SHOW ME YOUR LOOK TODAY

Jessa Herbal Beauty Soap (Bicol)

2019-02-22T00:11:00.000+08:00

It was September 2013 when my father suffered a major stroke. As the family was coping, my good friend Kevin sent some herbal medicines for my dad along with some bars of a certain herbal beauty soap. That’s how I was introduced to Jessa, an all natural carrot-papaya herbal beauty soap manufactured by REJANE Marketing and exclusively distributed in Luzon and Visayas by Living Way Projects Mercantile Corporation. More than a year later, when things are starting to be normal for my family, I inquired about the soap and have learned from Kevin that there’s more to Jessa than meets the eye.

Thanks Marflin for sharing your Jessa Herbal Beauty Soap experience with us. ☺

Jessa?

First, let me tell you how Jessa is not just a beauty soap but also a health soap that’s good for the entire family. Here's the official content of our flyer:

I’ve used Jessa briefly on November 2013 (consumed about 3 bars), stopped because I don’t know where to buy it, and resumed December 2014 when Jessa was made available here in Bicol. Since then, I’ve seen the big difference on my health and well-being. I’ve stopped using antibacterial soap altogether and have relied on Jessa Herbal Beauty Soap entirely. People say that I have nicer skin than before. At one time, someone pinched my cheek to check if I have make-up on. LOL! Everyone in the family now uses Jessa Herbal Beauty Soap. If you are from Legazpi or Albay, text me at 09204518343 to find out how you can get your free sample.

People Behind Jessa…

Jessa’s distributor, Living Way Projects Mercantile Corporation (LWPMC), is an offshoot of the church-based cooperative Living Way Projects Multi-purpose Cooperative which started in 2005 until it became a corporation in 2011. With church parishioners as members and a set of board of directors headed by Kevin's Dad, Living Way continued and expanded its business in order to finance church missions, scholarship grants, charity programs, as well as provide employment opportunities for their members. Instead of asking money from people, the church (through LWPMC) generates income to fund various charity works such as improvement of traffic condition in Bacolod, sending scholars to college, providing assistance to calamity victims, and rehabilitation of inmates in the Correctional Institute for Women (through worship and livelihood programs), among others. Interesting to note that Living Way don’t limit their charity endeavors inside their church, their public service extends to the community. Even the selection of the product in their whole-selling and retailing business is a consideration; they choose those that are safe, natural, and can help people avoid sickness and diseases, such as Jessa Herbal Beauty Soap.

People from Living Way are such nice folks and I have been a recipient of their kindness and friendship. That's the reason why I want people in Bicol to get to know Jessa and experience what I have experienced. Not only is the product effective, but it’s also comforting to know that whenever someone buys a bar of Jessa Herbal Beauty Soap, a helping hand is extended to someone who needs it. Jessa works as good or even better than the leading more expensive brands at a really reasonable price -- and then you get to help others by buying it. Truly awesome. ☺

Where to Get Jessa in Bicol…

Initially, Jessa Herbal Beauty Soap is available at these locations:

LEGAZPI (Main outlet):

Lower 3rd level, A. Bichara Silverscreens Entertainment Center,

Magallanes Corner T. Alonso St., Oro Site, Legazpi City

With Ninang Odelyn Dado, admin at A. Bichara. Thanks Ninang and Tita Aida for your kindness and generosity!

DARAGA (Main outlet):

JAEKY Med Pharmaceuticals

Rizal Street, Daraga, Albay

(Beside PNB Daraga)

ALBAY:

Bicol ULTRA Drug Store

Old Albay, Legazpi City

(Near Albay Cathedral)

Jessa Herbal Beauty Soap will soon be available in other areas in Bicol. For inquiries, text me at 09204518343.

We also have ads running at Barangay 96.3 so Jessa can reach more people. Our ads are testimonials from users who have experienced and have proven for themselves the many benefits of Jessa Herbal Beauty Soap.

(L-R): The blogger (that's me!), Mama LJ (DJ at Barangay 96.3 Legazpi), and my brother Jeb.

That's all for now, thank you guys for reading! Visit my blog soon again for more Jessa updates. If you've got something to share, talk to me on the comments' section below. ☺

Zip Line Adventure at Embarcadero

2015-05-04T22:49:00.000+08:00

Hey guys, what's up?! I updated this blog 6 months ago? Whattt?

Anyways, two weekends back, my friend Kevin and I tried Embarcadero de Legazpi's Zipline adventure and guess what? IT. WAS. AWESOME. There are other zipline facilities in Albay but what makes this one unique is the water below the zip-line making it a bit more challenging. The 350-meter Embarcader zipline begins from the lighthouse of Embarcadero Mall (30 meters above ground) and descends down the breakwater across Legazpi Port basin. The water will make you a bit apprehensive but when you're down the cable to get to the other side, there's nothing but at least 55 seconds of amazing Mayon Volcano view and a cool new perspective of the city of Legazpi. It's quite fortunate that I was able to capture the whole thing on video. Watch:

We wanted to do more but there's just so little time. We'll also try the zip-line at Lignon Hill, heard that one's quite good too. Anyway, sorry the vid's a bit jerky 'cause I was too excited. Thanks Kev for editing the vid and making it a bit more bearable to watch.

Some photos:

More photos on this LINK.

Hope to update this blog more often. Thanks for reading!
tags: cool things to do in Legazpi, adventure in Albay, best zip line in bicol, zio-line with Mayon Volcano view, Mayon Volcano perfect cone, Bicol, Legazpi, Albay

#OOTD Update

2014-10-20T16:40:00.000+08:00

It's fun to have a blog that nobody reads. I know this for a fact because my recent posts have very few pageviews -- and if they do have pageviews, most of them are mine, hah! Now I can write about anything and not be embarrassed at all. And since nobody reads my blog anymore, no fear posting some more of my photos now. ☺

I've been busy with stuff and one of the things I do to avoid burn out is eat out with family. But with my dad's stroke last year, even dining out has lessened because now we're being careful of what we eat. Anyway, because I've become less occupied, I've decided to visit restaurants in Legazpi City and the province of Albay (maybe in the future, Albay's neighboring places too) and feature them on my The Pinoy Wanderer blog. This is my way of helping out create awareness on the culinary destinations in my region. I ask recommendations from friends and see for myself if the restaurant deserves a spot on the list that I'm creating. At the moment, I'm starting to put up this list of worth-recommending restaurants in Legazpi City that offer eat-all-you-can dining option because buffets are the best way to indulge in food. How is that related with this blog? Simple, I'm no fashion icon but I will update you guys with how I look every time I go out on food trips. Oops, I meant to say, I will update myself (since nobody reads my blog anymore), haha! We can learn from each other, even from the mistakes we've committed, style included.

With my brother in tow, we've already visited two restaurants in Legazpi City. If last year I was a bit fond of formal shirts (I pair it with jeans for a casual, care-free look), now I've returned to comfortable cotton tees, probably because of the weather. Here's what I had on when we visited Mr. Crab & Seafood Diner approximately 12 days ago. Click this LINK to read my review of that buffet experience at Mr. Crab.

Shirt by Hollister, vintage pants by Levi's, and shoes by New Balance.

Then 6 days ago, my brother and I tried out Cosina de' Marina's buffet. Follow this LINK to read my review of our buffet experience at Cosina de' Marina. And yep, here's a photo of me that day.

White shirt by Gap, polo shirt by H&M, pants by H&M, and my favorite shoes right now by New Balance.

There you go, I'm done updating myself. If you happen to drop by this blog and you're not ME, I'm grateful. LOL! Have a great day!

Brands, Nordstrom, and Online Shopping

2014-10-08T00:20:00.000+08:00

What Sort of Brand Do We Wear?

Choosing a brand to wear is a tricky thing. Most of us go for the more expensive brands because they’re the ones that oftentimes meet our expectations. As we develop our style, we also learn to have refined taste on quality -- eventually, this will either make us respect (or disapprove) a particular name or brand, regardless of the price tag or popularity.

Nordstrom Inc.?

Nordstrom is a perfect avenue for this ideal, helping people to “possess style — not just buy fashion” for more than 100 years since 1901. Nordstrom is, truth be told, one of my brother’s favorite stores when he was in the US, having visited several of Nordstrom’s stores including their first shop in Seattle. Carrying majority of the sensible brands (which my brother and I like) and offering customers special deals and discounts, Nordstrom has now reached a far wider audience through their online shops and partners. Perfect for many of us that have no access to a physical Nordstrom store. Besides, who doesn't realize the convenience of shopping online? And don’t forget Nordstrom coupons that can be used to avail of special discounts and deals on selected items -- awesome!

Nordstrom's headquarters and flagship store located in Seattle which my brother visited.

Nordstrom Coupons?

Yep, there’s this page from Nordstrom’s online shop where one can find discounts, deals and coupon codes for Nordstrom.com

Why Shop Online?

There is that overwhelming disadvantage of not being able to touch and try on whatever it is that we’re trying to buy. But for some of us who already know our brands, this is NOT a problem. Shopping online, aside from the convenience of it, gives us more power to choose and compare.

Moreover, most of special deals are available only through online shops. For example, Nordstrom coupons are only available to those who will purchase through Nordstrom’s online stores. Furthermore, most online shops offer free shipping and free returns, Nordstrom is no exception. It helps that Nordstrom has free shipping and has fair policies on returning items as well.

Is It Safe To Shop Online?

Quick answer is no, the advent of digital technology has made thieves and criminals to also advance their methods. However, we can work around that. It’s up to us to make our online shopping safe and secure. Here are a few tips from wikiHow:

Know the identity, location and contact details of the online retailer. Find our more of their reputation, especially with online buyers.
Check their billing processes, guarantees, delivery and other policies before buying. Also read the site’s privacy policy, what sort of information they collect about you when you visit their site and what they do with it.
Use a credit card with online fraud protection.
Install phishing filters which will warn you when it detects a distrustful site.
Record purchase details, this will help you trace your bills to check if you’re paying the right amount.
Use secure websites when transferring funds through the site. Read more here: http://www.wikihow.com/Shop-Online-Safely

On my previous post, I've talked about some of my new favorite stuff. One of them, my Armani Jeans sneakers (photo below), was in fact purchased by my brother from Nordstrom in Seattle. Thanks bro, I owe you $120 for this. I wonder how much it would've cost if I bought them sneakers using Nordstrom coupons?

