Kojiesan Celebrates 10 Years of Bringing Millions of Filipinos Skin to Light

I have a neutral complexion, thanks to my ancestors genes for that! However, growing up other people thinks otherwise. Whenever I shop for clothes or shoes with friends they would always tell me any color suits me because my skin is fair. I don't know if they are just trying to be good friends to me or my complexion is really fair? Haha. 

Honestly I don't use whitening products maybe because I'm just fine with my complexion. But unlike before when I was still a full time mom and mostly stay at home, right now because of my work and blogging events I get to go out from time to time. Husband and I are also travelling more compared before and undeniably daily exposure to the sun and pollution causes skin to turn dark right? Thanks heaven for whitening products such as soaps and lotions we have allies against skin darkening. But with the many whitening products out there it's really hard to choose which is best for us. 

Well when it comes to making decisions as far as vanity is concern, my mom has one a big influence to me. She's way more kikay or vain than me. She's an avid user of whitening products and one of the products I grew up seeing from her is Kojiesan. I also knew some people who are loyal users of the product and so far all of them have fairer and lighter skin complexion. Undeniably Japanese women also have smooth and fair complexion and Kojiesan is formulated the traditional Japanese way  which makes me eager to try it out as well. 

Photo credits to Kojie.san Philippines Facebook Page

What made me even more interested is when I got an invite to attend their event last August 8, 2016 at Sofitel. It's not just any event, it's a celebration of their 10 fruitful years of bringing a lighter, flawless and more beautiful complexion to Filipinos. 

It was one of the event I was looking forward to for so many weeks but unfortunately, something came up on the day of the event so I wasn't able to attend anymore. But because I'm interested with the product I made some researches.

Beauty Elements Venture’s Inc. (BEVI), the manufacturer of the country’s favorite skin-lightening product, Kojiesan success story is a testament to the undaunted determination of its owner. From a few dozen orders to millions of bars sold, the soap steadily became a favorite among Filipinos. The innovative product reached consumers across the country, and soon after, distribution went worldwide as an export commodity. 

BEVI started in a humble office in a residential area of Makati. Now, the company operates from an entire building. It also owns 6 hectares of manufacturing facilities in San Pablo, Laguna, providing employment to more than 500 employees. 

Kojiesan Classic Products

BEVI launched the original kojic acid soap formulated the traditional Japanese way and made it even better by adding high-grade virgin coconut oil into the mix. 

Kojiesan is an exceptional treatment to even out skin tone, erase dark spots, and other forms of skin pigmentations. It also corrects skin discoloration while lightening the skin. The Kojiesan Classic Line includes the Skin Lightening Soap, Cleanser+Toner, Face Lightening Cream, and Body Lightening Lotion. 

Kojiesan Dream White Line

With the success of the Classic Line, Kojiesan was able to extend its product lines to other categories such as anti-aging, acne treatment, men's skincare, cellulite control, sunblock, and fragrances. Results vary individually. How your skin reacts to any skin lightener will depend on your unique skin sensitivity, the extent of the pigmentation, and/or daily sun exposure. Initially, an improvement should be seen in the first or second week, then the ultimate result within the next 30 days or a few weeks thereafter. 

Kojiesan Men Products

Kojiesan’s commitment to quality is reflected in the recognition it garnered for five consecutive years as “Bath Soap Brand of the Year” at the Watson's Health and Beauty Awards and Consumer “SM Top Choice” Awards. 

With more tricks than truth behind what brands say, Kojiesan enjoins us to be careful with what we buy. Some labels brandish catchy, creative terms ---triple effect this, intensive that, pinkish white whatever, and touting invented numbers --- 4 tones fairer, 7 days faster--- with zero consideration for your natural skin’s reaction to adverse products. 

And for all the claims and white lies told, the question remains: have they shown us results? It’s time we see the light. No lab-made chemical complexes, no marketing-invented promises. Just you and your natural beauty, shining at its lightest. 

The proof is in the pigment, and seeing is believing. So don’t let those brands tell you what works for you. Join the millions who’ve witnessed visible results, because it’s time to BRING YOUR SKIN TO LIGHT with the country’s No. 1 kojic soap: KOJIESAN! SEE IT YOURSELF.

“We will continue to innovate products and expand our distribution to bring the highest level of consumer experience to a greater number of people. We want to be known as the company who delivers quality and effective products,” says BEVI marketing head, Tricia Gregorio.

