I'm Off to Tokyo, Japan!!!

Happy morning AMW Readers!  Guess what?  I'm on my way to the airport today as I will be leaving for a well-deserved trip to Tokyo, Japan!

BUT, before I get too excited, I'm a bit worried today as Japan suffered from the Strongest Storm since 1959 last night and I'm not even sure if flight will push through today! But let us all pray for the safety of our friends living in Japan!

Article on the storm can be read here (Thanks to Keith's colleague for the heads up)

 **photo from source

Whatever happens, the show will go on..it could be delayed..but it will happen! 

After Korea, Japan is definitely next in line for our "must travel" countries!  Mr. AMW is super excited and he actually prepared the itinerary for the Japan Visa Application and mind you, I am the usual "tour guide" on most of our trips!  This time, I guess, AMW is relaxing! *hehehe*

Research after research, we've finally decided to book a hotel at Asakusa area.  I originally planned to stay at Shinjuku but after reading how  "busy" their station is, I've decided to go for a place more quiet and "traditional" and has the Japan-feel that I've been looking for.

Since most of my hotel bookings were done at Agoda.com, I've read a whole lot of positive reviews!  A very important selling point for me to book into a specific hotel are ----

• Great location.  Walking distance between the hotel and nearby subway station won't exceed 10 minutes on foot.
• Good reviews on the hotel staffs.  I've read nothing but praises on how helpful and courteous their hotel staffs are.  Some of them can speak good English! 
• Free internet!  We may be one "OC couple" but when it comes to travel, we like to prepare our itinerary in detail the night before!  We note down on how to go to a specific tourist spot and it's all possible with a free internet connection!
• Last but not the least, price!  The hotel isn't the cheapest but the rate comes with free breakfast for 2 (choice between Japanese and American breakfast) and free ramen at night (beat that!  lol) !  Free use of Onsen and Footspa!  That's good enough of a deal!

So a booking was made at Dormy Inn, Asakusa!  The name says inn but it's actually a 3.5-4 stars hotel!

 **photo taken from source

Here are some of the things we plan to do or places we plan to visit!  I hope we can do them all!  Or more!!!


Visit Sensoji Temple 
This will definitely happen as the hotel we are staying is just approximately 5-10 minutes away from this temple!  This is where we can see the 5-storey pagoda!

**photo from source

Tokyo Disney Sea
'Nuff said, we're both childish, so a visit at Tokyo Disney Sea is a must!

**photo from source

Akihabara Electronic Town

Hong Kong has Nathan Road as their "electronic" area, while Shenzhen on the other hand has a street of building after buildings of several floors selling various electronic goods from computers to cameras to mobile phones and computer parts.  Tokyo has Akihabara! Don't get me wrong, I plan to go there not onlybecause Mr. AMW likes to, I am actually quite intrigued on checking out some electronic supplies and who knows?  We may find something much more inexpensive as compared here in Manila! *laughs*

**photo from source

Shinjuku
There will definitely be multiple places to visit within Shinjuku, the business and shopping district. Like "The Piss Alley"  *laughs*, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building as we crosses our fingers for clear sky to be able to view Mt. Fuji!

**photo from source

 **photo from source

Harajuku
To meet cosplayers and hoping to bump into Danny Choo *laughs*  Mr. AMW loves reading Danny Choo's blog, Danny Choo is the son of THE JIMMY CHOO (the shoes), a UK guy who lived in Japan for quite some time!

**photo from source

Aside from a lot of other districts to visit, let's not forget my love for skincare and cosmetics!  I will definitely visit ---

• Matsumoto Kiyoshi - drugstore chains for various cosmetics and skincare line.
• Isetan - to check out high end cosmetics.
• Takashimaya Department Store - bigger department store with various range of high end skincare and cosmetics.
• Lawson - for inexpensive Shiseido line.
• PLUS PLUS PLUS A WHOLE LOT MORE!  

Oooh this is getting to be quite a long post and I'm not even done with what our plans our for this trip!  Whatever happens I'm sure it'll be a blast!  I hope to visit the office of the makers of Sergeant Keroro show!  *teehee*

 **photo from source

Yes, I watch the anime and I still do! I know it's impossible to go to their office as we may end up in jail for sneaking!  But I do hope to find them, even in plush toys!  Come on!  Don't laugh at me!  They are cute!!!

 

 And of course, we're in a different country!  What's the best way to understand the culture of the Japanese?  Through the stomach!

Okonomoyaki or Japanese Pizza!

** photo from source

 Takoyaki

 **photo from source

Udon or Soba

**photo from source

Tonkatsu

**photo from source

And a whole lot more!!!

Let's not forget the food and drinks vending machine that are ever popular in Japan.  I have a feeling I'd say hi to them the moment I stepped out of the airport!  :)

**photo from source

 I'll keep you guys posted!  If you have been to Tokyo, Japan and have some suggestions on must places to go or must try food!  Feel free to comment in this post and I'll definitely check and read them the moment I have internet connection!

