“(Wikipedia) ‘An Expatriate (often shortened to Expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country other than that of their citizenship. The word comes from the Latin terms ex (“out of”) and patria (“country, fatherland”).

This blog aims to discover people who are adventurers like me, venturing out in a new place to call home and creating memories. I have previously lived with my parents and siblings in the Saudi Arabia when I was in high school. I have enjoyed and cherished my memories in the beautiful Sandbox I once called my home. Now, I am in a new adventure with my husband and son here in Singapore.

I am featuring Expats in different countries every two weeks to share their experiences and adventures with you and me.

Today, I am featuring a colleague that I respect  and admire so much. Presenting the beautiful and intelligent Veron, an Ilongga like me,  creating new adventures with her family in Canada”

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1. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and where you are originally from?

I love to read, write, and travel. I also have a passion for sports. I was born and raised mostly in Iloilo City, Philippines.

 

2. What made you decide to move to Canada? How long have you been there?

Even before my husband and I got married, we were already planning on immigrating. We wanted to raise our children in what we think is a close to ideal environment. As for me, I also wanted to get away from the scorching heat of the Philippine tropics to a more diverse climate. We’ve now been in Canada close to five years.

 

3. What do you miss about Iloilo?

Family and friends, definitely! Not too far behind is the food. I love that technology has allowed us to communicate at the touch of a button, but I miss being able to hug and be physically with my loved ones. I also miss being able to gorge on fresh and cheap seafood. When I first saw Talaba (Oysters) here, I almost cried because a SINGLE big piece costs as much as whole platter back in Iloilo!

4. What are the wonderful discoveries and things you like about Canada?

I like that people here are so courteous and considerate. Everyday you can witness someone thanking somebody (like a bus driver), saying sorry (even if it wasn’t their fault), or opening and holding doors for somebody else. Also, they have beautiful landscapes and wildlife here that they put a lot of effort into preserving.

5. What are the 3 advices or tips you can give to fellow expats in Canada?

The most practical advices I can give are:

1. Check the weather so you can wear appropriate clothing. (I’ve seen some people wearing winter clothes on a warm spring or summer day).

2. Courtesy goes a long way. Always say please, thank you, sorry, etc.

3. If you need help, ask. You’ll find most people here will go out of their way to assist you.

6. The LITTLE MISS HONEY community gets inspired through travel, food, and books. Can you tell us your current FAVORITE TRAVEL SPOT, current FOOD/RESTAURANT DISCOVERIES and current FAVORITE BOOK?

Favorite travel spot: Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s a beautiful and modern seaport city surrounded by majestic mountains and with gorgeous weather. Jasper, Alberta is a great place to visit, too.

Food/Restaurant Discoveries: Tropika is a great restaurant here in Edmonton for those who want to try a variety of yummy Malaysian, Thai, and Singaporean dishes.

Current Favorite book: I like reading just about anything and everything I can get my hands on. I’ve read some good ones, and entertaining ones lately especially since the library here has a vast collection and membership is free (hurray!), but the latest book I’ve read that has really made an impact is CUTTING FOR STONE by Abraham Verghese.

7. Where do you get your inspirations? Who or what inspires you?

Ever since I became a mother, my world started revolving on my children. So I would say my children inspire me. Anything I consider beautiful, like breathtaking scenery, for example, also inspires me.

 

8. If you have a friend from the Philippines visiting Canada, where will you take him/her first?

West Edmonton Mall is the largest mall in North America, and I imagine any Filipino would want to go shopping there.

9. Tim Horton or Starbucks or Kape Barako?

Tim Horton’s makes delicious and cheap coffee. But I like the option of customizing my drink, because what I want to drink depends on my mood. So it is hands down Starbucks for me. In fact, I am a gold card member. They give me free coffee every now and then and it is awesome! To be honest, I don’t even think I have even tasted Kape Barako because it wasn’t until I got here in Canada that I jumped into the coffee bandwagon. When I was in the Philippines I was more of a milk girl. Lol!

 

10. What do you often do in a very cold winter day?

Bundle up, make sure the heater is on and drink a cuppa coffee or hot chocolate, of course!

11. Lastly, can you share with us what is your inspirational mantra in life?

Winter is coming! Sorry, just had to say that since it is apropos with the weather here. On a more serious note, my motto that I know has always been so congruent with the way I live my life is:

Discover the path, and make your own.

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“Thank you Doc Ve for granting us this interview and sharing with us your stories of Canada.

If you are an expat or know any expats who are interested to be featured, drop me a line at littlemisshoneyblog@gmail.com.”