Filipino News 169 - Eleksyon 2023
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Issue <strong>169</strong>: ELEKSYON <strong>2023</strong><br />
TE WAKA PIRIPINO MANENE<br />
Print. Web. Tablet. Mobile. FB. YouTube.<br />
23<br />
YEARS<br />
in print<br />
&<br />
online!<br />
Pick up a<br />
F R E E<br />
copy or<br />
read<br />
online.<br />
filipinonews.nz, trabaho.nz, filipinoheroes.nz | E: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | M: 027 495 8477 | Facebook: www.filipinonews.nz<br />
Political parties offer<br />
parent-friendly visas<br />
WELLINGTON - With the<br />
elections just around the<br />
corner, fresh immigration<br />
policies have been<br />
released by three political<br />
parties which look to<br />
enhance opportunities for<br />
parents and grandparents<br />
to visit Kiwi family members<br />
in New<br />
Zealand.<br />
National’s<br />
plan is to introduce<br />
a ‘multipleentry<br />
Parent Visa<br />
Boost’. The visa<br />
would allow parents and<br />
grandparents to stay with<br />
their family in New<br />
Zealand for five years,<br />
with the ability to renew it<br />
for a further five years.<br />
Those under the Parent<br />
Visa Boost would not be<br />
eligible for entitlements<br />
such as NZ Super. They<br />
would need health insurance<br />
and “must be<br />
sponsored by their children<br />
or grandchildren,”<br />
said Erica Stanford, the<br />
National Party spokesperson<br />
for immigration.<br />
The policies of Labour,<br />
ACT and the Greens are<br />
featured on page 5.<br />
pg 5<br />
MANY CALLS FOR FILIPINO YOUTH TO<br />
EMBRACE THEIR CULTURAL HERITAGE<br />
“Each <strong>Filipino</strong> organisation must<br />
really actively invite the younger<br />
generation to participate and this<br />
can only be realised if current<br />
long-term officers of each<br />
organisation are able to pass on<br />
the positions to new and younger<br />
officers and if the older officers<br />
guide and respect the positions<br />
that these younger officers are<br />
elected to.” - Roy Bustenera, The<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> Society Inc.,<br />
pg 6<br />
TRABAHO:<br />
TURN YOUR<br />
CV INTO A<br />
JOB OFFER<br />
MAGNET<br />
HOW DO Y0U<br />
COPE WITH<br />
ALLERGIES?<br />
pg 11<br />
pg 03<br />
DEPT OF<br />
MIGRANT<br />
WORKERS<br />
DECEMBER<br />
AVENUE<br />
CONCERT<br />
BLAZES IN<br />
AUCKLAND<br />
pg 02 pg 12<br />
FILIPINO NEWS<br />
www.filipinonews.nz<br />
filipinonews@xtra.co.nz<br />
FB: <strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong><br />
FILIPINO HEROES<br />
filipinoheroes.nz<br />
filipinonews@xtra.co.nz<br />
FB: www.trabaho.nz<br />
MIGRANT NEWS<br />
migrantnews.nz<br />
migrantnews@xtra.co.nz<br />
FB: Migrant <strong>News</strong> NZ<br />
Ethnic Media. <strong>Filipino</strong> Hero Awards. Multicultural Events.
02 ISSUE <strong>169</strong> ELEKSYON | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.migrantnews.nz | Facebook: Migrant <strong>News</strong><br />
MIGRANT NEWS - www.migrantnews.nz : New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media. FB: Migrant <strong>News</strong><br />
AUCKLAND – Allergies<br />
are a common health issue in<br />
New Zealand, affecting a<br />
significant number of people.<br />
According to a report by<br />
the New Zealand Ministry of<br />
Health, an estimated one in<br />
three New Zealanders (over<br />
1.5 million people) have<br />
been diagnosed with an<br />
allergy at some point in their<br />
lives. 1 in 10 infants in New<br />
Zealand will be doctor-diagnosed<br />
with a food allergy<br />
before they are 2 years of<br />
age.<br />
Due to the significant<br />
occurrence of allergies in<br />
New Zealand The Asian<br />
Network Incorporated<br />
(TANI) and Allergy New<br />
Zealand have taken action<br />
to increase awareness of<br />
allergies within the community.<br />
The two organizations<br />
collaborated to deliver a<br />
'Quick Facts about Allergy'<br />
presentation to the Te Atatu<br />
community recenty.<br />
“We decided to do a talk<br />
about allergies, because in<br />
the Summer and Spring seasons<br />
allergies seem to be<br />
more prevalent,” said Ekta<br />
Kumar, the communications<br />
lead for TANI. “We are<br />
always looking to cover topics<br />
that provide timely information.<br />
“I think that in 2022 we<br />
saw a higher incidence of<br />
allergies as well. It may or<br />
may not have been caused<br />
by Covid affecting our<br />
immune systems.”<br />
The featured speaker at<br />
the Te Atatu event was<br />
Roann Ilao, a Filipina, who<br />
works as an Allergy<br />
Educator for Allergy New<br />
Zealand. Having experienced<br />
numerous allergies<br />
throughout her life, including<br />
those to food, medication,<br />
dust mites and pets,<br />
Roann’s personal and family<br />
struggles with allergies have<br />
inspired her to pursue a<br />
career with Allergy NZ.<br />
“I have allergies every day<br />
and at any time of the day. I<br />
am also on regular antihistamine<br />
medication. I also have<br />
a monthly immunotherapy<br />
(injection) for my immune<br />
and allergy-related conditions.<br />
That’s why it is my<br />
passion to talk about allergies.”<br />
During her presentation<br />
Is an<br />
allergy<br />
affecting<br />
you?<br />
By Ricky Matthew<br />
Roann Ilao, Allergy Educator<br />
for Allergy New Zealand.<br />
she gave an overview of the<br />
examples, possible causes,<br />
related conditions, management/prevention<br />
of allergies<br />
and available support organisations<br />
for allergies.<br />
“An allergy is an overreaction<br />
of your immune system<br />
to substances called<br />
allergens (e.g. food, pollen,<br />
dust mites, moulds, drugs,<br />
pets and insects). During an<br />
allergic reaction your<br />
immune system incorrectly<br />
registers that these allergens<br />
are harmful to your body<br />
and releases histamine.<br />
Histamine causes allergic<br />
symptoms such as redness,<br />
itchiness, swelling, sneezing,<br />
etc.<br />
“Those who have allergies<br />
are familiar with the symptoms.<br />
You can have teary<br />
eyes, sneezing, rhinitis or<br />
“An allergy is an overreaction of your<br />
immune system to substances called<br />
allergens (e.g. food, pollen, dust mites,<br />
moulds, drugs, pets and insects).”<br />
hayfever symptoms,<br />
a runny nose,<br />
coughing and in<br />
case of a severe<br />
reaction (anaphylaxis)<br />
you can experience<br />
symptoms<br />
like difficulty in<br />
breathing,<br />
swelling/tightness<br />
in the throat, etc. Anaphylaxis<br />
is a medical emergency<br />
– DIAL 111.”<br />
Roann has had first-hand<br />
experience with these allergic<br />
reactions. “In 2018 I had<br />
a moderate allergic reaction<br />
affecting my skin and face<br />
(hives & swelling). In 2020 I<br />
was admitted to hospital<br />
because my whole body was<br />
swollen and I couldn’t<br />
breathe.”<br />
This has prompted her to<br />
educate herself and others<br />
on the causes of allergies.<br />
“One reason we may develop<br />
allergies is because of our<br />
family medical history, our<br />
genes. Our parents or grandparents<br />
might have allergies.<br />
My grandparents had asthma<br />
and allergies. However, their<br />
children did not have allergies<br />
but I, the grandchild,<br />
did. Now my children have<br />
allergies as well.<br />
“Additionally, people can<br />
be allergic to drugs. For<br />
example, I am allergic to<br />
Aspirin and Augmentin.<br />
“Whenever I am in a hospital,<br />
clinic, or pharmacy, I<br />
always tell them that I am<br />
allergic to these medications<br />
so that they don’t prescribe<br />
them for me.<br />
“Food allergies and foodinduced<br />
anaphylaxis are on<br />
the rise in New Zealand and<br />
globally. There is no cure.<br />
People can have other<br />
adverse reactions to food<br />
that can be confused with<br />
food allergies. An example<br />
would be lactose intolerance.<br />
This is an intolerance<br />
to the sugar (lactose) in<br />
milk. Although food allergies<br />
and food intolerance<br />
might have similar symptoms,<br />
food allergies involve<br />
the immune system and can<br />
cause severe reactions while<br />
food intolerance involves<br />
the digestive system, not the<br />
immune system. You need to<br />
consult with your doctor to<br />
determine whether you have<br />
an allergy or an intolerance.”<br />
Ekta Kumar<br />
The Asian Network Inc.,<br />
How do we manage<br />
allergies?<br />
