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Extending to you my greetings in as many Philippine languages and dialects as I can find and recall. Plus greetings from the other parts of Oceania. May this festive season be a happy and joyous one for you and your family and loved ones.
Amidst the partying, sumptuous food and gift-giving, please don't forget the real reason for the season---the birth of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! He is the best gift we'll ever get, the most precious possession we'll ever have, and an everlasting truth that will be with us all the days of our lives.
Maligayang Pasko (Tagalog) ... Merry Christmas (English)
Meri Kirihimete ki a koe me te whanau (Maori) ... Felis Pasgua (Guam)
Happy Christmas (New Zealand) ... Maayad na Pasko (Binukid, Bukidnon)
Mapia a Paskua (Cagayan) ... Filis Pasgua (Northern Mariana Islands)
Selamat Hari (Cocos Islands) ... Maayong Paskua (Bisaya)
Maupay nga Pasko (Waray-Waray) ... Happy Christmas (Australia)
Feliz Navidad (Zamboanga) ... Felices Pascua (Chavacano)
Malipayong Pasko (Cebuano) ... Maayo ug bulahan nga Pasko (Cebuano)
Maugmang Kapaskuhan (Bicol) ... Maugmang Pasko sa Indo Gabos (Bicol)
Marayaw na Pasko (Dibabawon) ... Malipayon nga Paskwa (Inakeanon)
Malipayon nga Pascua (Hiligaynon) ... Buenas Pascua (Ilonggo)
Naimbag a Paskuayo (Ilocano) ... Joyeux Noel (New Caledonia)
Naimbag a Pascua (Ilocano) ... Monono ilo raaneoan Neji (Marshall Islands)
Mepiya Pagasaulog (Manobo) ... La ora i te Noera (French Polynesia)
Malipayon nga Paskwa (Inonhan) ... Kilisimasi Fiefia (Tonga)
Madayaw na Pasko (Mansaka) ... Maabig ya Pasko (Pangasinan)
Maligayang Pasko (Sambal) ... Piak Pasko (Subanen)
Malugud Pascu (Kapampangan) ... Ia Manuia Le Kilisimasi (Samoa)
Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas (Papua New Guinea)
Kia orana e kia manuia rava i teia Kiritime (Cook Islands)
I've always been a healthy person, starting from way back in my childhood years in Zamboanga City, Mindanao, Philippines. Except for the occasional colds, flu, fatigue, fever and sprain from playing basketball, I'm healthy as a bull. It was only when I moved to NZ, six years ago, that asthma, constant coughing, and flu have been regularly visiting me and my family every year. With the advent of spring just around the corner, I'm getting ready for the onslaught of hay fever, from the pollen, among other characteristics of the season. Generally, getting sick is not a big deal here, with the relatively affordable medicines, plus the nearly free hospitalisation for almost every illness. It is in going to your GP that the cost is from a low of $17 to a high of $42 or thereabouts.
In the beginning, I had a Filipina friend who was our GP. We had no problems with her services even when we were paying $42 as adults and lesser for our children. We even got discounts and freebies from her. It was all smooth sailing, until she decided to move to Australia nearly three years ago. I looked around for her replacement and after much recommendation from our Ka-barangays, I decided to transfer to a much cheaper clinic (more than 50% less than the previous one)!
If you're the head of the family, you'll always try to look for something that will not eat up your budget but still give you quality. It was then that I found out why this clinic was cheaper:
1. most of the time they didn't accept any appointments but just walk-ins and so you couldn't choose the doctor you want to look after you;
2. 80% of the time I visited this clinic, I was made to wait for more than an hour, with a maximum of over three hours one time;
3. 90% of the time I visited this clinic the walk-in list was already full (and it was only 10am) meaning I had to come back in the afternoon, good if I can make an appointment for that afternoon, but hell no, I have to come back and line-up again;
4. 80% of the time I visited this clinic, there was always a scarcity of doctors, and staff was not really that friendly;
5. this clinic advertised they were open even during Saturdays and Sundays, and late at night at that; however, the fee was higher after 5 or 6pm.
