Battle Between Kojie San and Block and White Lotion (The Verdict)

The verdict is in! After 16 days of diligently applying Block and White Intensive Whitening lotion with spf 24 on my left arm and Kojie San lightening lotion wih spf 25 on my right arm, I'm excited to tell you that difference in shade between my arms is now visible!

I hope the pictures below can show the contrast. It really is more noticeable in real life. My right forearm is on top of my left. Can you see that the bottom one is lighter?

And so the winner is Block and White Intensive Whitening lotion! The truth is I really wanted Kojie San to win because I prefer its scent over B&W. It goes without saying that my right arm will be smothered with B&W starting tomorrow. 

Try to pair this with a good whitening soap to achieve fast results. I use Omni White soap and it proves to work well with B&W lotion. 

I hope this blog helps you on your quest to find lightening / whitening / brightening products that really work.

Battle Between Kojie San and Block and White Whitening Lotion (First Update)

It's been a week since I started on this experiment. I've been very diligent in applying these products onto my arms! Maybe it's too early to see any astounding difference in terms of lightening/whitening. Some beauty experts say there's a difference between lightening and whitening but to me, they're the same. I prefer the word lightening though but in essence they aim for the same thing anyway.

Well enough of the ranting. . . Here's a picture of my arms. Don't be scared or doubtful about my hairy arms. I am a girl with a great supply of testosterone!

My sister said that my right arm (the one slathered with Kojie San lotion) seems lighter. I really cannot tell. However, what I can say is that my left arm is definitely experiencing micro peeling. Is that a sign that Block & White is faster in inducing a reaction? I guess we just need to give it more time. 

Until my next update on this topic! 

Battle between Kojie San and Block and White Lotion

My late morning walks with my dog Jumbo have caused my skin to get darker. Since there is a school near our house, a lot of vehicles pass by the streets during early mornings. Jumbo is not the type of dog who will step aside at the sight of moving vehicles. Hence, we have to wait for the streets to clear before we can stroll around. Although my face is protected from the sun by my day cream, my body isn't. 

When I noticed the change in my complexion, I knew that I needed to protect my body from the sun's UV rays right away. I also wanted to bring back my old complexion. Before heading off to Watson's to buy a whitening lotion with spf, I decided to check the web for any blogs related to it. I wanted to buy something that was guaranteed effective by common people. I didn't want to rely on testimonials by paid models and actresses. Based on what I read, there were two local brands many Filipinas raved about. They were:

• Block & White Intensive Whitening lotion (B&W), and
• Kojie San body lightening lotion (KS)

I couldn't decide which one to buy until a brilliant idea came to mind! I decided to test both brands simultaneously. B&W had two variants: spf 16 and spf 24. The variant with lower spf was cheaper. Since KS had spf 25, I bought B&W with spf 24 so that they were more comparable. 

My experiment started yesterday. B&W was assigned to my left arm while KS was tasked to my dominant right arm. I applied the lotion before going out for our morning walk and before going to sleep.

This early, I must say that I'm leaning towards Kojie San. The cap is easier to open and the product is easier to dispense. The scent is mild, too. B&W's container may appear sleek but its cap is difficult to open. I'm scared that my nail polish will chip off each time I open the bottle. Also, the lotion smells like sunblock.

I have yet to see the results before I can make a conclusion. I'm using Omni White soap to assist in bringing back my old skin tone. Once I see visible changes to my skin, I will blog about it right away. Until then!

A Few of My Favorite Memories

Thanks to the little American girl who like me was having pancakes at Mc Donald's this morning. She was humming the tune of "My Favorite Things" from the classic movie Sound of Music. She inspired me to draw up my own list of favorites. However, instead of favorite things, I decided to go for favorite memories just to give it a twist. The song enumerated things that were simple so I stuck with that theme. I took out my handy-dandy pen and notebook and began to jot down whatever came to mind. They must be my favorites if they were easily retrievable from my memory bank.

