Michi Photostory

October 12, 2021

Walking Tour in Kristiansund Norway

Over the past few days, I’ve been seeing a lot of travel photos on my social media feeds, it seems that other countries are slowly going back to normal. Unfortunately, here in the Philippines we still have restrictions so leisure traveling is far from reality but I am praying that we can travel again next year.

Since I can’t travel yet, let me reminisce about my last trip to Europe and as expected I am not yet finished with my Scandinavian series. Anyway, more than two years ago, we had a chance to visit Kristiansund Norway, our initial agenda is to visit the famous Atlantic Ocean Road. Travel time from Ørland is 5 hours so we stayed at Scandic Kristiansund to rest before driving to the Atlantic Road.

Read: Scandic Kristiansund Hotel

Bella Napoli Restaurant

Walking Tour in Kristiansund

Kristiansund (Christianssund) was founded by King Christian VI in the year 1742. It is also known as a polychrome town because of the colorful houses that you can see in the small island municipality. It is located on the western coast of Norway, this municipality has four main islands, the Nordlandet, Kikrkelander, Innlandet, and Frei.

It was raining when we arrived at the hotel but we still went out for dinner. Since our hotel is near the harbor, we checked the two statues and found the Sundboat.

Sundbåten

Sundbåten or Sundboat is the world’s oldest public transport service that is still in use since 1876. It is Kristiansund’s trademark and cultural heritage. This is a nice way to experience Kristiansund because you can explore different parts of the town like churches, galleries, museums, and harbor. A round trip takes only 15 to 20 minutes and it is FREE.

Unfortunately, it was already closed when we went there and we did not bother to check it the following day because we have limited time. You need at least half a day so you can explore the stop points. We just took photos of the Klipsish woman which represents the hardworking women of history and the Herring boy which symbolizes the future generation.

It was a quick visit to the pier because we were hungry already and we need to look for a restaurant. We had dinner at Bella Napoli Restaurant and we immediately went back to the hotel after.

The following morning, while we were eating breakfast we planned to have a Walking Tour in Kristiansund. We don’t have an itinerary, we just relied on the flyer that we got at the hotel lobby. Despite the gloomy weather, it did not stop us from exploring the city. We checked the nearest tourist spots that we can visit before we check-out.

Byfossen 1742-1992

We just walk from the hotel and found Byfossen. It is a small waterfall powered by a pump that was opened in the year 1992 to celebrate the city's anniversary.

Kongesteinen

This large gray stone is located near King Olav’s Gate. It is a symbol of the visit of two royal couples last October 15, 1992, Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik of Denmark and King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway visited Kristiansund at the same time.

The war ruin that used to be a public burial ground (1838-1919) is now a beautiful park where you can see statues, fountains, hundred years old trees, plants, and more.

Kirkelandet Kirke

Kirkelandet Church is a parish church that was built in 1964. It is Norway’s first boldest and most modern church building by architect Odd Østbye. It symbolizes a quartz crystal amidst roses. This church can occupy 550 people.

On our way to Varden, we passed by Svanedammen, or Swan Pond, and Vanndamman, or Water Pond. We saw a lot of birds, swans, and peacocks.

Varden Utkikstårn

We ended our walking tour at Varden, which was opened in the year 1892. It is an old tower which is 78 meters above sea level. The view tower will give you a breathtaking view of the shipping lane, Grip Island, coastal areas, mountains, and fjords of Nordmøre. It is open every day and the most important thing is, it is free. The space at the top can accommodate only few people, good thing that there are no other visitors aside from us (6 people).

Our time is limited but I’m glad that we were able to visit some tourist spots in Kristiansund. If we have more time, I wanted to visit the maritime environment, Grip Island, old town, Klippfisk Museum, and ride the Sundboat. We immediately went back to our hotel so we can check out and start our Atlantic Ocean Road journey.

October 11, 2021

Corned Beef Brisket

I’ve already shared some of the Heat and Eat foods that I have tried before like the Dinuguan, Bicol Express, and Lechon. Cook Express Corned Beef Brisket is another Heat and Eat food product of San Miguel, this is what I prepared when I was still recovering from my second dose of COVID19 vaccine.

Nakakatawa because when my son asked me what is our food for lunch? He doesn’t believe me when I said corned beef, of course, we are used to corned beef in cans. Hehehe! But the truth is, the word corned beef comes from the word “corning”, it is an old way of preserving meat by using corns of salt or rock salt.

