Michi Photostory: March 2011

March 31, 2011

Tuna Steak

Honestly, this is my first time to cook tuna, not canned tuna. I asked my hubby what am I going to do with it and he said just grill it. But instead of just grilling it, I ended up making tuna steak.

1. Marinate the tuna in soy sauce, pepper and calamansi juice for less than 30 minutes.
2. Pan-grill the marinated tuna.
3. Saute the onion and put the marinated sauce.
4. Put the sauce on top of the grilled tuna.

It turned out well and my hubby enjoyed the tuna steak.

March 23, 2011

Lunch at Viewsite Restaurant

There are so many restaurants in Tagaytay that you can try, ranging from cheap to expensive ones. We usually eat at Leslie’s because of their Bulalo, but this time we want to try something new. We usually passed by the Viewsite restaurant if we were going to Calerueg, but we never tried it, so we decided to visit the place and try their food.

What’s nice about this restaurant is the scenery; you can see the Taal Volcano while eating your meal.

The service crew is very friendly and accommodating. When I ordered Bulalo soup for P80, the lady told me that she would give me free soup, so I didn't need to order Bulalo soup. The food servings are good for 2 to 3 people. The price is very affordable and it ranges from P170-450 per viand.

We ordered Sizzling pusit and inihaw na liempo. My hubby loves their pusit, but I enjoy my inihaw na liempo. No need for soy sauce because their liempo is flavorful.

Tagaytay-Batangas Highway

Mendez Crossing East, Tag. City
Tel. No. (046) 860-05-48

March 22, 2011

Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm Review: Affordable Organic Products in Cavite

As someone who’s been committed to using organic and natural personal care products, I’ve explored various local brands like Greencow and Human Nature. Recently, I decided to try the highly recommended Ilog Maria products. And I finally had the chance to visit their farm and store in Silang, Cavite, just a few kilometers before reaching Tagaytay Rotonda.

Getting to Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm

Located approximately 7 kilometers before Tagaytay, Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm is quite accessible if you follow the map on their website. It’s a peaceful and eco-friendly destination where you can explore a wide variety of natural and handmade bee-based products.

Note: I wasn’t able to take many photos during my visit as the store was bustling with visitors!

Why Ilog Maria?

If you’re looking for affordable organic beauty and wellness products, Ilog Maria is a must-visit. Their product range includes:

Handmade soaps

Organic shampoos

Propolis throat sprays

Aromatherapy oils

Lip balms

Massage oils

Natural insect repellents

Feminine hygiene products

All these are chemical-free, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious — a perfect match for a natural lifestyle.

My Ilog Maria Haul – Just ₱990! Here’s everything I bought:

Honey Cider Vinegar ₱140

Propolis Throat Spray ₱75

Propolis Cider Liniment ₱95

Honey Propolis Feminine Wash ₱45

Mini Soap ₱35

Spearmint & Oatmeal Soap ₱60

Massage Oil ₱155

Lip Balm ₱65

Honey Propolis Shampoo (Small) ₱70

Lavender Aromatherapy Oil ₱90

Peppermint Aromatherapy Oil ₱90

Sting-less Insect Repellent ₱70

Product Reviews: Natural Goodness You Can Feel

1. Honey and Propolis Shampoo Price: ₱70 / ₱140

Description: Made from natural ingredients like honey (for conditioning and hair growth) and propolis (to treat dandruff, graying, and falling hair). Blended with palm kernel, coconut, and castor oils plus essential oils for scalp nourishment.

My Review: My first time using organic shampoo — no foam, a bit runny, but I love the mild, earthy scent. It feels great knowing it’s free from harsh chemicals.

2. Propolis and Cider Liniment Price: ₱95

Description: A soothing blend designed to relieve muscle pain, boost circulation, and speed up tissue recovery using natural ingredients like menthol, camphor, honey cider, and propolis.

My Review: Not a fan of the strong smell, but it’s highly effective in easing muscle soreness.

3. Propolis Throat Spray Price: ₱75

Description: Fights bacteria and viruses while soothing sore throats, freshening breath, and supporting gum health.

My Review: Tastes a bit like Bactidol. It’s handy and effective — a must-have during flu season.

4. Honey Beeswax and Propolis Lip Balm Price: ₱65

My Review: I love this lip balm! It keeps my lips soft and protected — definitely a new favorite.

