Filipino News 161 July 2022

22 

YEARS 

in print 

& 

online! 

Issue 161: HERO AWARDS REPORT 

Three Editions : Filipino News NZ I Pinoy NZ Life I Filipino Kiwi 

Print. Web. Tablet. Mobile. FB. YouTube. 

Pick up a 

F R E E 

copy or 

read 

online. 

www.filipinonews.nz, www.pinoynzlife.nz, www.filipino.kiwi | E: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | M: 027 495 8477 | Facebook: www.filipinonews.nz 

Govt opens three 

new residence 

pathways 

pg 6 

1. Straight to residence 2. Work to residence 

3. Highly paid - 'twice the median wage’ 

15 Modern Day Heroes Feted 

Bonggang Bonggang Awards Night and High Voltage Fashion Shows ... 

pgs 7-11 

A. The ‘Filipino-Kiwi Hero of the Year’ award 

this year recognises the contribution of a 

celebrated healthcare front-liner. 

B. Then there is the Outstanding Community 

Group that went the extra mile to help their 

kababayan, both here and overseas. 

C. And a passionate Community Leader for 

whom ‘thank you’ is payment enough for her 

time-consuming community work. 

Leah Baterbonia 

C 

OVERSEAS NEWS BRIEFS: 

The 17th Philippine 

Presidential election 

ended with Ferdinand 

“Bongbong” Marcos Jr 

and his vice president 

Sarah Duterte-Caprio 

on the centre stage 

for the next six years 

of governance. 

All the candidates 

promised “better 

things in life,” we look 

forward to seeing how 

things will pan out. 

Marcos Jr 

takes the 

helm in PH 

A 

Amba Gary 

at DFA 

Former Philippine Ambassador to 

New Zealand Jesus ‘Gary’ Domingo 

has been appointed as an acting 

Undersecretary for Civilian Security 

and Consular Affairs in the 

Philippine Department of Foreign 

Affairs based in Manila. 

B 

Igorotak NZ members (Community Group of the Year) - dancing with 

Ambassador Jesus ‘Gary’ Domingo 

Dr Lira 

Lecias 

FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMP 

Filipino boxer Dave Apolinario proudly 

displays his world champion belt. 

Apolinario bagged the International 

Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight 

crown after defeating Gideon Buthelezi 

in East London, South Africa in July. 

(PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

BUHAY 

NZ 

By Mel Fernandez 

AUCKLAND, North 

Shore – Excitement was 

ramping up and ticket 

sales went through the roof 

for an exciting 

m a t c h 

between Gilas 

Pilipinas and 

the Tall 

Blacks on 

30th June 

2022 at the 

EventFinda 

Stadium. 

Filipino 

News had 

even arranged 

w i t h 

Basketball NZ 

to allow the 

Melodika Band (a Kiwi 

band whose claim to fame 

is singing OPM songs in 

Tagalog) to sing both the 

Philippine and New 

Zealand national anthems 

as openers. 

The Sports Inquirer had 

forewarned their readers 

that the Gilas Pilipinas 

men’s national basketball 

team, led by coach Nenad 

Vucinic, was “parading an 

undermanned squad led 

by pros Kiefer Ravena and 

Dwight Ramos against the 

Tall Blacks”. 

And to the dismay of the 

fervent Filipino fans in 

Filipina medical frontliner 

receives medal from Queen 

LONDON 

– A Filipino 

nurse who 

administered 

the world’s 

f i r s t 

COVID-19 

vaccine was 

among the 

recent recipients 

of the 

George 

Cross from 

the British 

government. 

Queen 

Elizabeth II 

awarded the 

medal to the 

National Health Service 

(NHS) for its work over 

the past 74 years, including 

its rollout of the 

COVID-19 vaccine. The 

medal ceremony took 

place on July 12 at 

Windsor Castle. 

Health leaders and 

frontliners across the UK 

represented the NHS in the 

ceremony, including May 

Parsons (pictured second 

02 ISSUE 161 MAGANDANG BALITA | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.pinoynzlife.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477 

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Pinoys’ raucous support 

for Gilas Pilipinas team 

attendance the Tall Blacks 

dominated and outmatched 

the Gilas 

Pilipinas team, claiming a 

106-60 victory. 

Carl Vincent Tamayo 

had 16 points and 5 

rebounds for Gilas 

from right), a Filipino 

nurse from University 

Hospital Coventry, who 

administered the first 

COVID-19 vaccine in the 

world in December 2020. 

Parsons was one of the 

recipients of the medal. 

“We’re terribly, terribly 

proud of the vaccination 

rollout,” Parsons reportedly 

told the queen. 

The George Cross was 

Pilipinas before leaving the 

game due to injury, while 

Rhenz Joseph Abando had 

11 and Dwight Ramos had 

6 points, 9 rebounds and 4 

assists. 

Despite a much 

improved second half for 

Photo credit: The Royal 

Family (Facebook) 

instituted by King George 

VI on 24th September 

1940, during the height of 

the Blitz, to recognise, 

“acts of the greatest heroism 

or the most courage in 

circumstances of extreme 

danger”. 

Photo left: The 

Melodika Band 

members with a 

Gilas Pilipinas 

player. 

Photos above: 

FIFA Basketball 

the Philippines, 

they were no 

match for a powerful 

Tall Blacks 

squad – as evidenced 

by the 

106-60 final 

score. 

The post-game stats told 

a tale of dominance for the 

Kiwis, with 32 points generated 

from the 

Philippines 19 turnovers 

and 19 fast break points 

scored, compared to only 2 

MANILA - Local carriers 

on welcomed President 

Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ 

Marcos Jr.'s plan to upgrade 

the airports and build more 

international airports in the 

country. 

Marcos said that doing so 

would improve connectivity 

between strategic locations. 

Furthermore, this would 

help decongest the bottleneck 

in the country's main 

gateway, the Ninoy Aquino 

International Airport. 

"That's good news for airliness, 

We look forward to 

better airports because that 

will make travel more convenient 

and enjoyable for 

passengers," Cebu Pacific 

(CEB) spokesperson Carmina 

Romero told the 

Philippine News Agency. 

Earlier this month, CEB 

chief commercial officer 

Xander Lao expressed his 

hope that the Marcos administration 

would continue 

investments in airports, as 

well as training of air traffic 

controllers. 

for the opposition. 

Although both teams 

struggled with their outside 

shooting, the Tall 

Blacks scored almost half 

their points in the paint 

(52, versus 20 for Gilas 

Filipinas) and registered a 

generous 51 points off the 

bench. 

New Zealand 106 – 

Prewster 15, Delany 14, 

Ngatai 12, Rusbatch 12, 

Webster 11, Ili 10, 

Vodanovich 8, Britt 7, 

"We need to increase the 

capacity so that more flights 

can be accommodated to 

and from the country," he 

said. 

In a statement, Philippine 

Airlines chief operations 

officer Stanley Ng agreed 

with Marcos that the construction 

of new international 

airports will help boost 

tourism targets, and generate 

economic growth that 

will create employment 

opportunities in the aviation 

and tourism industries. 

"New access roads will 

help these economic benefits 

to flow into local communities. 

