5 years ago..

5 years ago, I boarded the plane from Manila bound for Aotearoa (New Zealand) via Singapore.

On the 19th of March, due to the aircraft’s technical problems (Gab remember this one? ), I had to stay in Singapore for a day. I guess it was a good way of ending my Singapore chapter as well, working there for less than a year. It served as my stepping stone. It worked as a good pit stop. It helped solidify the ME. It made me understand what I wanted and what I needed. All of that, I brought with me to New Zealand.

Kia Ora, the immigration officer greeted me.

My sister was standing outside. Hugged her. Autumn wind was blowing. We had a toast that night. I started work the following day.

That was 5 years ago. How time flies. I’ve been to places & continents, out and about. Climbed so many mountains. Dived a few seas. Played in a few pubs. Danced in a few clubs. Made good friends and extended families. Rode my bike and watched sunsets. Clicked my camera and captured moments. Watched friends & sister get married and start a new chapter. Casted a fishing rod and enjoyed a snapper for dinner. Shared a lot of coffee/tea moments with good mates. Pitched a tent somewhere where I found silence. Done long joy rides to keep the sanity alive. Puffed a few shishas. Welcomed friends from afar and shared my new Zealand. Started my project of creating a demo cd. Laughed, cried, went through heart aches, woke up with hangovers….

Looking back, I’ll be boarding a plane to New Zealand again. Same time frame.

Had the Sydney opportunity not come along, I would have been boarding a plane bound for Manila instead, via Singapore. Staying in my beloved country for 2 months.

But then…..life has a funny way of twisting things around. (sounds like Ironic of Alanis)

They say everything happens for a reason.. cliché.

They say we are where we are supposed to be…. Cliché.

Let’s see……but for now…and as for this email….. I’d like to say Thank you (with all of my heart) –

- To the people here in OZ who helped me through the last 3 months whilst adjusting in Sydney. For being there. For listening. For the chats & laughter. For the company. For the music. For the roadtrip.
- To the people back in NZ & Manila (my family and friends) who knows me all too well, most especially my moods. For being so supportive. For looking after me, despite the distance.
- To the people back in Singapore, for checking on me…and for the deep conversations …which I so appreciate