Cagayan-Bukidnon Travel Mood Board

Cagayan de Oro will always be close to my heart.

It’s my grandparents’ hometown, it’s where most of my relatives are from my mother’s side, I’ve had memorable summers there as a child, not to mention, I got a taste of grown-up life there. Plus, the nightlife has something to offer the locality.

What I love about Cagayan de Oro is the good food that goes with the pride of the City of Golden Friendship. For me, it’s cowboy country because it’s where I first got to experience gastronomic delights in the urban landscape, and also well-loved, savoury flavors like steak in Del Monte Clubhouse in Bukidnon. As for the city proper, I’ve drooled about Baby Back Ribs and whatever side dishes that goes with it. I admit, Baby Back Ribs is a rarity back here in Zamboanga, more so if it has to be done right.

I have yet to encounter a good place that serves delectable baby back ribs in Zamboanga City, but I already know where to go when I’m in Cagayan de Oro.

Now that I’ve gotten ahead of myself already, here’s my mood board for an upcoming travel with C. I’ll be pleased to show him around, and also make more memories for the Holy Week this year. 

1. Divine Mercy Shrine, El Salvador 

It only makes sense to visit the Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador before actually entering the city itself. EL Salvador is a coastal town in Misamis Oriental. Devotees travel to offer devotion in this quiet place. What makes the shrine stand out is the 50-foot image of Jesus Christ overlooking the area. I’ve been here even before the site was completed, as our relative was the former mayor of the town. She shared with us the many stories and miracles that devotees witnessed through the Divine Mercy. I’d also like C to see the place for himself. 

2. White Water Rafting, Macahambus Adventure Park

Ahhhh, white water rafting. I’ve done it before in Macahambus. I did promise C to take him there. But I’m just going to take him there and wait for him at the pickup point lol. I did say it’s an experience that should not be missed, but I’m the kind of person who’s not going to do it again lol. Once is enough I guess, lol. Also in Macahambus is the gorge where a jungle walk is possible, as well as zip line. And for the braver visitors, spelunking in the cave.

3. Steak in Del Monte Clubhouse, Bukidnon

Driving along long stretches of pineapple plantation can make one hungry, especially if it feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere. This is where a perfect lunch of medium rare steak comes in. Most visitors visit the clubhouse not to tee off at the golf course, but to enjoy steak at this iconic landmark. 

4. Dahilayan Adventure Park

Dahilayan is a great place to unwind, and there are a lot of things to do for families and friends. An overnight stay at Pinegrove is a beautiful experience, waking up in the morning to a sprawl of pine trees. There’s also the zip line, ATV and python walk to try out. Of course, if exercise is what one needs, there’s more to do all around the place as well as chilling in the café too. 

5. Seven Seas Waterpark, Opol, 

Seven Seas is sort of a new feature for travelers headed to Cagayan de Oro. It’s in C’s itinerary and of course, I’m curious as to what’s to see there as well. Perhaps it’s a fulfilment of a childhood dream. Time to pack those rash guards and tons of SPF! 

I can’t wait to unwind and experience new adventures with C next month! 

Summer Travel Thoughts

I can feel the Monday blues, because, I did most of the chores yesterday. From laundry, to ironing, to cooking dinner, I also panicked when it started to rain and had to rescue my cacti and succulents when I left them sunbathing outdoors. Good thing rain water is good for them, free of chemicals from treated water. 

I tried to take a nap yesterday but it did me no good. (Please stop watching television loudly on Sunday afternoons, it's doing my head in!)

And so today, I'm still craving for a quiet day by myself just doing nothing. 

I'm also craving for healthier, green food. 

And so please allow my mind to wander... 

I just can't wait for my summer travel to be here already. I've booked an advance escapade for May and now I really can't wait for my vacation. I'm just grateful though that there's Holy Week to look forward to next month. It's quiet time for me. 

Summer means road trips, springs, beaches, I just can't wait to unplug.

Pretty soon, I'll be revealing where I'm headed as I think this has signaled the awakening of my online presence once more.

Scoop On The Goop! With Supergoop! SPF50 Daily Sunscreen

I have to confess that I’m guilty of not applying sunscreen every day. The last SPF product I was using didn’t feel right for me anymore so I chucked it out. However, I did my homework and it’s part of my green beauty advocacy this year to go green and I’m so glad that Luxola is so handy in this regard.

