Tuesday, August 18, 2015

What is Acne Purging?


Some of you readers may not believe in acne purging but based on my experience and observation it does really exist.

What is purging ?
         - it is a process of "worsening of acne before it gets better". This is the initial reaction that occurs when you start using acne treatments like chemical peels, retinoids, BHAs (beta-hydroxy acid), glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or those treatments that make you peel. Acne treatments unclog pores, kill acne causing bacteria, control excess sebum production, get rid of dead skin cells. In the process of unclogging pores, they accelerates acne to come out earlier than you expect due to the exfoliation process and this might occur as a white/black head or inflamed red pimple.
  • And yes I experienced it. I was about to give up, I felt stressed about it and self conscious. But I gave it a try for 10 days.

4days after I use acne treatment August 9, 2015 morning
See how bad that is. It was embarrassing to go outside. I refused any invitations and cancelled my errands appointment because of that. I didn't want to go out.

August 9 2015, afternoon
My blemishes are not so angry in this pic.

August 10, 2015 morning
As you can see the redness is subsiding.

August 10, 2015 night
Getting better...

August 12, 2015 1am onwards
Wow! I can feel and see the result.

August 13, 2015 morning
After almost 10 days I can see improvement on my skin. I decided to just continue and be consistent with this acne treatment.

I am still experiencing little red bumps but not as much as when I was on purging process. Maybe two or three little red bumps and some blackheads that came out and healed on their own.

-------------------------------

I am using Fairness and Flawless Acne Cure Lite treatment. It cost me 255pesos here in Cebu. On their site it says that the package includes PowerHouse Noni Soap and Blemish Doctor Astringent. But when I bought it, it came with Koji-Care toner inside the package as well. Maybe its a promotional offering or just a mistake.

Acne Cure Lite Set

Blemish Doctor
Blemish Doctor astringent , you can buy it separately as well. This can be harsh when you use twice a day so I suggest maybe just using it only at night. It stings like hell if you use it twice for two days. So I guess listen to yourself as well if you can't take it just use it once a day.


PowerHouse Noni Soap 
I like the PowerHouse Noni soap a lot. I can really see the difference every time I use it, day and night.
Don't forget to put sunblock everyday.


Koji-Care Toner
I use it every morning after 10 days of using acne treatment.


Overall verdict, I found this product very good because it does the job and its affordable. And I would recommend it to a friend. But there is no magic in terms of making yourself beautiful in your own eyes or to other people. The key as well is to eat healthy, sleep right and drinks lots of water.
BE POSITIVE!

I am not connected or affiliated to Fairness and Flawless. I just want to give my honest review of my experience with it. 

You may contact me via email : xandraferrera@gmail.com  if you want me to give my honest review of your product.




















Friday, June 26, 2015

Dumaguete (City of Gentle People)


DUMAGUETE is a city in the province of Negros Oriental and indeed a "City of Gentle People". Based on my experience, I don't feel any harm, pressure, crowdedness or irritation. I feel free, comfortable, relaxed and just enjoyed the place.

I love Dumaguete
There are two ways for you to get there. Either you travel via a combination of land and sea or by air.
If you are from Manila you may want to fly directly from MANILA to SIBULAN AIRPORT also known as Dumaguete AIRPORT. We chose to travel by combination of land and sea since here in Cebu we have easy access to Liloan Port from South Bus Terminal in Cebu City. 


Ceres Bus
       South Bus Terminal- you must ride a Ceres Bus  going to Bato-Oslob-Liloan Port
                                         (Aircon 175pesos/ Non-Aircon 162pesos)
                                        - it takes 4 hours approximately to get to Liloan Port.

       Liloan Port to Sibulan- Santander Express (62 pesos) it takes 30 minutes approximately.

       Sibulan to Dumaguete - ride a jeep (15 pesos) it takes 15-20 minutes approximately.

fares are subject to change from without prior notice*

There are lots of reasonable hotels where you can stay comfortably. We chose NovoTel because it is just adjacent to malls, restaurants and Rizal boulevard.

Rizal Boulevard
Rizal Boulevard is a place where you can just simply relax , enjoy and admire the beauty of Nature while looking across at the Island of Siquijor. It is a perfect place to bring your children, family or loved ones and spend quality time together. If you like to exercise, walk or even jog you could do it there. Just a friendly reminder SMOKING is not allowed.

view from afar Rizal Boulevard 


Sisters of St. Paul Chartres

I didn't get to see much in Dumaguete, it is so HOT in day time I can't stand the heat while walking for a few hours. But tasting food and desserts at SANS RIVAL CAKES And PASTRIES comforted me.

Silvanas
It is a cookie version of Sans Rival made from a layer of buttercream sandwiched.
It cost 140 pesos for 10 pieces

Chocolate Lava Cake
*this is not my photo credits to CupKaye of Foodspotting.com

It cost 60 pesos
Geez this lava cake tastes so good that you will find yourself speechless while eating it. 


cheesy lasagna
It don't remember the price of this since my friend paid for it :), but not more than 100 pesos I'm guessing.

