Summer is my favorite time of the year in the country! Here in the Philippines, we can truly enjoy the sun, beach and sand. 

Photos taken at Bohol Beach Club

I was very fortunate to have visited the beautiful shores of Punta Fuego & Hamilo Coast last month. 

At Punta Fuego with my Sis (She’s my travel Buddy) :)

Capitan Joyce of Hamilo Coast :D

Unfortunately too much sun exposure burned my skin. Despite loving summer so much, I dislike getting uneven tan lines. 

I tried a lot of lightening products & nothing seems to even out my skin tone. Luckily, Sample Room aka Fairy Godmother offered stocks of Gluta-C products.

Of the two Gluta-C samples that I got, it is the Gluta-C Intense Whitening Body Scrub that I loved most.

About : Gluta-C Intense Whitening Body Scrub

Reveal whiter, smoother and glowing skin with this invigorating body scrub.

Formulated with Glutathione, Vitamin C and Papaya Enzyme, it instantly transforms dull, tired skin to reveal newer, brighter and more even skin complexion.

Directions:

Apply and massage gently to the whole body in circular motions, starting from the feet going up to the upper body to promote better blood circulation. Rinse with water. 

Gentle for daily use.

Full size: 120g

Price: PHP 99.75

Verdict: 4.5/5

                 Day 1                                             Day 7

Did you notice the difference in my skin 7 days after using Gluta-C intense whitening scrub? I got 2-4 shades lighter & my skin looks smoother! A few more weeks & I’ll have my original skin tone back!

Pros:

Right after the first day I used this, my skin was noticeably lighter! The exfoliating grains feel somewhat sugary and it felt great on the skin. It gave me the feeling of being squeaky clean. I felt so relaxed after a day of field visit when I used cool water to rinse Gluta-C Intense Whitening Body Scrub. What a perfect pair for summer fresh skin! It is safe to use daily. Despite not liking the scent, I will definitely repurchase!

Cons:

I personally love girly, fruity & relaxing SPA-like (lavender, tea tree, lemongrass) scents. Gluta-C’s scent was unisex, it smelled a bit like CK One. You’ll go in a room, meet some people & they wont remember how good you smell because the scent is so common.

I am so happy Gluta-C helped me achieve a more even tan line! Now I am more confident in showing off my healthy white glowing skin on my next destination: Boracay!

Summer tips to stay fresh & beautiful during this hot season:

1. Drink lots of water & fruit juices to keep your skin hydrated.

2. ALWAYS wear sunblock & don’t forget to re-apply.

3. A cute sun hat is not just fashionable, it will also keep your face protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

4. Refresh your skin with a relaxing mist. I am loving Pevonia’s Aromatic Mist. A plus: It can be used to seal make up!

5. Use Gluta-C products to keep you summer fresh and beautiful.

Summer is the best time to show off healthy skin! I’m ending this post with my favorite summer pictures. (Pictures are taken from the beautiful Peacock Garden, Bohol & The eco-friendly Farm of San Benito, Batangas)

Wishing my readers a beautiful, fun, sun-safe summer!

xx, Joyce ❤ 

For amazing new beauty discoveries: Sample Room, Sample Room on FB, Sample Room on Twitter, Sample Room on Instagram

For a sun safe, beautiful you: Gluta-C on FB, Gluta-C on Twitter, Gluta-C on Instagram

I have seen pictures of my friends at facebook boasting about how they Survived Sagada (some are even wearing the Surviving Sagada shirt). This stirred my curiosity..why does one have to “survive” a marvelous trip?

Photo of me on a marvelous vacation. All smiles! :)

So, aside from curiosity, Why do I want to go to Sagada?

1. Sagada’s Treasures: The Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves 

The Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves are treasures of Sagada. I want to go spelunking..  Indiana Jones style!  It’s a dream for me to explore these 2 caves!

The latest cave I’ve been to was a small underground cave: The Hinagdanan Cave of Bohol.

2. The Food: A Taste Maker’s Paradise

I have heard of fantastic places to eat at Sagada. Naming a few, Lemon Pie House, Misty Lodge & Cafe,Yoghurt House, Rock Inn, Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant, Shamrock Cafe. Me, being a certified tea lover dreams of trying Sagada’s famous Mountain Tea. It would be great to pair it with a Lemon Pie. 

