Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway Review

I was born and raised in the Philippines so I’m getting a lot of sunshine vitamin but too much of it is not good for our skin. We all know that we need to use sunblock or sunscreen so we can protect our skin from harmful UVB and UVA rays but the majority of us forget about it. To be honest, most of us only use sunscreen or sunblock during summer, if we will swim or if we will go to the beach.

I’m guilty of this because I’m not fond of using sunscreen on my face. But I still apply it from time to time, especially if I’m going out. If you will ask my Dermatologist what do you need to take care of your skin, she will advise you to cleanse, tone, and apply sunscreen. Yes, even you are just at home, as long as there are sun rays going in your house, you need to apply sunscreen.

Why is it Important to Apply Sunscreen on Our Face? 

If you think that sunscreen or sunblock is only to protect your skin from sunburn, then you are definitely wrong. There are so many reasons why we need to apply sunscreen, especially on our face.

1. To shield against harmful UVB and UVA rays
2. To combat sunburn
3. To avoid skin cancer.
4. To slow down aging and wrinkles.
5. To prevent discolorations or brown spots
6. To prevent blotchiness

These are just a few reasons why you need to use sunscreen on your face. A lot of us don’t want to apply sunscreen because it is sticky, greasy, it leaves a white cast and the smell is not good. I’ve tried a lot of sunscreen in the past and so far I'm still looking for a good sunscreen. A few months ago I’ve bought Daily UV Protection Cream No Sebum SPF35 PA+++, it is not sticky, beige in color so it blends on my skin but I don’t like the smell.

Petal Velvet Sunaway Sunscreen Kit 

So I was glad when Althea Korea sent me this Petal Velvet Sunaway Sunscreen Kit. Yey, Althea Korea has a new product again. I received Petal Velvet Sunaway, 3 pieces of Petal Velvet Powders in #0 (White), #23 (Beige) and Pink Lavender, and Althea Hologram Pouch. I’m using the Petal Velvet Powder #0 since last year, it is one of my Althea Korea Haul that I love.

Petal Velvet Sunaway SPF50+ PA++++ 

But for now, let me introduce to you the Petal Velvet Sunaway SPF50+ PA++++. It is a lightweight, velvety and invisible sunscreen that will shield you from harmful sunrays. This sunscreen is made of natural ingredients and has microparticles that will give your face a smooth velvet finish. It does not only protect you from UV light but it also controls sebum and keep your skin hydrated all day. This sunscreen is for all skin types so even you have sensitive skin, you can use this.

Key Ingredients 

Damask Rose Extract - hydrate and soothe irritations, leaving the skin feeling healthy.
Geranium oil - gives the skin a radiant boost and heals

How to Use Petal Velvet Sunaway

1. Shake the bottle well.
2. Apply an even layer on your face and allow to absorb into the skin before going out. The general rule is, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun.

I’ve been using this sunscreen for a week now and so far I’m satisfied, for the very first time may nagustuhan din ako na sunscreen. Why?

1. It is SPF50+ PA++++ so it is a long-wearing sunscreen.
2. It is so easy to use and apply.
3. Even the sunscreen is white, it blends well on my skin. It does not leave a white cast.
4. It has no irritating smell.
5. It is not sticky and not greasy.
6. I like the velvet finish look.

Since last week, every morning I only use cleanser, toner, and Petal Velvet Sunaway. Yes, I stopped using my facial cream and replaced it with sunscreen so I can check if the product really works. After few days of using it, my husband asked me “kung ano daw nilagay ko sa face ko kasi parang fresh daw”. I don’t know kung binobola lang ako ni hubby but because of that, sold na ko sa sunscreen na ito.

If you don’t like to apply too much on your face, this Petal Velvet Sunaway is a good replacement for your cream. But since I have a facial cream, sayang naman kung hindi ko gamitin so my morning routine is, cleanser, toner, cream, and sunscreen. If I’m going out, I will apply powder for a perfect finish.

If you are looking for sunscreen, you can try Petal Velvet Sunaway. The downside of this sunscreen is you need to shake it before using it so you can get the right consistency and you need to order this online. Petal Velvet Sunaway 55ml for P480 at Althea Korea.

Read: My Shopping Experience at Althea Korea

4 Tips for Using a Paint Sprayer for the First Time

Perfection begins with practice. Painting with a sprayer requires a little practice. You can apply your techniques on a cardboard. More practice creates confidence hence this assures you that you can provide good work and you can move on to painting walls, sideboards, and many more. The following tips will enable you to use a sprayer painter for the first time.

1. Cover yourself and nearby surfaces

The painter should have an overall, gloves to cover your arm and hands, and an approved safety mask to protect your eyes, nose, and mouth. The nearby surfaces such as windows, looks, pieces of furniture, with drop clothes or pieces of cartons. Protecting yourself and the nearby surfaces will help you to avoid unnecessary exposure to paints.

2. Mix your paint

Painting with a sprayer becomes a smooth experience if the paint is mixed well before it is used. You need to stir the paint well and strain before pouring it into the vessel that attaches to your paint sprayer. This helps to prevent clogging. Among all the painting complaints, clogging is the most common. In the painting process dealing with a clog is disruptive and this means that you will spend more time and effort. Therefore, it is important to be proactive by mixing your paint.

3. Learn to use the sprayer

This is done by adjusting your settings and techniques. You need to adjust your settings depending on what you want to paint. Ensure that your sprayer’s nozzles settings are appropriate for the job, if not so change you got to change the settings. If you want to be more precise a narrow setting adjustment is needed. Wider settings will help you cover a larger surface though it can be harder to control. Keep the sprayer in motion in a manner that the sprayer moves in the same pattern as the paint that is being applied. For better results, you have to keep the sprayer at least six to twelve inches away from the surface you are painting.  Speed matters and needs to be kept consistent so as to avoid dripping from the over-applying of paint. With this knowledge, is it good paint sprayer for a professional?

4. Clean it up

After you have finished using your paint sprayer you need to clean it thoroughly. If you find difficulties in cleaning your specific sprayer, you should read the cleaning instructions and follow them accordingly. In order to avoid clogging, cleaning your sprayer is a must so as to eliminate the problem of a sprayer clogged with dry paint. Depending on how a clog with dry paint is, a sprayer may not be used any other time. In addition, after cleaning, proper storage is necessary. You can challenge yourself to do different tasks once you become more ease with a paint sprayer at your hands. I would encourage you to take creative chances regardless of your goal with the paint sprayer.

Seda Ayala Center Cebu Hotel

Cebu is one of our most visited provinces in Visayas and so far we already tried several hotels and resorts in Cebu. Whenever my husband goes to Cebu for a business trip, he usually stays at Cebu Parklane International Hotel or Cebu City Marriott Hotel. Last January 2018, Cebu City Marriott was closed for renovation so he stayed at Parklane International Hotel. He was back in Cebu last week and the old Cebu City Marriott Hotel is now Seda Ayala Center Cebu Hotel.

Read: Where to Stay in Cebu
Seda Abreeza Davao Hotel 

Seda Cebu Hotel is newly-refurbished so there are few changes in the design and interiors of the hotel facade and rooms. Upon check-in, you need to pay your reservation plus P1,000 incidental deposit per night.

The room has a simple and modern design, no more carpet, the closet is now open and no more bathtub. Buti pa yung old Cebu City Marriott Hotel may bathtub kahit sa Deluxe room lang.

My husband loves the comfortable bed and pillows but he was disappointed because of the clogged toilet bowl. He has to call the room service to have it fixed.

Update November 2018: My husband went back to Cebu and stayed at Seda Hotel again but this time, the bed is no longer comfortable, mukha na daw luma.

Read: Cebu City Marriott Hotel

Misto 

The room package includes a buffet breakfast at Misto, which used to be Marriott Garden Cafe. There are few changes in the design of the restaurant too and according to my husband, he likes the buffet spread of Misto compared to the old Marriott Garden Cafe.

Read: Buffet Breakfast at Marriott Garden Cafe

What is nice about Seda Ayala Center Cebu is the location, it is more or less 45 minutes away from the Mactan International Airport and walking distance to Ayala Center Cebu Shopping Mall so you have no reason to be hungry because you can eat lunch or dinner at the nearby mall. You can also shop or buy pasalubong at the mall.

