midlifetreasures

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!

I didn’t wish on a falling star but my dream just came true! Nothing came close to the joy I felt as I hugged my nieces, nephew, cousins and best friend. It’s something I dreamt about for twelve years or more! Mega-wish granted!

I’m still in cloud nine over our holiday but before my ‘senior moment’ takes over, I’d like to journal our fun memories (read: bloopers) in my very own travelogue. With thousands of photos, I’ve hand-picked a few that are just too good to be kept in my personal computer.

Toronto…finally!

Departure Date: 26 September 2012; The journey: Wellington-Sydney-Los Angeles-New York-Toronto; Time to destination: 30hours, really! At first I thought, that would be too tiresome. But then, travelling with daughter, Regine, was like “hitting two birds in one stone” as they say!

NYC lay-over

She’s a caring daughter and a dear friend whom I confide and share mushy stuff with. A perfect chance for us to catch up on our missed mother and daughter ‘one-on-ones’ since she moved to her flat in Auckland, while we enjoy our holiday together, snap! Say hello, Toronto!

28 September: Ate Gie and her family treated us to something really awesome. First stop of our holiday was supposedly Niagara Falls but a well-planned detour was inevitable – shopping at Lundy’s Lane outlet shops! I was happy simply browsing around, but Ate Gie introduced me to my newest friend. A deep-green Michael Kors buttery soft leather bag, very chic! Green is not a color I would personally pick but she was so spot on, luv it! Thanks to my ever-generous sis for this “welcome to Canada” gift as I fondly coined it.

woohoo!

Finally arriving at Niagara Falls, we didn’t waste any minute. Ate Gie treated us to a two-day adventure pass. This included several activities including a “Journey Behind the Falls” experience. We found ourselves ‘wet ‘n wild’ as we accessed a tunnel that allowed us to actually view the waterfalls from beneath, cool stuff!

literally behind the falls!

How can I forget the “Maid of the Mist” ferry ride … no, it isn’t the ‘Love Boat’ for honeymooners but you’ll certainly hear your heartbeat racing as the boat came closer and closer to the towering waterfalls. What an experience!

Awesome photo, i can almost feel the breeze! Thanks, Noel!

At sunset, it would have been nice to indulge in a hot spa bath to wind down and have a relaxing sleep. But the night seemed so young; hitting the bed wasn’t yet in the agenda. Instead, I found myself at the window gazing over the lighted waterfalls and skyline of the surrounding theme parks.

I’m lost for words to aptly describe that feeling as I admire the view from our room at the 28^th floor of The Embassy Suites. And so, we were “Sleepless in Niagara”! Careless and free, it was an all-girls’ night out trying new and crazy stuff … 4D movie fun ride, first taste of Dippin’ Dots and BeaverTails, and a majestic night view of the falls atop the Niagara SkyWheel, a 175-foot tall ferries wheel. Who says only teenyboppers can scream and shout?

Isabel is 3!

30 September: We’re back at Ate Gie’s house in Toronto for our dear Isabel’s 3rd birthday, the highlight of the holiday! This kid is the smartest and the most ‘opinionated’ I’d ever seen. I teased her while in the car during one of our road trips and I whined “I really want to sleep now, are we there yet?” and to my surprise she hushed me in the cutest way and said, “Tita Maganda (brainwashed kid!), we’re not there yet … be patient”. Mind you, she’s only three years old! While on board, you’ll find her reading books, water-coloring and having the most fun over birthday cards she received, actually much more than the presents! Amazing kid!

We haven’t had enough of Toronto yet, but Ate Gie never run out of great ideas that made us drool over Canada’s must-sees! So it’s time to gear for a five-day road trip north of Ontario. Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa, here we come!

En route to Montreal, we had another stunning stop! It felt like time-travelling to circa 1920s as we pulled away from the pier at Rockport, Ontario. We took a picturesque one-hour ferry ride gliding through several islands, ranging from tiny ones with small cottages to Victorian-inspired estates and mystique castles.

Thus the name ‘1000 Islands’ scattered along the St. Lawrence River shared between Canada and the USA. I was totally hooked with the commentary throughout the ride that spoke about tales of love and power in these magnificent islets. I wonder who are the people living there!

1 October: Montreal … if I were to go on a second honeymoon, this place is on top of my list! I luv rustic Montreal. The city walls and intriguing alleys seemingly talk to you from within … simply majestueux! There’s something in the air that made me say, “Wish you were here” … mushy me! It gives a feel of old European charm with a mix of horse drawn carriage, mood-lighted city walls, an array of French café and fine dining, and flute music in the air … a perfect setting for the hopeless romantic! But you’ll need to learn a French line or two! Oui!

someone really enjoyed shopping!

2 October: Quebec … if you are a shopaholic craving for vintage clothing, hand-made shoes, unique artworks and intricate souvenirs, this is your haven! Indulge and curb your shopping appetite in this little “town” in Old Quebec where you’ll find quaint boutiques on both sides of the stone-clad road. Vehicles aren’t allowed there, only shoppers!

shopping in Old Quebec!