As industry stakeholders 

we welcome and 

support these plans 

announced by President 

Marcos," he said. 

Budget airline AirAsia 

Cameron 6, Smith-Milner 

5, Timmins 4, Harris 2. 

Philippines 60 – Tamayo 

16, Abando 11, Lopez 8, 

Ramos 6, Ravena 6, 

Quiambao 4, Belangel 3, 

Chiu 2, Navarro 

2, Abarrientos 2, 

Ildefonso 0. 

Quarter scores: 

23-13, 47-21, 73- 

43, 106-60. 

They say that 

size isn’t everything, 

but when 

you are confronting 

a team of 

much taller and 

bigger basketball 

players it can be 

quite intimidating 

for comparably 

diminutive 

players. 

New Zealand's 

size, in particular, 

was a huge problem for the 

Filipinos, who missed the 

services of injured big man 

Ange Kouame and had no 

player standing taller than 

6'8”, reported the Inquirer. 

"We have injuries, we 

are short-handed and we 

have a lack of size," 

Vucinic emphasized. 

Airlines welcome Marcos plan 

to build more int'l airports 

By Ma. Cristina Arayata 

Philippines 

said that it 

supports the 

administration's 

vision 

for better, reliable 

and safe 

air transport 

through infrastructural 

development, particularly 

the improvement of 

the existing airports and the 

establishment of new ones. 

The airline said it will 

remain aggressive and competitive 

in domestic and 

international air travel and 

cargo as they serve a greater 

number of Filipino travelers 

and overseas Filipino workers, 

spokesperson Steve 

Dailisan said. 

Dailisan said that the airline 

will complement the 

administration's vision with 

strategic collaborations with 

stakeholders through initiatives 

like the a-fest (AirAsia 

Fiesta) which he said actively 

promotes various festivities 

nationwide. (PNA)

ISSUE 161 FILIPINO-KIWI HERO AWARDS | www.filipinoheroes.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | mobile: 027 495 8477 | 03

BUHAY 

NZ 

04 ISSUE 161 MAGANDANG BALITA | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.pinoynzlife.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477 


Every six years in Philippine 

embassies around the 

world a new ambassador 

routinely replaces the 

incumbent who is stationed 

there. In April 2016 the 

Department of Foreign 

Affairs in Manila announced 

that a seasoned career 

diplomat who had an illustrious 

career serving in the 

UN was being posted to 

New Zealand. 

The high-power appointee 

was Jesus “Gary” 

Domingo, who has been 

with the DFA for over 32 

years and was decorated by 

the President of the 

Philippines for his role in 

coordinating international 

humanitarian assistance for 

Super Typhoon Yolanda in 

2013, promoting disaster 

risk reduction and management 

cooperation and 

directing Philippine UN 

Peace-keeping deployments. 

To get an inkling of the 

man who was to reshape the 

traditional role of an ambassador, 

here is an endorsement 

from his friend, 

Gerardo 'Gerry' V. 

Eusebio, a Lecturer of 

Politics at De La Salle 

University. 

“I have known Gary for 

more than 20 years. He was 

a student then at the 

‘Out-ofthe-box’ 

Diplomat. 

University of the Philippines. 

Even as a student 

Gary was keen on his grasp 

of international and national 

affairs. His sense of history 

was likewise exceptional. 

“When I left QC to transfer 

elsewhere, I heard that 

Gary topped the Foreign 

photo credit: 

Ayesha 

Ronquillo 

Service Officers Exam and 

I was not even surprised. 

Later on, I heard that he was 

posted in New York as consul 

and then to Saudi Arabia 

where he worked harder, 

ensuring the welfare of our 

OFWs. 

“We finally met in the 

By Mel Fernandez & 

Queenie Lee Tanjay 

early years of the 21st century 

when he was the director 

of UNIO at the home 

office, a high position considering 

his age. 

“To sum up, let me just 

say that we are lucky to 

have a public servant as 

patriotic, pragmatic and 

'out-of-the-box' as him, to 

say the least.” 

According to community 

leaders we polled, Amba 

Gary will be remembered as 

an 'Ambassador ng masa’ 

- a people’s ambassador. He 

is not perceived as a pen 

pusher stuck to a desk in the 

Embassy, because he has 

endeavoured to travel the 

length and breadth of New 

Zealand periodically to 

meet as many Filipinos as 

he was able to. 

Sadly, all too soon 

Ambassador Gary’s term of 

office came to an end on 

June 30th, 2022. 

During his tenure, 'Amba 

Gary' (as he is affectionately 

called) transcended his 

fortitude with multilateral 

relations and humanitarian 

services through various 

proactive programs championing 

migrant rights and 

welfare. 

When asked by Mel 

Libre, the editor of the 

BAYANIZ blog page, as to 

what he counted as his most 

important accomplishments, 

he listed the following: 

a) Opening a Philippine 

Overseas Labour Office 

(POLO) in Wellington 

b) Establishing the Volunteer 

Ambassador Program 

(VAMBA) – a framework 

for empowering overseas 

Filipinos in NZ 

c) Establishing Youth 

Ambassador (YAMBA) 

programs in numerous NZ 

Colleges with Philippine 

High School Partners 

d) Managing the COVID- 

19 crisis – assisting 

Filipinos in need and running 

repatriation flights 

e) Combating exploitative 

immigration advisers 

and education agents 

As a diplomat at the time 

when global statecraft was 

challenged by a health crisis, 

Amba Gary arduously 

mobilized programs to help 

our kababayans endure 

financial and social challenges. 

He regularly engaged 

through social media and 

online platforms, making 

sure that every need is 

always seen to, from health 

to labour, immigration and 

repatriation concerns. 

As a staunch advocate of 

migrant rights himself, 

Amba Gary is remembered 

for his clamour to the NZ 

government to delve into 

the exploitation of Filipino 

students aspiring to a better 

life here. Amba Gary 

pushed for stringent codes 

of practice to be adhered to 

by agencies and institutions 

in order for international 

students to be “wellinformed, 

safe, and properly 

cared for”. 

Aligned to this is his 

assignment as a 'White 

Ribbon NZ' Ambassador 

in 2018 under the campaign’s 

aim to end Violence 

Against Women (VAW) and 

to include men in the narrative 

of promoting healthier 

relationships. 

The persona he built from 

his fervour for Filipino culture 

and public service 

while also being pragmatic 

is truly worth emanating for 

the next generations. 

All of his contributions 

give him the rightful regard 

to be called 'Ambassador 

of the Masses', capping an 

illustrious career here in 

New Zealand. 

Whoever will take over 

his position has big shoes to 

fill. 

TIMARU – If there was 

any schedule-squeezing to 

be done in order to meet a 

new heavyweight of the 

New Zealand Pinoy community, 

it was on that day in 

January 2016 to be sure. 

I was lucky to be given an 

audience by newly confirmed 

Philippine Ambassador 

to New Zealand Jesus 

Gary Domingo, but I had to 

juggle my own time and 

availability. 

By coincidence, at the 

time I was vacationing in the 

Philippines to visit family 

and friends and had a chance 

for this breakfast meeting 

with our new Ambassador, 

who traditionally not only 

represents our country in 

New Zealand, but is also the 

symbolic head of the 90,000 

strong Pinoy community in 

New Zealand, one of the 

largest ethnic groups in this 

tiny but overachieving 1st 

World nation. 

