St. Ignatius and the Ateneo

Photo c/o jesuitinstitute.org

Today is St. Ignatius Loyola's feast day. He is the founder of the Society of Jesus, more popularly known as the Jesuits.  In turn the Jesuits are great educators and in the Philippines they founded the Ateneo de Manila.  That is why today is also a school holiday in all the campuses of the Ateneo. St. Ignatius was the youngest of 13 children who became a soldier when he turned 18.  He was a fearless fighter until he was mortally wounded when he was 30 years old.  One of his legs had to be amputated and it was during his period of recovery that he started to read books and began to show interest to become a priest.  He eventually became a priest and in 1540 at the age of 49, Pope Paul III approved the Jesuits as an official religious order.

Photo c/o acfj.ateneo.edu

The Ateneo de Manila was founded in 1859 by the Jesuits and it is the 3rd oldest university in the Philippines.  It is a prestigious private institution that has produced leaders and trailblazers of the country.  It's tuition fee is also one of the highest in the region.  There are several campuses all over the archipelago, specially situated in strategic and important cities.  The quality and calibre of its alumni is very high.

The closest I got to being an Atenean was when I passed the entrance exams to the high school department of the Ateneo de Zamboanga.  The list of students who passed was even published in the Zamboanga Times.  Unfortunately, I never made it to the school but at least I passed the entrance exams.  Through the years I've had classmates, colleagues, workmates, friends, relatives, and acquaintances who either studied or taught at any of the campuses of the Ateneo.

I've known some of the now well-known and even controversial Jesuit priests, when they were still seminarians.  They would often visit our house because of my maternal aunt who was their good friend.  One even said mass in my aunt's house during my maternal grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary because Lolo was too sick to go to church.  I had one of them, who was now the head of the pastoral institute, to bless my car (the 1st time I got a brand-new one). And for my wedding, I had one of them, who was already a college dean with a doctorate from Cornell University as the officiating priest. Another one who was Jesuit-trained, who is now a cardinal even gifted me with a special greeting card.  And before I do forget, one of them loves to have snakes as pets. I think he was the one who officiated in my grandparent's wedding anniversary.

I've always wondered why the word "the" had to precede Ateneo, and not just simply Ateneo. Perhaps to add some mystery and an air of importance to the institution?  But it doesn't have to because it is already a well-known, highly respected, and internationally recognized university.  Personally, I do feel uncomfortable when someone mentions "the Ateneo" in the course of a discussion, a sentence, an essay. Perhaps it's about time that I should seriously ask an Atenean what's the reason for such use of the word "the".

Now you see my connection with the Ateneo.  And oh, by the way, I should remind you that my middle name is Ignacio.

National Avocado Day

Photo c/o nationaldaycalendar.com

I just love avocados and today is their day, National Avocado Day.  I normally eat them as a dessert but here in Aotearoa New Zealand, my Kiwi mates have them mixed with their green salads, use them as spread on their bread, and have avocado with toast.  They are truly amazed when I tell them that in my youth, my mom would make avocado-flavored ice drops and ice candy, which I then sell to my classmates.  I've also sold homemade polvoron and cassava cake, all of which would help contribute to my pabaon (money) for the day.

Avocados are quite popular all over the planet.  That's why perhaps someone decided that this fruit should have it's own national day.  Some even call it a super-fruit because of the health benefits derived from it: heart-healthy fats, high oleic acid content (good for keeping skin soft and hydrated), among many other benefits.

My best way in eating avocado is when I mash them or use the blender to soften them, add sugar and milk, then eat it just like that.  As an added feature, I'll add some ice cubes or I'll freeze them to make avocado ice cream.  I've also acquired my Kiwi mates way of eating avocado, and I would say I kinda like them too.

National Whistleblower Day

Photo c/o whistleblowers.org

It had it's origins simply as a way to alert people in a bad situation or the breaking of rules in a sports game.  It then began to be used by journalists in the 1960s for people who exposed wrongdoings.  There are many reasons for people doing this.  Please click this link to know more about this day.

One can go to Wikipedia to find a long list of whistleblowers dating back to 1515 with Bartolome de las Casas to 2016 with Edgar Matobato who exposed about the Davao Death Squad.  Edward Snowden, a National Security analyst is just one of the many well-known whistleblowers at present time.

The Philippines has it's own share of in/famous whistleblowers.  It seems to me that it is generally politically motivated.  Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada Jr. implicated PGMA, Atty. Mike Arroyo and Benjamin Abalos Sr. in the reportedly overpriced National Broadcasting Network (NBN) deal with Chinese firm ZTE Corp.  Clarissa Ocampo exposed President Erap that eventually lead to him being deposed as sitting president.  Chavit Singson also exposed his dealings with Erap which then contributed to Erap's final downfall.

