Michi Photostory

For the last few years, we’ve been planning to visit Norway but for some reason, hindi kami natutuloy. Aside from budget, we also need to consider the vacation leave of my husband and my mom. It is not practical to go to Europe if we will only stay for one week. My mom needs to file for vacation leave too so she can pick us up at the airport and tour us around even just for a few days.

Last year, my mom asked me if I wanted to visit Norway this summer, I got excited pero slight lang because I knew I needed to apply for a visa. Baka madeny kami at madisappoint ako. Hehehe! So after we got our visas and plane tickets, we started counting the days for our summer vacation trip.

Read: How to Apply for Schengen Visa via VFS Global Norway

Traveling to Norway is not easy because you need patience. When we first went here, our flight + layover was 36 hours, hindi pa kasama diyan ang paghihintay namin sa NAIA at travel from Trondheim to my mom’s place. We rode 4 airplanes + 1 Ferry Boat.

Manila Philippines to Bangkok Thailand
Bangkok Thailand to Frankfurt Germany 
Frankfurt Germany to Oslo Norway 
Oslo Norway to Trondheim Norway
Ferry Boat from Trondheim to Ørland  

After so many years, things changed so now we only rode 3 airplanes + 1 Ferry Boat. Our flight + layover was down to 22 hours. I was having a hard time looking for cheap airfare because there was no more seat sale when we got the visas. My mom will take the KLM flight but the fare is so expensive so I checked other airlines. Good thing, I remember to check Thai Airways and we got a cheaper airfare compared to other airlines. We also took Thai Airways during our first trip to Norway.


Fast forward to our trip, sa sobrang excited namin, we were in NAIA 1 six hours before our flight so the long waiting started. After check-in, we stayed at Miascor Lounge while waiting for our boarding time.

Read: Glimpse of NAIA 1 
Glimpse of Miascor Lounge

Manila Philippines to Bangkok Thailand via Thai Airways 




The flight was at 8PM, and we were very happy when we saw the seat monitor because for the past few trips, we always rode Philippines Airlines and most of their airplanes had no seat monitor. Our sleeping time is 8PM but because of the in-flight entertainment, my son watched movies.


We had 2 2-hour and 40-minute layovers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Bangkok Airport is big so we immediately look for our boarding gate. We passed the security check again, where we needed to remove our shoes and gadgets from our hand-carry luggage. Free wifi at the airport but I haven't tried.


Bangkok Thailand to Oslo Norway via Thai Airways

Since this is a long-haul flight, I was expecting for travel kit but Thai Airways did not provide anything even for the kids. Bangkok Thailand to Oslo Norway is 11 hours and 30 minutes, it was my son’s first long-haul flight and I was glad that he did not have any problems. He slept through the night while I was having a problem with sleeping so I watched 5 movies. Hehehe! Aside from movies, you can listen to music or play games.


We ate twice, one dinner and one breakfast.



Oslo Norway to Trondheim Norway via Scandinavian Airlines

After almost 12 hours in the air, we’re happy that we landed safely. We had 2 hours and 45 minutes layover. We needed to pass immigration and the line was so long because they became more strict in checking because a few days before our trip, there was a terrorist attack in Stockholm Sweden.

After that, we collected our luggage and checked in again. We had a hard time in checking-in. The line was long at the check-in counter and we were running late for our connecting flight so my husband tried the self-check-in machine. We experienced that when we rode Air Asia from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. But the difference is, everything is self-service as in there are no staff that will assist you.


We put the luggage tag and we dropped our luggage at the counter. We had a problem with our luggage because it was over 23 kilos. Our baggage limit in Thai Airways is 30 kilos but when we reached Oslo, they only accept 23 kilos in self-check-in counter so we had no choice but to remove some stuff in our check-in bag. Thank God for packing cubes, hinugot ko lang at nilagay sa hand-carry. Nagkaspace kami sa hand-carry because we need to wear our jackets na. We’re freezing cold at Oslo, wala na kami sa Pilipinas.

We need to pass the security check again, there was a problem with my handcarry that they need to check it again. Ewan ko kung ano na naman nakita dun, hopia lang naman ang nandun. Hehehe! This is one thing that I don’t like in traveling, you need to pass the security check over and over again. Minsan napaparanoid ako at baka malagyan ng kung anu-ano na hindi ko naman dala.