“If you suspect that you<br />
suffer from allergies, please<br />
make an appointment with<br />
your GP,” advised Roann.<br />
“They can help you to develop<br />
an allergy management<br />
plan for you and your family.<br />
If your condition is complex,<br />
then your GP may need<br />
to refer you to an allergy<br />
specialist.<br />
“For patients diagnosed to<br />
be at risk of anaphylaxis<br />
their doctor may recommend<br />
that they carry an EpiPen®<br />
and will recommend an<br />
Anaphylaxis Action Plan for<br />
them.<br />
“As a result of more than<br />
40 years of co-ordinated<br />
advocacy by Allergy NZ and<br />
its clinical networks the<br />
EpiPen was approved by<br />
Pharmac to be fully funded<br />
from 1st February this year.<br />
Now if you have a Special<br />
Authority from your GP then<br />
you can receive 2 fullyfunded<br />
EpiPens per year.<br />
“Another related condition<br />
is eczema. This is very common<br />
among Asian and<br />
Pacific children. Starship<br />
Hospital estimates that<br />
eczema affects 25% of children<br />
(https://starship.org.nz/<br />
guidelines/eczema-diagnosis-and-assessment/).<br />
The<br />
symptoms are redness, dryness,<br />
inflammation and<br />
infection of the skin.<br />
Eczema, like an allergy, is<br />
not contagious.”<br />
Roann emphasized that.<br />
“Allergies are not like<br />
Covid. Allergies are not contagious.<br />
You cannot pass the<br />
allergic symptoms (e.g.<br />
sneezing, itching) to other<br />
people.”<br />
Lack of awareness and<br />
support for people with<br />
allergies is still an issue in<br />
New Zealand. Roann spoke<br />
about this. “We need more<br />
allergy awareness among the<br />
Asian population and<br />
Allergy NZ is trying to<br />
address this by raising<br />
awareness through events<br />
like this health talk, their<br />
regular GP Allergy Updates,<br />
etc.”<br />
Roann’s final advice –<br />
“Please contact your GP or<br />
Healthline if you need any<br />
help with your allergies. You<br />
can also contact Allergy NZ<br />
if you or your family members<br />
need support with allergy-related<br />
matters.”<br />
Allergy New Zealand -<br />
Email: allergy@allergy.org.<br />
nz, Website: www.allergy.<br />
org.nz, Facebook and<br />
Instagram: Allergy New<br />
Zealand.<br />
The 7th<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong>-Kiwi<br />
Hero Awards<br />
official website: filipinoheroes.nz<br />
Over 120 super heroes honoured to date.<br />
To nominate your hero for <strong>2023</strong> please contact<br />
us at: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz
ISSUE <strong>169</strong> | ELEKSYON | www.filipinoheroes.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | 03 BUHAY<br />
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 <strong>Filipino</strong> Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by <strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong> NZ.<br />
NZ<br />
WELLINGTON<br />
– The establishment<br />
of a Philippine government<br />
Labour<br />
Office in Wellington<br />
in 2019 has been<br />
instrumental in significantly<br />
curtailing<br />
the exploitation of<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> overseas<br />
foreign workers<br />
(OFWs) in Aotearoa<br />
NZ.<br />
“As a whole I can<br />
say that the presence<br />
of the Philippine<br />
Overseas Labour<br />
Office (POLO) in New<br />
Zealand has created an<br />
atmosphere where all the<br />
stakeholders involved in the<br />
migration of <strong>Filipino</strong> workers<br />
in New Zealand have<br />
been mostly compliant with<br />
our rules and regulations,”<br />
said Labour Attache Mr<br />
Angel L. Borja Jr, who<br />
heads the POLO for NZ and<br />
the Pacific, which is based in<br />
Wellington.<br />
In an earlier interview<br />
with <strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong> he noted<br />
that: “The net effect is that<br />
there are fewer workers that<br />
come to us complaining that<br />
they have been unjustly<br />
treated by employers or have<br />
suffered from unjust termination<br />
of contracts and other<br />
employment related grievance<br />
issues.<br />
“If we are looking at who<br />
Angel L. Borja Jr.<br />
Department of Migrant<br />
Workers<br />
are more<br />
vulnerable<br />
to labour migration<br />
exploitation practices, it usually<br />
is the low-skilled workers,<br />
but in New Zealand we<br />
say that there are no lowskilled<br />
workers, they are all<br />
skilled, essential skilled<br />
workers even,” explained<br />
Mr Borja.<br />
“But even among these<br />
types of <strong>Filipino</strong> overseas<br />
workers in New Zealand you<br />
find that those that work<br />
specifically in the dairy farm<br />
sector, agriculture in general,<br />
viticulture, horticulture<br />
and some construction sectors<br />
are the ones that are<br />
more vulnerable to labour<br />
migration exploitation practices.<br />
They are the ones who<br />
are more in need of assistance<br />
in terms of dealing<br />
with the things that are being<br />
done to them by certain bad<br />
actors in the recruitment<br />
Empowering <strong>Filipino</strong> OFWs:<br />
POLO becomes<br />
Department of<br />
Migrant Workers<br />
industry.”<br />
The establishment of<br />
POLO in New Zealand<br />
has proven to be a significant<br />
milestone for<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> OFWs. The<br />
decision was made<br />
based on the number of<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> migrant workers<br />
in the country, with<br />
New Zealand meeting<br />
the criteria for opening<br />
a POLO office.<br />
Borja elaborated that:<br />
“Prior to the opening of<br />
POLO New Zealand,<br />
workers seeking<br />
employment contract verification<br />
had to send their documents<br />
to POLO in<br />
Canberra, Australia, incurring<br />
significant expenses.<br />
Opening a local POLO<br />
office in New Zealand<br />
addressed this issue and<br />
facilitated the process for<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> workers.”<br />
In an exclusive interview<br />
with Migrant <strong>News</strong> in June<br />
this year, Mr Borja<br />
explained the recent name<br />
change of the Labour Office.<br />
POLO has been transformed<br />
into the Department of<br />
Migrant Workers (DMW)<br />
- reflecting a new law passed<br />
by the Philippine government<br />
to establish a dedicated<br />
cabinet department focused<br />
solely on migrant worker<br />
affairs.<br />
Explaining the reason<br />
behind the change, Mr Borja<br />
said that: "The government<br />
decided that a new instrumentality<br />
of government<br />
should be created to take up<br />
the job of looking after our<br />
working nationals overseas."<br />
The creation of the DMW<br />
aligns with this objective,<br />
providing a<br />
focused<br />
approach to<br />
cater to the<br />
needs of<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong><br />
workers<br />
abroad.<br />
Mr Borja<br />
also shed<br />
light on the<br />
number of<br />
overseas<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong><br />
workers<br />
(OFWs) in<br />
New Zealand.<br />
"Right<br />
now we have almost 40,000<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> work visa holders in<br />
this country."<br />
He added that these individuals<br />
are<br />
employed in<br />
various sectors,<br />
ranging<br />
from construction<br />
workers,<br />
By Ricky Matthew<br />
nurses, healthcare workers,<br />
dairy farmers, IT professionals<br />
and others.<br />
When asked about the sentiments<br />
of <strong>Filipino</strong>s regarding<br />
the opportunities in New<br />
Zealand, Mr Borja responded<br />
positively, saying: "They<br />
are quite happy with finding<br />
themselves jobs in this country.<br />
There are even a good<br />
number of them who came<br />
from Middle Eastern countries."<br />
Regarding the ease of<br />
entry into the country, Mr<br />
Borja explained that the<br />
accredited employers' work<br />
visa allows a smooth process<br />
for <strong>Filipino</strong> workers to come<br />
to New Zealand if they meet<br />
the criteria set by<br />
Immigration New Zealand.<br />
The transformation of<br />
POLO to the DMW in New<br />
Zealand is not just a mere<br />
name change, but a recognition<br />
from the Philippine government<br />
of the growing need<br />
to tackle the injustices that<br />
many new <strong>Filipino</strong> migrant<br />
workers face in New<br />
Zealand.
