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Celebrating Filipino Life in New Zealand
The love issue There are at least 170 native languages spoken in the Philippines. That’s at least 170 ways of saying I love you. In this issue, we look at some of the things we love about the Philippines and our new home, New Zealand. It’s a well-known fact. Filipinos love to eat! Donjie Mendoza’s food trip at the Auckland Seafood Festival will make you salivate. Have you ever had snake for lunch? New Zealander Anna Cleal’s food adventure in the Philippines will surely impress you. She shares with us her experiences as an expat living and working in Davao. Cecilia Paredes explains why an interest in New Zealand history is important in defining our sense of self in a new country. Sinulog devotees strengthen their identity as they continue their tradition of expressing their faith to the Holy Child through dance. Mike De Boer’s search for love took him to the streets of Manila. Find out how Romy, a Filipino orphan, changed his life forever. We also welcome Dada Docot and her photography column - I Love the Philippines. May her lenses transport us back to happy memories of home. We’re brimming with reasons to celebrate. No matter how you decide to express it, don’t forget to spread the love.
Issue 4 | Feb 2009
letters
Issue 4 | February 2009
I've just gone through your third issue. I must say that it was a very interesting read. Rosemary Beltran What a fresh looking e-newsletter. I'm impressed with the format. Keep up the good work. I would like to see more news and tidbits about Pinoys and what they do for leisure in NZ. Nits Salas Congratulations to everyone involved. Great quality pics, layout and articles! Paulo Garcia What an excellent publication! Congratulations! Tony Noblejas
DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT JOB IS RIGHT FOR YOU? PICKING THE WRONG CAREER CAN COST YOU DEARLY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A STUDENT. YOU SPEND MORE THAN HALF OF YOUR LIFE AT WORK. WHY BE UNHAPPY WITH WHAT YOU DO? FINDING OUT WHAT JOB SUITS YOU BEST IS AS EASY AS CONTACTING US AT BREYTS CONSULTING – CAREER COUNSELLING SPECIALISTS. WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF YOUR PERSONAL PROFILE, AND WHAT CAREER PATHS SUIT YOU BEST. IT WILL BRING YOU CAREER SATISFACTION, A GOOD INCOME AND A BRIGHT FUTURE. WE FOLLOW UP ON YOUR REPORT WITH AN INTENSIVE TELEPHONE COUNSELLING SESSION TO GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR REPORT ANSWERED. DONʼT MISS OUT ON THIS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY.
CONTACT US WITHOUT DELAY:
BREYTS CONSULTING PHONE +61 7 3201 2785 EMAIL breyts1@bigpond.com WEBSITE www.breyts.com.au Celebrating Filipino Life in New Zealand
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Issue 4 | February 2009
Happy Birthday, Auckland! The sun was out, the water was calm and there was a gentle breeze. It was a perfect day to celebrate the 169th anniversary of Auckland City. People lined up the waterfront to watch the Auckland Anniversary Regatta. The beaches were also full of people soaking up the warm summer sun. Enjoy these images taken at the Viaduct Harbour and Mission Bay.
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Issue 4 | February 2009
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Issue 4 | February 2009
Love seafood? PHOTOGRAPHY | Frances Mendoza
Donjie Mendoza found himself in seafood heaven as he relished almost every dish on offer at the Auckland Seafood Festival - stuffed crayfish, paella, grilled salmon, chili mussels, chili prawn kebab and coconut prawns. It was a food outing appreciated and enjoyed by the entire family.
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Issue 4 | February 2009
A glance at the past
by Cecilia Paredes
Have you ever wondered what life was like in the 1870s? Large brick houses, big families with many children, unavoidable sicknesses and deaths. The Highwic house in Epsom, Auckland captures the history of this period and its original owners, the wealthy Buckland Family. Alfred Buckland, father to 21 children, husband of two wives and one of Auckland’s most successful landowners, built the Highwic house with his first wife, Eliza Wallen. They were married in England and emigrated to Auckland in 1850. In 1862, Alfred and Eliza built the first sections of the house, the large lawns and gardens. Eliza gave birth to ten children, seven daughters and three sons (one died in infancy). The Bucklands needed space for their always-growing family. Construction work to extend the house was an ongoing project. Unfortunately, Eliza died of pneumonia in 1866 and did not live long in the house. Ten months later, Alfred married New Zealand-born Matilda Jane, who gave birth to seven daughters and two sons. Sadly, two of their children died before adulthood. Matilda lived in the house for 65 years, outliving Alfred himself.
