You know those graffiti signs in Makati lately? That probably was a sign of sweet things to come because AXE just came out with 2 new scents, Black Vanilla and Cherry Spritz.
And why not, men after all are sweet right? It's this side that's relatively been repressed, with no reason, not to keep machismo in check, it's 2025 and that way of thinking needs to change.
These new scents are under AXE Fine Fragrance Collection, something that they've been working on in the past year. Using essential oils, they've managed to do this one with the goal of getting over 72 hours of fragrance and deo work, you'll be impressed how it lasts on a normal day.
Black Vanilla is sweet, a little herby and juicy. I like sandalwood, and it seems to have it in there, so I love it. It also got notes of mandarin, banana, lavender, sage, basil, cocoa, vanilla too. Cherry Spritz is a little different. It's got a mix of cherries, red apple, notes of jasmine, amber, nutty praline, something sweet and lasts more than usual.
The murals by the way were made by artists Jappy Agoncillo and AC Bautista who does murals. I like how they connected to Filipino humor, the statements certainly felt personal. It welcomes the new side of men like it should, and does it fare well? Of course! AXE always delivers.
It was almost a month ago since Bela Padilla and her partners launched her own beauty brand BELA. From the looks of it, things are actually looking crazy at sales that most of their stocks run out fast. From Shopee, Lazada, their TikTok Shop and their website, folks have been hoarding much of their products specifically the Bela by Bela Lip Balm and the Bela Dot Perfection Cheek Tint which much of us were also wearing that afternoon.
The two products work, plain and simple, which is why people have been raving about it since they launched their flagship ones. Even her celebrity friends, her followers and the working class, simple jane at home were using it, giving valuable feedback about its quality. Bela also mentioned how she plans to work with other people in order to release other products under the same brand, and from the looks of it, this is the opportune time.
Celebrity Mom, Entrepreneur and Content Creator Dani Barretto is a good friend of Bela from years back. They've always wanted to do a business together but it didn't come into fruition because when they were in talks, Bela had priorities and didn't want to hold Dani back about the business. There certainly is a time for everything, and now comes the launch of Dani Barretto's line of fragrance called DANI by BELA. It's 5 different Eau de Parfum which they planned and made together. It's fate, and it's here now!
DANI by BELA has sample sizes, so you could actually try it first before choosing the bigger bottle.
These are the 5 different fragrances of DANI by BELA. Thanks to Justin Montas for this shot, photo credits of this photo belong to him.
I initially assumed this would be for all for ladies, but no. They created a line of fragrances that cater for men, women and something gender neutral. For the ladies, there's Summer's Kiss, Spring's Touch and Nostalgia. For the men, they created Coolector. The gender neutral one is called Campfire, so really, there's something for everybody!
Bela apologized in behalf of Dani, because she couldn't come to the launch as she had the flu. She sent a video message for the guests at the event. In the meantime, here's our video coverage of the press conference, please, enjoy!
The fragrances are actually inspired by the scents they personally use and love. They also did Nostalgia for those that miss the things people wear years back, you could liken it to a popular cologne for babies if that gives it away. Bela's favorite is the Summer's Kiss, while Dani's is the Spring's Touch. Bela didn't like the way some men smelled like oxen, musky which you can detect a mile away. This is why Coolector smells clean and fresh, like something you'd be like out of the shower. The Campfire has higher woodsy content I think, though I find everything quite appealing. My personal pick is actually a bit off the beaten path, because I actually prefer the Spring's Touch. I think it fits my personality, and even though it was made femme, I think everything could be used by anyone. It is that good.
This product came as a surprise, BELA calls it BLOOM SOAP. Bela told us how highschoolers or frequent travelers used to cut soap in smaller pieces so they didn't have to carry the whole bar in school or their destinations. I haven't done that personally, but apparently much of the crowd who were there admitted doing it. Bela thought it was better that they had one package where people could try the different kind of soaps they have in one box to see what works and what doesn't, or basically preference. The new BELA BLOOM SOAP comes in Papaya, Pineapple and Coffee variants. She didn't want it to be like any of the soaps out in the market, and they've done extensive research before actually releasing this. It's made as natural as possible. These soaps can exfoliate gently, and doesn't have harmful chemicals that would irritate your skin. The Coffee variant is something new, it has bits of coffee grounds so you can scrub a bit with it. I prefer the Pineapple though because of its scent, and I think nothing of its kind is yet in the market. I love things that are unique, and this one is!
Now head on to BELA's social channels to know more about the new products. Again, you can get them in Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop and their official website. Some actually get them to resell, so it may be a good investment too. But so far, I've used the perfumes and one of the soap, just like the previous products they had, it worked quite well. You be the judge when you try it.
