AyRhiN UnCoVeRS

Sponge Bob and Transformers

2009-07-18T19:18:00.021+12:00

After a few weeks trial of watching Transformer movie with all the lights off in our bedroom, we have decided to bring Josh to watch his first movie at the cinema.

We head off to the train station going to Sylvia Park Mall because my officemate advised that Spongebob will be there. So I thought why not just watch the movie there as well.

We had some photos taken on the train station while we were waiting. Upon arrival, we had to check for Sponge Bob's location and waited so he could have a photo with him and then head off to the cinema.

Josh really behaved on the cinema though sometimes he asked questions about the movie but he did very well for first timer.

I then asked Josh if he would like to watch Harry Potter as well, but he answered NO so I just asked him if we could just have a photo.

Ruth visits NZ

2009-07-14T19:07:00.000+12:00

Ruth told me that they will be going on a tour in NZ and OZ. When we verified that they'll be staying on Auckland, I asked if we could meet up.

Josh is already fast asleep when she buzzed me on YM saying that they've arrived and asking for me to call her at the hotel. It was raining and very cold when they arrived.

I called her up and I asked her that I'll just tell Jervis to pick her up at the hotel so we could have a chat at home.

Kids Fair at Trust Stadium

2009-07-11T21:20:00.007+12:00

We went to the Kids Fair at Trust Stadium and Josh definitely enjoyed it. He was able to ride a pony, had a play with the big slides, played the drums, eat yummy foods and watched the show.

See more photos here

Lola Erma passed away

2009-05-28T18:16:00.006+12:00

We received a text message from Ate Van saying that Lola Erma passed away.

Erma Leonen-Padua

May 2, 1932 - May 28, 2009

May her soul rest in peace.

Photo taken Dec. 31, 2007

Viaduct

2009-05-17T20:32:00.008+12:00

When Josh and Jervis was on their way home, he saw a man feeding the birds on Aoetea Centre and he asked his dad if he could also feed the birds.

So one Sunday morning, I packed a bag of tasty bread on our bag. After the mass, we walked to Viaduct Harbour as I know there would be lots of birds waiting to be fed in that area.

Josh enjoyed feeding the birds but was quite afraid with the big sea gulls coming in front of him. Birds are snatching the food from one another.

Photos can be seen here

Telecom XT Launch

2009-05-16T21:47:00.004+12:00

We wouldn't miss seeing Telecom's special way of advertising their XT launch.

So Josh and I went to meet up Jervis near the Auckland Town Hall. This launch has caused so much traffic in Queen Street. The telco used PIGI projectors (the same technology employed at outdoor spectaculars like the Olympic Games ceremonies) to create the large still and moving images.

Amazing photos can be seen here.

Mother's Day Gift

2009-05-10T19:48:00.006+12:00

It would be the first time that we'll be celebrating mother's day here with Josh.

I was surprised that when I picked him up on Lollipops he happily gave me a card that they made.

Josh little project

2009-05-07T19:15:00.014+12:00

Josh little project at Lollipops. You'll wonder how they teach children here to use a true hammer, nails and a wooden block.

Good thing he didn't hurt himself.

First Sunday Mass and Park Visit

2009-05-03T18:52:00.005+12:00

We went to church first to hear the mass. Then we headed to Victoria Park so Josh could see it and play as well.

Josh still have all the energy so we decided to go to another park near our place, Myer's Park.

See the photos here.

Departing Manila and arriving Auckland

2009-04-23T09:17:00.011+12:00

I can't explain the feeling of leaving the country and my family for the second time around. It seems very hard.

My parents, sisters Chean, Maay, Lalai and Bibi came along to drop us off the airport. At the airport, the queue for those departing is so long. I asked my sisters to accompany Josh to get some food to eat while we wait on the queue line.

Finally, we were about to board the plane. I hugged and kissed my parents and my sisters. Interestingly enough, Josh uttered the words "Mamita, wag ka na umiyaw babalik din naman ako eh". After saying those words, I saw them all cried. I really had to fight back the tears that was about to fall in my eyes. I hold Josh's hand and with all the bags that we carry, I tugged him along to the immigration line.

Josh's kept on looking back where we left his Mamita, Papito and Aunt's. Just like me, I can see him fighting back the tears.

On the plane, I asked him to sit on the window side so he could see the view. We had a stopover in Hongkong and we first went to the toilet to change his shirt as he throws up on the plane. Then we headed to where the next boarding gate would be.

Poor Josh as he didn't eat that much on the plane as he keeps on throwing up.

When the plane landed Auckland International Airport, I called Jervis and advised that it won't be long before he sees Josh.

We went to the toilet again and changed Josh entire clothes. We went to the baggage area to pick which took us a while to locate for our things. Leaving the arrival, Josh went ahead and he immediately saw Jervis who cried upon seeing us.

Finally, we are united again.

Rylee's 1st Birthday

2009-04-19T20:30:00.015+12:00

Rylee's birthday is on the 22nd of April but we decided to held it on Sunday so most people can be there to celebrate it. It was held on Jollibee in E. Rodriguez Branch.

The party was attended by lots of children of all ages. Everybody enjoyed the games and most specially the appearance of Jollibee.

Check out these photos and you'll see.

Aquino-Padua Wedding

2009-04-18T23:30:00.006+12:00

We attended the wedding of Jervis' cousin Bong and his wifey Ellaine.

See these photos.

Catch up with Berks

2009-04-17T23:29:00.004+12:00

This would be our last meet up before going back to Auckland. Unfortunately, not all of our closest friends could come.

Liezl & Ruey needed to stay home because one of their kids was sick and Mervs & Edwin were out of town. So only Bro. Sope & Carol, Jhan & Aieds, Jheng & Mike were there.

As per usual, we ate, talk, sing a couple of songs, talk again and again and again. For sure, I'm going to miss our Berks!

Check out our photos taken by Aieds.

Bulacan Vacation

2009-04-12T22:12:00.011+12:00

We stayed in Bulacan for two days. We visited the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and we had a wonderful outing in Amana Waterpark situated in Bagong Barrio, Pandi, Bulacan.

More photos can be seen here.

Bicol Vacation

2009-04-09T23:50:00.033+12:00

Before coming home, I already planned to go to our province in Sorsogon in Bicol to visit my grandparents. Main reason is that it would probably take years for me & Josh to see them again.

We didn't had the chance to roam around the area due to security reasons but we did enjoy staying on the backyard and just spending time talking about so many different things.

Click here to view more photos.

Nice to see our best buddies

2009-04-04T19:59:00.016+13:00

We went to Robinsons Galleria for shopping with Mommy, Daddy, Ate Yian, Josh and Rylee. We had our dinner and then I asked them to go ahead as I'll be meeting Jhan and Aieds.

After Jhan and Aieds finished dinner, we decided to have coffee in Startbucks Araneta. I really missed this two so bad as we always go together with Lades when we were still back home.

And they are quite busy preparing for their wedding this coming December and we even got into a very serious discussion.

For both of you, I'm praying and hoping that everything will be alright. Planning and preparing for the wedding is just one tiny part of getting married but you should also be preparing yourselves for the real thing.

King's Graduation

2009-04-03T09:09:00.016+13:00

We were dropped off by Daddy to Intramuros for us to be there on King's graduation. Only Mommy, Ate Van and Marianne attended the ceremony.

We just waited at home and picked them up after the ceremony finished. We had lunch at Harbour View.

With URC Friends

2009-04-01T09:09:00.015+13:00

As planned, I met my URC friends in Tiendesitas and then had dinner at Gerry's Grill.

In the pix are Bianca, Tintin, Mark, Gelyne, Chel, Mike Kulot, Russel, Mike, Tata, Henry, Bing & Allan.

Ivy's Graduation Day

2009-03-28T21:58:00.002+13:00

We woke up early to attend Ivy's graduation in PICC with Mommy, Daddy, Ate Yian, Maay, Lalai and of course Josh. Since only 3 tickets were given and child below 7 yrs old are not permitted to go inside the hall, we just waited until the ceremony finished at about 11:30 am.

We then ate lunch at KFC in Macapagal and headed home as we planned to have the family dinner at Dampa sa Libis.

Nice to be back home

2009-03-27T23:09:00.002+13:00

After more than a year, it's so nice to be home. I got teary eyed when I saw our son, my parents and my sisters on NAIA arrival.

