Tree Change..We're in Fabulous TASMANIA now!

Many dream of making a tree change but it seems to end just like that, a dream.

For us, our dream became a reality last 15th of February 2013 when we moved from Sydney in New South Wales to Tasmania, in Australia.

Some photos showing our tree change

Before making the big move, we considered several factors:

The area around– We love the great outdoors and the natural beauty of the area we chose (in our case Port Huon) – we are surrounded by bush land, water, beaches, mountains, etc.

Yet, despite being in a rural area (with less neighbours, less noise, not much traffic), we are still not isolated as there are cinemas, dining options and shopping within easy reach

Location of the property- Is it accessible to transport, neighbours, amenities, etc Amenities- Are there schools? (if you are a young family- in our case we got two boys, one who just started university and another in High School who just started Year 9).

Are there medical facilities, supermarkets, banks, etc. For our eldest, he goes to the University of Tasmania in Sandy Bay which is around less than an hour by car or around an hour by bus. We made sure there are buses going to and from the city to our home.Here in our area, the service is not as busy and readily available so a close organising of schedule is needed.

Communication

The most important important tip I can give you is to make sure telephone and internet services are readily available and are working well in the area you are going to move in. It has become a big problem for us in the beginning as we’ve been assured by our initial provider but sadly, their service is not really working in our chosen place. So we asked around and found out it was only Telstra which was really working though there are plenty of time outs and problems..

However, we persevered, complained both in person and in the phone (despite the on call service being in the Philippines, we found it was readily available 24 hours a week and staff were good in communicating and efficient. They kept their promise and we hoped the great service would continue! ( As of today, 27 June 2014, we still have issues with Telstra,despite numerous visits to their store in Kingston, we still get charged $15 a month for mobile data which we do not need and we have told them about it and was refunded once. Since then, it still shows up in our bill and we've had to pay it as it is included. What a big waste of our time and money. We shall be complaining again soon, we are just busy!)

Source of Income

For many, this is an essential factor.

For us, not so much but we chose to be close to Hobart as it has more opportunities for our sons and possibly for us if needed. We’ve made sure the sale of our former home is going to be an advantage for us- we’ve managed to be free from mortgage and debts (after selling our home and obtaining some substantial amount to live on for a few years till we are allowed to access our superannuation (hopefully rules won’t change and the super will be invested properly by our chosen fund, fingers crossed!).

Luckily, we are able to work remotely at home using our computers (husband is a Computer Programmer and I run my own news website) so we also hope these are enough to pay the usual bills. This is a bit tricky now as our circumstances have changed. We are still in search of better and more viable livelihood options but at the meantime, we've been accepting casual jobs in he area and working on projects and my website AUSINFORMER.COM (http://www.ausinformer.com/) is keeping me busy as I update it regulary.

Do visit it and share any relevant information, materials taht will benefit the public or your area. We give free ads to charity groups and we have soem loyal advertising who have been with us from day one when we had our newspaper in Sydney.

Those are some of the basic factors we considered and luckily for us, living where we are has been a bliss and we hope you too can lead a life that you’ve dreamed about.

For advertising options, please contact me at emtcrea@gmail.com or marietesscurarea@gmail.com

Cheers and stick around, will be sharing our other passions- fishing (a new hobby), travel and many more! Some more photos of our tree change- we're now in the Huon Valley, south of Hobart

Thanks for your time!

Sincerely,

Marie

AUSINFORMER | For news and views that matter.

AUSINFORMER | For news and views that matter.

New Book on Modern & Classic Philippine Cuisine Underway

Revolutionary Book on Modern Philippine Style Fine Dining Underway
Expressions of Interest Now Being Accepted

by David Rea

Through a chance encounter at a talent contest in Sydney, I met Marx Canoy for the third time and casually asked him, knowing that he was a chef, if it was possible to make Filipino food look presentable in the same way as Japanese and French cuisine. He said it was! But it was only later when I saw his food pictures that not only was it possible but the presentation could probably even surpass those other examples.

Thus, the idea for a new book on this subject has been hatched!

