Vietnamese Coffee: Phin Filter with Phuc Long Moka Blend

Boy, do I have a lot of coffee posts :))

A few weeks ago, I posted about using a concentrate in order to make Vietnamese iced coffee. Today, I'd like to talk about a more traditional way to make coffee with the use of a phin filter.

Have you ever used a phin filter? For those who haven't, a phin filter is a small metal device which is what the Vietnamese traditionally use to make their coffee. Unlike a french press, it can only make a cup at a time, but being made completely of metal, it's a lot sturdier, cheaper and takes up less space. 

Phuc Long Phin Filter

Clean & Clear Fruit Essentials Facial Cleanser

I got the Clean & Clear Fruit Essentials Facial Cleanser in Energizing Berry because I wanted to try out a cheaper salicylic acid cleanser other than Neutrogena for a change. It doesn't list its concentration, but should be around the 0.5% range. There are two versions I've seen- the red or berry version and the yellow or lemon- but I prefer berry over citrus. Those who prefer something more refreshing might prefer the lemon version. There is supposed to be a third version, but I haven't seen it here.

Clean &Clear Fruit Essentials Facial Cleanser Energizing Berry

The two main draws of these were its salicylic acid content and the berry-licious scent. The cleanser itself is faintly pink with a liquid to gel consistency. It doesn't lather well, but a little goes a long way and it spreads and rinses of easily. It also helps control my acne, very much like the Neutrogena Deep Clean. I like that it doesn't dry my skin, and can be used more than once daily.

What I didn't get was the bursting beads: they didn't burst on my face and required some effort to burst between my palms. I'd never use that much force on my face for cleansing!

Packaged in a clear plastic bottle with a flip-top cap, it's easy to see how much product you've used. It also has an expiration date clearly marked at the back. At around P150 for 100 ml, it does the job cheaply and can be used twice daily (as compared to the Neutrogena Deep Clean which sells for around P250 for 150 ml and dries my skin out more).

I'd buy this again, but would like to try out some other products first. Luckily, I don't think I'll run out of this anytime soon.

How Cow Milk Shake Factory

This weekend, I tried the newly opened How Cow Milk Shake Factory, a kiosk on the ground floor of Robinsons Galleria. The cute balloons were the ones that attracted my attention. Upon asking, I was told that it sold milk shakes - and I was sold.

How Cow Milk Shake Factory

 The smallest size, 12 oz., costs P45 for their standard items. Their premium items, which have chocolates shown below (menu not pictured), started at P75. The fliers at the side stated that it contained 14 nutrients, but I didn't really pay attention to it.

Regular Menu

Available Chocolate Mixes

Choco Truffle 12 oz

I chose the Choco Truffle in the smallest size. I liked the fact that they made an effort to decorate the cup. While I don't know the chocolate they used, the drink was pretty yummy.

Unfortunately, there was still a lot of ice chips in my drink, so I didn't enjoy it as much. I wouldn't really call this a milkshake because of it even if it falls under the definition: for me, milkshakes should be creamy - I shouldn't need to crunch ice between my teeth. It's more of an ice blended drink when you cross Zagu with chocolate and whipped cream.

I still enjoyed it, especially as it makes a change from coffee based frappes and milk teas. I'd drink this on a hot day -given enough time for most of the ice to melt.

Sisters Super Heavy Flow

Is it weird that I'm super excited about these? Haha.

Anyway, finally! A long pad at a competitive price. I'm not sure, but it's P21-25 for 4 pads (4+1 for the introductory promo). As someone who likes to move around in my sleep, i've found that longer pads do make a difference.  Most pads available here in the Philippines are either under 300mm, even for night use, or are too expensive to contemplate.

Sisters 340mm

Luckily, there are these now!

Longer pads means more careful application, but the results are worth it, IMO.

This is also not my favorite brand, that distinction goes to Laurier with their super long, super absorbent and and super thin napkins, but at this price point - I have nothing to complain about.

Now, I may change my mind if other brands become more competitive, but for now, for women tired of shelling out so much for something thrown away in around 8 hours, you might want to try Sisters out :)

Cloud 9 Chocolate Milk Drink

Around two weeks ago, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this Cloud 9 tetrapack at a convenience store. One of my favorite childhood chocolates was now in liquid form! Hurrah!

