Impeccable Design and Function: MONOCLE by Native Union

Friday, February 14, 2014


I was in the mood of getting accessories for my iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S so this arrived in the mail today. Right from the get go, I've always liked things that is a little fashion forward. When I held the box in my hand, I knew the MONOCLE by Native Union was right for me. It functions as a Speaker, Handset and Speakerphone all in one. I had to do an un-boxing of course. I immediately tested it out and see if it fits my phone. 


At first, I was a little skeptical that it might not be appropriate to carry it around like this guy in the package. Then again, maybe I might think of it differently when I try it on. 



Concept wise, I think I know why this is a little different. It's not meant to be worn like head phones, although it can function as one. Put it on your bag or pocket, it'll still be a good thing to show off to friends if you are the type of person who wants envy to flourish in your hood LOL! The body itself is made of spun aluminum whilst the inner grill is scored copper and plus a black aluminum casing. It's pretty sturdy and solid build makes it a tough cookie for travel purposes.


When I opened the box, it had a few brochures inside of it. The manual was also simple and available in different languages. The cords that came with it were all in Nylon reinforced covers. This make it literally hard to ruin or get damaged on normal occasions. Unlike the power cable of my iPhone5 that's about to say goodbye to this world soon LOL!


The cute MONOCLE also has this button on the side that can function to answer calls or drop them. It'll be handy answering calls so you get to do it hands free on speaker mode which I'll tell you about in a bit. Otherwise, you can just stick it to your hand while you hold your phone on the other. Private conversations on this gadget is a breeze but probably would need the help of your hand since it can't be hung around your ear. It is cozy though because it's softly padded by a cushion in the earpiece. You can opt to also put it on top of a table so you can share it with your friends or if you are in a conference call.

Piolo, Toni holds U.S. premiere of “Starting Over Again”


A record breaking 25 Million peso opening day plus a premier night that sent thousands of moviegoers flocking to theaters the next day just spelled the success of "Starting Over Again". This film stars Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga. They will be flying a few thousand miles to go to San Francisco Bay Area to meet their fans and launch a US premier of the same movie. Sounds amazing? Oh they probably are!

This is a Valentine’s Day offering from well loved network ABS-CBN, Star Cinema and TFC@TheMovies. The US Premier is set on February 15, Saturday with two screenings at 1:00pm and 6:30pm. It will be held at the historic Fox Theatre in Redwood City.

For more information about the event, please visit tfc-usa.com/AtTheMovies.

COW

For more information about their movie:
Star Cinema
Star Cinema
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.tfc-usa.com/AtTheMovies/

Magnum Gold Now in the Philippines!


These ladies were keeping something in their back. I could see it slightly peeking on the middle but they didn't let me check it out. For whatever reason, they asked me to go back when it's a little around 3PM because something big is happening. Something GOLD is appearing for the first time in Philippine shores; and no less than SM Supermarket is giving us a peek at what seems to be something luxurious and decadent... I was tempted to push these girls away but I'm a gentleman.. I had to find out later on.


I went in SM Supermarket to buy a few things for my personal consumption. I forgot to buy stuff for myself when I went to the grocery the day before so I went ahead and splurged on chips, plus Vanilla Coke and Cherry Coke. Oh I know what you are going to say! Don't judge! :P


The kind ladies on the counter helped me sort out stuff and I paid for it.


Then a person from their Customer Service desk approached me and said STOP! She handed me a golden ticket and said CONGRATULATIONS because I'm one of the few who would be able to get to taste tentenenen!!! 

 
MAGNUM GOLD!

Imagine rich thick Vanilla Ice Cream with a salted caramel swirl then coated two layers of mouthwatering, sweet, sinful and addicting Belgian chocolate. I already surrendered whilst listening to the ingredients being mentioned LOL!


Aside from getting that Ice Cream bar, I was also told that if I could open the vault using the secret code, I could win a brand new spanking iPod Shuffle or an iPad Mini (in the day's raffle)! Since it starts at 3PM, I did the next best thing to kill time.


I asked my blogger friends to come along and eat MAGNUM GOLD with me.


There's definitely more where that came from and we all enjoyed this new MAGNUM GOLD flavor since it retails at Php 55.00 only! Now, there's no reason not to enjoy it this summer when the heat comes back right? Aside from that, we went ahead and lined up to get our chance opening the vault to win the iPod Shuffle!


