by Erica Jahn

Scrap yard of Wastes in Fukuoka rehabilitates ex-prisoners

March 20, 2013

photo by NT

Getting a life outside prison is even more challenging for released prisoners. It’s almost impossible for them to get hired by companies with their criminal records. Their will to start over is always coupled with a mark that may separate them from the community.

So what happens to them after getting out of prison?

While some are tempted to repeat their offenses out of helplessness in making ends meet, some are fortunate to find a decent job offered by generous people who believe in second chances.

In Fukuoka, a company called “Human Harbor” hires ex-prisoners to work in its recycling plant. The work of the ex-convicts is to recycle scraps harbored from industrial company and sell them to other companies. They then receive wage enough to pay for their accommodation, food and clothing.

“Human Harbor” was established by Isao Soejima, a real estate company owner, with the help of 30 investors who shared the company starting capital of USD 400, 000. The goal of the company is to fully help the criminals turn back from their crimes and have normal life. Although there are shareholders, technically they don’t get dividends. Their real profit is in lessening the crimes in Japan.

It’s indeed a great help not only for the ex-prisoners but for the whole society as well. Empowering the ex-criminals is one great way to fight crimes.

Are there companies in your country similar to “Human Harbor”? As for my country, I still need to find out. Hope you can share yours too 🙂

Author

Erica Jahn

Erica is a former PR pro turned entrepreneur. Her greatest joys are family, blogging, music, skin care and social justice. As a Muay Thai enthusiast, Erica prides herself on working with increased focus, humility and diligence. She believes in living a fit life doing everything with a flair of creativity and love! Stalk her social channels @thegirlwiththemujihat

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I tried Pyoor Spa’s 24k Gold Facial and I LOVED it!

In Beauty, Hair, Uncategorized

April 8, 2019

Pyoor Spa’s signature 24k Gold Facial is nothing like any skin care treatment I have had before. From start to finish, I loved it. It is something I wouldn’t feel guilty about spending my money on. It’s gold!!!

These days, I try to get a facial once a month to cleanse and hydrate my skin and also to relax. But truth be told, I haven’t really found a spa to frequent to because I am just so hard to please. LOL. I’m kidding. I just felt that I had mediocre treatments from the ones in our area—not gonna drop any names—but seriously, I am hoping to find a facial salon with warm receptionists and estheticians who are not only well-trained but also love doing their job.

That said, I am fortunate to know about Pyoor Spa and to try their newest skin care treatment: 24K Gold Facial

Facial beds at Pyoor Spa

Massage Beds (I just woke up haha I took a nap)

Pyoor Essentials International

Pyoor Spa is owned by Pyoor Essentials International, a company founded by a seasoned businessman & renowned network marketing industry leader, banded with a power-house team of MLM movers, Cosmetic Scientist from the University of Pennsylvania, Chemists, a passionate Formulator of Organic skin care products & an FMCG top executive as a consultant. The company is engaged in the marketing of certified organic skin care products, Kosher Certified ingredients of supplements and beverages. It prides itself on sourcing products that are pure, safe, effective and maintain a steadfast commitment to zero tolerance of all animal testing from their product line.

Accordingly, the products they use at Pyoor Spa are pure, safe, effective, and animal cruelty-free.

Some products from Pyoor Essentials International

Inside Pyoor Spa

The moment I stepped in, I was greeted by everything relaxing—scent, music, ambience, lighting, the smile of the receptionist as she attended to me. I immediately knew I was in for a two-hour ultimate pampering experience.

Pyoor Spa offers a variety of face, body, and beauty treatments. For this visit, I tried the 24K Gold Facial.

Drinking before my facial LOLS

Pyoor Spa’s Signature 24K Gold Facial

I know a facial should begin with a consultation. But I think because the treatment works miracles for all skin types, there is nothing to consult about – unless you are actually allergic to gold… also, in each step of the process, the esthetician discusses contraindications, so I understand if there’s no sit-down moment before going to the facial room.

