Palmerston North NZ
Palmerston North NZ
The swearing-in ceremony of officers in the presence of Councillor Lew Findlay was followed by a potluck lunch. Meeting to discuss activities for the year was then hold. We extend our sincere appreciation to Graeme Merrall and Vangie for hosting; they did an exemplary job. Congratulations once again.
‘Tsokolate’ and biko were proudly offered to visitors during the Teas and Coffees of the
World, held at the Caccia Birch House on 22 February 2026.
Our ‘tsokolate’ is a traditional Filipino hot chocolate made from pure cacao. More than just
a drink, it carries deep cultural and personal meaning. Beth shared a cherished family
tradition:
“When my mother gave birth, my father would serve her hot tsokolate to help her recover. When I had my two sons, I continued this tradition, feeling my mother’s love passed on through a simple drink.”
Alongside the tsokolate, guests also enjoyed biko, a beloved Filipino rice cake made from
glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. Its rich, sweet flavor evokes memories of
family gatherings and celebrations. Beth fondly recalled:
“Biko brings the same sense of love and bonding. It reminds me of sharing this special treat with friends on my 18th birthday.”
Through these traditional offerings, visitors experienced not only the unique flavors of the
Philippines but also the also the stories, traditions, and heartfelt connections that make Filipino culture truly special.
During the Threads of the World segment of the World Fair Day, we proudly presented the
Filipiniana attire—an elegant ensemble that beautifully blends traditional and modern
elements, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
The Filipiniana typically consists of three main components: the blouse (baro or camisa), a
long skirt (saya), and a shoulder drape (pañuelo). The skirt is often made from piña or
jusi—lightweight, sheer, and breathable fabrics known for their delicate texture and refined
appearance. The blouse is commonly adorned with intricate embroidery and decorative
details, highlighting Filipino craftsmanship and artistry.
Designed for versatility, the Filipiniana can be worn for both formal and semi-formal
occasions. Beyond its beauty, it stands as a symbol of Filipino pride, dignity, and national
identity.
Threads of the World was one of the highlights of the World Fair Day, featuring traditional
costumes from eleven participating countries. This segment celebrated cultural diversity and provided an opportunity for each community to share the stories and heritage behind their national attire.
The Philippine Central Association proudly participated in the Festival of Culture held on
21–22 February 2026 at The Square in Palmerston North. The event brought together
diverse communities in a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, unity, and shared
traditions.
On 21 February, our group took center stage to present the traditional Igorot tribal dance,
showcasing the rich culture, heritage, and ancestral traditions of the indigenous
communities from the Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines. The performance
reflected the strength, pride, and identity of the Cordilleran people, expressed through
rhythmic movements, traditional attire, and the powerful sound of indigenous instruments.
Our participation in the festival highlights our continued commitment to preserving and
promoting Filipino culture within our local community. It was an honour to share this
meaningful cultural expression and contribute to the diversity that makes Palmerston North
a welcoming home for people of all backgrounds.
Through events like the Festival of Culture, we celebrate not only our heritage but also the
spirit of unity and cultural appreciation that brings communities together.
The Philippine Central Association, Inc. encourages the Filipinos residing in New Zealand to preserve our culture, heritage, values, and traditions by reaching out and helping Filipinos in need through engaging in regular activities and pro-active participation in the local communities.
Enriching the lives of Filipinos in New Zealand while preserving their culture, heritage, values, and tradition.
Together again at Pistang Pilipino 2022
This October’s Labour Weekend celebration of Pistang Pilipino 2022 is especially meaningful. With the cancellation of last year’s event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now ecstatic to be the host again this year. This pandemic halted our activities, but still our connections with family and friends would never cease. This event will offer us a spirit of togetherness to create a healthy mind and spirit for Filipinos away from home.
Philippine Central Association – your host this year
Pistang Pilipino 2022 sa Palmerston North will be hosted by the Philippine Central Association, Inc. It has been especially designed to be a fun-filled three-day celebration from October 21 to 23. We as planners are very much excited to have it unfold for all of you.
The PCA is deeply grateful to the people and organisations who have given their trust in our ability to organise this year’s festivities. We know that this genuine confidence is attributed to the success we have achieved in hosting the 1997 and 2006 Pistang Pilipino events. The strong combination of experience and resources to host a large-scale gathering of this kind has given us this wonderful opportunity to offer the Filipino community more.
Since our inception in 1991, we have been serving the interests and needs of Filipinos in the Manawatū-Whanganui region. It is therefore a great honour to be able to extend this service to Filipinos all over the country as we welcome you to Palmerston North. We are expecting this year to be a well-attended event, with about 3,000 to 5,000 people coming to Palmerston North to participate in cultural and numerous sports events.
Kita-kits sa Oktubre
This October, Pistang Pilipino will be a grand occasion for Filipinos to be together again since the pandemic began. To see each other, to hold each other’s hand, to hear three words said in the tone and mood of a Filipino accent that opens our genuine connection with one another:
Kamusta ka na?
It is the memory of this oneness that carries us throughout the year till the next festive occasion when we feel our Filipino hearts beat as one again.
Mabuhay and welcome to Palmerston North!
The heart of the Filipino always beats profusely when connected with one another. This is even more pronounced for us who are far away from our homeland. There is always unimaginable comfort and delight when we find ourselves in the company of fellow Filipinos. These emotions are so well expressed in a festive celebration we know as the fiesta. The accents, the rhythms, the colours, the movements, the tastes and sounds of a Filipino fiesta bring us back to our roots, reminding us that this communal feeling of oneness thrives.