Michi Photostory

April 05, 2016

A Hoppy Easter at Vivere Hotel

My son had his first Easter Egg Hunt experience two years ago when my friend invited us to their house. My friend prepared the eggs and prizes; all we have to do is bring our potluck to share. The kids and adults had fun finding those eggs, painting eggs, eating, and swimming.

Read: Holy Week 2014

Last year, Easter Sunday came and my son asked if we will go to his friend's house. I asked him why he wants to go there and he said, I want to have Easter Egg Hunt. I realized that he really had fun finding those eggs so I promised that we will do it next year.

I was blessed because my son practices “delayed gratification”, he doesn’t insist on his wants and is willing to wait until the right time comes. When I went to Valenzuela last February, my sister asked me kung di ba daw kami aalis. It’s been a long time since we traveled, kahit overnight lang daw. I suggested different hotels to them but the problem is the schedule, di kami nagkakasundo sa date. Hehehe! So we all decided Holy Week na lang para no classes and no work.

Last February, I was checking different hotels for their Lenten Promo and Easter Egg Hunt Activity. I saw the “You Ought to Live Lenten Offer” of Vivere Hotel and they all agreed. So we had Easter Staycation at Vivere Hotel, which I will share in a separate post.

Click here for video

A Hoppy Easter at Vivere Hotel

Since we did not avail of the “Hoppy Easter Room Accommodation” promo, we don’t have free tickets for the Easter event so after breakfast we went to reception and asked if there are still available tickets. Fortunately, we can still buy the tickets.

We attended Sunday mass on the second floor 9-10AM and went to the Vivere Ballroom on the same floor for the Easter event 10AM-2PM. I purchased the ticket 950++ (P1159 nett) for each person. The tickets are very expensive so I was hoping that it is really worth it.

When I checked the ticket, the program starts at 11AM so we’re still early pala but good thing that we can do the “Egg Painting Activity” while waiting. I did not paint anymore and I just let my son do his own artwork.

He went to the “Glitter Tattoo” booth. There is also a “Decorate a Cupcake” activity. My son was having a hard time squeezing the icing bag but he made it. We gave the cupcake to his cousins who did not join the event so I don’t know if it is good.

The program started at 11AM, the first game is “Bring Me” and my son won one prize. After the game, we had an early lunch. We’re still full from our buffet breakfast at The Nest so konti lang kinain namin. My son just ate two rolls, ice cream and few tablespoon of rice and pork. So luging-lugi kami sa buffet. Hehehe!

The choices for the lunch buffet is very limited, madami pa yung choices namin sa breakfast. They have bread, soup, panini sandwich, salad, roast pork, grilled veggies, potato wedges, pasta (choice of red or white sauce) and scoop of ice cream. The drink is iced tea but I did not notice the drink dispenser.

While eating and waiting for the program, the kids were watching movie.

The program started again, with games for kids and adults. Our dilemma here is we’re not really good in name the tune and title of movies or songs games, so di kami nanalo. Sayang, they are giving away toys pa naman.

Two mascots came, sorry I forgot their name.

Then announcement of Egg Painting winners, we were surprised when my son was part of the winners. We were not expecting it because I’d seen a lot of pretty painted eggs. Maybe, the judge notice na gawang bata talaga. hehehe!

Read: Painting at Sip & Gogh

The last part of the event is Egg Hunting, they provided a basket for each kid. My son was very happy that he got a lot of eggs and won two small prizes.

The program was finished by 1PM, it was a short program but we really enjoyed it. Do you know why? The event was not crowded, para ka lang umattend ng birthday party. It was just a small group so kids have a lot of chances to win or get prizes. The games are not only for kids but for adults too so it was really an event for the whole family.

The loot bag is only for kids, mas ok kung each person since same bayad Hehehe! but we’re happy with our loot. (hindi tinipid).

Things to Improve:

Since P1159 is not cheap, I wish there were more activities for the kids, more food choices and raffle. I was expecting a raffle for adult and kids, mga tipong overnight stay and buffet lunch/dinner prizes kaso wala.

