Michi Photostory

Here in my country, June is the usual start of the school year but because of the COVID19 pandemic, the opening of classes has been moved to August and now October but some of the private schools started as early as July. We’re supposed to start in October too but my son’s school changed their mind. So I was preoccupied last week because of the change of schedule, we had a dry-run and yesterday was my son’s first day of Online Distance Learning.

It was funny because for the longest time I wanted to try homeschooling especially when my son was still at lower level, ayaw ko kasi siya nabubully and ayaw ko din siya naiiwan ng school service. But my husband and son do not want my idea, only child na nga so kelangan daw ng social interaction sa classmates. Now, it is my chance to try homeschooling because of the community quarantine but in the end, we decided to stay at the present school.


I like Online Distance Learning because I don’t need to wake up early since my son does not need to travel to school. I save money because I don’t have to pay for school service. Lastly, I have peace of mind because my son is just at home. What I don't like is, nakauniform pa rin sila, Waah, effort pa sa pagplantsa and my son is complaining kasi mainit, so kelangan nakaaircon din katulad ng classroom nila.

Since this is the first time that we tried Online Distance Learning, we are still adjusting to this new normal. My son is still adapting to the change and there are still hiccups like he failed to submit on time because he was not aware of the due date. Normally, he will do his assignment at the end of the day but he has no idea that he could no longer submit the activity after the class period. This morning, they waited for more than an hour because their teacher could not connect, so wasted time on that moment.

I don’t know what will happen for this school year but we will just take one day at a time. My back to school preparation is not yet over because we don’t have the hardcopy of ebooks and our school supplies are not yet complete. I went to the bookstore last weekend and nakadalawang bookstore na ko pero kulang pa rin nabili ko. It was my first time visiting the mall since March 10. I will share my story in the next post.

Let me end this post with some “Back to School” quotes. By the way, I designed this First Day of School Banner for my son and you can download my FREE BACK TO SCHOOL BANNER HERE. (Grade 1 to 12 Level only) (Update 2021-2022 School Year)


“I’ve always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginnings” - Jenny Han  

“This is a new year, a new beginning and things will change” 

 “Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom” - Oprah Winfrey

Donate a Book is one of the projects of #SMShareMovement and I think it’s been years already that I’ve been seeing this every Back to School season but I’ve never donated my son’s books. I always keep my son’s school books for future use. And if I feel that he no longer needs it, I will give it to family or friends.


But I think they never used my son’s books din kasi nakita ko na nakatambak din siya and nabaha na nga lang so I stopped giving my son’s books so from Grade 1 to Grade 4, nakatambak siya sa house. When I went to SM, I saw “Donate a Book” project again but since I was busy for my back to school preparation, hindi ko siya naasikaso.

Then last weekend, I saw one FB post, she donated 57 books and got 57 coupons so it means, one coupon per book. And because of that, I decided to give it a try so we went to SM Sta Rosa to donate my son’s books. I only bring Grade 1 books para hindi naman mabigat dalhin. Good thing I did that because we still looked for the staff pa kasi wala tao sa booth. So imagine kung ilang books ang dala ko habang naghahanap ng staff, ang bigat lang.

I thought I will get one coupon per book but I was wrong. The staff informed me na kapag may sulat na daw yung book, per bundle daw. So 5 books = 1 coupon so in the end, I only got two P50 Off Coupon. Imagine I spent P7000+ for this set of books and P100 na lang value niya after gamitin. But of course, it is better than nothing. Wala naman ko nakuha sa Nursery to Kinder books na pinamigay ko din. Hehehe! At least may pakunswelo si SM sa pagdonate mo, nakatulong ka sa ibang bata and nabawasan ka ng tambak sa bahay mo.

But keep in mind that there are terms and conditions in using the coupon. P50 Off Coupon with a minimum of P500 single-receipt purchase of regular-priced items from the SM Store’s Stationery Department Store.

