'Pistang' event comes to town

Edna Wilson, secretary of the Taranaki Filipino Society, and Ulinda Sandford, the group's chairperson, are both excited to be bringing the annual Pistang Pilipino event to the Taranaki this year.

Pistang means "holidays" in Filipino, and the Pistang Pilipino event takes place every Labour Weekend in New Zealand.

"We go to it every year, it is our time to share our culture, our food and our language," says Edna, adding that with the event taking place in a different area each year, she and Ulinda were keen to bring it to the Taranaki region this year.

"Taranaki is a great place for people to come to, we have great facilities and are looking forward to hosting our Filipino friends here in October," says Ulinda. She says that with a wide range of events over the weekend, from cultural performances and a beauty pageant to sporting events and "lots and lots of delicious food", there is something for all the family.

While many of this year's events will take place in New Plymouth, the TET Stadium in Stratford will host a volleyball event, thanks to the fact that Stratford "has great sporting facilities", says Ulinda.

While older members of Filipino families see the Pistang Pilipino as a chance to reminisce and enjoy some of the parts of their home country that they may miss, Edna says it is important for the younger family members too.

"This is how we can preserve our culture, it helps us teach our young kids where they come from, it helps them discover who they are.

Edna Wilson, Taranaki Filipino Society

Ulinda says that she, Edna and the other members of the organising committee are grateful to the support of Venture Taranaki, and other sponsors of the event, who are helping them put on "a fantastic weekend, with food, friendship and lots to see and do".

With tomorrow being the closing date for entries into the various events, Edna and Ulinda are encouraging interested parties to make sure they submit their entry forms quickly.

"We would love to see lots of sports teams competing in the competitions and for our pageant stage to fill up with lots of glamorous entrants," says Ulinda.

"The busier the event is, the more everyone will enjoy it," Edna says. "It is always a great opportunity for new migrants to make friends and to enjoy a taste of home, while the more long-term expats enjoy a weekend of reconnecting with their roots and their culture".

For more information, email Edna at: k-e.wilson@ihug.co.nz.