July 24, 2018

My Korean Drama Series List

It is indeed a rainy season here in the Philippines and I’m missing the sun. I dislike the rainy season because it also makes me lazy and sad. Nakakastress din because you have to wait for class suspension announcement, it’s either mapuyat ka or gigising ka ng maaga just to check if there is news na. Unfortunately, lagi kami may pasok rain or shine (#onlyinLaguna), it is funny pa kasi kung ano yung hindi maulan, yun ang wala kami pasok.


Last week was a stressful week. Ikaw ba naman ang may pasok hanggang Saturday tapos exam week pa ng anak ko. Sabi ko nga sa IG ko, “Habang ang lahat walang pasok, kami meron, meron, meron. Habang ang iba long weekend, kami may Saturday Class pa” huhuhu! And because of that, last Saturday I started watching Korean Drama again.

It’s been more than a decade when I first watched Korean Drama, Jewel in the Palace is the first Kdrama that I watched. Then I watched Queen Seon Deok, crush ko si Bidam played by Kim Nam Gil so kahit mapuyat ako mapanood ko lang siya. My husband was very supportive so he bought a CD of Queen Seon Deok para di na ko magpuyat but in the end, mas napuyat ako kasi ayaw ko tigilan hanggat di ko matapos. After that, I watched Baker’s King, grabe luha ko dito. Hehehe! I stopped watching Kdrama on TV na. Several years ago, my friend gave me a copy of The Heirs, I like the story and naging crush ko si Lee Min Ho.

1. Jewel in the Palace
2. Queen Seon Deok
3. Baker’s King
4. The Heirs

But it was only last year that I became hooked, I watched so many series last year because you can watch them online na so I don’t have to wait sa TV. In two months, I was able to watch 11 Korean Drama. Kinain na ko ng sistema, lol.

5. W - Two Worlds
6. Descendants of the Sun
7. Legend of the Blue Sea
8. Doctors
9. Love Story in Harvard
10. Love in the Moonlight
11. Goblin
12. Cinderella and the Four Knights
13. Personal Taste
14. Boys Over Flowers
15. K2

My favorites include Descendants of the Sun, Legend of the Blue Sea, and K2. I watched LOTBS, Personal Taste, and Boys Over Flowers because I like Lee Min Ho. Then things changed when I watched K2, nadagdagan na crush ko, now I love Ji Chang Wook. I started searching for Ji Chang Wook movie and Korean Drama so I watched Healer, Suspicious Partner, and Empress Ki. Now I’m missing him na, two years din siya sa Military Service.

April to December 2017 

16. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
17. Something About 1%
18. Healer
19. Strong Woman Dong Bong Soo
20. Cheese in the Trap
21. My Secret Romance
22. Suspicious Partner
23. Pinocchio
24. She was Pretty
25. My Love From Another Star
26. Fight for My Way
27. Oh My Venus
28. Empress Ki
29. Beautiful Gong Shim
30. Dr. Heo Live Up to Your Name
31. Bride of Water God
32. While You Were Sleeping
33. Doctor Stranger
34. School 2013

Hindi ko naman crush si Lee Jong Suk but so far, lahat ng Kdrama niya magagada ang story so pinanonood ko pag siya bida, I watched W- Two Worlds, Pinocchio, While You Were Sleeping, Doctor Stranger and School 2013. I watched Dr. Heo Live Up to Your Name because of Kim Nam Gil.

2018

I can’t believe that I watched 30 KDrama last year, ilang oras kaya yun. Lol. This year, medyo busy-busyhan ang lola niyo so konti pa lang napapanood ko. I started watching Introverted Boss and Tomorrow With You last year, pero like Goblin inaantok ako sa kanila so it took me a long time to finish it, inabot ng 2018. hehehe!

35. Go Back Couple
36. Emergency Couple
37. Hospital Ship
38. Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me
39. Introverted Boss
40. I'm Not a Robot
41. Tomorrow With You
42. About Time
43. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim
44. Because This Is My First Life
45. Wok of Love
46. Miss Hammurabi
47. The Time We Were Not in Love (The Time I've Loved You)
48. Something in The Rain
49. Are You Human Too?
50. Welcome to Waikiki
51. My ID is Gangnam Beauty
52. 30 but 17
53. Your House Helper
54. Risky Romance
55. Where Stars Land

2019

I was busy this year 2019 and April was the first time I watched Korean Drama series again. Even though, I only watched 13 series, 4 naman ang naging favorite ko compared to my previous years. My favorite Korean drama series are Romance is a Bonus Book, Sky Castle, Shopping King Louis and Touch Your Heart. 

56. Romance is a Bonus Book
57. Memories of Alhambra
58. My Only Love Song
59. A Korean Odyssey
60. Encounter
61. Sky Castle
62. My First First Love (Season 1 and 2)
63. Shopping King Louis
64. Her Private Life
65. Secret Garden
66. Touch Your Heart
67. Terius Behind Me
68. Melting Me Softly

2020

This year 2020, I watched a lot of Korean dramas because of the community quarantine, I was confined inside our home so to keep me sane, I subscribed to Netflix for one month (mobile). After one month, I canceled my subscription but my husband decided to subscribe to the P549 plan so we could all watch, hehehe! Yey, free na subscription ko. My favorite drama series is It's Okay Not to Be Okay and Dr. John

