Michi Photostory

Last year, I was thinking of a gift that my son would appreciate. I always follow my gift-giving philosophy so it would be easy to choose.

Something they want 
Something they need 
Something to wear 
Something to read 

I gifted him a book last year but as usual, he didn’t appreciate it that much because he is not fond of reading books unless he is the one who chose that book. Hehehe! Then I remembered that he enjoys painting, I bought his first painting kit a few years ago and the rest is history.

Craft Easy Canvas Painting Kit
Painting by Numbers
Painting at Sip & Gogh
DIY Christmas Painting 

I ordered Paint by Number Kit online, this is bigger compared to his previous painting kits so he has something to do during his Christmas break. As I mentioned in my Instagram post, my number one dilemma every school break is yung favorite line ng anak ko “Mommy, I’m bored”. He is not allowed to use his gadgets every weekdays kahit school break pa  so yan lagi niya sinasabi. And I always tell him, nung bata ko hindi naman uso gadget pero hindi ako nabobored. Hehehe!


Anyway, I wrapped my gift and put it under the Christmas tree. In my mind my son will like my gift but after few days, my husband told me “Ayaw daw ni Ethan nung malaki na canvas”. Waah! My husband was browsing his Facebook newsfeed and he saw my gift online and he asked my son kung gusto niya ng ganun? My son said yes, but ayaw daw niya ng malaki at mahirap.

So nagkaproblema ko bigla and naghanap na naman ng gift. I remembered Art Craze- Paint by Numbers, I already knew this store pero malayo yung store niya sa amin. I was browsing their Instagram feed and then I saw Pikachu. My son likes Pokemon so I’m pretty sure that he will like this so I asked for the price and shipping fee.

Art Craze Paint by Number Sizes and Prices

10x15cm - P180
20x20cm - P480
25x25cm - P580
20x30cm - P680
30x40cm - P800
40x40cm - P1000
40x50cm - P1300

Shipping Rates 

Courier Rates (LBC, JRS, etc) 

10x15cm, 20x20cm, 20x30cm 
Metro Manila - P100 to P150 Luzon P260, Visayas - P280 and Mindanao - P300

25x25cm, 30x40cm, 40x40, 40x50cm 
Metro Manila - P150 to P180 Luzon - P260, Visayas - P280 and Mindanao - P300

Grab Express/Lalamove same-day delivery/Provincial bus: Estimate quotation can be requested
Free shipping for orders P4000 and up within the Philippines.

We only have few days before Christmas so I don’t want to order online at baka 2019 ko na mareceived yung package. But since it was Christmas Season, they had booth at World Bazaar Festival. My husband asked them if the canvas is available at the Bazaar and they said yes. So after my husband got his visa, we dropped by at World Trade Center. May entrance fee siya so ako na lang bumaba and I just looked for their booth.

Unfortunately, the canvas was not available there. I was a bit disappointed kasi nagmessaged pa kami and dinayo ko pa sa World Bazaar Festival yun tapos wala. Good thing, there is another Pikachu Canvas so I bought it. The canvas is really small, I’m aware of the 10x15cm size pero iba pa rin pag nakita mo in person. Kasing laki lang ng postcard but it has easel, palette, paint brush and 8 paint colors. It has a box too so mukha ng presentable for gifts. The box has instructions too.


Painting Preparation

- moisten brushes which will be used for painting
- prepare a glass with water
- prepare newspapers and place it on the desktop where you will be painting

Start Painting 

Step 1: Open the box, bring our the canvas, paint brushes, tubes of paint with numbers and wooden frame.
Step 2: Match the color with the numbers on the canvas.
Step 3: Fill in the zone one by one, or according to the sequence of the colors from light to dark. If painting a face, it is better to start with the eyes first and then the other smaller parts of the painting before doing the rest.
Step 4: Check your work and see if you missed any spot. Continue on the next number until you finish with the last color available.


My son was happy when he opened his gift and he started painting it after Christmas. He was busy for two days. Even it was just a small canvas, ang tagal din niya natapos. Once dry kasi, inulit pa niya para mas okay yung colors. After he finished this, I asked him kung gusto pa niya and he said no. Hahaha! Napagod na siya so mukhang ako na lang magpaint nung una ko na nabili.

