Michi Photostory

Exactly a year ago, we had a Weekend Getaway at Kristiansund and my mom booked a one-night stay at Scandic Kristiansund. Scandic hotels are a hotel chain in Scandinavia, you can see their hotels in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and a few hotels in Germany and Poland. It is one of my options when I was having a hard time looking for accommodation in Sweden.

Read: Where to Stay in Sweden: Hotel Generator Stockholm


Scandic Kristiansund has a good location, it is situated in the middle of the town center, near the harbor view, 15 minutes away from the airport, and walking distance to some tourist spots. It was built in 1987 so the hotel and rooms look old and probably need some improvement.


If you are traveling by car, there is parking space but it is not FREE. If you have big luggage with you, it is better to drop your luggage at the hotel entrance before going to the parking lot because the hotel doesn’t have a service elevator and you have to climb the stairs.






We arrived in the evening so checking-in was easy, we were offered a room with a view but since there is an additional fee, we declined. We can see this view when we go out so why pay for it. This was our view from our room.


What you see on the website is what you get, so this was our room. We have two single beds, an office table, television, couch, mini-fridge, and a cabinet. The following morning, I found out that my mom and aunt’s room have a coffee and tea set while our room doesn’t have one. We already arrived late but our room was not complete pala, I did not request it since we won’t stay long.




The bathroom looks old but it has a bathtub and hairdryer but no bidet. They offer complimentary FACE Stockholm toiletries


We left Ørland at 2PM and it took us more or less 5 hours travel time to reach Kristiansund so after check-in we had dinner at Bella Napoli Restaurant. Since it was raining and we were already tired, we immediately went back to the hotel after dinner.

Read: Dinner at Bella Napoli Restaurant

Breakfast Buffet at Restaurant Sans 

The room includes a buffet breakfast at Restaurant Sans where they serve a traditional Norwegian buffet. Breakfast starts as early as 6:30AM on weekdays and 8AM every weekend. It was Sunday so I had no choice but to wait for 8AM breakfast time.


When it comes to breakfast in Europe, my expectation is low because I know that the buffet spread is limited compared to buffet breakfast in Asia. So I was really surprised when I arrived at the restaurant, Scandic Kristiansund did not disappoint me because they even have more food spread compared to Radisson Blu in Trondheim and Oslo. We were happy with our buffet breakfast at Restaurant Sans.





Read: Radisson Blu Hotel Trondheim Norway 
Radisson Blu Hotel in Oslo Norway  

Restaurant Sans 

Breakfast: Mon-Fri 06:30-09:30, Sat-Sun 08:00-11:00
Dinner: Mon-Sat 17:00-22:00, Sun Closed
Bar: Mon-Sat 17:00-00:00, Sun Closed

After breakfast, we had a quick Walking Tour at Kristiansund before we went to Atlantic Ocean Road.

PSA certificate is one document that we always need, we use this for our own personal copy, employment, school, passport, travel, claims, loans, and any other purposes. Getting a PSA birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, and CENOMAR is easy because there are different ways to get these documents. It depends on your preference, time, and budget.

I can still remember the days when I have to go to Quezon City just to get my NSO birth certificate. It will take me hours of falling in line just to submit my application and go back to get my copy. I was so thankful when I learned about NSOHelpline.com many years ago but it was only year 2006 when I first tried their service.

At that time, I live in Laguna so I don’t want to go to QC just to get my NSO marriage certificate. If I remember it right, I placed my order online, made my payment in Metrobank, and after a few days I received my marriage certificate. Yehey! I saved time and effort. I did not file a vacation leave for that.

Today, a lot has been changed and improved; I have tried getting our PSA certificate by visiting PSA Serbilis Centers, SM Business Center, and ordering online at the PSA Serbilis website. Whatever ways you will choose, make sure you know the required information before requesting for PSA certificate.

Birth Certificate 

* Number of copies you are requesting
* Name (maiden name if married female)
* Sex 

4. PSAHelpline.ph

Visa 

I don’t understand why frequently give an original copy of PSA Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, and CENOMAR. Hindi ba pwede show original copy and photocopy ang isasubmit? I’ve been checking my old blog posts and it seems almost every year na lang pala ko nagrerequest ng Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate. These documents are not cheap and I used these for visa applications and passport renewal (minor).

