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!

Kiwinoy, Filos, Fil-Kiwi, PiNoyZ

Photo c/o RMO

"While the blanket is short learn how to bend," (Filipino proverb). Ano ba talaga ang dapat itawag sa atin? Kiwinoy, PiNoyZ, Fil-Kiwis, Filos?  I'm OK with Kiwinoy, PiNoyZ or even Fil-Kiwis. Medyo ayaw ko yata ng Filos, wala lang, ayaw ko lang.  Doesn't sound right for me.

These are the stats I gathered from Statistics NZ, in the course of my research. As of the 2023 census there are now 108,297 Pinoys in Aotearoa New Zealand with a media age of 34.8 years, median personal income of adults is $51,300 and 84.3% were born overseas. There are other glaring stats about us: 49.7% speak more than one language, 57.2% adults have post-school qualification, 94.3% have access to the internet, while the largest concentration of Pinoys are found in the Auckland region, followed by the Canterbury region, and Wellington region.

Filipinos are employed in almost all sectors of the economy: professionals, managers, sales workers, technicians and trade workers, labourers, community and personal service workers, clerical and administrative workers, as well as machinery operators and drivers. We can find our kabarangays in almost all sectors: business, agriculture, social services, nursing, dairying, beekeeping, teaching, social work, engineering, IT, telecommunications, transportation, law enforcement (police), and a couple who are now in elected positions in governance. We have two Members of Parliament (MPs): Paulo Garcia (National Party) and Kiko Hernandez (Green Party).

Among all the sectors, I am quite fascinated by our EntrePiNoyZ, who are engaged in all types of businesses: sari-sari store, restaurant, spa and beauty parlor, medical centres, real estate, financing, money remittance, health supplements, t-shirt printing, flower shops, gift shops, food cart operations, publishing, broadcasting, event management, and many others. Ang wala na lang (at least for now) Pinoys engaged in the funeral business, which I'm sure will be explored by them in the near future.

Bilib na bilib ako sa mga kabarangay natin, dahil kahit malayo sa Inang Bayan, sa bayang sinilangan, ay umiiral pa rin sa puso't damdamin ang pagka-Filipino: maka-Diyos, maka-bayan, maka-tao at maka-kalikasan. Mabuhay po ang sambayanang Pilipino.

Optimist Day

Source: amsnwoptimist.com

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence" (Helen Keller). Back in the day, it must have been the mid-1990s in the Philippines, when I was invited by a group of mothers to attend an Optimist Club meeting. They were part of the global network of Optimist Clubs. Our meetings were always energizing and exciting. I could feel the optimistic vibe emanating from all the members. For a pessimist like me, it was a good place to be in.

There is now an Optimist Day celebrated throughout the world annually on the first Thursday of February. This is a day where the world can be an Optimist themselves in action. It is a day to encourage communities worldwide to promote year-round efforts to bring out the best of ourselves. This is not only an important day but one that is needed by the world nowadays to combat the challenges faced by all of us. Let optimism flow through now!