If there is one thing you can give to the Philippines, what is that gift?

Everybody wants to receive gifts. And why not, when gifts produce that familiar feeling of warmth and appreciation.

As a nation, the Philippines is going to need a truckload of useful gifts to move forward, persistently and courageously, right into the future.

Last year, we have seen the worst of calamities befalling our nation. But despite all of that, nothing was able to dwindle the unshakable Filipino spirit. We are a great nation, although sometimes, it all boils down to thinking more about other people than minding ourselves.

Even so, every resilient Filipino deserves a gift. And my gift for the Philippines is  more like a vision:

A Better Future 

But how can we assure that each and every Filipino gets a brighter day up ahead? I am no economist. I don't even know anything about banking. What I do know is that every family need something to push themselves forward, like a leverage. And that's what I'd like to give...

the chance to make everyone's life better, one family at a time.  

So I'm proposing the Php 1,000 Challenge. Here's how it goes:

What : The Php 1,000 Challenge

I am thinking of giving every willing head of the family a Php 1,000 loan. It's a small amount but I know with a Filipino's ingenuity and perseverance, a Php 1,000 loan can go a very long way.

How : Take the loan and make it grow

This loan isn't free-for-all so all the financial experts need not be nervously upset. It will only be given to people who:

• have personally applied for the program (so it won't look like alms)
• has a concrete plan and budget proposal where the Php 1,000 would go (it has to be for a small home-based business)
• are willing to put into intricate detail where every penny will be spent (supplier, materials, ingredients, etc.)
• has a place to sell his goods (backyard, market, peddled around, resold to stores, etc.)

The Php 1,000 pesos would have to be paid back in a month's time, maybe with a minimal interest. And the same people can borrow again of course, to restart the cycle. 

Why: It's time to make every Filipino a winner against poverty.

Php 1,000 isn't too much. But for the people with the right mindset, it is enough to get them started. 

This project can start with just 10 beneficiaries. I don't think we need one million pesos right away. 10 beneficiaries means 10 families who will have a chance to make their lives better. I hope that's not a lot to ask. After all, this is a gift. But only for those who are worthy. 

I hope this becomes one of the #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014 project.

Can you suggest your own ways to help the Philippines? What gift would YOU like to give the Philippines? Please share your thoughts by adding a comment below.

A Closer Look at Garnier Light Complete

There's a new Garnier product out in the market and it's called Light Complete. I got interested with it when I saw it on the shelf of a popular drug store. For years now, I'm looking for the ultimate cream that could end all of my facial woes.

And when I say woes I do mean a lot of it. 

My biggest concern is probably like every other girl's: Pimples. We all know how it is. When they grow so big they leave marks - very unsightly marks. And even though I am morena, they are still very noticeable.

So what I want is a facial cream that can even out my skin tone and remove all of the ugly marks that the pimples left behind. And give me with a whiter complexion after regular use. Tough job, isn't it? It really is. It makes me a predator and...

Garnier Light Complete is my prey. 

I bought the trial pack, the 7ml sachet that costs a mere Php25 at Mercury Drug. I went home with a mission - to test its on my rather stubborn yet sensitive skin. I read everything printed on its packaging before I started the regimen. Here's what the product looks like, followed by what it claims:

What Garnier Says:

 

1. Whiteness Indicator

This is a series of numbers on the top, near the cap, showing your current skin tone. Know your skin tone number before starting. That's what I did and I was on 9. I'm hoping to improve on that. And hopefully, before the trial pack runs out on me.

2. Garnier Skin Naturals logo

With the words 'Garnier Skin Naturals' shown on the label, I am counting on the fact that this product is made out of natural ingredients. Checking on the ingredients list at the back, it reads: aqua/water, Citric Acid, Citrus Medica, Lemon Fruit Extract, and Limolene, among many others. I listed those ingredients because I'm counting on them to be fully natural. 

