Back in high school, when my vision was just a quarter of my current grade now, this place has…read morealways been my optical store of choice. I've had glasses made here. During "that time" when I decided to ditch my lenses and go for contacts, Ideal Vision's warm and accommodating staff (one of which is actually a nice old lady who happens to be my neighbour!) carefully taught and guided me on how to put on my first lenses. And, every few months or so I am here, restocking my contacts or buying a new bottle of contact lens solution. Every time I'm here I'm greeted with a smile. Even if there are a lot of optical stores out there, I still purchase my contact lenses here at Ideal. Also, after a few years of trying several brands, I've found the right one for me which is O2 Optics. They're very "breathable" and doesn't feel like it's clinging onto your eyeballs for dear life. And, you should come in often as there are times when they have promos (mostly unannounced!). On my last purchase I was able to get 3 pairs of contacts and free contact lens solution for only Php 1,200. Such a steal!

My dad and I have been going here ever since I was in Highschool (or is grade 8 now? So confusing,…read morewhen you're out of the loop) and my eyes had just started to go blurry, from too many times attempting to read books past lights out, with a flashlight underneath a blanket. Ideal Vision is one of the cheaper options to get corrective lenses and contacts, compared to Executive Optical. Normally, I don't really have a problem with them, but today, I went there to get an extra pair of glasses aside from the contacts I use regularly. Our preferred doctor, wasn't there (I heard some of the attending technicians mention that she was in the SM BF branch, what a shame), but her replacement was just as accommodating and very kind. No, what I didn't like was one of the cashiers, shouting all over the whole place because one of her co-workers ate something (of hers, maybe?). And, she just. Wouldn't. Stop. Seriously, I was this close to losing my temper because she was shouting so much. It's honesty a good thing that my checkup was just about to be finished, because my head was starting to hurt already, with her complaining non stop. Like seriously, did she not notice how the whole shop emptied out when she started shouting? God. Ah, well. At least my very nice pair of frames is cheap (hardly 1,200!).

Great Service! They served tea while waiting for your frame. They even clean and repair my existing…read moreframe. I love their customer service.

Dropped by the Sarabia Optical branch in Greenbelt last week because my old glasses were finally…read moregiving up on me, and wow, what a smooth experience. The staff greeted me right away, no waiting around like some places. They took their time with the eye exam--super thorough, explained my slight astigmatism shift without making me feel dumb, and then helped me browse without any hard sell. Ended up picking a sleek pair from one of the newer designer lines that looked way better on me than I expected, and with their promo, the whole thing (frames + progressive lenses) came out to way less than I'd pay back home. They even threw in a free lens cleaner kit and adjusted them perfectly on the spot. Felt taken care of, not just sold to. Service was genuinely warm and professional--zero pressure, all help. Already telling friends to go here. Easily 5 stars for me.

On advice of a friend who purchases all his eyewear at Sarabia Optical we visited out local branch…read morein Greenbelt 1. The first thing that hits you is the huge selection that is available with all the top designers represented. Service,as is the case in Makati is excellent and prices are Sometimes 1/3 of what you would pay in North America. Specialty lenses however can take up to 10 days to complete and the sole reason Sarabia lost 1 star. We were able to pick up 2 of the newest designer frames for just about $210.00 with discounts and left very happy with the service,prices and selection.

I usually got to SM Megamall when I need new glasses of I need the old ones repaired but the newly…read morebuilt SM Aura was much closer to our house. I remembered that I passed by what looked like an optical shop when I watched a movie in SM Aura so I just drove there and looked for it. I found it and I asked them if they could repair my broken glasses. Apparently, my glasses were beyond repair. I just asked them if I could get a new one. They had me enter the testing room where I had my eyes tested. It was the usual read some small letters on the wall test. I tried asking the optometrist questions about blurred eyesights and vision and all my curious questions. I was very thankful because she answered all my questions and explained them to me so I could easily understand. I then picked the frame for my glasses. They have collections of Ray-Bans, Espirit, and other high end brands. Fortunately for me, they had a promo of free frames that comes with the lenses. I picked the glasses up two days later and my vision was clearer than ever. The people here are very friendly. The guy who assisted me in picking frames was really insightful and assistive. The optometrist was also very nice. The location is very convenient for people living near BGC.

