Michi Photostory

As always, I’m late again in posting my year-end post because I was so lazy last December 31 and decided to rest in blogging. But it is not too late yet, I really wanted to post my “Highlights of 2014”. 

It is really nice to reflect on what happened in 365 days. It is one way to see that despite challenges and difficulties in life, God has been good to our family and there are so many things that we should be thankful.


So what happened last 2014 

January 

January was a busy month for me because I was preparing for my mom’s arrival. Preparing means looking for a place where we could have a family outing. At the same time, I was finishing our Singapore and Malaysia itinerary. 

I was also busy school-hopping because we decided to transfer my son to a big school. Choosing school wasn’t easy because I have to consider a lot of things such as tuition, distance, and the environment.  

February

February was exciting because we started traveling again. We started our first week of February in Sitio de Amor, we just have a day trip. 


Then the following week, we spent our weekend up North. We went to Zoobic Safari, stayed at Camayan Beach Resort and visited Ocean Adventure. 

Third week of February was our wedding anniversary celebration. We started our trip in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and moved to Singapore. We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary in Singapore again, the last time we were here was 7 yrs ago. 

March 

March was my son’s Moving Up and it was his last day to be with his friends, classmates and teachers because we already enrolled him in new a school. After Moving Up, we went straight to Mind Museum. 

April 

We had a day trip to Stilts Calatagan together with my friends from school.


I also enrolled my son in Summer Class because learning doesn’t stop during the summer break. 

We had our Bataan Road Trip too and had day trip in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.  


May

I went back to my son’s new school to buy uniform, books and school supplies. May is also Mother’s Day, we just had a simple celebration at D’ Banquet.

June

First week of June is my son’s orientation week. Then we had last minute summer vacation in Bellevue in celebration of my husband’s birthday. Started our new journey in his new school. 

July 

After so many years, we were able to convince my son to go to dentist. We watched Transformers Age of Extinction in SM Aura and my son had his first school activity in school which is Nutrition month.  

August 

My husband and son watched “Planes: Fire and Rescue”  as part of the school activity. I celebrated my birthday in Crimson Hotel.  I watched my son's performance in Buwan ng Wika. 

September 

My son tried the Kumon Free Trial  

October 

We had an advance celebration of my son’s 6th birthday at home. The theme this year was Mario. We spent his birthday in their school Field trip at Subic. We revisited Ocean adventure. My son had costume parade in school and we joined World Psoriasis Day. 

November 

We revisited Zoobic Safari and stayed in Zoobic Lodge. We had a staycation in Canyon Cove which reminds me that I haven’t shared our experience yet. 

As I mentioned in my previous post, I won a Noche Buena Feast in Bierra Paluto and I could claim it between December 24 to January 1. We’re supposed to claim it last December 29 because we were in Ortigas already but since no one could assist me, we have to reschedule it. 

Day before the trip I was searching for reviews about the restaurant and I could not find any. I was thinking of my previous “paluto” restaurant experience kung ganun din sila. Our first experience was in J&A Fishpen in Camiguin and the next experience was in Seri Selara in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. But since this is located in Ortigas Home Depot, I was thinking of our last paluto experience in Claire Dela Fuente Grill and Seafood at Seaside Macapagal but that was years ago. 



Fast forward to December 31, we were so early for lunch so I was waiting for my contact because the staffs have no idea about the prize. I was glad that it was an air conditioned room at least hindi mainit di ba. While waiting I was surprised because they already serve the food even my contact wasn’t there yet, Calamari, Buttered Shrimp and Deep Fried Crab with Salt and Pepper. 



Honestly, I’m not a fan of Calamari because most of my experiences was not good, lagi makunat ang squid but with Bierra the squid are soft and tender. Actually this is my favorite among the three meals. #sarappapakin 



The Buttered Shrimp is just ok for me, I maybe biased because I love my own version of Buttered Shrimp na marami butter. lol But in fairness, the shrimp was not overcooked because you can easily peel off the skin. 