It's been a while since we've covered a Bench event, and this comes at a very opportune time especially with one of the brightest stars in ABSCBN Francine Diaz launches her very own EDT scents today at the Trinoma main events center.
The first one is called Royal Dream, all filled with citrus notes and sweetness, Francine gives you something that would make you feel like a princess with one spritz of it. The second one is called Spring Day which is more of a floral scent which makes you feel like you're rolling around in a bed of flowers that's fresh and a tad grassy. Both of these are quite loved by Francine and Bench is making it with quality, lovely but still affordable in 60 ml bottles that you can carry around. If you are the kind that meets a lot of people, or have sudden schedule changes, you can smell sweet the whole day by merely putting a spritz or two on your clothes, skin and wrist areas. You're going to be loved even more people especially if you love Francine from her different projects like "Kadenang Ginto", her recent hosting stint at "It's Your Lucky Day" and beyond!
For those who don't know, Francine has been with Bench for 3 or more years now and has also graced different Bench Fashion Week shows throughout her career. She's gorgeous, beautiful but still has a lot of things to do in the coming years, and with this new fragrance, fans would be able to get a glimpse, smell of Chin, then use it everyday.
This special event called "One Dreamy Day" at Trinoma Mall has been well attended by celebrity and ABSCBN friends, Bench executives (including Sir Ben Chan), her fans and by the media. Here's a glimpse of what happened during the program.
This is our video coverage of the event sans some music changes, we got pretty much everything!
In the event, they also had a montage of Francine's younger photos, and the layout of what she did for Bench. She can dance, she can sing, she can act and host. Francine also too time to do a short interview with host Marlo Mortel. Albeit not posting much on IG, she makes it a point to do it when she feels like it, she lives authentic and says she does it to connect with her fans intimately. She adds "I am grateful because even if I am so busy with work, they prioritize my mental health and even help me finish school. I still can't make up my mind about the course but I want to be a surgeon, to be in business management, or things I want to do. I can't survive without family and my friends, they give me inspiration and guide me with whatever I do today. I recently got a necklace, it's special because of the way it was given to me. When I'm nervous I hold it and feel I have someone with me on days I have anxiety."
She adds "I thought it was just easy to choose scents, but I later found out there was a lot to choose from. I created memories about it first before choosing what we have here. It's elements that I love about different perfumes which are now combined here. Spring Day has strawberry, citrus and vanilla. I know I have followers who are still at school, so if you want your crush to take a look at you, this is recommended. I sprayed this on myself and even if I was about to sleep, I could still Royal Dream on the other hand is very fruity, it has Bergamot, Vanilla and Whipped Cream. I sometimes mix it and they complement well when I smell it."
She also mentions "I was surprised to hear from my friends from "It's Your Lucky Day", I build my confidence in hosting with them. I thought it was not going to be good in that, but I hear they like it. Thank you for that!"
Royal Dram and Spring Day will be available at all Bench Stores nationwide. Make sure to drop by the nearest one because from the looks of it, it'll run out fast!
Str8 is a new fragrance brand that originated in Greece. They manufacture fragrances (deo spray), deodorants, shower gels and more. They launched in the Philippines today at SM Megamall's Event Center in Mandaluyong City. In the event, we were challenged to do a few games like 3D swords, race cars, Valorant, Mobile Legends among some of the best streamers and online personalities this side of town.
Ms. Hazel Lee the Str8 Brand Comptroller says "We want you to exude success
and be relentless live and in the virtual world. To empower you, your go
to fragrance is Str8, the game is on!"
The scent is pretty much straight forward, it's got no floral notes, mostly musky and leather. It also comes in EDT form which is encased in a tin with velvet like container inside. They also have one that is a deo spray, much like in liquid form and smells quite the same. The deo spray on the other hand feels cool to the skin, and I think the scent from all of these pretty much gives you much confidence because you know you smell good.
This is exclusive for Watsons and SM, but it's also available in Shopee and Lazada for those who want to purchase them online. Congratulations to STR8 Philippines for a very successful launch!
I've had the opportunity to get this package from AXE which contains some of my personal favorite fragrances, but wasn't really sure about one of the contents which was a Linya Linya made AXE DARES challenge cards... it had something written on it. You know AXE has always given men the confidence right? The cards indicated several steps how to conquer your fears, how to break down walls, pretty amazing stuff... but to tell you honestly, I wasn't ready to do some of the challenges because I'm too shy to even try. I kinda am in my comfort zone.
