Holy Thursday 2008

Photo c/o RMO

"The way it came is the way it will go" (Croatian proverb). I can still vividly remember Holy Week 2008. Earlier that week, I got an email from NZ immigration that our application was declined. I was so full of myself, believing that I can navigate the application since I was educated, could read and write! But I was wrong! I ticked off and answered yes to stuff that I barely had any idea. It was a very expensive mistake!

My brother Jonas was visiting from the U.S.A. and we were at the former Fiesta Carnival site in Cubao which was then converted into the SM Supermarket. We were there to buy supplies to take with us on our annual visita iglesia. It was Jons who was originally from Aotearoa New Zealand. I really felt sad and heartbroken. I was really looking forward to coming to NZ and now all my dreams have been squashed. I was putting everything on the line and now it wasn't going to happen. I told my brother and he reassured me that something great is really coming my way.

The following day we proceeded with our church visits. We normally go the route that starts in Antipolo and then the eastern towns of Rizal province: Tanay, Pililla, Teresa, Morong, Baras, Jala-Jala.

Then we cruise on to the Laguna towns: Kalayaan, Pakil, Pangil, Santa Maria, Mabitac, Famy, Siniloan, Paete, Lumban, Pagsanjan, Santa Cruz, Cavinti, Magdalena, Luisiana, Majayjay, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Rizal, Victoria, Pila, Calauan, Calamba, Bay Los Baños, Alaminos, San Pablo.

We even went as far as some of the Quezon towns: Lukban, Dolores, Tiaong, Lucena City, Tayabas, Sariaya, Candelaria, San Antonio.

We were beginning to visit the churches in Batangas: San Juan, Lobo, Batangas City, San Juan, Rosario, Alitagtag, Balayan, Agoncillo, Talisay, Mabini.

There was one-time when we started with Cavite towns: Silang, Indang, Tagaytay, Amadeo, Mendez; moved to Batangas and Laguna towns, and end with Rizal towns like: Cardona, Binangonan, Angono, Taytay, and Cainta.

Of course we did more than the 7 or 14 church visits. I think there was once when we did the churches in Metro Manila. When we return to Metro Manila (we live in Cainta), we get to see the wave of people walking up to Antipolo for the vigil. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, Holy Thursday is still a working day.

Filipino dance groups at the ASB Polyfest

Photo c/o RMO

"When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind" (African proverb). 2025 is the 50th anniversary of the ASB Polyfest. There were 22 Auckland high schools with Filipino dance groups. Last year it was only 11 and the years past, I believe was even smaller.

The performances were at the Diversity Stage with heaps of other dance groups dancing to a myriad of dances from Filipino, Fijian, Hawaiian, Mongolian, Chinese, Colombian, Scottish, Roma, African, and some more that I know were also present. All of these groups were squeezed into two days, Wednesday and Thursday. It used to be spread over three days but funding constraints this year made it two.

I only got to see the Filipino dance groups from Alfriston College and Onehunga College perform. The rest I could only catch a glimpse on the live stream or in the different social media accounts of the participants. All of them were quite impressive and very creative! The theme for this year was "Legacy - a treasure handed down."

My Pinoy students from Otahuhu College also joined for the second time this year. Just like all the other students from the 22 colleges, they prepared really hard, made heaps of sacrifices with their time and bodies, and was truly all out in presenting our Filipino culture and heritage. I always made them feel that this is not just a competition but a celebration of being Filipino. An old-timer (a teacher, who participated in the early years, mentioned to me that, back then the Diversity stage was non-competitive).

Since the Philippines falls under the Asian Continent category here are the winners for 2025. Just like last year when it was an all-Filipino winners (1st Avondale College, 2nd One Tree Hill College, 3rd Otahuhu College), this year it's again an all-Filipino one: 1st Kelston Girls' College, 2nd Ormiston Junior College, 3rd Avondale College.

The overall winners for the Diversity Stage are: 1st Kelston Boys' HS (Fijian group), 2nd Kelston Girls' College (Filipino group), 3rd Ormiston Junior College (Filipino group). Congratulations and all the best to the winners, as well as all the participants too. Mabuhay!

Eraserheads in Auckland NZ

Photo c/o RMO

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain," (Bob Marley). This thought kept percolating in my mind while watching Eraserheads perform before a jam-packed Trusts Arena. It was an awesome, mind-blowing experience.

I'm not a big fan of the E-heads music (I was from a much older generation). When they came into the rock music scene, they didn't really resonate well with me. I was a radio DJ and played their music on my radio show, happy to choose whatever I fancied (we didn't follow any playlist back then).

My only connection with the band was through Ely Buendia (we were neighbours in Pasig during the early 1980s). Fun fact: we lived in a duplex, he was this young boy who would come over, for a chat, touch my electric guitar (I was with a band back then). Back then I guess he had his sights clearly set: the musical heights he will climb!

Photo c/o RMO

I really enjoyed the show, although I didn't know half of the songs played, haha! I'd like to thank Wellingtonian, She Kavinta, managing director of Silhouette Productions NZ Ltd. for graciously giving me a complimentary ticket. On a teacher's salary, even by NZ standards, tickets were quite pricey. But if you purchased one, it was really worth it. Money well spent, value for money.

