A video chronicling my first visit to the Masungi Georeserve, an award-winning conservation project, which is a popular hiking destination. Sample Room gathered their partner bloggers and friends and spent a productive weekend stretching our muscles and planting trees.
Tag: Sample Room
Fujifilm Ph and Sample Room’s Content Creation Workshop
Last weekend, I got to try the X-A5 mirrorless camera at the Sample Room & Fujifilm Content Creation workshop held at Space 1851 Manila along with other content creators and bloggers. The Fujifilm X-A5 is an entry-level mirrorless camera which is packed with features that allow users to take beautifully composed shots that are immediately ready for upload and sharing.
Angelique Manto, a sports reporter, host, Fujifilm ambassador and my fellow Thomasian (Go USTe!) shared some tips and tricks on Instagram curation, how she takes photos and why she loves using the X-A5 on the go.
After the workshop, we were tasked to take different photos using the X-A5’s Bright Mode, Portrait Enhancer and the Night+ Mode. These automatic modes are supposed to make it easy to just snap and share for people on the go.
I wish I had time to try out it’s video capabilities but let’s save that for another day. I devoted my time to planning out and capturing my shots since they only had a limited number of units for us to borrow. If we’re talking social media photography, I think this is a good camera to start with because it’s easy to use, lightweight and has preset modes that don’t need much filters and lighting fixes. Of course, if you have a signature look for your photos, by all means, edit away! The camera retails at P29,990 and is bundled with an XC15-45mm lens. For a list of other available XC lenses, you can visit the Fujifilm PH website.
Naturals by Watsons
My husband and I received these products from Watsons via Sample Room. We said we’d try it for a week and give our feedback.
The Olive Deep Moisturizing Shampoo (P209, 490ml)
I love the clear formulation. With just three pumps it lathered well on my hair and rinsed off easily. My husband on the other hand (who has thicker hair and uses wax), had to do a second round of shampooing just to get the grime off.
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The Argan Oil Revitalizing Conditioner (P239, 490ml)
The conditioner didn’t have that heavy, creamy feel. Formulation is light yet moisturizing. My husband absolutely loved touching his hair after using this. He doesn’t use conditioner daily but he observed that his hair was still soft & smooth a few days after. It also worked well on my long, colored hair and gave it volume even without blow-drying.
The Rice Bran Brightening Cream Bath (P199, 490ml)
We were expecting this to be a little thicker (since it’s supposed to be a cream bath) but it was as light as the conditioner. It took 3-5 pumps on a nylon puff for it to bubble. The smell is pleasant, not overpowering. After showering and drying up, it’s necessary to follow up with your usual body lotion to lock moisture in.
The Aloe Vera Strengthening Hair and Scalp Tonic (P229, 120ml)
I am so addicted to the smell of this. I wish I could just spray it on whenever my hair needs a lift but this has salicylic acid, which is intended to prevent dandruff and regulate sebum. I fear that if I over-do it, my scalp may react differently. This has organic aloe vera juice and aloe extract that helps moisturize hair.
UPDATE: My scalp did react after using this for another week. I felt tightness in my scalp and flakes started to form. I decided not stop using it for a while and see if my scalp condition improves. I understand that for others, this formulation can work really well but for my scalp, it may have been a little harsh.
Will we consider purchasing these in the future? We’d definitely get the Olive Shampoo and Argan Oil Conditioner because these worked well for our different hair types. We also love when we find products that we both can share since it’s more practical that way.
What do we like most about these products?
-They use certified organic oils and extracts
-Light, pleasant scent
-Moisturizing capabilities of the Argan Oil Conditioner
-Packaging = 5 stars
-Prices are reasonable, given that they use imported organic products
WARDROBE BASICS: The Black Uniqlo AIRism Tank Top in Black
I’ve done another mid-year closet purge and have gotten rid of a lot of items I haven’t worn in the last six months. These past few months, I’ve really been working on simplifying everything in my wardrobe. While it’s been great trying to keep up with trends without breaking the bank, I feel like I’ve gotten to that point in my life wherein I just want to stick with the classics. Why?
- They don’t go out of style
- It’s easier to maintain and accessorize
- Lesser wardrobe purging–you get to use everything on rotation and it’s fun to mix and match!
One of the wardrobe basics I realized I didn’t have was a black tank top. My old one went missing when we moved houses 9 years ago. Through my Sample Room membership, I availed of a Uniqlo AIRism voucher that allowed me to get my free sample of the Uniqlo Seamless Tank Top.
The Airism material as you can see in the video, is lightweight and thin. It’s perfectly comfortable when worn as innerwear–it doesn’t make you feel stuffy, allows your skin to breathe and it does not feel sticky even in sweaty situations. The black tank can be used as a top just because it’s a more solid, dark color, while the nude and white versions are best used as inner wear due to the thin material.
The P590 price point isn’t bad for the quality of the material and the multiple times it can be worn. Aside from the basic colors, the tank is also available in pastel hues and striped versions. 
SAMPLE ROOM 4TH BIRTHDAY AND CHRISTMAS DINNER
REVIEW: ZENUTRIENTS GUGO STRENGTHENING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
Way before hot oil treatments, hair masks and the Brazilian Blowout were invented, Filipinas would turn to natural ingredients like Gugo and coconut milk to maintain lustrous, thick hair. Gugo is an herb that grows in the Philippines which is popular for it’s hair benefits and medicinal properties. The bark of the Gugo tree is soaked in water, then the juice is squeezed out and lathered all over the hair. No need for surfactants, SLS or foaming agents. The saponin in Gugo clears the scalp and strengthens the hair strands.