Packaging

The Supergoop! Everyday Suncreen’s packaging is simple, and facts about premature aging are printed on the box. The product itself comes in a tube with a flat twist cap cover and the bottle is sealed. The spout allows for controlled dispersal of the product.

Pros

• I like that it’s opaque and fast-absorbing, no white streaks on face and neck! 
• Fragrance-free and lightweight means no artificial ingredients, everything is safe! 
• Did I mention that it's waterproof? It's water resistant for up to 80 minutes
• It doesn’t cause me to breakout! I have oily skin and I can attest to its absorption

I honestly have no issues applying Supergoop! Sunscreen every day. I follow suit after my moisturizer. 

Cons

• The only con, however, is that it’s available exclusively online through Luxola. The shipping takes about 2-10 business days but I guess I’m lucky that this arrived on time (must be due to the shipping demands over the holidays).

Supergoop is affordable at the retail price of only about Php 700+ (got it on sale). Because it doesn’t need big amounts to be safe under the sun, I’m sure this 71ml tube is enough for the more than six months of continued, if not daily use.



It’s a highly recommended product because it’s stamped Cruelty-Free, Water-Resistant, safe for every day and it’s non-irritating.

I definitely need sunscreen and I’ve been secretly berating myself for neglecting sun protection for my skin. I have four big projects this year and more island-hopping plans for the summer as well as the rest of the year. All the more, I need sunscreen for both saltwater and chlorinated water lol, now that the pool in front of granny’s house is already well-regulated. I might add that Supergoop! Is safe even for kids as well.

Who knows, this sunscreen might make the occasional appearance in my Instagram beach-island photos. Seize the sunny day!

Speaking of, would you want to follow me on Instagram? It’s @raisiespeaks and I’ll check you out too! 

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On Fragrances: Supermarket Scents and My Personal Favourite

We all pass by that shelf in the supermarket showing off scents that are absolutely cheap. There are colognes and sprays and the occasional perfumed powder. By the way, I just coined this term while I was flopping in bed thinking of a new feature for On Fragrances and this is what I came up with. 

I would describe Supermarket Scents as accessible, affordable (sometimes local) fragrances. Passing by this section in the supermarket just shows that your fragrance does not have to be expensive. There is absolutely something for every budget. 

What I particularly like about the supermarket is that it’s accessible. This is the place for shoppers who are looking for:

•  Bargains
• All the necessary things in one place
•  Unexpected finds 

In terms of fragrances, it is the place for local brands to shine. (I also like that  a lot of local brands are introducing affordable body washes so that the average Filipina shopper can try them out and only at less than Php 100 each!) But let me share with you a personal favourite when it comes to local fragrances. Sure, I have fantasized about the bigger names in the fragrance industry every now and again but this one will always have a place in my heart.

Johnson and Johnsons’ has had this long-time running scent, if my memory serves me right it was released in about 2005 and it’s undergone some packaging revamp but the scent still is the same. It’s playful, refreshing and long-lasting.

Its scent is reminiscent of preserving those precious after-shower moments. I think it’s the best cologne to bring back those sunshine-summery days; it’s great for bleak weathers. Its bottle is a transparent pale-yellow although it could have been a better and brighter lemon yellow to reflect a lively sunshine burst. If I am correct, it has a mixture of jasmine and lime to spike up a fragrant citrus scent. Its tail is something milder though but it is not one of those boring scents after a long time. I even like it all over the place and even leave a few drops on my pillows so that when I get back for an evening rest, it’s still fun and lively smelling as that of a mid-day shower. 

To add, this is a great cologne for kids, as well as students and young professionals on a budget, it only costs Php 52. 

Quick update: I’m obsessed with local body washes lately. I’ll space reviews of affordable ones pretty soon that are also supermarket finds. 

How about you? What’s your favourite supermarket scent? Which one would you have me try?

My Summer Picks for May 2014

To tell you the truth, I'm preparing myself for something big next month. This week alone, I've been blogging less and helping more clients with writing needs. I've also had to go to meetings to gather details and facts for my reports. But when I am sitting in front of the laptop and pushing keys one by one, I feel accomplished and closer to my goals. May is a very special month for me, and I can definitely feel change coming. 

Stalking online shops just made me realize that there are two things that have been constant on my wishlist, and that's shoes and bags.

