Filipino News 167

23
YEARS
in print
&
online!
Issue 167: CELEBRATORY FOOD
TE WAKA PIRIPINO MANENE
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F R E E
copy or
read
online.
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pg 7
Romeo Yusopov:
Super Star Influencer
pg 2
NEW PH AMBASSADOR
FOR NEW ZEALAND
Exploring
identity
through
the lens
of a food
show ...
The six-part series titled
‘Sik Fan Lah!’ streaming on
TVNZ on Demand gives us a
fresh look at modern Kiwi-
Asian food.
From tasting a whole
roast hog Chinese-style in
Manawatu, to sampling
fusion bao in central
Auckland, Sik Fan Lah!
promises to ‘lift the lid on
the diversity of Kiwi-
Chinese identity – one bite
at a time’.
“Asian people don’t
like to talk about
themselves or talk
about their emotions
and they often do that
through their food or
their actions. That’s
what we wanted to
portray throughout the
series. How we can
express ourselves, our
emotions, our culture
and our heritage,
through food.journey!”
“I came up with the
idea for the series
because of my experience
of growing up as
pg 9 - 10
a third generation
Chinese and how we
don’t talk about our
history or culture. If
we do, then it’s over
food.”
Beloved Father Mario
THE FINAL FAREWELL
pg 8
pg 4 - 5
Good pg 11
Neighbours
COMMUNITY VOICE
TO HELP SHAPE
Immigration Policy
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
7TH FILIPINO-KIWI HERO AWARDS 2023

BUHAY
NZ
02 ISSUE 167 FILIPINO HERO AWARDS | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.trabaho.nz | mob: 027 495 8477
www.filipinonews.nz : North Island Edition - 22nd Anniversary | www.pinoynzlife.nz : South Island Edition. Print and Online!
By Sheila Mariano
AUCKLAND - A Filipino
publisher based in Australia
once sent me a bunch of
interesting books to review.
One of the books that I
particularly enjoyed reading,
because of the humour, was
'Learning and Speaking
Filipino' by Renato Perdon.
According to the author, it
was dedicated “To the
Filipino expatriates around
the world and their families
and foreign friends who
wish to learn and speak the
Filipino language”.
I was also drawn to another
book in the collection
titled 'As I See It, Filipinos
and Philippines' by Pura
Santillan-Castrence.
The book was published
as a tribute to Dr Castrence
for her 100th birthday in
March 2005. Born in 24
March 1905, she died at the
age of 101 in January 2007.
The writer was an experienced
journalist, university
professor, essayist, columnist,
critic, Barbour Scholar,
and above all she was a
mother of four girls and two
boys - now all successful in
their chosen fields.
“It's a compilation of her
articles, which were all published
in a Filipino community
newspaper, distributed
Australia-wide, between
1999-2005”, said Mr Perdon.
I was only planning to flip
through some pages in the
book, but for some reason
found myself reading the
entire book. This was the
very first black and white
book (I'm partial to glossy
entertainment magazines)
that I finished reading from
cover to cover. God knows
when I last got interested in
any historical book, which is
what I believe
this is.
N a n a y
Pura had
seen it all,
from Spanish,
American to
Japanese colonization.
From Quezon,
Roxas, Macapagal,
Marcos, Aquino, Ramos,
Estrada to the Arroyo
administration. This is history
lesson 101 for me. But the
most interesting article in
her book; which inspired me
to go back to reading books
and challenge her statement,
is 'Filipinos' reading habits'
written in September 2002.
I felt that her observations
were uncanny and spot on.
She said that “Filipinos are
not readers. They are not
what may be called 'book
people'”.
She added that “the
Filipinos have always been
As I read it.
“Filipinos are not readers. They are not what may be
called 'book people'”, says Pura Santillan-Castrence
copy-cats, but they have not
copied the American habit of
reading.
“Filipinos have imitated
American songs, short stories,
dances - indeed many
By Mila Baker
American ways of doing
things.”
According to her, “The
Filipino masses cannot help
being non-readers. Even the
most literate of them, however,
are more involved in
themselves and in their family
than in reading.
“Students, office workers
and others alike would
rather watch the TV, listen to
the radio, use the computer
or the Internet, or read light
magazines, comics, cartoons
and horoscopes (not to mention
showbiz magazines).”
I admire and highly regard
those who are well read and
can write, speak and express
themselves flawlessly.
People like Oprah, Sarah-
Kate Lynch, Sharon Cuneta,
Kris Aquino, my award winning
journalist friend who I
met overseas, my husband -
my walking and handy dictionary,
newspaper and
horoscope reader all in one.
Since I read Dr Pura's
book, I've gone on to read
several books from the local
library and, dare
I say, I am getting
addicted to
reading.
I'm always
seeking the best
titles that the
library has to
offer and worry
that there might
not be enough books for me
to read - what a worrier.
When my son started
schooling I enroled him in
the Summer Reading
Programme - cost free – to
WHAT A FIND ...
I found a ‘Little
Library’ in Blockhouse
Bay next to the Community
House.
This is an awesome
way to encourage our
people and young children
to read - because
you can borrow books,
swap it or donate it with
no money involved.
I believe there are also
other areas where you
can find these mini
libraries.
Libraries are amazing
as they allow people to
borrow books and enjoy
reading them at no cost.
If we want our young
children to excel, this is a
smart start !
Our kids will learn to
enjoy books and other
resources only if we
encourage them to do so
at an early stage and it
costs nothing.
Reading is powerful for
ongoing learning and
helps many of us to gain
knowledge for our daily
lives.
For those looking for
answers or seeking exciting
adventures and discovering
new pathways
or even searching for
careers, it's a bonus.
And it’s good to have a
chat with real people
with a smile at the
library. That's another
extra bonus!
introduce him to the joy of
books.
He received a gift from the
librarian every time he
checked-in (four sessions in
all) and a Prize Pack on
completing the programme
at a well attended graduation
ceremony at Te Atatu Peninsula
Community Centre.
The reading habit is now
instilled in my son’s psyche
and I marvel at his astonishing
creative writing skills.
I salute New Zealand for
inculcating the reading habit
in our children and for providing
state-of-the-art facilities
in the libraries. They
have books there for everyone.
Audio books are getting
popular too.
I saw one teenage guy
lying face down in the middle
of the long padded couch
in the reading area. I think
he was sleeping, but nobody
minded. You may even come
without jandals on (although
I haven't seen anyone do so),
as they have a very laid back
atmosphere. I also find the
librarians are quite friendly
and extremely helpful.
Membership to the library
is free. Those living in
Auckland, thanks to the
Super City, can now borrow
and return books from and to
the 55 different library locations.
You can save time browsing
by finding a book of
your choice directly from
their website and it can be
reserved for you. They can
email reminders of due dates
and there's a link to renew
your books online from the
comfort of your home.
Happy reading!
PH ANNOUNCES NEW
AMBASSADOR TO NZ
MANILA – A new Ambassador
of the Philippines to New
Zealand has been named.
For H.E. Kira Christianne
Danganan Azucena, a Dumaguete
native, this post will be her
first assignment as an ambassador.
She will also serve as envoy to
the Pacific islands close to New
Zealand, including Fiji, Samoa,
H.E. Kira Christianne Danganan
Azucena, the newly appointed PH
Ambssador to New Zealand.
Photo: screen grab from Twitter.
Tonga, and Cook Islands.
A seasoned diplomat, Azucena
had previously been deployed to
Philippine missions in Rome,
Italy, Hong Kong, and New York
City.
In a message of support for the
new appointee, Manuel “Chiquiting”
Sagarbarria, member of
the Commission on Appointments,
had this to say at a plenary
session at the Philippine
Senate in February this year:
“With her extensive background
and efforts for the welfare of the
Filipino community both here
and abroad, it is no wonder why
she is highly-respected and
admired as a persevering and
hardworking career Diplomat.”
Azucena is a graduate of the
Silliman University College of
Mass Communication.
Azucena said: "(I am) very
thankful and very humbled and
also very challenged because as
ambassador, kita man ang highest
representation of the
Philippine government in that
country so there's a lot of expectations
and higher set of standards
to adhere to."
Look out for the interview with H.E.
Kira Azucena on our website: www.
filipinonews.nz

| FILIPINO-KIWI HERO AWARDS 2023 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | Mobile : 027 495 8477 | https://facebook.com/filipinokiwi/ 03

