OneHappyPinay

How to be an Australian Registered Nurse

2017-01-30T01:37:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone! It's been such a long time since I've posted anything on my blog. If you look through my post from 2 years back, I wrote about my pathway to being an Aussie RN. This write-up is similar only with add-ons from my personal experience.

In 2014, I decided to fly here to Australia and like most of you who are reading this now, I was completely clueless. Fast forward to 2017, I am now an Aussie RN working in beautiful tropical Cairns (where the Great Barrier Reef is at) in Northern Queensland. I'm on a Permanent Resident visa too. Here is my Journey and the How-To's.

First... To be an Aussie RN, you have to do either a Bridging course or a conversion course. A bridging course is a quick 3 month course to train you on Australian nursing standards. This will cost you anywhere between 11,000 AUD to 16,000 AUD. This is the common pathway for those who have at least a year's(? experience). Now if you don't have any experience at all, you can do the Conversion course which will take you about a year. It's almost the same as the bridging course but you will need to do more homework and unpaid work experience (duties). I'm not sure how much it costs but from asking friends, they say fees go somewhere between 20,000AUD to 28,000 AUD. If you're stressing out about the Conversion Course's tuition fees, don't fret because since you'll be staying longer, you'll likely get a student visa that allows you to work 20 hours a week. You can work as a Assistant In Nursing or AIN in a nursing agency and early $20?/ hour or any work so long as you don't go over your hours (immigration might flag you down if you do). Either/Or, the end result is you become an qualified RN.

Now for the paper bits... you will need 1) to be a Philippine Registered nurse/ NLE board passer (you will need to request proof of this from PRC later when filing) , 2) pass the IELTS/ proof of english skills, 3) proof of employment (for those doing the bridging course) and 4) ready all the police checks in the Philippines (NBI) and police checks for any country you have worked at in the past (Saudi, from what I've heard, takes a while to process police clearances so organise this early), birth certificates, marriage certs etc.

Once you get all the documents sorted, you check AHPRA's website for foreign nurses' , they will have a checklist for you to do a tick and flick. The gists of it is you apply for an "eligibility letter" from AHPRA (Australia's nursing PRC equivalent). AHPRA will only handout the eligibility letter to those who qualify for it (read above and AHPRA checklist). Think of this letter as like a clearance slip. The whole process will take you 6 months as AHPRA will have to check and verify your documents. Once you do have this letter, you can now start looking for a university of college that offers your course (Eg Bridging/conversion program). The university will ask for you eligibility letter to ascertain that you are fit for the program as the bridging and conversion courses are only offered to those who have done their Bachelors in Nursing (RN BSN). Once you've chosen a university and have paid the deposit, they will give you your enrolment/ acceptance to uni letter. You will need this to show to the Australian Immigration for Visa Application. I'm not sure about show money requirements and if you do need them (I think you would though, probably 500k to 1 mil pesos?) just to show that you do have means to support yourself while you're studying here.

When you've enrolled for the bridging course, they will likely issue you a visitor visa (I can't remember what kind of visa, i will get back to you guys on that). The visitor visa will only cover the length of time your course would take you and you won't have work rights (no part time work). If you've applied for the Conversion Course, you will likely get a student visa that will cover you for the length of your studies and it will come with 20 hours per week work rights. You will undergo a medical checkup first before they approve your visa.

Once you have you visa, have flown to Australia and have done your course, here is the next few steps... Your goal is to get a better visa that allows you full work rights. The top aim is to get a Permanent Resident Visa or a second choice is a work visa. if you've done a bridging visa, you have 2 options. Your clock starts ticking the minute you enter Australia. When you've finished your bridging course, you can either fly back home to the Philippines to apply your permanent resident visa (PLEASE check if you qualify for a PR visa early on. You can check at the Australian immigration website. It's usually a visa 189 or a visa 190) or you can extend your visa by taking up another business/ management course (immigration will issue you a new student visa that covers the length of your new course). Use this extension to file your PR visa on Australian shores; you can still work part time while doing your second course/ study.

To apply for a Permanent Residency Visa, you will need your 1) Australian RN registration/ License (You will have this after finishing the bridging/ conversion course) and 2) ANMAC certification (you will send copies of all the documents you have submitted to AHPRA for the eligibility letter). The registration usually takes 2-4weeks after graduation. You will then use this along with your other documents to apply for ANMAC certification. ANMAC takes roughly 3 months to press (on shore/ if you apply it in Australian soil). Once you have your ANMAC letter, you can then apply for PR visa (Refer to Australian Immigration website to see what visa you qualify for). The visa process takes 1-3 months if processed on shore. The PR visa will cost you around 4,500 AUD (?. Please refer to Australian Immigration website for this).

Now if you don't have the time or money to do the above, you can try seeking employers who are willing to sponsor you. Not all employers are qualified to sponsor overseas nurses. Working visa is often a visa 457. This will take roughly 2-6 weeks to process. This gives you full work rights but will limit you to only working for the sponsoring employer (no sideline jobs/ extras). This will cost you around 1,500 AUD. The working visa is a good way to buy you time (rather than taking up a course and spending $500 every month on tuition) while working on your PR documents and processing.

I know it all sounds overwhelming and expensive but working in Australia has been very rewarding for me. I find that Australia values their workforce and would avoid overworking employees. The pay very well too! Overall, the expense would be 12,000 AUD for tuition, 1,000 for tickets, 200/week on rent/food/transportation and around 2,000 for a work visa or 5000 for a permanent resident visa. I spent roughly 20,000 AUD to get to where I am now but don't fret, you will earn it all in 1-2 years as nurses earn an average of 60,000/year or 45,000 annually when tax is deducted. If you're very frugal with how you spend your money, you can rent a room while you're working (200/week with food and bus ticketsX52 weeks in a year=10,400) . If you do the math, your take home pay in a year would be 45,000-10,400=34,600 AUD per year or 1.2M pesos/ year.