Dr. Saulog is my baby's pediatrician. She isn't the first pedia who saw him in the hospital when I…read moredelivered, though. Actually, we had another pedia before discovering her. There wasn't anything wrong with him, but I wanted a doctor strongly recommended by someone we know. So I started asking all my friends who was the pediatrician of their kids. I've found out that Dr. Saulog is the pedia of 9 out of 10 expat friends. There must be a reason, so I needed to check! What I like the most about her is that she is very patient and doesn't make you feel like she's in a hurry. That's something really important to me. I don't want a doctor to check my baby with an eye on him and the other one on the clock. To the contrary, she really cares about your concerns and listens carefully all your questions. Another thing I appreciate is that Dr. Saulog REALLY checks my baby front and back. She does all the measurements, check the ears, eyes and also auscultates the chest. It may sound obvious, but there are lots of pediatricians who barely look at the children. Money is what matters. And time is money. That's definitely not Dr. Saulog's vibe. My son gets really calm and comfortable with her. I also love the fact she's not that kind of pediatricians who love prescribing medicines. She only does it if necessary. HIGHLIGHT: Besides being very warm and extremely skilled, Dr. Saulog is text friendly! That means she always reply to SMS. If you are worried because your baby has a cold or something and need an advice, just text her and she'll answer you. TIP: Set an appointment in advance, because her clinic is always full - both filipinos and expats! She has a clinic also in Makati Med, but I usually go to St. Luke's.

When my dog chewed on my glasses a few months ago, completely destroying it while I slept, I had no…read morechoice but to walk to my office blind. Thankfully, my workplace is but five minutes away from my apartment on foot, so I did not have much problem. Unfortunately, when I sat down and opened my computer to work, I realized I couldn't see what I was typing! ARGH! I had to buy replacement glasses but the nearest mall was 15 minutes away by pedicab. I couldn't just leave the office and hang out there while waiting for my pair. And then, I realized, there was an optical shop I was passing by just across the street from my office. And what do you know, they had eyeglasses on sale for just Php 1,000 a pair! Thank God, or else I would've turned madder at #YuanTamad, my Shih Tzu. What's better is that the glasses were available after 30 minutes. I had my eye exam, went back to the office, worked using my iPad a bit, and in no time, they had texted me that I could already pick up my purchase. Such convenience! For the contact lens-loving among you, you may want to visit, too. I got three pairs of contact lens (good for three months per pair) for only Php 800! That's quite a steal!

For our prenup shoot and for our wedding, Cai Guiang, the co-owner and chief makeup artist of…read moreMakeup Therapy did my makeup and she teamed up with Ren, a very talented hairstylist from a chain of high-end salons. Cai is very good at what she does and she was able to execute my request for a fresh, no-makeup look. She was so nice and accommodating that she answered every question I had about makeup and how I could make my made up face last until the end of my big day. Actually, before meeting in person, we have already exchanged several emails talking about my preferences and her professional take on each of them. She would give an honest opinion of whether this and that would look good on me and if it would suit my skin type. I have scheduled my trial makeup on the day of our prenup shoot for two reasons. First, I would look good on our engagement photos and second, I would have time to observe if I would have allergic reactions on the cosmetics used on my face. Thank God that I didn't develop an allergy! That's because Cai is very clean and organized in storing her makeup and she made sure that her brushes are sanitized as well. She used disposable sponge, which I think is a must-have for all makeup artists. Also, she made sure that her hands were clean before, during and after our session. It's no surprise that I, my husband, and our moms looked stunning during our big day. So, if you're looking for someone to help enhance your features for your important events, go check out the Makeup Therapy website and book a session with Cai and her team.

I love how Cai and her team made me up for our wedding. She was insanely punctual, and absolutely…read morea darling to deal with. Light hands and a clean workspace, Makeup Therapy was the best choice for our event.

Dr. Hufana was my dad's neurosurgeon…read more I and the family appreciated how he was very patient in explaining my dad's condition and how he planned to remove the tumor from the lower right side of my dad's brain. The five-six hour operation lasted for more than 8 hours and Dr. Hufana came out really, really exhausted, but also told us the good news that he was able to get everything out. More importantly, after my dad's follow-up checkups several months after, and he saw that my dad was recovering as hoped, he remarked, "I can finally take a vacation now that you are on the road to recovery." Something I truly appreciate from a doctor who gives his patients the assurance that he will be there when he is needed.