Product Review: Big Skinny Leather Executive

After several months of contemplation, finally gave in and bought Big Skinny wallet. I decided on a red leather executive, very similar in the current one I am using from McJim. You may check their selection here: https://bigskinny.ph.

Ordering at the website is quite painless, made payment using my credit card. I did note there that I prefer weekday delivery only and given I lodged my order midweek I wasn't expecting early delivery though I did expect an update and had to make a follow-up which I never got a reply on. Anyway, will write a section for aftersales later.

My order arrived a week after I placed my order. Packing was enough - bubblewrapped, plastic and gift paper in layers. No box. Not a problem as I prefer minimal packaging. Less pollution and carbon footprint (only if it can be elimated but that's an entirely separate discussion).

I hurriedly transferred all my things and with about 16 cards/IDs, a picture of my kiddo, cash and a few coins I could say my wallet thickness from before went down by another 5-10% only. This suggests my old cowhide leather wallet was already one of the thinner options. But if you're using other branded wallets like Girbaud or Charles & Keith which I both tried before then you'd be amazed. Those have boards on their covers and sometimes padded so that adds bulk. The Big Skinny wallet has very little padding and the interiors have very thin partition.

Though I wasn't too blown away by the initial effect I do have to mention that the extra millimeter in their slots which can handle 2-3 cards each helped a lot. I used to have just 1 card each slot and the rest I would put inside the coin pocket - like 6 or so of my cards just bunched in there. This helped distribute the thickness well enough to buy me that extra improvement in thickness.

I have been using it for a good week now and so far things are going well and good. Leather is holding up well inside my chaotic bag. Stitches on zipper aren't unraveling. Still thin and light.

Now for the after sales. I mentioned I made an inquiry about the delivery that I never received any replies on. Well I received another email about writing a review and receiving P250 off on my next order. Some friends wanted to buy their own wallet and I figured I just convinced them so I can share the extra P250 off.

I did write the review and immediately received my voucher/discount code. Voila! It was only for P150. I emaled them again, asking to fix the amount as it was misleading and I only want what was advertised but I haven't received any replies. Now I bet they get several orders a day but not to have someone replying to their emails? Bad customer service.

Overall, the product they're offering is good and possibly even historic but their after sales and customer service sucks and that just pulls down their overall customer satisfaction rating in my book.

So for those wanting to try, do order, it gives you what it promises - a thin and light wallet. I do warn you to order at your own risk. Added some photos below for reference.

Delivery and Packaging - 5/5
Product as Described - 5/5
Quality of Product - 5/5
Customer Service - 1/5


My old filled out wallet vs an empty Big Skinny

My empty old wallet vs a filled out Big Skinny

My emails to customer service left unanswered until now.

Disclaimer: Please note I am not in any way connected with this brand, the online store or the delivery partner of the store and I have not received any form of payment for this review. I am a regular consumer and bought these products and services for my own personal use.

Our Casa Angelina Experience

Last week my kiddo and I went with my another mommy and her kid to Casa Angelina. We've seen the post from Spot.ph and PTV as well as shared blog posts in Facebook. It was located in Zambales and can be reached by bus (Victory liner) or via private vehicle.

So sometime July I messaged Casa Angelina's Facebook page, inquired and made the reservation the same day. It was that easy especially if you have available online accounts in BDO and I think the other bank they accept deposits on is BPI. So I basically breezed through that part and the waiting part began.

Initially we planned on taking the bus so ee can both have 1:1 ratio with 2 5yo girls. But last minute my friend decided to drive. We entered NLEX-Balintawak exit around 6.30am of a Saturday. Using waze we navigated parts of Porac and Lubao all the way to Olangapo. We kept commenting how early we'd get there at the rate we're traveling and even with one pitstop we arrived at Casa Angelina around 10:30am. That's 4 hours of self drive NOT passing through SCTEX. Don't know why waze didn't steer us there but we're happy.

Upon arrival we were greeted by one of their assistants. Asked for my name. I made arrangements prior to have lunch there as we were expecting we'd arrive right in time for lunch...not brunch. So while musing if we can comfortably stay in the picnic tables in the garden as it was sooooo hot that day, ate offered we can opt for an early check-in with for an additional 500 pesos. This offer we took as we don't want to be grilled alive for another 3.5hrs as check-in time is 2pm.

They have 4 rooms in the property, 2 facing the beach and 2 facing the garden/parking. They also have 2 picnic tables and benches in the garden area and a small kitchen/grilling area. Quaint place and doesn't really scream "resort" but right about in the area of a cosy B&B.

The room we got was spacious. More than enough space for the 2 rowdy girls to play on. They managed to play hide n seek inside the room, mind you. The T&B was also large enough that the kids were able to take a bath together with us mommies hovering around them. The beds are nice and comfy with really good white sheets, comparable even to mid-range hotels I have tried. They also have towels with the Casa Angelina name on it and a set of simple toiletries. This makes me think the owners really take pride with the service they're offering and wants their guests to feel valued. I mean, have you tried the rooms at some "resorts" in Batangas and Puerto Galera where you get nothing extra inside your room, excrpt possibly a horrible looking gray hand towel?

