Blog
watson
http://www.nickballesteros.com/
A blog on the life and times of living in Aotearoa New Zealand and reminiscing about life back in the Philippines.
50 articles
Free movie: Grave of the Fireflies
From watson, 3 weeks ago, Read 0 times. Similar articles
The Japan Information and Cultural Centre provides monthly screening of Japanese movies. For July, it's Grave of the Fireflies.
Contrary to most Studio Ghibli films which exude warmth, childhood joys, fantasy and imagination, Grave of the Fireflies tells a story of anguish and suffering during World War II. Two orphans' lives take centre stage as they try to cope with the tribulations of war.
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New Zealand job vacancies websites
From watson, 1 month ago, Read 0 times. Similar articles
I occasionally get inquiries from people asking where would be the best place to search for jobs online, what is the job market like for their field of specialization, and other employment-related concerns.
I would always say that the best way is to visit the New Zealand immigration website (www.immigration.govt.nz)and check out their LTSSL (Long Term Skills Shortage List) and STSSL (Short Term
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Happy 5th birthday, Jo-Lo!
From watson, 1 month ago, Read 0 times. Similar articles
Here in New Zealand, children's parties are exactly that: children's parties. Adults are not expected to attend. The parents would just drop off the kids and pick them up at the designated "party over" time.
But Jo-Lo's 5th birthday party (last 18 June) was celebrated Filipino-style. Parents and siblings were welcome! One thing that Filipinos have adapted here though, is to bring along a
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BEWARE: Gmail use confirmation
From watson, 1 month ago, Read 0 times. Similar articles
There's an email circulating within GMail asking for your personal details if you'd like to continue using Gmail. Needless to say, don't send your details!
To see the sender's email address (in case you don't know it yet): I encircled "hide details". This originally displays as "show details".
Don't they have anything better to do'
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My Fabulous Final Fantasy Finding
From watson, 1 month ago, Read 0 times. Similar articles
So we were in town last weekend doing our regular grocery and were shopping around for some good deals. After an hour or so, we were already waiting by the exit for a friend to finish up with nothing much to show for our shopping time, when I spotted a shelf of DVDs and music CDs heavily marked down and waiting for a good home to accept them. And what did I find amongst the pile' A Final
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Please don't jump
From watson, 1 month ago, Read 0 times. Similar articles
This week's PostSecret contains a postcard that has triggered a strong response from people all over the world.
The postcard read:
I have lived in San Francisco since I was young.
I am illegal.
I am not wanted here
I don't belong anywhere
This summer I plan to jump off the Golden Gate.
As someone in a new country trying to fit in, I empathize with this person. Please don't jump!
* Join the
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Cheers! (um...where's the beer')
From watson, 1 month ago, Read 0 times. Similar articles
After being here in Wellington, New Zealand for almost two years now (how time flies!) I think that my understanding of their accent has improved a bit. I can carry on a decent conversation, although this is mostly in a business / office atmosphere. I still find my mind floating off into space when they go into animated, casual conversation and they speak so fast I can hardly follow.
Inspite of
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For Filipinos seeking assistance in Wellington
From watson, 1 month ago, Read 0 times. Similar articles
Filipino migrants were hardest hit in the recession here in New Zealand, when jobs became scarce and Filipinos who entered the country under the Work to Residence scheme found it very difficult to land a job that can earn them Permanent Residency. Changes in the skilled job category also became a challenge for Filipinos who have been in the country for a number of years to find their work visa
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Subscribe to Manila Bulletin e-paper for free
From watson, 1 month ago, Read 1 times. Similar articles
I mentioned in a previous post months ago that the Wellington City Libraries is providing access to a number of electronic newspapers worldwide which includes a couple from our own country. However you need a Library card in order to access these.
Well, here's another way for you to get your Philippine news fix. Manila Bulletin is offering its e-paper version for free! This is different from
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Stamps evolved
From watson, 2 month ago, Read 0 times. Similar articles
If there was one thing I missed doing back in the Philippines that I rediscovered here in New Zealand, it's the visit to the Post Office. Or the Post Shop, as they call it here. Post Offices hold a certain anticipation for me as I either send off a letter or package, all the while imagining how it will travel across oceans and how it will bring a smile to the recipient. There's a sort of
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