PINOY NZ LIFE
REACHING FILIPINOS ACROSS NZ FOR OVER 18 YEARS! Vol 8 No 126 Published Fortnightly. Circulated Nationwide. CHRISTCHURCH Print. Web. Tablet. Mobile. FB. YouTube.
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“It may have been New Zealand’s darkest day, but leader Jacinda Arden shone brightly.” - Helen Pitt, The Sydney Morning Herald
pg 04
pg 08
Knowing that all the victims were Muslims, New Zealand embraced them. Outside mosques flowers were offered. In Christian churches moments of silence were observed during mass. - Mel Libre
Encore! CONCERT POWERS COMMUNITY PROJECT Sal Malaki Operatic Tenor
pg 11
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This is not our New Zealand ... or is it? pg 06
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks that hit two mosques in Christchurch on 15th March, the immediate reaction for many was to say “this is not our New Zealand”.
We were in disbelief that a heinous crime of this magnitude could ever occur here; New Zealand is a peaceful country. For the most part that is true; our country
is still among the most peaceful in the world – no one ever imagined that this tragedy could befall us, until it actually happened. Louie Encabo
Not since the Christchurch earthquake on Feb. 2, 2011 that claimed 185 lives has this small nation seen so many lives lost. Our young prime minister, 38-year-old Jacinda Ardern, fronted
for the grief-stricken country. In her first press conference she said: “This is one of New Zealand’s darkest days.” She condemned the terrorist attack and vowed that this would
never happen again. Acknowledging that the victims were migrants or refugees who had chosen New Zealand to be their home, she emphatically declared. “It is their home. They are us.”- Mel Libre
They are us. PINOYS MARCH AGAINST RACISM WHEN STUDY OPTION FAILS
pg 03
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MANILA - We Pinoys are known for being tolerant, long-suffering and resilient. We have already experienced and gone through so much as a nation and yet here we are, still very much alive and kicking. But now our country is heavily encumbered by numerous and often complicated problems and issues that have accumulated over the years. All these, having been left unattended and unsolved for a considerably long time, are now about to reach their tipping points. And we, the Filipino people, are about to reach the end of our tethers. I don’t think that Santa Claus, or the Fairy Godmother, or even the Tooth Fairy can do anything for any of the following wishes, but the gullible and naive child in me will always keep on believing. And hoping. And dreaming. POVERTY. I wish that, through government intervention, wealth would be distributed equitably among all its citizens. Would it not be terrific to live in a country where all its people have decent jobs, decent homes, decent food on the table and decent clothes on their backs? Where people no longer have to live in filthy and unsafe communities? Where everyone has access to their basic needs? Where every person can wear their dignity like a badge? And where dreams are not farfetched ideas, but promising possibilities? H E A L T H . I wish for quality health care that is free for all, a respectable health centre at even the most remote parts of the country and a public medical service given without making the recipient feel belittled or humiliated. I have always dreamed of a time when no one has to be sent away from a private hospital due to failure to pay the advance payment and no one dies because their family can’t afford costly medicines. Focus should also be given to intensified health education among young students. The entire nation will
An Ordinary Filipino’s New Year’s Wish List Our country is heavily encumbered by numerous and often complicated problems and issues that have accumulated over the years.
Politics Poverty Education Health Discipline Religion Jobs OFWs Traffic
Agriculture
Tax Nature Peace Future
largely benefit from having citizens that start practising healthy living much earlier on. P O L I T I C S . I wish that our politicians come to realize that public service is a sacrifice that one bears for his love of his country and not for money, power, or prestige. I wish that all their decisions and choices, statements and policies, will be carefully made with the country’s interest in mind. Nothing else. P O P U L A T I O N . I wish
AT IBA PA By LORELEI AQUINO Mom On a Mission
that couples will have the initiative to control the size of their families based on their capacity to provide for all the needs of their kids. If they cannot be an asset to the country, they should at least try not to be a liability. Instead of relying heavily on the government or on the destinies determined by the Fates, we should be responsible for our children’s future. We should also support the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health law.
UNEMPLOYMENT A N D O F W s . I wish that
the government can pave the way to create ample, goodpaying jobs for all able-bodied Filipinos. We do not deserve to be uprooted from our homes and from everything and everyone that we hold dear. We do not deserve to be separated from our families. We do not deserve to be treated like second-class citizens in foreign lands. The Philippines is our country. This is where we belong. A G R I C U L T U R E . I wish that the government will effect genuine reforms and provide substantial and sustainable assistance to our farmers. Government officials should put a stop to using this neglected sector to pocket public money.
