Left Down Under, Now Wandering in Vancouver

WHEN I created this blog in 2007 in Singapore, I never knew that its title would be so prophetic - "Wandering Princess..." Having traveled and lived in so many foreign countries for the past eight years, I am now on my third continent, amazed and grateful for the experience and opportunities that I didn't see coming. I'm learning that life is indeed full of surprises and that a way to enjoy it is to embrace change.

Australia is a really great country to live in. I enjoyed Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne very much. The spaces are massive - parks, subways, buses, beaches and churches; the local produce succulent, fresh and varied. I experienced my first winter in Sydney in June while the rest of the world was going sunbathing and swimming in seas. For someone who had lived in the tropical island of Singapore for six years, it felt like stepping out of a warm oven and into a pool of chilled mixed berries smoothie. I saw kangaroos everywhere, even in supermarkets' frozen aisles. I can say that my listening skills improved a lot in Australia since understanding Aussie accent(s) was quite a challenge at the beginning. My stay there has been a memorable one not only because of the good friends I met through BSF and Hillsong, but also because I got engaged and married there. ♥

But somehow deep down I knew then that the land of Oz was just a transitory phase. Just when we had acquired a cultivated taste for vegemite and beetroot, we found ourselves moving 14,000 kilometers away from it. 

Vancouver is an open door. It's a relatively great city like Sydney yet so different in vibe and culture. There are still unfamiliar places to discover, new friends to meet, and more food to taste but I am in no hurry. I don't know how long will we stay here and what other surprises await us. What I'm certain is I am meant to cherish all I've been given today. =)

English Bay Inukshuk 

I'm So Filthy Rich!

 

My mini and me.... (I kid!)

OUR family has never been rich. I remember back in grade school, we lived in a one-bedroom apartment and I used to sleep in a bug-infested couch. While my classmates from this private Chinese school I attended spent their weekends in the mall watching movies or shopping, my sister and I were stuck in our house trying to entertain ourselves. We could only afford to buy new clothes and shoes once a year - during Christmas; and for our birthdays, we were treated to a Goldilocks cake and homemade spaghetti with hotdogs.

It wasn’t that life was hard and we needed to borrow money all the time to survive, but when you were surrounded by people who had more, you somehow believed that you were in lack.

Eventually we were able to make it through university, thanks to my parents’ and God’s provision, but all those time without having any excess. Our fridge would oftentimes contain only ice and dried vegetables, no leftovers. Shortly after graduation, I decided to work overseas for a couple of reasons, and one of them was to have more than of what I could earn at home. Suddenly I found myself in the 3rd richest country per capita, a place where materialism is inevitable. Yet, despite the wealth, it appeared to me that most people I met did not seem fulfilled. 

While I was there, I was not able to accumulate a massive amount of wealth, but I found my greatest treasure. I understood and witnessed how God loves me and has been taking care of me all those years I was oblivious to His love. Apologies for sounding corny but that is just the truth. He has given me confidence and peace. His Word has given me wisdom, courage and comfort. His Spirit has convicted me and made me aware of my wrongs.

Sure, now we are no longer struggling like before and food is plenty, but I am still what you would call average and middle class. I don’t own properties and I am not even close to being famous, but life becomes sweeter and more abundant when you know who’s making your sun shine. When you experience redemption and grace, you would not exchange it for anything, not even for a billion bucks. =)

“Comparison is the thief of joy”. Theodore Roosevelt

“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:19

Tips* To Help Boost Your PR Application

I AM officially a permanent resident of Singapore. *Applause* Thank God!

I just completed my formalities a few days ago and I am now an adopted daughter of this nation. I can still remember when I was a newcomer in 2007. The SG government back then were encouraging foreigners from selected schools to sign up for the EPEC (Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate) which allows them to stay for a year as a legitimate job seeker. I wrote a post about that a few years ago too. I took a leap of faith and grabbed the opportunity to be independent and obtain an international experience. I never planned to stay this long but God has blessed me with good jobs, great opportunities and loving people that made my stay so much more fun and life-changing.

So Young: Nips, Jo and I at Sentosa. No work yet but still smiling!

First housemates. Thank you so much for your kindness to me. I miss you three!

