Michi Photostory

March 05, 2014

Staycation at Camayan Beach Resort

Most people stay in Camayan Beach Resort if they go to Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure because of the proximity.

I was actually hearing and reading mixed reviews and I’ve even read about the jellyfish issue but most of my friends and even my husband recommended Camayan.

I suggested this resort to my mom and she approved it so I booked 3 rooms for our family outing through their website but after one week, I did not get any reply so I emailed them. So if you want you can also book Camayan Beach Resort in Subic, Zambales with Traveloka.

Unlike other resorts, you have to make full payment to reserve the room. If you check the rate, it is not budget friendly because the rates are only good for two persons and any additional person is charged even kids + rates are not inclusive of tax and service charges.

As I mentioned in my other post, we tried if we could check in early but no early check in. They are very strict with 2PM check in time. So we had our lunch first in “The Reef Bar and Restaurant”. Since we are in a group, we ordered the family set meal. For our lunch, we ordered Barkada Chow P1650 and Pinoy Favorites P1650.

Barkada Chow includes Calamares Fritters, Bihon Guisado, Pakbet Ilokano, Beef Caldereta, Grilled Chicken Fillet and Grilled Pork Belly. Pinoy Favorites includes Chicken and Pork Adobo, Nilagang Baka, Grilled Tilapia, Talong-gong, Camayan Chopsuey, Canton Guisado.

Finally, at 2PM we were able to check-in.

Kids were so excited to swim. Pero nabitin kasi we have to go to Ocean Adventure.

Dinner at “The Reef” again and we ordered the Meat Lovers P1950 and Seafood Delight P1950 but there is no seafood so Pinoy Favorites na lang.

Meat Lovers includes Lumapiang Shanghai, Pork Sisig, Beef Kare Kare, Mixed Grilled Meat Plate, Crispy Pata

The following day, we had an early breakfast so we could swim first before going to Ocean Adventure

Check-out at 12NN, actually we could stay if we wanted to swim but we wanted to go home early.

Like

1. The resort is walking distance from Ocean Adventure and 10 10-minute drive from Zoobic Safari.
2. If you stay here you get unlimited access to Ocean Adventure and 20% discount on the entrance ticket.
3. The room and service are ok.

Dislike

1. Our room was ok but my brother’s room was not, there’s no fridge and there’s power interruption, bigla na lang namamatay yung electricity. Feeling namin may problem talaga sa electricity but they said, now lang nangyari. E nakausap ng SIL ko yung housekeeper, sabi inalis daw yung fridge kasi may pumutok. They requested for other room but fully booked daw. Wala man lang offer na discount for inconvenience.

2. A week after I made the payment, I did not get any confirmation voucher, I had to call the office to ask for that and they said, ma’m nasend ko na po, check niyo po by lunch. I checked my email and there’s no confirmation voucher. The following day. I emailed them again to follow up.

Camayan Beach Resort Day Pass Klook.com

March 04, 2014

Book Review: I Wish They Taught Money in High School

I didn’t grow up in a rich family, we also live from paycheck to paycheck. The salary is enough to provide for the needs but not the wants. If you want something like new toys and new clothes, you have to wait for your birthday or Christmas. We don’t have a family date every weekend, no summer outing or summer classes.

If there’s no school, I don’t have money so even when I was a kid I learn to save my allowance. Nobody taught me about money, I just realized that I need to save if I want to buy something. I had my first savings account when I was in college, I know it’s already late because others have it since they were kids. I feel so rich when I had my first ATM. lol.

I was able to buy my first cellphone, I joined out-of-town trips, and was able to buy my wants because of my savings. It is my dream to save more so I was very eager to graduate and have my own work so I can save and save.

As I mentioned, nobody taught me how to handle money, how to save, and how to invest but through watching TV and reading magazines and books I’ve gained knowledge. One of the books that opened my mind is “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”.

Last month I received this book “I Wish They Taught Money in High School So I’m not dependent on my paycheck/So I Can Start My Own Business Right Away”

I was reading this book while waiting for our Kuala Lumpur flight and I finished the book before we reach Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I like the book because it so easy to understand and even the financial terms were simplified. You will be inspired and motivated because the authors are sharing their own experiences and you will realize that you can do it too.

