A Kandid Little Korner

To: My Dearest Sister

2009-07-20T15:37:00.006+10:00

Always remember, I am your sister, I am your friend
I am always here for you, no matter what.
Never, ever forget that.

Our love and thoughts are with you in your special day. Enjoy, sistah!

Kisses and Hugs from the Land down under,
T,B and J

Make a Smilebox greeting

Look, who's painting!

2009-07-16T09:30:00.022+10:00

Acrylic Paints? Check. Painter’s palette? Check. Some soft-bristled brushes? Check. Canvas? Check. Water? Check. Daddy? Check.

Teischa is ready for her first painting lesson!

Daddy: Acrylic paint is water-based, we need water to thin it out and it dries fast.

Teischa : I know, I know.

Doing a great job with red and blue!

Oooooppppssss..... artist's time-out! I need to pee.

Interesting detail...hehehehhe

I'm all worked up painting this masterpiece! Wheew! But it's worth it, 'coz this will cost the market a million bucks! Yahoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

Already a pro on her first. Abstract painting on its finest sealed with the painter's signature smile.

Teischa: Mine is better than...........

.....Dad's! Right, mom?
Of course, dahhhllllliiinnggggg!

Visiting Australia's Icons

2009-06-18T09:13:00.083+10:00

It was a sunny Friday, a perfect time to visit the heart of Sydney.

All buckled up and off we go! (Asta lang train station gali)

For experience, we opted to take the train to Sydney Central. Well, Just as hubby said the public transpo here is not that sophisticated and I should not expect something like in Japan ( since I came here my reference for comparison are Philippines and Japan, the only two countries I’ve lived and visited). The carriages are not that new, why should I expect it to be new, anyway? Hahahahha. We enjoyed our 45-minute ride with teischa imitating her favorite Disney movie (the one Maxxie riding in the train).

Me: “HA? Gindala dala mo pa imo laptop?
Daddy: “ To update NBA online”
Teischa : “What’s for snack?"

Alas, we arrived. The place was packed with tourists taking pictures of the Harbor and the Bridge itself. Of course, we joined and took our souvenir pics.

The magnificent steel-arch bridge

Abi i-style style ta man kwa sang bridge bi

What makes this old bridge so grand? Technically, it is the world’s largest arch bridge. Searching online, it has a very interesting past. It was officially opened in 1932 to cope up with the traffic problems. More than 70 years, it still dominates the harbor skyline.

Charlotte: one of the ferry boats

One can take a ferry boat ride to enjoy an array of spectacular destinations and experience the treasures Sydney can offer. For us, we did not take the ride yet. We are going to save it another time when it is not that cold anymore (it's winter season here). And we should leave our house early, right Teisch?

Circular Quay (station) is the hub of harbour's ferries network. Where is it?

The building behind us is the ferry terminal

The harbour side area have shops that cater the needs of tourists and Sydney-siders, somewhere to shop, accommodation,meal, etc. One can enjoy a cup of tea/coffee, feeling relaxed with the spectacular view of the harbor.

Sit down ta anay Teisch kapoy lakat2. Ang rayuma ko nagtukar...hikhik...aw sus a

Marriot lang ah...di na pag ipost ang shangri-la...

You can bike around, too.

Harbour side

Shopping...shopping...shopping

Sit back,relax, view the harbour

Bataaaa...enjoy ka gid???

Aborigines attract tourists with their native music. $10 for their CD (hmmm....sosyal...ga CD sila)

I don't know what's the right name for this one. This guy makes a living as a "moving statue". Actually he only moves when people get near him. A coin-filled hat in front of him. Hmmm? Not a bad idea, after all. Teischa was mesmerized with this masked-green-outfit man. I think she's silently freaking out :-).

Come here birdie, come to mama

Mama's going to give you cookie.... come here.

Teischa, let's go. Leave the little bird alone. Can't we take it home, daddy? Ngeee...

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable images, not only here, but of the world. A masterpiece of a great Danish architect, this became the iconic symbol of the whole continent.

