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Living Abroad... No Turning Back..

lock_code2004lock_code2004 PerthPosts: 5,037Member, De-activated
http://thoughtcatalog.com/rachel-rae/2013/11/10-things-about-living-abroad-no-turning-back/

10 Things About Living Abroad: No Turning Back
NOV. 26, 2013 By RACHEL RAE


Moving around the world teaches you many things. It isn’t for everyone. It takes a special type of person to be able to do what we do. Packing up all your things into two carry-on bags and two checked pieces of luggage is struggles in itself, and to generalize imagine being a woman! I could only bring 10 pairs of shoes! Your mother will go through that luggage and make you narrow it down to seven cardigans instead of 17 and she will remind you that those shorts still don’t fit and haven’t fit for 3 years, you should probably just let them go. Along with letting those shorts go you are also letting go of friendships, relationships, comfort.

A wise man told me that the reason we move to new countries is because we are either running from or running to something. I laughed and thought he was crazy. I just wanted a change; there was no rationale to my choice. The more I thought about it, the more I realized he was right. I wasn’t just running from something, I was sprinting as far as I could. What I didn’t realize was that this choice has now started the foundation of my future. Just like a tattoo, that first little taste and you want more and more. No turning back.


1. Freedom. A new sense of freedom. Freedom to do and go as I please. Freedom to travel. Freedom to make choices without a safety net. Freedom to be yourself.

2. Watching your life at home pass by. Birthdays come and go. Marriages. Deaths. Life doesn’t stop and wait for you.

3. Math skills strengthen as you are always trying to convert your local currency to your home country. You know it is even better when you convert your new currency to your previous country. Everything is still in pesos for me.

4. Communication. Responding to someone in any language but the language they are speaking.

5. Stories. The stories you will have to tell for the rest of your life are so unbelievable most people will think you are exaggerating. Hospitals. Airports. Dentists. You try getting your point across in any means possible. And do I mean ANY means possible.

6. You realize little holidays and moments you didn’t think mattered are the ones that make you the most homesick.

7. Growth. As much as you hate to admit it with each move you grow. You learn the best ways to pack, meet new friends, get around, and survive.

8. Adrenaline. Those thrill seekers jumping off canyons and out of airplanes have nothing compared to boarding a plane and traveling to an unknown place. Not knowing anyone. Not knowing your surroundings. Not knowing the language. Now that is a real adrenaline rush.

9. Patience. Realizing no one understands you. No one cares. Ordering food, getting in a taxi and normal every day tasks take patience. Nothing is ever easy. A 10-minute task at home will take you 60 minutes. Accept it.

10. Having to say hello for the first time and having to say goodbye for the final time. Not many people get to experience this, but I have perfected it. This could quite possibly be the hardest and most dreaded part of my life.

Start slow, go to a new place.
Alone. Go to a city by yourself.
Go on a vacation, alone.
Throw yourself out there. Your own sink or swim.
When you begin to panic and want to go home that is when your fight or flight will kick in.
That true inner strength will shine through.
You will fight it out and you will thank yourself later.
I know I did.

Sep 24, 2011 - IELTS (L-8 R-8 W-8 S-7.5 : OBS-8)
Jan 04, 2012 - EA application submitted | Feb 23, 2012 - EA assessment result (IE ANZSCO 233511)
May 8, 2012 - Lodged GSM 175 online application | June 4, 2012 - CO Allocated
June 22, 2012 - Medicals Finalized | Aug 30, 2012 - PCCs Completed (PH, UAE, USA)
Sep 3, 2012 - Visa Granted (IED Jun 11, 2013) Thank You Lord!
Oct 16-28, 2012 - Initial Entry Completed - Sydney
July 28, 2013 - Final move to Perth
Sep 9, 2013 - Started work with the same company i worked for in UAE/USA
Oct 28, 2013 - Moved to another company.. ;)

«134

Comments

  • KurikongSaTumbongKurikongSaTumbong Sydney
    Posts: 441Member
    Joined: Aug 19, 2013
    Huhuhu!

    Kurikong, kurikong...sa tumbong ay umusbong!

  • GoodLuckAUGoodLuckAU Melbourne
    Posts: 236Member
    Joined: Jun 06, 2013
    edited December 2013
    Actually, after sometime, I didn't wanna turn back.

    Pinas became foreign to me - a familiar place with familiar faces but I feel so disconnected. Parang bumibisita na lang ako - ganun ang feeling.

    It was a gradual transition but I didnt see it coming - dati tuwing umuuwi ako parang miss na miss ko lang lahat, maluha-luha tuwing babalik ng SG. Hanggang sa ma-realize ko na lang na ang term na "uwi" already means going back to SG.

    Another transition na naman pagdating sa AU. Ilang taon ba bibilangin ko ulit bago maging "home" ang AU? We'll see - I hope di kasing hirap nung nag-a-adjust ako sa Singapore.

    261313 (Software Engineer)
    24 April 2013 - ACS Skills Assessment
    27 April 2013 - IELTS (L:9 R:8 W:8 S:8.5)
    10 May 2013 - Submit EOI
    19 May 2013 - Invitation to Apply
    30 May 2013 - 189 Visa Application Lodged
    06 June 2013 - Medicals done
    07 Aug 2013 - CO Allocated (Brisbane T34)
    13 Aug 2013 - SG COC Application
    19 Aug 2013 - Included fiance in visa application as migrating dependent
    27 Aug 2013 - Fiance Medicals and SG COC Application
    03 Sept 2013 - SG COC Collection
    17 Sept 2013 - Fiance SG COC Collection
    17 Sept 2013 - VISA GRANT!!!!

