Michi Photostory

October 21, 2013

Tagaytay Trip and More

Last Tuesday was a holiday and a holiday = family day. Since it was a holiday, we went early to Asian Hospital Derma Laser for my therapy again, good thing they are open from 9-12nn. Then after that, we went to Tagaytay, we wanted to check if there were Halloween costumes in Ukay-Ukay #kuripot but unfortunately, we did not find any costumes.

We had lunch in RSM Binalot sa Dahon, we chose this because we thought it was cheaper than fastfood and para maiba naman. So we ordered Grilled Liempo P130, Tocilog P108 and Turon P70. The meal had no drinks included so we ordered 1.5 liters Coke for P90.

They gave us free bulalo soup while waiting for our order. After eating our meal and paying our bill, nagkatinginan na lang kami ni hubby. We both knew that we were not satisfied with our food and sana nagfastfood na lang kami, mas mura at masarap pa.

The only good thing that happened was we saw a poster of Bali Village Hotel Resort and Spa in this restaurant so we asked if they had flyers so off we went to Bali Village to check the place. We’re currently looking for accommodation because we will attend the wedding in December.

Surprisingly, the place was good so we reserved a room already.

We also checked Hotel Kimberly Tagaytay if they have a promo for December but as of now no promo. But we’re having second thoughts because of the location; it is too far from Caleruega.

Then we went to Nuvali but on our way there, we saw Good Shepherd so we had a quick stop and bought ube jam P 130 and cuchipan P50.

At Nuvali, we’re looking for Halloween costumes and formal clothes for Ethan but we did not buy this because I don’t know the wedding motif yet.

After checking all the stores in Nuvali and Paseo De Sta Rosa, we did not find anything so we decided to go home. On our way home, my mother-in-law texted my husband to pick up his brother in Binan and ihatid sa Cabuyao, Laguna. Wheww! Di pa tapos ang road trip, so we were on the road for 10 hours. Stressful but fun.

October 18, 2013

Cebu Island Hopping Information

When you want to go and visit Cebu and want to enjoy everything about this beautiful island, you should totally go and try the Island hopping. Cebu island hopping is one of the best activities to do in Cebu but finding a reputable travel agency in Cebu that offers this ocean adventure other than just taking a tour in Cebu Philippines, will not be that difficult. However, it would be totally helpful in finding the appropriate agency to have this activity with when you do a little bit of research. Also, it will surely make you feel excited about this adventure when you get to hear more about it. So, below are the couple of sites we’ve found for you to get the best details, photos and a total sneak peak of what you will experience when you go for a Cebu island hopping tour.

Trip Advisor

Trip Advisor should give you tons of information on travel agencies in Cebu that offers the best experience for Cebu island hopping activities. You should be able to see real reviews and opinions on the best businesses to utilize for island hopping. You can either check the reviews or go to the forum part of Trip Advisor. If you decide to go to the forum part, you should make an excel spreadsheet and determine which businesses are mentioned the most. This will help give you an accurate idea on what the best businesses are. You should also check to see if the pricing is in line with what you are quoted when you call or email.

Lonely Planet

You should be able to find tons of information and real user reviews on Lonely Planet. Tons of people comment every day on Lonely Planet, and you should be able to find the exact information you are looking for. They have forums that are designed to give you tons of information and travel tips. You can ask your question in the forum and wait for responses. Or you can simply search for island hopping ideas and/or businesses and see what has already been said.

Third Party Forums and Social Networks

You should be able to find tons of information by searching on third party online forums and social networks. You may have a couple of contacts or friends that have gone to Cebu and actually used different travel agency in Cebu and through them you may get the best referral for this adventure. You will be able to see exactly which companies to use and which ones to avoid because they’re not surely paid to say so to you and you know them, so surely they want you too to have the best experience when you go for this Cebu island hopping tour. This will give you second hand knowledge that you need to know in order to make a well informed decision. Remember, when you are searching for an agency that could provide you for the best experience, you want to be sure that the business is reputable before giving them your money and relying on them to provide you the service that you want to experience. This is not just your any take a tour in Cebu experience, but this will also let you enjoy the tropical heat and enjoy the water world of Cebu!

