I Beg Your Pardon

It's a rare moment in our household when one of my brothers is the one suggesting a restaurant. They're a little bit picky when it comes to dining out. Ang lalake pa talaga ang choosy, hehe. My choices of restaurant can't seem to please them. Laging may angal... they’re either too expensive or too bland! I stopped suggesting a year back because obviously, they won’t listen anyway. (They’re my brothers so natural ang pangongontra lagi! Hmpft! :) I let them do the choosing when we eat out. One day, my younger brother came home from a dinner with his friends. He raved about a restaurant named "Pardon." When I heard the name, I immediately quipped, "I beg your pardon?” as if I didn’t hear him. "Pardon nga!," he insisted. I find it odd that a restaurant is named Pardon. Anyway, since its the younger brother who suggested it, it must be good! E and I went to the place a few weeks after to check it out.

We found it!

Pardon Restaurant is located along Olaya Road. It's been open as a cafe since 1992 but was recently renovated and their menu revamped to accommodate a larger clientele. From a cafe, it’s now a Western, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese restaurant. I'm in doubt about restaurants that encompass a lot of cuisines because they might not deliver on the taste and quality of every thing but in a positive point, they have a little bit of every thing that my heart desires! The fusion of cuisines in Pardon is good for Eyecandy and I because we're fickle-minded when it comes to food. Sometimes we have opposing likes. E will say she wants steak while I want salmon sashimi. Or I want pasta and she wants noodles. Yeah, we are confused ladies sometimes. :P

Pardon Restaurant still has that cafe vibe going on, especially with their comfy chairs. The interior is refreshing with the plants and fountains. The rushing of water from the fountain is a little bit too loud and distracting but it's a welcome change too. The restaurant offers a shaded view of the outside with their floor to ceiling glass walls. Orayt, I'll let the photos show you:

Cozy, homey vibe

Perfect for (legal) couples on a date!

They also have dividers if needed.

Fountain in the middle of the the second floor.

You can actually see E and I's fickle-mindedness through the food we ordered. We wanted a little bit of everything so we ordered away, oblivious (or really ignoring) the fact that we're only ordering for TWO persons. Uhuh, this happens a lot. We asked the waiter for his recommendations and he suggested happily. He said that most of the food he's choosing for us are the ones ordered by most customers. We couldn't argue with popularity diba? So go naman kami with kuya's (the waiter) choices! Medyo nagkamali yata kami. Read to find out why:

Lobster Cream Soup, SR25

First and foremost, some of the food photos in the menu is misleading. The photo of this soup in the menu is a red soup with chunks of red and white meat (probably crab sticks) so we were expecting that even though we quite know that a "cream" soup is white. We were surprised when this arrived in our table. Although delicious and warm, the soup is rather runny than creamy. We liked the lobster bits though. Good omen: they're not scrimping on ingredients!

Stuffed Shrimps in Chili, SR27

This is probably the dish that garnered the highest rating in our card because of its uniqueness and originality. Woot, woot! We like the simplicity of the shrimp combined with the spicy rawness of the chili. The sauce helped the playfulness of the flavors. Yes, the flavors were dancing in our tastebuds, lol. It's just right.

Spaghetti Pardon, SR40

Garlic cheese bread, free with the spaghetti

If the restaurant lends its name to a dish, that only means the dish is unique and highly recommended. The kuya chose this for us because it tastes the same as Jollibee's, only better. That's what he said okay and we kindda fell for it because we grew up with Jolly Spaghetti although I thought that it's rather odd to combine a sweet, tangy spaghetti sauce with seafood but oh well... he had us with the mention of Jollibee eh! When the spaghetti arrived, I already smelled the herbed aroma and concluded that no, this is not like Jollibee's. The red sauce was true tomato and the sourness kicked in after I downed a forkful of pasta. There's a little bit of aftertaste that I couldn't point my finger into but it's all right. The pasta is loaded with crab sticks and shrimps so our disappointment waned after a while.

Seafood Fried Rice, SR27

I had no idea we were having a seafood night that night. Lol. Anyway, the server recommended the seafood fried rice saying that it's what most Filipinos order. We heeded his advice again only to be disappointed... again. The rice, while filled with seafood, was bland. They forgot the salt. Maybe they held it a little and completely forgot about it. I know for a fact that my tolerance for salt is at a normal level so I was quite sure that I wasn't tasting anything from the fried rice. 

