Michi Photostory: October 2011

October 31, 2011

Epson Outsmarted Me

I replaced my 3 in 1 printer last June because the scanner was broken. I’ve tried Canon and HP before so I want to try something new, I bought Epson ME 320 (Multifunctional for Economical, Efficient and Effective Endurance), knowing that I could save more.

Save more with Epson INKdividual Cartridges

• Enjoy greater savings with Epson cost-effective INKdivdual™ cartridges. You can now maximise usage of your ink cartridges when you replace only the empty cartridge.

My black cartridge finally rant out and I went to Inkrite for refill like I always do but I was shocked when I learned that my cartridge is a disposable type and the only way that I could save for ink is to avail their conversion service which cost P2500.

I only pay P150 for my HP black cartridge refill but since Epson has a disposable type of cartridge, I need to spend P320 (it doesn't last long) for one black cartridge which I think is not economical. Another disadvantage is, I can no longer use my printer unless I replace the empty cartridge unlike in my old HP. So now, I am back with my old printer because I am still thinking about the conversion thing.

October 30, 2011

Baked Eggs

I haven’t read Before Ever After book of Samantha Sotto but I have this craving for her famous Baked Eggs. Inspired by her recipe, I made my own baked eggs using my available ingredients.

6 pieces of bacon

1 clove of garlic

1 small onion

1 small bell pepper

¼ cup of canned mushroom

Mozzarella cheese (any cheese will do)

3 eggs

1. Pre-heat oven to 230 degrees Celsius.

2. Chop all the ingredients and sauté. (start with bacon, garlic, onion, bell pepper and mushroom)

3. Place the cooked ingredients in your dish. Set aside few for garnish.

4.Place the cheese and crack three eggs over the filling.

5. Bake for 12 minutes.

This is really a very satisfying dish and I would definitely try the other recipe. Visit this blog for her recipe.

October 29, 2011

Trick or Treat

This is the first trick or treat experience of my son and I was so happy that he wore his costume. He doesn’t look like a pirate to me; he looks like Peter pan in red. Hehe! We have the option to choose where we will attend, Mckinley, Cavite or Cebu, of course we choose Cavite because we are Southerners.

I have no expectations because I never attended any trick or treats event. After registration we waited for our turn for booth hopping.

Then we gathered in one room for Magic Show and Games.

Free food and ice cream stick for everyone.

Picture taking before going home. My son enjoyed his first trick or treat. Tired…

…but happy with all the goodies he received.

October 25, 2011

Halloween Costume

Last Friday, my husband sent me a message about their Company’s Trick or Treat; I never attended any Trick or Treat event so I am really clueless when it comes to the costume so I search the internet for some samples and hoping that it is available here.

Though I was feeling low last Saturday, I still went out to look for Halloween costume for my son. This will be his first Trick or Treat experience and I do not want to miss the chance. We did not attend the past few events because my husband was not available to accompany us.

Unfortunately, there were few costumes left and no available size for my son. I like the fireman and policeman costume because it includes tools but it doesn’t fit. Then I saw this Pirate Costume and luckily it fits him so I bought the costume. I guess this is the cheapest costume, half the price of the policeman and fireman set.

I just hope that he will wear this costume because right now, he doesn’t want to wear the belt and bandana.

October 24, 2011

Starting All Over Again

My laptop crashed last Saturday morning, this is the reason why I’m so sad and it seems that I am just existing but not living. Eating my comfort foods doesn’t help and I could not even sleep because the whole day, I was just thinking about my files and if there is a way to recover it.

I have a lot of things and errands to do but I was not really in the mood and because of that, I wasn’t able to finish my checklist. It may look so pathetic but I just felt that part of me was missing, so I cannot really let go and focus. But I’m trying to move on and prepare myself just in case we could no longer save my files.

My husband has been convincing me to replace my laptop but I am still confused and I’m not sure if this is the right time to replace it. I’m not asking him to buy me one because I’m used in buying my own things and stuff, katas ng maternity benefits ko ang laptop ko so may sentimental value. But he left Sunday evening and went home with my new laptop. Since I can’t decide, siya na nagdesisyon for me.

