Review of Asus Zenfone Selfie handphone

After the Asus Zenfestival 2015 event (read post here), now is time to give you the lowdown on how the Zenfone Selfie works, and how awesome it really is. So, this pretty phone comes in 4 feminine colours - shellpink, Tiffany's blue, white and silver.

I chose the Tiffany's Blue Zenfone Selfie. Before delving into the simple laymen's terms of its functions, let me first introduce some technical aspects of this phone.  This amazing device blends fashion, technology and craftsmanship to allow for "seeing the perfect you", through capture of the best possible images of you and your friends, as well as the surroundings around you, to create the best memories ever.

The dimensions of this phone is 156.5mm (length) x 77.2mm (width) x 3.9mm (dimension), making it a thin phone and easy for clasps - an elegant ergonomic arc design. Despite the clear and large screens, this phone is surprisingly light, weighing at a mere 170grams.    For the operationing system, Zenfone Selfie uses ZenIU with Android 5.0 lollipop.

It has a strong battery life, and the first Asus smartphone with removable battery.  The Zenfone Selfie also comes with 32GB memory and a lifetime of 5GB Asus WebStorage.   As for display, the Zenfone Selfie has 5.5 inch full HD 1920 x 1080 display with 443ppi density, 400 nits brightness, full-screen lamination and scratch resistant Coming Gorilla Glass 4 with anti-fingerprint coating.

When making a call, you can choose to dial by number or names through an easy and organised display. You would be pleased to know that NoiseZero Talk is an amazing feature of the Zenfone Selfie that eliminates echoes and unnecessarily background noise so it makes for crystal clear speech and good conversations can be held anytime, anywhere.   SonicMaster 2.0 is incorporated into the Zenfone Selfie so as to enhance call quality, speech quality and even music playback.

The front and rear cameras of Zenfone Selfie are both 13 megapixels, giving sharp, distinctive images. The front camera embodies the top-of-its-class 13 megapixel Toshiba sensor with an 88-degree wide-angle Largan lens for the most detailed selfies of any photos of any phone in the market. Coupled with the PixelMaster 2.0, a high-end Asus' imagining performance, at both ends of the phone to get you impressive images at all times.

When the screen is turned off, a simple swipe "C" on the front of the phone brings you to the camera instantly; like a swipe of "S" brings you to Selfie camera as well.  You can also swipe "V" for dialling, "W" for browser and "e" for emailing. This convenient feature makes use of ZenMotion, granting the Zenfone Selfie the ability to recognize touchscreen and motion gestures to use them as shortcuts.

The phone also supports the Asus Glove Touch technology, so this phone may be used outdoors even in cold wintry atmosphere.

The browser is Google Chrome, a nice touch of convenience, since this is probably the most-used browser these days.

For privacy, there are PIN-enabled options to keep your messags and contacts separate and secure from prying eyes.   SnapView allows for independent spaces for work and personal life, so that you can manage both aspects of your life effectively yet distinctively (without having to carry two phones).

For family use, the amazing Zenfone Selfie comes with an easy mode as well, so that members of the family who are not familiar with smartphones may continue to use the good, basic features of the phone.  The icons in this mode are larger, so that even the elderly members of the family can see them easily; and they are presented with the common, basic functions such as phone, messages, contacts, calender and calculators etc to enjoy.

If you have kids, this is the perfect phone to entertain them with, but with stringent control. Firstly, you can select the exact functions your kids may use - such as games and camera only.  So that when you hand the phone over to them for temporary use, they are only able to access the selected programs. On top of that, you can set a timer (i.e. one hour, 2 hours) so that once time is up, they will have to relinquish their grip on the phone and go do their homework, or nap, etc.

As if that is not enough, the price for this awesome phone is a mere SGD$379.00 - complete with all the awesome technology, features and functions packaged in!  Well, my introduction of the phone is also my review; I explored all the said functions above and am currently making really good use of it for work and personal purposes.  Asus amazes us with this new creation for sure, and I am glad that I got to learn of it.

The Nuptial Series (vi) - Hunting for the Suits and Gowns - Part II (Review on Kelly's Bridal)

67 Ubi Road One, #08-06 Oxley BizHub, Singapore 408730

Tel: 8488 7821

Website: http://www.kellysbridals.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellysbridals

After some planning, I came to the decision that I would like customise my ROM gown - the same gown I would bring over to Vancouver for my outdoor photoshoot. Therefore, it was important for the front of the dress to be shorter than the back - it would look nice in the great outdoors, and I could run around without tripping all over myself and become the laughingstock bride-to-be.

