Korea Budget Trip: Budget for everything else, but not for Myeongdong

Last week, we visited South Korea for four days and three nights. As we wanted it to be a budget-friendly travel, we used the extensive public transportation Seoul had to offer and stayed in a motel. Of course, I had a side budget for possible hauls - in case I saw products that would be very hard to ship to the Philippines. Thanks, ERAP. /s

Note: I am the type of traveller who does not take too much pictures. I don't know but I feel taking pictures spoil the "moment". All I have are potato quality ones, too.

Roof of a rather plain structure in Changdeokgung Palace's
Secret Garden (to the disappointment of my companion
is not the Korea-novela)

We got around the city using the subway and integrated bus systems. The whole let's-use-the-public-transport thing is COOL as I believe the city is best get to known this way. However, I had elderly with me (they knew stairs would be frequent), and so it was difficult for them, plus they had the attention span of a 5-year old so it was crazy to keep them from getting bored during commutes.

I belong: Countless times during that brief tour, I've been spoken to
in Korean, for obvious reasons as seen in this selka
(what they call selfies there)

We visited Changdeokgung Palace, sat around Yeouido Park eating the best friend chicken I've ever tasted (no exaggeration there), got into a Han River cruise, explored Nami Island, took photographs of giggling senior citizen at the Trick Eye Museum, had coffee in a cat cafe (someone please bring this concept here in the Philippines), visited a Korean family and had a grand lunch, and of course went shopping in Namdaemun Market (for the folks) and Myeongdong (for me, haha).

"Why can't we have this in the Philippines?", I asked myself
as I recalled the savory chicken we just ate.

The weather was very pleasant at 10-20 degrees Celcius for me and my husband, whereas my mom and mother in law were trying desperately to hide their shivering during the first night - they did not want to wear proper clothing because they did not want to carry heavy jackets. My skin though felt quite happy with the autumn season - emollient sunscreen not melting off the face, sweat and heat not aggravating my pores. Skin heaven!

"Why can't we have nice things in our country?", I asked
myself as I still thought about the chicken.

Apart from the nice weather, I noticed there was significantly less pollution in Seoul as compared to what we've been used to here in Metro Manila. There is also less private vehicles, but more taxis instead bring the traffic to be as long as the stop light says red. People just really use public transport. I even saw really glamorous ladies ride the subway. As an engineer, the city's transport system itself is a tourist's marvel for me. Plus, the underground stations had a Missha or Nature Republic in them somewhere, so yeah.

Yellow trees are marvelous too. And so are the
ahjummas with their good skin.

My wallet had been suffering due to a 30% sale I took advantage of in one of the underground Missha's (they're very cheap yo, like 300 pesos cheap), when on Day 3 we visited Myeongdong. OH MY GLOB. All of the Korean skincare I could ever want is in that locale, and it took a lot of willpower to not overspend on products I will probably use months from now (just kidding, I'll be back in April...prepared). Did I mention they had cat cafes and dog cafes? 

Yes, I'm jealous. The cat may sleep during its shift!
And they're not to be disturbed.

Finally, during our last day, we visited a Korean family who felt like our family's "Korean version" and had the grandest lunch ever. The tables were crowded with plates, and I enjoyed it so much! Later that day, we also had enough time to check the Duty Free Shop in Incheon International Airport. A secret from me to you: some brands like Shiseido / La Mer are miles cheaper compared to their prices here. For example a Shiseido eyelash curler is priced around 800 pesos in the airport's DFS, which when purchased here would cost one 500 pesos more.

"Did you make that mess? You human tourists!"

I really enjoyed the brief stay in Korea - totally worth the time (I missed my work, huhu) and money. Hopefully, my school schedule would make it possible for me to go back in April. I can't wait!

Review: Nature Republic California Aloe Sun Block SPF 50 PA+++

Back again from a very long slumber from blogging, and with me, I bring yet another sun screen review born from haphazard purchases and what-not. So while I have the time to write this, here's a quick review on Nature Republic's California Aloe Sun Block.

Not to be confused with the Sun Milk version. That one's
for next time, as soon as my sunscreen stock runs out.

Progress Pics: 4 Months (Patience is Key)

My skin is at it's best condition ever, and I hope it's a plateau, not a mere peak.

Last June, I took a picture of my untouched cheeks (my skin "problem" area) which had literally huge pore issues. This was my skin, four months ago:

Four months later, I am glad to say my skin's pore problem somehow has improved, thanks to adding an exfoliant, switching to a less oily day moisturizer, and using face masks (yes, those creepy looking paper masks). Here's how my skin looks like now. (But please, disregard the fairer skin tone - the sunscreen I used prior to the now photo had a white cast!)

