In preparation for my trip back home

I'll be flying out tonight to Manila. Last time I was there... September 2013. That was when I was supposed to do the volunteering but had to put it in the back burner for an assignment in Melbourne.

 

Now.....this is it..... I'll be joining the group IDV - International Disaster Volunteers in Tacloban, Leyte, where the Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda struck last November 2013. Still the situation is yet to be assessed when I get there. However, based on recent feedback, there's still a slow and sluggish improvement. But then any improvement is better than none at all. There are discussions between the Philippine Administration and Local government regarding funds to be released and action items to be planned out. As always, these are all politically driven.. and in a third world country... its "who you know"...

 

I've listed out the things I need to pack, whilst checking against the main packing list IDV provided. A wish list was sent over, which I'd most probably just buy once in Manila/Tacloban. Better to help the local community, besides, it's more expensive in New Zealand.

 

I don't really know what to expect. I look at the photos of the activities and it all looks promising. I may sound jaded a bit. These all comes out of a few volunteering experiences I've had, where expectations should be managed. I pray and hope that this will be a fruitful endeavor.....

 

Please pray for the success of this mission. I will try my best to record everything I see and experience. No sugar coating.... No filters... just the plain reality. Till my next entry.

Towards the End

It all started last March 21, 2013. Thinking of it now makes me realize how time passed by so swiftly, enriching my life with so many stories and experiences.

When I planned the Nomad Enroute, living on the road for a year, I was supposed to be in the outskirts of some unknown village in the Philippines... volunteering... as the culmination of my trip. I even had my return ticket booked from Manila to Auckland. That was the plan.

But you see, things doesn't always go as planned. A detour was granted and I acknowledged its presence, willingly giving in to the opportunity that presented itself.

I instead chose to grab  a 6-month assignment in Melbourne, a city that almost everyone raved about, a city that everyone said I'd like and learn to love, a city that "might be" my settling ground.

And so there I went. I do admit that the city is charming, lavished with vibrance of arts and music, designed with tram lines and flowing waters, flowered with numerous opportunities and enriched with the diversity of cultures.

I liked it. and towards the end I learned to love it.... perhaps part of it was because of the people I met who I wished I've met earlier on and not when I was leaving. The irony of life. However, isn't it that people become nicer when someone's leaving? Appreciation is the key. and I dearly wished that Love would have made me stay. But as it always goes for me, there wasn't enough convincing... nothing to get me grounded.

Through the months that I've been away I've learned a lot in terms of acceptance, expectations, hopes and letting go. and of course, there's a lot to do with the saying "Everything Happens For a Reason". I hold on to that everyday.

I am towards the End of this Nomad Enroute Trip. I'm back in Auckland and in a few days will be back in the Philippines to do what I was meant to do, to fulfill the mission I was supposed to and to give back to the community as I've been so blessed that I could do those months of traveling.

This will be my way of paying it forward, of showing gratitude......

I'll be in Tacloban, Leyte where the typhoon Haiyan struck last November 2013. My mission is to do as much as I could to help. I expect frustration, as it is always the case regardless if it's a first or third world country, much worse maybe this time... my basis established from feedback of recent volunteers. But then, i'll just focus on the goal .. to help and to share.

I don't know how I'll go after Nomad Enroute. A lot of people tell me to stand still, to plant roots and stay in one place. I thought I'd feel the urge to do so after the trip. I've been proven wrong by no other but myself. I don't know. Maybe this feeling will change in a few months.

I guess at the End of the Day, do what makes you happy....... life is too short. Live the Dream without forgetting to let the people you hold dear know that you love them.

Towards the End, it's genuine Love that truly Matters.

Into the Wild

from the Red Top spot

I parked the car in front of the ranger's office. The midday sun was getting intense and I was getting annoyed with the flies. The place was quiet and I couldn't find a ranger in sight. There were a few walks around which I decided to do after  back to check out while waiting. Tanya, one of the rangers, was back at her office. I had a quick chat and told her I was interested to join the 2 pm tour. The Mungo National Park schedules twice a week tours with the park ranger, where a 2-hour walk on the Wall of China becomes the highlight along with a talk about the history of the park itself. It was only worth $35 for the whole tour.

wombat bones

I was a little bit early for the tour so I went back to the car and ate my lunch. I had a 3-day worth of groceries with me to cover my stay at the park until I get back to Melbourne. Tuna was my bestfriend and that was enough protein for me along with the green leaves. that was me trying to be healthy. A few cars arrived at the centre and a big bus of tourists also parked a few meters away. I watched the guide prepare lunch for the group under one of the huts, gave them enough shade from the intense sun.