04 ISSUE <strong>169</strong> ELEKSYON | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.migrantnews.nz | Facebook: Migrant <strong>News</strong><br />
MIGRANT NEWS - www.migrantnews.nz : New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media. FB: Migrant <strong>News</strong><br />
By Ricky Matthew<br />
AUCKLAND - In a<br />
move aimed at improving<br />
accessibility of healthcare<br />
and medication, the government<br />
has axed the $5<br />
charge for prescriptions<br />
with effect from 1 July<br />
<strong>2023</strong>.<br />
This decision was hailed<br />
by various sectors as a positive<br />
step, particularly for<br />
low-income families, the<br />
elderly and new migrants -<br />
who often face financial<br />
constraints when it comes<br />
to obtaining essential medication.<br />
“An estimated three million<br />
people will no longer<br />
have to worry about the<br />
cost of collecting their<br />
medication’” said Health<br />
minister Ayesha Verrall.<br />
“Removing the $5<br />
charge will make it easier<br />
and cheaper for New<br />
Zealanders to access the<br />
medicines they need and<br />
have a meaningful impact<br />
for many households, particularly<br />
those who have<br />
multiple prescriptions to<br />
fill on a regular basis.<br />
This will benefit a huge<br />
range of people, including<br />
almost 770,000 New<br />
Zealanders over the age of<br />
65 who received prescription<br />
medicines in the community<br />
last year.<br />
“The $5 charge can be a<br />
barrier to some New<br />
Zealanders getting the<br />
medicines they need and<br />
this is especially the case at<br />
“The decision to ditch the<br />
$5 prescription fee was a<br />
no brainer,” say ministers.<br />
Health minister Ayesha Verrall.<br />
Photo supplied.<br />
BUDGET<br />
<strong>2023</strong><br />
a time when people are facing<br />
increasing pressures on<br />
household budgets.<br />
“As a doctor, there were<br />
times when my patients did<br />
not collect their medication<br />
and in fact we know that<br />
more than 135,000 adults<br />
did not collect their prescriptions<br />
because of the<br />
cost in 2021-22. This is particularly<br />
the case for lowincome<br />
families, Maori,<br />
Pasifika peoples and disabled<br />
New<br />
Zealanders.<br />
“Free access<br />
to medicine will<br />
also relieve pressure<br />
on the<br />
health system.<br />
Removing the<br />
copayment<br />
charge will help<br />
reduce the<br />
demand on hospitals<br />
and other<br />
health services.”<br />
The removal<br />
of the prescription<br />
charge was<br />
one of the initiatives<br />
in the Budget that<br />
government leaders<br />
explained at a Hui with<br />
migrant leaders in 3 Kings<br />
recently.<br />
Michael Wood, the former<br />
Minister of Immigration,<br />
acknowledged the<br />
financial burden that prescription<br />
costs impose on<br />
households, especially<br />
those with young children<br />
who are more prone to illnesses.<br />
He emphasized that preventing<br />
illnesses from<br />
worsening is not only<br />
morally right, but also<br />
financially sensible, since<br />
The 7th <strong>Filipino</strong>-Kiwi Hero Awards 2024, Auckland<br />
The nationwide search is on for <strong>Filipino</strong>-Kiwis who are outstanding in their fields of endeavour and also<br />
have a passion for community service. If you would like to nominate an individual, group or organization<br />
please contact <strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong> NZ at email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz or text: 027 495 8477<br />
7TH FILIPINO-KIWI HERO AWARDS 2024<br />
Michael Wood, the former<br />
Minister of Immigration<br />
untreated conditions often<br />
result in increased healthcare<br />
costs down the line.<br />
Priyanca Radhakrishnan,<br />
the Minister for<br />
Diversity, Inclusion and<br />
Ethnic Communities,<br />
emphasized the profound<br />
impact that the $5 prescription<br />
charge removal<br />
will have on public health.<br />
By making medications<br />
more affordable and accessible,<br />
Radhakrishnan<br />
argued that individuals,<br />
families and the overall<br />
health system will all benefit.<br />
"The more available and<br />
the more accessible you<br />
make medication, the less<br />
likely it is that people are<br />
going to come back even<br />
more sick from what they<br />
had." She pointed out that<br />
inaccessibility of medicine<br />
“then leads to much more<br />
expensive hospital stays<br />
and severe illness for people”.<br />
The National Party, on<br />
the other hand, did not<br />
support this policy being<br />
applied universally. National<br />
Leader Chris Luxon<br />
preferred that<br />
the support be<br />
Priyanca Radhakrishnan,<br />
the Minister for Diversity,<br />
Inclusion and Ethnic<br />
Communities<br />
targeted to people with the<br />
community services card,<br />
the elderly and those who<br />
desperately need it.<br />
One commenter mentioned<br />
in a tweet: “If<br />
you've never had to move<br />
57 cents from one account<br />
to another account to be<br />
able to afford your medication,<br />
then you really<br />
shouldn't have an opinion<br />
on this.”<br />
An Asian senior, Kamal<br />
Prasad Shrestha, President<br />
of the Nepalese Cultural<br />
Centre NZ Inc., told<br />
Migrant <strong>News</strong>: “For the<br />
older people, this will help.<br />
Even in my case now that<br />
I'm 74. Even though it is a<br />
small amount we can use it<br />
for some of our expenses.”<br />
Meanwhile, the Pharmacy<br />
Guild of New<br />
Zealand (the<br />
Guild) welcomed<br />
the<br />
governm<br />
e n t ' s<br />
removal of<br />
the $5 prescription<br />
charge in the Budget.<br />
Guild Chief Executive,<br />
Andrew Gaudin, said:<br />
“Removing the prescription<br />
charge is an investment<br />
in New Zealanders’<br />
health and the wider<br />
health system. It means<br />
that more New Zealanders<br />
will get the medicines they<br />
need to help keep them out<br />
of hospital. This means<br />
that there will be less pressure<br />
on the health system<br />
and will result in savings<br />
for taxpayers.<br />
“This cost-of-living<br />
measure will make a huge<br />
difference to some in our<br />
community who cannot<br />
afford the $5 charge for<br />
each of their prescription<br />
medicines and therefore<br />
Kamal Prasad Shrestha<br />
Community Leader<br />
must make difficult choices<br />
when they are sick.”<br />
Guild President, Des<br />
Bailey, said. “We have<br />
been strongly advocating<br />
for this change for several<br />
years, because we know<br />
what a difference this will<br />
make to the health of New<br />
Zealanders and the wider<br />
health system. We are<br />
pleased to see this hard<br />
work result in positive<br />
change.”
