Back on the pitch

Back on the pitch - Sydney April 2012

Its nice to be back on the pitch. Back to the sport I loved the most. I remember futbol being my life back in high school and college. This is where I learned about punctuality, discipline and team work. Three things that help me do well with my everyday life now. 

A much needed vacation

Queen Street West - Toronto Canada May 2012

I've been living and working in Australia for more than 5 years now. They say time flies when you're having fun and just like that i realised i haven't taken a decent vacation in 5 years. So here I am in Toronto. A really nice place to visit!

With my Mom, Sisters Belle and Brinna and their kids!
Great Wolf Lodge, Niagra, Ontario Canada 

What's a better way to spend my vacation but with my Mom and Sisters. Belle is traveling with her two kids Ariel, Erika and my Mom. Brinna my sister who now lives in Canada already have 4 kids. Three of them I've only met for the first time they are Kaye, Katie, Ben and Karissa.

Erika and Ariel - My two nieces from Manila who are both grown up kids now

Yet another sport I got into

At the 40th km mark of my first 80 km Cycling Ride
at M7 Cycleway Sydney NSW

Most of my close friends would tell you I am a sporty kind of guy. As much as i can, i try to do something within the week to keep me fit. I've always liked running and playing active sports like soccer, tennis and basketball but as i grew older my knees started to hurt especially when I run on pavement. 

Because of this i have limited myself from running and tried cycling. I recently started cycling when i got my first road bike last December of 2011. Since then i have been riding 20kms, 40kms up to 80kms. Cycling's been a good alternative to my running, this way i get my cardio fix at the same time it doesn't hurt my knees at all.

One thing I also like about cycling is that i get to see Australia in a different way. I've done a few scenic rides that are exciting and nice to take photos of.

Riding by the scenic area of Bowral NSW - May 2012

The Quick 6 Months of 2011

Here's a recap of the past 6 months that has gone by so quickly. First of all I am glad that I am starting to post on my Blog again. Thanks to my friends who have been inspiring me and challenging me to write stuff.

January - June 2011:

Castle Street North Parramatta Apartment - January 2011

I recently moved to my new apartment in January and I must say it was a bit of a challenge. This is my first time living by myself and I had to learn a few things like eating alone and cooking for one person.

Although, I really enjoyed fixing my own space, my own office, painting the walls and buying furnitures etc.

Cat and Carlo's Wedding with the Sydney Crew - Palawan February 2011

It was my first time to go to Palawan and what a good time to go to attend the wedding of two of my closest friends. I've lived with Cat and Carlo for a couple of years and I was there since the beginning of their relationship.

It was also nice to be with my Sydney friends while in the Philippines. That isn't something that happens very often.

Dad and Mom - Alfonso, Cavite February 2011

It's always good to visit my parents. Although I get to communicate with them regularly in Skype and Yahoo Messenger it's different when I'm beside them, it's always better. Its nice to see that they are happy, contented and healthy.

I also took the chance to bring my Sydney friends to my home town and introduce them to my parents who I always tell them about. It is also good to let my parents know what company I have in Australia.

Kayaking and Camping at Kangaroo Valley - March 2011

Every year we go camping at least once. This year I got invited to join a camping trip in Kangaroo Valley somewhere south of Sydney. I must say this is one of the best camping trips I've been to because it also involved kayaking for 3 hours to get to the camp site. The place was very beautiful and very relaxing.

Aussie Munch Crunch Pizza - April 2011

The Annual Pizza Making Contest. This tradition started 3 years back and it happens on Carlos' Birthday in April. Its always a challenge, trash talking for next years event begins right after the awarding. This year I made the "Aussie Munch Crunch Pizza" with Vegemite, fried garlic and Chicharon.

I decided to make this pizza about an hour before the competition and surprisingly, it turned out good. Didn't win the award but I think I was able to show everyone I can make good pizza. The challenge is on for next year!

Seven Seeds Cafe - Melbourne May 2011

Melbourne visit. Our friends Angela and Rodolph moved to Melbourne late last year and we've been planning to visit them there. So, we've decided to fly over there and surprise Angela for her birthday.