My advantage was that I 

knew what the ambassador 

looked like, from his pictures 

at the Commission on 

Appointments, but unless he 

stalked my Facebook page, 

he wasn’t in a similar position. 

First Impressions 

I saw him as a bit of 

By Noel Bautista 

everything: a semi-Spanish 

mestizo, but unmistakeably 

Southeast Asian in aura; cutting 

a scholarly pose the 

minute he walked into 

Pancake House. 

He didn’t have the most 

athletic, chiselled body (nor 

did I expect him to), but neither 

was he a wimp. 

Ironically, though he’d 

never stepped on NZ shores, 

he had the prototypical 

rugby body. I’d later learn 

he’d done a season or two 

playing high school American 

football. 

He had clear ideas on the 

future of Filipino diplomacy, 

if he had anything to do with 

it: use indigenous elements 

of Pinoy culture, mix them 

up with what works (and 

what nearly works) in the 

history of our dealings with 

state actors and the family of 

nations and never stop 

evolving. 

He believed and continues 

A peronal glimpse: 

Amba Gary Domingo 

to believe that every Filipino 

is a potential ambassador, so 

that overseas and in the 

global setting we do better 

and in fact excel. 

Paraphrasing his thoughts, 

the Ambassador articulates 

his Pinoys as suns catchphrase 

whenever and wherever: 

A thousand suns shining 

in unison would not have 

the same dramatic effect as 

individual suns shining on 

their own, comparing the 

suns to the cleverness and 

ability of Filipinos alongside 

their overseas counterparts, 

with the bottom line being 

we shine best not with our 

own, but when we’re with 

others. 

For this reason, Amba 

Gary, as he likes to be called 

by kabayan, would like our 

embassies throughout the 

world to make good use of 

the OFW and migrant communities 

to literally sell and 

promote Filipino interests. 

Governments and the diplomatic 

staff, no matter how 

inspired, won’t be enough to 

tell others how to best 

uncover and reveal the best 

the Philippines can offer. 

Half a lifetime over one 

coffee 

Why can’t we find new 

ways of bonding and uniting 

the Pinoy community? 

Amba Gary is fond of saying. 

For sure, basketball, 

sportsfestsand socio-religious 

and fiesta-like events 

will always be crowd 

favourites, but what’s wrong 

with cultural activities, 

short-story writing contests 

and even Filipiniana 

inspired fashion shows? It 

doesn’t need to be any particular 

activity, as long as it 

promotes the best in all of 

us. 

And all this Amba Gary 

told me over one coffee. It 

might as well have been 

barako. 

It was that one coffee (and 

Pancake House brunch) over 

which I had my first conversation 

with AmbaGary, but it 

might as well have been half 

a lifetime. His early life as a 

diplomat’s kid, earning his 

first battle scars in the 

Middle East 

and negotiating 

over treaties 

and statements 

at the UN in 

New York. He 

had enough experiences to 

fill half his memoirs and he 

had so much more to do with 

the rest of his career. 

Yes, serving as the 

Philippine Ambassador to 

New Zealand, Cook Islands, 

Fiji, Samoa and Tonga was 

just the first of many milestones 

for Amba Gary. But 

he leaves unfinished many 

ambitions for the Pinoy 

community in New Zealand. 

First of which is the manifestation 

of his belief that 

our community can be that 

which shines brightest in 

every sense of the word. We 

have the tradesmen, entrepreneurs, 

academics and 

especially those who pursue 

their vocations with passion. 

We have all the tools to 

make the most significant 

migrant contribution to 

Aotearoa and though he 

doesn’t think it can be done 

this generation, who knows 

what the next can do? 

Second of which is his 

belief that our community, 

for all its events, traditions 

and organizations, is not networked 

enough. A comprehensive 

and of course online 

effort to interconnect each 

and every Filipino is not 

only a noble cause, but an 

essential one, if we are to 

stand out, as we are meant to 

stand out, as a community. 

The third of all is personal 

to him, but to have ethnic 

Filipinos in the highest 

offices of the land would be 

something he would, as a 

public servant, be truly 

proud of. We are gifted in 

the sense of being great writers, 

orators and communicators 

and to translate this into 

having not just a bit part but 

a major role for Filipinos in 

achieving the dream of a 

better life for all Kiwis 

would be very worthwhile 

for one of the most memorable 

Ambassadors we’ve 

had, Amba Gary. 

Now, if we could only 

have him for a second time 

around the block? 

Noel Bautista is the Filipino-Kiwi 

Blogger of the Year 2021

migrantnews.nz 

32 

YEARS 

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(above:) Guests at launch of Ministry for Ethnic 

Communities in Auckland. Extreme left: Sheila 

Mariano and Sir Oscar Batucan. 

Ethnic ministry marks 

momentous milestone 


migrantnews.nz 

WELLINGTON – For 

some time now ethnic 

communities, who make 

up nearly 20 percent of 

the population, have been 

lobbying for the establishment 

of a Ministry for 

Ethnic Communities that 

could influence government 

policy and improve 

the wellbeing outcomes 

for their communities. 

Eventually, in December 

2020 the government 

committed to set up a 

ministry as a response to 

the recommendations of 

the Royal Commission of 

Inquiry into the terrorist 

attack on a Christchurch 

masjidain on 15 March 

2019. 

On 1st July last year the 

ministry was up and running. 

At a launch event 

for community leaders in 

Auckland Migrant News 

spoke with guests about 

their expectations of the 

ministry. 

Taz Mukorombindo, 

Chair, NZ Business 

Association: “I think it is 

a momentous occasion 

and one of the world firsts 

as an ethnic ministry, 

which is great. 

“I have always advocated 

business, business, 

business, business. Yes, 

people need jobs and a lot 

of migrants are in business 

and if we don’t put 

that on the agenda it will 

leave a big gap in the 

strategy and values and 

mission of the ministry. I 

can understand that it 

might not be something 

that the ministry might 

see, but I see that policy, 

advocacy, funding and 

training are all doables.” 

Satya Dutt, President 

and Trustee, Hindi 

Language and Culture 

Trust of NZ: “It is important 

to have this ministry 

as we have over 200 languages 

and 160 different 

cultures here. 

“So it is very important 

to have a ministry that 

looks at the interests of all 

these organizations and 

communities in order to 

get connected with them.” 

Fairiah: “I think that 

the launch of the Ministry 

for Ethnic Communities 

is is a timely thing, 

because there are a lot of 

us here in New Zealand 

now and so far we’ve not 

been fully represented. So 

this gives the government 

an opportunity to hear 

our collective voices.” 

“The creation of the 

Ministry means that ethnic 

communities finally 

have a Chief Executive 

whose sole focus is representing 

their concerns 

and aspirations at the top 

tables of the public service. 

This brings the voices 

of these diverse communities 

and their lived experiences 

to the fore of decision-making 

processes,” 

says the Minister for 

Diversity, Inclusion and 

Ethnic Communities 

Priyanca Radhakrishnan. 

