Recent Events
2025
Lighter inside and out
I understand more now, what and where to put my mind and heart into… I am in a place where I dreamt of before. Life is good because I feel and see it that way and I believe I am not alone.
Magical Birthday Celebration!
I just remember feeling how blessed I am to have experienced this, did not imagine being able to do this but I did. First was the beautiful weather, I have to mention because this trip was booked months ago, very fortunate to have sunny days at the exact travel dates. Everything went into plan well.
Swimming with these intelligent creatures was special. Snorkeling back home was also beautiful with corals and cute fishes, but this is a different level, they are big, almost same height as me. I was not expecting them to be close to us, I really was thinking maybe we would not see them because the briefing included, they may or may not show up. We have to give respect to their home; besides we are the ones who will be in their comfort zone. But oh boy, I was so wrong, they went swimming side by side and even circling around us. I was so lucky that I saw their faces upfront.
I was in awe, I remember saying afterwards, back at the boat “I was so happy”. Then the whale watch from a big cruise, sceneries are superb, glassy water and snowcapped mountains are great sights. A humpback whale is the one that we spotted, lucky that it went very close to us, huge size, can be intimidating but this creature exists, and I saw it with my own eyes, it was amazing. Bunch of albatross were also there, fish feeding. Honestly, the camera cannot match the quality of images and videos in person.
Last but not the least, the cute, huge and soft seals! They were resting in the shore, again, feeling lucky because they are not easy to find but managed to see five huge ones. For the food, my favorite was the cray chowder, it set my standards high, so delish!
Overall, just grateful! I am 34 now and hey, I am old and young but I promise to live a happy life. Made many wishes, received cakes and gifts from lovely people. Family and friends greeted with love, feeling blessed.
What a night with Eraserheads!
Definitely a great night! This music is timeless, this band is talented! Good times! Lucky to be part of this…
A timely message… “With a Smile” song is one of my lifetime favorites
Role upgrade!
Grateful to accept and experience this another opportunity to work as a lead nurse. I see it as a huge acknowledgement, it helps me to stay motivated and hopefully reach more milestones in the future!
Year of New Hopes!
Counting my blessings… Every now and then I do forget to do this. Praise Him always for constantly giving me strength, peace and happiness. For this new year, I want to hope for kindness to myself first. I realized that I grew up with a big space for self-compassion and my goal is to fill it up fully. Second would be small goals will be completed then ultimately; my dreams will eventually come true!
I pray that there will be great, positive connections and amazing strength this year. Year of the Snake! Welcome!
“KEEP THE GOOD MEMORIES
LEARN FROM YESTERDAY
ENJOY TODAY AND
CHEERS TO BRIGHT FUTURE”
2024
a Year to Remember!
This year has been difficult, I must say in all aspects. I had to overcome emotional battle and prioritize myself. I am trying, which is a great step because I am in a place of discovering my true value. With Him, nothing is impossible. I am grateful for the lowest moments because they taught me how to be more independent and interestingly to feel more complete. Life is not supposed to be simple, if it is, it won’t be a life well lived.
Appreciated.
Touched with these gifts, the card message was my favorite. I also gifted myself, electric toothbrush! ha-ha. It is life changing and I am learning how to floss properly. Do not get me wrong, I see my dentist for checks, and it is never too late to learn this at 30s.
However, this is just one tiny part of celebrating our Saviour’s birthday, happy birthday Jesus from all our hearts.
Many things happened this year especially on the latter half. I transferred to a new workplace which turned out to be healthy and rewarding decision I made, and I am sincerely hoping for a kind and happy future with them. My brother’s family will have upcoming transition which is necessary and beneficial when it comes to work and lifestyle, I wish them well. New Zealand has their first ever official Christmas tree located in the heart of the city.
I am grateful truly and will strive for the right path. I strongly welcome new chapter in my life and in my heart, I did well. No life is perfect, but one can be peaceful. I choose peace over pain, and I choose love over hatred. In the long run, I know everything will fall into place. As 2024 closes and I look back, I take as always, the positive moments of life because they made me and still makes me happy.
Safe and better home
One of the best things this year. Last year, around April, I purchased a small house for my parents, for them to experience living in a concrete home. I am paying it monthly and this month, my father sent me pics to show how it looks now. It is already built and almost finished, our old home where I grew up is fragile at some parts. He visits the house now and then to check. My heart is truly happy.
Thank God, amidst all stressors, He shows us bits and moments that we should be thankful for, like this one.
