#KAOManila

#NewportWorldResorts

#NewportMall

#PartyAtNWR 

#DiscoverNWR 

#HeyManila

#WondersMedia

[10.22.23] 

Get ready for another head-banging night as No Ego Ph and KAO Manila gives you another installment of our pre-halloween celebrations💥

 🥂 🎉🥂

For inquiries and table reservation contact us at +639171224210 or reservations@kaonightclub.com 

#KAOManila

#NewportWorldResorts

#NewportMall

#PartyAtNWR 

#DiscoverNWR 

Why am I so obsessed with the dear klairs Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop Serum?

Time for a Sunscreen Party 2.0! 

Missha All-Around safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++ 70ml - 1,251 PHP 

Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Sunscreen 50ml - 1,146 PHP 

TOCOBO Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ - 1,251 PHP 

Mary & May CICA Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml - 1,485 PHP

I have already reviewed the Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Sunscreen so I will be linking that should you be interested in an in depth review of these sunscreens. 

Let’s have a sunscreen party! 

Another day, another frustrating experience with couriers. 

This time, it is with a relatively new company (or at least, new to me), RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc . 

Let’s start from the veryyyy top. 

A skincare brand reached out to me on April 11th for a collaboration and because I have worked with them before, we were able to finalize things in about 72 hours. Shameless plug: Read about my experience with this skincare brand here. 

Since I went back to the office on May 2nd, this collaboration wasn’t really at the top of my head until I received an email from said skincare brand on May 12th asking about alternative shipping details because apparently there were issues with my parcel. 

This immediately raised red flags in my mind as upon checking, the deadline was May 6th! It has already been delayed for more than 5 days. 

It also usually means I would have to do countless follow ups with the delivery team, so this also prompted me to check on everything and anything that I can to figure out what is going on. (In my experience, for couriers here in my country, it’s best if we do our own research instead of relying on customer service.)

Here’s what I found out on May 12th; 

My parcel was shipped out by the skincare brand on April 29th, right on schedule and way earlier than I expected for them to ship out. On May 3rd, the parcel arrived here in the Philippines and was out for delivery on May 4th. 

I did not get any wind about this package until the skincare brand reached out to me, but it was tagged as “Not Delivered - Unable to Locate Consignee” by RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc. Totally understandable, although slightly frustrating as a simple call or text would’ve been enough to clarify any location issues. No text, call, or any form of communication was made by RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc. 

Right after I received the email from the skincare brand, I also reached out to EFS (E-commerce Fulfillment Service) regarding this shipping issue as they were the first courier who handled this parcel. 

I was not able to call them as the number listed is from South Korea, but I did reach out via email. They were so quick with their reply and resolution, as with my previous experiences with them. They were able to update any needed information on their end within the day and it reflected on the online tracking page.  

Now, this is where my blood starts boiling, so please consider this as your disclaimer – I will be providing a detailed narrative of my experience with RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc., and this includes personal feelings – my frustration, anger, annoyance, and relief at the very end. 

With that said, we continue. 

On May 13th, my parcel was tagged as “Not Delivered - Consignee Scheduled Delivery” by RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc. without reaching out to me, so I don’t know where they got this “Consignee Scheduled Delivery” part. As far as I know, I did not receive any text, call, email, or even a social media message from them. 

I reached out to RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc. via their support page and social media page but I was not able to get any reply or update from them. I sent them an email using their support page but I didn't even receive a confirmation message from their support page (unlike with EFS, I received a confirmation message from them.). 

My parcel was out for delivery again on May 14th and was tagged as “Not Delivered - Other Reasons” by the end of the day. 

By this time, I am now very frustrated as three delivery attempts have been made but not one attempt was made to contact me. I have provided all possible location and contact information, even a very specific landmark and even the Google Maps pin link at this point, but still, no one has reached out to me. 

What’s sad is that this is not a solitary incident as their Google Review page and Facebook page is overflowing with such reports! It’s not just me, and from the people that I reached out to, only one replied and confirmed that they were able to receive their parcel. As for the others, I hope they were to receive theirs as well, without too much fuss. 

This is also the point where I got scared because as a content creator, this can affect my reputation with brands, so I took it upon myself to get to the bottom of this issue. 

As a last resort, I then called the Customer Support number listed on their website on May 16th and I was able to speak with a bored customer service representative requesting for information about my parcel and I was only provided information that was readily available online. I asked for the contact information of the delivery person so I can personally reach out to the delivery person as it was “Out for Delivery” again that day (May 16th). I wanted the contact number as I was adamant to receive the parcel that day. I was told over the phone that updates will be sent via text but there was no update at all even after about an hour or so.

I think that was the moment that blew my fuse because my absolute pet peeve is people not following up with what they said without a logical reason. 

It’s one thing to say that the requested information can’t be provided and another thing to say that the information will be provided after some time. 

