Travel diary: Melaka/Malacca

As I've said in my post here, I will share with you our unforgettable 3-day trip in Malaysia.

We arrived at the Kuala Lumpur Low Cost Carrier Terminal before 1am. Their airport was pretty easy to navigate because all the signs had English translations. Passengers were required to purchase taxi coupons from the taxi counters. Be very clear and specific with your words to ensure you get the correct price. Aside from the quantity, your bag's weight also affects the fare price. Our taxi fare to Melaka/Malacca (3 passengers with 3 medium bags) was MYR240 or around P1,082.

We were lucky to have a driver that understood English. Our driver, Satya, was very friendly, which was a good thing because he kept us awake the whole time. It took us around an hour and a half to get to Melaka. Obviously, we were pretty early for the regular check-in time. Good thing our hotel was very accommodating and didn't charge us extra even if we arrived almost 10 hours before our check-in schedule.

We stayed at 1st Inn Hotel, which we booked through Agoda, for only P2,010 per night. There were 2 double beds, CR with hot water, free towels, free water, TV... everything "basic" that you need. No toiletries though. :D

You might think it's not much, but really, this hotel was a Godsend. It's near everything we wanted to see. It was also near money changers, and some small shops that sold pasalubong, toiletries, food and spices. Plus, the receptionists were very nice. Such a steal!

Anyway, here are some more photos from our Melaka/Malacca adventure.

We had our breakfast in Selvam, which served cheap Roti with different fillings! I had the Roti Pisang (Banana) at RM 2.50 (P33.83 at that time). Unfortunately, when my parents went there early this year, Selvam was already closed. :(

The Malaysia Crew :D

Did you know that Melaka/Malacca and George Town were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008?

Melaka River by day.

Almost all buildings in Melaka had this color.

 We went there on a holiday so most shops were closed.

 Hello Kitty rickshaws/trishaws. Wonder how long it took them to finish designing these...

Photo: Jean Q

Jonker Walk/Street is very popular in Melaka. It has various shops selling food, souvenirs... wigs, even!

And it was there that we found the Chung Wah Chicken Rice Balls! The looong line was sooo worth it!!! The chicken rice balls were just perfect! Forgot how much this was but it's definitely easy on the wallet! I would go back to Melaka just for this.

Photo: Jean Q

 Durian Puffs. Not a fan.

Before...

After... Kept this because I love the chaos in the photo.

Melaka River at night. We took the Melaka River Cruise for RM15 (around P203). It was ok. I recommend spending your money on more chicken rice balls instead! :D

We couldn't help iiit! Since Chung Wah was already closed, we went to Baba Fred Nyonya Home Cook instead. Preferred the chicken rice balls and spicy dip of Chung Wah, but I liked Baba Fred's chicken better.

Next up: Kuala Lumpur!

Review: Belo Essentials SunExpert (SPF40, Face)

I love taking care of my skin. Our skin is the first thing people see and, whether we like it or not, our skin's condition makes an impact to the people we meet. But aside from wanting clear, beautiful skin, I'd also like to stay cancer-free. Did you know that at least one person dies form melanoma every hour? (from Skin Cancer Facts)

Photo: glogster

But wait, why am I talking about sun and skin cancer in August?! You must be thinking, "Hello! Tapos na ang summer diba?! Ano ba naman tong blogger na to!" But that's where you're wrong. There's a big misconception that you're only at risk of melanoma during summer when the sun is always up and shining brightly. While it's true that the sun is strongest in summer, the dangerous UV rays do not disappear just 'coz it's the 'ber months or typhoon season.

To protect my skin from the UV rays, I wear sunblock every day. Yes people, we have to wear sunblock even if it's not summer and a trip to the beach isn't part of our calendars. Why? Because according to Dr. Mehmet Oz, "UVA rays can penetrate glass windows, meaning you're at risk while sitting close to a window, whether in a car, at home or in the office. Also up to 80% of the UV rays can pass through clouds."

Did this surprise you? You're not alone; I was surprised too! When I became aware of my skin's needs, I dedicated a lot of my time to search for a really good sunblock. The sunblock I use at the beach is too thick and heavy for everyday use. It also leaves a bit of a white cast, which is acceptable at the beach (because it disappears after taking a dip), but is a huge no-no at the office. Another requirement for me is an SPF of at least 15, which is generally recommended for everyday use.

After a few misses, I finally found a perfect sunblock for me and I'd like to share this with you. Introducing, the Belo Essentials SunExpert (SPF40) for the face.

Photo: uptowndowntownsite

Product description. "This moisturizing facial sunblock effectively provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays. Lightweight and non-sticky, it also gives superior cell protection against sunlight and pollution. Sun Expert strengthens the skin's defense system, maintaining healthy skin while simultaneously preventing accelerated premature skin aging." It's water-resistant, fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic, dermatologist-tested, and takes effect immediately. To know more about this product, please visit their Facebook page here."