October 16, 2013

Damaged Heritage Sites

Yesterday, around 8AM, we’re busy preparing for my therapy so we could reach Asian Hospital at 9AM. On our way to the hospital, we’re listening to the radio and we were shocked about the earthquake news. Intensity 7.2 is considered a destructive earthquake and we remembered the Baguio earthquake before. I was in grade 2 at that time and living in Navotas, I was on my way to the sari-sari store nung nag earthquake, feeling ko nahihilo lang ko so I decided to go home na lang and I saw my sister rolling in the bed, walang kamalay-malay, may earthquake na. While my husband was in school somewhere in Dagupan so he experienced the intensity and aftershock of the earthquake.

We’ve been on the road for almost 10 hours so I’m not really updated with the news. When we got home, I was really shocked when I saw the pictures of the damaged heritage site in my news feed. I’ve seen and visited three of these churches, it is so sad to see that it was severely damaged now.

I’m thankful that I have memories of these churches and hoping that it could be restored again. I’m praying for all the kababayans, hope all is well.

October 11, 2013

Mickey Mouse Birthday Party

When my husband celebrated his birthday last June, my son and I baked a cake. While baking a cake, my son said that he wanted a Mickey Mouse birthday cake and since then he always remind me about his cake #repeat100times till he celebrated his birthday last October 4, Friday.

He even drew this picture to show me his theme so deep inside I know that he really wanted a Mickey Mouse Birthday Party. I was planning and surfing the net last June for possible ideas, I ordered some party materials online and started my preparation last week of August. I witnessed the joy and excitement of my son every time he sees me preparing for his birthday.

We gave the invitation few days before his birthday. Day before his birthday, I was not feeling well so I decided that we will not go to school so I could take a rest. I took medicine to prevent it and thank God because I was able to go with them the following day.

When I entered his room, he immediately hugged me and said “I love you, mommy”. He was indeed happy because finally he will celebrate his birthday. #thelongwaitisover It was just a simple birthday celebration together with his classmates and teachers.

Mickey Mouse Cake from "Say it with a Cake"

Initially, I wanted to bake cupcake but since my son wanted a Mickey Mouse cake, I just order this from a friend. The party started with gift giving, then blowing of the candle, eating time, games and lastly group picture. Before I left the room, my son hugged me again and said “Thank you, I love you mommy”. I was really touched, sulit pagod ko sa pagprepare because my son enjoyed his simple birthday celebration.

Click here to check for DIY Mickey Mouse Party.

Aveeno Lotion

I have psoriasis and because of that I have to moisturize my skin always. I’ve tried different brand of lotion before but when I saw this Aveeno Lotion at S&R, I immediately bought it because it was on sale P900 for 2 pieces. So far I love this lotion and will definitely buy again.

Like

1.It is non-greasy lotion and skin absorbs it quickly.

2.No added fragrance.

3.It prevents and protects dry skin.

4.Moisturizes for 24 hours.

October 10, 2013

DIY Mickey Mouse Party Theme

Last year my son had Lightning Mcqueen birthday party and this year he wanted Mickey Mouse birthday party so a few months before his birthday I was surfing the net for possible ideas.

It is not easy to look for Mickey Mouse party materials here in the Philippines so I have to DIY everything. Thanks to Pinterest for leading me to a free Mickey Mouse printable.

1. Mickey Mouse Invitation – my DIY invitation.

Read: DIY Mickey Mouse Invitation

2. Guest Frame - Guests will leave their thumb mark

3. Bottled Water/Spoon and Fork - water only because the school doesn't allow softdrinks.

4. Giveaways - chocolates, cookie, notepad and puzzle.

5. Banner - I used the template of my invitation for the banner and printed Happy Birthday Ethan letters.

6. Cake - I order the cake from “Say it with a Cake”

7. Food - Jollibee

I got my free printables here.

