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Why You're Seeing More Dogs and Cats in Airports
Thursday, May 23, 2019
animals
If you travel by air quite regularly, then you have likely noticed an increase in the number of dogs and cats that you see at airports.
Ever wondered why this is?
Here is everything you need to know...
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| Why are you seeing more dogs and cats in airports? |
Emotional Support Animals
One of the big reasons as to why you're now seeing more pets at airports is due to the increase in emotional support animals out there.
What is an emotional support animal?
An emotional support animal, or ESA for short, is an animal that helps a person who is suffering from a mental disability.
Unlike a service animal, who is trained to perform specific physical tasks, an ESA provides their therapeutic benefits simply by just being there.
ESAs being allowed on planes is nothing new...
The Air Carrier Access Act, which states that an airline must allow an ESA in the cabin with their owner at no additional charge, was passed in 1986.
So, why the sudden increase in ESAs?
It is partly due to the number of ESA websites that are now out there. This makes it easier than ever for a person to obtain an ESA letter for themselves.
Of course, there are also many scam websites out there too, meaning that people who don't necessarily need an ESA are being given an ESA letter.
Fortunately, this is something that many airlines are now cracking down on. This not only applies to fake paperwork, but airlines are now also taking steps to ensure that an ESA has been trained to handle the stress that comes with flying.
Airport Animal Therapy Programs
Flying can be stressful, and there aren't many people who would disagree!
Many airports try to ensure that they have facilities in place that encourage passengers to relax, whether this may be quiet restaurants, massage stations, yoga studios or anything else. Some airports are taking this further by introducing animal therapy programs.
What is an airport animal therapy program?
It basically involves airport staff bringing in animals to help passengers with stress relief.
Some airports have an ongoing animal therapy program, while others choose to bring animals in only during peak travel times.
Of course, dogs and cats tend to be the most common types of animals used for these programs, but some airports are starting to diversify a bit...
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| Animal Support Program is used in various airports of the world. |
San Francisco International Airport has a therapy pig to help calm people down, while Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport used to use miniature horses to keep stress levels low in their ticketing section.
These animals have been trained to be accustomed to the many different sights, sounds and smells at an airport. Unlike a normal pet, these animals would not be stressed or spooked by the hectic atmosphere at an airport, and it doesn't take long for their calm energy to transfer over into the passengers around them.
While it may seem surprising to see cats, dogs and other animals at an airport, this is becoming so much more common. This is great news for animal lovers, who would never pass up a chance at spending more time with an animal. However, when you see an animal at an airport, make sure that you always get permission from its owner or handler first, before going ahead and interacting with that animal. Learn more about traveling with a pet!
Hong Kong and Macau on a Budget using the iVenture Card
Sunday, May 19, 2019
asia
Are you planning on traveling to Hong Kong and Macau anytime soon? You may want to consider purchasing an iVenture Card to save you time and money. Through an iVenture Card, you can already gain access to Hong Kong and Macau's top destinations cash-free with just a single pass and you can save as much as 20,000 pesos! Amazing, right? Continue reading below to see how you can maximize your trip using an iVenture Card and if purchasing one is the right choice for you.
Vacation Places You Can Easily Commute to From Metro Manila
Sunday, May 12, 2019
featuredThere are many holidays in the Philippines. During some holidays though, it feels better to just stay at home and binge-watch your favorite TV shows than to drive to the beach. Especially if you’re the family driver and the travel time exceeds two hours, right? Good thing, there are numerous vacation places in the Philippines you can commute to via bus or other public utility vehicles.
Let’s focus on the vacation places in Northern Luzon other than the all-time favorite Baguio City. To visit these places we’ll enumerate below, you just need to head to the bus terminals in Cubao (Quezon City) and Pasay. Make the most of the technology available today and do your online research – know the routes, schedule, and travel time to your destination. All the information you would need are available on the bus company’s website. Remember, the best trips will always be those that are well-planned.
Here are six vacation places you and your friends and family may visit in the next holidays:
1.) Zambales
This place is top-of-mind of many people who want instantly think of a quick trip to the beach when they hear the word ‘holiday.’ This province in Central Luzon features nature & parks, sights & landmarks, as well as water & amusement parks. From Anawangin to Talisayin Cove, to Mount Balingkilat, Mount Pinatubo, The Hellships Memorial, and Inflatable Island - Zambales never runs out of offerings its visitors. Travel time to get there from Cubao is around 4 hours and 43 min via North Luzon Expressway.
