Author: Rochelle Sy Chua

Smart launches the Netphone

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On September 1, 2011

Smart launches the Netphone

I was rushing my way to Megamall last night as I knew that Smart Communications, Inc. would be launching the much-awaited Netphone.  The event started 7PM but since my car was number-coded, I had to arrive late.

It was really exciting to know what Netphone is all about.  I’ve been hearing rumors for several days about it.  I knew that the Netphone is an Android device and it’s designed by Smart.  I also heard that it’s going to be really cheap and affordable.

I was sad because as soon as I arrived at the beautiful Smart Jump Experience Center in Megamall, I noticed that the event just ended. 🙁

Smart Jump Experience Center

I wasn’t able to catch the presentation and the demo of the device.  I wasn’t able to catch the raffle too!  I missed several media friends as well because they left already.

Luckily, the Smart folks were more than willing to provide another demo for us latecomers.  Here’s what I learned about the Netphone:

  • the Netphone runs on Android Froyo (version 2.2)
  • full integration with Smart Wireless Network thus the Netphone can tell us what our prepaid load balance is or when our next bill is due if on postpaid.
  • Netphone’s Social Stream combines our Facebook and Twitter accounts.  We don’t need to check both accounts separately anymore.
  • Netphone messenger gives us the freedom to send messages, share photos, videos & contact numbers and chat with friends (Netphone to Netphone) without a need to spend a single centavo!
  • FX messaging is an exclusive feature of the Netphone.  It’s basically short video messaging or emotive messaging.  Samples include: send a kiss, buzz a friend, send a beer!, megaton?!
  • We can be assured that we can surf the internet being protected from viruses.  The Netphone is secure!
  • The Netphone’s Global Directory stores contacts on the web in the cloud.  We don’t have to worry about phone memory anymore 🙂
  • capture videos and photos using the 3.2 megapixel-camera with Auto Focus.

Smart Netphone Presentation

There were several demo units all over the place so I was able to play with one.  Oh my gee, I so want to have one!  But you know, it’s very affordable!  The biggest surprise for me is the price.  With all those features, the Netphone only retails at Php 9,900.00 for a prepaid kit and will come free with postpaid plan 800.

Smart Netphone Demo

Smart will start offering the Netphone on September 10, 2011.  It will only be a few days wait and we can get our hands on our very own Netphone.  It’s sooooo tempting!  I really want one! 😀

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Hisense Mono Headset Mini HB 200M Review

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On August 26, 2011

Hisense Mono Headset Mini HB 200M

I’ve always wanted a bluetooth headset.  I do not know why, but I never attempted to purchase one.  I guess it’s destiny because I finally got hold of Hisense HB200M Mono Headset for this review.

At first glance, I already liked it.  It’s small, handy, beautifully designed and I got the color red (my favorite color!) 😀

I immediately opened the box and saw the ff. items inside:
HB200m Mini headset, Magnetic clip, Necklace, three ear bud sizes, in-ear bud, flexible ear hook, USB charging cable, USB AC charger and user manual

Hisense Mono Headset accessories

I’ve been using the bluetooth headset for one week and I must say, I loved it.  The Hisense HB 200M served its purpose.

You know that it’s really not safe for us to drive and talk on the phone at the same time.  However, with this cute lil gadget, you won’t have to worry at all.  Three words I can describe this situation: No more hands! 🙂

Here’s the technical specifications:

  • Up to 5.5 hours talk time/standby time up to 150 hours
  • rechargeable battery with charging option from AC power supply or PC via USB cable
  • Weight: 7.5 gr.
  • Operating range up to 10 meters (approx. 33 feet)
  • Headset and hands-free Bluetooth profiles
  • Bluetooth version 2.1

While Hisense HB200M has those impressive features above, there are 3 other features that I want to highlight:

Smart wearability

Hisense Mono Headset pendant

The Hisense mini bluetooth headset comes with a magnetic clip that holds the headset and enables us to wear it as a necklace.  It’s actually a good fashion statement.  I do have to warn that if you aren’t careful enough, you might lose your headset.  You see, they are just connected via magnet.  As much as I like this feature, I opt not to use it.  I don’t wanna lose my first ever bluetooth headset.  It’s that sentimental to me haha!

Small size and smart

I didn’t mind that the manufacturer removed the ability to adjust the volume using the bluetooth headset as we can do it with our phone anyway.  I’d much rather want the bluetooth headset size to be small than that feature.  I can get away with it.

The multi-function button (MFB) is basically the only thing you need to make the gadget work.  The MFB serves as the pairing button, answer/end button and turn on/off button.

