A quarter past what?

I've had a few experiences here in New Zealand that I have started getting comfortable with. But one thing that still confuses me is the way they tell time. Kiwis prefer telling it by halves and quarters.

One time at the office, for example, we set a time for the meeting to be half past 3. Now we all know that that's 3:30, but when you're multitasking, things that you're not accustomed to hearing can get confusing. I almost missed the meeting, actually. Now, when we talk time and it gets to halves and quarters, I repeat the time, this time in the way I am familiar with (so it's three thirty, right?) and note it down. I was worried about getting a bit of a challenge when adapting to new things, I didn't anticipate time to be one of them. Whew!

Chipmunks Children's Playland

This week is start of Term 2 for the kids, and so we decided that Jo-Lo should have some fun time before going back to school.  So off we went to Chipmunks Children's Playland in Tawa, Wellington.

Entrance is $8.00 for a 4-year old kid, but adults are free (you need to have your kid/s with you, of course).  The area is quite huge, with structures resembling obstacle courses featured in Nickelodeon's kid games.

It's not just Jo-Lo who enjoyed the day, even the grown-ups had a lot of fun at Chipmunks.  The huge inflatable slide is a big hit.  We had a go a number of times in there!

Chipmunks is also available for parties.  It would surely be one memorable event for kids and grown-ups alike.

Filipino wins Ethnic Forum Design Competition

Out of 18 entries, Michael Javier's design was chosen to be used for the Ethnic Forum happening on May. Congratulations, Michael! You make us proud.

Related link: Absolutely Positively Wellington's Ethnic Communities page

Filipina stars in Miss Saigon production at Wellington

I am one of the lucky few who was able to watch a Miss Saigon performance. This was in Manila many years ago, a treat from an officemate. It's a wonderful play, and the songs are unforgettable.

Miss Saigon is popular because our very own Lea Salonga also starred in it during its run in London. And this is where Lea claimed worldwide fame as she charmed audiences with her powerful voice.

The show is now in Wellington, and we also have a Filipina to grace the stage. I believe she will perform as Kim!

Jeremiah Cortez is introduced thus in the Miss Saigon website:

Coming from the Philippines, Jeremiah has been a resident of Wellington since 2007. She took classical singing in 2005 at the Academy of Performing Arts in the Philippines and gained much theatrical training through the many productions she was part of. She loves the theatre and has been performing since the age of 13, including high school productions, some of which she also directed. Her first performance in Wellington was with the Wellington Repertory Theatre in Happy as a Sandbag. She has loved Miss Saigon since childhood and is thrilled to be part of this production.

Jeremiah also loves to write short stories and poems.

I wish Jeremiah the best of luck in this latest Miss Saigon production.

Have a meaningful Easter!