Sablayan Adventure Camp Beach Resort: Dont ever think of going!

Don't be fooled by the pictures on their website.

The real thing is not even close. You can't even bathe in the beach.

We've reserved 5 days of stay but we can't even complete 1 night because of the terrible experience due to their lack of security.

Please see my review on TripAdvisor here

Pals Salon, Marikina Branch

How did I learned about Pals Salon?

I learned about it while I was checking on the net for a salon with good reviews. I stumble upon their blog site, on which I am not sure if it's the owners blogsite, the daughter of the owner or maybe both :)
Through the blog site, I learned about their website and Facebook page on which had given me more details regarding the salon.

What made me choose Pals Salon?
As you can see I do researches first before I try anything. Pals Salon may not be the best of all the reviews I've read but definitely it's the only one that I didn't get any negative feedback. That's not common for a salon. I'm a believer of "You cant please everybody". But this one's definitely giving a great service to it's client. They even have their own blogspot for their customers to post their comments. I had read all the comments. When I say ALL, I mean from the first up to the very latest comment been made. Surely if you'll check them out it's very enticing and you wont blame me to go all the way from Cainta to Marikina just to try them out.

Where can you find Pals Salon?
They have 2 branches. First is Pasig Branch which is located in 472 Stella Maris Ave., Brgy. Maybunga, Pasig City. To easily find it you may look for the landmark, Maybunga Barangay Hall ( Pals Salon is located near the corner of Stella Maris street ). Next is Marikina Branch, on which I opt to have my hair done. It's situated in 79 A.Bonifacio Ave., Brgy.Dela Pena, Marikina City. Just look for Riverbanks Mall and Bridge to Marikina Palengke.

What are the services being offered?

Kindly click on the picture for a larger view.

 

The service I've chosen.
I was planning to have my hair rebonded just to tame the frizz and would like to have my hair colored. Luckily they have this Holiday promo fit for the service I wanted. As stated on the website, the promo period is good until February 28, 2013

Plus this Holiday Giveaway!

It says on their FB that its a giveaway if you'll avail the Holiday Promo. It says Hair Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. We all now that its very important to repair hair after you have it rebonded and this is like your take home haircare after you have them done. Isn't it great?! :)

It's now time for Reservations!
Since I am planning to go to their Marikina branch. I texted their mobile number 09177662850 for reservations. I was quite disappointed of not having any replies received. I also can't call them through landline 748-9119 because our Globe landline is not working at that time.

Okay so no reservations for me. I'll just try my luck to just walk-in since I'm planning to have it by Wednesday or Thursday I may be lucky enough to be entertained if I'll visit them early. 

This is it! Pals Salon first time experience
We went off to Pals Salon and arrived between 9:00 - 10:00 AM. I have read somewhere in their blog or site that they open around that time.
When we get there, the salon is still closed. So we opt to go to the nearby computer shop while waiting for them to open. After playing Warcraft for an hour we decided to go back to the salon and see if they are already available to entertain us.
As soon as we enter the place they welcome us with smiles on their faces. I head along and said I'd like to try their Holiday Promo and ask if how much would it cost. They said it would cost 2600 pesos and immediately gave me a list of hair color samples to choose from. While choosing the color that I want they asked me if I made reservations. I said that I texted 2 days ago but no one replied so I just went along and walked-in.
Coffee, the color I've chosen from the list. I said I want something like coffee. Around 2 shades lighter than my regular haircolor. Then they said I would need to add 200 pesos since I have a really dark hair to start with. Then I said its fine with me.

Rica is the one that did my hair. I must say that it was tended with care and professionalism.

It has started with a haircut. Its been a long while since I have it cut. I guess its been more than a year. I decided to have a layered hair this time. While Rica is cutting my hair I got really scared because I'm seeing almost half of my hair length being cut-off and I guess he is aware of it. So he decided to reassure me that its not as short as I'm thinking off. When he's finished, I must say I love how my have when out. I was thankfully relieved. Too short hair doesnt mix with the shape of my face.

After everything was prepared, Rica started with the hair color. Most salons dont recommend having your hair colored and rebonded the same time. So I'm very curious if it would turn out ok. I'm scared that I may end up with a stiff or burnt hair. When the color treatment was over I'm pretty glad that the color turned out great. This is my first time to color my hair and I didnt regret every strand. It was perfectly the way I like it not too light not as dark. It was just right. The extra 200 is definitely a good buy.

Its rebond time! I love how Rica cared for my hair and making sure that it wouldnt burn and get dried up. He frequently sprayed water on my checmically treated hair. Most hairstylist just leave you for about hours after they put in the chemical and will just come back when its time to rinse it off. While he is doing my hair he is very attentive to all my questions and also giving tips on how to take care of it. He also made advises on how to make my rebonded hair last longer.