Anyway, time for me to go. Remember folks, wear your style with attitude. See you on my next update. Ciao!

*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post from Nordstrom but the opinions expressed are entirely mine.
*Nordstrom photo from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordstrom
*How to Shop Online Safely from wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/Shop-Online-Safely

Tags: Nordstrom coupons, tips for safe online shopping

A Few Of My New Favorite Things

2014-09-22T15:48:00.000+08:00

For lack of anything to write, I am writing this post. LOL!

Anyway, let me introduce you guys to my new favorite pair of pants. It’s an H&M skinny jeans that my brother bought from an H&M store in Seattle. Goes well with cotton tees and formal shirts but still looking very casual.

H&M pants, $29.95

A few things when wearing skinny jeans:

Though you can freely express yourself when it comes to clothes, make sure that your current physique will support your choice of garments. Skinny jeans won’t do well if you’re overweight or have a bulging belly.

Like what they say: “Don’t wear skinny jeans if you don’t have skinny genes.”

Just make sure that you look good and you feel good wearing your skinny jeans.

I noticed that I usually favor new stuff over old ones, and whenever I have new clothes that I think looks good on me, I wear them almost all the time -- until they get old and faded. Pfftt! Anyway, what are my new favorites this month? Let me see…

-- This white sneakers from Armani Jeans (from Nordstrom in Seattle).

Armani Jeans sneakers, $120.00

-- This white shirt from Billabong (Billabong Store in St. Thomas Blvd, Virgin Islands).

Billabong Recycler Series Shirt $29.99

-- This black shirt from Quiksilver (Quiksilver Store in Seattle).

Quiksilver Shirt $25

-- This Bluetooth speakers which my brother bought from Ross in Seattle. Plays perfectly for 4 to 5 hours, real crisp and smooth sound, and quite affordable at $35 (after taxes). Of course I’ll buy the better brand next time -- for now, Titan will do.

Titan Speakers, $30

-- And! My long wavy hair. LOL!

Selfie? Darn.

Here a few more of my pictures wearing my favorites this month, and quite possibly, they’ll be my favorites till the end of the year until they all wear out. Phew!

Photo courtesy of Ceejay. Nice meeting you Ceejay and Izel!

Photo courtesy of Jejelaine. Nice to see you again Jejelaine and Mark!

Thank you for the ice cream cake, key chain and Toblerone. ☺

I'm supposed to post a different photo but I accidentally deleted them while

being transferred from the cam's memory card. Darn, darny darn.

Wear anything you like, price tag does not matter. I know some people who have all the designer brands yet they don't look any better. I've put the prices on the photos so you'll know that my clothes aren't expensive at all YET I feel awesome wearing them. They are, despite the cost, some of my favorites at the moment. How about you, what are your favorites this time of year?

See you on my next post, hopefully. Pfft. Do come back.

Happy Independence Day Philippines!

2014-06-12T10:01:00.000+08:00

As we celebrate the country's independence and remember with pride how our heroes fought for this freedom, may we not forget to also celebrate and continue fighting for our own freedom and redemption.

Let's all be free from the tyranny of other people's expectations, fight off loneliness and pessimism, and rebel against low self-esteem, insecurity and self-obsession. Let's rise up from poverty and helplessness, defend ourselves from vices and unhealthy lifestyle, take a stand against hate and manipulation. Let's not be slaves of money, power, and fame; break free from selfishness, greed, and envy; and to triumph over too much self-preservation and pride. We need to be free from these chains that are pulling us down so we can reach our fullest potential.

As we march on to find our purpose and worth, may all our struggles give us wisdom, hope, and love -- because all of life is futile without them. I believe that we can truly stand up for something if we are strong from the core.

Happy Independence Day Philippines!

*Thanks Google Philippines for the image!

All About #Selfie - Part 2

2014-02-14T08:00:00.000+08:00

This post is the conclusion of All About Selfie - Part 1.

One of the best entries I've seen in the ongoing "Selfie Olympics" on Twitter.

I had it edited to show my face instead. LOL! Original image from HERE.

Hey guys, what have you been up to since my last post? Let me guess, taking more selfies? Haha, cool. Anyway, hope you're not bothering your friends will all those selfies. Though we are well within our rights to take selfie photos as much as we want, this does not mean that we also have the right to annoy our friends. We should not irritate our friends with photos that look the same, on the same setting, wearing the same clothes, and shot at the same angle. That's annoying. An article from The Huffington Post reported a study conducted in the UK which found out that excessive photo sharing makes almost everyone like you less. There should be at least some ground rules when posting #selfie photos in our social media accounts.

Here are some guidelines that I adhere to when posting my selfies and perhaps you can use them too:

From your tons of selfies, choose the best ONE. Two or three might be acceptable at times specially if you want to show people your left, right and front angle -- but exceeding that is annoying for other people. If you can't control yourself and you want to post all of them (rolls eyes at this point), then just make a collage so there's just one photo to click. Be considerate. Just a reminder, a collage might work only for a while.

If you can't help posting selfies all the time, at least be informative and do not focus on yourself too much. Say you took a selfie while travelling, you can educate your friends about the place, tell them about the best restaurants in the area, or a funny experience that you remember while you're there. Confuse people with trivia and entertain them with your story so they won't remember that you just wanna show off a particularly nice photo of yourself. This works for most people. And your friends can appreciate the information you've provided so they will certainly tolerate you for your selfies. ☺

Uhm, hey guys! You should check out this new place I've discovered.
It's called Earth. Super awesome! LOL!

Be funny on your selfie. You think you look good on that photo? Combine that with some humor so your friends can appreciate not just your pretty face but your funny personality as well.

Be genuine on your selfie. Selfies of yourself crying? Who has time to get a selfie when you're hurting? Get outta here.

Be creative and fun. Your friends will sure appreciate that.

A selfie while being chased by a bull? Hmm, clever idea but do not try this at home kids!

Original photo from this LINK.

Be inspiring on your selfie. So you got a great bod, wow, post that! But instead of making other people feel insecure, help them get past their insecurity. Inspire them that just like you, with discipline, they can get that same awesome physique. Provide some pointers. You can change lives and perspectives -- you just don't know the power of a selfie. ☺

LOL! Sorry folks, that's definitely my face but NOT my body. But if I do have a body like that,

I'll probably show it off to inspire others that they too can be fit. ☺

A group selfie is good too. By the way, people are now calling them USie^[1] (from the word US). Be aware though that it's you holding the camera so your face is definitely the biggest in there. Those who are with you on the picture will focus on their image, not too much on yours -- so they will end up liking the picture and less likely be annoyed by your face.

Yeah, me and my friends, haha!

A quote, specially something that genuinely came from you, may work with your selfie too. But be sure that what people see on your selfie has something to do with the quote. For example is Justin Bieber's sad selfie below:

Roses are red, violets are blue. My life would be hell, if I didn't have you. LOL!

Let your selfie be a way for your friends to get to know you better -- that means that your selfie must provide some sort of variety to show the different sides of you. Too much of the same things can be dull.

That's all I can think of for now. If you have some more to add, feel free to tell me on the comments section below. Until then, have fun with your selfies!

In conclusion for this and the first part of this article, I can say that things can either be good or bad depending on how we look at it. Attitude, that's what can make the difference. Inject some positivity in your selfies and let other people catch that vibe. A selfie can give hope and inspire. Nothing and no-one is too little to make a difference. And lastly, let your best self shine in your selfies.

Disclaimer: All the photos on this post are taken from Google Image search and some have been edited to contain the author's face. If you own the photo, please contact the blog owner at yourlook2day@yahoo.com so he can link to your site or Twitter page as tribute to your ingenuity.

References:
[1] - http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Usie
tags: rules policies guidelines on taking selfies, what to do or remember when taking selfies, edited selfies, tips for taking selfies

All About #Selfie - Part 1

2014-02-12T13:48:00.002+08:00

In my opinion, this is my best #selfie so far. LOL!

#Selfie have been around for ages before we even know what to call it. Wikipedia mentions a certain Robert Cornelius, an American pioneer in photography, who took a photo of himself in 1839, thus producing the first known selfie in history.^[1] Selfie photos just became more apparent with the advent of digital cameras and camera phones. The word selfie was first used in an Australian Internet forum (ABC Online) back in 2002 but it was in 2012 when the term truly became popular.^[1]

In 1839, Robert Cornelius took the first known selfie in history.^[1]

Selfie, 2013's word of the year, have been defined by Oxford as "a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media site.^[2]" What qualifies as a selfie are photos of yourself (by yourself or with others in it) that you took on your own by holding the camera to take a direct photograph or a photograph of your reflection in the mirror.

Here are some of my favorite and most memorable selfie photos that I retrieved from old media cards and from the hard drive of my old desktop. Don't worry folks, I've chosen the best ones and they're not a lot too, haha!

My first acceptable selfie back in 2004 taken by my first camera phone, a Nokia 3650.

This photo became my favorite Friendster profile pic. LOL!

The only decent selfie I was able to find from my vintage Nokia 6600 phone.

Playing around with Yassu when he was still a pup. This is one of our many selfies together.
On the photo, Yassu was just licking my hand but I pretended as if he was biting me. LOL!

Yeah, sometimes I take "just woke up" selfies. Most of the time I look bad, this one came out a bit nice
so I'll post it then you guys can see how awesome it would be waking up next to me. Damn. Haha!

When you're doing something and suddenly you got bored? Yeah, you do selfies. This is one of those
times, and surprisingly, the selfie turned out sort of OK.

One of my most favorite selfies taken by my Armani phone. I was never able to duplicate this photo. ☺

Another favorite selfie. That's right, 'cause of the hair color that caused a lot of people to look --
and then stare. ☺

I love long trips and I usually take the bus when going home to the province.

This is one of my favorite bus selfies. The first photo on this post is a bus selfie too.

