The Diary of Joni & Anya: The Melbourne Affair

Vacuum

2009-11-09T08:44:00.012+08:00

I missed out on an invite for a birthday dinner last Saturday. We got home later than expected from Craigieburn. So only Vincent had the chance to enjoy the warm night. We were supposed to take shifts, I'll attend the dinner and he the drinks.

I have been reminiscing lately about my life years ago - partying late up at night til the wee hours of the morning with my lotsa fun friends back in Manila. Maybe I just miss dressing up. I feel so old and drab. I miss my sisters, I miss shopping, heck I miss a lot of things. Not that I'm complaining but, anyone is entitled to feel a state of emptiness once in a while.

Anyway, here are the photos of V at Chaise Lounge, in celebration of Cherry & Portia's birthday.

My consolation - a new top of the line CAMERA... nah! A vacuum cleaner from Dyson - the cleaner that does not lose suction. Could be a tag line for life too.

Now cleaning won't be a health hazard anymore.

On another note, temp as of now is at 34C! Sizzling!
Read more about the hottest start to November in over a century in Victoria here.
And I have to scour the city and find a top hat for Anya's school performance.

Slip, slop, slap!

Luis

2009-11-07T21:38:00.003+08:00

Finally had the chance to see 4 yr.old nephew Luis and welcome him to Melbourne. I'm glad Mimi has her family with her at last.

We met up with them at Tito Eric's place (as usual) for a simple lunch.

The afternoon was filled with lively adult chats while the kids play.

Thanks again Tito E for inviting us over for a get-together.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T13:26:00.006+08:00

What better way to celebrate the spirit of Halloween than a birthday party at a place called Trick or Treat?

Anya & I drove to Ivanhoe to attend Mira's 7th birthday, a friend from school. It was an intimate party, with only a handful of Mira's closest.

It was nice to see Kikkii the clown again. Mira had her birthday last year in this same place. But this time, no boys (though there was one little brother who tagged along).

Fancy Zarah's bloody nurse costume. Her aunt did a great job from the hair to the tiny eyeballs stuck to her skin.

Anya did not bother to dress up as we are saving her pirate costume for her birthday next year.

The walk the dog over the kids' back trick was still a winner.

Happy Birthday Mira!

Mavy's 5th

2009-10-25T08:24:00.005+08:00

Joined the Mariano family in celebrating Mavy's 5th birthday at Sydenham yesterday.

Anya enjoyed playing with the kids as usual. Photo at the backyard of them popping bubbles.

It was a great day despite the funny & obnoxious chats with fellow Pinoys, haha.

2009-10-23T13:09:00.002+08:00

Look what the girl brought home.

"for being such a motivated & enthusiastic mathematician"

I'm so glad that our drama-filled math sessions at home are paying off.

Padala

2009-10-21T09:07:00.008+08:00

Thanks dear family for the gifts. Especially for the pens with the silly heads, ours keep on disappearing when you need it.

Anya let out a shrill when she saw what Mama sent for her - Pink's CD album.

I still have to read the manual for this camera that Lace sent.

Thanks Tito E & tita C for squeezing these into your already bursting luggages.

And the girl has more xmas gifts coming from her Aunt Loraine from Canada. She had a preview the other day - lots more toys to fill up her future Toy Room.

AGC

2009-10-18T21:19:00.005+08:00

It was a noisy weekend, with Vincent's support phone ringing from 430am Saturday 'til Sunday.

I was glad to have an excuse to get out of the house yesterday. Anya and I rushed to the Open Day of the Australian Girl's Choir held in Kew.

The girl has a passion for music and when asked of her ambition she ranks opera singer/ rockstar second to firefighter. She's part of her junior school choir and no day at home you can't hear her singing a tune or two. So I felt devastated when she asked me if there will be a choir in her new school next year - because there is none.

Lucky I found this flyer one day about Australian Girl's Choir. It has been around for 25 years and recently in the headlines for singing that Qantas ad song.

I thought only a handful would come but jeez, there were about 100 girls. They were divided into groups of 20, according to age level. It was just heartwarming seeing Anya enjoy the trial session, her voice standing out & trying her best to act out. I got worried when she whispered "Mommy I'm the only one with.." I thought she'll say crutches but instead she said "...glasses".

In the end she announced with exhiliration (and sweaty arms) "Mommy, I want to join!". No doubt as the session was fun.

We will know by year's end if there is a spot for her at the Essendon venue. So cross your fingers!

Leonardo's Last Supper

2009-10-15T11:02:00.004+08:00

Since we won't be visiting Milan anytime soon, Anya and I went to see the next best thing - Peter Greenaway's production of Leonardo's Last Supper. It is one of many programs held as part of Melbourne's International Arts Festival.