Some would say that it takes courage and bravery to be a whistleblower. That once the act is done, one's life, as well as those whom he/she loves will never be the same.  Most are placed under the witness protection programme, others go overseas, many are constantly on the move, while there are some who have to be heavily guarded.  It is a life changing situation just like winning the lotto. I'll take winning the lotto anytime.

National Lipstick Day

Photo c/o milled.com

Today, I'm reminded of a song from my youthful years---nag-lipstick ka ng nag-lipstick, di ka naman nag-brush your teeth, ay ay salidumay... (with apologies to my friends from the Cordillera).  July 29 is National Lipstick Day.  It seems to have a very interesting history dating back to 5,000 years ago. Ancient societies used crushed gemstones to decorate their faces, lips and eyes. Others would use plant or animal extracts, which is still used at present.  I can still recall my girl playmates gathering flowers and herbs, crushing them into pulp and applying it on their lips and faces, while we boys would use them as sort of warpaint. Ah, the simple joys of yesteryear's.

In the course of writing this blog post, I came upon a story about Kumander Liwayway (Commander Dawn).  She was Remedios Gomez-Paraiso aka "The Joan of Arc of the Philippines," who was also a beauty queen during her youth. She fought against the Japanese during World War Two and became one of the highest ranking female commanders of the anti-Japanese army Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Hukbalahap).  After the war she continued her armed struggle against the Philippine government.  Her life-story is just so amazing.  Legend has it that before each battle, she would manicure her nails, get her hair done, and put on lipstick.  She believed that her appearance inspired her troops.  I've been trying to find if there's a film about her and so far I only found this short film.  A woman ahead of her time believing in the right to fight to be herself, she died in 2014 at age 95.

MSL Training Graduation

Photo c/o labour.org.nz

This morning, the school I'm connected with, had it's 1st graduation for 2017. Peeni Henare (Labour Party) Member of Parliament, was one of our guest speakers. He shared his life journey which was very inspiring, uplifting, and it resonated very well with the graduates, parents, tutors, and staff.

Our school, MSL Training is a foundation training provider which has helped thousands of people into employment or further study since it began in 1998. I'm a newbie here as a Tutor of Supported Learning (Level 1 and 2).  We have three campuses: Botany, Takapuna, and our main one in Manukau.  Our courses are Hospitality, Retail, Event Planning, and Supported Learning.  We had more than 100 graduates in our Manukau campus, mostly from Maori and Pasifika communities, 75% of whom attended the graduation.

I've had my share of graduation or commencement speakers.  And rarely do I get to listen to one who inspires, connects, uplifts, challenges, and engages, like what Peeni did.  I wish that I was able to record for posterity what he said.  He had a down-to-earth, practical, street-smart way of explaining what life is all about.  Plus he put a premium on education as the key for one's future.

He ran away from home as a young man, to escape responsibility (at the same time feeling lost as to what he should do with his life ) when he got his girlfriend pregnant.  He became homeless, lived in the streets, until he was rescued by his family (who never abandoned him), who welcomed him and helped him get a good education.  His family helped him raise his son while he was studying.  He took up Law at the university, worked in many organizations and is now an MP representing the Tamaki Makaurau Maori electorate.  And oh by the way, that son of his is now studying to become a medical doctor.  He shared many more thoughts and gems with us and I hope that one of these days I'll be able to record them for posterity.

I wish my eight-man team, my Supported Learning graduates, all the best.  I'm truly proud and privileged that I've been part of their journey. For some of them this is the very 1st time that they've ever went on stage to get a certificate, to graduate.  Some of them, did not blend well with society, and were considered an inconvenience to society, that they were good for nothing, merely troublemakers, living off society.  But listening to them and journeying with them, I've learned that they too have dreams, that they too wish for a better life.  Yes, they do have learning disabilities, but look where they are now. Look how far they've gone and they're going to go farther.  They're going to go the distance, with the help of everyone, you, me, us.  I'm looking forward to see them on Monday, when we start our Level 2, and I'm confident that I'll see them again on stage this December when they graduate.  May God Be Praised!

Q&A: Tania Dawson, Miss Universe NZ

Photo c/o Tania's Facebook account

I lost the chance to interview Tania Pauline Dawson, all because I was then living in Hamilton and I couldn't get the right timing to interview her. By the time I was ready to come up to Auckland, she was leaving for the MUNZ "retreat" in the Philippines.  That would have been the closest I'd ever get to be near the reigning Miss Universe New Zealand 2016.  This beautiful and enchanting young woman of Kiwinoy ancestry, grew up on a farm in south Auckland, held a Saturday job auctioning livestock, is a high school Media Studies teacher, considers Baguio City as her sanctuary, and loves tinola. Although I didn't get the chance to interview her on my radio show, I was able to do a Q&A for my blog.

Q: What's on your bucket list?
A: I have a few places that I want to travel such as Greece and Italy.  I have always had a fascination with mythology and history.

