GRANDE ISLAND - INDOCHINA STRINGS - METRODEAL voucher

Wednesday, October 24, 2012
BEWARE - BIG HEADACHE!!!

EDIT:
As of writing today: April 29, 2014. I have received a note saying that this post was taken down due to a DMCA complaint i.e. a copyright infringement. For crying out loud, I have written this based on my experience and I have all the email conversations from Indochina Strings saved as proof that this is what happened. INDOCHINA STRINGS, get your act together! If you do not want a bad review then offer better service!!!


I bought 4 vouchers from Metrodeal to go to Grande Island Resort Subic courtesy of Indochina Strings. I was really excited that time since I have not visited Subic for several years alrready and thought it was a great to spend a night in Grande Island.

It costed me PHP1250 for each Metrodeal voucher. The travel agency Indochina Strings staff is simply incompetent. I do not want to use such a word but I cannot find a better way of saying it.

I followed Indochina's rules of booking. I went to the website, put on the Metrodeal voucher numbers and waited for a reply. After one day, I received a reply asking when I bought the voucher from Metrodeal. I replied and gave the exact date. I believe it was wrong of me to assume that if Indochina will be given the Metrodeal voucher number they will know all the data associated to it. It seems that it is not the case or perhaps Indochina's employee is just too lazy to look it up.

Anyway, Jane of Indochina replied to me and said to make another email and send it to a different email address because it is confusing for them. They said that I sent an email for Grande Island Low Season vouchers. I did this as I just want it to be over. I made the email, sent it to Indochina Strings and waited for a reply. I thought that since they asked me to send it to a DIFFERENT email address, that I will be assisted by somebody else. Surprise again! No, it's same ole Jane who replied to me and said that they have to contact the Grande Island Resort staff first to book it for the date I requested. It was March back then and I was booking for April. After two more follow up phone calls and two emails, Jane of Indochina Strings told me that  the date I requested is not available because I booked a peak season date. Err... So in the end, I did the right thing when I sent the booking on the first email that I sent! I had to think of another date to use my Metrodeal vouchers! Indochina Strings is just horrible! I was already thinking that I got scammed by Metrodeal when I bought the Grande Island voucher.

Several weeks more passed and I still did not receive an email from Indochina Strings that my Grande Island vacation is confirmed. In the end, I called Grande Island Resort and informed them of my situation. I was even a little mad at them because Indochina Strings girl Jane said in the email that the Grande Island has not confirmed my Metrodeal voucher yet so they cannot send me a confirmation. Another surprise! The girl I spoke to in the reservations of Grande Island had no idea. She said that they reply immediately to any booking. They have not received any email from Indochina Strings. I asked if the date I requested is available and they said yes! I told her to reserve that for me and I will just inform Indochina about it. I also asked her to inform Indochina about it. I sent another email telling Jane that I already did her job and booked the reservation myself and that they only have confirm it on their side.

The next day, I FINALLY received a confirmation of my Grande Island tour from Indochina Strings.

I will just make another post how's the Grande Island Resort.



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29 comments:

  1. I was eyeing their Bohol deal but after reading this post and other feedback from disgruntled customers, I get the feeling that Indochina Strings is hard to transact with. So, nevermind, I'm skipping the deal.

  1. La Vie said...:

    Don't... Just don't. It's not really worth it. It will be easier to book your own reservations directly to the resort/hotel. I think I am not the only one who had problems with Indochina. Some did not even bother using their vouchers any more because there was too much hassle or nobody is replying to their emails/phone calls.

  1. Bikigiki said...:

    Hi, today, i just bought a voucher for One Tagaytay Place c/o Indochina Strings at Metrodeal. Apparently, after 4 hours since i availed the offer, i haven't got any voucher yet.
    I keep on checking the "my orders" page in my account and no voucher is showing up! :( too bad, i just came across your blog.. :(

  1. Bikigiki said...:

    can you suggest what steps can i take? i am new to this metrodeal thingy.. i am worried that the payment may be posted already and i don't have the voucher yet.. :( thank you very much..

