Visited the Flawless Megamall branch a couple days before I went back to the office for some much needed self love and TLC! 

I first had a consultation w/ the Flawless MD for my acne, hyperpigmentation, and skin texture concerns. She recommended 2 treatments, the Acnelan or the Easy Peel treatment. I chose Acnelan as it is the milder option and I was worried about excessive peeling since I’d be back to the office in a couple days. 

Acnelan is an intensive medical treatment of acne-prone and seborrheic skin, performed by a Flawless MD in-clinic. It works effectively as a skin renewal system to provide a permanent solution to the acne disease for a clearer and healthier skin.

After the consultation, I was given my hygiene kit and my Flawless Safety Mask, and then was directed to my spot for the treatment.

Here’s what you can expect; 

☁️ Foam Cleansing

☁️ Instead of steaming, a gel would be applied to your face before pricking. It can get a bit itchy/prickly, just let your facialist know so they can remove it and start the pricking. I have high pain tolerance so I was able to complete the 10-mins

☁️ Laser Wand

☁️ Antiseptic mask - the most relaxing part for me as it gives me some time to meditate or even nap!

☁️ Serum will be applied after Acnelan is neutralized and fully removed from the skin. I noticed that the serum helped calm down the redness and made my skin look glowy afterwards. 

Check out my next posts for the progress photos!

Prices: 

Rejuvelite Clarifying Mask Facial - P1200 (about 2 hours)

Acnelan - P3000 (about 10 minutes)

#FlawlessPinkList #Acnelan #BeautyBeginsHere

Another day, another frustrating experience with couriers. 

This time, it is with a relatively new company (or at least, new to me), RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc . 

Let’s start from the veryyyy top. 

A skincare brand reached out to me on April 11th for a collaboration and because I have worked with them before, we were able to finalize things in about 72 hours. Shameless plug: Read about my experience with this skincare brand here. 

Since I went back to the office on May 2nd, this collaboration wasn’t really at the top of my head until I received an email from said skincare brand on May 12th asking about alternative shipping details because apparently there were issues with my parcel. 

This immediately raised red flags in my mind as upon checking, the deadline was May 6th! It has already been delayed for more than 5 days. 

It also usually means I would have to do countless follow ups with the delivery team, so this also prompted me to check on everything and anything that I can to figure out what is going on. (In my experience, for couriers here in my country, it’s best if we do our own research instead of relying on customer service.)

Here’s what I found out on May 12th; 

My parcel was shipped out by the skincare brand on April 29th, right on schedule and way earlier than I expected for them to ship out. On May 3rd, the parcel arrived here in the Philippines and was out for delivery on May 4th. 

I did not get any wind about this package until the skincare brand reached out to me, but it was tagged as “Not Delivered - Unable to Locate Consignee” by RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc. Totally understandable, although slightly frustrating as a simple call or text would’ve been enough to clarify any location issues. No text, call, or any form of communication was made by RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc. 

Right after I received the email from the skincare brand, I also reached out to EFS (E-commerce Fulfillment Service) regarding this shipping issue as they were the first courier who handled this parcel. 

I was not able to call them as the number listed is from South Korea, but I did reach out via email. They were so quick with their reply and resolution, as with my previous experiences with them. They were able to update any needed information on their end within the day and it reflected on the online tracking page.  

Now, this is where my blood starts boiling, so please consider this as your disclaimer – I will be providing a detailed narrative of my experience with RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc., and this includes personal feelings – my frustration, anger, annoyance, and relief at the very end. 

With that said, we continue. 

On May 13th, my parcel was tagged as “Not Delivered - Consignee Scheduled Delivery” by RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc. without reaching out to me, so I don’t know where they got this “Consignee Scheduled Delivery” part. As far as I know, I did not receive any text, call, email, or even a social media message from them. 

I reached out to RAF International Forwarding Phils., Inc. via their support page and social media page but I was not able to get any reply or update from them. I sent them an email using their support page but I didn't even receive a confirmation message from their support page (unlike with EFS, I received a confirmation message from them.). 

