Being Australians

This is a long overdue post, the wet Sydney weather this weekend has finally given me the chance to post this.

After almost  3 years of Sydney living, we finally made it to the resident's "finish line".  Last month, after completing all the requirements (including passing a Citizenship exam) , we were invited to make the citizenship pledge together with around 95 others who chose to immigrate to Australia from 28 different countries.

It was a short candid ceremony where we were asked to make the oath that read:

From this time forward, under God,
I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,
whose democratic beliefs I share,
whose rights and liberties I respect, and
whose laws I will uphold and obey.

It was an emotional moment, yes, not enough to make me cry but enough to give me goosebumps he he, as it is one of the biggest decisions we had to make in life.  Being a citizen by choice makes citizenship more meaningful, I guess, than being a citizen by birth or by descent, since one makes a more conscious effort to build a better place to live.  This is what Australia is all about being the country of immigrants and is one of the reasons why we choose to be here.

Some more snaps from the day ...

Photo with Mayor Nick Berman:

Dinner and drinks with friends who have helped us along the way:

To choose to leave what we had in the Philippines, to choose to make it work down under and to choose to live and work here permanently -- these were the choices we had to make almost 3 years ago and indeed it paid off!

Our next chapter in life continues ... 

Melbourne in August

There was something about Melbourne that we really loved. We were there for 6 days just one week after we first set foot in the land down under and it was love at first sight. It could be the simple life, or the accessibility to the city from where our cousin lived, or the street layout - being grid-like very much similar to what we're used to in Manila, or maybe the friendliness of people we bumped into in our strolls or tram-rides, or the fashion, or the markets, or (okay just in case you are reading) Shaun's home-cooked meals.

Almost three years later, we were back to what we called the Little Italy of Australia. We never thought it would take us that long really BUT this time it was bitterly cold. It was almost always wet and always freezing. What kept us warm was the hospitality of our cousins (both of them are now based in Melbourne) and our friends.

I loved Natasha's and Dylan's house - it's an old house with a modern interior, very homely, very tidy, a place one would always want to go home to. It can just be 3 stops from Melbourne Central (read shopping), very convenient indeed! Shaun's was not bad, forget about tidiness, but the new telly kept us entertained. We watched two-half movies on the big screen in his very comfortable lounge (seriously Shaun you don't need a new one) while feasting on baked oysters c/o hubby, baked salmon fillet over a glass of Sauv Blanc c/o the cousin and strawberries and cream c/o moi.

Our couple friends' place was very close to the upscale tourist shopping area, Chapel Street, so we had the chance to stroll along the shops while attempting to look for a good buy - but hubby said they were way too fashionable for his taste.  We did enjoy a very tasty brunch while catching up on our life stories and savoured on our afternoon chocolate indulgence. The dinner in Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurant was scrumptious and as if the afternoon chocolate wasn't enough, the sticky date pudding was divine.  Just to clarify, we did a lot of walking in Chapel Street and Toorak Road and inside the Prahran Market and in the War Memorial in between these banquets.

It wasn't all about food for the weekend.  We had to do something new and despite the weather forecast we pursued the Great Ocean Road.  It was a beautiful first half of the day with magnificent views of the Bass Strait until we got to the climax of the trip, the Twelve Apostles where it started to pour ice-cold rain.

Loved every bit of that weekend, scenic, relaxing - got the well-deserved rest we wanted, fruitful - rewarded ourselves with a few good buys from the little mulah we budgeted for the trip and gastronomically-challenged (as a friend would put it). We would not have wanted it any other way.

My 1st ever Rock Concert

Our Australian Open nightly marathon was interrupted by a night of rock & rolling at the Sydney Olympic Park with songs like ...

Message in a Bottle
Roxanne
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
Don't Stand So Close to Me
Doo-Doo-Doo
Every Breath You Take
Can't Stand Losing You
Walking on the Moon

The Police rocks! And Sting is still looking Hot (he he), I wish I was able to take some photos to share but unfortunately not.

The husband is still walking on the moon ... he's been a loyal fan of Sting and with Fergi's booty in the front act, he couldn't ask for more (ha ha).

It's Been Two Years ...

... since we braved the big leap from a life full of comfort and complacency to a life full of uncertainties, discovery, independence and total couple immersion when we decided to migrate & settle in the land down under. It's never been a bedful of roses but it is the kind of life we see ourselves growing old to, it is the quality of life we have ever wanted, it is the life we choose to share together.

Well, we didn't want to show how much we've physically changed, but what the heck, it's fun to show some Then & Now pics so here's the best that i can do.

