Michi Photostory

April 24, 2011

Good Friday

Since 2008, we always visit Caleruega during Holy Week and this time we add Pink Sisters’ Convent. On our way to Pink Sister, we passed Angels’ Hills. After eight years, I am back to this place, where we had our retreat during college days. It was founded in 1999.

Then we went to Pink Sisters Convent where you can say your prayer and drop your petition and donations. There is a corner where you can get paper and envelope, write your petition and drop it.

The last stop is Caleruega, there is an entrance fee of P30 per person but since it is Good Friday, there is no entrance fee. You will never get tired of this place because you can really unwind and relax here.

Angels’ Hills

017 Maitim 2nd East, Tagaytay City 4120
(63-46) 413-2501
(63-46) 413-2502
ahrfc99@yahoo.com

Pink Sisters’ ConventBrent Road, Tagaytay City
(046) 442-3856, (046) 442-5203

Caleruega Brgy. Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas
(0921) 270-9890, (0921) 830-4226

April 19, 2011

How to Budget your Money

Budgeting is not easy, it is a skill that every moms should learn so we won't live from paycheck to paycheck. Here are the tips that Edwin De Guzman shared during our BMW (Beauty, Money and Wellness) seminar. It is all about Budgeting.

1. Get the whole picture.

2. Record the whole picture – you need to record all unexpected expenses, annual or quarterly expenses, monthly expenses, weekly expenses and discretionary expenses.

Unexpected expenses – home repair and maintenance and medical bills
Annual or Quarterly expenses – Homeowner’s Association Dues, license renewals, insurance and property tax.
Monthly expenses – bank loans, credit card payments, rents, utilities, internet connections, cables, and others.
Weekly expenses – groceries, personal care, child support and transportation.
Discretionary expenses – books, magazines, entertainment, dining, vacation, travels and membership fees.

3. Compute your monthly expenses.

4. If expenses are over the income, you need to adjust your budget.

5. Review your budget worksheet. Spot any errors and make necessary adjustments and re-total.

6. If the expenses are still over the income, make new sources of income.

“Do not wait for opportunities, you create opportunities”

7. Always keep a savings balance for a rainy day. Ideal amount is equivalent to six months of your net income.

8. Tithe or give back to God at least 10% of your income.

Beauty, Money and Wellness

BMW (Beauty, Money, and Wellness) is one of the PsorPhil projects to help psoriasis patients in restoring their sense of wholeness and well-being by giving and pampering them with information through workshops and lectures such as beauty, money, and wellness management that will improve psoriasis patients self-sufficiency.

This is my first time joining BMW and it was held in Morong Star Beach Resort and Hotel last April 16, 2011. There are so many participants from different PsorClub in the Philippines such as RITM, AHMC, JRRMMC, SLMC, EAMC, SCF, OM, MMC, UERMMC, PGH, USTH, and PsorPhil members on Facebook.

It is a whole day activity for everybody. There is Beauty Talk, Money Talk, Motivational Talk, Livelihood Trainings and Demos and Meditation.

Beauty talk by Marj Platilla and Dra. Maf

Money talk by Edwin De Guzman

Motivational Talk by John Brian Diamante

Salad Making by Chef Arjun Binalla

Livelihood Training and Demos are Soap Making, Jewelry Making, and Loading Business.

Meditation by Kathy Tan

There are also raffles and freebies for everybody. Too bad for me, I did not win in the raffle. I paid P325 only, thank you to all the sponsors, moderators, and Psorphil officers for making this trip possible.

April 17, 2011

Morong Star Beach Resort and Hotel

I was able to go to Morong Star Beach Resort yesterday because I joined the B.M.W. Summer Retreat of Psorphil. Travel time from Alabang to Morong, Bataan is four hours so it is really far. The place is big and spacious so it can really accommodate retreats, conventions, company outings, team buildings, and others.

The food and drinks are just ok; there is nothing to rave about. The service is just ok.

The resort offers both beach and swimming pool. There is Adventure Park, playground, zip line, fun cart, and live band. The resort offers different amenities like basketball, volleyball, darts, billiards, chess and table tennis.

The rates are affordable whether for a day tour or an overnight stay. The rooms are also big but the aircon was not able to cool the whole room, so it is really hot.

Food in Morong Star Beach Reosrt and Hotel

If you live in Bataan, this can be one of your choices but for me who lives in the South area, I rather go to Laiya, Batangas.

Morong Star Beach Resort and Hotel
Panibatuhan, Morong, Bataan, Philippines
Tel.nos: +63 634-6216
Fax: +63 635-0307
Email: info@morongstarbeach.com

http://www.morongstarbeach.com

April 12, 2011

Advantages and Disadvantages of Stay At Home Mom

Choosing to be a full-time mom is one of the hardest decision that every woman face. We have to admit that women today is very different, they no longer want to be a full-time mom because they also have their own dream and career. For them, having a child is a not a good reason to quit a job.

