Dec 16, 2016


Nothing beats a smartphone as a Christmas present to let loved ones feel that they are special, but the cost is not exactly affordable. Thankfully, mobile technology brand OPPO is offering a selection of smartphones at prices within budget.

“OPPO smartphones have shown that premium quality doesn’t have to come at a high price. This holiday season, we are offering shoppers a treat by making some of our best units available at discounted prices,” said OPPO Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng. “Our phones will definitely make for great gifts that will capture your most precious holiday moments.”

Whether for selfies or group shots with family, the following OPPO phones are sure to capture the holiday festivities in photos worth sharing.

OPPO F1


Like the F1s, its predecessor the OPPO F1 is built to capture bright photos in less-than-ideal lighting. The first in OPPO’s camera-focused F1 series, the F1 sports an 8MP front camera that can snap selfies with 30 percent better clarity than a 5MP camera. The f/2.0 aperture lens and 0.25-inch sensor ensure images that are 44 percent brighter than those captured by an f/2.4 lens.

The phone’s Beautify 3.0 app comes with three beautification modes and several filters for flawless selfies ready for upload. 

Originally priced at P11,990, the F1 is now available for only P9,990.


OPPO A37


Apart from ensuring bright selfies in any type of lighting, the A37 stands out for its light unibody design for a comfortable grip. The price has also dropped from P8,990 to P7,990 for the holidays.

The discounted F1 and A37 will be available until January 8, 2017. 


OPPO F1s& Selfies Speak Christmas raffle


The latest in OPPO’s F1 series has a 16MP front-facing camera with a large aperture for clear and bright selfies even in dim light. The Beautify 4.0 app also ensures flawless photos through seven beautification levels and two skin modes.

Other features such as Super GIF and double exposure add fun to images by letting users play with movement. Lighting-speed fingerprint recognition further makes phone access very easy, while options for palm- and voice-activated shutter reduce the hassle of taking selfies.

The special edition metallic grey F1s Limited is currently available in stores. Financial service provider Home Credit also offers the F1s at P1,449 per month with zero percent interest.

OPPO’s Selfies Speak Christmas raffle also offers a chance to get a free F1s with the purchase of any OPPO smartphone.

To join the promo, shoppers must follow the online registration link posted on OPPO Philippines’ Facebook page to submit an entry. Entries will only be accepted until January 8, 2017 by 11:59PM.

Participants must provide their name, address, landline or cellphone number, and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, as well as the name of the store where they bought their phone. The winners will be announced on OPPO’s Facebook page.

For more information, please log on to http://www.oppo.com/ph/index.html.


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Press Release from OPPO Marketing Team

Dec 8, 2016


As the Christmas season approaches and a new year draws near, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf reminds us that life is not about what we receive for ourselves, but about the things we share with others like gifts, love, and time.

From October 22, customers can start collecting stamps for the 2017 Giving Journal in all The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores.

Each stamp card consists of 12 circles with corresponding purchased drink assignments. You must complete the stamps to get your own Giving Journal. A box of CBTL capsules earns the customer 2 stamps, while any CBTL Single Serve Beverage System purchase automatically allows you to claim the 2017 Giving Journal.

The Giving Journal is available in 4 cool colors - Gray, Rose, Turquoise, and Purple. Each Giving Journal has its icon on its cover and it's a graphic representation of how The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf commits to giving back to the community, through promoting goodwill and social responsibility.

Caring Cup Global - To give back to farmers and the community who work hard to supply good coffee products.

Radiating Heart - It signifies how we can live up to the essence of giving by performing little acts of kindness towards others.

Coffee Tree Cup - Signifies The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's hopeful mission - to nurture growth and provide a better life for others, once cup at a time.

Overflows - Acknowledge life that is ready to overflow. Developing one's self, striving to reach your full potential, and sharing your unique gifts and blessings with others.

Through the 2017 Giving Journal, you empower scholars by giving them gift of education through the Real Life Foundation, the Giving Journal's beneficiary since 2011.

Start collecting those stamps now and begin your Giving Journey by giving the gift of education this holiday season.