Teischa and daddy all smiles with the "shells" of the opera house behind

It has become the venue of countless cultural events and performing arts

Teischa: "Sit down again,Mommy? Tani nag-Flanax ka. Kabalo gid na siya may stairs pakadto sa balay ni Oprah po". Mommy: "Dali lang bala. Relax lang anay. Anong balay ni Oprah? O-pe-ra not Oprah". Hehehehhe... Joke time. Corny ah.

Just outside the opera house. Look closely what I caught in my camera.

A photo shoot!

One perfect bridge, a view from the opera house

The harbor viewed from the opera house

The rain drizzled just as we were circling the opera house. But when it started to get heavy, we ran back to the shop area. We called it a day when the clock said 5pm. Bambam’s worried of the train ride since it’s Friday which means a full-packed carriages.

Though, we were not able to really explore the central, we definitely caught a glimpse of it. We will go back as many times as possible and we are going to explore each treasure this place has to offer.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, the blue waters underneath and the Opera House surely takes one breath away. So picture perfect. No wonder many stand in awe just by looking at them.

To The Land Down Under (Daddy we're coming!)

2009-06-14T19:16:00.002+10:00

We took a night time flight on 14th of May to Australia aboard the Qantas Airways. The trip was ever smooth and stable without me having to experience the “ear and head splits” unlike flying other airlines (peace yo!). Teischa was soundlessly asleep all throughout the trip which saved me much stress having to keep a toddler from doing tantrums in a close-filled plane. She was in a supine position and was occupying half of my seat leaving me sitting in sideways. This, I find more endurable than having a wailing kid with me upsetting those who wanted to have their night sleep. I can’t really sleep without the comfort of a bed, so I occupied myself watching the video “The Confession of a Shopaholic”.

Hours after, it was announced that we were approaching Sydney Airport and I had my first glimpse of Australia from the sky. It was strikingly beautiful! It was bright orange all over with the crack of dawn. It was like I am seeing another planet, the sight was breathtaking! The sun was magnificent as it slowly extended its rays and met up with the sky. I felt so near to it that I could almost touch it. Below was what looked like a vast, empty land, perfectly sculpted. All the rest were very orangey.

As the plane did its smooth touch on the ground, I said a short thank you prayer for our safe trip. Thermal scanners were positioned at the center of the lobby, as expected. I passed! Another thank you. With my mother-and-lola-in-laws and teischa, we hurried up to immigration check and I was surprised when the officer said that they needed to check something on my passport. Another officer was called and directed me to follow her but I was told to wait just outside the office. I was relieved when; she went out and said, “Here you go. Thanks!” Our baggages were thoroughly checked by the customs since Mamang (lola) declared food items on the checklist. The officer was a friendly, Chinese man and he smiled when he saw the “chicharon” and she explained what it was. He shook his head,”No, you can’t bring this. I’m sorry. This is pork!” Ding, ding, ding, it’s swine flu season, hello?

As we made our way out, I can’t help thinking “we are here at last!”. This is our land of promise. The place we really wanted to settle and raise our kids, the land of endless opportunities.

After more than a year, the three of us were reunited, finally. Together, we will build our heaven here on earth, a one happy, happy family.

Welcome Back Me!

2009-06-11T09:40:00.005+10:00

After months of keeping silent, I’m here again. I just want to start by backtracking what kept me and my loved ones busy these past few months why I haven’t been able to post here.

My younger sister and her long time boyfriend got married last March 21.

16 April my mama passed away between 6-7pm. It was a life-changing experience for us. Our lives, our routines were not as they were. Some of us moved on from one place to another. A change so imposing that some of us are fearful and uncomfortable. I made an almost-detailed account of what mama endured in her last hours but never posted it. I don’t know, though it’s kind of a “history” this time I really have this feeling that I have to post it for whom and why, I can’t tell. Balloons were set free on the afternoon of April 21 as we laid our dearest Mama in her resting place. Let go and move on.

My Papa moved from his house, he bought around early 1970s and he lived there since, to my house which is a 15-minute walk from his. My 12-year old niece whom mama raised and a certified Lola’s girl moved with her mother and enrolled for high school in Cavite. QT, my younger sister, very much pregnant, went back to Manila to continue working but planned to go back and going to manage their small business. My brother kept himself busy by getting a work in a small company.