“Led by Chief Executive 

Mervin Singham, 

the Ministry has focused 

on areas that ethnic communities 

told us were 

important. These include 

employment, government 

services that are responsive 

to the needs of ethnic 

communities, financial 

support for community 

initiatives and the 

response to COVID-19. 

“The Ministry established 

a Graduate Programme 

that has placed 

skilled graduates from 

ethnic communities in 

policy roles across government 

agencies. This 

has provided them with a 

meaningful first employment 

opportunity and 

enhanced diversity in policy 

making and in the 

design of government 

services. 

“I am committed to 

improving ethnic representation 

on public sector 

boards. The Ministry’s 

Nominations Service 

maintains a database of 

qualified, ethnically 

diverse people who are 

seeking an appointment 

to a public sector board. 

“The Ministry is now 

working with other partners 

such as the Super 

Diversity Institute and 

Leadership NZ to expand 

this pool of ethnic nominees 

and to help us create 

a sustainable pipeline of 

diverse governance candidates 

for appointment to 

state sector boards. 

“Following a substantial 

increase in funding, in 

the year to date, the 

Ethnic Communities Development 

Fund has disbursed 

$4.2 million in 

support of 310 community 

projects and initiatives 

that helped celebrate different 

cultures and 

strengthened social cohesion. 

“The Ministry’s work 

to support the government’s 

response to 

COVID-19 included 

working with the 

Ministry of Health to 

implement a vaccine rollout 

for and led by ethnic 

communities. This included 

supporting communities 

with translated material, 

running a series of 

community hui and com- 

Minister for 

Diversity, Inclusion 

and Ethnic 

Communities 

Priyanca 

Radhakrishnan 

missioning a media campaign 

in ten languages. In 

addition, the Ministry 

administered $4 million in 

funding for community 

initiatives to support 

efforts to increase vaccination 

within their communities. 

“The Ministry has had 

a successful first year and 

this is just the beginning. 

There is a lot more to do. 

This Government wants 

to create a more cohesive 

Aotearoa New Zealand 

where everyone feels safe, 

valued, heard and can 

participate fully,” says 

Priyanca Radhakrishnan. 

“The work of the 

Ministry will help take us 

there.” 

• Promoting the value of 

diversity and improving 

the inclusion of ethnic 

communities in wider society 

• Ensuring government 

services are accessible for 

ethnic communities 

• Improving economic 

outcomes for ethnic communities, 

including 

addressing barriers to 

employment 

• Connecting and 

empowering ethnic community 

group

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www.migrantnews.nz : New Zealand’s first MULTICULTURAL newspaper. Published since 1991. Facebook page: Migrant News 

Three new skilled 

residence pathways: 

- Straight to 

residence 

- Work to residence 

- Highly paid - 'twice 

the median wage’ 

Straight to residence 

pathway will be 

available from 5 

September 2022. 

Work to Residence 

and Highly Paid 

pathways will 

available in 

September 2023. 

Government 

opens three 

new skilled 

residence 

pathway s 

The implementation of the 

Government’s immigration 

rebalance is progressing 

well, with details released 

recently on how highly 

skilled migrants, including 

those with roles on the 

Green List, can apply to 

gain residence once they 

have arrived in New 

Zealand, Michael Wood the 

Minister of Immigration, 

announced. 

“The Government is 

focused on helping to 

address shortages in highly 

skilled areas and speeding 

up our economic growth. 

Key to this is having clear 

pathways that migrants can 

use to gain residency,” 

Michael Wood said. 

“From 5 September, 

skilled workers in specified 

occupations will be able to 

apply for the Straight to 

Residence pathway. 

Skilled migrants on the 

‘Work to Residence’ and 

‘Highly Paid’ resident pathways 

will be able to apply 

from 29 September 2023, 

once they have obtained 24 

months of acceptable work 

in New Zealand. 

“The Green List covers 

areas where New Zealand 

has a skills shortage and 

these pathways will incentivise 

and attract high skilled 

migrants to New Zealand, by 

providing a new streamlined 

process to achieve residency 

for those globally hard to fill 

roles. 

This is the latest step in 

delivering a rebalanced 

immigration system that is 

simple, has reduced categories, 

and more online 

accessibility. 

“The Government is rebalancing 

the immigration system 

to support its plan for a 

higher-productivity, higher 

wage economy and these 

pathways make it easier for 

employers to hire and attract 

migrants for specified high 

skilled, hard-to-fill, and high 

paying occupations. 

“The new Straight to 

Residence and Work to 

Residence pathways are 

available for specified occupations 

on the Green List” 

says Michael Wood. 

“The new pathways will 

have the same health, age, 

and character requirements 

as the Skilled Migrant 

Category but will have a 

different application process 

and be more straightforward 

to apply for with much faster 

decision times. Immigration 

New Zealand expects to 

complete most applications 

within 6 weeks where complete 

information has been 

provided. 

“People working in Work 

to Residence or Highly Paid 

occupations can count their 

two years from 29 

September 2021. In general, 

they will also need to be on 

an Accredited Employer 

Work Visa, although provisions 

have been made for 

people who have already 

started working in these 

roles on other work visas 

before 4 July. 

“Many skilled migrants in 

New Zealand will already be 

eligible for the 2021 

Resident Visa but we are 

backdating when work in 

New Zealand can be counted 

to ensure that the small number 

of people who aren’t eligible 

for the 2021 Resident 

Visa can still have some 

work in New Zealand recognised 

for the new Work to 

Residence and Highly Paid 

pathways. 

“These new pathways help 

provide more certainty and a 

streamlined path for those 

we are looking to attract. 

These are not the only 

pathway to skilled residence, 

and they are intended to 

complement the Skilled 

Migrant Category. 

We are currently reviewing 

the category to identify 

which other skills New 

Zealand wants to attract and 

retain. Details about the new 

settings and when the category 

will reopen will be 

announced in the coming 

months”, Michael Wood 

said. 

Elligibility Criteria: 

For more details about this 

residence pathway read the full 

article at www.migrantnews.nz

ISSUE 161 FILIPINO-KIWI HERO AWARDS | www.filipinoheroes.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | 07 BUHAY 

www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ. 

NZ 

15 outstanding 

Modern-Day Heroes feted 

AUCKLAND - Ever 

since 2014 Filipino News 

NZ has sought to recognise 

Filipino-Kiwi individuals, 

groups or organizations 

who the newspaper’s editors 

determine have made 

significant contributions at 

many levels. 

“The Filipino-Kiwi Hero 

Awards is modelled on the 

long-established Hero 

Awards of the Philippine 

Inquirer newspaper in the 

Philippines,” shared Sheila 

Mariano, Publisher, SM 

Publications group. 

“As journalists we are at 

the forefront of breaking 

news, so we are privy to the 

successes and achievements 

of our kababayan in 

New Zealand. 

“We undertake in depth 

research and interview 

potential candidates and 

their mentors and supporters 

to come up with profile 

articles about them that 

are published in our newspapers 

in order to garner 

feedback from our readers 

and the general public. 

“Our rigorous selection 

process seems to have 

worked well, as in one 

instance we received over 

100 letters of support from 

people who had interacted 

with that individual.” 

