My Birth Certificate Woes

Warning: This is a lengthy post.

Photo courtesy of www.psa.gov.ph

It all started because I wanted to travel the world and to do so, I need to have a passport. While on the process of collecting my documents so that I could apply for one, I unfortunately found out that there are many issues involving my birth certificate after receiving a copy from then National Statistics Office or NSO (now Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA).

Firstly, my certificate of live birth does not indicate my “First and Last Names”. The only items that were filled out were my “Middle Name” and other details such as the date when I was born as well as my place of birth, the names of my parents, and the name of the OB-Gynecologist who attended to my mother at the time of my birth.

Second, since my parents were not married, I am considered as an illegitimate child. I can use my father’s last name as long as he acknowledged that I am indeed his child. There is a section at the back of my birth certificate regarding the acknowledgement however, my father wasn’t able to sign it due to the circumstances of my birth (as per my mother’s explanation).

Finally, my father died a long time ago without any written proof that he acknowledged me as his child thus as a rule, I am not allowed by the law to use his Last Name. However, I’ve been using it in all of my school and government records ever since. 

I went to the Local Civil Registry office in Manila (as I was born in Manila) to seek for an advise on what to do regarding my case. They told me to get a local copy of my birth certificate first because there are times that NSO copies are not updated especially if there has been changes made on someone's birth records in their end and a transmittal hasn't been done yet. So I did as I was told and was surprised to see that indeed, there was a supplemental report filed by my father to supply my first name on the birth certificate but my last name remains blank. I guess this is because at that time, he was still not married with my mother (they didn’t really get married anyway).

Since the changes made already reflects the local copy of my birth certificate, I was then instructed to file for a transmittal report so that my NSO records will be updated. I paid less than Php 500 for the whole process (getting the local copy + filing the transmittal) and was informed that I can already get an updated copy of my birth certificate from NSO after a month. I also asked one of the staff if there is anything that we could do about my last name since my father already passed away. She explained that if there is no written document proving that I was acknowledged by my father, they can’t do anything about it and that I may need to consult a lawyer about this matter.

Uh oh! Consulting a lawyer means appearing in the courts and going through a very tedious process that were both time and money consuming. Well, I’m not rich so together with my mother, we decided to seek the assistance of the Public Attorney's Office (PAO). Luckily, they are kind enough to answer all of my concerns and queries. I was told that since my father wouldn’t be able to testify and sign necessary documents, I will not be able to use his last name and that I should just use my middle name (my mother’s maiden name) as my last name so it will appear that I don’t have a middle name.

I was given several copies of originally signed and notarized affidavit stating that I am one and the same person and that all my school, employment, and government records should be updated bearing my name as it appears on my birth certificate. Now, I have to go back to my school since elementary and update everything from there then I have to go to different government offices to do the same. Oh well, what can I do? Anyway, this was a much better option than going to the courts right? I hope I can finish everything before October though. With that, Good luck to me!  X___X

If you need any legal assistance, here are the contact details from our Public Attorney's Office (PAO):

Public Attorney's Office Central Office

Office Address: 4th & 5th Floors DOJ Agencies Building
                       NIA Rd. corner East Ave., Diliman, Quezon City
 Hotline: (02) 929-9436; (02) 4262075; (02) 4262801; (02) 4262450; (02) 4262987; (02) 4262683

Local 106/107 (Office Hours)

Local 159 (Outside Office Hours)

Email:  pao_executive@yahoo.com

See you soon! :)

Product Review: Olay Skin Whitening Bar with Rose & Milk

Hello everyone! Today I'm going to make a review on Olay's new product, the Olay Skin Whitening Bar with Rose and Milk extracts. I got it from my second Sample Room Haul as you can read on this post. 

I know that we should embrace our skin color but then again it's just a matter of preference. In my case, I am not "morena" but my skin is not as  "milky white" either so I am in constant search for products that would make my skin fairer and even toned. This soap is launched with a hashtag #OneWashWonder because it is said to whiten your skin from the first use. 

As for me, I tried Olay Skin Whitening Bar because it has a dermatologically and clinically tested formula with natural rose and milk extracts that would help you achieve fairer skin without the sting. It also claims to be specifically designed with a Triple Whitening System that will help to do the following:

1. Reveal your natural white skin all over

2. Gently exfoliate your skin and wash away dead skin cells

3. Even your skin tone to make it look clean and clear

THUMBS UP: 

*** Packaging - The package is very feminine, simple but refreshing. If you're in a supermarket, it will be impossible to miss it on the bath soap isle. Another good point is that the details written at the back is very informative. 

