How To Pay Pag-IBIG Fund Contributions Online

One of my checklist for this year is to start saving through Pag-IBIG Fund. Pag-IBIG is actually a good investment and the availability to pay for the contributions online using your Visa or MasterCard Credit Card are the reasons why I decided to be a member.

As a voluntary member, their online payment facility is very convenient because you got to save time with the long queue or the time you go to payment center. Though it has a charge but it's a reasonable 3.6% convenience fee.

So if you are new to Pag-IBIG, an OFW or just too lazy to go out like me, here's a guide on how to pay for your Monthly Contributions online. Hope this will help you :)

1. Log on to http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/ and click on E-SERVICES.

2. You will be redirected to their online payment facility which will look like this.

Simply enter your Pag-IBIG ID number and click verify to see if you have entered your ID correctly. After clicking "Verify", the member's name will be filled out automatically, so if you see it's not your name re-enter your correct ID and verify again. Then finish filling out other necessary information.

3. After clicking submit, you will be redirected to a Payment Summary page where you can review your details.

Click Back button if you need to make changes. Click submit if all details are correct and to proceed with your payment.

4. After you click submit, you will be connected to Pesopay Payment Service where you can enter your credit card details.

1. Top: Select your card type - Visa or MasterCard. 
2. Center: Enter your card details. 
3. Bottom: After ensuring all information is correct, click on Submit. Processing...

Top: Select your card type - Visa or MasterCard. Center: Enter your card details. Bottom: After ensuring all information is correct, click on Submit. Processing...

5. You will get a confirmation from Pesopay if your payment went through successfully and if you click continue, you will be directed back to Pag-IBIG site with a confirmation of your payment. You will also receive an email and a SMS confirmation.

-Top: The Pesopay confirmation page -Bottom: The Pag-IBIG confirmation page

And that's it. The convenience of online payments.

I hope this has been a help for you. Will SSS and PhilHeatlh have this feature anytime soon? That would be really great.

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January Haul: Missha Love

So my orders from Korea is here! It's a Missha filled box.

On my box:

- Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide Concentrating Emulsion
- Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide Extra Vital Toner
- Missha Creamy Latte Green Tea Cleansing Foam
- Missha Creamy Latte Chocolate Cleansing Foam
- Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam
- Missha Pure Source Sheet Masks Tea Tree and Pearl
- Nature Republic The First Essence

And some goodies.... and more freebies...
- Etude House - Collagen Moistful Trial Kit, Age Defense Softener and Emulsion Trial Set, Happy Cleansing Foam
- Missha - TR Cream Youth, Make-up Remover Tissue, Glam Art Rouge ,SA D-tox peeling gel, Night Repair Ampoule
- Tony Moly BB Cream and Red Appletox Honey Cream
- Clio Lipnicure and Gel Presso Gel Liner
- Peripera Peri's Tint
- And some which I forgot

Freebies makes me want to buy more! Hahahaha... Actually I like getting trial kits specially the ones that I use as they come in handy during travels or on weekend getaways. I do not need to bring the heavy bottles with me.

I am actually really excited for this set because of the Near Skin Firming Peptide set where I am dying to try it on full bottles and see it's magic if used for a longer period of time. I tried the trial kits and I was really impressed that I had to order the full size.

My cleansing foam is good for a 1 year supply. I don't have to worry if there is zombie apocalypse coming. :D Naaah, I am actually giving it to my mom if she is interested in using it. My mom has a perfect skin, she doesn't put on anything on her face but still maintain a fair skin until now. The gene that I never had from her. Younger bro got that lucky gene from mom and I hate him for that reason! (Bitter!!).

And a lot of sheet mask. I also promised myself that I'll be using sheet mask regularly so I bought a lot and more coming. Seller actually asked me if Missha Mask are that really great why I am buying a lot of it (and more to come!). That made me think too why I prefer Missha. It's actually the first brand from Korea that I used and never had problems with. Probably that's why I like using anything from Missha. Also, the essence from their mask is not too thick compared to Etude House so it absorbs faster on my skin.

So much to love on this box.

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The Faceshop Clean Face Oil Control BB Cream Review

How was your New Year girl?