69. Crash Landing on You

70. Hyde Jekyll Me
71. Itaewon Class
72. Marriage Contract
73. The Secret Life of my Secretary
74. When the Weather is Fine
75. Dr. Romantic
76. Dr. Romantic 2
77. Rooftop Prince
78. A World of Married Couple
79. Clean with Passion for Now
80. The Wind Blows
81. VIP
82. The Package
83. The King Eternal Monarch
84. It's Okay Not to Be Okay
85. Backstreet Rookie
86. Was it Love
87. To All the Guys Who Loved Me
88. Angel's Last Mission: Love
89. Mystic Pop up Bar
90. Chocolate
91. Reply 1988
92. Reply 1997
94. Kill Me Heal Me
95. You Drive Me Crazy
96. Welcome Waikiki 2
97. Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol 
98. Start Up

2021

OMG, I finished 39 Korean Drama series this year and I still have a lot of unfinished series that I don't know if I will continue. Anyway,  out of 39, my favorite Korean drama series for the year 2021 is only Hometown Cha Cha Cha

99. 100 Days My Prince
100. Hwarang
101. Suits
102. The Uncanny Counter
103. Lovestruck in the City
104. Flower of Evil
105. Sound of Your Heart Reboot (Season 1)
106. Sisyphus: The Myth
107. Strongest Delivery Man
108. The Fiery Priest
109. Vincenzo
110. True Beauty
111. Mr. Queen
112. Good Manager
113. My Girlfriend is Gumiho
114. Oh My Ghost
115. Love Alarm (Season 1)
116. Hospital Playlist (Season 1)
117. Familiar Wife
119. The Producers
120. Nevertheless
121. Racket Boys
123. Search WWW
124. D.P. 
125. Lawless Lawyer
126. Hello Me!
127. Squid Game
128. Police Academy
129. When Camellia Blooms
130. Abyss
132. Record of Youth
133. More Than Friends
134. A Love So Beautiful
135. One The Woman
136. The King's Affection
137. The Silent Sea


2022

I finished 32 Korean drama series this year but most of these dramas are just short. I have a lot of unfinished series so I decided to watch short series that I can finish. My favorite dramas this year are Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Business Proposal, Extraordinary Woo Young Woo, and Alchemy of Souls. 

138. Now, We Are Breaking Up
139. Our Beloved Summer
140. Full House
141. Ghost Doctor
142. Twenty-Five Twenty-One
143. Forecasting Love and Weather
144. Business Proposal
145. Soundtrack #1
146. One More Time
147. A Hymn of Death
148. Don't Dare to Dream
149. Crazy Love
150. Pachinko
151. The Sound of Magic
152. Seven First Kisses
153. The Boy Next Door
154. We Broke Up
155. One Sunny Day
156. Queen of the Ring
157. Secret Queen Makers
158. Last Minute Romance
159. My Liberation Notes
160. Shooting Stars
161. Our Blues
162. Welcome to Wedding Hell
163. My Roommate is Gumiho
164. Mr. Sunshine
165. Remarriage and Desires
166. Extraordinary Woo Young Woo
167. Alchemy of Souls
168. Once Upon a Small Town
169. Jirisan

2023

I spent most of my time crafting so I had limited time to watch Korean drama series. For the year 2023, I only finished 23 series and my favorite for this year is Alchemy of Souls (Season 2)

170. The Glory
171. Alchemy of Souls (Season 2)
172. The Island
173. Birthcare Center
174. Love in Contract
175. The Fabulous
176. Love to Hate You
177. Crash Course in Romance
178. Today's Webtoon
179. Military Prosecutor Doberman
180. Revolutionary Love
181. Call it Love
182. Dr. Cha
183. The Good Bad Mother
184. Agency
185. Dr. Romantic 3 
186. See You in My 19th Life
187. King the Land
188. D. P. Season 2
189. Prison Playbook
190. The First Responders Season 1
191. Doona
192. Castaway Diva

2024

I can't believe that I only watched 12 Korean dramas this year 2024. My favorite is Queen of Tears. 

193. Gyeong Seong Creature
194. My Demon
195. Welcome to Samdal-ri
196. Doctor Slump
197. Queen of Tears
198. Miss Night and Day
199. Lovely Runner
200. No Gain No Love
201. Love Next Door
202. Pasta
203. My Dearest
204. A Virtuous Business


2025

205. When the Phone Rings
206.  The Tale of Lady Ok
207. Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
208. Love Scout
209. Melo Movie

Korean Drama Series Checklist

1. Ahn Hyo Seop Korean Drama List 
2. Hyun Bin Korean Drama List
3. Ji Chang Wook Korean Drama List
4. Ji Sung Korean Drama List
5. Kim Jae Wook Korean Drama List
6. Kim Nam Gil Korean Drama List
7. Kim Seo-Ho Korean Drama List
8. Kim Soo Hyun Korean Drama List
9. Lee Jong Suk Korean Drama List
10. Lee Seung Gi Korean Drama List
11. Nam Joo Hyuk Korean Drama List
12. Park Seo Joon Korean Drama List
13. Song Joong Ki Korean Drama List
14. Song Kang Korean Drama List
15. Time Travel Korean Drama List
16. Travel the World by Watching these Korean Drama

Click to download the FREE Korean Drama Series Checklist



How many have you watched? Care to share your favorite Korean series so I can add it to my list.

