Dolled Up and Down

Air Philippines Online Support Complaint

2012-02-27T04:07:00.005-08:00

Hi Air Philippines,

I got this from your website:
APC MISSION

Air Philippines Corporation shall provide:
1. customers with safe and reliable air transportation with the best service at the least cost;
2. employees with career development and job satisfaction; and
3. stockholders with fair return on their investment.

Too many things just disappointed me about this airline who claims to give their customers worry-free adventures.

Here is the chronological order of events:
Jan 06, 2012:3:35pm: Booked Kalibo - Manila flight for 6 people (Mar 4, 7:45pm)
Feb 22:8:49am: Phone received a call from Air Phils but was not able to answer
Feb 22:8:51am: Received a text message from Air Phils informing of the schedule change (Mar 4, 2:40pm)
Feb 22:10:04am:Received a call from Air Phils and I was able to answer it. Was formally informed of the schedule change and gave me 2 options. To rebook the flight or cancel (all without penalties and with full refund). Gave me 48 hours to decide.
Feb 22: around 1:30 pm: Called AirPhils and requested to be rerouted instead. Was recommended to email instead onlinesupport@airphilexpress.com for assistance
Feb 22: 1:37pm: Emailed online support explaining the situation and requesting for the reroute.
Feb 23: 2:18am: Still no reply. Emailed online support for update.
Feb 24: 8:04PM: Online support replied (FINALLY!) inquiring about our 6-letter reservation code.
Feb 24: 11:12PM: Emailed the reservation code.
Feb 26: 10:11am: Email from Air Phils

Thank you for choosing Airphil Express.

Thank you for the message bringing to our attention your reported experience with us. At the outset, please accept our regrets for any disappointment caused you as a result.

We are sorry to learn that our schedule change impressed you unfavorably. Hence, it maybe helpful to note that you may rebook your flight without penalties due to schedule change. Another option is you may request cancellation and have it refunded in full if you are not amenable with the new flight schedule.

Feb 27: 12:09am: Here was my reply.

I don't mean to sound rude but your suggested options for us aren't really that helpful. Informing us a week prior to the schedule (especially summer time and a Kalibo flight at that), who are you kidding? Both suggestions are ludicrous. Rebooking when all your flights are either in the morning or early afternoon? How can you compare that to an evening flight? And you also suggest to cancel it (giving us full refund)? You informed us just with less than 2 weeks! Of course all the other flights from other airlines have either no more seats available on our preferred schedule or the prices are already expensive. Even if you give us our full refund, we still have to pay twice for others. Please don't make it seem like you're being reasonable with the options you gave us. In reality, you left us with no choice. It is insulting to your customers especially when you claim that you're delivering support 24/7. It's not the quantity of support, guys. It should always be the quality.

Feb 27: 7:03PM: Online support replied.

We apologize for the inconvenience our schedule change have caused. However, we may only offer you to have the tickets rebooked within 90 days from the original date of flight or refund the tickets with waived penalties.

We only hope to merit your understanding regarding this matter.

End of email conversation.

And no, Air Philippines. I will not give you the "merit of my understanding".

Three reasons why:
1. NO ONE explained to me why we were being rescheduled (a gap of 5 hours)
2. Why didn't no one call me from online support (which I believe is a higher department)? Who wants to talk with such impersonal and system-generated messages?
3. I was informed of this ELEVEN(11) DAYS prior to our flight which makes your options of little or of no practical value at all.

What you did to me is unacceptable and it feels personal. Now, my group is left with no choice but to accept your schedule. (Lest we get stuck in Kalibo for 90 days or pay twice/thrice the full refund that you're willing to provide.) But let me just say that you are nowhere near your NUMBER 1 mission. If this is the best service you can provide your customers, then I wish you luck in your future engagements.

(Review/Letter) Misibis Bay Stay

2012-02-21T21:39:00.020-08:00

Well, let me veer away from the usual review and instead write a thank you letter to the Misibis Bay team on how well we were treated during our stay with them last January. I was able to purchase the deal through Deal Grocer, and it was the best buy I have so far! :) Warning: This might be quite long. :D

Hi Misibis Bay team,

I would just like to extend my family's gratitude to your whole staff. We went there last Jan 9-11 and the service was just superb. We cannot stop raving about it and we're really planning on going back. We were able to purchase the deal through dealgrocer and it was all worth it!