This time, I'll be reviewing a BB Cream from The Faceshop. It is there Clean Face Oil Control BB Cream. I do not know how much it will cost if you buy from the Faceshop boutiques but got it for around P500 online.

I am not sure what the size of the tube is as everything in the back is written in Korean. But on the website it says 35 ml. The packaging is simple, nothing too fancy about it. The tube also is a matte type so it is quite nice to touch. In front, it reads

- Chamomile Extract
- Quick Clear Complex
- New and improved Quick Clear Complex treats oily or problem skin more quickly and effectively.

cr: thefaceshop website

Grabbed the product details from the Faceshop International website. It is meant for troubled skin, which is why I bought it. I actually also bought the spot corrector which I like.

The cream comes in one color only which is a lighter shade, so if you have a darker skin tone, it may not blend well on your skin and if you put too much you might end up looking like a geisha. But it actually blends well on my skin after it oxidize, I just try to avoid on putting too much on my face.

This how it blends on my hands. It's not too greasy and glides easily when you apply using your fingertips. I actually like using the product. Soothing smell, matte finish, and I don't need put too much powder. I have an oily face but when using this BB cream, the oiliness on my face is controlled. The only problem I had when I was using this straight for 5 days is that it breaks me out. Yup, this is the only downside and this probably my last BB cream from The Faceshop. I have also tried the Aqua Tinted BB Cream before and it break me out badly that I had to seek medical treatment. I am not sure what is with their BB cream but I am no longer risking my face again.

What I like

- Nice smell

- Glides easily during application

- Matte Finish

- Controls the oiliness on my face

What I don't like

- Breaks me out so I had to stop using it immediately

Buying again? Nope, and this is last BB cream from the Faceshop too.

PS: I am still trying to save it from being thrown to my trash bin so if you are interested, let me know.

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Cebu Pacific Air: No More Fuel Surcharge

Ain't that sweet guys? As I was trying to check for a cheap flights for Cebu next week, I saw this welcome message from Cebu Pacific Air home page. No More Fuel Surcharge!

Piso fare will be now much cheaper (I think so!). But I still have to find it out on their next promo. I am just so happy. This means more travels for me in the future.

Is Philippine Airlines doing the same too? I also checked their website but I didn't see any notifications for that. They might follow as well in the next few days. (Maybe, right?)

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Missha Super Aqua Skin Fresh Refreshing Cleansing Foam Review

This is one of my Christmas shopping items I bought from Missha at SM Cebu the price was too much and I feel like Missha PH is overpriced here is in the Philippines.

I ordered mine from a re-seller at less than P500 only. Because I can’t wait for my order that is scheduled to be delivered this coming January, I still bought it. :) (I’m pretty impulsive when it comes to favorites)

I have been using this for more than 2 months now. I started with their trial pack first that I got from ordering a BB Cream on Missha Ph Facebook page. I realize that it was so nice on my skin, I then bought the travel size from Lazada which lasted me for a month too. I am still in love with it until now.

Before starting this product, I was using a PB soap from my dermatologist which I feel it doesn’t thoroughly cleans my face. Since the trial pack was just sitting on my closet for like 9 months. (Yeah, it was just there for that long) I decided to incorporate it with my cleansing care. And man... I feel in love at first use!

Missha US describe “Super Aqua gives your skin radiance with a help from three revitalized water from nature. 

Containing Sweet Flag Extract and Willow Bark Extract which gives a massage effect with its minute and rich bubbles, Super Aqua cleansing foam gently and completely removes makeup and impurities.”

I don’t use make-up every day so on my normal routine I cleanse my face with PB soap and then Super Aqua Cleansing foam. I didn’t had major breakouts while starting on this method so I guess it is fine but of course when I use make up even just a light one, I always use a make-up remover then continue on my cleansing method.

