Michi Photostory

January 06, 2014

Highlights of Year 2013

This is supposed to be my year-end post but I was busy as a bee last year and I have no time to blog. Anyway, even it is a little bit late I will still share the highlights of 2013.

2013 is not a travel year for me because my husband declared a travel ban. Well, no travel via plane so we could save. I was sad at first but later on, I just realized that it is not the destination or it is not the journey that matters but it is the people who are with you. So even though there was no travel via plane and even I did not set foot in any airport, I was still happy because we’d been to different places and we experienced new things.

January

I just notice that every January we always have a reunion, I checked my post last 2011 and 2012 and we attended reunions and last January 2013, we had college reunions. First time experiencing Family Day at my son’s school.

February

We celebrated our 7^th wedding anniversary at Piña Colina Resort.

March

My mom was here and we celebrated her 51^st birthday at Max’s. We attended my son first Moving Up and after that, we went to Sky Ranch.

We had a family outing at La Luz Resort.

…and experienced Bed and Breakfast in Casa San Pablo.

We spent Holy Week in different locations. We went to Walkway: Station of the Cross in BHS. The following day, we went to Caleruega and Taal Basilica.

April

I enrolled my son in swimming class. We went to Fun Farm at Sta Elena with my sister’s family.

May

We revisited Enchanted Kingdom. We attended Ethan’s Swimming Graduation

June

We had a simple celebration of my husband’s birthday in Tootsie’s Tagaytay and celebrated Father’s Day in Nuvali.

July

We attended a birthday and victory party of my friend’s husband in Yakimix.

August

We had Staycation in Acacia Hotel to celebrate my birthday.

September

Because of the one-week suspension of class due to a typhoon, Linggo ng Wika was moved to September.

October

My son celebrated his 5th Mickey Mouse birthday in school.

Visited Residence Inn Zoo during semestral break.

November

I organized the 75th birthday of my grandmother. We joined the field trip of my son in Gardenia, Manila Ocean Park and Repertory Philippines “Alice in Wonderland”.

December

I joined Bazaar, I attended Asian PsorClub Christmas Party, family reunions, and Romeo and Mel’s wedding. We had Staycation in Bali Village Hotel.

I thank God for all the blessings and I’m praying that 2014 would be good for our health.

Highlights of 2011

Highlights of 2012

Krispy Kreme Coupon

Coupon is not really popular here in the Philippines so I was really happy every time I received coupon. Most of the coupons that I received are from doctors, coupon for medicine or milk.

We were in Alabang Town Center last Saturday and while looking for restaurant to eat our lunch, my son saw Krispy Kreme store so he wanted to buy doughnut. At the counter, I saw the calendar and told my husband, asked mo nga baka may free calendar. Ooops, it is not free pala, you have to pay P150 for the desk calendar but there are over P1000 worth of bonus coupons inside the calendar. Good thing about the coupon is “No Purchase Necessary”.

So we bought the calendar and we immediately redeemed the free coffee and doughnut.

A repost from my old blog My Other Nook

January 03, 2014

SSS New Contribution Rate

Last December 23, 2013, I received an email from SSS stating the increase in contribution rate starting January 2014. Let me post the exact letter just in case you haven’t received any email.

“Dear Self-Employed, Voluntary and OFW Members:

Effective January 2014, the Social Security System (SSS) will implement a 0.6-percent increase in its current 10.4-percent monthly contribution rate, thereby setting the new contribution rate at eleven (11) percent. At the same time, the maximum Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) will be increased from P15,000 to P16,000. As affirmed by SSC Resolution No. 711-s.2013 dated 20 September 2013, the new SSS contribution rate and the new maximum MSC will become effective for the applicable month of January 2014.

These two moves, which were approved by President Benigno Aquino III on September 2013, are part of the SSS Reform Agenda that seeks to lengthen gradually the actuarial life of the Social Security Fund and to reduce the unfunded liability of SSS.

The 0.6 percent increase will be divided equally between employees and employers, with the latter shouldering 7.37 percent, while the former will pay 3.63 percent of the applicable monthly salary credit. However, Self-Employed and Voluntary Members (SEVMs), including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), will shoulder the entire 11 percent rate.

