Michi Photostory

Few days before our trip, I’ve read and watched news about the Immigration Officers issue at NAIA and they advised to be at the airport 5 hours before the flight. So we left early on the day of our flight, sa sobrang excited 6 hours before the flight nasa NAIA 1 na kami. 



Waah! The place was packed with people and no more vacant seats. I’m not sure if this is the usual scenario or dahil baka magHoly week na rin, so ang daming umaalis. There is free wifi but unfortunately, 60 minutes lang ang free connection. 




The Thai Airways counter opened 3 hours before the flight, ang tagal ng paghihintay sa lobby. Good thing that my husband took advantage the web check-in so we have a separate lane for that. 




I was expecting a long line for the Immigration but the staff informed us to go to the special lane since we have a kid in tow. Yehey, nakaligtas kami sa mahabang pila. 



NAIA 1 was considered as one of the worst airports in the world but now I can say that NAIA 1 improved a lot in terms of service, facilities and amenities. Malayo na siya sa dati ko na nakita na airport. (10 years ago) Sharing with you some photos.

Kiddie Lounge

I guess, NAIA 1 is better compared to other NAIA terminals. What do you think?

10 busy days had passed and I’m thankful for scheduled posts because it doesn’t look obvious that I’m missing in action. If you’ve been following my Instagram @michisolee, you know for sure that we’re out of the country. We’re here in Norway for one week already and because of that, I have so many stories to share.



Anyway, we went to Caleruega and Sonya’s Garden 11 days ago. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know for sure that we always visit Caleruega every Holy week since 2008. But since we will be out of the country, we went to Caleruega day before our flight.

We were so early so we were able to park for free. We paid P30 each for the entrance fee. Yes, this is the only church that I know that has an entrance fee. There was a wedding on the day of our visit so we were not able to go inside the chapel. 




But it was my first time to go up to the Tent Chapel of Transfiguration. It was a long climb for me, so hingal ang inabot ko. Hehehe! It was a short visit. Click here to watch the video of Caleruega. 

Sonya's Garden



Then we dropped by at Sonya’s Garden, we like their Hispanic Bread so lagi kami dumadaan. 



Aside from their Panederia, they also have Organic Produce Store where you can buy organic products. I bought dried fish here for my pasalubong from the Philippines. 




They have Apothecary where you can buy candles, oils, lotion, soap and many more.



If you are into organic foods, you can eat in their buffet restaurant. We haven’t tried their food yet, alam niyo naman hindi ako mahilig sa dahon. Lol 



That’s it for now, I hope I will find time to blog our Norway trip soon. Where did you spend your Holy Week?

When I was checking the requirements for Schengen Visa, I was surprised when I saw the travel medical insurance because as far as I can remember, I did not get this when I applied for Norwegian Visa when I was still studying. All I can remember is I only get a Certificate of Enrollment from my school and that’s it! 

Read: How to Apply for Schengen Visa via VFS Global Norway

Now, travel medical insurance is a mandatory requirement if you are applying for Schengen Visa. To be honest, whenever we travel overseas, I do not get any travel insurance since our trip is more or less than a week. Travel insurance is an additional expense for our travel too so I’m just hoping and praying that our trip will be smooth. But it is very important to have travel insurance just to be sure that we are protected during our vacation. 

Read: Where to Buy Travel Insurance Online

Pacific Cross

Update December 2019: Starting February 2020, you can now apply six months prior to your Europe trip. The visa fee increases to 80Euro from 60Euro. For regular travelers with good travel history, possible multiple entry visas. You can read more information here.

The first time we went to Norway, we only applied for Norwegian Visa and fortunately, we were granted 3 months visa. Then the second time we applied for a Norwegian visa, the Norway Embassy advised us to reapply by May because they are only releasing Schengen Visa.


At that time, we have no idea about Schengen Visa and we don’t want to reapply again because we need to prepare for our enrollment. We were already in college so we need to enroll on the scheduled date. In addition, it is very impractical to go to Norway for a few weeks because airfare is not cheap. Good thing my mom was able to refund our plane ticket.

