Michi Photostory

October 21, 2011

Book Review: Fascinating Womanhood

I bought this book last July not because my marriage is in danger but I was so curious how this book will help me to become a fascinating wife. Fascinating Womanhood is a best seller book by Helen Andelin, it tackles eight rules to help you in having a lifelong love affair and there are many testimonies and success stories that this book can really save broken relationships.

We’ve been married for almost six years and I admit that our marriage is not perfect; of course, there is no such thing as perfect, we also have our own share of dramas but still, I am happy and satisfied with our marriage. I feel that I was so blessed enough for wanting more but after reading the book, it makes me realize that there is more that I can do to build a truly happy marriage. I hold the keys to my own happiness.

Being a stay-at-home mom, I am always preoccupied with household chores, taking care of my son, and doing my part-time job (if there’s any). Little did I know that I am neglecting the needs and wants of my husband and I forgot that I was a wife first before I became a mother. Even my husband is too old enough to take care of himself; he also needs love, care, and attention. I was too absorbed with my duties and obligations and not conscious enough of my husband's needs.

This book teaches me to accept, appreciate and admire my husband. The most important thing is to make him number one, we have to admit that we tend to put first our children, household chores, career, and many more before our husband. This is a reminder to all of us.

“If you treat him like a king, he’ll treat you like a queen”

“Don’t put the comforts and whims of your children ahead of your husband’s basic needs”

There are more things that you can learn from this book so if you want to have a happy marriage, give this a try. I just finished the book just this week and I am still trying to apply it to my marriage, I know that this would not be easy for me because the number one role that I need to learn is to be submissive. I admit that I am not a submissive wife because I grew up without my parents beside me so I used in making decisions and important plans on my own. I’m a leader and not a follower, but I have to change for the better, good luck with my journey.

You can grab the book here.

“ A loving marriage is the foundation of a happy family, and a happy family is the foundation of a stable society. Most of the problems in this world stem from troubled homes. If we are to have peace in the world, we must begin at home. – Helen Andelin

October 18, 2011

Heaven on Earth Cake

While waiting for my friends at Starbucks, my hubby bought Heaven on Earth P130 cake for my son. I’m not fond of mousse cake and Heaven on Earth is a six layer mousse cake. I had a spoon bite of this cake and it is not sweet. My son is a picky eater but he was able to finish the whole cake so for sure it is yummy and delicious.

October 12, 2011

My Pizza Hut Story

Last Sunday we went to Enchanted Kingdom and we all know that bringing of foods and drinks inside the theme park is not allowed so we had a quick snack at Pizza Hut. We order regular super supreme pizza and use our pizza hut card to avail free pizza. My husband gave his credit card and pizza hut card; I left the counter to buy Dairy Queen Ice cream for my son and look for a vacant table. Then my husband came without the pizza, I asked him.

Me: Bakit nandito ka na?

Hubby: Pinaupo na niya ko at bumalik na lang daw.

After few minutes, my husband claimed the pizza and he called me and said “Di daw pwede yung card” So I gave him P500 then he said, kulang.

Me: paano magiging kulang e regular pizza and 1.5 pepsi lang yung order.

The manager came holding two boxes of family pizza and the staff said, ma’m regular lang ba?

Me: yes, dalawa lang naman kami kakain.

The manager gets our P500 bill and gave the two family size pizzas and said, we will just give you the change. So we got two family size pizza and 1.5 liter pepsi for P380+.

I love pizza but I did not enjoy my pizza that day, (feeling ko sasakit tiyan ko at hindi yun ang order namin). Good thing that the credit card did not work that time or else I will charged P550+ for their mistake.

October 10, 2011

Enchanted Kingdom

I bought 3 Enchanted Kingdom voucher from Ensogo last August for P300 each. It was a good deal since regular pass cost P500. We’re supposed to use it for Ethan’s 3rd birthday but the Enchanted Kingdom is closed from Monday to Wednesday. Almost two months of waiting and we are so excited to use the voucher before it expires so yesterday, rain or shine we went to the Enchanted Kingdom.