There are few ways where you can get your PSA birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, and CENOMAR. You can go to PSA Serbilis Outlet, SM Business Center, PSA Helpline, or order at PSA Serbilis website. Most of the time, I go to SM Business Center but if I am in a hurry, I go to the PSA online website.

Read: 3 Ways to Get your PSA Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate and CENOMAR


My sister passed away, two weeks ago so I am helping and assisting her family to claim my sister’s burial assistance and death benefits. I’ve been checking all the documents needed and lahat na lang kailangan ng Original copy of the birth certificate, marriage certificate, and death certificate. Fortunately, pwedeng Certified True Copy ang Death certificate but unfortunately, we need PSA copy of the birth certificate and marriage certificate.

We are on Day 51 of Community Quarantine and government offices are still closed. I checked PSA Serbilis and they are temporarily closed effective March 17, 2020 until further notice. Since we need the documents, I placed an order online for my sister’s family and I hope it will be delivered after the Community Quarantine.

The last time I placed an order was 4 years ago, NSOhelpline.com pa and PHP350 each ang rate so I’m glad bumaba ng konti ang rate. Requesting for a PSA certificate is easy, I like this (new website) better because I can order different certificates at once. If I remember it right, before per certificate ang order and bayad so 2 transactions pa if I need a birth certificate and marriage certificate. Now I can order BC, MC, DC, or CENOMAR and pay in one transaction only. If it is your first time, check the steps below.

You will be asked to enter the following information online: 

Your name
Your delivery address (with zip code)
Your telephone number
Your valid email address
Required information for the birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, and CENOMAR.

Birth Certificate

* Number of copies you are requesting
* Name (maiden name if married female)
* Sex
* Place of birth
* Date of birth
* Father’s name
* Mother’s maiden name
* Date of registration, if the birth certificate was late registered
* Purpose of your request
* Your relationship with the birth certificate owner
Birth certificate requests must be duly authorized as per The Child and Youth Welfare Code (P.D. 603)

Marriage Certificate

* Number of copies you are requesting
* Name of husband
* Maiden name of the wife
* Place of marriage
* Date of marriage
* Date of registration, if the marriage certificate was late registered
* Purpose of your request

Death Certificate 

* Number of copies you are requesting
* Name of the deceased
* Sex
* Place of death
* Date of death
* Date of registration, if the death certificate was late registered
* Purpose of your request

CENOMAR

* Number of copies you are requesting
* Name (maiden name if married female)
* Sex
* Place of birth
* Date of birth
* Mother’s maiden name
* Father’s name
* Purpose of your request

How to Request for PSA Certificate Online 

1. Go to https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph/#!
2. Click here to request now
3. Click I accept
4. Enter Contact and Delivery Information then click next
5. Confirm the details that you have entered
6. On Request Summary, you can CHOOSE BIRTH CERTIFICATE, MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE, DEATH CERTIFICATE OR CENOMAR.

After choosing, you need to answer 2 yes/no questions and click next
1. Was there any correction or amendment done to the certificate you are applying for?
2. Were you able to previously get a copy of the certificate from PSA?

7. Enter details and click save
8. Click confirm
9. After placing all your orders, click submit.
10. Choose payment options - You can pay via credit card, BDO, UnionBank, and Bayad Center.
11. I chose “Pay online via credit card now” and click accept.
12. Click proceed to payment
13. Enter credit card details and one-time pin
14. You will receive Payment Acknowledgment via email too.
15. Wait for delivery

I don’t know what’s with the year 2020 but this year was so heartbreaking. Three months ago, I posted this “Slowly, we’re losing someone we love and my heart is crying “Lord, I can’t take this anymore, this is too much”. I don’t know how much my heart can take because the pain of losing someone is not easy to bear.” And now, my heart was shattered in a thousand pieces and I don’t know how to get back up.

In a span of 14 months, I lost my grandmother, sister-in-law, father, and sister. My father passed away just three months ago and then just last week, I heard the very sad news. I feel so devastated because I lost my sister and my friend. It was so sudden and we were all in shock and how I wish we can pretend that nothing happened.

So soon, so soon, so soon... Why? I don’t understand why does she have to leave so soon? I can't find the words to say. I wish it was just a bad dream but too bad, it is a reality that I'm having a hard time to accept. I miss her so much and it pains me because I can't even see her. And because of this Covid19 pandemic issue and community quarantine, we cannot travel and my mom can’t even fly back to the Philippines. It aches our hearts because we cannot give her a decent funeral service.

