Michi Photostory

February 21, 2012

Discover Great Orlando Hotel Deals Online

If you are planning a weekend or holiday getaway alone, with friends or family, Orlando Florida may be among your top preferences. You probably do not have the luxury of going through different brochures or walk around town looking for an ideal vacation spot. So why not tap into the convenience that the Internet provides, evaluate and compare different hotels in Orlando, and even make a reservation online?

Many new tourists are not aware of such provisions; and even when they are, they are probably hesitant to take this approach because they doubt its reliability and security. Making online hotel bookings is not only safe and private but also very favorable because it brings the services right to your desk or couch. There is a globally set standard that all websites maintain a strict privacy policy such that all customer information which will be specified will not be disclosed to unauthorized persons.

For most Orlando hotels, you are not even required to give personal details. They only ask you to specify your arrival dates, a number of people to be catered for, the type of accommodation preferred and any other additions that will enhance how services are rendered to you. Additionally, if this feels a bit too detached for your choice of customer care, telephone contacts should be provided at the site. Virtually all reputable Orlando Florida hotels have implemented this design.

Concerning payment details, very few hotels in Orlando ask for online money transfer. Although some have adopted online transactions, it would be advisable to hold onto your money until you are sure that you are paying for tangible services. Hackers and con artists have perfected their game and may disguise themselves well by offering unbeatable Orlando hotel deals. Be very careful as to where you disclose your credit card information otherwise, you may end up broke even before you can taste what Orlando Florida has to offer.

February 16, 2012

1st Blog Anniversary and Giveaway

Today is the exact date of my first blog anniversary and I can’t believe that it’s been a year already. I would like to thank you for wasting your time, I mean taking your time reading my post. I have no idea that someone would be interested reading my blog, when I started my blog I only have 3 readers, me, myself and I. Then I told my mom and hubby about it and they became my number one fan. Thank you for your support.

Like I always say, Michi Photostory is like my online diary and sort of “me time”, as a full time mom, I need to have an outlet where I can freely write or express my feelings. And this blog is so helpful and keep me sane. I’m happy to share my experiences as a mom and wife, our travel escapades, our food trip and others. You have no idea how happy I am when my followers and subscribers are increasing and most of all I really appreciate your comments and thoughts. It is my pleasure answering your questions and messages because in my own little way, I can help.

I never thought that blogging could be fun and interesting. I have learned a lot through blog hopping, I saw interesting places around the world and I came to know hole in the wall restaurant, and because of that I have long list of “places to go to”, “must see resort” and “food trip list”. I learned new information, ideas and techniques in dealing with kids and reading mommy blogger’s posts make me appreciate and enjoy motherhood. I even gained weight in reading food blog post, because of your post I keep on trying new recipes and restaurants.

Thank you for those bloggers who help me in doing my itinerary and planning our trip. Thank you for those people who gave me opportunity to earn on this blog, it is not that much but still thankful for the few paid post and paid links. One thing I learn about blogging is, “Blogging is not all about earning but learning and gaining friends” and I’m glad because I gained online friends.

I hope someday, I can also meet you in person. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for following my blog and to show my appreciation, I will be giving a small reward (Starbucks Tumbler) to my top commentator. As of this moment, I have 359 blog posts and 2,122 comments so I know that it would be difficult for me to check my top commentator so I added a widget last Sunday. Here are my top 20 commentators…. (drum roll).

Congratulations Tin of The Average Jane and thank you for all the comments, feedbacks, thoughts and suggestions. Do not forget to drop your email in my comment box. I will send the item after our post valentines celebration, bf-gf anniversary, wedding anniversary, and blog anniversary celebration. No doubt that February is my favorite month, so many things to celebrate.

this is the reason why I need to go to Starbucks last Tuesday. =)

February 15, 2012

Why I Don't Like Flowers?

Flowers, flowers, flowers, how many times will I say that I’m not a big fan of flowers. If you remember my post before, I wrote it here that I dislike flowers and stuffed toys, not that I really dislike them but there are things that I want to receive, but flowers and stuffed toys are not on my list.

We all know that yesterday was Valentine’s Day; it used to be an ordinary day when I was still single then became a special day because it was our my BF/GF anniversary and after we got married, we rarely celebrate Valentines because our wedding anniversary is just a few days after. Sometimes we celebrate and sometimes we give gifts but we don’t really make plans at all.

