Michi Photostory

September 01, 2012

Viaje del Sol: Café Lago and Sampaloc Lake

My mom wanted me to visit my grandmother every month so starting this year again I do visit my grandmother every month but because of busyness sometimes we only stay for few hours but if we’re not in a hurry we will sleep there, if you remember my term “eat, sleep and run”. But before we go home we try to visit one place listed in Viaje del Sol so two weeks ago we were able to visit Café Lago and Sampaloc Lake.

Again, we don’t know how to get to Café Lago so we used the GPRS to get there. We’ve been following the GPRS but we’ve been running around in circles and we can’t find our destination. According to GPRS, we’re one minute away to Café Lago but we feel that we’re lost so we stopped using the GPRS and asked for directions, lagpas na pala kami. When we reached Café Lago, we checked our location in GPRS and we found out that GPRS is not 100% accurate but it is still helpful.

Sampaloc Lake, with circular shoreline of about four kilometers, is situated right in the heart of the city and a stone's throw away from the city capitol compound. It has a maximum depth of 27.6 meters at the center and an average depth of 20 meters. It has a calculated volume of water in storage of 14.1 million cubic meters. Its narrow water head is planted mostly with coconut trees. In an east side is an outlet with a low outflow of water while a number of clear springs mark the lake shore area.

Café Lago is a small restaurant just in front of Sampaloc Lake. Good thing that we went there early because after few minutes, 21 people came in to eat their lunch. The group came from Casa San Pablo which I also plan to visit, someday. While waiting for our order we took some pictures.

We ordered Fern “pako” salad P150 and Crispy Binagoongan P245. My husband enjoyed his Fern Salad and even my son ate it. Crispy Binagoongan is just ok for me.

Café Lago

San Pablo, Laguna

Contact # (049) 573-7404; 0922-8217931

Weekends: 7AM to 10PM

Weekdays: 10Am to 9PM

GPS: 14*04'34.71''N 121*19'31.11''E

August 30, 2012

S&R Pizza and Chicken

I’ve been hearing and reading a lot of good reviews about S&R pizza and chicken but I can’t try this because I’m not a member. Early this year, I’ve asked my husband if he wanted to become a member but as usual NR (no reaction) si hubby. I did not insist anymore because I feel that S&R is only for rich people and we do not belong. Hehe!

Out of the blue, my husband texted me if I want to be a member of S&R and I’ve asked him why? He told me about the Sale blah! blah! blah!. Well, I told him that I knew this stuff already and reminded him that I already asked him if he wants to become a member.

Fast forward to dinner, hubby said “ang sarap pala ng pizza sa S&R”. I was stunned because I’ve been meaning to try S&R pizza and there was my husband telling me his stories. I asked my husband how and when he tried it. He said, “kanina lang nung nagtext ako sa’ýo?” At that moment I was mad because he only texted me if I want to be a member and he did not inform me that he was eating lunch at S&R, grrr! If I knew that he was in S&R, I will ask him to take out some pizza.

And because he was so guilty, two nights after that incident we went to S&R before my check-up in Asian Hospital. At last, I’ve tasted their pizza and chicken.

pizza cheese P89 - ang laki noh! my husband likes the combo than cheese

P219.95 rotisserie chicken

How to become S&R member:

Just visit any S&R branch, fill-up the form, submit two ID and pay P700 and P400 for the supplementary card.

Pepperoni P99, Combo Cheese P99

Update: I've tried the other pizza flavor and so far this is our favorite flavor, Pepperoni, and Combo.

May 8, 2014

Ever since we became S&R member, their food court is one of our choices if we want to have lunch or merienda before or after grocery. We love their pizza, fries, and chicken.

I’m glad that they are adding more meals on their menu. My new favorites are Southern Style Fried Chicken P140+ and Beef Baked Roll P149.

New York Cheesecake

Care to share your favorite?

Chocolate Brownie Muffins

It took me months to try this recipe because every time I checked our pantry one of the ingredients is missing, nuts or chocolate chips and I know who the culprit is. Hehe! Finally, last week I was able to make chocolate brownie muffins. I got the recipe from “The Harassed Mom’s Food Journey”.