  1. La Vie said...:

    Hello Bikigiki! Sorry for the super late reply! I was in and out of the hospital for some time because of an accident. Anyway, I hope that by now your problem is solved. Sad that another person is hassled by Indochina.
    Anyway, if it is not yet resolved. I suggest you contact Metrodeal first because the problem here is you still did not get the vouchers.
    Afterwards, EMAIL AND CALL Indochina. If the process does not go smoothly (don't be surprised), call One Tagaytay Place, tell them the issue, make some sort of arrangement with them like what I did, then contact Indochina again.
    I hope this helps!

  1. hi i am happy it turned out ok. i am researching about metrodeal and their services. I read several good and bad ones. i also read this article http://blog.rainingpesos.com.ph/online-shopping-and-how-to-detect-a-scam-metrodeal-zalora-ewine-reviews-and-more/ maybe ill buy something small first then let you know how it turned out.

  1. Unknown said...:

    i just bought vouchers on metrodeal after the payment has been made i checked on my orders and the vouchers are not there! its my first time to use metrodeal,,,, ENSOGO is soooo much better

  1. I totally agree. Indochina Strings and Metrodeal are just too stressful to deal with. I just recently bought 5 vouchers from Metrodeal / Indochina for Canyon Cove and while the voucher excludes only the major holidays when you book online there are no weekends available. I think that is just sooo sneaky of them. I should have checked reviews first before buying from Metrodeal

  1. La Vie said...:

    Sorry to everyone for my late reply! Anyway, please let me know how things turned out in your end!

    To Disappointed Metrodeal Customer, try to contact Canyon Cove directly and let them know your situation. They should be able to help you. Update us how it turns out. I also wanted to buy that deal but thought better about it when I saw that it's Indochina that is offering the voucher deal.

  1. La Vie said...:

    Oh and by the way, I am the owner of this blog! I just recently changed my name here in blogger :) Cheers!

  1. pipayforshort said...:

    I also had a bad experience booking on indochina strings last december. I availed Tribal hills in Puerto Galera thru metrodeal. Upon reserving on the website of Indochina strings, I booked for the available dates on their calendar and they already confirmed it and the hotel voucher was already sent to my email. Me and my friends already filed our vacation leave so that there are no conflicts on our schedule since we are the ones who adjusted on the "available" schedule on their calendar (but upon arriving on the hotel, there is only one floor that is occupied with guest. The other floors are all vacant!). So everything is set, we are just waiting for our set schedule when i received an unexpected email from indochinastrings informing us that we need to change our schedule and move the date since there are misunderstanding between the person coordinating from the resort. And the other option is we need to add 1,000 pesos to upgrade for the room if we opt not to change the schedule. I just insist and fight my right to go what i already booked. INDOCHINA STRINGS ARE INEFFICIENT, INCOMPETENT AND DISORGANIZED. Whenever i see a deal and the tour agency is indochina strings, rest assured that i will not buy the deal!

  1. Anonymous said...:

    Hi La Vie,

    Went through the same experience with copyright infringement. Just want to let you know it is M*Deal, not IndoChina that is aggressively hunting down all online complaints/blogs/review about them and taking steps (both legal and illegal) to have the complaint removed. Hope you stand up for your rights since it is your blog, your writing on your experience, so how could they copyright something you wrote? Good luck and God bless.

  1. Unknown said...:

    whoops...Good thing I came across this blog or else I would be in the list of unsatisfied customers. I was thinking of booking one for me and my husband this December. I think I will book directly with the resort I have in mind...

  1. Anonymous said...:

    all their published numbers cannot be contacted. I bought 2 vouchers in metrodeal for a hotel stay in My Dian Suites but until now we are not able to use it because numbers are not working. And as per My Dian Suites, booking should be done by Indochina Strings.

    Manloloko!!!!

  1. Greetings from Indochina Strings Philippines!

    First of all, we highly apologize if you all find it difficult contacting our phone numbers; but ,on this we guarantee that all numbers posted are open from Mondays - Fridays (except holidays) 8:15am - 5.30pm :+63 (02) 543-0265, (02) 545-3945, (02) 545-3567. On the other hand we are glad to inform you that we have already upgraded our booking system in which it is much easy to send request, than having back and forth of emails; we encourage all of you to visit : (https://www.icspextra.net/en/booking) to process reservation for your Metrodeal vouchers, and our care system (https://www.icspextra.net/en/care) for other concerns and inquiries, within max of 24hrs your request will definitely be facilitated.

