Michi Photostory

Yangon Myanmar is known as a melting pot of East meets West. The city is famous for their Shwedagon Pagoda. My husband was lucky to visit the pagoda during his first visit to Myanmar. He took some pictures and since then, I required him to take photos so I can have a glimpse of his business trip. Hehehe!

Read: Glimpse of Yangon Myanmar

There is still no direct flight from Manila to Yangon so there is still a short layover in Bangkok. During his first visit, he flew via Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways but last week, he flew via Philippine Airlines and Bangkok Airways. We had a bad experience at Bangkok Airways before, if you remember my post “How to Deal with Damaged Luggage”. This time, nawalan naman ng padlock yung luggage ni hubby so I was hoping na magkadirect flight na to Yangon.

Parkroyal Yangon Hotel

My husband stayed at Parkroyal Yangon Hotel, he likes this hotel compared to Taw Win Garden Hotel because the room is much bigger, comfortable bed, bathroom has a bathtub and stable wifi. It is located near the Yangon city center which is an ideal location because some popular attractions are near like Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Yangon Central Railway Station, Bogyoke Aung San Market and China Town.


This is the room and bathroom.





Spice Brasserie

The room package includes buffet breakfast at Spice Brasserie where you can eat local and international cuisines. They also offer “Special of the Day” meal prepared by their chefs. The restaurant is open from 6AM to 11:30PM. Their signature dishes are Chicken Curry with Potatoes and Assorted Vegetables and Prawn Curry with Assorted Vegetables. For breakfast, you can try Myanmar Morning Noodle (Mote Hinn Gar), a national dish of Myanmar and most popular breakfast dish. The main ingredients are catfish, lemongrass, fish sauce, onion, garlic, rice vermicelli and coriander.





Shiki-Tei

Aside from the Spice Brasserie, you can also eat or drink at Si Chuan Don Hua Restaurant, Shiki-Tei, The Lobby Bar, and Club 5. My husband loves Japanese food so he took advantage of the Shiki-Tei, a Japanese restaurant at Parkroyal. It offers buffet and a la carte meals but my husband availed the buffet dinner at $45 but because of the promo, he paid around $33.






Lunch 11:30AM to 2:30PM
Dinner 5:30Pm to 9:30PM



Parkroyal has a gym and swimming pool, but the pool is not that clean because you can see moss on the tiles of the pool. I hope they clean and maintain their pool well. Service is good.

Parkroyal Yangon Hotel
33 ALan Pya Phaya Road,
Dagon Township,
Yangon Myanmar

Yey, I am an angel now, an angel without wings and not God’s messenger but I will be one of the angels that will inform you about the latest Korean Beauty products. I am happy to announce that I am now part of Althea’s Angel Beauty Ambassador Community. (insert happy dance). I discovered Althea Korea last year and I became hooked with Korean Beauty products. I’ve never been to South Korea so I am glad that I can order K-Beauty products in the comfort of our home. So far all my boxes were delivered on time and in good condition.


If you remember my post last week, I was browsing Althea Korea site because they are having an anniversary promo and I wanted to join their contest “Althea Turns 3”. I just placed my order then my Welcome Gift arrived, my Althea Angels box is here. Thank you Althea Korea.


The box includes Althea’s Real Fresh Skin Detoxers in Green Tea and Rose. These products will be available on July 30, 2018 so don’t forget to visit Althea Korea site. I will share my review on a separate post but to give you an idea, it is a daily 10 seconds wash-off mask, so if you’re busy, this will be your friend because you only need 10 seconds for your morning routine and evening routine.


Real Fresh Skin Detoxer Rose: Refining

It gently smooths away roughness and gives your skin a radiant glow. Perfect for your morning routine.

Real Fresh Skin Detoxer Green Tea: Purifying 

It calms down and purifies your sensitive skin. Perfect for your evening routine.