E D U C A T I O N . I wish for a substantial increase in the salary of our teachers to motivate them to help in changing the world, one child at a time. A higher budget for public schools, including those that offer technical and vocational courses, should be allocated. Children should be encouraged to develop and maximize their potential to be well-rounded individuals. D I S C I P L I N E . I wish that discipline, along with nationalism, will be rigidly inculcated in our kids as soon as they are old enough to enter school. The lack of these values in our citizens is the root of all our present problems. R E L I G I O N . I wish that people, regardless of their religious beliefs, preferences and affiliations, will learn to accept and respect each other. Committing criminal acts in the name of one’s religion is nothing but a bunch of baloney. T R A F F I C . I wish that the government will provide more bike lanes and footpaths, so that commuters will be encouraged to leave their cars behind. (In the Netherlands, 99.1% of the people are cyclists. 27% of all trips and 25% of trips to work are made by bike.) Car sales and old motor
vehicles should be strictly monitored and regulated. Public transportation networks should be upgraded. And the discipline of both the driving and riding public should be improved. T A X . I wish for lower taxes imposed on the middle class and lower-income citizens, more stringent penalties for tax fraud and tax evaders and a dexterous system of ensuring transparency and accountability among the custodians of the public coffers. N A T U R E . I wish that people would realize that our planet is our only home and as such should be conscientiously cared for and tenderly nurtured. It will always provide for all our needs, but it will never be enough for even one man’s greed. We need someone who has the political will to enforce a total ban on plastic production and use and to strictly impose logging, mining, quarrying, hunting and fishing bans in already compromised areas. Reforestation projects and other programs to combat global warming should be heavily funded and put into place. Each one of us should make it our responsibility to act as our home’s guardians, protectors and nurturers. P E A C E (national).. I wish that all Filipinos will
stop bickering, complaining, fighting, finger-pointing and fault-finding and instead, will start on collectively working towards the sustainable betterment of our country.
P E A C E (international).. I wish for a genuine
world peace. A world where terrorism, discrimination and indifference do not exist. A world where all the countries work hand in hand to make this planet a better place for the coming generations. A world with no boundaries. F U T U R E . I wish that the country we will leave behind for our children and our children’s children will be much better than the one we presently have. And this can happen only if all of us make the effort to make it so. Right now. Finally, I wish that all our children will soon find themselves becoming significant parts of the solution to our country’s many deep-rooted and mostly chronic problems. Hopefully, all the values we instilled in them through all their growing-up years will be enough to fully prepare them in forming intellectual opinions, in making smart choices and in facing the big world out there.
ISSUE 126 ’THEY ARE US’ 2019
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Pinoys march against racism By MEL FERNANDEZ
AUCKLAND - A large contingent of Filipinos took part in the ‘Love Aotearoa, Hate Racism’ rally on Sunday 24th March at Aotea Square. They joined unions and advocacy groups in support of the victims of the Mosque killings on March 15th in Christchurch. The estimated crowd of about 1,000 included Filipino groups like Migrante
Aotearoa, Pinoys Helping Pinoys, #NZ Filipinos and Filipino Students Standing Against Racism. The Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, Jesus Domingo, who was at the March Against Racism, was delighted with the turn-out. He commented: “I'm proud of the strong and large Filipino contingent.” Migrant Rights Advocate Mikee Santos was equally impressed with
the turn-out. “A big contingent indeed, from ages 10 to 65. We want to make Aotearoa better; we have to rise up.” Amy Dural Maga of Migrante Aotearoa couldn’t agree more. “It hurts to be yelled at: ‘Stupid bloody Asians! Go back to your country.’ We feel the pain of our Muslim communities and (are) all vulnerable to hate, racism and xenophobia. And so we cried out: Rasismo, Pasismo Ibagsak! Down with Racism.” In a recent statement Migrante International said: “We are calling on our fellow Filipinos to be vigilant and work together with all peace-loving New Zealanders in promoting respect and wellbeing for all. “Prime Minister Jacinda Arden stated that these extremists are trying to destroy New Zealand because of our diversity and rejection of racism,
Photos – C our te sy of Mi grant e Aot earoa
but they will not win. We are united and will continue to uphold our values of kindness and compassion. “We urge everyone to stay safe and vigilant as we join the cries for justice during this difficult time. “We condemn in the strongest terms the hate and violence brought by right wing extremists all
over the world. “We are offering our prayers and condolences to our Muslim brothers
and sisters and to all the victims of this tragic event.”
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'Darkest Day,
15 March 2019' It is several weeks since the horrific attacks on two mosques in Christchurch that left 50 people dead and an equal number injured on March 15, 2019. The deadliest mass murder in New Zealand’s history was committed by a white extremist gunman who documented his crime on social media. As a resident of New Zealand since 2005, I, like many Kiwis, am shocked that this occurred in one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world that prides itself on having an open and tolerant society. Not since the Christchurch earthquake on Feb. 2, 2011 that claimed 185 lives has this small nation seen so many lives lost. Our young prime minister, 38-year-old Jacinda Ardern, fronted for the grief-stricken country.
OPINYON
By MEL LIBRE
In her first press conference she said. “This is one of New Zealand’s darkest days.” She condemned the terrorist attack and vowed that this would never happen again. Acknowledging that the victims were migrants or refugees who had chosen New Zealand to be their home, she emphatically declared. “It is their home. They are us.” Knowing that all the victims were Muslims,
FILIPINO-KIWI HERO AWARDS 2019: This year the Filipino Migrant News/ Pinoy NZ Life HERO AWARDS focuses on the unsung heroes who have been fighting for Pinoy workers rights. Whistleblowers. Journalists. Unionists. Migrant Advocacy Groups. And others ... We welcome your input. email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz mobile : 027 495 8477
New Zealand embraced them. Outside mosques flowers were offered. In Christian churches moments of silence were observed during mass. People gathered in parks and other public places lighting candles and expressing their empathy through cards and streamers and by hugging one another. Politicians who are often at odds with each other for once demonstrated unity in Parliament. New Zealand flags have been flown at halfmast. Civil society has raised money to help the families of the victims. For my part, as I struggled emotionally through the weekend that followed, I ended up writing a song, 'Darkest Day, 15 March 2019'. (see top right) Beyond the speeches and the tributes, concrete actions have been taken by the
The lyrics of Mel Libre’s Song 'Darkest Day, 15 March 2019' : Brothers, sisters, young and old Took refuge in a house of prayer Unknowingly a man of evil mould Broke the peace with vicious terror Washed with blood the pristine floor As innocents fell one by one Screams could be heard beyond the sacred door What beastly act of Satan’s son We stand united We are one people This is our home We are not shaken nation’s leaders. A change in law will see the ban of military style semi-automatics and assault rifles. Already gun owners have voluntarily surrendered their firearms. There is also a call for better regulation of social media. “Going forward, what I hope this changes the most is producing a heightened response to extremism, racism and hatred,” Arden said.
