Just Me: My First PNR Experience

Annyeong! For today I will be posting something I learned last week. As I search for the best route from my place to Makati I thought of riding the PNR or Philippine National Railway.

I remember that I tried riding once from Makati and it was fast compared if I take a bus (so much traffic) and one train ride. However they stopped the operations some time ago during 2009.

First thing we must know is, where do exactly the train of PNR go? I asked a couple of people and apparently all of them are clueless on what route the PNR has today. It was hardly advertised unlike LRT and MRT. I checked out several posts regarding the commuter service but I didn't find enough information, giving me more reason to try it again.

Unlike the other train systems in the Metro, PNR follows a schedule:

South bound is the route from Tutuban to Alabang and Alabang to Tutuban is Northbound.

Just a quick recap about PNR:

Philippine National Railway

Running for over 120 years, the Philippine National Railway (PNR) is one of the oldest train systems in the region. PNR's Commuter Express trains run from Tutuban Station in Manila to Alabang in Mutinlupa City.

(c) Philippine Transit Planner

PNR Fare matrix

My sister is bound for Sta. Mesa while me, we only paid P10 each for our tickets I heard even PNR will be increasing their rates but I bet it will still be cheaper than if we take MRT or LRT. I don't have anything against MRT and LRT 1 but they just increased their rates. I bought a new stored value card and it is already P150. :( Now a round trip LRT ride going to EDSA or even Gil Puyat will cost me P60. And the box office lines every morning especially Monday is still there, PRICE+Long lines makes it clearly a no-go. Sometimes the hardest moments of your everyday life doesn't come from work or school but from commuting. 

One thing I noticed is that the ones mandating the station are lenient in letting passengers wait so close to the platform area. I even saw one guy seating on the platform. Gone are the jingles about security and safety, that's only available in LRT.

Hello ate!

Going back to my story, so we will be riding PNR from Blumentritt because its the nearest station from us. We cross our fingers that it won't be crowded because its non-peak hours. Alas the train came just in exactly at 2:12 PM. There was noise and the train is already old and rusty like the last time I have seen one. I felt excited like I'll be riding the infamous Harry  Potter ride because just like the latter its an old train. We were able to take seats, I was amazed that it is air conditioned, just imagine if its not. It was one hot afternoon and nothing will be worst than an un-airconditioned train.

Enough seats for everyone. I guess we are lucky. There is even music playing in the background. Can you say awesome?

In just 10 minutes my sister was able to get off at Sta. Mesa station, that is a 30-40 minutes slash on her usual ride to school! Cool! Buendia Station on the other hand is a 30 minutes ride, not bad!

One thing to note is that, the PNR just like any other service, are filled with people during mornings, Mondays and peak hours. If you intend to use PNR during this time I suggest to go really really ahead of your time. Right now the point to point stations are Tutuban to Alabang and vice versa. I have no news on the Bicol or farther stations of PNR or when it will resume services.

Btw I just wanna share, I watched tv and it was mentioned Manila and Bicol is almost as far as Tokyo and Osaka. In Japan they have shinkansen (japanese term for bullet train which I tried before! kyaa~) and the train ride only takes 1 hour. Awesome. Hopefully someday our PNR evolves like a Pokemon and become a shinkansen.

You can check out the official schedule released by the PNR Management last December, 2014 in their website. Both list available for Southbound and Northbound routes with corresponding time for each station, you can right click and open or save:

(NORTHBOUND/ Alabang to Tutuban)

SOUTHBOUND (Tutuban to Alabang)

NOTE:
Post made with rates according to the current time of posting: March, 2015
For updates regarding their service, I found their PNR facebook page.

Hope this post will be helpful for anyone who wants to try the PNR service!
See you in my next post!~ *wink*

*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated 

 

Girl's Day Minah Debuts Solo: I am a Woman Too

CREDITS: to owner/ k2nblog/ pic not mine

This is it finally the day, baby Minah is now a woman! Finally Dream Tea entertainment lets Girl's Day's Bang Minah get the spotlight as she gives her best in her new song: I am a Woman Too.

She looks stunning as always and she makes her appearance in the streets for her first showcase. Like bfunfmgpowmg. Hands down with or without backup voice she is awesome. Kudos to the dance steps I cannot commend her more, totally lovely.

