Michi Photostory

It was raining in Norway but rain or shine, off we went to the airport. We had mixed feelings on our way to the airport because this was also our last day at my mom’s place. I don’t know when are we going back again. But at the same time, my son and I were excited because we were going to Iceland. To be honest, I did not know that this dream would become a reality, how I wish my husband was with us too. 

Our flight is 14:55 but we left as early as 7AM in Ørland to catch the first Ferry trip. We took a taxi to the seaport, rode the Ferry for one hour, and walked to the bus station. We rode a bus to the airport, it is more or less 40 minutes travel time. We went straight to Radisson Blu Hotel to leave our luggage and we walked back to Trondheim Airport to check in. 

Read: Glimpse of Trondheim Airport 

We were so early in the airport so we ate twice, one in Pizza Hut and a late lunch at Simply Good Eats and Treats. Naubusan na rin kami ng free wifi sa kakahintay. Good thing the flight was not delayed. 


Trondheim to Reykjavik



Finally, Iceland here we come. My son was happy because he had an entertainment kit. This is free for kids and you can bring it home. We did not know that we could take it home, sayang iniwan namin yung headset, but of course on our way back, inuwi na namin yung kit. Hehehe! 


The fare is not cheap so I was expecting that there would be complimentary food but we were wrong, we only have complimentary drinks. Thank God, we ate already and the kids have free food. This is the kid’s meal, apple juice, croissant, and raisins.



The flight is more or less two hours but you won’t get bored because there is in-flight entertainment. 


After two hours, we arrived at our destination. We went straight to the baggage carousel and I was worried at first because we did not pass the immigration. So I was searching the internet, feeling ko baka di kami makalabas pauwi. I told my mom na baka siya lang ang di dadaan kasi iba passport niya pero ganun pala talaga, walang stamp upon arrival since Schengen Visa na nga, pag exit na lang ulit namin ng Europe (Schengen) ang stamp. Now I knew. 

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

I was surprised when I saw the crowd at the airport, ang dami pala tourists sa Iceland. It is really a tourist destination. 

Reykjavik to Trondheim with one stopover in Bergen

After 3 days, I wish we could extend our trip but we have to go back home. Our flight was as early as 8AM, I was thankful that my aunt’s house was just a few minutes away from the airport so we didn't need to wake up early.  


We use the self-service check-in kiosks for check-in but we still fell in line for our check-in luggage. Just choose your airline, scan your passport, and follow all the steps. Then wait for your boarding pass and luggage tag. It is a challenge to put the luggage tag, nasanay na kasi tayo sa Pinas na may taga assist, but in Europe uso ang self-service check-in. We also did this during our flight from Oslo to Trondheim. 

Read: Trip to Norway

Keflavik International Airport is not that big so you won’t get lost. When we went to the boarding gate, there are only limited chairs so ending, nakatayo kami kakahintay. So it is better to go there onboarding time na. 


Here’s the kid's complimentary meal on our way back to Trondheim, juice, banana, raisins, and yogurt. 


Our flight has one stopover at Bergen, Norway. We did not go out of the plane anymore. We just waited inside the plane, hindi ko man lang nasilip ang Bergen. Hehehe!


Upon arrival, we went straight to Radisson Blu Hotel to pick up our luggage and rest. We need to rest because the following day, we’re going back to the Philippines, mahabang-habang biyahe. End of Vacation. 

Read: Reykjanes Peninsula Tour 
Blue Lagoon in Iceland
The Golden Circle Tour in Iceland
The Great Geysir in Iceland
Gullfoss in Iceland
Bridge Between Two Continents in Iceland
Thingvellir National Park

Traveling via plane can be exciting because it means you are going to far places. It is a chance to see new places, taste new food, and experience new things. But before reaching your destination, you need to go be at the airport 3 or 4 hours before the flight, whether domestic or international flight.