The LED light serves as the visual guide to see if the HB200M is charging, pairing or in stand-by mode.

Here in the Philippines, it’s very common that a lot of us have 2 phones.  With the telecoms offering unlimited text and calls, a lot of us couldn’t resist it.  So it’s really such a relief that Hisense HB200M has a multi point connection that enable us to connect to 2 bluetooth device at the same time.  It gives us the freedom of having only one bluetooth headset to use both of our phones.

Packed with accessories

Aside from the magnetic clip and ear hook, Hisense HB200M comes with 4 ear buds.  One small, one medium and one large but the one that I ended up using is the in-ear bud.  I appreciate that I can clearly hear whoever I’m talking to with the in-ear bud even if my car stereo is on.

Hisense Mono Headset earplugs

Amazing isn’t it?  For me, as long as Hisense HB200M does its job, it’ll get a thumbs up from me.

Hisense Mono Headset Mini HB200M does the ff. flawlessly and it’s more than enough for me:

  • answer calls
  • end calls
  • reject calls
  • voice dialing
  • last number redialing
  • call waiting
  • put call on hold

Hisense HB200m is a mini bluetooth headset that has everything you need.  It has style, functionality and usability.  It’s being sold at Php 1,450.  Available in 4 colors: silver, gold, green and red.

Hisense HB 200M

What are you waiting for?  Go visit any of the ff. stores in the Philippines to get yourself one!

  • Digital Hub
  • Digital Walker
  • Beyond the Box
  • Adi Gadget World – Park Square 1
  • 5th Ave. – Shangri-La Mall
  • ComCentre – Sta. Lucia
  • Power Telecomshop – SM North Edsa Annex
  • Techno Mobile Hub – SM Marikina
  • New Venice – Park Square 1
  • Topnet – SM Megamall
  • Sir Lance – Festival Mall
  • Oxvor – Starmall Alabang
  • Cell Power Sales
  • Unitech
  • Jerry Solutions
  • Mobile Territory
  • Eyo Sales
  • ITelecom
  • Mobile Care
  • Bluelite
  • Round Circle – Festival Mall
  • Starcircle – Starmall Alabang
  • Celvitek
  • First Choice Cellshoppe
  • Mobile Experts – Park Square 1
  • Owtel – Starmall Edsa Shaw
  • Cyberwidgets – SM Masinag
  • BSD – Mall of Asia
  • Techno Kid – SM San Lazaro
  • Techtel – Robinson’s Ermita
  • Bionic HD

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Melo’s The Home of Certified Angus Beef

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On August 23, 2011

Melo's The Home of Certified Angus Beef

Melo’s will always be a household name for steaks.  It’s known to be the place that serves the best Angus Beef and Wagyu Beef.  I’m just glad that I was able to finally dine at Melo’s recently.  The prices are a bit steep so I don’t think it’ll be the place that I’ll go to often.  However, when I’m craving for authentic yummy steaks, Melo’s will always be the number one choice.

If you want to celebrate something special like an anniversary, birthday, mother’s/father’s day or other special occasions like a date, Melo’s is the perfect place to bring your special someone 🙂  With the steaks being served at Melo’s, you’ll never go wrong.

melos first look

My friends and I enjoyed our food and of course, each other’s company 😀  My long drive to Melo’s Alabang was worth it!

melos ambiance

While we expect Melo’s to have great steaks, they actually serve delicious breads too!!  I was able to finish the complimentary bread quickly.  I always appreciate freshly baked bread!

melos bread

I must admit we ordered a lot.  It was too much for a party of three.  I had to take my leftovers home which is great!  I get to experience good food in another day 😛

  • Iced Tea (Php 80)

melos iced tea

  • Watermelon Shake (Php 110)

melos watermelon shake

  • Oyster Rockefeller (Php 400)

melos oysters

I’m not fond of oysters but Melo’s version was just heavenly.  The oysters were just full of flavors.  The cheese was sooo delightfully good!  Presentation was great too!  The oysters were baked with hollandaise sauce and topped with bacon, mozzarella and parmesan cheese.  Perfect way to start a great meal ahead.

  • Creamy Pasta Farfalle w/ Mushroom & Truffle Oil (Php 490)

melos pasta

Bow-tie pasta!  So cute!  As the name implied, the pasta was creamy served with decent amount of mushrooms.

  • Wagyu Rice

melos wagyu rice

When I saw this wagyu rice, I immediately remembered Hainanese chicken.  What Singaporean restaurants do aside from serving hainanese chicken, they serve hainanese rice.  It’s also the same for Melo’s Wagyu rice.  You can feel the same goodness from Wagyu steak.  This is a must-order!  We ordered Wagyu steak but this rice was just too good to resist!

