Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

  • Food with a View, The Most Picturesque Restaurants in Manila

    Food with a View, The Most Picturesque Restaurants in Manila

    With a skyline this beautiful, it only makes sense to find a restaurant with a view.

    There are so many incredible restaurants in Manila, that sometimes it can be really difficult deciding where you’d like to eat of an evening! Whether it’s something as simple as fried chicken, or as elaborate as a Michelin-starred tasting menu, the choice is truly overwhelming. One thing that tends to make the restaurant experience that little bit more special, though, is a table with a view. Manila is spoilt for scenery and these restaurants truly make the most of that.

    La Piazza & Enbu, Okada Manila

    Okada Manila is a stunning and exclusive resort set in 44 hectares of picturesque oceanfront landscape. We’re here for the restaurant, but it’s really worth checking out everything else that the resort has to offer too. The casino offers the greatest range of table games in the country, including no less than six different types of poker. Whilst each type of poker has its own flavor, they all share certain basic rules since each game involves betting on the strength of your poker hand.

    Not only does Okada Manila offer choice at its poker tables though, but they also have a wide selection of some of the best restaurants in town. However, only two of their restaurants have uninterrupted views of the grand fountain. La Piazza is the first of the restaurants. It serves upscale Italian cuisine, with a menu perfectly curated by Cheg Gleb Snegin. If freshly made pasta and pizza, with a glass of fine wine, is your favorite dinner choice, then this one is for you.

    Enbu is the other restaurant with a beautiful view of the fountain and serves fresh, local produce, cooked using authentic Japanese methods. The chefs work in the center of the restaurant, surrounded by firey red chochin lanterns, which makes for a pretty incredible view itself! Chef Atsushi Yoshida has created a punchy menu, which has been paired beautifully with sakes.

    The Nest Dining, Vivere Hotel

    If you love a subtly spiced curry then opt for the Beef Rendang at the Nest Dining.

    Although it’s a Manila mainstay, The Sunset Lounge isn’t the only place to watch the sun go down. This restaurant is adored by many for its great food and beautiful atmosphere, but The Nest Dining at the Vivere Hotel could possibly topple its crown. The Vivere is one of Manila’s premium five-star hotels and The Nest is its top dining establishment. The restaurant itself is set on the 31st floor of the building and looks out over the Alabang district and Laguna de Bay. Grab yourself a seat by the outside pool and look past the beautiful plants and decorations into the city skyline.

    As well as having a breathtaking view, The Nest also boasts a relatively simple, but perfectly executed menu. Start off with a handmade cocktail, the white peach and lychee sangria is particularly good, and then treat yourself to at least two courses. Perhaps the most comforting item on the menu is the Beef Rendang, which comes in an unctuous and rich sauce, with coconut rice, soft boiled egg and incredibly moreish crispy fried anchovies. If you still have space for a dessert then the salted caramel brownie is a guest favourite and when paired with their candied bacon ice-cream, it really is the ultimate treat.

    Gloria Maris, Pasay City

    Chinese food can be a divider of the people, when it’s done well it can be the most exciting culinary experience on the planet and even when it’s done poorly, a sticky sweet and sour chicken can be a guilty indulgence for many. Thankfully the team at Gloria Maris are true experts in authentic Chinese cuisine, with a particular penchant for seafood. They take all of their own staff from Hong Kong to ensure absolute authenticity and the results speak for themselves.

    Book yourself into a table in the VIP room for the best views out over the bay. The room itself is bright and airy and looks out over miles and miles of cerulean ocean. Once you’re seated choose from an extensive menu of old favourites and new experiences. The Lapu Lapu with chili is one of the most exquisite dishes here. Firey heat from the chili combines with the sweet and delicate flavours of this most prized fish. Another favourite, of course, is the shark fin soup, which earned the restaurant its notoriety.

