Fruit picking 2012

One of the kids' favorite summer activities is fruit picking. We missed the strawberry season (it lasted til late Jan) so this year we only got apples. Last week, we went to Windmill Orchards in Coatesville with Ate Chris' and MaFe's families. There were also peaches and pears but we preferred apples. The pick-your-own apples cost $3.50/kg but if you buy it from their shop you pay $2.50. The extra $1 is for the experience :)

BTW, Auckland is indeed a small place. Imagine, we bumped into Lolet (Bulacan neighbor) in the wilderness of Coatesville.

back to blogging

I'm back to blogging! I started posting in 2005 but in late 2010 I went on 'sabbatical'. No, not really, I just like the sound of it :) . The truth is Facebook came and conquered me just like everyone else. But later on I realized that I don't really like to use FB for my journal. I want to quietly keep it in one area. I'll still be using FB to connect with friends/family but my li'l thoughts is going to here.

Shannen on braces

Shannen just graduated from her mini-braces. She had it on about 9 weeks to correct her crossbite teeth. At first I was concerned that it would be too uncomfortable for her. That turned out false. So that left me with just one worry – the cost. Kids under 18y/o get  free dental care in New Zealand (kahit papastahan pa lahat ng ngipin). But braces are not included. For Shannen’s sectional braces (two teeth only)  - $600 (tinawaran ko pa yon).  I hope she doesn’t need to wear one again in the future. The dentist said full set of braces could be from $5K to $7K. 

From Carabao To Sheep

AKLnzPINOYS'  handbook "From Carabao to Sheep" was chosen as the winner for the Print Journalism award in the first Migration Advocacy and Media awards of the Commission of Filipinos Overseas. galing! Congratulations to the moderators and members who contributed to this project.


Click here to read an online version of the handbook or click the book's front cover image on the left.

God Defend New Zealand

After 4 good years in Aotearoa, we were granted the privilege to become NZ citizens. yipee!!!

Henry and I sang the national anthem God Defend New Zealand for the first time during the citizenship ceremony. It was a beautiful song (but I still have to research the translation of the maori part). It makes you feel proud and elated to be a New Zealander.

Soon, well have silver fern passports. This also means loosing our Philippine citizenship (which we can regain later when we apply for dual citizenship). So am I now a kiwi? Naku, di ata bagay sa akin yon. I vow to be a good citizen of New Zealand but inside me I am still Filipino. .. 100% Pinoy.... and 1% kiwi. that's sweet as…

I love Daddy

4th April 1999, I got my Dad a coffee mug with a cute print "I love Daddy". It instantly became his favourite. He wouldn't use any other cup for his beverages (not just for his caffeine dose). Four months later, that mug was on top of him with a glass separating them.

31 July 1999, the day our dear dad left us. Up to this day, I remember how devastating it was. Time healed the pain but the memory is still vivid.

One of the mass cards we got inscribed a beautiful poem. I read the first four lines then stopped. It was so touching but my heart wasn't ready for it . 11 years later, it's only now that I have the courage to finish the rest of it.

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for I’m now free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took God’s hand when I heard the call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the same sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savoured much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me –
God wanted me now, God set me free.

miss you dad...

bunge

For weeks, Shannen was waiting for her first tooth to fall off. She wouldn't stop talking about it. Most kids in her class have already lost a tooth ot two so she was excited to be one of them.

Friday night, Ate Chris asked Shannen if she wants to cease the waiting. The little girl agreed after hearing Ate Chris credentials (maraming ngipin na daw ang nagdaan sa mga kamay nya while she was still a nurse at Hankins'). So the wobbly tooth was pulled out. But when Shannen saw (and tasted) the blood, she got upset and started crying. She wouldn't want to talk to Auntie Chris. Humupa din yon nung wala ng bleeding. Then back to best friends sila. he he he

Shannen now happily calls herself Bunge :)

Myla Nano - April 26, 2010

HO broke a sad news yesterday. My cousin Khem’s wife, Myla and their new born son passed away yesterday due to pregnancy complications. Khem is the son of Tito Tirso (my mom’s eldest brother). They are very close to us.

Myla’s death is very sudden. Khem is still in shock. May the Lord to give him courage and strength to get through this extremely painful time.

