Due to time constraints, my parents gave me a voucher to use to Beauty Secrets at the Spa in Grand Emerald Tower. Though I decided, thanks to my latest facial experience, that I disliked facials that did not come from my derma, I couldn't turn it down since no one else would use it.
Here's how it went: I set an appointment and showed up exactly on time. I was asked if I was in a hurry, and I said that I wasn't. Listened to Lady A talk to a client about diet and going organic. 30 minutes later, I asked them when they would be able to accomodate me. I was given a reply: 15 minutes longer. I berated them for it, and though they apologized, I was already very annoyed: why bother setting an appointment if they would give others without them precedence? The service was supposed to take 45 minutes, and I should have been done with it by that time. Punctual? No.
I went inside a cubicle, finally, so Lady A (a doctor, I think) could examine my skin. I won't reiterate my conversation with her, but there were some not so subtle cues to buy products or add on to the service. The receptionist already tried when I first came in. I rebuffed all of them, already in a bad mood. It got even worse when I was told to use ice everyday to shrink my pores.
The doctor left and another woman, Lady B, came in (don't know if it was a doctor or not, by this point, I really didn't care). She cleaned my face with Neutrogena, I think, and aqua sponges. She also used a layer of 35% glycolic acid before steaming. After which, the usual extraction and cauterization before the diamond peel. She had a light hand and the process was bearable.
I left around 45 minutes later.
Though I liked the way Lady B treated my skin, I will NOT return. I cannot trust a doctor who tells me that ice tightens pores. Pores can be "shrunk" by lasers and drugs, but the idea that ice could work when it's used everyday...
I did spot a CO2 laser machine, and the service was good, so this place may be for those who want such services (price unknown)- but a basic facial + diamond peel at the full price (P1445 - according to the voucher) is definitely out of my price range when I can get more back out of my buck with my derma. More importantly, the product pushing and misinformation, even unknowingly, is a big turn off for me.
Next day: New zits. I guess I can't really blame them since you aren't supposed to DP when you have zits. Since the zits did have a specific pattern... Lesson learned: acne really sucks. Peeling present, but I'm not sure if it's because of the DP or the glycolic. My nose was defintely clear of blackheads though.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend this place. But if you have the budget, you might want to try them yourself.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Review: Sci-Fi Cafe + Mexicali Promo
Warning! Picture heavy
A new place in Robinsons Galleria, Sci-Fi Cafe Is a place for geeksand hipsters to hang out in.
The menu boasts food with interesting names. Since it was a bit out of budget, my friends and I decided to try their drinks only. While waiting, these caught my eye:
Among other things. They have an extensive Star Wars collection, including these on the ceiling:
Too bad the lights are too bright to see the spacecraft, a Millenium Falcon and TIE Fighter, among other things.
There was some complimentary soup, which was nice. I have no idea what it was, but it's the first time I've received a soup for ordering a drink.
Featuring a shield of the White Tree of Gondor, a hoverboard, Leggy's bow and Sulley! They were playing music from Pride and Prejudice, Romeo and Juliet and Titanic.
When you walk in, you see some wands, lightsabers and the Madhatter's hat. The cake looked delicious, but I'm saving up for Wildflour.
Autograph wall, OMG.
Numbered stuff from Pirates of the Carribean, Disney sets... and if you look closely, there's a Twilight Set.
Now I realize that a lot of the stuff I've shown is more of fantasy than science fiction, but OMG! A place to admire all the stuff!
They also started showing Avengers on one TV screen and LotR in another.... I almost stayed forever....
Sulley wants my drink.
Now, while the food was excellent, the location great, and the service good, there is one thing I disliked: Since my friends and I KKB'd it, we all placed money when the bill came. I placed an extra P20 and was too lazy to count change. Our money was taken, but the P20 was gone. Now, I was going to leave it as a tip, but management should NOT assume that. They should have left the money inside... clearly, honesty isn't a policy.
I'll forgive it because of the uniqueness of the place, but I'll think twice about putting more money then I ought to, and count change very carefully!