  • Eye Care and Contact Lens Wear During the Coronavirus Pandemic

    Eye Care and Contact Lens Wear During the Coronavirus Pandemic

    Before starting this blog, I checked my first post about wearing contact lenses. It was published way back in 2013. Oh my gosh, it means that I’ve been wearing contact lenses for seven years now! I wear contact lenses every time I go out of the house. The feeling is very liberating—freedom from eyeglasses. However, I stopped wearing contact lenses since the start of the community lockdown because according to health experts, the virus that causes COVID-19 can enter the body through the mouth, nose and eyes. In early March, I felt unsure if wearing contact lenses is still safe, so I opted to switch to glasses in the meantime during this pandemic.

    After much research, in the last week of April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put this concern to rest. It says that there’s no evidence suggesting contact lens wearers are more at risk than eyeglass wearers. While this is good news, there can still be a risk if proper eye care and good hygiene is not practiced. The main points are to always wash hands well before inserting or taking out the contact lenses and avoid rubbing or itching the eyes.

    To further learn about the do’s and dont’s of contact lens wear in the time of COVID-19, I’ve attended a webinar hosted by Alcon, the global leader in eye care. In this post, I’m sharing the 5 facts you need to know about contact lens wear and coronavirus and more tips below.

    Eye Care and Contact Lens Wear During the Coronavirus Pandemic

    1. You can keep wearing your contact lenses.

    I especially prefer wearing contacts nowadays when wearing a face mask outside is required because of three reasons. First is contact lenses can be an instant upgrade to your look. I always wear colored but natural looking lenses instead of clear ones. Second is I tend to touch my face more often when wearing glasses to lift them up to proper place. Third is my eyeglasses fog up when I wear a face mask.

    The good news is there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmission by handling of contact lenses. Standard contact lens care techniques should be adequate during the coronavirus pandemic.

    2. Good hygiene habits are critical.

    As you know, touching your face and eyes when inserting and removing contact lenses may pose a risk to getting infected with the virus. It’s important to exercise proper and regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds followed by hand drying with unused and clean paper towels. Remember: cleaning hands with alcohol is not enough.

    3. Regular glasses do not provide protection.

    Just when I thought that eyeglasses can shield the eyes from infected respiratory droplets, a position supported by the US Center for Disease Control and Protection says that there is no scientific evidence that wearing spectacles or glasses provides protection against COVID-19 or other viral transmissions. This is because the virus can still reach your eyes from the exposed sides, tops, and bottoms of your glasses.

    4. Keep unwashed hands away from your face.

    Whether you’re wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses, if you can break the natural habit of touching your face with unwashed hands, you can lower your risk of infection. Sometimes you can’t help to feel an urge to itch or rub your eye or even to adjust your glasses. Instead of using your fingers, use a clean tissue or consider adding moisturizing drops to your eye routine.

    5. Discontinue wearing contact lenses if you are sick with any symptoms.

    Getting sick is not fun, and it’s especially unpleasant when you have eye discomfort. So when you’re fighting off any sickness or infection, the best thing you can do for your eyes is give it a rest from contacts. This can help prevent discomfort like dry eyes, blurry vision, and pink eye. You may resume using fresh, new contact lenses and lens cases once you return to full health.

    Which Contact Lens is Best For You?

    If you’re a novice contact lens wearer, choosing the best contact lens may be daunting and overwhelming. I’ve used several brands already and from my experience, Air Optix is still the most comfortable one. It’s the first ever brand of contacts I’ve tried. 🙂

    • AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde®, with SmartShield® Technology is designed for the new contact lens wearer (or upgrade on lens technology) who wants long-lasting performance. Why you’d want it: it’s the first and only colored contact lenses with very high oxygen (six times more breathable* than the leading color contact lenses). These contacts can be worn up to 18-20 hours a day and can be used daily for 30 days or a month.
      • Air Optix Colors: P1,595
    Air Optix in Pure Hazel
    Air Optix in Pure Hazel
    These “breathable” lenses are perfect for me because I wear contacts more than 12 hours a day.
    • DAILIES® AquaComfort® Plus, with Blink-Activated Moisture Technology is designed for the contact lens wearer who wants the ultimate contact lens wearing experience. If you want contacts that feel like nothing but with exceptional comfort and visual acuity, this is for you. If you’re not a regular contacts wearer (like you only plan to wear contacts once or twice a week, this is also for you. Just dispose once used.
      • Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus: P1,495
    • FreshLook contacts are designed for the expressive beauty consumer who wants enhanced eye color and definition. Take a pick from fresh and bright colors and feel more attractive, expressive, and confident. These contacts feature a 3-in-1 technology so the color of your eyes will come out naturally. Most popular colors are blue, green, gray, and pure hazel.
      • Freshlook Colorblends (monthly): P1,195
      • Freshlook One-Day: P1,095
    Dr. Jeanette showing a pack of ready-to-wear Freshlook contacts
    Dr. Jeanette showing a pack of ready-to-wear Freshlook contacts

    Contact Lens Care Systems and Solutions

    Of course, a great contact lens wearing experience won’t be complete without the best contact lens solution. Again, I’ve tried several brands of contacts solutions, but the best is still the first I’ve had—Opti-Free, also by Alcon. Opti-Free (300ml) costs P349.

    The “platinum standard of contact lens wear” by Alcon is their AOSEPT PLUS ® with HydraGlyde®, which kills 99.9% of all micro-organisms. It has a triple action cleansing that deeply cleans lenses, carries away deposits and debris, and lifts away protein. What’s good is that it’s suitable for all type of contact lenses.

    The AoSept Plus solution ensures your contact lenses remain comfortable for even up to 16 hours of wear. It’s ideal for those looking for a contact lens solution with high level cleaning and disinfection efficacy. It can just be a bit tricky to use it.

    First, you have to place the contact lenses into the barrel case that it comes with. Second, fill in the barrel with the solution until the line. Third, leave it (without shaking the barrel) for six hours or more. Then, watch the “magic” of disinfecting happen.

    Dr. Jeanette showing the procedure
    Dr. Jeanette showing a demo of the procedure

    This hydrogen peroxide solution is not multi-purpose, so please make sure to wait up to the recommended six hours for complete neutralization. The result is a preservative-free solution proven to not cause further irritation to the eyes. When you want to wear your contacts, open the barrel, get the contact lens and put them directly on your eye. Note that the AoSept Plus solution is good for 100 uses (around 2-3 months).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mICc5HE5JK0

    Dry eyes a problem? To maintain eye moisture, using lubricant eye drops like Systane Ultra can provide instant relief and extended protection. 1-2 drops are enough to lubricate and refresh your eyes. There’s no such thing as “overusing” of Systane Ultra, since it doesn’t contain steroids. There are several types of Systane, for mild and severe dry eye problems and those sensitive to preservatives. So make sure to visit the eye clinic to know which one will be best for you.

    Other Tips and Key Takeaways

    • Do not wear lenses more than the scheduled period. One of the best lessons I learned from the webinar is that you should still replace your lenses according to the recommended replacement schedule, even if you don’t wear them every day.
    • Never reuse old contact lens solution. Change your solution daily or as recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s important to do this even if you don’t use your lenses daily.
    • After inserting the lenses, discard the solution and clean the lens case with contact lens solution (not water!). Dry the lens case with a clean tissue and let it dry upside down on a tissue.
    • Try daily disposable contact lenses. This may help reduce opportunities for surface inflammation and infection that are associated with reusable monthly replacement contact lenses.
    • Contact your eye doctor if you are experiencing a severe condition or an eye emergency.
    #AlconCares Webex Group Photo
    #AlconCares Webex Group Photo
  • Shabu-Shabu at Home: Delicious Hotpot Heaven in 5 Steps

    Shabu-Shabu at Home: Delicious Hotpot Heaven in 5 Steps

    Metro Manila is now under GCQ (general community quarantine), and some restaurants have dine-in operations. However, we still prefer staying at home as much as possible and be on the safer side. Yesterday was my husband’s birthday. Instead of going out like we usually do every year to celebrate, we had a blast at home with shabu shabu! The best thing about shabu-shabu is that the ingredients can be customized to your own taste and preferences.

