January 26 was a day not to be missed. At least that’s what everyone was telling us. We went to Darling harbor with friends to celebrate our first ever Australia Day. Aussies love this day and they really show it. Aside from the fact that it’s a holiday, there’s a big hoopla all over. Everywhere you go, people are celebrating. The flag is predominantly displayed, waved and worn, body painted or stuck on body parts and everyone you meet greets you with a smile and a ’Happy Australia Day’.

The crowds were thick everywhere. We stayed at the Darling harbor bridge to get a good view of the fireworks. Prior to the light show, a few bands and singers came on the stage situated in the middle of the water and did a few numbers. Then there were the customary messages from the politicians about being Australian and what a proud and beautiful country Aus is. The last part had videos and voice clips from people all over the world who had chosen Australia as their country. One by one, immigrant voices spoke of coming to this country and never looking back. They were thankful that they had done what they had done.

Lydia and I couldn’t help but be touched since we came in as immigrants too, taking the big psychological and physical leap out of the Philippines to stake our time and future in this place. I caught myself thinking how lucky I was to be standing on the bridge on this day as a migrant and staring out at the most beautiful harbor in the world and being part of this beautiful and lucky country. The feeling was close to exhilarating. In the midst of it, I still knew that I was Filipino through and through, but was also part of an other millieu as well.

Then came the fireworks. Awesome. As foreign languages and accents around me shrieked with expressions of delight and cheer, I knew that deep down, I was not just a Filipino or migrant to Aus. I was a citizen of the world as well.

By the way, do not miss the movie Apocalypto, directed by Mel Gibson. It’s quite an action-packed film. No known actors but it’s OK. Midway through it, my son and wife were complaining na pagod na sila. I love the whole Mayan culture scene. It’s quite a story and its warness will shock you and arouse your sense of awe and wonder.