Q: Give your teenage self some advice.
A: Don't worry about your skin!  Teenage acne goes away.  I cannot believe how low my self-esteem was when I was a teenager because I wasn't happy in my own skin.

Q: What motivates you?
A: Doing the best that I can.  If I think to myself when I have hit a brick wall or obstacle that I haven't done my best then I strive to try again. My competition against myself is my motivation.

Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: As kind and hardworking.  Kindness is free to give so I try my best to give it to everyone.  I come from a family of hard workers.  I hope that one day when I am gone that is what people will say.

Q: Name 3 people, living or dead, you'd like to have dinner?
A: Beyonce, Cleopatra and Michelle Obama

Q: Are you a cat or dog person?
A: Cat---they're so independent.

Q: Why are you doing, what you're doing?
A: Being a secondary teacher was a choice I made watching my own teachers. I saw them work so hard and juggle so many things.  They inspired me into becoming a teacher so that I could pass the passion on. I am glad to say that I am doing that.  Miss Universe NZ was a great opportunity for me to promote education as being an important tool to young peoples future and at the same time I have been given experiences and learning opportunities of my own.

Q: Where in the Philippines is the place that is your sanctuary?
A: Baguio City.  The pine trees remind me of my childhood because our family farm was sheltered by pine trees.

Q: How did you face failure?
A: Reflect and learn from your mistakes.  In order for a person to have closure they need to understand why things didn't work out.  Without that you cannot move on or try again.

Q: The best thing about your age.
A: I am YOUNG!  I want to see the world and I feel being at this age, you're more free to do so.

Q: Where in New Zealand is your sanctuary?
A: The farm I grew up on in the south of Auckland.

Q: How do you chill out?
A: I watch a lot of films.  I love narratives and stories!

Q: What's your comfort food?
A: Tinola - YUM!

Q: Something not many people know about you.
A: I worked in the agriculture industry for 14 years while I was in school and university.  I had a Saturday job where we auctioned livestock.

Q: Which talent would you like to have?
A: To be a daredevil--I would love to be able to overcome fear and just go for it.

Q: If you could time travel, where and when would it be?
A: Ancient Greece in Athens BC.

Q: What superpower do you wish you had?
A: Telepathy

Q: What job would you do other than your own?
A: Film reviewer or food critic.

Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I would like to explore other opportunities in show business and acting while I am still young.  Teaching will always be important to me so I will always come back to it when I am older.

Manuka Honey

Photo c/o RMO

It really is the best in the planet.  But one has to be careful because there are fake ones circulating. Recently, the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has released a scientific definition to authenticate New Zealand manuka honey which is the first step leading to a standard.  Another indicator of authenticity and goodness is, the higher the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) the better. Here is a good link to know more about this wonderful gift from nature.  I'm not endorsing the products pictured.  I'm merely using them as examples of what I've used so far.  There are many other brands in the market and it's a matter of personal choice, availability, and budget, which one you'll really use.  As for how to use it, my family either mixes manuka honey with freshly squeezed lemon or have a couple of teaspoonful straight from the bottle. It has been effective to counter coughs, colds, and flu this winter season.

Palaro sa North Shore

Photo c/o RMO

Buti na lang, di ito nangyari nung Sabado. Kasi pag mga matatanda ang naglalaro ng basketbol, laging may away.  May tawag ako sa mga ganyan---masyadong kina-career ng basketball."

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity of meeting heaps of Kiwinoys, when they converged at the North Shore Events Centre for the Palaro sa North Shore.  This sporting event was organised by the North Shore Filipino Community, headed by Tito Bert Ricacho.  Easily there were around 600-800 people and not just Filipinos but also players, supporters and spectators from other ethnic groups: Kiwis, Maoris, Pasifika, Chinese, Indian, and many more.  The sporting events were basketball and volleyball.  For basketball (I always mention this to my non-PiNoYz friends "for short people like us, we just love to play basketball") it was youth 15 and under, while volleyball was for male and female teams of all ages.

I could see that everyone was having a great time.  It was also great as well to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones too. Sportsmanship was in the air because I didn't hear nor see of any untoward incidents (unlike in the past when you had older players and they would get to be too intense and physical, to the point of hurting others and involving in fights at that).  Perhaps, it was because the players were younger and they were there mainly for the joy of playing and being with friends.  However, I did see some heated arguments among the players and the referee, in one of the men's volleyball game, but it was quickly resolved.

And of course, a gathering of Filipinos won't be complete without food. There were a couple of Entre-Pinoys who served lechon, spare ribs, BBQ, biko, suman, kare-kare, menudo, mechado, dinuguan, rellenong bangus, atbp.  It was also a great opportunity for Hamilton's pride and joy, Epiphany Cafe, to introduce it's yummy and pillow-soft donuts. Overall, it was a well-attended, organized, and participated event.  Kudos to Tito Bert, James Villanueva, and the other volunteers.