Sino makakapagsabi na yung libing ni papa yung last na kita namin. Kausap pa namin siya, wala man lang signs na mawawala na siya; tapos gigising kami na wala na siya. She was not feeling sick but she mentioned that she has an asthma attack. She was not complaining so we just thought it was the usual asthma attack kapag nastress siya or pagod.

She has asthma since she was a kid and she said na nagnenebulizer siya for her asthma. Mas worried pa nga siya sa mama ko na may sakit and was on sick leave. But last Monday, nebulizer failed her and she was having a hard time to breathe so she was rushed to the hospital. It happened before (last year) so when my niece told me that she was in the hospital, I thought she was already okay but when I’ve read the word “nirerevive”, my hands were trembling and I can’t even type and I don’t know what to do. I called my brother so he can go to the hospital but he did not see our sister anymore.

God broke my heart because He always takes the best. Her golden heart stopped beating and her hardworking hands are now on rest. I love my sister so much and life would never be the same without her. She is a selfless sister. She is always there for me. I really appreciate her presence, lagi siya present if I need a family. She was there nung pregnant ako, nanganak, binyag ng anak, birthday, and any other special events of my life.

Growing up kami lagi magkasama and magkausap. Now that we have our own family, we seldom see each other because of distance pero lagi kami magkausap, almost every day. We're supposed to go to Taiwan pa nga last March kaso nacanceled and marami pa kami travel plans together na hindi na mangyayari pa. Now that she is gone, I don’t know how to move on and move forward.

The words "moving on" is easier said than done. They keep saying that time will heal but the pain just gets more real. It’s been 10 days since God called her home and our heart still aches and we don’t know until when. I kept on playing this song by Danny Gokey “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again”



“Let every heartbreak and every scar, be a picture that reminds you who has carried you this far. Cause love sees farther than you ever could. In this moment heaven’s working everything for good”

I’m praying that God will give us strength, comfort, and support that we need so we can survive our trials in our life.

We’re on Day 35 of Community Quarantine and for the past few weeks, I tried to keep myself busy. Even though I’m preoccupied with other things, I can’t deny the fact that I’m missing the old times. I love sharing about our travel trips and food trips but I’m not sure if it is okay to post it during the quarantine. But after contemplating, I guess it is the right time to reminisce and relive my past travel and food trips to reduce my travel depression.


And because it is Sunday, let us start with our Caleruega trip last December. Caleruega has been part of our annual trips because it is my husband’s tradition or should I say “panata”, so we always visit this every Holy Week. Though there are a few times that we were not able to visit this during Holy Week because we were in Norway. We’re visiting Caleruega since 2008 and during that time, my son was still inside my uterus and now he is already tween.

2008

How time flies, I can still remember that we did not celebrate our second wedding anniversary because I’ve been on bed rest since the first week of February. I was really bored at home so my husband decided to visit Caleruega. Though I am not Catholic I’ve been meaning to visit this place since I was in high school because I know that the place is really beautiful and relaxing. This was my first travel after bed rest so I was really excited.

2019

It’s quite traffic because it was Holy Thursday so it took us more than two hours just to get there. Good thing that we brought some food so we’re eating on our way to Caleruega church. There were a lot of people so parking was really difficult and mahabang lakaran papunta sa church. After our first visit, I understand why people always visit this church.


You can never get tired of this place; it is very relaxing and refreshing so it is not surprising anymore if couples want this as their wedding venue, schools choose this for their retreat and people love to visit this during holy week. We’ve attended a wedding here, my husband’s had their retreat when he was in High School and we are one of those people who visit Caleruega every Holy Week.




For the past 12 years, we’ve visited this place as a family or together with my in-laws and friends. Unfortunately, because of community quarantine, we failed to visit this last Holy Week. Good thing, we went here last December after our buffet breakfast at Balay Dako. We did not stay long sa church kasi may ikakasal so busy sila sa pag-aayos. There were few changes na rin, nalipat na nila yung station of the cross. Ang hindi lang nabago is, may entrance fee pa rin sila, hehehe! This is the only church na pinupuntahan namin na may bayad. Nakailang flyers na rin ako and sharing with you some information about Caleruega. (from flyer)


About Caleruega 

Caleruega was named after the birthplace of St. Dominic de Guzman, father of Order of Preachers. Wishing to honor and remember the legacy of their founder, he Filipino Dominicans established Caleruega with the hopes that it will, like the town of Caleruega in Spain, be a birthplace - a genesis for people speaking to and for the Divine Creator.