When our son saw me, he hurriedly run to me and hugged me tight saying he missed me so much. I missed all of them.

We decided to go to Duty Free to buy chocolates and of course a toy for Josh. After the shopping, we headed home and met my other siblings.

My mom and I didn’t stop talking till the next morning. I think we only slept for one hour and we needed to get up to prepare for my sister’s graduation.

Let's Celebrate

2009-03-02T17:00:00.008+13:00

Today is our 1st year anniversary here in Auckland.

We feel very blessed that in a year's time we both have our permanent jobs and our NZ residency.

With our families prayers we've managed to begin a new life here and we can't wait to be reunited with our dearest son Josh.

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-25T22:13:00.005+13:00

February 25, 2009

Masses at St. Patrick's Cathedral are scheduled 7 AM, 12:15 PM and 1:15PM; 7:30 PM combined service of ashes will be held in Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell.

Jervis and I finish work at 4:30 PM and 4:00 PM respectively. Thanks to Cleo, my AirNZ colleague that she mentioned there's a scheduled mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church situated in 16 Vermont Street, Ponsonby.

We left house at 5:30 PM and arrived in the church just before the mass started. After the mass, we headed home and ate our dinner.

We decided not to drink any forms of soda until the lent is over but for me; I've added not eating red meat on Fridays.

Lollipops

2009-02-23T17:43:00.000+13:00

February 23, 2009

Last week, we’ve been busy checking out for possible kindergarten near our place. We we’re checking about Myer's Park, Freemans Bay and Lollipops Educare.

Last Wednesday, after work, we headed to Lollipops to personally check the location and the premises. We were toured around the area and were given overview on how the kindy operates.

We think that this would be the best place for Josh to be when he arrives so he can start mingling with other kids before he starts in primary school.

After reading all the terms on the brochure, we decided to come back today to register Josh so a slot would be allotted to him. We were entertained by the Centre Director and after providing all the initial requirements, Josh is now enrolled on the centre.

Main receiving area of the Centre

Album again

2009-02-19T21:01:00.010+13:00

February 19, 2009

Nothing much to do after having our afternoon merienda so I went to our room and found the Photo album gifted to Dheh by his previous groups in Telecom Faults.

I gathered all those remaining pictures of my college "Berks" (short name for Barkada or Friends) which I also brought here. It took me almost five hours to finally sort and put it in the album. If only somebody will see me, they'll probably think I'd gone crazy as the smile on my face is there from the beginning till the end.

Captured some of our pictures here... Hopefully, some of my dearest friends can reminisce all we've been through on our college days...

Miss you all!

Preparing for our DataCom's Defense.
Upper L-R: Jeng, Lades, Rhin, Jervis and 3ya
Lower L-R; Zhel, Bhing and Jhan

Jervis Despedida: Going to U.S.
Upper L-R: Jervis, John, 3ya, Bhing, Jeng and Mike
Lower L-R: Rhin, Zhel, Lades and Jhan

Jervis comes back from U.S attending his parents 25th Wedding Anniversary
L-R: Ruey, Zhel, Rhin, Jervis, Lades, John, Jhan and 3ya

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T08:57:00.004+13:00

February 14, 2009

Today is just an ordinary day for me. Just like the previous years that we have...

Since Jervis and I got married, we really don't make a fuss about this day. We find that this day is special only for those who are still in a relationship.

Anyways, I’m also happy that Dheh took his time to buy me this box of Belgian chocolates.

Lantern Festival

2009-02-09T18:34:00.017+13:00

February 6-8, 2009

One of the most popular summer events of Auckland. The Lantern Festival brings Chinese New Year celebrations to a glowing finale with hundreds of beautiful lanterns, including brand new designs from China.

This is Auckland's 10th Lantern Festival and also the 20th anniversary of the Auckland and Guangzhou sister city relationship.

Source: http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/events/lantern/Default.asp

New Year

2009-01-01T08:36:00.014+13:00

January 1, 2009

Time really flies so fast. Today, we are welcoming 2009.

As part of the Philippine tradition, we have prepared 13 fruits on the table including pineapple, orange, apple, peach, honeydew, blueberry, rock melon, nectarine, lemon, grapes, kiwi fruit, and plum. We also have Lasagna, Rellenong bangus (Stuffed Milkfish), Crispy Liempo, and Salad.

While we are waiting for 12:00 AM to come, we busied ourselves watching the checkpoints being done on our street. Police are doing some breath tests to drivers who’s coming and going to the Motorway.

At exactly midnight, we watched, captured and enjoyed the fireworks display at Sky Tower.

5th Year Anniversary

2008-12-28T20:25:00.015+13:00

Nagdecide kaming magpunta sa Hamilton to celebrate our 5th Wedding Anniversary. Nagbook kami ng Lunch via Waipa Delta for a cruise along the longest river dito sa Auckland which is the Waikato River.

Sumakay kami ng unang bus trip papuntang Hamilton about 8:15 AM . Dumating kami after almost 1 1/2 hour na biyahe at siyempre pa ang una naming hinanap ay ang Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary para maka-attend ng mass.

After the mass, dumiretso na kami sa Memorial Drive kung saan nakadaong ang paddle boat. Sa cruise, nagorder kami ng Sparkling Grape juice (a non-alcoholic drink) at nasurprise kami ng bigyan kami ng isang bote ng akala mo eh wine pero talaga naman ang sarap niya.

Nagorder si Jervis ng Waipa Mixed Grill (Medallions of Beef, Pork, Lamb, and Chicken served with Aioli) at ako naman ay Corn Fed Chicken Breast (Succulent Corn Fed Chicken Breast filled with Garlic and Cashew nut filling served with a Lime, Coriander and Chili dressing).

Habang naghihintay ng aming order, naglibot at nagpicture taking muna kami. At ito ang hitsura ng aming food.

Ito ang tinatawag nilang Stonegrill dining. According to their website www.waipadelta.co.nz,

Stonegrill dining is not just a meal; it’s a new and exciting experience.

Imagine your meal being presented to your table still cooking on a volcanic stone that has been super-heated to 400 degrees Celsius! The high temperature sears in all the natural juices and nutrients, giving you a taste and tenderness beyond anything you've ever experienced before.

This method of cooking food on stones dates back to ancient Egyptians and Vikings. Today the experience is called StoneGrill dining, and it's exclusive in the Waikato to the MV Waipa Delta.

Talaga namang mega exert ka ng effort na bali baliktarin yung pagkain mo para lang maluto pero super nagenjoy naman kami.

After the cruise, nagdecide kami na puntahan din ang Hamilton Gardens dahil ilang oras pa naman hihintayin namin para sa pabalik na bus to City.

Unang Pasko sa Auckland

2008-12-25T19:55:00.007+13:00

Maaga pa rin kaming gumising dahil kelangan naming magsimba. Pagkatapos magsimba, naglakad lakad lang kami sa Queen Street at nagpicture taking sa Smith & Caughey. Ang ganda naman kasi ng Christmas design ng Boutique nila eh.

Tingnan nyo na lang itong mga kuha namin.

Salu-salo sa Pasko

2008-12-25T15:26:00.010+13:00

Nagdecide kami na dito na lang sa bahay magsalu-salo with Lyann, Ryan, Blessie & Lod, Dong, Agnes & Adrian, Max & Aileen and A.

Super nabusog kami sa mga pagkain na pinagsaluhan namin. At siyempre pa ang walang katapusang kwentuhan at tawanan. Kahit na di namin kasama si Ivan magcelebrate dito pati na ang aming mga magulang at kapatid eh naging masaya naman and aming Pasko.

Siyempre wala pa ring tatalo sa Pasko sa Pinas.

Ang Aking Mixer

2008-12-15T19:23:00.009+13:00

Dahil sa wala masyadong pinagkakaabalahan dito sa bahay, naisipan kong subukan na ituloy ang pagbake na ginagawa namin noon sa bahay. Ang kaibahan nga lang ako na ang taga bake kasi dati taga sukat lang ako ng ingredients at taga tikim.

Kaya naman ang una kong pinundar na appliance eh itong mixer plus ilang mga measuring cups, isang baking pan, at ibang cooking ingredients.