Rizal's 1st birthday on Filipino Migrant News

Photo c/o RMO

This blog post 1st appeared in another blog last month, on Jose Rizal's birthday.  Mel Fernandez, founder editor and publisher of the Filipino Migrant News community newspaper, rang me soon after and requested permission to reprint. At first, I was hesitant since I felt it was just a blog post and there are some people who sees us bloggers, as not serious journalists or writers. But after some serious thought, I gave my go ahead. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the latest migrant newspaper and saw my blog post on page 03 of issue 103. My post though is not available online.  Many thanks Mel and Sheila.

If he was alive, Dr. Jose P. Rizal would be 156 years old today.  No one in recent history has lived up to that age, but in the hearts and minds of many Filipinos---JPR's ideals, dreams, convictions, love, purpose, desire, and hope for the Philippines lives on.  There have been many books, articles, essays, and stories written about him.  His life has been brought to life in the silver screen with movies and documentaries.  I believe, plays have been written and dramatized on stage about his life.  But this post is not about his being a hero, it's about his very 1st birthday.

In today's standard, he would have come from an upper middle class family, not too rich though, but still having a comfortable life.  His parents are leaseholders of a hacienda and a nearby rice farm owned by the Dominican Order.  Good business, yes, but could be threatened when a senator is contemplating to file a bill on "unlimited rice."  And that is on top of the encroachment of subdivision developers to the rice-fields in Calamba.

Since everyone has a nickname, his could be JP.  And what do Filipino families normally do when a child is one year old?  They'll have a children's party, either at home or in one of those fast-food joints that offers a venue, mascots, and food to celebrate a child's birthday.  His birthday party won't be as lavish as Al's (Paciano) his older brother which was held in the ancestral home.  Al (his dad adored Al Pacino, the actor and so it was decided that his 1st born son will be named Al, near enough to Paciano) had more than a hundred guests, with heaps of food that included three lechons.

His parents can choose from many venues, but most parents often go for either Jollibee or McDonald's.  It would be safe to say that his parents will choose Jollibee.  It will be their 7th time to celebrate a child's 1st birthday party, of course it won't be as huge and lavish but still important enough to justify celebrating.  Because his parents lead a very busy life, running a business and having seven kids, they'll opt to just get the Jollibee birthday food package that comes in various price ranges.  Of course the meal should always have spaghetti, chicken joy, Yum Burger, regular fries, soft-drinks, sundae.  Little JP will not eat these food because he is still fed mama's healthy breast milk.  That is the only sustenance that keeps him from being too sickly.  But he will have a very tiny bit of his birthday cake, homemade by an aunt.

Mind you, the food is not really for the kids, it's for the family, friends and guests, including a big group of ninangs and ninongs (most often the list is too long, the church seems to frown on these practice). There's something about a child's 1st birthday that draws, the ninongs and ninangs to come out and join (normally they'll only be present during baptism and the 1st birthday).  After that, it would be rare to see all of them in one place, and for some, even rarer to see them at all.  They'll be bringing all sorts of gifts (baby clothes, books, toys, etc.).  Some of his parent's business associates might get invited (to reinforce the business relationship), well some of them will even be ninongs and ninangs.

Little JP will be wearing his special 1st birthday party attire of a shirt and a jumper bought by his sisters, matched with white socks and tiny white rubber shoes bought by his brother.  They were purchased by his siblings from the shops inside SM City Calamba which is a couple of kilometers from their house and on his jumper will be his Jollibee name-tag of a smiling Jollibee that says "Hi I'm JP" plus the obligatory Jollibee party hat.

The party host together with Jollibee the mascot will then make sure that everything flows as smoothly as possible, from the food, party games, balloons, dressing up the venue, etc.  Everything is easily recorded by everyone's smartphones, there is no need to get an official photographer/videographer.  In fact, JP's life at this point, has already been well documented with photos and videos shared on Facebook.

JP carried by his mom blows the candle on the birthday cake and all the kids have a piece.  Towards the end of the party, all the kids will line-up to receive their loot-bags from JP.  By then, JP who has been watching all of these proceedings (perhaps with amusement and awe), bounced from one lap to another (sisters, relatives, ninangs) is already so tired and sleepy.

He may not remember all or any of these, but he just might, 32 years later when he's facing the firing squad in Luneta, when his life story comes in a quick flashback.  His 1st Jollibee birthday party might just be one of them.

