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Strip (Ministry of Waxing): Celebrating baring beauty

Discover Strip: Ministry of Waxing, which aims to introduce a “wax revolution” – one that uses a set of Brazilian waxing techniques that is significantly less painful and, yes, less embarrassing.

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As late as 2002, many of the waxing practices could still be called – well – medieval. We’re talking dodgy waxing studios dishing out unhygienic and painful waxes that left its clients unable to walk in a straight line, maybe for days on end.

But Singaporean Cynthia Chua – eventually known as the “original smooth operator” – believed that there was a place for body culture that’s practiced safely, hygienically and painlessly. So, she set about seeding the beginnings of a “wax revolution”; this eventually led to her formulation of a brand new set of Brazilian waxing techniques that was significantly less painful and, yes, less embarrassing.

And as she helped make waxing elegant, Strip: Ministry of Waxing was established.

And even now, the venue that still dubs itself as a “little outfit” after starting its operations in Singapore in 2002, has one somewhat simple aim: To help you conquer body foliage and achieve that baby smooth skin.

StripThere are now two branches of Strip: Ministry of Waxing in the Philippines, eyeing to offer its services in the country.

In the beginning, the company found challenging “educating the market about getting waxed – and a Brazilian at that!” admitted Tab Abad, managing director of HaRem Inc. This apprehension of customers was somewhat explained by the then existing practices in salons in the country, where “a lot of salons don’t have hygienic practices; they double dip their waxes”.

The company was “fanatical” about its practice, actually becoming the first salon to introduce the “No Double Dipping” policy; as well as introducing the “Hygiene Pack”, widely known (and acknowledged) since it mandates that each customer is given a new and individually sealed pouch containing disposable waxing equipment (including gloves, face masks, pH balance wet wipes and spatulas).

The company is also known for its menu filled with secret-recipe lotions that treat waxed areas with an “unrivalled tenderness, as well as amazing post-wax products”, including the Bromelaine-laced X ED Out Cream, which is an emollient cream that wards off nasty ingrown hairs, and the Strip Ice Cream, which is a soothing post-wax and IPL cream.

The best part? The waxperts (that is, wax experts) can deliver the services in an industry record-breaking 15 minutes.

In the Philippines, Abad said that “we had to educate each and every customer who came into the shop. At the end, they appreciated (what we did) because they learned a lot from us.”

Eventually, the Philippine market response to Strip: Ministry of Waxing has been largely favorable. “Being an international franchise helped our credibility and believability,” Abad said. But more than that, “we have a dedicated R&D team, and practically everything we have at the store is imported and made exclusively for Strip. Having customized waxes means we really take into consideration one’s skin, the climate…”

Also, “our customers enjoy going to Strip because our stores and waxes are fun and not (similar to those experienced in) the usual clinical type of salon.”

Strip: Ministry of Waxing’s waxes are biodegrable and FDA approved, and they don’t contain materials consisting of plastic or anything hazardous to the environment.

Today, STRIP: Ministry of Waxing has a hairless presence in major capital cities from London, New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, to Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bangkok – aside from Singapore and Manila, of course.

The company is already eyeing growing in other parts of the Philippines.

For more information on, or to avail the services of the Strip: Ministry of Waxing, visit STRIP GREENBELT at 4/Floor of Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Store space 4-003B, Makati City with telephone number (+632) 5013997; or STRIP SERENDRA at 2/F The Piazza at Serendra
Store, Space 2C26 & 2C27, Taguig City with telephone number (+632) 9010892.
Else, visit http://www.strip-manila.com/ for more information.

"If someone asked you about me, about what I do for a living, it's to 'weave words'," says Kiki Tan, who has been a writer "for as long as I care to remember." This one writes about... anything and everything.

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Destinations

Going Chinese in Pulilan, Bulacan

Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan, and we’re on the fence here (yes if no choice, no if you can go elsewhere).

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We happened to be in Pulilan in Bulacan, and I had pancit craving. As if on cue, we passed by Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan, which – after we Google-checked – is supposedly one of the more frequently-visited Chinese restos in these parts of the province, so… of course we checked.

@outragemag Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, this place is really, REALLY easy to find. Located along the Pulilan Regional Road in Barangay Cut-cot in Pulilan, this is right in the middle of the municipality.

Ikalawa, the resto is actually divided into three parts: one side is for those with reservations, another part is for walk-in diners, and another part is for events. If/when the resto isn’t full, only the main part (middle one) is kept open.

