Michi Photostory

April 19, 2013

13 Ways to Save Money

I’m a stay at home mom and living with a single income is not easy. There are times that we live from paycheck to paycheck and it is really hard to meet all our needs. If I will look back on the days when I resigned from my work, I really don’t know how we were able to survive it. But God is good and He really provides our needs and even wants.

As a wife, I need to be a good steward because I know my husband’s job is not easy peasy. I witnessed his overtime without pay, sleepless nights and working even on vacation leave, holiday and weekends. I’m proud to say that he’s doing a good job as our provider.

Five years of being a full-time mom taught me a lot of things, I learned from my own experiences and other’s experiences. Like I always say, I’m not a financial expert but I hope these tips will also help you in budgeting and saving.

1. Plan your route

I always plan our trip because I want to finish all my errands in a single trip. I want to hit two birds at the same time so I can save time, effort and money.

For example.

a. I love going to World Trade Center because of the Christmas Bazaar so after visiting my family in Valenzuela to give my gifts, I will drop here to buy stuff before going home since I live in the South area.

b. I regularly visit my grandmother in Victoria, Laguna and if we have extra time we try to visit those places listed in Viaje Del Sol.

C. I love taking notes and I always have a list of “Things to do” and “Things to buy” so whenever we’re going to the mall, I bring my list. What’s in my list? These are the usual things that I have on my list, it just varies on the due date.

- Pay bills such as postpaid plans, internet providers, credit cards, amortization, and others.
- Deposit or Withdraw.
- Go to junkshop to sell our junk of course.
- Grocery (things to buy)
- Buy medicine and vitamins. I have psoriasis so I always buy medicine.
- Pay SSS loan and SSS contribution …and many more.

2. Refrigerate and Cupboard Awareness

If you’ve read my energy saving tips, you know for sure that I religiously defrost our fridge every week before Wet Market Day. It is my time to clean the fridge and do my inventory.

I will check the left-over, expiration date and list the things that we need to buy in the market. As I mentioned before I always have “Menu List”. I do check our cupboard every month to check the expiration and clean it too.

I have a notepad where I write all the stuff that we need to buy so it is not really difficult to do the inventory.

3. Do not waste it. Learn to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. You can read more on my Green Living post.

4. Minimalist Living

Think before you buy things. Ask yourself if you really need to buy stuff? Do you really need to buy the latest gadget? Do you need to follow fashion trend? We have rules in our house, “If it is broken, try to fix it. If it cannot be fixed, then replace it”. “If we buy something we need to let go something” like clothes because we have limited space in our cabinet.

5. Decluttering

Always remember “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. I used to sell preloved stuff in my multiply account and I was able to sell most of my son’s baby stuff. Other baby stuff, I gave to relatives.

6. Buy or accept pre-loved stuff.

When I started selling my pre-loved stuff, I also bought some pre-loved stuff. I just double check if the stuff is still in good condition or in great shape. I visit Warehouse Sale, Ukay-Ukay, and Garage Sales.

If someone is giving hand me down clothes or other stuff, I welcome it with open arms. You can repair or fix the free stuff according to your needs and wants. Free is better.

7. Join Contest and Giveaways

If you have spare time, try your luck. Who knows you might win big prizes. I love joining contests and giveaways and my lucky year was last year.

8. DIY

You can really save if you do it yourself. Learn how to DIY your travels, kitchen ingredients, gifts and others. Read more here.

9. Research

I subscribed to Facebook page and emails of different airlines and discount websites so I will be updated with all offers, seat sales, promos and discounts. But I only buy what I really need.

10. Don’t scrimp on what matters.

Though savings is a must, there are also times that we splurge for the experience just like our travels and food trips. Recreation is part of our family bonding. There are different ways to save money if you want to travel like searching for cheap airfare, staying in hostels or budget hotel, DIY your itinerary and many more.

11. Watch where your money goes.

I have a notebook where I write our income and expenses every month. Since my husband receives a monthly paycheck, I have to make sure that we will have money for the whole month. I do list our credit card expenses just to make sure that we will not go beyond our limit and we can still pay our debt on the due date.

12. Teach kids the value of money.

I hope I can teach my son the value of money, as of now he doesn’t know the value of money. For him, money never runs out, you can get it from your wallet or ATM Machine.

