Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye

August 19, 2012 --- This is one of our bravest experience as a couple. Alright, I'm not really an acrophobic or which is better known as a person with fear of heights. I know how fearful for Johnson to climb 268 ft above the ground to simply join me in this undertaking. I commend him for being such a good sport even if he was nervous the whole time. Let me brag a bit, I'm such a lucky girl to find someone who conquers his fear and set it aside, just to make me happy. I know I can be happy with myself alone but I'm happier to have you around my baby. *yeeeeee, cheesssssyyy!!!!***  

On a serious note, Sydney Tower Eye is twice the height of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Without exaggeration, the aerial view of the city is truly breathtaking. You will be able to see the Bondi beach, Manly, Olympic Park, Port Denison and so forth.  

Here are some general information about Sydney Tower Eye.

*** It is the 2nd tallest building in Australia.
*** It has 3 elevators which take only 40 seconds to go up and down.
*** Each glass platform can carry about 400 kg.

We were lucky that our tour guide was knowledgeable about Sydney. She gave us a bit of history for some remarkable attractions and nonetheless, injecting humour in between to make it more fun. We totally enjoyed it together with other tourists. What an adventure!!!!

Jump! Jump! Jump! 

 Beautiful city view 

Soaring up the sky

~*~manelle~*~

Adults in the Amazing World of Kids

One of the best places in the world is TIMEZONE. Young or old will end up smiling after they visited here. You will see a dad being dragged by a pre-schooler to try the Stomp a Spider game. There is a mother who enjoys more than her 3-year-old daughter in hitting the crocodiles' head. Groups of "cool" teenagers also come to compete with each other in Daytona, Mini-basketball, Air hockey and so forth. 

Let me give you a back story why Timezone will be my forever love.

Since I was a kiddo, I dream of maintaining my bubbly and quirky personality even if I have grey hairs. I often tell my mom that I will still enjoy the playground with my grandchildren and wear fashionable clothes even at the age of 60. My mom who was born at "Maria Clara's time" totally opposed with my plan. She said that playing is only suitable for kids and adults should let go of that childish behaviour. I insisted that I am not childish, I am child-like. That I am mature with my age but I don't want to lose my enthusiasm like a child. *giving explanation with hand gestures and distended jugular veins* My mom always scolded me for not acting like a demure woman. Whaaaatttt???? *eyebrows meeting together with pouting lips* Well, I always rationalise that our age gap (28 years) probably contributed to our disagreements at times. She tried very hard, like VERY hard, of making me lady-like but I guess she was a bit disappointed. I may not be very feminine like she dreamt of but definitely my mom was successful to make sure that I act appropriately when the situation calls for it.  

My mom will tell her friends that I am very stubborn but surprisingly I make good results out of my decisions. One of her friends said, "Your daughter knows what she wants and she knows how to work hard for it." Since then, my mom changed her ways of dealing with me. I guess she thought it is hopeless to impose something on me that I will definitely disobey. *hand fist with a big YES*

I noticed that when I'm angry and depressed, I indulge on my favourite games e.g. puzzles, hangman, pacman, fishing, and my all-time favourite doll house. I find it difficult to express verbally to a person what's on my mind. That's why when I was in Uni and even when I was already working, if I have a bad day, I spend few hours in Timezone by myself. I will play most of the games but the highlight is BOXING. I let go all of my negative feelings to a punching bag then a big sigh for relief. This has been my coping for 6 years since I don't verbally express my feelings. 

Because of the immense joy I experienced in Timezone, I eventually shared it to my younger bro. Then without knowing it, my father came into the picture and later on we were able to convince my mother. Timezone has become a family place for us in which we enjoy competitive games (though we cheat at times just to win..haha!). 

my parents took Daytona so seriously --- check their faces...LOL

 My baby getting ready for the game

 My rockstar

Top: Left (mine) Right (my baby)

Bottom: Left (my baby) Right (mine)

He was surprised that I can play basketball well. I said I want to give it a try then when the results came out, he was in big awe....hahaha 

To everyone, to experience new things with your loved ones is worth it. You will always have a beautiful event to reminisce down the memory lane. It is not just the experience but the quality time you spent together. I am fortunate that my mom instilled the value of time on me. I will forever hold it in my heart and pass it to my future children.