For more information, visit www.coffeebean.com.ph



Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx


Nov 25, 2016


For Fall/Holiday 2016, Converse launched their Counter Climate Footwear Collection. They combined classic sneaker designs with premium weatherized features. The innovative sneaker collections feature a bold mix of colors and materials including water repellant canvas, rubber and leather, and waterproof neoprene.

Divided into 3 unique categories: Shiel Canvas, Leather, and Rubber --- these collections are intended to stand up against the unpredictable inclement weather.


Each sneaker has been treated to help tackle rainy weather while maintaining comfort and style. The Converse Counter Climate Shield Canvas sneakers have been given a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment, standing guard as the first line of defense against the rain. These rubber sneakers are winter-ready with water resistant material and heat retention.


Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Shield Canvas
Designed for the Chuck Taylor lover who can’t give up their Chucks no matter what the weather, the new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Shield Canvas sneaker combines the enhanced comfort of a Lunarlon sock liner, non-slip padded tongue and micro-suede lining with materials that can also withstand most climate challenges. Converse has added a water-repellent Shield Canvas and a gusseted tongue, as well as removing the medial eyelets to make a durable sneaker that is ready for wet and rainy adventures. The sneakers also feature reflective heel webbing and barrel laces for added visibility in low light environments.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Shield Canvas

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Rubber
Another iteration of the Chuck II will also be releasing this fall - the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Rubber. By incorporating a transparent rubber overlay on the iconic Chuck II silhouette, this allows for the sneaker to breathe while repelling water and protecting feet from the elements. The sneaker includes all the features and benefits of the Chuck II such as a Lunarlon sockliner and a non-slip padded tongue, while adding a beautifully crafted dimensional canvas for breathability, micro-perforated leather lining for comfort, and a heat reflecting barrier at the footbed for warmth.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Rubber

Converse Cons One Star Shield Canvas
This season, the Converse Cons Star also receives the Shield Canvas treatment, combining the enhanced comfort of a Lunarlon sockliner with a lightweight and breathable canvas that can also withstand the rain. Added features include a gusseted tongue and removed medial eyelets allowing the sneaker to tolerate wet environments. Traction rubber has also been incorporated to the outsole, providing additional grip.

Converse Cons One Star Shield Canvas

Converse Jack Purcell Signature Twill Shield Canvas
The Converse Jack Purcell Signature collection introduces a thicker Shield Canvas with a water repellent finish, and a tri-color reflective heel stay. A mesh lining backing the shield canvas regulates temperatures across a range of climates while still keeping the sneaker breathable. Reflective laces add flare while a gusseted tongue construction will prevent water from seeping into the dual pod Nike Zoom Air insole technology.

 Converse Jack Purcell Signature Twill Shield Canvas

Converse Essentials
The collection features quality and durable everyday basics for your active, on-the-go lifestyle. Constructed for comfort and fit, the Converse Essentials collection will get softer with time. Each piece includes a natural color fade of fabric with long-term wear, durable stitching, and a managed shrinkage fit that remains the same throughout the lifespan. The collection includes the  Converse Essentials Tee, Converse Essentials Pullover Hoodie, Converse Essentials Full Zip Hoodie and Converse Essentials Jogger.

Converse Essentials

The new Fall/Holiday 2016 Converse Counter Climate Footwear Collection and Essentials are now available at Converse stores nationwide. Visit or www.facebook.com/ConversePhilippines for more!


#ConversePHCounterClimate


Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

Oct 28, 2016

starbucks coffee planner 2017

Aside from the gifts I receive during the holiday season, I've been looking forward to getting a Starbucks planner each year. I've been a fan of their planners ever since and I like the thrill of collecting stickers to get a planner. I like the designs from the previous years but I think these year's designs will be on top of my list.

On November 2, you can start collecting stickers for the 2017 Starbucks Planners. There are two different designs for you to choose from - The Coffee Stain and The Blue Siren.