I asked him why he bought a laptop and he said “yan nagpapasaya sa’yo, mabobored ka lang lalo sa bahay kung wala ka gagamitin.” Then I said, ayaw mo lang ko pagamitin ng laptop mo” (joke). But deep inside I was really touched and I realized that he understands my feelings, he knows what makes me happy and of course he loves me. (side effect na ba to ng fascinating womanhood).

So starting this day, no more sulking, it is time to move on and start all over again. But I am still crossing my fingers, (tagal kasi ng long weekend kaya di ko pa mameet brother ko.)

October 23, 2011

Bite the Bullet

If there is one thing that I could not live without, that would be my laptop. It is really part of my everyday life and the only time that I’m not using it is when I’m on my vacation trip. Yesterday, I was doing my normal routine when my laptop just crashed down and I could no longer start my windows. It seems my world just stops revolving because I don’t know how I can troubleshoot my problem. I’m trying the safe mode so I can still save my files but unfortunately, it is not working.

I’ve been bugging my brother to help me, he told me to reinstall without choosing the format hard disk so I can save my files but there is no guarantee that I could save it. I was really sad and I want to cry but I have no more tears left (naubos na yata sa speech ni “Budoy”). I’m so worried because I have no backup copy, I’ve lost my files since 2005, including my widget codes, blog posts, articles, preschool worksheet that I have just downloaded for my son and my two itineraries for our upcoming trip. I’ve been doing this itinerary since September and I have to do it all over again. The saddest part is I did not save my picture since October 2010, just knowing this date gusto ko ng mahimatay because it only means I’ve lost our CDO-Camiguin, Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Kota Kinabalu and Cebu trip pictures. My only consolation is the photos that I have uploaded in Facebook and here in my blog.

Lesson learned: “Do not ever forget to back up your files”

My husband is trying to comfort me, he was telling me na 3 years lang life span ng laptop (mine is turning 3) and maybe it is time to replace your laptop. I should be happy because he is willing to replace my laptop but of course, I have to give up something. It is no secret here that I’ve been meaning to replace my camera but I have to make a choice. I am so confused and yet I have to bite the bullet.

Yesterday, we went to two different malls scouting for a laptop but we went home without buying one because I was still hoping for a miracle but there was no miracle, still can’t use my laptop. I am hoping and praying that my brother could still save my files because it means a lot to me. But for now, I have to make a decision, “to buy or not to buy”.

October 21, 2011

Pocky Almond Crust

I saw Glico Pocky Almond Crust last Saturday and decided to include this in our grocery cart. I only got one box because I am not sure if my son would like it. Yesterday, I gave this to my son for his snacks and it was an instant hit, he finished this in one sitting. Out of curiosity, I checked the wrapper if there is something left so I could taste it and lucky for me, there is 1 inch piece of stick left. It is indeed yummy. I checked my grocery receipt and I was shocked because it cost P64.50. (expensive for a snack). But I will still buy Glico Pocky Almond Crust and will try other variant.

Book Review: Fascinating Womanhood

I bought this book last July not because my marriage is in danger but I was so curious how this book will help me to become a fascinating wife. Fascinating Womanhood is a best seller book by Helen Andelin, it tackles eight rules to help you in having a lifelong love affair and there are many testimonies and success stories that this book can really save broken relationships.

We’ve been married for almost six years and I admit that our marriage is not perfect; of course, there is no such thing as perfect, we also have our own share of dramas but still, I am happy and satisfied with our marriage. I feel that I was so blessed enough for wanting more but after reading the book, it makes me realize that there is more that I can do to build a truly happy marriage. I hold the keys to my own happiness.

Being a stay-at-home mom, I am always preoccupied with household chores, taking care of my son, and doing my part-time job (if there’s any). Little did I know that I am neglecting the needs and wants of my husband and I forgot that I was a wife first before I became a mother. Even my husband is too old enough to take care of himself; he also needs love, care, and attention. I was too absorbed with my duties and obligations and not conscious enough of my husband's needs.

