Tech Report: Cherry Mobile's Press Conference with John Lloyd and Kim Chiu

Good Friday everyone!  There may not be electricity still at home but hey!  I'm ready with this scheduled post!  I was going to report about this right after the event last Saturday but my weekend was packed so here we are!  I'm almost a week late on my reporting!  As always, better late than never right?

When the wonderful people from m2comms invited me for this event, the email entitled "Cherry Mobile's Press Conference with John Lloyd Cruz and Kim Chiu" really got me!  I wanted to meet Kim Chiu in person!  *laughs* Yup!  It's Kim Chiu because I've seen John Lloyd in person way back!  

The event was held at Annabel's Restaurant, Thomas Morato.  It was timed at 12nn and the time conscious Nikki got there 11:45am!  I was able to salivate on the food available for guests!  These, can't wait for weekend food tripping! 

Yummy cupcakes and brownies

Fish and Meat

Pastas and more Meat

My favorite Lasagna!

Salad

I was seated together with the lovely people from traditional media.  I've met a lot of good writers and editors!  I want to thank Butch for being super nice to me as I literally can't find a single familiar face and he made me feel welcome and part of the crowd!  I learned so much about traditional media and entertainment news! *laughs*  Butch was also the one who told me to register as I may win the raffle!  Thank goodness for him as I did win!  That's why I was able to take this photo with Kim Chiu and John Lloyd Cruz --- the endorsers for Cherry Mobile.

The event started by introducing Big Screen Box Office King John Lloyd Cruz who told us his favorite Cherry mobile phone is the Q5i. "I love the sound of the Q5i - with my packed schedule, it really helps when I can sit back and enjoy my favorite tunes whenever I want to in fantastic sound quality," enthused the multi-award winning actor, "the Wolfson Audio chipset of Cherry Mobile Q5i makes listening to music with clarity and crisp."

I had my jaw dropped when Ms. Agnes Conopio, Cherry Mobile's Marketing Head, states that the favorite mobile phone of JLC only costs Php3,490 (approx $76.00)!

A couple of minutes after, John Lloyd introduced Cherry Mobile's  newest endorser, one of the most sought after young actress Ms. Kim Chiu!  She is seriously pretty on television and in person!

Kim Chiu showed to us her new favorite phone.  The Cherry mobile X90 Blush! "X90 Blush blends into my kikay kit (beauty kit) easily with its chic swiveling slider design.  Blush is a mobile phone and accessory in itself.  Girls like me will have a hard time going out of the house without it, because of its girly and stylish look, which makes it distinct from the other mobile phones."  Kim added.

If I may add, one thing that caught my interest about this phone is the menstrual tracker!  *laughs*  So guys, not for you! :P

After the event, I stayed a bit because I wanted to take a photo with these two "hot" celebrities!  JLC was busy with an interview with Jobert.  I was really patient!  If you are waiting for someone as handsome as him?  Not a problem!

My hard work paid off when the lovely people from m2comms were kind enough to give us "bloggers" the time of the day!  They actually helped us in coordination with the people on having our pictures taken with the celebrities!

Thanks to Ian and Cecille!  Sad to say, I wasn't able to take a shot of Cecille due to my excitement! 

Because of these lovely agency staffs plus the photographer, these photos were made possible!  Check out my dreamy look!  *hahaha*  Why in the world wasn't I looking at the same camera as JLC????

Thank goodness I was able to take as hot with Kim Chiu (whose last name sounds like Tiu) *lol*  She was kind enough to give me the time of the day even though she was bombarded with media people!

Group shot with the rest of the bloggers

I haven't used any Cherry Mobile phones, I actually gave my "winning" phone to my dad as the functions are quite simple to use.  I believe Cherry Mobile came up with a high end model that works just like Blackberry and Iphones.  I can't say these phones are bad just because they were Made in China, my Mom-in-law actually owns a China Made phone that's dual sim, touchscreen with TV, which was gifted by Mr. and Mrs. Askmewhats and its still working up until the very moment for the past 3 years!  I guess its the way we take care of them too?

Do you own a Cherry Mobile phone?  Or any China Made Phone?
Love it? Hate it?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Garnier Light Brightening Scrub Wash

Right this very moment,  I am not writing in my "crib" and I am not happy about it!  The transformer from our compound blew up and we don't have electricity for almost 2 days.  Talk about living the primitive life!  And if I may add, no electricity means no water as we solely depend on water pump which uses electricity.  We are checked in a hotel and trust me, this ain't vacation!  I love staying in a hotel and sleeping in late but looks like it's not going to happen as I need to wake up early for work.

Am I complaining?  ......

Yes! 
Am I unhappy?
No!
Nothing to do about it!

So let's get back to regular programming before I go into "nerd" mode about our electricity down here!  *laughs*

As you all know, I love doing product reviews but there's so much products out there and my poor face can't handle a lot of products!  Thank goodness for family!  Family, aside from being your support system, are also there to help you do product reviews *winks*  So here's me channeling Mr. AMW for a facial scrub he finished up!

