Happy New Year

Merry Christmas

Journey to a New Life

I started my career not as a nurse but as a credit investigator at Standard Chartered Bank with a monthly wage of approximately Php 7000. It was during the time when we discovered about my first pregnancy. Our monthly income was not sufficient to raise a family so I decided to retake the nursing board. Yes, I am not embarrassed to confess that despite of being an honor student in high school, I failed the nursing board not just once but twice, but let me justify that. I was working and pregnant! No review at all! Kidding aside, these failures humbled me.
We may sometimes feel that life can become a curse, it's ok. Our  diligence in praying will certainly help us to rise up from our ruins and it will surely deliver us great blessings.

I felt that my recognition of failure blunted disappointment as I did my best the third time. Obviously, I wouldn't have made it without my family's love and support.

I started my nursing career as an Oncology Nurse at Veterans Memorial Medical Center where former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is detained due to electoral fraud charges. The job was tremendously fulfilling. It was nice to experience the joy of letting your patient feel less fearful of pain, suffering and death that compose the stigma of cancer. Honestly, during those days I didn't wish of chasing money overseas as I don't want to imitate those who have left the country to prosper abroad. I was not lured by the attraction of making dollars, the charm of having white Christmas, the feeling of staying in an air-conditioned First World cocoon and other things overseas can offer. My 14,000 Pesos per month was good enough for us.

Until I realized how I admired my friends and classmates in college who seemed to have achieved holistic success by working overseas. They became the source of my inspiration, my guide and support. But opportunities were not as tamed as I thought. And again we reached the lowest point in life...we were victims of swindling. This is the main reason why I had to leave the job I've loved most. I had to pay my loan in AFSLAI (Armed Forces of the Philippines Savings and Loan Association Inc.) amounting to less than 300,000 Pesos. My husband unfazed to continue to contact the person responsible but to no avail. Well, as an old adage says "life must go on." Problems are not sufficient reason to stop living.

So I continued my career as an Oncology Nurse in the Middle East. It's so hard to be away from home. I was embraced by emptiness but I was able to sustain the difficulties for two years. Thanks to my sisters and former friends in Jeddah. 

One of the columnists of the Philippine Daily Inquirer said that hailing OFW's  as modern-day heroes often amounts to mere celebratory rhetoric that regrettably masks their suffering. I can prove the veracity!

Yet my career abroad did not end there. Me and my husband decided to work in Singapore. Life for us became easier. We were happy and thankful that we were able to save a little. Not just that, we were able to help our parents and siblings. We did not notice that we became too preoccupied of our jobs that we almost have forgotten about our application for permanent residency here in BC. Who would have thought? It was filed seven years ago.

I am the luckiest person to be blessed with the most kind-hearted college besties. (There are more of them.) 

My two lovelies, Dhel and Ria entwining the streets of London

Jo enjoying the sumptuous surroundings of Napa Valley

Rey and the frills of traveling around the world

We pursued our Canadian residency to give our children a better future. It is the only measure we know and as parents we will do anything for them. This time we would like to give more time, love and attention rather than things to our children. This is why I opted to rest from my profession. This is how we want to simplify our life. Again, we would like to thank our families including our friends who have given us monetary and emotional support.

Our first step in BC was not easy. We are still struggling to adjust until now. We know it will take awhile, it's normal to take awhile. We will soon find our way!

I'm also happy for Joseph Dominguez whose application for seven years was granted by the embassy. Goodluck to us! And who would think I could possibly bump into someone who's face is so familiar? Cathlei Agbayani, my former college classmate is residing adjacent our place. What a small world!

We are truly grateful for the blessings from the Ricanas, Sagers and high school friends. They have provided us food, winter jackets, transportation, home appliances, furnitures and even Christmas ornaments. We've spent less since we arrived. We are so grateful!

God is so good.

 Taken by Kuya Toto Sager during 2011 Santa Parade

It's freezing outside. I can hardly adjust.