I love making DIY stuff because this is a good way to reuse, recycle or repurpose some stuff at home. I can save money because DIY is cheaper than buying Christmas decor. All I need is a little creativity, use available materials at home, and buy only the things that we need for the project.

I have shared a lot of DIY and Craft on this blog but if you have just stumbled on this post or a new reader, you can check my DIY post below.

How to Make Polymer Clay Christmas Ornaments
Handmade Gingerbread Ornaments
DIY Advent Calendar in a Box
DIY Salt Dough Ornaments
DIY Paper Christmas Ornaments
DIY Santa Card
DIY Paper Christmas Wreath
DIY Advent Calendar
DIY Christmas Envelopes
Christmas Angels
DIY Homemade Gifts
DIY Christmas Wreath 

I have a blank canvas at home, I’ve been keeping it in our house for so long. I even had this before we experienced our first painting class at Sip & Gogh. Ganun na katagal, hehehe! So I decided to use it and paint something that I can use this Christmas.

Read: Painting at Sip & Gogh


My son saw the canvass and paint and he asked me, “What are you going paint, mommy?” and he told me that he also wanted to paint. So I asked my husband to buy a small blank canvas and additional paint. My son and I painted last sembreak. I was teasing my son that he just copied my painting. Hehehe! We bought a painted candy cane.


I have one remaining blank canvas and I painted a snowman yesterday. And now, my DIY Christmas paintings are hanging at our door. I put my son’s painting on our wall since I have no plan to remove it even after the holiday. We haven’t put up our tree yet but little by little, I’m starting to decorate our house.


How about you? Pasko na ba sa bahay niyo?

When I was a kid, I was looking forward for holidays, semestral break and summer break because there is no classes. When I became a full time mom, I also look forward to no classes because I don’t need to wake-up early. Hehehe!

The problem of having no classes is, to make sure that my son is also productive. We have rules in the house that there will be no gadgets during weekdays so even it is school break, no Ipad. 

My son is okay with it as long as he can watch TV, so ako naman ngayon ang di makasingit sa TV. But I don’t let him watch the whole day because it is not good so I need to give him activities or hayaan siya mabored. (which is good daw so they can decide on what to do). 



My son likes folding paper, he always use my scratch paper in making airplanes. So when we went to Japan, I bought chiyogami paper at Daiso 108yen but it was only last week that I remembered about it. The paper is nice, there are 4 colors and two designs (stripes and polka dots). 

So I told my son that he can use the paper, he waited for his daddy so they can play with it. He knew that his dad can make paper crane and I can only make boat, polo, ball and airplane. Hehehe! He was happy with his paper crane.

The following day, he wanted me to make more paper crane. Since my husband left to Singapore, I have no choice but to get the Ipad so he can watch video tutorials under my supervision. 



I told him to choose origami for beginners so he can pratice folding paper. He even make a heart for me. 



He really enjoyed the activity na halos maubos na yung papel. This reminds me to buy origami book so he can practice more. 

When my son was in toddler years, I always buy coloring books or print free coloring pages online. He likes to color and doodles, even our white walls are not exempted. 

But now, he doesn’t like to color anymore and he prefers painting. Two years ago, we painted a canvas shopping bag and he enjoyed it.

Read: Art Time

So when I saw the Craft Easy Canvas Painting Kit last year, I immediately bought it. The kit is very affordable but it is not always available in National Bookstore. 

Read: Craft Easy Canvas Painting Kit

We also tried painting at Sip & Gogh few months ago and my son wanted to go back but I told him that we will go back pag may budget na. One session is almost 1K so it is not friendly to my pocket. 

Read: Painting at Sip & Gogh

Few months ago, I saw Art Craze - Paint by Numbers but when I checked stores, malayo naman sa min. Good thing I saw this Painting by Numbers kit at S&R and I immediately bought it. 