They're coming!

After almost one year of waiting, Ate Chris will finally be reunited with her family. On early morning of Thursday (29 April), Renie, Sam, Bea and Rein will set foot on New Zealand (grass and) soil. Can't wait to see the girls again.

Kia Ora Tei

On board Qantas QF 115, Tei arrived in Auckland on 2nd March. Tei is Henry’s brother’s daughter. Although her work takes her to different parts of the world, this trip is special. It means so much to us esp. her parents as this is the fulfilment of her residency application. So officially, New Zealand is her second home.

Because of personal and work commitments, Tei could not settle here as yet. She’s actually now on her way back to Manila. Yeah, not enough to see the sights and feel the lifestyle but I hope the short stay could make her decide to settle here sooner J

We’ll see you again. Hei konei ra!

Auckland Museum

Mt. Victoria, Devonport

Lake Pupuke, Takapuna

SkyTower

Arataki, Waitakere Ranges

Muriwai

etc.

I so love our PM

NZ Prime Minister John Key may have some policies/plans that raise some eyebrows, but personality-wise the guy's a rockstar!

Here's his interview re: new Supreme Court Building.

"Breathtaking inside," he says.

The outside?

"No, the inside."

What about the outside?

"Well, art is in the eye of the beholder," says Mr Key. "Look, it's okay, but I prefer the inside.”

New Supreme Court Building

Chicken pops

Last week, our 4yr old neighbor announced that her baby brother has 'chicken pops'. Natawa ako then when it sunk in, I got a little worried. Not for Shannen and Vince (meron silang chicken pox vaccine) but for Henry coz he never had it. I heard it could be really bad for adults.

What do we do? Henry and I had a serious thought. We can't keep Shannen away from playing with her friends. Kahit i-explain namin sa kanya (I even showed her photos of severe blisters), hindi nya ma-grasp yung danger non.

Eventually, we resorted to diversion tactic. So the whole week, Henry took the kids 'somewhere' after school. They went to the grocery, KFC, McDonalds, beach, library, picked me up from work, etc. This week ganun ulit ang gagawin nila. Magastos lang but it gives Henry peace of mind.

winter olympics

I've been attempting to blog again for weeks, but don't know how to start. i'll stop stressing myself. I'll just write something light and easy.

Winter Olympics. This is the first time that I got interested in this gaming event. Wala naman kasing pinapadala ang Pilipinas doon. We've been following the 2010 competition for days now. Most (if not all) of the sports are dangerous. Even the very skilled ones could easily end up with an accident. Mas safe ang mga games sa summer olympics (walang nalulunod sa swimming!). NZ althelete Mahe Drysdale vomitted and fainted in last year's olympics. Pero tingin ko naimpatso lang yon sa daming delis sa china.

Merry Christmas

This year has been a good and memorable one. Ate Chris is finally in New Zealand, Kuya Johnny got his Permanent Residency, Shannen started school, Vince is doing well in school and basketball, met great friends, moved to our new house, etc. Couldn't believe it all happened in a year. We're looking forward to all the new oppurtunities, challenges and blessings waiting for us in the next 365 days.

I wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and a joyous New Year.

PS: I promise myself to post more, shorter blogs next year.

NZ Labour Weekend

It's been a while since we last had a break so this long weekend (26 Oct is Labour Day) is really much needed.

We went malling on Saturday (wala naman akong nabili). Sunday was sun and fun at the beach. Today is supposed to be relaxing. So far, so good :)

foot loose

Kadarating ko lang non sa New Zealand. Sinama ako ni Henry sa mall. While inside a shop, 2 boys came in. Aba naman, naka-paa sila. Iisipin ko na sana mga yagit sila pero maayos naman yung mga suot nila. At yung mga magulang mukhang disente.

Wag kang magugulat kung may makita kang nakapaa sa kalsada, mall, school, hospital, etc. Maraming kiwis (bata at matanda) ang sanay mag-yapak. Hindi dahil wala silang footwear kundi type lang nila.

Sinubukan ko din yon. Pagod na yung paa ko sa kalalakad sa mall (don't get the impression na malaki ang malls dito). So hinubad ko yung sapatos ko at naglakad ako for the next 15 minutes ng ramdam ko yung lamig ng semento. Aba, masarap nga :) So when you are in NZ, try nyo yong gawin.