    5 Steps to Make Shabu Shabu at Home

    1. Bring out all the ingredients. 

    I bought meatballs and cheese balls from Eng Bee Tin. My mom brought over some vegetables, thinly sliced beef, tofu, and vermicelli.

    2. Fill a large pot with water and boil.

    For home cooking, you can use a portable burner, induction heating cook-top, or hot plate. Boil water for your soup.

    3. Prepare the soup base or broth.

    Traditionally, the broth for shabu-shabu is a simple dashi made from kombu seaweed. Nowadays, you can choose your own: chicken broth, beef broth, kimchi broth, pork broth, or vegetable broth. In our case, we used the Bull Head Barbecue Sauce I got from Lazada. It’s a popular condiment from Taiwan. It has a spectacular harmony of salty and sour tastes which makes it a good accompaniment to meat and a base for soups. Put the Bull Head Taiwanese Sauce, and bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat. Lightly season with salt and pepper.

    4. Add the ingredients in batches.

    Start with the meatballs, then meat, tough vegetables, vermicelli, and tofu. Harder vegetables take longer to cook, while leafy vegetables cook more quickly. Continue to cook and simmer in a few minutes.

    5. Prepare dipping sauces.

    Most popular shabu-shabu dipping sauces are ponzu (a citrusy soy sauce) and goma-tare (a type of sesame sauce). Ponzu is usually for vegetables and goma-tare is used for meat. In our case, since I don’t have the time to buy these, we used ssamjang (a combination of doenjang-Korean soybean paste, gochujang-Korean chili paste, and sesame oil).

    Scoop out ingredients from the pot, dip them into your own customized sauce and devour! 🙂

    I’ve been wanting to try shabu-shabu at home for weeks. Since this is best enjoyed with a group of people (I can’t possibly finish everything alone), my husband’s birthday was the perfect opportunity to finally have it. Shabu-shabu at home is a glorious communal feast as it’s both fun and interactive. The good thing is it’s simple and very easy to make with the right equipment and ingredients.

  • How to Avoid Road Rage While Traveling

    How to Avoid Road Rage While Traveling

    Lots of people deal with road rage. It’s nothing about which you need to feel embarrassed. What matters is how you choose to deal with these feelings. Road rage, while you’re traveling, can be a particularly difficult issue. Maybe you’re driving somewhere for work, or perhaps you’re taking the family on vacation. Either way, learning some stress management techniques will go a long way toward keeping you from doing something you’ll regret.

    Focus on Your Breathing

    Over 90% of working people drive a vehicle to and from their job. However, professional or vacation driving is surging as well, especially right now, when so many people are reluctant to fly because of the coronavirus.

    If someone honks at you in traffic or cuts you off, it helps to focus on your breathing. Learning some breathing exercises that you can immediately start in that situation can distract you from yelling at the person or making a threatening gesture.

    As you breathe slowly in for several seconds, then out again for several seconds, try to remember that what happened isn’t the end of the world. If no one was hurt, and what took place does not impede your travels, you’ll probably forget all about it in a few moments.

    Listen to Music that Makes You Happy

    Music can have a tremendous impact on your mood. Let’s say that you know you’re going on a lengthy drive for work, and you might be in some high traffic areas or construction zones. Stop-and-go traffic can upset you, but only if you let it.

    Try to make a playlist beforehand on your phone of music that makes you happy. Maybe it’s a particular album by your favorite artist. Perhaps it’s several songs by different artists that never fail to make you feel better when you’re down.

    Having that music on during the trip can ease your annoyed feelings if you’re caught in a traffic jam on your way to your destination.

