Michi Photostory: December 2012

December 29, 2012

Highlights of Year 2012

This is my year-end post.

January

My husband's family reunion in Pangasinan

February

My nephew celebrated his 7^th birthday in Ilocos and we joined their Laoag-Vigan-Pagudpud trip. We also celebrated our wedding anniversary in Bacolod, Iloilo, and Guimaras.

March

We attended 18^th birthday.

April

We spent our Holy Week in Laguna. We visited Nagcarlan Church, Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, Majayjay Falls and Isdaan. We visited Caleruega for the nth time.

May

Celebrated Mother’s Day in Taal Vista Hotel. It was my first Mother's Day staycation.

June

Celebrated husband’s birthday in Viewpoint and Father’s Day in Lake Pandin.

July

Psorlead meeting at Asian Hospital, second canvassing of Mr. and Ms. PsorPhil.

August

We visited Café Lago. I won the Ms.PsorPhil title. Watched the first school performance of my son, he danced “Salakot” during their Linggo ng Wika event. Celebrated my birthday at Acacia Hotel.

September

First trimestral exam and first distribution of school cards.

October

Celebrated my son’s 4^th birthday in school. Attended Web Design and PC Troubleshooting Seminar. Watched a dance performance of my son in United Nation event. Attended Trick or Treat events in school and office. Joined the yearly World Psoriasis Day.

November

Visited Hongkong. We had a great time at Hong Kong Disneyland and Hollywood Hotel.

December

From Hong Kong, we road Ferry Boat to reach Macau. Attended Asian PsorClub Christmas Party. Watched my son’s Carol Fest in school. Family Christmas Celebration.

Thank you Lord for all the blessings. Happy New Year!

Highlights of 2011

December 27, 2012

Asian PsorClub Christmas Party

Christmas season is indeed a stressful season and stress is not good to me so I don’t attend all invites that I received. As much as I want to attend I have to prioritize things and attending events is not my top priority. I don’t want to waste my time travelling from one place to another because of the traffic.

This Christmas season, I only attended two events and one of them is Asian PsorClub Christmas Party. I missed the November get together because of my last minute preparation for our Hongkong-Macau trip.

It was just a simple get together but we had fun eating and singing. (oops, I did not sing.) We brought exchange gift and white elephant gift.

Photos from our Facebook Group.

December 26, 2012

Unexpected

Christmas is over and I’m pretty sure some of you need to turn on their work mode. As I mentioned in my other post, I was so busy and I really had no time to go to the malls to buy gifts and groceries for our Noche Buena food so I ended up giving homemade gifts and cooking whatever was available in our kitchen.

For our Noche Buena, I cooked roast chicken, spaghetti and no-bake cheesecake (no blueberry, hehe!). We don’t have a yearly tradition as long as we are together, that is enough for us. My son slept as early as 6PM and had no plan of waking up, I woke him up for our dinner but he wanted to sleep so hubby and I ate and slept, no more Noche Buena and opening of gifts because my son was sleeping.

The following day, we went to church and visited my in-laws to give our gifts then we went home to open our gifts. Yes, I have gifts too, I received unexpected gifts from my mommy friends in school so this time I have several gifts to open compared to my past Christmases when I only need a few minutes to open my gifts.

Thanks to Mel of Mel’s Hidden Passions for the gift. It was really unexpected. Thanks for my Starbucks planner and pen.

Lastly, my son showed me his first Christmas card and I asked him “Is this for mommy or daddy?” he said, no, it’s for Ethan. Ok fine, he doesn’t want to give this Christmas card to us. =)

Happy Holiday!

“Christmas isn’t just about giving gifts, it’s about making other people happy, making them feel God’s presence through our existence” - anonymous

December 22, 2012

Top 10 Reasons Holiday Makers Overspend

December is not my favorite month because this is the month that we overspend because we have to buy gifts, decorations, clothes, and food for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. December is also the busiest month for my husband because of three Christmas Parties that he has to attend and work that he needs to finish. Call me scrooge but I don’t like how people celebrate and tend to forget the real reason for this season.

I must agree that Christmas is not one giant party. Sharing this message from Francis Kong site.

For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Notice this, like a child He was born of a virgin, as a son He was given.

The manger gave way to the cross many years later when He gave His life for us so that we may be saved.

And this is why the real meaning of Christmas is that the Savior has come but the real meaning of Christianity is not the manger but the empty tomb.

No, it’s not about the gifts and the parties, it’s not about cash flow, it’s not about stocks inventory and it’s not about our failing economy.