ISSUE <strong>169</strong> ELEKSYON | www.migrantnews.nz | email: migrantnews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | Facebook: Migrant <strong>News</strong> 05<br />
MIGRANT NEWS - Immigration <strong>News</strong>, Settlement Support ... New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media.<br />
By Ricky Matthew<br />
With the elections just<br />
around the corner, fresh<br />
immigration policies have<br />
been released by three<br />
political parties which look<br />
to enhance opportunities<br />
for parents and grandparents<br />
to visit Kiwi family<br />
members in New Zealand.<br />
PARENT VISA BOOST<br />
National’s plan is to<br />
introduce a ‘multiple-entry<br />
Parent Visa Boost’. The<br />
visa would allow parents<br />
and grandparents to stay<br />
with their family in New<br />
Zealand for five years, with<br />
the ability to renew it for a<br />
further five years.<br />
Those under the Parent<br />
Visa Boost would not be eligible<br />
for entitlements such<br />
as NZ Super. They would<br />
need health insurance and<br />
“must be sponsored by<br />
their children or grandchildren”.<br />
Erica Stanford, the<br />
National Party spokesperson<br />
for immigration, said<br />
"New Zealand needs to<br />
attract and retain skilled<br />
people, but other countries<br />
have more pro-parent visa<br />
options, making them more<br />
attractive options.<br />
“Allowing parents and<br />
grandparents to live with<br />
their migrant children can<br />
help skilled people integrate<br />
better into New<br />
Zealand, as relatives can<br />
help with childcare and<br />
offer stability and emotional<br />
support.”<br />
She added that the weakening of immigration<br />
settings by the Labour government<br />
has led to longer processing times<br />
and “has exploded” migrant exploitation.<br />
UNITE VISA<br />
ACT have provided a similar policy<br />
with a different name. The ACT ‘Unite<br />
Visa’ enables parents to visit for five<br />
years, but has added the requirement for<br />
it to be renewed every year.<br />
Political parties offer<br />
parent-friendy visas.<br />
Labour’s immigration spokesperson<br />
Andrew Little<br />
Ricardo Menéndez March,<br />
Greens immigration<br />
spokesperson<br />
Erica Stanford, National’s<br />
immigration spokesperson<br />
ACT party<br />
leader David<br />
Seymour stated:<br />
"If the country<br />
does not have<br />
processes at least as good as<br />
those in major competitor<br />
countries like Australia and<br />
Canada, then businesses<br />
will struggle to grow, social<br />
services will fail to deliver<br />
and a spiral will take hold."<br />
Uniquely, ACT’s policy<br />
charges a $3500 yearly fee,<br />
which would fund the visa<br />
holder’s healthcare costs.<br />
"We believe that migrants<br />
and their close family<br />
deserve to be together<br />
and to be able to support<br />
each other," added Seymour.<br />
SUPER VISA<br />
The latest to release immigration policies<br />
is the Labour Party, who have targeted<br />
their new policies at parents and<br />
grandparents of migrants living in New<br />
Zealand.<br />
The party promised to expand opportunities<br />
for migrant families through a 10-<br />
year multiple-entry parents and grandparents’<br />
‘Super Visa’.<br />
ACT party leader<br />
David Seymour<br />
This Super Visa enables relatives to<br />
make multiple visits of between 6 months<br />
and 5 years.<br />
Labour’s immigration spokesperson<br />
Andrew Little said: “This is about ensuring<br />
that migrants, who can often be isolated<br />
and without support structures, have<br />
the family around them when they need<br />
it.”<br />
New Zealand citizens must provide a<br />
guarantee of financial support to their<br />
parents and grandparents that hold a<br />
Super Visa.<br />
AMNESTY FOR OVERSTAYERS<br />
A one-off regularization programme for<br />
“well-settled overstayers” was also<br />
announced by Andrew Little. The programme<br />
is only eligible to overstayers<br />
who have been in New Zealand for 10<br />
years or more.<br />
The party said that the policy would<br />
“make good on the dawn raids apology”<br />
to Pacific people, if elected.<br />
The Green Party also announced their<br />
immigration policies which challenge<br />
Labour’s ‘high bar’ for overstayer<br />
amnesty.<br />
"We are disappointed with the high<br />
bar Labour has set through the requirement<br />
for people to be in Aotearoa for 10<br />
years to be eligible.” said Ricardo<br />
Menéndez March, the Green Party<br />
immigration spokesperson.<br />
“Migrants deserve to be treated with<br />
dignity and respect by our immigration<br />
system. But for many in our community,<br />
our immigration system has left them<br />
behind. They've fallen through the<br />
cracks, have been left vulnerable to<br />
exploitation, and have been denied the<br />
safety and security of a visa. The Greens<br />
will ensure that an amnesty for overstayers<br />
provides accessible residency pathways<br />
to everyone, not just those who’ve<br />
been here for more than 10 years.”<br />
The Green Party Pacific people’s<br />
spokesperson Teanau Tuiono added: “A<br />
broad amnesty for overstayers is the right<br />
thing to do to right the wrongs of an immigration<br />
system that has continued to fail<br />
our Pasifika and broader migrant communities.”<br />
Keep up-to-the-minute with Migrant <strong>News</strong>:<br />
migrantnews.nz<br />
Check us out on our print, online<br />
and social media channels.<br />
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06 ISSUE <strong>169</strong> MAGANDANG BALITA | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477<br />
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 <strong>Filipino</strong> Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by <strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong> NZ.<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> youth in New<br />
Zealand are demonstrating<br />
a strong desire to stay<br />
connected with their culture<br />
and religion, thanks to<br />
the support and guidance<br />
provided by older generations<br />
within the community.<br />
In a multicultural environment,<br />
the younger generation<br />
faces challenges of<br />
acculturation. <strong>Filipino</strong><br />
adults are taking initiatives<br />
to preserve their heritage<br />
and traditions, ensuring<br />
that they remain cherished<br />
and alive.<br />
Speaking on the topic of<br />
youth engagement within<br />
cultural organizations,<br />
Edmund Cuevas, a member<br />
of Couples for Christ<br />
NZ, emphasized the significance<br />
of relevance and<br />
consistency in connecting<br />
with younger members.<br />
"We make sure that the<br />
activities we plan are relevant<br />
to the current generation,<br />
while remaining consistent<br />
with the values that<br />
they need to have," Cuevas<br />
mentioned.<br />
To ensure that the interests<br />
of youth are catered<br />
for, the organisation holds<br />
“a separate assembly for<br />
the kids to vote on the<br />
activities that they want to<br />
do during the events. They<br />
run it themselves and they<br />
will vote, however there<br />
will be parents there to<br />
assist them. Encouraging<br />
youth to take the lead in<br />
planning activities allows<br />
them to express their creativity<br />
and to build a sense<br />
of ownership within the<br />
organization,” added<br />
Cuevas.<br />
Another community<br />
organisation that seeks to<br />
involve youth in planning<br />
and management is the<br />
Boholanos in New<br />
Zealand. This organization<br />
is committed to preserving<br />
Boholano culture and aims<br />
to attract more young people<br />
by addressing issues<br />
important to them.<br />
“What is important to<br />
them is mental health, climate<br />
change, their identity<br />
and you know, a lot of our<br />
members come from the<br />
LGBTQI+ community,”<br />
said Jesil Cajes, a <strong>Filipino</strong><br />
Many calls for <strong>Filipino</strong><br />
youth to embrace their<br />
cultural heritage By Ricky Matthew<br />
lawyer and Chair of the<br />
Boholanos in New<br />
Zealand. “Traditional<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> culture is strongly<br />
Catholic, right?” she<br />
noted. “But we need to<br />
adapt and we need to<br />
(top left) Billie Carani Jakobsson (Wellington). (top right) Cordilleran youth group. Photos / Migrant <strong>News</strong>.<br />
(above left to right) Jesil Cajes, Donna Dacuno, Myriam Benito, Edmund Cuevas, Roy Bustenera.<br />
adjust to that.”<br />
The preservation of<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> culture is not only<br />
limited to community<br />
groups, but extends to<br />
individuals, parents and<br />
businesses that are taking<br />
a stand against cultural<br />
erosion. One such individual<br />
is Billie Carani<br />
Jakobsson, a Filipina<br />
mother from Wellington,<br />
who has been living in New<br />
Zealand since 1987. She<br />
believes in instilling a sense<br />
of cultural pride in her<br />
children, who are half-<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> and half-<br />