With the new 11-percent contribution rate, the monthly contribution amount at the minimum MSC of P1,000 will be P110, and at the new P16,000 maximum MSC will be P1,760. Attached is a copy of the new SSS Contribution Table, for your guidance.

In case you have paid your contributions in advance from January 2014 onwards under the old contribution rate, please be advised of the following courses of action:

1. For those with advance payments at the minimum MSC of P1,000 (or P5,000 for OFWs), you must settle the underpayments amounting to P6.00 per month (or P30 per month for OFWs); otherwise, such advance payments will be considered “out-of-bracket” contributions and deemed ineffective;

2. For those with advance payments at an MSC other than the minimum, you may opt to pay the corresponding increase in contributions to retain the posting of your contributions at the same MSC. Otherwise, your advance payments will be posted at the next lower MSC, which could affect the levels of benefits that you would be entitled to, or the salary loans granted to you.

Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact your servicing branch. You may also send an email to us through member_relations@sss.gov.ph.”

I'm a voluntary member so I always pay my contribution at SM Payment center. I choose quarterly payment so I don't have to go every month.

January to March
April to June
July to September
October to December

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

Happy New Year

I can’t believe that it is already year 2014 or should I say that I’m not yet ready because I have so many unfinished 2013 tasks. I was so preoccupied that I didn’t finish cleaning and decluttering the house. I forgot to post my annual highlights post and other 2013 blog posts. I still have a long list of things to do and things to buy before my mom’s arrival and I need to finish three itineraries. Whewww! I hope I can do it as soon as possible.

Honestly, I did not feel the holiday vacation, nashock na lang ako na tapos na pala parang nagdaaan lang siya. And yesterday, vacation was already over for us because we’re starting to review for my son’s missed exam.

Anyway, sharing with you how we ended the year 2013.

First, we had a lunch get-together at my mother-in-law’s house. Eat and run lang kami dito because we need to reach Bali Village Hotel before 2PM. Then we prepare for the year-end wedding of Mel of Mel’s Hidden Passion in Caleruega.

The reception was in Bali Village Hotel that’s why we stayed in that hotel too so traveling won’t be a problem. We did not finish the wedding reception and left after the toast because my son was not in the mood already. I can’t blame him because I know that he’s so tired, wedding ceremony pa lang wala na yan sa mood. I know that he wanted to rest na, FYI after Honesto teleserye kasi tulog na kami. Hehehe!

After a few hours of sleep, we enjoy the rest of our staycation in the hotel. Will share our experience in another post.

We checked out early so we could buy our favorite Hispanic bread from Sonya’s Garden, na favorite na rin ng mother-in-law ko. When she learned that we would go to Tagaytay, nagpabili ng bread. Then we had lunch in LZM restaurant. Happy New Year!

Lay Bare: Eyebrow Threading

August was my last eyebrow threading and it took me four months to have another one. I tried to pluck my eyebrow but I don’t know how to style it so I ended up going to Lay Bare in Festival Mall.

It was funny because the staff noticed my unbalanced eyebrow, I told her na i-try niya pantayin. Lol.

Like

1. Lay Bare has their own room so there’s privacy.

2. Affordable because it is only P110

Dislike

1. Compared to my previous experience, teary eyed ako. It seems na nagmamadali na matapos feeling ko tuloy hindi pantay.

A repost from my old blog Mrs Ugly Duckling

December 30, 2013

Some Evidence that Music Has Therapeutic and Beneficial Effects on People

There are numerous worthwhile organizations that have put an inventive spin on charitable good-works and community outreach, and many may provide a service or a resource that is unconventional and innovative. There are some that dedicate time to working with particular populations of often overlooked individuals while some other groups may dedicate their time and energy toward providing services to a common group that are unique or slightly alternative.

There is some evidence that music has therapeutic and beneficial effects on people; this is also said to be true in the case of individuals who suffer or struggle from affliction, defects, or impairments beyond the conventional treatment methods used by doctors and practitioners who may be providing care or prescribing medications for particular individuals. In fact, there is such a compelling case to be made for the positive impact of music, theater, and the arts, that many treatment facilities have adopted programs and therapy models that embrace these entities for the clients that they serve. Some enlist actual musicians or performers to come and visit patients in a hospital or other treatment setting, while some simply replicate the effect through art and music therapy sessions.