Asian Sari-Sari Store

Photo c/o JhuVal's Facebook account

A new player is coming to Hamilton---Asian Sari-Sari Store.  This is the 2nd branch of this Taupo-based Filipino-owned business.  The other branch is in Rotorua. Jhuval Gabayan, a son of the owners, who studied Accounting and Business Finance at the University of Waikato, will be the general manager. One thing going for this store is it's central location (at the old Briscoes, Victoria Street).  There's enough shared parking, with KFC, Subway, and The Helm.  The business climate must be booming in the Tron because this will be the 3rd Filipino store in the city.  I was informed by a source who doesn't want to be named because he is not authorized, that there are around 2,000 Pinoys in the region.  This factor and the strategic location of the city and the store will surely contribute to a lively and vibrant business.  The grand opening will be this Sunday, 23 July 2017, store hours from 9am-6pm.

Sweet Little Things

Photo c/o Sweet Little Things Facebook account

Sweet Little Things is the name of the company and business built by Luisa de Leon Ramos-Norager. I've known her for only over a year. We met in 2016 during the Philippine independence day celebration at the Westlake Boys High School.  She was one of the stall owners and she was selling sweet, little, cute, yummy polvorons. The packaging wasn't that great then.  I bought some to take home and my whanau liked it.  We've been trying to find a good substitute for the Goldilocks polvorons we were familiar with, which were imported from the Philippines and so was quite pricey.

We again saw each other in this last Philippine independence day celebration at the Mt. Roskill War Memorial Hall.  This time I wasn't just a spectator but also helping some colleagues in selling the Epiphany Cafe donuts.  I was impressed by the way the Sweet Little Things packaging has improved a lot.  Heaps of effort was put in conceptualizing and coming up with a good design, that would help in selling the products.  I was equally happy that the polvorons are now marketed in many places like schools, hospitals, and markets.

Next time you see a Sweet Little Thing box of polvorons, open it and you'll be surprised by the softness and yumminess of these sweet, little, cute, yummy polvorons.  I've found our substitute.

Sinigang Fried Chicken

Photo c/o pepper.ph

First time I heard about this dish, I thought it would come out with soup.  Such was my orientation with sinigang.  I only realized it was different, when it appeared in our dining table.  We were already in Aotearoa New Zealand when we had our first encounter with sinigang fried chicken. One bite and I was sold to the idea of having sinigang na tuyo.  It became a sort of regular item in our menu since it was easy to make, have a distinct Pinoy taste, and reasonably priced.

It is the marinade that makes this dish great.  One can use any of the different brands of sinigang mix to marinate the chicken, using chicken thighs is best, but you can really use any part of the chicken.  Mama Sita's, Knorr, AJ Tropics, Sarap, Maggi, McCormick, Ajinomoto, and Mother's Best.  There is even one called Makati Sinigang Mix which I believe is only available overseas.  My family normally uses Mama Sita's or Knorr.

I even became not really an expert but quite adept in cooking this dish. My workmates whom I got the chance to share this dish, loved it so much, that every time, we had some functions or outings, they would request this dish. The other one was my beef pares.  But that's another story.

National Hotdog Day

Photo c/o russopower.com

Araw pala nila ngayon!  Di ko alam 'yon, na meron na palang ganito!  It's National Hotdog Day. Today is the day for some of you who's favourite go-to breakfast is hotdog/s. How will you celebrate the day? Perhaps you'll dress-up your hotdog, add more trimmings to it, make it look more colorful and attractive, perhaps yummier? Some of you might slice them up and incorporate them in your spaghetti dish, others will have it the old-fashioned way with a bread bun, while others might experiment, especially on this day, and have hotdog soup, hotdog stew, etc. 

I was born and grew up at a time when the hotdog was either not available in our home because of economic reasons (we were poor) or it just wasn't in our menu (because we were poor, among other reasons). It is perhaps because it is a processed food and my family back in the day, preferred to have home cooked meals and/or prepared our own food.  This might also explain the reason why I don't particularly like them or if I do would have them sparingly and mostly if it was given to me as a sandwich.

Here's a link to a good inside story on the American hotdog and why it's popular in the Philippines.

Di pa rin pala puede magkasakit

Photo c/o healing-boxes.com

A couple of days ago, I had a blog post Puede na magkasakit.  Di pa rin pala puede.  Mahirap at masalimuot pa rin pala. I brought my youngest son to the doctor and it took us nearly two hours of waiting before the doctor saw him.  We arrived at around 3:30 pm on a weekday and I was glad to see less than five people in the reception area, which was totally different from the one I saw on Saturday.  I thought to myself, this will be a short and swift consultation.  This elation was premature and short-lived because the area was quickly and swiftly filled by people: carrying babies, old folks, children, adults, etc.  It looked like the rush hour in the motorway, with the constant flow of people coming in and out.  We had a kabarangay, Dana, who was in excruciating pain, and she was number 25 in the list.  Eh mura nga ang gamot at bayad sa doktor.  Mahaba at matagal naman ang pag aantay mo.  Sayang ang oras.  Naisipan ko tuloy na di pa rin pala puede magkasakit.