Expressions of interest from potential sponsors and advertisers, individuals and concerned groups are now being accepted to fund the publication of this revolutionary book about modern Philippine style fine dining.

The book is co-authored by Marx Canoy, currently the talented Sous Chef at Vibe Hotel's Rushcutter's Bay branch in Sydney and Maria Rea, journalist, food writer and columnist for Ang Kalatas Australia. The two are presently finishing their manuscript being prepared and edited by Ms. Rea. It aims to present dishes and foods using traditional Philippine recipes and cooking methods the modern way- dishes which are not just tasty but visually appealing and healthy using freshly sourced ingredients from the locale, specifically those readily available in Sydney as both authors are based in this city.

The book is expected to be published in the middle of next year, in time for the Philippine Independence Day celebrations as they dedicate their work to their Motherland, the Philippines which has emerged from its struggles as a long colonised nation to a democratic island full of promise as its global citizens shine and still look to their roots for inspiration. This sentiment is shared both by Mr. Canoy and Ms.Rea who both have great interest in fine food and Filipino food which they believe can be both.

While they are full of flavour most of the time, it has been often said that Filipino dishes are unattractive, unhealthy and
unappetising. The book debunks this belief and will tantalise the most conservative Filipino cook or chef as it transcends boundaries- using basic Filipino cuisine but fusing other types of cooking in some preparation methods and presentation. Ordinary Filipinos are also the main target readers of this book so they will take pride in sharing their cuisine to the world.

If one goes to a typical food court in a shopping centre in any suburb or city in Sydney alone, Filipino restaurants or take away shops are not generally part of the mainstream society being patronised by the locals. They are often based in areas usually frequented by the Filipino Australians like those in Main Street in Blacktown or other suburbs in this city with a growing number of Filipino residents like Doonside, Mt. Druitt, Rooty Hill, etc. A few are near train stations in St.Mary's and other suburbs mostly west of the greater Sydney region as far as Campbelltown and Liverpool. A few are Filipino restaurants are in Northern Sydney like in Dee Why or near the city of Sydney.

The dishes Canoy and Rea have come out with are those at par with other international cuisines like typical western cooking or popular Asian foods which are already enjoying worldwide support. With their book, the two authors are passionate to share their tested dishes which they have already been serving to their consumers, friends and relatives. Ms Rea who has travelled to Europe, United States of America, Canada, Middle East and many other Asia Pacific countries mostly via luxury cruising is optimistic that their book will be well received not only by ordinary Filipinos but many food lovers!

Mr. Canoy has also worked as chef for the famed Sofitel Hotel group of companies with one of its restaurants being given the coveted two Michelin stars. He also serves as Events Chef at ANZ Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park and accepts catering jobs for private parties.

For more details and how to be a part of this exciting project, please contact marierea@tpg.com.au

Ang Kalatas Australia headed by Millie Phillips has promised to support this exciting and valuable project.

Support Filipino GLobal Marathon Runner With A Mission

Support Cesar Guarin Global Runner With a Mission


by Marie Rea


The first Filipino ultra marathon runner, Cesar Guarin and his Global Run team need your support!

Cesar, a fine arts graduate of the University of the Philippines in Diliman(UPD) is here on the 5th leg of his “Global Run” to raise funds for the street children back in his native country. Majority of the proceeds of his run will go specifically to their
Batang Pangarap (Childhood Dreams ) project which consists of a Sports Development Program to prepare t needy children for a better future.

He revealed his lifelong dream of running around the world and that “any goal can be achieved when one truly believes.” He added that he is finally able to see the fruition of his mission as his family of four kids, one of whom is a girl are all grown ups now and though he missed them he must embark on fulfilling this passion. He also confided to this writer that his physician wife had been working as a nurse in Canada and that the longest time he had not been with his family was about three months.

But he is determined to be the first Asian to finish a run around the globe to cover about 30, 000 kilometres crossing 37 countries in 548 running days. This is an awesome feat if achieved, a testimony to great human endurance and courage which Cesar truly possesses. There have been only three people who have accomplished global marathons- a Danish, a British and a Swedish 55 year old woman according to Joon Malicse a member of Cesar's Global Run team.