1. Scalp massage and hair combing

The esthetician asked me if it is okay to comb my curly hair. Apparently, the facial starts with a scalp massage and yes, combing the hair! And it was very relaxing. She also explained the importance of massaging the scalp and combing hair every time. It provides deep relaxation (SO TRUE!) to the head and scalp, allowing easier blood circulation to the hair roots. With improved blood circulation on the scalp, the hair roots get nourished which triggers hair growth and also gives the hair natural shine!

2. Cleansing

After the massage, the esthetician wrapped my hair with a headband and started thorough cleansing followed by a diamond peel. You can check my Instagram stories to see snippets of the procedures.

3. Steam

A cold gel patch was put onto my eyes and then warmed my face with a thin vapor of steam.

4. Extractions

This is the part I wish to avoid but at the same time, I look forward to experiencing. Luckily, the esthetician was gentle yet meticulous in removing blackheads or whiteheads. There were instances I got teary-eyed but the pain brought by pricking was tolerable. I am satisfied too by how thoroughly she removed dirt from my face. I really feel cleaner.

5. High-frequency

Not really sure how it’s called but yeah the slightly painful pricking was followed up with a high-frequency glass electrode placed on my skin. The electrode generates a little current to help kill bacteria and help the skin heal. Sounds painful but it is not. No discomfort at all.

6. 24K Gold Facial Mask

Next, the therapist applied the gold mask. It felt like other masks although it became a wee bit itchy when it dried. Which I think, again, is like other masks. The gold mask was put on to my face for 20 minutes.

7. Galvanic facial with the 24k Gold Essence

After the gold mask was removed, the gold essence was applied using a medium-amperage direct current. Like the high-frequency it sounds scary but it’s again, painless, also does wonders to the skin – particularly it stimulates skin cells, softens skin, and drive 24k Gold Essence deep into the skin layers.

8. 24k Gold Evening Gel

The final application involved applying 24k Gold Evening Gel onto my face. It smelled and felt amazing.

Skin condition after the 24K Gold Facial Treatment

Like I said, It was nothing like I’ve tried before. I am blown away by how smooth and fresh my skin was. Unfortunately, my battery drained I didn’t get to take post-treatment photos BUT I SWEAR, my skin was rejuvenated, tightened, has better clarity.

I was expecting red spots. You know the marks you get after a facial? But with Pyoor Spa’s 24K Gold Facial, there’s none. My face is what I can call a “date-ready” face even without makeup. It just looks and feels so fresh! I felt pretty and stress-free afterwards!

The treatment for me is a 15/10. It exceeded my expectation and left me genuinely happy! My skin stayed clear with a healthy glow for up to a week after the treatment.

Treatment price

The introductory price until May 31st is Php1,800. Regular Rate is at Php2,500. THE PRICE IS REASONABLE! And with the introductory price, you absolutely get MORE THAN what you’re paying for!!!

Pyoor 24K Gold Set

For home skin care, I was recommended to use the Pyoor 24K Gold Set.

View this post on Instagram

24K Gold Set by @pyooressentials is here! Experience glow like no other with this total skin care nourishment 💛💛💛 . . . . . #glowlikenoother #pyoor #pyooressentials #pyoorgoldset #pyoor24kgoldset #pyoor24kgold #skincare #goldmask #goldmoisturizer #beautybox #nourishyourskin #beautydeepwithin #beautyskindeep #experiencepyoor #bloggers #travelbloggers #pinaybloggers #lifestylebloggersph #lifestylephotos #skinroutine #pyoorspa #goldskincare #goldskin

A post shared by Erica Poyauan (@thegirlwiththemujihat) on Mar 29, 2019 at 10:47am PDT

The gold set (you can see from the photo above) consists of four items:

1. 24k Gold Bar Soap

2. 24k Gold Essence

3. 24k Gold Night Gel

4. 24k Gold Mask

The gold set costs Php7,999. But can last up to 2 months with daily use.

