This month was filled with major adjustments, home improvements, and family activities as we continued settling into our new routine in Santolan, Pasig. One of the biggest developments was the installation of our 6kW hybrid solar setup with a 16kWh battery system, which cost around ₱290,000. Although battery and equipment prices had already increased by the time we finalized the project, we still decided to proceed because of rising electricity costs and our growing household consumption. The installation itself was completed within a single day, and we estimate that the system can significantly reduce our monthly electric bill while also eliminating most of our LPG cooking expenses. With our increased usage from air-conditioning, water heating, induction cooking, and other appliances, the equivalent monthly electric cost could have reached around ₱9,000 without solar. Based on our computations, the setup could potentially pay for itself in around three years under higher consumption conditions, while also protecting us from future electricity price increases. The solar system was installed by El'Sol Wealth Phils Engineering Services.
At the same time, we officially started transitioning from our apartment in Parañaque to our house in Santolan, Pasig. While the new place is not necessarily our dream home, it currently fits our family’s needs better. One major advantage is that we own the property, giving us the flexibility to renovate, improve the structure, and install systems like solar panels without restrictions from landlords or association policies. The location is also more practical for us because it is closer to my side of the family, has accessible garbage collection, lower maintenance costs, and remains conveniently located within the city. Of course, there are also trade-offs, such as tighter streets, more crowded surroundings, limited amenities compared to subdivisions, and occasional concerns about noise and parking. Even so, the move feels like a practical and worthwhile step for our current situation.
Most of the month was also spent finishing remaining renovations and organizing the house. We completed several minor fixes such as preparing the understair wall for TV mounting, repainting certain areas, adjusting fixtures, repositioning air-conditioning units, and installing additional water pipes and bathroom accessories. Cabinets, furniture, and storage spaces were also arranged little by little to make the home more functional and comfortable for everyday living. While none of the individual changes were major on their own, together they helped make the house feel far more complete and livable.
Outside of home-related activities, we spent many weekends exploring nearby malls around the eastern Metro Manila area. We visited SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, Opus Mall, Ayala Malls Feliz, Robinsons Metro East, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, and Eastwood Mall. These trips were partly for leisure and partly because Kat and Jace needed more walking exercises, and mall walking provided a comfortable and air-conditioned environment for that. Each mall had its own atmosphere, dining choices, and style, making the experience enjoyable and varied. One practical stop was the Medical Depot in Sta. Lucia, where we were able to purchase colostomy bags and other needed medical supplies.
Our weekends also included attending Saturday Mass at the Chapel of the Archangels beside Opus Mall. The chapel has become one of our preferred places for worship because of its spacious, peaceful, and fully air-conditioned environment. We also appreciate the convenience of fixed-rate parking and the relaxed atmosphere of the surrounding mall area. After Mass, we usually spend time walking around, exploring shops, or trying different restaurants and cafes. Although dining there tends to be expensive, the overall comfort and ambiance make it a pleasant place for family time and quiet weekends.
During quieter moments this month, I also spent time reading several manhwa series. Titles such as Magic Academy’s Genius Blinker, The Max Level Player’s 100th Regression, The Great Mage Returns After 4000 Years, and Limit Breaking Genius Mage all revolved around themes of hidden potential, powerful protagonists, magic, regression, and overcoming limitations. These stories were entertaining to follow and became a relaxing way to unwind amid the busy month of moving, renovations, and daily responsibilities.
This Month's Quote
“Solar panels don’t just save electricity—they turn sunlight into long-term savings for your home and future.”
Solar panel installation
Late installation, I should have installed it last year...
By the time I finalized the solar installation, the prices of batteries and other components had already increased. Fortunately, the installation itself was completed smoothly within a single day, starting around 9 AM and finishing at approximately 4 PM. The total cost of our 6kW hybrid solar setup with a 16kWh battery system was around ₱290,000.
Based on our average monthly consumption of around 330 kWh and the current electricity rate of about ₱15 per kWh, our electric bill would normally reach roughly ₱4,500 per month. With the current solar setup, I estimate that we would still need to draw a small amount from the grid during consumption spikes, resulting in an estimated remaining bill of around ₱1,000 monthly. That gives us an estimated monthly savings of about ₱3,500 from electricity alone. In addition, since we now rely less on LPG cooking because of increased induction stove usage, we also estimate around ₱1,000 in monthly LPG savings.
Here is my rough ROI computation:
* Monthly electricity savings: ₱3,500
* Estimated LPG savings: ₱1,000
* Total monthly savings: ₱4,500
* Estimated annual savings: ₱54,000
* Opportunity cost at 5% annually: ₱14,500
* Effective annual return: ₱39,500
* Estimated payback period: around 7.3 years
Looking at our current power consumption of roughly 25 kWh per day, our usage has more than doubled from around 11 kWh previously. This increase mainly came from heavier use of air-conditioning, water heaters, induction cooking, and electric water heating appliances. Under our current lifestyle and appliance usage, our monthly electricity expenses could potentially reach around ₱9,000 without solar. At that level of consumption, the estimated payback period of the solar installation could drop closer to around 3 years.