BUHAY
NZ
04 ISSUE 167 OBITUARY | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.trabaho.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477
www.filipinonews.nz : North Island Edition - 22nd Anniversary | www.pinoynzlife.nz : South Island Edition. Print and Online!
AUCKLAND – The
Filipino community is
deeply saddened by the
death of Father Mario
Guevarra Dorado OFM
Cap, 68, one of New
Zealand’s best-loved
Filipino Catholic priests,
on 14th March 2023 at
5:05am.
He will be remembered
by many Filipino migrants
as an extraordinary
human being who made a
profound difference in
their lives.
At a recent community
hui focusing on the alarming
spike in the Filipino
suicide rates he pointed
out that: “We are not in
New Zealand just to make
money or to work, but also
to be happy and to have
peace; that is our purpose
in life.”
Over the years he gently
motivated his parishioners
to follow his example and
live their lives by the
motto: ‘Aspire to inspire
until you expire.’
He was ordained as a
priest on April 4, 1981. He
arrived in New Zealand on
Oct 1, 2006 and was
appointed Vocations
Director in the Capuchin
Order and Formator for
the candidates to the
Order.
For two years he was at
the Capuchin Friary in
Kilbirnie, Wellington and
was then at the Holy Cross
Friary in Henderson,
Auckland for four years.
He was Parish Priest at
Our Lady of Lourdes
Parish in Glen Eden and
his final transfer was to
become parish priest of St.
Benedict's and to head the
Auckland Filipino Catholic
Chaplaincy.
In an interview with the
Western Leader he
revealed that when he has
time off he’s into sports: “I
like to go walking, play
golf and swim.” And yes,
play basketball too.
Father Mario added that
he loved New Zealand
“because it’s a nice place to
live in. Life is not as fast as
it is in America where I
studied for a year. The
pace over there is too fast;
people work so hard and
they forget to rest and
relax. People here have a
long life span because
they’ve learnt the art of
unwinding.”
In 2012 his health took a
sudden decline when he
was diagnosed with cancer,
but fortunately after
chemotherapy he was in
remission for many years.
Filipino priest who made
a profound difference
to many lives dies
By Ricky Matthew
IN LOVING MEMORY: Father Mario Dorado OFMCap was born on 29 July 1954 and died on 14 March 2023.
His Ordination to the Priesthood was on 4 April 1981. He was a Capuchin Friar for 46 years and 41 years as a Priest.
Sadly, the cancer recurred
and this adversely affected
his life expectancy. Fr.
Mario's remains will be
brought back to the
Philippines on 26th March.
Reflecting on Father
Mario’s life, his devoted
parishioners, friends and
family poured out their
grief via his Facebook
page.
Fe Dorado: “My brother
will live in my heart forever.
He’s a person loved by
so many. His smiling face is
a positive figure of being
peaceful and approachable.
He is very caring and
supportive in every aspect
of life. I believe that his is a
good legacy to many.
Actually, there are no
words to adequately
describe my kuya. One of
the best.”
Anna Nora Dorado:
“Rest in peace uncle Mario
Dorado. I told you that
when I get married I want
you to be the one to bless
us ... but you're gone ... You
are super kind and you are
Father Mario’s hometown is in Santo Thomas, Batangas and he
is one of 9 children. Photo supplied.
a priest who is very cool,
cheerful, loving and super
liberated. We will miss you
so much.”
Jessica Stauffer Dorado:
“What I remember best
about Fr. Mario was the
kindness and love and joy
he shared with all. He welcomed
me into the family
with open arms and officiated
at our wedding and
the baptism of our first
child.
“He was an incredibly
generous, thoughtful person
and we all miss him
tremendously. The American
Leukaemia and
Lymphoma Society is naming
him an Honoured Hero
as a tribute and to inspire
the funding and search for
a cure.
“Dearest Mario, may
you rest in peace. You
brought so much love, joy
and inspiration to all who
knew you and your legacy
will continue with your
family, parishioners, and
friends. Forever in our
hearts.”
Father Nathaniel Tat
Brazil: “Thank you for
your brotherly love and
guidance. We will never
forget you.”
Father Sherwin Lapaan:
“A great friend, fellow
golfer and brother priest is
now with the Lord. Rest in
Peace!”
Paul Familara: “To our
beloved Fr. Mario Dorado,
Father Mario with the youth choir of St. Anthony’s Parish
Church, Singalong, in Manila. Photos supplied.
who's not just a down-toearth
person but also fun
and adorable, we will miss
you!
“Thank you for giving us
the privilege to share a life
with you. You radiate
goodness from your heart
and we will always be
inspired by your strength
of will and pure heart.
“Keep your strokes
sweet and sure as you play
perfect rounds on the best
golf course above. You will
always be a champion to
us. RIP Fr. Mario.”
Maryanne (Meanne/
Bunsoy) Lee Hartman: “I
met Father Mario when I
joined the youth choir of
St. Anthony’s Parish
church, Singalong, in
Manila. He was my guiding
light, a father figure
sent by my father, who
passed away when I was
15.
“Because of Fr. Mario
and the choir he assembled,
my faith was
restored. He accompanied
my mother to my graduation
and was with me and
my mother when I took the
oath to become a licensed
Optometrist.
“The best thing I
remember about Kuya
Mario is that his heart was
always open to anyone who
was lost, abandoned or
feeling helpless and alone.
He never judged anyone.
He is truly an embodiment
of God's love and mercy on
earth.”
Clarence Ann Marinas-
Sugui: “I met Fr. Mario in
a Chinese restaurant in the
CBD with my parents in
2008, when my kids and I
had just arrived here in
NZ. I believe that he had
just finished his last round
of chemo from battling the
initial cancer that he had.
He was pale and skinny at
that time, but greeted me
with a huge smile on his
face and optimism for the
future.
“Despite his circumstances
at that time, he
didn't show a hint of
despair or sadness, but
instead he glowed with
hope and a strong sense of
faith. From then on I was
drawn to his light and his
devotion to God.
Continued on page 5.