At the risk of sounding pedantic, I came out with some pieces of advice for people and friends who are planning to apply (or re-apply) for permanent residency. I do not really have the right answers, but after three applications, two rejection letters and five years of waiting, I have gained a tiny bit of knowledge on what can strengthen one's application.

1. Fill up the forms with complete details. Do not omit anything - the addresses of all the places you resided in, the jobs you've had, etc. In my first application, I didn't include one of the previous jobs I had because I was only there for a few months, without realizing that the system has a record of every single (tax) activity I undertook.

2. Sell yourself in the accomplishment section. If possible, monetize your achievements. State your contribution to your companies in dollars and cents. Have you helped increase their revenue/profit? Have you developed a new process that's revolutionary? Then state it literally.

3. Integrate with the community. Volunteer in different charities and organizations or be involved in clubs and associations relevant to your profession. If you want to be here for the long haul, then don't just be here for the money or comfort. The government is looking for the right people who can contribute to the nation-building. Do not milk the system but make a difference.

4. In relation to tip # 3 - be truthful and sincere. State only the things that you have done or are doing. Do not do things just for show. People will know eventually.

5. Make sure you're in the right job. Part of the requirement is to submit your resume, degree/diploma and transcript of records. Is your current job related to what you studied in college? If not, then take courses or move to another job that is more relevant.

6. Prove your significant contribution in terms of taxes and job stability. If you are planning to apply for PR, do not job hop. Show them that you are doing fine in your current job and have been consistently paying your taxes.

7. Be in good terms with your colleagues, especially people from the HR department. Do not antagonize anybody from HR. I know someone who applied for PR after a quarrel with his HR manager. His rejection letter read, "We regret to..... because of conduct."

8. Do not give up. If you get rejected once, twice, or several times, press on! The immigration officers may finally come to a realization that you are genuinely determined to be a part of this country and that you are diligent and brave enough to take chances.

9. Change. If you have been rejected and want to apply a second time, you have to show a change/improvement in your application. It could be a higher tax contribution, salary increase, courses taken, and the like. You don't just re-submit what you have submitted previously.

10. Wait. Sometimes right timing is key to acceptance.

If you've done all these and still got the same results, then maybe it's time to re-think your long-term plans. Your skills and talents may be so much more needed elsewhere. This can also mean that perhaps the status quo is what's best for you right now. There is a time for everything and you'll get it at the perfect moment. =)



*not foolproof

Because life comes in daily doses...

BLOG writing has been neglected. Apologies to my three avid readers. But there hasn't been

photo nicked from guardian.co.uk

any exciting thing to write about recently.
What would you do when the everyday grind leaves you exhausted, when work becomes stale, when the most adventurous thing you could do is take a selfie, when aging manifests itself in so many body parts, when most of your prayers go unanswered, and when certain things you used to look forward to stop giving you the tickles?

Well, here are the things I'm planning to do:
1. Recharge by doing something significant for someone.
2. Be grateful for the blessings that work gives me.
3. Exercise to release endorphins.
4. Wait patiently while humming a tune.
5. Bask in the glory of my youth or at least what remains of it.
6. Enroll in a course for self-development.
7. Get over myself and refresh others.

What about you? What would you do during this season?
Hope we come out more motivated and inspired to take that daily dose (whether it may be of lemons or cherries).

Have a great weekend, everyone! =)

Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving

ONE week to go and it's Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is a festival started by the early settlers in North America to celebrate a good harvest. But I wonder how it was like when there was famine or when the harvest wasn't good. Did they ever think about having a Moan-Day or Whine-Giving Day?  Truth to tell, I feel like grumbling instead of giving thanks. There are so many things that I am anxious about right now. One only has to read the news and the most optimistic spirit can become dampended.

But as a counterflow, I decided to do a stock take. This year actually consists of answered prayers, lessons and God-given favors that are nothing short of miraculous - something that can be easily forgotten unless I strive to remember. Maybe that's why traditions are important. They give us access to a flashback button which transports us to when the harvest was more than good.