The Starbucks Coffee Stain planner has brown watercolor paintings and coffee beans. It comes with a brown pouch with a gold coffee logo and a zipper. It's simple and elegant.


starbucks coffee planner 2017

The Blue Siren planner, on the other hand, is very colorful with jade, aqua, and teal colors. It has an embossed pattern of gold Starbucks stars that really stand out. It also has a blue pouch with a Siren's tail and gold zipper.


starbucks coffee planner 2017

These planners come with stickers, a magnetic coffee bookmark, discount coupons, and an erasable pen. I am excited to collect stickers and own even just one Starbucks Planner for next year but I might collect more stickers so I can have both designs! :)

If you want to own one too, follow these terms and conditions.

Starbucks 2017 Planners Terms and Conditions

  • A customer can avail of a Starbucks® Christmas Traditions Promo card from November 2, 2016 to January 8, 2017 with no purchase required.
  • One sticker is awarded for each Starbucks® handcrafted beverage purchase. Holder must accumulate a total of eighteen (18) stickers, to redeem one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2017 Planner.
    Beverages and corresponding Required Number of Stickers:
    • Holiday Featured Beverages, choice of any of the following: (hot, iced, or Frappuccino® blended) Toffee Nut Latte, Peppermint Mocha, and Santa Hat Dark Mocha – 9 stickers
    • Any Starbucks Core Handcrafted Beverage of your choice EXCEPT bottled beverages – 9 stickers
  • Customer must present the Starbucks® Christmas Traditions card to the barista upon purchase to get the corresponding number of stickers.
  • In case any of the Holiday featured beverages are not available (ex. Toffee Nut Latte), customers can substitute it with any of the remaining holiday featured beverages (ex. Santa Hat Dark Mocha or Peppermint Mocha). Should all three (3) not be available, only then can customers substitute with any espresso-based or Frappuccino® blended beverage of their choice.
  • A customer must complete the required number of stickers to qualify for the redemption of one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2017 Planner. A combination of up to two (2) promo cards will be allowed, provided that the 9 featured plus 9 core beverages have been purchased. Excess stickers for combined cards will be forfeited.
  • Once all stickers are completed, customer must submit the Starbucks® Christmas Traditions Card/s to redeem one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2017 Planner from any Starbucks Coffee store in the Philippines.
  • Tampering with and/or transferring of stickers to obtain the required number of stickers will render all promo cards null and void.
  • Every purchase of a handcrafted beverage (including Starbucks Signature Pairings bundled beverage) using a Starbucks Card will be awarded one (1) sticker and one (1) Beverage Star. Terms and conditions that apply to the Starbucks Card are available on www.starbucks.ph/card.
  • Single receipt bulk purchase of food and other retail items (merchandise, whole bean and Starbucks VIA®) worth at least ₱7,000 will entitle the customer to one (1) Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2017 Planner. Combination of receipts is not allowed.
  • Bulk purchase of gift certificates and Starbucks Card load/reload of at least ₱7,000 will not entitle the customer to a planner.
  • The following transactions and discounts are qualified for this promotion.
    • Senior Citizen discount
    • PWD discount
    • VAT Exempt
    • Personal Cup/Tumbler ₱5 discount
  • The following coupons and discounts are disqualified for this promotion.
    • Service Recovery Coupon
    • Free Tall Beverage Coupon
    • Customer Voice Redemption
    • Starbucks Card Registration Treat
    • Starbucks Card Beverage Treat Redemption
  • Promotion starts on November 2, 2016. Stickers may be obtained from November 2, 2016 to January 8, 2017.
  • Redemption of the Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2017 Planner starts November 2, 2016 up to March 9, 2017, at Starbucks stores in the Philippines only.
Check out the Starbucks Philippines’ Facebook page for more details

Website: http://www.starbucks.ph


Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

Photos from the Starbucks Philippines PR Team.


Oct 19, 2016

OPPO Philippines Davao Bloggers Society

OPPO invited the Davao Bloggers Society and other media friends to their regional media gathering last October 6. We were so excited to learn more about their latest addition to their F1 phone series. In fact, it's their first time to launch in Davao City!
OPPO Philippines Davao Bloggers Society



The OPPO F1S debuted in the Philippines last August 19 and they call it the "Selfie Expert" because it takes great selfies.
Amazing selfies anytime, anywhere!

