My Hair Life with Pantene

Life these days gets me hurled into the daily routine and I speed up on the fast lane trying to finish all errands needed done.  It is very reminiscent of where I was last year, workhorse in the office, family man at home, reliable shoulder of my friends, problem-solver, and trying to be a woman of substance and dreams.  All these in mind, sometimes I take my own self for granted.  I don’t get medical checkups (unless direly needed) and it’s been quite some time since I last had an annual physical exam.  I’ve been putting off starting new hobbies or reviving old ones.  For the longest time, I’ve put on hold taking a refresher course of drum lessons or dance or learning a new skill. 

 

I rarely put sun screen when I go out during the day, or lotion at night, or it takes long months before I get facials.  I’ve mentioned before that in high school and college, I used to be complimented a lot for my long black shiny hair. My habit then was to use shampoo and conditioner during the week and visit the salon every other month for hot oil treatment.  I have cut short time and taken short cuts to squeeze everything I need to do in one day.  The past 4 years my hair has been dry, tangled and it has lost its spark.

 

April 2011 – See, I wear my hair down more often 😉

Around this time last year (or maybe a bit earlier, July 2010), I started a 14-day challenge, which was good timing because my “little” self was yearning for a change.  And a good catalyst for change is a challenge.  Trying hesitantly many hair products on the grocery shelf that can minus the time of visiting the salon, and not finding a good fit, I had a bit of skepticism trying another brand name.  [Read more…]

The 14-Day Challenge: The Conclusion and Reveal

 

 

It does take commitment to finish what you have started. 

 

I think it’s what pulled me through 14 days more than the good comments I received after “Week 1.”  The good comments did encourage me to do more for my body care.  Before last week ended, I made it a point to get a facial and a foot spa –both I haven’t done in more than half a year.  My face felt so squeaky clean from white and black heads that I kept running the back of my finger (back because I assume my fingertips are dirtier) on my nose and cheeks.  I feel so refreshed when I give my body a break from the usual activities and give it the time to relax and be pampered.  

 

Because of the 14-day challenge, I have conditioned my hair more than what I would have usually done in 1 week.  Prior to this challenge, I only use hair conditioner every other day or 2 days (partly due to laziness to do it and lack of time).  But once I’ve incorporated it into my daily bath routine, it became much easier and mechanical to shampoo and condition my hair… and when hair is put into an automatic “caring” process like that.  Results are noticeable.

 

In case you can’t find me with my hair down,

I’m the one in front with a black and white bag 😉

 

 

At the end of the 14-day challenge, there is quite a difference.  Quite, I should say.  The change is admittedly not impeccably perfect down to the last fine hair.  I guess that takes more than 14 days… and a commitment not to abuse your hair –heat, blower, sun exposure, coloring, etc.  But 14 days of using the Mystery Hair Care Brand, my hair is appreciably softer and more manageable.  What’s incredible is it’s much straighter –back to my natural straight.  I’ve put my hair up in a bun so often in the past years that my natural straight hair waved a bit… but lately, it’s straight out… like it was never put on a knotting/tying ordeal.

 

Of course, habits are hard to break.  Plus, I really need my hair up at times where I’m wearing a certain type of clothing where neatly tied hair complements the whole look.  Openly, more readers told me that they prefer my hair up than down.  I still can’t decide at this time, although for 3 years, I have always had my hair up –which is quite a change from always letting it hang loose prior to that time.  What I’m particularly happy about what the Mystery Hair Care brand did for my hair is that even if there are times (during the 14 days) that I still tie my hair up, it doesn’t feel that extensively tired after I let it loose.  It still feels alive and perky somehow, if that makes sense to you.

 

 

What’s the Buzz About: Mystery Hair Care Brand Revealed!

 

Yesterday, the brand was finally revealed in 2 shows on the local network, ABS-CBN.  Bubba and I were still in cold but refreshing Tagaytay when the ASAP show was on.  We were actually having a late lunch at the beautiful Marcia Adam’s Tuscany restaurant.  Good thing though that drive back to Manila was a breeze and I was still able to catch the Big Reveal on the Buzz.  

 

And as most of you have guessed,

 

(Drum roll please)

 

 It’s The All New Pantene.

 

They also revealed the 3 new endorsers of Pantene as well as its latest TVC.

