A new makeup store is set to pump up the beauty world in Cebu. Set to be a new playground for makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts, Perfect Secret's grand opening took place last week. The cosmetics store which showcases makeup and perfumes opened its door at the Upper Ground floor (between Mango and Forever21) of SM Seaside Cebu.

With the city's fast-paced development in so many areas, it's not surprising why Perfect Secret which has branches around the world chose to launch their first Philippine branch in Cebu. Along with its good array of products, the store aims to cater to their Cebuano clients and soon open another branch in Manila.

Unlike any other beauty stores, Perfect Secret mainly sells beauty products from W7 Makeup, a UK-based cosmetics company and  Delia Cosmetics which hails from Poland. If you are into makeup and haven't tried using any of those products, you no longer have to worry about buying them online. Instead, you just have to visit Perfect Secret.

Perfect Secret sells three variants of mascaras from Delia Cosmetics which were created to suit the different wants and needs of people when it comes to eyelashes. I got the one in red which is intended to curl-up the lashes, but I also feel that I need the lash lengthening one as well. 

Some W7 products sold in Perfect Secret are different types of palettes which are great for makeup artists. For instance, they do have the Lip Explosion Lip COlour Palette which has lippies from satin to shimmer finish. The last color on the rights side of the palette (as seen on the photo above) actually reminds me of Kylie Jenner's lip color. On the other hand, the Big Bold Blushers palette has corals and pink colored blushes. 

Here's a product from the W7 Cosmetics which made me curious. I find it controversial because it's not every day that you see a Selfie powder right? lol I mean, I don't even know what it does at first, but then by asking questions to the Perfect Secret staff, I found out that the powder, which by the way is in pale blue color, is a mattifying and oil-control powder.

By the looks and swatches of W7 Cosmetics products, some of them can be a very good dupe for high-end makeup products like MAC. Just look at that eye shadow palette above!

Media personnel from Cebu and Ms. Gabriele Raine Baljak who is Miss Cebu 2016, graced the opening of Perfect Secret. Raine is super fun to have a conversation with. We talked about what's our favorite drugstore and high-end beauty products including her favorite makeup brand which is Maybelline. 

My curiosity led me to ask the friendly and soft-spoken beauty queen if she plans to join bigger beauty pageants in the near future. She gave me with a positive response, but she also disclosed that she is not in a hurry. I really hope she wins Binibining Pilipinas and beauty pageants outside the Philippines because I believe that Raine embodies the heart of a true Cebuana. :)

A live makeup show took place during the store's grand opening wherein Cebu-based makeup artist Ms. Denise Bassler showed us how to create a light and a more dramatic makeup look using the products offered in the Perfect Secret. Denise also shared some of her most-prized techniques on how to achieve a flawless makeup look.

The price range of their makeup products is not less than 500php and not more than 1,500php, If you want to experiment on your fragrances, you can also check out some of their perfumes. Perfect Secret is a place not just for MUAs, but also for beauty junkies who want to fill their makeup collection. It's a place full of wonder that shouldn't be a secret. :)

Don't forget to drop by and shop their store in SM Seaside Cebu and follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

Have you guys tried any of the beauty products shown above? What do you think of them? Let me know on the comment section below!

love lots,

Tin

To  further  establish  the  hotel’s  brand  in  the  social  media  platforms,Cebu Parklane International Hotel introduced its newest brand ambassadors Rowell Ucat aka Medyo Maldito and Snake Princess on  one of its afternoon soiree with the media.

Together with their manager Ms. Lourdes Maglinte, the popular Sugbuanun social media influencers signed a one-year contract with the Parklane Hotel's general manager Ms. Cenelyn Manguilimotan.

When asked why Parklane chose Medyo Maldito and Snake Princess as its ambassador, Manguilimotan explained that aside from their existing popularity, the fact that they are both Cebuanos is the main reason why. Their decision to tapped Ucat as their ambassador also coincides with what Parklane is promoting - Cebu.

"The hotel (Parklane) is promoting Cebu so it's just right for us to choose somebody who is a Cebuano", said Manguilimotan.

Manguilimotan  added that their ambassador must have the heart of a Cebuano which she believes Ucat and Snake Princess possess.

With  Medyo  Maldito’s  wit,  straightforward  and  at  times  harsh  memes  about  friends, falling in love, moving on; undoubtedly he has captured the hearts of his more than 300K followers. 

