maya magazine issue 7

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Celebrating Filipino Life in New Zealand Issue 7 | May 09

Last month’s issue was a big hit! Thanks to all of you who took the time to email me with your feedback.

This month, I’m excited to introduce Bleau Bustanera and Edvince Hermanoche. They represent the next generation of Pinoy Kiwis. They are very talented and at a young age, they are already making the Filipino community in Auckland very proud!

To those of you who can’t get enough of beautiful Palawan, I’m sure you will enjoy reading about our adventures in El Nido.

If you are a new migrant, I’m sure you’ll be able to relate to Alma Pasaraba’s experience as she leaves Manila to try her luck and start a new life in New Zealand.

Maya is growing everyday. Find out what we’re up to by following MayaNZ on Twitter. We’re also running our first ever promotion this month. Check out Page 2 for more information.

(And now that you know what I look like, please don’t hesitate to say hello next time we meet in one of our community events.)

A Time to Celebrate!

Editor

2 Celebrating Filipino Life in New Zealand

Issue 7 | May 09

letters RE: PUERTO PRINCESA,

PALAWAN Thank you for featuring my city. Consul General Emilie Shi This is the second time I’ve read Maya. It is very interesting. I enjoyed looking at the beautiful scenic photos. Hindi rin pala tayo huli sa ibang bansa, di ba? Rosendo Menchavez, KBNZ You deserve to be applauded for the BEST (yet) layout of Maya Magazine! Congratulations! We also went to Puerto Princesa and had a great time! (see photo on left - Ed) Jun Dolon, Auckland Pinoy NZ

RE: GM, THE UP ALUMNI NZ SCHOLAR

Very touching story and photos of GM. I got teary-eyed while reading it. How could someone be so deprived with basic necessities, still excel and continue to hope to achieve his dreams? Maybelle Morales, Auckland

Win Cool stuff Invite a friend to subscribe to Maya and be in the draw to win a cool “Perlas ng Silangan” shirt from Bench. Submit your friend’s email details to [email protected] Deadline of entries is on the 12th of June 2009. Join now!


Issue 7 | May 09

111th Philippine Independence Day Celebrations’09

13 June_Saturday 9.30am Wreathlaying

Rizal Reserve Wingate Street, Avondale

11.00 Ecumenical Service Westlake Boys High School 30 Forrest Hill Road, Takapuna Cultural presentations throughout the day and heaps of prizes to be won every hour! Onsite Registration for overseas absentee voters organized by the Philippine Embassy

14 June_Sunday 11.00am Catholic Mass

Good Shepherd Parish Church Telford Avenue, Balmoral Pinoy-style flea market and family entertainment. Proceeds will go towards Church repainting

Presented by the Council of Auckland Philippine Organisations (CAPO) supported by The Philippine Embassy and The Philippine Consular Office Participating Clubs Auckland Filipino Tennis Association, Filipino Herald Trust, Filipino Sports and Recreation, Inc, Katilingbang Bisaya sa New Zealand, Organisation of Cordillerans New Zealand, Penafrancia Group, Pinoy Basketball sa Auckland Inc, Pinoy Golf Club, Pinoy Pool Players Club, Samut-Sari Philippine Cultural Society, The Filipino Society Inc, Traditional and Modern Performers of Philippines-New Zealand


Issue 7 | May 09

The Last Frontier Towering limestone cliffs, captivating islands, a mysterious marine life and genuinely warm people, El Nido is truly one of the Philippines’ greatest travel destinations.


Issue 7 | May 09

We woke up at five in the morning and were on our way to Puerto Princesa bus terminal before six. It’s first come, first serve - the early bird gets to sit in an air-conditioned van for about $18. The other option was to take the public bus, minus the air-conditioning and for pretty much the same price.

El Nido is 238km northeast of Puerto Princesa. It took us approximately five hours to get there. Road improvements are underway, it’s not a smooth ride. But as one European back packer pointed out, bumpy roads make the experience much more exciting and less predictable. You’d never know when you’d be getting a flat tyre (we had two).

El Nido, Palawan We checked in at Tandikan Cottages. We stayed in a beachfront unit for $40 a night. The amenities are basic. There’s no air-conditioning and no hot water. But with an amazing beach view and the intention to be island hopping for most part of the day, the room was just what we wanted.

El Nido is made up of many islands. Each is uniquely mysterious and appealing. I recommend visiting as many islands as you possibly can. In our three days in El Nido, we were able to join two full-day tours and visit eight islands. Each tour costs $20 per person and includes lunch. Tour guides are experienced swimmers who can also make yummy grilled pork chops. What else can you ask for?


Issue 7 | May 09

SnakeIsland

It was lunchtime. Our boat was anchored on the shores of Snake Island. The kilometer-long sand bar snaking its way from the main island to the neigbouring island is embraced by surprisingly warm tropical water, held in place by powdery white sand.

Walking along the island is like walking on top of a steep mountain slope with cliffs on both sides.