 

The 14 Day Commitment

 

Finally, the connection has been made.  Other than the inspiration to commit to a beautiful change within, Pantene also encouraged girls/women to commit to the 14 day challenge where The All New Pantene assures an experience of hair transformation in 14 days.  Who doesn’t want healthier hair? 

 

Pantene’s new lineup of shampoos, conditioners and treatments for split ends, hair fall and rough, tangled hair is formulated with the powerful Pantene Recharging Fluid Pro-V Formula that has Pro-Vitamin B5 that deeply moisturizes your hair.  It’s apparently designed to address the toughest hair issues faced by women today.  From regimens that address split ends and rough, tangled hair to solutions for hair fall due to breakage, there’s a specific Pantene hair care product or treatment for YOU.

 

 

 

 

Make the 14 Day Commitment with Pantene

To find out which type of Pantene will solve your hair problems,

 

VISIT pantene.com.ph for more details.

 

 

I wasn’t too surprised because of the packaging of the Mystery Hair Care brand and the color points of the question mark.  And their teaser ads on TV seem to have the same familiar voice and feel of the previous TVCs of the same brand.

 

It did surprise me that Pantene is a product that I can use.  I don’t remember using Pantene before.  Pantene probably has millions of following that believe in their product (that’s perhaps where they get the drive to continually improve their goods) but I wasn’t one of them… until I’ve tried the 14-day challenge.  This 14-day usage of their hair care products opened my eyes to what Pantene can bring to the table.

 

Will I continue to use The All New Pantene?  We’ll see.  I still have one whole shampoo bottle and 1 bottle of conditioner left to use… the visible results have given me personal satisfaction to continue finishing the bottles at the very least. 

 

It’s a formula that worked so far for me.  So who knows *shrugs* I’d probably buy after that.  

 

 

 

 

*If you want to know more about The All New Pantene, visit their website  pantene.com.ph for more info.  Interested to try out the 14 Day Challenge yourself?  VISIT HERE.  You try.  You decide.  😉

 

 

A Quick Hola from Tagaytay

 

 

Hello folks!!! *waves*

 

Bubba and I are in Tagaytay.  It’s been raining so it’s colder than usual here.  And it was quite foggy outside earlier that visibility was poor for motorists.  Good thing it wasn’t too difficult to find Summit Ridge.  I’m looking outside the window and it has cleared up a bit now.

 

Bubba is now snoring, taking a late afternoon nap.  I’m wide awake even if the weather is conducive to sleeping.  It’s probably from the Serenitea drinks we brought with us.  I finished mine already while Bubba is yet to drink his.  Uh-huh, it’s Serenitea on my hand anywhere… even a drive up to Tagaytay.

 

We took some photos earlier before Bubba went to la la land. 

 

 

Yes, I do have my hair down more than usual nowadays.  Which one do you prefer? 😉

 

 

The 14-Day Challenge is coming to a close.  My friends and some readers and I have our own hunches.  We still can’t tell at this point if our guesses are right until we see the actual unveiling of the product.

 

The Big Reveal will be tomorrow.  I can’t wait to find out what the brand is.  The mystery hair care brand will be revealed tomorrow on ASAP and The Buzz on Channel 2.  We might be checked out by then so I guess I have to catch it on Bubba’s portable TV.  Yup, he recently bought one.  I hope reception is not bad.  If it is, you guys can tweet me the reveal.  Twitter account is betweenbites.

 

Anyway, it’s half past 5pm and I got to think of a place where to grab dinner before he wakes up.  I’m not sure if I can squeeze in time to blog tomorrow (Bubba will surely complain) because we’re thinking of getting a massage and hitting a few spots here in Tagaytay before heading back to Manila.  My observable conclusion on the 14-Day Challenge is coming up so stay tuned for that.

 

Ciao folks!!! Hope everyone’s having a great weekend!

 

The 14-Day Challenge Update: The Week After Using the Mystery Hair Care Brand

 

 

Hello folks! 🙂

 

It’s been a week and I did notice quite an improvement with my hair.  The great thing about is, I’m not the only one.  A few people have started noticing (maybe because I wear my hair down more nowadays). 

 

While showering, my process is to scrub my scalp gently while shampooing my hair and washing every strand.  When done, I rinse thoroughly.  Afterwards, I apply the conditioner while massaging my scalp and hair at the same time… I leave it on my hair for 3-4 minutes while I soap.  Then rinse thoroughly. 