Read: Where to Eat in Cebu
Food Trip in Cebu
Pasalubong from Cebu
Cebu’s Lechon
Isla Sugbu Seafood City Paluto All You Can

Seda Ayala Center Cebu Hotel 
Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cebu Business Park,
Cebu City 6000, Philippines

3 Fun Family Outings to Try During Fall

Fall is a beautiful season when family members can spend time together and involve themselves in activities that help them bond. The colorful presentation of the season makes it fun to for most families. You can either choose indoor or outdoor activities, although either will provide you with the best moments.

During fall, there are lots of activities to try out that will cost you less as you enjoy the crisp, cool air. In case you decide to go for outdoor outings, here are 3 fun family outings that you should try out during this festive season.

Get Involved in Outdoor Games 

Make up a list of outdoor games that your family can participate in. Try flying kites as you breathe in the fresh fall air throughout the fields. In case you don’t have a large field you can fly kites in a local park.

A great game that most kids love is playing with leaves during fall. Rake a pile of colorful leaves and let your kids jump into a pile of freshly raked autumn leaves. This boosts their energy levels and makes it more fun.

Plan and join runs and short family races for charities that are available in your local area. Running is a great exercise for your body during this festive season and also allows you to spend time with other people.

You might also decide to make up your own game and apply some creativity as you enjoy. Ask your kids which games they would love to try out.

Go for an Outdoor Adventure 

You can either visit an apple orchard, sunflower or pumpkin farm or all depending on your availability. Take your kids to an orchard within your region where they will enjoy running around picking apples. You might also prefer taking them to sunflower farms to see the beautiful flowers as they bloom.

Some pumpkin farms have open autumn activities scheduled during fall. You can visit a local farm where you get to pick your pumpkins. These can also be stocked up on gourds and squash for crafts and cooking.

Attend the local pumpkin patch and spend time engaging in activities such as corn rides among others. You can also take pumpkins that you will carry back home for Halloween preparations. Locate a pumpkin patch in Escondido and have a fabulous time with your family.

Enjoy Camping 

If you are a lover of camping, you can enjoy family camping moments under the beautiful fall weather.  If you have kids that are too young to go camping, find a getaway to a cabin where you will enjoy fresh air and sweet sounds of nature. Light up a bonfire with the kids and enjoy roasting marshmallows on a cool day. You can also get involved in nature walks or drive around catching a glimpse of the beautiful fall colors all around you.

With so many fall activities available, you cannot miss more than five that will make your fall memorable. From the above-mentioned activities, you can also have crafts using fallen leaves such as leaf sewing craft; make a fall wreath that you can hang on your front door among others.

Birthday Staycation at Sofitel Club Millesime Manila

We celebrated our wedding anniversary at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila last February and we had a pleasant staycation. We like the room, facilities, amenities, food, and of course the service so I know that sometime in the future, we will revisit this hotel. But I did not expect that we will go back within the year.

Read: Anniversary Staycation at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
Sofitel Staycation Video

My son wanted to celebrate his 10th birthday in his favorite hotel which is Sofitel. My son enjoyed their wet play area, they have three slides for toddlers, kids, and adults so I guess that is one of the reasons why he likes this hotel. So I immediately inquired about their room packages, the rates, and room packages are still the same. Since we just went here last February I suggested to my husband that we try the Luxury Club Room for a change. I reserved everything via email within 3 days.

The rate is a little bit expensive but if you are Accor Plus Member, they give you an additional 10% discount. If you book Luxury Club Room or Sofitel Suite, you have Club Room Access so you can visit Club Millesime for complimentary food and beverage. It is good for 2 adults and 1 child (below 12yrs old) which is perfect for our family of three.

Club Millésime is open from 0600am – 1000pm. 

Complimentary food and beverage services can only be taken from Club Millésime good for 2 adults and 1 child below (12) years old.