2.) Pangasinan
Pangasinan is one of the most underrated provinces in the country, as people don’t recognize it just keeps on getting better and better each year. Among the choices you have here are Hundred Islands, Patar Beach, and the Bolinao Falls. First, to get to Hundred Islands, you may take the bus from Pasay City terminal that goes directly to Alaminos. you can then take a tricycle from the city to Lucap Wharf when you get there.
3.) Cagayan
Cagayan is a province located in the Cagayan Valley region in the northeast of Luzon Island, which includes the Babuyan Islands to the north. It borders Ilocos Norte and Apayao to the west and Kalinga and Isabela to the south. Cagayan’s capital is the city of Tuguegarao. You’ll enjoy this place if you’re looking for a trip to some of the most historic churches, caves, and cathedrals in the country. Still, you can chill in Palau or Santa Ana’s scenic islands with various beaches, seaside resorts, and
lighthouses.
4.) Isabela
Despite being the second largest province in the country and the largest in Luzon in terms of land area, very few people would go out of their way to spend a vacation in Isabela. To get there, you may take air-conditioned buses from Pasay in Manila or Cubao to major towns such as Cauayan and Santiago for 500-600 pesos one way. Travel time is around 8 to 10 hours depending on the stops.
As you visit, you'll see many premiere destinations with beautiful white sand beaches and islands in the coastal areas.
5.)Kalinga
The province of Kalinga is in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). How do you get there? Simply take a bus going to Tabuk via Tinglayan. Travel time is usually 3 hours. There are jeepneys that would take you straight to your destination. They say the scenery in Kalinga is probably the best anywhere in the Philippines. It boasts the gargantuan mountains crushing up against one another, as well as the ancient rice terraces that remain cultivated up to now, flowing down their sides.
6.) Nueva Vizcaya
Now let's talk about the major producer of citrus crops in the country, principally pomelo, ponkan and oranges - Nueva Vizcaya. Bet you didn't know its Agricultural Terminal in Bambang supplies
the demand of neighboring provinces and Metro Manila, right? One place you may visit in the holidays is the well-preserved church of San Vicente Ferrer located in Dupax del Sur. Interestingly, it was built during the second half of the 18th century under the Dominicans and was declared as a National Cultural Treasure.
Exciting, right? For sure, everyone would enjoy your upcoming visits to the places we’ve discussed, as all of you would be passengers. This means, no one would be deprived of the precious chance to meditate during the long travel. All you need to do is focus your energy in researching and booking your trips beforehand online. Indeed, one of the best things about the country is flexibility in every aspect of life – even, and more importantly, in the modes of transportation.
Macau in a Day: A Travel Itinerary
Macau is known as Asia’s Las Vegas for a reason. It’s filled with world class hotels with in-house casinos of matching grandeur. However, this reputation does not do Macau any justice. It is so much more than just a gambler’s paradise. Due to its close proximity, tourists visiting Hong Kong usually consider a day trip in Macau. With just an hour of travel time, visa-free entry and plenty of daily ferry trip schedules to choose from, visitors can explore Macau and get back to their hotel in Hong Kong by the evening. This one day trip travel itinerary will explore the things to see and do in Macau other than its famous casinos.
Nature Republic Opens First Store In Cebu City
Sunday, February 24, 2019
beauty
If I were to attribute my fondness for Korean Beauty products to a single brand, hands down, it would be Nature Republic. My K-Beauty journey began when I discovered their Aloe Soothing Gel, which I still use and recommend to skincare newbies till this day. Imagine my surprise when they announced that they were opening a branch of Nature Republic in Cebu City!
Nature Republic is a beauty brand from South Korea known for their nature inspired products. Their products feature star ingredients such as Argan, Aloe Vera, Bamboo, Shea, Bee Venom, and many more. Due to their effective and reasonably priced offerings, they have become one of the most well-known and trusted K-Beauty brands across the world.
With the K-Beauty craze taking over the Philippines, they started opening branches here since 2015. However, Nature Republic's first branch in Visayas, specifically in Cebu City, just recently opened last January 30, 2019. Luckily, I was one of the bloggers invited to witness their grand opening.
