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There was a tie between Wellington s Peter Delmiguez (song number) and Hamilton s Katrina and Mabel Penamante (violin and piano duet). Other finalists were : James Bonocan (Auckland, song number), Mabel Penamante (Hamilton, piano solo), Michelle Aranador (Te Pahu, dance number), and Panzit Boys (Wellington, band). ~Jen Tan Chin Turingan WFA Asst. Secretary PiNoyZ Got Talent, the first nationwide Pinoy talent search in New Zealand, turned out to be a success. The competition attracted a number of contestants and 6 finalists were chosen to perform during the cultural night. Labor Weekend.indd 8 16/02/2009 10:28:02 p.m.
Gino Padilla World-class Filipino recording artist and performer New Zealand is a wonderful place. My beautiful wife, Chit, and I were able to experience the warmth, rich cultural history and amazing landscapes it had to offer. I had to do a 2-night concert which involves the members of the Waikato Filipino Community board and their youths. They were great dancers and they performed flawlessly during my 2 numbers and would you believe that most of them still go to school? Bravo to their choreographer! We had a great time with the Filipinos who came from different parts of the provinces in the Philippines. I shook hands, talked, took photos together and I even knew some of them! The whole event was a great success thanks to all who joined and supported. We stayed for a week in Grand Boulevard Hotel, ate excellent food and visited different parts of the city. We then went to the city of Rotorua were we had an overnight stay. We went with the sister and Brother-inlaw of Russell who played the host for the day. We went to see the cultural show in Te Puia and visited the geysers which everyone was talking about (including the smell hehe!) then we rode on a gondola, got on a couple of times on the luge (a type of sled with wheels-you shred down the hill) Ohh, it really was an awesome ride! It s a good thing they convinced me to get on one or else I would have missed the experience. We dropped by a church and a lake in Rotorua and not to mention the different souvenir shops there. The whole WFC threw a great despedida party for us. We felt the sincerity and love of everyone. Even though it was just a week, we got to know each other quite well. Working with them was really was a blast and knowing in our hearts, that despite all the difficulties and challenges we ve all faced, we still know who we are deep down. The caring nature and hospitality of a true Filipino heart will never be lost even though we are away from our motherland. To all our friends in Hamilton, New Zealand we love you very much! Thanks for all the beautiful memories! God bless! ~ Gino Padilla Photos: KNibungco Labor Weekend.indd 10 16/02/2009 10:28:10 p.m.
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Bacci Filipino Stand-up Comedian The moment we arrived in the airport, I knew in an instant that we are going to have a great time in New Zealand. The worries about the show I had on the plane vanished into thin air. Nakakilala kami ni Gino at Chit ng maraming mababait na tao sa NZ, para kaming nakahanap ng pamilya sa lugar na ito. Nakakaloka kasi parang artista ang treatment nila sa akin, parang VIP! At ang pagkain, naku, maya t maya! Kaka-brunch lang namin, may inaalok na sa min lunch kaagad, pinapataba yata ako lalo ng mga ito. Baka hindi na ko magkasya sa mga costume ko para sa show. Nag-press conference din kami sa hotel. Tapos nung araw bago magstart ang show sa gabi, ang daming nagpapicture kay Gino. Nakakatuwa naman kasi sinasama niya rin ako sa picture, pino-promote niya rin ako. Hehe. Love ko na rin siya nun! Hehehe! Yung worries ko na baka hindi ko maintindihan english nila (nosebleed parin, grabe!), naglaho naman kasi buti na lang, nagegets nila ang mga joke at tawa parin sila nang tawa! Naluluha rin ako nung thanksgiving dinner ng WFA, nakakataba ng puso ang pagwelcome ng Filipino community sa amin. I look forward to seeing more of NZ and seeing my fellow Filipinos again, especially the WFA! ~ Bacci Labor Weekend.indd 12 16/02/2009 10:28:27 p.m.
15 Talent Competition Miss Talent: Natasha Taylor, Christchurch Photos: KNibungco National Costume Competition Photos: KNibungco Best in National Costume: Jaline Antonio, Hamilton Labor Weekend.indd 15 16/02/2009 10:29:24 p.m.
Swimsuit Competition Best in Swimsuit: Danica Hibdige, Hamilton Long Gown Competition Best in Long Gown: Jaline Antonio, Hamilton Labor Weekend.indd 16 16/02/2009 10:30:01 p.m.
Miss Philippines-New Zealand 2007 Rebecca Matthews Miss Photogenic: Lee Anne Lydiate, Auckland Miss Friendship: Justin Hughes, Taranaki Miss Philippines- New Zealand 2008 is Danica Hibdige of Hamilton. First runner-up is Melanie Maelzer of North Shore. Second-runner up Labor Weekend.indd 17 16/02/2009 10:30:15 p.m.
Welcome Celebration Venue: Celebrating Age Centre Date: 24 October 2008 21 Labor Weekend.indd 21 16/02/2009 10:31:02 p.m.
The Labour Weekend Crowds WFA Committee Labor Weekend.indd 23 16/02/2009 10:31:55 p.m.