Arrival at Wellington Airport, 3 May 2010

Nobody’s perfect, so the saying goes … but in my books, there is room for a “perfect Ate”.  Literally speaking, she is our family’s ultimate “stress-buster”.  Ate Gie will never say “no” to any appeal for help from anyone of us – be it advisory, financial or otherwise.  But don’t be deceived … beyond her gentle looks lies a former terror professor in Accounting at famed De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines.  Her family migrated to Canada in November 2000 and she now holds a senior management role at Japan’s leading shipping firm based in Toronto.   So, who says one can’t have both brains and beauty? Well, I am delighted to say that my Ate Gie is blessed to have them both!

Keeping warm on a chilly night at Oriental Parade

Remember Frodo?

Adventure of a lifetime!

Christchurch was the only destination outside of Wellington which Regine and I avidly hand-picked for Ate Gie’s frenzied 5-day itinerary in NZ.  The trip was an all-girls affair!  From exquisite sushi dining, to garden-hopping, and of course, random shopping!  But the highlight of our trip was the “Lord of the Rings tour”, a 4WD adventure through small streams, exploring the breathtaking Canterbury country road culminating at the summit of Mt. Sunday, the spectacular location shoot of Edoras for the LOTR trilogy!

Stunning views on the way to Mt. Sunday (at the background)

Finally reaching the summit of Mt. Sunday ... lights, camera, action!

Proudly waving the Edoras flag ... good job!

We couldn’t have made a better choice – Christchurch was vibrant, mystique and enchanting!  But sadly not anymore, in the aftermath of the devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit the central city in September 2010, and continuing aftershocks.  My heart feels for Christchurch and its people, but I would like to remember the “Garden City” with all its charm and splendor.

Here’s a glimpse to our “Nikon-moments” captured by my photographer-daughter, Regine, on a chilly night at the Cathedral Square – a timeless tribute!

At the facade of the fallen Christchurch Cathedral

Like little girls - careless and free!

Sitting pretty!

'Spotted the matching shoes?

Ate Gie’s trip to NZ was simply unforgettable.  She couldn’t have come in a more perfect timing.  Those were the days when I had too much in my plate – parenting concerns, relationship uncertainties, career issues, etc.  I was in a puzzling crossroad, again!  I needed someone who can literally read my mind and naturally finish my sentence without even trying.  We talked and talked – while dining, at the airport, on board a plane, while shopping, in-between “photoshoots”, and as we go to bed until we both fall asleep.

I was far from being a perfect daughter.  I’ve tried my parents’ patience to the max and may have hurt them countless times.  So when I finally had the chance to make it up with my mom during her visit to NZ, I did everything I can to make her feel my love and gratitude for making me who I am now.

A breezy walk on windy Welly’s shores!

Ina, anak at apo – enjoying al fresco breaky at Scorching Bay

At our home in Broadmeadows, Wellington

At Kirkcaldie & Stains’ Shiseido counter, after an R&R

I miss my Nanay!

I’d like to give my mother a little tribute.  “Nanay” as we fondly call her, is a survivor of the Big C.  She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer while she was in her early-40s and had undergone physical and emotional pain in the process.  She underwent cobalt treatments and radioactive therapy that required her to live in isolation for several weeks.  She may have been in terrible pain that caused her sudden hormone surges and sometimes irrational ways.  In retrospect, I wish I was mature enough to realize the value of giving her unconditional support during those trying times, but I was then too young to understand.  In all her struggles, I have to commend her exceptional faith in God and remarkable courage in her plight to survive.  Undeniably, this spiritual strength guided her path towards full recovery.  A true testimony of miracle at work!

My siblings and I had been raised in a family of modest means, but my parent’s greatest legacy to their children is a deeply-rooted faith in God.   As a little child, all I can recall was our family prayer time.  We knelt while praying the Angelus and the Rosary at 6pm every single night, and we went to hear Sunday Mass every week without fail.  I have no doubt that this upbringing somehow inspired my brother, Fr. Ronald, in his divine calling for priesthood – he was ordained in December 1992.

