Filipino News 168

BUHAY
NZ
04 ISSUE 168 PH INDEPENDENCE DAY 2023 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
By Ricky Matthew
WELLINGTON - On the
18th of June the vibrant city
of Wellington came alive as
it hosted the grand celebration
of the 125th Philippine
Independence Day at the
Sky Stadium.
The event, which commemorated
the Philippines’
historic journey towards
freedom, attracted a diverse
range of attendees, who
gathered to honour the significant
milestone in
Philippine history. With a
variety of activities and special
guests, the festivities
showcased the rich culture
and traditions of the
Philippines.
The event was graced with
the presence of notable figures
such as the new
Philippine Ambassador
Her Excellency Kira
Christianne D. Azucena
and National Party Deputy
Leader Nicola Willis,
which added prestige to the
occasion.
The event kicked off with
a solemn mass led by Rev.
Father Ron Bennett, the
Otari Parish Priest. This was
followed by a reflection on
the struggles and triumphs
that led to Philippine independence.
Throughout the day the
celebrations continued with
a series of captivating performances
and showcases.
The Wellington Filipino
Choir mesmerized the audience
with their melodic harmonies,
showcasing the
musical prowess and cultural
heritage of the Filipino
people. Meanwhile, sports
enthusiasts engaged in the
super six 3x3 basketball
pop-up tournament, a testament
to the Filipinos' love
for the game.
Damien Ekenasio, the
General Manager at
Capital Zone Basketball
Trust and a former 17-season
player with the
Wellington Saints, expressed
his excitement about the
competition. "There were
about 10 teams today. The
big turnout is because
Filipino people love their
basketball," he acknowledged,
highlighting the
sport's popularity within the
community. “Filipinos are
very fast and aggressive.
Passionate is the word. And
Jubilant atmosphere and
chance to embrace the
richness of Filipino culture.
Top: Kate McCray - “I love Filipino food”
Above: William and Marie were here
“because it's the Philippine's anniversary
and to give our little one a feel for the culture."
they make up for their lack
of height with a lot of heart.”
Another highlight of the
event was the variety show,
featuring renowned Filipino
comedy duo Ang Diva At
Ang Pilya. Composed of
Jhong Diva and LJ Pilya, the
duo delighted the crowd
with their musical performances
and a trivia contest.
Jhong Diva expressed his
excitement to perform at the
event as he had experienced
an unexpected two year stay
in the Philippines due to
travel restrictions caused by
the pandemic, only returning
last year. “I went back home
to the Philippines before
Covid and I was stranded
there for two years,” he said.
“Now that I am back we are
excited to be putting on
shows to remind people that
we are still here.”
Throughout the
day interviews
with attendees
provided insights
into their personal
connections
with Filipino culture
and independence.
E l e n a
Taraeka, a half-
Filipino attendee,
expressed her
reasons for
attending the
event. "To experience
a bit more of
my culture, you
know, because I
am not around it
all the time," she shared.
Having visited the
Philippines twice before, she
acknowledged the expense
of travel, but found solace in
events like this that brought
the essence of her heritage
closer to home. She eagerly
looked forward to indulging
in the Filipino cuisine, a
highlight of the event, as she
mentioned. "I only have
Filipino food at special
events like these. My mum
also cooks Filipino food."
Top: Elena Taraeka attended the event "to
experience a bit more of my culture.”
Above: Jhong Diva and LJ Pilya put on a
riveting variety show.
Kiwi-European Kate
McCray, who harbours a
deep fondness for Filipino
cuisine, was thrilled to be
part of the celebrations. "I
love Filipino food," she
exclaimed. When asked
about her favourite dish, she
replied: "I like the Filipino
BBQ." Although she had not
yet visited the Philippines,
Kate expressed her desire to
explore the country and
learn more about its vibrant
culture. Her partner, hailing
from Manila, has provided
her with the basics of
Filipino traditions and she
has taken an active interest
in learning Tagalog.
Amidst the festivities,
William and Marie, a
European and Filipina couple
and proud new parents,
found themselves captivated
by the jubilant atmosphere
and the opportunity to
expose their
child to Filipino
culture and heritage.
"I'm here
because it's the
Philippine's
anniversary and
to give our little
one a feel for
the culture,"
W i l l i a m
explained.
As the day
unfolded attendees
immersed
themselves in
(left:) The Wellington
Filipino Choir
mesmerized the
audience with their
melodic harmonies.
(above:) A cultural
display presented
by the Filifest
Dance Group.
Photos / Migrant
News
the cultural
extravaganza;
cherishing the
music, performances, cuisine
and the palpable sense
of camaraderie and patriotism.
The 125th Philippine
Independence Day celebration
in Wellington served as
a testament to the enduring
spirit and rich heritage of the
Filipino people, fostering a
sense of patriotism and
appreciation for those who
fought for Philippine
Independence 125 years ago.
BACKSTORY: The
Philippines was initially
colonised by Spain in the
16th century, enduring over
300 years of Spanish colonial
rule. As the Filipino
people grew increasingly
discontented with Spanish
oppression, uprisings and
rebellions emerged throughout
the archipelago. Notable
figures like Jose Rizal and
Andres Bonifacio played
pivotal roles in awakening
national consciousness in
the Philippines.
Every year in the middle
of June, Filipinos across the
world celebrate the patriotism
and cultural pride that
Rizal and Bonifacio ignited
in the Philippines. This celebration
extends even to distant
places like Wellington,
New Zealand, halfway
across the globe.
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