My parcel was out for delivery again on May 14th and was tagged as “Not Delivered - Other Reasons” by the end of the day. 

By this time, I am now very frustrated as three delivery attempts have been made but not one attempt was made to contact me. I have provided all possible location and contact information, even a very specific landmark and even the Google Maps pin link at this point, but still, no one has reached out to me. 

What’s sad is that this is not a solitary incident as their Google Review page and Facebook page is overflowing with such reports! It’s not just me, and from the people that I reached out to, only one replied and confirmed that they were able to receive their parcel. As for the others, I hope they were to receive theirs as well, without too much fuss. 

This is also the point where I got scared because as a content creator, this can affect my reputation with brands, so I took it upon myself to get to the bottom of this issue. 

As a last resort, I then called the Customer Support number listed on their website on May 16th and I was able to speak with a bored customer service representative requesting for information about my parcel and I was only provided information that was readily available online. I asked for the contact information of the delivery person so I can personally reach out to the delivery person as it was “Out for Delivery” again that day (May 16th). I wanted the contact number as I was adamant to receive the parcel that day. I was told over the phone that updates will be sent via text but there was no update at all even after about an hour or so.

I think that was the moment that blew my fuse because my absolute pet peeve is people not following up with what they said without a logical reason. 

It’s one thing to say that the requested information can’t be provided and another thing to say that the information will be provided after some time. 

I had to call again to follow up and upon hearing the same thing, I regrettably expressed my annoyance to the customer service representative over the phone. I have been a customer service representative before and I have been on the receiving end of frustration and I know that it’s not the best feeling in the world. I guess a learning nugget from this exchange is to not promise things that we are not able to do as a representative.

I also sent them multiple emails (copying DTI, DICT, and any and all possible email addresses that I could find on their site and social media pages) before I was able to get any sort of response from them. They finally sent me the contact information of the courier and I called said number immediately. 

Fortunately, someone answered and they have confirmed that the package is with them. However, they did not provide their ETA as requested, but assured me the parcel will be delivered the soonest possible time. I also provided the landmark and Google pin link via text along with an alternate contact number so I did not see any excuse for the parcel not to be delivered within the day.

Thankfully, it was indeed delivered within the day and the moment I was able to check that all the products were complete and safe, a huge thorn disappeared from my side. I updated the skincare brand and they were very understanding and kind enough to extend my deadline. 

I am sad that I had to be unsavory with people first when delivery issues like this should not even happen. I don’t like being mad at people and I rarely express my frustration with people as well, opting to share my thoughts with them at a later time, so I can mull it over and think of the best way that I can share my feelings with the said person. 

Times like this, however, I have no choice but to show my frustration because I also had an inkling that the only way they would listen is if I’m already beyond my breaking point. It just sucks, you know? 

I do have to give credit where credit is due because in the heat of the moment, one of the managers got involved and they were able to de-escalate effectively, and actually did what customer service representatives and point of contact persons should do. 

They provided me with correct and reliable information regarding my package and made sure that the delivery person reached out to me, which is what I was requesting. 

I had a second package that came under their care and they were able to update me regarding the delivery and they were also able to deliver it on time. 

I’m very pleased that they were able to learn quickly from the previous situation but I am also so confused as to what happened before. If they were able to fulfill the delivery for the 2nd parcel correctly and without any issues whatsoever, I wonder what happened with the first one? 

Sadly, I am not able to answer that, just like with my experience with PhlPost just a couple months earlier. 

I just hope that it won’t happen again, because it is quite draining to be honest, and I really do not want to deal with this sort of issues. They are very easily avoided, for goodness' sake. I know I'm like a broken by this time but contacting the receivers shouldn’t be that hard as all it takes is a call or a text to the provided number. Even email addresses are often provided. 