Its nice to be in a different place from time to time and its good to know that I have friends to visit any time. Thanks for entertaining us while we were there, Ange and Rod! I will be visiting you guys again soon! PS: Ange, i'll post another photo with you in it, i just have to find one =)

Apartment Therapy Project

Before and after photo of my little apartment
(Click on image to view bigger photo)

It's been almost a year and a half since I last posted something in this blog. I realised it's about time to get back in to it. I know my 5 subscribers have been waiting and anticipating for my next entry.

I have been so busy the past year and its not a good excuse for me to say that nothing much is happening in my life that is worth writing about. So finally im back here blogging. Thanks to my friends who have been motivating me to put into writing the changes/improvements that i've experienced recently.

I think one of the best achievements so far since I moved to Sydney is putting all my hard earned savings into an investment and home. Last September 2010 I acquired an apartment where I live in now. Its old and small but has a lot of potential. And so this became my Apartment Therapy Project.

I started fixing it little by little. Painted it, did the electrical and plumbing. Bought old furnitures and restored them. And made this tiny old place into a cozy home.

This is me now!

Most recent photo of me taken by my flatmate using his new "old film camera" amazing!

I havent blogged for more than a year. I promise i'd write more stuff this year. 2009 went by quickly and was really busy.

So watch out for my new adventures this year!

When Mr Peanut turned Charlie

Me, as Charlie Chaplin

It was a week before Halloween when Cat and Carl told us that we were having a costume party at Cat and Cams new apartment. They also said that whoever got the best costume would win a prize. I got excited, you all know how big an event halloween is in Alabang. That place is the Halloween capital of Metro Manila.

Anyway, i was never good at finding costumes. I also dont like spending for it. So, when other people find time to go to costume places and rent, I on the other hand create my own. I look for things to wear at home. buy little things to make as props and thats it.

The day before the party I decided to wear a suit, a pink shirt, brown baggy pants then put on a bowler hat (which cost me 5 bucks) and a tiny mustache (cost only 2 bucks). Came to the party as Charlie Chaplin and there you go, everyone liked it. Not bad for 7 bucks, i ended up winning. Got a zip prize from the hosts  and now im pressured to practice zipping. (www.planetzips.com)

Body Clock

This is me just before i leave the house to meet my classmates

Even when i was still in highschool its been my body clock to wake up early in the morning, usually around 6am. Some people find it very difficult to wake up as early as that but for me, it's becoming an irritating habit.

Like when i go out on gimiks at night and end up sleeping really late, I still wake up at six the next day. Whenever im out of town with friends and everyone gets drunk from the night before, i still find myself wide awake early in the morning looking for something to do. Its not good coz i only get a few hours of sleep.

I've been trying to find an explanation to this habit and i think i just found out why. While i was having dinner with my flatmates last night a random memory of my childhood suddenly explained why i get up early. I think this is because when i was about 4 years old my dad turned a small part of our house in Alfonso, Cavite into a kindergarten. The purpose was to prepare me for the big school in manila (DLSZ). I remember i didn't want my classmates to know that i lived there and that the school is owned by my dad. So, i 'd walk two blocks every morning to wait for my classmates and walk with them going to school. I don't know why i did that but no one really told me to do it. I remember i had to wake up earlier so i can walk two blocks and make sure no classmate of mine would see me coming from my house.

I find it weird that i did that but i think that explains why i wake up early. Maybe at the back of my head i'm still that kid who wants to go out early and prepare for the days adventure.

The beginning of life...

Its been a while since i posted something here. I have been busy with work and house chores lately but since im on leave today and tomorrow i can spare a few minutes of my morning time blogging.

Anyway, it was my birthday last tuesday and i was trying to remember what i did last year and what happened to me after  that day. It was my first time to spend my birthday here in Sydney last year and i didnt really do much, we just had a cake and a little food at my brothers house in Kellyville Ridge. I also remembered last year was really the beginning of my life here in sydney. That same day i got my first real job here. A few days later i purchased my car and then a week later i got my aussie 

license. I also started meeting new friends after that.

So my life in Sydney continues, many things happened i've gone places, parties, started playing soccer again, moved out of my brothers house, met more friends, had lots of fun adventures with my new barkada. My life was good, i felt had everything. But suddenly weeks before my birthday this year i felt like there is something lacking, i felt like im not complete. Now i feel like i need something but i dont really know what. My friends say its just because its winter that im bored and that im not doing anything exciting. I dont think so, coz i love winter.