Yays
Nays
Okays
Go again?
Yes! With all my geeky friends.
The Sci-Fi Cafe is located in the top floor of Robinsons Galleria, Quezon City, Philippines.
Mexicali
After going around the mall, we got hungry and bought nachos at Mexicali. They have a promo: P100 for certain items with a free 12oz Coke (they gave us sarsi, but we didn't complain).
A new place in Robinsons Galleria, Sci-Fi Cafe Is a place for geeks
You can see a lot of collectibles outside, which is what drew us to the place.
Sci-Fi Cafe Menu |
Johnny Depp |
The Golden Trio |
Aliens vs Predators |
Sci-Fi Cafe Ceiling |
Soup |
Cashier |
Bar |
Sci-Fi Cafe Wall |
MOAR STUFF |
Now I realize that a lot of the stuff I've shown is more of fantasy than science fiction, but OMG! A place to admire all the stuff!
They also started showing Avengers on one TV screen and LotR in another.... I almost stayed forever....
Milk Blend: White Chocolate |
Now, while the food was excellent, the location great, and the service good, there is one thing I disliked: Since my friends and I KKB'd it, we all placed money when the bill came. I placed an extra P20 and was too lazy to count change. Our money was taken, but the P20 was gone. Now, I was going to leave it as a tip, but management should NOT assume that. They should have left the money inside... clearly, honesty isn't a policy.
I'll forgive it because of the uniqueness of the place, but I'll think twice about putting more money then I ought to, and count change very carefully!
Yays
- Service: we were given water and it was refilled without asking
- Free soup
- Ambience: one of a kind
- Yummy drink
Nays
- Not very honest
Okays
- Make sure you bring enough money
Go again?
Yes! With all my geeky friends.
The Sci-Fi Cafe is located in the top floor of Robinsons Galleria, Quezon City, Philippines.
Mexicali
After going around the mall, we got hungry and bought nachos at Mexicali. They have a promo: P100 for certain items with a free 12oz Coke (they gave us sarsi, but we didn't complain).
Mexicali Nachos |
Reading: Kurt Vonnegut and Orson Scott Card
For Summer 2013, I've read two books apiece, recommended by friends, by Kurt Vonnegut and Orson Scott Card.
Kurt Vonnegut
Though I dislike his writing style, I find slogging through the books worth it simply for the messages he is able to impart. Thankfully, the two books I've read aren't that long, even at the points where I have to stop and think about it! While I don't agree with all of his points, they are worth noting and thinking about. Of the two I've read, I'd recommend one: The Sirens of Titan. I will probably read more of this author in the future.
Orson Scott Card
I find this guy to be a bit of a douche - but that doesn't mean much as an author. I'd recommend reading Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow, in that order. These books are easier to read, and I found them more engrossing. I don't think I'll read more of the series, and his later works due to the misogynism that becomes more and more apparent (as the target demography becomes older?). While I'm kind of curious about his earlier ones, I don't think I'm interested enough to actively search for them.
Anyway, I'm really glad that I was able to read these books. I probably won't be able to read non-academically related books when the school year starts, so it's nice to have time to go into a coffee or tea shop just to read without using highlighters and the like.
Look at the happy things in life. :)
Kurt Vonnegut
Though I dislike his writing style, I find slogging through the books worth it simply for the messages he is able to impart. Thankfully, the two books I've read aren't that long, even at the points where I have to stop and think about it! While I don't agree with all of his points, they are worth noting and thinking about. Of the two I've read, I'd recommend one: The Sirens of Titan. I will probably read more of this author in the future.
Orson Scott Card
I find this guy to be a bit of a douche - but that doesn't mean much as an author. I'd recommend reading Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow, in that order. These books are easier to read, and I found them more engrossing. I don't think I'll read more of the series, and his later works due to the misogynism that becomes more and more apparent (as the target demography becomes older?). While I'm kind of curious about his earlier ones, I don't think I'm interested enough to actively search for them.
Anyway, I'm really glad that I was able to read these books. I probably won't be able to read non-academically related books when the school year starts, so it's nice to have time to go into a coffee or tea shop just to read without using highlighters and the like.