Top this treat with a night at Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and you’ll feel like a princess!

unofficial visit!

3 October: Ottawa … we paid a “courtesy call” to The Parliament House and surrounding CBD. Ottawa will always remind me of a new experience. I’m not a fan of water rides and there’s no way I’m riding an amphibian bus … but I did! ‘Lady Dive’ was so irresistible! I jumped into a window seat to get myself the best view of the city tour. Too excited that I lifted a tiny black latch which I thought was a window lock and off came the emergency alarm! Ooooops, don’t panic, it’s just silly me!

missing him?

The tour guide was wacky and his commentary was quite interesting as we drove around the CBD showcasing a good mix of historic and contemporary buildings in Ottawa. Just when I thought it was the end of the line, our bus gracefully glided over the river bank and off to the water. Whew, that was something different! The ride wasn’t only entertaining, we’ve had a good dose of Ottawa History 101 too.

Our home in Toronto!

4 October: Feeling like gypsies with luggage filled with soiled clothes, we headed back to Ate Gie’s home in Toronto to have a day’s rest … and do our laundry!

I thought at this stage that we were getting too spoiled, but wait there’s more! We haven’t seen one of Canada’s top tourist destinations. A significant part of the crazy itinerary was a visit to Alberta, Calgary. And so we boarded a 4-hour domestic flight the very next day!

Bow Lake, Banff, Alberta … total serenity!

6-8 October: Banff, Alberta … the site of the famous Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, world class ski fields and hot springs. There is shopping advantage there too! Alberta is the only province in North America that doesn’t impose provincial sales tax, a feature that attracts tourists, workers and business owners. So what better thing to do than shop and eat to your heart’s desire! But only in Alberta!

felt like home …

We stayed for two nights at the Hidden Ridge Resort, tucked away on Tunnel Mountain with beautifully crafted log houses and awesome view of the town and Canadian Rockies. I can almost smell the green forest and wood burning in the fireplace as I’m writing this! I love Banff and the surrounding snowcapped mountains as it reminded me of Queenstown back home in NZ. I actually described the place as “Queenstown on steroid” coz it’s just as beautiful but utterly massive!

Then, it’s time for goodbyes!

12 October: Quite a sad day ‘coz Noel’s family is going back home to Singapore. That moment still clings to my heart when Ate Gie and I hugged him tight … and he whispered to us “Hindi kayang pantayan ang saya” (Nothing compares to the joy).

with my youngest bro!

He made me cry – he is after all the youngest sibling in the family, and for a long time the darling of our maternal home in the Philippines. I’ll terribly miss them, especially Isabel, the family’s bundle of joy! I hope to see them again soon, perhaps on their second trip to NZ!

You may think we’ve reached the anti-climax … but not really!

Big Apple first-timer!

Ate Gie won’t let us go home without a bite at the Big Apple! This is the ‘exclamation point’ of this unbelievably, crazy, happy holiday!

at the heart of NYC …

12-14 October: “I wanna be a part of it, New York, New York”! First-timers Regine and myself feasted our eyes on the city’s sparkle right outside our New York “home”, Marriott Hotel at Times Square! I was thrilled!

where’s John?

An exciting part of this episode was meeting my cousin Len whom I haven’t seen in 15 long years. She took a 5-hour flight from Phoenix, Arizona to NYC to share this special time with us! A great reason for us to ‘paint the town red’ and make the most of our weekend! Remember the café in the movie “Serendipity”? Well, I was somehow hoping to see John Cusack there but just as happy with our all-girls’ late night out!

reminiscing our ADB days …

Our stars were aligned! Things just fell in place for me and my bestfriend, Mariz, a former colleague at Asian Development Bank, who now lives in Washington DC. It was lovely to see her again after 15 years! Timing was just perfect ‘coz her family visited New Jersey at the same time we were in NYC so she took time out to meet us too … what a great friend I have, I feel so blessed!

If everthing’s just a dream, it’s time to wake up!

Thank you, Ate Gie!

15 October: It was a short-lived romance with the ‘land of maple leaves’. The time has come to end this momentary infidelity … I’m home-bound to my beloved Wellington!

Endless thanks to our gracious hosts Ate Gie, Kuya Erwin, and kids Agnes, Noysi, Elleni and Mikki. And to my youngest brother, Noel, his wife Cecille and little darling, Isabel, for sharing this holiday! I can still hear our laughter to this day! I love you, Ate Gie!

It’s a cliché, but really “parting is such a sweet sorrow”. I’ve shed tears of joy for I know I’m bringing back a memory to last a lifetime. Seen great places and embraced ONE big happy family – what else can I ask for?

Well, Christmas is just around the corner and people are making their own lists, I don’t have to, ‘coz my stocking’s just been filled!

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!

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.

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!