It’s all about putting accepting the Prince of Peace and allowing Him to reign in our hearts so that we may spend the rest of eternity with Him.

Then and only then do we enjoy Christmas.

Top 10 Reasons holiday makers overspend Infographic

Source: FastLoanTree.com

December 21, 2012

Day 4: Hong Kong Disneyland

As promised I will post our second day in Hong Kong Disneyland, after checking out in Disney's Hollywood Hotel, we left our baggage and immediately went to Disneyland Resort. This time we will concentrate on Main Street and Tomorrow Land, the park that we missed on our first day.

For the second time around we missed the Mickey and Minnie Mouse photo op, hindi na naman kami nakakaabot sa pila. =(

We watched the Disney Performing Arts.

I wanted to visit Animation Academy to learn how to draw Disney characters but hubby was not interested so we just visit souvenir shops while waiting for the Santa Mickey’s Toy-riffic Street party.

Then I saw my college classmate, the last time I saw him was 4 years ago when I submitted my resignation and got my stuff in the office. He told me that I should inform him that we will visit Disneyland so he can give me passes. Waah! I know that he works in Hongkong Disneyland but I did not know that they have free passes. Imagine my savings if I just informed him, sayang talaga!

I bought a 2-day pass ticket that amounted to $HK1353 or PHP7424.61. If ever we will be back in Disneyland I will definitely inform him.

After the parade show, we went to Tomorrow Land, we rode Orbitron and Space Mountain. The minimum height requirement of Space Mountain is 102cm and my son is exactly 102cm in their measurement so they allowed us to enter this ride. We’ve watched and read so many warnings that this ride has pause, bumps, etc. But in my mind, it is like a mini roller coaster just like in Enchanted Kingdom but I was wrong.

I was praying during the ride and my prayer really intensified because I can’t forgive myself if something happened to my son. This is the scariest ride that I’ve experienced and my knees were really shaking.

But God is good, my son was just ok and when I asked him if he wants to ride again, he said yes but of course, I will never ride Space Mountain again. My husband was also guilty and he embraced my son all throughout the ride and he just told my son to look at the stars. Hehe! (yung katabi ko na foreigner na super laki, takot na takot din)

After that, we took a rest and went to Fantasy Garden again for the photo op. Then we went to Lucky Nuggets Saloon for our lunch.

Next stop is Stitch Encounter, we thought that we will watch a show but this is an interactive show. It was fun and my husband became part of the show.

We rode Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and a photo op with Buzz Lightyear. Our last activity was watching Flights of Fantasy Parade.

As much as we want to stay longer to watch the Christmas Illumination and Fireworks we have to say goodbye to Hong Kong Disneyland and say Hello Macau. #bitin

Buy or Book Your Ticket

Hong Kong Disneyland Park Ticket
Hong Kong Disneyland Meal Coupon
Hong Kong Disneyland Park 1-Day Ticket and Meal Coupon Combo
Plaza Inn in Hong Kong Disneyland (Lunch and Dinner Set)
Disneyland Star Ferry’s Water Tour
Shared Bus Transfer from Kowloon to Hong Kong Disneyland & Ngong Ping 360
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Disney Princess Transformation
Hong Kong Disneyland/Ngong Ping 360 Cabin Ticket and Shared Bus Transfer from Kowloon Combo

Klook.com

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December 20, 2012

Credit Card Security

More than two weeks ago I received a text from my credit card company saying “Our monitoring system has detected unusual transaction(s) on your credit card. Please call collect our 24-hour customer service hotline for verification.” I did not call immediately because I was already sleepy, I told my husband to call my credit card company first thing in the morning and I also sent an email.

CS representative advised my husband that there are floating charges on my credit card, MOP and USD amount and as of now my credit card is on hold. He confirmed that I used my credit card in Macau and I renewed my domain account in Google.

My husband told me about the conversation, I told him that I paid Hotel Sintra-Macau and I chose Peso so there should be no MOP charge on my credit card. I checked my online account and there was already a reply. I immediately replied on the email stating that I confirmed the Google purchase but not the Hotel Sintra floating charge. They just informed me that the merchant has 21 days to cancel or confirm the charges.

I keep on monitoring my online account to check if I still have floating charge and thank God as of today no more floating charge. I just don’t understand why Hotel Sintra still charged me when I already made my payment upon our arrival. But I was thankful because my credit card notified me, somehow I feel secured.

December 19, 2012

Hong Kong: Chef Mickey’s Restaurant

One of the things that I really look forward to staying in Disney’s Hollywood Hotel is the breakfast so we woke up early and bought breakfast coupon.

