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

Poetry: Such is Life, An Expat’s Life

Poetry: Such is Life, An Expat’s Life

FirstPosted by Marie Rea at pinoyexpat.net
poetry expat life

Jovial and chirpy
I’ve been quite cheery
since I’ve been in Sydney

Life’s a breeze
or so it seems
Yet when homesickness creeps
It just sticks
like a leech
you want to beat in bits.

Then Dave, he’s my mate
got something to state.
“Dear Marie, just wait,
my computer, it’s great,
It’s your chance to abate
missing your loved ones of late.”

Surfing the net
that’s where I went
In no time, my sleep’s been late!
E-mailing long lost friends to date.

Social sites
are now part of my rites
each day new surprises in sight.

To Facebook, Friendster,
Google and Flkr
I went over there
My “Dell” and my “Acer”
Truly I revere!

I now await
with so much haste
replies and messages I long to rate.

Such is life,
an expat’s life, that is,
Sometimes there are strifes,
Get your wits about
back on your feet,
don’t pout!
Laugh it out
and stand proud!

PACMAN did it again, will he ever be beaten?

9 May 2011, SYdney, Australia.Not even the strong tide of American patriotism was able to fuel a Mosley upset on the Philippines' pride, pugilist Emmanuel Dapidran "Manny" Pacquiao!

Pacman, Filipino pound-for-pound king, has put his WBO (World Boxing Organisation)'s welterweight title on the line. Once again, as in eight weight divisions and 10 world titles he has won, he has emerged tirumphant!

With a resounding unanimous decision, the Philippines' pride Manny Pacquiao proved his great skill and uniquely great talent as a boxer of the highest quality. He beat the much-touted strongman from Pomona, California, Sugar Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada last 7th of MAy 2011 (Sunday in Sydney).

A sell-out crowd at the arena was treated as usual to Manny's right and left combination, speed and clever moves mostly to the head and face of his opponent. Mosley was knocked down once middle of the third round.

Dominating in all of the 12 rounds, the elected Filipino congressman mesmerised the crowd both at the Las Vegas venue and at the Basement Restaurant and Karaoke bar in Blacktown, west of Sydney, Australia which this writer chose again as venue to watch the bout via pay-per-view as last year's Pacquiao- Margarito duel.

Manny's t rainer Freddie Roach did acknowledge during a press conference before the match that the PACMAN was prepared to go the "full 12 rounds as he did against Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito whom Manny beat by unanimous decisions."


It was definitely a case of getting my money's worth and more ( $10 fee for the buffet Filipino spread and coverage of the fight ) as round after round Manny ourtclassed his opponent whom many pundits believed before the match as capable of making the biggest upset in boxing history! How wrong were they?

Pacquaio earlier recognised that "Shane Mosley is very strong, moves like he's 30 years old." As boxing afficionados will know, Mosley is a few months shy of turning 40 while Manny is in his prime age of 32 (Date of birth is December 17,1974).

Moreover, in height, weight and reach, Sugar seemed to have the edge too!

But then, they didn't count the smart strategy of the PACMAN, as evidenced by the ferocious way he went for Mosley's head and face in almost every round till the end!

The victory is not just a win for all Filipinos as Pacman's philantropic acts are legendary. Las Vegas reportedly can potentially make around 300 million dollars from the brisk tourism generated by the match. Both fighters are also expected to pocket millions ($6 mil and $4/4 mil for Mosley), including a yet disclosed earnings from pay-per-view revenues, according to a television report in America (as of this writing).


First five rounds were indeed critical as Manny "hammered" the African American, whom many of his supporters said he'd never beat! A boxing fan of Manny, Benjie Gabuat of Glendenning said his trainer probably instructed him to be more aggressive in the early rounds to test his opponents' endurance if he'd make the full distance.


"I just fought the best fighter in the world. He has exceptional power. I've never been hit like that before," a puff-faced Mosley said shortly after the fight.

Immediately after our hero's impressive win, my husband, himself an undefeated superwelterweight kungfu champion remarked,"Will he (Manny) ever be beaten?
Your guess is as good as mine as our PACMAN reportedly has said in another interview that he intends to retire in 2013.

Again, we say,Manny, we're proud of you, best of luck in all your endeavours!

If I were a flower...

If I were a flower, I would be a geranium-hardy and can grow in any soil, as long as it is not waterglogged! A geranium can be annual, biennial or even perennial and comes in all kinds of colours- rose pink, red, blue and white ,vibrant ones may I add!

Just like a geranium, I've become hardy- from a developing country I've moved to Australia 17 years ago, not knowing anyone, alone and yet I survived and now flourishing with my gorgeous family in fabulous Sydney!


I've travelled to many lands before settling in Australia, climbed the Great Wall of China, rode in a helicopter flying over the jungles of Kalimantan as an environment journalist, among many other adventures. Through all these years I've met people from all walks of life and found Australians are the best people in the world! (Now, I'm married to one and is a proud Australian but not without losing my affinity for my birth country.)

A geranium can be propagated all over this wonderful earth through division in autumn or spring or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. In Australia, whatever's the weather, its attractive foliage is truly at home!


If you're still not convinced, here's a lovely poem from one of this flower's greatest fans, Marcelle L:

Geraniums love walls
They seem to look their best
In front of ancient bricks -
Like painted soldiers, drest
And stiffly on parade.
Each scarlet bloom's a cockade,
On a blade of green.
They make one say:
"Who would ever dream
an old brick wall
could look so gay?"


Cheers for the gorgeous geranium!

My Fave Song by an Awesome New Group

I discovered this group just recently and discovered their version of my fave COLD PLAY song VIVA LA VIDA is much better..The band is called BOYCE AVENUE. The lead is Alejandro Manzano, Puerto Rican American, so gorgeous too! I love their version a lot, must have listened to it a dozen times just today..that is very rare for me.

Also, the song could be written for George Bush Jr or Saddam Hussein or even ..soon probably for Moammar Khadafi! Good riddance to you all!

Here, enjoy with me: