Michi Photostory

If you are going to Iceland, the most popular tour is Golden Circle Tour and I highly recommend that you get this package tour. But if you want to explore it on your own, don’t forget to visit Geysir, Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park. Since we have relatives in Iceland, we had DIY Golden Circle Tour last year. We started our tour as early as 6AM and our first stop is Thingvellir National Park.    



Since we’re all first timers (yes, even my relatives haven’t visited this park yet) we don’t know where to start. The Visitor Center was still closed, I think we arrived around 7:30AM so we just look for a parking lot and started our tour. There is NO ENTRANCE FEE so we just followed the signs. Honestly, I have no idea about this park so all I thought, this is just an ordinary park but I was wrong. This park surprised me and this is my favorite place among the three tourist spots that we have visited. 


Thingvellir National Park is a protected national shrine and if you want to know more about Iceland, visit this place. It is where the general assembly was established in the year 1930 and a lot of major events held in this park. In 2004, this park became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. 


Aside from the history, Thingvellir National Park is considered a natural wonder because of their geologic history. It is where you can see the evolution and formation of Mid Atlantic Ridge. It is located on the tectonic plate boundaries so you can see the evidence that the Eurasian and North American plates are drifting apart. 

What can you see in Thingvellir National Park? 

Kastalar lava hills
Almannagja 
Drekkingarhylur (Drowning Pool) 
Lorberg (Law Rock)

Hakid View Point
Gestastofa 

Flosagja 
Thingvallakirkja Lake
Valholl 
Silfra 

Stekkjargja 
Oxararfoss Falls
Langistigur 

Watch the video here 

This park is so huge, there are four parking lots and it is not free so we just parked at P2 and started our walking tour. Thingvellir National Park is so wonderful and stunning so even though this park is so big and our feet were tired, we're not complaining. My son was enjoying this park this park too, sa laki nito siguro ilang kilometro na rin ang nalakad namin. We arrived around 7:30AM and inabot na kami ng lunchtime, kakalakad. For lunch, we had baon so we ate in the parking lot where picnic tables and comfort rooms are located.  







Despite the beauty of this park, there are also sad stories. This park is also a reminder of the harsh punishments and executions that happened in the 16th and 17th centuries. According to the information post, there are seventy-two people known with certainty to have been executed at Thingvellir from 1602 to 1750; 30 males were beheaded on Hoggstokkseyri, 9 burned of alleged wizards and witches in the Brennugja, 18 women were drowned in Drekkingarhylur and15 men were hanged in Stekkajarja. There were also offenders who were flogged in Kagaholmi. 

As the quote says, "Travel - it leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller". This park leaves me speechless and now I’m sharing it with you and hopefully, you can visit this too. 

Read: IcelandAir Experience
Blue Lagoon  
Reykjanes Peninsula Tour
Bridge Between Two Continents 

Update: I read from CNN Philippines article last July 22 that Kidzania Manila is closing down by end of August 31, 2020 after months of shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

My aunt-in-law’s family was back in the Philippines last May, it’s been years since their last visit here. My husband’s cousin is only 9 years old, the same age as my son so he asked his aunt if they were interested in visiting Kidzania and they said yes. So my son and I went back to Kidzania Manila to accompany them. I always pay for regular tickets but last summer, they had an ongoing promo for walk-ins so I got a 20% discount care of my Get Go Card or Mercury Drug Suki Card.

Tip: Always check their Facebook Page so you are updated in their promos.

It is no secret here that my son loves Kidzania, this is our fourth visit to Kidzania Manila and we had just visited Kidzania Bangkok last April but there are still a lot of activities that he hasn’t tried. If Kidzania is just so near, I will avail of their UnliPazz last summer vacation. My son wanted din na sa Kidzania Field Trip nila. Hindi niya favorite noh? They were able to do 14 activities during their visit.


14 Activities in One Day at Kidzania Manila 

Watch the video here.

1. Job at National Bookstore
2. Job at Healthy Options
3. Job at Mercury Drug
4. Pit Crew Training
5. Burger Shop
6. Jack n Jill
7. Cooking School
8. Century Tuna Marine Research Lab
9. CSI
10. Pilot
11. Driving Lessons
12. Driving Test
13. BS Engineering and Architecture
14. Window Washing

The new activities that he tried; jobs at National Bookstore and Century Tuna Marine Research Lab. He went to Healthy Options and Mercury Drug before but when he went back, he got a new job. For Jack n Jill and Cooking School, they prepare a new snack. So it is okay to revisit establishment so you can try different jobs that they offer.








My son went to Driving School again because his Driver’s License had already expired, when he first took the Driving Test, it was only a written exam but now, may practical exam na rin sila. Hehehe! There is a separate car for the driving test. I hope there is a monitor at the Aviation so we can watch the kids just like in Kidzania Bangkok.