Our family is not into crab, tamad kasi magbalat but my son enjoyed this crab, he kept on saying “sarap mommy” while eating the crab and calamari. 



Aside the from food, the service was good too. We were very satisfied with our experience and it was worth the trip from the South. Since I won this meal, I have no idea about the price but check this menu. 



Note: 

1.I did not see the wet market but I was told that it was located at the back of the restaurant. 
2.The parking in front of the restaurant is limited and I have no idea if there is parking area around the Ortigas Home Depot. 
3.The restaurant accepts catering services. 
4.They have live bands, acoustic, and rock band but I’m not sure if it is an everyday event. 

Bierra Paluto Restaurant 
Ortigas Ortigas Home Depot, 
Julia Vargas cor. Meralco Ave., 
Ortigas Center, Pasig City 
Phone:(02) 636 1195

If last year we welcomed 2014 in Tagaytay, this year we decided to celebrate it at home. We started our New Year celebration at Ortigas Home Depot. I won Noche Buena Feast at Bierra Paluto so I claimed it yesterday. I will share my review in another post. 


After our lunch, we dropped by at Contis for my son’s favorite chocolate cake. Buti may naabutan pa ko because I was still waiting outside and there were only 4 moist chocolate cakes left so I was praying na hindi yun ang order ng mga nauna sa kin. Lol. 


Then we went home since I would only prepare food for three people, I did not stress myself in preparing food. Our Media Noche foods were done in 1 hour, just in time for dinner. I prepared Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus, Steak, Mashed Potato and Cheesy Garlic Bread. I bought sparkling wine, grapes, and cake. After dinner, I slept na and asked my husband to wake me up before 12AM.


That’s how we celebrate our New Year, I don’t have a tradition like 13 fruits or 13 dishes, I only prepare what are we going to eat para walang sayang na food. I think the only thing that we follow is wearing something green for wealth and long life? Stripes, not polka dots para paper money and hindi coins. 

I don’t want to waste money on fireworks so I only bought torotot and sparklers for my son. We’re just happy looking at the different fireworks displays in the sky. 


That’s it! Happy New Year!

Whenever we go to Caleruega, we always passed by Breakfast at Antonio’s because it is just located along Aguinaldo Hi-way. I noticed that the parking is always full so I was really curious to try their food. Aside from that, I’ve been reading a lot of good reviews but I’m also aware that the price is not affordable.


Last Christmas we were in Tagaytay for early mass so I suggested to my husband that we eat our breakfast at "Breakfast at Antonio’s" after the church service. Past 8AM we’re on our way to the restaurant and good thing there was no traffic yet. 


We went inside the restaurant looking for a table but the staff informed us to wait in the waiting area. My husband registered and we waited for our turn. I don’t understand because there are so many available tables and it took us so long to be seated. It is a first-come, first-serve basis. 

While waiting, I checked the bakeshop where you can buy bread, jams, cakes and many more for pasalubong or take out. But I did not buy anything because we still have brownies and desserts at home. 


After 30 minutes, the staff called my husband’s name and ushered us to our table, which is the best place in the restaurant. Our table is beside the large windows covered with a screen where natural light and gentle wind come in. #anglamig 

Since it was our first time it took us so long to browse the menu, we ordered Housemade Pork Sausage P375, Golden Waffle P205, Housemade Sliced Bacon P375 and brewed coffee P180 (refillable). 


They served the coffee together with three types of sugar and milk. If you are not a coffee drinker, I guess the P180 cup of coffee is not worth it. My husband just finished two cups of coffee.


The Golden Waffle was served with maple syrup and butter, a simple meal for a price of P205 + 10 SC. Nothing special in their waffle. My Housemade Pork Sausage was served with hash brown, housemade toast and two eggs cooked depending on your preference. I chose scrambled egg. The Housemade Sliced Bacon was served with two eggs and rice. 


