Christmas in Oz

My first Christmas in Oz was celebrated in style (Filipino Style that is).

At around 8pm, Cherry and I invited a few friends over for a Noche Buena at our new place in Chatswood. Everyone brought their own food--- Noemi, Jun and Gabbie brought yummy grilled chicken, Mike and Lanie brought grilled Tilapia (yum, yum, yum), Agie made sinuglaw (sinugba and kinilaw with pinakurat), Sally brought wine from Hunter Valley, I cooked kare kare and Cherry bought kutsinta from the Filipino store. Pinoy foods we were really craving...




At 12 midnight, we went to hear the misa de gallo and i was quiet surprised to see the church full-packed. I thought Aussies were not into traditional christmas celebration but i was wrong. i saw people of all ages and nationalities (well, i saw some Chinese, Koreans and a few Africans that flocked the Church). I guess being a Catholic school, the tradition of having a midnight mass is being taught too.

On Christmas Day, Agie and I went to the City and had our picture taken at some Christamassy sights ----

Sydney Town Hall adorned with lights

Different lighting of Sydney Town Hall
Hyde Park

We also went to Queen Victoria Building where a christmas tree was adorned with Swarovski crystals was on display; and Martin Place where the Christmas Tree was placed.

The day after, Dec 26, was a holiday in Australia. It was Boxing Day (just look it up, was supposed to be the day that people give gifts or something). And during boxing day, there's a huge sale going on in the City. Myers (a very big Department store) opened its doors at 6am, while the rival David Jones (these are high end shops like Shangrila, Rustans) opened theirs at 6:50 am... Normal shopping day in Australia is like shopping on a weekday in Rockwell, not too many people, no queue in the dressing room nor in the cashier. But come Boxing Day, its like Divisoria!!! Where did these people came from??? There was a queue just going inside the store and people are just everywhere. I had the below shot taken when I was on the elevator at Myers.

It was unbelievable!!! Just so we wont feel that we wasted our time, we just bought a nice China made bowl at 30% discount and some lotion that was sold at half the price. Even on sale, some itmes are still expensive compared to Manila prices. That being said, i cant wait to go home and shop!!!

So that's how I celebrated Christmas this year. Next year would be different, really different! And I cant wait for 2008 to come!!!

Happy New Year!

(nakakatamad mag post at magkwento)

Thanks 2007

2007 has been a good year for me --- no, make it a GREAT year for me. I have so much to be thankful for, so many bessings that came my way. :-)

Jan - migrated to Sydney. Had a safe flight. Was able to navigate the City without getting lost. Got a job.
Feb - moved to a new apt with cherry.
March - started with my work at GWF --- lovin it!!!
April - Easter Show, so many gift bags, yipee. :-)
May - My Birthday and my Bebe is finally here with me. Offered a permanent position at GWF.
June - Got my grade in Tax --- Distinction.
July - Snowy Mountains (dream come true na makahawak ng snow? hehe)
August - generally a good month, no major drama (short of saying I cant remember what I did this month, hehehe).
Sep - went Canberra with Lanie, Mike and Agie
Oct - Got my CPAA positive assessment for Tax, Law and Finance.
Nov - Transferred to Central Accounting. ;-)
Dec - moved to a new unit. Celebrated Xmas with friends.

I'm wishing that 2008 will still be a good year for me. :-)


Tom, we'll be having Xmas dinner with Lanie, Mike, Noemi, Jun, Gabbie and Sally. This is our noche-buena Aussie version. We'll go to mass at 12 midnight too!!!