Product Review: Japonesa Face and Body Bar Soap

     Hi dearies! I'm excited to reveal the latest whitening soap that I'm using as of the moment. I've been using this face and body bar for more than a month now. For my long time readers, you know me already when it comes to product reviews. I make sure that I use a whitening product for at least three to four weeks before sharing my experience. For the nth time, I have fair skin but it's uneven and I guess lacks nutrition. Yes, using whitening products makes the skin "oh so good" to look at but the question "is your white skin healthy?" will arise.

     With this realization, I think I've stripped off some nutrients present on my skin because some of the whitening soap that I've used before will just whiten my skin and that's the end. What if there's a soap that will help maintain or achieve fair, bright, young skin and healthy at the same time. We need to nourish our skin and that nourishment is something Japonesa Face and Body Bar can offer. This face and body bar is a SKIN FOOD! Intrigued? See the ingredients below and learn more why I highly recommended this promising product. Something that will be a mainstay in my bath essentials :)

Product Review: Japonesa Face and Body Bar Soap

What is Japonesa Face and Body Bar? Japonesa is a unique blend of:

• LACTOFERRIN that heals, repairs and regenerates the skin.
• GLUTATHIONE that provides pinkish and flawless complexion.
• COLLAGEN that makes the skin smooth and young looking.
• PROBIOTIC is an active ingredient which nourishes, exfoliates naturally and adds nutrients to our skin.
• ST. JOHN'S WORT an anti-inflammatory and protection for sensitive skin.
• OLIVE OIL provides extra protection and moisture in our skin.
• GLYCERIN helps improve the texture of the skin.
• COCONUT OIL gives the soap a creamy and more lather.
• SWEET VANILLA a mild scent infused to enhanced relaxing mood when the soap touches your skin.

Product Review: Japonesa Face and Body Bar Soap

• Japonesa bar soap is a Japanese soap that has different benefits from head to toe. 
• It is a SKIN FOOD- it nourishes the skin to help remove impurities and infused the outer later of the skin with probiotics and lactoferrin. Can I say it's like a yakult for the skin!
• It is a whitening and anti-aging soap. 
• It can be used as shampoo for hair and scalp care, and as feminine wash.
• It has ingredients that's a first in organic whitening soap. 

Product Review: Japonesa Face and Body Bar Soap

     After more than a month of using this creamy face and body bar religiously, I'm impressed with the results. I decided to stop using other skin care products related to whitening like whitening lotion and cream. I can attest to the effectiveness of this creamy bar because in a span of thirty days, my skin maintained its color, looks healthier than before and there's a pinkish undertone when I'm outside the house. At first I though I'm getting dark but my sisters told me that I'm still fair and there's a certain brightness.

Product Review: Japonesa Face and Body Bar Soap
Japonesa Face and Body Bar Lightening Soap in two sizes

size: 120 g

70 g

price: 220 php (Around $4.70+)
135 php (Around $2.80)

place bought: Free

Available at UNIMART, Greenhills and mariajaineliskincare.net
You may reach them here 
Mj Jamias (T)+63 2 8834883 / (M)+63 917 6022758
mj_pharmaskincare@yahoo.com

instruction for use: Wet the soap and use a towelette to make a creamy lather. Massage very gently all over the face and body. Rinse and pat dry.

ingredients: Lactoferrin, Glutathione, Collagen, Probiotic, St. John's Wort, Olive Oil, Glycerin, Coconut Oil, Sweet Vanilla

Product Review: Japonesa Face and Body Bar Soap
The soap is wrapped in a special Japanese paper. You can see the engraved brand name and logo of the soap once you open the wrapper.

