guys. they are now here in Bohol. I didn't sign up, but took the GC.
    has anyone tried to avail of their Gift certificate? please share your experiences with regards to the hotel they will book for us. They said it is not an Astoria hotel, so if not then what? is the P5000 booking really refundable? have you been refunded after you availed it?

    to the original poster of this thread, I noticed in your GC that Bohol was offered as one of your choices for the 3D/2N. but for me, that I am in Bohol, they are not offering it. instead they offered my Palawan....

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  33. They are here in Isabela...distributing raffles tickets...and from that tickets they will be able to get your number....kasi sa gasolinahan sila tatambay...yung mga may sasakyan ang binigbigyan nila...My friends filled up the tickets...i dont know what will happen next?

    If you happen to have experience about the raffle ticket please do share it here.... please...thanks.

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  34. astoria,tumawag sa amin salamat sa post alam na namain ang kanilang pakay.

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  35. hi ask ko lang sino na naka experience ng GC? 22o ba tlga un?thanks..

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  36. they're here in cauayan city. Astoria Plaza (Ms. Mikee # 0267252990)also called me today Nov. 20, 2013 informing me that I won from the raffle coupon when I purchased gas in City Max Gasoline Station . . . They said thru txt "Club Astoria located at Isabela Hotel, Cauayan City. Its our pleasure to have you here and be part of this claiming proper of your Gift certificate local or international at your choice either (5 days & 4 nights at orlando Florida, 3 days & 2 nights at Las Vegas Nevada, Bali Indonesia, Bangkok Thailand or Puerto Princesa, Palawan for Local) plus FREE DINNER tomorrow, Nov. 21 (Thursday) at 6-7:30 pm. Two VIP seats are already reserved for complimentary dinner for husband and wife. Remember sir to claim the gift there is no any financial obligation on your part..... Upon arrival please look for Mr. Dennis Tobias - Venue Mngr. ................. totoo po b talaga to.. tnx

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  37. Help us!di pa kmi nakaka bigay ng terms nila na 18,800 na down payment pero may schedule kmi magbibigay next week then mag monthly kami ng 3,900 to complete 182,000.00 pesos for 42 month gusto ko namin i cancel kaso natatakot kami mademanda cos we already signed the contract which is kapag nag back out kami may fine na 20k...

    ReplyDelete
  38. I am going to make story short.. I've been reading a lot of this kind of BITTER comments of this Club Astoria AFTER i joined last week.. Then, i asked my pamankin to join din as an investment, because, she and my daughter loves to travel a lot, it's a 30 year contract naman.. not bad di ba, you can sell it, you can exchange it.. para kang bumili ng bahay, contract to sell muna, after you're fully paid, sa yo na ang title! Full of benefits not only here in the Philippines, but around the world!.. OK.. i am not working with astoria, i am just a NEW to this. I am just happy for what i've decided, even though i doubt a little kung can afford ba or not.. POSITIVE! It's hard for me to pay cash on the spot, if kung kaya ko lang.. I WILL. So i planned to shorten my terms. And they gave me a big discount.. So push push ko na lang The next day after my pamankin joined, while she was in the office, nag searched sya, "Tita, ano ba to, andaming mga negative comments na nabasa ko, scam daw to, timeshare daw to"... nag isip din kami ng i cancell, kahit konti na lang ang marefund namin, kesa maloko pa kami ng mas malaki.. Pero sabi ko.. teka muna.. positive positive muna tayo. I will check..negative comments, marami.. Pag uwi ng pamankin ko for lunch, she smiled, "Tita, nakausap ko si Adrian, (her long time businessman friend) member pala sya.. and his family is enjoying it for 5 years na! mas mahal pa raw nung nabili nya tung timeshare na to, matagal na raw yang timeshare na yan since 1970's pa' she told me....So.. nahimasmasan kami.. relieved!! Let's go back dun sa mga negative comments na nabasa ko or namin.. MOST of those commentators are NOT a member! Maybe they can't afford, mga nag back outs.. they say something bad sa isang bagay na hindi pa nila natitikman dahil hindi pa nila nabibili.. but they enjoyed the patikims. Sorry for my words, but that is the FACT. Somebody claims.. nag downpayment sila, they signed the contract, nagbago ang isip nila, then reklamo sila kasi they cant have their full money back. They are hiring lawyers on the spot, when you say YES.. they have to pay those lawyers who will sign the contract, processing fees etc. Look.. baligtarin natin, you are the seller, absolutely you are after on how you can sell your product, Lots of people na hindi nagkakaalam or not familiar with your product.. how can you get your buyer? absolutely, you have to please your buyer, professionalism. Their techniques is just like in Japan.. Just think,, NOTHING is free right now, especially if you are going to buy a precious one. But filipinos love FREE stuffs, sadly to say, magrereklamo pa! The bottom line is.. They invited us, they gave you a free buffet, (absolutely magtatanong ka, ano to? libre? where in this world na merong ganun na di mo naman kakilala pakakainin ka ng masasarap, tapos bye bye? it's part of a bussiness strategy of course).... after that , they will discuss about their product (give and take lang.. wag ung take lang ng take).. Then.. you are entitled to say YES or NO.. it's your decision, not theirs. If you say YES.. then GO! the machine will start up, I decided YES, i made the machine to start up, absolutely, if i changed my mind, who will pay the electricity, in short, the danhos perjuicios (not sure abt the spelling).. or the damaged that my decision made? If you are the store, are you going to say.. 'sige, ako na lang ang bahala.. libre ka na.. '.. if you do that.. nagnegosyo ka pa! nagpakain ka pa!.. Yes or No?..... Anyways.. i'm happy to be a member.. by next month, pipilitin ko mareach ang 40% then voila! maeenjoy ko na ang benefits ng rci! then.. 30 years from now.. my 2 kids who loves to travel will surely enjoy this.. POSITIVE!! "If you want it, you must will it. If you will it, it will be yours!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi po..naavail nyo b ung GC nila na valid for 6mos?