*** Consistency - I love that it lathers easily giving you a rich and creamy texture.

*** Scent - It has a sweet floral scent and I love it! It really does linger on your skin for quite some time.

*** Affordability - It is very affordable at only Php 34.00 for a 60g bar and Php 46.00 for the 90g one.

*** Effectiveness - It did somehow make my skin look fairer and gave me a much even skin tone after using it for a week. I also love that it is not harsh on my skin although it is a whitening soap. It also leaves my skin feeling clean, fresh, and moisturized after every wash.

THUMBS DOWN: 

*** I really can't think of anything that would merit a thumbs down for this product. Over all I think that it is a very good soap for every day use.

I will definitely repurchase this soap because again... I LOVE IT! Need I say more? It also comes in Papaya and Vitamin C infused variants and is available in major drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. Have you tried any variant in the new Olay Skin Whitening Bar line? How's your experience? Please share it at the comments section below.

See you soon! :)

June 2016 : Photo A Day Challenge

Photo courtesy of www.fatmumslim.com.au

Hello Everyone! Happy 1st of June. :) We're halfway through the year and yes, finally! it's already rainy season here in the Philippines. I love the rainy days except for the thunder storms and floods. 

Anyway, today I would like to share with you something that I attempted to accomplish last year but wasn't able to finish because of my ever so busy work schedule. It's the Photo A Day Challenge from www.fatmumslim.com.au. She has been doing this challenge for a couple of years now and it is really entertaining. The idea is to take a photo of a particular subject every day through out the month and share it on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other social networking sites using the hashtag #FMSPhotoADay. You can also join their Facebook Group to share your photos.

There's a different set of challenge each month so be sure to check out her website if you want to play and have fun. For June 2016, the list is already out (see photo above) and this will be your every day prompt which will guide you and will serve as your inspiration for the subject of your photo. At the end of the day, she will feature four of her favorite photos shared for each prompts.

This photography challenge doesn't require you to be the best photographer in the world to participate. All you have to do is to unleash your passion and creativity, then snap away! Please remember though that this is not a contest, the challenge was made so that interested people can have fun. 

So what are you waiting for? Grab your camera and be inspired. Take and post that wonderful shot of yours and share it to everyone. Enjoy!

See you soon! :)

I Want to Become Sample Room's Next Beauty Insider

Last week while I was browsing Sample Room's website to get free product samples, I found out that they are currently looking for their next Beauty Insider. I got so excited because I really want to join. I took note of all the necessary details for me to be able to send my entry thus, I am now blogging why I want to become Sample Room's Next Beauty Insider.

To start off, the reason as to why I started this blog is  because I would like to reach out to other people who might also be experiencing the same issues that I have. You see, I am an ordinary woman who happens to have a problematic skin and body condition, but then despite all of these, I still want to share the things that I do to overcome my personal struggle with inferiority complex. I want to inspire others and let them realize that indeed, as cliche as it may sound, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". 

Being a Sample Room Beauty Insider will give me more opportunities to try, test, and eventually make an honest review on different products that will help my readers in deciding which of it will address their concerns and suit their needs before they splurge their hard earned money.

It would truly be an honor if I will be given a chance to be part of the Sample Room family. I believe that working together with them in empowering my blog readers and their subscribers  will be a great and rewarding experience.

If you are also interested in joining their search for their next beauty insider, here are the mechanics:

Good luck to everyone and see you soon! :)

Sample Room Haul: Whisper Skin Love All Night, Rexona Invisible Dry, & Olay Skin Whitening Bar

Happy Monday everyone!!! Today, I would like to share to you the things that I got on my second haul from Sample Room PH. If you want to read on my experience the first time I ordered from them or if you want to know how to get their free samples, please click here. 

WHAT'S INSIDE?

Whisper Skin Love All Night 

• Size: 6's pack  
• Retail Price: Php 69.00
• Sample Size: 1 pc. 6's pack

Olay Skin Whitening Bar with Rose & Milk 

• Size: 60g / 90g  
• Retail Price: Php 34.00 / Php 46.00
• Sample Size: 1 pc. 90g

Rexona Invisible Dry for Women (Roll on) 

• Size: 50ml 
• Retail Price: Php 82.00
• Sample Size: 1 pc. 50ml

I really want to try the Olay Skin Whitening Bar with Rose & Milk variant because I am so into anything rose scented lately. I'll make a review of this soap after a a week and of course it'll be posted here on my blog.

I used my Sample Room points in getting these products so yes, I got these for free. I only paid for the shipping cost of Php 100.00. Everything is definitely worth it because you get more than what you paid for. One of the things that I love about getting free samples from the Sample Room is that it will deliver your samples immediately after your shipping fee payment has been confirmed. That is fast and easy.

If you're like me who wants to  "try before you buy", visit their website: www.sampleroom.ph and sign up for free now!

