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.
hello sir jim!ang sarap pala pag aus day!maganda din ang 4th of jul d2 but i never got to enjoy it coz i was working all the time.
anyway,i wanted to see apocalypto coz of its overwhelming reviews but no one wanted to see it w/ me, so we watched dreamgirls instead,it wasn’t a waste of money kasi ang galing ni JHud.naeclipsed si beyonce.maganda din daw ang the departed.di ko nga lang feel ang story,kaya cguro di na nominate sa oscars as best picture!
I’m glad you and your family is enjoying it there. Pretty soon Aus will be your home away from home without forgetting our dear motherland. I think one of the beauties of migrating is being able to appreciate what you have now and what you had then in all aspects. Somehow you appreciate everything that you see, have and feel. You also appreciate more who you’re with. Keep on writing and taking pictures…maybe you can publish a book about all the sceneries that you photograph in your new home and wherever you travel. Have you seen Carlos Esguerra’s photographs? Amazing! Love your photos, love your writing, especially love your (Apo’s) songs…my husband and I are waiting for the Apo’s next U.S. concert..any updates?
It’s the next great thing after being a Filipino i’d say. lots of opportunities here, the freedom, the space, the approximity of things. I just spent a week in Sydney- in Darling Harbour on the 12th floor of the Star City and every morning the great view of the Darling Harbour is the first thing I see each day and gee- am proud to be Australian living in Australia!. Glad that you and family are beginning to feel at home here.
You should have gone to Hyde Park and watch the Motorfest held on Aus day each year.
It’s the biggest outdoor display of old & vintage vehicles(900) in the Southern Hemisphere.
Though Im not sure if your into cars but its just amazing seeing those vintage cars from 1920’s….
There’s always next year anyway…
It’s good to know u & ur fam is enjoying Sydney…
[eep, blogger ate up my comment… retyping…]
So I was saying, Australia Day was indeed a big deal, something I didn’t realise until I was dragged out to the CBD. I did see that motorshow jc spoke about. I had a picture taken with one of the vintage cars that reminded me of Herr Hitler. =) I’ve never seen so many people in Hyde Park before! Was all good fun =)
And I couldn’t help but wear a flag tatoo on my face. When we went back to the beach in the eastern suburbs in the evening (to find a looot of Aussies drunk and out), it was a source of envy hehe.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the holiday with your family! I was lucky to have a relative over from Singapore so it wasn’t too bad for me as well.
anonymous said…
the way you describe how u felt when u were standing in the most beautiful harbor is the same feeling i had when i first saw the New Year’s Eve fireworks. i couldnt explain how i feel. i found myself in tears, wishing that all filipinos could witness what i did.
jaja–get someone to see it with you. I will also watch dreamgirls.
ann- check the APO US sked at apohikingsociety.org, It should be up soon.
vicky–what a sight to see everyday. Someday, I will earn lots of dollars and buy a property there. heh heh.
jc–yeh, I should check out Hyde park one of these days.
pen–aussies can REALLY drink , ha ha
anonymous–exactly!!!