ISSUE 167 | OBITUARY | www.filipinoheroes.nz | | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | 05 BUHAY
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
NZ
Continued from page 4.
“We attended his
Sunday mass and saw each
other on different casual
occasions.
And every time he spoke
he left behind life lessons
that answered the questions
about my
struggles in life
and my faith in
the most surprising
and
timely way. It
was ingrained in
me, like the messages
were truly
coming from the
Lord. I know in
my heart that
there is so much
goodness and a
love of God that
flows from him.
“I was eager to
have him celebrate
our wedding mass
last year. I wanted him to
be part of it because he just
means so much to us and it
felt like God was truly in
our presence through him.
I am glad he was our celebrant.
I am honoured and
privileged that he was a
part of our lives.
“With a broken heart
and eyes filled with tears, I
am glad that he is now with
our Lord and saviour. Fr.
Mario will truly be missed.
He is irreplaceable. Rare
are the individuals who
make such an impact on
one’s lives, touch our
hearts and heal our spirits
by being a servant of the
Lord.
“He is one priest whom I
am so blessed and lucky to
have met. My family and I
are truly grateful to the
Lord that we have crossed
paths with him in this journey
called life. He is now at
peace. The heavens above
Jessica Stauffer Dorado: “Fr. Mario welcomed me into the family with
open arms and officiated at our wedding and the baptism of our
first child.” - Photo supplied.
indeed gained an angel, a
soldier of Christ.”
Ayla Bautista Uy:
“Ninong Father Mario
Dorado … you will always
stay in our hearts. Your
kindness, joyfulness and
homilies will remain in us.
We are so blessed to have
known you. May you rest
in peace. Amen.”
Anthony Kit Denver
Eltanal: “Fr. Mario had
been our parish priest for
years and his words are
always full of truth, wisdom
and love. His smiles
and laughs are very contagious.”
Father Sherwin Lapaan
announced on his
Facebook that Father
Mario’s Funeral Mass will
be held on 25 March,
Saturday, 3pm (Feast of
the Annunciation), at the
Cathedral of St. Patrick
and St. Joseph, 43
Wyndham St, Auckland.
Other wake masses will
Clarence Ann Marinas-Sugui: “I was eager to have him celebrate our
wedding mass. I wanted him to be part of it because he just means so
much to us and it felt like God was truly in our presence through him.
be held on:
18 March, Saturday,
11am, at Holy Cross
Catholic Church, 2 Lavelle
Road, Henderson, Auckland
0612.
19 March, Sunday, 6pm,
at St. Dominic's Church,
34 Bolton Street,
Blockhouse Bay, Auckland
0600 (overnight).
20 March, Monday,
11am, at Our Lady of
Lourdes, 7 Glendale Road,
Glen Eden, Auckland
0602.
24 March,
Friday, 7pm, St.
Benedict’s
Church, 1 St.
Benedict’s St.,
Eden Terrace,
Auckland 1010
(overnight).
The Wake
Mass on the 24
March and the
Funeral Mass on
the 25 March will
be livestreamed
on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/
@ACFCChaplaincy-NZ.
The 7th
Filipino-Kiwi
Hero Awards
official website: filipinoheroes.nz
Over 120 super heroes honoured to date.
To nominate your hero for 2023 please contact
us at: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz

BUHAY
NZ
06 ISSUE 167 MAGANDA | 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!
Openly pointing out somebody’s
flaws is generally
considered rude – so why do
supposedly polite Filipinos
do it?
In a previous issue of
Filipino News I observed
that New Zealand’s appreciation
of beauty, compared to
the Philippines, was a kind
of liberation for Filipinas
living here. We heard from
several women who felt far
more comfortable in their
own skins in NZ than in their
home country.
Much of the problem
came from the blunt criticisms
they faced back home:
told they’re too fat, too
brown, too balbon, are
pango, have dark ‘kilikili’ or
other skin blemishes; nothing
is off-limits to a sharpeyed
friend or relative.
Even framed in the typically
Filipino context of
humour, the all-too-common
'joke lang', most see it, by
Western standards, as nothing
less than body-shaming:
inappropriate and rude.
So where does such a trait
come from? And why?
Filipinos are known for their
sensitivity – for not wanting
to stir up trouble or upset
others. Tact is a cultural trait.
So why this willingness to
point out people’s so-called
flaws?
I talked to a number of
Filipinos about this.
Everybody agreed that it
was universal, although
some attributed it more to
older generations or to less
sophisticated, less urbane
individuals.
One woman I talked
to, Mia, 26, considered
such bluntness to come
from popular culture:
the lowbrow humour
of daytime TV, where
ridicule and mockery
for the masses’
amusement is a staple
of big name hosts.
Perhaps such humour has a
trickle-down effect into
common culture and behaviour?
Another, Josephine, 40,
gave it a more sinister spin,
the o infamous Filipino ‘crab
mentality'. This malevolent
Culture Clash
By REW SHEARER
Openly pointing out
somebody’s flaws is
generally considered
rude – so why do
supposedly polite
Filipinos do it?
Much of the problem
comes from the blunt
criticisms Filipinas faced
back home: told they’re
too fat, too brown, too
balbon, are pango, have
dark kilikili or other
skin blemishes; nothing
is off-limits to a sharpeyed
friend or relative.
Editor: We welcome your
feedback on this topic.
facet of
Filipino nature is a willingness
to exploit others or
put them down, particularly
compatriots, for personal
gain. It is the antithesis of
the kababayan culture,
where Filipinos traditionally
work together for the benefit
of all and it can
be a
truly cruel trait. Viewed
from this perspective, personal
comments are a way of
cutting a person down to size
and undermining their self
confidence; motivated perhaps
by jealousy or a social
mindset not unlike New
Zealand’s ‘tall poppy syndrome'.
But maybe not.
It’s worth understanding
that the habit of making
blunt personal observations
is not limited to Filipinos. It
is, apparently without exception,
an Asia-wide phenomenon.
Japan, notoriously
Korea, China, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Thailand; all share
this tendency. To varying
degrees, all regard slenderness
and fairness and flawlessness
to be the epitomes
of beauty and relatives,
friends or even colleagues
will be quick to make less
than subtle criticisms of
those
who
don’t
meet
those
s t a n -
dards. And
it seems
that in all
cases such
comments are received with
an equal measure of annoyance.
Mia agrees, recalling blunt
comments about her
physique from a non-
Filipino colleague that had
none of the smiles or ‘just
kidding’ softeners.
If such remarks are indeed
a deeply engrained and universal
trait of Asian culture –
and even other cultures
around the world – how
would the Filipino, normally
so considerate and diplomatic,
deliver them?
Probably exactly as they
do. With a smile, a laugh, a
tongue-in-cheek reluctance
or a retractive “just kidding”.
At the point of tension
between a deeply-ingrained
Asian tendency and their
own sense of empathy, the
Filipino uses characteristic
smiles and humour, chagrin
and delicacy as much as possible.
Preferable, perhaps, to
keep their mouths shut. But
maybe, softened by that
characteristic Pinoy shyness,
it’s not such an affront after
all. Maybe it’s just a sign of
changing times, a culture in
the process of evolving, a
clash of old and new.
Then again,
some traditions
are best left
behind.
2023
The Filipino-Kiwi Hero
Awards is organised exclusively
by Filipino News
NZ and Pinoy NZ Life.
For more information and
sponsorship enquries
please contact us at:
filipinonews@xtra.co.nz
mob: 027 495 8477
History of the Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards.
The inspiration for the Filipino-Kiwi Heroes hall of fame comes from a similar
honours roll in the Philippines conferred by the Philippine Inquirer Newspaper.
For a more detailed list of award winners over the years please visit the official
website: www.filipinoheroes.nz
We welcome nominations for the next Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards.
email: filipinonews @xtra.co.nz