Silence, solitude, harmony, the majesty of creation, the freedom of Light and the passion to share God's word - this is Caleruega: the seedbed of preachers, the cornerstone of spiritual inspiration. Come, walk in His presence.


Caleruega celebrates the priceless gift of life and its Giver. Here, the lost soul finds direction; the weary traveler is shown the Way. every tree, flower, and brick is a testament to God's splendor and power.


Caleruega speaks through signs and symbols. It is a haven, a home, a sanctuary amidst the beauty of nature where pilgrims are open to prayer, to creative transformation, and to Gospel values.


Caleruega is really huge, you can stay here all day if you want to explore the place.

Relaxing and Refreshing Spots  

Plaza de Aza’s open space and roof deck
Tuktok and its charming gazebos
Garden Cafe’s refreshing delights
The plant nursery’s seedlings for sale
Lettuce greenhouse’s freshest greens
Shop of Delight for Caleruega mementos
Japanese Garden Cenaculum (refectory)
Kampo Restrooms




Must-see sights  

Transfiguration Chapel
Tent chapel of transfiguration
Fountain compass
The Dominicum’s grand stairway
St. Dominic’s Point
Manaoag Drive via Crusis
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
Thy will be Done Sculpture
Koi Pond and its walkways
Hanging Bridge and Kampo Arriba
Kampo Terraces and Ampitheater
Worm Farm/Compost production


There are halls and accommodations for those people who wanted to stay and have retreats and recollection, team buildings, renewal workshops, wedding, and reception.

How to get to Caleruega:  

It is not difficult to reach Caleruega if you have your own vehicle.  You can follow this direction or just use a mobile app for your guide.

- from Tagaytay Rotonda turn right and take the National road going to Nasugbu, Batangas
- you will pass Taal Vista hotel, Royal Tagaytay and Petron Station.
- turn left in Evercrest Golf Club.
- then follow the signs going to Caleruega.

For commuters, you need to ride a bus going to Nasugbu and ride a tricycle to reach the Caleruega. Get the number of the trike so he can pick you up sa uwian. (narinig ko lang ito sa group of teenagers nung pauwi na kami, itext na daw nila yung trike driver para sunduin na sila).

If you are strong, you can walk from Evercrest Golf Club up to Caleruega, but it is really a long walk.

Caleruega Fees

Parking fee: P40
Entrance fee: P30
7 Years old below: Free of Charge
Senior and PWD: 20% discount

Though may free parking but slots are very limited, never pa kami nakapagpark sa free.

Caleruega
House of St. Mary Magdalene
Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas
caleruega_philippines@yahoo.com
092127098990/09218304226

The Little Mermaid is a popular animated movie in 1989, the story is based in the fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen. Ariel is a 16-year old mermaid princess who wanted to experience life in the land. Remember the song “Up there they walk, up where they run, Up where they stay all day in the sun, Wanderin free - wish I could be, Part of that world”. Until now the lyrics of “Part of Your World” still lingers in my mind every time I see a mermaid movie or even mermaid tail.


It is not surprising that people love to be Ariel and until now, girl dreams to have mermaid fins for birthday party themes, photoshoots, cosplaying, or even swim with their own fun tails. And because of this, there are a lot of retail suppliers who offer swimmable mermaid tails like the fun mermaid tails from Suntails. Your dream to become a mermaid is not far from reality. You can just buy your own tail and use it on your beach or pool trip.

Suntail mermaid fins are designed for both sea and shore so you can swim, walk and play with your mermaid tails. It is a fun tail because it offers different colors, rainbow-colored and sparkly tails to suit your preference. You can just buy the mermaid tails or you can buy their combo package. It is available in different sizing, yes, from toddlers, kids, teens, and adults.

When this community quarantine is over, I’m sure your daughters will be begging you to buy a swimming tail. The mermaid tail is fun to use but make sure to keep an eye to your kids when swimming with their tails, whether in the swimming pool or open beach water.