That was the last time we planned to visit Norway. after that, we were so busy with our work, then we got married and the rest is history. But a few years ago, my son wanted to visit Norway because he wants to experience snow. So it became my goal to revisit Norway with my family.

Then last year, out of the blue, my mom asked me when is the start of summer break so she can book her flight. She said we can travel with her when she goes back to Norway. I was shocked and I said, “Wait lang, wala pa kami pamasahe”. Then she said, “sagot ko na si Ethan”. Yehey, of course, alangan magpaiwan pa ako, so we started saving for our airfare and visa application.

Since it’s been years since my last visa application, I was surprised when I checked the requirements needed. Ang dami pala, may travel insurance and may visa fee na. At that time, parang gusto ko na magback out sa laki ng expense, lol. Namamahalan na nga ko sa Japan Visa namin before, x3 pala sa Schengen Visa. Anyway, I started preparing the requirements 3 months before our intended trip.

Read: How to Apply for Japan Visa

How to Apply For Schengen Visa via VFS Global Norway 

Before we personally applied to Norwegian Embassy but now all applications will be submitted to VFS Global Norway.

Step 1: You need to create an account in Application Portal.
Step 2: Login and fill out the online application form. I applied as a group.
Step 3: Click submit and pay the visa fee.

Visa Fees 

60 Euro 12 years old and above (single or multiple entries)
35 Euro Children between 6 and 12 years old (single or multiple entries) 
No Fee Children under the age of 6 (single or multiple entries)

Step 4: Once paid, you can now book an appointment.
Step 5: Print the cover letter, receipt, and checklist then gather all the requirements that you need.

Checklist for Visit Mother/Father in Norway

Mandatory Requirements

1. Cover Letter (from the Application Portal)
2. One passport-sized photo with white background and not older than 6 months.
3. Original and Photocopy of Original Passport. - biopage and used pages.
4. Photocopy of your NSO Certified Birth Certificate
5. Photocopy of Passport or recent Residence Permit of your mother/father.
6. Photocopy of the Passport of the Guarantor.
7. Original UDI Guarantee Form for Visits plus photocopy. - stamped and signed by the Norwegian Police.
8. Original Bank Certificate of the Applicant
9. Photocopy of Roundtrip Airline Ticket Reservation - Do not buy a ticket until a visa has been granted.
10. Photocopy of Travel Medical Insurance

Read: Where to Buy Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa Application
3 Easy Ways to Get PSA Certificate

Additional Requirements for Minors (under the age of 18)

1. If traveling alone: Original letter of consent signed by both parents and photocopies of passports. Valid IDs of parents with signature.
2. If traveling with only one of the parents: Original Letter of consent signed by the other parent and photocopy of valid ID with signature.
3. If only one parent has the sole custody of the child: A photocopy of the Court Decision awarding custody to that one parent must be submitted.
4. If the other parent is dead: A photocopy of the Death Certificate must be submitted.

Supporting Documents

1. Photocopies of your previous passport for the past 3 years.
2. Letter of invitation from your mother/father.
3. Photocopy of your Marriage Certificate if applicable.
4. Photocopies of Birth Certificates of your children if applicable.
5. Hotel bookings - if there are side trips outside Norway.

Checklist for Visit Other Relatives/Friends in Norway

Mandatory Requirements

1. Cover Letter (from the Application Portal).
2. One passport-sized photo with a white background and not older than 6 months.
3. Original and Photocopy of Original Passport. - biopage and used pages.
4. If visiting a relative submit proof of relationship.
5. If visiting a friend, submit his/her photocopies of the passport with stamps including bio page to prove time spent together.
6. Original UDI Guarantee Form for Visits plus photocopy. - stamped and signed by the Norwegian Police.
7. Original Bank Certificate of the Applicant.
8. Photocopy of Roundtrip Airline Ticket Reservation - Do not buy the ticket until a visa has been granted.
9. Photocopy of Travel Medical Insurance.

