Filipino News 169

Issue 169: ELEKSYON 2023 

TE WAKA PIRIPINO MANENE 

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

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& 

online! 

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F R E E 

copy or 

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Political parties offer 

parent-friendly visas 

WELLINGTON - With the 

elections just around the 

corner, fresh immigration 

policies have been 

released by three political 

parties which look to 

enhance opportunities for 

parents and grandparents 

to visit Kiwi family members 

in New 

Zealand. 

National’s 

plan is to introduce 

a ‘multipleentry 

Parent Visa 

Boost’. The visa 

would allow parents and 

grandparents to stay with 

their family in New 

Zealand for five years, 

with the ability to renew it 

for a further five years. 

Those under the Parent 

Visa Boost would not be 

eligible for entitlements 

such as NZ Super. They 

would need health insurance 

and “must be 

sponsored by their children 

or grandchildren,” 

said Erica Stanford, the 

National Party spokesperson 

for immigration. 

The policies of Labour, 

ACT and the Greens are 

featured on page 2. 

pg 2 

MANY CALLS FOR FILIPINO YOUTH TO 

EMBRACE THEIR CULTURAL HERITAGE 

“Each Filipino organisation must 

really actively invite the younger 

generation to participate and this 

can only be realised if current 

long-term officers of each 

organisation are able to pass on 

the positions to new and younger 

officers and if the older officers 

guide and respect the positions 

that these younger officers are 

elected to.” - Roy Bustenera, The 

Filipino Society Inc., 

pg 6 

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pg 11 

pg 03 

DEPT OF 

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DECEMBER 

AVENUE 

CONCERT 

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AUCKLAND 

pg 10 pg 12 

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MIGRANT NEWS - www.migrantnews.nz : New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media. FB: Migrant News 

By Ricky Matthew 

With the elections just 

around the corner, fresh 

immigration policies have 

been released by three 

political parties which look 

to enhance opportunities 

for parents and grandparents 

to visit Kiwi family 

members in New Zealand. 

PARENT VISA BOOST 

National’s plan is to 

introduce a ‘multiple-entry 

Parent Visa Boost’. The 

visa would allow parents 

and grandparents to stay 

with their family in New 

Zealand for five years, with 

the ability to renew it for a 

further five years. 

Those under the Parent 

Visa Boost would not be eligible 

for entitlements such 

as NZ Super. They would 

need health insurance and 

“must be sponsored by 

their children or grandchildren”. 

Erica Stanford, the 

National Party spokesperson 

for immigration, said 

"New Zealand needs to 

attract and retain skilled 

people, but other countries 

have more pro-parent visa 

options, making them more 

attractive options. 

“Allowing parents and 

grandparents to live with 

their migrant children can 

help skilled people integrate 

better into New 

Zealand, as relatives can 

help with childcare and 

offer stability and emotional 

support.” 

She added that the weakening of immigration 

settings by the Labour government 

has led to longer processing times 

and “has exploded” migrant exploitation. 

UNITE VISA 

ACT have provided a similar policy 

with a different name. The ACT ‘Unite 

Visa’ enables parents to visit for five 

years, but has added the requirement for 

it to be renewed every year. 

Political parties offer 

parent-friendy visas. 

Labour’s immigration spokesperson 

Andrew Little. photo Facebook 

Ricardo Menéndez March, 

Greens immigration 

spokesperson 

Erica Stanford, National’s 

immigration spokesperson 

ACT party 

leader David 

Seymour stated: 

"If the country 

does not have 

processes at least as good as 

those in major competitor 

countries like Australia and 

Canada, then businesses 

will struggle to grow, social 

services will fail to deliver 

and a spiral will take hold." 

Uniquely, ACT’s policy 

charges a $3500 yearly fee, 

which would fund the visa 

holder’s healthcare costs. 

"We believe that migrants 

and their close family 

deserve to be together 

and to be able to support 

each other," added Seymour. 

SUPER VISA 

The latest to release immigration policies 

is the Labour Party, who have targeted 

their new policies at parents and 

grandparents of migrants living in New 

Zealand. 

The party promised to expand opportunities 

for migrant families through a 10- 

year multiple-entry parents and grandparents’ 

‘Super Visa’. 

ACT party leader 

David Seymour 

This Super Visa enables relatives to 

make multiple visits of between 6 months 

and 5 years. 

Labour’s immigration spokesperson 

Andrew Little said: “This is about ensuring 

that migrants, who can often be isolated 

and without support structures, have 

the family around them when they need 

it.” 

New Zealand citizens must provide a 

guarantee of financial support to their 

parents and grandparents that hold a 

Super Visa. 

AMNESTY FOR OVERSTAYERS 

A one-off regularization programme for 

“well-settled overstayers” was also 

announced by Andrew Little. The programme 

is only eligible to overstayers 

who have been in New Zealand for 10 

years or more. 

The party said that the policy would 

“make good on the dawn raids apology” 

to Pacific people, if elected. 

The Green Party also announced their 

immigration policies which challenge 

Labour’s ‘high bar’ for overstayer 

amnesty. 

"We are disappointed with the high 

bar Labour has set through the requirement 

for people to be in Aotearoa for 10 

years to be eligible.” said Ricardo 

Menéndez March, the Green Party 

immigration spokesperson. 