 

Image from Image shack

 

It’s so therapeutic not to feel rushed and enjoying bath.  The minty melon smells natural and adds to the calming feel of my shower.  After bath, I don’t immediately brush because I heard it makes the hair brittle.  Your hair is supposedly at its weakest when wet.  Not brushing right after bath is no longer a problem to me.  When it does dry out, there’s very little combing that I need to do.  I can actually gently finger-comb my hair.  I personally feel that it gives more life to my hair –there’s more connection between me and my hair.

 

The best part is, when Bubba runs his finger through my hair, it’s almost almost tangle-free!  Isn’t that wonderful? 😉

 

My hair has more moisture nowadays without making my scalp oily.

 

Admittedly though, when I had to dance at our company’s Star Awards (where they recognize exemplary and approvingly-performing employees) last Thursday, I had to wear my hair up since I was scared to get it on my face while dancing.  I noticed though that after a couple of hours tied at the back of my head, when I got home and loosened my hair, it was still flowy and soft –compared to my hair feeling tired.

 

Photos from the Star Awards:

(Photo Credit: Jen Pili)

 

 

 

The next day, albeit short-notice, the group, including me, was invited to dance again in the Sales Rally happening at Silver City that Friday.  I bravely let my hair loose despite the rigorous activity of dancing (where we did a lot of jumping and other movements).  I wish somebody sends me a photo of that dance at Silver City so I can see how my hair looked while dancing.

 

I know how it felt though.  It was light and easy breezy.

 

With the SKY Dance Group

(Still wearing my hair down after the performance)

 

It naturally moved with me.

 

I’ll try to update this entry with photos when I get copies of the pictures taken that day.

 

 

My friend ZP commented last Saturday at the Levi’s event at CAV that he noticed something different with my hair.  He thought I had a trip to the salon and cut my hair.  I said I didn’t.

 

In my opinion, I think it just looks different because it looks much better.  And it feels much better.

 

I’ve received a number of good comments that encouraged me to see this 14-Day Commitment through its 14th day with ease.

 

Wanna try to finger comb your hair even if it hasn’t completely dried out?  No worries, barely any tangles even with wet hair after 7 days!  At least that was my experience. 

 

You can check it out for yourself and let me know any good or bad points that you personally have experienced. 

 

 

Join the 14-Day Challenge

and let’s BOTH DISCOVER

what this MYSTERY HAIR CARE BRAND can do after 14 days.  

Does it really work?

 

 

 

Check out also the CELEBRITIES

who have taken the 14-DAY CHALLENGE!

CLICK HERE

 

 

mysteryshampoo.com

 

 

GET A SAMPLE PACK,

TRY the 14-DAY CHALLENGE FOR YOURSELF

and WIN FAB PRIZES!

 

 

BE ONE OF THE POSSIBLE FOURTEEN (14) WINNERS!

 BIG BIG PRIZES AWAIT!!!!  And it can be YOURS!!! 😉

 

a. 1 Winner of Blackberry Bold
b. 2 Winners of 5,000 Ayala EGC
c. 2 Winners of IPod Shuffle
d. 3 Winners of The Spa Gift Certificate
e. 3 Winners of Enjoy Philippines Card
f. 3 Winners of Moleskine

 

 

 —

14-Day Challenge: The First Few Days

 

 

Remember MY 14-Day Challenge in a Pack?  😉  My Day 1 happened last weekend.  The smell of the shampoo was the first thing that I noticed.  It had this wonderful relaxing light melon scent –almost smelling like melon candy.  Not too fruity and not too sweet.  Just a natural fresh scent with a thin sheet of sweetness –similar to what happy morning dew would probably smell like. 

 

 

I was thinking that it would translate to what my hair would smell like.  So far, I haven’t received any comments.  But it’s only been Day 3.

 

 

Know more about the 14-Day Challenge! 

 

 

I did notice though that my hair is less tangled, say 30% less prone to twist together –not yet completely tangle free.  Maybe not yet that obvious to other people but there’s a bit of difference that I personally notice.  That’s the reason why I haven’t tied my hair these past 3 days.  And it feels great not having to be bothered by the feeling of heaviness.   

 

These past years, more often than not, actually almost every single day, I tied my hair.  Even during trips in and out of the country I’ve always put my hair in a bun.  I liked it in the earlier parts, neater that it’s clumped together and it gives my hair a bit of a body, giving my look some sort of a personality.