1. Can only be redeemed on regular priced SM Stationery items from the SM store. May 20, 2019 - July 07, 2020.
2. Offer is not in conjunction with other ongoing promos or discounts.
3. Only one dicount coupon may be used per transaction.
4. Folded, crumpled or stapled savings coupons may still be accepted by the SM Store given that bar codes are not encroached and security features are still intact.
5. Must be surrendered to the cashier upon redemption.

I already used my one coupon and I still have one coupon pa, next time na lang pag worth P500 na yung bibilhin ko. Next year, I will donate our Grade 2 school books naman.

If you are a mom or dad and you have kids that already go to school, I’m pretty sure that sometime in your life, you are asking yourself “What are you going to do with their old notebooks?”. It is easy to throw out those old notebooks and just buy a new set of notebooks every school year. But of course, we all know that we can still use those old school notebooks and used papers.

Ever since my son started going to school, I always have a pile of papers, notebooks, and books. So at the end of the school year, I do my own inventory so I will have an idea of what I need to buy, reuse, and recycle. Last March, I only spent less than P400 on my son’s school supplies compared to P1431 if I will buy everything at their school bookstore. I saved money because I still have enough supplies and I will reuse most of his school supplies like notebooks.


Having said that, I always collect those notebooks and used papers that I can reuse and recycle. It is my way of helping the environment and saving money too. I already blogged about my DIY Scratchpad before, so you can check my post here on how I reuse old papers.

Read: DIY Scratchpad

For now, let me share “How to Reuse or Recycle Old Notebooks”. There are 3 things that I do with old school notebooks.

1. Reuse Old Notebooks 

After the final exam, I will get all my son’s notebooks and check if there are notebooks that I can reuse. For this school year, I reused 3 notebooks. Math, HELE and Araling Panlipunan. I just removed all the used pages and replaced the cover so it will look new.


For our Math spring notebook, the cover is not in good condition so I removed the cover, spring, and sew the pages of the notebook. Then I used cardboard to make a new cover. I was able to make two new Math Notebook.


For HELE and Araling Panlipunan, I just removed the used pages and cover it.


2. Make Scratch Paper 

My son is using composition notebooks so I don’t tear the used pages, I cut it so I can reuse the other side. You can use a paper clamp to keep all the papers, make a scratch pad using padding glue, or use a fastener. This year, I have some fasteners so I used them to make my own scratch paper. It is easier since the pages of the notebook are not uniform. If you notice, I still have a writing notebook, leftover from Grade 3 Level.



3. DIY Notebook

Since I have a lot of scratch papers, sometimes I make a DIY notebook. For those school notebooks that my son can’t reuse, because I feel that the pages are not enough, I used it. Instead of buying Filler Refill, I make my own notebook.


After removing the used pages, collect the unused pages. You can use a stapler or sew the unused pages including the cover to bind it. In my case, I just sew the paper, using the present holes as my guide. So now, I have 6 Filler Refills and I don’t need to buy anymore for my notes or journals.



This is an easy DIY project that you can do to save money every school year. I am lucky that my son reuses his school supplies.

Note: I got the pencil wrap PDF file from Pinterest. I just print the file and used it for our notebooks.

Since last year my son kept on telling me that he will join his Field Trip on February and I kept on persuading him not to join his field trip because his daddy will have a business trip on that month. Mahirap magcommute ng madaling araw at gabi and we can visit those places naman kahit hindi field trip.

Then last month, the school gave the Field Trip form and when I read the itinerary, I still convinced my son not to join because I find the fee expensive, PHP1790. Ang mahal para sa Kidzania at National Museum, free lang naman yung ibang place. I even told him, yung P1790 na yun sobra pa sa Kidzania namin dalawa and whole day pa kami pwede magstay.

Kidzania Manila 
National Museum of National History 
McKinley Grand Canal - Walking Tour 
Shrine of Jesus WTL (again)

But he really wanted to join and my husband wants my son to join too so ako lang naman talaga ang kontrabida sa buhay nila. My husband always tells me, iba ang lakad with classmates at iba ang lakad with family. Good thing that my husband is available on that day so hindi ko na problema maghatid at sundo. So I paid the Field Trip fee bago pa magbago isip ko. Hehehe!

