From NZ with Love

Dearest Bloggerbuds, 

It is 8:36 a.m. and I am stuck here at home staring at the blank computer screen in front of me, trying to come up with a long overdue blog post.  As I open my eyes and stare at my surroundings, I notice that I am at a place far different from the home I used to know.  I then try to acclimatize with the unfamiliar winter breeze around me and I finally realize that I am now 5,024 miles away from my beloved Philippines. I am at a beautiful place I could only dream of seeing before.  I am in New Zealand.

As I browse through my timeline, I realize that 10 months has already passed since I started this journey and the memories keep flashing right before my eyes.  I left the Philippines, set foot at the 'Land of the Long White  Cloud,' met new friends, faced a lot of challenges as I was settling in the country and became the person that I am today.

A lot can happen 10 months, really and in case you are wondering how it has been, here is a rundown of the events that happened by then.

1. The Journey Began

September 4, 2015- I left the Philippines with my newfound friends to set foot on an exciting journey in New Zealand.  I met most of my CAPmates Christian, Kei, Jappy, Carlo, Joie and Michy.  We bid our temporary farewells to our beloved Philippines and to our families as well.  We were sad, excited, happy and primarily ambivalent about the future ahead of us.  We set foot on Nelson, New Zealand on the following day and the rest, as they say, is history.

2.  Competency Assessment Program

I was given the chance to study the Competence Assessment Program (CAP) at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.  It is an eight-week program designed to prepare foreign nurses to become New Zealand Registered Nurses.  The CAP has not only equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills that a New Zealand Registered Nurse must have  It has also strengthened me and left me with fun-filled memories I can always treasure all throughout my life.

3.  Exploring Nelson, New Zealand

Nelson is a city located on the South Island in the country.  Dubbed as 'The Sunny Nelson,' due to its pleasant aura, this place is also known for its breathtaking beauty.  I was really lucky that I was given the chance to explore Nelson with my CAPmates.  We went to Nelson City, Cable Bay, Kaiteri Beach, Japanese Garden, Lake Rotoiti, The Centre of New Zealand and others.  It is definitely a place that captures the beauty of New Zealand at its finest.  It is  effortlessly and remarkably beautiful.

4.  Welcome to Auckland

After completing my CAP, I decided to go out of my comfort zone and explore the largest urban area in the country- Auckland.  I went to the Central Business District, Strawberry Farm, Rainbow's End, and others.  I was not really expecting so much when I went here but Auckland gave me more than what I asked for. It has already become my home now.

5.  It's Official!

Great things indeed come to those who wait and believe in God's perfect plan.  I saw my dreams coming true right in front of my eyes this year. I got my New Zealand registration and my first job in the country as well. I am now working as a Registered Nurse at a rest home in West Auckland and I am really enjoying every minute of it. It still feels surreal to me now knowing that I am clearly on my way towards success.

6.  My New Family in Christ

I've also had my fair share of spiritual and religious battles during my stay in the country.  God has clearly tested my faith, my patience, and my morals but I kept firm with my belief.  I chose to be with the group I really believe in.  I choose to be a part of Singles for Christ.  

Hence, I now finally flip through my post as I notice how far I've come through my journey.  The memories of my life from my beloved Philippines flash by once again and I realize that I am clearly far different from the girl who left her country in order to find her luck at the place Pinoy nurses could only dream of seeing.  I've already become a more mature, independent and confidently beautiful woman on her way towards her dreams.  I know that I'll have more struggles, hardships and problems to overcome as I find my way through the beautiful New Zealand but I know that I'll get there through God's amazing grace.

Lovelots, 

Maica Angelle

Credits:
https://www.befunky.com/create/collage/
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206483204421986&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206544832242643&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1116630551681549&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=527485740760604&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208248777239707&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206842784446766&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1492031694459014&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1486578875004296&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1478442479151269&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1463191954009655&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208110383949893&set=rpd.100000803372461&type=3&theater

That Day Called Valentine's Day

Every year, millions of people from all walks of life from various parts of the globe commemorate love through a widely-celebrated holiday called Valentine's Day or Heart's Day.  Up until now, the exact origin of this day is still uncertain but there is one particular legend that says that it all came into existence during the Roman empire when a priest named Valentinus fought for love as he helped young couples get married. 

I rarely celebrate Vday but this year, I decided to be more bold as I spent the entire day with my twin sister and friends.  We watched Fifty Shades of Grey, ate out and attended the birthday party of a dear friend and I really had fun.

At the end of the day, all I can say is that my Valentine's Day was really memorable this time since I spent it at the place closest to my heart-home.  Henceforth, I really don't know how my next celebrations would turn out but one thing is for sure: no matter where I am or  where I'll be, my heart would always be here.



Lovelots,
Maica Angelle

That Day I Call Valentine's Day

Pre-Valentine's Night Out With Friends

Deared Bloggerbuds,

It is February 7, 2015.  In 7 days time, the whole world will be celebrating Valentine's Day once again.  Moreover, while the others are spending their Saturday night preparing for that 'Big' day, I am stuck here at home trying to blog.  I know I haven't been much of a good blogger lately because I haven't updated my site as frequently as I have promised but I hope that all my efforts would count no matter how big or small.

 

Anyway, I've been quite busy these past few days because I've been juggling work, New Zealand application, household meetings, workouts and household chores and I just feel that I need some break. Luckily, my high school friends asked me and my twin sister out last night to catch up in one of the busiest commercial centers at our hometown.

We went to a couple of restaurants/ coffee shops and chitchatted for the whole night and I really had fun.  At the end of the day, I just realized that living in a suburb can be quite boring at times and nightouts with friends really add more color to my stay at my simple hometown.  I really hope that I'll be able to go out more frequently and explore the rest of Calapan.

