goodbye victoria! welcome 2007!

Im here at Melbourne airport and waiting for virgin blue to announce its boarding. Its really frustrating that there are no hot spots here and even the public computer costs a bit expensive.. $2 for 20 minutes.. anyway, just want to say one point though, im really happy and i really enjoyed my victorian vacation. melbourne is really nice and theres so much to do..

when i get to sydney im going to post my other pictures. all in all i really think that this vacation is an experience worth cherishing. my fave part is when we went to philip island where we experienced the small penguins cross the beach shore and walk all the way to there little burrows.

cant wait to post the pictures. anyway, i wish all of you a happy new year and may it be fruitful and successful. of course theres heaps of things that happened in 2006 worth cherishing and worth forgetting. we learn from the past and we move on.. to everyone, cheers and lets celebrate 2007 with a smile.

Melbourne Pictures - III

More pictures...

Melbourne Pictures - II

More Melbourne pix...

Melbourne Pictures

0Here are some of my pictures taken around Melbourne City...

Boxing Day in Melbourne

When I first heard of this holiday, I really thought it was associated with the way Australian celebrates the sport and having the ultimate fight before the year ends. As we all know, Australians really love sports. Wikipedia's definition as follows:

Origins
There are disparate theories as to the origins of the term. The more common stories include:

+ It was the day when people would give a present or Christmas 'box' to those who have worked for them throughout the year. This is still done in Britain for postmen and paper-boys - though now the 'box' is usually given before Christmas, not after.
+ In feudal times, Christmas was a reason for a gathering of extended families. All the serfs would gather their families in the manor of their lord, which made it easier for the lord of the estate to hand out annual stipends to the serfs. After all the Christmas parties on 26 December, the lord of the estate would give practical goods such as cloth, grains, and tools to the serfs who lived on his land. Each family would get a box full of such goods the day after Christmas. Under this explanation, there was nothing voluntary about this transaction; the lord of the manor was obliged to supply these goods. Because of the boxes being given out, the day was called Boxing Day.
+ In Britain many years ago, it was common practice for the servants to carry boxes to their employers when they arrived for their day's work on the day after Christmas. Their employers would then put coins in the boxes as special end-of-year gifts. This can be compared with the modern day concept of Christmas bonuses. The servants carried boxes for the coins, hence the name Boxing Day.
+ In churches, it was traditional to open the church's donation box on Christmas Day, and the money in the donation box was to be distributed to the poorer or lower class citizens on the next day. In this case, the "box" in "Boxing Day" comes from that lockbox in which the donations were left.

Well as for this day since I do not have any presents to open, I celebrated it by shopping. Got myself FCUK and CK goodies and for that I am enormously happy. But I can't help but feel a bit homesick because I long for christmas boxes. And the joy of opening it. By the way, they do it differently here. They open presents on the 26th of December. Pretty long and I can't wait for that as my EQ is quite low and I don't have that patience anyway.

Cold Christmas in Melbourne

It's really unusual for the country to experience snow on this time of the year. Snow will fall in some parts of Australia including Victoria. But don't get me wrong, there's no snow in Melbourne but there is in some parts of State Victoria. It's really cold here in Melbourne which is the first time in a decade according to MX newspaper. Colder christmas than that of the christmas weather in the Philippines.

Christmas in Melbourne is so amazingly celebrated. People from all across the country come to Melbourne since there are so many activities in stored. What more can you do in Melbourne but to do your Chrismtas shopping since its there are a lot of discounted items here. I bought for myself FCUK and Polo shirts. Thanks to EY's David Jones' gift card. After shopping, we went to familiarise ourselves with the "most liveable city". As night time falls, we went our way to the place where the carols in candlelight is held but unfortunately the tickets are already sold out. We went to the city in front of the modern art building and watched the program dedicated to Vision Australia where we bought some candles for a cause. It's really great and awesome as there is a wide-range of activities instored for all ages.

My hands are freezing and as we are watching carols in candlelight in the city tv. After the first break, we went home to protect ourselves with the cold weather. It's really amasingly bizzare since the weather is so could that it should have been hot since its summer season in Australia but still it helped me feel the Christmas spirit. It was such a magnificent event after all..

Earning Christmas

Finally, I feel the Christmas spirit in Sydney. For coupla weeks, I've been stressed out and burnt from too much work. Actually, the client is not that difficult. But the team assigned to us is really hard to manage. All of us are new in the engagement and to add, we have two vackies and one trainee. Although I take it as a challenge I still can't imagine how I survived those two tumultuous weeks.