This list contains a few of my favorite memories of events or experiences categorized as simple:

1. seeing the genuine and pristine expression of joy and excitement as my siblings opened their gifts during New Year's eve

2. experiencing snow for the first time

3. being serenaded by a stranger in the streets of New York

4. discovering that my college professor had a crush on me

5. gag moments with my friend Rina

6. unexpectedly receiving a glass of milk from my brother Sir Dan whenever I didn't feel well

7. listening to the folklore stories my grandmother used to tell me before I went to sleep

8. receiving surprise gifts from my mommy on ordinary days

9. grand opening of Lamano's bakery

10. using treadmill for the first time

I will definitely look back to this list just in case the dog bites, the bee stings, or I feel sad. I'll simply remember my favorite things and maybe, I won't feel so bad . . . 

THE END  :-)

Life Lessons from Three Trees

The lot my parents bought is blessed with fertile land. As you can see, our house is guarded by so many trees, most of which are dwarf type. These trees provide our home with so many benefits. It gives us shade during hot summer days, provides us shield against the windy storms, and gives us fresh fruits to enjoy. More importantly, some of these trees taught me some lessons in life.

1. Lesson from Guyabano Tree

I recently posted a picture in Facebook showing our guyabano tree finally bearing fruit. It felt like a reward to our family. You see, our house is often visited by neighbors and strangers because of our guyabano tree. They ask for permission to get some of its leaves to help them or their loved ones treat various ailments. Knowing how it could help them, we willingly shared our tree to those in need. Through this tree, I learned that little efforts to help such as simply sharing your tree, can give you sweet and unexpected surprises in the end. More than the fruit, it's really the well-being of the sick that matters.

The guyabano is near our center gate.

Finally, a guyabano fruit!

2. Lesson from the Coconut Tree

When I saw a young buco lying on the ground, I couldn't help but get mad at whoever removed it from the tree. Our coconut trees are dwarf type. Since their flowers and fruits are easily reachable, it's understandable how people especially kids are tempted to pick from them. There's a school near our house so I make it a point to watch over the palm trees especially during the students' dismissal time. I've caught children attempting to get the giant nuts a couple of times. I would shout at them from the window and shake my head from annoyance. I thought of wrapping the fruits in plastic or sack but my dad didn't agree to the idea. Despite my guard, such unfortunate incident still happened. 

Unlike a tall tree, a dwarf type gives us easy access to its fruits. We are spared from the difficulty and risks involved in climbing the tree. However, its advantage is also its disadvantage. The "bad guys" can just also easily steal the mature drupes or harm the young ones. 

Our stature in life can be likened to the coconut tree. Similar to the dwarf trees, rich people enjoy easy access to comfort. The downside is that the wealth they enjoy subjects them to be victims of harm, deceit, and theft as well. On the other hand, the poor who are similar to the tall trees struggle to survive. However, their daily battle has made them stronger, braver, and more tenacious.

So whenever we are in a seemingly disadvantageous place, we just need to look deeper to see the advantage it brings. And when you're in an advantageous place, exercise more vigilance and caution. Be ready for any disadvantage it may bring.

3. Lesson from the Calamansi Tree

I like calamansi! Pancit and palabok without calamansi is blah! Honey without calamansi is blah-blah! Fish sauce or soy sauce without calamansi is blah-blah-blah! Ha-ha! I'm glad that we have a calamansi tree at home. 

So what can our calamansi tree teach us? Apart from reminding us the importance of vitamin C, it also serves as a good reminder about life. As you can see from the photo, the branches of our calamansi tree are populated by many thorns. 

As you look up, you will see the abundance of cute and round calamansi fruits.

The reality of life is that some of our needs and desires can't be obtained without obstacles. Our way to the top won't be easy. The thorns will either prevent or intimidate us from reaching our goals. We just need to be wise and cautious. As we succeed in picking the fruits of our labor, life will be free from BLAH! Ha-ha!

Have a great life! 

Try 4Green!

As the name implies, food supplements just supplement or complement one’s nutritional needs. Healthy foods are still the primary source of our nourishment. Sadly, the vitamins and minerals we get from regular food are not suffice to combat the antagonists to our health. With pollution everywhere, stress every hour, and indulgence to food cravings everyday, extra vigilance and attention to our health is a must. Taking supplements is a perfect example of that. A little effort can go a long way.