  • peach17peach17 Los Angeles
    Posts: 1,684Member
    Joined: Jan 13, 2013
    thanks for sharing this @lock_code2004 :)

    such a good read :)

    9 January 2013 Received Favorable Response from EA
    18 January 2013 Lodged EOI Application via SkillSelect
    21 January 2013 Received Invitation to Apply for Visa Subclass 189
    26 January 2013 Lodged Visa Application
    18 March 2013 CO Allocated, Team 34 Brisbane
    14 May 2013 Submitted Form 815
    23 May 2013 Submitted updated Form 815 with new passport details
    03 June 2013 VISA Grant! Thank you Jesus :)

  • JCsantosJCsantos Sydney
    Posts: 1,416Member, Moderator
    Joined: Jan 11, 2011
    I said this in the other thread... if somebody wants to go back to PH then a BIG BIG GOODLUCK to them =)) =)) =))

    Google for Everything !!!

  • KurikongSaTumbongKurikongSaTumbong Sydney
    Posts: 441Member
    Joined: Aug 19, 2013
    I said this in the other thread... if somebody wants to go back to PH then a BIG BIG GOODLUCK to them =)) =)) =))
    Hindi lang good luck - malaking huhuhuhu pa! huhuhuhu! nakikiramay po ako sa inyo huhuhuhu! kahit tutukan mo pa ako ng kanyon at missile at bigyan ng 1 billion dollars eh di ako babalik doon - dibaleng middle class lifestyle na lang ako dito kesa maging bilyonaryo dun na puro pagdurusa, lokohan at suffering lang nakikita sa paligid huhuhu! tsaka nakakainis mga kamag-anak ko kaya dito na lang ako. mas masaya akong kasama asawa't anak ko dito masaya at simple!

    Kurikong, kurikong...sa tumbong ay umusbong!

  • rara_avisrara_avis North Ryde
    Posts: 260Member
    Joined: Nov 16, 2012
    Actually, after sometime, I didn't wanna turn back.

    Pinas became foreign to me - a familiar place with familiar faces but I feel so disconnected. Parang bumibisita na lang ako - ganun ang feeling.

    It was a gradual transition but I didnt see it coming - dati tuwing umuuwi ako parang miss na miss ko lang lahat, maluha-luha tuwing babalik ng SG. Hanggang sa ma-realize ko na lang na ang term na "uwi" already means going back to SG.

    Another transition na naman pagdating sa AU. Ilang taon ba bibilangin ko ulit bago maging "home" ang AU? We'll see - I hope di kasing hirap nung nag-a-adjust ako sa Singapore.
    I feel the same way pag umuuwi ako sa pinas lalo na when I meet my best friends from high school, I do not connect with them anymore like I used to. When they throw in a "Vice Ganda" joke, ang reaction ko was like "Uhmmm, why is that funny?". And when I complain about the traffic or the frustratingly slow internet, may mga comment na "Uy, di na sanay agad?" Sagot ko na lang eh... try nyo kaya tumira sa ibang bansa para ma-gets nyo why it is not fun in the Philippines! Haha!

    Eto pa pala isang list na nakaka-relate ako. Mostly applicable to sa mga pinoy sa SG: http://www.buzzfeed.com/jeremybender/life-struggles-all-expats-will-understand

    261111 - ICT Business Analyst
    January 4, 2013 - ACS Assessment Submitted
    January 5, 2013 - IELTS Exam (BC Singapore)
    January 18, 2013 - IELTS Result: L:8.5, R:8.5, W:7.5, S:7.0 = OB: 8.0
    March 13, 2013 - Received Positive Assessment from ACS
    March 21, 2013 - EOI Submitted
    July 15, 2013 - Invitation to lodge 189 visa received
    July 25, 2013 - Lodged Visa. Acknowledgement received.
    July 29, 2013 - Medicals done (+ Husband and Baby)
    September 18, 2013 - CO Allocated Team 23 GSM Brisbane (Additional docs requested: SG PCC, Form 80, Evidence of Overseas Experience (payslips, taxation docs, etc), Evidence of English Ability for Husband)
    October 10, 2013 - CO informed us that the evidence of english ability of my Husband is not sufficient. Asked us to pay for EEC, I said.. Hey, no way let him take the IELTS instead. :D
    October 16, 2013 - Uploaded SG COC
    October 19, 2013 - Husband's IELTS Academic Exam (earliest available schedule)
    November 4, 2013 - Uploaded Husband's IELTS test result form
    November 5, 2013 - VISA GRANT! Thank you LORD!!!
    IED - July 30, 2014
    March 23, 2014 - Initial Entry/Holiday
    June 30, 2014 - Flight to Sydney.
    July 28, 2014 - Husband started work.
    September 15, 2014 - First day at my new job. :)

    "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough"

  • loudandclearloudandclear Sydney
    Posts: 225Member
    Joined: Dec 16, 2012
    edited December 2013
    share ko lang...

    i know somebody who used to work in AU as marketing executive. She's single in her 30s, very successful career person. Her parents provided her a good education. After 3-4 years, she came back in the Phils and never returned to Au. I dont know her personally kaya di ko matanong why, classmate sya ng friend ko. Her family here in Phils is middle-class. Siguro, kanya kanyang happiness lang. Kung saan sya masaya. :)

    Jeremiah 29:11
    "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

  • KurikongSaTumbongKurikongSaTumbong Sydney
    Posts: 441Member
    Joined: Aug 19, 2013
    share ko lang...

    i know somebody who used to work in AU as marketing executive. She's single in her 30s, very successful career person. Her parents provided her a good education. After 3-4 years, she came back in the Phils and never returned to Au. I dont know her personally kaya di ko matanong why, classmate sya ng friend ko. Her family here in Phils is middle-class. Siguro, kanya kanyang happiness lang. Kung saan sya masaya. :)
    Na miss nya kasi si Dodong, ang boypren nyang hardinero sa kapitbahay huhuhu!