But there are also women who are willing to sacrifice their own career and dream just to be with their child, 24/7. For me, each woman has their own reasons and there are no right and wrong decisions, whether you choose to be a full-time mom or working mom.

Here is my list of advantages and disadvantages of stay at home mom, you are free to add and share your own list.

Advantages

1. I no longer need to file vacation leave or sick leave if I want to travel or if I am sick.

2. I can witness every milestone and development of my child.

3. I am always present whenever and wherever he needs me.

4. I have quantity and quality time with my husband and my child.

5. No need to hire helper or nanny.

6. I have more time to read books, to surf the net, to finish my son’s photo album, to cook, to bake and other stuff that I was not able to do when I was still working because of limited time.

7. I have flexible time.

Disadvantages

1. No more salary, bonuses and allowances.

2. I have to give up the corporate world and shift my career as a full time mom. No more promotion.

3. Less social gatherings. No more teambuilding, company outing and Christmas party.

4. Less chance to meet new people
5. You will hear some nasty and tactless comments.

April 05, 2011

Ilog Maria Products

Ilog Maria Honey and Propolis Shampoo – handmade from natural ingredients: Honey for conditioning and hair growth. Propolis for scalp infections, dandruff, falling, and graying hair. Natural oils like palm kernel oil, castor oil, and coconut oil for gentle cleansing. Aromatherapy-grade essential oils from herbs and fruits nourish and heal your scalp while fighting skin ailments.

P70 and P140

Note: This is my first time using organic shampoo and I will definitely use this to free my hair from chemicals. The shampoo is a little bit runny and there is no foam when you lather it on your hair. The scent is very different from ordinary shampoo but I love the smell.

Propolis and Cider Liniment – penetrates deeply to soothe tired and stiff muscles and tendons by stimulating blood circulation. This aids in the fast removal of wastes from fatigued muscles and supplies vital oxygen, food, and energy to muscle cells. Hastens repair of damaged tissues. It contains propolis, honey cider, plant extracts, essential oils of menthol and camphor, and other natural ingredients.

P95

Note: I do not like the smell but it really soothes and cools your muscles.

Honey Propolis Throat Spray – anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant. It freshens breath, eases sore throat, quiets smoker’s cough, and keeps gums healthy.

P75

Note: I find this effective and it is really handy. It tastes like Bactidol.

Honey Beeswax and Propolis Lip Balm P65

Note: I love this lip balm, definitely must have.

Ilog Maria Sting-Less – Citronella mosquito repellent with propolis, natural plant, and fruit oils. It has pleasing smell that lasts for hours. It provides antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-viral action.

P70

Note: I’ve been using Bgone lotion and Bgone spray for almost 3 years and I find it really effective to repel mosquitoes and other insects. But when I saw Ilog Maria Sting-Less for P70, I did not hesitate to try this product. I love the scent but I think it only lasts for a few hours unlike Bgone spray and Bgone lotion which lasts for 4 to 10 hours.

Ilog Maria Healing Massage Oil- An aromatic and soothing blend of essential oils, herbs, flowers, fruit, nut oils, honey, and bee propolis.

P155

Note: I really love the scent of this massage oil, it really soothes and relaxes your muscles and there is no doubt that it is excellent for healing massage, reflexology, and shiatsu.

Spearmint and Oatmeal soap – Cooling and refreshing. Perfect for hot days. Alleviates skin asthma.

P35/P60

Note: It is absolutely true that this soap is perfect for the summer season because it really cools and refreshes your body. I love the minty scent of this soap. It is also for sensitive skin.

March 31, 2011

Tuna Steak

Honestly, this is my first time to cook tuna, not canned tuna. I asked my hubby what am I going to do with it and he said just grill it. But instead of just grilling it, I ended up making tuna steak.

1. Marinate the tuna in soy sauce, pepper and calamansi juice for less than 30 minutes.
2. Pan-grill the marinated tuna.
3. Saute the onion and put the marinated sauce.
4. Put the sauce on top of the grilled tuna.

It turned out well and my hubby enjoyed the tuna steak.

March 23, 2011

Lunch at Viewsite Restaurant

There are so many restaurants in Tagaytay that you can try, it ranges from cheap to expensive one. We usually eat at Leslie’s because of their Bulalo but this time we want to try something new. We usually passed by Viewsite restaurant if we are going to Caleruega but we never tried it, so we decided to visit the place and try their food.

What’s nice about this restaurant is the scenery, you can see the Taal Volcano while eating your meal.

The service crew are very friendly and accommodating, when I ordered Bulalo soup for P80, the lady told me that she will give me free soup so no need to order for Bulalo soup. The food servings are good for 2 to 3 person. The price is very affordable and it ranges from P170-450 per viand.

