Look and feel your best this Holiday season

The yuletide season is just around the corner and for us Filipinos that only means one thing – endless parties and gatherings with families and friends you haven’t seen all year. It’s that one time of the year when people take their minds off deadlines and just spend quality time catching up with loved ones over great food. With Christmas time and all the reunions that come with it fast approaching, it is mandatory for everyone to put their best face forward. This means having flawless, acne-free skin.

No one is spared from acne. Breakouts can put a blow on your confidence and hold you back from being your social and fun self. Good thing Proactiv Solution got you covered so you can look good and feel good this holiday season.

How to achieve acne-free skin this holiday season?
Shopping, eating, parties, too much to do and too little sleep all taking place during holiday season. The hurried pace and the demands of this season can take a toll to your skin. Neglected skin can become dull, tired and blemished with acne. Just when you want to look clear and beautiful, your skin gets the holiday blues. The good news is that Proactiv can help your skin battles against all of this skin stress. Proactiv Solution Combination Therapy Kit System is #1 acne treatment in America and recommended by dermatologist. It is a combination therapy wherein the products in this system work together to cleanse the skin, fight the blemishes you have now, stop new blemishes from forming and gently heal the damaged skin. Proactiv has free gift, Refining Mask – with antibacterial sulfur that speeds the healing as it calms the skin. It’s also has money back guarantee and risk free on your hard earned money.

What is Proactiv and how it works: 
Developed and recommended by dermatologists, Proactiv Solution’s 3-Step System helps clear existing acne and prevents future breakouts without taking much of your time. The skincare regimen only takes 5 minutes to do, so it is easy to integrate it to your daily skin care routine.

With deep cleaning prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide, Proactiv’s Renewing Cleanser penetrates pores and heals blemishes fast. Proactiv’s Step 1 contains smooth tiny beads that exfoliate dead skin cells and other impurities while its Step 2, an alcohol-free Revitalizing Toner with soothing botanicals that gently balance the skin tone, removes excess oil for a refreshed, clear skin. Proactiv’s Step 3 consists of the Repairing Treatment, a light, oil-free skin-clearing lotion that heals blemishes and helps prevent new ones from forming.

Proactiv Bonus:  
Each Proactiv kit comes with a free Refining Mask that’s sure to keep your skin clear and acne-free this merry-making season. Formulated with Sulfur, a proven acne- fighting ingredient that reaches deep into the pores where blemishes begin, the Refining Mask gently unplugs pores, pampers inflamed skin, and softens the skin’s texture.

Save yourself from the unnecessary stress caused by acne. Don’t let anything get in the way of your Christmas celebration! Have Proactiv Solution do the work of getting rid of your blemishes so you can confidently share the love with the people in your life.

Proactiv Solution comes in 30-Day kit (P2,495) and 60-Day kit (P3,995) and is available at all Watsons nationwide.  

Latagaw Diaries: Souvenirs to Buy in Psar Chaa(Old Market), Siem Reap, Cambodia

When in Siem Reap and you are looking for presents to bring back home, Psar Chaa/Psar Chah/Psar Chas/Psah Chas or just the Old Market is definitely one place to shop cheap.

Here's a tip for you: Shop at around eight or nine in the morning when the stores are just opening up.

Everyone is just begging to make that first lucky sale for the day that they would practically beg you to buy from them and they would really lower their price just to make that sale.

It is heartbreaking because you can tell if that is the lowest price you can get from them based on their pained facial expression.

Here are some things you might consider buying in Psar Chaa or the Old Market:
1. Krama or the Cambodian Scarf.
It is a checkered piece of fabric that comes in different color combinations. There are cheap ones but the silk ones are more expensive, of course.

I think this has been the most practical and most used pasalubong I brought home so far. A year after I have given this as a gift, I can still see my friends using it.

from Flipnomad.com

It can be used in a variety of ways.
a. scarf

from littlekeplearnersacademy.wordpress.com

b. head wrap

from www.kramakrama.com

from www.kellyanthony.com

c. to swaddle a baby

from www.alamy.com

d. a baby carrier

from morning-sickness.blogspot.ro

e. beach cover up

f. mat or beach towel

2. Balms especially Tiger Balms.

I will always describe the scent of morning air in Angkor Wat as hmmm...a combination of sweat and other bodily fluids but the afternoon air would smell like Tiger Balm. I seem to smell this everywhere in Siem Reap. I can't recall smelling this in Phnom Penh but then areas in Phnom Penh are not as crowded as it was in Angkor Wat.