November Spectacular!
My first concert in New Zealand. Coldplay was worth every penny; I just purchased the ticket a week before and I am so glad I did! What an amazing, alive and fun concert to be in and quite a vision too!
This was great as well. Talents are overflowing here, these actors have great voices, and they can play instruments too. Now I understand what live musical theater can bring, a close-up experience with acting and singing. By the way, the best part is Gollum, the actor who played him was superb!
APRIL to OCTOBER
It’s just getting faster and faster but hey, we are experiencing life, being healthy and having happy moments. It is always a good time to try to live in the present. I am actually encouraging myself with these words. Through this time, I started “gratitude journaling”. I loved and be loved, and I will again and aways.
Mistakes can be beautiful. Yes, there will be difficulties for a minute, a day, months or even years. But through all this, learning happens and that is beautiful.
Forever blessed.
I have learned many things again, testament that life is a continuous learning process. When I started this website, I like using the word “better”. I will be better, this will make me better etc. What I didn’t realized is I am enough. I have to know I have always been good enough. Self-compassion is a great thing to have. Kindness to your own self matters more. Thank you, Lord, for everything, the ups and downs of life make it worth living.
Up and Away!
A dream come true for me! It is my first time seeing hot air balloons up close! I was really happy, a core memory indeed.
Walking, Moving on
Maraetai 10k walk!
It was a beautiful walk, I keep thinking this is exactly what I wanted. Forgot to wear earphones, by the way I woke up and I made it on time. I went walking in easy to moderate pace with three lovely ladies I just saw there, one of whom has music on her backpack. Nice to have them as they make me smile and checks up on me. I remember my name being announced on the finish line as well. Nice medal too!
Round the bays 2024!
Our team's name is already a winner “KINKYMEATBALLS”. We just came up with this name few days before the marathon, one of our staff bought some spicy meatballs and they were really yum, and we were thinking of a word that could go together with pink as our bibs are pink. So, pinky…. mmm pinky meatballs and then kinky? kinkymeatballs ha-ha is much better.
It was early morning of 3rd of March, on a Sunday, we went to meet up in the city, 20 thousand plus people joined apparently, this is the biggest marathon in New Zealand. The race is 8.4 km and we joined as walkers, just to have a feel of the event as all of us are yet to join this. It was great and fulfilling and I was so happy to have walked with awesome people! and till the next walk!
Ready for more!
Unbelievable to have another year just like that. I was laughing seeing my social status in 2012 saying time is so fast and it is still after so many years. I am curious on why we keep saying this and the answer goes back to us, it is how we live. Over the years, lifestyle changed for many. While writing this, sitting on my bed and thinking that this moment, somewhere in the world, a kid is dreaming to have a bed, wanting to eat bread and here I am getting sad about my life. I should be blessed and should feel blessed. It is in human nature to ask for something we don’t have but appreciating life for a moment can change you.
Far from being perfect, I know my weaknesses and praying for these imperfections to make me strong and help me have a good future. For this year, I will be more realistic in saying that I really want to be happy for most of it. To more dreams to come true! With Him, I have hope.
“KEEP THE GOOD MEMORIES
LEARN FROM YESTERDAY
ENJOY TODAY AND
CHEERS TO BRIGHT FUTURE”
2023
Christmas Season
I just want to look back for a minute. Before I share my Christmas. This time of 2019, I was looking forward to experiencing new things and I did. I am now proud of myself because it was not easy all the time. From driving, to just doing what I love to do without pressure. Covid times are getting normal and rest in peace to all the people who passed away because of this virus. With Faith and God, I am not alone. I felt this especially with love from family and friends. Thank you, Lord, for everything.
Food, food, food, not ashamed to say this is what I really love ha-ha. Happy birthday Jesus! We celebrate you always and I always pray to have you in my heart.
Drove South Island
I rewarded myself with beautiful sceneries. Finally get to see Lupin Flowers. Memorable!
SkyTower with Aunt
My first time up there after four years in NZ. Beautiful views! It was really high and fun.
All About Arts
Claim it! Manifest! I will have my own art exhibit. Art in the park was such as an experience. Overwhelming talent and skills, my eyes were full. This made me realized, I can go a bit more, way more. I am far from these masterpieces, but hey I am currently enjoying painting as a hobby mainly. Give me time and budget and hopefully a stable life and I will reach this. Claim it!