Assimilating

Vince made more Filipino friends at school (St. Joseph's) this year. Natutuwa kami ni Henry coz these kids are really nice, very courteous and on the same “wave length” as him.

This term, he joined the school basketball team. I had a smile on my face when he asked me to sign the form (sa loob-loob ko, mabuti naman na-realize mong hindi pang rugby ang katawan mo). Anim silang pinoys sa team. Then there’s the 3 imports – a kiwi, an Indian and a South African. Di ko na sasabihin kung sino ang magagaling J

Last month, Vince asked me if he could have rice and sausage for lunch instead of the usual sandwich. Ayaw nya dating mag-baon ng kanin dahil ayaw nya ng kanin/ulam na malamig. So what’s with the sudden change? Yun daw mga prendship nya ay kanin lagi ang baon. His lunch bag was never the same from then on.


One time sinisita ako ni Vince. Bakit daw hindi ko sya ipinag-baon ng lunch. Hmmm…. ang tanda ko nag-preapre ako ng sandwich. Yun pala, iba na ang definition ng lunch sa kanya. Lunch (or dinner) is rice.

Vince’s friends are playing a big influence on him. Not bad at all as this helps me and Henry assimilate Filipino values and ways on him.

Seminar for those moving to New Zealand

FREE SEMINAR FOR WTRS IN MANILA/CEBU IN NOV 2009

AKLnzPINOYS is planning to sponsor a free (or maybe only minimal fee) seminar for applicants who already received their WTR visas or are just waiting for their WTRs. There will be two seminars, one in Manila and another in Cebu; both to be held around November this year.

The purpose of the seminar is to:

• Give new migrants a clear picture of the challenges that they will be facing when they arrive NZ;
• Explain what WTR9 really means in Immigration NZ terms as well as practical terms.
• Explain some pre-departure decisions that migrants need to make, including the risks and consequences of each decisions (Eg. should principal go to NZ first, family to join later, or husband and wife first, children later, or everyone departs at the same time);
  Other pre-departure decisions: resigning from current job, selling all assets, timing of departure (what are the best and worst months to come to NZ)).
• Describe the different scenarios (from best case to worst) that could happen to them from the time they arrive to the time their WTR visa expires or gets converted to PR and give them tips on how they can minimize risks, avoid mistakes, and deal with each given scenario.

To help us in organizing this event, we've devised a simple survey. If you are interested or know someone who might be, we would appreciate if you can spare us just one minute of your time (5 questions only) to go through the survey.

Click the link below or copy and paste in your browser.

http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=OJOMH_ae3eb2cb

Non AklnzPinoys members are welcome to attend these seminars, so feel free to pass this to anyone in your network.

Maraming salamat po.

AklnzPinoys Moderators

7 Tacitus Place

Ito na yung pinakahihintay nyong pictures ng aming bahay. Syempre, pinili ko na yung anggulo na magaganda (maganda na yun sa lagay na yon).

Kanina, nagpintura ng deck si Henry, Janjing, Vince and Shannen (oo, pati si kulasa kasama). Ako naman yung mail box ang sagot ko :) Inayos din namin ni Ate Chris yung garden. Ilang puno na yung natabas namin. Ang sakit ng braso ko.

Work-in-progress pa yung bahay. Uunti-untiin namin ang ayos.

PS: Pasensya na, hindi na-set yung date sa camera.

sugar, salt, rice and pasta

Sorry for not blogging for a while. Sobrang busy kami sa bahay in the past weeks.

We have moved to our new home on 08 August. I chose that date para swerte - 08/08. For added luck, the first things we moved to our new place are sugar, salt and rice. Sinamahan ko na rin ng pasta :)

Ang sarap ng tulog namin esp on the first night. Kahit na ang daming kahon na nakakalat, nakatulog kami agad. Pano namang hindi, sobra kaming napagod. It would have been worst if we didn’t have Janjing, Ate Chris and some friends to help us out (maraming salamat).

