Apart from my shampoo bars and bar soaps, here are some of the skin and hair care products I’ve purchased. I’ve been trying not to hoard beauty products lately, but after my recent acquisitions, I decided to take advantage of the sunlight that peeks through my curtains and do a mini shoot.

Some of these I’ve already been using between two weeks and a month or so, and some I have yet to incorporate into my routine (was debating on whether to put this under Life Lately or Favorites because of this, haha). I figured I’d talk about them, anyway.

Ouai Wave Spray

Let’s start with the only hair care product in this skin and hair care haul. This was part of a trio of travel-sized products I purchased in Sephora when we had a bit of free time in Singapore after a cruise I went on for work. I have a small collection of wave sprays, and I thought the travel-friendly package would be a good addition.

I’ve used this a couple of times since I got it and I love that it creates that beachy texture (the one you get when you’re actually by the ocean) without weighing down your hair. That said, I noticed my hair has gotten straighter since I started using shampoo bars, so it’s not as wavy as it usually is. If I spray this onto damp hair though and twisting my locks while my hair air dries, I do get some semblance of beach waves.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Cream

Another travel-sized purchase from Sephora. I’ve always wanted to try Sunday Riley, but the price tag usually makes me step back from the display. I figured this wouldn’t be such a splurge and if I end up not liking it, I won’t feel too bad about it.

I have yet to try it but I’ve been loving products with Vitamin C lately (Aesop’s Lucent Facial Concentrate is my current jam), so I’m hoping this will be a welcome addition. I’ll probably pack this when in my kit when I’m traveling (just booked my birthday trip!).

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This was from my small Beauty MNL loot when they went on sale. I really loved Glossier’s Super Pure serum (purchased it twice and then they went out of stock), so I was looking for alternatives until I saw that The Ordinary had a similar serum. I’m currently testing out some serums for work though, so I haven’t had the chance to use this yet. Plus, the Lucent Facial Concentrate also has niacinamide, anyway. Will report back once I’ve opened this.

Thank You Farmer Back to Pure Daily Foaming Gel Cleanser

Full disclosure: I got this sample to test because I’m currently freelancing for the company that distributes the brand. I’ve been using this as my second cleanse in my nighttime routine for about a month or so now.

I use Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser in the morning, so I wanted to try using this at night. So far I haven’t gotten any breakouts from it and it hasn’t dried out my skin either. The fragrance is a bit stronger than Glossier although it doesn’t really bother me. I imagine though that people who are sensitive to fragrances might not like it. Unlike the Milky Jelly Cleanser, this one lathers up into micro foam. I still use a cleansing oil to remove my makeup but this does the job for light makeup.

Would I purchase it? Maybe if I ran out of my go-to gel cleanser. It’s a bit pricey but it is paraben-free and sulfate-free.

Huxley Secret of Sahara Toner: Extract It

This was also part of my Beauty MNL sale purchase. I was looking for a new toner because I finished the Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner. I’ve been meaning to open this already, but I’m still finishing the last of my Bare Essentials Primer Water from Althea. Planning to transfer it into an atomizer so I can spritz it on and not waste any product.

Thank You Farmer True Water Deep Emulsion

Again, something I got because of my current freelance work. This True Water line is really meant for hydration. I’ve got combination skin (my T-Zone usually gets oily while the rest of my face can go between normal to dry on any given occasion), so I thought it would be okay to use this. The brand is formulated so that it can be used on sensitive skin. Like the cleanser, though, this has a faint fragrance. I’m not sure about other people’s preferences, but I like my skin care products to smell good especially the ones I’m using at night. Makes me feel like I’m indulging in a spa treatment except in my own bathroom.

Really love the pump dispenser because you don’t end up squeezing out too much product. Plus, you don’t contaminate the rest of the product with your fingers. I imagine it would work best with the Deep Serum from the same line but so far, it also works with the serums I have on rotation.

What are your recent purchases in skin and hair care? I don’t claim to be an expert on these things, but I do enjoy the process of a routine. Would love to discover new brands and products to try!

It’s a little crazy how this year is whizzing by. How is it already October? I could have sworn it just turned September. Blink and it’ll be November in no time. Wild!

I’m fresh from a cruise (my first time!) which I have to write about for work. The start of the month also means doing reports for the past month, so I’ve got some PowerPoint decks ahead of me. Got to get a ton of writing done today, but had to do my monthly round-up first.

Music Monday

Mandy Moore’s career is flourishing. From This Is Us to new music, I’m so thrilled to have somehow grown up with her from days of Candy (literally!) to following her home renovation (quite obsessively, might I add) and her wedding (that pink dress!). Love that she’s putting out music, especially after that nightmare with her former husband.