Issue 7 | May 09

My companions were in the water, inspecting a limestone cave sitting in the middle of the ocean. I can’t swim and was waiting for them in the boat. They were signaling me to join them – my instructions were clear, unless it is extraordinarily spectacular, nothing could make me jump into the open sea. Afraid, but not wanting to miss out on an adventure, with my eyes closed and my future secured by a bright orange life vest, I hesitantly joined them. I breathed through my snorkel and slowly opened my eyes. And there they were – thousands of fish, swimming gracefully, with perfect timing and in unity, they change formation in an obvious effort to ward us off. From where I was positioned, I could distinctly make an outline of a school of fish bravely making out an image of a much bigger and scary fish than we, the intruders, were.

The Cathedral Cave’s surprising wonders


Issue 7 | May 09

the secret beach

swim through a hole in a rock. a white, fine beach awaits on the other side.


Issue 7 | May 09


Issue 7 | May 09

El NidoStats

250 million year old limestone cliffs 2, 645 hectares of mangrove 3 species of marine turtles 12 archaeological sites 410 species of corals 45 islands 813 species of fish 114 species of birds 9 species of seagrass

Simizu Island. Sunbathe. Snorkel. Swim.


Issue 7 | May 09

Sunset at Seven Commando Beach


Issue 7 | May 09

The township is charming. It is a tight-knit community of neighbours and tourists. It is such a stunning place that demographic differences disappear. Expect to mingle, everyone’s in a relaxed, laidback and carefree mood.

El Nido is a place like no other. Nature’s wonders abound and, to my surprise, there’s also free WIFI! There are many restaurants and accommodations to suit every budget. Backpack or travel in style – El Nido is one of the most welcoming places that I’ve been to.

El Nido is much more than what I have initially imagined it to be. It is more than just a marine sanctuary. It is paradise. It is so breathtakingly and stunningly beautiful, it is a magical place that will never cease to amaze. It is truly one of the last remaining great frontiers of Asia.


Issue 7 | May 09

White powdery sand, blue green crystal-clear water, a marine life so diverse and colourful, everything about El Nido is paradise-perfect


Issue 7 | May 09

A love affair with music

By Bleau Bustanera

Love at First Sight I was in Year 6 when I first saw a cello. My teacher in primary school at Mt. Carmel Primary brought in her cello just to show to the class what a cello was and how it sounded. This was the start of my love affair with the cello.

Striking a Chord There was something about that day that stayed with me. Later on, when I had to choose an instrument to learn in years 7 and 8 at St. Mary's College, I remembered my teacher and the cello. I could not stop playing. I enjoyed the feeling of playing music and also being creative. My teachers always made music enjoyable. Rehearsals and lessons were always fun.


Issue 7 | May 09

It’s a groovy kind of love My favourite piece to play is probably Bach's Prelude of the first suite of his six unaccompanied cello suites. It's a very well known piece and it is considered as a standard cello repertoire. But what I like about it is that it's very open to the cellist's interpretation. I enjoy finding my own. I also like playing a lot of pieces from the romantic period of music, particularly Chopinʼs. His pieces are very lyrical and emotional. His style suits the tone of the cello very well. My favourite composers are Khachaturian and Tchaikovsky. Both are Russian composers. I find that Russian music can be very strong and powerful, but beautiful at the same time. As for music that I listen to regularly, I have a very mixed taste in genres. I think it comes from the fact that as a musician, I tend to not judge a song or piece of music based on its genre. But by how it sounds as a piece of music on its own. I feel like I can appreciate any genre of music. Music is, after all, a universal language. The power of love Currently, I am taking up conjoint degrees at the Auckland University - Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music. I'm also teaching cello at St Peter's College. After getting my degree, I'd like to become a secondary school itinerant music teacher.

My dream is to set up a music programme which secondary schools all over New Zealand can choose to take part in, to set up music departments in the school and to get students more interested in music. This is my way of sharing my passion for music. I feel that this would be a very fitting way for me to do - I was not introduced to music until I attended a secondary school that had a very good music programme. I believe that there are many people who could be very interested in music. But they don't know it yet because they have never been given any musical opportunities. It's sad to think that there could be un-discovered great talent out there that is unharnessed. Playing the cello has changed my life. Iʼve met my friends through music. We have traveled together to compete. Last year, we won a silver medal in Melbourne. My most memorable experience so far is playing solo for David Hamilton's piece for solo cello, chamber orchestra and choir entitled "There Will Come Soft Rains" at St. Matthew's in the City. Music is an important part of me. Pick up an instrument and learn how to play– it is such an exhilarating experience to fall in love with music.

Listen to Bleau play some of your favourite Original Pinoy Music (OPM) at the CAPO’s Phillippine Independence Day Celebrations on June 13. See Page 3 for details.


Issue 7 | May 09

A brilliant mind By Chichi Abadingo

Edvince Gabriel Judilla Hermanoche is making the Filipino community in New Zealand very proud.

