Review: Nokia E63

This is it. The change to night shift will finally happen in a couple of days. No more delays and turning back. Starting Monday, I'm gonna be working from 8PM to 5AM. And possibly until 8AM because the OT saga is still going on. So, how am I feeling about this? I'm a little scared, yet excited too. This is something new, and I can't wait to know how it will work out for me and my teammates. Bring it on, night shift! :)

ANYWAY, this is really not about that. This post is a quick review of my recently acquired phone Nokia E63.

Yes, I got the black one. I wanted the red one actually, but the phone store didn't have any stock of it, so I settled for what was left. By the way, I've read that there's a limited edition white E63, but NO THANKS. It looks like a bar of soap.

So how am I gonna do this review? By aspects and bullets, of course. I'm gonna examine the phone's design, functions, and price. Also, there will be comparisons to my usage of my former phone Samsung C3303K Champ, so if you wanna understand those parts, better read my review for that one.

Design

• I wanted a new phone because I got sick of Samsung Champ's touch screen. So I got QWERTY, and I got it real good. However, since my thumbs are abnormally big, typing is still a hit and miss for me. Well, if I really wanted big keys, I should've opted for this phone:

• I love holding my E63. It fits my hand perfectly, it's not too thick nor too thin, the weight is not a burden at all, and the soft finish of the paint is delightful to touch. Look Ma, no fingerprints!
• As opposed to the blue and red choices, black makes it look more like a business phone. And I should start using it like one.

Functions

• The home screen is such a convenience for me. I can put up to 6 frequently used applications there so I don't have to open the menu one by one. Also, there are programs that can be controlled from the home screen once I've activated it, like the Music player, Wi-Fi scanner, and E-mail notification.

• Nokia E63 relies heavily on the Internet. I need to connect first in order to use the interesting functions of the phone, such as Maps, Podcasting, and Internet Radio. Good thing I'm on postpaid, so I have instant access to mobile Internet whenever there's no wi-fi signal around.
• This is NOT a pretentious business phone; it really was made for the working class. But since my job doesn't let me work outside the office, I don't use the E-mail, Quickoffice, Zip, and Printers applications yet. I wanted to use the Adobe PDF reader though for my Harry Potter e-books, but the pre-installed version doesn't fit the file to the screen, so it's a pain to read.
• Thank goodness for the 3.5 mm audio plug! The quality of the sound the included headset produces is off-the-charts BAD, so I'm gonna have to buy a new set soon. Once I have that, plus my spacious micro SD card, I can finally convert my business phone to an iPod whenever I'm on the road and bored.
• It's excellent for social networking. Just connect to free wi-fi, download the right apps (mine are Snaptu, Google, Foursquare, Facebook Chat, and loads of games), and you're in for several hours of fun. Web browsing is alright, but it's much better if you visit a site with a version for mobile web.
• The camera is okay. The 2 MP camera doesn't perform well when there's no sufficient light, so I often have to rely on the flash (which, by the way, also functions as a flashlight). Here's a sample photo:

My messy bed captured with indoor light

Price

• I got it for P7,500. I think it's the second cheapest QWERTY model of Nokia (next to C3), and it happened to be a business phone. Nonetheless, I think it's fairly affordable. This phone is super packed with features that it overwhelmed me when I first got it. What more if I get to use the business applications, right?
• However, the package disappoints. You only get the phone, a charger, a freakin' substandard headset, and the manual. NO DATA CABLE. Fortunately, the one that I use for my Samsung Champ works perfectly on the phone, so it wasn't a problem for me.

Overall, I give Nokia E63 four out of five stars. There may be times when the phone reboots itself, but it's not that big of a deal for me since I think the phone deserves to do that once in a while. It's often the result of my impatience, anyway. LOL!

Well, I really hope that I get the chance to use the business applications someday. It's the core of the phone, so my satisfaction will only be consummated by then. For now, I'm gonna enjoy Nokia E63 as a music player and a social networking platform.

Note: Bedroom photo is mine.
Update: Recently, I experienced a problem with this phone. Read about it here.