After a refreshing shower we went to the owner's house to have our lunch. It was a short walk but with the sun beaming like crazy we had to walk hurriedly even with the big ass car umbrella. They set up the veranda to have one main table and a smaller one, and there wslas a seating area as well. You have the glorious view of the sea while eating sugpo and fish. Yummy. The meal cost 250/head but since we weren't too sure how much the kiddos will eat ee only ordered 2 meals and it was more than enough for all 4 of us. We did the same for dinner and brekky the following day. Great thing about their meals? You get a bit of a surprise what the owner, Joanne, will cook for you (except for brekky where they have a set meal you can choose from). But I guarantee you everything served to us was yummy. They also have very helpful assistants around and most importantly, the owners Roy and Joanne will take the time to go see you and chat a bit.

Now to the beach! The sand weren't white, more greyish and it's not super fine BUT it was very clean all around. No floating garbage, no seaweeds, and most importantly for the kids, no stones or rocks that could hurt their tiny scampering feet. The wave was strong that day and it felt like I had a massage after staying in the water for about half an hour. Not recommended to leave the kids around due to this but the beach itself was wide and they have can have enough space between them and the water to my comfort.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay at Cass Angelina. It was truly a simple, classic yet lovely beach retreat good for families and small groups. I sure hope they don't get too swamped with the rowdy type of guests. It's really for the laid back and the family type groups.

By the way, on our way home, waze made us go through SCTEX this time and even with an hour spent having late lunch at Shell near San Fernando it took us 4hours total of travel time. We left 11.30am and we got dropped off at Walter Mart Munoz a little before 3.30pm.

Location: 5/5
Travel Time: 5/5
Rooms: 5/5
Parking: Yes, more than enough.
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Beach: 4/5, only because the hige waves are more for adults than kids so do note that.

Please note all photos are mine and have been personally taken by me using my own camphone.

Disclaimer: Please note I am not in any way connected with this brand, the online store or the delivery partner of the store and I have not received any form of payment for this review. I am a regular consumer and bought these products and services for my own personal use.

VTR Experience

My kid isn't shy. She likes to sing and dance to an audience from the very beginning. The past few years friends and family members have been encouraging me to have my kid in a VTR "just to try".

I never felt there was a need as she has other avenues for her skills like ballet classes and swim classes, that's on top of school activities. For several years also, I worked within the confines of ABS-CBN and have seen auditions for PBB 1st edition take place, auditions for the revival of AngTV which has been axed soon after and this wasn't something I was excited on partaking in.

A few weeks back however, we go approached by 2 "talent scouts" at MoA and were invited to a VTR at Tri-Media Advertising at Palanan, Makati. Initially, I didn't commit but as soon as the scouts were out of earshot my kid kept asking me if she can be a model and be in a commercial. I said I will think about it. When we got home, I told his grandparents who immediately got excited. I explained I have no plans of driving all the way to Makati from the east side especially since I am not familiar with the neighborhood. My uncle and aunt happily volunteered to drive and accompany us. That was the clincher that made me say yes. My kid and her grandparents all getting excited.

The day came and after multiple confirmation via SMS we we're on our way. It wasn't hard to find however, there were nowhere to park in the vicinity. We even asked the building "office" where we can park and was told Tri-Media doesn't have an parking space in the building. So my kid and my aunt alighted while my uncle decided to drive back to a nearby Shakey's we saw earlier to spend the time there.

When we entered their office, it was filled with kids and parents/guardians to the brim. There was an AC on but with the amount of people, it just wasn't enough. However, I won't deny that 80% of the kids look excited and happy. The entire thing was over in 20mins and was thankful to leave so others can take our seats. It was pretty painless really except for the parking.

We were told they will contact us for an update. The following day I woke up to 6 messages ranging from I can call their office to having someone call me. When I replied was told the person is already in a meeting and we can just talk the following morning to which I agreed.

I was happily informed the following day that my daughter passed the VTR and for the next 15 minutes I listened to all the projects their other talents got and how much their TF were. I was informed to become their talent my daughter has to go through a workshop, This I already know based on other blogs I read. Yep, did my research before going there. So to make the long winding "sales talk" short, I asked if they would still consider my kid their talent if I decide to forego the workshop and was informed they will have to give my kid's slot away. To this I agreed immediately.

After the call I immediately called my aunt to give her the news. She mentioned the day before that some kids get into this not for fun but because of the money and their parents. I told her, her comments the day before makes sense now, after all, I was on the receiving end of a barrage of peso signs and TFs. Unfortunately, since the day I learned about the ponzi scheme I told myself that if someone "offers/gives" you work but you have to pay/buy or put some money out then just head out the door.

In this case (nope, not saying this is a ponzi scheme), if my kid is to be a talent but I have to pay up then that's a no deal for me. Heck, I'd spend the same amount of money and enroll her somewhere where I'm sure she'd get something out of. Even companies pay for the development of their employees and not the other way around. (Imagine heading to your boss' office saying, "Boss, pa six sigma training mo ko, ito bayad ko! :) LOL).

Also from my sleuthing I found out that after the workshop you'd just continue to shell out money but no assurance of a go see. You can read about this more from another blogger mommy here.

Anyway, as my aunt said, at least we know my daughter is not shy. And nope, by all means, if you feel your kid will have a great experience with TMA and their workshop then go and try it out. I just don't feel it's something I want for my kid.


Disclaimer: Please note I am not in any way connected with this brand, the online store or the delivery partner of the store and I have not received any form of payment for this review. I am a regular consumer and bought these products and services for my own personal use.