The store heavily features Nature Republic's Aloe Soothing Gel, as well as the rest of their Aloe Vera line. It is their best seller after all, with the former helping secure the brand a place in the hearts of people and getting worldwide recognition.
The shelves are meticulously arranged as well. There was not a product out of place! Trust that if you need to find a specific product, you'll definitely know which shelf to go to.
Sheet Masks overload! Sheet mask lovers will find heaven here since all of Nature Republic's Sheet Masks are available (may I also add, graciously arranged). You can buy 10 pieces of their sheet masks for 600PHP only. What a deal! See some of my reviews on Nature Republic's masks here and here.
Their salespeople are incredibly knowledgeable as well. They actually know what they are talking about. They are also very willing to help you decide which Nature Republic product is perfect for your skin type and which one will target your skin concerns. I enjoyed speaking to the salesperson assisting me. She was so accommodating and patiently waited for my indecisive self to finally make a decision!
Their store also features EXO merchandise, perfect for K-Pop fans in Cebu City.
Nature Republic is not only known for their skincare products, they also sell quality make up and beauty tools as well.
Best sellers are highlighted through their own section. This is really helpful for people who are still unfamiliar with the brand. It gives them some pointers on where to start exploring.
I'm glad we finally have a Nature Republic branch in Cebu. No need to make online purchases just to get their latest products.
The brand was kind enough to let us have a shopping spree. Take a peek at what I bought above. I'll make a review for items I'll try out. Some of the stuff I got are for my sister. I dragged her with me in my skincare journey.
If you love the brand or are wanting to try good quality Korean Beauty products, head on over to Nature Republic. For skincare newbies, I swear, their products are a safe beginning for your skincare journey.
Nature Republic's Cebu Branch is located on the 2nd Floor of Ayala Center Cebu (New Wing). See you there and stay beautiful!
Nature Republic's Cebu Branch is located on the 2nd Floor of Ayala Center Cebu (New Wing). See you there and stay beautiful!
5 Investments To Make During Your Mid-20’s (That Aren’t Money Related)
Friday, February 22, 2019
beauty
Due to widespread financial literacy, young adults of today are well aware that the best time to invest is NOW. Studies show that they are spending on investments more than ever, with percentages rising year after year. This is thanks to social media accounts (such as The Bright Millennial) that are bringing relatable financial advice on a layman level. With this strong focus on financial investments, we may miss out on a lot of other worthwhile investments we could be making during the peak of our early lives. Here are the 5 non-money related investments you need to make during your mid-20s.
A Guide to Traveling on a Budget
Thursday, January 31, 2019
featured |
| Traveling on a budget can be hard, but not with these tips! |
So, you’ve booked a flight from a seat sale, and you’re about to get jet set? Not so fast! Traveling on a budget requires careful planning both before and during the trip. Read on for some of our favorite tips here for seeing the world, without breaking the bank.
1. Travel Outside of Peak Season
It is tempting to travel during festivals and holidays, but these are also the times when airlines and accommodations post higher prices. Traveling outside of these busy times allows you to avail of special travel promos that can cut your costs considerably.
2. Book a Hostel Early
That suite at a 4-star hotel with room service and an in-house spa may offer the best in rest and relaxation, but these luxuries come at a high price. Most hostels offer comfortable rooms with amenities such as internet, cable TV, and a solo bathroom, but all at lower costs. Book a hostel room early to avail of lower rates and get that massage elsewhere.
3. Plan Your Itinerary Smartly
Every destination has its “must-see” sights, but these mandatory stops come with a caveat. Some places are also known as “tourist traps”, wherein less savvy travelers may end up shelling out on unnecessary services, tours, and the bane of everyone’s budget—souvenirs! Search online, read reviews, and ask seasoned travelers for recommendations that are off the beaten track, or for how to cut costs at the more touristy places. Look up museums, cultural festivals, outdoor shows, and other experiential attractions with free entrance or minimal door charges.
