Basket-net-ball

I'm more of a basketball aficionado---playing, coaching and watching.  For short people like us, we love basketball.  I miss the games on TV like when I was back home.  It's been nearly six years since I last intently watched basketball on TV.  I try to catch up by watching games on YouTube.  I love it every time snippets of basketball is featured in the news.

In NZ it's mostly rugby, netball, golf and other high-performance sports that's shown on TV.  That is why lately I've begun to like watching netball which is closest to basketball.  I still don't know much about the rules of the game but it sure looks exciting and the crowd is always there to show their support.  There are heaps of similarities between the two sports.  Just like in basketball, height is also might in netball.  But one can still see the smaller or smallest players excelling in the game.

Measles outbreak

Measles is a highly contagious, infectious disease affecting New Zealand at present.  It spreads easily from person to person affecting both children and adults.  However, it is also easily preventable.  Migrants like us are normally immunised from measles and other diseases before we're allowed to come to NZ.  Here in the Waikato Region some schools have had a big number affected that the school had to be shut down for a few days.  Health advisory from school officials have been well disseminated and management systems well established to cope with this outbreak.  There is still a week or so before the term break and I do hope kids will be able to surpass this outbreak and have a pleasant winter break.

Much ado about long hair

The recent news about high school student Lucan Battison wanting to keep his long hair has come to an end when the High Court allowed him to keep his long hair.  Last I heard his school will not allow him though to attend the school ball tomorrow.  What? And waste that naturally made hairstyle for the party?  Much has been said and unsaid about this issue.  I remember when I was in high school, this was the 70s, and having long hair was the norm.  But not for me.  My grandfather who was our barber saw to it that we kept a clean crew cut all throughout high school.  The only times I got to keep my hair longer than usual was when I told him that I was appearing in a stage play that required me to have a long hair.  Of course, granddad would see to it that he gets to watch the play.  Now I believe it was because of my thespian skills and not the hair.

National Catfish Day

The catfish is a delicious type of saltwater or freshwater fish usually associated with Cajun-cooking.  It's importance in the USA prompted President Ronald Reagan in 1987 to declare a National Catfish Day.  It may look ugly but it is juicy and a delicacy for some people.  It is not native to New Zealand and was introduced from America in the 1870s.  Unfortunately they are considered as threats and pests here, endangering our own native species.  However, there are folks who would either fish them for recreation or food.

Safety of our children in schools

New Zealand's safe and peaceful image, was shaken when a stabbing incident happened in a school in Auckland, the largest city in the country.  For a migrant like me, this is quite shocking because we came to NZ to be free of incidents and situations like this one.  In most homelands of migrants, we've heard, seen and some have experienced violence or incidents like the one that happened yesterday.  Since one of the attractions of NZ is it's relatively crime and violence free society, this is a matter of concern for us.  We only wish for a peaceful life for our children, for our family.  We hope and pray that the boy who was stabbed and is in a critical condition will be well soon and that his family will be strong enough to surpass this test.

NZ Persimmons

I fell in love with this fruit the minute I got introduced to it nearly six years ago.  It is delicious to eat, should be eaten when they are firm like an apple, with an even orange/red colour.  I love it's crunchy flavour.  I'm just not yet that adventurous to try eating the fruit with the skin on.  Persimmon is a relatively new commercial crop here according to the Persimmon Industry Council in New Zealand.  It is exported primarily to Australia and Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.  Primarily grown in the Gisborne area and North and South Auckland, this could be a good mix to our exports.  Normally harvested during Autumn, I'm savouring the last few times this fruit is readily available.

NZ Citizenship Ceremony

The citizenship ceremony is part of the process of becoming a New Zealand citizen.  One is required to attend a public citizenship ceremony.  Today, I personally know of several families who've gained their NZ citizenship, in other words they're now Kiwis.  Some of them will opt for a dual citizenship, while others will now owe their allegiance to New Zealand.  For some it is an emotional experience, most specially for those who've been uprooted from their lives in the home country.  Others will embrace this new beginning with hope and confidence for a better life and future.  Becoming a citizen is the final step of a migrant's journey.  After that, work honestly and the real dream begins.  Congratulations everyone!