Click here to download the FREE Currently Watching Tracker

Read: My Shopping Experience at Althea Korea

Don’t Forget to Secure Home Before Taking a Trip

It’s that time of year again. Time to pack your things, gather your family, and head off for a much-needed vacation. You’ve been planning for this trip all year, and you’re anxious to hit the road. Before you go, you should probably make sure that you’ve secured your home first. Imagine coming home after having a great time only to find that it has been burglarized, vandalized, or caught on fire? You may not be able to control the inevitable, but you can do your part to reduce your risks. Here’s how:

Ask Someone You Trust for Help 

A vacant home is a prime opportunity for burglars to access your property and take whatever they’d like. To make your house less appealing, ask someone you trust to keep an eye on things. It can be a neighbor, family member, or friend. Simply let them know you’re going away and ask if they’ll watch the house. They may choose to stay at your place while you’re gone or opt to drive by periodically to take a glance at things. Either way, there’s someone constantly accessing your home, therefore, reducing the likelihood that a thief would be interested in breaking in.

Hold Your Mail 

There are various signs thieves look for to determine which property they’ll target. One of those signs is a full mailbox or packages left outside the door. If you plan on being gone for more than a day or two, you should probably put your mail on hold. You can contact your local post office to find out how. If you’re unable to or would prefer not to go that route, you can ask a neighbor or family member to retrieve mail for you.

Insure Your Property 

Some things that could go wrong while you’re on vacation are completely out of your control and unforeseen. Natural disasters, for instance, can happen in an instant. To protect your house and personal belongings you should have property insurance. This way, if the house catches fire, floods, gets burglarized or experiences some other disaster, you can receive funds to replace what was lost or damaged. You can find cheap apartment renters insurance or homeowners insurance online and have coverage the same day.

Alert Your Home Security Company 

If you have a home security system that comes with monitoring services, this can provide you with added peace of mind while on vacation. Not only should you make sure that your alarm is armed when you leave your home, but you should also notify the security company that you will be away. When aware of your destination, agents know to be on high alert if your alarm should go off. They won’t hesitate to contact the local authorities on your behalf.

Do Some Yard Work 

Another sign that nobody is home is an unkempt lawn. Before going on your trip you should tend to your lawn maintenance. Cut the grass, prune the trees, trim the hedges, and secure all the lawn equipment in the shed or house for safe keeping.

Lock the Garage 

Here’s a big safety point that a lot of homeowners forget. When you pull out of the garage be sure to lock it behind you. This is especially true for garages that allow easy access to the rest of the house.

You deserve to get away from your everyday life. To spend some quality time with your family. You also deserve to come home to a house that’s intact. If you really want to enjoy yourself on this trip, before taking flight, it is imperative that you follow these safety tips and secure your home.

July 20, 2018

Althea Korea Skincare Haul

I discovered Althea Korea a few years ago but it was only last year when I tried shopping at their site and because of the smooth transaction, it became one of my favorite online shopping sites especially for beauty products. If you knew me, I’m not fond of buying beauty products but things changed, now skincare products are part of my budget. Hindi na ko bata so I need to take care of my skin before it’s too late.


As of now, Althea Korea is celebrating their 3rd birthday, they have promos starting July 2 to July 31, 2018. I missed the 3 weekly promos but I won’t miss the 4th week, I want to join their contest. Malay mo, manalo ko ng “Fly me to Korea”. Yesterday, I was checking my skincare products so I will have an idea if I need to restock. I was also browsing their site to look for interesting products that I want to try. And because of that, I realized that I haven’t shared my Althea Korea Haul yet. 

Read: My Shopping Experience at Althea Korea

January 2, 2018 

Last year, I joined their contest and fortunately, I won shopping credits in one of their contests so as early as January 2, 2018, I placed my order.

It's My Puff; It's My Magic Sponge P110
It's My Puff; It's My Cushion Puff P50
Lizly Oh My Awesome Tint; Awesome Rosepink P350
Elizavecca Skin Liar Primer (30ml) P280
Milky Dress Wrinkle and Whitening Eye Cream (15ml) P210
Black Head Solution 3-Step Nose Pack; 3-Step Nose Pack_Single Sheet P60
Pig-Nose Clear Black Head 3-Step Kit P80
Boomdeahdah Set; Everyday Mask 5each + Hand Cream Gardenia + Rose Body Lotion P300
Innisfree Capsule Recipe Pack; Volcanic Clay P120


My husband tried the Black Head Solutions 3-Step Nose Pack and Pig-Nose Clear Black Head 3-Step Kit, sa dami ng steps mas gusto niyo yung second step lang, wala ng before and after process. Hehehe! I tried the Oh My Awesome Tint and I was having a hard time applying it or hindi lang talaga ko marunong mag-apply so I seldom use this, maglipstik na lang ako. I love the Elizavecca Skin Liar Primer because it covers the pores, moisturize my skin and it keeps my powder for a long time so no need to reapply. I love the scent too.


I’m using the Wrinkle and Whitening Eye Cream every night, though hindi ko naman napapansin yung whitening effect niya kasi pansin ko pa rin eyebag ko, but I will still purchase it. So I can prevent the wrinkles on my undereye. Winner yung Boomdeahdah Set ko for only P300, I like this brand because it is affordable and okay naman product nila. I have beauty blender from Daiso na but I bought magic sponge so I can compare kung may difference ba, well I did not notice any difference except sa price. I haven't used the Innisfee and Primer, I will update this post na lang.


March 14, 2018

I got a discount coupon last January but I wasn’t able to use it because I was waiting for the Skin & Lab White Vita-C Essence stock, lagi kasi siya out of stock. Naexpire na tuloy coupon ko. This vitamin C essence was part of the Althea Korea Head to Toe Box that I bought last year and I love this product so I repurchase it. I only bought two products but I’m happy with my new discovery.


