PLDT Pay Express: Thank God For This

Following the recent changes on PLDT, I appreciate how they upgraded their payment system. 

I was so happy when I receive my e-statement this month stating that I can now pay my bills using my debit/credit cards. I know they have several options where we can pay our bills online through online banking but I just prefer using my card for payments and maximize my card rewards. Hahaha :)

Aside from that, I also like that I don't have to log-in to my PLDT account to use this feature. A direct link that is specific for my account where I can pay for my bill is already embedded on the e-statement. Plus you can use the same link to check your updated balance or to check if your payment was already posted.

The image above is what you will see when you click on the link on your e-statement. Your balance will automatically show on the amount to pay. Click on agree TaC then click on Credit Card. It will then navigate you to Pesopay where you will enter your details.

That's it! I'm done in less than 5 minutes.. :)

Thank you PLDT! I just love this upgrade.

Read more

Missha Creamy Latte Grean Tea Cleansing Foam Review

Happy Easter!

And sooo, I finally had the time to work on this review. This is the second cleansing foam product I have tried from Missha. Compared to Super Aqua, the Missha Creamy Latte Green Tea Cleansing Foam is cheaper and overall, this product does a good job. I was hesitant to buy this at first because of the price. I was like "Will this work properly? Why its so cheap compared to others?" but I am happy with this after my purchase and probably will be my regular cleansing foam in the future after I have used up all my remaining cleansing foam products stocked at my closet. :)

Missha Creamy Latte Green Tea Cleansing Foam

The package when it arrive is not boxed but is sealed. So I am not sure if this was boxed originally. The white tube is in matte feel with a royal frames and texts. It's not the usual Arial texts. :) But everything at the back is in Korean Text

It says:
Containing milk ingredients, it makes your skin clean, moisturized and nourished.

Longer description from Missha US:
Cleansing foam with green tea latte ingredients help vitalize tired, dull skin. Green tea latte provides nutrition to the skin and helps control sebum secretion. The latte-like soft, smooth lather helps keep the skin moisturized even after cleansing.

The first thing I noticed when I open it was the green tea scent. It was really refreshing. The product is in light green color of course coz it's green tea. I use a small amount only and it is enough to cover my whole face, probably half the amount I had on my sample pic below. I use this twice a day - morning and evening.

As a cleansing foam, I think it does its job pretty well for its price. After washing my face with this, my skin feels fresh and nourished. I think the scent of green tea and green color adds up to the feeling.  So far while using Missha Creamy Latte Green Tea Cleansing Foam for almost 7 months, I didn't had problems with breakouts so that's good news for me.

I have tried the chocolate flavor for this one and I hate the chocolate scent, I had to rinse my face really well to remove the chocolate scent.

What I like

- Cheaper price

- Refreshing green tea scent

- Moisturizing

- Does its job properly

What I don't like

- I'm still thinking!

- Ahh! the tube 

During it's last moments when squeezing is already impossible to let the foam out, try cutting it to half and scrape the remaining products out of the tube, there are still a lot left in it that lasted almost a month. I don't like wasting useful products.

I used to buy my Korean products from an online seller but I don't think he is still selling at the moment. Regular price of USD 5, this is less than P200 when I bought it on sale so I am not sure how much is the regular price on Missha kiosk in malls.

Read more

Ssaeracadabra 2016 Korean Drama Favorites

I got lazy these days so, I decided to have short reviews for my watched drama in one page instead of making them one by one. Editing this page throughout the year after I finish watching each drama.

If you know any drama that is worth to watch, please share it on comment section. I would really watched it. Cheers to my fellow K-drama Addicts! :)

1. War of the Son

credits to wikipedia

I am so excited to see this drama because of Yoo Seung Ho. Gosh! How I missed him seeing on my screen. He really is one of the best Korean actors I have known, like he can pull any character and portrait them passionately. So much about him, let's get back the drama. This is a melodrama so if you are looking tear jerky drama, this one is a worth to watch. (Though, I did not shed a tear on this but my friends did). It's really painful to watch the struggle of the Father and Son. But at least they got the justice they want. And oh, the hot-villain-with-anger-management-issue here is very irritating, it was such a pity that he committed suicide at the end.

For this: 5/5 stars

2. I Remember You

credits to wikipedia

I know this was released last year but only had the time to watched it early this year. And Boy! I was so kilig the whole time watching Seo In Guk here. Hahaha... Those lips, and those eyes... Oh Boy.... Haha..
Anyway, the drama as a whole was worth to watch, I enjoyed the plot twists. It's just so weird for me how he can't identify his own brother earlier. But then, I guess it is where the story come from. Trust me, if you decide to watch this, you will enjoy the suspense in finding his brother.

