Grace: What are you doing tomorrow?
Me: I’m writing about Solane.
Grace: Heussaff?
Me: No. Shellane is now Solane! Haven’t you heard?
Gas vs. Electric
When Jeroen and I started building our house ten years ago, we decided to have two kitchens: one for us and one for the maids. Our kitchen upstairs has an electric stove, due to the fact that we’re scared of how gas works.
As an afterthought, we decided to put a gas range for the maids downstairs to save on Meralco (go figure).
Ten years later, the Meralco bill has doubled and we’re in dire need of a renovation. On top of my list are a Smeg kitchen and gas range, now that I’m no longer scared of gas.
All because of a visit from Solane.
First we called 887-5555.
The Solane man showed up in the maids’ kitchen with a tank of Solane.
Say goodbye to the Shellane tank. You’ve served us well.
He checks the environment and makes sure the cylinder is in an open, well-ventilated area, away from fire hazards.
He checks the rubber O-ring inside the valve to make sure it’s scratch- and crack-free
Then he checks the regulator and valve connection. It’s old.
He decides to change it at an additional cost of Php 360, for our safety. Regulators need to be changed every 3 years.
He also changes the hose, at an additional cost of Php 175. Hoses need to be changed every two years, for safety.
New clamps cost us Php 28. Good thing he brought everything.
He changes the tank, but not before weighing it to show us it’s fair and full. Tank cost Php 728 for the refill only.
The cook mentions the left burner is weak. He cleans it and pokes its holes using a barbecue stick. As a final check, he makes sure the flames are good. Et voila!
Optional: we gave him merienda 
As a parting gift, he left us a Loyalista Plus Card, some cellphone load that I gave to the maid (she loved it), and a prize mug due to our purchase. Each time you call 887-5555 you’ll get some sort of reward.
That said, we are no longer scared of gas ranges, with the Solane guy checking for safety each time.
Call 887-5555 or order online. To know more, go to http://solane.com.ph/.
Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.