Albert Einstein

This great man said "I am thankful for all those who said NO to me.  It's because of them I'm doing it myself".  And look where it has taken him!  That is why I so admire this man, who can't take NO for an answer, and strode on to great discoveries!  I'm about to venture into the unknown and everyone is saying NO.  Even my immediate family has great doubts about what I'm about to undertake.  I know they mean well, having seen me fail so many times.  But I just can't and won't rest until I've tried it.  It's the only way to see if it works.  Try It Out!

Today We Had A Hangi

One of the boys that I support had his birthday earlier this week.  My boss decided to bring all the boys we support from the different houses for a hangi.

The traditional Maori way of cooking the hangi is by digging a hole on the ground and use heated stones to cook.  All the pork, beef, chicken, lamb, potatoes, kumara and pumpkin are then placed on top of the heated stones.  Then they are covered with mutton cloth and sacking.  It will take around 2-3 hours before they are cooked.  But this time around, our hangi was cooked using a stainless steel cylinder to simulate the ground.  They say the taste of the food is enhanced using the traditional method.

Well I didn't mind at all.  I was hungry.  I always look forward to events like this, specially when there is food involved.  As an added treat, we also had the traditional raw fish with coconut milk as well as mussels.  Overall it was a good feast, with staff and clients all enjoying the company of each other while partaking of the hangi.

Politicians, Elections in NZ

I've discovered the Department of Personal Opinions website and it is quite an interesting one.  I've done a cursory look and it is a good site to start with in understanding NZ politics.  I guess just like any politician in any country, they are always busy, well some of them are while others appear to be, and others seem to be.  I've emailed a number of them in Parliament with some graciously answering my email within 24 hours (which is good email etiquette really), a few answered by their staff, and the rest totally ignored.  It's not easy to get their attention, even during election time, specially when you're not within their media radar.

More Fun Playing Outside

Today I'm sharing with you a photo which was also shared to me by a friend.  It depicts what is happening to our children planet-wide!  And not only children but people of all ages, sizes, colours and shapes are either victims or slaves of technology.  It is also happening even in my own home.  I've noticed my two boys spending more time indoors with their computer, tablet, iPad, Xbox, laptop, iPhone, and DVD player.  I've been encouraging them to get into sports and come with me for walks around the park.  I tell them that the beauty of New Zealand is wasted when we only stay indoors, specially during weekends.  There are many free places and free activities to do.  The upside with people good with technology is that they'll be able to cope with the fast-paced lifestyle that is sure to be in their future.

Everyday You Need A Farmer

Growing up with my maternal grandfather on the farm specially during weekends inspired me to pursue an agricultural career. I wanted to take a course in Agribusiness after high school. Unfortunately, personal circumstances changed it to something more manageable financially for my family.  Although I finished a course that enabled me to start at the bottom of any company willing to take me in, I always yearned for a chance to work on the farm.  I was in a good space when I worked for a pioneering project: a tropical grape vineyard and seedless watermelon.  Even up to now I still get that desire to work on the farm.  The recent Fieldays has made me strive more to have a farm of my own someday.

Eat Your Vegetables Day

Today is Eat Your Vegetables Day.  When I was young I didn't like to eat vegetables.  Mind you, I grew up on a farm, toiling most weekends from morning until late afternoon.  Aside from the farm animals and the major crops we grew, we also had all kinds of vegetables in abundance.  I liked planting, growing and selling them.  They were fresh as, grown organically and free of chemical fertilisers.  But I just didn't acquire the taste for them and would often leave most of my vegetables either untouched or shared with others on the dining table.  The few occasions I did eat them I almost always followed it with a big glass of water.

When I was in my 40s, I began to appreciate the health reasons associated with eating vegetables.  Slowly I began to revisit the vegetables I used to hate or dislike, and much to my surprise, I found them to my liking!  Nowadays, I can live with at least a side vegetable dish or fresh salads to go with the main meal.  I see my 15 and 7 year-old boys showing their dislike for vegetables and I often speak up about the health benefits of eating vegetables and how I missed out on most of them when I was growing up.  Seems like it's effective because my sons are now beginning to eat more vegetables than the usual.