*This is a blog to share my personal experience. Its my way of helping fellow filipino nurses find their way around Australian Visas and Australian nursing pathways. This is only a rough sketch to give you guys an idea. I have not proof-read this as its 330am.. my brain is slowly logging off. I hope this will help someone out there some how. I will likely not go online for another year or so so please, if someone (a fellow Aussie RN?) has something to add , write down on the comment section below for our fellow kabayans to read. Mabuhay!

How to be an Australian registered nurse-- the FAST way (personal experience)

2014-03-02T15:31:00.002+08:00

How it all started...
Unlike most people, I didn't take nursing to go abroad. It was suppose to be my pre-medicine course. As you've guessed, I didn't pursue the latter due to conflict of interest. I wanted to travel and medicine wouldn't let me until I was old and grey. (LOL)

So after 4 years of getting my nurse license, I opted to go aboard to work instead. I've considered US, Canada, UK and Aus. I called up my friends living overseas and asked them how they're fairing. Those in the US were pretty stressed and the UK ones said it's difficult to save up there since the cost of living is almost equal to your pay cheque. That leaves me with Canada and Australia (New Zealand is pretty far from home and isolated so I skipped out on that one). I chose Australia instead as it's nearer to home and plane tickets are cheap. PLUS... Australia ranked as on of the best places to settle down/ migrate in the recent 2012 and 2013 surveys.

Which leads me here.... Processing my papers and stuff. I started thinking about of working abroad around June 2013 and got serious early August 2013. The only way to work in Australia (and New Zealand) is to take their bridging course. The bridging course (A.K.A ARNTP or IRON programs) is a 2.5-4.5 month course that orients you to Australian nurse policies and laws. From the word itself, it Bridges the gap between practices in your country and theirs.

The whole process looks like this....

You (Philippine RN)---> Australia's Bridging program--->You (registered/qualified Aus RN)

and this takes only a few months instead of several years :)

What you'll need:

IELTS (no score below 7 out of 9) and must not be expired.
Min. 2 years nurse work experience-- recent (hospital experience preferred for this blog)
Money (prepare approx. 1 million pesos). Don't worry, ave. wage for RN there is 200k/mo
Passport (make sure it's not expired)
All necessary paper works (NBI, NSO, PRC etc)

The Process begins:

IELTS:

First order of business-- IELTS or the International English Language Testing System. For Australia, you're required to take the Academic IELTS and score no lower than a 7 on all exams (perfect is 9). I took the exam late September 2013 and managed to pass on all score (Yey me!). Remember, the IELTS has an validity period of 2 years. Make sure yours is not expired or at least have a 6 month allowance for processing time. If you get your IELTS, process your papers right away.
*Read my article about My IELTS experience. Tips and insights included :)

Do it solo or by Agency?

Once I got past the IELTS, I had 2 options... get an agency or do it myself. One thing you should know about me is that I'm too scared to do stuff on my own. If I process it by myself, there's a good chance I'll be going to Australia on my own since I have to find my university on my own.
Lucky for me, I bumped into a friend who's planning to study in Australia too AND she knows an agency that knows a fast track course... FWES or Friendly World Education Services ( Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robert.morris.589583?fref=ts) has brought many nurses like me abroad (I know a couple of these people). They're not a recruitment agency, they're an agency that helps you get in one of the top university in Australia-- UniSA or University of South Australia.

You're probably asking me... WHY BOTHER with an agency? here's the deal... If you do the whole process manually/ solo, you will need to go to APHRA (PRC equivalent in Aus). The whole process takes about 4-6 months then you'll start to look for a university, this takes about 2 months.. The manual process takes around 6- 8 months sometimes more if you don't know what you're doing.

Personally, I would recommend FWES because they scan and check your documents for you before you process them and they also prod you to fix your papers regularly so you won't laze around. The BEST reason to trust them is that they let you in to UniSA (University of South Australia) super fast due to them being recognised agents. UniSA, being a top university, allows you to take their bridging course even if you don't have your APHRA papers yet. Of course, you still need the APHRA certificate but you won't have to wait for it in the Philippines. This saves you 6-8 months already. You can start your course WHILE your APHRA is being processed. UniSA will only take in students they know will pass the APHRA requirements. In short, UniSA will pre-approve you. If they know you'll pass APHRA requirements, they'll let you start.

FWES charges around Php 25,000 for evaluation and document assistance as well as VISA application. You'll only need to pay p5,000 first then the rest (php 20,000) is payable when you get your visa. They also have an optional package. For an additional p25,000 , they can help you find your student lodging and get you a part time work in an aged care facility while you're studying (you can probably earn 200 AUD/week). Not bad; It can help you pay your rent. Again, this is optional. I'm thinking of availing it now :)

Paper works for UniSA:

Since I've signed up for <The agency> (and studying in UniSA), I have to submit supporting documents to UniSA. These are documents you should submit to APHRA (as mentioned, they pre-screen you if you'll pass APHRA).