The only thing that I didnt like on the process is the ironing of my hair. It's really painful. but I guess this is where we say "No pain no gain" :) Rica even tried the iron on her hair to check if there something wrong with it why its painful on my end. But I guess its because I dont have strong rooted hair. I'm prone to hairfall so I believe I'm the one to blame.

I didnt get any additional treatment just the cellophane thats already included on the promo.

I love the shampoo they've used to wash my hair. It smells fruity :)

All in all it took around 4 and half hours.

Judgement time!
I love the results. The frizz are tamed. My hair feels soft and light. A lot shiny too the color is highlighted more due to the cellophane treatment.

It made me realize that it doesnt matter if you'll have your hair colored and rebonded the same time as long as the one treating your hair cares and knows what they're doing.

The Place:
The place is not big. It seems like a regular studio apartment that's been renovated to a salon. They only have one lavatory to wash your hair where they also put in their hair products stock.

The place is really simple but what I like about it is that its definitely clean.

There was also a time that while waiting until Rica washed off the chemicals. He brushed away all hair from the hair cut. Before the end of my hair treatment the place is back to its normal shiny floor.

I'd rather have a little clean room to have my hair done than to have it on a big salon but doesnt have enough clean towels to give out to their customers.

The Service:
I have said it may times. I love how Rica cared for my hair with astounding results. I've got lots of good comments from friends and co-workers. They even asks where I had it done.

A site that allows users to send their own feedback negative/positive is definitely a great service. They are open to suggestions and improvements by encouraging customers to send feedback or comments to their facebook page regarding the service they've offered. I like the concept which given me a big respect to this salon.

The only thing that made me a bit off is the wrong information on their facebook page regarding the Holiday Giveaway. Though I dont mind not having it but false information may get you bad feedback.

When I asked about the Giveaway, I believe its Ms. Sarah who told me that you wont get the Giveaway until its December. I went there few days before end of November. Its kind-of disappointing but not a big deal.

See comment of a user inquiring for the Holiday Giveaway below:

Rating: 4/5
I should be giving 5/5 but because of the false advertising I only given 4/5.

Will I go back? Definitely yes!

Will I recommend it? Of course :)

I'll update this later with more pictures :)

Disclaimer: This is not sponsored. What works for me may not work for you or vice versa.

Godiva: INHIBI+ION LicoWhite Lotion

How did I get this?

Well I'm off to Watsons in Sta. Lucia East Grandmall to get a moisturizer. However it's not available at that time so I ended up getting the Godiva fruitonique Re-Youth Serum, fruitonique Cream and their Inhibition LicoWhite Lotion.

What does GODIVA says?

Whitens and smoothens skin as it slows the rate of hair growth, eventually inhibiting hair from growing back. Moisturizes with emollient for that softer feel. Contains Glabridin, a powerful skin whitening ingredient from Licorice extract. Paraben free.

For more information visit their website.

Ingredients:
Water, Lanolin Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Monostearate, Mineral Oil, Frangrance, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract, Chlorphenesin, Methylisothiazolinone, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Dimethicone Aquasome, Buylated Hydroxytoluene, Sodium Citrate, Glabridin (Licorice Extract)

My Skin Type:

Sensitive

Packaging:

Nothing special on the packaging. Just like any regular bottled-lotion in the market. It has a pink and white combination as for the its label.

My empty bottle after 4 months use. This is their largest bottle (100 ml) I've seen so far.

Texture:

Its light on skin with a yellowish-white color.

Direction:

After shaving, waxing or laser treatment, apply morning and evening on arms and legs. Continued use is necessary for best results.

What I say about it?

Its very light on skin and easily absorbed. Since its a moisturizer/whitening/inhibiting hair growth, lets see how it performed as what it says on its cover. 

 

Moisturizer - I dont shave but I occasionally wax and regularly epilate my underarms and legs. This lotion gives a smooth feeling after use. Plus I observed that it also helps heal bruises after waxing/epilating. It also minimizes appearance of lines on underarms. I regularly use this as an underarm lotion and top it with Milcu powder.

Whitener - It didn't work for me. Though it didn't darken my underarms.

Inhibiting hair growth - For the long time I've used it I must say it really did slowed down the growth of hair on my underarms since I regularly use it on that area. I only epilate my underarms once in every 1-2 weeks which was from twice a week. I only use it on my legs every after epilating. It did lesser the frequency to once a week from twice a week. Though it doesnt lessen the growing hair it also doesnt thicken the new hair so I guess its okay. Thus I don't believe it will inhibit hair from growing back.

 

Godiva's tag line is "natural skin care" though I've found some chemicals on the ingredients but at least its Paraben free.

What I don't like about it is the price vs its content. For I think 250 pesos for 100 ml I believe its a bit pricey. It only lasted for months because I didn't use it like a regular lotion. I'm using a different body lotion to moisturize my whole body.

My Verdict: 4/5

Will I repurchase?

