Skater Girl

Hi! It's been awhile since my last post. College life is crazy. Ugh. Anyway, I'm gonna show you here different ways of wearing skaters. Yes, the universal and ever-trendy skirt. You can wear this on a date, or a night out with your girlfriends, or whatever. Here are four skater outfits for you!

Outfit #1:

Hope you like it. Enjoy, bye bye! Haha! Kidding. I'm really in a hurry so yeah. Lezz do this! I love how girly, young and fresh this outfit looks. It's like a combination of classy and sexy. Meow! Haha. Plus, I love love love the color blue. I look good in blue. I think... What? Haha.  

So let's talk about the skirt. The skirt, I got it from an online shop, it's called OOTDonlinestore. A mouthful, no? Please make sure to check them out on Instagram by this user ID @ootdonlinestore. They're selling super affordable skaters for P250. Hanging tops, too and snapbacks, bags, etc. Really cute store, promise to look them up. Oh, and they're Cavite based, so meet-ups are A-Ok. I actually got mine via meet-up at SM City Bacoor.

LOVE the skirt, so comfy, fits amazingly and the fabric is just lovely. Good quality, I promise. It's garterized and is available in pink, blue, black, red and teal. I think they're having an early Christmas promo now, so please visit their page. :)

The midrib corset (Yay, finally!), I got it from my Mom, actually. It's from a local fashion store. It costs P300, I think. Really cute! So hard to find this kind of top on online shops, I'm happy Mum got it for me. Yes, it is padded and the strap is adjustable and as you can see in the photo, it has big buttons on it. 

Moving on, this sexy peep toe wedge I'm wearing is from Charles & Keith. I got it ages ago. So I'm not really sure if it's still available in malls. I don't have a photo of it up close but its texture is denim-like. Yeah. Sexy, di ba? Haha. It is SUPER hard to walk in it, though. Remember, poise, poise, poise and poise. Just take tiny, little steps. Like really tiny steps. Haha!

For the accessories, I just wore a silver necklace Mark gave to me on our first Valentine's together and a charm bracelet from Silver Works. Yay. And finally, ze bag. This b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l bag is actually from Hong Kong. Bags there are super expensive so don't bother asking how much this costs because I might crumble down... and cry. Again. Haha. Anywho, it is absolutely lovely. It's from Blugirl. It has this reptile look on it and a gold-plated heart in the middle. Amazing 'cause it kind of looks smaller than it actually is. So, if you have a bag that has a leathery feel, use it in this outfit.

So yeah, that's the complete look. I have three more looks below so just read on. 

Outfit #2: 

Sorry I don't do proper photo shoots for this. Haha. Anyway, this is basically the same look but I changed the colors to make it look more romantic. :) This look is perfect for date nights. 

I got the skirt from another online shop, if you've been reading my previous posts maybe you already have a hunch. Yes, this is from Candy Girl Cab. I'm in love with the color, very soft and easy on the eyes. It didn't fit me well though so I used a thin belt for this outfit which I got from Preppy. Sorry for having beauty queen measurements! HAHAHA! Kidding. How I wish... Anyway, if you want to know where I got this floral corset top, please do check out my previous outfit post entitled Street Chic Denim. :) If you want, you can top this look with a denim jacket. And if you have long hair, tie it in a bun for a cute look. Moving on, the floral wedge, I got it from Effigi. Super comfy and easy to walk in. Also, I'm wearing accessories from Sliver Works. :)

Ouitfit #3:

Unfortunately, we don't have winter here in the Philippines. But it can get pretty chilly here sometimes especially on Christmas season. So, it's a perfect time for you girls to wear your pullovers and booties! Kung lamigin ka, maybe you'll like this outfit.

This is the same skirt I'm wearing in Outfit #1, so no need for reintroduction. Reader you've met skater skirt, skater you've met reader. Next. This pretty pullover is from Hong Kong. If you've been to HK, you prolly know 6ixty 8ight. Girls in shopping districts flock like crazy into this store. Anyway, what I like about this pullover is its simplicity and color. And finally, the suede booties! I got these babies from HK, too. They're from Clark's and I am crazy about every detail of it.