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By Ricky Matthew
AUCKLAND - Upon
arriving in Aotearoa at the
tender age of 2, to settle in
what was supposedly the
second safest country in
the world (according to the
Global Peace Index 2022),
nothing could have been
further from the truth for
Romeo Yusopov.
For this Russian immigrant,
growing up in
Tamaki Makaurau turned
out to be a very traumatic
experience as he alleges
that he faced relentless
bullying at some local
schools and encountered a
succession of setbacks in
his life.
Fortunately, against all
odds, his sheer determination
and his deep faith
opened many doors and
created opportunities that
have completely transformed
his life.
Romeo, who was once
combating underweight
health risks and verging on
the brink of suicide, is
today a World Champion
Model, a Super Star
Influencer, an Actor, a
Weight Loss Coach, a
Philanthropist and recently
premiered his film
'Romeo Yusopov' at The
Capitol Cinema in
Auckland.
The film encapsulates
the journey
of his family fleeing
from war-torn
countries like
Chechnya to the
safety of Aotearoa
and presents snapshots
of his experience
growing up
here.
In an interview
with Migrant
News, Romeo, 25,
gave us an insight
into the giant
strides he took to
transition from a
vulnerable immigrant
to a highly
respected influencer.
“My family took
refuge in Pakistan
after escaping
multiple wars,
including the
Chechnyan and
Tajikistan Civil
Wars. I was born
in Pakistan and
from there we
came to New Zealand
as immigrants.
“I got my
citizenship
within my
first few
years here.
Former
P r i m e
Minister
Helen Clark
shook my
hand and
the photo
was on the
NZ Herald’s
front cover.”
Despite
his citizenship
and his
encounter
with the former
Prime
Minister, growing up in
New Zealand was far from
easy.
“I grew up with autism
and severe anorexia. I
developed heart issues
when I was 38 kg at 17
years old.
“I also had many other
physical issues which made
me a target for bullying
throughout high school.
“I got my ear ripped
apart, my jaw and teeth
broken and had a severe
concussion to the side of
my head.
“I had enough of being
called ugly and a skeleton,
so I joined a gym.
“Careerwise, I started
with photoshoots using
just my phone. Sadly, I was
being rejected by every
modelling agency I applied
to on account of being too
skinny or too short.”
In the end persistence
paid off and his talent was
recognised by the industry.
He even went on to winning
international awards.
“Now here I am, being a
role model to other youth
who have been told it’s
impossible and they can’t
do it,” said Romeo.
After gaining footage in
the modelling industry,
Romeo moved into the personal
training space. He
became a weight loss coach
for women over 40,
helping to transform
their bodies
and lives.
“I help mums
because my mum is
my role model who
raised me mostly
solo,” revealed
Romeo. “This is a
way I can give back
to other mums who
are raising the next
generation.
“I was studying
computer engineering
and civil
engineering,”
shared Romeo.
“Then I had a mini
heart attack, forcing
me to drop out
and focus on my
health.
“This helped me
to realise my passion
for health and
fitness. Soon after I
went to the NZ
Institute of Health
Transforming from an
immigrant facing adversity
into a super star influencer.
and Fitness
(NZIHF) to become
a personal
trainer.
“It’s my passion
to transform people’s
lives and bodies
and to see them happy.
I know what it feels like
not to feel happy and confident
in myself and the bullying
and depression that
comes with it.”
Romeo’s life journey is
documented in a documentary
that he, himself, created.
“Many people asked
me to share my story
because they were shocked
when they heard it and
everyo
n e
told
m e
that I
should
write a
book
about it or make a film
about it.
“I contacted every single
contact I had, but no one
wanted to help me to make
a film. So I went on
YouTube and learned the
craft myself. I made the
film and submitted it to a
film festival.
“Everyone was laughing,
saying that the film festival
would never accept it.
However, it ended up winning
multiple awards.
“I then reached out to
one of my friends, who was
the only person who saw
talent in me. He referred
me to the Capitol Cinema
and Roger the owner made
it happen.
“He sponsored the event
and the rest I all did
myself. I sold tickets
myself privately and did all
the marketing. I did all this
while I was homeless and
sleeping in my car for two
years.”
Romeo's story is one of
resilience, determination
and overcoming adversity.
“The film is showing youth
that if I can do it, then anyone
can,” exhorted Romeo.
1737 – Free text 1737 to
talk to a trained counsellor
or peer support person,
24/7.
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or
(09) 5222 999 (within
Auckland), free helpline
service, 24/7.
Suicide Crisis Line –
0508 828 865 (0800 TAU-
TOKO).
Victim Support 24 Hour
Contact Service - 0800 842
846 for an immediate call
out.
Youthline – Helpline for
Kiwis aged between 12-24
years. Free call 0800 376
633. You can also text 243
to chat.

