I know, most of my entries are basically linkspam. But even with my boards only hours away, I had to share this. I view it as hilarious, others may see it as colonial mentality to the extreme.

Lactacyd Whitening Daily Feminine Wash. WTF?

Go beyond clean with Lactacyd White Intimate. Dermatologically proven safe and with natural ingredients, marine-based Algowhite and plant-based Actipone-B to lighten your intimate area within four weeks.

(via Kelly)

My gosh, who would be so conscious of that intimate an area if they weren't making a living off of it? And I fear what active whitening ingredients will do our labia!

This reminds me of an article I read a while back on vaginal cosmetic surgery.

More women seek vaginal plastic surgery

Los Angeles gynecologist Dr. David Matlock, who says he performs more vaginal cosmetic surgery than anyone else in the country, claims women are having labiaplasties and other forms of vaginal cosmetic surgery because "longer, lose hanging inner lips is a sign of aging and women don't want to look old there, either."

"Women want to be tight," said Matlock. "They don't want sagging or loose labia. I can't tell you how many pages and pages of pornographic material woman have brought into me saying 'I want to look like this.'"

It is both enraging and saddening, that the importance of physical appearance has attained such heights (or in this case, lows) so as to drive women (and men, too) to alter their natural...intimate areas. A sign of aging?! How about a trophy for bringing children into the world and pleasure to their sexual partners! The last four paragraphs of the article are especially heartbreaking.

It's taking me a while to set up this blog because I'm taking my board exams these coming two weekends (and I haven't finished studying)! I do have more structured entries planned. But I wanted to share this article on public and street photography in the US, concerning both photojournalists and the average person with a camera. (It's a New York Times article so read it while it's still free!)

Criminalizing Photography

If you’re out in public, you can take pictures. And you can report to your heart’s content. The problem is whether they know their rights or don’t know their rights and are willing to assert their rights.

Anyone know of a similar article on street photography in the Philippines? Digital Photographer Philippines had a street photography issue a few years ago with guidelines on it, but I think by now it's outdated. I know that in Makati policemen will stop you from taking pictures of certain buildings, and even in Muji High Street I've been asked to stop taking photos -- and I was only using my PHONE. -__- Take note, there wasn't even any sign requesting customers to refrain from taking pictures in the store. I walked out without buying a thing. Shame, I would have written about Muji if I had any pictures to go with my article.

Anyway. It would be nice to know the official rules and legislature on this stuff!

There's a curious discussion over at The Beauty Brains comparing Japanese beauty products to North American formulations: Do Japanese Cosmetics Have Higher Quality Than North American Ones?

Particularly interesting to me are the "findings" of a forum member who did a journal search and found more research and development studies on Japanese brands than US ones. (Her research methods are unverified though.)

I speak from very limited experience, but I do prefer Asian formulations. My go-to products -- In2It powder (from Japan), Étude House BB cream (from Korea), and Human Heart Nature blush (from the Philippines!) -- are more of "save" rather than "splurge" options. Yet they are more suited to my skin than more expensive US brands and have never broken me out. Which makes sense, because these products are supposedly made for Asian skin, and I am Asian. :p

The high-end Clinique on the other hand, has never failed to give me pimples. Powder, foundation, blush, they've all led to breakouts. Which is unfortunate because I've read many rave reviews on their products.

What are your thoughts or experiences about Asian vs. American cosmetics? I'd love to hear them!

It is sad that my first post on Wordpress is concerning a natural calamity, but at least it may be helpful.

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal illness!

Remember: The most effective preventive measure for leptospirosis is avoidance of high-risk exposure (i.e. wading in floods and contaminated water, contact with animal’s body fluid). If high risk exposure is unavoidable, appropriate personal protective measures include wearing boots, goggles, overalls, and rubber gloves. If you did happen to wade in flood water (and you are unable to see a doctor)...



CAVEAT! The use of chemoprophylaxis REQUIRES PRIOR CONSULT WITH A PHYSICIAN. It should not be taken unless prescribed and fully explained by a physician, including common side-effects and contraindications. SINCE ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IS NOT 100% EFFECTIVE, INDIVIDUALS SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THEMSELVES FOR FEVER AND OTHER FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS and should continue to wear personal protective measures. For more details, you can check out the PSMID Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Situation Updates
MMDA lists flooded areas
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List of evacuation centers, relief operations in Metro Manila
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Related: #HealthAlert: Map, track, and help stop diseases