I'll keep this post short, just peeping to say hi and share good music. This is a must watch grown up Minah kpop music video. Spread the love love love eonnie Sojin must be really proud of Bby~ <3

*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com 
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated

 

Miao Cat Cafe Opens in Manila!

It was so timely when I saw this post this evening. Xander loves cats just like me. (Xander is a former member of my first love kpop boy group UKISS) His recent Instagram post shows him feeding a cute cat in a cozy cat cafe in Seoul!
I find his post really funny. I want to be a cat too, eat, play and sleep are good hobbies. LOL.

(c) Xander's IG here

I hoped that there is a cat cafe here in Manila and it was wish granted in just minutes hahaha. I saw a facebook post regarding a Cat cafe that just opened and I was astonish into the thought that yes finally there is a cat cafe here in Manila.

I really really love cats and I am so happy to see that there is a place wherein you are free to relax and play with this lil furry buddies. Miao Cat Cafe was featured in a Pepe Samson's blog. Click on to his blog to see more info and pictures.

You can expect a lot of cutie patootie interactions with this cuddly babies. As per the info from the blog its P300 for 1 drink and 1 food item good for 2 hours only. Yes yes I know I can play with cats all day but this is needed to also allow time for them to rest after the play time. Fuuu~ more cat belly rubs please (Missing for weeks already, I miss my cat Kevin, where are thou? )

Anyway I'm just chipping in to let cat lovers like me know that there is already a cat cafe here in Manila, spend a cat-filled afternoon. Can't wait to pay for a visit~



Miao Cat Café
2/F #7 Congressional Ave., Quezon City
+63925.772.6363
Directions: Look for the Cake2Go shop across KFC in Congressional Ave. cor. Mindanao Ave.—Miao is in the same building as Cake2Go
Visiting Hours: 11:00AM - 1:00PM; 2:00PM - 4:00PM; 5:00PM - 7:00PM; 8:00PM - 10:00PM
Facebook | Instagram
(c) Pepe Samson for this info



 *I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com 
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated

 

Review: Human Heart Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil

My mom says that I don't have glow nowadays. Maybe this is due to the fact that I often sleep late and I forget to moisturize. I am quite contented with my beauty routine but I am open for new products in terms of moisturizers. So I purchased a bottle of Human Heart Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil in Trinoma Sesou. I used this before but I stopped, I can't say exactly why but part of the reason maybe is the inconvenience of ordering online tube after tube. It is quite a hassle for me back then. Is it worth it to give the product another chance? Read on!

What is it?
Human Heart Nature says...

<<<<<>>>>>

Product Description

100% Natural | Hypoallergenic

Do you believe in miracles? How about 23 in a single bottle?

Our premium and best-selling Sunflower Beauty Oil is 100% natural and packed with vitamins A, D & E that help moisturize and nourish your skin to give it that healthy glow -- without any harmful chemicals. It’s so effective and so versatile, the uses are endless! What kind of miracles, you ask? Well for starters it…

1. Helps lighten dark undereye circles

2. Helps lighten dark spots & pimple marks

3. Undereye moisturizer

4. Helps prevent & diminish the appearance of stretch marks

5. Helps soften and lighten underarms

6. Softens feet soles, knees & elbows

7. Removes stubborn makeup

8. Overall body moisturizer

9. Helps diminish fine lines around the eyes

10. Helps soften cuticles and dry skin

11. Makes skin glow and helps keep it youthful

12. Helps relax tired, puffy eyes

13. Helps relieve itch & redness caused by insect bites

14. Nourishes & conditions eyelashes

15. Helps lighten dark lips

16. Adds shine to dull hair

17. Helps ease dry & itchy scalp

18. Helps improve skin condition after sunburn

19. Smoothens dry, rough skin from shaving

20. Helps calm skin & ease rashes

21. Helps relieve symptoms of skin infections

22. Helps hydrate dry patches on face

23. Helps lighten lesions and scars

Can’t seem to fit your entire beauty routine in your carry-on? Problem solved! Our premium and best-selling Sunflower Beauty Oil is super effective and versatile, it’s got endless uses! Convenient to carry around when traveling, it helps soothe insect bites from a day of hiking in the great outdoors, helps relieve skin damaged by sunburn, helps hydrate dry patches, helps relieve skin inflammation and itchiness, and helps heal skin infection!

Is there anything our Beauty Oil can't do?

