Make-PHOEBE-Over Birthday Giveaway

Okay, so this is actually the first time I'm ever going to join a local blog giveaway. I know, I've already entered official giveaways from the brand.

Any you wanna know why? It's because I just can't resist those stashes! It's like I'm "OH WOW!" with my eyes popping out. LOL.

Moving on, Phoebe from 'Bite. Luxe. Snap. Wander." is having a massive giveaway for her awesome birthday. She is giving away her HG products and more including...

this... (first stash)

and this... (second stash)

and this! (Team E Choice Award Stash--major prize)

These will be given away to THREE LUCKY ladies! And note that each stash includes makeup stashes from Majolica Majorca, Estee Lauder, Bobbie Brown and DKNY! Whew! :D

make up stash for the first and second stash

make up stash for the Team E Choice Award stash

If you want to join too, please visit Phoebe's blog for the giveaway mechanics. Good luck to us ladies! :)

Bubble Tea SM Megamall

The boyfriend and I had already tried Bubble Tea in Wilson St. branch and this was actually our first time in SM Megamall branch. If I remember correctly, this happened in July. And I know, it's already September.

Bubble Tea SM Megamall Branch

Anyway, Bubble Tea is Japanese fusion restaurant, more popularly known for their pearl milk teas or bubble teas. I really love bubble teas. And of course, Japanese food. Hehehe.

Strawberry Milk Tea and Taro Milk Tea (P125, large)

What I find cute here in Bubble Tea is their interior. It's just bright and light. The font used in their menu too are cute. Probably, the term appropriate for  this restaurant is 'kawaii'. And when I remember that word, I always imagine Japanese high school girls in their mini skirt uniform. LOL.

I ordered Taro Milk Tea and Tonkatsu Curry, while the boyfriend ordered Strawberry Milk Tea and Oyakodon.

Tonkatsu Curry (P185)

Oyakodon (P180)

Strawberry Milk Tea

I really like their food presentation! As for the taste, it's just similar to other Jap food I've tried. Nothing special. But really, what I always enjoy most in Bubble Tea are their pearl milk teas. The tapiocas are really chewy and they come in different sizes unlike with other bubble teas.

Anyway, I used a voucher or coupon I bought from eBay Kuponan this time. With that, we availed 50% discount on our receipt! :D

Overall, Bubble Tea is a good hang out place where you can chat with your friends over a pearl milk tea and Jap food. We'll surely visit this restaurant again. :)

Me, me, me!

Bubble Tea is located in SM Megamall Building A, Lower Ground Floor. It's near the SM Food Court.

Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken - SM Megamall

The boyfriend and I usually go out on weekends. In fact, this has already been a routine for us. We watch movies, eat and shop for stuffs we need or like.

One weekend, we decided to eat at Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken again. We already ate in this restaurant and liked the food...so, there we go again. (Plus, I really love chicken! :P )

As usual, we were greeted by their staff with, "Senor, Senoras!". It really caught our attention the first time you know, because it was said loud and clear.

Anyway, what I really like about this restaurant are the large servings because we're really big eaters. I was already full with their Everyday Platter.

Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken Menu

This time, I ordered Everyday Platter C which included 1/4 Chicken, 2pcs. Wild Wings, Corn and Cob, Steamed Rice and Gravy and Regular Iced Tea.

Everyday Platter C (P198)

Corn and Cob

The boyfriend ordered Everyday Platter B which included 1/4 Chicken, 2pcs. Parmesan Shrimp, Corn and Cob, Steamed Rice and Gravy and Regular Iced Tea.

Everyday Platter B (P198)

2pcs. Parmesan Shrimp

For their 1/4 Chicken, you get to choose from three flavors: Hot and Spicy, Lemon and Garlic and I forgot the other one. Hehe.

But anyway, we both chose Hot and Spicy.

During this time too, the restaurant has an ongoing promo. You can drink all you want and have soup all you want for only P49 per head. However, it was self-service, so you have to get your drinks and soup on their Soup and Beverage Bar.

Soup and Beverage All You Want Promo for P49

 Their Kitchen (in the middle of the restaurant)

Soup and Beverage Bar

If I can remember it well, they had mushroom or corn and broccoli soup that time. As for drinks, they had red iced tea, pineapple juice, coffee and tea.

I didn't try them all because I was already full, and besides, the soup and drinks were so-so. There was nothing special, but of course, what can you expect for P49. It was already right for the price.