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Issue 4 | February 2009 We are all so lucky now that we have all these resources. Bathrooms were only installed in the Buckland household long after the house had been built; they rarely took showers and only sponged themselves most mornings. Even wealthy families lived a simple life compared to what we have today. They spent their time outdoors, playing sports and relaxing in the large gardens. Being a young Filipino-Kiwi, I now understand that people, items, stories and ways should not be forgotten by people of our time, especially teenagers like myself. We seem to be moving forward and not looking into the past enough. To learn how others have lived their lives will help us plan our future. Overall, visiting this historic house is an incredible experience. To be able to have a glance at the past and to appreciate what we have now because of people like Alfred Buckland is a lesson in life and history.
+ More information In 1978, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and the Auckland City Council purchased the Highwic House. The large house was already renovated with a sitting room, the veranda and a separate brick kitchen wing. Our family visited this very grand and historic house to take in what life was like many years ago. The Highwic House gets visitors from all over the world wanting to understand more about the New Zealand past, its lifestyles and culture. We went on a sunny day, greeted and assisted by a staff member who willingly shared his knowledge to the adults and children. After briefing us on the Buckland’s family history, we strolled around the house, looking in room by room at the expensive antique furniture and toys that were once used. Looking at all the rooms and valuable items that were used back in the day, made me realize that our world is greatly progressing, with technology, household items and modernized homes.
Celebrating Filipino Life in New Zealand
Location 40 Gillies Avenue (which you enter from Mortimer Pass), Epsom, Auckland. Entry Fees Adults $7.50 Accompanied Children Free Unaccompanied Children $3.50 Pre-booked tour groups $5 per person Website www.historic.org.nz/Highwic
Cecilia Paredes is a 13-year old student of Westlake Girls High School. She edits the school’s online publication. She aspires to be a journalist and a graphic designer.
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Issue 4 | February 2009
Balut, Durian AND Karaoke My OE in the Philippines
BY ANNA CLEAL
So, what were the things I noticed on my return to Auckland after five months living and working in Davao, Philippines? The roads were smooth. There were no jeepney beeps. No one was practicing the karaoke. Knives replaced spoons. And, everyone was just a few heads taller than usual. I think you know that you have been in a place a long time when your hometown seems just a little bit abnormal! Celebrating Filipino Life in New Zealand
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Issue 4 | February 2009
PHOTOS Filipino food is yummy! Left Durian Right Lechon
From July until December of last year, I spent my time working as a Civil Engineer in the Philippines. I was primarily based in Davao. However, I also spent a fair bit of time going back and forth between Manila and Davao. The bulk of the work that we were doing was feasibility studies for hydropower in the Mindanao area. As well as the standard wading up rivers on our site visits, we also had the novelty of being accompanied by armed guards, and eating a snake caught by the locals at one of our lunch spots. We found the snake remarkably tasty - despite the fact that I spent the afternoon walk worrying that I’d run into its brother or sister, and that karma would have its way! Thankfully, I lived to write this story. Basically, all I have to say now is that I know what it feels like to be a foreigner (pronounced foreinGER), and working in a place that is not home– sometimes I felt like Celebrating Filipino Life in New Zealand
I was alien, other times I felt like I was fitting in so well that I wanted to shout ‘pag sur oi’ at the top of my lungs. More than anything I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know such an amazing culture.
I feel privileged that I know a Durian smells like hell but tastes like heaven, that Balut will make you strong, that you get the best score in Karaoke the louder you sing, and that the people in the Philippines are the most accommodating nationality I have ever met. Expat life in Davao was unique especially as there were so few European people in this part of the country. At times, it was hard because of the language barrier. But I was lucky that everyone I was working with spoke such great English. I have to admit to causing a few nosebleeds from time to time - if you know the term! (Kiwi colloquial term for headaches – Ed) 9
Issue 4 | February 2009
SALAMAT PHILIPPINES… YOU’RE A GREAT COUNTRY! Things I loved about my time in the Philippines • • •
• • • • •
THE PEOPLE The fruit The way the streets are lit up with faces, and the fact that you can often see into people’s homes. Live music, Matina Town Square, Bakbak Ice cold beers Going to see tuna fish coming into General Santos City Mangoes, and oh, so much cheaper than New Zealand’s Samal island, and how the Philippines isn’t so much on the tourist radar yet. I think this makes it more genuine.
The challenges •
• • •
I am a person that loves the outdoors and it didn’t seem like this was such a focus in the Philippines (apart from the odd golf game)! Rice for breakfast!? Missing family and friends back home The fact everyone laughed at me because our country has more sheep than people.
Things I didn’t love at first but grew to love… •
•
•
Karaoke. One just can’t avoid it, as much as me and my terrible voice tried! I’m just thankful that people eat all their bananas and don’t use them to boo people off stage. Volume. I think all noises are enhanced. You walk into a mall and everything is just a few decibels higher than it would be in New Zealand. The streets are louder too. There are more people. The fact that we went to the beach at night so that we didn’t see too much sun. This was a huge contrast to the New Zealand beach on the barbie scene!