I was glad that we enjoyed our meal. I wasn’t able to finish my food because I was already full after eating half of everything. I tried my husband’s bacon and I proved that it is really housemade, di siya kalasa ng mga nabibili sa grocery. 


Except for the coffee and waffle, you will understand why the meal is on the pricey side. The food is homemade + the atmosphere of the restaurant, ang sarap lang magbreakfast. I can say that it is still worth the experience.

Breakfast at Antonio’s 
Aguinaldo Highway, 
Barangay Bagong Tubig 4120 
Tagaytay, Philippines 
(046) 413 0738 
7AM to 9PM daily

I can’t remember what year Night Sky Cinema started but I know that we wanted to try it. Unfortunately, we always have scheduled trip on showing dates so it took us so long to experience it. We’re supposed to go last November but when I’ve learned that they will show scary movies, ayawan na. Knowing me, I don’t watch horror movies. Hehehe! 



We were looking for rubber mats day before the trip pero namamahalan ko sa P800 so wag na lang. We have no idea what time the movie will start but the gates will be opened at 4PM so we left the house at 2PM to avoid the traffic, so we cN secure parking slot and nice spot for the movie.

Parking space in Nuvali Fields

No traffic so we were there before 3PM, fortunately the gate was opened past 3PM so we went to Nuvali Fields immediately. We were able to borrow rubber mats at 4PM just leave your ID. 





There were food stalls too if you want to buy food and drinks. We brought some snacks and drinks but no rice meal so we had early dinner there bago pa dumilim. My husband bought BBQ and Sisig Meal at P65. 

Kanya-kanyang pwesto

The program started at 4:45PM and the first movie was “Rise of the Guardians”. Remember our advent calendar, we missed “Watch your favorite Christmas movie” activity so nagawa din namin. Hehehe! 

We already knew the list of movies so even we already watched it, we still went to Nuvali because watching in open field and under the night sky is a different experience. Since it is December month, we brought some blankets and jackets but honestly it was not enough. Nilalamig pa rin kami, I should wear hoodie kasi nilalamig ang aking face. 



We just finished the second movie which was "Home Alone" and we went home already and baka maging yelo na daw kami sa lamig. Lol The third movie was “The Holiday” so hindi na pang 6yrs old. 

By the way, if you upload your pictures on Instagram and put hashtag #nuvali and #nightskycinema they will print that pictures for free. I uploaded two photos only at ang bagal ng net. 

The next Night Sky Cinema is in February, I’m not sure about the date yet. Admission is free.

Only three days left and we have to say goodbye to 2014 and say hello to 2015. But before that I want to share how did we celebrate the holiday. Honestly, I love this holiday season because of the long non-working days. I can’t remember yung last na may mahaba na vacation. So even we have no travel trip, I’m still happy because walang pasok si hubby so we have more family time. 



We always have simple Christmas celebration, my husband invited again my in-laws to have lunch in our place last December 24. It started last year so I think this will be a yearly thing. I only cooked Roast Chicken, Salted Egg Shrimp, Ham, Brownies and Buko Pandan good for 12 persons. Ooops, hindi pala buko pandan kasi wala buko, Nata de Coco + Green Gulaman lang pala laman. Lol I prepared small prizes for our mini raffle and we had exchange gift worth P100.

Our family of three had early dinner because my son was so excited to open his gifts. 



The following day, we went to church in Tagaytay and had breakfast in Breakfast at Antonio’s. We went home immediately because we wanted to avoid the traffic. How about you, how did you celebrate your Christmas?

I know that Christmas is already over, but I still want to share my son’s Christmas party on December 19, 2014. As I mentioned in my DIY Olaf Hat post, the theme was Olaf/Frozen Party. I know, some of you will raise eyebrows dahil sa walang kamatayan na Frozen theme. Hehehe! But kids love Olaf, Princess Ana, and Princess Elsa. 