 

But it has become brittle than ever tying it every day.  Hair should be given ample room to breathe.  Tying it for hours suffocate it.  Lately, I’ve been straying from doing that.

 

Some Travel Photos

(Notice that my hair was always tied)

Bayon Temple, Cambodia (2009)

Bantayan Island, Cebu (2010)

Tuk Tuk Moment (2009)

Hot Air Balloon Fest, Clark, Pampanga (2009)

Vietnam Airport (2009)

Singapore Train Station (2010)

 

 

I’m fairly excited to let my hair loose again.  It’s only been a few days but it kinda brought back a bit of feminity in me.

 

At NYPD last night 🙂

The noticeable difference.

3 Days and counting!

 

Let’s see in the coming days.  Stay tuned for the next 14-Day Challenge update! 😉

 

 

Have you taken a step in taking better care of your hair? 

 

YOU CAN!  Join the 14-Day Challenge and let’s BOTH DISCOVER what this MYSTERY HAIR CARE BRAND can do for our beloved hair. 

 

 

Check out also the CELEBRITIES

who have taken the 14-DAY CHALLENGE!

CLICK HERE

 

 

mysteryshampoo.com

 

 

GET A SAMPLE PACK,

TRY the 14-DAY CHALLENGE FOR YOURSELF

and WIN FAB PRIZES!

 

BE ONE OF THE POSSIBLE FOURTEEN (14) WINNERS!

 

a. 1 Winner of Blackberry Bold
b. 2 Winners of 5,000 Ayala EGC
c. 2 Winners of IPod Shuffle
d. 3 Winners of The Spa Gift Certificate
e. 3 Winners of Enjoy Philippines Card
f. 3 Winners of Moleskine

  

  

Chiva Som “Haven of Life”

 

 

Chiva Som is a detox and therapeutic massage center that Bubba and I frequent.

 

We used to go once a month or once in two months or every time we need to alleviate stress.  However, Bubba yearns for massage day after day and my poor elbows aren’t willed enough.  That’s literally day after day.  I thought twice a month massage was already a generous proposition to him but my scoliosis worsens as he continues to request for more each week. 

Chiva Som relieves me of my muscle aches AND my massage commitments.  I first tried Chiva Som early 2008 and I usually visit once a month or every 6 weeks unless I need an immediate relief.  Bubba and I were constant in Neo Spa Fort then, our favorite massage place.  Since our offices aren’t in Makati anymore, it’s an effort to go all the way to the Fort.  I’ve been to Neo Spa’s Greenhills branch a few times and service is not up to par to their Fort branch.  Chiva Som and Clark Hatch were our alternative.  Since my dad bought a book of massage certificates from Clark Hatch, we frequented that at that time.  Chiva Som overall service (including massage) got better.  Soon we notice that we keep coming back.  Since the start of 2009, we’ve only visited one massage place –Chiva Som.  Price during peak hours (after 5pm) is PHP350, which I find fairly priced if not low-priced.  Price off peak is PHP 300 per hour even during holidays.

 

 

They also offer a low Detox package rate that includes a 1-hour massage. The Detox involves an e-plus Ion Cleansing machine that detoxifies and helps one avoid dreadful diseases.  They are open from 12 noon to 12 midnight, Monday through Sunday.

 

There are no service cups of tea or shower rooms, but it’s a no frill place if you want very good quality massage.  Compared to bigger massage centers, they do not have “couple” rooms or private rooms.  There are only two common rooms but it’s clean and pretty decent.  The common rooms have movable dividers for additional privacy.

 

Avail of their therapeutic massages ranging from Thai, Swedish, foot reflexology, scalp massage, aromatherapy, stress reliever, hot stone massage and Sombra pain relieving massage.

 

I used to go for Swedish massage but Chiva Som specializes in Thai and they are indeed the experts on the field.  Bubba and I usually get the Thai massage from our favorite masseuses (email me for their names).  When they are occupied, we have to settle for the others but they are quite as good with some misses. Of our dozens of visits (I wonder if it’s been a hundred), we were 95% satisfied with the massage.  The consistency is really notable.  I’ve recommended it to a couple of friends and they were also extremely satisfied.

 

The Thai massage is a series of point pressure and stretches that work releasing tension and knots that have formed over time.  With the release that follows, the body becomes more flexible and able to move freely.  Massage is also good for your blood circulation, other than it relaxes your mind.

