All Posts By

Jay E. Tria

Makeup and Skincare

Review: Dr Oguma AquaKey

Posted on March 24, 2015

Dr Oguma AquaKey has been a staple in my makeup kit for eight months now, and thus is way overdue for a review. This multi-function mist was essentially forced upon me by a very talented sales lady in METRO, Orchard Road. Although I’ve made a lot of impulsive buys that I, for shame, wholeheartedly regretted, this was not one of them.

The US website reads that AquaKey is a “multi-active mineral spray that captures the energy of natural ions to rebuild, retexture, and repair skin and hair.” It promises many things, its efficacy is backed by science jargon and many glowing testimonials. In my personal view (and in normal people parlance) though, AquaKey mist is: Continue Reading

Movie Review

Review: Cinderella

Posted on March 23, 2015

Fairy tale live action is Hollywood’s cash cow of now, right up there with comic book movies, apocalypse theories and dystopian trilogies. If Disney’s Cinderella, however, is any indication of happy-ever-after flicks to come, this trend gives me quite a lot of bibbity-bobbity-boo.

Far from the dark, punked up Snow White and the Huntsman and Alice in Wonderland, and different still from Maleficent‘s more child-friendly albeit mildly gothic and at times corny retelling, Cinderella was vibrant, honest, and unashamedly fun. Disney seemed to have decided against a rehash and stubbornly stuck to the core of the 1950’s cartoon movie. Since there are no plot twists to hide under, it required a glittering story telling. Continue Reading

Food Review Healthy Living

Review: Wabi-Sabi Noodle House and Vegetarian Grocery

Posted on March 9, 2015

So apparently virtually all ramen broths are made from pork. Yes, likely even the supposedly vegetable and seafood options. The shoyu broth? Uhuh, pork. Miso broth? Yep, still juice of boiled pig. I would be an ecstatic pescetarian if anyone can tell me I’m wrong about this. In the meantime, I will be getting my ramen high from Wabi-Sabi Noodle House.

I found out about this gem thanks to a simple, frustrated Google check for “vegetarian ramen Makati.” Tucked in a corner of Makati, a few minutes of traffic away from the Ayala-Buendia CBD, Wabi-Sabi Noodle House sits inside the art and food warehouse called the Collective. Just like its location, Wabi-Sabi is plain and unassuming, but the offerings pack a good punch.

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Makeup and Skincare

Korean 10-Step Skin Care Routine – Seoul Haul Update

Posted on February 19, 2015

It has been almost a year since I committed to this admittedly elaborate, mildly bankruptcy-inducing, gloriously enjoyable 10-step skin care ritual. Since then, what have I to show for it? Do I presently show any semblance to Jun Jihyun. Um. No. Did I see any improvement in my skin? Categorically, yes. My skin is happily acne-free and virtually blemish-free. I now dare leave the house with only sunblock, some concealer and powder, while still looking human.

Now I do not believe that this is solely due to a painstaking beauty ritual, as it is a team effort of better stress management, a bit more sleep, and maybe even my pescetarian diet. That, or maybe my hormones are just taking a break. Either way, it is easy to know when a skin care product works for you or against you, and below I list down the goodies that at present, work very well for me. Most of the new additions to this list were curated during my November trip in Seoul (also known as the days my credit card ran a marathon). Shall we? Continue Reading