We stand steadfast Against the evil that men do We cry for you, for you are us You all will live, for you live in us This darkest day will forever be Etched in Aotearoa’s history Rest in peace, dear brothers Mel Libre - an Opinion writer for the Sunstar Cebu – is a Solicitor and
Rest in peace, dear sisters We, your family, grieve for you We, your family, pray for you We, your family, honour you. (You may listen by clicking: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v= ua6oPiHj0Do&t=3s.) Barrister in New Zealand. Photo credit: Aimee Maga
ISSUE 126 ’THEY ARE US’ 2019
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Why I’ve fallen in love with NZ OPINYON
By ROSEBETH MALAPAD
New Zealand sucks – that was my first impression of the country. Far too boring and quiet for my liking. I saw the last 10 years of living in this country as a stagnant journey. There were the occasional nature admiration trips and adrenaline pumping adventures, but other than that it was back to just being plain and unexciting … That was my perception of the country. Then there was the
Photo credit: Venture Southland / Tourism New Zealand
shooting in the Christchurch mosques. It wasn’t shocking for a Filipina, because incidents like this are nothing new where I come from. But being in New Zealand for this long it came as quite a shock. In fact it was alarming and heart breaking. I felt hurt like the rest of the
country. Unexpectedly, I was also affected. Of course, the conspiracy theorist in me was going wild with speculation. And I was itching to blame the government for not doing enough to prevent what just happened. But seeing how the locals and the other com-
munities here reacted to this tragedy with love and care put to rest all those ‘theories’ that were lingering in my curious mind. I am humbled by how NZ reacted with much aroha and not hatred. I am deeply touched by how it was important for
everyone - from the government down to the locals and individuals - to stay true to what NZ is known for: as one of the very few peaceful countries left in this universe. Gradually it also dawned on me that I have actually fallen in love with this country.
BUHAY NZ As my Maxxy and I went out for our walk this morning, there was not a single person on the street who failed to say hi and acknowledge us. Very friendly locals and I’m sure it's the same in most parts of the country. Kiwis are generally nice people. I have learned to appreciate that more and more as I explore this country. And this tragedy has proved it once and for all. Instead of hate and retaliation, Kiwis gave aroha; encouraged by the government and the media. Let’s hug away and care more. I am in love with this beautiful country, the culture and most of all the Kiwi attitude - which is really something to be proud of.
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OPINYON
By LOUIE ENCABO Filipino Journalist of the Year 2014 Filipino-Kiwi Hero Award In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks that hit two mosques in Christchurch on 15th March, the immediate reaction for many was to say “this is not our New Zealand”. We were in disbelief that a heinous crime of this magnitude could ever occur here; New Zealand is a peaceful country. For the most part that is true; our country is still among the most peaceful in the world – no one ever imagined that this tragedy could befall us, until it actually happened. The Islamophobic, white supremacist attacks were reminiscent of the brutality of Anders Breivik’s massacre of Norwegian children in 2011. It was also said at that time that such an attack was beneath Norway, that they too, were a peaceful country that no one could imagine an incident of that barbarity ever occurring in. In two different locations similar grave acts of terrorism occurred. In both places the locals believed that such acts of terror were not possible – but yet, they happened. Can we really say that both attacks were impossible, or have we merely been ignoring the warning signs? The Christchurch terrorist was a white supremacist who believed that his actions were done to 'save' the 'white people' and he saw his victims as 'invaders' in his land. It was not apparent to him that as an Australian he himself was an alien in our land; a land that can only rightfully be claimed by the Tangata Whenua or the Maori people.
“This is not our New Zealand” --- or is it?
While the person may have been alien to us, his ideology was not. White supremacists have existed in New Zealand for decades; skinhead gangs have always been rampant in Christchurch – we simply just accepted them as part and parcel of society. When you ignore a problem and refuse to take decisive actions to tackle it you end up normalizing it instead. We know that white supremacists are dangerous and that their message is hateful and wrong; we only need to look back in history to see the actions of the Ku Klux Klan of the U.S.A. to understand that – so why have skinhead gangs been allowed to continue existing? How often have you seen news media reports of a famous personality being asked to resign, or
to apologize, for saying something deeply offensive and even racist, only for ordinary citizens to condemn the outrage and say that people are “too sensitive” or “too P.C.”?
son to re-evaluate their words, or to apologise for causing offence to entire groups of people? By shutting down criticisms of casual racism, we allow it to grow. By ignor-
Is it really being politically correct when you call out racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, or any other hateful rhetoric? Are we being too sensitive when we ask a per-
ing the alarm bells from concerned individuals over the hateful speech by others, we embolden those people to become more outrageous in their speech, to become even
more racist. Remember the incident with the 'Mad Butcher' Sir Peter Leitch, who told a Maori woman visiting Waiheke Island that it was a “white man’s island”? A segment of society was calling for him to apologize, and for his knighthood to be revoked, only to be shut down by an even larger group of citizens saying that those outraged were being “too P.C.” Remember when Sir Bob Jones, former political figure, wrote an op-ed article saying that Maori should be “grateful to Pakeha” or white New Zealanders “for being able to exist”? The Press Council gave him a slap on the wrist, but he still has a free pass to continue writing articles. Remember when the Lions Club of Hawera organized a float at a
Illustration of fern (centre of page) with 50 leaflets for the victims of the Christchurch massacre. Courtesy of Pat Campbell and the Canberra Times.