“Migrants deserve to be treated with 

dignity and respect by our immigration 

system. But for many in our community, 

our immigration system has left them 

behind. They've fallen through the 

cracks, have been left vulnerable to 

exploitation, and have been denied the 

safety and security of a visa. The Greens 

will ensure that an amnesty for overstayers 

provides accessible residency pathways 

to everyone, not just those who’ve 

been here for more than 10 years.” 

The Green Party Pacific people’s 

spokesperson Teanau Tuiono added: “A 

broad amnesty for overstayers is the right 

thing to do to right the wrongs of an immigration 

system that has continued to fail 

our Pasifika and broader migrant communities.” 

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NZ 

WELLINGTON 

– The establishment 

of a Philippine government 

Labour 

Office in Wellington 

in 2019 has been 

instrumental in significantly 

curtailing 

the exploitation of 

Filipino overseas 

foreign workers 

(OFWs) in Aotearoa 

NZ. 

“As a whole I can 

say that the presence 

of the Philippine 

Overseas Labour 

Office (POLO) in New 

Zealand has created an 

atmosphere where all the 

stakeholders involved in the 

migration of Filipino workers 

in New Zealand have 

been mostly compliant with 

our rules and regulations,” 

said Labour Attache Mr 

Angel L. Borja Jr, who 

heads the POLO for NZ and 

the Pacific, which is based in 

Wellington. 

In an earlier interview 

with Filipino News he noted 

that: “The net effect is that 

there are fewer workers that 

come to us complaining that 

they have been unjustly 

treated by employers or have 

suffered from unjust termination 

of contracts and other 

employment related grievance 

issues. 

“If we are looking at who 

Angel L. Borja Jr. 

Department of Migrant 

Workers 

are more 

vulnerable 

to labour migration 

exploitation practices, it usually 

is the low-skilled workers, 

but in New Zealand we 

say that there are no lowskilled 

workers, they are all 

skilled, essential skilled 

workers even,” explained 

Mr Borja. 

“But even among these 

types of Filipino overseas 

workers in New Zealand you 

find that those that work 

specifically in the dairy farm 

sector, agriculture in general, 

viticulture, horticulture 

and some construction sectors 

are the ones that are 

more vulnerable to labour 

migration exploitation practices. 

They are the ones who 

are more in need of assistance 

in terms of dealing 

with the things that are being 

done to them by certain bad 

actors in the recruitment 

Empowering Filipino OFWs: 

POLO becomes 

Department of 

Migrant Workers 

industry.” 

The establishment of 

POLO in New Zealand 

has proven to be a significant 

milestone for 

Filipino OFWs. The 

decision was made 

based on the number of 

Filipino migrant workers 

in the country, with 

New Zealand meeting 

the criteria for opening 

a POLO office. 

Borja elaborated that: 

“Prior to the opening of 

POLO New Zealand, 

workers seeking 

employment contract verification 

had to send their documents 

to POLO in 

Canberra, Australia, incurring 

significant expenses. 

Opening a local POLO 

office in New Zealand 

addressed this issue and 

facilitated the process for 

Filipino workers.” 

In an exclusive interview 

with Migrant News in June 

this year, Mr Borja 

explained the recent name 

change of the Labour Office. 

POLO has been transformed 

into the Department of 

Migrant Workers (DMW) 

- reflecting a new law passed 

by the Philippine government 

to establish a dedicated 

cabinet department focused 

solely on migrant worker 

affairs. 

Explaining the reason 

behind the change, Mr Borja 

said that: "The government 

decided that a new instrumentality 

of government 

should be created to take up 

the job of looking after our 

working nationals overseas." 

The creation of the DMW 

aligns with this objective, 

providing a 

focused 

approach to 

cater to the 

needs of 

Filipino 

workers 

abroad. 

Mr Borja 

also shed 

light on the 

number of 

overseas 

Filipino 

workers 

(OFWs) in 

New Zealand. 

"Right 

now we have almost 40,000 

Filipino work visa holders in 

this country." 

He added that these individuals 

are 

employed 

in various 

sectors, 

ranging 

from construction 


workers, nurses, healthcare 

workers, dairy farmers, IT 

professionals and others. 

When asked about the sentiments 

of Filipinos regarding 

the opportunities in New 

Zealand, Mr Borja responded 

positively, saying: "They 

are quite happy with finding 

themselves jobs in this country. 

There are even a good 

number of them who came 

from Middle Eastern countries." 

Regarding the ease of 

entry into the country, Mr 

Borja explained that the 

accredited employers' work 

visa allows a smooth process 

for Filipino workers to come 

to New Zealand if they meet 

the criteria set by 

Immigration New Zealand. 

The transformation of 

POLO to the DMW in New 

Zealand is not just a mere 

name change, but a recognition 

from the Philippine government 

of the growing need 

to tackle the injustices that 

many new Filipino migrant 

workers face in New 

Zealand.


MIGRANT NEWS - www.migrantnews.nz : New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media. FB: Migrant News 


AUCKLAND - In a 

move aimed at improving 

accessibility of healthcare 

and medication, the government 

has axed the $5 

charge for prescriptions 

with effect from 1 July 

2023. 

This decision was hailed 

by various sectors as a positive 

step, particularly for 

low-income families, the 

elderly and new migrants - 

who often face financial 

constraints when it comes 

to obtaining essential medication. 

“An estimated three million 

people will no longer 

have to worry about the 

cost of collecting their 

medication’” said Health 

minister Ayesha Verrall. 

“Removing the $5 

charge will make it easier 

and cheaper for New 

Zealanders to access the 

medicines they need and 

have a meaningful impact 

for many households, particularly 

those who have 

multiple prescriptions to 

fill on a regular basis. 

