Michi Photostory

As promised, I’ll be sharing with you my first-ever sewing project. I have zero knowledge of sewing machines so when I checked my Pinterest sewing board, I was looking for an easy sewing project for beginners like me.

I saw this “easy sew pj pants” and was glad because there was a pattern already and step by step guide. So I printed the pattern even the blog post. Hehehe! My husband saw me checking the site and he said “pajama agad? Magpillow cover ka muna”.



I did not mind my husband because I don’t like pillow covers. After all, we have enough pillow covers at home and the fabric that I have doesn’t match our bedsheet so sayang lang. I want pajama because I know I can use it. Di rin naman masama mangarap lol. 


Since it was my first time to sew, the fabric that we bought was per kilo not per yard so it is like scrap fabric, P130 per kilo. While sewing, I have the sewing machine manual and the tutorial guide with me. 

I just followed everything and after so many hours, I was able to finish my first ever pajama. I realized that it is not really easy to sew. It needs a lot of patience because I have to make the pattern, cut the fabric, sew the fabric and make sure that the line is straight.

Despite the challenges, there was a sense of fulfillment because even though I had no sewing experience at all, I was able to make DIY pajamas. And because of my successful pajamas, I immediately make pajamas for my son. Since I don’t have a pattern, I used his pants and added 1 inch per side for allowance. 



It was another successful project but I had to rest because it took me half the day to finish our matching pajamas. 



As of this writing, I already made 5 pajamas. It is supposed to be 7 but the two pairs don’t fit my son and my husband's waistline. Hanggang legs lang naipapasok. Lol. Nagkamali ko ng pagcut ng fabric. Hehehe!.

I loved the long vacation last holiday but one thing I dislike is most of the private and government offices are closed so they required clients/customers to pay their bill on or before December 23 so payment will be posted. 

I already made my credit card payment before the holiday except for our amortization. As usual, late na naman ang Pag-ibig bill. Good thing we also received text alert so we were able to make payment before due date. We went to Festival Mall just to pay our amortization last Dec. 26, kahit sobrang nakakatamad. 


Since it was lunch time we ate at Sizzlin' Steak. I had my first sizzling experience at Pepper Lunch so I want to try new restaurant. We were the first customers at mga puyat pa siguro mga tao. Hehehe! 

Upon seated, staff gave us the menu and he informed us about the group meal. So we ordered the Meal for 2 at P499.

Choose 2 | Beef Pepper Rice, Pork Pepper Rice, Chicken Steak, or Burger Steak Set 

Choose 2 | Ice cream or soup | Banna Dark Choocolate Ice cream, Blueberry Ice cream, Egg drop soup or Creamy Corn Soup.

Get 2 Iced Tea. 


We chose Beef Pepper Rice, Pork Pepper Rice, Egg drop soup and Banana Dark Chocolate. 


Just like Pepper Lunch, the food was served on a sizzling plate, so you have to flip, turn and mix your own food. The food serving was big enough for me so I shared it with my son. There are available sauces that you can mix with your food but since I’m not fond of sauces, I did not put anything so medyo matabang. Lol. 


The food is good naman, the only thing I dislike is ang tagal niya lumamig. I can’t enjoy my food sa init. So if you are really hungry, I don’t recommend this kasi ang tagal bago makain or it is just me because my husband already finished his meal while we’re just starting to eat. Hehehe!


I was expecting a slice of bananas in Banana Dark Chocolate but they put banana chips instead. Anyway, the food was filling enough and the service was good too.

I posted three years ago “5 Things You Want to Do Before You Get Old” and learning to sew is one of my list.  I wanted to have sewing skill because it is really hard to look for tailoring shop here in our place especially if my son needs costume for school. There are several shops but not all are willing to accept a rush order.

Few years ago, I was checking TESDA site to see if they offer sewing class and if they have branch near our place. But I could not find anything or I just don’t know how. Lol 

Last Christmas, my husband gifted me a Brother GS2700 sewing machine. (P12,995 + P1500 Jollibee Gift Certificate) Whoa! I have zero sewing machine skills and I don’t even know how to put a thread in the needle. As in, I have zero knowledge in operating sewing machine. I wanted to learn how to sew but I was not expecting that I will have sewing machine first without attending any sewing class. We don’t have sewing class in school, all I can remember is we had a sewing project in Home Economics that we need to submit. 


Back to the sewing machine, since I don’t know how to operate it, my husband set it up for me because the staff in Automatic Center had no idea too. He need to try it for warranty. Napaandar naman niya. 

