Filipino News March 17

1Number
Officially NZ’s #1 Filipino Newspaper since 2000
FORTNIGHTLY
PRINT. WEB. MOBILE. TABLET. FB. YOUTUBE.
Vol 8 No 98
MARCH 2017
North
and
South
Island
W: www.filipinonews.nz, www.pinoynzlife.nz | E: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | M: 027 495 8477 P: 09 838 1221 | F: Filipino Migrant News
Fortunately, in the war
against OFW exploiters it is
the Philippine Embassy
that is leading the charge.
The Philippine Ambassador
to New Zealand, Jesus
‘Gary’ S. Domingo, who has
just completed about ten
months in this country, is
known for his 'hands-on
approach in dealing with
issues'.
In recent months the
Philippine Embassy in
New Zealand, the NZ
Police, the Inland Revenue
Department, Immigration
NZ, Education
NZ, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, the
Commerce Commission,
NGOs, Unionists, community
groups and even
mainstream media outlets
have been working in
concert to stem the tide of
rampant OFW exploitation
that has left heaps of
Filipinos out of pocket
and often in dire straits.
“Migrant exploitation
is a multifaceted and
complex issue that requires
a multifaceted and
coordinated response,”
said Equal Employment
Opportunities Commissioner
Dr. Jackie Blue.
“We are keen to see
that these new measures
(announced by the Minister
of Immigration) are
just the start of actions
aimed at addressing what
is a significant problem -
particularly in our dairy,
horticultural, hospitality
and international education
industries.”
‘Cracking down on
OFW exploiters’ is an
exclusive 3-part investigation
by FMN.
pg02
pg13
PAL interclub fever!
The PAL Interclub Golf Tournament is into its
70th year - the longest running event of its kind.
“A great experience; we are coming back next year,”
says Jude Daculan of the Pinoy Golf Club in Auckland.
Exclusive on the spot report from Davao, PH.
Home-grown dance
fitness movement
fuses global dance styles, embraces diversity
“Dancing has always been my passion,” shares
Elaine Zafra Yu, who grew up in San Carlos City
and moved to New Zealand ten years ago.
pgs 09-12
DURIAN REPUBLIC
Duterte’s
Dilemma
“I have to admire Sen. de Lima's courage. To
stand for her principles and what she believes is
right. That was what the EDSA spirit was all
about thirty-one years ago. The courage to stand
for right and liberty. Helpless. Scared, yet
unbowed. Armed only with a steamer, a printed
T-shirt and a conviction.” - JJ Atencio pg05
Behind bars:
Senator Leila de Lima
arrested in Manila
A Philippines senator and staunch critic of
President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs
has been arrested.
pg04

BUHAY
NZ
02 MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | tel: 027 495 8477, 09 838 1221 | www.pinoynzlife.nz
Cracking down on
OFW exploiters ...
By MEL FERNANDEZ
A Duterte-style clenched
fist is being thrust squarely
at OFW exploiters in New
Zealand and overseas. The
message to these wrong
doers is - desist or face the
wrath of the community
plus a blitzkrieg by a host
of government agencies.
The bad guys are on
notice - they will be
exposed, shamed publicly
and punished. In the
process it is hoped that justice
will be served for the
aggrieved parties.
In recent months the
Philippine Embassy in
New Zealand, the NZ
Police, the Inland Revenue
Department, Immigration
NZ, Education NZ,
the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, the Commerce
Commission, Unionists,
community groups,
NGOs and even mainstream
media outlets have
been working in concert to
stem the tide of rampant
OFW exploitation that has
left heaps of Filipinos out
of pocket and often in dire
straits.
“Migrant exploitation is
a multi-faceted and complex
issue that requires a
multifaceted and coordinated
response,” said Equal
Employment Opportunities
Commissioner Dr.
Jackie Blue.
“We are keen to see that
these new measures (announced
by the Minister of
Immigration) are just the
start of actions aimed at
addressing what is a significant
problem - particularly
in our dairy, horticultural,
hospitality and international
education industries.”
Fortunately, in the war
against OFW exploiters it
is the Philippine Embassy
that is leading the charge.
The Philippine Ambassador
to New Zealand,
Jesus S Domingo, who has
just completed about ten
months in this country, is
known for his 'hands-on
approach in dealing with
issues'.
He told FMN that: “The
Embassy is working closely
with the NZ Government,
its Consulates in
Auckland and Christchurch
and NZ and Filipino
Community NGOs (including
Migrante Aotearoa) to
combat abuses against
OFWs, particularly with
regards to Labour Recruitment,
Education Trafficking
and Balikbayan Box
Crime.
PART 1:
Jesus ‘Gary’
Domingo
Philippine
Ambassador
to New
Zealand
Foto credit:
Migrant Times
“Besides providing assistance
to the victims of
Balikbayan Box Crime the
Embassy is developing a
Code of Conduct for
providers of this service. In
In a Commerce Commission
case, Vikram Mehta, owner of
mobile trader Flexi Buy Limited
(Flexi Buy), was recently sentenced
in the Auckland District Court to
two years imprisonment after taking
money from customers without
intending to supply the goods as
promised.
It is the first jail sentence handed
down in a prosecution initiated by
the Commerce Commission.
Mehta was convicted under the
the pipeline is the settingup
of a website/bulletin
board which will allow customers
to air their concerns
and warn others of shoddy
service.
“In the area of education
trafficking the Embassy is
lobbying with the NZ
Government and counterpart
Philippine government
agencies to punish erring
Immigration Advisers
(IAs) and the Schools
which have defrauded students
and to push for the
regulation of 'Education
Advisers' (EAs).
“Like for Balikbayan
Box Crime we are developing
Codes of Conduct for
the concerned Schools, IAs
and EAs and a Complaint
Website. We are meeting
with and assisting many of
the victims and asking for
their help to identify the
perpetrators - Schools, IAs
and EAs.
“Regarding general
assistance to Filipino workers,
the Embassy and
Consulates continue to
work closely and are in dialogue
with the NZ
Government, Employers,
Unions, worker groups, etc.
to follow up the Philippine
Government's request to
establish a residential
Philippine Overseas
Labour Office (POLO) in
NZ.”
“Migrant exploitation is
a multi-faceted and
complex issue that
requires a multifaceted
and coordinated
response.” - Equal
Employment Opportunities
Commissioner
Dr. Jackie Blue.
#WarVsOFWexploiters: Ambassador Gary Domingo meeting with the Auckland Filipino community on joint action vs
OFW exploitation at the First Union Office in Auckland on 6 March 2017. Photo credit: Amba Gary Domingo
Jail sentence for errant trader
Crimes Act 1961 as being a party to
Flexi Buy's conduct. He was the sole
shareholder and director of the company
during the period of its offending.
“The Commission has successfully
pursued a number of cases against
mobile traders, but this was a particularly
serious one and that's why we
took Crimes Act action against Mr
Mehta personally,” said Commissioner
Anna Rawlings.
“The Crimes Act charges are consistent
with other cases we have pursued
where traders have failed to
supply goods or services that their
customers have paid for. All traders
need to know that the Commission
can and will take this action where
it's justified,” said Rawlings.
“The sentence sends a strong message
that there can be serious consequences
for traders who take customers'
money without delivering
the promised goods,” said Ms.
Rawlings.
Are you paying too much
for your life insurance?
• Does your insurance give your children
free cover until they reach age 19?
• Does your insurance pay if you suffer a
stroke without being disabled?
• Chances are you are not making the most
of every dollar you pay!
We offer free no obligation review of your
life and health insurance. You will know
what benefits you should be getting that
your current cover may not be giving you!
Call Bobby Chua at 0212395335 or
bobby@peakfinancial.co.nz for
FREE independent advice

MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.pinoynzlife.nz Facebook: Filipino Migrant News 03 BUHAY
NZ
New Zealand
War on OFW Exploitation
OPINION
By LOUIE ENCABO
The Duterte administration
launched two 'all-outwars'
on elements it deemed
to be high-level threats to
Filipino citizens: first there
was the war on drugs and
then there was a war on
'scalawags' or the crackdown
on corrupt policemen.
Both these wars were not
conventional warfare wherein
the military were mobilized
to stamp out an enemy,
but rather the use of the term
'war' was to highlight the
large-scale effort required to
root out the adversary due to
its massive clout over its
victims.
The two wars ushered in
by President Duterte focused
on enemies endemic
in the Philippines, but for the
Filipino diaspora worldwide
there exists an enemy that
plagues a great number of
them and has done so for so
long. This is the exploitation
of Filipino migrant workers
by faux recruitment agencies
or fraudulent delivery services
that cheat OFWs out of
their hard-earned cash.
We hear these stories regularly.
There have been many
Filipinos seeking a better
life abroad who have been
screwed out of their opportunity
because the recruitment
agency they consulted
with used bogus documents.
In cases where the OFW
did end up with residency in
their country of choice the
recruitment agency linked
them with an abusive
employer
who paid them
under-the-table with a wage
that was below the minimum
wage of that country.
Usually the victim's passport
was also confiscated, which
barred them from escaping.
Even Filipinos who have
already established lives in
their newfound countries are
not immune to similar
exploitation. One common
trait among us is our family-oriented
values; that
even if we are overseas
thousands of miles away
from our families we do
not forget their needs and
we send them a care package,
usually during the
Christmas season. We are
willing to fork out hundreds
to fill these balikbayan
boxes with assorted
goods from food to highend
expensive gadgets.
Due to the price tag
involved these care
packages are
often the target
of criminal
entities.
There are
stories
where
t h e s e
boxes never
reach their
intended destinations,
robbing
the sender of hardearned
cash. Many cases
have reported these boxes
being opened and several
items found missing.
The life of an OFW is
faced with numerous odds
already; aside from the obvious
homesickness, these
workers endeavour to save
every cent they earn to send
back to their families.
Exploiting them is adding
salt to their wounds and is a
crime that should be
stamped out as fervently as
illegal narcotics or crooked
cops.
Luckily for the OFW population
here in New Zealand,
our embassy is cognizant of
this problem and is actively
pursuing cases of exploitation
occurring here. In addition
to the embassy there are
also Filipino activists who
provide pro-bono legal aid
to victims of exploitation.
However, the size of the
problem means that more
help is needed. As Filipinos
we should be vigilant about
the incidences of injustice
that plague our compatriots.
The sad reality is that the
recruitment agencies that
dupe Filipino workers are
often also run by other
Filipinos.
For those of us who are
sympathetic to the exploitation
of our fellow OFWs,
may we be our kababayan's
keepers and join in the war
against OFW exploitation.
“Give me a call if you would like to
get the best possible
price for your property!”
MILA BAKER - Residential Sales
M: 021 980 702 A/H: 09 627 3439
P: 09 845 5906
E: m.baker@barfoot.co.nz
W: barfoot.co.nz/m.baker
1186 Great North Road, Pt Chevalier
Jo’s Garage
Print • Web •
Tablet • Facebook
filipinonews.nz
pinoynzlife.nz
W.O.F Full Mechanical Repairs & Servicing
Unit C, 145A Target Rd, Glenfield, Auckland
T: 09 4425834 M: 0274 372 913 F: 09 4448253 E: jogarage@xtra.co.nz
• BISDAK Panel & Paint
• Automative Repairer
• Engine Servicing
• Automatic
Transmission Servicing
• Brake & Clutch
Complete Service :
Services
• Muffler & Exhaust
Servicing
• Battery Sales & Service
• Parts & Accessories
• Diagnostic Scanning
WHY US?
• Professional
Work
• Honest
Service
Look for Jojo Segui
Related websites:
pinoynzlife.com
filipinoheroes.nz
halohalo.nz
maginooatbinibini.nz
asia2nz.com
migrantnews.nz
travelgalore.nz
SM Publications Ltd
Po Box 21396
Henderson
Auckland 0650
Email:
filipinonews@xtra.co.nz
Facebook:
Filipino Migrant News
HaloHalo NZ
Filipino MigrantNews
Migrant Job Search
Maginoo at Binibining
- New Zealand
News &
Advertising:
027 495 8477
09 838 1221
Managing Editor:
Mel Fernandez
Publisher/Editor:
Sheila Fernandez
Sub-Editor:
Kirsty Hotchkiss
Manila News Bureau:
VJ Mariano
Criselda David
This Pinay’s Opinion:
Dr Lilia Sevillano
Immigration:
Atty Gene Bagsic
Official Photographers:
Francis Opinion
Virgilio Santos
VJ Mariano (Manila)
Politics: (Opinion)
Romy Udanga
Louie Encabo
Francisco
Hernandez
Law & Order:
Jessica Phuang
Mom on a Mission:
Lorelei B. Aquino
Invercargill:
Shelly Amore
Ballantine
Wellington:
Sylvia Zonoobi
Manila:
Jeremiah M.
Opinion
Jude Bautista
Australia:
Renato Perdon
Philippine
Independence
Day Celebrations
& Filipino-Kiwi
Hero Awards
17 June 2017
Auckland
halohalo.nz
filipinoheroes.nz
Copyright Matters, Terms & Conditions of Publication and Advertising:
All material appearing in Filipino Migrant News (FMN) and
it’s website www.filipinonews.nz, including advertisements, is
copyright and cannot be reproduced unless written permission is given
by the publisher - SM Publications Ltd. Views expressed in FMN
and www.filipinonews.nz and pinoynzlife.nz do not necessarily
reflect that of the publisher. The publisher does not accept any
responsibility or liability for views and claims in the editorial matter or
advertisements appearing in this publication and website.
ADVERTISING TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
While reasonable care is taken, the Publisher will not accept liability
for any error, omission or inaccuracy in the publication of any material.
Advertisers are deemed to have accepted the terms and conditions in
the Publisher’s Advertising Order Form, whether they book
directly with the Publisher by using the Official Order Form, or confirm
bookings by email, or book through their advertising agents.

BUHAY
OVERSEAS
04 MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | tel: 027 495 8477, 09 838 1221 | www.pinoynzlife.nz
By CRISELDA DAVID
Manila Correspondent
MANILA - A Philippines
senator and staunch critic of
President Rodrigo Duterte's
war on drugs has been
arrested by law enforcement
agents after charges
were filed in court alleging
that she received money
from drug dealers inside the
country's prisons.
Senator Leila de Lima is
accused of orchestrating a
drug trafficking ring when
she was justice secretary
during the 2010-2015 administration
of Benigno
Aquino.
“The truth will come out
and I will achieve justice. I
am innocent.” She told
reporters shortly before law
enforcers escorted her away
from her office on 24th
February.
De Lima, her former driver
and bodyguard and a former
national prison official
were ordered to be arrested
by a local court on Thursday
after a judge found
merit in criminal charges
filed by the Department of
Justice.
De Lima has denied the
charges, calling herself a
victim of political persecution
and saying that she has
Senator Leila de Lima
arrested in Manila
long prepared herself to be
the first 'political prisoner'
under the Duterte administration.
“While the issuance of
the warrant of arrest is
questionable, I do not have
any plans to evade it,” she
said, calling the order premature
as the court has yet
to hear the response from
her lawyers.
She slept in her Senate
office overnight then gave
herself up to armed officers
in flak jackets, who put her
in a van and drove into
morning rush hour traffic,
apparently towards police
headquarters.
Duterte, 71, won the presidential
election last year
after promising during his
campaign to eradicate drugs
in society by killing tens of
thousands of people.
According to media
reports, since his inauguration
on June 30 an anti-drug
drive has seen more than
7,000 people killed over
suspected drug links - with
over 60 percent of the
deaths carried out by
unknown assassins.
De Lima has previously
called for foreign intervention
to put an end to the
“state-inspired” extrajudicial
murders, which she
said have been instigated by
Duterte since his election to
power.
De Lima also led a series
of Senate investigations
over allegations that police
officers were involved in
the killings and that hired
killers were operating under
orders from police.
De Lima's supporters also
insist that she is innocent
and that the charges are
trumped up to silence one
of Duterte's most prominent
critics.
In a statement to Al
Jazeera Senator Paolo
Aquino condemned the
“political persecution” of
his fellow opposition
Senate member.
“This arrest is purely
political vendetta and has
no place in a justice system
that upholds the rule of law.
This is condemnable.
“We reiterate that an
arrest based on trumped-up
charges is illegal,” he said,
citing the ‘haste’, in De
Lima's arrest.
De Lima previously
claimed that she was targeted
because of her criticism
of Duterte's drug war policy.
During her time as head
of the country's human
rights body de Lima also
led the investigation into
the alleged extrajudicial
killings of an estimated
1,000 drug suspects in
Davao while Duterte was
mayor of the city.
When Duterte won as
president in 2016 his feud
with de Lima continued.
At one point he called on
her to “hang herself”, after
he ordered prosecutors to
investigate the senator's
alleged links to the drug
syndicate.
This week de Lima
branded the president a
“sociopathic serial killer”
after new allegations surfaced
accusing Duterte of
ordering drug
killings in Davao.
Left: Director
General Bato
presented to the
public De Lima’s
former driver/
bodyguard Ronnie
Dayan (extreme
left).
EVENTS
Philippine
Independence Day
Commemoration
2017
17th June
Auckland
6pm-10pm
Free Entry
www.pinoynzlife.nz - New Zealand’s only Filipino Directory of Products and Services Website
TWO SIZES AVAILABLE
LARGE
470x470x600mm
JUMBO
575x575x500mm
Cultural Pageant
Filipino-Kiwi
Hero Awards
Filipino-Kiwi
Music Awards
Pinoy Chef of the Year
2017
Mini-Regional
Food Festival
websites:
filipinoheroes.nz
maginooatbinibini.nz
halohalo.nz
filipinonews.nz
pinoynzlife.nz
email:
filipinonews@xtra.co.nz

MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | tel: 027 495 8477, 09 838 1221 | www.pinoynzlife.nz 05
BUHAY
OVERSEAS
MANILA - Senator
de Lima is a
dilemma even for
President Duterte.
A dilemma is a situation
where you
have to decide between
two difficult
choices. It's like a choice
between the devil and the
deep blue sea, or in this case,
allowing democratic freedom
of speech in aid of legislation,
but having to put up
with annoying, politically
destabilizing rhetoric. Or
deciding to jail the Senator
to shut her up, but in the
process be accused of dictatorship,
political persecution
and harassment.
I remember a historical
note about the relationship
DURIAN
REPUBLIC
By JJ Atencio
between President Marcos
and Senator Ninoy Aquino
that said Pres. Marcos was
caught in his own dilemma
between the need for a credible
political opposition to
preserve the semblance of
democracy in a de-facto dictatorship,
versus silencing
the popular opposition
leader in whatever way.
But Marcos also knew that
a martyr lives forever and
that is why, I suppose, Ninoy
was jailed, not executed,
Duterte’s Dilemma.
tried and convicted, but
allowed exile, told to stay
away, but insisted on coming
home and so the rest is history.
My own dilemma today
has to do with the horrifying
lack of a credible, inspiring
opposition leader. I mean
someone that can galvanize
the people and transform
their party into a movement.
Ninoy, for all his faults, was
a charismatic, intelligent,
elegant, charming, yet
shrewd politician.
The opposition today need
someone
like
that to emulate;
a
strong force of
persuasion and
intellect. Someone
who is more than just
OPINION:
Editorial Cartoon
by Jason Aragon
Senator Pacquiao’s motion ousts de Lima from
Justice Committee chair
a counter-puncher to match
the President's bruteness and
trash-talk. Definitely someone
with more vision than
mouthing motherhood statements
for the helpless people
at the hem of society.
Certainly not an elitist pop
singer with Australian citizenship
whose idea of a worthy
opponent is a bunch of
kids holding up a streamer.
And that is why the opposition
gets very little traction
these days. No matter what
they do. Without a leader the
opposition has to make do
with the likes of Sen. de
Lima. And that, my dear
friends, is a real dilemma.
I always found Sen. de
Lima a bit 'OA' in the arena
of political ambition. Maybe
that's part of the problem.
When the dust from the elections
finally settled, some
senators of the liberal party,
de Lima included, joined the
majority coalition to elect
Duterte's anointed, Sen.
Pimental, to the Senate
Presidency.
Now as chairman of a
major committee like justice
Sen. de Lima gets another
budget in addition to what
the Office of the Senator
already receives.
But instead of acting as a
member of a coalition she
behaves the opposite: more
like the rah-rah poster girl of
the opposition, with all the
smoke, bluster and drama,
while the rest of the opposition
takes a back seat and
allows her, without any significant
support, to get beating
after beating from the
President and his supporters.
Of course, there are the
usual statements in the name
of God, Country and party,
but the political reality is
that the opposition cannot
have their cake and eat it
too. They cannot be in opposition
and at the same time
be beneficiaries of a Senate
Coalition. And that is why,
despite all their efforts, the
opposition suffers from a
credibility and authenticity
problem.
As for the good Senator,
her anti-Duterte actions have
earned her a drug charge and
some jail time. She says that
the charges are preposterous
and she might be right. She
says that it's political persecution
and she may have a
point too. But she has to
agree that, for all her complaints
about the President's
lack of due process, Sen. de
Lima's arrest has become the
best example of it.
That being said, we all
need to also agree that
Senator Leila de Lima is
innocent until proven guilty
by a competent court of law.
Because if we cannot
believe in that then there's
not much else worthy for us
to believe in.
I have to admire Sen. de
Lima's courage. To stand for
her principles and what she
believes is right. That was
what the EDSA spirit was all
about thirty-one years ago.
The courage to stand for
right and liberty. Helpless.
Scared, yet unbowed. Armed
only with a steamer, a printed
T-shirt and a conviction.
Much like the courage of
the Duterte Youth at the
EDSA Anniversary recently.

06 MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | tel: 027 495 8477, 09 838 1221 | www.pinoynzlife.nz
AUCKLAND - A new
series of informative safety
videos have been created to
ensure that international
students living in Auckland
are aware of the full range
of support services available
to them.
The 'Safety in the City'
videos were launched by
Auckland Tourism,
Events and Economic
Development's (ATEED)
Study Auckland to cover a
broad range of issues,
including tips for personal
safety, advice on workplace
rights and how to report a
crime. The videos also outline
the various support
services available to international
students in
Auckland.
Safety in the City is
accessible to international
students and education providers
via YouTube
(https:// www.youtube. com
/watch?v=rdcPNobJkUQ)
or via Study Auckland's
online toolkit - http://assets.
aucklandnz.com/pages/stud
y-auckland. The videos are
available with English and
Simplified Chinese subtitles.
Study Auckland, which
is a division of Auckland
Tourism, Events and Economic
Development (AT-
New videos highlight the support
available for international students
International education is now New Zealand's fourth largest export
earner. More than 80,000 international students live and study in
Auckland annually, contributing $2.1 billion to the regional economy.
EED), created the videos to
enhance the student experience
for international students
and their families.
Henry Matthews, Study
Auckland's International
Education Manager, says
that helping international
students have the best possible
experience of Auckland
is a key focus for
Study Auckland.
“International students
are valuable ambassadors
for Auckland; whether it's
contributing to the workforce,
enhancing the cultural
fabric of the city, or
encouraging their friends
and families to come for a
visit or to invest in the
region.”
“The Safety in the City
videos let students know
that they are
supported by
the New Zealand
Police and
other community
and student
groups, who are
available to
help.
The videos
are a positive
contribution to
the safety of
students in
Auckland.”
The New
Zealand Police
played an important
role in
creating the
new safety videos
and Deputy
Chief Exe
c u t i v e
Superintedent
Wallace Haumaha was a
co-presenter.
“Auckland is a comparatively
safe city by global
standards and most international
students don't experience
any serious problems,
but like any major international
city crime and incidents
can still occur,” he
says.
“By providing these easily
accessible videos we
want students to feel supported
and to know that the
Police are on hand, along
with various community
and student support groups,
to help at any time.
“These videos provide
international students with
some tips and advice on
how best to avoid incidents
and on what to do should
they occur,” says Haumaha.
ATEED's Study Auckland
team works closely
with education providers,
Education New Zealand
and other key industry partners
to increase the number
of international students in
Auckland, build capability
in the sector, enhance the
student experience and
retain students to fill skilled
jobs.
Foto credit: ATEED.
ROYAL BUSINESS COLLEGE
Personal Success and Global Recognition:
• Affordable tuition fee
• Four campuses in New Zealand
• Earn NZQA recognised qualification
• E-Learning and professional development
• Multicultural environment with state of the art facilities
• Employment advise to the prospective graduates
• Highly qualified and dedicated staff
Courses offered at RBC:
• Information technology
• Business and Innovation
• Zero fee IT National Diploma in Computing Level-5 and
RBC Diploma in Computing Level-6 course for Locals or PR/Residents
• English language
Why RBC:
With career placements in many of the leading business entities in New
Zealand and internationally, we know that our students are ready for real
world challenges and concurring those
challenges will take them where they
want to go.
“Where leaders are made”
Services Offered:
• Home stay
• Airport Transportation
• Student counselling
• Further academic studies
• Career Advise
• Four Campuses
Specially designed programmes for
International students for their
bright career.
For Enrolment, Please Contact Us
Auckland Campus
Tel: +64 (09) 368 1918 Ext 703, 702
Mob: 022 044 9071, 022 414 2158
recauckland@royalbusiness.ac.nz
Christchurch Campus
Tel: +64 (03) 374 9888 Mob: 021 118 8901,
021 0233 8506, 027 869 8688
info@royalbusiness.ac.nz

MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.pinoynzlife.nz Facebook: Filipino Migrant News 07
Sydney’s student ambassadors
International students
generate $20 billion a
year for the Australian
economy.
In the City of Sydney
an innovative ‘student
ambassador program’
is improving the study
experience of its
students.
SYDNEY, Australia - International
students from more countries
than ever before have joined
the City of Sydney’s unique
International Student Leadership
and Ambassador program
that provides training, mentoring
and practical work experience.
This year 32 international student
ambassadors from 14 countries
representing 15 education
institutions across Sydney have
been selected to join the City’s
award-winning program that will
run over the next 18 months.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said
that the City’s ambassador and
leadership initiative improved the
study experience of international
students and ensured that they had
a voice in the community.
“Inner-Sydney is host to more
international students than any
other place in Australia, with more
than 35,000 international students
studying in the City’s local area,”
the Lord Mayor said.
“International students generate
$20 billion a year for the Australian
economy and make a significant
contribution to Sydney’s prosperity,
as well as playing a crucial role
in enhancing our cultural diversity
and global connections.
“This ambassador and leadership
program highlights the City’s commitment
to providing a welcoming
and positive environment for international
students studying and living
in Sydney.”
The ambassadors will promote
the City’s services and initiatives to
other international students currently
living in Sydney and to
prospective students.
The student ambassadors will
also help promote and run key student
events, including the Lord
Mayor’s International Student
Welcome Reception, the International
Education Sector Forum,
the City’s information booth and
workshops during universities’,
TAFE’s and colleges’ Orientation
Weeks, the Living in Harmony
Festival and Youth Week.
The candidates were selected
because of their previous leadership
and volunteer experience at
educational institutions, in the
community and in their home
countries.
Al Amin Ibrahim from Bangladesh
is studying a Bachelor of
Science at the University of New
South Wales and described the program
as a “helping hand” for students.
“As international student ambassadors
we understand the concerns
of international students and their
issues and try to find effective
solutions,” Mr Ibrahim said.
“I believe that we should all
work together to provide the best
experience for students and to keep
up the high reputation that Sydney
has as an education destination. I
firmly believe that we all have a
responsibility to work together to
make Sydney a city for all.”
The City launched the leadership
and ambassador program in 2013
to create opportunities for international
students to better integrate
and learn about the local culture
and to break
down language
barriers and
social isolation.
The City has
identified the
cultural, economic
and social
wellbeing
of international
students as a
priority area.
Sydney was
last year
named the
world’s most
‘desirable’
study destination
in the
internationally
recognised QS
Best Student
Cities Index.
The City recently
completed
Australia’s
first international
student
wellbeing
survey, which
revealed that
the vast majority
of respondents
felt safe
in Sydney and
would recommend
Sydney
as a place to
study.
Researchers collated
information from 603
international students from
74 countries who were living
or studying in inner
Sydney and showed how
Sydney’s culturally diverse
community provided
the students with a valued
support network.
Information on the council’s
support for international
students can be
found on the City’s website:
cityofsydney.nsw.gov
.au/community/communit
y-support/internationalstudents.

08 MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.pinoynzlife.nz Facebook: Filipino Migrant News
Kick-starting Auckland mayor's vision for a global city
AUCKLAND - He's been
wearing the mayoral chains
and robes of office for barely
five months after a landslide
win in the Auckland
Local Elections in October
last year. And already he's
already cracking the whip on
sweeping changes that were
promised in his campaign
speeches.
Mayor Phil Goff says that
lack of investment in vital
infrastructure is holding
back Auckland's ability to
stand tall as a global city and
manage its population
growth.
Speaking at a Property
Council New Zealand
“We are looking at unprecedented population growth in Auckland and
our infrastructure is not matching the pace of that growth. We have under
invested in infrastructure for the past 30 years.” - Mayor Phil Goff
breakfast function recently,
Goff outlined his concerns
and solutions for addressing
Auckland's infrastructure
woes.
“We are looking at unprecedented
population growth
in Auckland and our infrastructure
is not matching the
pace of that growth. We have
under invested in infrastructure
for the past 30 years.
“We have an airport that
attracts 17 million passengers
a year and is growing,
but there is no mass transport
from the airport to the
CBD. We can't tolerate this
situation.”
The Mayor explained that
Central Government and
Local Government must
share the cost of infrastructure
investment at a pace that
enables Auckland to absorb
rapid population growth.
“Central Government has
to enable us to broaden our
revenue base,” he said.
The Mayor said that under
the Auckland Transport
Alignment Project an estimated
$24 billion dollars
will be needed for minimum
infrastructure, transport and
services over the next 10
years, but there is a $4 billion
dollar shortfall in funding.
“Auckland Council
would need to come up with
at least $200 million a year
to meet the shortfall. I'm not
going to ask ratepayers to
shoulder that burden; it's not
viable nor is it equitable.”
Mayor Goff explained that
the Council's resources for
funding additional expenditure
for infrastructure are
limited.
“Aucklanders feel their
rates deeply and there is
huge resistance to a major
increase in rates. Neither
rates nor charges will give
Auckland Council all the
required revenue to invest in
the infrastructure we need.”
““Aucklanders feel their rates
deeply and there is huge resistance
to a major increase in rates.”
Property Council chief
executive Connal Townsend
agreed, saying that
rates cannot fund the vital
infrastructure Auckland
needs.
“We understand the predicament
Auckland Council is
in regarding funding infrastructure.
Rates are a limited
and extremely blunt way of
raising income.
“The property industry
continues to have issues with
rates and the development
contributions system. It is
not an effective or sustainable
way to fund Local
Government.
“Yes, Central Government
should and does make significant
financial contributions
to individual projects.
But that is not sustainable
either.”
The problem for the industry,
Mr Townsend says, is
that without infrastructure,
development cannot happen.
“If we are serious about
Auckland becoming a global
city then we need a partnership
between Central and
Local Government. They
need to develop a range of
innovative funding tools
beyond rates and individual
project funds. To be sustainable
those tools should be
linked to growth.”
The Mayor echoed this
sentiment, calling for Central
Government, Auckland
Council and the private sector
to work together to find
out how infrastructure can
be funded without diminishing
Aucklanders' quality of
life.
“The New Zealand Government
has a vested interest
in Auckland growing in a
way that makes our city a
strong and attractive place to
live. For New Zealand to
succeed Auckland must succeed,”
says Mr Townsend.

MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | tel: 027 495 8477, 09 838 1221 | www.pinoynzlife.nz 09
VJ Mariano
reporting
from Davao
PAL interclub fever!
FMN: How did you
come up with the theme
'The Turf of the Legends'
for the PAL Interclub Golf
Tournament?
ARABELO: Since it's
the 70th year of the tournament
we are acknowledging
the players who come
back year after year, the
golf courses that come on
board each year and also
the new players who are
joining in.
FMN: Are there many
new teams featured this
year?
ARABELO: We have
new players every year,
especially the younger ones
and we have those who
have been joining us for the
past 10-15 years. They
make it a point to come
back. In fact some who
were playing in the junior's
division are now in the
senior's division.
Last week we had the
senior's division tournament
for those aged 55
years and above. This week
we have the regulars for
players of any age - some
who are as young as 11
years old.
FMN: What are some of
the challenges you've faced
in previous tournaments?
ARABELO: Golf being
an outdoor sport the weather
is always a bit of a problem.
One year in Visayas
the conditions were not
favourable because of the
continuous rain. We still
carried on with the tournament
- it's part of the game.
A few years back we
planned for a tournament at
the Del Monte Golf Club in
Cagayan De Oro. We had to
cancel one month before,
because we had an incident
in Del Monte where there
was an attack by the rebels
near the golf course.
Security and safety are of
utmost concern.
Next year, as announced
The PAL Interclub Golf Tournament is into its 70th year - the longest running event
of its kind. Henry Arabelo, the Tournament's Director, spoke about the extraordinary
success of 'The Turf of the Legends'.
the other day by the
Philippine Airline's President,
we're gonna hold it in
Cagayan De Oro again.
FMN: How do you
choose golf courses for the
tournament?
ARABELO: Initially,
the requirement of the tournament
is that there are at
least two golf courses available.
Secondly, that there
are adequate hotel rooms in
the vicinity. The availability
of adequate PAL flights
to the destination is another
consideration.
The foreign players come
over because they love to
visit different places in the
Philippines. So we like to
rotate the location for the
event every year.
This move also boosts the
local economies. As the
event is basically run over
two weeks the local hotels
are booked out. And the van
rental companies do well
because players go out on
local tours and to the
Apo Golf and Country
Club, Davao City
Photo: VJ Mariano
restaurants.
FMN: Is the event held
exclusively in the Philippines?
ARABELO: Yes, this
tournament is held only in
the Philippines. We want to
promote the Philippines
and obviously the different
domestic routes of Philippine
Airlines.
FMN: Has there been an
increase in the numbers of
clubs who have come on
board?
ARABELO: We have
already reached our limit
this year. We normally have
80 teams.
As PAL is adding new
Above: Henry Arabelo,
Tournament Director
Photo: VJ Mariano.
Left: MEN'S TEAM
CAPTAINS MEETING.
The team captains and
tournament officials during
the second team captains
meeting at Rancho Palos
Verdes, Davao City,
Philippines.
Photo: Supplied.
international routes we are
getting more teams coming
from overseas - for the
first time we have a team
from New Zealand.
Initially we had teams
from the US mainland.
Then we had some teams
from Canada and Australia.
Now we get 6 or 7 teams
from the Middle East. It is
attracting players from all
over the world.
“A great experience; we are coming back next year.” - Jude Daculan
An interview with
'NZ Black Tee' Team Captain
Jude Daculan at the
70th PAL Interclub
Golf Tournament Awards
Ceremony held at the
SM Lanang Convention
Centre in Davao City
on March 4, 2017.
FMN: Kamusta po ang experience
nyo?
JUDE: Ayos naman. Maganda
ang experience dahil ano katulad
nito na maraming participants
marami kang mamemeet. For me
it's a great experience to play in
this big tournament for the amateurs.
FMN: Kamusta naman po laro
ninyo?
JUDE: Ayos lang naman. Just
fair enough.
FMN: Gumana po ba yung
game plan ninyo?
JUDE: Ayos lang naman.
Gumana lahat. Effective naman.
FMN: Maganda po ba yung
golf course?
JUDE: Maganda naman. Just
fair enough. Sa Apo golf,
hole #11 is near the lake.
It's quite intimidating. It's
really a big challenge for
all of us.
FMN: Are you considering
coming back next year?
JUDE: Yes, we are working
on it. We plan to have a full contingent
next year. We'll be more
prepared. Not like this
year; it was not well
organized.
Next year we will be
in Cagayan De Oro and Gerry
Quijano from Auckland will be
the major sponsor for the team.
He will look after the whole
team going around Cagayan De
Oro. (joke lang!)

MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | tel: 027 495 8477, 09 838 1221 | www.pinoynzlife.nz 10
By Sheila Mariano, FMN Editor
DAVAO CITY - For the very
first time a New Zealand team -
the Black Tees - participated in
the world renowned Philippine
Airlines Interclub Championships
held in Davao City in early March
this year.
“This was possible because
PAL is now flying to New
Zealand,” says Jay Aranas, a
spokesperson for the Pinoy Golf
Club Auckland.
The FMN team (myself and VJ
Mariano), who were on the spot
in Davao for the tourney, caught
up with five of the nine Black
Tees whilst they practiced at the
Apo Golf and Country Club.
Fr. Mario Dorado, Jude
Daculan, Archie Milo, Elier
Tingzon and Edward Pagadian
were in high spirits when asked
what their game plan was for the
tourney.
“Win or lose, you are
always a winner.”
Perhaps Fr. Mario had the right
attitude: “For me, the best game
plan is to just enjoy the game. Win
or lose, you are always a winner.
“Just joining the many tournaments
in New Zealand has already
been good preparation for this
super tournament.
“While I'm here I would like to
take in the sights of Davao and
meet a lot of golf players from
different parts of the world.”
Similar sentiments from
- Fr. Mario Dorado, ‘New Zealand Black Tees’
Daculan. “Just to experience na
makasali nitong PAL tournament,
nitong klasing tournament. To
meet some people also, especially
Filipinos from other countries.”
According to him the group did
have a game plan of sorts. “Yes,
we're trying to match up our players
and will do what we can do.
But at least we have done some
preparation as we got in some
practice rounds when we familiarized
ourselves with the two golf
Five members of the ‘NZ Black
Tee’ team practising at the Apo
Golf Club in Davao City.
From left: Jude Daculan, Archie
Milo, Elier Tingzon, Eduard
Magadia and Fr Mar Dorado
Below: Sheila Mariano checking
out the Apo Golf Club
courses. Ya, I think that we are
ready to play.”
“What made you decide to form
a NZ team and join the tournament?”
“Nag usap ang Wellington and
Auckland mag fill in this year,”
said Milo. “Nung una nga two
teams and binabalak kasi marami
ang interesado. Pero in the end
nagwidthraw yung iba to a few
nalang, 10 na lang. Hindi nga 10
kasi down to 9, so we have a disadvantage.
Kasi ang format 5
playing, 4 to count so yung two
other days yung 4 na magplaplay
macocount silang lahat, but that's
alright. Yung four na magplayplay
tiga Auckland magagaling, di ba
Jude (Daculan)?
Think outside the box to get
into the swing of things
By Sheila Mariano
DAVAO CITY - Here are
some golfing tips from Elier
Tingzon, who is a member of the
New Zealand team in the 70th
PAL Interclub Golf Tournament.
FMN caught up with Tingzon
at the Palos Verdes Golf and
Country Club in Davao for a
chat. He has been playing golf
for almost four years and is a
Wellington member of the NZ
Black Tee.
“I used to play basketball tapos
nung time na mahirap nang
makipagcompete sa younger
generation who are taller and
stronger so I decided to look for
an alternative sport,” he said.
“I tried badminton, hindi rin
pwepwede kasi kailan mo ng
mabilis may mga kabataan din na
mabibilis. Tapos pingpong.
Pingpong okay lang kaso habang
tumatagal nakakaboard din.
“So niyaya ako ng mga kaibigan
ko na mag-try ng golf. Nagstart
kami sa warehouse papalopalo
lang tapos nag-try kami ng
nine holes tapos nung nagiging
exciting na sa akin kasi parang
yung golf sarili mo kalaban mo
yung isip mo.
“You are not competing sa
The day before the Regulars
tournament began we had a
chance to tour one of the two
courses for the event - the Apo
Golf and Country Club (the
other being the Rancho Palos
Verdes Golf Club).
According to a reliable source
President Duterte, when he was
Mayor of Davao, used to play a
lot at this course. It was mentioned
that he would only play
up to hole #5, then he would ask
everyone to join him for a meal
in the Apo Golf Country Club.
ibang tao but to yourself so ayun
nagiging simula ng maging
exciting tapos gumaganda na
palo namin. Habang gumaganda
na palo namin sabi ko we need to
transfer to a better golf (course)
para mas ma-improve pa yung
laro, yun na nagsimula. Maimprove
mo yung swing mo, the
way you think your game, the
way you think your swing, maimprove
lahat yun.”
“Do you need to have a good
strategy to play this game?” we
asked. “There are so many strategies,”
Elier
replied.
“Every hole
has a different
strategy. Golf
is the opposite
of everything
you've learnt.
“If you want the ball to go to
the right the more it goes to the
left. The more you want to hit it
harder in order for the ball to go
farther the more it goes short. So
it's all the opposite.
“May technique sya. Tapos
Apo is one of
the finest golf
courses in the
land and has
long been regarded
as probably
the toughest
layout in the
south.
“We did an
ocular (inspection)
of both
courses and they are gorgeous,”
Henry Arabelo, the tournament
director, said. “We will set up
both courses to challenge the
players while at the same time
may technique din yung papaano
mo papataasin yung bola sa
bunker. Meron yan may computation
ka kung gano kalayo
papaluin mo yung sand para
pumutok sya at umakyat yung
bola pataas. So may mga calculation
ka rin yan.
“Exciting, interesting, i-aaply
making it an enjoyable tournament
for everyone.”
As Archie, 37, our designated
golf cart driver,
showed us around this
impressive property
we chatted. He is from
Davao and has been
working in the Club's
maintenance department
for 7 years. At
the moment he is
assigned to work on
the greens.
He said that he loved working
here as he lives close by. “My
uncle used to be a supervisor
mo yung engineering
mo, yung vicinity ng
wind lahat yun
ikokonsider mo hindi mo sya
pwedeng i-ignore. So habang
tumatagal nagiging exciting
kung papano mo sya cocontrolin,
papaano mo gagamitin yung
wind, yung cross wind, back
wind, lahat yun i-kokonsider mo.
Exciting.”
Apo Golf Club: Where President Duterte used to play
Sheila Mariano in Davao City
Elier Tingzon
Facebook page
President
Duterte
Archie, golf cart
driver
Kristoffer Arevalo
of Manila Southwoods
lines up his
shot at Hole no.10
of the Apo Golf &
Country Club on
Day 1.
Photo supplied
here.” He reckoned that over 60
people work at this property.
As several golfers were practicing
at the golf course
he gave us a few tips on
how spectators should
behave during a tournament.
“You need to be
quiet when someone is
going to hit a ball; you
can talk when they've
finished. You don't want
to distract them.”
We asked: “Do you play
golf?” He replied: “Only when
there is time on my day off.”

MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | tel: 027 495 8477, 09 838 1221 | www.pinoynzlife.nz 11
A record 44-point win
for Southwoods
Manila Southwoods put
the finishing touches on the
club's first ever 'three-peat' in
the Philippine Airlines
(PAL) Interclub Men's
Championship, winning the
tournament's 70th edition by
44 points, despite posting its
worst score of the week.
The veteran Jun Jun Plana
fired a three-over-par 75
worth 33 points at Apo Golf
and anchored a closing 120
for the Carmona-based parbusters,
who tallied an eyepopping
547 to win this one,
pulling away from archrival
Canlubang.
Southwoods spiced up its
franchise's first hat trick with
two bits of history in what is
regarded as the country's
unofficial team golf championship,
as the margin of victory
was the biggest ever
recorded.
The champions in 2015 in
Cebu and last year in
Pampanga also became the
first team to have all five
players cracking par in a single
round, pulling out the feat
with a 155 point effort.
Raul Minoza of Del Monte fires away from a bunker at
Hole no. 10 of the Apo Golf & Country Club on Day 1.
Luisita's Vicente Tuason
steadies his putt at Hole
no. 10 of the Apo Golf &
Country Club on Day 1.
SOUTHWOODS 3-PEAT.
Skipper Thirdy Escano is raised by members of the victorious Manila Southwoods
team for achieving a three-peat at the close of the PAL Interclub.
PAL President Jaime J. Bautista (in jacket) joins the Southwoods team,
composed of Yuto Katsurugawa, Kristoffer Arevalo, Aidric Chan, Ira Alido,
Liam Patrick Cully, Joo Hyung Kim, Carlos Corpus, Jets Sajulga,
Jay Matthew Reyes and Nestor Plana. Photos supplied.
Left: Canlubang's Luis Miguel Castro carefully steers his putt at
Hole no. 10 of the Apo Golf & Country Club on Day 1.
Ranchos Palos Verdes:
“I think that this is the
best course in Davao.”
Archie Milo
By Sheila Mariano
DAVAO CITY - “Davao's
famed battlefields
are … Apo, the tree-lined
course that was a onetime
host of the
Philippine Open and
Palos Verdes, intricately
carved within a lush
banana plantation. Both
layouts will host the PAL
Men's Regular from
March 1 to 4.” - Al S
Mendoza, Business
Mirror
FMN caught up with
the Wellingtonian members
of the NZ Golf Tee
Team - Archie Milo and
Ed Magadia - after the
first day of the Regulars
tournament at the Ranchos
Palos Verdes Golf
and Country Club.
What did they think
about Palos Verdes?
“Ah maganda 'to,”
said Milo. “This is a
really nice golf
course.” Magadia
agreed and added:
“You can consider
this a championship
golf course.”
Milo believes that:
“this is the best
course in Davao. Malaki
sya, it's wide, open and
very challenging.”
In comparison. “Apo is
FMN Team: Sheila and
VJ Mariano at Rancho Palos Verde
very different,” said
Magadia. “It has a different
profile. Apo is flattish,
but with lots of
trees. Here the course
is up and down, up
and down. It is very
challenging, because
the slope of the
ground changes your
game. You have to
compensate for how
the ball lies against
the slope.”

MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | tel: 027 495 8477, 09 838 1221 | www.pinoynzlife.nz 12
Southwoods in a jubilant mood
Philippine Airlines President Jaime J. Bautista raises the Championship trophy
with Manila Southwoods skipper Thirdy Escano, their third consecutive trophy
at the PAL Men's Interclub after posting an unprecedented 44-point lead over
archrival Canlubang.
‘NZ Black Tee’ - Edwin Caballero,
Anton Garrido and Jude Daculan
Sheila with PAL President Jaime
Bautista at the Gala Awards Night
‘Tagaytay Highlands Team’ -Singer/Actor
Ariel Rivera with Sheila Mariano
Mr Bautista with Singer/Model/
Actress Jennylyn Mercado
Sheila Mariano, Pinky Balagtas (PAL)
and Charles Maxey (PH Sports Commission)
Melbourne golf team - their 8th year at
PAL Interclub
Actress Rhian Ramos
(Emcee at Awards Night)
Sheila Mariano (Editor - FMN) with
PAL Executives

MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.pinoynzlife.nz Facebook: Filipino Migrant News 13
GO
NEGOSYO
Home-grown
dance fitness movement
fuses global dance styles, embraces diversity Elaine Zafra Yu and Peter Talo of
AUCKLAND - A homegrown
dance fitness program
with a multicultural
feel, put together by Elaine
Zafra Yu (a Filipina) and
Peter Talo (a Samoan),
may soon feature on the fitness
industry popularity
charts.
The pair say on their
'Ezymovez Dance Fitness'
website that the program
fuses global dance styles
and embraces diversity.
“We both love to dance and
are passionate about helping
our communities live
healthier lifestyles.”
“Dancing has always
been my passion,” shares
Elaine, who grew up in San
Carlos City, Negros Occidental
and moved to New
Zealand ten years ago.
“I've explored many
forms of dancing, including
Latin, ballet, jazz and
pop. One of the best things
that I've discovered
through dance fitness is the
ability to bring people
together and provide
them with something
enjoyable.”
Similarly, Peter
grew up in a family
“that is passionate
about entertaining,
dance
and cultural performances.
My
passion inspired
me to become
a licensed
Zumba®
Instructor.
“Becoming
an instructor
allowed me to
share my dance
passion and also
to create a team
with my brothers
and nephews,
known as 'The Taro
Boyz'”.
Elaine's journey
to the dance fitness
industry also began
via Zumba Fitness®
and “through the years
it gave me the opportunity
t o
e x -
press
myself
a n d
grow
as a
person
and a
leader.
I was
also fortunate
enough
to be chosen
by the
Zumba®
Home Office
in the USA to
be a Zumba®
jammer, meaning
that I was able to
teach choreographies
and tech-
Ezymovez Dance Fitness both love to dance
and are passionate about helping their
communities live healthier lifestyles.
By MEL FERNANDEZ, Editor www.migrantnews.nz
niques to ZIN members
(Zumba® instructors).”
She says that the unique
selling point of her new
program, or the x-factor if
you prefer, is the flexibility
it offers.
Instructors have the freedom
to design a 'fit for
purpose program' in different
demographic areas.
“So we don't want to limit
ourselves to a particular
style or a particular format.
We want the freedom to
cater to different cultures.”
By all accounts the island
flavour is well received in
classes led by Peter and
Elaine. The Philippine flavour
has yet to make an
appearance.
The official launch of
Ezymovez Dance Fitness is
on the 8th of April. For
more information please
visit their website at
www.ezymovez.com.
Join FMN
to honour
our NZ
Filipino
heroes.
www.filipinoheroes.nz
www.pinoynzlife.com - New Zealand’s only online Filipino Directory of Products and Services