Read: Althea Korea Real Fresh Skin Detoxer Review
My Shopping Experience at Althea Korea
My Korean Drama List

Jakarta, Indonesia is not on my bucket list but whenever my husband goes to Indonesia, a part of me wants to go with him because I like his accommodation. You know that my son and I love hotel staycation and parang ang sarap magstaycation sa Jakarta. Last Thursday, my husband told me that he needs to go to Indonesia and he said he will stay at The Westin Jakarta and I just said okay.

My husband stayed at Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel in Bangkok so in my mind, same lang sila but the following day, I searched for this hotel and at that moment, I wanted to book a flight. Hehehe! But no more flights at Cebu Pacific Air and PAL has Premium Economy and Business Class flight only. Too expensive for two nights trip.

My husband booked online and he received the confirmation after a few minutes. The payment was already charged because of the no cancellation policy. I’m not sure if that is always the case or is it because my husband booked a day before his trip. Good thing that despite the heavy rains there was no flight cancellation last Sunday.


The Westin Jakarta is a 5-star hotel and one of the newest hotels in Jakarta. It is located on the top 20 floors of Gama Tower, the tallest building in Indonesia. It is in the heart of the city so you have stunning city view whether day or night. It is near shopping malls too so if you like shopping, this hotel is for you.

The Westin Room




One thing I noticed in Indonesia, their hotel rooms are always big compared to other countries. The smallest room is 46-48sq meter. The design of the room is similar to Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, it is just bigger. This was the first time my husband stayed on this hotel but because he is SPG Member, the hotel gave him complimentary dessert and drink coupon. Additional 5% discount on their hotel rate too.


Tip: If you are a frequent traveler, business traveler or you love hotel staycation. Don’t forget to sign-up for hotel membership card. It is FREE. You get additional discounts every time you book. And sometimes they give freebies like complimentary desserts or drinks.




They say that they have a heavenly bed but my husband still prefers the bed in Hotel Mulia Senayan, yun pa rin ang favorite hotel beds niya. It has a separate rain shower and bathtub so plus points for us because we love bathtubs. The toiletries are similar to other Westin hotel except for the ‘Sleep Well Lavender Balm” so I told my husband to bring it home. Matry nga kung makakatulog ako ng mahimbing.


Seasonal Tastes

The room package includes buffet breakfast at Seasonal Tastes, it is an all-day dining restaurant that offers city view. My husband said it is similar to Spiral where there are so many choices, sa dami you don’t know where to start. They serve international dishes like Western, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean. It has seven live cooking stations so you can order and they will cook it for you.'

Read: Jakarta Eats: Seasonal Tastes Restaurant




My husband stayed for two nights or should I say one night only because of the delayed flight, madaling araw na siya nakarating. Hehehe! So he was not able to explore other facilities of the hotel, but The Westin has 24 hours Fitness Studio, Spa, and Indoor Heated Swimming Pool.


Update November 2018

My husband went back to Jakarta and stayed again at The Westin Jakarta. He was a returning guest so he was a little disappointed because there were no complimentary fruits and desserts in his room. So there is no consistency on the way they treat loyal SPG member or returning guest. This is one reason why he likes Hotel Mulia Senayan, they really know how to spoil their returning guest.


No more king-sized bed so he stayed at Westin Twin Rooms, but looking at the photo, ang laki pa rin ng bed for a single bed.


He was able to explore the hotel so he checked the gym, he swam in the indoor pool (lukewarm water) and ate breakfast and dinner at Seasonal Taste. If ever you want to use the gym and you forgot your workout attire, don’t worry because you can order workout gear.

“Pack Light Stay Fit - Westin Gear Lending helps you keep moving with New Balance workout gear delivered right to your room for just $5. Call Service Express to Order workout gear in your size. ” 




Pros: There is a bank in the building so in case you need money, you won't have any problem. My husband exchanges Philippines Peso to Indonesia Rupiah.

Update: March 2020

My husband went back to Jakarta, Indonesia, and stayed here again and he was surprised when he saw a plate of dessert on his table because, for the last few trips, they no longer give complimentary fruits or desserts. I hope the freebies are consistent for their returning guests. Happy 5th Stay to my husband.