So here comes my birthday and I wasn't in the mood to celebrate. I wanted to just stay home and sleep. I didnt plan anything that day i just want it to get over. I guess when you're in your early 30's you dont really look forward to having big celebrations especially when you're away from home, away from family and friends. 

But, to my surprise when i got home i discovered that my friend Ger and my roomate Migs has started cooking, Ger has texted everyone the day before and planned a small get together for my birthday. That felt really good. I felt special. I know now that i have family and friends here. That made me really really happy on my birthday.

Thank you everyone!!!

Picture from my instant party:

The Girls: Ger (the organizer), Camster (the cake specialist), 

Monski, and Monica

The Boys: Paul, Erwin, Migs (the chef), Bryan and Inaki

Kuya Paul and Tati (Ms. Someone)

Lamb Shanks! Awesome!

The Cake. Thanks a lot Camster for the best cake!

So, i realized my birthday is not just the date that reminds me that i am getting old. But this is where my life always begins. This starts a new chapter in my life where i discover new things. I cant wait for things to happen this year, last year was a good year and im sure this year will be awesome!

What 2 weeks of rain made me remember

The past two weeks its been raining here in Sydney and it felt like i was back in the Philippines. Every time it rains it makes me feel like I'm back home. But, two weeks of rain doesn't only remind me of Manila but it also tells me that its my birthday only because every time i celebrate my birthday its the bagyo season.

And so i came up with the idea of writing My Birthday Wish List.  You might think its too early to make a list coz my birthday is in July but I think having my list now will give you guys enough time to save up for my gifts.

Top on my list.  Canon EOS 450D Digital SLR Camera I've always wanted my own camera. Photography is something i want to get into. I think i have the eye for it and i'm sure if i practices enough ill be taking a lot of good pictures that i can share with my kids in the future. This is also a must have tool to document my adventures.

Avantgarde Grill for my Benz I love my car everyone knows that and i haven't done any change or put any accessory on my car yet this year. So, a nice grill would complete the macho look of my car. Call me to get info on where to buy this.

Weber Rotisserie Set Since i got here in Sydney i've been into barbeques and grills. I have almost perfected making steaks, pork chops and lamb chops and i think the next step is roasting chicken or maybe a small pork (lechon de leche).

Suunto G6 Watch This is something i want only because its high tech HAHAHA! My golf game hasn't improved at all but maybe if i have this i'll be forced to practice more and maybe eventually become good at the game.

500GB External Drive Early this year my beloved 80GB external drive finally crashed and i lost all my music collection and TV series downloads. I think theres still a way for me to retrieve those files but first i need to have another external drive to transfer it to.

PUMA King Spikes I've been back playing soccer and these shoes are the best i've every used. I hope that having another pair of these would bring back my stamina and speed.  By the way my skills were never gone its still there.

Swiss Army Knife Everyone calls me McPete or PeteGyver and i believe a swiss army knife is the most important tool McGyver himself uses. So to fully become the resourceful genius like he is i think im gonna need one too.

Plain Collared Shirts - I like plain collared shirts that would make me look clean and preppy.

Futbol Socks - This is something i really need but i keep forgetting to buy. So, plain black long futbol socks would be very useful for me.

Tennis Shorts - Tennis shorts are nice coz i can use them not only for playing tennis but for everyday shorts, i can wear them like regular walking shorts.

There you go, thats the top ten things i can think of right now. Im sure ill think of more things in the next few weeks and months. maybe ill post them on my next blogs hahahah ü

An Aussie year

Left to Right: Andrea, Geri, Me, Trish, Ala, Cat & Lizette

(My BBQ party last April 6, 2008)

I recently celebrated my first year here in Australia. How time flies, just a year ago i celebrated my despedida party in Manila with my closest and long time friends, and now I'm here celebrating my first year with some new friends with a barbeque party (a typical aussie celebration). 

I guess I'll never know whats gonna happen next. Maybe in a few years I'll be celebrating a going away party here and a welcome back party in Manila, but for now I think I'm settled here. I like working here, and I like living here. I could say that within a year I'm adjusted well enough for me to stay here for a while. 