What I like:

• It's made of organic ingredients.
• Japonesa Face and Body Bar is infused with lactoferrin and probiotics, first in the organic whitening soap department. 
• It's a lightening, anti-aging face and body bar that's also great for sensitive skin.
• The scent- smells so DIVINE! It's so luxurious, first time to try a soap that smells like vanilla. 
• The packaging is attractive and has a luxurious feel because of the engraved logo.
• Aside from the box packaging, the soap inside the box is wrapped in Japanese paper.
• The soap produces a very rich creamy lather.
• I don't need to worry if I left the soap in my soap dish despite the hot weather. Even if this is hand made, no signs of melting happened. I was able to use the bar until the very last shape. It's amazing how it can withstand the weather.
• The price- if I'll do the math it's affordable as one bar will really last more than a month with daily use.  
• It's multi-purpose- can be used from head to toe. Face and body bar, shampoo for hair and scalp, and feminine wash too.
• My skin feels soft and velvety smooth after every wash. 
• It maintained my skin tone despite the hot weather.
• Made my skin glowing and bright.
• Exfoliates really well! I can see dead skin big time every time I scrub my body.
• Japonesa Face and Body Bar is available in two sizes: 120 g and 70 g. I can say that the later is great for travelling. No need to bring bulky soap with you when you go on a trip.
• Made some dark spots and blemishes caused by pimples appear lighter after a month of everyday use. 
• Though I'm not sure on the anti-aging effect, I noticed that my skin became supple. I thought I'm getting dark but there's this "namumula" (rosy/healthy tinge) on my skin.
• Complete batch, manufacturing and expiry date printed on the box.

What I don't like:

• Not easily accessible. It's available at UNIMART Greenhills and in their physical store only as of the moment.

Will I repurchase? YES, definitely! This soap is back-up worthy.

Recommendation:

     I give this soap a 5/5 rating. Another organic soap that I'll include on my top list, another holy grail material as I'm very much impressed on the performance.  I have very sensitive skin that's prone to redness and irritation. I'm glad that no negative reactions arise on my skin from the very first use. I highly recommend this Japonesa Face and Body Bar if you like to have healthy-white and young skin.  Japonesa Face and Body Bar is proud to be an organic and all natural Pinoy brand! Made from high quality raw materials, not tested on animals (cruelty free) and made in the Philippines.

     I know that there are so many whitening and anti-aging soaps in the market today. Read the ingredients carefully and see what it can do to your skin. This is my honest opinion about the product. The ingredients in this soap are promising and I think the first to offer Lactoferrin and Probiotic in one bar. Would you like to  Japonesa Face and Body Bar a try?

Good Times!~

DISCLAIMER: This product was given to me by Maria Janieli skin care for review. The views expressed here are my honest opinion about the product. We have different skin types, what works for me may not work for you or vice versa.

The Old Little Black Dress: How to bring it back to life

     The little black dress is that one article of clothing that every woman’s closet should have. It’s versatile, classy, and can be worn in just about any type of event. But if your little black dress has that feel of being too old-fashioned, or too worn, don’t just throw it out and buy a new one. Here are 3 quick tips to bring that old little black dress back to life.

The Old Little Black Dress: How to bring it back to life

1. Use trendy accessories.

     Unless you’ve been living under a rock all this time, you’d surely have noticed just what types of accessories are popular at the moment. One way of breathing new life into an old black dress without having to pull it apart just yet is by simply changing up the accessories that you’ve always worn with it. Use a pearl-studded belt, pin a brooch, or wear layered necklaces to put out a different vibe. You can also visit Teeda.com for the latest jewelry styles.

The Old Little Black Dress: How to bring it back to life

2. Embellish the collar/waist/hemline.

     Pearls of different sizes can be sewn onto the collar of the dress to create a textured look. If your dress doesn’t have a collar, then you can simply put one on (one that has its own embellishments like sequins, buttons, or beads). Or you can use iron-on rhinestones and add them to the waistline to bring some sparkle back to the middle part of the dress. But if you’d rather keep the top part of the dress as it is, another way of reviving it is to just add a ribbon to the hemline of the dress. Whatever kind of embellishment you prefer to do, it would surely put a little zing back to the old black ensemble.

The Old Little Black Dress: How to bring it back to life

3. Sew on an old gold necklace.

     If you’ve got an old gold necklace lying around from days when chunky gold necklaces were a thing, then try sewing it on the neckline of your LBD. Instant glam, instant accessory. But if gold isn’t doing it for you, try sewing on some silver chains instead. You can get silver chains for less from an online wholesale silver jewelry retailer. Arrange them in varying lengths along the neckline, and see your dress sparkle with new life.

