Michi Photostory

Since my husband and his colleagues did not avail the buffet breakfast at The Manor, they dropped by at Hill Station. Hill Station is one of the popular restaurants in Baguio, it is located in Casa Vallejo Hotel. It offers dishes that blend 3 flavors, the taste of Asia, Old Europe, and New World America. So you don’t need to travel that far in order to taste some international dishes.


When you look at the outside, the place looks ordinary and small so my husband was really surprised when they entered the restaurant. Maganda and maluwag pala sa loob. The restaurant looks like a fine dining place but the foods are not that expensive but not cheap too.



For breakfast, he ordered Tapang Usa (Wild Deer) which includes 2 eggs, garlic rice, pickled cucumber. Taste is okay but he liked the carrot cake. Yes, they have cakes and pastries too.



This restaurant is located inside the hotel and it is near North Haven Spa and Mt Cloud Bookshop so pwedeng mag sidetrip after kumain.

Read: Dinner at Hill Station

Hill Station 
Open everyday 7AM to 10:30PM
Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road
Baguio City, Philippines

I’ve been to Baguio several times already since college but we don’t usually stay in the hotel. My friend’s family has a condominium in Baguio so we always stay there during my college days. When my relatives went to Baguio at sinama kami, they rented a transient house. When I was working, my officemate rented a house for our weekend getaway. The only time that we stayed in a hotel is when we had our 24 Hours Trip in Baguio, we stayed at Hotel Veniz which is a very affordable hotel near Session Road.


I now live in Southern Luzon so Tagaytay is now our go-to-place if we want to escape the summer heat.  But of course, I still want to visit Baguio if time and budget permit. One of the hotels that I would like to try is The Manor at Camp John Hay. The hotel is really old but still, it is the popular hotel accommodation in Baguio. It is situated 5000 feet above sea level so you will really feel that you are in the City of Pines.


My husband stayed here for one night during their business trip or let us say, several hours only since they just literally sleep at the hotel and left early to continue their work. His officemate (loyal guest) was the one who booked this hotel for them, so when they entered the room there are complimentary fruits, dessert and a welcome note stating the privileges that they can enjoy.

- Complimentary wifi and a daily newspaper
- Complimentary pressing of (1) suit upon arrival
- Use of gym, Jacuzzi, and Sauna at The Manor Health Spa.
- Shoe Shine Service

This is the room, it has a mini pantry with sink, fridge and coffee and tea making facility.



The bathroom is small and no bathtub.


They have a step-out veranda and this is the view from their room.


Surprisingly, there is no aircon in their room, only ceiling fan. We stayed in a cheap hotel before pero may aircon naman. It was February so malamig talaga kahit walang aircon, I’m not sure if ganun pa rin during summer season.


My husband likes the place, he even woke-up early to jog so he can also explore the hotel. He even said “kahit doon ka lang sa Camp John Hay, enjoy ka na, sa dami ng pwede gawin". There are golf course, pwedeng mag-picnic, Butterfly Sanctuary, Little Mermaid Garden, Horseback Riding, and Tree Top Adventure.


If you are staying in The Manor Camp John Hay, you might want to visit “The Historical Core”. You can see the following

1. The Bell House
2. The Bell House Library Museum
3. The Bell House Amphitheater
4. Cemetery of Negativism
5. The Secret Garden
6. Totem Pole
7. History Trail

Entrance Fee

Standard Fee: P60
BLISTT Residence P40
Senior Citizen/Students/PWDs P30
Photoshoot Fee P1000

If you watched Forevermore TV series, you are familiar with this hotel. All I thought, sa show lang yung The Lost Cemetery, yun pala meron talaga sa CJH and part of the Historical Core.


There is no dull moment because there are something tha you can do, whether indoor or outdoor activities. There is Kiddie Corner for the kids, gym, yoga area, health spa or just wander in the garden and mini falls.


After he jogged, he entered the Le Chef at The Manor restaurant to check the buffet breakfast. He took some photos kahit hindi naman sila kumain diyan. Their package is room only but if they want to eat breakfast, there is a fee of P750 per person.