Teischa and I moved here in Australia to be with her Dad.

My family and I are looking forward to a brighter life ahead. A family less one but strong and happy.

We each take our turn-around spin with grace and unwavering respect to each other.

This is a new life. A new beginning. A new hope.

C+

2009-04-11T16:51:00.012+10:00

I thought I was ready for it but I was not. This, I realized when he gave his judgment about the data that was laid out in front of him. I’ve been googling it for the past few days before I once again visited him and had my suspicion what the final verdict would be. But instead, my body shook and gave in to the tears that I was holding back. It’s different when you’ve been reading it and when somebody tells you right up front.

Yes, our dearest Mama is positive of Liver Cancer. He explained in his own medical terms which I can’t grasp anymore and scribbled some statistics which I really don’t care about. The word “positive” was all that’s been echoing in my ear.

As I went out from his office with the prescription in hand, I was still crying and oblivious to the people around me. I did not go home right away instead I rode in the taxi and went on circles just to give time to stabilize my emotion. I’m glad the driver is not nosy enough to ask me why I am crying.

We have come to a decision to tell Mama about her diagnosis. It's her right to know about it. Before doing it, I drilled my head to close my tear duct. Still, I am not that confident if I could carry on with the task without crying. For the sake of mama, I did not cry which is weird since I am the most emotional person alive. Mama did not cry, too. Not a single tear. She said she know that her illness is very serious because she can feel it in her bones now. She feels her body weakens each day. I accept it, she said. That night, I heard her crying softly.

All of us are hurting because of this, especially our 74-year old Papa. This is the biggest pain we’ve ever had. I know this can happen to anyone in this world but I never imagined it happening to us. Mama is young and deserves to live a great life ahead of her. We have so much plans for her, for us. It’s like our lives crumbled the day we knew about it. It’s like living each day in loneliness and agony. The laughter and happiness that used to fill this house is nowhere. This family will never be the same again.

We have come to accept this, we don’t have a choice. We’ll do this slowly but surely. One day at a time. We draw strength from each other so there’s no room for frailty at this point of our lives. Hand in hand, we will struggle our way out of this.

Thank You for those who prayed and continue to pray for Mama. Words are not enough to tell you how much it means to us. Mama is courageously fighting Cancer with her strong Faith in God. She’s a fighter all her life and emerged as a victor in all her battles. As long as I see her this way, who am I to get weak and surrender?

P.S. For the sake of my family, I decided it's best not to disclose on what stage the cancer is. Thanks for understanding.

To The First Man in My Life

2009-04-04T14:13:00.014+11:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAPA!

You are on your 74th year but you look like you are still on your 6o’s….

meaning wala uban, active, wala gadukoy dukoy maglakat pero bungol lang…. “Pa pahulma ko gani papel. Ha? Tubig? “ Daw kalayo haw?

A man who’d rather keep quiet during situations when emotions are high.

Cooking time is his time. Iya na ya luto ang pinakanamit. Kung iban na gani magluto may comment gid…. Like baw kalas-ay, baw kaparat…

It takes him a couple of hours to buy something from the market (3-5 mins away from the house)… why? Baw kay galinya pa gali sa lotto…

Ahahaha… I can go on and on telling everyone about you Papa. You are the most patient man I’ve ever known. Never did you hit us or shout at us and that’s what I am most proud about you.

God bless you with a healthy life ahead. We are here and we will take care of you always.

We love you , Papa!

sad blogging?

2009-04-01T01:24:00.002+11:00

i should be changing this not-so-suitable-template-anymore. i am not going to be "happy blogging" on the weeks, maybe months to come.

guys, i know u are worrying about me. thanks. but i have decided to be "incommunicado" to you. I am sorry but nothing my friends say or do will ease up what I feel now.

I am hurting and my life will never ever be the same. Let this be my moment. I'll be private for my reasons for now but I will share it someday soon.

I cherish you all.

No title for this.

2009-03-30T16:56:00.002+11:00

It feels like I’m in a dream now. A bad, bad dream, the worst I’ve ever had. I can’t seem to figure out what’s the point of this whole nightmarish situation.

