Michi Photostory

I think it is a sign of aging when I don’t feel excited anymore on my birthday. I find it weird but it feels like an ordinary day to me and it is not that fun when I have to plan or decide for my own birthday celebration. Mas iniisip ko pa yung birthday ng anak ko. But of course, it is my special day so I want to celebrate it with my family or close friends.

When August month came, I was thinking if I will have a birthday staycation or buffet celebration. My birthday falls on a weekday and just like last year, tumapat pa sa coding so hindi na naman kami makakaalis. We have two holidays this August so we can have a long weekend vacation but there were unexpected expenses; we bought new furniture in the house and my MIL had an operation so my husband shared on the bill.


So I thought our lunch at Las Flores was already my birthday celebration but my husband reserved seats at The Pantry of Dusit Thani Manila Hotel for my post-birthday celebration. We normally eat at the usual buffet restaurant to take advantage of the birthday promo but for a change, we’re going to eat at the hotel.

Lunch at The Pantry 

On our way to the Dusit Thani Hotel, my husband received a call, the staff was just confirming our reservation. We arrived past 11AM and parking was full already, there was valet parking but we decided to park elsewhere. There is a parking area just in front of the hotel so we did not have any problem. I always saw Dusit when I was still working in Makati and I was in college years when I first and last visited the hotel so ang dami na nagbago.


Since we were so early, we went to the mall first so I could buy white shorts for my son’s Cheers and Yells Competition. When we went back, we just waited at the "The Pantry Grab & Go" area, hindi pa talaga sila nagpapasok and they started calling the diners past 12NN na. So finally, it is buffet time.




The Pantry is an all-day dining restaurant of Dusit Thani Manila Hotel and it is quite new, three years pa lang itong restaurant. It boasts on its farm-to-fork fare, they get organic and locally produced ingredients from Tagaytay to create their International dishes. I was excited to try their restaurant but when I checked their buffet spread, I was a little bit disappointed. The rate was P2,150 and it was lunch time so of course, I was expecting more food options and live cooking stations. Pero mas marami pa yung breakfast buffet that we've experienced at Cafe Ilang Ilang, Circles and Spiral.

Read: Spiral at Sofitel Philippines Plaza Manila
Cafe Ilang Ilang at The Manila Hotel
Circles at Makati Shangri la Hotel

The Pantry serves International dishes such as Indian, Italian, Filipino and Pan-Asian cuisines. They have a bread station, a fresh station for salad, fruits, and sushi,a  beverage station, a dessert station, a seafood station, and a carving station. Though there are several stations, don’t expect a lot of choices, like sa cold cuts and cheese, 3 choices lang.

Watch the video here.






Honestly, I was sad when I saw their buffet spread because I’m a meat lover so I was looking forward to the carving station, but I only saw lechon, pork loin for ramen, and beef brisket. Actually, lechon and baked salmon saved my day. Nahappy na ko ng slight kasi at least nandun yung dalawang favorite ko. The beef brisket is dry so I did not enjoy it.






Well, if you are a seafood lover you will enjoy this restaurant because there are big wok of shrimps, crabs, and seashells. It is not for display, you can grab that seafood. My husband was very much satisfied with his seafood diet.


They have a lot of choices for dessert and my son’s favorite is churros. My favorite is their homemade ice cream and DIY Halo-Halo. My husband prefers fruits kaso naubusan siya nung mango so he asked kung pwede magpaslice and the staff said, for display lang daw yun. So my husband said okay and went back to our table without mango.

Next time fruits muna para di maubusan.

Five years ago I learned that I can apply for PWD ID but after reading and hearing some stories, I was hesitant to apply. There are cases na kahit complete requirements naman, denied, rejected or pinapabalik-balik pa. I don’t want to experience the stress at bawal nga sa akin ang stress so I just let go of the possibility that I can get a PWD ID.

Two years ago I’ve read a post in our Psorphil group about PWD ID again, our President informed us about their meeting with NCDA and he confirmed that we can really apply for PWD ID under Psychosocial Disability or Orthopedic Disability. Then every time that we have a monthly meeting nalalaman ko na meron na mga PWD ID yung mga co-members ko, ako na lang yata ang wala. So I checked all the requirements and reminded myself that I will get Certification of Disability from my doctor.

