Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Review: Photobook Philippines Softcover Photobook

I wanted to give Panda a thoughful present, but I'm currently supporting my own education so I have to be more resourceful and creative. :D

My friend spotted an awesome deal that felt too good to be true months ago at Metrodeal. I could get a 40-page 6x6-inch softcover photobook from Photobook Philippines for only P20! I immediately did research and found it to be very legit. I read mixed reviews at first with regards to the shipping process, as some said they picked it up from the post office (qué horror), and others had theirs delivered straight to their doorstep. Despite the slight apprehension, I went ahead and bought 2 vouchers for P40 because I had nothing to lose (in case I end up not using the vouchers).


During my one week vacation from language school, I finally had the time to compile our photos - way back from our trips from 2014! I've always wanted to do something like this - a scrapbook perhaps, but I'm no good with arts and crafts at all. It was a tedious process gathering photos and arranging them by date that I felt tired (but happy) by the time I finally finished my book!

You can download the Photobook Designer software to create your photobook, or you can also do it online. It's a huge file, so I just copied it from my friend because I'm not techie and I have no patience. Haha. The software is very easy to navigate. You just choose a background, drag and drop your desired photos, and even add frames and stickers.

I uploaded my 2 photobook files on the afternoon of July 1. My photobooks arrived on 2 separate dates - July 5 and July 7, and they were delivered straight to my address! :D YAY!


I uploaded it twice because on my first book, I just clicked "Check Project...", and the software warned me of some low-res photos that may look blurred upon printout. I didn't click "Check Proofs...", so there were 3 minor spacing issues which I overlooked. On my second photobook, I made sure to fix those. :D


My photobooks arrived in perfect condition! They were wrapped in thin plastic and inserted inside a cardboard envelope. I also have coupons which I can use on my next photobooks, but they expired mid-July. Boohoo.


My photobooks were sturdily bound, and the pages were printed using FSC certified upgraded 190 gsm E-Photo matte paper. It's durable and long-lasting. The pages aren't too soft and glossy, and they don't retain fingerprints. The outcome of the overall colors were a bit darker than how it looked on the software. Other than that, my photobooks are how I envisioned them. I love them! :D


I won't reveal everything, but here are some shots from our Bangkok trip, candy making at Made In Candy, Coron trip, and random date pics! I love how you can put unlimited photos per page.

I only paid P20 for each photobook + P250 shipping fee via DHL. P270 per photobook is an awesome deal! :D The delivery was also swift and hassle-free. My orders came straight to my doorstep in less than a week considering they were shipped from Malaysia. (The only catch here was you can't combine shipping since you can only use 1 voucher code per photobook per shipment, but it's no biggie at all.)


The best part is, I spotted this deal again in Metrodeal just NOW, as I was checking my email. Get your vouchers! Super sulit siya, promise! (This is in no way a sponsored post, but I'd promote it to death. P20 lang siya eh!) The deal will be up for 1 day and 11 hours from now. :)


Are you excited to make your own photobook now? :D

Love,
Helen
Let's keep in touch!

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28 comments:

  1. UnknownAugust 17, 2016 at 11:09 AM

    Yay!!! Will purchase now :D thanks Helen!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownAugust 17, 2016 at 11:12 AM

    how did you pay for the shipping fee?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helen BlasAugust 17, 2016 at 5:44 PM

      I used my BDO debit card via Paypal at Photobook's site. ;) Enjoy, Niña!

      Delete
    2. UnknownApril 25, 2017 at 8:29 PM

      HI, is your account still safe after giving its details to photo book?

      Delete
  3. UnknownAugust 18, 2016 at 6:15 PM

    Helen, I'm having a hard time uploading pictures :( help me..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helen BlasAugust 18, 2016 at 6:32 PM

      Is that the first step or have you completed the book? Baka sa internet connection niyo yung problem?