But he has his own piggy bank, savings account, and stocks. The amount is not that big but he is learning how to save his money.

13. Invest on quality items

When I say quality; buy furniture, appliances or gadgets that will last for long so you don't have to replace it every few years. Invest in energy saver appliances, solar panels to save electricity and printer that can print up to 6000 pages.

Bonus: Learn to appreciate what you have and be happy with it.

"Do not envy the rich. They are blessed with the ability to create wealth. While their wealth may be in money you may be blessed in other areas that the rich do not have. We are all experts but only in different subject matters. Envy is a killer. If we keep on looking at the things we do not have then we will fail to appreciate the things we have." – Francis Kong

Pray and believe that God will make a way where there seems to be no way.

Feel free to share your saving tips.

April 15, 2013

Lunch at Resorts World: Crisostomo

I mentioned in my other blog that I won in Rica Peralejo’s Giveaway and after getting my prize, we went straight to Resorts World to have our lunch. For the longest time, I’ve been bugging my husband to bring me here but he always says “Wala naman magagawa dun”. Then last Saturday, I told him that he promised us that we would go to Solaire after we pick up my prize then bigla nagka-amnesia, nagging Resorts World na lang.

Anyway, at least I finally visited Resorts World and it reminds me of our Hotel-Casino hopping in Macau. There are casinos, expensive boutiques, cinemas and theatres where you can watch events.

We checked the available restaurants and settled in Crisostomo. I’ve been reading good reviews here and true enough we went home with happy tummies.

While browsing the menu they gave us complimentary cornick. We ordered Bagumbayan Lechon P285, Paella P395 and Extra Rice P60.

Actually, this is the first time that I’ve tasted Paella though I included it in our wedding menu; I wasn’t able to taste it. #diakonakakainsawedding. Anyway, the serving and price are very reasonable. The service is good and they even gave us souvenir pictures. Definitely, this won’t be our last visit.

Crisostomo Newport

Unit F &B3A 2^nd Flr Newport city 100

Andrew Ave. Brgy 183 Newport City

Cybertourism Pasay City

Betty Crocker: Super Moist Cake Yellow Cake

Last Friday, I was planning to bake banana bread to save our overripe banana but I saw Betty Crocker cake mix in our cupboard so I decided to bake this instead. I have the Betty Crocker “Super Moist Cake - Yellow” and I’ve made 20 cupcakes.

According to the package it is super moist cake but it wasn’t, the cupcake is soft but it is not super moist. Anyway, we still enjoy our yellow cupcake, I brought this in swimming lesson and my mommy friends love it.

April 12, 2013

A Guide to The Beautiful Rooftop Bars of Bangkok

Bangkok has long held a reputation as a city filled with bars and colorful nightlife. The modern city of Bangkok has expanded to the extent that it can now quite simply be described as vast; a recent trend has been to move the bars from the busy and crowded streets of the city into the sky.

Sitting on top of some of Bangkok's most lavish building's rooftop bars are the city's new craze and can there be a better way of viewing the sprawling metropolis than from one of these chic, smart and beautifully designed bars.

1. Vertigo

The aptly named Vertigo bar can be found on top of the sixty-one-storey Banyan Tree Hotel. From above the restaurant resembles the bow of a great ship and provides visitors with a chilled atmosphere and the option to enjoy a relaxing meal with their drink. Popular with British Ex-Pats this is a reasonably priced bar and is free of all obstructions to the view including walls and a roof. While there sample the signature cocktail the Vertigo Sunset with its Malibu base. ( Banyan Tree, Bangkok, 21/100 South Sathon Rd, Bangkok)

2. Sky Bar

Found on top of one of the most coveted sleeping quarters in the city, the Lebua Hotel, this bar has an international flavor and live jazz music to complement its chic decor and stylish clientele. The actual bar itself, which sits on a promontory above the city, is illuminated and changes color throughout the evening. Open until 1AM guests can sip the bar's specialty A Sunset 63 a concoction based on Absolut Vodka and watch from this tranquil haven as the city chases itself through the night. ( Sky Bar at Scirocco, Lebua at State Tower, 1055 Silom Rd, Bangkok)

3. Blue Sky

One of the newest additions to the Bangkok rooftop bar collection this elegant bar is lined by glass walls providing an unobscured view of the metropolis. This is a bar of split personality, frequented by city workers in search of peace and tranquillity in the early evening but becoming a party goers haven as the night progresses. The Blue Sky is open until 2 am and sits on the roof of the Sofitel Centara Granda. (Blue Sky Bar, Sofitel Centara Granda, 1695 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok.)