I couldn't buy it then, but last weekend, I was able to purchase one for P15 with my groceries.

The drink seems relatively low calorie at 130 per serving, probably owing to the skimmed milk powder used and was a bit more nutritious than expected with calcium and some other vitamins. Unfortunately, I found the taste very disappointing.

Don't get me wrong, it was pleasant - not to sweet and not too thick. BUT WHERE IS THE CARAMEL? THE PEANUT? THE NOUGAT?

Though it was called a Cloud Nine Chocolate Milk Drink, it had none of Cloud 9's flavor, just a facsimile of its chocolate shell.

Children and adults who like chocolate milk might enjoy this but for those who love Cloud 9, the chocolate, the product is a lie :(

Royal Kona: Roy's 10% Kona Coffee Blend

It's been a short relationship with this sample size of Royal Kona's Roy's 10% Kona Coffee Blend from Hawaii. I only got a small size so I was barely able to appreciate it, but I did enjoy it while I had it.

It's a medium-dark (vienna) to dark roast of arabica beans, albeit with added flavoring. Being only 10% Kona and a medium-dark blend to boot, I doubt it captures the taste of good Kona coffee. However, I still liked it. It's very mild, even though it stays on the tongue, so it makes a good afternoon cup - especially when I'm craving something sweet. Don't expect it to keep you up though.

This sample was supposed to make 10 cups but made closer to 7.

I don't think I'd look for this, but it was nice while it lasted.

Seattle's Best Coffee: Javakulas!

I posted a few days ago about CBTL having an open house for their newest Caramel Brownie Ice Blended. I did try it out and it was yummy. A dessert drink that's hard to say no to! However, this season's favorite is, hands down, from Seattle's Best Coffee: Peppermint Pot Javakula.

I have tried all 3 new Javakulas: Peppermint Pot, Sea Salt Caramel and Strawberry Fields. Why do I like this best? All of them have a far better presentation than either CBTL or Starbucks. Peppermint Pot comes with a real mint sprig on a mountain of crumbled cookie bits. Sea Salt Caramel comes with a little smiling star and Strawberry Fields comes with a small strawberry (not the real thing, mind you). They're all super cute!

But I am, forever, a sucker for peppermint (which is why I do love the Starbucks holiday season).

Currently for the new offerings:

Peppermint Pot Javakula > Caramel Brownie Ice Blended > Strawberry Fields > Sea Salt Caramel

While I do like the Strawberry Fields Javakula, it's flavor is "nakakaumay." The Sea Salt Caramel, adorable as it is, is a bit too sweet for me. A major con for me though is Seattle's Best's Javakulas have a consistency that's hit and miss (compared to CBTL and Starbucks). Go for their large size since the smaller sizes are the ones that tend to be more ice than happiness.

I haven't tried Starbucks' Tiramisu or Banana Rasberry Frappucino - though I do love both tiramisu and raspberries - because I don't think I'll be going to Starbucks for a while. Maybe until I decide if I'll go for a planner this year - if their holiday drinks are enticing enough.

Am I the only one that feels unhappy because they decided to put the minimum load for their card at P300? I prefer a P200 minimum, if ever because shelling out P300 in one go is a bit steep for me. I might as well buy a new card each time! I still haven't figured out how to pool cards together either.

Anyway, Seattles Best Coffee has a BOGO promo on their Javakulas from 10 am - 2pm until Friday, September 12.

Dr. Kauffman Medicated Sulfur Soap

I have mixed feelings about sulfur, since while it's supposed to help acne, it's also drying and possibly anti-exfoliative. And as nice as the color is, the smell of rotting eggs isn't really that appetizing.

However, as in a previous post, I still use it as a face and body soap once a day, in order to both cut down on product usage and to get rid of all the stuff I have in my closet. Which soap did I buy?