If no negative feedback 

is received along the way 

Members of Igorotak NZ - the Community Group 

of the Year - dancing with Amba Gary. 


the ‘hero’ progresses to the 

next stage of the process. 

Their names are included 

on a list of nominees that is 

shared with a cross section 

of community leaders and 

the Philippine Embassy so 

as to elicit more feedback. 

“Needless to say, we go to 

great lengths in order to 

identify deserving candidates,” 

said Mariano. 

Photos by Johans Lucena. 

“I guess the longevity of 

our Hero Awards is a testament 

to its success and 

acceptance by the community.” 

Is there a common 

denominater amongst the 

successful candidates, we 

asked? Yes there is - it is 

called the X-factor. 

Someone who goes the 

extra mile – for example a 

student who is an academic 

high flyer, who still finds 

time to pay it forward with 

community work, or a chef 

with a passion for community 

spirit. 

To date over 120 super 

heroes have been honoured 

by Filipino News NZ and 

this year the paper proudly 

salutes 15 exceptional 

finalists in the prestigious 

awards. 

The ‘Filipino-Kiwi Hero 

of the Year’ award this 

year recognises the contribution 

of a celebrated 

healthcare front-liner. 

Then there is the outstanding 

community group 

that went the extra mile to 

help their kababayan, both 

here and overseas. 

And a passionate community 

leader for whom 

‘thank you’ is payment 

enough for her time-consuming 

community work. 

We also have a courageous 

migrant advocate, a 

dynamic business achiever, 

a super-talented singer, a 

popular radio personality 

and a genius fashion supremo. 

Community leaders 

present at the event were 

Chris Cadag - chair of the 

Filipino Society Inc, Sir 

Oscar and Madam 

Mariam Batucan - organisers 

of the Sinulog celebrations, 


- board member, Multicultural 

Association of 

Hawkes Bay, Nick Salas - 

Chairman of the NZ 

Philippines Business 

Council, as well as representatives 

of Igorotak NZ 

(Palmerston North), the 

Philippine Club of Rotorua, 

Migrante Aotearoa 

and Pinoy Adventurers 

New Zealand. 

Clockwise from left: Dian and John of Harveys - Platinum Sponsor of the event. Lyn Idio (extreme left) and friends. Ambassador Jesus ‘Gary’ Domingo. 

Emcees - Marivic Murray and Gazelle Garcia. Elaine Rarela (second from right) of Orbit Remit Money Transfer - Platinum Sponsor. Board Members of the Filipino Society Incorporated.

BUHAY 

NZ 

08 ISSUE 161 6th HERO AWARDS | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.pinoynzlife.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477 


SUPPORTED BY: 

PLATINUM SPONSORS - 6TH FILIPINO-KIWI HERO AWARDS 2022 

SPONSOR OF THE 

COMMUNITY GROUP 

OF THE YEAR 

GOLD 

SPONSORS 

SILVER SPONSORS 

Enrico’s Lechon 

TOP COMMUNITY GROUP: 

The Igorotak NZ group from Palmerston 

North is led by Mendi Kipaan Julian, the 

President. 

This group, which started in 2017, aims to 

unite Filipino Igorots in New Zealand and to 

promote cultural awareness through various 

programs and events. 

They are a stand-out group because they 

have gone the extra mile – helping not only 

their members here, but also people in the 

Philippines affected by landslides during 

typhoons. 

“Thank you Celso Roger Baldo for nominating 

us and sharing our story. We would 

like to thank our sponsors and donors for our 

team performance,” said Julian. 

COMMUNITY LEADER: 

Leah Baterbonia is a tireless community 

leader from Hawkes Bay. 

Evident from her immersive kawanggawa 

works in the Philippines and New Zealand 

throughout the years, Leah is undeniably a 

good role model for community leadership. 

Since 2007, when she came to New 

Zealand, she has been involved in projects 

which have benefited migrants. 

Filipino-Kiwi Hero of the Year: Dr Lira Lecias 

Dr Lira Lecias is a front-line Health 

Professional from Auckland. 

Leah handles some challenging roles - a 

Philippine radio announcer, a Justice of the 

Peace, a Multicultural Association board 

member, an environmental advocate and a 

Filipino Language and Culture Class facilitator. 

She is quoted in Filipino News NZ as saying: 

“I have a good heart for people; receiving 

thanks is payment enough.” 

YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT: 

M i g u e l 

Manaig is a 

university student 

from Rotorua. 

Miguel demonstrates 

how 

you can excel in 

your studies and 

also make time 

for community 

service. He 

made headlines 

when he represented 

his school in the Annual Race Unity 

Speech event. Since then he has been invited 

to be a guest speaker at a Rotary Club 

Meeting and is actively involved in the 

Rotorua Multicultural Council. 

Last year Dr Lira launched a 

media campaign to encourage 

Kiwis to get vaccinated and keep 

their family and friends safe. 

It all began when she wrote an 

open letter to all New Zealanders 

in honour of her beloved mother, 

the late Lilia Gamboa, about her 

family’s experience with COVID 

in the Philippines. 

The heartfelt letter appeared as 

a cover story in Filipino News NZ, 

The Sunday Herald and the New 

Zealand Doctor magazine. 

It turned out that Dr Lira 

became the accidental poster girl 

of the Covid education programme 

in New Zealand. 

Kiwis have deep gratitude for 

the bravery of each and every 

frontline medical staff member 

who helped us get through the pandemic. 

Maraming, maraming salamat 

po. 

“I thank Tita Sheila Mariano and Tito Mel 

Fernandez for being instrumental in recognising 

Filipino talent here in New Zealand. 

To Ate Queenie Tanjay for acknowledging 

my achievements and featuring me in one of 

her articles. 

“I also acknowledge those who supported 

me in all my endeavours: Tita Romelyn 

Fernandez Ybanez Garde and the Philippine 

Club Rotorua, Miss Keri Hay and all my 

teachers at Rotorua Boys’ High School, my 

speech coach Mr Brian Gillespie and Dr 

Margriet Theron and Multicultural Rotorua.” 

PINOY CHEF OF THE YEAR: 

Romelyn 

Fernandez 

Garde from 

Rotorua is a 

professional 

chef who 

manifests 

her compassion 

through 

a series of 

community 

services. 

She is an 

active member 

of the 

Philippine Club of Rotorua, the Rotorua 

Multicultural Council and the Rotorua 

Council, to name a few. 

Within Romelyn the spirit of volunteerism 

is very much alive 

FASHION SUPREMO: 

Frances 

Martirez - the 

Fashion Designer 

of the 

Year - is a 

fashion giant 

with HQ Fashion 

her highprofile 

brand. 

She has 

worked with 

some of New 

Zealand’s top 

designers. 

For many 

years her stunning Philippine costumes have 

been featured in numerous fashion shows in 

Auckland and even in our Hero Awards. 

Frances is a great supporter of the Filipino 

community. 

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD: 

Jeths Lacson of Epiphany Cafe in 

Hamilton. 

The Epiphany Cafe brand is now familiar 

to Pinoys throughout New Zealand, because 

the company has 60+ franchised and licensed 

outlets nationwide. 

