Michi Photostory

If you are a member of Social Security System or simply SSS, it is very important to register at My.SSS in order for you to access and check your social security records without leaving your home. You can use a computer, laptop, tablet or even smartphone with an internet connection to access the SSS website.


Once you have the SSS online account, you can now view or update your membership records, you can check your contributions and you can apply for SSS loan and benefits. There are more things that you can do using the My.SSS account at the comfort of your home.

HOW TO CREATE SSS ONLINE ACCOUNT 

I created my SSS online account a decade ago so I’m not sure if the process is still the same. But one thing for sure, it is easy to create an account as long as you follow the steps.

1. Go to SSS website https://www.sss.gov.ph
2. Then click the “Click here” button below the NOT YET REGISTERED in My.SSS
3. Select one information, as reported to SSS to register.

Savings Account Number/Citibank Cash Card/ UBP Quick Card/UMID Saving Account Number Registered in SSS
Mobile Number Registered in SSS
UMID Card
Employer ID Number/Household employer ID Number
Payment Reference Number/SBR No./Payment Receipt Transaction Number

4. Fill-out the form, enter the verification code, check the I accept the Terms of Service and click submit.
5. Check your email and click the link from SSS to complete your registration.

SSS CONTRIBUTION RATE 

Last December 23, 2013, I received an email from SSS stating the increase of contribution rate starting January 2014.

“Dear Self-Employed, Voluntary and OFW Members: Effective January 2014, the Social Security System (SSS) will implement a 0.6-percent increase in its current 10.4-percent monthly contribution rate, thereby setting the new contribution rate at eleven (11) percent. At the same time, the maximum Monthly Salary Credit (MSC) will be increased from P15,000 to P16,000. As affirmed by SSC Resolution No. 711-s.2013 dated 20 September 2013, the new SSS contribution rate and the new maximum MSC will become effective for the applicable month of January 2014."

Here is the SSS CONTRIBUTION SCHEDULE.


WHERE TO PAY YOUR SSS CONTRIBUTION 

Banks 

AUB
Bank of Commerce
BPI
PBB
Security Bank
PNB
Unionbank

Payment Centers 

Bayad Center
GCash
Ventaja
Sky Freight
PinoyExpress
Iremit
SM Payment Center

I'm a voluntary member so I always pay my contribution at SM Payment Center. I choose quarterly payment so I don't have to go every month.

January to March
April to June
July to September
October to December

Payment Deadline 

For Regular and Household Employers. If the 10th digit of the 13-digit ER/HR number ends in | Payment Deadline (following the applicable month) 

1 or 2 - 10th day of the month
3 or 4 - 15th day of the month
5 or 6 - 20th day of the month
7 or 8 - 25th of the month
9 or 0 - last day of the month

For Self-Employed and Voluntary Members (Except OFW Members). If the 10th (last) digit of the SSS Number ends in | Payment deadline {following the applicable month or quarter (For Se/VM only) as the case may be} 

1 or 2 - 10th day of the month
3 or 4 - 15th day of the month
5 or 6 - 20th day of the month
7 or 8 - 25th of the month
9 or 0 - last day of the month

HOW TO CHECK YOUR SSS CONTRIBUTIONS ONLINE 

Nowadays, once you pay your SSS contribution, you may receive text confirmation that your payment has been posted, but it may take weeks after the payment. From time to time, I also check my contribution online, I copy/paste or screenshot it so I have a copy of all my contributions.

1. Go to SSS website https://www.sss.gov.ph
2. Log-in. Enter User ID and Password
3. Click E-Services then click Inquiry
4. Click Member’s Information and Actual Premiums. Then you will see all your contributions and the total of the contributions that you have paid.

HOW TO COMPUTE YOUR SSS PENSION 

From the time you started working, you are already paying your SSS contributions but do you know how much is your pension by the time you retire. Don’t worry, it is so easy to check your retirement benefits online.

1. Go to SSS website https://www.sss.gov.ph
2. Enter your User ID and Password
3. Click E-services, then click Stipulated Retirement

* Assuming continuous payment starting on the month after the date of inquiry up to the 60th and 65th birthday or until qualified for the pension.
* The computed amount of retirement is just an estimate and may differ from the actual amount of your retirement benefits.

To give you some estimates 

Contribution   | Amount Pension at the Age of 60  | Amount of Pension at the Age of 65 

P550                 | P4,673.45                                          | P5,173.57
P1,100              | P8,034                                               | P9,034.00
P1,760              | P12,674.40                                        | P14,274.40

So if you want to increase your pension amount, increase also your contributions and don’t forget this condition.