~*~manelle~*~  

Christmas Dinner

This is an overdue post but I still want to publish it because I'm being sentimental at this moment. Hmmmpfff!!!!  *teary eyed* Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. This is the time I always look forward because it seems that everything is surreal. Why? Because I find it amusing to see everybody smiling and sharing the so-called thing "LOVE". It is my family's tradition to celebrate the Christmas Eve Mass and then head for Christmas Dinner. Most of the time, our relatives come to our place to join us. It is always a riot seeing my cousins, niece and nephews around. Everybody will be delightful to share the updates about themselves within the year....oopss, I stand corrected, it is our parents who are very eager to divulge information about our mini achievements in school, career and who will ever forget the most-heated discussion on LOVE LIFE. Almost everybody will give their opinions about each others' love life, however, one or two will always say: "Let them choose and Let them take the consequences". And that line always comes from my father....hahaha However, if my uncles will ask my father, "How about Marinelle?" My father will candidly reply, "She is focus on her career. Let her be single." Hahahaha Now you see how my father can become emotional about me having a relationship....hahaha I love you, Pads.

Anyway, last Christmas I took an effort to prepare a dinner for two *cough* a 3-course-meal. Yes, I am becoming domesticated now coupled still with my hopeless romantic giddy look. Haha! My Christmas celebration might be different since I live in Australia but I will never forget to give honour to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

~*~manelle~*~

How Sweet it is to be Loved by YOU!

He came to visit me after the PM shift and handed me a stalk of red rose. It may seem to be a simple gesture of love but I find it extraordinary. I love you, Baby!

APIA International

One of the things in my bucket list is TENNIS. To play tennis and to watch a live match with the world's best players. I had a previous post about the Hopman's Hyundai Cup in which I had my first encounter with Andrew Murray and Novak Djokovic. When I transferred here in Sydney, I am blessed that APIA International takes place here. 

In January 2012, I braved my way to Sydney Olympic Park - Ken Rosewall Arena. I took the public transport and had a bit of a walk using my iPhone App-Google Maps to make sure I won't get lost elsewhere. Doing things on my own isn't new to me. I can go watch a movie by myself or enjoy a glass of cocktail in a hotel on my own. 

Seriously, I do not have a clue for the players who are going to play that night. I was just praying so hard that I will have the best known players and a good match to enjoy. With all the divine intervention and I guess I have been a good girl that week, I witnessed two matches: Kvitova VS Radwanska and Wozniacki VS Azarenka. I just can't believe it that I am about to watch these great women in the world of tennis. Dude, they are on the Top 10 list. Though I am still hoping that someday I will be able to bump with Sharapova. Ooopss!! She is not my personal favourite but for the love of my sibling, she is my younger brotha's crush. I will be courageous enough to approach her and get an autograph or a picture with her.

So here are some photos in APIA 2012:

Welcoming Banner through the wooden bridge

 Petra Kvitova World's No. 8

 Victoria Azarenka World's No. 1

 Caroline Wozniacki World's No. 10

Agnieszka Radwanska World's No. 4

Let's fast forward....January 10, 2013. This is a remarkable day because I have a date watching the Men's Quarterfinals. God is so good that he gave me a man who also loves tennis. I guess he is blushing right now *pop* My big baby Johnson will be watching for the first a live match here in Sydney. He was too busy with his academic achievements and work that he wasn't able to think about watching a live tennis match. 

 This is a result if you force your boyfriend to have a photo...haha!

 Few minutes before the match started

 Jarkko Nieminen World's No. 41 VS Bernard Tomic World's No. 52

Tomic in action

I'm crossing my fingers that next year I will finally watch Australian Open. I will save a huge amount to watch it live and be secured for a good match. Cheers to all tennis enthusiasts!!!!

~*~manelle~*~

Christmas Card from Alice

The Day I Met the Rajasingam

When I was about to move to Sydney, I needed help to look for accommodation. It was not easy browsing the internet and making calls to make sure I have a place to stay when I arrive in Sydney. Luckily, my good friend Shad has relatives to help me out. When he told me he gave my number, I was so nervous. He knew that I'm damn shy to people I barely known. Finally, I received a phone call from Tita Roslyn then we discussed what specific things I need when I move in. To cut the story short, I moved to Sydney last November 2011 and found a place in Kingsford. So, Tita Ros contacted me again to check my condition and to invite me to attend the CFC Christmas Party. 

The day that I will finally meet them, I was literally shaking and trembling. I was practising my greetings and my gestures because I don't want to embarrassed my friend who introduced me to them. Dude, this day was more nerve-wracking than my IELTS exam. (Duh!!! There are other reasons that I can not divulge in this blog) 

So the time has come. Clad in her red polo shirt, navy blue jeans and rubber shoes, she said, "Are you Marinelle?" All I can do was to give a nod, a handshake and a smile. She ushered me to their car and there I met Tito Raj, Raffy and Roque. I was trying to be at ease and to be casual but i couldn't help it clenching my fist to release my tension. 

Tita Roslyn's company has always been fun. She me tease me unceasingly but we always ended up laughing with each other. I feel comfortable easily with her, to the point that I share some personal stuff about myself. The two boys are sweet and full of vitality. They remind me how beautiful it is to be carefree and to be young. Tito Raj is a living image of a gentleman. So let me say that the Rajasingam is not difficult to be loved. They are very accommodating and oozing with kindness.