I used cashew nuts

I’m not sure if I over baked it because when I bite it, it is not that soft and I find it dry but hubby and son loves it, anything with chocolate. I supposed to bring this cupcake in school during my son’s rehearsal and my birthday but I forgot it. Hehe! Anyway my mother in law brought home some of this during her visit but I’m not sure if she likes it too.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup good quality baking cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup butter (melted)
1/2 cup boiling water
1 tbsp vanilla 1 1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chocolate chip
1/2 cup walnuts

Directions:

Set oven to 160 degrees Celsius.
Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners.
In a medium bowl combine cocoa and baking powder; mix to combine.
Add in boiling water and mix well with a wooden spoon.
Carefully pour in the melted butter and vanilla and mix well.
Add in the sugar.
Stir in eggs slowly.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour with salt.
Add in the chocolate mixture; mix well to combine (batter will be a bit on the thin side).
If using any add ons, you need to fold them in at the last minute. Make sure to coat your chocolate chips with flour so they won't settle on the bottom of the muffins.
Using an ice cream scoop fill each of the muffin tins almost to the top. Add the nuts.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until muffins are done, don't over bake!

Easy Coconut Macaroons

My son has no classes today because it’s “Montessori Day” and I will take advantage this time to finish my backlog. Yehey! Two weeks ago I’ve made coconut macaroons but this time I tried different recipe from cooks.com

2 (8 oz.) pkg. shredded coconut

1 (15 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

2 tsp. vanilla

Mix ingredients. Drop from teaspoons onto well-greased cookie sheet. Bake in moderate 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Cool slightly before removing from pan. Remove to rack to cool completely.

The first recipe that I’ve tried is from yummy magazine but I can’t remember the taste because it was years ago already. Hehe!

This easy coconut macaroons recipe is indeed easy because all you need to do is mix the three ingredients. My son volunteered to mix again so it took us forever to finish the macaroons. I used small muffin cup and baking paper.

My family loves this and I even brought some to my grandmother’s house during our visit and my aunts love it too.

August 27, 2012

Purple Oven at Santa Rosa

If there’s one thing that I really missed ever since I quit working is no other than Purple Oven pastries. I used to order pastries from one of my colleagues who sell Purple Oven pastries every Friday and one of my favorites are revel bar and brownies.

I know that they have branches in Pasig and Makati but it is too far from me so when I learned that they have a branch in Solenad 2, I was so delighted because I can visit this branch and of course I bought my birthday cake here.

I got Grandma’s Chocolate Cake for P570, a chocolate sponge cake with layers of caramel and chocolate bits. We all love it because it is not overly sweet and it is now our new favorite chocolate cake. They only accept cash and debit card payment.

November 11, 2012

I visited Purple Oven Nuvali last night to check for some cakes and pastries, I wanted to buy a cake but they don’t have small size cakes like Contis and Red Ribbon so I ended up with Ensaymada P60 per piece.

At the counter, the staff gave me a slice of blueberry cheesecake for a free taste. While eating the blueberry cheesecake my husband and son entered the store so they finished my free taste. We like the Purple Oven blueberry cheesecake P820/whole but I still prefer the Calea blueberry cheesecake P750/whole.

Now, I’m starting to believe that Purple Oven delivers pastries in Starbucks because their ensaymada taste the same. I have to try their banoffee pie next time.

from fridge

from the oven

July 24, 2013

When I was still working, one of my colleagues was selling pastries from Purple Oven. I have no idea about Purple Oven but when he said na yun supplier ng pastries sa Starbucks, napaorder naman ako. Hehehe! Well, I don’t know if it is true but there are similarities in the taste.

Every other week I always order fudge brownies and revel bars, you know, payday so I have to treat myself. When I resigned from work, that is one thing that I really miss especially pregnant pa ko nung nagresign. I was really craving for their pastries kaso nga lang ang layo. Five years ago, Pasig is the only branch and it is too far from where I live.

So I was really delighted when I learned that they have a branch in Solenad and since then I always buy something from their store. Last Saturday, we were in Solenad so I bought the all-time favorite fudge brownies P260/16pcs.

Surprisingly, my husband prefers my triple chocolate brownies than Purple Oven Fudge Brownies. He wanted moist brownies na pero five years ago, gustong-gusto niya yan. =)

Sharing the Purple Oven Price List

September 11, 2013

A trip to Solenad is not complete without buying something sweet in Contis or Purple Oven. I’m now lazy to bake so I always ended up buying pastries or cake. As expected before we went home, we dropped by at Purple Oven and bought ensaymada P60 and revel bar P260. I haven’t tried other pastries because I always buy our all-time favorite which is brownies, revel bar and ensaymada. Any suggestions?

February 4, 2016

Last Friday, after my check-up we went to Festival Mall and I decided to go to salon and cut my hair. When I got home, I just noticed na hindi pantay ang hair ko, as in mas mahaba ang right side sa left side, almost an inch ang difference and hindi ko siya napansin sa salon. Grrrr

And dahil hindi ko mapakali sa hindi ko pantay na hair, we went to Nuvali para ipaayos. Ang layo noh, pero I tried their service before and ok naman. Natawa na lang sa kin yung naggugupit, bakit di ko daw ibalik. I said, ayaw ko na baka masira pa lalo. Nadoble pa tuloy gastos ko. From now on, dadayo na ko dun and ayaw na sa Festival Mall.