This will benefit a huge 

range of people, including 

almost 770,000 New 

Zealanders over the age of 

65 who received prescription 

medicines in the community 

last year. 

“The $5 charge can be a 

barrier to some New 

Zealanders getting the 

medicines they need and 

this is especially the case at 

“The decision to ditch the 

$5 prescription fee was a 

no brainer,” say ministers. 

Health minister Ayesha Verrall. 

Photo supplied. 

BUDGET 

2023 

a time when people are facing 

increasing pressures on 

household budgets. 

“As a doctor, there were 

times when my patients did 

not collect their medication 

and in fact we know that 

more than 135,000 adults 

did not collect their prescriptions 

because of the 

cost in 2021-22. This is particularly 

the case for lowincome 

families, Maori, 

Pasifika peoples and disabled 

New 

Zealanders. 

“Free access 

to medicine will 

also relieve pressure 

on the 

health system. 

Removing the 

copayment 

charge will help 

reduce the 

demand on hospitals 

and other 

health services.” 

The removal 

of the prescription 

charge was 

one of the initiatives 

in the Budget that 

government leaders 

explained at a Hui with 

migrant leaders in 3 Kings 

recently. 

Michael Wood, the former 

Minister of Immigration, 

acknowledged the 

financial burden that prescription 

costs impose on 

households, especially 

those with young children 

who are more prone to illnesses. 

He emphasized that preventing 

illnesses from 

worsening is not only 

morally right, but also 

financially sensible, since 

The 7th Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards 2024, 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 2024 

Michael Wood, the former 

Minister of Immigration 

untreated conditions often 

result in increased healthcare 

costs down the line. 

Priyanca Radhakrishnan, 

the Minister for 

Diversity, Inclusion and 

Ethnic Communities, 

emphasized the profound 

impact that the $5 prescription 

charge removal 

will have on public health. 

By making medications 

more affordable and accessible, 

Radhakrishnan 

argued that individuals, 

families and the overall 

health system will all benefit. 

"The more available and 

the more accessible you 

make medication, the less 

likely it is that people are 

going to come back even 

more sick from what they 

had." She pointed out that 

inaccessibility of medicine 

“then leads to much more 

expensive hospital stays 

and severe illness for people”. 

The National Party, on 

the other hand, did not 

support this policy being 

applied universally. National 

Leader Chris Luxon 

preferred that 

the support be 

Priyanca Radhakrishnan, 

the Minister for Diversity, 

Inclusion and Ethnic 

Communities 

targeted to people with the 

community services card, 

the elderly and those who 

desperately need it. 

One commenter mentioned 

in a tweet: “If 

you've never had to move 

57 cents from one account 

to another account to be 

able to afford your medication, 

then you really 

shouldn't have an opinion 

on this.” 

An Asian senior, Kamal 

Prasad Shrestha, President 

of the Nepalese Cultural 

Centre NZ Inc., told 

Migrant News: “For the 

older people, this will help. 

Even in my case now that 

I'm 74. Even though it is a 

small amount we can use it 

for some of our expenses.” 

Meanwhile, the Pharmacy 

Guild of New 

Zealand (the 

Guild) welcomed 

the 

government's 

removal of 

the $5 prescription 

charge in the 

Budget. Guild Chief 

Executive, Andrew 

Gaudin, said: “Removing 

the prescription charge is 

an investment in New 

Zealanders’ health and the 

wider health system. It 

means that more New 

Zealanders will get the 

medicines they need to 

help keep them out of hospital. 

This means that 

there will be less pressure 

on the health system and 

will result in savings for 

taxpayers. 

“This cost-of-living 

measure will make a huge 

difference to some in our 

community who cannot 

afford the $5 charge for 

each of their prescription 

medicines and therefore 

Kamal Prasad Shrestha 

Community Leader 

must make difficult choices 

when they are sick.” 

Guild President, Des 

Bailey, said. “We have 

been strongly advocating 

for this change for several 

years, because we know 

what a difference this will 

make to the health of New 

Zealanders and the wider 

health system. We are 

pleased to see this hard 

work result in positive 

change.”

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06 ISSUE 169 MAGANDANG BALITA | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477 


Filipino youth in New 

Zealand are demonstrating 

a strong desire to stay 

connected with their culture 

and religion, thanks to 

the support and guidance 

provided by older generations 

within the community. 

In a multicultural environment, 

the younger generation 

faces challenges of 

acculturation. Filipino 

adults are taking initiatives 

to preserve their heritage 

and traditions, ensuring 

that they remain cherished 

and alive. 

Speaking on the topic of 

youth engagement within 

cultural organizations, 

Edmund Cuevas, a member 

of Couples for Christ 

NZ, emphasized the significance 

of relevance and 

consistency in connecting 

with younger members. 

"We make sure that the 

activities we plan are relevant 

to the current generation, 

while remaining consistent 

with the values that 

they need to have," Cuevas 

mentioned. 

To ensure that the interests 

of youth are catered 

for, the organisation holds 

“a separate assembly for 

the kids to vote on the 

activities that they want to 

do during the events. They 

run it themselves and they 

will vote, however there 

will be parents there to 

assist them. Encouraging 

youth to take the lead in 

planning activities allows 

them to express their creativity 

and to build a sense 

of ownership within the 

organization,” added 

Cuevas. 