I see a lot of people taking selfies on mirrors -- restroom mirrors, bedroom mirrors, elevator mirrors...

This one's taken on the mirror above the escalator at a mall in Eastwood. A bit hard to focus because of
the movement, so if you didn't get it right, you can always go down or up again to re-take the photo. ☺

One of my weirder selfies (I have way weirder selfies than this that you won't ever get to see, LOL!)

while my dentist is putting some wires on my braces.

With MPC Yvette Yzon. I like taking selfie photos with people who are close to me. This photo is a
favorite among our many selfie pics together. Btw, I've read from Urban Dictionary that a group selfie
is now called USIE[3]. Usie is from the word US + ie. Some people call it SELVIE, from "ourselves."

This isn't exactly a selfie but we're sort of caught in the act of taking one. What makes this photo

even more special are the ladies behind us -- they sort of look like they're, uhm, kissing. LOL!

Like I said, I take selfies with people who are close to me, here on this photo with Bes TL Nelson
Panganiban. I used the timer. The photo is awesome, right? Another USie btw ☺

A selfie with my brother (or USie as what they're calling it now) while waiting for our food.
What makes this one special is, yeah, my curly hair.

Another selfie (or usie) with my brother. Aside from restroom mirrors, fitting rooms are a favorite
spot for selfies. Those full length mirrors coupled with nice lighting are perfect for selfie shots.

#OOTD selfies are common, but if you're shy like me, you can take your photo this way.

People won't notice, it'll look like you're just texting while sitting on your chair. LOL!

And lastly, the beach selfie.

From a report on ABS-CBN, a psychologist interpreted that taking too much selfie photos might indicate narcissism.^[4] She said that selfie can mean too much self-love and too much narcissism can be a dangerous thing. Well folks, don't let that discourage you from taking selfies. It is not the only indicator of loving yourself too much, it can be one of them, but that's not really it. We all have reasons for doing what we do, and as long as they're valid and you're not hurting other people, that should make you feel better. So, why do some of us take selfies? In my case, here are my reasons:

I take selfie photos because I get shy if someone else would take my photographs. I get shy even if it's my brother taking them. I usually get results when it's me taking my own photos. I use the timer -- and that qualifies as a selfie too, yeah!

This is one of my few remarkable selfies that I took using the camera's timer.

I'm not photogenic and I have really bad angles. Selfie is one way for me to practice how to look better in photographs. I remember a good friend, Elle, she once took my picture. After taking the shot, she wondered out loud why I look different on the photo and added that I look better in person. I took that as a compliment. ☺

Selfie is one way for me to check myself before going out. I don't always trust the mirror and sometimes I've already locked the door -- there's the phone, so selfie is quite convenient. (Yeah right Myke, LOL!)

In my opinion, selfie is a way to accept ourselves and our insecurities. We get to know our weaknesses so as a consequence, we try to amplify our strengths. Yeah, through photos -- because that's where acceptance can start. That's where I get my confidence, when I'm aware of who I am, physically and from within. Look at your selfies, and without prejudice, tell yourself what you really think of your images. We all have a standard of what's beautiful and good looking. Let us now allow these standards to define us, but only to know where we are on the scale. It's not to undermine or elevate ourselves, it is to accept ourselves for who we truly are -- so we can work on them if we need to. I believe that our looks do not define us, it is our character and the way we treat other people that says who we are. So go on, indulge in your selfie photoshoot once in a while and find your best angle. And through the process, accept your flaws and love them. Let your flaws humble you down so you can be nicer and kinder to the people around you.

And oh, here's an article from CNN ^[5] to give you some tips on how to get the coolest selfie.

Check out the conclusion of this post on this LINK. Until my next selfie! -- I mean post! LOL!

References:
[1] - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfie
[2] - http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/selfie
[3] - http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Usie
[4] - http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/lifestyle/02/05/14/why-selfies-might-mean-loving-self-too-much
[5] - http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/11/tech/mobile/selfie-photo-tips/
tags: reasons for taking a selfie, why people take selfie photos, what is a selfie, my favorite selfies, usie the group selfie

Why I've Been Away From Blogging For Most Of 2013

2013-12-15T14:59:00.000+08:00

Hey readers, what's up? Sorry, been away from blogging for sooo long. Here are some good reasons why I wasn't able to post any update since April this year:

Behind me on the photo is Daraga Church, one of the churches we've visited before my brother left for the US.

Daraga Church, an 18th century Baroque church, is located on top of a hill above the busy town of Daraga, Albay.

First, I got busy with this little business that my brother and I started late last year. I wrote about it on a POST published January 21, 2013. Thanks a bunch to all our friends who appreciated the board shorts and recommended it to their friends. You guys are awesome!

Second, my dad had his second major stroke almost four months ago and so, like I always say, family comes first. I was with him every step of the way -- from planning his diet to monitoring his therapy sessions. To encourage him pursue his new meal plan, my mom and I followed his new diet regimen with him. His diet consists of food that are high in magnesium and potassium (these nutrients are good for lowering cholesterol) so that's a lot of fruit and green leafy veggies for us -- but we also needed to be careful in giving him stuff that can trigger his arthritis. For example, oats is good in lowering cholesterol but to certain people (like my dad), oats encourages arthritis -- so yeah, no oats for him. Through process of elimination we were able to find out which foods are bad for his arthritis, then we took them off his diet. We also minimized our sodium intake down to almost 500 mg a day and shifted from white rice to brown rice. Brown rice is excellent for hypertension patients and it tastes real nice too. By far, my dad is doing a lot better since his latest stroke but still a long way towards recovery. Thank you by the way to all my friends who accompanied us in this ordeal with their prayers and well wishes. My good friend Kevin helps us pray for my dad's healing during their Sunday prayer in their church organization. Thank you Kevin and friends from Living Way Apostolics Church. He also shipped me a box of herbal medicines which his family buys from India (see photo below) so I can give it to my dad. Such a nice friend, thanks buddy! See you after Christmas, hopefully. ☺

Kev thinks that my current Facebook photo is funny, with me and my curly hair, so he sketched it on the cover

of the package that he sent. LBC folks, however, managed to ruin his artistry by taping over his sketch, LOL!

Third, my brother left for the US on a new adventure. As a brother, it is my duty to show some suppport. I helped him decide what to wear and pack (what's new? LOL!) and I've also encouraged him to magnify his faith. Like I've said before, faith is something that gives life a purpose, a direction -- faith is something to hold on to when all else is fading away. Specially if we're not within our comfort zone (family, friends, familiar places and things), genuine faith will give us the courage to endure and persevere. And so, before he left last November 8, we visited 5 churches back home and prayed the rosary in each one (one mystery in each church that we went to). We were able to visit (in this order): St. John the Baptist Church in Tabaco City, San Lorenzo Ruiz Church (also known as Tiwi Church) in Tiwi, St. Raphael The Archangel Church in Legazpi City, Saint Gregory The Great Cathedral in Legazpi City, and Daraga Church in Daraga (the church behind me on the opening photo and behind Jeb on the photo below). See more of the churches we've visited on this LINK.

Jeb on our fifth and last stop, Daraga Church (with the majestic Mayon Volcano in the background).

Fourth, we gave up our apartment in Pasig where we stayed for three years. I'm mostly in the province with my parents now and my brother said that we can't leave our belongings with someone who can't even pay his share of the apartment on time (I might even spare an article about him on this blog if we're not paid of the money he owed us. LOL!☻). So yeah, I brought home all of our things and it was no easy feat packing all the stuff that has accumulated through the years. My (unsolicited) advice? Do not buy big, heavy appliance if you're not living in your own place. Packing and moving is not fun at all, well, at least for me. Pfft! Thankfully, my cousin was there to help me out -- thanks ate Vhie!

Anyway, I hope to have the time in the coming days to feature some new ideas. I have lots of them just raring to go out. This post I was able to write in 20 minutes after I've decided to pick a new photo to update my profile pic on Twitter. (Yeah, please follow me on Twitter, username is @yourkindofguy). Maybe I can spare another 20 minutes or so in the coming weeks so I can have another update. Yeah? Yeah!

By the way, really weird weather in the province. You see me on the opening image wearing just a shirt, my torn jeans and comfy sneakers. That's because last month, weather in the province was smouldering hot. On hot days, I usually wear white or pastel colored shirts, jeans (torn ones are my favorite), and sneakers. Of course don't forget important accessories like shades, a watch or a bracelet to pimp up your style. This month, however, rain has been pouring for days at a time. I'm enjoying the cool weather though so not a big deal at all. I just needed to dress appropriately, that's all.

OK folks, until next time! Thank you for dropping by and do come back soon to check on my updates. Go through my old posts too, you might've missed some of them. Happy holidays everyone! See ya!
tags: photos of Daraga Church in Daraga, Albay, Philippines, pictures of Daraga Church with Mayon Volcano in the background, Daraga Church and Mount Mayon, baroque churches in the Philippines

Friend, Fashion, Photoshoot, and Intramuros

2013-04-29T20:03:00.001+08:00

A New Friend

Kevin Jeffrey Dorongon called me up a few weeks ago for a favor -- if I can publish photos from a shoot which he directed. Of course I said yes. Kev is a new friend and I say that my blogs will always have space for friends who are both nice and talented. ☺

No, that's not Kevin. LOL! That's Jho Ann Sotelo, one of the models for this
Classic-Gothic inspired photoshoot. Scroll down for more of the photos...

Fashion Concept

Kev's tag line for his shoot was "Lost in Manila." When he was telling me about the concept, I imagined movement, outdoors and street style fashion. When I finally saw the output a few days ago, it was not what I expected but I was impressed nonetheless. The photos look great and the classic-gothic inspired theme in an old setting like Intramuros presented quite a statement. Kev further explained that he took inspiration from the Secret Garden ad of Dior in Versailles with intent to promote the rich history and heritage of Manila. Looking at the photos, I can say that Kev's work is a reflection of good taste and potential.

The Photoshoot

Here are several of my personal picks from the shoot (click the image to view a larger version):

Intramuros

Kev's team was granted permission to hold the shoot inside Intramuros but due to some complication on the schedule that day, they ended up having limited access to the place. Despite the limitations, they were able to pull through successfully.