There are many supplements in the market with varying prices and quality. In my opinion, supplements can be likened to medication. Certain drugs are effective to some patients but ineffective to others. Regardless of brand and price, you have to find the one that suits you. Similarly, our bodies may respond differently to supplements. It’s good to explore different kinds until you find what works for you.

Here’s something you might want to try:

4Green contains 4 powerful vegetables namely:

- Wheat grass

- Malunggay

- Lagundi

- Ampalaya

According to a recent study, the top 10 leading diseases in the Philippines which are also the leading causes of death are:

• heart disease
• vascular disease
• hypertension
• cancer
• tuberculosis
• respiratory disease
• diabetes
• pneumonia
• diarrhea
• dengue

Read through the benefits of these 4 vegetables to know how they help address the leading diseases today.

Health benefits of wheat grass:

ü  Reduces alkalinity in the blood

ü  Increases red blood cell count and lowers blood pressure

ü  Stimulates metabolism and body’s enzyme system

ü  Relieves internal pain such as ulcer, constipation, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal tract complaints

ü  Detoxifies the liver and bloodstream

ü  Prevents tumor and neutralizes toxins in the body

ü  Restores fertility and promotes youthfulness

Health benefits of malunggay:

ü  Strengthens the immune system

ü  Prevents infection and diseases

ü  Promotes clear eyesight or better vision

ü  Relieves muscle pain, headache, and migraine

ü  Heals inflammation of joints and tendons

ü  Promotes better digestion, healthier digestive system, and prevents intestinal worms

ü  Prevents diabetes and lowers high blood sugar level

ü  Lowers blood pressure

Health benefits of lagundi:

ü  Relieves asthma and pharyngitis

ü  Relieves rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea

ü  Prevents cough, colds, flu, and other bronchopulmonary disorders

ü  Alleviates symptoms of chicken pox

Health benefits of ampalaya:

ü  Prevents diabetes

ü  Prevents hemorrhoids

ü  Prevents stomach problems, intestinal parasites, dysentery, diarrhea, and chronic colitis

ü  Treats burns, scalds, and wounds

ü  Prevents colon carcinogenesis

I encourage you to try 4Green. Please feel free to email me if you're interested to try this product. You may also inquire through 09178512458.

Cheers to a healthier you! 

Mahalin Natin ang Ating Wika

Huling araw ngayon ng Agosto. Bago magsara ang buwan na ito na tinaguriang Buwan ng Wika, marapat lamang na ilaan ko ang puwang na ito para ibahagi ang aking pananaw ukol sa ating pambansang wika.

Nakakalungkot isipin na kahit hindi pa mataas ang ating kahusayan sa ating sariling wika ay gumagawa ng mga pagbabago sa edukasyon na maaaring masmakapagpahina ng ating kasanayan sa wikang Filipino. Hindi ako sang-ayon na ilipat ang mga asignaturang Filipino mula sa kolehiyo patungong K12. Ang ating pag-iisip ay lumalalim kasabay ng ating pagtanda. Ang pag-unawa ng isang mag-aaral habang siya ay nasa mataas na paaralan ay hindi kasing lawak ng kung siya ay nasa kolehiyo na. Kaya marapat lamang na panatiliin pa rin ang wikang Filipino sa kurikulum ng kolehiyo para maslumalim ang pagpapahalaga at pagtangkilik ng bawat Pilipino dito.

Ayon nga sa ating pambansang bayani, “ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang hayop at malansang isda.” Bakit kaya itinulad ni Rizal sa isang malansang isda ang gayong Pilipino? Sa aking pananaw, ang malansang isda ay sumasagisag sa kabulukan ng pagka-Pilipino ng isang tao. Sa patuloy na pagbabago sa ating wika, makikita rin natin ang pagbabago sa ating lipunan. Likas na masiyahin ang mga Pinoy kung kaya naman sari-saring salitang nakapagpapasaya ang nalilikha natin. Dahil sa paglaganap din ng “call center industry” sa Pilipinas, mas naging marubdob ang pagnanasa nating paghusayin ang pagsasalita sa wikang Ingles. Wala namang masama sa pagbabago basta’t hindi natin lilimutin at pababayaan ang sariling atin. Kung lalamunin tayo ng paurong na pagbabago ay totoo ngang mabubulok ang ating pagka-Pilipino.