After seven years, I was back and this time with my family. We started our tour in Victoria Park; of course, we tried the Grand Carousel.

Then we went straight to Boulderville, almost all kiddie rides are still closed except for Boulderville Express.

We proceed to Midway Boardwalk and tried Roller Skater, Up, Up and Away and Wheel of Fate. My son’s height is only 38” so we are restricted to enjoy some rides. But even if my son is allowed, I will not ride Anchor’s Away again, one is enough and I will never ride EKstreme Tower Ride and Wheel of Fate, I did not join them when they ride the Wheel of Fate.

At Jungle Outpost, the only ride that we tried is Swan Lake because my son is not yet allowed in Jungle Log Jam. Then we had a quick snack at Pizza Hut and Dairy Queen. We only passed Spaceport because I won’t dare to ride in Space Shuttle Max (feeling ko buwis-buhay to, I love my life).

Next stop is Brooklyn Place, I was so disappointed because my son is not allowed in Rialto Theater, he likes penguin pa naman. Anyway, we enjoy the mini concert of “Ian Jacinto and The Siblings”, they are really talented.

My favorite ride is Rio Grande Rapids, of all the rides that we have tried; this is my son’s favorite. Tuwang-tuwa siya na nababasa siya. Lucky for me, hindi ako nabasa. Hehe!

We went back to Boulderville to try the kiddie rides and for the sake of my son, I also rode on these kiddie rides like Stone Eggs and Dinosaurus except for Air Pterodactyl.

We rode the Grand Carousel again before we went home; we only stayed for six hours.

To save money, buy your ticket at Klook
Read: How I Purchase my Tickets at Klook

Klook.com

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.

October 05, 2011

Tiendisitas: Jun2 Cebu’s Lechon

We had our lunch at Jun2 Cebu’s Lechon. It was lunch time but the place was not crowded maybe because it was scorching hot, if only I have another choice we will not eat here but we’re really hungry so when we saw lechon we immediately order our food. Anyway, we’re satisfied with our food and the price is affordable.

Ark Avilon Zoo + Fun Ranch

A few weeks ago I researched places where we could spend our son’s 3^rd birthday, his birthday falls on Tuesday so we only have one day to celebrate. If you’ve been reading my blog for quite some time now, you know that we are not into big birthday parties; a simple birthday celebration is enough.

I narrowed down my list to three choices.

1. Enchanted Kingdom

2. Ocean Adventure + Zoobic Safari

3. Island Cove Resort

But none of these choices materialize because the weather is so unpredictable. I woke up early just to check the weather updates and there was no storm signal but there will be ITCZ so we just went to Ark Avilon Zoo. It is the only interactive indoor zoo in the country so rain or shine we can spend our son’s birthday, “Celebrating Wild Life”. Ark Avilon Zoo is the sister zoo of the country’s largest wildlife which is Avilon Zoo.

Ark Avilon Zoo is really small compared to Avilon Zoo; it took us almost two hours just to reach Ark Avilon Zoo but less than an hour to tour the place. Good thing that the place was not crowded, no field trips and birthday parties. But the downside is we were not able to meet other animal residents such as Brutus (miniature horse), Golem (donkey), and Selina (controversial Albino python). I am not sure if there are only days that you can see them so it is better to call the zoo to ask which animals are present for interaction. Anyway, Jenny (orangutan), Puti (eagle), and Narda (cockatoo) were there. Picture taking with the animal residents is free unlike in Avilon Zoo.

There are feeding stations and this is the best part of the trip, you can feed some animals but you have to buy food. I am aware that there is a price increase of some commodities because of Typhoon Pedring and Quiel but I was still shocked when I learned that 1 piece of carrot is P20 and 1 string of sitaw is P10. But because my son enjoyed feeding the rabbits and sheep, I did not mind the price.

There is a mini playground and art-making corner on the second floor where you can spend most of your time.

Foot spa is also free; do not ask me if it is hygienic, they just tried it for the sake of experience. But be sure that you have alcohol and hand towels to wipe your feet. I’ve tried this once at Manila Ocean Park and there is a fee of P100.

