Philippine Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa joined the Christchurch, New Zealand based community organizations, Philippine Culture and Sports and the Philippines Community Support Services in marking the 2016 Philippines Day Celebration in Christchurch on 20 February 2016. Aptly themed ”Philippines-New Zealand Connection: Rebuilding Lives”, the event was held at the Cathedral Square. In attendance during the event were Member of Parliament for the Wigram electorate in Christchurch, Ms. Megan Woods, Christchurch City Councillor Jimmy Chien, and Philippine Honorary Consul General for Auckland, Atty. Paulo Garcia.

The celebration gave importance to the cultural and social contributions of the established Filipino migrants in the Canterbury region who arrived in the 1980s and the newcomers who have come to engage in the Christchurch reconstruction and rebuild programme of the New Zealand Government. The Philippine Culture and Sports in coordination with the Philippines Community Support Services of Christchurch organized volunteer Filipino artists of all ages from varying sectors such as construction, healthcare, dairy farming, technology, hospitality, and services among others to showcase Filipino culture, talent and cuisine.

The highlight of the Celebration featured the presentation of achievement awards to outstanding Filipinos who have made significant contributions in their line of interest, work and pursuits. In her remarks, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Gonzales-Macaisa stated that as the Filipinos in New Zealand grow in numbers and spread further out into the country, events such as the Philippines Day Celebration 2016 serve as a vital link to keep Filipinos within each other’s reach and that there is much that can be celebrated and be proud of in the Filipino culture and that each awardee is a shining example of Filipino heritage.

The Embassy of the Philippines in Wellington once again warmly congratulates all the awardees: (1) Dr. Sussie Morrish for Academic Leadership and Research on Entrepreneurial Strategies Post Christchurch Earthquake; (2) Natasha Taylor for International Gymnastics and Folk Dancing; (3) Chelsea Jade Ruiz for International Sports and Cultural Achievements; (4) Carla Butler for International Sports (Volleyball); (5) Davidleeh E. Correos for International Sports and Entertainment; (6) Leand Macadaan for Entertainment; (7) Leonardo E. Fernandez Jr. for Cuisine and Veterinary Medicine; (8) Samantha Theresa Richings for New Zealand Television (Actor); (9) Arielle Diane Garciano for International Beauty and Fashion; and (10) Jeamae Darasin for Promising Young Fashion Designer.