Thanks Craig Cornwall and Richard Wells, an acrylic painter and bronze sculptor who shared their stories and the process of painting to me. Beautiful art makes my heart happy.
Sports and Entertainment
Watching athletes for the first time bought a thrill. Women football at the world cup. Our country was in the game, that alone is an achievement. We had no points at this game, but I remember the most this moment. Props to Norway, they were above everything when it comes to skills. Proud of our team always and got a game versus New Zealand! Yay!
This was great! Honestly, I wanted more, just spectacular skating and of course, Disney movies and songs are icing on the cake.
Be You
Moments like this make you realize that you have made it this far and hey it’s amazing how you have grown.
We live too fast nowadays, and we are trying to live up to other people’s expectations but the more you try the more you feel down. Live life for you to be happy first, keep trying and I know it’s a cliche, but I have learned that money cannot buy all the time, health and happiness in the world.
Faith makes a difference and I believe my life has been written. It is the journey that always counts.
Love is Real
While writing this today 25th of Feb, I am searching for answers, and I found them. I learned a great lesson. Love is not simple; it takes a person to his/her most vulnerable state and what a wonderful thing that is. It will be your wakeup call on how much you can give. I am taking away with me my true heart and my true desires. I have loved and be loved. I have loved and lost. I have let go because I have loved. I want to really thank the realness of love because there is no way I would have known what I really wanted in life. I learned and I embraced myself more. Thank you LOVE!
year of the RABBIT
Welcome 2023!!! Be good to us! We’ll be in a better state, I will claim it. Each year is a blessing and a blast! Each person is an inspiration!
Skytower 2023
Colorful year ahead!
KEEP THE GOOD MEMORIES
LEARN FROM YESTERDAY
ENJOY TODAY AND
CHEERS TO BRIGHT FUTURE
2022
celebrating HOLIDAY SEASON
Woah that was fast… Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. It’s our Saviour’s birthday and also symbolizes bond between families and friends. 2022, thank you for those 365 days of imperfections. I always say this, but I feel grateful I am alive experiencing life to the fullest. I must say, the food! is really good! People I have known now as friends whom I met only this year makes me feel blessed. Family, my foundation, mum and dad, praying and hoping I will see you here in New Zealand soon.
loving EARLY christmas
Best holiday of the year is approaching, making everyone especially happy as there is no more lockdowns. Many families reunite here in New Zealand and overseas. Although I am not going home this Christmas, I would make sure it would be soon after, I miss home.
WORK hard, LAUGH hard
MET AMAZING GIRLS
I never thought I could work and laugh at the same time in this profession. I am glad I was able to experience working and sharing the time with these ladies. I am glad it happened. THANK YOU, GALS, what time is it, it’s sexy time!
ultimate CHALLENGE
trying to BE FIT and STAY FIT
I have never imagined myself attending class gym.
Back home in the Philippines until being here in New Zealand, I find gym an awkward place to be in. I do not belong there, that is how I feel until I have tried it and been in one. On July 14th, 2022, I decided to go to Snap Fitness nearby, I remember prior that I called one of the gym staff if I could just come in and he gave me an appointment time. A very loving someone dear to me inspired me to go try and assured me that it will be a great experience and so I did. Besides, I am not feeling healthy, I easily get out of breath, I have a very sedentary lifestyle and my appetite keeps on increasing. I keep on gaining weight and it is really a good time to get back on track and be conscious of my health. It is never easy, but it is worth it. It started with being a member of a boxing class right away. Des introduced me to that class, I will never forget that moment when I got to wear gloves and do boxing for the first time. As I have said this is new to me. Being a gym member and committing to it is something that I could just imagine ever doing. I attended all the classes for more than a month on a regular basis and met cool friends. Although I am going in with fewer hours and days now, I still keep up with it by being in the gym at least three times a week. I started with 87kg and ended with 78kg which is my weight goal. I did it! but still I want to stay with the routine and be healthy.
DRIVING safely
I did it! I felt really happy passing the New Zealand full license driving test. A little back story, my dad was with me back home on my first ever driving test and that was an unpleasant experience as I failed. But this year, August 17th at 1:45 in the afternoon, I drove for 20 minutes with the testing officer checking my driving skills and at the end, the words: “You have passed” made me really say “Yay! Thank you!”. I felt really proud of myself. First take feels like an accomplishment I will never forget.
APRIL almost OVER
Reach for the sun! Literally!
I have made a separate article for this I know, but still, I could not help and include this picture here. Main reason is, I was up there! in the sky! 20, 000 ft high!
