G's Davao Travel Review : Visiting Mindanao

My husband, my son and I went to Davao sometime in February 2012 to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary. It was a nice 6-day trip, though were not able to visit most of the attractions Davao has to offer because we also consider how tiring it would be for my 1.5 year old son.

Davao is located south of the Philippines, in the region of Mindanao with approximately 590 miles away from Manila. Davao is also the largest city in Mindanao. Davao City is typhoon-free and the people enjoy a balmy weather all throughout the year. Common mode of transportation is by jeepneys, taxis, buses and tricycles. Davao also has its international airport named Francisco Bangoy International Airport that connects to major cities not only in the Philippines but also in some Asian Countries

Where to go in Davao? Well, most of the attractions here were parks with wild animals, like the famous Philippine Eagle and Crocodile Farm. These 2 attractions houses different animals too, like birds, tigers and fishes. Eden Garden and GAP Farm are some of the nice place to go if you like go nature tripping. You can visit D'Leonor Zip Line if you're looking for some adrenaline rush. Find a relaxing stay at the beach when you visit Samal Island where there’s a lot of resort you can find. Looking for souvenir shops? Visit the city and go to Aldivinco. Also try visiting the People's Park, some museums and China Town which is almost alike Manila's China Town.

Details of my trip will be posted on my next blog.

Beauty 101: Mom's Skincare (Olay Total Effects)

As a mom, we sometimes forgot to take care of ourselves because we are very busy doing our responsibilities for our family, our home, our work specially to those working moms. But this does not mean we should not take care of ourselves anymore. Skincare products doesn't have to be expensive, but it needs to be part of our routine. I believe that being simple and beautiful does not only give us mothers the confidence but this also make our children and specially our husband proud of us.


For me, I choose products that are compatible with my skin and easy to use. I choose Olay Total Effects because I'm already in early 30's and I want to fight skin ageing.


Here is my beauty regimen:
1. Wash face at least twice daily, in the morning and evening. I use Olay Total Effects Foam Cleanser. Sometimes I use the Cream Cleanser.
Foam Cleanser is just fine for me, it does not dry my skin and I feel my skin's really clean.
Cream cleanser is also great. Skin feels soft after using it, but unlike the Foam Cleanser, it does not produce a creamy lather. Both products are great for me.


2. Apply Eye Cream. I use Olay Anti Ageing Eye Cream. I have dark circles under my eye. I also think that wrinkles will soon develop like crow's feet.
Olay Anti Ageing Eye Cream is tinted and has glitters (but this it not very visible). I think this product is ok for maintenance. Right now, I haven't got the full benefit of this product to really diminish my dark eye bags and finelines but I can say that it already improved since I use Olay.


3. Moisturize. It is very important to moisturize your skin. This is the key element to fight wrinkles because it supplies all the nutrients needed to have a glowing, soft and supple skin. But different people have different needs because of have oily skin and my need light moisturizers. Some people also have sensitive skins. My advise is to choose moisturizing products that will not clog your pores (non-comedogenic) and are for sensitive skin if you are not sure if your skin is sensitive. Anyway, consult a dermatologist. They are still the best persons to give advice for your skin type.
I use 2 Olay products to moisturize. In the morning, Olay Total Effects day cream (gentle, w/ SPF 15) and at night, I use Olay Total Effects Anti Ageing Night Cream. Both products are really great and I really love using it. Right after application, my skin feels really soft and smooth. I don't have much fine lines, I don't have any pimples but my problem is large pores (but not really large :) ). My pore size haven't reduce to a very noticeable level but I still keep using these products because its really good in terms of moisturizing effects.


I have plans to complete the full line of Olay Total Effects. I haven't tried the Anti Ageing Serum yet. I think this is for skin treatment. I will post again another article once I tried it.
So just for an advice for moms out there, don't forget taking care of your self. It will just take you 15 minutes a day.. Just do even the 2 simple steps, cleanse and moisturize.

Hope I made your day.
** Actually it is also important to tone your skin. But I think it depends on the product that you use.

A Mother's Day Surprise: Island Roses

The night just before mother's day, my husband ask me what do I want to receive on my special day.
Well, i just told him I just need lots of love and that's it, nothing more nothing less.
Then came mother's day...
It was 9:00 am in the morning. I was busy looking after my son while he's playing. Then suddenly, a delivery truck from LBC came just in front of our house. The delivery boy was looking for me.
I asked him, "whats this?". He just replied, "just sign here Ma'am".

I was really wondering what is this box.. Is is some kind of Venetian blinds? umbrella?? Where did it came from? I didn't order anything on line??? The box says "Island Roses". I thought its just a brand name but does not necessarily means it sells flowers.
Actually I really don't have any idea on what's happening that time.
Then I came inside our house. I saw my husband with a big smile in his face...

Then I finally realised, Aha!, this is a box of flowers!!
Of course I am so happy! Very happy.
Inside the box are three red roses and a card that tells me "Thanks for always being here for us. Love Chano and Gareth..."