We always have corned beef in our pantry but this was the first time that I bought a Corned Beef Brisket online (440g or 900g). I am not sure if it is available in the supermarket since it's been a long time since I went to the grocery. No need to thaw and you can heat this by using your microwave or stove, I used the stovetop method because I want to cook shredded cabbage too.

Corned Beef Brisket Heating Instructions

Microwave: partially open lid and heat frozen product at medium to high setting for 10 to 12 minutes. Stovetop: transfer frozen contents to a pot. Cover and heat over medium flame for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir halfway.

I sliced the beef and added some leftover side dishes plus the cabbage so our corned beef brisket won’t look plain. We liked this so I will buy this again.

October 07, 2021

DIY Gamer Birthday Party Theme

Thirteen is a huge milestone for everyone, it is a transition from tween to teen. So even there is a COVID19 restriction, it did not stop us from celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime moment. My son suggested having a “Gamer” birthday party theme, I initially planned to invite his cousins so they can play video games but for everyone's safety, I did not pursue it anymore. But I still prepare a Gamer Birthday Party to document that my son is now officially a teenager.

Read: Officially a Quaranteen

As I mentioned in my previous post, I will share the preparations that I did for this simple party. It took me a week to prepare for the party materials because I don’t want to feel overwhelmed so I spent few hours a day finishing a project. My first project is a birthday card, I designed this “Birthday boy, it’s time to level up”, card. It is a folded card that I just printed, cut, and folded, I print 3 pieces of this card for my husband, mom, and of course for me. This is available in my shop if you need a birthday card for your gamer family or friends.

The next project is "Ethan is now a teen birthday cake topper", it took me a long time to decide what materials will I use, either vinyl stickers + acrylic or cardstock. After contemplating, I settled for cardstock; I used glitter cardstock, metallic cardstock, and plain cardstock. I’m happy with the result because this is a big improvement compared to the cake topper that I did last year.

Then for my third project is a cupcake topper or food topper. I designed this using the Game Kids Clipart Set. I printed this using cardstock and sticker paper. I used lollipop sticks for my cupcake or food topper.

Ethan is now a teen

I paused my game just to be here

Officially a Quaranteen

You’ve already lived 1000 lives

Level 13 unlocked

I don’t age, I just level up

Birthday boy, it’s time to level up

The fourth project is the gift tag, “Happy birthday! You’ve already lived 1000 lives”. Just like the birthday card, it is a folded card that I printed, cut, and folded.

The fifth project is the 13 banner, I started making my 3D numbers but after few hours of making it, I was not happy with the result so I ended up with this. I printed some graphics to add some designs so it won’t look so plain.

The sixth project is the Birthday Party Hat, I just search for a free party hat template on Pinterest and upload it on Cricut Design Space. I used cardstock for this and added the remaining food toppers that I made. For a family of three, I prepare 3 party hats.

The last project is souvenir stickers, “Game Over, thank you for coming”. I used sticker paper for this. We did not have visitors but I prepare simple food packs that my husband delivered to my in-laws.

If you are planning for a gamer birthday party, feel free to download these souvenir stickers here.

For regular glossy stickers, I’m using this or this.

For cardstock, I'm using this

Just like that my baby boy is now a teen, it happened so fast and in a blink of an eye, my son’s face, body, and voice changed. And because we are stuck at home since the community quarantine started, I barely noticed the changes, unless makita ko yung old photos and videos niya na ang layo na pala ng face and voice niya sa dati. All I knew is tumatangkad siya.

Read: Birthday Party Themes for Boys

* This post contains affiliate links.

October 05, 2021

Officially a Quaranteen

Time is slipping away and we just celebrated my son’s 13th birthday and until now, I can’t imagine that my baby boy is now a teenager. I started this blog when he was only two years old, I used to document his milestones and other childhood memories but some of those blog posts are now private. I hope someday, I can find the time to print those blog posts para hindi naman sayang ang photostory. I think it would be a nice gift or souvenir that I can give to my son when he hits legal age.

But before the legal age, teenage years muna, I still can’t believe that it has been 13 years since my son came into this world. I'm forever grateful to God for blessing me with my one and only son. I did not plan to stop working but when I had him, my plans changed. Watching him grow up has been the best decision and experience of my life. Honestly, I really miss my son’s toddler and childhood years kasi when he hit tween, slowly nagkakaroon na ng sariling mundo.