Also, in dream music news. One of my favorite bands ever is coming to Manila in December! I promise I will be at the venue early and won’t miss one single song. LOL!

Tasty Tuesday

Finally found a white sandwich bread recipe that doesn’t dry out immediately 2 days after baking. I cut the recipe in half so I only bake one loaf since it lasts us about a week. I’ve already made it twice this month.

Wishful Wednesday

It was about a year and a half ago when we released the Dandy Ona x Prima hair clips. Before that, I had never designed jewelry apart from the first custom ring I had done by Dandy Ona Jewelry for myself. And here we are with a brand new collection.

I’ve been obsessing about signet rings but always thought they were a little too clunky and huge for my hands. As you can already tell, I’m always drawn to dainty and delicate things, which explains why the signet rings I’ve designed look the way they do.

For this collection, I wanted to pay tribute to three important ladies in my life. My two lolas and my niece. You can currently pre-order the Remedios, Julieta, and Miranda by sending your ring size and choice of gold (you can choose from yellow, white, and rose; the rings are silver dipped in gold) to Dandy Ona Jewelry’s Instagram.

Wishing for more thoughtful and intentional projects like this one.

Thoughtful Thursday

Someone once asked me about forgiveness and grudges and how you decide which people you cut off from your life completely. I didn’t have an answer. I guess life just has a funny way of steering you in a certain direction and it’s up to you whether you’ll fight it or trust that you’re allowing good energy to flow back into your life.

Fashion Friday

Picked up this Luna top at the Katutubo Popup two weekends ago. Been trying to invest in well-made local brands lately and I hope they’ll last me a long time. There’s another one in two weeks and I’m already scared for my wallet. Haha!

October, here we go.

It’s kind of crazy how we’re already at the tail-end of the year. How is it already the -ber months? Next thing you know, we’re already listing down New Year’s resolutions.

Just wanted to take a quick break to write down all the little things I’ve been thankful for these past couple of weeks.

♡ mornings making a cup of coffee—slowing down my morning routine has really helped me not be frantic about the things on my to-do list
♡ this newsletter and our future media empire. we don’t dictate a schedule, and really just put out something when we feel like it, but I’m always excited to write and lay it all out. plus, chinggay and patty are probably the only two people I talk to on like a million different platforms and we never run out of anything to talk about or send to each other, haha!
♡ finding a book that reminds you of what life was like 2 decades ago
♡ small wins at work like discovering what creator studio is all about and finally being able to schedule Instagram posts through Facebook—what a lifesaver!
♡ seeing the samples of something I’ve been working with Dandy Ona Jewelry (: I’ve been wearing them since I got them over the weekend and I can’t stop staring at them! more about it this week…
♡ launching 4 different brand accounts and not losing my mind (well, barely, but I survived and that’s what counts haha)
♡ being there for friends in painful, heartbreaking moments—realizing that everyone has problems and nothing is ever too big or too small. gives you much-needed perspective.
♡ a good haircut (does wonders more than we care to admit)
♡ reconnecting with old friends and finding that though relationships rarely ever stay the same, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing
♡ the prospect of traveling again for work—always grateful for the opportunity

Music Monday

Is it even a surprise what my most played album is? I’m so happy Taylor Swift is back.

Tasty Tuesday

Haven’t been taking photos of things I’ve been eating but judging from the amount of food currently in my camera roll, I have clearly been eating out a lot. Also, I’ve given so much of my money to Wildflour/Little Flour, haha! Also finally tried Ben’s Cookies (there was no line!), and is it just me or are they smaller here? I remember closing my eyes when I bit into one when I first tried it in Singapore. My friend got a really dry white chocolate macadamia one. Sadface. But had my favorite Pizza Morena on the same day, so all’s well. Stayed in one night at Mikko’s condo and we had Drive-By Taco Shop, which apparently has a branch in Eastwood. Had the white adobo soft tacos and they were yum.

Made some big, fat pretzels on a random day. Made cookies at home and with my niece—who left me after scooping out the first batch. “Can you just call me when they’re finished?” My brother brought home some Marou dark chocolate, so I whipped up some of my favorite brownies. We still have 4 bars, so I’m wondering what else I can make with them. Maybe BA’s best chocolate chip cookies?

Wishful Wednesday

Started a new gig this week and it’s kicking my ass. Honestly, I think I bit off more than I can chew , but I’m just going to suck it up and follow through. That said, I must remember to never get pressured or rush into anything without asking ALL OF THE QUESTIONS, then figuring out if the work is commensurate to the compensation. Still learning, clearly. Here’s hoping I survive the next couple of months!