Let me share the benefits and ingredients of each item in the gold set:

PYOOR 24K GOLD ESSENCE

BENEFITS:

* maintains a skin regeneration and blood microcirculation

* helps repair damaged skin and replenish essential lipids and moisture in the skin

* prevent thickened skin and rejuvenate aging skin

* restores supple & healthy skin

* helps develop softer & firmer skin

* increases collagen & elastin production

* smooth out fine lines & wrinkles

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

aloe vera hydrosol

witch hazel hydrosol

sesame seed oil

orange peel oil

lavender oil

vegetable glycerin

citric acid

daymoist®

24k gold powder (amla)

vitamin f forte ®

vitamins a-c & e

leucidal®

PYOOR 24K GOLD SOAP

BENEFITS:

* reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

* reduces the appearance of sun damage

* reduces age spots

* helps lighten skin & even out skin tone

* makes skin look and feel smoother and softer

* slows down collagen depletion

* look younger almost immediately

* provides a golden glow

* promotes skins firmness & elasticity

* minimizes skin inflammation

* lifts the skin

* lessens scarring and skin blemishes

* repairs damaged skin cells

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

soap base vegetable glycerin

vitamin c

wheat germ (Triticum vulgare)

marine collagen peptide

24k gold powder

licorice

gooseberry

(amla)

soy peptides

sage essential oil

PYOOR 24K GOLD JELLY MASK

BENEFITS:

* enhance exfoliation of the skin surface

* refines and smooths the skin

* helps shrink pores for more even texture and tone

* resurfaces the skin without irritation

* hydrates the skin & protects against moisture loss and oxidation damage

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

amazonian clay

grapeseed oil

bio-enzyme plus powder

vitamin c powder

24k gold powder

PYOOR 24K GOLD NIGHT GEL

BENEFITS:

* helps invigorate your skin’s youthful appearance and luminous radiance

* results are immediately visible as well as progressive

* increases collagen & elastin production

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

aloe vera leaf gel

vegetable glycerin

cucumber hydrosol

hyaluronic acid

moroccan argan oil

marine collagen

tomato extract

bearberry extract

vitamin b3 (niacinamide)

vitamin f forte™

vitamins a-c & e

leucidal®

jojoba seed oil

rosemary extract

rosehip oil

amla + 24k gold powder

How to get to Pyoor Spa

For more information about their brand, you may call them at (+632) 477 3752 or email them at pyoorei@gmail.com or pyoorei.epd@gmail.com or visit their site http://www.pyooressentials.com/ and visit them on their office Unit 1102 Galleria Corporate Center EDSA Ortigas Ave., Ortigas Center, Quezon City, Philippines.

Parting Words

With the incredible post-treatment result, reasonable price, total pampering experience before and during the facial, there is no way to ignore this treatment. Pyoor Spa’s 24K Gold Facial Treatment is rejuvenating; figuratively and literally it is gold. It is a treasure I am happy to have found. You gotta try it too!

Do you get regular facials? What do you think of this 24K Gold facial treatment by Pyoor Spa? Do you want to try it? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!

The Linden Suites Media Appreciation Night at the Sky Lounge

In Uncategorized

December 20, 2019

A Media Appreciation Night was hosted on Thursday, December 19th by The Linden Suites (TLS) corporate staff as a way to enhance collaboration with the media and to extend appreciation to their blogger partners.

The celebration, which highlighted the TLS 2020 marketing agenda, was held at the property’s roof deck function room, the Sky Lounge which offers a stunning view of the Ortigas nightscape. Members of the executive committee and marketing team were present. Bloggers and media partners participated in the exciting event.

The evening kicked off with opening remarks from The Linden Suites new General Manager Ma. Celeste Romualdez. She welcomed everyone as she expressed her excitement to rejoin the company as the new General Manager.

Romualdez said that it was heartening to know that the media have always given their fullest support in promoting the various events and activities that have been organized and held by the premier residence over the years.

Subsequent to her speech was Marketing Communications Manager Melissa Ferrer’s straightforward discussion on the TLS 2020 marketing campaign that is, according to her, “Filipino, nurturing, sustainable, and responsible”.

She proudly emphasized that TLS is transitioning to products and services that are more environment-friendly, locally-sourced, more gender-inclusive, more personal and more detail-oriented while still reflecting its commitment to its guests.