Anyway, since 13 is a huge milestone for us, I asked my son what his birthday theme? He paused a bit and said “games?”. Well, he was spending more time with games since the start of the pandemic so “Gamer” theme kami. It’s been a long time since we had a birthday theme, I shared them on this post “Birthday Party Theme for Boys”. When he was 10 years old, I planned to prepare for a Pokemon Birthday Party pero hindi ko natuloy but this time, I make time for his Quaranteen Birthday Celebration.

It took me a week to prepare his DIY Gamer Party theme because I did everything from scratch. I used to search for FREE party printables on Pinterest but now I’m proud to say that I can make my own printables too. I will share that in a separate blog post.

Read: DIY Gamer Party Theme

First, I designed his birthday cake topper “Ethan is Now a Teen”, this is much better compared to the birthday cake topper that I made last year. I already invested in my craft materials so I can do more. Then I also designed his birthday cards, gift tags, cupcakes or food toppers, souvenir stickers, party hats and banners.

Then for the food, his only request is steak so I bought Meltique Beef and Saikoro Wagyu Cubes. Then I prepared side dishes like mashed potatoes + gravy sauce, corn and carrots, buttered French beans, and asparagus. And for dessert, we had Contis Leche Flan and Banapple Banoffee Pie.

For safety, I did not bother to invite my family or in-laws so it was just a party of three but I prepared simple food packs as my son’s loot bag. My husband delivered the food packs to my in-laws.

His birthday gift wish is another Nintendo Switch Game which is Scribblenauts Showdown. Ang dali lang wishlist ng anak ko ever since nagkaNintendo Switch siya, controller or games lang pinabibili niya. Hehehe!

September 29, 2021

Crispy Squid Rings

Crispy squid rings is also known as calamares, calamari, or battered squid rings. According to my research, calamari means squid in Italian and Spanish. I am not sure if the word calamares is the Filipino version of calamari. All I know is whenever I eat in the restaurant, I would either see calamari or calamares in the appetizer menu.

I love squid and calamari is a good appetizer dish but I seldom order this because the taste is a hit and miss. Sometimes it is good, sometimes it is chewy, and sometimes is salty so I just take note of the restaurants that serve yummy fried squid.

Squid is always part of our menu too but I usually cook adobong pusit and stir-fry squid in olive oil. I tried cooking my own version of calamares too but as much as possible I try to stay away from deep-fried seafood kasi one-time use lang ang oil. Unlike kapag fried chicken or fries lang niluto ko, I can reuse the oil for frying fish.

So when I saw this Purefoods Crispy Squid Rings, I immediately bought it because I know that I can cook this using Air Fryer or Oven Toaster so I can save on cooking oil. You can save time too because you don’t need to thaw the squid. I used my Philips Air Fryer, the setting is 180C for 10 minutes.

How to Cook the Crispy Squid Rings

1. Take out from the freezer. No need to thaw.

2. Deep fry for 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat or until golden brown.

3. Remove from pan and drain excess oil.

4. Serve while hot.

I only cook one pack to try and the squid rings turned out good, it is crunchy but it is a little bit spicy and salty for our taste. I was surprised when my son ate this because he doesn’t like squid dishes. I will buy this kapag nakasale ulit ng Buy 1 Take 1. I bought this at San Miguel Frozen and Chilled.

Read: Camaron Rebosado

September 27, 2021

Printable Teacher’s Day Card

International Teacher’s Day or World Teacher’s Day was established in the year 1994 to commemorate the signing of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation. Since then we have celebrated Teacher’s Day every October 5. During pre-pandemic days, we always have half-day classes or no classes during teacher’s day.

This is the second school year that we are still under community quarantine so I am not sure what will happen to Teacher’s Day celebration. It is quite challenging to look for gifts but it is easy to make your own card. I designed some cards that I planned to send to my son’s teacher. If you are looking for some printable cards, you can visit my shop here.

You just need a printer, cardstock, and scissors.

September 24, 2021

Homemade Polvoron

I was 9 years old when I learned how to make polvoron. My cousin is the one making it and I will get a commission after selling all her polvoron. It is not hard to sell kasi madaming bata doon sa dating tinitirhan namin sa Manila so ubos agad.

Polvoron is an easy recipe but I don’t usually make this at home because mas madali bumili ng Goldilocks Polvoron. Ito yung favorite namin na polvoron and I also buy this for baon or pasalubong if we will travel abroad. Natatawa na lang ko sa reaction ng ibang foreigners when they try polvoron, “it is like eating sweet sand”. hehehe!

