#laagnitantong

The storm in Manila was merciless — torrential rains flooded the streets, and transportation to the airport became impossible. I missed the check in time; my flight to Lombok slipped away, leaving Anneth and Tita Cleo to continue without me. What felt like loss soon became a redirection: I booked a new flight straight to Perth . What was once a five‑day plan stretched into a full week, a journey of resilience and rediscovery. Perth Skyline from Elizabeth Quay Arrival in Perth At 2 PM, I touched down in Australia's southwesternmost city. The winter air was crisp, carrying both chill and promise. I checked into Kangaroo Inn , then wandered the streets to acquaint myself with Perth's quiet rhythm — a city that felt both expansive and intimate. The War Memorial at the Kings Park City Walks The following morning led me to Elizabeth Quay , where the Swan River shimmered beneath the skyline. From there, I walked to Kings Park , its vast greenery offering sweeping views of the city. T...

Filipino bayanihan —that timeless spirit of community and solidarity—remains alive and unbroken, no matter where in the world we find ourselves. Even in distant islands, far from the bustling streets of Manila or the crowded markets of Cebu, the heartbeat of Filipino camaraderie echoes strong. Papua New Guinea is home to thousands of Filipinos, especially in the capital city of Port Moresby. But here in Buka Island, in the heart of Bougainville, we are only a handful—nine souls, to be exact. Yet, in that small number lies a mighty force. Every Sunday, without fail, we gather, and what might seem like a modest get-together transforms into a grand celebration of identity, resilience, and joy. 🎶 Sundays in Buka Our sanctuary is the Fr. Beggs Conference Center, a humble yet welcoming space owned and operated by the Diocese of Bougainville. Within its walls, laughter reverberates, pots simmer with the aroma of sinugba, and the clinking of glasses signals another toast to friendship. Cookin...

My birthday wish came true — a memorable junket through Australia . Welcome to Brisbane at wintertime Having exhausted my 60‑day maximum entry in Papua New Guinea , I needed to exit briefly before restarting the count. With unfinished business in AROB, PNG , I knew I’d be re‑entering the country a few more times before my business visa expired. This time, instead of flying home, I requested a 10‑day trip via Brisbane, Australia . My company approved the plan and provided free round‑trip tickets; the rest was on me. Arrival and First Impressions My Air Niugini flight departed Port Moresby at 10 a.m. and landed in Brisbane around 2:30 p.m. I followed my pre‑planned route: train to Fortitude Valley , then a short walk to BUNK Brisbane , my home base for the week. At Central Station & ANZAC Memorial Park After checking in, I ticked off my first to‑do — a $50 haircut at a nearby barbershop serviced by a Filipino halfie. With the crisp winter air energizing me, I wandered through Brisba...