That missions trip in General Santos City, Mindanao was truly memorable. Our team of volunteers was able to provide medical supplies, food and vitamins, and some clothes to four communities in the city. It was a manifestation of God's love and His just-in-time provision.

What about the house that I've been praying for for five long years? Last year, my mom became friends with our neighbor who is an engineer. He offered to complete our house at a very affordable price. We didn't even need to loan from a bank anymore. Awesome or what?

                         

And that pipe dream to go to the US, watch a Broadway play and celebrate with my close friend on her wedding day? Well, I asked and I received!

I wish I could show you pictures of the other things I am most grateful for, but they are either too abstract or complicated to photograph  - my family's good health and mine, new and old friendships, my job, our church, my skin (oh yes! it tightened when I went to NY haha), daily struggles that teach me a lot about humility and character-building, and everyday reminders of hope and God's mercies.

What about you? What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Press that flashback button now :-)



Peanuts Cartoon by Charles Schulz





Ang Syota Kong Puti

Naaalala niyo pa ba yung sinulat kong Walang Pamagat? Wala pang isang taon buhat nang sinulat ko iyon  pero napakarami nang nangyari sa akin. Nakapagdaos ako ng aking kaarawan sa bahay, ang theme ko non ay geek. Nakapunta rin ako sa lugar na isa sa aking pangarap dayuhin, ang bansang Israel. Nakapunta din ako sa unang pagkakataon sa Mindanao upang mag-abot ng tulong sa iilang mga barangay. At itong huli, natapos na rin ang bahay na pinapangarap ng aking mga magulang. Tunay ngang walang maikukumpara sa gawa ng Diyos. Lahat ng aking natamong biyaya ay dahil lamang sa Kanyang kabaitan at pagkakaluob.

Pero siyempre alam kong mas interesado kayo sa aking buhay pag-ibig. :-) Napakamakulay nito ngayon (naks) dahil sa syota kong puti. Hindi ko nga akalaing magugustuhan ko ang katulad niya. Ang tipo ko kasi dati ay Pilipinong lalaki na kulay kayumanggi. Pero siguro nagustuhan ko siya hindi dahil sa lahi o hitsura niya. Isa siyang mabuting tao at napakapasensiyoso.

Nung una ko palang siyang nakilala, hindi ko siya gusto. Hindi kasi siya gwapo sa paningin ko hehe. Pero walang biro, hindi ko siya gusto nuon dahil para bang may naplano na ako sa aking isipan na klase ng lalaki na aking magiging boypren. Pero dahil sa kanyang panununuyo (at siyempre panalangin) nagustuhan ko na rin siya. Ganon yata talaga kaming mga babae. Dapat hinihintay, dapat sinusuyo at matira ang matibay!

Hindi ko naman sa nilalahat, pero alam naman natin na ang mga tao sa ibang bansa lalo na ang nasa may bandang kanluran ay hindi masyadong mahilig maligo. Hahaha. Kaya naman nuong nagde-date pa lang kami, inaamoy ko talaga siya nang bongga (palihim nga lang), dahil kung hindi siya mabango, hay naku, ayawan na.

Ang syota kong puti ay nagtatrabaho sa kumpanyang gumagawa ng computer games. Kaya siguro halos lahat ng pag-uusap namin ay mayroong sound effects na kasama. Mas naipaliliwanag niya ang kanyang sarili kapag sinasabayan ng tunog ng inilalarawan niyang bagay. O-ha!

Ang syota kong puti ay mapagmahal, hindi lang sa akin pati na sa kanyang mga magulang at mga kaibigan. Siguro isa na rin sa nagustuhan ko sa kanya ay ang pagkakatulad ng kanyang ugali sa ugaling Pinoy. Siya ay magalang, konserbatibo, simple at masayang kasama. Isa rin siyang dakilang maginoo. Hanggang ngayon ay hinihila pa niya ang upuan para sa akin at iniuusod palapit sa mesa bago ako umupo. Kilig!

Ang syota kong puti ay takot sa akin. Haha biro lang! Ang totoo, ang syota kong puti ay may malaking puso na parang isang bata. Siya ay mapagkumbaba at madasalin. Natutuwa ako kapag kinukuwento niya sa akin kung paano pinagaling ng Diyos ang kanyang sakit sa ulo o dininig ang kanyang mga mumunting panalangin.