 

Bubba splurges on his visits, making it as frequent as twice a week or every week.  Sometimes only two days after, we go back for another go.  Bubba is clearly addicted to Chiva Som.  Just this week, we were there last Friday, and he went back with his dad and sister last Sunday.

 

 
 

 

Image Source omhs.org

Image Source omhs.org

 

 

 

 

Every visit to Chiva Som alleviates muscle tension and stimulates circulation, balancing my entire body.  It also aids my mind to relax after a long day at work.  It is an experience that uplifts mind and body to a tranquil level breathing in you renewed energy.

 

Chiva Som

220 Wilson St.,

Greenhills, San Juan

(Across Mercury Drugstore)

(632) 722 3406/ (0915) 443 0852

 

Chiva Som

G/F Unit A, Grand Hamptons, Tower I,

32nd Ave., cor. 31st St. Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

(632) 703 8377/(632) 566 0288/(0915) 443 0852

 

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Suriya Spa: A Sanctuary for Relaxation

After our Sunday lunch at Lemuria, instead of going to our usual, Chiva Som or Neo Spa, we headed off to Frontera Verde to get a much-needed R and R.  I’ve always had a big respect for Suriya Spa but even if I pass by their branch in Galleria Suites every time I go to Red Corner gym, I do not get to visit.

 

 

The Suriya Spa who has received so much recognition since 2005 merges Asian influences that provide a sense of well being, renewal and rejuvenation.  One step in the warehouse-like posh lodge sets the ambience of your Suriya experience.  The mood of the multi-awarded Spa is one of tranquility and remoteness.  The nice lady by the reception receives us with warm welcome even if we are without a reservation, only mere walk-ins.  We carefully reviewed the spa menu.  

 

 

There are a wide range of services to choose from: Mind and Body Harmony Massage (PHP 1,100 @ 60mins), Oriental Body Work Massage (PHP 1,100 @ 60mins), Thai Massage (PHP 1,500 @ 90mins), Hot Stone Massage (PHP 1,500 @ 90mins), Ayurveda Massage (PHP 1,900 @ 90mins), among others.  There was a few I wanted to try but I settled on the Hilot Massage.  Yapping for weeks about getting the “lamig” eased out of me, Hilot was really what I was gunning for.  I didn’t expect that this high-end relaxation sanctuary offered this local kneading. 

 

 

Hilot Massage (PHP 1,500) –an ancient Filipino art of healing, which is commonly used today to relax stressed muscles.  It is also a form of a 90-minute massage therapy that uses a variety of massage oils and herbs to cure various ailments.

 

 

Chris also picked the Hilot Massage.  We were then assisted to a private room.  This room was the biggest couple’s massage room I have seen.  The room was spacious even if there was a huge Jacuzzi tub in one of the 4 corners.  The huge area gives you enough breathing space as you restore the calm.  One can breathe deeply as your mind escapes the stress and Manila clatter.  After 15 minutes in the steam bath, we were lying cozily on the separate bunks as the masseuses ready the natural oils.

 

 

Suriya Spa’s version of the Philippine traditional body massage was one of the best treatments we’ve had.  Usually I get a good massage while he has qualms about his.  This time around it was satisfaction guaranteed for both of us.  The experienced therapists are well trained and polite.  My masseuse worked her hands on my back with a gentle rub and enough pressure to break stress spots.  I enjoyed 20 minutes of it and fell into a deep sleep… Peacefulness felt even in slumber.  20 minutes before the session ended, I woke up to the consistent kneading that was like an angel’s touch.

 

 

The promise by Suriya Spa of a rejuvenating, refreshing and soothing experience within a serene ambience was kept.  Chris and I stepped out of the Spa with a feeling of renewal.

 

Dial the Suriya Spa Hotline at 0917-8537767 for reservations.  OPERATION HOURS: The Suriya Spa is open Mondays to Thursdays from 1 pm to 11 pm and last treatment service is 9:30 pm. Fridays to Sundays from 10 am to 1 am and last treatment service is 11:30 pm.  Suriya Spa Website: http://www.suriyaspa.com

 

The Suriya Spa at Frontera Verde
Ortigas Center (Opposite Tiendesitas)
Ortigas Avenue, cor. E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue
(C5) Ugong, Pasig City, 1604
Tel. (632) 633-9898 Fax: (632) 633-8998

 

Suriya Spa Album