  • Grilled Lambchops in Cranberry Mint Sauce (Php 840)

melos lamb

With 3 lamb chops in this dish, it was perfect for the 3 of us.  I’m not fond of lambs but this was just too good to pass up.  The meat was very tender and if you put the mint sauce into the lamb, lovely!

  • Melo’s Special Menu (Php 1,915 each)

melos wagyu meat

It may looked like we had a complete meal already but no, those menu items above were just side dishes to our main orders.  Our trip to Melo’s won’t be complete without having their authentic wagyu steak!  As they say, Wagyu is the source of what is known to be Kobe beef.  It’s raised in Australia.  Wagyu has grades ranging from 1-10 according to its marbling.

Melo’s special menu that night had 2 items.  We ordered both so stay tuned for the mouth-watering dishes shown below.  Both wagyu steaks are grade 8.  The special menu is inclusive of soup of the day and caesar salad.

melos soup

Soup of the Day

melos salad

Classic Caesar Salad

melos wagyu

My friend ordered 4oz of Tenderloin Wagyu Grade 8 Red Morel Mushroom Cabernet Toasted Garlic Sauce.  He requested for it to be cooked medium rare.  Melo’s recommendation is to order steak as medium rare or medium as the steak will tend to get dry if cooked well done.  I still prefer well done though.  I’m really scared of blood 😛

melos fillet mignon

I ordered the Filetto Tartufato Grade 8 Filet Mining red foie gras and truffle oil sauce.  As I’ve always preferred, I had it cooked well done.  Honestly, I didn’t feel the steak to be dry.  It was still as tender as ever!  The foie gras was just too good, so yummy and so tasty!  After having tasted Melo’s very own Wagyu steak, I can now say that Melo’s is definitely the home of wagyu beef.

I have to take a picture with one of the yummiest steak I have ever eaten.  If you haven’t tried Melo’s then you are missing a lot!  Go try it!  I certainly enjoyed my meal and I’m sure you will too! 🙂

Roch at Melos

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Melo’s The Home of Certified Angus Beef
41 Precinct, Westgate Center, Alabang, Filinvest, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
(02) 771-2288

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AirPhil Express Fly and Sail Adventour Package

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On August 21, 2011

AirPhil Express Fly and Sail Adventour Package

AirPhil Express’ Adventour Packages keeps getting better and better.  After the successful launch of Davao Extreme Adventure Packages & Puerto Princesa Adventours, AirPhil Express now offers Fly and Sail Adventour Packages!  My gosh, for as low as Php 24,888 per person, you can get to experience double adventure to Singapore and Malaysia on-board Superstar Virgo!

I was supposed to experience the beautiful tour this weekend but I had problems when I arrived in Singapore.  I had to give up the chance.  The only souvenir I got from my brief trip was a nice picture at the cockpit.  I wish I can share a better picture of how the Fly and Sail Adventour Packages by AirPhil Express go.  The best I can do now is to share some high-level details as to what Fly and Sail Adventour Package is all about.

RSC_0403

AirPhil Express Fly & Sail Package

Selling Date: August 10 to September 20, 2011
Travel Date: August 23, 2011 to March 13, 2012

For as low as Php 24,888.00 per person (based on Quad Sharing Room)

Inclusions:

  • Rountrip Airfare (Manila-Singapore-Manila)
  • Transfers (Airport-Hotel-Port-Airport)
  • Overnight Hotel Accommodation (Hotel Fragrance Oasis or Rose)
  • 3 Days/2 Nights accommodation on-board Super Star Virgo with full board meals
  • All access to Super Star Virgo’s facilities and live Entertainment
  • Fuel Surcharges, Cruise Surcharges, PH & SG tax & Ticket Service Charge

AirPhil Express Fly & Sail Package Itinerary

I appreciate that AirPhil Express has put so much thought and offers us amazing tour packages.  This Fly & Sail one is really, really good!  The price is pretty affordable too!  Check out more information about the deal here.

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Selamat Menikmati: A Culinary Journey of Indonesia’s Best

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On August 18, 2011

Selamat Menikmati

Corniche Restaurant at Diamond Hotel has been successful in their series of food festivals.  I’ve actually heard lots of good feedback about it.  So I’m glad that I was able to finally try it last tuesday with their current offering, Selamat Menikmati: A Culinary Journey of Indonesia’s Best.

