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

  

  

A 14-Day Challenge in a Pack

 

 

“Thank God it’s Friday,” that’s what always runs through my head at the end of a work week.  Aren’t we all happy that weekend is here?  It’s Sunday today and tomorrow, we’re back to the daily grind.  While weekend is not yet completely over, there are still some hours to spare to do things that are important to us (and not because it falls in our job description). 

 

Hey, I got news.  Not only did Friday bring the beautiful weekend… it also delivered a surprise on my lap.  A package arrived last Friday and it got me all giddy to open it.  Inside the packet is a Mystery Hair Care brand, with 2 bottles of shampoo and 2 bottles of conditioner.  I was asked to JOIN the 14 Day Challenge that the Mystery Hair Care Brand posted.

 

 

Know more about the 14-Day Challenge! 

 

 

 

I’m really hesitant to try it because at this time, it’s an unidentified product.  It does come from a reliable source though who refuses to name the brand.  I guess that’s only fair so I don’t make pre-judgments about it.  Good or bad, let the product speak for itself.  It’s the promise of change in 14 days that really intrigues me.

 

I’ve written down my 2010 goals sometime first quarter.  I revisited during the 2nd quarter and checked the ones I’ve already accomplished (Bubba’s Surprise Birthday Bash, Singapore-Bali trip, an ongoing side project has only 2 months left, finished the book Veronika Decides to Die, halfway through The Little Green Book and continually reading Paulo Coelho’s The Flowing Riverwent back to gym and work-out in February, make time for all of my friends, conquering Mount Pinatubo, etc.) and wrote down a newer list of 2010 goals for the rest of the year.  I’m happy that my living room project is halfway done (last Wednesday!  Hooray!!!)  and I can put a small check or a half-shade in that particular box. 

 

What I can’t start shading though is the part where I’m gonna take better care of myself.  I’ve been so wrapped up with my 9am-6pm job, a lot of ongoing events and projects here and there that the “ME stuff” gets the last priority.  Not anymore, I’m resolved to paying more attention to my own body needs  I’m not getting any younger and despite having great confidence in myself as a woman, I should tend to my skin and hair necessities more.  I got to stop neglecting my body care.

 

That’s what I committed to do.

 

This 14-day challenge will be a timely take-off.  But I wonder if I have enough time to do it?  …Especially when I always rush into my mornings.  Well, I guess it’s the best time than any to break free from my routine and include this NEW CHANGE. 

 

Know more about the 14-Day Challenge! 

 

In high school and college, (modesty aside) I always get praises for having the most beautiful straight black locks.  My hair was naturally black, thick (but fine and smooth) and straight (thanks to my Mom and her genes).  Not taking it for granted, I made an effort to go to the salon every other month to get “hot oil.”  Back then, I had time to pamper and even take extra care of my hair.  Nowadays, it’s not the case.  My last memory of a decent “hot oil” or “hair spa” is 2 years ago.  And before that, it was probably more than 3 years (okay, please don’t start counting my age).

 

Janey and Joycee

1996 – 1st Year High

(Yes, I even had that stupid expression back then)

Janey and Gina

1999 – Froshie at DLSU

– 

Janey and Kingwee and Paul at the old National Sports Grill

Janey and Kingwee

Ann and Janey at Modelo Pilipinas Party

 

Point is, age has a way of sneaking up on you (along with it is stress, lack of time, environmental changes, pollution, etc).  But it’s still everyone’s responsibility to keep our own body guarded.  I’ve let my guard down and now I have dry skin and even drier hair.  During physical ed. class in college, most girls had their hair tied at the back.  I forgot to tie my hair every so often and female classmates would comment:

 

“My hair is tied in a knot and yet it has gone wild.  Yours is loose and every single strand seems to still be in place.”

 

“I’ve never seen you having a bad hair day.  I have bad hair life.”

 

“You should be a in a shampoo commercial.”

 

“What shampoo do you use?”

 

Those were the days I get self-assuring comments.  At least, about my hair.  I don’t think I’ve heard a single positive remark about my hair in the past… 6 years?  (I reiterate, no counting of age please.  Age-free zone right here! 🙂 ) It’s been that long.  It’s not the praises I’m after but I miss the days where I can run my hand through my locks and the softness and smoothness comfort me.  It used to act as my “security blanket.”

 

Image source: coupland.com

 

Being busy with a hectic schedule all the time, I gotten used to tying my hair all the time.  I think it’s bad.  It makes the hair rougher, not giving it room to breathe, while the sun damages it even more.  

 

 

My meatless meals at one point in my life (when I was on a vegetable diet) probably contributed to my hair’s lack of protein.  Stress I heard also plays a factor in drying up your hair and hair fall.

 

 

JOIN the 14 DAY CHALLENGE

and WIN FAB PRIZES!

 

 

BASELINE is that I want my natural great hair back.  Will this Mystery Hair Care Brand help me achieve that?  Will it make a difference at all?  One way to find out…  Let’s see if I can RECLAIM my crowning glory.

 

 

Dear readers, YOU can also TAKE the 14 Day Challenge

by requesting for a sample

at mysteryshampoo.com

You even get a CHANCE TO WIN a pool of prizes

(BB Bold, Ayala Gcs, The Spa GCs, Moleskine, Enjoy Card) for taking on the challenge. 

JOIN the 14 DAY CHALLENGE.  SEE it for yourself. 

I’m giving it a shot. 

Go ahead and visit the mysteryshampoo SITE

 

 

14 days?  I’m up for the challenge.  I’m usually up for any challenges.

 

But this time, I’m doing it for ME

 

Tagged asFirst Priority.”

 

 

 

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