SANS RIVAL CAKES And PASTRIES is a place you must try. They are well known for their pastries and cakes. There are no branches outside of Dumaguete, so if you you really want to try and taste their specialty you might plan a trip. It will be worth it, believe me! Friendly reminder if you are planning to buy some pastries as presents for your loved ones back home you might want to reserve in advance because they are popular and sell everything out quickly.



In my next post will be my trip to Valencia, Negros Oriental that is located west of Dumaguete.


Map of Negros









Monday, June 22, 2015

4 Easy Steps to Get a PhilHealth ID




PhilHealth ID is one of the government-issued IDs that you can get fast if you are in need of valid IDs.

REMINDER: Bring a black ink ballpen and old ID or a copy of your PhilHealth Number.

1. Either find PhilHealth Branches near you or else you may go to SM Malls Government Services. Get your priority number and wait for your number to be called.

2. Fill-up the form they'll give to you. (It consists of your Full Name, PhilHealth PIN or Number, Birthdate and Signature.)

3. Submit the form that you just filled up and wait for them to call your name again.

4. Once called they'll give you your PhilHealth ID and your done.

It only took approximately 10-15 mins for me to get my ID in SM Government Services Cebu. It might take longer at PhilHealth branches but the good news is there is no FEE to pay .

*You may register and check your PhilHealth contributions online at www.philhealth.gov.ph .

Friday, May 29, 2015

5 Easy Steps to get UMID (Unified Multi-purpose ID)


UMID(Unified Multi-purpose ID) is the single ID card for GSIS, SSS, PAG-IBIG and PHILHEALTH. One of the useful ID if you don't have any passport or any other primary valid ID's.

*REMINDER: Bring black ballpen with you and xerox of one or two valid ID's that you have, just to be safe xerox atleast two of your valid ID's. 

APPLICATION FORM <--click it for lists of valid ID's and to download.

1. Either find an SSS branch near you or else you may go to SM Malls Government Services, get your priority number and wait for your number to be called. (my suggestion is go to SM Malls more convenient, faster and it's not too hot)

2.  Fill-up the form that they'll give to you. (They will have example there as your guide for sure, so please make sure to have all the information correct, use capital letters, black ballpen and no erasures.)

3. Submit the form that you filled-up along with the xerox of your valid ID/s, and wait until your name is called.

4. Verification of your details: Name, Address, Father's name, Mother's maiden name. You will be asked to sign on an electronic signature pad and have both of your thumbs and index fingers scanned.

5. Photo capturing: earrings and smiling are not allowed, long hair must be tied up or kept behind shoulde (for ladies and gentleman who have long hair). After photo capturing staff will ask you to scan your right thumb again to save your picture and they will give you your claim stub.

*it takes 2-3 months maximum to get your ID. Wait it on your mailbox or you can check it at a POST OFFICE near you.


-I'll keep you updated once I get my UMID.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Vigan, Ilocos Sur Philippines - What I See.. (New 7 Wonder Cities of the World)


*this trip is March 2014

Calle Crisologo
The famous street in Vigan Ilocos Sur because of it's classic old houses and structures. You will never feel the Vigan vacation inside you if you never walk or get to see this street. It seems like when you say Vigan this is the picture you will imagine on your mind.


Calle Crisologo (Day time)
During day time this is what you can see on this famous street, little knick knacks shop/ boutique where you can buy your souvenirs or presents for your loved ones back home. Kalesa(carriage) that you can ride roving around the Heritage City of Vigan.

Plaza Salcedo and St. Paul's Cathedral 
Every night  on this site they have a dancing fountain show to see at 7-8pm. One of the things you should witness as well while you're in Vigan.

dancing fountain

Just 1min and few seconds of video, more than 100mb of video is not allowed for posting here.(sorry)


Plaza Salcedo (daytime)
                 
St. Paul's Cathedral


BELL TOWER
lots of steps to Tower
brief description and welcome note
                                             

 It is really high, where you will pass through wooden stairs that is old as well I guess, so be extra careful when you go up there.

       

To visit things around Vigan there is some places that you might think that is far but not really or maybe it depends to where you are staying, we just walk from Calle Crisologo (where our hotel located) to Plaza Salcedo and St. Paul's Cathedral to Bell Tower. I guess walking is one thing you should have in mind if your seeking for an adventure or explore such things on your travel. It doesn't  just save you money from transportation but you exercise as well.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Holy Crystal Cave (Camotes Island)


" Keep nothing but MEMORIES. Kill nothing but TIME. Leave nothing but FOOTPRINTS.Take something but PICTURES. "
"Be prepared to be amazed, expect the unexpected" - Mr.Avito's line


Entering on this cave on your own is a BIG NO NO, based on Mr. Avito it is locked with latin prayers so no one can just easily go inside there without him(good to know ).


Cave history
Because of his passion and dedication on things maybe that's why he is the chosen one to discover such "gem" like this cave.                
Do's and Don'ts
Please do respect this Do's and Don't, don't be such "pasaway" disobedient, if it's not allowed to touch, DON'T. I know we humans is curious on lots of things, it's like "Adan and Eve's" curiosity about "Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil" fruit.