Condiments galore!

I asked for soy sauce to heighten the flavor and E asked for other condiments. We think it's a bad sign that we're asking for condiments to add "taste" to what we're eating at that point.

Pardon Spicy Beef, SR33

When Eyecandy asks for spicy, she really means SPICY! (She has a thick tongue, lol.) She wants fireworks in her mouth! She asked the waiter to make this dish spicier than it is but when we tasted this, we couldn't taste any thing spicy in it. As in wala talaga! Eyecandy asked for chili flakes, chili sauce, whatever that has chili in it just to make the dish spicy. Lol. What we liked in this dish though is the freshness and crispiness of the vegetables used. Look at the photo and see the vibrance of the veggies' colors! We also love the tenderness of the beef. It's good!

Super Iced Tea (pitcher talaga?!)

Super ba talaga sa sarap? Their iced tea tastes like orange juice. We like the refreshing burst of citrus!

Chocolate Cake

This is a winner! We loved the mousse and cake combination in this slice. We also like the crispy, light wafer that served as the crust. Oh, and the chocolate icing and cute brittle at the back. It's a good thing they retained their cakes and pastries from their cafe days.

I also ordered salmon sashimi but the Japanese food was not available on the day of our visit.

So, what's the verdict? We had a lot of concerns on the dishes we ate in Pardon Restaurant. Maybe we just did not order the right ones. (The brother said we should've ordered the shrimp chopsuey!) There are food items that need to be improved. In fairness, when we aired our concerns to the waiter, he immediately informed the manager and they willingly cooked another order of fried rice. The manager apologized and assured us that we're a rare case. Lol. (Kakaiba kami eh, haha!) He assured us that they will make everything better and that they're glad to receive feedback from their diners. 

Oh and a plus point:

Easy to call the waiter!

We're happy we ate in Pardon. Of course, it won't be our last. We're excited for the other offerings. After all, we only tried a few of their extensive menu. We'll be back for the steak wrapped with bacon (oh goodness gracious!) and the sushi and sashimi.

Pardon Restaurant

Olaya Road, at the back of Al Nemer Center
T: 01-4160933 F: 01-2177067
info@pardon.com.sa
www.pardon.com.sa
(Ask for their catering and delivery services.)

§undrenched

Isko(lar) in the Desert: The UP Open University Experience

It's June again and for most Filipinos this marks the start of another school year! Which reminds me that I have classes starting next week. No, I'm not a teacher - yet. I'm an online student at UP Open University! Wohooo! Proud! \m/.

UP Open University Logo (Source: Google)

The University of the Philippines was (and still is) my dream school. After my classes at NEU, I would go directly to UP Diliman to hangout with my friends, eat fishball, sit under a big tree at the Oval and watch the sun set over the library. I wasn't a UP student then but I lived and breathed the culture as much as I could. One day, I even sat-in on one of my cousin's classes. I was so engrossed with the professor's lectures that I found myself nodding each time she asked for a reaction. I was later introduced to her and she had to laugh because I was more attentive than her actual students!

School was such an integral part of my life. So much so that right after college, I actually felt homesick. I've spent more time in school for the last 17 years and now suddenly I'm out in the real world. Call me bored and restless but after only a year of work, I decided to apply for a distance learning program at UP Open University. Fortunately I was accepted and now I'm a full fledged working student and just 2 semesters away from my Master's Degree. Yay!

One day, I'll be donning this Sablay too. 

What is UP Open University?

UP Open University is the fifth constituent of the UP System which caters to individuals who cannot attend regular on-campus classes due to work or other time-constraints. Their headquarters is at Los Banos but they have learning centers across the Philippines. For Offshore students, the Learning Center is usually the Philippine Embassy in the area. UPOU offers an Associate and Bachelor's Degree program as well as a number of Master's Degree and Doctorate programs.

Symbolic of what it's like to be a UPOU student, "The UPoblation is embraced by a swirling form likened to the Philippine flag with the stars representing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and with the prominent image of the sun representing education. The flowing form lifting the Oblation towards the sky represents open access to quality UP Education and its boundless reach." - UP Open University

Application

If you're interested in pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Multimedia Studies or a Master's Degree through distance learning, you can visit their website at www.upou.edu.ph to check the available courses and the application process.