Actually, we’re the first guests inside Chef Mickey’s Restaurant.

There are several choices of food but not that much and the taste is just ok, nothing special.

We’re eating so slowly because we’re waiting for the Disney characters, we’ve been waiting for almost an hour but I can’t see any Disney characters so we asked and to my disappointment, there are no Disney characters during breakfast. Waah, I was really sad because I’d been waiting for that moment and I was really excited for my son.

I thought we can meet and greet Chef Mickey in Chef Mickey’s Restaurant but the Disney characters are in Enchanted Garden Restaurant. Another epic failure and this mistake is not cheap because I paid $HK474 (P2607) for this breakfast and my son only ate one Mickey Mouse banana bread and one Mickey Mouse waffle.

This is what I’ve read so I really have no idea that there is a specific meal and time na nandun si Chef Mickey and breakfast time is excluded.

Chef Mickey “The biggest superstar talent there is, Mickey Mouse, invites you to enjoy an international buffet in Mickey’s style! Immerse in Disney’s world of animation while you meet the star Chef Mickey and delight in delicacies from around the globe that he has specially prepared. Don’t forget your cameras for capturing your special moments with Mickey!”

Lesson learned: Ask first if Disney characters are present before buying a meal coupon and read carefully.

Anyway, sharing the food that we’ve tried.

December 18, 2012

Car Insurance 101

Buying a car is not an investment because it entails a lot of expenses such as gas, toll fee, auto maintenance, and even car insurance. Some people do not give importance to car insurance because for them, it is something that you can avoid if you just drive carefully. But accidents happen anytime and anywhere, even good drivers experienced accidents.

Car insurance is part of our monthly expense, whether I like it or not we have to pay for it just to be sure that we are covered when unexpected things happen. We used to pay P1000+ a month for our auto insurance but now we are paying P2000 every month because we replaced the old car already. That amount can already pay part of my son’s tuition.

But I must admit auto insurance is really important to all car owners so if you still do not have auto insurance, do not think twice anymore. Get car insurance as soon as possible. There are several agencies that offer car insurances and the cost will depends on the coverage you want. If you want higher coverage, expect for higher rate too.

Read: Car Insurance Benefits That You Need to Consider When Buying an Auto Insurance

If you have no idea about the cost, the best way to check is through internet. There are several websites that offer auto insurance quote and that is free so take advantage of it. Some website only asks for your zip code and they will send you the quotation. For more information click here to check if they are offering auto insurance in your state.

DIY Sweet Treats

Deciding what gifts to give is really one of my dilemmas every Christmas Season especially if the list increases every year. I guess it would not be a problem if I have an unlimited budget. But I have a very limited budget so I have to think for a simple gift that I could give without hurting my pocket.

Most of the kids love sweets so I decided to give sweet treats to my son’s friends in school.

What do I need?

Chocolates

Ice candy plastic bag

Cartolina or Cardboard

String

Christmas Stickers

1. Insert folded cartolina paper inside the ice candy plastic bag.

2. Put the chocolates inside the ice candy plastic bag.

3. Seal the ice candy plastic bag using the string.

4. Put Christmas stickers.

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

December 17, 2012

Day 3: Hong Kong Disneyland

I’m pretty sure that most of the kids wanted to visit Disneyland and I’m one of them. When I was young I wanted to visit Disneyland and meet Disney characters but I know that it is very impossible for me to visit Disneyland because I don’t have the money. So when I learned that there is already Disneyland in Hongkong, I was happy because I know that my dream is no longer impossible.

Hongkong is not that far and with the help of airline seat sales, I can achieve this goal. I’ve really waited for this moment and thank God because He answered my prayer. It is a dream come true also for my son because he loves Mickey Mouse.

After 10 months of waiting, we finally visited Hongkong Disneyland last month. We checked in first at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel before going to the theme park.

We got a free map and checked the time of shows and parades. At that moment I can’t decide where we will go first because the park is so huge and I don’t think we can’t finish it in one day.

Anyhow, we started our tour in Adventure Land, we watched the Festival of the Lion King. It is 30 minutes music and dance show. Do not miss this show because this is really nice and we all enjoyed it.

Then we crossed the rivers of adventure by riding the raft, climbed Tarzan’s Treehouse, and rode the Jungle River Cruise. We just checked the Liki Tikis and we did not go near because we don’t want to get wet.

Next stop is Toy Story Land. We rode in Slinky Dog Spin and my husband tried the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop and RC Racer.