My son took BS Engineering and Architecture lessons but after getting his degree, his last job was Window Washer. Hehehe! That was the last activity na pasok pa sa time before the closing. We still have a long list of activities so I’m definitely sure that we will visit again. Other courses are Business Administration, Health Sciences, and Humanities and Arts.



Book your ticket here
KidZania Manila Admission Ticket in Manila


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I love bags, it is something that I want to buy for myself. I still remember when I started working, I always buy bags, basta gusto ko bibilhin ko but of course, I only buy those bags that my salary can afford. I don’t care about the brands, I buy my bags in a department store, Divisoria, Girbaud and Charles & Keith.

When I resigned and became a full-time mom, natambak na lang yun bags. I gave away some of my bags so someone can use it. I threw some bags that are not in good condition because of poor storage. And I only keep a few pieces since most of the time I’m using a Diaper Bag. That is also the time that I realized that I don’t need a lot of bags. So even I like bags, I practice self-control. Now I only have few bags so kahit paulit-ulit, okay lang.


I’ve been blogging for quite some time now and I earn a little from this hobby so a few years ago I decided to buy bags again. There is a sense of fulfillment whenever I see those bags that I bought from own pocket. So far, I was able to buy mid-range branded bags like Lacoste, Longchamp Le Pliage, Cath Kidston Cross Body Bag, Samsonite Luggage, and now my very first Kate Spade New York Bag.

I’ve been meaning to buy Kate Spade sling bag but when I checked the price online, I was surprised because it is so expensive. Mas mahal pa siya sa luggage ko pero kasing laki lang naman siya ng notebook. Hehehe! I’m pretty sure mas mahal pa yung bag if dito ko sa Pilipinas bibilhin.


I already forgot about the bag but when my husband went to Singapore last week, I told him to check Kate Spade New York store, may nakita kasi ko na B1T1 and 70% off na bag. I sent him some photos of the bags, timing sa Great Singapore Sale.

My husband stayed at Four Points by Sheraton so the nearest shopping mall is in Orchard road. He went to Kate Spade store and there was 30-50% sale. He sent me photos so I can choose pero wala ko nagustuhan and wala pasok sa budget ko. Lol

Fast forward to his departure, there was also a sale at Changi Airport so he checked Kate Spade Store again. He sent me photos, at that time I can’t decide whether to buy or not but in the end, napayes na rin ko. Yey! Finally, my Kate Spade Cameron Street Sima is here. Now I have my little black bag.




I like this bag because you can use it as a clutch bag or sling bag, the chain is detachable. It is slim but it can hold my essentials. It is versatile too because I can use it for casual or formal events. Parang gusto ko na umalis para literal na magamit ko. Hahaha! Thanks to Great Singapore Sale, I got this bag at 50% off.

Size: 6.6” h x 10.1” w x 2” d
Drop length: 20”

Material:
Crosshatched leather with matching trim
Bookstripe printed on poly twill lining
14-karat gold plated hardware

My husband loves Japanese cuisine so whenever he travels, he will eat at a Japanese restaurant if he finds one and if the price is right. When he went to Singapore last week, he ate at Iridori Japanese Restaurant, it is one of the restaurants of Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview. This restaurant offers a-la-carte buffet lunch and dinner so if you love Japanese foods, you will enjoy this place.

Read: Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview

The seafood and ingredients are from Australia, New Zealand, Norway and other countries in Europe. They serve Sashimi, Maki Mono, Nigiri Sushi, Te-maki, Yaki Mono, Mushi Shiru Mono, Ippin Mono, Age Mono, Teppan Yaki, and Manrui Gohan Mono. They have more than one hundred dishes that you can choose from their menu.



Unlike in other buffet restaurants where you get your own food, here in Iridori you will choose from the menu and they will serve it. What nice about their menu is there is English translation and picture of the food so you’ll get an idea on what to order. No buffet take away is allowed. Unconsumed food or leftover will be charged as per a la carte prices so make sure to finish what you order. My husband only ordered three meals from their menu but according to him, the price is worth it. The foods are really good.