Read: Trick or Treat at Taal Vista Hotel

April 04, 2016

Lucky Me: Baked Mac Style

We don’t usually cook instant noodles at home but I still buy few pieces in the grocery just in case we want to eat pansit canton or we want hot noodles with egg.

We love Lucky Me Pansit Canton but we don’t like pansit canton from scratch. It is weird that we prefer the taste of the instant noodles, lol. Anyway, we love pansit bihon and palabok naman. :)

We attended “A Hoppy Easter” event at Vivere Hotel last Easter Sunday and Lucky Me Baked Mac is included in my son’s loot bag.

Yesterday, I cooked baked mac for our merienda. The pack includes macaroni and sauce.

Cook the pasta, drain and mix the sauce. The color looks pale, it is not the usual red sauce.

I added grated cheese.

Surprisingly, the taste is good. Of course, we still prefer our Baked Mac recipe but if we want baked mac in few minutes, Lucky Me Baked Mac will be an option.

Read: Baked Mac Recipe

April 01, 2016

What Matters Most?

Today is the first day of April and just like that, the first quarter of the year is already over. My son already finished one level in grade school, where did the time go?

Recognition Day

We went to school last Tuesday, it was their Recognition Day and we’re happy because he got a Red Eagle Award again this year. I always say that with or without award we are proud of him because we’ve seen his hard work in doing his best. If I will give him an award, I will give him the most improved student.

When he started going to school, at first he just wanted to play and he is not serious in doing his lessons but as time goes by, he is slowly changing and improving his study habits.

Distribution of School Card

I’m not pushing him to be in overall top but I always tell him that he can do more and I’m happy because he is beating his own record. I just got his school card yesterday and his grades are higher compared last year.

"It shouldn't matter how slowly a child learns, as long as we are encouraging them not to stop"

But getting high grades are not really a top priority because what matters most is his attitude in learning new things, achieving his dreams and believing that he can do something.

Summer Vacation

As I’ve mentioned, today is the first day of April and until now I’m convincing my son to enroll in a summer class. Maybe swimming lessons so he can learn this life skill. He took this class before pero nakalimutan din, maybe because he was just 4 yrs old.

Read: Swimming Lessons
Swimming Graduation

It started last year, my son was not interested in taking any summer class or activity gusto niya lang pahinga sa bahay. Actually, napilit ko lang siya last year na mag McDonalds Kiddie Crew which he really enjoyed naman.

Read: McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Experience
McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Club Card

And because he has no plans yet, we’re doing this “Practice Cursive Writing” since last week. It was funny because when I got his school card yesterday, his teacher told me na practice writing daw. Hehehe! Kelan ba kasi gaganda sulat ng anak ko, nabili ko na lahat yata ng writing activity book sa bookstores.

"I don't have bad handwriting. I have my own font"

"More intelligent people tend to think faster, and as a result their handwriting is more sloppy"

How about you, what are your summer plans?

March 31, 2016

Holy Thursday 2016

My husband was so busy last week and magholy week na wala pa plans so I asked him last Wednesday kung aalis ba kami ng Thursday or Friday. He visits Caleruega church every holy week since 2008 so it is an annual thing for our family, so far wala pa naman mintis.

He texted his mom, the night before our trip and we left the house at 5AM. We picked up my in-laws (MIL and AIL) in Laguna and off we went to the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas Batangas. My mother-in-law wanted to visit this last year but my husband already planned that we will visit Cavite churches and the last stop is Caleruega.

National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio

This year we started in the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio, it was our first time there and traffic was so bad. We reached the place at 9:30AM, which was a long trip from Cavite. I’ve been seeing this shrine on social media because I have friends who always visit this shrine. If you do want to travel to Batangas, you can also visit Padre Pio Church in Libis, Quezon City.