Certificate of Employment (CoE)

Should have hospital letter head
indicate year started and if full-time or part time
how many hours per week ave (40hrs/week for full time)
what department
> you can request this from the HR department. They usually know what to do :)

College Diploma
CV (resume only very detailed)

Personal Information: name, gender, birth date, marital status, nationality, religion
Qualifications Obtained: elementary- college, passed PRC, passed IELTS
qualifying examinations: IELTS, NLE etc
clinical/ procedural skills: certificates eg BLS etc. not really needed
work history: must coincide with CoE
Duties and responsibilities: Job description (should come with your CoE)
seminars/ trainings attended:
registration history (PRC)
reference: 2-4 is good. include position/institution/city/ contact no.

Passport: front page copy
RN Rating: request from PRC
RN certificate: Request from PRC

**I sent this to FWES for reviewing. Once my documents cleared, they submitted it to UniSA. UniSA's reply to me took about 1 month and 1 week. They sent me a Offer of Admission.

Enrolling for the class:

The whole fee is around 15,950 AUD I think plus mandatory student insurance of around 350 AUD. I paid approx. 16,300 AUD for it. You can pay via telegraphic transfer or credit card. We opted to pay via TT instead. My friend paid through Banco De Oro. BDO doesn't transfer via AUD currency so they had to covert Php to USD. I don't recommend you try BDO though because the value fluctuates daily. She ended up paying extra since the conversion fell short of the tuition fee. I recommend you try Bank of the Philippine Islands. They convert your Php to AUD so the university gets the exact amount due. Do note that banks charge additional p600-1500 (I forgot how much exactly) for service fee and legal documentation. The whole process takes about an hour. Don't forget to bring your Letter of Offer as the payment details are printed on it.

Once you have the deposit slip and other sheets of paper, scan and send the copy to UniSA (address is attached to their Letter of Offer). They'll reply in 3-4 days with your Confirmation of Enrollment.

VISA

If you check their website, www.immi.gov.au , they have a number of visa for every applicant. It can get overwhelming and confusing. FWES recommended that I apply for the Streamlined (fastest visa) student non award 575. Unlike other visas that take 2-3 months processing, this one takes only 2 weeks to process. You just need any of the following...

NSO live birth
NBI/ police clearance
Certificate of employment
passport
ID with photo
Diploma
*Most Important.... Confirmation of Enrollment.

>>> NO SHOW MONEY needed :)
I applied online. It's faster that way. all you need is to register to their account and type in your Confirmation of Enrollement code. I had a slight problem with this because the site didn't recognize my code. Turns out, the site won't work on Mac. I opened it on Windows and it worked (Yipee!). Submitting the requirements takes an hour. The site's really easy to navigate.

Student Visa 575 costs around p23,100. Don't forget to ATTACH supporting documents on the last page of the site and ARRANGE your medical checkup.

Medical Checkup

The medical's pretty easy to arrange. There are several clinics certified by Australia immigration. They have one in Salcedo Makati, Cebu and Davao. If Cebu and Davao clinics are booked, you can fly to Manila. The only people there are the staff. Just call them in advance.

For the medical checkup, you'll need the following:

4pcs passport size photos
2pcs carbon copies of your passport (front page)
p5,650 to cover the medical test (chest x-ray, blood extraction, urine test and visual acuity).

It's a good idea to bring extra cash. my friend and I were asked to pay extra for a crea test. They said it's SOP if they found anything in the urine.

**Results of the tests are directly forwarded to the embassy. This means, you can't get a copy of the results no matter how much you badger the staff (yes, I saw someone do this while I had my test.)

UPDATED!

I got my visa super fast! just over a week! So I'm here in Australia now. I came here March 22 which is autumn season. It's cold and I love it! Everything's so neat and clean... and the people are really nice and friendly (no bad encounters/ racial discrimination at all!). We got set up in Modbury which is around 20 mins away from the city. This might sound far but it's really not since the bus stop is right in front of the building and it drops you off almost at the front of UniSA. There's no traffic which is such a relief.

UniSA

UniSA is a beautiful school. I have nothing bad to say about it. I've studied in one of the best universities in the Philippines but nothing even compares. And there are a number of Asians too so you'll feel just at home (hehe :) )

It's been really busy lately. We've started school on April 1. School's challenging but very rewarding and informative. At first, i wasn't expecting to actually work hard at it but UniSA expects a lot from their students. Just come here already! it's really nice :)

I'll try to update this blog when I have the time. it's so difficult to write and do the chores and study at the same time. :)

How to tell an Authentic LV Neverfull Ebene from a replica or copy

2013-11-08T23:29:00.000+08:00

***This article is solely dedicated to help LV enthusiasts and newbies to identify authentic LV neverfull ebene from a replica so knock yourselves out ;)

A few decades ago, replica merchandise was so badly made that it was a joke to own one. Times have greatly changed though. Now, even seasoned veterans take double, triple and even multiple looks to determine the bag's authenticity. China really did its homework copying authentic wares.

Whether you're buying a brand new authentic LV, a used one or a copy, this might be able to help you choose the right one for you and your budget. So here goes! :)

1) Photo of LV neverfull (side view). Can you tell which is authentic?

The authentic is on the left side. The authentic LV always pays close attention to patter details. They avoid cutting and/or ruining the pattern hence the perfect square pattern at the sides.

Now... that wasn't so hard was it? :)

2) Photo of the zipper and logo. Can you tell which is authentic?

The authentic one is the upper photo. Notice the sides of the zipper is dark brown in color while the fake one is red. Also the lettering on the inner pocket is imprinted finely with a metallic paint. Do note that it doens't always have to say made in France. Some authentic bags are made in the US.

3) **Just a quick note. The serial number at the back of the inner pocket is not a guarantee of authenticity. Most replicas have serial numbers now. I won't provide a picture since it's not really relevant.