Natalakay dati sa Sikolohiya ng Wikang Filipino ang salitang “kita” na ginagamit sa mga pangungusap tulad ng “Mahal kita,” at “Aalagaan kita.” Ang salitang ito ay walang direktang pagsasalin sa ibang wika. Iba ito sa mga salitang Ingles na “we” at “us.” Ang salitang “kita” ay sumasalamin sa maipagmamalaking katangian nating mga Pilipino. Ito ay ang pakikipagkapwa-tao. Likas sa atin na iugnay ang ating sarili sa ating kapwa. Ang kamalayan sa kaugnayan ng wika sa ating kultura ay makakatulong para maspahalagahan natin ito. Masmasarap namang marinig o mabasa ang "Gusto kita" kaysa "Me gusto u."

Napakaganda ng ating wika. Minsan naiisip ko kung bakit may mga Pilipinong ninanais pang magmukhang katawa-tawa sa baluktot nilang pag-Iingles samantlang kaya naman nilang ipahayag ang kanilang saloobin sa wikang Filipino. Iniisip kaya nilang magmumukha silang mayaman, edukado, at kagalang-galang sa asal nilang yaon? Kung ganon nga, sila ay mabuting halimbawa ng mga malalansang isda. Pasintabi po mga kabayan! Sino pa ba ang magpapa-alalahanan kundi tayo ring magkakapwa-Pilipino. 

Ipagmalaki natin ang ating pagka-Pilipino. Mahalin natin ang ating sariling wika.

How to Mattify Your Nails Using Filipino Products

I’ve been wanting to try matte nail polish ever since I saw a video about it in YouTube. I’m fond of painting my nails so I always frequent the nail polish section of Watsons. I’m thrilled to try out different colors and experiment on new designs.  It’s sad that the local brands for nail polishes don’t have the matte type. I don’t feel like splurging on imported brands just to satisfy my whim. I know some people mix cornstarch with nail polish to get the matte finish. However, I just don’t feel like doing that. We rarely use cornstarch at home and buying a box just for this purpose does not sound practical to me. 

My youngest brother Sir Dan posing infront of the nail polish counter of Watsons

Three weeks ago, I met a friend for lunch at Podium. Since I arrived a little early and was a bit thirsty, I passed by Watsons to buy a drink. Out of habit, I walked to the nail polish area. As I was scanning through the rack, something caught my eye. There was a bottle amidst the top coats that looked out of place. I picked it up and read the label. It simply said basic top coat.  

I wondered why the liquid looked hazy. When I turned the bottle around, my question was answered. It was a matte top coat and it only cost 34.25 PhP! Finally there’s a local brand that carried matte polish! It was the only bottle left so I bought it right away. I wondered when this product was released to the market and why the branches of Watsons I frequently visit did not have this.

I tried it immediately when I got home. I wasn’t able to take a picture of my “mattified nails” though. Well, why would I? But since I wanted to share this product with you, I re-painted my nails and took pictures of my hands. Please excuse my fat fingers! Below are pictures showing how I did mine.

Step 1: Paint your nails with the colors of your choice. I suggest using dark colors.

I used Chic in Glaze Copper for my ring and index fingers. 

Pinkie, Tall Man, and Thumb were painted with La Belle in Black Gold.

Step 2: Apply the Bobbie matte top coat onto your nails.

Step 3: You may apply regular top coat on the tips to emphasize the matte finish.

This is the most affordable and non-messy way of mattifying the nails. Once again, let's support Filipino products when we can!

How I Cured My GERD/Acid Reflux

Back in 2007, I was rushed to the ER of Medical City as we thought I was having a heart attack. I couldn't breathe, my limbs were numb, my face felt a tingling sensation, and I looked pale. Thank heavens it was only heartburn and not a heart attack! Apparently, heartburn was a symptom of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which I was diagnosed with. 

Thanks to Flickr for this free photo.

GERD is more commonly known as acid reflux. The heartburn sensation occurs when acid from the stomach goes back up to the esophagus. Although it is a tummy problem, it is called heartburn because the pain radiates from the breastbone and the symptoms are very similar to those of other heart problems.