 Aside from the usual  hugot video content  he produces, he promises to  let his followers experience  how  it  truly  feels  to  stay  at  the  only  hotel  in  Cebu  that  stands  for  Cebu, Parklane.  Ucat’s memes evolved from simple tweets and quotes, to hugot and banat conversation pictures,  funny videos  on  reactions  to  everyday  situations,  and  now  to  his  latest  Inday Hugot series.  

Rowell Ucat a.k.a Medyo Maldito is not just a social media influencer but also a Bisaya songwriter  of  the  VISPOP  entry  “Sa  Imong  Heart”  and  “Hahahasula”.  He  is  also  a playwright of the play “Gugmang Giatay”. 

Before heading to the city of smiles, I stopped at the copper city with a heart of gold that is Toledo. Widely known for its mining industry, Toledo City is approximately 31 miles away from the City of Cebu. I have decided long ago to explore what's good within the city, but wasn't able to do it for some reasons. It is a long overdue desire and I am ecstatic that I was able to do it before the Lent.

With the limited time that I had, I was able to quickly explore the magnificent Capilla Sta. Ana which  stands proudly in Sitio Sta. Ana in Barangay Ibo of Toledo City. Unlike any other religious chapels, Capilla Sta. Ana houses jaw-dropping religious relics from some arts of Europe and America.

The chapel is a private-owned structure by a Toledo native named Lilian Yared who married a Canadian, Michael Overs. From their fast-food business in Toronto, the couple was able to built a fortune which enabled them to travel all over the world.

The compassionate couple decided to share their blessings to Lilian's native town where they decided to build a foundation which aims to benefit the marginalized communities in Toledo.

When her husband Michael dies, Lilian decided to build a chapel where she could keep the relics and artifacts that they have gathered from their travels.

The European architecture-inspired chapel has five rooms. Two of which serves as prayers rooms, while the other two are available for a baptism ceremony and a museum where one can see the delicate relics of the Overs. The last room serves as a classroom.

One of the relics inside museum is a framed work which features the bones of different saints and a bible which dates back to 18th century. Taking photos inside the museum is forbidden which explains the absence of its photograph in this post.

Along with life-sized icons of saints, renaissance paintings from Europe graced the wall of Capilla Sta. Ana. The chapel also has an 1859 Steinway piano which the Overs acquired from New York. From its candle holders, to its mesmerizing stained glass windows, almost everything inside the chapel were originated abroad with the exception of three statues of the Child Jesus (Santo Niño). 

The Chapel inside Capilla Sta. Ana

Outside the chapel is a garden called the Labyrinth. Replete with well-manicured greens which forms a maze and figures of angels and the Virgin Mary, the garden is an ideal place for meditation.

Capilla Santa Ana is at 920 Diosdado Macapagal Highway, Sitio Sta. Ana, Brgy. Ibo, Toledo City, Cebu. How do you get to Capilla Sta. Ana? Ride a bus or a van going to the south. Stopped at Toledo Public market. From the public market (mercado), ride a tricycle going to the Barangay Ibo. Explore and don't be scared to get lost. You may ask the tricycle drivers to drop you in front of the chapel. It shouldn't be difficult to find as it is located in the main road.

The entrance fee to the museum is 100php for local tourist and 200php for foreign visitors. Students are only entitled to pay 50php. The entrance fee is inclusive of a tour inside the chapel which means a tour guide will accompany you as you go inside. Capilla Sta. Ana is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm. It is available for entry from Monday to Saturday.

I hope you'll find the place as fascinating as I did once you get the chance to visit it. 

love lots,

Tin

Many Cebuanos would flock at mainstream beaches like the ones in Boracay during the Labor Day. For that reason, WKND Production composed of Christian Buhisan and Brian Gabasa decided to hold an affordable and one-of-kind weekend festival that every Cebuanos will enjoy.

During the press party held last night at the Craft Cafebar, Gabasa said that WKND participants will not only enjoy the pristine beach of Mactan Newtown, but they will also good music and good vibes. He added that WKND also aims to promote Cebu's local talent and products. A generous lineup of Cebuano bands and vjs are bound to perform including FDJ top 100 #27 in the Worlds and one of Manila's Finest - Kattyq Moscow and Ashley Rivera.

Budding entrepreneurs from Cebu's lifestyle Pop District Bazaar will also grace the event as they showcase their products.

WKND will hold sports competitions which will satisfy sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. 

Beach volleyball, beach soccer, paddleboard racing and a national jetski racing tournament are just some of the sports activities that await WKND participants.

