I get affected when my adult kids go through important events in their lives. Be it change in career path, studies, and mostly, relationships. When my son told me he is in a new relationship, I was overjoyed for him and his lovely lady. She’s bubbly, helpful, smart, and a certified dog lover. I could imagine her visiting our home with her ‘babies’ on leash.

Uh oh, that smells trouble! Coz I have the ultimate fear of dogs. I was so scared that I would cross to the other side of the road just to avoid people walking their dogs. I would turn down friends’ invitations if I knew they have dogs. And I’d never allow dogs inside my house. But you could guess – that last one was overruled!

And so we had a silent house rule. When the dogs are around, I’d lock myself in our bedroom. If I need to come out, they would lock the dogs. That actually worked well. Until one morning, I woke up very thirsty and went to the kitchen to grab something to drink. When I closed the fridge door, I almost dropped my glass when I saw this white fluffy creature in front of me. And so I screamed, “take this dog away from me”! But no one heard me. I stood still while staring at him on what seemed to be the longest minute of my life. He was staring at me too – firm but confused. As I kept calling for help, he slowly moved back away from me, but still staring! Until finally, someone rescued me and picked him up.

I’ll never ever forget that day. I felt so sorry for the way I treated him, for thinking he was trouble. For seeing every single dog like an enemy, no matter how gentle or fierce they look. I felt bad for being unfair and cold to these warm creatures aptly called ‘man’s best friend’.  I’ve never called any dog by its name.

But at that moment, I knew I had a change of heart. I felt like my heart expanded and suddenly had the capacity to love dogs, I never knew I had.

Some of the best relationships are formed when you least expect them. That same day, I gained two faithful, huggable friends. They were the first dogs I’ve ever touched. And definitely the ones I first loved. A relationship I didn’t expect ever happening in my lifetime. Changes I didn’t see coming – like sneaking through the pets’ treat section in the supermarket. And looking forward to weekends when they would arrive wagging their tails and jumping on me, and cuddling in my own bed.

Thank you, Sky and Pochi. Because of you two, I’ll never look at dogs the same way again. You’ve changed my heart. You’ve changed me.
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An ode for my one and only daughter, with all the love my heart can hold!

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The last day of the year always remind me of my first day in New Zealand.  Growing up in a traditionally loud and lively New Year’s Eve setting, that night on the 31^st of December 2006 was exceptionally quiet.

It symbolized the dawn of a new year, full of hope for a new life.

Six years hence was filled with patchy ‘highs and lows’, but never a time of regret. With life’s uncertainties, the Lord has continually blessed my family with a deeper faith and stronger mind.

I feel nostalgic each time I look at this photo – ’coz it takes me back to that moment six years ago when I first laid eyes on this awesome site near Wellington airport. Lush greens and deep blues! I couldn’t have chosen a more beautiful country to be our new home …

and yes, I do declare, I love NZ!

It’s here, finally!

I’ve said it countless times, and I’ll say it again – God is always faithful to His promises!

On the 12^thof July 2012, Regine and I finally reached the destination of our New Zealand journey, we are officially NZ citizens!

i’m ready!

It was a crazy Thursday morning coloring and styling our hair (thanks Dave … yes, cooking is not his only passion!), doing our nails, choosing the perfect shoes for our outfit, and treating ourselves to a mini make-over.

pretty young lady!

A few hours later, we’re ready for the big event! But wait … there’s more! Dave and Lorenz dressed up for the occasion too! These two fine gentlemen swept me off my feet in their dark suits.

really hot!

The citizenship ceremony is the final step to becoming a New Zealand citizen. It was a vision I endeavoured for my family when I pursued our NZ dream and eventually made our first steps on NZ soil five years ago. How time flies … that vision is now a reality.

I wish I could say that for the whole family, but Lorenz and Dave will have to wait for their own shining moments a year or more later as they fulfill some residency requirements. Surely, we will be as excited for them as we are now.

In retrospect, I recalled how we as a family had painstakingly jumped over so many hurdles when we courageously started a new life in an unfamiliar ground. There was no guarantee of success, and more importantly, no family close-by for emotional support. We had nothing to start with – all we had was deep faith in the Lord. I believe that was everthing we needed.  Now we reap the sweet reward of our hardwork and patience.

a first of its kind family pic!