Here are various hand shots for your viewing pleasure. Or not. lol.

left: no product. right: with product - no difference, no white cast!

left: you only need a small amount because it's sooo easy to spread. right: when spread out - silky, liquid-ish texture

Rating: ★★★★★
Pros:

• Not heavy, sticky and oily
• Very easy to apply
• My skin takes on a healthy, dewy glow after application (NOTE: I have normal/dry skin so I'm not sure how this will hold up for oily/combination skin)
• SPF40 PA+++ - it has a high SPF so it's also the same sunblock I use at the beach. I just re-apply more often. I find beach sunblocks for the body too harsh for my face and I'd end up getting pimples after
•  Hypo-allergenic and non-comodogenic - no break-outs!
• Water-resistant
• Takes effect immediately - most sunblocks instruct you to wait for at least 20 minutes after application before exposing yourself to the sun

By the way, it has a mild scent, but it doesn't really last long (there you go, all you scent-averse people haha!). Scent or not, I don't really mind. I just find it weird since it says fragrance-free in the packaging.

Cons: nada!

I cannot stress enough how much I love this product. I really recommend it to all my friends. This only costs P229.75 for 50ml at Watsons and it will last you for months. Usually, I do my groceries at Cherry Foodarama in Congressional 'coz it's cheaper there, but I couldn't find this. Not sure if it's out of stock or they really don't carry this.

How about you? Care to share your favorite sunblock or sunscreen?

Photo: wellsphere

Food trip: Grills & Sizzles Steakhouse

My boyfriend and I wanted to have one of our special dinners to take a break from our usual cheapskate dates. Since we were on a tight budget, we chose a restaurant that we really loved, but still with a competitive price point. It was between House of Minis and Grills & Sizzles Steakhouse. We ended up with the latter due to location

For me, Grills & Sizzles is underhyped. They serve really sumptuous food but not a lot of people are aware. It's the perfect in-between of your over-the-top steakhouses and your overly cheap, is-this-real-steak ones. We've been there a couple of times and everything was still the same: the food, service and ambiance were great.

Rating: ★★★★★

All entrées come with garlic rice, soup and a mix of veggies. My boyfriend ordered Porterhouse Steak, medium-well done, at around P360. Not bad, right? Compared to other steakhouses, this is a really good price. My boyfriend was very satisfied because it was done in exactly the way he requested it.

I, on the other hand, ordered Chicken Breast Fillet at around P200. Finished and loved every single bite!

I hope the business is still doing well. I'm gonna be really sad if they close. If you want to check them out, they're located at 57 Examiner St., West Triangle, Q. C. You may call to reserve at 410 5345 or 925 8453. For buffet lovers out there, they have an ongoing promo on their lunch and dinner buffets.

Review: Smashbox O-Glow blush

My skin type is more on the normal to dry side. Thus, my make up and other skin care products are specific to that type.

Today, I'll be doing a review on the Smashbox O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color. I personally prefer liquid and gel-type blushes over powder ones. Aside from these being recommended for my skin type, I find it more suitable for my on-the-go/rushing-at-the-last-minute lifestyle as well. Instead of bringing along a brush and needing a mirror every time, I can simply just bring and apply my blush anywhere. Through the years, I've mastered the perfect way (for my needs, at least) to apply liquid/gel blushes. Of course it might not be the “perfect” application for you. But that’s ok. The key here is to keep experimenting until you get it right. Here are some tips in applying a liquid/gel blush:

• Do a dry run! Don't use your blush for the first time before an important event. Blushes have different consistencies and color depths. The amount you used to apply your previous blush will most probably not be the same as the amount needed for your new blush. Doing a dry run will also help you gauge the time needed before re-application (if necessary).
• Build up the color. This is especially for those who will try liquid/gel blush for the first time or those who switched to a different brand. It's best to apply a small amount first and build from there until you achieve your desired color. Nobody wants to look like a clown.
• Balance is everything. To ensure I apply the same amount of blush on both cheeks, what I do is first, squeeze an ample amount of blush on one of my pinky fingers. Then, I place my pinkies side by side and put them together. Easy, right? ☺
• Erase, erase, erase. If you put too much or made a mistake, fret not. Simply apply pressed powder (cover-up) or a make-up remover (a total redo for this one). Of course, if you're lazy like me, a wet cotton ball will do. Haha!

And now on to my first ever review! Woot!

Photo: Smashbox website

Product description (taken from Smashbox website). "Experience instant chemistry as your complexion is transformed from so-so to oh-so-glowing! The clear gel in this intuitive formula reacts with your personal skin chemistry to turn cheeks the color you blush in just seconds! O-GLOW works on every skin tone, from the lightest to the darkest, to give everyone a customized flush of color. When applied, your skin's moisture activates the innovative formula, producing a rosy blush. O-GLOW's revolutionary silicone-based clear gel is easy to blend, fragrance-free, and glides on smoothly for a healthy, glowing blush that's you, only prettier."

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Pros:

• Very easy to apply; has a nice glide
• I really like the gel consistency. It's just right: not too thick, but not runny as well
• Has a nice pink color
• Price is ok at P1,350 (Beauty Bar) considering it lasted for 8 months

Cons:

•  It absolutely does NOT last long. I apply this 3x every morning to get the desired color and by lunch time, zilch. I have to re-apply 4x a day, 3x every application
• I don't recommend this to people with warm undertones. Just doesn't work

 
While the formula's a genius considering it changes colors (clear to pink), I just don't buy the claim that "the formula reacts with your personal skin chemistry". I mean, if it really does, why add Red 27 in the ingredients? If there's another explanation for this, I hope someone can clarify ☺

I honestly cannot wait to get rid of this. Such a hassle to keep re-applying. I bought a new blush which I can't wait to try: The Face Shop My Lips Eat Cherry (aqua tint). The only thing stopping me from throwing my current blush away is the P1,350 amount I paid. Pfft.

'Til the next review!