Sydney Living; Moving Places, November 2022

                   

Moving to a New Location in Sydney

        I recently moved to a new location in Sydney. I used to live on Harris Street in Pyrmont, but now I reside at 300 Palmer Street, Darlinghurst. It was a necessary move, and I’ll share more about the story behind it soon.

The new establishment was the second place I inspected. I initially wanted something a bit larger and closer to the harbor, but time was of the essence, and the location was great—10/10 if I may say so myself.

Given that I needed to leave my old place due to a personal tragedy, my mental stability was at stake. In such situations, you must make decisions that, while not perfect, are still viable. Moreover, finding a place to live in Australia is challenging. Many struggle for months, sometimes up to six, to find a suitable place. However, I believe some people prioritize standards over practicality.

I had to pack all my belongings, which included three months' worth of items accumulated since moving to a new country, my electronic bike (used for my second job), and a few household items.

Here's a photo of me packing two weeks after the "tragic" event. These are all my possessions:

These are the belongings I brought outside while waiting for a cab. It took about 40 minutes for the cab to arrive, as they don’t like carrying too much:

I booked the cab around 3 PM, with help from someone I wasn’t keen on accepting help from (more on that in another article). We moved everything to the new place.

The new place has a shared bathroom and kitchen. My room includes a side table, work table, fridge, queen bed, and a carpet in 5/10 condition. The place reminds me of my boarding house back in Cebu, Philippines, evoking the same feel, environment, and overall condition—5/10.

Constant cleaning and attention are necessary. The place is like a hostel, with people from diverse backgrounds. We have our own spaces, and our rooms are numbered.

Here are some Photos rom Entrance to Outside My room:

This is Just right outside my Door,  a common area, a bathroom beside it and a kitchen:

Quick Video of the Outside common Area:

You can see here, my Room door #7, The common table, some lockers and the kitchen:

Now we Enter the small space which is now My home:

It’s a decent space for the time being. I have it all to myself and pay $275 a week. They say this is pretty cheap for 2023 rates in the city.

Chill For now:

The Location: 10/10

I’ve rated the location 10/10 because you won’t believe what comes next. I live in Darlinghurst, a detour from Oxford Street. Oxford Street is known for its inclusive environment and accepting all types of life, but it also has a lot to offer.

I’m close to the Australian Museum, which showcases 90% natural history. From dinosaurs and Australian wildlife to whale bones, gemstones, sea creatures, tribal masks, and even a T. rex carcass with digested body parts.

Next, I’m near Hyde Park—a beautiful spot for jogging, skating, meditating, running, exercising, crying, praying, enjoying nature, and even product photography.

Then there’s St. Mary’s Cathedral, a great place to connect with the Lord, pray, share, and appreciate its architectural beauty.Other perks include nearby grocery stores and small shops like thrift stores, budget groceries, food shops, coffee shops, and more.

The best perk is the 333 bus, which takes me to Bondi Beach in 40 minutes. I can surf my heart out, and Bondi offers coastal walks, free gyms, a skate park, and a good running trail. Need I say more?

Some views of Bondi Beach:

This is a Typical view of the coastal walk in Bondi beach:

One more Jackpot:

 After moving, I applied for a job with properties around Australia. After sending them my profile, they scheduled an interview, and I got hired. The job is a 30-minute walk from my place.

THE UNIVERSE PROVIDES, IF YOU ASK. 

So, there it is—a place that’s 5/10 but in a location that’s 10/10.

Nomad Street Merchant Snips 2020 - 2022

Here are some Snips of my Life as a Nomad Street Merchant. I have always admired the backpacking, nomad, travel always,  on the go life. And as soon as I graduated from Uni, I immediately pursued selling my art while playing in a tribal band. 

 I will have more stories of this "Leather Tramp" life, for now, here are some snipets of my nomad merchant life during a pandemic era.

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This is from the "HGHR Daze" Shop opening pop-up. I was in the middle of trying out living in my car mostly and just popping up shop anywhere. This is a sleepy moment while my view on the opposite was a homeless man, sleeping and unbothered. 

We both camping out. 

These next few Photos are snipets of selling our art at a famous handcraft street art stop at FUENTE Circle, Cebu City, Philippines. ALong with me are the usual artists you see selling and spreading handmade Tribal Art. I am a monthly, or yearly artist who visits once in awhile when I am not doing pop ups or travelling (or dealing with my mental battles 😉).

The Street Kings

Set up is happening when you see this View. 

Sellers slowly  come in while we set up. 

Its me, Hi, Im an Artist it's me. 

Two of the Best Artists in the Street. 

And on this day, after watching a cop movie from Keanu Reeves before coming here, I dubbed us the STREET KINGS. 

A good Friend of Mine Visiting while I show my Art to the Street Bi-passers.

He is also a great photographer. He has taken this Snipet. 

Klasik Pop UP Market = A group of Classic bike enthusiasts decided to create an event and invited People woth different gifts and talents that may relate to classic aesthetics. 