The Westin Jakarta 
JI H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. C-22 A.
Jakarta, 12940 Indonesia

It is indeed a rainy season here in the Philippines and I’m missing the sun. I dislike the rainy season because it also makes me lazy and sad. Nakakastress din because you have to wait for class suspension announcement, it’s either mapuyat ka or gigising ka ng maaga just to check if there is news na. Unfortunately, lagi kami may pasok rain or shine (#onlyinLaguna), it is funny pa kasi kung ano yung hindi maulan, yun ang wala kami pasok.

It’s that time of year again. Time to pack your things, gather your family, and head off for a much-needed vacation. You’ve been planning for this trip all year, and you’re anxious to hit the road. Before you go, you should probably make sure that you’ve secured your home first. Imagine coming home after having a great time only to find that it has been burglarized, vandalized, or caught on fire? You may not be able to control the inevitable, but you can do your part to reduce your risks. Here’s how:

Ask Someone You Trust for Help 

A vacant home is a prime opportunity for burglars to access your property and take whatever they’d like. To make your house less appealing, ask someone you trust to keep an eye on things. It can be a neighbor, family member, or friend. Simply let them know you’re going away and ask if they’ll watch the house. They may choose to stay at your place while you’re gone or opt to drive by periodically to take a glance at things. Either way, there’s someone constantly accessing your home, therefore, reducing the likelihood that a thief would be interested in breaking in.

Hold Your Mail 

There are various signs thieves look for to determine which property they’ll target. One of those signs is a full mailbox or packages left outside the door. If you plan on being gone for more than a day or two, you should probably put your mail on hold. You can contact your local post office to find out how. If you’re unable to or would prefer not to go that route, you can ask a neighbor or family member to retrieve mail for you.

Insure Your Property 

Some things that could go wrong while you’re on vacation are completely out of your control and unforeseen. Natural disasters, for instance, can happen in an instant. To protect your house and personal belongings you should have property insurance. This way, if the house catches fire, floods, gets burglarized or experiences some other disaster, you can receive funds to replace what was lost or damaged. You can find cheap apartment renters insurance or homeowners insurance online and have coverage the same day.

Alert Your Home Security Company 

If you have a home security system that comes with monitoring services, this can provide you with added peace of mind while on vacation. Not only should you make sure that your alarm is armed when you leave your home, but you should also notify the security company that you will be away. When aware of your destination, agents know to be on high alert if your alarm should go off. They won’t hesitate to contact the local authorities on your behalf.

Do Some Yard Work 

Another sign that nobody is home is an unkempt lawn. Before going on your trip you should tend to your lawn maintenance. Cut the grass, prune the trees, trim the hedges, and secure all the lawn equipment in the shed or house for safe keeping.

Lock the Garage 

Here’s a big safety point that a lot of homeowners forget. When you pull out of the garage be sure to lock it behind you. This is especially true for garages that allow easy access to the rest of the house.

You deserve to get away from your everyday life. To spend some quality time with your family. You also deserve to come home to a house that’s intact. If you really want to enjoy yourself on this trip, before taking flight, it is imperative that you follow these safety tips and secure your home.

I discovered Althea Korea a few years ago but it was only last year when I tried shopping at their site and because of the smooth transaction, it became one of my favorite online shopping sites especially for beauty products. If you knew me, I’m not fond of buying beauty products but things changed, now skincare products are part of my budget. Hindi na ko bata so I need to take care of my skin before it’s too late.


As of now, Althea Korea is celebrating their 3rd birthday, they have promos starting July 2 to July 31, 2018. I missed the 3 weekly promos but I won’t miss the 4th week, I want to join their contest. Malay mo, manalo ko ng “Fly me to Korea”. Yesterday, I was checking my skincare products so I will have an idea if I need to restock. I was also browsing their site to look for interesting products that I want to try. And because of that, I realized that I haven’t shared my Althea Korea Haul yet. 

Singapore is just a small country, but a lot of tourists visit because it offers a lot of interesting sites for singles, couples, and families. It is known for having an amazing airport, food centres, family-friendly attractions, and even shopping destinations. In addition, you can visit Singapore, any time of the year, and for Filipinos, we don’t need a visa.