That day was one of the sweetest day that happened to me.
It just makes me feel how lucky I am that I was able to somehow show them the love I have for my two boys...

Digital Perm Care Guide : Beauty 101

It has been 6 months since my last digital perm with Mr. Shin.
I can say that it still looks great, luscious and bouncy curls.
In that 6 months I have learned the tricks keeping them healthy. Actually not all of what you can search in the net can be applicable to you.
This is what I do to keep nice luscious curls all day for 6 long months now.
Tip # 1. Keep your hair moisturized and hydrated. Chemicals used in perming is really harsh to our hair making it dry and damaged, causing split ends and tangles. Try having hair treatments for treated hair. Don't use products that make hair straigther. Go for damage repair, moisturizing, volumizing.. Just avoid straightening products.
Tip # 2. Always use conditioner. At first, I though using conditioners will just make my hair go straight again. But I was wrong. Conditioners make my hair smooth and tangle-free. I think, the more tangled your hair is, the more you'll try to remove the tangles, the more it will become straight and limp. Well, if you can live with a tangled hair, that's fine.. :)
Tip # 3. Comb your hair while it is still wet, its ok..I comb my hair after bathing and then I curl it using my fingers and just let it dry that way. Remember not to comb your hair when its already dry and set.
Tip # 4. Use hair product to preserve your hair's curl. This will keep your hair in shape the whole day. You can use some wax or mousse or any other hair cream.. If you prepr using mousse, apply it while hair is damp and don't touch it afterwards. It you like wax or hair cream, use it while hair is dry or damp. Hair serum can be used to take care of your hair cuticles specially if you have split ends already.
Bottomline, Treatments everyday or as needed. Conditioner everyday. Comb when wet. Apply hair product.

I'll post pictures of what I'm using next time :)

G's Simple Bohol Itinerary

This vacation happen last September 2010. Yes, it was a long time before I come up with this article. Been busy in the past few months and blogging is just a hobby that I started.
As far as I can remember, this simple Bohol itinerary.

Day 1
4:30 PM - arrival at Tagbilaran Airport
5:00 PM - arrival at Dumaluan Beach resort
6:00 PM - Dinner
* from airport to Dumaluan, we asked the driver if he could take us to a grocery  for us to buy important things.. Of course buy some snacks we can eat while staying at the hotel

Day2
6:00 AM - Breakfast
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Bohol Country Side Tour
Chocolate Hills
Man-Made Forest
Baclayon Church
Phyton
Tarsier
Hanging Bridge
Butterfly Sanctuary
Blood Compact Site
Loboc River Cruise

We had our lunch while cruising at the Loboc River
There is also some side trips to souvenir shops

Day 3
5:00 AM - Breakfast
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Dolphin Watching
Balicasag Island Hoping
Snorkeling

This activity needs to be as early as possible so you can surely spot the dolphins.
Luckily we met them. :)
*Lunch is also served at Balicasag Island

Day 4

8:00 ETD to Tagbilaran Airport

Pictures.. Pictures..

View from Chocolate Hills. Souvenir Shops are also around in the area

   

Butterfly Sanctuary

Butterfly Sanctuary

Prony the Phyton

Hanging Bridge

Man Made Forest

Loboc River

Luch at Loboc

View of Baclayon Church

  

Picture taking with the Tarsier

Dolphin Hunting

Remembrance from Snorkeling

At Dumaluan Beach

At Bohol Beach Club

As far as I can remember, we only spent around Php5500/pax for quadruple sharing. First two nights is already at the Executive Suite while our last night is on Superior Deluxe accommodation.

This does not include tour dinner. Along Dumaluan, there's a restaurant where you can delicious but cheap dishes.

For me, this is already ok. I don't have to think where to go and what to do. This also saves time for the traveller.

Bohol, Philippines -Review, My Travel Experience

Bohol Philippines is one of the places in the Philippines that I really wanted to see.
 

I don't know whats with Bohol that amaze me. maybe its the chocolate hills and the fact that I love chocolates :)

Now let me share you my review about the province of Bohol.

About Bohol
Bohol is a province in the Central Visayas of the Philippines. Tagbilaran City is the capital of this province. Located in the Western part of this island is Cebu while east is Leyte. This province is famous for its Chocolate Hills, one of Philippines natural wonders and Tarsiers which is the second smallest primate in the world.

Tagbilaran Airport

Climate:

Sunny Bohol as what they call, this place was rarely passed by typhoons. May to July is their Summer season making it ideal for tourist to visit Bohol. However, November to April is also ideal, this is the mildest season in the island. August to October is usually rainy season for the whole Philippines making this also as not so predictable weather to a vacation. 