This is the Admission Pack you'll get in the mail once you're accepted into the program of your choice

For Bachelor's Degree applicants, you will have to submit your application and pass an entrance exam. For Master's Degree and Doctorate applicants, part of your admission will be based on your TOR and other requirements. Application deadlines are usually around February (for first semester) and July (for second semester). You have to send all the requirements before the deadlines. If you pass, they will send an email to inform you that you passed and then send your admission pack in the mail.

The Cost

Tuition fee is 1000 pesos per unit plus miscellaneous fee of 2000 pesos. It is the same price if you were to go to the traditional UP campuses. Since UP is a state university, this price is already subsidized by the government. Usually, my tuition fee per semester is around 900 SR and my DHL Shipping is around 350 SR. Instructional Materials Fees (for modules and books) vary per subject.

Acquiring the hard copy of the books is optional since PDF copies of the modules are usually available at the course site (in case you want to skip shipping them) but I always find it handy to have an actual book with me.

Units allowed per semester

Normally, a working student is allowed only 6 units per semester. Maximum of 9 units per semester can be enrolled with prior approval from the Dean's office. So a Master's Degree would usually take around 2 1/2 years to complete.

What is it like to study online?

The academic year is divided into 2 semesters like a regular college school year. Though the similarities end there. First, most of the courses are through Distance Education meaning everything is done online and through emails. You will have your books and modules delivered to you and you will have to study on your own.

My books. Usually you will have 1 module and 1 reference book per subject

There is a virtual campus called "Moodle/ Myportal" where you log in to access your virtual classrooms or "course sites". The PDF copies of the modules will be uploaded at the course sites and the professor's announcements will posted there as well. 

There are asynchronous discussion forums, which serve as your recitation and attendance. Some classes will allow you to study at your own pace, while some will implement deadlines for tasks and homework. Most of the time, you will submit your papers through the course site though some professors will let you email it to them directly.

There are midterm and final exams too and it's usually done at the Learning Centers or Philippine Embassy for offshore students. Though recently, we've been taking the exams through the Myportal site.

That's me, taking the online proctored exam

Note that studying online means reading your lessons and researching on your own (UPOU stands firm against plagiarism and it is often grounds for expulsion). The professors are there just to layout the syllabus and grade your outputs, but they will not spoon-feed the lesson like they do in college. They are available through email in case you need clarifications. But all in all, you will be entirely responsible for you success as an OU student.

Time Management

I normally study at least 2-4 hours a day and try to finish my assignments earlier than the deadline. Nerd much? I read modules when I'm not busy at work. I won't lie, there are times when I had to take the day off from work just so I could meet my assignment deadlines but that's usually because I didn't follow my timetable and crammed.

Time management is really important if you're working or in charge of your household. I really admire my classmates who juggle their work, kids and homework and still ace our class! If they can do it, you can too!

 

For Development Communication students, we have a very active FB group where we share our thoughts and give advice to one another. I'm also very lucky because my boss is really supportive and lets me take the day off during exams. At first this can be daunting, but after the initial adjustment you'll find the experience both challenging and rewarding.

My Advice

If you're planning to study online, don't spread yourself too thin. It's better to just enroll 2 subjects so that you can focus, get good grades and still have a life. For a Masters program, the time limit for completion is 7 years. So no rush. Don't hesitate to ask for help from your friends and classmates.

Also, taking only the regular load would minimize your chances of actually dropping a class which our professors always discouraged us to do. Why? Because UP is a state university and part of the tuition fee is shouldered by the Government. And where do they get the money? Yep, from us - the Taxpayers. This is why UP students are called Isko = Iskolar ng Bayan.  If you drop or fail a subject, you will not just be wasting your money, but the also other taxpayer's contributions. (P.S. The term Isko simply means Iskolar. So anyone whose tuition fee was paid for by the Filipino people through taxes is a scholar).

You know at first, I was really hesitant to apply at UPOU. I thought maybe my undergrad grades weren't good enough or that I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure. But enrolling at UPOU was the best thing I've done for myself! I have gained new friends, became more self-confident and gained a better understanding and empathy for my country. One day, I want to return to the Philippines and become a productive member of society. UP inspires me to make a difference.

And I am so happy that distance learning at UPOU is available to our kababayans here in Riyadh.