Review: Source Code

It's been a while since I made a movie review! My take on Megamind was written more than 5 months ago, so I guess it's about time for another one. Also, it's been 2 months since I last saw a movie in a cinema, so I'm definitely in the mood to compose a film critique. Hahaha!

Source Code is about Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) who is subjected to this military technology called the Source Code to fulfill a mission: know who was behind the train bombing in order to thwart the culprit's next terrorist attack. To do this, he's taken back to the last 8 minutes of the life of passenger Sean Fentress and he is made to relive those moments again and again until he exposes the bomber's identity and plan.

Neat story, right? I know it sounds kinda familiar, as it may have borrowed ideas from other movies, but after watching it, I realized that the concept has never been interpreted that way before. But I guess that also serves as the film's flaw -- or, to be more exact, burden. Since the premise is unique, the movie is obliged to explain the mechanics of the technology, or at least give enough details for the audience to figure it out, in its 93-minute runtime. That is where the film fell flat.

But let's not cut to the chase yet. I liked the movie, anyway, so I'm gonna lay out the merits of the film first before I explain the negative verdict. Orayt? Game.

Positive

• Impressive storytelling. Sci-fi thrillers that were made to mess with our minds don't usually possess this trait. Source Code's plot points didn't have to be presented in a confusing pattern to make the movie look clever. Bit by bit, the mystery was unraveled to the protagonist as it was done to us, so as Colter Stevens got it, we did too. So kudos to director Duncan Jones.

• Amazing cast

• Jake Gyllenhaal was exceptional in showing how his character adapted to each 8-minute scenario, which hugely contributed to the smooth progress of the story. If an action star were made to do his role, say Gerard Butler or Sam Worthington, Colter Stevens would have felt like a character cut out from cardboard.
• Michelle Monaghan's portrayal was good enough to make us empathize with Jake and his motivations for wanting to save her life. This was pivotal because the romance subplot in sci-fi thrillers usually feels artificial, but in this case it wasn't.
• The two had an undeniable chemistry. I didn't feel alienated upon seeing the two in one scene, knowing that Sean Fentress was supposed to be there and not Colter Stevens. Instead, I quickly accepted that Colter was supposed to be there.
• Vera Farmiga's performance was also commendable because she was able to stretch out an underwritten role and stuff it with depth. With her acting, she gave dimensions to a character that had a tendency to be flat. The gestures of her face were enough to let us know the struggles that she went through in her head.

Negative

• Jeffrey Wright. There was something wrong with the way he delivered his lines, especially when he explained the mechanics of the Source Code. His portrayal was so stereotypical and off-putting that instead of deciphering what he was saying, my mind just focused on how it was offensive to real scientists. And unlike Vera Farmiga, he didn't give soul to such character with limited lines, in spite of his spot-on acting.
• Obvious special effects. You know those scenes in cartoon shows like X-Men where the background evidently looks like it's gonna be animated? Source Code had a couple of scenes like that. It's quite disappointing because with the technology American filmmakers have now, there should be no excuse to such mistake.
• Opening film score. What was with the fright-inducing score that was used on a showcase of Chicago's beautiful scenery? I know it was supposed to give hints of looming peril in the city, but it was just too much. It felt like the climax of The Dark Knight.
• Russell Peters' character. I knew him even before the movie, and I think he's a gifted comedian. But the role that he served was utterly contrived. I mean, the best excuse that they came up with to make the train's passengers laugh was to put a real comedian on board? What the F.
• Ending. I was already satisfied with my understanding of the film's concept when the ending ruined it all. As Colter Stevens found out the true capabilities of the Source Code, I got thrown off-board. The last-minute discovery made things more complicated, and the explanation felt rushed. It was like they came up with this twist and they didn't know how to give details anymore without overstretching the film. It might have worked if it were just a matter of a few choices, like the ending of Inception. But nooooo -- it left a trail of unsettled questions and revealed a different thread to the storyline.

That's why I think the movie failed to explain the concept in full. Maybe it was their intention, that they really wanted to pass the burden to us because that's the way twists work, but the execution was not the kind that would give you chills after you've figured things out. Rather, it would make you feel exhausted because of the extra thinking you had to do. I'm sure that had left many viewers baffled and disappointed.