I had to call again to follow up and upon hearing the same thing, I regrettably expressed my annoyance to the customer service representative over the phone. I have been a customer service representative before and I have been on the receiving end of frustration and I know that it’s not the best feeling in the world. I guess a learning nugget from this exchange is to not promise things that we are not able to do as a representative.

I also sent them multiple emails (copying DTI, DICT, and any and all possible email addresses that I could find on their site and social media pages) before I was able to get any sort of response from them. They finally sent me the contact information of the courier and I called said number immediately. 

Fortunately, someone answered and they have confirmed that the package is with them. However, they did not provide their ETA as requested, but assured me the parcel will be delivered the soonest possible time. I also provided the landmark and Google pin link via text along with an alternate contact number so I did not see any excuse for the parcel not to be delivered within the day.

Thankfully, it was indeed delivered within the day and the moment I was able to check that all the products were complete and safe, a huge thorn disappeared from my side. I updated the skincare brand and they were very understanding and kind enough to extend my deadline. 

I am sad that I had to be unsavory with people first when delivery issues like this should not even happen. I don’t like being mad at people and I rarely express my frustration with people as well, opting to share my thoughts with them at a later time, so I can mull it over and think of the best way that I can share my feelings with the said person. 

Times like this, however, I have no choice but to show my frustration because I also had an inkling that the only way they would listen is if I’m already beyond my breaking point. It just sucks, you know? 

I do have to give credit where credit is due because in the heat of the moment, one of the managers got involved and they were able to de-escalate effectively, and actually did what customer service representatives and point of contact persons should do. 

They provided me with correct and reliable information regarding my package and made sure that the delivery person reached out to me, which is what I was requesting. 

I had a second package that came under their care and they were able to update me regarding the delivery and they were also able to deliver it on time. 

I’m very pleased that they were able to learn quickly from the previous situation but I am also so confused as to what happened before. If they were able to fulfill the delivery for the 2nd parcel correctly and without any issues whatsoever, I wonder what happened with the first one? 

Sadly, I am not able to answer that, just like with my experience with PhlPost just a couple months earlier. 

I just hope that it won’t happen again, because it is quite draining to be honest, and I really do not want to deal with this sort of issues. They are very easily avoided, for goodness' sake. I know I'm like a broken by this time but contacting the receivers shouldn’t be that hard as all it takes is a call or a text to the provided number. Even email addresses are often provided. 

After a couple of days, the manager reached out to me again, stating that they are investigating what happened so they can improve their services. They were very nice and explained that they have already rectified the situation and made a process to ensure this wouldn't happen again, which I appreciate very much. While I did have an inkling that this was just to avoid the legal consequences as once they have confirmed that I will not be pursuing legal action, they were quick to end the call, I still appreciate that they reached out to me. For me, it shows that they are willing to improve. 

In conclusion, while I did have a very negative experience with them at first, I'd still say that their customer service definitely made a good impact on me. Will I be using their services? I'm not really sure, but I certainly expect better service from them. 

Update: June 21,2022

They were able to deliver 2 of my packages on time, although I did not get any text or call from them. I was only able to see the packages on my doorstep when I got home. 

My experience with claiming a parcel from PHLPost: 

It is no secret that the Philippine Postal Office services need to be improved, majorly. 

Earlier this year, I was selected as one of the ISNTREE Review Bus participants for the Philippines. 

Because of the ever-changing rules and regulations due to the pandemic, I really didn’t expect to receive the product quickly. All I did was ask the brand to provide me with the tracking number so I can monitor it. 

Just to provide a timeline, I received the Review Bus message on Feb 4th and got the tracking number on March 11th. 

Now, I do not blame the brand, because, in ideal circumstances, I would have received notification from the courier starting from when the parcel was received and/or shipped out. The said ideal circumstances have consistently happened to me previously as well, so that was what I was expecting. 

So, imagine my utter surprise when the package’s last log was “unsuccessful delivery” FOR THE THIRD TIME was on March 3rd! 

All along I thought the package was just shipped on March 11th (since that was when I received the tracking number), but NO. The parcel was shipped on Feb 17th, reached MNL on Feb 21st, AND had delivery attempts on Feb 23rd, Feb 25th, and Mar 3rd, respectively.

All had the reason “Absence of addressee” as the reason for the failed delivery attempt. 

I never got a text regarding the delivery attempt.

I never got a call regarding a delivery attempt.

I never got an email regarding the delivery attempt. 

Zero communication at all that my package was even for “window” pickup already. 

If I didn’t ask the brand for the tracking number, I wouldn't even know the status of my parcel and I would’ve lost the opportunity to work with one of the most established brands in the skincare industry!

The moment I knew of my unacceptable parcel status, I immediately reached out to all possible lines of communication and support available – email, calls, SMS, Facebook, Instagram, and even Twitter! But to no avail, of course. 