These guys on the other hand stepped up to the plate and did it. Vlogger guy Benedict Cua did the 50 squats, I would have fainted if I did that (I kid) but he breezed through that task without a hitch and made sure to be armed with AXE Gold Temptation as it protects him from body odor while he sweats. Model Marc David on the other hand took the Art for Heart's Sake challenge and put his creative hat on by painting a cute cat for his loved one. I mean, how would anyone resist that, especially if he's got AXE Black to protect him from the heat while making the piece. Renz David on the other hand tried Conquering Walls and Fears of Meeting the Parents... in the hot humid Singapore weather, he protected himself with #FragranceThatProtects AXE Ice Chill. So even if he was sweating profusely because he was nervous and had to walk under the hot sun, he was confident he could do it because he smelled good with AXE before it happened. Now how I wish I could do that no?
If you want that to happen with you, it's time to buy AXE in Lazada or Shopee as they've got it 50% OFF so there's really no time to waste, get them today HERE! I personally recommend the Black or Ice Chill because that's what I use!
After having a grand time with the FRESH with BT21 Soothing Gel Lotions and Alcosprays released last year, it certainly looks like you're going to have another addition to your OFFICIAL BT21 MERCH COLLECTION. They call this the NEW BT21 Fragrance Mists and judging from the looks of it, you'll love these new products that Fresh Philippines is releasing in the country.
Time to #GetScentimental with new all day fragrance mists that's available in 4 scents that you will surely love!
Fire Eclipse - A combo of fruity and floral with the elements of rose, berries, peaches and vanilla.
Sweet Calypso - It has earthy tones, like a combination of fruity mangoes, citrusy like mandarin and floral jasmine.
Hazy Moon - It will remind you of oranges and peaches, plus flowers like freesias (a bit like strawberries).
With these variations, there's surely something that your friends or family would love. You can get the Fragrance Mists with a 10 percent discount from May 2-8, 2022 @Watsonsph online. If you're a BT21 lover, time to make space on your shelves and use these products on days that end with a Y. It's only Php 149, sweet!
It's probably not the opportune time to ask that question because I'm sure, a lot of you are still confined to your homes and working. Some that I know, actually haven't even bothered to take a shower and just went on your computer so you wouldn't be late. Understandable, but really, what do you smell like these days?
For me, I want to smell like I'm fresh out of shower before I work. I take really long hot baths, put on candle lights when I'm trying to go zen. It kinda sets me into mood to write and all.
I got this box a couple months ago (August to be exact). As you can see, it's been collecting dust (sorry) and I didn't really take a peek what it's for because people were dying of COVID-19 and it wasn't a good time to lecture people about smelling good. I guess the opportune time (I was waiting for), is NOW.
The country hasn't changed weathers since the last Ice Age, and just like what my foreign bosses were complaining about the Philippines, it's just so humid here. They can stand the hit, but really, not the humidity because it's like baking cookies in the afternoon. We're not that different, and the last thing I'd want to have when I'm at home and outside, is body odor. I admit, I got it from my Dad. You know those people who often smell fresh even before entering a room? I got that notoriety when I used to work for a multinational corp. One of my go to scents was easy to have, because it's available almost everywhere in the Philippines. It's AXE!
These days, colognes and perfumes may fall short. You need something that smells fresh and promises to get you up to 48 hour deo protection. This not only makes you more confident, it makes others smell you, take you into their good side. AXE has always been a good buddy when I freshen up, but recently, they renewed their formulation so it can get you to smell good that long. It'll make you irresistible for up to 2 days. That's unprecedented!
Now go get those AXE! spray bottles and get yourself #FragranceThatProtects in leading supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores nationwide! They're also available in Lazada and Shopee. Go get them here to start at the Unilever Beauty Official store! https://shp.ee/z2wbnix
I've always been a big fan of fragrances and AXE Deo Body Sprays included. With the variety of scents they've introduced throughout the years, I love how they do think about the man who's wearing it in mind. This Shopee 7.7 Mid Year Sale, the official Unilever Beauty Store is going to offer AXE products with 50% off. That's a lot, especially for guys who wear this everyday. If I want to feel fresh before I go to work, or in the middle of the day when I'm stressed, or if I'm about to go home, a spritz of this would make my day a whole lot better.
For starters, there's AXE ICE CHILL. I was actually there when Axe launched this fragrance around 2019 and it has proven to be one of the freshest one in their fragrance line. It smells like you've gone out of the shower. It's got Frozen Mint and Lemon, citrusy but not feminine. It can keep you cool literally as it can feel 11 degrees on your skin. The AXE ICE BREAKER on the other hand also smells fresh but light. It's got icy lemon and mandarin, so you still get that manly scent but a little sweet smelling. Like the previous one, it also gets your skin to cool down to 11 degrees where it's sprayed, I've done that during the launch and I enjoyed that part. It can be done all day, so those sudden dates or meetings make a perfect spot to impress those ladies. Axe probably though you were doing that LOL!
