As the Philippine Embassy continues to reach out to all Filipinos in New Zealand, convey its appreciation for their sustained support and kind cooperation and foster greater friendship and fellowship between the Filipino community and the Embassy team, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez together with Third Secretary and Vice-Consul Glenn Joseph Obach, Cultural Officer Ma. Victoria D. Reyes, Finance Officer Rosalyn T. del Valle-Fajardo, Information Officer Ofelia C. Coralde, Collecting Officer Mary Bel C. Garcia, Passport Officer Julius I. Verano, Communications Officer Mauro B. Fajardo III and Mr. Hilario A. Reyes attended the fiesta get-together of the Barangay Sta. Maria Assumpta-Kapiti Coast, at Paraparaumu in Greater Wellington on 17 August 2013.

The Barangay Coordinator, Ms. Genevieve O’Neill, Barangay Secretary Ms. Maribel Fernando, Barangay Treasurer Ms. Candy Young, Formation Ministry Ms. Susan Morgan and Ms. Adelle Sheppard, Liturgy Ministry Ms. Mayie Pagalilauan and Ms. Kristel Sevilla and Outreach Ministry Ms.Nilda Leckie and Ms. Linda Wrixon and their families warmly welcomed Ambassador Benavidez, the Embassy staff and all the guests. They prepared an enjoyable afternoon programme showcasing Filipino talents and creativity with Mr. Pat Salandanan, Vice-Chairperson, Filipino Chaplaincy, Wellington leading the opening prayer, the Himig Assumpta Kids Choir rendering the Philippines and New Zealand National Anthems, Mr. Johannes Sijbrant delivering his welcome remarks, the Kapiti Coasters, Wellington Filipino Community Choir and Munting Bayanihan Dance Ministry performing a variety of delightful music, song and dance numbers, Ms. Flora Muriel-Nogoy, Chairperson, Bulwagan Foundation Trust presenting the Filipino Community Center project and Ms. Genevieve O’Neill giving her closing remarks and words of appreciation. In congratulating the Barangay Sta. Maria Assumpta-Kapiti Coast on this significant occasion, Ambassador Benavidez highlighted the group’s interest and efforts to assist in promoting understanding and goodwill among the members, to support the pastoral needs of the community and to be involved in Filipino and local community functions. She thanked Fr. Michael McCabe, St. Patrick’s Parish Priest who made it possible with Fr. Ambet dela Cruz, former Filipino Chaplain to commission the servant leaders of the Barangay Sta. Maria Assumpta-Kapiti Coast.

A lively afternoon fellowship and interaction while partaking of various Filipino and New Zealand delicacies capped the fiesta celebrations. Ambassador Benavidez thanked the Barangay Sta. Maria Assumpta-Kapiti Coast servant leaders and members for inviting the Philippines Embassy and all those who contributed to helping promote the enduring traditions and spiritual heritage of the Fiipinos among the people in New Zealand.