Around 2 we all got in our own individual cars and started the convoy. The dust formed as seven cars all lined up and headed for the walls. Tanya got us walking to the platform and started the talk. It was amazing listening to her and how she got to be doing this. She was from the Mithi Mithi tribe which was one of the aboriginal tribes that thrived on the land. She explained how her grandmother and all of the women before her passed on the stories of their ancestors. It was very impressive how they could even know that a drought season was on its way or even a storm.. all based on how the animals reacted.

Apparently as time passed by and with all of the factors of weathering, the layers of Zanci on the walls exposes blips of history and gives this generation an idea of how the ancestors of the Willindra lakes lived. It was impressive how Tanya pointed out what were once furnaces where they cooked food. Bones of wombat slowly showed up on the sands of the wall, sitting still as people passed by. The color of the wall was gray but as the sun slowly rested for the day, the amber colours slowly showed off its magnificence.

Emu

It was great around the park, it gave me a liberating feeling as the vast space filled with a mix of red soil and bushes spread in front of me. A group of us stayed after the tour. We decided to watch the sunset as the last rays of the sun touched the sky and the colours were stunning. I sat still after setting up the tripod. It was starting to get chilly as I rubbed my hands to get enough warmth. The  moon was shyly shining its brilliance over the walls. I knew in a few days a full moon would be glistening and would have been a great opportunity to take great shots.

Now, one of the great memories of my Mungo experience was the sunset driving. I looked like a raccoon-eyed driver gripping on the driving wheel. I have been warned and I guess that's how I got so scared driving when it got dark. It was hilarious the whole scene.

Picture this. I was the smallest car, a mini, followed by a trail of 4x4 cars. That was the plan. For me to go ahead and the old couples behind me would make sure I'm okay. At first it sounded like a sane plan. But whilst driving, I realized, it was a crazy idea. I should have been in the middle. After driving a few kilometers, 2 tall silhouettes were visible from a distance. I was thinking, who the heck would be crazy walking at that time of the day. They both stood still, watching the sunrise. As I slowly approached, I realized it was 2 kangaroos. I stared through the windshield and slowly approached, making sure they felt my presence. I thought that was enough of an effort to scare the wild away. But no. So okay, I reverted to a more effective approach. Honk the Horn. Oh yeah, it should have worked. But no. They both turned their heads and gave a look. At that point I wanted to laugh my heart out.  They gave me that look as if saying "Hey man, we're watching the sunset here and having a conversation!". I honked the horn twice but still no budging. On the last honk, they gave me the last look and hopped away. Seriously, I was smiling. Oh yes.

Just when I thought that was it for the day, I saw something running from the right. Two massive emus crossed the street in front of me. I hit on the brakes, glad that I wasn't driving that fast. But before I accelerated I saw something from my peripheral vision. A second emu was trailing along. I thought, "come on, cross the street.. faster please". At that point, I really wished I had it on video. If  its feet had enough friction to make a sound, I could imagine it would have. It was deciding to stop and was slowly sliding 45 degrees... but then again changed its mind and decided to go on. Now that was hilarious. That was the beauty of the wild. Stunning.

The sun was lovely, the colors were so lively and the silhouettes of the farm and the park centre was standing in its grandeur. The old windmill added up to the view. Driving Into the Wild Was the greatest memory that I had of that road trip.

On my way

It was a Sunday when I arrived at the National Park. I decided to avoid Mildura, thinking the earlier I get to the Park, the better. I thought it was just a 2-hour drive from Euston, it just so happened it was more than that. I got to the turning  point where gravel meets asphalt. My mobile showed a waning vodafone signal so I took the opportunity to send a text message to Ashika and also gave my sisters a call. It was great hearing their voices. I knew the moment I took that turn, it would be solely Telstra signal all around that red of soil ahead of me. 

As I stirred the wheel, the richness of the red soil was right in front of me. Massive shrublands stood out, the sun was up and it was only me on the road. I felt so Alive. This was what I longed for, the abundance of space, the richness of red and the beauty of nature. There were so many times that I stopped to take photos. But like what Dad told me before, photography is best done when its dusk or dawn since you don't want the sun to overpower the construction of the image. 