parade where its participants wore 'blackface'? Not only was it regarded to be not racist by many social media commentators, but the float even won second place in the entire competition. Those comments were undoubtedly racist and I’m sure many of us also felt that, but we chose to shut down those warning signs within our own psyches because we were afraid of being too sensitive, or felt that we did not want to be too P.C. In the process we normalized that behaviour – allowing casual racism to continue being accepted into the mainstream. Reflecting on all those incidents and how we reacted to them, can we really say that the attacks in Christchurch “are not who we are”? Can we still say that it was a surprise that a racist white supremacist held that much rage and killed so many innocent people? The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is already making statements about changes to gun legislation, but equally important are changes to our cultural perceptions. Offensive comments to an entire race, religion, or group of people are wrong and should not be tolerated. Giving an inch to racism allows it to grow, to a point where it hits a climax and explodes into a racist hate crime just like we saw in the tragedy of Christchurch.
We know that white supremacists are dangerous and that their message is hateful and wrong; we only need to look back in history to see the actions of the Ku Klux Klan of the U.S.A. to understand that – so why have skinhead gangs been allowed to continue existing?
THEY ARE US
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A book of poetry by 46 refugees and migrants from 29 countries, now living in New Zealand, was launched on 21 March – Race Relations Day. The book, More of Us (published by Landing Press), was launched by Michael Wood, UnderSecretary to the Minister for Ethnic Communities, at the National Library in Wellington. "The poets, who now live across Aotearoa New Zealand, are diverse,” says Adrienne Jansen, lead editor of More of Us. “There are teenage Syrian refugees Yazan, Mohammad and Razan El Fares, who arrived 2 years ago and Huberta Hellendoorn, who emigrated from The Netherlands in 1960. “The poems reflect this diversity. They’re about telephone calls, dogs, food, airports, words,
Poets reflect our diversity
Michael Wood, Under-Secretary to the Minister for Ethnic Communities at the book launch. Photo supplied.
football, memories – but they all give a glimpse of what it’s like to come and live here,” she says. Inspiration for More of Us came from All of Us , a recently published book of poetry and short prose by Adrienne and Carina Gallegos that also focuses on new lives in Aotearoa New Zealand. “In that book we’re telling stories that others have told us.
In More of Us writers tell their own stories.” “We asked for submissions through organizations and individuals all over the country and received about 100 poems. From those poems we chose about 35. It was difficult to choose, because every poem had its own story.” “The rest of the poems were created for this
book. We wanted poems
adults
from newcomers, students – the whole range. So we ran poetry workshops for ESOL students in high schools and also for adult learners through the auspices of E n g l i s h Language Partners. “ T h e s e workshops were very exciting,” says Adrienne. “People still struggling with English, given the right tools, can write startling and m o v i n g poems.” “ S o m e had limited
English, but a very good understanding of poetry in their own language and culture. That’s a big advantage. We can easily forget how much knowledge people bring with them.” More than half of the poets were in Wellington for the launch, which was attended by 200 people, including members of the diplomatic corps. Landing Press was set up in 2016 by Adrienne Jansen, Carina Gallegos and Milena Stoysavljevic to publish accessible poetry. Adrienne has written and published a number of fiction and non-fiction books recording migrant experiences. Carina is an exciting new writer originally from Costa Rica. Milena has had a strong publishing career in Serbia.
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Concert powers 2-year conservation program
Kudos to Sal Malaki, world renowned operatic tenor and philanthropist
AUCKLAND – It's not very often that one gets to hear the many genres of classical, stage and popular music come alive at a Filipino community event in New Zealand. So the ‘To Live … To Love … To Share’ concert on March 23rd at the Holy Trinity Cathedral was a special treat. The world renowned
Filipino-American operatic tenor and philanthropist Sal Malaki enthralled over 500 concert goers Pinoys and Kiwis – with a riveting performance. Sharing the stage with him were well-known New Zealand accompanist and musical director Catherine Carr, vocalist Devin Ashton and soprano Danielle Brookbanks.
Speaking to FMN on the eve of his concert, Malaki said that his repertoire for the Auckland concert would feature: “A slice of the whole spectrum of music as I cater to all ages. “Besides the classic operatic songs there will be Maori songs (Pokarekare Ana and Hine e Hine), Filipino folk songs
Report by MEL FERNANDEZ
Photo credit: Ambassador Jesus Domingo
(Pobreng Alindanaw Cebuano and Mimingawan Ka man Iday – Northern Leyte/Samar), theatre and musical numbers and popular songs.” “Sal's performance of classic and contemporary operatic and stage music was exceptional,” praised Jesus Domingo, the Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, on social
media. “Congrats to the Leyte-Samar NZ Solidarity Foundation for an excellent concert! You made us all proud!” Kudos also from Elaine Zafra Yu: “Beautiful night at Trinity Cathedral watching one of the amazing Filipino Tenor Seasoned Artist, Sal Malaki. Such a talented man! “Really great to expose
the children to opera performances to appreciate the different genres of music. And, not to forget our culture. Never thought they’ll enjoy the event but they did.” Elaine’s concert video is at: www.filipinonews/ featured/sal-malaki-toperform-in auckand/ continued on page 9
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! E R O C N E
Speaking to FMN during the concert, the Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, Jesus Domingo said that:
FIL-AM Super Tenor enthralls concert goers SAL MALAKI, who is from Hinunangan in Southern Leyte, studied at the University of the Philippines College of Music, Majoring in Voice and with a Teacher's Diploma in Flute. He sang with the world-acclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers in Manila, before moving to California in the 1990s. He is the only Filipino member of two prominent ensembles in the U.S. - the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Los Angeles Opera. He is a tenor at the Los Angeles Opera Company and at the L.A. Master Chorale.