Thoughtful Thursday

This was a very emotional piece for me. I spent an entire night crying, reading all of the messages my family and friends sent after they read it. It was also the first time random strangers went out of their way to tell me how something I wrote moved them. Funny how something painful can actually bring out something beautiful. Thank you to Tricia and Pierra for letting me share my story. And thank you to you, if you shared in my grief, too. We’re going to be okay.

Fashion Friday

Crushing on IDLF for Uniqlo as always. I want this coat!

I was in first grade when two of my friends started talking about this girl they didn’t like. They called her “Apple.” It was their not-so subtle way of telling me they were not a fan of certain behaviors. They hated she was bossy. They thought she was mayabang. Every little thing they said about Apple sounded awful. It wasn’t long after until I realized that they were talking about “Apple” but, really, they were talking about me.

I’m not sure how this was resolved then, or if I ever confronted them about it. Now I can laugh about it and roll my eyes at the pettiness. But the fact that I can remember it in detail years after means that it left some sort of impression on me. I became quite conscious of how other people saw me, and how my actions reflected on them.

It was around that time, too, when my classmates would just stop talking to me because they felt like it. They made a habit of pretending not to be friends with people just for the sake of it. The next day, they’d pick on someone else and they’d be friends with me again. People called me iyakin back then because I’d always be crying in school. I always thought it was unfair that I wasn’t part of this “game” they were playing, but did I really want to make someone feel bad just for the heck of it? Maybe more than anything, I just wanted to be in on the joke. I didn’t want to be the clueless girl, always wondering if my table mates would be talking to me that day.

In high school, we had a “group dialogue” with our guidance counselor as a form of conflict resolution. Whenever there was a misunderstanding, we would schedule a meeting, where we would air out our grievances and have our guidance counselor moderate. Mostly, this was done to skip out on classes, but on the rare occasion, it would somehow mend friendships and help us let out our pent-up aggression. The details of past sessions are a bit fuzzy. The funny ones always come up when my friends get together. Sometimes I wonder, did we ever really resolve anything in that room or were we just wrapping things up, so we could go back to class?

In college, most of my friends were women. I’m quick to connect with them because I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have sisters. And friends, I suppose, are the closest thing I’ll have to that. I only have a handful of friends from then that I still keep in touch with today. There was a time when I fell out of touch with a few of them. I even thought it meant the friendship was over. Tampuhan turned cold war turned forgotten blips of the past.

At work, all my bosses (mostly women) treated me as their friend more than their colleague, so I did the same when I handled my own team. It turned out, sometimes being a boss is difficult when you also try to be friends with your team. I learned the hard way. You’re always trying to be approachable enough, so they don’t feel like they can’t talk to you. But you’re also trying to be authoritative, so that they respect you. When the lines are blurred, when does the personal cross over to work and vice versa? Can you rate someone negatively in their evaluation just because they decided not to invite you to join them for lunch? (The answer is of course not, lol.)

It seems easier to manage relationships as I grow older. I no longer have this need to be liked by everyone. Of course I still think about how other people see me—who doesn’t?—but it doesn’t consume me anymore. After all, what other people think of me is their business. I can’t do anything about that.

I’ve also accepted that there are people in your life that will disappear for different reasons. Maybe if it’s for their well-being—maybe for yours, but I’ve learned that female friendships can’t just be completely black and white. They’re messy and complicated, but also tender and delicate. You’re always learning how far you can push each other until you find that equilibrium of not minding and caring just enough. And sometimes, those people you swore you would cut off forever (or people who swore they would never talk to you again) find their way back into your life again. And you wonder, is this what it means to be friends forever?

Music Monday

Caught Beautiful The Carole King Musical on its last weekend, and absolutely loved it. Insane how talented Filipino actors are, and I’m always blown away whenever I watch musicals. Have had the Original Broadway Cast Recording on repeat for a while.

Tasty Tuesday

Since I work from home most of the time, I’m usually just eating lunch by myself. So, I took it upon myself to just plan our weekly meals. I haven’t really been messing around the kitchen, but I finally remembered to buy some ingredients on my last grocery run. I got to try making Mushroom Masala and naan from scratch. I’ve always wanted to try making it ever since I had some at Little India in Malingap. I’m the only one who eats it at home, but it’s fine. Haha!