Intramuros, also known as the Walled City of Manila, was the seat of Spanish Government during the Spanish colonial period^[1] and showcases some of the remarkable historical sites and structures in the country. Being the core of Manila, abundant both in history and culture, Intramuros is indeed the perfect place to be "lost" in. I think Kev and his models definitely got "Lost in Manila."

Thank you Kev for sharing your photos with me and my readers. And thank you readers for dropping by. If you have something to say, talk to me on the comments' section below. See you all on the next post!

For more of the photos on this shoot, visit this article on The Pinoy Wanderer.

Credits

Directed by: Kevin Jeffrey Dorongon
~k.dorongon@yahoo.com

First Assistant: Cara Aglipay

Wardrobe: Ruby Tuesday Ubales
~facebook.com/rubytuesdayubales

Make-Up: Bhabie Mingi
~facebook.com/bhabiekriz

Models: Vanessa Rose Dominguez
~facebook.com/vanidominguez

Jho Ann Sotelo
~facebook.com/zsuchiia29

Khaled Moradi
~facebook.com/moradi.xavi

Roxanne Jean Ricohermoso
~facebook.com/anne.hermoso1

Yana Torres
~facebook.com/torresariane

Jadee Dafielmoto
~facebook.com/jadee.dafielmotoii

Assistants: Wilfred Arrobang

Freddie Malinao

*Images on this post are all courtesy of Kevin Dorongon and may not be used without permission.
*[1] - Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intramuros

tags: photoshoot in Intramuros, photo shoot in Fort Santiago, entrance to Fort Santiago, Kevin Jeffrey Dorongon, Kevin Dorongon Photography, classic-gothic fashion in Manila, classy-gothic photography

We Got Bored, We Started Designing Our Own Boardshorts

2013-01-21T05:00:00.000+08:00

That's it -- everything you need to know about this post is on the title, LOL! And yes, the photos that you see on here are just some of our work. We have been designing and making board shorts for myself, my brother, and for some of our friends. If you're interested to get our services, read on.

One of our latest design which is part of the Summer 2013 Collection.

I grew up with a mother who knows how to make her own clothes and a father, though carefree as he was, still looked good with his style. I'd like to think that their legacy, apart from genes and values in life, is the right judgment when it comes to what looks good and what doesn't.

A close up of one of our designs. Our board shorts use the usual microfiber polyester fabric

that's quick drying, lightweight, soft to touch, and most importantly, comfortable to wear.

The closure is a combination of velcro and drawstrings. Some designs have side pockets and if there's a back pocket, we don't put a drain hole anymore. But if you're a surfer and wants to have a drain hole, we'll put it there for you.

I'm not saying that I don't commit fashion errors, in fact I do. What I'm saying, if in fact I'm saying something, is that I recognize my weaknesses and learn to work around it so I can always be at my best. I may not know everything about fashion but I try to learn those that concerns me or my brother. Somehow, that has become one of my principles in life that I try to extend outside myself so I can positively influence those that needs mentoring. It is also the kind of principle that I adhere to now that my brother and I have started designing and making board shorts for our friends.

We usually design for friends. They give us their measurements and when they can't pick a style from the
available choices then we make a new design. This is the first for the Summer 2013 Collection.

This is one of my favorites from our first batch that I wear even when I'm just hanging out

with friends. You can check some of our previous work from our facebook page.

Folks, this is what my brother and I have been doing since October last year (about the time that I took time off from blogging). We've been designing board shorts and so far, have been hearing positive feedback from our relatively small group of clients. We're not going big on this, we just wanna try to make some people happy if they wear the right kind of board shorts when going swimming, wake boarding or surfing. We don't charge much either, just enough to return the investment that we pay for the materials and the manpower. If you want to learn more, just send me an email or message me on ym: yourlook2day@yahoo.com.

For some more of our designs, visit and like our facebook page. Enjoy the photos and let us know if you see anything you like. Hope to hear from you soon!
tags: cheap custom-built board shorts in the Philippines, online store for custom-built board shorts, board short designs in the Philippines, latest custom-built board short designs, cheap and affordable boardshorts, affordable online store for boardshorts, custom built boardshorts

Why Choose the Right Shoes?

2012-11-23T16:00:00.000+08:00

Part of getting your look right is having the right shoes. You can ruin a seriously fly style by wearing a beaten up pair of shoes. You might be surprised at how many people will judge you on what you have on your feet. Not that you mind what they say, but shouldn't you be mindful of what you wear?

Finding the perfect footwear can be a bit challenging. But if you buy the right pair, the classic ones can last for ages and will not go out of fashion for a long time. Proof of that is how it is very trendy to have leather shoes, at any point in time.

Leather shoes are considered to be a timeless fashion necessity. Trainers are well and good but they simply do not say style like leather or even suede! Check out Rieker Shoes - from Edward Meeks which is a good stockist to go to as they have a wide collection and they do free delivery too. All of their shoes are designed to look good and feel good. The photos on this post are just some of what's in their collection. And because they have a mix of high tops, laced brogues and slippers, you can be flexible with your style as they can be paired with almost anything on your wardrobe.

Footwear should be the last part of an outfit but this does not mean you can wear just any old thing. A really nice pair of shoes is not just a good investment, but it also defines who you are. With proper care, your shoes can be worn in style for quite a long time. And yeah, having comfortable shoes is just as important as getting the style right. So, take the time to choose the best walkers, look around, do some test drive and strut your stuff in style. Because you just never know where your pair of shoes will lead you. Have fun!

Notes:
*This is a guest post from Francis Gabriel, a freelance fashion journalist working in the UK.
*Co-written by yourlooktoday.blogspot.com
*Images were provided by the guest writer.
tags: why choosing the right shoes is important to your style as a guy, what shoes can do to your style, shoes as an important element of male fashion

Hip, Not Hipster

2012-11-22T18:57:00.000+08:00

Geek chic and scruffy look, revisited...

Hipster can sometimes be a bit much, right? It is a mish-mash of so many things that the eyes may not even know where to look at. Hipster wear is cool though because it is all about geek chic, which many of us love. Here are some tips on how to be hip with this kind of look.

David Beckham is known to constantly sport the geek chic look

►TIP: The right way to accessorize any hipster outfit is with a pair of chunky glasses and a vintage laptop bag or satchel. These things are perfect for the office but perhaps it’s best to tone down the clothes if you’re going to an important meeting! Yeah, it is possible to be hipster but still look professional. All you gotta do is create a blend of smart and street that you can wear anywhere.

Accessorize! That's the key to the geek chic look

►TIP: Slim jeans work very well with a fitted shirt or slogan t-shirt. This kind of outfit will be perfect for any occasion, as you can make it look fashionably scruffy when you go out in the evening by adding some cool layers and accessories like a scarf, waistcoat or pair of trainers.

The Jonas brothers always looked cool with their geek chic style

Geek chic also works very well with the scruffy look. Scruffy is very in right now for men! A lot of celebrities have been seen sporting the scruffy look and hipsters are no exception. But the hip look is all about sculpting your scruffiness and keeping it under control.

Chris Hemsworth, Justin Timberlake and Adam Levine -- all scruffy!

►TIP: A lot of offices now let men express themselves by wearing jeans at work so finding the right pair of jeans is essential, like the Stone Island Jeans from Robert Fuller which are cool without being too casual. And because they are smart enough already, you won’t need to iron them!

There's a lot of ways to express your style so you can look cool. Be creative, be smart, and most importantly -- be yourself. Hope you enjoyed this post!

Notes:
*This is a guest post from Francis Gabriel, a freelance fashion journalist working in the UK.
*Co-written by yourlooktoday.blogspot.com
*Images were all taken from Google Image Search.

Tags: tips on how to be a geek chic, tips on how to get the scruffy look, how to get the geek chic look, how to get the scruffy look

The Right Hairstyle To Hide Your Flaws (For Men)

2012-08-17T09:47:00.000+08:00

Here's another "GUY STUFF" feature dedicated to all my awesome male readers. This is in fact just a continuation of "The Right Hairstyle For Your Face Shape" article which I wrote almost five months ago. There were some important issues which weren't covered by that post that will be discussed on this one.

And so gentlemen, better pay attention. Here are some tips on what hair style to get that will minimize your flaws so you can look better -- or at least tone down your weak areas so they won't overpower your other great features. I've put together some common problem categories (hair cut for receding hairline, big forehead, etc) and the most popular solutions I've learned from the experts all over the Internet and from magazines. The post also contains some hair style to avoid so you can always look your best.

The Right Haircut For Men With Big Ears

If you have big ears, not choosing the appropriate hairstyle might make your ears stick out more. Surgery is maybe an option, but perhaps you can just get some smart haircut to hide your big ears. Get a haircut with short, graduated layers with hair slightly covering at least 25% of your ears. Leave the top of the ears covered so they will become less noticeable^[1].

On picture: Douglas Booth, Orlando Bloom
*They don't necessarily have prominent ears but the hairstyle they're sporting is perfect for men who have big ears.

The Right Haircut For Men With Short, Thick Or No Necks

To create an illusion of a longer neck, guys with short necks can opt for a haircut with a bit of spike on top^[2]. Short styles that leave the neck exposed is the general idea for men with short or thick necks^[3]. Ask your stylist to give you a tapered neck (see image further below) because it can make your short neck appear longer. The sides should be clean too. Bangs should be avoided as it will make the face even smaller, thus emphasize the short neck.

On picture: Kellan Lutz, Nick Lachey
*Nothing wrong with their necks, but you can sport their hairstyle if you wanna camouflage your thick or short neck.

*Blocked nape for men with thin or long necks
*Tapered nape for men with shorter or thick necks.

The Right Haircut For Men With Long Necks

For men with long necks, a textured crop with layers framing the face will draw attention away from the neck^[2]. Your cut should be of medium length and thickness. A slightly long hair with layers at the nape^[2] is also good specially for those with wavy hair. A fuller hair on the neck can minimize the appearance of a thin neck. Also, a long neck can look better with a blocked nape (refer to the image above), as that can give the illusion of width^[3].