Getting there:
This tip is just from Manila. I have no ideas on other means of transportation because I haven't tried it. We got there by plane through Philippine Airlines. A lot of airlines offer regular flight schedule to and from Tagbilaran City.
From Tagbilaran City Airport, there are plenty of taxi and van which you can rent to service you. These drivers are friendly and they also offer tour packages which is of the same price with the hotel and other inns or B&B. If you choose to avail their service, they can even tour you in the whole province. Don't worry, they are really friendly and can be trusted.
For our case, the Hotel we booked already have a tour package so I haven't tried arranging service with them but the guy who serviced us was very nice, helpful and friendly.  I guess in other places, other hotel drivers will not take you to a grocery store for you to buy your needs leaving you no choice but buy in their hotel. But for this guy, he took us to a grocery and even to a store selling roasted chicken.
Where to Stay:

At Dumaluan Beach Resort

Actually there are a lot of B&B and hotels in Tagbilaran City. Walk in injuries are usually accepted (This is according to my friend who visited Bohol too)

We choose to stay at Dumaluan Beach Resort.

What makes us choose it is because of positive feed backs, and the price.

Service is very good. food is also great, they serve breakfast on buffet. Facilities are nice. Rooms are large enough. The best I like about this resort is their beach. Its white sand, and really low tides. Star fishes are there. And you can enjoy walking in the beach. Beside Dumaluan Beach Resort is Bohol Beach Club. I think this is pretty expensive. You can pass by this resort when you are strolling at the beach. This also looks very nice.



Resort Vicinity



Resort Vicinity



  

Dumaluan Beach Front

     

WOW!!

Where To Eat

While in Dumaluan Beach Resort, you can eat at their restaurant at affordable price. They serve sea foods, chicken and pork usually grilled. You can also try bringing cup noodles, fast food at your hotel before checking in.



Beauty Brick Salon Digital Perm with Mr. Shin : Beauty 101

All my life, I have straight hair. Actually, a lot of my friends envied it.
I'm so used to having this long straight hair that I tried something new.
At first I saw an ad at Ensogo for a promo at Azta Urban Salon in Robinson's Pioneer. I tried it but I wasn't really this satisfied.

Old me

People said that when you got married and started to have a family to take care of, mothers usually forgot themselves. We'll for me it doesn't show. But of course I always ensure that they are my first priority but I never to forget taking care of myself because I want them to be proud of me as a mom and a wife.

Well so much for that.
I just like to share my experience with Mr. Shin at Beauty Brick Salon.
I was very addicted to curly hair and I actually looked and browse a lot of websites to give me a hint where to find a good salon, how to take care of permed hair, how much and etc.
Until I landed on a blogsite telling me how good Mr. Shin. and a lot of bloggers do tell it too like at https://mamag19.blogspot.com

Now let's discuss digital perm 101
Preparation:
Look for a good salon if you are far from Mr. Shin. It's not about the price but the service matters. Lots of salons are now offering this service but for me no one does it like Mr. Shin at Beauty Brick. Anyway, its really important to tell your stylist what you want and ask a lot of questions that you think is important to know specially how to take care of your hair.
Its also important to have a healthy hair before the perming process. I have plenty of hair treatments, like hot oil and other moisturizing treatments for my hair. Perming uses chemicals that in the long run can make your hair dry so be prepared for that.
If you want to have highlights or hair colorings, do it before digit perm.
Not a lot of people tell this but always set your whole day for this process and any other beautification projects you'll get involved. Sometimes, when your in a hurry, the stylist is also in a hurry that he can't give you the service you deserved when you're in your relaxed mode. :)
The Perming Process:

1. Hair Cleaning and Shampooing
2. Hair assessment - Mr. Shin will check your hair's ability to withstand the chemicals and the most appropriate curl style. just tell him what style you wanted.





 

3. Application of 1st set of hair medicines as they say. His assistant will do it for you. This will be left at your scalp for 15 minutes.

4. Washing of the medicines and preparation for the curl setting.
5. Winding process, setting the curling rods.

6. Final setting of rods and preparation for the digiperm machine.Depending on your desired perm result, they will set the size and the number of minutes that you'll be in that machine.

 7. Removal of perm rods and application of the 2nd set of medicine. Medicine will remain in your scalp by 15minutes..

8. Washing of the 2nd set of medicines and hair drying.
9. Final touch up which might include hair cuts.

Procedure took about 3 hours I guess. But since they have a lot of clients, it will take you 5-6 hours in Beauty Brick Salon. Don't worry, staffs are nice as in they will offer to buy you some drink. They even give you tissues when your about to use the wash room upstairs. What I like about this salon, not only that their service is cheap compared to other salons like Tony and Jacky or Salon de Manila which also offers digiperm, staffs are very friendly that you can feel that they love what their doing which makes is favorable to their clients like us. Though most of the time Mr. Shin's assistant will handle you, he will still ensure that the most important part of the process will be taken care by him only. Like the hair assessment and final hair styling.

Hope this helps:
Digital Perming Price: 3500 (for my bra length, medium thickness hair)
Beauty Brick Salon is located Unit 103 Dona Consolacion Bldg. 122 Jupiter St. Bel-air Makati City
Phone Numbers: 408-3398/473-5108; 0917-520-004, need to call for reservations

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