I was happy because parents could join the Christmas party. So, I asked my husband to take a vacation leave so he could come with us because this would be the last Christmas party that parents could attend. We were requested to wear something white, blue, or aqua blue. 

Everything was organized by the active moms in school, the fee is P300 per kid and an additional P150 for extra food which is Shakey’s meal. You can also pledge for additional food and I brought brownies at the party. Kids brought a pack of candies two days before the party for the loot bags. 


I was amazed when I saw the backdrop of the party, super talented ng mga nagprepare, and no doubt that our section won the “Best Christmas Decor” from preschool to college. 

Photo from our FB group

Photo from our FB group

Thanks to one mom who pledges for Olaf mascot sobrang tuwa lang ng kids. 


My son was very happy with all his gifts and prizes.

I just realized that having an advent calendar is not easy because we have to do an activity for 24 days. There are times that we missed doing an activity because we’re too tired already like “watch a favorite Christmas movie”, “record yourself singing a favorite Christmas song” and “bake Christmas cookies”. 

I can’t remember what date is the "baking cookies" but my son wanted to make a Christmas tree cookie so even I was really tired last December 23, we still baked. Good thing I have instant cookie mix which I bought when we had Field trip in Subic. 



It was my first time to try Mrs. Fields instant cookie mix and I followed the direction but I don’t know why the dough is too runny so I can’t use the cookie cutter and rolling pin. 



I ended up using scoop again to make a cookie but my son wanted to have a Christmas tree cookie so my husband put the dough inside the cookie cutter and I baked it with cookie cutter. Hehehe! 



Well, my son was happy and finished his Christmas tree cookie. Now I was looking for cookie recipe where I can use my cookie cutter and rolling pin.

Most of the time I prefer baking alone to avoid spills and mess. But baking is one way to bond with my son since he loves mixing. It also one way to teach him in reading, following instructions and measurements. 



Thank God for instant mixes because it makes my baking life easier. Last Thursday, our advent calendar activity is “Bake something for someone special”. The timing is right because we can bring the brownies in his school Christmas party. 



We love this triple chocolate brownie mix of Ghirardelli, I’ve been buying this for years already. My son read the instructions and mix all the ingredients which is egg, oil, water and instant mix while I preheat the oven and transfer the batter in the baking pan. I bake another batch of brownies the following day. 



The Christmas Party theme is Olaf/Frozen so I printed cupcake topper for decorations. 





Click here and here for the free Frozen printables.
P.S. The brownies are really yummy. First time na makatikim nito, gusto ng umorder ng brownies. But I always say, instant mix lang yan. :)

Christmas is the time of giving and thinking what gift to give is already a challenge especially if the person is not close to us, if the budget is limited or if you think the person has everything.

If I’m having a hard time buying gifts, I always buy food because I know people love to eat. I can make homemade gifts like what I did two years ago but I was busy as a bee this year so I just bought gifts. Sharing with you the gifts that I bought this year that won’t hurt your pocket. A gift that you can give to teachers, classmates, school services or officemates to show your thoughtfulness. 



I saw this M&M box when we went to Subic Duty-Free after our Zoobic Safari trip. I find it so cute so I bought a few pieces. I printed this M&M Christmas poem which I pinned years ago. Click here to download 



“As you hold these candies in your hand and turn them, you will see the M becomes a W, an E and then a 3. 

E is for the East where the star shone so bright 
M is for the manger where the baby Jesus slept at night 
3 is for the wise men bearing gifts, with which they came. 
W is for worship, Hallelujah! Praise His name” 

A pack of kisses and all you have to do is stick a Christmas tag or stickers. 



Can of cookies. I printed a tag “Calories don’t count on Holidays! Guilt-free dessert” Click here for the free printables. 



You can also buy gifts in Marks & Spencer, you can find a gift for as low as P65 with free wrapping pa (paper bag).







Remember 

“May no gift be too small to give, nor too simple to receive, which is wrapped in thoughtfulness and tied with love - LO Baird”