Verdict:

If you're really hungry and want affordable yet good food, Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken is the best bet. We're definitely going back again! :)

Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken is located in SM Megamall Building A, 3F, along the bridge and beside Tokyo Cafe and Racks.

Etude House Grand Sale - 20% Off On All Items

I've been wanting to try the popular "BB Cream" for sometime now. And finally! I've got it from Etude House.

I was not really a fan of skin care, body care and make up products. I found them cute, but was too lazy to get them. But since the flea bites episode from a few months ago, I'd had no choice but to look for an effective treatment, e.g. lotion, balms, etc.

And so, I was hooked. I wanted to find the products that really work. And I also discovered makeups.

When I first read about BB cream, I was really excited to use one. However, I found them a bit pricey and delayed my fulfillment in buying one. LOL.

But when I heard that Etude House has an ongoing sale for 20% discount on all items from June 15 up to June 21, I really got super excited! And I couldn't wait to get to the store.

I've already decided to get the Precious Mineral BB Cream All Day Strong #3. But when I got to SM Megamall Etude House. The sales assistant said it was out of stock. I didn't lose hope--I tried the department store. But then again, it was out-of-stock.

I was really disappointed. There are several products that are out of stock.

But I really wanted to be called a princess (LOL, EH calls their customers princesses and princes). So, my sister and I looked around the shop.

There were two BB creams--BB Magic Cream and Moistfull Collagen BB Cream.

I wasn't really used to trying testers, but then I tried both on my wrist. I like the Moistfull Collagen BB Cream (P928) and I'm ready to buy it since it has a matte finish unlike the BB Magic Cream. However, when I asked if it's suitable for the oily skin type, the sales assistant told me that it can only be used for dry skin.

And so, I settled for the BB Magic Cream. It has two types--Moisturizing (for dry skin) and Refreshing (for oily skin). The cover says,

"BB Magic Cream offers natural looking coverage that nourishes and corrects skin tone."

 BB Magic Cream Refreshing (P548)

The SA confirmed that it looks natural on the face. It was watery, unlike the Moistfull, but light on the skin. I settled for it because of natural-looking feature.

I also wanted to have a cleanser so I bought Yogurt Peel Cleansing Foam (Black Food Mix). I chose this among the three because, again, it's suitable for oily skin. Yogurt Peel Cleansing Foam Nuts Mix is suitable for dry skin and the other one Yogurt Peel Cleansing Foam Fruits Mix is for combi skin. The Black Food Mix cover says,

"Cleansing Foam contains yogurt (Lactobacillus) to gently exfoliate, nourish and energize complexion. The Black Food Mix consists of black beans and black sesame seed extracts."

In my paper bag, there is also VitaFoam Mini Bite Me. I didn't plan to buy this (oh well, everything I bought was unplanned anyway), but I got it to reach the P1000 mark for the freebie. LOL.

VitaFoam Mini Bite Me (P148)

Oh~m' Eye Line Liquid Eyeliner (P198)

Yogurt Peel Cleansing Foam Black Food Mix (P278)

Anyway, it's also promising since it contains vitamins to enhance the skin. There are five types of the VitaFoam Mini and the #3 Bite Me contains vitamin E. Others have Vitamin A, B3, etc.

I really wanted to try the liquid eyeliner though I didn't know how to apply it. I got it. It's called the Oh~m' Eye Line.

I also bought the Natural Mask Ad Aloe Vera and Green Tea.

Natural Mask Ad (P58)

The Natural Mask Ad Aloe Vera is an "essence mask that contains moisturizing aloe to prevent acne and soothe skin", while the Green Tea is an "essence mask that contains green tea extract that soothes and comforts stressed and fatigued skin."

I've already used the Yogurt Peel and the Natural Mask Ad Aloe Vera. Though it's still too early to say anything, I find the Yogurt Peel really foamy and refreshing. The same is true for the Natural Mask Ad. It's refreshing and quite relaxing to my face.

I'll be posting reviews about these products once I've already got to use them for a while.

For these buys, I've earned the Etude House Pink Membership! Yey! I'm already a certified princess! (ROFL) I've also got the Heart Eyebrow Knife with the Mirror as a freebie. And of course, a 20% discount off my purchases! Thanks Etude! :)

All products from Etude House are Korean. Its current endorser is Sandara Park or Dara from 2NE1.

