MEET ME AT ROOM #38. (TOUCH OF GLORY PRAYER MOUNTAIN, ANTIPOLO, RIZAL)

While the rest of the blog world is sending their 
TOP 12 for 2012 posts (or something like that)
I have to be honest. I haven't done my 'year that was' entry.

I've chosen this entry to be my last post this 2012
since this is something very important for me.
I'm not who I am now without Him.
He has a name. Jesus :)

Someone asked me, 

"Why bother to go far away when you can pray at the comforts of your own room?" 

I just smiled and looked at him, then smiled again. 

Well, he has a point. God is everywhere. 

And everyone is free to pray wherever he may be; knowing full well that 

God hears his prayer. At the end of the day, it's a matter of preference.

It's my 2nd time to go to Prayer Mountain 

and it was such a refreshing experience.

Here are some details, just in case you want to experience...

Praying at the Prayer Mountain

Details:
How to get there? Cubao can be your starting point.
There's a Cogeo FX from there. 

Rate as of October 2012:
Dormitories (per pax/night) – P250
Attic (per pax/night) -  P 150
Entrance Fee (for day visit only per pax)  – P 70

Address: Sitio Calumpang Brgy. San Jose Antipolo City
Contacts: 986-1527 or 0917-8401288
Email Add: touchofgloryprayermountain@gmail.com
Like them on Facebook HERE.

Closer to Nature.

Place is surrounded by greens and blues.

Sunlight beams can be felt at your early morning devotion

and sitting around gazing at nowhere will put your mind at ease.

You can un-baggage yourself with the chaotic and complex world for once.

Just toooot. Shut up down. Keep Calm. Literally.

Living the Simple Life.

Going back to basic is one of the things we need to do every now and then.

We sometimes need to remind ourselves that the things we have are all borrowed.

Yet we sometimes act as if it's our birthright to live an extravagant life.

When you lie on a simple bed, with a simple pillow and a plain blanket,

you'll now ready to brush off trivial things in life and focus on more profound issues,

Spiritual, Eternal issues perhaps that will transcend your next 5, maybe 500 years ahead.

FASHION ALERT 2013: WHAT'S THE COLOR OF THE YEAR?

 Now that we all know the Mayan's end of the world prediction 

is anything but true, let's all move on and look forward to 2013! Shall we?

Thanks to our trusty technology, the 2013 color is out in the open!

To answer straight and hot-off the fashion grill.

2013 color is (drum rolls please!)

EMERALD GREEN!

And so expect fashion pegs to be flooded with this majestic color.

Think mint. Think grass. Think lush. There you got the green.

This 2013, green is not only for the environmental enthusiasts,

it will grace fashion covers and runways too!

The color is versatile and for everyone. 
Be it for royalty (like Kate Middleton) 
or commoners like moi! 

Left: Taken at Pho Hoa Gateway. Pants featured HERE.
 Center: One of my support posts for Postura Project (click HERE).

Right:  Taken at Zen Zest Asia, Glorietta (click HERE).

Time to get your GREEN on! -CMK

ETUDE HOUSE OH M' EYE LINE REVIEW

Let me start off by saying this is my 3rd bottle! That's how good the product is for me. I've even went through the lengths of finding an Etude House within Makati. I've seen one in SM Makati. But that's another story, click HERE.

As I've mentioned before, I got ever so familiar with Etude when I was in Seoul last February. Etude Houses are everywhere! Pink baskets are all around and not to mention all the beauty products will make your eyes POP!

I can't recall how much this bottle cost in Korea but PHP price ranges at around Php 200. Not bad. I usually apply an eyeliner 4-5 times a week and a bottle lasts for at least 3 months.

It has a brown, gray and black variant. I always use the black color. Liquid eyeliners are challenging to apply but it has the most opaque effect when worn. It will make your eyes look bigger specially for almond-shaped peepers which are common among Asians.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺Black is back. I am a super fan of crisp black shade.
Something that this eyeliner delivers. 
I love how the substance clasps to my lids.
☺Purse-friendly. Etude House products have the closest price tags 
when compared to their prices in Korea. 
I'm glad this item is acceptably affordable.
☺Of superior quality. What made me say that? Well, I didn't have any 
allergic or negative reactions at all! I've shared with you 
before that my eyes have undergone a LASIK (laser) surgery 
to bring my sight back at 20/20. Hence, I am extra careful 
on anything that I'll put around my eyes. For my detailed LASIK 
experience, click HERE.