Garnier Light Brightening Scrub Wash

Garnier Skin Naturals Light Brightening Scrub Wash says ---

With pure lemon extract polishes away dull skin and helps even out skin tone.

Mr. AMW says ---

Pros

• cleans the face really well
• skin feels squeaky clean and bright after washing
• smells great
• oiliness lessened
• inexpensive

Cons

• the spots are still there after finishing up the tube
• may be drying to dry skinned individuals
• may cause allergies to some sensitive skin

Overall

This is a type of scrub were you don't love nor hate!  It works well on the "brightening" and "cleaning the face" department.  When it comes to lightening the spots, it may take a lot of time and you may need to complete the whole system (toner plus  moisturizer).  That's why this review is a bit incomplete because Mr. AMW only uses this and does not want to use any moisturizer at all!

Tips 

• for normal to dry skinned individuals:  use this scrub once a week or once every two weeks depending on your skin 
• for oily skinned individuals: can use once to twice a week 
• do not scrub hard
• stop using if allergies and skin irritations occur and give this to friends who will make good use of this

Will I repurchase?

No, not meant for me.  Hubby says he found something better!  Will let you know his HG facial wash/scrub soon.

Where to purchase and how much?

At groceries and department stores for less than Php100.  Will get the exact price one we have electricity!  *lol*

Hope this simple review helps!  I have another willing tester who tried the Garnier Light Cream SPF15 for the past months!  Will report on it as soon as I get the chance to interview her! :)  Watch out for it!

Have you used Garnier Light Brightening Scrub?
How do you like/dislike it?
I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Tech Review: Samsung I5700 Galaxy Spica

I may blog a lot about beauty and fashion, but I have a "techie" side in me in which I call it my "nerd mode".  I am very particular in every product I purchase and gadgets are no exception.  The more money I need to spend the more research time is needed.

I recently changed my mobile phone after using my trustee Nokia 6300 for more than 3 years.  I took care of my mobile phone and I am proud to say it looks brand new up to this very moment.  On choosing a new phone, there are some requirements needed and one of them is WIFI function.  I need to check important emails at times and I don't have my laptop with me!

I was given a lot of phone recommendations, from Iphone to Blackberry to Nokia E-series phones.  What did I end up with?  Intrigued?  Read on....

Samsung I5700 Galaxy Spica says ---

The Samsung Galaxy Spica is SAMSUNG Ireland’s first device powered by Android, giving customers instant access to familiar applications, as well as access to a range of ever-expanding services being developed for the Android operating system. Whatever your lifestyle, there will be an Android application for you and with its expandable memory, you can personalise your Samsung Galaxy Spica with as many apps as you desire. Go directly to the Android market via a widget on your Samsung Galaxy Spica and download a variety of unique applications.

AMW says ---

Pros

• design: love the sleek, easy to hold phone

• it runs on Android Operating System (OS) 2.1.  Android OS has thousands of applications available.
• one of the cheapest Android phone in the market to date
• WiFi and 3G ready and with Bluetooth
• comfortable 3.2" touchscreen

• it auto rotates from portrait to landscape and vice versa
• expandable memory up to 32 gig using microSD card
• very important for music lover like myself: 3.5 mm standard jack so you can use your favorite earphones.  I have a favorite earphone because the earplug size fits my tiny ear perfectly!

• has voice dialing feature for other voice dialing lovers out there (not my thing though)
• bright and clear screen
• comes with an extra back casing (red) the original one is in black
• high capacity battery: used whole day with an hour of surfing, several phone calls and a lot of texting, got home with 1/4 battery capacity!

• good calendar and clock
• love the Android Market!  Most of the applications are free! (Ex. Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Gmail, etc.. and a lot of games!)
• 1 Year Warranty Part and Service

 

Cons

• No flash support on built-in browser (read tip on how to deal with this) 
• No built-in camera flash, which is a big downside for me!   
• No multi-touch (for those who want the “IPhone” experience).  Multi-touch are used to zoom in and out the screen using 2 fingertips at the same time.  In Samsung’s case, you just need to double tap for zooming in and out. (read tip if multi-touch screen is very important for you)
• Contacts:  is a tedious task to transfer from a different mobile phone
• For those expert texters like myself, using touchscreen for texting is a big challenge! 
• What added the challenge? QWERTY Keypad!  
• No free mobile pouch or strap

Overall

I made the right decision purchasing this phone because all the requirements I have in a mobile phone has been met by the Samsung I5700 Galaxy Spica and a lot more!  I have used this phone for 2 weeks and I am still surprised on a lot of functions it can do.  

The best part?  I got all the features of what other phones can do in half the price!

Tips

• install third party applications like Skyfire for semi-flash browsing experience
• for multi-touch screen lovers: there’s a new Samsung Wave out in the market which does the job!  (I believe it’s locally sold around Php19,000-20,000) 
• must purchase: phone strap, phone case and screen protector
• don’t use your fingernails please!  It won’t work!
• for local readers:  If you don’t want to be charged with surfing rates.  Disable the 3g Service.  (Go to Settings --- Wireless & Networks --- Mobile Networks ---Access Point names --- (service provider name insert here) Internet --- APN type --- choose MMS only) 
• unsure if you have 3g on?  Check if there’s a 3g logo on the upper portion of your phone
• want to prolong your battery life?  Switch off automatic WIFI search, lessen the screen brightness and remove the keypad sound
• purchase in Cash payment for cheaper rate

Will I recommend this to others?
Yes!  Definitely!!!  I am very happy with my purchase!