Ano pang masasabi ko? Ang syota kong puti ay da best! Salamat, Lord!

On A Mission

WHAT is the purpose of my life?

I've been thinking about this thought one night in March as I was preparing to sleep. My bed is comfortable, and so is my life. But right at that moment, a realization hit me.

If to have a successful career, to acquire a massive amount of wealth, and to have a family of my own are what I should aim for in this life, then I'm being short-sighted. I'm convinced to believe that I'm not created by God just to work for money and give birth. Surely, I'm created for something greater than these.

God commands me to love Him with all of my heart and soul and to love my neighbor as myself. If I became the most successful woman on earth but failed to do what He asks me to, then I've totally missed the point. Everything that I do and strive to do must always be an act of obedience to God's commands.

I got up from my bed and wrote the insights I received, which are mostly from the book of Isaiah chapters 58 and 61...
Only God can make my life fulfilling and purposeful and I should endeavor to accomplish these goals -
1. Share God's love to others.
2. Feed the poor and heal the sick.
3. Bind up the brokenhearted.
4. Set the captives free.

Then another question came - but how? I started praying for an opportunity to accomplish these when I remembered that late last year, a friend had asked me to help in a medical mission she's been organizing. I told her that I'd support monetarily because that's the easiest thing to do, but I knew that night that I needed to be more involved. I decided to join a group of them and fly to the southernmost part of the Philippines and deliver medicines and share God's love to its people.

General Santos City, Philippines is home to the famous boxing champion, Manny Pacquiao and Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe 2011 - 3rd runner up. But those are not the reasons why we chose this particular place to visit. Little did we know that blessings would abound and new friendships would be found there.

Arms loaded with medical supplies, clothes and food items for kids, our hearts filled with hope and in complete dependence on God's faithfulness, the 21 of us journeyed from Singapore to Manila to General Santos.

Within our 3-day stay, we were able to reach out to four communities and to provide them not only with medicines, but also talks on proper hygiene, counseling, and prayer.

For me, the best thing about this experience was not the fact that I'm actually able to do such things as going out of my comfort zone, being brave, and exhausting my resources to help; but the greatest thing was seeing God's hand move despite my/our lack. Anybody else can do good works, and charity is becoming more trendy these days. But I would say that a most successful mission would be one that pointed and reflects to Him who started it all.

All for Jesus!


P.S. Please watch out for our online blog (for more stories and personal testimnonies of the rest) coming out soon - General Santos City Outreach 2012 (gensanmissions.blogspot.com).

Awesome 2011, Faithful God

Image courtesy of Socialnomics.net

THE Guy in this picture is Tim Tebow. I learned about him at church today. According to Wikipedia, he is a 24-year old American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He was born in the Philippines to American missionaries.

What's so unique about this guy is that he prays before the start of every game. He bends on one knee and prays to God while the rest of his team mates stretch or wave at the crowd. He became famous for doing this that a term to describe this act was coined from  his surname - tebowing. Urban Dictionary defines it as (vb) To get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different. Well, this entry is not really about Tim Tebow but you may google him to find out about his achievements ;-)

So what's the connection between him and this praise report? Hehe. I guess this tebowing thing pretty much explains how and why 2011 was an awesome year for me. The start of the year was characterized by a lot of on-my-knees moments, just crying out to God and asking for favors for difficult situations. And just like the year before and the year before the year before, He's proven Himself to be faithful, dependable and trustworthy. There were some things that I did not accomplish (like being in the cover of Time hahaha), but I wouldn't have my 2011 any other way.

Our lifegroup has grown this year! Apple, Diane and Izanne joined us and we're having so much more fun ever since.

As I mentioned before, I was given the opportunity to mentor this dynamic group of lovely, young women and lead them closer to Christ. Our schedules may have been crazy but we still found the time to bond and do a lot of activities last year -

Biking at East Coast Park

Kite Flying at Marina Barrage

Bali, Indonesia

Jane got engaged! Finally haha

A few weeks before Christmas, all of us went to visit a home for mentally disabled patients. We sang Christmas carols, fed them and gave gifts. We decided not to give each other gifts and eat somewhere fancy last year but instead to spend some time with those people who are not really sure if they are loved and wanted.