Photo Source

There are some clever and conscientious individuals who comprise a group that recognizes the instantaneous relief that the arts provide, and that have created their own organization that is dedicated to providing such enrichment in the lives of those who might otherwise be deprived of some such splendor. The group, “sing for hope”, aims to provide a respite to those in distress with song, theater, and art. They perform in unlikely venues for populations that might not be able to afford or access such offerings without this contribution. The performers in the group do not get paid for their service, and they strive to interact with their audience in a meaningful and personal way. The result is inspiration- both through the craft- and through the dedication and attention that each shows to their art as well as their audience members. The provision is not funded by any formal group, and some communities may make donations to the group to ensure continued provision of their artistic expression amid an audience of appreciative and inspired spectators. Other individuals may donate their talent and contribute to performances for these receptive audiences in various regions world-wide.

December 28, 2013

Christmas 2013

Well, just like that Christmas is already over and I was happy that even it was so stressful we were able to celebrate it. One week before Christmas we were all sick. My son was not able to take his exam because of the viral fever and bronchitis, my husband had colds and cough and I have colds too. I had to go to ENT day before Christmas Eve because I had small bumps and rashes in my nose due to colds. The doctor prescribed oral and topical medicine at baka maging Rudolf daw ang nose ko sa pula.

But God is so good because my son was able to attend their Christmas Party.

My husband invited my in-laws for lunch in our house so I have to prepare meals. Initial plan is I will just order food so I won’t be stressed and tired but the store was closed so I have no choice but to cook. While I was cooking, I ran out of LPG and fortunately my husband was able to buy gasul but the price is so shocking, P1000 already. #soexpensive Anyway, I was able to prepare Kare-Kare, Roast Chicken, Ham and Brownies for dessert. No more pasta or pansit. We had exchange gifts worth P50. Hehehe!

The following day we went to Victoria, Laguna for our Christmas reunion. It was our first time to celebrate Christmas with our Aunt Lida. We had games for the kids and raffle for the adults.

Few more days and we’re going to welcome year 2014 and now I’m busy with cleaning and decluttering our home.

December 24, 2013

DIY Christmas Envelopes

I’m happy to say that I’m done with gift wrapping because I did not wrap those big gifts like bike and lap desk for my son. #nanghihinayangsagiftwrap Anyway, I always save those leftover gift wrap just in case I need it. This time instead of throwing those leftover, I’ve made Christmas envelopes. It saves me from buying angpao, money card or envelopes, I used my DIY Christmas envelopes instead.

Materials:

Leftover Christmas wrapper

Glue

Pattern

Pencil

Procedure:

1. Trace the pattern.

2. Cut the pattern.

3. Fold and paste.

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

December 18, 2013

Manila Ocean Park

We first visited Manila Ocean Park last February 2009, my son was only four months old during that time. I’ve been meaning to revisit the park again because of the new attractions but it never happened so I was really happy when I saw that Manila Ocean Park is included in my son’s field trip. It was our chance to visit the park again. It’s like a first-time visit for my son, for sure wala siya naalala dati. Hehehe!

Our package includes:

Oceanarium

I don’t see any major changes in the Oceanarium except in this picture. See through na kasi yung aquarium so panget na background namin. Before fishes ang background, now you can see tables and chairs.

Sharks and Ray Dry Encounter

This is one thing that I look forward to experiencing but I was disappointed because no pictures allowed and sila lang pwede magpicture, of course you have to pay. We were able to touch the stingray but no souvenir picture.

Back of the House

There is nothing special about this place, they will just inform you and show you how they maintain the aquarium, from cleaning the water, breeding the fish and others.

Jellies Exhibit

A small room where you can see different types of jellyfish.

Shark Anatomy

The last part of our itinerary is Shark Anatomy, I thought they would discuss sharks but we ended up watching a magic show.

Comparing my first and last experiences, I enjoyed the first visit because it was not crowded, and no time pressure.

