THE ROYAL MEN'S FACIAL FROM THE MANDARIN BARBER.

 


I got a really awesome treat from The Mandarin Barber for my birthday: a rejuvenating Royal Men's Facial. It features chilled stones being rolled onto the skin using smooth massage movements, preparing it for a glamtastic 24-carat nano-fold mask that promises to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

“How’d you like it?” Nina Colls, The Mandarin Oriental’s Director of Communications bussed me on both cheeks as I emerged from the treatment room.

“I feel asleep,” I said sheepishly. “Don’t remember much.”

Actually, that’s a lie. I remember waking up from my own snoring.

I had just organized HK Mag’s epic 1,000th issue celebration event at an outdoor lot in Causeway Bay, then traveled to Manila a few hours later to host my cousin’s wedding. I was back in Hong Kong less than 24 hours later, virtually running just on adrenaline. My skin was dull and gray and lifeless - like dried fish. 

I snapped a selfie immediately following the facial and Whatsapped it to my mom. She wanted to fly to Hong Kong that very moment to have the same treatment. I looked like I slept for 3 days straight. My skin was soft and supple and plump - loaded with moisture. Even my eyebags seemed to disappear. I couldn’t stop poking my cheeks, like that girl in the Fancl ad.

And I do remember that my therapist, Shanti, applied lip balm to my dry, chapped puckers. Sensing that my cuticles might be dry, as well, she brushed a bit of oil over them. Talk about TLC! I mean, who else does that for you??

“Happy birthday!” The receptionist waved prettily as I left the Barber. 

“I’ll email you with more info,” said Aqua Chiu, the Mandarin’s Social Media Manager, as she put me into a cab.

Mandarin hospitality.

***

HYPERACTIVE GIVEAWAY!

Grab a chance to win a Royal Men's Facial (HKD1300) at The Mandarin Barber at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Go to MOHG's Facebook Page and answer the question:

"What is 'Good as Gold' when it comes to keeping yourself young?"

Post your answer in the comments section before 6pm on 8 Aug, 2013. The best answer chosen by Gaylia Kristensen will win!

SOPHIA SHEK WINS OUR VERY FIRST HYPERACTIVE GIVEAWAY!

OUR 'TENNIS BALLS' MASCOT, GILLOU, IS CLEARLY EXCITED
TO PRESENT YOUR PRIZE!

Last week we asked you to share in 50 words or less why you love tennis, and here's Sophia's winning answer:

Tennis is a huge part of my life and I can't imagine living without it. When you hit that fuzzy yellow ball on the sweet spot of your racquet, that sound pulsates through my body and you see the ball gracefully fly over the net and land in the court, that's euphoria and nothing makes me happier. Tennis has given me a huge sense of belonging and it burns within me. Win or lose, so long as you know you've played your best nothing beats that passion I have for this sport. Tennis Rocks my world! 

OK, so that's way over 50 words - but there's so much heart and soul in it, how could I have chosen otherwise?? Sophia wins a program book autographed by John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Agnieszka Radwanska and Caroline Wozniacki!

Dear Sophia - we'll be in touch to let you know how you may claim the prize.

A special thanks to everyone who participated including Riley, AD and Carla. And thank you, too, to our Tennis Balls 'mascot' and prize presenter, Gillou.

Stay tuned for more Hyperactive Giveaways!

WIN A PROGRAM BOOK AUTOGRAPHED BY MCENROE, LENDL, WOZNIACKI AND RADWANSKA

PRETTY AUTOGRAPHS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP-LEFT:
RADWANSKA, LENDL, WOZNIACKI, MCENROE

I was lucky enough to have seen the Hong Kong leg of the BNP Paribas Showdown - thanks to the kind invitation of SkyCity Marriott's Director of Communications, Elizabeth Wan. Myself, Chris, and our dear friends, LadyLit publishers Caroline and Lore, had awesome box seats within sniffing distance from the tennis stars.

John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl clowned around 90% of the time. They mostly parodied themselves. McEnroe threw fake tantrums and crawled across the court to catch one of Lendl's legendary deep, low shots. Lendl didn't miss the opportunity to remind McEnroe that he, Lendl, is coaching Andy Murray; perhaps McEnroe should hire Lendl as his coach, too. We saw hints of their storied rivalry only 10% of the time, but I don't think anybody really expected competitive tennis from the two gentlemen. They delivered pure entertainment for tennis nerds.

The real draw of the night was Li Na vs. Wozniacki. Just before the ladies came onto the court, though, a message from Li Na was projected onto the jumbotron. She apologized for not being able to make it; she's still healing from her injuries at the Australian Open. Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska has been called on to replace her.

The ladies stunned the shiznit out of me with breathtaking tennis. Radwanska is currently ranked 4th and Wozniacki 10th on the WTA. They showed the kind of stamina, agility, athleticism and charm required to be a bona fide tennis star today. It was as close to a Grand Slam as I've ever been, next to watching one on TV. I hope to see a Roland Garros finale in the next three years!

"I've been a fan for 10 years," I shared with Elizabeth. "Seeing my idols play in person and getting to blog about the experience - I've come full circle. Thank you."

So anyway -

I'M GIVING MY AUTOGRAPHED PROGRAM BOOK AWAY!

Just post a Comment below in 50 words or less, why you love tennis. I'll pick my favourite and, next Sunday, June 2 at 7pm HKT (UTC + 8), I'll announce the winner!

This is a small way to thank you, dear readers, for having been steadfast fans of my Tennis Balls posts.

Isn't the human anatomy a beautiful thing?

GILLOU, WE AGREE.

// GET HYPERACTIVE! //