My doctor gave my certification last March 2017 but I forgot to apply because I went to my mom for our two months vacation hanggang sa nakalimutan ko na. Finally, after so many years of delay, I finally got my PWD ID last December 2017. I went to my doctor for my routine check-up and asked if she can give me a new certification para sure baka sabihin sa PDAO, expired na e.

Who are Qualified for PWD ID (Person With Disability) in the Philippines? 

1. Visual impairment
2. Hearing Loss
3. Orthopedic disability
4. Learning disability
5. Psychosocial disability
6. Chronic Illness
7. Mental Disability

Some doctors are proactive, sila na mismo magsasabi na you are qualified to get PWD ID lalo na dun sa mga may Learning and Mental Disability.

What is Disability?

According to Wikipedia,  "A disability is an impairment that may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or some combination of these. It substantially affects a person's life activities and may be present from birth or occur during a person's lifetime."

It only means that not all disabilities are visible, some people kasi na parang tinitingnan ka pa at pilit hinahanap kung nasaan disability mo. Some people look normal pero meron sila disability.

Requirements for Person With Disability ID

Requirements may vary depending on the city or municipality where you live, yung iba nga hiningan pa ng voter’s ID and birth certificate so it is better to visit PDAO. In my experience, here is the list of requirements that I need to submit.

Requirements for PWD ID (New)

1. Doctor Assessment
2. Medical Certificate from MHO (client with chronic illness)
3. Barangay Clearance
4. 1x1 picture (2 pcs)

Requirement for PWD ID (Renewal) 

1. Old PWD ID

I only have Certification of Disability and pictures so I went to Barangay Hall to get my clearance. On my way to the Barangay Hall, the PDAO staff called me and asked for my Medical Certificate. I told them that I no longer have the original copy of Medical Certificate since my husband already submitted it to our Health Card company for reimbursement. The staff informed me na okay lang daw kahit photocopy. Yey, akala ko pupunta pa ko ulit sa doctor.

Good thing that my husband always has a scanned copy so we went home to print my medical certificate and went back to PDAO office. So I submitted my Certification of Disability, Medical Certificate from my doctor and 2 pcs of 1x1 picture. I did not fill out a form, sila na nagsulat lahat while asking me all the information. Pinapirma na lang nila ko. After several minutes, they gave me my ID and two purchase booklet, one for medicine and one for groceries.

Yehey! Finally, I can enjoy the PWD Benefits, malaking tulong yung discount for medicines, check-ups, laboratories and more.

Benefits of PWD ID 

20% Discount and 12% VAT exemption 

1. Hotels and similar lodging
2. Restaurants
3. Recreation centers
4. Theaters, cinema houses, concert hall, circuses carnivals, and other similar places of culture, leisure, and amusement
5. Medicine
6. Medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory fees and professional fees of attending doctors in all private hospitals and medical facilities.
7. Domestic air and sea travel
8. Public railways, skyways and other public utility vehicles.
9. Funeral and burial service for the death of the PWD

Note: There are cases that they don’t accept the PWD ID because the product or service that you avail are already discounted or nakapromo na. Read my story here. But there are establishments that still give VAT exempt sa mga nakapromo nila which is yun naman ang dapat.

5% Discount 

1. Basic necessities
2. Prime commodities

Note: Purchases should not exceed P1300 a week to avail of the 5% discount. Not all products in the supermarket are included in the 5%, there is a list of basic/prime commodities.
Tip: Don’t forget your booklet to avail of the 5% discount.

Other Benefits 

1. Educational assistance
2. Continuance of the same benefits and privileges given by GSIS, SSS and Pag-ibig.
3. Express lanes for PWD in all commercial and government establishments.
4. Protection against verbal and non-verbal ridicule and vilification.

First Offense: Fine not less than 50,000 not more than 100,000 and/or 6 months to two years imprisonment.

For any subsequent violation, a fine not less than P100,000 but not exceeding P200000 or imprisonment for not less than two years but not more than six years, or both at the discretion of the court.