See you soon! :)

Product Review: IWhite Korea The Original Nose Pack

Hello my lovely readers! I'm back with a product review from another IWhite Korea product, The Original Nose Pack. 

Product Description: 

This nose pack is a cream type nose pack that conveniently adjust to the shape of your nose, making it easier and more effective in eliminating blackheads and whiteheads. You can use it on oil prone areas like the nose area and the T-zone to minimize the appearance of pores and excess oil for a clear, smooth, and radiant skin.

Contains natural active ingredients and Vitamins A, C, and E that help:

• Sooth skin while effectively stripping off dirt
• Tighten pores
• Improve skin texture

I have a combination type of skin and I am usually prone to blackheads and whiteheads especially on my nose and T-zone area. IWhite Korea's The Original Nose Pack is formulated with the following plant extracts that perfectly work together to effectively remove the deep seated dirt on my clogged pores without being too harsh on my skin:

• Panax Ginseng Root Extract
• Mulberry Root Extract
• Aloe Vera Leaf Extract

HOW TO USE:

• After washing your face, apply a generous amount of the nose pack solution on the entire nose area.
• Wait for about 15 minutes or until it completely dries then peel off the pack upward starting from the base.
• For best results, use 2 to 4 times a week.

THUMBS UP: 

Packaging - As with any other IWhite Korea product, the packaging is really cute. 

Consistency - It is creamy in form although it reminds me of an Elmer's Glue, it is actually workable thus, you can control the amount of product that you'll use.

Scent - It smells clean and fresh. The scent doesn't irritate my nose.

Affordability - For only Php 18.00, a sachet is good for 2x usage. It is also available on a 50g tube for Php 189.00

Effectiveness - True to its claims, this product didn't disappoint. It really lifts the deep seated dirt on my pores but of course it wouldn't get off your blackheads and whiteheads all at once that's why it is recommended to use it for 2 to 4 times a week.

THUMBS DOWN: 

 I have a love - hate relationship with its creamy texture because of the messy application whenever I use it.



I always have to make sure that my nose don't get sweaty because the product seems to loosen up when it gets wet and would not be as effective when it is dry.

Will I repurchase it? Maybe, but I would prefer nose patches if those are available so as to save me from the messy application. How about you guys? what is your favorite nose patch or nose pack product? Tell me on the comment section below.

See you soon! :)

Product Review: IWhite Korea 2 Minute Whitening Miracle

A part of my Watsons stash last February, IWhite Korea's 2 Minute Whitening Miracle is the latest addition to the brand's skin care line. This product is a special wash off mask that promises to give your skin not only a healthy dose of whitening care but also hydration and relaxation. It also acts as a gentle exfoliator and helps in prevention and reduction of acne.

It is enriched with the following ingredients that will brighten and nourish the skin:

• Limonia Acidissima Extract which is a mild natural solution to skin brightening and reduction of acne scars, dark spots, old scars, and hyper pigmentation.

• Lonicera Caprifolium Extract which is an effective anti - inflammatory and anti - bacterial agent.

• Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf Extract which is the richest natural source of silica that is essential to skin regeneration by providing strength to the collagen in our skin.

• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe Vera Leaf Extract)

With all this goodness in one sachet, who wouldn't want to try this product right? This comes in a gel type of consistency and an 8ml sachet is good for 3 - 4 times consumption which is also the suggested frequency of usage in a week. 

HOW TO USE:

• On a clean and dry face, apply a sufficient amount all over the face avoiding the eye area.

• Once the mask is spread evenly on the face, just simply leave it on for 2 minutes.

• After 2 minutes, gently start massaging your face in a circular motion for another minute. This step helps seal in the active ingredients into the skin while gently exfoliating it.

• After massage, completely wash off the mask with water.

THUMBS UP:

Packaging - come on guys, it's so cute! :) you gotta love that flower detail enumerating the benefits that you'll get if you use the mask.

Consistency - it is in gel form thus, it can be easily spread onto the skin and doesn't feel heavy.

Scent - I love that it is fragrant but doesn't come too strong unlike other masks. This has a fresh flowery kinda scent to it.

Affordability - it is only Php 24.50 and is good for a week's use. It is available in different drugstores and supermarket.

Effectiveness - It gently exfoliates my skin without drying it. I love that it lifts dead skin cells and my face feels very hydrated  after using this product. . It indeed has a brightening effect and I feel that with continued use, it will also help me with my acne scars.

THUMBS DOWN:

I honestly can't think of anything that will give this product a thumbs down but I hope IWhite Korea will eventually have it available on tube just like their other products.


I will definitely repurchase IWhite Korea's 2 Minute Whitening Miracle considering all the benefits that I can get. This is so far one of my favorite product for my skin care needs.

See you soon! :)