    Keep a Picture of Your Family on the Dashboard

    Another useful way to curb road rage is to print out a picture of your family or one of your loved ones and to keep it in view on the dashboard. It’s a simple matter to stick it there with a piece of tape, even if you’re driving a rental car in an unfamiliar town or city.

    Remember that nothing productive comes out of road rage. If you choose to engage with someone who gestured toward you or cut you off, they might do something to escalate further.

    People kill others during road rage incidents in extreme circumstances. You want to get home to your family at the end of your trip. Having a nice picture of them to look at will remind you of that.

    Don’t Be an Aggressive Driver

    Being a defensive driver is something that any driving school will teach you as soon as you get your learner’s permit. That means merging when and how you’re supposed to, going the speed limit, and not tailgating the car in front of you.

    When you’re an aggressive driver and don’t obey written or even unspoken road rules, you invite confrontation. You might be subject to road rage because of what another driver does, but don’t forget that you can be guilty of instigating it.

    You can’t determine what other drivers around you do, but you can always control yourself.

    Take Care of Your Mental Health

    Those who are more prone to road rage incidents while traveling, or in any situation, are individuals who might not be in the best frame of mind. Maybe you can trace your tendency toward road rage back to an argument you had with your spouse, or a relative. Perhaps you’re worried about money, or there’s something else happening in your life that preoccupies you.

    You have less chance of reacting badly on the road if you’re mentally and emotionally sound. If you’re having trouble with your partner or spouse, talk things out with them.

    Holding in your emotions can manifest in destructive ways. The same holds true for issues with relatives or anything else that’s bothering you.

    If your mental state is that bad, seek help from a qualified health professional. Putting yourself in a better mindstate before you ever get behind the wheel makes it much more likely that you won’t be susceptible to road rage. That’s true regardless of whether you’re traveling in an unfamiliar area or whether you’re a block from home.

  • 3 Quick Ways to Reduce Your Monthly Bills

    3 Quick Ways to Reduce Your Monthly Bills

    Money can be one of the most stressful things that we have to deal with as responsible adults. Whether it’s the massive bills that you get at the beginning of each month, or the countless extra payments that seem to turn up when you think you’ve got your budget figured out, there’s a lot to worry about.

    The good news is that there are more ways to save your cash than you might think. A lot of people assume that the only way to start achieving more with their money is to cut down on the things that they enjoy, like trips to the movies, or date nights. However, cutting some of your most stressful monthly bills could be an excellent alternative. Here are 3 quick ways to reduce your monthly bills.

    Haggle with Your Providers

    There are a number of companies in your life that you might be paying money to on a regular basis. This could include your internet provider, your cable company, and even your insurance companies. While it’s a little nerve wracking to call and ask for a discount on your payments, you might be surprised at what you can accomplish just by talking to customer service.

    If you’ve been loyal with a provider for quite a while now, contact them and ask whether there are any discounts that they can offer you for your loyalty. If they say no, consider changing to one who can give you a better deal. Just telling your supplier that you’re thinking of changing could be enough to prompt them to offer you a discount.

    Deal with Your Loans

    Most of us need to take at least one or two loans out during the course of our lives. Unless you’re a very lucky person who always has enough money in your bank account for the things that you want, then you might need a loan for something like a new car, or even just a change to your home.

    If you’ve taken out a loan in the past, then now might be the time to see if you can deal with it. For instance, using a student loan calculator, you can find out how much you could potentially save on your loans if you were to refinance your old deal. The chances are that everything from your credit rating to your situation has changed a lot since you got this loan. So why not see whether you can save some extra money on it?

    Waste Less

    Finally, you’d be surprised how much money we spend on the things that we just end up wasting. For instance, if you’re paying for a subscription service that you never use, then you’re just wasting your money on something that’s not benefiting you. Another example of waste is the money that we spend on things like disposable paper towels and bottles of water, when we could just be taking refillable bottles with us to work.