What I like about this product is that it doesn't smell very sulfuric (no egg smell!), and none of the "medicinal" scent is left behind after rinsing it off. It helps control breakouts of acne of the face and body quite cheaply. It doesn't do anything for cystic acne. It doesn't lather well, but as a result lasts quite long. As a bar soap, it doesn't melt quickly, which also increases its lifespan. It has a clearly marked expiration date on the side of the packaging, so I know until when it's good for.

What I don't like is that this sulfur soap is a bit drying so I really can't use it more than once a day, even if the instructions on the box is to use it twice daily.

Ingredients: Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sulfur, Perfume, Zinc Oxide, Lanolin, Water, BHT, Tetrasodium EDTA, Cl 21108, Cl 12490

I'd recommend those with oily skin and those with mild break outs to try this out for a few weeks. I wouldn't recommend this for those with very bad acne or for those with dry skin.

Will I buy this again? Nah. After 3 bars of this soap with ok but not stellar results, I'd like to try something else.

The Last 5 Years

I finally got to watch the Last 5 Years at RCBC! The show runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes without an intermission and will be running until the end of August.

While I did enjoy watching, I wouldn't consider this a great show. Nikki Gil, though her voice seems to be maturing, still does better in comedy. At times, her voice turns nasal (reminding of her usual bubbly roles) and goes flat at the high notes- and the sound system doesn't help: turning it loud and painful. Joaquin Valdez, able to manipulate his to make you understand his emotions, still doesn't have that fullness that makes you feel it.

Also, one of the songs contains that na-na-na-na that reminds me of a very successful british boy band.

That all said, the production was simple, but decent with some nice songs written in. Both leads were able to carry the show until the end.

For those who want to, you can still catch it this weekend. Tickets can be purchased at ticketworld or on-site. For those who won't be able to watch, a movie version will be coming out sometime in the future.

Trung Nguyen Coffee

Have you ever tried vietnamese coffee? If not, you really should! In Manila, Highlands Coffee serves Cafe Da (Iced Coffee) and Cafe Sua Da (Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk). While I do enjoy those two drinks, Highlands Coffee is significantly more expensive here than in Vietnam. Fortunately, there are cheaper ways to enjoy Vietnamese coffee!

Caphe Tuoi by Trung Nguyen

Money Drains or Things to Buy:

It's a good thing that there's an Open House for CBTL Swirl Card holders this Sunday, August 17, 2014... because there are a lot of things I want to get (which I may or may not get)

1. The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet: This is a book based on the web series, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, available on Youtube. If you're a fan of Pride and Prejudice, The LBD are a must watch (it even won an Emmy).

2. Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen: If you're a fan of Garth Nix's Old Kingdom Series, you'd want to read this. I have and love the Abhorsen Trilogy, and though I haven't read the companion works, I find myself interested in this.

3. Chicago: A musical coming to the Philippines this December, showing in Solaire. Tickets are already available via Ticketworld.

4. Beauty and the Beast: A musical coming to the Philippines January 2015, showing in CCP. Tickets are already available via Ticketworld.

I don't really want to watch Potted Potter or the Noli Me Tangere Opera, but would welcome tickets for it, if I could get them.

At least for now, I have the The Last 5 Years to look forward to this month.

Lactacyd Protecting Daily Feminine Wash

I've tried a couple of feminine washes in my life before I've found that water alone is usually enough for everyday use. Though I love the "cooling sensation" some of them have, most of them actually do nothing - a waste of money, I believe. Nonetheless, I still like to stock a bottle in my shower caddie because there are a few occasions I believe that a feminine wash can be helpful:

1. During your period: Because you're not just getting rid of your normal vaginal secretions. It's not just blood, but endometrium coming out of you. It also makes that area a bit more alkaline so some acidity may be helpful.

2. Preventing or during an infection: Some washes contain ingredients that might be helpful in preventing or ameliorating an infection down there (ex. yeast infections).

3. Pre and post surgery

I end up using it just a few times a month, but I see value in having one lying around. I've tried many different feminine washes, but right now I'm using Lactacyd, protecting version. Why this and not the other variants? It's because I really don't use it regularly so I'm unlikely to see any of the other effects (such as claimed in its whitening variant).

Lactacyd Protecting Daily Feminine Wash Packaging

A phrase worth repeating: for external use only!