Wow, we’re already on Day 32 of community quarantine. How are you really doing in these crazy times? I hope you are coping and holding up well. I remember my mom asked me, how I am coping? I paused for a while and try reflecting if quarantine has a big effect on my life. Now I can say that I’m pretty okay even there is community quarantine.


It is not easy to be okay in these trying times but it is better to embrace the situation and don’t fight it anymore. Stop blaming, start helping and change your mindset and attention. It took me a long time to process everything because at first, I was really disappointed. How I wish there is a fast forward button because I feel that year 2020 is not a good year.

Why not a good year? I lost my father, we experienced Taal Volcano Ashfall, my first JUNK (Just Us No Kids) trip with my sister and friend in Taiwan was canceled and my family was supposed to go to Osaka, Japan this summer. I guess no travel trip this year. Huhuhu We’re still waiting for our Taiwan ticket refund and good thing that we got a Japan Multiple Visa so at least hindi nasayang. Hopefully, magamit pa rin after the suspension of Japan Visa.


“Even when we can’t control the situation around us, we always can choose where we’re directing our attention” - Liz Stanley, PHD 

What helped me to cope? I stayed away from news and Facebook newsfeed so it won’t scare me. I even subscribed to Netflix because I thought I would be bored to death and I did not expect that I would be busy. I already canceled my subscription because I have no time to watch naman. Sayang yung bayad ko if I cannot maximize it. Back to VIU na lang ulit ako for my Korean Drama fix.

I keep myself busy and enrolled in different online classes. Brit+Co offered free classes last March and I was able to finish 48 classes. Actually, ang dami pa free online classes kaso nagstick na lang ko sa Brit + Co. Information overload but I’m thankful for the new knowledge and skills that I’ve learned. I enrolled in TESDA course but I haven’t started yet, pinapahinga ko muna utak ko. I also accepted some part-time jobs last week, imagine I was working during Holy Week. If walang quarantine, for sure nasa layasan ako at hindi nagwowork. Hehehe!


“Look for reasons to be grateful - even when you’re struggling. Taking time to give thanks for even the smallest blessings can help you appreciate the good things in life” - Amit Sood, M.D. 

There are so many things that I should be thankful for, small or big things.

1. I’m glad that I’m used to being at home. I’m an introvert and I’m a full-time mom so I can stay at home for a very long time. This helps me a lot because there is no big adjustment in my routine.
2. I’m happy that I have no problem even my husband is in charge of wet market and supermarket duties. Siya naman talaga namamalengke, ever since ng kinasal kami kasi mabigat para sa akin ang magbuhat ng one-week menu. Medyo sablay lang sa grocery kasi ang dami binibili and hindi nagcocompare ng prices. Buy lang ng buy kahit mahal. Well, hayaan na lang, siya naman ang provider. Hehehe!
3. I’m thankful that my husband can work from home and for 14 years of marriage, ito na ang pinakamatagal namin na magkasama. We’ve been together 24/7 and no business trips.
4. I’m grateful that we can buy enough food supply so my husband doesn’t need to go out every week. We tried our best to stay at home and stretch our food supply for up to two weeks.
5. I’m thankful that I did not allow covid19 to take over my life.

I’m praying that COVID19 will end soon and life would be normal again. Even I feel okay, I miss our food trip, I miss going to the grocery, I miss summer vacation trip and lastly, I need to go back to my doctors, ang dami ko nacancel na labtest and check-up.

Hello April!  Life is full of uncertainties and who would ever think that year 2020 would be like this. March flew by so fast and April is here but we're still staying at home.

I am not sure when the community quarantine will end. I hope soon! To keep me sane, I cut down on my social media time to limit myself from reading or watching covid19 updates.


So what happened?

18 - today is Day 18 of Community Quarantine in our country.
22 - I've been staying at home for 22 days already and would you believe that I haven't stepped out even outside our gate.
3 - when community quarantine started, I subscribed to Netflix and so far I've finished watching 3 Korean Dramas. I watched Hyde, Jekyll Me, Itaewon Class and Marriage Contract. You can check my Korean Drama Series List here.
2 - I've created 2 mood boards. I've been meaning to do this for a very long time but finally, I've updated my own mood board
29 - the number of classes that I took at Brit + Co site and you can still take their free classes until April 9, 2020. Yey!
110 - number of Pinterest Graphics that I’ve designed. 
40 - number of cupcakes that I have baked
5 - my 5 days trip to Taiwan was canceled
4 - notebooks that I upcycled

And the list goes on… just keeping myself busy so I don’t have time to think about the pandemic. How are you coping?