ARK AVILON ZOO
Frontera Verde Ortigas Avenue corner C-5
Pasig City, Philippines
Telephone No. 706-2992
Fax No. 706-2993
Email Address: arkavilonzoo@gmail.com

Entrance FeeRegular Rate: Php 300.00/ head
Kiddie Rate *: Php 200.00/ head
Children below 1-year-old
is FREE OF CHARGE

ZOO SCHEDULEWeekdays:
9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Weekends and Holidays:
10:00 am to 7:30 pm

Read: Trip to the Zoo

After visiting the park you can also explore Fun Ranch, there is no entrance fee but if you want to enjoy the rides, P50 per ride ticket, or P295 for a ride all you can.

God is so good for giving us good weather because it did not rain when we were at Ark Avilon Zoo and Fun Ranch. Happy 3^rd Birthday Ethan!

Update: As per ABS-CBN article last June 4, 2020, Fun Ranch has decided that it will not reopen its doors after shutting its branches due to the Covid19 pandemic. Fun Ranch branches in Ortigas, Alabang, and Pampanga already confirmed their permanent closure.

September 20, 2011

Favorite Meals at Max’s

Max’s is one of our favorite restaurants because we always love their food and service that is why I chose this restaurant for my son’s christening. We’re always satisfied with their food even their combo meals are affordable. My favorite combo meals are Platter Meal and Chopsuey Meal.

So, I ordered Platter Meal, Pancit Canton, Fiesta Plate with Fresh Lumpiang Ubod and Max’s dessert Sampler. Every time we eat here, we always order their dessert sampler; my son can finish half of this after eating his favorite pancit canton.

Update: February 11, 2013

Max’s is one of our favorite Filipino restaurants because we’re satisfied with the food and the price is very reasonable. That is why I chose Max’s for my son's christening four years ago. Last Saturday, I went all the way to Max’s EDSA Caloocan to book another event. My mom would be coming home next month and will be celebrating her birthday here in the Philippines. It’s been decades already since she celebrated her birthday with us so she decided to have a party.

Thank God because the date and time were available so I immediately made a reservation. You have to pay 50% of the package amount in order to reserve the date. If you are planning to celebrate your milestone in Max’s, here is the package.

We also took advantage of the Max’s merienda mixes for P95 only. I also ordered Max’s dessert sampler for my son; he loves the brownie ala mode.

September 18, 2011

Play-Doh Cars 2 Mold N Go

Yesterday, I was scouting for bike and tri-scooter for my son but it seems that he is not interested so I just went to Play-Doh section. I want to buy Play- Doh to enhance his imagination and creativity. I was choosing among these three but my husband did not agree. He said my son might eat this. Well, he has a point though Play-Doh is non toxic it is still not edible.

photo source

Then we saw Play – Doh Cars 2 Mold N Go, this is perfect for my son because he loves McQueen. This will make him busy.

photo source

September 16, 2011

Jump, Bounce N Play

While waiting for my niece and nephew, we stayed in Jump, Bounce N Play at SM Valenzuela, P200 for unlimited play. They have 2 big inflatable slide and 1 big inflatable basketball ring. You need to buy a ball for P30 if you want to use the basketball ring. The staff required us to stay inside because according to her, “maliit pa yung mga bata”, true enough for my son because I need to assists him in this inflatable slide, he can’t get in at nadudulas”. Hihihi!

The kids really enjoyed the place; they jump, bounce, play and slide in different positions.

After two hours and thirty minutes, I do not hear any more noise and I cannot see my son in the slides. So when I checked on them, here’s what I saw.

They no longer want to play so we had a quick snack at Jollibee before watching Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World.

September 12, 2011

Water + Floater + Sun = Fun

Since July, I’ve been looking for arm band floaters for my son and I’ve been to seven different malls but unfortunately, there were no arm band floaters available. No arm band floaters on our Cebu trip but lucky for me; I was able to pass this store on our way to Victoria, Laguna.