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Issue 4 | February 2009
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Issue 4 | February 2009
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Share the love
A journey of love BY MIKE DE BOER
K
amusta, Mum, Dad.
Romy’s first words almost broke my heart. Romy is our adopted son from the Philippines. He moved to New Zealand four years ago. We cannot imagine what our life would have been like without him.
The first step Forms to be filled out, interviews and home visitations make up our early memories of the adoption process. It all started when we attended a New Zealand Child Youth and Family’s (CYF) international adoption course. We were given a mind-blowing hundred-page application form. No details were spared. Very personal information, right down to what we eat for breakfast, were asked. Referees were contacted. Police and medical reports were filed. We also had to undergo a psychological assessment. A CYF social worker visited our home. She was thorough. She enquired how often we get our lawns mowed. Celebrating Filipino Life in New Zealand
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Issue 4 | February 2009
Raising Romy in New Zealand is an absolute joy
All forms and reports were sent to the Philippine International Adoption Board (IAB) for review and approval.
Paglalakbay, a joyful journey One of my happiest memories is receiving the news that the IAB has found a “match” for us. This was truly a day of celebration. We were finally able to communicate with our son. We called him, sent him letters and photos. My heart swelled with love. I will never forget the first time I heard him call us Mum and Dad. After finalising international adoption papers, Romy’s New Zealand passport and arranging return airfares, we flew to the Philippines to finally meet him, our Filipino child.
Welcome home, son Raising Romy in New Zealand, his new home, is an absolute joy. Seeing Romy’s journey of growth is an adventure - swimming at the beach in his underpants, burning the Mad Butcher sausages at a barbie, riding a bicycle with first trainer wheels then without trainer wheels, learning to play George of the Jungle songs on the drums and going to the toilet behind a bush! Kiwi Pavlova, Pinoy Leche Flan and Dutch Olibolens donuts give Romy a rich cultural Celebrating Filipino Life in New Zealand
heritage. He is our son, a Filipino child of a Dutch dad and a Kiwi mum. As parents, we have made an effort to inculcate in him an appreciation of his Filipino roots. We are the only Kiwi Dutch couple to join and sing in a Pinoy Christmas choir.
The future is bright Romy’s creative Pinoy side amazes us endlessly. It seems to come out when we least expect it. We’ve discovered he is a natural karaoke singer. Romy will visit the Philippines for two months this year to learn and experience his Pinoy culture. I will be teaching English at Romy’s previous orphanage. I will also be working with outreach groups to help street children. This is our story. We are the De Boer FamilyRomy’s home in New Zealand.
Mike De Boer works as an Employment Advisor at the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. His wife Sharon is an IT Manager. They spend their days enjoying New Zealand’s three great Bs - beaches, bushes and barbies. 13
Issue 4 | February 2009
+ Sinulog Festival
PHOTOGRAPHY | Arnold Viray
The Sinulog is a dance ritual of thanksgiving, praise and worship to the Holy Child Jesus. The celebration started with a nine-day novena and culminated with the Sinulog festival. Thousands of Filipinos joined the concelebrated mass, watched the dance competitions, and of course, stayed to enjoy the Filipino food! Organisers Miriam and Oscar Batucan express their gratitude to everyone who supported the event’s 15th year celebrations.
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Issue 4 | February 2009
Cultural scene @ Sinulog Cultural presentations were performed by various Filipino dance troupes.
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Issue 4 | February 2009
+ Barangay Pinoy
Thelina Nuval (second from left) meets boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in Manila. Also in the photo (from left): Zarina Yap, Erica Nuval, Eddie Mendez and actress Ruffa Mae Quinto.
Rene “Bionic Man” Pascual (left) wins the Planet Earth Golf Tournament at the Redwood Golf Club. Roy Boquiron, PGC president, presents the trophy.
Sinulog cultural performers
Celebrating Filipino Life in New Zealand
Out & About in NZ
Anne de Guzman (third from right) and Jackie Davis Baldwin (third from left) with the Philippine Christian Group at the Eastgate Christian Centre.
Pinoy Basketball sa Auckland (PBA) Thursday Group Christmas Party at Marcellin College.
Fr Everett Corvera of St Michael’s Parish Church assisted at the Sinulog Festival
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Issue 4 | February 2009
I ♼ the Philippines
Photography | Dada Docot
Stunning rock formations and a white coral beach clasp the unspoilt, almost undiscovered beauty of Animasola Island in Balatan, Camarines Sur. Maya is a free electronic newsletter distributed to the Filipino community in New Zealand. To submit photos, community-related announcements, feedback and requests for subscription, email mayaeditor@gmail.com. Please feel free to forward copies to your family and friends. Celebrating Filipino Life in New Zealand
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