Cell & good

Everytime I see my Uncle Francis, he always asks me where my cell phone is. It even precedes our customary greeting of "hi" or "how do you do."

"Saan ang phone mo?" he’d ask, and I would gleefully raise the hand that clasped my phone. He’d often joke that my phone must be sewn or stuck to my hand, or that it is part of my body.

I just smile or make funny faces, maybe because I know what he said holds some truth — actually, a significant amount. My ability to text with my eyes closed or while I’m talking to someone points to this.

While some people have a personal and profound relationship with their cars, I have an intimate bonding with my cell phone.

I’ve had a cell phone since January 1999, a Nokia 5110. A little over a year later, I got a 3210 (which I bought with my own savings, mind you). Then a year after that, I was given a 3310, followed by an 8850. Now, I have an 8250.

No, I don’t collect phones. As long as I can text and call, I’m okay. I am not a big fan of complicated and hi-tech gadgets, either. There was a time when I had a 5110 and our ever-reliable yaya had a 3210. I would text her when I was on my way home or when I needed anything.

And she would text me good-morning graphics or quotes. That was when text messaging was free and the entire network was not clogged.

Soon after, texting came at a price. Everyone had a cell phone. Repair shops and unauthorized dealers of phones sprouted everywhere like mushrooms. And this is what we see now. I can no longer keep track of the many cellphone models and their numerous and unique features. They come in different colors and sizes that are, in their distinct way, aesthetically luring.

I traded in my 3310 for an 8250 since the 3310 I had was already problematic. After a few months, my new phone had gotten "sick" as well. I was like a worried mother wanting my child to be examined by the best pediatrician.

Well, my phone was "healed" somewhere in Ortigas — or so I thought. Although a part had to be changed, I did not care that I had to shell out cash for its replacement. My happiness knew no bounds when I finally held my phone that was in tip-top shape once more in a matter of minutes.

Yes! I no longer had to borrow my dad’s phone!

After some time, the phone started having occasional problems again. Every now and then, it still malfunctioned. I thought of going back to the "quack" who had fixed my phone, but I imagined myself creating a scene — telling off that creep for not doing a good enough job. How unglamorous! Hehehe.

Anyway, I had found a better alternative. On the radio, I had heard of the Nokia event and the Nokia Care Service at Robinsons Place, Ermita. So I paid the center a visit. When I got there, I could swear I heard a choir of angels singing! I finally saw the light! What a Godsend this center was!

I queued and inquired. I learned that phones with warranties could be checked up and repaired for free. Othewise, any repair or service done would cost me.

The Nokia Care Service center proved educational for me. I learned doing the following would void the warranty of my phone:

• Tampering or removing the warranty sticker;

• Changing the backlight;

• The insertion of a hologram in the LCD;

• Tampering with the SIM lock;

• Loading the Net Monitor;

• Changing the antenna — including conversion of a unit with an external or internal antenna;

• Having the phone repaired by an unauthorized service center;

• Use of non-original accessories.

Sigh, I had just voided my phone’s warranty.

I sadly left the center and decided on just having my phone repaired by a Nokia-authorized Service Center. I was sure to pay a price higher than what I had before, but at least I would be sure of the job, and there would be someone responsible for it — someone to get back at if the problem still persisted.

That day, I was exploring Nokia Care on its opening day. (By the way, Nokia’s summer treat is extended until tomorrow, May 4.)

The response of the people was astounding — judging by how long the line was. There were stations where customers could try their hands on the latest Nokia models that fit varied needs and lifestyles.

This allowed the customers to have an intimate encounter with the products by personally exploring the phones’ many features. They automatically win special gifts from Nokia just by doing this! All the customers have to do is get an official "Nokia Passport" from the assigned booths and start experiencing Nokia.

For each station visited, the customer gets a stamp on his/her passport. Once the passport has been completely stamped, the customer gets a special gift from Nokia. This, is being true to the activity dubbed as "See. Touch. Try. Ask. Experience Nokia."

And it doesn’t end there. The Nokia Service Clinic and Accessories Handset sale is open for phone check-ups and minor cosmetics repair by a team of experts. I had the chance to meet one of the experts whom I consulted about my phone’s problem. Mr. Ian Stevenson Yu, corporate services executive of ACCORD Customer Care Solutions, Inc. was willing enough to check my phone and offer his services. I promised to visit his office once my phone acts up again.

It felt good to have found Nokia Care. Questions were answered and more inquiries addressed and entertained. It was something that Nokia, as a part of its commitment to provide after-sales support to its phone users, came up with.

I am especially thankful that I don’t have to go back to the cell phone "quacks" who might do more damage to my phone rather than good. I certainly know better now.