Look at the happy things in life. :)
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Mega 3 Day Sale + Wildflour Cafe
It's the last day of the Mega 3-Day Sale (May 3-5, 2013). If you don't mind the crowds (and boy, is it crowded), then it's a great time to buy: a single receipt purchase of at least P2,000 (and every P2,000 thereafter) entitles you to a P100 discount coupon, in addition to any product discounts. While it doesn't seem like much, combining promos is very rare in the Philippines. SM Megamall has extended store hours until today.
Though I didn't buy much (crowds really aren't my thing), I did buy one VMV Hypoallergenics ID Anti-Acne Oil Free Lotion at 25% off. Though the Armada line was -as usual- not on sale, most of their products were at up to 25% off. I saw some hoarders over there, but decided not to hoard... let's see if I'll regret that decision in the future.
Also, Wildflour Cafe in Podium has recently had its soft opening. Still haven't eaten there, since there were a lot of people, I'm hoping to eat there some weekday in order to see if it could be a good pastry/breakfast place for me.
Though I didn't buy much (crowds really aren't my thing), I did buy one VMV Hypoallergenics ID Anti-Acne Oil Free Lotion at 25% off. Though the Armada line was -as usual- not on sale, most of their products were at up to 25% off. I saw some hoarders over there, but decided not to hoard... let's see if I'll regret that decision in the future.
Also, Wildflour Cafe in Podium has recently had its soft opening. Still haven't eaten there, since there were a lot of people, I'm hoping to eat there some weekday in order to see if it could be a good pastry/breakfast place for me.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Highlands Coffee Eton
There's a new coffee shop in town! I've noticed that I've been caring more about food posts than beauty posts right now. Maybe because I don't have the funds for the latter? Also, I really have no Idea where my camera is so.... cellphone pictures all the way!
The first drink I've tried there is:
Cafe Sua Da |
Highlands Coffee |
Highlands Promo |
Cafe Sua Da Done |
A purchase comes with one hour free wifi. This makes me kind of sad since it doesn't encourage people loitering in the shop, and free wifi is one of the reasons I go to coffee shops in the first place. It also has few outlets, so charge before you enter. It does have some tablets on some tables, which I haven't used: maybe these have free wifi?
What's best about this place is that it's open 24/7 - one of the few places open in ortigas on Sundays!
Also, there's a Chatime opening beside it. Yay!
Friday, May 3, 2013
BurgerBar
Well, it's my summer vacation right now. That means a lot of bumming time, even if I did promise myself to be more productive... I'd really not rather know how much weight I've gained, or how many pimples I've gotten from sleeping early mornings.
To get a feel of how much weight I've gained....
The best burger I've ever tasted. It costs P280 ($7) not including either VAT or service charge, but it's quite worth the price. As its name shows, it's contains mushrooms, better seen in the next pic and truffle cream cheese. This burger has made spot.ph's top gourmet burger list, with good reason. It's from the BurgerBar at Greenbelt 2.
The bit below the top bun are battered oyster mushrooms. Though these were my least favorite part of the burger, it did provide a different texture, as compared to most burgers I've eaten. The best part for me was definitely the sauce... it's a burger your mouth doesn't get tired of.
On the other hand, the fries -I'm not sure if this was the genuine name- at P145 ($3) were just blah. I'd prefer some NYFD fries to this for the price. Truffle fries really aren't my thing, but I did like the crunch of these. The serving size is big enough for two, so it really isn't that expensive if you think about it. Wish I tried the cookie batter milkshake instead.
This meal was eaten in the company of D. Thank you, D, for a wonderful time!
To get a feel of how much weight I've gained....
The Rising Shroom |
The best burger I've ever tasted. It costs P280 ($7) not including either VAT or service charge, but it's quite worth the price. As its name shows, it's contains mushrooms, better seen in the next pic and truffle cream cheese. This burger has made spot.ph's top gourmet burger list, with good reason. It's from the BurgerBar at Greenbelt 2.
