Michi Photostory

Our third day in Iceland was exhausting because we did the Golden Circle Tour but I have no reason to complain because I enjoyed our trip to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss. I thought that it was our last itinerary for our Iceland trip but out of the blue, my cousin (second cousin) persuaded us to visit Bridge Between Two Continents. 


My second cousin loves to explore Iceland so he is very knowledgeable about all the tourist spots. He was willing to tour us around on our fourth day because it was his day off from work. Unfortunately, we’re going back to Norway on that day. How I wish we had more time to visit other places. So if ever you are going to Iceland, make sure to allot one week.

It was already late at night but off we went to Reykjanes to see the bridge between Europe and North America. It was evening already but the sky is still clear, sa tototo lang hindi ko nakita na dumilim sa Iceland, maybe dahil maaga tulog ko?



If you are getting a tour, it can be part of Reykjanes Peninsula Tour but if you are renting a car, you can just go there. It is open and no entrance fee. It is just a few minutes walk from the parking lot. 



When you see the bridge, you might say that “This is it?”. You won’t appreciate the small footbridge but if you know why it is there, you will learn to value the bridge. This bridge is not just an ordinary bridge. This bridge is clear evidence that the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are drifting apart. It is estimated that the plates drift apart around 2cm/year or 2m/100 years. That is the wonder of nature, the earth moves and reshapes. 




The Bridge Between Two Continents was opened on July 3, 2002. It is a symbol that illustrates the phenomenon of continental drift. The small footbridge is 18 meters long and 6 meters in height. 

It was a surreal experience.

1. This bridge connects two continents, Europe and North America. 
2. You can see and stand between the two continental plates above sea level. I can’t imagine that I’m standing between two continents. 
3. I can go to Europe and North America in less than a minute. 
4. When you cross the bridge, you see an information board “Welcome to the North American Plate” and “Welcome to the Eurasian Plate” 

Welcome to the Eurasian Plate 

Imagine yourself standing on the Eurasian Plate, Earth’s largest continental tectonic plate. The plate contains some of the oldest rock formations in the earth’s crust, in East Siberia on the most expansive plains on Earth. 

The North American plate is drifting to the west away from the Eurasian plate, widening the Atlantic Ocean in the process. In the east, the Pacific and Philippine plates flow under the Eurasian plate and form an arc of the volcanic island. In the south, the Indian and Australian plates are drifting to the north. The collision of these plates forms the highest mountain range on Earth, the Himalayas. 

Welcome to the North American Plate 

Imagine yourself standing on the North American plate, Earth’s sixth-largest continental tectonic plate. Around 200 million years ago, it was joined with the Eurasian, African, and South American plates until this supercontinent, known as Pangaea, started to break apart. The Atlantic Ocean began to form to the south between Africa and South America about 135 million years ago, while the separation of the North America and Eurasian plates began around 65 million years ago.

The western part of the North America plate has some fairly young mountains where it collides with the Pacific plate. The eastern part of the plate, on the other hand, has the Appalachian mountain range that formed more than 250 million years ago when the supercontinent Pangaea was forming. 

5. No visa is needed to cross North America. Wow, I’ve been to America without a visa. :)
6. Don’t forget to go down the bridge. America to the West and Europe to the East. 
7. I saw some love locks on the bridge. I wish I had an extra lock and my husband was in Iceland too. 

I’m so happy to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Better to include this in your itinerary if you are going to Blue Lagoon or before going to the airport. You only need a few minutes here. You can also see the tectonic plate at Thingvellir National Park, it is located in Mid Atlantic Ridge too. 

Read: Reykjanes Peninsula Tour in Iceland 
Icelandair Experience 
Blue Lagoon in Iceland  
The Golden Circle Tour in Iceland  
The Great Geysir in Iceland
Breathtaking Gullfoss in Iceland
Thingvellir National Park in Iceland

One thing that I look forward every time we stay in a hotel is buffet breakfast. At home, we eat light breakfast but when we are traveling, we need to eat a lot so we have the energy for our next adventure. And of course, breakfast buffet rate is not cheap so diet is off every time we travel.