Happy Two Years in Australia ... to us!

Watching Josh Live

Just came from Josh Groban's supposed last night concert in Sydney (it's been extended for 1 more night tomorrow) and I have two words: SUPERB & YUMMY!

Can't get enough of him, he came back to the stage three times until the audience stopped screaming and stomping feets! He was undoubtedly worthy of the Opera House.

Crunch Time

My friends insist I'm confused about this weekend's special day. We all know it is my better half's birthday but they say I don't get it.

It all started when I asked him for his birthday gift wish list. He couldn't think of anything he wanted, so I kept suggesting whatever crossed my mind and nothing seemed to get his approval. But September flew by quickly and this week was panic week!

So I started frequenting shops - taking quick breaks to the nearby mall during lunch. However, I would never find a perfect gift BUT, read this, I would always find something to purchase for myself - nothing fancy each time (food, sunnies, tops, bangles, etc.) but I did spend a lot for myself looking for that perfect gift! Hehehe and of course to take that guilt away, I would always show him what I got (it works!).

Well, it is Friday, and yet I haven't found him a perfect gift. Talk about crunch time!

Yalang naubos na yata ang budget? Oh no!

We turned 5!

That's right, and below are some photos from our simple celebration. Thanks to everyone who remembered.

Happy Easter

I hope all of you and your families enjoyed the Easter celebrations. As for us, we just stayed at home most of the long Easter weekend.

On Friday, we watched Ben-Hur (my first time) & realized it joins the Ten Commandments & Passion of Christ in the ranks of Good Friday movies. We attended the Passion Mass & Veneration of the Cross at 3pm. Our parish priest, Fr. John, in his homily focused on the importance of the cross in our lives and how thru the cross we experience the glory of love. Although the church was packed (we were standing at the back) it was so solemn that everyone was touched by his words. I was teary-eyed after the sermon.

My cousin (who stayed w/ us for 2 months) moved to her own apartment on Saturday morning so we helped her transport her stuff. Memories of our move last year came rushing back, I hope it will be awhile before we'll have to do that again ... and hopefully not until I've done some spring-cleaning!

On Easter Sunday, we joined our friends celebrate the baptism of their first child, Wolfgang Kris. The mood was festive, more so like Christmas, and just the best day for Christenings! Our friends imported their mum from Phil to help in the early months of their first child, so the lunch we shared were genuine lutong-bahay pinoy food c/o the mum. Yum!

Hubby & I just cruised around the city on Easter Monday. We were kinda interested about the Easter show but we ended up in DFO & we did some shopping (ok, ok, more of me while hubby was in the bookstore).

I'd say it was a quiet long weekend for us ... something new as we always did long drives from Manila to La Union back in Phil & a Sydney-Adelaide (+ unplanned Phils - another story) trip last year; and something we actually prefer doing so as to focus on the more important things of the Easter season (ok except the shopping hehe).

Wheels

After months of planning, shopping & waiting, "the car" was finally in our hands. When hubby arrived from his biz trip, we went straight to the dealer to pick it up. The feeling on the way was inexplicable. It was a mixture of excitement & anxiousness for me but more of the former for hubby. When we saw it, it was everything we expected it to be - worthy of the photo-op.

We quickly setup the tomtom (thank God for GPS!) and took "the car" for a spin. First stop was the airport - where the cousins were waiting. Then we drove straight to our friends down south (L, E&N), same people who welcomed us in OZ airport 17 months ago, and they were all nice to share our happiness.

It's been 17 months of "public-transport" & "hired-car" for us so it will be awhile before we get used to owning a private one. I will surely miss the long walks but I believe it's about time we discover more of what OZ has to offer. "Sakay na!"

Happy V-day!

Fresh out of the oven ...

B-day in Beijing

I slept in and woke up at 10am today. Missing the hotel breakfast, I just munched on the left over red bean pastry I bought from the local bake shop yesterday then I started to prepare for bargain shopping in no other than the bargain shoppers paradise - the Silk Street. The last (& first) time I was here the shops were all in the sidewalk similar to what we have in Quiapo, Manila but now they've all been moved to a multi-level building. Check this out ...



I was at this building from 12 to 5pm and was back at the hotel just before Manny finished work. For dinner, hubby brought me to one of the chic new restaurants in Beijing and we both enjoyed the good food and conversation, with me sharing how I won and lost on bargains today.



That was how my day was spent ... I am officially out of the Roman calendar (uh-oh) but I have so much to be thankful for - one just waking up each morning feeling at peace, happy and healthy is already a blessing from God; living & spending quality time with my loved ones is another and the list could go on. I also have some fervent prayers waiting to be answered but I know He hears them and will grant them in His perfect time.