Food and Beverage 

1. Le Chef at The Manor offers daily buffet breakfast and a wide a la carte selection of local and international dishes. 6Am to 11PM.
2. Le Chef Delicatessen - enjoy freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries, ideal for pasalubong. 7AM to 11PM
3. The Piano Bar - a cozy sitting lounge by the fireplace where you can enjoy your favorite cocktails. 6PM to 12MN

Even my husband stayed for several hours only, he enjoyed his short trip. He said that the service is good and even though the hotel is already old, it is well-maintained.

Read: Pasalubong from Baguio 
Breakfast at Hill Station

My husband was on a business trip last week and during their trip, they ate lunch at Ciudad Elmina Fishing Village Resort & Restaurant. It is a fishing village with recreational activities. They have rooms where you can stay, meeting room, conference room, gazebo garden plazuela which can accommodate 50 to 500 persons for your events.


As I mentioned, it is a recreational place so there are activities that you can enjoy like boating, catching live fish and let them cook it for you, horse-riding with carriage and you can also see a crocodile and turtles. The place is not along the main road so if you are commuting, you need to ride a tricycle in order to reach the fishing village.


If you are watching Kris TV show before, you are already familiar with this restaurant because they already featured this place. It is now one of the popular restaurants in Dagupan city. Price and food servings are reasonable and according to my husband, masarap ang food. 


Me: Hindi naman halata na gutom kayo sa biyahe, ang dami niyo order for two persons. Hehehe!


I hope we can visit this place if ever we will visit our in-laws in Pangasinan. If ever you like this kind of restaurant, you can also visit the following. 

Sungayan Grill in Bolinao Pangasinan 
Kamayan sa Palaisdaan in Laguna  
J&A Fishpen in Camiguin
Harbor View Restaurant in Manila

Ciudad Elmina Fishing Village
Bacayao Norte Dagupan City, Pangasinan

This year 2018 is already the 9th edition of the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition but it was only last weekend, we were able to witness the fireworks competition. Honestly, we have no idea that last February 17 was the first day of the competition. I just learned about it when we’re looking for a restaurant near Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. 



February 17, 2018 - Philippines and Switzerland 

When we went to our room, I was sad at first because we don’t have the pool and bay view, gusto ko sana dun ang view namin. But I appreciated our room na because we can see the fireworks ng mas malapit. I took a video from the balcony of our room while my husband took a video from Sunset Bar. Watch the video here. 




I was happy that we were able to watch the Pyromusical Competition during our staycation. If you want to watch the fireworks show, you can buy tickets or you can also look for hotels within the area like Sofitel Philippine Plaza. You can have staycation or just avail the buffet BBQ meal at Sunset Bar.

Feast on sumptuous dishes inspired by culinary landscapes of featured countries each weekend. P2700 nett per person with unlimited serving of beer, iced tea, wine and cocktails. 

You still have 5 more Saturdays to watch the competition.

February 24, 2018 - USA and Germany 
March 3, 2018 - Austria and Canada 
March 10, 2018 - France and Italy
March 17, 2018 - Taiwan and United Kingdom 
March 24, 2018 - China and Philippines 

SM Ticket Prices 

Patron with dinner - P1500 
VIP P600 
Gold P300 
Silver P100

Long weekend is over and now back to reality. So what happened last week?

Valentine’s Day 

Last week was my son’s monthly test, I was busy organizing the clothes in our new built-in cabinet upstairs when he came. My son shouted “Mommy, help me, open the door.” I opened the door and he was hiding something at his back. Then he smiled and gave me this rose”.


I was really surprised and touched because he spent his baon to buy this plastic rose. My son is “kuripot” too so I’m used to Valentine’s Card so I never thought that he will buy something for us. Yes, he bought two roses, one for me and one for his daddy. He placed the plastic rose in my husband’s drawer para surprise din daw.

I’m not fond of flowers because it doesn’t last but this plastic rose will last. My son gave this in advance. Alam kaya niya na mahal ang tinda pag Valentine’s Day na.