I know some people who are qualified for PWD ID but they don’t want to get one kasi ayaw nila malabel na may disability sila. Well, in my case, sayang ang benefits.

Some benefits that I know na meron sa ibang city or municipal 

1. Free parking
2. Free movie
3. DFA Courtesy Lane when you apply or renew a passport.
Read: How to Renew Passport via DFA Courtesy Lane
4. Free Terminal Fee at all ports owned and operated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) nationwide.

After 6 months, PDAO staff went to our house to update my information. They asked for my PWD ID and nagfill-out ulit sila ng form for me. They even asked for my ID pictures, I told them that I don't have 1x1 pictures and kakaapply ko lang last December. Pumayag naman and pagrenew ko na lang daw yung picture. Feeling ko vineverify din nila kung resident nila yung nag-apply.

Since last week, my son was busy practicing for their Cheers and Yells. They have this yearly competition in their school from Grade 1 to Grade 6. I was not able to watch their past competition since there was no invitation, feeling ko for students lang. But after few years, I learned na pwede naman pala manood ang parents so I asked my son if he wants us to watch his competition. He said, “No, it’s embarrassing”. Kaloka, nahihiya na siya na ngayon, e since preschool nanonood naman kami. 

My husband was free so we went to school to watch their Cheers and Yells, my son was surprised when he saw us in the Audigym, #stageparents hehehe! We’re happy to see his performance and to watch other grade levels performance too. How I wish, alam ko na pwede manood parents, sana since Grade 1 napanood ko para may pictures and videos. And bonus pa, nagchampion pa sila, they beat the Grade 5 and 6 level. Sulit yung pagbili ko ng white shorts for their costume. Second time na nila nagchampion. Pero first time daw nagchampion ang grade 4 since the year 1985. 

Grade 1 (2015) - 1st runner up 
Grade 2 (2016) - Champion 
Grade 3 (2017) - No Cheers and Yells Competition 
Grade 4 (2018) - Champion 

After watching, it is time for errands but we decided to eat brunch first kasi magugutom na naman ko sa pila sa bank and SSS. We dropped by at Southwoods Mall just to eat, nag-iisip ako kung ano pa ba ang hindi namin nakainan sa Southwoods Mall and I remember Cafe Mary Grace. They recently opened a branch here. Yey! 



The last time that we ate at Cafe Mary Grace was five years ago pa at Alabang Town Center branch. I remember that they don’t have rice meals, more on desserts and pasta sila so hindi na naulit. Just this year, I learned that they have a branch in Festival Mall so I was able to buy cheese roll and ensaymada pag napapadaan. 

Read: Cafe Mary Grace Alabang
Cafe Mary Grace Festival Mall



Yesterday, we had brunch at Cafe Mary Grace and I was glad that they already improved their menu. They have rice meals na rin. We ordered Seafood Pasta P350 and Sirloin Beef Tapa with Egg P398. There were only few diners so our orders were served after 15 minutes. 



The Seafood Pasta is a medley of fresh clams, mussels, prawns, cream dory, squid with herbs, mushrooms, and olives. My husband said it was yummy and he finished everything and no doubt that it is one of the best sellers. I was surprised when I saw the Sirloin Beef Tapa, ang dami pala serving so it is good for sharing if you have kids na kasama. It has side dishes pa and sarap na sarap si hubby dun. I did not try it kasi hindi ko mahilig sa may vinegar na food except adobo and daing na bangus. The price is a little bit pricey buti na lang masarap food and service is good.




Update March 2019: Lunch at Cafe Mary Grace

Yey, finally school year 2018-2019 is already over. We attended my son's recognition because he got "Gold Eagle Award" and before we went home we dropped by at Southwoods Mall. We went straight to Cafe Mary Grace for our lunch, we ordered Pork Tocino P348, Spanish Sardines P358 and Seafood Pasta P390.

The last time we ate at Cafe Mary Grace (Festival Mall) was last November 2018 so I was really surprised when I saw their menu, there was P40 price increase na agad sa mga meals nila. Waah! Masakit na sa bulsa kumain sa Cafe Mary Grace.

