I'll be in New York for the next three weeks, without a laptop, so entries will be sporadic and mostly travel-themed. I have a lot of reviews waiting to be written up though, so come back for that. ;)

For now let me share the reason I'm most excited for the Big Apple: MUJI! Yes, I've gone months without the Muji Cleansing Oil I love so much.

I've tried other oils from Boscia and Shu Uemura, but this remains my favorite. Read on to find out why.

Man can survive up to 7 weeks without food but only 3 days without water. Project H2O addresses the need by mobilizing portable water filtration units that can produce as much as 120 gallons of water a day, addressing the need for water of a small community.  Friends and colleagues in the US and the Philippines, I invite you to consider contributing to this practical and sustainable project for those affected by super typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan.


Alumni and students of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine in Manila are working continuously to assemble and distribute portable water filtration units to communities affected by the recent calamity. Instructions translated in Tagalog together with pictures on how to use them accompany these units (see the water pails above).

Ahhh, Eau Thermale Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser. I had such high hopes for you. Lisa Eldridge sang your praises. "Great for really getting the makeup off," she said. The Philippine blogosphere was ecstatic when you came to town. I rushed to my nearest Mercury Drug, had the saleslady unlock you from your glass coffer, and hurried home with you safely in my possession.

Rimmel Apocalips (known as "Show Off") lip lacquers were quite the buzz last summer, and now I know why. These liquid lipsticks are highly pigmented, shiny, and fairly long-wearing -- high-end qualities at a drugstore price of $4.99! You can't beat that. I picked up Comet and Luna; the cosmic names are a play on the Apocalips pun. I may be wrong but I think these are Walgreens exclusives. Swatches and more after the jump!

It's always a difficult task, translating a beloved book to an onscreen adaptation. If only all could be as on-point as Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings. Alas, this adaptation is not.

In the near future, a hostile alien race (called the Formics, and never buggers) have attacked Earth. If not for the legendary heroics of International Fleet Commander Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley), all would have been lost. In preparation for the next attack, highly esteemed Colonel Hyrum Graff (Harrison Ford) and the International Military are training only the best young children to find the future Mazer. Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a shy, but strategically brilliant boy is pulled out of his school to join the elite in Battle School.

In high school, I read one of the best books I have ever had the good fortune to discover, a book with themes that resonate with me to this day. The Hugo and Nebula award-winning Ender's Game holds a special place in my heart, and in the hearts of every person who I know has read it. I had high hopes for the film, but as is often the case, it fell flat. Not just for fans of the book, but for critics as well.

While the liberties taken are forgivable (you obviously cannot portray Ender as an actual 6-year old and get away with a PG-13 rating), the film's pacing is just bad. The most thought-provoking parts of the book are glossed over in favor of CG theatrics. After the cut you will see why I nearly boycotted the film, several spoilers, and a better alternative to the cinema: a link to the book. As with anything I am a fangirl of, this entry is long and textblock-y.

For those of you simply saturated by the volume of news on typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan, feel free to scroll right on past this.

Watching the different news channels, mainly ABS-CBN, GMA, CNN, and BBC, I'm seeing the same facts, the same devastation presented in different ways. While the local channels are not immune to bias, they give a uniquely Filipino insight to the story. The foreign channels on the other hand, you would expect to be impartial. And this is what I found more interesting to compare.

Veering away from the human interest stories, which are terrible to watch all across the board, I invite you to take a look at how different networks present the criticism on Philippine government for the slow response to the typhoon and the delivery of aid. Because really, the news is like any other media: they air what sells. After the cut are 5 videos for your consideration.

I spent my last birthday alone in a Baltimore apartment. It was okay, I didn't really feel like celebrating; I felt content on my own. A few days later I went back to my uncle's and received a mysteriously heavy parcel in the mail. It was a huge box of cookies with no visible card and I was like wtf who FedExes cookies are they SAFE TO EAT and then the card was the bottom of the box!! Turns out Frances and Faith ordered THREE DOZEN COOKIES from the Etsy store Flour Loves Sugar and had it delivered to me. I was really touched. These were my only birthday present for the year. And let me tell you right now, the cookies have totally ruined Oreos for me.

I've always emphasized the importance of skincare over makeup. I dream of the day I can be so comfortable with my complexion that the only thing I pick up before leaving the house is a lick of sunscreen... I also prefer using BB cream over traditional foundations, as I feel it gives me a more natural finish.