    Kurikong, kurikong...sa tumbong ay umusbong!

  • lock_code2004lock_code2004 Perth
    Posts: 5,037Member, De-activated
    Joined: Feb 23, 2012
    @loudandclear - baka may pinag-daanan..

    Sep 24, 2011 - IELTS (L-8 R-8 W-8 S-7.5 : OBS-8)
    Jan 04, 2012 - EA application submitted | Feb 23, 2012 - EA assessment result (IE ANZSCO 233511)
    May 8, 2012 - Lodged GSM 175 online application | June 4, 2012 - CO Allocated
    June 22, 2012 - Medicals Finalized | Aug 30, 2012 - PCCs Completed (PH, UAE, USA)
    Sep 3, 2012 - Visa Granted (IED Jun 11, 2013) Thank You Lord!
    Oct 16-28, 2012 - Initial Entry Completed - Sydney
    July 28, 2013 - Final move to Perth
    Sep 9, 2013 - Started work with the same company i worked for in UAE/USA
    Oct 28, 2013 - Moved to another company.. ;)

  • vhoythoyvhoythoy Melbourne
    Posts: 1,550Member, Moderator
    Joined: Oct 31, 2012
    Baka nagka lovelyf sa pinas hehehe. Actually you can be happy kahit nasan ka man panig ng mundo

    ANZSCO 221214 - Internal Auditor
    19 Jan 13 - Academic IELTS Results - passed
    12 July 13 - Vetassess Assessment + Point Test Advice: Positive
    03 Nov 13 - Invitation Accepted 70 points
    19 Dec 13 - Lodged Visa 189
    07 Feb 14 - Visa Granted
    04 Aug 14 - Initial Entry Date requirement
    26 July 14 - Actual IED to Melbourne
    May 2015 - Big Move
    June 2015 - Got a permanent role in Melbourne
    Apr 2016 - Got a contract consultancy role in Melbourne
    May 2016 - Got permanent role and moved to Toowooba, Queensland

    And now...... living the life that i have imagined

    "A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed" - Ansel Adams

  • JCsantosJCsantos Sydney
    Posts: 1,416Member, Moderator
    Joined: Jan 11, 2011
    baka naman na kidnap huhuhuhuhu buhay pa ba? :P

    Google for Everything !!!

  • KurikongSaTumbongKurikongSaTumbong Sydney
    Posts: 441Member
    Joined: Aug 19, 2013
    baka naman na kidnap huhuhuhuhu buhay pa ba? :P
    O baka na deport baka boat people pala huhuhu

    Kurikong, kurikong...sa tumbong ay umusbong!

  • wizzwizz Melbourne
    Posts: 698Member
    Joined: Apr 17, 2013
    Actually, after sometime, I didn't wanna turn back.

    Pinas became foreign to me - a familiar place with familiar faces but I feel so disconnected. Parang bumibisita na lang ako - ganun ang feeling.

    It was a gradual transition but I didnt see it coming - dati tuwing umuuwi ako parang miss na miss ko lang lahat, maluha-luha tuwing babalik ng SG. Hanggang sa ma-realize ko na lang na ang term na "uwi" already means going back to SG.

    Another transition na naman pagdating sa AU. Ilang taon ba bibilangin ko ulit bago maging "home" ang AU? We'll see - I hope di kasing hirap nung nag-a-adjust ako sa Singapore.
    Nakarelate ako dito. Not for anything else ha I really miss my family and friends in Manila pero pag medyo matagal na ako sa Pinas meron akong feeling na "uwi nako" meaning uwi na ng Singapore lalo na pag may mga lakad ng gabi with friends tapos uuwi ako mag-isa jusko takot na takot lang ako. Samantalang dito sa SG kakatakot lang yung surcharge ng cab pag midnight pero safe ka naman. hehehehe

    ANZSCO 149311

    31 May 13 - Vetassess Requirements Acknowledge
    22 June 13 - IELTS Exam at IDP Singapore
    5 July 13 - IELTS Passed
    30 Aug 13 - Vetassess Results - Positive + EOI Submitted
    4 Sept 13 - Initial Contact WA SS
    5 Sept 13 - Invited to apply for WA SS
    9 Sept 13 - WA SS approved!
    12 Sept 13 - Lodged Visa 190
    23 Sept 13 - Medical Examination - SATA Bedok SG
    27 Sept 13 - Medicals Uploaded
    21 Oct 13 - CO allocated (Adelaide GSM Team 6, MN)
    1 Nov 13 - SG PCC submitted
    5 Dec 13 - Visa Granted! To God be the Glory!
    IED: 26 Sep 14

    1 May 14 - Touchdown Perth! :D
    12 June 14 - First day of work. God will always provide. :)

    Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord;
    And He will give you the desires of your heart.

