The Bulwagan Foundation Trust Newsletter

Issue 7    August 2015

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What A Journey This Has Been!

By Odette Madrisa

And the journey continues... to Christchurch. 

Day 16: Christchurch, Visit to Cathedral Catholic College and Meet and Greet

This was the last day in Wellington and the time to fly to Christchurch, the third and last leg for the Loboc Children's Choir New Zealand tour. This was also the time to say goodbye to their host families (Philippine Embassy). Wellington was the city the choir stayed the longest so no wonder that everyone got a little attached and saying goodbye took a little longer and it brought tears to everyone. Now, it's time to go. I was so impressed on how these kids were so behaved and independent. Even when I tried to help bring the little ones' bags, they refused and wanted to carry their bags themselves eventhough I think it's heavy and bulky for their size. I never heard anyone of them complained on anything at all. Finally, we're all set at the plane. It was nice to be on the same plane with the choir.

When we arrived at the Christchurch airport, the CPAG (Canterbury Philippines Assistance Group) welcomed us with a big banner (of course, it was for the choir :)). After the luggages were gathered, the choir was requested to sing and as usual people were in awe! A bus took everyone to a centre to meet the host families. There was introduction of the choir, organisers and host families. After the choir and accompanying adults were entrusted to their respective host families, that's when I realised that I wasn't booked at any accommodation nor anyone's home. Fortunately, upon realising the situation, at least three couples volunteered and were excited to "adopt" me. The couple, Serge and Gene Ruiz, were very familiar, so I went with them together with Liza Mondilla and Elgen Mandin. After the photoshoot, we went home to sort out our stuff then we were treated lunch at an Asian restaurant. The early afternoon was spent at the Cathedral Catholic College for a visit and choir performance. This was where we met Chelsea, the beautiful daughter of Serge and Gene and this day was also her birthday. It was so nice of the choir to sing her "Happy birthday!". The next venue that we went to was at the Plains FM Radio Station for the "Kumusta Ka Kabayan" radio program run by CPAG. Tita Alma Taldo, Noel Caneda and Arlene Macaisa were interviewed, then followed by the choir who sang a song or two. After the program, we were just waiting for the next activity and for the meantime, the kids jumped on the seats and microphone and pretended to be the radio presentors. Others, pretended to be recording a song. It was hilarious and fun! The day ended with a "Meet and Greet" dinner at the Sacred Heart Hall where the Boholanos took time to prepare food for everyone (including a whole big lechon on the table :)). It was all delicious!

Day 17: Visit to Sacred Heart School and Sheffield

It was an early start at the Sacred Heart School. The whole morning was spent doing fun activities with the students and later on an exchange of performance by the students and the choir.

It was heard on the news that day that snow might pour in the evening. But as promised to the choir who were so keen to experience the snow sensation, the organisers with a few foster parents took everyone to the Western part of Christchurch to see and enjoy the snow. As we traveled further West, the surroundings were becoming white with snow and the cars, buses and trucks coming from that direction had thick snow on its rooftop. The previous night, the snow poured down heavily causing a power outage. Along the way we saw engineers fixing the electric posts. There were even cars almost upside down on the roadside (the owner probably didn't anticipate how slippery it would be to drive) and there was a fire truck in front of a cafe on smoke (good thing it didn't get on fire). We were looking for the Sheffield Cafe and when we finally found it, it wasn't open that day. I heard that the cafe serves a very nice bun... It could have been nice to sit and eat! We were all hungry as it was past our lunch time. 

 Tita Alma was very worried that the kids might get sick if they play on the snow and said it was okay to see the snow but not touch them (that means staying in the bus). We were kind of dissapointed for the kids so everyone tried their best to convince Tita Alma to allow the kids to get their feet on the snow even for a short while. When we finally got to Sheffied Park, everyone "jumped" out of the bus to play in the snow. The adults including myself became kids again! Some started building a snow man. I started molding a snowball on my hands and throwing them to the kids - at their legs actually. We stayed there very briefly but long enough to take photos and feel the cold. Anyway, it was starting to rain a bit and we all got in the bus except for a couple of "big kids" trying to make the most out of it. I guess that was enough so now we tried to look for a place big enough for at least 30 to sit and eat. Unfortunately, there was none not even a decent park as the snow was starting to melt. Alfie Alojado, the president of CPAG decided to just invite everyone to his home so we can settle and eat our late lunch eventhough he was worried that we might not fit. Well, it was fun and everyone satisfied with the event and finally eating lunch! Although the kids were already exhausted (some almost with closed eyes resting) and with some getting sick as they lie down everywhere in the living area, it's evident that they love to sing. There was a piano and Tito Boy Varquez started playing and it was automatic, the choir sang happily. And while I take a video of them, they still managed to smile and do wacky faces on the camera.

Day 18: Gala Performance

It was an early start for a sound check and rehearsal at the Celebration Events Centre and when the rehearsal was over, everyone went to their respective host home for a short rest and packing up for the following day's departure to Sydney.

Going back to the centre, we drove into the city and saw the architectural development going on. It's becoming a new city as most buildings were being built up again. I can't imagine how it was like after the big earthquake that hit Christchurch few years back.

When we got back to the centre, I was reunited with my co-trustees from Wellington. This time we were able to watch the concert sitting down but sometimes we went at the backstage to help retouch the kids' make-up. <img height="22" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e9922_f08e343127774efe8d9971ba20f4b6e6.png_256" width="22"> The organisers hired a professional photographer and videographer to produce copies of the concert to put on a DVD for sale. Nobody was allowed to take photos or videos.

After the concert and photoshoot, there was a feast. A big cake was cut by the Ambassador and there was a big "lechon" and other food to eat. Another successful concert night!

Day 19: Departure

This day was a sad moment for everyone - the choir's last day in New Zealand. Everyone needed to be at the airport as early as 4 AM for their 7 AM flight to Sydney. It was always a bit of a problem with the extra luggages. We talked to and told the stewardess at the counter about the choir's situation and that if she can allow to check-in the extra luggages for free (as the other airport in Auckland and Wellington did) but she was firm with her decision not to. She said that she would talk to her supervisor and when she came back, the answer was still "no". We were wondering if she really did talk to her supervisor because I intentionally got the supervisor's attention when she was walking past us and told her the situation and seemed like she wasn't told about it. But at least she allowed one luggage to check-in for free as long as the choir will sing a song. The choir chose to sing two songs, "I will" and "Pokarekare Ana". After singing the first song, everyone who heard the choir was in awe! In the middle of singing the second song, I could tell that the kids were trying to hold back their tears. I was taking a video of them using my phone and when I realised that some of them were already crying, tears just flowed "like a waterfall" from my eyes. I couldn't wipe it or make a sound because I was filming them. Upon seeing my "river of tears", the kids reacted and most of them couldn't hold it much longer. When I pushed the 'Stop' button we all came together and group hugged and cried. Surely, I was going to miss them "big time" and from their reactions, I was pretty sure they're going to miss me too! Having been with them from beginning to end, there was friendship that molded and great memories to keep forever. By the way, the other extra baggage was shouldered (as a gift) by the Bulwagan Foundation Trust.

Then it was time for them to go. We walked with them up to the immigration gate and along the way, everyone said their goodbyes, took selfies and wacky selfies. I was so tempted to go with them to Sydney but I needed to stay. In fact, my passport was in my bag. Probably if somebody "sponsored" a return-ticket, I could have just "jumped in" the opportunity. It was touching that I felt that they wanted me to come with them. In fact, somebody tied an Air New Zealand tag on my back pack and convincing me to go with them. When they left, I think I suffered a bit of a "separation anxiety" and took me weeks to get over it. <img height="22" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e9922_f08e343127774efe8d9971ba20f4b6e6.png_256" width="22">

This marks the end of the choir's journey to New Zealand and I was lucky and thankful to the Philippine Embassy that they made me one of the "chaperones" of the choir. I got the chance to know the choir (including their accompanying adults) personally, have fun with them and witnessed how very good these kids are with their talents, how humble, independent, responsible, obedient and disciplined they are as individuals and kids. It carved a significant event in my life to remember forever. 

On another note, this journey has also given me the opportunity to know more people who are nice, talented, skilled, genuine and caring, both in Auckland and Christchurch. I say, I found new friends.

For the Loboc Children's Choir and people behind it, may God always bless you and your family. Always be the ambassadors of our culture through your music around the world! Hope to see you again! <img height="22" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5e9922_c812a646f00a4a9eb04d1d8f44771c57.png_256" width="22">

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The Filipino Community Centre

Check out the Filipino Community Center at 92-94 Cuba Street, Petone, Lower Hutt. For enquiries call 02102433780 / 04 5685900 or email on trustee@bulwagan.org.nz.

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Upcoming Events

Karaoke Night

Karaoke night at the FilComm Centre on 17 October from 5 PM onwards.

Garage Sale

Please support the community by donating items in good condition for the Garage Sale event at the Filipino Community Centre on 7 November 2015 from 10 AM until 1 PM. All proceeds will go to the Filipino Community Centre.

The following is a schedule to receive items at the Filipino Community Centre:

•   Every Friday (2, 9,16, 23, 30 October and 6 November), 5-7 PM
  •   Every Saturday (3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 October), 2-4 PM

Somebody will be at the FilComm Centre to receive your donated items. Thank you in advance.

"Pasko" (Christmas)

There will be a "Parol" (lantern) contest and each "parol" will be displayed at the FilComm Centre from 28 November - 12 December. Contest criteria and other details will be announced later.

Christmas Choral Concert

The Bulwagan Foundation Trust presents the Wellington Filipino Community Choir's Christmas Concert on 5 December from 6 - 9 PM. Details and other information will be announced later.

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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.

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