A Kandid Little Korner

For experience, we opted to take the train to Sydney Central. Well, Just as hubby said the public transpo here is not that sophisticated and I should not expect something like in Japan ( since I came here my reference for comparison are Philippines and Japan, the only two countries I’ve lived and visited). The carriages are not that new, why should I expect it to be new, anyway? Hahahahha. We enjoyed our 45-minute ride with teischa imitating her favorite Disney movie (the one Maxxie riding in the train).

Me: “HA? Gindala dala mo pa imo laptop?
Daddy: “ To update NBA online”
Teischa : “What’s for snack?"

What makes this old bridge so grand? Technically, it is the world’s largest arch bridge. Searching online, it has a very interesting past. It was officially opened in 1932 to cope up with the traffic problems. More than 70 years, it still dominates the harbor skyline.

Charlotte: one of the ferry boats

One can take a ferry boat ride to enjoy an array of spectacular destinations and experience the treasures Sydney can offer. For us, we did not take the ride yet. We are going to save it another time when it is not that cold anymore (it's winter season here). And we should leave our house early, right Teisch?

Circular Quay (station) is the hub of harbour's ferries network. Where is it?

The building behind us is the ferry terminal

The harbour side area have shops that cater the needs of tourists and Sydney-siders, somewhere to shop, accommodation,meal, etc. One can enjoy a cup of tea/coffee, feeling relaxed with the spectacular view of the harbor.

Sit down ta anay Teisch kapoy lakat2. Ang rayuma ko nagtukar...hikhik...aw sus a

Marriot lang ah...di na pag ipost ang shangri-la...

You can bike around, too.

Harbour side

Shopping...shopping...shopping



Sit back,relax, view the harbour

Bataaaa...enjoy ka gid???

Aborigines attract tourists with their native music. $10 for their CD (hmmm....sosyal...ga CD sila)

I don't know what's the right name for this one. This guy makes a living as a "moving statue". Actually he only moves when people get near him. A coin-filled hat in front of him. Hmmm? Not a bad idea, after all. Teischa was mesmerized with this masked-green-outfit man. I think she's silently freaking out :-).

Come here birdie, come to mama

Mama's going to give you cookie.... come here.

Teischa, let's go. Leave the little bird alone. Can't we take it home, daddy? Ngeee...


The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable images, not only here, but of the world. A masterpiece of a great Danish architect, this became the iconic symbol of the whole continent.

Teischa and daddy all smiles with the "shells" of the opera house behind

It has become the venue of countless cultural events and performing arts

Teischa: "Sit down again,Mommy? Tani nag-Flanax ka. Kabalo gid na siya may stairs pakadto sa balay ni Oprah po". Mommy: "Dali lang bala. Relax lang anay. Anong balay ni Oprah? O-pe-ra not Oprah". Hehehehhe... Joke time. Corny ah.

Just outside the opera house. Look closely what I caught in my camera.

A photo shoot!

One perfect bridge, a view from the opera house

The harbor viewed from the opera house




The rain drizzled just as we were circling the opera house. But when it started to get heavy, we ran back to the shop area. We called it a day when the clock said 5pm. Bambam’s worried of the train ride since it’s Friday which means a full-packed carriages.

Though, we were not able to really explore the central, we definitely caught a glimpse of it. We will go back as many times as possible and we are going to explore each treasure this place has to offer.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, the blue waters underneath and the Opera House surely takes one breath away. So picture perfect. No wonder many stand in awe just by looking at them.

We took a night time flight on 14th of May to Australia aboard the Qantas Airways. The trip was ever smooth and stable without me having to experience the “ear and head splits” unlike flying other airlines (peace yo!). Teischa was soundlessly asleep all throughout the trip which saved me much stress having to keep a toddler from doing tantrums in a close-filled plane. She was in a supine position and was occupying half of my seat leaving me sitting in sideways. This, I find more endurable than having a wailing kid with me upsetting those who wanted to have their night sleep. I can’t really sleep without the comfort of a bed, so I occupied myself watching the video “The Confession of a Shopaholic”.


Hours after, it was announced that we were approaching Sydney Airport and I had my first glimpse of Australia from the sky. It was strikingly beautiful! It was bright orange all over with the crack of dawn. It was like I am seeing another planet, the sight was breathtaking! The sun was magnificent as it slowly extended its rays and met up with the sky. I felt so near to it that I could almost touch it. Below was what looked like a vast, empty land, perfectly sculpted. All the rest were very orangey.


As the plane did its smooth touch on the ground, I said a short thank you prayer for our safe trip. Thermal scanners were positioned at the center of the lobby, as expected. I passed! Another thank you. With my mother-and-lola-in-laws and teischa, we hurried up to immigration check and I was surprised when the officer said that they needed to check something on my passport. Another officer was called and directed me to follow her but I was told to wait just outside the office. I was relieved when; she went out and said, “Here you go. Thanks!” Our baggages were thoroughly checked by the customs since Mamang (lola) declared food items on the checklist. The officer was a friendly, Chinese man and he smiled when he saw the “chicharon” and she explained what it was. He shook his head,”No, you can’t bring this. I’m sorry. This is pork!” Ding, ding, ding, it’s swine flu season, hello?

As we made our way out, I can’t help thinking “we are here at last!”. This is our land of promise. The place we really wanted to settle and raise our kids, the land of endless opportunities.


After more than a year, the three of us were reunited, finally. Together, we will build our heaven here on earth, a one happy, happy family.

After months of keeping silent, I’m here again. I just want to start by backtracking what kept me and my loved ones busy these past few months why I haven’t been able to post here.

My younger sister and her long time boyfriend got married last March 21.

16 April my mama passed away between 6-7pm. It was a life-changing experience for us. Our lives, our routines were not as they were. Some of us moved on from one place to another. A change so imposing that some of us are fearful and uncomfortable. I made an almost-detailed account of what mama endured in her last hours but never posted it. I don’t know, though it’s kind of a “history” this time I really have this feeling that I have to post it for whom and why, I can’t tell. Balloons were set free on the afternoon of April 21 as we laid our dearest Mama in her resting place. Let go and move on.

My Papa moved from his house, he bought around early 1970s and he lived there since, to my house which is a 15-minute walk from his. My 12-year old niece whom mama raised and a certified Lola’s girl moved with her mother and enrolled for high school in Cavite. QT, my younger sister, very much pregnant, went back to Manila to continue working but planned to go back and going to manage their small business. My brother kept himself busy by getting a work in a small company.

Teischa and I moved here in Australia to be with her Dad.

My family and I are looking forward to a brighter life ahead. A family less one but strong and happy.

We each take our turn-around spin with grace and unwavering respect to each other.

This is a new life. A new beginning. A new hope.