He was the special guest at the UP Alumni Association of Australia -New South Wales' (UPAAA-NSW)annual Christmas party and elections at the Retreat Room of St. Mary's Band Club last 12th of November 2011. He and his Global run team which also included George Tan, expressed their utmost “gratitude to the Overseas Filipinos and migrants in the host countries they have been to and especially the generosity they have shown particularly the Australian and Filipino community.”

He just arrived from his Melbourne to Canberra run and hoped to cover Brisbane from Sydney.

Cesar , speaking to the people gathered at the event including newly commissioned Consul Marford Angeles of the Philippine Consulate in Sydney said that he had always been inspired by the OFWs and Filipino migrants everywhere.

That's why Cesar said, when asked why he was doing the Global Run even by strangers he meet during his journeys, he always tell them it is his “tribute to the Global Filipinos who have been resilient and strong in facing challenges” and his way of communicating and meeting with them to express his appreciation for their help to the needy in the Philippines.”

He added that the Global Run has seen him cover the Philippines, United States of America, Europe and Canada in the past. For the next several years he expect to continue the other phases of the run in the following: Europe - England-Sweden, Finland-Moscow, Austria-Greece, Egypt-Jordan, Japan-Korea, India-Myanmar, Thailand- Singapore and Brunei-Philippines.

His group's Sports Development Program hopes to instil discipline, courage, confidence and other values that will prepare the street children as responsible citizens in the future and not become a burden to society.


Their globalrun.org websiteoutlines some ways one can help:

Be a Global Run Volunteer. They need help in organising logistics for accommodation, meals, transport, welcome and send off, courtesy calls and visits to local town and government officials.

Donate. Most funds received go to the Sports Development Program which manages all resources to help the needy street kids in the Philippines.

Sponsor Global Run. Businesses are encouraged to be sponsors as it will be a mutual arrangement. Excellent connection and visibility will be achieved by a business group who sponsors a Global Run in their local area and at the same time be able to be involved in a unique endeavour that will help Filipinos in general.

The Philippine Community Council of New South Wales helped facilitate Cesar and his team's appearance at the UPAAA event.

The Global Run team will be in Australia until the 8th of December 2011.

Filipino Music, Arts and Products Now Available at Major Shopping Centre in Sydney's West

by Marie Rea

Filipino music, arts, crafts and other products are now available at Westpoint Blacktown, a major shopping centre at Sydney's west.

The business called Cine Filipino, Musika atbp (Filipino movies, music and other products) opened last 27th of August 2011 and promises to be a possible one stop shop for Philippine made items and services.

Owners Wilfred and Maria Tua are inviting the FIlipino Australian community to visit their store located at Level two, shop 2055, opposite the car park near Angus and Coote Jewellers.

The grand opening was officiated by Fr. Dado Haber, Parish Priest of Sared Heart Catholic Church in Westmead. Fr. Haber blessed the simple festivities and promised to help promote the business as he stressed the importance of supporting Filipino made products.

Mrs. Tua said they have been operating a similar outlet outside Westpoint. But they have decided to move inside the busy shopping centre for more visibility and better accessibility for their customers.

Some of their products include Smart and Pasaload cards, phone cards, DVDs, CDs and clothing like jackets, t-shirts and even the traditional National costume for men, the "Barong Tagalog."

In fact, Mrs .Tua added that their best selling products seem to be the Philippine-made jackets for both men and women priced from $55. They represent the colours of the Philippine flag and the country's map is featured in some of the clothing items. They also come in various colours and designs. The cotton t-shirts are from $25.

The DVDs include classic or popular Filipino movies or the latest films produced, directed and starred in by mostly Filipino artists and craftsmen, often set in the Philippines. They are priced from $10 to $25 for the latest movies.

For the music lovers and karaoke afficionados, they have CDS, videoke and karaoke CDs and DVDs guaranteed for endless family entertainment.