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

October 07, 2013

Community Helper

Last Friday, my son had dress me up activity again in school and good thing I had ready costume for him. This scrub suit was a gift three years ago and now lang niya nagamit. Buti kasya pa! hehehe! What a coincidence too because my son celebrated his birthday on that day so parang costume party pa.

October 03, 2013

Top Dishes to Eat in Asian Cuisines in Australia

Asian Cuisine is a mixture of different varieties. They mostly refer to East Asian, Southeast Asian and South Asian cuisine. The wide variety offered in Asian cuisine is what makes it a favorite among people. There are many top dishes of Asian Cuisine which is very famous due to its taste and variety.

Australia is one destination where we all love to go. Australia is generally known for their fresh ingredients. These include seafood, beef, and lamb. You will also find their native cuisine ‘Bush Tucker’. All in all, Australian food is a mixture of ancient and modern cuisine.

But sometimes when people from Asia travel to Australia they find it difficult in adjusting themselves. The main issue is the food. Though the seafood is very popular, the tourist finds it difficult sometimes to adjust with.

But if you are a lover of Asian Cuisine, then you don’t need to worry. Asian Cuisines are also famous in Australia. Many restaurants in Australia serve top dishes of Asian Cuisines in Australia.

Yes, Australia’s number one online shopping group takes care of Asian takeaway at EatNow in Australia. Eatnow is a famous online food/takeaway site which gives you the top dishes to eat in Asian cuisine and other cuisines. You just have to open the site and find your favorite dish available in your area. After selecting your favorite Asian cuisine, you can place your order online through their user-friendly system and get your meal delivered to your home directly.

The delivery of your food will be from local Asian takeaway restaurants who offer Asian Food. You will find delivery menus, reviews about takeaways/restaurants as well as some exciting meal offers. The service is offered in all across the Australia with which includes main cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Brisbane, Canberra, gold coast and many more.

You can search by entering a suburb or the postcode of your city to find the delivery menus. You can pay for your order through your Credit card, Master card, PayPal account or cash. The system saves your previous orders so you can re-order your dishes too. There are no service charges for this wonderful online food ordering system. You can even order the dishes at the same prices and the service is absolutely free.

At Eatnow, you can browse the reviews of dishes before selecting a dish. This way you can identify the quality of your food and choose the best one. Currently, the top dishes are Wok Express which is an Asian Thai food, Thai Vintage – Sylvania which is also Asian Thai and Dontack Reborn which is Asian Japanese. They give you a list of special menu also with your main Asian Cuisines such as Octopus Wasabi, Takoyaki, Okra Tempura, Tomato Tempura, Agedashi Fishcake, and counting.

Eatnow gives many offers too. If you are ordering for the first time at Eatnow, then you may get a discount up to 10%. If you order some dish worth more than $50 then you also get a 5 % discount. Isn’t it a great deal to try once…!!! Eatnow is delivering a superb service by offering Asian Cuisine restaurants home delivery in Australia.

Top Board Games for Kids Entertainment and Learning

Board games are the best way of entertainment and learning for the kids. There are many board games which are highly popular among kids. Board games are those games that require some counters or pieces to move on a marked surface or board. Rolling dice is one of the important things that is used in many games to decide the chance or progress in the game. Earlier there were few board games. But nowadays we are having so many games that it is difficult to choose the best one for your kids. Chess, Monopoly are few common board games which are highly popular among kids for entertainment and learning purpose. You can easily buy board games either from a shop or online.

You can order your favorite board game or the latest board game at Big W. At Big W, you get the list of different types of board games depend upon popularity, rating, ascending/descending order with respect to price and alphabetically. The total specification about the game is available on the site. Related games and reviews are also there for each game.

You can get the discount too at Big W. The prices are very much affordable at Big W. There are so many games that it is difficult to choose which one to buy. To help you in deciding what game will be better for your kids, some top board games are listed here for your convenience.