Goldilocks Polvoron

Photo c/o RMO

Matagal na pala talaga ako umalis ng Pinas. Dati pag sinabing Goldilocks, cakes ang nasa-isip ko. We were gifted with these yummy polvorons by a family friend who came for a visit.  She had a sister who just arrived from the homeland.  I can still recall the days of my youth in Zamboanga, the city of flowers, when my mom would make this sweet inspiration.  Of course ours was just the plain, simple one: powdered milk, flour, and butter, unlike Goldilocks' flavors of pinipig, ube, cashew, coffee crumble, cookies 'n cream, peanut, and the classic polvoron.  Originally from Spain, they probably came on board the Spanish galleons. Today,they are popular holiday delicacies all over the Iberian Peninsula, as well as in all of Spain's former colonies in Latin America and the Philippines.

I remember a classic party game using polvoron as props.  It was a simple game of gorging on polvorons without drinking any water or any liquid, and then being made to whistle.  One can just imagine how the polvoron powder would be flying all over the place.  It didn't matter that no whistling sound came out of one's mouth.  The main thing was everyone had a simple, good, clean fun.  Oh well, a bit messy though, with the polvoron powder covering the floors.  I guess it wasn't really politically correct, not PC, but there was nothing wrong with that game, right?

Puede ng magkasakit

Photo c/o RMO

Noong nasa Pinas pa kame, may kasabihan na bawal magkasakit, hango sa Clusivol commercial shown on TV and heard on the radio.  The doctor's fees alone was already sky-high and when you get to the pharmacy, kulang na lang ang maghumpasay ka sa sobrang taas ng presyo ng mga gamot.  I always felt more depressed coming out of the air-conditioned confines of Mercury Drug, Watson's, etc. because I only bought half or even less of the prescription.  That was the limit of my budget.

The tagline "Ngayong Panahon ng Krisis - Bawal Magkasakit" has surely resonated well with almost all Pinoys.  It's meaning is much deeper than just the literal one.  We still have love ones back home, who at this very minute, while you're reading this post, could only sigh (malalim na buntung-hininga), while standing at the counter to purchase the much needed meds for his/her love ones, waiting at home or in the hospital.  This scenario was playing in my mind earlier today, when I had to go to the GP because of this chronic cough brought about by the cold and rainy weather.

It was a Saturday but there were heaps of people waiting to see the doctor.  I found out that since it was the weekend, there were only two doctors.  However, one thing I like about this medical centre (I'm new here) is the way they took care of their patients: with nearly tender, loving care.  After the triage nurse saw me and got my vitals, I was redirected to go home and come back after three hours.

Earlier, I overheard a kabarangay, kababayan, that he had to wait three hours before the doctor saw him.  I came back on the appointed time, was 4th in line, had my medical check-up (blood pressure quite high), prescription given, and on my way home smiling.  I'm just so blessed that I live in a country that has subsidized doctor's fees and medicines, plus there was really nothing super wrong with my health.  Kaya, dito sa NZ, puede ng magkasakit.

Makapili

Photo c/o pictaram.com

Ang mga Makapili, uso noong panahon ng Hapon (World War 2) pero meron pa rin palang mga remnants sa Pinas at dito sa Aotearoa New Zealand. In fairness, hindi na nga lang nagsusuot ng bayong sa ulo, lantaran ng pinapakita ang mukha.  Pero ang ugali ganoon pa rin.  Magsasalita ng kahit na ano, para lang may masabi, makasakay sa isyu, timeline, at post ng ibang tao.

I try to avoid as much as possible this type of people.  Actually, with social media, it's quite easy, just unfriend, unfollow, don't include them in your circle of friends.  Bakit laging sinasaulo na porke nauna ka dito eh, may karapatan ka manghusga, mang-lait, masamain at maliitin ang mga ibang tao, ikaw na ang tama, kahit mali.  Apologies for this rant, natanggay laang ako, habang nag-re-research para sa isang iskrip, pang-hugot lines, na biglang isinabuhay ng mga tao sa paligid ko.  Ang buhay nga naman, parang life!

They won't work for Filipino or Mumbai wages

Photo c/o otakimail.co.nz

Based on the 2013 Census in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Filipino ethnic group comprised 40,347 people of 1.0% of people that stated an ethnic group living on NZ on 5 March 2013.  There are some quarters however, who believe that the number is closer or more than 50,000.  As a people, we are hardworking, law-abiding, contributors to the economy of this country.

Statistics show that 5.6% of the Filipino population work in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry.  Most of the Filipinos whom I met, who worked in the dairy industry were graduates of veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, forestry, agriculture, and the like.  I've not made any scientific study of this but it seems that dairy farmers and workers are educated and with qualifications. That is why, this statement by Member of Parliament, Winston Peters (NZ First Party) is baffling and disturbing to me:

He believes that immigrants are another reason why there are young people on the dole in the regions. “We are aren’t paying our young people enough.  They won’t work for Filipino or Mumbai wages.  We’ll cut taxes so farmers can pay their workers properly in the future.  The difference between us and the Filipinos is that if you ask a young New Zealander to fix a fence because the post has fallen over they know what to do.  They know how to change the back end of a tractor too.  Or change a tyre.  But does a Filipino?"

