What varied emotions I had while going through my diaries. And now I am thinking, why did I stop? It’s been 2 years since I’ve recorded the chronicles of my life and going through Facebook albums and statuses just doesn’t bring the same nostalgic feel.
So I’ve decided - when I’m in my 80’s and when my grandkids are all grown-up, living their own lives and when I don’t have the physical strength to travel and see the world, I would constantly jump online (what a techie grandma I will become), and read my memoirs while holding Edward’s hands. Aaaw.
Saying that it’s been 2 years since I’ve done this and feeling bad about it means that the past 24 months have been a tremendous blessing.
Thus, let me also call this a ‘Pambawi Post’ (so grandma, make sure that you're comfortably seated as you read this off your 17-inch MacBook Pro).
2 years back, I was a second-year undergrad student who was so delighted and giddy upon learning that I got an internship in my most preferred firm.
Lunch with my Morrows team at a posh restau close to our building.
I spoiled the ‘surprise’ 21st that everyone ought to keep from me. Lolo (that’s how I call my brother-in-law, Jon) wasn’t cautious enough and I saw the invitation in his laptop! Hehe.
Blowing the candles on my Masquerade-themed cake
For 12 months, I worked full-time as a tax accountant then part-time when I returned to university.
I didn’t stop teaching piano (to 5 students) as I was studying full-time and working in the firm so you can imagine the busy kind of life that I had.
Every day and every night, I was under the pump! In between school classes, projects and exams, work and piano lessons, I was preparing for Sunday church services where I was a pianist and worship-leader, practising with Lifted band for concerts and weddings, or playing beach volleyball with Dune – these when I was on a 5 to 6 hour sleep per day, coping with the time difference when I catch up with family, friends and Edward over Skype.
Looking back, I am quite amazed at how I was able to handle all that.
Not being up to myself now but rather praising God for miracle energy and His amazing Grace - when I start to feel unmotivated, I would suddenly be reminded that it is all worth it.
I was awarded a membership to the Golden Key International Honour Society for being in the top 15 per cent of the whole Accountancy program in my university.
At the awarding ceremony in RMIT, Melbourne Storey Hall
I got an award for my Co-op Assignment report and received overwhelming reviews from my managers about my performance at work.
Thank God for promo fares and I was able to enjoy the ultimate nature trip with Leah, Lolo and Jasmine in New Zealand for 7 days!!
Thank God for promo fares and I was able to enjoy the ultimate nature trip with Leah, Lolo and Jasmine in New Zealand for 7 days!!
Christchurch -The famous Church Cathedral. Botanical Gardens with Jas and Leah. Views from a 6-hour TranzAlpine train ride that passes the beautiful mountains and waters from Christ Church to Moana.
Auckland - City harbour with Rowin, a friend based in Auckland. After coffee and sweets in Mt. Pija. Auckland City. Delicious selection of cheese, wine and refreshments at The Stonyridge Vineyard in Waiheke Island. Huge Santa's face getting revamped, haha.
Found out through Facebook that a classmate from my first semester in St. Scholastica is already based in Auckland! Saw her again after 5 years and met her hubby too. :)
A very fulfilling moment when I heard all my students play in front of their families and friends at our mini piano recital. What made it even more special to me is that they played the pieces I used to learn when I was a piano student myself which would have been 13 to 18 years back!
The proud teacher with her loveable students - Jenella, Leanna, Hazel, Michelle and Faith
And the beginning of a chain of unforgettable events in my life - I got a nomination to study in Bentley University in Boston for my final semester in uni!
Since my first year in RMIT, I've been attending information sessions about their study abroad program, with my top destination choices being Oxford and Boston. I have ever since been committed to my studies, worked hard and saved my earnings with the fulfilment of that dream in-mind. After a couple of essays, forms and referrals from past professors, I got the nomination, plus a bonus of part scholarship! :)
I left Melbourne to be with family and friends in the Philippines for Christmas and New Years before flying to the U.S. I can't describe my happiness when I'm in Manila. Nothing compares to home. There, I always feel so alive and secure.
After a month in Manila, I flew to San Francisco to see my cousins and my dear friend Ali who I haven't seen in ages! Ali's mum and brothers are based in New York so she normally spends Christmas in the U.S. while I'm Manila-bound every December. After 2 long years, we finally met again!
I’m glad that I took a leap of faith to step out of my comfort zone again. Living in the U.S really made a strong impact in my life. I still have a big smile on my face whenever I share my experiences, even a hundred times over.
Apart from a dramatic emergency landing of my flight from San Francisco to Boston, every experience has been pure joy.
I had no family, any close relative or friend living in the East Coast and it was very liberating to know that Edward and my parents had so much confidence in me that they are able to let me go.
I lived in an apartment on-campus and met amazing people from all over the world. Bentley is a rich university and a lot of students still in their teens drive around in their Audis, BMWs and Porches, and toting their LVs and Burberrys. But there I also met impressively grounded and intelligent people.
I studied Photography, Forms of Novel, Real Estate Finance and Personality Psychology which I all enjoyed very much. My expectations were exceeded in every aspect.
It was winter when I arrived in Boston and I literally had (happy) tears as I was walking home from my first class while feeling the snow land on my hands. Everything around was so pure and pretty - all covered in white.