It was located at the Arts House in North Melbourne Town Hall, a mere 5 minute drive from Carlton.

I could have gone by myself but I thought Anya would love the experience too. So after school we went.

The incorporation of light & music did Leonardo's masterpiece justice. It became far more interesting, not that it is wonderful as it is. But with the light movements, you become more conscious of the lines & the details of the painting. It was awesome. And you cannot help but affirm the genius of Da Vinci as an artist.

Through a groundbreaking combination of sophisticated technology and craftsmanship an exact recreation has been achieved, the same size and to the same scale, featuring the same characteristics and texture of the original.

As well, multiple projections on two walls flank a life-size physical reconstruction of the table in the painting, accompanied by a pulsating soundtrack

Anya took time to examine the "table". It was impressive how they replicated the details of the bread, the plates and even the chicken bones.

On the drive home, I was suddenly attacked by questions from why it was called Last Supper to who were the two men crucified with Jesus (as a picture of the crucifixion was projected on the opposite wall). Fyi, they were Dismas (good thief) and Gestas (the one who rebuked Jesus).

The production is 20 minutes long.

A Visit to the Police Station

2009-10-11T14:02:00.005+08:00

Anya got her mug shot.

It was Carlton Police Station Open Day and Anya & I visited the 131 yrs. old station.

The girl had a chance to ride the police car & motorcycle & even had a chat with the policemen.

It was a good chance to learn more of the history of the Carlton Police as well as how the station operates. See more police, freebies, face painting & fairy floss here.

Class Photo SY 2009

2009-10-06T13:47:00.000+08:00

And the free B&W, for paying online.

New ride

2009-10-01T12:17:00.010+08:00

Picked up Anya's new wheelchair today. It was customized for her built and size as prescribed by her physiotherapist. Can I tell you that picking a chair involves a process - in our case an hour session with the physio and the wheelchair expert. No wonder the one we bought from eBay was such a disappointment. This one is built by Mobility Plus in Preston, a major supplier of the Children's Hospital.

Anyway, this is sleeker and lighter than our first so Anya is now able to sit comfortably (her feet no longer hanging) and wheel herself around.

It has helpful features such as a seatbelt, a place to put the crutches, a net under for storage of small items, anti-tip thingy and most importantly, high push handles. The latter aids the carers (that's me & Vincent) so we don't crouch and hurt our backs while pushing the chair. We got years ahead of pushing so we better maintain our back muscles.

What I like most is that the wheels are detachable. That makes it easy for me to place the chair at the back of the car, as they weigh less individually. It is such a pain to lift an entire wheelchair repeatedly kaya.

As for the old chair, we donated it to Savers, which is allied with Diabetes Australia. It is still in good condition so we hope it goes to someone who needs it.

Bye colorful chair!

Goedemorgen

2009-09-29T19:32:00.004+08:00

That's "good day" in Dutch, and one great day Anya & I had today in Holland!

Nah, we went to Tesselaar at Silvan for our first Tulips Festival. A perfect way to spend the warm and sunny weather.

The windmills, the wooden shoes, the Poffertjes - see 'em photos here.

CostCo in Melbourne

2009-09-24T11:59:00.008+08:00

The store opened in Docklands a month ago and Anya & I went for a go-see yesterday.Anya had a "wow" moment when she saw the huge elevator. She is easily impressed.

I realized then that I miss warehouse-style shopping. It is nothing new to me, as back in the Philippines we had Price Smart. But this is the first of its kind here in Oz. They are kinda late eh?

I thought the buy-in-bulk are not for us - city dwellers in tiny units with limited storage space. But you cannot turn a blind eye on the prices. The difference is massive for basic necessities like surface cleaner, laundry soap & fabric conditioner.

We had a taste of these crunchy grapes and strawberries at Tito Emboy's & Anya demanded more when it ran out , so we bought some.

Surprisingly, I managed to fit them all in our pantry. Would probably last us for at least 6 weeks. And save us from frequent runs to the grocer.

Anya was most happy of the "free boxes" which she drew on and turned into "caves" for her toys.

CostCo will be changing the way Aussies do their shopping from now on. It is great place to shop as they sell everything - appliances, furniture, fresh produce, seafood, meat, poultry & more. It even has it's own bakery so count on freshly made breads.

CostCo should waive my membership renewal for this advertisement.

Is this Mars?

2009-09-23T05:39:00.000+08:00

Sydney turns red: dust storm blankets city. Read more here.

Dali: Liquid Desire

2009-09-21T17:19:00.001+08:00

Anya and I saw the exhibit at last! There was a crowd when we got there as it is on its last weeks.