The Rising Shroom 2 |
Parmesan Truffle Fries |
This meal was eaten in the company of D. Thank you, D, for a wonderful time!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Let's Face It! I can't!
After n years of avoiding Let's Face It! I decided to go there as a family activity. We all got the basic, standard facial package at P245 (around $6 dollars), which was really cheap.... and we got what we paid for!
Basic Facial: Facial Cleaning with Laser and Vacuum - P 245
The mini-massage when they rubbed on the creams pre-pricking felt nice, and so did the steaming. However, there came the dreaded pricking! While it was fine for them, I was in serious pain the entire time those instruments of evil were on my face. I had to tell the aesthetician to leave off my cheeks because I couldn't take it.
My nose is now free from blackheads. But I will never return. Not even for the free check-ups that came with the package. At least for the next n years. I'd rather go to my derma instead and get peel happy!
Basic Facial: Facial Cleaning with Laser and Vacuum - P 245
The mini-massage when they rubbed on the creams pre-pricking felt nice, and so did the steaming. However, there came the dreaded pricking! While it was fine for them, I was in serious pain the entire time those instruments of evil were on my face. I had to tell the aesthetician to leave off my cheeks because I couldn't take it.
My nose is now free from blackheads. But I will never return. Not even for the free check-ups that came with the package. At least for the next n years. I'd rather go to my derma instead and get peel happy!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Noriter
Noriter
Address: 2F Estrada St.
Near Taft Avenue, close to DLSU
Apparently, this cafe has been in business for a while, but it's the first time I was able to go. Fortunately, I was able to catch the place before either the morning/afternoon/evening rush hours, if ever there was. It's a really cute korean place that you reach by climbing up a flight of stairs direct from the ground floor - very different from the usual mall-located coffee spots.
Noriter Counter |
Noriter table and cups |
Noriter table and wall |
Norriter tree and table |
Noriter view |
I forgot to take a picture of my drink! Finished it before I remembered. Anyway, I'd like to go back to this place again, though it's a bit out of my way. I understand that it's a hang out spot for DLSU students.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Unit16sweets Peppermint Chocolate Bar
I love chocolate and peppermint. I especially love both of them together, hence my love affair with Starbucks' Peppermint Mocha every Christmas. However, now that Christmas season is over, I find myself craving mint chocolate. Luckily, I discovered this:
Peppermint Chocolate Bar |
Anyway, this is not the best chocolate I've ever tasted, but it's pretty sweet for its price! I liked the fact that it had an expiration date (around a year), but who are we kidding? Chocolate can last 1 week, tops, in my world.
What I didn't like about this? The wrapper! While it looked nice and neat, it felt disgusting on my fingers. Fortunately, the silver foil inside allowed me to unwrap it as soon as possible.
Buy Again?
Of course!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Garnier Self Heating Sauna Mask
Ingredients: Glycerin, Kaolin, Titanium Dioxide, Propylene Glycol, Dicaprylate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Montmorillonite, Aqua/Water, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Allantoin, Benzyl Salicylate, Blue 1, Ultramarines, Limonine, Linalool, Propylene Carbonate, Salicylic Acid, Serine, Sodium Chloride Sorbitole, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Urea, Zinc Gluconate, Parfum
Thin application |
Ok. I should actually use a better camera than my crap fone but... here's a light application. You can use this for 3-4 uses, depending on how heavy you apply it on your face. If you're super stingy, you might actually get 6 uses of it. Here's a light application, but I feel that it does the job well enough. I usually do 2 applications a week. One heavy and one light, as a touch-up. Since my cheeks are not as oily as my T-zone, it's thinner on this area.
The instructions tell you to put it on your face for 3 minutes and that's what I do before washing it off.
Yays
- Keeps me oil free for days! Meaning less zit-y over time.
- Good for 3-4 uses if you're like me, 6 if you're super stingy and 2 if you're a generous applicator.
- Cheap! P49 (a bit over $1) for 2 to 4 to 6 applications, in 2 6 ml doses.