So this is how it feels like to earn Christmas. You gotta work really hard just to have this vacation. Don't get me wrong. But we can always have this Christmas vacation. But what I'm thinking is that you have to undergo all this hardship just to enjoy and experience the best season of the year.

I'm at the airport bound to Melbourne. I'm connected through wireless. Its really cool. Ill talk more about it when I arrive the Victoria state of Australia...

the story of the homeless man

This story is quite interesting since I really feel down at the moment. Awhile ago I really can feel summer's weird breeze. I forgot my sweater not expecting how cold it was. As I went to Bob's despedida lunch, I realised how terribly freezing it was and I am not wearing something to protect me against the cool wind. We went to various points in the city and for the first time I saw Sydney's most intriguing city, King's Cross. It looks different and weird since its looks like we are entering the twilight zone. Potts point is quite fantastic since it has this mini port which enabled us to energise as we took a rest.

As I was about to take the train when I noticed that my room keys was not in my pocket. Naturally I have to recall how the hell I forgot my keys since it happened coupla times to me before. I realise that I might have really forgotten it at home. It's quite late and I know that it's not the best time to call my landlord. For the third time, I have forgotten my keys that's why I said to my landlord that I'd lost it. But things got even worse since its past bedtime and it's not a really good idea to call him. He was mad and even frustrated about my irresponsibility and of course the timing of the call. He said that he is not at home. I felt bad and decided to end our conversation.

As of the moment I am homeless and feel so bad. Got a lot of work to do plus my laundry and busy christmas shopping to do tomorrow. Thanks to Renee for providing a sofa for the poor homeless man.

-

[double post]

wish box

Im currently on the train and ive been meaning to blog today bcoz of series of events. Both foruntate and unfortunate ones. Curre ntlty im in a taxi cab. Why? Bcoz i passed by station i was supposed to be going. I shudda have taken the next train which for sure hav stopped to clyde. Anyway, its all been done.. Im happy today since i already received email from my family acknowledging receipt of things i sent them.

regarding the wish box, ive been constantly waiting and antcipating the arrival of my cargo via sea freight. I was frustrated when they scheduled it for dlelivery on my house on a weekday. I have to reset it but it will cost me. I have to make a plea to my boss to allow me to stay home but urgency of a mtg cant do it. So i decided to call my landlord and ask him to pick it up for me. He gladly accepted. But im surprised this morning since they were able to deliver it early and i was able to receive them. Cant wait to go back home and open my wish box...

First Wave of Depression

I had my first wave of depression awhile ago. I don't really know what triggered it but I was really projecting my mind on other things so that I will not feel that I truly miss home. Luckily, I had to clean my room and had to go to the city to celebrate mass.

While I was in the city eating my dinner alone, I saw a family eating their meal after having mass. I really miss home because I normally celebrate mass with my family and eat lunch together. And as I took the cityrail I saw bunch of kids with their family. They were having so much fun together. I remember my childhood and how fun it is to live life without any thing to worry about.

I bought a bunch of goodies to forget about this depression. I have for myself a yummy treat of hazelnut snaps and milk tray. Finally I can enjoy the taste of Oz's Cadbury... :)

friend in and friend out

Today i feel really tired from going around the city and acting as a tour guide for my friend who just arrived today in sydney. Im happy that another filipino has come to ey and that means more fun under the sun this summer. Gone to darling harbour and circular quay for the hundredth time but still doesnt fail to amase me.

Also during the day, i met my friend who will be going to manila next week. I hope she will have the best vacation. Anyway, I send her my stuff to be given to my family. It's not much but i hope they would gladly appreciate. Just to let them know if they're reading this. It really came from my heart.

another thing before i end this blog, just wanna say that it was my first filipino mass and i really loved it. Most especially the filipino xmas carols...

the end of movember

I finished my audit deliverables quite early. I'm booked with the client in Brisbane but since I've got nothing to do, I just try accomplishing the web based learning. Then suddenly, tasks are piling up and I need to go to wynyard and do some follow up tyasks and walkthrough.

I was in a hurry to go back to office when I remembered about the end of movember. The month dedicated to male illnesses. And as a tribute you have to grow a mustashe and wax it off after the month in commemoration of manhood amidst such diseases. Wynyard is just one station away from town hall and i arrived on time even to witness one of our partners waxing session. T'was so cool because the ladies in the room were really anxious on how he was feeling. It was an exciting and bizzare way to do the campaign...