Q&A - Sue Moroney, MP (Labour)

I've met Sue Moroney several times in official community functions.  She's very friendly and unassuming.  You often find her with the rest of the crowd intently listening to their concerns while calmly voicing her thoughts and opinions. I saw her accompanying her son when the NZ Skycity Breakers played against China's Dongguan Leopards at the Claudelands Events Centre last year.

Whenever I get to watch the proceedings in the Beehive on Parliament TV, I find her to be the voice of reason and calmness when things heat up.  In person, you can feel she means business but with a golden heart.

Q: What's your proudest achievement up to this moment?
A: Apart from the birth of my own two boys, my proudest achievement has been getting parliamentary and public support for 6 months paid parental leave.  My proposal has already forced the Government to agree to increase it to 18 weeks, but they won't do this for another 2 years.  In the meantime, my proposal could be passed into law by July this year.

Q: What were the challenges you encountered as a public servant and how did you manage it?
A: As a Member of Parliament, my role is to represent the views of people whose lives I have not lived and so I am constantly out of my comfort zone.  This is both a challenge and a great honour that I relish.  I have discovered that people are very forgiving that you don't know it all and are willing to share their knowledge with you.

Q: Name 3 people, dead or alive, you'll like to have dinner with, and why?
A: I would love to get Lorde, Helen Clark and Kate Sheppard together in a room.  They are pioneering Kiwi women and I would enjoy the conversation.  It would be interesting to see the similarities and differences between the woman who fought for the right for women to vote and the 17-year-old modern day self-proclaimed feminist.

Q: Are you a cat or dog person, and why?
A: I am one of those rare people who love both cats and dogs.  I was brought up with both and Rusty, Mooshey, Tilly, Monty and Scully have been loyal companions to me throughout my life.

Q: Where in NZ is the place you can call as your sanctuary, and why?
A: Waihi Beach is my sanctuary.  It is where we spend our Summer break and is a place where I get time to be with my husband and kids, walk and cook, generally slow down and chill out.

Q: Something not many people know about you?
A: I was Community Newspaper Association Young Journalist of the Year in 1983 or thereabouts.

Q: If you could travel back in time, where and when would it be, and why?
A: I prefer living in the here and now.  But if I had to time travel, it would be back to NZ in 1893 to be part of the women's suffrage movement and also to meet my ancestors.

Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I hope to be a Cabinet Minister in the nest Labour Government later this year, so I can pursue policy changes that improve people's lives.

Happy Father's Day

Except for New Zealand, most parts of the planet are celebrating Father's Day.  It is a time for celebrating and honouring the joys of fatherhood and paternal bonds.  There will be the usual trek to dad's favourite restaurant or eating place, as well as going to places that dad loves to go or buying a gift for dad, and so many other countless ways of bonding with dad on this his special day.  How I wish my dad was here or nearby, so I can go and hug him, talk to him and just spend quality time with him.  I will just have to satisfy myself with a digital hug via Skype, Facetime, Facebook Video, YM and other ways of communicating electronically.  Whatever way we may have in celebrating this day, just remember it's the thought that counts and not the medium we will use.  OK, go ahead and make dad's day!

National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

A couple of days ago, the world celebrated the National Peanut Butter Cookie Day.  I didn't know there is such a day until a few days ago when I was gifted with some homemade cookies by a friend and she told me what was the special occasion.  I didn't realise that the cookie could have it's own national day.  I really thought this day was usually reserved for and celebrated by countries with significant events in their history.  Well I guess the modern world has made celebrating much more interesting.

Things We Say Today, Which We Owe To Shakespeare

Today is Friday the 13th of June.  I've had several life-changing situations that happened on Fridays like this.  I always look at days like this as my lucky day.  I hope yours was too.