December 14, 2013

Asian PsorClub Christmas Party

Before I joined Bazaar, I already said yes to our Asian PsorClub Christmas Party so even though I’m super busy with the bazaar I took time to attend the party last Saturday because I seldom see them in a year.

Again, it was a simple get-together in a resort in Los Banos, Laguna. Since I’m busy and I have no time to cook or bake, I just ordered pansit for my potluck.

The traffic was so bad and nakatulog na sa biyahe ang aking anak. He has cough so he did not swim, he just played billiard with his dad. #ibangversion

It was an overnight party but we did not stay long because my husband has a Christmas Run the following morning. Ilang hours na tulog for his first fun run.

December 12, 2013

Do Holiday Cookies Create Obligations?

Christmas time is a time for a lot of festive activities, and they’re all aimed at spreading joy and the spirit of the season. Some of these activities involve the giving of delicious baked goods; many a cookie delivery has been made in the name of the holiday season. However, some people claim that receiving a baked gift on your doorstep creates a feeling of obligation rather than joy. Now that they’ve received a gift, they feel obligated to reciprocate. So, should we all stop giving gifts to prevent others from feeling obligated to return the favor?

Givers

The givers, those who are responsible for the sweet deliveries, seldom expect anything in return. Their intentions may not be entirely selfless, they may want to feel better about themselves by helping others, or they may want to foster good will with their neighbors, but that doesn’t mean they want a physical gift in return. In most cases, they just want to do something nice. Sometimes they may even feel obligated to give the gift in return for something the receiver did for them in the past.

Happy Recipients

Many cookie recipients are more than happy to receive these types of deliveries. They don’t ask questions, they don’t feel obligated to return the favor, and best of all, they get to enjoy a guilt-free plate of cookies that appears out of nowhere. This is the type of response givers envision when they plan the delivery. This recipient may return the favor or keep the holiday spirit rolling by doing a favor for yet another individual, but this is done in a spirit of giving and not obligation.

Reluctant Recipients

So the root of this obligation problem lies with those few reluctant recipients. They may feel like the giver is expecting reciprocation, but in most cases this simply isn’t true. It’s one thing to refuse a large gift that costs hundreds of dollars, but cookies, brownies, fruitcakes, and holiday breads are nothing to fret over. So, if you’re planning a cookie delivery, don’t let the few reluctant recipients spoil your small act of service. And, if you’re the recipient, you don’t have to feel obligated to do anything but enjoy the treats.

December 10, 2013

Kitchen Saving Tips #1

According to webmd.com, kitchen sponge is the number one source of germs in our house because of the micro crevices and moist that makes it cozy home for the germs. And because of this, I change my kitchen sponge every week and to save, I cut our sponge in half.

I want small sponge for easy grip so washing the dishes or scrubbing the kitchen countertop won’t be difficult.

FYI: "Wet your sponge and then pop it in the microwave for two minutes to eliminate the germs that lurk inside the crevices," says Neil Schachter, MD, medical director of respiratory care at Mount Sinai in New York City, and the author of The Good Doctor's Guide to Colds and Flu.

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

Lotus: The Original Caramelised Biscuit Spread

I’m quite sure that we’re all familiar with Lotus Biscoff and Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter because it is almost all over the social networking media. I can read it on different blogs and I can see it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It seems that everyone is going crazy over this spread that you can only buy in online shop.

Knowing me, I’m not into online shopping because I have to go out and deposit the payment and wait for the items at home. Last August 16, I ordered some party stuff for my son’s birthday and my experience wasn’t good. I ordered Friday, made the payment on Sunday via Paypal and received the items 9 days after the payment. It was still fine with me because at least I received the items but I was disappointed because my order was not complete.

There’s a missing item so I have to inform the seller and she asked me if I can pick up the item in her bazaar in Rockwell which is not good because I live outside NCR so she said she will ship the missing item. Every week, I have to ask her when she will send the missing item and I got tired already, feeling ko she has no plan to send it so last September 11, I refunded my payment via paypal which of course I did not receive the full amount because she did not chose personal payment.