The New Kid on the Block

Me with Milo at the Northshore Private Hospital

I never get phone calls from my brother especially when I'm at work, only when its important or when he is in the area and wants to meet up for lunch. 

We last spoke on the phone on a Saturday and he mentioned that April 10 is the due date of his wife. That should be today, but last friday while I was at work he kept calling. I didn't notice right away that he was calling coz my mobile is always on silent. I knew there was something important going on. So i decided to ring him back and there he said that Ate Myke was already in labor and about to give birth anytime. That means my new nephew is ready to come see the world on April 4. 

I was so excited to hear that and wanted to leave the office right away. I like having new "pamangkins", is there a word for that? All I have are nieces, five of them, all pretty and smart. This is the reason why I am so excited to see Milo, by the way thats my new nephews name, because he is my first nephew. 

I cant wait for him to walk and talk. We will have lots of good times together for sure. I can teach him all i know about Soccer, Tennis, Cars, Drive etc. I will be his favorite uncle, i'll make sure of that. I am  also pretty sure my father is ecstatic to  have Milo coz he is the first one to carry on the Aviñante name. I bet my dad will come over to Sydney soon to see The New Kid on the Block.

4X4 At Port Stephens

The Group At Port Stephens

Blog Coming Soon!

The Aussie Lifestyle

I made my first step to adapting the Aussie way of life when i bought a BBQ Grill in January. I've been wanting to purchase one since i got here because i like grilled food. And now that I have my own Weber grill i can make steak while drinking beer anytime of the day ü

Weber Grill in our balcony

How I ended up buying

It all started when we were looking for an apartment, every time we'd look at a place with a balcony i tend to imagine having a grill and relaxing on a comfortable chair eating grilled steak with a beer on my other hand. An so, when we found our place i told my flatmates, "Ok, i'll buy a grill since i don't have any stuff to share" this because they will be providing the furniture and appliances for the house. 

Our house warming party was getting near and we planned to have a bbq and drinks. We were supposed to use the grill at the Waterfront but it was broken and won't be fixed for another week or so. It was really time to buy so we went bbq hunting. We saw different types with different brands and sizes but i have always known the Weber brand to be the best in bbq grills so i said to myself, if I'm buying a grill might as well buy the best one coz it will be mine for years and i will be using it a lot anyways. 

So i ended up buying the grill in time for our house warming. It was perfect, everyone enjoyed the party especially the food. People stayed from 3pm till 2am the next day. 

Right now in this house, I only own two things, my bed and my grill hahaha ü!

Car Wash

Yesterday on the way home from work I decided to stop by the self service car wash. I haven't cleaned my car since I got back from Manila in January because where I'm staying now we aren't allowed to wash our cars. Its been 2 months that my car has been collecting mud and dirt and its bad, really bad because, ever since I have never left my car dirty for more than 5 days.

I love cleaning my car. I like driving it clean. My brother would always ask me why i should clean the car when it is still very clean. But, for the first time I heard from my brother saying "Uy, and dumi ng kotse mo" thats when i realized wow! My car really needs attention.

Anyways, yesterday was the first time I was going to try the self service car wash here. It was pretty cool, you have to put in coins and 2 dollars give you 2 mins and 30 seconds of action. Lets say the brush with foam shampoo, so thats what i did first. And then for another 2 dollars 2 mins and 30 seconds  of pressure wash. So i think 6 dollars worth of washing should be enough. Although my car needed more, it was i bit difficult to remove some of the stains in the car.

Well this is never gonna happen again, i will start cleaning my car every weekend. When I saw  how dirty my car was yesterday,  I realized how the heck did I use it when its that filthy. But everything is back my car is white and shiny again it looks "pogi" and belive it or not it feels lighter to drive now ü

The Basin

The Camping team. Me, Miguel, Cat, Carlo, Camille, Bryan and Mon

It was a steady and relaxed day last Saturday, perfect time to go camping. We started early woke up at 530am, good thing we prepared everything the night before. We met at Mon and Bry's place at around 7am and left shortly after that. Our first stop was at a petrol station to get some breakfast, I was so hungry so i didn't mind eating the meat pie that does not taste good at all.