So it was perfect that Maybelline contacted me for their latest challenge involving the Maybelline Clear Smooth 8-in-1 BB Cream -- meant to give you perfect skin with its 8 healthy benefits. I am faaar from model material (5 feet flat with a deer-in-the-headlights look), and you know what they say... Those who can't, teach! Read on to find out how you can be a Maybelline BB Top Model.

Maybelline are looking for all aspiring models who believe they have what it takes to be one of 8 MAYBELLINE NEW YORK BB TOP MODELS who will represent Clear Smooth 8-in-1 BB in a photoshoot and win a P100,000 modeling contract with Ideal People Models.

Updates

It had been 4 days since we'd heard from a classmate who was serving as a Doctor to the Barrio in Eastern Samar. His last update was about how strong the winds were. Watching the coverage about mass graves in Hernani, where he was deployed, didn't help. But some hopeful news: a person finder has marked him alive and well. We are still waiting for personal confirmation.


This BBC News video highlights the shortage of water and food, as well as medical supplies. (Disturbing images within.) Two women have given birth in makeshift hospitals.

On a related note, Philippine Red Cross Secretary Gwen Pang tells us why we cannot donate powdered milk for babies. It's good to see someone detail how relief goods are being distributed, the massive coordination needed to make sure they don't double up on stuff, and what goods are actually needed (namely, DRINKING WATER, READY-MADE FOOD, and MEDICINE). Many areas are still inaccessible by land. Many areas are not safe. Road and communication conditions are being updated on this Google spreadsheet: Eastern Visayas Post-Yolanda Status Monitoring. Senator Dick Gordon's Facebook page is also informative.

No Profit, Just Aid

For those who wish to help, why not do so while getting something in return? Calligrapher Leigh Reyes is auctioning of some beautiful pens and drawings, such as a Platinum 3776 Shoji demonstrator. Just check her Auctions tag. 100% of proceeds will go the Philippine Red Cross. She will shoulder shipping and handling and Paypal fees.

Fashion blogger Julie is auctioning a Michael Kors Black Leather XXS Jacket with Wool Lining. Again, 100% of the sale will go to victims of typhoon Haiyan via a reputable organization.

Livejournal community Fandom Aid is holding a fandom fundraiser. Authors and artists offer fics, fanart, songs, icons, etc. Donors claim an author/artist and make a donation to an approved organization immediately.

Katha Magazine's Padayon Auction for a Cause runs until November 24, 8pm GMT+8. View the complete catalog here. All proceeds will go to The Philippine Red Cross and help Typhoon Yolanda survivors, so your money is definitely going to be put to very good use! Highest running bids are uploaded every night at 8pm GMT+8 on their Facebook.

If you know of or are holding other fund-raising efforts, do comment and I will update this page.

Before attempting to return to our regular programming... here's a spreadsheet of medical missions being organized for victims of typhoon Yolanda (international codename Haiyan), if you are so inclined to volunteer. You can check the sidebar on my main page for updates and news.


Shortly after I settled in here, I went on a hunt for a conservative, work-friendly nail polish, perferably nude or taupe. This set of minis from OPI's Disney's Oz the Great and Powerful collection looked about right. The shades included were 3 sheer pastels: I Theodora You, Don't Burst My Bubble, and Glints of Glinda; and a darker Liquid Sand shade, What Wizardry Is This. I also picked up You Don't Know Jacques, a basic brownish taupe.

Above, CNN gives a brief update of the Haiyan/#YolandaPH aftermath and gives a list of international efforts on How to help Typhoon Haiyan survivors. I didn't have to go far; at mass today the poor box was dedicated to victims of the supertyphoon.


Above is a more comprehensive Tagalog report on Yolanda's effects. Reporter Ted Failon points out that although forced evacuation was carried out, people didn't really know what a storm surge was, nor the destruction it was capable of bringing. An evacuation center withstood the wind but not the 6 meter-high wall of water, killing several people seeking shelter within. I'm not particularly empathic but this was just terrible to watch. At 3:36 you see the heartbreaking image of Failon helping a young boy in an orange shirt remove the body of his father from the rubble. His mother has yet to find out about her husband's demise.