5. Ilog Maria Sting-Less Mosquito Repellent Price: ₱70

Description: Citronella-based with plant and fruit oils, plus propolis for antibacterial and antifungal protection.

My Review: Smells pleasant and lasts a few hours. While not as long-lasting as Bgone, it’s a good natural alternative for short outdoor trips.

6. Healing Massage Oil Price: ₱155

Description: A calming mix of essential oils, herbs, nut oils, honey, and propolis designed to soothe the body and mind.

My Review: Love the scent! Perfect for massage therapy, reflexology, or just a relaxing night in.

7. Spearmint and Oatmeal Soap Price: ₱35 / ₱60

Description: Cooling and refreshing. Great for summer and suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

My Review: A minty, invigorating soap that helps with skin asthma — definitely a staple for the hot months.

8. Honey-Propolis Feminine Wash Price: ₱45

Description: Combines the antibacterial power of propolis and the healing properties of honey in a gentle, pH-balanced feminine wash.

My Review: It has the same cooling effect as PH Care but with all-natural ingredients. Affordable and effective — I’ll be buying more!

Why Choose Ilog Maria Products?

All-natural and handmade

Free from synthetic chemicals

Affordable prices

Locally produced in the Philippines

Backed by years of positive reviews

Whether you're switching to a chemical-free lifestyle, exploring natural skincare, or just supporting local and sustainable brands, Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm is a good choice.

Store Location and Hours

Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm

Silang, Cavite (7km before Tagaytay Rotonda)

Store Hours:

Tuesday to Sunday — 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Closed on Mondays

March 14, 2011

Birthday at King One Rotary Hotpot

I always want to try shabu-shabu, but Healthy Shabu-Shabu is so expensive, good thing that there is King One Rotary Hotpot. It offers eat-all-you-can meals and bottomless drinks for lunch and dinner. It was my first time so I was really clueless but the staff was kind enough to help and assist.

Read: Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot

He will ask you what soup you want to put in the pot, you can choose two soups from the following choices; Korean kimchi soup, Hongkong curry soup, Plain soup, Spicy Szechuan Soup, Century egg wansoy soup and Satay soup. We choose Plain soup and Satay soup.

Then he gave us a checklist of the ingredients that we want to eat, all we need to do is to tick the box of the ingredients that we want and he will serve it. We were also given free short order dishes.

It is best if you sit beside the conveyor belt so it will be easy for you to get what you want or ask the staff to prepare what you want. P499 for eat-all-you-can is really worth it because you can eat almost everything that you want, there are seafood, meats, vegetables, dimsum, dumplings, mozzarella balls, noodles and many more. There is no doubt that there are so many people who visit this place, you can see different races here, there are Chinese, Korean and of course Filipinos.

Hobbies Of Asia

M2A Lower, Hobbies Of Asia
Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd.
Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

(63 2) 556-1370, (63 2) 556-1827

March 11, 2011

Lunch at Amici

One of my comfort food is pizza so if there is a restaurant who serves pizza I always want to try it. Amici is not a new restaurant but it took me so many years before I finally taste their pizza because they have limited branches. Aside from pizza, they also serve pasta, salad, gelato, and other meals. It is a self-service restaurant so you have to go to the cashier to take and pay for your order. You will receive a number and wait for your food to be served on your table.

Read: Lunch at Amici Alabang

We ordered Tutta Carne Pizza, Carbonara and Pollo Arrostito. We are all satisfied with the taste of the food. We even love it compared to Italliani’s food. The price is very reasonable and the serving is good for 2 – 3 people. We did not miss their gelato and my son loves it.

Italian Sausage, Ham, and Pepperoni

Amici, Don Bosco School

Don Bosco School, A. Arnaiz cor. C. Roces

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 818-4444

March 09, 2011

Dinner at Bag of Beans

Hubby was on leave and I was craving for food so we decided to go to Tagaytay. I always read good reviews about Bag of Beans so I decided to try this. I thought it is just a small place; I was so surprised that the place is huge; you can choose indoor or outdoor tables.

There were so many people at that time so it was really hard to find a table and most of the good spots were taken. The place is really relaxing and I guess a nice place if you want to unwind, read a good book or just sip a cup of coffee.

Read: Breakfast at Bag of Beans

It is not just a café but a restaurant also because they serve other meals aside from bread and coffee. We ordered Roast Beef and Pork BBQ Slice, I was so disappointed with the taste because it tastes like beef nilaga. My hubby is making fun of me because we already ate beef nilaga at home during our lunch. Pork BBQ slice is just ok, so we’re not really happy with our order.