Monopoly Millionaire

Monopoly Millionaire is the modified version of monopoly. In this game, you will live your dream lifestyle. The number of players is not limited in this monopoly Game. You need to earn money in this board game with the help of different ways available in the game. You can play with fortune cards too which is included with this game. This is a mind strategy game where you can make a million dollar. This game is available online. You can buy it from an online gaming site.

Cluedo - The Classic Mystery Game

Cluedo is a very classic popular game. This is a mystery game. It is a mystery game that involves a murder and six suspects. The mystery is to find the murderer. With this game, you will get all the essential parts to play the game. It includes Mansion game board, clues, black Cluedo cards and many more things. It is a very interesting game. You can buy these games online very easily. Stare! Junior Edition This game is good to improve your memory power. In this game, you need to stare a picture for some duration say 30 seconds. Then some questions will be asked to test how much you remembered about the picture. This game comes with 160 image cards carrying more than 900 questions.

Rush Hour

This is a game which teaches your kids to use logic and reasoning ability, in this game, you will find complex traffic jam scenarios. You need to take the red car out of the traffic jam. This game puts some pressure on your kid’s brain to think a little harder. There are 40 cards included in this game with different difficulty levels.

Scrabble

Scrabble game is a word game. This is a very famous game where you need to create words with the pieces you got which is embedded in an alphabet along with a number. This game is very good to increase the vocabulary in your kids. This is a way to learn new words and improve your language.

October 01, 2013

DIY Mickey Mouse Invitation

My son is fond of Mickey Mouse so there is no doubt that he chose this theme for his 5^th birthday party. But looking for ready-made birthday party invitation was not easy. I really had a hard time looking for an invitation unlike last year “Lightning McQueen Cars invitation was available."

Thank god for Pinterest, I was able to get some inspiration and I got the idea in Oopsey Daisy site.

Materials

Black cartolina for Mickey Mouse head

Red Cartolina for Mickey Mouse pocket

White Linen Paper for the buttons

Cardboard for pattern

Circle Invitation to be placed inside the pocket

Glue

Scissors

Steps:

1. First I trace the Mickey Mouse head in a cardboard to make a pattern. Then trace it on black cartolina.

2. Then I get one Mickey Mouse house head, folded it in half to make pattern for pocket.

3. Then make two small circles for buttons.

4. Paste it all together.

5. Finished product.

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

September 17, 2013

When I grow up, I want to be

Last July, I mentioned in my “I want to be” post that my son wanted to become a chef, so when I learned that they would be having a Dress Me Up Activity, we immediately went to the market to look for costumes. It was stressful because we only had three days to look for a costume. I haven’t confirmed with my son if he wants to become a chef, but since he mentioned it two months ago, I searched for ready-made chef costumes. It wasn’t easy. I was planning to look for a tailoring shop, but time is very limited, and I’m not sure if they will accept rush orders. I only bought a toque and an apron.

After school, I asked my son what he wanted to be when he grew up, and he said a chef. I was convincing him to be a nurse, doctor, or engineer like his daddy, so I wouldn’t look for costumes anymore, but he said, “No, I want chef!” So I showed him the toque and apron that I bought, and he said, “Thanks, Mommy, wash it na”. #inutasanagadako.

After dinner, my husband was also convincing my son to be an engineer or president, but my son really wanted to become a chef, so what can we do? My son is only in preschool, how much more if he enters college? hehehe! But deep in my heart, I felt so proud because as early as now, he knew what he wanted and he had an ambition. I should be happy because he doesn’t want to be a janitor, bagger, or dump trailer driver. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with these jobs, but I’m just happy that my son has a big dream.

Last Saturday, we were still searching for the costume. I saw a ready-made chef costume, but unfortunately, it is too small for my son and no more big sizes. I can’t find checkered pants, so I just bought black pants. Then last Sunday, we looked for a shop to personalize his toque “Chef Ethan”

September 16, 2013

Stories + Mochi Cream

Honestly, I have so many stories to tell but I just can’t find time because my life is getting busier every day and if I have time my internet connection is not cooperating at all.