The jetski competition is open to four different categories the standup category for men and women

and the sit down men and women. WKND organizer Christian Buhisan said that they are expecting ten players for each category. Local homegrown jetski rider all over the Philippines are welcome to join the competition. A clinic on how to ride in a jetski as a sport will also take place with jetski champions.

WKND can only accommodate 2,000 people per day, so hurry and grab tickets for you and your squad! Tickets are available for 500php (Day 1 pass), 500php (Day 2 pass), 800php for a 3-day pass and 2,000php for the VIP ticket which is inclusive of an entrance to a private yacht party. 

Tickets are available on WKND booth in Ayala Center Cebu beside the Suite Room, and in Craft Cafebar. Check their WKND Facebook page for more ticket info. and for any queries about the event.

I'll contact the winners via email and meet them personally to hand them the tickets. 

Good luck and have fun!

love lots,

Tin

*All photos are mine. Wallpaper art created by Danielle Kroll for Designlovefest

      I can already feel the blazing sun on my skin and the sand playing on my feet. The calming voice of the sea serenades me as I close my eyes. That's what summer is all about, and with that warm season around the corner, it's a no brainer for all of us to come-up with our own travel essentials including some of our favorite ways to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays. While enjoying our time making memories at the beach, we all need a sunblock to get us covered; keeping our skin sun burn-free and healthy. 

  In my case, I am using GT Cosmetics Moisturizing Cream. It is marketed as a whitening/moisturizing cream, but I am using it mainly as a sunblock because of its high SPF content - SPF 60. I used to be quite hesitant to use the product at first, but the moment I used the product, I was shook by how it works. It does work so well not only as a moisturizer, but also as a sunblock cream. It used to have that white and pasty look when applied to the skin, but with their I believe, enhanced version, it no longer has that pasty look nor does it make one's skin feel icky.

     If you're not familiar with the product, GT Cosmetics is a Cebuano brand that crafts and offers local, handmade beauty products such as soaps, creams, and lotions, that have refined coconut oil as a base. I have tried other products from them including their toner, facial soap and lotion, but nothing beats their moisturizing cream when it comes to efficacy. I figured it out while putting on the product on my skin before hitting the beach under the midday sun. The sun's heat was harsh at that time, but surprisingly, I didn't have any tan lines or sun burn, all thanks to GT Cosmetics' moisturizing cream. Ever since then, I've used the product whenever I have to meet Mr. Sun for a long time. Here are more details that you have to know about the product as well more of my thoughts about it:

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

A hydrating day cream for a softer, smoother, fairer look. Nourishes skin with anti-aging, moisturizing, and whitening ingredients; brightens and lightens to even out skin tone; protects with SPF 60.

PACKAGING

The foundation is in a petite circular container made of plastic. One can easily bring it everywhere without worrying where to place it. I guess it can easily fit in any go-to makeup bag. Details about the product such as its ingredients and manufacturing information can be seen in the on its box which houses the container.

PRICE

GT Cosmetics moisturizing cream is available for 193php, that's more or less 4USD.

WHERE TO BUY

I got mine from a local drugstore but you can also purchase the product in any beauty outlet nationwide. It is also available online via BeautyMNL.

PROS
- affordable
- has a good smell
- effective sunblock cream

CONS
- not available on some malls and beauty outlet

In all fairness, I am very satisfied with my cream from GT. I am not sure if it works well as a whitening product since I am not checking its effectivity on that matter. I do not have any interest in getting whiter as I am contented with my skin color.
If you are heading on a beach and you are still looking for a sunscreen, you might as well try the moisturizing cream from GT Cosmetics. I hope it will work for you just as how it worked on me.

love lots,
Tin

      The first item on my shopping cart is the Fit Me Concealer by Maybelline. I've been looking for this concealer in local malls and drugstores in our city, but unfortunately, I couldn't find one. There was also one time when I asked for one in one of Maybelline's counter and they told me they're not selling it. like omg.. so I had to find it online. Luckily, BeautyMNL exists for makeup lovers like me who are looking for the same item.

      Now how does the Fit Me Concealer by Maybelline works? I was actually expecting a lot from the product mainly because there has been so much rave about it. Some popular beauty magazines worldwide even include it in the list of their holy grail products. I've tried the product once, and I wasn't disappointed, but I wasn't very much crazy about it either. I don't know why but I feel like it doesn't last longer than I expected. On the other hand, it did lighten up my dark under eye circles and what I liked about it the most is its blendability. It blends so easily into the skin and its very lightweight as well. I feel like I don't have anything under my eye while wearing the product, but it does the job.