The tube is blue but the product inside is in white color. I use only a small amount and gently massage it on my face for 2-3 minutes and rinse with tap water. In a while, it will create a rich bubbles which is really relaxing while you gently massage it on your face. The instructions is that you rinse it with a lukewarm water but I prefer tepid water as it is more accessible. We don’t have a heater available for our faucets. :D

What I love using this product is that it doesn’t leave a harsh or dry feeling after washing. It doesn’t strip off the moisture out of your skin and you can feel it soft and a bit squeaky. (> is this the right term?) It’s really refreshing when I use it. The scent is not too strong compared to Super Aqua toner and emulsion has. It’s doesn’t hurt my nose if I accidentally breath in some of it compared to other products. But it really hurts my eyes if it gets there. Also, you don’t need too much product to create a lather and cleanse your face. So I think the 200 ml tube will go a loooooong way.

Buying again? Yes, of course. I still have 1 tube on my closet. How about you?

Update: 07-24-15

The product really last long so its worth every penny. 1 tube lasted for about 7-9 months. But I was not able to consume all in my first tube coz I left it Cebu during my recent travel. Overall, I love Missha's Super Aqua Skin Fresh Refreshing Cleansing Foam.

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My Korean Skin Care Haul (December)

This is actually my first Korean skin care haul like buying all kinds of stuff to try on.

No it's not, this is not my first time buying a Korean skin care. I started with BB creams then mask sheets etc but only 1 product at a time because they're too expensive here in the Philippines. This time I got so impulsive and felt so excited finding someone selling online for a lower price than buying at a mall. I ended up hauling products.

On my bag:

1. Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner: Sensitive
2. Nature Republic Botanical Tint Mousse SPF15 (Coral and Strawberry)
3. The Faceshop Clean Face Oil Control BB Cream
4. The Faceshop Clean Face Spot Corrector

The Kerasys Shampoo and Bar Soap was a freebie from my friendly seller. And also the samplers I got from him as gift too. Thanks so much!

I have waited for like a more than a month to get my hands on these products and I am so excited to start using them all. The first to try on my list is the Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner: Sensitive since my Missha Toner is almost running out. I just can't wait to try it.

My second bag for next month's order will be a Missha filled haul. I am also uber excited for that. :))

And that doesn't end here yet for this month. When I went to Cebu for a short Christmas holiday, I also did some shopping at Etude House and Missha. I just can't resist the urge to shop every time I pass by their store. (Hello Princess!)

Korean Haul

On my Etude House bag:

1. Milky You Cleansing Milk
2. AC Clinic Intense Red Spot Balm with Cleansing Foam
3. AC Clinic Extractor
4.Tea Tree Mask Sheet
5. Pearl Mask Sheet
6. Bright Eyes Patch
7. Don't Worry Happy Change Lip Balm

Plus I got a Wonder Pore toner and lip tint samplers as a freebie. Also got a Pink Card membership. I actually like their pink card. I think this is actually granted to customers for free when your purchase reach their required amount. The pink card is actually a rewards program for Etude House PH princesses wherein when you shop at a minimum of 100, you will get a rebate of 2%. When your points accumulate, you can use it to purchase at Etude House PH stores nationwide. Plus the design is so lovely and elegant.

Then I passed by Missha kiosk and actually bought the full size Missha Super Aqua Cleansing Foam which is very expensive compared to buying online. But of course you don't have to wait for a month to get your item, if you really need the product and don't mind paying the price. Who cares right? Had no choice but to buy it actually coz my travel size is almost empty and it wouldn't last until January I think.The full size is actually really huge and would last for months on me.

Missha Super Aqua Cleansing Foam

I also got these Papaya soap from Yanhee, Thailand. These are not Korean but I just want to include them though. I ordered them at 120 each tub from my college friend who is now working in Thailand. I can't wait to try them too. :)

Yanhee Papaya Soap

And lastly some Nature Republic products from Lazada, the Water Tint #02 and Aloe Vera soothing gel.

Nature Republic and Water Tint #02 and Aloe Vera Soothing Gel

I ended up broke going home... Hahaha. Retail therapy doesn't always help. But I was enjoying it. Just can't wait to try them all...

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Missha Super Aqua Skin Fresh Hydrating Toner and Emulsion Review

As I was panicking the last time where I can get the Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide, I ended up buying the Missha Super Aqua Skin Fresh Travel set at Lazada and got for Php 664.05.