“Our focus remains steadfast on our guests, the main reason why we have been thriving for the past years. it’s only but right that we bring it back all to them as we usher in the 20th year of being in the industry—give back as we usher in the 20th year of The Linden Suites… So please anticipate greater things to come from The Linden Suites in 2020,” Ferrer added.

Following the remarks, members of the media and TLS team had a chance to network while enjoying a cocktail dinner prepared by The Happy Chef.

I got the chance to meet new blogger friends like Levy Amosin of Hugging Horizons and Kara Santos of Travel Up. Other blogger friends I got to enjoy the evening with: Marky Ramone Go of Nomadic Experiences; Joshua Berida of The Wandering Juan; Karla Ramos of Karlaroundtheworld, Tina Punzal of Hungry Travel Duo; Hannah Villasis of Flair Candy; Micaela Rodriguez of Senyorita.net; Kim Baylon of Chasing Curious Alice; Summer Rain Drew and her son Justin.

Al fresco drinking prepared by JCAB I-Mix Mobile Bar and entertainment performance put together by the staff of the hotel made the night livelier. Hotel Staycation vouchers and other prizes were raffled off. I was among the lucky winners to get an overnight stay with breakfast for two at The Linden Suites.

After the dining portion of Thursday night’s celebration, Janice Vicente, Director of Sales and Marketing gave a toast celebrating the “the attendees, the holidays, and the upcoming 2020”.

Cocktail dinner prepared by The happy Chef during The Linden Suites Media Appreciation Night at the Sky Lounge

Cocktail shrimp in a shot glass by The Happy Chef

Meat Balls by The Happy Chef

Photo by the photo wall

Ortigas at dusk

Stunning view of Ortigas cityscape from The Linden Suite Sky Lounge

Ortigas center night lights

(From left to right) Melissa Ferrer, The Linden Suites Marketing Communications Manager, Ma. Celeste Romualdez, The Linden Suites General Manager, Erica Poyauan (that’s me!), Janice Vicente, The Linden Suites Director of Marketing and Sales, and Ron Allan Gacutan, The Linden Suites Financial Controller

General Manager Ma. Celeste Romualdez giving her opening remarks

mobile bar

This Sangria is refreshing

Tina, me, Marcomm Manager Melissa Ferrer, and General Manager Romualdez

A photo of Hungry Travel Duo, Flair Candy, me and The Wandering Juan in between our drinks

The Linden Suites’ corporate giveaways include locally-sourced bamboo products that front natural appeal and usability.

About The Linden Suites

The Linden Suites is strategically located in the heart of Ortigas Center near an array of lifestyle and leisure activities. It makes for an ideal sanctuary when in the vibrant city of Pasig. Guests can definitely rest a little easier as the hotel depicts functional simplicity and comfort through its spacious suites and refreshing ambience.

The Linden Suites’ 168 tastefully designed rooms, from Deluxe rooms to One-bedroom, Two-bedroom, Three-bedroom and Penthouse suites, are perfectly suited to satisfy your needs. The suites have a fully-equipped kitchen and dining all perfect for satisfaction.

Dine a little grander while indulging in the splendid view of Ortigas Center. The Happy Chef, located on the 2nd floor The Linden Suites, offers one of the finest local and international dining experiences. From international to authentic local delectable cuisines prepared by passionate culinary artists, you will surely experience gastronomic pleasures to suit your cravings.

Soak a little longer at The Linden Suites’ Health Club. A temperature-controlled indoor pool so you can go for a quick swim; a Jacuzzi hot tub so you can sit back and relax; and a fully equipped gym so you can keep up with your fitness regimen. The saunas and massage rooms provide a refreshing sanctuary where you can rejuvenate after a long day.

The charm of a good life echoes throughout the facilities and amenities. All are tastefully furnished to make you feel at ease.

Parting Words

Whether you are staying for business or leisure, at The Linden Suites, you will always find room to refresh. Get the best available rate when you book directly at The Linden Suites website. To know more about The Linden Suites’ online and offline promotions, visit their website.