A la Carte Breakfast 06:00AM – 10:00AM 
Afternoon Snack 2:30PM – 4:30PM
Cocktails and Scheduled Wine Tasting 5:00PM – 7:00PM
All Day Refreshments 10:00AM – 10:00PM   

Other privileges/benefits as a Club Millésime guest:   

Complimentary daily international newspaper
Complimentary use of the conference room for 8 persons for 1 hour per stay. The excess will be charged Php 1,200.00 per hour. Bookings a day prior to use are highly recommended.
Complimentary 24-hour internet access in the room and at the Lounge
Complimentary use of DVDs, CDs, books, newspapers, and magazines.
Complimentary pressing of one (1) suit (jacket and trousers/skirt) or dress upon arrival and 20% discount on laundry
Complimentary access to So Fit
Complimentary shoe shine service daily
Complimentary local landline calls
Late check-out until 4:00pm with no additional charge depending on room availability

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Fast forward to our staycation, we had lunch first before going to the hotel because we all know that the standard check-in time is 2PM. At the reception, I gave my ID and the staff told me that we need to go to 10th flr, the staff ushered us to Club Millesime Lounge so we could check in. Yes, there is a separate room for Luxury Club Room and Sofitel Suite guests, so hindi ka na nakatayo habang nag-check-in and you can already enjoy the food and beverage at the lounge while waiting.

It was quarter to 12NN and I was informed that there is already an available room but no bay view but I can wait at the lounge if I want to have a room with bay view. Knowing me, I hate waiting so I settled for a room with no bay view, should I say konting bay view.

One of the benefits of Club Millesime guests is late check-out and the staff informed me that we can check out at 4PM para mas maenjoy daw ng anak ko. I did not ask for it but she took the initiative, Yey! We have more time to enjoy our staycation. I paid my reservation in full + P3000 for the incidental deposit. But if you can wait, mas maganda talaga yung in front of Manila Bay.

Luxury Club Room 

Here is the room. I’m not fond of green colors so I prefer the interiors of the Luxury Room. But Luxury Club Room is more spacious, especially the bathroom, it has a separate shower area and bathtub. It has additional complimentary toiletries, more complimentary coffee, and Althaus teas too.

We did not waste time, my two boys changed their clothes and we dropped by Club Millesime for some refreshments. Then off we went to the swimming pool. As I’ve said before, my son likes the wet play area so we were a little bit disappointed when we learned that the two slides are under maintenance. Waah! Ito nga yung pinuntahan namin e, huhuhu! The only working slide is the toddler which is too small na for my son.

Club Millesime 

And because the slides were under maintenance, we did not stay long in the pool. Good thing that I booked a Luxury Club Room so at least may pwede kami tambayan. We just enjoyed our complimentary food and beverage at Club Millesime. The foods and drinks are limited if you will compare it to the Spiral buffet but it is enough to satisfy your stomach. There are nuts, breads, soup, crackers, fruits, dessert, cheese, sandwiches, burger and different kinds of hot and cold beverages. You can compare it to the airport lounges where you can eat and drink while waiting for your flight.

We enjoy our time here because it is not crowded and the service is very good, they will serve you with a smile. We also had a chance to try foods and drinks that we don’t normally eat or drink at home. I quenched my thirst with Evian Water and Ginger Ale and take pleasure in eating nuts, cheeses, and cold cuts.

At 5PM, there is a Cocktail and Scheduled Wine Tasting but 8 years old and below are not allowed so we’re happy that my son can enter the lounge but we stayed on the balcony. I don’t really drink alcohol but from time to time, I drink wine like nung nakapagBusiness Class kami when we went to Bangkok. Try lang but I don’t really enjoy it, mapait kasi. For cocktails, I never tried any so this was my first time trying a cocktail drink. The barista prepared Mojito and Margarita and he said, konti lang daw nilagay niya na alcohol. We just tried one cocktail and one wine, quota na kami. Lol But if you love cocktails and wine tasting, you will enjoy this benefit kasi drink all you can from 5PM to 7PM.

And because we’ve been eating and drinking from 2:30PM, hindi na kami nagdinner. Initial plan is we will eat pizza and pasta (room service) pero nabusog na kami sa lounge so nakatipid pa kami.