After a couple of days, the manager reached out to me again, stating that they are investigating what happened so they can improve their services. They were very nice and explained that they have already rectified the situation and made a process to ensure this wouldn't happen again, which I appreciate very much. While I did have an inkling that this was just to avoid the legal consequences as once they have confirmed that I will not be pursuing legal action, they were quick to end the call, I still appreciate that they reached out to me. For me, it shows that they are willing to improve. 

In conclusion, while I did have a very negative experience with them at first, I'd still say that their customer service definitely made a good impact on me. Will I be using their services? I'm not really sure, but I certainly expect better service from them. 

Update: June 21,2022

They were able to deliver 2 of my packages on time, although I did not get any text or call from them. I was only able to see the packages on my doorstep when I got home. 

I’m a huge fan of Hyaluronic Acid and I am so happy to try new products containing it. From this set, I am so excited to try the Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Toner as this is the first toner I have that has this kind of texture. I also tried it on my hands and I am so intrigued by the finish! Soft, supple, and hydrated but has a demi-matte finish?

Still, I will be using them all in a routine so stay tuned! 

Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Toner 250ml - P 1042

Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Cream 50ml - P 1251

Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Sunscreen 50ml - P 1146

My experience with claiming a parcel from PHLPost: 

It is no secret that the Philippine Postal Office services need to be improved, majorly. 

Earlier this year, I was selected as one of the ISNTREE Review Bus participants for the Philippines. 

Because of the ever-changing rules and regulations due to the pandemic, I really didn’t expect to receive the product quickly. All I did was ask the brand to provide me with the tracking number so I can monitor it. 

Just to provide a timeline, I received the Review Bus message on Feb 4th and got the tracking number on March 11th. 

Now, I do not blame the brand, because, in ideal circumstances, I would have received notification from the courier starting from when the parcel was received and/or shipped out. The said ideal circumstances have consistently happened to me previously as well, so that was what I was expecting. 

So, imagine my utter surprise when the package’s last log was “unsuccessful delivery” FOR THE THIRD TIME was on March 3rd! 

All along I thought the package was just shipped on March 11th (since that was when I received the tracking number), but NO. The parcel was shipped on Feb 17th, reached MNL on Feb 21st, AND had delivery attempts on Feb 23rd, Feb 25th, and Mar 3rd, respectively.

All had the reason “Absence of addressee” as the reason for the failed delivery attempt. 

I never got a text regarding the delivery attempt.

I never got a call regarding a delivery attempt.

I never got an email regarding the delivery attempt. 

Zero communication at all that my package was even for “window” pickup already. 

If I didn’t ask the brand for the tracking number, I wouldn't even know the status of my parcel and I would’ve lost the opportunity to work with one of the most established brands in the skincare industry!

The moment I knew of my unacceptable parcel status, I immediately reached out to all possible lines of communication and support available – email, calls, SMS, Facebook, Instagram, and even Twitter! But to no avail, of course. 

Phone lines were unreachable or just keeps ringing and ringing and ringing —

No one responds to emails, even though I tagged DTI and DICT.

No one responds to my social media claims either

So I had to resort to checking for online reviews to find out what happened with my parcel. 

I am so thankful for the following blog posts and bloggers who helped me figure out what might have happened with my parcel. 

https://www.michiphotostory.com/2017/02/how-to-claim-parcel-in-philpost.html

https://acetronautt.wordpress.com/2017/06/30/kpoptown-and-philpost-review-a-pinoy-kpop-fans-experience-may-june-2017/

https://jacqbrions.blogspot.com/2016/12/fifth.html

https://dblackbitch.blogspot.com/2013/09/philpostbureau-of-customs-service.html

https://missbutterball.com/2020/06/19/intl-swap-via-phlpost/

Due to my busy schedule, I was only able to collect my parcel on March 28th, and boy, if I thought my issues were done with PhlPost, heck no! 

Upon checking the tracking details, the last update was that my parcel was at PHZONE1, which is the Makati Post Office. So, I went there, waited for about 15 minutes before a clerk assisted me (had to follow up with a security guard because there was no one at the window I was directed to), before being told that my parcel was at another post office! 

Imagine my frustration! 