All the best,

Sampaguita Pride

University of the Philippines Open University

Information Office, UPOU Headquarters
Los Banos, Laguna 4031
Email: info@upou.edu.ph
tel: +63 49 536 6001 to 06 loc 710
Website: www.upou.edu.ph

 Office Hours:
Tuesday to Friday
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

*Author's note: Please note that UP has shifted it's academic calendar as of 2014 and their school year now starts August-September depending on the program. This change will of course affect the deadline of applications as well. Please visit the UPOU website for the updated academic schedule.

Batha Comes Undone

This topic is special to The Pink Tarha. However, it took us this long to write about Batha, the famous hang-out place of Filipinos in Riyadh. We've mentioned Batha a few times in entries yet we stall writing about Batha itself. But even though we've procrastinated for so long, we cannot not write about Batha. And this article, which detaches from our usual light, funny way of writing, will tell you why.

How do we capture the spirit of Batha? On its own, it emits a rhythm different from the rest of Riyadh. And the Filipinos know the tune by heart. Some say that you haven't been anywhere unless you've set foot, immersed in, and left Batha. For the other nationalities, Batha is just a place but we Filipinos give it an extraordinary meaning. This labyrinthine souk gives a sense of exhilaration; both jaded and hopeful. For us, Batha is a culture.

The place, the way of life.

Growing Roots

There has always been an inevitable pull, a need to go to Batha because most Filipinos go there and you need a place to grow roots in. It's a place where you find yourself hopelessly lost in the pockets of the familiar and the unfamiliar. You see it and you remember what it was like in the Philippines - busy, crazy, fascinating... nostalgic in a way.

On a Friday night, especially during the salary weekend, Batha is filled to the brim. You cannot go in because police cars are stationed in every entrance forcing vehicles to find other entrances to no avail. They close the place. Seriously, Batha is like a shop that they can close on hours they like because once Batha is packed, you'll wonder how on earth will you survive a stampede. Just in case there is one. Once the onslaught of vehicles containing Filipinos and other nationalities arrive, you cannot find a tiny spot in the huge parking lots that is empty. Not even for a half of your car. The sidewalk no longer caters to the masses but is an extension of the parking lot. You must be nuts to enter Batha at a time like this but Filipinos who know the drill, like die-hard fans, arrive as early as 4:00 in the afternoon (after the asr prayer) and never leave until the place empties out well into the night.

Goodies from the homeland.

What will you do in Batha? A lot, if you're up to it. For one, you'll find the familiar brands of grocery items in your list. The Pinoy Supermarket, one of the more familiar ones, offer a lot of products that are embedded into your soul, brands that you grew up with and settled in your taste buds like Oishi and Jack n' Jill. Or maybe choco mallows and krunchies. Lily's peanut butter and Star margarine perhaps? Or Philippine mangoes, saging na saba, and durian. You can even find these in the Arabic-named supermarkets like Al-Rajhi and Al-Swalim. They cost an arm and leg but what the hell. They're comfort food and comfort is scarce thus expensive in this side of the world. Freshly baked bread (oh heavenly pan de sal) and rice cakes are available too. Fresh meat and seafood can be found in small alleys and unpaved streets at the outskirts. This alley keeps a Quiapo. See, a Quiapo in Riyadh. How can this be? Quiapo is a restaurant though and just one of several restaurants that offer Filipino food in the area. All your food cravings are satisfied but of course, you will still feel incomplete: an ingredient missing, a sauce tasting different, if not far, from what you were used to, a gustatory experience losing its bite. Everything is from the Philippines but they're not just the same. You expected better but you take what is there. At least they're there.

Quiapo right here!

Everything seems to be cheaper in Batha, except the Philippine brands, that's why Filipinos go there for cellular phones, laptops, and appliances... you name it, they have it. Most salesmen are Filipinos too so you can discuss and ask for opinions and, more importantly, discounts. They will almost always give you presyong kabayan, even under the glare of their ibang lahi (other nationalities) counterpart. You can buy pasalubong for your vacation - from perfumes to slippers (er, flip-flops), sneakers, clothes, and chocolates. You buy them from your suki or from those perennial irritating but somewhat amusing ibang lahi shouting "Suki! Suki! Bili na, suki!" in their unique accent. They try hard and you try hard to stiffle the laughter because you've never bought anything from them yet they call you suki. Do they even know the meaning of the word? Nevertheless, it's really interesting so you go on your way with a smile.