The Old Little Black Dress: How to bring it back to life

     There certainly are quite a number of ways to reinvent an old outfit. But if you feel like your little black dress has become too familiar to people around you, just don’t wear it until a year or two after - by then, it may need a new revamping session. Have fun!

I Can Do It All with Pantene Pro-V Conditioner #DoItAllHair

     My hair has gone through a lot- styling, cutting, dyeing, name it and my locks have tried it. I can say that my hair can do it all BUT after those challenges (it's a challenge especially on virgin hair) my locks were in a state of total chaos. If my hair could talk, it would probably scream and ask me why, oh why! I've tried different brands of shampoos and conditioners in the past, in the hope that somehow it will bring back the shine and strength of my hair after all the abuses. Some brands will stay in my hair care essentials for a month or two, while others will simply help me resurrect my abused hair for days and weeks and after that, I'll be ditching one brand after the other. Honestly speaking, my hair found its holy grail in Pantene 3 Minute Miracle conditioner.

     If you love Pantene like I do, I'm sure you'll be excited to know more about the latest innovation/formulation in their conditioners. I want to share with you this good news from Pantene. They made their hair care line more potent and rich by adding the new molecule in Pantene Pro-V Conditioners- for a stronger, shinier hair that can take it all. In order for you to understand this breakthrough, read the information below :)

I Can Do It All with Pantene Pro-V Conditioner #DoItAllHair 

   
     Will your hair beat the heat and humidity outdoors? Is your hair still strong and shiny after 100 blow-dries? Is your hair protected from damaging factors like dust and pollution? The answer is yes – thanks to the award-winning brand, Pantene! The new and improved Pantene adds Histidine in its conditioners to restore and maintain hair health from the core, resulting in stronger hair that can take it all. With this formula upgrade, Pantene dares Filipinas to do it all: go on a sunny and windy adventure, reach the summit, try water sports, break a sweat and many others – without having to worry about their hair. Pantene’s newest innovation results in stronger, shinier hair for hair that can keep up with whatever life you lead.

I Can Do It All with Pantene Pro-V Conditioner #DoItAllHair 
Pantene Total Care Shampoo, Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner, Pantene Total Care Conditioner

The Miracle Molecule

     Rooted in proteomics research, the Pantene Hair Research Institute discovered that oxi-dative mineral build-up does not only exist on the surface but also occurs within hair’s deepest cuticle layers. These impurities create a damaging cascade of reactions that break down the hair’s protein structure, degrading it down to the core.

     The Histidine technology in Pantene conditioners has anti-oxidant properties, similar to the free radical fighting anti-oxidant ingredients in skin care products that work to prevent age spots and wrinkles. Histidine penetrates deep into the endocuticle layers in hair to seek out and identify oxidative mineral deposits, removing them to help protect hair’s naturally healthy, strong structure. Together with the EDDS Keratin Damage-Blocking technology in Pantene shampoos, Histidine reverse years of damage up to 2.5x more effective than Pantene shampoo alone.

Pantene Total Damage Care Shampoo 

Php 110.00 (165ml)

Php 200.00 (335ml)

I Can Do It All with Pantene Pro-V Conditioner #DoItAllHair 
Pantene Total Damage Care Shampoo

Pantene Total Damage Care Conditioner 

Php 149.00 (180ml)

Php 219.00 (340ml)

I Can Do It All with Pantene Pro-V Conditioner #DoItAllHair 
Pantene Total Damage Care Conditioner

Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner 

Php 159.00 (180ml)

Php 259.00 (340 ml)

I Can Do It All with Pantene Pro-V Conditioner #DoItAllHair 
Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner

Dare to do it all with #DoItAllHair

     Get ready to unveil hair that can take it all - whether it’s a stylish girls’ night, an unexpected beach trip, or a spontaneous decision to dye your hair red. Erase the damage of 100 blow-dries in a single wash. Get up to 97% less breakage, 230 degrees Celsius heat protection, and 72 hours freedom from frizz. Don’t hesitate to do it all! Pantene Total Damage Care Shampoo, Conditioner, and Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner are available at Zalora, and all leading supermarkets and pharmacies.