Another community 

organisation that seeks to 

involve youth in planning 

and management is the 

Boholanos in New 

Zealand. This organization 

is committed to preserving 

Boholano culture and aims 

to attract more young people 

by addressing issues 

important to them. 

“What is important to 

them is mental health, climate 

change, their identity 

and you know, a lot of our 

members come from the 

LGBTQI+ community,” 

said Jesil Cajes, a Filipino 

Many calls for Filipino 

youth to embrace their 

cultural heritage By Ricky Matthew 

lawyer and Chair of the 

Boholanos in New 

Zealand. “Traditional 

Filipino culture is strongly 

Catholic, right?” she 

noted. “But we need to 

adapt and we need to 

(top left) Billie Carani Jakobsson (Wellington). (top right) Cordilleran youth group. Photos / Migrant News. 

(above left to right) Jesil Cajes, Donna Dacuno, Myriam Benito, Edmund Cuevas, Roy Bustenera. 

adjust to that.” 

The preservation of 

Filipino culture is not only 

limited to community 

groups, but extends to 

individuals, parents and 

businesses that are taking 

a stand against cultural 

erosion. One such individual 

is Billie Carani 

Jakobsson, a Filipina 

mother from Wellington, 

who has been living in New 

Zealand since 1987. She 

believes in instilling a sense 

of cultural pride in her 

children, who are half- 

Filipino and half- 

European. "I want them to 

know that their lives are 

made up of two cultures 

and that they have to 

appreciate both to move 

forward," she stated. 

Jakobsson creatively 

introduces Filipino cuisine 

to her children's palates, 

ensuring that they develop 

“an appreciation for their 

traditional dishes like Puto 

and Dinuguan from an 

early age”. It is through 

food that Jakobsson is able 

to keep her children close 

to both their two cultures. 

The Matatas Bookstore, 

founded by a passionate 

theatre arts enthusiast, 

Donna Dacuno, seeks to 

provide resources to facilitate 

the teaching of 

Tagalog, English and 

regional languages to 

Filipino children in New 

Zealand. They offer bilingual 

Tagalog-English children's 

books, ensuring that 

young ones can engage 

with their native language 

and stories from their 

homeland. 

Dacuno spoke about her 

motivation to open the 

bookstore, saying: “I have 

a half-Filipino son and I 

want his friends and future 

friends to be able to speak 

Filipino together. It may be 

through interaction with 

books or activities.” 

The importance of preserving 

Cordilleran traditions 

and of engaging the 

younger generation is 

uppermost in the minds of 

parents, says Myriam 

Benito, President of the 

Organisation of Cordillerans 

New Zealand (OCNZ). 

"Our culture is our foundation 

and we must ensure 

its continuity by involving 

our youth." OCNZ has 

established 

a 'Next 

Generation' 

leadership 

group to 

provide 

opportunities 

for younger community 

members to actively 

participate in cultural 

events and to take on 

responsibilities. 

Myriam also spoke 

about an upcoming event 

that aims to create opportunities 

for Igorots in different 

countries to connect 

and learn from each other. 

Roy Bustenera, Vice 

President of The Filipino 

Society Inc., commented 

on the urgency of fostering 

a sense of leadership and 

pride in the next generation 

of Filipinos. “It was 

sad to see that at our 

wreath laying ceremony at 

the Rizal Reserve during 

the Philippine Independence 

Day Celebrations 

the attendees were mostly 

senior citizens and are 

dwindling in numbers. I 

am afraid that these 

Filipino activities will die 

and be forgotten upon the 

passing of the active senior 

citizens. 

“Each Filipino organisation 

must really actively 

invite the younger generation 

to participate and this 

can only be realised if current 

long-term officers of 

each organisation are able 

to pass on the positions to 

new and younger officers 

and if the older officers 

guide and respect the positions 

that these younger 

officers are elected to.” 

As Filipino youth in New 

Zealand continue to navigate 

their dual identities, 

the guidance and encouragement 

from older generations 

serve as vital lifelines, 

strengthening their 

connection to their culture 

and heritage. Through 

these efforts the Filipino 

community in New 

Zealand can look forward 

to a future where their traditions 

and values are preserved 

and cherished by 

the generations to come. 

2024 

The Filipino-Kiwi Hero 

Awards is organised 

exclusively by 

Filipino News NZ. 

For more information and 

sponsorship enquries 

please contact us at: 


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

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08 ISSUE 169 | ELEKSYON | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477 



Wellington - In a bid to represent 

and unite the growing 

number of Boholanos across 

Aotearoa a new charitable trust 

was launched in Wellington last 

year. The group ‘Boholanos in 

New Zealand’ aims to promote 

Boholano culture and to create 

a strong community bond 

among its members. 

Although based in 

Wellington, the organization 

extends its representation to 

Boholanos nationwide, encompassing 

a diverse range of professionals 

including IT specialists, 

nurses and educators. 

A successful lawyer and 

proud Boholano in New 

Zealand, Jesil Cajes, sheds light 

on the journey of the Boholanos 

in forming the organization. 

"The idea of formalizing our 

group with a legal identity in 

New Zealand came about in 

2022. We realized the importance 

of having a structured 

organization to effectively represent 

the Boholano community," 

she explains. 

Boholanos in New Zealand is 

currently the sole formalized 

association of its kind in the 

country. While the exact number 

of Boholanos residing in 

New Zealand is yet to be determined, 

Cajes estimates that 

there are around 200 Boholanos 

in Wellington alone. As the 

organization is still in its early 

stages, resources and further 

research are needed to establish 

a comprehensive database of 

members. 

