Inspiring Filipino Movie: Apat Dapat

Its a funny/drama movie about four friends who went to Hong Kong to be a domestic helper.  Everything was fine until Res was killed by her employers. Due to fear that Res's employers will hunt her friends and kill them as well, they went home with Res and pretended that she's still alive. And at home Res's family are notorious criminals as well. If they found out Res died while she was with her friends, they might kill her friends as well. So the three continued to pretend that she's still alive, she's just having SARS so she cant come home yet.  That's the funny part of it. However, Res happen to have a daughter who earned first honor at school. So her friends brought her in a wheel chair so her daughter can see her.
I'm so touched because personally, I have experienced working abroad for my family not knowing how it will work out. Thankfully I'm still alive.

Zits and Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, pimples are almost inevitable.  There are people who suffer from it even during adulthood. It’s just painstakingly difficult to get around this specially during special events.  Apparently, writing this article is purely from experience. I’ve tried just about everything from the cheapest to the most expensive. But there’s one thing that I’ve discovered. Consistency is the key.

In my experience, I noticed that if I missed washing my face before going to bed for a just a nigh, I can already expect a pimple in a day or two. And worse, if I start having one pimple on a spot (one side of my cheek for example) its pair will appear on the other side. How weird can that be? Or another two to three will start coming out on the same spot. What’s good about experimenting is that you discover the solution to your problem with less expense and you can help others too by sharing the experience. Although I would never advice anyone to experiment, just read this instead.  Experimenting is dangerous.

Anyway, the things I’ve tried are as follows:

• Taking contraceptive pills. Yes it’s true, it works. But you must ask your doctor about it before taking pills although there’s a lot you can get over the counter.  I tried one that has ingredients to smoothen skin off of pimples and blemishes. Some say it can also grow your boobs. Nice deal right? It makes it three in one. But like I said, ask your doctor first because some experience weight gain taking in pills.

• Another must do regimen is making sure your face is always clean. In my case, not only that my skin is sensitive and oily, it also has huge pores. Just a little dust, change of weather, stress, cig smoke and almost any bad things I encounter can trigger pimples. I remember being stressed out in the airport one time and to my surprise when I get to look at the mirror a pimple magically appeared on my forehead!  I noticed that when I have these skin stresses, my face becomes oily. Oil, plus make-up and dirt, guess what...zits.  So for me, it’s helpful to always have a hypo -allergenic soap like Cataphil.  When you wash, try to gently massage with the lather for at least 35 seconds.  

• It’s also nice to put a gentle moisturizer. I like Cetaphil Daily Facial moisturizer, SPF 15. This one is great 'coz it already has a sunblock. And what better moisturizes skin but the good 'ol, refreshing water. Let's drink to that.

•  Exfoliation is also a must. If it’s your first time doing it, it might give you quite a sting. Then with continued use, your skin will get used to it. The first time I exfoliate, I did it every day then after two weeks I just do it twic a week.  Exfoliation removes old and dead skin. It also accelerates skin cell growth. Always put moisturizer after exfoliating to lessen redness and irritation.  Try Clinique gentle exfoliator. This one's great for sensitve skin. You can also ask your dermatologist which one is best for your skin type. 

• To even out pimple marks, I use a whitening cream. Use it regularly for the first two weeks. I use it after washing my face every morning and before going to bed. Apply evenly on face and neck. When the dark spots are gone, I just use it at least thrice a week. Then just use gentle moisturizer and sunblock everyday.

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• Now to prevent pimples, especially if you wear make-up very often use a make-up primer. Use it after washing the face, applying moisturizer (or whitening cream) and sunblock. Before applying a primer, wait till the moisturizer and sunblock ar fully absorbed. What a primer does (at least the one I use) is that it smoothen the skin and tightens the pores. I use Revlon Beyond Natural. This is one of my favorites so far. I use this every day before going out even if I'm not going to wear make-up.

• Facial tissues. Still having oily face day? Its okay. You can control it with the humble facial tissue. Yes a simple facial tissue. I don't prefer using oil absorbing films or sheets because it tends to dry out the skin too much. Simply the tissue gently on your face to absorb oil. 

• Kojic Acid. If you have big pores and prone to acne, you can do the same regimen but replace products with Kojic acid. Do a skin test first before buying this product or ask your dermatologist. This ingredient is popular in soaps. But they also have it in creams and exfoliant. In soaps and exfoliant, its very stingy at first so you need to always use moisturizer or cream which has the same ingredient. 

• If you don't have allergies to this ingredient, use the soap regularly. Try this one: Papaya Kojic Soap (Diana Stalder) Massage your face with its lather for at least 45 seconds. I know it stings but you must do it, specially if its your first time using the product. If there a few pimples in your face, this ingredient will dry them. Thats why its necessary for you to exfoliate. Dead skin cells blocks your pores and trigger even more pimples.Now exfoliating can dry out your skin which can also trigger pimples. So always use a moisturizer with Kojic acid such as Cape Fear Naturals - Kojic Acid Cream - Natural Skin Lightener, Even Skin Tones - 2oz jar, 4% Kojic Acid. Of course don't forget to use sunblock. 

  

         

         

The Best Beauty Buys so far

The Revlon PhotoReady foundation is great for oily skin and all other skin types. It doesn't cake or "melt", perfect for any weather. The best foundation I've tried so far, in terms of quality and price. It has a smoothing effect and can literally lasts for hours. No kidding. I promise this one delivers.










Got pore problems? Another of my favorites is the Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer.  Yes its a make-up primer which makes your make stay for longer hours. For me using it as a make-up primer is just a bonus. This primer's best purpose for me is that it smoothen my skin and reduce pores visibility to zero! Yes, you can achieve that smooth and pore-less complexion without smothering your face with tons of make-up. Hence the name Beyond Natural. Whats more? With the great quality it has, its very inexpensive. I love this product :)






Zits are simply irritating. Literally. Thank goodness there's Clinique spot treatment. Expect how your zit vanishes in a day or two. It dries out the pimple with its very potent consistency, so be careful and apply just a thin layer only on the affected area.

FICTION: The Man

    " Can I have minute?" Carl looked at Mike trying very hard to fight his tears. Trying really hard to be the man... He walked a few steps away from the crowd. "Sure" Mike followed him feeling sorry for his friend but he doesn't know how to comfort him. He's hiding pity in his eyes as a message to Carl that he's man enough no matter what. In his heart he feels that there's something wrong. That Carl needs to cry. And that he needs to persuade Carl to let his tears fall, scream and throw his fists at him. But how? Carl has always been the nice dude. Someone Mike can always count on. Mike knows him well.