Another dilemma in traveling is the language, we did not hear any English translation when we are waiting at the boarding gate so nung nakita namin na nagtayuan na lahat at pumila, nakipila na rin kami. We just scanned our ticket to enter the gate. Finally, last plane na ito.


I was surprised when I learned that there is no more food and drinks, so parang budget airlines na rin pala ang Scandinavian Airlines. There is a menu where you can choose foods and drinks, they accept Danish Kroner, Norwegian Kroner, and Euro. We did not order anything.


Trondheim to Brekstad 

After 1 hour, our plane landed and we collected our bags again. The travel was not yet over because we needed to ride a Ferry Boat. My stepdad fetched us at the airport and drove for 2 hours to Valset where we were going to take the boat (RORO). Travel time is 30 minutes.





Finally, after 33 hours since we left the house, we’re finally home. Our home away from home. On our way to the house, my son said: “Mommy, Wowa’s house is really far”. Yes, it is really far but Norway is worth a visit.

Click here for the video

Update: Miascor Airport Lounge is no longer operating since April 2018. MIAA terminates Miascor's contract. 

Most of the time my husband rides Philippine Airlines for his business trip but there are times that he needs to take other airlines because PAL has no flight or no available flight.

When I learned that Citibank offers free access to Miascor Airport Lounge and Sky View Airport Lounge, I told my husband to apply for a Citibank credit card so he could stay in the lounge while waiting for his flight.


When we went to Norway, we only bought economy class tickets but because of our Citibank credit card, we were able to stay in Miascor Airport Lounge at NAIA 1. My husband told me that Miascor Lounge was just small so don’t expect too much. Well, this is the second airport lounge that I have tried so I don’t mind if it is small or big as long as I can stay in the lounge for free.

Read: Mabuhay Lounge at Cebu International Airport


Upon arrival, we just gave them our credit cards to register. Fortunately, my son was also free. You can enjoy the airport lounge for 1 Premier Mile or 3 Reward Points. I agree that Miascor Lounge is just small and the buffet spread was limited. But I’m still thankful for free food, drinks, wifi, and comfortable chairs. There are breads, pastries, cereals, pasta, rice meal, and arrozcaldo.







Read: How to Save Money by Using Your Credit Card 

After waiting in the lobby for more than 3 hours, sobrang gutom namin so we were happy that we can eat and drink in the airport lounge. We had free wifi again so waiting for our boarding was not a problem.

Read: Glimpse of NAIA 1
5 Ways to Get into Airport Lounge

Citi Cards Philippines Important Reminders

By January 31, 2018, Citi PremierMiles (4532 48 / 4034 19) and Citi Platinum Visa (4532 48) cardholders need to present their active DragonPass e-card to access Miascor and Skyview Lounges. CH to also present the Citi credit card, passport, and international boarding pass.

For Citi Prestige Visa Infinite Card (4532 48), CH must still present their Priority Pass Card.

No change for Citigold World Debit Mastercard, Visa Debit and ATM cards.

How to Create Your DragonPass Account

1. Fill out the form at the exclusive registration page at www.dragonpassuk.com/citiph Just make sure that you have your Citi Credit card details on hand.

2. Check email from support@Dragonpassuk.com to access DraginPass ID ad PIN (check spam folder)

3. Log in to your account using your DragonPass membership number and PIN. Log on to https://en.dragonpass.com.cn on your phone browser or download and install the DragonPass app on your smartphone. (NO ACTIVATION NEEDED)

DragonPass Benefits

* 2 Complimentary lounge passes. If you are a Citi PremierMiles or a Citi Platinum Visa cardholder, you are entitled to create only 1 DragonPass account and to enjoy 2 complimentary lounge passes per DragonPass membership per year. If you have both these cards, you are still entitled to only one DragonPass account with 2 complimentary visits per DragonPass membership year.

* 20% off on lounge access fees for your succeeding and additional guest visits. Discounted rates are published on the DragonPass app.