This book teaches me to accept, appreciate and admire my husband. The most important thing is to make him number one, we have to admit that we tend to put first our children, household chores, career, and many more before our husband. This is a reminder to all of us.

“If you treat him like a king, he’ll treat you like a queen”

“Don’t put the comforts and whims of your children ahead of your husband’s basic needs”

There are more things that you can learn from this book so if you want to have a happy marriage, give this a try. I just finished the book just this week and I am still trying to apply it to my marriage, I know that this would not be easy for me because the number one role that I need to learn is to be submissive. I admit that I am not a submissive wife because I grew up without my parents beside me so I used in making decisions and important plans on my own. I’m a leader and not a follower, but I have to change for the better, good luck with my journey.

You can grab the book here.

“ A loving marriage is the foundation of a happy family, and a happy family is the foundation of a stable society. Most of the problems in this world stem from troubled homes. If we are to have peace in the world, we must begin at home. – Helen Andelin

October 18, 2011

Heaven on Earth Cake

While waiting for my friends at Starbucks, my hubby bought Heaven on Earth P130 cake for my son. I’m not fond of mousse cake and Heaven on Earth is a six layer mousse cake. I had a spoon bite of this cake and it is not sweet. My son is a picky eater but he was able to finish the whole cake so for sure it is yummy and delicious.

October 12, 2011

My Pizza Hut Story

Last Sunday we went to Enchanted Kingdom and we all know that bringing of foods and drinks inside the theme park is not allowed so we had a quick snack at Pizza Hut. We order regular super supreme pizza and use our pizza hut card to avail free pizza. My husband gave his credit card and pizza hut card; I left the counter to buy Dairy Queen Ice cream for my son and look for a vacant table. Then my husband came without the pizza, I asked him.

Me: Bakit nandito ka na?

Hubby: Pinaupo na niya ko at bumalik na lang daw.

After few minutes, my husband claimed the pizza and he called me and said “Di daw pwede yung card” So I gave him P500 then he said, kulang.

Me: paano magiging kulang e regular pizza and 1.5 pepsi lang yung order.

The manager came holding two boxes of family pizza and the staff said, ma’m regular lang ba?

Me: yes, dalawa lang naman kami kakain.

The manager gets our P500 bill and gave the two family size pizzas and said, we will just give you the change. So we got two family size pizza and 1.5 liter pepsi for P380+.

I love pizza but I did not enjoy my pizza that day, (feeling ko sasakit tiyan ko at hindi yun ang order namin). Good thing that the credit card did not work that time or else I will charged P550+ for their mistake.

October 10, 2011

Enchanted Kingdom

I bought 3 Enchanted Kingdom voucher from Ensogo last August for P300 each. It was a good deal since regular pass cost P500. We’re supposed to use it for Ethan’s 3rd birthday but the Enchanted Kingdom is closed from Monday to Wednesday. Almost two months of waiting and we are so excited to use the voucher before it expires so yesterday, rain or shine we went to the Enchanted Kingdom.

After seven years, I was back and this time with my family. We started our tour in Victoria Park; of course, we tried the Grand Carousel.

Then we went straight to Boulderville, almost all kiddie rides are still closed except for Boulderville Express.

We proceed to Midway Boardwalk and tried Roller Skater, Up, Up and Away and Wheel of Fate. My son’s height is only 38” so we are restricted to enjoy some rides. But even if my son is allowed, I will not ride Anchor’s Away again, one is enough and I will never ride EKstreme Tower Ride and Wheel of Fate, I did not join them when they ride the Wheel of Fate.

At Jungle Outpost, the only ride that we tried is Swan Lake because my son is not yet allowed in Jungle Log Jam. Then we had a quick snack at Pizza Hut and Dairy Queen. We only passed Spaceport because I won’t dare to ride in Space Shuttle Max (feeling ko buwis-buhay to, I love my life).

Next stop is Brooklyn Place, I was so disappointed because my son is not allowed in Rialto Theater, he likes penguin pa naman. Anyway, we enjoy the mini concert of “Ian Jacinto and The Siblings”, they are really talented.