Ang una naming sinubukang recipe eh Banana Cake na sabi ng mga kumain eh lasang Banana naman daw he he he.

Telecom Christmas Party

2008-12-13T23:53:00.007+13:00

Para makapunta kami sa Christmas Lunch Party ng group nila, napagdesisyunan ni Jervis at ng kanyang team leader na si Lyn na magleave na lang si Jervis ngayong araw na ito. Ginanap ang Lunch Party nila sa Fortuna buffet restaurant sa Sky City.

Ilan sa mga kaopisina ni Jervis na kasama namin ay sina Lyn, Ashly, Anya & his partner, Libin, Vai, Sandy & his partner, Teressa and her sister, Maria & his husband, Corinne at Agnes.

Mahigit dalawang oras kaming nasa resto para kumain at magkwentuhan. Pagkatapos kumain, dumating si Agnes na naka Santa attire para ipamigay ang kanilang mga Christmas gifts. Yung iba sa kanila dumiretso sa Casino para maglaro at yung iba naman (tulad namin) ay umalis na din dahil sa may kaniya-kaniyang lakad.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

2008-12-06T09:20:00.007+13:00

About the Book

"You've never heard of The Tales of Beedle the Bard?' said Ron incredulously. 'Your kidding, right?"

(Taken from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)

The Tales of Beedle the Bard played a crucial role in assisting Harry, aided by his friends Ron and Hermione, to finally defeat Lord Voldemort. Here, fans have the opportunity to read the tales in full.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard is without doubt an exciting addition to the canon of Harry Potter. They also reveal the wonderful versatility of the author, as she tackles with relish the structure and varying tones of a classic fairy tale. There are five tales included in the book: 'The Tale of the Three Brothers', which is recounted in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; plus four more - 'The Fountain of Fair Fortune', 'The Warlock's Hairy Heart', 'The Wizard and the Hopping Pot', and 'Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump'. Each tale has its own magical character and will variously bring delight, laughter and the thrill of mortal peril.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, translated from the original runes by Hermione Granger, is introduced and illustrated by J. K. Rowling. Also included are notes on the stories by Professor Albus Dumbledore, which appear by generous permission of the Hogwarts Headmasters' Archive.

This richly magical collection of tales from J. K. Rowling is published in association with the Children's High Level Group, a charity co-founded in 2005 by J.K. Rowling and Emma Nicholson MEP.

Source: http://www.beedlethebard.co.nz/about.php

Noong December 4 nilabas itong book na ito sa NZ at kinabukasan bumili ako ng copy sa The Warehouse.

Santa Parade

2008-11-30T12:06:00.003+13:00

Sunday 30th November 2008!!!

The biggest, brightest, boldest Santa Parade EVER! This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Auckland Farmers Santa Parade. The Farmers Santa Parade has a history filled with excitement, fun and fantasy. It has a long tradition of bringing smiles to the faces of hundreds of thousands of children every year. Anyone who grew up in Auckland will remember lining the footpaths of Queen Street revelling in the fun and excitement the Parade brings.

Here are some of the photos... Enjoy...

Malapit na tayong magkasama-sama

2008-11-24T18:31:00.005+13:00

Confirmed na ang flights namin ni Josh. Exactly 123 days to go at balik Pinas na ako.

Magtravel ako alone via Cathay Pacific with stop-over sa Hong Kong. Magstay for almost four weeks.

Darating kami ni Ivan dito sa Auckland ng April 23.

Hay.. ang tagal pa ng araw na bibilangin ko.

Coconut Biscuits

2008-11-22T22:34:00.002+13:00

Few weeks back habang kami'y nagta-tanghalian sa office, may nakita kaming magazine na puro recipe ang laman. May mga napili kaming recipe at naphotocopy namin yun. Yung officemate kong si Shruti, nasubukan na niyang gawin yung vegetarian salad. Ako naman itong Coconut Biscuits.

Ang resulta eto... Masarap naman at pwede ulit gawin...

MOTAT & Western Springs

2008-11-15T18:27:00.017+13:00

Walang pasok si Jervis dahil kakatapos lang niyang magtraining the whole week. Since may naghatid ng balita na free entrance ang City Residents sa Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), napagdesisyunan namin na pumunta.

Ang ganda ng museum, sobrang laki at ang dami mo talagang makikita. May free ride pa kami sa tram para makapunta sa Auckland Zoo or sa Aviation Museum.

Sabi ko nga kay Jervis, pagdating ni Ivan dito sigurado dadalhin din namin siya sa MOTAT at ipapasyal sa Western Springs Lakeside Park.

Na-miss kita... Mahal kong _______

2008-11-13T19:34:00.005+13:00

Na-miss ko talaga ito... Ang tagal na ata mula ng huli akong kumain nito... Ang totoo nga niyan hindi ko na marecall kung kailan....

Sigurado ako sa mga may paborito nito mag-rereact pag nakita itong post na ito...

Ito ang bagong past time ko...

Ferrero Collection is an assortment of fine confections sure to delight the senses, which includes Rocher chocolates, Garden Coco confections, and Rondnoir chocolates

Dheh's Birthday

2008-11-11T23:07:00.010+13:00

It's the 29th Birthday of Jervis.

Ito din ang unang araw ng training niya for Mobile support which would add sa existing skill niya for landline support.

Napagdesisyunan namin na sa bahay na lang maghanda kaya after kong lumabas ng opisina, dumiretso ako sa Pandoro Panitteria in Queen St. para bilhan siya ng French Chocolate Cake. Saka ako nagpunta sa No. 1 BBQ Restaurant at nag-order ng mga napili naming food habang hinihintay kong dumating si Jervis.

Nagbus na kami pauwi dahil sa dami ng bitbit namin. Dumating si Lyann (bago naming ka-flat) na may dalang pizza, kasunod nina Bles at Lod, Minnie, Shermay at Ryan. Siyempre pa nandun din sina Dong, Agnes at Adrian.

Ang Aking Christmas Tree

2008-11-10T23:03:00.005+13:00

Malapit na ang Christmas at sabi ng ilan, dito daw sa New Zealand hindi masyadong bonga ang celebration which is totoo naman kasi wala kang makikitang mga building na may mga decorations.

For sure medyo malungkot ang Pasko dito. Una at huli, dahil hindi namin kasama si Ivan at ang families namin. Kaya naman sinabi ko kay Jervis bumili kami ng Christmas Tree para kahit papaano eh maramdaman namin sa bahay ang spirit of Christmas.

Naghanap kami sa Trade Me ng mga for sale na Christmas Tree. Nanalo kami sa Auction and we got this 8 feet Artificial Christmas Tree.

The next day na makuha ni Jervis yung Christmas Tree, namili naman kami sa The Warehouse ng pangdecorations at lights.

Axon Conference 2008

2008-11-09T14:37:00.010+13:00

Nov. 8-9 ang Conference ng company namin sa Bayview Wairakei Resort in Taupo at ito ang website http://www.wairakei.co.nz/.

Dahil arranged na yung transport namin papunta sa conference, sinundo nila ako sa bahay (take note di ko din kilala ang susundo sa akin dahil sa ibang office ako naka-assign).

By 7:20 AM eh nag-aantay na ako sa main gate ng compound. Nakilala ko si Chris na siyang naging driver namin at si Colin. Dahil ito ang aking unang out of town trip eh talaga naman na-enjoy ko ang biyahe. Nag motorway kami at ito ang unang pagkakataon kong makakita ng mga sheep, baka, kabayo along the high way (weird ba? kasi naman nasa City ang location namin kaya unusual sa akin ito). Nag-stop over kami para lang mag-almusal kung saan namin nameet yung ibang papunta din sa resort. Mga past 11:00 AM na kami ng dumating sa resort.

Nag-checkin na ako at nagregister for the conference tapos hinanap ko na ang magiging room ko. Ang hirap pala pag offsite ang work mo kasi wala kang kilala sa mga kasama sa conference. Soloista ako for two days, kaya naman after kong ibaba ang gamit ko sa room, diretso na ako para kumain. Nakishare na lang ako ng table with Jerry (chinese guy) at assigned sa main office habang nakikipagkwentuhan. Na-meet ko din si Mark (team lead) na siyang nag-interview sa akin.