  • wizzwizz Melbourne
    Posts: 698Member
    Joined: Apr 17, 2013
    share ko lang...

    i know somebody who used to work in AU as marketing executive. She's single in her 30s, very successful career person. Her parents provided her a good education. After 3-4 years, she came back in the Phils and never returned to Au. I dont know her personally kaya di ko matanong why, classmate sya ng friend ko. Her family here in Phils is middle-class. Siguro, kanya kanyang happiness lang. Kung saan sya masaya. :)
    baka end of contract or hindi na narenew work visa. Ewan ko pero yung mga kaibigan ko pati mga friends na Singaporean na nag-aral sa Au sabi nila they want to stay in AU for good.

    ANZSCO 149311

    31 May 13 - Vetassess Requirements Acknowledge
    22 June 13 - IELTS Exam at IDP Singapore
    5 July 13 - IELTS Passed
    30 Aug 13 - Vetassess Results - Positive + EOI Submitted
    4 Sept 13 - Initial Contact WA SS
    5 Sept 13 - Invited to apply for WA SS
    9 Sept 13 - WA SS approved!
    12 Sept 13 - Lodged Visa 190
    23 Sept 13 - Medical Examination - SATA Bedok SG
    27 Sept 13 - Medicals Uploaded
    21 Oct 13 - CO allocated (Adelaide GSM Team 6, MN)
    1 Nov 13 - SG PCC submitted
    5 Dec 13 - Visa Granted! To God be the Glory!
    IED: 26 Sep 14

    1 May 14 - Touchdown Perth! :D
    12 June 14 - First day of work. God will always provide. :)

    Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord;
    And He will give you the desires of your heart.

  • GoodLuckAUGoodLuckAU Melbourne
    Posts: 236Member
    Joined: Jun 06, 2013
    @wizz dami ko rin kakilala na gusto mag-migrate na locals. sa kin pa nagtatanong paano ang process.

    261313 (Software Engineer)
    24 April 2013 - ACS Skills Assessment
    27 April 2013 - IELTS (L:9 R:8 W:8 S:8.5)
    10 May 2013 - Submit EOI
    19 May 2013 - Invitation to Apply
    30 May 2013 - 189 Visa Application Lodged
    06 June 2013 - Medicals done
    07 Aug 2013 - CO Allocated (Brisbane T34)
    13 Aug 2013 - SG COC Application
    19 Aug 2013 - Included fiance in visa application as migrating dependent
    27 Aug 2013 - Fiance Medicals and SG COC Application
    03 Sept 2013 - SG COC Collection
    17 Sept 2013 - Fiance SG COC Collection
    17 Sept 2013 - VISA GRANT!!!!

  • loudandclearloudandclear Sydney
    Posts: 225Member
    Joined: Dec 16, 2012
    hahaha...madami na pala dumugtong sa kwento ng kakilala ko. ako naman, ang tingin ko ayaw nya sa company nya at sa mga bosses nya. she's the type kase na di kailangan ng madaming pera, dito pa lang sa Phils. 6 digits na daw sweldo nya according to my friend.

    Jeremiah 29:11
    "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

  • TasBurrfootTasBurrfoot Osaka
    Posts: 4,336Member
    Joined: Feb 24, 2011
    edited February 2014
    Share ko lang...

    When I moved to Singapore for work in Nov 2008, it was just a perfect marriage; I adopted easily kahit na shoebox lang ang room namin ng ex-GF ko (now my wife) just outside Chinatown. Apart from pressure sa work (as it was the great financial crisis during that time), everything went smoothly... I enjoyed the food, the accessibility, the travel opportunities, etc. I also like the low tax regime which enabled us to save a good amount monthly (including the expense for our wedding in Boracay in 2011).

    I was neutral when I first went back to the Philippines in early 2009; it was just a quick hi/hello to relatives as I was there for the weekend to be a best man in my cousins wedding but I could not compare how BLESSED I was to live in Singapore and away from the chaos in Manila.

    Later on in 2009, I got to spend Christmas for 10 days in the Philippines... Whilst it was fun to be with my mom and siblings, I also got frustrated of the small things like traffic and the internet speed. At the end of the Christmas break, I was very glad to finally be going back to Singapore...

    Because of this PR thing in Australia, we finally say goodbye to Singapore in Dec 2012. We spent 3 months mostly in the Philippines to be with our loved ones. Again it was very frustrating and a very slow 3 months. Even though you are at home, the connection is no longer there and you cannot help but compare the infrastructure to that of Singapore.

    We arrived in Australia in April 2013; it was totally different from Singapore... Weather, cost, accessibility, etc! In the first few months, I had a hard time and was very homesick and was always thinking about Singapore... Pero little by little, - nagka trabaho kami, nakabili ng mga gamit, nakapag kape sa mga hot cafes in Melbourne, nakabili ng lumang sasakyan, etc - I was able to adopt and adjust to life in Melby. Now I am more or less at home... I like the chill and laid back after work lifestyle here...

