My Tito and Tita based in US of which I was only reunited for less than an hour back in Pinas sent me this wonderful message. Can’t help but get misty-eyed….because I am obviously overjoyed.

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Hi Karen and Chuck,
Kumusta!
Upon reading your posts and messages it seems that you are undecided of where to settle down. I know this is an unsolicited advise, if you will, but after meeting your family last re-union, all grown up and raising a young family, I felt compelled to share with you a bit of what I think and feel to help you out with your decision. Maybe it’s that Magdoza blood.

I’ve never been to Australia but certainly I’ve heard a lot of good things about that country from our cousins who live there. Do you know of the Magdoza clan living in Sydney and Queensland? They are the Bothers and Sisters, Nieces and Nephews of Judge Pablo Magdoza and Fr. Kiking (children of Iyo Gorio and Nang Nene of Maribojoc).

I believe you have already done your research but then maybe not. So I am giving you a glimpse of life in Ausie through the eyes of our cuzns why they like it there. First off: Once a citizen, you can sponsor your entire family (including nieces and nephews) immigrate there or even just to visit - it’s easy to get a visa. Luz (your Tita Lurline’s classmate in Nursing school) was the first to go there by virtue of her marriage to an Ausie. She sponsored four of her bros and sis and some nieces and nephews easily. Her Pinas based families visit them often.
Second: As an Australian resident, the gov’t will help you buy your own house. There is a gov’t program where it will give you money for your downpayment.
Third: Schooling is not a problem financially through college as long as you are enrolled in a State University. And they have world renowned schools. Mark (Luz’s son) graduated from college free of tuition. In fact Luz told us that the Uni will even give the students (or some) a stipend just to stay in school. Great incentive - no school loans to pay afterwards. Luz and Wayne travel all over the world now and visit Pinas often. They were here with us recently and are planning to come back next yr.
Fourth: Socialized medicine therefore medical care is accessible to everyone. Of course you have the option to get a private insurance but why bother when it’s otherwise free?!
Fifth: If you have a knack for business - great. The gov’t will help you put up your business. Nonoy, Neneng and Dell’s families each have growing businesses.
Sixth: Australia is a beautiful country and you can attest to that having been there. My family hopes to visit there soon.

Well, there were times your Tita Lurline and I questioned the decision we made long time ago of settling in the USA. Now, there is no denying that we love America and grateful of what it afforded us to live the way we do. We do not regret it. In our time we did not have much choice - USA was IT - not Middle East, not Australia, not Canada, not Singapore or anywhere else, so it was a no-brainer decision. Technology was in its infancy then- the world was big and wide - today, it truly is a small world after all. Today in your time, you have so many choices that it can get confusing. Therefore, use technology to your advantage. All you have to do is open your eyes and mind wider to all opportunities and choices out there in the world through your fingertips - research. And, to make an informed decision based in your research the most important thing to do is FIRST IDENTIFY AND UNDERSTAND what your PRIORITIES are as a family.

We have not been to Singapore either and we do not know of anybody who live there except you. You have lived there for a while, then ask yourselves: What is there in Singapore that you love dearly that would really keep you from leaving. What is that ’something’ in Singapore that in the future you think your family can’t live without? What about Australia, will it be able to meet our needs and plans for the future? What does it offer that Sinagapore can’t for a better tomorrow for our family? In the end though, wherever you settle down, it all comes down to what is the best for your family.
Good Luck.

I hope this helps. You all take care and God bless you. Kisses to Chy.
Tito King and Tita Lurline