After checking-in, the waiting game begins. It takes a lot of patience to wait at the boarding gate especially if you have kids in tow. The free wifi is limited and sometimes has a weak signal because there are a lot of people who are connected. You’ll get hungry and thirsty and you have no choice but to buy an expensive meal at the airport. Seats are not that comfortable and if you are unlucky, you have no seats. 

So it is really nice to stay at airport lounges. Airport lounges offer complimentary food and drinks and that will save you from buying expensive meals. Seats are comfortable compared to boarding gate seats. There are TV, newspaper, and magazines to entertain you. Some have a massage chair, a shower area, and wine and champagne. 

But the best benefits of staying in the airport lounge is, in case of delayed or canceled flights, you don’t need to stress yourself to rebook it, the staff will do it for you. We experienced that when our Cebu to Manila was delayed. The staff just collected our boarding passes and when she came back, she distributed our new boarding passes. 

A lot of people think that airport lounges are only for rich people, that’s what I thought too. But here are the 5 ways to experience airport lounges even you are not rich.

1. Buy Business Class or First Class Ticket 

Buying Business Class or First Class Ticket is not cheap so this is not for ordinary people like me. But if you love collecting miles, you can experience a business class ticket or first class ticket too.

Whenever we travel, we only buy an economy class ticket so we have no access to airport lounges. But thanks to my expiring miles, we were able to experience our first airport lounge at Mabuhay Lounge at Cebu International Airport. My husband booked the regular ticket only but the staff advised him that my miles are already expired so why not book a Business Class ticket para mamaximize pa yung points kasi yung matitira, mawawala na rin. So my husband booked a Business Class ticket for us using miles. So yes, we were able to stay at the airport lounge for the very first time. 

2. Apply for Credit Card that Offers Airport Lounge Access 

If you are a frequent traveler, apply for credit card that allows you to access airport lounges. So even you only have an economy class ticket, you can stay in the lounge. We did this because my husband always travels because of work so we applied for a new credit card. The downside of this is, the annual fee is expensive. But if you are lucky, you can waive the annual fee. 

Our second experience of airport lounge was last summer, we took Thai Airways airline so the terminal is NAIA 1. We had an economy class ticket, but thanks to our credit card, we were able to get a FREE access to Miascor Lounge. You can bring a companion too. (+1). 

3. Attain an Elite Status 

Whether you are a frequent traveler, a business traveler or not, do not forget to sign up for airline loyalty card. Signing-up is easy, just visit their website, enter your information and that’s it! No payment required, yes, it is totally FREE. 

Don’t forget to use your membership card every time you book your flight and check-in so your miles will be credited to your account. You can also earn miles even you don’t fly like transferring your credit card points to miles, earn miles from their hotel partners, or shopping. 

Once you reach the Elite level, you can now access airport lounges. Just check the list of their airport lounges around the world for future references. You can check here the different airport lounges that I have reviewed. 

4. Be a Guest or Plus One 

If you don’t have a business class ticket, platinum credit card or elite status level, then be a guest. Some airlines allow a companion depending on your ticket, credit card, and membership status. My son was able to access airport lounges because he is our plus one using our credit card and plus one of my husband using Mabuhay Miles Card. My husband was able to experience some airport lounges because he is plus one of his boss. 

5. Buy an annual membership, priority pass or day pass for airline lounge access.

If you don’t like staying at the boarding gate and if you have an extra budget. You can buy an annual membership or priority pass that allows you to access airport lounges. If you have long a layover, canceled flight or unexpected delay and you want to rest, then avail a day pass. The rate is not cheap, but sometimes you need to pay for comfort. 

If you want to sleep, check for accommodation inside the airport or near the airport. My husband did that when he has a long layover in Bangkok Thailand.

Read: Sleeping at the Airport

Care to share other ways to experience airport lounges. 

Read: Why Travel for Work is Not Fun

Our Lady of Lourdes Church or Salasa Church (Pangasinan) is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It was built under Father Francisco Barroso in the year 1747-1748. It was renovated and repaired during 1874 and 1885 under Father Juan Terres. This church was able to survive typhoons, floods, and erosion. There are so many plans to move this church to a different location but it never happened because of divine intervention.