But because our country is still under community quarantine, we rarely go out and I think the last time I went to Goldilocks was few days before Community Quarantine started. So ang tagal na, so yesterday I decided to make “homemade polvoron”. There are so many polvoron recipes online but this is my version.

Polvoron Recipe

2 cups toasted all-purpose flour

1 cup powdered milk

3/4 cup white sugar (adjust according to your taste)

1 cup melted butter

Optional: Add 1/4 cup of ground or crushed skinless peanuts, cashew nuts, pinipig or oreo cookies

1. In a heated pan, toast and stir the sifted all-purpose flour until the color change to light brown and you can smell the aroma. Let it cool for several minutes.

2. In a bowl, add the milk, sugar, and toasted flour. Mix all the dry ingredients.

3. Make a well and add the melted butter. Mix well.

4. Mold the mixture using a polvoron molder.

5. Place in a food container or if you want you can wrap the polvoron in cellophane or Japanese paper.

I let my son toast the flour and he was complaining na masakit na shoulder niya kakahalo. Hehehe! Natawa na lang ko pero exercise din yan. After he toasted the flour, I prepared the other ingredients and mixed them. Then I called my son to mold all the polvoron. We were able to make 24 pieces of polvoron, we already ate few pieces and I put the leftover in a container and put it inside the fridge.

Read: No-Cook Pastillas Recipe

September 22, 2021

Air Fryer Chicharon Bulaklak

A few months ago I blogged about “How to Stop Stress Eating When You are Stuck at Home” so I try my best to be mindful of what I eat and drink. I also came to a point when I stopped myself from eating rice during morning and evening. It was hard but slowly, nakasanayan ko rin but after my COVID19 vaccine, my diet was gone because I was craving more foods. I was thinking na baka kailangan ko talaga kumain para lumakas ulit ako, especially after noong second dose ko.

I’m struggling to go back to my diet again kasi napasarap na naman ako sa pagkain. “I thought about losing weight once, but I don’t like losing”. hehehe! So last week, nagugutom ako so I was planning to cook French Fries pero naubos na pala, then I saw this Cook Express Chicharon Bulaklak.

Honestly, my first taste of chicharon bulaklak or ruffled fat was not good. As in nagsisisi ako bakit ko siya binili, ang mahal tapos yung lasa niya “lumang mantika”. Well, what can you expect sa street food na hindi mo alam kung ilang beses ginagamit ang cooking oil. So after that, never na ko bumili and kumain ng chiharon bulaklak.

But last month, I finally purchased this Ready to Cook Chicharon Bulaklak at San Miguel Frozen and Chilled. Actually, I always add this on my cart kaso sa tuwing bibili na ko, nasosold out lagi so it took me few months bago ko siya nacheck-out. I was thinking “masarap siguro kasi marami bumibili”.

One pack is 600g and I was happy that it was divided into 4 packs so less temptation sa pagluto ng marami. I only cook one pack to try. I used our Air Fryer, setting is 180C for 12-15 minutes (you can adjust the time kung hindi pa crispy). After eating the chicharon bulaklak, nabago na ang pananaw ko. Masarap naman pala siya kaso nakakahigh blood for sure. Moving forward, I will just buy this pack if I want some appetizer or merienda. Oh di ba, minsan worth it din magbigay ng second chance. :)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat oil up to 180C

Deep fry chicharon bulaklak for 6 to 8 minutes.

Drain excess oil and serve.

"Two forms of fat that are vitally important for brain health are cholesterol and saturated fat." - David Perlmutter

Update: March 2023

Last month, I saw this Ready-to-Eat Chicharon Bulaklak in the supermarket. So meron na pala small pack, one pack is 150g so same din sa big pack na divided into 4 small packs. Nakokontian ako sa laman so ginupit ko para dumami. Mas okay din kasi mas naging crispy siya.

September 21, 2021

Bicol Express

The last time I went to the grocery was February so I’m really thankful for online shopping because I can still shop. I’ve been buying and trying the San Miguel food products, ever since I discovered that they can deliver the foods na frozen/semi-frozen. And these foods rescued me last week because I have no energy to cook meals; I was not feeling well after my second dose of the COVID19 vaccine. My husband can cook naman but he is busy working during weekdays.

Read: My Love and Hate Relationship with Online Shopping

One of the foods that I tried is “Purefoods Bicol Express”, it is a Heat and Eat foods that you can prepare using your stove or microwave. I’m not fond of spicy foods so hindi ko rin alam ano pumasok sa utak ko bakit ko binili ito. Hehehe! Kitang-kita ko na agad yung mga siling labuyo kapag open ko.