Simple Swatch:

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY, MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS

To tell you frankly, I am struggling whether to hit publish button on this post,

but to my mind, if I can post countless beauty and fashion reviews,

then why not share a piece of my thoughts on some profound things.

And so, feel free to grace your eyes on this post.

CHRISTMAS BEFORE:

Original Christmas

CHRISTMAS TODAY:

Modern Christmas?

I am  sure you get the picture (literally and) figuratively.

There are times that I feel I'm too extravagant on things.

That maybe its time to go back to where it all started.

When Christmas is still Christmas.

Jesus Christ's first glimpse on earth was far from our idea of the modern Christmas.

Jesus' mom, Mary, doesn't even know where will she give birth.

I've heard someone said that perhaps God allowed Jesus to be born

on this simple state to help us remember that Christ came to seek and save the lost.

The poor. Be it financially poor (no money) or emotionally poor (no love).

 I, too, want to have fun this Christmas.

And to tell you tactfully, being with the less fortunate 24/7 is not my idea of fun.

But that's the point. We can share some (not 24/7) 

of our time to bring joy to the less fortunate.

As King Solomon puts, our life here on earth is summed up into 2.

Have Fun. But remember to do Good.

What's your idea of fun this Christmas?

Aaaand what's your idea of doing good this Christmas?

Now! We're talking sense here. 

Have a meaningful Christmas guys! -CMK

FASHION ALERT : STRIPED MINI-DRESS

CMK at UNIQLO MOA

Few days and Christmas is coming. 

Countless parties and get together are plotted in your calendar! 

Have you noticed? This year's December weather is just different!

It's warmer than usual. But that should not prevent us from being 

fashionably presentable as we grace our scheduled gatherings.

Whether you're party-bound or just up for some laid-back 

lunch with somebody, a striped mini-dress is a good investment.

TIPS! TIPS! TIPS!

♣ Footwear. Wedges or Flats? Wedges, obviously, 

add height for the vertically challenged. Flats on the other hand 

is a good choice if you're expecting some serious walking.

♣ Bag. Shoulder or Satchel? Either will do. 

Though a satchel + this dress combo will be ultra-chic.

♣ Accessories. Subtle or Loud? If you're wearing a printed dress,

 keep your accessories down low. Let the dress take the center stage.

 If you opt to don a plain dress, busy accessories will complete the holiday glam look.

FASHION INSPIRATIONS:

Photo Credit Source : HERE

I particularly loved her stockings. Since this is an ultra-mini dress,

covering your legs might be practical. However, going back on our 

December heat breeze, you might want to save this for your hotel party, maybe?

SCRIBBLED NOTES #2: FAILURE IS AN EVENT, NOT A PERSON

Photo Credit: HERE

There's nothing much to say since the picture conveys the idea perfectly.

Even mistakes mean you are trying!

Pick up the pieces and try one more time :) -CMK

SCRIBBLED NOTES #1: WHAT'S YOUR GIFT-GIVING STYLE?

1. Giving happens before success. Giving usually starts small.

Don't wait till you're successful before you give.

For all you know, it takes giving to be successful.

2. Everybody is poor emotionally. Lacking love, lacking affection.

3. Everybody loves to receive gifts.

4. Yes, you are wise if you are selfish.

But you are wiser when you are self-less.

5. You've got to know the secret to prosperity... giving.

 GIFTS SHOULD BE:

♣ Useful. Functional. May gamit. May silbi.

♣ Needed. Wanted. Desired.

Gift should say "Specially for you."

Not "To whom it may concern..."

♣ Fitting. Think: color, style, size.

For crying out loud, DON'T give underwear 

sa mga hindi mo ka-close. Ever. (Haha!)

♣ Pleasing and satisfying.

What lies after the gift box has been opened?

♣ Expressive of your sentiment.

♣ Proportionate (to your gratitude).

♣ Uplifting. Kapag ba may exchange gift, lugi sila and tubo ka?

Gifts are better when it's surprising, thoughtful and creative.

Gifts can do wonders!

I won't sacrifice anything to the LORD that cost me nothing. -King David

Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. Do  you think I don't know? -God on tithing

Kung may utang na loob ka, mag regalo ka! -Kuya Ed

**This is an excerpt from my notes on Kuya Ed's talk entitled Godly Gift Giving.**

Makes me reflect. Very helpful and 

timely insight on this time of giving!