For this: 4.8/5 stars

3.  Six Flying Dragons
 

credits to wikipedia

I and my friend watch this because of Yoo Ah In. For us Yoo Ah In is one of the most capable actors in K-Drama world. Though this drama was lengthy with 50 episodes, it was still worth the time watching it. The story is more focused on political issues and ambitions rather than the romance. If you are looking for romantic comedy or kilig moments, I think this is not the one as this one is more on serious types. But as for us, it was worth watching issues after issues until the Lee Bang Won became the King. I find Sambong annoying when he gain power. Lee Ban Ji's life was so boring and tragic. Moo Hyul was very attractive, probably because of his loyalty to his master. As for Boon Yi and Lee Bang Won, though they did not end up marrying each other, but I think they lived a fulfilled but lonely life. It was a great drama.

For this: 5/5 stars

4. Descendants of the Sun

credits to wikipedia

Joong Ki, I missed you! The last time I saw on my screen was on the werewolf boy. I hope to more of your dramas and movies in the future.

Anyways, this drama may have won several awards from us. Bests couple, most kilig, bests 2nd couple, most talked drama among my friends,  and everything else. Even on the first episode, my heart was already palpitating because of the kiligness. We just can't get over yet. I think, so far this year, this is the only drama that has let me laugh, fall in love and cry. I can't even remember when was the last i cried for a drama. Probably because it is related with medical life, that I can really understand the situation. Ahhhh.. I don't know. I just can't describe how delighted I am watching this drama. I not writing what the drama is about but I assure you that if you watch this, you will really enjoy it!

As far as I know, it is the same writer that has brought us Secret Garden and The Heirs. So if you have watched and liked both, I am really sure, you will enjoy DOTS!

For this: 5/5 stars and 5/5 hearts :)


5. Come Back, Mister 

 

credits to wikipedia

So if you are into light but entertaining drama, this one is recommended. The first few episodes were really enjoyable that made me decide to watch this till the end. I think Rain is more natural on this type of portrayals. Also, I feel in love with Oh Yeon Seo’s pretty little face. She’s really awkward but I enjoyed watching her on this drama. The story is quite unique for me, the twist were good, and the actors were all great. Overall, this drama was well worth my time.

For this: 4.5/5 stars

6. Entertainer

credits to wikipedia

We decided to watch this because of Min Hyuk. Haha. Aside from that my friend also told me that it was a good drama. I find this story with so many complications but glad to see that at the end of the drama, everyone had an ending they deserve. Everyone did a good job on here though. However, I hate Hyeri’s character here. :) The story line is not my type but if you are into complicated drama, this could be perfect for you to watch.

For this: 4/5 stars

7. Beautiful Gong Shim

credits to wikipedia

I hated Nam Goong Min on War of the Son. I really hated his character in that drama that is why watching this drama is kinda awkward at the first few episode. I was also moved by his portrayal on the Doctors episode and damn, he can make me cry. It just proves that Nam Goong Min is a versatile actor. Minah is also funny. I find her weird in this drama though. This is just a light drama with no heavy conflicts. I liked it that way.

For this: 4.5/5 stars

8. Mirror of the Witch

credits to wikipedia

When I see Yoon Shi Yoon, I am always reminded with Baker King. He was really good at that one. Kim Sae-Ron here was emotionless. Her facial expression is all the same. I am not sure if I was convinced but I just can't feel any emotion on her. Maybe because of her character? Also, I hated the ending. hihi!

For this: 4/5 stars 

8. Doctors

credits to wikipedia

I must admit, the first 2 episodes was a bang! Because of Shin Ye's action scene, I was excited of this drama. I think this is the first drama I saw where Shin Ye's is a grown up. It was refreshing. Kim Raewon is cute too. It's been a while since the last time saw him on my screen. I always like his movies. And, he's cuter now. Hahah. Yoon Kyun-sang was also great in here. I still have a hangover with him being Mo Hyul, it's quite refreshing seeing him in doctor's gown. A mature love story everyone will surely love.

For this: 4.8/5 stars

9. Let's Fight Ghost

credits to wikipedia

This is fun given that I enjoy watching fight scenes. I like how they twist that Hyun Ji was actually a soul and not a ghost no wonder why was beautiful compared to other ghost and they had a happy ending. Park Bong Pal was great on this drama and the antagonist Joo Hye-sung was portrayed very well. Even his eyes looks really scary on screen. Over all, this drama was really worth to watch and was never boring to me.