4) Photo of the leather and gold hardware that holds the drawstring in place. Can you tell which is authentic of the three?

The top photo is the authentic. The middle one is a really good copy while the bottom is a common/ not a close copy.

The key giveaway is the indentation around the triangle leather. Most replicas tend to skip out on this minor detail. Also notice the shape of the leather. The authentic Neverfull has a smooth rounded tip while copies are either too sharp or too rounded.

5) Photo of the drawstring stitches. Can you tell which is authentic?

The top photo is the authentic LV. The other two at the bottom are copies.

The genuine LV neverfull has its drawstring stitched in place (to anchor itself to the gold metal hardware) instead of locked in place with a gold rivet (?)- refer to middle photo. The bottom most photo is a very good replica.

6) Shade, Material and hardware.....

Honestly, I can't provide you with photos for this. The shade just varies a lot especially with various color settings on the computer screen. I do notice that fake bags are made with almost the same material as the original though. The PVC material used are fireproof (doesn't discolor even with direct contact with fire) and the gold doesn't tarnish or blacken if you light it up with a lighter. Again... amazing for a replica bag!

Here are just a few things I personally notice in both authentic and replica LV Neverfull ebene bags. Honestly, I found the whole ordeal of telling which from which very daunting and exhausting. There just aren't enough articles and photos online to help thrifty Louis Vuitton shoppers find the best photo for comparison.

-----------CONCLUSION:------------

Here's my take on the whole LV thing....

While I've personally never owned a replica of anything, I have no qualms with people purchasing them. If you spot a very good LV replica that's a fraction of the original price, why not right? (okay, let's be honest with ourselves--- We love a good bargain).

The Neverfull retails about Php35,000 abroad while Philippine LV stores retails it for Php 44,000+ (due to tax). A very good copy like the one mentioned above is sold online for around Php 4,000-Php6,000. The bad copy I've posted for comparison a while back is from Greenhills, San Juan. Stalls sell them for p1,350 (they originally gave it at p4,500. TIP: ALWAYS haggle when in Greenhills because in the Philippines, EVERYTHING is negotiable ;) )

Do comment, like or share if you have ideas, photos and stories! I'd love to hear your stories too! :D

MY AHPRA (Australian Nurse Bridging program) blog-- on hold.. took a different option. check my other post

2013-08-15T03:21:00.001+08:00

I graduated and took the Nursing Licensure Exam (NLE) last Nov 2009. After passing the exams and getting my license, I was stuck in a rut. To relieve my boredom, instead of working right away, I decided to backpack travel around Asia. Don't get me wrong, I was quite productive in the last 4 years post grad. I had a thriving business and I also had an online writing job that keeps me busy. It wasn't until a few months ago that I felt the call of going abroad to work.

So.. this blog is a written (detailed) accounting of my Australian bridging program quest. I'm doing this on my own. Agencies charge extra 100k-200k for processing. My friends, who are already working in Aus, told me to do this on my own as the instructions are direct and easy.

Diagram would be something like...

1) IELTS ---> 2) AHPRA doc. submission --->3) AHPRA replies in 4-6mos ---> 4) if okay, look for Aus School with Bridging Program ---> 5) Get accepted in the school ---> 6)Get back to AHPRA---> 7)cleared ---> 8) Australian Visa ---> 9) 3 Mos bridging program

**Based from what I've gathered, the whole process from start to finish takes about 12 months to 18 months.

STEP 1: be prepared for the following requirements....

MONEY..it will cost you 1M to 1.3M (school, processing, lodging, food and others). I heard from someone about a "fly now- pay later" deal on some agencies. Try asking around. They will definitely cost you more but at least you won't have to cough up all that cash on a rush.
EXPERIENCE: At least 1 year experience is a must. A 2-year tertiary hospital experience might land you job in Australia faster.
IELTS: Ace the test. You need at least a score of 7 on all categories. IELTS result expire (in 12months?) so make sure you have all your documents ready before you take your IELTS. Your results might expire even before you have the chance to use it.

STEP 2:Gather all your paper works. (Started on step 2: Aug 14,2013)

NBI: (fast processing if you go there around 2pm. Processing is brisk. If your name doesn't have a "hit", it would take you 1-2 hours max. If you do have a hit, it will take you a month to get your NBI clearance. They have express processing that cuts the time from 30 days to 20 days) Reg. rate is p115-p160
School records: Official Transcript of Records. Summary of RLE. Medium of Instruction. Lecture and Laboratory hours. Course description. --Have at least one carbon copy of each page and have stamped as a certified true copy just in case. Paid p932 for everything (depends on the school and their rates)
----------------------PRC: (still working on this phase...)---------------
FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND INSIGHTS!
I kind of need the help too. I'm so clueless about some of the processes! thanks!

Step 2: Register for IELTS

You need to register at least a month in advance before the exams.
Fee is around p9,000.
#2 passport size photo (blue or white background) and your passport (bring original and photocopy)
REVIEW DILIGENTLY especially on the essay part. A lot of my friends told me the essay part is a killer.
A GRADE OF 7 or more in all categories is required to pass (perfect score is 9)

My Chemical Face Peel Diary

2013-03-30T03:55:00.002+08:00

It's been a while since my last update so forgive my bout of laziness. I was busy doing something else (like getting info for this article).

After my laser hair removal phase, I've decided to give chemical face peeling a go. I was never one to say "No" to beauty regiments and such. It all started when I met this lady in a review class. You can't miss her in a room full of people. Why? because she's bond paper white! I kid you not-- She's super white, it's abnormal. We became very good friends though. As it turned out, her family runs a beauty spa that specializes in body peeling. They mix and make their own astringents and blends. It took me 2 years to finally cave in and try to have my the skin on my face peeled off.

