By Ricky Matthew
In a foreign land that scarcely echoes the familiarity of home, Filipino migrants often find themselves navigating a delicate balance between assimilation and preserving their cultural identity. Yet, through the veins of every Filipino-Kiwi runs a spirit of patriotism and cultural pride that is undeniable.
Over the last decade the Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards has recognised countless Filipinos for their contributions to the community or success in their respective fields.
Adjusting to a wildly different culture and having to fight to survive and thrive in a new country are common experiences that every Filipino migrant faces. The awards are a chance for the community to recognise and celebrate the successes of their fellow Filipinos, who have fought and come out on top.
“Pinoys love what they do and love their hosts and fellow migrants, manifesting it in their daily deeds,” says Kiwi Hero Award recipient and blogger, Noel Bautista.
“Having dedicated themselves to their second home, Pinoys likewise dedicate themselves to their jobs and communities. Just as importantly, Pinoys show how grateful they are to be adopted members of the New Zealand community by giving the latter their effort, respect and cooperation in full measure.”
Business achievers, migrant advocates, doctors and nurses, outstanding youth, community leaders, X-factor musicians, international athletes, chefs and many others, are among the prestigious winners that have all walked across the same stage to accept their Hero Awards. These Heroes share the determination to overachieve that migrant communities have always been known for.
In 2014, the first ever Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards was held at the Auckland Showgrounds. Since then, the community has crowned 150 Filipino-Kiwi Heroes who have flourished in their new homeland of New Zealand.
This year, a decade on, the awards are returning to where it all began. On the 8th of June, 2024, the 7th Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards will be celebrating Filipinos that have gone beyond the ordinary, again at the Auckland Showgrounds.
The 2024 award categories are sports, community hero, youth, professional and civic engagement, business excellence and creative arts. “Ever since 2014, Filipino News NZ has sought to recognise Filipino-Kiwi individuals that the newspaper’s editors have determined have made significant contributions on many levels. As journalists we are at the forefront of breaking news, so we are privy to the achievements of our kababayan,” says Mel Fernandez, Director of Filipino News.
“We undertake in depth research and interview potential candidates, their mentors and their supporters to produce profile articles about them that are published in our newspapers to garner feedback from our readers and the general public.
“Our rigorous selection process seems to have worked well, as in one case we received 100 letters of support for an awardee from those they had interacted with in a positive fashion. If no negative feedback is received on the way, then the candidate progresses to the next stage of the process. These members’ names are published as potential awardees and shared with a cross section of community leaders and the embassy to elicit more feedback,” articulates Mel.
As with every year, the awards come with a unique twist. “Over the years the concept for the awards has evolved in order to keep the interest going. This year we are bringing a ‘barrio fiesta feel’, but on a large scale. Cultural theatre, multiple high-voltage fashion shows and, for the first time we are dedicating an entire segment to the Filipino-Kiwi Music Awards where our music award recipients, past and present, will be performing,” Mel explains.
The 2024 Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards is FREE to celebrate at the Auckland Showgrounds on 8th June, 10am to 4pm. More updates can be found at: www.filipinoheroes.nz and www.fiestapilipinas.nz