From Nina (of reception who was efficient in checking us in) to Jonas (who helped us out during our Segway Tour), our tour guides during the city tour who let us have a stopover on the Chili Ice Cream restaurant, Jeff (the waiter who super spoiled us during our last dinner there), all the waiters and waitresses who gave us whatever we needed, whenever we needed them, to the AVP Director of Recreations (I'm sorry there's just too many names to remember) who was very accommodating to our requests for the activities and just about everyone who made us feel welcomed and cared for.

Another thing, the room! My family was so happy with it! Next time we come back, we will only request for Villa 22! It was spacious enough and really clean. The beds were comfortable. And the glass wall was a creative touch to the whole room. Come 6 in the evening, someone usually comes in to help us pull down the curtain so that the privacy of the room can be maintained while we sleep. Oh, one last thing! The pool was just outside which is perfect for my mom because she got really cold so fast and wanted to take a shower immediately which is so convenient.

We also had so much fun doing the activities! Our first activity was the city tour which allowed us to view Mt. Mayon in such near proximity. We can't help but ooh and aaah on the magnificence of Mt. Mayon. (And let me tell you, our guides kept on asking if we wanted our pictures taken, which we did! Haha.) We were also able to visit the famous Cagsawa Ruins (usual post card of Mt Mayon) and churches around the city. As I've mentioned, we had a stopover in the Chili Ice Cream restaurant which was a different experience for me. The ice cream was typically cold, but once you swallowed it, you can actually feel the hotness and spiciness of the flavor. There was a sweet aftertaste each bite. We then proceeded to the hotel to check in. And 2 men dancing greeted us! It was raining the whole afternoon of our first day so we just slept and went around the resort to see the facilities.

Our second day was filled with activities. Since our voucher included free use of non-motorized sports equipment, we all tried it! Even both my senior citizen parents were game enough for the activities. After breakfast, we tried the zipline. (It was just a short ride but future expansions are in plan. I think they're just waiting for the equipment for the Superman ride. Woohoo!) And because my sister and I felt bitin, we went on it thrice! And the guides were nice enough to help us. Next were the water sports activities. We already tried the kayak and pedal boat in Acuatico, Batangas so we decided to just try the hobiecat, kneeboard and windsurf. I could hardly pull the sail when I was windsurfing. It was so heavy and difficult. After a few tries (I didn't fall at all and I was able to maneuver it a bit), I decided to let the guide maneuver the whole thing and just sit down. Hahahah. But the best part was the Segway Tour. It's a machine that would allow the driver to maneuver it through leaning forward or backward or sideways! My mom was so quick to learn it. :))

The only, and I'm so sorry to say this, but the only complaint I have was the food. It was just so-so for me for the rates. Nonetheless, the whole experience of dining was also a nice experience because the waiters and waitresses never failed on their great services. One time, I dropped my knife on the table, and lo and behold, they were already offering me another knife. If we wanted something, they would honestly go out their way to give our requests.

My family cannot wait to go back. We're looking for another deal. Hopefully you'll have that in time for summer! I wish I bought 2 vouchers from dealgrocer!

Again, many thanks!!

(Review) Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum

2012-02-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

Got really busy these past few months so now's the only time I was able to post another review. (Mahirap pala talagang maging blogger, haha.) Anyway, here goes.

I found out that Estee Lauder PH is giving away 7-day free samples of the Advanced Night Repair Serum if you share your life experiences in their facebook app. So of course, the poorita me immediately grabbed this freebie opportunity!

And boy, was I not disappointed! The lady in the counter was kind enough to explain to me that this is the 30th anniversary of the ANR (And I think that the bottle is a limited edition for the anniversary.). She proceeded to explain to me how I should apply it on my face, which can be used day and night (1 sample sachet). After several days, she promised that my skin would feel a lot smoother. And it actually did!

At first, it stings a bit on certain parts of my face. But after a few moments, it doesn't really bother me at all. Another big factor is that it's not oily and sinks immediately to the skin! It also smells good, nothing very strong nor scented. And I could already see the effects even after 2 applications. Upon waking up, that's when I feel that my face is at its softest and healthiest. My pores even look really smaller! I'm not really sure how the repair works, but I can really see that my skin has gone softer these past few days to the point that my friend even complimented me on this and I have the ANR to thank it for! I've read somewhere that it helps with the lightening of scars, but I'm not so sure about it because I was only able to use it for 2 weeks, but hopefully, once I have the chance to buy, it will help me on my scars. (My HS days were peppered with pimples, yikes!)