European. "I want them to<br />
know that their lives are<br />
made up of two cultures<br />
and that they have to<br />
appreciate both to move<br />
forward," she stated.<br />
Jakobsson creatively<br />
introduces <strong>Filipino</strong> cuisine<br />
to her children's palates,<br />
ensuring that they develop<br />
“an appreciation for their<br />
traditional dishes like Puto<br />
and Dinuguan from an<br />
early age”. It is through<br />
food that Jakobsson is able<br />
to keep her children close<br />
to both their two cultures.<br />
The Matatas Bookstore,<br />
founded by a passionate<br />
theatre arts enthusiast,<br />
Donna Dacuno, seeks to<br />
provide resources to facilitate<br />
the teaching of<br />
Tagalog, English and<br />
regional languages to<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> children in New<br />
Zealand. They offer bilingual<br />
Tagalog-English children's<br />
books, ensuring that<br />
young ones can engage<br />
with their native language<br />
and stories from their<br />
homeland.<br />
Dacuno spoke about her<br />
motivation to open the<br />
bookstore, saying: “I have<br />
a half-<strong>Filipino</strong> son and I<br />
want his friends and future<br />
friends to be able to speak<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> together. It may be<br />
through interaction with<br />
books or activities.”<br />
The importance of preserving<br />
Cordilleran traditions<br />
and of engaging the<br />
younger generation is<br />
uppermost in the minds of<br />
parents, says Myriam<br />
Benito, President of the<br />
Organisation of Cordillerans<br />
New Zealand (OCNZ).<br />
"Our culture is our foundation<br />
and we must ensure<br />
its continuity by involving<br />
our youth." OCNZ has<br />
established<br />
a 'Next<br />
Generation'<br />
leadership<br />
group to<br />
provide<br />
opportunities<br />
for younger community<br />
members to actively<br />
participate in cultural<br />
events and to take on<br />
responsibilities.<br />
Myriam also spoke<br />
about an upcoming event<br />
that aims to create opportunities<br />
for Igorots in different<br />
countries to connect<br />
and learn from each other.<br />
Roy Bustenera, Vice<br />
President of The <strong>Filipino</strong><br />
Society Inc., commented<br />
on the urgency of fostering<br />
a sense of leadership and<br />
pride in the next generation<br />
of <strong>Filipino</strong>s. “It was<br />
sad to see that at our<br />
wreath laying ceremony at<br />
the Rizal Reserve during<br />
the Philippine Independence<br />
Day Celebrations<br />
the attendees were mostly<br />
senior citizens and are<br />
dwindling in numbers. I<br />
am afraid that these<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> activities will die<br />
and be forgotten upon the<br />
passing of the active senior<br />
citizens.<br />
“Each <strong>Filipino</strong> organisation<br />
must really actively<br />
invite the younger generation<br />
to participate and this<br />
can only be realised if current<br />
long-term officers of<br />
each organisation are able<br />
to pass on the positions to<br />
new and younger officers<br />
and if the older officers<br />
guide and respect the positions<br />
that these younger<br />
officers are elected to.”<br />
As <strong>Filipino</strong> youth in New<br />
Zealand continue to navigate<br />
their dual identities,<br />
the guidance and encouragement<br />
from older generations<br />
serve as vital lifelines,<br />
strengthening their<br />
connection to their culture<br />
and heritage. Through<br />
these efforts the <strong>Filipino</strong><br />
community in New<br />
Zealand can look forward<br />
to a future where their traditions<br />
and values are preserved<br />
and cherished by<br />
the generations to come.<br />
2024<br />
The <strong>Filipino</strong>-Kiwi Hero<br />
Awards is organised<br />
exclusively by<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong> NZ.<br />
For more information and<br />
sponsorship enquries<br />
please contact us at:<br />
filipinonews@xtra.co.nz<br />
mob: 027 495 8477<br />
History of the <strong>Filipino</strong>-Kiwi Hero Awards.<br />
The inspiration for the <strong>Filipino</strong>-Kiwi Heroes hall of fame comes from a similar<br />
honours roll in the Philippines conferred by the Philippine Inquirer <strong>News</strong>paper.<br />
For a more detailed list of award winners over the years please visit the official<br />
website: www.filipinoheroes.nz<br />
We welcome nominations for the next <strong>Filipino</strong>-Kiwi Hero Awards.<br />
email: filipinonews @xtra.co.nz
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www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 <strong>Filipino</strong> Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by <strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong> NZ.
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08 ISSUE <strong>169</strong> | ELEKSYON | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477<br />
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 <strong>Filipino</strong> Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by <strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong> NZ.<br />
By Ricky Matthew<br />
Wellington - In a bid to represent<br />
and unite the growing<br />
number of Boholanos across<br />
Aotearoa a new charitable trust<br />
was launched in Wellington last<br />
year. The group ‘Boholanos in<br />
New Zealand’ aims to promote<br />
Boholano culture and to create<br />
a strong community bond<br />
among its members.<br />
Although based in<br />
Wellington, the organization<br />
extends its representation to<br />
Boholanos nationwide, encompassing<br />
a diverse range of professionals<br />
including IT specialists,<br />
nurses and educators.<br />
A successful lawyer and<br />
proud Boholano in New<br />
Zealand, Jesil Cajes, sheds light<br />
on the journey of the Boholanos<br />
in forming the organization.<br />
"The idea of formalizing our<br />
group with a legal identity in<br />
New Zealand came about in<br />
2022. We realized the importance<br />
of having a structured<br />
organization to effectively represent<br />
the Boholano community,"<br />
she explains.<br />
Boholanos in New Zealand is<br />
currently the sole formalized<br />
association of its kind in the<br />
country. While the exact number<br />
of Boholanos residing in<br />
New Zealand is yet to be determined,<br />
Cajes estimates that<br />
there are around 200 Boholanos<br />
in Wellington alone. As the<br />
organization is still in its early<br />
stages, resources and further<br />
research are needed to establish<br />
a comprehensive database of<br />
members.<br />
To protect the Boholano culture,<br />
heritage, and youth in New<br />
Zealand, Boholanos in New<br />
Zealand has exciting plans to<br />
promote their culture and fulfil<br />
their objectives. This includes<br />
organizing cultural events,<br />
engaging in projects with other<br />
organizations and addressing<br />
critical issues such as climate<br />
change and biculturalism.<br />
The association aims to foster<br />
understanding and celebrate<br />
the vitality of bridging cultural<br />
Community group fosters<br />
strong bond among<br />
Boholanos in Aotearoa<br />
Jesil Cajes, President,<br />
Boholanos in New Zealand<br />
and generational gaps while<br />
championing environmental<br />
causes through initiatives like<br />
tree planting and workshops on<br />
migrants' relationships with the<br />
land.<br />
Engaging young Boholanos in<br />
the association's activities is<br />
crucial. Recognizing this, Cajes<br />
emphasizes the need to create a<br />
safe and inclusive environment<br />
for youth. "We must ensure that<br />
the organization values and<br />
hears the voices of our younger<br />
members. By addressing issues<br />
like mental health, climate<br />
change and identity, we can<br />
appeal to their interests and foster<br />
their active participation,"<br />
Cajes asserts.<br />
To overcome the challenges of<br />
generational differences,<br />
Boholanos in New Zealand<br />
embraces a non-hierarchical<br />
model, adds Cajes. The organization<br />
aims to create a space<br />
where the wisdom of the older<br />
generation intertwines with the<br />
perspectives and aspirations of<br />
the youth.<br />
By making the organization<br />
safe, adaptable and open to<br />
change, the association strives<br />
to foster a sense of belonging<br />
and to encourage the younger<br />
generation to contribute and<br />
shape its future. “It is not really<br />
about the survival of the organisation,<br />
because the organisation<br />
will survive. It is about<br />
engaging the young people,<br />
which includes the young members<br />
that belong to the LGBTQ<br />
community,” states Cajes.<br />
BACKSTORY:<br />
As per Cajes’ insight, Bohol's<br />
natural beauty is what captivates<br />
visitors. In particular “its<br />
famous Chocolate Hills and one<br />
of the world's smallest primates,<br />
the tarsier,” found in the<br />
island province.<br />
Reflecting on her hometown,<br />
Cajes expresses immense pride<br />
in Bohol's hospitality and pristine<br />
