Filipino News 169

BUHAY
NZ
08 ISSUE 169 | ELEKSYON | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | MOB: 027 495 8477
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
By Ricky Matthew
Wellington - 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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