Sofitel Indulgent Bath 

While checking the room, I saw a flyer for “Experience Indulgent Bath” and I was surprised that we can avail of this for FREE. You can choose from Soothing Bath and Bubble Bath. We don’t have a bathtub at home so my son really likes a hotel with a bathtub so we took note of this. After our Cocktail and Wine Tasting, my husband called to avail the Soothing Bath for our birthday boy.

“Soothing Bath - a gentle, soothing bath made from therapeutic bath salts and essentials oils, transforming the bathroom into a private sanctuary to unwind and relax”

If you have an extra budget, you can avail of the Romantic Bath for P2000 or order food from their Culinary Offerings for P645, a choice of Detox or Lavish.

They also surprised our son with a complimentary birthday cake. Thank you!

Spiral Buffet Breakfast 

For breakfast, we have two options, Ala Carte Breakfast at Club Millesime or Buffet Breakfast at Spiral, of course, we chose the latter. We love Spiral buffet because they have an extensive buffet so it is the best way to start our day. I have already blogged about our buffet experience before and the experience is pretty much the same so just read my old post or watch the video.

Read: Breakfast Buffet at Spiral
Spiral Breakfast Buffet Video

After stuffing ourselves with good food, we went back to the pool. I’m so happy that they already opened the big slides, at least natry na rin ng mag-ama ko. Last staycation namin, under maintenance na rin yung big pool. We stayed at the pool for so long, that we did not notice the time anymore and hindi rin kami nakaramdam ng gutom. Yung breakfast kasi namin sa Spiral naging brunch na so busog talaga.

So when we went back to our room, we just took a bath and prepared for our Afternoon Snack at the lounge. We savored our last complimentary food and beverage at Club Millesime.

Indeed, it was a memorable birthday staycation at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila because this was our first time staying in a hotel with club lounge access. We really had a grand time parang gusto pa namin mag-extend kung mura lang. Hehehe! With all these Club Millesime benefits you know for sure why the rate is steep but if you have an extra budget, try their club room.

Watch the video here

Daily Shuttle Service Sofitel to SM Mall of Asia
Drop off: 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 2PM and 4:30PM SM Mall of Asia to Sofitel
Pick-up: 12PM, 2:30PM, 5PM

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila 
CCP Complex Roxas Blvd Brgy. 76,
Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel in Malaysia

Whenever my husband goes to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, he always stays at Saujana Hotel and Resort because this is near his office. But last week, he stayed at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel because he transferred to a new company. This is the 4th Sheraton Hotel that my husband tried.

Read: Sheraton Hanoi Hotel in Vietnam
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel in Thailand
Sheraton Towers in Singapore 

If Saujana Hotel and Resort is far from the city center, Sheraton Imperial Hotel has a good location. It is known as one of the recognizable landmarks in Jalan Sultan Ismail. It is near MRT, shopping malls, business hubs, eateries, art galleries, and heritage row.

It was his first time in Sheraton Imperial Hotel so he was surprised when the hotel staff informed him that he was upgraded to Sheraton Club Room. My husband immediately asked if he has Club Lounge Access too but the staff said “Room Only”. Toinks! But at least, he was upgraded to a better room and better view.

Room and Bathroom 

The room is 42sqm so it is quite big compared to other Sheraton Hotel rooms that he stayed at. He likes his room especially the comfortable bed and pillows. If you remember, natitigasan siya sa pillow sa Saujana Hotel and Resort.

There are a separate shower area and bathtub. I noticed that most of the hotels now have a glass divider na sa bathroom. Just press a button if you want to close the bathroom window.

He got complimentary chocolate too waiting at his room.

Feast; A World of Flavors

The room package includes complimentary buffet breakfast at the Feast. Indeed, it was a feast to begin your day. Just don't expect a pork dish, but they have beef and chicken sausage and beef bacon.

Breakfast Rate
Buffet breakfast: 84.00 MYR
Continental breakfast: 84.00 MYR
Full American breakfast: 58.00 MYR

This hotel has a fitness area, swimming pool, and spa.

Read: 6 Days in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel 
Jalan Sultan Ismail,
Kuala Lumpur50250 Malaysia