    Please be all informed that we have done changes and still are doing some upgrades for us to provide you better and fast service.

    Should you still have other concerns and wanted a fast revert, send a mail to info@indochinastrings.com and I will respond to your mail the soonest.

    Thank you!
    Audrie Decena
    Operations Manager of Indochina Strings Philippines

  1. Anonymous said...:

    Hi Everyone, i just bought hongkong tour from Indo china i hope no hassle, i just wait for their confirmation of the hotel room.sana ok magiging out come or else madadagdagan bad reviews nila..

  1. Anonymous said...:

    hi anonymous of october 3 and Everyone, i just read this blog and i also just bought their hongkong tour and i find their reservation and booking process TOO SLOW. i just checked the sites given by their manager above (audrie decena) but its not working or accessible anymore as of this writing (i have proofs). i hope they will improve immediately their service and process so that they will not stress more people or i will spread how bad their service is!

  1. Anonymous said...:

    We just booked puerto princesa package that costs almost 23,000 for four travelers for october 20-23, 2014. I am a travel expert in expedia and if they will mess up my vacation, I'll definetly take legal actions. moreover, indochina will be headline in manila bulletin.

  1. Anonymous said...:

    i wonder why i cant get through your listed phone no. i've just bought 4 vouchers at canyon cove and it seems i'll be in a big trouble soon.

  1. Greetings from Indochina Strings Philippines!

    Updated numbers to be contacted are: +63 (02) 543-0265, (02) 545-3945 or you may send an email to : info@indochinastrings.com
    for much faster revert.

    Best Regards,
    Indochina Strings Team

  1. Anonymous said...:

    @Indochina Strings Philippines, please update me regarding on my MetroDeal Voucher with code: METV8345E4E6B5A0 (Canyon Cove). I already booked via www.icspextra.net/booking and still waiting for your 1-2 business days-reply. Please update me at jse388@gmail.com. Thank you.

  1. Anonymous said...:

    Good thing I come across your blog. Thank you for saving me the trouble.

  1. Unknown said...:

    I also purchased the same grande island package from metrodeal last oct13, 2015. I validated those 4 vouchers at indochina string's website. Then it said that i had to wait for 1-2 days for confirmation of my booking on the 22nd. I checked with their "room availabilility" and it showed that the said date had 3 rooms available, sent my valid scanned id too. What went wrong this time? Why are you people from indochina are still not confirming my booking?! Is this what you call upgraded system for booking!

  1. Anonymous said...:

    YES!!! WARNING TO EVERYONE! DONT PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM INDOCHINA!!!1 super bad service talaga sila buti hindi ako bumili! down ung system nila nung gusto ko magcheck for availability, then i messaged them sa facebook asking kung available ba ung hotel sa dates na gusto ko kasi down nga yung system. Then they sent me an automated message with the website na chineck ko na. So I am still patient, I said na down ung system so I really cant check the availability (for the second time).. THEY SENT ME ANOTHER AUTOMATED MESSAGE WITH THE WEBSITE NA HINDI GUMAGANA! super annoying especially kung gusto mo mag book asap then one day sila magreply automated pa hindi nkakahelp simple yes or no lang naman quetsion ko db? di ko alam kung lazy ung agents or sadyang stupid sila. My mistake I called them stupid. just plain "your agents are stupid" kasi sobra na talaga! hindi sila nagbabasa or sadyang ayaw lang nila tulungan customers nila.. then they sent me this message:
    "your comment calling our agents stupid is not acceptable to us, perhaps you are the one who is stupid and very slow in understanding what we informed you a couple of times now.
    Regardless, we don't accept this kind of behavior so you are banned from purchasing any travels with us until an apology is given to our company as well as to our agents. Sincerely, Abbey Salvador - Director of Sales"

    my reply:
    excuse me? is that how you deal with your customers? FYI I already told you about your website is failing.. perhaps there's a system problem and I told you twice! but you kept on sending me the link and the automated messages which is so rude of you. And lastly you could just atleast told me that you will look into the problem on why the availability checker isnt working. and dont worry you can ban all you want because I will never ever buy anything from you! I travel yearly and I will warn my friends and family no t to buy any deals from you. you said calling your staff stupid is unacceptable but calling your customers stupid isnt? TRAIN THEM WELL! or better yet get a better job.

