Arrival in Wellington, 29 Dec 2013

Most migrants can relate with that melancholic longing to be with families back home.  For someone who hasn’t been back to the Philippines in seven years, this is especially true.  The last time we were all together was in a family reunion in Singapore in April 2010.  An emotional recharge was long overdue, and so celebrating the new year with Nanay and Fr. Ronald was indeed a double treat!

It was Nanay’s second visit to NZ, her first taste of Kiwi life was in summer of 2009. Just as I wrote a tribute for my mother on her first visit, I’m too inspired to do the same to my brother whom I dearly missed.

Fr. Ronald left home for the minor seminary when he was barely 12 years old, just out of grade school.  For a while, he was the youngest and the only boy among four siblings – the most awaited son – so to speak!  He was the darling of the family until my mother unexpectedly became pregnant with Noel when he was about 10 years old. It was almost a miracle because my mother was then in remission from the ‘Big C’ while my father was already aged 67.  But that’s another interesting story to tell.

It was one of those memorable days when he broke the news to my parents that he wanted to enter the seminary, no one expected such a family twist!  I was 18 then and didn’t understand why and how he ‘listened to his divine calling’, but I was a witness to my parents’ struggle consenting their once único hijo to leave home at a very tender age.  It wasn’t only hard for my parents – it was hard for him convincing them, too.  He confined himself in prayer for several hours every night, until my parents granted his wish to pursue a vocation for priesthood.

While most families go on outings and watch movies, our Sunday afternoons were reserved for visits to the seminary.  At hindsight, I’ve realized the hardship and patience of my parents for 13 long years. We were a family of modest means, it was humbling and at times uncomfortable, ensuring that we spend some time with him, share a meal, and bring his weekly laundry.  Logistics was a real nightmare.  We had to take the bus and use the pass-over in Guadalupe, looking like gypsies with baskets of food, fresh laundry (especially the long sutanas in hangers), mats and chairs, what have you!  It wasn’t an easy journey, it was a vocation embraced by everyone to show our support and help him prevail over the challenges of seminary life.  With God’s grace, Fr. Ronald was ordained as priest on 3 December 1992 at the age of 25.

Fr. Ronald’s Ordination Day

When I said I missed him, I meant more.  I missed the chance to see him grow from a boy to a teenager, I missed the chance to take care of him when he was sick, I missed the chance to help him with his homework, I missed countless things an ‘Ate’ could have done to a younger brother.  But I realized, those were nothing compared to what he intentionally missed.

Trekking at Mt. Kaukau near Newlands

This insight came when he got sick on the first week of their holiday after a few hours’ trekking.  I haven’t seen him sick in ages so I was nervous.  He told my mom, “just stay here beside me”, and he asked me to massage his shaky legs.  While keeping his feet warm, I cried silently ‘coz I had a vision of him getting sick and growing old alone.  It’s hard to contemplate on the perils of priests’ celibate lives, particularly when sickness and loneliness touch them.  I have bothering questions in my mind, like “who will help him ease his physical pain?”…“who will visit him on his birthday and special occasions?”…“whom will he call for comfort in times of despair?”  While four of us siblings have children who will look after us (hopefully) when we grow old, whom has he got?  I wonder how his life would be when we’ve all gone before him.

But like a faithful servant, he doesn’t seem bothered by the things that worry me as his sister.  So should I really worry for him? I must seek God’s grace and forgiveness for wavering in my faith.  For it is written, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”  Philippians 4:6.  So in God I rest my case.

a wacky shot after our house blessing

Come to think of it, my brother and I haven’t really spent a full month under one roof since he was 12.  These 30 days gave me a different perspective of a sibling I didn’t get to grow up with.  He surprised me with his cool antics I never knew he had!  While not wearing his alb, he is a funny brother, a caring son, a cool uncle, and a cheerful friend.  He is uncomplicated, happy and content in his simple life.  I was wrong to think he missed a lot in our secular world, ‘coz maybe he has not missed anything at all.  He chose a self-denying life dedicated to his vocation and the people of God he serves.  That defines his happiness and fulfillment!

I couldn’t be more blessed than having him as my brother – I always pray for him and his ministry.  And I invoke everyone to pray for your priest, pastor or minister.  I feel a pinch in my heart to hear of erring priests who have gone astray.  Let’s not judge them for not being perfect, they made bad choices, ‘coz they are one with us who share our human weaknesses!  Let’s pray for them, too.  But most of all, let’s pray for those who remain faithful to their exalted vocation, let’s pray for them in their needs.

“Lord Jesus, we pray to You for our priests.  We ask that You give them the gift You gave Your chosen ones on the way to Emmaus:

Your presence in their hearts, Your holiness in their souls, Your joy in their spirits.