    Going back to Pinas? Never... Nothing to go back to except our family and probably some very small inheritance from ancestors. :)

    Primary Applicant: Wife
    Accountant (General): 221111

    04 Aug 2012 - IELTS (Academic Module)
    07 Aug 2012 - IELTS (Academic Module) Speaking Part
    17 Aug 2012 - IELTS Results (L: 8.5 R: 8.5 W: 7.0 S: 7.5 OBS: 8.0)
    24 Aug 2012 - CPAA Submitted (docs mailed same day via SG EMS)
    25 Sep 2012 - Received +Skills Assessment from CPAA
    25 Sep 2012 - Lodged EOI Application with 70pts
    30 Sep 2012 - Invited by DIAC to apply for 189 Visa
    01 Oct 2012 - Submitted 189 Visa Application
    20 Oct 2012 - Medical Examinations
    23 Oct 2012 - CO Assigned; Team 7 - SA
    05 Nov 2012 - Submitted SG PCC and NBI Clearance
    06 Nov 2012 - Visa Granted (IED: 23/10/2013)
    03 Apr 2013 - Flight to MEL
    03 Jun 2013 - started work
    12 Jun 2013 - wife started work
    15 Jun 2016 - applied for citizenship
    29 Jul 2016 - citizenship examination
    20 Oct 2016 - Aussie, Aussie, Aussie Oi Oi Oi!!

  • thegreatiam15thegreatiam15 Sydney
    Posts: 799Member
    Joined: Jan 07, 2014
    Share ko lang...

    When I moved to Singapore for work in Nov 2008, it just a perfect marriage; I adopted easily kahit na shoebox lang ang room namin ng ex-GF ko (now my wife) just outside Chinatown. Apart from pressure sa work, as it was the great financial crisis during that time, everything went smoothly... I enjoyed the food, the accessibility, the travel opportunities, etc. I also like the low tax regime which enabled us to save a good amount monthly (including the expense for our wedding in Boracay in 2011).

    I was neutral when I first went back to the Philippines in early 2009; it was just a quick hi/hello to relatives as I was there for the weekend to be a best man in my cousins wedding but I could not compare how BLESSED I was to live in Singapore and away from the chaos in Manila.

    Later on in 2009, I got to spend Christmas for 10 days in the Philippines... Whilst it was fun to be with my mom and siblings, I also got frustrated of the small things like traffic and the internet speed. At the end of the Christmas break, I was very glad to finally be going home to the Philippines...

    Because of this PR thing in Australia, we finally say goodbye to Singapore in Dec 2012. We spent 3 months mostly in the Philippines to be with our loved ones. Again it was very frustrating and a very slow 3 months. Even though you are at home, the connection is no longer there and you cannot help but compare the infrastructure to that of Singapore.

    We arrived in Australia in April 2013; it was totally different from Singapore... Weather, cost, accessibility, etc! In the first few months, I had a hard time and was very homesick and was always thinking about Singapore... Pero little by little, - nagka trabaho kami, nakabili ng mga gamit, nakapag kape sa mga hot cafes in Melbourne, nakabili ng lumang sasakyan, etc - I was able to adopt and adjust to life in Melby. Now I am more or less at home... I like the chill and laid back after work lifestyle here...

    Going back to Pinas? Never... Nothing to go back to except our family and probably some very small inheritance from ancestors. :)
    boss TASSBURRFOOT sorry po namisunderstood ko yung nakaraang statement ninyo nakakarelate ako sa inyo haha parehas pala tayo SG...wahhhh

    etong eto mentallity ko...ayoko na bumalik sa atin...except for my littleboy's lolo and lola...apart from it...mas gusto ko mamuhay nang d ko kelangan magpauto at magpaloko sa iba or manguto or mangloko nang iba...or yung standard nang living di na ako babalik...

    SG palang matindi na...ano pa kaya AUS grabe...

    I haven't lost everything except my mind...

  • chollecholle Sydney
    Posts: 403Member
    Joined: Nov 21, 2013
    Awww ang ganda ng thread na 'to :)

    It takes guts but you really need to adhere to the "no turning back" philosophy with every move.

    I can definitely relate to the statement na pag sinabing "uwi na" it means going back to Sg (for now). It took me a while to refer to Sg as home; between the time I moved here in 2011 and when I started calling it "home" last year, I just felt I really didn't know where home was. Mahal natin ang Pilipinas, pero kapag matagal ka nang wala, nawawala na yung koneksyon mo sa lugar, kahit sa ibang mga tao.

    My fiance is different. He's moved 4 times already, 3 different continents, and he says he doesn't get too emotional anymore with every move. There are things you'd love and miss about the places you lived in, but the sooner you establish yourself at your new destination, the less melancholic you get.

    Occupation: Other Spatial Scientist (ANZSCO Code 232214)
    30 Nov 2013 - IELTS Academic R8.5 W8 L8.5 S9 / Overall 8.5
    10 Feb 2014 - Skills Assessment (VETASSESS)
    23 May 2014 - VETASSESS Outcome: Positive
    27 May 2014 - EOI (70 points)
    9 Jun 2014 - Visa invitation received, application lodged (SI189)
    2 Jul 2014 - CO allocation
    6 Aug 2014 - Visa granted (IED 4 Jul 2015)
    11 Oct 2014 - Moved to Sydney
    20 Oct 2014 - Job offer
    29 Oct 2014 - Start of work
    17-26 Dec 2014 - Dog at Sydney quarantine
    24 Dec 2014 - Partner's initial entry (Maligayang Pasko!)
    16 May 2017 - Purchase first property
    17 Oct 2018 - Citizenship application lodged (Council: City of Sydney)
    8 Jul 2019: Test invite
    20 Aug 2019: Test: (originally 20/9/19)
    21 Aug 2019: Citizenship Approved
    31 October 2019: Citizenship Ceremony 🇦🇺

  • vhoythoyvhoythoy Melbourne
    Posts: 1,550Member, Moderator
    Joined: Oct 31, 2012
    edited February 2014
    Ako naman, for almost 5 years na rin in Singapore i still dont find any personal attachment in this Country. Maybe because my family is still in pinas and im living alone here in SG. Home for me is still going back to pinas and be with my family. In our place in makati and when visiting my late grandmother in Laguna.