HAIR TREATS (HAIR SPA) IN MACADAMIA REVIEW

Hair that has undergone treatment needs an extra-love and care. One thing noteworthy about Mr. Shin's Beauty Brick Salon is that they reject treatment for customers with brittle hair. If you're a client with an ultra-brittle hair and you've come to have your hair digipermed, Mr. Shin will refuse you nicely. Reason is you may end up damaging your hair all the more. For my personal experience with Beauty Brick Salon, click HERE.

That alarmed me enough to ask my hair stylist at Beauty Brick, "How to maintain a healthy, treated hair?" He answered in less than 10 words. "Ma'am alagaan niyo sa Hair Spa."

I've heard hair spa as another hair treatment but I recently found out that it can be a product (like conditioner) too! Nice! I scored this product from Watsons Department Store, specifically at SM MOA. It costs around Php 70 (approx). For a jar containing 250 grams, that's budget friendly. And yes, they come in different flavors. 

 

I used the product by the book. I applied an ample amount from the tip of my hair (I usually don't extend any chemicals deep into the hair roots as this might cause dandruff). Left it for 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly. I no longer use conditioners when I apply this treatment.

 CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺Various Flavors. Mint. Aloe Vera. Name it. 

It has a lot of flavors to choose from.

☺Affordable. Depending on your hair length, this is a 

budget saver and can last for a month or two.

☺Acceptably-Rinsable. Say what?

I've used some products that take forever to rinse off,

thankfully, this is not one of those.

☺Softer and healthier hair - delivered! True enough,

my hair got livelier after using 

this for 2 weeks (used them 3x a week).

THINGS TO TRY THIS CHRISTMAS 2013

How will you spend your Christmas 2013?

Will it be with your friends, family, loved ones, all of the above? 

I think CHRISTMAS is well spent with the ones you love,

that's why my heart goes to our fellowmen 

who need to be  far away from their loved ones. 

Classic example is our Overseas Filipino Workers.

Positive side of it is we should treasure 

every moment with our loved ones.

 Allow me to brush off my sentimental opening 

and pave the way for a more exciting one.
Following are out of the box suggestions on how
you can spend your Christmas this year.

Disclaimer: This is not a paid advertisement. 
Ideas below are purely out of my own cravings. 
Nothing sponsored whatsoever. It's good to be clear. ☺ 

PHOTO CREDIT: Google Images

Check in at Microtel MOA
Located near SM Mall of Asia (MOA), hotel is a perfect
home away from home. You can choose to enjoy the amenities
and lounge around all day or you can spend some 
quality dinner with your loved ones.
Heard that you can choose between city view or ocean view.
Isn't that exciting?
Things to look forward to are the swimming pool, 
the view and who knows what? 
I'll let you know of my first hand experience soon!
You can now sing your heart out on Christmas eve with:
"It's Christmas, all over the world tonight!"

Details:

Location: Coral Way Ave. corner Seaside Boulevard, 
SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines.
Website: http://www.microtel-manila.com/ppc/
Rate: Php 5,900 for 4 (approx)

PHOTO CREDIT: www.azraelcoladilla.com

Ride the MOA Eye

Sure there's the London Eye and the Singapore Flyer,
but since it's more fun in your own homeland,
why not jump in the bandwagon and try MOA Eye!

It's Php 150 per person and it starts at around 6 pm onwards.

You won't get lost. Just ask the friendly people or just spot the big lighted wheel.

Watching the cityscape on Christmas eve? Priceless!

Out of the box, indeed. *slow clap*

SAKURA FOOT AND HEEL PLUS HAND AND NAIL CREAM REVIEW

I've got these cuties from The Salad Box - November edition (click HERE). It's my first time to get hold of Sakura lotion and gels and I'm glad I did!

One glance and you'll get an idea that it's something Japanese (look at the fonts around the tube). All the more reason that we need to try them!

Foot and Heel lotion boasts of moisturizing your feet to put a halt on dry and cracked parts. Hand and nail cream promises to heal your rough and dry hands.

Some details from Sakura Philippines site HERE:

Sakura Foot and Heel lotion contains a special ingredient called Portulaca extract that moisturizes, deodorizes, and heals the dry skin of the heels, knees, elbows and other body parts. Use every morning and evening or as often as you want for best results.

Sakura Hand and Nail Cream contains Niacinamide which conditions and nourishes your hands and strengthens your nails. Use every morning and evening or as often as you want for best results.

 CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺Non-greasy feel. This goes for both products. In fact, texture is more of silky, 

which is perfect for our tropical weather.

☺Packaging. Tube for this type of lotions are the best way to go.
☺Scent-free. Some says it has a scent, but it's generally odor-free. Which is okay,
specially for the hand and nail cream. 

2013 : VIRIGINIA OLSEN MINERAL MAKEUP WORKSHOP

If you're thinking about a fab gift to that

super friend of yours, this is a good idea!

 

Note: Following are from Virginia Olsen's Press Release Team

Virginia Olsen is 100% natural, paraben free, bismuth & talc free, and pure mineral make-up suitable for women of any age, ethnicity or skin type. Our formulations are calming to the skin, making them ideal for women prone to sensitivities; and being fragrance-free, they are particularly compatible with delicate skin, giving a sheer, natural, flawless coverage. Further, our makeup unlocks the therapeutic properties of zinc oxide and the natural sunscreen provided by titanium dioxide. 

After the success of the basic makeup workshop last December 2012, Virginia Olsen will again be conducting a 1-Day Basic Mineral Makeup Workshop this January 5, 12, 19, and 26 at Unit 2904 Atlanta Centre, 31 Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan City. Participants will learn the basics from Youtube makeup/beauty guru Michelle Dy (Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/michelledy051 || Blog: http://www.beautyineverycorner.com).

Registration fee of Php 2,500 already includes materials and snacks. There will be a special raffle draw at the end of the workshop wherein participants could win Virginia Olsen prizes! Only maximum of 10 students per day so reserve your slots now! Email info@virginiaolsen.com. 

TOP 5 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ZEN ZEST CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

Now that Christmas breeze is so close for us to feel, 
it's that time of the year when we are giddy
to sit and create our Christmas list.

It's always, I mean 'always' necessary to give
meaningful gifts to your loved ones.
Things that will scream: 
"I care enough to know what you want for Christmas, so here it is!"
On the other hand, giving generic gifts will screech:
"I've done my ritual. There you go!"

One of the Top Christmas items to give is 
colognes or perfume. Maybe because it's something that is useful
and lasting. Challenging part is to know the receiver's preference,
but that's where the love part goes.

What's there to look forward in Zen Zest CHRISTMAS COLLECTION?

TOP #5: Quality Colognes. 
I've mentioned way before that I've been using Zen Zest 
for the longest time and I am one happy client of theirs.
You can sense from the first whiff that it's not water concentrated
plus the fact that products are too cute, you'll think it's all cotton candy!

80ml Body Spray for women P99.00

TOP #4: Choices are endless!
They have specific sub-collection for men, women, kids, babies and 
yes, even room deodorizers!
While you can mix and match these goodies 
(think: pink one above is for your becky besty),
the idea is you can give gifts to your loved ones without
second guessing.

2 body spray 80ml for men II

TOP #3: Specific Themes
Since it is around the corner, might as well smell what Christmas is like.

We've been told by Zen Zest owner herself, Ms. Michelle

that the smell was inspired by Christmas thoughts and elements.

Makes me wonder all the more, what's inside the Winter Wonderland

and Christmas Spirit bottles?

two christmas room spray 80ml P99.00

BEHOLDING THE BEAUTY OF BANGKOK

I've been to Bangkok, Thailand

over the first week of December for that much 

needed hiatus from daily routine.

Expect a bunch of travel related reviews,

tips and adventure posts over the next few days.

Mean time, be with me as I behold Bangkok's Beauty.

Pictures were shown raw (no edits, not even light enhancements).

I used my trusty Canon camera to take these shots.

And now, some travel quotes to keep us inspired.

”Twenty years from now 

you will be more disappointed 

by the things that you didn’t do 

than by the ones you did do. 

So throw off the bowlines. 

Sail away from the safe harbor. 

Catch the trade winds in your sails. 

Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Bangkok by Day

“When you travel, 

remember that a foreign country 

is not designed to make you comfortable. 

It is designed to make 

its own people comfortable.” – Clifton Fadiman

Bangkok by Night

One of my favorites:

“Travel has a way of stretching the mind.

The stretch comes not from travel’s immediate rewards, 

the inevitable myriad new sights, smells and sounds, 

but with experiencing firsthand how others do 

differently what we believed 

to be the right and only way.” – Ralph Crawshaw

How far can you go? -CMK