Arigatou Gozaimasu!!!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Revlon Super lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Pop Review

I do not watch the Gossip Girl but I do check out makeup trends every now and then through YouTube videos and online images!  I can't help but notice how everyone started to upload their version of Blair Waldorf's Wedding Makeup tutorials!  Though clueless, I am liking the "sweet" vibe as they used mostly pinks on both eyes and lips!  

To those who's unfamiliar, here's a screenshot of the Gossip Girl episode were Leighton Meester got married!  

No wonder she is one of the present beauty icon, such pretty face!

Something New: The Urbanears Bagis

A lot of earphones are out in the market and have you realized that most of them comes in different colors?  I wish I'm still a teenager who gets to use this during school field trips!  Don't you think it'll look cool for a bus full of kids with different colors of earphones and you'll can close your eyes and pretend to your classmate that you can guess their favorite color?  *laughs*

Over the years, it has been black or white for me!  White came in a little bit late and I thought I was the cool one for owning one from Creative.

Recently, the brand Urbanears came up with colorful headphones and earphones and I find them super cute and unique!  Check out other yummy colors HERE.

I've tested and tried a lot of earphones, most of them comes with size adjustable S, M and L sleeves for a perfect fit.

3.5mm stereo plug compatible with any music players using 3.5mm standard.
  

The unique characterisics for the Urbanears bagis are ---

• Microphone and remote compatible with unprotected 3.5mm standard such as iPhone, Blackberry, HTC and more.
• Tangle resistant fabric cord!  (I wish all earphones manufacturer will take this into consideration!)

 

What makes Urbanears Bagis unique is the ability of the earpiece to be snapped together, allowing you to carry it around the next like a headphone!!!

These are just my initial review upon checking out the new Bagis. The Urbanears Bagis costs Php1,200 (approx $27.90) available in Digital Walker, Digital Hub, and Power Mac Center stores nationwide.

Would you go for Urbanears Bagis?
What's the unique feature that makes you want it?
Aside from the color choices, it's the ability to snap and the tangle-free cord for me!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Tester product lent for PR purposes.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Something New: Mamechiyo for Shu Uemura

After the successful I Love Beauty workshop at Studio SnR, Mr. AMW and I went to Rockwell to have dinner with friends.  As soon as we walked pass Shu Uemura Boutique, I gave out a loud "yelp" because of the cute "Kimono-like" print on limited edition cleansing oils and UV bases!  

At the workshop, I was just telling Charlene of Yellow Yum (whom I met for the first time after several years!) that I'll be off to Tokyo, Japan this Holy Week and we were discussing on the makeup and skincare that I'm keen to check out!  I blurted out Shu Uemura right away as I believe there are some limited collections there!

Speaking of the devil angel, look what greeted me at the boutique!

Mamechiyo for Shu Uemura!

My heart fluttered, this collection is so ME and so YOU I'm sure!  Anyone who loves beauty the way I do would feel the same! 

Who is Mamechiyo?

Mamechiyo is a modern kimono artist!  Mamechiyo dreamed of becoming an apprentice geisha from childhood and she pursued her dream and started to work in second-hand shops!  She is now creating high fasghion kimono for women who adore fun and beauty!  She's definitely the Geisha woman of the 21st century!

Cleansing Oils

• Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O Advanced Formula
• High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula
• Fresh Pore Clarifying Cleansing Oil
• White Efficient Clear Brightening Gentle Oil

UV Under Base Mousse

and Foundation Compact Case

• White Efficient UV Under Base Brightening Mousse Pink Purple
• UV Under Base BB Mousse BB Beige
• UV Under Base Mousse Beige
• UV Under Base Mousse Pink
• Foundation Compact Case 

And if you wonder, each color represented by gorgeous characters ---

Fuji

Willowy Wisteria

Sakura 

Cherry Blossoms

 Botan

Peony

 

 Ume 

Plum Blossom

Which character caught your interest?  I would love to go for Sakura but at the same time Fuji reminded me so much of myself!  I am probably in love with her Kimono and I wouldn't mind wearing it!

Have you seen the Mamechiyo for Shu Uemura collection at Shu Uemura counters near you?

Feel free to add Shu Uemura Philippines on Facebook for product updates.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Studio SnR's First I Love Beauty Workshop

Happy Monday AMW readers!  A lot of the local readers are probably off to their  hometown or are taking a week off from work for the Holy Week celebration!  :)  Take care okay?

Over the weekend, the first ever I Love Beauty Workshop happened at the Studio SnR!  First of all, I am very happy to be part of this event, as you all know, AskMeWhats started because I LOVE Beauty!  I am a firm believer of beauty in everybody!  It doesn't have to be what's on the outside but always have to consider what's on the inside! 

March 31, 2012...it doesn't hurt to learn how to prettify ourselves on the outside! :)

As I got in the studio, the familiar "warm, fuzzy" feel greeted me at the reception area!  I huge poster from our friends of Garnier and Serenitea were there.

