Alcatel Flash Plus Philippines

Online shopping is quite easy with just a few clicks away you'll get the product you want, but what if the desired product has a limited time sale and a lot of people wants to get a piece of it? Well, I guess it is not really easy at all. You need to block off your calendars or maybe set an alarm for the event. I could say marketing scheme of lazada.com.ph is really effective because they really got me on this one.

I bought a brand new Alcatel One Flash Plus because of the price and amazing specifications. Maybe this time you have seen a lot of information about this product from other reviewers/bloggers, but this post is fairly about the after purchase and will showcase the  highlights and low points of the phone.

Rear Camera

 Photo in a Low Light Condition

What is it for me?
Alcatel One Flash Plus is a good choice for a mid range phone. It caters to the need of an average user like me. It run smoothly and has a decent performance. Since, my phone is already rooted, I have a permission to tweak it and delete all unnecessary apps. I've been using this phone for almost 2 months now and I have no plan to replace it. I'm just hoping that someone or the alcatel group find ways to enhance it better because this phone really worth your money.

Another good thing about this phone, it has a support group on facebook, so whenever you feel that there is something wrong with your device you can easily post your queries and you'll get an immediate response without going into service center not unless if it is for replacement.

Calaguas Island 2015

I don't have a slim body to flaunt in the beach, but I always find myself saying yes to an invite especially if it is trip to nature. I don't know. Maybe beach waves and sound of the sea gives me a certain feeling being renewed. Plus, seeing gigantic clouds over the ocean are just prefect scenery to relax.

When I received an invite from a friend to join their quick weekend getaway, I immediately said "Yes, that would be fun!". The initial plan was to go to Baler, but after some discussion we finally settled go to Calaguas. Well, Calaguas Island can be found in Daet Camarines Norte, Bicol. Travel time would go around 8 hrs to 10 hrs depending on the speed or type of vehicle. Plus, another 2.5 hrs to spend in a boat. In our case, we chose to have a tour service, the I-adventure Calaguas, because we don't have much to prepare.

BTW, the I-adventure package cost around 3000 per person inclusive of meals, use of tents, kayak, snorkel gears, volleyball, and free cocktails.

Itinerary of  I-adventure:
Day 0
21:00 pm- Bus ride from Cubao to DAET (Superlines Aircon with 3 stop over) P450
Day 1
06:00 am- ETA in Jollibee DAET
06:30 am- meet the coordinator with other tourists
07:30 am- ETD from Jollibee DAET to Vinzons Port P30 + 30 (jeepney ride back and forth)
07:45 am- ETA Vinzons Port while waiting for others (big boat) if shared, P250-450
08:30 am- left the port
10:50 am- arrived in Mahabang Buhangin Calaguas Island P50
11:00 am- rest in cottage (Ask the Locals)
12:00 nn Lunch (Laing, Buttered Shrimp, Squid, Chicken-pork Adobo, and Rice) P100 -150
13:00 - 15:30 pm- free time
15:30 pm- prepare your swim wear and get ready on island hopping & snorkeling P120/pax (optional)
16:15 pm- back on mahabang buhangin
19:00 pm- dinner (Fried Isda, Ginataang Gulay, Chicken, and Rice) P100 -150
21:00 pm- mobile bar for unlimited drinks, cocktail party P100 -150
23:00 pm- lights off

Day 2
06:30am- trekking/ walking to mini mountain
07:00 am breakfast (yummy daing, hotdog, egg and rice) P100 -150
due to low tide we left the island earlier than usual time.
8:00 am- pack things/bath/restroom time
8:30 am- left the Mahabang Buhangin Calaguas, Boat Ride Included from Day 1
12:30 pm- arrived at Vinzons Port and went to Mark's House (organizer) to have lunch
14:00 pm- arrived at Bagasbas Beach (Free, cottage for 12 pax cost P300)
15:00 pm- went to local market in DAET for pasalubong (Tricycle P10 each person)
16:00 pm- rest in a while at bagasbas beach
17:00 pm- Ride in to Superlines Bus Going back to MNL P450
02:30 am- Arrived in Cubao Terminal
02:30 am to 3:30am - Arrived in our home, Bulacan. (Took ordinary bus from Cubao & Tricycle) P55