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| Utilizing public transportation can reduce travel costs dramatically! |
4. Take Public Transportation
Booking taxis or transport network services may be the fastest way to get you across a busy city. However, these trips can add up significantly even over a stay of a few days. Allot more time for travel, familiarize yourself with bus and train routes, and get walking! Acquiring passes or multi-use tickets upon arrival will help make your public transport experience more convenient.5. Get Local Food Recommendations
Venture beyond eating solely at fast-food restaurants or worse, at convenience stores (even if those microwavable meals and instant noodles are cute). Ask friends residing at your destination or even friendly faces such as your hostel concierge for their food recommendations. Not only will you cut costs significantly, but you will have the opportunity to be acquainted with a hallmark of another place’s culture: its cuisine.6. Watch Out for ATM Fees
Traveling without cash is very convenient, but there’s a drawback to relying on ATM withdrawals or debit especially for overseas travel. ATM withdrawals at your destination may have additional fees especially for cards issued at your point of origin. Make such transactions sparingly, and make sure to carry just enough of the local currency, always secured on your person!7. Be Haggle Savvy
It’s a common enough scenario at the market: you are offered an outlandish price for a beautiful trinket or rare good, but you are given the opportunity to haggle. Before springing for your “lowered” price, make sure that you have compared selling prices for similar items from different sellers. You might be paying for a seemingly marked down curio, only to find that you could have bought it for less just down the road! As with all bargain finds, check the quality of your purchases to make sure you are getting the best value for your money.8. Consider the Overnight Train
Traveling over land? Taking the night train is an efficient option to get you from Destination A to Destination B, without the added hassle of paying for an additional night at your accommodations. Just make sure to secure your belongings if you must snooze en route.9. Limit Pasalubong
Lastly, keep the excess weight off your baggage by buying ‘pasalubong’ smartly. Don’t buy heavy and fragile items or anything that can lead to unexpected overweight baggage charges.Having limited funds does not mean a damper on enjoyment. In fact, travelers regard a budget as an additional motivation to get the best value for their money when having a trip like no other. We hope these tips will be helpful to you, and bon voyage!
Note: This is a sponsored post.
Review: Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patches - A Bouquet For Your Undereyes
Sunday, January 27, 2019
beauty
Over about month ago, the Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patch was all over Instagram, with all its glittering pinkish glory. The Barbie girl vibes in combination with the Bulgarian Rose Water factor earned it a place on my beauty product envy list. Luckily, Go Bloom and Glow was kind enough to send a tub for me to try. Proceed below to read my review.
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| So pretty, right? |
About the Product
Perfect for tired eyes, this multi-functional Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patch not only brightens dark circles under eyes, but also helps skin stay firm and bouncy. With Bulgarian rose water as its star ingredient, each patch is full of skin-benefiting vitamins and minerals, plus ultra-hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. Made with unique highly elastic hydro-gel material that allows essence to fully absorb into skin for maximum benefits, the Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patch can also be used anywhere on your skin that needs extra care such as your forehead and cheeks.
Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Butylene Glycol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Sucrose, Potassium Chloride, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Calcium Chloride, Allantoin, Tripropylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Carmine, Calcium Lactate, Adenosine, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Titanium Dioxide, Disodium EDTA, Ethyl Hexanidiol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chlorphenesin, Arginine, Fragrance
How to Use:
After cleansing and toning, place the eye patch on the desired facial area using the enclosed spatula. Remove after 20-30mins.
By the time I got to try this, a lot of people here were already discussing the proper way on how to position and use eye patches. They said that if your concern is mainly eye bags then you should place the wider part of the patch under your eye. If your concern is wrinkles/crow’s feet, then apply it the other way around.
Price/Where to Buy:
PHP 1200; currently on sale for at Go Bloom and Glow for PHP 841 (buy now!)
My Experience
Packaging:
The hydrogel patches come in a tub that contains 60pcs of product. Patches are packaged this way to reduce the price of selling them individually. The tub is sturdy and has a pink chrome matte lid, which makes it a minimalist yet elegant design.
Upon opening the tub, you can see a plastic cover that houses a spatula. I find this especially effective because you don't run the risk of losing/misplacing your spatula. Packaging is not only pretty, but it also protects the product from drying out due to its security.
The packaging has an expiration date indicated. However, it doesn't specify how long after opening it will last. For previous eye patches I've used, they typically indicate a 2 month period after opening.
Scent:
I'm kinda biased with the scent. Although I am not very fond of fragrance in my products, I am a sucker for all things rose scented. So the product smelling like rose water doesn't bother me at all. It's not so strong anyway so I doubt it would be enough to bother anybody.