Most of the hotels include complimentary buffet breakfast for two and a half rate for the kid. During our trip to Bangkok, Thailand, we stayed at Four Points by Sheraton and we had buffet breakfast at The Eatery. You can already see this restaurant once you enter the hotel. It is an all-day dining restaurant so you can eat breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Read: Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok Thailand


I can’t remember if the rate is gross or nett but as far as I can remember, buffet breakfast for Adult is THB550 and Kid is THB275. A bit expensive especially for my son who only eats cereals or bread and few pieces of bacon or sausage.



The Eatery restaurant is not that big and the interiors are not that intimidating compared to other hotels. It is bright and colorful. They serve local and international dishes like Western, Japanese, Thailand, Chinese and others so I’m pretty sure that there is something for your preference. Since we stayed there for five nights, we are eating buffet breakfast for five days too, so as expected we gained a lot of pounds after our trip.





The Eatery restaurant has different stations, they have bread, omelet, noodles, drinks, salad, cold cuts, soup, dim sum and cereals stations. I’m glad that they serve soft and crispy bacon because I prefer soft bacon. I love their omelet too because they are using mozzarella cheese. For five days, 65% of the menu are staples so we ate almost the same thing every day. I have no problem with that because we liked their bacon, omelet, noodles, stir-fry meat and fish at the Japanese station.




One thing I liked in their buffet breakfast is I can try different cuisines especially the Thai dishes. We enjoyed our dining experience. Food is delicious and service is also good.

Watch the video here
Read: 6 Days in Bangkok with Kids

Whenever we travel, there are certain things that I consider before booking a hotel. I have to consider our budget, location of the hotel, facilities and amenities of the hotel and of course if the hotel is family-friendly. When we went to Bangkok, Thailand, we stayed at Four Points by Sheraton which is located in Sukhumvit Area.

Read: Where to Stay in Bangkok Thailand

Among the four hotels that my husband tried in Bangkok, this hotel is the most affordable one. I already blogged about this hotel, you can check my hotel review here. But now, I will share with your our personal experience during our 6 Days Trip in Bangkok, Thailand. This time mas marami na details because I was there. Hehehe!


Read: Economy Class vs Business Class of Philippine Airlines: International Trip 

Upon arrival to Suvarnabhumi Aiport, we proceeded to Gate 5 because that is where the hotel service will pick us up. They advise us to wait inside the airport while waiting for the car because it is hot outside. When the chauffeur came, the staff ushered us to the car. Sosyal lang ng sumundo sa amin, Mercedes Benz. The car service is only good for 3 persons for THB1800. A bit expensive compared to taxi ride (THB500).


The chauffeur welcomed us and advised us about the complimentary cold towel, bottled water, and wifi. I really appreciate the cold towel, sa init sa Bangkok (like Philippines) need mo talaga marefreshen. I did not avail the free wifi since I purchased 4G Sim Card. Travel time is more or less one hour because of traffic.

Read: Where to Buy Discounted Tickets for your Bangkok Thailand Trip 


When we reached the hotel, we gave our passport and paid the deposit (Amount x No. of nights). There is a complimentary drink in the lobby so just in case you need to drink while waiting for your key card. The hotel staff even gave a big lollipop to my son and accompanied us to the elevator. Off we went to our room which is located in the Pool Wing.

Watch the video here.

This is the room; like I’ve said before, it is quite similar to Crimson Mactan Resort and Spa. Since we are family of three, they asked if we want an extra bed. We asked if there is additional fee but they told us that it free so we said yes. They immediately delivered the extra bed and without asking, they gave extra towels, face towels, bathrobe and bottled water.


The bathroom has a separate shower and bathtub. One thing I liked about this hotel is they have a speaker (at the ceiling) inside the bathroom. So you can watch TV while inside the bathtub and no need to increase the volume because you have your own speaker inside. What I don't like is, they don't have a bidet.





Four Points by Sheraton is under SPG so you can also earn points by staying here. As a hotel guest, you have complimentary access to the gym, rooftop swimming pool, and wifi. If you are hungry or thirsty and don’t want to go out, you can visit AmBar, The Drunken Leprechaun, The Eatery or avail the In-room dining service.