National and local government are facing overwhelming obstacles. Communication lines are still mostly down; roads still impassable. Looting has already started. Senator Richard Gordon calls for police action as a Red Cross convoy carrying relief goods is 'attacked' by a mob. But the security situation has reportedly since returned to normal. The world sends emergency aid and I really hope it gets to those who need it.

A few more hopeful updates are these messages from Yolanda survivors to their loved ones. If you are looking for a person, or have information on someone, consider the Google Person Finder for Typhoon Yolanda. (PLEASE NOTE: On active Person Finder sites, all data entered is available to the public and usable by anyone. Google does not review or verify the accuracy of this data.)

This is the first time a news report has made me tear up. Apologies to those who don't understand Tagalog. This is a 30-minute update on the devastation brought on by supertyphoon Yolanda (international codename Haiyan), whose winds reached speeds of 195 mph (314 kph), bringing in storm surges from the sea, ripping away at a cathedral, and cutting coconut trees by sheer force. Reporter Jiggy Manicad likens the experience to being inside a washing machine. People had to wear helmets to avoid being hit by flying debris. Estimated death toll is about 120, and with communications down and people missing, it is feared that it will climb up to 1,200. Particularly horrifying is minute 3:30, where a father is being interviewed as he is holding his 6-year old daughter, who died in an evacuation center.

News from colleagues stationed in the areas is both hopeful and worrying. Some report no mortalities as of yet, but many are still unaccounted for. The aftermath of the destruction goes beyond physical injuries and infrastructure. The four horsemen of natural disasters will inevitably converge: death, destruction, disease, disability.

#ReliefPH and #YolandaPH are hashtags being used to circulate status updates, missing persons, and relief operations. Rappler has a comprehensive, updated list of organizations accepting donations and relief goods: #ReliefPH: Victims of Typhoon Yolanda need your help. (I knew there was a reason I haven't hauled anything from the many sales popping up.) It's grouped nationally by province and include international efforts. As the list cautions, always conduct due diligence before donating money directly to personal bank accounts.

Project Agos is constructing a disaster information map with critical information such as flooding, road or building damage, or those who need rescue or assistance. Volunteers map curators can also sign up here.

As communications open up, I believe medical missions and other operations will be organized. Hopefully soon. As reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, probability of survival from serious injury decreases substantially 12 to 24 hours after the disaster impact. Good outcomes in most cases are thus highly dependent on rapidity of appropriate medical and surgical response (Fazio 2013).

The news about Yolanda (international code name Haiyan) seems more terrifying when viewed from the opposite side of the world. This CNN article gives a pretty good overview. The accompanying video is awful in the most archaic sense of the word.


And of course, Atom Araullo's "daring" coverage -- syndicated in all major news networks abroad -- is impressive.

It feels insensitive to post the usual consumer activities, but I don't want to be a downer either. So for those of you stranded but safe at home and seeking a bit of lighthearted fun, here's something to occupy your mind. The Thai are known for their weird and memorable, often award-winning commercials. Here are a few of my favorites.

I was looking up reviews for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette, trying to curb my lemming for the $58 USD finishing powder palette. One video compared it to one of the Guerlain Meteorites and while the review was great, the vlogger kept pronouncing it as "gur-lain." NO NO NO. It's a pet peeve of mine when people mispronounce brand names; it takes away from their credibility. The most common victims I see on YouTube are Clarins, Guerlain, and Le Métier de Beauté. So if you've ever been tongue-tied by brands such as Cle de Peau, Prêt à Papier, Nuxe, Terre Saharienne -- do yourself a favor and watch this very informative and entertaining playlist! (Ironically, this girl mispronounces the word "pronunciation.")


Oh, and about that palette. I found the most compelling reason not to get it: shade match. The powders are marketed as "universally flattering," but as we universally know, that is rarely true. Whenever I have doubts about a shade I find as many blog and video reviews as I can by people with the same skin tone -- Asian/medium/yellow undertone. Based on these reviews, the most flattering Ambient Lighting shades would be Mood Light and Diffused Light -- none of which are in the Palette. The shades are that included (Dim Light, Incandescent Light, and Radiant Light) seem to flatter tones that are either lighter or deeper than my own. As much as I love palettes, when they come with this hefty a price tag I'll go for picking up singles that suit me over pre-selected shades. You know what would be excellent? If you could make your own custom Ambient Lighting palette! I would pick that up IN A HEARTBEAT.