4. The Long Table

A few floors above the famous infinity edge swimming pool of the luxury Column Hotel, The Long Table provides shelter from the elements with its roof and glass walls and has to be the coolest of all the Bangkok rooftop bars. With a view over the city's lake and Banjakiti Park, this club was created by the same team who created the club scene institution the Bed Supperclub, and the guest list reflects the bar's status. This is where you will find the Bangkok in-crowd possibly seated at the seventy-seater table believed to be the longest in the world. (The Long Table, The Column, 48, Sukhumvit Soi 16, Klongtoey, Bangkok)

5. Three Sixty

For a close-up view of the city skyline. try the Three Sixty, a favored haunt of F1 star Lewis Hamilton. In the heart of the city's luxury hotel area, it can be found on the banks of the Chao Praya river and is a cozy place where its guests can relax and listen to the often internationally renowned jazz singers who play here. (Three Sixty, The Millennium Hilton, 123 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan, Bangkok)

John is a freelance travel writer, who documents his travel experiences on various websites as well as his own. He is currently working with Cheapflights.com.au.

Klook.com

Lunch at Adobo Connection

Last Tuesday after my son’s swimming lesson we went to SM Sta Rosa to pay bills and we had early lunch in Adobo Connection. One of my favorite menus in the house is Adobo, well it is so easy to cook so it is always on my menu. As in every week yata may adobo kami. I cook chicken adobo, pork adobo, adobong liver and gizzard, adobong sitaw and many more. Hehehe! Sabi nga nila "'Ang babae parang adobo, hindi kumpleto pag walang toyo.

So it took me time in trying Adobo Connection restaurant because I always eat adobo but for the sake of trying this restaurant, we ate here.

We ordered Kuya’s Fried Mix Adobo P109, Lola’s Classic Mix Adobo P119, Gising-Gising P35 and Iced Tea with Soup P32. My husband is ordering extra rice for my son but the staff said “wag na daw bata naman”. Our meal kasi is rice all you can and hindi naman malakas kumain anak ko so we only order 2 adobo meals. Kudos to the staff! =)

The serving is huge so even it is rice all you can, I did not ask for extra serving. I tried two adobo meals but of course, I still like my own version of adobo. The chicken was tender but the pork was not and I find it dry. But my husband likes the Gising-Gising, it is very spicy kaya tagaktak ang pawis habang kumakain.

April 10, 2013

Dinner at Isdaan

After checking out in Casa San Pablo we went straight to Isdaan for our dinner. We always pass this restaurant on our way to my grandmother’s house but since we have tried the Isdaan inTarlac we were not tempted to eat here, in addition, we can eat for free at my grandmother’s house.

Well, my mom was here so we could eat free of charge in Isdaan. Hehehe! I was tired already, so I did not check the place, but according to my husband, this branch is bigger than the Tarlac Branch.

Kids received free balloons and loot bags.

It is not easy to order sa dami ng pagpipilian, so we just ordered Boodle Fight Round 1, which includes Pinatola Soup, Binagoongang Baboy, fried Tilapia, Pansit Sisig, Lumpiang Bukid, Tadtad Mangga, Sibuyas, Kamatis, Itlog na Maalat with Bagoong, Tacsiyapong Gulay, and Bagong Saing sa Kaldero. (P4763 good for 8 pax). We add 3 Bagong Saing sa Kaldero and Sizzling Shrimp Gambas.

After the food was served, galit-galit na kami, and no more talking.

In fairness, we enjoyed the food and we left very full at may take-out pa. Hindi namin naubos sa dami. My husband and son tried boating. It is free but P20 tip for the boatman. They haven’t tried the Gondola in Venetian Macau when we went there so dito na lang, hehehe!

April 08, 2013

Day Trip at Casa San Pablo

Casa San Pablo is on my bucket list, as I mentioned before, I wanted to visit those places listed in Viaje Del Sol, so when my mom told me that they would be staying in my grandmother’s house and planning to swim, I immediately asked what resort?

Me: San naman magswim?

Mom: Splash Mountain.

