Finally, Outlook for my Mails... Using GMail

On my post here, I talked about how I went through calling PLDT's customer service to assist me on how I could get my Yahoo! and Gmail mails right on MicroSoft Outlook.  My first call led me to believe that I could, but my succeeding calls proved that I just couldn't.  All because PLDT only gives this as a privilege to higher-end accounts, meaning higher monthly fees.

I gave up.  I also said on that same blog that I had an idea but never really tried it because I just thought, "What's the use?"  I didn't want to spend at least Php 20 just to find it out.

Yesterday, I thought of cleaning up both my e-mail accounts since I have been using them a lot for my freelance writing job.  I was with Gmail and stumbled upon one of their features which was sitting there all along.  I just discovered that I could get my Gmail using Outlook.  I'll try to walk you through with a few steps, but really, it's all there to guide you once you see it.

1. Open your gmail account
2. Click on Settings
3. Click on Forwarding and POP/IMAP
4. Follow the IMAP instructions to configure your Gmail to your Outlook

Well, some of you may have been using this for long, but for those late bloomers like me, this is how you can get your web-based Gmail account right in your Outlook.  

You might want to know what's in it when you have your mails at your Outlook.  For one, you can customize the way your messages look like.  You have more options when it comes to the fonts of your messages as well as your signatures.  Also, you get notified for an incoming mail even if your Outlook is closed, and there's much more to it, really.  Especially if you are one of those who can't do without MicroSoft Office OneNote.  They go hand in hand.

Now, you might have received an e-mail from me changing from my Yahoo e-mail to GMail.  But for those who haven't, just change it to @gmail.com and that's it.

Specks of Yesterday

Outlook for my mails. I used to check my Yahoo! and Google mails using Microsoft Outlook. But it all went out when I had to reformat. I knew it has something to do with the provider giving you the account name and pass key which I had when I was in Dubai. So, I called PLDT's customer support... the first was two days ago. The CSR who answered said it can be done, but my phone was set-up far from my computer (yeah, it's not wireless), so she told me to call using my Smart mobile number, which I did the other day. The CSR was kinda mocking; told me it can't be done, because they couldn't provide me with the name and the pass key. I guess I wasn't in the mood to mock her so I just ended the call. I called yesterday, she said it can be done; but only with outgoing mails. She tried to give help but I guess it really can't be done. But I have an idea. If you are also wanting to do this, just sit tight: I am going to try it first if it works and will share later. If it doesn't, then, good thing I didn't share it first. But, if you have this working on your computer, can you please let me know?

Bank code. One of my online activities is pushing me to create an account with PayPal. I activated an account with PayPal when I was in Dubai, but I don't really know where the problem lied (which I think includes me for not having to understand the process) and it just didn't allow me to add an account. I consider it a blessing in disguise though; not giving me the liberty to use it sparingly, which is rather tempting. I tried to edit the address but it won't. So, I created another account using my alternative e-mail and it worked. Then, the problem (again!) with adding another bank account. It is asking for a 9-digit bank code. First thing that came into my mind is call their customer service. Well, the branch people was actually urging me to use this new feature and give comment, which I haven't tried until this time. The CSR was very plain, no emotions. And he doesn't know the answer. I said that's fine and called another number. This time, the CSR gave me an 11-digit alpha set of numbers, telling me I could try to strike off the last 2 digits... TRY? We are talking about a bank account here and I am not going to TRY. So, I called my bank's branch. This time, they were confident with the numbers that they gave me. But hey, it's the swift code, lady. Buzz! Now is the time to google it. I didn't because I thought this information is not supposed to be easily available online for security purposes. I thought... and thought wrong. If in case you also need to know your bank code, visit this site here. Okay, I already have a bank code, but I still didn't add my bank account. I am just NOT ready for the charges!

Call center. I hate to admit it, but it's really hard to rely on one call call centers these days. It's not enough to call once. But, it even gets confusing the second time. And the third time did not even answer the issue. I should say I am a little embarrassed... coming from a call center years back. I guess the lesson for today is Google it before calling customer care.

Fruit Salad. My sister and I were watching TV last night. I was half-watching; I was online and doing my homework. She was eating Indian mangoes when she suddenly said: "Para na akong fruit salad neto. Papaya soap ang sabon ko, coco-vanilla ang lotion ko. (I feel like a fruit salad. I am using papaya soap and coco-vanilla lotion). And we both laughed. Not to mention she sometimes apply Virgin Coconut Oil on her hair. I really find this hilarious!

Online shop. I sold something from my online shop, that cool Pinoy Ako tote bag like that seventh pic on the right side (Sorry, that's left. Maybe I need a wrist band... )! YAY! I am mostly selling some of the books I'm done reading (some are really hard to let go, though). If you, too, find that bag cool, visit my online shop here.