      Delete
    2. UnknownAugust 19, 2016 at 2:13 PM

      It's the first step :)

      Delete
  4. AnonymousAugust 26, 2016 at 12:43 AM

    Too good to be true! I just bought one and I'm so excited to use it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. eunhae starAugust 26, 2016 at 3:58 PM

    i already finished and ordered 4 photobooks there.
    actually the first 2 photobooks i got a coupon from metrodeal for free and i only paid for the 130 pesos sf plus 100 pesos each to claim it in the post office. while the last 2 photobooks i paid for 20 pesos(voucher from metrodeal again) + 250 pesos sf which was shipped directly at my doorstep.
    and now i spotted the coupon again and i purchased another 2 coupons!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helen BlasSeptember 12, 2016 at 7:28 PM

      I think they're offering the P130 shipment option now as well, but personally I think the P250 is better for convenience.

      My sisters bought some coupons as well! So fun. :)

      Delete
  6. graceilSeptember 28, 2016 at 8:35 PM

    Hi! I ordered 6 photobooks for P50 each.. but do they really charge 250 (shipping fee) for each book? A total of 1,500 SF, all for the same shipping address? 😖

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helen BlasOctober 4, 2016 at 2:31 PM

      Yes, P250 shipping fee per book. Do not get the cheaper shipping fee, you might have to go to the post office and they will charge tax. :)

      Delete
    2. AnonymousDecember 5, 2016 at 12:08 AM

      Me too i ordered lyk 50photobooks without reading much the guidelines. I planned to use it as a xmas gifts. So does that mean have to pay 50x250?

      Delete
    3. Helen BlasDecember 5, 2016 at 4:06 PM

      Unfortunately, yes. It's 50 x 250 shipping fee per book. :O You can try making a couple of books, then selling other vouchers, I'm sure your friends will appreciate and be curious, too. :)

      Delete
  7. Erika JeremyOctober 27, 2016 at 9:29 PM

    I'm having a hard time registering online and downloading the file because it's so huge. T_T

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousNovember 7, 2016 at 7:22 PM

    hi I'm having a hard time how to use my voucher code from metrodeal. how does it work? do I use it in the payment/order details? I bought it, but it was being worked on by a different person.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helen BlasNovember 8, 2016 at 8:50 PM

      You have to activate the code first. Instructions are at Metrodeal. But if your code is being used by another person, you may report it, they're responsive naman to customers. :)

      Delete
  9. AnonymousNovember 13, 2016 at 3:39 AM

    You can open your account on metrodeal and go to>account>orders. You can check there the status of your order and if you have paid already the voucher code will be seen.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousNovember 14, 2016 at 7:58 PM

    hi Helen. Thanks. So how do I activate my code?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helen BlasDecember 5, 2016 at 4:08 PM

      The instructions are all in Metrodeal's site:

      Upon purchase, activate your Metrodeal Voucher code in the online form at http://www.pbww.org/mdph-pb20 during the voucher validity period

      Delete
  11. dhrexFebruary 20, 2017 at 3:22 PM

    Hi laki po tulong ng Blog mo sa mga katanungan ko
    at sa mga nag comments ang linaw po ng sagot nyo thanks

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownMarch 8, 2017 at 11:21 AM

    Hi, I also ordered 3 vouchers but as I open my account in photobook,the page suggested to click "START A BOOK" but it needed 42+ pages..How can I avail 40 pages voucher? I also cannot use my voucher. I already activated it yet it doesn't appear..HELP! 😭

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownMay 3, 2017 at 7:42 PM

    The Photobook review sounds wonderful! Love the photo and the post :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Mrs Fat FootSeptember 12, 2017 at 12:02 AM

    In my case, my sister bought 3 vouchers (worth P20 each) for the 6x6 softcover photobooks. We did not activate the voucher in Metrodeal website but I was still able to use the voucher code when I ordered my photobook. I just copied the voucher code that was in my sister's metrodeal account. My order status is already showing "In Production".

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownDecember 4, 2017 at 10:57 AM

    hi po maam almost one month na po yung photo book ko po hindi pa naipapadala nila matagal po talaga cila magpadala

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownFebruary 1, 2018 at 1:46 PM

    Hello,sinasama ba nila receipt sa package? Or hindi na? Kasi iddirect ko sana yung package sa pagbibigyan ko. Ayaw kong makita nya yung price nung photobook

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownFebruary 1, 2018 at 1:48 PM

    Hello sinasama ba nila yung receipt ng purchase mong photobook sa package? Kasi ayaw ko sana makita nubg pagbibigyan ko yung price haha

    ReplyDelete