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

 

 

 —

I Commit to Change: Give Time to “ME” Time

 

 

Usually, one would take out a pen and paper before a new year starts.  Or a phone or an iPad would do.  It’s always at the beginning of the year when people list down their New Year’s Resolution.  But what’s the follow-through after that?  For most of us, we forget the list of what we want to accomplish or change within us.  We get thrown in the 1st quarter of the year and soon, we get absorbed in the rush of our daily routine and the ongoings around us… that we forget about the “self.”  A promise we commit to “self.”

 

Who says that change can only happen at the advent of a year?  6 months have already passed –most would just take this as a letdown and think, “maybe next year.”  But why wait when you actually have 6 months more?  The 2nd half is beckoning and it smells like a fresh start as any.

 

It’s TIME for a change.

 

Life is a continuous spectrum of learning, growing and basically being better.  People are created as imperfect beings and this fact gives room for constant self-improvement… if we allow ourselves. 

 

 

When I was younger (like yesterday… har-har… joke), I felt self-anxious and frustratingly sought my place in the world.  I was such a drama queen that I’ve let certain obstacles weigh me down.  I was carrying so much excess baggage inside that I felt really heavy every time I wake up in the morning or end the day at night.  The time came where I examined my life and realized that things can change for the better.  I’ve transformed my perspective on life’s difficulties to welcoming challenges and met them with courage and grace. 

 

I stopped measuring myself up to others and began looking more closely at myself.  I started counting the blessings in my life every day and it was the signal of rebirth.  Since that time, I’ve achieved a happier disposition of me, myself and I. 

 

 

But other than the emotional, mental and spiritual harmony, I also have to take care of the physical… sometimes we become so sure of where we stand (because of people who love us) and of who we are (because of the struggles we survived) that we take the outside for granted.  A sound self-esteem is good for my confidence but attention to my body shouldn’t be taken for granted.

 

And I think that’s what I’ve done lately.  Work has been hectic last year… I barely had time to breathe.  This year, I still have a lot on my hands with numerous projects… and my schedule gets crazier and crazier that I can’t even pencil in a “ME time.”  Whenever I arrive home, I change and just plop into bed.  I don’t even bother to take off my make-up or wash my face.  I know, it’s really bad for my skin.  When I go to the beach, I don’t slather myself with sun block like I used to.  Or wear a protective hat for my hair.  I’ve been really careless in taking care of my body. 

 

 

I don’t worry about how I present myself either.  Time is of essence that I rush into my mornings with a short shower and grab whatever’s within reach off my closet.  Last time I went to the salon was a month ago to cut my hair but before that, it’s been more than a year since my last trip for a haircut… or for any pampering.  My skin is deteriorating, my hair dry and it does make the spirit feel a little low.  I feel so young inside but I think I’m looking older and older.

 

Even if I have someone who appreciates me for my wits (cereal anyone?), charm (I’m talking about a bracelet) and loves every inch of my being (all 62 inches and beyond) and every flaw in my body (go with the flaw!), I have to take charge of my body.  In the whirlwind of everyday activities, we tend to forget to relax our mind and body.

 

What a relaxing place… “ME Time” to think about me and my life.

 

Sometimes we become so used to doing things that it’s hard to change our ways.  But I got to change my ways of ignoring my body –of letting the sun, pollutants and fatigue expend it.  In order for change to happen, it requires commitment. 

 

There’s always something more beautiful to see…

…in you and me 😀

 

I commit to change by taking care of my body and making time to indulge myself.  I will fill up my calendar with more “me time” because I also need to be good to myself.  

 

How about you?  What is your “I Commit to Change” statement?  I’m sure you have at least one thing you want to change.  Why start later?  Make that statement and start now!  It’s as good as time as any!  Join the Facebook “I Commit to Change” Fan Page and start your pledge to change.

 

 

I’m rooting for you.  Let’s make this change together.

 

Facebook Page I Commit to Change

 

 

 

Wow Bella!

 

 

Last week, just a few days before I left for Singapore, I suddenly did a double take near my bookshelves.  I thought I saw my Belle De Jour Planner 2009 or 2008 (I have both.  I loved the 2008 version and didn’t use the 2009 that much.) 

 

I looked back and realized that it was a Belle De Jour 2010 planner.  I know I didn’t buy one so I was really surprised to see one among my things.  I kept recalling if the Velvet channel gave me but when I checked the cover, it didn’t have the Velvet logo on it… so I must have gotten it from somewhere else.

 

I asked my mom if my sister Joanne mentioned anything about the planner.  Nothing.  I SMS-ed her anyway and asked if she did put it there.