My husband ordered seafood pasta before and he liked it very much so he wants to order it again. But I don’t want to eat rice meal so I told him to order other pasta na lang because I want to try the Seafood Pasta. Hehehe!


So he ordered Spanish Sardines & Olives, the pasta was cooked in spanish sardines, garlic, olive oil and topped with tomatoes and mushrooms. The taste is just okay, maasim daw masyado. He was able to finish the pasta but it is not something that he would order again.


My son ordered Pork Tocino with scrambled eggs and rice (choice of garlic rice or plain rice). This is part of their all-day breakfast menu, the meal includes homemade pickled mangoes, tomato wansoy salsa, and vinegar. My husband ate the side dish because that is his favorite too.


My son almost finished this meal, as in mga dalawang subo na lang ng kanin ang natira. I was really surprised because when I ate the Sirloin Tapa and Vigan Longganisa, hindi ko nga halos maubos so I thought pwede kami magshare ng anak ko if ever kasama na namin siya sa Cafe Mary Grace. Hindi pala. Toinks!

Read: Cafe Mary Grace Cakes and Pastries
Cafe Mary Grace Festival Mall  
Cafe Mary Grace Alabang Town Center 

Cafe Mary Grace
Ground Floor, Garden Atrium,
Southwoods Mall,
Brgy. San Francisco, Southwoods City,
Biñan, Laguna
Monday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Las Flores which means “The Flowers” is a Spanish tapas bar restaurant located in BGC and Ortigas. I learned about this restaurant two months ago because my husband had his Despedida here. His boss ordered a lot so I was able to try the Paella Negra, may leftover. Hehehe! I did not like Paella Negra but my husband said, may isa pa na paella na masarap and masasarap din yung kinain nila so again I just took note of this restaurant.


Last week, we went to Furniture Source Philippines to buy some furniture and it was time for lunch but we could not find a restaurant that we like in Santolan Plaza. I wanted to eat buffet meals but I changed my mind kasi baka hindi rin sulit kasi late na so I suggested to my husband Las Flores so off we went to BGC.


We did not have any reservation and the place was packed so the staff informed us na wala pa sila available table sa loob so kung okay lang ba sa labas kami and we agreed. While the staff was preparing our table, may nagbill-out na so we immediately transferred. The interior of the restaurant is simple but elegant. The tables and chairs are not uniform but still looks nice.


Though my husband ate here before, hindi naman niya alam kung ano yung mga inorder ng boss niya so it feels like first time. We are having a hard time choosing so we just took advantage the lunch menu. Lunch Menu is available from Monday to Friday 11AM to 3PM, this includes one appetizer and one main dish for P595 + SC 

Appetizers
Ensalada de Burrata Con Tarta de Tomate, Piñones y Pesto
Pimientos Del Padron Con Torreznos
Crema de Calabaza Asada Con Boletus y Crujiente De Wonton
Boquerones

Main Dishes 
Butifarra Catalana
Chipirones Andaluza
Huevos Estrellados & Shitake Mushrooms
Gambas Al Ajillo + P95

Desserts + P120 
Churros
Profiteroles
Cheesecake
Chocolatissimo
Milhojas
Apple Tatin
Tarta de Santiago
Flan

Ice Cream + P95 
Vanilla
Chocolate
Milk & Ginger
Salted Caramel
Passion Fruit Sorbet

My husband and I ordered Crema de Calabaza Asada Con Boletus y Crujiente De Wonton and Boquerones for the appetizer. Butifarra Catalana and Huevos Estrellados & Shitake Mushrooms for main dishes. Churros and Cheesecake for dessert. My son cannot finish the lunch menu so we just add Chorizo P230 and extra rice P120.

The restaurant was packed but you won’t feel it so if you want some privacy, you can consider this place. This is good for couples, families, friends and even for big groups. It takes time before they serve the order so make sure that you are not that hungry when you dine here. They serve the appetizer first and complimentary chips, I was expecting for bread pero chips lang ang meron.




Crema de Calabaza Asada Con Boletus y Crujiente De Wonton or Pumpkin Soup with Shitake Mushrooms and Crispy Wonton. I’m not fond of pumpkin soup but I enjoy this one. The Boquerones is a traditional Spanish marinated anchovies, I tried it but I did not like it but my husband enjoyed this appetizer. My son loved his Chorizo or Spanish Chorizo Croquettes.