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| Look at that glittery beauty! |
Texture:
The Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patches are practically transparent, except for the glittery effect. They are the most gorgeous looking skincare product I have ever seen, like somehow it was conceptualized having Instagrammable goals in mind. They are also slippery and delicately soft but once you position it on your skin, it sticks very well. Essence is generous but never did I feel that it got drippy.
Application:
Using the spatula to take out the eye patches from the tub, honestly, was pretty challenging. The purpose of the spatula is that you don't need to use your hands anymore, so it doesn't get messy. However, I still find that I have to use my hands in conjunction with the spatula, careful not to touch the remaining patches inside the tub. The patches were way too slippery and I wished they used tweezers (but that would probably damage the patches, no?)
These eye patches are very cooling upon application. I opt to put this in the fridge before using to amp up the cooling sensation, great for relaxing the eye area. After 20-30 minutes, the patches are still moist, but noticeably smaller. This means that product has been absorbed by your skin. You can also reuse it on other parts of your face, talk about multi-functional.
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| Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patches when worn. |
I initially thought that these patches don't adhere very well. They tended to slip down and move out of place when I wear it. However, I realized that when you don't adjust it anymore after it has reached contact with your skin, the adherence is amazing.
Also, it did not fit my eye shape well enough. I think it was made having those with chinita eye shapes in mind. I have big almond shaped eyes. However, it did fit better than any eye patch I have ever tried. No eye poking problems too, yey for that.
If you don't want to use it as a patch, don't worry. It is water soluble and will melt in water, resulting in a beautiful sparkly serum.
Results:
I definitely did notice an effect on my under eye area. They were brighter, less puffy, moisturized, and less tired. Skin looks plumped and refreshed as well. I feel that it has given me the hydration my eye area needed. When I started using this, I didn't have any eye care products so it was glad that it was finally getting some love. Under eye circles are not fully gone but at least there is a noticeable improvement. Hydration didn't last as long as I would have wanted to though. I didn't see any effect of wrinkles. Brightening effect was not long lasting either.
I didn't have any problems with stinging nor did it made my eyes tear up.
My Thoughts
PROS:
- Packaging is minimalist yet feminine.
- Has a plastic over within the tub which holds an included spatula.
- Water-soluble so it is eco-friendly because it contains no waste.
- Can be used for other areas of the face that needs extra care.
- I found that it adheres well and easily hugs skin, including its contours.
- No harmful ingredients and parabens.
- Noticeable de-pufffing and brightening effect.
- Lovely rose scent.
- Essence left is not tacky once patch is removed.
- Good price for a hydrogel eye patch. Especially now that it is on sale at Go Bloom and Glow.
- Glitters makes me feel like a princess!
CONS:
- Spatula is hard to use to separate the patches.
- No visible effect on wrinkles.
- Scent can be negative for people who don’t like rose scents in their products.
- Hydration and brightening effects are not long lasting.
- Did not fit my eye shape well enough.
Final Thoughts:
I loved using the Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patch. Why? First and foremost, every time I use it, the glittery aesthetic makes me feel like a princess. That to me is important enough. Haha. Every girl deserves to feel like one.
The cooling sensation it provides is also so refreshing and relaxing. Love the rose scent too! Definitely a great way to end a tiring day of looking at my computer screen. For a more cooling effect, try putting it inside your refrigerator.
However, I did have trouble committing to using it on a regular basis because it does take a long time (20-30mins) to be especially dedicated to it. I don’t want to use it under my sheet mask because that would be a waste of product. Also, I am someone who is impatient in my routine so waiting times are my enemy. I like doing my routine and then dozing off to dreamland right after, so in other words, I usually fall asleep while wearing these patches. Is that bad? ??
If you are like me and can't commit to using it full-time, I recommend that you use it before a special occasion or alternatively instead of adding it as another step in your routine.
Overall, I enjoyed these eye patches and would recommend it to anyone looking for hydrogel eye patches to try. If you’re up for a princess-y experience, then don’t, I repeat, DON’T skip these Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patches.
Wow. Those are a lot of words. Didn't realize this review got way too long. Thanks for sticking with me.
Have you tried any hydrogel mask? Let me know in the comments section!
Note: Product was provided by Go Bloom and Glow. All thoughts are my own. Your product experience might be completely different from mine.