Life is truly a beautiful struggle!

Our Home Marinduque

Everyone believes in this old adage there's no place like home.

Marinduque, my home, I miss you!

 With Famae and Chrizia. Taken at Puktoy White Beach in Torrijos

 Dawis seashore

With Shan at Alobo, Sta Cruz

My younger sisters during Lola Sising 80th birthday party.  I wish her long life and good health.

With friends Irene and Myr at Nazareno's beach house in Masiga

I love her innocence!

I miss Mama's good home cooking.
I miss Papa's half true jests and the way he shares his simple yet concise explanation of the Bible.
I miss Mama Dionie's constant care to Dayne.
I miss Papa Meo's laugh despite of his impaired physical mobility.
I miss my family, close relatives and friends.
I'm missing everyone back home.

Their safety is paramount and so I always pray for them.

Let's celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception!

Friuli Goodness

Few days before our departure, my childhood friend Norren requested us to join her and Ramil for  dinner. They brought us in a small, relatively cheap Italian restaurant within the vicinity of UP village.  Forgive me, I cannot recall the exact location but adjacent to it is a chain of brasseries. The place is quite safe but you just have to be patient to queue.

I've tasted their Mozzarella sticks with tomato sauce and it is delightfully cheesy.
They also serve pizza and variety of pasta. I love their puttanesca pasta!
A gelato dusted with nuts seemed refreshing and nice but we couldn't afford to absorb more.

That was a lovely evening!

With my childhood friend Norren. She is like a pillar of support to me.

Beautiful Thing Called Friendship

Singapore became our second home since 2007. We were so lucky to have the Mataacs and the Dys as our extended family. What we've got was not a shallow friendship, it was rather real and transparent. They've shown us genuine kindness and generous spirit.

 In December 2010, we received our first correspondence from the Canadian Embassy stating that our application for permanent residency has finally been processed. We felt extremely happy as the Lord never stopped to  lavish us with great blessings and answered prayers. 

At last, we will start another "bahay-bahayan" in another foreign land.

When we left Singapore, we felt that we have left good friends behind, friends who have painted us with so much caring. I was not too melodramatic about the parting as they all shared their excitement and happiness with us. A promise of constant communication remains.

Ricky with Baby Ulrich

Taken at Pasir Ris Ave.

With Melissa and William during Singapore's Flower Festival.

Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimps

I miss Mel's delightful dishes.

They are not just friends, they are family!

My Graceful Exit

My Ward Nine Family

I formally submitted my resignation as SN in September 2011. This decision was triggered by my present physical condition due to my pregnancy.

Yes, we are expecting our long awaited second child! And my exit will afford me to have much needed rest before I give birth in March next year.

In my parting I would like to extend my profound thanks to the management for giving me the opportunity of working in a modern hospital like Mount Elizabeth. I also would like to thank my co-nurses and staff to whom I have worked with for more than four years.

Ward 9 will continue to remain in my heart for it is there where I was nurtured to become a better person. It is there where I gained more knowledge. I've really learned a lot from my colleagues, something that I shall endear my whole life.

I pray that my friends in the ward will continue to render services to its patients with all kindness, patience, love and care and treat everyone the best they can afford.

I'm missing my nursing job.

Music Box

When I was a child I used to own a light pink vinyl music box. It was a present from one of my mother's students.  I was so amazed with the plastic ballerina doing pirouettes to the melody playing. It was so magical, so divine. I think it is every little girl's dream.

I am not a good dancer. I can't even follow simple steps and I always wonder how a plastic ballerina spin so gracefully.
Unfortunately, my music box is no longer in my possession.  

The jewelry box I bought from Mahmoud Saeed five years ago. It's not musical but I love the dragonfly design and it's inexpensive.