The place was really crowded so it is really hard to take a good photo. Free parking at the shrine but the restroom has P10 fee. The place is not huge but the shrine can accommodate a big crowd. It is made of wood, bamboo, and stone. I’m not a Catholic so I asked my husband who is Padre Pio because I'm not familiar with this saint.

Read: National Shrine of Padre Pio 2017
Watch the video here.

Gabriela at Nurture Wellness Village (Now Farmer's Table Tagaytay)

We left at 11:30AM and off we went to Tagaytay, we braved the traffic while looking for restaurant where we could eat our lunch. Nagkakalokohan na kami na fasting na yata kami at late na di pa kami nakakakain. Most of the restaurants were full so I suggested “Gabriela” of Nurture Wellness Village na lang kami and voila, 2 tables lang ang occupied.

Read: Filipino Spa at Nurture Wellness Village
Glamping at Nurture Wellness Village

We ordered Tagaytay Bilao Group Meal good for 4 to 5 persons P1500. The bilao meal includes pandan rice, salted egg, pinakbet, potcherong batangas, tawilis, batangas atchara, assorted fresh fruit slices, and one pitcher of Nurture Ice Tea.

While waiting for our food, my husband and son were busy playing here.

We did not stay long, eat and run lang ang peg because we’re expecting heavy traffic again on our way to Caleruega.

Chapel on the Hill

We dropped by at Chapel on the Hill before going to Caleruega. You can see the view of Mt. Batulao here.

Caleruega

Expect a long line just to get inside but if you have seniors with you, there is an express lane for you.

March 30, 2016

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin

I baked banana chocolate muffin last Wednesday so we have baon for our Holy Thursday trip. This time, I baked from scratch but I used a different recipe because I don’t want to use mixer, tamad talaga maghugas. Hehehe!

I got the recipe from marthastewart.com

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 extra-ripe bananas, mashed (1 cup)
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with baking cups. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together banana, sugar, egg, butter, and milk. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients then stir in chocolate chips.

Divide batter evenly between prepared cups, adding a scant 1/4 cup to each. Bake until tops spring back when lightly touched, about 20 minutes. Cool in pans 5 minutes, then remove to wire rack to cool completely.

My son liked it, maybe because of the chocolate chips but I’m not satisfied with it because I can’t taste the banana or hindi matamis ang banana na nagamit ko. I still prefer my all time favorite recipe of banana cupcake, check it here. I will try this recipe again next time bago mabago lasa. :)

March 26, 2016

Betty Crocker: Super Moist Lemon Cake Mix

Ever since I’ve tried instant mixes, I became a fan of it because it made my life easier. I can bake something in several minutes without using a mixer, I don’t have to buy a lot of ingredients and I only need few kitchen tools.

Summer vacation is here, so my son is at home and he always looks for food. “Mommy, I’m hungry,” “Mommy, I want cookie”, and many more. I’m not complaining kasi bihira naman yan magdemand.

So last Monday, I tried this Betty Crocker Super Moist Lemon Cake Mix. I just add 3 eggs, 1 cup water, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Mix all ingredients and bake it for 15-17min at 350F. After several minutes, our lemon cupcakes were done.

My son likes warm cupcakes. We were so happy because the cupcake is really moist and you can smell and taste the lemon. My son doesn’t like lemon cupcake or calamansi cupcake before but now he really enjoyed eating it.

I will buy this instant mix again because the taste is the same with my lemon brownies. Mas cheaper kasi ito kaysa bumili ko ng lemon and bake from scratch. But if you are not a fan of instant mixes, you can check the following recipe that I’ve tried before.

Lemon Cupcake
Lemon Brownies
Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Update: July 2020

It's been years since the last time I baked this, I stopped baking for a while because I don't have an oven. Last year, we finally replaced our old oven so I'm back to baking again. And because of the community quarantine, my husband bought a lot of instant mixes that I can bake at home. I baked this lemon loaf last month using the Betty Crocker Super Moist Lemon Cake Mix.

March 24, 2016

Summer Food: DIY Halo-Halo

A few weeks ago, I ran out of ink in our printer and I need to print something. I have no choice but to go to the nearest computer shop. Not really near because it is a loooooong walk. On our way to the computer shop, my son was already complaining.