I'm pretty satisfied with what I learned about them and I can't wait to try Kojiesan for myself and share my personal experience with you.

Congratulations for the 10 fruitful years Kojiesan!

Mommy Milkshare: Milk Drive Event to Benefit Fabella Milk Bank

Breastfeeding is best for babies. The World Health Organization states why it is so on their website, and also emphasizes that breastfeeding benefits the mothers who choose to breastfeed their babies.  

The reality though is that some mothers have the misconception that if they can't produce milk after giving birth, then they wont have milk at all thus they resort to formula feeding. This was  me with my two previous pregnancies, though I was able to breastfeed our eldest for a couple of months but eventually mixed fed. With our second baby, I never got the chance to breastfeed her at all. However, with our youngest, I was already equipped with right information thus I chose to breastfeed her for more than 2 years. It was not easy, there were a lot of struggles but we eventually survived it thanks to the breastfeeding support group I joined on Facebook, and of course support from the people around me especially my husband. I believe that breastfeeding should be given an importance in our country, we need to disseminate correct information to all expectant mothers in every community to encourage more women to choose breastfeeding. 

On the other hand, there are mommies who might not be able to breastfeed their children immediately after birth for legitimate medical reasons. There are also babies whose mothers may have passed away yet still need to be nourished with breast milk. 

In cases like these, milk donations or milksharing are usually the solution. It should be noted, though, that donor milk should be screened as much as possible, to ensure that it is safe and clean for the babies who will receive it. 

Are you a breastfeeding mom, or a mom who believes in the importance of breastfeeding? Then you will probably also consider milksharing or donating one’s breastmilk to be a noble endeavor. Here in the Philippines, human milk banks are actually always in need of breastmilk donations, so it is good to be aware of efforts to collect human milk – like the upcoming “Mommy Milkshare” event organized by The Parenting Emporium and Honeysuckle Philippines (which is actually on its second run; the first run was held in September last year.) 

Scheduled for August 13, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Parenting Emporium (No. 29, 1st Street, New Manila, QC), breastfeeding mothers are invited to donate their excess breastmilk for the benefit of Fabella Human Milk Bank.Donors can choose to bring frozen breastmilk (must be expressed between June to August 2016)or express milk onsite. 

In gratitude to the generous milk donors, VPharma’s Mega Malunggay, Mommy Treats, and Honeysuckle – brands that support milksharing – willbe giving discounts on select items. Mommy Milkshare participants will also receive loot bags as a “bonus” for their kindness, which is why they are also asked to register for the event via 0917-8110821. 

So, if you are a breastfeeding mom who wants to share her “milky blessings,” head on over to The Parenting Emporium this Saturday! Your efforts and kindness will help many babies who are supported by Fabella Human Milk Bank.

Note: If you want to donate breastmilk but can’t come to Mommy Milkshare, you may contact Nurse Katrina of The Parenting Emporium at 7253723 or 7386272, and ask how to donate to the TPE Milksharing Hub.

Pest Off! Rat Glue Board and Cereal Bait: Product Review + Giveaway

"You pesky little critter I thought you were cute now you're just a little pain in our boot. 

You pesky little critters turning things upside down, you're messing up our friendly little town."

So this song from Sheriff Callie is the first thing that I thought of when I hear the word rat. (This is what happens when kids take over the television. LOL!) Though personally I don't find rats really cute. They look scary especially the big ones, they nibble on foods, nip on clothes and other stuff and they are filthy. What's even more scary is that they carry health threatening diseases, such as leptospirosis which is prevalent during rainy seasons. And boy am I glad that we don't have to deal with this pesky little critters here in the condo, well none that I know of. However, it's the opposite in Jaear's family house in Manila. That's why when I was given a box full of Pest Off! Rat Control products I knew it would be in good use. 

Pest Off! is a brand owned by Global Winds Corporation, a duly registered company with the Food and Drug Administration as a Household /Urban Hazardous Substance Distributor/Importer/Wholesaler. Pest Off! carries a wide variety of extensive insect and rat control products that has every family's well-being in mind.

Pest Off! sent me their 2 Rat control product line; the Ready to Use Cereal Bait and the Glue Boards.

Pest Off! Ready-to-Use Cereal Bait contains 2nd generation anticoagulant compound, Brodifacoum. Anticoagulants prevent blood clotting that leads to internal haemorrhaging and eventually to death of the rodent.