Funny story: My officemate found out about this, and she was kind enough to get the samples and give them to me! So I actually was able to have a 2-week sample and I'm really hooked! I hope that my sister will give one bottle to me! (Haha!)

I've been telling my friends and sisters to get these as well to try them out! The promo is ongoing until the 29th and I hope that everyone gets the chance to try them out. (Go, go, go!)

I think, the only disadvantage is that it's a bit expensive. Rustan's is currently selling it at PHP4800 at 50ml. Although, I think another brand sells theirs at PHP6,000 (although I'm not so sure if it's also 50ml) so maybe it's actually cheap? Haha. I've just started with this whole face ritual so I'm not so sure about the pricing. But I honestly believe that this is worth every peso. I'll be buying it soon, once I'm done with the Bora bills. Hahaha.

Sorry guys, I don't have any picture to go with this post since all I had were the samples. :)

(Review) Bobbi Brown Party collection Deluxe Travel Brush Set (Holiday 2011)

2011-12-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

Bought this about 3 weeks ago but only got the chance to review it. This is my first time to write a review on anything so kindly bear with me :) Plus, sorry for the crappy photos!

The first time I heard of this was 2 months ago when I was in Rustan's Shangri-la. I was asking around if they have any brush set and Lanie (counter girl) was kind enough to show me their catalog and informed me that 2 travel kit brush sets are set to be released this coming November. And come November 13, she texted me that it was finally here! Finally bought it after a few prodding from my friends (The price is a bit steep for brushes, but not for Bobbi Brown brushes.).

Let's start with the packaging.

It has a silver theme which makes you really feel that you're going out on a party. The pouch is light enough to carry in your bag. As you can see below, its length is almost like any eyeglasses case and it's really quite thin. All 7 brushes can fit into this without any hassle. Plus the pouch really closes nicely with the clasp metal.

Now onto the brushes:

There are 7 brushes, but two of them are dual ended. Each brush is nicely labeled, with the brand on the other side. And the length is similar to a regular ballpen. Unlike the usual Bobbi Brown brushes that are in light brown/yellowish color, this set comes in black and silver. It includes:

Foundation
Face Blender
Eye Sweep
Eye Shadow
Eye Definer
Dual Ended concealer/blender and
Dual Ended Ultra Fine eyeliner/eye liner

This set is already enough for the whole face routine. I forgot the specifics of the material of the brushes, but I believe that it is a combination of animal hair and synthetic fiber. Another thing that I like about this is that it comes with a cover guard which makes storing in a mug easier for me.

Now comes the biggest con and no-no: Shedding!!!!
As of this writing, both face blender and eye shadow shed. :((

I thought that after the first wash, it would stop. But unfortunately, it didn't. I haven't had time to go back to Rustans Makati (where I bought it) and ask whether I can have them replaced. Here's to hoping. Another thing, the eye sweep and eye definer are a bit itchy when I use them. But I can forego that since my everyday routine is composed mostly of foundation brush, face blender brush and eye shadow brush.

On another note(not a biggie though), but I didn't get any freebies. Paying a hefty amount of P6,500, I expected a few freebies for this purchase alone. Maybe the counter boy didn't like me because I kept going back for several days because I couldn't make up my mind whether to buy it or not. Hahaha. Oh well.

All-in-all: I love this set. :D I especially love the foundation brush since it applies my liquid foundation all over my face easily. I love how light enough the whole set is, which I can easily carry around my bag and has the basic necessities of applying make-up. (When I went to the Benetint semi-opening in GB 5, I asked the counter girl there to use this set of brushes instead of theirs since, come on, theirs are dirty since they've been using the brushes on all the girls who passed by and wanted to try on. Hahaha. Yabang lang.)
The amount is a bit steep, but for P6,500, you get to have 9 different brushes. 1 brush alone from the brand costs around 2K or less. Plus, this is a limited edition so not everyone has this :)) (I'm a sucker for that.)