I don't know why Etude House is addicting, but it really is. Everything you'll see in the store is cute and pink. It's very girl-ish. And in fact, there are already several "princesses" addicted to Etude House. Probably, it's the image and marketing or advertising. And they're effective.

But anyway, Tony Moly is already open in SM Megamall Building A near SM Supermarket. We saw it when we were about to go home. Hmmm...can they attract as many customers as Etude House does? We'll see.

Update 06/20/2011:

Yesterday, I was not sure if I wanted to buy a lipstick. And so today, since I and the boyfriend planned to watch Green Lantern (it's a good movie, though there's nothing really great about it), I passed by Etude House and Tony Moly.

I didn't go for the lipstick, instead, I went for a lip gloss. Yey! I was thinking if I would get it from Tony Moly but I backed out since I already had an Etude House Pink Membership.

Look at what I've got. It's Peach Water Gloss #4 Apricot Water. I already used it right after buying it. It felt cool on the lips and it's nice.

Peach Water Gloss #4 Apricot Water (P298)

We also passed by Watson's and I was able to buy a blusher. I'm not really a fan of blush ons that's why I didn't buy one in EH. And actually, it's my first blush on.

I felt that I didn't really need it since I was feeling like I was not pale at all. But anyway, I still bought one from e.l.f. (Eyes Lips Face).

e.l.f. products are international and among the cheapest so I went for it. I'm going to try it tomorrow. :)

e.l.f. Natural Radiance Blusher Glow (P129.75)

Lastly, my sister said that Tony Moly was a sister company of Etude House, so maybe they aren't really competitors.

Freedom Day Weekend Sale and Freebies

In lieu with tomorrow's Independence Day, several malls and establishments are having a huge sale this weekend!

Participating SM Malls in Metro Manila, Cebu and more are having their Freedom Sale on June 10, 11 and 12. Shoppers can enjoy up to 50 percent discounts off on selected items. (See the list of participating SM Malls in EverythingInBudget.)

Alternatively, if you are a fan of branded stuffs, you can attend the Biggest Brands Sale at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2. Participating brands include Jag, Lee, Levi's, Paddocks, L'Oreal, Arrow, McJim, Accel, Canon, Siemens, Philips, Candie's and more! Enjoy a whooping of up to 80 percent on these branded items. The Biggest Brands Sale is ongoing on June 10-12.

Are you a movie fan? Well, you can enjoy FREE movies this weekend! You can even bring along your friends.

Nestle gives a FREE entrance on a short film anthology entitled 'Kasambuhay Habambuhay'. It is a collection of 10 short Nestle stories (10 minutes each) which are being starred by John Lloyd Cruz, Mr. Eddie Garcia, Marvin Agustin, Eugene Domingo, Ms. Gloria Romero, Sid Lucero, Noni Buencamino and more.

After watching the film, you will be asked to vote the story you liked most. On June 12, after all the votes have been casted, one lucky winner pf P10,000 will be drawn per cinema.

Screening is only happening at SM Megamall Cinema 3, SM Southmall Cinema 6, SM Rosales Cinema 1, SM Cebu Cinema 7 & SM Davao Cinema 1.


Not yet satisfied? You can also watch FREE French films at the French Film Festival in Shang Cineplex 4, Shangrila Plaza.


It is first come, first serve basis and tickets are issued one hour before the screening. The French Film Festival is ongoing from June 9 to June 19. (See the film showing schedule here.)

At last...hungry? Get a doughnut treat on June 12 from Go Nut Donuts! Just wear a yellow, red, or blue shirt and redeem your freebies.

PisoBid.com - Overview and Tips on How to Bid (Smartly)

I've already known about fast-paced online penny auctions before I've seen PisoBid.com--the first Philippine online penny auction site. As a matter of fact, I worked on the online and email content of one penny auction site based in the US. So technically, I know something about the rules of this kind of auction sites.

Penny auction sites are online bidding sites that offers items, usually gadgets such as iPad, iPhone, Sony Playstation, etc for pennies. Meaning, once you win an auction, you only need to pay for a dollar or two for the item that you've won. Really nice, eh?

Oh, but I forgot--you need to buy bids that you can use in the auctions.

Though I know several of these sites, all foreign, I've only tried bidding in PisoBid because: 1.) If I win, there'll be no hassles in shipping (because shipping fees are always shouldered by the buyer) and 2.) I've been given 10 free bids by this auction site.

