Dear sosyalera,

Good day! Reading your blog is very entertaining. Natatawa ako at the same time very useful ang mga tips and advices mo sa mga readers. I tried searching your blog if may advice ka with regards to whitening the underarms but I got zero results. Truth is I love dancing kaya lang dahil sa dark underarms ko… I shyed away. It is frustrating dahil hindi naman nagwowork yung mga whitening cream na nilalagay ko. I was hoping na sana mabigyan mo ako ng advice tungkol dito. Thank you for reading.

-tin-

Dear -tin-,

Hey there. Thank you if you find my blog entertaining. I always try to be spontaneous and serious but I end up making fun of myself. Lol. Anyway, you’re the first one who asked this kind of concern so you cannot find any inquiry about UA whitening.

Honestly, I don’t have the perfect underarms. Syempre may lines but I’m quite lucky they’re not dark. Lines and bumpy hair follicles are normal unless your skin is really perfect or “polished”. If your underarms have mild lines then whitening creams / deodorants will work. But if the darks spots are obvious then you should undergo underarm whitening treatment. Unfortunately, derma treatment is the most effective and fastest way of lightening dark armpits. Do not believe in the promises of whitening creams because it’s better to undergo skin bleaching to make sure the dark outer skin peels.

As you’ve mentioned, you’ve been using whitening creams. Have you tried using peeling solution instead? (For example Kate Jones underarms peeling solution for 400php.) But please do a research before trying products without consulting a derma, ok? I don’t want to recommend brands I haven’t tried before.

That’s it, to sum it up, do not depend on creams and try an advanced treatment instead. It may be more expensive but the effect is long-lasting. At least you’ll have more confidence especially on doing things that you love. But for the meantime, just be choosy with the clothes you wear while you decide for the right solution.

Cheers!

Love Lots,

Leyn

greetings sosyalera,

this is my first time to e-mail coz like your other first time blog reader, i just came across your page and didn’t even realize na nabasa ko na pala lahat ng post mo. hehe. u really give good pieces of advice and is very credible about it. keep it up.

i just e-mailed you coz i wanna seek your advice as well. i just wanna ask for any opinion or recommendation regarding face moisturizer, products that heals acne and removes pimple scar.

i am really having a hard time kasi i’ve tried a lot na.. pero wala pa ko makita na something that suits me. i’ve used one product from L’oreal as a moisturizer. kaso pansin ko na hindi na nagheal ung existing pimple ko at dumami pa. i don’t know if i really have sensitive skin. pero ang alam ko lang hindi lahat ng products na ginamit ko kasundo ko. sana may mai-recommend ka. sana ung not so expensive and ung para sa sensitive skin na din and sana personally recommended mo. if ever na ur using one.

wanna hear from u soon. thanks.

kate

Dear kate,

Hello there first time blog reader, sana there will still be 2nd, 3rd and nth time. Thanks for reading sosyalera. Anyway,

When I was in high school, I had lots of pimples and my parents told me that it’s because of genes. My mom also had pimples when she was young. I tried going to a dermatologist but I stopped because each session was very expensive back then. So I used different products to improve my acne and like you, I failed. Lol. Some products really smoothen my skin but the effect was temporary. So after many product attempts, I ignored my acne and poof! I had clearer skin. By now I already passed the period where my face will suffer the genes curse because my face got clearer after college.

But for the sake of temporary solution, I’ll attest to some products that have good remarks and proven effective.

First, take vitamins that can improve your skin – Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Grapeseed Extract or Anti-oxidants. Taking care of your skin really does start from within and don’t just rely on external products. As for myself, I’m taking Nutrilite Bio-C Plus for my Vit C supplement. Cosmo Skin GSE is also a good grapeseed source. I know some people who have been taking pills who got rid of their pimples but once they stop the regimen, acne breakouts occur. So it’s up to you if you want to take the risk of taking pills.

Next is to have a product that can heal pimples like salicylic acid. I prefer using Clean & Clear Acne Spot Treatment instead of Panoxyl (Benzoyl Peroxide) because Panoxyl can heal pimples but leaves dark spots afterwards.

