Mommy Mundo Expo Kid 2013

Mudrabelles (ala Karotitay)! Watcha doin' this Saturday? I suggest you check out Mommy Mundo's Expo Kid Year 5 happening tomorrow at 500 Shaw Events Pavilion on Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong! (see map below for directions)

I am going to be there with Berry, because there's plenty of fun for kids in store. Xavi might pop in for a quick visit too! So we hope to see you there!

The event is open to the public with a minimal entrance fee of 20 pesos per person, but you may also get in free if you pre-register by emailing registration@mommymundo.com. Entrance fee proceeds will benefit MomShare outreach projects.

So what's in store for you when you go?

Expo Kid 2013 will feature major interactive activity areas for kids where they can try out crafting stations from Craft MNL, check out the fun learning modules on Jakenpoy.com, music, arts and sports activities from Kids Klub as well as Crayola. There are more booths from other activity providers from all over Metro Manila, as well as a shopping bazaar which is Mommy Mundo’s trademark mompreneur market featuring more than 40+ booths onsite (hint: Grandma's products, Vapor Soove, Aquasana and Boogie Wipes will be there), and more!

• Onstage program featuring the following: Talented performances and demos from Kids Klub such as Julie Borromeo Performing Arts, New York Musical Theater Lab by Miguel Braganza, My Talent by Audie Gemora, the Philippine Gymnastics Academy, Taekwondo by Coach Donnie Geisler, Mathemagis - Singapore Math, KidzArt, Aikido, and Kindermusik by Teacher Suzette & Friends. 
• A multi-arts show from My Masterpiece Movement 
• Informative talks for moms courtesy of the Learning Basket and Wonderworld Toys: Celebrating your child's milestones. 
• Fun and educational demos will be facilitated by Jakenpoy.com and CRAFT MNL featuring screen printing Demonstration and Heritage Craft.

Expo Kid 2013 is set to be a kids’ haven and a great way for parents and kids to discover what activities to get into this summer!

This event is produced by Mommy Mundo, the go-to resource for active and modern moms. Co-presented by PACE, Mommy Matters. In partnership with Jackenpoy.com, CRAFT MNL, Crayola& Kids Klub with the participation 500 Shaw Events Pavilion as our venue partner. Supported by Cycles&Cradle, Parteiziet and Crystal Clear. Media partners, Manila Bulletin, Sense & Style, Smart Parenting, the Style Weekend, Working Mom, Lifestyle Network, Urban Mom, www.mommypages.com.ph and Crossover 105.1 FM.

Inspector Gadgets: Clarisonic + Aquasana Shower Filter

If you are obsessive about skin care and you never fail to inspect your face in the mirror for signs of zits or blackheads for at least a minute each day, then these gadgets are just the sort of stuff you'd want! I call them beauty gadgets, and best of all, they won't dig into your beauty budget.

Clarisonic® Classic

I have been using this for two years now and while the initial investment of $156 dollars wasn't easy on the pocket (it's originally $195, but I got a 20% coupon so I jumped at the chance to buy at a discount), the rewards have been long lasting. I figured, I used to spend Php 795/month on facials back when I was in Manila and with the anomalous amounts charged by Manhattan facialists, I was better off doing it DIY style. By buying a Clarisonic® brush, it was just like paying upfront for years of servicing.

I change the brush head every 4 months, and I stock up on brushes whenever Beauty.com has a coupon code sale going on. When I run out, it's a comfort to know Sephora Singapore stocks  these brushes too. I have really seen and felt the difference of using Clarisonic®. My skin is smoother and softer after each use. Unlike the usual facial brushes, Clarisonic® "uses patented sonic technology to gently yet deeply cleanse pores of environmental toxins, makeup and bacteria ~ without abrasion or harsh chemicals."

Sometimes I use the Clarisonic® cleanser for Normal skin, but I prefer using Hada Labo's facial cleanser. It  just feels cleaner. I always look forward to days when I give myself a full on treat, the way my derma does. I cleanse with Cetaphil, apply a mask, rinse, and brush my face with Clarisonic after. Then I tone with La Mer The Tonic and moisturize with Hada Labo. Always such a good feeling after, without the pricking. Cheaper than a professional facial too! Which doubles the good feeling, haha.