Brother GS2700 Features: 
• LED Light
• Automatic needle threader
• Automatic one step button hole
• Quick Set bobbin
• Stitch length/width adjustment
• Instructional DVD included 

Two days after Christmas, 

Hubby: “Hon, gamitin mo naman gift ko” 
Me: Agad-agad, di nga ko marunong 

Hmmm, sayang naman ang sewing machine and pati frabric meron na rin so after our breakfast, I checked my Pinterest Sewing Board. O di ba, I have sewing board talaga kahit wala ko alam. I looked for easy sewing projects that I could try. I printed a Pajama pattern and connect everything but I have to stop because we’re going to Night Sky Cinema. 



The following day, I started reading the manual so I will have an idea on how to operate the machine. I need to learn how to prepare the bobbin thread, upper threading and the different stitches. I was forced to learn this skill. Lol My first project was DIY pajama and I did it.

Read: DIY Pajama

Good thing there was DVD tutorial too so at least I have basic knowledge on how to operate it. There are sample projects in their DVD which is tote bag and drawstring pouch that I can try.


I’m happy because I’m learning a new skill and I hope this year 2015 I can enroll myself in sewing class. I need to know the types of fabric, sewing terms, and even the tools that I need. Marami pa ko kakainin na sinulid.

Two weeks ago we were in Solenad, if I remember it right I was looking for an aqua blue shirt for my son for the Olaf Party but couldn’t find anything. It was time for merienda and we saw Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen and decided to try it.

I was browsing the menu and saw Poutine, I learned Poutine when I watched one Kris TV episode, and because I was curious I ordered it. Additional P35 for the bacon. We asked the staff “what is the best seller in their pizza?” He gave three choices and I just chose the Pizza Bianca. 


While waiting they served complimentary bread + two dips which my son ate immediately. 


The Pizza Bianca at P275 was just ok for us. Cream + Mozzarella + Mushroom + Bacon 


I tried the Poutine and it was good for me. It was a combination of fries + gravy + bacon and cheese. The serving was too big for me so I asked for help for my husband but he didn’t like it. Mas type pa daw niya Mcdo Fries. lol 


A few days after our experience, I saw some pictures on IG of some bloggers and fave nila ang Poutine and Risotto. Well, kanya kanya lang siguro panlasa. The price was reasonable, the service was good and the food satisfied our hungry tummy.

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen
Solenad 2, Nuvali
Sta Rosa, Laguna

As always, I’m late again in posting my year-end post because I was so lazy last December 31 and decided to rest in blogging. But it is not too late yet, I really wanted to post my “Highlights of 2014”. 

It is really nice to reflect on what happened in 365 days. It is one way to see that despite challenges and difficulties in life, God has been good to our family and there are so many things that we should be thankful.


So what happened last 2014 

January 

January was a busy month for me because I was preparing for my mom’s arrival. Preparing means looking for a place where we could have a family outing. At the same time, I was finishing our Singapore and Malaysia itinerary. 

I was also busy school-hopping because we decided to transfer my son to a big school. Choosing school wasn’t easy because I have to consider a lot of things such as tuition, distance, and the environment.  

February

February was exciting because we started traveling again. We started our first week of February in Sitio de Amor, we just have a day trip. 


Then the following week, we spent our weekend up North. We went to Zoobic Safari, stayed at Camayan Beach Resort and visited Ocean Adventure. 

Third week of February was our wedding anniversary celebration. We started our trip in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and moved to Singapore. We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary in Singapore again, the last time we were here was 7 yrs ago. 

March 

March was my son’s Moving Up and it was his last day to be with his friends, classmates and teachers because we already enrolled him in new a school. After Moving Up, we went straight to Mind Museum. 

April 

We had a day trip to Stilts Calatagan together with my friends from school.


I also enrolled my son in Summer Class because learning doesn’t stop during the summer break. 

We had our Bataan Road Trip too and had day trip in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.  


May

I went back to my son’s new school to buy uniform, books and school supplies. May is also Mother’s Day, we just had a simple celebration at D’ Banquet.

June

First week of June is my son’s orientation week. Then we had last minute summer vacation in Bellevue in celebration of my husband’s birthday. Started our new journey in his new school. 

July 

After so many years, we were able to convince my son to go to dentist. We watched Transformers Age of Extinction in SM Aura and my son had his first school activity in school which is Nutrition month.  

August 

My husband and son watched “Planes: Fire and Rescue”  as part of the school activity. I celebrated my birthday in Crimson Hotel.  I watched my son's performance in Buwan ng Wika. 

September 

My son tried the Kumon Free Trial  

October 

We had an advance celebration of my son’s 6th birthday at home. The theme this year was Mario. We spent his birthday in their school Field trip at Subic. We revisited Ocean adventure. My son had costume parade in school and we joined World Psoriasis Day. 

November 

We revisited Zoobic Safari and stayed in Zoobic Lodge. We had a staycation in Canyon Cove which reminds me that I haven’t shared our experience yet. 

As I mentioned in my previous post, I won a Noche Buena Feast in Bierra Paluto and I could claim it between December 24 to January 1. We’re supposed to claim it last December 29 because we were in Ortigas already but since no one could assist me, we have to reschedule it. 