No, this isn’t some fancy resto. More like an airconditioned karinderya, complete with wooden tables and plastic chairs. Look-wise, it wasn’t dirty naman when we were there, so that’s a plus.

Ikatlo, the workers were friendly naman… and they moved fast – e.g. while waiting for our orders, we were given must-check peanuts, and since we finished what we got fast, our waitress was more than happy to accommodate us.

Ika-apat, now… how was the food?

The house specialty, the Lee Foo Chicken (₱265 for half, ₱495 for whole), looked like fried chicken with ketchup. Okay… the breading was okay since it didn’t overpower the meat. The chicken, too, was properly cooked, and it wasn’t dry. But it was tasteless overall; so the ketchup taste is what stays with you.

The Pancit Canton Bihon (₱255) had thin pancit noodles, almost as thin as the bihon. It didn’t have lots of sahog; instead, you’d notice the extenders (like kikiam, and so on). I like good pancit, I swear… but this isn’t one of them, sorry.

The weirdly-wrapped Hakaw (₱155) was small, so it was bitin.

And then there’s the Siomai Steam (₱155), which was, in a word, weird. The size was good, similar to those ₱10 siomais. But the way this was prepared was weird for us – e.g. like the meat was overwatered, and having a hard time staying solid, so that it was smudgy, and disintegrated in the mouth even without chewing. I suppose that, at least, it wasn’t disgusting taste-wise.

Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is, we believe, popular. Like President in Chinatown, or a branch of David’s in some mall. To each his or her own nga naman. But for us, we’re off to look for other Chinese restos na muna as we head out in search of more lafangan venues.

Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is located at 159 Barangay Cut-cot, Pulilan, 3005 Bulacan Province. For more information, contact 0925 800 0168, or email leefoopanciteria@yahoo.com.

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Travel

Treacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales

#Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales.

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Yes, tech has made many lighthouses redundant. Not that they’re no longer relevant. But navigation-wise, we know we have more advanced solutions. Which, perhaps not surprisingly, led to the reconfiguration of many of them.

In Holyhead, Anglesey in Wales, introducing the South Stack Lighthouse.

@outragemag #Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, you’d need a ride to be there. Some use private cars, as we did; others join tours; and others cycle to the place.

Ikalawa, what’s there?

The lighthouse itself is located on a small, rocky island off Holyhead. From afar, it looks like someone’s grand home; mansion-like. Accessible siya after you descend down 400 steep steps. 

What will you see while there?

  • the former lighthouse engine room
  • the top of the lighthouse
  • South Stack is also home to breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins

Here’s an FYI: seasonal lang siya bukas.

This is a must-check for lighthouse lovers, of course. Historic, it was built in 1809 by Trinity House from the design of Daniel Alexander. 91-foot tall, it used to allow safe passage for ships on the Dublin–Holyhead–Liverpool sea route. 

Another FYI: It is  allegedly haunted, and has been visited by a team from “Most Haunted”.

The area housing the lighthouse is, itself, worth checking. There are trails for hikers or joggers or cyclists; though the same could be enjoyed by those who are there only to look for good shots.

Check when you’re in the area… even if you just pass by. Nice siya, promise.

But off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa

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Travel

Enjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales

Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales.

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When in Bangor, you’d be told often that among the best things to do is to hike. And among the must-check is the Snowdonia Slate Trail, which links the old slate-quarrying communities of Eryri/Snowdonia.

So… ayan na nga, even without the right outfit for hiking, but ayaw ma-miss ang chance to check the area, off we went.

@outragemag Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, the circular route starts near Bangor/Porth Penrhyn. And you need a car or whatever to get to the starting point.

Ikalawa, the trail isn’t just for hiking. It’s also for biking or walking dogs. So you’d be sharing the 133-kilometer long trail with others.

Ikatlo, what’s there?

Mountains built by remnants from quarry sites, to start.

So… Gwynedd used to be known for slate quarrying, and among the biggest players is Penrhyn Quarry which is near Gwynedd, part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Now… with slate quarrying, around 75% of extracted material are inferior in quality, called overburden, and so becoming mineral waste. Here, they’re now mountains.

But the trail also shows views typically associated with Wales – e.g. rolling hills that go on forever, rock fences, sheep farms, canals with flowing water… and more.

Usually, sa matatag, people hike the Snowdonia Slate Trail for up to seven days, passing through Bethesda, Llanberis, and so on. But for others… it’s but an opportunity to commune with nature, in a way, while taking those must-have shots.

But we’re off for more LGBTQIA+ discoveries…

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