But since I needed the parcel and it was the only day that I had time to get it, I pushed through and went to Pasay. 

Of course, I had to go through loops to get it at the Pasay Post Office. 

When I arrived, the front desk had me fill out a form and then told me to go to the 2nd floor. When I went up, the 2nd-floor personnel redirected me to the 1st floor, 3rd window i.e. the EMS Window. Which, apparently, is where I should’ve been directed to all along. 

Hassle upon hassle upon hassle. 

To get it over with, I gave the clerk the tracking number and was told to wait for my name to be called. 

I had to wait for over an hour for a parcel that should’ve been delivered to me at home. 

What’s even more annoying was that I wasn’t the only claimant waiting, and there was staff just standing and chatting around! Claimants were being called one by one despite there being employees not doing anything and despite there being about 4 windows open. I understand having specific roles and such, but isn’t it logical to assign more employees to assist with the claiming process to avoid wasting time? I guess it doesn’t matter much because it’s just our time that is being wasted and not theirs? Maddening. 

Yes, I got my parcel after an hour of waiting because they had to manually locate it in the logs and the storehouse, and only one lady was working at the window where I had to claim my parcel. 

Once I got my parcel I immediately opened it and checked it to see if it was still complete and intact because who knows where and how it was stored from arrival till the 28th. Thankfully, it was intact and the items inside were complete. 

All in all, I wasted about PhP1000 in fares and lunch just to get a package that has already been paid for and should have been delivered to my doorstep. 

(Edit: I know some EMS/KPacket parcels are for window claiming right from the start, but still, why why why was I not even notified of my package's arrival here in the PH??? I checked with my fellow Isntree Review Bus participants and theirs were delivered. WTH?)

I guess the only respite is that I was not charged the so-called storage fee of P112. I would have probably blown my top off if I was charged on top of the hassle I experienced. 

I did ask the clerks to know why my parcel or a notice card was not provided, and their replies were so unsatisfactory and seemed like a canned response because it was the same for both post offices.

Reasons I was given why it was not delivered to be despite of the June 2021 update that tax free (under 10,000 worth) items are to be delivered door to door: 

1. There is no contact number on the package - there IS!!!! 

2. No one is available to receive my package - I work from home and was at home during the failed delivery dates. 

Funny how they never said that no one answered when they tried to reach out to me, maybe because THEY NEVER EVEN TRIED! 

As someone who pays my taxes dutifully, I am so disappointed with this singular experience because I did not have issues with PhlPost or EMS (whatever they are called) previously. I have been charged with the P112 previously upon delivery and also wasn’t charged, but all previous packages were delivered to my doorstep. 

What changed in the past couple of months that suddenly I had to claim my parcel? 

Not going to lie, it was an experience to finally be able to know where the post offices are, but my goodness, it is annoying AF. Not to mention pricey! I could have done something way better with my time instead of trying to figure them out. 

I’m just expressing my frustration at this point, because what if I was not provided with the tracking number? Would my parcel have just rotted in the storehouse? 

I like to think of being chosen as one of the 50 Isntree PH review bus participants as being a representative of the country, and if this is the impression that is being provided, it’s no surprise that brands are choosing to use a different courier service. 

I don’t even want to imagine how many other packages were lost simply because of the lack of updates from PhlPost. Scrolling through the social media accounts of PhlPost, there are so many citizens that have more important parcels than mine, and so many worse experiences than mine. Some have been even waiting for the parcels for over a year! 

Sigh. 

While I have so much more to say, I am consciously deciding to shut up and end this blog post now before I say something more unsavory.

Do I recommend using PhlPost for packages? 

BIG NOPE! 

I’d rather pay the premium of other courier companies rather than deal with the BS again. 

Hello!

Hello! 

I'm Nessa, your resident Bulakenya in Manila and an alopecia survivor. (Yes, I'm back to blogging, finally.)

Three years ago, my hair started falling out and when I got checked by my doctor, it turned out to be Diffuse Alopecia Areata. 