Wishful Wednesday

Do you also wonder if you’ve made the right decision, and constantly worry if you took the wrong path? Sometimes, I wish I didn’t agonize over things as much as I do, but I’m learning to be kinder to myself. I figure whatever I choose, it will lead to something good. Better, even. I’m also just learning that saying no to things doesn’t mean closing doors to opportunities. On the contrary, you just might be opening yourself up to more.

Thoughtful Thursday

I very rarely get to write introspective pieces on commission. Most of these just go here or stay stuck in my hard drive. So, I was more than happy to contribute to Tricia Gosingtian’s new project Hinhin. I wrote a hopefully helpful guide to traversing an extrovert world as an introvert. Head over to their website to read it. While you’re at it, make sure to read Chinggay’s lovely essay on traveling alone. It’s something I’ve never done, but maybe one day I will!

I’m glad there’s a space for quiet girls to come into their own and realize that they don’t really need to change anything about themselves to stand out. In a world where we’re constantly being asked to like and engage with posts on our feed, it can get pretty overwhelming. It’s like there’s always some form of pressure to “perform” or always be “on.”

Fashion Friday

I’ve been looking for sports sandals that don’t look chunky on my feet. I saw some in Japan, but they were either too big or black. So, when I saw this pair of leather (!) ones on my feed, I knew I had to get them. Of course, days after, I saw a version that were espadrilles and cost much less. Haha! Debating whether I should get them in another color, but I really don’t need more footwear. I’m barefoot at home most of the time!

Caught Aura sa Artesania last weekend to check out the sellers and say hello to my friends. Picked up a ring from Souvenir and got a baby hoop for my extra piercing from Sam. <3 I love that the ring looks like pasta or a croissant wrapped around my finger.

I was 15 when I started puttering about online. I made my barkada a website with all the blinking GIFs you could imagine. Our studio pics from that studio in Galleria lined up like a photo album you could scroll. It was on Geocities with a ridiculously long URL that I seem to vaguely remember as www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Sands/5653.

I could never keep a diary for more than a few pages until I would forget to write in it, so I started a blog before it was even a word. I started and consequently left so many journals online like a trail of cookie crumbs for me to find. The longest-running that’s still online is probably my Livejournal. I started it back when you still needed an invite code to sign up for one—I forget who gave me one. I spilled so many secrets, mostly to people I barely even knew offline. They knew more than my friends in real life. Everyone said what they felt and no one judged anybody (at least that’s what I thought then). I kind of miss that time when stories flowed endlessly and I’d spent weekends going through my friends’ list and never reaching the end.

If you know where to look, you’ll find traces of me everywhere. From every single song I listen to, to the movies I watch, and the books I read. I try to keep track of everything because, I don’t know, maybe one day, someone will want to get to know who I was or what I was like. Maybe that person would be me.

I’m always worried I’ll forget things and nobody will be there to remind me. I once cried because I deleted a text message from my mom (it just said “Good luck”) when I switched phones. It probably doesn’t mean anything to anyone else when they read it, but I know she sent that to me when I was on my way to my first shoot for Yummy back in 2006.

Maybe that’s why I keep posting memories online, no matter how repetitive I get. To remind me on days I feel like they’re slipping away. I remind myself that I’ll never forget.

There are some weeks when days bleed into each other, and I need to remind myself to stop and breathe. So today, this is my break for the week. I know it’s only Tuesday, but who says there’s a deadline for pausing to catch your breath?

What better way to spend this midday break by counting my blessings?

♡ starting a new book (I finally finished the jessica darling series after struggling to finish the fourth book). joan didion’s the year of magical thinking is teaching me a lot about my own grief.
♡  binging through the three seasons of veronica mars in time for next week’s new season
♡  getting to see beautiful the carole king musical with mika and lou. I only see them once every few months, but it’s always so much fun. seeing a fantastic show was a bonus. the next time I see them, mika is getting married. omg!
♡  my new pair of day gloves because I really love my black ones
♡  making new ceramic wares for my make space today shelf
♡  though my work with spotjapan takes up most of my time, I’m glad I can still write about many different things
♡  sticking to a semi-regular exercise routine—if you know me, you know how much I hate working out, so these past 3 months are a major accomplishment for me
♡  pretty nail art (I really enjoy painting my nails!)
♡  my colored eyeliners! promised myself that I’m done buying them, hehe
♡  face time with friends IRL (: groupchats are heaven-sent but nothing beats face-to-face chika

There’s a certain kind of thrill when you finish something down to the last drop. I’ve accumulated enough empties to merit a post, so here we are. Sharing some beauty products on my shelf that have served me well.