As a teenager, no other word can describe her but strict – extremely strict!  I remember my parents waiting outside the school gates after my Junior-Senior Prom!  My father was a “man-of-few-words”, very meek and gentle – quite the opposite of my mom.  She would not allow parties and outings with friends apart from official school activities.  This is where my Tatay, our liaison officer, would come to the rescue and secure our “license to party”.   With curfew hours firmly implemented – no one can come home after 9pm (what?!) or you’ll be grounded for days.  At times, my Nanay can be quite harsh and every now and then unreasonable.  Each one of my siblings had at one point in time experienced relationship crisis with her, and I was no exception.  Do we really have to learn our lessons the hard way?   Do mothers really know what’s best for her children?  For a long time, I couldn’t reconcile that idea, not until I was a parent myself, white-water rafting with my two teenagers!  But that’s another story.

Nothing compares to a mother’s hug

Nanay has mellowed-down as she aged.  I’ve seen her gradually transform into a nurturing, supportive and inspiring mother.  With my father’s demise in October 1997, her happiness revolves around her 5 children and 11 grandchildren.  She lives with a loyal helper in our old house, while the family of my youngest sister, Elvi, lives next door at our family compound in Makati, Philippines.  She has visited my sister, Gie, twice in Canada, visited me once in NZ, and frequently flown to Singapore to visit my brother, Noel.  She’s quite a jetsetter!  She will celebrate her 75^th birthday in January next year.

Perhaps the most life-changing decision I’ve ever made was migrating to New Zealand.  It was the 31^st of December 2006 – the day “my earth stood still” as I opened a new episode of my seemingly theatrical life story with all its twists and turns bordering on a roller-coaster ride.  I can vividly recall that overwhelming experience as I admired the breathtaking views from the clouds of this awesome land of the Kiwis.  As my plane prepared to land, I had tears of joy and couldn’t thank the Lord enough for the enormous blessing as I told myself, “Yes, I’m not dreaming, I actually made it to NZ!

Coming to a new country involves significant give-and-take of peer support.  I had an opportunity to share an inspirational thought in a forum for aspiring and new migrants in NZ, and I’d like to share an excerpt of my message with you as well, so here it goes …

“I know most new migrants here in NZ have their own stories to tell – I’m telling my story to share God’s greatness. 

I arrived in NZ with nothing but NZ$1,000 and PURE TRUST IN THE LORD. My first morning in Wellington was the first day of 2007, a new year full of hope for a new life.  I started each morning with a prayer, and spent each day job searching online, clipping newspaper ads, attending job fairs – name it!  40 days passed … and after I’ve sent over 200 applications, declined about 33 times, interviewed 9 times – with still no job offer at hand, my soaring enthusiasm nose-dived and my little “baon” was almost gone. But I held on to my faith.

At last I was noticed, and for a while I thought I made it, only to get desperate when I was almost there but didn’t make it for just an entry-level accounting role. The reason: Despite my credentials, I’ve got no local experience, just like most of you! Then came sleepless nights brainstorming on my options not only to find a job, but factually to survive… and I did everything possible to save the little money that I have.  Like a desperate traveler, I moved to a cheaper accommodation, I walked miles to save on transport costs and have done something I couldn’t imagine doing – housekeeping! It’s no joke to clean 8 to 10 rooms within 5 hours each day in a shabby 3-star hotel, just so that I may survive. I questioned myself, ‘I had been on business travels for many years staying at posh hotels while working for ADB, and now I’m rubbing elbows with toilet bowls and soiled sheets to tide me over – what is the Lord teaching me?’ I cried every night as I nurse my aching back, weakening and about to fall, but in my heart I believe God has a better plan. It was a humbling experience that opened my eyes to the true-to-life perils and struggles of a new migrant.

And indeed, patience is a virtue … the Lord truly works in mysterious ways! On 19 February 07, heaven smiled at me!! I signed a job offer as Corporate Accountant, a mid-management role at a government ministry. The Lord has truly blessed me! And now I’m ready for a new battle, armed with a deeper faith.”

Living alone in my first home at Newlands, Wellington, March 2007

My 50th birthday, 15 June 2011

Most ladies lie about their real age – I don’t!  I was in fact excited about the whole thing.  For me, aging is a state of mind, not something physical.  Grey hair, fine lines, reading glasses, love handles – who cares?  I welcome this transition as an ideal time for personal reflection and thoughtful reassessment.  After all, I have family and friends, my most treasured possessions, who give me support, friendship and nourishment  …  can I ask for more?

It was the day after my 50^th when I realized what was missing in my life – I still love to write!  It came like a breeze while Facetime-ing with my youngest brother, Noel, that lead to that realization when he simply said “if there’s something you really love to do – do it now”.   I think I’ve found a home for that writing – please join me in testing the water!