I was smiling through.. but I had one dilemma. I didn't have accommodation organised that night. yeah, you read it right again. I didn't have a bed booked, so what's new. The target was to stay at Turlee Station, an hour away from Mungo. Their website attracted me with the diverse outback activities I could get my hands on. So the plan that day was to get to the park first, check it out and then head to Turlee. 

At some point I stopped along the highway and had a snack. I took advantage of the isolation and decided to change. Later on a cloud of dust showed up from the distance, the driver who looked like in his mid twenties, stopped and looked at me. "Are you alright?" I guess it was something typical to ask if there's a car pulled on the side. I said no and decided to ask if he knew anything about Turlee Station Stay. To my dismay he said they've closed and I had only one option... Mungo Lodge which I knew was expensive. He wished me luck and drove away. The dust cloud slowly fading as his truck disappeared in the horizon. 

I had my cowboy hat on, sweating a little bit and worried about accommodation. After a few kilometers I saw the Mungo Lodge sign and decided to stop by and check the prices.  The place looked posh, surrounded by cabins and an restaurant that seemed to be fine dining. Apparently, a small air strip was located beside the Lodge, where people with enough money would just fly in for the day and visit the Park and have lunch at the lodge. that's the life. The head chef was also the main guy looking after the place. He was just 23 years old. He offered the cheapest bed... $15 a night dorm-style. I was happy with that. awesome. :) and that included beddings and a heater. Although there was another option to stay inside the Park at the Shearers Quarters, that didn't offer beddings and was worth $65 a night. So I told the guy I'd come back and stay there. 

I drove off and headed for the Park's Information site, looking forward to the 2pm tour led by the ranger.

What about Mungo National Park

The moment I saw the photos back in 2013, I knew for a fact I'd be stepping on that red soil soon. The first time I got to hear about Mungo National Park was in December 2013. It was scheduled to be my birthday road trip adventure in March 2014 but I had to cancel and put in the back burner until it was "right".

The Mungo National Park is located in the south-west area of New South Wales Region, Australia, known to be part of the World Heritage Site of the Willandra Lakes. It has been dated to be 35-40,000 years worth of history hidden below the layers of soil, where mixtures of times are identified by the old layer called GolGol, then Mungo then Zanci, being the latest soil formation.

The whole stretch of land in that area was once part of several lakes, which was called the Willandra Lake System. The aboriginals as well as the animals all lived in harmony and thrived off the abundance of what the land and body of water could offer. Fishing, hunting and farming was part of their daily survival.

Through the years, due to the change of climate, temperatures increased and later on dried the lake system. What we now see is a vast land of drained water, covered with the mixture of soil, sand dunes and dry bushes. However, it still holds the history of ancestors, of how they once lived and survived on that land. The highly visited section is the Wall of China, named after the Chinese laborers who worked on the station back in 1861. Pillars and gullies can be seen through the stretch of 40 kilometers, and on the other side of the wall are amazing sand dunes.

Mungo National Park is also the home of the known "Mungo Man and Woman", both of which were discovered in different areas of the National park, but in close proximity to the Wall of China. Mungo Man was noted to be the oldest discovered to be cremated. Interestingly enough, ancestors already followed such burial ceremonies.

And so I booked my trip to Mungo. After I finished my contract in Melbourne, I headed off to the NSW region, where the outback called out to me... where I knew I'd be mesmerized by sunsets on the red soil... where I knew I'd be one again with nature. It's been a while. 

the GPS experience

It was raining on a Saturday morning. I woke up pretty early to prepare my stuff and get ready to leave the flat. The boys were still asleep. 

I picked up a compact car at Thrifty, along Bridge Road, Richmond. As much as I wanted to rent a 4x4 after hearing all of the horror stories on the ditch road, I knew I would blow out my budget. Instead, to compensate for my very much unorganized trip, I decided to hire a GPS... first time ever. Yes, you read it right. FIRST TIME. Despite my being an I.T. person, I still like the conventional way. Maps, good memory and a sense of direction. Looking back, I think I got too excited. 

I went back to the flat and found Lele awake and standing by the side of the kitchen. We decided to go out for breakfast. It was my first time to walk with Lele outside the flat. We stopped for a while watching the massive re-construction of Swan street, as he played with his umbrella and copied the sounds of the digger. We gooffed off until he decided to stop by a coffee place. After a few minutes, Tom and Hanz showed up and joined us for breakfast. 

the "initial plan"

Hans helped me out with the GPS and made sure it was all set and good to go. I hugged the guys goodbye... having mixed emotions of staying and going. I felt like i was just starting a good relationship with them. But I knew I had to move on and do m own thing. 