But do I recommend this film? Yes. By all means, watch it! Despite the many flaws, it still is a very entertaining movie that will make you realize that playing on the truths of reality can still be twisted in movies in many other ways. I just hope that those new concepts will still be in the hands of Duncan Jones. Stories like that need a good storyteller.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Ranking Glee's Competition Episodes

Hola! I am still in hibernation because the OT saga isn't over yet (it's been THAT long, believe it or not). In fact, I had to go to work today (it's Saturday as I'm writing this), and we're also asked to report tomorrow, which is a SUNDAY.

But because I love Glee so much, I'm gonna force some time for a blog post dedicated to the show. In light of New Directions' recent win at the Regionals, I'm going to rank the series' competition episodes. There are 4 so far: Sectionals, Journey to Regionals, Special Education, and Original Song.

The ranking will be guided by 4 categories: Costume, Choreography, Vocal Performance, and Overall Impact (yeah, just like a real show choir competition, lol). I'm gonna use a Place = Point system. This means that, for example, if Sectional's performance set ranks 4th place for me in a particular category, it's gonna get a score of 4. In the end, whatever episode/performance set gets the lowest score wins.

Here's a recap of the songs that were performed for each episode:

Sectionals

• Don't Rain on My Parade
• You Can't Always Get What You Want

Journey to Regionals

• Faithfully
• Any Way You Want It / Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'
• Don't Stop Believin'

Special Education

• (I've Had) The Time Of My Life
• Valerie

Original Song

• Get It Right
• Loser Like Me

Okay, let's do this!

Costume (based on the girls' costume because the guys' were too plain to be judged)

4th place - Sectionals
Red and black looks good together, but the whole thing was just to simple for me.

3rd - Original Song
I don't like the color aqua very much, and the leggings-boots combo threw the ensemble off. But because I know why they wore those things (I bet you do too), it's one rank ahead of simple.

2nd - Special Education
1) Skirt + leggings + heels = worked really well
2) Black? + white + alternate/fading effect = genius
3) Very show choir, made them look as competent as Vocal Adrenaline

1st - Journey to Regionals

Gold was a great choice of color because it's the color that symbolizes winning. Although they didn't win then, it still worked perfectly with all the elements of the costume, especially with the vintage-looking hair and the print on the girls' dress that matched the 70's and 80's feel of the performance set.

Choreography (based on the complexity of the moves and the choir's mastery of the steps, like if they moved as one or their limbs were all over the place)

4th place - Sectionals
Rachel's performance in Don't Rain on My Parade reflected Lea Michele's theater background, but the choir's moves in You Can't Always Get What You Want really seemed like it was just planned a few hours before they went on stage. Yes, it was supposed to be that way, but that also makes it unfair to place them ahead of the others.

3rd - Original Song
Their Loser Like Me number was their most active performance, but the difficulty of the moves didn't impress me at all. Moreover, it looked a bit disorganized because of the random/freestyle moves that weren't very show choir. I partly blame the camera work for that because there were some bad shots, like Mercedes' chaotic wiggling of her head during a brief belt out.

2nd - Journey to Regionals
Their choreography in Any Way You Want It / Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin' and Don't Stop Believin' was cute, polished, intricate, and very show choir. But we all know why it didn't get 1st place...

1st - Special Education

Santana, Brittany, and Mike in Valerie. 'Nuff said.

Vocal Performance (if it was enough to judge them as the winner even if they only stood still behind a curtain of smoke)

4th place - Original Song
Nothing special. Rachel Berry's vocals in Get It Right was superb because of the dynamics and the emotions it carried, but other than that nothing stood out.

3rd - Journey to Regionals
It could have easily placed first because their Any Way You Want It / Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin' cover is my favorite Glee song ever, and that Finn and Rachel's vocals in Faithfully completely blew me away. But the flaws in their rendition of Don't Stop Believin' really turned me off. 1) Finn was off-key in the word "took", 2) Santana sounded stupid in pronouncing "smell of wine" as "smelowine", and 3) the choir was very Auto-Tune towards the end of the song. That's why I wonder how the hell it garnered a Grammy nom.