I Can Do It All with Pantene Pro-V Conditioner #DoItAllHair 
Different hair styles for a hair styling class photo shoot

 
     A glimpse down the memory lane, my hair have gone through a lot of the photos above and below. During that time, there's no Pantene 3 Minute Miracle conditioner. So after the abuses, I just settle to regular shampoos and conditioners. Now that there's Pantene Pro-V Conditioners, I can do it all again without worrying about the damage. I was dared by Pantene to go on an adventure to test my hair. It's an adventure where my hair be exposed to heat, humidity, and wind. I'll share the photos of my hair adventure on my Instagram account @Kathneko to keep you updated on my experience with the #DoItAllHair dare with Pantene :)

I Can Do It All with Pantene Pro-V Conditioner #DoItAllHair 
Short hair, permed hair, straight hair, different hair colors

Pantene dares you to get stronger, shinier hair that can take it all. Dare to do it all with #DoItAllHair

To know more about Pantene Pro-V Conditioners, visit their website

http://www.pantene.com.ph/en-ph

Like them on Facebook: Pantene Philippines

Follow them on Twitter: @panteneph

Good Times!~

Mother and Son Bonding while Watching Shows on HOOQ

     Before I became a blogger, I have all the time in the world to spend it with my one and only son. We bond together in simple ways like watching television shows, playing with car toys, and malling. Fast forward today, I'm guilty that I only spend a few hours bonding with him. I miss the good 'ol times when we were watching our favorite movies and series on youtube.

     Recently, there are movies and series that's a pain to watch online. It's either the video has been taken down by the owner or the copy uploaded lacks quality. Good thing I've discovered a video-on-demand service that brought back my so-called "mother and son" bonding. I can say that spending quality time with my son is a pure bliss while watching movies or television series on HOOQ. I listed down 3 reasons why I highly recommend HOOQ for that much needed bonding time with your kids at home plus the highlights of HOOQ's re-launch :)

Mother and Son Bonding while Watching Shows on HOOQ
Kenzo watching his favorite tv series "Theodore Tugboat" on HOOQ

1. Join your kids watch their favorite movies and cartoons on HOOQ- anytime, anywhere! Get your tablet and relax beside your kids while watching cartoons. You can watch television shows even if your just in the sala set. No television, cable, and DVD required. 

2. It's an affordable bonding time with the kids at home. Your family can watch different shows. No more traffic going to malls just to watch a movie. No need to pay for movie tickets. Watch movies hassle-free at the comfort of your home.

3. Looking for classic children's movies that you cannot find anywhere? Find them at HOOQ. Teach them values while watching those movies. Watch Peter Pan and inculcate friendship and happy thoughts in your kids. Stuart Little is not a classic movie but we like watching it over and over again on HOOQ because it teaches the value of family, loyalty and friendship.

Mother and Son Bonding while Watching Shows on HOOQ
Stuart Little Movie

     

     Our favorite television series as of the moment is Theodore Tugboat. This show is somewhat like to Thomas and Friends. Theodore's adventures explore feelings, fairness and friendship in each episodes. This classic television series is also shown in youtube BUT they don't have the complete list of episodes unlike what HOOQ is offering.

     Basically, these are the simple things that I've experienced with HOOQ but these things are priceless-the bonding moment I have with my son every time we watch our favorite shows is bliss. We get to have those 'fun time' singing the songs in the series and playing a mini trivia game too.

Mother and Son Bonding while Watching Shows on HOOQ
Theodore Tugboat

     

     For those of you who have no idea on HOOQ, I've summarized here points about the service offered by Globe Telecom. I was also invited in the re-launch last October 8 and here are the highlights of the event.