      Delete
    2. Sana nag No ka, para nakita mo kung gaano sila ka unprofessional...

      Delete
    3. hi, i know this was 2years ago. kumusta po? i just signed up recently. please do let me know. im just worried of my investment kasi i dont know anyone personally that is a member. thanks a lot

      Delete
  39. BTW.. i took the 1 bedroom! YEEHEEEEY!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi po... may i know po kung nakaka avail pa kau til now? Nakasign kami contract and upon reading negatove views natakot ako at ayaw ko na po mapasubo... worried ako sa naiDP namin sayang din at hard earned money ito...tnx in adv for your reply!

      Delete
    2. Hello, I am a member and just completed our full payment last Dec 2018. Now we will be enjoying our holiday entitlement for a week. Last 2016 upon completing our 40% payment, we stayed at Astoria Palawan and it was a very great experience. hope you continue your membership. I am not an agent of Astoria, and just like you guys, naalok din kami sa Boracay years back.

      But we are happy naman so far, check the price per night at Astoria Palawan. you won't regret the experience.

      Delete
    3. Hi. My hubby signed up last 2011 and completed the payment in 2015. We are enjoying na the benefits of the membership. It's 30 yrs pero alternating, then we signed up again today for 30 alternating yrs premium membership naman. So yung isa every odd yr, yung isa every even yr. Pero yun, bubunuin namin again yung 36 months installment.

      Delete
    4. we have just signed as well sa Boracay! we are having second thoughts baka na scam kmi but it is a good thing to read na legit nmn yata tong membership club. and it is good reading current comments (2019) na positive. the maintenance fee naisip namn na mababawi mo nmn un sa 1 week accoms mo but we were just thinking kung paano mababawi or compensate ang capital/investment na membership fee. un ung medyo malaki.

      Delete
  40. If you can't afford it, then DON'T! Simple as that guys.

    Me and my other half took us 3 hours before we availed the membership.
    Asking questions ain't bad, you just have to know the whereabouts before deciding. Kung hindi kaya, hindi naman kayo pipilitin ng seller.

    THIS IS NOT A SCAM!
    You just have to educate yourself first and perhaps admit that out of "hiya", you signed up. Then after burping, ayaw nyo na.

