Michi Photostory

March 25, 2013

Day Trip at La Luz Resort

My mom and aunt flew in from Norway; they wanted to have a family outing so I became busy looking for a resort where we could spend our summer outing. I started my search a month ago and it wasn’t easy because all resorts that I inquired were already fully booked and some resorts were not replying.

It was stressful because it was hard to look for a resort that can accommodate 36 people. I was running out of time so I suggested availing a day trip package instead of an overnight stay. Finally, after 10 days of waiting La Luz replied but unfortunately no more rooms available so I just book for day trip package.

Day Trip Package 8-5PM

P850 per person which includes entrance fee, lunch, afternoon snack and use of the resort facilities.

Kids 8 yrs old below are free for the food but still counted for the room accommodations.

50% down payment. Bring the original deposit slip.

Day Trip requires a reservation and no walk-ins

I included breakfast in our package for an additional of P200 per head because for sure we’re all hungry by the time we reach the resort.

Upon arrival, they gave us welcome drinks while waiting to be served. I listed down all our names and plate number of the vehicles. Then they assisted us to our Cabanas, to the office where I need to pay the other 50% payment and lastly buffet table for our breakfast. Actually, we won’t be lost because there is printed name “’Reserve for...on our Cabanas and breakfast buffet.

After breakfast, kids immediately jump in the water while I’m enjoying my nook here.

As early as 11:30AM, the staff called our attention that lunch is ready so we immediately fall in line. Hehe!

After lunch, the kids swim again and take a bath before merienda time.

Enjoying our stay in Cabana while waiting for 5PM. #sinulitangdaytrip Thanks for the treat! #momandaunt

Likes

1. Everything is organized, from the reception up to buffet table.

2. The service is good and they always assisted us.

3. Kids 8yrs old below are free of food.

4. Buffet style of food

Dislikes

1. It took them forever to reply on my inquiry through text and email. My sister even called them and they just said “Fully booked na kami til May, sabay baba ng phone” #bastos. Actually, I was not expecting for a good service anymore when we reached the resort but good thing ok ang service nila dun. They just need to improve the way they answer thru emails, phone and SMS.
2. No swimming pool.

La Luz Beach Resort and Spa

Brgy. Hugom, San Juan Batangas

Fax +632 748-8196

Mobile +63 (927) 993-8417 +63 (916) 394-4367

Email: info@laluzresort.com

Facebook: facebook.com/laluzbeachresort

Read: Batangas Resorts

How to Send Payment in Western Union

Two weeks ago we went to Western Union to accompany my mom; she needs to send payment to one blogger who is selling a book. Since she has no ID, I was the one who sent the payment. It was my first time to send payment through Western Union and it wasn’t difficult.

1. Fill out the 'To Send Money' Form and give it to the Agent including your ID. In our case, there are check marks already.

2. Give the Agent the amount of money that you want to send + service fees.

3. Sign and receive your receipt.

4. Inform the receiver. Give the Money Transfer Control Number or MTCN, your complete name, amount sent and the country the money was sent from.

March 20, 2013

Handmade Doll

My mom discovered her creativity skill when she went to Norway and one of her hobbies is making handmade doll. She also sells handmade dolls in Norway. Part of her pasalubong to her grandchildren is handmade doll.

My son loves this doll and he even named it “Kaka”. I don’t know where he got the name but after one day, I’ve got the answer to my question. “Kaka” for kakatayin. Look what happened to this doll. #poordoll

Handmade Doll 2015

March 19, 2013

Wowa’s Birthday at Max's

If you still remember my old post, I went to Max’s to reserve a room for my mom’s 51^st birthday. My mom just came home just in time for her birthday. She was supposed to be here last January but for some reason, she moved her vacation. It was a good decision because she can celebrate her birthday here in the Philippines. It’s been 23 years already since she celebrated her birthday with us. I invited immediate family only so it is like a family reunion.

As usual, we were the first guests. I fetch my grandmother who lives in Victoria, Laguna, so she could attend my mom’s birthday in Max’s EDSA Caloocan.

On our way to Max’s, I received a call because there was a problem with the cake so this was the cake my mom had. It was a baptismal cake, hehehe! They gave me a 5% discount to compensate.

For the food, we had Nachos with Bangus Spread, Soup of the Day, Plain Rice, Pancit Canton, Halabos na Hipon, Beef Caldereta, Bagnet with Poqui-Poqui, Open Fresh Lumpia, Max’s Fried Chicken, Buko Pandan and Bottomless Iced Tea.

It was fun and memorable because we’re almost complete.

March 18, 2013

Lunch at Racks

We revisited Racks restaurant last week after finishing my mom’s errands and getting my son’s x-ray result. It’s been awhile since the last time we dined here, I love eating at Racks when I was in college because they have meals at less than P100 but that was a decade ago. Hehe! We ordered Racks Classic Pork Ribs (P300+) and Sweet Smoky Ribs (P350+).

I know that they have big serving so my son and I shared on my order since he just wanted the corn.

While waiting for our order, my son asked for pen and he started doodling. The staff saw it and he gave my son coloring paper and crayons. Kudos for the service.