Outfit #4:

This look is one of my faves. It is simple, chic and comfy. I simply paired up a white, loose polo with a black skater skirt. I especially love the gold gladiator sandals I'm wearing in this photo, really goes well with the outfit. It's from CMG, by the way. It costs Php 1,800. I also wore a mint green spike bangle from Forever 21 and a satchel of the same color. 

Time's up! Really have to leave now. Sorry if this post feels so rushed, hope you liked the outfits though. So that's all for now, 'til the next post. Buhbye!

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Yummy Skin Remedy

You must feel very awkward right now staring at this photo. :D
But I promise, I don't have any makeup on, just my natural Filipina skin.
And maybe a little gloss. Teehee. :D

Hello ladies! I’ve been meaning to share this simple home remedy with you, but I keep forgetting. Haha! This one is very, very easy. Inexpensive, too.  You actually don’t have to buy the product anymore because it’s probably sitting in your kitchen right now. You might have heard of this before, it’s called the Oatmeal Skin Remedy.

I learned this treatment from BubzBeauty about two years ago and it has been working its magic on my skin ever since. I really, really like this remedy because it’s super easy. But before I tell you how it’s done, lemme tell you first why your skin craves oatmeal.

Oatmeal has many benefits. Perhaps, you know that oatmeal lowers cholesterol levels in the body. But do you know that oatmeal is an amazing skin food, too?

Oatmeal is an incredible cleanser; it is effective in relieving dryness in the skin. Not only that it moisturizes the skin, it has the ability to reduce redness, too. Unlike facial creams, this is a 100% natural skin exfoliator. It removes skin impurities and lightens blemishes without chemicals used in other skin care products.

So here’s something you can do daily to have smoother and softer skin:

NOTE: This can be pretty messy!

1. Splash your face with lukewarm water.
2. Place a spoonful of oatmeal on your palm. Dampen it with lukewarm water.
3. Press the oats with your thumb until you see a sort of milky substance. Don’t waste it! Apply it on your face. Think of it as a primer.
4. Massage the oats on your face for a minute in a circular motion. It should feel soft, not scratchy! P.S. While doing this, you might get a little hungry. I think you already know why. Haha!
5. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. If it doesn't feel thick and sticky, you’re doing it right!
6.  Dry your face with a clean towel.
7.  Hep, we’re not yet done! Seal the moisture with a lotion or a moisturizer.
8. And the last part, just treasure the moment. Run your fingers over your cheeks and feel your baby soft skin. Haha!

This immediately makes the skin softer, glowing and rosy. Well, at least for me that’s what it does. Haha! 

If you have more time, you can also try making an oatmeal mask. I stumbled upon this on www.sharecare.com.

The Skin Doc's Smoothing, Soothing Oatmeal Mask

2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats

2 tablespoons hot water

1/2 tablespoon honey

1. Put the oats into a clean herb or coffee grinder on the finest setting, and process into powder.

2. Pour into a small bowl and stir in hot water and honey. Let stand for 5 minutes.

3. Wash face with warm water. While skin is still damp, massage paste onto face, circling around eyes and mouth. Leave on for 10 minutes.

4. Remove with tepid water and a washcloth. Apply your favorite moisturizer to seal the deal and set the glow.

P.S.: Don't stop eating oats just because you've transformed them into a beauty treatment! They're hard to beat as a source of health-protective soluble fiber -- and eating a high-fiber diet can make your real age up to 6 years younger.

So that’s how you can get smoother, clearer and brighter skin without emptying your pockets! You don’t always have to spend thousands on good skin care products to have fairer skin. Sometimes, you just have to find alternatives. Feel great about yourself without spending $$$! I hope you learned something today. ‘Til the next post, bye!

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The Wonders of Virgin Coconut Oil

I am very in love with a product right now and I thought maybe I can share with you guys this recent discovery of mine (sorry for being a late bloomer).