* SE/Voluntary/OFW/NWS who is below 55 years old shall be allowed to change his/her Monthly SSS contributions without limit in frequency and in number of salary brackets in a given year, but in no case shall be lower than the prevailing minimum monthly contribution for SE/Voluntary/OFW/NWS members.
* SE/Voluntary/OFW/NWS member who is 55 years old and above shall be allowed to increase his/her SSS contributions only once in a given calendar year and by one (1) salary bracket only from the last posted contribution

Note: The monthly pension depends on the member’s paid contributions, credited years of service, and the number of his dependent minor children that must not exceed five. The monthly pension will be the highest amount resulting from either one of the three pension formulae.

1. The sum of P300 plus 20% percent of the average monthly salary credit plus two percent of the average monthly salary credit for each credited year of service in excess of ten years.
2. Forty percent of the average monthly salary credit
3. P1200, if the credited year of service is at least 10 but less than 20; or P2400 if the CYS is 20 or more.

HOW TO PAY YOUR SSS SALARY LOAN IF YOU ARE A VOLUNTARY MEMBER

I applied for SSS Salary Loan and according to the email that I’ve received my first payment would be on October 2012 so I’ve made my first payment at SM Payment Center. The only disadvantage of a voluntary member is I have to pay every month at the payment center unlike the employed members, HR is responsible for that.

1. Go to SSS branch or SM payment Center. I always go to SM because it is open every day.
2. SM payment center provides form but if you want you can also print the form from SSS website.
3. Fill it out and make payment.

Read: HOW TO APPLY FOR SSS SALARY LOAN VIA ONLINE
HOW TO REPLACE LOST SSS ID

For more information, read, download or print this SSS Guidebook

Update January 2019 

HOW TO GENERATE SSS PAYMENT REFERENCE NUMBER OR PRN 

I always pay my SSS contribution at SM Payment Center but during the first quarter of 2018, SM stopped accepting SSS payment because they need to update their system. So I started paying my contribution at SSS office. Minsan wala pila pero madalas mahaba pila, the longest that I stayed is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Waah! I hope I can pay na sa SM Payment Center.

Last year, my friend told me that SSS is now requiring Payment Reference Number or PRN, yun na daw ang need at hindi na SSS ID number para magbayad. I just need to login at my SSS account to get the PRN. It started last September 6, 2018 but since matagal pa December, deadma muna ko.

I failed to pay my October to December 2018 contribution last December, good thing that my due date is January 31, 2019. So after the holiday, I checked my email and looked for the email that SSS sent me last September. I watched the Step by Step Guide for Real-Time Processing of Contributions (RTPC).

For Individual Members 

SSS will send your PRN to your registered mobile number and email address or get your PRN through email PRNHelpLine@sss.go.ph, SSS Call Center 920-6446 and 917-777, e-Centers in SSS branches, SSS Tellering Counters, and MY.SSS.

You may also view and edit your Statement of Account (SOA) and change your payment period and contribution amount.

Present the PRN when paying your SSS contributions

View your SSS contributions instantly after your payment

Since April, I haven’t received any text regarding my PRN number so I just get my PRN online. Just go to My.SSS website.

How to Generate SSS PRN 

Step 1: Login to your My.SSS account
Step 2: Click Payment Reference Number (PRN) tab
Step 3: Fill-out the form

Select Membership Type
Applicable Period:
From: Select Month and Year
To: Select Month and Year
Contribution
Total Amount

Click submit request

Step 4: Edit or Print Statement of Account (SOA)

After I paid my contribution, I did not check if real-time nga yung posting but the following day, I received text from SSS regarding my contribution payment. I also received the PRN number for January to March 2019 contribution. I checked my account after one week and my payment was already posted. Unlike dati, parang buwan pa bago mapost so happy ko sa improvement na ito. At least real time na ang posting. While waiting at the SSS, I heard na may expiration daw yung PRN, dapat within 5 days pagkaprint mo, nabayarang mo daw.

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 park at P2 and started our walking tour. Thingvellir National Park is so wonderful and stunning so even 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.  

standing on the fault line

Despite the beauty of this park, there are also sad stories. This park is also a reminder of the harsh punishments and execution that happened in the 16-17th century. 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 that 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've read from CNN Philippines article last July 22 that Kidzanila 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 are interested to visit Kidzania and they said yes. So my son and I went back to Kidzania Manila to accompany them. I always pay regular tickets but last summer, they have an ongoing promo for walk-in so I got 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 in 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 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 was 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