So in the Old Market, you would see beautiful tiny ceramic pots with different balms on it-the famous one is labeled Tiger Balm. now if you are like me and grew up in Asia, the Tiger Balms are were packaged in red tin cans with a tiger on the lid.( BTW, Tiger Balm is originally made in Singapore and the Haw Par brothers who created it has a wonderful place in Singapore that you can visit for free. It is the Haw Par Villa. See my post about Haw Par Villa.)

This balm basically works as a cure all-bites, nausea, head ache, clogged nose, joint pains...

3. Khmer Pants
This is a tie around pants that is very comfortable to wear but beware, it opens at the side so if you are not careful on how you seat, you might be showing a lot of legs without knowing it. Trust me on this.

4. Riel
The Cambodian currency can be found anywhere. You get these as change for your dollars.

I think these are perfect souvenirs. Very, very , very cheap.

Just look at this woman and her wads of riel displayed for all to see but only a fool would sneak in and rob her of these.

5. Insects

Whenever I leave for Cambodia my team would specifically request for me to buy them insects. They seem to love it but I am too scared to try it myself.

This time around, I managed to buy this in the border town of Banteay Menchi where an old woman was selling it on the side walk. You can get a lot for 1USD.

Okun tom tum!
Okun charan!

Thanks for dropping by!

Beauty Hacks by Alex Gonzaga

As an actress, comedienne and TV host, it is part of Alex Gonzaga’s job to take good care of herself, especially her skin. Being on the limelight, her face has to be camera-ready at all times.

Maintaining a clear and radiant skin is a lot of work and the 27-year old knows she needs to keep an eye on her overall lifestyle to do this. From what she eats to what she does off-cam, Alex walks us through her hacks to acne-free skin:

1. A good night’s sleep is key

“Sleep helps the skin recover after a long tiring day so I make sure I get enough rest every night,” she explains.

Stress causes sebaceous glands produce more oil and make skin extra oily leading to formation of acne. Getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night has been proven reduce one’s stress level.

2. I chug lots of water

Increasing the amount of water you drink is a great way to flush out internal toxins and hydrate your skin from the inside out.

Alex shares she always keeps a bottle of water on standby to keep her hydrated during long hours of shoot.

3. Exercise is good for blood circulation

Physical activity cuts stress which may contribute to acne. Improved blood circulation helps the skin by sending more oxygen to your skin cells and carrying the cell wastes away.

“I do pilates regularly. It is fun and a great way to relieve stress,” Alex adds.

4. Sleeping with makeup on is a big no-no

No matter how tired she is after a long day at the set, Alex religiously takes time to remove all traces of makeup from her face to make sure her pores are not clogged with sweat, dust, and dirt.

5. Invest in over-the-counter product

 “Proactiv has always been part of my beauty regimen for six years. Its specially-formulated ingredients help treat and prevent acne so I won’t have to deal with it,” Alex shares.

Alex swears by Proactiv, the leading anti-acne treatment product which is safe and effective for almost everyone.

Composed of the complete 3-Step System to knock out acne, Proactiv is very easy to use. Step 1 is the Renewing Cleanser, an oil-free, soap-free medicated exfoliating cleanser that kills acne-causing bacteria with U.S. prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide. Step 2 is the Revitalizing Toner, a refreshing alcohol-free toner that refines and purifies pores. Step 3 is the Repairing Treatment, a feather-light, invisible medicated treatment that kills acne-causing bacteria.

Every Proactiv kit comes with a free Proactiv Refining Mask, a rich, deep-cleansing mask formulated with sulfur, a proven acne- fighting ingredient that reaches deep into the pores where blemishes begin. “Proactiv requires less than five minutes a day. It’s convenient and it works,” shares Alex. Take it from the celebrity. These beauty hacks are your sure way to a smooth and acne-free skin just like Alex’s.

My skin care tips? I try to follow by these rules but it is sometimes hard to stick to it consistently.

1. Do not touch your face with your dirty hands Phones are dirty as well and can cause pimples.
2. Do not pop your zits, whiteheads and blackheads. Argghhhh!!!
3. Moisturize.
4. Sunblock.
5. Limit exposure to sunlight so you will not get premature signs of aging.