With its 16-megapizel front-facing camera, you'll surely enjoy taking high-quality photos of yourself. It also has a 1/3.1-inch sensor and a large f/2.0 aperture. No need to edit your selfies because it also has a Beautification app and an Auto Mode Screen Flash.
A Panorama feature and a palm-activated shutter are added so taking "groufies" will be more convenient. It is also equipped with a 13-megapixel rear camera that has its own plug-ins such as the upgraded Expert Mode, Ultra-HD, GIF, and Double Exposure.

Powerful, speedy, beautiful
The F1s uses fingerprint recognition that can unlock the phone in 0.22 seconds. The phone’s fingerprint-activated app launch assigns fingerprints to up to five apps or contacts for quick access through the home button.
An octa-core processor backed by a 3GB RAM, 32 GB ROM, and the ColorOS 3.0, adds power to the phone’s hardware. Thanks to the power optimizations of the ColorOS combined with a 3075mAh battery, users can hope to use the phone all day.
The sleek metal body of the F1s has a 5.5-inch 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 4 screen to create an exceptional gaming and movie experience for users.

Available at zero percent interest
Financial service provider Home Credit, OPPO’s longtime partner, is also offering the F1s at zero percent interest for six months. The promo kicked off on the first day of the F1s in stores.
The smartphone’s suggested retail price is PhP12, 990. That's a huge deal for a great phone like this! Visit any OPPO Stores today to get a hands on of the new F1S phone.


OPPO Philippines Davao Bloggers Society
Photo credit: www.facebook.com/OPPOPH


Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx
I am excited to get first dibs on the newest Starbucks drinks that are now available in all stores nationwide. The Starbucks Bottled Frappuccino® coffees are delicious ready-to-drink beverages inspired by their original coffeehouse Frappuccino® blended beverages. The Starbucks Frappuccino® range will be sold in Starbucks stores, bottled section of supermarkets, and select convenience stores across the country.
  • Starbucks Frappuccino® Coffee: A perfect blend of Starbucks® Arabica coffee and creamy milk. Inspired by the original Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino®. (₱ 120)
  • Starbucks Frappuccino® Mocha:  A creamy blend of Starbucks® Arabica coffee and temptingly rich cocoa flavor. This pairing brings chocolate lovers to our coffeehouses every day. (₱ 120)

“We have listened to our customers and it is exciting to see such popular demand for Starbucks coffee in the Philippines. Starbucks Bottled Frappuccino® coffee provides coffee lovers with new ways to enjoy their favorite drink on the go and we believe our ready-to-drink bottled coffees match the needs and taste preferences in the Philippines,” said David Hanson, Vice President of China & Asia Pacific Channel Development, Starbucks Coffee Company.

“Our ready-to-drink portfolio is authentic to the Starbucks unique coffee flavor profile and it demonstrates our commitment to bring quality coffee to customers outside of our coffeehouses.”

As an important extension of the Starbucks Experience, Bottled Frappuccino® is the perfect treat to delight, surprise and provide an uplifting part of our day. It will become the catalyst to inspire an even more fun and creative occasions for us to enjoy a shared moment of connection with our loved ones, family and friends.

Check out the Starbucks Philippines’ Facebook page for more details

Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

Sep 29, 2016


I was invited by the Hair Philosophie team to take part of their event, A Press Delight. It's an event dedicated to press people and bloggers to enjoy a day of relaxation and pampering at their salon. I was really excited to receive such invitation because I don't usually get invitations like this. I even thought of dyeing my hair to silver gray or light brown and try if it looks good on me. Then I realized if they cut and style my hair, we won't see any difference since my hair is too short at that time. So I thought of bringing my mom to avail the services instead of me. I'm glad Ms. Wendy and Ms. Rain Dimalanta agreed to my request. Thank you so much! :)





Here are the hair products the stylist used for my mom's hair.


According to the stylist Mr. Rich Chua, my mom just had a hair rebond so they will just have to color the roots. The white hairs on the roots are already visible. They also treated her hair to create volume. I was really expecting to see a different look and hair color from mom but the stylist explained to us why we can't color the hair full. The staff was really accommodating and explains the whole procedure very well.