Lactacyd Protecting Daily Feminine Wash

Why this and not other brands? While I do love the cooling sensation I find with some other brands, I've found that most others really don't do anything that water and a mild soap can do - with a few exceptions. For example, I'd think that for pre and post surgery, I'd prefer using a wash with iodine. Luckily, I don't need to have anything done down under!

While I buy Lactacyd because of its active ingredients, Lactoserum and Lactic Acid, I dislike the fact that this bottle, unlike some other variants, do not contain an actual ingredients list. Note that while the bottles from the Philippines don't seem to have it, the ones imported from Vietnam do.

I'm also glad that I don't use this often because the scent of this wash is very strong and sharp. On the other hand, I'm sure to wash my hand after every use, because I'd rather not have this lingering around. The product itself is a runny liquid that turns creamy when rubbed - it's a bit difficult to get small amount, especially with a large bottle. I get the largest bottle size because the price difference between the smallest and the largest is a lot. The 250 ml bottle is only around P250 while the smallest size at 60 ml is around P60.

As always, wash the product off and dry thoroughly after.

For women succeptible to or with infections, I'd recommend buying this. But I'd like to reiterate, I don't recommend using this daily.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

A few years ago, I never could have empathised with those who have a fear of dentists even if I'd had braces or half my wisdom teeth removed. I disliked going, of course, but more because of the shame I'd feel once he or she found out how poorly I took care of my teeth or the annoyance and expense of needing something done because of my poor oral hygiene/diet. For some strange reason - maybe it is only now that I'm older and more conscious of what's going on around and within me  - I keep dwelling on my latest dental procedure: having my wisdom teeth removed.

As nice as my the dentist was, I did not enjoy the procedure and had difficulty falling asleep because I kept re-living the experience. Even now, in partial pain and an inability to eat most foods, my biggest con was the actual removal, and the reflections thereof.

If you do not need to have them removed, I'd advise you not to. But for those who DO need to, here's a rough guide for what to do and expect:

Pre-Op: Canvass for both your doctor and your panoramic xray. Some dentists will have a machine in their office and some will not. You will need to have a panoramic xray done so your teeth can be evaluated before the surgery and as a guide during the procedure. Costs for this, as well as for the procedure itself will vary. Note that while you may be charged for your consult, inquiries over the phone aren't- so don't be afraid to ask for a rough estimate. Have your xray done, find a doctor and schedule an appointment sometime where you have at least a day to recover.

Also, talk to your doctor about issues such as:

Will you need to take antibiotics before the procedure? Because if you have an infection there, you might need to in order to avoid complications later on or to defer the procedure until it's cleared up (this is where actual consultation is crucial). Ask him or her about that and other problems you may have - such as allergies to certain medications, problems with bleeding and clotting. Be informative. They'll need as much info as they can. Also, ask all the questions you may possibly have: when you go for a consult (with all healthcare professionals), its good to prepare a list of concern and questions in your head.

Other costs such as anaesthesia and medications after. Generally, the estimate they give you includes whatever local anaesthetic they use (but it never hurts to inquire, just in case). However, if you really want deep sedation, use of a general anaesthetic is much more expensive and may require an anaesthesiologist.  You may also need antibiotics after the procedure (especially if you are older). You will definitely need pain medication after. Factor in the cost of your meds.

Your dentist is your ally, but you have to things yourself. Research. Google is your friend. You should know how to take care of yourself post-op since you might be unable to after. You can also choose to stock up on the foods you will be able to eat. Hint: Ice cream diet!

Op Day: Do all of the preparations he or she tells you to and be sure to bring your xray. Come a bit ahead of time in order to do your paperwork. Hope that the procedure is quick and painless (don't be afraid to ask for more medication if you feel any). Follow the instructions he gives you and schedule your return for follow-up, if necessary (ex. suture removal). If you can, have someone with you to take you home (do not attempt to drive yourself).

Post-Op: Remember all the things you've researched and act accordingly. Make sure the blood clot doesn't dislodge and keep the area clean. If you have any problems, don't be afraid to contact your dentist and book an appointment.

After everything's done, don't forget to keep caring for your teeth.