I also give something to my son every Valentine’s Day, this time I asked my husband to buy Ferrero Rocher chocolate because that is my son’s favorite. So he was so happy when he saw my note card and chocolate the following day. My husband gave me chocolate too, pero 3 pieces lang din kasi alam niya daw diet ako. Lol.


Akala ko yun na yun but when he went home, he gave me cake and card too. He said, "Wala na yung favorite mo, kaya yan na lang binili ko". Oh, pati pala cake nagkakaubusan pag Valentine's Day. My husband likes this cake but I don't like it, parang may alcohol (liquor) na lasa.

Pico De Loro Getaway 

To celebrate the Heart’s Day, (delayed celebration) we went to Pico De Loro. It was an unplanned trip, I just informed my husband na shortened class lang anak ko ng Feb. 15 and mass lang activity. I asked my son, kung okay lang na wag na siya pumasok. He said “I’ll think about it”.


We did not wait for his answer anymore, my husband called Pico Sands Hotel to reserve a room. Good thing we were able to get a room on a very short notice. Ang hilig na namin sa mga biglaang trip. I will share our getaway in a separate post.

Staycation at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel 

February is our wedding anniversary. Since we are celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary and it falls on a long weekend, pwede mag out of town trip. So last November, I was checking two resorts that we like to visit but unfortunately, fully booked na sila. Woah! Ganun, kabilis mafullybook. Take note, buong February nila and yung Holy Week no availability na.


I let go the out-of-town trip idea so last month, I inquired at Sofitel Manila. I told my husband about the rates and he said yes, so I booked. Everything was done through email. Ang bilis ng service nila.

Pyromusical Competition 

Fast forward to our stay, we have no idea that it is also the first day of Pyromusical Competition. So we were able to watch it from our room. Oh di ba, no need to pay an entrance fee. You can check my video here. For Pyromusical Competition Schedule and Ticket Prices, check here.



That's it for now. And dami ko ulit backlogs.

As promised, this is my Althea Korea Lazy Sunday Box Review. This is the third box that I ordered last year and so far I’m happy with all the products included in this box. I’ve been using this for 4 months already. I got this Althea Lazy Sunday Box for P1260, 72% discount (P4510). The box contains 6 pieces of products + FREE samples of sun cream. 


1. 1004 Laboratory Deep Blue Caviar Collagen Mist 
2. Calmia Cleaning Tissue 
3. Wangskin Moist Soothing Skin 
4. The Saem Saemmul Cream Stick Blusher - Coral Ending 
5. Etude House Big Cover Concealer Pro - Sand 
6. Laneige Calming Quick Toner Pack 

The Deep Blue Caviar Collagen Mist and Wangskin Moist Soothing Skin are part of my morning skincare routine. The rest of the products are part of my Kikay Kit. 

Deep Blue Caviar Collagen Mist

It contains collagen from sea grapes that will moisturize your skin. Say goodbye to dryness. No unpleasant smell and it is so easy to use, just spray and feel refresh. 



How to Use 

1. Shake the mist sufficiently to mix the oil and moisture layers. 
2. Spray from a distance of 20-30cm 
3. Pat lightly with your hands to help it absorb. 

Calmia Cleansing Tissue

If you always wear makeup, cleaning your face is part of your routine every single day. There are times that you are really tired so cleaning the face becomes a tedious task. But this Calmia Cleansing Tissue will keep your cleansing quick. It is so easy to use, just wipe it on your face. You can use this...



1. For thick makeup that is hard to remove 
2. When you need to fix part of the makeup 
3. To erase waterproof type sun cream. 
4. Anyone who does simple makeup. 

Wangskin Moist Soothing Cream 



If you are not fond of applying too many products to your face, you can try this Wangskin Moist Soothing Cream. It works as a moisturizer, serum, and essence. This cream has high moisturizing properties that will rebuild, strengthen, and moisturize skin. It hydrates and nourishes skin deep within the layers. It helps restore suppleness which gives you the perfect finish throughout the day. 