On picture: Shia Labeouf, Gaspard Ulliel

Floods, Heroes, Memories

2012-08-08T10:46:00.002+08:00

The Floods

It was September 26, 2009 when a flood of this magnitude has visited Manila and people blamed typhoon Ondoy for the properties and lives that were lost. Almost three years later and several days of non-stop raining, Metro Manila is once again submerged in dirty, garbage-infested flood water.

This is the street right outside our apartment in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City
Second day of southwest monsoon flood / August 8, 2012, 8AM

My brother Jeb and our dog Yassu on the neighbor's roof in our old address
in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City / 3rd day after typhoon Ondoy, September 28, 2009

Typhoon "Gener" (international name: "Saola") barely missed landfall when a Shallow Low Pressure Area (SLPA) was seen approaching the country last Monday, August 6, 2012. The southwest monsoon (enhanced by tropical storm "Haikui") started its heavy downpour and after more than 20 hours of rain, has surpassed the rainfall recorded by typhoon Ondoy back in 2009^[1].

Still raining and flood water is slowly crawling up our gate / 8:30AM August 8, 2012

Garage is slightly lower than the rest of the compound but don't worry,

the car is safe. / 8:30AM August 8, 2012

The Heroes

Yes, Philippines is again under siege from nature, the effects of which made even worse by human blunder and irresponsibility. But while the country's spirit is yet again being tested, we all seem to remain strong and resilient. And as old heroes respond on these critical times, new heroes are also born and with their help, the country survives and prevails.

Here are some photos from the President's website^[2] showcasing the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan. Proof that amidst despair and disaster, there will be those who will give hope, reach out and become heroes.

Photo from here.

The Memories

Remembering Ondoy...

It's almost 11AM, August 8, 2012 and since I can't sleep, I checked some of our photos during the Ondoy flood and realized that the memories of that depressing day is still fresh on my mind. It was September 26, 2009 and we were sleeping through the day to get ready for the night's work when we woke up at around 4PM to find flood water slowly creeping inside the apartment.

This is where our dog sleeps. In about two hours, flood water got knee high.

Water inside the apartment is a bit above the ankle.

Yassu, 8 months old at that time, was very patient and surprisingly cooperative. He was toilet trained and held in for as long as he can until the first ray of daylight when he was able to unload somewhere dry and appropriate.

Jeb, Yassu and myself. Stranded last Ondoy flood, September 2009.

     We thought it was fun at first, fully expecting the flood water to subside the next day. But it did not, so we left three days later. And so for three days, we were trapped on the muddy, dirty water while we cook and move around. The neighbors who don't even talk to us offered us their homes so we can sleep somewhere dry. Our land lord who's living a floor above us refused to take us in because they were afraid of the large dog. I actually wrote about how Yassu helped us get to know who our friends are and those who just pretends to be. Here's the LINK to that post. Do check that out. ☺

= = =

     My friends, it's funny how life finds a way to teach us our ideals and the things we need to know. And when we refuse to learn its lessons, nature finds a way to teach us until we're educated. I cannot emphasize enough how strongly we need to do our part in making all these go away. Proper garbage disposal, waste recycling and all that boring but relevant stuff. Unless we start doing them and we start influencing others to do the same -- we'll find ourselves in this situation time and again. Let's all work together, because heroes aren't just needed during disasters or bad times. Why don't we be heroes everyday? Let's start by throwing our thrash properly.

     Thank you all for reading. You can talk to me on the comments' section below. Be safe!

References:
[1] - http://www.rappler.com/nation/10004-rainfall-over-metro-surpasses-ondoy-record
[2] - http://president.gov.ph/daang_matuwid/ibat-ibang-mukha-ng-bayanihan/
MS6EDXEW287M

All About Health, Fitness and Weight Loss

2012-07-01T23:07:00.006+08:00

Health and fitness is a recurring struggle for many of us and at times, it is also a major frustration. What we need to understand, before engaging in a full-time health and fitness plan, is that there are no short term solutions. And to succeed, we need to focus, be committed, and stay motivated -- and we need to keep all those in check even after we've reached our goals so we can enjoy being healthy and fit permanently.

Getting the body we want is a tough task (I think this is an understatement). But to put it simply, the keys to getting that hot bod we always wanted are just these two:

A. Decide to eat right and healthy

Eating right means feeding ourselves with the required nutrients so we accomplish the day's tasks as well as fuel ourselves to do exercises. Eating right further means getting rid of food that our body don't need such as sodas and junk food. Specially if we have weight issues, we should not eat more than what our body needs for the day and more importantly, we should incorporate food in our diet that has nutrients which can help us with our weight loss goals. Some of Hollywood's weight loss success is attributed to some dieting programs that's been proven to produce results.

Freshology - program focuses on lean meats, fresh fruits, seasonal vegetables, water and protein. Calories are counted according to the client's needs. Some celebrity fans of this program includes Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Lopez, and Hillary Duff.

Sunfare - with consultation from diet counselors, the client can personalize their meals and snacks which follows the 30/40/30 formula: 30% lean protein, 40% whole wheat, low carb or fresh low-glycemic carbohyrdrates, and 30% healthy fat. Celebrity fans of this program includes Robert Pattinson, Eva Longoria, and Britney Spears.

7-Day Eliminating Detox - this diet style is extremely criticized where one lives for a week with nothing but fruits and vegetable juices. Gwyneth Paltrow developed a diet program of this principle and posted on her website GOOP her 7-day journey and the recipes which helped her achieve her weight goals. She says that what she developed called the Master Cleanse can be extremely dangerous to the liver that's why before undergoing a detox, you need to consult with your doctor. And drink a lot of water.

B. Choose a fitness program and do it

Choosing the correct fitness program is something we need to plan with our fitness instructor. The professionals can determine what type of workout we need for the kind of body we have, of course taking in consideration our fitness goals and our present health status. We have to engage in a workout program that will fit our needs, our resources and needless to say, a program which we like and enjoy. If we enjoy what we do, then it will be easier to commit to the program and sustain it. The Internet is also full of tutorials which can help us determine the fitness plan on our own. And while following the workout regime, let's not forget to energize and fuel our body with proper food and nutrients for maximum results. Janet Jackson, on her book True You, admitted that she loses weight effectively only when she complements her rigorous workout with a healthy diet. That goes without saying that eating right and the right fitness program goes together so we can achieve our health and fitness goals.

What I said on the opening paragraph, we hear that a lot from people. Many get to point when they've finally decided to do something with their being unhealthy, and then it stops there -- they never went on to get what they want. Guys, being healthy and fit is a choice, it needs an overall lifestyle change, our commitment to a chosen program and a great deal of discipline. And most importantly, it needs to find a reason -- because that reason will motivate us to keep going.

Hope you all learned something from this post. Thanks for reading! And yep, you can talk to me on the comments' section below.

Note:

*This is a sponsored post for Xango, but the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

*Photos were all taken from Google Image search.

The Sweetest Thing

2012-06-25T15:38:00.001+08:00

Hello beautiful people, what's up? Sorry for not updating this blog lately but don't think even for a minute that I've forgotten about you, my awesome and most loyal readers. Anyway, I've talked about friendship on this blog several times in the past, particularly on these posts: (Go ahead, read them if you haven't yet).

[L-R]: Bespren Kent, bestest JayB, MPC Yvette, Me, best friend Tokzzz and sexy AJ

And so, please allow me to write about the topic once more...

On my twitter account I sometimes talk about friendship, how friends are abundant everywhere, and that real friends are God's blessing to those who deserve them. Just what do we do to make ourselves worthy to have friends? Be a friend! ("The only way to be a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson) If you want people to be interested in you, you have to be interested in them. And since many of us are attention seekers and narcissists -- finding a real friend will prove to be a tough task. We will need someone, a special person, who will make us feel that there's someone more important apart from ourselves. And though everybody can have a chance to become a friend, I've also mentioned on this post that it is our choice who among the people around us will be allowed to become part of our lives and who will have the chance to know us beyond the superficial. ("The soul selects her own society then shuts the door" - Emily Dickinson)

[L-R]: Marygie, Me, and Precious

Friendship is such a big idea, it cannot be contained with words nor be defined by a set of rules or norms. However, since we know who we want in our lives, then we can try to outline the type of people who we want in our circle of friends. So we try to build a wall and only those who qualify can go through that wall. But at one point, we should be prepared to tear down these barriers and give room for people who, though they don't answer to the standards we've defined yet we still want them to become our friends for reasons that only our hearts can explain.

No words will ever be enough to describe how we can truly be a friend to our friends. What I do is just care for them as much as I can, as the laws of man would allow. And if it feels good, then I know that I'm doing something right to deserve that sense of peace.

[L-R]: Me, Madam President Neriz Gabelo, BesButch

Let me share with you an email from a friend, one of the sweetest and kindest someone has ever said to me. This is actually part of our crazy conversation on facebook. We type in shorthand so I modified the spelling a little bit, but not the grammar and structure. Here goes:

"LOL. You know I love you beyond these mortal heavens mike...

For some reason, I treasure you like an old man's best-friend. But I've never even met you yet. But I have this feeling that we've been friends forever. That's why I keep holding on to that thought of 'forever' -- like never letting go, LOL! I may sound super corny right now but it's true and what I feel right now is genuine love, although love has different meanings. Remember when I confessed that I never believed in a deity, you never changed your perception of me. You never judged me by my beliefs -- how outrageous it may seem. You never belittled my wildest dreams, goals and achievements. You listened to everything, took time to reply and pass wisdom even though you're not in the mood whatsoever. I think you're the most perfect thing in the world second to me of course LOL. A little bit of perfect somehow, but one thing I'm wondering about is why do you ever DON'T get tired of caring when everybody (even me) got tired of doing so? I don't know I think that's a mystery I want to ask myself forever. I never expected anything from you, but I do hope about one thing: NEVER CHANGE. Because if you do, I think I'll be the saddest person in this world [:(] Pinky promise me that because I want to hug you in person already!!! Gnitey dear mike!!"