Tea Addict indeed! This is one of my favorites, the famous Ki Lemon-Ginger Tea.

3. Grandma’s Travel Tips : Sagada Rice Terraces & The Hanging Coffins

I have never been to Sagada so I have not seen the Rice Terraces or the hanging coffins & this is a place that I really want to see up close.

My wise grandma told me that these places are must sees in a Filipino’s lifetime! She regrets not being able to go there during her younger days. Unfortunately, grandma is 80+ years of age so she will have difficulty trekking on slippery/rocky trails. I want to bring home some pictures for her. It will be like bringing her with me to Sagada.

Grandma the Adventurer: She fought Arthritis to visit Disneyland last year!

4. The beautiful sea of clouds: Kiltepan

Kiltepan is known for it’s beautiful view of the sunrise. Here you will see the fantastic of sea of clouds. I have seen so many beautiful Kiltepan scenic pictures taken by professional photographers & would also love to experience this with my very own eyes.

The closest I’ve been “in touch” with the clouds: Taal Vista Lodge at Tagaytay.

5. Tata Summer Heat: Sagada’s Cool Climate

I want to escape the scorching Manila heat! I heard that it’s really cool at Sagada!

I don’t need this when I’m at Sagada!

6. The True Filipinos: People of Sagada

I read an article about Sagada years ago & this line stuck to my mind: Sagada has one of the warmest people in the Philippines. I enjoy interacting with other people. Our Native countrymen are the true Filipinos! It would be great to meet them & learn more about our Heritage.

Traveling for me is greatest when I am able to learn more about our Filipino Heritage. Indeed, I am Pinay & Proud!

7. A Photographer’s Haven: Sagada’s Picturesque Views 

It will be marvelous to let my inner photographer loose at the breath taking sights of Sagada! And this includes my instant uploads to instagram, twitter & facebook.

Photos are memories put into action. I’d love to capture the Beauty of our very own Sagada.

8. My One True Love: Mother Nature 

Living at Manila for 28 years, I haven’t had much opportunity to experience unspoiled nature. I am looking forward to seeing a lot of greens & breathe the freshest air at Sagada.

Lovin’ Mother Nature at The Farm of San Benito. I bet Sagada has way more trees!

9. Kikay Traveler: Brave enough to be a Backpacker

I love luxurious traveling with my travel partner, best friend & sister Ace. But I want to experience how it is to be a be a real backpacker..even for just this time.

Traveling is one of my passions in life.

And now you know who I will take to Sagada with me if I’m lucky enough to win this contest! ;)

Photo with my best friend, travel buddy & sister Ace.

10. Breath Taking Sagada: My Missing Blog Entry

I want to boast, not just because I survived Sagada but to tell the world how beautiful our country is! A post on Surviving Sagada is missing on my blog I hope to complete it someday.

To Sagada with Love

For more information on Sagada: Surviving Sagada, Surviving Sagada on FB, Surviving Sagada on Twitter

After spending a day in this season’s sweltering heat, soaking up in cool water is my best beauty therapy. Water keeps your skin hydrated and clean inside and out. Did you know that we can also use water (no beads/grains) to exfoliate our skin?

Water is nature’s best beautifying agent.

I know that an exfoliant without grains/beads sounds like a hoax. This product really exists, it sells 1 bottle every 12 seconds in Japan! I personally tried & tested Cure with the help of Sample Room.

Why we need to exfoliate our skin

To remove dead cells, promote healthy glowing skin & improve the effects of the products we are currently using.

About Cure Natural Aqua Gel

Cure is the most gentle and efficient exfoliation in the market. It is 90% made of water, preservative free, artificial fragrance free, mineral oil free and chemical free.

Recommendation: Use Cure twice a week

Full size: 250g

Price: PHP 1,500

The Sample Room Team sent me 5 sachets to try.

Now to test Cure Aqua Gel. The first thing you need is freshly washed & towel dried skin.

You also need a little bit of Cure. Check out the photo below, it really is water! Gently massage Cure on your skin.

After gently massaging my face, I noticed that the Cure Aqua Gel turned into tiny white particles! Goodbye dead skin!