Butifarra Catalana has Catalan sausage, marbled potatoes, caramelized onions and shitake mushrooms. Huevos Estrellados & Shitake Mushrooms have fried eggs, shitake mushrooms and potatoes, the waitress asked us if i-mix na ba daw niya yung Huevos but I declined. Of course, gusto ko kuhanan ng picture. Hehehe!

While waiting for our dessert, I was surprised kasi bigla na lang may nagplay ng “Happy birthday” song. In my mind, ay may birthday celebration ngayon and mas nashock ako na sa akin pala papunta yung cake. Wow, I have no idea that my husband will surprise me. Thank you for the complimentary cake. At the same time, they served our cheesecake and churros. The churros is good for sharing, it has vanilla ice cream and chocolate dipping sauce. I like the cheesecake, I like the combination of creamy and crunchy dessert. The free chocolate cake is delicious too.




Looking at our meals, parang ang konti lang for three persons pero sobrang nabusog kami. The price is on the pricey side but we have no regrets in trying this Spanish restaurant. We enjoyed our food and service is good. For parking, they have valet parking.

Read: Dinner at Gallery by Chelle

Las Flores BGC
Ground floor, One Mckinley Place,
25th Street corner 4th Avenue,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Throwing a successful party for your kid, just like any other party, maybe a headache if not planned well. Without a proper plan, you will find yourself spending for uncalled expenses or forgetting something you ought to have included in your budget. So, the tips below will help you to plan for an epic birthday party for your kid.


Have a themed party 

Consider having a certain theme for the party and your kid will thank you for it. It doesn’t matter if your kid loves Batman or just loves the color pink. Ditch the boring normal round or square cake and instead make cupcakes and involve the kids to make it more fun. Frost them with icing and let the kids add chocolate chips and sprinkles. They will have fun coming up with different creations and they will feel more involved. If you still want to have a cake, it can also be themed according to whatever theme the party setting is.

Host an outdoor event 

When dealing with kids, you need to understand that they are full of energy and may require a larger space to jump and run around. With the kids, it is all about the fun and games so hosting an outdoor party will provide the right environment. Whether it is your backyard or a rented space, make sure you have different game settings to offer the kids the best game and fun experience. From bouncing castles to nerf guns, and other games the kids might have asked for before. A program like Bricks4kidz Atlanta is one not to be left out as most kids are Lego fanatics.

Delegate duties 

Kids’ parties can turn into a hot mess if everyone is allowed to do what they want. Also, it may be hard for you to handle a bunch of untamed kids alone. So the best way to keep everything organized is to delegate duties to both adults and kids. Let someone be in charge of the playground to ensure adult supervision because the kids may get rough while playing. You can also have the elder kids giving snacks to the others or painting the smaller ones.

Simple is the best! 

Let the party be simple, but go out of your way to make sure that your kid feels special. Don’t overdo the decorations even when the part is a themed one. Most of the guests will be kids so this gives you more reason to have the setting simple. You will spend less and still have an epic birthday party for your kid.

Consider your guests 

Most of the time, the other children attending your kids' party will be accompanied by an adult. The kids’ ages will vary and some of the kids may feel old for some games. Also, you need to have two separate parties so as the kids play around, the adults will be having their fun as well. Something simple like a barbecue will be perfect especially if the party is outdoor. The adults will have their separate party while still in the company of the young ones.

Read: 4 Birthday Party Theme for Boys

1. Start with a small project 

Since you are a beginner, it is best to start with a small embroidery project that you can handle. This will help you to get some firsthand experience and familiarize with the skill. Taking on a huge project at once may discourage you midway as you may get exhausted and frustrated and give up due to minor setbacks. It is therefore advisable to start small and with time, advance on to more complex and large projects.

Read: The Day I Learned How to Sew


2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help 

As a beginner, embroidery is a new skill and art that requires patience and dedication to learn. Some people pick it up real fast while others take some time before they get the hang of it. If you find yourself stuck or having some trouble, do not get discouraged or give up. This is perfectly normal and you can always ask for help. You may do some research online, read a book on the same, or if you can, enroll in an embroidery class. All this will help you to perfect the skill and get better with time.