Phone lines were unreachable or just keeps ringing and ringing and ringing —

No one responds to emails, even though I tagged DTI and DICT.

No one responds to my social media claims either

So I had to resort to checking for online reviews to find out what happened with my parcel. 

I am so thankful for the following blog posts and bloggers who helped me figure out what might have happened with my parcel. 

https://www.michiphotostory.com/2017/02/how-to-claim-parcel-in-philpost.html

https://acetronautt.wordpress.com/2017/06/30/kpoptown-and-philpost-review-a-pinoy-kpop-fans-experience-may-june-2017/

https://jacqbrions.blogspot.com/2016/12/fifth.html

https://dblackbitch.blogspot.com/2013/09/philpostbureau-of-customs-service.html

https://missbutterball.com/2020/06/19/intl-swap-via-phlpost/

Due to my busy schedule, I was only able to collect my parcel on March 28th, and boy, if I thought my issues were done with PhlPost, heck no! 

Upon checking the tracking details, the last update was that my parcel was at PHZONE1, which is the Makati Post Office. So, I went there, waited for about 15 minutes before a clerk assisted me (had to follow up with a security guard because there was no one at the window I was directed to), before being told that my parcel was at another post office! 

Imagine my frustration! 

But since I needed the parcel and it was the only day that I had time to get it, I pushed through and went to Pasay. 

Of course, I had to go through loops to get it at the Pasay Post Office. 

When I arrived, the front desk had me fill out a form and then told me to go to the 2nd floor. When I went up, the 2nd-floor personnel redirected me to the 1st floor, 3rd window i.e. the EMS Window. Which, apparently, is where I should’ve been directed to all along. 

Hassle upon hassle upon hassle. 

To get it over with, I gave the clerk the tracking number and was told to wait for my name to be called. 

I had to wait for over an hour for a parcel that should’ve been delivered to me at home. 

What’s even more annoying was that I wasn’t the only claimant waiting, and there was staff just standing and chatting around! Claimants were being called one by one despite there being employees not doing anything and despite there being about 4 windows open. I understand having specific roles and such, but isn’t it logical to assign more employees to assist with the claiming process to avoid wasting time? I guess it doesn’t matter much because it’s just our time that is being wasted and not theirs? Maddening. 

Yes, I got my parcel after an hour of waiting because they had to manually locate it in the logs and the storehouse, and only one lady was working at the window where I had to claim my parcel. 

Once I got my parcel I immediately opened it and checked it to see if it was still complete and intact because who knows where and how it was stored from arrival till the 28th. Thankfully, it was intact and the items inside were complete. 

All in all, I wasted about PhP1000 in fares and lunch just to get a package that has already been paid for and should have been delivered to my doorstep. 

(Edit: I know some EMS/KPacket parcels are for window claiming right from the start, but still, why why why was I not even notified of my package's arrival here in the PH??? I checked with my fellow Isntree Review Bus participants and theirs were delivered. WTH?)

I guess the only respite is that I was not charged the so-called storage fee of P112. I would have probably blown my top off if I was charged on top of the hassle I experienced. 

I did ask the clerks to know why my parcel or a notice card was not provided, and their replies were so unsatisfactory and seemed like a canned response because it was the same for both post offices.

Reasons I was given why it was not delivered to be despite of the June 2021 update that tax free (under 10,000 worth) items are to be delivered door to door: 

1. There is no contact number on the package - there IS!!!! 

2. No one is available to receive my package - I work from home and was at home during the failed delivery dates. 

Funny how they never said that no one answered when they tried to reach out to me, maybe because THEY NEVER EVEN TRIED! 

As someone who pays my taxes dutifully, I am so disappointed with this singular experience because I did not have issues with PhlPost or EMS (whatever they are called) previously. I have been charged with the P112 previously upon delivery and also wasn’t charged, but all previous packages were delivered to my doorstep. 

What changed in the past couple of months that suddenly I had to claim my parcel? 

Not going to lie, it was an experience to finally be able to know where the post offices are, but my goodness, it is annoying AF. Not to mention pricey! I could have done something way better with my time instead of trying to figure them out. 

I’m just expressing my frustration at this point, because what if I was not provided with the tracking number? Would my parcel have just rotted in the storehouse? 

I like to think of being chosen as one of the 50 Isntree PH review bus participants as being a representative of the country, and if this is the impression that is being provided, it’s no surprise that brands are choosing to use a different courier service. 

I don’t even want to imagine how many other packages were lost simply because of the lack of updates from PhlPost. Scrolling through the social media accounts of PhlPost, there are so many citizens that have more important parcels than mine, and so many worse experiences than mine. Some have been even waiting for the parcels for over a year! 

Sigh. 

While I have so much more to say, I am consciously deciding to shut up and end this blog post now before I say something more unsavory.

