Men Should Take Skincare Seriously

Staying indoors these past few years must have been giving everyone an urge to go out in the sun for rest and recreation. Thing is, it's not just vitamin D that you're getting when exposed to the sun. There's Ultraviolet Rays that can cause skin aging, eye damage, sun burns, even skin cancer on worst cases. In the Philippines, there's a macho notion that skincare are for sissies, but once people age and become a prune, it suddenly becomes a huge issue (when it's too late).

Skin care is essential. It doesn't take a genius to know that men have thicker, oilier skin and needs the same attention as women do (or maybe even more). When I started doing grooming sessions, I had three rules to follow. That's to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I slowly discovered other things that would benefit my skin and over the years and started to test with other products. I've learned to use those that are good for my skin type, which I'm sure not a lot of guys have time to do. Grooming and skincare retailers like Doppkit takes the guesswork out of the equation. 

 

Burt Chua, Kenneth Toh and Richmond Chong of Doppkit

Founders Burt Chua, Kenneth Toh and Richmond Chong experienced how difficult it was to get good products and information about skincare in the Philippines. They curated these especially for the busy man to make sure there's something that would take care of the face, products to help for shaving procedures, hair, clean and nourish the body and even fragrances so you stay smelling good all day.

 

The Salt & Stone Sunscreen Lotion has SPF 30. It's not too oily and disappears after a few seconds of application. You don't get that weird ghost look when lathered on skin and get the protection you need from the harmful rays of the sun. It doesn't have a strong scent which is good in my books because I'm a bit sensitive when it comes to some fragrances, and this is au naturelle.

This one is Triumph & Disaster's Ritual Face Cleanser. It's a bit on a watery gel side and smells a bit minty. Safe for use daily, I'd recommend you wash your face with it in the morning before you go out for an event or work. You'll feel fresh without it drying your skin, something that some harsh soaps do. Make sure you rinse thoroughly to make sure you don't have residue on the side of the nose because that has become a problem area for some.

The Groomed Man Co.'s Smooth Operator Face Moisturiser. This is a bit thick for my liking and I'd be more fond of water based ones than this. The weather in Manila is a bit too humid, and this might be a bit too much oily skin. Although it left a matte finish, it was a bit on the sticky side. If you are on the mixed or oily skin type, I wouldn't recommend this. If you have dry skin, this would be apt for that.

The Anthony Facial Scrub was something pretty new to me. With scrubs usually containing something abrasive, this tops the fancy ones as it contains Bora Bora White Sand. It helps remove dead skin cells by exfoliating when you rub it gently on your skin. It smells citrusy, reminds me of oranges and apricots but it has Aloe Vera, Algae and Chamomile. It wasn't floral at all, which is good in my books. It's a bit sweet too, I would recommend this to be used at night when you have to clean up before you sleep.

If I'd have something to hoard from their store, it would be the Salt & Stone Deodorant Naturel. I love the combination of Eucalyptus and Cedar wood. It doesn't sting, very low profile, but so manly smelling. It's woodsy, gives you a boost of morale and confidence that you can take on anything when you're out going to work or for a date.

I've seen the difference of doing it earlier and not when lines, wrinkles, dark spots are already there before we take action. You need a good regimen, and it starts by choosing products that get you the results you need. 

Remember, clean up, moisturize, protect your skin. Get them from doppkit.co as it doesn't take a genius to do it.

Beko Sale Happening at Automatic Center in ATC and Market!Market!

Looks like shoppers in the south would be in for a surprise this week as Beko gets you deals and surprises in physical stores of Automatic Center in Alabang Town Center and Market!Market!.

 

From August 26 to 31, you can score huge discounts on Beko appliances like the Beko fridges, Beko’s Side-by-Side Inverter Refrigerators (the GNO5231XPPH only costs Php 40,792). The electric cooking ranges like Beko’s 60cm Freestanding Electric Cooker with 4 Hotplate Burners (FSM66100GX) now only costs Php 28,891. If you're tasked with laundry, there's an 8.0kg Top load Fully Automatic Washing Machine (model number WTLI080SP) which you can now get for Php 10,792. If you want a 10.0kg Frontload one that is Fully Automatic and has got a ProSmart Inverter Motor, it only costs Php 39,992 if you're raring for an even better deal.