And because I don’t want to experience that again, I don’t want to buy this cookie butter and biscoff spread online. I tried Trader Joe’s Speculoos cookie butter when my sister-in-law brought one jar in my mother-in law’s house few months ago. And last weekend I saw this Lotus “The Original Caramelised Biscuit Spread” in SM supermarket at P349 so I immediately bought one jar.

Honestly, my taste buds can’t differentiate which one is better because for me, both taste good but I’m sorry to say that I still prefer peanut butter over this. #loyal But my husband and son love this. This is my son’s new favorite spread at nagsawa na rin sa Nutella.

FYI:

“The Lotus Spread story begins in Belgium in early 2007 with the simple but brilliant idea of Els Scheppers, a culinary enthusiast. Her idea? Create a creamy sweet spread with the unique taste of Lotus Biscuits. With recipe in hand, Els entered the Belgian prime time TV show “De Bedenkers” (“The Inventors”), competing against 2,000 other entrants. On November 25th a jury of food experts and TV personalities chose Els’s Spread recipe as one of the finalists of the competition. Lotus Bakeries and Els Scheppers worked together to perfect the recipe and so gave birth to this new culinary delight!” Source: Lotus Biscuits

World’s Easiest Detox

Detoxification is part of my healthy living list and I’ve been meaning to do this for the longest time because I know that I have many toxins in my body because of the food that I eat and the oral medicine that I take to control my psoriasis.

“Detoxification is the process of removing toxins from the body.”

I wanted to try the juice cleanse but P7,500 for 3 day cleanse is quite steep for me so until now I haven’t ordered yet.

Last Saturday, I went to Watson to buy medicine and my husband saw this Chi Foot Patches Eucalyptus for less than P70. I bought 1 pack and each pack contains two pads.

Information from the packaging.

“Eucalyptus contains a refreshing aroma. It has antiseptic and mint. With high content of oxygen, it improves one’s ability to concentrate. It is effective when one is tired or had difficulty in concentrating. It also has effect of refreshing one’s mind and releases tension from body.”

Instructions

1.Do not use more than 6 patches at any one time. For detox, it is recommended to use one patch on the sole of each foot. For pain reduction, it is recommended using one patch on each foot corresponding to the are on the diagram overleaf and the another on the painful joint/area.

2.Chi Foot Patches should be left in place for 8hours or until the patch becomes discoloured and damp.

3.Do not place Chi Foot Patches directly over the eyes or open cuts. If you have any health concerns, please consult your medical advisor before using Chi Foot Patches.

Since I only bought one, my husband said tig-isa daw kami hehehe so we tried it. The following morning, this is the result.

It only proves that I have so many toxins. I will buy this again next time I visit Watson. I must agree that this is the world’s easiest detox and it is so simple to use. In addition, very affordable compared to other detox products.

A repost from my old blog Mrs Ugly Duckling

November 29, 2013

Gardenia Plant Tour

We are indeed frequent buyer of Gardenia bread so when I’ve learned that it is included in my son’s field trip; I became excited because I wanted to see how they make our favorite bread. I love plant tour, when I was still in elementary we visited Yakult and Coca-Cola Plant na sobrang nag-igib kami ng coke using our Coleman. Actually, Gardenia Plant is one tollgate away from our place, it is so near but I haven’t visited.

The Plant Tour started with a film showing explaining the brief history of Gardenia Bread and how it is made. We were seated beside the marshall amplifiers at musicians friendshall amplifiers at musicians friend and LCD TV.

After that we went to the production area where we can see the whole process from handling, mixing, proofing, baking, slicing and packaging of the bread. Taking pictures are not allowed.

Our last stop is the bread store where we can buy Gardenia bread at factory price. You can see classic white bread, healthy-licious bread, flavor-licious bread, bunch of bun, crunchy-licious toasts and snack line.

Of course photo-op. Oh I love Gardenia.