Dire-diretso yung program, nagsalita ang mga executives about sa mga bagay-bagay na nangyari for the entire year at ang mga plans for the coming year. May break-out sessions din kami kung saan nameet ko yung dapat kong ka-roommate na nagsabi na sa ibang room na lang daw siya mag-stay. During the break-out sessions, nakita ko si Christian na kapwa pinoy and pinakilala niya ako sa Operations Manager for Air NZ na si Greg. At dahil nga nabanggit ko kay Christian na wala akong kakilala sa conference, Greg introduced me sa iba pang members ng team for Air New Zealand na kilala ko lang by their names. Meron mga vendors na nagparticipate for the break-out sessions. One of them eh yung free massage na super haba ng pila pero worth it naman kasi nakakarelax.

After ng first part ng conference kasunod na ang party na ang theme ay "Mysteries over the Centuries" . Dahil sa di naman ako nagprepare para sa costume, sobrang naaliw talaga ako kasi mega effort sila sa theme. Yun nga lang di ako nakapagpicture picture dahil tinamad na akong bitbitin ulit yung camera. May awarding ceremonies din para sa mga napili sa nomination on several categories. Nakakatuwa kasi on one part of the program binanggit sa BRAG (Birth, Recognition, Announcements at Great Achievements) na nagkuha na namin ang Permanent Residency at mag-join sa amin si Ivan by April.

Natapos ang program by 10:00 PM with several songs from a band. After the program, diretso na ako sa room para matulog.

The next day, maaga akong gumising dahil naplano ko na na libutin ang resort ang magpractice ng photography. Eto ang ilang sa mga shots ko he he he

Labour Day

2008-10-27T19:07:00.004+13:00

Walang pasok si Jervis kaya nagdecide kami na pumasyal sa Sylvia Park Mall. Mga 9:00AM pa lang umalis na kami ng bahay. Mga 45 minutes ang biyahe namin by bus.

Pagdating namin doon, nagsimula na kaming maglibot libot sa mga shops. Nagbabakasali kami na may makita na mabibiling pasalubong.

At meron naman kaming nabili pero para sa aking pamangkin pa lang eh dami pa nung kelangan namin hanapan.

Plano namin sa Boxing Day (Dec. 26) na lang kami ulit magtitingin tingin ng ipapasalubong

Birthday Treat ni Dong

2008-10-19T21:47:00.011+13:00

Birthday ng flatmate naming si Dong. Noon pa man, lagi na naming kinukulit yun na magpakain sa Sky City. Kaya naman ngayong araw na ito eh nagpilitan na siyang magpakain. Nagpabook sila sa Orbit Restaurant in Sky Tower which is a Revolving Restaurant viewing the Auckland City.

Nagpapicture muna kami sa mga Mini Cooper Girls sa reception ng Sky Tower.

After magpapicture, dumiretso na kami sa Orbit Restaurant.

Ito naman ang ilan sa mga foods na inorder namin... Baked Chicken Breast on Indian spiced dhal cake, Roast Fillet of Angus Pure Beef with Kumara, Snapper Fish on sweet corn and chive risotto, Roast Hawke's Bay Lamb Loin on potato mash with Virgin Sunset and Banana Blaster as our drinks.

Pagkatapos kumain, free na ang pagpunta namin sa Observatory kung saan makikita mo ang City.

Dahil ito ang pangalawang beses na makapunta sa Sky Tower, hindi na kami masyado nagpapicture but instead, pinagkukuhanan namin ng pictures ang mga first timer.

Hirap ng may sakit...

2008-10-17T18:11:00.002+13:00

Last Monday, nagsimula akong ubuhin. And dahil sa patindi ng patindi ang pag-ubo ko, nagdecide ako na magleave ngayon para magpatingin na sa doctor which dito ang tawag nila ay General Practitioner (GP).

So at 9:00 AM, umalis kami ni Jervis at nagpunta sa isang clinic na malapit dito sa bahay. Pagkatapos ng check-up, may nireseta sa aking gamot which binili namin sa botika na ang tawag nila dito ay Pharmacy.

Pagkatapos kumain ng tanghalian, uminom na ako ng gamot. As in di ko napigilang mangiwi dahil sa di kasarapang lasa nung isang gamot pero wala naman akong magagawa dahil sa gusto ko na ding mawala ang ubo ko.

Why Mars & Venus Collide by John Gray

2008-10-09T17:49:00.005+13:00

Thanks to my officemate Shruti for allowing me to borrow her book.

Ngayon ay masisimulan ko ng magbasa ng isa na namang book ni John Gray.

Yung last na binasa ko ay Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus which I highly recommend for everyone to read kasi nga you'll have a better understanding of how men and women think.

Actually, dalawa yung libro ko nito. Una, niregalo sa akin ni Jervis na currently with Ate Van, my sister-in-law. Yung pangalawa naman, nirequest ko sa Christmas as a gift not knowing na pareho lang pala sila ng content magkaiba lang ng cover he he he... which is nasa Ate Cheryl ko naman.

Hindi ko lang alam if natapos na nilang dalawa basahin yung book ha...

Happy Birthday to Me

2008-10-06T20:41:00.015+13:00

It is my 29th birthday. Medyo malungkot dahil hindi namin kasama ang anak namin para icelebrate itong araw na ito. At the same time, hindi ko din makakasama ang aking mga kapatid at magulang para sa isang masaganang hapunan he he he

Dumaan ako sa St. Patrick's Catedral para mag-alay ng isang panalangin para sa isang taon na ipinagkaloob Niya sa akin. After magdasal, nagkita kami ni Jervis sa K Road at naisipan namin na kumain sa Wendy's para subukan ang bago nilang labas na Baconator Burger.

After kumain, binilhan ako ni Jervis ng Chocolate Ganache with matching candles pa. Kaya pagdating namin ng bahay, nag-online agad ako at hinintay na makausap si Ivan. Actually kinantahan pa ako ni Ivan ng Happy Birthday at pagkatapos sabay kaming nagblow ng candle.

Ipinaghanda din ako ng mga sisters ko sa Pinas, mas masarap pa nga handa nila sa akin eh.

Si Ivan na kakatapos pa lang magblow ng candle. Si Ate Cheryl na karga karga ang aming pamangkin na si Rylee, si Maay at ang Mommy ko.

Birthday and PR Celebration

2008-10-05T22:17:00.010+13:00

Nagdecide kami na pagsabayin na lang ang birthday treat ko at PR treat namin...

Ang napili naming lugar ay Denny's Restaurant which offer a casual dining atmosphere and moderately priced meals served 24 hours a day at most locations. And isa sa mga specialty nila ay Pancakes.

Last week nagpareserve na kami dito sa resto para sure na meron kaming table.

After hearing the mass, diretso kami sa Denny's... Una kong inorder ang Grand Slam (Pancakes w/ Sunny side up Egg, bacon and sausage)... Yummy talaga ito at pwedeng ulit ulitin... Other orders namin ay Buffalo Wings, Nasi Goreng at Spare Ribs.

With Friends Agnes, Adrian, Dong, Shermay and Bles

Super busog talaga kami ng gabing yun to the point na di kami makatulog he he he... At dahil sa di pa antukin, panay lang kwentuhan namin ni Jervis at di na namalayan na 12:00 midnight na pala na eksaktong araw ng birthday ko.

PR na kami - Napakagandang Birthday Gift para sa akin

2008-10-03T18:30:00.007+13:00

Dumating na ang pinakahihintay namin...

Mga passports na may tatak na Permanent Resident!

Saktong ika-seven months namin dito ng ma-grant PR application namin...

Sobrang tuwa ko at nagemail ako sa lahat ng mga friends, colleagues, sisters at brothers namin...

For sure, madami dami akong marereceive na emails sa mga darating na araw...