So I’m not Dependent on my Paycheck

I’m pretty sure that most of us wanted to gain financial freedom or at least we won’t be dependent on our paycheck. When I was still working, I just wanted to save and from what I’ve read you need to save at least 6 months of your income so I followed it, even I reached my 6 months income I did not stop until I resigned from work.

I’m proud to say that my savings helped me to finish paying my insurance and postpaid bill. At least hindi ko inasa sa aking hubby because I have my own savings. So what if hindi ako nagsave, sayang ang aking insurance kung materminate lang. Saving is really a must for everyone, especially for emergency needs.

Well, of course, saving is not the sole solution to gain financial freedom. The book will challenge and show you how to achieve your dream. You will learn that money is not taboo, debt is not bad and credit cards are not evil. I must agree because I posted before my savings tips regarding cards.

I want to share the 5 tips from the book so you can transform your regular income into passive income.

S - Start Small
M - Make a Habit (and stick to it)
A- Acquire More Knowledge
R- Raise the Bar of Creativity
T- Think Outside Your Salary

“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune - Jim Rohn”

So I Can Start My Own Business Right Away

I resigned from my work because I need bed rest, having no work = no salary. Of course, I’m not used to it and I don’t want to spend my savings on my wants and needs. I tried selling house and lot, I opened my online business and recently I resell generic home products like detergent powder, dishwashing liquid, and fabric conditioner but it wasn’t successful. I earn from those sidelines but I think it is not the business that will make me achieve my dream. Well, I’m not giving up yet, I’m still hoping that I will have my own business someday.

Reading this book will make you realize that you can start your own business with little or no capital. It will teach you how to multiply your income and how to overcome challenges and finding solutions.

One thing that caught my attention is Eker’s Sophisticated Analysis because this is something new to me. According to Eker’s analysis whenever you have any extra money, you should practice apportioning it into 6 different jars. (after tax)

10% Financial Freedom Account
55% Long Term Savings for Spending
10% Contingency Fund/Necessities
10% Education
10% Play
5% Give

I do encourage you to buy this book P500 if you want to learn how to save, invest, or start your own business. Check here

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago; the second-best time is now - Proverb”

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

February 27, 2014

Zoobic Safari

Honestly, when I was still single, I had no interest in visiting zoos, but when I had my son, I became interested. I feel that kids enjoy seeing animals, and even more if they can interact with them.

So far, we have visited different zoos in the Philippines and you can check the list here. One of the zoos that we haven’t visited is Zoobic Safari. I’ve been meaning to visit this zoo, but living in Southern Luzon always hinders me.

But finally, a couple of weeks ago, we were able to visit this zoo as part of our family outing. Our itinerary is Zoobic Safari + Camayan Beach Resort + Ocean Adventure, but for now, I will share our Zoobic Safari experience.

We left the house around 4AM because we wanted to reach the zoo by 8AM and we made it. Actually, the ticket counter was still closed when we arrived. There are different packages that you can avail which you cannot see on their website. If I remember it right, we availed the White Safari Package for P645/4ft above, P545/4ft below, and 3ft below is free of charge.

Inclusions:

11 attractions (Zoobic Park, Rodent World, Serpentarium, Forbidden/Zoobic Cave, Tiger Safari Ride, Close Encounter, Savannah, Animal MuZOOeum, Aetas' Trail, Hip-Hop-Bay-a-Wak, Croco Loco) for approximately 2 1/2 hours

White Jeep
White Tram
Cold Towel

White Lion Safari Ride (New Attractions)

Zoo Guide

But unfortunately, there was no tour guide, so we were on our own. They just gave us a map and no flyers. #boo If you want more informatio,n check the website. Anyway, Zoobic Safari is the first and only tiger safari in the Philippines. It is a 25-hectare amusement park where you can have close interaction with animals.

Klook.com

We started our tour in Bird Walk, Zoobic Park, Rodent World, and Serpentarium. We tried goat milk feeding for P30 per bottle. This is a unique experience for the kids, scary at firs,t but fun.