Image courtesy of FireflyMission.org

At the home front, my sexagenarian parents are still doing well. No major sickness and they were able to visit me for a week! My wallet was not very happy last May but my heart was :p

Momma & Papa

I was also able to go home twice last year. One for Jeff and Annie Belen's wedding and the other time to do an outreach activity and give some love to the street kids of Sta. Lucia East.

Playing games :-)

I'm also still a volunteer teacher at kid's church and still being refreshed by these cute kids. Through them, I'm learning to be more creative, definitely more patient and be a better communicator. Kids in this generation are really way smarter than they look. =)

ENCS Kids wearing their coat of many colors made by themselves!

I was also able to find time to enrol at BSF International last year. It is a non-profit organization that teaches the Bible for free. I'm so honored that they featured my poem in their website. Read here.

 
At the work front - I finally met our department's big boss from New York. She's (lady sitting in front of me) such a darling and she only has praises for our team. And she told my boss (the man to my left) I'm pretty, behind my back! :D But on a serious note, I'm really blessed to have a good working relationship with my boss and my team mates. Praying that I will excel more this year =)

Lookie lookie! Guess who's the youngest in the team? =P

Lastly, the icing on my huge chunk of cake came late last year. I was able to be included in the group that went to Israel! Our trip to Holy Land was something that I would remember forever - it is truly life-changing.

Watch the video of us singing Hebrew songs :-)

I hope that  you who is reading this will be encouraged to trust in God. I wouldn't have had an awesome 2011 if not for His steadfast love and never-ending favor.

Let's tebow our way to an even greater 2012! :-)

"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness." 
- Lamentations 3

My Creative Christmas Gifts

Earlier this month, I promised myself not to be caught up in the mad rush of holiday gift-buying. I'm starting to find all these commercialism and profit-making attitude surrounding Christmas to be really unnecessary, not to mention detrimental to our savings accounts. In addition, this gift-giving tradition built around this season tends to make people expectant of something that shouldn't be mandatory, but which now appears to be. On top of these, I've observed that Christmas gift manufacturers deprive people of the ability to exercise creativity in their giving. Every shop I go to, I see toys, toiletries, chocolates, and basically all kinds of commodity that are already part of our weekly grocery list - only wrapped in cute boxes and colorful packaging ready to be given away. Maybe I'm missing it, but what is so cool about them?  (Note: To those who have given me those kinds of gifts, thank you so much. I sincerely appreciate it. But more than them, I cherish our friendships more. I'm not complaining. Please read on and you'll understand me.)

Unfortunately for me, I've already been suckered into buying a few of those re-packaged goods before I came to this realization : p. Good thing I came across this article published online by Girlfriends in God encouraging women to think about giving meaningful and creative gifts from the heart. So I thought about it and challenged myself to be different this time. If you know me personally, you'd know that one thing I truly value is friendship/relationship. It's true and obvious that giving gifts is one way to cultivate friendships but lately I realize that the gifts I've been giving people won't stand a long time in their drawer, much more so in their memories.

It's so easy to pick any item in a department store to give as a gift, but what's been a struggle for me is to give a part of my time away. Nobody should mess up with my "me-times". They're valuable and should not be wasted away with interactions outside of my comfort zones. But then again, if I remain that way, I would be depriving myself of a great investment, a lot of brainwork, and most of all a bunch of good times!

So my dear friends who are reading this, be prepared to receive something different from me this year.
Drum roll please...

These are coupons that would entail the holder to enjoy the activity printed on the card. =) I have friends who are working moms and I know the babysit voucher would be a great help.

What about you? How will you be creative with your Christmas gifts?