For this: 4.9/5 stars

10. Cinderella and Four Knights

credits to wikipedia

I am not really sure if I did enjoy watching this last night. There are episodes that really got me bored. The Knights were really great for their character but I am not sure about the Cinderella. The story was typical but good thing it doesn’t have too much evil antagonist on it. For me, the love story between the characters are way too complicated.  

For this: 3.8/5 Stars

11. W

credits to wikipedia

This is quite amusing to watch for me. The girl lead is just so cute. Anyways, it's a great story here. I love the twist and conflicts are good.

 For this: 5/5 Stars

12. Love in the Moonlight

credits to wikipedia

Kim Yoo Jung is such a pretty lady now. The drama was really sweet but I specifically liked how friendship is really strong in this one. This is not as heavy as how other sageuk drama usually do but I like it really. Though I cried a bit when Yoon Sung died. That was painful to watch.

For this: 4.9/5 Stars

13. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

credits to wikipedia

It's been a while since Queen Seon Deok that I cried so much for a drama. This probably is the most heart wrenching drama love story I have watched this year. It’s like I cried in every dying prince scene. I hate it but it only shows how great this drama that it gives the feels to its viewers. I hated the ending though that is how a great Korean drama usually ends. I cried a bucket in last episode, it really hurts seeing the King resent Lady Hae Soo because of misunderstanding. Wang So was really patient in with his love for Hae Soo, though he became the King and can have almost everything except the one that He really loves the most. If only I can get into the screen and comfort the King. Hahaha! Well… Everyone did a really great in this one!! 

For this: 5.5/5 Stars 

14.  Uncontrollably Fond

credits to wikipedia

Melodrama, the ones that will leave you with a broken heart and a bunch of tissue at the end. Even the effects/settings makes you feel so lonely. Kim Won Bin was really painful to watch every time he has headache attacks. And Suzy is so annoying every time she screams but dang, how adorable she is when she does aegyo acts and so pretty when she's dolled up. But still I think her acting still needs more practice and more practice, I can't feel any connection with her character when on a serious scenes. Everyone else also did a great job in this drama. Shin Joon-young life is so pitiful that I just hope they made his relationship with her mom not that ill, at least they can have a quality time instead off hating her son that much.

For this: 3.8/5 Stars   

15. The K2

A round of applause for this drama. It was very well done. My heart is racing on every episode thinking what will happen next. And I so love their fist fights. Yoona's acting I think has improved, the character really suits her well. Chang Wook was really cool in this one. Action drama really suits him well. And Song Yoona, damn her character, I might hate her for a while. Hahaha.. She was so pretty. How can a she be so sweet and be evil but still remain classy even at her last moments. Everyone else was really convincing. The ending was also satisfying. No hangovers. I could watch this all over again, I just love the thrill I feel while watching this.. :)

Read more

Missha Super Aqua Relief Eye Cream Review

Happy Holidays Guys!

It's been a year since I have started on my Korean skin care routine and it is not complete without an eye cream. Your eye areas also needs a special care and a good eye cream to complete your skin care routine is a must!

Missha Super Aqua Relief Eye Cream is my first eye cream so I kind of don't know what to expect from this product when I bought this.

Product description from the box:

"Relieving eye cream to moisturize puffy and sensitive areas around the eyes.

The Super Aqua basic series is formulated with Active Water System to help improve and maintain skin's healthy moisture balance, making skin moist and radiant.

Containing 100% of Ice Plane Water, rich in minerals and Active Water (Blue Lagoon Water, Mineral Water, Damask Rose Water) instead of purified water it provides moisture to dry skin around the eyes relieving sensitiveness."

What made me decide to buy this, aside from its price, is that it claims to moisturize puffy eyes. I don't have dark circles even if I don't sleep for 2 days, but I always have a puffy eyes even if I sleep 8 hours regularly.

 

Like any Super Aqua Basic Line, the product packaging comes in a blue theme. The tube is matte and don't have too much information on it. The English description can only be found on the box and what you can see on the tube are only in Hangul except the front part.

 

The tube is not transparent so you won't be able to see the how much product you have. I also like how it dispense a very this amount of the cream. 

The cream is in white color and has a thicker consistency than the Super Aqua Emulsion. It carries the signature scent of the Super Aqua line but the scent on this one is not as strong compared to the emulsion. I actually don't like the scent on this line, I find it too strong for my liking.

The cream for me is too sticky. Application is easy though blending and absorption takes a bit of time. I have to wait for a while before I can go on with my next cream. I continually use this for about 3 months but I honestly don't see any changes or effects on my eye skin area.