Like many businesses, the shop also offers lay-by plans and accepts orders of items which are not available at the shop.

Co-owner Wilfred Tua also expressed optimism that the Filipino Australian conmunity as consumers will "continue to support their business and buy Filipino products as these will in turn help Filipinos in the Philippines."

Mrs. Tua also revealed future plans to include remittance and other services as part of their continuing effort to fill the needs of their consumers and loyal clients.

One of them is the Blacktown Council which they provide with DVDs, books and CDs for the various libraries in their local government area, according to Mrs. Tua.

They have quite an extensive collection of DVDs, many of which have English subtitles to the delight of this writer's partner. He has snapped a few of them at $40 for 3 DVDs. The English subtitles will be helpful to second generation Filipino Australians who can enjoy the movies which are often in the Filipino language.

The business started in Parramatta in 2008 but the owners decided to move to Blacktown which had a bigger Filipino Australian clientele a few years ago.

by MREA

LOW COST and FAMILY FRIENDLY TRAVEL

Your guide to low cost and family-friendly travel
by Marie Rea

In this era of global economic downturn, can ordinary families still afford to travel or enjoy holidays?

Our family can, so can yours! You can do it too, through careful planning and budgeting.

Instead of showering our boys with material things or brand named clothes, gadgets and the like, we prefer to expose them to the world at large. This way, they are gaining a broader understanding of their environment,learn about different cultures and help them make informed choices for everyday living. traveling as a family has always been a more lasting experience for us and has helped us get closer than ever!

It is quality time at its best!

Here are some GENERAL TIPS:

1. If you can manage it, try to go on holidays/vacation before the peak season starts.<

Make sure though that your kids will not be disadvantaged. Plan the vacation dates towards the end of school terms about one week ahead. Or vice-versa, towards the start of a new term when your kids won't be missing too much school, depending on how long you'll be away. Make sure you inform the school and their teachers. You can also request for handouts and other important notes and organise rescheduling of tests, homework submissions, etc.

2.During school holidays, travel by train is cheaper using Countrylink.

There's a deal where kids travel for one dollar with two paying adults and up to 3 kids, all for a dollar each! Check the website or the nearest Countrylink office in major train stations.

3.Before going to the holiday of your choice, research places of interest which offer free entry or free escorted tour. Many Australian government-owned museums are free to the public and go there first.

In Canberra the Australian War Memorial and Australian Parliament is free to the public.There are heaps of things to see and learn from a visit to this place. You will be able to impress upon your children the importance of preserving peace and the sacrifices our forefathers did to preserve it!

At Australian Museum (Sydney), after 4 pm is free also. Do check before going as rules sometimes change with the seasons.

4. Compare fares, accommodation and holiday packages using reputable web sites and show these to your travel agent.See if he/she can give you a better deal or equal what you got in the net without having to go back to those sites. Sometimes it is better travel agents do the work if you have multiple trips. One site that we always use is expedia.com.au( I booked our Japan and US trips here) as air and hotel packages are offered at discounted rates


These days, I also book with bestcruises.com.au (South Pacific cruise last December), ozcruising.com.au (for our Tasmania cruise)-this one even has a 5 day cooling off period when you book. Then a small deposit and you pay 6 weeks before your sail so it is like a lay-by plan!

Another good site is cruiseaway.com.au where I booked our New Zealand cruise last March 2011 and our latest one for next year, another cruise to several ports in Asia.

5. Follow the exchange rates of your currency and go when the Aussie dollar will have a greater exchange rate.

These days, New Zealand will give the best value for Aussies! A trip to the USA is also very profitable as the dollar continues its surge.

We went to Japan (Tokyo, Hakone/Mt. Fujiyama) April 2008 when the yen was almost 1 to 1 with the Aussie dollar so it was lucky for us. This year the yen has a lower exchange rate I believe plus the tsunami tragedy seems to put off travelling there but I am sure this nation will recover eventually! (We are still going to Nagasaki next year as it is safe there, fingers crossed!)<

6. Take some essentials with you when travelling to save time and money.

If you are a family of four like us, you are allowed at least 80 kilos of luggage (international flight) in the plane for all of you so you can take sachets of coffee,powdered milk, choc drink, even your kids' fave cereals in case you do not know the area where you're going at first.