Just so you don't know, I live in a province where you can see are sari-sari store only. That is why I panic if I run out of anything that I need because I can't easily purchase them right there and then compared to if you are living in the city. My only access are the online shops which I have to deal with shipping, hefty price and sometimes if it's pre-order, you got to wait a month to get it.

As far as I know, toner and emulsion are the basic skin care for lazy girls and those who are just starting up with Korean Skin Care like me. So I am reviewing them together.

The travel kits are in thick plastic bottles. I dropped the emulsion once and it didn't break so I am pretty sure it is plastic. I am not sure about the regular size bottles if they come in plastic too.

From the packaging:

"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."

Let's first go with Super Aqua Skin Fresh Hydrating Toner (30 ml).

"Fresh hydrating toner for clean and radiant skin adding moisture."

As the name it suggested, Aqua, the toner is very close to water in terms of consistency. At first I thought the smell was very close to a detergent but after using it for 3 weeks now, I got used to it and it became close to odorless. I apply it after double cleansing using my palms. I always prefer not to use cotton on Korean toners to save every last drop of it. Korean toners works differently from American toners which is usually applied with a cotton. The product is so light and absorbs faster into your skin but I always space my applications like 1-3 minutes every product to allow better absorption.

Next, the Super Aqua Skin Fresh Hydrating Emulsion (30 ml).

"Moist hydrating emulsion for lustrous and smooth skin balancing skin's oil and moisture level."

Emulsion or face lotion as what others usually define it. The lotion is very white and the smell is a bit stronger than the toner. I am really annoyed with the smell at first coz it's too strong for me but gladly I got used to it. I apply it after the ampoule or the essence. I used to put a lot on my face but I notice that it does not absorb on skin my quickly. (My skin is oily type.) Later I apply it on smaller amount for better absorption.

During the first few days using the Super Aqua Skin Fresh, I notice a small zits on my face. Gladly it disappeared after a week. Probably it was a reaction after shifting from Near Skin Firming Peptide set. Throughout the 3 weeks of using the product I notice less break out, and if it does it just so few. The Super Aqua Skin Fresh set is also mild on my face, I don't feel any tingling sensation during my application. This is really a good set if you are looking for moisturizing and hydrating effects. Waking up in the morning is also a beauty, it's not so greasy and skin feels so soft too. It didn't help with my blemishes though.

Buying again? Maybe, this will be a good choice if I ran out with my favorites again or maybe for traveling if you don't want to bring those bigger bottles with you.

How about you? What you think about Super Aqua Skin Fresh line?

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Zalora Philippines Online Shopping Review

As you know, I love online shopping when I am stressed. And one of my favorite online shops to visit is Zalora. I have made several successful purchases at zalora but never really had a chance to properly review everything.

What I love shopping at Zalora is that they give out coupon codes and discounts from time to time. :) Since they started in the Philippines, now their site has grown. They have added more brands to their list like Mango, River Island and more. They even upgraded their website which is now better than before. Just my thoughts though because I can now view the website even with a slow internet connection.

The common question for most is, is it legit? Of course it is. As far as I know, Zalora is a big online shopping company in Asia. If you have no credit card  or PayPal, it is not a problem. They offer COD payments too.

Delivery time usually takes 7 days from my experience since I am from the province. One of the things I love about shopping at Zalora is items ordered, no matter the size, they will always come in Zalora box and not just wrapped with anything. This way I know that my orders are safe.
This Christmas season, if you have no time to shop on department stores, Zalora is a perfect choice to shop your gifts and everything else. Highly recommended!

Enjoy 15% discount when you shop at Zalora, just use the code ZBAPZSFT. You can even share it with your friends.

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Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide Toner and Emulsion Review

I have regretted it so much why I didn't try this as soon as I had these samplers. This set of beauty bottle was hibernating in my closet for like a year already since I received them. I bought the M Perfect BB Cream so I had this two coming along on my package.

Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide line was the one of highest end product for Missha because it is really effective. This is according to the CS on Missha Philippines who replied to me when I inquired for its price.

A short description about the item from Missha US site.