I approached a few boutiques that does fully customised gowns, bespoke, both overseas and locally. Kelly's Bridals was professional, efficient and prompt without being pushy. I sent Kelly 2 photographs to ask about the price of customising them (I saw them from an online website); she checked with her dressmaker and reverted within a day or two usually, never more than that.

This gave me assurance, because time was tight, and weddings are once-in-your-lifetime kind of affairs, so I could not afford to work with someone who'd disappear on me for days and then revert to ask for this and that.  I read up on some other reviews- no major incidents that were unreasonable, and decided to engage Kelly's Bridals.

Kelly explained the materials to me and justified the cost; and I received two sets of quotes - for rental and purchase of the gown.  I liked what I saw - both were well within my budget (below SGD$1,000), so I set an appointment to visit the unassuming, simple boutique located at Oxley BizHub (opposite Tai Seng MRT station).

Kelly was friendly and hospitable. The bridal studio was spacious, well-maintained and cosy. We sat down; water was served. Then Kelly took out the design I wanted, sketched it from scratch all over to ensure she had all the details down pat, editing till I was satisfied it resembled the gown in the photo I brought over.

Next, she took my measurements and advised me on the length of the back of the gown. After some discussion, I decided to purchase the gown instead of merely renting it - I can wear it next year for the tea ceremony too (save on rental of another gown for that!), and this gown was customised to fit me specifically, so why shouldn't I keep it? Anyway, the price was good - the difference between rental and purchase was not much.

I also checked out the bridal gown selection in the room before and the accessories.  She has generously offered to loan some accessories and bridal veil to me for the overseas photoshoot - which was mighty sweet of her!

It was also appreciated that she had to come into office earlier just to accommodate my timing - I felt bad as I wasn't aware that they started operating around 1.00pm. I was grateful for the flexibility, as well as the diligence and dedication into her work because sometimes I received emails from her at 3.00am into the night.

About one month and one week later, I was informed that the first fitting could be conducted. Meaning to say, my gown was ready! I was psyched, and revisited the bridal studio to wear the gown for the first time in my life.

The gown was beautiful, looking very much like the photo I had shown Kelly. As agreed, they had tailored it a little longer and "wider" so that there was room for further amendment just in case I changed my mind (i.e. wanted a longer train or gained more weight).

After ascertaining the exact measurement I wanted and taking some photos for me  / of me, we proceeded to look at accessories such as veils, gloves, tiara and jewelry which Kelly has so kindly offered to loan me for my photoshoot.

I made balance payment, was introduced to the seamstress who had meticulously created my dress from scratch, tried on some accessories and selected them, before setting another date to come back to collect the gown finally.

For males, you can also choose from an array of materials, colours and styles for your customised, bespoke, specially-tailored suits!

Thank you Kelly once again for the hard work and excellent service!

Keep a lookout for The Nuptial Series (vii) - on photography, makeup and styling my hair in Vancouver, Canada, coming up soon!

Chilling Out at The Wine Connection @ Robertson Quay

Tapas Bar & Bistro

11 Unity Street #01-19 / 20 Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995

Tel: 6235 5466

Website:  https://www.wineconnection.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WineConnectionTapasBarBistroSingapore

Having visited The Wine Connection Bistro (review here) and enjoying my dining experience there, I was glad that buddy *Gareth suggested The Wine Connection Tapas Bar when we were due for a chillout cum catching up session.

We shared some light bites between us, starting from the Cheese and Ham Platter.  There were crispy grained toasts, 2 cheeses and 3 types of ham on the platter, with some vegetables and pickles. I am pretty sure one of the cheese was brie, though I could not be too sure about the other one. Overall, it was still an enjoyable platter of nibbles to go along with our wines.

Next, Lamb Kofta, which held a totally tasty taste of lamb and spices, well-grilled with hints of smokiness to the aroma; the minced lamb was tender and juicy, not hard at all. It was utterly delicious.

Finally, Calamari - always my undoing and weakness. The large squid rings were battered lightly on the exterior, to give it a good crisp before the teeth connected with the chewy, soft squid flesh within. I am always grateful for thin layers of battering - it is the only way you could truly taste the sotong and not be overwhelmed by a thick layer of greasy battering.

Drinks-wise, I started with a glass of Rosé Wine from Provence, France and then switched to a glass of Bordeaux during the chilling out session, enjoying the mild sweetness of my first drink and then the slightly heavier-bodied Bordeaux's smokier charm.  *Gareth started with Champagne followed by a glass of white wine thereafter.