In fairness, the doctors in this clinic are quite competent and friendly, with an occasional racist that I've met, not outwardly, but I could feel it, and so was just raring to get out of his consultation room. Will, I recommend this clinic as what my Ka-barangays have done for me? I don't think so, it may be cheaper than the others but at the end of the day, health is wealth, and time is gold!
I'm just hoping that a competitor will come along and wake them up, for sure, I don't like monopolies. It's always nice to have competition because it will always be the customer/client who will benefit from the competition. And yes, you guess it right the clinic is Radius.
Probably next winter, my family will submit ourselves to the jab. But it remains to be seen because there are heaps of pros and cons about this.
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
Mabuhay FM on TV is one of the projects in the pipeline. In as much as we're not there yet, I've decided to start a series of Q&As with movers and shakers from the various Filipino communities in New Zealand. I've featured some of them in my other blog NZPlanet.info so that people other than Pinoys will know about them.
Layunin ko lamang na makilala ang kakayahan at abilidad ng isang negosyante saan man sya mapadpad. There are so many challenges in putting up, running and maintaining a business. It would also be great for new, budding and prospective entrepreneurs to know and be inspired by the failures and triumphs of our kababayans. Without further ado, let's meet Mark Dizon, Entrepreneur, Property Manager, and Managing Director of MDG Property Management Ltd.
Q: What's the inspiration behind your business?
A: The inspiration behind our business which is a property management company is serving God while doing the best we can to help out clients, supply New Zealanders comfortable properties to rent, give business to our suppliers and in turn giving the directors and employees of our company sufficient satisfaction financial and otherwise. Being engaged in business gives me more time for family and loved ones.
Q: What were the challenges you encountered while building your business and how did you manage it?
A: The biggest challenge was getting new clients. Our existing clients actually helped us by referring friends who became our clients.
Q: Name three people, dead or alive, you'll like to have dinner with, and why?
A: Jesus Christ, Pope Francis, and my late father. I would like to ask Jesus a lot of questions about religion. I would like to discuss with Pope Francis the problems of the world today. With my late father, I would just want to spend time with him.
Q: Are you cat or dog person, and why?
A: I am a dog person. In my younger years, we had a lot of dogs at home.
Q: Where in NZ is the place you can call as your sanctuary, and why?
A: The home is my sanctuary. It is where I relax and get privacy.
Q: Something not many people know about you?
A: Not a lot of people know that I am an International Rowing Umpire, get to travel to different countries for free because of this so I can officiate at regattas around the world.
Q: If you could travel back in time, where and when would it be, and why?
A: I would like to travel back in time to watch the Pyramids being built or watch the method of construction of Stonehenge.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: In terms of business, my plan is to expand the company (MDG Property Management Ltd) thus serving more clients and provide more comfortable housing for the people in New Zealand.
The story of Mabuhay FM started more than 50 years ago in Zamboanga City, Philippines. As a young boy, I saw a radio station being built right beside our family compound. I witnessed everything from the ground up (preparing the land, building and putting up the tower since it was an AM station, the construction of the building, bringing in the transmitters, etc.). And when the time for the inauguration came about, had front row seats (well not really since we were standing under a mango tree facing the stage across our fence) watching and listening to singers and stars from Manila dance and perform. I've read somewhere that the radiation from the tower and transmitters might have an effect on ones health. Maybe it's true, maybe not, but one thing is for sure---I got the radio bug! Because from then on and until today, I've always loved listening to and working in radio broadcasting!
However, it took awhile after I graduated from university to finally break into radio. It was in 1989, when I got my very first break to go on-air with a 6-7pm slot on DWAN 1206 AM (this will be very significant later). It was the legendary Kuya Cesar, the station manager who gave me the break and certified my KBP (Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas) application. From then on, there was no stopping me from going on-board: 774 DWWW, 1134 DWDD, 738 Radyo ng Bayan, Veritas 846, 1350 DZXQ, 1278 DZRM, DZUP 1602, 91.5 DWKY-FM, Radyo Pilipinas (the overseas radio of the government) and 1242 DWBL for nearly 20 years for Radyo Kalikasan (an environmental radio show I helped put up with Miriam-P.E.A.C.E.).