Additional Requirements for Minors (under the age of 18) 

1. If traveling alone: Original letter of consent signed by both parents and photocopies of passports. Valid IDs of parents with signature.
2. If traveling with only one of the parents: Original Letter of consent signed by the other parent and photocopy of valid ID with signature.
3. If only one parent has the sole custody of the child: A photocopy of the Court Decision awarding custody to that one parent must be submitted.
4. If the other parent is dead: A photocopy of the Death Certificate must be submitted.

Supporting Documents

1. Photocopies of Previous Passports for the past 3 years.
2. Photocopy of Passport of the Guarantor.
3. Letter of invitation from your relative/friend.
4. Photocopy of your Marriage Certificate if applicable
5. Photocopies of Birth Certificate if applicable
6. If currently employed: submit Certificate of Employment stating position, length of service, salary and duration of the approved leave of absence, photocopy of company ID, and payslips for the last 3 months.
7. If self-employed 

A. Corporations - photocopies of SEC registration with attached present Articles of Incorporation and annual income.
B. Single Proprietorship - photocopies of Business Name Registration Certificate from DTI and latest Income Tax statement.

8. If currently a student: submit Certification of enrollment from the school and school ID. If you will be going on a holiday during summer or semestral break, submit a certification of reservation or certification of enrollment to prove that you are enrolled for the next school year/semester. If traveling during the school year, a certificate of leave of absence from school should be submitted.
9. Photocopies of documentation of own means/properties if applicable.
10. Hotel bookings if there are side trips outside Norway.

Since we will be staying in my mom’s place, I asked for the UDI Guarantee form. She went to Norwegian Police just to get this form so effort din. I received the form after two weeks, check below for my experience.

Read: How to Claim Parcel in PHLPost

Step 6: Personally submit your application on your scheduled appointment.

Norway Visa Application Centre,
VFS Global Ground Floor,
Ecoplaza Building
Don Chino Roces Avenue,
Makati City, Metro Manila
Website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/norway/philippines/
Helpline: +63 2 790 49 02

Experience with VFS Global Norway


Our scheduled appointment was 8AM and we fell in line at 7:30AM. I just showed them the cover letter and passport, then they gave us a number. Then we went inside the office, they called our number before 8AM. The staff checked our requirements, one at a time.

She advised that the processing time is 15 calendar days, and we will receive a text or email regarding the application. Then she asked if we want to avail of the courier service but I chose pick-up para mas tipid. Then she asked for the VFS service fee which is P1405 x 3. I waited for the receipt and we went to the biometric section.

Step 7: Biometric Data Registration. The staff took our pictures and fingerprints. No fingerprints for my 8-year-old son. We were finished as early as 8:15AM.

After that, I’m hoping and praying that our visa will not be denied, or else I will cry a bucket of tears because I spent P20k+ on this Schengen Visa application.

Feb 21, appointment date
Feb 23, I received an email and SMS that my visa was approved so I checked my son’s email and I asked my husband if he received an email too.
Feb 24 onwards - you can pick up the passport at VFS Global from 2 to 4PM.

Yehey, two days processing only. Insert happy dance. We got a Single Entry Schengen Visa. My son and I got 60 days and hubby got 16 days. We applied for 47 days and 12 days' stay. The visa was issued in accordance with the roundtrip flight ticket reservation and travel medical insurance submitted along with the application. 
Step 8: Collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre by bringing your official receipt and a valid ID.

If a representative will pick up the passport on your behalf, please hand in the following:
Official receipt
Copy of your valid ID
Signed authorization letter with complete details
Original valid ID of the representative

Note: 

1. I waited for my mom’s UDI Guarantee form before I paid our visa application. I already accomplished the online application form but I did not submit it until I got the UDI guarantee form.
2. I bought our Travel Medical Insurance from Malayan Insurance. Applied online and paid via credit card. After few minutes, you will receive your travel medical insurance in your email.
3. My husband called KLM for booking reservations. The booking is only good for 48 hours. Yes, we submitted an expired booking but still, visas were all approved. If you want you can book your ticket the day before your appointment.