Ethan: Init, Mommy may sunburn na ko o. (while checking his shoulder)
Hmmm... Sunburn, 10 bahay pa lang naman ang nalalagpasan namin. Hehehe! #maypayongnaman

It was really hot, tiis lang talaga. On our way home I saw halo-halo kiosk and bought halo-halo for my son. P25 per cup and I was so disappointed kasi puro pinipig at gulaman lang, di ko na makita yung ibang ingredients na nilagay sa konti, but my son enjoyed it.

Last Saturday, I saw this Florence Halo-Halo Mix P154.95 at the grocery. The bottle includes nata de coco, kaong, monggo, few beans, buko strip, langka and 1 slice of banana. As in literal na isang piraso lang. Lol.

I told hubby na maghalo-halo kami so we bought 1 bag of crashed ice P40 before going home. I was happy because we can eat halo-halo na hindi tipid sa ingredients. Good thing that I still have leftover sweet saba.

We had fun eating our DIY halo-halo, perfect for summer weather and the crashed ice lasted for 20 hours so sulit.

Update: April 2021

I wish I can say "The heat never bothered me anyway" pero sa totoo lang, nakakadrain siya ng energy. Summer is here and ito na naman yung panahon na wish ko buong bahay naman may aircon pero good luck naman sa electricity. hehehe! So we just find comfort in drinking or eating ice cream, fruit shake and other frozen dessert.

We seldom buy halo-halo kasi ayaw ko ng tipid sa ingredients and milk so mas gusto ko yung DIY Halo-Halo. Since we are restricted in our home, my husband is busy with work and I'm not allowed to go out again, I just ordered online. For the past few years, I tried Florence and CDO brand for our halo-halo and this is the first time I heard about Kayumanggi brand. Medyo mas mahal ng konti pero I got 15% voucher and free shipping voucher so sulit na. They have other ingredients pero ito lang binili ko kasi ito lang naman gusto ko sa halo-halo.

Halo-Halo Ingredients

Monggo Beans

Nata De Coco

White Beans

Macapuno String

Ube Yam

Langka

It was hard to look for shaved iced so yung cube iced na lang binili ni hubby and nagblender pa kami para lang maging pino. I added my homemade sweet saba na lang para complete na. We've been eating halo-halo since Saturday and marami pa ingredients.

Read: Kuya J's Halo-Halo

Cafe Via Mare Halo-Halo

Zubuchon Halo-Halo

Razon's Halo-Halo

Ben's Halo-Halo Ice Cream

March 22, 2016

Skidkart Circuit

We were in Solenad 3 last Saturday and we saw this Skidkart Circuit and I asked my son if he likes to try it. He said yes so after eating our lunch at Kuya J Restaurant we went back to the race track.

The Skidkart Circuit is for kids and adults, prices depend on the time you choose.

P100 - 3 min
P180 - 6 min
P300 - 10 min

My son had fun in driving and drifting. It was his first time so there are times that he can’t control the speed, he slides and he bumps. Click here for the video

It was 6 minutes of happiness. Next time, I will try it too. Hehehe! So if you live in Southern Luzon, visit Nuvali and try this activity. I just wish they have a bigger race track.

March 21, 2016

Kuya J Restaurant Nuvali

It took us a while to revisit S&R Nuvali after our not-so-good experience during their opening last November. So kahit mas mahal tolgate ng S&R Alabang, doon pa rin kami but last Saturday, we paid a visit. Before doing our grocery, we dropped by Solenad 3 to have our lunch.

Just in time, Kuya J Restaurant is already open and it was their grand opening day. I told hubby, dun na tayo baka darating si Jericho Rosales. Hehehe! I have long time crush kay Jericho, as in contestant pa lang siya sa Eat Bulaga, crush ko na siya.

