When Filipinos all over the world gather for whatever occasion, several things in common occur. Think of food, basketball, karaoke, and of course during this cold winter months, drinking liquor. Topics of conversation ranges from Philippine showbiz, gossip, work experiences, achievements of the children, plans for vacationing in the Philippines, things to do in New Zealand, residency status and the latest Pinoy recipe using locally available ingredients. And here in Hamilton, New Zealand, 106.7 Mabuhay FM is now trending as a topic.
I attended a birthday party last night, the son of my wife's workmate. He just turned 17 and so he had his own group of teenager friends who were present. The sumptuous food was made up of dishes from all regions of the Philippines showing the diversity of culture in the dining table. Aside from us Filipinos, also present were Kiwi and Maori workmates, with the latter really appreciative of the culinary taste of the Filipinos. It also helped that they've been exposed to the kinds of food we have whenever my wife and her Filipino workmates would bring home food to work for their lunch. We seem to have a lot in common with the Maoris in terms of family relationships, food, customs and traditions, and many others.
It certainly amazes me to high heavens that our Ka-barangays here in New Zealand are contributing to the economy. Not only that, they also include folks back home in their business journey and triumphs!
Maricel Weischede is the Founder and Managing Director of the NZ Immigration Help Service Limited (NZIHS), a professional immigration consultancy company, with its head office in Auckland and branches in key cities in the Philippines. Immigration consultants/agents have to be licensed in order for them to practise. This guarantees that potential migrants will not be duped. Maricel is in the unique position of adding and contributing to the country's economy by facilitating the entry of skilled migrants and international students.
Q: What's the inspiration behind your business?
A: When I started NZIHS, there was no business intent but rather the noble desire to help. I found myself helping a few people with their queries, doubts and uncertainty in 2004, which morphed into being a full time desire to make significance in other people's lives. I am inspired to do good and make a difference in other people's lives. When I see people succeed, I am triumphant.
Q: What has been a challenge while building your business and how did you manage it?
A: I started 10 years ago, it is the same period when I was building my young family so the challenges are trying to manage the demands of family life with domestic concerns, with building the business and career. I managed it with having a good support system, like my parents and siblings who allowed to travel overseas, spend significant time working and assurance that they're behind me; My husband who have given me the space to study further qualifications in immigration, law and the like, and supported me directly by joining me after a few years. He has provided the business the solid operations and organisational support and more importantly, by being blessed with people. My NZIHS team who have helped me through achieve what I have built through the years.
Q: Name three people, dead or alive, you'll like to have dinner with, and why?
A: I want to have dinner with Bo Sanchez and just spend significant time listening and praying with me. I listen to him almost every night and it would be an honour to have an exclusive dinner with him. I also want to have dinner with my Grandma, who passed away when I was 9 years old. I feel the urge to have an adult conversation with her and tell her how in my young age (before she died), she influenced me to do exceptionally good in whatever I desire. Lastly and more importantly, I want to have the opportunity to have a meal with God casually and thank him for all that He has given me. I want to be able to embrace Him afterwards and tell Him how grateful I am for everything.
Q: Are you a cat or dog person, and why?
A: I love cats but not as a pet. Thus, I confine my fancy to Hello Kitty. I have three dogs: one choco-brown Labrador named Daisy and two Chihuahua's named Jack 'n Jill. In the Philippines, I have an askal called Muning. I love dogs because I love loyalty, I love stability and they are like families.
Q: Where in NZ is the place you can call as your sanctuary, and why?
A: I go to Bombay Convent to have a silent retreat for a day or two. I do this every year, twice if I needed to. This makes me sane. The opportunity of being away from the buzz gives me time to step back, look things from afar, reflect, pray and just sit still and let inspiration and plans flow.
Q: Something not many people know about you?
A: I am shy. I love seeing other people succeed. I rejoice with happy endings. I am a cry baby.
Q: If you could travel back in time, where and when would it be, and why?
A: I love the medieval time. I love to be able to walk through that era. I want to see how it was before and make a significant contribution that people (now) would look back now.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: Finish my law degree. Do corporate/commercial/family law. Train future immigration advisers who would like to help genuinely.
The contact details of NZ Immigration Help Service Ltd. are:
20 Highfields Terrace, Henderson Heights, Auckland, NZ 0612
Phone: +64 9 8364935 and +64 9 8364940
Fax: +64 9 8364932
Toll Free within NZ: 0800 NZ1 HELP
Email: newzealand@nzimmigrationhelpservice.com