Use soaps that have micro peeling effect with organic ingredients. Soaps can remove pimple scars but it takes time to see the result. Papaya and Calamansi soaps are actually effective and safer than chemical based brands. Based from my experience, I also tried L’oreal Facial Wash and it didn’t work for me.

As you’ve mentioned, you’re using a moisturizer but this product won’t heal pimples. It’s better if you stick with anti-acne products first and use a moisturizer for maintenance. Before, I tried a cheap product with Licorice called Godiva and I can say that it whitened my scars a bit. I saw the results after a month. I stopped using the product since I no longer need it. Hehe.

But the most effective brand I tried was Obagi. Especially the Exfoderm that smoothens rough skin due to pimples. As of now, a set of Obagi Toner, Obagi Facial wash and Obagi Exfoderm costs about 10,700 pesos. 4,500 pesos for the Exfoderm alone. Pricey, but it’s all worth it.

For treatment, diamond peel is effective but rather expensive. It’s because you’ll need to undergo a couple of sessions. Once in a while, have a facial in a professional derm clinic to make sure you’re getting the right treatment.

I would just like to stress out that brands may be effective depending on your skin so it’s still a matter of trial and error. That’s why I just mentioned the ingredients that I believe helped me in improving my skin. Still, the best way to know how you can treat your acne is consult a dermatologist.

That’s it! Have a nice day!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Sosyalera,

Hi, hope everything’s well with you. I’ve started browsing your site a week ago and now I can proudly say that am a BIG Fan of yours just like the others. I found your advices and opinions very useful to your readers which inspired me to write also some of my concerns regarding my so-called-fashion-and-everything. haha.

ganto po kase, i’m working as a secretary in one of the prestigious universities here in manila i’m 22, standing 5′6″, fair skin and medium built. My problem is not that malala. meron lang kasing mga tao na pumupuna sa daily outfit ko. (BTW wala kaming uniform.) I’ve been working for three years of having no permanent outfit so mejo mahirap nuh? sinasabi nila na maganda daw ako magdala ng damit and kahit anu daw isuot ko bagay. on my part, its flattering and at the same time. nakaka ilang or nakaka pressure in a way na hindi ko na alam kung isusuot ko pa ba yun ulit dahil sa napansin na nila? waaa I hope am making sense here. pasensya naman if am not much into proper construction of words. haha my bad. so yun nga. anu kaya dapat kong gawin para hindi masyadong halatado yun pag ulit ko ng tops aside from pairing it with different types of bottoms such as jeans, leggings or skirt. problem number 2. lulubus lubusin ko na to Ms Leyn I’ve mentioned earlier na medium built ako & proportioned naman po yun figure ko. the problem is yun braso ko. feeling ko, anlaki nya yun na lagi kong pinoproblema kaya as in super seldom nako mag sleeveless feeling ko, am carrying a pair of troso, pwera exaggeration pero yun talaga feeling ko. huhu. nu kaya pede kong gawin para mapaliit yun braso ko. hope you have some idea.

lastly, yun hair ko   I got my hair done for 2 weeks from now. maiksi sya but its layered. nakakainis lang, kase merun syang sariling mundo.. pumupunta kung saan nya gusto. haha. nu ba dapat kong iapply para maging manageable yun maliit kong buhok?

ayun. am hoping for your response even if this letter of mine is quite senseless. nyahaha. any advice will be highly appreciated

CONGRATS PALA FOR THIS GREAT SITE AND MORE POWER

lovelovelove

Thea

Dear Thea,

Hey there, thanks for discovering my blog. Frankly, your issues are quite vague so I’ll just post the ABCs and I hope they will help you a bit.

First, about the mixing and matching of clothes. I get that you might be on a budget but you shouldn’t just focus on your clothes. Make sure you also have enough pairs of shoes, bags and accessories. Also, next time you shop, pick simple clothes without too many prints so you can match them up easily.

Try wearing blazers or cardigans. Though you may feel uncomfortable because it’s summer and if you’re working in non-airconditioned rooms. But if you’re willing to wear blazers, tiis-ganda nalang. Hehe.