P.S. As of this school year, the chaperone is allowed na if grade 1 to 3 ang bata. Grrr! I’ve been waiting for them to change this policy, ngayon pa talaga binago. Grade 4 na anak ko so hindi ko pwede sumama. Hayz…

Fast forward to his field trip…

Me: Ethan, don’t forget your passport ha.
Ethan: How about my credit card?
Me: ATM lang yun.
Hubby: Bakit may passport pa at card, san punta niyan?
Me and Ethan: Kidzania.

Yes, may passport at ATM sa Kidzania. May driving license pa nga. Hehehe! I allowed my son to bring his smartphone in one condition “Take Photos”. While my husband and I were busy at PTAA Travel Tour Expo, my son sent one group photo at Shrine Of Jesus WTL so I felt happy at naalala ang bilin ko. So in my mind, this time marami na pictures anak ko sa Field Trip compared last year.


But I was wrong, after the field trip he showed me his phone gallery and guess what? Yung group photo lang ang may mukha niya. Puro painting sa National Museum. Waah! Nakalimutan na niya ang lahat ng bilin ko when they went to Kidzania Manila. So for the very first time, wala na siya tagakuha ng photos and videos. They stayed here from 1PM to 5PM and he was able to do 6 activities; Bank, Pit Crew Training Center, Cleaning Energy Center, Century Tuna Marine Research Lab, Driving, and Newswriter.  Check our Kidzania experience here.


Anyway, since Mckinley Grand Canal Tour is part of their itinerary. We decided to pick up our son at Venice Grand Canal Mall. So after our travel expo trip, we went straight to Venice. It was my first time there, so maganda naman pala. I remembered our trip in Venetian Hotel in Macau. There is a gondola ride but it is too expensive for my budget, P400 per person. Waah! Okay na ko sa tingin na lang, hehehe!






There are so many restaurants in Venice Grand Canal Mall and I saw the Isla Sugbu Seafood City and we’re supposed to eat here kaso sa pagod namin, gusto na namin umuwi agad. Maybe next time I can finally try this paluto all you can.



Grade 3 Field Trip
Grade 2 Field Trip
Kinder Field Trip
Pre-Kinder Field Trip 
 Alice in Wonderland
 Gardenia Plant Tour
 Manila Ocean Park 

Nowadays, interfaith marriage is very common so I know that I’m not the only one who belongs to mixed marriages. When I say mixed marriage, it means that the husband and wife have different religions or beliefs. I’m a Born Again Christian and my husband is a Catholic, we may have different beliefs but it was never an issue in our marriage. We don’t convince, persuade or force each other to convert. We do respect our own choices, beliefs, and values.

I was also a product of mixed marriages, my father is Protestant and my mother is a Born Again Christian and as we grow old we chose our own beliefs. So when it comes to my son, I give him the freedom to choose. As long as we believe in one God and we know that religion alone will not save us. But of course, I would be happy if we have the same belief.
Since last month, my son was preparing for his first communion, he was baptized in the Catholic church and also studying in Catholic School. Two weeks ago, he told that non-communicants are on vacation already.

Ethan: Mommy, non-communicants will not go to school starting Monday. December 11 na sila papasok.
Me: Talaga, one week yun. Ang haba ng bakasyon. Gusto mo bakasyon na rin tayo, wag ka na pumasok.
Ethan: Huh! I’m a Catholic e.

Natawa na lang ko, may paninindigan na pala anak ko. Don’t get me wrong, I’m just testing him. We already bought white longsleeves, nagphotoshoot na rin sila and we already invited my in-laws to attend my son’s communion.


The day before his communion, my son was asking me if I’m excited.