Day before the trip I was searching for reviews about the restaurant and I could not find any. I was thinking of my previous “paluto” restaurant experience kung ganun din sila. Our first experience was in J&A Fishpen in Camiguin and the next experience was in Seri Selara in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. But since this is located in Ortigas Home Depot, I was thinking of our last paluto experience in Claire Dela Fuente Grill and Seafood at Seaside Macapagal but that was years ago. 



Fast forward to December 31, we were so early for lunch so I was waiting for my contact because the staffs have no idea about the prize. I was glad that it was an air conditioned room at least hindi mainit di ba. While waiting I was surprised because they already serve the food even my contact wasn’t there yet, Calamari, Buttered Shrimp and Deep Fried Crab with Salt and Pepper. 



Honestly, I’m not a fan of Calamari because most of my experiences was not good, lagi makunat ang squid but with Bierra the squid are soft and tender. Actually this is my favorite among the three meals. #sarappapakin 



The Buttered Shrimp is just ok for me, I maybe biased because I love my own version of Buttered Shrimp na marami butter. lol But in fairness, the shrimp was not overcooked because you can easily peel off the skin. 



Our family is not into crab, tamad kasi magbalat but my son enjoyed this crab, he kept on saying “sarap mommy” while eating the crab and calamari. 



Aside the from food, the service was good too. We were very satisfied with our experience and it was worth the trip from the South. Since I won this meal, I have no idea about the price but check this menu. 



Note: 

1.I did not see the wet market but I was told that it was located at the back of the restaurant. 
2.The parking in front of the restaurant is limited and I have no idea if there is parking area around the Ortigas Home Depot. 
3.The restaurant accepts catering services. 
4.They have live bands, acoustic, and rock band but I’m not sure if it is an everyday event. 

Bierra Paluto Restaurant 
Ortigas Ortigas Home Depot, 
Julia Vargas cor. Meralco Ave., 
Ortigas Center, Pasig City 
Phone:(02) 636 1195

If last year we welcomed 2014 in Tagaytay, this year we decided to celebrate it at home. We started our New Year celebration at Ortigas Home Depot. I won Noche Buena Feast at Bierra Paluto so I claimed it yesterday. I will share my review in another post. 


After our lunch, we dropped by at Contis for my son’s favorite chocolate cake. Buti may naabutan pa ko because I was still waiting outside and there were only 4 moist chocolate cakes left so I was praying na hindi yun ang order ng mga nauna sa kin. Lol. 


Then we went home since I would only prepare food for three people, I did not stress myself in preparing food. Our Media Noche foods were done in 1 hour, just in time for dinner. I prepared Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus, Steak, Mashed Potato and Cheesy Garlic Bread. I bought sparkling wine, grapes, and cake. After dinner, I slept na and asked my husband to wake me up before 12AM.


That’s how we celebrate our New Year, I don’t have a tradition like 13 fruits or 13 dishes, I only prepare what are we going to eat para walang sayang na food. I think the only thing that we follow is wearing something green for wealth and long life? Stripes, not polka dots para paper money and hindi coins. 

I don’t want to waste money on fireworks so I only bought torotot and sparklers for my son. We’re just happy looking at the different fireworks displays in the sky. 


That’s it! Happy New Year!

Whenever we go to Caleruega, we always passed by Breakfast at Antonio’s because it is just located along Aguinaldo Hi-way. I noticed that the parking is always full so I was really curious to try their food. Aside from that, I’ve been reading a lot of good reviews but I’m also aware that the price is not affordable.


Last Christmas we were in Tagaytay for early mass so I suggested to my husband that we eat our breakfast at "Breakfast at Antonio’s" after the church service. Past 8AM we’re on our way to the restaurant and good thing there was no traffic yet. 


We went inside the restaurant looking for a table but the staff informed us to wait in the waiting area. My husband registered and we waited for our turn. I don’t understand because there are so many available tables and it took us so long to be seated. It is a first-come, first-serve basis. 

While waiting, I checked the bakeshop where you can buy bread, jams, cakes and many more for pasalubong or take out. But I did not buy anything because we still have brownies and desserts at home. 


After 30 minutes, the staff called my husband’s name and ushered us to our table, which is the best place in the restaurant. Our table is beside the large windows covered with a screen where natural light and gentle wind come in. #anglamig 

Since it was our first time it took us so long to browse the menu, we ordered Housemade Pork Sausage P375, Golden Waffle P205, Housemade Sliced Bacon P375 and brewed coffee P180 (refillable). 


They served the coffee together with three types of sugar and milk. If you are not a coffee drinker, I guess the P180 cup of coffee is not worth it. My husband just finished two cups of coffee.