Honestly, it won’t be a problem if you don’t put too much pressure on yourself. I actually understand your sentiments because I also had that “image” where co-workers keep on commending my fashion taste so it urged me to buy more clothes just to maintain my fashionista status. Ayun, naubos pera ko. Lol. So instead of spending too much on garbs, I thought of different styles for my hair and collected accessories. Don’t feel restless because it’s okay to repeat clothes. Everyone does that.

Second, about the fatty arms. You’re still lucky because of your tall height. I know a lot can relate with this but fatty arms are more noticeable when you’re shorter. Fashion-wise, you can still wear sleeveless tops but pick styles with ruffles and butterfly sleeves to camouflage your arms. According to my gym-instructor friend, the only way to make your arms smaller is through dieting. Working out those arms won’t totally reduce the fat but will develop muscles.

Lastly, about the hair. Mentioning that your hair isn’t manageable, I assume that your hair is from medium to coarse thick type. I already had a blog post about the same problem that you can check. To summarize it, here are your options plus their pros and cons:

• Undergo a relax treatment –long term but costly depending on the salon
• Apply conditioner daily then iron your hair –may dry your strands
• Apply hair mousse – feels sticky and strong hold

Remember that not all hairstyle may fit us. Shorter hair won’t be high maintenance for girls with fine/thin strands of hair. So as of now, the best way is to have the treatment or have patience ironing and applying hair mousse.

I hope you won’t get frustrated with my honest response. Haha. But I believe you can handle your look naman knowing that your officemates are noticing your sense of style. Anyhow, thanks for liking my blog.

Good luck!

Love lots,

Leyn

hi Leyn,

I just came across your site while googling. Naghahanap kasi ako ng okay na conditioner for a daily commuter like me. I ride the tricycle, fx and jeep everyday kasi going to work. Ung fx ok lang kasi aircon pero ung tric & jeepney ride nag aamoy usok ung hair ko.  =(  I tried ung hair refresher sa Bench but I didn’t like the smell e. Gusto ko ung long lasting scent na conditioner na medyo fruity ang smell. Can u recommend anything? Thanks2x!

Cheppy

Dear Cheppy,

I asked some reliable people about conditioners to at least attest with the products that will be mentioned. You might have already tried a lot of the common grocery brands like Palmolive, Rejoice, Sunsilk etc so I’ll no longer mention them one by one. The citrusy scent that you want to achieve will also come from the shampoo you use. Anyway, here are some conditioner brands you might want to try:

Pantene Glossy Shine

Talking about the common grocery brands, if you want a low maintenance and easy to find product, Pantene Glossy Conditioner is suggested.

The Body Shop Honey Moisturising Conditioner

A rich and deeply moisturising conditioner that helps put softness and shine back into dry, tired or damaged hair, leaving it feeling soft and more manageable. With regular use, it will help improve the condition of the hair.

Kiehl’s Olive Oil Nourising Conditioner

With Avocado Oil, Lemon Extract, and Olive Fruit Oil specially formulated for dehydrated, damaged hair.

St. Ives, Swiss Formula, Extra Shine Rasberry & Jojoba Conditioner

St. Ives combines raspberry extracts and vitamin rich jojoba in formulas for shinier healthier-looking hair. It will leave your hair feeling revitalized and full of shine.

Currently, I’m using Alberto VO5 Herbal Escapes Pomegranate & Grapeseed (citrusy) and Dove Moisturising Conditioner (musky) because these are the only available conditioners at home. I’m contented with their long-lasting scent and how they soften my hair so personally speaking, I also recommend these. But take in mind that just like lotions/soaps, shampoos and conditioners also have different effects on different hair types so you have to know the brand that suits you.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hello Leyn,

Sana pansinin nyo po email ko. May balde ka ba? Isa kasi ako sa mga umaapaw mong fans. Hahaha, ang korni. I know. Pero seriously, fan mo na ako.