BODY PEELING 101:

HOW IT WORKS: A special acid is used on your face and neck. It's like a very concentrated form of maxi peel. The smell is pretty sharp (like acetone? or super concentrated eskinol?). The chemical varies in strength (mild to strong). The stronger the acid, the deeper the peel. The mechanics is simple.... burn your old skin so your new skin can come out. It only burns or injures the cells on the top part of your skin. Is it painful? YES. It is. I have to be very honest with you, readers, about this. I have a high pain threshold yet I would still scale the pain at 7 out of 10. The technician will reapply the acid on your face 3x or until she is satisfied. The application process would take around 30 minutes? All the while, a fan was directed on my face to reduce stinging and for me to avoid breathing in the sharp acid fumes.
WHO'S THE PERFECT CANDIDATE FOR IT? If you have blemishes, dark flat peklat, skin discoloration, pimples, wrinkles, freckles or if you just have dull skin-- you are a good candidate for it. It's also a good option for those who want a lighter skin tone (gustong maging maputi) My friend/ owner of the salon, told me that she used to have a client with a birth mark on her cheek. She was very insecure about it. After multiple peeling sessions, the dark mark was lighter and the size is down to 20% from the original. Since you keep peeling the old layer, your skin keeps making new skin cells that are blemish- free.
WHO SHOULDN'T TRY IT: This is a NO-NO for pregnant and lactating women. It can cause brain defects (common is hydrocephalus) in babies.
HEALING TIME: The pain lasts around 24 hours. The redness (lobster red skin) lasts around 10 to 14 days.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Pain, redness and Skin tightening. Your face feels like leather before it peels.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHEMICAL FACE PEELING

My skin condition post peel:

I don't have a big issue with my skin. It's fairly clean with barely a pimple in site. My only problem is that I feel it's a bit dull. Manila's stress and pollution can do that to you. I just want to get rid of my old skin.

Day 1: The technician tied my hair back and wrapped a band on my head to clear the hairs away. They also made me remove my necklace and top. I wore a wrap (tube style) so the acid won't stain my blouse.

The acid was gradually and evenly applied on my skin with a long BBQ stick wrapped with cotton (like big cotton buds). The cotton was soaked with STRONG concentration acid.

Initially, the acid didn't hurt. After 10 minutes, the acid started to burn and sting. After another 5 minutes, I requested the electric fan on my face at full blow. It was difficult to breath; the acid fumes felt like it was burning my mucosal lining. The whole procedure lasted around 30 minutes.

The instructions were pretty strict--- DON'T WASH IT. DON'T PICK OR TOUCH YOUR SKIN. and it if itches, take anti-histamine/ anti- allergy tablets. You can only wash/ wet your face on the 3rd day.

I went out of the clinic with my skin slightly pink and flushed but after an hour, my face was as red as a tomato! Seriously, I was lobster- red. No amount of powder could hide it. You can't use liquid foundation too (No liquids on your skin until you peel off).

Day 2: Still lobster red and my skin feels super tight and dry. No peeling yet.

Day 3: The peeling started on the sides of my nostrils then around my lip area and on the sides of my mouth. I didn't touch it instructed. I had a warm bath after that. You can't use any chemical on your skin just yet.

After my bath, I noticed the skin started to really peel. I used a very soft towel to rub it gently (I was curious and excited). The skin started to peel by the chunks (?). I pinched the dead skin and tugged, a large skin section peeled off like magic! Imagine a snake peeling its skin! The skin underneath is soft and a bit moist.

I went back to the clinic as advised and they peeled all the dead skin for me. The did a facial on my new skin. My skin was really thin/ fragile (It bruised easily when I tried pricking a blackhead).

Day 4: The clinic gave me a maintenance kit. I will try to give you an alternative product based on the kit.

My daily ritual was this....

Morning: Apply ice on my face and neck for 3 minutes. Then wash my face using honey. Bathe. Apply moisturizer and sun block. CAUTION, don't use your usual moisturizer and sunblock. It will sting! Remember, you have a very fresh new skin. Instead, purchase Maxi- peel care products. They're designed for peeling skin.

Evening: Apply mild peeling astringent. YES. Another peeling (it really stings). I honestly don't know why I need to do this as I've already peeled before. I want to give it a go for the next 2 weeks just to finish the whole process BEFORE judging. Then sleep and repeat the whole process in the AM.

Day 7: keep applying the sunblock and always moisturize and hydrate.

My skin is still red though it's more of a pink-red (not lobster red). I don't know if it's due to the strong peel session or because of the mild maintenance peeling (included in the set). I have been peeling lightly everyday. I try to avoid peeling it manually.

TO BE CONTINUED... :)

Day 10:

Day 14:

CONCLUSION:

PERSONAL OPINION:

My Review on Laser Hair Removal Clinics in Manila

2012-04-02T04:56:00.002+08:00

In my quest to end my hairy monkey days, I scouted the best clinics in Metro Manila to have my laser hair removal sessions. I ended up trying out 3 different clinics. Here is my honest (personal) take on these clinics. Don't hesitate to comment!