A friend of mine emailed this interesting piece of information and I'm sharing it with you.  We all know who Shakespeare is.  But this is a revelation that in our day-to-day conversations we use many words that are associated to his plays.

Philippine Independence Day

For the nearly 40,000 Filipinos living in New Zealand, this day is remembered as Philippine Independence Day.  Filipinos in Auckland will commemorate the day with simple ceremonies.  A wreath laying ceremony was held at the Rizal Reserve Corregidor Place Auckland this morning led by officials from the Philippine Consulate and community leaders of various Filipino organisations.  It is a way of honouring and remembering the fallen heroes and heroines of the Philippines led by Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine National Hero.

Gloomy and sunny

I can't understand the weather today.  Which one are you, gloomy or sunny?  A friend had to cancel his trip via bus to Auckland and a few minutes after the cancellation the sun came out bright and shiny!  It was a non-refundable ticket, oh-oh.

Plans are made and re-made today to accommodate the changing weather pattern.  The forecast is said to be rainy this weekend.  I do hope the crowd won't be affected by that in going to the Fieldays.  I'm sure the farmers specially in the North Island are happy about this development.  As for the South Island they're not too happy about this constant rainfall.  The weather is so unpredictable nowadays, not only here in NZ and but all over the planet.  I'm a bit worried about all of this!

Field Days

Officially it's known as the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, more commonly known as Field Days.  I've been to this annual farming and agricultural trade show, the largest of its kind in NZ and the Southern Hemisphere.  I was blown away by the number of people, exhibitors and events.  This year it will be again held at the Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, from June 11-14.  The crowd estimate is over 120,000 every year.  This is also an event wherein students from primary to tertiary come and are awed by the scale of this event.  Hopefully some of them will take up an agriculture related course to carry on the tradition of farming in NZ.  This is also a great time for families to come and bond.

NBA Finals Game 2

Another perk from my work is the ability to watch NBA games on Sky TV.  I got to watch the 1st 3 quarters of game 2 but unfortunately couldn't watch the last and more important quarter because I had to leave the house for an appointment.  The NBA now is more international in terms of players.  We already have Steven Adams with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Australia is represented by Patty Mills with the San Antonio Spurs.  Tony Parker who is French together with Manu Ginobili who is from Argentina also plays for the Spurs.  There are players from all the continents and they also get to play for their countries (well at least most of them, except Adams who may not play for NZ this World Basketball Championship).  Although height is still might in basketball, we still see excellent plays by players who aren't really tall.  I guess my father was right (he was a varsity player during his time and a great one at that), basketball is a thinking game.  The smaller player who can out think a taller player guarding him can score a point and make a difference.

Kiwi Sunday Roast

A standard meal for Kiwi families specially on a Sunday, is the traditional, Sunday roast.  In the past it was usually either lamb or beef but nowadays chicken, pork, duck are also considered.  There are rituals involved in roast meals.  Women mostly did the cooking of the meat, gravy, sauces, baked, roast, steamed or boiled vegetables, while the men generally did the carving of the meat.  My Kiwi friends would tell me that it would depend on the family whether the Sunday roast was lunch or dinner time.  There are even families with closely guarded secret ingredients to make their roasts the yummiest ever.  It was also a sort of catch-up time between family members living separate lives or even travelling long or short distances, just to be with loved ones.

When I exercise I wear all black

A funny way to look at a serious problem in NZ.  We have some alarming data on adult and child obesity according to the Ministry of Health.  This problem is not unique to our country.  It is a worldwide concern specially for countries who don't have a strong and stable system of taking care of its citizens.  Some people are lucky, like me, who may eat heaps but my metabolism easily burns the fat away.  But for those who are in the danger zone with obesity, just think of the various consequences that arises from being too fat.  Let this poster be a wake-up call for you!

National Doughnut Day

After celebrating yesterday as World Environment Day, we're today celebrating National Doughnut Day.  Yes, there is such a day and it usually falls on the 1st Friday of June.  The word "doughnut" is often shortened to "donut," with the same meaning.  I generally associate doughnuts with the police on a stakeout.  Maybe I've seen too many movies with that kind of a scenario.