     Such sweet words coming from a big guy whom I treat as my little brother. In my heart, I know I'm doing that pinky promise that he asked me to make. Bro, you just don't know how much this inspired me to become a better friend to you and to all the people I keep close with me. Thank you far more than words can express.

     Indeed, friends are everywhere. It's a blessing to find the ones who stays true despite being in a superficial world. And if you are blessed with real friends, treasure them and tell them how much you value them. As I've said before, you guys are all welcome to be my friend. And though I may have my standards, I might just defy those standards if I see that the friendship is worth the trouble.

     Thank you all for reading, until my next post!

*Photos were used WITHOUT permission but they saw this post and thanked me anyway. LOL!
Tags: how do you define friendship, meaning of friendship, how to be a real friend

8 Ways To Lose Beer Belly

2012-06-09T07:42:00.000+08:00

Hey guys, I'm back! How are you all doing today? Anyway, here's another post dedicated once again to all my awesome male readers. This time, I'll help you find out how to lose that bulging beer belly and keep it off for sure.

Just to clarify, beer bellies aren't always caused by swigging too much beer. Beer is around 140 calories per 12 ounce bottle and contains a lot of calories thus frequent indulging can indeed extend your waistline. But fat in all areas of the body develops when calories that are taken in are not burned through regular exercise or physical activities. The body won't know the difference whether the calories are from beer or from the food you eat. So yeah, beer belly is caused by having too much beer or just having too much unburned calories.

So, what are the things you can do to get rid of your beer belly? Go ahead, read on!

How To Lose Your Beer Gut

EXERCISE Exercising is the best way to lose a beer belly. According to experts, cardio is the best exercise to lose weight from every part of the body. Cardio exercises like running and swimming are high calorie burning workouts that will increase your heart rate and your metabolism, thus burning your fat.

Here is a simple cardio workout from BeerBelly.co that you can try:

Start by squatting one time then do 10 pushups, and rest for 30 seconds. Do 2 squats followed by 9 pushups then take a 30-second break again. Follow this with 3 squats and 8 pushups, then the 30-second break. Keep doing this until you reach 10 squats and 1 push up.

WALK, BRISK WALK AND JOG Jogging or brisk walking was found to be more effective than resistance or weight training in losing belly fat according to this article which was based from a study published on American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism. Additionally, this study from Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that men who were asked to reduce their daily steps from 10,000 to about less than 1,500 had gained 7% increase on their visceral or belly fat after just two weeks. So aim for 10,000 steps a day and lose those extra inches around your waist.

WEIGHTS According to an old issue of FHM magazine^[1], a study at the university of Maryland found that men shed an average of 4 lbs of fat from the the abdomen and added the same amount of muscle doing nothing but weight training. The results however became visitble three to four months after starting training.

Confirming this is an article from About.com which says that high intensity weight training is one good way to burn abdominal fat. High intensity training basically means that you need to do weight training at a higher heart rate -- brief, infrequent and intense. Consult your gym instructor for a weight training program that's suitable for you.

EAT RIGHT Wikihow says that in order to lose your beer belly you need to:

Reduce your calorie consumption.

Choose whole grains over refined grains. Whole grains (i.e. wheat, oat, and brown rice) have more fiber, iron and vitamins compared to refined grains (i.e. white rice, white flour, and white bread) whose fiber and nutrient content have been stripped off after being processed.

Eat the better fats. Which means -- NO to trans fat and YES to mono-unsaturated fats (MUFAs) that come from foods such as avocados, nuts, seeds, soybeans, and chocolates. Trans fats are usually found in margarines, crackers, cookies -- anything that's made with partially hydrogenated oils. You gotta avoid those.

Get more fiber into your diet. Soluble fiber lowers insulin levels which can speed up the burning of your belly fat. Good sources of soluble fiber are barley, nuts, oats, seeds, beans, apple, citrus fruits, cherries and other fruits and vegetables. Leave the skin on you fruits and vegetables because that's where most of the fiber is. However, it is suggested that you add fiber to your diet gradually so the natural bacteria in your digestive system will have sufficient time to adapt to your new fiber intake.

VACUUMS Here's a technique you can do even while just waiting in line at the bank or queuing to get your coffee. Expel all the air in your lungs, then suck your gut in as far as you can go. Repeat this five or six times a day for a visible result after a month.^[1]

STAND-UPS Here's another technique which can help you to get rid of that beer belly: pull your belly inward like you're putting on a seatbelt and don't relax. Doing this regularly will tighten up your deep abs and support your back.^[1]

MOTIVATE YOURSELF Belly fat is closely linked with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Understanding these health risks can motivate you to get rid of your belly fat. These "visceral" or belly fat cells actually produce hormones and other substances that can affect your health (e.g. increased insulin resistance and/or breast cancer risk). The fact that they're located right next to and in between organs in your abdominal cavity doesn't help either. For example, fat next to the liver drains into it, causing a fatty liver, which is a risk factor for insulin resistance, setting the stage for Type 2 diabetes. And if you must know, according to researchers from Germany on this article, fat accumulated in the abdomen can be far more dangerous to your health than fat on other parts of the body. Knowing these risks can definitely give you that push to do something about your beer belly.

CUT-DOWN Well you need to stop the culprit from giving you that extra flab in your tummy so you definitely need to cut back on the booze. Alcohol contains tons of calories so if you can trim down your usual dosage, over time you'll certainly notice a big difference on your beer belly.

And yeah, I found a very good tutorial if you wanna extend your quest from losing your beer belly into having that desired 6-pack abs. Here's the LINK.

There you go, hope you found this post useful. See ya!

See more posts on this category: GUY STUFF

[1] - FHM Philippines Issue #53, November 2004, p112

*Photo taken from Google Image search.

*Facts were gathered from the Internet with a link back to the source within the article.
Tags: how to lose fat belly for men and women, lose fat belly fast, steps on how to lose your beer belly, how to make your tummy smaller, tips to make big fat belly smaller, how to have a flat stomach, how to get rid of beer belly, tips to have flat stomach

Phillip Phillips, American Idol Season 11

2012-05-24T10:49:00.001+08:00

Folks, America have decided and their new American Idol is -- (dim the lights, here we go!) -- Phillip Phillips! It's absolutely and without a doubt official: American Idol Season 11 winner is Phillip Phillips. And while Phillip Phillips fans from around the world are still celebrating this victory, the rest of us are on the edge of our seats anticipating what's gonna be next for this 21 year old laid-back cool dude from Leesburg, Georgia.

Phillip Phillips takes home American Idol crown for Season 11.

Phillip Phillips (born Phillip La Don Phillips, Jr. on September 20, 1990) grew up in Leesburg, Georgia, and attended Lee County High School. He graduated from Albany Technical College with a major in Industrial Systems Technology but missed the graduation ceremonies because of his obligations to American Idol. Phillip says his musical influence is his brother-in-law, Ben Neil.

Phillip Phillips with his parents

It was a tight competition between Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips though many had predicted early that Phillip Phillips will be the runaway winner. Phillip's finale performance of "Home" got positive feedback and a standing ovation from the judges while Jessica's "Change Nothing" was just "OK" and it was a pop ballad that undermines Jessica's style and potential.

Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips during the Finale Night.

Here's Phillip performing his coronation song "Home" after being announced the winner of American Idol Season 11. "Home" will become his first single after being crowned the winner. For the record, Phillip Phillips is the 7th male American Idol since Ruben Studdard won on the Idol's second season in 2003 and the 5th consecutive male Idol since a female last won (Jordin Sparks) on Idol's 6th season in 2007.

Once again, congratulations Phillip! Continue to inspire and entertain us with your music and personality. The world is excited to hear you sing your own songs and we're all hoping to see more great things from you. And to Jessica Sanchez, you should know that in my heart, you are the winner. You have shown the world how truly talented you are and with your stay on Idol, you have proven to everyone that you are an elite, top-notch performer. I'm sure the world is raring to embrace you and your music. Keep being the humble young woman that you are.

That's all for now folks! Thank you for reading and see you all on my next post. If you've got something to say, talk to me on the comments' section below. Peace out!

*Information about Phillip Phillips taken from Wikipedia.

*Photos of Jessica and Phillip during finale night taken from American Idol official website.
*Photo of Phillip with his parents taken from Google Image search.

*Video taken from American Idol Official YouTube Channel.

American Idol Season 11 Top 2

2012-05-18T19:43:00.000+08:00

Oh yes, it's down to these two amazing voices. America have reached a decision and they have voted for Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez. Phillip and Jessica are officially the TOP 2 American Idols for Season 11. And next week, the whole world shall find out who will be the 11th American Idol. I'm actually pretty cool with whoever wins this thing.

Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips for the Finale Night of American Idol Season 11.

I have not closely followed the show since it premiered on June 11, 2002 but I do remember having favorites like Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia Barrino, and David Cook. Season 11, however, is of particular interest so I made extra effort to get updates on Twitter and if I fail to catch the performance night on TV, I watch re-runs or I visit American Idol's official YouTube channel.

My personal top three for Season 11: Colton Dixon, Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips.

At the start of the Top 13, my three favorites were Colton Dixon, Phillip Phillips, and Jessica Sanchez. The first two I picked for their personality and for their talent. I see them as cool guys, the sort of lads you wanna hang out with. Plus, they make really good music -- the sort that I listen to. On Jessica, I was a bit biased. I picked her because she's half Filipino and I certainly would love to see someone who shares my ethnic blood make it through to Hollywood. But that's just me being naive. I realized afterwards that her talent has got NOTHING TO DO with race and as I continue to listen to her, I got aware how she has proven herself so much. She's definitely a topnotch artist, and she's just impressive in every performance. Now, she's on my top three list because of her talent, above all else. Too bad for Colton though, he got booted out early in the competition. But I'm quite certain we'll hear more from this guy in the days to come.

