Mommy Fleur

Last year, I discovered Melbourne — my first experience in Australia — and it quickly became one of my favorite cities. I like it so much that I came back 2 more times this year, each visit adding new reasons, places and experiences to justify why I love it there.

One thing that struck me immediately is how homey Melbourne is. It feels like you are being hugged wherever you go. Weird, but that’s how this city makes me feel. Lol! The vibe is incredibly laid back, which was a refreshing change for a Manila girl like me. Parang walang nagmamadali dito. Chill na chill lang.

When I went the first time, I already felt that I want to settle in a place like Melbourne. Have you experienced living in one of their suburbs? Sobra child-friendly! Everywhere you look, there are clean, well-maintained parks and playgrounds — not just one or two, but playgrounds every 200 meters! And the parks are unlike the common ones you see here. They have accessible tree houses, climbable towers, trampolines, water features where kids can actually play and get wet in, really tall slides, different kinds of swings, monkey bars and kung ano ano pa. Akala mo may pa-contest ng pagandahan ng park eh.

The weather in Melbourne was another pleasant surprise. I visited during the tail end of their summer and autumn, and both seasons were comfortable and enjoyable. Sure, it can get cold sometimes but nothing extreme. The locals often mention that summer can get really hot, but honestly, I was lucky every time I went; it never felt overwhelming. Compared to Manila’s tropical heat, feeling ko nasa Baguio ako when I was in Melbourne.

As someone who loves staying active, I liked how easy it is to get around by foot. Melbourne is incredibly walkable. Hindi ka tatamarin maglakad dito, guys. Sarap maglakad lakad everywhere regardless if you’re in the suburbs or in the city. The sidewalks are wide and well-maintained, lined with greenery, and the streets are clean and safe. Public transport is efficient and accessible. Okay ako magcommute dito.

Now, where to go, what to do, what to eat when you’re in Melbourne. Here are some places and experiences that I want to share with you.

Continue reading “Discovering Melbourne: A Home Away From Home”

It’s been a while, guys. I missed blogging so much. After 13 years of doing it, hindi ko maalis sa sistema ko, sa totoo lang. Almost everyday, I imagine myself blogging. There are so many blogposts in my head na sometimes nakakaloka. Every where I look, may pang blog post ako na nakikita. Force of habit, I guess.

Anyway, Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! For the first time in a long while, I can say that without bitterness or pain… and without tearing up. Lol. Tama nga siguro sila. Time heals. People always ask if I think I’ve fully healed from that life-changing event. Honestly, I’m not sure anyone ever feels 100% okay after a marriage breaks down. But what I do know is that I’m so much better now than I was last year. A lot better than two years ago. And a hell of a lot better than three years ago. That’s where I’m at now, and I’m sure of that.

Continue reading “Valentine’s Day 2025 Reflection: From Heartbreak To Healing”

Before the kwento, endorse ko lang my super comfortable exercise shorts. It’s not too short para makitaan and it’s flattering to the figure. You can buy it from HERE. It’s only Php 300. Very sulit its price sa quality. I mean, hindi siya yung timpong will tear while you’re in the middle of exercising.

Moving on, I want to share with you guys why I started exercising.

Continue reading “Why I Started Exercising”

Do you remember that party, guys? That was the surprise party for Anika’s 7th birthday. After her blindfold was taken off, she saw all her cousins, classmates and friends. She couldn’t process her feeling so she cried na lang instead. She was crying while I was carrying her for at least 5 minutes. Grabe. It feels like yesterday lang. Ngayon, 7 years later, I find myself navigating the world of teenagers and I tell you, this is a whole different stage of parenthood! Nakakaloka.

One of the questions I am often asked is how am I raising teenage Anika. Nakikita kasi na we’re close and Anika’s thriving. She’s into sports, has good grades, maayos ang set of friends and malapit kay God. I know it’s a journey, this teenage stage and I’m far from that point where I can be judged if tama ba ang mga ginagawa ko now or not. However, so far, so good kami. Thank you, Lord. This is the reason why I made a segment here called Raising Anika Tips.

Continue reading “Raising Anika Tip #1: Communication”