The ceremony at the Department of Internal Affairs office at Wellington was short and simple. The programme started by collectively reciting the Oath of Allegiance, then the presentation of the Certificate of Citizenship to the 10 candidates, and finally we all sang the New Zealand national anthem. All new citizens were gifted with a native NZ plant representing new life. I was quite touched by a line in the letter signed by Hon. Chris Tremain, the Minister of Internal Affairs, which read “Before today New Zealand was your home, now it is also your country ”.  Indeed, I couldn’t have chosen a better and more beautiful country to be our new home.

After the short and simple ceremony, we celebrated with a family lunch at the nearby Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe. The food was good, the ambiance was great, but it was “the family moment” that made this occasion truly extraordinary!

Thank God, the long wait is over! We are happily, proudly and officially Kiwi!

a winning moment!

Today, I turned a year older, hopefully a year wiser too! As I look forward to another exciting year, I thought I should write about my golden year’s cherished moments …

My son is 21!

Lorenz turned 21 on the 10^th of July 2011. Regine, the ever-loving ‘Ate’ that she is, gave him a surprise party at the eve of his birthday at Tangerine Cafe in Cuba Street, right at the heart of Wellington CBD. Regine deserved the credit for a well organized event where most of Lorenz’ friends were present. I’d never been to a wacky party for ages but I quite enjoyed the upbeat music and carefree dancing on a not-so-big-stage where hearing someone talking can be a real challenge! It could have been perfect if Lorenz’ special someone wasn’t out of the country to share this special day, but it was a success after all.

Yes, he got surprised!

I was so excited when Regine called me at ‘centerstage’ to have my own moment and thank their friends who took time out to make the party a simple yet memorable one. I had so much thoughts lingering in my mind as I approached the stage but a message straight from my heart really stood out that I wanted to share with his friends. I can vividly recall that feeling as I said these words … “I have something really interesting to say about my son, Lorenz or Rey as you fondly call him.  I named Lorenz after St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first and only Filipino saint ever ordained. Well, it will take me all night to justify this decision, but hey, everyone knows that my son is no saint … but you know what? I will never trade Lorenz for any other saintly son in the whole wide world!”  Then I came to him and gave him a big hug … a truly amazing feeling I will never forget.

She’s leaving home …

A few day before Christmas 2011, Regine got her acceptance letter from the University of Auckland where she wanted to continue her Fine Arts course for three more years. I’ve always believed in Regine’s skills and natural flair and I knew that she’ll make it, and one day live her dreams. She prayed for it so bad, that I can only give her my full support and be happy for one big step she has achieved – though there’s a part of me that’s hurting ‘coz I knew that she was leaving home soon.

Is that your best smile, mom?

In February 2012, we drove up eight hours north of Wellington to Auckland with a van-full of Regine’s books, beddings, kitchen and bathroom stuff and a few of her choice ‘penguins’. We arrived Auckland late in the afternoon and we needed to set up her flat that night as we had to go back to Wellington the next morning. I’ve always loved shopping, but not when it’s closing time – picking a new bed and desk to match the character of her flat in merely five minutes was just crazy! The next morning was the moment of truth … it was my first experience to send off a child to live independently and the feeling of letting go was beyond description. As we were leaving her new flat, I watched her from the rear window of our car until I can’t see her anymore. Then like a child, cried my heart out – really loud! It took me some days to recover and have the guts to clean up her room – but then I have to embrace this episode of my life as yet another one of motherhood’s joys, pains and every sensitivity in-between. That day, I called my mom to let her know how I appreciate the ordeal she must have gone through when three of her children and their families left the Philippines to live overseas, including us. And as they say – a mother will always be a mother, no matter what, no matter where!

 A pleasing surprise!

It was the 13^th of May 2012, Mother’s Day. Regine came home from Auckland to give me the surprise of my life that really made my day! She said my face was indescribable when I opened the door for her – and to top up the surprise visit, she gave me a lovely autumn jacket with animal print lining … really love it! If there’s something we’ve always agreed on, that must be about fashion and style! We had a full day catching up on stories and had a real good lunch at my favourite cafe. Someone told me that I must have done something right to be able to raise up a loving daughter and a best friend like her.

Best friends forever!

Of course, Lorenz remembered too … he texted me “Happy Mother’s Day” …  and a smiley!  That was enough to make me twice as happy!

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?