Dendereren… Extra Virgin Coconut Oil!

I'm using PROSOURCE Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

FYI, using coconut oil is a wonderful natural way of softening the hair and moisturizing the skin. VCO works wonderfully for my hair. I super love it! I actually learned this from my legendary hair stylist relative here in Imus, Lola Vicky.  

A woman’s hair is her crowning glory. It is super important that you take care of your hair because it helps in framing the face. Truly, a well-groomed hair is the most natural and inexpensive accessory a woman can wear.

Unfortunately, I don’t have perfectly straight hair; in fact, I was born with kinky hair. As I grew up, the curls slowly turned to waves (definitely not the bombshell waves) and it was not great to look at anymore.

One day, I decided to rebond my hair. Rebonding is a very risky process especially when you undergo through it repeatedly. So before you do it, make lots of research and ask hair specialists first. Not all kinds of hair can survive this procedure, you know. Hair rebonding and coloring damaged my hair and worsened my hair fall. I even got to the point where I decided to just chop it all off. Yes, I was brave enough to sport the pixie cut.

I was satisfied with my pixie. But eventually, I missed styling my hair; I missed brushing it and all. My hair started to grow back and I was stuck with every short-haired girl’s dilemma: Should I maintain my do or should I just let it grow back but look hideous in the process? I chose to let it grow back. And yes, for months I did not like how I look. Out of desperation, I sought for advice.

I went to Lola Vicky. She has a salon here in Imus which was very famous during its prime years back in the day. I consulted with her about how the ever-changing weather and pollution damaged my growing hair (by this time, I had shoulder-length hair) and I asked her for the best solution. She answered with a simple “Virgin Coconut Oil.” She told me that it was a better and cheaper solution than hot oil and hair spa. Indeed, she was right. All I have to do is buy one from the mall; the one I’m using costs only P280.

After showering, I massage it thoroughly on my scalp for deep conditioning. A little goes a long way with this product so don’t squeeze the bottle when you’re applying it. Remember to focus on the ends too because it’s the part where you really want to rub all the product. The tips are the most damaged part of the hair, as we all know. Use a comb to distribute the oil evenly.

After that, I use a towel to wrap up my hair and then I just leave it on overnight. When I wake up the next day, I take another bath. I rinse it all off with a conditioner (you can also use shampoo) and I’ll just air dry it. And voila! My hair would look like I just had it straightened. If you are in a hurry and you can't do the overnight trick, just leave the coconut oil on for 30-40 minutes and rinse.  

I love this product because it’s really, really healthy. And cheap too! Ooh, before I forget, change your pillowcases after doing this because the VCO may stick in there and you wouldn’t want that.

If your hair turns out super shiny, maybe you applied a little too much but don’t worry… All you have to do is rinse your hair again to get rid of the extra shine. After a week or so, my hair would start to look dry again, and  I'll just have to do the procedure all over again.

Here are some tips from wikihow.com:

•      Coconut oil makes the hair healthier and can help it grow faster when you apply it more.
•  If you color your hair at home, coconut oil can be used to help reduce the damage from the chemicals by adding moisture. Apply a couple drops in your dye bottle mix it well before using.
•  Coconut oil is around 90 percent effective at getting rid of lice when rubbed into the scalp.
• Do not leave the oil for more than a day without washing it. It will make your hair smell bad and become greasy.
• A small amount of this oil goes a long way. Be careful not to use too much.
• Add with Alma/Indian Gooseberry powder to keep melanin in the hair follicles. This is said to prevent gray hair.

VCO is good for the skin and lips too! I rub a little around my eyes because it works well as an under eye cream as well. Just apply a tiny amount to lighten your dark circles and to prevent signs of skin ageing such as wrinkles. Don’t slather VCO all over your face! Just under the eyes, okay? Avoid getting some in your eyes or else your vision might get blurry for awhile.