beauty. "Bohol remains a<br />
gem despite its popularity. We<br />
are very proud of our natural,<br />
pristine beauty,<br />
because although it<br />
is popular, it is still<br />
not as highly commercialised<br />
as regions<br />
like Boracay.”<br />
When it comes to<br />
food, Boholano cuisine<br />
is renowned for its emphasis<br />
on soup-based dishes, showcasing<br />
the region's comfortstyle<br />
cooking. Cajes explains:<br />
"Boholano cuisine is known for<br />
its soup-based dishes, such as<br />
Tinola (a soup featuring chicken<br />
and green papaya, seasoned<br />
with patis, a savoury fish<br />
sauce).”<br />
Another popular Boholano<br />
delicacy, Peanut Kisses, has<br />
garnered popularity among visitors<br />
and has also become a<br />
cherished indulgence for the<br />
local community. Cajes notes<br />
that “these chocolates are<br />
inspired by the iconic appearance<br />
of the Chocolate Hills that<br />
Bohol is celebrated for and can<br />
only be manufactured and<br />
found in Bohol”.<br />
Another dessert Cajes listed<br />
was 'Calamay', a caramelized<br />
coconut dessert that takes<br />
advantage of the abundant<br />
coconuts surrounding the beautiful<br />
island.<br />
As Boholanos in New Zealand<br />
forges ahead, they take pride in<br />
their rich heritage, vibrant culture<br />
and welcoming spirit. By<br />
preserving their traditions<br />
while embracing change, the<br />
association paves the way for a<br />
flourishing community that celebrates<br />
their roots while also<br />
building a brighter future in<br />
New Zealand.<br />
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ISSUE <strong>169</strong> | ELEKSYON | www.filipinoheroes.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | 09 BUHAY<br />
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 <strong>Filipino</strong> Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by <strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong> NZ.<br />
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10 ISSUE <strong>169</strong> | ELEKSYON | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477<br />
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 <strong>Filipino</strong> Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by <strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong> NZ.<br />
Flores de Mayo Festival<br />
Blossoms in Aotearoa<br />
By Ricky Matthew<br />
AUCKLAND – The Flores de<br />
Mayo Festival is an annual celebration<br />
that takes place<br />
throughout the Philippines during<br />
the month of May.<br />
And locals there eagerly look<br />
forward to joining the<br />
‘Santacruzan’ - a colourful pageant<br />
procession on the last day<br />
of Flores de Mayo when you can<br />
witness the beauty and grace of<br />
the community as <strong>Filipino</strong>s are<br />
not only able to show their<br />
devotion, but also their artistic<br />
flair, through the intricately<br />
designed gowns and the parade<br />
decor.<br />
The good news is that the glitter<br />
and glamour of this <strong>Filipino</strong><br />
tradition is also blossoming<br />
New Zealand wide with several<br />
groups coming on board to<br />
organize different variations in<br />
the theme of this fiesta.<br />
With its roots coming from<br />
the Spanish colonial period,<br />
Santacruzan was originally<br />
introduced as a way to promote<br />
Catholicism to the local population.<br />
Over time Santacruzan<br />
has become a uniquely <strong>Filipino</strong><br />
festival that is celebrated<br />
grandly by <strong>Filipino</strong>s around the<br />
world.<br />
In Auckland, Banyuhay<br />
Aotearoa organised ‘Santacruzan<br />
for a Cause’ to give<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong>s a taste of the traditions<br />
and festivities of this grand celebration.<br />
“Our charitable trust aims at<br />
spreading the rich and vibrant<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> culture in New<br />
Zealand,” says Emma Baet<br />
Carreon, a spokesperson for<br />
Banyuhay Aotearoa.<br />
“For the whole month of May<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> children offer flowers<br />
to the Virgin Mary to honour<br />
and remember her with<br />
prayers, they receive religious<br />
teachings and they do service in<br />
the community. At the end of<br />
the month the Santacruzan is<br />
held as the beautiful culmination<br />
of all these things.<br />
“Our event is especially<br />
focused on <strong>Filipino</strong>s wishing to<br />
experience this again as well as<br />
those ‘KiwiNoys’ who haven’t<br />
had the chance to.”<br />
The event was held on May 27<br />
at the St Heliers Church and<br />
Hall in Auckland.<br />
Children and young adults<br />
who wanted to experience the<br />
Santacruzan participated<br />
as a Princess, Prince, or<br />
Queen.<br />
“As a unique addition<br />
to New Zealand, there was a<br />
youth participant that was chosen<br />
to have the title of Reyna<br />
Flores de Aotearoa,” says<br />
Emma Carreon.<br />
There were various booths at<br />
the event - food, photos, face<br />
painting and others.<br />
Other events held<br />
nationwide were:<br />
Flores de Musa fashion<br />
show on 27th May in<br />
Palmerston North.<br />
The Fiesta and Flores de<br />
Mayo on 13th May in Newtown,<br />
organised by the Boholoanos in<br />
New Zealand.<br />
The QAMPI Santacruzan<br />
<strong>2023</strong> on 20 May in Queenstown.<br />
The Flores de Mayo<br />
Santacruzan at St Matthew’s<br />
and St Columba’s Churches in<br />
Hamilton on May 6, 13 and 20th<br />
at 4pm.<br />
(left) The Santacruzan Pageant in the Philippines. Photo / Luigi Bertello. (right) Banyuhay Aotearoa’s ‘Santacurzan for a Cause.’<br />
And finally there was the<br />
Flores De Mayo Music Festival<br />
on 27 May at St Matthew’s inthe-city<br />
in Auckland.<br />
Editor – <strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong> is proud to<br />
be a media partner of ‘Santacruzan<br />
for a Cause'.
Transform your CV into a job-offer magnet<br />
By Ricky Matthew<br />
One of the most significant<br />
challenges that<br />
migrants face in New<br />
Zealand is the need to<br />
adapt to the local job market.<br />
While skills and experience<br />
gained in and out of<br />
NZ can be valuable, they<br />
may not always translate<br />
directly into landing the<br />
job.<br />
This is where a wellcrafted<br />
CV can be a valuable<br />
tool in helping existing<br />
migrants to showcase their<br />
skills and experience in a<br />
way that is relevant to local<br />
employers.<br />
Trina Jones, co-founder<br />
and director of Cultivate<br />
Recruitment, has 25+<br />
years of experience in the<br />
recruitment industry.<br />
Trina discusses the dos and<br />
don’ts for creating a standout<br />
CV.<br />
What are some of the<br />
biggest mistakes when<br />
writing a CV?<br />
A common red flag is<br />
when people don’t<br />
spellcheck their resume.<br />
Seems obvious, so don’t<br />
make the mistake when<br />
technology is at the click of<br />
a button to help you.<br />
A CV littered with<br />
ISSUE <strong>169</strong> ELEKSYON | www.migrantnews.nz | email: migrantnews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | Facebook: Migrant <strong>News</strong> 11<br />
MIGRANT NEWS - Immigration <strong>News</strong>, Settlement Support ... New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media.<br />
spelling mistakes, poor<br />
grammar and not proofread<br />
is not a great look and<br />
we've seen a number<br />
of them.<br />
It’s the most<br />
important document<br />
you put in front of a<br />
prospective employer<br />
or recruitment<br />
company, so make<br />
sure it flows, reads<br />
well and is well presented<br />
and formatted.<br />
Are spelling mistakes<br />
a big turn-off<br />
for potential employers?<br />
Yes. It shows a lack of<br />
care and attention when<br />
it’s a critical document<br />
that you are presenting as<br />
part of the job application<br />
process. It may suggest<br />
that the lack of care and<br />
attention in your resume<br />
could also be how you<br />
behave at work.<br />
There is just no excuse,<br />
when technology is available<br />
to use.<br />
We are not all great<br />
spellers or amazing with<br />
grammar, so seek out some<br />
help by getting some feedback<br />
from someone else<br />
who can help with proofread<br />
it for you.<br />
Trina Jones,<br />
Cultivate<br />
Recruitment<br />
Does it stop an employer<br />
from bringing you in for<br />
an interview?<br />
Absolutely, it could work<br />
against you. It’s the difference<br />
between your application<br />
being considered or<br />
being redirected.<br />
Often when we are<br />
reviewing a CV you can see<br />
the promise and potential<br />
in someone’s background.<br />
If they’ve got a compelling<br />
background, then they<br />
may be lucky enough to get<br />
feedback. However, not<br />
every employer or recruitment<br />
agency has the time<br />
to go through that exercise<br />
with every candidate.<br />
If you look at the<br />
average time<br />
spent reviewing<br />
each CV, particularly if<br />
applicant volumes are<br />