They are now expanding their brand in 

North America with the help of their USbased 

investment company - Starfleet 

Innotech. 

The signature pillow-soft quality and the 

wide range of donut flavours offered by the 

company are world class, hence their popularity 

both amongst Pinoys and Kiwis. 

This is a business success story worth 

emulating. 

continues on page 9



NZ 

“New Zealand Business Council (NZ- 

PBC) is proud to be a part of recognizing a 

successful entrepreneur in New Zealand, Mr 

Jeths Lacson, CEO of Epiphany Café,” said 

Nick Salas, Chairman of the NZ Philippines 

Business Council. 

“Epiphany is now a star in the NZ food 

industry through their famous pillow-soft 

donuts, found in many malls and eateries. 

“This business, which is based in Hamilton 

City, has expanded all over the country 

through franchises and carries the prideof 

Filipino ingenuity and perseverance. 

“With Jeths leadership and amazing team, 

Epiphany has caught the eyes of foreign 

investors and is now looking at growing their 

business abroad after only being in existence 

for six years. 

“Mabuhay ka Epiphany Café!” 

FILM DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR: 

Filipinos were 

thrilled to see 

Philippine folklore 

in TVNZ’s 

‘Beyond the Veil’ 

program. The 

‘Albularyo’ episode 

was written 

and directed by 

Mia Maramara, 

who has an enviable 

track record in the industry both in the 

Philippines and New Zealand. 

Recently Mia was selected for the 

Emerging Women Filmmakers Incubator 

2022. 

DOYENNE OF THE AIRWAVES: 

Tita Virgie Russell is 

the Radio Personality 

of the Year for 2022. 

Her long-running Samut 

Sari radio program 

on Planet FM has come 

of age, as it can now be 

heard on radio and 

viewed on social media 

as well. 

She was congratulated for embracing the 

new technology to lift her Samut Sari program 

to new heights. 

WOMEN’S RIGHTS ADVOCATE: 

Nina Santos 

is a young 

Filipina trailblazer. 

She was 

recently appointed 

as the 

Aspiring 

Director to the 

Board of the 

National 

Council of 

Women in New Zealand. 

Her multi-sector professional experience 

spans legal, digital communication and 

social media. 

Back in 2019 she was selected to be part of 

the Asia New Zealand Foundation's ’25 

under 25 to watch'. 

She manages to juggle all these bigwig 

roles whilst also finishing her degree at the 

University of Auckland. 

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER: 

Gina Ante Reid from Wellington is the 

creative director of the renowned Filifest 

Cultural Group, which was founded by a 

Lower Hutt community leader - Anita 

Mansell QSO. 

Gina Reid joined the group as their choreographer 

in 2007. She choreographs their 

traditional Filipino dances. 

This cultural group believes that exposure 

to dancing and art is the best way of introducing 

young people to their culture. Youth 

are offered every opportunity to be proud of 

where they come from. That is Gina’s mission 

for Filfest. 

INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN: 

Inspirational 

Woman of the 

Year - Clem 

Jones of 

Hastings. 

The personal 

story of Clem 

was featured in 

Filipino News 

NZ many years 

ago, when she 

first moved to 

New Zealand. 

She had faced a 

lot of adversities 

in the Philippines, some of them too 

painful to mention. She even wrote a book 

about her traumatic experiences. 

Thankfully Clem and her children found 

refuge in New Zealand and she is now happily 

married. She runs a very successful 

business in Hastings. 

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: 

Raden Chavez 

was recently 

appointed as the 

Regional Director 

of Alpha Phi 

Omega Alumni. 

A key project of 

APO New Zealand 

is supporting disadvantaged 

school 

children in the 

Philippines. Recently 

the group held a 

successful fundraising 

drive for one of 

its educational projects. 

Members of APO 

develop leadership 

skills, experience 

friendship on many levels and provide service 

to others. 

FILIPINO-KIWI MUSIC AWARD: 

Angela Tin from Auckland is a singer, 

songwriter, actress, model, radio DJ, Brand 

Ambassador and a Former Viva Artist. 

An all-round artist, she has been performing 

since 2005 with almost a million sales of 

her first original music release entitled 

WLPMK (Walang Label Pero Mahal Kita). 

She holds 2nd Place in Golden Voice NZ 

2022. 

She was featured in top rated movies and a 

TV series in the Philippines. In New Zealand 

she played the role of Nurse/Reporter in 

Shortland Street. 

MIGRANT RIGHTS ADVOCATE: 

Mikee Santos 

of Migrant 

Aotearoa is an 

untiring advocate 

for migrant 

rights. 

His award was 

presented to 

Mikee by Elaine 

Rarela of 

Orbit Remit. 

Mikee has 

been pushing the boundaries of advocacy for 

Pinoy builders who were being exploited. 

He has also lobbied for post arrival seminars 

for new migrants and access to emergency 

benefits for migrant workers during 

the pandemic. 

The 7th Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards, 17th June 2023, Auckland 

The nationwide search is on for Filipino-Kiwis who are outstanding in their fields of endeavour and also 

have a passion for community service. If you would like to nominate an individual, group or organization 

please contact Filipino News NZ at email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz or text: 027 495 8477 

FILIPINO NEWS NZ 

(22nd Anniversary) 

filipinonews.nz 

(north island edition) 

PINOY NZ LIFE 

pinoynzlife.nz 

(south island edition) 

RADYO TV ONLINE! 

www.pinoynz/live 

FILIPINO KIWI 

filipino.kiwi 

(wellington edition) 

Facebook: Filipino Kiwi 

FILIPINO JOB BOARD 

www.trabaho.nz 

Print • Web • Tablet • Facebook • Instagram 

FOOD / EVENTS 

www.halohalo.nz 

MIGRANT NEWS 

(32nd Anniversary) 

www.migrantnews.nz 

Facebook: Migrant News 

ELISTMO 

Online Directory 

www.elistmo.nz 

HERO AWARDS 

filipinoheroes.nz 

ASIAN NEWS 

www.asiannews.nz 

Facebook: 

Filipino Migrant News 

Filipino News NZ 

Pinoy NZ Life 

Published by: 

SM Publications Ltd 

filipinonews @xtra.co.nz 

Advertising: 

027 495 8477 

Publisher: 

Sheila Mariano 

Managing Editor: 

Mel Fernandez 

Contributing Editor: 

Queenie Tanjay 

Sub-Editor: 

Kirsty Hotchkiss 

Contributors: 

Louie Encabo 

Francisco Hernandez 

Chi De Jesus 

Rado Gatchalian 


Illustrations: 

Jason Aragon 

Photographers: 

Johans Lucena 

Aisha Ronquillo 

Please email your 

Community News, Photos 

and Feedback to: 

filipinonews@xtra.co.nz 

text: 027 495 8477 

Copyright Matters, 

Terms & Conditions of 

Publication 

All material (including ads) appearing in 

FILIPINO NEWS, PINOY NZ LIFE, 

FILIPINO KIWI, MIGRANT NEWS 

and it’s related websites: 

www.filipinonews.nz, filipino.kiwi, 

pinoynzlife.nz, migrantnews.nz, 

trabaho.nz, travel.galore.nz, 

filipinoheroes.nz, halohalo.nz 

elistmo.nz, asiannews.nz 

is COPYRIGHTED and cannot be 

reproduced unless written permission is 

given by - SM Publications Ltd. 