Irodori Japanese Restaurant Menu 




Sashimi (Raw Fish): Shake, Maguro, Hamachi, Mekajiki, Tako, Ika, and Sashimi Moriawase Maki
Mono (Matt Roll): Shake Maki, California Maki, Futo Maki, Kani Stick Maki, Kanpyo Maki, Kappa Maki, Oshinko Maki, Tekka Maki, Sanshoku Maki, Ebi Maki, and Irodori Maki.
Nigiri Sushi (Finger Press): Shake Sushi, Maguro Sushi, Hamachi Sushi, Mekajiki Sushi, Tako Sushi, Ika Sushi, Saba Sushi, Kani Stick Sushi, Tamago Sushi, Ebiko Sushi, and Inari Sushi.
Te - maki (Hand Roll): California, Spider, Ebi, Tekka, Shake, Kappa, Tamago, Ebiko, Kani, Oshiniko, and Kanpyo
Yaki Mono (Grilled Dishes): Cocktail Bacon Maki, Kanistick Bacon Maki, Saba Shioyaki, Shake Shio, Sanma Shioyaki, Shishamo, Tebasaki, Yakitori, and Shitake Teriyaki.
Mushi Shiru Mono: Chanwan Mushi, Dobin Mushi, and Miso Soup
Ippin Mono (Appetizer): Edamame, Hiyayako, Oden, Yasai Salada, Hiyashi Tomato, Tofu Salada Age Mono (Deep Fried): Ebi Tempura, Fish Tempura, Ninjin Tempura, Renkon Tempura, Shitake Tempura, Tamanegi Tempura, Kaki Age, Age Dashi Tofu, Chicken Katsu, Tonkatsu, Ebi Furai, Sakana Furai, Shisamo Karaage, Tebasaki Karaage, Torikaraage, Age Gyoza, Korokke, Tako Yaki, Edamame Stick, and Haru Maki.
Teppan Yaki: Nasu Miso Itame, Pork Shogayaki, Beef Shogayaki, Buta Kimchee, Yasai Itame, Buta Enoki Maki, Beef Enoki Maki, Beef Enoki Maki, Shake Steak, Chicken Teriyaki, Yaki Meshi, Yaki Udon/Soba, Enoki Shitake Butter Yaki. Manrui Gohan Mono: Su Udon/Soba, Zaru Udon/Soba, Ramen, Ebi Ten Udon/Soba, Curry Rice/Udon, Katsu Udon, Oyako Don, and Sake Cha Zuke.

Buffet Lunch and Dinner Rate 

Adult SGD38.80 ++
Child SGD24.80 ++ Below 10 yrs old
Softdrinks and Juices SGD3++

Opening Hours 

Lunch - 11:30AM - 2:30PM
Dinner - 6:00PM - 10:30PM

Update August 2018: 

My husband went back to Singapore and he ate again at Irodori, this time he ate a lot compared to his last visit.






Irodori Japanese Restaurant 
382 Havelock Road, Four Points by Sheraton
Riverview #03-01 Singapore, 169629

Singapore is such a small country but it is one of the favorite destinations in Asia. It is known for being an expensive country but still, a lot of tourists are coming in. If you are looking for accommodation and budget is not a problem you can try Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverside. 

My husband went to Singapore for his orientation and to meet his new boss. He used to stay at Sheraton Towers Singapore but since he is now working in a new company, the present company booked a room at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview. It is walking distance from his office. 

Whether it is a business or leisure trip, this hotel has a good location. It is situated on the side of Singapore River. It is close to CBD, Orchard Road, China Town, Clark Quay, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay. Some famous tourist spots are a few minutes' walk like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Tiong Bahru. I remember we started our DIY Singapore City Tour at Clark Quay during our second visit to Singapore.

Read: DIY Singapore City Tour


If you’ve read my Bangkok post, you know that we’ve stayed at Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok last summer. We’re very satisfied with our stay so when my husband learned that he will stay at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, he already knew that it is a good hotel. But even though they have the same name, of course, there are still differences. 

The room is small so I’m not sure if there is enough space for an extra bed. The bed and pillows are comfortable. 





The bathroom is also small. There is no bathtub but it has a bidet. 


My husband received one complimentary drink coupon for 5 night stay, unlike in Bangkok they gave us 2 complimentary drink coupons per day. If the Bangkok branch has a complimentary tuk-tuk ride, in Singapore, they offer free shuttle service to Orchard Road, MRT station such as Clark Quay, and Chinatown. They have a gym and swimming pool but it is also small.  

They have 3 restaurants and a bar to satisfy your palate, whether you prefer Chinese, Japanese, Seafood or Singapore cuisine. My husband was able to try the Irodori Japanese Restaurant but I will write a separate post for this. The complimentary breakfast is served at Four Points Eatery, the interior of the restaurant is more elegant compared to the bright and colorful style in Bangkok. 

Read: Irodori Japanese Restaurant







Update: August 2018

My husband went back to Singapore and stayed at this hotel again. He arrived past 10AM and they allowed early check-in. The only room available is a twin bedroom and this time the bathroom has a bathtub. During his first visit, there is no bathtub in his room so I'm glad to know that there are rooms with a bathtub. Four Points by Sheraton knows how to spoil loyal guests, when my husband returned from work, he saw some fruits and notes on his desk.




Swimming Pool



Read: Where to Stay in Singapore

Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview 
382 Havelock Road, Singapore, 
169629 Singapore