And let them see You face to face in the breaking of the Eucharistic bread.  Amen.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bye for now, Nanay and Fr. Ronald.  Thank you for 30 unforgettable days!  In the midst of our busy lives, thank you for bringing Dave, Regine, Lorenz and I together for a family adventure we hardly had.

Thank you for the fun and laughter, and the smell of Nanay’s cooked dinner when we get home!

But most importantly, thank you for the chance to be once more a daughter, and a sister.

For at the end of the day, it’s all about family!

We will miss you … let’s continue our lives’ journey and pray for that day when we can be together again.

Arrival at Wellington Airport, 21 April 2011

I missed the opportunity to witness my youngest brother’s wedding in the Philippines in January 2008.  And though I had the chance to visit his family in Singapore during our family reunion in April 2010, there’s so much catching up to do especially with their bundle of joy, Isabel!  So when they finally decided to visit NZ in April of this year, I was so thrilled!

While eagerly counting down the days before their arrival, Pumpkin Patch had been my favorite destination after work.  Wrapping up Isabel in autumn comfort and style was an exciting challenge as I had the slightest idea of how much she has actually grown.  True enough, the shoes I initially bought for her didn’t do justice – luckily, the store gladly replaced it with a snuggly ugg-inspired boots which were absolutely awesome on her.  This little sweetie is such a fashionista at 19 months!

Love your smile, Isabel!

In the eyes of a professional “shooter”, I know Noel will find NZ a genuine haven for his lenses – well, hopefully he did!  First, we explored Wellington City and its MUST-DOs, such as the cable car ride to the Botanic Garden, visit to Te Papa Museum, a peek at Mt. Victoria’s 360-degree lookout point, beach-side hopping and wee bit of al fresco dining.

View of Wellington CBD from the Botanic Garden

Any visit to NZ will not be complete without a quick look at Weta Cave and some significant location sites for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Amidst Kaitoke Park, about 45 minutes drive north of Wellington, lies an enchanting spot known as Rivendell, the rallying place for elves in the LOTR trilogy.  Apart from its movie appeal, it is also an ideal camping and picnic site for families and group outings where one can swim in the shallow river waters (alongside friendly ducks!) or walk the Ridge track for the avid adventure-seekers.

The "shooter" at work!

With a promising weather, it was time to explore the outskirts of Wellington, with Noel in the driver’s seat – lucky me!  Topping the list of our road-trip favorites was our visit to Castlepoint – undeniably one of the most spectacular sights along the Wairarapa coast.  Limestone reef, sheltered sandy beaches and the stunning Castle Rock Lighthouse completes this picture-perfect experience.  Truly awesome!

View is just indescribable from every angle!

And farther away – we jumped aboard the Interislander bound to Picton for a scenic ferry ride crossing the sparkling waters of the Cook Strait, separating the North and South Islands of New Zealand.   It was my second time to visit Picton but I’m still equally amazed by its serenity and picturesque waterfront.  Our day tour didn’t allow us to discover much of its lush countryside and renowned wineries – but the journey itself is an experience not to be missed!  After a sumptuous lunch, we rummaged through interesting souvenir shops, walked in the breezy park and simply enjoyed a relaxing afternoon under large palm trees, munching on fresh fish ‘n’ chips as we watched the sun set on the harbor views.

Picturesque Picton!

The days passed so quickly and it was time to wind down with just two days before the end of their 12-day visit.  Isabel and I had our own bonding moments watching Nick Jr at home; while Noel and Cecille took the chance to walk around Wellington CBD, traveled by bus and train, and discovered the sights and sounds of the inner city.  They spent half a day at fascinating Cuba Street, one of the bohemian areas of Wellington, with its wide array of cafes, second-hand shops, art galleries, and music stores – a watering hole for coffee addicts and keen shoppers seeking for something different!

I wasn’t expecting a shopping spree in Wellington for Noel and Cecille being residents of Singapore, a haven for the ultimate shop-a-holics.  But Noel really went crazy with rock-bottom priced blue-ray movies as we went through every mall and Warehouse outlet to complete his movie title list.  Isabel had her own share of comfy clothes, child-friendly wooden toys and number magnets; while Cecille filled her “santa stockings” with proudly NZ-made Whittaker chocolate blocks and Aromatherapy diffusers as “pasalubong” for friends back home.

Missing you all!

It was an absolute joy having Noel, Cecille and Isabel even for just a few days.  Their visit wasn’t long enough to make up for lost times, but the cherished moments we shared were truly heart-warming, enough to rekindle family ties and find fresh source of inspiration.

I didn’t say goodbye to this lovable family ’coz I would rather say …

“see you all again soon!”

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.