He has appeared in over 85 opera productions with the Los Angeles Opera since 1995. His international concerts were also held in the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Switzerland. “Outside of the US my concerts are primarily to help out NGOs and the communities,” said Malaki. “There was a concert to support a feeding program in Tacloban, a scholarship programme in Surigao City for seminarians and a seniors' rehabilitation programme in Singapore.” Proceeds from the
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Auckland concert will fund the Leyte Samar’s 2 year Conservation Sal Programme in Malaki New Zealand. Malaki told FMN International, Extreme that he is planning to Audio Visuals, the have another concert in Northern School of New Zealand in the Performing Arts and Filipino Migrant News near future. This concert was a www.filipinonews.nz Leyte-Samar NZ Solidarity Foundation, Inc. production, in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in NZ. The event was supported by Western Union, i-Travelplan, O’Reilly’s Motel, New Zealand Home Loans, Ready Press Print Ltd, Florence Court, TFC, Nanam, Megaworld
“Music is a universal language and I think it’s really music that is the forte of Filipinos. “And I really like to see more of our Philippine music talents, not just say Filipinos singing and performing Filipino pieces, but here where you have the LeyteSamar Foundation bringing in a tenor, Sal Malaki, an internationally renowned opera and classical singer and sharing his talent with the community and also showing that this is the forte of the Filipino community.” Jesus Domingo Philippine Ambassador to NZ
The Filipino Migrant News Outstanding Community Group Award in 2017 went to the Leyte-Samar NZ Solidarity Foundation Inc.
2017
Their highlight project on May 6th 2017 was to organise a tree planting day at Motuihe island.
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Leyte town gets resources to boost tourism By ROEL AMAZONA PALOMPON, Leyte -The Department of Tourism (DOT) has turned over PHP1.5 million worth of various gears to three people’s organizations (POs) in this town as part of the post-Yolanda Comprehensive Recovery and Rehabilitation Project for tourism. DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes handed over gears to members of the Liberty Eco Adventure Park, Palompon Eco Park, and Palompon Tour Guides Association. “I would rather have a people’s organization as beneficiaries every time we have projects because it really benefits poor communities,” Tiopes said during the turn-over ceremony. She added that the gears and equipment for the POs will help them in
URGENTLY
promoting other destinations in the town aside from Kalanggaman Island, which is already known as the region's prime destination. “I hope that you will take care of these equipment and use it to make the mainland of Palompon shine and not only Kalanggaman so that you can earn more,” Tiopes said. Liberty Eco Adventure Park tour guides received PHP873,000 worth of equipment. Palompon Eco Park members received PHP 218,250 worth of gear. Meanwhile, the Palompon Tour Guides Association received PHP 436,500 worth of equipment. “With these gears, tourists who will visit Palompon will really enjoy because they have lots of things to do aside from visiting Kalanggaman. Their long hour of trav-
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Island exceeded its income target of PHP21 million with a total earning of PHP22.19 million generated from tourist
receipts. The town welcomed 104,203 domestic tourists and 9,353 foreign tourists last year. (PNA)
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el will be reciprocated with the numerous activities that they can do while they are in this town,” Tiopes said. “Whatever income Palompon is gaining now, it will now spread to the community because of these destinations that the town developed,” she added. The Palompon local government, on the other hand, received PHP2.9 million for the repair and rehabilitation of local tourism building; PHP 1.89 million for the rehabilitation of Tabuk Marine Park, Fish and Bird Sanctuary; and PHP388,000 for further improvement of Kalanggaman Island. Located in the western part of Leyte province, Palompon is more than 120 kilometers away from Tacloban City and can be reached after two-and-ahalf hours of land travel. The town is famous for its Kalanggaman Island
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Students are still being lured to study in New Zealand with false promises.
The New Zealand dream can turn into a nightmare for some international students. In this case, Diana initially invested about P30,000 to sign up for a course of study which was totally unrelated to her previous background. That outlay was only the tip of the iceberg. Over the last 10 years her family had to bear mounting costs to remain here. AUCKLAND - Are international students being dragooned into enrolling for a particular course of study at preselected schools by unscrupulous immigration advisers, or are they free to make an informed choice based on their inclinations and career goals? Diana (not her real name), 45, a Cebuan, came across an immigration adviser's booth at a mall in Cebu City and was curious enough to stop and ask for some information. Diana was invited to the immigration company's office and claims that she, “was not adequately informed about the different immigration pathways, but the company promoted the 'student visa pathway' to apply for residency. “We were then pressured to enrol for a course of study immediately because, according to the adviser, the student visa policy was going to change very soon. “So we rushed up. Everything was rushed. The adviser did not give us a choice of courses or schools. “She was insistent that I take a Diploma in Business course or I could not go to New Zealand. And if I took any other course I might not be successful with my student visa application. “I now realize that the agent was trying to speed everything up so I would make a quick decision. “I paid them P30,000 before they lodged our
Diana was persuaded to enrol for a Diploma in Business Course when she already had a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Philippines.