Views expressed in the above 

mentioned publications and websites do 

not necessarily reflect that of the publisher. 

The publisher does not accept any 

responsibility or liability for views and 

claims in the editorial matter or 

advertisements appearing in the above 

mentioned publications and related 

websites. 

SM Publications Ltd. T: 027 495 

8477 filipinonews@xtra.co.nz 

Our Community Partners 

We are proud to be the media partner of the following 

high profile Filipino community groups: 

• The Filipino Society Inc (Auckland) 

• Southland Filipino Society Inc (Invercargill) 

• Igorotak NZ (Palmerston North) 

• Mina De Oro (Mindorenos in NZ) 

• Alpha Phi Omega (Auckland) 

• Pinoy Adventurers NZ (Auckland) 

Big thanks to our community news reporters: 

We welcome short reports with photos about events 

happening throughout New Zealand and Australia from 

Filipino community groups and freelance contributors. 

Queenie Tanjay - Rotorua, Noel Bautista - Timaru, 

Celso Roger Baldo - Cambridge, Rado Gatchalian - 

Sydney, Chi De Jesus - Sydney 

Text, email or message your letters to: filipinonews 

@xtra.co.nz, mob: 027 495 8477, Facebook Page: 

https://www. facebook.com/www.filiipinonews.nz 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/filipino_news

BUHAY 

NZ 

10 ISSUE 161 6TH HERO AWARDS | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.pinoynzlife.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477 

www.filipinonews.nz : North Island Edition - 22nd Anniversary | www.pinoynzlife.nz : South Island Edition. Print and Online!



NZ 

Bonggang Bonggang Awards Night! 


The celebrity emcee for the 

event was Film, TV and Radio 

Personality - Asia Agcaoili. 

AUCKLAND – Awards 

nights can turn into stuffy 

affairs where people sit 

around restlessly, clapping 

as one award after another 

is announced. 

In the case of the 

Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards 

“we have tried to hype up 

the event with a dash of 

glamour, fun and excitement 

to keep attention levels 

at peak levels,” said 

Sheila Mariano, Publisher, 

SM Publications group. 

As expected, the 2022 

ing me to be a part of the 

Hero Awards and Amba 

Gary’s farewell night. It 

was a great celebration. 

Well done,” said Vilma 

Schrieber, a business 

leader and sponsor of the 

plaques for the heroes. 

Lyn Irene Yangot Idio, 

Igorot Community Leader: 

“Thank you Mel 

Fernandez and Sheila 

Mariano for hosting a 

great night to remember! 

We met new acquaintances 

from all over NZ and 

reconnected with old 

friends.” 

Gladys Stephens, Hamilton 

Filipino Society: 

“Thanks Mel Fernandez 

and Sheila Mariano for 

organising the 124th 

Philippine Independence 

Day Celebration 2022. 

Well done!” 

Anita Mansell, QSM and 

Board Member of the 

Lower Hutt Multicultural 

Society: “Thank you for 

recognising individuals 

and groups who do wonderful 

things.” 

Aisha Ronquillo, award 

winning photo-journalist: 

“To Mel Fernandez, Sheila 

Mariano and the team 

behind the Hero Awards. 

Congratulations on a suc- 

(above:) Angela 

Tin, this year’s 

winner of the 

Filipino-Kiwi 

Music Award, was 

a crowd favourite. 

“Ambassador 

Gary Domingo 

was sporting 

enough to dance 

with me,” she said. 

(left:) Members of 

the Igorotak NZ 

group performing 

the Eagle Dance 

a foot-tapping 

version of ‘Kaleidoscope 

World’, 

a song composed 

by the late Francis 

Magalona. 

Kaye N, an up-and-coming 

singer, sang 'Rainbow' by 

South Border. 

Buccahan and Aica Hunt. 

“What a night! It was 

The glamourous Carmelo 

Laylo, a pageant winner and 

business high-flyer from 

Palmerston North, performed 

‘Amakabogera’. 

for your outstanding service 

to the Filipino community! 

God bless you Sir.” 

ANGELA TIN: 

“I performed my winning 

pieces ‘It's All 

Coming Back To Me Now’ 

by Celine Dion and ‘Bang 

Bang’ by Jessie J, Ariana 

Grande and Nicki Minaj,” 

said Angela Tin, this year’s 

winner of the Filipino-Kiwi 

Music Award. 

“Ambassador Gary 

Domingo was sporting 

enough to dance with me; 

he definitely entertained 

the audience!” said Tin. “It 

was a great honour to 

share the stage with you 

(Amba Gary) and witness 

The choreographer and stage 

director for the event was 

Alyx Ty, who is also a former 

Hero Award winner. 

Awards did not disappoint, 

because the event was 

interspersed with a line-up 

of star performers, two 

spectacular fashion shows 

and an exciting Igorot 

flash dance. 

In the days following the 

event, social media was 

inundated with compliments. 

“Thanks for invit- 

The Igorotak NZ dance troupe stole the show with their flash dance which was 

performed after the group received their award for Community Group of the Year. 

cessful, peaceful and highly 

organized event.” 

The emcee of the event 

was Film, TV and radio 

personality Asia Agcaoili 

and the awards segment 

emcees were Gazelle 

Garcia and Marivic 

Murray. The choreographer 

and stage director 

was Alyx Ty, who was a 

former Hero Award winner 

and the AV specialist 

was Dexter Ycong. 

MELODIKA BAND: 

The Melodika Band is a 

Kiwi group that sings 

OPM hits in Tagalog. This 

is the third time they have 

been invited to headline 

the Hero Awards entertainment 

program. 

It was a special treat listening 

to their new track - 

CARMELO LAYLO: 

The glamourous Carmelo 

Laylo, a pageant winner 

and business high-flyer 

from Palmerston North, 

performed ‘Amakabogera’, 

a dance choreographed 

by Raines 

Symons. Her Queen Squad 

Dancers were Jeanna 

Mangoma, Charlotte Buccahan, 

Charmaine Joy 

The Melodika Band is a Kiwi group that sings OPM hits in Tagalog. 

They sang their version of the OPM hit - ‘Kaleidoscope World.’ 

such a delight and honour 

to be able to take part in 

the 6th Filipino-Kiwi Hero 

awards, to farewell our 

Ambassador Gary and to 

celebrate the 124th 

Philippine Independence 

Day in Auckland,” said 

Carmelo Laylo. 

“It is sad that you are 

ending your term, Hon. 

Amba Gary. Thank you 

how humble and sporting 

you are. You are a great 

leader and undeniably 

loved by our kababayans.” 

KAYE N: 

Kaye N, an up-and-coming 

singer, sang 'Rainbow' 

by South Border. 