Casino Royale Soundtrack RAR Password

I just downloaded the soundtrack of the new James Bond movie (Filename: Casino Royale (2006) - Soundtrack.rar ). I felt really bad because I don't have RAR extractor. And when I finally downloaded WinRar another problem sprouted. I don't know the freaking password. Good thing that I googled it and finally found the solution through this website. Thanks to nino63004, since the password is just the torrent link and it is www.torrent-galaxy.to and I'm happily listening to the coolest James Bond Soundtrack ever!! I've cracked the password!

Rondzter International

Haha... This may sound pathetic but my site's going international. LOL. It's just that I'm too amased why would anyone try to go to my crappy blogztah.

Trial...

I just wanna try if this would work. if you can read this blog, it means that I can already blog using my mobile phone.

Brisbane Details

Basically, I got sick. I lost my voice. I can't hear. Tremendous ear popping experience. I thought I lost my passport. Haven't been to any good resto's during lunch. Haven't been able to go to any place special in Brisbane. Not much photo captured moments.

But still good things musta had happened along the way. We just easily get pissed-off due to time and pressure to finish ahead of time.


Brisbane CBD - 1


Brisbane CBD - 2


My precious (almost lost)...


Yummy dessert - Belgian Dark/White Choco w/ Malteasers...
@ Seafood and Grills (Brisbane South Banks)


Brisbane by night...

Brisbane Trip

Just got home from Brisbane. I was supposedly coming back to Sydney this coming Friday but our manager told us to get a flight tonight. Anyway, I was there for work and inasmuchas I would like to enjoy my stay there and go to exciting places we were not able to go since we do not have any idea where to go. We just ate at nice restos every night. I felt like going to a rollercoaster ride during my stay in Brisbane. More of the experiences of the travel I would talk to you about in the succeeding blogs. I need to rest as I have just arrived from a tiring trip. That's all for now.

Rejuvinated ME

I feel like a fresh plum. Ready to go out of my room. After staying at my house for 48 hours, I am excited to get out of this cocoon and go to the City. What's instored for me? Well, I have to do all the things needed to be accomplished before I go to Brisbane tomorrow. Bills to settle, requirements to submit, bit shopping to do, etc. Last night I was able to chat with my family and for that I'm quite happy. Now, I have to do a lot of things because I feel worthless for the last two days. But nonetheless I've accomplished something for my website. I've done some links and reformatting for my blogs from 2001. So, feel free to navigate.

Freakish Friday Sickness

It seemed that every Friday, I feel a bit different that I could not gather and push myself to go to office. Yesterday, inasmuch as I wanted to go and finish my training, all efforts remained futile. I could not move normally without feeling every bit of my body aching. Pro'ly the weather last Tuesday is the culprit! Imagine a literally steamy afternoon, trains that do not have any aircondition and to reverse the agony, when I arrived at the office its damn freezing! The heaven-and-hell experience made an impact to my body temperature and caused such agony as I even write this blog. I already tried all sorts of medicine, eat the right food, but the feeling won't go away (instantly, I mean). I have to rest the whole day yesterday and today. I can't even go to office to grab my things as I have to go to Brisbane on Monday. I feel worthless at the moment. But what can I do but rest, rest, and rest...

Maybe it's the right time to gather my thoughts. Think about my purpose in life. And sleep the troubles away as I find serenity deep within the mesmerising sound of ... the train!!! Damn those train! They keep on passing.. Haven't I mentioned before that I was living across the train station. So naturally, I could hear the train coming and not only that.. I could feel it. I'm like Kevin Comse' with Home Along da Riles...

'Nuff annoyance. I'll just put my ipod while I sleep and dream about being home...

My New Toy: Nokia E61

Just got a plan from 3 mobile and it includes $18 per month installment on Nokia E61 under the $49 cap. Let's see what my new toy can do...