3. Buy the right equipment 

Embroidery requires that you have some materials first before you get started. For instance, you need a sewing machine, fabric, needles scissors, and so much more.  For instance, you may start with a small piece of cotton fabric and try doing a simple pattern of your choice onto the cotton as a test run. You may then try larger patterns on bigger fabrics after you have made some progress in learning. If you are on a budget, however, you may try a pattern on a piece such as an old tablecloth and see how it goes. Consider buying a machine that is within your budget. While doing some research on the best sewing machines, go straight to this page in order to get reviews on the best sewing machines and make the best choice.

4. Select the right needle 

In order to do a clean job in embroidery, ensure that you use the right needle. There are a number of factors to consider when selecting the needles. If you are using a light material such as linen, for instance, you need to select a needle that will easily penetrate the fabric without causing any friction or creating a frayed appearance on the fabric. Regularly do maintenance checks on your machines and on your needles so as to ensure that you replace any broken or damaged needles.

5. Select a well-lighted room 

Embroidery is a skill that requires not only our hands but our eyes as well. It is therefore of paramount importance that you choose a well-lighted space or environment to do the stitching and sewing. This may be a well-lighted room using either artificial light or natural light. Having enough light will help you to do your embroidery with ease as you will not have to strain your body or eyes due to poor lighting. Remember also to have a comfortable chair in order to take care of your back.

I know that MAC Cosmetics is one of the expensive brands when it comes to cosmetics. Most of the make-up artists and even celebrities use this brand. Their products cater to all ages, all races, and all genders. I’ve been meaning to buy a MAC lipstick but I was hesitant because it is expensive, what if hindi bagay sa akin yung color, sayang ang money. I hate to admit but I really don’t know what color suits my skin. I bought few lipsticks before that I no longer use because I feel hindi bagay sa akin. And because of that, nagdadalawang isip ko bumili ng lipstick.


Last month, I watched a “Paano Ba To: Morena Makeup Tips” YouTube video of Bianca Gonzales and RB Chanco and I was glad because I learned something new. So I took note of the make-up products for Morena women like me.

MAC Lipstick 

Peach: Kinda Sexy
Natural: Mehr
Pink: Lickable
Brown: Persistence
Nude: Velvet Teddy
Red: Ruby Woo

August is my birthday month so my mom gave me birthday money, I was thinking kung ano ba bibilhin ko sa sarili ko. Shoes? Bag? Althea Korea Haul? Then I remembered the lipstick, I checked one online shop but MAC lipstick is out of stock so I told my husband to check if it is available at Changi Airport.


I sent 3 pictures of the lipstick and he messaged me that he was able to buy Kinda Sexy and Mehr. Yey!

MAC Matte Lipstick Kinda Sexy SGD 26.90 
MAC Matte Lipstick Mehr SGD 26.90 

Mehr

Kinda Sexy

So hindi rin siya nalalayo sa PHP1,100 na price online. This lipstick is not cheap but I was happy na may matino na kong lipstick. I must agree, this color suits my morena skin. If I have extra budget, I will try Velvet Teddy and Ruby Woo. Thanks to my mom for the gift and to my husband for buying it for me.

One way to save on your travel trip is to book affordable accommodation. Some people choose a hostel, some people choose Airbnb, and some people choose a budget hotel. We have our own preferences so choose an accommodation that matches your budget and style. If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Bangkok, check Modena by Fraser Bangkok Hotel.


Modena by Fraser Bangkok Hotel is one of the newest hotel and service apartment in Bangkok, as of now they are celebrating their second year anniversary so it is really quite new. You can book a fully-furnished room or studio. This hotel is near Khlong Toei Fresh Market, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, and Queen Sirikit MRT Station. Terminal 21 is one station away.


My husband attended a conference/team building last week and he stayed at Modena by Fraser, this was his first time on this hotel because most of the time he stayed at Sukhumvit Area. The hotel has a gym but no swimming pool. Like the Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, they also offer complimentary Tuktuk Shuttle Service which brings you around the commercial areas such as BTS Skytrain Asok Station, nearby office buildings, Ratchadaphisek Road and Soi Pai-Sing-To.