"Near Skin Firming Peptide Extra Vital Toner helps make dry and fatigued skin smooth and bright while allowing the following skin care products absorb into the skin. It provides moisture to the skin and helps make even skin texture. Skin-friendly ingredients, like Lipid Water and 12 peptides, control moisture balance in the skin to help boost the benefits of following skin care.

Near Skin Concentrating Emulsion helps firm and tighten skin by maintaining moisture and nutrition balance while increasing turnover of dead skin cells, a cause of sagging skin. The soft and silky textured formula moisturizes and nourishes the skin to help make an even and smooth skin texture. Contains skin-friendly ingredients, like Lipid Water, Lipid Barrier, and 12 peptides, for firming and tightening benefits.

Near Skin Firming Peptide 4-Step Wrinkle Care & Firming System
Step 1) contains Fermented Bio-Calcium to strengthen skin barrier and tighten the skin
Step 2) contains 12 peptides to restore skin elasticity for firm skin
Step 3) improves fine lines and wrinkles for a smooth skin surface
Step 4) protects and strengthens skin barrier for healthy skin condition"

With the benefits stated above, I can really say that this combo is really effective on my acne prone skin. The effects are noticeable even after 3 days of using it during my night regimen. The effects are even better compared to what was prescribed by my dermatologist which I have stopped because I was not satisfied even after 1 year of following it. I did not use any other creams during my usage for this combo and I am loving the effect on my face. It really beats my previous regimen from my dermatologist. :)

After cleansing my face, I use Near Skin Firming Peptide Extra Vital Toner. The toner is lightly colored and smells good. I used to apply it using a cotton but later change and apply it by lightly patting using my palm for better absorption. After a while I apply Near Skin Concentrating Emulsion by gently massaging in circular motion on my face and neck. There was a slight tingling sensation during my first few nights of using it. I was worried it will cause any bad side effects but it was not so I think the slight tingling sensation was normal.

Just by using this two products, the effects are really great. On the third day of using it, I notice my skin was lighter and moist. Dewy not oily. And if I look at it closely it seems that the skin looks more relaxed than it was before. Pores were minimized but are still there. No major break outs during my usage and the zits that was already there before I started using it healed faster.

Now it’s more than a week of using the sampler, I am panicking where I can get these items so I can continue enjoying the benefits. Should I repurchase? Of course, definitely I am. I have ordered from a friend of mine but the stocks will arrive by December and my samplers are almost near to empty.

Shelling out PhP 2600 (Missha Philippines Facebook) for each bottle is such a horror compared to PhP 900 (from a reseller) each bottle. That was a huge price difference from the same product.

And no, I am not posting my face to show you the before and after like how they normally do it. :)

Update: 2/20/15

Missha Near Skin Firming Peptide Toner and Emulsion

So I now have the full size bottle and they are so light pink. The packaging is elegant and very feminine. (They're so chic by the way!) Product consistency and effects on me are the same with the samples I tried few months ago. I was very glad to finally have them. The only downside with their packaging is that you can't tell how much toner or emulsion you still have because it is not transparent. I hope they can make it more transparent or maybe have a part of the bottle transparent so just we can see the level of the product inside.

The toner dispense a controllable amount of liquid and a pump for emulsion is adequate enough for my whole face. Both bottles are still heavy so I assume they are still enough after 2 months of using them. I wonder how long they will last on me. My face doesn't feel stingy anymore when I apply them unlike the first time I tried them. I use the toner morning and night and the emulsion on night time only.

Since starting a Korean Skin Care Routine, I can really say there has been an improvement on my skin specially on the moisturizing department. Though I still battle a few bouts of break outs on my jaw line part from time to time, but they are controllable. I have to accept that my acne is genetic and all I have to make sure is that it doesn't get worst then I will be fine. The oiliness is now very minimal and yay, I don't have to worry for the cheek to cheek greetings. Haha!

Update 7/25/15

The full sized bottle for toner lasted me about 6 months and 15 days. So far, the effects was good on me. I am more happy with my skin right now than before. I still have 1 more bottle in my closet but I think I'll try the Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner Sensitive Toner.

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