Aquasana Shower Filter

I got this from Kris de Guzman of OC Mom in Manila, who happens to be the distributor of Aquasana in the Philippines. According to Kris, the Aquasana Pure Shower System (Php3,850) is a "compact, high-capacity filter that removes chlorine and other chemicals for a healthier, more enjoyable shower experience". To be honest, it was really the beauty benefits (more than the health benefits, heehee) of using a shower filter that got to me at first. She said she had finer pores and clearer skin after using this. So I was like, Yay! I want!

When I received the package, I didn't wait for Dear Hubby to install this for me. It's so easy to attach to your shower, I actually installed our shower filter myself. It's a no brainer.

In less than a week, I really saw the difference in my pores. They became smaller and my cheeks had this rosy tinge. To be honest, I was kind of shocked when I noticed that my cheeks were turning pink and attributed it to the early onset of rosacea, but then I thought there were no bumps or veins and my skin looked generally healthy and my pores have never appeared so small since I was in my teens. Then I remembered it only came about after I started using Aquasana. It's the pink glow of healthy skin, I believe, heehee. And plus, can I just say I don't freak out anymore when Berry opens her mouth in the shower and starts swishing around shower water in her mouth.  There are times we brush in the shower even, just so I can brush and gargle with filtered water, heehee.

Oh, and did I mention, I had less falling hair after showering with Aquasana? I used to leave a trail of falling hair on our white floor and it was so shocking. It's a Singapore thing actually. All my friends in Singapore complain that the water here causes falling hair. I would have to agree. Told them about showering with a filter and when they started using Aquasana, tadaa! Less falling hair na!

I don't really fall for supposed wonder products, but trust me on these two. For somebody who hasn't gone to a derma for 4 years now, I am quite pleased with how my skin has been faring as a result of using these beauty gadgets.

Gift Idea + Blog Giveaway: Aquasana Shower Filters

Have you ever dreamed of bathing yourself or your kid in Evian or Vittel day in and day out? Especially if you're a mom like me, I am pretty sure you've considered that. Frances, my new friend in Singapore mentioned that some parents bathe their kids in spring or purified water, just because they want to be sure that the water that gets into contact with their child's skin and mouth is clean.

Think that's extreme? Tell that to a parent of a kid with a sensitive tummy. I was almost about to succumb to ordering bottles of purified water when Berry got a bout with diarrhea some weeks back. If only the cost wasn't so prohibitive! So you can imagine my pleasant surprise when I got an email from Kris de Guzman of Aquasana water and shower filters. Finally, filtered water from the shower taps!

Kris, a self-confessed OC mom and clean freak, who also happens to pen a blog called OC Mom in Manila - about all her obsessions and compulsions (OC nga eh! Heehee!) - first discovered the beauty benefits of shower filters while visiting family in Canada, "I thought it was because of the Canadian air but my sister-in-law said it was because of their shower filter. It filters out chlorine and other harmful metals from the tap water, which can cause your hair and skin to dry."

But as it turned out, when it comes to shower filters, beauty is just skin deep. Kris says, "It was the beauty aspect that reeled me in at first (her pores became smaller and her hair softer) but as I researched about the product, I found out that it was actually a product for the whole family’s health."

So more than just smaller pores and softer hair, Kris shares that she used it to bathe her 2 year old (who rarely gets sick now) and customers have written her to say they were so pleased with the product because of reasons ranging from  less freckles to thicker hair, to relief from skin asthma.

Prices start at Php 3,850 for the standard shower filter and various water filtering products are available at the Aquasana online store. If you use the referral code "manilafashionobserver", you get a 10% cash rebate upon delivery of product (either by check or bank deposit):

Personally, I think this will make a great gift for parents, a vain friend or your sister with kids! It's practical and the price is reasonable. I mean, if I didn't get one from Kris, I would be over the moon if I were to receive this as a gift if it means thicker hair for the hubby, smaller pores for me, and healthy skin and a happy tummy for Berry!

And because Christmas is near, Kris (Merry Krismas!) is sponsoring this week's blog giveaway! That means, you can actually win an Aquasana shower filter of your own (but hey, up to you if you want to give it as a gift)! We are giving away a standard shower filter to 2 (TWO) lucky readers! How?

Just leave a comment and tell us why you want to win a shower filter,
and who would benefit from it most!

Contest is open only to readers based in the Philippines. We will accept entries until December 24 and  we will announce the winner by December 25, 2010. Meanwhile, I shall take a shower na. Smaller pores and nice hair, here I come!

As for you darlings, send your entries ha!