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The 45-year-old became depressed when she found out that study was not going to be an automatic pathway to residency. She had to return home recently.
By MEL FERNANDEZ
When students go badly off course papers with NZ Immigration. “This amount did not include the medical fee and the course fee. “Plus I had to pay for the FTS (financial transfer support) as well as insurance. The insurance cost is very expensive.” FMN: In hindsight, what would you have done differently? Diana: “Overall the agency is very good; I don't have any problem with them.” But Diana claims that, “they didn't tell me clearly that there were other pathways to residency apart from the student visa.
“I believe that I could have applied for a work visa based on my qualifications”. She further claims that, “I was not offered a choice of courses to select from based on my career goals and my inclinations. The school was preselected for me by the agent; I believe it was one they were promoting. “The whole purpose of my coming over here was to become a permanent resident, of course, not just for an education”, she adds. “I've had sufficient education already. “Over here I took a Diploma course, but I already have a Master's
Degree in Business Administration from the Philippines. “I wanted to transfer to another school to take up a culinary course. I heard it was possible for me to take up that course, even though I had no background in that field, as long as I can afford to pay for it. “I wanted to take up the culinary course because cooking is my passion and I eventually wanted to set up a business here.” FMN: Why didn't you choose the culinary course in the first place? Diana: “Because, as I've said, I was not given
a choice. I was told that I could not enrol in a course of my choice if I didn't have a background in it. “What upsets me is they didn't tell me that it is possible but we have to take the risk. “Two months after I started the course I asked the school where I was studying if they would refund my course fee so that I could switch courses. “I was told that it is not likely that NZ Immigration would allow us to switch courses.” FMN: Why did you choose New Zealand to settle in?
Diana: Because I have lots of friends here and classmates have also settled here. “I've read and seen on TV that it is a very good place to live and the environment and climate are not that bad. FMN: Do you know where students can go to if they need help in sorting out their study related problems? Diana: No. FMN: What's your advice for people planning to come from the Philippines who are in your situation? Diana: “I would really advise them to verify everything first. “Don't rush. Try to dig deeper. Get information about what is the best course of action.” FMN: Is there anything positive that has come out of all this? Diana: “There was nothing positive about this experience and I became emotionally depressed. I realize, maybe, it was partly my fault too. I trusted people.” UPDATE: This article is one of many stories about international students whose New Zealand dream had gone horribly wrong that we have been featuring over the years. Even after spending a fortune in course fees over about ten years Diana was not successful in gaining residence and had to return home recently. Photo credit: Marcos Calvo Mesa
FMN: What's your advice for people planning to come from the Philippines who are in your situation? Diana: “I would really advise them to verify everything first. Don't rush. Try to dig deeper. Get information about what is the best course of action. There was nothing positive about (my) experience and I became emotionally depressed. I realize, maybe, it was partly my fault too. I trusted people.”
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We need to look after our homegrown nurses and exert effort to retain the nurses who are currently in the country. We need to focus on the support we can provide to those IQNs who are currently working in aged care or to those who would like to work in aged care. This is where we need to invest our energy. While not every migrant nurse is successful in transitioning to New Zealand, we need to understand that the transition is multi-factorial, which includes personal circumstances. I have sev-
Opinion Jed Montayre argues that migrant nurses ‘funnelled’ into aged care nursing should not feel devalued – and that instead the clinically challenging and rewarding role should be better recognised and supported.
Migrant nurses and aged care nursing I have silently observed and noted the increasing dialogue around the nursing workforce in the aged care sector. A significant part of the conversation in the media is about internationally qualified nurses (IQN or migrant nurses) and questioning whether aged care nursing is the best practice setting for them. I have also noted the debate on IQNs being ‘filtered’ or ‘funnelled’ towards aged care nursing, with many arguing about the lack of recognition of a migrant nurses’ previous skills or the disadvantages in clinical learning experiences compared to working in the acute hospital sector. I would like to present my view on how IQNs benefit from working in the aged care nursing sector and why it is important for IQNs to understand gerontology nursing
within the New Zealand context. While I will be presenting this viewpoint based on my personal experience, I will also draw from examples of IQNs that I know who have enjoyed their careers in the aged care nursing sector. A privilege and a great learning experience to work in aged care I have never felt deskilled because I have worked in aged care nor felt that there was a mismatch (filtering) of my nursing skills. From an acute medical-surgical nursing background in a Philippine hospital, it was a total privilege to be a registered nurse (RN) in an aged residential care facility in New Zealand. Although I admit that the setting was quite different from my previous workplace, it was never about being deskilled or being unable to utilise my
nursing skills. Instead I accepted the challenge and at the same time was inspired each day to provide the best care to older people with complex and multiple co-morbidities. I was able to effectively do this because of my previous clinical expertise and work experience. The aged nursing care experience is important for migrant nurses to learn about differing healthcare contexts. Longer life expectancies in New Zealand also enable nurses to build skills in nursing clients with different complex conditions affecting some of the older population, like dementias. Moreover, the management of long-term conditions in older people is common, but is also quite unique, for example diabetes in an 80-year-old client. The knowledge of caring for older people in
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an aged residential care setting is transferable to any setting because of the ageing population. Lastly, talking to older people enriched my knowledge of New Zealand culture and the significance of events, places, names and political landscapes within and beyond nursing. We need to stop talking about the issue of deskilling, filtering and skills mismatch among IQNs and the aged care nursing sector. Instead we need to look at the nursing workforce in a holistic way. Is it a moral act to nurse where there’s the greatest need? As IQNs we form part of the overall nursing workforce – it is not only about our previous nursing skills. Though, of course, I strongly agree that we (IQNs) bring invaluable nursing skills, clinical expertise and cultural accommodation to the increasingly diverse New Zealand. However, we need to look back at why we are in New Zealand in the first place? Each migrant nurse chooses their own destiny within the host country; some consider themselves to be fortunate by being able to practice in their preferred clinical settings or align with their
previous nursing experience from their home country. For those who were not able to follow that pathway, do you consider yourself disadvantaged or being filtered to aged care? Isn’t it a morally grounded act to respond to where the nursing staff shortage occurs within the host country’s nursing sector? Aren’t your broad skills and expertise of being able to practice in any setting some of the grounds for you being considered for registration in New Zealand? These are critical questions that we need to consider. While each nurse has the freedom to transition between practice settings or to change specialities, we need to stop thinking about one nursing practice setting as being superior over another. We need to stop the notion that ‘if you are an IQN from an acute care background and you work in a rest home in New Zealand, then you are a less skilful nurse than you were’. Focus on supporting, not devaluing, aged care nursing I think that it is high time to divert our attention and think in a more holistic way and to not present ourselves in silos that do not help us progress as a workforce.