Where to purchase and how much?
Any mobile phone stores, price ranging from Php13,500 to Php14,100 (approx $293-$307)

Here's side by side look on my old Nokia 6300 phone 

with the new Samsung Galaxy Spica

Sleek and easy to store, rounded edge which I like

Easy click button on the sides of the phone, be careful not to click it when you don't need it though!

A look on the first page of the screen once turned on

A closer look on the icons on screen

Very clear

Applications that are included on the phone

Note: You can always download via Android Market

for extra applications!

I am a happy camper!  It was a wonderful purchase!
Feel free to comment if you have any questions as the Nerd Mode is definitely turned on!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Kerastase Reflection Bain Chroma Riche Shampoo

My love for hair products will always be there!  From elementary until this day, I've been testing so many hair products I can do a special blog about it!  I've wanted to try Kerastase hair care products as long as I remember!  Well it was really those times I started to earn my own money and read so many positive reviews about it but just can't seem to shell out such amount for hair care products!  I remembered getting in a posh salon, stalking on the prices of these products and wanting to charge it on my credit card but always left the salon without it!

Thanks to Frances of Topazhorizon, I was actually in Macau when I got a message on Facebook that I won because I was her first Facebook "liker".  She told me to ask for any product for a prize and since she's an Editor-in-Chief of OK! Magazine, she may have means to get them.  I did not hesitate blurting out "KERASTASE" right away!  I am glad she said she has them!  Yup! THEM! Because I got 3 Kerastase Reflection products and I will blog about them one at a time.  I have to savor this moment!  So thanks Frances!!!! 

AMW Got All 3 of these!

**photo from Kerastase

Now let me start reviewing one at a time and I'll start with the Shampoo...

Kerastase Reflection Bain Chroma Riche Shampoo says ---

When color treated hair comes up against daily attacks such as heat styling irons, UV rays, external pollutants and chemical treatments, Kerastase Reflection Bain Chroma Riche will soften and bathe the strands to help hydrate and give back intensity and shine. Formulated with Kerastase Aqua-Ionic System, it re-sources with essential elements and fills the fiber with micro prisms and light refractors, leaving your hair fibers with a luminous, mirror-like shine.

Features and Benefits:

• Vitamin E protects from UV rays and photo-oxidation related damages
• Enhances your colors vivacity and deepness
• Hydrated and softens hair fibers

AMW says ---

Pros

• packaging: Sealed to show product is new

• smells great
• hair feels really soft right after shampooing, even without conditioner!
• my hair color looks healthy and shows up really nice 
• does not dry up hair even after blow dry
• hair looks silky and looks like leave-on conditioner was used
• easy to comb, no tangles
• the ends of my hair doesn't look that dry anymore
• no dandruff or scalp itching!

Cons

• I prefer easy squeeze packaging or pump
• quite expensive for a shampoo
• cannot use this and not shampoo on the next day as hair will look greasy due to its rich moisture content
• I don't see the instant shine, maybe my hair is just too damaged to be able to see it in an instant

Overall

If your hair is colored and dry, try to use a product that's meant for that type of hair.  Color-treated hair are usually not given the time of the day and we tend to use regular shampoo which can strip off moisture and even the hair color which makes it dull.  So I think if you love coloring your hair, it's nice to invest on hair care products to keep the shine!

The shampoo works well for dry, colored hair beause it seriously moisturize my hair!  

Tips
from Kerastase

• Apply a quarter-sized amount to wet hair and massage with flat hands.  Emulsify and rinse thoroughly.  For maximum results, follow with Kerastase Reflection Chroma Riche Masque.

from AMW

• since this product is rich, try to use a clarifying shampoo to wash off excess residues and oil once a week or once every 2 weeks.
• if you find this line expensive, you can save up, and purchase only 1 from the line, then mix and match with regular drugstore conditioner
• to save up, you can alternate this shampoo with regular shampoo on other days 
• if you are off for a party and need to style your hair, do not use this shampoo as it tends to weight my hair straight and down
• adding conditioner is still the best especially if your hair is super dry, does not have to be the same brand
• don't have enough money?  Test on other cheaper products, if the cheaper alternatives work for you?  Then lucky you!!!

Will I repurchase?
Yes, once in a while if I want to treat my hair something luxurious

Where to purchase and how much?

At local leading salon approximately Php1,150 (approx $25.00).

What's the most luxurious shampoo for  you?
mine will definitely be this one!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW News: Paul & Joe End of Season Sale

Dear Local Readers:

Paul & Joe did it again!  Another sale coming and it's the right timing as I need to replenish my Paul & Joe products especially the eyebrow pencils!

Happy Shopping!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!