On the other hand, we reached the park to celebrate Christmas. Indeed, it was a Happy Christmas in 2011.

In this park, we played Amazing Race and other parlour games.

With Tita Roslyn

Roque and Raffy

The Filo Santa giving out the gifts

~*~manelle~*~

My endearing love for Pablo Picasso

I love art exhibits. I just so love it. Probably, the underlying reason is that I am not gifted with magical hands to combine colours or to make a single shape into an amazing artwork. This explains my admiration to Picasso, Rembrandt, Dali and of course Amorsolo. 

Last January 2012, I was fortunate to visit the Picasso Exhibit at the Art Gallery of NSW. It was an invitation of my BFF's brother and sister-in-law, Koya Mj and Debbie. Furthermore, Debbie's mom, Tita Lourdes joined us too. Tita Lourdes is such a blessing in disguise. She gave us insights and story behind Picasso's artwork. She was our walking-audio-encyclopaedia, isn't it cool, ey? 

Picasso's artwork is known to be cubism. Another fascinating thing about his work is that it is very sensual. Perhaps, I am not that acquainted with his life story that may explain it. 

Debbie and Tita Lourdes

Tita Lourdes

Chillin' at the Opera Bar

Strolling around Royal Botanic Garden

~*~manelle~*~

Don't Judge --- I'm a Fan

I'm a fanatic! Seriously I am. But I just don't admit it when I was younger because my friends will definitely tease me. I have different groups of friends from different backgrounds. Due to peer pressure from my smart and wealthy friends, even if I have butterflies in my stomach seeing a celebrity crush I have to contain it within myself because it will destroy our "sophisticated image".  Ooooopsss, don't mistaken me as a social climber. They are aware that I'm part within the poverty line family. So they know that I only buy what I need and what I can afford. I'm frugal in terms of money so most of the time I always tell them my budget. hahaha Luckily, they never belittle me because of my societal status. However, they are just against people who treats celebrity like a god. They said you can admire or be inspired but never go head over heels like a cheap stalker-ridiculous wannabe of a celebrity. They are humans like us so always maintain composure and observe the right etiquette. WELL NOTED! CHECK!

To cut the story short, in the first week of January (thanks to Twitter) this year, I saw the tweet from no other less than Mr. Jim Paredes announcing that he is selling his own album - Laro and take note he is in their house in Sydney. How cool is that dude? Of course, it is a question between -- it is now or never? But I was apprehensive of --- "How about my precious image? (duh!!! whatevah!!! precious precious ka dyan...magtigil ka...illusyonada ...hahaha) So I contacted him through his email account and I gave my mobile number. And *drum roll* he sent an SMS. I felt an overwhelming elation. I couldn't stop reading his message over and over and over again. You know what he message me, "Hi Marinelle, what do you prefer to send it through post or you can pick it up in my house?" I was literally squeezing my pillow because I couldn't believe a celebrity is texting me. Dude and dudettes, obviously I want to meet him in person. I grew up with APO music in which he is a member and I don't want to let this chance to slip away. 

Last January 18, 2012, with all courage Ate Maria and I went to his house in Greenmeadows. It was 1 1/2 hours from my place but I simply don't care. hahaha We pressed the door bell and **ding dong**, "Hi!", it was a woman (his wife). I shyly responded, "Good morning! We have an appointment with Sir Jim about the CD." Then his wife ushered us towards their living room to wait. Then 5..4...3...2...1, a manly voice said "Hi! Ano nga ulit name nyo?" **starstruck mode, lunok laway** Then we introduced ourselves. Eureka...he remembered my name. We stayed in his place for about 15 minutes with a bit of a chat. He was very accommodating and he never runs out of what to say. Galing ng charisma!!! Panalo chong!!!!!

So let me share my pix with the Legend -- Jim Paredes.

 di masyadong obvious na kinikilig --- sya!!! hahaha

abot tengang ngiti --- 5 seconds of fame ;)

~*~manelle~*~

Chillin' at Lake Monger

It was one of the many ordinary afternoons when my dearest Paowee invited me go somewhere. When I asked him where is our destination, he casually replied, "Surprise! Basta...pag-ilis na dira!" Just split of a second, I'm all ready. 

Lake Monger is found in Leederville, WA. It has a beautiful landscape with various flora and fauna. Most locals come here for jogging, picnic and strolling. So check this out:

 The view of South Perth

I'm so in love with the greens ;)

The serenity of the place is a perfect place for relaxation. 