Day 14 of community quarantine and we still don’t know when this will end. I’m thankful that we are #SafeAtHome but of course, I can’t help but feel worried too whenever I hear or read some news. I’m praying that we can survive this health scare and one day the Philippines will be covid19 free.

Just last week, I've learned about Globe Rewards Donate Campaign so a few days ago, I informed my husband about it so we can donate our Globe Rewards points. We’ve been Globe postpaid subscribers since we started working and we’ve been collecting and redeeming points for the last several years.

I love using the Bill Rebate of PHP50 or PHP100 so less payment for my bill so I’m a little bit disappointed when they increase the amount to PHP300 and now PHP500 for BILL Rebate. I’ve never reached 500 points so for the last few years, we use our points for shopping (Bench) and free movies.


You can use your points for shopping, entertainment, dining, travel, Globe promos and lastly, you can also donate your points. You can donate to ABSCBN, Hineleban Foundation, PAWS Philippines, Save Philippines Seas, Virtualahan and now you can donate to Globe partner hospitals.

 "Your donation will help provide test kits, alcohol, and PPE to all health workers at RITM, San Lazaro Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center and Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Hospital."

So even you only have few points, it can help other people kaysa naman magexpire lang din points niyo, idonate niyo na lang. Last year, naexperience ko na rin maexpire ang points ko, I was not able to redeem my rewards because there was an error sa app and kahit sa website nila hanggang sa napagod at nakalimutan ko na balikan at nag-expire ng March 31, 2019. Now, I’m glad that I can use my points to donate.

Two days ago, if I remember it right, when I donated my points PHP50 pa yung minimum amount to donate and sabi ko pa, "sayang naman yung matitira kung mag-expire lang din, sana pwede yung ibang amount" But today, I've checked the Globe Rewards App again and I was surprised na as low as PHP1 pwede mo na idonate. Yehey!

How to Donate your Globe Rewards Points 

1. To donate, simply go to the Globe Rewards app
2. Click Donate or search COVIDHELP and you will see the list of amounts.
3. Click the amount you want to donate.

HELP500
HELP100
HELP50
HELP20
HELP10
HELP5
HELP1

4. Click Redeem
5. Click Confirm
6. You will receive a confirmation text regarding your donation or you can check your Globe Rewards App History.

Note: 

Globe extended the validity of Globe Rewards points that you have earned in 2019 from March 31, 2020 to June 30, 2020.

There is also a limit of 3 redemptions per day. I’ve got an error message of “Sorry, your request can’t be processed. You’ve reached the maximum number of redemption for the day. You may try again tomorrow, Thank you!” 

Read: How to Save Money by Using your Loyalty Cards

Day 13 of Community Quarantine and the last time I went to the supermarket was 17 days ago. We wanted to go to the grocery and pharmacy to restock but we were hesitant because the line was so long and the things that we wanted to buy are out of stock like fresh milk and vitamins.

I asked friends who already went to the supermarket and they took more than 4 hours just to finish. I’ve read that some people went to the supermarket as early as 7AM just to fall in line and went home past 1PM. Waah! So we really try our best to stretch our stock because we don’t know when we can go back to the grocery.



Anyway, while browsing my phone photos, nagutom ko bigla sa complimentary dinner roll of Texas Roadhouse. We dined here during our Staycation at Sheraton Manila Bay last January, which I haven’t blogged yet but you can watch the video here. This is one thing that I like in this restaurant, the free peanuts and dinner rolls.

Watch Staycation at Sheraton Manila Video 

It’s been 12 days since the last time I went out and today is Day 8 of Community Quarantine. I mentioned before that I have no problem with staying at home because this is my life for the last 12 years. I’m an introvert and full-time mom so I enjoy being at home pero iba pa rin pala yung feeling na hindi ka talaga makalabas ng bahay because of Covid19. I suddenly miss going to the grocery, lalo na ngayon na na nasa bahay kami lahat. Mabilis maubos ang food supply.

We always have bananas at home so my husband bought a bunch of banana day before the lockdown. I’ve been saving the few pieces of overripe bananas so I can bake banana cupcake but two days ago, my husband made banana smoothies so nabawasan pa. Waah! Since we don’t have loaf bread at home, I decided to use the remaining bananas so we have something to eat. If there is no quarantine, we can easily go to the market or grocery so we can buy other ingredients pero sa panahon ngayon, it is better to stay home and use whatever ingredients we have.