A commotion ensued when it was already 3PM and I even saw customer Erdy Tumapon win the MAGNUM Gold Ice Cream MP3 Player! Funny thing is... when it was my turn.... I entered some numbers on the vault and pressed the enter button.... and you know what happened?:D

I am now a proud owner of this iPod Shuffle! =)  I couldn't believe I guessed right. The number was XXXXXX hahah of course I won't tell you! :) I haven't won anything for a long time and opening this great prize was just the icing on the ice cream. I too struck GOLD in MAGNUM GOLD! This wouldn't be possible if I didn't go to SM Supermarket in Megamall! =) Thanks guys!
COW

For more information about their brand:
SM Supermarket Megamall
SM Supermarket Megamall
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.magnum.com.ph/

Bucket List: To See Spain!

As you can probably tell by my name, I have Spanish lineage. I've attempted to trace our family tree and the last bit I got is that we hail from Valencia. It's a long story. Valencia is the third largest city after Madrid and Barcelona. A few days ago, we were invited to a dinner party over at Manila Peninsula and see product updates about Spain. I didn't know countries could come like a product but when I listened to their people a couple of nights ago, it all made sense. I've got to go to España!


Arturo Ortiz, Director of Spain Tourism Board side by side with Ms. Vien Cortes, Market Analyst from the Spain Tourism Board.

The National Tourism Office of Spain and Embassy representatives provided information that would highlight the best from their country. It all boils down to our affinity to culture and our historical ties. We could not just throw away what's common between the Philippines and Spain so they are really banking on that. 

Spain's aggressive stance in the tourism industry didn't just come overnight, because as of now their yearly tourist arrivals amount to around 58 million. It definitely provides a chunk of their economic and business activities and since there are untapped Asian cities like Manila plus our other neighbors, we would be something that they have found interest especially in the religious - pilgrimage tour sector since our countries ties involve Catholicism. Their churches and real deal saintly locations doesn't only provide sustenance to the spirit, but even awe struck you with architecture spanning ages you weren't born or thought about yet, that long. Aside from that, they've also got one of the most modern art, architecture and engineering centers in the world! I was pretty close to booking a ticket when they showed Madrid. Then when we were also told about other regions in the country, I envied the lady who spoke about the Andalusian region where she showed some parts of Córdoba, Granada, Jaén, Málaga and Seville. She hasn't even started yet because as she was telling us about the places, she went in and dosed us with Spanish Gastronomy!

 
This is my kind of Paella! =)

There must be a hundred of these concoctions that are similarly called in Filipino and Spanish cooking but yes, Spain does have their own gustatory pleasures in and around Madrid. Their Paella no matter what way or form it goes just looks so good. Each region much like ours have their own version. Meaning that goes the same with Ensaymada, Adobo, etc. I also envy their wine and olive oil sources especially when they treat EVOO with such regalness since they never would want to put it elsewhere (not even on a pan) but on a plate!

Ms. Lisa Dinh, Business Development Manager for International Marketing & Tourism, 
El Corte Ingles

Then this gorgeous lady right here also told us something husbands would never appreciate. Spain is actually lethal for shopaholics! They've got hundreds of shopping malls and arcades in Spain that would be the perfect venue to swipe your cards. They've got one of the biggest tax exempted shopping venues in the world. They've got a system to get refunds for most retail shops and all you have to do is fill up the appropriate forms for it. If you're looking for original labeled bags, they bet you can even get it cheaper in Spain than in other European countries since it is duty free! Now that's a shopping haven you wouldn't want to miss!


The Spanish Ambassador Jorge Domecq

Ambassador Jorge Domecq proudly says that there are around 54,000 Filipinos who visited Spain last year and they are gunning to increase that this 2014. Spain has it all and all you have to do is take a look at this bright spot in Europe once more. I've always wanted to go and see if there's a Bueno clan in that part of the world, who know's I might just get the chance to do that this year!

 Since we needed to immerse ourselves further with what Spain has to offer, we got our dancing shoes ready for a spirited Flamenco dance!


I did actually get to experience Flamenco when I was a kid (I kid you not!) and it's one of the most exhilarating dances I've ever done. If you wish to see more of Spain, watch this!

 

Viva España!

P.S. Oh if you're looking for flights, go with Qatar Airways. I've seen their lounges and it's like a five star hotel. You've got to stay there a bit if I were you! LOL 

COW

For more information about their country:
See Spain
See Spain!
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.spain.info