Filipino News 179

24
YEARS
in print
&
online!
Issue 179. PH INDEPENDENCE DAY 2025
TE WAKA PIRIPINO MANENE
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04 ISSUE 179 | TRABAHO | www.trabaho.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.migrantnews.nz | Facebook: Migrant News
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
Consumer NZ and
EECA (the Energy
Efficiency and Conservation
Authority) have joined
forces to offer practical
tips and advice on power
usage.
“Home energy efficiency
is essential in today’s
world, especially as power
bills continue to rise,” says
Megan Hurnard, GM
Insights, Data and Commu-nications
at EECA.
“We know people worry
about their power bills and
need solid information
about what they can do at
home to better manage
them.”
An expert guide to using
less power and saving
money at home, available
on Consumer’s website,
provides practical, easy-tofollow
tips that can help
consumers make smart,
sustainable decisions to
lower their energy consumption
and bills.
As Jessica Walker,
Acting Head of Research
and Advocacy at Consumer,
explains, “Whether
you’re trying to cut costs
or simply want to understand
your power bill better,
these insights will help
you make informed choices
around your home.
“Small changes can lead
to significant savings, and
More power to you.
A new expert guide helps New Zealanders
save power and reduce bills at home
the guide covers everything
from adjusting heating
settings to selecting
energy-efficient appliances.”
Power bill increases
loom
This online guide comes
at a critical time, when
households face an expected
increase in electricity
bills from April 2025 of $10
to $25 a month, depending
on location.
It will also help with suggestions
for cheaper ways
to cool homes during the
warmer summer months
and offers tips on charging
electric vehicles to keep
running costs as low as
possible.
As consumers grapple
with the electricity price
hikes, understanding how
to manage and reduce
energy use is more important
than ever.
Simple ways to use less
power
Consumer NZ's experts
have identified easy-toimplement
changes to help
households save power use
on home heating, hot
water, appliances and
more.
“Reducing power use
doesn’t need to be difficult,”
says Walker.
“With just a few simple
tweaks, like adjusting your
heat pump settings and
ensuring it’s properly
maintained, many people
can enjoy a comfortable
home without sky-high
power costs.”
The guide includes practical
advice, such as the
ideal temperature settings
for heat pumps and how to
maximise their efficiency
and save both power and
money.
Finding the best power
plan
Another key focus is
helping consumers navigate
the complex world of
power plans.
“Choosing the right
power plan and provider
can make a big difference
to your
monthly
bill,”
explains
Walker.
“Our
experts
offer tips
for comparing
plans,
understanding
s m a r t
meters
and finding
options that are more
environmentally friendly.”
The guide will help consumers
get the best deal
for their household’s needs
when choosing a power
provider and plan.
Making your home more
energy efficient
For those looking to go
further in cutting costs and
reducing their impact on
the environment, the guide
includes advice on upgrading
to energy-efficient
appliances, switching to
electric heating and even
installing solar panels.
Such upgrades not only
help you save money over
the longer term but also
contribute to lowering
your carbon footprint.
“Our tips are based on
true experiences and
research, making them
practical and easy to apply
in many homes,” said
Walker.
“We’ve included realworld
examples, like how
making small changes
around his home and to his
power plan halved the electricity
bill for Powerswitch
manager Paul Fuge.”
Expert insights and tips
The guide also includes
unique advice from powersaving
experts, such as the
top five things they would
never do that add costs to
your power bill and a
“cheapskate’s guide” to
charging an electric vehicle
for less.
With these insights, New
Zealanders can make
smarter energy choices
and see immediate benefits
on their power bills.
“The key is to start small
and take steps toward a
more energy-efficient
home,” said Hurnard.
“With the right tools and
information, you can make
a significant and positive
impact on your energy
usage, your bills and the
environment.”
Find more detailed energy-saving
tips, expert recommendations
and comprehensive
advice on how
to reduce your power bills
at: https://consumer.org.nz
/topics/an-expert-guide-tousing-less-power-and-saving-money-at-home
- Consumer.