Back to the road trip, our destination is Palm Beach an hour away, then from there we ride a ferry that goes to The Basin. I've never been to there before I've only seen pictures on the internet and its really exciting because I haven't gone camping in a long time. The last time was when I was in L.A. with my cousins in 1999 where we went camping at Yosemite. 

I like camping coz i like the drinking outdoors, i like grilled food and i enjoy bonfires. When everyone is relaxed and just there talking you always end up with funny conversations, something that would keep everyone laughing for minutes. We had one during our camping when our friend Monica started to imagine that from the forest, the HUKBALAHAP's would come out and get us all. It was funny because i've never heard about the HUKS since HS it was really out of the blue.  And so stories went on and on and we'd create funny scenarios about the HUKS.

Ok enough about the HUKS, let me tell you about the place. The place is beside the ocean, there's a big camping ground in the middle where you can put up your tents, have your own bonfire and cook whatever you like. Behind the place is a beautiful lagoon where it was really nice to swim. Water wasn't so cold to we stayed quite long in that area. We arrived in the area just before lunch, so we picked our spot, built our tents and head on to lunch. We had pasta made by Camille, our other chef.  At night time we grilled some steaks and chicken wings and afterwards roasted some marshmallows and drank all night.

The next morning was great too. We cooked breakfast of sausages, bacon and scrambled eggs with tomatoes. Good way to start the day because we did a lot of things that day. We played soccer and frisbee at the open area. Everyone was pretty exhausted after the soccer game so we decided to go for a swim and relax in the lagoon again. After that we were hungry again so we grilled  all the chicken wings and steak thats left.

To end the day, on our way home, we dropped by La Mesa to have dinner. La Mesa is a popular Filipino restaurant in Dee Why. I think its the most authentic Pinoy restaurant around Sydney I've been to. They are known for the crispy pata, which I think is the best in town. I always manage to eat there when I'm in that area.

Our Awesome Dinner

Monica & Bry, Carlo, Cat, Me having Pork Roast and Couscous

Last night was supposed to be the return match of last Saturdays doubles tennis. We couldn't play because of the rain so we just decide to move to dinner. It was also the perfect time to discuss our next adventure which is camping at The Basin.

Our menu was roast pork, perfectly cooked by Migs, couscous made by Cat, which she claims to be her specialty, it is also her first of many dishes that she wants to share with us. We also had salad and roast peppers. Mon and Bry brought chocolate cake for dessert, which is great because we don't usually have desserts in our place.

It was an awesome dinner and a fun night, food was excellent. Then we were drinking wine while listening to blast from the past music. And played the guitar while others sing along. 

We will definitely have more of these coz everyone agrees we should do it once a week.

Coaching

I've been playing tennis for quite some time now and the whole eight years of me being on the court almost everyday no one has every asked me to teach them the sport. But just last week i was given the opportunity to teach my flat mates Miguel and Carlo and my newest friend Cat Juan to play tennis.

I don't have a lot of experience teaching the sport so i had to check youtube for tips on how to hit the ball correctly and then teach it to them. I didn't mind teaching them coz i want them to get into the sport too and it wasn't so difficult to teach them because they have played a few times before so they know the basics. Days before that I sent them links to videos that would show them how forehand and backhand is done.

Anyways, we were to play against a very competitive couple Monica and Bryan who invited us to play at their place on saturday. Apparently the two bought new rackets and had been practicing everyday. We on the other hand had only one  chance to practice since there were no available courts except for that one hour i have reserved weeks ago. There was also intense trash talking going on in facebook that added more pressure to everyone.

So, Saturday came and we woke up early around 7:30am to prepare for the match. I made breakfast of spam, fried eggs and garlic rice. I figured we needed to eat a lot so we'll have energy till afternoon since we were told that the game will be at 11am till 1pm. 

We arrived at Monica and Bryan's a little late maybe 10 mins late and started playing around 11:30am. It was a hot day but still everyone was so excited to play, there was a time 6 people were inside the court. Everyone was practicing their strokes while at the same time gauging the skills of each other. It was very clear that Monica serves really well and i told Carlo and Cat to watch out for that. I also advised them to relax and try to control the ball instead of putting power. At this level that is how tennis should be played. It felt like i was a real coach saying all that and to be honest i was nervous too because i want my team to win.