Few days before our trip, I’ve read and watched news about the Immigration Officers issue at NAIA and they advised to be at the airport 5 hours before the flight. So we left early on the day of our flight, sa sobrang excited 6 hours before the flight nasa NAIA 1 na kami. 



Waah! The place was packed with people and no more vacant seats. I’m not sure if this is the usual scenario or dahil baka magHoly week na rin, so ang daming umaalis. There is free wifi but unfortunately, 60 minutes lang ang free connection. 




The Thai Airways counter opened 3 hours before the flight, ang tagal ng paghihintay sa lobby. Good thing that my husband took advantage the web check-in so we have a separate lane for that. 




I was expecting a long line for the Immigration but the staff informed us to go to the special lane since we have a kid in tow. Yehey, nakaligtas kami sa mahabang pila. 



NAIA 1 was considered as one of the worst airports in the world but now I can say that NAIA 1 improved a lot in terms of service, facilities and amenities. Malayo na siya sa dati ko na nakita na airport. (10 years ago) Sharing with you some photos.

Kiddie Lounge

I guess, NAIA 1 is better compared to other NAIA terminals. What do you think?

10 busy days had passed and I’m thankful for scheduled posts because it doesn’t look obvious that I’m missing in action. If you’ve been following my Instagram @michisolee, you know for sure that we’re out of the country. We’re here in Norway for one week already and because of that, I have so many stories to share.



Anyway, we went to Caleruega and Sonya’s Garden 11 days ago. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know for sure that we always visit Caleruega every Holy week since 2008. But since we will be out of the country, we went to Caleruega day before our flight.

We were so early so we were able to park for free. We paid P30 each for the entrance fee. Yes, this is the only church that I know that has an entrance fee. There was a wedding on the day of our visit so we were not able to go inside the chapel. 




But it was my first time to go up to the Tent Chapel of Transfiguration. It was a long climb for me, so hingal ang inabot ko. Hehehe! It was a short visit. Click here to watch the video of Caleruega. 

Sonya's Garden



Then we dropped by at Sonya’s Garden, we like their Hispanic Bread so lagi kami dumadaan. 



Aside from their Panederia, they also have Organic Produce Store where you can buy organic products. I bought dried fish here for my pasalubong from the Philippines. 




They have Apothecary where you can buy candles, oils, lotion, soap and many more.



If you are into organic foods, you can eat in their buffet restaurant. We haven’t tried their food yet, alam niyo naman hindi ako mahilig sa dahon. Lol 



That’s it for now, I hope I will find time to blog our Norway trip soon. Where did you spend your Holy Week?

When I was checking the requirements for Schengen Visa, I was surprised when I saw the travel medical insurance because as far as I can remember, I did not get this when I applied for Norwegian Visa when I was still studying. All I can remember is I only get a Certificate of Enrollment from my school and that’s it! 

Read: How to Apply for Schengen Visa via VFS Global Norway

Now, travel medical insurance is a mandatory requirement if you are applying for Schengen Visa. To be honest, whenever we travel overseas, I do not get any travel insurance since our trip is more or less than a week. Travel insurance is an additional expense for our travel too so I’m just hoping and praying that our trip will be smooth. But it is very important to have travel insurance just to be sure that we are protected during our vacation. 

Read: Where to Buy Travel Insurance Online

Pacific Cross

Update December 2019: Starting February 2020, you can now apply six months prior to your Europe trip. The visa fee increases to 80Euro from 60Euro. For regular travelers with good travel history, possible multiple entry visas. You can read more information here.

The first time we went to Norway, we only applied for Norwegian Visa and fortunately, we were granted 3 months visa. Then the second time we applied for a Norwegian visa, the Norway Embassy advised us to reapply by May because they are only releasing Schengen Visa.


At that time, we have no idea about Schengen Visa and we don’t want to reapply again because we need to prepare for our enrollment. We were already in college so we need to enroll on the scheduled date. In addition, it is very impractical to go to Norway for a few weeks because airfare is not cheap. Good thing my mom was able to refund our plane ticket.

That was the last time we planned to visit Norway. after that, we were so busy with our work, then we got married and the rest is history. But a few years ago, my son wanted to visit Norway because he wants to experience snow. So it became my goal to revisit Norway with my family.