My skin felt so clean, soft & fresh right after rinsing!

Tip: Cure can also be used to exfoliate your neck, elbows, knees & even cuticles!

Verdict: 5/5

Pros:

Cure is the most gentle exfoliant I’ve ever tried! It is water then turns into gel when dead skin is exfoliated. It delivered great results right after application. You can see the dead skin particles that this product exfoliated. Since Cure is made of 90% water, it is very easy to rinse & does not leave any residue. Great to use even for acne prone skin like mine. It smells clean & fresh.

Cons:

This is just a minor whim coming from a SPA addict: I love exfoliants with a touch of aromatherapy. Cure has a clean mild scent which is similar to cetaphil. I guess most hypoallergenic products really smell this way. I have no complaints with the price (1500php for a 250g bottle) because I think Cure is worth every penny.

Cure is another wonderful beauty discovery! Much love to the Sample Room Team for helping me look my best! Hello healthy glowing skin!

For new beauty discoveries: Sample Room

More information on Cure: Cure on Facebook, Cure on Twitter, Cure on Instagram

I got really excited when Sample Room offered Mustela Hydra Bébé Body Lotion at their website. If you are also interested in trying out quality health & beauty products for free at Sample Room, you can check out this link for guidelines. 

I have seen a Mustela counter at Trinoma. Although we have no infants, children & mothers-to-be at home, I was still curious on what products they have to offer. 

Photo from Glamomamas

A brochure was included with the sample that I received from Sample Room. It enlightened me on Mustela’s products.

About the Brand: Mustela

Mustela offers effective, easy-to-use products of the highest quality, designed to fit the specific needs of the user, whether it be a newborn baby or an expecting mother. Dedicated to the science of infant skincare, Mustela products have been used in hospitals since 1950. Their laboratories continually strive to produce the most innovative products on the market - all hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, and safe enough to be used in hospital nurseries worldwide.

I received a 50 ml bottle of Mustela Hydra Bébé Body Lotion from Sample Room.

I’m already feeling the “I still smell like a baby” vibe!

Mustela Hydra Bébé Body Lotion:

A moisturizing and softening body lotion for newborns and babies with normal skin. This body lotion provides long-lasting hydration with a combination of sweet almond oil and jojoba oil. It restores the hydrolipidic film and softens the skin with shea butter, leaving it supple and silky-smooth.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- Triclosan

What else you need to know: It is Hypoallergenic.

Full size: 300ml

Price: PHP 890

Verdict:

Pros:

I like how the product moisturized & softened my skin without being greasy. It smells so good! Think Johnson & Johnson’s baby line.  Mustela Hydra Bébé Body Lotion lasted a long time on me. I can even smell a faint scent on my skin by the end of the day. I think it’s a product that can really benefit the user in terms of long term skin care. I believe in products used by hospitals, these are usually the most hypoallergenic, effective products out in the market & Mustela is one of them.

Cons:

I am always for sunscreen protection & unfortunately Mustela Hydra Bébé Body Lotion did not offer sunscreen (They have another line for sun protection). It is pricey for a baby lotion. 

Perfect for:

• The lady who loves to smell like a baby
• Gifts for family & friends who are moms-to-be.

Please do check out my favorite beauty website: Sample Room

And for more information on Mustela products: Mustela’s Facebook Page

xx, Joyce

I had one of the loveliest birthday lunches with my sister at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila’s flagship restaurant Spiral last Monday. Sis & I were so happy to see that their Easter decorations were still up & decided to take a pose!

About Spiral:

Spiral is a restaurant like no other, taking interactive dining to a level never before seen in the Asia Pacific region.

The new Spiral is divided into 21 dining ateliers. In France, an atelier is an artist’s special workshop, and in Spiral it is where secret recipes are masterfully prepared right before your very eyes. The range of cuisines is expansive and the attention and detail to each dish has the focus of an artisan.

Lunch starts at 12 pm & we came a bit early to explore Sofitel. It is definitely one of the most luxurious hotels in the Metro! We were impressed by their posh interiors.

Sis & I decided to lounge near Sofitel’s pool area!

Me :)

Sis :)

Its noon! Time for lunch!

Spiral’s complimentary bread is so tasty!

DIY Salad

One of my many plates! Teehee!