Skin & Lab White Vita-C Essence (50ml) P730
Rire Pore Tightening Fresh Toner (300ml) P360


The Rire Pore Tightening Fresh Toner is only P360, sulit siya kasi 300ml so you can use it for more than a month. It has Amazon white clay, aloe vera and tea tree extract, and Korean chestnut extract that will help you in minimizing pores, controlling sebum, hydrating and soothing your skin. I like this toner, feeling ko ang linis talaga ng face ko after using this.

May 8, 2018 

I need to buy a cleanser, eye cream, and moisture cream so last April, I placed my order but unfortunately, it did not go through. My order was canceled because they were not able to get my payment from Paypal due to system migration. I was so disappointed because I placed my order twice and parehong canceled so di na ko umulit. After one month, I tried ordering again and fortunately, my order went through, and no more cancellation. I ordered the following.


Faceshop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam Lemon (170ml) P150
Milky Dress Wrinkle and Whitening Eye Cream (15ml) P210
Onsaemeein Perfect Moisture_Cream (70ml) P340
Rire Luxe Gel Eyeliner (0.5g); Kill Black P210
Eyelash Curler Comb P140
Vita 3000 Capsule Cream (30ml) Vita E P145
B-Lab I Am Sorry I Am Just Cleansing Water (100ml) P190

I reordered Wrinkle and Whitening Eye Cream because I gave my first tube to my mom, mag-order na lang daw ulit ako. Hehehe! I was using Wangskin Moist Soothing Skin Cream since last year, it was part of the Althea Korea Lazy Sunday Box pero naubos na. I like that product but when I checked Althea Korea, it was not available so I bought Onsaemeein Perfect Moisture Cream. I tried Onsaemeein Yogurt Peeling and I'm satisfied with it so nagtry ako ng cream nila. So far, I also like their cream, the texture and smell are the same with the yogurt peeling and it is not sticky. I will purchase this again.

I bought the Eyelash Curler Comb, cute kasi, meron suklay yung eyelashes ko. I used Missha Frui-tea Cleansing Foam before and for a change, I tried Faceshop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam. You only need a pea-sized amount to clean your face so I guess one tube will last for long and it is only P150. It cleanses, purifies, and brightens the face.

I bought Vita 3000 Capsule Cream Vita E, this Vita 3000 Capsule Cream has different variants depending on your skin need. But I'm already using Vitamin C Essence so I chose vitamin E cream for smooth and moist skin. Vitamin E cream protects the skin from dehydration and itchiness. I tried the cream, it is so thick and ang tagal din iabsorb ng skin so I find it sticky. I don't like the smell too. The price is affordable but not my type.

If you're too tired or just lazy to wash your face, you can use B-Lab I Am Sorry I Am Just Cleansing Water. It can remove your makeup or clean your face without washing. I like this product because it really cleans my face without drying it. It has a mild scent too. I just bought a small size, next time I will buy the 500ml.

So that's my Althea Korea Skincare Haul this year, so far satisfied naman ko sa lahat and no breakouts or rashes after using the Korean products. Care to share your favorite Korean beauty products.

July 18, 2018

Where to Stay in Singapore

Singapore is just a small country but a lot of tourists are visiting because it offers a lot of interesting sites for singles, couples, and families. It is known for having an amazing airport, food centres, family-friendly attractions, and even shopping destinations. In addition, you can visit Singapore, any time of the year and for Filipinos, we don’t need a visa.


Once you book your plane ticket, the next question is “Where should I stay in Singapore?” especially if this is your first time. Don’t worry because whether you are visiting for business or leisure, you can find the right accommodation. There are hostels, budget hotel, and luxury hotels so you can book depending on your budget. Although, Singapore has a very accessible train and bus system don’t forget to consider the location of your hotel. Some of the favorite locations of tourists are Bugis, Chinatown, Little India, Sentosa, Orchard Road, Clark Quay and Marina Bay.

We’ve been to Singapore a few times already so let me share some hotels that we have tried or my husband tried in the past. As of this writing, we have tried 6 hotels but I forgot the name of the first hotel but it is located in Little India so walking distance to Mustafa Mall. So if you are looking for an accommodation in Singapore, check these hotels.

1. SOUTH EAST ASIA HOTEL 

For our second visit to Singapore, I was looking for a budget accommodation and I stumbled upon South East Asia Hotel which is located in Bugis. The rate is only SGD100 per night with complimentary breakfast already. Since this is just a budget hotel, manage your expectation. The hotel has a good location, it is near shopping malls, market, money changer, souvenir shops and MRT. From the airport, you can just take the train and get off at Bugis station and walk to the SEA Hotel, about 6 minutes walk.

Read: South East Asia Hotel Review

2. SWISSOTEL MERCHANT COURT 

When my husband attended a seminar in Singapore, he stayed at Swissotel Merchant Court which is located at the city center. This hotel has good facilities, the room, and the swimming pool is also good. It is one of the nice hotels in Clarke Quay; in fact, when my husband took a taxi and told the driver his hotel, the driver said, “Oh, you have a nice hotel”. It is situated in Clarke Quay so you have Singapore River view, you can enjoy your hawkers' food trip and you can also start your DIY Singapore City Tour here.