I feel this is an unfair, biased, even racist remark on Filipinos who wake-up at the crack of dawn to work in the dairy farms.  All Peters has to do is to talk to Kiwi dairy farmers, managers, and owners, to get the real picture of how our kabarangays, kababayans, perform in the workplace. The runner-up to the most recent prestigious Dairy Awards were Filipino spouses Carlos and Bernice delos Santos.  Trustpower recently bestowed upon the Filipino Dairy Workers in New Zealand Inc. (FDWNZ) as Supreme Winner in the Trustpower Ashburton District Community Awards.  There are many more unsung Filipino or Pinoy heroes and heroines in all industries in this country.

I don't know were Peters got his data.  I've met him only once, in 2008, when he spoke at a forum in the University of Waikato.  He didn't impress me much, more so, now.  May tawag sa kalye, sa taong kagaya n'ya = epal.

Q&A: Reyma Rica Hilaga, Lawyer

Photo c/o Reyma's Facebook account

Never did I realize that our paths will cross again in Aotearoa New Zealand (well actually we haven't met here physically yet only virtually).  By the time I arrived in Hamilton, she had already moved to Invercargill.  Reyma Rica Hilaga is now a solicitor with Parker and Marriner an elite Taranaki law firm.

Flashback to 2005, and I was the director for STARTIST, a reality TV search for future singing stars brought to you by the Center for Pop Music Philippines. It was aired from Monday to Friday, 6:30-7:00 p.m. on UNTV Channel 37.  It was hosted by none other than CPMP president and trainor of singing stars Mr. Butch Albarracin and co-hosted by Gwen his daughter.  The concept of the show was quite simple: a group of aspiring singers will be coached live, on-air by Butch.

Reyma was one of the lucky ones who auditioned and made it to the magic circle. Back in the day, she studied entrepreneurship at Thames International now known as Entrepreneurs School of Asia but didn't graduate, spent a couple of years in Leyte, before moving back to New Zealand.  Here's my Q&A with her:

Q: What's on your bucket list?
A: Like any other person my age, I'd love to eventually tick travelling to various places overseas off my bucket list.  But at this stage in my life, my ultimate bucket list item would be to buy a house for myself and my family.  I don't have wild items on my bucket list such as skydiving or the like.  I'm pretty simple when it comes to what I want to achieve before I "kick the bucket" and they mostly revolve around advancing my career and being able to give back to my family.  When I was younger, I made a child's promise to my father that I would one day buy him a Jaguar sports car.  He still holds me to it to this day, so I guess that's one wild item I still need to check off!

Q: Give your teenage self some advice.
A: If I could give my teenage self any advice, it would be to remember the amazing support group you have around you. It’s very easy for teenagers to feel like the whole world is weighted on their shoulders and that they have to go about things alone.  I had my daughter fairly young in life – I was 20 and was in the middle of my college (University) education in the Philippines. Admittedly, there were times I felt like I had to do everything on my own to prove I was capable. That definitely was not the case though. I was fortunate, and still am, to have the full support of my family and friends. To this day, I credit my family and friends for my achievements of graduating from law school, being admitted to the high Court of New Zealand and becoming a lawyer.

Q: What motivates you?
A: My family is a major driving force in my everyday life, in particular my daughter. My greatest achievements in my life so far have all been because of her. I persevered through law school knowing that one day it will lead me to a better opportunity to provide for her, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without my family’s help in caring for her.Now, I am working in Taranaki while my daughter remains in Christchurch with my parents. It’s difficult but again, I do this knowing it’s all for my daughter and that I have my family’s undying support.

In addition to that, being around greatly influential people is something that motivates me to learn from them and be successful like them.  I am still new to practising as a lawyer. I’ve been a lawyer for just over a year now so there’s still so much for me to learn. I am incredibly grateful to have spent my first year learning from three great lawyers: Saima Zafar, Craig Paddon and Janet Ashcroft. I learned a great deal from each of them and my time with them really reinforced in my desire to continue in this profession.

I am now working at Parker and Marriner Lawyers under the mentoring of Kelly Marriner and Crichton Parker – both great lawyers with reputations for helping so many people in the Taranaki region. Just being able to observe them and learn from them motivates me to work harder.

Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: I guess just an overall good and caring person that has somehow made some sort of positive impact, whether small or significant, in the life of whoever is remembering me.