But the most important thing why Filipinos go to Batha (and I'm appalled why I didn't bring this up there before talking about food), is of course, remittance. If you combine the lines (or what seems like lines) in remittance counters in Batha every salary day, you'll get a Wall of China. It's crazy seeing the lines and it's crazier lining up. The wait will test your patience but it is needed to be done first and foremost. Before you buy your groceries or make chismis with your friends over shawarmas from CFC, you line up at the remittance centers and you don't care how long, how time-consuming, and how boring this task is. Not to mention, back-breaking from the start. You do it because it is the number one priority. Of course you can also pay your SSS, Pag-Ibig and what-have-yous here.

The crowd will soon swallow you by the end of the day. Whether you’re alone catching up with friends or you came with your friends, you soon discover that Batha is a piece of the homeland. In the midst of other Filipinos, you’re somewhat home. It’s not it but it sure feels like it.

Peeling Off The Charm

You feel at home in Batha because you see a lot of Filipinos, people like you. You share a lot of things in common. You see yourself in them and you see Batha as Divisoria or Tutuban or Quiapo or Monumento. And then you see snippets of Saudi Arabia merge and interweave with what you know, shaking you to the core, and making you surrender within a call of the salah. You're home but not in your own house. It still retains the dry air of an Arabian city - different, suffocating, beguiling.

The notorious religious police roams Batha like hawks out to catch their prey - men and women flirting, a woman without a tarha (veil), a man in need of a haircut, a woman with too much make-up on, a man to be converted. They see you; they see right through you. You hear all the urban legend and you heed the pieces of advice. Don't talk to the other gender. Don't look at them in the eye. Avoid using your cellphones (or else they might think you're in an eyeball of some sort). Don't wear red lipstick. Don't wear shorts. Stick with the group you came with. Don't pick up a stray piece of paper crumpled to make like innocent piece of garbage; scrawled inside is a set of numbers. You get the drift. Just don't, don't, don't. So many rules, most of them unwritten. Take everything with a grain of salt.

An infamous mosque in Batha sits in the corner, opposite the Pasalubong/Quiapo alley. Our Muslim friends thrive in the sacred ground and for the non-Muslims, it's a place to be slightly avoided. Feared, maybe, but certainly not ignored. For one, there's a huge television showing a sheikh, his Arabic speech resonating within a few meters of the area, preaching those who want to listen. You stare at it, listen for a minute and grasp what's being said. Maybe you were raised on a different religion in the homeland so you can't easily digest what you're hearing and you go on your way and resume your errands. When you pass by it a second time, you're enthralled with the whole set-up again; a realization on how really strong one faith is in this part of the world dawns.

Jam-packed!

And so you find telltale signs that no, you’re not in the Philippines. Not even close. The warm, dry air envelops your being and reminds you that you’re a mere visitor in this kingdom.

Wrapping It Up

A part of Batha is dedicated to the Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis but the area hugged by Manila Plaza, Electron building, Telemoney building, and the Pinoy Supermarket is where you’ll see many Filipinos, a domain of some sort. This is where fear, faith, aspirations, materialism, humility, and pride meet. This is where the Filipinos’ hopes and dreams converge; making the place worth a thousand volumes of stories that render you speechless and that never end. Here in this bustling side of the hot desert you'll find boundless hospitality and friendly faces. Your very own.

Where to next?

Sometimes, you go to Batha, look at it, immerse a little and find out the crowd suffocates you, the dust gets in your eyes, the trash reminds you of the slums... you don't like the place. But then you return because it already grew on you. And your roots have grown in the place. Either you come and leave, or don’t leave or return at all. There's nothing like Batha. It means a lot to Filipinos in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It means a lot to you. Even if you don't admit it that much.

So the Pink Tarha loves the malls but when it comes to newbie Filipinos in Riyadh asking where to go first in the city, we definitely put them to the test, the same way each Filipino in Riyadh has been initiated with... "Go to Batha!," we answer with a grin. We'll applaud once this place gets under your skin.

A Cup of Dainty Indulgence

When a wish come true, it comes true a hundred fold. Or in the case of our cupcake dream, twice. (We're sure there will be a lot more in the future.)

