Another Memorable Weekend

We just had a very lovely weekend.

Saturday, we spent the entire day shopping at Paddy’s Market. This is the “Greenhills” of Sydney where you can get branded items from the factory outlets and of course, imitations of well-known brands, left and right. A and I were limping from all the goodies that we got which will go into the Balikbayan box we are sending home for the holidays. It was fun to see other Pinoys there, all of whom are preparing for their own “love box”. Although prices are higher here when you convert to pesos, it is a different high to be able to send Australian goodies back home. Sadyang ganyan ang Pinoy.

We were not halfway through our list yet but we had to go since we were already running late for our very important appointment with my cousin and her hubby who were visiting from the US . Although we haven’t seen each other for two decades, she has been a big influence specially on the career-path that I am choosing. In a way, I look up to her and I’d be happy if I can accomplish half as much as she has.

I am happy to note that despite the high-level position she is holding in one of the biggest hotel chains in the world, she has remained humble and proud of her roots. We spent hours talking non-stop while Vince hoarded all the complimentary chocolates at their hotel suite and A and my cousin-in-law discussed their common love for shooting.

She brought us to the exclusive executive lounge to get dinner but the Pinoys in us were not happy with the banquet of pizza, bread, wraps which merely looked like afternoon snacks. Hehe! We had to get our fix of rice and quick! So we went out and dined in a chinese restaurant across the hotel. We were so full but Ate L and I had to try the fried ice cream on the menu.

We had to cut our lively conversation though because it was almost midnight and the little boy was already sleepy. Besides, we were meeting our other cousins for lunch the following day.

Sunday was even better. It was our nephew’s birthday party and Ate L’s welcome party. It was the first time all of us cousins met up here in Sydney although we have been here for a few months now. Some of them I last saw in Pinas 10 years ago, some I am meeting for the first time. Everyone was just so busy and Ate L’s visit was a good excuse to finally get-together.

We were told it was just a simple barbeque party but there was enough food to feed an entire army. There was a sumptuous spread of humba, grilled pork/chicken/sausages, crabs, shrimps, squid, pancit, menudo and my favourite-kalderetang kambing! Yehey! Good food and good company all made up a lovely Sunday. And the fact that there are members of my family here officially makes Sydney my home away from home.

Sweet

Dear Vince,

One lazy Sunday afternoon, Mama took a short nap while you watched Speed Racer on the laptop for the nth time. I was on my way to dreamland when you bolted out of your seat, spread the blanket on me and announced “Mama, I’ll put the blanket on you.”

Although deeply touched by this gesture, I pretended not to notice and kept my eyes closed- afraid that you will see the tiny tears forming around the corners of my eyes. Haaay Vince, you are such a sweet little boy. Please stay sweet forever...


Mama

5

This was what greeted Vince when he woke up the day he turned 5. A slept late blowing up the balloons (which kept bursting throughout the night, we were afraid it’d wake up Vince) and coming up with the banner. I actually asked him to buy a ready-made banner but he insisted he’d cut out the letters himself! All the hardwork paid off because Vince’s face lit up when he saw this. Good thing it was a Saturday, we just took our sweet time in bed- admiring the balloons and banner while hugging each other.

Later in the afternoon, we headed to Luna Park with a friend, my cousin and her daughter. We only let the kids ride the carousel as the others are quite expensive. Haha! Then off we went to another park under the Sydney Harbour Bridge so the kids can play ball. It was very relaxing just sitting on the grass, with the wind blowing against your face and hearing the kids’ excited shrieks. All these while you have the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as your backdrop.

That night, we invited a few of our friends and threw a small party for Vince. The little one couldn’t wipe off a big smile on his face that day which showed how much he enjoyed his simple but sweet celebration.

A and I were exhausted but it was such a small favour compared with the tremendous joy this little guy has brought into our lives. As the short note on his christening invitation said, " From the top of his head, to the tip of his toes, this little bundle has made our lives complete."