Me: Wow, bago yan ha, di ko pa napupuntahan yan (joking)

Mom: Yung sa dati. (she did not get my joke)

Me: Wala na bang bago.

Seriously, we’ve been in Splash Mountain for the nth time since I got married, and I know how crowded the resort is during summer, so I suggested Casa San Pablo and I gave her a link. She immediately said yes, so I inquired and they gave me this rate.

DAY TRIP RATES:

Day Trip with Lunch, PM snack

1,243/head (inclusive of 10% service charge and 3% local tax)

Special Discounted Rate:

550/head (inclusive of 10% service charge and 3% local tax)

Day Trip with AM snack, Lunch, PM snack

1,412.50/head (inclusive of 10% service charge and 3% local tax)

Special Discounted Rate:

650/head (inclusive of 10% service charge and 3% local tax)

Inclusive of the following:

*Use of a room from 11:30AM to 6:00PM

*Use of the resort amenities

We avail of the P650 Day Trip Package (kids and adults), including the morning snack, lunch, and merienda. Children below two years old are free of charge. I was glad that they were able to accommodate us, so my sister deposited the 100% payment on Friday for our Saturday trip.

Since my grandmother lives in Victoria, Laguna, we left past 7AM so we can reach the place before 8AM. Don't forget to print the confirmation letter because you need to present it before you can enter the gate. They are really strict because the guard really counted the number of people inside our car.

The guard assisted us to the resort, the staff gave me a form to fill out, and I paid P500 forthe key deposit. She handed me the key and assisted us to our rooms. As early as 8AM, we were able to check in.

Our room #16 and #17

Dormitory type of room

I must agree with other reviews that the swimming pool is not inviting, but for our kids, the swimming pool is still a swimming pool, so they don’t care about the looks as long as they can swim.

Anyway, Casa San Pablo is not really a resort but a bed and breakfast where you can relax and unwind, so aside from this swimming pool, you can do more to enjoy the place.

1. You can stay in the swing or hammock.

2. You can play in the playground.

3. You can ride a bike.

4. Or simply take advantage of the “Art of Doing Nothing”. Honestly, I enjoyed my stay here because I love my routine, “Eat and Rest”. We left at exactly 5PM para sulit ang aming stay

Food

Pro’s

1. They immediately reply to my emails, so we were able to book the Day Trip Package in a span of a few days.

2. Free Wifi.

3. I really recommend the place if you need some R&R and a weekend getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

4. Aside from the confirmation letter and the map, they will also provide you travel guide where you can visit other places near the area. These places are listed in Viaje Del Sol.

Con’s

1. We enjoyed the place but not the food. Kulang sa lasa and family style ang serving so bitin siya sa min. Imagine kids pa ang kasama namin, how much more kung adult kami lahat na magshare.

2. Service is just okay, the wait staffs are not approachable and parang ayaw magsmile. Ang tagal din naming naghintay sa lunch, past 12:30PM na nagserve.

CASA SAN PABLO | Barrio San Roque, San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines

Mobile: +63 920 962 4083 or +63 917 812 6687 | Phone: +63 2 211 2132 | Fax: +63 2 724 7023

Email: info@casasanpablo.com

April 07, 2013

Free Personalized Logo Development

Are you new to blogosphere or currently building a brand name online? One of the things you should do to make it successful is to create your site’s brand image or commonly known as “logo” especially when it comes to bloggers. In this way, if you are going to take part of some events for instance, people could easily identify your site through the logo you have.

A lot of people find it hard to create their own brand image, lucky to those who know how to use known software in making such thing and those who can afford to pay for it. But how about those new in the field and those can’t even afford to pay for any service yet?

Good thing that there are still websites which offer free logo maker! Yes, you read it right. These days, it’s quite difficult to search for free software that helps us to create and visualize the logo we desire. Despite of it, there are still good companies offer software tools for free to help us in building the brand image we wanted to have.

And for those who are still in the process of making their blog, there are plenty of logo development tools available online!

Lunch at Wee Nam Kee

First customers kami

We had an early lunch in Wee Nam Kee while waiting for the cinema to open. Judging the interior I thought the price is expensive but I was wrong, the serving and price is very reasonable.

We ordered Small Set of Hainanese Chicken (combination of roasted and steamed) and Pork Chop Rice Toppings. I wanted the Roasted Pork but it was not available. They gave us soup while waiting for our order. Soup pa lang masarap na.