After the Golden Brown comes another cupcake store in town... A Cup of Cake.

I turn restless when I discover something, especially when it comes to food, so when I saw that A Cup of Cake has now opened in Al-Reka'a Plaza, I urged Eyecandy to go with me. I told her that we need to sample their cupcake asap... as if our lives depended on it. Lol. The thing is, where in the world is Al Reka'a Plaza?! If you've read our blog for over a year, you'll know that we do not visit the malls or shopping plazas that are not that familiar to expats, or those which carry brands that we haven't heard of (we should, right?!). It's the first time we've heard of the place. Turning to Google (as always), I found out it's in front of the main gate of the King Saudi University. So easy to spot right? I mean King Saud University is like the biggest university in Riyadh (until Princess Noura University opened). I told our driver to take the Takhassui Road and turn left in King Abdullah Road. From there, I was hoping the shopping plaza will be easy to see... Wrong!

I forgot that the whole length of King Abdullah Road is undergoing renovation so the road is closed. We did not see the "stop" sign immediately so we trudged further until the dead end. We were frustrated that we needed to turn around on this narrow road, so are the other vehicles in front and behind us that didn't see the sign. Lol, mga pasaway! Our very competent driver decided to use the ring road to circumvent further traffic and delays. Turns out I missed something very important about Al Reka'a Plaza. It has a Tamimi Market that is more famous than the name Al-Reka'a. If only I said Tamimi near KSU, it would have been easier for our driver to go there via a road he knows too well. Sigh... no worries though, we decided to put this in our folder of "the misadventures of the Pink Tarha!," which is overflowing with files by now.

So... about A Cup of Cake... was it worth the misadventure? Yes. In our lingo, "pwede!"

We spotted the cupcake sign beside The Body Shop near the entrance of Tamimi and we giddily got out of the car and entered a small world of cupcakes. This, my friends, is what a cupcake haven looks like:

So dainty... love the wall decor and the wallpaper!

Perfect for The Pink Tarha! :P

I'm drooling for these cupcakes drooling with drizzles!

A Cup of Cake focused on, what else, cupcakes! Trays of cupcakes in yummy, delightful flavors are displayed and I couldn't help but wonder if I can bring them all home. Can I? Pretty, pretty, please? I was suspended in some kind of a dream when reality bit me when I asked for the price. SR6 for a cupcake. Okay, I cannot take you all home! :P I chose six flavors. Naturally, I go for the banana (Floresta Banana), carrot (Bunny Love), and Red Velvet flavors. They're my go-to cupcake flavors. Also, I wanted to compare them with Golden Brown's. To complete the box of six, I bought the Rainbow, Cookies n' Cream, and Apple Pie. I also got a Smores to eat in the car (kasi atat akong tikman ang cupcake nila!).

A box of six cups of yummy indulgence!

Cute toppings!

The anatomy of a rainbow cupcake

I will not review each cupcake but in summary: I like the cake, not the icing. The first three flavors I picked have a moist and yummy cake base. The cake of the Smores is a little bit dry but I still like it. It's not nakakasuya (cloying). I also love how they decorated each cupcake's flavor. It's not the usual cake plus swirled icing on top look. The Floresta Banana has a dollop of German frosting and caramel with a drizzle of chocolate while the smores has a marshmallow on top! They also have unique flavors like Pistachio, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and Coconut Craze. The icing used is okay. I wish they didn't mix too much sugar on the cream cheese though. I can only taste the tartness of the cream cheese halfway. A Cup of Cake also offers cookies but that's just about it. The limelight is on the cupcakes all the way! It puts the "specialty" in specialty shop in the right perspective. I've heard that A Cup of Cake is quite the popular cupcake store in Al-Khobar, having opened its first branch there in 2008. It's a good thing they opened a branch here in Riyadh. They now have 8 branches in Saudi Arabia. Amazing, right?

A Cup of Cake offers personalized cupcakes for your wedding or parties needs. They can also make custom designs for corporate events. I'm probably going back for seconds... especially now that I know where it is located. Lol.

For a different kind of indulgence, try A Cup of Cake!