F E A T U R E S
Advanced email capabilities
Supports the most common features of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel (Microsoft Office 97, 2000, XP and 2003). Compatible with Zip Manager and Adobe Reader
Works in offline mode – read and write email even when network is unavailable
Large user memory: up to 64 MB + support for miniSD card

Ease of use
Large, advanced high-resolution screen shows images sharper and reduces scrolling
Documents and applications appear with high clarity
User-friendly, sleek design
Easy to configure
Feature rich device – conference calling capability, speakerphone, email, and messaging

Innovative design
Sleek, stylish design – premium metal materials and thin construction
Full keyboard with backlight
Large landscape screen
Easy, one-handed navigation; one-press access to email
Email LED indicator light

Compatibility
Support for a choice of email solutions
Native email client
Intellisync Wireless Email
Supports push email solutions that provide immediate notification when a new email is received Works with security and collaboration solutions (Nokia mVPN, Symantec Firewall and Anti-Virus, Pointsec Data Protection, IBM Tivoli, Nokia configurator)
Mail for Exchange
POP3/IMAP supported in native email client
Contacts and calendar compatible with Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes

Security
Internal security: device lock and device wipe
Additional security solutions separately available, such as Pointsec Data Protection and Symantec Firewall and Anti-virus

There are lot of functionality that this phone can do but I have not yet explored each one of 'em. I'm gonna learn it anyway. That's my task this week-end. But I'm really frustrated that I will not be able to synch my office emails to my phone as only the managers and up are allowed to do that. Anyway, nuff about work. I'm using my gadget for personal reasons.

QVB - Most Eligant Mall in Sydney

The most eligant mall in Sydney is no other than Queen Victoria Building. It's fashionable design will make you think that you wouldn't buy anything from this shopping mall. But come to think of it, the boutiques they have here are quite expensive. But if you try to look for perfumes, you can find some cheap ones here. As its tagline use to say... A beautiful way to shop. Its trading hours is: Monday 9am - 6pm Tuesday 9am - 6pm Wednesday 9am - 6pm Thursday 9am - 9pm Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 6pm Sunday and public holidays 11am - 5pm. Certain stores including cafes and restaurants remain open for longer hours. Stores located on LI and L2 open at 10am.

Enjoying Pizza and the New Laptop

I know that this is quite too late to post. But still I will blog about this. This picture was taken like a week ago. Or even two weeks ago, I really can't remember. Anyway, I just want to say how happy I am to finally have my own laptop. Although the amortisation will take 6 months but watdahek! I still have and can enjoy it now. I even prepared a pizza just to celebrate this meaningful day! I'm really happy that I can now stay in-touch with my friends and family. I hope I bought the right one.



Here are the specs of my laptop:

Genuine Windows XP Professional
1.73 GHz (Intel Core Duo)
1024 MB
ATI Graphics Capability
80 GB
8x Super Multi DVD Writer (+/-R +/-RW) with Double Layer support
ATI Radeon® Xpress 200M
22.4 cm (W) 28.7 cm (D) x 2.8 cm - 3.4 cm (H)
1.79 kg
802.11a/b/g WLAN

Home

Another summer day
Is come and gone away
In Paris and Rome
But I wanna go home

Maybe surrounded by
A million people I
Still feel all alone
I just wanna go home
Oh I miss you, you know

Another aerorplane
Another sunny place
I'm lucky I know
But I wanna go home
I've got to go home

Let me go home
I'm just too far from where you are
I wanna come home

And I feel just like I'm living someone else's life
It's like I just stepped outside
When everything was going right
And I know just why you could not
Come along with me
But this was not your dream
But you always believe in me

Reminiscing the Good 'ol Filipino Stuff

Just a normal day on a Saturday... I woke up 15 minutes past 12 noon, I did my laundry. I was about to take a bath on the way to Parramatta. When I glanced over the window, I was surprised to see something written in the sky. It says, Xmas - neco.com.au. Just a nice way to start the day as I will go to a Christmas bazaar. I can't help but think of the things I usually do and what other Filipino people do during the season. I miss the houses filled with christmas decors and lights. It's really strange that you could only feel the christmas spirit within shopping malls. But I cannot conclude on this yet since its still too early to conclude coz its Movember. Nope! that is not a typo error. It's just that we have a program in the office that men should be growing mustache as a tribute in fighting prostate cancer. Yes M as in mustache. It's their way of saying men are men and we should stand up amidst such diseases. But I reckon it's not for me. I look so young to have that anyways. So I still keep my razor as it may come handy.

I met my friends at Burwood. Had a fantastic jap meal with bubble gum drink (kiwi iced tea with lychee jelly yum yum). Went to Parramatta for the bazaar but I was surprised that only few stalls were offering some Filipino food such as kare-kare, halo-halo, turon, etc. But I just had my lunch so my appettite for snack was gone. I was a bit disappointed because I was expecting a hullata more. There were stalls offering TFC but its really expensive $100 installation and $35 monthly fee. Nevermind about missing the shows, I've got ADSL and I can watch certain shows at YouTube anyway.