- Doesn't harden completely, so it's easy to wash off.
- Self-heating! So it feels nice on the face.
Nays
I have to apply it twice a week, not once to remain oil-free for the week. But this is a personal, not product failure.
Hays
- Keep away from hair, eyes and other mucous membrane-y areas.
- Try to figure out how much you need (you may not need a thick layer to keep yourself oil-free, or you may not need to put it on your entire face).
Okays
For oily people.
Buy Again?
Yes! I buy this a lot right now as part of my anti-acne regime.
Friday, February 8, 2013
February: Finished!
Things I’ve Recently Finished: *
1. Avon Breathlessly Sunflower Lotion: This is a good option if you’re on a budget. It has a very nice scent (sunflowery? - very feminine) that lasts and hydrates the skin well enough. It’s actually a thin lotion so it's best to use it during summer, or use it as a quick hand lotion. I don't feel very guilty using a lot of this product since it's not that expensive.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleansing Foam (a real review here): It was nice while it lasted.
3. Colgate Fresh Confidence with Strips of Whiteness: I like this toothpaste because it leaves my mouth with a minty feeling that's not as strong as some of the other toothpastes I've tried. I like the "strips" but they're more like little pieces of rock candy for me, the texture is nice but what does it do? I didn’t see a difference in the whiteness of my teeth; I’m not actually sure this is a whitening toothpaste, but it markets itself as if it were. Have you noticed that Colgate keeps saying that all its toothpastes whiten teeth, freshen breath and fight cavities? I did not see any effect on my teeth. As I am an avid coffee and tea drinker, I did not actually expect any whitening, but my teeth actually seem yellower now (so I wouldn’t count on it being whitening at all). This toothpaste has 1450 ppm and no triclosan.
4. Pantene Pro-V Nature Care Conditioner: Another blah conditioner. First three ingredients (because I’m lazy) are Water, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone and Stereayl Alcohol. Nothing very natural to me; the “blend of naturally derived ingredients” are low on the list, though it doesn’t have any parabens. I think I didn’t like this conditioner very much because the color reminded me of mucus (when you have a slight infection). It’s a light green color… but at least it washes of easily enough (I’m not sure how I feel about the fact that most conditioners list water as the first ingredient).
On another note, have you tried Clara Ole’s dressings? I’m quite fond of the Vinaigrette Pesto. It’s 200 kCal per serving (2 tbsps) and is oil based, but I love pesto. J
-SS
*No pictures. Lack of decent camera woes, as usual. Plus I’m lazy (see my name).
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Thoughts: Taxation of Association Dues (ToADs)
A Taxing
Society
It’s not exactly
a recent event, but for those who don’t know – the BIR has decided on taxation
of association dues – we’ll call it ToADs for short. Now, I don’t know if this
is a response to the weakening dollar, but this income generating project (for
the government) seems ridiculous at best and terrifying at worst.
In case you’ve
never lived in a condominium: association dues are a pooled fund used for the
maintenance of the building, including the salaries of the staff. The amount
given is based on a value set by the homeowners’ association multiplied by how
much space you have. In short, it’s the combined resources of several families
for upkeep of their homes.
Now, I’m no
lawyer but I can see how unreasonable that is because if you think about it:
Homeowners earn money via salaries which are taxed (income); this money is used
to pay off utilities (which will now also taxed via e-vat) and personnel, who
will also be taxed (income). The BIR will acquire a slice from all ends. So why
is it that the government has decided on ToADs? There is nothing earned in the
collection process (no work was done), it is simply a way to handle the
expenses of a large amount of people at one time. As such, this tax seems to be
an expression of greed - as a child eyes another’s dinner, knowing that he has
his own. I don’t know if ToADs is legal, but I know that it’s not right. A
government that allows – even encourages – such a thing is reprehensible
because it both discourages its people’s comfort and disparages group
organization.
There are two
things in this world that are constant: the first occurs only once in one’s
lifetime, while the other permeates nearly all aspects of today’s existence. Is
it no wonder that I find the former less disturbing than the latter?
-SS
Student
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