While checking out new deals from Groupon, I was happy to find out they were helping The Philippine National Red Cross gather donations. Whoever thought of this is a genius! Donating via voucher purchase is by far the most convenient (at least for me) and up to date way of helping. I already bought mine which shows that I'm really living up to my blog's title. So to all CO VOUCHER ADDICTS out there, before buying a coupon for yourself, purchase at least one for our calamity-stricken kababayans in Mindanao. 

     To start donating you may log on to http://www.beeconomic.com.ph/deals/metro_manila/philippine-red-cross-emergency-alert--tropical-storm-sendong-donate-p100-to-the-victims-of-tropical-storm-sendong-today/715926326. A hundred bucks might seem small but when grouped together can make a BIG difference! If I'm not mistaken, that's what Groupon is all about anyway right?

Some Vouchers DO SUCK!

     I know by now most of you have heard of or purchased vouchers from websites like Ensogo, Cashcashpinoy, Groupon, Metrodeal and many more. I for one have been an avid follower and client of such sites since October 2010. Initially I was very hesitant to try it but when I found a very good deal on Ensogo with a skincare clinic I know and have trusted for eternity (YSA Skincare Center), I went ahead with my first voucher purchase. 

     The service I got from YSA was the same thing they do with regular clients. I'm sure of this 'cause I've been one since I was in college. This successful transaction gave me confidence in purchasing more vouchers but I kept my guard up on some deals offered by unfamiliar establishments. I was thinking, sooner or later, some of these deals are bound to suck. That day came when I bought a Metrodeal voucher featuring a Hydro Jet Facial Treatment at Skin U Love in Mother Ignacia Avenue, Q.C.  

     Scheduling an appointment wasn't at all a problem since their staff was accommodating on the phone. On the day of my visit, the staff immediately offered me an additional service of facial cleaning (as expected). She explained and insisted that facial cleaning was recommended before a hydro jet facial for best results. I just had facial cleaning with acne surgery 2 weeks prior and I really didn't like to have another that soon, especially in a clinic that I'm not familiar with, so I declined. But she kept on insisting which lead me to just tell her I didn't bring extra money. That was when they showed their true color. They were LOUDLY speaking to each other in their dialect which I found very rude and unprofessional. They just pointed me to the treatment room and assumed I knew what to do next. The so called REVOLUTIONARY treatment was over in less than 15 minutes. I really got my money's worth because their service was as CHEAP as their voucher. As for their staff, they were UNPROFESSIONAL and very JUDGEMENTAL. They already labelled me as a VOUCHER HOLDER instead of a client. I couldn't believe such POOR service existed in a clinic that looks reputable from the outside. I didn't show them my disgust, instead I waltzed out of their so called skin clinic without giving any tip, besides, they don't deserve a single centavo.

Books I've missed..

     In the past 3 to 4 years of being a pediatric resident, there was never enough time to rest, let alone sit down and enjoy reading a book besides Nelson (our reference book in pediatrics). Every minute of your existence counts and you always seem to find yourself working against the clock. This may be one of the reasons why I'm now going back to my first love... Reading. Don't get me wrong, I'm really not the type who has read all the New York Time's best sellers. I just read what I feel like reading. From inspirational books to romance novels and even short stories depending on what I think I need. I also read books recommended by friends, in that way I wouldn't be finding myself tossing the book back to the shelf after reading a few pages.

     While I was reviewing for my diplomate board exam last month, I came across people who had the luxury of time to sit snuggly in the comfortable couch of starbucks or coffeebean to read novels, magazines or news papers while there I was, sitting on a hard wooden chair to keep me awake while reading pages after pages of pediatric diseases. On the day I learned I passed the exam, I went immediately to Powerbooks and luckily bought 2 romance novels on sale! 'The Bride' by Julie Garwood and 'Highland Velvet' by Jude Deveraux. Just yesterday I bought Joshua Harris' book 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye' and I still plan on buying more from my friends' recommended author, Paolo Coelho. Maybe I'll read the twilight saga agian. Well, it really doesn't matter which one comes first, I'm just so happy for finally having the time to read.

UPDATE:

     I am currently hooked on the novels written by Julie Garwood and Jude Deveraux. I have finished reading 4 novels in less than a month! I also purchased 2 novels from ibooks and I find it so convenient to read novels using the ipad! 

     But even so, I still prefer the feel of a pocketbook on my hand and do my reading the primitive way. I just finished reading 'The Velvet Promise' and I am now about to start with Garwood's 'Gentle Warrior'. Talk about a reading comeback! 

OBAGI: Signature Facial Treatment

     While browsing the net last september, I stumbled upon a Groupon deal offered by the House of Obagi. They were offering their signature facial treatment for 50% off, from Php 3,500 down to Php 1,750. Knowing I couldn't get any other chance like it, I immediately succumbed to the offer and bought one.

     Two months after purchasing the voucher, I decided to avail of the offer and gave their Trinoma branch a call for reservations. The attendant I spoke to was very accomodating and was suggesting the best possible time for me to visit their clinic. She immediately confirmed that I was on their list and can drop by the next morning with the voucher.

     On the day of my treatment, they made me fill up an information sheet and in less than 5 minutes I was being lead to one of their treatment rooms. The room, as expected, was impressive. It was quite small but cozy and very private. Miss Julie, the nurse who assisted me, was very nice and made sure I was comfortable. Unlike in other skin care clinics, they didn't ask me to wash my face clean before the procedure though I came in prepared without any make up on, just a thin layer of sunblock on my face. When the treatment started, I realized why they didn't ask me to wash my face before the procedure, because they do the cleaning for you. They massaged my face for what seemed like forever with different Obagi products. Miss Julie was telling me what the products were before each application. Then came the most dreadful part of all skin cleaning procedures, the acne surgery. She was telling me how the procedure may be painful but I assured her I was prepared. True enough the acne surgery made me teary eyed but over all, the pain wasn't different from the last procedures I had. What I did like about it was the equally long facial massage and application of different Obagi products including vitamin C and a moisturizer with spf 30. They also used a machine which visibly reduced my skin's redness due to the surgery. In effect, my face wasn't too flushed or swollen after the procedure. Another thing I found unique with their service was the arm massage while waiting for my face to dry up. Finally, after the treatment, they didn't woo me into buying their products and suggested a skin consult with their in-house Dermatologist (which comes free with any procedure). The reason why they don't sell the products directly to clients is that the Dermatologists are the only ones authorized to prescribe them after examining your skin's condition. I find this very impressive and it definitely sets them far apart from many other skincare clinics who freely dispense skin products without an expert opinion.

     My experience with Obagi has been heavenly and though it was still expensive despite the 50% discount, the service they offered was worth every penny they charged. I may not be coming back often but I will certainly return when I feel the need to pamper myself with the best quality service, the Obagi way.