I continued on to Ashika's place to drop off my stuff. The GPS was working pretty well at that point. I found my way fine, and the re-routing was spot on. I found Satchin at the backyard, they just subdivided the land and built a house for rent. Ashika was busy cooking and taking care of the kids. i stayed for late lunch, giving her updates on my life and what I've been doing and deciding on. The clouds were grayish black and I knew the weather wasn't really good for that weekend in Melbourne. I had to head off around 3 pm before I went pitch black on the highway. I decided to make a last minute booking for my accommodation that night. So the plan was to stay overnight in a town called Swan Hill. Then in the morning head off to Mildura and then Mungo National Park. My estimated travel time that night was 4 hours. That was the plan. 

Guess What? 

I ended up in Robinvale which was almost 2 hours away North West of Swan Hill. A small town located 2-3 hours from the Mungo National Park. Great. 

I got lost. The "reliable" GPS pointed me to a different place. The car wash didn't seem to be a Motel. I figured. I stopped by a hotel and asked for information. Then I was told to drive S-L-O-W. It was quarter to 9 in the evening. Danger ahead? Roos. short for Kangaroos. They made it sound really scary it drove me crazy. I parked at the only gas station and fueled up. I was tempted to stay at that hotel. But after chatting with the lady at the counter, I was told to stay at the near by town called Euston. Again, they made it sound that the town where I was at... wasn't the place to spend the night. 

And so it went, I ended up staying over at a Motel in Euston. I was exhausted. I was shaking my head telling myself... "jowe, what did you get yourself into this time". As I've learned during my past travels, it always works out in the end. 

I was lucky to get mobile reception after a long stretch of null area. I sent a text to my sis and Ashika and closed my eyes. Looking forward to the next few days in the outback.

Red soil

on the way to Mungo Natl Park

There's something with red soil/dirt that I find attractive. It may be the roughness and the vast spread of its particles that amazes me, as if boundless, limitless.. stretching far and wide. 

Ever since I started traveling I had a realization that vast space always seemed to make me smile. Seeing the horizon from afar always triggered the excitement in me, not knowing what was at the end.... 

I've been living in Melbourne for the past 7 months and as I ended that stint, I decided to go on a road trip to Mungo National Park... yes... alone, what's new. I guess the way I see things is, "Why wait for someone to accompany me if I can do it myself?". Yup, I can be anxious at times, but you see, this wasn't everyone's cup of tea. 

After the buzz in Melbourne, it was the silence in the outback that made me more relaxed. Not a soul on the road, just red, blue and a few wallabies hopping around and Emus giving me the curious look. 

I know I've jumped from old posts to this latest one, being my most recent adventure. But I know I'd need to write this down before I forget.

I know...

The last entry I had was about  my trip back in the Philippines. That was last year.

Now.. i'm about to finish a 6-month stint in Melbourne.

I know. I'm so outdated with this blog.

But with my free time coming up soon, i'll definitely update this blog! :)

Update is... a friend of mine Jenn Winter just wrote an article about me, which might be of a good read for those who don't have a background yet...

read on.... A Lady Away

Catching up with Friends

I was sick the first week I got home. Dad said it was my pumpin' adrenalin crashed down and now my body was trying to rest....well, beg for rest. I figured that was the case. 

Crooks and Copps and the craziness that goes with that

Of course, my visit wouldn't be complete if I didn't catch up with my long time high-school friends.  The Crooks and Copps were formed back 1991's. Crooks was for us girls and Copps were for the boys. Back then it wasn't co-ed. Girls and Boys weren't mixed in one room. Socializing with the opposite sex only happened outside the classroom. 

Mylin lived close to our house, and of course, that didn't stop her and John (her husband and an old friend of mine) to pass by late at night. The usual. Instead of me getting annoyed, I couldn't help but smile and of course know in my heart that I missed them. of course they were my first visitor, besides Jing, who would always be updated of my where abouts. 

I called for a girls dinner at the house, just wanting for a moment with them, just like the good old days. I was glad that Love, in the last minute, joined us for dinner along with her husband Gerry, a former classmate of mine and good friend as well. 