Read: DIY Singapore City Tour

3. SHERATON TOWERS SINGAPORE

For our third trip to Singapore, we stayed at Sheraton Towers Singapore located in Scotts Road and the nearest MRT is Newton Station. This is a five-star hotel so expect that the facilities, food, and service are good. The room has a bathtub so plus points. The food is a little bit expensive but don’t you worry because Newton Food Centre is just a few minutes walk from the hotel. My favorite part of the room perks is the complimentary use of a smartphone device. I can use the phone and I don’t need to turn on my roaming. Yes, I have unlimited internet access during our stay.

Read: Sheraton Towers Singapore Review

4. OASIA HOTEL NOVENA SINGAPORE

Oasia Hotel Novena is the fifth hotel that my husband tried in Singapore. It is located in Central Business District, shopping malls and the nearest MRT Station is Novena. It offers complimentary arrival transfer from the airport and you can also reimburse one taxi receipt every day up to SGD20. The room and bathroom are small. The facilities are good too, it has a gym, jacuzzi and lap pool.

Read: Oasia Hotel Novena Review

5. FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON SINGAPORE RIVERVIEW

Just last month, my husband stayed at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview. Among the hotels that he tried, he likes the location of this hotel because it is near Singapore River, walking distance to his office and you can also do a walking tour here because some tourist spots are just a few minutes walk. It offers free shuttle service to MRT station and Orchard road, so if you like to shop, no need to spend money on transportation. You can just take advantage of the free shuttle to Orchard. This hotel has 3 restaurants and one of my husband’s favorite is Irodori Japanese Restaurant so if you love Japanese foods, try their buffet lunch and dinner.

Read: Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview Review 
Things to do in Singapore

6. THE WAREHOUSE HOTEL

If you want a unique experience then stay at The Warehouse Hotel. It is a modern boutique hotel located in Robertson Quay. It is a small hotel with a unique history too. This hotel may lack the facilities and amenities that you want in a hotel but it boasts on its hospitality and home-cooked Singaporean specialties.

Read: The Warehouse Hotel in Singapore 

July 16, 2018

A Guide for SSS Members in the Philippines

If you are a member of Social Security System or simply SSS, it is very important to register at My.SSS in order for you to access and check your social security records without leaving your home. You can use a computer, laptop, tablet or even smartphone with an internet connection to access the SSS website.


Once you have the SSS online account, you can now view or update your membership records, you can check your contributions and you can apply for SSS loan and benefits. There are more things that you can do using the My.SSS account at the comfort of your home.

HOW TO CREATE SSS ONLINE ACCOUNT 

I created my SSS online account a decade ago so I’m not sure if the process is still the same. But one thing for sure, it is easy to create an account as long as you follow the steps.

1. Go to SSS website https://www.sss.gov.ph
2. Then click the “Click here” button below the NOT YET REGISTERED in My.SSS
3. Select one information, as reported to SSS to register.

Savings Account Number/Citibank Cash Card/ UBP Quick Card/UMID Saving Account Number Registered in SSS
Mobile Number Registered in SSS
UMID Card
Employer ID Number/Household employer ID Number
Payment Reference Number/SBR No./Payment Receipt Transaction Number

4. Fill-out the form, enter the verification code, check the I accept the Terms of Service and click submit.
5. Check your email and click the link from SSS to complete your registration.

SSS CONTRIBUTION RATE 

Last December 23, 2013, I received an email from SSS stating the increase of contribution rate starting January 2014.
“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."
Here is the SSS CONTRIBUTION SCHEDULE.


WHERE TO PAY YOUR SSS CONTRIBUTION 

Banks 

AUB
Bank of Commerce
BPI
PBB
Security Bank
PNB
Unionbank

Payment Centers 

Bayad Center
GCash
Ventaja
Sky Freight
PinoyExpress
Iremit
SM Payment Center

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

Payment Deadline 

For Regular and Household Employers. If the 10th digit of the 13-digit ER/HR number ends in | Payment Deadline (following the applicable month) 

1 or 2 - 10th day of the month
3 or 4 - 15th day of the month
5 or 6 - 20th day of the month
7 or 8 - 25th of the month
9 or 0 - last day of the month

For Self-Employed and Voluntary Members (Except OFW Members). If the 10th (last) digit of the SSS Number ends in | Payment deadline {following the applicable month or quarter (For Se/VM only) as the case may be} 

1 or 2 - 10th day of the month
3 or 4 - 15th day of the month
5 or 6 - 20th day of the month
7 or 8 - 25th of the month
9 or 0 - last day of the month

HOW TO CHECK YOUR SSS CONTRIBUTIONS ONLINE 

Nowadays, once you pay your SSS contribution, you may receive text confirmation that your payment has been posted, but it may take weeks after the payment. From time to time, I also check my contribution online, I copy/paste or screenshot it so I have a copy of all my contributions.

1. Go to SSS website https://www.sss.gov.ph
2. Log-in. Enter User ID and Password
3. Click E-Services then click Inquiry
4. Click Member’s Information and Actual Premiums. Then you will see all your contributions and the total of the contributions that you have paid.

HOW TO COMPUTE YOUR SSS PENSION 

From the time you started working, you are already paying your SSS contributions but do you know how much is your pension by the time you retire. Don’t worry, it is so easy to check your retirement benefits online.

1. Go to SSS website https://www.sss.gov.ph
2. Enter your User ID and Password
3. Click E-services, then click Stipulated Retirement

* Assuming continuous payment starting on the month after the date of inquiry up to the 60th and 65th birthday or until qualified for the pension.
* The computed amount of retirement is just an estimate and may differ from the actual amount of your retirement benefits.