14 MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | tel: 027 495 8477, 09 838 1221 | www.pinoynzlife.nz
www.halohalo.nz
w w w . p i n o y n z l i f e . c o m
DUE DILIGENCE. Acceptance of advertisements is at the discretion of the publisher.
We encourage readers to practice due diligence when buying products and services. For
advice contact resource centres like the Citizens Advice Bureau. If you wish to lodge a
complaint against an advertiser don't hesitate to call Migrant News on: 027 495 8477 or
email: migrantnews@xtra.co.nz.
ADVERTISING, Asian Media
Print/Web/Tablets/Cellphones
www.filipinonews.nz, pinoynzlife.nz
filipinoheroes.nz, maginooatbinibini.nz
halohalo.nz, asia2nz.com,
migrantnews.nz, travelgalore.nz
m: 027 495 8477 p: 09 838 1221
e: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz
ACCOUNTING SERVICES
GEM Accounting
Annual accounts, income tax, GST,
PAYE, payroll, Xero set-up and etc.
Call Grace at 021 0258 3270
e: mumford.grace@gmail.com
www.gemaccounting.co.nz
BALIKBAYAN Box Forwarder
Tranfex NZ Ltd
52 Queens Rd., Panmure, Auckland
p: (09) 570 8986 & (09) 570 8981
e: tranfexltd@tresmarias.co.nz
BM Express
Air and Sea Cargo
p: 027 587 8080
a: 15 Pyramid Place, Glen Eden, Akl
BUSINESS FRANCHISE
Crewcare Commercial
Cleaning
p: 0800 800 209
e: info@crewcare.co.nz
CAR REPAIRS, Mechanics
Jo’s Garage
contact: Jojo Segui
Unit C, 145A Target Rd., Glenfield
p: (09) 442 5834 m: 0274372913
e: jogarage@xtra.co.nz
Auckland Auto Clinic
291 Church St., Onehunga
p: (09) 622 1265
e: service@autoclinic.co.nz
South Suburban Motor Bodies
53 Plunket Ave., Puhinui, Manukau
p: (09) 278 7623
www.ssmb.co.nz
JR Panel and Paint Ltd.
contact: Jun or Jeck Ablanida
64 Elizabeth Knox Pl, St. Johns
p: (09) 574 5876 m: 021 037 5454
e: jrpanelnpaint@gmail.com
CHURCH SERVICES - Filipino
AUCKLAND:
Good Shepherd Parish
27 Telford Ave., Balmoral, Auckland
Every Sunday @11:30am
St Mary’s Parish (Papakura)
1st Sunday of the month @12:30pm
Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish
24 Picton St., Howick
2nd Sunday of the month @12:30pm
Holy Cross Parish (Papatoetoe)
3rd Sunday of the month @2:30pm
St Patrick Parish (Panmure)
3rd Sunday of the month @4pm
HOME LOANS / INSURANCE
Life Protector Limited
contact: Rowena Telebrico-Sabdao
p: (09) 270 8608 m: 021 245 6988
e: rowena@lifeprotectorlimited.com
w: www.lifeprotectorlimited.co.nz
Peak Financial Services Ltd.
contact: Bobby Chua
m: 021 239 5335
e: bobby@peakfinancial.co.nz
IMPORTER / DISTRIBUTOR
Tres Marias
Importer and distributor of Filipino
goods and services within New Zealand
p: (09) 570 8981 / (09) 274 7595
e: info@tresmarias.co.nz
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
EDENZ Colleges
p: (09) 309 5208
e: philippines@edenz.ac.nz
www.edenz.ac.nz
ROYAL Business College
Auckland Campus: (09) 368 1918
e: recauckland@royalbusiness.ac.nz
Christchurch Campus: (03) 374 9838
e: info@royalbusiness.ac.nz
w: www.royalbusiness.ac.nz
MONEY TRANSFER
Orbit Remit
Online money transfer
www.orbitremit.com
SARI-SARI STORE
Tofu Shop
Asian Groceries - Imported & Local
Open 7 days
Albany - Unit D, 50 Greville Rd.
Northcote - 16 Pearn Cres.
Newmarket - 7-11 Kent St.
Henderson - Unit D, Pioneer St.
Pakuranga - 290 Ti Rakau Drive
SERVICES
Embroidery & Monogram Services
contact: Francisco Corpus
53 Chartwell Avenue, Glenfield
p: (09) 443 4552 m: 027 221 3122
e: corpusembroidery@gmail.com
St Joseph Parish
10 Dominion St., Takapuna,
North Shore
4th Sunday of the month @4pm
WELLINGTON:
Sts Peter & Paul Church
60 Knights Rd., Lower Hutt
1st Sunday @12pm
St Anne’s Catholic Church
22 Emmett St., Newtown
Sunday masses @9:30am, @5pm
Sacred Heart Cathedral
40 Hill St., Thorndon, Wellington
Sunday masses @10:30am, @7m
Pinoy NZ Life Classifieds - very affordable! Text: 027 495 8477
www.migrantnews.nz
Volunteer Work
Migrant News started publishing
in 1991 and it is one of the first ethnic
newspapers to appear in New
Zealand.
Today the paper is published
monthly as a free online resource
for new immigrants.
We are in the process of increasing
our coverage of news from all
parts of New Zealand.
If you have some experience in
writing, we are looking for freelance
contributors to be part of our
team.
Other volunteer work opportunities
are available as well.
Please contact us by email:
migrantnews@xtra.co.nz or Facebook
page: Migrant News NZ
EMPLOYMENT
AIL OF NEW ZEALAND LTD.
Wanted:
Sales Agents
Mga minamahal kong
kababayan,
Our company
American Income Life
of NZ is looking for
New Sales Agents.
Commission based only.
Minimum qualification is
at least a Resident of NZ
Sales and Customer
Service experience is an
advantage but not
essential.
Please let me know if
you’re interested.
Thanks and God Bless!
Subscribe
and you’ll
never miss out
6 issues - $25
12 issues - $49
Please send us an
email indicating the
number of issues required
with your name, address
and email contact details.
filipinonews@xtra.co.nz
SM Publications Ltd
Po Box 21396
Henderson, Akld
Bong Albao
M: 0212163912
Enjoy our home made sauce
For your order contact: 027 925 2421
Joel & Rowena (09) 214 3801
Escape to a quiet villa at
Casa Alegria-Bohol
Bohol, Philippines
P: 09 837 4944
E: jesjor@outlook.co.nz
HOMEMADE
For more info follow us on
Pipo’s Lechon
Book your group now at Casa Alegria-Bohol, and enjoy the
serenity around our holiday home. Get discounts up to 35%
(conditions apply). This is truly your home away from home.
We will do everything to make you feel at home.
The Best Place to Relax
We have two luxurious condominums at the Shell
Residences, only a walk away from the Mall of Asia.
Unit 1017 & 1018 Bldg D.
Edsa corner Sunrise drive, Central Business Park - Island A,
Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Manila, Philippines
For booking and enquiries, please contact:
Lito Abuyan on 021 326 247, 09 273 8537
E: lito.abuyan@xtra.co.nz
Legacy of Faith Church
"Love God. Love People. Pass it on."
Sunday Worship Time
and Venue:
1st Floor, 7 Princes Street,
Otahuhu, Auckland
10 am
web: www.lfc.org.nz
e-mail: lfcnz.info@gmail.com
View from the cottage
Looking for a place to stay in Manila?

MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.pinoynzlife.nz Facebook: Filipino Migrant News 15 BUHAY
NZ
Sometimes, when it gets
chilly at dawn or on winter
nights, my little cat jumps
up on the bed and snuggles
under the covers with me.
Some afternoons, when
she's dozing, I like to gently
pet her and run my hand
along the length of her silky
body and she purrs contentedly.
And as I look at her it
never ceases to amaze me
how trusting and vulnerable
she is lying there trusting
completely that I would
never harm her.
During these bonding
moments my thoughts always
turn to the abused animal
stories we read and
hear about in the news or on
social media.
I cannot comprehend
how other humans can be
cruel and malicious to animals.
What is it in these
people's wiring that gives
them satisfaction to see
helpless creatures suffer?
What twisted, sadistic
genes have grown in them
like a cancer to cause their
brains to function at subhuman
levels?
Many of these people are
also capable of committing
the most heinous acts
against fellow humans, so it
is not surprising that they
can do it to other creatures.
Bless the beasts
I cannot comprehend how other humans can be cruel and malicious to
animals. What is it in these people's wiring that gives them satisfaction
to see helpless creatures suffer? What twisted, sadistic genes have
grown in them like a cancer to cause their brains to function at
sub-human levels?
I find that it's a misnomer to
call them 'animals', because
when you think about it,
animals act and react
instinctively. When they
kill another animal it is out
of a need to survive, to
feed, to protect their young,
or to mate. There is nothing
malicious or calculated
about it. Well, calculated
only in so far as they need
to determine how best to
bring the prey or rival
down. But labelling people
who abuse and mistreat
This Pinay’s
OPINION
By Dr Lilia Sevillano
others (animals or humans)
as 'animals' is unfair to the
real animals. I think the
best label for them is 'monsters'
or 'freaks'.
I absolutely have no
respect or sympathy for
these monsters. Truth be
told, I personally
think that
they are beyond
help.
How can
you counsel,
support, or
try to 'fix'
someone
who is, in
their most
basic cellular
make-up,
missing the
chromosome
that
makes them humane?
They are aberrations of
nature and these so called
humans who abuse others,
especially animals, have no
place on this earth. It's sad
that the punishment usually
meted out to those caught is
very lenient or light. I say
that the punishment should
suit the crime. Go back to
the Old Testament's teaching
of 'an eye for an eye'.
Harsh as that may seem,
sometimes it's the only
option. And please don't
preach to me about human
rights. Someone who purposely
violates another's
rights, whether human or
animal, loses their rights as
a human.
A bible verse from
Genesis 1:26 states: “Let
us make man in our image,
according to our likeness
and let them rule over the
fish of the sea and over the
birds of the sky and over
the cattle and over all the
earth and over every creeping
thing that creeps on the
earth.”
Although that verse gives
humankind superiority and
dominance over the rest of
the animal kingdom, it does
not translate into abusing
that dominance. Rather, it
gives humans the responsibility
of caring for them and
ensuring that all animals
that we 'rule' over, whether
they are fish, birds, cattle,
creepy crawlies and indeed
anything living, are treated
with respect and kindness.
I quote another source,
this time Mahatma Gandhi,
who said. “I hold that
the more helpless a creature,
the more entitled it is
to protection by man from
the cruelty of man.”
As the 'superior' species
we should be intelligent
enough to do this, but sadly,
some of our kind are even
lower than the lowliest of
animals. So, bless the
beasts and save them from
the cruelty of some members
of our species.
JR PANEL & PAINT LTD.
64 Elizabeth Knox Place, St. Johns, Auckland
Tel: 574 5876 Fax: 574 5877
Mob: 021 037 5454 Email: jrpanelnpaint@gmail.com
Look for: Jun or Jeck Ablanida
One-stop shop for First Home Buyers,
Loans, Insurance & more...
• Need to buy your First Home but don't know how? No deposit saved
but has been a Kiwisaver member for more than three years?
• Worried about your existing debts like Credit cards, Personal loans,
Car loans and Hire Purchases and wish to have one easy repayment
at competitive rates?
• Need help in getting Personalized, Free and No-obligation Advise to
sort out your home loan and financial worries?
Got an incident?
Bring your CLAIM NUMBER & get a
FREE COURTESY CAR
12 cars available (from 4-seater to 8-seater)
We Can Help!
Rowena Telebrico -
Sabdao
Mortgage and Insurance
Adviser
Mobile: 021-245 6988
Phone: 09-2708608
Office Add: Suite 11,
CPO Business Centre,
350 Great South Road,
Otahuhu, Auckland City
Our Services:
Home Loans - Purchasing your first home or
investment property.
Refinances - Refinancing your mortgage to
another bank to find the best interest rates and
personalize your loan structure to help you
save thousands in interest costs.
Debt Consolidation - Looking to consolidate
your short-term debts like credit cards, hire
purchases, personal loans and car loans? Have
one (1) easy repayment at a very competitive
rates and longer repayment terms.
Personal loan and Car loan - Helping you get
through financially on something important for
your family.
Insurance - Personal Insurance (Life, Income
Protection and Health Insurance) and
General Insurance (Motor, Fire, Contents and
Travel Insurance). For your peace of mind
knowing that you and your loved ones are
protected when you need it.
Act Now! Call, Ring or send a text message to
Rowena, 021-245 6988, 09-2708608
Email: rowena@lifeprotectorlimited.com
www.lifeprotectorlimited.co.nz

16 MARCH 2017. ISSUE 98 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.pinoynzlife.nz Facebook: Filipino Migrant News
www.travelgalore.nz
Iloilo island is one of
the world's best
By CRISELDA DAVID
FMN Correspondent
El Nido
“Welcome to our resort, feel at home here with us
in El Nido. Let us be at your service while you
enjoy life in the Philippines!” - Lito Abuyan, Owner
F o r b o o k i n g & e n q u i r i e s c o n t a c t L i t o A b u y a n
M : 0 2 1 3 2 6 2 4 7 | P : 0 9 2 7 3 8 5 3 7
E : l i t o . a b u y a n @ x t r a . c o . n z
w w w . s e a h o r s e a n d m a n g r o v e . c o m
ILOILO CITY, Philippines
- The island of
Cabugao Gamay in the
province of Iloilo is considered
by Forbes magazine
to be one of the most beautiful
places in the world.
On its official website the
small island was ranked
#14 worldwide as provided
by Beautiful Destinations
- the largest travel and
lifestyle community on
Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat.
The online community
examined the most tagged
places in the last six months
on Instagram and came up
with the list of the 20 most
beautiful places in the
world.
This definitive list of the
world's most beautiful
places was presented by a
group of 12 successful
female Instagram photographers.
According to the website
Cabugao Gamay is described
as a small island
located two kilometres off
the coast of Isla de
Gigantes Sur in Carles,
Iloilo.
The island's shape is
unique, because it features
rock formations, a gorgeous
white sandbar and emerald
waters.
Filipino travel photographer
Kimi Juan chose
Cabugao Gamay and said
that traveling is a big part
of her life as it serves as a
great source of inspiration
for her work.
“Seeing all these amazing
places around the world
and in my home country
fuels me to go out and
shoot and see more of the
world,” said Juan.
The inclusion of the
Iloilo island can be found in
the article 'Are These The
20 Most Beautiful Places
in the World?' written by
Laura Begley Bloom.
Editor - More travelogues
can be found at: www.
travelgalore.nz
AUCKLAND AUTO CLINIC
0800
FIX
CAR
291 Church St., Onehunga
P: 09 622 1265
E: service@autoclinic.co.nz
COLLISION REPAIR
SPECIALISTS
Call: 09 278 7623
53 Plunket Ave., Puhinui, Manukau
Want some free honest advice?
Full Servicing of European, Australian, Japanese
& Korean brand cars at very competitive prices
*WOF • Battery Sales & Service • Parts & Accessories • Tyres Sales
& Service • Wheel Alignment • Express Lube Service • Engine Flush
• Standard Service/Full Service • Transmission Flush /Servicing
• *Cooling System Servicing • Diagnostics & Auto Electrical
• Brakes • Clutch/Gearbox • Airconditioning • Diesel Vehicle
Services • GDI Tuning/Cambelt • Muffler & Exhaust Repair Servicing
Approved maintenance providers for: Custom Fleet,
Leaseplan, Orix, Autosure, Cardlink, Fleet Smart.
Repair Assessment • Qualified Assessor • Free Quotes
Restoration • Custom and classic vehicles
Quality Collision Repairs
Quality WOF & COF Repairs • Chassis • Panel • Paint
We specialise in insurance and private repairs whether it is a fleet,
commercial vehicle or a much loved family car.
Courtesy cars are provided where necessary.
All vehicles receive a free valet.
We are approved repairers for all the major insurance firms,
IAG certified Repairers and CRA member.

Asian Migrant News
Reach the
broader
Asian
market!
Filipino Migrant News
One-third of Aucklanders will be ASIANS BY 2021.
Time to reach this market!
ASIAN NEWS - asia2nz.com
MIGRANT NEWS - migrantnews.nz
FILIPINO NEWS - filipinonews.nz
TRAVEL GALORE - travelgalore.nz
mobile: 027 495 8477 email: migrantnews@xtra.co.nz
TOO GOOD TO MISS OUT ON!
Keep it coming!
Complimentary copies run out
pretty fast at designated pick-up points.
So reserve your personal copy.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
ASIAN NEWS - asia2nz.com
MIGRANT NEWS - migrantnews.nz
FILIPINO NEWS - filipinonews.nz
6 issues - NZ$29 * 12 issues - NZ$55*
Migrant News issues FILIPINO Migrant News issues
Name/Company .....................................................................................
Address .................................................................................................
............................................................................................................
Amount paid .................................... cheque payable to SM Publications Ltd
or Direct Credit to SM Publications, ASB Bank Acct No: 123 042 0427727 00
or Paypal: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz / or send us an email requesting an Invoice
your email address............................................or tel................................
* Rates quoted for mail delivery in New Zealand; this is a promotional rate for a limited period only