The girls bought me a welcome home cake. I didn't expect it, and found it really sweet. Mom cooked a few Filipino dishes and us girls just caught up while the kids played in the lounge area. I finally saw Jeez's son, Basti... after so many years. Jeez, another long time good friend of mine that goes way back College days. 

It was hilarious when we went out and tried hiding from the CCTV, just like the old days when they'd try to get me to go with them on late night activities. Crazy but I missed them a lot.

TEJ

TEJ stands for Thomasian Engineer Journal. And that was my family when I was in Uni days, back when I wasn't really a fun of studying...rather, I found solace in the confines of the organization, which we would usually call our TEJ Family.

It was so nice to catch up with Arjay and Kit, and I also had the chance to meet Kit's cousin Sooey who was such a lovely and talented girl.We hang out at Glorietta...the good ol' Glorietta... it was nostalgic going back to the area. It held so many memories back to the Accenture days, when I was still working in Makati area.

We shared a lot of laughs and philosophical topics. Travel was of course part of the sharing and updates. The girls also loved traveling and exploration. I was telling them that the next time I visit the Philippines, it would be great if they can tag along.

The Dudettes

Next stop was catching up at Ortigas. The Dudettes. To be precise, the SVI Dudettes :) Maeth, Cezy, Joyce

and Anne (who was absent that time because she was onshore for an assignment).

The usual meetup place has always been Starbucks podium. No other place to be and meetup. It again brought back so many memories.... SVI or Software Ventures International, was the first company I worked with. That jump started my career as a Programmer. And during the training sessions, that was when I met the girls. Of course Cezy and Annie I already knew back in College Days at UST. 

It was great updating each other. I slowly got an idea of what was the latest, of course including the latest juicy gossip. It would have been great if Anne was there, I could imagine the giggles and laughter. I updated them with my latest trip and them as well did some trips past years I've been away. It was good to see them and just chat and laugh about old stuff.

Ex-Accenture 

The next catchup was with Reg and Mitch. Now, Reg and I goes way back Accenture days when we were with one of the projects where staying till late at night was always part of the daily routine. There were nights when we'd usually have to stay till 1 am, and we'd just usually laugh about stuff knowing that deadlines can be inevitable but having good times was the most important lot of all. It was great seeing her, all blooming and of course now, a Manager with Accenture.  

Mitch I met also during my last stint in Accenture, when I resigned and was wrapping up for my move to Singapore. We didn't get to chat that much, if I recall right, but my memories of Mitch were far beyond Accenture days. We got to hang out when I visited Brussels. And that was when we had the chance to really talk and explore the city together. Mitch has been of great company and help to me, something I'd always treasure and appreciate.

We had dinner at Shangri-La. Its been a while since I've been to that mall. It made me reminisce back in the days when I'd usually be on second shift when I was working for SVI. Those marked my first few years of being a programmer. Of course, I got to be updated with all of the latest goss and also of the latest love updates. We just giggled through the night which was fun.

Catching up with the Garcias

I just realized I didn't have a photo. But I guess it didn't matter. The memories always leaves me with a lasting impression.

Keith has been a friend way back highschool days. And Kikay, his better half, has been part of the family, the barkada. The kids Kin and Kian were so lovely, so huggable and so sweet. It was my first time to actually see them in person. Moment that I've laid my eyes on them were just via skype, when Keith would have me go on video calls so the kids would recognize my voice.

So it's been tradition now that I'd visit the family in the morning, and have breakfast. so cute. And I've agreed that I'd do this again, the next time I visit. :)

My Farewell Dinner

Faster than I said my hellow, I had to organize a farewell dinner with the Crooks, Copps and Freaks. It was great seeing the bunch, most especially those who I've rarely seen through the years even when I was still back in the Philippines.I was smiling while I watched the parents look after their kids. Yes, we have reached that stage. Thing have changed. But one thing's for sure, the friendship still remains...

of Jumping and Realizations

allow me to digress for a while. 

What is wrong with Jumping? What is wrong with moving? What is wrong in living a life of a Nomad?

What is wrong if I've been traveling this world alone?

I slowly realized a few things while I was on the road. 

Why the urge to move is so strong, that staying longer has never been an option. 

Fear. Fear of Attachment. Fear of Hurt. Fear of Expectations. But deep inside yearning that there's that special someone who would ask me to stay. Ironic? Yeah, tell me about it. It's hard when you're a walking hopeless romantic Nomad with shell casings all over.

through the 8 months, staying longer than 2 weeks seemed to be a far-fetched idea. The moment I felt I was getting attached to a place or the people around me, alarm bells just went off and Moving on becomes the next best step to escapism. 