Whoever wins on the finale next week, whether it be Jessica or Phillip, will be part of the elite group of American Idol winners. Previous winners include:

Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol (2002)

Ruben Studdard, American Idol winner Season 2 (2003)

Fantasia Barrino, American Idol winner Season 3 (2004)

Carrie Underwood, American Idol winner Season 4 (2005)

Taylor Hicks, American Idol winner Season 5 (2006)

Jordin Sparks, American Idol winner Season 6 (2007)

David Cook, American Idol winner Season 7 (2008)

Kris Allen, American Idol winner Season 8 (2009)

Lee DeWyze, American Idol winner Season 9 (2010)

Scotty McCreery, American Idol winner Season 10 (2011)

I shall leave you guys with videos of my favorite performances from Phillip and Jessica. This is Phillip's "We've Got Tonight" during their Top 3 Performance Night last May 17.

This is Jessica's controversial "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" during their Top 4 Performance Night last May 10.

Before I conclude this post, I would like to share an opinion. When I watch videos on American Idol's YouTube Channel, I can't help but notice the comments coming from the idols' respective fans. I think it's really UNCOOL to compare who is better than who. No-one is better than anybody else because we are all unique. If you don't like what you hear, then don't listen. If you don't like what you see, then don't watch. If you see it's someone's turn coming up and you don't like his/her kind of music, then turn off the TV or switch the channel. Just don't put them down with harsh words specially if it's not gonna help them in any way to improve their craft. What are you to gain by putting down other people? I really don't understand how this FAN thingy works. I am a fan too, but I just don't see myself reacting that way. ☺

Well anyway, as I've said on the opening paragraph, whatever result comes out on next week's finale, I'm cool with it. I'm slightly kinda hoping it's gonna be Jessica though, LOL! How about you, who is your American Idol? Talk to me on the comments' section below.

Thank you so much for your visit and see you all on my next post!

UPDATE, May 24, 2012: After a record-breaking 132 million votes, Phillip Phillips was crowned as American Idol for season 11 and Jessica Sanchez as the runner up. Read more from HERE.

*Photos of Jessica, Phillip and Colton were taken from American Idol official website.
*Videos were taken from Youtube.
*Photos of previous American Idol winners were taken from Google Image search.
*Information about past winners were taken from Wikipedia.
tags: complete list of american idol winners since Season 1 in 2002

5 Shoe-Care Tips

2012-05-06T11:06:00.000+08:00

Hey folks, how are you all doing? I'm back for some really quick GUY STUFF post. Though if this applies to the female population as well, go ahead and read on.

Shoes are the last thing I put on when going out. You might look so fly with your clothes, but a beaten pair of shoes can definitely hurt your style. I'm here to give you some practical tips on how to care for your walkers so you can strut with confidence wherever your feet (or fate) might lead you.

Patent leather shoes are made from superior grade of fine grain leather that goes through a process to achieve that classic glossy look. Use petroleum jelly to clean your patent leather shoes. Rub sufficient amount of petroleum jelly onto them, let it stand for a while, then buff with a soft cloth. Petroleum jelly will also prevents the leather from cracking.

Suede shoes are made from a type of leather that uses the underside of the skin. Due to its textured nature and open pores, suede shoes easily gets dirty and may absorb liquids quickly. Use masking tape or clear tape to clean dirt off them. Press it on the affected area and gently take it off. If you have a suede cleaning brush, you can use it too to dust off your suedes but be gentle because the wire brush might take off the top layer of the leather. Also make sure that you brush in just one direction, not back and forth. For heavy stains and scuff, do further reading on this link.

Nubuck leather shoes is made from top-grain cattle leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side (or the outer side) to produce a velvet-like surface. If suede leather is created from the inner side of a hide, nubuck is created from the outer side of a hide, giving it more strength and thickness along with a fine grain. Use pencil eraser to clean scuffs or dirt spots off your nubuck leather shoes. And to make them look good as new, use very fine sandpaper and gently rub the shoe.

     Applying a little castor oil on your leather shoes can keep them soft and supple. Let it dry first then go on with your usual cleaning and polishing. It somehow makes the leather soles waterproof too, so go ahead and put some on the soles as well.

     A pencil eraser can also work wonders on dirty spots and scuffs on your suede shoes, nubuck leather shoes and even your light colored sneakers. So keep a pencil eraser handy.

     There you go. Hope you find this article useful. See you all on my next post!

See more posts on this category: GUY STUFF
*Photos were taken from Google Image search.
Tags: how to clean, care and maintain patent leather shoes, suede shoes and Nobuck leather shoes, how to properly clean, care, and condition your shoes, smart and practical tips on how to clean and care for your shoes

Jessica Sanchez, MY American Idol

2012-04-27T21:35:00.001+08:00

I was thinking of stuff to write about this sixteen year old girl from San Diego, California -- yet I'm at a loss for words to describe how talented she is. I'm listening to her video in the background as I type and all I can say is -- this girl can really sing! (Sorry, needed to borrow this line from Randy Jackson). While enjoying her music, I turned to Wikipedia for some quick facts about Jessica Sanchez.

Name: Jessica Elizabeth Sanchez
Birthday: August 4, 1995
Dad: Gilbert Sanchez, Mexican-American from Texas
Mom: Editha Bugay Sanchez, Filipino from Bataan, Philippines

Career Highlights:

At age 10, a standing ovation performance of Aretha Franklin's "Respect" on the Showtime at the Apollo where host Whoopi Goldberg called her back again on stage for another round of applause.

At age 11, competed on the first season of America's Got Talent though she didn't make it to the semi-finals.

On September 22, 2008, sang The Star-Spangled Banner on NFL and once again on September 27, 2009.

In 2009, released on iTunes her cover of Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music" and the following spring, another single, this time a cover of Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind."

In 2010, Jessica was one of the singers in "We Are the World 25 for Haiti (YouTube Edition)."

     Jessica Sanchez, as of writing this post, is currently on the top 5 of American Idol Season 11. It can be noted that on the Top 7 performance week, Jessica got the lowest number of votes and was in danger of being eliminated though however was dramatically saved by the judges. Since season 8 of this talent search, the judges have been given the power to save an idol from being kicked out of the competition. The save can only be used once and only before top five. Jessica is officially the first female and the fourth finalist to be saved from elimination in all of American Idol history.

     In my opinion, Jessica is growing tremendously as an artist -- and with the support she's getting from around the world, she will definitely become a superstar. Her mentors are quick enough to point out the stuff that she needs to work on, and she gets right into it while maintaining who she is as an artist. As I review her videos, I was quick to notice that Jessica Sanchez is a becoming a better version of herself in every performance. I can't wait as she sings her own songs and records her own albums. For the meantime, let's enjoy her covers of some of the greatest songs and relive their meaning through Jessica's awesome interpretation.

     I will end this post with her Top 6 Performance on American Idol. Listen closely and be touched by a voice that can be as soft as heaven or as fierce as a tiger's growl. Jessica is a PRO at such a young age and it's amazing how she has control over her voice even if the notes are as high as the ceiling -- heck, even her low registers are a spot on.

I do hope that America will vote for her. And whether or not she makes it, Jessica Sanchez IS my American Idol. It doesn't really matter where she comes from, what matters more is the talent that she's willing to share with us. Besides, this world is big enough to make room for a Jessica Sanchez who will inspire us through her music, her soul, and her voice.

Thank you guys for visiting my blog. See you all on my next post!

UPDATE, May 17, 2012: Jessica Sanchez is Top 2 American Idol and she will be battling for the title against Phillip Phillips. Read more HERE.

UPDATE, May 24, 2012: Phillip Phillips was crowned American Idol for season 11 and Jessica Sanchez landed the runner up. Read more HERE.

*Information about Jessica Sanchez taken from Wikipedia.
*Photo taken from American Idol official website.
*Video taken from American Idol Official YouTube Channel.

The Official New 7 Wonders of Nature

2012-04-22T17:53:00.002+08:00

Folks, it's OFFICIAL! After being announced last November 11, 2011 as one of the Provisional New 7 Wonders of Nature, Puerto Princesa Underground River is now confirmed and verified as one of the world's New 7 Wonders of Nature. Yeah, a little out of my blog's theme but I remember mentioning Puerto Princesa Underground River when I wrote about Jeb's trip to Palawan last year -- and now, I just wanna share with you guys this absolutely wonderful news.

On picture: President Benigno S. Aquino III receiving the plaque from
Dr. Bernard Weber recognizing Puerto Princesa Underground River as
one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is considered to be the world's longest navigable underground river which winds through a cave before opening up to the South China Sea. And yesterday, April 21, 2011, this amazing work of nature was inaugurated as one of the world's New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) at the One Esplanade, Open Grounds, Pasay City with the presence of the N7WN President and Founder Dr. Bernard Weber and the President of the Philippines Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Also present during the inauguration was Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Task Force PPUR Chairman and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. and Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim, among others.

Here's the video of President Aquino's speech during the inauguration:

According to the president: "This honor reminds us of how truly blessed our country is -- and of how it is our task as Filipinos not to take these blessings for granted. We have to act as responsible stewards. And this means valuing our natural resources, and ensuring the environmental sustainability of all our development efforts."

The verified members of the NEW 7 WONDERS OF NATURE are:

The Amazon from South America

The Amazon Rainforest, also known as Amazonia, the Amazon jungle or the Amazon Basin is located within the nine nations of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela -- and encompasses seven million km² (1.7 billion acres) while the forest itself occupies some 5.5 million km² (1.4 billion acres). The Amazon represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests and comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforests in the world. The Amazon River is also the largest river in the world by volume with a total flow greater than the top ten rivers in the world combined. The river accounts for approximately one-fifth of the total world river flow and has the biggest drainage basin in the planet. One other interesting fact: not one bridge crosses the Amazon.

Halong Bay of Vietnam

Halong Bay is located in Quáng Ninh province, Vietnam. It features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various shapes and sizes. The bay has a 120-km long coastline and is approximately 1,553 km² in size containng 1,969 islets. Many of its islands are found to be hollow with enormous caves in them, while other islands support floating villages of fishermen who ply the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks. Another distinct feature of Halong Bay is the abundance of lakes inside the limestone islands, Dau Be island for instance has six enclosed lakes.