A good night sleep (FB-less night) despite my inflammed tonsils, a morning prayer, a cup of coffee, two Salonga songs back to back on my shuffled playlist, beautiful sunrise, another great blog from Mrs. Yu, the good news of  typhoon Falcon leaving Ph. - seeking a good life!

My old nano.

Love Takes Work

Let me share with you ten simple guides we follow in our marriage.

Letting patience and understanding work together - We seldom fight. We fight the problem instead. We always work together with patience.

Always rest on the positive outlook 

Kiss each other goodnight / Call, just to say "I love you"- This is our daily dose of affection.

Kneel in prayer together - It is always important for us inflate our faith.

Retrospect through good memories 

Hold hands

Taken by Jem Jabal

Continue dating

Living within our means - Habang maikli ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot. (Literally: While the blanket is short, learn to curl for you to fit in it. Meaning: Refers to situations when resources are scarce, one should learn to be thrift and adapt.) We've learned to live observing this old adage.

Don't make mountains out of molehills

Saying sorry when necessary 

Taken by Jem Jabal

Have a blessed Sunday!

Praying for Jem's safe trip to U.S. We couldn't have picked a great place for holiday if not for her. I'll always remember the few months we've spent together.
Good luck to all your endeavors Jem. Take care!

En Route to my Heritage

Watching TV patrol and seeing Bernadette Sembrano's Filipiniana Terno made me think of Dita Sandico Ong's indigenous fiber creations. I am also happy to know that 10% of the Filipinos have retained the traditional culture. At least may 10 percent pa!

Photo Credit: The Filam

Photo credit: Google images

Having the modern Filipiniana way!

The Dita Sandico Ong wraps are made of dyed banana fiber and abaca.

An obi-style top I've used during a traditional Malaysian wedding ceremoy in December 2010, courtesy of my friend Norren Saporna.

The good thing about the Dita Sandico Ong designs is that they can be worn in a multitude ways. You can actually play with them!

Photo Credit: http://kevintatco.multiply.com

Photo Credit: Google Images and Smilebox

A Terno worn by TV personalities during the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Photo Credit: Google Images and Smilebox

Photo Credit: Google Images and Smilebox

There are many Filipiniana attires to choose from - Tapis, Maria Clara / Panuelo and Baro't Saya. The Barong Tagalog is always the best choice for men. This is the Filipino-style - very pleasing to nationalism!

Tasting the Filipino culture is also like having hot pandesal for brekky, bibingka, sago't gulaman, banana/kamoteQ for merienda, mangga't bagoong, puto't dinuguan, Adobo for lunch and sweet and sour Lapu-lapu for dinner!

I'm proud to be Pinoy!

Happy Birthday Dr. Jose Rizal!
& Happy Father's Day!

Welcoming Changes

Life becomes difficult when we anticipate changes. And sometimes it is more difficult for me to welcome these changes if they would only mean being apart from my family but they are truly inevitable.

I love my family and by simply seeing them around completes me.

Is it worth working overseas? I often ask myself. It is so hard to balance career and meeting the needs of my family. Sadly, I always fail in this!

But like a book, life is a collection of chapters which always include unforeseeable changes of events. We must learn how live through with these chapters and acceptance must always come to the forefront.

Sooner, I'll be facing another difficult change but my faith in Him is paramount. He will surely help me see through each chapters and He will give me strength to welcome changes instead of worrying about them.
For the meantime, I'll enjoy the moment that I have because....
Time doesn't come back!

With our sweet Shan

Missing those sweet innocent smiles!

With Ricky Mataac's Kian and Anne

Growth is the only evidence of life.

She adores children.


All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.
  -Anatole France-

Making life a fantastic friend!

A share of coffee after the heartbreaking NBA playoff game. Classic songs from my white old Nano. A date with Dayne due to mutual concession. The excitement on hoping to see great tiangge finds at Bugis.

Making life a fantastic friend!

Flowers

Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair...-S.P. Shutz

I love seeing flowers. They have their own intriguing language of beauty and romance.