Michi Photostory

December 19, 2012

Hong Kong: Chef Mickey’s Restaurant

One of the things that I really look forward to staying in Disney’s Hollywood Hotel is the breakfast so we woke up early and bought breakfast coupon.

Actually, we’re the first guests inside Chef Mickey’s Restaurant.

There are several choices of food but not that much and the taste is just ok, nothing special.

We’re eating so slowly because we’re waiting for the Disney characters, we’ve been waiting for almost an hour but I can’t see any Disney characters so we asked and to my disappointment, there are no Disney characters during breakfast. Waah, I was really sad because I’d been waiting for that moment and I was really excited for my son.

I thought we can meet and greet Chef Mickey in Chef Mickey’s Restaurant but the Disney characters are in Enchanted Garden Restaurant. Another epic failure and this mistake is not cheap because I paid $HK474 (P2607) for this breakfast and my son only ate one Mickey Mouse banana bread and one Mickey Mouse waffle.

This is what I’ve read so I really have no idea that there is a specific meal and time na nandun si Chef Mickey and breakfast time is excluded.

Chef Mickey “The biggest superstar talent there is, Mickey Mouse, invites you to enjoy an international buffet in Mickey’s style! Immerse in Disney’s world of animation while you meet the star Chef Mickey and delight in delicacies from around the globe that he has specially prepared. Don’t forget your cameras for capturing your special moments with Mickey!”

Lesson learned: Ask first if Disney characters are present before buying a meal coupon and read carefully.

Anyway, sharing the food that we’ve tried.

December 18, 2012

Car Insurance 101

Buying a car is not an investment because it entails a lot of expenses such as gas, toll fee, auto maintenance, and even car insurance. Some people do not give importance to car insurance because for them, it is something that you can avoid if you just drive carefully. But accidents happen anytime and anywhere, even good drivers experienced accidents.

Car insurance is part of our monthly expense, whether I like it or not we have to pay for it just to be sure that we are covered when unexpected things happen. We used to pay P1000+ a month for our auto insurance but now we are paying P2000 every month because we replaced the old car already. That amount can already pay part of my son’s tuition.

But I must admit auto insurance is really important to all car owners so if you still do not have auto insurance, do not think twice anymore. Get car insurance as soon as possible. There are several agencies that offer car insurances and the cost will depends on the coverage you want. If you want higher coverage, expect for higher rate too.

Read: Car Insurance Benefits That You Need to Consider When Buying an Auto Insurance

If you have no idea about the cost, the best way to check is through internet. There are several websites that offer auto insurance quote and that is free so take advantage of it. Some website only asks for your zip code and they will send you the quotation. For more information click here to check if they are offering auto insurance in your state.

DIY Sweet Treats

Deciding what gifts to give is really one of my dilemmas every Christmas Season especially if the list increases every year. I guess it would not be a problem if I have an unlimited budget. But I have a very limited budget so I have to think for a simple gift that I could give without hurting my pocket.

Most of the kids love sweets so I decided to give sweet treats to my son’s friends in school.

What do I need?

Chocolates

Ice candy plastic bag

Cartolina or Cardboard

String

Christmas Stickers

1. Insert folded cartolina paper inside the ice candy plastic bag.

2. Put the chocolates inside the ice candy plastic bag.

3. Seal the ice candy plastic bag using the string.

4. Put Christmas stickers.

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

December 17, 2012

Day 3: Hong Kong Disneyland

I’m pretty sure that most of the kids wanted to visit Disneyland and I’m one of them. When I was young I wanted to visit Disneyland and meet Disney characters but I know that it is very impossible for me to visit Disneyland because I don’t have the money. So when I learned that there is already Disneyland in Hongkong, I was happy because I know that my dream is no longer impossible.

Hongkong is not that far and with the help of airline seat sales, I can achieve this goal. I’ve really waited for this moment and thank God because He answered my prayer. It is a dream come true also for my son because he loves Mickey Mouse.

After 10 months of waiting, we finally visited Hongkong Disneyland last month. We checked in first at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel before going to the theme park.

We got a free map and checked the time of shows and parades. At that moment I can’t decide where we will go first because the park is so huge and I don’t think we can’t finish it in one day.

Anyhow, we started our tour in Adventure Land, we watched the Festival of the Lion King. It is 30 minutes music and dance show. Do not miss this show because this is really nice and we all enjoyed it.

Then we crossed the rivers of adventure by riding the raft, climbed Tarzan’s Treehouse, and rode the Jungle River Cruise. We just checked the Liki Tikis and we did not go near because we don’t want to get wet.

Next stop is Toy Story Land. We rode in Slinky Dog Spin and my husband tried the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop and RC Racer.

We were hungry already so we started looking for a restaurant then we saw Chipmunks in Grizzly Gulch so we immediately fell in line because this would be our first photo with Disney characters. While waiting for our turn, my husband bought food in Lucky Nugget Saloon (Fish and Chips). Then we fell in line again for Mickey Mouse.