My favorite strawberry ice cream

Stressed is Desserts spelled backwards!

Verdict:

Pros:

They have almost everything! All the dishes were delicious & carefully prepared. I noticed that at Spiral, even the smallest detail count & they will do their best to ensure that you’ll have a marvelous experience. Spiral is the ultimate gastronomic treat! And you get to dine..in class!

What I loved most:

Spiral gives you the feeling of homey luxury. Some upscale restaurants can make you feel intimidated but Spiral’s friendly staff made us feel so welcome & well taken cared of.

Cons:

It can be a bit expensive. Around PHP 2500/pax on a weekday lunch buffet. But it’s a must experience & Spiral is the best place to celebrate special occasions. I will definitely be back!

My heartfelt mercis to the lovely Ms.Jane & the entire Sofitel /Spiral Manila staff. It was a lunch like no other! My birthday memories at Spiral will stay with me forever!

TIP: Follow them at Twitter! They have a lot of fabulous giveaways in store for Sofitel / Spiral fans:

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila:

Website: http://www.sofitelmanila.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SofitelManila

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SofitelManila

Spiral Manila:

Website: http://spiralmanila.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpiralManila

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpiralManila

Easter gives us yet another reason to be thankful to God. Have the joy of the coming of Christ be filled in your heart and bring peace into your life. Celebrating Easter has always been a tradition. A reminder from me & PAWS:  Celebrate Easter Sunday the Cruelty-free way. Say NO to contests and events that use live rabbits & chicks as props or prizes. They are pets too! Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

I am loving the birthday present I got from my boyfriend Bunny! It’s the new Blackberry z10! It is twice better & faster than my old phone, the BB 9900! And in my perspective it beats all other high end smartphones in the market. The z10 is Beautiful & Powerful! It combines security, excellent connectivity & promising applications. Blackberry will always be the classiest phone one can own. That is why I’ve been a loyalist for 4 solid years!!! You can check out the new Blackberry z10 here -> http://goo.gl/dpImo

I admit purchasing Moringa-O2 Malunggay Herbal Moisturizing Lotion at Sample Room as an addition to the sample that I really wanted to try. I wanted to use up all my points that day. I am glad that I got this sample. It’s a life saver!

I received my full sized Moringa-O2 a day after ordering it from Sample Room. It is currently sold out but you can check out other Sample Room Mates’ reviews here -> http://goo.gl/bk48V

Product Information from Sample Room:

Moringa-O² combines powerful multi-vitamins, antioxidants and minerals from Malunggay, Olive Oil and Omega to deeply nourish and moisturize dry and sensitive skin.

Moringa-O² is best recommended for those with the following skin conditions:

· For dry and sensitive skin

· For itchy skin

· Aging skin

· Skin asthma and Keratosis Pilaris

Full size: 125 ml

Price: PHP 129.75

 I have very dry itchy skin on my extremities so one day after taking a bath, I decided to give Moringa-O² a try. 

Verdict:

Pros:

My dry skin usually itches after taking a bath. Right after using this, I noticed a great decrease in skin itching. After a few weeks, my skin itching was all gone. I take it with me even to work & accidentally left it there one weekend. I missed using it for 3 straight days & did not experience any skin itching! This product really heals dry skin. Plus Points: The scent is mild, like Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea perfume & it does not feel greasy, even after a day of field work! At PHP 129.75, what more can I ask for?

Cons:

This is purely one of my snotty whims: The packaging is not at all attractive. I would not notice this or take the chance to buy it at a store  if I haven’t tried it at Sample Room.

Update:

I started writing this post during a hot summer day at Tagaytay. Moringa-O2 Malunggay Herbal Moisturizing Lotion is said to offer UVA/UVB protection.

So I decided to put it to the test: Sun, sun & more sun!

After 2 days of constant sun exposure, I experienced no skin reddening, darkening or sunburn!

Moringa-O2 Malunggay Herbal Moisturizing Lotion is my best beauty discovery from Sample Room. I am using it up to this day & will be using it in the future. Thank you so much Sample Room for this fabulous beauty find! 

For new beauty discoveries! Be sure to check them out!

Sample Room: http://www.sampleroom.ph/

 Moringa-O2: http://www.facebook.com/MoringaO2