March 15, 2013

Candy Crush + iPad 4

I used to play Farmville, Café World, Restaurant City and other games in Facebook but after deactivating my old account and create a new one I already stop playing games. Last January, I saw one of my mommy friends in school playing Candy Crush and suddenly she said “laruin mo nga at di ako makaalis”.

That’s my first time to play Candy Crush and out of curiosity I started playing last February 1 and I was instantly hooked on this game. On my first try, I immediately reached level 19 using my 5 lives so I thought it was an easy game but it was not because there are some levels that I really lose my patience. Would you believe that it took me days and even a week just to solve one level? Currently, I’m on level 169.

All my mommy friends in school are addicted to Candy Crush so they always bring their iPad just to continue playing while we are waiting for our kids. We even helped each other to move up. =)

They always tease me to bring my Ipad so I can play too but I was determined to sell it but after a month of waiting, I finally decided to use my iPad because no one is interested buying it. So I guess this is really for me.

Ipad 4 + Wi-Fi Cellular, 64GB, Wireless keyboard, Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter, Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader, 3M Privacy Filter and Earpods (Company incentive and my husband gave it to me but I told him to sell it since I'm not into gadget.)

But I was wrong because my son claimed it, sa akin na daw yung small tablet niya at sa kanya yung iPad. Waah! As of now, I’m on level 35 on my Ipad and I can’t move on because I need to connect it to Facebook but I don’t want to connect it to my Facebook at baka malost ang aking level 169, dugo’t pawis na puhunan ko dun. hehe! Kay hubby ko na lang kaya i-connect. Hehe!

March 03, 2013

Famous Belgian Waffle

I was blog hopping yesterday and while I was reading Mel’s post about her Famous Belgian Waffle experience, I remember that we’ve also tried this waffle last weekend but because I was so busy this week I forgot to post it. Well, we’re doing some home improvement in our house while my husband was in Cebu for three days so I was in charge to supervise it. Nakakastress lalo na if I need to go to hardware to buy some materials and ended up mali or kulang yung nabili ko and I have to go back again to replace it. It wasn’t easy going back and forth because I have a son in tow.

Anyway, going back to the topic, last Saturday we were in Festival and on our way to the parking lot we saw a crowded kiosk and out of curiosity we checked it. We saw this Famous Belgian Waffle so I ordered one chocolate waffle for the sake of trying. My husband and son wanted country style donut so I only ordered one waffle which is not a good idea because my son ate my waffle. I can’t order anymore because they stop accepting order. Stop production because they don’t have ingredients to make the waffle.

I was very fortunate that he allowed me to have a bite of it. The waffle was good and one waffle is not enough, manipis lang kasi. The price is from P30 - P55 depending on the filling. But if you’re not lazy you can do this at home, I can still remember my college days, we’re doing this kind of waffle at home kaso wala na ko waffle maker na ganito.

March 02, 2013

Zubuchon

Hubby just came home from his Cebu trip and as always he did not forget to bring home my favorite pasalubong which is lechon. I’ve tried Ayer and CnT before so I told him to buy lechon from Zubuchon, I want to know if Zubuchon is the “best pig ever” as Anthony Bourdain described.

I’ve been waiting and waiting for my hubby hanggang sa nakatulog na ko. He woke me up past 11:30PM to eat my late dinner, (as in hindi ko nagdinner para sa lechon ko, hehe!). My body was so weak and I badly wanted to sleep but my spirit is willing, I wanted to eat my lechon.

Kudos to the packaging of Zubuchon, it is way better compared to other lechon stores. They even put a note how to consume fresh and frozen lechon + recipe too. I wasn’t expecting that it was crispy because hubby transported it from Cebu but according to my husband, the skin is really crispy because he had his dinner in Zubuchon before going to the airport.

Well, as usual, I like it but it wasn’t salty compared to other lechon that I’ve tasted and I want a salty lechon because I’m not fond of dipping sauce. But I will try this lechon again next time if ever I will go back to Cebu again because I wanted to try the crispy skin. Zubuchon is more expensive compared to other lechon, it is P550 per kilo. Zubuchon lechon is generously stuffed with spices and ingredients; no MSG added, artificial flavors or flavor enhancers so if you are into healthy living and doesn’t want salty lechon, this is for you.

Update: April 30 2015

Hubby bought Zubuchon lechon P600 per kilo before going home from Cebu. Most of the time we reheat it at the microwave but we tried to reheat it at the oven toaster. Surprisingly, the skin was crispy.

Or you can follow this

Read: Cebu's Lechon

Update 2018: Price is P830 per kilo and no more note on how to consume fresh or frozen lechon.

February 28, 2013

Suki Day Book 2013

Last Tuesday, I’ve asked my husband to go to Mercury Drug to buy my medicine and when he got home, he gave me my medicine and another plastic.

Me: Ano ito?

Hubby: Ewan ko. Binigay lang yan e.

I checked the plastic and I was surprised to see this “Suki Day Book 2013”, I was expecting that it was a planner so may hirit pa ko na, bakit ngayon lang tayo binigyan e February na. God knows that I’ve been a loyal customer of Mercury Drug ever since I became a psoriasis patient, so it’s been 10 years already.