Sorry for the messy hair. It's because I hate
combing it.

It may not be quite evident in the photo, but changes to my skin include a smoother skin, and smaller, cleaner looking sebaceous filaments. I also feel like my skin became softer yet firmer - it bounces back, in a way. Application of cosmetics also became breezier. Yay!

I attribute the changes to ALL of the following:

1. I am now using an exfoliant every other day. I used to have none. Regular exfoliation helped me keep my pores and SFs at bay.

2. I switched my moisturizer with an emulsion (a lighter moisturizer of sorts, available from various Korean brands). My face does not look like an oil slick anymore so my pores are no longer emphasized by the shiny slick.

3. I started using sheet masks again. Every four days, I use a sheet mask instead of my usual night moisturizer. This made me skin plumper/more elastic thanks to the moisture boost.

I will post reviews on the emulsion and sheet masks when I can, so please stay tuned. And I hope you get to have a happy skin day, too!

Review: Mizon Mela Defense White Multi UV Sun Block SPF 50+ PA+++

Hi everyone! I'm back again with another sunscreen review! I've recently jumped into the Mizon AHA bandwagon on reddit, and in effect I also bought their only sunscreen available (in Suesh, at least) here in the Philippines. So here it is, my review for Mizon's Mela Defense White Multi UV Sun Block.

Korean Visa Approved: How I applied plus the impending haul

There's no shortage on guidelines on how to apply for a Korean visa here in their embassy in the Philippines. In fact, their website was quite helpful as it listed all of the necessary documents for application. I applied for myself, my husband, and my mother in law who's already a senior citizen. Here's a gist of how I did it:

1. Prepare all the requirements

While the requirements for employees and "plain old" housewives are easy to spot in the website, we had some trouble gathering requirements for my mother in law, because it was not listed anywhere. For housewives, the requirements are similar to an employee's requirements, except the wife will submit her husband's original COE, photocopy of BIR Form 2316, and the photocopy of their NSO Marriage Certificate. It's a proof that she'll be supported by the husband during the visit.

For my mother in law's case, since she's already retired and widowed, she had no ITR and COE or husband's ITR and COE to back her up and hence cannot apply as an employee or a housewife. So what we decided to use as a proof of her capacity to provide for her tour are the following:

   (The usual requirements)

   - Application form

   - Colored passport size picture that will be glued onto the form

   - Original passport

   - Original personal bank certificate

   - Photocopy of the passport's second page (the one with the name, passport number, etc)

   (And the senior citizen specific requirements to compensate for the lack of COE and ITR)

   - Pension certificate from SSS

   - Senior citizen ID photocopy

My mother in law also had this peculiar problem: the name indicated on her passport and birth certificate is quite different from the name she's always used in all of her documents and bank account. In order for us to prove that the passport holder and the bank account owner is one and the same, we also had to provide the following:

   - DFA document stating that  Name A = Name B, in order to remove discrepancy with naming of the 

      bank account, pension certificate and senior citizen ID

   - NSO birth certificate photocopy (which should bear same name as the one that's in the passport)

2. Apply at the embassy

The visa application time is only on weekdays, from 9 to 11 AM. You may apply for the whole group, just like I did! Also, the application is free, as long as the visa's effectivity is only for 59 days.

Before you enter the compound, you'll need to log in with the guard and present an ID. In turn, he will give you a guest ID. You'll be led onto a nearby building, where you'll need to log in again and a piece of paper from an embassy employee who would also scan your requirements. This will be the queue, and it has your window number and queue number. Don't lose it! 

Once your number is displayed on the top of your designated window, submit your requirements and wait for the officer to give you a claiming slip. In it you can find the date of releasing of the passports.

3. Wait for the date on your claim slip and go back to the embassy.

You may get your passport (with or without the visa in it) from Monday to Friday, 2 to 4 PM. 

You'll again need to log in at the guardhouse and obtain the guest ID. Upon entering the application area, you are to submit your claiming stub and a list of the names of the applicants to the guard. Again, he will give you a number. Cross your fingers as you file in the line!

When I claimed for our visas I was uneasy with the thought of getting denied. One, because about 10 people before me either had to wait longer as their visas aren't quite ready yet or were flat out denied. Another concern is my husband only had a Form 2306 because he's a new employee, so I was worried that this form would not suffice for Form 2316.

