On April 24, 2019, Binondo Beauty Supply (BBS), a one-stop beauty shop in the Philippines held a grand launching of its brand BlueSky at Bai Hotel in Cebu. The event highlighted the company’s mainline product, the BlueSky nail polish among its other hair care products.

     Last March, BBS held a grand launching for its nail polish in Manila. Now, staying true to its vision of serving more Filipino salon owners, BBS launched its brand in Cebu with the goal of letting Cebuanos experience the wonders of BlueSky products. BBS wants Cebuanos to be a testament to BlueSky’s quality and variety.  Today, BBS has 24 distributors all over the country.

      Guided by its tagline “long Lasting Relationships”, BBS values their clients by offering them top-notch products at a more affordable price. BBS offers not only nail polishes of various colors and types, but also hair products such as shampoos, conditioners, and masks. All of which produces good and satisfying results.

              Present during the press conference are (from left to right) BBS CEO & President Rodney Palaginog, BBS Brand Ambassador Fanny Serrano, and BBS Distributor in Cebu Banbi Ng

   In a press conference with Cebu media personnel, BBS brand Ambassador Fanny Serrano stressed on the importance of authenticity when it comes to selling beauty products. The Philippines' renowned salon and fashion icon shared how he worked with BBS in ensuring that they are selling quality products which are safe and effective. Serrano disclosed that he has tried and tested BBS products prior to introducing it to his salon clienteles to see if the products are at par with the high-end products available to the market and true enough, BBS products didn't disappoint.

  BBS Philippines CEO and president Rodney Palaginog said during the conference that the company also seeks to have an academy that would help salon owners equip themselves with skillful staff. With that in mind, BBS has conducted free seminars and training for beauticians all over the Philippines. Palaginog also encouraged salon owners to choose the best products for their clients. BBS products are all FDA approved and Halal Certified.

    On its grand launching, BBS held a free demonstration to show how BlueSky nail polish and gum gel works. The demo includes how its gel nail polish moves using a magnetic tool making it easier for nail artists to do their work.

   Nail art done by a Korean nail artist using BlueSky products

Which one is your favorite look?

   Jude Gabato Salon, a homegrown Cebuano beauty salon since 2016 has officially welcomed its first franchisee, Joma Leovent Dosdos, a rising businessman in the metro.

   On February 2017, Jude Gabato Salon opened its 2nd branch and in 2 years it has now expanded to accommodate aspiring entrepreneurs to invest in the beauty brand.

   Its tagline, “Come and Be Judiefied” has been true to its promise that sparked a great following among beautiful Cebuanas and has been one of the go-to salon and makeup artistry for brides and debutants.

It was also on year 2017 that the brain behind the brand Jude Gabato unfolded his experience on how he was able to climb the ladder of success – slowly but surely. It was indeed one of the most heart-warming success stories.

The dynamic Cebuano beautician and entrepreneur Jude Gabato at Jude Gabato Salon Colon Branch 

   Jude Gabato’s first franchisee said that aside from their close relationship with Jude, they are well-versed with how Jude works and with the services that he offers – something that is of high quality.

    As he invites Cebuanos to visit the latest addition of his salons, he assured everyone that Jude Gabato Salon will only provide nothing but top-notch salon services.

   Now, Jude Gabato is not done expanding and influencing fellow entrepreneurs on bringing out the beauty in every Cebuana. With its third branch strategically located at the heart of Metro Cebu, Colon St., it will surely follow the success of its predecessor branches.

To welcome guests to the Judiefied experience, Jude Gabato Salon Colon Branch is giving away great deals and promos for the whole month of May.

      My mother was so happy and satisfied with her manicure and pedicure services. She opted for a fresh pink-orange nail polish color which matched her outfit well. 

⚠️⚠️⚠️UPDATE⚠️⚠️⚠️

      I went back to the salon with my sister because I wanted to treat her for her upcoming first wedding anniversary at that time. It was all good at first. We definitely had a great time that day. I thought about treating her from the salon would be a great way to cap off our day. My sister and I both opt for a manicure-pedicure service. My sister felt great as the person who did her nails was very accommodating. For mine though, the woman was so rude. She came to me with a somewhat blank/angry face and said, "What do you want?". I didn't mind it because I was thinking maybe she was just having a bad day. She did my nails with a heavy hand. I really felt uncomfortable. I talked to my sister about the show played on the tv displayed at the salon and we laughed about a funny news feature on the tv. WE LAUGHED. Girl, I didn't move like crazy but then she was like, "Shut up. Stop moving." lol I didn't know customers must be quiet while in a salon as in a library. At that point, I no longer want to be there. Neither is my sister. We were both scared with the woman who did my nails. My sister who wanted to have her hair done also decided not to avail their hair service. I have wounds on my nail area, but it was fine. What was not okay is the rudeness of one of their staff. 