I managed my GERD by modifying my eating habits and regularly taking over-the-counter medicines like antacids and proton pump inhibitors (e.g. Kremil S, Omeprazole, and Nexium). Since I couldn't completely change my food choices and be totally stress-free, the heartburn episodes recurred sporadically (I learned this word from Alicia Silverstone's movie Clueless! Ha-ha!) It was so annoying because having GERD could really change your lifestyle. My doctor told me to give up coffee which I couldn't! I told her that it was a psychological necessity and so she gave me a "disapproving approval" to limit coffee consumption to one cup a day. 

In 2012, I came across a tv program that was promoting an alternative approach to treating various illnesses. They were recommending people to take alkaline as a means to removing toxins from the body. They said that toxins were inevitable and were the culprits to many health problems. That triggered me to learn more about alkaline. I discovered that the topic of alkaline was already prevalent in health forums.

I wanted to try it out because I no longer wanted to be dependent on medications that could compromise my liver. My dad and I went to visit the main office of Planas Alkaline. A nice lady welcomed us in and asked if we were going to buy alkaline. I only intended to buy a few but was informed that if I reach a certain amount, I could already become a distributor. I decided to meet the quota since it was not that big anyway. 

Now back to the product... I took 2 capsules dissolved in a glass of water before breakfast for 2 straight weeks. I immediately felt its effect on my acid reflux problem. The rancid taste I usually experienced because of stomach acidity went away! It even helped my visits to the toilet become swifter.

To ensure that the symptoms of GERD don't come back, I just take one capsule each day. I must admit that I sometimes forget to take it everyday. It's probably because I don't feel any symptoms of acidity anymore. To date, I have never had an episode of heartburn again! I really guarantee its effectiveness. My sister who also experienced hyperacidity can also vouch for its potency.

My sister Dane Ann and myself vouching for Planas alkaline capsules

It claims to treat other illnesses but I personally cannot attest to that. I can only certify for its effectiveness on curing acid reflux and hyperacidity because I am a living testimony to that. I suggest you try it, too. It is safe, affordable, and locally made. Let's support Filipino products!

P.S.

I found an article on the website about Mr. Planas and his natural alkaline. This will give you more information about the product. Click me

How to Get Rid of Ticks and Fleas on Dogs - the Most Effective Way Based on Personal Experience

My Jumbo (name of my shih tzu) was infested with ticks and fleas. I bought him different anti-tick shampoo, soap, and powder but none of them worked. I also tried the apple cider vinegar recipe to no avail. My dad even tried to bathe him using shampoo for chicken. Yes, you read it right, shampoo for chicken! He was advised to do so by a fellow senior citizen. However, none of them were effective. I felt really bad for my dog. We painstakingly removed all the ticks almost everyday. It was so frustrating because they just kept multiplying. They were like a multitude of minions! 

Fortunately, my dad was able to talk to a dog-breeder while he was walking Jumbo in the village. He was advised to try Detick. We immediately went to a pet store to buy it. It was out of stock. However, a high end brand was available. It was called Frontline Plus and it cost 350 PhP. It was affordable but Detick was way cheaper. I couldn't wait any longer to remedy Jumbo's problem so I bought Frontline instead.

Once we got home, I bathed Jumbo immediately and thoroughly removed all the ticks we could find. My dad applied the Frontline medicine on his nape.

The following day, I went to check his coat expecting the worst. Lo and behold! I only found 3 ticks! I was super happy and felt like celebrating! That afternoon, I went to the grocery and bought him two kinds of biscuits.

I just recently researched about Frontline in the internet and  realized that we did not follow the proper way of applying the medicine. According to a veterinarian, we should apply the medicine 48 hours after his bath. It works by getting into the oil glands and spreading over the body through a natural process. It must be applied on dry skin. I'll make sure to follow the proper procedure next time so that we can optimize its potential. This is how it looks. It didn't come in a package probably because we only bought one piece.

 This is the link to Frontline's website for your easy reference: Click me.

I'm so happy that Jumbo is free from ticks and fleas now. I can cuddle him again and let him loose inside the house. Thanks to the advice of that man. Whoever you are sir, cheers to you!