It was AMAZING. I never knew Salvador Dali delved into other forms of art. Works displayed included not only his paintings, but also some of his sculptures, photographs, film clips, his influence in theatre and yes, jewelry! It was a wonderful exhibit. Dali is truly a versatile artist.

Kids were given special peeping cards to find symbols common to his work. There were "rhinos" posted too with "fun facts". Kids here are pushed to appreciate the arts early, and I like it. Brain nourishment.

But Anya most enjoyed the screening of Destino which is a 6 minute long animation - the product of Dali's collaboration with Walt Disney! It was beautiful and I was told it was slated to be released in DVD next year together with other mini-treasures from Disney's vault.

If I can take home a piece, I'll readily grab the Morphological Echo.

Or the Galatea of Spheres.
It took us 2 hours to see everything. Anya got a treat for behaving very well inside the museum. It was a nice day so I got her a cup of gelato and we basked under the sun at the state library for a while.

When I asked Anya how'd she find the display, she answered curtly - "strange".
That's surrealism for you.

Visit to Craigie

2009-09-20T19:49:00.004+08:00

Today was cousin Aries' meet the Ancayans day!

Aries was taken around the area and to the display houses, with helpful commentaries from Tito E.

It was a sunny day. Great to get my dose of Vit.D.

Notice the colorful flowers. Welcome Spring!

It was another joyous visit to the Ancayans - from the wonderful food, to the light talk and the take-aways, hehe.

Thanks again to Tito E & Tita C for the lovely welcome. Special thanks to Audrey for the super delicious Lamington she made - I know I shouldn't, but it's addictive!

Jen/Janae's Bday lunch

2009-09-19T20:08:00.002+08:00

Joined Jenive, her family and friends for a buffet lunch at Docklands. Jen's post-birthday and Janae's advance 6th birthday celebrations.

Then went to Cancio's residence for coffee after.

Anya enjoyed playing with the girls too much, that we got late for the next party scheduled that day.

Thanks Jen for the superb treat.

More photos here.

2009-09-18T16:18:00.002+08:00

Anya and I passed by church today.

I love taking her on odd days when there is no crowd and we can solemnly say our thanks for our blessings so far.

Dates

2009-09-17T11:51:00.004+08:00

My cousin Aristotle arrived in Oz a few days ago and brought us a box of dates from the Middle East.

Never knew dates can taste this good.

Extra thanks to Mi for the Acai berry from NZ! Post your photos from Hobbiton!

Ben's party

2009-09-13T12:00:00.003+08:00

Ben held his 7th party at Strike Bowling yesterday.

Anya enjoyed herself very much as she was with her gang.

More photos here.

School Photo Day

2009-09-11T15:12:00.002+08:00

Means dress up day!

Received lots of compliments for this deconstructed dress from Wayne Junior line.

Purple is mommy's favorite color kasi.

Father's Day in Oz

2009-09-06T12:45:00.000+08:00

Happy Father's Day Vincent!

Anya handed her dad an award Sunday morning which she made in school.

The father was presented with gifts - shirt, CostCo card and a movie ticket to Disney's Up that afternoon.

Lunch at Tomodachi before the movie.

Met Jenive (Happy Birthday Jen!), her parents and the J sisters at Coles, Melbourne Central. They also went to see Up. Notice all the kids are wearing glasses, haha.

I found the movie heartwarming and depressing.

The failure of Ellie to see Paradise Falls, her ultimate dream, struck a familiar chord. The save-up for travel jar which was often used up for something else...until she eventually got old and died. The economy tickets that came too late. Oh ,the regrets.

Sorry for the spoilers.

On another note,

Visited Tito Eric at Austin hospital last Saturday. He is doing Ok and was discharged that day after being confined for 4 days. He is recovering from bronchial pneumonia. Hope he gets really well soon. Happy Father's Day Tito!

Happy Birthday Lorraine!

2009-09-05T01:26:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday to Vincent's sister, Lorraine!

See you in March 2010!

Spina Bifida Awareness Month

2009-09-01T17:40:00.004+08:00

September is Spina Bifida Awareness Month.

Learn more here and spread the word.

Triple Celebration

2009-09-01T13:36:00.006+08:00

I guess there is really no maximum number of special occassions that you can combine in one event.

We headed to Cranbourne on Sunday, Melbourne's Southeast, for Tina M.'s birthday, housewarming and her new son Brad's baptism. Triple cheers!

Here's a very unflattering photo of me. My rootote bag with the Paris Capital visible behind me.
A cheap replacement of the special edition Longchamp bag (with illustrations by Robert Wagt of Parisian life) that Lace took possession of.

I miss you LC!
Photos courtesy of Tserri's.