Pros
- packaging
- soft brushes
- light
- cover guard
- limited edition (only a few will have it)
- foundation brush

Cons
- shedding
- itchiness
- a bit pricey

Tips:
1. Always wash the brushes after you use it. (Please think of all the bacteria you're applying on your face if you don't).
2. After washing, I store this on a mug to dry since cover guards are already included.

I haven't had the time to have the tutorial/makeup session with a Bobbi Brown makeup artist since I'm waiting to have an event before I use it. I'll write another post on that once I have it. :D

(Update) Bobbi Brown team was kind enough to replace my face blender with not just another Mini Face Blender brush but also with a Bobbi To Go mini eye palette and hydrating eye cream as well! How's that for great customer service! :)

(Review) Pab Der Loafer

2011-11-19T06:06:00.000-08:00

I am really my father's daughter. Decided to buy the Pab Der loafers.

I wanted this one more (vs Sebago) since I can buy the extra softest of all insoles and make it the perfect fit for my feet. But it wasn't smooth sailing the whole time. My first few hours with it was a bit painful, creating a welt/scratch on my heel. I had to put on several band-aids on my feet for the first few days so that my feet/shoes can get used to with each other. After the first week though, I never looked back. I absolutely love them!!!!

Insoles:

I bought an extra full-insole to make it a perfect fit. I think it's made of foam?? (not sure, sorry!) I cannot stress it more, it's really, really, really soft and light!! Plus, it doesn't make my feet smell. It's really comfortable and it doesn't slip at all.

Outsoles:

The material is rubber so it helps me from slipping. (I can be such a klutz sometimes. Hahaha.) I don't mind stepping on wet areas because I know that my feet are protected by the durable material.

Leather:

When it rains outside, the material won't easily get ruined.

Overall:
I wear it everyday and everywhere. Since it's white, I can match it with skirts, shorts, pants and everything (well, except for formal black skirt). The brand name is designed with a red color, which is a bit downside for me (It actually reminded of Kickers), it doesn't feel that elegant for me. No biggie though since the important thing is that I am really, really, really comfortable with it. (I'm sorry for the superlatives. Hahaha.)

Pros:
- soft and comfortable!!!!
- can be matched with almost anything
- durable (as of this writing)

Cons:
- first few days of wearing them
- white, easily gets dirty
- price is a bit steep (but i really think it's worth every peso!)

Will I purchase them again?
Hell, yes! Once I wear out this pair, my next one would still be from them!
*The pair costs P2,780 and the extra insole costs another P280.

*I'm not sure whether this is a locally made but with Italian material because I can't see other stores outside Manila. Kindly let me know if anyone has any information. :D

Here is the link of their stores if you want to personally check them out:
http://pabder.com/stores/

On a Roll

2011-11-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

Current make-up kit for my everyday use:

Foundation: Anna Sui (liquid), Shishedo powder
Blush/Eyeshadow: Face Shop Baked Shimmer Blusher (Apricot Aura)
Eyelash Curler: Fanny Serrano (cheaper version of Shu haha)
Lipstick: ELF Red Lip Stain

I usually start off with the liquid foundation, emphasizing on the eyes. Next will be the eyes and cheeks. Also whenever I use the lip stain from Elf, I usually forego the blush since I feel that it will already be too much. The last step is the face powder so as to give my face a matte finish.

Wish List

2011-11-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

Wishlist before the year ends:

Bobbi Brown brushes
Sebago Lucerne/Pabder Loafers
Ipod Touch
Blackberry Bold
S95

Just bought the Bobbi Brown brush set! Can't wait to try them out tomorrow especially the foundation brush! :D

Also, can't make up my mind whether to buy the Sebago Lucerne(gray) one or the Pabder white leather loafer. Both are a must when walking around and can even blend with various outfit. From shorts to skirts to jeans. From casual to smart casual. Here's the difference though.

Sebago - It's currently on sale (10% off) now on the Glorietta branch until Sunday, so that's P3,060 (from P3,399). It's a bit big but I can use soles (similar to all my shoes). It's suede so I don't know what will happen once it starts raining.

Pabder - It costs less (P2870) but will need the soles (P280) which is really soft and fits perfectly now. That's P3,060 in all (what a coincidence!). And it's leather so it's more durable than suede.

So, now. I still don't know what to do. :) Any comments and suggestions would be appreciated.

Muchas Gracias!