We were not able to try Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars because there’s a minimum height requirement and my son did not pass so he just played in Geyser Gulch (water play).

Then we went to Fantasy Land and rode Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Cinderella Carousel. We watched 3D Mickey’s PhilharMagic and took advantage of the photo op in Fantasy Garden.

Then we rode the Fantasyland Train Station.

Back to rides again, we tried Mad Hatter Tea Cups, It’s a Small World, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. It’s a Small World is one of our favorite rides.

After Winnie the Pooh, we immediately went to Storybook Theatre to watch “The Golden Mickeys” show. Thank God, we were able to make it.

After the show, we were really tired and hungry so we went to Tomorrow Land and eat in Comet Café. Then we patiently waited till 8PM for the fireworks.

It was a fun and tiring day. We were not able to finish everything so I was glad I purchased a 2-day pass ticket. God is so good because He gave us good weather and we enjoy our first day in Disneyland. Expect our Hong Kong Disneyland Part 2.

Buy or Book Tickets

Hong Kong Disneyland Park Ticket
Hong Kong Disneyland Meal Coupon
Hong Kong Disneyland Park 1-Day Ticket and Meal Coupon Combo
Plaza Inn in Hong Kong Disneyland (Lunch and Dinner Set)
Disneyland Star Ferry’s Water Tour
Shared Bus Transfer from Kowloon to Hong Kong Disneyland & Ngong Ping 360
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Disney Princess Transformation
Hong Kong Disneyland/Ngong Ping 360 Cabin Ticket and Shared Bus Transfer from Kowloon Combo

Klook.com

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December 14, 2012

Hong Kong: Disney’s Hollywood Hotel

As much as possible we always travel on a shoestring but there are times we splurge on travel just like our stay in Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. It was not an easy decision and it took me several weeks before reserving a room.

I have to think hundred times because the rate of the room is not cheap and once I reserve the room it will be automatically charged to my credit card (full amount). It is non-transferable and non-refundable so I have to think carefully.

From Thomas and Friends to Cars and now my son adores Mickey Mouse so much; I love my son so I decided to book the cheapest room in Disney’s Hollywood Hotel last August. I used to like Mickey Mouse too during my college days so I will just charge it to experience.

Fast forward to our trip, we transferred to Disney’s Hollywood Hotel after our two nights' stay in Yiu Fai Guesthouse. You have three options in going to Disney’s Hollywood Hotel from TST or Tsim Sha Tsui.

1. Disney’s Hollywood Hotel offers various limousine services from Tsim Sha Tsui to the hotel.

4-seats Mercedes Benz HK$700 (4 guests & 3 suitcases)

6-seats Toyota Alphard (MPV) HK$600 (4 guests with luggage)

2. Travel by TAXI. The cost of a Taxi would be around HK$180 per car (maximum for 4 passengers).

3. And of course the most economical way to travel is by MTR which we did.

From TST take the MTR (Tsuen Wan Line) to Lai King

From Lai King change to Tung Chung line on the opposite side

Get off at Sunny Bay and change to Disneyland Line on the opposite side

Upon reaching the Hongkong Disneyland Resort we immediately look for the shuttles going to the hotel so we could check in first but since the check-in time is 3PM, we just left our baggage.

I bought 2 day pass ticket and went straight to Disneyland. We went back after the fireworks; my camera’s battery was already empty so I just used my phone to take room photos. As you can see, my son is already sleeping; he slept on our way back to the hotel.

The following day, we woke up early to explore the hotel before eating our breakfast. We maximized our stay in our room and we left only during check-out time which is 11AM. We left our luggage and went to Disneyland again.

Likes

1. Proximity to Disneyland Resort.

2. Facilities and amenities are good.

3. Service is good.

4. Room is Mickey Mouse theme.

5. I book for 3 people and we have our own toiletries and complimentary. Unlike in other hotels the freebies are good for 2 adults only.

Dislikes

1. Rate is expensive because you are just paying for the room. A breakfast meal is not included.

2. No free wi-fi. You have to pay HKD120 for 24 hours of use.
3. No discount for Disneyland tickets even for hotel guests.

Check the rates here

December 13, 2012

DIY Homemade Gifts

I was busy as bee last month so I really had no time in buying gifts. Fast forward to December I’m still busy and I’m still not finished with my Christmas list. I’ve been asking my husband what gift will he gives to his colleagues and he always says “mag-bake ka na lang” (food gifts). I have no choice but to bake and I’ve been baking for the last three days because I need to finish everything so I could start making a reviewer for my son’s exam next week.

I’m not used to, giving homemade gifts; in fact, this is the first time that I will be doing this. To make my life easy, I decided to bake triple chocolate brownies for my husband's colleagues and triple chocolate cookies for my mommy friends in school.

Brownies

What do I need?

Brownies
Zip lock Sandwich Bag
Scotch tape
Printed materials
Christmas tag

I place the brownies inside the Ziploc and seal. Fold the excess part and put scotch tape.

Wrap it using printed materials.

Then place gift tag. I’ve made 16 pieces for his first group and I need an additional 6 pieces by Monday for the other team.