Then last year, out of the blue, my mom asked me when is the start of summer break so she can book her flight. She said we can travel with her when she goes back to Norway. I was shocked and I said, “Wait lang, wala pa kami pamasahe”. Then she said, “sagot ko na si Ethan”. Yehey, of course, alangan magpaiwan pa ako, so we started saving for our airfare and visa application.

Since it’s been years since my last visa application, I was surprised when I checked the requirements needed. Ang dami pala, may travel insurance and may visa fee na. At that time, parang gusto ko na magback out sa laki ng expense, lol. Namamahalan na nga ko sa Japan Visa namin before, x3 pala sa Schengen Visa. Anyway, I started preparing the requirements 3 months before our intended trip.

Read: How to Apply for Japan Visa

How to Apply For Schengen Visa via VFS Global Norway 

Before we personally applied to Norwegian Embassy but now all applications will be submitted to VFS Global Norway.

Step 1: You need to create an account in Application Portal.
Step 2: Login and fill out the online application form. I applied as a group.
Step 3: Click submit and pay the visa fee.

Visa Fees 

60 Euro 12 years old and above (single or multiple entries)
35 Euro Children between 6 and 12 years old (single or multiple entries) 
No Fee Children under the age of 6 (single or multiple entries)

Step 4: Once paid, you can now book an appointment.
Step 5: Print the cover letter, receipt, and checklist then gather all the requirements that you need.

Checklist for Visit Mother/Father in Norway

Mandatory Requirements

1. Cover Letter (from the Application Portal)
2. One passport-sized photo with white background and not older than 6 months.
3. Original and Photocopy of Original Passport. - biopage and used pages.
4. Photocopy of your NSO Certified Birth Certificate
5. Photocopy of Passport or recent Residence Permit of your mother/father.
6. Photocopy of the Passport of the Guarantor.
7. Original UDI Guarantee Form for Visits plus photocopy. - stamped and signed by the Norwegian Police.
8. Original Bank Certificate of the Applicant
9. Photocopy of Roundtrip Airline Ticket Reservation - Do not buy a ticket until a visa has been granted.
10. Photocopy of Travel Medical Insurance

Read: Where to Buy Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa Application
3 Easy Ways to Get PSA Certificate

Additional Requirements for Minors (under the age of 18)

1. If traveling alone: Original letter of consent signed by both parents and photocopies of passports. Valid IDs of parents with signature.
2. If traveling with only one of the parents: Original Letter of consent signed by the other parent and photocopy of valid ID with signature.
3. If only one parent has the sole custody of the child: A photocopy of the Court Decision awarding custody to that one parent must be submitted.
4. If the other parent is dead: A photocopy of the Death Certificate must be submitted.

Supporting Documents

1. Photocopies of your previous passport for the past 3 years.
2. Letter of invitation from your mother/father.
3. Photocopy of your Marriage Certificate if applicable.
4. Photocopies of Birth Certificates of your children if applicable.
5. Hotel bookings - if there are side trips outside Norway.

Checklist for Visit Other Relatives/Friends in Norway

Mandatory Requirements

1. Cover Letter (from the Application Portal).
2. One passport-sized photo with a white background and not older than 6 months.
3. Original and Photocopy of Original Passport. - biopage and used pages.
4. If visiting a relative submit proof of relationship.
5. If visiting a friend, submit his/her photocopies of the passport with stamps including bio page to prove time spent together.
6. Original UDI Guarantee Form for Visits plus photocopy. - stamped and signed by the Norwegian Police.
7. Original Bank Certificate of the Applicant.
8. Photocopy of Roundtrip Airline Ticket Reservation - Do not buy the ticket until a visa has been granted.
9. Photocopy of Travel Medical Insurance.

Additional Requirements for Minors (under the age of 18) 

1. If traveling alone: Original letter of consent signed by both parents and photocopies of passports. Valid IDs of parents with signature.
2. If traveling with only one of the parents: Original Letter of consent signed by the other parent and photocopy of valid ID with signature.
3. If only one parent has the sole custody of the child: A photocopy of the Court Decision awarding custody to that one parent must be submitted.
4. If the other parent is dead: A photocopy of the Death Certificate must be submitted.