What I liked about the Pest Off! Ready-to-Use Cereal Bait

• Effective- Since it contains 2nd generation anticoagulant, it effectively and efficiently eliminates rats and mice in just a single feeding. 
• Affordable- It's affordable compared to other brands. Other brands also contain 1st generation anticoagulants Warfarin & Coumatetralyl which requires multiple doses so Pest Off! lasts longer.

Con:  

• Cereal baits are poisonous and by far the least humane way to deal with rats. It sure is effective but it doesn't take effect instantly, rats still get the chance to run and hide so you still have to hunt for the dead stinking rat. 

Pest Off! Glue Boards on the other hand are the ultimate and modern rat and mice catching traps. It contains super adhesive and non-toxic glue that catches pesky rodents.

Considering that rats vary from house hold to house hold, Pest Off! provides consumers with 8 varieties of Pest-Off Glue Boards fit for the consumer's problems and needs.

 2 pcs. per set of unscented Cardboard Glue Board (Php142.75) and  Word Board Glue Board (Php148.75)

2pcs. Pest-Off Rat Catcher Plastic Board with Peanut and Cheese Attractant Scent (Php157.25)

4 pcs. Pest-Off Rat Catcher Plastic Board in unscented (Php90.25), Peanut and Cheese Attractant Scent (Php96.25)

Pest-Off! Glue Boards' super adhesive glue practically looks like "water in a shallow container". Because according to studies, rat's main important consumption is water; they need ½ to 1 ounce of water as it cannot survive long without it. So this design somehow lures the rats and mice to drink they eventually get trapped and die.

We are currently here in Manila for the wake of Jaear's grandmother who just died last Friday (a very sad event) so we got to test all the glue boards as well.

What I liked about the Glue Boards: 

• Convenient- It's easy to use, just place them on the usual travel routes of mice and rats. Disposal is also hassle free, just place the board together with the rat and place in a tightly tied plastic bag.
• Effective- As long as it's placed on the usual routes, rats will get trapped on the super adhesive glue. Rats can be seen dead right on their tracks therefore, no need to look for stinking and rotting rats all over the house.
• Safe- The adhesive glue is non toxic so it's safe for everyone. In case a body part gets in contact with the adhesive, simply wipe away with baby oil or mineral oil and then wash with water and soap. 
• Affordable- Compared to other brands, Pest Off! is more affordable with more varieties to choose from.

I actually couldn't think of anything that I'd like to change about the glue boards, I like everything about it and I highly recommend it to everyone. 

Just in time for the rainy season wherein flooding is highly anticipated, together with it comes a dreaded disease, leptospirosis and over 70 other health threatening diseases and serious infections. So it's really important to clean our house and get rid of those pesky critters. And to help you with that, I am giving away 2 Pest Off! Rat Control product line worth Php1,000 each to 2 lucky readers!

Winning is easy peasy, just enter and earn raffle entries through the rafflecopter widget below: 

P.S. I'll verify each entries at the end of the giveaway period so please make sure to follow mandatory steps to qualify. Thank you for your usual support!

Good luck everyone!

Kenwood Launched in the Philippines

I love to cook, but no I'm not an expert not even close. Good thing I have Google to save my butt in the kitchen. I mostly rely on Google for recipes and almost any questions I have related to cooking. Lol! But I've always dreamed of having a spacious kitchen complete with all the high quality kitchen appliances there is. I believe that having complete kitchen appliances will further motivate me to be the best cook I can be.

Who wouldn't be right? That's why I was eager to attend the launching of a famous and iconic British brand here in the Philippines. I was excited to see the range of products that they offer.

The event was held last July 21, 2016 at the Residence of the British Ambassador to the Philippines, Honorable Asif Ahmad in North Forbes Park. 

Kenwood has revolutionized home cooking and pioneered kitchen automation since 1947. It was founded by Kenneth Wood and  in 2,000 Kenwood joined De'Longhi Group which opened up a new era of expansion. Today, Kenwood is present in over 40 countries and produces over 200 different models. For over 60 years their most important mission is to delight customers and make their experience in the kitchen both easier and more rewarding. 

The event launched Kenwood's award-winning products which are driven by quality, innovation and design. Top Culinary Schools in Metro Manila; Enderun, CCA, ISCAHM and Southville Foreign University also participated by showcasing Filipino local food with a British twist that they prepared using Kenwood appliances. 