08 ISSUE 167 IMMIGRATION | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.trabaho.nz | Facebook: Filipino Migrant News
MIGRANT NEWS - www.migrantnews.nz : New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media.
Migrant communities
across New Zealand are
represented in the new
Migrant Community
Reference Group that
will help shape immigration
policy going forward,
Immigration
Minister Michael Wood
announced recently.
“Since becoming
Minister, a reoccurring
message I have heard
from migrants is
the feeling their
voice has
often been
missing
around policy
discussions.
Today
we are providing
that voice,”
Michael
Wood said.
“ T h e
Migrant
Community
Reference
Group will provide a
forum for migrant communities’
to directly share
their perspectives and
experiences of the immigration
system with me.
“My medium-term priorities
for the immigration
system will be
informed through discussions
with the reference
group alongside other
stakeholders including
employers and workers.
“The members have
diverse backgrounds and
deep ties to their communities
and come highly
recommended from their
prior engagements across
multiple government
agencies.
“They have each displayed
a strong commitment
to championing the
cause of migrant communities
in New Zealand.
“Insights from the
group may also be shared
with the Ministry of
Business, Innovation and
Employment and other
government agencies to
help make informed decisions.
The group will not
replace my regular
engagement with migrant
communities around the
country, but will supplement
it.
“Our Government values
the unique perspective
migrants can provide
on the immigration system,”
Michael Wood said.
Members of the Migrant
Community Reference
Group are:
Saimoni Lealea, MNZM
Wellington-based Sai
Immigration Minister
Michael Wood
Community voice to help
shape immigration policy
has extensive experience
in governance leadership
across the private and
public sectors, particularly
relating to the
Fijian community and
wider Pasifika interests
Dr Kelly Feng, MNZM
Auckland-based Kelly
migrated from China in
2002.
She is the Chief
Executive of Asian Family
Services, a nationwide
health and social services
provider for the Asian
community in New
Zealand.
Kelly previously led and
developed the Asian
Mental Health Services
for the Waitemata District
Health Board in 2007 and
her leadership in numerous
Asian-focused research
projects has helped
to raise awareness and
understanding of the
mental health needs of the
Asian community.
Manisha Morar
Wellington-based
Manisha is current Vice
President of the New
Zealand Indian Central
Association, the only
national umbrella body
for regional Indian community
groups in New
Zealand (outside of faithbased
groups), and the
Vice President of the
Wellington Indian Association
Dr Margriet Theron,
ONZM
Rotorua-based Dr
Theron moved from
South Africa in 1978 and
has been President of the
Rotorua Multicultural
Council since 2016, and a
member for more than 20
years.
Since retiring from a
career in science management,
Margriet has taken
on numerous governance
roles in community
organisations and teaches
a Professional Speaking
for Migrants course for
the Rotorua Multicultural
Council and a
Professional Speaking for
GPs course for overseas
qualified doctors
Anita Mansell, QSM
Wellington-based Anita
is a former president and
current board member of
the Hutt Multicultural
Council.
Since moving to New
Zealand from the
Philippines in 1983, Anita
has been a member of
various local and central
government initiatives
such as the National
Police Ethnic Strategy
and refugee health and
wellbeing forums
Mitchell Pham, ONZM
Auckland-based
Mitchell is a Vietnamese-
Kiwi technology business
THE MIGRANT COMMUNITY REFERENCE GROUP:
(from left) Mikee Santos, Mitchell Pham, Dr Kelly Feng MNZM, Dr Margriet Theron ONZM and Anita Mansell QSM.
and social entrepreneur
who originally arrived in
New Zealand as a refugee
at the age of 13.
Outside of business
activities, Mitchell
has served as Chair of
Digital Council for
Aotearoa NZ, NZTech,
FinTechNZ, NZ ASEAN
Business Alliance. He is
currently Chair of the NZ
Asia Institute, and Chair
of the External Steering
Group for Immigration
New Zealand’s Refugee
and Migrant Settlement
Strategy Refresh.
Abdur Razzaq
Wellington-based
Abdur is a highly respected
elder in the Muslim
community, with over 45
years of voluntary community
service.
He is a founding member
of the Federation of
Islamic Associations
(FIANZ), the national
Muslim umbrella
organisation. He is
also the Research
and Advocacy lead of
FIANZ. He is also a
member of Kapuia,
the Ministerial
Advisory Group on
the Government’s Response
to the Royal
Commission of Inquiry
into the terrorist attack
on Christchurch mosques.
Vikram Selvaraj
Gisborne-based
Vikram came to
New Zealand in
2018 from Singapore
with his partner
as an international
student at the
University of Canterbury,
to study a
Bachelor of Criminal
Justice.
He is the current
President of the New
Zealand International
Students’ Association.
Lealiifanovalevale
Erolia Eteuati Rooney
Dunedin-based Erolia is
a well-respected leader in
the Pasifika communities
- “Lealiifanovalevale” is a
chiefly title. She has been
a member of various
Pasifika advisory committees
and support groups.
Erolia is a registered medical
laboratory scientist
with the New Zealand
Blood Service and is currently
on secondment
with Te Whatu Ora as the
Interim Regional Pacific
Lead (Communities/
Providers) Te Waipounamu
in the Pacific
Health Directorate.
Mikee Santos
Auckland-based Mikee
is the chair of Migrante
Aotearoa, a grass-roots,
non-profit organisation
focused on advancing the
rights and welfare of
Filipino migrants in New
Zealand. He is also the
Coordinator of the Union
Network of Migrants
(UNEMIG via FIRST
Union).
Membership of the
group is for 12 months, at
which point the group’s
role and function will be
reviewed. After the first
meeting, meetings will be
held online every quarter.
CHECK OUT: The latest
immigration updates
at www.migrantnews.nz

ISSUE 167 CULTURAL FOOD | www.migrantnews.nz | email: migrantnews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | Facebook: Migrant News 09
MIGRANT NEWS - Immigration News, Settlement Support ... New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media.
By Ricky Matthew
A culinary program that
delves into the personal
journey of young Kiwis of
Chinese descent as they
navigate their sense of
identity is now streaming
on TVNZ on Demand. The
six-part series titled ‘Sik
Fan Lah!’ gives us a fresh
look at modern Kiwi-Asian
food.
Translated as ‘come and
eat’ in Cantonese, Sik Fan
Lah! follows six different
hosts as they embark on an
Insta-worthy culinary road
trip across the motu. From
tasting a whole roast hog
Chinese-style in Manawatu,
to sampling fusion
bao in central Auckland,
Sik Fan Lah! promises to
‘lift the lid on the diversity
of Kiwi-Chinese identity –
one bite at a time’.
26 year old part-time
producer and part-time
marketer Jess Wong, a
third-generation Chinese
New Zealander, co-produced
Sik Fan Lah! for
Goldfish Productions.
In an interview with
Migrant News she revealed
the deeper purposes and
intentions for creating the
show.
“We are trying to make
our people proud. 15% of
Kiwi Chinese explore
their identity through
the lens of a food show.
ture and to have as many
people tell their stories and
tell them through food as
possible.
“Asian people
don’t like to talk
about themselves
or talk about
their emotions
and they
often do that
through
their food
or their
actions.
That’s what
we wanted
to portray
throughout
the series.
How we can
express ourselves,
our emotions,
our culture
and our heritage,
through food.
“I came up with the
idea for the series because
of my experience of growing
up as a third generation
Chinese and how we
B A C K S T O R Y :
culture. Food really opens
people up to new cultures
and new experiences. That
was important to me and it
was part of the story I
wanted to share.”
The series’ hosts
include: Master-
Chef winner Sam
Low, Wellington
coffee entrepreneurs
Natalie
and Stephanie
Chin, Black
Fern Tyla
Nathan-Wong,
Dunedin’s
Royal Albatross
Centre educator
Janice Chi Fen
Huang, meme
queen Abigail Masengi
and playwright
Nathan Joe.
When asked what
persuaded her to feature
young hosts and give the
show a lively vibe, Jess
said: “I am 26. I am right
on the border of being a
Gen Z and a Millennial.
important.
“I think that the show
has been a really cool connection.
Even though
we’ve made it great for
young people to watch, a
lot of young people have
watched it with their parents
or their grandparents,
multi-generations. It is
something that everyone
can connect with a little
bit.
“What was really special
hearing from young people
watching with their grandparents
is that they love
that they can hear a little
bit of their mother tongue
and they can understand
it. But the young people
can take something out of
it and learn something
about their culture as well.
So everyone takes something
a little bit different
from it when they watch
it.”
Can we expect more productions
like Sik Fan Lah!
from Jess and her team in
the near future?
“The show was more of
a one-off thing,” said Jess.
“Our team and I did a lot
of research and travelled
around meeting a lot of
people. We all came together
and it’s been very lovely
because many people have
found it to be a very special
Jess Wong, (right) a third-generation Chinese New Zealander,
co-produced Sik Fan Lah! for Goldfish Productions.
On the left is MasterChef NZ winner Sam Low.
New Zealand is Pan-Asian
and it’s only now that we
are starting to see Pan-
Asians on screen. A lot of
people are proud of their
culture and want to see
their people on the screen.
“Part of the intention of
having six different hosts
in the series, telling so
many stories, was to highlight
the diversity of
Chinese-New Zealand cul-
don’t talk about our history
or culture. If we do, then
it’s over food.
“My upbringing has
been forever surrounded
by food. Every conversation
was around food. Our
thoughts and plans were
always around food. Food
transcends a lot of barriers
and for us and a lot of
other people, food is their
first entrance to another
Although Asians make
up a sizeable 15% of
New Zealand’s population
they are so underrepresented
in the actual
production voices on
screen. A NZ On Air
2018 Diversity report
stated that just three
percent of its funded
projects featured a Pan-
Asian producer, five
percent featured a Pan-
Asian director and seven
percent featured a Pan-
Asian writer.
“In 2020, our annual
Diversity Report noted a
consistent under-representation
of Pan-Asian
creatives in core production
roles,” revealed NZ
On Air Head Of
Funding Amie Mills.
“Because meaningful
representation at all
stages of the production
process – and especially
in key creative roles - is
essential to authentic
storytelling, it’s so
important that we create
more opportunities for
Pan-Asian creatives to
thrive in the screen
space,” she added.
Recognizing that there
was a big gap in Pan-
Asian representation on
screen, in 1991, NZ On
Air invested $1.7m in six
documentary projects
that spoke of the diversity
of the experiences of
Pan-Asian people in
Aotearoa.
One of six projects
that were funded was
Sik Fan Lah! The sixpart
documentary, each
episode runs for 23 minutes,
received $417,364.
“NZ On Air's initiative
is an important
milestone in addressing
the under-representation
of Pan-Asian New
Zealanders on screen
and behind the camera,”
noted Marc Laureano,
the General Manager of
the Pan-Asian Screen
Collective.
“We hope that this
opportunity to tell stories
that offer different
insights and perspectives
on Aotearoa’s rich and
varied cultures, continues
through other initiatives,
platforms and
institutions.”
The series’ hosts include Wellington coffee entrepreneurs
Natalie and Stephanie Chin.
But I think that Gen Zs are
more fun.
“We wanted to make the
show young and lively
because I think that it’s
important to talk about
our culture and heritage
with our fellow young people
and to see what they
are going through, their
identity journey.
Especially, learning
about the cultural journey
t h a t
Chinese
people
h a v e
taken
over the
years is
really
project. We have all
become friends and family
out of it, which is special.
“This was my first big
step into producing. I’ve
had an amazing team
beside me to create this.
Our crew also played a
very special role in making
the series and telling the
stories.”