Now I know why this restaurant is always full because the food is indeed good. A simple dish but very flavorful and because of that we ordered extra Hainanese rice P40. We will definitely go back again.

Read: Wee Nam Kee 2015

The Croods and How to Redeem Globe Rewards Points

Last Friday, after getting my son’s school card, books, grooming kit and other stuff that he left in school we went to ATC to watch a movie. My husband was on leave and he has expiring points in Globe Rewards so we need to use it. After so many years, now lang niya gagamitin ang points niya, sayang ang mga expired points.

We used to redeem free movie, popcorn and drinks using our Smart Reward Points but here in Globe Rewards, we don’t know how to redeem the points so we just approached the staff and tinuro niya ito.

1 point = 1 peso: since we only have 440+ points, I add P100+ to get 3 tickets. #notbad

We already watched "It Takes a Man and a Woman" last week so this time “The Croods”. The story looks boring at first but don’t worry this is an entertaining and touching movie. It is a story of a family who is afraid to explore and accept new things. An overprotective father who learned how to let go, explore and take a risk.

How to Redeem Globe Rewards

Since I don't have enough points, I only use my points for rebates.

1. Log-in to your Online Globe Account
2. Click Loyalty and Rewards.
3. Choose from the list of rewards. In my case, I always redeem BR100 or BR50. Rebates of P100 or P50 on my bill.
4. Add to cart and Click continue.
5. Accept the Terms and Conditions and Click Continue
6. Click Continue to check-out

April 06, 2013

Krispy Kreme: Mickey Mouse Doughnut

I’m not really fond of donut or doughnut but I love Krispy Kreme Original Glaze so that’s what we always order if ever we saw Krispy Kreme Store. Last Holy Week I’ve read Mel’s post “Mickey Mouse on Krispy Kreme” and I find it so cute and I’m pretty sure that my son would love it. True enough, he saw this Mickey Mouse Doughnut when we visited Bonifacio High Street and as expected he uttered the magic word ‘’Mommy, I want this! I want Mickey Mouse Doughnut”.

So before going home, my mom and my sister went to Krispy Kreme Store to buy doughnuts for the kids. I was expecting that they will buy the Mickey Mouse doughnuts but I was wrong. So I don’t know what to say to Ethan after I saw the doughnuts because while waiting I kept on telling him to behave so he can have Mickey Mouse doughnut. #trustissueito. If the line is not long I will buy doughnuts but I know it would take me an hour so I promised him that we will buy doughnuts next time.

Yesterday, we were in Alabang Town Center and look for Krispy Kreme Store just to fulfill my promise. We bought 1 dozen assorted but I did not receive a free bag because it is out of stock. #huhuhu. I’ve been persuading the staff to give me the display kaso hindi ko siya naconvince. Hehehe!

The verdict is, “The doughnut is cute but it was not a hit, we still prefer J.Co doughnuts. The only thing I like is the Alcapone look alike and Pistachio flavor”. My son did not like it too, he will just take one bite then “Mommy, ayaw na, finish na”. #waah!

1 dozen = P450: Nakainin na namin bago ko napicturan. =)

I Was Blocked

Two days ago my IP address has been blocked and I don’t know why. Every time I visit my blog I’m getting these errors and I can’t visit other blogs too.

Our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network. Please try your request again later. Why did this happen?

Honestly, I’m so pissed off because I can’t finish my backlogs and I can’t do my normal routine which is blog hopping when I’m just at home. I did my research and I did most of the suggestions like clearing my cookies, cache, and browsing history. I scanned my computer if there virus. I even tried lifting the block but I can’t do it because they don’t accept free emails. Then I wanted to use proxy servers but while I was reading the instructions, I don’t know how to do it, di kinaya ng powers ko. Lastly, I begged my husband to stop downloading movies on my laptop so he deleted those downloaded files.

I felt so helpless and I cried yesterday because I need to do something and I can’t access my own blog. The task was just easy and I can do it in less than 5 minutes but it took me forever because I need to use another internet provider which is Globe Tattoo. Super slow connection and it took me more than an hour just to open my blog, insert the keyword and update it.