To give you some estimates 

Contribution   | Amount Pension at the Age of 60  | Amount of Pension at the Age of 65 

P550                 | P4,673.45                                          | P5,173.57
P1,100              | P8,034                                               | P9,034.00
P1,760              | P12,674.40                                        | P14,274.40

So if you want to increase your pension amount, increase also your contributions and don’t forget this condition.

* SE/Voluntary/OFW/NWS who is below 55 years old shall be allowed to change his/her Monthly SSS contributions without limit in frequency and in number of salary brackets in a given year, but in no case shall be lower than the prevailing minimum monthly contribution for SE/Voluntary/OFW/NWS members.
* SE/Voluntary/OFW/NWS member who is 55 years old and above shall be allowed to increase his/her SSS contributions only once in a given calendar year and by one (1) salary bracket only from the last posted contribution

Note: The monthly pension depends on the member’s paid contributions, credited years of service, and the number of his dependent minor children that must not exceed five. The monthly pension will be the highest amount resulting from either one of the three pension formulae.

1. The sum of P300 plus 20% percent of the average monthly salary credit plus two percent of the average monthly salary credit for each credited year of service in excess of ten years.
2. Forty percent of the average monthly salary credit
3. P1200, if the credited year of service is at least 10 but less than 20; or P2400 if the CYS is 20 or more.

HOW TO PAY YOUR SSS SALARY LOAN IF YOU ARE A VOLUNTARY MEMBER

I applied for SSS Salary Loan and according to the email that I’ve received my first payment would be on October 2012 so I’ve made my first payment at SM Payment Center. The only disadvantage of a voluntary member is I have to pay every month at the payment center unlike the employed members, HR is responsible for that.

1. Go to SSS branch or SM payment Center. I always go to SM because it is open every day.
2. SM payment center provides form but if you want you can also print the form from SSS website.
3. Fill it out and make payment.

Read: HOW TO APPLY FOR SSS SALARY LOAN VIA ONLINE
HOW TO REPLACE LOST SSS ID

For more information, read, download or print this SSS Guidebook

Update January 2019 

HOW TO GENERATE SSS PAYMENT REFERENCE NUMBER OR PRN 

I always pay my SSS contribution at SM Payment Center but during the first quarter of 2018, SM stopped accepting SSS payment because they need to update their system. So I started paying my contribution at SSS office. Minsan wala pila pero madalas mahaba pila, the longest that I stayed is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Waah! I hope I can pay na sa SM Payment Center.

Last year, my friend told me that SSS is now requiring Payment Reference Number or PRN, yun na daw ang need at hindi na SSS ID number para magbayad. I just need to login at my SSS account to get the PRN. It started last September 6, 2018 but since matagal pa December, deadma muna ko.

I failed to pay my October to December 2018 contribution last December, good thing that my due date is January 31, 2019. So after the holiday, I checked my email and looked for the email that SSS sent me last September. I watched the Step by Step Guide for Real-Time Processing of Contributions (RTPC).

For Individual Members 

SSS will send your PRN to your registered mobile number and email address or get your PRN through email PRNHelpLine@sss.go.ph, SSS Call Center 920-6446 and 917-777, e-Centers in SSS branches, SSS Tellering Counters, and MY.SSS.

You may also view and edit your Statement of Account (SOA) and change your payment period and contribution amount.

Present the PRN when paying your SSS contributions

View your SSS contributions instantly after your payment

Since April, I haven’t received any text regarding my PRN number so I just get my PRN online. Just go to My.SSS website.

How to Generate SSS PRN 

Step 1: Login to your My.SSS account
Step 2: Click Payment Reference Number (PRN) tab
Step 3: Fill-out the form

Select Membership Type
Applicable Period:
From: Select Month and Year
To: Select Month and Year
Contribution
Total Amount

Click submit request

Step 4: Edit or Print Statement of Account (SOA)

After I paid my contribution, I did not check if real-time nga yung posting but the following day, I received text from SSS regarding my contribution payment. I also received the PRN number for January to March 2019 contribution. I checked my account after one week and my payment was already posted. Unlike dati, parang buwan pa bago mapost so happy ko sa improvement na ito. At least real time na ang posting. While waiting at the SSS, I heard na may expiration daw yung PRN, dapat within 5 days pagkaprint mo, nabayarang mo daw.

July 13, 2018

Thingvellir National Park in Iceland

If you are going to Iceland, the most popular tour is Golden Circle Tour and I highly recommend that you get this package tour. But if you want to explore it on your own, don’t forget to visit Geysir, Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park. Since we have relatives in Iceland, we had DIY Golden Circle Tour last year. We started our tour as early as 6AM and our first stop is Thingvellir National Park.    



Since we’re all first timers (yes, even my relatives haven’t visited this park yet) we don’t know where to start. The Visitor Center was still closed, I think we arrived around 7:30AM so we just look for a parking lot and started our tour. There is NO ENTRANCE FEE so we just followed the signs. Honestly, I have no idea about this park so all I thought, this is just an ordinary park but I was wrong. This park surprised me and this is my favorite place among the three tourist spots that we have visited. 


Thingvellir National Park is a protected national shrine and if you want to know more about Iceland, visit this place. It is where the general assembly was established in the year 1930 and a lot of major events held in this park. In 2004, this park became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List


Aside from the history, Thingvellir National Park is considered a natural wonder because of their geologic history. It is where you can see the evolution and formation of Mid Atlantic Ridge. It is located on the tectonic plate boundaries so you can see the evidence that the Eurasian and North American plates are drifting apart. 