10 ISSUE 167 CULTURAL FOODS | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.trabaho.nz | Facebook: Filipino Migrant News
MIGRANT NEWS - www.migrantnews.nz : New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media.
Feasting is an integral
part of the Chinese New
Year festivities that go on
for two weeks every year.
And this is especially
important on New Year’s
Eve at the Grand Reunion
Dinner, when it is customary
for families to gather
to indulge in sumptuous
celebratory dishes. This is
a cherished tradition that
helps to keep the generations
bonded.
So, what features on the
menu for this special occasion,
you may ask.
Actually, it is a cornucopia
of dishes that have auspicious
meanings behind the
ingredients as well as fruits
and vegetables that they
believe will bring good
luck, fortune and happiness
to all concerned.
Today we can see that
these traditions are still
widely intact, with the
addition of larger and larger
banquets.
But what happens when
you celebrate Chinese New
Year outside of Asia? In a
country like New Zealand,
where tastebuds are accustomed
to fish and chips,
crayfish and pavlova. A
country where youth like
to tinker with traditions
and innovate.
To help us dive deeper
into this topic Migrant
News spoke with Sam Low
– MasterChef NZ winner
2022 and presenter of the
new TVNZ food show ‘Sik
Fan Lah!’ (meaning ‘Come
and Eat’ in Cantonese).
“Depending on who I
spend New Year’s with, the
food always changes,”
shared Sam. “I think that’s
one thing I push for and
it’s kind of the evolution of
cultures, adapting into
New Zealand.
“The food I eat with my
family is very traditional.
They would have Yi Mein -
the long-life noodles with
shrimp, whole steamed
fish, Fat Choy (a type of
moss that represents prosperity)
and chicken with
the feet and head still
attached. Really traditional
Chinese dishes.
“There are round fruits
as well. Round represents
entirety and wholeness. It
represents a whole New
Year that you will go
through from start to finish.
The colour orange is
similar to gold, so having
mandarins represents
wealth.
“There are a lot of fruits
and vegetables eaten in the
meals that represent a lot
Good Luck Foods
Served Up During
Chinese New Year
By Ricky Matthew
of things, whether it be in
the name or the appearance.
For example, wontons
represent gold
nuggets because of their
shape.
“A lot of new stories
were created because there
were not a lot of (food)
options back in the day.
They would pick common
foods on the table and put
value on them so we would
see them in a very different
context.
“However, what I have
with friends is adapted to
what they want as well.
Having Singaporean and
Malaysian friends, ‘Yee
Sang’ (a prosperity tossed
salad) has become part of
the rituals now as well. It is
3500 years ago in the Shang Dynasty,
Chinese New Year was born. The celebrations
originally included sacrificial
ceremonies to worship the gods and
ancestors. 1000 years later in the Wei,
Jin and Han dynasties, families began
having a dinner, giving children red
envelopes to scare away the demon ‘Sui’
and staying up late to celebrate.
Tracing the evolution of - and
unlocking the meaning behind -
celebratory food.
a mix of traditions but,
also a mix of modern and
traditional.”
A food writer, William
Chen, had this to say about
‘Yee Sang’ on his Facebook
page - ‘Yee Sang’ translates
as ‘raw fish salad'. He
added that it is “considered
a symbol of abundance,
prosperity and
vigour.
“The raw fish is usually
salmon, complemented by
finely julienned vegetables
of different colours – a carrot,
a purple vegetable,
radish, wakame and crispy
taro. The dressing is a
B A C K S T O R Y :
plum sauce with roasted
sesame seeds, crushed
peanuts, crispy chips and a
5-spice sprinkle.”
Sam Low spoke further
about the evolution of
Chinese New Year food
over time. He said that
“there are two things -
fusion and assimilation.
“Fusion is bringing
another cuisine or technique
into something existing
and fusing them
together. Usually, fusion
means mixing with something
European.
“If I had chosen Chinese
food, with Chinese dishes
Fast forward to today and we can see
that those traditions are still widely
intact, with the addition of larger and
larger banquets.
Chinese New Year foods with symbolic/auspicious
meanings include:
dumplings, fish, spring rolls, rice cakes,
sticky rice balls, noodles, tangerines and
oranges.
and Chinese ingredients,
but said that I
wanted a protein puree
and a carb on every
plate, to me that is no
longer Chinese. That
becomes something
completely different,
because the eating
experience is only half
of it. To me, it is not
how I would cook or eat
it.
“This is a blurred
line, but I think that
there is a place for fusion.
It allows exploration and
evolution into things that
we have never seen before.
“On the other hand,
there’s assimilation.
Assimilation is so important.
It’s how we adapt and
evolve cultures to survive
in a new environment. If
you look at Chinese food
that left China, the first to
do that was the American
Chinese food. That food is
an adaptation from the
first people that left China
from the Cantonese region.
“The food has evolved
and changed so much.
American Chinese food is
so different to what you
would get in Cantonese
Chinese food. That is
because they were adapting
to
w h a t
they had
around
them.
“With
the evolution
of
what younger generations
are doing when celebrating
Chinese New Year, it’s
totally doing the same
thing. For me, I just prefer
chicken on the table. It’s
accessible; it’s cheap. I
think it’s delicious, but you
can make it around the
‘YEE SANG’ - PROSPERITY TOSSED SALAD
“... what I have with friends is adapted to what
they want as well. Having Singaporean and
Malaysian friends, ‘Yee Sang’ (a prosperity tossed
salad) has become part of the rituals now as well.
It is a mix of traditions but, also a mix of modern
and traditional.” - Sam Low
story of wholeness, having
the head and feet. This is
paying homage to where
the traditions came from,
so I think that you are still
honouring it while adapting
it to a more sustainable
and affordable way. That’s
my philosophy moving forward
now too.
“I want to keep traditions
up, but there are a lot
of ingredients that I do not
have access to. I am very
fortunate that in Auckland
there are some amazing
grocers where I can get
some amazing ingredients.
But for a lot of Chinese
diasporas, they do not have
access to a lot of this. So, it
is important that they have
options with those
recipes.”
‘Sik Fan Lah’ - an Instaworthy
culinary road trip
across Aotearoa - is
streaming at TVNZ+.