Overall, I really enjoyed the ambience, food and wine at The Wine Connection, and would be back for more. It boosts of a quiet atmosphere for catching up, and the waiters only come over efficiently - just nice to clear plates or take more orders, but not intrusive.  The prices are very reasonable as well - I cannot remember the exact price for each item, but *Gareth and I spent SGD$68.00 in total for both of us.

[Media Invite] Dinner at Lian Peng Bak Kut Teh @ IMM

2 Jurong East Street 21, IMM Building #02-38, Singapore 809081

Tel: 6425 5208

Website: http://www.imm.sg/en/tenants/dining/restaurant/lian-peng-bak-kut-teh

Lian Peng Bak Kut Teh is the new kid on the block at IMM, serving traditional Teochew-style bak kut teh (pork ribs soup) with a clear, peppery soup, as well as other Teochew delicacies, helmed by Chef Lian Peng himself.

The eatery is furnished in a vintage, traditional olden-days coffeeshop, complete with white marble-topped tables and wooden chairs. One may choose to sit inside or outside, at the vast air-conditioned space of IMM Mall.

Service here was impeccable. The moment any guests walked over, the friendly "aunties" would smile warmly and ask "table for how many" in Mandarin. Throughout the meals, they would circulate the tables to clear plates or refill soups using kettles! (should have grabbed a photo of that).

This was a media invite attended by representatives from Hungrygowhere and hosted by Ronald.  We took our seats and pondered over the menu, asking for recommendations from Ronald - rather extensive menu. Please note that food served was in tasting portions and does not depict the more generous portions when eaten on a normal basis.

They started us with some appetisers - may also be eaten as sides to the mains.  There were Salted Vegetahles (SGD$2.50 small / SGD$3.50 large) which thankfully were not too salty, Peanuts (SGD$2.50 small / SGD$3.50 large) and Beancurd Sheets (SGD$5.00), which may be known more commonly as "tau gee".

A special mention would be the Spicy Sambal Dried Shrimps (SGD$6.00), more commonly known as "hae bee ham".  An appetite-whetting condiment-type dish that rings deliciously of the shrimp's luscious flavour combined with spicy notes of the sambal chilli. We finished the entire plate between 5 of us.

We were each served a bowl of their signature Loin Ribs Soup (SGD$9.50) - tender and lean fresh flesh cooked in a delicious peppery broth with garlic. It was not too peppery or spicy, just the right note of flavour - perfect for all members of the family, I would think.

We also tried the Pig's Kidney Soup (SGD$6.00), loving the chewy, crunchy texture of the pig's kidney absolutely.

The Pig's Stomach Soup (SGD$6.00) was another favorite of the group, comprising of a soft but springy texture to it.

My personal favorite was also the Pig's Liver Soup (SGD$6.00), containing pieces of coarse-textured, saccharine and succulent pieces of liver. We noticed that the soup was darker, and tasted of hints of Chinese wine in this as well, boosting the taste up another notch.

While some of us paired the steaming, sumptuous soup with Rice (SGD$0.50 small / SGD$0.80 large), we also had the You Tiao (SGD$2.00) - pieces of fried doughstick as well as Vermicelli Soup (SGD$3.00). The latter was very fine and smooth.

Besides Bak Kut Teh, there's also an array of other delicacies here at Lian Peng that we tasted.  The Braised Duck (SGD$15.00 quarter / SGD$28.00 half) was an excellent and tasty dish with tender meat flavoured by a thick dark sauce that was slightly sweetish in nature.

Then, the Braised Pig's Trotter (SGD$8.00 small / SGD$15.00 medium) was very, very tender and soft in flesh. Many people disregard the skin - but the bouncy, collagenic skin is the amazing part of eating trotters IMHO.  The thick gravy was a little sweet for my liking though.

Next, this platter of Braised Pig's Big Intestines (SGD$6.00 small / SGD$8.00 big) was a delicacy too. Drenched deliciously in a dark sauce that also contains sweet notes, these intestines were springy, chewy and crispy (some of them were fried before braised). It is an exotic dish that not everyone eats, but if you do eat innards, the beauty of this dish is certainly not lost on you.

Finally, allow yourself to indulge in their homdmade Barley (SGD$1.50) - warm or cold, wafting strongly with barley's natural maltish flavour and the drink is concorded to the right amount of sweetness.

Thank you Lian Peng and Ronald for hosting us and the brilliant recommendations; and thank you Hungrygowhere for the invite!