But unfortunately, wala si Jericho so we just browsed the menu. There are so many choices but we just chose from their House Specialties. We ordered Kare-Kare Bagnet P399, Crispy Dinuguan P195, Plain Rice Platter P120, Ice Tea Pitcher P120 and Leche Flan P50. I was happy with their price, if you will compare it to other restaurants that serve Flipino foods, affordable ang Kuya J. No service charge.

When the meals were served, I asked hubby parang ang konti ng serving, kasya ba sa tin? My husband said, kasya yan. True enough, it was enough for three people.

I was surprised to see the Crispy Dinuguan because I was expecting that it was like the crispy dinuguan of Kanin Club. I was wrong, so it is like Bagnet Dinuguan of La Finca Tagaytay. So ending puro fried pork pala lahat order namin in different sauces. hehehe!

My husband loves the Kare-Kare because you can really taste the peanut in the sauce. The sauce is thick and you know that it is made from scratch. I’m also satisfied with my Crispy Dinuguan. My son likes the bagnet of kare-kare, he likes crunchy food kasi. The Leche Flan is smooth and sweet, there is calamansi at the side, pang-alis umay siguro.

Service is also good, ang daming staff everywhere, not sure kung dahil grand opening day lang. We now have a new favorite restaurant in Nuvali. We had a free picture from the photo booth after we ate.

Update: March 2016

We went back again to Kuya J Restaurant after my son's Recognition program. We ordered Lechon Kawali P235, Adobong Pusit P270, Rice Platter P120, Pitcher of Iced Tea P120 and 2 Lechen Flan P50 each.

We're happy with our food but not with the service, I don't know why it will take them so long just to serve the leche flan, I think 15 minutes of waiting and 3 follow-ups are too much, I'm sure luto na yan.

We wanted to go home asap because my husband needs to pack his things for his Malaysia trip. My husband asked for the bill and canceled the leche flan order. We received the bill with leche flan charge, good thing dumating na rin leche flan so di na naman pinabago.

Update: September 2016

We were in Solenad 3 last Saturday, and after our haircut we ate at Kuya J again. We ordered Bagnet, Pinakbet, Leche Flan and Tablea Coffee Flan.

I thought the tablea coffee flan is like a leche flan with flavor but I was wrong, parang kakanin siya. hehehe!

Update: December 2016

Before going to S&R, we went to Kuya J for our late lunch, we ordered Crispy Dinuguan P195, Sizzling Sisig P190, Rice P35/cup and Leche Flan P50. It was our first time ordering sisig and the taste is ok. We always like the leche flan of Kuya J but last December, parang iba na taste niya. Hindi na soft and creamy, iba na kaya ang supplier?

Read: Kuya J Southwoods Mall
Kuya J SM Sta Rosa Mall

Kuya J Restaurant
Solenad 3, Nuvali,
Santa Rosa - Tagaytay Road,
Don Jose, Laguna

March 18, 2016

Book Review: How to Earn Unlimited Income Even While You Sleep

I’m pretty sure that all of us wanted to earn unlimited income while we sleep, but is there such a thing like that? Is it possible to earn while sleeping? It looks so impossible but the truth is, it is possible. Yes, you can earn income even while you sleep and that is called passive income.

What is Passive Income?

Passive income is a kind of income that you gain without working so hard, without making so much effort, and without giving out so much of your time. It allows you to be the boss of your finances, time, and life.

It is very different from active income wherein you have to work 9 hours a day or more in order to receive salary, commissions, or bonuses. If you don’t work, you don’t have an income.

Of course, you will not just sleep in order to earn a passive income because you have to work first. You need to invest time and effort to establish your business or product to gain profit in the long run. Working hard at first and collect income after.

I’m a full-time mom so I don’t have an active income but I earn something through passive income.

1. Guest Post Space

I started this blog without thinking about income. I just really wanted to have my own space where I can share information then after few months, I received opportunities to earn. I consider that a passive income, it may not be a big moolah but at least I earn something to pay for my domain. :)

2. Dividend Investing

If you invested your money in the stock market, you will earn a dividend from the company that you have shares. The amount varies depending on company performance.