We waited for almost an hour for the carols but we ended up going to a Filipino store, Chowking. Which is named after Chowking the fastfood because the owner was not able to open up the fastfood and just named the store after it. Anyway, I bought so many stuff there since I really really miss a lot of things. I bought a lot of powder mix, brooth cubes, iced tea, longganisa (skinless and the big one), nagaraya, bangus, century tuna, palaboc, arros caldo, champorado, and of course who can miss the old-time favorite during SGV busy season–Oishi Spicy Prawn Crackers. Really enjoyed our little grocery shopping.

Tomorrow, I will go to Myers and hopefully I can buy some clothes and shoes. I hope there's something for me. As my cargo shipped via seafreight has not yet arrived and I am anxious to change my wardrobe as soon as possible. Forget about the cost, its the value of wanting to buy and making you happy that counts most.

Tarongga Zoo Too

@ Tarongga


meerkat. reminds me of a movie...


Giraffe and a nice view


I'm not sure what this is? Iguana look-a-like


Kangaroo

Tarongga Zoo

kookabura


elephant paradise


seal


This what I call Jelly Frogs


city view + sailing contest

@ Strathfield

Some pictures inside my room @ Strathfield... These are the days when its still spic and span. Right now my room's a total twister disaster area!

And there was light...

For so many weeks I havent blogged. And its seems like the dark ages had once again passed my horrific life (?). Well how can I describe my life here @ Sydney? It's like im earning good money but I can't seem to find the inner joy? Something that a developed country could offer.. There are some things that no matter how you progress, you continuously strive for certain feeling of warmth and happiness. It's an inner comfort that tells you someone's watching your back.

Certain days seemed like hell. All-day pressure from work and finally upon reaching my forsaken apartment (looks kinda old and isolated), I turn on my TV. Watch something that would temporarily make me smile. But as I close my eyes I really miss home. Not to confuse you, but it seems that I am feeling a bit homesick. But it haven't occurred yet. I am in a stage of trying to adapt in a totally different environment. I have my own share in exploring other parts of the globe but living in it.. is totally different.

Until recently, there was something that made a distinctive spice to my life. Well, let's cut the chase. I've got my ADSL broadband. Plus my new laptop. After two bloody weeks of waiting, it finally came just in time to make my gloomy days become a better day. A big box filled with goodies. I can't wait to explore all sides of the web. I already got tons of music downloads plus the movie, Departed. Can't wait to watch it. And now there was light...

The One Where I Got Exhausted Looking for a Place to Stay

Every after office, I usually hit the train station and start to head my way to a destination that I don't seem to know where. I just got this tiny little print-out that says what directions I'm going. Thanks to www.whereis.com.au that really helped in looking for a room. Anyway, I went to Glebe, Erskinville, Alexandria, St. Peters, Campsie, Redfern, and a lot of places in the Sydney City but still I can't decide where to go. I suddenly feel exhausted and I hate searching! I just wanna take a break and rest.. The last place to check out is somewhere in Hay Street and its just within Sydney City. Walking distance towards office. And probably I can end this horrible search by Sunday. I just hope I get a nice room that I could stay until the end of my contract with EY. I'll just keep my fingers crossed.

The One With The First Day of Work

Yesterday was my first day at work. Had a really great time with the induction to the Company minus my unfamiliarity with their accent. But I'll get used to it anyway. Meet some great people at office thanks to my buddy, Makayla. She's helping me know the knitty-gritty details of doing some small stuff. Although I came from another EY office, there are some differences with my current office. But I can manage all that since its not that huge. Btw, I can't help but get used to the word "lovely" everytime I say that I understood the things that people are telling me. Today is my full day of work here but basically I just do my admin stuff and getting familiarised everything 'round the office.

I'll just post some pictures next time, especially my area here. My card readers isn't functioning well this time.

The One Where I Met Some Pinoy Peeps

Yesterday is quite a different day for me since I meet a lot of Pinoy people that shortly I got acquainted with. I am really happy that I Emie invited me for her brother's birthday barbie @ Hornsby.. Is such a shame that I came in late because I overlooked the train trip which is 45 mins from the city. How stupid am I to compare it with Bondi travel or Circular Quay travel?!!? Anyway, I had a great time being with them. Finally speaking my language and of course!! I ate rice! adobo! etc... After that we went to West-something mall and enjoyed the aircon since its boiling 39 degrees outside. I learned that spring is a mixture of hot dry season and cool air season.. Anyway, we went to Emie's place and afterwards we played badminton at the sports stadium. Its really fun and I enjoyed my Sat with them.