Well, just to give an update, I just started my phototherapy last Saturday, we have approaching World Psoriasis Day next month so we need to practice for our presentation, I’m preparing for my son’s 5^th birthday, I need to review my son for first trimester exam next week, I need to help my son memorize his poem for poem recitation this Wednesday and I was looking for costume for community helper activity today and next Monday. Wala pa diyan ang household errands chores and personal challenges.

Anyway, as I was saying I started my phototherapy last Saturday so I will be in Asian Hospital thrice a week and hoping my psoriasis will clear up. My psoriasis is getting worse again due to super stress.

Then after my therapy we went to Festival Mall to pay bills and scout for my son’s costume. Before going home I saw Mochi Cream kiosk, I’ve been meaning to try these Japanese Sweet Deli but the branches are too far so when I saw the kiosk I immediately checked the prices.

As usual, I was having second thoughts because it is so expensive. The price ranges from P75 - P100. But because I was curious I bought 2 pieces, I wanted to try three flavors para tig-isa kami pero di ko type yung available. I bought Mango P90 and Caramel Pudding P75.

Thaw 10-15 minutes before eating

The taste is good and we prefer the caramel pudding than mango. My son and I liked it but my husband prefers macarons. We’re cheapskates so this mochi cream is too expensive for us; it is not something that we will buy every mall visit but I still want to try the chocolate flavors.

Washi Tape Project

When I finally received my washi tape, I immediately tried it and check how it works. So I got my ipad charger and phone charger to start my easy project. A simple white charger turned into kikay charger. Washi tape can really enhance the look of simple stuff.

1. Charger

Update: Posting other washi project

2. Binder Clipper

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

September 09, 2013

Coins vs Candies

We went to my friend’s house blessing last Saturday, our timing was really perfect because we’re just in time sa paghagis ng coins. #hehehe! My son was picking all the candies and I told him don’t get the candies; you must get all the coins. I stopped taking pictures and helped my son. #stagemother.

My son doesn’t know the value of money yet. If someone gave him money, he will give it to me and he forgets about it. He doesn’t even know that he has savings and time deposit account. I opened his savings account when I got his birth certificate; I think he was only 1 month old. So all the money he got from birthday, Christmas, earnings from junk shop goes straight to his account. Then just this year, I transferred part of his savings in time deposit but this one is under my name, I’m not sure if he can open his own time deposit. I just applied online.

fruit of our labor

I don’t know how and when the right time to teach him about money. any suggestions?

How to Get and Renew Happyplus Card

How to Get Happyplus Card

Jollibee staffs went to school, they gave us some flyers and convincing us to avail the Happy Plus Card and I was sold. I paid P100 for the card. The card includes one-time discount coupons.

P50 off Jollibee Coupon
P50 off Chowking Coupon
P50 off Greenwich Coupon
P100 off Red Ribbon Coupon

Happyplus Card is JFC’s loyalty card that rewards members to earn points every time they eat in Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich and Red Ribbon. Membership is valid for three years from the date of application. P100 for the renewal fee.

You have to take care of the card because it is good as cash. If you lost it, points and load will be lost as well. If the card is damaged, points and load will be forfeited.

Card Benefits

1. Earn points when you use your card and you can use the points to get free food. P50 = 1 point, 1 point = P1.

2. Register and reload for a chance to win up to P100,000 every month til December 2013.

P100 = 1 raffle entry

P300 = 5 raffle entries

P500 = 10 raffle entries

P1000 = 25 raffle entries

3. Cashless Payment System

No need for cash or wait for change. Just tap the happyplüs card to pay for your food. When you run out of load, simply reload your card for a minimum of P 100.

I’m planning to use this card for my son’s birthday.

Read: Happyplus Points

Update: March 2017

How to Renew Happyplus Card

I received an email notifying me that my Happy Plus card is about to expire and gave me the steps on how to renew my card.