eral IQN colleagues who have worked in aged care for many years. Some of them are in managerial and executive roles now. These journeys serve as inspiration to IQNs who are currently working in aged care that career progression is available for them. Every nurse decides their own practice transitions, but it is my hope that aged care nursing will no longer be considered to have lesser value. While work conditions within the sector could be better, that should not devalue the gerontology nursing specialty as a career pathway for New Zealand nurses.
Author: Dr Jed Montayre (above) is a nursing lecturer at AUT University who came to New Zealand from the Philippines in 2011 and started his New Zealand nursing career in the residential aged care sector. Reprinted with permission from: HealthCentral .nz
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“You need to be regularly updating your CV ... which m e a n s r e - p a c k a ging yourself, thinking of and then stating what new skills you’ve attained and how you’ve best put them to use.”
To win, job seekers must step beyond…
“Layout is vital; your CV must be readable. Just imagine yourself as the employer reading your CV for the first time. What would be useful for him or her to know that you haven’t already listed down?”
By BILL HARRISON Feature writer
company CV Style Limited. “If there are rivals for the same job, then the choice will be the one most likable and best at explaining who they are. “It’s ineffective to have your CV promoting interpersonal skills when you later come across at the interview as quite shy.” Cherry-Mae (Che) Balute, brother Mark and their parents Ben and Eleanor arrived in New Zealand in June 2011 from rural Manila, Philippines, to win permanent residency less than a year later. Almost literally having paved their way were thousands of North Shore retail brochures, the letterbox delivery of which was collectively the family’s first job. continued on page 14
Each handy new electronic communicator further reduces face-to-face conversation towards being at the best avoided or at the worst even
feared. Thus, 2019 job finders were those whose CVs/ subsequent interviews presented them as outgoing skill-sharers, happily
drawing the best from clients and colleagues. ‘Migrant News’ met a sampling of these latent extroverts, all being resettled kiwis.
Each opened their own window on re-energizing today’s numbed-down workplaces ... and leading them back towards closeknit teamship.
“Employers really like to see those friendly skills stand out”, confirmed Paula Stenberg, careers counsellor and coach within her own city-based
More articles of interest to job seekers and job listings can be found at www.migrantnews.nz
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continued from page 13
Now pursuing local qualifications in accountancy, Che revealed: ”We were powered on by new friends who are Burmese, Chinese, Tongan – you name it. All showed how every moment could bring new opportunities. “It’s too easy otherwise for job seekers to imagine their failures as hanging over them like a great flashing signboard.” Mark Balute, city mobile caregiver/masseur: “Newcomers especially, miss job selection by having pretended to be perfect. Far better to instead let your CV state one or two past on-the-job mistakes. Then, how you gained from having had to put them right.” Margaret McNie, school-based careers advisor: “Ensure your CV fits the job’s criteria and is instantly readable. Employers hate having to read through 26 ‘other’ skills to find yes! you do have the two they are specifically seeking.” Among Ms McNie’s adult clients, voluntarily tutored, is Shinichiro Mizote, a Tokyo-born mechanical engineer and NZ permanent resident since 2011. “Through Margaret I have learnt the value of expressing emotion in a CV. Back in Japan CVs are somehow less important, with the main energy going into the job interview itself.” Many newcomers have an advantage they need to promote a lot more, according to Linzi Davies, Welsh-born and a senior recruitment consultant. “Overseas-born applicants are usually welcomed by employers because they have multiple skill sets”, continued the 2007 Auckland arrival, now with Newmarket’s Alpha Company. “Job seekers do well when they show interest in at least three other aspects of the appointment they seek. A prime example being a data entry officer also keen on accounts or even in-house event management.” New Zealand’s 84,000 annual arrivals would have any job-seeking
enthusiasm bolstered by the 1000 long-term leavers bound each week for Australia. In 2007 alone 53,000 kiwi job seekers flew over the Tasman to join the 483,000 already in residence. For Rajani (Rae) Shrestha, an electronics engineer from Nepal, a country with three million population, the
‘crash course’ familiarity within her NZ field outrunning her lack of actual experience. “You must ‘Sell’ yourself alongside your qualifications”, confirmed the aspiring database administrator. “My priorities at the interviews were putting