Little snacks, biscuits and small drinks in tetra packs (must be in your checked in luggage and depends on the customs regulations there). Or, get them at the local supermarket.Don't forget to take basic family medicines like paracetamol, antihistamines and puffers for allergies/asthma. You need doctor's prescriptions/letter for off the counter medication.

7. Your kids need not necessarily see all the theme parks which are often&expensive, or zoos/aquariums in a particular place.<

Instead, National Parks/Reserve(esp. in Australia) are usually free or have discounted rates to families so better go there where there's something for everyone. It will be fun spotting native birds and other animals on your own.

8 .Always take a small cooler bag with you and some disposable plates and cutleries when traveling domestic or abroad.

After a few days, eating in restaurants can not only be expensive but tiring for the kids so having your own take away food or if you can cook your own meal, or barbecue in parks with barbecue facilities will also be equally appealing for the whole family.No need to worry kids will misbehave or annoy anyone.

9. Make sure you join the frequent flyer program of the airline you're flying.

They are usually free. For example, it is Asia Miles for Cathay Pacific in partnership with Qantas and many airlines. As member, you're also allowed more luggage, like 23 instead of 20 kilos for some frequent flyer clubs.

A very good one is Etihad's Guest program as I just recently got my free TABLET (Creative Ziio) from redeeming our miles from last years', including free delivery which was within a week. We still have a good number of points- my boys are just having a hard time choosing what to get!

Who said Japan is expensive? We saved around AUS $300 for our Tokyo trip as I used our Asia Miles points for FREE airport limousine transfers to and from the airport. These points were obtained from our trip to Manila via Hongkong;Many Pinoys also use Philippine Airlines so make sure you join PAL's Mabuhay club. The points can be transferred to relatives as far as I know. Sometimes points can be redeemed for domestic travel.

10. If flying or cruising is expensive for you (which you can save up for in the future), then one cheap way is to go camping.

If you are a member of NRMA (motoring organisation) this group can help you plan your getaway easily.

Or get together with your family and friends for a night or two or even a week of pure adventure with the barest of essentials! There is a huge number of family friendly caravanning and camping places to choose from anywhere you are. Let your fingers do the walking. You can even download maps, location, places of interest, etc. from the various sites. A good one is visitnsw.com Even driving directions are there, you have no excuse for not going.


11. If all else fails, you can always do a "staycation."

That is, stay home but take the family on day trips to your local reserve and take a picnic with you! Or check your local papers for activities sponsored by your council as they are often FREE!

So, have fun with your family! You don't need to buy them expensive presents or clothes,toys and computer games that usually don't last anyway. Your time spent with them will be with them for as long as they live. Trust this mum oftwo boys- 12 and 16! So far, the boys have been to over 20 countries and counting.

Cheers and happy traveling!

SINCE I'VE BEEN AN AUSSIE

by Marie Rea


I thought I'd pen a poem
about my home
Now that I'm older
and certainly none the wiser.
I'll tell you what,
I've been cheerful as a brat
since I've settled down under.

Who's to thank
as if you should ask?
No one else
just this dude Dave-
He's my mate,
at work often late.
He's never tan,
but forever wan
Yet full of love
for this one!

Brekky dates with my honey,
Bushwalks regularly,
movies and dinners with the family.
Proudly and excitedly,
let me add with glee
our constant cruises almost yearly!

To a life that's perfect,
there seems to be no secret
Saying no to gossip or conflict
state of mind will be distinct.
Best to respect
each neighbour's introspect.


Though spending time at home or at sea
Kith and kin are always priority!
Family moments together
we'll forever treasure.
Deserving charities, moreover
we often help with pleasure!

Founded a charity,
a care movement of yours truly,
the poor and needy
we like to help passionately!
Supporters we appreciate constantly.
Such bliss, oh so rosey!

That's my life-
since I've been an Aussie!

by MRea