There are several stores that sell floaters in Pansol, Laguna and I am very familiar with this place, I just wondered why it did not cross my mind. Anyway, it was not too late because my son was able to use the arm band floaters in our Villa Escudero trip and Blue Coral Resort outing. I bought it for P50 only. Hehe!

My son loves water, even he doesn’t know how to swim yet but with the help of the arm band floaters, he can go anywhere. In fact, he is very confident with his swimming skills and sometimes he removes his floaters and jump on the water. He is not scared but we are scared for him. He is so independent that he feels that he no longer needs guidance. He even pushed us if we will hold him.

And now he enjoys the slides. He never gets tired of it. Whenever he slides, these are all his landing positions.

There are always crying moments and tantrums when it is time to get off the water. After swimming for several hours, we know that he really enjoyed it because he can sleep while watching TV and eating slice of bread.

September 11, 2011

My 7 Links Project

Thanks Karla for tagging me. I’ve just started blogging since last week of February but it took me a long time finishing My 7 Links Project, hahaha! I had a difficult time choosing from my few posts.

1. The most beautiful post I’ve considered Day in Paradise as the most beautiful post because it is one of my memorable and fabulous birthday celebrations. I always have simple birthday celebrations and this was the first time that I really splurge on my birthday, knowing that I do not have an active income.

2. The most popular post is Busy as a Bee. Believe it or not this is the most popular post in my blog. It has more or less 2,000 views in less than two months. I guess when people are searching for bee images; they are redirected to my blog.

3. The most controversial post is no other than Cebu’s Lechon. It was my first time to receive negative comments and I admit it somehow affected me but thank you for the kind words that I’ve read from you. It really helped me a lot.

4. The most helpful post is Cebu City Tour because it will give you an idea on how to DIY your tour. You can save from hiring private van or booking travel tours.

5. A post whose success surprises me is Morong Star Beach Resort and Hotel because I never thought that it will gain viewers nor expected that it will be on page 1 ranking when you google search the resort.

6. A post that I feel did not get the attention it deserves is Why Your Support for the PsorRocks Concert is Critical? I reposted this post from our PsorPhil’s President because I want people to understand why we need their support, how much we wanted to inform them that psoriasis is not contagious and to let them know that we need acceptance and not pity.

7. The post that I am most proud of is World Psoriasis Day 2010 because this was the first time that I come out in the open and admit that I have psoriasis.

September 07, 2011

Playmates

Whenever we go out we’re always together so even if I’m going to Divisoria, my husband and my son will accompany me. I admit that it is hard to shop in Divisoria if you have a son in tow but with the help of “Playmates” I can enjoy my “Me Time”.

After eating our lunch we will separate our ways, I will do my own thing and they will go to Playmates. I have to pay P150 for four hours during weekends, so I have to finish shopping within four hours or else I will pay more. Hehe!

This is now our routine if ever I will go to Divisoria, once or twice a year. The only problem is my son, he always cries when we’re going home because he doesn’t want to leave.

September 06, 2011

Staycation at Blue Coral Resort

We went to San Juan, Batangas last weekend without any reservation because we’re thinking that it’s lean season so we do not need a reservation. But unfortunately, La Luz Resort is already fully booked, then we moved to Taramindu Resort and we have the same fate.

Good thing that I have a list of resorts and draft of expected expenses so we’re prepared just in case the resort could not accommodate us. Out third stop is Blue Coral Resort and finally, they still have available room for us though penthouse is no longer available so we ended up with family deluxe and suite room. Each room is good for 12 persons which are perfect for us, 10 persons per room.

Actually, I made my reservation at La Luz Resort last month but I did not pay the 50% down payment because my mom was worried about the weather and down payment is non-refundable. I made my last minute booking but received no reply so lesson learned, peak or lean season we should make a reservation.

But we have no regrets because we think that Blue Coral Resort has better facilities and amenities. Their staffs are all approachable and friendly. When they told me that there are still available rooms, I immediately said ‘ok, I’ll get those rooms” but the staff said “ma’m baka gusto niyo po muna makita yung room”. I really appreciate the effort because they want me to check the room first before reserving it. I still checked the room though I already have an idea because I’ve seen it on the internet.