My son was not allowed to use the iPad last weekend because he did not finish his baon in school so that is the consequence. He was bored so he remembered the painting kit that I bought. 


The kit is P349.95, it includes canvas, 2 brush, paint and yung pansabit with screw. Actually, I find it expensive kasi kasing laki nga lang siya nung Craft Easy kit, the only difference is may numbers. Hehehe! 


But my husband told me, yun ang binabayaran mo yung numbers. In fairness, my son’s finished artwork is good because of the numbers. The numbers really helped him. Though he asked for help from me, so I painted the eyes, whiskers and flowers, mahirap daw kasi yung small. 

I will buy painting kit again so he has something to do when Ipad is not allowed. After his painting session, nauto niya daddy niya na magplay ng Pokemon Go. Sunod naman si Daddy niya at bonding daw nila. Hmmm! 

Nadagdagan na ulit. :)

Planning for a vacation is not easy because it takes time to research and to decide which activities you will include in a day especially when you have kids. You also have to consider the location, facilities and amenities of the hotel or resort. Thank God that we reserved a room at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan because my son really enjoyed our staycation.

Click here for video

My son loves staycation, he gets excited every time he sees me packing for a short getaway. He really remembers those activities that he enjoyed and he always asked me if I take videos or pictures because he wants to see or watch them over and over again. 


As of now, he can’t forget our recent staycation in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan. One thing that I like in this resort is the CrimZone, it is the comfort zone of kids. I’m pretty sure that kids will not get bored even if you stay in the resort for a few days. If you want to have time for yourself, you can leave your kids here for a fee or just stay and bond with your kids. 

Read: Staycation: Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan.  

If you are planning to book this resort, this post will give you an idea of the different activities in CrimZone. Every morning you will receive a piece of paper to inform you of the schedule of activities for that day (adults and kids). If you don’t want to bring the paper with you, just visit CrimZone and check the whiteboard for the schedule. 

During our first day, we immediately checked CrimZone. There were slides, merry-go-round, toys, books and TV for movie marathon. Actually, my son forgot that we will swim so I have to remind him that we need to go to the beach and we will just go back to the play area tomorrow. Parang ayaw na niya umalis, hehehe! The following morning, as promised; we stayed in CrimZone after we checked out. Sharing with you the activities that my son joined. 

Face Painting 

First activity is face painting but my son prefers hand painting. Hehehe! 

Figurine Painting 

We missed the 7:30AM Figurine painting activity but I was glad that we can still avail of this activity. The activity is not free, you have to pay P250 but you can take home the finished project. If you’ve been following this blog, you know that my son loves to paint. 

Read: Painting at Sip & Gogh 

So he paints while watching movie. In the end, I already helped him because we want to eat lunch na and hindi pa siya tapos, though finishing touches na lang naman. Hehehe! 

Read: Restaurant in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Amazing Kid’s Race 

My son and I love watching Amazing Race so we really waited for this activity. We have no idea that there will be a prize for the winner and my son won the Amazing Kid’s Race. The prize is 15 minutes kayak or bracelet making, we chose the latter because my husband and son don’t want to change clothes na. Everything was packed na rin kasi. 

Bracelet Making


This was an easy activity, all he needs to do is put his chosen beads and the staff will be the one to tie them. Voila, he gave me the bracelet. Hehehe! Bracelet making activity is P125. 

My son wanted to join the Obstacle Course but we have to say goodbye to CrimZone because we need to go to the airport.

My son is into arts, he likes to draw and paint so I was not surprised at all when he joined Art Club in school. At first, I was persuading him to join the Kab Scout so he will learn life skills but of course, he will be the one to decide his own club. 

Read: Painting at Sip & Gogh

Mommy Bloggers Philippines had an opportunity to have 2-hour primer session at Artist Madhouse last Sunday. I know that QC is far from where we live but because my son loves to draw and paint, I said yes to the invitation. 

About Artist Madhouse 

"Artist Madhouse is a place of expression without the fear of being judged, as they believe, is a liberating feeling that brings happiness and meaning to our lives. 

Jem Benzon and Carolyn Tongco are Expressive Art Meditation Facilitators from Artist Madhouse. Their experience as artists, volunteers, church workers and enthusiasts of Filipino culture developed their passion for using expressive art to help people. They graduated with honors with degree in Fine Arts from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila."

Jem and Carol were there to welcome and explain to us the Artist Madhouse workshops. They have two workshops, one for kids and one for adults. 

Expressive Art and Creative Play 

"Expressive Art and Creative Play is a holistic program that empowers your child to learn in an encouraging and supportive environment. Through the expressive arts, your child is encouraged to experiment creatively, leading to discovery of new knowledge. Play, being the language of children, fosters healthy interaction with others, enhancing your child’s social skills as well."

Ever since I was a kid I wanted to enroll myself in a summer art class where I can learn how to draw or paint but of course, we don’t have money for that. So when I saw Sip & Gogh featured in one TV show, I told myself that I will try it someday. 

Click here for video

The only problem is, QC is so far from where we live. They have other branches pero malayo pa rin. Actually, I already promised to my son that he will paint as my reward for his “Golden Eagle” last second grading period pero hindi pa pala open yung sa Alabang branch so I ended up giving him a gift.


So I was really happy when I learned that Sip & Gogh Molito, Alabang branch is already open. Finally, we can try it na. It was our 10th wedding anniversary when we went to the painting studio. 


Sip & Gogh is a paint-and-sip studio where you can paint while sipping your favorite beverage with family or friends. The fee includes canvas, paints, brush, easel, palette, and apron so all you have to do is bring yourself and enjoy. 

Our family doesn’t have talent in art but we are just frustrated artists who wanted to try painting. We registered for Open Sessions at P1000 each. It includes complimentary drinks and snacks.

Paint, Sip and Laugh

It is an open session so you can choose an artwork that you wanted to try, choosing an artwork is not easy, parang lahat gusto ko itry and nagdadalawang isip ko kung kakayanin ko ba. We are all first timers and walang kaalam-alam. Hehehe! 

We were lucky that we’re the first three guests so tig-isa isa kami ng nagguide sa min. They prepare everything that we need and guide us step by step like mixing colors and different strokes that we need.


We really enjoyed ou experience and sa sobrang focus ng mag-ama ko nakalimutan na nila ko kunan ng picture, lol. Good thing the Sip & Gogh staff take pictures and you can see that in their Facebook page. O di ba, may stolen shots pa kami, I thought we only have 2 photos. (picture above and below) 

We really had fun and it was really memorable because it was our anniversary and we experienced painting at the same time. It only proves that anyone can paint. Our painting is now up on our wall, at last, no more blank walls in our living room.


I recommend this painting activity. You don’t need the skill and talent, just try it, enjoy and you will be amazed at your own masterpiece. My son wanted to paint again and I told him, we will go back if he will get an award this school year. 

Sip & Gogh Alabang
2/F Unit 5, Molito 3, Madrigal Avenue corner Alabang-Zapote Road,
Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines 

They have branches in Kapitolyo, Ayala Heights, and Eastwood

Our day 4 Advent activity is “Make an ornament or decoration”  so we made salt dough ornaments last December 4. I’ve been meaning to make this ornament but I just couldn’t find the time, as usual December is a very busy month.

Ingredients and materials are always available in your kitchen, all you need is flour, salt, and water for the dough. Bowl, rolling pin, cookie-cutter, straw or paint if you want to color.

Preheat the oven to 325F.
Mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, and 1/2 cup water and knead the dough. 



Roll the dough and cut shapes using a cookie cutter


Place on cookie sheets, make a hole using a straw and bake for less than an hour. 

You can paint the ornaments or use food coloring while mixing the dough. 



Our salt dough ornaments are not that successful because some puffed so it didn’t look good. But I will make this project again and reduce the thickness and hoping it won’t puff again. We enjoyed doing this activity even it is not that successful.

I went to the National Bookstore just to buy a ballpen but knowing me, the bookstore is one of my happy places. I love checking school supplies, books, and many more, looking for something that I might need.