To protect the Boholano culture, 

heritage, and youth in New 

Zealand, Boholanos in New 

Zealand has exciting plans to 

promote their culture and fulfil 

their objectives. This includes 

organizing cultural events, 

engaging in projects with other 

organizations and addressing 

critical issues such as climate 

change and biculturalism. 

The association aims to foster 

understanding and celebrate 

the vitality of bridging cultural 

Community group fosters 

strong bond among 

Boholanos in Aotearoa 

Jesil Cajes, President, 

Boholanos in New Zealand 

and generational gaps while 

championing environmental 

causes through initiatives like 

tree planting and workshops on 

migrants' relationships with the 

land. 

Engaging young Boholanos in 

the association's activities is 

crucial. Recognizing this, Cajes 

emphasizes the need to create a 

safe and inclusive environment 

for youth. "We must ensure that 

the organization values and 

hears the voices of our younger 

members. By addressing issues 

like mental health, climate 

change and identity, we can 

appeal to their interests and foster 

their active participation," 

Cajes asserts. 

To overcome the challenges of 

generational differences, 

Boholanos in New Zealand 

embraces a non-hierarchical 

model, adds Cajes. The organization 

aims to create a space 

where the wisdom of the older 

generation intertwines with the 

perspectives and aspirations of 

the youth. 

By making the organization 

safe, adaptable and open to 

change, the association strives 

to foster a sense of belonging 

and to encourage the younger 

generation to contribute and 

shape its future. “It is not really 

about the survival of the organisation, 

because the organisation 

will survive. It is about 

engaging the young people, 

which includes the young members 

that belong to the LGBTQ 

community,” states Cajes. 

BACKSTORY: 

As per Cajes’ insight, Bohol's 

natural beauty is what captivates 

visitors. In particular “its 

famous Chocolate Hills and one 

of the world's smallest primates, 

the tarsier,” found in the 

island province. 

Reflecting on her hometown, 

Cajes expresses immense pride 

in Bohol's hospitality and pristine 

beauty. "Bohol remains a 

gem despite its popularity. We 

are very proud of our natural, 

pristine beauty, 

because although it 

is popular, it is still 

not as highly commercialised 

as regions 

like Boracay.” 

When it comes to 

food, Boholano cuisine 

is renowned for its emphasis 

on soup-based dishes, showcasing 

the region's comfortstyle 

cooking. Cajes explains: 

"Boholano cuisine is known for 

its soup-based dishes, such as 

Tinola (a soup featuring chicken 

and green papaya, seasoned 

with patis, a savoury fish 

sauce).” 

Another popular Boholano 

delicacy, Peanut Kisses, has 

garnered popularity among visitors 

and has also become a 

cherished indulgence for the 

local community. Cajes notes 

that “these chocolates are 

inspired by the iconic appearance 

of the Chocolate Hills that 

Bohol is celebrated for and can 

only be manufactured and 

found in Bohol”. 

Another dessert Cajes listed 

was 'Calamay', a caramelized 

coconut dessert that takes 

advantage of the abundant 

coconuts surrounding the beautiful 

island. 

As Boholanos in New Zealand 

forges ahead, they take pride in 

their rich heritage, vibrant culture 

and welcoming spirit. By 

preserving their traditions 

while embracing change, the 

association paves the way for a 

flourishing community that celebrates 

their roots while also 

building a brighter future in 

New Zealand. 

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Publisher: 

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Managing Editor: 

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Reporter: 

Ricky Matthew 

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Community News, Photos 

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Views expressed in the above mentioned publications and websites do not necessarily reflect that of the publisher. 

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cannot be reproduced unless written 

permission is given by - S M 

Publications Ltd and Migrant 

News Ltd. 

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. 

Our Community Partners 

Filipino News is proud to be the media partner of: 

• The Filipino Society Inc (Auckland) 

• Filipino Children’s Library (Auckland) 

• Southland Filipino Society Inc (Invercargill) 

• Good Heart NZPH Foundation Charitable Trust 

• Kalinga Organization of NZ 

• Igorotak NZ (Palmerston North) 

• Mina De Oro (Mindorenos in NZ) 

• Alpha Phi Omega (Auckland) 

• Pinoy Adventurers NZ (Auckland) 

• Banyuhay Aotearoa (Auckland) 

• Boholanos in New Zealand 

• New Zealand Philippines Business Council

ISSUE 169 | ELEKSYON | www.filipinoheroes.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | 09 BUHAY 


NZ

BUHAY 

NZ 

10 ISSUE 169 | ELEKSYON | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477 


Flores de Mayo Festival 

Blossoms in Aotearoa 


AUCKLAND – The Flores de 

Mayo Festival is an annual celebration 

that takes place 

throughout the Philippines during 

the month of May. 

And locals there eagerly look 

forward to joining the 

‘Santacruzan’ - a colourful pageant 

procession on the last day 

of Flores de Mayo when you can 

witness the beauty and grace of 

the community as Filipinos are 

not only able to show their 

devotion, but also their artistic 

flair, through the intricately 

designed gowns and the parade 

decor. 

The good news is that the glitter 

and glamour of this Filipino 

tradition is also blossoming 

New Zealand wide with several 

groups coming on board to 

organize different variations in 

the theme of this fiesta. 

With its roots coming from 

the Spanish colonial period, 

Santacruzan was originally 

introduced as a way to promote 

Catholicism to the local population. 