We were hungry already so we started looking for a restaurant then we saw Chipmunks in Grizzly Gulch so we immediately fell in line because this would be our first photo with Disney characters. While waiting for our turn, my husband bought food in Lucky Nugget Saloon (Fish and Chips). Then we fell in line again for Mickey Mouse.

We were not able to try Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars because there’s a minimum height requirement and my son did not pass so he just played in Geyser Gulch (water play).

Then we went to Fantasy Land and rode Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Cinderella Carousel. We watched 3D Mickey’s PhilharMagic and took advantage of the photo op in Fantasy Garden.

Then we rode the Fantasyland Train Station.

Back to rides again, we tried Mad Hatter Tea Cups, It’s a Small World, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. It’s a Small World is one of our favorite rides.

After Winnie the Pooh, we immediately went to Storybook Theatre to watch “The Golden Mickeys” show. Thank God, we were able to make it.

After the show, we were really tired and hungry so we went to Tomorrow Land and eat in Comet Café. Then we patiently waited till 8PM for the fireworks.

It was a fun and tiring day. We were not able to finish everything so I was glad I purchased a 2-day pass ticket. God is so good because He gave us good weather and we enjoy our first day in Disneyland. Expect our Hong Kong Disneyland Part 2.

Buy or Book Tickets

December 14, 2012

Hong Kong: Disney’s Hollywood Hotel

As much as possible we always travel on a shoestring but there are times we splurge on travel just like our stay in Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. It was not an easy decision and it took me several weeks before reserving a room.

I have to think hundred times because the rate of the room is not cheap and once I reserve the room it will be automatically charged to my credit card (full amount). It is non-transferable and non-refundable so I have to think carefully.

From Thomas and Friends to Cars and now my son adores Mickey Mouse so much; I love my son so I decided to book the cheapest room in Disney’s Hollywood Hotel last August. I used to like Mickey Mouse too during my college days so I will just charge it to experience.

Fast forward to our trip, we transferred to Disney’s Hollywood Hotel after our two nights' stay in Yiu Fai Guesthouse. You have three options in going to Disney’s Hollywood Hotel from TST or Tsim Sha Tsui.

1. Disney’s Hollywood Hotel offers various limousine services from Tsim Sha Tsui to the hotel.

4-seats Mercedes Benz HK$700 (4 guests & 3 suitcases)

6-seats Toyota Alphard (MPV) HK$600 (4 guests with luggage)

2. Travel by TAXI. The cost of a Taxi would be around HK$180 per car (maximum for 4 passengers).

3. And of course the most economical way to travel is by MTR which we did.

From TST take the MTR (Tsuen Wan Line) to Lai King

From Lai King change to Tung Chung line on the opposite side

Get off at Sunny Bay and change to Disneyland Line on the opposite side

Upon reaching the Hongkong Disneyland Resort we immediately look for the shuttles going to the hotel so we could check in first but since the check-in time is 3PM, we just left our baggage.

I bought 2 day pass ticket and went straight to Disneyland. We went back after the fireworks; my camera’s battery was already empty so I just used my phone to take room photos. As you can see, my son is already sleeping; he slept on our way back to the hotel.

The following day, we woke up early to explore the hotel before eating our breakfast. We maximized our stay in our room and we left only during check-out time which is 11AM. We left our luggage and went to Disneyland again.

Likes

1. Proximity to Disneyland Resort.

2. Facilities and amenities are good.

3. Service is good.

4. Room is Mickey Mouse theme.

5. I book for 3 people and we have our own toiletries and complimentary. Unlike in other hotels the freebies are good for 2 adults only.

Dislikes

1. Rate is expensive because you are just paying for the room. A breakfast meal is not included.

2. No free wi-fi. You have to pay HKD120 for 24 hours of use.
3. No discount for Disneyland tickets even for hotel guests.

Check the rates here

December 13, 2012

DIY Homemade Gifts

I was busy as bee last month so I really had no time in buying gifts. Fast forward to December I’m still busy and I’m still not finished with my Christmas list. I’ve been asking my husband what gift will he gives to his colleagues and he always says “mag-bake ka na lang” (food gifts). I have no choice but to bake and I’ve been baking for the last three days because I need to finish everything so I could start making a reviewer for my son’s exam next week.

I’m not used to, giving homemade gifts; in fact, this is the first time that I will be doing this. To make my life easy, I decided to bake triple chocolate brownies for my husband's colleagues and triple chocolate cookies for my mommy friends in school.

Brownies

What do I need?

Brownies
Zip lock Sandwich Bag
Scotch tape
Printed materials
Christmas tag

I place the brownies inside the Ziploc and seal. Fold the excess part and put scotch tape.