Category Archives: Travel

Kylo

Posted on January 10, 2026 by Topher

It’s not his real name but it’s close enough. I met him at Saturday class years ago, where the teacher remarked that ‘he seems like a really cool guy’. He was one of the few whites taking this course. We … Continue reading →

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The Beach or the Bundok

Posted on November 22, 2025 by Topher

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why? I had the luxury of trying both seaside and hillside living. For your information, I resided on a hill and grew up there. We got the home when I was in grade … Continue reading →

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The Brightest Day

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Topher

Today, 21 December, marks the summer solstice. For the uninitiated, the latter is the southern hemisphere’s longest day. This usually occurs in late December. Representing the peak, daylight is lengthiest. In Sydney, that means fourteen hours and twenty five minutes … Continue reading →

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‘The Replacements’

Posted on October 12, 2024 by Topher

List the locales you will consider to escape the cost of living crisis in Australia. We live in a dog-eat-dog world. Bite or get bitten. Prices in the Great Southern Land are on the rise. This trend will continue. Interest … Continue reading →

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Fairfield, NSW: A Jaunt to the Boondocks

Posted on June 1, 2024 by Topher

Recently, we visited my aunt. For a long while, she has called Fairfield home. Prior to this, she lived with my family in Strathfield. She loves buying fruit, raving about their basement pricing. Her two favourite produce stores are Fruit … Continue reading →

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The Prometheus Way

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Topher

What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in? There are a few aspects of Filo culture that I regard highly. Bringing pasalubong is at the top of the table. For the uninitiated, this refers … Continue reading →

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Once Upon a Time in Hornsby, NSW

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Topher

Many moons ago, we lived in Hornsby, Sydney’s upper North Shore axis. The place is the next nexus after Chatswood, ten train stops away. To paraphrase Up’s Elle, it’s like the CBD, but north. My experiences inspired me to write … Continue reading →

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Boxing Day Blitz: Birkenhead Point

Posted on December 30, 2023 by Topher

Last Tuesday, 26 December, was circled red on many Sydneysiders’ calendar. The day, along with Christmas, is observed as a public holiday in Australia. The annual Boxing Day bonanza kicked off as early as 7am in the city. For the … Continue reading →

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Through The Years: Sakuragi’s All-NBA

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Topher

This Yuletide, we reconcile the fictional Slam Dunk character with his NBA counterparts. In high school, among my peers, the anime production was the biggest hit. In the past, I’ve sketched the series’s main roles. Hanamichi is the star of … Continue reading →

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The Spring Verses

Posted on October 22, 2023 by Topher

What is your favorite season of year? Why? Australia and New Zealand have four seasons. Indonesia may only be a few hours away, but that distance makes all the difference. Further north, the state of Queensland enjoys a much hotter … Continue reading →

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