-Lots of love, SunnyB ;)

LASER HAIR REMOVAL CLINIC REVIEWS

Shinagawa clinic, Makati: This is, hands down, the best clinic I've tried. Their staffs are very professional! The clinic is quite intimidating but the prices are really affordable! laser hair removal for underarms cost 1,500/session and Lower legs cost 4,000/session. Always ask for discounts,DON'T BE SHY! They have all sorts of promos like buy 3 take 1 laser sessions or free laser genesis facials. They also have 0% installment for 6 months(which I availed)! What I LOVE about this clinic is their pre-screening. Their inhouse dermatologist will really take the time to assess your skin, explain the procedure and basically reduce your anxiety. YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS.

I had 6 Underarm session and 5 lower leg sessions.
This is their FB page. **http://www.facebook.com/Shinagawa.Lasik.Aesthetics

La Estetica Clinic, Ortigas: Sorry to say this but La Estetica is a below average clinic. It may look nice on the outside but service is bad. :/ I only went here because I bought promo laser hair removal vouchers online. It contrasts greatly with the service I got from Shinagawa. The staffs are indifferent (dedma) and they don't have pre-screening procedures. You basically walk in and have yourself lasered in less than 20 mins. I wasn't informed of how laser works or what to expect. The only thing the nurse who worked on me said was "mam, medyo masakit po ka, parang pitik ng rubberband)" and "wag basain ang area for 6 hours". Their machine is PAINFUL. It felt more like a light electrocution rather than a rubber band snap. TAKE NOTE: THIS WAS DONE ON MY BIKINI LINE. Would I recommend this clinic to you? No. This is my honest opinion. :/

I had 2 bikini line sessions here
this is their FB page **http://www.facebook.com/LaEsteticaDerma

Body Accents Clinic, Ortigas: I LOVE THEIR MACHINE! Their clinic isn't as pretty as the other two clinics mentioned above but it more than made up for it in customer service and the actual session. Their staffs are nice and friendly. What I love about their machine is it's ALMOST PAINLESS. Also, the tip of their laser probe is wide( almost the size of a female's full thumb). This means it can cover a larger area with less shots and it takes only a few minutes. You can visit them at 1143 Citiland tower, ADB avenue. It's the blue bldng behind Robinsons galleria (ADB wing, The one with Fridays Resto. Do ask for their promo. You might get lucky! Ask for a package deal, they sell their laser hair removal session for 3,000 ,10 sessions! They used to post this promo online but now offer them in their clinic directly. If they hesitate, you might want to tell them your friend availed it and told you about it. They may change their minds ;)

I had 1 underarm session and 8 brazilian sessions here ( or 16 laser hair removal session. 1 for my bikini line and 1 for my labia or female lips).
PS. a full brazilian means you also get rid of hair on your female folds. It's a FULL job! a bikini line laser will only get rid of hair on the top and sides of your front V. Most clinics charge double or more for a full brazilian laser hair removal session. Ask your clinic about this first.

Personal Review on 7DAYS SLIMMING COFFEE

2012-04-02T02:43:00.001+08:00

Okay, so I know the right way to lose weight is to eat right and exercise regularly. But hey, not all of us have the time (and the determination) to do those things. Hence, slimming powders, juices and, in this case, slimming coffee, is a fairly good (not to mention easy) solution. I hope it works! *fingers crossed!

INFO ON 7DAY SLIMMING COFFEE (as written on the pamphlet)

*PS. I'm copying the paper per word. All grammatical errors are not my doing :P

About: 7 day coffee is a very effective slimming coffee and a very popular product, with no side effects and dependence. 7 days effective, scietific methods and ofter thin, easy, east a simple, short- term achievement of the perfect curve of dreams! 7 Days thin coffee taste is not only a good weight-loss drinks, a good helper is refreshing , ideal for those who stay up late working to lose weight.
Fashion drink:

green health: drinking 7 days slimming coffee is like drinkig a good and fresh aroma cofee, it has no side effects.
Deep Detox: Drinking 7 days slimming cofeee can fully rule out the intestinal abrosption of toxins, more than double the nimral detoxification products, while accelerating the speed of gastic persitalsis, thoroughly cleaning the body envirmonment.
Maintain body shape: Drink 7 days daily, it less 40% of stored fats, can maintain good physical shape and gradually lose weight.

Features:

no need to control appetite, no diet, no diarrhea
mainly fats of the waist, legs, back and arms. Will not pose threat to the breast.
will not rebound
beauty corrected
pure natural plant extracts, safe to ake, no side effects.

Main ingredients: coffee and tea powder, garcinia cambogia (HCA), fruits and vegtable fiber, minerals and vitamins
shelf life: 2 years.
applicable persons: Obesity post partum obesity, adolescence obesity and the need to keep slim. Applicable to stubborn obesity and repeated ineffective weight loss.
Size: 12 packets x 10g
Usage and Indication: Drink a pack once daily before breakfast, drink more water for optimal results

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH

7DAYS SLIMMING COFFEE

* Do know that the body reacts differently from person to person. I'm a moderately fit 20 something lady. I weight around 118lbs, 5'2 tall.
*As a person with a medical background, I feel that most slimming juices are APPETITE AND THIRST SUPPRESSANTS as well as STIMULANTS. I would advice you to drink plenty of water (at least 2 liters) to keep your cells and skin hydrated. Also, try not to skip meals. It will slow your metabolism down. Since it's a stimulant, take it only when you need to stay up. If you're a call center agent, drink it before your shift starts :) and PLEASE, if you're pregnant or suspecting that you are or if you're lactating, ask your doctor about it. :/

Day 1: April 2, 2012

I poured 1 sachet of coffee in hot water. The taste is OKAY, I guess. It looks a little pale. I added half a teaspoon of kopiko (brand) coffee to give it color and extra taste. I notice though that after the first 10 minutes of drinking, my tongue and mouth felt very dry. I've drunk like a liter of water in the last hour or so. I've also peed 3-5x in the first hour. My mouth still feels dry though. :/