Read: How to Apply for Schengen Visa for your Europe Trip

What is a Schengen Visa?

Schengen Visa is a short-term visa granted to applicants up to 90 days. It allows him/her to visit 26 Schengen Countries for a family visit, tourism, business or any reason with an intention to return to home country afterward.

The Schengen Member States

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

22 countries are part of EU (European Union)
4 countries part of the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) 

Where Should You Apply for a Schengen Visa? 

1. Apply for the visa in the embassy that you will be staying the most of your traveling days.
2. In case, the number of days is the same. Apply for a visa in the embassy that you will enter first.

Read: Visa-Free Travel for Filipinos
Understanding your Visa: How to Read the Visa Sticker

It was the year 2005 when my friend invited me to join their Sagada trip, I was not able to join them because I could not file vacation leaves. How I wish, I joined their trip because, after few years, I’ve learned that Hanselma Highway is one of the most dangerous highways in the world. And because of that, I’m hesitant to go to Sagada. 

Click here for the Hanselma Highway video


For the last few years, my husband was planning to visit Sagada and he even booked a room to celebrate our wedding anniversary but I did not want to go. Last year, he reserved a room again and paid the downpayment so I have no reason to cancel our trip. I’m scared of heights and zigzag roads but part of me wants to see the beauty of Sagada.




We celebrated New Year in Sagada, I did not have an itinerary since we just wanted to enjoy the cold weather of Mountain Province. Sharing with you, our 4 Days Trip in Sagada with a Kid in Tow.

Sagada Bilza Lodge 

My husband reserved a room in Sagada Bilza Lodge. We were asked to pay a 50% downpayment to confirm the reservation. There is no hotel in Sagada but there are so many hostels that you can choose from depending on your preferred location. 

Sagada Bilza Lodge is located after Sumaguing Cave, it is far from town proper but what we like here is the view. You can see rice terraces on your way to the lodge and there are so many trees around the area. Feel na feel mo na nasa bundok ka. Hehehe!

The lodge offers basic accommodation, we have a private room, a private bathroom, and small balcony. They have a restaurant too where you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Read: Sagada Bilza Lodge

Day 1 in Sagada

From Pangasinan to Sagada, our travel time is more or less 8 hours including the quick stopover at Cafe by the Ruins in Baguio for our breakfast. After check-in, off we went to Sagada Municipal Tourist Information Center to register and pay the environmental fee. We did not book any tour, we just explored Sagada Town Proper to check the different restaurants. We ate at Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant and visited St Mary Virgin Church. 

Day 2 Sagada Echo Valley Walking Tour + Sumaguing Cave

Video Sagada Echo Valley Walking Tour

We planned to avail of the Mt Kiltepan Tour but because of the rainy weather, we cannot go there. But rain or shine we started our Sagada Echo Valley Walking Tour. We just availed the short hike because we have a son in tow, the tour lasted for less than an hour. 

Guide Fee: P200 + P10/person access fee 

We ate lunch at Salt & Pepper Diner and my husband scheduled Sumaguing Cave Tour. My son and I did not join the cave tour because my son doesn’t like it. So hanggang pictures ko na lang ulit nakita ang cave. He chose the short course which is more or less two hours. 

Guide Fee: P500 

Day 3 Sagada Pottery and Lake Danum

No Mt. Kiltepan again. We had breakfast at Cafe Bodega at Rock in and Cafe, it is also the place where you can have orange picking activity. Unfortunately, wala ng orange na pwede i-harvest so we missed this activity. Hay, sayang excited pa naman kami dito. 

Then we went to Sagada Pottery and we were able to experience how to make a bowl. I paid P100/person for the hands-on experience, my son did not participate kasi madirty daw hands niya pero may bayad din. 

Video of Sagada Pottery Class

From Sagada Pottery, off we went to Lake Danum. The place is good for picnics or kite flying and you can also stay here until sunset. We ate lunch at Sagada Brew and off we went to Sagada Weaving to buy some pasalubong.


We bought sunkist.