Yes. I admit it. I'm an escapist. Because it is in the confines of limitless freedom when traveling, where time doesn't mean a thing, and survival reigns over your veins that matters....where to sleep, what to eat...where to next. There was no time to contemplate on emotions...and even if I felt lonely, it was fleeting because I had to go through the cycle of Hi's and goodbyes. 

Yes Hi's and goodbyes. Sad, but true. I did gain new friends...that's was good. I realized....I was sheltering myself..... because "hurt" was the one thing I didn't want to have with me during the trip. Where expectations heightened, therefore disappointment leaves me distraught. And oh yes, for so many times did that happen to me. Until I learned to let go.

Through the months, I meet some interesting people.... some I thought would have the consistency and continuity, but of course....yet again...disappointment kills the joy. 

There is liberation for me when I'm on the Road. The freedom of being an unknown, going towards the unknown..... and maybe nowhere would be a somewhere in the long run... a place that would make me stop..........

Family

It was great to be back at our house in Project 8. I was there 5 years ago, for New Year's Eve. 

I had an overlap with Ate Jojo and John, who was there for a 2-week vacation. It was great to see the Dad and Mom, all chirpy and happy, obviously no traces of stress due to our absence. However, we all knew they missed us dearly. 

Nothing much has changed with the house, except for the cameras... lol. Crazy cameras abound the different corners of the house. Can't blame Dad of his paranoia. A few years back a burglar was brave and skillful enough to go up the third floor, enter my room and cause chaos throwing stuff around trying to find a treasure of gold. Unfortunately for him, Mom woke up early and went upstairs. They never did catch the burglar, but that was enough for Dad to add more surveillance to the property. Apparently, theft and crime has increased the past years we haven't been in Manila. Now, it's been crazy. Not that I'm saying it hasn't been crazy back then. 

Of course, it goes without saying that food and feasting, not to mention sleeping right after, has been the routine for the days that we were there. Gaining weight exponentially didn't seem to be a problem at all. Mom was always on the go with buying stuff and before we knew it, there were trays of food and meriendas served to the third floor. Some things never change. But that was Home. 

Family, no matter what, no matter who are, will always be there for you. This has been proven through the years with mine. There's no such thing as a perfect family anyway. In any relationship, it goes without saying that Acceptance is the key, and what goes with that is Love to sugar coat it with caring, because that's what naturally happens. 

We had some karaoke nights in and out of the house. But majority of the times, singing before and after dinner was the fave time slot of Dad. He'd just smile and quickly steal a few songs before we had our meal. Him and John would usually have a blast and even compare scores. Mom, Ate Jojo and I would just laugh. Good Times. 

It was also great seeing the bunch, Ate Beth, Ate Rose, Ate Cindy and Ate Wendy, with the addition of Kuya Charlie and Tata. The girls were the original bunch who helped Mom with the sewing business. It was so cute seeing them together, as if nothing changed, except for our ages. But still, it was part of "going home", having them there. 

There were times when we would teach Tata for her homework. Dad and Mom has been sending her to school. She's been really shy, but with a little bit of prodding, she could get out of her shell and be more outgoing. 

I had a few moments with my parents at times. When they'd ask me what direction I'm planning to take after I've completed this trip. Well, obviously from my point of view, everything was a little bit hazy still. I was applying for jobs, but I was still waiting for the right one. Rejections were coming so fast, more because of visa sponsorship in Europe. But it all just told me one thing...it wasn't meant to be "yet" maybe? 

I knew they wished me well, reminding me that I wasn't getting any younger. I slowly got used to the topic that I need to settle down, find me a man, get a house, have babies and just....Settle Down. Had it been in my control, maybe that would have happened...but you see...things like these only happen at the right time and place. As for me, I might have not stepped into the zone yet. Again, out of my control. 

Homeward Bound

The last part of the journey of this Nomad was supposed to end in my home town, the Philippines. Later on you'll understand why I used the term "supposed to".

It's been 5 years since I last visited the Philippines. I know, it's been a while. Mom and Dad would usually come over to New Zealand to spend the Christmas holidays with us. The only time that I was alone was back when I was still living in Sydney. 

It was mixed feelings for me when I got on the plane. I was looking forward to seeing my family. After so many months on the road, the emotion of just being surrounded by people I knew seemed to call out more than ever. It was great meeting so many people around the world, but nothing can beat the loving comfortable feeling of family and friends.