As the recipient of the Top of the World in Economics Award, the 16-year Westlake Boys High School student is the only Filipino awardee at the 7th Annual Brilliance in New Zealand Award Ceremony organized by the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).


Issue 7 | May 09

Edgar and Ginna, Edvince’s Cebuano parents, moved to New Zealand to seek greener pastures. Edvince is the eldest of six children. He appreciates how financially challenging it has been for his parents to raise them.

His parents instilled in him a sense of purpose. His mother taught him to read when he was only three years old. At a very young age, he realized how important education is in helping him achieve his goals.

Edvince consistently performed well in school. He finished intermediate school with distinction at Glenfield Intermediate School. He is now one of the smartest students of West Lake Boys High School. He topped his Accounting class and was a member of the

winning team of the Economics Trivia competition last year. He also represented the school at the United Nations Youth Association of New Zealand convention.

Edvince is very close to his mother. She has always been his biggest fan and supporter. She motivates him to dream big and work hard. His mother is immensely proud of him.

He grew up in a very spiritual environment. His family values not just hard work, but also faith and trust to the Almighty.

Edvince will soon take up a conjoint course in Accounting and Law. The future is indeed looking bright and the greener pastures have never looked so green.

The University of Cambridge International Examinations is the world’s largest provider of international academic qualifications. The Brilliance in New Zealand Award Ceremony is held annually to recognize students who have achieved outstanding academic results during the previous school year. This year’s ceremony was held at the Auckland Grammar School.


Issue 7 | May 09

Flight SQ285

My 11-hour journey to my new home has begun.

I am leaving Philippines to try out my luck in New Zealand, a country that I’ve never been to before. I am emotional wreck - nothing could hold back the tears.

By Alma Pasaraba


Issue 7 | May 09

I am leaving my loved ones behind. I will miss my family and friends. I am leaving everything that is familiar and comfortable. The uncertainty of the future petrified me – what if everything I believed New Zealand to be is false?

The first leg of the journey is a three-hour flight to Singapore. Aboard Singapore Airlines new B777-300 jet, my emotions continue to overwhelm me. I have to remind myself repeatedly that this journey is about me, a promise of new adventures.

Though they are showing good and quite funny movies, I can’t stop thinking about the life that I have just given up. I tuned in to a station playing Broadway hits and remember all of the happy memories that I’ve shared with my loved ones back home.

I arrived in Singapore at around 6pm. I was in transit for four hours. I spent an hour verifying my connecting flight, freshened up, bought coffee and started writing on my journal. A part of me wanted to go back to my old life. But a bigger part of me wanted a change, a chance to try something new and exciting. The choice to move to New Zealand is a decision that I did not make lightly. It took me three years to get to this. Yes, I am scared, anxious and confused. But I am also excited to embrace what life has in store for me.

At 9pm, I headed to board flight SQ285 for Auckland. The loneliness is slowly fading, replaced by a sense of enthusiasm. With a silent prayer, I wish that life will be kinder and that all my dreams will come true.


Issue 7 | May 09

+Barangay Pinoy @ I-Remit Office Blessing

I-Remit Country Manager Johnnathan Samaniego (third from left) and Honorary Consul Emilie Shi with guests


Issue 7 | May 09

+Barangay Pinoy @ Philippines-Japan Golf Day

The Philippines, represented by the Pinoy Golf Club (PGC) of Auckland won the inaugural, Philippine-Japan Friendship Cup, 6-4.

At the serene and beautiful Manukau Golf course, 10 golf matches unfolded. Ken Ikemura, a 1-handicapper, led the Japan team. Pinoy Ryder Cup veterans represented the Philippine team. Japan won the first four matches. The Philippines, with their backs against the wall, slowly clawed their way back out and won the next six matches, to complete a dramatic come-from-behind victory.

The first PGC versus Japan match was graced by Her Excellency Emilie Shi, Honorary Consul General of the Philippines to New Zealand , Dr. Kenneth Shi and their guest Dr. Y K Yip, Director of Ascot Hospital in Greenlane.

Photos by Yoshi Ogi


Issue 7 | May 09

I ♥ New Zealand

“Madomado” Diving @ Poor Knights Islands

MayaisafreeelectronicnewsletterdistributedtotheFilipinocommunityinNewZealand.Tosubmitphotos,community‐relatedannouncements,feedbackandrequestsforsubscription,[email protected].

Maya Magazine would like to thank the following organisations: Auckland Pinoy NZ, Council of AucklandPhilippineOrgnisations(CAPO),Samu’tSariPhilippineCulturalSociety,UniversityofthePhilippinesAlumniNZandthePinoyGolfClub.

PhotographybyAntoinetteleVaillant

maya magazine issue 7

Documents

new zealand issue

new life

celebrating filipino

filipino community

new migrant

auckland pinoy nz

filipino sports

philippine embassy