Well, anyway, all is well, so now we have to plan for the rest of the vacation's details and for my Korean skin care haul (more like Innisfree haul). Hooray~

Review: Mizon Skin Turnaround Pore Control Peeling Toner

I've had awful luck in finding a good chemical exfoliant from Korean skincare brands. I've almost succumbed to just ordering a Paula's Choice AHA or BHA, until a redditor posted a list showing the pH of some Mizon toners. While the best one recommended by the boards is hard to purchase in the Philippines (or at least here in Mandaluyong due to customs duties), one of them was readily available from a local store, Suesh. And so, here's my experience with Mizon's Skin Turnaround Pore Control Peeling Toner.

Review: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

In keeping with my promise of reviewing more drugstore products, I decided to purchase a commonly seen moisturizer here in the Philippines. No, I'm not willing to stoop down to the local Pond's or Olay's local formulation yet, but there are dependable brands out there. Here's my take from one of those brand's products - Cetaphil's Moisturizing Lotion.

Review: The Face Shop Super Perfect Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

The rains may have started in the Philippines, but my sunscreen obsession will be unhindered. I still use sunscreen regularly, so I go through them the fastest than any other product type in my skincare stash. Now I am about to review another one, The Face Shop Super Perfect Sun Cream, with an SPF 50+ and PA+++.

Review: Mentholatum Sunplay Powdery White SPF 47 PA+++

I used to dislike sunscreen with white cast, but now from a work-at-home person's perspective, I'd have to say I am okay with a bit of it, as long as it will not irk my husband. And so I have began exploring sunblock with Titanium Dioxide, the compound pretty much responsible for the ghostly look.

Here's a look at one of such that will obviously leave a white mask - Metholatum's Sunplay Powdery White. The name says a lot and while it may get attention from the whitening-crazy ones, here's a review that will leave them with second thoughts.

Review: The FACE Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Light Oil

After weeks of not doing any review due to my ridiculous supposedly light "freelancing" gig (which turned out to be a handful), I'm back with one, and with a happy note. As to why, we might as well get to it then - here's The FACE Shop's Rice Water Bright Cleansing Light Oil.

By the way, since I'm too busy nowadays, expect concise reviews - like it or not, there will be less rambling from now on.

Scared of Paraben? Don't be.

Despite of what government agencies and reputable organizations assure us with regards to the safety of parabens in cosmetics, the proliferation of blogs advocating the naturalistic fallacy still breathes life into a paraben controversy which should not have been controversial anyway (if only the people sourcing the study read the whole report). In effect, consumers are often led to buying more expensive, paraben-free products or worse, led into having a false sense of security that anything natural is safe.

Parabens are a family of compounds used as a preservative in cosmetics, and even in food. These compounds prevent the growth of bacteria and are usually used in combination with other parabens in very low concentrations - less than 0.5% versus the 25% threshold set by industry experts. 

Not always safe.
Image from freevector.com

In 2004, a study found parabens in breast cancer cells and launched an internet-wide e-mail scare connecting parabens and cancer, although reading the study itself does not correlate these two directly. In fact, the researcher himself, said parabens cannot be simply be concluded as the cause of breast cancer, though the findings do warrant further investigation. Which FDA and SCCP (EU) did anyway, which concluded that paraben use is still safe.

Parabens are known to have weak-estrogen like properties, although when compared to the natural estrogen are hundred-folds weaker. Furthermore, the very low concentrations used by the industry make paraben an unlikely cause of breast cancer, at least. So why be afraid of something found in trace, and studied extensively by authorities? Instead of wasting energy on spreading unfounded fear, why not delve into chemical compositions of natural ingredients so we could collectively assess the safety of these as well? 

How to Prepare your Condominium Unit for a Typhoon

Metro Manila is no stranger to high-rise residential units, and as strong typhoons loom over the country, residents all over the metro are advised to "prepare" for the possible effect of a storm - with flooding and brownouts being the most common culprits for home owners. However, despite of the many condominiums scattered all over the Manila, media does not seem to tackle condominium preparedness and condominium unit owners are left clueless on how to ready themselves for storms, especially the effect of wind.

Today, in my own preparation for the typhoon Glenda, I would like to share some points on preparedness to fellow condominium-dwelling Pinoys.

1. Keep the windows, or any opening than may let the violent winds in, closed. It would be wise to not open your doors to the hallway, too. You wouldn't want air from outside entering your unit as this may induce suction pressure and add to the risk of breaking glass windows.

2. Stay away from windows. In case they break. It would be better if you have draperies that could at least dampen the shattered glass flying towards you.