Definitely Yes! It has been my favorite underarm lotion so far. For those who will buy it as an underarm lotion please note that I'm using this for its moisturizing and healing features not as a deodorant. I'm not into whitening my skin so it doesn't matter if it didn't lighten up my skin.

Disclaimer: This is not sponsored. What works for me may not work for you or vice versa.

GODIVA Fruitonique Re-Youth Cream

How did I get this?

Well I'm off to Watsons in Sta. Lucia East Grandmall to get a moisturizer. However it's not available at that time so I ended up getting the Godiva fruitonique Re-Youth Serum, fruitonique Cream and their Inhibition LicoWhite Lotion.

What does GODIVA says?

Uses stem cells from rare Swiss apples to make human skin cells young again

Has fruit extracts for gentle skin exfoliation

Contains licorice extract to even out skin tone, Centella Asiatica for firmer skin, and Squalane oil for hydration
For best results, use with Fruitonique Soap and Serum

For more information visit their website.

My Skin Type:

Combination/Sensitive - normal to oily skin

Packaging:

I think the packaging is cute and simple. Colors suits the name fruitonique. It has a nozzle-like tip that makes it easy to make a spot application.

Texture:

Its a little sticky and not as light as the serum. It s white in color. Its also watery that makes the product easy to apply and absorb by the skin.

Direction:

After cleansing, apply a thin layer of Fruitonique Re-Youth Cream all over face and neck. Gently massage into the skin using small, upward circular strokes. Avoid direct contact with eyes. Initially, use once a day for two weeks. Thereafter, apply twice daily. For best results, use in tandem with Fruitonique Re-Youth Serum, and top off with sunblock. Some may experience itchiness at the beginning, which is normal. However, if itchiness persists, discontinue use.

What I say about it?

I've been using this for about 4 months same as the Serum. Thou this one I don't normally use. I cant see the difference between the Serum and the Cream.

Unlike the Serum, this is more itchy when applied even if you use it in moderation.

I believe this is mainly for a day cream thou you will be needing a separate sunblock(as stated on the direction) to protect you from the sun's UV rays. This also made my skin too oily so I dump it as a day cream.

I'm using this occasionally for an eye cream. I may say it lessens the visibility of the lines. But it doesn't erase it of course. I believe its safe to say that this doesn't itch if you'll only use a drop or two around your eyes.

Same as the Serum it doesn't pass as a skin whitener.

My Verdict: 3/5

Will I repurchase?

No I'd rather use the Serum instead since they're mostly the same in effect and the Serum has a plus factor in healing.

Disclaimer: This is not sponsored. What works for me may not work for you or vice versa.

GODIVA fruitonique Re-Youth Serum

Disclaimer:

This post is not sponsored.

How did I get this?

Well I'm off to Watsons in Sta. Lucia East Grandmall to get a moisturizer. However it's not available at that time so I ended up getting the Godiva fruitonique Re-Youth Serum, fruitonique Cream and their Inhibition LicoWhite Lotion.

What does GODIVA says?

The rejuvenating power of Swiss Apple Stem Cells, captured by Godiva. Now concentrated in Fruitonique Re-Youth Serum, a remarkably revitalizing element that makes skin cells young again.

For best results, use with Fruitonique Soap and Cream
For more information visit their website.

My Skin Type:

Combination/Sensitive - normal to oily skin

Packaging:

I think the packaging is cute and simple. Colors suits the name fruitonique. Its a pump-type bottle that I really like.

Texture:

I like its texture its light and not so sticky. It has a clear color too. The consistency is both pro and con. Its watery that makes the product easy to apply and absorb by the skin. If you're fond of watery products then its not an issue.

Direction:

Just pump enough serum onto your fingers and massage onto your face and neck, ideally once in the morning and in the evening. Avoid direct contact with eyes. Some may experience itchiness at the beginning, which is normal. However, if itchiness persist, discontinue use.

What I say about it?

I've been using this for about 4 months now and still using it. Thou I don't regularly use this product. 

As what it says on the direction that it may itch on first use that's totally true for me. But the itching is bearable. Itching stops after 3rd application.

This makes my skin really oily during the day so I prefer using it at night. It also doesnt have SPF to protect your skin during the day.

I love it as a night moisturizer. It leaves my skin looking healthy in the morning that I dont want to wash my face when I first used it. :)

I also use it occasionally as an underarm lotion. Yes you heard me right underarm lotion. I use this after I epilate my underarms. We usually have little bruises thou not much noticeable you'll feel the sting after you applied your fave deodorant. This quickly helps soothes and heals these bruises plus leaving my underarms really smooth.

When I have breakouts I also use this with Dermatix Ultra. It dries up my pimples faster.

If you're looking for a skin whitener this product is not for you. Thou it says it has licorice that whitens skin I do believe it doesn't pass for a skin whitener.

My Verdict: 4/5

Will I repurchase?

Definitely yes as an underarm lotion and night moisturizer.

Note: What works for me may not work for you.