Beauty: Phiten E-Water for Face

Last month I hoarded different products from the Phiten shop, one of which is the Phiten E-Water that is infused with Aqua Gold. It sells for aroung Php 1,000 if my memory serves me right.




The product is for both the body and face, it is a body and facial milk according to the box. Like most of the Phiten products, it provides balance and relaxation of tensed muscles. More than ever, I feel stress creeping under my skin and so I finally unwrapped my E-Water. Sounds so futuristic!

I applied this onto newly cleansed face (I am just using Pond's Clear Solutions), the Phiten E-Water had a light but lingering pleasant smell. The "milk"spreads easily on the skin surface, a bit like gel but also cream. I like it because I didn't have to rub it in and it was absorbed quickly with light massages and pats.

Like its name, it feels simply like water - not even moisturizer but it does moisturize the face. It was hot today but after I finish my application, my skin looked matte. And I felt my facial muscles relax, I did lots of frowning, smiling, and laughing this week! To be honest, I am not sure if it is just psychological but my skin looked brighter. However, after around 30 minutes my skin got oily again (I blame the weather) but still looked brighter than usual. The light fragrance still lingered for around 2-3 hours until I decided to splash water again on my face.

According to some, the Phiten E-Water has improved their skin with problems caused by hormonal imbalance. I feel like I have had hormonal imbalances for years, with being pregnant and now with breastfeeding. I asked Phiten if this was safe to use for me and they said yes.

I am going to seriously finish this bottle of e-water and get back to you again with the results :)

At Saizen Trinoma - Crazy, Fun and Funky Japanese Things!

Everything at 85 pesos in Saizen!

I will be doing a series of posts about the newly opened Saizen in Trinoma because they're just so fun and funky to shop at. Just yesterday I was there with my family and I saw lots of tea cups, japanese plates, tea pots, and everything "japan-japan".

You know I am obsessed with tea sets so I got these:



A his and hers tea cups, he's a samurai and she's a geisha. sweet!
and a plain classic tea pot, just the size I need.


Here's my little corner of heaven - lots of tea all from Japan

And for the little boy I got a popsicle maker in pastel colors. Just fill them with chocolate drinks or fruit juices, pop in the freezer, and serve to your little boy on a hot day :)



Also, I got a door stopper because everytime the wind blows, I hear a loud bang x.x


Perfect for Ashton's toy room

Everything at Saizen is 85 pesos, your license to go crazy with Japanese stuff. Here's something that could just be the weirdest item you can get:-


A swinging black cat with glaring emerald eyes.

The pack says black cat's emerald eyes raises the suspicions of cats and birds, prevents them from gathering together. Cats and birds gather together? Only in Japan! Hang the black cat on a tree or anywhere in your garden x.x


A belt for books, I'll get one soon when Ashton starts reading :)

Then there are the kikay stuff:-


Facial massager, which is growing in popularity as seen in Pinoy Big Brother *lol*


And false eyelashes for just Php 85


Camphor sticks etched with words to deodorize your shoes or closet

I could go on and on with pictures of interesting stuff at Saizen. It's so exciting to shop because you find items you wish you'd gotten before from houseware, beauty, and baby stuff. We love it! Thanks Saizen for bringing a slice of Japan in Manila for just 85 pesos haha :D

Jozu Kin - Sushi for the Metro Crowd

In a not so busy circle of Global City at the Fort, Jozu Kin attracts hungry and young sushi lovers looking for a place to chill. Hip music and beats are alive inside Jozu Kin, contrasting with their classy interiors that shed soft lighting, perfect for winding down or a romantic night cap.



The restaurant has two floors, both presenting a comfy laid-back ambiance. Spacious seating were occupied by yuppies matching their favorite sushi with a cold beer, families celebrating, and lovers sharing some exotic dish.


Start fresh with a traditional Kani Salad


Matsusaka Gyu, more delicate than Wagyu

Come as you are at Jozu Kin but when it comes to food, things begin to be Iron Chef serious. Foie Gras, Matsusaka Beef, Salmon topped with Oysters - just a few of Chef Jayme Natividad's (who worked side by side with Mario Batalli) creation at Jozu Kin, Japanese Gold.