Supporting Documents

1. Photocopies of Previous Passports for the past 3 years.
2. Photocopy of Passport of the Guarantor.
3. Letter of invitation from your relative/friend.
4. Photocopy of your Marriage Certificate if applicable
5. Photocopies of Birth Certificate if applicable
6. If currently employed: submit Certificate of Employment stating position, length of service, salary and duration of the approved leave of absence, photocopy of company ID, and payslips for the last 3 months.
7. If self-employed 

A. Corporations - photocopies of SEC registration with attached present Articles of Incorporation and annual income.
B. Single Proprietorship - photocopies of Business Name Registration Certificate from DTI and latest Income Tax statement.

8. If currently a student: submit Certification of enrollment from the school and school ID. If you will be going on a holiday during summer or semestral break, submit a certification of reservation or certification of enrollment to prove that you are enrolled for the next school year/semester. If traveling during the school year, a certificate of leave of absence from school should be submitted.
9. Photocopies of documentation of own means/properties if applicable.
10. Hotel bookings if there are side trips outside Norway.

Since we will be staying in my mom’s place, I asked for the UDI Guarantee form. She went to Norwegian Police just to get this form so effort din. I received the form after two weeks, check below for my experience.

Read: How to Claim Parcel in PHLPost

Step 6: Personally submit your application on your scheduled appointment.

Norway Visa Application Centre,
VFS Global Ground Floor,
Ecoplaza Building
Don Chino Roces Avenue,
Makati City, Metro Manila
Website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/norway/philippines/
Helpline: +63 2 790 49 02

Experience with VFS Global Norway


Our scheduled appointment was 8AM and we fell in line at 7:30AM. I just showed them the cover letter and passport, then they gave us a number. Then we went inside the office, they called our number before 8AM. The staff checked our requirements, one at a time.

She advised that the processing time is 15 calendar days, and we will receive a text or email regarding the application. Then she asked if we want to avail of the courier service but I chose pick-up para mas tipid. Then she asked for the VFS service fee which is P1405 x 3. I waited for the receipt and we went to the biometric section.

Step 7: Biometric Data Registration. The staff took our pictures and fingerprints. No fingerprints for my 8-year-old son. We were finished as early as 8:15AM.

After that, I’m hoping and praying that our visa will not be denied, or else I will cry a bucket of tears because I spent P20k+ on this Schengen Visa application.

Feb 21, appointment date
Feb 23, I received an email and SMS that my visa was approved so I checked my son’s email and I asked my husband if he received an email too.
Feb 24 onwards - you can pick up the passport at VFS Global from 2 to 4PM.

Yehey, two days processing only. Insert happy dance. We got a Single Entry Schengen Visa. My son and I got 60 days and hubby got 16 days. We applied for 47 days and 12 days' stay. The visa was issued in accordance with the roundtrip flight ticket reservation and travel medical insurance submitted along with the application. 
Step 8: Collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre by bringing your official receipt and a valid ID.

If a representative will pick up the passport on your behalf, please hand in the following:
Official receipt
Copy of your valid ID
Signed authorization letter with complete details
Original valid ID of the representative

Note: 

1. I waited for my mom’s UDI Guarantee form before I paid our visa application. I already accomplished the online application form but I did not submit it until I got the UDI guarantee form.
2. I bought our Travel Medical Insurance from Malayan Insurance. Applied online and paid via credit card. After few minutes, you will receive your travel medical insurance in your email.
3. My husband called KLM for booking reservations. The booking is only good for 48 hours. Yes, we submitted an expired booking but still, visas were all approved. If you want you can book your ticket the day before your appointment.

Read: How to Apply for Schengen Visa for your Europe Trip

What is a Schengen Visa?

Schengen Visa is a short-term visa granted to applicants up to 90 days. It allows him/her to visit 26 Schengen Countries for a family visit, tourism, business or any reason with an intention to return to home country afterward.

The Schengen Member States

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

22 countries are part of EU (European Union)
4 countries part of the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) 

Where Should You Apply for a Schengen Visa? 

1. Apply for the visa in the embassy that you will be staying the most of your traveling days.
2. In case, the number of days is the same. Apply for a visa in the embassy that you will enter first.