In my humble opinion, I think these penny auction sites are really addicting. Why? Because of the fast-paced environment, your eagerness to win (fabulous) items is increased. You might not even notice that your bid credits have already run out because the 20-second timer really ticks fast. Plus, you can get to pay only PHP5 for a PHP1,000 peso Globe load or maybe even less depending on the winning price.

And probably because it really is addicting, there are already hundreds of people who have purchased 1000's of bids from PisoBid to join the auctions. But of course, isn't it fun?

Additionally, I'm thinking that this is similar to gambling--though of course, not totally. It is similar in the sense that everyone wants to win badly. In fact, they'll buy n bids just so that they can win.

And mind you, I find the bids expensive. You see, these bids are usually available in bid packs. In the US, one bid costs USD0.60 and the bid packs are calculated based on this price. However, I find that the prices of bid packs in PisoBid varies. The first bid pack which includes 10 bids costs PHP300 and the fifth bid pack which includes 500 bids costs PHP3,000.

Really, this online auction isn't for the poor.

Oh well, what can I say to these people but enjoy. Enjoy bidding! In addition, I would like to give useful tips on how to be a smart bidder.

Tips on How to Bid (Smartly) in Penny Auction Sites

• Before bidding, be aware of terms and policies including the rules and regulations of auction site. Reading these materials can guide you into what to expect in the ongoing auctions. Plus, you can also create a strategy for an effective bidding (and eventually winning) by going over the rules of the site.

• Make sure to have your research first. Read forums, Facebook pages and blogs before buying bids from the auction site. If they'll give you free bids, use them first and see if you like their bidding system.

• Do not buy bids more than you actually can. If you're on a tight budget, don't try buying 1000's of bids just because you want to save (or so you thought you can save).

• Create a threshold of how much you can spend on these auction sites. By doing so, you can control your spending habits and be able to avoid overspending.

• Lastly, choose a good time of the day (or night) when bidding. Bidding on these auction sites can take more time than you can imagine. Make sure that you're not in the middle of your work when you bid!

Get FREE P100 Globe Load Through BPI Mobile Banking

Recently, I've received a text from BPI that they are giving away FREE P100 Globe load once you use BPI Mobile Banking feature on Globe to load your own mobile number and/or any Globe/TM subscriber. Isn't that great news for Globe subscribers and BPI account holders?

How to Load Using BPI Mobile Banking

I've been using BPI Mobile Banking to load my Globe mobile phone and transfer cash from my BPI savings account to GCash since last year. It's during those times when I'm in the middle of something that I cannot leave, have zero load balance and need to text someone urgently.

It's really handy, so let me show you how to load through BPI Mobile Banking.

Step 1 - Register or enroll your Globe prepaid number in the BPI Mobile Banking feature.

• Just type "ENROLL <Your BPI Account#> <Your Joint Account Indicator>" and send to 2274. Your two-digit JAI can be found at the front of your card, right across your name. Sample: ENROLL 0123456789 01.
• Activate your enrollment in any BPI ATM within 5 days. On the main menu, select Special Services > Activate Enrollments > Express Connect - SMS Enrollment.
• Wait for a text confirmation containing your six-digit Mobile PIN. Please make sure to change your MPIN immediately. To change, text CHG <Current MPIN> <New MPIN> to 2274.

Note: You may also download the BPI Mobile Banking Menu on your phone. Access Globe Services on your Globe sim and activate the BPI menu and add it myFavorites.

Step 2 - From the BPI Mobile Banking menu, select Reload and enter your MPIN.

Step 3 - Select Globe or TM depending on the network of the recipient of the load is subscribe to.

Step 4 - Choose the desired amount to be loaded to the Globe/TM mobile phone.

Step 5 - Enter your BPI Account#. Key in <SA for Savings account or CA for Current Checking Account><Last four (4) digits of your BPI Account#>. Sample: SA6789

Step 6 - Enter the number of the recipient. It can be your own mobile number.

Wait for the confirmation from BPI and Globe that you have successfully transferred or loaded credits to your mobile phone from your BPI account. Your account will be debited a banking fee of P15 or 1% of amount loaded, whichever is higher. Learn more about BPI Mobile Banking.

In addition, make sure to take advantage of the BPI promo and get FREE P100 Globe load once you load any Globe/TM number using BPI Mobile Banking from May 16, 2011 to August 16, 2011. You will be able to receive your FREE load one week after the successful transaction.

For more info on this promo, please visit MyBPIMag and call BPI hotline 89-100.