The stylists were trained in Manila for months according to Sir Jing Monis when we had the chance to chat with him inside the VIP room. He was really accommodating too and shared a lot of tips on how to take care of our hair.

The products they used to the other press people and bloggers are from Schwarzkopf Professional, Macadamia Natural Oil and Wella Professionals. These products are only available in the salon.





I don't have a before and after photo of my mom but here's the result after the hair cut, hair color, and hair treatment. SUPER FAB! (Hindi lang nakapag-bihis ng maayos, kainis! hahaha!)


My mom was really happy with the result she boasted it all day long. Thank you Sir Jing Monis, to all the staff, and stylists of Hair Philosophie Salon in Abreeza Ayala Mall. Thanks for the gifts too! :)



HAIR PHILOSOPHIE BY JING MONIS


Thank you for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

Sep 28, 2016


Moms are everyday heroes!

They play different roles in the workplace and in the community. Sometimes, they would sacrifice their "me" time just to attend to the needs of her family. It's also a challenge for a modern working mom to achieve a piece of mind especially when they go to work and leave the kids at home. But these days, smart gadgets and high-speed internet can help moms control the family's safety and security.


Photo above: http://itsmegracee.blogspot.com/2016/08/pldt-home-launches-smart-watch.html

Just ask Asia’s Songbird and modern-day mom Regine Velasquez – Alcasid. Mom to four-year-old Nathaniel James, more fondly known as Nate, Regine exemplifies the modern-day Filipino mom who strikes the balance between her hectic work schedule and her role as a family woman.


“Technology helps me become a better mom,” she revealed. “Specifically, I get a lot of help from PLDT HOME.” Regine, who is also an ambassador for the brand, added, “They have a suite of products and services that are designed to give moms like me peace of mind through the power of technology. So far, super helpful talaga siya for me especially when I have to be away for work.”

Forefront of strongest connections at home


As the leader in digital innovations for the home, PLDT HOME designs its products and services to help parents like Regine effectively multi-task while ensuring the safety of their families. Two products which promote peace of mind among working moms are the Fam Cam and Smart Watch.


The Fam Cam is a home monitoring system which allows parents to check on their children remotely, and even communicate with them. The Smart Watch, a personal favorite of Nate, is a multi-functional gadget which kids can use to take photos, play music, and even record voice messages.


According to Regine, they use the Smart Watch to easily talk to Nate because he can directly answer calls using his watch when it is connected to their Telpad or a smart phone. The Alcasids also use it as a WiFi remote for the Telpad or smart phone cameras so it’s easier to take selfies or groufies wherever they are.


Regine also shared how the watch helps teach Nate to become more responsible and aware of his surroundings. Nate’s Smart Watch can come to the rescue using the anti-lost feature. He simply has to click on a button and the connected device will make a sound so it can be located. The Smart Watch will also vibrate if Nate goes more than 10 meters away from the paired device so if the Telpad or smart phone is with Mommy Regine or Daddy Ogie, it will remind him to go back to them.


“Nate really loves his Smart Watch,” Regine said. “As a parent, this is a gadget na approve sa akin kasi I can really see that it helps us bond better as a family.”


Nate Alcasid as the new PLDT Home Endorser

Following his mother’s footsteps, Nate was recently launched as the new ambassador for the Smart Watch.

“We’re very excited to have Nate on board,“ PLDT VP and Home Marketing Director Gary Dujali said. “He represents the kids of his generation—perennially curious, smart and dynamic. Together with his mom, we look forward to reaching to more families and educating them about the ways technology can help bring them closer.”

Regine added, Siyempre, I’m super proud of my baby boy! PLDT HOME is close to our hearts and as a family, we are proof that technology can really help make our lives safer and easier.”

PLDT HOME subscribers who upgrade to a Telpad plan automatically get a free 1Mbps HOME DSL speed boost, and for only an additional P199 per month, they can already top up with a Smart Watch. The watch is also available to existing Telpad subscribers. Simply order online and it will be delivered for free. For more information, visit pldthome.com/telpad/smartwatch.