Another important factor is the continuous rise in electricity prices. The rate already increased from around ₱15 to ₱15.50 per kWh this summer alone, and it is likely to continue increasing in the coming years. Because of this, the long-term value and savings potential of the solar setup may become even more beneficial over time. Our solar panels was installed by El'Sol Wealth Phils Engineering Services.
Move to Santolan
House shifting again...
We are shifting from our current apartment in Paranque to Pasig. The new place is better than the apartment in some way. I wouldn't say it is our ideal place or house, but as of the moment this location is ideal based on our circumstance. First the lot and house is not rented, we own the property. The pros is that, we were able to do minor renovations, install solar panels, flexibility in the property structure, near to my side of the family, garbage collection is accessible (compared to the apartment area we used to rent to), low cost no association dues, it is still within the city and alot of things are accessible. The cons are crowdedness, it is a barrangay vicinity thus security is not similar to a gated subdivision, lack of amenities, difficulties in parking due to it being a tight street, current noise is tolerable but who knows if there are events.
Remaining Renovations
Alot of work for fixing and sorting...
This month, we focused on completing several minor fixes and improvements around the house to make the space more functional and comfortable. One of the main updates was finishing the understair wall area, which was prepared and reinforced for TV mounting to maximize space and improve the living room setup. We also worked on small paint touch-ups and fixture corrections in different parts of the house to give the interiors a cleaner and more polished look.
Additional improvements included the installation and repositioning of air-conditioning units to achieve better airflow and cooling efficiency throughout the rooms. We also added and adjusted several water pipe connections to improve water access and support future household needs. In the bathrooms, toilet accessories and essential fixtures were installed to complete the overall setup and improve convenience for daily use.
At the same time, we continued arranging cabinets, storage units, and other furniture pieces to make the house more organized and practical. Although these were mostly minor changes individually, together they helped make the home feel more complete, livable, and better suited for our everyday routine.
Weekends in near by Malls
Philippines is the Mall capital of the world, is a self-proclaimed statement...
SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, Opus Mall, Ayala Malls Feliz, Robinsons Metro East, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, and Eastwood Mall were among the malls we explored this month. We spent time visiting different places around the area because Kat and Jace needed more walking exercises, and mall walking turned out to be a comfortable and convenient option, especially with the air-conditioned environment and spacious walkways.
Each mall had its own atmosphere and selection of shops, which made every visit feel a little different. Some malls were more relaxed and spacious for long walks, while others offered more dining and entertainment choices. We also enjoyed trying different restaurants and food stalls along the way, since these malls offered a decent variety of dining options ranging from quick snacks to full family meals.
One important stop for us was the Medical Depot in Sta. Lucia, where we were able to buy colostomy bags and other medical supplies we needed. Having access to both essential stores and recreational spaces in one trip made these mall visits practical as well as enjoyable for the family.
Chapel of the Archangel
Weekend Church...
Opus Mall and the Chapel of the Archangels have become our new go-to destination for Saturday Mass. The chapel is spacious, peaceful, and fully air-conditioned, making it a comfortable place to attend services even during hot afternoons. One thing we appreciate is the fixed-rate parking, which makes visiting more convenient and less stressful compared to other crowded malls and churches.
After Mass, we usually spend time walking around the mall since the entire area feels open, modern, and relaxing. The mall itself is spacious, with wide hallways and plenty of seating areas that make it pleasant to explore without feeling too crowded. There is also a good variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from, although the food tends to be on the pricier side. Even so, the overall atmosphere, convenience, and comfort make it a nice weekend destination for both worship and family time.
Manwha Reading Sets
Spent sometime reading manwha this month...
Magic Academy’s Genius Blinker. A talented but underestimated student enters a prestigious magic academy while hiding abilities that make him far more dangerous than others realize. Using quick thinking, strategy, and unconventional skills, he survives deadly challenges and political conflicts within the academy. The story focuses on growth, hidden power, and clever combat rather than brute strength alone.
The Max Level Player’s 100th Regression. After repeatedly failing to save humanity, the protagonist regresses for the 100th time with all the knowledge and experience from his previous lives. Determined to change fate, he becomes overwhelmingly efficient at clearing missions and defeating enemies. The manhwa combines survival-game mechanics, regression, and overpowered progression.
The Great Mage Returns After 4000 Years. The greatest mage in history is reborn thousands of years later into the weak body of a bullied student. With his memories and magical knowledge intact, he begins rebuilding his strength while uncovering how the world has changed. The series mixes revenge, magical battles, and the return of a legendary figure.
Limit Breaking Genius Mage. A mage born with limitations refuses to accept his weak status and continuously pushes beyond the boundaries of normal magic. Through relentless experimentation, intelligence, and determination, he develops abilities that surpass traditional standards. The story emphasizes innovation, power growth, and overcoming impossible limits.