    Planning a strategy that will help you to waste less, on everything from your home water, to your electricity and food bills, will mean that you can cut monthly costs, without giving up anything that you need or want. At the same time, you’ll be doing the environment a favor too.

  • Keranique Review Teaches About Hair Regrowth Products

    Keranique Review Teaches About Hair Regrowth Products

    If you want to have beautiful hair, you need to take care of it. True, this also depends on your genetic predispositions, but it is mostly connected to proper care. Nothing comes to you if you don’t make an effort. And the effort you need to make in this regard is really small, so there are no excuses you can think of other than your laziness.

    I am sorry if that came out a bit harsh, but that’s the way it is. People need to hear some harsh truths from time to time. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not my intention to diminish the real thinning and falling out problems that some women can experience even if they do take care of their hair. However, there is a solution for this issue as well, and, once again, it’s up to you to put a bit of effort into resolving it.

    When you decide to take that crucial step and finally consider using hair regrowth products, you can’t just go out and buy something without doing proper research beforehand. I suggest you start with reading Keranique reviews, since there is no better proof of effectiveness, or ineffectiveness, of a product than the honest words of people who have already used them. User experience is the key towards finding out the truth about anything.

    Why Reviews Are Important

    While I know that you want to jump on board immediately and get started with the treatment, reading reviews should always be your first step towards finding the right product. There are a lot of things you can learn this way, which is why disregarding and neglecting the research process is never a good idea. And it is especially harmful when the products in question are directly connected to your health, including the health of your hair.

    It is important that you understand why reading reviews is the logical and necessary step in the process of making your purchase decision. Of course, checking the ingredients and examining the label on the product is also significant, but it sometimes tells you absolutely nothing. The information on the label is either scarce, or it looks as if it were written in a language you don’t understand.

    I mean, do the words “minoxidil” and “propylene glycol” mean anything to you? I suppose they don’t, unless you are an expert in…what field is this exactly, chemistry? On the other hand, words as simple as “it works” coming from a reliable source, i.e. a real user of the product, speak volumes. That’s the most significant thing you need to know, isn’t it? Whether the product works or not… Check this out.

    And from there, you can take your investigation a step further and look into the time frame necessary for it to work, the proper way of using it, the price and many other useful things. But, the bottom line is, if you don’t find evidence that something works, you definitely won’t bother looking into anything else. Why would you want to know the price of something that has no effect at all? So that you can make an informed decision about wasting your money?

    Speaking of wasting money, that’s exactly what will happen if you decide to skip the research part and just buy the first hair product that comes your way. And, no, seeing it on a commercial is definitely not enough. I don’t think I can ever emphasize enough the significance of reviews and testimonials, no matter how hard I try. But, it never hurts to try some more.

    What You Can Learn About Hair Regrowth Products From Reviews

    In an effort to “try some more”, I want to explain what it is exactly that you can expect to learn about hair regrowth products by checking their reviews. I have already mentioned Keranique as an example, to bring all of this a bit closer to you. But, remember, you can apply this knowledge to any product of your choice. So, without further ado, let us get started.

    Is There Any Visible Growth?

    The whole purpose of these products is to grow your hair, isn’t it? That’s pretty clear and straightforward. And that’s also your ultimate goal when you set out on your search. You probably won’t be looking to regrow your hair if it isn’t falling out or thinning. You have a specific need and you need something that specifically targets that need and fulfills it.

    Here are some reasons why it might be falling out in the first place: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/WomensHealth/reasons-losing-hair/story?id=13320129

    So, what I have described above is actually how the whole market works. Manufacturers recognize the consumers’ needs and try to fulfill them. And how do you know if a hair regrowth product can fulfill your need? Simply by checking whether people are saying that they have seen any growth whatsoever during the period of using it. If they aren’t mentioning this part at all, I suggest you don’t reach for your wallet.

    When Can Growth Be Expected?