Once you book your plane ticket, the next question is “Where should I stay in Singapore?” especially if this is your first time. Don’t worry, because whether you are visiting for business or leisure, you can find the right accommodation. There are hostels, budget hotels, and luxury hotels, so you can book depending on your budget. Although Singapore has a very accessible train and bus system, don’t forget to consider the location of your hotel. Some of the favorite locations of tourists are Bugis, Chinatown, Little India, Sentosa, Orchard Road, Clark Quay, and Marina Bay.

We’ve been to Singapore a few times already, so let me share some hotels that we have tried or my husband has tried in the past. As of this writing, we have tried 6 hotels, but I forgot the name of the first hotel, which is located in Little India, so walking distance to Mustafa Mall. So if you are looking for an accommodation in Singapore, check these hotels.

1. SOUTH EAST ASIA HOTEL 

For our second visit to Singapore, I was looking for a budget accommodation, and I stumbled upon the South East Asia Hotel, which is located in Bugis. The rate is only SGD100 per night with complimentary breakfast already. Since this is just a budget hotel, manage your expectations. The hotel has a good location, it is near shopping malls, market, money changer, souvenir shop, and MRT. From the airport, you can just take the train and get off at Bugis station, and walk to the SEA Hotel, about a 6-minute walk.

Read: South East Asia Hotel Review

2. SWISSOTEL MERCHANT COURT 

When my husband attended a seminar in Singapore, he stayed at the Swissotel Merchant Court, which is located in the city center. This hotel has good facilities, the room and the swimming pool are also good. It is one of the nice hotels in Clarke Quay; in fact, when my husband took a taxi and told the driver his hotel, the driver said, “Oh, you have a nice hotel”. It is situated in Clarke Quay so you have Singapore River view, you can enjoy your hawkers' food trip, and you can also start your DIY Singapore City Tour here.

Read: DIY Singapore City Tour

3. SHERATON TOWERS SINGAPORE

For our third trip to Singapore, we stayed at Sheraton Towers Singapore, located on Scotts Road, and the nearest MRT is Newton Station. This is a five-star hotel, so expect that the facilities, food, and service are good. The room has a bathtub, so plus point. The food is a little bit expensive, but don’t worry, because Newton Food Centre is just a few minutes walk from the hotel. My favorite part of the room perks is the complimentary use of a smartphone device. I can use the phone, and I don’t need to turn on my roaming. Yes, I have unlimited internet access during our stay.

Read: Sheraton Towers Singapore Review

4. OASIA HOTEL NOVENA SINGAPORE

Oasia Hotel Novena is the fifth hotel that my husband tried in Singapore. It is located in the Central Business District, with shopping malls, and the nearest MRT Station is Novena. It offers complimentary arrival transfer from the airport, and you can also reimburse one taxi receipt every day up to SGD20. The room and bathroom are small. The facilities are good too, it has a gym, jacuzzi, and lap pool.

Read: Oasia Hotel Novena Review

5. FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON SINGAPORE RIVERVIEW

Just last month, my husband stayed at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview. Among the hotels that he tried, he likes the location of this hotel because it is near the Singapore River, within walking distance to his office, and you can also do a walking tour here because some tourist spots are just a few minutes walk. It offers free shuttle service to the MRT station and Orchard Road, so if you like to shop, you don't need to spend money on transportation. You can just take advantage of the free shuttle to the Orchard. This hotel has 3 restaurants, and one of my husband’s favorites is Irodori Japanese Restaurant, so if you love Japanese food, try their buffet lunch and dinner.

Read: Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview Review 
Things to do in Singapore

6. THE WAREHOUSE HOTEL

If you want a unique experience, then stay at The Warehouse Hotel. It is a modern boutique hotel located in Robertson Quay. It is a small hotel with a unique history, too. This hotel may lack the facilities and amenities that you want in a hotel, but it boasts of its hospitality and home-cooked Singaporean specialties.

Read: The Warehouse Hotel in Singapore