Before going home, we dropped by in Purple Oven. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know for sure that I love their cakes, pastries, and pieces of bread.

Speaking of ensaymada, it is our family favorite. My son can finish one whole ensaymada, it is already an achievement kasi mahina kumain pero pag type niya, ubos. :) I also bought Cheese Roll and Cinnamon Roll and they taste good too. Now we have a new favorite on our list again.

Care to share your favorite in Purple Oven.

Purple Oven Branches

63 St Peter St

Oranbo, Pasig

(02) 631-4221

YMCA Building #7 Sacred Heart Street,

San Antonio Village, Makati City

(02) 631-4221 / (02) 910-1364 / (02) 910-1363 / (0906) 315-7661

Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay Road

corner Nuvali Blvd., Nuvali

+632 631-4221, 910-1363, 910-1364

August 26, 2012

Birthday Staycation at Acaci Restaurant of Acacia Hotel

We’re supposed to avail of the rainy day promo of Acacia Hotel to celebrate my three decades on earth but because of my son’s activity in school we couldn’t stay but we still went to Acacia Hotel. If you are reading my other blog, you’re aware that I won a lunch buffet for 2 and I saved it for my birthday. Hehe! I celebrated my birthday without spending anything; the best things in life are free.

I checked my gift certificate and there was a note that “prior reservation is needed” so I asked my husband to call Acacia Hotel, the staff informed him that we could just walk in but hubby still made a reservation just to be sure.

After my son’s general rehearsal in school, off we went to Acacia Hotel, we arrived before 12nn so I took some pictures while waiting. Acacia Hotel is quite new but we were very satisfied with the service, from the parking lot we asked someone where the restaurant located is and the staff accompanied us all the way to the Acaci, we took two elevators just to reach the restaurant. Great service!

My son was very hungry and wanted to eat already so my husband gets some pastries and they allowed us. I won a lunch buffet worth P2,172 but as of now, they have a promo for P995 plus one round of drink. My husband loves pandan juice. I think the price is worth it because of the view, service, and food choices. And because it was my birthday, I have reason to eat more. Hehe!

Staycation at Acacia Hotel

Acacia Hotel Manila
5400 East Drive corner Commerce Avenue,
Filivest Corporate City, Alabang,
Muntinlupa City 1781
720 2000 / 5888 5888
enquiry@acaciahotelsmanila.com

August 14, 2012

Mercury Drug: Para Saýo Suki

I went to Mercury Drug last Sunday to buy my medicines and unfortunately one of the prescribed medicines is not available. It happened to me two years ago and we went to all the branches that we know but the medicine was not available. It took us almost a month to find the medicine; my husband was able to buy my medicines in Mercury Drug – Makati branch. I don’t want to experience it anymore so when I read this,

“If the medicine you are buying is not available in this branch, we are happy to assist you to look for it”

I asked the Mercury Drug staff if he could help me and he gladly asked my prescription so they could check. It took them several minutes just to find the medicine, ako na nga napapagod sa kakahintay. After a few minutes, another staff went out and said that the medicine is only available at Calamba Crossing and only 30 pieces left. She asked me if I want to reserve it already but I said no because I don’t know if I can pick up the medicine but I really appreciate the effort.

I went back to our car and asked my worried husband if he can drive me to Calamba so I can buy my medicines. He was really worried and akala niya kung ano na nangyari sa kin sa loob. He can’t call or text me because all his phone went dead and he could not get in because my son was sleeping in the car. Anyway, from Binan, Laguna we went straight to Calamba Crossing.

I gave my prescription and the staff said, “Ma’m, wala na po kami stock nito”. I told him that I have verified that this medicine is already available. He excused himself and asked other staff if the medicine is already available and he went back to me and asked how many tablets I need. Thank God, our time and effort were not wasted.

So if you really need the medicine do not hesitate to ask for assistance. It will save you time, money and effort.

August 09, 2012

Going Green on a Budget

We always think that going green is expensive because we have to replace our existing appliances and consider energy-efficient ones. It is one of our goals to upgrade our appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and television so we can save more money while saving the environment but we don’t have the budget yet.

I know that it is not an excuse because I can still go green on a budget. I posted before that I’m practicing green living in my own little way and here are other ways to go green without hurting your wallet.

1. Buy less and waste less.

A lot of women I know love to shop but if you can control yourself and buy only what you need, you can definitely save more.