A Cup of Cake

Al Reka'a Plaza Mall, King Abdullah St., Riyadh

+966 1 2814545

admin@acup-of-cake.com

info@acup-of-cake.com

orders@acup-of-cake.com

§undrenched

D.I.Y. Brunette

I use to love my jet black hair but that was until I realized that black doesn't suit my natural skin tone. And when I'm stressed, my black hair looks very greasy. So I decided to dye it. Nothing fancy, no highlights, just regular chocolate brown for me. And it made all the difference. I'm a brunette from a bottle and loving it!

2011 (L) and 2007 (R) Ako na ang payat nung college. lol.

Let's admit it, salon services can be pricey. Unfortunately, our fave stylist- Tita Vicky, went back to the Philippines for good. So now, we don't have anyone to do our hair (who doesn't charge an arm and a leg). That's when I decided to dye my own hair. Lakas ng loob... haha.

Truth be told, I was scared to try it on my own. So when we went to Euromarche, I bought the same brand that our stylist used: Garnier Color Naturals by Nutrisse (#5.3 Light Golden Brown). My mom applied it to my hair and it came out as chocolate brown. After that I was hooked! All in all, I spent only 30 SR for a box and a tinting brush! Tipid!

Are you thinking of dyeing your hair too? Read on, Beautiful... ^_^ 

Selecting a Color

The thing about hair dye is that the packaging can be misleading. Don't base on the model's hair color! The one I bought (Nutrisse #5.3) looked light brown on the box but it was chocolate brown on my hair. Plus, different brands have different color bases so choosing the color can be very tricky. Frustrating, I know.

What do the numbers mean? 

The scale is 1 (Black) to 10 (Blonde). I usually use colors around the middle like #5... I highly suggest getting your color done professionally first then ask for the box or the color number and brand for "future reference".

What's inside the box?

You'll find the instruction leaflet, a pair of gloves, a tube and a bottle of the hair dye (you'll have to mix this to form the dye paste) and a conditioner to put on your hair after you rinse off the dye.

This particular brand costs 20 SR at Euromarche

This is a small box and is just enough for my short hair (chin length). So you might have to consider how long your hair is to determine how many boxes you'll need.

What you'll need:

These are the basics that you'll need to apply the dye evenly. These are relatively cheap and can be found in supermarkets.

Mixing cup, spoon, tinting brush (10 SR) and shower cap

1. Mixing cup - you'll probably need something bigger so that it will be easier to mix the paste properly. Any plastic container will do as long as it's big enough.

2. Spoon - use a spoon to mix the the paste together. Do not use this spoon for eating, even after you rinse it.

3. Tinting brush - this will help you apply an even coat of dye on your hair. This is 10 SR at Centrepoint.

4. Shower cap - to keep the dye from dripping while you're waiting for it work.

The Dyeing Process

It's important to follow the instructions on the leaflet. If you have sensitive skin, you might have to do a patch test first. If after 24 hours you don't experience any rashes or reactions to the dye, then proceed as planned.

Wear the gloves provided, mix the contents of the tube and bottle and apply the dye paste using the tinting brush. Do not let the mixture sit for too long, apply it immediately. Focus on the visible roots first and then apply it to the rest of the hair. (It's ideal to ask someone else to do this so they can apply it evenly.) Avoid the skin around your face and ears as it might stain. Just like facials, don't color your hair the day before a special event. Do it at least 3 days before.

Once you've dyed all of your hair, cover it with the shower cap and wait 30-40 minutes (depends if you have a lot of gray hair or if this is your first time to dye your hair). Then rinse off the dye. Make sure that you get it all out. Then apply the conditioner included in the package. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse it off too. Dry your hair and voila! 

My Advice

Don't go overboard and dye your hair blonde if your hair is black! Your roots will be obvious within a week! Try going 2 shades lighter or darker than your natural shade. Because my hair color isn't that drastic, I usually recolor my roots after 3-4 months.

To maintain colored hair, use shampoos specifically for color treated hair and deep condition your hair at least once a week. This will protect your hair and keep it healthy.

Disclaimer:

I am NOT a professional stylist. This post is based on my personal experience and the tips might not apply to everyone. Choosing your color is very personal and can be very tricky. You have to consider if the color you will choose is compatible to your natural skin tone. 

If you wish to do this on your own, please consult a professional stylist first. As I've said earlier, I highly suggest getting your color done professionally first then ask for the box or the color number and brand for future reference. 

Best of Luck!

Sampaguita Pride