Last weekend we started doing some fixings in the house. Dalawang puno yung nilagare ko so that we can have more sunlight in the house. Si Henry naman nagpalit ng 14 na ilaw. Galit kasi yon sa high wattage bulbs. Si Vince naman tumulong mag linis ng gutter. Marami pang kailangang ayusin but we’ll do it slowly (magastos din kasi)

Next time ko na ipo-post yung mga pictures. Di ko pa mahanap yung cable ng camera. I’m sure it’s in one of those 10 unopened boxes.

We're moving

After 5 months of house-hunting and relentless assistance from our agent Jane, nakakita rin kami ng bahay na malilipatan. Sabi nga ni Jane, mahirap talagang maghanap ng bahay ng maganda na mura.

In two weeks, we're moving to a quiet street in Totara Vale, North Shore (1km away from our current address). The house was built in mid-80s (medyo luma na) but the owners kept it well. Hindi masyadong malaki yubng bahay pero maraming space sa bakuran para paglaruan ng mga bata.

Kagabi ko lang naisip na dapat pala nagsisimula na kaming mag-impake. We don’t have much time left. Nakapuno ako ng 5 kahon. 10% lang yon ng mga gamit namin. Sa weekend, naglalaba ako ng kurtina at mag-lilinis ng garden. Looking at the checklist from the property manager, marami pa kaming dapat asikasuhin. Wala munang badminton. This moving thing will surely make us sweat and dead tired.

The end of the bridge

Ate Chris finished her bridging course on Friday (she'll get her registration in 2 to 4 weeks). It's been a very good experience for her. She got exposure to resthome and hospital enviroments, had a lot of sleep-deprived days to meet homework deadlines, met a lot of pinoys in her class (she's now very good friends with most of them), experience the different cultures in Auckland, and so much more.

Today she has started applying for job. She's submitted her CV for different nursing areas which she thinks she's prepared to handle. But I advised her against wards with A H1N1. North Shore Hospital is her preferred workplace. Lapit lang kasi sa amin.

Hopefully, job hunting and work permit application would be hassle-free. She misses her kids so much.

Meet the neighbors (episode 3)

On Saturday, we had the opportunity to meet our Meadowood neighbours again (third time). The organizers made this get-together more interesting by turning it into an international food festival. Meron pang bonus, costumes, culture and other stuffs from different countries were showcased.

8 countries were represented. Merong galing India, South Africa, Samoa, Korea, Congo, Russia, New Zealand and the Philippines. Ang pinakabongga, syempre ang Pinas. We’re well represented. Nakita nila ang different sizes, colors and faces of the Filipinos. Meron din mga nagsuot ng costume (di ako kasali, walang kasya sa akin). Maraming pagkain – lumpiang sariwa, adobo, palitaw, paella and (my very own) buko-pandan salad. And we had a big poster that said a lot of info about the Philippines (courtesy of Peachy). Nagulat silang lahat sa population natin – 90M.

Knowing the people in your area is very important. Not only that it makes you feel you belong, it also gives you a sense of security. And who knows, you might develop good friendship with them.

Hard-earned money

Been busy lately so blogging was put aside. Anyway ….

I took Monday and Tuesday off coz Vince was unwell (from cough and asthma).

Tuesday night, may inabot na papel sa akin si Vince. It says “Mum, thanks for taking care of me”. Moments later, may papel na namang inaabot. Pagtingin ko, $5 bill. Kasi hindi daw ako nakapag-work tapos ang dami kong binayaran sa doctor and prescriptrion. Hard-earned money nya yon (earned from me!) kaya I was so touched.

Today, I had Starbucks coffee and muffin for breakfast. Thanks to Vince :)

Explore Auckland

We have a long weekend this week as tomorrow, 1st Monday of June, is Queen's Birthday. This means we can take Ate X to more places.

Auckland is a lovely place and there are a lot of places to visit and activities to experience. Hindi na kailangang lumayo. I have listed below some popular destinations.