This is the Suite Room. The room is located at the beach front so you can relax at the balcony looking at the beach. It has living room area, three beds and big bathroom with bathtub.

This is the Family De Luxe Room. I don't have pictures of the room because I did not stay there. My brother's family and sister's family stayed at the second floor of the building.

They have a policy of early check in and early check out, standard check-in is 3PM to 1PM. They allowed us to check in as early as 11AM and check out time is also 11AM the following day.

For an overnight stay, we availed their food package of P1,100 per person which includes buffet lunch, dinner and breakfast. Foods are just ok.

We were all happy and satisfied with our stay at Blue Coral Resort; it was really an escape from urban life. Check here the other resorts that we have tried in Batangas.

Blue Coral Beach Resort

Laiya, San Juan Batangas Philippines

The Effect of Having a Blog

I’ve been blogging since last week of February but yesterday I received a comment on one of my post “Cebu’s Lechon”. Somehow it affects me because as far as I know, I’ve been honest to all my posts, I will say if the food is good, so-so or not because I do not want to lie to my readers. I am also one of the people who also rely on some reviews, testimonies and comments. That is the power of blogging.

I do believe that we have our own preferences, tastes and likes, there are things that we may not like but there are people who will appreciate it. I also believe on “freedom of speech” but I know that there are limitations. But I keep on reading my post yesterday if I really said something that really affects the commenter, I even asked my husband about it and he said, I should not give any negative comments.

ME: Do I need to lie? Both lechon na kinain ko are pasalubong, what do they expect sabihin ko na crispy siya, e nilagay na siya sa plastic at box at nagtravel from Cebu to Manila. Pareho natin kinain and same ang reaction natin, makunat talaga yung sa Ayer’s while sa CnT malambot yung balat so nakain natin. Do I have to buy another kilo just to taste it again and replace my first post?

Hubby is just laughing at me because I’m so affected.

Me: Wala naman ko sinabi na di masarap yung lechon, naubos ko pa nga and I even said that it is yummy.

Hubby and Mom: forget about it, just be careful next time baka owner pa yun kaya ganun makareact.
These are the comments.

TRISHIA PADILLA wrote:

“I have read this blog and honestly it loses the morale of being a good critic. We don't need to judge the product of the competitor by an identifiable statement in which fact we're not aware of. CNT's lechon and Ayer's lechon have different taste as i have tasted it. And to whoever the one sending the blog, you can't judge that Ayer's Lechon is a rubber...stealing such taste. Please taste it again and you can clearly identify the difference. As you have said, it took you three days to eat CNT but less than a day for Ayer. Isn'y it because Ayer's Lechon tasted really good. Good beyond expectation???!u Come to think of it?”

TRISHIA PADILLA wrote:
“Indeed, we have our own preferences but be careful with your statement because it might affect the business itself. As I notice you tasted Ayer's Lechon once, is it enough to conclude such statement?”

Please do enlighten me if I really did something wrong and if I should refrain from saying negative comments. Now, I am thinking if I will only post those foods that I’ve really enjoyed without a single flaw.

You can read the post and comments here. I want to reply back but I know that the discussions will not end. She must understand the nature of blogging and if she is affiliated with Ayer’s lechon, they should listen to all customer’s feedback whether good or bad because it will help them in improving their product or business so, in the end, they will benefit from it.

The Effects of Having a Blog

1. You cannot please all people. Whether we like it or not, some people won't agree to us, some people won't like our post, some will take extra effort to post nagative post.
2. Yes, you have your own blog and have freedom of expression but we should also be responsible in what we post. I've learned from this experience that I need to choose me words, I think I should use the word "makunat" instead of rubbery. Huwag ng i-English kasi baka maiba pa pagkakaintindi.

For business owners, blogs, forums and social media are there to inform us the good and bad sides. If we read something negative, we should take it lightly. Accept and check if there are really things that you need to improve.