Round the Bays 2012

An exhausting but fun day. Round the Bays 2012.

This is the third year that I've participated in the iconic kiwi fun run. Thanks Peachy and Fuji-Xerox for all the freebies. See you again next year :)

How do you forget

Shannen did something silly @ church week. Nothing serious, let's just say it was being a curious kid. Anyway, I was standing behind her so the situation was quickly rectified. I talked to her about it. Hindi ako nagalit but I did a lot of explaining. She realized straight away that there is no way that should happen again.

That night, when I put her to bed. She asked me "Mom, how do you forget something?". I knew she was referring to the incident that morning. Poor child, burdened with guilt that whole time. I had to be careful with my reply as I dont want her to keep worrying. So I told her that what has been done is done. Focus on the lesson learned and do better next time. I hope I said did the right things. I'm sure the questions will be trickier as she grows. I hope I ready them.

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