Entrance to the Cave
It looks tiny hole but you'll get in there fine.  :) Are you nervous now ? (ahaha)    

Human Bones
This is what Mr. Avito found inside the cave. (I apologize for the not so sharp image flash is not allowed he said upon entering the cave)          


         Stalactites with studded crystals and dripping water                     
Stalactites(it looks like rib of something)       
Sparkling Stalagmites
Geez!(expression) I am in love with the sparkly thing. 
     
Stalagmites and Stalactites 
They are about to join together into a single column.


Sto. Nino (like structure)

How to get to Camotes Island??


How to get to the Island of Camotes? (via Cebu). It's really easy to get there once you are here in Cebu since port of Danao is accesible from here.

                                         

You can ride a bus from NorthBus Terminal to port of Danao or you can ride jeep for Danao in Highway Maguikay for 30 pesos. May I suggest that, book or reserved a ticket early when it's peak season it is really crowded, some people go there in the morning and availability of their travel is afternoon.

From Port of Danao to Port of Consuelo
                -Roro Vessel( Jomalia Shipping)  - 180 pesos for non-aircon(economy) and 200 pesos for aircon(tourist)
                -It takes 2 hours approximately.

Once you are in Port of Consuelo there is lots of habal-habal(motorcycle) it cost 50 - 100 pesos it depends on your destination or where you will stay. I suggest renting a motorcycle/scooter for 500 pesos a day. It is because habal-habal is too pricy, I will not blame them because tourists spots there is really everywhere and far.

Enjoy your stay in Camotes Island, there is places I didn't discussed on my previous post of Camotes Island. We are not able to visit them, lack of time, we just stayed there overnight.

*note that prices and schedule is subject to change without prior notice

If there is anything I can help you with feel free to comment or email me at: xandraferrera@gmail.com



Here's the schedule:

Time         Port of Origin      Port of Destination      Vessel

MORNING
5:30AM    Ouano Port       to      Poro              Ave Maria pumpboat
5:30AM     Danao Port            Consuelo      Jomalia Shipping*
6:30AM     Danao Port            Consuelo       Super Shuttle Ferry
8:30AM     Danao Port            Consuelo       Jomalia Shipping*

9:00AM     Pier 1(Cebu City)   Poro              Golden Shipping Fastcraft
11:00AM     Danao Port            Consuelo       Jomalia Shipping*
10:30AM    Danao Port           Consuelo       RJR pumpboat


AFTERNOON
1:00PM     Danao Port     to        Poro             Super Shuttle Ferry
2:00PM    Danao Port              Consuelo     Jomalia Shipping*
5:30PM     Pier 1(Cebu City)    Poro            Golden Shipping Fastcraft
5:30PM    Danao Port              Consuelo     Jomalia Shipping*


9:00PM (Friday,Sat, Sun ONLY)    Danao Port              Consuelo     Jomalia Shipping

*Jomalia Shipping  schedule and Fare- updated as of April 9, 2015

Fare is 180 for Economy and 200 For tourist

Contact Number for Jomalia Shipping - 032 346 0421


*credits to CamotesBestPhotos for schedule information.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Camotes Island, Cebu Philippines



Sun Rise over Camotes Island (I don't know if you can see from there)
Camotes Island is one of a few islands that you might plan to visit. The island is located east of Cebu. Travelling to this island is pretty exciting for me because I always love to travel or when I can I guess. I can be your little sweet explorer while your reading this, but don't expect me to bring you somewhere that is not on my topic( hahaha ). But, let's move on, I'll discuss on my next blog how to get there, for now I'll discuss places I have visited. It would'nt be a lot of places that you can see on this post but for me my trip there was worth it even though its just an overnight trip.

Where I(with friends) stay?
Aliyanarah Lodge  is a reasonable and affordable place if you want to save some money for your vacation. Don't expect too much I hope, you get what you paid for this kind of lodge/hotel. But I am happy with my stay there. Staffs are friendly and accommodating.


front of lodge

rooms view 1

rooms view 2
It is located in Poblacion, San Francisco Proper which is heart of Camotes. This place is accessible to eatery, Agora Market and Baywalk. So probably you won't starve when you stay there. It is 30 to 45 mins. ride from Consuelo,Camotes Port so my suggestion(if you like) is to rent a motorcycle/scooter. They don't have much public transportation available for people or you may bring your car/s or scooter/motorcycle with you. Advantage of having transportation with you is you can go anywhere you want without a hassle of commuting.

                                                        Baywalk                                                           
Baywalk2
As you can see the road is clean, it is one thing you would love about the place.

Lake Danao Park
Lake Danao Park also known as Lover's Lake it is situated within town of Campo and Union, north of Santiago Bay and Mangodlong, it's a perfect place for family as well as groups and of course for lovers. They have such activities you can do such as : Kayaking, Boat Paddling, Zorb and Horse Back Riding. You can spend your leisure time having a picnic or just simply relax on the shades and with a cool breeze.                                   
                                                  must try activites                                                                   
Fish boat