    Although I have met and go along with a lot of good peoples here not only pinoy but for other nationalities as well. in general, I still find Singapore a stranger place for me. I still find peoples around, in mrt, in malls, in kopitiams, etc. with less emotions and very serious. Laging naguunahan, makasakay ng mrt, hindi malate sa office, makahanap ng upuan sa hawker, makasakay ulit pabalik sa bahay, unahan sa pila sa sale sa malls, etc . Like a never ending routine. But ofcourse medyo nagamay ko na buhay dito dahil na rin sa paglipas ng panahon. Sabi nga ni Red (Morgan Freeman) sa pelikulang Shawnshank Redemption, medyo na "institutionalized" na yata ako.

    There are lots of food choices here in Singapore. But food choices in pinas, for me is walang katulad. From mami pares sa may washington makati, banana q sa tabing daan, magtataho na may matamis na arnibal, gotong batangas, lutong bahay sa karenderia, andoks, maxx fried chicken, razons halo-halo puto and dinuguan, tsitsaron baboy ng dumagete, ambers pichi pichi and pancit luglog, panutsa at peanut brittle ng mamang naglalako, etc.

    The things na ma miss ko talaga or maalala sa SG is the people that i've met here, salary, shopping, and yung mga memorable and crazy things na nagawa namin ng mga nakasama ko dito. Well maybe the "convenience" and orderliness ng bansang to.

    Im still proud in our country and being pinoy, kahit na mukhang hopeless romantic na talaga na umangat sya at magbago ang pamumuhay or mabawasan ang corruptions sa govt in our lifetime. Kahit na siguro babalik nlang ako sa pinas, exclusively for vacations. Yung pagmamahalan sa pamilya, respeto sa matatanda at pagiging madiskarte at mapagpunyagi ay isang kulturang pinoy na sana mamana ng anak ko. Sabi nga ni Jose rizal, ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinang galingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan =). I still don't know what the future may bring. But pinas gave me lots of memories na nakatatak na sa puso at hindi ko makakalimutan in my lifetime.

    ANZSCO 221214 - Internal Auditor
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    "A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed" - Ansel Adams

  • theused_15theused_15 Ota
    Posts: 30Member
    Joined: Feb 02, 2014
    comment lang po...

    Lahat naman po siguro tayo eh maraming negative comments sa Pilipinas, kesyo ganito ganoon, at common kung naririnig sa mga nag aabroad eh icocompare mo kagad ang Pilipinas sa bansa kung nasaan ka man....and tama naman yun for sure, meron lang naman akong konting hindi pag sang ayon sa mga nabasa ko regarding sa pagtira at paglisan sa Pilipinas, and may kanya kanya naman tayong opinyon kung alin yung tama at mali..siguro katulad niyo rin ako na may pangarap na makapag ibang bansa.

    Sa ngayon andito ako sa bayan ng mga Hapon sa loob ng 4 na taon, una mahirap kasi hindi sila marunong magsalita ng english ikaw talaga ang mag aadjust para matutuhan mo yung wika nila at yung environment nila..syempre for me ganon din ang unang naging reaksyon ko paginating dito kinumpara ko kagad ang Pilipinas at Japan. Habang tumatagal ang paglagi ko sa lugar na to maraming mga bagay na natutunan at napag isip isip. at share ko lang mga fellow abrodista..

    Kasi asa ibang bansa tayo at napoprovide naten ang mga pangagailngan ng mga pamilya naten, at nabibili naten ano man ang nais nating mabili. I think don't say na ayaw munang bumalik sa pilipinas kasi kesyo ganito kesyo ganoon. siguro aminin naten sa hindi. hindi naten masasabing successful tayo sa ibang bansa kung hindi tayo marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan naten. isang naging factor nyan eh kung wala ang Pilipinas eh wala din tayo kung asan ka mang panig ng bansa ngyon. Lahat ng pangarap naten eh nagsimula sa Pilipinas masaya man o malungkot nagong parte ito ng ating buhay na maging matatag at matutong lumaban sa hamon ng buhay. kaya nga tayo nakatagal kasi parte ng pagiging pinoy eh yung pagiging matiyaga sa lahat ng bagay. siguro isa ring sakit na mag Pilipino eh yung pagiging mayabang. na nakapag abroad lang kala mo wala nang kilala. na ayaw nang bumalik sa pilipinas kasi kesyo ganito kesyo ganoon. ang masasabi ko lang naman diyan hindi mo maitatago sa kulay at balat mo ang lahing pilipino mo. I am Proud Filipino. sa puso't sa isip.



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  • JCsantosJCsantos Sydney
    Posts: 1,416Member, Moderator
    Joined: Jan 11, 2011
    Kung gusto nyong bumalik sa Pinas just check the news first, mga Politician na binubulsa ang Pondo ng bayan, mga abusadong mayors na akala mo diyos ang tingin sa sarili nila, traffic traffic at traffic ... sasakit ang ulo nyo,,,... walang sistema na pamamalakad ... at mga pulis or mmda na either nangongotong o mga nag papa pogi , mga walang disiplina na driver .. pag galing ka sa abroad ang tingn sa iyo e napaka yaman

    Google for Everything !!!