The Saem Saemmul Cream Stick Blusher 



This is a non-powdery, cream-type blusher that you can use for both lips and cheeks. I always use lip and cheek tint for my face so I won’t look pale. Ito yung obvious na naglagay ka kasi meron ka red stain sa finger. That’s why I like this cream stick blusher because it is so easy to apply, no red stain and gives me a natural blush. I want to try the other colors too. 

How to Use:

Apply 2-3 taps on the desired areas such as cheeks and cheekbone area and gently spread in a stroking motion. 

Etude House Big Cover Pot Concealer Pro - Sand 


This concealer really hides blemishes and flaws. It can even cover tattoos. It is so easy to apply and it doesn’t crack or fade.

Laneige Fresh Calming Toner Pack 



I love putting face masks on my face, it is my way to relax from the stressful day. I’ve been using Boomdeahdah Facial Masks and Laneige Fresh Calming Toner Pack. What I like about this toner pack is the size, I can bring it anywhere. So if I need to be refreshed, I can put this toner pack on my cheeks and forehead.

Aside from the 6 pieces of products, I also got three samples of Missha All Around Safe Block (waterproof, sweatproof and sebum control) Cream. I will bring this for our upcoming beach outing.


I will order this box again, I hope they will offer this again bago pa maubos ang beauty products ko. 

Read: Althea Korea Head to Toe Box Review 

One feature I like in Facebook is the “memories” because it indeed reminds me the beautiful memories in the past. I’m supposed to continue my Iceland Trip series but I changed my mind because I want to reminisce our Bacolod trip six years ago. We celebrated our wedding anniversary in Bacolod, Guimaras, and Iloilo so we only spent 31 hours in Bacolod.


I’m sharing with you the things that you can do in Bacolod for a short period of time. I hope this post can help you in planning your trip or doing your itinerary. 

Day 1 

We arrived at Silay Airport 10 minutes before our expected arrival at 5:25AM and our airport transfer was already there. Silay Aiport is 30 minutes away from Bacolod City; you can ride a van for P100/per pax, take a cab for P500 or avail airport transfer from your hotel for P500. 

Circle Inn 

We arrived at Circle Inn at 6AM, check-in time was 2PM, and unfortunately no early check-in. Circle Inn is one of the budget hotels in Bacolod that you can choose, The room is simple but it has a pool. Room was not available because they are really fully booked so we have no choice but to start our tour though we’re really sleepy.  

Read: Circle Inn 

Capitol Lagoon 

We ate our breakfast in McDonalds and then we visited Capitol Lagoon. It is a park where you can see people from all walks of life, some are playing in the park, some are walking and jogging and some are doing their morning exercise. While we’re busy killing our time, watching people and taking pictures. 

The Ruins of Mansion 


Then we went to The Ruins of Mansion, (past 7AM) we stayed there for almost two hours. A trip to Bacolod is not complete without visiting The Ruins, though this place is not located in Bacolod but is near Bacolod. 

Read: The Ruins of Mansion 

There are other interesting sites in Negros Occidental such as Balay Negrense, Ancestral houses & Bernardino Jalandoni Museum, Mambukal Resort, Balay ni Tana Dicang, Negros Museum, San Sebastian Cathedral, and Lakawon Island. We did not visit these places because we were really here for food trip and Ruins of the mansion. 

Food Trip in Bacolod


If you are planning your Bacolod trip, don’t forget to include Calea in your “Must Try Restaurant”. I really like their dessert and as of this writing, gusto ko makatikim ulit. Waah! After Ruins, we went straight to Calea for our coffee and cake food trip around 10AM. 

Read: Calea Blueberry Cheesecake

We went back to Circle Inn (12NN) for check-in. Thank God, the room was already available, so we ate lunch (room service) and slept. 

We ate dinner at 21 Restaurant around 6PM. If you are watching “Ang Pinaka” TV show, this restaurant is part of their “Top 10 Must Try Restaurant in Bacolod City”. Of course, dinner is not complete without dessert so we went back to Calea, just to buy cheesecake again. (take-out). 