     Jude Gabato actually did asked me about the incident, reached out and apologized. Everything's cool. Now, will I still recommend Jude Gabato Salon? Yes, but for its Colon Branch, I think it has to work on its customer service. Based on my experience as a paying customer, the horrible service that my sister and I experienced from one of their staff definitely left a bad taste on our mouth. I will never go back to Jude Gabato Salon (Colon Branch), but I wouldn't tell you not to go there just because of what I have experienced. What I would recommend for you though is STAY AWAY from the staff named Daisy. She's the one who did my manicure - pedicure service. I just hope they did something about the incident. 

I thought you were just another pile of text-

someone's random thoughts or

a series of lifeless narrative

But turns out - 

you would be my favorite book. 

I thought I could easily reveal your themes

As I bury myself within your pages. 

Cover to cover, 

You left me hanging with your twisted plot. 

On reading you

I lose chapters of me 

I could never read out loud. 

I know you'd love to be a part of her collection

But remember that you'll always have a place

On the shelf within my empty chest.

words & painting by Cristine A. D

Kiehl’s retail stores are inspired by the company’s 165-year heritage and a desire to offer an experiential customer journey. Enveloped in a seamless shopping experience, each store around the world transports the customer to the original pharmacy while simultaneously offering the opportunity for customer discovery and learning.

“What makes Kiehl’s unique is that every visit to one of our stores is different yet the same” stated Kaila Nicdao, Business Unit Director of Kiehl’s Philippines. “Different in that we always aspire to provide a highly personalized experience for each customer with the help of our Kiehl’s Customer Representatives. But behind each conversation, it’s always the same apothecary heritage and the same spirit of giving and generosity that is shared.”

A Modern Apothecary with a Rich History

To bring the Kiehl’s apothecary to the Philippines, each material, design element and artifact has been meticulously chosen. Traditional textures like warm wood, marble accents, and vintage brass meet modern lab elements including glass and stainless steel.

Beakers, test tubes, and mortar & pestles celebrate Kiehl’s pharmacy traditions and original hand-made formulations. And true to its East Village roots, a New York attitude permeates every store, through eclectic design elements like neon lighting, wall murals, graffiti, and exposed brick walls.

“From the moment a customer glances through our store as they pass by, we want to be able to spark their curiosity. Whether it’s through the eye-catching neon signs or eclectic wall art, we want to take them on a journey to the NYC quirky world of Kiehl’s,” stated by Joan Hwang, Sr. Product Manager for Kiehl’s Philippines. “The Store of the Future concept elevates this experience for our customers with our enhanced store design. With this, we create a space inviting enough for skincare newbies to be able to explore, but reassuring enough for junkies to have a deep dive on their skin type, concerns, and the ingredients that best answer their needs. This is what makes Kiehl’s unique.”

According to Noelle Tiongson, Visual Merchandising Manager for Kiehl’s Philippines, “We designed around our products to tell their stories – about their ingredients, their origins, and their history. This allows our customers to learn and discover what is best for them. Once a customer has immersed himself in the store, we bring them back to the heart of a Kiehl’s visit – a healthy skin check at our consultation table which serves as the highlight of every Kiehl’s store. This reminds our customers that ultimately, what is most important is that we are able to address their specific needs and concerns.”

A Hub of Expertise

Personalized skincare consultations, delivered by highly trained Kiehl’s Customer Service Representatives (KCRs) are the hallmark of Kiehl’s commitment to service. Since the 1970s, KCRs wear a white lab coat – a continued celebration of the Kiehl’s authentic pharmacy heritage and skincare expertise.

To maximize this expert-customer interaction, Kiehl’s designed a Consultation Table – a comfortable space for customers to learn about formulas while experiencing them on their own skin. From above, this “information hub” is illuminated by the brilliant, custom light fixture to evoke an inviting feeling of warmth and approachability.

A Nature-Powered Experience

Visuals of efficacious ingredients from nature are layered throughout the store. Vintage botanical illustrations can be seen on signage and wall murals. Photographs of real ingredients pop within poster artwork and table props often include actual natural ingredients.

Powerful, Yet Safe Dermatologist Solutions

The brand’s most advanced, targeted line of skincare, launched in partnership between Kiehl’s chemists and a panel of world-class Dermatologists, and scientific experts, is presented in a simple fixture, organized by concern, allowing the customer to quickly find the solution right for his or her unique skincare needs.

Meet Mr. Bones

Affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Bones,” this skeleton is featured in each store around the world as a nod to Kiehl’s traditions in medicinal sciences and apothecary arts. Originally featured in the NYC flagship, founding family members, Aaron Morse used Mr. Bones to educate customers about their own physiology.

Curated for Customers, by Customers

To highlight Kiehl’s most beloved formulas, the “Customer Favorites” section showcases best-sellers from the local community. Kie hl’s Customer Representatives share their personal experiences with the products, creating an authentic, informative and relevant customer experience.

About Kiehl’s Since 1851

We are dedicated to providing the most efficacious and personalized skincare solutions to everyone, everywhere’ it’s part of our “Healthy Skin Guarantee.” Come visit our stores to get a complimentary personalized Skincare Consultation care of our experts Kiehl’s Customer Representatives. True to our spirit of service, we are proud to offer you samples of our finest formulas so you can “Try Before You Buy.”