high, it can average 7-10<br />
seconds or less.<br />
You can imagine that if<br />
it’s not compelling or it is<br />
littered with mistakes, then<br />
you will move on to a CV<br />
that has better promise,<br />
has been presented well,<br />
has good relevance and is<br />
suitable for what you need<br />
based on the job brief.<br />
What are some top tips<br />
for enhancing your CV?<br />
If you’re putting a CV<br />
together, make sure it has a<br />
good framework with the<br />
below information as key<br />
headings:<br />
• Personal details (full<br />
name/email/contact number)<br />
• Career or Professional<br />
Summary<br />
• Skills<br />
• Work Experience<br />
•Qualifications/Education<br />
• Interests<br />
A few reminders: Iif you<br />
are going to include a<br />
photo or a personal email<br />
address, make sure that<br />
they’re both professional<br />
and suitable for a CV, not a<br />
photo that might be best<br />
suited to your social media.<br />
Ensure your work experience<br />
goes backwards<br />
from recent to old, your<br />
recent experience is most<br />
relevant, and be sure to<br />
include your key responsibilities<br />
alongside any<br />
achievements or accomplishments<br />
e.g. awards,<br />
promotions, results …<br />
Just remember not to go<br />
overboard with content so<br />
it reads likeas a novel; it’s<br />
important<br />
that a CV is<br />
easy to<br />
digest and<br />
read, but<br />
also isn’t too<br />
short, vague<br />
or presents more questions<br />
than answers.<br />
So think about getting<br />
the balance right and consider<br />
which areas in your<br />
CV could be summarised,<br />
such as responsibilities,<br />
roles and experience that<br />
date back some years.<br />
Kiwis can be very modest,<br />
but it is important to<br />
showcase yourself in the<br />
very best light to ensure<br />
that your application creates<br />
a compelling reason<br />
for you to be called up.<br />
If your CV is being<br />
reviewed alongside others,<br />
and you are up against<br />
compelling backgrounds,<br />
what you have achieved<br />
can set you apart and can<br />
shine a great light on what<br />
you can bring to the table.<br />
Need more help? Check<br />
out our blog on looking for<br />
a new role for some helpful<br />
insights.<br />
https://www.cultivate.co.<br />
nz/post/guidance-whenlooking-for-a-new-role
12<br />
FLASH BACK: Only some of the famous PH Artista (above) featured in <strong>Filipino</strong> <strong>News</strong> over the years by Balitang Showbiz writers - Sheila Mariano, Thelina Nuval, Mel Fernandez & Jude Bautista.<br />
AUCKLAND - After<br />
what seemed like an<br />
interminably long absence,<br />
OPM (popular<br />
music originating from<br />
the Philippines) is making<br />
a comeback to<br />
Aotearoa’s shores.<br />
In July this year<br />
‘December Avenue', one<br />
of the most streamed<br />
OPM bands of all time,<br />
led the calvary charge<br />
when they rocked the<br />
stage at the Bruce Mason<br />
Centre in Auckland.<br />
The sold-out show has<br />
set off a chain reaction of<br />
OPM artists scheduling<br />
concerts in New Zealand,<br />
including Moira Dela<br />
Torre (reaching over 1<br />
billion streams for her<br />
songs), who is set to perform<br />
on the 28th of<br />
October at the Kiri Te<br />
Kanawa Theatre at the<br />
Aotea Centre in<br />
Auckland.<br />
In a New Zealand<br />
exclusive interview with<br />
December Avenue, Migrant<br />
<strong>News</strong> held a Q&A<br />
session with the members<br />
of this 5-piece indie<br />
pop/alternative rock<br />
band from Manila who<br />
are known for their viral<br />
compositions online.<br />
December Avenue is<br />
made up of: Zel Bautista<br />
on vocals and guitar, Jem<br />
Manuel on guitar, Don<br />
Gregorio on bass, Jet<br />
Danao on drums and<br />
backing vocals and Gelo<br />
Cruz on keyboard and<br />
“Get ready for the return of<br />
superstar OPM bands to NZ,”<br />
predicts December Avenue.<br />
By Ricky Matthew<br />
backing vocals.<br />
In this up close and<br />
personal conversation the<br />
band members give their<br />
first impression of the<br />
country, how they kept<br />
busy during the Covid<br />
restrictions and the secret<br />
of their enduring success<br />
over 18 years.<br />
Q: What are you looking<br />
forward to in New<br />
Zealand?<br />
Zel: Apart from meeting<br />
fans, we want to visit<br />
Hobbiton.<br />
In which countries do<br />
you get the biggest response<br />
for concerts?<br />
Zel: Of course, in the<br />
Philippines, because that<br />
is the home base. We also<br />
get a good response in<br />
Canada, the US and<br />
Dubai.<br />
Q: During the Covid<br />
pandemic, how did you<br />
continue to present your<br />
music to your audience?<br />
Zel: We were able to<br />
write and record some<br />
songs during the pandemic.<br />
We did online<br />
shows. Although we were<br />
still playing, a live<br />
recording is quite different<br />
from a live performance<br />
in front of an audience.<br />
What are some key collaborations<br />
you have<br />
done?<br />
Zel: We have a new collaboration<br />
with Belle<br />
Mariano that was released<br />
recently. However,<br />
our most successful collaboration<br />
was with<br />
Moira Dela Torre, with<br />
the song ‘Kung Di Rin<br />
Lang Ikaw’.<br />
What are your current<br />
top 5 hits?<br />
Jet: Bulong, Kahit Di<br />
Mo Alam, Kung Di Rin<br />
Lang Ikaw, Sa Ngalan Ng<br />
Pag-Ibig and Huling<br />
Sandali.<br />
Are your lyrics influenced<br />
by your own experiences?<br />
Zel: Not necessarily<br />
based on our experiences.<br />
The themes of our songs<br />
are about life, moving on<br />
and heartbreaks. That is<br />
why we are called<br />
December Avenue. We<br />
look at December as the<br />
last month of the year<br />
and it’s an avenue to the<br />
new year or a new life.<br />
I mostly wrote our past<br />
songs, but now I am collaborating<br />
with Jet. The<br />
songs we are<br />
writing now<br />
are more<br />
inspiring<br />
rather than about<br />
heartbreak.<br />
How have you been<br />
able to work together<br />
for so many years?<br />
Jet: There have been<br />
ups and downs, but we<br />
have the same passion<br />
and love for music. We<br />
have accepted the differences<br />
of everyone<br />
because we are five different<br />
characters, but it is<br />
a challenge to jumble<br />
everyone together.<br />
What is your message<br />
to OPM fanatics in<br />
Aotearoa?<br />
Zel: To all our fans in<br />
New Zealand, we were<br />
very surprised that the<br />
shows were sold out and<br />
at the same time we were<br />
excited. We want to<br />
thank you for your support<br />
- because you are<br />
part of the reason we continue<br />
to make music.<br />
To all the OPM fans in<br />
NZ, I think that this is<br />
just the beginning. We<br />
have lots of great bands<br />
in the Philippines and<br />
I’m pretty sure that they<br />
will be coming here next.<br />
So, watch out for that.<br />
Thank you for the support<br />
that you have given<br />
us and the other OPM<br />
artists.<br />
Fantastic!<br />
We had the opportunity<br />
to speak with<br />
some of these December<br />
Avenue aficionados<br />
who shared their sentiments<br />
about the band's<br />
visit and their own personal<br />
connections to their music.<br />
Miguel Manaig, Rotorua: “I<br />
love December Avenue’s<br />
songs, but ‘Eroplanong Papel’<br />
has to be my favorite because<br />
it is about LDR (Long<br />
Distance Relationship). I am<br />
in an LDR right now, so I can<br />
(left to right:) Miguel Manaig, Rotorua, Cyrus, Auckland (extreme right), Ella and Mark, Wellington, Eunice, Hamilton.<br />
really relate to their songs.<br />
I have been a fan since 2016<br />
and I watched their concert<br />
for the first time in my City<br />
Calamba, Laguna, in the<br />
Philippines. So, when I<br />
learned that they’re having a<br />
concert here in New Zealand,<br />
I waited for their tickets, and I<br />
think I was the third person to<br />
buy their tickets (laughing).<br />
In fact, I flew here from<br />
Wellington but I’m going back<br />
tomorrow because I study<br />
there.”<br />
Cyrus, Auckland: “I’m a<br />
huge fan of December Avenue<br />
and this is my first time seeing<br />
them in person. My favorite<br />
song is ‘Dahan’.”<br />
Ella and Mark, Wellington:<br />
“We are fans of December<br />
Avenue because we really<br />
enjoy their songs.<br />
Mark has been in New<br />
Zealand all his life but we<br />
both listen to OPM music. He<br />
cannot even understand<br />
them, but he still listens<br />
to them (laughing).<br />
[Mark: “I know some of<br />
the words, that’s good<br />
enough.”]. My favorite<br />
song is the one with<br />
Moira - ‘Kung Di Rin<br />
Lang Ikaw’.”<br />
Eunice, Hamilton: “I<br />
knew them since their<br />
popular songs came out.<br />
They are one of the first<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> artists I listened to<br />
since coming to New Zealand<br />
and I really like that I can<br />
come to their concert. I first<br />
heard of them from my<br />
friends and then I saw them<br />
on Wish Radio on YouTube.”
