On 23 November 2024, Banyuhay Aotearoa brought the community together for a spectacular day filled with fun, entertainment, and Filipino pride. Held at the Barfoot & Thompson Stadium in Kohimarama, Auckland, this once-a-year event proved its magic, drawing over 1,500 visitors during the main event.
Star Performances & Entertainment Highlights
We were thrilled to welcome Kim Chiu, who captivated the crowd with five incredible performances, including her charming “Mr. Right” segment and a surprise parade in the crowd of fans. Fans also had the rare opportunity to see Kim up close during the Meet & Greet session, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Raffle Draw Excitement: The raffle draw added a thrilling highlight to the day, with lucky winners taking home an array of wonderful prizes. The prizes delighted attendees and made the event even more memorable.
Bring-Me Game Fun: In the afternoon, the crowd enjoyed the lively "Bring-Me" game, where participants raced to present the requested items in record time. The energy and laughter from both players and spectators created a joyful and engaging atmosphere for everyone.
Giveaways: Over 50 tote bags with goodies were given out by Banyuhay Aotearoa to some of those who stayed until the very end of the event.
Local Talents Take Center Stage
The event celebrated local Filipino talents, with a variety of performances and appearances that showcased the vibrant spirit of the community:
Hosts: Weng Canares, Russell Siayngco, Bea Marinas, Andrio Tabuzo, Kakay G B Lestojas, Carmina Blewett, and Jackie Reyes
Beauty Queens: Carmina Blewett and Katharina Weischede
Santacruzan Princesses
Zumba with Trini Maddison
Singers: Cate Tweeddale, Trixie Denise Lazaro, Khloe Ann Lobredo, Kathy Lopez, and Abakada (Alex & Cory)
Dancers: Aeya Augere Panceras and the Magnus Dance Crew
The Kid’s Corner brought smiles to young attendees with Filipino story time by Analie Galsim, two magical performances by Kuya Bogart of Peter Fun Entertainment, face painting by AIL NZ and Tiny Kiwi Playhouse, and a bouncy castle. The kids were truly entertained!
A Culinary and Cultural Feast
Food stalls curated by Batang Pinoy offered an array of mouthwatering Filipino dishes, snacks, and desserts from vendors such as HomeCooked, Noy’s Barbeque, Bless Tea, Ma’n Hu Kitchen, Lapaz Batchoy & BBQ, Mang Joe’s Inasal, VerraCoffee, Crisen Pinoyz, Tinapay Atbp, Fely’s Delight, The Rise Bubble Tea, Hapunan, Fabbyluscious, Jholene’s Filipino Cuisine, Namit, Potato Corner, Manong Taho NZ, Mila’s Oven Pastry, Hotshott Chicken, Gian Sorbetes, Pinay NZ Bakermom, Make n Bake by Qwizzy, Pinoy Craving NZ, and Eating Pinoy NZ.
Showcasing Local Businesses
Indoor booths featured a range of businesses and crafts, including Likha NZ, Matatas Bookshop, Verra Coffee, AJF Custom, Outlaw, Life Vantage, Dear Self Beauty, Proud Bee, Jervois Road Candles, Allergy NZ, Above All L’s Driving School, Tuon, and Segno Music Dreamers.
Community Services
Valuable resources and support were offered by the Justice of the Peace (Virgie Atilano), Aroha NZ Immigration (Hyra Evangelista), LawSpace (Atty. Maricel Weischede), Citizens Advice Bureau, Mental Health and Wellness Social Worker (Julieta Sheehan), Inland Revenue Department (IRD), English Language Partners, MVS NZ Document Services, Prestige Visa, Asian Family Services, Migrant Action Trust, Migrante Aotearoa NZ, Gabriela Aotearoa NZ, NZ Police (Manukau) and Auckland Library.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to MP Francisco Hernandez, MP Tanya Unkovich, MP Jenny Salesa, and MP Lawrence Xunan, who visited and engaged with the Filipino migrant community.
Our event would not have been possible without the support of:
Major Sponsor & Official Media Partner: TFC Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific
Presenter: MX3 Natural Supplements
Funder: Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Orakei Local Board Auckland Council, Foundation North
Platinum Sponsors: Orbit Remit, HomeCooked NZ, Nanam, MasterRemit, OH KY Events Limited
Gold Sponsor: The Ma’n Hu Kitchen
Silver Sponsors: Jholene’s Filipino Cuisine, Umac Cargo NZ
Bronze Sponsors: Aroha New Zealand Immigration Services, Len Dela Cruz of WCA Travel, Tiny Kiwi Playhouse, LawSpace
Special thanks to our volunteers and partners, including Batang Pinoy NZ, PSTV+, Peter Fun Entertainment, and Pieces of Time by Raymond, for their unwavering dedication.
In Closing
Barangay Banyuhay Family Day 2024 was more than just an event; it was a celebration of collaboration, culture, and community spirit. To all who attended, participated, and supported—maraming salamat. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Stay connected with us for updates on future events!
Images by: Raymond Recato, Agnes Benavides, Yanee Imperial, and Banyuhay Volunteers.
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