I was curious so I google about this and I found out that you need 30 suki points to avail this. I have no right to complain because I got it for FREE or inuubos na lang yung stock kaya binigay. Anyway, I’m still thankful because this is not an ordinary planner. #merucrydrugplanner

You can write your personal medical record, family medical tree and blood types, medicine and vital signs tracker and insurance and care providers so just in case of emergency, you have all the information. In addition I have discount coupons.

February 25, 2013

Breakfast at Bag of Beans

Pina Colina Resort has no complimentary breakfast but they have breakfast meal at P150. We decided to eat somewhere else so after check-out we went straight to Bag of Beans. They have two branches and the nearest one from Pina Colina Resort is in Olivarez. It is small compared to the original branch. It was Monday so there were few customers.

first customers kami

This was our second time in Bag of Beans, yung first time almost three years ago na. hehe! Read the story here, why it took us so long to try this restaurant again. We ordered Funny Face Buttermilk P130, Pork Tapa P220, Chicken and Pork Adobo P220, Hot Chocolate P115 and Café Mocha P120.

They have big servings but the taste of food is just ok. We disliked the drinks, café mocha is too bitter and hot chocolate is too sweet. Considering the amount of money we spent for this breakfast, I had this feeling na sana nag fastfood na lang kami. #overrated yata ang mga reviews na nababasa ko. Well, it is just my opinion. But we bought raisins bread P140 (small) again.

Related Post: Bag of Beans 2010

Bag of Beans

Pinoy Toppings

Silang Crossing East Tagaytay City

February 21, 2013

Staycation at Pińa Colina Resort

As I mentioned in my other post, we don’t have travel plans this year and no definite plans where to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Last week my son was not feeling well so we’re not really planning for our celebration, we just decided to eat somewhere.

Sunday came and my husband decided to celebrate, he wanted to go to Batangas but we can’t go there because my son has class and he can’t afford to be absent again because final exam is near. I know that he missed a lot of lessons during his five days of absences.

After breakfast, I was still scouting where to spend our wedding anniversary somewhere near, either Tagaytay or Alabang. We ended up with Pina Colina Resort; most of the rooms were fully booked so we have no choice but to book the remaining room which is Premier Studio. I packed our things and off we went to Tagaytay. On our way to Pina Colina Resort, we had quick lunch in Balinsasayaw.

I must agree that Pina Colina Resort is your affordable Tagaytay Hideaway because the rate is affordable especially if you are in group. You can stay here for your team building, family reunion or wedding event. The resort is still under construction due to expansion but as of now they have swimming pool, Jacuzzi and playground.

Excuse po sa nagkalat na socks and shoes ng aking anak

small bathroom

We reached PCR past 2PM; we left our bags and immediately went to swimming pool. I can’t remember the last time we swim so my son really missed swimming.

obvious na happy siya. wagas ang ngiti.

After being stuck at home for almost a week, he missed the outside world so he played.

They have restaurant there so we just ordered bulalo for our dinner.

We checked-out early because we need to be in school by 10:30am. Overall, we enjoyed our short weekend getaway.

Good morning Tagaytay!

Pro’s

1. Affordable rate.

2. Big room with dining table and kitchen.

3. They have a mini sari-sari store where you can buy drinks and snacks at a reasonable price.

4. You can bring food and drinks without a corkage fee.

Con’s

1. Bed and pillows aren’t soft so better bring your own pillow.

2. No towels and free toiletries.

3. No telephones and wi-fi. My husband went to the restaurant to order our food.

How to get to Pina Colina Resort:

1. From SLEX, take the Sta. Rosa exit. Turn right after the toll booths going to Tagaytay.

2. After 20 - 25 minutes, along Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay Highway, slow down after you pass Ming's Garden on the right side of the road. Drive for about 350 meters more.

3. When you see the big, green Tagaytay Haven Hotel signage, turn right on the road just before the signage. There is a blue & yellow waiting shed on the corner.

4. After turning right on this road (Ulat road), go straight until you hit a road on the left. Turn left on this road. It's an uphill climb going to Piña Colina resort which is on the left side.

Piña Colina Resort

Tolentino-Ulat Road, Brgy. Francisco, Tagaytay City

Email: pinacolina09@gmail.com

Contacts: 0927.576.5455 / 0917.577.0277 / 788.9500 0922.882.4713 / 0932.888.2757

0939.910.6260 - Office Hours: 8am - 8pm

February 20, 2013

Lunch at Balinsasayaw

Whenever we go to Tagaytay we always passed by this Balinsasayaw restaurant and parking is always full. We’re really curious why there are so many diners who visit this place because looking at the façade, it is not inviting. Out of curiosity, we visited this place to have our lunch before going to Pina Colina Resort.

I was surprised to see the entrance, hindi kasi siya kita sa labas. The parking is spacious, restaurant is big, ambiance is good and they have souvenir shop too.

Since it was lunch time all nipa huts were occupied so we settled in their main dining area. They have balinsasayaw and bilao packages good for big family and barkada but since we’re only three we ordered set meals, grilled liempo P89, grilled chicken P89, sinigang na salmon P285 and banana split P165.