The room interiors are simple, bright and minimalist. It is perfect for business travelers and even leisure travelers. You have a working desk, mini-fridge, and coffee & tea making facilities. According to my husband, beds and pillows are comfy too.




The bathroom has no bathtub.


They have an all-day dining restaurant and lobby bar. The room package has a complimentary buffet breakfast at Bistro@M. The restaurant was crowded so my husband was not able to take some photos but according to him, buffet spread was limited, konti lang ang meat choices.

Read: Where to Stay in Bangkok Thailand
6 Days in Bangkok with Kid

Modena by Fraser Bangkok 
2527 FYI Center, Rama 4 Road,  (at the Klongtoei Junction)
Klongtoei District Bangkok
10110, Thailand

Iceland is on my travel bucket list but I never thought that this dream will become a reality. When we were planning for our summer vacation in Norway, I was looking forward to a Sweden trip since it is just near Norway but our Sweden trip turns to an Iceland trip. Little did I know that it was also my mother’s dream to visit Iceland so we became travel buddy. Hehehe! “Family that travels together, stays together”

My mom checked her schedule so she can file a vacation leave and then we booked a plane ticket three weeks before our trip. But unexpected things happened, few days after we bought our plane ticket my mom was confined in the hospital for 5 days. The doctor advised her to rest and do not drive yet. And because of that, I thought we could no longer push our trip kasi baka mastress siya sa biyahe.


But God is so good, we were able to go to Iceland. So off we went to Trondheim Airport to catch our flight to Reykjavik, we flew via Icelandair. Travel is more or less two hours and 8 hours time difference in the Philippines. We only booked a 4 Days Trip because we have limited budget and we need to fly back to the Philippines. We all know that traveling to Iceland is not cheap so accommodations, tours, and foods are expensive.
Yes, everything is expensive.
Read: Icelandair Experience

When we booked our flight, we knew that we will be staying in the hotel. We have relatives in Iceland but of course, we don’t want to disturb them anymore since we knew that they have work too. So we are looking for a hotel in Reykjavik that is accessible and my mom asked for my aunt’s recommendations. My aunt (cousin of my mom) asked my mom for our travel date and she said, no need for us to book a hotel because we can stay in their house and nakabakasyon din siya that time (one month off). Yehey!

This was my planned itinerary, we’re supposed to book a package tour to visit these places but since we will be staying in my aunt’s house, I just go with the flow.

Day 1: Reykjavik City Tour or Blue Lagoon Tour
Day 2: Golden Circle Tour
Day 3: South Coast Tour
Day 4: Back to Trondheim Norway

4 Days in Iceland with Kid 

Day 1: Reykjanes Peninsula Tour in Iceland 

We arrived at Keflavik International Airport past 3PM and my aunt fetched us. On our way to my aunt’s house, I was thinking, wala ba puno o halaman sa Iceland. Then I remembered that Iceland is a Land of Fire and Ice so expect to see lava fields, rocks, mountains, glaciers and black sand. It is indeed an interesting country because you will learn about history, culture and geology.


After few hours, we went back to the airport to fetch my uncle and then he toured us around Keflavik and Reykjanes. We were able to visit Strandakirkja Church, Gardskagi Lighthouse and Lava Fields.

Read: Reykjanes Peninsula Tour in Iceland

Day 2 Blue Lagoon 

I told my mom that I don’t want to go to Blue Lagoon anymore because I don’t want to wear a swimsuit so we did not pack any swimwear. But when my aunt fetched us at the airport, she immediately told us that we’re going to Blue Lagoon the following day. We could not cancel it anymore since my aunt already talked to her friend about it. Nakakahiya naman magback-out.


Iceland is known for Blue Lagoon so it is one of the popular tourist spot and because of that you cannot walk-in. You need to book an appointment prior to your trip, they only limit the number of guest per visit so expect that the entrance fee is expensive. Like I said, I don’t want to wear a swimsuit so my mom enjoyed her Blue Lagoon experience while my son and I enjoyed the view from the restaurant.