Then we rode the tram to visit the Forbidden and Zoobic Cave.

After that, we went to the Tiger Safari Ride and White Lion Safari Ride, a few minutes walk from Zoobic Cave. I bought Chicken for P200.

Next stop is Close Encounter, Savannah, Animal MuZooeum, Aeta’s Trail, Hip-Hop-Bay-a-Walk and Croco Loco. I bought chicken for P50 for crocodile feeding.

We finished the tour just in time for the Amazing Bird Show, which is at 10:30AM. Since we’re all tired and hungry, we did not wait for the Animal Show at 1:30PM and the Animal Parade at 3PM. We went to Camayan Beach Resort, hoping that we could check in early.

Click here for the video

Read: Revisited Zoobic Safari

Day Tour Entrance Rate

Php 495 - Adult

Php 395 - Kids 4 ft. and below

Free - Kids 3 ft. and below

Open daily, including Holidays

Park Hours: 8 am - 4 pm (last admission of guests)

Zoobic Safari

Group I Ilanin Forest

Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines

Telefax: (+6347) 252-2272; (+63) 929-7072222

February 25, 2014

Rose & Grace

I’m not yet done with my backlogs and as of this writing my mom was already back in Norway and I’m still going to share our experience in Rose & Grace restaurant.

As I mentioned in my previous post, we ate here after our bonding in Festival Mall. Rose & Grace restaurant is near Paseo de Sta Rosa and Nuvali, it was not my first time pero sa tagal di ko na tanda yung kinain ko dati. Lol

It was weekday so the place was not crowded, unlike my first experience. It is like an improved carinderia where you have to point your choice of viand (turo-turo). We ordered BBQ, Laing, Bopis and Tawilis, they gave us complimentary bulalo soup which we really like.

The serving is good for two to three persons so we took home our leftover. I can’t remember the price but each viand is P100+ and our total bill is less than P1000. #budgetfriendly

Update: August 2015

After this visit last February 2014, we've been a frequent diner of Rose & Grace if ever we are in Nuvali area and if we are looking for an affordable restaurant. I even recommended it to my friends so we ate dinner here after our day trip at Stilts Calatagan.

But during our last visit, it took them so long to serve our food and when they served our food, mukha and lasang sunog na. Overcooked ang liempo, so dry pa siya. We're so disappointed with our food.

February 13, 2014

Everything is Awesome

My mom stayed in our home for three days last week, it was a short stay so my son did not go to school last Thursday so we could have a bonding. #badmommy. We went first to Asian Hospital for my check-up but unfortunately, the doctor was out for Convention so we went straight to Festival Mall to accompany my mother in buying her stuff. #masmurasapinas

We ate our lunch at Max’s since my mom wanted Filipino food, and as usual, my son ordered Max’s dessert sampler.

Then we watched “The Lego Movie”, kung ako lang “Bride for Rent” ang pipiliin ko but to reward my son for being behave habang namimili mom ko, sige Lego na lang. #everythingisawesome. While waiting for my husband to pick us up, we went to Kiddy’s Art Town to kill time. My mom bought these ensaymaditas at Must be Mom’s.

Then we went straight to Rose and Grace for our dinner. #filipinofoodagain

February 05, 2014

Day Trip at Sitio De Amor

As I mentioned in my previous post, my mom was back again here in the Philippines, which means a family outing. I’m always planning our family outing, so for the first weekend, I suggested we visit Mind Museum since it was also my nephew’s 9^th birthday. But my mom decided to stay in my grandmother’s house in Victoria, Laguna so I checked my Viaje Del Sol list for a possible bed and breakfast.

If you’ve been a regular reader of this blog, you know for sure that I’m trying my best to visit those places listed in the Viaje Del Sol map. You can click here to check the places that I’ve visited.

This time, I chose Sitio De Amor, which is less than an hour's travel from my grandmother’s house, so we only had a day trip. I inquired last December about the rates, and unfortunately, there’s no promo like when we went to Casa San Pablo. 50% of the total should be deposited to confirm your reservation.