    Naturally, after seeing that people are mentioning growth, you will get curious about when they first noticed it. But, this information is not important only to please your curiosity. In fact, if there is no info whatsoever about the time frame, you can’t even be sure that the product works in the first place. Do you need to use it for years? And if so, could it just so happen that something else influenced the quality of your hair during those years?

    How Should The Product Be Used?

    This is a no-brainer. You need to know how something works in order to get the best out of it. Of course, you will probably find instructions on the specific product. But, still, it’s better if you hear it from a real person. We all love to experiment sometimes and you need to know whether experimenting with the way you use hair growth products is advisable, or if you should stick to the instructions. I suggest the latter.

  • Things You’re Doing Wrong That Leads To Acne Scarring

    Things You’re Doing Wrong That Leads To Acne Scarring

    Pimples and acne alone can be annoying enough. Having a scar left behind just makes it worse. Acne scars can create a permanent or long-lasting textural change in the surface of the skin. If you’re wondering how acne scars happen, well the answer is simple — Improper treatment. 

    Acne is caused by an inflammation, which will most likely develop into a scar when it heals. Depending on the sensitivity or how prone a person’s skin is to acne, the scar can get deeper and wider. The best way to remove acne scars is to either have it taken care of by a professional who specializes in acne scar treatments.

    You may have stumbled upon this article because you are worried about your acne and you’re searching for ways to prevent acne scar development. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Isn’t it better to start preventing acne scars from happening rather than having them treated? The easiest way to do so is to avoid doing these bad habits that we’ll mention in this article. 

    Things You’re Doing Wrong That Leads To Acne Scarring

    1. Popping Your Pimples

    Some may think that popping their pimple or acne can help get rid of them quickly. What they don’t know is that this is what causes the acne scars and blemishes. When you try to squeeze your pimple, you’re pushing the bacterias further into the skin. This will automatically lead to scarring. Instead of popping your pimple, try applying topical creams that will help make them get smaller and it will soon fade away on its own.

    2. Excessive Face Cleansing

    Facial cleansing is one of the most important daily routines. But, too much of it won’t do any good. If you think that washing your face three to four times a day will help keep your face away from pimple breakouts, you thought wrong. Instead, what happens is your face gets dry and irritated. This can also lead to excessive oil production. Washing your face twice a day (once in the morning and at night before going to bed) is enough to keep the face clean.

    3. Not Washing The Face Properly

    Our advice to you, don’t just use any kind of facial cleansing products. Some products can be too strong for some skin types. There are three types of skin: oily, dry, and combination of both. If you have oily skin, we advise that you go for a facial cleanser that contains exfoliating substances. This can help lessen oil production. For dry skin, go for organic products and lessen the use of exfoliating products. Make sure to apply moisturiser from time to time to keep the skin hydrated. Also, make sure that the washcloth you use to wipe your face is clean to avoid pimple breakouts. Some people tend to rub their faces with the towel and this just irritates the skin. 

    4. Your Phone is Covered With Dirt

    Believe it or not, our mobile phones can be dirtier than toilet bowls. Our hands can sweat without us noticing it. And this oil and sweat can stay on the phone for some time. We tend to hold our faces while holding or after holding our phones. This means that we’re transferring the oils and bacterias from our phone to our face. Make sure to clean your mobile phone from time to type to at least lessen the bacteria it carries.

    5. Discontinuing Acne Scar Treatments

    People should know that acne scar treatments do not work immediately. Learning how to be patient can help them a lot. Some over-the-counter acne products may not work for some or may take some time to work. But if you want to get immediate results, the best way to achieve that is to seek help from a dermatologist. If you are not ready for cosmetic treatment procedures, these doctors will advise you the right acne scar products. But you will have to be patient with the results. Trust me, the wait will be worth it. 