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JM's Shawarma - The Shawarma Made Especially For The Filipino Taste
Sunday, November 11, 2018
featured
In recent years, Shawarmas have gone to assume a reputation of being one of Filipino's favorite comfort foods. At the onset of its popularity, various Shawarma businesses were born across the country. One homegrown brand in particular, JM Shawarma, has great taste and humble origins.
JM Shawarma's owner previously served as a restaurant manager in an Arabic restaurant based in Dubai. On his return to the Philippines, he decided to start his own shawarma business, launching JM's Dubai Shawarma's first store in 2013. They initially served authentic Dubai Shawarma to their customers. However, the management noticed that this recipe was not a landslide hit for the Filipino's taste bud. They reformulated their products to fit Filipino's preferences, ending up with their current signature taste. The rest, as we know it, is history.
As of now, JM Shawarma has grown to over 90 stores nationwide.
Last September 2018, JM Shawarma opened a new full blown stand alone store in General Santos City. It took social media by storm, thanks to its Instagram worthy interiors. During my most recent visit to my beloved hometown, I did not pass up the chance to drop by the new 'it' restaurant in the city.
The JM Shawarma Menu
Although their wrapped Regular Shawarma is certainly the star of the menu, they have also launched other products to provide their patrons with more delicious choices. All of which were especially created to cater to the Filipino taste. Their menu now includes Shawarma noodles, Shawarma rice, All-Meat Shawarma, Nachos and the newly launched Cheesy Wraps. You can even customize your order with special add-ons. Their prices are incredibly affordable too.
The restaurant also features a juice bar where you can order your favorite Barefruit Guyabano healthy drinks.
The Food
We visited the store for a family dinner so we were able to try out a variety of products.
Regular Shawarma
Shawarma Rice
Shawarma Noodles
Cheesy Wrap with Mango Salsa
Nachos
Avocado Juice by Barefruit Guyabano
The Restaurant
The store, located in General Santos' Valley High, is tailored fit for the restaurant checklist we unspokenly have today.
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| See? Sockets! |
Creative statement wall? Check. Grass wall? Check. Cozy seats? Check. Wide enough tables? Check. Good Lighting? Check. Accessible location? Check. Well ventilated? Check. Last but not the least, plenty of comfortably situated electrical sockets for times when you're running low on battery? Double Check.
The staff is friendly and accommodating. The restaurant is well maintained and clean. Service was fairly quick too.
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| My model for the day. Hi Coby! |
The entirety of the menu is clearly displayed at the counter along with the product prices. The juice bar by Barefruit Guyabano is a nice touch too, offering healthy drink options to customers.
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| Can't believe these are frying pans. |
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| The things you can do with a broken rice cooker pot. |
It's also noteworthy that the decorative accents in the store are upcycled materials. (Upcycling is the way to go these days.) The lights (yellow) are made out of broken rice cooker pots. The statement pieces at the back wall are made out of old frying pans. Not too shabby looking right? You wouldn't even notice it. Props to the owners for being creative enough to come up with this.
Franchising
JM’s Shawarma, is looking for partners in its nationwide growth. Do you have what it takes to be one of their franchisee? Visit their website or contact them at franchise.jmshawarma@gmail.com for more information. You can also contact them on their Facebook Page for updates.
Branches
JM's Shawarma branches can be found nationwide. For a list of all their branches, please see here.
Have you tried JM's Shawarma before? Let me know in the comments below.
Note: This post is not sponsored in any way.
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Review: Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light
Saturday, November 3, 2018
beauty
Ever saw a product being given extremely positive reviews and you can't wait to get your hands on it, hoping it'll be the answer to all your skin concerns? Well, that happened to me for Elujai's Propolis Mrryh Ample Light.
The Elujai Propolis Mrryh Ample Light was raved upon by some of my friends from the Asian Beauty Community- Philippines. They said that it reduced their breakouts, lightened up scars and made their skin baby soft. My interest was fueled further with new Propolis products sprouting here and there. It seems to be a promising 'it' ingredient recently. You can only imagine my excitement when it got restocked at Dara Beauty Market, a local Kbeauty shop in Cebu.
First things first before we proceed with this review. A brief introduction for the star ingredient, Propolis.
What is Propolis?