Becca First Light Priming Filter

This was part of a PR package and I’ve since repurchased once my bottle hit the 1/4 mark. I love that I can just wear this without any foundation and instantly look made up. Under foundation, I feel like it brightens up my face even without highlighter. It’s got a slight fruity scent, so if you’re averse to fragrance, it might need some getting used to. It doesn’t really bother me though. I apply it after I’m done with skin care. I rub this between my fingers before applying on my cheeks and massaging it all over my face, including my eyelids.

I rarely retouch my makeup except for lipstick when I’m out, so I find that applying primer really does make my makeup last longer especially my blush.

Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner

This has lasted me a long time. It took a backseat when I was finishing other toners. But when I transferred it to a spray bottle (my old Glossier rosewater one when it ran out), I regularly started using it as part of my evening routine. I like that it’s alcohol-free, so it doesn’t dry out my skin. I spritz it on after double cleansing and I wait for it to sink in before moving on to serums and my nighttime moisturizer.

Not sure if I’ll repurchase this since it’s quite pricey, but it does last you a long time. Maybe when I run out of my other toners. I kind of want to try that COSrx gel to cream one first.

Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream Light

My brother got this for me in Germany and this really works better for our weather. The regular kind is way too thick and best for cooler climates. This one is lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. It’s great under makeup (no pilling at all) or just on its own. No SPF though, so you need to apply that separately.

I was able to pick up the Quince Day Cream (which is supposed to be lighter than the regular Rose Day Cream) from Whole Foods. I’ll report back if it works better in our weather.

Nuxe Nuxellence Detox

I know some people don’t like their beauty products with scents, but I love how this smells. It almost feels like a spa experience every night when I’m applying this. I always pop by a Beauty Bar if they have this on sale, but they never do. Haha! I’m too stingy to splurge on it, so if you see it on sale, please let me know. 😛

Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat

Got this from Beauty MNL after running out of it years ago. It’s currently sold out, but I don’t think there’s any other glossy top coat that’s as good as this one. I’m currently on a matte streak (don’t sleep on the Bobbie one which is under P50 a bottle), so I’m not stressing out about not having a bottle of this. Will definitely repurchase though once they restock.

What are your tried and tested beauty staples?

Music Monday

Is anyone else obsessed with checking their Discover Weekly on Mondays? I’m always curious if Spotify’s algorithm will churn out a playlist that’s very me. I also end up discovering (ha!) new (sometimes old) music.

Tasty Tuesday

It’s been a while since I got tapped by Yummy to do a video demo for them. They’ve asked me a few times, but our schedules wouldn’t match. I was so happy when they asked me to develop two recipes for them about a month ago.

This is the first time I got to develop recipes from scratch for them, so I was excited (and nervous). But both recipes turned out great and I’ve already made the coffee banana bread multiple times. Now if only strawberries were affordable, I would probably make this for breakfast every single day.

Wishful Wednesday

In my last post, I mentioned that I recently joined the Spot Japan team. At the start the month, I got to explore Fukuoka (my first time in Japan!) for work. It still boggles the mind how things somehow always fall into place. My hope is that I continue to get opportunities that allow me to not only thrive but to grow and learn new things every day.

Another venture I’ve had the privilege to be part of also finally opened this month. Make Space Today is a creative co-making space in Malingap, Quezon City that has a retail incubator; a shared space for makers; and a skills program that aims to help members improve their craft in so many ways.

I’ve always been a QC girl and though I’ve moved cities, it’ll always be home to me. It was a no-brainer for me when my friends Mikko and Alessa asked me if I was interested in getting involved. The open house weekend just ended, but we open officially on Tuesday. You can find out more on the website or swing by to see the space for yourself. It’s beautiful!

Oh, and I’m going to facilitate a workshop about creating content for newsletters and blogs in September. So if that’s something you’re interested in, please do sign up!

Thoughtful Thursday

My friends at my old office are currently planning for next year. I’m reminded that around this time 2 years ago, I was sitting in a hotel room, thinking I was planning for another year. Plot twist: I was not. Flash forward to 2 years later, I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that I’ve survived the freelancing life. While I know my life would be so much easier with a steady job and a regular paycheck, I’m relieved it hasn’t been too impossible to make this work. Here’s hoping the path I’ve chosen stretches onward.

Fashion Friday

I’ve got shelf space at Make Space Today (currently, I have some Prima clips on display there) and it’s sorely lacking merch. I just glazed a new batch of Hey Kessy Jewelry clay earrings. Here’s hoping they turn out alright after firing. I’ve also been playing around with a few designs for new hair clips and another jewelry line. Crossing my fingers I get to do both! What do you think I should make next?

And just like that, we’re done with the first half of the year. Isn’t that crazy? Hello, July.