Over time Santacruzan 

has become a uniquely Filipino 

festival that is celebrated 

grandly by Filipinos around the 

world. 

In Auckland, Banyuhay 

Aotearoa organised ‘Santacruzan 

for a Cause’ to give 

Filipinos a taste of the traditions 

and festivities of this grand celebration. 

“Our charitable trust aims at 

spreading the rich and vibrant 

Filipino culture in New 

Zealand,” says Emma Baet 

Carreon, a spokesperson for 

Banyuhay Aotearoa. 

“For the whole month of May 

Filipino children offer flowers 

to the Virgin Mary to honour 

and remember her with 

prayers, they receive religious 

teachings and they do service in 

the community. At the end of 

the month the Santacruzan is 

held as the beautiful culmination 

of all these things. 

“Our event is especially 

focused on Filipinos wishing to 

experience this again as well as 

those ‘KiwiNoys’ who haven’t 

had the chance to.” 

The event was held on May 27 

at the St Heliers Church and 

Hall in Auckland. 

Children and young adults 

who wanted to experience the 

Santacruzan participated 

as a Princess, Prince, or 

Queen. 

“As a unique addition 

to New Zealand, there was a 

youth participant that was chosen 

to have the title of Reyna 

Flores de Aotearoa,” says 

Emma Carreon. 

There were various booths at 

the event - food, photos, face 

painting and others. 

Other events held nationwide 

were: 

Flores de Musa fashion 

show on 27th May in 

Palmerston North. 

The Fiesta and Flores de 

Mayo on 13th May in Newtown, 

organised by the Boholoanos in 

New Zealand. 

The QAMPI Santacruzan 

2023 on 20 May in Queenstown. 

The Flores de Mayo 

Santacruzan at St Matthew’s 

and St Columba’s Churches in 

Hamilton on May 6, 13 and 20th 

at 4pm. 

(left) The Santacruzan Pageant in the Philippines. Photo / Luigi Bertello. (right) Banyuhay Aotearoa’s ‘Santacurzan for a Cause.’ 

And finally there was the 

Flores De Mayo Music Festival 

on 27 May at St Matthew’s inthe-city 

in Auckland. 

Editor – Filipino News is proud to 

be a media partner of ‘Santacruzan 

for a Cause'.

Transform your CV into a job-offer magnet 


One of the most significant 

challenges that 

migrants face in New 

Zealand is the need to 

adapt to the local job market. 

While skills and experience 

gained in and out of 

NZ can be valuable, they 

may not always translate 

directly into landing the 

job. 

This is where a wellcrafted 

CV can be a valuable 

tool in helping existing 

migrants to showcase their 

skills and experience in a 

way that is relevant to local 

employers. 

Trina Jones, co-founder 

and director of Cultivate 

Recruitment, has 25+ 

years of experience in the 

recruitment industry. 

Trina discusses the dos and 

don’ts for creating a standout 

CV. 

What are some of the 

biggest mistakes when 

writing a CV? 

A common red flag is 

when people don’t 

spellcheck their resume. 

Seems obvious, so don’t 

make the mistake when 

technology is at the click of 

a button to help you. 

A CV littered with 


MIGRANT NEWS - Immigration News, Settlement Support ... New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media. 

spelling mistakes, poor 

grammar and not proofread 

is not a great look and 

we've seen a number 

of them. 

It’s the most 

important document 

you put in front of a 

prospective employer 

or recruitment 

company, so make 

sure it flows, reads 

well and is well presented 

and formatted. 

Are spelling mistakes 

a big turn-off 

for potential employers? 

Yes. It shows a lack of 

care and attention when 

it’s a critical document 

that you are presenting as 

part of the job application 

process. It may suggest 

that the lack of care and 

attention in your resume 

could also be how you 

behave at work. 

There is just no excuse, 

when technology is available 

to use. 

We are not all great 

spellers or amazing with 

grammar, so seek out some 

help by getting some feedback 

from someone else 

who can help with proofread 

it for you. 

Trina Jones, 

Cultivate 

Recruitment 

Does it stop an employer 

from bringing you in for 

an interview? 

Absolutely, it could work 

against you. It’s the difference 

between your application 

being considered or 

being redirected. 

Often when we are 

reviewing a CV you can see 

the promise and potential 

in someone’s background. 

If they’ve got a compelling 

background, then they 

may be lucky enough to get 

feedback. However, not 

every employer or recruitment 

agency has the time 

to go through that exercise 

with every candidate. 

If you look at the 

average time 

spent reviewing 

each CV, particularly if 

applicant volumes are 

high, it can average 7-10 

seconds or less. 

You can imagine that if 

it’s not compelling or it is 

littered with mistakes, then 

you will move on to a CV 

that has better promise, 

has been presented well, 

has good relevance and is 

suitable for what you need 

based on the job brief. 

What are some top tips 

for enhancing your CV? 

If you’re putting a CV 

together, make sure it has a 

good framework with the 

below information as key 

headings: 

• Personal details (full 

name/email/contact number) 

• Career or Professional 

Summary 

• Skills 

• Work Experience 

•Qualifications/Education 

• Interests 

A few reminders: Iif you 

are going to include a 

photo or a personal email 

address, make sure that 

they’re both professional 

and suitable for a CV, not a 

photo that might be best 

suited to your social media. 