  • Tien Ma’s and Figaro Coffee Offer Online Delivery! 5 Reasons to Order Now

    Tien Ma’s and Figaro Coffee Offer Online Delivery! 5 Reasons to Order Now

    It has been two months since the start of the community quarantine in Metro Manila. I’ve been out of our house only once to attend an important strategy meeting in the office. The rest of the days, we’re stuck at home to stay safe so we’re now more accustomed to ordering our pantry essentials, supplements, beauty products, home essentials, and food online.

    For meals, my go-to apps are usually GrabFood and Foodpanda. I’ve browsed through their lists of restaurants, shops, and cafes so many times that I already know which ones are new, which ones promote deals and discounts, and which ones are still closed. 🙂 But… life’s too short to be bored!

    The good news is that The Figaro Group accepts orders for next-day delivery and even same day delivery! To us, this means more food options to choose from. Here below are five reasons to get your cravings satisfied with delicious meals delivered straight to your doorstep!

    Tien Ma’s and Figaro Coffee Offer Online Delivery! 5 Reasons to Order Now

    1. Affordable gourmet meals are just a click away!

    Despite being only at home, we’re super busy doing work so there’s really no time for me to learn new recipes, cook, and prepare decent meals. Luckily, The Figaro Group has Gourmet Mealboxes that are priced only at ₱100 each.

    Get Pork Teriyaki, Breaded Chicken Karekare, Pork Sisig, Roasted Pork, Chicken Arroz ala Cubana, and Stir-Fried Chicken at reasonable and excellent value. Everybody loves these familiar comfort food, and it couldn’t be easier to enjoy them in the comfort of your home. These ready-to-eat gourmet meals can be stored for a few days. Place them inside the freezer or refrigerator, and just heat them up before eating.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CARvNUBn9e_/

    2. You get the best of both. Add items from Tien Ma’s and Figaro Coffee to one cart and check out in one go!

    If you can’t decide where to order, why not opt for a feast and order from both! Tien Ma’s has amazing food on the lineup, like three cup chicken, stir-fried beef and broccoli, sweet and sour fish fillet, seafood fried noodles, and more. Figaro Coffee has a bunch of food on their site, including rice meals, bread, pastries, and coffee. This is a good chance to treat your entire family and put a positive spin on the lockdown, without having to queue out of the door and down the street. 😉

    Trio De Queso Ensaymada (₱300, 4 pieces)
    Trio De Queso Ensaymada (₱300, 4 pieces)
    Trio De Queso Ensaymada (₱300, 4 pieces)
    Trio De Queso Ensaymada (₱300, 4 pieces)
    Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli (Large) (₱440)
    Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli (Large) (₱440)
    Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet (Large) (₱475)
    Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet (Large) (₱475)

    3. Ordering is made easy and convenient with lots of payment methods.

    The site accepts payments via Credit Card, Debit Card, Paypal, and Bank Deposit. You will receive a system generated SMS confirming the receipt of your orders. Orders made through Credit Card, Debit Card and Paypal will automatically be processed. Once payment is settled, you have the option to either have the items delivered or pick them from their commissary located at #33 Mayon St. Barangay Malamig, Mandaluyong City. Minimum for order delivery is ₱100.

    4. Send cakes to friends and family when celebrating a birthday or a special occasion. 

    Figaro Coffee has Mango Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, and Chocolate Cake that you can send to your loved ones. In light of the current coronavirus situation, I know it’s hard to find really good cake suppliers so we’re lucky enough to get these cakes now via delivery.

    Whole Carrot Cake (₱860)
    Whole Carrot Cake (₱860)

    5. Get food delivered even after the ECQ.

    Many of us are missing the experience of dining inside a restaurant. I know I do. Unfortunately, it will take us a long time before things get back to “normal.” To recreate this experience somehow, restaurants that have launched delivery services with nicely packed meals like the Figaro Group help us survive the journey. Hopefully, they can expand their online menu soon. I’m dreaming of Tien Ma’s hakaw and xiao long bao! ❤

    The Figaro Group Online Menu