To everyone who remembered, thank you!

Happy 2007!

How did we welcome 2007?

Hubby & I decided to just watch the NY eve Sydney fireworks from the tellie as watching it live seemed to require a lot more planning than we thought. We have neighbor friends, Mae & Alex with 3-year old son Rafael celebrating their first OZ NY, who had to be onsite by 6pm to get a decent spot. They witnessed the family fireworks at 9pm live but re-affirmed our decision to stay home instead as the crowd was getting worse.

We then invited them for bubbles and pasta over at our place & we jointly watched the 12midnight fireworks from the tellie. The impromptu NY eve get-together turned out quite a good idea after-all, since both of us didn't have families to celebrate with. The booze helped build the festive mood and we stayed up exchanging experiences in the land down under till past 2am - when 3-yo boy couldn't stop himself and blurted "Daddy, let's go".

The morning after, hubby & I were visited by our dear friends, and movie-buddies, Leng & Sherwin for NY lunch. Hubby prepared maki sushi (which was not bad for a beginner, thanks to our friend chaz) and we caught up with each other's holiday happenings & family and relatives stories while watching XMEN1.5 all over again.

It was a simple NY celebration for us yet the kind of thing we'd like to keep doing as there's nothing better than sharing quality time with your loved ones, friends included.

Happy New Year everyone and may 2007 bring as much blessings, less pain and more happiness in our lives. God bless!

Joy Ride

This morning, we were in the mood (or pressed!) for New Year's meal shopping. We've always been invited by a friend to go to a Filipino store in Dee Why (~25km from our place) but we were always tied with something else, so for a change & out of curiousity, we thought of getting our Asian needs for NY in that store. We didn't know where it was but with the address and the Sydney map in tow, we thought of giving it a go.

However, even before we found it, we discovered the Dee Why beach instead! If you know us real well, you would have guessed that we dropped everything and went straight to the beach! We forgot about the shopping we had to do, searched for parking and stopped for the view and savoured the good food. There was a fair bit of people picnic-ing, sunbathing and swimming, too bad we weren't ready with our bathies.

We spent at least 2 hours in the place when we realized we were there for a reason. We tried searching for the shop but didn't find it. We were too shy to ask our friends so we continued on the joy ride, drove further the coast line of the Northern beaches and enjoyed the water views (and wondered how much we need to earn to get a house with this view).

We ended up getting our Asian needs in a nearby Asian store (~1km). Well, it was a productive day after all.

Christmas 2006 down under ...

Merry Christmas everyone! Sorry for the late greetings, we were having too much fun and forgot to update the blog. We hope you had a blessed Christmas & may 2007 bring us more hope, blessings & happiness with our loved ones!


Just a quick recap of our 2006:

Our Australia adventure continued this year with me signing up with a telecommunications company for contracting work which kept me pretty occupied for the first 3 months. On our fourth month & while we were in Adelaide for the Holy Week, we received the sad news that Mum was deteriorating. I rushed back home on Easter Monday then God claimed her back dawn of Easter Tuesday. She was 54 who gave a brave fight against the Big C for 2 years.

Manny is still with KC & commenced on a HK & China SAP implementation project in June requiring him to travel to these countries two weeks every month. It was fun the first couple of months but was sad for me & exhausting for him after that. The project lasts till Q2'07 so there may still be a bit of travel in the coming months.

Despite the busy sched we were able to squeeze in a quick holiday to the tropical towns of Cairns & Port Douglas where we had a bit of extreme sports: hot air ballooning & Great Barrier Reef snorkeling & diving which was superb! I continued working for the same company for 6 more months but I decided to bid goodbye to the job in the end of Nov.

We flew down to Adelaide in the beginning of Dec for my cousin - Natasha & Dylan's wedding (wine-overflowing!). The next day, Manny flew to HK for business, swung by Manila one weekend & met his then brother-in-law to be. Ate Hershey got married the Monday after. He was back just in time for Christmas which we spent mostly with our relatives in the land down under (see photo).

We hope you have a safe new year celebration and we'll definitely post some more pics if we get to catch the Sydney fireworks on New Year's eve.

God bless & Take care!

We have moved!

We have finally moved to a new apartment!

This move had been occupying a lot of our weekends since we had to search apartments in the local real estate websites, short list them then schedule for inspections. The Saturdays during the month of October had been mostly spent inspecting apartments. It's not easy specially if you have 15-minute open houses scheduled one after another and at different streets - or worse at different suburbs in which case you just have to prioritize and pick one. Finally, before the month ended, we agreed on getting one that is still close to where we used to live -- about 500meters.