Read: Visa-Free Travel for Filipinos
Understanding your Visa: How to Read the Visa Sticker

It was the year 2005 when my friend invited me to join their Sagada trip, I was not able to join them because I could not file vacation leaves. How I wish, I joined their trip because, after few years, I’ve learned that Hanselma Highway is one of the most dangerous highways in the world. And because of that, I’m hesitant to go to Sagada. 

Click here for the Hanselma Highway video


For the last few years, my husband was planning to visit Sagada and he even booked a room to celebrate our wedding anniversary but I did not want to go. Last year, he reserved a room again and paid the downpayment so I have no reason to cancel our trip. I’m scared of heights and zigzag roads but part of me wants to see the beauty of Sagada.




We celebrated New Year in Sagada, I did not have an itinerary since we just wanted to enjoy the cold weather of Mountain Province. Sharing with you, our 4 Days Trip in Sagada with a Kid in Tow.

Sagada Bilza Lodge 

My husband reserved a room in Sagada Bilza Lodge. We were asked to pay a 50% downpayment to confirm the reservation. There is no hotel in Sagada but there are so many hostels that you can choose from depending on your preferred location. 

Sagada Bilza Lodge is located after Sumaguing Cave, it is far from town proper but what we like here is the view. You can see rice terraces on your way to the lodge and there are so many trees around the area. Feel na feel mo na nasa bundok ka. Hehehe!

The lodge offers basic accommodation, we have a private room, a private bathroom, and small balcony. They have a restaurant too where you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Read: Sagada Bilza Lodge

Day 1 in Sagada

From Pangasinan to Sagada, our travel time is more or less 8 hours including the quick stopover at Cafe by the Ruins in Baguio for our breakfast. After check-in, off we went to Sagada Municipal Tourist Information Center to register and pay the environmental fee. We did not book any tour, we just explored Sagada Town Proper to check the different restaurants. We ate at Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant and visited St Mary Virgin Church. 

Day 2 Sagada Echo Valley Walking Tour + Sumaguing Cave

Video Sagada Echo Valley Walking Tour

We planned to avail of the Mt Kiltepan Tour but because of the rainy weather, we cannot go there. But rain or shine we started our Sagada Echo Valley Walking Tour. We just availed the short hike because we have a son in tow, the tour lasted for less than an hour. 

Guide Fee: P200 + P10/person access fee 

We ate lunch at Salt & Pepper Diner and my husband scheduled Sumaguing Cave Tour. My son and I did not join the cave tour because my son doesn’t like it. So hanggang pictures ko na lang ulit nakita ang cave. He chose the short course which is more or less two hours. 

Guide Fee: P500 

Day 3 Sagada Pottery and Lake Danum

No Mt. Kiltepan again. We had breakfast at Cafe Bodega at Rock in and Cafe, it is also the place where you can have orange picking activity. Unfortunately, wala ng orange na pwede i-harvest so we missed this activity. Hay, sayang excited pa naman kami dito. 

Then we went to Sagada Pottery and we were able to experience how to make a bowl. I paid P100/person for the hands-on experience, my son did not participate kasi madirty daw hands niya pero may bayad din. 

Video of Sagada Pottery Class

From Sagada Pottery, off we went to Lake Danum. The place is good for picnics or kite flying and you can also stay here until sunset. We ate lunch at Sagada Brew and off we went to Sagada Weaving to buy some pasalubong.


We bought sunkist.

Day 4 Goodbye Sagada

First day of the year 2017 and our last day in Sagada, we left early since it will take more or less 12 hours just to reach home. It was a short holiday trip but I’m glad I finally cross it out on our list. We had a quick stop at Highest Point Marker and Baguio Good Shepherd for our favorite ube jam.

Read: Where to Eat in Sagada

Sagada is not only for adventurous people. If you want to beat the summer heat, visit Sagada. It is cheaper compared to Tagaytay or Baguio.

Tour Guidelines

1. Register 
2. Pay the Environmental Fee P35
3. Choose your Tour
4. Get a Local Guide - listen to your guide's advice and follow them
5. Be a responsible tourist

- Take care of your belongings.
- Do not litter.
- Minimize your noise at the sites and at night time.

Please bring your environmental receipt when visiting different tourist destinations.