    Lesson learned na yan sa inyo. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Its timeshare membership. Its modified and its good to have. Great to see all the hotels and resorts of astoria. Its inexpensive as compared to our membership in the states.:)

    ReplyDelete
  42. DAMN! I have more reasons to say NO; They are still existing up until now, and this is very helpful info. I'll just send them a SMS that WE are not attending the buffet tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  43. they are still out there! i just got a call from them today. good thing that this blog is still active when i searched about Astoria MOA. Thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are legit read all reviews not juat the neagtive ones, im a member and i love it.

      Delete
  44. just received a call this afternoon saying the same things from before, free dinner for 2 and a 90 minutes presentation afterwards....somebody approached us while we were in a gasoline station in Lucena and gave us raffle coupon just like they did in Isabela same strategy...
    better not to go anyway we will just have our dinner at home together with my kids.....

    ReplyDelete
  45. Unfortunately, we signed up and when i about to book my 3D2N , there are conditions that only 1 child is free when in fact during our signed up they committed that my 2 kids will be free sa accomodation talaga. Can I cancel it and get my refund of the downpayment?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 2 kids on your weekly aloocation per year po yun, but para sa free vouchee 1 kid lng

      Delete
  46. buti pala nai open ko itong blog... 3 days ago... may nagpa sign sa akin ng raffle ng Astoria. happy Kinabukasan may tumawag sa akin sinabi na nabunot name ko at yun araw din na yun may free dinner daw kmi sa kilalang restaurant dito at dhil nasa work ang mister ko hindi natuloy kaya cancelled at sabi ng tumawag tawagan ulit nila ako... parang nabigyan ako ng idea kung pupunta kmi o hindi

    ReplyDelete
  47. sweetndspicy, baka gusto mong bilihin yung membership ko. naka 40% payment na ako and pwede ko na maavail yung mini break na 3 days two nights sa astoria boracay or astoria ortigas. 1 luxury room good for 4 persons and 2 kids. ikaw na magpatuloy ng monthly deposit na 6000php until 2016. bayaran mo nalang ako ng mga naihulog ko from the start. or baka meron sainyo na gustong bilihin yung membership ko. reply nalang po kayo. btw hindi po ako employee ng astoria. isa din ako nagtry na kumuha pero mas need ko ang pera ngayon. salamat po.

    ReplyDelete
  48. sad ako....kaya pla twag cla ng twag if late ka mkabyad......nkasign nko contract,.....ano gawin ko to cancel...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi any news? sa account mo with them... kc ako walang written request for cancellation just phone conversation with the agent ginawa ng wife ko to request cancellation ng aming membership tapos after six months sinasabi nila na you have an amount due of 40k please settle or we would take some legal action.

      Could you update me please kung anong lagay ng sayo?

      Delete
  49. please help, i nid advise weder to pay d 20k to cancel.... wil i be sued if i dont pay? technically down pa lang naman binayaran ko e... so dats mor than the cost of d free lunch we had. wala naman ako ngamit na benefits pa, bakit ko klangan mgbayad 20k? please advise... anyone? God bless, tnx much.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Totally love my Astoria membership,I just signed last June 2015 while vacationing in Boracay, and I could totally sleep through the night knowing I make a sound investment for our relaxation for many many years to come. It makes perfect sense for us especially that PI is not really our home now but just for vacation/visiting and not having a house to maintain in PI is a smart decision and we could still enjoy our country with worry free, and a place to stay with style, good service, relaxing atmosphere.

    ReplyDelete
  51. i received a call 30 minutes ago.. i called back the customer servie said it is true. pero if ill get these kind of offers eh wag nlng.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I commend this kind of strategy, the sales agent did a great job and di nya kmi pinilit, sabi namin di na kaya ng budget. As simple as that. Imagine nlng natin na tayo yung nasa position nila. Have some respect and professionalism