Imagine I was so stressed because I can’t access my blog for two days. I’ve read other blogs that were affected too and I was reading their troubleshooting but I did not do it because I was tired already, I just uttered a simple prayer “na sana pagising ko ok na lahat” and God answered my prayer.

I can visit my blog today and I hope it won’t happen again.

April 03, 2013

Bizu

While we’re looking for a restaurant we saw Bizu besides Café Mary Grace and my husband immediately told me.

Hubby: Hon, masarap yung donut diyan (pointing to Bizu)

Me: Donut?!?

Hubby: Oo, ganito lang siya kalaki (demonstrating the size)

Me: Baka Macaron

Hubby: Yun ba tawag dun, basta masarap pinatikim ni Mel sa kin.

At that moment I wanted to laugh out loud pero I just keep it to myself so after eating at Café Mary Grace we went to Bizu to buy Macarons. Don’t laugh at me because this was my first try of Macarons de Paris. Well, if you knew me I’m so kuripot so everything is expensive, hehehe! Imagine P55 per piece and isang subo lang siya ng anak ko. Anyway, since this is my first try we bought assorted.

Macarons de Paris – At the heart of every famous patisserie in France are its luxurious Macarons de Paris. These fanciful round pastel-colored pastries are heavenly in both texture and flavor. Each perfect macaron has a light thin crust giving way to a soft and chewy center that sandwiches a variety of flavoured crème ganaches. Indulge in lavish Macarons de Paris creations produced out of Bizu’s labor of love.

It is yummy but expensive. I haven’t tried other flavor at sinubo nga ng buo ni Ethan. Hehehe! #bawalmagshare.

Lunch at Cafe Mary Grace

Almost two weeks ago we were in Alabang Town Center and I can’t remember why, hehe! It was lunchtime so most of the restaurants were full and it was not easy to look for a restaurant then I saw Café Mary Grace. We were lucky that there’s still an available table for us. It was our first time in Café Mary Grace so while browsing the menu I noticed that they don’t serve rice meals but we don’t want to find another restaurant so we just ordered Carbonara, Grilled Chicken with Couscous, Ensaymada, and Lemon Chiffon.

While waiting for our order, we were eating Ensaymada P73 and Lemon Chiffon P55. Ensaymada and Lemon Chiffon were yummy but I think it is expensive. Pang P30 below lang ang afford ko and masarap na yun, hello Goldilocks and Red Ribbon. Hehehe!

While ordering, I asked the staff what is their signature pasta, she said Creamy Mushroom Pasta and Carbonara, I chose carbonara kasi may bacon. Infairness, it was really good, we love the creaminess of their carbonara.

Grilled Chicken with Couscous, I’ve meaning to taste the couscous, name pa lang sosyal na but we did not like it, as in nagkatinginan kami ni hubby nung natikman namin. I don’t like the texture; honestly, it is like eating sand. Hehehe! (nakatikim na ba ko ng sand?) Surprisingly, my son liked it and he ate half of it.

Update: February 26 2018

It's been years since the last time I visited Cafe Mary Grace because we usually eat lunch in the mall and as far as I know, wala rice meal sa Cafe Mary Grace. I haven't checked their menu lang kung may nagbago na ba, let me know.

Anyway, they already have a branch in Festival Mall so before going home last Saturday, I ordered 6 pcs of Classic Cheese Roll for P320, you can buy one piece at P55. We liked the cheese roll, it is true to his words "soft to the bite, freshness always". The bread is really soft and even I put it in the fridge, the bread is still soft when you eat it. By the way, their famous ensaymada is P85 per piece, laki na ng inflation. hehehe! Next time, I will try their cakes and other pastries.

April 02, 2013

Lunch at JVF Bulalohan

On our way back to Tagaytay we were really hungry so we have no reasons to be choosy, we immediately parked our car when we saw available slot in JVF Bulalohan. It is a small restaurant parang carinderia type na sosyal, may service charge din. Hehehe!

We were lucky to get the good spot, overlooking of Taal Volcano. We ordered Pinakbet P185, Fried Tawilis P130, Fried Tilapia P180 and because I’m a meat lover I ordered Lechon Kawali P210. Hehehe! The serving was small especially sa fish and the taste is just ok, I already accepted the fact the pag may view ng Taal Volcano the price is kinda expensive. =)

Good Friday

Since 2008 we always visit Caleruega every Holy Week as in walang palya yan. I was still pregnant when we first visit the church and now parang nakakasawa na kasi paulit-ulit na lang picture namin. Hehe! But it is my husband's devotion so I need to support him.