     HOOQ (pronounced "Hook"), is a video-on-demand service provided to users in the Philippines in partnership with Globe Telecom. I'm sure some of you have heard of this service but not sure if you really need this in your life. The answer is you need to try this! Here are the reasons why:

• Asia’s largest video-on-demand service with over 30,000 hours of movies and TV series.
• Download or stream your favorite Movie or TV show on any of your internet-enabled devices.
• Access HOOQ on your computer, tablet, and your smartphone. 
• HOOQ is compatible with both Android and iOS. Download the app on either Google Play or the Apple App Store for your portable device, or simply log onto www.HOOQ.tv on your computer browser for access to their library of entertainment. 
• HOOQ is the first video-on-demand service in the world to allow downloading up to five movies on the app for offline viewing. 
• It includes thousands of Hollywood films.
• Widest selection of Filipino-produced content. Classic and blockbuster movies from Star Cinema, Regal Entertainment and Viva Communications to boot.
• Don't miss the latest episodes from telenovelas and mini-series offered by ABS-CBN and GMA 7.
• Laugh, cry, be thrilled, go on an adventure, anytime, anywhere with HOOQ's offerings.
• Exciting and latest addition to the HOOQ library has already been revealed: American crime-drama series- GOTHAM 
• New endorsers to make your HOOQ experience more awesome and fun with Xian Lim and Jessy Mendiola
• FREE 30-day trial to all first time subscribers- amazing, isn't?!
• AFFORDABLE subscription fee for only P149/month for Globe mobile phone or credit card.
• HOOQ also comes bundled with Tattoo Broadband plans from 2Mbps and up.

Mother and Son Bonding while Watching Shows on HOOQ
I've signed up for a 30-day free trial

     

     HOOQ is the first video streaming service in the Philippines to offer access to Gotham. This Hollywood blockbuster series is one of the latest additions to the Philippines very own video streaming service that provides a huge variety of both international and local TV shows and movies.

Mother and Son Bonding while Watching Shows on HOOQ
Watch GOTHAM!!!

     

     An American crime-drama, Gotham stars Ben McKenzie of The OC fame as a young James Gordon in the crime-riddled metropolis of Gotham City. The show also features other recognizable actors such as Robin Lord Taylor from Law and Order, Donal Logue from Sons of Anarchy, and Jada Pinkett Smith from Hawthorne.

Mother and Son Bonding while Watching Shows on HOOQ
Clues that will lead to the arrest of the suspect and the retrieval of HOOQ's ambassadors.

     

     Since this series is one of the much awaited offerings from HOOQ, there's a mini role play during the re-launch of HOOQ last October 8 at URBN Bar and Kitchen. What's a role play without the characters of Gotham. The attendees were challenge to solve the mystery that night. There were clues laid in the crime scene and the detectives were out to solve the crime: HOOQ official ambassadors were kidnapped! They need to recover them and arrest the suspect! 

Mother and Son Bonding while Watching Shows on HOOQ
Scenes during the launched. How the team of detectives solved the crime. Gotham city is now safe from Joker!!!

     

     During the event, HOOQ  also announced local entertainment sensations Xian Lim and Jessy Mendiola as their official brand ambassadors.

Mother and Son Bonding while Watching Shows on HOOQ
HOOQ's official brand ambassadors- Jessy Mendiola and Xiam Lim

     

     “Today, with the mobile lifestyle of Filipino people, most would like to watch movies on their tablets and smartphones when and where they want,” says HOOQ Country Manager Jane Cruz-Walker. “Filipinos are content-savvy, and enjoy a wide range of entertainment. 

Mother and Son Bonding while Watching Shows on HOOQ
Watch your favorite shows on HOOQ with your tablet, pc, laptop, ansmartphoneses

     

     This start-up venture of Singtel, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Entertainment launched first in the Philippines last March, then rolled out to Thailand and India. Aside from content from their partners at Sony and Warner Bros., HOOQ also carries titles from Miramax, Disney, Captive Media and DreamWorks Classic Media.