Ito ang application timelines namin sa NZ:

Expression of Interest (EOI) Submitted: Dec. 2, 2005 with 105 points
EOI Resubmitted: May 24, 2006 with 110 points
EOI Selected: Oct. 25, 2006
Decision Successful/Invitation to Apply (ITA) Issued: Jan. 24, 2007
Application Received/ITA Lodged: Apr. 18, 2007
Work to Residence (WTR) Invite: Nov. 8, 2007
Passports w/ WTR stamp: Dec. 12, 2007
Arrived in Auckland: Mar. 2, 2008
Permanent Job: Jun. 30, 2008
Permanent Residence (PR) application Lodged: Jul. 3, 2008
Approved in Principle Subject to Section 18A Letter received: Sep. 16, 2008
PR application Submitted: Sep. 25, 2008
PR application Approved : Oct. 1, 2008
Passports arrived: Oct. 3, 2008

PR Update 6

2008-09-30T17:21:00.003+13:00

Kanina tumawag si Jervis sa Immigration. Ang sabi ng nakausap niya approved na daw PR application namin at nasa stamping department na.

Mag-antay ulit kami ng ilang linggo at passport na ang hinihintay namin na babalik with the PR Visa stamped on it.

Isang linggo na lang

2008-09-29T19:37:00.004+13:00

Isang linggo na lang at magdiriwang na naman ako ng aking kaarawan.

Noong mga nakalipas na araw ay nagsimula ng bumati sa akin ang ilan sa aking mga kaibigan.

Ngayon pa lang iniisip ko na kung paano ko icelebrate ang birthday ko ng wala si Ivan. At naiisip ko pa lang yun eh parang naiiyak na ako.

Noong isang taon kasi, pagkagising niya siya ang unang bumati sa akin kasabay ng pagkanta ng Happy Birthday.

Hay.... ang buhay nga naman!

Antayin ko na lang sa Monday kung ano ang mangyayari. At take note, ito ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na magtrabaho ako ng birthday ko.

Loud Shirt Day

2008-09-18T19:01:00.007+12:00

Two days ago, nagpadala ng email sa buong IT community para sa gaganaping event sa Friday.

Ito ang sabi sa email:

Hey Group IT!!!!

This Friday the 19th of September is National
Loud Shirt day - the annual appeal for The Hearing House and the Southern
Cochlear Implant Paediatric Programme, two charities that work with deaf and
hearing impaired children who have a cochlear implant or hearing aid to enable
them to listen and speak.

So, lets throw away our usual dress code
rules, step out in your loudest, brightest shirts and donate to deaf and hearing
impaired NZ children.
Wear the loudest shirt you own - there will be prizes
for the best
* Rock Star Shirt
* Disco Shirt
* Kiwiana
shirt
* Bad taste shirt

Bring a gold coin (or more) to
wear your loud shirt!

Kaya naman kinabukasan, dahil wala naman akong kahit anong shirt sa mga nabanggit at may option naman na sumali sa Loud Shirt Day. Tingnan nyo kung ano ginawa ko.

PR Update 5

2008-09-17T19:50:00.005+12:00

Kahapon, dumaan ako doon sa dati naming tinitirhan para icheck kung may mga sulat kaming dumating. Confirmed nga na dumating na ang Immigration Letter.

Habang naglalakad papunta ng bahay, di ko na napigilan ang sarili ko na buksan yung sulat. Sinubukan ko lang naman basahin yung simula

Maluha luha na nga ako habang naglalakad dahil Approved in Principle na yung nakalagay dun sa letter eh.

Sakto naman pagdating ko ng gate ng apartment eh natanaw ko na din si Jervis. Inakap ko nga agad at sinabi ko ang napakagandang balita.

Siyempre pa, ibinalita namin ito sa mga malalapit sa amin.

PR Update 4

2008-09-15T22:05:00.005+12:00

Hindi nakatiis si Jervis sa paghihintay na matapos ang buwan at tumawag siya kanina sa immigration hotline. Ang sabi sa kanya nung nakausap niya, may desisyon na daw yung application namin for residency noong September 2 pa. Nagtataka nga yung nakausap niya kung bakit di pa dumadating sa amin yung post mail eh.

Hmmm.. kakakaba lalo....

Family Trip to Avilon

2008-09-14T09:39:00.013+12:00

Buti at nakisama ang panahon at hindi umulan ngayong araw na ito dahil sa pupunta sila sa Avilon Zoo sa Montalban, Rizal bilang treat sa birthday ni Josh.

Ang dami ngang kwento ng sister ko eh. Una, ang pangalan daw ng tour guide nila ay Noli pero ang tawag daw ni Ivan ay Kuya Eli he he he. Pangalawa, ang dami daw tanong sa tour guide like kung ano kinakain nung mga animals, kung nangangain ba yun ng tao he he he. Pangatlo, hindi daw natakot sa mga animals, katunayan nga ang panay ang pakuha ng pictures eh. Biruin nyo ba naman 3 hours daw yung tour pero hindi man lang nagreklamo sa paglalakad... Hmmm.. talagang big boy na anak namin.

Pagkatapos ng tour nila, diretso na sila sa Dampa sa Libis para kumain. Tuwang tuwa nga magkwento si Josh na namalengke daw sila dun ng mga kakainin nila.

Happy Birthday Anak!

2008-09-12T18:01:00.010+12:00

Apat na taon na ang pinakamamahal naming anak.

Maaga pa lang ay nagsimba na sila sa St. Claire sa Katipunan kasama sina Mamita at Papito. At dahil sa excited na si Josh na buksan ang mga regalo niya, hindi na daw ito nagyaya na mag-Jollibee or mag-McDo para kumain which is usually niyang ginagawa pag lumalabas sila.

Pagdating ko ng bahay, inihanda ko na din yung biniling cake ni Jervis para sa kanya at nilagyan ko din ng candles.

At nung nag-online na ang mga sisters ko eh hinintay talaga ako ni Josh para pakantahin ng birthday song para makapablow siya ng candles ng cake niya. At pagkatapos eh sinabihan ko din na iblow niya yung candles ng cake niya dito.

At siyempre, deadma na naman sina mommy't daddy niya dahil naging busy na sa pagkain nung cake. Nirequest din niya na ipakita ko yung gift namin sa kanya. Kaya naman inisa-isa kong ipakita sa webcam yung mga games na kasama nung binili naming Nintendo Wii.

Father's Day

2008-09-08T18:42:00.007+12:00

Kahapon ipinagdiwang ang Father's Day dito sa NZ.

Katunayan nga, nagkaroon kami ng munting salu-salo para sa mga Haligi ng Tahanan.

Bagong Past Time

2008-09-05T20:38:00.009+12:00

Dahil malapit na birthday ni Josh at wala naman kaming pinagkakaabalahan dito, naisipan namin bumili nito...

Katunayan nga, habang nasa opisina pa ako eh itong si Jervis ay busy na sa paglalaro. Kaya naman nung dumating ako ng bahay at sinubukan ko din gamitin eh talo ako sa lahat ng games na nilaro namin. Naglaro kami ng Tennis, Bowling at Golf.

Sigurado pag dating ni Josh dito hindi na kami makakalaro he he he.

Confession

2008-08-31T00:02:00.003+12:00

Mula noong dumating kami dito sa NZ noong March eh palagi na kaming present sa simbahan. Unang napansin ko dito, eh halos karamihan ng mga nagsisimba eh nangungumunyon at sunod sunod sa pagpila sa Altar according sa lugar kung saan ka nakaupo.

At dahil nga sa madalang kaming makapagsimba sa Pinas, nabanggit ko kay Jervis na mangumpisal dito. Di ko na nga maisip kung ilang linggo na ang lumipas mula noong una ko itong binanggit sa kanya eh pero napagplanuhan naman namin kung kelan ito gagawin.

Talaga naman naghanap ako sa internet ng mga paraan kung paano mangumpisal dahil sa nakalimutan ko na kung paano ito gawin at siyempre pa dahil sa ibang lengwahe ang gamit dito.

Nakakatuwa nga kasi kanina pagdating ni Jervis sa bahay, meron din siyang print-out na guide para sa pagkumpisal na dinala niya dun sa simbahan. Samantalang ako eh isinulat ko lang sa kapirasong papel yung dasal na kinopya ko sa internet.

Ang gaan ng pakiramdam after kong makapagkumpisal at sobra akong natutuwa dahil simula bukas makakapagcommunion na din kami sa tinagal tagal na panahon.

Happy Birthday Princess!

2008-08-26T21:58:00.004+12:00

Ngayong araw na ito ang kaarawan ng bunso naming kapatid and she's already 13.

For sure, tutulungan na naman siya ni Ivan sa pagblow ng candles sa cake niya kagaya nung nakaraang taon.