Yesterday is like an ordinary day to me, hubby greeted me before he left so I was not expecting anything from him but of course, I gave him a hint “if ever maisipan mo magbigay, chocolates na lang” and be home early because I need to go to Starbucks. hehe!

He just laughed and went to his office. My hubby is not the type of person who will shower you with gifts and I’m used to that when we’re still bf and gf. But last night he gave me a bouquet of roses, I was touched but I still asked him, where’s my chocolate? And he said ‘’ang dami chocolates sa fridge’’ (package that we received last Monday from his aunt). Then I said, wala naman Ferrero Rocher dun, yes, Ferrero Rocher is one of my favorite chocolates. For the record, I told him again, please give chocolates instead of flowers.

Why I don’t like flowers and stuffed toys? I know that flowers are expensive especially on Valentine’s Day and they will not last so I find it impractical. But if you give me chocolates, may kilig every bite of it and it will satisfy my stomach. I don’t like stuffed toys because for me they are dust collectors, so just give me a queen or king-size pillows instead.

I really do appreciate my hubby’s effort, dumaan pa daw siya sa Dangwa, hehe! Nasurprise naman ako because last year, one long-stemmed of rose lang binigay niya. My son smiled when he saw the flowers and he even said, “Mommy, take picture”.

February 14, 2012

Day 3: Laoag- Pagudpud Tour

We started our Laoag - Pagudpud tour at 8AM, Glenn was not available at that time so his cousin was the one who drove us to Pagudpud. The first stop is the Sinking Bell Tower. It is one of the tallest here in the Philippines. This is walking distance from our hotel, they say that you can see St. Mary image in this tower. Can you see the image?

The next stop is Marcos Museum, which is located in Sarrat, (no entrance fee). Our Laoag and Vigan tour is like an educational trip where you can see historical sites, landmark and memorabilia. It is a chance to learn more about the past which I have not learned in my History class.

I was born in the 80’s so I have very little knowledge about former President Marcos and now I understand why Ilokanos really love Marcos, I’ve seen some of his photos, love letters, achievements and many more and it seems that he is indeed a genius guy like Jose Rizal. (that’s my opinion).

Then we dropped by Salt Making House, did you know that it takes 18 hours just to produce salt and they do not use heat from the sun. Pinaiinitan nila, old school na pala yung napanood ko sa Batibot.

Laoag and Vigan are like revisiting the past while Pagudpud is enjoying the nature and scenery so I’m not surprised if more people stay in Pagudpud than in Laoag and Vigan. It is 2 hour trip from Laoag and 4 hours from Vigan.

Let the photos do the talk.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Bangui Windmill

Note: We're so busy taking pictures and we did not notice na may parating na malaking alon, ang layo namin sa shoreline pero inabot kami, nagulat na lang kami at nabasa na kami at natanggal ang slippers ng anak ko, so habol ni hubby yung slippers, then one lady is shouting for help, yung kasama niya paglingon namin, nakahiga na sa sand and basang-basa so takbo ulit si hubby and inalalayan and sinave din ni hubby yung slippers ni lola.

Patapat viaduct

Agua Grande

On your way to Blue Lagoon, you will see Timmantang Rock, Bantay Abot Cave and Dos Hermanos Island.

Bantay Abot Cave

Blue Lagoon P20 entrance fee. We did not rent any cottage, we just paid for bathroom use, price is per person.

We skipped Kaibigan Falls because we have kids in tow.

February 12, 2012

Food Trip in Laoag, Vigan and Pagudpud

1. UKL Ever Hotel – we’re lucky that our room accommodation has 2 complimentary breakfast. (sulit!) The only problem is we only have 4 choices; tapsilog, hotsilog, longsilog and tocilog. Our favorite is longsilog and tapsilog. Extra order is P80.

Since we had an amazing race tour, we did not go out for dinner; we just ate at their restaurant. Our favorite is breaded porkchop P120 and fried chicken P120.

2. Café Uno – in Vigan.

We ordered pinakbet plain, pinakbet with bagnet, sinigang na baboy, grilled bangus, chicken inasal, plain rice and bagoong rice (rice, bagoong, kangkong, salted egg and tocino). They have big servings so we keep on ordering rice just to finish everything. We all love the food, I’m not fond of vegetables but I like their pinakbet. Price is affordable, for a group of 8 people, our bill is only P1k+.