This was not my first time to visit this church, I’ve visited this church several times. We attended a wedding, funeral or Sunday Mass. My husband’s family is a Catholic so they attended mass here. A few weeks ago, after going to the cemetery my in-laws decided to drop by here.




We noticed a lot of improvements in the church, ang ganda na ng loob and they also have a Station of the Cross na beside the church.

Ever since the opening of Landmark at Festival Mall, we’ve been going to Alabang every month. Yes, I do my grocery in Landmark because I find their prices cheaper compared to the nearest supermarket in our place. Malaki rin difference so maramihan bili na lang para sulit. They have free parking (basement) din for 3 hours, just don’t forget to validate your receipt before going out. You can check my review here.

Anyway, my husband has no work for the last few days because of the ASEAN Summit so I took advantage of it. Nagpalabtest ako, naggrocery and Christmas shopping na rin. Hence, I have no blogpost but I’m glad because I already finish my Christmas gift list for my family and in-laws. Oh di ba, ang aga ko natapos di ba. All I need to do is wrap them and deliver.



My son has classes so while he was still in school, my husband and I went to Landmark. I have no idea that they have a sale from Nov. 14 to 19, 2017 up to 50% off. I was buying gifts or stuff for our house, I bought few pieces na naka 20% off, so they gave me a paper. At the cashier, I noticed that the cashier is giving 10% discount, so I asked her kung lahat ba may discount? Yes daw, halos lahat ng regular items nila meron. Sayang lang yung ibang gift and Christmas lights ko wala 10% off, but I’m happy because 75% ng nabili ko were discounted. Laking tipid!




So if you are planning to shop, check the Landmark Sale, till November 19, na lang.

Our first airport lounge experience started last year only, we always fly economy class ticket so we always wait at the boarding gate. But there are different ways where you can access airport lounges for free or for a fee. Personally, I only experienced two airport lounges, Mabuhay Lounge in Cebu International Airport and Miascor Lounge at NAIA 1. 


Read: 5 Ways to Get into Airport Lounges


But my husband experienced several airport lounges already because of his business trip. As of now, this is the 10th airport lounge that I have shared on this blog. My husband was in Malaysia and Thailand last week, so from Malaysia, he took Thai Airways airline. Though we have Royal Orchid Plus card, his points are not enough to get a free airport lounge. But thanks to his boss, +1 ulit siya. Yey! 

Note: You can have FREE access to THAI Royal Silk Lounge, if you flying first class or business class, if you are a premium customer of one of the 18 Star Alliance member airlines or as an elite member of their frequent flyer program 



This is the Thai Royal Silk Lounge at Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, if you’ve read my previous airport lounge post, you will also notice that this lounge is bigger compared to Silver Kris Lounge.  According to my husband, the lounge is big, organized and nice. 



If you stay in an airport lounge, you can eat and drink for free, there are newspaper and magazines that you can read, you can watch TV or you can work or browse the internet using the free wifi or internet terminals. 





There are a variety of hot foods and a good selection of hot and cold drinks. The foods taste good. Yehey, for complimentary because airport foods and drinks are expensive. 

Read: Plaza Premium Lounge at Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Masamirey Cove is one of the new resort in Sual, Pangasinan. I learned about this resort a few months ago. My husband is from Pangasinan so I immediately bookmarked this resort because I know that there is a possibility that we can visit this resort one day. 



So when my husband decided to visit his hometown last week, I suggested this resort to him. I mentioned in my previous post that whenever we visit his province, nabobored ang anak ko. Wala kasi wifi or cable so he has nothing to do, lalo na kung siya lang ang bata sa bahay. Unless it is a reunion, may makakalaro siya. 