Hindi ako sure kung may na-receive ka ng sulat tulad sa problema ko. I have a natural long straight black hair BEFORE (tama ba order ng adjectives ko?). Last summer, napag-tripan namin ng sister ko na lagyan ng highlights ang buhok ko. Kulay Grape Red. At oo nga, nagsisisisi na ako. Kasi po nagmukhang dry na dry ang buhok ko. At nagsimula na akong mag-hairfall.

Last week, pumunta ako ng salon para magpa-Relax and Hot Oil. Kaso, ang sabi sa akin. Hindi raw pwede sa buhok ko kasi may highlights at masusunog raw. Napraning naman ako. So sabi niya, magpapa HairSpa nalang raw ako. So ayun, nag pa HairSpa ako. Alam nyo po ba anong nangyari? WALA. Medyo feeling ko bumagsak konte buhok ko. Pero feeling ko lang yun eh. Wala parin eh, Dry pa rin tignan at may falling hair pa rin.

Ano bang treatment pwede nyong irerecommend sa akin? Okay lang po ba na magpapakulay ako uli ng buhok, pero Black na sunod? Bahala na maubos allowance ko. Help, bago ako makalbo. Maraming Salamat.

Umaapaw,
Raiza

Dear Raiza,

I LOL-ed at the balde thing… and actually at the whole letter. You seem tensed.

Honestly, I dyed my hair red before and I also thought that was the worst thing I did to my hair. Especially when my friends started telling me na mukha akong manok. Haha. How rude.

Unfortunately, the best way you can do is wait for the new hair to grow. That simple. This may sound useless but it’s better than coloring your hair again. If you dye it with black, the chemicals will just make your strands brittle and prone to split ends. Most hair salons do a strand test before they proceed with a treatment. Even the salon you visited suggested not to color your hair first, right? So you can’t easily undergo another hair therapy. Of course you can cheat and buy an instant color dye but it’s up to you if you’d take the risk. Most likely, you will experience dry locks if you do so. Magiging parang buhok ng manika, something like that.

As of now, stick on oil-based products. This is an effective tip that’s why the salon suggested a hair spa. Honestly, hair spa won’t have an effect that much because it’s just like expensive hot oil. Sosyal lang ang tawag… “spa”. The smoothness will stay for a couple of days only. Spend on black conditioners for the meantime. Once you feel like the new hair is growing already, then trim the ends and have a cellophane treatment. Cellophane will make your hair shinier and you’d be able to pick a shade of color. Its color substance is washable unlike the permanent dye.

As I’ve mentioned, use conditioner because it will help to moisten your hair but it will not totally treat the damaged parts. So please have patience and wait for the new batch of strands. Another mistake can make it worse so be careful this time. I’ve experimented on my hair a lot of times and waiting it to grow back is the best solution everytime I mess up.

Good luck, I know the feeling.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hey Leyn,

Hey Hey! Anyway I’ve been checking out the net for some great hairstyle/hairdo for my medium length hair but still I can’t find anything that fits my personality and maybe my face shape. So yeah, I decided to consult you :] oh wait ako pala si trisha. So eto i have a round face, black colored layered hair with a slightly side swept bangs so anong babagay na hairstyle sa akin kung saan pwede ko syang i-use everytime I go to school or even everytime I go to the mall with my college friends. hoping that you’ll reply to my message :]

More power! and thank you

trish

Dear trish,

Sorry for the late reply. (O diba, parang text lang). As what you’ve said, you can’t decide for a hairstyle that defines your personality. Well I have no idea what type of chic are you – you may be a rocker, girly or a stylish one who loves wearing hair accessories. Hairstyle sometimes doesn’t just depend on your face shape or features. Your hair line is one factor. Bangs cut is recommended for girls with high hairline that’s why the look isn’t appropriate for everyone. There are times we may notice that “this” style appears good on a celebrity then if we copy the hairdo, it just doesn’t look right on us.

I cannot directly suggest the BEST fashion for the crowning glory, so everything is still up to you. Basing on your description, I can picture that your hair is like this:

I also maintain a layered hairdo with side bangs because it fits any season. But if you’re willing to experiment, consider a makeover with these styles:

You can try full bangs if you have a high hairline. Full bangs looks good on girls with smaller face and will make you look younger.