     Are you ready to #GetHOOQd? Sign up for a 30-day free trial and enjoy movie streaming on the the go. Download the app now: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.hooq.android&hl=en

 For more information on HOOQ TV Philippines, visit their website here:

https://www.hooq.tv/ph

Like them on Facebook: HOOQ.ph

Follow them on Twitter: @hooq_ph

Follow them on Instagram: @hooq_ph

Good Times!~

Liza Soberano for Mega Tuna ALL 100% Pure Tuna

     FUN FACT: The only aisle inside the supermarket that take most of my time whenever we shop for our groceries is at the canned goods section. I love eating tuna, it's my default comfort food at home. There are so many brands of canned tuna in the market today and there were times I'm confused what to pick. I'm the type who always read labels, checking the ingredients and nutrition facts at the back of the packaging.

     I was invited to the launch of Mega Tuna, one brand of canned tuna that I see in the supermarket shelves. To tell you honestly, I prefer another brand of tuna because it's the brand that we used to buy over and over again. But after the launch of Mega Tuna, I think I'll be a convert because the brand is made of 100% PURE TUNA. To know more about the brand and their new ambassador, scroll down please.

Liza Soberano for Mega Tuna ALL 100% Pure Tuna
Created this simple tuna salad using Mega Tuna flakes in Oil during the launch. 100% Pure tuna goodness!

     Mega Global Corporation, the Philippines’ top manufacturer and distributor of canned goods has recently launched Mega Tuna, their newest addition to their line of premium products namely Mega Sardines, Mega Creations, Valley Farm, and Oh my Ulam!. With their vision set in providing high-quality, value-for-money products through bringing forth improvement and innovation in fishing, food technology and packaging, Mega Global has set a high standard in providing all 100% pure tuna in every variant of Mega Tuna.

Liza Soberano for Mega Tuna ALL 100% Pure Tuna
Liza Soberano for Mega Tuna

     During the event, Raffy Lantin, AVP for Sales and Marketing of Mega Global Corporation has expressed the company’s excitement over the launch of this new world-class product from MFC. The promised of this new product is ALL variants of Mega Tuna contains 100% pure tuna with no extenders, no preservatives and no MSG. Great! After hearing what he said, I immediately get one can of tuna and read the back label. I saw that it doesn't contain other preservatives and it only contains around 200 mg of sodium.

Liza Soberano for Mega Tuna ALL 100% Pure Tuna
The opened can is Mega Tuna Flakes in Oil variant

Mega Tuna is 100% Pure Goodness:

• No extenders- does not utilize Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP).
• No preservatives and colorings.
• No MSG
• Comes in four variants: Mega Tuna Flakes in Oil, Hot and Spicy, Sweet and Spicy, and Spanish-Style
• It comes in an easy-to-open can.
• Once you open a can of Mega Tuna, you'll see tuna flakes filling most of the can.
• Cheaper than the leading brand.

     During the event, Mega Tuna also introduced their latest endorser, teen superstar Liza Soberano who the brand sees as the personification of Mega Tuna: naturally 100% beautiful inside and out. “We are very excited to work with Liza whose beauty and personality captures the heart, who gives her 100% in everything she does, whether it is with her showbiz career, her advocacy and most especially with her family. We are very confident with Liza for Mega Tuna.”, Calona said.

Liza Soberano for Mega Tuna ALL 100% Pure Tuna
Liza Soberano, Mega Tuna Brand Manager, John Paolo Calona, and host

     Liza had a small talk during the launch where she spilled that her favorite Mega Tuna flavor is the Hot and Spicy variant. “I am very excited and grateful to my Mega Global Family for trusting me to be the endorser of Mega Tuna. I like being healthy and Mega Tuna is the perfect partner for me. With Mega Tuna, you are getting 100% pure tuna in all variants.”

    Mega Tuna is available in all leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide at the suggested retail price of P33.10.

To know more about Mega Tuna, visit their website:

www.megasardines.com

Like them on Facebook: megapuretuna

You can also watch Liza Soberano's Mega Tuna webisodes in their Facebook page.

Follow them on Instagram: @megapuretuna

Good Times!~