Sushi in a Cone overflowing with fresh fish roe


Pan Seared Foie Gras

At Jozu Kin, they are never fully satisfied and every staff is looking to be better. Even when they can already come up with these artful plating of over the top Japanese food.


Fresh, tender and juicy Tempura

All menu items get the special master treatment and at different price points from Php 175 to Php 2,000 (for steak meals), every one is sure to pick, eat, and adore something.


An interesting must try: Ushi Ebi Sunburst

The best way to enjoy food at Jozu Kin is to order interesting menu items to share. Each item is a sure conversation starter from the way they are presented to their unexpected texture and flavors. Jozu Kin's menu pushes you to become more adventurous when it comes to food, after all that would make your night even more memorable than just ordering your usual California roll.


Tartufo Hotate is pan seared scallop with asparagus shitake mushroom and truffled brown butter



Personally, I am dying to come back to Jozu Kin as each menu item looks like a must-try. They have unique stock of fresh seafood and meat waiting to be served and devoured. Weekday or weekend, it's always a great time to experience Jozu Kin at Global City for yourself. Go now go!

How to Shop at Saizen - the 85 Peso Store

Find Saizen, a 100% Japanese store at Robinson's Galleria and you've made an extraordinary fun shopping activity for yourself. Everything here is sold at 85 pesos, from cosmetics to funky Japanese housewares and stationery. Visiting Saizen could be the nearest taste of Japan in town.

Here are some tips when shopping at Saizen:

1. Don't be overwhelmed by the many isles and sections. Choose your target and take your time comparing products. Some products are the same but some come in "kits". Example, there would be an eyebrow scissor on the shelf, but there would also be an eyebrow scissor that comes with a lash comb and a tweezer. Of course, opt for the one that comes with more stuff :)


Japanese beauty products

2. Check the cosmetics section for your supply of make up sponges, brushes, or q-tips - load up on these. If it's made in Japan then it means quality and safety.



3. Make sure to bring a friend, to double the fun of discovering funky or even weird products from Japan. Saizen gets new products in store every month. We found this funny looking banana container, perfect for those on the banana diet!

4. Read the labels. Some packagings may look the same but the quantity is different. Like wet tissues, some have 100 sheets while some only have 24 sheets and both are priced at 85 pesos.


Pet collars, accessories, and toys for Fifi!

5. Don't forget to get something for Fifi, your pet. Saizen has a stylish collection of pet collars, toys, and accessories for your little one.


stockings, hats, bags, etc.

6. It's best to go when you are not in a hurry. Saizen is a super interesting store that will make you so much engrossed that you'll forget about time.



Aren't we lucky? Finally everyone can still shop with just 85 pesos to get that shopping fix. And even with just 85 pesos, you are sure to come home with something funky and useful - straight from Japan!

Kimono Blouse + Tough Jeans

Inspired by the Japanese Kimono, I wore this blouse together with my Tough Jeans on a sunny afternoon in Manila. The blouse has butterfly sleeves that run long on the entire side of the body. Square shaped with a ribbon meant to be tied around the waist but I tied mine together on the front for a loose fit :) Worn with Tough jeans, the outfit kind of mixes traditional with modern just like Japan! :D and so I continue to dream.

Inspiration: Japanese Kimono Style

Yves Saint Laurent and Missoni from Style.com

Time to write about some fashion inspiration. I've always been fond of the Japanese Kimono - it radiates femininity, sensuality, smoothness, and silky movements. I was watching a special on the House of Natori at Lifestyle Network once, and began Googling about Japanese inspired dresses once again. I attempted to unearth my sister's Japanese Kimono costume and wear it with black skinny pants but the costume is somehow lost.


Katherine Heigl and Kate Hudson - Kate Hudson's kimono drapes perfectly! But I wonder what that white tassel is for?


And Yumi Komagata, Shishio's wife in Rurouni Kenshin - whose Kimono I've always wanted and admired



Finally, a preview of my latest shopping find that is inspired by this fascination. I cannot wait to wear it and turn Japanese :)