Propolis is a resinous mixture that honey bees produce from tree buds sap flows. When they combine the sap with their own discharges and beeswax, they create a sticky, greenish-brown product used as a coating to build their hives. as well as function as a natural disinfectant against bacteria. This property of protecting the beehives is said to apply the same way to our skin. (Source)
It is even said that Egyptian Pharaoh Cleopatra, ancient icon of beauty, started using propolis (then used as an embalming ingredient) on her skin.
It is even said that Egyptian Pharaoh Cleopatra, ancient icon of beauty, started using propolis (then used as an embalming ingredient) on her skin.
Propolis Benefits:
- It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral.
- It smoothens and softens skin.
- It is moisturizing.
- It soothes inflammations.
- It is free-radical fighting.
- It controls oil production.
(Source)
About the Product
Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light is an ample/ampoule which contains honey extract. It gives moisturizing abilities on the skin, prevents dryness and helps to manage moist skin. Also, it improves the condition of the skin and manages healthily with royal jelly extract, propolis extract and etc., because it stimulates the circulation of a cycle on the skin. Effects: Anti-Wrinkle, Whitening Functional Cosmetics.
Ingredients
Purified Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Denatured Alcohol, Niacinamide, Propolis Extract Powder, Red Ginseng Water, Green Tea, Shea Butter Extract, Bergamot Leaf Extract, Peppermint Leaf Extract, Chamomile, Triethanol Amine, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-6 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Adenosine, Sodium Iodide, Dipostassium Glycryrrhizate, Fragrance, Powdery Martian Extract, Manganese Berry Extract, Leaf Bend Flower Extract, Freesia Flower Extract
How To Use
Apply 3-4 drops on clean face and rub or gently pat on entire face.
Price/Where to Buy
130 PHP at Dara Beauty Market.
My Experience
Packaging
The product comes in a 15ml amber colored glass bottle. The bottle also contains a dropper for hygienic and convenient application. The bottle doesn't seem full upon opening because some of the product is already inside the dropper. You can easily see that the dropper is made of cheap materials because it's not as sturdy as other droppers I have tried. Product is so cheap that I can let this go. I love the packaging overall. It looks elegant and is extremely photogenic. I do wish they'd package this in bigger bottles.
Scent
I love the smell! It smells like baby powder and that may bother some people but I honestly love it.
Texture
Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light is, by its namesake, very very light. You can even apply this during the mornings. The liquid is clear and a bit viscous but is not too thick either. Texture allows it to be easily spread throughout the face.
Application
Dropper makes application easier. Product is easily absorbed by the skin. Immediately, I feel my skin is smoother and moisturized. I also noticed that I felt some soothing feeling on my existing pimples. It doesn't leave the skin feeling tacky too.
Results
I slowly incorporated it into my routine and it did not work for me at all. Not only that, after a few days of use, I had some tiny bumps and pimples all over my chin! I am acne-prone but I don't usually breakout in this area so I do not think that this is purging. Also, the pimples that developed were also itchy which is not common for me. Some were huge and some were small in size. I have to admit that it did moisturize my face and I did see how soft it made my skin.
I decided to stop using it and my breakouts started to heal. I gave it another chance after a few weeks and boom, just like that, same effect. I woke up with new bumps and pimples on my chin area again. 😱 I knew I had to stop using it since my skin was reacting negatively.
 |
| My breakouts were large and inflamed which is not common for me. |
My Thoughts
PROS:- Very cheap.
- Lovely bottle.
- Comes with a dropper.
- Light and is not tacky.
- Moisturizes skin.
- Smells like baby powder.
- Soothes breakouts.
- Softens skin.
- Made me breakout.
- Not easily available or always sold out.
Although Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light worked for so many people, it sadly did not work me. I wanted this product to work so bad because I love how affordable and soothing it is. I really love the powdery scent too! It did moisturize and soften my face but the effect is not worth all the breakouts that were popping out.
I also wanted to thank this product. It made me realize that my skin does not receive honey based products well. In skincare, it’s beneficial to find out what ingredients your skin likes and what it loathes so you know what you want to avoid.
I still won’t discredit Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light. It did work well for a lot of people, so it might just work for you. If you’re not sensitive to honey, then it might be worth a try. If you are, then heed my warning and STEER CLEAR!
Repurchase?
No.
Have you tried Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light before? Let me know in the comments below.
Note: This post is not sponsored in any way. All thoughts are my own. Your product experience might be completely different from mine.
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