Another technique I learned is to rub VCO in the lips when it’s chapped. Rubbing a little will soften and moisturize the lips. I super love how baby soft it makes my lips. And kissable too! Teehee. If you want to exfoliate your lips, you can also use this product. Pour a teaspoon of VCO in a bowl, add a pinch of sugar and mix it up. Gently massage the mixture on your lips in a circular motion. And rinse. Don’t worry about ingesting a little because it’s completely edible.

So that’s pretty much everything... ‘Til the next post. Enjoy!

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Street Chic Denim

Alright, let's kick start this post by giving this outfit a name. I'd love to call this look... Tada! Street Chic Denim! What? Haha! I love denim vests. They're so edgy and comfy and easy to pull off. So, yeah. Here's the look. 

Last night, my boyfriend called me and invited me out on a casual date. So I hurried to my closet (Oh, you know. Just me being me) and picked out a cozy sweater -- because I honestly thought it was gonna rain today. But it didn't. So I ended up wearing *glorious music* The Street Chic Denim.

For this look, I wore a floral corset top and a high-waist, animal-print skirt, topped off with a distressed denim vest. I could've worn flat sandals to show off my newly polished toe nails (Teehee) but I decided to wear my flat, brown booties instead. 

One good thing about denim vests? They never go out of style! Well, at least here in the Philippines. They are available at every mall and every clothing retail store. I got mine at a local fashion store, actually. I'm so sorry I forgot the name of the store! Anywho, you can't actually see the distressed detail in this photo because its mostly in the back part of the vest. But there's a picture of it up close below. 

Again, I love love love denim vests! I have another one which I bought from NEXT Jeans. They're just so comfy but stylish at the same time. Here's what I wore up close:

Moving on with the skirt and top... I got my animal-print skirt for P500 at Kirin-Kirin. It has this leathery texture which I absolutely love. Sorry I don't have a photo of it up close. But I tell you, the texture is ah-mazing. Now, the corset... I actually bought it in our University. Every students week, a huge bazaar is held and fashion tents emerge inside the Univ like mushrooms -- along the lake. In empty parking lots. Beside the Square -- they're pretty much everywhere. Anywho,  I got this corset top for only P150, if my memory serves me right. I like it. It fits beautifully. I have to go easy on food whenever I'm wearing this, though. It's just so damn tight. Haha!

For this look, I wore my flat, brown boots which I got during a sale at MOGAO, SM Pala-Pala. I got it for only P400! P400 people. Freaking P400! The quality is better than I expected. I bought it less than two years ago and it still looks brand new. Unlike Mom's boots from Rusty Lopez... The "leather" tore off too quickly! I guess Rusty Lopez is getting a little... rusty. Haha! Oh my gosh! So sorry for that lame attempt. :( I just had to say it! Haha!

Going back, I LOVE the studded sling bag I used in this look. It's so chic, so glam, so It girl-ish! I got it from Sabella. I forgot how much it costs, though. This fab sling bag  is cream in color and has a leathery texture. I love how it goes so well with the edgy denim vest! Just look at how chic it is...

Now, for the accessories... I wore a kind of like a rocker watch from Tomato and a huge, square ring which was a Christmas gift from my cousin. I also sported a Silver Works necklace which was a gift from my Mom. 

That is actually my birthstone, Garnet. Yes, I'm a January baby. I wonder what the shrinks say about girls who were born on January. Hm, let's find out... 

According to Yahoo! Answers, Capricorn women are neat, tidy, tall... Wait, what? Tall? Alright, I ain't reading this crap no more. Lies! Deceit! Haha! It did say January babies love to go on picnics, though. Uhh...What? Let's just get this post over with, shall we?

I'd like to bid you all good night with this very awkward self-portrait.

Hitting the hay now. Have a good night's sleep! Don't let the bed bugs bite. Teehee. Night everyone, 'til the next post! 

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Floral Fanatic

Hey there! This is my very first outfit post and I shall call this look Floral Fanatic. I already had this uploaded on my lookbook account a few weeks back. If you want to see my other outfit posts, feel free to check it out here: http://lookbook.nu/gaberoo

Yes, this photo was awkwardly shot at our lovely roof deck.

