Canadian

O Canada!

For some odd reason, Canada was not included in my dream destination but fate had other plans for me. I might not have understood it before but slowly, I started to connect the dots.

At any rate, the road to Canadian citizenship is not as easy as people think. Gathering the required documents alone was an extremely painful process.

It took me months to gather the documents and fill out the paperwork and the processing time took roughly a year. In short, the experience was very stressful and costly.

Thankfully, I managed to pass the required tests (English Language Tests and Citizenship test) as well as the short interview. Otherwise, I’d be a goner. :p

The excitement was starting to turn into uneasiness when the wait for the Oath-taking ceremony reached almost four months! It took longer than I had expected. 😦

Anyhow, I was pretty pumped when the day finally came and I even agreed to give a brief message on stage as a new Canadian citizen.

I was under the impression that there would be few of us lining up to deliver a message but to my surprise, I was the only attendee that got called on the stage. It was pretty nerve-racking but at the same time, an unforgettable experience.

A local newspaper even interviewed me after the event. It was definitely the day’s icing on the cake! 🙂

Oh… Did I mention that the oath-taking ceremony happened on my birthday? It’s indeed one of the best gifts that I’ve ever received! Woot! 😀

O Canada… Our home and native land… Until next time! :p

Boy & Cel

Within the short span of time since I’ve migrated in this side of the world, I’ve observed that some immigrants who stayed here for more than 15 years tend to hold themselves with high regard and most often than not, belittle the newbies like me.

The most painful realization is, the people who do this are not strangers but they are somewhat connected to you either by blood relation or via friends. It’s a harsh… sad… reality. No pun intended.

Sigh. I know, I’m blabbering. Shoot me.

On a happier note, my trip to Vancouver, British Columbia was very rewarding because I’ve received one of the greatest birthday gift ever! That is, meeting Kuya Boy and Ate Cel for the first time. Ate Cel’s mother and my father are first cousins. It was my cousin Jaime (a.k.a. Chancee) who introduced me to them. And what do you know… I had a chance to meet Kuya Freddie and AJ too! Awesome!

If I cried myself to sleep during my last year’s birthday (yeah, I cried my heart out), I had a silly grin on my face this year. Thank God!
(Note: “Kuya” is a Filipino word that denotes older brother or it’s also usually used as a sign of respect for older males.
“Ate” is the equivalent term of “Kuya” for females.)

I must say, I was ecstatic when I got to know Kuya Boy and Ate Cel because they are one of the few humblest Filipino-Canadian couple I’ve ever met in this side of the world. I was over the moon because it gave me hope. And most of all, it made me realized that migrating here is not an “awful” decision after all. I guess, I was a bit traumatized on what I’ve been through. Trusting people became an extreme ordeal for me.

Kuya Boy	Ate Cel

My late mom reiterated when I was growing up to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground whatever happens. That’s why, I get so annoyed when I see people fly inside a bubble like there’s no tomorrow and lambast people who are “below” them. It really gets into me and at the same time, it makes me sad.

It’s good to know though, that there are still few people like Kuya Boy and Ate Cel who did not place success into their head. Indeed, finding the chosen few made my heart burst with happiness.

bc2012- 809 — Ate Cel & Kuya Boy’s garden

Kuya Boy and Ate Cel, my heartfelt thanks for your warm hospitality, words of wisdom, and most of all, for wholeheartedly accepting me even though you have just met me . I’m super overwhelmed! See you again soon.

Click here to read related article -> “b.c. link”

camping

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Click the links below to read the related articles:
luau? tent beach(?)

Also, click here to check out the “Behind the Scenes at VendAsta” video 🙂
It’s definitely a must see video! I guarantee, you will have a good laugh! 😀
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I’ve never experienced camping in this side of the world, hence, I was really looking forward to the first ever company camping at the Palliser Park Marina. Impediments such as upset tummy, last-minute change of transportation arrangements, lack of camping gears, and among other things did not stop TheCuriousMe from joining the said activity.

Initially, I requested to car pool with YW but something unexpected happened so I had to ask P and N for a ride. Thanks for making me feel welcome P and N!

The “shortcut” to our destination was to cross the Lake Diefenbaker via ferry. The ferry ride was awesome! I admit, it’s also my first time to board a ferry while inside the car. :p

IMG_20120817_161343 — waiting for the ferry

The social committee agreed to designate the meal preparation to each team. For the booze and pop, everyone were encouraged to bring their favorites.

TP,TheCuriousMe,&Bryce
breakfast	lunch
most anticipated supper

Overall, we had a great time! A good bonfire, colorful fireworks, interesting (!) chitchat, relaxing music, endless supply of food and booze, crazy antics, and hilarious moments. 😀

“lil execs” meeting	badminton
TheCuriousMe with Julia Roberts younger version	“i have big head and little arms”

German S’mores	American turned Canadian S’mores

The camping activity indeed helped us bond, get to know each other on a more personal level and bring to light everyone’s quirks. It was an absolutely amazing discovery! I’m glad I joined.

Famous word of the entire weekend: Positivity!

P.S.
S’mores are so tasty! Right Alan? 🙂