 Paowee strutting his America's Next Top Model pose

Bridge, wharf, dock and the like will always remind me of any romantic movies ;)

~*~manelle~*~

For the Love of Ice Cream

Everybody loves ice cream. Hardly you will find someone who has a distaste against ice cream. This is one of the top favourite refreshments especially during the summer season. Summer won't be complete without eating either a cone or a cup of ice cream. In this entry, let me share to you the story behind my fascination towards ice cream.

One afternoon when social networking site was not yet known, I was peacefully taking my nap in the lanai of my aunt's place. When all of a sudden, my lost and grumpy friend tried with all his might to wake me up. Let's call him -- PEPOPE. Then he said with a troubled aura, "Hey, get up and get dressed. We are eating ice cream. Hurry!" At the back of my mind I said, "Dude, I'm still in Everland with my Peter Pan and then you spoiled my fantasy".  Honestly, I would like to give him a Manny Pacquiao's punch for cutting off my dream. Nonetheless, for the sake of friendship, I granted the favour he asked. He took me to a convenience store and asked me to pick an ice cream. Without second thought, I picked the yummy Drumstick while he had the Magnolia Pinipig Crunch. So we head back home while enjoying our ice cream he began to say, "When you have problems next time, simply eat an ice cream to cool you down then you will be ok." I thought his statement was totally eccentric at that time, however, when I was in Uni every time I am under stressful situation I find myself walking towards Julie's Bakeshop, Ice Castle or Dessert Factory to buy ice cream. Since then, eating ice cream became my non-pharmacological treatment against anxiety and depression. So I called it ICE CREAM Therapy.

~*~manelle~*~

Bucket List: JETBOAT THRILL

             Dragged Ate Maria to join me in this jet boat ride at Circular Quay. Dressed in our purple ponchos, our adrenaline started to kick in when we sat in the jet boat while listening to the instructions. Luckily, our seat was in the front that gave us more thrills for 30 minutes. On the other hand, it is not only the ride that makes it exciting but the chance also to do sightseeing of Watson's Bay, Ruschcutter's Bay, and Double Bay. The jet boat operator was excellent in adding humour while doing his work. He also gave us signals if he is going to spin, power stop, hop and slide. We were given second shower when the jet boat do the power stop. Water started to splash to us but we couldn't help but laugh at each other. You can smell the salty and yucky sea water of the harbour. I highly recommend that you try this wonderful experience.

Celebrating Friendship in Happy Land

I have tons of overdue posts because of two things: (1) I forgot the password of my hotmail account and (2) LAZINESS. The latter is the most obvious reason I would say. Anyway, let me make up for those months I didn't post anything. So, let me share to you my fun-loving adventure with my dearest Paowee.

It was a long planning before this trip happened. We were considering our availability (he lives west coast while I'm in east coast) and our MOhNey. However, our eagerness and restless soul are very keen to push through the trip no matter what it takes (naks!) Finally, March 2012 (for 4 days) we explored the lovely place of GOLD COAST.

We stayed in the 23rd floor of Crowne Plaza (yikes...*boasting!!!*haha) that overlooks the beach and the surrounding suburbs. We felt that we are the children of business tycoons who can afford to finance this luxurious trip (*ehem*).

The view from our hotel room....Undoubtedly serene!

 Paowee mesmerise by the hotel swimming pool

 Because we are "adventurous", we decided to use public transport to go in every destination. Thanks to WWW for guiding us throughout the trip.

Our first stop was SEA WORLD. This is a 3 in 1 place -- marine mammal park, oceanarium and theme park. We enjoyed watching the jet ski hunks in their exhibitions. Nothing compares to the heartwarming dolphin show. And lastly, we ventured into the rides of the theme park. We are confirmed cowards but we tried to prove that in the deepest of our heart is brave warrior...haha!

The photo in the left side shows the way we conquer the pressures of other riders giving us...haha







For the love of SEAFOOD Basket with chips ;) 

This is INFINITY. It is a maze with futuristic themes, music and illusions. Each part of the maze will give you a different experience. The crew said that it will only take 20 minutes to go around but it took us 30-45 minutes before we could go out. There was a part that I couldn't help but scream like in a horror-suspense-thriller movie. I even shouted "Please tell them to stop, Paowee. Please. Please. Let's go out now." Then after a while, we both ended laughing at our experience.

The second stop: MOVIEWORLD. A place to meet the Warner Bros. characters.

Strolling the beach of Gold Coast. Walking distance from our hotel.











Third stop: WET n' WILD WATERWORLD. Water park with lots of rides and the exciting wave pool.

One of the highlights of this trip is our dinner date at Hilton Hotel. This is not the dinner that I will likely to have every month but it is good to experience First Class service once in my life. 

We enjoyed the trip so much. Until the next destination: Adelaide, Australia. Will post next time ;)

~*~manelle~*~