So, as you can see... This look has a touch of vintage in it and it would be a perfect outfit for a first date or something. It's not too much, not over-the-top. And if you're going for a sweet and lady-like first impression, read on.

Would you believe me if I told you that I got this beautiful floral dress for only P300? A friend of mine, Alyssa Cueno, owns an online boutique called Candy Girl Cab. I have made a lot of purchases from her online shop and I tell you, she sells dope items. Look her up on Facebook! You can really save more and spend less on online boutiques. But before you buy from an online shop, make sure that it's legit. Hey, you never know, right? Better safe than sorry! Anywho, I really love this dress because it fits me beautifully. I mean, who knew I had those curves? Haha! But seriously, I have a collection of floral dresses and this is totally my favorite. Makes me look so innocent! :)

Moving on with the shoes...These babies are actually... Not mine. They are my Mom's but she wore it only once. I don't want these babies to be stuck in the rack forever! I had to use it. Haha! Mom got it from Chelsea. I really, really love its color. Who doesn't love nude peep toe pumps? No one! 

Now, with the accessories... For this outfit, I paired the floral dress with a gold bangle and a humongous ring. Here are photos of 'em up close.

I got this gold bangle from a very chic store at Alabang Town center called Apostrophe. I love how it gives extra vintageness to the outfit. 

I also wore this humongous ring, which complimented the sparkly clutch I'm holding in the photo. I got this from The Bead Shop. If I were a vampire, I'd prolly make this my daylight ring. Haha!

If you don't have a gold bangle, you can always wear something similar to the one I'm wearing, like this one. This bangle is also from The Bead Shop. The white rocks and silver strings remind me of the pretty corals in Palawan. Hee. There are so many good finds at The Bead Shop. I also bought a dream catcher necklace and an ever watchful eye pendant from that store. Really, Gab? Ever watchful eye pendant? Really? Sorry if I creep you out. It looks prettier than what you think! Haha!

And finally, the hat. The moment I saw it, I knew in my gut that I had to buy it. I instantly fell in love with this hat because it reminded me of the roaring '20s. If you happen to know the movie entitled The Changling, this is the kind of hat that Jolie wore in that film. It's quite expensive, though. You can find it at Kirin-Kirin for P500.

Don't over think on looking too perfect. You know how the song goes... ♫ When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change. 'Cause you're amazing, just the way you are ♫. So, yeah. That's pretty much everything. Maybe next time I'll post a makeup tutorial. Whatcha think? Just have fun with the outfit and enjoy your date! 'Til the next post, buh-bye!

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A New “superbug” CRE, Rapidly Invades US Hospitals

One particularly lethal type of bacteria, known as Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), has become resistant to nearly all antibiotics in the market. In an online article published by the New York Times, at least two million Americans fall ill from antibiotic-resistant bacteria every year and that at least 23,000 die from those infections, putting a hard number on a growing public health threat. Doctors who specialize in infectious diseases have long foreseen and warned that antibiotic resistance might bring us back to the time when people died from ordinary infections. Now, hospitals are hysterical in slowing the spread of CRE through wards. The superbug outbreak brings about a handful of CRE cases throughout the US.

            

Note that healthy people do not usually catch CRE infections. CRE infections most commonly occur among patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions. For short, the people who have been confined in a hospital for quite some time are more likely to catch the infection. These germs can cause infections when they get into the bladder, blood, or other areas where germs don't belong.

How do people really get infected? No worries for the infection is not air-borne. But a person might catch CRE through personal contact with an infected; sick patients, doctors or nurses. He or she may also get the infection from medical devices such as ventilators (breathing machines), urinary (bladder) catheters, or intravenous (vein) catheters. Animals are also carriers of the said infection. There is one case in Virginia in which poultry workers caught CRE. Be warned that not only from exposure to infected animals can you catch the CRE; consumption of contaminated or infected animals may directly transfer the infection to you. So always know what you’re eating!