Another thing is that, I noticed every time I use this cream at night, the next morning when I wake up, the corner of my eyes feels very uncomfortable. I feel like the product has dried out while I was sleeping. And when I gently wipe my eyes like I normally do before going out of bed, I can actually feel some dried cream clumps in my finger. I actually have to mildly wipe my eyes because the clumps are too rough that sometimes it can cause redness if you wipe too strong. I didn't have that issue before I started and after I stopped using the cream. I can really say that the cream is cause.

What I like

- Cheaper Price

What I don't like

- Uncomfortable morning

- No visible effects

I love Missha products but the Missha Super Aqua Relief Eye Cream was a disappointment. Right now, I use the remaining cream as a moisturizer for hands and feet.

Read more

December Haul: Mamonde, Clio, Aritaum and more

I still have enough stocks that will last me until next year but still, I get tempted to buy some for myself...

Until I notice I have bought too many for this month. Hahah! It's Christmas, and sale is everywhere! :)

I got some Mamonde Sheet Mask, my first Clio item which is a brow Mascara, Maybelline lippies I bought at Watsons, Etude House and the Faceshop items I bought during my trip at Cebu, Aritaum, Iope and ACH cream I got from my pre-ordered items.

On this haul, my favorite is the Aritaum Pudding tint 'coz it taste so sweet on my lips. I hope I can find time to review all of these next year.

May we all have a Happy Holidays 2015 and a more beautiful skin in 2016!

Read more

Missha Pure Source Sheet Mask Pomegranate Review

It's been a while since my last post. I was feeling really lazy this past few months. Right now, I am hoping I'll be able to finish this post.

If you have read my previous post, I have a good stash of Missha Sheet Mask that will last me until the year ends. But this time, I'll just review the Missha Pure Source Pomegranate Sheet Mask.

Missha Pure Source Sheet Mask Pomegranate

 Unlike the Tea Tree variant, Pomegranate variant improves damages skin.

"Soft 100% pure cotton sheet mask soaked with essence derived from natural ingredients. Contains Pomegranate extract for vitalizing and firming benefits. Great for dull complexion and aging skin."

Quoted from Missha US site.

The back portion of the package says:

"Pure cotton sheet mask to deliver pure nature.

Pure cotton sheet mask enriched with Pomegranate ingredient, makes your dull skin firm and healthy while improving damaged skin."

Missha Pure Source Sheet Mask Pomegranate

The first thing I noticed when I first used the Pomegranate variant was the sweet smell. I really like the fruity sweet smell it has. It's not too strong and doesn't hurt my nose. I put it on the fridge for 5-10 minutes before application just to give me cooling effect. Then put it 20 minutes or longer and continue with my ampoule and other creams before hitting the bed. After removing the mask, I can see my skin looks brighter than usual, which gives me a nice feeling when looking at my face on the mirror.

What I like

- Fruity sweet smell

- Brightening effect

- No sticky feeling

- Firming effect

- Improve damaged skin

What I don't like

- I can't think of any! :)

Previously during the first few weeks of using Missha sheet masks, I can feel a slight burning sensation after 10-15 minutes of application. Thankfully, at this time I don't feel any discomfort anymore. Seems like my skin got used to it. 

And yeah that's my face, still healing from all its painful and stressful memories! haha! But at least it's getting better than it was before. :) And excuse the heart stickers, I just find the eye part annoying!

You can also read my review for Tea Tree variant back when my skin was really stressful! :)

Missha Pure Source Sheet Mask is kind of overpriced here in the Philippines which is sometimes sold 99-150 each but you can find cheaper ones on eBay. Just be mindful to ask for expiration date.

Read more

Nature Republic The First Essence Review

This is the first essence I have ever tried. Though I don't really know what made me bought this product, probably because of curiosity on what is an essence, good reviews online and recommendation from my friendly seller. I actually bought one even when it is not on sale and it cost me P1500 for a 150 ml.

Nature Republic The First Essence is actually one of the first products I use when I was just starting on my strict Korean skin care. I honestly find it really expensive when I was just starting out my Korean skin care. It's a good thing that the full size products will last almost a year or so.

I started using this January this year and I love it.

Its claims:

Saccharomyces Ferment The First Essence (Brightening)

Formulated with 90% Saccharomyces ferment, this undiluted essential essence makes the skin clear and transparent.

Nature Republic The First Essence

The packaging is nothing too fancy. I actually find the box not too safe for bottled products probably because it is too thin. Unlike Missha boxes it adds another cardboard inside the box to add protection to the bottled products. But I like the frosted bottle design for Nature Republic The First Essence. It's so sexy to look at.

The liquid has a consistency of a water with a bit of a very light yellow color. The scent is refreshing and not sticky when applied. Absorption is pretty fast too. Application is easy since I use an atomizer spray. I transfer like 30 ml from the bottle to my sprayer every 2 months. I find it a lot easier to apply and less wasted product since you can control the amount compared to just pouring it into your palm.