The Zenutrients Gugo Strengthening Shampoo lathered really well and left my scalp feeling squeaky clean but not dry. The Gugo Strengthening Conditioner’s mint-scented cream formula was easy to spread and left my hair soft but not slimy. I expected it to be heavy and “bagsak” but to my surprise (when my hair dried out), the strands were so light, a simple breeze from the fan would send all the hair strands all flying over my face. This is good if you wish to keep your hair straight and free flowing. Tie it up if you want to. If you’re about to style your hair though, you will need to apply mousse, hair serum or hair spray just to keep your strands in place and to put a little bit of weight on the hair.
Overall, I am impressed with this duo and will be using it until it’s empty.
The Zenutrients Gugo Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner are available at Zenutrients kiosks and at their main branch at 57 East Capitol Drive, Pasig City. Thanks to Sample Room for sending the sample kit for me to try.
Price:
250 ml – P249
500 ml – P465
1 liter – P790
SAMPLE ROOM MEDIA LAUNCH
I have been working with Sample Room for about four years now. I met Sophie Uy (one of the founders) when we were chosen as two of the 10 Women of Confidence here in the Philippines.
We kept in touch after that and discovered we shared the same faith. Sample Room was just starting out back then and I agreed to help them get the word out. You’re probably wondering, “Why did it take so long for Sample Room to be officially launched?”
Well number 1, it’s a start-up. The four founders Sophie Uy, Katherine Sy, Diana Ong and Nats Toh know each other from school and all have their own businesses. The whole concept of TRYVERTISING was completely new back then and it took a while for brands to actually warm up to it. With the rise of subscription boxes and the growing popularity of online reviews (which a lot of consumers now turn to before making any product purchase), brands soon realized the value of a community wherein real people can actually try out their products and give them authentic feedback about it. If I were the brand, that would actually serve me well–I get to create buzz about my product, I get real reviews and I’ll know if there are things I still need to improve.
Sample Room is also greatly beneficial to consumers who are always on the lookout for new products. The thing is, we have to be well-aware of the fact that not all products work well with our skin type and body chemistry. Imagine purchasing an entire bottle of moisturizer that costs a fortune only to find out three days after trying it, that it’ll cause your skin to break out? Would you still insist on using the product just because you spent a fortune on it? I don’t think so. That’s where Sample Room comes in.
You can sign up with an email address for free and get 100 points upon successful registration. These points are what you use to avail of free samples on the website. Each product has a corresponding number of points. After you pick your products, pay for the delivery fee and once they arrive, you can peacefully try them out right in the comfort of your own home. Within a week of trying it out, you can write about your experience on the Sample Room website and replenish the points you spent.
Give http://www.sampleroom.ph a visit and sign up now! Check out the VLOG I managed to film in between my hosting duties for them.
Congratulations to Team Sample Room! Thanks for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful milestone. Special thanks as well to all the brand partners who were at the event:
Baby Foot
Beauty and Butter
Belo Nutraceuticals
Bondi Lifestyle
C-Lium Fibre
Cure Philippines
Fuji Film Philippines
Lux
Laneige
Pantene
Shiseido
Soffia Beauty
Vaseline
Zenutrients
BALAY INDANG VLOG/TOUR
I’ve heard of Balay Indang from my church friends. It’s a popular destination for retreats, camps and even weddings. In photos, I initially thought it was a small, quaint place only to be surprised by the lush floral gardens and spacious lawns. If you want time away from the city and feel the need to reconnect with God in a peaceful place with no technological distractions, Balay Indang is worth the visit.
Check out my tour of the venue below.
Challenge Accepted! I’m taking on the Olay #5NightsChallenge!
I received another box from Sample Room today! I’m being challenged to redefine my beauty sleep with the newest Olay night ritual which they say, promises a more youthful and stunning skin after just 5 nights of use. IMMA TEST THIS IF IT’S TRUE! 🙂 So follow my journey and stay updated! Check out my video below with bonus skin care tips!
Product Review: Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel
Weather changes mean that we also have to switch to summer-appropriate skin care products. Heavy creams and moisturisers would have to be shelved for the season as we embrace products with lighter formulations that still protect and address our skin concerns.
Pond’s just launched their Pearl Cleansing Gel–a light, rose-scented facial cleanser that effectively removes dirt and make-up without excessively drying out the skin. The gel formulation is perfect for those with sensitive skin while those who wish to brighten their complexion would be happy to know that the Vitamin B3 and Pearl Essence-infused product can lighten the skin gently.
THE VERDICT:
I’ve been using this product for about 2 weeks now. I love that it removes my make-up after a single wash (except my waterproof mascara of course) and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean but not tight. Though it’s gentle on the skin, like other products it can sting your eyes. I had myself scrambling to splash water onto my peepers when I accidentally rubbed the gel while washing my face. 😛
Can it whiten the facial skin? I’ve noticed it’s not an immediately noticeable kind of lightening but more of a bright, freshening effect on the skin. Over all, I am satisfied with the product and will most likely purchase another tube when my stock runs out.
Below is a video coverage of the Pond’s and Sample Room partnership at Aracama, The Fort:
Ingrid Nieto-Pagulayan 
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