Since I already made a homemade gift for my husband's colleagues, I decided to give homemade gifts to my mommy friends in school.

Cookies

What do I need?

Ice plastic bag

Plastic Christmas wrapper (this is my leftover wrapper last year)

Place the cookies inside the ice plastic bag.

Put it in the plastic wrapper and seal using the Christmas tag.

This is the finished product. I’ve made 10 pieces.

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

December 11, 2012

Hong Kong Day 2: Ngong Ping Village

Night before our Day 2 Tour, I asked my hubby if he really wanted to go to Ngong Ping Village because if he wants the cable car there’s cable car in Ocean Park. I was trying to persuade him so I will not ride cable car but he really wanted to see the Buddha.

I have three options:

1. Buy roundtrip package of cable car.

2. Ride bus (roundtrip).

3. One way cable car ride then one way bus ride.

I chose option #3 but when we got there, I just bought the roundtrip cable car ticket because it is more fast and convenient than riding the bus which is 50 minutes travel time. $HK187 per adult and $HK94 per child, I find it expensive because all I wanted is roundtrip cable car but I guess they are not selling it so it is really better if you buy ticket online or in CTS to avoid long lines and to avail discounted tickets. I don’t know what other inclusions of the Journey Enlightenment because we only used the roundtrip cable car.

As of this writing, I just found out that Walking with Buddha Tour and Monkey's Tale Theatre is included in my package. We avoid this tour because there’s an additional payment. I was so clueless, imagine I already paid for it and we did not avail this. I just checked my ticket and I noticed the WWB and MTT at the back of my ticket. Waah! #stupid.

Lesson learned: Always listen and read carefully. I did not listen to the girl who gave me the ticket, I just count my change, say thank you and walk away.

smile kahit takot.

Anyway, past is past. Let’s move to our cable car experience. It was a 25 minutes cable car ride but for me it seems forever. I did not sit beside my husband and son because I don’t want to see the movement of cable car while we are going up. I just read brochures to keep myself busy during the ride.

It was foggy so we can’t see the beauty of Ngong Ping Village and it is hard to take clear pictures without the fog. We ate light lunch at Subway and I bought banana bread $HK17 in Starbucks.

kita ba yung buddha?

Rain showers began to pour so we have no choice but to stop and stay in souvenir shops, We’ve been waiting for so long and we can’t continue with our tour. Whether we like it or not we bought raincoat, $HKD25 for adult and $HKD20 for kid.

After Ngong Ping Village we went straight to Buddha and we climb over 200 steps just to see the Buddha statue. It was a big challenge going up because I’m not very active so I was gasping when we reach the top.

nasan ang Po Lin Monastery?

Then we went to Po Lin Monastery, no clear pictures again because of the fog so we immediately went to Wisdom Path. Because of the fog we are just walking slowly, it was a bit scary but we still continue walking till we reach our destination.

ang layong lakaran, ito pala yun

According to Discover Hongkong site, Wisdom Path is a large scale outdoor replica of an ancient Buddhist prayer called the Heart Sutra. The 38 wooden pillars that display the sutra are a symbol of the harmony of people with nature.

We’re tired already and it seems that the sky would not be clear anymore so we decided to go back to cable car terminal. I was thankful for the fog because I can’t see anything inside the cable car so it was a smooth ride for me.

Shopping is not included in my itinerary but we need warmer in order to survive the coldness of Hongkong. We dropped by at Citygate outlet and buy some clothes. We’re not prepared for this kind of weather, akala ko lamig Baguio lang.

No Symphony of Lights again because we want to sleep early.

How to get to Ngong Ping Village from Nan Lian Garden:

From Diamond Hill Station, we took MTR heading to Tung Chung Station; there are few interchanges of train line. Then go to bus terminal or cable car terminal, just behind the City Gate Outlet.

Ngong Ping 360

MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B and walk 5 minutes to the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal

10am to 6pm (Mon to Fri);
9am to 6:30pm (Sat, Sun and public holidays).

Standard Cabin (Round Trip) Adult – HK$125; Child (age 3 – 11) – HK$62

Crystal Cabin (Round Trip) Adult – HK$188; Child (age 3 – 11) – HK$125

+852 3666 0606

www.np360.com.hk

December 10, 2012

Hong Kong Day 2: Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden

Instead of visiting the most visited tourist spots in Hongkong, I chose to visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. I really included this in my itinerary to discover and explore some parts of Hongkong. Hongkong is not merely for shopping and theme parks but there is a place like Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden where you can rest and relax. It is a garden in the midst of busy city.

It is a public park so there’s no entrance fee. It is so easy to go here, just take MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui all the way to Diamond Hill Station. Then exit in front of Hollywood Plaza and you will see some signs going to Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden.

I was really amazed seeing this 3.5 hectares scenic garden and would you believe that every hill, body of water, rock, timber structure and plant has been placed according to specific methods and rules.

Every corner is picture perfect but tripod is not allowed so it is difficult to take family picture. I was thankful because one guard volunteered to take our family pictures.