Christmas in Australia

A lot of Filipino relatives and friends have been asking me how did our Christmas in Australia went. We went to church last December 24 to attend an early evening mass (this is usually midnight mass in the Philippines) mostly attended by Filipinos. There was also a re-enactment part portraying Joseph & Mary's search for a place to stay to give birth to baby Jesus.

On December 25, we just stayed at home and had a nice meal with Dave & Jhermie.

I could say that we celebrated Christmas in a very solemn way. As I was very much occupied with the Busby SEO Test competition at that time, my mood then was more competitive rather than festive.

It seems that 2009 will be the last time I'll be spending Christmas in Australia as my two kids will finish their year 12 and continue their studies in the Philippines next year.

However, due to business interest, I'll still be spending a lot of time here and develop markets.

O'Donnel Griffin Social Club Christmas Party

Last December 6, Jhermie and I got the chance to attend the O'Donnel Griffin Social Club Christmas Party where we saw a Greyhound race track first hand. It was an interesting evening as the venue, Chaser Function Centre at Angle Park, had various social clubs (of various companies) celebrating their Christmas party.

There was an entertainer / performer also strutting Rod Stewart and Elvis Presley songs.

We didn't stay long enough though and glad that we returned home soon so I can work on Busby SEO Test.

Filipino Christmas Party in Australia

Last December 6, we attended a Filipino Christmas party. This is where we pitched in an amount so we can take part in the occasion. In the past, I've always been quiet and reserved during events such as these. However, this time, I decided to let my guard down and enjoyed. Gladly, got more than what I ask for.

Also, the star for that day is no other than my youngest son, Jonathan, where he got the chance to show off his magic tricks. Janin is a natural magnet for kids. They just love her. Jasmin brought her reading and drawing gear.


Of course, a Filipino Christmas Party, especially in another country, won't be a considered as one without great Filipino recipes such as kare-kare, kilawin, fish inihaw, pinoy spagetti, lechon, rice, leche flan, among others.


I got the chance to enjoy the wine served at check out Rene's cool camera and Joseph's iPhone. I was also teasing Armstrong, the guy in the just above photo set, that I'll help him find a girlfriend through blogging. This was also the time when Marilyn, Leila, Jhermie, and I agreed to have a blogging tutorial session the week after.


I attended a few more parties after this one and admittedly it seems this year is one of the best Christmas I ever had with the family.

Now back to my Busby SEO Test entry.

Christmas in Australia

My husband started working in the area of Woodville, South Australia beginning January this year. He has a contract of up to 2010. At this point, I regularly travel between Philippines and Australia to catch up, take care of the kids, and maintain the household. For 2008, I expect this to happen from 4 to 6 times a year.

For 2007, this is the first time I'll be spending my Christmas in another country. I guess what makes it easy is that my family is here and at least we are together.

Although I admit that the kids will miss the December 24 family reunion that happens yearly in the father side of my family. This is where they get most of their gifts and always looked forward to it.

To prepare for the season, extra effort is made on our part. Last weekend, we started our Christmas shopping by buying a nice Christmas ham and cheese. We also found a store and found interesting gifts to give to the kids.

I'm a very family-oriented person and have kept our lives very private, even from my close friends. But for this year, I have to condition myself with the possibility of doing our Christmas celebration with my husband's newly-found friends.

A new book arrived in the mail this week, "The Art of Agile Development".