The palette is sold out at Sephora but is still available at Hourglass, Barneys NY, and SpaceNK.

Last month I answered the consulting questionnaire at MarioBadescu.com to see which of their products would suit me. It was a pretty thorough survey. It also had me state my address and contact details, so I was expecting a bit of spam snail mail, maybe fliers. At the end they recommended a full skin care regimen and I filed it away for later reference. A few days later I received an email listing the recommended products and an offer for "some free samples so that you can try our products before you decide to purchase them." I said yes, that was about three weeks ago, there were no confirmation emails or tracking numbers, there wasn't even a shipping fee, and I completely forgot about it. But then, a bubble mailer arrived chockfull of cute tiny goodies.

Hello guys! You may have noticed that I've been writing every day. Now I may be an exception, but I actually like it when a blogger doesn't post every day. With the number of feeds on my RSS reader, it can get overwhelming and unless the topic is entirely pertinent to me at the moment, it's skipped. Once this becomes a habit with that blog, unsubscribing is the next step.

My goal is to be one of those bloggers whose entries you read even if the subject matter is totally irrelevant to your interests (Tire treads? Why yes I would love to know more!) -- only two names come to mind. But while I'm working on that, I'd like to know if I'm not alone:


And just so radar love bot isn't alone up there, a few recycled doodles after the jump. You'll eventually see why I'm bringing these up!

The thing with skincare is you need at least two weeks of continuous use to properly judge its efficacy. For eye cream, you never may! Not that it stops me from trying to slow the tide of time and gravity by applying eye cream religiously. I've been using Boots pharmacy's No7 Protect & Perfect Eye Cream ever since I ran out of my L'Oreal one.

A few weeks back TheBalm had one of their online flash sales (50% off!) and I got the two InStain blushes I'd been eyeing, Lace and Toile. InStain is a line of "long-wearing powder staining blushes." To be honest, I don't notice the subtle differences in the colors of blush when worn. But I was was looking for something matte and these looked so pretty! I'm also very happy that these are available at Beauty Bar Philippines. Included in my order was a sachet of the Honey Face and Body Primer, which I will most likely use for my legs when I fly back home.


Above are all six shades from theBalm's website. It seems they've grouped the shades into "spring" and "fall" colors for fair, medium, and deep skin tones. Without noticing this, I purchased the shades for the medium tones, how perfect. Also, the borders match the blush name! ♥

Weekends are informal and fun, so I may start moving personal posts to Saturdays and Sundays. Last Halloween I handed out candies to trick or treaters. I wasn't planning to wear a costume but I'd just watched a Halloween episode of Modern Family and realized that they may be expected. So a few hours before sunset, I made the go-to last-minute Halloween costume.

Getting rejection letters is never easy. Having received a number of them last month (not unexpected, given the number of applicants this year and the number of applications I sent out), I've come to appreciate the well-thought out, encouraging rejection letters. Those that go beyond the usual:

Thank you for applying to our Internal Medicine Residency Program.  We have reviewed your application and associated documents.

We regret to inform you that you have not been selected to interview.

...without even an addressee. This is the norm, by the way. Below are the two "nicest" rejections I've received.

Dear Applicant:

With regret, I am informing you that we are unable to offer you an interview for our internal medicine residency program.   Unfortunately, due to time limitations, we cannot interview every qualified applicant. Fortunately, there are many outstanding internal medicine training programs across the country and I would like to wish you well in the match process. Thank you for your interest.

Aw, they imply that I may still have a chance at one of "many outstanding internal medicine training programs across the country." Keepin' the dream alive.

Dear Applicant,

Thank you very much for applying to our Internal Medicine Residency Program. As you are probably aware, we receive thousands of applications for only 12 residency positions.  We realize there are many outstanding candidates such as yourself that we are unable to interview.  We have now completed our review of applications and interview invitation process.

We do appreciate you applying to our program and wish you the best in your career.

D'aww, they called me outstanding. A small boost of confidence.


What's the nicest rejection letter you've read?

Happy Halloween everyone! I know it's November 1st in the Philippines, but the clock hasn't struck midnight yet on All Hallow's Eve over here. In commemoration of this Western holiday, here are my top 5 horror flicks, in order of their release date. You've probably seen them already, but humor me!