After almost 8 months on the road... I finally landed in Manila.

Touchdown... it was time to revisit my roots.... my hometown.....

I knew this visit was going to be different....

Singapore

It was 7 years ago when I last saw Singapore. It was a strange feeling when we landed at Changi airport. I lived in Singapore for 8 months before I decided to move to New Zealand. Ever since then, I've never set foot until October 2013. 

One of the things I've been really impressed with was the convenience of the transportation system in Singapore. I guess for a small and advanced country, you would expect nothing short of that. 

I initially stayed in a hostel, curious of how it was to be a backpacker in Singapore. I met a guy from France who was kind enough to lend me his umbrella. Other than that, I didn't get to chat with anyone else since I've been in and out of the place catching up with friends. 

I met up with Diovie, a long time friend back in the days when I was living in Singapore. Also an ex-accenture, we met through common friends and just clicked. A few years back she visited me in New Zealand. Us girls went on a road trip and explored a few areas of the North Island. It was an unforgettable adventure. And despite our distance, we've always managed to keep in touch. As they say distance shouldn't be a hindrance. She showed me around, pointing out the new buildings and tourist spots. It was amazing how Singapore could change since the past 7 years. The place has been an ex-spat destination and parties/pubs seemed to have increased. It was great catching up with her, getting updated with the latest buzz in each others lives and just chatting and laughing away. She took me to the rooftop bars that gave us splendid views of Marina Bay and surroundings. 

I also had the chance to catch up with Jay, another ex-accenture who I met through common friends whilst living in Singapore. Also into diving and photography, we shared a lot of common interests and started chatting towards the end of my work stint in Singapore. We've always kept in touch ever since.

I eventually moved to Foy's place and finally got the chance to catch up with her. It was so nice to see her settled and cuddling her baby. Foy has been one of my closest friends who I met when I lived in Singapore. Since then the friendship flourished despite the distance. Then after a few years she visited me in New Zealand. That was the inspiration of my song "Joyride. Beth, Foy and I went on a road trip in the North island of New Zealand. And that was one of the best trips I've ever been on. Oh yeah!

It was really nice to have a lot of moments with Foy, just talking in the lounge and getting updated with each other's lives. I was so happy seeing her in that state. Years ago I knew she wanted to have a family of her own, and at that moment when we were sitting on the couch, I saw how fulfilled she was.. holding on to her baby. <sigh> How time flies.

The main reason why I passed by Singapore was to attend my God child's 1st Birthday. Sherry and Ramil had their first baby a few months ago. His name... Lucas. The time I heard about the good news of the addition to the family.... I felt so happy for them. A dream come true. A wish granted. A Prayer answered.

It was a Sunday event and it was sort of a reunion seeing the people who I knew back in the days and got used to hanging out back in the Singapore days. The event was at a Japanese Restaurant was a buffet lunch. I got to see Joy a few seconds before she had to leave for work. Her 2 kids were lovely most especially Jessica, the eldest one. Mary Ann was also there with her family. She was my previous housemate back in the days when Gab and I lived in Singapore. Apo, Rex Ken and Ryan were the other familiar faces that I saw. They were with the new group of Citibank programmers/team. It was great seeing everyone and how warm I was still received despite the years.

I had a short opportunity to catch up with Sherry and Ramil, as well as Baby Lucas, after the lunch. Malvin and Foy dropped us at the Escalante house and I stayed for a while to witness the gift opening and take some photos. It was really nice hanging out with them and watching them, complete as a family. Lucas was so active and excited about his gifts. So cute.

I only had 5 days in Singapore, and I knew there wasn't enough time to catch up with everyone. But it was good that I still had the chance to meet up with Paulette at the airport. Now, Paulette was one of my classmates back in high school. I can't even remember when was the last time I saw her. I took up Engineering and she took up Fine Arts, both in the same building. It must have been back in college days when I last saw her for sure.

We had a meal before I got on my flight. She still had her sense of humour, sarcastic jokes and funny life story to tell me for all the years that I haven't seen her. We just laughed all afternoon until I almost missed my flight. Hilarious! We even took the time to have coffee before I quickly ran through immigration and security. Crazy!

The visit was short but sweet. I had an inkling of trying to get back to Singapore and work there, the proximity to the Philippines was tempting. But the opportunity didn't present itself. So it was a no.