Read: Food Trip in Bacolod 

We only have one night in Bacolod so my hubby and son took advantage of the swimming pool. It is their usual bonding while I’m busy packing our stuff because we have to leave the following day for our next leg.

Day 2 

Pasalubong from Bacolod 

Our room in Circle Inn is room only so we went to Pendy’s to buy some pasalubong and eat breakfast. (7AM) It is like a one stop shop because they have a lot of pasalubong here. I bought Virgie’s Galletas, Muscuvado Sugar, Meringue, Half-Moon Cake and Napoleones. We loved Napoleones and hindi na ito umabot sa Manila. 

Read: Pasalubong from Bacolod 

Manokan Country 



We went back to the hotel and rested before our check-out. We left Circle Inn at 10:30AM and went straight to Manukan Country (taxi fare is P60). We had an early lunch because our boat scheduled trip is 12NN. From Manukan Country, we took trisikad (P30 and P1 entrance fee/port). Bacolod is famous for Chicken Inasal so don’t forget to include this in your food trip. 

That’s it! Goodbye Bacolod and Hello Iloilo. 

SuperCat Schedule and Price (Bacolod to Iloilo and v.v.)  

Tourist Class (aircon) 
Roundtrip Promo P550 all in 
One-way P360 all in 

Business Class (aircon) 
Roundtrip Promo P650 all in
One-way Promo P460 all in 

Super Value (non-aircon) 
One way P260 all in 

Schedule of Trips 
6AM, 7:30AM, 9AM, 10:30AM, 
12NN, 1:30NN, 
1:30PM, 3:15PM and 5PM Klook.com

School field trip or educational tour is one of the activities in school that allows students to go out the campus. It provides opportunities to students to see and visit new places, try and learn different activities and apply what they have learned in class.

When I was young, I love joining Field Trip because that is my chance to visit new places. But as far as I can remember, hindi uso sa mga pinasukan ko yung Field Trip so I only joined four field trips, one in preschool, two in elementary and one in high school. And until now, I can still remember those trips.


Now that I’m a mom, I’m not fond of field trips because I always consider the fee, the places and safety of my son. My son has been studying for 6 years already and we did not join all the field trips. Whenever I received a letter, I always ask myself “to go or not to go”

Nursery 

We did not join the field trip because when I checked the itinerary, we’ve already been there. It so happened that we joined my nephew’s and nieces Field Trip when he was two years old so napuntahan na namin ang iba like Philippines Science Centrum.

Pre-Kinder 

Gardenia Plant Tour 
Alice in Wonderland
Manila Ocean Park 

When I saw the list, I was hesitant to join because we’ve been to Manila Ocean Park na tapos ang mahal ng field trip fee, multiply to three. But since this is the first field trip experience of my son, we joined.

Kinder 

Ocean Adventure 
San Guillermo Church 
Duty-Free Shops

Again, I was hesitant to join because we’ve just visited the Ocean Adventure 8 months prior to his Field Trip, only one chaperone is allowed so I don’t know kung kakayanin ko na kami lang mag-ina and it was also my son’s birthday so sa field trip kami magcelebrate? But since, I already paid his field trip and this is my last chance to accompany my son, we celebrated his birthday in Subic.

Grade 1 

SOS Children’s Village 
Rave of Pasig 
Repertory Philippines
PAF Museum 

I already paid the field trip since this is part of the tuition but my son doesn’t want to join when he learned that no chaperone is allowed. I can’t blame him because he is not used to it. And I’m thankful also that he did not join because I know na maloloka lang ko kakaisip. Read the story here.

Grade 2 

PHILVOCS 
Philippine Science Centrum 
Manila Boystown 
Exploreum

Last school year, my son doesn’t want to join because he was still scared to join without a chaperone but I persuaded him to join because I already paid for it. Nung grade 1 hindi na siya sumama, every year na lang ba masasayang bayad ko. Lol.