ISSUE <strong>169</strong> ELEKSYON | www.migrantnews.nz | email: migrantnews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | Facebook: Migrant <strong>News</strong> 13<br />
MIGRANT NEWS - Immigration <strong>News</strong>, Settlement Support ... New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media.<br />
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14 ISSUE <strong>169</strong> ELEKSYON | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.migrantnews.nz | Facebook: Migrant <strong>News</strong><br />
MIGRANT NEWS - www.migrantnews.nz : New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media.<br />
Showcasing Asian New Zealand Artists’ Perspectives on<br />
Belonging and Cultural Evolution<br />
Auckland – June 15<br />
marked the opening of ‘A<br />
Place to Call Home’ – the<br />
first group exhibition of contemporary<br />
New Zealand<br />
Asian art, curated by the<br />
Bergman Gallery.<br />
This groundbreaking exhibition<br />
aimed to highlight the<br />
generational presence of<br />
Asian New Zealanders and<br />
the pivotal role their art<br />
plays in shaping the country’s<br />
contemporary cultural<br />
landscape.<br />
Through various artistic<br />
mediums such as paintings,<br />
photography, sculpture and<br />
ceramics, this exhibition<br />
showcased the artists’ exploration<br />
of ancestral legacies<br />
and the concept of home and<br />
belonging within the context<br />
of New Zealand.<br />
The narratives expressed<br />
by the participating artists in<br />
‘A Place to Call Home’ resonated<br />
with traditions from<br />
across the Pacific and Asian<br />
continent, embracing<br />
diverse cultural influences<br />
from Korea, China, India,<br />
Sri Lanka, the Philippines,<br />
Malaysia, Persia and the<br />
Middle East.<br />
By Ricky Matthew<br />
These traditions have<br />
merged with their New<br />
Zealand values and identity,<br />
generating a commanding<br />
dialogue with distinct voices,<br />
stories and perspectives.<br />
The exhibition presents a<br />
biographical exploration of<br />
cultural evolution within the<br />
broader New Zealand population.<br />
Louie Bretaña, a <strong>Filipino</strong><br />
artist, shared his perspective<br />
on the artworks he contributed<br />
to the exhibition.<br />
“It’s all about exploring the<br />
differences. My pieces at<br />
this exhibition are all exploring<br />
the narratives of our precolonial<br />
deities.”<br />
Bretaña’s artworks depict<br />
the safety of fire and volcano,<br />
the symbolism of<br />
nature and the representation<br />
of local stories intertwined<br />
with <strong>Filipino</strong> aesthetics. His<br />
works draw inspiration from<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> cultural heritage<br />
and merge it with the local<br />
New Zealand context.<br />
Another featured artist,<br />
Bev Moon, a Chinese artist,<br />
discussed the motivation<br />
behind her artwork in the<br />
exhibition. Her artwork portrays<br />
a Chinese New Year<br />
feast, symbolizing family<br />
gatherings and honouring<br />
her heritage.<br />
Moon explained: “The<br />
black settings represent my<br />
mum, my dad and my sister<br />
who passed away. The fish<br />
and chips in my dad’s hand<br />
symbolize his 32-year-old<br />
Louie Bretana.<br />
Photo / Migrant <strong>News</strong><br />
business. The artwork also<br />
includes a dollar sign, representing<br />
my father’s journey<br />
from having nothing when<br />
he arrived in New Zealand to<br />
providing for his family and<br />
loved ones.”<br />
Moon’s artwork incorporates<br />
locally sourced materials<br />
and knitted elements,<br />
reflecting her personal connection<br />
to her Chinese heritage<br />
and the traditions<br />
passed down through her<br />
family.<br />
Both artists emphasized<br />
the significance of their art<br />
in reflecting their cultural<br />
identities and the<br />
transformative<br />
experiences<br />
they’ve had since<br />
coming to New<br />
Zealand.<br />
“The Maori and Pacific<br />
nations here in New Zealand<br />
have opened my mind to<br />
looking at my own cultural<br />
identity separate from colonial<br />
influences,” shared<br />
Bretaña. “It’s about taking<br />
everything out and leaving it<br />
purely <strong>Filipino</strong>.”<br />
Moon echoed this sentiment,<br />
adding, “Arriving in<br />
New Zealand has opened my<br />
mind to different perspectives<br />
and helped me honour<br />
and celebrate my Chinese<br />
heritage in unique ways.”<br />
'A Place To Call Home'<br />
invited viewers to engage<br />
with the artworks and to<br />
experience the diverse narratives<br />
and rich cultural tapestry<br />
of Asian New<br />
Zealanders.<br />
The exhibition showcased<br />
not only the artists’ creative<br />
expressions, but also their<br />
shared experience of finding<br />
a sense of home and belonging<br />
in New Zealand. It was a<br />
celebration of cultural diversity,<br />
resilience and the power<br />
of art to foster understanding<br />
and connection.
FILIPINO-KIWI BUSINESS DIRECTORY Mob: 027 495 8477 : filipinonews@xtra.co.nz<br />
Rey Ann<br />
<strong>Filipino</strong> Superette<br />
Shop for a wide range of <strong>Filipino</strong><br />
groceries and other imported goods - tin<br />
food, condiments, frozen goods (bangus,<br />
longanisa, tocino) essential ingredients,<br />
and lots, lots more ...<br />
9.30am - 6.30pm<br />
09 570 1116<br />
Facebook:<br />
reyannfilipino<br />
MONEY<br />
TRANSFER<br />
Western Union<br />
& Ria<br />
2a Basin View Lane, Panmure, Akld<br />
www.travelgalore.nz<br />
The online Asian travel, food<br />
& events website.<br />
To enter text: 027 495 8477<br />
filipinonews@xtra.co.nz<br />
www.halohalo.nz<br />
(the online food & events website)<br />
Introducing<br />
Carmela Laylo:<br />
Your Trusted<br />
Insurance and<br />
Mortgage Advisor<br />
Are you looking for a reliable<br />
professional to guide you through<br />
the complexities of insurance and mortgage?<br />
Look no further than Carmela Laylo, an<br />
experienced Life and Health and Mortgage Advisor at<br />
Futurisk Insurance and Mortgage - a leading brokerage<br />
company in Palmerston North.<br />
Experience the difference with Carmela Laylo as your<br />
insurance and mortgage advisor. Trust her to<br />
navigate the complexities of the industry, protect your<br />
assets, and help you achieve your dreams.<br />
Contact Carmela today and discover why she is the<br />
trusted choice for countless individuals like you.<br />
Phone: 021 150 7915<br />
178 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North<br />
website: www.futurisk.co.nz<br />
FB: https://www.facebook.com/charmlaylo?<br />
mibextid=ZbWKwL<br />
From glittering sequins to romantic draping, Stellar Backdrops<br />
love to create one-of-a-kind backdrops, flower walls, custom<br />
signs and decoration to celebrate your special occasion.<br />
We also provide fun booths, great gift options and event<br />
styling service. It is our aim to provide our clients a memorable<br />
experience through our creations and deliver a stellar service.<br />
What do we offer?<br />
• Flower walls and backdrops for hire<br />
• Event decorations for hire<br />
• Signages for hire<br />
• Custom made signages<br />
• Interactive photo booths for hire<br />
• Affordable event packages in collaboration<br />
with NZ local businesses<br />
• Gift options such as Floral Frames<br />
Auckland and Waikato. Mobile: 021 141 0525<br />
info@stellarbackdrops.com<br />
www.stellarbackdrops.com<br />
TRADITIONAL FILIPINO CUISINE • DELICIOUS CAKES & DESSERTS<br />
1 West Coast Rd, Glen Eden, Auckland<br />
Reservations & Orders, Tel: 818 9929, Mob: 0210 227 6388<br />
Email: goldribbonfoods@yahoo.co.nz, facebook: GoldRibbonFoods
16 ELEKSYON <strong>2023</strong> | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | Mobile : 027 495 8477 | https://facebook.com/filipinokiwi/