Q: Name 3 people, living or dead, you'll like to have dinner with?
A: Can I choose 4? My grandparents – both my mum and dad’s parents have passed away and I’d love a chance to spend time with them. Growing up in NZ meant we didn’t get that chance often except for the occasional visit back home. During the 6 years I lived in the Philippines I was lucky to have shared time with my maternal grandmother. One more dinner with all four of them would be wonderful.

Q: Are you a cat or dog person?
A: This question will get me in big trouble with my daughter who absolutely loves cats! But, I’m more of a dog person. I haven’t had a pet dog in a long time though. Perhaps I should add that to my bucket list.

Q: Why are you doing, what you're doing?
A: As cliché as it sounds, I became a lawyer to help people. The law is complex and to many people it is a daunting thing to have to see a lawyer for assistance. So it is an amazing feeling when I am able to help people understand their legal position and make the law work for them.

That is particularly why I enjoy the work I do in family law, dealing with and  care of children's issues and victims of domestic violence. It can be an emotionally draining area of law at times but it’s especially rewarding seeing that you’ve helped people go from feeling incredibly vulnerable to feeling safe and secure. The same goes for doing immigration law. It’s rewarding to know you’ve helped reunite a family who have spent years apart because one parent was working overseas.

I feel fortunate to be working at Parker and Marriner Lawyers in Hawera South Taranaki because they are driven by that same desire to help the community.

Q: Where in the Philippines is the place that is your sanctuary?
A: I only lived in the Philippines for about 6 years and I haven't been back since 2008. So I can’t think of a place to call a sanctuary there? We do still have a lot of family over there so I’ll say just say with the family since I don’t get to see them often.  We have this giant group chat going on Facebook including aunts and uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews. It’s such a nice thing to have going throughout the day, especially since I’m living alone in Taranaki away from the rest of the family in New Zealand.  My bed is also a sanctuary! Nothing beats a warm bed, wherever in the world.

Q: How did you face failure?
A: I’m a crier. I cry. Hahaha I’m not even kidding or ashamed to say it. Whenever I feel like I’ve failed at something I have this big cry and get it all out of my system before I pick myself up, sort myself out and move on.  I’m not one to wallow on a failure or to talk much about it. If you ask people close to me they may say that I don’t talk much about my problems. I’m learning now to open up and talk to people about them though, which brings me back to my teenage advice: it’s OK to rely on support from other people!

Q: The best thing about your age.
A: I can't think of specific good things that are attributable to my age specifically. I don't see age as relevant to success. There is a song lyric that I always recall when my birthday comes around because I feel that it applies regardless of how old you're turning. It goes, "Old enough to look back and laugh at my mistakes, but Young enough to look at the future and like what I see because my best days are ahead of me."  The best thing about any age is that we are alive and able to do the things we want.

Q: How do you chill out?
A: I love to read or listen to music. Recently it was binge-watch shows on Netflix! haha.

Q: What's your comfort food?
A: Oh, don’t get me started on food. This will be a never ending article. But if I could pick just one that I would consider “comfort” food… it’s not even food. It’s coffee. A fresh cup of hot coffee.

Q: Something not many people know about you.
A: I can’t really think of anything. Does it have to be something odd or trivial? I have this incredibly irrational but serious fear of fish – but most people that know me, know that about me already.

Q: Which talent would you like to have?
A: I'd like to be able to play the piano. When I was younger my mother put me in piano lessons but I quit after a few weeks. I wish I hadn't, now.

Q: If you could time travel, where and when would it be?
A: I watch enough shows involving time travel to know you should not mess with space-time continuum haha. But, if I could go to at least just observe it would be back to when my daughter was born. I don’t remember much of it as I was either screaming or passed out so I’d like to see it to have some memories of it that are more than just a blur in my head.

Q: What superpower do you wish you had?
A: Self-healing. Like Wolverine or Claire Bennet from the show Heroes. Haha I hate getting sick and I hate going to the doctors. If I could never go to the doctors again that would be great.

Q: What job would you do other than your own?
A: Probably something in the arts. I’ve always enjoyed performing. I dabbled a bit during university and you may remember our time in the Philippines doing Startist on UNTV? Hahaha that feels like it was a lifetime ago though. I can’t really imagine myself not doing anything else. I love being a lawyer.

Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: To keep working and gaining more experience, so I can hopefully one day start my own legal practice and of course, to be with and support my family. Whatever else comes along the way, good or bad, I’ll welcome it or work through it.

9 Years Ago Today

Photo c/o youtube.com

It's been nine years, today, from the time of my arrival to Aotearoa New Zealand.  I left Manila on a hot and humid day, layover in Bangkok, to arrive in Auckland in the middle of winter.  It was cold and rainy, miles from my family and love ones.  It was the start of my NZ journey, to take-up a teaching fellowship at the Screen and Media Studies Department of the University of Waikato, while at the same studying for my PhD.  I left not only my 22-year career as a teacher but also an exciting and amazing journey as a broadcaster on radio and television.