I convinced him to join the field trip but I’m still a paranoid mom, I don’t know if my son can manage without us. So I bought cellphone so we can call or text him and nagconvoy din kami. He did not know na susundan namin siya so he was really surprised when he saw me at the PHILVOCS. Read the story here.

Grade 3 

Shakey’s Pizza at SM MOA 
Dolljoy Gallery & Museum 
PAF Museum 
Shrine of Jesus, WTL 

If you remember my previous post, I was surprised when I learned that I need to pay Field Trip fee. For the last three years kasi included na siya sa tuition so I have no idea na hindi na pala siya kasama, to think na 5-digits ang increase ng tuition this school year. But my son wanted to join their field trip.


Kung ako lang masusunod, I will not allow him to join because I don’t like their itinerary. My son knows how to make pizza na, he did this many times already, sa bahay at sa Kidzania. You can check the video here. Then PAF Museum, again? This is part of the itinerary when my son was in Grade 1, good thing my son did not join that field trip so bago pa sa kanya ngayon.


Second, I will always be a paranoid mom, sa dami ng mga dinudukot na bata ngayon, nakakatakot ipasama anak ko sa Field Trip. But my son wanted to go and my husband approved it, ako lang magiging kontrabida. So I let him joined and paid the fee.

Yesterday was my son’s field trip. Ang dami ko bilin.

1. Don’t talk to strangers.
2. Follow the teachers and tour guide, wag kung san-san nakatingin at baka mawala.
3. Be with your partner always.
4. Don’t leave your bag unattended and wag mo aalisin ang body bag mo sa katawan.
5. Inform us kung nasan na kayo.
6. Don’t forget to take pictures.
7. Have fun.

If last year, nagconvoy pa kami, this time wag na daw kami sumunod. Oh no! I have tweenager na talaga. Hatid at sundo na lang daw siya. My son took some pictures but I find it funny kasi blurred naman iba, so sa konti ng pictures niya, I will just share kung ano yung maayos.



He bought a stuffed toy at Dolljoy Gallery and Museum and he took home the pizza that he made at Shakey’s. My son enjoyed his Field trip and I’m glad that he came home safe and sound. Next year, I know that I will ask myself again, "to go or not to go".

How about you? Do you allow your kids to join Educational Tour or Field Trip?

Seda Abreeza Hotel is just across Abreeza Mall so when my husband told me that he will call me after dinner, I was expecting that they will just eat at the mall. But an hour had passed and I haven’t received any call. I asked him where he is and he replied “Taxi”. I was surprised so I called him. 

Me: Bakit ka nasa taxi? Akala ko magdinner lang kayo. 
Hubby: Dinner nga sa Luz Kinilaw. 

I’m a paranoid mom and paranoid wife so as much as possible ayaw ko siya lumalayo especially na ang dami nangyayari sa Mindanao. But he assured me na parang wala Martial Law sa Davao and dun din kumakain si Digong (President Duterte). I said, “May bodyguard yun noh! Ikaw wala”. 

Anyway, Luz Kinilaw Place has been in the food business for almost five decades, it is really popular that even Mayor Estrada and President Rodrigo Duterte already dined in this simple restaurant. My husband compared it to “Manokan Country.” in Bacolod, ganun daw ang ambiance. It is like a carinderia but it can accommodate a lot of customers.  

They are popular with their classic kinilaw and tuna na panga dish. My husband and his colleagues order Grilled Tuna and Tuna Eggs. I can’t believe na Tuna Egg yung isang dish, ganun kalaki egg ng tuna? 



Price is reasonable and sulit naman daw ang pagdayo nila. It is 15 minutes away from Seda Abreeza Hotel, it is near Magsaysay where they bought their pasalubong. So if you are a going to visit Davao, you can add this to your “Must Try Restaurant” or Where to Eat in Davao" list.

Read: 3 Days in Davao
Lola Abon's
Pasalubong from Davao

Luz Kinilaw Inihaw Place 
Salmonan Quezon Blvd, 
Poblacion District, 
Davao City, Davao Del Sur