What do I like About Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok? 

I don’t have any expectations about this hotel because as I mentioned, this is the most affordable one among the four hotels. But after staying for 5 nights, I can definitely say that we liked this hotel, they really know how to spoil their guests. Let me enumerate why…

1. The hotel is near Terminal 21 Shopping Mall, Robinson Mall, and Tops 24 Hours Supermarket.
2. There are many restaurants within the area.
3. The hotel is near BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway so commuting is not a problem.
* They have backdoor access if you are going to Sukhumvit 17, Terminal 21 and Sky train.
4. They have a lot of complimentary or discounts (check the note in the mirror).

     A. Very generous in giving complimentary bottled water.
    B. Complimentary tuk-tuk ride.
    C. Complimentary drinks at AmBar for two persons x 5 nights (alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks)
    D. Complimentary snacks during our first night.
    E. Complimentary beer (one beer) if you drink at The Drunken Leprechaun.
    F. Special prices on classic cocktails, beer, house wine and spirits (Every Wednesday)
    G. Free meal if you order from their restaurant.


 5. They replenished our toiletries, tea, and coffee every day.
 6. They changed the bedsheets, pillowcases, towels, and face towels every day. In some hotels, they will only change the sheets if you put the note on your bed.
 7. When we had a problem connecting to the internet because it is so slow, they provided a device for us so we can have a good connection.
 8. Service is good. They are very helpful, they helped us in getting a taxi or giving directions to (insert name of the place). Not all taxi drivers are fluent in English so at least may taga-translate kami.
9. Free laundry per day. (one piece of clothing).


The room package includes a buffet breakfast at The Eatery but I will share more about it in a separate post. On our third day, my son and I were so tired from our Kidzania trip so we don't want to go out anymore. We just take advantage of the in-room dining services, the bill is less than THB500 for two meals.

Read: Buffet Breakfast at The Eatery
Watch the video


Read: 6 Days in Bangkok with Kids

Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok
4 Sukhumvit Soi 15,
Sukhumvit Road, Wattana,
Bangkok, Thailand

If you are planning your trip, the next question after booking your plane ticket is “Where Should I Stay in (insert country)”. Looking for an accommodation is not easy especially if it will be your first time visiting the country. Take your time in researching, reading reviews and don’t forget to consider your budget. Ask yourself if you like to stay in Airbnb, hostels or hotels.


Last month, we went to Bangkok, Thailand and I only had more than a week to look for accommodation. But thanks to my husband because he already tried several hotels in Bangkok so choosing a hotel is no longer a problem. Just in case you are planning for Bangkok, Thailand trip and you are looking for a family-friendly hotel, check the following hotels in Sukhumvit Area.

Pro’s 

1. Near Shopping malls
2. Near BTS Skytrain
3. A wide range of hotel to choose from
4. If you love partying, there is nightlife here
5. If you like eating, there are a lot of dining options

Con’s

1. Tourist spots are quite far.
2. Traffic is intense

Where to Stay in Bangkok Thailand 

1. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel 

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel is the first hotel that my husband tried in Bangkok, Thailand. The hotel is near Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and Asok BTS Skytrain. They have a connecting bridge so going to the mall and Skytrain is not a problem.

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel has 6 award-winning restaurants so have peace of mind that you will eat good foods. But just in case the budget is limited, you can just go to the mall and check the different restaurants there.

This hotel offers a full-service spa, outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, airport shuttle and childcare. You have fruits every day in your room. Service is good.

Read: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel

2. Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel 

Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel is the second hotel that my husband tried in Bangkok, Thailand. It is also located in Sukhumvit area so it is near Terminal 21 shopping mall, BTS Asok Skytrain, and MRT Subway. It is just in front of the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel.

The room is big, the smallest room is 40-45 sq.m. You can choose 1 King sizes bed or 2 Double bed so it is good for the family. It offers a fitness studio, in-room spa services, nail and beauty salon, child care services, and a rooftop pool. My husband likes the swimming pool here because he can do some laps.