Thanks for dropping by and have a great day ahead! - Jexx

Sep 27, 2016

pldt sme nation brogo smart biz lte mobile broadband sun cellular

As most travelers today carry a smartphone with mobile technology, PLDT SME Nation aims to enhance customer and hospitality experience by introducing a brand new wireless broadband connection, BroGo. The first of its kind in the Philippines, BroGo is PLDT SME Nation's newest bundle tailored fit to every entrepreneur and top-grade businesses. It allows internet connection to hotel guests even beyond the walls of the hotel.

This exclusive bundle comes with gadgets and mobile data connection devices. BroGo enables hotels to deliver reliable mobile internet connectivity to their guests at an affordable price.

"Technology has changed the way people travel, experience, and share travel experiences across the globe. Her in the Philippines, PLDT SME Nation recognizes this growing need from entrepreneurs in our hotel industry for a solution that enables them to cater to today's on-the-go mobile consumers," shares Neph Denosta, AVP/Head of SME Nation Wireless Marketing.

"With BroGo, internet connectivity for hotel guests and travelers does not stop inside the premises of these establishments. They could easily continue to be looped in online and conveniently share their travel experiences with family and friends through easy-to-bring pocket WiFis and their mobile devices - fast and in real-time."

BroGo comes an internet load portal with which hotel entrepreneurs can easily access and manage multiple prepaid sims and pocket WiFis that they can lend or rent out to their guests. As a result, hotels can attain up to 200% return on investment from their BroGo subscription.

PLDT BroGo is already available since September 2016. To know more about the PLDT SME Nation, please visit www.smenation.com.ph.

pldt sme nation brogo davao bloggers society


Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

Sep 26, 2016


PLDT has partnered with US-based Roku, the world's leading video streaming platform, to bring the best entertainment to Filipinos right from their TV screens through access to over 3,500 viewing apps, including Netflix, YouTube, and HBO Now.
"We are seeing a growing demand for internet-delivered TV services in the country and there is no better partner for us to give Filipinos the world of entertainment than Roku which has the largest base of active streaming users in the world," PLDT FVP and Head of HOME Operations Oscar Reyes Jr. said.


Roku has nine million active accounts in 10 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia. It also has more than twice the usage of Google Chromecast, according to independent surveys and Roku’s own tracker conducted in November 2015.
"Roku's powerful platform will be a strong complement to PLDT HOME's current array of content from various providers that include iflix and Fox International Channels," Reyes pointed out.
PLDT HOME broadband subscribers currently enjoy subscription video on demand (SVOD) through their iflix accounts which include not just western but also Asian and local TV shows and films while the partnership with Fox also allowed live streaming and catch-up television of the various shows on Fox channels.
PLDT HOME has also been increasing the speed of its Fibr plans with the most recent upgrade reaching as high as 1 Gbps to satisfy the growing appetite of subscribers for bandwidth heavy apps like video streaming.
The demand for internet TV in the world has grown dramatically in the past five years, with the fastest year-on-year growth of 73% registered in 2015 with one over-the-top (OTT) box now streaming 5.5 billion hours at the end of 2015.
"In the past, operators first had to build or lease dedicated infrastructure in order to deliver TV services to the home, with streaming that is no longer the case. As a result, we see a lot of interest from all over the world for our Roku Powered program from both telecom and pay TV operators," said Andrew Ferrone, vice president pay TV at Roku. "With its fast fiber & DSL infrastructure, PLDT is in a perfect position to leverage the Roku streaming platform and quickly deploy a proven, low-cost, turn-key solution and launch an innovative TV service to its broadband customers."
According to recent surveys, video consumption via OTT boxes has been growing dramatically in the US and accounted for 58% of total views as of March last year from 44% the previous year and against 24% for PC and 17% for mobile devices.
"We foresee the Philippines eventually following this trend as more Filipinos' viewing habits involve more and more video. The partnership with Roku is consistent with PLDT HOME's objective of having the widest and best video portfolio in the Philippines," said Reyes.

Thanks for dropping by and have a great day ahead! - Jexx

____________________
Press Release from PLDT Home

@jexxhinggo