Throughout the course of about 3-5 months, I lost 95% of my hair. On my 22nd birthday, I decided to shave my head and accept whatever life will throw at me. 

Fortunately, after shaving it off, it started growing back little by little. Of course, it wouldn't be like that if not for my talented dermatologist, Dr. Paolo Lizarondo.  

With that little growth that I had, I made a pact with the Universe that I wouldn't touch my hair for a year -- no salon, no hair cut, no colors, no nothing -- as long as I don't have to go through it again. 

A year turned to two because I was so scared of having anything done, in fear of the unknown. Two years then turned to three, then three years, and a couple more months because of the pandemic. 

I turned 25 this year and I really wanted to change it up because I felt like it was the right time to do so. I scheduled an appointment with Sir George Salon Premier back in March 2021, but it got moved and moved because of the MECQ. 

Finally, on May 14th, my salon schedule pushed through! 

So sorry for the long intro, but yep here's my Sir George Salon Premier experience! :) 

My partner and I got there at around 1:30PM-ish and there were only a couple customers inside. 

At first, they were confused about my appointment but after explaining what happened, they worked super quickly. 

Sir Ronnie Aristales (Senior Stylist), Sir Gold (Junior Stylist), and Sir Elphie (Junior Stylist) were the ones who took care of us during our stay. All throughout the time we were there, they were warm and friendly but also professional. They were making jokes, telling stories, but at the same time, working efficiently. When you visit the salon, I highly recommend that you request them so you get the same wonderful experience as I did. 

I went in with a clear idea in my mind. Here are the pegs that I showed Sir Ronnie, including the color I wanted. 

Hairstyle, photos taken from IG, linked the accounts below.

Hair color, from Google

They started off with assessing my hair, and clarifying what I wanted to do with my hair. They were very thorough in making sure we were both on the same page with my hair plans which I really appreciate because it put my mind at ease. Since this was my first salon experience in quite some time, I was also very nervous. They assured me that they knew what needed to be done.

The first step was having my hair washed, which felt so nice even though it was weird having someone else wash and even touch my hair. After that, I went back to the chair and had my hair cut. 

I opted for armpit-length hair with layers to give my hair some shape, and some face hairpieces. I didn't want curtain bangs (or any bangs for that matter), but rather something like Enma Ai and Yumeko's hairpieces. I don't know what to call it, but here's their hairstyle. 

Sir Ronnie did the rest of the styling, my only request was to keep the longest parts armpit length. The rest was up to him. Because of our clear communication and how he listens, I loved how my haircut turned out. I felt fresh and light, and most importantly, it felt like me. 

Here's a photo of my hair before and my hair after the hair, both unstyled (1st pic just washed, 2nd pic just dried). 

After the haircut, they started the sectioning for the bleaching, which looked like this. My hair was bleached for about 1.5 hours and then foiled for about 30 minutes. I requested that the bleach not be put near my scalp/roots because I felt like it wasn't necessary with the look (and I didn't like the feeling tbh) that I was going for and Sir Ronnie agreed. 

After bleaching, my hair looked like this: 

When my hair was dried, it looked like this. 

Not sure if this kind of blonde suits me... 

Now for best part, achieving my dream hair color! My hair was divided into 3 parts, left, right, and the top part. 

For the top part, I wanted it to be flush with my natural color. They did an amazing color match to be honest because it doesn't; look unnatural on me unlike with simple black dye. If I remember correctly, it was a dark brown blend. 

With all that said, here are the results! 

For my right part, I wanted an emerald green, but not so obvious. I wanted it to be subtler green and the team was able to achieve it amazingly. 

For the left part, I wanted it a toned blonde. I didn't expect it to have a rosy shade, but I am not complaining. I loved how it contrasted the right side and the top part! 

Here's how it looks side by side, with flash and without flash. 

And here are pictures I took when I finally had the chance to glam up. 

Thank you, Sir George Salon Premier - Venice Grand Canal Mall, Mckinley Hill , for taking care of my hair! I'll be back for a color change soon <3 

Update:

They now offer home service packages!