Anyway, my husband agreed with me so I messaged Masamirey Cove through their Facebook page, after few hours, still no reply. I texted their number and still no reply. So I told my husband to call the resort instead so he was able to reserve. The resort is already fully booked so we had day trip instead.

Travel time is more or less 6 hours from our place, we picked up our in-laws in Laguna and off we went to Pangasinan to pick-up my grandmother-in-law and then we went straight to Masamirey Cove. We reached the resort at 10:40AM, inabot kami ng more than 7 hours sa dami ng stopover. Hehehe! 



I did not see any map or directions on their website, so we just relied on Waze and luckily, we did not get lost. On our way to the resort, we saw this Sual Power Plant. This is where my husband had a field trip during his last year in college so when I saw this, alam ko ng nasa Sual kami. 



Finally, we reached our destination. I thought that the resort is big but I was wrong, maliit lang siya as in isang straight lang siya from parking, rooms, restaurant, pool, cabana and beach. Limited din ang rooms kaya mabilis mafully booked. 



Day trip package is from 8AM to 10PM but at that time, they have Halloween event so day trip is up to 5PM only. After paying, the staff ushered us to our Cabana. 

Since there are so many guests, we decided to order for our lunch ahead of time. The meal is good for 2 to 3 persons and affordable naman. I forgot to take a picture of the menu but the food we ate, wala pa P1k. You can bring your own food but there is a corkage fee of P150 per head. Drinks and snacks have no corkage fee so we brought our own drinks, chip, and cookies. 



After eating, my husband and son started to swim in the pool and play on the beach. For day trippers, there is bathroom beside the pool. 








We did not stay long because we need to buy food for our dinner pa. We wanted to rest na rin kasi naman 2AM gising na kami. Good thing that we just had day trip because this resort is just an hour away from my grandmother-in-law’s house so nakatipid pa kami. Hehehe! 

We enjoyed our short trip in Masamirey Cove. I just hope they will improve their service especially in answering messages kasi nakakaturn-off talaga yung hindi sumasagot. So I was really surprised when we got there. Okay naman pala service nila sa resort. They are friendly, approachable and helpful naman during our stay. 

Note: Mahina signal dun so mahirap makaconnect. Cash only, so don’t forget to bring cash. 

Watch Masamirey Cove video here. 

Masamirey Cove Rates 

Master Bedroom P4800 for 2 persons with breakfast 
Double Bedroom P6500 for 4 persons with breakfast 
Day Trip - P385 adult P280 kid 8AM to 10PM 
Beach Cabana P500 

Note: Extra person charge is P1000 per head with breakfast
Kids age 3 and below are FREE of charge. 
4 to 10 yrs old with fee 
Check-in is 2PM and Check-out is 12NN 
Proper swimwear is required
No pets allowed

Masamirey Cove Activities 

Hundred Islands Tour (9AM to 2PM) 
P1800 maximum of 5 persons 
P2500 maximum of 10 persons



Sual Boat Tours (anytime)
Visit to Power Plant, Fish Cage, Cabalitian Island and Floating Rocks 
P1800 maximum of 5 persons 
P2500 maximum of 10 persons 

Spa Massage - P350 for 1 hour 
Kayaking - P400 1 hour, P700 2 hours, P1000 3 hours
Free of Charge - Dart and board pins, beach volleyball, frisbee 

Masamirey Cove 
Sual, Pangasinan 
09171365931 
09052472189 
masamireycoveresort@gmail.com 
www.masamireycove.com 

Read: Day Trip at Lingayen Pangasinan
Things to do in Bolinao Pangasinan

Two months ago, I finally purchased my first order at Althea Korea site. Althea Korea has celebrated its two years anniversary but I just recently tried it. As usual, when it comes to online shopping, I’m always late to try. Read my first shopping experience here.

I ordered Althea Korea Head to Toe Box, the price is P4902 but I got it for P1487, that is 69% off. The box includes products that you can use from head to toes such as shampoo, hair treatment, scalp cooling hair pack, eyeshadow, body scrub, underarm scrub, vitamin C essence and foot peeling pack.