  1. Anonymous said...:

    I just a bough a voucher from Indo China Strings, it was so frustrating that i was told by a certain JOSEPH GENEROSO that kaya nga daw may inquiries ay para mag inquire. I fully understand but when i just bought the voucher i was the 4th customer to buy the deals for CANYON COVE for their new deal promo. In fact i really wanted to inquire but how can i inquire when all telephone numbers posted are not reachable and no one is attending to the ringing. Since, i wanted to check earlier if my preferred dates are available i tried checking on the their booking process as instructed. Upon checking my preferred dates are available and it was clear that there was no any note written on that particular dates. Except for some dates with no. available room left. I understand that blank dates are still open for booking because there was no legend noted on it. And it could be so simple if they just placed note on every dates that are fully booked. Because according to a certain JOSEPH Generoso, those dates are already booked and only those dates with rooms left are only available for booking. Anyways naman daw i can use the vouchers naman daw until 2017 so i can book naman daw all throughout the year. But my point is if i can use the voucher all throghout the year, i wouldn't book as early as now because i can have other options. I booked the voucher because our free family time was set on Jan 9 & 10, 2016 and i was in a hurry to book without inquiring at all because i believe that i was an early bird to book (4th bought) for CANYON COVE PROMO so i can get my preferred dates, since still the dates are open ( i believed so because no indication at all that it was fully booked)

    I was very dissappointed. If i have reviewed all the blog i shouldn't have book and encounter problem as early as this month of 2016. I used to book to some hotels, i understand that all bookings are clearly stated on the dates..it should have properly legend. But according to a certain JOSEPH GENEROSO, it was standard daw na bookings are still open for only those dates with indication of "NO. of ROOMS AVAILABLE LEFT".

    So i said i would rather refund my payment, he told me that i can refund to Metrodeal..and left me hanging on the phone leaving me annoyed because i was waiting for the telepehone number of Metrodeal.

  1. Anonymous said...:

    TO ALL:

    Please do no trust INDO CHINA STRING PROMO posted on any deal. I had a bad experience, especially the new promo deal title : Overnight Luxury Getaway for 4 Persons in a Superior Room at Canyon Cove, Batangas for P2999 instead of P7499.

    It wil give you stress as a start of the year. Instead of having a luxury getaway ..you will just get worst encounter.

  1. Unknown said...:

    I should have read this post before buying their Canyon Cove deal. I bought 2 vouchers and was surprised when a representative of Indochina Strings named Joan informed me (in a sarcastic way) over the phone to wait for a month for the booking confirmation. Say what??? I have been traveling all my life and it's the first time I was told to wait for a MONTH for the booking confirmation. Booking online would just normally take a few minutes to 24 hours to be confirmed. Well, right then and there I knew there was something wrong already. Up to this writing, I still haven't received my booking confirmation. I was also informed by Canyon Cove Resort personnel that I have no confirmed booking. Funny thing, Joan said "we are processing first the first ones who bought the deal" Lol, I wanted to tell her that I was one of those early birds who purchased their travel deal!

  1. Whengay26 said...:

    @lady mishel hi! What happen with your booking with Indochina? I bought 2 vouchers already when I saw this reviews and mejo worried ako baka magka problema (wag naman.) have u received email from them? Tyia

  1. lalalalexa said...:

    Hi, I just want to share my experience with Indochina's Promo (Superior Room Check-in on Fridays to Saturdays at Canyon Cove for P2699 instead of P7499).

    I bought the voucher and went to Indochina's booking website. However, on their calendar, I found there were no available rooms for the specific dates I needed to book. (there were no green/yellow/red boxes indicating No. of Rooms available)

    So instead, I clicked "Not ready to book but need assistance?" and created a ticket stating the following:
    Subject - Indochina Strings Philippines / General Inquiries

    1) Metrodeal Voucher #
    2) Security Code
    3) Name of Traveler(s)
    4) Travel dates

    I also attached the following:
    1) Metrodeal voucher
    2) Valid ID

    I got a response within a few minutes and a confirmation email with the booking shortly after.

    I hope this helps anyone who has problems with them! I'm not sure if I just got lucky or if their services have improved, but it's worth a shot.

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