// morsels of life //: April 2008

Werribee trip

Yesterday, my family and some of our pinoy friends went to Werribee Park which is located in the southern part of Victoria and 30-minute drive from the city.

The place is a vast estate which was originally owned by Chirnside family from Scotland who migrated to Australia in the mid 1800s. The property is approximately 300 hectares with farming land and zoo. The land extends to the Werribee River which is connected to the Port Phillip Bay.

The Mansion itself occupies around 10 hectares which includes a formal garden, a rose garden and lovely lawn area perfect for picnic and photo ops :)

The house was constructed on year 1877 and has classic style. The Italian flooring, the grand staircase and the rooms are typical European yet extravagant. But the ambiance inside the house was a bit gloomy particularly the smell (like an old "baul").

We also had the chance to have a guided tour up to the Mansion's tower. The view from the tower was impressive. The tour guide told us the history of the place and some stories about the Chirnsides. It was creepy and sad to know that one of the Chirnside brothers committed suicide when he was 77 :-(

Anyway, looking at the bright side, we had fun time walking around the park and exploring it. There were some sculpture works around the place which I think were basically made for the tourists/visitors. We had picnic near the rose garden. We left the park around 4pm 'cause it's starting to rain already.

Then before we went back to the city, we dropped by Telan's place (one of the pinoys) in Manor Lakes which is 10-minute away from the park. Dinner was served around 6pm and we had enough time to chat with our friends.

Lori was lethargic but still enjoyed observing the people and mingling with other kids. It was a very tiring yet enjoyable day!

Labels: family, friends, holiday

By hanamaru
On Saturday, April 26, 2008
At 9:39 AM
Comments :

Baptized

Lori's baptism was held yesterday at St. Augustine's Church in the city. Then reception followed at Michelino's Trattoria in Carlton. Thankfully, the weather was good! Almost all of our pinoy friends attended the ceremony and joined us in the reception. (thanks for coming, guys!)

There were three babies baptized including Lori. She's the only Filipino.
The ceremony was different from the traditional Catholic rite. It was lively and jubilant.
Father Wahid conducted the sacrament which also comprised of anointment & exorcism (to cast away the bad spirits).

The funny thing was, Lori had to "poopoo" when we were inside the church already! Fortunately the ceremony hasn't started that time and we were able to clean her up quickly. (almost ran out of wipes pa ha!)

But we're grateful that we were able to organize everything without major hassles. And the important thing is, Lori is now a Christian :) Our bub received a load of gifts that composed mostly of pink clothes and cute toys :)

Anyway, here are the photos from the event:

Church...

Restaurant...

Labels: Lori, melbourne, pinoys

By hanamaru
On Monday, April 21, 2008
At 9:00 AM
Comments :

Arkita's place

One of Tonton's coworkers, Voytek Arkita invited us to his newly built house in Point Cook suburb (about 40-minute drive from the city). We were accompanied by our pinoy friends, Bong & Ann. We just rented a taxi van yesterday to go there.

Voytek and his wife Vicky are from Poland. They were very warm & friendly.

Vicky baked some homemade bread and made salad for dinner. Then delicious shortbread for dessert. We had a great time conversing with them 'cause they almost have the same traits and values as Filipinos have. They are Catholics too.

The house was so cosy & lovely. We were amazed to know that Voytek assembled the beautiful timber flooring of the place.

Vicky was very fond of Lori. And our bub was very friendly and well-behaved.

Lori liked to play and rollover on the flat floor in the place. How I wish we have something like that in our apartment. Can't wait to see Lori crawling!

Anyway, it's nice to know diverse people like the Polish couple.

Labels: friends, Lori, melbourne

By hanamaru
On Monday, April 14, 2008
At 9:12 AM
Comments :

Whew!

just came from an all-pinoy badminton game. sarap pawisan!
i enjoyed it so much. now, my right hand has two shining blisters (pardon my adjective). waaah!
i missed playing the sport. i miss my racket with soft-padded handle.
well, despite of my suffering hand, i think i need to buy myself a racket :)

Labels: hobby, melbourne

By hanamaru
On Saturday, April 12, 2008
At 6:06 PM
Comments :

Flower and Garden Show

Saturday, we spent the day in Carlton Gardens to see the annual Melbourne International Flower & Garden Festival.

It's an event wherein horticulturists from around the world display their works -- flower arrangements, gardening tools & techniques, landscapes, etc.

It also highlighted different plants, shrubs and flowers that are popular in Australia such as tulips, hyacinth & daffodils.

The exhibit also featured unique designs by RMIT fashion arts students. This one is my favorite -- it's called Bun in the Oven (won first place), a mannequin dressed with dried leaves & twigs, apples & small flowers.

I also enjoyed looking at Jane Davenport's photography works which she named - Frogoly. Here's a cute one... a hanging froggie!

The festival included sculpture and arts exhibition too...

Funny is, people here are so fascinated with plants which are commonly grown in the Philippines like these Bougainvillea flowers.

Meanwhile, Lori enjoyed looking at the mascots roaming inside the park, like this tiger who endorses artificial turf to be used for lawn making to save water.