Then I saw this Craft Easy Canvas Painting Kit P115, I asked my son if he wanted to paint and he said yes. He chose the “knight” design, maybe he remembers our trip to Legoland Malaysia. The ride that we never dare to try.


Anyway, the kit includes 1 piece canvas with print, 6 pieces paint tubes and 1 piece brush. 


There’s no example on how to paint it so it is really up to you on how you are going to paint it. 


I let my son paint this canvas and here is the finished product. I hang his painting on our wall. He prefers painting to coloring so I’m planning to buy more designs.

I bought this Paper Clay Art last December but it was only last Sunday that we were able to use it. 


The kit contains paper clay, stick and board.


Since it’s been 6 months that I did not use it, the paperclays were dried. According to the package, if the paperpclay dries up and doesn’t stick to the board, just add few drops of water and mix. But in our case, I have to add a lot of water just to soften the clay. It worked except for the white color because it is hard as stone. 


My son and I finished this artwork using the available colors. 


The result doesn’t look good pero pwede na. #motherandsoneffort Next time if ever I will buy paper clay art, I will use it immediately.

The first time experience of my son with play dough was three years ago, I bought Play-Doh Cars 2 Mold N Go weeks before his third birthday. He loves Lightning Mcqueen so he really enjoyed his toy but he stopped playing because he ran out of play dough. I checked the play doh in the department store and the price is expensive for my budget. 

Thank God for Pinterest because I found recipe for homemade play dough and my son started playing with his toy again.  You can check the step by step here.  



Inspite of the mess, there are several benefits of play dough like developing the fine motor skills, it enhance the imagination and creativity and it calm and soothe even adults. Honestly, I love playing play doh, I wanted to have this when I was a kid but no money for that. 

If you remember my post last year, we had fun with clay modelling in Nuvali.  



My son received a gift of clay set last Christmas and I bought this book last summer to entertain him. 



Last week I printed this play dough mats from Pinterest. You can print it in regular paper and paste it in old folder or print it in cardboard paper to make it sturdy. You can laminate the paper but I just cover it with plastic cover. I've made homemade play dough again.



We had fun in making dinner, ice cream sundae and cake. 

my work

my work

Click here to download the file. 

Mother’s Day or Father’s Day is not really a big deal for us because we don’t really plan anything for this day and I don’t expect anything from my husband and son. I don’t assume that they will treat me, give me a gift or I could have a day off. Even they will not greet me, it is fine because I believe that Mother’s Day is not only every second Sunday of May. The truth is, not everyone in the world celebrate Mother’s Day on the same day but I believe most of the countries celebrate every second Sunday of May. 

Honestly, I can’t even remember how I celebrated my first Mother’s Day, all I can remember is from 2011 to 2013 because of this blog.

I received my first Mother’s Day card last 2011 from my son. 

I received my second Mother’s Day card last 2012 and we spent Mother’s Day in Taal Vista Hotel. #staycation

Last 2013, I spent Mother’s day in my OB’s clinic due to UTI and this year, I was supposed to be in my OB’s clinic again for my follow up check-up due to UTI again but I missed my check-up and I did not attend Asian Psorclub outing because we’re so busy at home. We’re having mini home improvement so we need to stay at home and supervise it. 

But I’m happy it was already finished though I still have a pile of work to do such as cleaning the mess of our home improvement, decluttering the house, finishing my laundry and ironing the clothes. Hay, iisipin ko pa lang napapagod na, hehehe! 



Though I wasn’t really expecting anything because I know we’re all busy, my son gave me his third Mother’s Day card and my husband gave me a book “A Wife after God’s Own Heart.” We had an early celebration last Saturday at D’Banquet, sort of celebration but the truth is we don’t have food at home because I can’t cook because of the home improvement. #hehehe 



As I posted in my Instagram “Thank you for the love and thank you for making my life more meaningful and beautiful. I would be forever thankful to God for giving me the privilege to be a wife and mom. Having you in my life is enough to complete me and I could not ask for more” 

It is better to be late than never, I would like to thank those people who remembered me last Sunday and Belated Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers.

Cute!

Inside the box

Proud na ko dyan. lol