How I wish I got the chance to meet Ely in person, to reminisce about our Pasig days. Alas it was not to be. I understand, the E-heads stayed for a few more days to visit and enjoy Aotearoa New Zealand. I'm sure they had great fun and awesome memories were made too!

I wish you all the very best! Hopefully your documentary would be shown here soon! Hanggang sa susunod na pagkikita, God's Blessings always!

My ancestors met Magellan

c/o RMO using Canva

"You are the only person who can make you happy," (Unknown). Today is the day when my ancestors met Ferdinand Magellan. My ancestors were civilized and cultured. They had a flourishing trade with Chinese and Japanese merchants who visited the islands. The islands had bountiful natural resources, the land produced great crops to feed the people. Life was simple and free.

They were not grouped as one nation but as independent city-states, ruled by Sultans, Rajahs, and Datus. Everyone was free to worship what they believed in. It was not a perfect life but it was better than what the Spaniards did to the people and the land.

National Old Stuff Day

Source: nationaldaycalendar.com

"To be willing is only half the task" (Armenian proverb). I've always been embracing old stuff since back in the day. They could be anything: books, hats, magazines, newspapers, toys, clothes, shoes, etc. I cannot explain when it began nor can I imagine if it's going to stop.

I was pleasantly surprised when I found out about this celebratory day: all about encouraging us to declutter, repurpose, or appreciate vintage treasures. It is a reminder to let go those unnecessary items and embrace fresh perspectives of one's life. Recycling, donating, or upcycling are also ways of celebrating this day.

But how can I let go of my old stuff? My garage is half-full of old stuff that just won't go away. Am I a hoarder of stuff, old and new?

Tania Pauline Dawson, Miss Universe NZ 2016

Photo c/o RMO

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken," (Oscar Wilde). 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 Miss Universe "retreat" in the Philippines. That would have been the closest I'd ever get to be near the reigning Miss Universe New Zealand 2016.

Fast-forward to 2024, when I got to meet her at the College where she was a Dean and a Teacher. I was visiting the school that day. I saw her from a distance, but she was busy herding the students into the auditorium, that I didn't approach her. I was pleasantly surprised later on when she recognized that I was with a group of teachers and approached me!

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 Dean, as well as a Media Studies and English Teacher, considers Baguio City as her sanctuary, and loves tinola. Although I didn't get the chance to interview her on my radio show back then, I was able to recently do a Q&A for my blog (with updated information).

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? What will you serve them?
A: Beyonce, Cleopatra and Michelle Obama. I'd serve them a scotch fillet, paprika potatoes, and side salad.

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. It has it's own private beach and a cliff edge. I'd always sit on the cliff and sing to myself. I know every curve and shape of that coastline. Unfortunately, my dad sold it about 11years ago. But I am fortunate to be able to get married there in 2026.

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's the best part of being a young dean in an area school?
A: Being a Dean is a challenging job. We are the ones that everyone comes to for support, the teachers, parents and staff. I’ve loved being a Dean over the last 5 years as I’ve seen young people transform and overcome challenges they never believed they could. Many people double take or are in disbelief when I tell them I’m a dean. I don’t look like one and people often don’t believe I’m old enough. I do look a lot younger than I am (I’m 32) because of my Filipina genes. The benefit of working in an area school as that the young ones (Primary, Intermediate) already know who I am before they reach the college. It makes building positive relationships so much easier when we are familiar. 

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.

Q: Which part of being Pinoy would you like to develop more?
A: I would really love to learn Tagalog. I often feel inadequate not being able to communicate. I've tried before to learn but I wasn't in a headspace to learn. I'd like to give it another go so I can participate in conversations with our growing Filipino community in our school as well as my family in the Philippines.

For short people like us, we really love basketball

Photo c/o Carlo Espejo

"A person really doesn't become whole, until he becomes a part of something that's bigger than himself," (Jim Valvano). I always tell my Kiwi friends that "for short people like us, we really love basketball, whether as a player or a spectator!" This was clearly shown last Sunday, 23 February at the Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. Spark Arena has a 12,000 seating capacity and the game between Gilas Pilipinas vs. NZ Tall Blacks attracted a record-crowd of 8,345 (according to FIBA), who were predominantly Pinoys. The Tall Blacks won 87-70.

It's been said that basketball is a game of skill, strategy, and heart, not just height. For us Pinoys, speed, agility, and determination become our greatest strengths. If that is augmented by hard work, discipline, and smart plays, we can outshine taller opponents. We've seen time and again, that with passion and perseverance, even the smallest players can make a big impact on the court. However, a team with tall players can enjoy that plus-factor.

Just look at what's happening with the recent Gilas Pilipinas team. They've lost 4 consecutive games since 7-3 star center Kai Sotto was sidelined due to injury. In this instance, there seems to be no one who can replace what Kai can do. His absence is deeply felt by the team, as well as by all basketball-loving Pinoys. One shinning light though is that Kai seems to be healing quickly and would hopefully join the team the soonest time possible.

We need more centers, homegrown would be best, so that we don't have to look for naturalized players. But that is another story for a future blog post.