I've experienced doing board work in all time slots: sign-on at 4 a.m., morning drive time, lunch time, afternoon cruise, afternoon drive time, sign-off at 12 midnight, weekends, holidays, coup d'etats, state of emergencies, etc.). For me, radio is not work, it's having fun, sharing your thoughts and music, without dressing up. The pay wasn't even great, sometimes I had to shell out more than my pay to get to the station on time but still I plodded on. I experienced being rocked by earthquakes while broadcasting from the 15th floor of Strata 100 building in Ortigas Centre. I had a scary time when Mount Pinatubo exploded on June 15, 1991, broadcasting on the 15th floor and slowly seeing the skies darken. It was also scary every time I go home on New Year's eve when guns were fired in celebration.
I had listeners on-board ships who were listening and had received letters from listeners all over the world, including one from New Zealand who heard me on-air. Aside from my belief that the telephone is the longest microphone, I also believe that once words and music are aired, and depending on the weather conditions, it will carry on far and wide. I felt on top of the mountain when I got an email from a listener who was a colleague of mine while I was teaching in high school. I haven't heard from him in nearly 10 years. He said he would listen to my show together with other Filipinos and that he was now a priest in Uganda.
I thought my radio journey would come to a halt when I moved to New Zealand six years ago. Prior to coming here, I've already researched about Community Radio Hamilton, wishing that one day I might get a chance to go on-air in my new home. A few weeks here and not doing anything related to radio except listening in, I decided to go to the radio station for a look-see. I talked to Dannii Vallely the programme director and also got introduced to Lara Signal the marketing manager and Phil Grey the station manager. I felt electrified inside the station. After a few more visits I handed in a proposal for a Filipino radio show. It was warmly welcomed and a few weeks later I began my training. It was a quick one since I was a bit familiar with the equipment with some similarities from the ones in the Philippines. It was around 5 p.m. of November 11, 2008 when the first Filipino radio show in Hamilton Barangay New Zealand went on-air on 106.7 FM and 1206 AM (there's the connection!). It has been with the station from then on, even when we transitioned to Free FM 89.0 and hopefully forever.
There was a short period when Mabuhay FM went on air on 87.6 FM. It was a part of our history wherein we took baby steps, made mistakes and learned from that experience. The opportunity to go back on air on 106.7 FM came about from an interview I was conducting with Phil Grey for my MPhil studies at AUT University. After the interview, again I felt that electrifying moment that something big and great is happening (so there really must be something from the radiation, a good one I hope). I talked it over with my family and it was decided that I should go for it. I had another talk with Phil (who has been very supportive all these years) and here we are now on 106.7 Mabuhay FM Radio Romance! Thank you for your support. May God Be Praised for this wonderful resource to be of service.
At 11:20 a.m. of July 1, 2014 the first Filipino radio station in Hamilton, New Zealand went live on-air on 106.7 Mabuhay FM. This is our commitment to contributing for a positive, diverse and dynamic multiculturalism of our new homeland. We thank Free FM 89.0 Waikato for this wonderful and great resource. We invite all of you to come and listen, experience, explore, discover and be enchanted by the musical gems from the Philippines. At present we're broadcasting on the low-power FM frequency 106.7 with a 5-10 km radius in Hamilton. Plans are being finalised for our webcast in the coming weeks. Stay tuned and watch this space. May God Be Praised!
106.7 Mabuhay FM is on its 2nd lease in life. I started a Filipino radio station in Hamilton, New Zealand in 2011. It lasted until mid-2012 when I had to go off-the-air due to financial considerations. The concept was to use radio as a way of nurturing and promoting Filipino culture. It was a good way for me to understand the market and to learn from my mistakes---in order for me to walk, I had to take little, tentative, baby steps. I'm not saying that I can walk properly now, but I'm confident that I can start to take giant strides.
In a couple of days the first Filipino radio station in Hamilton will be back on-air in a newer and better frequency 106.7. We will be carrying on the tradition that was started by Free FM (formerly known as Community Radio Hamilton).