3. Light Complete

Light Complete is this Garnier product's variant name. And it promises users - that's you and me - of a complete whitening effect. I like that. The label further says that it contains 3 potent whitening ingredients that can do more than just whiten the skin: Snowpine, Microsmoothing, and Pure Lemon. More on these later. Or just jump to #8. 

4. Multi-Action Whitening Cream 

This phrase confirms that users are bound to get more than just a whiter skin. The product also promises of protecting and improving your complexion. 

5. Extra UV Protection 

I like this part. I believe that maximum Ultra Violet Ray protection is a must for all whitening creams. Garnier Light Complete works in conjunction with point #7 that says it contains SPF17 | PA++. So all in all, you'll get protected from both the Alpha and Beta Ultra Violet Rays. Do note that both of which can be really harmful.  

6. The 5-Point Garnier Promises 

Now this is the juicy part. Garnier promises you and me of at least five things to get after using the product as described:

• Measurable Fairness
• Fades Dark Spots
• Smoothens Skin
• Evens Skin Tone
• Glowing Skin 

I will definitely look forward to these things later on. They're especially what I needed!

7. SPF17 | PA++ 

These are the formulation that keeps away the harmful rays of the sun from your face. Total protection is what you can call it. To further explain it, here's what SPF17 and PA++ means: 

SPF17 - SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it works against UVB rays. The number after it indicates how strong that protection is. SPF17 is a fairly high number. When most facial creams and similar products can only promise SPF10 to 15, Garnier gives you SPF17. It's almost a sunblock!  

PA++ - PA is another rating for blocking the harmful rays of the sun. If SPF is for UVB rays, PA is for UVA. This rating used by many Japanese brands adapts the plus sign as its indicator. So if you've got two pluses after PA, like in the case of Garnier Light Complete, you'll get twice the protection. There are products with PA+ and PA+++ also. You get the idea.

8. Snowpine White Source | Pure Lemon Essence 

These are the two major active ingredients in Garnier Light Complete that makes whitening possible. As a matter of fact, there's one more active ingredient included and it's called the Micro-smoothing Agent. Here's a complete overview of each:

Snowpine White Source - This one is ten times more efficient than Vitamin C in removing dullness and fading out dark spots. 

Pure Lemon Essence - Contains increased antioxidant efficacy to boost the skin's healthy glow. This is the ingredient that primarily contains the SPF17 and PA++ factors to ultimately protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. 

Micro-smoothing Agent - this is a gentle exfoliating ingredient that smoothens the skin's texture and minimize pores. 

9. Dermatologically tested

With this seal, Garnier Light Complete is guaranteed to be mild and gentle on your skin. I should work for you even if you have extra sensitive skin. 

What I Say

And so with my high hopes up, I proceeded to test the product. By the way, I especially like the pack's resealable cap. Using it comes with a no mess guarantee. As for the cream, I like the texture. It's not too heavy or too runny - just right for my taste. 

The product also says visible results can be noticed after 14 days of continued use. Since I'm only on day 4, I guess I have 10 more days to go before I can prove the product's full effect on me. But then, as I take note of the daily improvements for the sake of this blog, I'm a little surprised! See below:

After only four days, my skin tone has visibly improved. I'm excited and am looking forward to a smoother and more even skin tone after a full two weeks on the Garnier Light Complete therapy. I'm sticking with this product. So far, I'm impressed. I tried a whole lot of others and from what I see, this one works for me best. As I said earlier, my skin can get really stubborn. And only this cream was able to tame it. 

While all other creams in the market were obviously made for women born with smooth skin and fair complexion, Garnier is different. It will work for you as it worked for me. Try it and be impressed. From skin tone #9 I'm on #8 after only 4 days! Garnier Light Complete is indeed the ultimate whitening cream for me. Make it yours too!

My Christmas Gift List and Travel Wish List

It is that time of the year when the ‘ber’ months arrive and the scent of Christmas is just around the corner. It is always a challenge for me to find the best Christmas gifts at the most reasonable prices. After all, nobody wants to be tagged as a cheapsie come the year’s most expensive season. And cheapsie as I am, I don’t want my gifts to be regarded as such.