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi, can you lps update me of what happened sa mga nag refund? did you get your money back? did you ask for a refund withtin ten days? My friends and I joined this month. And we paid 75k.. 75k.. after paying we realized that it was too much. Ye i know it was really stupid on our part. and We are regretting it. The thing is tapos n yung 10 days. After ten days dw kasi di n pdeng mag refubd. Sa loob ng ten dayas i tired to contact the agent but no avail After ten days, ig ot hold of gim. And I aksed him if they can cancel the auto debit coz unfortunatelty and stupidly they have my credit card details. I dont know what to do next. i know i wont be able to get the money/ deposit but i dont want to pay the monthly fees anymore. Clearly, their strategy worked!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I am a member of Club Astoria. When I signed up, the yearly maintenance fee was only 7k++. As of today, it's already P14,080! That's also one thing to consider.. after paying for the membership, there is still the maintenance fee.. and they are going up! Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the membership, yes! However, nowadays there are so many options - AirBnb, Hotel promos left and right.. so there is really no point in paying thousands of pesos in advance for a timeshare.. and pay the annual maintenance fee too.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Just received a call few minutes ago.. Good thing I was able to browse your blog.. thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Received a call and SMS yesterday, and I just listened to everything he says, and say "yes, thank you." After that, I texted him to send me details of everything he told me earlier para ma-discuss ko kay hubby. What I realized after that there was more to the free vacation and buffet, of course there'll always be a catch: the membership. Kaya pala talagang masigasig ang calls and follow-ups... I cancelled our supposed schedule tonight, I said we refuse everything they offered, and that's it. Wala namang calls or text pa :)

    The offer is real, and it's really good I know for sure, but their strategy to get people to join this timeshare was really more like "luring into the unknown" and will catch you unaware. Saying NO is good pero pinoy tayo, we feel nakakahiya especially if nakakain na ng buffet at nagdiscuss na ng pagkahaba-habang detalye just to sign up for the membership, to the point na pinaliit na ng husto compared sa first membership offer.

    ReplyDelete
  57. We just attended the free dinner buffet offered by Astoria Plaza a day or two ago, we were enticed with the timeshare offer as it does sound like a great investment in 42 months but you can enjoy for 10 to 30 yeas.
    Just my two cents, the sales associates are very effective at what they do, the one assigned to us "AJ" was friendly, professional, and yes - persuasive but in all honesty she even told me and my husband, that "If tingin nyo po di kaya or maaafford yun best offer na gusto nyo, ako na po magsasabi na wag nyo ituloy, or wag kumuha" so contrary to all the negative comments here, it is not a scam. Sales people would use the benefits that they can offer in order to close a deal, it is part of their job. You said YES, you agreed to the terms, you were not pushed to do so, it just so happen that when the situation is not as comfortable or convenient anymore, people tend to think na scam agad or naloko na sila... My husband and I liked the concept because we enjoy travelling but we were firm enough to say NO at the moment and will still consider it, so at the end of the night we did spend 9K for the 1 year platinum membership and we are not worried about it, in fact we are happy. The vouchers I paid for can be used for my staff's rewards. It's a win-win for us. Both parties happy.

    So think of all the Pros and Cons before making a decision, consider the fact that it's 42 months of monthly payment and if you feel that you cannot make such commitment then do not be pressured to say Yes. It is always beyond our control. I am happy to read that there are still positive comments from people who are actual members.

    ReplyDelete
  58. hi Summer, may i ask whats included in the 1 yr platinum membership? thanks

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi, until now active p rin sila. We have a scheduled dinner tomorrow. I have a bad feeling about this so we search the "raffle contest" and this blog showed up. Para sa may pera for their wants i think this is good. Pero para sa kagaya kong nagbui-build p lng ng emergency fund 😂 ? Nil. Zero.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did you still attend the buffet dinner and claim the gift certificate?

      Delete
  60. Oh my. I just received this type of message. They got my info from the raffle i signed up when we ate in A Veneto a week ago. I answered the call and they invited me to a dinner buffet tomorrow night. Might as well come since it's a free buffet. And try as they might to offer me membership to their club, I can strongly say no since I only have 1.4k to spend for busfare the next two weeks. 😁

    ReplyDelete
  61. Astoria guy call right now and telling that we won a free buffet and accomodation for 2 here in phil. And out


    After we see these blog we decided not to go, thanks for this blog please be aware to this strategy

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hi, until now active pa rin sila.