I started baking when I got married and I’ve been using this Banana cupcake recipe since 2006. I got the recipe from Yummy Magazine, good thing I copied it because I can no longer find the magazine; nasama na yata sa binaha nung Typhoon Milenyo. Anyway, I like this recipe because my cupcake is soft and moist and even I remove some of the ingredients, masarap pa rin siya. Most of the time, I don’t add instant coffee mix or cinnamon sugar. If I have available chocolate chips or nuts at home, I added it to the recipe.

Banana Cupcake and Banana Bread Recipe 

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
2 mashed bananas
1 + 1/2 tsp instant coffee dissolves in 1+1/2 water
1 cup + 2 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Procedures

1. In a bowl, mix together ½ cup butter at room temperature and 2/3 cup sugar.
2. Add 1 egg and 2 mashed bananas.
3. Mix in coffee (1 ½ tsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 ½ water)
4. Add 1 cup plus 2 tbsp flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt.
5. Spoon the mixture into paper-lined muffin cups. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (1tbsp sugar and mixed with ¼ tsp cinnamon.
6. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit about 20 to 25 minutes or till sides are lightly browned and top no longer look wet.

Using the same recipe, I can also make banana bread, I just increase the baking time. It took me 45-50 minutes to bake the banana bread when I use the loaf baking pan. I doubled the recipe and was able to bake 32 pieces of cupcakes and according to my son same taste (meaning masarap) pa rin kahit kulang kami ng isang banana, instant coffee, and cinnamon sugar.

"No matter how clueless you may feel right now, pay attention to suggestions and opportunities that suddenly present themselves...Take the first step in the direction toward something that feels right and see where it leads you. And do it NOW" - Jen Sincero



Stay at Home Mom 

Time flies so fast and I could not believe that it has been twelve years already since I became a stay-at-home mom or a full-time mom. If you think that being a full-time mom is effortless, then you are definitely wrong. It is not really easy; in fact, it is more stressful than working in the corporate world. When my baby came, my life gradually changed because this time, I had little time for myself. It is really hard to become a wife, a mother, and a maid rolled into one.

Choosing to be a stay-at-home mom is not an easy decision for me because I know that I have to give up my career and future income. But still, I am proud and happy because I am always with my son from the time he was born until now. I feel blessed because not all mothers have the chance to be with their children. I witnessed his first cry, first smile, first laugh, first tooth, first crawl, first step, first word, and other milestones. I am present on special occasions and school events.

The joy of being with my son doesn’t mean that I am always on cloud nine because there are challenges and struggles too. The journey is not simple especially if you are not used to it, there are also times that I cried because I miss working and I want to have my own “me time”. But still, I never regret that I chose this path because even I do not have a salary, I know deep in my heart that it is a rewarding career.

Read: How Motherhood Changed Me
Unexpected Joys of Motherhood 
The Mom You’re Meant to be
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Stay at Home Mom
Things You Should Never Say to a Stay at Home Mom

If you are a stay-at-home-mom like me and if there are times that you feel depressed or unfulfilled, don’t worry because it is just normal. You can read the “Professionalizing Motherhood” book by Jill Savage. This book really helps me a lot and makes me realize that being a full-time mom is a valuable career choice and there is nothing to be ashamed of.

Stay at home moms do not mean that we are lazy and uneducated because we are not, we just choose our kid/s over career because we feel that this is the best decision for our own family. Instead of focusing on the negative things, look for an opportunity to do the things that you cannot do if you are still working or take advantage of the time to learn new skills.

Read: The Day I Learned How to Bake my Own Bread
The Day I Learned How to Sew 
The Day I Learned How to Crochet 

Work from Home Mom 

When I decided to resign from work, I know that it would be difficult for me because I am not used to being at home. Two months after graduation I already started working so choosing to be a stay-at-home mom is really a challenge. I enjoy the first two months because I have time for myself, no work, no more graveyard shift, and no more deadlines. Aside from the usual household chores, most of the time I watch TV, surf the internet, bake cupcakes, and read magazines and pregnancy books.