Food From Many Nations

Photo c/o RMO

"The heart that loves is always young," (Greek proverb). This new blog on the block will highlight, discover, nurture, educate and promote multiculturalism through food! New Zealand's multicultural setting fuels the rise of new restaurants from different cultures. Back in the day, fish and chips shops and takeaways run by Chinese and Indian entrepreneurs, dominated the culinary landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand. But now there is a myriad of cuisines from all corners of the planet, name the country, and chances are there is a restaurant catering to that country's cuisine.

Migration is also instrumental in making Kiwis more appreciative of food from many nations.  The traditional roast dinner has not been replaced really but new foods has been added like sushi, Pad Thai, nasi goreng, adobo, pork barbecue, and many more.  Kiwis have become more adventurous in trying new dishes, and surprisingly liking them.  The influx of overseas students from Asia, the Middle East, Pacific Islands, the Philippines, Africa, Europe and the Americas contributed to the rise and development of new places to eat.  All of these factors will be featured and shared in this blog.

The culinary landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand has really changed. And only for the better---for the restaurant owners, food truck merchants, and most especially the Kiwis buying and enjoying all the yummy delicacies on offer! Truly a culinary experience of food from many nations!

Haka Waita 2025

Photo c/o RMO

"I knew all the rules but the rules did not know me," (Eddie Vedder). This is my 3rd year at Otahuhu College and yesterday, our college did the annual Haka Waita competition. This was a competition between the four houses of the school. From the old-timers in the campus, I found out that this tradition has been on-going since the 1980s. I believe there's some truth to that because among the well-attended audience, were some alumnae from way back from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

This is only my 3rd year witnessing this event, but I almost always come away with a renewed spirit! Haka Waita is a traditional Maori performance combining chanting (haka) and singing (waiata). It tells stories, expresses emotions and cultural identity Haka Waiata is a traditional Māori performance combining chanting (haka) and singing (waiata).

It expresses cultural identity, storytelling, and emotions. Often performed during ceremonies, celebrations, or to welcome guests, it reflects the Māori people's pride and history. This art form strengthens community bonds and preserves cultural heritage for future generations. I will always look forward next year, for the practices and the actual performances. Perhaps my house will win next year!

Haka Waiata is a powerful Māori tradition combining dance and song. It expresses emotions, tells stories, and strengthens unity. Performed with rhythmic movements, chants, and fierce expressions, it reflects the people’s connection to their ancestors and land. This cultural practice preserves history, honors identity, and fosters community spirit. It's been a privileged to witness this and to experience it as well, again!

Is Valentine's Day still relevant nowadays?

Photo c/o RMO

"Conquer one with your hands, a thousand with your head," (Mongolian proverb). Valentine's Day still remains a widely celebrated occasion, but its relevance today is often debated. There are still heaps of people who sees it as a day to celebrate love and affection. In a fast-paced world, it serves as a reminder to appreciate loved ones, whether romantic partners, family, or friends. It encourages people to express love, gratitude and strengthen relationships through simple gestures or grand celebrations.

For many, it is a meaningful day to express love and appreciation for partners, family, and friends. In a busy world, having a special day dedicated to love serves as a reminder to nurture relationships. We all need love, to be loved and to love. There are many forms of love, there are countless ways of how to express it. Additionally, it has evolved beyond romantic love, embracing self-love and friendships.

However, some argue that Valentine’s Day has become overly commercialized, pressuring people to spend on gifts, dining, and experiences. The focus is more on expensive gifts than genuine emotions. There are people who believe that love should be expressed daily, not just on February 14. There are those who believe love should be celebrated daily through small acts of kindness rather than on a single designated day.

Ultimately, the relevance of Valentine’s Day depends on personal perspective. Whether one embraces it or not, what truly matters is how love and appreciation are expressed beyond just one day. For those who enjoy celebrating love in a special way, it holds value. For others, everyday acts of kindness and appreciation matter more. Whether celebrated or ignored, what truly counts is expressing love sincerely and consistently.

Mark Twain's quote on politicians

Photo c/o RMO

"Even the best cooking pot will not produce food," (African proverb). I have no idea of the context behind Mark Twain's quote that politicians and diapers must be changed often and for the same reason. Did he have a horrible time dealing with politicians? I've been trying to do a bit of research but just couldn't find any reliable and credible affirmation on his quote. It is a cheeky way though to get the attention of voters.

It is a great quote though that speaks volumes! I've seen on the web certain personalities and politicians using this quote in their speeches. It does make for a good conversation piece and with the media landscape nowadays, media handlers for politicians can use this to make for a good sound bite.

I once toyed with the idea of becoming a politician back in my homeland. The thought of making a political run was quite alluring to me. It nearly came to life back in 2024, after PGMA won the presidency. I was part of her media campaign and was closely exposed to how certain political dealings and maneuverings were being done. I thought I could copy some of the stuff that I saw. But that's another story.

Fun fact about Mark Twain though: I recently watched a documentary about the Philippine-American War and the colonization by the Americans of our beloved homeland. Mark Twain opposed the United States taking possession of the Philippines! Good on you Mark, well done!