I use this, I personally would recommend it. It's not as expensive as those designer fragrances and does the job. Keeps you smelling great no matter what time of the day it is. Keeps you chill. Go check out the official unilever_personalcare Store on July 7th, they might have great deals for you guys who love to hoard stuff like these. Download the Shopee app for additional coins and vouchers so you can get lots of discounts, and free shipping too. I've told you that! Start on these links so you could add them to cart then purchase them on the actual 7.7
Check out Ice Chill here https://shp.ee/j66yysd
If you want it more citrusy, get the Ice Breaker here https://shp.ee/jngm9nz
If you prefer a packaged one then get them here instead https://shp.ee/28nsyjz
Tonight was a nice time to have a few drinks in the Poblacion area. It was packed as usual, hobnobbing with celebrities was a no brainer because you could hear the conversations from the other tables easily. Though it’s not the thing we were there for, I kinda enjoyed it. AXE also was there to introduce a few things to us including a short talk with Gino Santos, director of hit films Ex with Benefits and the recent Sin Island.
He’s one of the 4 new endorsers that is launching, as he is connected with film. Of course just like him, the road to succes wasn’t easy.
Life is not about stereotypes, breaking the norm, you got taste, dreams, a vision, you’ve all got something and AXE is now going to help you get there. These 4 endorsers are not just eyecandy, but will help you create your own world. They’re going to walk the talk.
Direk Gino Santos for example will be having a Masterclass this June 23 called “BEYOND CINEMA” as he talks about his experience these past 6 years, creating films, advertising and sharing his story. He’ll also bring in a couple more people whom he has worked in the industry so participants would be able to get a glimpse of how it is to do indie, mainstream movies and TV commercials.
Aside from Direk Gino, artist and street mural expert Jappy Agoncillo, Chef Nicco Santos and talented rapper Curtismith will also be holding different events so they too could share their wares offing their skills to hopefully inspire a generation or more and be YOU. This is all part of the #AXEYou campaign that they are part of, and I’m so glad they’re offering this to the public. If you want to join, you may visit their website and see if you could become a part of it. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/AxeYou .
First up is Innovating Traditions with Nicco Santos which will happen on March 17, 2018. Then the second one is called Word Shop with Curtismith which will happen on April 21, 2018, third is Art Wars with Jappy Agoncillo on May 26, 2018. Then Direk Gino's Beyond Cinema on June 23, 2018. You need to submit entries to become part of it, if you get chosen, then that's the start of something really BIG! Make sure you submit it 5 days before the actual date of the event, the earlier the better!
You may sign up with their masterclass and enjoy the privilege of being part of #AXEYou. You may visit their Facebook page for more information here https://www.facebook.com/axephilippines.
Hurry! I’m not even joking, there are a lot of people interested to join this!
Just got off the FAVORI AROMA Collections Launch this afternoon with brand ambassador Ms. Angel Aquino and executives of FAVORI. It was a nice day to remember how they started three years ago and now they even had the scents categorized appropriately in Refreshing, Relaxing, Upbeat and Sexy. I heard oohs and ahhs in that sexy one, but my favorite still is the same which is the Sunkissed Citrus which makes me perky whenever it's in my room.
According to the FAVORI people, the current best seller is the Peppermit scent which is quite surprising since I thought we were more tropical than the regular country. Apparently people might be identifying this with Christmas and we all know how much Pinoys always identify with that season right? Ms. Angel Aquino advises to actually choose your favorite scents and even have it mixed with the Peppermint base as it will be off the charts when you have this in your living room. Your guests will definitely tell you how upscale and rich smelling your house will be, she's got a lot of compliments of that nature.
We did a couple of activities during high tea but I was more interested checking out the Upbeat Collection they released today. It's got more of the fruity scents I wanted and having that in my room while working makes my mind a little more active than usual, a good thing for creative ones who need a little help in that department. So if you are studying, doing artwork, or into crafts, I suggest you choose the Apple Verde, Cinnamon Spice, Coffee Caramel, Eucalyptus, Fresh Cut Grass, Mango Mandarin, Merry Berry, Sunkissed Citrus and Tropical Blast. It's different from your usual scents, and is water soluble. I had my room smelling so great for months because of this - so if you are looking for that special addition to make the mood for your room, this is it!