Here are some tips from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website on how to prevent the infection:

• Tell your doctor if you have been hospitalized in another facility or country.
• Take antibiotics only as prescribed.
• Expect all doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers wash their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before and after touching your body or tubes going into your body.
• Clean your own hands often, especially:
• Before preparing or eating food
• Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Before and after changing wound dressings or bandages or handling medical devices
• After using the bathroom
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Ask questions. Understand what is being done to you, the risks and benefits.

Do not underestimate this infection for it can be fatal. According to CDC, some CRE bacteria have become resistant to almost all available antibiotics and can be deadly—one report cites they can contribute to death in up to 50% of patients who become infected.

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Palawan Escapade

Last summer, my family and I went to El Nido, Palawan. We traveled via chartered plane from Manila to El Nido. The flight only took 40 minutes. Upon arriving at the El Nido airport, we rode a jumbo, air conditioned jeepney to take us to a motor boat waiting for us at the shore. 

How awesome is this?

Meet my only brother, Dylan.

The boat ride from El Nido airport to the island where we are gonna stay for 4 days and 3 nights, Miniloc island that is, took 40 minutes as I remember. We weren't there yet, but I already saw the island resort from far away. The landscape was picturesque and very calm. A paradise on earth.

Tourists were given a very warm welcome by the locals of Miniloc Island. The staff happily sung the Palawan anthem, complete with musical instruments, costumes and adorable choreography. We arrived at the Miniloc Island Resort a few minutes before lunch time. We checked in on the sea view hotels and our tour guide advised us to eat plenty of food because he was going to take us on a tour immediately after lunch. The food was heavenly. I’m speechless. There were so many dishes served on the buffet table that I couldn't make up my mind on which one to taste first. After eating, we gave our compliments to the chef and headed on to the tour.

It is a mandatory rule on the island to wear life vests before getting on the speedboat or the motorized boat, but since I am a rebel, I did not wear the vest. Haha! Kidding! Along us were two Korean lovers and a Filipino couple celebrating their anniversary. Our tour guide was Kuya Vladimir, who speaks fluent English and Korean. Impressive, I know.

The very first destination for the day was the Cudugnon cave which is known for its beautiful rock formation. There’s like a small Mickey Mouse-shaped hole inside wherein tourists are allowed to take photos as much as they want. 

But flash photography is not encouraged, for the creatures inside the cave might be disturbed. Totally creepy. By the way, in order for a person to enter the cave, he’s going to have to crawl in a very tiny hole first. I’m quite slim so I didn't have any problem at all.

We went to the Cathedral cave afterwards which smelled unpleasant because of the fruit bats living in there. The formation of the cave looked like a real cathedral, though. Too bad we weren't allowed to go inside the cave because apparently, speed boats are forbidden to enter underground caves now because they emit smoke that somehow destroys the ceiling of the cave. We were supposed to visit the Snake Island afterwards but that day was a high-tide; the Snake Island sinks into the waters on a high-tide, therefore not making it visible. So we went back to the island resort and spent the rest of the afternoon kayaking and snorkelling.

Day 2

The second day of our trip was my favorite. We went island hopping, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and hiking. Our first stop was the Entalula Isalnd. Definitely the most breath-taking beach I have ever seen. Fine, white sand, clear waters and great food. 

We went to the Snake Island after lunch and headed on to the big and small lagoons. From the motor boat, we kayaked our way into the small lagoon. I was paired with my sister Gale. We were very competitive against the other teams. Haha! There were few fishes and corals but the view was amazing. Just being inside the small lagoon was priceless. Fresh air, soaring live stones, clear water and all that.

On the other hand, in order to get in the big lagoon, we needed to ride a speed boat because it was 80ft deep. According to Kuya Vlad, our tour guide, there were even sharks beneath us. But they were reef sharks, definitely harmless. Kuya Vlad took us snorkelling outside the big lagoon after the tour. At first I was all panicky because it was my first time to swim in a vast 80-feet deep ocean; looking at the deep blue part of the waters made me real uneasy because who knows? A shark might be lurking in there, but just like Kuya Vlad said, “It’s all in the mind.” 