 

“Yes. Mwah. :)” was her reply.

 

Despite it being the end of the 1st quarter already (I don’t know how long the planner has been sitting there next to my signed copy of Hell’s Kitchen given by AFC) and the fact that I also just recently bought a new planner, it was really such a sweet, sweet gesture to receive something from my youngest sister Joanne or my “shobe.” 

 

 

I have yet to talk to her and ask why she thought of giving me one when I was the one who gave her one last year (and she didn’t use it either haha.)

 

Thanks shobs!  See you on Friday.  Love is love.

 

XOXO,

Achi Janey

 

 

Rockband Friday at King Francis’

 

Potluck Dinner

 

Dinner: Cherry’s Spareribs, Pizza and Carbonara.  Jane’s Wrong Pasta, and Madz’ Uncooked Tikoy (operative word: uncooked)

Usual Suspects: Francis a.k.a “Milo Kid,” Madz a.k.a “Princess Maddie,” Chris a.k.a “Bubba,” and Jane a.k.a “Queen La.”

New Recruits: Pearl a.k.a “Si Pearl Na Naman” and Judd a.k.a “Coron Next Day” -Hannah (MIA)

 

Notes:  Morgan Freeman.  Wrong Pasta.  Delicious Spareribs. 

 

Since Bubba had a late meeting Friday night, I had to ride with Francis from the office to his place.  I bonded with Francis’ lovely (Read: hot) mom on the way and even bragged about the pasta I was going to bring.  The pasta it turned out was cooked the wrong way by the help (since I changed something in my usual recipe).  I was so embarrassed so I promised the mom I would bring her another one (I woke up early Monday to cook the pasta myself).

 

 

(After lunch, I went to the office of Francis and handed the pasta to his mom.  I gave Bubba pasta too for his packed lunch and after gym during lunchtime, I also handed one to my newfound friend and gym buddy, Nolan) 

 

Rockband

 

After many months of waiting, this plan of Francis pushes through (with so much berating from me and Madz!)  We started around 9pm.  But first, the muscles of Francis and Judd had to work because they had to move the flat screen from one room to Francis’ game room.  Bubba claimed injury for not helping.

 

First Song.  First Score.

 

*UPDATED*  Here are the videos!

 

Paramore – That’s What You Get

 

Madz on the Mic

 

 

 

Francis Liamzon’s photos (-one of my top three favorite photogs!)

 

Maddie and Bubbs

Uh-huh.

Hamming it up for the camera 😀

Madz and I are still seriously following the notes

Ok, now it’s only Madz.

Err, Maddie, what’s wrong with Bubba’s stick?

Judd = Madamot

Bubba’s muscle about to pop

Me = Extra

 

Outtakes (Photo Sesh with Francis)

Korean Pose

Semi-Korean Pose

“Illusion”

Maddie with the drums

Chucks

Guits

Back to regular programming

 

Or maybe not. 😉

 

Notes: I think I scared Judd off with my singing (Paramore -That’s What You Get).  But what can I do?  They forced the mic into my hands.

 

Rockband Album (Francis Cam)

Rockband Album (Jane Cam)

 

 

*Bubba took a video of the first two songs.  You want to see me when I’m in the mood to sing?  So far I’ve only shared it with one friend.  Shoot me an email.  And I will find somewhere someday the courage to send you the link 🙂

 

 

 

 

Luna Resto Bar

 

 

Hannah and Vince invited friends from the online community in the recent launch of the hottest upcoming restaurant bar in San Juan.  Luna Resto-Bar is located right smack in the busy street of Wilson –which is now becoming a booming foodie town as well.

(Photo source: www.flaircandy.com and http://cushee.multiply.com)

 

 

On the Table

 

Luna Nachos PHP 220

Fried tortilla chips loaded with scrumptious chorizo, chili con carne, cheese and Luna’s pimiento mayo.  This was a great appetizer and gathered a lot of raves from the big group.

 

 

Paella de Carne PHP 200

My favorite part of the paella is the toasted crunchy crust at the bottom of the pan.  I love scraping it off and munching on the toasty flavorful rice!  Toppings were generous.

 

 

Luna Sisig PHP 195

Size is good to share –really good bar chow for a drinking group!

 

 

Flaming Chicken Wings PHP 240

This was also a surefire hit on the table.

 

 

More Photos from the Luna Scene:

(Photo source: Hannah, Carlos, Mica, Jane)

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the invite, Hannah and Vince!

 

 

Luna Bar

220 Wilson St.

Greenhills, San Juan

 

Luna Bar Album

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