I don’t know what to believe and what to expect. I have this urgency to rewind everything from the start. But I can’t, can I? It’s like I am watching a movie in fast forward and I can’t even do anything about it. How could this be? Why should this happen? What for?

My eyes are not shedding tears but my heart is. I thought I am strong but I am not. I can’t even look at it straight without cracking up. But I can’t afford to be overpowered by it… I can’t be weak now. I just can’t. I am struggling, we all are. We’ll just hold on… hold on to that promise that we will all be fine. Life is a process, we are a process.

We Got It!

2009-03-25T18:02:00.003+11:00

Yesterday, Teischa and I were jumping for joy because we received the one thing we've been waiting for...... Australian visas for us!

Coming from the hospital, I couldn't wait to open my email because this week or the next, I am expecting the embassy to schedule me for my interview. But, what I saw on the subject was : Approval letter. Not what I expected....it's better! They grant us our visa!

For the past six months I've been worrying about my documents, my medical check up and my interview. Before I even lodged my application in Manila, I've been thinking negative thoughts. I have so many unreasonable what ifs. I've become an ultimate worry wart. Now, it's all over. I now have my peace of mind (on this area, that is).

I'll be waiting for our passport to be labelled and we plan our trip next.

Thank you for those who prayed. God is really good.

The Dead Man Wore Pyjamas

2009-03-16T01:26:00.007+11:00

I took this from Paulo Coelho's "Like the Flowing River". I never got over this sad story after I read it a couple of years back. At times, I'd suddenly remember this unexpectedly and my heart would break for this Japanese man. Read on and you'll share my sentiment, for sure.

On 10 Jun 2204, Tokyo, man was found dead in his pyjamas, in his bedroom. There was no sign of struggle or violence. An official from Metropolitan Police, in an interview with the newspaper, stated that the man had almost certainly died of a sudden heart attack.

The corpse was found by the employees of a construction company on the second floor of a building in a housing development that was about to be demolished. Everything would lead us to think that our dead man in the pyjamas, having failed to find somewhere to live in one of the most densely populated and most expensive places in the world, had simply decided to live in a building where he wouldn't have to pay any rent.

Then comes the tragic part of the story. Our dead man was nothing more than a skeleton wearing pyjamas. Beside him, was an open newspaper dated 20 February 1984. On a table nearby, the calendar was marked the same year.

He had been there for 20 years.

And no one noticed his absence.

The man was identified as an ex-employee of the company who had built the housing development, where he had moved at the beginning of the 1980s, immediately after getting divorced. He was just over fifty on the day he was reading the newspaper and suddenly departed this life.

His ex-wife had never tried to get in touch with him. The journalists went to the company where he had worked and discovered that the company had gone bankrupt immediately after the project was finished, because they had failed to sell any of the apartments, which would explain why they did not find it strange when the man stopped turning up for work. The journalists tracked down his friends, who attributed his disappearance to the fact that he had borrowed money from them and hadn't been able to pay them back.

The man's mortal remains were returned to his ex-wife.

Tsk..Tsk.Tsk... I can't really imagine a person so alone that no one noticed his absence for two decades. His existence never mattered to anyone, even to his ex-wife. I can't help to think what kind of person he is. How did he deal with those around him to deserve such solitude? Worse, much worse, than the hunger for food is his hunger for companionship. For that even one person to care for you, to love you and to make you feel important. For that one person looking forward to seeing you everyday or even hearing your voice. For that one person to check out on how things are going. This man never had that One Person.

Thank you for making me realize how important my family are. That I am lucky to have my friends who keep in touch. I don't have just one, I have many.

Until now...

2009-03-11T03:41:00.008+11:00

Today, I have decided to make a blog spot. I’ve always wanted to but I used to do the per-hour internet rent and my free time is limited to my daughter’s nap time, so it was impossible to, since it sometimes takes me forever to collect my thoughts and put it into words. But now, I can stay up late and have a chance to put my opinions, random thoughts, observations, experiences and the like into writing.

Aside from sharing my personal thoughts with those who care about me, this will serve as a "record" for me so that I can read through it when my memory fails me (which happens all the time).

I’ll try my best to keep up with this as much as I can and fill this each time I have something worth noting. Well, enough of this intro… It's time to say... See 'ya later.