Pan Heating: Heat frozen product at medium flame for 8 to 10 minutes and stir occasionally.

Microwave: Partially open lid & heat frozen product at medium to high setting for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir Halfway.

I used our stove to heat the frozen food. What's nice about the Purefoods Heat and Eat is you don’t need to thaw so literal na heat and eat na lang. This is a good buy if you like spicy food, though medyo maalat lang siya for my taste pero pwede na kung may kanin. Sometimes I also cook this at home from scratch pero non-spicy version so hindi ko alam kung Bicol Express pa ba yun o Ginataang Baboy lang. Hehehe!

September 20, 2021

Homemade Fish Nuggets

My son loves chicken nuggets so I used to buy store-bought chicken nuggets for his breakfast or school baon. But when the community quarantine started, I stopped buying nuggets. Instead, I started buying or making my own chicken karaage. And this gave me an idea to make fish nuggets.

Read: How I Cook my Chicken Karaage

I always buy cream dory or pangasius if I want to cook fish fillet so there is nothing new with my recipe. The only difference is, I sliced the fish fillet into bite-sized pieces and I added cornstarch on my breading mix to make it crispier. I’ve been using Crispy Fry Breading Mix for the longest time so yun na talaga gamit ko sa mga fried food recipes ko. I don’t have the exact measurement kasi binubuhos ko lang talaga sa plate yung breading mix and cornstarch.

Read: Recipes Using Crispy Fry Breading Mix

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Cream Dory

Breading Mix

Cornstarch

Cooking oil for frying

1. Slice the fish fillet into bite-sized pieces

2. Mix the breading mix and cornstarch

3. Coat the fish.

4. Fry the fish until golden brown.

5. Serve with lemon butter sauce or hollandaise sauce.

Read: Hollandaise Sauce Recipe

The photo does not give justice but the fish nuggets are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. My two boys love this so moving forward, bite-sized na gagawin ko.

Watch the video here

September 17, 2021

How to Book the Right Band For Your Venue

We didn’t expect that COVID19 will dramatically affect and change our lives. This virus spreads from one city, one country and until it spreads all over the world. We have no choice but to adjust our lives with the “new normal” like online distance learning, working from home online shopping, and even online entertainment.

Unfortunately, not all were able to adapt to the global pandemic, some businesses were closed because people are required to stay home and social distancing is a must. Some businesses are still struggling to survive like the entertainment industry. Artists, actors, actresses, and other performers struggle to make a living because making a live performance is not possible. No concerts, corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, Christmas parties, and other occasions that require bands for hire.

We don’t know if COVID19 will end or will stay but one thing is for sure, performers are finding ways to perform whether for profit or not; in order to continue their work, market themselves, and serve their audiences. Despite what is happening with the world, there is still good news because a lot of countries are slowly unlocking and easing restrictions.

Even though virtual events became a new normal now, soon we will have to book the right band for events like concerts, shows, parties, weddings, and more. So let me share with you the things that you need to consider in order for you to book a gig.

Things to Consider on How to Book the Right Band For Your Venue

1. Type of Event

The first thing that we need to consider is the type of event that you are going to have. Knowing this will give you an idea of how many bands do you need to book. Do you need one performer or several performers?

2. Date of the Event

Booking a band is not easy as 1, 2,3 especially if you want to book a popular band. Keep in mind that even for a local band with a loyal following, you need to reserve them for 3 to 4 months to give you ample time to look for alternatives in case your chosen band is not available. You can adjust the date if there is a date conflict. And of course, you will have enough time to plan and promote the events.

3. Know your Audience

You need to know who is your audience in order for you to book the right performers. Ask yourself if you need a small or big venue for the event. Calculate the tickets that you need to sell to earn money. Make sure that majority of the seats will be filled.

4. Know Your Budget

The fourth is budget, how much are you willing to pay for the venue, band, staff, and promotion.

5. Book the Right Band

Knowing what type of event, date of event, audience, and budget will give you an idea of what kind of band you need to book. You can start sending emails, calling agencies or managers, or simply search a one-stop-shop where you can book musicians. The internet is always a good option because you can narrow your search by location, price, ratings, and genre.

6. Provide Performance Contract

It is very significant to provide a contract to protect both parties if something goes wrong. Make sure that your contract shows the date, time, venue, fees, and what to expect and not to expect.

Once you finished this process, you can start promoting your event and make sure that your ticket will sell.