AirPhil Express Pick-A-Fest

Are you a blogger? AirPhil Express is giving away 6 roundtrip tickets to three hotspot tourist destinations!

Three lucky bloggers, along with their chosen companions, will have a chance to witness three of the most celebrated festivals in the Philippines: MassKara Festival in Bacolod, Hermosa Festival in Zamboanga and Lanzones Festival in Camiguin.

MassKara Festival

To join this competition, here's what you need to do:

1. Choose one of the three festivals (Lanzones Festival in Camiguin, MassKara Festival in Bacolod, Hermosa Festival in Zamboanga).
2. Once you have decided, blog about your festival of choice by answering this question: Why do you want to experience and join that festival?
3. Copy-paste this text at the end of your post: "Experience MassKara Festival, Hermosa Festival and Lanzones Festival this October. Airphil Express flies daily to BACOLOD, ZAMBOANGA and CAGAYAN DE ORO from Cebu and Manila. Visit www.airphilexpress.com to book!
4. Accomplish the entry form at http://on.fb.me/pickafest

Criteria for judging are:

• - 50% - Substance
• - 30% - Style and Creativity
• - 20% - Overall Impact

Judges will be Cebu Blog Camp and AirPhil Express.

In addition to the mechanics and criteria for judging, AirPhil Express also gives limitations to the contest. Please read them carefully.

• - Participating blog must be at least 6 months old
• - Participating blog must be on Blogspot, Wordpress, Tumblr, Multiply, or self-hosted.
• - Prizes are non-transferable. The prizes must be used by the winners and their chosen companion.
• - Tickets are valid for use in October 2011 only.
• - Promo runs May 28-September 15, 2011. Deadline of submission of entries is at 11:59pm of September 15.
• - Winners will be announced on September 21
• - APX Promo terms and conditions apply.
• 
  
• Please visit AirPhil Express's Facebook page for more detailed  info.

*photo credits to bonggaba.com

Ariake Japanese Cuisine - Tomas Morato, QC

If you've already read 'Charlene's Uncharted Plans', you probably know by now that I love food and promos and discounts. So, for my first post on this blog, I'll be featuring a restaurant and a daily deal site in Philippines.

CleverBuy - Be Clever, Pay Less is one among several daily deal sites/group-buying sites in the Philippines. I'm one of the first few members who have seen how their market has grown to almost 10,000 members now.

Ten days, every day, before their launch, they held mini-contests that reward Php100 load credits to any mobile telco. And since yours truly is a fan of these contests and promos, I joined. And luckily, I won one round.

Come their official launch last March, CleverBuy held another game--their popular Guessing game for their Facebook fans. The mechanics are simple. Just guess how many vouchers will be sold at the end of deal. And again, yes, I joined and won that contest. (Maybe I'm really lucky. LOL.) The prize was a total of 3,333 Clever credits that can be used to buy vouchers on their site. (By the way, they still hold contests with even larger prizes at stake on their site, so make sure to visit CleverBuy from time to time.)

I bought four Ariake Japanese Cuisine vouchers (one voucher is good for 4-6 pax) from CleverBuy with the credits I've won from the latter. And oh, I can say I'm definitely a winner with Ariake Japanese Cuisine and CleverBuy!

I've already used one voucher last April--my birthday month. I was with the boyfriend and our two friends.

(Photos are taken by my handy SE Elm. My camera phone is not perfect, so please bear with me.:) )

The four of us were the only guests when we had arrived. The place is quiet and relaxing. Two thumbs up for Ariake's ambience.

The voucher bought from CleverBuy already predetermined what we were going to eat. The only thing we had to order were drinks.

Special Makisushi Deluxe (Tempura Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Canadian Roll, Ninja Roll and Salmon Skin Roll) 

Yakitori 

Seafood Dumplings

I'm craving for Jap food right now. Oh no! But I guess we've got to move on. So...

Our two friends were big eaters (as if we were not lol). Kidding! Hehe. They even ordered baked oysters and Chahan (fried rice).

Baked Oysters (Php265)

After our sumptuous dinner, we were then ready for desserts. Yes, desserts! The voucher also included Coffee Jelly. The coffee jelly and vanilla ice cream really blends well together. I love it!

Coffee Jelly (Php85)

I enjoyed Ariake. And for sure, I'll be coming back again. Anyway, I still have three more vouchers with me. Wonder if I'll have a mini-contest with one voucher as the prize...hmmm...stay tuned!