Read: Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Day 3 The Golden Circle Tour + Bridge Between Two Continents

For our third day, we left as early as 6AM for our DIY Golden Circle Tour. You can book a tour from a travel agency, you can rent a car or if you are lucky like us, your family or friends can drive for you. Most of the places in the Golden Circle Tour has no entrance fee like Thingvellir National Park, Great Geysir, and Gullfoss. So you can enjoy this beautiful places for free. This is my favorite part of our Iceland Trip.


Read: The Great Geysir in Iceland
Breathtaking Gullfoss in Iceland
Thingvellir National Park

Bridge Between Two Continents 


After our tiring day, we packed our bags for our morning flight. But after dinner, my cousin persuaded us to visit Bridge Between Two Continents and malapit lang naman daw. It was past 9PM and off we went to the bridge. It was a nice experience knowing that I can cross Europe and North America in less than a minute.

Read: Bridge Between Two Continents

Day 4 Back to Norway 

My cousin wanted to tour us pa in Iceland since off niya on our last day but we could no longer extend our trip because my son and I have to go back to the Philippines. How I wish we have more time in Iceland but I know that this won’t be the last time. Someday, we will revisit this country with my husband.

Althea Korea is celebrating their third year birthday and this is my first time to order on their birthday celebration. Like I said, I wanted to join their Fly me to Korea contest and I want to have their birthday box. One thing I like about Althea Korea is their box. Gusto ko ng mga boxes nila because I can reuse them.


At that time, they have FREE Althea Petal Velvet Powder #Pink Lavender (P230) promo if you reach P1800 so I make sure that I will hit the minimum amount. I ordered the following, but unfortunately, the promo code was not working every time I apply the code before check-out and payment. It happened to me last May so I just proceeded with my order kahit wala free. Huhuhu!

Innisfree Camellia Essential Shampoo P290
The Faceshop Highlighter Beam P360
Chica Y Chico Matt Cushion P656
Rire Pore Tightening Fresh Toner P360
My Lash Serum P210
Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel P180
Boomdeahdah Lemon Lime Mask Sheets P20 each

Read: My Shopping Experience at Althea Korea

Innisfree Camellia Essential Shampoo is suitable for all types of hair so even you have sensitive scalps and brittle strands, you can use this. It contains Camellia oil from Jeju island that helps in repairing your damaged hair. The smell is too fragrant, at first natatapangan ako sa amoy pero pag tagal okay naman. But I find this expensive for a shampoo.

Update:  After using this for more than a month, my husband noticed my hair, "Bakit ang ganda daw ng buhok ko and ano daw ang shampoo ko". So I checked my hair in the mirror and it looks healthy na nga, bagsak and shiny na. And because of that, I will repurchase this shampoo, this is perfect for me na tamad magsuklay.


The Faceshop Highlighter Beam, I’m not into makeup because I don’t know how to use and apply them to my face, hehehe! But I bought this Highlighter to add a glow to my face. It is in a liquid form so I’m still learning how to apply it properly.


Chica Y Chico Matt Cushion, I only use powder on my face so this is my first time I'm using a matt cushion. So far, I like this product because it really lasts all day. Unlike face powder, you need to reapply to avoid oiliness.

My Lash Serum, at first I thought this is a clear mascara but I was wrong. My lash serum will make your eyelash strong and elastic. So I have to apply it every night to make my eyelashes healthy. Though I haven’t noticed any difference yet.

Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel, this is one of the popular Korean Beauty products, and because of that marami din fake products. So make sure that you are buying the original, one tub is only P180 but the problem is, you can only buy one tub. So hindi pwedeng maghoard, okay pa naman siya pang gift din. I haven’t tried this yet, I will just update this post.

I already reviewed the Rire Pore Tightening Fresh Toner and Boomdeahdah Lemon Lime Masks before so just check my old post.

When I started ordering from Althea Korea, LBC and Ninja Van yung courier nila so I was surprised that they change it na pala. Courier is now Black Arrow Express.

July 25 Ordered at Althea Korea
July 30 Order was shipped
August 4 Received order via Black Arrow Express