It turned out to be a very close match, they had some really good rallies and a lot of deuce games. The game was tight until 5-5 in the first set and i thought it would lead to a tie break game. But my team broke the Monica serve and got the set at 7-5. Second set was a little one sided because it was already 2:30pm it was very hot and everyone was already tired. Carlo and Cat eventually won the match with the score of 6-2 in the second set.

I was very proud of the two. I was very proud that i am their coach. I was so glad they followed my instructions and it worked. It was a real team effort and it felt good. With only 1 hour of practice they were able to play magnificent tennis. I promised them i'd give them something if the won.

I had to fulfill my promise so i took everyone out to lunch at a place called El Janna in Grandville. We all enjoyed the yummy champions meal!

The system that works

Right after my vacation last December in Manila I have decided to move out of my brothers apartment. I now share an apartment with some friends. I didn't really have to do this right away but I'm very glad I did.

Our living room

We found a very nice place that is only 15 minutes away from where I work. Its got 3 bedrooms,  a huge living room and a big balcony. The apartment is located at Homebush Bay which is very near the Olympic Park. Perfect because I love sports and now I can do everything in one area.

View from the waterfront

The compound has all the amenities like tennis courts (which is literally across our doorsteps), an indoor swimming pool (I don't really like swimming, but my niece Tati does), Gym and Spa (I haven't used them but maybe I should soon). 

They also have Bars and Restaurants around the area where I can just hangout when Im not doing anything. And best of all, the place has a Bay Walk and a Park were I can go jogging, biking, play soccer or volleyball and also invite people to have drinks and bbq's.

My Flat Mates

Migs, Carlo and Me

Since we moved, my flat mates and I have agreed on a system which i think is perfectly working. Everyone's got his own role that he likes doing so nobody complains.Miguel, the youngest among the three of us, is a crucial part of the system. His job is to cook our food. He is very passionate about his cooking and is very meticulous with ingredients he use. He also enjoys all the compliments he gets from us after eating his delicious dishes. Miguel  loves being the chef of the house so i think he is fit for this role.

Our Kitchen, this is where the cooking and the washing of dishes happens

Carlo, the most organized person in the apartment, is tasked to wash the dishes and clean the kitchen after we have all eaten. He is the only person who likes to do this job, just give him a pair of gloves and he's all set. Without Carlo our kitchen wouldn't be entirely spotless.

Me, the all around guy, is responsible for all the handyman stuff. Whenever we have new appliances I'd be the one assembling it. I also fix anything thats broken, from internet connections, networks, electrical devices and more. I don't mind doing this because i enjoy being the handyman.

My room when its clean

With this setup sharing an apartment isn't such a hassle. We all have equal roles and we get to keep our apartment always nice and clean.

Reasons for blogging

This is something really new to me and people who know me well would tell you that I'm not the type of person who would have a blog. I never write. In fact I hate writing but since i moved to Sydney last March I realized i have been doing a lot of things i don't normally do, things i hate doing like watching a movie alone, eating by myself, washing my own clothes and staying at home for more than 5 hours doing nothing. 

So, I finally  decided to create my own blog and before i arrived to that decision I thought of reasons why I should.

1. I will make my father proud by writing. Since my dad is a very good writer I'm pretty sure he will be very happy to know that I am following his footsteps or at least trying.

2. I may not know it but maybe I have it inside me. I have discovered lots of new things about me since I got here. I have done things I never thought I could. So I'll never know unless I try it.

3. Life isn't  boring anymore. I've always thought life here in Sydney is a bit boring but no, lately I've had so much fun. I have lots of new friends now and have been doing a lot of fun things together so think its about time to document these events.

4. Learning everything. I know if i keep writing I will eventually become good at it. Just like how I am learning guitar, poi and salsa through constant practice.

 5. The Magic 8 Ball said so. This is probably the biggest factor that made me decide to blog, I asked my flatmate to ask his magic 8 ball  if i should start blogging or not and the answer was "Yes. Definitely". We all know that the Magic 8 Ball speaks the truth.