3. Stock up on provisions and supplies. Yeah, sure, you can buy from the nearest convenience store, as long as you're capable of climbing up to your unit at the 30th floor using your stairwell, should your elevator be dead. 

4. Your patio/balcony items should be kept inside the unit. The storm is hazardous enough for passers-by below, and while they can survive the storm itself, falling debris from irresponsible unit owners may injure or kill them.

5. Observe seeping water. Especially if they may possibly reach your outlets (take openings for air conditioners with the outlet very close to the unit) and take measures to protect them. Leak from roof decks is also possible, so it might be wise to turn your circuit breaker off until you're sure your electrical conduits aren't invaded by water.

6. Know where the fire exit is. I mean, you should have known this from Day 1 of living in your unit. 

7. Store water. If you have a bathtub, then fill it. If you have pails, you may use them, too. You'll need to wash the dishes or clean your toilet and bath somehow, and storing water can prepare you in case the tanks are emptied or if the pump does not work and there is no water from the faucet during the storm.

8. Stay at an "inner" room or at the hallways during the wind's onslaught. It might also be safe to stay at lower floors if the wind is too strong, as the pressure if the wind increases with elevation.

With elevation comes protection from flooding, but it increases the risk from wind damage. As with any other impending disaster, preparedness is key - regardless of what your living unit is. 

Whitening and Blood Clots: What is Tranexamic Acid?

Hopefully, you've read the previous post, because the build-up was kind of there.

Because I have more free time, I am now tasked with the traditional "sa bahay lang" housewife role and am now in charge of everything housekeeping and cooking. I cannot carry very heavy loads according to my doctor, so every other day, I go to the nearest grocery to pick up household items and ingredients for our meals. I always make it a point to make fun of some products sold in the beauty aisle or read product labels.

Anyway, I've noticed that my go-to grocery, and I'm betting many other groceries, sell much more variety of whitening soaps compared to that of normal soap. Whitening soap with different ingredients saturate the shelves while ironically, the sunscreen area is tucked in an obscure corner. The "canon" whitening products are still there: papaya, calamansi, glutathione, kojic acid. Then something catches my eye: kojic acid with tranexamic acid. 

I've never heard of tranexamic acid before, so I took a mental note of the spelling, went on with my routine and proceeded to read about it after all the housework. Wikipedia, basically says it is given by doctor to patients with the risk of heavy bleeding. Huh? How was this related to skincare? How this ingredient was discovered as a whitening ingredient is beyond my Googling powers, but at least I now have an idea and how people use it, so I can share it with everyone.

Blood Clots and Freelancing

I have been unemployed more than two months now, but luckily, still earning - although it's nowhere half of what I used to make. It may seem like a stupid route to go, but to me who needs time to rest, get fit and pursue other alternative methods of earning in lieu of a 8 am - 6 pm job, it's a very good trade-off. 

However, not many are aware of what working from home really is, probably due to the obvious lie of an advertisement we see in the internet: work-at-home mom earns 200 USD an hour, or something like that. My mother and sister-in-law thought it was such a breeze - you know, no bosses, no chismosa office workers, no commutes, you get tons of free time, and of course, the great pay. Little do they know that freelancing is literally being your own boss, accountant, marketing personnel, driver, courier, errand boy - basically wearing several hats with the pay of just one person.

Freelancing, I thought prior to starting this, would give you more time. Now, this is true but there's a catch. You are expected to be ALWAYS available, especially if you have clients who are beating deadlines. Oh, you're trying to lull your baby to sleep,? Better let him/her sleep on his own then. You can't work too late in the evening? We still have daylight here, and so do our clients. There is immense flexibility of time, but it works for your and your client.

Anyway, I just had to put this here in case you guys were wondering about the post frequency. I've been too busy with a client and I was making sure I do not miss out on this opportunity. I mean, I use the money I earn for bills and my skincare addiction! 

I'll be back with a slightly related story on tranexamic acid in a few days. Stay beautiful!

Review: TONYMOLY UV Sunset Aqua Sun Gel SPF30 PA++

Ever since I started working from home, I have been using less powerful sunscreen on days when I do not go out. The curtains may be blocking out a lot of light, but when it comes to skincare and the sun, one cannot be so carefree - so sunscreen stays. But I do not like the heavy feeling of my usual high protection sunscreen (SPF 50 and PA+++ ones) especially since I'm at home, and I'd really like that bare, at-home, light feeling on the skin. And so I tried looking for a light sunscreen and it led me to TONYMOLY's UV Sunset Aqua Sun Gel.