And what’s been happening so far in this year
Let’s see…
Covid swabbing is over, well at least for everyday purposes. Rapid antigen tests came in after almost three years. We are just now beginning to have a normal way of life with lesser fear and restrictions. Onto the other global problem, the war. People suffered, died and are currently facing the consequences. Peace and prayers are things I could offer and if only everyone in the world offered the same things, there would never be war in the first place. In the end, I realized the problems we have are caused by us. Humans are evolving together with the things around us: technology, modern science, weapons. Human emotions such as greed, selfishness, lack of faith can kill us all in an instant. However difficult things can be, humanity still exists. I really hope and pray, love and faith will prevail and outweigh all the problems in this world.
What’s happening in my life, I honestly could say, I am happy with what I have and thankful to experience everything I have experienced so far. It is not perfect, I still have a share of ups and downs but hey I am growing, I may be old for many people especially in my culture and still young for others but I know myself. I know my dreams and will try my best to reach for them. I will do it with God’s strength as sometimes I become lost but I will always remember in my heart “with Him, nothing is impossible”.
DOING what’s BEST, living with HOPE
Year of the Tiger, for this new year, I will start with giving Thanks to God for life, for food, for the people and for the love.
Mixed emotions entering this time because of the events that happened in 2021. Lessons learned, lives lost, prioritizing the most important aspects in life. Still, I cannot help but to be grateful as I am able to still do this and live. I am enjoying my work, normalcy of life and working hours made a huge difference in my lifestyle. I am looking forward to new challenges and welcoming higher steps in my nursing career. At the same time, I still want to do what I love, art. I became more responsible at the house, learning to be an independent woman and will continue to do things I have never done before. I will start appreciating life and myself more, although I am in my 30th year in the world. Each of us has a different timeline and I will enjoy life to the fullest. Of course, I will never forget to mention the people who help me everyday through ups and downs. Sadness became an inspiration, moments when breaking down was necessary and completely normal, it makes you human. I am glad with everything that happened to me and still going to whatever happens. I am really happy to love and be loved.
Although we can only be uncertain. I am going to claim it. 2022 will be a much better, more positive and inspiring year.
WE LOVE YOU 2022, PLEASE LOVE US BACK!
To be continued…
KEEP THE GOOD MEMORIES
LEARN FROM YESTERDAY
ENJOY TODAY AND
CHEERS TO BRIGHT FUTURE
2021
Hot CHRISTMAS season
Summer in New Zealand
Oh it’s Christmas time again! That was a quick year, I know. I realize the importance of, and I am sure many people did at this time, not taking anything or anyone for granted. Simple things such as eating out, traveling, being with your loved ones, basically living a normal life can be lost in an instant. With God’s grace we are slowly trying to bring back the pre coronavirus time, I am certain we will but it will take time. On a positive note as there are many things that are out of our hands, I am so happy that we are in the 21st century wherein modern technology and advanced science exist thus making a huge difference and saving lives. Lives we lost will never be forgotten, their lives paved the way to people who are living fully at this time, that is how I think about them.
when GRANDMA became an ANGEL
LAUREANA
Time with loved ones ends physically, it is part of life. To live with love, strength and happiness in appreciating simple things in life is what grandma taught us all. I am still getting emotional while writing this because the kindness our grandma showed us is probably the kindness only angels can possess.
Lola, I can see how my mother became so selfless, she got it from you. I want to thank God for letting you spend your time with us, taking care of us, loving us. You were so strong for all those years since grandpa decided to go to paradise first and build a home there for you. Now’s the time to be with him again, and all of us here are so grateful for your time with us. I love you. I always remember your smile and you are here in my heart forever.
covid VACCINATOR
Thank you front liners.
As one of them, I understand the level of stress they have in almost everyday of life.
These vaccines are now part of normal care. People who reached out to those who are in need in the midst of pandemic. God bless us all.
VACCINE being given to be SAFE from covid, a sign of HOPE
New Zealand is the first country to welcome a new year as the world clock hits 12 am first here, this was also my first time to see the fireworks up close.
NEW ADVENTURE
I want to start with my family here, ‘kuya’ (Filipino word for older brother) and ‘ate’ (older sister) and my ‘pamangkin’ (nephew) as I spent the last hour of 2020 and the first hour of this year with them. They helped me start my life here and are still guiding me towards a stable life.
2020 has given me experiences and memories, great and not so great. I encountered many hardships and struggles however came with it blessings that inspired me in living and made me feel everything was worth it.