It is nice to visit Caleruega every Holy Thursday and Good Friday because there’s no entrance fee but you have to be early so parking would not be difficult and less crowded. Parking is P30.

We left before 5AM to pick up my in-laws in Laguna and off we went to Caleruega. We were there before 7AM so we ate inside the car while waiting for the opening.

After Caleruega, we dropped by Chapel of Hills.

Then Taal Basilica or Basilica de San Martin de Tours, according to Wikipedia, Taal Basilica is considered to be the largest church in the Philippines and in Asia, standing 96 meters (315 ft) long and 45 meters (148 ft) wide.

“Ang Basilika ng Taal (1575) Unang itinayo ni Padre Diego Espina noong 1575 sa ngayon ay San Nicolas na dating bahagi ng Balangon. Nagiba nong 1754 nang pumutok ang bulkan. Ipinagawa sa kasalukuyang kinatatayuan nong 1755 at giniho ng lindol noong 1849. Kinikilalang pinakamalaking simbahang katoliko sa dakong silangan, ang kasalukuyang simbahan at sinimulan noong 1856 ayon sa ibinalangkas ni Luciano Oliver, isang arkitekto. Pinasinayaan ito noong 1865.

”

It was our first time in Taal, Batangas and now I know why it is called Heritage Town. You can really see that this town was preserved, most of the houses are still old and even the 7-11 is in old building. It looks like we were transported at different times. Unlike in Vigan, you can only see the old houses in one place but here in Taal, everywhere you go, you can see old houses. I know that there are several places that we can visit in Taal but my husband wanted to visit 7 churches so we have to leave immediately.

Next stop is this church, I’m not sure if the name is San Roque Parish.

As I mentioned, my husband wanted to visit 7 churches but we were stuck in the traffic on our way back to Tagaytay and were exhausted already, especially his nephew who experiencing motion sickness. As in lahat ng stop namin, sumusuka ang baby. #wawa So after eating our lunch, we went straight home.

By the way, we saw Fantasy World on our way to Taal Basilica. According to the vendor we can go inside for P1000 (max of 10 people).

How to get to Taal Basilica from Caleruega

From Caleruega, just go back to Nasugbu-Tagaytay Road then turn right to Batangas-Cavite Boundary. If you see the Fantasy World as you drive farther, you’re on the right track. Drive straight until you reach Mahayahay Crossing. Turn left and stay on the road. You’ll pass through Lemery Town Proper. When you cross the Pansipit Bridge, you have entered Taal Territory. Turn left going to Taal Basilica.

Source: Batangasphilippines.org.

April 01, 2013

S&R Member's Treat and Free Pizza

We were so busy last month so even there’s S&R Member’s Treat last March 13-17, 2013 I did not include this in my calendar but last March 15, our TV stopped working so we have no choice but to buy a new one.

I guess we have to say goodbye to my TV. I had this TV for 8 years already, oh yes; I was still single when I had it so it was really an old model. But we have rules in the house na “pag kaya pa irepair, ipaayos, pag hindi pa sira, hindi pa papalitan”, so even there was an LCD, LED and now Smart TV we’re still using the old one.

But now, we decided to buy new one instead of going to repair shop. New TV models are space saver and energy efficient and I’m hoping that we can save more on electricity.

Thank God because we were able to visit S&R Member’s Treat last day of sale so we were able to buy TV for less. We save almost P7000 + free home theatre worth P15,000. And because of that we were able to get free 1 whole pizza courtesy of HSBC promo.

P495

April 8, 2014
S&R Member's Treat

We’ve been a member of S&R for quite some time now and S&R Member’s Treat is something that we always look forward because of the big discounts and buy 1 take 1 promo. People do not mind the crazy lines because of the savings that they will get.

S&R had a March Big Deals but I control myself not to go there and wait for the Member’s Treat April 2-6, 2014. Comparing our experience before this Member’s Treat is like a normal day because parking is available, carts are everywhere, few people and no long lines.

Honestly, I was disappointed para talagang hindi Member’s Treat. Most of the items that we bought are in regular price and I think these are the only items that we bought at discounted price and B1T1 promo. Kirkland Fish Oil Vitamins at P749.95.