OMOSHI Carry Label Messenger Bag from Okay Okay.com Php 699

I feel like this messenger bag will be useful for a personal birthday gift that will be arriving this month. I can easily throw in books, notebooks, pens and other necessary gadgets in here. 

Venice Never Full Bag from Paris Dreams Shoppe Php 650

I certainly like quilted tote bags in neutral colours and the Venice Never Full Bag sure can match my neutral flats. I like to use bags that can carry my wallet, phone, pocket Wi-Fi and other personal stuff. The thing about bags is that I stick to only one whenever I have errands to do in town.

Suelas Puntera Basic in Grey Php 500

Suelas Couro in White-Black Php 700

I've been searching for comfortable footwear and found these from Suelas. I like everything classic and minimalist so I guess it shows in my selection. I've already submitted a form and am currently waiting for a reply.

So what does that say about my style? I think it's all about clean lines, functional neutrals and comfort. I do have a weakness for florals but that can come at another time because I've used and abused them enough I think. I don't also want to bore you with my choices of makeup and tools. I'm a die-hard fan of Urban Decay so you pretty know where this is heading. =)

How's your Wednesday? Share!

Beauty Review on Celeteque Skin Relief after Sun Gel from the Sun Care Line

Summer is making its presence known and in dear old Zamboanga, the heat can sometimes be unforgiving. I’m not really a summery person, I dwell more with winter because sometimes, the heat and glare is unkind to someone like me with four eyes. But the thing that really gets to me about the sun and the heat is that I don’t like feeling dry and dehydrated. Once that happens, you can hear me complaining non-stop and that is something that could irritate the people around me. Also, it’s not really a good thing for me to stay exposed to the sun for a long time. I mean, who wants that?

I’m grateful though that I got to try out Celeteque’s Skin Relief after Sun Gel from their Sun Care Line and this is a courtesy of the ever trustee Sample Room. I got it for only 60 points and I thought it is already a good value for me to get a sample that is already full sized. 

About the Company

Celeteque has linked up with Unilab to formulate skin care products for its consumers to have healthy and beautiful skin. Celeteque Dermoscience is one of the successful skin care lines in the market with local origins. It has already earned some recognition and loyal users since its first introduction and launch in 2003. There are various skin care lines for many skin care types and needs from acne solutions, sun care, hydration, anti-aging, restorative and brightening. It is a very competitive brand in my opinion and even if it sounds imported, the brand actually comes from the Philippines.  

Celeteque also offers a skin analyzer to help every customer find the best skin solutions for a customized skin care regimen for optimal results. 

Price

For a full sized product of 200 ml, it cost Php 290 ($7.29). But it is currently available in Sample Room for 60 points, and all you have to do is pay for the shipping fee. It is already a good value for me, I get to try out a full sized product, and don't need to pay an additional Php 290 for it. 

My sample came with a freebie too. 

 About the Product

Celeteque DermoScience Sun Care Skin Relief After Sun Gel provides immediate moisturizing and cooling relief to sunburnt skin caused by prolonged sun exposure. It contains anti-inflammatory soothing extracts that reduce possible inflammatory response after long sun exposure. Wheat and aloe vera skin conditioners soothe and reduce possible flaking of overly dry skin. 

Who Is It For?

Celeteque's After Sun Gel is for people who :

• are regularly exposed to the sun and are most of the time outdoors as part of their profession or just simply enjoy leisurely activities outside
• have sensitive skin and immediately redden after sun exposure
• have skipped sunblock
• for those who do not want the painful effects of sunburn to show on their skin

A word of warning though: this is not a substitute for sunblock 

Pros

I like that it is: 

• quick absorbing and it has an instant cooling effect on the skin
• A little goes a long way with this product
• It can be applied anywhere you need in order to have a soothing feeling
• Can Instantly be applied on wet skin 
• Does not irritate the face

Cons

I don't like that it is:

• Scent is overpowering
• Might gather dust and other debris to stick on the skin
• Feels sticky after an hour or so 

The Verdict

It feels good though to know that there is relief available for people who are overexposed to the sun and its effects that could be harmful over the years. If I were to purchase it for myself using my own money, I would definitely do so. In the meantime, I am grateful to have it for free thanks to Sample Room. With Celeteque's After Sun Gel, I will be able to make the most out of my summer this year!