*The itinerary posted above will give you an idea about the budget. Estimated price for DIY Trip may cost P2,300 including transportation, food, and side trip to Bagasbas Beach. Also, tents are available for rent P200-250/night. The amount can be adjusted at your own convenience.*

Well, I would say my experience here in Calaguas was one of the greatest weekend of 2015. The Long bus ride, and boat ride was worth it after seeing the clear water, the fine white sands, the people, and the party. I also enjoyed the food, especially laing. I also learned how to swim in this island (wooo! achievement for me) that's why the place became so memorable.

Everything there was good, except that you really have to be stay humble with the restroom because the island does not have a good water source; it is not yet developed. The place is not like Boracay or any other beach where you can find good hotels, good lightning, and comfort. This island is for typical camping out with tent and portable things.

*beach camping mode

boat with standard life vest on the side

*OK pose

Silhouette Shot 

*Setting up the mobile bar

Blue Blazer drink got me.

SJCAM 4000 Philippines

I always rely on my cellphone for taking photos and videos. I have an outdated digital camera and I do not trust it from taking good shots. That's why action cameras today really got me. Last April, I bought a Xiaomi Yi Camera (click the link to see my review.)

Despite of having fake units in the market, I still bought it through Lazada.com.ph with CWL as a merchandiser. I received it three days after placing an order. I checked it and get it verified on the sjcam website. The unit came in with a lot of accessories which xiaomi yi camera does not have.

See the specifications below: 

12-megapixel HD wide-angle lens

Supports storage cards up to 32GB

Multiple video recording formats: 1080P, 720P, and WVGA (.MOV format)

LCD display

Web Camera and Drive Recorder modes

Multiple photo shooting modes: Single shot, Snapper

Video encryption enabled

Electronic image stabilization

Replaceable battery

Video recording while charging

Waterproof case

Massive selection of mounting options included

See the sample photos and videos taken from this device with default settings:

indoor shot

 action on the road

 clearly shot from the beach

indoor shot

Watch it in HD for better quality.

I would say, SJ CAM 4000 is just like a basic camera with a wide lens in it. There's nothing fancy about this device, but If you are on a tight budget like me this device is a good choice. Quality photos are good and just needed a little enhancement via photoshop or snapspeed. 

Pahiyas Festival in Quezon 2015

When I was a child, I always get amazed by fiesta and marching band. As I get older, the festivities around my area has gone into plain, boring and ordinary one. So, I asked some of my officemates if they wanted to go Quezon to unwind and relax the mind from work.

A colleague from Quezon volunteered to be our tour guide and she provided us  an itinerary for 3 days/2 nights with estimated budget of 3,000 pesos including pasalubong.

May 15: After the 11-hrs of being zombie at work, We immediately headed to the FX Terminal in Legarda (along Raymond Bus) going to Famy Laguna via Antipolo. We left at 10 am and we were expecting a heavy traffic to come across during the trip, but it only took 3 hours to get there. We arrived in  Famy Laguna around 1:00 pm and waited for another 40 mins for the bus going Lucena. Then, rode a tricycle going to Lucban. The total fare would cost P200, if you followed this alternative route. (Too much transfer, but definitely worth your time especially if you are avoiding traffic.)

We took some rest before sneaking out the festival. I surprised that the event has turned lively during the night.

May 16:

• We went to Lumang Palaisdaan for very cheap and sumptous breakfast
• Climbed up Kamay ni Hesus 
• Went to Batis and Majayjay Falls
• Buddy's Restaurant Lucban

 view from lodging house 6am

 @palaisdaan 

May 17:

• We woke up early to catch the mass at Lucban Church
• Headed to Chito's Restaurant for full breakfast
• We walked around to buy pasalubong
• Eker and Ely's Famous Longganisa
• Bus Terminal going back to Manila