How about you? What's your secret to beautiful skin?

Latagaw Diaries: Tips for Siem Reap Temple Run

Siem Reap is synonymous to the Angkor Wat. However, Angkor Wat is just one of the many beautiful temples you can see in this town.

Peak season for tourists in this area is from September to December because the temperature drops off. However, when I was here last week, the temperature was 30 degrees celsius with high humidity. I was sweating.

If you are planning to see the temples, here are some tips for you:

1. Rent a Tuk-tuk.

If you are coming from downtown Siem Reap and you want to see the temples, rent a tuk tuk a day ahead. Rates are the following:

• Hotel to Angkor Wat (the tuktuk driver will take you to the ticket booth first then to Angkor Wat): 15USD
• Angkor Wat to Small Circuit: 15 USD

I recommend Mr. Tong (see post tip #2.) He is nice, honest and speak good English.

2. Take a pic of your Tuk-tuk.

Each tuk-tuk has a distinguishing mark (name of the driver and phone number) and the driver surely looks different from the others but I can't tell. It looks like a sea of green tuk-tuks to me. 

So I would usually take a pic of the tuk-tuk plus the driver just so I know what to look for. If you are lost, don't worry. The drivers would usually recognize you first.

If you like the driver and would like him to drive you again some other time, take a pic of his phone number which is printed on his tuk-tuk. Mr. Tong's is 010 65 65 11. You can ask the hotel receptionist to contact him for you.

3. Angkor Pass.

Passes sold are the following:

1. 20USD one day pass

2. 40USD three day pass

3. 60USD seven day pass

The temple officially opens from 5am to 6pm. We were there at 4:45 am. And there were people queuing already. Don't worry. The line moves fast and counters open early. Ours opened at 4:50 am.

At the counter they will take your picture. This is how your Angkor Pass will look like:

And you would need to present this at every temple you go to.

4. Angkor Sunrise and Sunsets.

Our tuk tuk took us to Angkor Wat, where almost everyone flocks to. My fault because I forgot the name of the temple I wanted to go to. Imagine hundreds of people with their hands, selfie sticks and tripod in the air waiting for the majestic sunrise. Not to mention trying to ward off the ladies selling you pants and scarves.

There are many places to see the sunrise while avoiding the crowds like Phnom Bakheng, Angkor Thom, Phnom Bok, Phnom Krom... They say all these temples face the sunrise anyways. Just pray that there is no rain that day or it would really be awful.

You might want to bring a flashlight as well.

Oh and sunsets are just as dramatic.

5. Food and water.

Although there are stalls offering food, it is much cheaper and safer to bring your own. And more convenient if you feel thirsty in the middle of a temple.

You can ask your hotel to pack you a meal.

6. Sun protection.

• Umbrella (come rain or shine.) 
• Scarf to cover your body while walking.
• Good walking shoes.
• Sunblock.

7. Small Circuit vs. Grand Circuit.

If you have one day, the Small Circuit is good tour to take. It took us half a day only to go around the three temples: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Phrom and some smaller temples we just passed along. 

Ask your tuk tuk what the temples are included in the tour as ideally the Small Circuit should include: Angkor Thom, Ta Phrohm, and Banteay Kdei, and some of the minor but interesting temples such as the Baphoun, The Terrace of the Leper King, The Terrace of the Elephants, the Twelve Prasats, Spean Thma and Sras Srang before returning to Angkor Wat.

If you have a lot of time to spare and you are staying for a day or two, you should take the Grand Circuit. It includes: is an extension on the little circuit but taking in Preah Khan, Preah Neak Pean to the Eastern Mebon and the various monuments like Ta Som, Preah Rup, before returnin to Angkor Wat and is highly recommended for anyone spending three or more days in the complex.

8. Taboos.

9. Guide is at 15USD.

Find one who speaks english that you understand or else that's money down the drain.

10. Getting around.

There are other modes of transportation to tour the Angkor Wat Complex such as walking (gaaaaaaa), biking, elephant or a hot air balloon ride.