Ensure your work experience 

goes backwards 

from recent to old, your 

recent experience is most 

relevant, and be sure to 

include your key responsibilities 

alongside any 

achievements or accomplishments 

e.g. awards, 

promotions, results … 

Just remember not to go 

overboard with content so 

it reads likeas a novel; it’s 

important 

that a CV is 

easy to 

digest and 

read, but 

also isn’t too 

short, vague 

or presents more questions 

than answers. 

So think about getting 

the balance right and consider 

which areas in your 

CV could be summarised, 

such as responsibilities, 

roles and experience that 

date back some years. 

Kiwis can be very modest, 

but it is important to 

showcase yourself in the 

very best light to ensure 

that your application creates 

a compelling reason 

for you to be called up. 

If your CV is being 

reviewed alongside others, 

and you are up against 

compelling backgrounds, 

what you have achieved 

can set you apart and can 

shine a great light on what 

you can bring to the table. 

Need more help? Check 

out our blog on looking for 

a new role for some helpful 

insights. 

https://www.cultivate.co. 

nz/post/guidance-whenlooking-for-a-new-role

12 

FLASH BACK: Only some of the famous PH Artista (above) featured in Filipino News over the years by Balitang Showbiz writers - Sheila Mariano, Thelina Nuval, Mel Fernandez & Jude Bautista. 

AUCKLAND - After 

what seemed like an 

interminably long absence, 

OPM (popular 

music originating from 

the Philippines) is making 

a comeback to 

Aotearoa’s shores. 

In July this year 

‘December Avenue', one 

of the most streamed 

OPM bands of all time, 

led the calvary charge 

when they rocked the 

stage at the Bruce Mason 

Centre in Auckland. 

The sold-out show has 

set off a chain reaction of 

OPM artists scheduling 

concerts in New Zealand, 

including Moira Dela 

Torre (reaching over 1 

billion streams for her 

songs), who is set to perform 

on the 28th of 

October at the Kiri Te 

Kanawa Theatre at the 

Aotea Centre in 

Auckland. 

In a New Zealand 

exclusive interview with 

December Avenue, Migrant 

News held a Q&A 

session with the members 

of this 5-piece indie 

pop/alternative rock 

band from Manila who 

are known for their viral 

compositions online. 

December Avenue is 

made up of: Zel Bautista 

on vocals and guitar, Jem 

Manuel on guitar, Don 

Gregorio on bass, Jet 

Danao on drums and 

backing vocals and Gelo 

Cruz on keyboard and 

Get ready for the return of 

superstar OPM bands to NZ, 

predicts December Avenue. 


backing vocals. 

In this up close and 

personal conversation the 

band members give their 

first impression of the 

country, how they kept 

busy during the Covid 

restrictions and the secret 

of their enduring success 

over 18 years. 

Q: What are you looking 

forward to in New 

Zealand? 

Zel: Apart from meeting 

fans, we want to visit 

Hobbiton. 

In which countries do 

you get the biggest response 

for concerts? 

Zel: Of course, in the 

Philippines, because that 

is the home base. We also 

get a good response in 

Canada, the US and 

Dubai. 

Q: During the Covid 

pandemic, how did you 

continue to present your 

music to your audience? 

Zel: We were able to 

write and record some 

songs during the pandemic. 

We did online 

shows. Although we were 

still playing, a live 

recording is quite different 

from a live performance 

in front of an audience. 

What are some key collaborations 

you have 

done? 

Zel: We have a new collaboration 

with Belle 

Mariano that was released 

recently. However, 

our most successful collaboration 

was with 

Moira Dela Torre, with 

the song ‘Kung Di Rin 

Lang Ikaw’. 

What are your current 

top 5 hits? 

Jet: Bulong, Kahit Di 

Mo Alam, Kung Di Rin 

Lang Ikaw, Sa Ngalan Ng 

Pag-Ibig and Huling 

Sandali. 

Are your lyrics influenced 

by your own experiences? 

Zel: Not necessarily 

based on our experiences. 

The themes of our songs 

are about life, moving on 

and heartbreaks. That is 

why we are called 

December Avenue. We 

look at December as the 

last month of the year 

and it’s an avenue to the 

new year or a new life. 

I mostly wrote our past 

songs, but now I am collaborating 

with Jet. 

The songs 

we are writing 

now are 

more inspiring 

rather than about 

heartbreak. 

How have you been 

able to work together 

for so many years? 

Jet: There have been 

ups and downs, but we 

have the same passion 

and love for music. We 

have accepted the differences 

of everyone 

because we are five different 

characters, but it is 

a challenge to jumble 

everyone together. 

What is your message 

to OPM fanatics in 

Aotearoa? 

Zel: To all our fans in 

New Zealand, we were 

very surprised that the 

shows were sold out and 

at the same time we were 

excited. We want to 

thank you for your support 

- because you are 

part of the reason we continue 

to make music. 

To all the OPM fans in 

NZ, I think that this is 

just the beginning. We 

have lots of great bands 

in the Philippines and 

I’m pretty sure that they 

will be coming here next. 

So, watch out for that. 

Thank you for the support 

that you have given 

us and the other OPM 

artists. 

Fantastic! 

We had the opportunity 

to speak with 

some of these December 

Avenue aficionados 

who shared their sentiments 

about the band's 

visit and their own personal 

connections to their music. 

