Michi Photostory

November 11, 2011

La Trinidad and More

Our second day in Baguio and thank God for giving us fair weather, we started our tour in La Trinidad. First stop is Bell Church, it is a Buddhist Temple that has pagoda, landscaped garden and fountain.

Hubby and I have been here before with our college friends, we just revisited this place for my son. Though I'm not sure if he will remember this since he's just three years old.

After Bell Church, we went to Strawberry farm but we did not experience strawberry picking or lettuce picking because it’s not yet in season. Lagi na lang hindi season pagpumupunta kami. We just bought some pasalubong and tried their strawberry ice cream P20 and strawberry taho P20. I still prefer the original taho with syrup.

Then we proceeded to Tam-Awan Village but I will create a separate post for this. Last stop of our tour is in Easter School Weaving. If you are interested in handicrafts and native fabrics, this is the right place for you, but we went here to witness the cloth weaving process.

Once you see the weaving process you will understand why the price of the cloth is steep and you will appreciate more of their product. The weaving room is just below the store.

November 10, 2011

Pancit Bihon

Chopsuey leftover + Bihon noodles = Pancit Bihon

1. Place the chopsuey leftover in a pan.

2. Add water or broth.

3. Add soy sauce and seasoning.

4. Let it boil.

5. Add the bihon noodles

6. Cook for about ten minutes

7. Serve it hot

This is the first time that I cooked pancit bihon because my husband used to cook this dish. It is so easy to prepare and I will now do it often. My son loves pancit, he always requests instant pancit canton for his breakfast, sometimes he will eat pancit canton for 3 consecutive days.

I’m not into veggies so I only used my favorite veggies if I will cook chopsuey, it depends on my mood what veggies will I include.

November 09, 2011

24 Hours Trip in Baguio

Baguio is known as “Summer Capital of the Philippines” so there is no doubt that people love to visit this place, especially during summer season. I’m one of those people who visit Baguio every summer. I was seventeen when I first set my foot in Baguio and the rest is already a history.

Would you believe I’ve been in Baguio in different status, I was single, in a relationship, engaged and married (parang Facebook status lang, hehe) so I can definitely say that Baguio is very dear to me, I will never get tired of this place.

After visiting my in-laws in Pangasinan, we went to Baguio to spend the rest of our long weekend. We’re supposed to stay until Tuesday but we were able to finish our itinerary within 24hrs. Yes, we explored Baguio within 24 hours. Sharing with you, our itinerary.

Read: 2 Days Trip in Baguio

Day 1 in Baguio; Sunday

1:30PM – Arrival at Hotel Veniz
3PM – Late lunch at Solibao at Session Road
4PM – Start of tour

1. Baguio Cathedral
2. Burnham Park

Baguio Cathedral and Burnham Park are both walking distance from the hotel.

6PM – Dinner at Good Taste (beside Centermall)
7PM – Back to Hotel Veniz

Read: Hotel Veniz Review

The weather did not cooperate with us but the rain did not stop us, we still went out to tour my son. We started our walking tour in Session Road, looking for a place to eat our lunch. It is nice to walk up and down and feel the city; you will see different restaurants, establishments and wagwagan (ukay-ukay).

Then we went to Baguio Cathedral. It was Sunday so the place is really crowded even it was raining.

Last stop is Burnham Park; my son really enjoyed his boating experience.

We went back to Hotel Veniz because I can no longer stand the freaking coldness of Baguio, my jacket is not thick enough to keep me warm and my legs are really shaking.

Day 2 in Baguio; Monday

7AM – Breakfast at Hotel Veniz Grill
8:30AM – Start of Tour

We check-out early so we can finish our itinerary.

La Trinidad and more...

1. Bell Church
2. Strawberry Farm
3. Tam-Awan Village and Arko ni Apo
4. Weaving School
5. Lourdes Grotto
6. Mines View Park
7. Good Shepherd
8. Wright Park
9. The Mansion
10. Camp John Hay

Before 1:30PM we went home, we skipped PMA and Botanical Garden. Last stop is

11. Lion's Head at Kennon Road.

Read: Day 2 in Baguio
Tam Awan Village and Arko ni Apo
La Trinidad and More

Food Trip in Baguio

Solibao

We had our late lunch at Solibao, we’ve got sizzler platter of pork binagoongan, lechon kawali, and soup of the day. The sizzler platter is already a complete meal; you have fried rice, egg, meat, veggies and one piece of puto bumbong for dessert. I’m not into veggies but I enjoyed their vegetables, you know that it is really fresh. I also love their puto bumbong while my son loves their soup.

