Category Archives: Travel

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Posted on July 22, 2023 by Topher

Q: In this year’s edition, which national team will you cheer on? Will it be the Matildas or the Filipinas? Topher: This is an intriguing question, as I am a Filipino-Australian of Chinese descent. Will I support my home country, … Continue reading →

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Some Winter Meal Ideas

Posted on July 8, 2023 by Topher

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to eat soup only when you’re feeling under the weather. When preparing meals, knowing the time of year and the day’s conditions are of consequence. This month, July, is traditionally the year’s coldest … Continue reading →

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Father’s Day 2023

Posted on June 18, 2023 by Topher

Sunday, 18 June, will be celebrated as Father’s Day across the archipelago. As mentioned before, this falls on the same day as in the US. Oz, though, commemorates this in September. Voila, below is my Father’s Day poem. He was … Continue reading →

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Weatherman

Posted on April 9, 2023 by Topher

What is your favorite type of weather? This is in response to a post prompt from Jetpack. Most Sydneysiders would pick sunny conditions as their fave. After all, summertime is all of three months. For most of the year, the … Continue reading →

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‘Straight from the Heart’

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Topher

This week’s post will be a bit more personal. I’m going to relate the story of my peerless Ninang, Auntie Oye. I first met her when I was three. Ninang and my late uncle stayed with us as they were … Continue reading →

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The Heat Check

Posted on February 4, 2023 by Topher

Some of you might be wondering about the title. This is a term most commonly associated with basketball. You might suggest that this implies a body temp check or an evaluation of the arena’s mercury. You’re wrong. A heat check … Continue reading →

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Australia Day 2023

Posted on January 29, 2023 by Topher

This Thursday was observed as Australia Day. The date celebrates the coming of the First Fleet into Aussie shores. Though the day falls on a Thursday, it is marked as a national holiday. Call centres of most national and multinational … Continue reading →

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Black Friday 2022

Posted on November 26, 2022 by Topher

25.11.22 Black Friday (BF) is in full swing here in Oz. The tradition, which originated from the US, marks the biggest shopping event in their calendar. This occurs during the weekend after Thanksgiving. Stores are known to significantly reduce their … Continue reading →

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Halloween 2022

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Topher

It’s that time of the year again. The end of October means Halloween. In my auntie’s neighbourhood, houses have evoked the scary theme, garnishing their fences with cobwebs. While not as celebrated here as in the US, the thrill mongers … Continue reading →

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‘True Story’

Posted on August 27, 2022 by Topher

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been a voracious reader. I would get my hands on anything in the library and at home. Even when I was no longer in school, I’d still borrow books. While grappling with … Continue reading →

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