ISSUE 179 | FIESTA PILIPINAS | www.filipinoheroes.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | 05
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
BUHAY
NZ
Gordon Ramsay calls Filipino Cuisine
‘Sleeping Beauty of Asia’
“What’s key is to take the basic food from
all generations and evolve it.” – Gordon Ramsay
In 2024 New Zealand has
welcomed the opening of
dozens of new Filipino
restaurants and catering
businesses. And Filipino
food festivals like the mega
Halo Halo Festival on 8th
of March 2025 at Auckland
Showgrounds showcase
the growth in popularity of
the Filipino cuisine and the
patriotism of Filipinos living
in New Zealand.
Gordon Ramsay describes
Filipino cuisine as
“the sleeping beauty of
Asia” - poised for global
recognition and ready to
make a significant impact.
“It can give Southeast
Asia a big kick up the ass
and really become one of
the front-runners in Asia.
There is no reason why it
can’t,” Ramsay said, and
was met with cheers from
an enthusiastic Filipino
crowd in Manila.
The multi-Michelinstarred
chef and host Issa
Litton took to the stage at
Newport World Resorts
Theatre on January 20.
Ramsay engaged with fans
during an exclusive event,
where he also addressed a
number of culinary students
in attendance.
Known for his fiery persona
on television, Ramsay
spoke warmly about his
growing admiration for
Filipino food. He praised
the talents of Filipino
chefs, particularly those in
New York, where he said
restaurants with “amazing
Filipino chefs” are making
waves.
Recognising Filipino
Culinary Talent
“London is awash with
[Filipino chefs], and so is
Melbourne. Recently,
another number one
restaurant across Australia
is Filipino and it is to stay
for a long time,” Ramsay
shared, referring to Serai,
a restaurant showcasing
“Filipino dishes reimagined.”
The establishment is
led by chef Ross Magnaye,
a Manila native.
“Just seeing what he’s
doing with the evolution of
Filipino food is exceptional.
And the dessert. You
guys have a very sweet
tooth,” Ramsay remarked.
He added that Serai uses
evaporated milk in
desserts, a flavour he
found nostalgic, as it
reminded him of a pudding
from his childhood.
Meanwhile in New
Zealand ‘Filipino News’
the organiser of the annual
‘Halo Halo Festival’
(www.halohalo.nz) will
bestow Filipino Chef of the
Year Award 2025 to New
Zealand’s best ice cream
brand - Gian’s Sorbetes.
This high flying company
has been recognized
with 3 medals at the recent
NZ Ice Cream Awards
2024.
A Deeper Appreciation
of Filipino Ingredients
“It is the culture and the
complexity of
Filipino cuisine”
that Ramsay
finds most captivating.
He also
noted how
regionalized
Filipino food is,
calling it “so
lovely.”
In his exploration
of local
ingredients,
Ramsay has
embraced lapulapu
for a unique
take on fish and
chips at his
Gordon Ramsay
Bar & Grill in
the Philippines.
“I couldn’t do it
without ingredients
from
Manila. We’re
blessed with fantastic
ingredients!”
he said,
raving about the
freshness of local
markets.
Ramsay even
visited Farmers
Market in
Gordon Ramsay,
Celebrity Chef
Cubao, Quezon City, on
January 21, where he was
seen searching for the
day’s freshest catch.
Embracing Filipino
Food Innovation
The chef highlighted the
creativity of Filipino cuisine,
mentioning dishes
like ‘sisig tacos’ (“he took
all the crispy pig parts and
put it in a taco!”) and bone
marrow luges caramelized
with vodka, both from
Serai.
“That’s what
Filipino cuisine
should be. Absolutely
banger,” Ramsay
declared. He emphasized
the importance
of respecting tradition
while innovating:
“What’s key is to
take the basic food
from all generations
and evolve it.”
What’s Next for
Ramsay in the
Philippines?
As a surprise
announcement,
Ramsay revealed
plans to open three
new restaurants in
the Philippines this
year, signaling his
confidence in the
potential of Filipino
cuisine.
Meanwhile in New Zealand ‘Filipino News’ the organiser of the
annual ‘Halo Halo Festival’ (www.halohalo.nz) will bestow the
prestigious ‘Filipino Chef of the Year Award 2025’ to New
Zealand’s best ice cream brand - Gian’s Sorbetes.