Good Taste

I’ve read a lot of good reviews about Good Taste so I see to it that I will not leave Baguio without trying this restaurant. It is located beside Centermall. At 6PM the place is already jam-packed, there are people waiting on the stairs for their takeout order and it is hard to look for a vacant table, it only means that this restaurant is really good.

We ordered fried rice, soup with siomai and garlic buttered chicken. I’ve read a lot of good things about their chicken so I was really expecting that it was really good. But I was disappointed when I saw the chicken, it is not the chicken that I’ve been thinking of, I thought I will be eating a crispy garlic buttered chicken like Wong Sau’s Buttered Chicken. Well, it is also my fault because I did not ask.

Garlic Buttered Chicken is like buffalo wings, hubby and I dislike Buffalo wings so we did not enjoy our meal but if you like Buffalo wings you will love this. But I still recommend this place if you want an affordable meal.

Hotel Veniz Grill

I did not expect that we will have a buffet breakfast at Hotel Veniz. My husband said, their buffet breakfast is better than Microtel Baguio when it comes to choices. We all love their French toasts with cream.

Read: 2 Days in Baguio

Pasalubong from Baguio

We’ve spent our long weekend in Pangasinan and Baguio, a very short trip plan but we enjoyed our sweet escape. Speaking of Baguio, I will never leave Baguio without buying my favorite ube jam from Good Shepherd and Romana’s peanut brittle. This is really our favorite pasalubong or bitbit pack from Baguio.

Baguio: Hotel Veniz

This was the first time that I stayed in a hotel because every time we go to Baguio we stay at my friend’s condominium or we rent a transient house. I was torn between Microtel Baguio and Hotel Veniz, but I chose the latter for two reasons, strategic location and affordability.

Read: 24 Hours in Baguio

It is very near in market, restaurants, shopping centers, wagwagan, Burnham Park, Baguio Cathedral and Session Road. My husband who always stays in Microtel Baguio reserved our accommodation but I told him to cancel the reservation and call Hotel Veniz (kuripot mode).

We arrived at Hotel Veniz last Sunday at 1:30PM, the front desk told us that the room is not yet ready and if we could wait till 2:30PM. Of course we said no, check in time is 2PM but 2PM came and there is still no information if our room is available and I’ve been seeing newly arrived guests who have their room key so my husband follow up our room and that is the only time that they have checked if our room is ready. I was really disappointed with the service, the staffs are really unapproachable and unfriendly and I didn’t hear any greetings and apologies from them.

We only booked a standard room for P1795. The room, furniture and even towels look so old and one more thing there is no window, but I cannot complain because I chose this hotel.

The following day, there was water spilled beside our bed, we have no idea where it came from, the bed is not close to aircon or bathroom.

We had our free buffet breakfast at Hotel Veniz Grill, I was shocked when the staff greeted and smiled at me, (so there is good staff pala). We’re delighted with our buffet breakfast and my husband told me that Hotel Veniz buffet is better than Microtel Baguio when it comes to quantity and variety.

Buffet Breakfast P275

Children below 4ft P137.50
Children 2ft below FREE

After breakfast, we already checked out so we can start our tour, front desk and support staffs on duty are now friendly and approachable.

Hotel Veniz
One Abanao St., Baguio City 2600, Philippines
Phone: (63) (74) 446 0700 to 03
Cellphone: +63 0917 506 0701
Telefax: (63) (74) 446 0704
Email: hotelvenizbaguio@yahoo.com

Lunch at Redragon Buffet and Quickmeal

Every time we go to Pangasinan to visit my in-laws we always passed by Retiro Street where you can see different lechon stores and restaurants and if we are hungry we will eat at Mila’s Lechon. But last Saturday, I decided to try the Redragon Buffet and Quickmeal, this is just in front of Mila’s Lechon.

We’re the only customers at that time so we have no problems in getting food. There are wide array of choices, there is pork, chicken, beef, fish, veggies, soup, desserts and fruits. It''s really worth it for the price of P168 and P40 for unlimited drinks. We enjoyed our food and if I do not have a sore throat, I definitely have a second round. They did not charge my son, who only eats soup and banana. =) Good thing that we’re early because before we left, visitors from Christening came so imagine the long lines and crowd.

Lunch P149

Dinner P168

Saturday and Sunday P168

Kids below 4ft P100

Quick meal dishes – P100 (Pick 2 dishes + fried rice and soup)

Unlimited Drinks P40

Note: Discounted buffet rates for not more than 200lbs, if 200lbs and up regular price of P280.

Limit use of 2 plates excess 10% service fee.

Limit of 2hrs stay.

Party Reservation 3hrs

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 the 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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