Review: Skin Food's Wildberry Milk Cleansing Foam (moist)

Have you ever been in a situation where you think you're contented with everything, then something comes along and takes you by surprise? I had this happen to me weeks ago when I started using Skin Food's Wildberry Milk Cleansing Foam - and  it's THE best foaming cleanser ever.

Throwback: How I Started with my (Korean) Skincare Regimen

To my friends who are curious with my skin care, I must be the biggest liar in the country when I say I used to have bad, pimple-ridden skin. So then I get bombarded by a ton of questions on product recommendations some practices I do with my skin.

What I had: I had a lot of pimples, scars and PIH (thanks to puberty). The only routine I had was washing my face with a Pond's cleanser. My skin was very oily, sensitive, and acne-prone. I also used calamansi (as per my mother's advice), and I went to the a facial salon a couple of times to have my pores cleaned.

To be short about it, my journey is quite simple, but unexpected. But here's how I did it anyway.

The Brown-Skinned Beauty In A Sea of "White"-Obsessed Fools

Love yourself. How hard can it be?

Not quite easy in a country where conformity is the standard, especially when it asks you to conform to what nature has not given you: "white" skin. As a kid, I have always wondered why we are so obsessed with how fair our skin is, and throughout the years, found the apparent reasons of people who believe this idea quite absurd, with the same magnitude as the stupidity of the believer itself. Which is why finding people who can learn to appreciate their color is always a welcome surprise.

Yes, They Exist.: Great Beauty Products for Less Than 100 Pesos

Most people have this bias that anything sold expensive must be superior to cheap ones. However, there are a few good beauty finds in supermarkets here in the Philippines that are surprisingly cheap. How cheap? Below-100-pesos* cheap!

(*a little more than 2 USD) 

1. Dove Bar

Image from dove.us

How much is it: around 55 php for a 135g bar

Women who probably had relatives from the US during their childhood days may know this bar as the slippery, soft, cream-like soap which somehow always makes the balikbayan box. While the local formula may have been tweaked and is far from the nostalgic, very moisturizing, melting-within-a-few-days bar, it is a good alternative to your usual body soap and even from the more expensive ones from upscale beauty stores.

2. Fitness Oil Control Sheet 

How much is it: 31 php for 100 sheets

The average Filipina-way of dealing with skin oiliness whenever outdoors seems to be wiping the face crazily with their handkerchief and putting some baby powder on it post-stress. The constant pulling of the skin when using the handkerchief could damage your skin - and this is where oil blotting paper can help. Rather than pull the skin during wiping, blotters can work by merely patting your skin with the tiny blotting paper and voila, less oilier skin without risk of damaged capillaries.

3. Nivea Lip Care Fruity Shine Strawberry 

From nivea.ph

How much is it: 80 php for 4.8g

It moisturizes, adds some tint, doubles as a lip gloss, has some SPF and has a delicious fruity flavor - all at a third of the typical price of a Korean lip balm. What more can we ask for?

4. Apollo Petroleum Jelly

How much is it: 83 php for 100g

Don't believe the uninformed, tree hugging detractors of petroleum jelly, or else you'll miss out on this very useful product. Petroleum jelly is a very versatile ingredient - a shape-shifting product if you may - from sleeping pack to lip balm. Even if you happen to hate it as a moisturizer, you can still find tons of uses for this product, making the meager price tag totally worth it.

5. Johnson and Johnson's Baby Oil 

From johnsonsbaby.com

How much is it: 63 php for 125 mL

Another useful product which along with its brother, petroleum jelly, which always falls in the hands of people who feel scared due to ignorance. Unless you're allergic to fragrance, this oil is the cheapest and safest (rarely brings adverse skin reactions) product to clean up your pores (or "remove" blackheads and whiteheads, which are only dirt-ridden sebacaeous filament). Also, it is moisturizing, non-comedogenic, and not at all carcinogenic. By the way, remember to get the original, PINK bottle capped one, as the other variants have other oils which may react with your skin.

So ladies, lack of budget is no excuse to not have good skin care products!

If you know of more similarly cheap and great finds, feel free to drop them below.

First Impressions: Skinfood's Strawberry Black Sugar Mask Wash-off and Argan Oil Silk Hair Mask Pack

Hi everyone! Today we willl be taking a look at a couple of free samples snagged from Skinfood Glorietta's sale last week - one of which I am keen on purchasing, of course only if the price is right, and the other I will never spend money on. Let's have a look shall we?