We bought raisins bread. I do not like raisins but I love their raisins bread. Next time I visit this place, I would try their bread and coffee but will not order roast beef again.

Bag of Beans

115 Aguinaldo Highway Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City

Phone (46) 413 2724 or (916) 525 2382

World Psoriasis Day 2010

It has been 9 years since I had psoriasis, sad to say that there is still no cure for this skin disease but it is not contagious. It is really a struggle for me to accept that I have this because there is no one in the family who has psoriasis so I still have no clue where did I inherit this.

Two years ago when I started to feel depressed because it is all over my body, I really feel so sad because I am doing everything just to prevent the flare-up, I tried all the topical medications and even phototherapy but there is no improvement. Having psoriasis is not easy because the medicines and treatments are not cheap.

But I still thank God for giving me the strength to go on and making me realize that I am not alone. It is true that I am not alone, for the past few years, I thought that I am the only one who have this in the Philippines, and thank God that I was able to join Asian Psoriasis Club, where I met other people who have psoriasis. It gives me relief that there is someone who can really understand my situation.

So when I heard that there is Fun walk on October 20, 2010, I did not think twice because I really want to be part of this and show the world that Psoriasis is not contagious.

courtesy of likha camera club

Lunch at Mano’s Greek Taverna 2010

Tagaytay is one of our favorite places if we have nothing to do at home. It is a best place for us to eat and relax. We usually passed by Mano’s Greek Taverna restaurant but we never tried it because the place is not really inviting. The place is just a plain blue and white building, even their table cloth is white and blue. It is no longer surprising because the owner of the restaurant is a Greek and the color of Greece flag is blue and white.

I heard and read a lot of good reviews about this restaurant so since we are on a food trip mode, we decided to try Manos Greek Taverna. The place is not an air conditioned room so expect that there are flies buzzing around.

We ordered Moussaka and Grilled Porkchop, I do not like the taste of the lamb so I chose porkchop. I don’t eat eggplant but when you taste their Moussaka, you can’t tell that there is an eggplant so I enjoyed it. I also love their porkchop, price is very reasonable because of the big serving. They do not accept credit card.

Mano's Greek Restaurant

Calamba Road
Brgy. San Jose (Olevares)
Tagaytay City
Tel. No. (mobile) 0916 429 8358
Fax (046) 860 2559

March 08, 2011

Avilon Zoo

After Science Centrum, we went to Avilon Zoo in Rizal. It is the largest zoo in the Philippines. The place is really far, it took us more than 2 hours to get there from Marikina. It was really a long, bumpy and winding road travel.

Visitors can interact with animals or feed them and even take some pictures for a minimal fee.

It is better if you bring your own baon because there is no other nearby restaurant except for the restaurant inside the Zoo. The place is really big; don’t forget to bring cap or umbrella, water to keep you hydrated and extra clothes. It took us more than 2 hours just to tour the place.

Bo. San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal

Tel. Nos.: (632) 941-8393 * (632) 948-9866 (63917) 899-5126

Fax: (632) 941-8530 * Email: info@avilonzoo.com.ph

ZOO SCHEDULE

Weekdays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Weekends & Holidays 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

ENTRANCE FEES

Php300.00 Adult

Php200.00 Children less than 3.5 feet

FREE Children younger than a year old

20% Discount on Senior Citizen Card Holders

City of Springs 2010

It’s my hubby’s birthday and the weather is not fine but there is no reason not to celebrate. We are supposed to go to Tagaytay but unfortunately, we were not able to get any room for that day so the second choice is Los Bańos resort. Good thing that I was able to find the Splash Mountain flyer, we used to go to this place for day tour swimming since they have several pools both for kids and adults but this time we plan for an overnight trip.

We immediately called them but unfortunately, there is no more room available, they refer us to the City of Springs Hotel. We avail the De Luxe Room with Jacuzzi, the price is reasonable enough because you have your own mini pool or Jacuzzi inside your room.

You can bring your own food if you want though they have their own restaurant, of course, the price is quite pricey.

Klook.com

March 02, 2011

Divine Mercy Hills El Salvador

Our flight is still 3PM so we still have time to roam around Cagayan De Oro or nearby places but zipline and water rafting are not included in my itinerary because of my two-year-old son.