3. Irene’s Vigan Empanada – they all ate empanada in Vigan except me, not a fan of empanada. P35 per piece.

4. BergBlick Restaurant in Pagudpud, can you believe that there’s a German restaurant in Pagudpud. We were supposed to eat at Evangeline Resort but they could not accommodate us because they are expecting 100 guests and we could no longer wait because it was past 1PM already so we ended up in BergBlick Restaurant.

We ordered a fish platter, Ilocandia express, sinigang na fish (I can’t remember the name) and crème brulee for dessert. The price is a little bit expensive for a group of 8 people, our bill is P2k+. Our favorite is the fish platter.

5. Jollibee – in Laoag for snacks.

6. La Preciosa in Laoag, we ordered diningding, lengua estofado and mocha sansrival. Hubby and son enjoyed their diningding, he even said “sabaw pa lang ulam na”. I always love lengua estofado and La Preciosa did not fail me.

My son liked his mocha sansrival but La Preciosa best seller cake is carrot cake. I got to taste it because my sister’s friend gave me a slice. They have big servings and the price is also affordable, for a group of 3 people, our bill is only P500+

Like I said, La Preciosa carrot cake is their best seller and I even see some people at the airport who have boxes of La Preciosa cake but I still prefer mocha sansrival because I am not fond of carrots. I enjoy the cake but I have to remove the shredded carrots.

pabaon from my sister's friend

7. Street Foods

Food photos are not complete; blame it on our hungry stomachs.

February 10, 2012

Baluarte

As promised, I will create a separate post for this. Baluarte is the only zoo in the Philippines that has no entrance fee (as far as I know). They say that it is not just a zoo but a wildlife sanctuary wherein visitors can interact with animals. It is open every day from 7AM to 6PM.

At the entrance, you will see the small horse-drawn carriage called “tiburin”, the rides are free but of course “manongs” are expecting the tip. I know that it is free but my husband who’s not reading my itinerary asked manong if we can ride the “tiburin” and if it is free. Then manong whispered, tip lang po.

I do give tips but I dislike when people are expecting them. Anyway, we rode the carriage and he brought us to the camel, took some pictures and he dropped us off at animal encounter shows.

Hubby was so active at that time and he always volunteers. Well, time to shine. After the animal show, you have a chance to take pictures with their tiger, P50 per picture. If you use your own camera, P20 per shot.

We stayed for less than two hours and then we went to Calle Crisologo.

February 09, 2012

Day 2: Vigan Tour

After our lunch at Café Uno, we started our tour in Pagburnayan Jar Making. If you are going to Vigan do not miss this place, it’s really nice to see how they mold and shape the clay into jars, vases and pots. It looks so easy but I know that it’s difficult.

Crisologo Museum: donations only.

Syquia Mansion: P20 entrance fee, another place that you should not miss is Syquia Mansion. Dami ko natutunan dito, if there’s no tour guide I will not appreciate it because I’m just seeing old furniture and pictures. But because there’s a tour guide, I understand and appreciate each piece of furniture and house details, things that I have not learned in History class.

Vigan Loam Weaving – I’ve seen this before in Baguio.

Baluarte no entrance fee, I’ll make a separate post for this.

Bantay Church and Bell Tower: donations only

And our last stop Calle Crisologo, it is included in my top ten places that I want to visit. You can ride kalesa, P50 for one round (isang ikot lang). We’re here past 4PM and hinintay talaga naming gumabi para sa picture.

End of our tour

February 08, 2012

Day 2: Laoag Tour Part 1

Last year, my sister decided not to have a birthday party for my nephew’s 7^th birthday instead they will just have a family out-of-town trip. So when I saw the PHP12 Cebu Pacific seat sale, I personally invited myself to join their family trip and informed her after I booked our flight (Ethan and I). Hehe!

Hubby was not interested to join but after our stressful week last December, he promised that he will join our Ilocos trip kahit magbus siya (babawi daw). But God is so good and I was able to get a seat sale ticket for my hubby last month.

A month before our trip I booked our hotel accommodation at UKL Ever Hotel and rented a van for 2 days tour. Actually, we can avail of the 3 days tour but 2 days tour is much cheaper and I can do Laoag tour on our own because we will be staying in Laoag Centro.

