The Bulwagan Foundation Trust Newsletter

Issue 15   August 2016

Filipinos Celebrate "Taste of Home"

Geo Robrigado

The wait for authentic Filipino dishes is now over.

Despite a heavy downpour, people flocked to the Filipino Community Centre on 23 July to celebrate “Taste of Home”, a festival of our favourite Filipino food items and dishes. The festival gathered several stalls run by members of the Filipino community showcasing well-loved Filipino food such as "laing" (taro leaves cooked in coconut milk) by Ric Robrigado, "lumpiang sariwa" (fresh vegetable spring rolls) by Oda Arcellana, and "lechon" (suckling roast pig) by the Bulwagan Foundation.

The event was highlighted by cooking demonstrations done by Masterchef New Zealand 2015 Finalist Leo Fernandez, who sampled three of his creations. The event was hosted by Rocky Dunmire and covered by Lynda Chanwai-Earle for Radio New Zealand's Voices Programme. The event was also graced by his Excellency Ambassador Jesus "Gary" Domingo (the Embassy also has their own stall at the event) as well as performances from Filifest, Ivy Padilla, Ella Cabauatan, Simply MelODi, Tamariki Kuki Airani, and the Wellington Filipino Community Choir.

We hope that we have filled your stomachs with food and joy.

More photos from Ed Sevilleja below...

An article by Lynda Chanwai-Earle for Radio New Zealand's Voices Programme

The Bulwagan Foundation Trust would like to thank those who participated, the volunteers and especially the sponsors for this event.

Jeproks and Bagets

Geo Robrigado

Jeproks. First heard in the 1970s Mike Hanopol song "Laki sa Layaw (Jeproks)," the term is Filipino slang that refers to a cool, laid-back, and street-smart guy from the projects. Bagets. First used as the title of a hit 1984 film starring William Martinez, Herbert Bautista, and Raymond Lauchengco, the term is Filipino slang that generally refers to young people. It is coined from the term "bagito" which loosely translates to a "newbie", a "neophyte" or an "inexperienced dude".

Both terms may be simple terms, but those were buzzwords in Manila during the 70s and the 80s, respectively, because of their relevance to pop culture back then. And those same words became the buzzwords of the most recent party to rock the Filipino Community Centre.

On 16 July, the Filipino Community Centre hosted “Jeproks and Bagets: a 70s and 80s Dance Party Night”. Those who attended came in their best and wildest 70s and 80s get-ups and enjoyed the 70s and 80s music dished out by DJs Mon Illana, Oddie Madrisa and His Excellency Ambassador Gary Domingo. The party had a $10 entrance and all proceeds went to the Centre’s upkeep.

It was surely a night to remember.

Girl Guiding in New Zealand

GirlGuiding is New Zealand’s largest girl-only organisation, offering girls and young women opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities and outdoor adventures so they reach their potential and can make a difference in the world.

Get involved in GirlGuiding NZ today!

Upcoming Event

September this year will be the first anniversary since the launch of the Filipino Community Centre. We will soon celebrate this milestone. Watch this space for more details.

Four months to go and it will be Christmas time. As a tradition, the Bulwagan Foundation Trust will be organising a "Parol" (star lantern) contest. Watch this space for more details.

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 the event or hire a stall or two.

Become a Sponsor or Advertise Your Business

Be a sponsor to our fundraising events and/or any other projects. You can also advertise your business on our website, newsletter and facebook.

Volunteers? Anyone? We Need You!

Our Filipino Community Centre is now available for everyone to use but 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.

We'll be very greatful for your help. Send us an email on trustee@bulwagan.org.nz or call on +64 27 3499596

The Filipino Community Centre

Book your events, birthdays, anniversaries, parties, workshops, office functions and other activities at the Filipino Community Centre, 92-94 Cuba Street, Petone, Lower Hutt. For enquiries call 04 568 5900 / 021 02433780 or email to filcommcentre@gmail.com.