This hairdo is perfect for those who have fine strands of hair. It’s low maintenance and appropriate for a modern gal. Just like Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl Season 2. However, if you have coarse or thick type of hair, you need a relax treatment to keep the ends straight. (So that doesn’t make it low maintenance after all. Lol.)

Practice your styling skills and buy yourself a curler. You need to torture your hair a bit when unexpected parties call. Add volume using hair mousse. If you get used to it, you can do this in a matter of 10 minutes.

For accessories, you can wear headbands but I suggest that you stick with the darker shades. Head accessories with black, silver and gray stones are the latest trend. Mahirap nga lang humanap so this will challenge your shopping expertise.

Just remember that no matter what hairdo you’ve got, it all fails if you don’t keep it clean, frizz-free and shiny.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn! =)

Ayan, sa wakas, nagkaroon na rin ako ng chance na magemail sayo sa Dear Sosyalera blog mo. Kasali ako sa mga dumarami mo pang fans na naaaliw at nage-enjoy magbasa ng blog(s) mo. Oo, fan ako. Hehe. Anyways, may problema kasi ako. Kakapagupit ko lang kasi ng buhok. (see attached picture) And this time I decided na magpagupit ng as in maiksi. Naiinggit kasi ako sa buhok ni Nina. Haha! Last time ata na ganito kaiksi ang buhok ko eh nuong college ako. Since then, pinahaba ko na ang buhok ko.

The day na nagpagupit ako, gustong-gusto ko ung itsura ng buhok ko. Mega style kasi nung naggupit. Naisip ko, mas madaling i-manage ang short hair. Wash & wear lang. Here comes the problem – naisip ko lang kasi. Few days after kong magpagupit, ayan na, nagsisimula nang magkaroon ng sariling buhay ang buhok ko. Hindi ko na malaman kung panong style ang gagawin. Buhaghag (tama ba term) kasi ung buhok ko eh. Manipis na buhaghag. I’ve stried styling it on my own pero failure. Siguro kasi, di naman talaga ako sanay magayos ng buhok. Hehe.

So Leyn, pwede ka bang magrecommend ng kung pano pwedeng ayos ng short hair? Saka hair products na pwedeng gamitin. Nagpunta na kasi ako sa mall, eh sa dami ng products, di ko alam kung alin ang bibilhin. Ayoko namang magtry lang ng kung ano, kasi sayang sa pera, tas baka masira pa lalo ung buhok ko. Ayoko rin namang bumili ng sarili kong salon para lang laging maging maganda ang ayos ng buhok ko. Haha. Pero sana ganun ako kayaman. LOL.

Thanks for reading my email & more power to Sosyalera. =)

– Karmi

Dear Karmi,

I hope by the time I post my answer, sana hindi pa mahaba ang buhok mo. Haha. Anyway, I’m not a Pro when it comes to hair styling and maintenance, but since I’m still updated with hair vanity, I can just attest to some methods I’ve tried before.

It’s natural that our hair looks at its best after going through a salon haircut. Of course, our stylists won’t leave it unpleasant but its maintenance is all up to you. Some people effortlessly fix their hair because their hair type is ‘fine’. Unlike with some people who have the ‘coarse’ type, which needs the aid of hair styling products just to achieve a desired form.

Treatment

I really want to try a short hairdo but unfortunately, my hair type isn’t that manageable (medium thick type). So I need to maintain it long to avoid fly-away ends and the weight will drag it down. With your case, I’m not sure what hair type you have but a salon treatment will help. Try a Relax Hair Treatment AFTER a Hair Strand Test and if not qualified, just pamper yourself with any Oil-based hair treatment.

And because I know you’re not here in the Philippines, here are some products available everywhere.