    We have a scheduled tonight sa SMX convertion center from 6:00pm to 8:30 pm. I have a bad feeling about this so i do the research. Thanks for sharing this information, this is useful.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Kttpos ko lang sa astoria ortigas at nabusog ako ng sobra... Eniways,.. After ng buffet, eto na.. Pipilitin kang bumili... Eh napagod lang sila kakadaldal dahil wala naman talaga ako pambayad ng almost half million or downpayment 60k.
    Kaya, ending,.. Nabusog ako at binigay sakin yung gift certificate na 3d2n hotel accomodation.

    guys,.. Meron naba dito nkapagtry gamitin yun? Kasi my deposit na 5000 pero refundable daw.
    Makukuha ba tlga ang refund? Thnks

    ReplyDelete
  64. Astoria and stellar are connected right? I'm from cdo. Yun nga tinawagan din ako kasi nga nanalo daw kami ng free buffet good for two and free accomodation sa affiliate hotels nila. Bukas daw po kasi yung free buffet namin. Nagtry lang po ako magsearch kasi di ko familiar yung stellar club. Yun nga nakita ko yung blog nato. Some are saying its a scam yung iba naman natanggap talaga nila yung GC nila and yun nga lang need magdeposit ng 5000. Gusto ko lang itanong kung sino na naka experience ng GC? Refundable ba talaga sha? Covered ba pati ang fare and transpo? Kasi nakakatempt din kasi yung gc, pero nagdadalawang isip din po ako if tutuloy kami bukas ng bf ko. Thanks po sa makakasagot.

    ReplyDelete
  65. AHAHAHHAHA BUTI NAG SEARCH AKO ABOUT DITO SA GC NILA . KC NAG HIHINALA AKO , KUNG BAKIT PA NILA TINATANONG UNG MONTHLY INCOME KO , KAYA NAG SEARCH AKO ABOUT DITO .. !! HAHAHA

    ReplyDelete
  66. Salamat sa thread na ito. Di ko papatulan ang offer

    ReplyDelete
  67. Eto po ang latest text message nila. Palawan yung offer

    Good day! MR.XXXXX. . This is Ms.Espie Bautista of Astoria Plaza. our management is happy to inform you to are entitled to enjoy a complimentary dinner buffet for two at Astoria Plaza’s Café Astoria ground floor. We would ,be happy to see you there between 6:00pm to 8:30 pm / TOMORROW ( DECEMBER 15, 2018). This also means that you will be the recipient of a Gift Certificate for a complimentary 3 days/2 nights accommodations for two in select hotels in any one of these destinations: Palawan, Bali, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Orlando, Florida or Las Vegas, Nevada USA. You will receive this Gift Certificate after attending a 90-minute presentation which follows after your dinner. Astoria Plaza is located at 15 J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig (near the intersection of Shaw Blvd & Pioneer St). Basement parking is free. Please don’t forget to bring a valid i.d. and look for MR.OLIVER ACUŃA .Kindly expect also a call from our manager for confirmation. Thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Pwedeng bang after dinner,uwi na?dna aattend ng presentation?

    ReplyDelete
  69. May tumawag sa akin kahapon lang, buti nagresearch husband ko. Di na kami tutuloy dun sa Astoria, mahirap na mabudol

    ReplyDelete
  70. please guys pa send ng update kung na refund ba yung 5,000 deposit nyo after nyo nag travel. nakakatempt kasi yung free accomodation sa palawan.

    kung si o na refund jan, please update nyo kami. ;) thanks

    ReplyDelete
  71. I just got a call YESTERDAY 6:15 PM saying that I won a complimentary buffet for two tom. I ask them if there is money involved co'z I'm not interested. Just go there EAT and listen for almost 2 hours of presentation. then just CLAIM your Gift Certificate. So, I’m so excited!!! Hahaha.. Early this morning first come in my mind, what if I search first before we go. I read a lot of negative things about their promotion. Until this moment they are trying to call me in different numbers, but I’m not accepting their call co’z I’m little mad for my excitement hahaha. Good thing I've checked it online and I'm glad I've read all the story, I won’t bother to go there anymore. Thank you for the helpful blog...

    ReplyDelete
  72. I've been a member since 2018...Having regrets now for so many reasons...think many times before you sign with them pls.A waste of money !!

    ReplyDelete

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