Day 2: April 3, 2012

In the AM: I can't believe how strong this coffee is! It kept me up the whole day! literally 26 hours. There are no headaches or other discomforts. Aside from peeing a lot on the first 6 hours, I felt my tummy slim down but I'm not really sure (maybe wishful thinking on my part).
In the PM: I can't tell you how happy I am to finally experience Drowsiness! I slept 8pm... but then I woke up at 1am. My sleep seems to be shallow and short. I also woke up feeling gassy. oh, and my mouth still feels dry. It's been 23 hours since I drank my first slimming coffee.
.... followup... at 3am, I realized I wasn't just gassy, I had a mild LBM. Hindi naman explosive or grabe ung abdominal cramps though. The stool consistency was semi solid unlike ung mga diet chinese teas na maiyak ka sa cramps.

Day 3: April 4, 2012
*I skipped coffee today to give my body time to adjust and rehydrate.

Day 4: April 5, 2012
I realized that the coffee helped me regulate my bowel movement. Okay i think siya for people who are constipated. Of course, you'll have to drink lots of water too para hydrated cells and skin.
I drank the coffee at 8am today. It's very important to drink it 30 MINS BEFORE meals. You can feel the effect better. Same lang side effects for me (dry mouth, sweating, frequent urination and low appetite). Make it a habit to much on a sandwich even if you're not hungry. SKIPPING MEALS IS A BAD IDEA. mag lag metabolism mo later on.

Day 5: April 6, 2012
I skipped coffee again. Nakaka insomnia xa for me. :/

Day 6: April 7, 2012
I feel slimmer. Hubby and I haven't seen each other for a month due to work. He can't stop commenting on how much weight I've lost. I lost fats around my arms, upper chest near the neck, upper waist (below the boobs, and the front part of my tummy. I'll try to post pictures soon.

So far, everything feels and sounds okay. I don't think I'm going to drink the rest of the coffee packets. I'm satisfied with my current weight. Any more weight lost would make me look and feel emaciated or haggard.

oh, and I think I'm going to make hubby drink the remaining coffee or I could let him try a different brand and flavor of slimming drinks. I'm eyeing Leisure18 slimming chocolate drink since hubby is partial to milo. lol. I'll let you know how it goes. :)

CONCLUSION: April ?, 2012.....(to be cont'd in a week)

How laser hair removal works

2012-04-01T03:57:00.002+08:00

Are you thinking about getting your unwanted hairs off permanently? the fastest and easiest way to acheive that is with laser.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Laser works to target dark pigments. This is why laser hair removal is ideal for people with light skin and dark hair roots. The laser will pass through your light skin and target only your dark hair root. Never pluck, thread or wax your area at least 4 weeks prior to your laser hair removal session. The laser needs the dark roots to targets.

Laser emits a small amount of radiation to destroy hair cells from dividing (growing) so it's not advisable that a pregnant or lactating mother try it. Laser will ONLY work to permanently kill your hair roots when your hair is at it's active growth stage (anagen Phase). There is no way for anybody to know which stage of growth your hair is in. That's probably why laser hair removal requires multiple sessions. After repeated laser exposures, you're bound to hit those tough hairs.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

Most people ask me how many sessions of laser hair removal is needed. Basing on my personal experience, my lower legs took me 7 sessions to achieve near hairless state, My underarms need 7-8 session and my full bikini (brazillian) took me 18(and counting) sessions. By the way, I have fair Asian skin with black hair (not so coarse).

**These are the things you'll need to know before, during and after laser hair removal:

BEFORE: Never pluck your hairs. Your nurse or doctor will need to asses your skin and hair first. You'll also need to ask your clinic how much it costs and if they have installments plans and discounts. Do know that laser sessions should be spaced at least 30 days. This will give your hair roots time to grow so your laser light has something to target.

DURING: Do expect some pain. I've tried 3 different clinics and I can tell you this--THE MACHINE THEY USE MATTERS..A LOT. Some machine works better than others like the Gentle Candela Yag laser used in Shinagawa Clinic, Makati.

Some machines hurt more than others. The only way to know which machines or clinics to go for would be to scout for reviews. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of blogs and reviews about them here in the Philippines. Do click my link on LASER HAIR REMOVAL CLINIC REVIEWS to know more about my experience with them.

Before all else starts, you will have to wear protective eye wear. Your nurse will also have to prep you up by shaving your hairs. Some clinics apply a clear gel on your skin to prevent burns and accidents from the laser but that depends on the machine used. When the laser is turned on, expect a degree of pain. If you have low pain tolerance, take a painkiller pill around 20 minutes before you session. Don't wear deodorant and lotions on the skin you want lasered.

*I noticed that the more the laser stings, the more effective it is. Low frequency settings don't hurt much because there isn't much heat produced but not all the hairs fall off.

AFTER: Ask your nurse or dermatologist for anti-itch prescriptions.Your skin will turn red. It's also normal for your hair follicles to swell or form red dots. This is actually a good sign that the laser is hitting your hair roots. Try to avoid the sun for a while. You should also keep the area dry 4 to 8 hours post laser. Don't scratch if it's itchy! Apply the recommended lotion, cream or take the anti- itch tablet as prescribed.

The cool part happens after 7-10 days. This is when your hair starts to fall. You can actually pluck them off without feeling anything. To remove the dead hair, use a cloth or loofa while in the shower.