Products

1. Schwarzkopf Essensity Clarifying Shampoo and
2. Schwarzkopf Essensity Richesse Masque – If you want something organic, try this Schwarzkopf set.
3. Kérastase Nutritive Sublimateur Jour – Applied as an afterbath conditioner w/o rinse. Just dry your hair with it to achieve a smooth and silky effect.
4. Kérastase Nutritive Nacre Nutri-Sculpt - Shine enhancing treatment wax
5. Loreal Elseve Smooth-Intense Daily Rinse Out Treatment - Used as a regular conditioner after shampoo.
6. Loreal Elvive Night Serum – Leave on product for overnight use. Treatment for frizz and rough feel texture.
   
7. Thinning Scissors – Ask a friend to trim your layered-bob cut hair using these scissors. Also great for trimming bangs.
8. Shower Comb - To avoid split ends due to hair drying, it’s better to use big combs to untangle hair strands.
9. Rat Tail Comb - Best for styling especially after applying wax or hair spray.

Accessories

If you’re kikay enough, then I believe you can wear hair accessories if you want (para hindi masyadong mag-concentrate ang tingin ng iba sa nagulong buhok mo. Haha.) For casual wear, thin headbands are my bet.

For me, I can’t think of any style for short hair but let it down. Simple but sexy. You may have acquired a perfect hairdo from the best salon but what matters is how you keep the style. Not everyone is blessed with perfect-shining smooth strands and we have to deal with it. Each of us has to know what brands get along with our hair. Try reading online product reviews so you can also check what’s within your budget. I may suggest some products I’ve used before but these might not flatter your scalp. Just like soaps and skin creams, it’s a process of trial and error.

I didn’t include your picture here para naman sa privacy. Haha. Thanks mimay!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Ms. Sosyalera,

I am one of your readers, from the moment that I saw your link from greenpinoy’s blog, I was hooked. I even read all your past entries. I would like to seek for your help regarding the effective way of losing weight. Medyo stubborn kasi ako at palaging hanggang umpisa lang at sana rin po matulungan nio rin ako sa mga pwedeng masuot pag nasa office at kapag casually hanging out with friends lang. I’m 21, a young professional, chubby and is seeking for your advice.

Thank so much Ms. Sosyalera! Your insights are greatly appreciated.

dearie04

Dear dearie04,

Honestly, I never got chubby in my entire life so I don’t want to give false hopes with diet advices. Napansin ko nga na wala pa yata akong kilala personally na talagang pinapayat instantly ng slimming pills, work-out, vegetarian diet etc. I bet if you know a friend or someone who really did get slimmer with the use of certain products, you wouldn’t ask for this advice. Though meds and exercise work naman, it takes time, money and determination.

Let’s just observe what’s happening in reality. If you really want to lose weight effectively, your food intake might not be that healthy (o diba rhyme). Totally skipping a meal isn’t required but just reduce either breakfast, lunch or dinner. Kumain ka na tipong “pang laman tiyan lang” like 2 slices of wheat bread replacing a rice meal every breakfast. Oo nakakagutom, but of course you have to sacrifice. When you start eating small amount during meals, you’ll really get used to it.

As much as possible, fast food meals should be avoided. You can prepare a home-made sandwich and just heat it on lunch. Uber malakas makataba ang softdrinks kaya you have to get used with cold tea or water.

If you work-out, your body will be toned and muscles might be developed. So there are tendencies that you have muscles but apparently you still have fats. Therefore, you have to concentrate in doing cardiovascular work-out like jogging, jumping with the jumping rope (redundant!) and boxing. These exercises are really practical especially if you don’t have time and enough budget for gym maintenance.

Diet pills and laxative drinks (like Fitrum and Biguerlai Tea) work but you’ll feel side effects such as headache and stomach reactions. I don’t think this idea is right for you since you’re working everyday but you can try drinking those laxative teas during weekends.

Mentioned above are diet essentials that people usually do when they start losing weight. It may take time to burn fats because our body built depends on our genes, metabolism and lifestyle. Personally speaking, when I have this “I feel fat” syndrome, I tire myself by commuting when going to school/work. Don’t take short cuts and do a lot of walking. The thrill of public transportation is really tiring, sweaty yet slimming.

Well, i’m no dietician but I can I help you with fashion.