Most of the products have no English Instructions but you can check their site for directions or just read below.


1. Mise-En-Scene Perfect Serum Shampoo and Treatment 

Trade frizz and dryness in for silky sleekness with this duo that’s infused with a perfecting 7x oil blend and microproteins.


How to use Mise-En-Scene Perfect Serum Shampoo

1. Dampen the hair, then lather with the shampoo and massage before rinsing off.

I like the smell of this shampoo, the smell really lasts longer. It makes my hair soft, smooth and shiny even without using conditioner. I’m not fond of using separate conditioner so I prefer shampoo with conditioner or just shampoo.

How to use Mise-En-Scene Treatment 

1. After shampoo, take dime-sized amount of the treatment.
2.Apply to the ends of your hair and leave it for 3-5 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- you can use hair cap to seal in the treatment. Leave in for half an hour and rinse.
- for intensive treatment, wrap the hair around with hot towel for the treatment to absorb better. Leave for few minutes and rinse.

I only used this once a week

2. Nature Republic Olive Scalp Cooling Hair Pack 

It contains peppermint leaves and olive concentration. It nourishes the scalp and makes the hair healthy and refreshed.


How to use Nature Republic Olive Scalp Cooling Hair Pack 

1. After shampoo, dispense quarter-sized amount onto your palm.
2. Apply on the scalp with your fingertips and massage thoroughly.
3. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes or depending on the condition of the scalp.
4. Then Wash with lukewarm water.

It’s been years since the last time I hot oil my hair. I only buy hot oil treatment and put it on my hair. But this was my first time trying cooling hair pack. The Nature Republic Olive Scalp Cooling Hair Pack live up to its name because it really cools, refresh our scalp and hair. And because of that cooling effect, pinatagal ko pa ng 20 minutes before I rinse it. I also let my husband and son use it, feel na feel ng anak ko yung lamig so enjoy siya.

3. Skin & Lab White Vita-C Essence 

It will brighten the dull skin tone, gives moisturizing benefits and whitens the skin. The main ingredients are green tea seed oil for whitening, sea buckthorn oil for soothing, spider silk protein for vitalizing and ethyl ascorbyl ether- vitamin C.

Recommended for dull skin, dark skin tone, uneven skin tone or for those who want to have total care for the skin.

It has a pump so it is so easy to use.  I like this product because it really brigthens my face. My husband noticed it after few days of using it.

How to use Skin & Lab White Vita-C Essence:

After toner, apply a moderate amount to the face and gently pat on the skin to absorb.

Update October 2018: The Skin & Lab White Vita-C Essence is a little bit expensive but it will last for a few months. This is my favorite in this box, in fact, I already emptied two bottles and currently using my third bottle.

4. Clio Pro Eye Palette Quad in 01 Amber Slip 

The 4-color daily eyeshadow palette gives a clear and transparent look formulated by a wet coating method to provide a smooth and light touch for color to shine naturally. Vivid color formation, practically, and different color depth is useful for eye makeup.


How to use Clio Pro Eye Palette Quad in 01 Amber Slip 

Using a brush, tip or finger, apply a light shade across the eyelid up to the crease.

I don’t normally put eyeshadow on my eyes because I’m not used to it but I tried it and it is so easy to apply.

5. The Choute Hot Body Salt Scrub 

A warming scrub infused with peppermint and caffeine extracts to smooth out cellulite and smoothens the contour of the body.


How to use The Choute Hot Body Salt Scrub:

Apply to the skin and gently massage in circular motion. Leave on for a minute or two, then rinse off with water.

True to its name, the scrub gives you a warm feeling. Even you already rinse it, you can still feel the warm sensation on your skin. I just can’t say if it reduced my cellulite at marami-rami ako niyan. Hehehe!