Did You Know?Mineral oil, commonly used in personal care products, can actually clog pores. It works by sitting on the skin’s surface, thus blocking pores and impeding the skin’s ability to release toxins. It also dries skin and speeds up premature skin ageing. Switch to nature's alternative - sunflower oil!

<<<<<>>>>>

Packaging 
The small bottle is nice and perfect for lugging around, no leaks! But it still depends on your luck because I got a messy pump that doesn't work before. 

They have a small and big bottle (c) Humanheartnature

Experience
I intend to use Human Heart Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil only on my face as a moisturizer. But I can't help it, right now I also use this on my eye lashes, lips and underarms.
I do not put on too much makeup now but this oil works wonder on removing eyeliners and mascaras. Although I think the Human Heart Nature Makeup Remover will work better for that purpose. Anybody here who does korean double cleansing? I don't -but sunflower oil might be a good reason to try it out!
I also noticed my face look radiant than usual in the mornings, its hot but using this oil didn't cause me to break out or oil much. My pores are also less prominent I cannot exactly say that it minimized my pores but it made a difference.
I have also tried this before bb creams, and I am glad that it makes my bb application easier.Under powder foundations and also mineral makeups, its also a winner. Hooray for extra moisture.

How much and where to buy?
P149.75 for 50ml and P274.75 for 100ml at Human Heart Nature
Landmark Trinoma (not much price difference on the big bottle, last time I went they don't have the small bottle)
Sesou Trinoma (in front of Sarabia Optical) P160 for 50ml. - I bought mine here, I did not see if they have the big ones.

What I love 

• Provides moisture without the icky feeling
• Made my pores less prominent
• Made skin radiant
• Did not ruin my makeup
• Did not made me oily
• No breakouts

What I don't 

• After a month or so it smells like adobo

TIPS 
If you are only using drops everyday this will last you a month or more, buy only the small bottle to make sure that you only use fresh sunflower oil each and every time.
Perfect combo for makeup: bb or mineral cosmetics!

Will I repurchase? 
Yes when I run out of it. Only one bottle at a time.

Overall~ 
Human Heart Nature surely promises a lot of sunflower miracles but make sure to manage your expectations. It does deliver but nothing drastic change in a snap. This is a perfect moisturizer to try even for the this humid summer. I love it!

FINAL VERDICT: 

5 jumping cuties! 

  --

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Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated

 

Review: Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner

Hello Lovelies! Hope you had a blast this last Valentines Day. Happy memories everyone, I know! <3
So this review of mine came in a bit late, mianhe! Buzz over Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner is all the buzz in Instagram, Facebook and the Blogosphere. And who wouldn't? 'Miracle' - is a BIG WORD after all~

By the way before I dig in, in order to spread love & happiness all over the world (lol) let me introduce you to my kaomoji smileys. I used to make posts with this babies but after I moved from wordpress to blogger I completely lost them. So yes, more of them sooooon~
Hope you'll like them as well as I do.

(that's me and my newly colored hair - not again!)

So I got our product for today from Sampleroom. They were really generous to even give out free shipping, thank you so much! Aye aye and so off to the review~ 

What is it?
Pantene says: Total Damage Care 10/ 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner

YOUR DAILY 3 MINUTE MIRACLE, FOR STRONGER, SHINIER HAIR*
Damaged hair tips, like split ends, lose more protein than the roots. This protein loss leads to a cycle of damage as it hollows the hair.
Pro-V formula
• Helps repair and seal every strand of hair – reduce protein loss to stop the damage progression
• Helps prevent future split ends even in 3 months**
• Specially designed for daily use
*vs. non conditioning shampoo
**with regular use
source: Pantene
--
As per its newest commercial, this conditioner offers 'intensive potent formula' which can fix 3 months hair damage. Wow~ The secret is with the highest ever level of advanced Terminal Amino-Silicone (TAS) ingredient, one of the latest generation of silicones. You can look into more of the scientific explanations here.

Packaging 
Golden Tube which screams glamorous and fabulous! Fit for its Miracle claim, no other colors would seem perfect for the product. Hi dear friend Alyssa I know you'll really like this.