What can you see in Thingvellir National Park? 

Kastalar lava hills
Almannagja 
Drekkingarhylur (Drowning Pool) 
Lorberg (Law Rock)

Hakid View Point
Gestastofa 

Flosagja 
Thingvallakirkja Lake
Valholl 
Silfra 

Stekkjargja 
Oxararfoss Falls
Langistigur 

Watch the video here 

This park is so huge, there are four parking lots and it is not free so we just parked at P2 and started our walking tour. Thingvellir National Park is so wonderful and stunning so even though this park is so big and our feet were tired, we're not complaining. My son was enjoying this park this park too, sa laki nito siguro ilang kilometro na rin ang nalakad namin. We arrived around 7:30AM and inabot na kami ng lunchtime, kakalakad. For lunch, we had baon so we ate in the parking lot where picnic tables and comfort rooms are located.  








Despite the beauty of this park, there are also sad stories. This park is also a reminder of the harsh punishments and executions that happened in the 16th and 17th centuries. According to the information post, there are seventy-two people known with certainty to have been executed at Thingvellir from 1602 to 1750; 30 males were beheaded on Hoggstokkseyri, 9 burned of alleged wizards and witches in the Brennugja, 18 women were drowned in Drekkingarhylur and15 men were hanged in Stekkajarja. There were also offenders who were flogged in Kagaholmi. 

As the quote says, "Travel - it leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller". This park leaves me speechless and now I’m sharing it with you and hopefully, you can visit this too. 

Read: IcelandAir Experience
Blue Lagoon  
Reykjanes Peninsula Tour
Bridge Between Two Continents 

July 12, 2018

14 Activities in One Day at Kidzania Manila

Update: I read from CNN Philippines article last July 22 that Kidzania Manila is closing down by end of August 31, 2020 after months of shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

My aunt-in-law’s family was back in the Philippines last May, it’s been years since their last visit here. My husband’s cousin is only 9 years old, the same age as my son so he asked his aunt if they were interested in visiting Kidzania and they said yes. So my son and I went back to Kidzania Manila to accompany them. I always pay for regular tickets but last summer, they had an ongoing promo for walk-ins so I got a 20% discount care of my Get Go Card or Mercury Drug Suki Card.

Tip: Always check their Facebook Page so you are updated in their promos.

It is no secret here that my son loves Kidzania, this is our fourth visit to Kidzania Manila and we had just visited Kidzania Bangkok last April but there are still a lot of activities that he hasn’t tried. If Kidzania is just so near, I will avail of their UnliPazz last summer vacation. My son wanted din na sa Kidzania Field Trip nila. Hindi niya favorite noh? They were able to do 14 activities during their visit.


14 Activities in One Day at Kidzania Manila 

Watch the video here.

1. Job at National Bookstore
2. Job at Healthy Options
3. Job at Mercury Drug
4. Pit Crew Training
5. Burger Shop
6. Jack n Jill
7. Cooking School
8. Century Tuna Marine Research Lab
9. CSI
10. Pilot
11. Driving Lessons
12. Driving Test
13. BS Engineering and Architecture
14. Window Washing

The new activities that he tried; jobs at National Bookstore and Century Tuna Marine Research Lab. He went to Healthy Options and Mercury Drug before but when he went back, he got a new job. For Jack n Jill and Cooking School, they prepare a new snack. So it is okay to revisit establishment so you can try different jobs that they offer.








My son went to Driving School again because his Driver’s License had already expired, when he first took the Driving Test, it was only a written exam but now, may practical exam na rin sila. Hehehe! There is a separate car for the driving test. I hope there is a monitor at the Aviation so we can watch the kids just like in Kidzania Bangkok.


My son took BS Engineering and Architecture lessons but after getting his degree, his last job was Window Washer. Hehehe! That was the last activity na pasok pa sa time before the closing. We still have a long list of activities so I’m definitely sure that we will visit again. Other courses are Business Administration, Health Sciences, and Humanities and Arts.



Book your ticket here
KidZania Manila Admission Ticket in Manila


* This post contains affiliate link/s. If you decide to make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

July 11, 2018

My First Kate Spade New York Bag

I love bags, it is something that I want to buy for myself. I still remember when I started working, I always buy bags, basta gusto ko bibilhin ko but of course, I only buy those bags that my salary can afford. I don’t care about the brands, I buy my bags in a department store, Divisoria, Girbaud and Charles & Keith.

When I resigned and became a full-time mom, natambak na lang yun bags. I gave away some of my bags so someone can use it. I threw some bags that are not in good condition because of poor storage. And I only keep a few pieces since most of the time I’m using a Diaper Bag. That is also the time that I realized that I don’t need a lot of bags. So even I like bags, I practice self-control. Now I only have few bags so kahit paulit-ulit, okay lang.


I’ve been blogging for quite some time now and I earn a little from this hobby so a few years ago I decided to buy bags again. There is a sense of fulfillment whenever I see those bags that I bought from own pocket. So far, I was able to buy mid-range branded bags like Lacoste, Longchamp Le Pliage, Cath Kidston Cross Body Bag, Samsonite Luggage, and now my very first Kate Spade New York Bag.

I’ve been meaning to buy Kate Spade sling bag but when I checked the price online, I was surprised because it is so expensive. Mas mahal pa siya sa luggage ko pero kasing laki lang naman siya ng notebook. Hehehe! I’m pretty sure mas mahal pa yung bag if dito ko sa Pilipinas bibilhin.