On Running

I hate running. I don't know but I just don't like the feeling of being out of breath, of gasping for air while looking ahead at a vast stretch of pavement I have to cover. I'd rather hit the pool any day or lift weights or walk the cat than run. Truth be told, I fear running. I think it's because when I was younger (around 12 or 13), I used to have a recurring dream (more like nightmare) that I was running away from bad people but instead of moving away from them, I was still in the exact, same spot as before. I was running in place! Since then, the thought of running has given me a silly fright. So I don't run to exercise, more so run in a race. I had actually listed to run a marathon as one of the top 30 things to try before I turn 30. But I knew at the back of my head that I would never get around to doing it :D But just last night, for some reason I felt the need to run. So I went to the NUS field and ran. With wisps of hair being blown by the wind, with my heart pounding, and arms flailing, I willed my legs to work.

I often hear people use running as a metaphor for life. I'm guessing it's because the essentials of running well and running fast are exactly what the latter requires of us – hard work, endurance, and focus. Perhaps it's also because the running field consists of the same elements that life is filled with – competition, distractions and motivation. Or maybe because people, even if we don't admit it, are always running after something (or someone).

Several minutes into my graceful-warm up-that-quickly-turned-into-panting session, my mind went blank. I lost thoughts of work or dinner and found myself just staring out at the open space before me. My feet moved mechanically and the rest of my body seemed to follow the rhythm they created. I was running. Without the familiar fear.

I now understand why most people are fond of running. It's exhilarating. It makes one feel strong and powerful. Running allows for an exhibit of youth and vigor. But one gets tired, too. Eventually. Then one would become fully aware of its limitations. Five kilometers, 10, half a marathon... It then becomes a series of conquests that are dependent on physical strength and commitment.

I started to slow down as I felt my lungs struggle for oxygen. The slight chill brought by the evening breeze was a contrast to the heat that every pore in my body was giving off. And then I sensed it, creeping in a stealthy form until its full sharpness engulfed me. Pain arrived.

Yet, as tears began to roll down my flushed cheeks, and though my heart was racing like a freshly-tuned engine, I smiled in spite of the pain. Conscious of my finiteness, I reveled in my frail existence. I ran with weak knees, short breath, and exhaustible strength. Then it dawned on me what this was really about. Having faith is what running's all about.

A Day at the Museum

If you're a tourist and you're interested to learn about Singapore - how it became a metropolitan melting pot, the story behind its delicious chicken rice, and how advanced this nation is - you should go straight to the museum first and let Sentosa wait!

"An enjoyment and appreciation of the arts [hinge] upon your willingness to absorb and reflect upon the artistic endeavors of others. No one who has not partaken, on a regular basis, of the rich heritage of those who have gone before, or of our own talented contemporaries, can truly be acquainted with or appreciate the human species as a creative creature. This enjoyment of others is as essential to understanding and developing our own creative ability as the work we do ourselves. The museums and galleries of the world cry out for inspection.... To ignore these in total is sad indeed." - Frank Schaeffer, 1981

Don't you just love the Singapore National Museum's Victorian facade? Sorry, Roark; I know you hate this stuff. :p

My darlings Riva, Emerald & Rhoda

 Entitled, 20 Tonnes. My caption - London's Stonehenge wannabe

 

Rotunda Dome - ceiling of the museum's lobby

We were greeted by the moving chandeliers entitled, Contours of a Rich Manoeuvre. Creepy much!

A photo of our tour guide in brown shirt. She kept reminding me not to touch things :D

I like how the museum caters to all your senses.

Yes, even to your olfactory gland!

Spices, roots, herbs, etc

Poverty-stricken Singapore. Gazillion years ago...

and this was their toilet

Sir Stamford (a road name) Raffles (a road name and an MRT line) is so pogi.

During the 1940's, the colour orange was so rockin'!

Learned a new word that day - horology...

It is the art of watchmaking from the Swiss pioneers. That era was during the Calvinist Reformation, Jewelry were considered ostentatious so craftsmen shifted to watchmaking.

Two of the photos from famous photojournalist, Abbas under the category, Muslims.

This was displayed between cheongsams and saris.

Decrease in unemployment rate in Singapore over the years. Lord, i pray for this to happen in the Philippines, too.

Entitled, Transformation

Long outdoor escalator. Electrocution waiting to happen??

Sad that i was not able to take more photos of the inside as my antique cybershot has conked out at this point. Photos now courtesy of my iphone.

Now, let's look at another art - the art of planking! :p

Riva's such a risk-planker! Hehehe