2nd - Special Education
Quinn sounded like an angel in (I've Had) The Time Of My Life, so I didn't mind Sam's off-putting voice that much. And then Santana in Valerie... her vocal technique and the texture of her voice could win her American Idol. Ooh, I could just listen to her all day. I really hope that Diana and Naya get their own record deal outside the show. But I have to admit, there's some bias here because (as some of you may know) I'm already well-acquainted with Valerie because of Amy Winehouse, so that's a big plus plus.

1st - Sectionals

I may have said that Faithfully blew me away, but that was just a breeze compared to the storm that was Don't Rain on My Parade. It was just so damn good. The power, the dynamics, the phrasing, the technique -- it was all perfect. And then add their brilliant vocals in You Can't Always Get What You Want... instant 1st place.

Overall Impact (how good I felt after the performances)

4th place - Special Education
I felt really good here mainly because of the Amy Winehouse connection (obviously, I'm a big fan), but that was just excitement. I mean, if I didn't know Valerie beforehand, I don't think I would have enjoyed the number that much.

3rd - Sectionals
I was left impressed by Lea Michele's vocal prowess, and I really liked the song You Can't Always Get What You Want. The lyrics and melody appealed to me a lot.

2nd - Journey to Regionals
After their performance, I felt all giddy and musically empowered inside, like I already won just by witnessing them perform those Journey songs. They were that good. So it really disappointed me when they didn't win in the end.

1st - Original Song

Whoever thought of performing original songs for the 2nd Regionals is a descendant of Einstein. Get It Right was brilliantly penned, and Loser Like Me was simply the most fitting song ever. Both were catchy, contemporary, and ORIGINAL. That's the winning factor right there.

*drumroll*

Tally

Sectionals - 12 pts.
Original Song - 11 pts.
Special Education - 9 pts.
Journey to Regionals - 8 pts.

There ya go! For me, their performance set in the episode Journey to Regionals is the best of the 4. Do you agree or disagree? Any extra compliments or violent reactions? Send them in through comments. Thanks!

Note: All photos with markings are mine.

Review: Megamind

I was reluctant to see Megamind at first because I'm not a fan of animated movies. I always tend to look for complexity in their story and forget that they are largely produced to please kids. As a result, I get disappointed most of the time, since animated films aren't always made like that.

That's why at this point, I'm not that eager to watch movies of that kind anymore. Blame it on the bar that was set so high by brilliant animated films such as Meet The Robinsons, Wall·E, and Horton Hears A Who (my current favorite). They weren't just fun and technically impressive, but they were very insightful as well. It may seem that I demand too much, but with those aforementioned movies that took the genre to new heights, it's only right for one to expect that things will keep moving forward from then on.

So yeah, I ended up seeing it with my sister. It was my first time to watch a movie in 3D, actually (loser me). The whole thing was kind of accidental, but that doesn't matter. I'm gonna go straight to the movie review and why it's hanging on the disliked side.

Positive

• Brilliant voice work. I have nothing but praises for Will Ferrell (whom I don't really like) and the rest of the voice cast. I went to see the film not having a clue as to who the talents were, so when the credits rolled, I was pleasantly surprised.
• Superb animation. This met my expectations, and for me it's best redeeming quality of the film. There was never a dull moment, even during the "romantic" scenes. It's what kept me throughout the 96-minute run time.

• I didn't pay much attention to the other details, like lighting, sounds, and editing, but I think they were good, too. The animation couldn't have worked if these aspects were unsuccessful. They went unnoticed (in a positive sense) anyway, so I guess there was no harm done.

Negative

• As what I've said, there's not much depth in the story. Sure, it's a movie that kids will definitely dig. It has appealing characters, dazzling visuals, and amusing humor to keep them on their seats. However, it might not be the same for discerning adults, the part of the audience that's able to make criticisms.
• Second major flaw: it's quite unoriginal. The material was something I've encountered before. They had the chance to beef it up and make it unique, but they failed to tap a different angle. The plot was predictable for me, and that let me down real bad.