They invited one of the coolest people I know who Made his own coffee shop at the side of his Motor Bike. 

They also invited my good friend Tolyo who made his mini Suzuki van into his own personal campervan. Amazeballs!!. His presence made it possible for me to be included.  

This is him, his van, and my art.

Three cool People from Tolyo Travels, Aframe, and Skullcap

Surfers and Toy collectors in one frame

(But all are ARTISTS)

The Usual Set Up on its own

Beachboy, My art Guardian, and chill coach

"High Tide Tattoo" owner and artist having a coffee

Coffee is Life

Hangin out at the back of Tolyo's Home. 

More coming soon

If you Enjoyed this...SALAMAT! (thanks)

(NTS =  Nwts.nd.bet.qual)

 

Bantayan Island, Holy Week, Nomad Journeys , April 22

(blog in progress)

Santa Fe Bantayan, Holy Week, April 2022

In March and April of 2022, the Philippines was finally beginning to rise back up after the long, isolating struggles of the pandemic. Communities were cautiously reopening, businesses were regaining momentum, and people were rediscovering life outside their homes. It was a time of quiet hope and small celebrations—an attempt to rebuild what had been paused for so long.

For me, it marked a personal turning point. After being isolated at home for what felt like ages, I decided to take a leap forward, both for myself and my art. I booked a trip to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, traveling from Cebu with a mix of nerves and excitement. Bantayan, with its serene beaches and vibrant local culture, felt like the perfect place to reconnect with people and share what I had been creating during those quiet, solitary months.

This wasn’t just a trip; it was my chance to show my art, to sell what I’d poured my heart into, and to find inspiration among the island’s beauty and its people. For the first time in a long while, I was stepping back into the world—not just as a spectator, but as an artist.

The trip became more than just a venture; it was symbolic of my own recovery, mirroring the resilience of the Philippines itself—rising, rebuilding, and finding joy after a long season of stillness.

This was the Holy week season , A time of Connections, and Religious solemnity. 

My usual compact set up if i want to travel light. 

I decided not to bring my full set up gear as i was still fresh out of pandemic feels and wanted to pack light as well. 

I was blessed enough to know a local who is also my friend and im able to stay in one of the good places in Santa Fe Bantayan called  Kota Beach Resort

Here is a link to Quickly know about Bantayan island:

bantayan-island-travel-guide

Finally at the beach, ready to set up

My Set up face. 

This is what my compact Set Up looks like. 

Quite a simple set up but good enought to be able to sell my art and showcase them. 
Wanna know more about my art?here is my Philiipine Instagram link Lilila Primitive Art but my Australian Sector is Carvr Arts Au

MY first customers for the day. 

At the night, We would checkout Food stalls by the shore called Hungry Beach Co. , They have good food ranging with local delicacies, mexican inspires, seafood of course and some rice bowls.  My favorite stall was Sunday Co. 

Sunday Co.  

I met a few people who were residing in Kota beach and asked if i could display my art, i didnt mind and opened up my "fantastic " suit case for them . 

and some kids choosing some stickers. 

We also met a friend who has been learning tarrot reading and he gave us a free reading as well. 

Ligaya, a local from cebu and also a film maker has just moved in to the island and lived her best life there. Such a good soul. 

I saw that one of my fellow Artists had a stall and they invited me to sell beside them. So many good souls in this world! 
They are called Alampat crafts. 

After selling my Art at the Shore with my friends from Alampat Crafts, Sunday Co. was kind enough to offer me to display my Art and my stickers while i chill and have a meal at their shop.. What a blessing. 

Here is my art displayed at Sunday Co. 

My Cousin and My niece came to the island and saw that i was in the area via social media, they came to visit me and my niece checked my art out. 

Local street art always amazes me. 

I never fail to join and [ay respects to the real purpose of the week. The Holy walk or Procession of the passion of the Christ. 

Time to go home

A trike going home. 

Pier walk way

My "Fantastic" Suit case! 

 

In Conclusion: 

After a week in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, the trip became more meaningful than I could have imagined. Days were spent selling my art, connecting with people who shared stories of their own struggles and triumphs during the pandemic, and finding moments of quiet reflection along the island's shores. Each conversation, every small sale, and even the prayers I whispered under the vast skies reminded me of why I create—to connect, to inspire, and to heal.

Meeting people from different walks of life reignited something within me: a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. Seeing others resonate with my work, appreciating the pieces I had made during those isolated months, made me feel seen and understood.

By the end of the week, as I packed up my art and prepared to head home, I felt lighter—like the weight of the past few years had started to lift. The trip wasn’t just about selling art; it was about reconnecting with the world, rediscovering my passion, and learning that even after so much stillness, there is always room to grow and share.

Sta. Fe became a reminder that healing is a journey—one we don’t take alone. It was a week of faith, art, and human connection that I carried with me long after I left the island.