Come to the 2nd Floor of SM Megamall, Robinsons Place Manila, SM City Marikina, SM Southmall and Market! Market!
I'm such a late bloomer. I just realized how much a drop of fragrance could immediately make your day extraordinary. Case in point, are these life changing Aerator/Diffuser Oil from Favori Scents. I always see this contraption in restrooms in our office and have learned to stay away from it because apparently they were using cheap fabric softeners instead of legit fragrance oils. I kinda cringed after knowing how much these lovely ones cost because if you think about it, they're actually not that expensive. Aside from that, Favori scents effectively kills disease causing bacteria in the air. Imagine how your kids, your loved one, your family and friends would be able to feel safe when they're inside your home. Doesn't that give you peace of mind?
I was a little stressed this week. From covering events, a new harder work out routine, less carbs, no rice, the whole enchilada! The little refuge I need didn't have to cost an arm and a leg because - it's just my bed room. Now I won't let you see my cave for obvious reasons, but I just wanted to try this out. So I took it out of the box and saw these cute little blue bottles from Favori Scents. It was a little mysterious as I didn't know what scents were in the pouch, but when I took it out, I loved what I saw!
The bottle of scents came with a small label. It indicated that it is water soluble. It only means that the thing can actually be dissolved in water. It also says that it can kill odor causing bacteria in the air and is best used in an air conditioned environment, which totally fits the thing that I'm doing today.
At the back of the same label, they encourage you to actually return the empty Favori Scent bottles. They also will give you discounts on your next purchase, that's so nice of them no? So for 4 days I tried them all! Here's what I found out.
Lemon Grass - This is one scent that I usually only appreciate while inside the kitchen. I have it in drinks or chicken most of the time, but it's actually quite good to use here too. Lemongrass oils have been used in perfumery for ages, you just didn't know because they keep it a secret. It is said to be good to make you relax, lessen anxiety, take care of insomnia and drowsiness. Having one thing to do all that is phenomenal and before I used it on the first day, I was sleeping 2-4 hours a day (no joke). I used this and it was quite relaxing, so I slept with the keyboard in my face (around 9PM) and woke up 8AM the next day. Undeniably, it helped and I was gearing to use it everyday after that. I had a better plan though so I used the other Favori Scents instead!
Winter Mint was a little surprising. I love the cold temperature in my room, but this just takes it to a whole different level. I could feel it a little sting, the good type, like I'm breathing fresh eucalyptus infused air, like I'm in a forest. Although I haven't even stepped out of my room in that instance. I dreamed I was a vampire that evening running through the forest... like Twilight, without the glitters, but that acres upon acres of white snow. It felt so fresh, a little minty, and you could feel it when you enter the room. It's there and it will calm you down whatever happened throughout the day.
Fresh Fruity Mango with notes of sweeter citrus on top, that's what Mango Mandarin smells like. A few drops would actually perk you up, like a bowl of sunshine in the morning. I bet this would be actually better used at daytime because it's fresh and sweet. It's like spring time! Like a whole basket full of mandarin oranges were put in a bowl with cold ice and placed right at your bed side table. Amazing!
Sunkissed Citrus on the other hand presents a sweeter but tangy smell in the air. It's a little more on the citrus side, still sweet but you get the impression of orange slices and a whole fruit platter inside your room. Again, this changes your mood from relaxed to perky. This would really work when you're off to work or just have a few friends over while having tea time or anything in that line. I loved this the most!
I also super love the diffuser that I got from them. It's light, it's got the graduated marks on the side to see if it's already on the minimum or maximum level. Make sure you don't fill it up to the brim because again, this gets your air in a centripetal manner. If it spins around and you have the water up there, it'll probably spill. Aside from that, make sure you only use a few drops of the Favori Scents fragrance oils because its intensity actually depends on how many you put in. I only put in around 5 and it'll last throughout the day when the liquid gets to the minimum level. Putting in the Favori Scents on it could last you a couple of weeks and you don't really need that much if you're just putting it in your room or common areas.
Favori actually doesn't just sell these lovely aerators and aroma oils, they also have Air Sprays, Aroma Candles (oh I love this too!), Aroma Pouches, Diffusers and Burners too. I visited their Megamall branch last Monday and they've got everything! If you hurry, you can join their promo and win one of these Leaf Aerators as seen above! I love how it actually works at night and changes color, definitely puts me in the mood. Go visit them at the GF of Market Market!, GF of Robinsons Place Manila, GF of SM Marikina, SM Megamall Building A and SM Southmall for the people down south! It's the easy way, the affordable one, and boy it's worth it! Now it's your turn to love, appreciate and smell what Favori Scents has to offer!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