Ethan: Mommy, are you excited?
Me: Bakit?
Ethan: First communion ko.
Me: Kelangan ko ba maexcite? Are you excited?
Ethan: Yes, first communion ko yun. What’s the taste of the bread?
Me: Tasteless Hehehe!

Kaloka, curious pala siya sa lasa ng hostia


Fast forward to communion, we picked up my in-laws, and off we went to church. Sa sobrang aga namin, nakadalawang mass pa kami. lol! It was my first time witnessing communion. After communion, we went straight to Nina’s Kitchen to celebrate.

Just when I thought that I could already blog every day because my son would be back to school but I’ve been nursing a cold and cough since Monday evening so I really took the time to rest. I still have colds and cough and hopefully, I will be healed soon. 

Well, what happened this past week.

Flu Vaccine 

We had the flu vaccine last weekend and a few days before the vaccine, we already informed my son about it. I’m not sure if my son has a “needle phobia” but he really dislikes injections. Just the thought of a vaccine makes him cry. It’s our dilemma every year, agaw-eksena talaga. But I’m happy to say that he is improving na, he still cried but at least hindi na mega cry and hindi na pumipiglas. I hope next year, he can conquer his fear. 

Back to School

I envy those kids who are still on vacation because we’re back to school last Monday. Ang hirap gumising ng 5AM again. Waah! Parang ang bilis lang kasi, til first week of April ang end of school year namin then pasok na agad ng June 5. Good thing we went home one week before school starts or else, good luck sa jetlag and preparation for school. 

Birthday at Vikings 

Because of the vaccine and back-to-school preparation, we just had a simple birthday celebration of my husband’s birthday. We just went to Vikings to take advantage of the free birthday buffet. I already blogged about this before so I will just tell the few changes that I’ve noticed. 

Read: Lunch at Vikings at SM BF

We were there past 12NN and we’re glad that there is an available table for us. I informed them that we are going to availof  the birthday promo so they just asked for my husband’s ID. Then we started our feast, we don’t really eat a lot so lugi talaga kami sa buffet kaya it is better if may discount or promo. Sharing with you, my plate. 



They also gave us a soup. Wala nito dati. 


After several minutes, I saw the staff gathered together, they were holding cakes and banners for the birthday celebrant. Then they started to sing “Happy Birthday” while distributing the cake to all the birthday celebrants. So it is a different experience compared to our last visit, before kasi per table ang sing and dance nila. Now, isahan kanta na lang and they still go to your table to take your picture. Which is okay for me para mas mabilis din. I remember eating in two buffet restaurants, nakauwi na lang kami wala kami cake or greetings (birthday promo din). 

Improving ang complimentary cake kaso hindi sinindihan. hehehe!

Two months ago, I received a letter about my son’s field trip and he was hesitant to join because of the no chaperone policy. Last year, he did not join the Field Trip so now, I persuaded him to join kasi sayang naman ang bayad. The Educational Trip fee is included in the tuition so whether you join or not, they will not refund the payment. 

Read: When Plan Fails

I was able to persuade my son but when he agreed, I felt nervous because this is the first time that my son will go on a trip without chaperone. Sa dami ng nangyayari sa bansa, I cannot help but be a paranoid mom. One week before the trip, I bought cellphone for my son so I can call or text him.

Read: Where is my Son?

But few days before September 9, they canceled the Field Trip because of the Davao Bombing incident. There are so many bomb threats during that time so just to be sure, they moved the schedule. 

Fast forward to yesterday, I took a bath and my son asked me, 

Ethan: Mommy, why are you not wearing pambahay? 
Me: I will go with you and daddy sa school. 

We went to school for my son’s Field Trip. Like I said before, I’m such a paranoid mom so I asked my husband to file a vacation leave so we can follow our son. Bawal chaperone pero pwede naman magconvoy. Hehehe! 

Itinerary for the day: 

PHILVOCS 
Philippine Science Centrum 
Manila Boystown 
Exploreum 

First stop is PHILVOCS, I thought we were so late because we cannot see the bus on the road. Yun pala, mas nauna pa kami nakarating sa bus. And because I was early, I was able to take pictures of the lobby.