The Golden Waffle was served with maple syrup and butter, a simple meal for a price of P205 + 10 SC. Nothing special in their waffle. My Housemade Pork Sausage was served with hash brown, housemade toast and two eggs cooked depending on your preference. I chose scrambled egg. The Housemade Sliced Bacon was served with two eggs and rice. 


I was glad that we enjoyed our meal. I wasn’t able to finish my food because I was already full after eating half of everything. I tried my husband’s bacon and I proved that it is really housemade, di siya kalasa ng mga nabibili sa grocery. 


Except for the coffee and waffle, you will understand why the meal is on the pricey side. The food is homemade + the atmosphere of the restaurant, ang sarap lang magbreakfast. I can say that it is still worth the experience.

Breakfast at Antonio’s 
Aguinaldo Highway, 
Barangay Bagong Tubig 4120 
Tagaytay, Philippines 
(046) 413 0738 
7AM to 9PM daily

I can’t remember what year Night Sky Cinema started but I know that we wanted to try it. Unfortunately, we always have scheduled trip on showing dates so it took us so long to experience it. We’re supposed to go last November but when I’ve learned that they will show scary movies, ayawan na. Knowing me, I don’t watch horror movies. Hehehe! 



We were looking for rubber mats day before the trip pero namamahalan ko sa P800 so wag na lang. We have no idea what time the movie will start but the gates will be opened at 4PM so we left the house at 2PM to avoid the traffic, so we cN secure parking slot and nice spot for the movie.

Parking space in Nuvali Fields

No traffic so we were there before 3PM, fortunately the gate was opened past 3PM so we went to Nuvali Fields immediately. We were able to borrow rubber mats at 4PM just leave your ID. 





There were food stalls too if you want to buy food and drinks. We brought some snacks and drinks but no rice meal so we had early dinner there bago pa dumilim. My husband bought BBQ and Sisig Meal at P65. 

Kanya-kanyang pwesto

The program started at 4:45PM and the first movie was “Rise of the Guardians”. Remember our advent calendar, we missed “Watch your favorite Christmas movie” activity so nagawa din namin. Hehehe! 

We already knew the list of movies so even we already watched it, we still went to Nuvali because watching in open field and under the night sky is a different experience. Since it is December month, we brought some blankets and jackets but honestly it was not enough. Nilalamig pa rin kami, I should wear hoodie kasi nilalamig ang aking face. 



We just finished the second movie which was "Home Alone" and we went home already and baka maging yelo na daw kami sa lamig. Lol The third movie was “The Holiday” so hindi na pang 6yrs old. 

By the way, if you upload your pictures on Instagram and put hashtag #nuvali and #nightskycinema they will print that pictures for free. I uploaded two photos only at ang bagal ng net. 

The next Night Sky Cinema is in February, I’m not sure about the date yet. Admission is free.

Only three days left and we have to say goodbye to 2014 and say hello to 2015. But before that I want to share how did we celebrate the holiday. Honestly, I love this holiday season because of the long non-working days. I can’t remember yung last na may mahaba na vacation. So even we have no travel trip, I’m still happy because walang pasok si hubby so we have more family time. 



We always have simple Christmas celebration, my husband invited again my in-laws to have lunch in our place last December 24. It started last year so I think this will be a yearly thing. I only cooked Roast Chicken, Salted Egg Shrimp, Ham, Brownies and Buko Pandan good for 12 persons. Ooops, hindi pala buko pandan kasi wala buko, Nata de Coco + Green Gulaman lang pala laman. Lol I prepared small prizes for our mini raffle and we had exchange gift worth P100.

Our family of three had early dinner because my son was so excited to open his gifts. 



The following day, we went to church in Tagaytay and had breakfast in Breakfast at Antonio’s. We went home immediately because we wanted to avoid the traffic. How about you, how did you celebrate your Christmas?

I know that Christmas is already over, but I still want to share my son’s Christmas party on December 19, 2014. As I mentioned in my DIY Olaf Hat post, the theme was Olaf/Frozen Party. I know, some of you will raise eyebrows dahil sa walang kamatayan na Frozen theme. Hehehe! But kids love Olaf, Princess Ana, and Princess Elsa. 

I was happy because parents could join the Christmas party. So, I asked my husband to take a vacation leave so he could come with us because this would be the last Christmas party that parents could attend. We were requested to wear something white, blue, or aqua blue. 

Everything was organized by the active moms in school, the fee is P300 per kid and an additional P150 for extra food which is Shakey’s meal. You can also pledge for additional food and I brought brownies at the party. Kids brought a pack of candies two days before the party for the loot bags. 


I was amazed when I saw the backdrop of the party, super talented ng mga nagprepare, and no doubt that our section won the “Best Christmas Decor” from preschool to college. 

Photo from our FB group

Photo from our FB group

Thanks to one mom who pledges for Olaf mascot sobrang tuwa lang ng kids. 


My son was very happy with all his gifts and prizes.