6. W.Lab Change Foot Peeling Pack 

It contains carbonated water, lemon, orange, apple, lime, acerola, pomegranate, grape, peach, kiwi, urea, aloe vera leaf


How to use W.Lab Change Foot Peeling Pack:

1. Cut the foot sheet, look for the cut line.
2. Put the sheet on then put CO2 booster into each sheet.
3. Adjust the ankle size, wait until the content is absorbed.
4. After 1 hour, put the sheet off then rinse the feet clearly.

After one hour, I did not see any changes so I patiently waited for my feet to peel. After 3 days, wala pa rin, then after 5 days wala pa rin. I was losing hope already, feeling ko wala na mangyayari. But after 6 days, my sole started to peel na. Patience is a virtue talaga. I thought hindi eepekto. Hehehe! The peeling lasted for few days but I still don’t have a baby foot, sa kapal siguro ng dead skin cells na dapat tanggalin.

7. Angel Factory Under Arm White Peeling Perfume 

Dark, dry underarms, be gone! This whitening, hydrating and exfoliating kit keeps your underarms looking and smelling as good as they feel throughout the day.


How to use Angel Factory Under Arm White Peeling Perfume: 

1. Take out the pads and gently wipe the underarms in a circular motion to cleanse and exfoliate the area.
2. Allow to dry, then apply the whitening fragrant cream onto the underarms and pat until absorbed.

I tried the Under Arm White Peeling Perfume but after using it, my armpit gets itchy, one part lang naman.

Read: Althea Korea Haul

I recently bought Althea Korea Lazy Sunday box too. I will share my review next time.

Sembreak is over and my son is already back to school. Grabe ang bilis lang ng sembreak, halos hindi ko naramdaman. I thought that I will have enough time to blog since there were no classes last week but I was wrong. So what happened last week? 



Trick or Treat 

Out of the blue, my son asked me kung ano daw costume niya sa trick or treat. I was surprised because I was not planning anything because we did not attend any Trick or Treat event last year kasi nga feeling ko tapos na kami sa mga ganyan. So I asked my husband if they have a trick or treat event sa office and he said yes. The last time that we attended their company’s trick or treat was five years ago and two years ago we went to Taal Vista Hotel Trick or Treat Event.

It was a last minute preparation so few days before the event, I asked my friend if I can borrow any costume. Thank God, may nagkasya sa anak ko. Day before the event, I made a DIY green lantern mask so nagtatahi pa ko di ba.



Tip: Costumes are expensive so if you can borrow from your friends or families, makakatipid ka or kaya mag DIY na lang. For the past several years, twice pa lang kami bumili ng Halloween Costumes. 

My son enjoyed the Trick or Treat event and buti na lang chocolates ang mga pinamigay, konti lang ang candies. 

Day Trip at Masamirey Cove Resort 

My husband decided to go to Pangasinan para sa Undas, it was an overnight trip so I suggested na mag-overnight or day trip kami sa Masamirey Cove Resort. Staying in the province with kid in tow is not easy, lalo na at walang wifi at cable doon so mabored ang anak ko. Kailangan may activity or else, mabibingi ko sa "I'm bored mommy".




Three days before our trip, I messaged and texted the resort but no one replied, seen zoned lang so I told my husband to call the resort. He was advised that there is no more room available so he just reserved for a day trip. 

Read: Day Trip at Masamirey Cove

Review Time 

For the very first time, our second periodical test was moved so my son and I started to review na nung sembreak. Sad lang na hindi namin naenjoy kasi aral pa rin, hehehe! Mas okay sana kung nag-exam na kami before sembreak. 

Hands-on Training Series 

I am planning to work at home so I attended a training last week in Tagaytay. I have zero knowledge of freelancing or homebased jobs so I decided to attend a training. It is an Introduction to Freelancing so now at least I already have an idea. It’s been years since the last time I work, so kakapa-kapa ako and I don’t even have a resume. Well, one step at a time. 



This is our lunch meal at Moderno Tagaytay.

That’s it! I need to finish my son’s reviewer pa.