Day Trip Rates

PHP1,200 – adults and 11 years old and above

PHP600 – kids below 10 years old

Free – 2 years old and below

The day trip is from 8AM – 5PM, inclusive of am/pm snack and buffet lunch. The room is not included; guests can stay on the patio (5) and use the restroom for the day tour guests, but no hot shower. But my mom wanted a room, so my sister called a few days before the trip to reserve a room and confirm if we could bring a cake.

The treehouse is the biggest room, so we chose this one. The rate is half the price for day tour guests. There’s a small dining table, kitchen, and restroom on the second floor, and one bedroom with a toilet and bath on the third floor.

As early as 7AM we’re ready to go, but the jeep that we rented did not arrive on time, so we left past 8AM. (2 tumbling lang ang layo ha) #sayangoras. Upon arrival, we immediately went to the treehouse to leave our bags and take some pictures.

We went back to the pavilion for our AM snack, but it wasn’t ready yet. We’re a little bit disappointed with our AM snack kasi naman tagal naming naghintay then bread lang pala. hehehe Of course, hindi siya kasya sa min (15 pax). Good thing that I bought Tous Les Jours bread the day before our trip.

The weather was not that good; actually, it was raining on our way to the resort. So we stayed in the treehouse after the AM snack. Thank God that the bathroom has a bathtub, so doon na lang nagswim ang kids. Hehehe!

We went back to Pavilion for our lunch, we’re praying and hoping na ok ang aming lunch para sulit bayad. Bumawi naman sila because we enjoyed our lunch. The food was good and flavorful.

After lunch, the rain stopped already, so kids tried to swim in the pool pero kasing lamig ng yelo, so they tried the freshwater lagoon.

My son doesn’t want to swim here, kasi may crocodile daw. (kahit wala) Hehehe!

After several minutes, they went back to the bathtub and we tried to catch some sleep at puyat. We had a late PM snack para diretso na uwi.

Pros

1. The service is okay, the staffs are approachable and always smiling.

2. The place is nice and clean.

3. The buffet lunch is good.

Cons

1. It took them days or even a week to reply to my emails. So if you have a landline, it is better to call. But I always prefer email, so I have a copy of the information.

2. There’s no playground for the kids, so mabored talaga kung hindi makapagswim, so it is better to bring some toys, board games, or card games.

3. The food is not always ready on time. We always have to wait, considering na kami lang guests. #asfarasiknow wala naman kami kasabayan. Pero masarap naman despite the waiting time.

All in all, in spite of the rain showers, we still enjoyed our day trip to Sitio De Amor. It is really nice to have a break and spend your day doing nothing. Eat, sleep, and relax lang ang peg.

How to get to Sitio De Amor

All Lucena-bound buses will pass by the farm. Alight at Uno Gas Station at Km 88.5, Maharlika Hwy, Brgy San Vicente, SPC.

By car: SLEX, continue on to SLEX continuation (Star toll), exit at Sto. Tomas. When the road Ts, turn right, when it forks at the Sto Tomas town proper take the left road. At Linai's Supermarket, turn left. After SM, San Pablo the road will fork - take the right road. Continue on this road for another 8 km. Sitio will be on your left. The private road is between Uno Gas Station and Jardin de San Vicente.

February 04, 2014

Lunch at Yabu: The House of Katsu

We’re supposed to go to Healthway-Festival Mall but on our way to my son’s check-up, I asked my husband where we are going to eat. Parang wala kami maisip na restaurant sa Festival Mall so we went straight to Alabang Town Center so we can have more choices.

For the longest time, I’ve been meaning to try Yabu: The House of Katsu restaurant. But as usual, available branches are too far so I was really happy when I’ve learned that it is available now in Alabang Town Center.

Since I’m not a frequent shopper in ATC, I have to check the map to locate the restaurant. The line was long but we didn’t mind so while waiting for our number we went to Vanilla Cupcake Bakery.

After several minutes, finally our table was ready. The server gave us menu and since it was our first time we checked each page. We ordered Chicken Salad/Edamame P195, Rosu Katsu P355, Menchi Katsu P350 and Potato Croquettes P110.