If you are not fond of DIY travel, you can book your tours with them too. Service is good and if you are regular hotel guests, they offer late check-out for free.

Read: Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel 

3. Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok 

Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok is the third hotel that my husband tried in Sukhumvit Area. Among the three hotels, this is the most affordable one. It is just five minutes walk to Terminal 21 shopping Mall, BTS Asok Skytrain, and MRT subway. It is also near Robinson and 24 hours supermarket. Don’t forget to use the back door.

It has a fitness center, business center, outdoor swimming pool and complimentary Tuk-Tuk. So if you want to ride tuk-tuk, you can take advantage of the free shuttle tuk-tuk. Though we haven’t tried this because like what I’ve said, shopping mall and train station are just a few minutes walk.

This is where we stayed in Bangkok during our 6 days trip and we enjoyed our stay here. Service is good and they gave a lot of freebies. I will share more about this in a separate post, but you can check my review when my husband stayed here during his business trip.

Read: Staycation at Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok
Watch the video here

4. Modena by Fraser Bangkok Hotel

If the budget is limited, book a room at Modena by Fraser Bangkok. It offers a fully furnished room and studio room. It is near Queen Sirikit MRT Station so commuting won't be a problem. It has gym, restaurant, and lobby bar. The bathroom has no bathtub and they don't have a swimming pool. They offer a complimentary tuk-tuk shuttle which will take you to a nearby office building, MRT station, and commercial areas.

Read: Modena by Fraser Bangkok Hotel

5. Louis’ Tavern Transit Hotel at Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

Louis’ Tavern Transit Hotel is located in Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. Yes, you’ve read it right. This hotel is inside the Suvarnabhumi Airport so if you have a long layover or early flight and you are looking for an accommodation, you can stay here.

Read: Glimpse of Suvarnabhumi Airport 

When my husband had a 9 hours layover in Bangkok, he decided to stay at Louis’ Tavern Transit Hotel so he can have comfortable sleep while waiting for his morning flight. He can book a hotel outside the airport but he doesn’t want to pay the travel tax so he chose the transit hotel. No need to pass the immigration.

The rate is not similar to a hotel because the rate starts at 6 hours of use including a set meal. But at least, you can rest well.

Read: Louis’ Tavern Transit Hotel

Care to share your favorite hotels in Bangkok, Thailand.

Read: 6 Days in Bangkok with Kids

Being able to travel the world is a privilege because I know that not everyone is able to travel. So even we are not frequent travelers, we are still happy because from time to time we visit a new city or new country. We don’t care about the number of cities, countries or continents that we have visited, what is more important is the experience that we have gained during our travel trips.

Traveling via plane is already expensive unless you score a cheap airline ticket, so I don’t mind booking economy class tickets because we all know whatever class of tickets we have we are just going to the same destination. But of course, this doesn’t stop us from dreaming to experience Business Class Seats.


Two years ago, we experienced our first Business Class Seats. It is just a domestic flight from Cebu to Manila. Since we have Business Class tickets, we were able to stay at the Mabuhay Lounge Cebu Airport and when our flight was delayed, walang stress sa pag-asikaso, I just gave our boarding pass and sila na bahala. Read more about our experience.

Advantages of Business Class Tickets 

1. A special lane for check-in.
2. Priority check-in, boarding, and luggage handling.
3. Access to Mabuhay Miles Lounge.
4. Welcome Drinks.
5. Hot Meals.
6. Priority Airport Standby.

It was just an hour flight so we’re hoping that someday, we can experience Business Class Seats for an international trip. We’re not in a hurry because we know how expensive Business Class Tickets. Little did we know that our dream will turn into reality. Last month, my husband booked our flight to Bangkok, Thailand, as usual, it is an economy class ticket (using our miles).

On the day of our trip, we just did the normal thing, we checked-in, passed the Immigration and stayed at the Mabuhay Lounge while waiting for our boarding time. Then we went to the boarding gate and waited for our take-off.