I was greeted by Sydney Go of Studio SnR, I wore a light green top to support our Garnier friends while Sydney looks so good on her Red and Blue floral dress that reminded me so much of Garnier's Pure Active! 

I looked around and can't help but praise the studio for job well done on the area set up!  I spied on 3 tables to welcome the attendees.

On each seat, you get to see a round mirror, makeup brush set, face chart with pencil for the attendees to note down the right products meant for their skin!

 And because this workshop is I Love Beauty with Maybelline, Garnier and AskMeWhats, you will see a good amount of Maybelline and Garnier testers!  I went to the studio early and I'm glad I did because I was able to look around and check out the new wonderful products that Maybelline and Garnier offer! 

I nearly died as 98% of the testers were new and sealed!

 As a food lover, I went ahead with my thick-face and checked out the snacks area!  I've always have great experiences snacking at the Studio SnR!  The last time I attended Studio SnR x Bobbi Brown Mastering the Basics, I have tried the best fish sticks and nachos and I'm so happy to be reunited with the gorgeous snacks!  I promise you, I tried so hard not to eat prior the workshop!  *whispers* I did AFTER! :P

Egg sandwich, cookies, fish sticks, nachos and a lot more!

Let's not forget Serenitea!

To keep the workshop rolling, we started off by color-swatching the participants who arrived!   

Archie Tolentino, Maybelline Philippine's Chief Makeup Artist and myself went around the area to help pick the right foundation shade for everyone!  It was also the best time for me to meet new girl-friends who love beauty as much as I do!

Sydney started the program by welcoming the participants to the studio introduced them to the companies who made this workshop possible --- Garnier and Maybelline at the same time, introduced me as their special guest :).  She also explained that each of the lucky participants have their own Studio SnR box which includes a lot of tools needed during the workshop!

Cotton pads, cotton buds (one with rounded tip and the other was sharp tip), sponges, Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner Wipe, Head band to prevent hair from getting into the face during makeup application and discount coupons from Serenitea!

I started off the presentation, on behalf of Garnier Philippines, to talk about the importance of skincare routine!  I also shared some tips on how to take care of our skin!  

It was a joy for me to see the participants open up their Studio SnR box and pull out the makeup sponge and grab Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub and start removing their existing makeup!  They even went ahead and toned with Garnier Milky Lightening Dew.  

I was so happy as I didn't expect them to be "this game" to strip off everything and really get into this makeover! :)

Archie turned the room upside down (in a very good way) when he told everyone how having a good makeup will always start with a good set of brows!  Each of the students were given the chance to check their face shape and advised on good eyebrow shapes for them to work on!

 Archie chose a model and groomed the left side of her brows and everyone in the room can see an instant change just by shaving off excess hair!

 Students getting busy on grooming and redefining their own brows!

Of course, both Archie and I were there to guide the students!

Next came concealing, most of the students can apply the right shade of foundation as we continue with the right way on concealing dark, undereye circles!  It helps to use "orange" based concealer to counteract the bluish tint of under eye circles!

For each step, each of the participants were given the time to do their own faces as we roam around and help those who have questions!  

Archie continued by sharing how he will teach everyone to replicate the poster on local Maybelline counters but will do some tweaks and make it more "manageable" for regular people!  

Participants stood up to get their choice of eyeshadow palettes and chose a light sweep of color applied all over the lids and proceeded to pencil lining their waterline, tigh-tlining and of course, some went ahead to apply gel liner or liquid liner on the upper lash line.

Everyone was lucky enough to try the bestselling Maybelline The Falsies mascara which gets sold out on a lot of Maybelline counters!

See how everyone is so into the makeover?  The best part was how a lot were quite adventurous in choosing their blush and lip color!  It all spells... F-U-N!

 As soon as the workshop was over, everyone was given loot bags from Maybelline and Garnier!

These girls walk out pretty and they also get to use the new products they received!

 

Another successful event as organized by Studio SnR!  A photo of myself, Archie and Sydney!

Here are some of the collage of some photos taken with participants!  It was great meeting everyone!!!

P.S. I am wearing Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipcolor in Red Revival!

And of course, I should get to have a photo taken with 2 lucky winners from my past Studio SnR Gives contest!  Thanks for being a sweetheart Angeli and Gidjette!

Oh, before I forget, aside from the cool Studio SnR box, each of the participants get to take home these...

Please LIKE Maybelline Philippines and Garnier Philippines on Facebook as you get to know more about their new products coming out!

Do not forget to LIKE Studio SnR Workshops to get to know more about other lifestyle workshops they offer!

And please keep on reading AskMeWhats to learn more about Beauty!  Oh, feel free to LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook! Yes!  I finally created one but there's nothing in there yet and I actually put it up just for the sake of readers' query! Again, nothing too professional, I'm seriously not used to having a separate page!  :P

I   At the same time, I promise to try my best to update you on contests, workshops, new product launches, reviews and a whole lot more!  

Speaking about contests, kindly check back within the day as I have a new giveaway!!! :D

Thanks for all your support guys! :)
I love you all!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!