97 years ago today the Salvation Army "Lassies" of WWI first served the original Salvation Army Doughnut.  These brave volunteers made home cooked foods which became a morale boost to the troops on the front lines.  From then on it has always been celebrated as a fund raiser for needy causes of the Salvation Army.

Please give generously when you see your favourite doughnut shop offering free donuts to solicit donations for the Salvation Army.

World Environment Day

Today is World Environment Day not only as mandated by the United Nations but more importantly mandated by all of mankind.  we've heard the call a million times---to save our planet, to save ourselves.  Personally, I would like us to celebrate Environment Day every second of every minute of every day.  Drastic action and measures must be put in place to protect and help our world.  It is no longer just awareness that's needed but action combined with words.  There are many ways for us to contribute positively to environmental care.  I don't have to enumerate them for I'm very sure one way or another, you're already doing your part.  Keep on doing your best, one step at a time, little baby steps, and we just might get there together.

A clever idea to keep our kids safe

Here's a simple procedure to keep your loved ones safe.  This was sent to me by a friend and I thought I'd share this with you.  Such a simple concept to ward off the evil ones in the world.  It may seem a bit melodramatic, something that is either childish or something taken from spy movies.  But hey, if you love your children, this is not a bad idea.  It could even be fun, a way for you to bond with your children.  This is a creative way of engaging with your children and it keeps them safe too.  The password could be anything that's special to both of you, known only by immediate members of the family.  And just like your passwords for emails, blogs, bank accounts, etc., this is where your creativity will come into play so that hackers won't be able to get into it.  Keep safe, be safe everyone.

Q&A - Brendan Horan, MP (Independent)

I really don't know him personally but I sent him an email anyway.  I find him interesting as a personality in the news.  My Q&A today is with Brendan Horan.  I emailed him early Sunday evening and here is his answer on a Tuesday morning.  I think if yesterday wasn't a public holiday, he should have answered me too.  He must be that kind of a person who goes to work quite early.

I'll not go into the other controversial details that has been reported by mainstream media already.  My purpose here is to to know the other side of him.  For me, he seems to be an honest person and am quite fascinated by his answers to my Q&A.  Thank you very much Brendan.

Q: What's your proudest achievement up to this moment?
A: Along with my wife, raising two warm, caring, wonderful children.

Q: What were the challenges you encountered as a public servant and hod did you manage it?
A: There are many but cutting through bureaucracy and dealing with lies generated by Winston Peters and his minions.

Q: Name 3 people, dead or alive, you'll like to have dinner with, and why?
A: First would be Da Vinci, to discuss his theories and genius to draw his thoughts on where we are today.  Then Moses cause it would be great to move water like that.  Then my father so we could have time to say goodbye.

Q: Are you a cat or dog person, and why?
A: Dogs cause they are just better and we have two of them.

Q: Where in NZ is the place you can call as your sanctuary, and why?
A: Whakatane Heads, one of the best right hand breaks in the world with some of the best people.

Q: Something not many people know about you?
A: I hold dual citizenship.

Q: If you could travel back in time, where and when would it be, and why?
A: 1840 and find out what were the dreams and aspirations of all who signed the Treaty of Waitangi, both Maori and European.

Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: Change politics in our country by putting people first instead of Parties and the Interest groups behind them.

NZ celebrates the Queen's Birthday

New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II being the head of state.  Her actual birthday is April 21 but the first Monday of June is celebrated by many New Zealanders as the Queen's birthday.  It is also during this time that the Queen's Honours list is released for people who are honoured and recognised for public service in all aspects of society.

It is a public holiday today.  Aside from it being a holiday, it is also a time for retailers to come out with promos and sales discounts on all kinds of products and services.  Many people have the day off and those working will get time and-a-half.  It is also the official opening of the ski season.  This will be the last of a series of long-weekends for 2014.  The next one will be during the Labour weekend towards the end of October.