They promise to also spruce up the place making everything into a festive mood while the sale is happening for consumers just on these dates. Beko Air Fryers are also up for grabs for those who take a selfie at the event, so really, there's a lot of things to look forward to til the 31st. Take the trip down south to Automatic Center Alabang Town Center and Market!Market! to get savings and discounts if you're looking for European appliances which are now available in the Philippines!

CATRIONA GRAY, Gilas Pilipinas Players, Announced As FIBA Local Ambassadors

Hearing that the FIBA Basketball World Cup is happening in the Philippines is already a huge deal for me. Filipinos are the biggest fans of it in the world, you can tell why as much of the streets are lined with basketball courts, big or small, just so we could have somewhere to play they game we absolutely love.

Yesterday was also extra special as SBP (Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas), FIBA and various affiliates introduced the local FIBA Ambassadors consisting of former Gilas Pilipinas players and the one and only Miss Universe Catriona Gray.

Here's what happened that morning

 

 During the event, they also announced the simultaneous start of the Tissot Time in the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan.  This means there's only "one year to go" before FIBA matches starts. They also have hinted that there will be a FIBA Global Ambassador later this year. This is also the first time in FIBA's history to see three countries hosting the games, with the Philippines heading the pack. They also mentioned that the local ambassadors wouldn't be the only ones to help disseminate information about the games, because YOU can be part of that too. You may start joining the community by registering here https://register.worldcup.basketball so you could get early bird rates on tickets and Superfan packages. 

What's also touching is that they plan to identify several basketball courts around the country that they will adopt so they could fix, restore and make them a project for the ambassadors together with the FIBA players, making sure they also get to see the culture and what Filipinos are known for, the heart filled hospitality.

Stay tuned for more updates about the games, plus the time they're raffling off the countries battling it out in the FIBA Basketball World Cup!

CALISTA Undergoes Tough KPOP Dance Training for New Single

After having a very successful "VAX TO NORMAL" Concert a few months ago, Calista is relentless in making sure they're taking their skill game seriously as they undergo a full blown KPOP Dance training from world renowned KPOP choreographers Park Ji Yeon and Lee Eun Kyung.

The two have been spending hours upon hours training Anne, Dain, Laiza, Elle, Denise and Olive new choreography for their 2nd single which will be coming out soon. What was evident was the difference between what they've been dishing out in the past (which according to the choreographers was explosive and powerful). The KPOP style they're teaching CALISTA this time is going to be cute, feminine, sultry and playful. This surely will be something quite different to present to A-listas who have been supporting them since day 1. We got to see them in a press conference they held at the Tyronne Escalante Artist Management offices in Quezon City, and sure enough, we got to talk with them about the things they went through to make this possible. Head honcho Tyronne Escalante says "We listened to A-listas, PPOP, iPOP fans and asked about who would be the perfect fit to teach them new skills, and I think we've got the right people to do it."

Here's part of the press conference which happened last Saturday.

CALISTA admitted it was really hard for both parties in the beginning because the language barrier. Good thing is, they have watched so many KDrama shows and understood some of the words they uttered during the training. Then they had us see a part of the things they've been working on for the second single of CALISTA called "Don't Have Time" composed by Tera and produced by Marcus Davis who also did their debut single "Race Car". 

 

 

 

To give you an idea, Lee Eun Kyung and Park Ji Yeon has worked with different artists and groups like Aster, ERICA, WTF Den Team, Seoul Land, the MBC Show Musical Fantasy, Hwang JinLea, Elec Cooke, artists Yeon-ja Seojin Park, Ri Chang Wook and even one of our faves 2NE1. With regards to their performance after our press conference, let me just say they really look and felt different with the KPOP moves they learned from these talented ladies. The girls of CALISTA also promised they'll make sure that even after the training, they'll be mixing in some of the PPOP moves that CALISTA is known for so it wouldn't be entirely foreign, some of that Filipino flavor everyone is looking for. 

Congratulations to CALISTA, their producer Merlion Events Production Inc. and Tyronne Escalante Artist Management, people will love this new look, flavor and skills you've instilled with the girls. A-listas should be ready for this!