Experience 
For over chemically treated hair, we all know that plain shampoo simply won't cut it. I know, I have also been in an off and on relationship with hair spa treatments that doesn't seem to work anymore.
So first thing I noticed is its thick consistency compared to other hair conditioners I've tried before. This is a good thing because if its really concentrated then I will not be needing too much product for it to work. For conditioners I am particular with scents as this is what my hair will be smelling like after and let me tell you that I am in love with its raspberry + strawberry + vanilla scent. I am darn bad at describing scents but its so fruity and yes I love it. *throw hearts here* (I'm losing myself again, omo! )

Just like any other conditioners I apply this after I shampoo my hair, wait 3 minutes and rinse off (its really easy to rinse off.) Ever since I have bleached and colored then recolored I had a hard time combing my hair especially when its wet. But I noticed that after usage, my hair is a tad manageable even when I didn't use hair leave-on. I didn't also get the usual tangles & greasy feel I usually get especially when its hot and humid outside. No more dry and frizzy hair for the whole day but soft and shinier hair.

I cannot stress out how much dry and frizzy my hair is, honest to goodness that after usage it was tamed and has more body. It truly improved my hair condition which was far from the effect given by other hair products I've used all combined.

How much and where to buy? 
This is a sample sent but alas even the Zalora sale was already over. But fret not! I believe they will deliver supplies to your nearest supermarkets and beauty shops soon.
70ml - P59.00
180ml - P159
340ml - P259.00

To sum things up...
What I love 

• The fruity scent <3
• Really easy to rinse off
• Hair feels soft and clean every after wash
• The thick consistency - a little goes a long way here!
• No more tangles - only manageable hair
• Fast results in just 3 minutes
• Affordable
• Less hair breakage/ less hair fall
• Improved overall hair condition

What I don't 

• Nothing I can mention

TIPS 
- Leave it on for more than 3 minutes for extra hair love
- You can also put on a shower cap and treat it like a hair spa treatment

Will I repurchase? 
Yes yes and yes

Overall~ 
I am really satisfied and if Pantene 3 Minute Miracle can also be my answer for split ends after continuous usage I will forever be loyal! <3 I am more than convinced and I am a converted Pantene user. Just like what Bea Alonzo said, This is more than a conditioner, it's a miracle'.

FINAL VERDICT: 

 I love it!

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*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com 
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated

   

5 Gift Ideas for Valentines Day

With just a day before Valentines Day, have you already decided on what to give to your special someone? Let us talk about our loving guys for today. It's been a while since I mentioned guys in my blog but since it is Hearts Day I am giving it a go! :D If you haven't thought of what gift to give this Valentines then this list might give you an idea. Or maybe you have an idea but quite shy to make it into a reality, then let me convince you. Haha. After all this is what friends are for, say yes? *winks*


1) Valentine Cards
Nothing will be sweeter than a hand written card, express your feelings and all. Bookstores are all around the metro but if you want to make it more personalized then the cards can also be created by you. I know this sounds like highschool but hey, why not relive those kilig moments and reminisce by writing and giving out a card? I found this bunch of Valentines Day card ideas and free templates at Creative Pop Cards. Yes they have those really cool pop-out cards which leaves me in awe before. No one is ever too old for that! You can also watch youtube tutorial videos like below to create your Valentines Day card.

2) Cookies
The main reason why I am buying an oven, but I was not able to reach my deadline which is Valentines. Lol. So lovelies if you have an oven and you know how to bake, how about making a dozen heart shaped cookies and give it to your special someone? It doesn't even have to be cookies, any sweet pastry will do. In a fast paced world like today, anyone can appreciate a baked goodie made with love. :)
For the Valentine Cookies I found one here and here. Yay I really like pinterest, all the best in one place.

CREDITS goes to: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/249598004324433793/

3) Clothes
There is no best timing than Valentines to go and grab you and your guy a new couple shirt! Okay so if that just sounds cheesy how about a trendy outfit which can be perfect as an addition to his wardrobe? I see awesome gift items from Lazada, even a nice cap, shoes or watch will be a good gift. Go and get something that will fit his style. You can be his best fashion adviser.

4) Albums
Do you both like music? Me and the boyfie are both music lovers and there is C.NA for our kpop cravings. You can also get him a nice pair of studs, woo~ Earrings for guys is cool IMO.For pop music and the likes there is Astroplus and Odyssey. It won't hurt to get an album version of his favorite band, and who is up for a possible photobook inside? *wink*

CREDITS goes to K2Nblog and Fantagio

5) Romantic Date
This will be a good day for a movie date. But if you are up for something romantic, then you cannot miss the Pyromusical competition in MOA! Oh my I just love fireworks~ <3
I see that Metrodeal also posted up a lot of Valentines Day Date Ideas but for me the fireworks will be the most ideal of all.