Para sa iyo Princess, Happy Birthday!

We love you very much!

It's a Foggy Day!

2008-08-25T16:55:00.004+12:00

Kanina habang nag-aalmusal, napasilip ako sa veranda at nakita ko na sobrang labo ng buong paligid.

Naisip ko tuloy baka hindi ko makita yung makakasalubong ko sa daan dahil sa fog.

Tingnan nyo na lang itong mga kuha ko on my way to the office. Isipin nyo na lang yung unang picture, tanaw na yung opisina namin pero wala ka na halos makita.

Happy Birthday!!!!

2008-08-22T16:48:00.009+12:00

Para sa inyo Maay at King, maligayang kaarawan! At dahil birthday ninyo, ipinaghanda ko kayo ng napakasarap na spaghetti at porky ulo... Tingnan nyo na lang ang pix... yummy di ba?!?

Pasensiya na lang at di ninyo ito matitikman, di bale ikakain na lang kayo ni Jervis.

We love you both!

PR Update 3

2008-08-15T17:04:00.007+12:00

Noong Wednesday, nagpadala ako ng email sa Visa Officer namin para magfollow-up sa aming PR application.

Lingid sa aking kaalaman, ito palang si Jervis eh talagang binantayan yung reply ng aming VO. At kinabukasan nga habang super abala ako sa trabaho eh nareceive ko email ni ya para ipaalam sa akin na nagreply na yung VO namin.

Siyempre, dali dali ko naman binuksan yung email ko. Ang sagot niya ay "Your application is in my queue of applications ready to decide. A decision should be made in the next month."

At mula sa araw na ito, muli na naman kaming mag-aantay para sa susunod na buwan while praying na sana eh maapprove na ang aming application.

PR Update 2

2008-07-31T16:57:00.003+12:00

Kahapon tumawag si Jervis sa Immigration. Just in time, kadarating lang daw ng papers namin galing Beijing and yes meron ng naka-assign na Visa Officer para sa aming application for PR.

Panibagong pag-aantay na naman sa kahihinatnan ng aming application.. Stand by for more updates he he he...

Friends Day Out With Our Son

2008-07-20T08:03:00.008+12:00

Noong nakaraang Linggo, sinundo nina Aieds, Jhan at Lades si Josh sa Cainta. Pagkatapos magsimba at kumain, nagpunta sila sa Fun Ranch sa may Tiendesitas.

Nung makita ko yung mga pictures sa multiply ni Aieds, hindi ko na napigilan ang pagtulo ng luha ko dahil sa pagkamiss ko sa aming anak.

Kitang kita dun sa mga pictures na sobrang nagenjoy si Josh at sobrang napagod naman ang mga bantay sa kakasunod sa alaga nila.

Check nyo na lang itong link:
http://acer3ya1.multiply.com/photos/album/55/Whole_day_with_Inaanak_Josh

Salamat sa inyo Aieds, Jhan at Lades... sa uulitin he he he!

PR Update

2008-07-17T23:08:00.003+12:00

Last week, nagfollow-up na si Jervis sa lagay ng aming application at nakumpirma na natanggap na iyon at kasalukuyang nasa Technical Division. Sinabihan siya na tumawag ng Lunes para malaman kung sino ang ma-aassign na Visa Officer sa amin.

Medyo busy noong lunes kaya kinabukasan na nakatawag si Jervis. Sinabihan siya nung nakausap niya na yung mga papeles namin eh nasa Beijing pa at kailangan daw namin tawagan yung VO para maipadala dito yung mga papeles para maprocess yung application namin. Bukod sa email na pinadala ni Jervis, sinubukan ko din tawagan yung VO namin.

Kanina pinaalalahana ko ulit si Jervis na mag-follow-up sa immigration dito. Nakausap niya yung senior officer dun at nalaman niya na mali pala yung binigay na info sa kanya last week. Ang SOP pala nila eh dapat sila ang tatawag dun sa VO namin para hingin yung mga papeles eh buti na lang at tanda pa niya kung sino ang nakausap niya nung Tuesday kaya natrace dun sa mga logs at napatunayan nga nila na mali yung binigay sa kanyang info. Ang punto ngayon, dalawang linggo na naman ang hihintayin namin para sa pagdating ng mga dokumento at para malaman kung sino ang magiging VO namin dito.

So sa ngayon, abala muna kami sa paglilipat sa magiging bago naming tahanan....

Bagong Tirahan

2008-07-15T22:10:00.009+12:00

Nitong mga nakaraang linggo ay naging abala kami sa paghahanap ng malilipatang bahay. Una ay sa kadahilanang padating na ang mag-ina ng kasama namin sa apartment (si Dong) at ang huli ay para na din sa paghahanda namin sa pagdating ni Josh.

Madami na din kaming tinawagan sa mga apartments na nakita namin sa internet at yung iba ay talagang tiningnan na nina Jervis pero karamihan sa kanila ay may limit sa dami ng taong titira. Noong Linggo, dalawang townhouse ang pinuntahan namin ni Dong. Yung unang townhouse ang talagang mas gusto namin dahil sa ilang lakad lang ang layo nito sa tinitirhan namin ngayon. Salamat kay Lord at dininig niya ang panalangin ko na sana kami ang mapili nung may-ari ng townhouse. Tinawagan kasi ako ng may-ari nung townhouse at nakaset na magkita kami bukas ng gabi para pirmahan yung kontrata.

Nagustuhan namin yung lugar dahil sa enclosed at secure yung area plus the fact na malapit ito sa mga pinagtatrabahuan namin ngayon. Ang plano nga ni Jervis ay magsimula na siyang maglipat ng ibang mga gamit namin sa Thursday at Friday dahil sa wala siyang pasok at tumingin na din ng mga mattress.

Ito ang ilan sa mga pix nung look ng bahay galing sa trademe.co.nz (tanggalin lang ang mga gamit)

Finally, a Permanet Job for Me

2008-06-30T17:55:00.007+12:00

Nung second week pa lang ng June eh nagsabi na ako for both Axon Computer Systems Limited and Air New Zealand na hindi ko na irenew yung contract ko with them dahil kailangan ko na talagang maghanap ng permanenteng trabaho.

Days after that, nagpadala ang Axon ng email sa akin para sabihin na meron silang mga bakanteng mga position. So after a few days, naschedule na ako for another interview which happens to be another technical exam kasi nga nainterview na nila ako dati when I was applying for the 3-month contract.

And just before my contract ends last Friday, ipinaalam na sa akin na ihire na ako ng Axon permanently. After signing the contract, inihanda na namin yung mga documents na kakailanganin para maisubmit na namin yung application namin for residency.

Malamang sa Thursday o sa Friday eh maisubmit na ni Jervis yung PR Application namin sa Immigration.

Photo Album

2008-06-14T23:17:00.002+12:00

Noong nakaraang Linggo, nagclaim kami ni Jervis ng panalo niya sa Lotto. At dahil sale sa Whitcoulls (parang National Bookstore sa Pinas) ay napabili na din ako ng Photo Album.

Matagal ng panahon na pinag-iisipan kong ayusin yung mga 3R pictures na proof pa noong aming kasal. At sa loob ng 4 na taon at anim na buwang pagkakatago sa kanyang pinagkakalagyan ay naisaayos ko na din siya.

Sinubukan ko kahapon ang pagpili nung mga pictures pero hindi ko ito natapos kaya kanina pagkatapos kong magplantsa ng mga damit at manuod ng pinahiram sa aking kopya ni Shruti (friend kong Indian sa opisina) na KungFu Panda ay nagdesisyon na ako na tapusin ito ngayong gabi.

Sa aming panunuod ng continuation ng finals ng American Idol, sinimulan kong piliin ang mga ilalagay kong litrato sa 300 pages na photo album. Di ko nga namalayan na inabot na pala ako ng mahigit tatlong oras sa pag-aayos nun.

Bukas ko na ito ipapakita ng buo kay Jervis dahil tamang tama at Father's day sa Pinas. Dito kasi sa NZ, ang celebration ng Father's day ay ginaganap tuwing buwan ng Setyembre katulad sa Australia.

Susunod kong gagawin ay ang pag-aayos naman ng photo album ng aming barkada...