• I wasn't impressed by the 3D-ness of the film. I was like, that's it? They could've made it more exhilarating, but instead it just fell flat. I have nothing to compare it with since it's the first 3D film I've seen, so I guess that says something.
• And they really had to mock Obama. Ugh, it completely upset me! I'm sorry if I don't know the whole story, but I think it was unnecessary. Most people call it smart, but for the film to use a political joke to be deemed smart doesn't make it smart. And funny. It could've been okay if the whole plot was meant to be a satire, but it wasn't. And don't tell me that the movie was entirely intended to be seen by kids, because that part, sir, was obviously for grown-ups.

Coming from a country where films are sometimes made without much thought, I think I can say if a movie made it in the list. Well, for me, Megamind almost did. Why? Because I realized that to pinpoint the flaws of the story is to overlook the main purpose of making animated films, which is to entertain people. So I guess, the positive points outweigh the negative.

Sooooo, do I recommend it? Should people watch it? Sure, if we don't look at movies in the same way.

Rating: 3/5 stars

Review: Battle of the Facial Washes

I've been into facial washes for several years now, and I've only used 3 brands faithfully: Master, Gatsby, and Human Nature.

Master Facial Scrub - Oil Control

Gastby - Refreshing Wash Scrub

Human Nature Organic Facial Wash - Calendula & Seaweed Gel

  
Master

From what I remember, it's one of the first local facial care products that's marketed to men. I was in high school when it became popular, and their ads easily convinced me that men's faces need more than soap and water too. So, I made sure that my parents included it in their groceries. With that, I became a loyal consumer for many years. I even told people that it's my secret to an acne-free skin (actually, it's due to my genes). Here's what I think:

• Product quality/reputation: Made by Sara Lee. 'Nuff said.
• Effectivity: Highly effective against acne. Whenever I had pimples, I just covered it with a glob, and it dried up.
• Consistency (1 - fluid, 5 - thick): 3. Makes me squeeze out more than what I need.
• Affordability: 100 mL bottle costs around... P120? Not the cheapest around.
• Features: Zeroil, anti-bacterial agent, microscrubs. Not too catchy, but they're there.
• Remarks: Really cleanses and smoothens skin. Cooling sensation provides relief. Smells manly but too strong. Removes oil well, but doesn't lessen the production much.
• Strongest point: effectivity

It was during college when Master lost me. I'm still using it at present, but only as a shaving aid. Actually, I'm just emptying the bottle up. So, what happened? What made me change? The answer: Gatsby.

Gastby

When Gastby came into play, I just had to try it. It had charcoal for Pete's sake! I couldn't resist knowing what it would feel to clean my face with a "dirty" ingredient. So I bought one, and after my first wash, it made me switch instantly. Here's why:

• Product quality/reputation: Imported by Mandom, which makes Gatsby. Impressive "resume".
• Effectivity: Pretty much effective. The charcoal does clean.
• Consistency: 4. Makes me squeeze out the right amount. Lasts longer.
• Affordability: 120g costs less than P100. Much more affordable.
• Features: Charcoal, scrub, witch hazel extract, menthol. Got me real good.
• Remarks: Also cleanses and smoothens skin. With cooling sensation, but not as cool. Citrus smell is pleasant. Doesn't lessen oil production either (I think it's my sebaceous glands, not the products).
• Strongest point:  longevity, affordability

If you're not really after effectivity, Gatsby is the practical choice. If you want a potent facial wash, go for Master.

Human Nature

It was my good friend Raica who introduced me to Human Nature a few months ago. Upon trying their stock at home, I got convinced right away that I had to buy one for myself. What got me? It's purely organic. Plus, I thought that it was about time for me to go green, so I made an order as soon as I got home. (I just ran out of supply, so I don't have photos.) Here's my verdict:

• Product quality/reputation: Made by Gandang Kalikasan. Legit organic ingredients.
• Effectivity: Cleans well.
• Consistency: 2/3. Fluid but as stable as gel. Either you squeeze out little or too much. Since a small amount is enough, it lasts surprisingly long.
• Affordability: 100mL costs around P130 plus shipping. Expensive, but the ingredients justify the price.
• Features: Calendula, seaweed gel. May cause allergic reactions, but not harsh on skin because it's organic.
• Remarks: Cleans and smoothens skin as well, but makes your face too slippery for you to feel the cleanliness with your hands. No cooling sensation, but the candy-like smell is great. Made my skin a bit more oily. Caused pimples (not too bad).
• Strongest point:  all-organic