My favorite ride is Rio Grande Rapids, of all the rides that we have tried; this is my son’s favorite. Tuwang-tuwa siya na nababasa siya. Lucky for me, hindi ako nabasa. Hehe!

We went back to Boulderville to try the kiddie rides and for the sake of my son, I also rode on these kiddie rides like Stone Eggs and Dinosaurus except for Air Pterodactyl.

We rode Grand Carousel again before we went home; we only stayed for six hours.

To save money, buy your ticket at Klook
Read: How I Purchase my Tickets at Klook

Klook.com

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October 05, 2011

Tiendisitas: Jun2 Cebu’s Lechon

We had our lunch at Jun2 Cebu’s Lechon. It was lunch time but the place was not crowded maybe because it was scorching hot, if only I have another choice we will not eat here but we’re really hungry so when we saw lechon we immediately order our food. Anyway, we’re satisfied with our food and the price is affordable.

Ark Avilon Zoo + Fun Ranch

A few weeks ago I researched places where we could spend our son’s 3^rd birthday, his birthday falls on Tuesday so we only have one day to celebrate. If you’ve been reading my blog for quite some time now, you know that we are not into big birthday parties; a simple birthday celebration is enough.

I narrowed down my list to three choices.

1. Enchanted Kingdom

2. Ocean Adventure + Zoobic Safari

3. Island Cove Resort

But none of these choices materialize because the weather is so unpredictable. I woke up early just to check the weather updates and there was no storm signal but there will be ITCZ so we just went to Ark Avilon Zoo. It is the only interactive indoor zoo in the country so rain or shine we can spend our son’s birthday, “Celebrating Wild Life”. Ark Avilon Zoo is the sister zoo of the country’s largest wildlife which is Avilon Zoo.

Ark Avilon Zoo is really small compared to Avilon Zoo; it took us almost two hours just to reach Ark Avilon Zoo but less than an hour to tour the place. Good thing that the place was not crowded, no field trips and birthday parties. But the downside is we were not able to meet other animal residents such as Brutus (miniature horse), Golem (donkey), and Selina (controversial Albino python). I am not sure if there are only days that you can see them so it is better to call the zoo to ask which animals are present for interaction. Anyway, Jenny (orangutan), Puti (eagle), and Narda (cockatoo) were there. Picture taking with the animal residents is free unlike in Avilon Zoo.

There are feeding stations and this is the best part of the trip, you can feed some animals but you have to buy food. I am aware that there is a price increase of some commodities because of Typhoon Pedring and Quiel but I was still shocked when I learned that 1 piece of carrot is P20 and 1 string of sitaw is P10. But because my son enjoyed feeding the rabbits and sheep, I did not mind the price.

There is a mini playground and art-making corner on the second floor where you can spend most of your time.

Foot spa is also free; do not ask me if it is hygienic, they just tried it for the sake of experience. But be sure that you have alcohol and hand towels to wipe your feet. I’ve tried this once at Manila Ocean Park and there is a fee of P100.

ARK AVILON ZOO
Frontera Verde Ortigas Avenue corner C-5
Pasig City, Philippines
Telephone No. 706-2992
Fax No. 706-2993
Email Address: arkavilonzoo@gmail.com

Entrance FeeRegular Rate: Php 300.00/ head
Kiddie Rate *: Php 200.00/ head
Children below 1-year-old
is FREE OF CHARGE

ZOO SCHEDULEWeekdays:
9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Weekends and Holidays:
10:00 am to 7:30 pm

Read: Trip to the Zoo

After visiting the park you can also explore Fun Ranch, there is no entrance fee but if you want to enjoy the rides, P50 per ride ticket, or P295 for a ride all you can.

God is so good for giving us good weather because it did not rain when we were in Ark Avilon Zoo and Fun Ranch. Happy 3^rd Birthday Ethan!

Update: As per ABS-CBN article last June 4, 2020, Fun Ranch has decided that it will not reopen its doors after shutting its branches due to the Covid19 pandemic. Fun Ranch branches in Ortigas, Alabang, and Pampanga already confirmed their permanent closure.