We ordered Sizzling pusit and inihaw na liempo. My hubby loves their pusit but I enjoy my inihaw na liempo. No need for soy sauce because their liempo is flavorful.

Tagaytay-Batangas Highway

Mendez Crossing East, Tag. City
Tel. No. (046) 860-05-48

March 22, 2011

Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm

I have been using organic products for quite some time now and I have tried different brands such as Greencow, Human Heart Nature, and now Ilog Maria products. I have been reading a lot of good reviews about Ilog Maria products so I have decided to visit the place.

Ilog Maria is located in Silang, Cavite, around seven kilometers before Tagaytay, Rotonda. It is not difficult to get there if you just follow their map. I only have limited pictures of the store because there are so many people at that time.

bees

comfort room

There are several organic products that you can choose from; there are soaps, shampoos, throat spray, candles, aromatherapy oil, insect repellent, lip balm, massage oil, and many more. The price is really affordable compared to other organic products.

I was able to buy all these products for P990.

Honey Cider Vinegar - P140

Propolis Throat Spray - P75

Propolis Cider Liniment - P95

Honey Propolis Feminine Wash - P45

Mini Soap – P35

Spearmint and Oatmeal soap – P60

Massage Oil – P155

Lip Balm – P65

Honey Propolis Shampoo – P70 (small)

Lavender aromatherapy oil - P90

Peppermint aromatherapy oil - P90

Sting-less insect repellent- P70

For my next posts, I will share with you my product review.

Ilog Maria Store Hours

Tuesday to Sundays 8:30AM to 5:30PM
Closed Mondays

March 14, 2011

Birthday at King One Rotary Hotpot

I always want to try shabu-shabu, but Healthy Shabu-Shabu is so expensive, good thing that there is King One Rotary Hotpot. It offers eat-all-you-can meals and bottomless drinks for lunch and dinner. It was my first time so I was really clueless but the staff was kind enough to help and assist.

Read: Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot

He will ask you what soup you want to put in the pot, you can choose two soups from the following choices; Korean kimchi soup, Hongkong curry soup, Plain soup, Spicy Szechuan Soup, Century egg wansoy soup and Satay soup. We choose Plain soup and Satay soup.

Then he gave us a checklist of the ingredients that we want to eat, all we need to do is to tick the box of the ingredients that we want and he will serve it. We were also given free short order dishes.

It is best if you sit beside the conveyor belt so it will be easy for you to get what you want or ask the staff to prepare what you want. P499 for eat-all-you-can is really worth it because you can eat almost everything that you want, there are seafood, meats, vegetables, dimsum, dumplings, mozzarella balls, noodles and many more. There is no doubt that there are so many people who visit this place, you can see different races here, there are Chinese, Korean and of course Filipinos.

Hobbies Of Asia

M2A Lower, Hobbies Of Asia
Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd.
Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

(63 2) 556-1370, (63 2) 556-1827

March 11, 2011

Lunch at Amici

One of my comfort food is pizza so if there is a restaurant who serves pizza I always want to try it. Amici is not a new restaurant but it took me so many years before I finally taste their pizza because they have limited branches. Aside from pizza, they also serve pasta, salad, gelato, and other meals. It is a self-service restaurant so you have to go to the cashier to take and pay for your order. You will receive a number and wait for your food to be served on your table.

Read: Lunch at Amici Alabang

We ordered Tutta Carne Pizza, Carbonara and Pollo Arrostito. We are all satisfied with the taste of the food. We even love it compared to Italliani’s food. The price is very reasonable and the serving is good for 2 – 3 people. We did not miss their gelato and my son loves it.

Italian Sausage, Ham, and Pepperoni

Amici, Don Bosco School

Don Bosco School, A. Arnaiz cor. C. Roces

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 818-4444

March 09, 2011

Dinner at Bag of Beans

Hubby was on leave and I was craving for food so we decided to go to Tagaytay. I always read good reviews about Bag of Beans so I decided to try this. I thought it is just a small place; I was so surprised that the place is huge; you can choose indoor or outdoor tables.

There were so many people at that time so it was really hard to find a table and most of the good spots were taken. The place is really relaxing and I guess a nice place if you want to unwind, read a good book or just sip a cup of coffee.

Read: Breakfast at Bag of Beans

It is not just a café but a restaurant also because they serve other meals aside from bread and coffee. We ordered Roast Beef and Pork BBQ Slice, I was so disappointed with the taste because it tastes like beef nilaga. My hubby is making fun of me because we already ate beef nilaga at home during our lunch. Pork BBQ slice is just ok, so we’re not really happy with our order.

We bought raisins bread. I do not like raisins but I love their raisins bread. Next time I visit this place, I would try their bread and coffee but will not order roast beef again.

Bag of Beans

115 Aguinaldo Highway Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City

Phone (46) 413 2724 or (916) 525 2382