Day 4 Goodbye Sagada

First day of the year 2017 and our last day in Sagada, we left early since it will take more or less 12 hours just to reach home. It was a short holiday trip but I’m glad I finally cross it out on our list. We had a quick stop at Highest Point Marker and Baguio Good Shepherd for our favorite ube jam.

Read: Where to Eat in Sagada

Sagada is not only for adventurous people. If you want to beat the summer heat, visit Sagada. It is cheaper compared to Tagaytay or Baguio.

Tour Guidelines

1. Register 
2. Pay the Environmental Fee P35
3. Choose your Tour
4. Get a Local Guide - listen to your guide's advice and follow them
5. Be a responsible tourist

- Take care of your belongings.
- Do not litter.
- Minimize your noise at the sites and at night time.

Please bring your environmental receipt when visiting different tourist destinations.

Summer is here and my mom is home so several days ago we were so preoccupied in searching for a summer destination. As usual, it is hard to look for resorts and hotels because it is peak season. My sister and sister-in-law were busy calling the resorts that I’ve suggested in Batangas and I’m trying to mock book online for a hotel or resort staycation in Tagaytay and Metro Manila but unfortunately, they are fully booked on our preferred date. It is not easy to book for 13 people.  

Read: Batangas Resorts 
Staycation in Tagaytay


Then I remembered the resort that I bookmarked. I’ve learned about Macampao Beach and Leisure Farm in Chyng’s blog and I even suggested this to my husband for our wedding anniversary celebration pero hindi kami magkasundo kasi gusto niya sa Cabana but I want an air-conditioned room. I did not push with this plan because of his USA trip, alam ko may jetlag siya sa anniversary namin.  


March 23, I emailed the resort to inquire about the rates and if they can still accommodate us. 

March 24, On my way to Valenzuela, I read their reply and I was glad that there are still available rooms for our group. I immediately informed my mom about it and I reserved rooms. We’ve been waiting for their reply and I even called them for a follow-up. 

March 25, We did not receive any reply so we called them again for a follow-up, nagpapanic na kasi kami at one-weekend lang kami pwede lahat. So if hindi pwede sa Macampao, hanap kami ulit. Then after an hour, I received the confirmation email and we went to the bank to deposit the 50% downpayment. Emailed the copy of the deposit slip and my valid ID. Yehey, at last, the search is over.

Fast forward to April 1, since we live in Southern Luzon, we left before 4AM and we arrived at 9:36AM. You have to text the staff so they can open the gate for you so reservation is really needed.



While waiting for our family members, we ate snacks. We had suman with latik, bread, fruits, mango shake and coffee. Napawi ang gutom namin sa biyahe. :)



I initially booked 2 Casa Logoy and 2 sets of Hilid Salamin but there was a last-minute change on the day of our trip so upon arrival, I asked them if I can still change my reservation, which they gladly accommodated. So I booked 3 Casa Logoy and 1 set of Hilid Salamin. 

Room Rates 

Casa Logoy P8000 + 12% VAT for 2 persons 
1 set of Hilid Salamin (2 rooms) P12,800 + 12 % VAT for 4 persons 
Extra kid P1400 (3-12 yrs old) + 12% VAT
Extra Adult P2800 + 12% VAT 

Rooms 

Casa Logoy Room 




Our room is on the 4th floor of Casa Logoy. The room is very simple, you have a bed, side table, small cabinet, and bathroom. No TV and we cannot connect with the free wifi (di abot sa taas). But we don’t care about the wifi because we have an amazing view of the beach. TV is not a problem too because there are so many activities that you can do in the resort.


Toiletries are organic, we have Human Nature shampoo, conditioner, soap, and insect repellent. Since this is a leisure farm, it is important to apply insect repellent. 


Hilid Salamin Room 


Hilid Salamin has two rooms connected by a bathroom. My brother’s family stayed here since they are a group of 5. One queen-sized bed, 2 twin beds, and one extra mattress. What is nice about this room is the ceiling-to-floor windows where natural sunlight can go through


Food 

The room package includes full board meals, we have lunch, snacks, dinner, and breakfast. Honestly, we always look forward to our meal time because it is always a feast. They serve different kinds of seafood, meat, veggies, and fruits from their farm and fish pond. There is food for everyone, even picky eaters won't have any problem. They also serve fruits shake or juice every meal. 