But after two months I really feel bored because I cannot do anything and I am stuck at home. I have all the time in the world but I cannot go on vacation because I was on bed rest for few months, I do not want to spend money since I no longer have a salary and I have no companions since they are all working.

After three months of not working, I worked as a real estate agent but it is not easy so I stop before giving birth. After several months, I became a mompreneur, I opened my online store (www.mcsstore.multiply.com), it all started because I want to sell my son’s preloved baby stuff and then I decided to resell some products. I closed my online store because I don’t have time for shipping or meet-ups.

I tried my luck and applied to be a ghostwriter. Honestly, I don’t consider myself a writer, because I hate English subjects during my school days. I just took the risk and applied to be a content writer and fortunately I was hired. I have been writing for eight months and I decided to resign because it’s eating my time and I felt guilty because I have no time for my son. It reminded me of the reason why I resigned so I focus on being a stay-at-home mom.

Mom Blogger 

Quitting my online job leads me to blogging. I started my own blog where I can freely write and share my story during my free time. This year 2020, Michi Photostory is already 9 years old, I never thought I would come this far. My blog may not be popular and it may not have a lot of followers but I am happy to help those people who stumbled on this blog.

This blog allows me to earn a little through ads, sponsored posts, paid insert links, and other blogging opportunities. The passive income helps me to support my hobbies, buy the things that I want, save, and invest.

Read: Why I Love Being Mom and Blogger
7 Things I’ve Learned in 7 Years of Blogging

It is not just about the earnings but this blog is the reason why I learned and developed some skills like graphic design and social media management. These skills allow me to have a freelance career. Yes, I’m back to being a work-from-home mom but this time, I only accept short-term projects or part-time work. I’m still a work in progress because it’s been years since the last time I applied for work. I feel like a fresh college graduate student who has no idea how I'm going to sell myself in a job interview.

Check Michiscape Facebook Page and Michiscape Instagram

In a span of 12 years, I became a stay-at-home mom, mom blogger, and work-from-home mom. I know that my journey as a full-time mom will not end and it is still counting. But I’m thankful to God for opening doors so I can enjoy being a mother and at the same time, earn while I’m in the comfort of my home. I just hope and pray that as I walk this path, I will learn to enjoy and appreciate more my chosen career.

Read: Working Moms vs Full-Time Moms 

Life has been so unpredictable these past few days and we can’t help but feel worried. We worry about our health and our future. But I know that worrying won’t help, we just need to have faith that we will get through this and this too shall pass.

I hope you are doing okay despite the coronavirus health scare. Today is Day 4 of community quarantine and it’s been more than a week already that I’m inside our humble abode. I am a SAHM so I have no problem with staying at home because this is my life. We need to stay home until April 14 and I hope that our food stock will last so my husband won’t need to go out anymore. Tipirin na lang kung ano laman ng fridge and pantry namin.

Anyway, we always have a loaf bread at home but there are times na hindi siya napapansin like this week. My husband bought roll cake and mamon before the lockdown and because of that hindi namin nakain yung bread. But this expired bread will not put into waste because there are so many ways to save stale bread or expired bread. Especially now na wala naman kami stock ng loaf bread, may value ito expired bread. You can either make bread pudding or French Toast, I prefer French Toasts because you can cook this in less than 30 minutes.


I always cook French Toast because my son loves it. I remember, when my son was still in toddler years, he is/was a picky eater who only considered breakfast and snacks as his mealtime. He rarely eats lunch and dinner and if he eats lunch and dinner, we are the happiest people on earth. He does not like rice but he likes pasta, noodles, oatmeal, cereal, and bread.

From time to time, I cook French toasts but most of the time, he is satisfied with bread and Nutella. Until now, he still eats Nutella sandwich kahit yan lang ipabaon ko sa kanya sa school, happy na siya doon. And because of that I have no problem whenever we go to Norway because nabubuhay sa tinapay anak ko. lol

Going back to French Toast, this is very easy to make because I’m pretty sure that you have all the ingredients in your pantry such as bread, egg, butter, milk, sugar, and cinnamon powder. Cinnamon is optional because not all people like cinnamon powder. There are so many French Toasts recipes that you can find online but this is how I cook our French Toast.

Ingredients: 

6 slices of bread
1 egg
1 cup of fresh milk
1 tbsp of sugar
Butter

Optional: 
Cinnamon powder
Powdered sugar
Maple Syrup