Fast forward, we started our tour as early as 7:30am, first stop is La Paz Sand Dunes, I thought this will be part of our second day, so I was not prepared, namuti tuloy ang black shoes ko. If you remember the “Temptation Island” movie, this is the location. As far as I know, you can also avail of sand boarding lesson, P2,500 for a group of four.

my first panorama shot. =) my only photo on this post

If you have the budget you can stay in Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino, this place is really huge, and I like the structure and design. I saw 3 ATM machines inside the hotel and most of the guests are foreigners.

Malacanang Ti Amianan, P30 entrance fee.

Marcos Mausoleum, first time to see former President Marcos, camera is not allowed so I have no pictures.

Batac Photo Gallery, where you can see pictures, love letters and achievements of former Pres. Marcos.

St. Augustine (Paoay Church), UNESCO World Heritage Site, wrong timing, church is under maintenance.

Juan Luna Shrine, this is the birthplace of Juan Luna, the man behind Spolarium. The house was burned down in 1861 and they have just reconstructed it. The two-bricked story house is really attractive, you can see replicas of Juan Luna’s paintings, family photo gallery, and other memorabilia.

The next stop is Vigan.

Photo Credit: Glenn Perdido Tolentino

He was our driver, tour guide, and photographer in our Laoag-Vigan Tour.

For inquiries, please contact Glenn

Mobile numbers: Globe: 09163343432 Smart: 09395356959 09202749259

Email: luckyguy_joo@yahoo.com luckyguyjoo@gmail.com

Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/luckyguyjoo

February 07, 2012

Day 1: Off to Laoag and UKL Ever Hotel

I can’t believe it’s already February, since Sunday we're so busy packing and unpacking stuff for my husband’s Baguio trip, Subic trip, and our upcoming trip. Very stressful week but finally we will be out again.

Though I’m a bit nervous because we (my son and I) have to commute to meet my hubby (who is coming from Subic) before going to the airport. Good luck to me and my son, it’s been four years already since I rode a bus (bus from our place) so I still asked my former officemate a.k.a busmate regarding bus schedules and bus stopover. Good thing I’ve asked, iba na pala.

This is one of the disadvantages of living outside metro manila, there is no taxi. This will be the start of my busy days, I love February month. Hoping for good weather. We left early because I do not want to miss the bus, so we rode the tricycle and jeep to reach the last bus stop over. Thank God, we did not miss the bus, buzzer beater nga lang. It took us only 1 hour to reach our meeting place but hubby wasn’t there yet, we waited for 1 hour and 30 minutes before hubby arrived.

When we reached the airport, the security guard said no more parking slot and he asked for our flight schedule. Naawa naman si manong and he said, “sundan niyo, try ko maghanap bandang dulo,” We only have less than two hours so we’re so scared to miss our flight. Thank God again because we’ve found one available slot.

At the boarding gate, my son was busy with his tablet while my hubby was still working, trying to finish his report and I’m busy calling my sister, buzzer beater sa check-in counter.

After one hour, we reached Laoag International Airport, I saw this poster so just in case you need a ride to Centro, you can take advantage of this free shuttle ride. I haven’t tried this because we have airport transfers.

UKL Ever Hotel in Laoag

We stayed at UKL Ever Hotel, I chose this hotel because of its price and location. Fifteen to 20 minutes away from the airport and walking distance to the market, fast food, and tourist spots.

Basic room and bathroom, ang ayaw ko lang ang taas ng heater, hindi ko abot ang knob. The room package includes free breakfast for 2.

Address: Abadilla St. Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Telephone: +63 (077) 772-2771

Others: +63-999-525-7777

E-mail: ukleverhotel@yahoo.com or info@ukleverhotel.com

Sunday Mishaps at the Airport

We had a great time in Laoag, Vigan, and Pagudpud except for last Sunday. There are some mishaps that really stressed me.

1. After our half-day tour, we really don’t know where to go to kill time, we went back to the hotel and stayed in the lobby but we were so bored so past 2PM, we decided to go to the airport already. We asked first the hotel receptionist if Laoag airport is already open and she said yes.

Off we went to the airport and we were so disappointed because it was still closed and we were the first passengers there. For the second time around, early bird na naman kami. We experienced this in our Puerto Princesa trip, after check-out we went to the airport for our past 2PM flight and the airport was closed. We waited for almost an hour.

We asked the airport staff what time it will be open and they said 3PM, so it’s fine with us because it’s less than 30 minutes before 3PM. But it didn’t happen; we waited till 4PM before they start the operation.