I left Melbourne to be with family and friends in the Philippines for Christmas and New Years before flying to the U.S. I can't describe my happiness when I'm in Manila. Nothing compares to home. There, I always feel so alive and secure.
Karaoke with Mae, Bob and his super cool friends. W/ Grapes (my forever partner in St Scho) in ATC.Get-together with the Coterie.Tagaytay overnights.Argana Christmas 80s style.Performing with GCFers in ATC.
After a month in Manila, I flew to San Francisco to see my cousins and my dear friend Ali who I haven't seen in ages! Ali's mum and brothers are based in New York so she normally spends Christmas in the U.S. while I'm Manila-bound every December. After 2 long years, we finally met again!
Ali and I in SFO Downtown.Fisherman's Wharf.With relos in Ghirardelli factory.Charming San Fo tram. Got a pair of Coach snow boots for Boston winter.The Golden Gate Bridge.
I’m glad that I took a leap of faith to step out of my comfort zone again. Living in the U.S really made a strong impact in my life. I still have a big smile on my face whenever I share my experiences, even a hundred times over.
Apart from a dramatic emergency landing of my flight from San Francisco to Boston, every experience has been pure joy.
I had no family, any close relative or friend living in the East Coast and it was very liberating to know that Edward and my parents had so much confidence in me that they are able to let me go.
I lived in an apartment on-campus and met amazing people from all over the world. Bentley is a rich university and a lot of students still in their teens drive around in their Audis, BMWs and Porches, and toting their LVs and Burberrys. But there I also met impressively grounded and intelligent people.
I studied Photography, Forms of Novel, Real Estate Finance and Personality Psychology which I all enjoyed very much. My expectations were exceeded in every aspect.
It was winter when I arrived in Boston and I literally had (happy) tears as I was walking home from my first class while feeling the snow land on my hands. Everything around was so pure and pretty - all covered in white.
Bentley University - Orchard North. My Apartment. Forms Of NovelClass. Smith Building. Seasons Cafeteria. Gym. Real Estate Finance Class. Photography Class. My novels. Psychology Class.
I'm glad I saved my electives for the final semester and I was really able to focus and engage in the things I love. There was no ordinary day in Bentley. Different events were on almost every day and night and for Spring Day, we had Ludacris and Jay Sean plus overflowing food and super fun outdoor activities!
Bentley Spring day!!
I joined a Hip-Hop dance group which surprised everyone, including myself. Haha. Turned out to be the highlight of my entire stay in Bentley. We performed in a number of events in school and even in other Colleges in Boston. I miss these girls so much. :(
The Craze girls at performances and Crazeeyy fun parties
I travelled, travelled, and travelled! The best thing about the U.S. is that every city is so unique.
With 3 other international students, I saw 6 different cities (including Toronto, Canada!) in 9 days over Spring Break!
With 3 other international students, I saw 6 different cities (including Toronto, Canada!) in 9 days over Spring Break!
Toronto-NiagaraFalls-WashingtonDC-Philadelphia-AtlanticCity-NYC
Of course I had to revisit and explore Boston in the warmer weather. The city is very student-friendly as a few of the Ivy League universities are located there. Boston is crazy about Red Sox, Celtics and Dunkin' Donuts - hence the Boston Kreme donut flavour. Hehe. I remember having a Boston-Kreme-craving phase when I was in College in Manila. ;)
Boston Fenway Park. Celtics. Dunkin' Donuts. Boston Common. Duck Tour. Harvard Square. Harvard University. Newbury Street. Public Garden
I finished the semester in May and packed my (bajillion) things to go to New York City (a 3-hour bus ride from Boston) to meet with my sisters and Lolo!! Lolo and Jasmine came from their 5-week trip in Europe and Ate skied in all the way from the Phils!
My 'Arabesque' with Manhattan in the background. NYC Subway.Botanical Garden.Statue of Liberty.M&M's shop.Ferry to Statue of Liberty.My kung-fu skills exposed.NYC CBD.NYC Cops riding their handsome horses.TimeSquare.CentralPark
Jasmine and Lolo flew to London while Ate and I left NYC, west-bound. We reached San Francisco close to midnight and the very next day, our cousin Ate Jane and nephew Brandon drove us to L.A. I really fell in love with that city. Everyone in L.A.'s so good-looking! We ate at Cheesecake Factory and our server looked like a Hollywood hunk!
Los Angeles - Hollywood.RodeoDrive.HollywoodWalkofFame.Kalabasas.KodakTheatre.
We saw our beautiful cousins, nephews and nieces in San Francisco again! 'Gotta love San Fo. There's just that special charm in my birth city. :)
Tanforan.WithCousins&Nieces.DowntownShopping.StanfordUniversity.GoodbyeSFO.
From the U.S., I returned to the Philippines with Ate to reunite with family, friends, Edward, and of course to see my 4-month old niece, Cailey! She's a darling!
ATC. Serendra. Preview Best-dressed Ball. The Bruhas reunited. Bataan Farm. Our Precious Cailey. Cailey's Baptism. Daye's Pad
It has been 2 months since I returned to Melbourne and happily back at Morrows.
I'm finding my footing again though. Uni is finally over but I just enrolled in Post-Grad to become a Chartered Accountant. I think I will forever be a student.
I'm finding my footing again though. Uni is finally over but I just enrolled in Post-Grad to become a Chartered Accountant. I think I will forever be a student.
Now, let’s save that for another post. :)
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