ISSUE 167 NEIGHBOURS MONTH | www.migrantnews.nz | email: migrantnews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | Facebook: Migrant News 11
MIGRANT NEWS - Immigration News, Settlement Support ... New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media.
By Ricky Matthew
AUCKLAND – The longrunning
Australian soap
opera ‘Neighbours’ sadly
came to an end after 37 years
of filming, but the notion
that ‘everybody needs good
neighbours’ lives on.
“In Aotearoa community
groups have sporadically
galvanized support for
‘Family Week’ type events
for more than two decades,”
says Mel Fernandez who
organised some of the family
week events for the
Auckland-wide Family
Week project in 2021.
“Unfortunately, a lot of these
projects lacked longevity
due to lack of support and
funding,” he revealed.
However, one Auckland
group, Neighbours Aotearoa,
has successfully run an
event that sets out to build
strong, supportive communities
in New Zealand.
Melissa Parker, who is
Neighbours Aotearoa’s connecter
for West Auckland,
told Migrant News that she
had first-hand experience
with the challenges of connecting
with her neighbours
and the community.
“I grew up in Canada and
when I came to New
Zealand I didn’t really know
anyone. Sometimes it’s difficult
to meet your neighbours;
it’s difficult to make
those connections. So that’s
how I got involved.
“Seven years ago I saw an
email about Neighbours
Day. It used to be just one
day and now they’ve
changed it to Neighbours
Month because people used
to say, ‘I’m busy on the
weekend so I can’t participate’.
Stretching it out over
one whole month gives people
more opportunities to
participate.
“For me this just gave me
an excuse to talk to my
neighbours and say, ‘Happy
Neighbours Day!’ and
exchange telephone numbers.
“That’s how I was introduced
to the neighbours concept
and now I’m helping
the neighbours network
Everybody needs
good neighbours
“Just like the bird, Kiwi people can be shy, so be brave
and make the first move. It can be a simple idea or a
big event.” – Melissa Parker
because I think it’s such a
great idea.
“I think that technology is
one of the reasons that people
are more isolated. This is
because it is easier to send a
text message or to look on a
website than it is to go and
see someone face-to-face.
Therefore, technology is
removing some of our faceto-face
interactions.
“We also hear so many
negative stories on the
news and people sharing
negativity. Of course,
positivity is much more
common, but we only
hear the negative stories.
This gives people more
nervousness and fear of
the unknown.”
Neighbours Aotearoa is
a non-profit organization
that encourages individuals
and families across
the country to connect
with their neighbours and
engage with their local communities
throughout the
year.
During
the month
of March
each year, Neighbours
Aotearoa puts special
emphasis on the idea of
connecting with one's
neighbourhood. This is
achieved through a
range of initiatives, such
as community events
and neighbourhood
activities, all aimed at
encouraging New Zealanders
to come together
and build meaningful
relationships with their
neighbours.
By promoting the benefits
of community engagement
and social connection,
Neighbours Aotearoa seeks
to foster a sense of belonging
and support within New
Zealand's neighbourhoods.
“Neighbours Month is a
non-profit event, and several
organisations are involved,”
said Melissa. “One of them
is Community Think. We all
have a shared purpose of
getting people to connect.
“We are hoping that over
time this is something that
just catches
on. We
hope that it
is something
that
people
k n o w
about and
just say
Melissa Parker is Neighbours
Aotearoa’s connecter for
West Auckland.
‘Ok, this is March, it’s
Neighbours Month, I’m
going to make more of an
effort’.
“The goal is for people to
have clubs or communities
with events that happen all
year round. We hope that
people will do this with their
own communities, for themselves,
so that those connections
will just grow and
build.
“Just like the bird, Kiwi
people can be shy, so be
brave and make the first
move. It can be a simple idea
or a big event.”
• Production Workers
• Blind Assembler
• Roofing
• Experienced Residential Painters
• Receptionist / Housekeeper
• Geotechnical Driller
• Leading Hand
Carpenters
• Aluminium Installers
• Hammer Hands
www.trababo.nz

BUHAY
NZ
12 ISSUE 166 7th HERO AWARDS | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.trabaho.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477
www.filipinonews.nz : North Island Edition - 22nd Anniversary | www.pinoynzlife.nz : South Island Edition. Print and Online!

ISSUE 167 | EVENTS | www.filipinoheroes.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | 13 BUHAY
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
NZ
By CELSO ROGER BALDO
NEW PLYMOUTH –
The Igorotak NZ group is
in the spotlight again – this
time around they have
emerged as champions at
the Taranaki Multi Ethnic
Extravaganza parade held
on March 4, 2023, at the
New Plymouth Raceway.
This honour is reminiscent
of another commendation
– being selected as the
‘Filipino Community Group
of the Year’ at the 6th
Filipino-Kiwi Hero
Awards in June of 2022.
The annual Taranaki festival,
first held in 1995, has
become a local tradition.
2023 marks a successful
milestone, as the event hosted
community groups representing
35 nations. Each
group proudly showcased
their traditional attire and
their national flags.
“We joined the same
activity in 2020, but this
year we won first place in
the parade,” said Igorotak
Another feather in their
cap for Igorotak NZ
NZ representative Corkie
Fadlen.
“Of all the participants,
our group danced all the
way until the parade was
finished. We had our unique
cultural attire and the
sounds of gongs, coupled
with dancing,
which won
over the spectators
and the
judges."
The parade
from Devon
Street culminated
at the
New Plymouth
Raceway where the high
spirited Igorotak NZ group
showcased its dances on
stage at a well-attended
event.
In his introductory comment,
Xavier Elijah
Fadlen mentioned that up
in the mountains of the
Philippines, in a region
called Cordillera, lie the
dwellings of a people called
Igorots, who are fond of
socialising.
Though the region is
composed of different
tribes, they all make music
with instruments like gongs,
sing Ulllalims and Dayengs
and display a plethora
of dance routines.
"One routine is called the
'Ballangbang', or 'Tallibeng'.
It is a dance performed
during celebrations
of good harvests, weddings
and other festivities," he
shared.
Fadlen related that the
Ballangbang dance highlights
the equality and
respect between the different
sexes in the community.
Both men and women are
partners in everything they
do.
He explained that "as
the festivities continue,
the whole community
joins in. Everyone takes
part in the dancing, playing
of gongs and singing
- this instils their tribal culture
in those who take part,
especially the children. We
wish to share our culture
with our people and pass it
on to our descendants,” he
concluded.
Outgoing President
Mendi Kipaan Julian
announced that they will
have the annual ‘Panagsasabat’
get together on
April 8, 2023, in Waitara,
Taranaki, where they will
elect a new set of officers.
Production
Workers
Receptionist /
Housekeeper
Experienced
Residential
Painters
Blind Assembler
Roofing
Geotechnical
Driller
Leading Hand
Carpenters
Aluminium
Installers
Hammer Hands
Carpenters
Skilled
Upholsterer
www.trababo.nz