When I saw the colorful corals of different shapes, and the fishes swimming around me I felt like Ariel, The Little Mermaid. The experience was soothing and calming. It made me appreciate my mother country even more.

Day 3

We started our third day in Palawan by visiting the other nearby resort, which is the Lagen Island Resort. We ate breakfast there, took a swim and had fun playing table tennis, foosball and pool. 

We went to Dibuluan beach afterwards to eat lunch. Dibuluan beach also had white sand, but not as fine as Entalula’s sand. Food was great too; you have to try their smoked salmon. I tried parasailing but I failed. Wind was too strong and the board was too heavy for me. Next time, maybe. The day ended with the sunset cruise over Bacuit Bay, minutes away from Miniloc. We took pictures for memories as we watched the beautiful sunset.

Day 4

As I chowed down my stack of pancakes, I realized that it was my last day in Palawan. Every 8 in the morning, tourists can feed the jacks near the shore, so we did. I thought they were tiny, colorful, cute, little fishes but they were not. They were not! They were huge, silver (black when hungry) and quite vicious. I heard that they once attacked a tourist as she tried to feed them. The tourist ended up in a nearby local hospital with injuries. Anyway, we fed the jacks and headed to Shimizu Island for snorkelling and fish feeding. 

By Lunch time, we went to a private island and had lunch. We had the whole island to ourselves. Now, how cool is that? There was a cave in the island so we explored it and we took as many pictures as we can.

All ours!

The staff of Miniloc Island is so sweet! They always leave
messages and candies on our beds before going to sleep.

Overall, it was a great experience. Food was great, locals were lovely and the view was simply one of a kind. The Philippines definitely is a beautiful country. I can say that it is the perfect getaway for families, couples and friends. 

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Basic Skin Care Tips

Hey there! I stumbled upon a beauty article this morning and I thought, hey why don't I post something similar to this one? So, here's a quick guide on how to have healthy skin without spending too much. 

Disclaimer: I am not a skin expert or anything, all of these are things I learned from beauty gurus on YouTube, my forever idols, Michelle Phan and Bubzbeauty. Subscribe to their channels! I have been watching their tutorials since first year college and I tell you... They are awesome! They helped a lot in my epic transformation. Hihi! Any who, some are from personal experiences and the rest are from Captain Obvious. Haha!

A fair complexion brings a radiant glow and beauty to a person. But how exactly can you have flawless skin without going to derma clinics? Here are some tips for healthier skin:

1.      Prevent sun damage

Protect yourself from the sun because it could be very harmful to the skin. Intense exposure to the sun can give you wrinkles, skin problems and other signs of ageing. Much worst, it can cause skin cancer. That’s why whenever you go out on a trip (very important for outdoorsy people) or when you’re going out, don’t forget to use sunscreen. If you’re headed to the beach or a theme park, bring a sunscreen with you of at least SPF 15. Reapply when needed and especially when you’re swimming. I recommend The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock. 

I used it when we went to El Nido, Palawan last summer. It is definitely much better than the previous sunblocks that I have tried before. It has this light and smooth mixture unlike other sunblocks that are gooey and sticky. Plus, it's very affordable. I think I got three bottles for P500 at the SM Department Store. 

For those who wear makeup every day, get into the habit of choosing BB creams and foundations that come with SPF. But avoid wearing high SPF foundations or creams at night time or if you have a photo shoot because your face might appear super shiny in the photos. Also, always seek shade. The heat of the sun is not as healthy as it was before. Avoid the sun between 10AM and 4PM; it is the time when the sun’s rays are most harmful.

