Mabining Mandirigma

Life has been so busy lately that I've had time to see it only now, but I strongly recommend Mabining Mandirigma, a steampunk musical.

The libretto is by Nicanor Tiongson and it is Directed by Chris Millado. The lead, Liesl Batucan, is well worth watching just by herself. She is guaranteed to move. But this is more.

Though it entitles itself as a steampunk musical, it feels like part opera and part vaudeville, with bits and pieces occasionally clashing. I do not agree with some of the views portrayed, but the juxtaposition of different characters in the play and the different styles of performance was done adequately.

In style, this reminds me of Miss Saigon, in spirit, Hamilton, but its soul is Filipino. I would recommend any Filipino who loves musicals, and in fact, any Filipino to watch this.

Mabining Mandirigma will run at CCP until December 18 at the Little Theater.

Victoria's Secret Secret Craving

Looks like I'm ending the year on a sweet note:

I thought that I had finished this ages ago but I have a little bit left after all.

Dove Hair Therapy Hear Fall Rescue Shampoo

Another day, another shampoo tried. I don't know what I'll buy next after near emptying Dove's Hair Fall Rescue Shampoo.

I nearly didn't buy this because I was annoyed at Dove for not having an anti-dandruff shampoo marketed towards women... because only men get dandruff. Anyway, luckily (?) I've been more stressed out lately - and getting more hairfall as a result.  I then picked this bottle up before buying it upon realizing what Trichazole probably meant.

How much water do you use in facial cleaning?

Today I tried washing my face and looking at how much water I used up. At full blast, I used enough water to fill up a basin... Enough to flush a toilet!

And if I washed my face at least twice a day, how much was I using on that alone!? It got me thinking about how wasteful we can be without realizing. Therefore, some early resolutions for the new year I plan to adopt:

1. Use low flow settings during face washing.
2. Turn the tap off while in the middle of doing things.

This should also apply to showering and the like.

What other bad habits should be broken, you think?

Barista's Best and Great Taste Coffee

Tired of Kopiko 78? Try Barista's Best and Great Taste.

I drink a lot of Kopiko 78 because it's found everywhere, but sometimes you just want something else.

Personally, I prefer the lighter flavors of Barista's Best Coffee Latte and Coffee Caramel (far left and far right). For a more intense experience, far bolder than the 78, try Great Taste's Dark Java and Viet Latte.

The Barista's Best Coffees are more expensive for around P26 and are very milky with the caramel sweeter than the latte. The Great Taste ones cost around P20.

Bench Organics 94% Aloe Gel

I have finally decided to post my review of Bench Organics 94% Aloe Soothing Gel.

This product claims to be nonsticky, quick absorbing and moisturizing.

It took me so long to post because it took me a while to find out what kind of relationship I had with it.

No Money For Dry Shampoo

In the Philippines, dry shampoo isn't often used since it's so hot and humid, people just wanna shower  all the time. Sometimes, even twice in one day.

But there are times and reasons for not washing your hair everyday. As for me, I generally wash my hair daily, but there are time when I don't: Not enough to justify my buying a dry shampoo but enough for me to want one.

So what do I do?

I use regular baby powder.

It works :)

Miniso Laundry Net

After faithfully being served by my Daiso laundry nets for the better part of the year, the lot of 2 I'd been using finally became too damaged for use. I then decided to search Miniso and found that they had some very sturdy laundry nets.

MINISO Laundry Net

Decided to get this set of 3 instead of the tougher looking ones because at P145 for 3, it's a pretty good deal and I like the green trimming to match it as a set.

Miniso Laundry Net Set of 3

It is my firm belief that anyone who has their clothes washed in a machine (whether at your own home or sent out) should use laundry nets. As my previous nets have shown, you can do a lot of damage to your clothes when washed willy nilly. Nets serve as a small layer of protection from the wringing and rips your clothes may be prone to when tossed in the wash.

Hope these last at least as long as its P88 counterpart (you know from where ;) ).

Bare Sweet Almond Conditioner

The dipstick test says I'm half done, so I guess it's time to review Bare's Sweet Almond Conditioner.

What first caught my eye was that it was a new brand that had uncommon fragrances at the Beauty Bar. Unlike more conventional bath and body products, this brand had offerings like green tree and grapefruit - more woodsy, less flowery scents. I had a hard time choosing because they all smelt nice to me and that the hair and body products were different lines with different scents: there is no green tea shampoo nor grapefruit body lotion. I finally chose this conditioner because it was for damaged hair, which my hair is.

Human Heart Nature: Pure Strength Shampoo

I bought this nearly a year ago, and I recently checked the website, so you might be looking at a different bottle, but this is review is for HHN's Pure Strength shampoo.

I've been using this shampoo sporiadically when it gets particularly hot or when I feel particularly Christmas-y. And I've been loving it but...

Something to See: Jersey Boys

I was only able to see it this week, so the run has already ended. However, it's a very good production and a must see for those over 40.

Highlights: Nyoy Volante's vocals. 60's type dancing. Nostalgia (for those who know the Four Seasons).

This is the first version I've seen of Jersey Boys and it was excellently done: smooth and solid. I was also impressed that it started less than 30 minutes after the alleged time. I almost missed it since I didn't want to watch anything at Meralco again. Fortunately, C convinced me and I'm glad I got to see this.

I'm almost 100% sure that there's gonna be a second run. It really is that good. Don't miss it when it comes back.

Dove Whitening Unscented

I can't believe that I'm actually on my second stick of Dove Whitening Unscented Deodorant. It's very rare for me to buy two of the same products in a row, but here we are.

Dove Whitening Unscented Deodorant

Human Heart Nature: Masterlist

Since I have another HHN product review that's way overdue, and I'm too meh to make, I've decided to post my masterlist of HHN instead.

Why do I buy HHN? Well, it's pro-Filipino and pro-poor... which is more than I can say for some brands. If you don't like to try new things a lot like I do, then HHN is a good brand to stay loyal to. However, I like trying out new things. :P

I'll hopefully add more to this in the future.

Supers:

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir

Sides:

Human Heart Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel
Human Heart Nature Natural Conditioner Strengthening
Human Heat Nature Balancing Face Wash
Human Heart Nature Pure Strength Shampoo

Shmuck:

Human Heart Nature Rose Hip Oil