Do I recommend using PhlPost for packages? 

BIG NOPE! 

I’d rather pay the premium of other courier companies rather than deal with the BS again. 

I've been waking up with a plump "chok chok" skin without it feeling greasy or sticky! Definitely a step up from my regular skincare.

The body soap leaves my skin clean without feeling tight, the toner doesn't sting or dry my face out because it is alcohol-free, and the creams are easily absorbed by my skin!

Personally, my favorite is the night cream as it is kind of a gel-cream consistency that feels so relaxing when I apply it during my bedtime skincare routine! Bonus points that I have lessened my routine from 25 minutes to 7 minutes too.

This line by @cetaphilbrighthealthyradiance star ingredients are Niacinamide (for brightening) and Sea Daffodil (for soothing). Combined with the gentleness which Cetaphil is known for, this makes this line derma-approved!

Check my IG stories on how to use this and check my blog to see where you can purchase + an in depth review. Link in bio!

#brightaboutskin

#thecetaphildifference

#brandbuzzph

#bbmillennials #bbbeauties

#CetaphilBrightHealthyRadiance

@cetaphilbrighthealthyradiance

@brandbuzz_ph

#PHInfluencers #WeArePHInfluencers #glowingskin #hydrating #dewyskin #czyphrxcetaphil #brighthealthyradiance #cetaphilskincare #PHInfluencersReviews #niacinamide #gentleskincareroutine

Cetaphil Brightness Reveal Body Wash - 245ml

https://bit.ly/2LSz2fp

Cetaphil Brightening Lotion - 245ml

https://bit.ly/3reWdAA

Cetaphil Brightness Reveal Bar - 100g

https://bit.ly/3ar9SyM

Cetaphil Brightness Refresh Toner - 150ml

https://bit.ly/2KnCrSV

Cetaphil Brightness Reveal Creamy Cleanser - 100g

https://bit.ly/38i3XcG

Cetaphil Brightening Night Comfort Cream - 50g

https://bit.ly/2LQGw2y

Cetaphil Brightening Day Protection Cream SPF15 - 50g

https://bit.ly/2KjCLCi

My Thoughts about SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner

A few days ago, Review Hunters reached out to me to try out the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner. As I am always on the lookout for new skincare products to try, I said yes and got my package sorted.

While waiting for the items to arrive (as the items ship directly from South Korea), I researched the items, and here is what I have learned.

SKIN1004 started in 2012 in South Korea with a promise to deliver the trusted skincare benefits of its star ingredient, Centella Asiatica, which they source from Madagascar. They also aim to be your skin's guardian angel, as the number “one thousand and four” is a homonym for “angel” in the Korean language.

The main ingredients of their Toning Toner are: Centella Asiatica extract, PHA (gluconolactone), and hyaluronic acid

What do these ingredients do to our skin?

1. Centella Asiatica Extract

The star ingredient, Centella Asiatica Extract or also known as "cica" or "Madecassoside" is an anti-aging, moisturizing, soothing, and healing ingredient that is almost always featured in most South Korean skincare products. It also has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect which is something skincare lovers look for in a skincare item. Most importantly, it helps revitalize the skin's protective barrier and neutralize the free radical damage caused by the sun and pollution exposure.

3. Hyaluronic Acid

The one I got is 210ml but there is also a 400ml version. The bottle itself is very minimalistic which is a welcome trend nowadays. It just states what it is and a photo of the Madagascar Sahara at the back. I suggest keeping the box if you would want to look back on the ingredients or other information.

Now, for my thoughts about the product itself.

The product is definitely worthy of a place on my vanity table. It is also durable as the packaging is made of thick plastic and not glass. I also like that it has a seal, which makes me feel at ease that my product has not been tampered with. 

Surprisingly, there is no detectable scent. I expected it to smell like nature, but nothing at all. The texture is very watery, and it does not leave any sticky or tacky residue on the skin. 

I will try this for a week and let you know what the effects are on my skin. 

You can purchase this item from the following online shops, whichever may be most accessible for you. Note that I can not guarantee the authenticity of the product from the following websites except Shopee as there is where I got mine. 

Shopee: 

https://shp.ee/6swn2ur

Lazada:
https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/skin-1004-madagascar-centella-asiatica-pha-toning-toner-i496162606.html

Seekspace:
https://seekspace.co/products/madagascar-centella-asiatica-toning-toner

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/SKIN1004-Centella-Asiatica-Ingredients-Madagascar/dp/B07NS3T4W2

Yesstyle: 

https://www.yesstyle.com/en/skin-1004-madagascar-centella-toning-toner-kr-edition-210ml/info.html/pid.1077182357

#SKIN1004 #Madagascar #Centella #WatergelSheetAmpouleMask #SheetMask #Maskpack #Korean #Skincare #SKIN1004 #Madagascar #Centella #Korean #Skincare