BUHAY
NZ
06 ISSUE 179 | TRABAHO | www.trabaho.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.migrantnews.nz | Facebook: Migrant News
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.

www.travelgalore.nz • melfernandez@xtra.co.nz
travelgalore.nz, halohalo.nz, migrantnews.nz | E: melfernandez@xtra.co.nz | M: 027 495 8477 | Facebook: TravelGaloreNZ
Malaysia ramps
up promotion to
bolster tourism
By Ricky Fernandez
Kuala Lumpur have been
enhanced with the arrival of
Malaysia Airlines' new aircraft.
The Airbus A330neo
will operate four times a
week, with another A330neo
set to join the fleet to cover
the remaining four flights
the airline offers.
Following a successful
showcase at the Southeast
Asia Festival in September
last year, the campaign continued
with a presence at the
Malaysia Food and Cultural
Day in Hamilton in
February, the mega
Southeast Asia Festival 2025
in Auckland, and the
Auckland Travel Show in
March, culminating in the
Auckland Culture Fest in
April.
appeal as a travel destination among
Kiwis ahead of the upcoming Visit
Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Locals and Southeast Asian
nationals had the chance to interact
with Tourism Malaysia to uncover the
exciting travel opportunities in the region.
From the city lights of Kuala Lumpur to
the jungles of Borneo, globetrotters were
guided through Malaysia with a large
3x2m map that showcased the uniqueness
of each region.
For Malaysian food lovers, the festival
was a paradise of authentic street food
such as Nasi Lemak, Satay, Roti Canai,
and Teh Tarik. Visitors had the chance to
watch skilled chefs prepare these delicacies
using traditional techniques, creating
an unforgettable culinary experience.
The Southeast Asia Festival is returning
later this year for a two-day run in
Auckland, and a one day event in
Hamilton, and Wellington, offering foodies
and travel lovers an incomparable
experience of the vibrant region. With
hundreds of food options and dozens of
cultural performances, don't miss it!
(above right:) Noorazrin Abdullah, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia - Auckland at the
Southeast Asia Festival on 8th March 2025 at the Auckland Showgrounds.
Noorazrin Abdullah, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia - Auckland and
Cherish Christopher, Public Relation Officer at a recent travel show.
AUCKLAND – Over the past six
months, Malaysia has been top of mind
for Kiwis as Tourism Malaysia intensifies
its promotional efforts. Malaysia has set
bold goals, targeting 35.6 million tourist
arrivals by 2026.
In preparation for an increase in
tourism activity, flights from Auckland to
Tourism Malaysia’s high-profile participation
at the 2025 Southeast Asia Festival
(https://seasia.co.nz/) on March 8th was a
strategic move to strengthen Malaysia’s
More details about the Festival are
available at the official event website:
www. seasia.co.nz and www.travelgalore.nz
Auckland Hamilton Wellington Christchurch
THE SOUTHEAST ASIA FESTIVAL 2025
The Southeast Asia Festival is returning
later this year for a two-day run in Auckland,
and for a one day event in Hamilton and
Wellington, offering foodies and travel lovers
an incomparable experience of the vibrant
region.
The Festival this year celebrates the 50th
anniversary of New Zealand’s relationship
with ASEAN.
The organiser is inviting potential exhibitors,
food vendors and cultural groups to be a
part of this mega event.
Please contact melfernandez@xtra.co.nz,
mobile: 027 495 8477.
More details available at the official event
website: www.seasia.co.nz and www.travelgalore.nz
Or you can scan the QR code on the
right.