CREDITS goes to Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

----

So that wraps up my 5 Gift Ideas for Valentines Day! I hope the list helped you to sparked an idea on what you can do or give this Valentines Day. This can also be for girls & vice versa even for our loved ones which is our family. Don't let the planning period stress you out, after all Valentines is a day for the hearts. Hakuna Matata and just enjoy the day lovelies!



*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated

Review: Mondes Professional Hair Color Cream in Very Light Intense Golden Blonde

YAY! <3 Thursday afternoon again, what a cool breezy day isn't it?

Last night with the help of my lovely sissie I put an end to my months long ombre hair. I know its trendy to others but err I don't think it suits me. So there we go, the bleach + hair dye is still on the tips of my hair while on top of my head is all black. During our last trip to Hortaleza we got the lightest shade available from Mondes Professional Hair Color cream which is Very Light Intense Golden blonde. What a really long name, phew. hahaha and scary. But I don't intend to achieve blonde hair, based on experience the light shades will be more effective than browns if you hair is dark like mine.

I cannot remember what shade I used for the tips but I just plan to cover it up with the new color. They don't have Mondes brand for the oxidizing lotion so I settled in what they gave me which is Semon Professional Oxidizing Emulsion cream. The only one available for 12% Vol 40. In order to lift 3 or 4 levels of color/ lighten hair color you need 40 volumes.


I have tried using american brands for hair coloring before but sadly it doesn't work well with my hair. I am also an avid user of HBC Hair creams but when lightening hair I find that Mondes works better for me. I might also give bubble dyes a try next time because they offer amusing shades like pink mocha.

Mondes Professional Hair Color Cream Review

What is it? 

Mondes Professional Coloring Cream has a unique formulation made especially for Asian hair. It has been tested to achieve color effectively and cover white hair fully.

Packaging
From the box to the tube there are endless instructions and precautions but one thing to take note is that: This product can develop an allergic reaction.

And a shot for the oxidizing cream:

Experience
So what we did is to mix the whole tube of Mondes hair cream with the oxidizing cream. When the cream and lotion is mixed well it must look like ice cream.

Then we follow this procedure after:
First Application
Evenly spread on hair length and tips and let it rest for 10 minutes. When the development time is over spread evenly on the roots.
Final treatment
when the resting time is over rinse the hair delicately and thoroughly with lukewarm water and shampoo.

The scent of Mondes hair cream is not as strong as other hair dyes. It is likeable but still chemical-ish. I like the fact that I don't get dizzy with the smell. Hair dyeing makes the hair sticky thus be careful on brushing and all.Because its light color make sure not to wear white, any old shirt preferably black is recommended to avoid stains. I washed off the hair dye after one hour. That is 15 minutes more than the waiting time, but i really want to make sure that the dye will change the color so~

I used Pantene 3 Minute Miracle afterwards, yay thanks Sampleroom. I know my hair is up for more damage after this coloring session.

How much and where to buy? 
P120 for 100ml Mondes Hair Color Cream and P30 for the Oxidizing Cream from Hortaleza outlets

What I love 

• The scent is not too strong
• Lifted my hair color!
• Really Affordable
• Lots of product compared to other hair color tubes
• True to its name, blonde
• Not much drying

What I don't 

• Nothing I can think of

TIPS 
No metal containers can be used for mixing the hair color and oxidizing cream
Use gloves when coloring your hair
40 volumes is needed to lift dark color of the hair to 3 or 4 levels.
Do not apply on scalp if easily irritated by hair chemicals
Do sensitivity test for allergic reaction before usage

Will I repurchase? 
Yes when I need to recolor which is about 2 months from now?

Overall~ 
Thumbs up! Still my favorite hair color cream brand. Voila, let us check my hair after.

Now the color of my hair is even than before. The top was kinda darker but I understand why. In real life it looks like the color is the same for the top and the hair length. I'm happy~

Any questions or comments lovelies? I'll be delighted to see them below!

UPDATE on meh: I will be receiving a bunch of products from Sampleroom by tomorrow. Yipee~

*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com 
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated