The Bulwagan Foundation Trust Newsletter

Issue 5   June 2015  

__________________________________________________________________________________

What a Journey This Has Been!

 By Odette Madrisa

I'm no writer but I have experienced a wonderful time with the Loboc Children's Choir (LCC) while they were here in New Zealand and so I want to share what it was like with these talented yet disciplined and humble kids and their accompanying adults.  

I got involved in this project as a Trustee of the Bulwagan Foundation Trust when the Philippine Embassy partnered with the Trust and other volunteers to organise the concert of the LCC in Wellington. An idea to document the LCC's daily activities came up from one of the committee meetings and I was up for the task. The documentation included creating a facebook page called 'Loboc Children's Choir New Zealand Tour 2015', taking photos and videos of the LCC and their daily activities and then posting them on the facebook page and later on posting the videos on the BFT youtube account.

Day 1: The Arrival at Auckland

The journey started in the afternoon of 3 June when the LCC arrived at the Auckland Airport. The "welcoming committee" composed of her excellency Virginia Benavidez, Consul General Arlene Macaisa, Honorary Consul General Paulo Garcia, Nanette Carillo and Mike de Boer from Street Children and Orphans Trust (SCOT) and myself were there early for their arrival.

It was the first meeting with the LCC and we were so excited that every time an Asian-looking kid comes out from the gate, we would say "hello" as we were guessing if they were from the choir. It was a bit an awkward moment but after a few minutes of waiting at the gate, they finally came out and we just started to say "maayong pag-abot" meaning "welcome".  They must be exhausted from the long travel from Bohol, Philippines all the way to Auckland, New Zealand but the smile on their faces didn't say so. It was a cold and wet evening and they just came from a very warm and humid place, their body must be feeling a bit shocked with the extreme change of weather but I guess, the warm welcome and excitement covered it all.

A bus was hired to pick everyone up and were dropped off at the Consulate Office in Auckland.  The host parents were all geared up and ready with their umbrellas and extra jacket for the kids and also ready to assist them with their luggages. The LCC was warmly welcomed by the Consulate staff, host parents and volunteers with a buffet dinner.

The Choir is composed of Josh Abad, Kenshin Ganibe, Lord Macadaeg, Shain Malinao, Julia Mandin, Marjorie Mandin, Angel Rose Raya, Katja Taldo, Elgen Mandin, Jack Osio, Janrex Requierme, Kara Alcala, Haide Vargas, Nona Varquez, Filianne Villaflor, Raquel Bagaslao, Venice Balasta, Mae Ann Cantonjos, Princess De Costo, Camille Paz Estrera, Ira Macadaeg, Maria Guadalupe Malig-on and Ella Mandin. Their Musical Director is Mrs. Alma Taldo with her husband Mr. Hidolito Taldo, accompanied by their Master Teacher, Mrs. Liza Mondilla, Conductor Noel Caneda and Accompanist, Mr. Clemencio Varquez.

The host parents/families in Auckland were Robert and Lydia Magallanes, Rio and Rosemary Beltran, Baron and Ednalyn Borja, Rey and Susan Grafia, Patrick Pardo and Mel Baker, Mauro Oreta and Family, Vaness Martin and David Marks, Alice Howden, Josie Mitchell, Lilia Snelgrove and Lito Banal and Family.

A briefing of the activities was done. The night finished by each host families taking their "adopted" kids and/or accompanying adults home. But before everyone left the Consulate, the choir sang "Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika".  This was the first time that we heard them sing live and what an angelic voice these kids have!

Day 2: Day with Host Family

The host families decided to show the kids around Auckland beginning at the Auckland Museum from late morning until early afternoon. After the tour, most families went to malls and other places and for some, had lunch then straight to bed to catch up with sleep. As for us (myself, Arlene, Nanette, Mike, Mae Ann, Camille, Noel, Josh, Johnrex and Jack), we stayed and had lunch at the Museum's cafe.

While waiting for the boys' host parents to pick them up, we thought that it was a good idea for the kids to practice the NZ National Anthem in Maori and English. It so happened that Mike De Boer wished to sing with the kids. Well, we all had fun listening to that number. The kids were so cute that I wasn't able to get hold of myself that I gave them all big hugs and kisses!

I was staying with my friends, Patrick Pardo and Mel Baker, and their "adopted" kids were Mae Ann and Camille. When we got home, instead of having a rest, we went straight to Josie's place (a few minutes away). There was a gathering in remembrance of her beloved husband who passed away years ago. There were family and friends and her "adopted" kids were Filianne and Angel Rose. After the short ceremony, we had dinner and then the girls were requested to sing a song.

Day 3: Visit and Immersion at the Sancta Maria College

The date was 05 June and it was a special day because it was Shain's 13th birtday! We started the morning by singing "Happy birthday" to Shain on the bus! We were on our way to the LCC's first interaction with students in New Zealand. Beanies and gloves were given by the Ambassador to the group for them to stay warm.

This immersion was made possible by the couple, Cyril and Irene Siasoco, who are part of the Board of Trustees in the College.  When we got there, we were welcomed with a morning tea. Afterwards, we were toured around the school buildings and grounds. Then we all gathered at the auditorium for the choir's mini concert. It was a great performance and everyone was so proud of them including myself! 

After the performance, the kids were assigned to different student buddies and each group visited classrooms and attended some classes at their own time and pace. As I tried to catch up with them and take videos in different direction, it was timing that Nona was signing an autograph. It was also timing that Julia passed by and the girls asked her for an autograph as well. There was even a boy who specifically asked Julia's autograph and he was thrilled! I can just imagine him taking a selfie with Julia if he got his phone with him :) The students were so thrilled! Almost everyone waved everytime LCC kids passed by each classroom. The choir just made a fan out of these students! :)

It was early afternoon when everyone assembled back at the auditorium. The kids were given thermal shirts by Becca de la Vega, mother of Robbie de la Vega, a student of Sancta Maria College and who played the piano as accompaniment for some of the songs that the choir sang.  Becca took the chance to welcome everyone and gave some words of advice.

As there was still time, Nanette Carillo managed to get a free entrance at the Maritime Museum. To thank the staff, the choir gave them a sample song. Check out the video below. :)

Day 4: Gala Performance at the Auckland Town Hall

This was the day! The first concert of the choir in New Zealand. Though the event was still in the evening, everyone was required to be at the Town Hall early in the morning. This is for warm-up, briefing and rehearsal.

The choir's morning started with a prayer in a song, vocal warm-up and even a bit of physical stretching. The rest of the day was spent rehearsing for the concert.  

Guests performers were the Auckland Girls Choir, Aotea Youth Symphony and Fr Elrich Jorquia with accompanying pianist, Robbie de la Vega. Emceed by Gerard Seth. The organising committee were SCOT (Street Children and Orphans Trust) and CAPO (Council of Auckland Philippine Organizations), headed by David Jhoy Sasis.

The concert was very successful! The choir "wowed" the audience. Some even commented that they could have paid more than $25 for a great performance! I was feeling really proud of the choir.

After the concert, there was a gathering at the back stage. It so happened that a few from the Wellington Filipino Community Choir including myself, Dinna O'Meara, Judith Mendoza, Karlo Camacho and RG Reyes (our pianist) were there, so we jammed with the kids. It was exhausting but a fun night! I don't know about the others but "our kids", Mae Ann and Camille, had dinner at Denny's Family restaurant at New Lynn with a big group of friends.

The video below does not contain the concert proper. It was prohibited as an official videographer was hired to produce copies of the concert in DVD to sell. 

Day 5 - Visit to Hobbiton and Thanksgiving Celebration

Yes, the day before was full-on and exhausting but we still had to get up early to go to Hobbiton in Mata-Mata (which is outside Auckland), the movie set for the movie series,"Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit". Almost everyone was asleep in the bus while traveling, obviously exhausted from all the activities they were engaged since they arrived here in New Zealand. 

For the kids, the Hobbiton was the highlight of their NZ tour at this point. They had a great time! It was nice to capture their reactions. I have been to Hobbiton in 2003 and all that was left were holes and little of props. I'm glad that I was able to join this group on this tour. It's a lot of improvement since the last time I was there.

Now, everyone was wide awake. So on our way back to Auckland, instead of snoozing, we had some entertainment like song numbers from Josh Kho, Noel, myself and others. I was so impressed with the voice of Josh! No wonder, he's an opera singer! And Noel, although conducting nowadays for LCC, what a lovely and cool voice!  By the way Josh kho with Marden Tan are from Liwayway Marketing Corporation. They "surprised" the kids by turning up on the concert night and then joining them on the Hobbiton Tour.
 

Back in Auckland, we were dropped off at the St. Joseph Parish in Takapuna to participate in a thanksgiving Mass, officiated by Fr. Mario Dorado and Fr. Elrich Jorquia. Mass singing was led by the Loboc Children's Choir. After the mass, there was a thanksgiving dinner held at the Parish Hall prepared by the host families, organising committee and Filipino community groups in North Shore. It was also a farewell gathering and the choir was prayed for and blessed. A fund was collected and given as a "baon" for the kids while here in New Zealand. The night finished with a few songs that the choir performed.

Next will be Loboc Children's Choir in Wellington. Watch for the next issue of this newsletter.

__________________________________________________________________________________

The Filipino Community Centre

The centre is under renovation and hoping to have it ready to full use in September 2015.  So, watch this space for updates.

Also, if you have anything to donate for the centre's use, please contact us on trustee@bulwagan.org.nz.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Continuously Building the Community

- How Can You Help?

Alkansiya

This is a "piggy bank" version in the Philippines that is made out of coconut shell with a hole that will only fit a coin.  The concept is to fill it with coins and the Trustees will announce an event to break this "alkansiya".  Whatever the total amount of the coins will be donated to the Filipino Community Centre project. 

Adopt-a-brick

A number of bricks are offered for adoption, reserved and paid in advance by interested individuals, organizations, businesses, offices and politicians. These bricks are then set aside in a “warehouse” BANK that will eventually be used to build the CENTRE.

Fundraising Events

Please do support our events by buying tickets and attending the events.  If you have a business, you can either sponsor or hire a stall.  Or if you just want to sell your products and services, hire a stall or two.

Volunteers? Anyone? We Need You!

While we are looking forward to the official opening of our Filipino Community Centre, this doesn't mean that the work is over.  In fact, there will be more fun activities and events to prepare for.

So if you have a flair for writing, photography, videography, graphic arts, entertainment or simply wanting to contribute your time, service and/or effort, you're very welcome to do so. Please let us know by sending us an email on trustee@bulwagan.org.nz.

__________________________________________________________________________________