Trivia:

1. Gardenia’s roots go back to Singapore where it began as a humble in-store bakery in 1978.

2. From Singapore, it expanded its operations in Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines.

3. Gardenia Philippines started its full operations in 1998.

4. The first to introduce G-lock in its packaging.

5. The first to introduce 2 in 1 concept – the Gardenia Double Delights.

Five Point Bread Goodness Test

1. Great Tasting

2. Softness

3. Oven-Baked Aroma

4. Guaranteed freshness

5. Nutrition Packed

My Favorite Things to Do in Africa

There’s just something about Africa that hooked you as soon as you set foot on the continent. It’s a place of such vastness, intensity, and diversity that you can’t just visit once. Katie, a travel addicted blogger from the UK shares just a few of her favorite experiences in Africa so far.

Camping and camels

One of the most unique tours I’ve ever been on, traveling by camel in Morocco is an unforgettable experience. It’s part of a two-day trip, which was fairly pricey at 130 euros, but it was all worth it. Setting off from Diabat, which sits between Casablanca and Essouira, we ride through eucalyptus and mimosa forests, before camping overlooking the sea. One of the camels wanders over when we’re finished and we give him some leftover bread. The next morning, we head to Essaouira for a ride across the sands. The infamous winds here pick up as we ride, keeping us cool and providing perfect conditions for the kitesurfers we can see whizzing across the waves.

Snorkeling in Sharm el Sheikh

I’m a bit of a water baby so I’m in heaven during a trip to Egypt’s Sharm el Sheikh. Most of the hotels here have their own private beach, but so long as you pay for your sun lounger and have a drink there, you can usually use them. The Red Sea is as warm as bath water and less than 20 yards from the shore, I spot an amazing array of marine life, including a stingray which swims right beneath me, spiky lionfish and strange looking parrot fish.

Up in the clouds

In Cape Town, I head to the city’s most iconic landmark, Table Mountain. It takes around four hours to get to the top on foot, but I take the cable car, soaring across the city. From the top, you can see the whole of Cape Town, including Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean below. There are walking trails and viewing points at the top, along with a café. I’m lucky enough to see lizards basking in the sun and a dassie, which looks a bit like a giant guinea pig, darting into the undergrowth. After I get back down, I see the famous cloud, known as the tablecloth, descend onto the mountain.

A picnic with penguins

Boulders beach must be the only place in the world where you can sit in the sunshine eating your picnic, while penguins stand within touching distance. Boulder’s Beach near Simon’s Town in South Africa is home to thousands of little African penguins. You can see them from a wooden walkway. But, if you walk across the first beach you enter and clamber over, or under, some giant boulders, you’ll be one of just a handful of people sharing this space with the penguins. We watch captivated as they waddle their way down to the water looking clownlike, before plunging into the freezing waters and swimming like bullets under the water.

The Egyptian Museum

In Cairo, I’ve visited the world’s most famous attractions, climbing down claustrophobic staircases into the pyramids and standing with crowds staring at the Spinx. But, my favorite attraction is the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Thankfully not there during the uprising, I gaze upon the Tutankhamun treasures, stunned to see such famous finds close up. But, it’s not just these standout pieces that make this place something special. It’s the myriad of smaller artifacts, the crowds, the dust, the handwritten signs. It’s just as a museum should be. I spend around three hours there but must have only seen a quarter of what was there.

It’s an analogy for Africa really. No matter how much time you spend here, there will always be more to discover. It’s no wonder that Africa becomes something of an addiction.

November 28, 2013

Alice in Wonderland

We must admit that watching stage plays is not our thing nowadays, especially for our kids who just wanted to watch cartoons and Disney movies or just play video games. I do watch stage plays when I was still in school because it is one of the school requirements but of course, when I graduated, no more stage plays. So it’s been a decade since the last time I watched.

Well, last Tuesday we had a chance to watch a stage play in Repertory Philippines. Alice in Wonderland is one of the itineraries of my son’s field trip. Cameras are not allowed inside and no picture-taking during the stage play. Unlike other stage plays that I’ve watched, Alice in Wonderland is like an interactive play; they asked questions and even requested the audience to sing along. “I’m mad, you’re mad, we’re all mad here”.

Honestly, I’m not really familiar with Alice's story, all I know is lumaki at lumiit siya. Hehehehe! Anyway, Alice in Wonderland is a story of her incredible journey into a different world where she meets the most surprising set of wild characters.