And the BIG MOVE was completed over the weekend, with a spill-over on Monday. I thought the apartment search was the difficult part, I was so wrong! We had to pack our stuff (kitchen was the most time consuming) and sort out a lot of papers and trinkets - and for someone who just loves to keep everything thinking I might find use for that sometime in the future - that was chaos!

But the good news is, all of that is now in the past. And now we're on to the next phase - UNPACKING. Our living, dining, kitchen, master's bedroom, toilets and baths are all doing good -- BUT our extra bedroom is still full of boxes, some of them still in their original packing from Manila. I promised myself to unpack at least one box a day. Hopefully by the end of the month they're all done so I can finally tell our friends and relatives, you are now very much welcome to visit and sleep over! HAHA

PS. If you haven't received our new address, please do not hesitate to let me know and I'd make sure you get it. We certainly need that Christmas present you are planning to send us :)

Sydney Motor Show

This is the event we have both been looking forward to since March/April, well more for hubby perhaps since this is mostly a guy thing -- the annual Sydney Motor Show. If we hadn't been out looking for our first car down under, I do not think I'd be there for the full 6-7 hours. There were some that made it to our shopping list ... what happens to the list is still beyond our control.



The best experience we had on that day was 4WD'driving on the test track at the back of the event venue. On board an actual 4WD, we drove thru mock-ups of rocky road, a hill-like incline and a balancing lever (see-saw). That was a first for us and we both enjoyed it -- it was like riding on a private roller coaster. I was too excited I forgot to take a photo of track. It was really so much fun!

Hubby's biggest b-day balloon!

To my dearest hubby, happy BiRtHdAy!

You fill my heart with happiness, you chase the clouds away.
Our hopes and dreams we share together each and every day.

I hope that on your birthday, your wishes all come true
as you've made my life so complete, just by being you.

I love you honey.


Here are some snaps from our 5-days Cairns and Port Douglas holidays to celebrate hubby's birthday and our 1st year anniversary in Australia. Port Douglas is the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest natural feature on earth stretching more than 2,300km along the NE coat of OZ - where we spent most of hubby's birth day.

If you can't be bothered installing the filmloop player, photos can also be viewed from our Port Douglas webshots album.

Bedtime Funnies

When we got to bed last night, the following conversation transpired after I saw hubby making funny faces.

Wife: What are you doing?

Husband: I'm stretching my face, it feels so dry.

Wife: Well, use my moisturizer. Put some on your face.

Husband: Ok, can you please get it and apply it on my face? Have no idea how you do it.

Wife (too tired to get up): Hmm ... do it tomorrow, one day (after thirty-plus years of no moisturizer) wouldn't make that much difference.

We both burst out laughing.

The Big Screen

Inspired by our special friend, L's Best Pictures post, I am sharing our list of big screen pictures we've seen since we settled here in October. Here you go:

1) Exorcism of Emily Rose - Hoyts Wetherhill Park - Oct. 10, 1.30pm

2) Flightplan - Liverpool Greater Union - Nov. 19, 9.30pm (not worth it)

3) Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire - Hoyts Wetherhill Park - Dec. 4, 11.30am

4) Narnia-The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe - Hornsby Greater Union - Dec. 27, 6.40pm

5) Munich - Hoyts Chatsfield - Feb. 3, 5.45pm (not worth it)

6) The Da Vinci Code - Hornsby Greater Union - May 30, 7.30pm

7) X-Men 3 - Hornsby Greater Union - June 2, 7.30pm

8) Cars - Hornsby Greater Union - June 20, 7.00pm

9) The Break Up - Hornsby Greater Union - June 27, 7.00pm (not worth it)

10) Superman Returns - Hornsby Greater Union - July 1, 2.00pm

That's 10 movies in 10 months, an average of 1 movie per month; hmm, not too bad. Would you consider that a luxury at all? Nah, I don't think so, specially since most of them were seen on Tight Ass Tuesdays :)

Blogging Again

I feel like starting off with a "Hello World" again for it's been more than a couple of months since I've abandoned this site. Sorry to everyone who'd been checking regularly just to find out it was still the Lenten post. I am starting anew and I hope I can enthuse friends and relatives to come and visit again on a regular basis. I will try my best to be back on track. Bear with me though as work is underway (template, format) in the interest of change. See you around ... TA!

PS. You are supposed to see an underwater - nautica theme. If not, please please drop me a message as this means the new template is not working for your browser.