Business Class Experience 

While waiting for the take-off, the flight attendant went to our row, she was talking to our seatmate and asked him if his surname is Solee, so napatingin kami bigla and was wondering kung may problem ba. Then the flight attendant went to my husband to confirm if his last name is Solee, we showed our boarding passes and then she advised us that we need to move seats. So we got our stuff and transferred, only to find out that we are upgraded to Business Class. Woah! We did not see it coming and we did not know why. But we’re so grateful for our experience. Watch the video here.

“Take every chance you get in life, because some things only happen once” 

I thought, it only happens in movies but now I know that it can happen in real life. My husband is a frequent traveler but this is the first time na na-upgrade siya sa Business Class. The comfortable seat has a blanket, big pillow and of course big space for the legs. I can no longer touch the front seat, so kelangan ko pa tumayo para lang makuha yung magazine.


Upon seated, the Flight Attendant immediately asked us for our preferred welcome drinks and handed the Business Class Menu. Wow, ang dami choices for main course and drinks. For drinks, you can choose, champagne, white wine, red wine, liquors beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages (cold and hot).



For Manila to Bangkok flight, here is our meal 

Appetizer: Scallops and Salmon in Mustard-Dill Dressing
Breads: Dinner roll, Wheat Roll, Multigrain Baguette, and Basil Olive Bread Slices.
Main Course: Manok sa Tanglad, Cod Fillet in Red Curry Sauce, or Beef in Apricot Red Vinegar Sauce
Dessert: Mango Lychee with Mango Pudding Carmen’s Best Ice Cream

Then one FA gave us iPad and headset for our complimentary use. Next FA, lay a tablecloth on our table and gave us appetizers and drinks. One thing that I noticed, you don’t need to call the FA, they just go to your seats. There are three Flight attendants who assisted us. They serve drinks, food and ask what you need. Service is really good, you will really feel special.




Bangkok to Manila flight is more than three hours so if you want to sleep, you can literally lie down and sleep.


They also provided a Premium Lane Pass for us. If you’ve read my post before, Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of the busiest airports in Asia so this Premium Lane Pass is a big help because you have Priority Lane for Immigration. According to my husband, most of the time it will take him one hour just to pass Bangkok Immigration. But this time, it only took us a few minutes. Then we were able to get our luggage immediately because there is a “Priority Tag” on our luggage.


Economy Class Experience 

On our way back to Manila, we still have economy tickets so we experienced both types of service. Though we have an economy class ticket, we have number 1 to 3 privileges which are a Special lane for check-in, Priority check-in, boarding and luggage handling, and Access to Miracle Lounge courtesy of my husband’s Mabuhay Miles membership benefits. My son and I only have a Classic membership so if ever hindi namin kasama si hubby, wala kami Number 1-3 privilege. Hehehe!


We got a Premium Lane Pass ticket so no more long lines again in Immigration. My husband and son were able to stay at Miracle Lounge so free food, drinks, and wifi.




Wala ng free upgrade, hehehe! We stayed in the economy class seats. Back to the small pillow, no blanket (by request), and limited legroom. No complimentary iPad or headset use. Good thing that they served kid’s meals first because when it was our turn na, wala na kami options. Kung ano na lang natira sa tray nila. We still have ice cream for dessert pero hindi na Carmen’s Best Ice Cream.

So that is the difference between economy class and business class flight for an international flight.

Read: 6 Days in Bangkok with Kids

I was not able to celebrate Mother’s Day last year because we were in Norway. Unfortunately, Norway celebrates Mother’s Day every February so I’m the only mom who wants to celebrate Mom’s Day at that time. This year, we’re just here in the Philippines so we had a simple celebration of Mother’s Day. 


We had lunch at Tong Yang Plus last Saturday. We all know that restaurants are always fully booked every Mother’s Day so I decided to celebrate it in advance. I tried Tong Yang Shabu Shabu and BBQ Restaurant last December, we had a get-together there with my college friends. I am satisfied with my dining experience so I was hoping that they will have a branch near our place. 