View the event video at: 

www.filipinoheroes.nz 

The 6th Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards - 25 June 2022, Te Pai Centre, Henderson, Auckland 

Over 120 super heroes honoured to date. To nominate your hero for 2023 please contact us: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz

BUHAY 

NZ 

12 ISSUE 161 6th HERO AWARDS | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.pinoynzlife.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477 


022 063 5434 

info@bagsiclaw.co.nz 

www.bagsiclaw.co.nz



NZ 

High voltage fashion shows 

President of the United 

Filipinos of Mid-Canterbury 

Incorporated. Amelia 

- make-up artist. 

Palmerston North: Carmela 

Evora Laylo - model, 

performer, Mrs Universe 

2019 winner and businesswoman 

of the year. Raine – 

choreographer and performer. 

And the following 

models and performers – 

Charlotte, Charmaine, 

Aica and Jean Mangoma. 

Show stoppers at the 6th Filipino-Kiwi 

Hero Awards this year were two 

spectacular fashion shows. 

The ‘HQ Fashion Show’ by Fashion 

Supremo - Frances Martirez and the 

‘Fashion Heroes Runway’ by seven 

remarkable Filipino-Kiwi Fashionistas. 

The celebrity compere for this segment 

was none other than Asia Agcaoili. 

FASHIONISTAS ON PARADE 

The ‘Filipino-Kiwi Fashion Heroes’ is a fashion 

parade by fashionistas which was launched at this 

year’s awards. Below are the profiles of the models. 

HQ FASHION 

SHOW 

One of the highlights of 

the Hero Awards this year 

was without doubt a fashion 

extravaganza by Frances 

Martirez - an awardwinning 

fashion supremo. 

Over the years she has 

worked with some of New 

Zealand’s top fashion 

designers. 

Frances’ stunning traditional 

Philippine costumes 

were paraded by 15 models 

from Auckland, Palmerston 

North and Ashburton. 

Christchurch: Audrey 

Jones - model, performer 

and Miss Ashburton 2022 

pageant contestant. Abegail 

Juntilla – model and 

performer. Bernardo- 

Jennefer Bragat Juntilla - 

Auckland: Jocelyn – 

model and Mrs PH/NZ 

2017 winner. Lexie Idio - 

model. Bernadette and 

baby - model and owner of 

Ivana Hair and Beauty 

Salon. Asal - model. 

Manpreet - model. 

SHIRLEY 

BATH (right): 

Shirley, 42, who 

is also from 

Pangasinan, works 

in the banking sector 

in Hamilton. 

She is a pageant 

finalist. 

“Fashion for me 

is an art - I can 

show my style 

through my choices, 

not only with 

clothes but also 

with shoes and 

accessories. My 

personal style is 

fun with a bit of 

elegant chic. This 

is what makes me 

happy and confident 

every day. 

“Special thanks 

to Chie Nantes 

Canoy of Christchurch 

for my gold 

and grey embroidered 

gown and 

Farzana Janif for 

my makeup.” 

(extreme left:) 

Gloria Garcia 

(left:) Shay Shine 

Medina (right:) 

Richie Borja 

WELLA BERNA- 

DO: 

Wella (right) was a 

Mrs New Zealand 

contestant. She is a 

company director, 

model and motivator. 

“Mel and Sheila. I 

want to thank you for 

inviting me to your 

show. 

Truly, it was a success!” 

Nicole Dionne 

Nilda Brown 

GLORIA GARCIA: 

Gloria, 53, originally from 

Pangasinan, works in the 

healthcare sector in Auckland. 

She is a pageant winner. 

“Fashion for me is 

expressing myself and it 

always gives me confidence 

once I find the perfect 

combination of clothing. 

If you look good, then 

you will feel comfortable 

and feel good both inside 

and out.” 

RICHIE BORJA: 

Richie is from Rotorua. 

She is an in demand model 

and an influencer. She 

loves clothes, fitness training 

and the outdoors. 

NILDA BROWN: 

Nilda is the current 

Madam World NZ and a 

fitness instructor. She 

donated the bouquets for 

the Hero Awards. 

“I designed my traditional 

filipiniana dress and it 

was made by Jannette 

Halbach. 

“The Hero Awards night 

was a fantastic evening; 

thank you Filipino News 

for having us.” 

SHAY SHINE MEDI- 

NA: 

Shay is a member of the 

Igorot NZ group. She loves 

modelling Cordillerean 

fashion attire. 

NICOLE DIONNE: 

Nicole was a former 

contestant in the Maginoo 

at Binibining contest 

organised by Filipino 

News. She is a mother and 

runs a successful online 

fashion store.

FILIPINO-KIWI BUSINESS DIRECTORY Mob: 027 495 8477 : filipinonews@xtra.co.nz 

Food: more listings at www.elistmo.nz 

Financial Services: more listings at www.elistmo.nz 

Cebu’s Authentic 

Lechon 

For orders, please visit our site at: 

https://www.facebook.com/nzlechon 

All contact details available at our 

FB page. 

Eateries: more listings at www.elistmo.nz 

Sari Sari Store: more listings at www.elistmo.nz 

Rey Ann 

Filipino Superette 

Shop for a wide range of Filipino 

groceries and other imported 

goods - tin food, condiments, 

frozen goods (bangus, longanisa, 

tocino) essential ingredients, and 

lots, lots more ... 

9.30am - 6.30pm 

09 570 1116 

Facebook: 

reyannfilipino 

MONEY 

TRANSFER 

Western Union 

& Ria 

2a Basin View Lane, Panmure, Akld 

Let’s Eat! 

Discover warm Filipino 

hospitality and the most 

authentic Filipino food since 2010. 

www.turoturo.co.nz 

26a Mayfair Place, Glen Innes, Auckland 

Open 12pm - 8pm Everyday | (09) 528 6050 

Try our: 

JOYFUL CHICKEN 

PALABOK 

E 

N 

R 

I 

C 

O 

’ 

S 

elistmo.nz 

Hairdressing. 

Beauty Products. 

Sari Sari Stores 

NZ - wide. 

Balikbayan Box 

Forwarders. 

Financial Advice. 

NZ’s Asian Food Channel : 027 495 8477 

• PH potato snack giant set to corner market 

• Luntian - Filipino food with a Vegan Twist 

• Nostalgia for Homecooked food drives expansion 

• Boodle Fight: All hands on deck kababayan! 

• Modern twist to traditional Filipino cuisine 

• Why not feature your restaurant at halohalo.nz? 

L 

E 

C 

H 

O 

N 

Settlement Road, 

Papakura, 

Mob: 021 08679056 

enricoaumentado_12 

@yahoo.com.ph 

Insurance. 

Housing Loans. 

Real Estate. 

Eateries. 

Food. 

Money Transfer.

pg 15 

“This JOBS BOARD trabaho.nz is 

a fantastic way of attracting quality 

staff. They are easy to work with, 

fast and effective, giving almost 

instant results.” 

Monty Stewart, Kaiwaka Clothing. 

JOBS BOARD 

Job seekers check out this 

popular jobs board for 

new listings. 

Employers don’t delay - 

list your jobs today. Low cost. 

Targeted. 

www.trabaho.nz | 027 495 8477 | migrantnews@xtra.co.nz 

SCAN TO VIEW 

trabaho.nz

16 | ISSUE 161 | HERO AWARDS | FILIPINO NEWS NZ : www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | Mobile : 027 495 8477 |

Filipino News 161 July 2022

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