Bagong Trabaho at Bagong Career

2008-06-02T11:01:00.002+12:00

Bukas na magsisimula si Jervis sa bagong work niya sa Telecom NZ Limited, isa sa pinakamalaking kompanya dito sa New Zealand bilang Customer Service Representative.

Isang buwan din siyang mag-undergo ng training. Excited ako para sa kanya dahil ito ang kauna-unahang work niya sa corporate environment. Imagine for so many years, ngayon ko lang ulit siya makikita na naka Corporate look (naka as long as sleeves ba).

Ito din yung break na hinihintay niya for his career and very proud ako for him.

So para sa iyo Dheh, Good Luck sa iyong bagong trabaho at bagong career.

Welcome to the Family Izeah Rylee

2008-05-27T18:43:00.004+12:00

Finally, nag-upload din ng picture ng pinakabagong miyembro ng aming pamilya after ilang months....

Izeah Rylee M. Divinagracia (a.k.a Third)

Third and his Kuya Ivan

Boat Tour at Ports of Auckland

2008-05-24T23:27:00.006+12:00

Thanks to Jinkee's post in AKLnzPINOYS...

Ito ang nakita ni Jervis sa website ng Ports of Auckland...

You're invited to explore the Port in action during Ports of Auckland's second annual SeePort Week - Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, 2008.

SeePort Week is Ports of Auckland’s chance to show the people of Auckland what makes the port a round-the-clock hive of activity that is the city’s economic lifeline to the world. More than $20 billion worth of exports and imports are handled annually by Ports of Auckland’s awe-inspiring high-tech machines and its skilled personnel.

Nakapagpabook agad si Jervis sa 11:00 AM schedule ng boat tour. Dumating kami sa Pier 2 ng Fuller's Ferry Terminal sa Quay Street 30 minutes earlier kaya naghintay na lang kami at inabala ang mga sarili sa pagpapakuha ng pictures.

Ang pinaka kumuha ng attention ng lahat ay ang pagpapasikat ng dalawang boat tugs na talaga namang nagdulot ng napakalakas na alon na bumulabog sa lahat. Inabot ng mahigit isang oras ang kabuuan ng boat tour.

Nag-enjoy talaga kami sa tour na ito at marami din kaming natutunan tungkol sa Ports of Auckland.

Isang Buwan Na Pala...

2008-05-23T17:33:00.003+12:00

Ngayon ang unang buwang annibersaryo ko sa trabaho. Talagang napakabilis lumipas ng araw ni hindi ko namalayan na isang buwan na pala akong nagwork.

Parang kelan lang, napuri kami nung kasama kong bago sa aming performance... Quoting from my boss' email "They have work very hard in learning about the role, tools and environment they are now part of. They have very impressive set of stats especially within the first couple of weeks"

Looking forward for another month in this job.. Sana, ito na ang makapag-bigay sa akin ng permanenteng trabaho para sa aming minimithing PR.

First Job in NZ

2008-05-07T20:14:00.005+12:00

Eto ang wallpaper ng computer ko sa aking unang trabaho dito sa New Zealand.

Dito sa mesang ito nakatuon ang oras ko maghapon...

Ang bait ng boss ko at ginawan niya ako ng pangalan para mailagay sa table...

Feijoa Fruit

2008-04-22T17:49:00.006+12:00

Kauna-unahang prutas na natikman ko...

Hango sa Wikipedia:

The Feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana, synonym Acca sellowiana), also known as Pineapple Guava or Guavasteen, is an evergreen shrub or small tree, 1-7 m in height, originating from the highlands of southern Brazil, parts of Colombia, Uruguay and northern Argentina. It has been spotted in Georgia and both flowering and fruiting in Lafayette, Louisiana and in Charleston, South Carolina. It is widely cultivated as a garden plant and fruiting tree in New Zealand.

The fruit matures in autumn and is green, ellipsoid-shaped and the size of a chicken egg. It has a sweet, aromatic flavor. The flesh is juicy and is divided into a clear jelly-like seed pulp and a firmer, slightly gritty opaque flesh nearer the skin. The fruit drops when ripe, but can be picked from the tree prior to the drop to prevent bruising.

Britomart Train Station

2008-04-22T10:41:00.005+12:00

A glimpse of how the Britomart Train station looks like..

At the Ellerslie train station...

Luckily, nakarating naman ako sa interview ko at nakauwi naman pabalik ng bahay.

Worries for tomorrow

2008-04-17T22:24:00.003+12:00

Nakapirma na pala ako ng kontrata kanina at magsisimula akong magtraining sa susunod na linggo.

Bukas naman ay may naka-schedule akong interview kung saan kakailanganin kong sumakay ng train at ito ang unang pagkakataon ng pagsakay ko (sana makarating ako sa aking pupuntahan). Sabi nung mag-iinterview sa akin yung office daw nila eh 4 stages galing sa train station dito sa City. Ang ikinakabahala ko ay kung paano ko malalaman kung anong train ang sasakyan ko. Sabi kasi ng friend namin dito, pagdating mo daw sa platform area iba-iba ang sakayan. Merong pa-East, pa-South, pa-West at pa-North at kadalasan ay nag-iiba iba daw ng hinihintuan yung mga trains. Kaya ang advice niya sa akin, mas maganda kung magpunta daw ako dun ng maaga para makapagtanong dun sa mga bantay sa platform area. And for sure, yun nga ang gagawin ko.. So wish me luck and sana makapunta at makabalik ako ng bahay.

Two Months Contract Job

2008-04-16T08:53:00.004+12:00

Mabait talaga sa amin si Lord. Dininig Niya yung isa sa marami kong panalangin na tulungan Niya akong labanan ang pag-iisa ko sa bahay at pagkamiss ko sa aming anak. Nung Lunes, natanggap ko ang balita na natanggap ako sa inapplyan kong contract work.

Yes, you heard it right. Bukas, magsign na ako ng contract for a two month job. Napagdesisyunan naming mag-asawa na tanggapin ko na yung offer para din magkaroon ako ng sinasabi nilang "kiwi" experience. Magsimula ang trabaho ko sa April 23 hanggang June 27. Pero kahit na meron na akong 2 month job, tuloy pa din ang paghahanap ng "skilled" job na makakapagbigay sa amin ng residency.

Siguro ang ganda ng reply ng mga character references ko. Thanks to my former boss and my colleague.

The Sky Tower

2008-04-06T22:22:00.013+12:00

Nitong Sabado, sinubukan naming puntahan ang pinakakilalang tourist spot dito sa Auckland CBD. Ito ay ang Sky Tower.

Ayon sa Wikipedia

The Sky Tower is an observation and telecommunications tower located on the corner of Victoria and Federal Streets in the Auckland CBD, Auckland City, New Zealand. It is 328 metres (1,076 ft) tall, as measured from ground level to the top of the mast, making it the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemispher, and the 12th tallest member of the World Federation of Great Towers. Due to its shape and height, especially when compared to the next tallest buildings, it has become an iconic Auckland structure, often used in logos and promotions.

Ito ay lugar na di kakayanin ng isang taong may takot sa heights. Pagdating mo kasi sa itaas, mayroong mga parte na ang lalakaran mo ay salamin. Ako nga mismo eh medyo nalula sa pagtingin sa baba pero nag-enjoy naman sa kalaunan. Ang sarap pagmasdan ng mga lugar na natatanaw mo sa itaas.

May mga teleskopyong pwede mong hulugan ng $2 dollars para makita mo ang mga super layong mga building, car parks, harbour at mga taong naglalakad sa lansangan.

Meron din naman makukuhang souvenir coins sa kapareho ding halaga.

Kung medyo malakas naman ang loob mo, maaari mong subukan na tumalon sa tuktok nito. May kamahalan nga lamang ang bayad pero masusulit naman sa once in a lifetime chance. Siyempre kung gugustuhin ko man, eh isasama ko na ang pag-video ng pagtalon ko... Yun nga lang di pa kaya ng powers ko he he...

Overall, sulit naman ang pagstay namin ng isang oras sa tuktok ng tore na ito. Sa susunod na pagbalik namin dito, sigurado isasama na namin si Ivan para masiyahan siya sa mga makikita niya.

By Request... Trip to Mission Bay

2008-04-05T21:20:00.010+13:00

Para sa kaibigan kong si Jhan na palaging naghihintay ng bago sa aking blog... Advance Happy Anniversary sa inyo ni Aieds!