After visiting this church we decided to go to Divine Mercy Hills El Salvador or Divine Mercy Shrine El Salvador in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.

The best way to go there is to hire a cab, the asking price is P750 and we haggle for P700. I was surprised to see that there were so many people who visited the place. There is nothing really special about the place aside from the big statue of Jesus, 15.24 meters. If you are a Catholic and religious type, you will appreciate the place.

We only stayed for 30 minutes and we went back to the hotel.

March 01, 2011

Day Trip at Kabayan Beach Resort

It was already the first week of May, and of course, we did not want to end our summer without swimming. This time we're heading to Batangas at Kabayan Beach Resort. I have read so many good reviews about this resort, so we chose this one. Just follow their direction and you will not get lost.

Kabayan Beach Resort, formerly known as Laplaya Beach Resort, started operating in 1996, so it is already an old resort. This resort is one of the affordable resorts in Batangas; you can have a day trip or an overnight stay. They have different types of rooms that can accommodate couples, families, and even team building.

Activities that you can do:

1. Kayak
2. Beach volleyball
3. Billiards
4. Speed Boat
5. Banana Boat
6. Flying Fish
7. Bandwagon
8. Playground

The good thing about this resort is that you can bring your own food, which we did to save money. But if you don’t want to bring food, don’t worry, because you can eat at the Kabayan Fastfood or the El Kapitan Bar. Corkage fee applies to all beverages, wines, and liquor.

It was no longer surprising if there were so many people at the resort because it was summer time, but because we were early, we were able to get a cottage at the beachfront. Since there were so many people at the shore, we rented a boat for P1500 for the snorkeling experience, it is just one hour of snorkeling, so I find it so expensive, but we have no choice since it is peak season.

The place is nice, just do not expect too much. The price is already affordable at P100 per person and P50 for children. My son, who was 19 months old, was not exempt from the entrance fee. They have a swimming pool, but you need to pay a fee. They also offer Day Trip packages, so just visit their website for more options. They have a chapel, multi-purpose hall, souvenir shop, and convenience store.

Check here the other resorts that we have tried in Batangas

Kabayan Resort
Laiya Aplaya, San Juan Batangas

Nuvali

After Caleruega, we went straight to Nuvali to eat our lunch. I was so happy because there is Contis in Nuvali, and I no longer need to go to Serendra to eat my favorite lengua estofado and mango bravo.

We ate first before trying the different activities in Nuvali, which is not a good idea because we waited till 1PM so we could buy feed for the fish and a ticket for the water taxi.

After our visit, I know that this won’t be our last time.

Manila Zoo

It has been two decades already since the last time I have been to Manila Zoo. This is not really a planned trip, I really want to go to Divisoria but Tutuban Center and Mall was closed (Good Friday) so instead of going home, we went to Manila Zoo.

lonely Mr. elephant

mukhang statue

I was sad and disappointed because I did not see any major improvement in the Zoo.

Manila Zoo

Quirino Ave., Adriatico St., Malate Manila Luzon Philippines

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Telephone numbers: (632) 400-1884 (Manila Zoo) / (632) 522-6179 (Kinder Zoo)

Day Trip at Villa Escudero

This is a delayed celebration of our fourth wedding anniversary and we decided to go to Villa Escudero. I always want to go to Villa Escudero and this time, it will be a dream come true. Lol! It is the best place to unwind and relax because you will really feel nature away from the metro.

I was surprised that there are so many people who visit the place such as foreigners, students, couples, and family. The staffs are all nice and friendly. There are welcome drinks for all the guests so you will not get bored while waiting for your turn at the reception area. We only avail day tour package which is P1250 per pax. After paying you will receive a stub that you will use inside including your buffet lunch at the Labasin Waterfalls Restaurant. Just proceed to the entrance to start your tour.

There are jeepneys and carabao carts that are all waiting for guests, they will take you to the resort proper. It is nice to ride in a carabao cart because there are musicians that will serenade you all the way to the resort.

Lunch will start at 11AM so before eleven we already went to Labasin Waterfalls restaurant because we want to sit near the food table and falls. Lol! It is a different experience so we take our time and enjoy the food.

We were not able to try the bamboo rafting because my son is not allowed to ride it.

There is a locker for rent if you want to swim and leave your things safe and secure.

There is a cultural show at 2PM and we went there at exactly two so we no longer have seats. We finished the show because the performers are really talented and good.