I already forgot about the bag but when my husband went to Singapore last week, I told him to check Kate Spade New York store, may nakita kasi ko na B1T1 and 70% off na bag. I sent him some photos of the bags, timing sa Great Singapore Sale.

My husband stayed at Four Points by Sheraton so the nearest shopping mall is in Orchard road. He went to Kate Spade store and there was 30-50% sale. He sent me photos so I can choose pero wala ko nagustuhan and wala pasok sa budget ko. Lol

Fast forward to his departure, there was also a sale at Changi Airport so he checked Kate Spade Store again. He sent me photos, at that time I can’t decide whether to buy or not but in the end, napayes na rin ko. Yey! Finally, my Kate Spade Cameron Street Sima is here. Now I have my little black bag.




I like this bag because you can use it as a clutch bag or sling bag, the chain is detachable. It is slim but it can hold my essentials. It is versatile too because I can use it for casual or formal events. Parang gusto ko na umalis para literal na magamit ko. Hahaha! Thanks to Great Singapore Sale, I got this bag at 50% off.

Size: 6.6” h x 10.1” w x 2” d
Drop length: 20”

Material:
Crosshatched leather with matching trim
Bookstripe printed on poly twill lining
14-karat gold plated hardware

July 10, 2018

Irodori Japanese Restaurant

My husband loves Japanese cuisine so whenever he travels, he will eat at a Japanese restaurant if he finds one and if the price is right. When he went to Singapore last week, he ate at Iridori Japanese Restaurant, it is one of the restaurants of Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview. This restaurant offers a-la-carte buffet lunch and dinner so if you love Japanese foods, you will enjoy this place.

Read: Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview

The seafood and ingredients are from Australia, New Zealand, Norway and other countries in Europe. They serve Sashimi, Maki Mono, Nigiri Sushi, Te-maki, Yaki Mono, Mushi Shiru Mono, Ippin Mono, Age Mono, Teppan Yaki, and Manrui Gohan Mono. They have more than one hundred dishes that you can choose from their menu.



Unlike in other buffet restaurants where you get your own food, here in Iridori you will choose from the menu and they will serve it. What nice about their menu is there is English translation and picture of the food so you’ll get an idea on what to order. No buffet take away is allowed. Unconsumed food or leftover will be charged as per a la carte prices so make sure to finish what you order. My husband only ordered three meals from their menu but according to him, the price is worth it. The foods are really good.

Irodori Japanese Restaurant Menu 




Sashimi (Raw Fish): Shake, Maguro, Hamachi, Mekajiki, Tako, Ika, and Sashimi Moriawase Maki
Mono (Matt Roll): Shake Maki, California Maki, Futo Maki, Kani Stick Maki, Kanpyo Maki, Kappa Maki, Oshinko Maki, Tekka Maki, Sanshoku Maki, Ebi Maki, and Irodori Maki.
Nigiri Sushi (Finger Press): Shake Sushi, Maguro Sushi, Hamachi Sushi, Mekajiki Sushi, Tako Sushi, Ika Sushi, Saba Sushi, Kani Stick Sushi, Tamago Sushi, Ebiko Sushi, and Inari Sushi.
Te - maki (Hand Roll): California, Spider, Ebi, Tekka, Shake, Kappa, Tamago, Ebiko, Kani, Oshiniko, and Kanpyo
Yaki Mono (Grilled Dishes): Cocktail Bacon Maki, Kanistick Bacon Maki, Saba Shioyaki, Shake Shio, Sanma Shioyaki, Shishamo, Tebasaki, Yakitori, and Shitake Teriyaki.
Mushi Shiru Mono: Chanwan Mushi, Dobin Mushi, and Miso Soup
Ippin Mono (Appetizer): Edamame, Hiyayako, Oden, Yasai Salada, Hiyashi Tomato, Tofu Salada Age Mono (Deep Fried): Ebi Tempura, Fish Tempura, Ninjin Tempura, Renkon Tempura, Shitake Tempura, Tamanegi Tempura, Kaki Age, Age Dashi Tofu, Chicken Katsu, Tonkatsu, Ebi Furai, Sakana Furai, Shisamo Karaage, Tebasaki Karaage, Torikaraage, Age Gyoza, Korokke, Tako Yaki, Edamame Stick, and Haru Maki.
Teppan Yaki: Nasu Miso Itame, Pork Shogayaki, Beef Shogayaki, Buta Kimchee, Yasai Itame, Buta Enoki Maki, Beef Enoki Maki, Beef Enoki Maki, Shake Steak, Chicken Teriyaki, Yaki Meshi, Yaki Udon/Soba, Enoki Shitake Butter Yaki. Manrui Gohan Mono: Su Udon/Soba, Zaru Udon/Soba, Ramen, Ebi Ten Udon/Soba, Curry Rice/Udon, Katsu Udon, Oyako Don, and Sake Cha Zuke.

Buffet Lunch and Dinner Rate 

Adult SGD38.80 ++
Child SGD24.80 ++ Below 10 yrs old
Softdrinks and Juices SGD3++

Opening Hours 

Lunch - 11:30AM - 2:30PM
Dinner - 6:00PM - 10:30PM

Update August 2018: 

My husband went back to Singapore and he ate again at Irodori, this time he ate a lot compared to his last visit.






Irodori Japanese Restaurant 
382 Havelock Road, Four Points by Sheraton
Riverview #03-01 Singapore, 169629
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