I personally liked the Kare-Kare Tortellini and the Filipino-British meat pie

with arroz ala cubana filling. 

 This British Flag themed cupcake pull parts are pretty, you don't wanna ruin it.

It was also thrilling to be able to witness the British Ambassador, Honorable Asif Ahmad do a live cooking demo, of course with the use of Kenwood appliance. 

For the event, Kenwood also collaborated with Mini Cooper to put on a show to everyone who attended. I can't believe what I witnessed in front my very eye, a Kenwood Mixer pulling/towing the Mini Copper with 4 people in it! Just wow! It only goes to show how sturdy Kenwood products are. 

Watch the video here:

It's no surprise that Kenwood won over 38-member jury of the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2015 beating 4,928 entries from 56 countries. Throughout the world and across different industries, Red Dot is seen as the award for high design quality. The international Red Dot jury bestows the sought-after seal of quality only to those products that stand out clearly from comparable entries thanks to their excellent design.

With my blogger friends Lhyzie and Eihdra.

The night was filled with sumptuous food, unlimited drinks and ended with a raffle. I won a Demo and Tasting GC to Enderun Colleges and my blogger friend Eihdra won a Kenwood Food processor, so lucky! How I wish to have my own Kenwood appliances in my kitchen too! 

Looking to the future, Kenwood’s aim is to carry on serving the needs of people's changing lifestyles — setting the standard for affordable, high quality innovation for millions of customers all over the world. And, I'm glad that Kenwood products are now available in the Philippines, so if you have passion for cooking like I do, then you should check out Kenwood product and share with me your experience! 

Say It with Confidence, Say It with Swish!

A few days ago, I came across a video by Swish on Facebook. It looks like a guy about to propose, scenes like this excites me so I watched until the end and surprisingly the video has a twist at the ending. No, I wont spill the beans and I'll let you watch it for yourself. 

Here it is:

You can view the video on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SwishOfficial/

Isn't it funny? All along I thought it's about to get romantic, haha! Even though the video didn't turn out to be the way most people expect it to be, but the video sure taught us lesson. A lesson on how to always stay confident and prepared by highlighting the importance of having fresh breath even in an instant which is now possible with just 1 #superpump of Swish Breath Spray! Lucky me I received some for me to try, thanks Unilab!

Well, we all know that brushing our teeth is part of our everyday hygiene it gives us fresh breath. But as much as we want to maintain a long lasting fresh breath, unfortunately we can't. The moment we eat, the smell of these foods invade our mouth so when we speak we might be breathing out the smell of garlic, onion or whichever food we ate. Yikes!

I've been in this kind of situation several times already because blogging and my job requires me to attend events, meet and socialize with different people. However, after eating and with few sips of drinks I tend to lose my confidence and avoid conversations making me lose a lot of opportunities. Only because I'm conscious with what my breath would smell like. How I wish I can brush my teeth or gargle with mouth wash but there's just no time! This is also the same thing when I attend PTA meeting at my kids' school. Sometimes I bring candies with me but it's not enough it doesn't kill the bacteria that causes foul breath and it makes me prone to tooth decay too. That's why I'm so glad when I found out about this Swish Breath Spray, indeed it's a life saver!

Here are the thing I love about the Swish Breath Spray: 

• It provides instant fresh breath in just 10 seconds. Perfect when you're on the go.
• It comes in convenient 10ml bottles, very handy.
• It kills bad breath-causing bacteria so it doesn’t just mask odor.
• It comes in 2 flavors to choose from: Arctic Chill and Peppermint Fresh.
• It's sugar-free- fends off cavities, no more tooth decay. 
• It's alcohol free- no sting.
• It's affordable. Piso (Php 1) per spray (at P105 and lasts up to 100 sprays) 
• It's available in Mercury Drug, Watsons, South Star, Robinsons, Puregold, Shopwise and other selected drugstores and/or supermarkets nationwide.
• It's made by Unilab – a trusted name!

So from now on, this Swish Breath Spray is a definite must have item in my bag. I'm never leaving the house without it! If you have similar experience like mine, it's time to save yourself from any further embarrassment. You don't have to be held captive by foul smelling breath because instant fresh breath can be achieved. Get your confidence back in 3 easy steps, 1. grab your Swish Breath Spray, 2. #superpump and 3. #SayItWithSwish!

For more updates and information about the campaign visit Swish on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwishOfficial/  

or visit their website: www. sayitwithswish.com