3. Take Surveys

I earn by taking surveys, the pay is not really that big because it is not easy to accumulate points but it is still an income. All it needs is a little time to finish the surveys.

These three are examples of earning passive income, I know that it will not make me retire rich so I’m still searching and learning how to increase my passive income. I’m glad I’ve read the Passive Income ebook by Samantha Connor. Click the link below if you want to purchase it.

Passive Income: The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Money Machine And Have Unlimited Income Even While You Sleep (Passive income, business ideas, make money, income stream Book 1)

I’ve enjoyed reading the book because it gives me more ideas on how to increase my passive income. The ebook is so easy to understand and you can finish it in one sitting. So if you want to learn how to earn additional income, read this ebook. Passive Income ebook will inform you that there are so many ways to earn money even while you sleep.

March 16, 2016

Artist Madhouse: Arts for Wellness

My son is into arts, he likes to draw and paint so I was not surprised at all when he joined Art Club in school. At first, I was persuading him to join the Kab Scout so he will learn life skills but of course, he will be the one to decide his own club.

Read: Painting at Sip & Gogh

Mommy Bloggers Philippines had an opportunity to have 2-hour primer session at Artist Madhouse last Sunday. I know that QC is far from where we live but because my son loves to draw and paint, I said yes to the invitation.

About Artist Madhouse

"Artist Madhouse is a place of expression without the fear of being judged, as they believe, is a liberating feeling that brings happiness and meaning to our lives.

Jem Benzon and Carolyn Tongco are Expressive Art Meditation Facilitators from Artist Madhouse. Their experience as artists, volunteers, church workers and enthusiasts of Filipino culture developed their passion for using expressive art to help people. They graduated with honors with degree in Fine Arts from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila."

Jem and Carol were there to welcome and explain to us the Artist Madhouse workshops. They have two workshops, one for kids and one for adults.

Expressive Art and Creative Play

"Expressive Art and Creative Play is a holistic program that empowers your child to learn in an encouraging and supportive environment. Through the expressive arts, your child is encouraged to experiment creatively, leading to discovery of new knowledge. Play, being the language of children, fosters healthy interaction with others, enhancing your child’s social skills as well."

The theme is “Superhero in Me” and they started with superhero play. The team has a secret mission to solve, they need to work together and get the fruit. Kids were very happy because when they opened the fruit, there were so many candies.

They were also given a blank robot puppet and art materials to create their own superhero and superhero in their lives. While kids were busy doing their own artwork, mommies transferred to a different room to experience Expressive Art Meditation.

Expressive Art Meditation

Expressive Art Meditation has helped a lot of people find healing, confidence to face everyday challenges, and be empowered to solve their life problems. We were given illustration board and art materials.

The session started with guided meditation where you free your mind and body from any disturbance. Then art making, you can do anything you want with the illustration board. Lastly, reflect and share your artwork or experiences. It was a short session but it was a nice experience because you were able to express your thoughts through artwork.

So if you are facing challenges in your life, you are stressed with your work or are currently at the crossroad, you can try Expressive Art Meditation. It will give you time to reflect, reassess and express your thoughts.

After our session, we went back to the kids' rooms where they had a puppet show. They make and tell their own story, it was really good seeing the kids sharing their own story, kahit di ko gaano gets ang story ng anak ko pero at least he was sharing his own story. Hehehe!

If you are interested in joining their workshop, visit their website

Expressive Art Meditation is P1500 per session, it includes high-quality canvas, various art materials in your very own art kit, limited edition handmade designed journals and you can bring home your artwork.

Expressive Art and Creative Play includes all the materials for 6 sessions Child’s progress report at the end of the series, a photo documentation of your child during the workshop, a certificate at the end of the workshop and a meaningful and enjoyable experience for your child

Who can join: Ages 7-9 years old
Venue: Mulberry Kids Preschool in Pasig City.
5,000.00 PHP per child for 6 sessions
1,000.00 PHP per child for one session