Isang buwan na ang lumipas mula ng pumunta kami dito sa NZ. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Maykapal at mayroon ng part time work si Jervis.

Sa loob ng isang buwan, isang lugar pa lang ang talagang dinayo namin para pasyalan at ito ay ang Mission Bay.

Hango sa Wikipedia

Mission Bay is a suburb of Auckland city, in the North Island of New Zealand. It is located seven kilometres to the east of the city centre, on the southern shore of the Waitemata Harbour. The Mission Bay district has been described as "now a popular residential suburb and seaside resort ... about 266 acres (1.08 km²) in area. "

Isa ito sa mga lugar kung saan libre kang maligo sa dagat. Ang mga ibon dito ay di natatakot sa mga tao. Naisip ko nga kung kasama na namin si Ivan sigurado pinaghahabol na niya yung mga ibon dahil gusto niyang hulihin. Sulit na sulit ang pinaglakbay namin papunta dito dahil talagang nakakawala ng pagod. At tunay na napakaganda ng paglubog ng araw.

Ang Aming Kwento Bago Lumipad papuntang NZ

2008-03-06T21:02:00.008+13:00

Ito ang aming kwento bago bumiyahe sa New Zealand...

Galing Cainta habang natutulog pa si Josh, nagpaalam na kami kina Mommy, Tita Papeng, Tita Linda, Ivy, Ira Mae at Daddy. Alam ko si Mommy, naluluha nung paalis na kami pero ako teary-eyed lang (kinakaya pang wag umiyak) Sakay ng train papuntang Recto, niloloko na ako ng asawa ko kung nag-sink in na ba sa akin na talagang paalis na.. Funny pero nung oras na iyon, di ko pa talaga nararamdaman... Bago umuwi ng Intramuros, dumaan muna kami sa Hidalgo sa may Quiapo para bumili ng tripod para sa camera... Pagdating sa bahay, inisa-isa ko na naman yung mga laman ng maleta ko... May mga nadagdag kasi kaya muntikan ng di magkasya.

Maya-maya dumating na ang barkada (Jhan at 3ya), sumunod si Mark (BF ng sis ni Jervis), Lady, mag-asawang Liezl at Ruey. Umorder ng kung anu-anong makakain. Kami talagang mag-asawa, wala ng planong matulog so kumain, nagvideoke kasama ang buong Padua Family at mga kabarkada hanggang abutin ng past 2.

Napagdesisyunan na maghatid nina Jhan, Lades, 3ya, King, Ate Van, Mark at Mame kaya siksikan kami sa Adventure ni Uncle. Pagdating sa airport, sumunod na dumating ang Daddy, Ate at si Kuya. Si Daddy dahil merong security pass eh kasama namin sa pagayos ng gamit namin dahil yung isang bagahe namin over ng 4 kilos. Buti na lang at kakilala ni Jervis yung nagcheck ng mga baggage kaya pinayagan kami na ilipat yung ibang gamit dun sa ibang bagahe namin. Iba talaga pag maraming kakilala...

Siyempre di maiiwasan yung mga nag-iyakan sa mga naghatid... Buti na lang at di ako nadamay sa pag-iyak nila he he he...

Model na si Josh

2008-02-28T14:03:00.003+13:00

Oh di ba.. Anong masasabi ninyo sa paggaya ni Josh sa hitsura ng nasa picture? Galing di ba?!?

Ang Jowa ni Josh

2008-02-28T13:57:00.003+13:00

Pambihira itong anak namin... Tatlong taon pa lang eh nakahanap na ng jowa dito sa bilyaran.. he he he...

Sabi ni Josh ang pangalan daw ng jowa niya ay Ate Je...

Bait nga nun eh, laging sinasama si Josh sa 7-11 at binibilhan ng kung anu-ano.. Tapos one time, nagpaalam sa amin at nagpasuot ng shorts kasi nga daw, pupunta sila sa McDo. Wow... date na agad ha ha ha... Tapos pagbalik may dala-dala ng Happy Meal na Chicken at toy na pokeball...

Salamat Je, sa sandaling pagbibigay ng oras sa anak namin.

Thank You

2008-02-28T13:45:00.004+13:00

Last Monday, we went out to hear the mass at Malate Church and sat at the fifth row near the altar. Afterwards, we decided to eat dinner at Seaside Market in Macapagal, Roxas Boulevard. For so many times, we usually eat at Aling Tonya's but this time around we chose Master Cook of Hongkong. The taste of Sinigang na Hipon is quite different but was really tasty.

Thanks to Mame, Dade, Ate Van, King, Marianne, Lola and Ken. We love you all! Muah!

Bakit Ngayon Lang?

2008-02-25T17:41:00.013+13:00

For almost 12 years naming pagkakaibigan, di ko maisip kung bakit ngayon lang kami nagbonding ng ganito. For this month, every Friday we see to it na lalabas kami... Why? One big reason is dahil sa nalalapit na ang pag-alis namin.

Nakakatuwa nga kasi kahit ang iba sa amin ay may sari-sarili ng pamilya, we see to it na nakakapag-usap pa din kami. Maraming salamat sa power ng email, text/calls at chat.

Sa aming mga Ka-Berks, salamat! Sana kahit wala na kami dito sa bansa, we'll always keep in touch. Iba pa rin pag meron kang mga tunay na kaibigan na lagi mong maaasahan sa lahat ng oras. Basta we're just an email or chat away kung kailangan ninyo ng kausap.

Welcome Christine Nicole!

2008-02-25T00:13:00.000+13:00

Christine Nicole A. Abella

Born on December 25, 2007

Baptized on February 24, 2008 at Our Lady of Abandoned Parish, Marikina City

For my seventh inaanak, though your ninang will be leaving soon, I will always be here for you no matter what.

"With Daddy Alllan, Mommy Bing & Josh Ivan"

"Tintin & his Kuya Josh"

"With Jamila Rae (Bulaga!)"

"Tintin, Daddy Allan, Mommy Chel, Ira, Jamila & Daddy Jem"

"Daddy Jem, Ira, Josh and Daddy Jervis"

Farewell!

2008-02-23T05:29:00.000+13:00

... Simple it may sound but has so many meanings.

To all of my ISD Friends, salamat! I don't have the words to express how I feel right now, but I know each and every one of you knows how you've touched my heart in so many ways. I'll keep in touch and sana kayo din....

Our photos taken at Panciteria de San Jacinto (February 22, 2008)

"mga abala sa pagkain"

"mga abala sa pagkain pero nakuha pang magpose nina lades at josh"

"seryosong nagkwekentuhan"

"ooppsss... picture naman diyan"

"bianca, nagagalit na si josh. mamaya ka na magpapicture!"

"teka muna ryan.. picture taking muna!"

"oopppsss.. alam ko na kung ano nasa laptop mo bing!"

"pambihira! hirap pala ng nagchair-hopping"

"sa wakas... dumating din si Mama Gelyne!"

"salamat sa inyong video!!! nagkaroon din kami ni mike sa wakas!"

And now it's finally here...

2007-12-13T04:48:00.000+13:00

December 7, 2007

And now it's finally here after 2 years of processing with the different changes in the Immigration policies and several medicals requested, an experience to be interviewed by phone and with consistent follow-ups.

I can't explain the reaction that I had when my husband gave me a hint about this. Ang sabi ko "Dumating na ba passports natin?" (very positive huh... my instincts told me so). Sabi ko email sa akin kasi I can't open the file being sent to my yahoo messenger (blocked ata sa office he he he) so while I'm waiting for it, I got teary-eyed na kasi iniisip ko pa lang na iwanan ang baby namin eh nalulungkot na ako sobra....
At the same time, excited din ako kasi yung dream naming mag-asawa na makapunta sa ibang bansa as a family eh matutupad na with God's help (thank you Lord at di mo kami pinabayaan sa lahat ng decisions namin for this application).

For sure, we will be facing a lot of challenges sa aming pangingibang bansa pero naniniwala ako na we can overcome it all...

Thanks to pinoyz2NZ and AklNZpinoys for the information you've shared with us and for the undying help you extend to those people who aspire to have a new life in NZ.

The work visa arrived this morning and is valid until March 7, 2008.