Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
Filipino New Zealanders are forging connections and achieving excellence in many different fields.
In this episode, we meet a Wellington chef honouring his heritage in the NZ food industry, a public servant bringing her community together via a shared love of the great outdoors and a young professional gymnast who dreams of representing New Zealand at the Olympics.
Filipino-Kiwi gymnast Kenzo Santayana Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Kenzo Santayana
"The most challenging thing I faced in a gymnastics competition is the nerves. The moments when I see the crowd, my heart just drops. But then when I'm on the competition floor it all goes away."
Award-winning Filipino Kiwi gymnast Kenzo Santayana and his wonderfully supportive family have travelled to the USA to compete in gymnastics. He is making the most of his Kiwi upbringing to pursue his goal of representing New Zealand at the Olympic Games.
Rupert Palaroan
"As a chef, we can make something unique, something creative through food. Like for me, my creative process is that I'm trying to bring back my important memories through food."
Rupert is a talented young chef cooking up a storm in the Wellington food scene, where he is the head chef at Asian-fusion restaurant Master Kong. Since coming to New Zealand for better work opportunities, Rupert has worked his way up in the industry and now has an impressive skill set. He shares his love for Filipino cuisine and how different cultures can come together over a shared meal.
Marose Marfori
"I've lost count of how many times I have been burgled, or probably pick-pocketed, or probably seen somebody shot in front of me."
Combining a love of her Filipino culture and the great outdoors, Marose truly knows the value of people coming together to better understand one another and differing cultures. She demonstrates her skills at fostering togetherness in the community programme Pinoy Adventures.
Behind the scenes...
Filipino-Kiwi gymnast Kenzo Santayana Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Filipino Kiwi gymnast Kenzo Santayana Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Giants
Every year, families relocate to New Zealand from a diverse range of cultures that share a deep respect for whānau (family), community and whakapapa (ancestry). In the seven-part video series Giants, we learn how these new New Zealanders see themselves as standing on the shoulders of their ancestors – 'giants' who paved the way for their own descendants to settle here and live lives that are meaningful. Discover how New Zealand's migrant communities are creating a fresh legacy while staying connected to their own cultures.
Episode credits:
Creator - Alex Bradshaw
Producers - Alex Bradshaw and Tara Durrant
Executive Producer - Pietra Brettkelly
Featuring - Dirk Romualdez, Kenzo Santayana, April Santayana, Dane Smuts, Michael Moka, Marose Marfori, Rupert Palaroan
Photo: NZ On Air