Alex Gonzaga for Proactiv

Alex Gonzaga for Proactiv 

The first Filipina face of Proactiv 

Proactiv, the skin care product choice among Hollywood’s elite finally found the perfect Filipina who embodies the brand. Young, charming and most importantly, a loyal user of Proactiv, actress and comedienne Alex Gonzaga is the first Proactiv Filipino endorser. 

“The Proactiv 3-Step System has been an important part of my daily skin care routine for years! It is effective and easy to use. I am so thrilled to be the first Filipina face of Proactiv and tell everyone all about my experience using it,” the 27-year old TV host shares. “Its mild formulation gently exfoliates my skin, removes excess oil and delivers powerful acne-fighting medicine.” 

Being an in-demand celebrity causes stress and fatigue which may take a toll on the skin. The long hours of tapings and shoots, the neverending mall shows and pounds of make-up cause damages on the skin such as zits and breakouts. She knows, however, that with Proactiv’s dermatologically tested ingredients, her skin stays clear, radiant and acne-free. 

Even with her frenetic schedule, Alex finds time to adhere to Proactiv’s simple and easy 3-Step System. “As my beauty regimen before going to sleep, I apply Proactiv’s Step 1 which is the Renewing Cleanser. You can feel it gently removing impurities in your skin with its exfoliating beads,” Alex explains. 

The Renewing Cleanser is an oil-free, soap-free medicated exfoliating cleanser that kills acne-causing bacteria with U.S. prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide. The ultra-fine micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide penetrates pores fast while being gentle on the skin. 

“I follow it up with Step 2 which is the Revitalizing Toner,” Alex continues. Proactiv’s Revitalizing Toner is refreshing alcohol-free toner that refines and purifies pores. Its Glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin cells to help keep pores unplugged while its botanical-rich formula soothes and hydrates acne-prone skin.

 “Step 3 is the Repairing Treatment. I just squeeze a pea-sized amount on my palm and spread it on my face,” she adds. 

The Repairing Treatment is a feather-light, invisible medicated treatment that kills acne-causing bacteria preventing zits and acne. 

Each Proactiv kit comes with a free Refining Mask. This Refining Mask makes a great leave-on spot treatment at night for better complexion in the morning.

 “We are proud to have Alex Gonzaga as the first Filipina face of Proactiv. She is beautiful, spontaneous and hip, making her a perfect fit for the brand,” says Proactiv Philippines General Manager, Mari del Rosario. “With Alex heading our local campaign, we hope to reach out to more Filipinos and Filipinas and encourage them to take a step and fight acne today.” 

Proactiv is available in 30-day kit (P 2,495.00) and 60-day kit (P 3,995.00) and is exclusively distributed at all Watsons nationwide. ###

Latagaw Diaries: Toul Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a museum, chronicling genocide, in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The site is a former high school which was used as the notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime from its rise to power in 1975 to its fall in 1979. Tuol Sleng means "Hill of the Poisonous Trees" or "Strychnine Hill". Tuol Sleng was only one of at least 150 execution centers in the country, and as many as 20,000 prisoners there were later killed.

Warning: This tour is not for the faint hearted. We started out the tour with a group of three-Ate Venus, Pramil and I but lost each other through the maze. So I just ran from one empty room to another because I was scaring myself and imagining dead people. 

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

My biggest regret is not hiring a tour guide to walk us through. Sometimes I'd pass a tour guide and eavesdrop. They have sad stories to tell and I wish I could have heard them all.

Fees:
Admission: 2 USD
Tour Guide: 6 USD

ENTRANCE:

BUILDING A:

A couple of rooms of just this and this and this plus some photos on the walls and some stuff to read.

Children pretending to be a nurse during a visit of foreign dignitaries to Cambodia.

Just a few of the thousands who suffered and died in this prison. No smiles for me on this trip.

BUILDING B:

Women plowing the field and pulling an ox cart.

BUILDING C:

Tiny prison cells.
Therre were made of either wood or bricks. 

BUILDING D:

Of everything related to torture and human suffering. Psychologically disturbing

Instrument of Torture: Used to drill the cranium.

Clothes of the victims.

THE COURTYARD:

The gallows. Prisoners are hung upside down and their head gets dunked into these large urns filled with urine (if I still remember right).

The graveyard.

Tour guides telling stories under the ylang-ylang trees.

The graveyard of those bodies found.

There were two survivors selling a book chronicling their stories.

And sprinklers for the hot weather!