As of March 1, you still have a remaining balance of:

HAPPYLOAD : XXXX
HAPPYPOINTS : XXXX

Your happyload and happypoints can be transferred to your new card once you renew.

Happyplüs Renewal Envelopes

1. Go to any participating Jollibee store and buy a new Happyplüs Card for P100.
2. Ask for a Renewal Envelope at the Cashier.
3. Completely fill-out the Envelope, place the expired Happyplüs Card inside and submit to the store.
4. Processing Period is 15 days from the date of submission.
5. The cardholder will receive SMS Notification when happyload and happypoints are ready for HP Transfer.

Happyplüs Renewal Devices

1. Go to selected Jollibee stores with Renewal Devices.
2. See the list of selected Jollibee stores here.
3. Buy a new Happyplüs Card for P100.
4. Request to transfer your balance from the Old card to the new card and surrender your old card to the store.
Note: Available at selected stores only. Applicable before the expiration date.

Happyplüs Online Renewal

1. Buy a new Happyplüs Card for P100.
2. Log in to your account at www.happyplus.com.ph.
3. Go to My Accounts and click on Card Renewal.
4. Fill up the necessary details and click on Submit.
5. After 48 hours, go to any participating store and request for HP Transfer/HP Charge.
Note: Applicable after the expiration date.

September 02, 2013

Birthday Staycation: Acacia Hotel

If you still remember, last year I celebrated my birthday in Acaci and this year we had staycation in Acacia Hotel.

Read: Acaci

I saw the “The Long Weekend” promo in their Facebook page so I inquired and asked if they have promo for Friday since my birthday falls on Friday. Fortunately they have Friday Madness so I immediately reserved the date.

Days before my birthday, I’ve been contemplating whether to cancel or not my reservation because of the Typhoon Maring and Habagat but my husband insisted that we will celebrate my birthday in Acacia Hotel rain or shine.

But God is so good because He gave me good weather last August 23, 2013. We had lunch in Outback Steakhouse and I bought my birthday cake in Contis and off we went to Acacia Hotel.

As expected, the service was good from parking, reservation and they even ushered us up to our room while informing us the facilities, amenities and location of the pool, gym, restaurant and others. You have to tap your key card every time you use the elevator.

I can see the pool from our window so my son was so excited to plunge but my husband didn’t want to swim, “mainit pa daw” so my son swims in the bathtub muna. At 4PM, we went to the swimming pool and stayed there for almost two hours. There’s a complimentary drink so no worries if you’re thirsty.

At 8PM, we received free cookies.

The most exciting part of staycation is the buffet breakfast. Upon seated, they will ask you if you want hot chocolate or coffee. Good thing that my son has no charge yet because he only ate one roll and silken tofu aka taho. We took our time in eating our food para sulit. =)

Then my son had last minute swimming before we check-out. Actually, my son doesn’t want to go home anymore. He wanted us to extend our staycation but of course we have to go home at baka mapambayad ko pa pang tuition niya. Hehehe!

Like

1. Service is good.

2. Bed and pillows are comfortable.

3. Location is good because there’s fastfood, grocery and restaurants around the area.
4. If you want to go to malls, there are free shuttles.

5. Free wifi.
6. There's bath tub in the bathroom.

Dislike

1. No bidet and exhaust fan in the bathroom.

2. Children swimming pool is too small.

Related Post

Lunch Buffet at Acaci Restaurant
Staycation in Alabang

Acacia Hotel Manila

5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue,

Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang,

Muntinlupa City 1781

Telephone: 720 2000 / 588 5888

Email: enquiry@acaciahotelsmanila.com

Klook.com

Pages

October 21, 2013

October 18, 2013

Trip Advisor

Lonely Planet

Third Party Forums and Social Networks

October 16, 2013

October 11, 2013

October 10, 2013

October 07, 2013

October 03, 2013

October 01, 2013

September 17, 2013

September 16, 2013

September 09, 2013

September 02, 2013

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