2. At the check-in counter, staff was asking for my son’s ID or copy of his birth certificate but I don’t have any. That was the first time, for the last 5 trips with my son, they never asked for ID or birth certificate.

3. Day before our flight I received a text and email. I thought that our flight was moved back to 5:50PM again. Our original flight is 5:50PM but a week before our flight, a customer service rep called to inform me that our flight will be delayed for 50 minutes and she sent my new itinerary.

So I was really hoping that it was moved because we all want to go home early. But our flight was not moved back, it’s still 6:40PM. Unfortunately, the flight was delayed, and we boarded past 8PM. We had been waiting for almost 6 hours and good thing that there was a toddlers' play area where my son stayed for 4 hours.

4. I thought that was the last mishap but when we reached the parking lot, ayaw magstart ng car, discharged ang battery. I don’t know kung ano naiwan na nakabukas. My husband left to ask for some help and when he went back, may kasama ng airport janitors, 5 janitors tried to push our car, pero ayaw talaga magstart. I doubt if it will work, 4 days kaming wala. They tried it four times, they pushed our car back and forth, lawit na dila nila kakatulak but nothing happened.

Then second option, they called someone for “jump start” but manong is asking for PHP1,500 so we declined. My husband told him, papadeliver na lang kami sa Motolite. But one airport janitor did not leave us and he went around asking kung sino willing magpajumpstart. Isang airport taxi driver ang pumayag and he said kami na bahala sa bayad. Thank God, after 1 hour and 30 minutes, nakaalis din kami parking lot. We’re home at exactly 12AM. Whew! What a day!

February 06, 2012

Pasalubong from Ilocos

chichacorn, longganisa ilocos, bagnet, shirt, salt, garlic, onion, bangui windmill magnet, keychain and display

Just came home from our vacation trip and here are some pasalubong that I bought in Laoag, Vigan and Pagudpud.

We loved this chichacorn, kinakain na rin namin ito during our travel kaya konti na natira.

Bagnet is ok lang, nothing special yung nabili namin sa market.

For the longanisa, medyo disappointed ako sa nabili ko sa palengke, I liked the taste of the longganisa na breakfast namin sa hotel.

Update: My husband went back to Ilocos last March 2015 and I asked him to buy longganisa but the taste is ok lang. Saan ba ang best supplier ng longganisa?

January 30, 2012

Soderno at Molito

Yesterday, after church service we went to Soderno, I’ve been meaning to go here since last year but it is always crowded whenever we passed by maybe because it was Soderno nights. Sunday organic market is not crowded, it is almost empty and I only see few food stalls.

I’ve tried the famous Chef Resty’s Roast beef carving station; I ordered roast beef with potatoes for P130. I find it expensive because you only get one thin slice of roast beef and few pieces of potatoes and one order is not enough, gutom pa rin ako. Hehe! But next time I will order roast beef with pasta or rice.

Before we left, I asked hubby to buy cake from megabox because I saw “buy 1 take 1 promo”” but he bought pastries, P40 each. (napakamasunurin). =). If you visit Soderno, don’t forget to try megabox, we love their brownies and revel bars and it is not expensive, too bad, hubby bought only 3 pieces.

it may not look good on the picture but it is really yummy.

I used to visit Salcedo Market when I was still working so I’m glad that we now have Soderno.

The Soderno at Molito Schedule

Soderno Nights – Friday and Saturday 6PM to 3AM

Lifestyle Market – Saturday 8AM to 3PM

Organic Market – Sunday 8AM to 3PM

January 27, 2012

The City Beautiful

Orlando, Florida is also known as “The City Beautiful” and there is no doubt about that because we all know that Orlando, Florida is indeed the beautiful and interesting place. It is the home of Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Theme Park, Universal Orlando Resort, Gatorland, and Wet 'n Wild Water Park.

It is not surprising to know that they became the most visited city in the year 2009. Not only Americans are interested in this place even tourists are willing to spend money just to visit their famous attraction. Orlando, Florida is the best place for family vacation and getting an accommodation is not difficult, in fact, Orlando placed second in the most number of hotels in the country. Orlando Hotels range from budget-hotels up to high-end hotels.

Check this Facebook page if you are planning to have a vacation in Florida. It will give you an idea of what to do in Orlando. Good luck and enjoy your vacation.