For my very sensitive skin, I am glad I didn't have any break out problem during the first weeks using Nature Republic The First Essence. After 7 months using the product, day and night, I didn't have any major issues. I can't really tell if skin brightens compare to its claims (because I have a yellow skin tone) but all I know is that my skin is a lot better than it was before.

What I like

-light and fast absorption

-can be used on sensitive skin

-brightening effect

-no break out problem

What I don't like

-Pricey :) but it's worth it though

I actually don't give too much attention on the ingredients on my reviews as long as it didn't cause any harm.

Have you tried using Nature Republic The First Essence? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.

Stay pretty! :)

Read more

Shopback Review

Have you ever heard about shopback.ph?

It's actually the first time I have read about it when I receive the email from BPI Cards inviting me to register with shopback.ph

What is Shopback.ph anyways? It works like a rebates program when you shop online like Lazada, Zalora, Luxola, etc. You can actually find the list of stores when click on their website. 

As a frequent shopper on Lazada, this program is actually a dream come true for me. Haha. I was actually hoping for Lazada to come up with rewards program for their frequent users where I can get rebates every time I order. I was really happy when I read the email. Plus, it also works with Zalora, Agoda, Booking and many more.

Though I still haven't tried making withdrawals with my rebates, I feel assured that this program is not a scam since it was BPI who led me here. Hahaha. I will update this post once I can have my first cash out. The rebates are still on pending status and I still have to wait 60 days until it is cleared for cash out.

You have several options for cash out. As of this writing, you can cash out via Paypal, BPI, BDO and Metrobank. I think I will choose Paypal in the future for withdrawing my rebates.

To make sure you get cashback when you shop online, make sure you are logged in and start with Shopback.ph then select the online store you want to shop. Before shopback.ph will navigate you to the online store, make sure to read the reminders. Only use 1 window throughout the process.

Transaction will reflect usually within 24 hours and clearing for cash out takes 60 days. As for Lazada, I usually get an email with 2-6 hours after my purchase. Again, I repeat

IMPORTANT: For successful Cashback, stay within the redirected tab till purchase

If you are a frequent online shopper like me, join Shopback now and get (P150 sign-up) P100 sign up bonus and start earning rebates for every purchase. Sign up bonus reduced to 100 recently. Just click the link below.

My First Payout
(Update 1-26-2016 )

As you can see below is my proof that I was able to cash out my 1000+ earned on cashback.

I chose Paypal since the bank option would take longer. I actually get better rebates on Shopback than my cashback credit card. So yeah, it is legit.

If you are happy with this post, you can thank me on the comments below! ;D Happy Shopping!

ShopBack Chrome Extension
(Update 3-29-2016 )

Gladly Shopback have added Shopback Cashback buddy extensions where you can install on Chrome and Safari. This extension help you not to miss your cashback when you shop online. If the online store you are viewing is a partner, simply click on the extension to activate cashback in just one click.

To install the extension, click on shopback.ph/cashback-button.

 

Read more

Thank You BPI Cards!

I have been a BPI credit card holder for more than 2 years now and it is really seldom that I can enjoy their perks for a couple of reason. One, I live in the province. As far as I know, most of the partner establishment where promos and discount privileges are accepted are situated on big cities only. Two, I am not a heavy shopper. It is very seldom that I can claim freebies for their regular promo like free Jollibee or Chowking, etc. as most of my transactions on my card nowadays is just less than 2500 pesos.

And out of the blue, tsaddaaa!

They gave me a P500 gift certificate for ZALORA PH with no minimum spend. I was so happy upon receiving this few days ago. I have been looking for a new gym bag for a few weeks now but since most of the bags that I like are quite expensive I was still saving for it. Luckily, BPI was just in time, and gave me a ZALORA PH certificate. And without many thoughts, I used it right away. hahaha!

And I decide to buy a backpack from Nike. Quality wise, I know Nike bags is not on the top but I still bought it because it is spacious and very light. Just perfect for my gym items during weekends. My boyfriend had a Nike bag that we also bought from ZALORA PH a few years ago. So I quite expect what quality I would get from this one.

Online it is marked as yellow but upon arrival it is neon, which I am okay with. It is lively and is almost 50% off. :) So I can't complain more! Hahaha

As always, a hassle free shopping with ZALORA PH and got the item delivered in just 4 days.

If you are also planning to purchase on Zalora Ph, you can use discount code ZBAPZSFT and enjoy 15% off.

Thank you BPI and ZALORA PH.

Happy customer! :)

Read more