2. Donate old but usable clothes, shoes, books, toys and others to charity.

Make it a habit to declutter your closet and you’ll be surprised that you have stuff that you haven’t use for months or years. Always remember “One man's trash is another man's treasure”. Today is the best time declutter so you can help “Hagupit ng Habagat” people. They definitely need clothes.

3. Cook more at home

Due to busy schedules, a lot of people no longer cook at home and they rather eat outside or call restaurants for delivery but if you want to save money, try your best to cook at home. Always plan a weekly menu.

4. No Leftovers

As much as possible do not waste food and turn your leftover into new dishes. If you have leftover food, put in a container or wrap it using cling wrap. Use overripe banana for banana bread, cook fried rice from leftover rice, cook pansit from leftover chopsuey, and turn stale bread to French toast.

5. Wash full loads of clothes

I have two laundry bins; one is for white clothes and one for non-white clothes. If I see that one bin is already full, it’s laundry time. You can save water and energy if you wash in full load.

6. Set a day to iron all clothes

I used to iron clothes every other week but since I have a schoolboy already, I need to iron clothes every week.

Care to share your ways of saving the environment.

What to Expect Aboard the Mariner Of The Seas

The Mariner Of The Seas is another of the spectacular vessels that make up Royal Caribbean's awe-inspiring Voyager Class of ships. A spacious and remarkably well-equipped ship, she sets sail to a lengthy list of destinations that are genuinely among the most incredible worldwide cruise holiday hotspots. From the Bahamas to South America and various parts of Europe and the Caribbean, the Mariner is a worthy contender if you're hoping to find yourself a good deal on the holiday of a lifetime.

In terms of the activities available onboard, the variety is terrific. So you can get involved in team sports like volleyball or basketball if you're feeling energetic, or you can play some crazy golf as a family or climb an outdoor wall as a more challenging way to have some fun. And there is even an ice rink onboard if you like to do some skating or you've had enough sun for one day.

The destinations that the Liberty sails to and drops anchor at are always likely to be among the primary attractions of its cruise holidays but you will no doubt be very impressed with the quality of cuisine onboard, the levels of service from staff and the evening entertainments that are available as well. It is all part of what you get when you book your ticket and there can't be many better ways to spend some quality time than being among those aboard the Liberty Of The Seas for as long as you are able.

Spending a week or longer onboard the Liberty or any of its sister's vessels or its rivals could well prove to be one of the best trips you've ever taken. But the increased effort is being made to ensure that anyone booking one of the latest mini cruises can pack in just as much fun, adventure, and relaxation in a much shorter space of time.

August 08, 2012

How to Claim Remittance in Cebuana Lhuillier

For the last several weeks I was busy asking for support from my relatives, I’ve mentioned in my other blog that I’m one of the delegates in Mr. and Ms. PsorPhil. It is a fundraising event to help those people who have psoriasis. I was thankful for those people who help, supported and donated money for our advocacy.

One of my relatives informed me that she will just deposit the money so I was expecting that she will deposit it in my bank account but I was wrong, she informed me that she sent the money through Cebuana Lhuillier and she gave me 18 digit alphanumeric codes.

I’m not familiar with other remittances because I always use the bank to send and to receive money so I immediately surf the internet if there’s any Cebuana branch in our place and fortunately we have one branch. The place is accessible via tricycle from our place for P50 (one way) but I asked my husband to accompany me so I can save money in my transportation. Hehe!

Seriously, I was nervous because I don’t know what to do. Upon entering Cebuana, the guard gave me a number and I asked him if I need to fill out something and he said yes. I get this form and fill out the necessary details.

1. Transaction type
2. Sender name
3. Receiver name
4. VIP# - the 18 digit code
5. Expected amount
6. Customer signature

Then I waited for my turn when my number was called I gave the form and valid id to the branch personnel and after few minutes she called me and asked “first time?” I said yes and she immediately called the guard and pointed me, “guard, first-time o”. I was wondering how she knew that I’m a first-timer.

The guard gave me a paper and my question has been answered. I have no records so I need to fill out the customer information sheet. I filled out the form and gave it again to the branch personnel and after few minutes, she gave me the money, receipt, and ID. That’s it!

Read: Cebuana Lhullier: How To Send Money

August 06, 2012

Asian PsorClub goes to UK

We’ve been planning this since May and finally, last Sunday we went to UK. We were so excited because this is the second out of town trip of our group so rain or shine off we went to Tagaytay. Yes, you’ve read it right; we went to UK or Ukay-Ukay in Tagaytay. Hehe! My first and last experience of Ukay-Ukay was in Baguio, I was still in college during that time.