HEART FILLED, that’s how I can describe my life while writing this today, 13th of March. I know it’s now overdue as I didn’t really have the time to visit and update this blog as my last working days were so busy and stressful but now I am about to embark on a new journey. I applied for a job early this year as I dreamed of having normal shifts but still work as a nurse and thank God, I got hired, I will now work as a primary health care nurse. This will give me an opportunity to explore more and to have a break from rostered days. I was really touched to have received a farewell treat in my previous job, it was beautiful, the flowers, the messages and of course the people. Working in aged care for one year and three months in New Zealand made me tough and of all the lessons I have learned, what stood out the most for me are the culture and the way of life of the elderly people here in this country. I found it different considering I grew up in a family oriented environment where rest homes are not common and elderly stay at home with their kids and grandkids and sometimes great grand kids haha.
Now another important event in my life happened, I am now an adult in every aspect, emotionally, mentally and physically. Don’t get me wrong, as a nurse, I work really hard but as a woman, I lack so many things however as I live here I become mature in a way I have never been before. I started budgeting, cooking, cleaning and supporting my family back home while having an inspired life. Meeting new people, giving and taking love and care are the reasons my work and life became balanced and for that I am grateful. I have learned how unexpected things could give the most unexpected joy and it certainly improved my way of life. Happiness can cross boundaries. I promise to stay happy as much as I can. Life is imperfect and it will bring you all sorts of surprises. Thank you to you who taught me that the most precious things in life are the ones that cannot be seen, read, or even count, they are the things that can be felt. It is forever in my heart, only you hold that place in my life. Days are passing so fast, I am going to be 30, happy and sad at the same time haha. I am excited though, that’s for sure. At this age, I always feel there are many more to come for me, I will be ready, and I will pray for a good life not just for me but for everyone.
To be continued…
KEEP THE GOOD MEMORIES
LEARN FROM YESTERDAY
ENJOY TODAY AND
CHEERS TO BRIGHT FUTURE
2020
COVID, still praying for you to stop and be gone forever. It is LIFE CHANGING.
For the first time in my life, I am living and working in another country, New Zealand. My brother, sister-in-law and nephew have been living here before I arrived and they helped me adjust and guided me in my transition and I am just thankful to them. Grew up dependently, never once left home to study or work and I lived in the same home for 28 years. Therefore, I could say this is really a big adjustment for me in a positive way. I learned more and I think I developed more because I had to deal with differences: people, language, culture, weather, environment and way of life. So far, I could say it is challenging but somehow I am enjoying it as I can explore life more. My goal as of the moment is help my family back home and save for the future. Now that I am a NZ Resident, I was approved on September 8, I am so happy because I feel more secure and I could actually have more choices when it comes to job opportunities.
My coping period, during level 4 lockdown. I got sad and homesickness got into me just a bit. At the same time, the stress level at work is always high due to understaffing so I needed an outlet. I had what you could call a chat friend, it was wholesome and I had fun because it lessened my stress, diverted my mind off things. However, as I went along, I gained friends too from work and outside work and I realized that being with someone is still the best as you could see and understand a person fully, thankful for them. I found someone great along the way, hope; I was amazed because I saw someone so kind and great at words. One day, we get to bond and just be happy as promised. True friendships last.
Excitement, this is what I always feel despite all the hardships in life. I always look forward to happier days because everyone deserves to have them. All the nice people I met are the ones helping me stay happy. There will be more in store for me I know, I will continue to learn and accept myself and choose happiness, ALWAYS. All I need is Faith, Love and a job haha.
For the first time, I was able to give a “balikbayan box” to my family back home. This is such an achievement for me, it felt really fulfilling. I will never forget the happiness I saw in them when they have received this, and through video call, my mother and I talked about whom these items are for. She even took pictures for remembrance and one video at 2 am in the morning haha out of joy. I will do this again. This was I think before my mother’s birthday, this is a great memory that I will always treasure.
CHRISTMAS 2020
I spent the last of hours of Christmas with Renz and Jennilen, the best housemates, well at least for me haha.
I enjoy and will definitely remember moments I spent with these two and more bonding to come!
As this year is about to end, I must say I learned so much in a positive way and I am thankful. I will continue to improve myself and live life to the fullest.
“KEEP THE GOOD MEMORIES
LEARN FROM YESTERDAY
ENJOY TODAY AND
CHEERS TO BRIGHT FUTURE”