Q&A - Lito Banal, NZ-Philippines Business Council

In our continuing quest for people who can serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, we met Lito Banal, an engineering graduate from Mapua Institute of Technology (Philippines), Director of Kiwi Roofing Limited, and Chairman of the NZ-Philippines Business Council, who took time from his busy schedule for a Q&A.  I've met him several times in social and community gatherings.  His answers would help aspiring and existing entrepreneurs who are facing the challenges of starting and maintaining a business in NZ, while raising a family too.

Q: What's the inspiration behind your business?
A: My family is my inspiration why I am in business.  I like to have that freedom where you have control of your own time and activities.  My family inspires and motivates me to be a good businessman and to fulfil my dreams.

Q: What challenges did you meet while building your business and how did you manage it?
A: It is always a constant challenge when you are starting and building up a business.  You have to be determined, motivated, and you have to know what will be your goal, what would you want to achieve in a certain time frame.  You have to work on a deadline.  You have to ask yourself "will I want to be a market and industry leader or will I be contented with what the majority does"?  As much as possible, you have to determine and know the best answers to your questions and anticipate consequences of your actions even during the planning stages and before they will be implemented.  Careful planning, analysis and wise decisions will always help you in dealing and facing the challenges in doing business.  It is not always a guaranteed win situation.  But don't be afraid or discouraged if you fail.  Go back to the drawing board and take this advantage that now you will know what you should have done better to succeed.  This will only make you stronger for your next step.  Moving froward, know your competitors well.  Look after your staff by rewarding them, they are the company's life blood. You don't only lead them, you have to work along side them and work behind them.  Understand your supply chain operations, they are your partners, as their support will be vital to deliver your goods and services to your customers and clients.  It is always challenging to be an industry leader.  You have to be a step ahead, flexible and innovative.  Pressure and hard work will always come with it.  But I must tell you, it is more rewarding to be a leader than being a follower.

Q: Name 3 people, dead or alive, you'll like to have dinner with, and why?
A: My great grandfathers (paternal/maternal) - I would like to know how life was during their time.  Dr. Jose Rizal - I would like to know him more because he is the most famous Filipino for me.  U.S. President Barack Obama - why won't you dream of meeting the most powerful person in the world.

Q: Are you a cat or dog person, and why?
A: Dog, I always wanted to be the best friend of everyone, and can always count on me.

Q: Where in NZ is the place you can call your sanctuary, and why?
A: Any golf course for - 4-5 hours, time to relax especially a bonding time when I play with my son Ethan a.k.a. "Mike-Mike".  This is a place that I know where I can be hopefully for many years to come.

Q: Something not many people know about you?
A: I love cooking, in fact, experimental cooking where I don't follow recipes.  I am a very flexible and outgoing person and this reflects on the profile of my friends, who come from all walks of life, from the very young ones to the not very young anymore.  Also, I love watching really really old Filipino comedy movies.

Q: If you could travel back in time, where and when would it be, and why?
A: World War 1 or 2 in the Philippines.  I want to experience living with our forefathers, witness their miseries, hardships and how they fought for our freedom.  Hopefully I would come out alive.

Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I am already happy and very grateful with the blessings I have - my happy and vibrant family.  I'm very fortunate in deed to have all these wonderful and very good friends around me.  So my plan for the future is to enjoy life as always, to continue sharing and ready to help anytime and when there is an opportunity to do so.  But as everyone says, "you just don't know what is a round the corner." I suppose, I juts have to deal with it and be ready for whatever these might be.  May God continue and always guide me along the way.

1st of June - Officially it's Winter in NZ

It's a glorious day to mark the first day of winter in NZ.  Compared to the past few days when it was gloomy, rainy and biting cold, today's official start of winter is sunny and bright.  The winter season is from June to August.  I arrived here nearly 6 years ago in the middle of winter.  Even back then, I already experienced what is known as '4 seasons in 1 day.'  Adding layers of clothing is advisable during this time of the year.

Today is also part of what Kiwis call a long-weekend that ends on Monday to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's birthday.  The shops in the malls are doing brisk business with the numerous sales and discounts because of the Queen's birthday tomorrow.