Libre:

• One Tree Hill
• Mt. Victoria, Devonport
• Devonport Wharf
• Auckland Museum
• Explore the CBD via City Circuit (free bus)
• Botanic Gardens
• Gannet Colony at Muriwai
• Long Bay
• Takapuna Beach
• Mission Bay
• Orewa
• Goat Island Marine Reserve
• Parnell Rose Garden (aka Dove-Myer Robinson Park)
• Pinoy Mass @ Balmoral Church (lots of pinoy deli sold outside the church after the mass)

May bayad:

• Auckland Art Gallery
• Stardome Observatory
• Auckland Zoo
• Motat
• Sky Tower* - pwedeng mag-dinner, sky walk o bungy jump
• Kelly Tarlton*
• Rainbow’s End*
• Rangitoto Island * - via Fuller’s Ferry
• Waiheke Island
• Snow Planet, Silverdale
• Auckland Maritime Museum - www.maritimemuseum.co.nz
• Auckland Bridge Jump
  

Auckland MultiPass - $99 for adult; $59 for kids

Honorary nurse

On Thursday, I took Ate Chris (a.k.a. Ate X) to her orientation @ UNITEC Henderson. Hindi lang ako basta chaperon, I was actually in the classroom with her and 40 other nurses. I tried to be as quiet as possible para di mapansin nung nurse educator.

When Ate X and I were in college, lagi akong sabit sa kanya. Ilang beses din akong sumama sa kanya when she did her night duty @ UDMC (ayokong maiwan sa boarding house). Naka-nurse uniform din ako para makalusot sa security.

One time there was a coup d’état in Manila and she volunteered for Red Cross. Exciting yon so I volunteered as well. Nag-Red Cross shirt din ako.

Nasubukan ko na din magbakuna. Ate X gave Hepa B vaccine on me and Queenie (our youngest sister), and I did hers. After one minute of instructions and an hour of composing myself, I somehow did it. Tumalab naman.

It takes a lot of stamina and compassion to become a nurse. Ate has those traits, with or without her cap and scrub suit on. As for me, since kulang ako non, pwede na akong honorary nurse.

Leather Jacket and Hopia

Sinundo namin ni Henry si Ate Chris kahapon sa airport. 11am lumapag yung eroplano nya.

Pinagdala ko ng leather jacket si Ate. Sabi ko kasi 'wag na syang magbitbit ng jacket kasi di namn nya yon magagamit sa byahe nya. However, I knew it's gonna be cold outside the airport. But on the contrary, di sya gininaw kahit na manipis na sweater lang yung suot nya (it was 16degrees!). Yun namang hopia (EngBeeTIn na Pandan flavor) para di sya ma-homesick. he he he

By the way, today is our third anniversary in New Zealand (pwede ng mag-apply ng citizenship).

No visa yet

Ate Christine’s nursing competency (a.k.a. bridging) course will commence in 3 weeks. At the moment, she is volunteering in a hospital in Malolos (para prepared di ba). Everything is ready except for her visa. She already got an approval in principle but the final one hasn’t been decided on yet. May isang pirma pang kailangan. haaayyyy……

During her medical test, the doctor found a lump on her neck. After a series of test, it was confirmed that she has goiter (it disproved my initial suggestion that it’s an Adam’s apple). Non-toxic naman yon and no symptoms. The specialist didn't recommend any medication o medical procedure. Hopefully, the medical assessor would give her thumbs up this week.

We are really looking forward to Ate Chris and family to join us here in New Zealand. If it’s not too much to ask, can you please include them in your prayers? Maraming salamat :)

Shannen’s school visit and farewell

Shannen had her second school visit @ St. Joseph’s yesterday morning. Naku, she enjoyed it so much. Ayaw ng umalis. Meron kasi syang 2 kaibigan sa class nya – Annika and Justinne. Sa 5 May pa ang official start nya don (kids in NZ start primary school @ 5yrs old).

There are 13 kids in the class. Seven ang Filipino, one puti, one Indian at yung iba mukhang middle-eastern/European. Eventually there will be 16 kids in the class. So most likely madadagdagan pa yung number ng pinoys :)

Farewell Maru

Nung hapon, farewell party naman ni Shannen sa Maru Montessori (kahit ngayon pa ang last day nya). All the kids sat down to form a circle while Shannen settled on a special chair. Then they did this cute "leaving" ceremony. I was so impressed.

For the food, I bought a chocolate mud cake, baked mini muffins and made ham-cheese-pineapple kebab. Syempre may giveaways din. We gave the boys Ben10 and Spongebob stickers, while the girls got bead bracelets. Medyo nakakapagod yung preparations. But my little helpers Shannen and Vince made things easier and the event more special.