I think it caused pimples because my face wasn't used to an organic facial wash. They thought it was the seaweed, but I dismissed that because I'm not allergic to it. But there was one thing that really impressed me: the customer service. They responded to my every e-mail, and they even offered to replace the one I bought with a different variant. Well, I ended up using it all anyway, so I guess that's faithful enough, but I'm not gonna buy again from them anytime soon. It's too expensive, and ordering online is a hassle (you have to deposit your payment to their bank account if you want to avoid the more expensive shipping fee).

Sooooo, I'm back to Gatsby. At this point, I'm open to trying other facial care products. There are so many new brands out there, and they're too interesting to be ignored. So stick around for my next facial wash review. If you want to suggest a brand, please leave a comment. Better if you give me a free sample. =)

Note: All photos related to Master and Gatsby are mine.

Review: Samsung C3303K Champ

I easily get bored. It's one of my biggest problems, actually. That's why you'll find me tweeting "Whoop. There goes my commitment again." once in a while.

Fortunately, I don't get bored with people. I know how to keep real friendships, and I stick myself to my loved ones with super glue. Unfortunately, that's the ONLY thing in my life that I don't get bored with. So you can safely bet that you'll soon be reading more stuff about things that I don't use/eat/play/visit/listen to/wear/do anymore. (But I promise, I will keep updating this blog regularly.)

Like for instance, I'm now getting bored with my Samsung phone. It's a C3303K, a.k.a. Champ. It looks like this:

I got it from my Globe postpaid plan a few months ago, but it didn't come free. I had to shell out additional money to obtain it. The free phones were crappy and I needed an upgrade. It was the cheapest among the phones that were seemingly better than the last one I owned (Motorola Z3), so I chose it.

And now, I don't want it anymore. Well, it's not that I'm hating it, I just want a better phone. A phone that has wi-fi features and a better camera. Okay fine, it's my fault. My flawed research led me to believe that this phone had wi-fi, but it turned out that it doesn't. I can access the Internet but for a price, and most of the time, the web pages load like crap. So that's one major disappointment.

Number 2, I have a major problem with the camera. The resolution (1.3 MP) is good enough, but I just can't freakin' press that freakin' "button" when I want to take a photo without looking at the screen. Whenever I want to take a picture of myself alone or with other people, I have to exert so much effort in positioning my finger correctly on the screen where the "button" is and keep it that way as I angle the phone. It's just... BLEH. Exerting effort on trivial things is never my thing. Consequently, my picture taking habits decreased dramatically, and that's why I don't upload pictures anymore.

But hey, this phone has merits, too. Like most Samsung phones, the music features ROCK. I can play the radio without using earphones, the speakers produce excellent sound (rating: 4.5 stars), and most PC headsets can be plugged in. The widgets feature also makes things convenient for me because I can open any application with just a few, err, touches. And last but not the least... the screen lock button on the side. It's one of my favorites because it locks the screen with just one press and it "eats" people who take time figuring out how to unlock it.

In a nutshell, here's what I don't like about the phone:

• No wi-fi
• Web pages load poorly
• Takes too much effort to take photos
• Good enough camera (best is what we want)
• Unusable while connected to a computer

And here's what I love about it:

• Superb sound and radio functions
• Widgets
• Screen lock button (manual locking)
• Up to 10 alarms (for procrastination)

For some people, the music functions would suffice. But for me, they're not enough to keep me interested in it for a long time. If something's not able to do what I expected it to do, I get bored with it quickly. So, what exactly do I want in a phone? Well, I want it to be an all-in-one device. I should be able to call and send messages with it, surf the Internet with it, listen to music with it, and take pictures with it. I currently don't have a specific model in mind, but as much as possible, I want it to be a smartphone. (No, not a blackberry, please.) That means, I have to start saving up for one. But for now, I'll just envy my sister for having a Nokia E63.

Will you suggest a phone for me? And please do share your experiences with your own Samsung Champ. Comments are very much welcome. =)


P.S.
For an in-depth review of the phone, browse GSM Arena.