Iguazo Falls in Argentina, Brazil

Iguazu Falls in Iguazu River is one of the world's largest waterfalls. It extends over 2,700 m (nearly 2 miles) in a semi-circular shape. Of the 275 falls that collectively make up Iguazu Falls, the "Devil's Throat" is said to be the tallest which is at 80 m in height. Iguazu Falls is on the border between the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones, and is surrounded by two National Parks (BR/ARG). Both parks are subtropical rainforests that are host to hundreds of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.

Jeju Island from South Kore

Also known as Jejudo, Jeju Island is a volcanic island located 130 km from the southern coast of Korea. Both the largest island and the smallest province in Korea, Jejudo has a surface area of 1,846 km². The island's main feature is Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea and a dormant volcano which rises 1,950 m above sea level. Amazingly, 360 satellite volcanoes surrounds the main volcano.

Komodo from Indonesia

Indonesia’s Komodo National Park includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as other smaller ones, comprising a total area of 1,817 km² (603 km² of it is land). The national park was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon which later was also dedicated to protecting other species, including marine animals. The islands of this national park are of volcanic origin.

Puerto Princesa Underground River from the Philippines

The Puerto Princesa Underground River, reputed to be the world's longest underground river, is located about 50 km north of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km navigable underground river. The river winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. At the mouth of the cave, a lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

Table Mountain of South Africa

     Table Mountain is a South African icon and the only natural site on the planet to have a constellation of stars named after it - Mensa, meaning “the table.” The flat-topped mountain has withstood six million years of erosion and is home to the richest, yet smallest floral kingdom on earth with over 1,470 floral species. Table Mountain is also a sanctuary for various rare and endangered species. It is the most recognized site in Cape Town, the gateway to Africa, because of its unique flat-topped peaks which reaches 1,086 m above sea level.

     Nature's beauty and grace is truly beyond words to describe. Congratulations to the Official New 7 Wonders of Nature and the countries where they're from. We are all tremendously fortunate to have been blessed with the opportunity and the privilege to enjoy and experience all these amazing wonders of nature. As such, the calling is upon all of us to be responsible stewards of all these beauty so that the future may enjoy and experience them too. It is our duty therefore, to take care of these blessings, protect and preserve them for the many more generations who will inherit the earth.

     Thank you guys for dropping by. See you on my next post!

*Photo during the inauguration was taken from P-Noy's facebook page.
*Photos and descriptions of the New 7 Wonders of Nature were taken from N7WN's website.
*Video of P-Noy's speech taken from YouTube
tags: the official list of the new seven wonders of nature, the official new 7 wonders of nature

7 Steps To A Great Shave

2012-04-16T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hey guys, what's up? Enjoying your summer? Don't forget to read my previous post so you can make the most out of the hottest yet coolest time of the year. Anyway, I'm back yet again for another article that's dedicated to all my awesome male readers.

     Shaving is a common ritual for many guys. Let's face it, we shave our facial hair whenever we wanna look exceptionally nice. Though I look wayyy better with my facial hair on, I still shave my face to start over with my scruffy look or if I wanted to look extra neat and fresh for some special occasion.

     With a trusted razor and a steady hand, most men definitely know how to shave like we know the back of our hand. What I'm here for, however, is to give additional pointers so we can achieve that perfect shave every time.

Pointers For A Close Shave

Keep it Sharp To lessen the risk of razor cuts, NEVER shave with a dull blade. Choose a trusted brand for your blades too. I've been using Gillette since I started shaving at the age of 16, and right now I'm using Gillette Mach3 Turbo. Also remember that those plastic, disposable shavers are only good for one or two usage -- but if you clean their blades after using them, you can extend it for another 2 or 3 uses. But still, they are disposables, so that's not really advisable.

Prepare Your Skin Before you run the blade over your gorgeous face, wash with a facial scrub to get rid of dead skin cells, open your pores and soften the skin. The key to an effective shave is prepping your skin before you do it. It actually is advisable to shave after a (hot) shower. By the way, if you're like me who don't really have a facial wash all the time, you can use your regular soap or shampoo.

Hot Towel Lay a hot towel on your face for about a minute, this will soften the hair thus prevent cuts.

Moisturize and Shaving Cream Gently massage moisturizer in circular motion into your skin then lather on your shaving cream with the moisturizer underneath. Use high quality shaving cream (choose the ones which are glycerine based) and avoid those that contains menthol as they can cause your pores to close and stiffen your facial hair.

Shave Using your free hand, taut the area of skin to be shaved and gently glide the razor over your face. Avoid applying pressure, rinse your blade frequently, and shave with the grain.

Don't Go Against The Grain Shaving against the direction of your hair growth may allow for a closer shave but that can definitely cause cuts, irritation, rashes and the worst -- ingrown hair. I sometimes shave against the grain but I make sure that I apply moisturizer and shave lightly. Otherwise, you can end up looking really red because of cuts and irritation.

Repair and Protect Rinse your face with cold water and apply moisturizer to relieve the skin of any sore. Place hot towel for half a minute, then a cold towel afterwards to remove the itchy feeling and close the pores. It's not really recommended to use products that contain alcohol like aftershave colognes as they can cause dry skin. But if you're numb to this, go ahead. Mentholated products can make you feel cool and fresh but be aware that they may cause irritation. An effective alternative is to use a good aftershave balm to help you heal and moisturize.

In case you cut yourself:

Grab an ice cube -- the cold will cause the tiny blood vessels to constrict, slowing the blood and allowing a clot to form.
Use your Chapstick or dab a thin coat Vaseline jelly -- this will seal the tiny nick and provide a surface for a blood clot to form.
Use your deodorant -- most deodorants have aluminum chloride or a derivative of it (i.e aluminium chlorohydrate) which acts as a hemostatic agent, allowing a blood clot to form quickly.
If you got none of the above (which is very unlikely), don't panic and just apply pressure. All bleeding stops eventually.

There you go, hope you learned something from this post. Stay cool everybody! See more posts on this category: GUY STUFF

*Picture taken from Google Image search.
Tags: how to shave properly, shaving tips for men, how to get salon-quality shave, how to get a perfect shave, the best way to shave

5 Ways To Beat The Summer Heat

2012-04-06T15:09:00.000+08:00

It's summer! -- and to those who love the sun and the beach, here's a short list of summer essentials to keep your cool under the warm sunny weather.

BLOCK THE SUN!

The exceptionally hotter sun needs to be shut out so use sunblock and reapply as needed to keep your skin protected. Reapplying sunblock should be done every hour or two because it could be washed off by sweat, water, or whatever activity you're engaged in. A thing of note about skin care: even if it's not summer, the skin needs protection from the sun as UV rays can damage the skin causing darkening and premature aging.

Photo taken from here.

A good sunscreen should have both UVA and UVB protection. Higher SPF can protect you from UVB rays: SPF15 is good for daily use, while SPF30 or higher for prolonged sun exposure. For the more destructive UVA rays (think wrinkles and leathery skin, that's what they do), check your brand for ingredients like titanium oxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789), Mexoryl SX and Tinosorband as these are the stuff effective in blocking them. Plus, no sunscreen is truly waterproof -- they usually adhere to the skin from 40 minutes to 80 at most -- so definitely reapply every hour.

Read more about sunblocks from this LINK.
Know the difference between UVA and UVB rays HERE.

EAT COOL FOODS

Pile up your diet with fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, pears, peaches, watermelon, and oranges because they have high water content and will help cool down your body says this old article from ABS-CBN news.com.

Photo taken from here.

Cool foods (which includes fruits, vegetables and fish) only takes around 15 to 60 minutes to digest, as compared to warm foods (those that have more carbs and probably fatty, baked, or deep-fried) that takes longer time to be digested. The longer time it takes for the food to digest, the more energy it needs thus making the body expend more heat and water. So stay cool by eating right!

DRINK UP!

Our body is 2/3 water, and from head to toe, we need water to function properly. Water is still the best way to keep our sanity, to be healthy and to keep it cool this hot hot summer. Regulate your body temperature, drink water fellas!

Photo taken from here.

Read more on the health benefits of water on this LINK.

PROTECT YOUR EYES

The eyes are the windows to the soul, yeah whatever, and so they need to be protected from the harmful rays of the sun. Too much sun exposure can cause cataracts and other eye problems so bling it on with your UV protected sunglasses. Invest on a good pair of sunglasses that blocks 99-100% of the sun's UVA and UVB rays and look cool too.

Photo taken from here.

Read more about caring for your eyes from this LINK.

WEAR SUMMER FRIENDLY CLOTHES

It's hot, and it's not just you by the way. Let the skin breathe by choosing lighter fabrics such as cotton which is made of natural fiber that's breathable and allows air circulation in the body.

Cotton absorbs and lets sweat evaporate better. Choose the right colors too! Though white is still the best for summer, other pastel colors like blue, light green, and pink are also great colors for the warm summer sun. Stay away from black or dark colors as they absorb light and heat.

With this check list and your hot bod, I hope you guys are ready for the summer! Thanks for reading and see you all on my next post!

See more posts on this category: GUY STUFF

*All photos except for the first one were all taken from Google Image search.
*Facts were gathered from the Internet with a link back to the source within the article.
Tags: how to protect yourself from the sun, summer essentials, how to enjoy summer, the right food to eat during summer, why water is important especially during summer, how to protect the eyes from the sun, what clothes to wear during summer, how to enjoy summer, the right way to enjoy summer, how to get the best out of the warm summer season

Directed by:	Kevin Jeffrey Dorongon ~k.dorongon@yahoo.com

First Assistant:	Cara Aglipay

Wardrobe:	Ruby Tuesday Ubales ~facebook.com/rubytuesdayubales

Make-Up:	Bhabie Mingi ~facebook.com/bhabiekriz

Models:	Vanessa Rose Dominguez ~facebook.com/vanidominguez
	Jho Ann Sotelo ~facebook.com/zsuchiia29
	Khaled Moradi ~facebook.com/moradi.xavi
	Roxanne Jean Ricohermoso ~facebook.com/anne.hermoso1
	Yana Torres ~facebook.com/torresariane
	Jadee Dafielmoto ~facebook.com/jadee.dafielmotoii

Assistants:	Wilfred Arrobang
	Freddie Malinao