• Instead of wearing the usual formal top and black skirt for office, why not try shopping for 1-piece suits slash smart dresses. Also, avoid layering clothes.
• Slacks are must-haves but avoid trousers with butt-fitting style.
• Wear pumps with heels.
• And Lastly, plastic earrings are for teen-agers. Young professionals are way better with simple baubles like pearls, gems and gold/silver jewelleries.

Those are my usual basic pointers but you can also check my previous answers regarding plus size fashion and casual clothes for chubby people. A lot of L-sized girls close themselves with plain, boring and safe style. Thus, I encourage you to choose girly clothes and kikay designs as long as the fabrics are not stretchy.

Thank you dear!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi leyn musta musta?

nakikita kita sa YM na online pero madaling araw. ndi na kita minemessage dahil parang nananaginip pa rin ako nun tuwing ioopen ko ang YM sa cellphone ko. ANW, natawa ako dun sa new entry mo tungkol sa mga masahista. parang nakakatakot naman yung mga picture. naalala ko nang mabasa ko to sayo na magtatanong pala ako ng mga magaganda at affordable na SPA na pedeng puntahan.

Hindi para sa akin, para sa parents ko. Naisip ko since malapi tna ang 24th year anniversary nila this December, bakit hindi na lang yun ang iregalo ko sa kanila sa anniv at sa pasko na rin. hahaha (kuripot mode).

San ba yung mga affordable pero hindi naman tulad ng nifeature mo sa blog mo ha na mga spa. kahit simpleng massage lang siguro.

Maraming Salamats,
Popoy I.

Dear Popoy I.,

Aloha! Maraming salamat sa pagiging isa sa mga suki ng Inbox ko. Na-appreciate ko at kay Sosyalera ka nagtanong knowing na napaka-undetailed ko sumagot. Haha. Anyway, hindi ako magmamagaling dahil hindi ko naman alam ang lahat ng spa sa buong Pilipinas.

For the benefit of all, I’ll be mentioning 3 Spas to represent low-priced, reasonable and luxurious way of pampering. If you are on a tight budget, why not try the Big Apple Express Spa. You get to have a whole body massage for only 299 pesos.

Pros: Inexpensive and easily located. The franchises are usually inside the malls. I know one branch operating in Gateway Cubao near the LRT 2 station. You won’t get intimidated coming in since the place is just like a commercial facial center.

Cons: Since it’s called, the “Express” spa, don’t expect royalty treatment. Everyone pays the same price as yours. Once you get the short therapy then your hour is over. Also, the room is not that private because you’ll have the massage together with other customers.

For weekend people who really intend for a wellness experience, they can visit the Wensha Spa in Manila CCP area. Their foot and body spa package rates 800 pesos only – including food, drinks and access to their pools, sauna and shower room.

Pros: Aside from the consumable spa package, customers will be given assigned lockers during the time of their stay. The ambiance is relaxing and fair enough for the few bucks paid.

Cons: I’m not sure if couples are allowed to be at the same room while the treatment is on-going. Rooms are separate for males and females. Also, if you live somewhere in the east side, then you’ll have a long way to travel just to get there. I heard Wensha also have a branch in Timog QC but not as good as what they have in Manila.

Privileged and spa addicts of course prefer to spoil their bodies in sumptuous places. If you’re one of them, prepare at least 6,500 pesos for a Chinese inspired therapy at the Chi Spa in EDSA Shangrila Ortigas.

Pros: The types of scrubs and oils that will be used are examined first depending on the customer’s preferences. They cater quality and imported products plus spacious and calm exclusive room for privacy. You will not just experience simple massage but cleansing, bathing and detoxifying procedures. Given that you paid for a high-priced spa, you won’t feel rushed at all.

Cons: Expensive.

Enough of that, I’m not even paid. In case you’re planning to treat your parents elsewhere, siguraduhin mo lang na wholesome ang spa na ‘yon. Nakakahiya naman kung mga mala-Maskuladong Masahista ang sasalubong sa inyo. But you know what, you have a brilliant idea in treating your parents para naman something new ang iyong gift. You still have time to research though. Advanced Happy 24th Anniversary kina Tito at Tita! ;P

Love Lots,

Leyn