MY BEFORE AND AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL PHOTOS:

(will update soon)

My daily maxipeel diary

2012-04-01T03:40:00.002+08:00

I have clear unblemished skin. This is probably my best asset but lately, the skin on my face looks dull. I never tried peeling before. It was only around 2 weeks ago when I found myself interested in it. There are a number of things you should consider before peeling. I'm sharing my experience with you guys in the hopes of maybe being a help to someone. *Don't hesitate to comment! :)

Here is my personal experience with MaxiPeel.

DAY 1
AM: I shopped for the following:

Maxi Peel solution 2 and 3
cotton balls
maxi peel sunblock.
maxi peel moisturizer

PM: I washed my face with warm water and a mild cetaphil facial wash.
I used maxipeel solution #3 (strongest) on my skin. The reason here is to help jumpstart the peeling phase. The box says to keep the wipes in upward motion. Do avoid rubbing the solution multiple times on the same area. You can get uneven peeling or skin burn.
I also included my neck (below my chin and all the way to the nape)
After it the solution dried, I applied seseame oil (Neutrogena). I forgot to include the MaxiPeel moisturizer when I was out shopping.

DAY 2: same procedure/ no noticeable effect.

DAY 3: Same procedure/ My cheeks were red and a bit sore. There is also mild peeling on my nose.

DAY 4: Same procedure/ I regretted applying Maxipeel on my sore cheeks. I guess if you feel your skin tender, you should give your skin a break and skip the Maxipeel for 1-2 days.

DAY 5: Skipped Maxipeel solution on the red and sore spots but applied MaxiPeel solution #2 on areas that haven't peel yet. I also applied lots of moisturizer and sunblock. USE ONLY MAXI PEEL MOISTURIZER/ SUNBLOCK. Using other brands, even the very mild ones will make your skin BURN. Mahapdi kasi I think merong alcohol or chemical xa na matapang. Remember, very sensitive pa skin mo nito.
Peeling is also very visible today. I read somewhere that you should wash your face with warm water and rub your skin gently with a soft towel in circular motion to remove the dead skin. I tried this and it works. Just avoid overdoing it. It will do you more harm than good...trust me..

DAY6: Skipped maxipeel solution. My face is still sore. I'm beginning to have regrets. :( But I have always been an optimist. I feel that it's going to be better in 3-5 days:)

DAY 7: Skipped maxipeel solution. I don't think I have to anymore. The only part that hasn't peeled yet is at my nape area. My skin isn't as red as it was this morning through. It's also not as scaly, dry, leathery and sore.

DAY 8: My neck started peeling. I made the mistake of rubbing the dead skin too much and peeling it manually. My neck is also itchy :( .I scratched it an I made several scratch marks on my neck (as in sugat!). I had to apply concealer and makeup to hide the damage. The neck part seems to be the last to peel off. I think kasi mas makapal skin sa neck kesa sa face. Don't forget to moisturize and apply sunblock on your neck too!
2 weeks after first maxi peel use:

I've heard most people say maxi peel made them darker (or mas nakaka itim xa). This didn't happen to me at all. Basically, yes, umitim ako pero that was before and a few days after applying maxi peel. The skin was red and parang maitim because maxi peel prepares your skin to peel. After a week, I was back to my original skin color and tone. My skin feels a little smoother though.

*(update!)- Recently, I've started using papaya kojic soap during the peeling stage. It burns and stings but I find the pain tolerable. It makes for faster peeling though. I have since use this soap to help with mild daily exfoliation. People have notice my skin to be a little more pinkish and translucent. Just don't skip out on the moisturizers because papaya kojic soap strips the skins' natural oils leaving you face dry and prone to wrinkles.

Would I recommend using maxi peel?

Well... Yes and NO. It depends. If you're using maxi peel, make sure you know it takes 2 weeks to see results. Don't be quick to judge the product. Let your skin heal first before commenting. If you work indoors or if hindi ka maxado na aarawan, maxipeel is great! pero if you work outdoors in direct sunlight, good luck talaga. @_@ Apply lots of SPF and wear a baseball cap. You should even wear your cap even inside the jeepney just to be sure. It's better to be safe than sorry. :) I feel it works great on people who often have pimple breakouts and uneven skin tone. Just remember-- maxi peel should be used with caution. :)

Honestly, there are other peeling product out there to try. MaxiPeel is a bit extreme. If you just want to exfoliate or reduce mild pimples or to lighten your skin a bit without too much peeling, try to look at other products first. I'll try to post another peeling cream alternative soon. :)

Things to remember:

Avoid applying the astringent to areas that are already sore/ red. Give your skin a break. I noticed peeling hastens up if you skip 1-2 days from MaxiPeel.
Always moisturize! I'm serious about this. Go for the maxipeel moisturizer or something very mild. Anything strong will sting your face.
Always wear sunblock and a hat. For me, I locked myself at home for a week. Lucky for me, I can take my job home with me. Never expose your skin to the sun. You seriously don't want to have uneven dark patches.
Be patient. :) Don't rub, pull, pick or manipulate your skin. You'll only irritate your skin.
DON'T use the strongest solution (#3) for longer than 3 days. Switch to a lower strength (#2 or #1) to avoid burns.
PIMPLES do come out on the first week. I've read some call it purging (sign of the dirt/ toxins coming out of you system?). I'm not sure. Just don't prick the pimple. Let it dry out on their own.
ITCHINESS... Yes, once you start peeling, you'll start feeling itchy. DON'T scratch! I suggest taking antihistamine or anti allergy medication during the day or before going to bed. Scratching it can lead to wounds that leave dark scar marks over time.