They allowed us to enter, maybe because there is no entrance fee in PHIlVOCS. So I was able to watch the video about volcanic eruption, earthquake and tsunami. The videos are very informative, kids will know what are they going to do if there will be a disaster. 





Actually, my son was surprised when I called him at PHILVOCS, he did not notice that I was standing in front of him. He has no idea that we will follow him. Hehehe! S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E!!!!!!!

Ethan: Why are you here?


Next stop is Science Centrum, we have visited this place when my son was 2 years old. This is the first field trip that he joined, it was his cousin’s field trip and pwede magsama ng buong pamilya basta magbayad. Lol. We’re not allowed to go inside so no picture, hanggang labas lang ako. 

Read: Science Centrum

Entrance Fee

Students and Adults: P130 maximum stay of 1.5 hrs. P60 extra hour thereafter 
Senior Citizen with ID: 50% off
Teacher with ID: Free 

My husband and I took our lunch while waiting for our son. When my son went out, we told him that we will meet him in MOA. We will not go to Manila Boystown anymore. If you remember my post yesterday, I have a problem with Paypal so I need to go to the bank to deposit my payment. 

Read: Why I Can’t Use my Paypal Balance?

And because of that, we’re so early in MOA. We paid our bills, we ate at Paper Moon Tokyo Cafe and napagod na kami sa pag-ikot wala pa rin anak ko. I was texting and calling him but he was not answering. Napaparanoid na naman ang lola niyo. I felt relieved when I saw the bunch of kids walking to Exploreum. Akala ko naiwan na sa boystown anak ko. Hehehe! 

Again, hanggang labas lang kami but few minutes before the time. Pinapasok na kami ng guard hanggang dito lang. Hehehe! So I was able to take a picture and video of this. Then I saw my son na, uwian na. 


Honestly, nakakapagod magconvoy. Parang paparazzi lang ako na buntot ng buntot at picture ng picture pag nakikita ko anak ko. But at least, I have peace of mind that my son is safe. #paranoidmom 

Maybe next year, I will not follow him anymore. Maybe... just maybe ... hehehe!

June 13 was the first day of school and two days before that I was cramming to print labels and cover 9 books. My life would be easy if I just cover the books without waiting for my son’s section but I decided to wait for the section that was posted last June 10. Thanks to free printables online so I just edit the name and print.



June 13 

First day of school. I accompany my son in school so I can see his classroom, adviser teacher and classmates. We arrived just in time so I don’t have a nice picture of my son in the school. “Kukunin ko pa lang phone ko to take picture, the teacher said, mommy, pwede niyo na po iwan.” Waah! #buhaystagemother

Next time, di na kami sasabay sa school service pag first day of school. It’s been three years and consistent na buzzer beater kami. 

After school, we went to dentist for oral prophylaxis. I claimed my labtest result. 

June 14 

I printed school money stickers and labels for notebooks, I waited for the list of subject teachers. 



June 15 onwards

On our third day, I can really feel that we’re back to school because we are doing our assignments na. 10 months na ganito ulit. 

June 17 

We watched “Finding Dory” movie. My husband’s company provided free tickets so yehey for a free movie. We liked Finding Nemo and we also loved Finding Dory. #justkeepswimming 



June 18 

We went to the hospital for my routine check-up. 


We went home to prepare for my friend's wedding, we’re running late and it took us 3 hours just to reach the church. No thanks to traffic in NCR. Buti umabot pa kami sa “You may now kiss the bride”. 

June 19 

Third Sunday of June so it is Father’s Day, I got free father’s DIY card so I just printed it and let my son write his own message for his daddy.



After lunch we went to The Bellevue Manila for the Bellevue Kids Club Grand Launch, my son had fun.

Read: Staycation at The Bellevue Manila
          Bellevue Kids Club Grand Launch

It was a hectic week and I’m still adjusting with my wake-up time, chores schedule and tutoring my son.