This year, the challenge is twice as hard. The recent calamities that hit our country didn’t really put any of us in a mood for celebrations. But Christmas has to go on, right. And we all have to move on. Not even Typhoon Santi, the Zamboanga siege, or the 7.2 earthquake can trample the strong Filipino spirit. 

For this year, I want to be Santa Claus. And if I can, I’ll fly to these three destinations:

1. Tagbilaran

My father’s ancestry can be traced to Bohol. As a matter of fact, that is where my grandfather lived almost half of his life. I have lots of relatives in there, more particularly in Loboc.

My gift to my relatives and all Boholanos: A Pillow

If I were Santa Claus, I’d go to Bohol right now and give all my relatives there the softest pillow I can find. I want them to have the most restful, most comfortable sleep. They are going to need it now more than ever. I know that along with that sleep comes the energy to take on the challenges and the peace of mind that everything will be okay very soon.

2. Cebu

I have several cousins and nephews living in San Fernando Cebu. The moment the news of the earthquake hit the wires and the media. We rushed to our Facebook account to find out if they’re okay. When my cousin said that they were, we all breathed a big sigh of relief. However, she said that the kids still won’t stop crying. They were scared of what just happened.

My gift to my Cebuanos nieces and nephews: Balloons and candies

The kids have to forget the scare that was brought about by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. It’s not going to be easy, but a pair of comforting arms around their slender bodies could calm them down. I’d fly to Cebu if only to bring all the colourful balloons and candies to the kids. That will surely lighten up their mood, albeit for a short period of time.

3. Cagayan de Oro

My favourite aunt now resides in Iligan City and the Cagayan de Oro airport is the nearest and fastest point of entry. My constant text messages to her revealed that she was indeed, affected by the typhoon, the earthquake, and the MILF rundown in Zamboanga City, although not as much as those who live in the affected cities. My heart goes out to her because she’s all alone up there. She only has her dog Peanut to help her go through the day.

My gift to my aunt: Tickets to Manila and back

I wouldn't mind the flight to CDO, then travel the miles to Iligan City, just to reach her and then take her back to Manila so she can spend the Christmas with us. After all, Christmas is not supposed to be celebrated alone.

This is my travel wish list and my Christmas list at the same time. But even if I can’t be Santa Claus, I sure can travel to these three destinations via the AirAsia Zest. AirAsia Zest flies from Manila to Cebu, Davao, Kalibo (Boracay), Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, Cagayan De Oro. With their help, I can be the Santa Claus that I wanted to be.

AirAsia has recently partnered with Zest Air. Both a low cost airline, they joined their resources together to give Filipinos the better and the much cheaper option when travelling in the Philippines and selected Asian cities. Used to be housed at the Clark Airport, one can now access AirAsia in Manila via AirAsia Zest, NAIA Terminal 4. Anyone can now travel in the Philippines with AirAsia Zest and travel in Asia with AirAsia.

All thanks to AirAsia Zest, The Right Way to Fly. Maybe I will just be able to do all of  these.

So I'm a Cheapsie

Yes, I'm a cheapsie. And I'm proud about it. I'm frugal. I like cheap items. I go for discounts. I love mall sales. If you can take a few pesos or dollars off that price tag, I'll take it. I enjoy making huge savings on everything I buy. This is what I am. I'm a cheapsie. And I won't deny it.

Actually, that's my inspiration for building this site. I know that deep inside you, you're a cheapsie too. Somehow you also want to buy products on sale. Admit it. You're with me when there's a big sale at Megamall or Ayala Center. Don't we just all love spending the whole day on a chaotic shopping mall during midnight madness events checking each stall, hunting for some great bargains?

Being a cheapsie isn't bad. It isn't wrong to value every single peso that you get from your job or every dollar that you earn from the internet, whichever the case. If you would like to get the best value for your money, then join me. We might as well trek this world on a budget and still max out on enjoyment. And let's see where our measly peso would take us. Ready? Let go!