Miguel Manaig, Rotorua: “I 

love December Avenue’s 

songs, but ‘Eroplanong Papel’ 

has to be my favorite because 

it is about LDR (Long 

Distance Relationship). I am 

in an LDR right now, so I can 

(left to right:) Miguel Manaig, Rotorua. Cyrus, Nardito & Melvin Auckland. Ella & Mark, Wellington. Eunice, Hamilton. 

really relate to their songs. 

I have been a fan since 2016 

and I watched their concert 

for the first time in my City 

Calamba, Laguna, in the 

Philippines. So, when I 

learned that they’re having a 

concert here in New Zealand, 

I waited for their tickets, and I 

think I was the third person to 

buy their tickets (laughing). 

In fact, I flew here from 

Wellington but I’m going back 

tomorrow because I study 

there.” 

Cyrus, Auckland: “I’m a 

huge fan of December Avenue 

and this is my first time seeing 

them in person. My favorite 

song is ‘Dahan’.” 

Ella and Mark, Wellington: 

“We are fans of December 

Avenue because we really 

enjoy their songs. 

Mark has been in New 

Zealand all his life but we 

both listen to OPM music. He 

cannot even understand 

them, but he still listens 

to them (laughing). 

[Mark: “I know some of 

the words, that’s good 

enough.”]. My favorite 

song is the one with 

Moira - ‘Kung Di Rin 

Lang Ikaw’.” 

Eunice, Hamilton: “I 

knew them since their 

popular songs came 

out. They are one of the first 

Filipino artists I listened to 

since coming to New Zealand 

and I really like that I can 

come to their concert. I first 

heard of them from my 

friends and then I saw them 

on Wish Radio on YouTube.”


MIGRANT NEWS - Immigration News, Settlement Support ... New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media. 

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MIGRANT NEWS - www.migrantnews.nz : New Zealand’s first Migrant community newspaper. Published since 1991. Print. Online. Social Media. 

Showcasing Asian New Zealand Artists’ Perspectives on 

Belonging and Cultural Evolution 

Auckland – June 15 

marked the opening of ‘A 

Place to Call Home’ – the 

first group exhibition of contemporary 

New Zealand 

Asian art, curated by the 

Bergman Gallery. 

This groundbreaking exhibition 

aimed to highlight the 

generational presence of 

Asian New Zealanders and 

the pivotal role their art 

plays in shaping the country’s 

contemporary cultural 

landscape. 

Through various artistic 

mediums such as paintings, 

photography, sculpture and 

ceramics, this exhibition 

showcased the artists’ exploration 

of ancestral legacies 

and the concept of home and 

belonging within the context 

of New Zealand. 

The narratives expressed 

by the participating artists in 

‘A Place to Call Home’ resonated 

with traditions from 

across the Pacific and Asian 

continent, embracing 

diverse cultural influences 

from Korea, China, India, 

Sri Lanka, the Philippines, 

Malaysia, Persia and the 

Middle East. 


These traditions have 

merged with their New 

Zealand values and identity, 

generating a commanding 

dialogue with distinct voices, 

stories and perspectives. 

The exhibition presents a 

biographical exploration of 

cultural evolution within the 

broader New Zealand population. 

Louie Bretaña, a Filipino 

artist, shared his perspective 

on the artworks he contributed 

to the exhibition. 

“It’s all about exploring the 

differences. My pieces at 

this exhibition are all exploring 

the narratives of our precolonial 

deities.” 

Bretaña’s artworks depict 

the safety of fire and volcano, 

the symbolism of 

nature and the representation 

of local stories intertwined 

with Filipino aesthetics. His 

works draw inspiration from 

Filipino cultural heritage 

and merge it with the local 

New Zealand context. 

Another featured artist, 

Bev Moon, a Chinese artist, 

discussed the motivation 

behind her artwork in the 

exhibition. Her artwork portrays 

a Chinese New Year 

feast, symbolizing family 

gatherings and honouring 

her heritage. 

Moon explained: “The 

black settings represent my 

mum, my dad and my sister 

who passed away. The fish 

and chips in my dad’s hand 

symbolize his 32-year-old 

Louie Bretana. 

Photo / Migrant News 

business. The artwork also 

includes a dollar sign, representing 

my father’s journey 

from having nothing when 

he arrived in New Zealand to 

providing for his family and 

loved ones.” 

Moon’s artwork incorporates 

locally sourced materials 

and knitted elements, 

reflecting her personal connection 

to her Chinese heritage 

and the traditions 

passed down through her 

family. 

Both artists emphasized 

the significance of their art 

in reflecting their cultural 

identities and the 

transformative 

experiences 

they’ve had since 

coming to New 

Zealand. 

“The Maori and Pacific 

nations here in New Zealand 

have opened my mind to 

looking at my own cultural 

identity separate from colonial 

influences,” shared 

Bretaña. “It’s about taking 

everything out and leaving it 

purely Filipino.” 

Moon echoed this sentiment, 

adding, “Arriving in 

New Zealand has opened my 

mind to different perspectives 

and helped me honour 

and celebrate my Chinese 

heritage in unique ways.” 

'A Place To Call Home' 

invited viewers to engage 

with the artworks and to 

experience the diverse narratives 

and rich cultural tapestry 

of Asian New 

Zealanders. 

The exhibition showcased 

not only the artists’ creative 

expressions, but also their 

shared experience of finding 

a sense of home and belonging 

in New Zealand. It was a 

celebration of cultural diversity, 

resilience and the power 

of art to foster understanding 

and connection.

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16 ELEKSYON 2023 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | Mobile : 027 495 8477 | https://facebook.com/filipinokiwi/

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