BUHAY
NZ
08 ISSUE 179 | HALO HALO FESTIVAL | www.seasia.co.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.migrantnews.nz | Facebook: Migrant News
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
Auckland’s Biggest
Filipino Event in 2025
Set for June 7th
AUCKLAND – At the
Grand Annual Philippine
Independence Day Commemoration,
Filipinos living
in New Zealand come
together to celebrate the
heroes that fought for
independence more than a
century ago and the modern
heroes that continue
their legacy.
To celebrate the spirit of
the Filipino, the event features
hundreds of food and
drink options, including
classic favourites like Halo
Halo, Taho, Kwek Kwek,
Chicken Inasaal, Adobo,
Lechon, Batchoy and
much more.
Featuring the largestever
collection of Filipino
entertainment in Auckland
– non-stop entertainment
from 10am-6pm. Including
three free fashion shows,
NZ’s most successful
Filipino musicians and
bands, cultural dances
from each region of the
Philippines and so much
more.
To honour our modern
Filipino heroes, the 8th
Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards
are presented during the
Independence Day celebrations.
This is NZ’s most PRES-
TIGIOUS award show for
overachieving Filipinos in
the last two decades, with
over 100
heroes
awarded
based on a
community-focused
nomination system.
“Our awards recognize
Filipinos who have gone
above and beyond – from
outstanding community
leaders to exceptional
migrant advocates to business
achievers and sports
heroes and there is also a
special focus on the
extraordinary achievements
of our youth.
“With so many talented
Filipino chefs in New
Zealand, our Chef of the
Year Award is one of our
most coveted awards. In
the past we’ve had the
likes of Leo Fernandez, a
NZ Masterchef runner-up
and celebrated vegan chef
Angel Apun, who is pioneering
plant based
Filipino food. And the 2025
awardee, Gian’s Sorbetes,
does not fall short of excellence.”
The Filipino News
Independence Day Commemoration
will be held
on the 7th of June 2025 at
Auckland Showgrounds.
This free event, with lots
of parking, will run
between 10am and 6pm,
with special events and
entertainment running at
different times of the day.
Look out for a huge display
of Filipino food,
Filipino businesses, community
groups, information
stalls and cultural displays.
Save the date – 7th June
2025 from 10am-6pm.
Auckland Showgrounds –
217 Green Lane West,
Epsom.
Prestigeous hero awards into it’s 8th year
AUCKLAND – At the
Filipino News ‘Grand
Annual Philippine Independence
Day Commemoration’
the spotlight will
shine brightly on Filipino
overachievers at the 8th
Filipino-Kiwi Hero
Awards.
A beloved and longstanding
tradition, the
Filipino-Kiwi Hero
Awards organised by
Filipino News is the most
prestigious recognition
program for outstanding
Filipinos in New Zealand.
It honours modern-day
heroes who have gone
above and beyond in their
professional fields or in
service to their communities.
Since its inception in
2014, over 150 outstanding
Filipino-Kiwi heroes have
been recognised for excellence
in business, health,
sports, arts, community
service, youth leadership,
civic engagement, and
more.
“Our process for selecting
awardees is deeply
community-focused,” says
Mel Fernandez, editor of
Filipino News NZ. “We
rely on public nominations,
interviews, and feedback
from peers and community
leaders to ensure
we are honoring truly
deserving heroes and not
random individuals.”
For the first time ever,
this year’s hero award
show features the brandnew
category – “Filipino-
Kiwi Influencer of the
Year.”
Introduced four years
ago, the ‘Filipino-Kiwi
Hero of the Year’ award
represents the ultimate
tribute to Filipinos in New
Zealand.
FILIPINO NEWS NZ
(23rd Anniversary)
www.filipinonews.nz
Facebook:
Filipino Migrant News
Filipino News NZ
Pinoy NZ Life
HERO AWARDS
filipinoheroes.nz
Print • Web • Tablet • Facebook • Instagram
FILIPINO JOB BOARD
www.trabaho.nz
TRAVEL GALORE
www.travelgalore.nz
MIGRANT NEWS
(33rd Anniversary)
www.migrantnews.nz
Facebook: Migrant News
Asian Food Channel
www.halohalo.nz
Publisher:
Sheila Mariano
Managing Editor:
Mel Fernandez
Reporter:
Ricky Matthew
Sub-Editor:
Kirsty Hotchkiss
Advertising:
027 495 8477
Published by:
SM Publications Ltd
filipinonews @xtra.co.nz
Please email your
Community News, Photos
and Feedback to:
filipinonews@xtra.co.nz
text: 027 495 8477
Views expressed in the above mentioned publications and websites do not necessarily reflect that of the publisher.
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FILIPINO NEWS, MIGRANT NEWS
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and halohalo.nz is COPYRIGHTED and
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Our Community Partners
Filipino News is proud to be the media partner of:
• Nueva Ecija Community in New Zealand
• The Scott Foundation (Auckland)
• The Filipino Society Inc (Auckland)
• Filipino Children’s Library (Auckland)
• 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 (Wellington)
• Ilongo Integrated Association (Auckland)
• New Zealand Philippines Business Council

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10 ISSUE 179 | PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY 2025 | www.fiestapilipinas.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | Facebook: Migrant News
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.

ISSUE 179 | FIESTA PILIPINAS | www.filipinoheroes.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | 11
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
BUHAY
NZ

ISSUE 179 | FIESTA PILIPINAS | www.filipinoheroes.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | 13
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
BUHAY
NZ

BUHAY
NZ
14 ISSUE 179 | PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY 2025 | www.fiestapilipinas.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | Facebook: Migrant News
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.