The katsu set consists of unlimited Japanese rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, cabbage and fruit. Everything is unlimited except for the katsu.

I’m very much satisfied with my order and now I know why people really crave for this katsu. The breading is really crunchy while the meat is soft and juicy. I tried the menchi katsu of my husband, “A delicious mix of minced premium beef and pork covered in crunchy panko filled with oozing creamy cheese” but I still prefer my rosu katsu, may umay factor siguro sa cheese.

My son ordered the potato croquette but did not like it, I tried it and it was good naman. Well, it is worth the wait and now I know where to go if I want katsu. The food is reasonably price and sulit talaga because we left with happy stomach. It is worth the splurge.

Read: Yabu 2015

February 03, 2014

Vanilla Cupcake Bakery

It was Chinese New Year last Friday so we can pick up my mom in the airport but before that, we went to Healthway Alabang Town Center for my son’s check-up. It was a holiday and his pediatrician had no clinic in Asian.

We arrived just in time for lunch, so we decided to eat first before the check-up. We went to Yabu “The House of Katsu” to reserve a seat, and the line was too long. My son is already hungry, so we went to Vanilla Cupcake Bakery so he can eat something while waiting.

I love the interior of the store, it's so homey and comfy. I can stay here while reading a book or having intimate conversations.

It was our first time, so we had a hard time choosing. The lowest price of the cupcake is P60 without frosting. My son chose the choco choco chip cupcake P80, and he finished the cupcake. He loved it. Next time I will try the banofee.

Update: Cupcake, we've tried.

Lava Cupcake P90 - taste is okay

Banana Cream Cheese P100 - we love this!

Lunch at Fukuya Japanese Restaurant

Two weeks ago we were in Festival Mall for my labtest and of course inabot na kami ng lunch time. We tried the Fukuya Japanese Restaurant; it’s a small restaurant that I don’t really notice.

My husband ordered Tempura P124, Pork Tonkatsu P110 and Shoyo Ramen P145. Whenever I’m in a Japanese restaurant I always order pork tonkatsu so I was really disappointed when I tried their tonkatsu, it was dry and almost burned. Vegetables were overcooked. Good thing that the tempura and shoyo ramen was good.

January 30, 2014

Lunch at Chic-Boy

Chic-Boy (Chicken – Baboy) is not a new restaurant but it took me a long time to try their food because I’ve been reading and hearing a lot of negative reviews regarding the service and food. Last year was my first time to try their food with my mommy friends in school and I ordered the inihaw na liempo. I can’t remember the exact price but it is over P100 without drinks but you have unlimited rice.

I don’t see any problems with their food and service so I visited the restaurant again with my family. My husband and son ordered the chicken inasal and I ordered inihaw na liempo again. Next time I will try the Cebu Lechon Liempo.

January 27, 2014

Tous les Jours

Since last year, I always see Tous les Jours whenever I’m in Festival Mall. It is a French-Asian Bakery that I can’t even pronounce the name and because of that I feel that they are selling expensive cakes and breads. But last Saturday, there were few customers so we check the store.

It was our first visit so we had a hard time in choosing and to make our life easier, we chose the available best seller such as sweet black rice bread with black sesame cream cheese, milk bread and roll (pack). I can’t remember the exact price but it is less than P50 each.

We love the bread so for sure we will go back again. I have to search Tous les Jours in google and listen to the audio, Tous les Jours is too-le-joo-r meaning “everyday”. It means they serve only freshly baked bread every day and that is why they have on-site production system in their store.

Care to share your favorite.

January 22, 2014

Red Ribbon Dedication Cake

They say that the birthday is not complete without a cake so that is why we always have a cake even for simple birthday celebration. In addition, it is also a nice gift to give if you have no time to shop for one. Last year I’ve tried the Red Ribbon Dedication Cake, I bought the chocolate dedication cake last November 10 for my grandmother and Mocha dedication cake for my mother-in-law last November 30.

Looking at the design, I prefer the chocolate one but we prefer the mocha when it comes to taste. I tried to use my happy plus card to avail the P100 coupon discount but too bad their terminal is always offline. #sayang