We did not ask for the meal schedule and we just go to the dining room and wait. Sometimes we try to guess the food, pag may naaamoy kami. hehehe! There is no set menu also so it is always a surprise for us when they serve the food on the table. Happy tummy always. 

Foods below are serving for 6 persons except for the Grilled Maliputo and Turon.

Lunch 

Shrimp + Grilled Tanigue + Chicken Tinola + Clams + Watermelon + Mango Shake 

Merienda 


Turon + Mango Sauce and Calamansi Juice. 

Dinner 

Grilled Maliputo/Talakitok + Grilled Liempo + Grilled Squid + Pumpkin Soup + Mango + Mango Shake 


Dahil nagfishing kami, may additional kami na 7 grilled bangus. P300 per kilo + P250 cooking charge 

Breakfast 

Food for everyone

Salted Egg with Tomato + Daing na Bangus + Eggplant + Bacon Wrapped + Bread + Boiled Kamote and Saba + Melon + Buko Juice. 

They gave additional hotdogs for the kids. Thanks! :)

Lunch 

Check-out is 11AM so we decided to eat lunch there before going home. P400 for adults and P200 for kids. 

Curacha with Sweet Chili Garlic Sauce + Blue Marlin Steak + Sayote + Sinigang na Pork + Watermelon + Mango Shake. And because of that full board meals, I know that I gained more pounds. 

10 Things to do in Macampao Beach and Leisure Farm

Another reason why we like Macampao resort is, that there are so many things to do. Adults and kids will never be bored. Macampao Beach and Leisure Farm is indeed a family-friendly resort, you can disconnect from the outside world and bond with your family. Some of their activities are good for the kids and you won’t experience this in other resorts.  

1. Swimming at the beach and inflatable pool 

The resort has no swimming pool but they provided inflatable pools for the kids. 



2. Fishing 


For the last few years, my son wanted to experience fishing but we just don’t know where to go. We went to Fun Farm Sta. Elena and Pangasinan pero wala naman nahuli na fish, hehehe! So my son was really happy when he caught two bangus. 


3. Horseback Riding 

After eating our merienda, we went to the beach for horseback riding. 

4. Board Games 

After dinner, we played sungka and scrabble. 


5. Releasing of Baby Turtles 


The following morning, I’ve read the text message that there are baby turtles releasing activity at 6:30AM. So ginising ko na agad mag-ama ko and informed my family members. We were on the beach before 6AM, excited kami because first-time namin ito. 

I watched it on TV pero iba yung personal experience. It is so nice to see the baby turtles racing to the sea. Mabagal na race nga lang. Hehehe! We were lucky na natapat trip namin na meron baby turtles. :) 

6. Boating at the pond 

After breakfast, we went to the pond to experience boating. 

7. Bamboo Rafting 


My husband tried bamboo rafting. 

8. Kayaking 


Because of the big waves, my son did not join the kayak activity. He was busy playing with the sand.

9. Feeding the Pawikan

While preparing for check-out, my sister messaged me na meron Turtle feeding so I told my son to go down. 

10. Sports Game

You can play beach volleyball, beach soccer, badminton, frisbee, and billiards. My son and nephews played billiards, it was my son’s first time experience. 

We really enjoyed our weekend getaway at Macampao Beach and Leisure Farm. Mrs. Felix, one of the owners of the resort is very accommodating. We were all satisfied with the room, food, and service. The place was not crowded so you can really relax and unwind. Indeed, it is a worry-free weekend, we just eat, sleep, and enjoy. One thing is for sure, we will go back to this resort again. Thanks to my mom for the treat. 

Watch the video here. 

How to Get to Macampao Beach and Leisure Farm

The directions are available on their website. I printed the directions but my husband just relies on Waze for direction.

Macampao Beach and Lesiure Farm
Cabangan, Zambales