So this means that a concise cover letter can allow you a bit more space for including new highlights. It must be seen as a ‘live’ introduction - effectively giving your reader a reason to invest time in your CV. More energy must go into personalized checking of each Cover Letter. Too often we receive correspondence with the name of some other addressee! This does very CHE BALUTE: “We’ve learnt so much from our friends; it’s almost like another qualification for our CV.” little for an applicant hoping to be judged on alertness. Similarly, cover letters must be free of mistakes in spelling and even phras ing. Wr i t e r s of some of the more successful cover letters are b o l d MARGARET AND SHINICHIRO: RAE: "Take chances. Accept even casual work within enough to Uncovering phrases of feeling and interest. your true profession.” e v e n drive for success in NZ both parties free.” resulted in both good and across my enthusiasm for include a sub-headed list answers a lifelong mys- Narinder added that most bad news, virtually within NZ ... as well as the con- stating: “Why you need to tery. “In school English employers value those a single sentence. tribution I feel I could employ me or at the very was so important that we who can achieve closeness In NZ for nearly two make here.” least find out a bit more had to pay small fines if with others. months, having won supe“Too many applicants about me.” found talking in our own “This carries its own rior qualifications in will present their profesCVs and their covering language. It is only now attraction and originality. Toronto, Canada, Har- sional CVs. Then, they letters are the chance to that I understand the use- Show me any business not preet was told by Job expect them to do all the bring out the creativity fulness of universal needing fresh thinking Recruiters: work! Job interviews are within yourself, but withEnglish when it comes to and care of clients.” a) Her work permit’s for investing your person- out going overboard. earning a living. “If you are new to your unexpected complications ality in, your back- up This from Honey “To other newcomers I own profession as well as left her presently ineligi- energy.” Rasalan, former project/ say: ‘Forget textbooks! an incoming migrant, you ble for employment. Yet ... Employers are always funding officer, Migrant Just surround yourself looking for something Action Trust (MAT). with other English speakcreative, ‘out of the box!’, Adding yet another chalers!’” or at least different. lenge, Honey emphasized: June-July 2012 saw the Cover letters can be “The need for a CV to persistence of this petite exactly that, affirms grab an employer’s attenyoung mother take her Anneker Sanger, Human tion within 60 seconds.” from hotel laundry assisResources Officer within “You need to be regutant to a well-matched the multiply-branched larly updating your CV ... electronics role based in New Zealand Career which means re-packagMt. Wellington. College. ing yourself, thinking of Among Rae’s laundry Sometimes having to and then stating what co-workers was Narinder dismiss upwards of 80 new skills you’ve attained Singh, a multi-media ‘below par’ CVs within and how you’ve best put graduate from Punjab, four days, Anneker con- them to use.” India, who has been trasted applicants’ out“Layout is vital; your world traveling since right blunders against the CV must be readable. 2004. alternative actions which Just imagine yourself as NARINDER: Also an aspiring motor vehicle importer. Narinder prioritizes would have seen them the employer reading “During a job interview put forward your own suggesdecisiveness and thus causucceed. your CV for the first time. tions of how best you could contribute to the company.” tions job seekers against The standard letter is a What would be useful for ‘cumbersome over-polite- must seize these chalb) She was successful in superb chance to summa- him or her to know that ness’, especially when lenges - fight to prove obtaining at least two rize yourself with fresh you haven’t already listed business proposals are on your relevance. Too many advertized vacancies. pointers on why you down?” offer. applicants are too casual Originally from India should be employed. Yet, “Some people will go on about it.” and here to reunite with we got too many whose inventing temporary This, from Harpreet husband Narinder, (also cover letters say merely, Editor: Readers can excuses”, he countered, Singh, an Information featured in this story), “please find enclosed my source articles on Job “when a pleasant upfront Technology Graduate Harpreet was praised by CV ... Yours Sincerely ...” Search and a Job Board refusal would have set whose own Job Search the recruiters for her CVs must be kept brief. at: www.migrantnews.nz
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Wooden boatmaking embraces Mindanao life, culture
By REY-LUIS BANAGUDOS
ZAMBOANGA CITY -In a coastal barangay located 35 kilometers from downtown Zamboanga City, one could witness a craft that has existed in the region since time immemorial -- boatbuilding. The boatyard there is one of a handful that can be found along the city’s long coast, including in one island. Since local pre-history,
the inhabitants have been building a great variety of wooden boats used for fishing, trading and rituals, among others. According to legend, the first royal datus in the country traveled by boats from Indonesia to establish pre-Islam and preSpanish sultanates in different parts of the archipelago. A Tausug sultan, centuries ago traveled by
boat -- likely a parao or long balanghai -- to China to visit the kingdom’s emperor. Tausug in English means “people of the current”. The Badjaos are called sea nomads who until recent times lived in houseboats all their life. The Sangali boatyard is located in Sitio Malasugat, along a large cove where the Zamboanga Fishing Port Complex and
an adjacent ship repair yard -- a varadero -- are also found. The cove teems with many fishing boats that unload catches bound for refrigeration plants of the complex, to be shipped out to other provinces in Mindanao or the extras or rejects to be sold in local markets. - PNA
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