2.      Cleanse your skin

If you wear makeup all the time, always remember to wipe it off gently with a clean cloth and cleanser before you sleep. Or better yet, get rid of stubborn makeup by using a facial wash. I have three skin care products in my bathroom which I cannot live without. The Olay Clarity Fresh Cleanser, Celeteque Facial Wash and St. Ives Exfoliating Apricot Facial Wash. 

One thing you should know is that the process of exfoliating is really important because it removes dead skin. But it is not recommended for you to exfoliate everyday -- unless you want to look like a glistening vampire. Over-exfoliation causes forehead shine and even skin flaking, so two to three times a week would do. I don't know anything about combinations of skin care products but these three work wonderfully for my skin. Blemishes rarely appear on my face and I don't have oily skin as well, so I guess it is a good combination.


Sleeping with makeup on is a big no-no! Moisturize every morning or every night to rejuvenate the skin and give it a fresh look. They say skin care products work best during night time so try applying your favorite moisturizer before going to bed. I am currently using a face spray moisturizer from Korea, it's called Aqua Moisture - Moisturizing and Soothing Facial Mist. I got it from my very close friend, Yee-Gi.

3.      Watch out for external elements that can cause skin ageing

Pollution has been a problem here in the Philippines since time immemorial. If you don’t own a car, you pretty much don’t have a choice but to use public transportation for travelling. Believe it or not, chemicals and fumes that PUVs and private vehicles emit can get into your skin. To prevent this, always bring with you facial wipes and facial sprays to cleanse your skin while travelling. Don't forget to choose hypoallergenic ones, in case your skin is ultra sensitive to skin care products. 

4.      Live a healthy lifestyle

I guess this one is pretty self-explanatory. Quit smoking and eat a healthy diet. Elements that cigars contain are very harmful not just to the skin but to the internal organs. Also, try to have a balanced diet. Eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables. Lessen intake of soft drinks and junk food. Instead, drink natural juice nectar and lots of water. 

These are my favorite brands. Good for 
the skin and body detox. Try to look up 
@detoxifybar and @theskinnyjuiceryph 
on Instagram.

It took me a long time to stop from drinking soft drinks. Now, I am proud to say that I can control the urge. I have been practicing this for almost two years now. Another factor that can cause skin ageing is stress. So try to relax more and get plenty of sleep to regulate blood circulation in the body.

5.      Clean the devices/other things that may come in contact with your skin

Get into the habit of cleaning your mobile phones regularly. Germs spread like wildfire in your gadgets and you don't even know it. It can be transferred to your skin as you talk to someone on your cell phone. Also, clean your makeup brushes/applicators regularly. Make sure that they are squeaky clean whenever you apply makeup. 

6.      Hydrate your skin

Drink plenty of water. Water helps eliminate toxins in the body that can cause damage to the skin.  Drinking plenty of water may prevent dry skin.

7.      Change your pillowcase often

You may not know it but your pillowcase may carry germs too. Combination of hair products and facial oils on the pillow case may cause blemishes. A lot of silk pillowcases are now available in online shops. It's what most celebrities use in my observation. So try this one too. Trust me, you'll sleep like an angel!

8.      Never pick at blemishes

Don’t squeeze out your zit. Infection and scarring may bring permanent damage to your pores. Just eww!

9.      Good hygiene

Take a shower everyday. The temperature and weather here in the Philippines are factors that increases microbes on the skin. So take a bath regularly, use soap, facial wash or scrubs to exfoliate your skin. 

10.  Drink vitamins

Vitamins A, B, and C are essential to the skin. Vitamin E helps improve the skin when applied externally. I drink Ascorbic Acid and Enervon regularly. Aside from it's health benefits, vitamin Cs and multivitamins help me stay alert and active in class. I drink Ferrous Sulfate too because I am anemic. If I don't, my face would look so pale; it helps in regulating the blood circulation in my body. Multivitamins are available at any grocery stores.


If you have naturally radiant skin, you wouldn't have to wear cosmetics all the time. You can go out without makeup and still feel confident and beautiful. So yeah, that's pretty much it. 'Til the next post, buh-bye!

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