Read: Tong Yang Shabu Shabu and BBQ Restaurant SM Megamall


After a few months, I learned that there is Tong Yang Plus in SM Bicutan. Yey, malapit na sa probinsiyanang katulad ko. Though it is quite far pa rin, I think it took us an hour to reach SM Bicutan because of SLEX traffic. I remember that Tong Yang SM Megamall is not accepting reservations, so I did not make any reservations at SM Bicutan, but when we got there. I saw some tables that were reserved so I guess it is better to call and reserve.


We arrived at 12NN and we’re happy that they are able to accommodate us, no more waiting. Yun nga lang share kami ng table sa iba. Our table is good for 8 persons so may katabi kami na ibang family dun. Good thing, tahimik naman sila. Hehehe! 


I like the interiors of Tong Yang Plus SM Bicutan compared to SM Megamall branch, mas maliwanag kasi and mukhang mas malaki. There is enough space for each table, nung nasa SM Megamall kami, we always have to say “excuse me” every time tatayo at kukuha kami ng food kasi hindi kami makakalabas, ganun kaliit space nila pag occupied na yung magkatabing table. 


I also prefer their table because there is one grill and 4 stoves so each person can choose their own soup, same with Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot City SM Southmall branch. For soup, you have 8 choices. You can choose Laksa, Chicken Soup, Sate Soup, Sinigang Soup, Malatang Soup, Vegetable Soup, Seafood Soup, and Chinese Herb. 

I checked their different stations and I was sad because I did not see fresh shrimps and beef bulgogi, yun kasi favorite ko kainin sa Tong Yang Megamall. But I saw ebi tempura, wala naman yan sa SM Megamall, yun nga lang pahirapan din makakuha ng ebi tempura, lagi nauubos. 




If you are hungry and don’t want to cook, don’t worry because they have cooked food, salad, dim sum, and dessert. They also have sliced meat choices but you always have to order. Wala sila talagang nakaprepare like sa ibang buffet restaurant, yung ready na and kukunin mo na lang. With Tong Yang, you have to order and wait so nagkakapila pa. For sliced meat, they have Beef Chuck Eye Roll, Beef Karubi, Beef Striploin, Pork Neck, and Pork Belly. 


Drinks are already included in their buffet rate and you have a lot of choices. I also saw beer in their Beverage Station. 


I just ate here a few months ago and there is already a price increase, from P645 to P688. Though I’m not sure if the rate varies per branch or magkaiba pa ba ang Tong Yang sa Tong Yang Plus? Service is okay naman, matagal lang sa billing. 

Watch the video here. 

Read: Father's Day at Tong Yang Plus

Tong Yang Buffet Rate 

Adult Rate 
P588 Adult Weekday Lunch 
P688 Adult Weekday Dinner 
P688 Saturday, Sunday and Holiday 

Kid Rate 
FREE - Kids below 3ft
P188 - Kids 3ft to 4ft 
P388 - Kids 4ft to 4’6 ft 

*Prices are subject to 5% service charge 

Birthday Promo 

1. Birthday celebrants of all ages can avail of the promo on the day of their birthday and on any day during their birthday month. 
2. Celebrants can eat for free ON THE DAY of their birthday for both lunch and dinner accompanied by ONE FULL PAYING ADULT. 
3. Celebrants can eat free for any day WITHIN THEIR BIRTHDAY MONTH and should be accompanied by FOUR FULL PAYING ADULTS. 
4. Paying adults should pay the full rate without any discounts. 
5. Celebrants should present any original and valid government-issued or company ID bearing their photo and birthdate. 

* Local and foreign ID’s will be accepted. 
* Failure to provide above ID requirements, and birth certificate may be presented alongside any ID bearing their photo. 

6. This promo cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions or discounts. 
7. Use of Special Gift Certificates will not be honored for this promo. 
8. Promo is available at all Tong Yang Plus branches.

20+2 Promo 

1. For reservations with 22 guests and above are entitled to a special promo of 20+2 
2. For every 10 added guests, 1 additional guest may eat for free. 
3. This promo cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions or discounts. 
4. Use of Special Gift Certificates will not be honored for this promo. 
5. This promo is only available at Tong Yang Plus Bicutan.

Tong Yang Plus by Vikings Branches

SM Mall of Asia
SM Davao
SM Bacoor
SM Bicutan