FILIPINO-KIWI BUSINESS DIRECTORY Mob: 027 495 8477 : filipinonews@xtra.co.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
Food: 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.halohalo.nz
Let’s Eat!
ENRICO’S
LECHON
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
Settlement Road, Papakura,
Mob: 021 08679056
enricoaumentado_12@yahoo.com.ph
City Convenience Store for Sale
Next to Philippine Bakery, 475 Papanui Road, Christchurch. Ph: 021 1422 382
Keep up-to-the-minute with Migrant News:
migrantnews.nz
Check us out on our print, online
and social media channels.
Filipino Jobs Board
Job seekers do check out this popular Jobs Board for
new listings. Employers please list your jobs here.
email: trabaho@xtra.co.nz
www.trabaho.nz
Jobs Hotline: 027 387 7680
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
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ELISTMO
Online Directory
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HERO AWARDS
filipinoheroes.nz
ASIAN NEWS
www.asiannews.nz
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Pinoy NZ Life
Published by:
SM Publications Ltd
filipinonews @xtra.co.nz
Advertising:
027 495 8477
Publisher:
Sheila Mariano
Managing Editor:
Mel Fernandez
Reporter:
Ricky Matthew
Sub-Editor:
Kirsty Hotchkiss
Contributors:
Leah Baterbonia
Celso Roger Baldo
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:
filipinonews.nz, filipino.kiwi,
pinoynzlife.nz, migrantnews.nz,
travelgalore.nz,filipinoheroes.nz,
halohalo.nz and elistmo.nz is
COPYRIGHTED and cannot be
reproduced unless written permission is
given by - SM Publications Ltd and
Migrant News Ltd.
Views expressed in the above
mentioned publications and websites do
not necessarily reflect that of the
publishers.
The publishers do 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 and Migrant Community Groups:
• The Filipino Society Inc (Auckland)
• Filipino Children’s Library (Auckland)
• Southland Filipino Society Inc (Invercargill)
• Igorotak NZ (Palmerston North)
• Mina De Oro (Mindorenos in NZ)
• Alpha Phi Omega (Auckland)
• Pinoy Adventurers NZ (Auckland)
• NZ Business Association (Auckland)
• Multicultural Association Hawkes’s Bay Inc
Big thanks to our community news reporters:
We welcome short reports with photos about events
happening throughout New Zealand from Filipino
community groups and freelance contributors.
Text, email or message your letters to: filipinonews
@xtra.co.nz, mob: 027 495 8477, Facebook Page:
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Twitter: www.twitter.com/filipino_news

pg 15
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a fantastic way of attracting quality
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Monty Stewart, Kaiwaka Clothing.
JOBS BOARD
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B l i n d A s s e m b l e r
Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics • Assembly & Process Work
$23.50 - $26.00 per hour. Full time.
Mr Blinds New Zealand Limited
Mt. Wellington, Auckland
Mr Blinds is a growing, kiwi owned and
operated blinds manufacturer based in
Mt. Wellington. We pride ourselves on the
quality and outstanding workmanship of our
products and making a positive difference to
our customers and their homes.
We have some core values that are
important to us; positivity, respect of others,
always communicate, take responsibility, treat
all fairly, celebrate success, have a can do
attitude, support each other.
Send your Resume and cover letter to:
charlie@mrblinds.co.nz
Or give us a ring on 09 2749313
and ask for Charlie to inquire further
about this vacancy.
Your base hourly rate is dependent on your experience plus we have attractive bonuses and
a good performer could expect to earn from $28.50 to $32 per hour gross.
We are looking for someone who can work
across our factory learning how to make
blinds as well wrapping and packing
blinds to send to our customers.
Previous blind experience, while an
advantage, is not necessary as we will
teach you our ways.
More important is your attitude and work
ethic.
IF YOU:
• Are a strong team player as well as able
to work on your own
• Take pride in producing a high quality
product
• Have proven ability to follow set
processes and learn new skills
• Are reliable and punctual
• Are able to work well with people from
all backgrounds
• Have a high sense of ownership and
responsibility
• Have good communication skills
• Have great attention to detail
• Then we would like to hear from you.
Applicants for this position should have
NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit.
Please note we have a zero tolerance
policy regarding drugs and you may be
required to pass a drug test prior to
employment.
Production Workers
Wanted
- HIRING NOW!
Tel: 09 478 6200
Email: hevens@nz.
drakeintl.com
Contact Drake Albany
today for a confidential
discussion.
Housekeeper
Responsibilities:
• Perform a variety of cleaning activities such
as sweeping, mopping, dusting, polishing and
other motel housekeeping work.
• Ensure all rooms are cared for and inspected according to standards.
• Check stocking levels of all consumables and replace them when
appropriate.
Requirements:
• Ability to work with little supervision and maintain a high level of
performance. • Customer-oriented and friendly. • There will be around
15-20 hours or more of work per week at $22 per hour.
Please drop your resume to: info@takapunainternational.co.nz
Come join the A-Team
Wall Treats is a premium house painting service in Auckland. We are looking for experienced
residential painters who can deliver the high-end finishes on which we have built our
reputation. If you’d like to boost your resume and skills, this might be the role for you!
Our team is family-friendly, driven, and paid well for their quality work.
We paint interiors and exteriors for clients in blue-chip Auckland suburbs who are prepared
to invest in the best possible results.
Their villas and luxury homes require precise workmanship and premium service.
The right person for this role will be:
• A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, without convictions.
• Possessing a minimum of five years’ experience in professional house painting
with both brushes and rollers.
• Clean-cut, well-presented, punctual, reliable, and adept at time management.
• Polite and discreet, able to deal decorously and professionally with high-profile clients.
• Tidy and careful, capable of protecting furniture, flooring, and anything else while painting.
• Calm and steady under pressure, and able and willing to carefully follow instructions and
established systems.
• Possessing a reliable vehicle.
• We provide top-quality work to our valued clients at Wall Treats, and we treat our team
well to ensure that they can maintain our high standard.
You’ll enjoy:
• Working for—and gaining experience with—one of Auckland’s best premium painting
providers. An opportunity that can open doors.
• Pay that’s above market rate for the right person, including overtime.
• Health and life insurance cover as part of your salary package.
• Family-friendly culture, including perks such as later starts, early finishes on your kids’
birthdays, decent breaks over the holiday period, and additional leave days on your
birthday.
• A structured and organised work environment.
This role also offers the opportunity to work on some of Auckland’s most beautiful houses,
from gorgeous old villas to designer contemporary homes. If you’d like to take your residential
painting career to the next level, apply now—we are in need of great people to join this
skilled and hardworking team.
Email: admin@walltreats.co.nz or call 0800 008 168 to clarify our requirements.

16 FILIPINO-KIWI HERO AWARDS 2023 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | Mobile : 027 495 8477 | https://facebook.com/filipinokiwi/