From August 16 to 28, 2011, Diamond Hotel features the rich flavors of Indonesia’s cuisine.  The hotel buffet showcases authentic culinary specialties from three of the best chefs in Indonesia.  Sous Chef Ovan Prahoro, Chef de Partie Asep Marthy and Chef de Partie Agus Setiadi flew here to Manila to recreate Indonesian’s best dishes at the Corniche Buffet.

Indonesian Chefs at Diamond Hotel

It’s such a perfect time to sample those yummy authentic Indonesian dishes created by the master chefs from Bandung, Indonesia as it’s also the celebration of Indonesia’s national day.

It was really exciting as I haven’t tried eating at Corniche Restaurant and I also haven’t tried authentic Indonesian dishes.

As I entered the restaurant, I was in total awe with the design they put up for the Selamat Menikmati event.  The beautiful lamp in each table and the awesome Indonesian figurines in each of the food stations were so nice to look at.

Corniche Interior

Corniche Indonesian Designs

Some servers even dressed up like an Indonesian.  I had to ask him to take a photo with me.  I couldn’t resist it.  Isn’t he adorable?

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While the buffet has the usual favorite food items that we love like sushi, roast beef, chinese food, I had my eyes only for authentic Indonesian food.  It was a rare opportunity to have three master chefs staying here in Manila for 2 weeks just to cook us their masterpieces.  I can always go back for our old-time favorites.  Last tuesday, I was all for Indonesian dishes.

  • Appetizer Station

RSC_0157

Together with salads, pizzas, breads, cold cuts, cold seafood, there were 2 Indonesian dishes that I had try out.  You can differentiate the Indonesian dishes from the rest as the label of the dish has a different color and of course, there’s the Indonesian name.

corniche indonesian salad

Gado Gado (Mixed Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce) — Rujak Buah (Mixed Fruits with Sweet and Sour Sauce).

  • Roasting Station

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This station is definitely my favorite.  It has all the dishes that we wouldn’t wanna miss having in a buffet.  Food like roast beef, lechon, peking duck and lamb.

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A chef is of course manning the station as he had to cut the meat whenever we want to get one.

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Featured dish: Kambing Guling (Grilled Whole Lamb)

  • Grilling Station

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Beside the roasting station is the grilling station.  This station probably has the most Indonesian dishes displayed.  All the main dishes plus rice and noodles can be found there.

corniche indonesian dishes 1

Nasi Begana (Steamed Rice wrapped in Banana Leaves), Perkedel Kentang (Deep Fried Mashed Potato), Soup Kimlo (Mixed Vegetables and Fish Ball Soup), Mie Tektek (Stir-Fried Noodles)

corniche indonesian dishes 2

Ikan Bumbu Pemol (Steamed Fish with Yellow Sauce), Opor Ayam Suir (Shredded Chicken with Coconut Curry), Tongseng Kambing (Lamb Stew with White Cabbage), Tempe Mendoan (Butter Coated Soya Beancake)

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This has got to be my favorite!  Look at how beautiful the presentation is.  This is Sate Ayam and Sapi which is skewered grilled chicken and beef.  You must get this when you visit the Corniche buffet at Diamond Hotel.  Hurry as you only have less than 2 weeks left to try this!

  • Dessert Station

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Last, but definitely not the least, is the Dessert Station.  You’ll see the usual chocolate fondue, the beautiful cakes that Diamond Hotel is known for and some other mouth-watering desserts on display.

corniche indonesian desserts

Aside from the Sate, the Indonesian desserts were such a delight.  I was enjoying Urap Jagun Manis (Sweet Corn with Grated coconut), Lapis Surabaya (Layered Sponge Cake with Strawberry Jam) and Dadar Gulung (Stuffed Pineapple Roll).  Most of us enjoyed the pineapple roll but I liked the sweet corn the most 😀

I truly enjoyed my first experience with Indonesian food.  Indonesian cuisine is diverse and has many different influences.  You can actually notice that some of the food are actually similar with our food and some other cuisines.  You must try it!

Take note that you only have till August 28 to try out Selamat Menikmati: A Culinary Journey of Indonesia’s Best.  For only Php 1,588 per person, you can enjoy all the Indonesian dishes I mentioned in this post plus a chance to win roundtrip tickets for two to Jakarta, Indonesia.  How cool is that?

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While you’re enjoying the Corniche buffet, you might see Sous Chef Ovan Prahoro.  Go for it and say hi, he’s such a friendly master chef.  We had a great time chatting with him during dinner.

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Selamat Menikmati: A Culinary Journey of Indonesia’s Best
August 16-28, 2011
Corniche Restaurant
Diamond Hotel, Roxas Boulevard cor. Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila, 1000 Philippines
(02) 528-3000

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