Lovelots,

Maica Angelle

Credits:

http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_310420580

https://www.facebook.com/glenaguirreg?pnref=story

https://www.facebook.com/glenaguirreg?pnref=story

https://www.facebook.com/glenaguirreg?pnref=story

First Household for 2015

Dearest Bloggerbuds,

The rest of the world has already bid its farewell to the long and winding 2014 and another year has already come to surface.  With that in mind, I and my new found Singles for Christ Sisters met up last week for our first household meeting for 2015.

I've been with SFC for almost a year already and we have regular household meetings, weekend retreats, formations and out-of-town conferences. I was quite busy last week with work and NZ application that I thought I won't be able to attend the meeting.  However, God must have loved me that much because He allowed me to attend such.

Household with my beautiful Sisters

Selfies

Anyway, I consider household meetings as my escape from all the stresses of the outside world.  This is where I send my deep prayers to God and spend time with m SFC Sisters.  I'm really grateful because God gave me the chance to be with this family and I really feel that our next household meeting will also be memorable.


Lovelots,
Maica Angelle

Credits:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=915241858510704&set=a.525146054186955.122587.100000746940014&type=1&theater

http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_310024939

Animo Memories

Hello there, my buddies!  How is your week so far, huh? I've been quite busy sleeping, watching cheesy telenovelas and hanging out with my college buddies last week that I forgot to post something in here by then.  Seriously.

Anyway,  I am now making up for the missed blog post by reminiscing my recent trip to my Alma Mater De La Salle Lipa.

Described by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ as one of the third generation Lasallian Schools in the country,   De La Salle Lipa is a is 10-hectare institution situated next to J.P. Laurel National highway (Japan-Philippine Friendship highway) in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines.  It has consistently produced a number of successful young professionals in the country during the past decade as it lives up to its motto 'Great Beginnings Start Here.'

Five years have already passed since I left this institution which has indeed seen me blossom from a meek and shy 16 year-old Mindoreña to a bona fide nurse in the country today.  I've already been to tons of places and I also met lots of people.  However,  although I still have not found my own success yet, I can always say that no matter where I am or where I'll be, I am and will always be a Lasallian.


Lovelots,
Maica Angelle

Credits:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_La_Salle_Lipa
https://www.facebook.com/mykajohara.manzano?fref=ts
http://www.dlsl.edu.ph/

C'est La Vie

Bonjour, my dearest bloggerbuds!  Have you all missed me?  The end of the year is almost here and while most of my fellow 'kababayans' are already making their Christmas wishlists, I am stuck here at home trying to blog.  I know I've been out of the circuit for almost a year now but the long wait is finally over.  I am back FOR REAL.

Nevertheless, if you're all ever wondering how I spent my time during my blog retreat, here is a quick recap of all the highlights of  the year.

1.  For me, 2014 is a time for self-renewal and part of this phase is my change in hairstyle.  I became more adventurous this year when I had my hair dyed in honeyblonde shade.  I also embraced the side-swept bangs to add more drama.

New Look for 2014

2.  I also added some twist to my breakfast routine when I signed up for a local nutrition club. I substituted my usual oats for the delicious fruit- based smoothie, the fat- burning tea and the skin- enhancing aloe vera  to be able to achieve a more fabulous look.

1st Nutrition Club

3.  Although I am an introvert by heart, I got to unleash my extrovert side this year when I became a member of Singles for Christ Calapan.  Their Christian Life Program held last April - May was really life- changing for me.  I've been an active member ever since.

It's official!  I am now a part of SFC Calapan.

3.  SFC has also broadened my horizon through its out-of-town conferences. I and my fellow SFCs got the chance to explore the beautiful Hundred Islands this year when we went to Pangasinan for the Island Conference of the organization.

Island Hopping at Hundred Islands with my fellow SFCs

4.   I also got the chance to witness 'rock-concert like' worships, see Archbishop Socrates Villegas in person and meet SFC members from other parts of the archipelago during the said Island Conference.  I never thought being a part of a religous organization can be this cool.

SFC Island Conference 2014

5.  Aside from the conferences, SFC also gave me and my friends  the opportunity to dress up through one of the weekend retreats called 'Princess Diaries.'  Il est fabuluex.

6.  Household meetings also contitute a part of the usual routine of SFC members.  I chanced upon one last July and I really had fun with my girl friends.

7.   I really, really hate running.  In fact, I'd rather go to the gym and pay monthly dues instead of going out for a free jog.  However, since 2014 is a year of changes, I decided to take a different route this year by attending fun runs in our province and surprisingly, I really enjoyed those.

Fun Run Memories

8.  Finally, I got to do something a part from my usual hospital routine  this year when I got a job as a medical abstractor last August.  Even facebook states that it is one of the major events in my life this year.

Indeed, there comes a point in your life when you just have to take a step back, get out of your comfort zone and spend some time alone to find yourself AGAIN.  This is what 2014 has taught me and right now, I am still clueless about what the future has in store for me.  Nevertheless, with my new-found self, my renewed faith in God and a bunch of friends, I am confident that I can welcome 2015 with a bang.


Lovelots,
Maica Angelle


Credits:
http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_305200717
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201588078896770&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202630500796666&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202630500796666&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202351075969799&set=t.1621920950&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201920577969039&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202114103447055&set=t.1621920950&type=3&theater
http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_305220753
https://www.facebook.com/maica.angelle

Special Thanks to:
the gorgeous Mara Ancelle E. Feraren for some of the pictures