  • thegreatiam15thegreatiam15 Sydney
    Posts: 799Member
    Joined: Jan 07, 2014
    Kung gusto nyong bumalik sa Pinas just check the news first, mga Politician na binubulsa ang Pondo ng bayan, mga abusadong mayors na akala mo diyos ang tingin sa sarili nila, traffic traffic at traffic ... sasakit ang ulo nyo,,,... walang sistema na pamamalakad ... at mga pulis or mmda na either nangongotong o mga nag papa pogi , mga walang disiplina na driver .. pag galing ka sa abroad ang tingn sa iyo e napaka yaman

    agree...been living in SG for 3 years almost...ganitong ganito papi...paguwe ko minsan ayaw ko na bumalik papaano magulo matrapik parang di ka din lalabas nang bahay pag umuwe ka...eto rin one reason kaya pinili ko self preservation kesa bumalik ako magsuicide (not literally) pero pag bumalik ka para saken is suicide lol

    parents ko nalang at family ko nalang dahilan bakit ako nabalik pero kung pwede pa sana dito SG magdependent matagal ko na ginawa...: )



    I haven't lost everything except my mind...

  • StickyNoteStickyNote Bundoora
    Posts: 159Member
    Joined: Apr 15, 2013
    @vhoythoy, @theused_15 maganda ang mga sinabi nyo. Ano kaya kung isang tao ang Pilipinas at makakapagsalita.

    Malamang ito ang sasabihin ng Pilipinas "Kayong mga Australian citizens, pwede nyo ng sabihin ang lahat ng masama tungkol sa akin, tutal Australian passport na hawak nyo."

    "Kayong mga PR, pwede nyo na simulan ang panlalait nyo sa akin, ilang taon na lang citizen na rin naman kayo ng Australia. Pero hinay-hinay lang. Para naman kung sakaling magkaproblema at di kayo natuloy maging citizen, malugod ko pa din kayo tatanggapin. Pero ok lang kung sa ibang bansa nyo naman gustong mag-PR."

    "Kayong nagpa-plano pa lang mag-migrate, nasaang stage na ba kayo? Kailangan nyo ba ng school records? Meron kayo ng school records dahil siguro naisaayos ko naman ang educational system di ba? Siguro proud ka naman sa diplomang hawak mo. Kailangan nyo ba ng ITR? Kailangan nyo ba ng NSO copy ng birth certificate? At higit sa lahat, nabigyan ko ba kayo ng passport? Lahat naman siguro ng kailangan nyo, meron na kayo di ba? Pwede ko naman siguro sabihin na dahil sa mga institusyon na nandito kung kaya't meron kayo ng mga kailangan nyo. Ilang buwan na lang siguro may PR visa na kayo. Excited ako para sa inyo. Huwag naman sana sobra ang panlalait nyo sa akin. Alam ko hindi ako perpekto. Marami ka nakikitang mali sa akin. Kung pwede nga kitang pigilang umalis, pipigilan kita. Alam ko magaling ka. Magaling na magaling! Malaki ang tiwala ko na malaki ang maitutulong mo sa pagbabago ko. Pero hindi kita pipigilan. Alam ko may pangarap ka na hindi ko maibibigay. Good luck sa iyo!"

    Heto ang huling bilin ng Pilipinas sa iyo PR visa applicant "Pwede mo na rin ako laitin at itakwil kung masama talaga ako sa paningin mo. Ok lang yun sa akin. Pero kung masama ako sa paningin mo, pwede din siguro maging masama ako sa iyo. Ngayong araw na ito, ika-Cancel ko ang passport mo, masama ako di ba? Ewan ko lang kung ma-approve visa mo kung wala kang passport. O kaya naman hintayin ko makalapag ka na sa Australia, saka ko i-cancel passport mo. Kung ayaw mo sa akin, lalo namang ayaw kitang makitang bumalik. Bwahahahaha!"





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    “Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about those who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would most likely be worth it.”
    ― Harvey MacKay

  • JCsantosJCsantos Sydney
    Posts: 1,416Member, Moderator
    Joined: Jan 11, 2011
    I am saying this again if you would like to go back to PH then a BIG GOOD-LUCK!!

    Google for Everything !!!

  • vhoythoyvhoythoy Melbourne
    Posts: 1,550Member, Moderator
    Joined: Oct 31, 2012
    I think its more of how we appreciate the learnings from the blog of Rachel Rae (a girl from Iowa) and how to interpret the word "No Turning Back" whether literally (literal na kakalimutan mo na totally ang pinas, as in everything about the country) or figuratively (figure of speech lang, hindi nman sa ganon).

    Sa atin kasing mga pinoy, in general we still have sense of patriotism or to some extent pinoy pride. Minsan nga yang pinoy pride na yan eh tampulan na ng tukso sa internet kasi lagi nlang may pinoy pride kakasawa na or naiirita na ung iba =).

    In my case, iiwan ko ang pinas very soon, to migrate and look for greener pasture on the other side, because i have options and it my choice at this point of my life. And i believe that best thing to do. For the future of my family and para sa sarili ko na din. For me life is never ending journey, so i wouldn't say na last stop ko na ang Australia. But my pride and respect to our home country will still remain forever. I will look forward sa buhay ko sa Australia. Magbabanat ng buto, makikibagay, mamumuhay na pwedeng maging panghabang buhay na. Pero, hey! once in a while lilingon ako sa pinas at kukumustahin ko sya. Magbabakasyon kapag may pagkakataon at budget =). Muling kakain ng isaw at kwek kwek sa kanto, sasakay sa jeep na siksikan at mausok, etc.. Kasi i know everytime na tatapak ako sa pinas, muling babalik ang mga magagandang alala, kahit sama mo na ang mga pangit, For me, there's no perfect place nor perfect people. But i will always be grateful sa Pinas. Always remind me on my humble beginnings.

    ANZSCO 221214 - Internal Auditor
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    And now...... living the life that i have imagined

    "A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed" - Ansel Adams

  • hard2handlehard2handle Melbourne
    Posts: 233Member
    Joined: Jul 17, 2013
    Yes, unfortunately ibang-iba ang bansa natin. Madaming areas for improvement, very promising kung sana may follow through at ikaw mismo may tiwala sa mga taong nasa posisyon. Ang mahirap din kasi kahit sa Barangay Hall, di mo maasahan yung ibang tao. At yung iba, magaling lang magreklamo wala naman naitutulong talaga.

    Panalo ang visa pero di ko kayang maatim na ikahiya or magyabang against Pinas kahit pa kaasar madalas ang nangyayari.

    Agree with you @StickyNote. Hear, hear @vhoythoy! Thank you for a good read:)
  • hard2handlehard2handle Melbourne
    Posts: 233Member
    Joined: Jul 17, 2013
    Yes, unfortunately ibang-iba ang bansa natin. Madaming areas for improvement, very promising kung sana may follow through at ikaw mismo may tiwala sa mga taong nasa posisyon. Ang mahirap din kasi kahit sa Barangay Hall, di mo maasahan yung ibang tao. At yung iba, magaling lang magreklamo wala naman naitutulong talaga.

    Panalo ang visa pero di ko kayang maatim na ikahiya or magyabang against Pinas kahit pa kaasar madalas ang nangyayari.

    Agree with you @StickyNote. Hear, hear @vhoythoy!
  • thegreatiam15thegreatiam15 Sydney
    Posts: 799Member
    Joined: Jan 07, 2014
    No turning back para saken hindi literal pero comparing both countries in a sense para saken malaki talaga diprensya...

    agree ako minsan nakakaasar na yung "pinoy Pride" makakita nang celeb na half ...labasan lahat nang ganyang term, kahit minsan wala na sa lugar. sabay sa kabilang banda may mga sablay damay ka...lol

    family pa rin natin iniisip natin kaya tayo nagapply for VISA...Pinas maganda para saken kung tamang bakasyon tamang unwind spend time sa parents ko at kumaen nang mga luto nila walang tatalo dito...pero di ko masabing sa pinas na ako magsettle kasi iba din yung pag tumira kana sa ibang lugar for a long time (SG) jumping to another one...medyo may clear vision kana what to expect...also yung premise nang mas maayos buhay ko malamang kesa magstay ako sa pinas.

    pag nauwe nga ako walang katapusang comparison from infrastructures to standard nang living e, though may mga good points pa rin...di ko talaga makaila mas marami yung sablay...

    yung iba kasi...sobrang patriotic pero nagapply nang visa...anlabo nun para saken...naiinis pero binibida sarili...bakit ba tayo nalipat nang bansa?syempre end of the day future nang families natin unless wala kang family to look forward to at journeyman ka lang waiting for something to happen sa buhay nila...eh ipokrito tawag sayo...pag tinatanung ako ano reason ko...di ako nagdadalawang isip sabihin kahit sa kaso ko malayo pa ako atleast may ambisyon ako tingin ko walang masama sa ginagawa ko...

    walang kwenta patriotism pag mamamatay kana kakatrabaho lawit na dila mo tapos pinapanuod mo yung mga taong nagtatake advantage sayo sobrang rangya nang buhay wala ka namang ibang gusto kungdi mapabuti lang anak at asawa mo sa equal na paraan...Pinas bilang isang country maganda no doubt, Pinas being a nation is theoretically sablay...

    interesting at the same time shameful yung minsang nakita ko na debate nang local dito at isang pinoy sa sobrang hambog nya nakipagaway sa local sinabihan siya nang local na "oo na magagaling kayo at matatalino, ayusin nyo muna bansa nyo" para saken isang malaking suntok sa buwan to, balewala credentials mo para ipagyabang kung andito ka naman sa lugar nila. para saken walang sense talaga

    sa buhay kasi ngayon "survival of the fittest" pag di ka nagoverseas laglag ka sa poverty line sa atin unless anak ka nang congressman or mayaman angkan nyo during the ancestral days nyo pa eh wala nang dapat idiscuss dun. eto talaga pinaka hard truth satin.

    ako aminin ko di ko kaya isustain yung anak ko kung nasa pinas ako at nagtiyaga ako sa 20k na sahod at si misis 15k na sahod sigurado malamang kapit parin ako sa magulang ko

    I haven't lost everything except my mind...

  • chollecholle Sydney
    Posts: 403Member
    Joined: Nov 21, 2013
    I will have to disagree slightly on the statement that unless you're overseas you'd be poor back home.

    This is not to brag - I wouldn't say we were poor back home. More than one car, nakatira sa bahay na sa amin, and earning enough to afford certain luxuries. I know a lot of people who are in this situation as well.

    The choice to move was simply a personal decision which was not entirely a financial issue.

    Going back to the article posted by the OP, IMHO yung pinupunto niyan is if you've decided to move, dapat no turning back, no regrets, and enjoy both the good and the bad that comes with it.

    Di ko alam kung saan nanggaling bigla yung diskusyon na porke't masaya kang nakaalis ka ng Pilipinas, hindi mo na mahal ang Pilipinas. Mukhang nasa ibang thread ata yung topic na yun hehe

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