We always visit Tagaytay but I have no idea that there was Ukay-Ukay so after several years; I’ve experienced Ukay-Ukay again. Someone suggested this place because I need gown for Mr. & Ms. PsorPhil event and I don’t have any, the gowns that I have won’t fit me anymore. She said, she was able to find gowns in Ukay-Ukay for their costume party. I also received a gown from one doctor but unfortunately, the gown is too small for me. Huhuhu! (sexy ni Dra. and I’m fat). But I really appreciate the gown because even she doesn’t know me, she gave me a gown, thank you and God bless you! Anyway, I still have two weeks more to buy or rent. Good luck to me!

Let’s go back to Ukay-Ukay! If you have very limited budget, I can definitely say that your money can go a long way because you can find clothes or stuff for as low as P5. I bought a lot of stuff and one of them is jacket, I bought one for my son P100 (Oshkosh) and one for me P50 (Hang Ten). A good steal because we will only use this for our upcoming trip. I don’t want to spend money for something that I will only use once.

If you are rich, this post is not for you but if you are a frugal shopper you can find this Ukay-Ukay before you reach Tagaytay Rotonda. Landmark is McDonalds. Happy shopping!

July 30, 2012

Homemade Play Dough

Last year I bought Play-Doh Cars 2 Mold N Go for my son, the box includes four free play-doh and of course it didn’t last long. I know that I can easily buy play-doh but I find it expensive so yesterday, I’ve made homemade playdough. Too bad, I only have one food color. I got my recipe here "Musings from a stay at home mom".

Ingredients

1 cup flour

1 cup water

2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/3 cup salt

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

food coloring

Instructions

Mix together all the ingredients, except the food coloring, in a 2-quart saucepan. Cook over low/medium heat, stirring. Once it begins to thicken, add the food coloring. Continue stirring until the mixture is much thicker and begins to gather around the spoon. Remove the dough onto wax paper or a plate to cool.

Read: DIY Homemade Play Dough

It supposed to be strawberry red but I don’t know why it looks pink or light purple but still, my son was happy with his play dough. Lighting McQueen is back!

July 27, 2012

Lunch at Greenwich

I mentioned before that I’m not fond of Greenwich pizza but I love their lasagna. My husband adores their pizza so when I won P1,042 worth of Gift Certificate last May, he was ecstatic to avail the free meals so whenever we are in the mall and hungry, he always asks if I still have GC. We had free lunch, dinner and merienda because of my GC. We just add drinks and frozen choco cup for my son.

We availed 6 Spaghetti Garlic Stix,

1 Greenwich Barkada Special Overload

and 1 Greenwich Barkada Ultimate Hawaiian Overload.

July 12, 2011

We had a quick snack at Greenwich while waiting for my hubby’s pants to be altered. I am not really a fan of John Lloyd’s pizza, I mean Greenwich pizza but I really like their lasagna. I always order this whenever we eat here so I still haven’t tried their overload pizza. We ordered lasagna, chicken and softdrinks combo for P159 and pizza, spaghetti and softdrinks combo for P59.

July 26, 2012

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

I can’t remember the last time I’ve made a cookie, I guess it’s been 4 or 5 years ago when I first tried to make a chocolate crinkle and I can’t even remember the taste. hehe! So yesterday, I’ve pushed myself to bake a cookie, I saw the recipe in Pinterest and one pinner said it is award winning recipe so I pinned and tried it. I checked the ingredients just to make sure I have everything in my pantry and I checked the procedures and it looks so easy.

In less than 30 minutes I have lemon crinkle cookies. I haven’t tasted any lemon crinkle cookies and this was my first time to taste it and I liked it. It is soft, not overly sweet, and I can really taste the lemon. I accepted the fact that my son and husband will not like it because they didn’t like my calamansi cupcake but I was wrong, they love my lemon crinkle cookies.

I’ve got the recipe in LDS Living

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Makes 2-3 dozen

Ingredients:

½ cups butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoons vanilla extract

1 whole egg

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

¼ teaspoons salt

¼ teaspoons baking powder

⅛ teaspoons baking soda

1-½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cups powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease light colored baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Whip in vanilla, egg, lemon zest, and juice. Scrape sides and mix again. Stir in all dry ingredients slowly until just combined, excluding the powdered sugar. Scrape sides of bowl and mix again briefly. Pour powdered sugar onto a large plate. Roll a heaping teaspoon of dough into a ball and roll in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until bottoms begin to barely brown and cookies look matte {not melty or shiny}. Remove from oven and cool cookies about 3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

*If using a non-stick darker baking tray, reduce baking time by about 2 minutes.