His Just Sharing Abante Bisaya
| Abante Bisaya | | Print | |
| Written by Ferdinand Esclamado |
| Tuesday, 06 July 2010 09:40 |
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As KBNZ ushers to its second stage, it has aptly adopted the theme “Abante Bisaya.” Despite shortcomings, the founders have definitely laid down a strong foundation for the organisation. It has well-positioned itself in the Filipino community network in New Zealand, as well as nurtured its existence in the international community.Funding for its activities was not easy, but we’ve managed. For two years, we’ve survived through generous donors, by board members digging out from their own pockets, through a food fair, by selling concert tickets, through a garage sale, by selling “kinilo nga lechon.” Now, the new set of board members are already blessed with a grant/funding. What a great start … well-powered … less stressful. The website has evolved … big changes from when it started. It’s a labour of love from its publishers, editors, loyal writers, and graphic specialists. More ads are posted indicating confidence on our website, and because we have established regular visitors to our website. The challenge now is sustaining interest through its dynamism.While the community service objective has already been undertaken, its broad scope needs more manpower and a better system to be in place. We’ve done hospital visits, birthday greetings of its members, provided used items for new migrants, facilitated emergency funds, and expressed condolence to the members. We have disappointed some in this aspect because it’s really a huge task but we’ve done something. The objective of promoting our culture has already gained some grounds. The Bisaya culture through its songs and dances has already been showcased both in the Filipino and international community. This year, at the Waitakere Race Relations Day, we performed another version of Paradista. Well-applauded, we have a pending invitation to perform at the Chinese Moon Festival this September. A spin was made of a Bisaya novelty song – “Butsekik” during the Philippine Independence Day celebration. And there are more ways of expressing our culture (Our food culture?) to the world. More members have come forward to take leadership roles as indicated in the new set of board members. Area Representatives are spruced up and empowered. With this direction, more members will be mobilised to undertake an activity led by an Area Rep. So, in the coming activities, we might see the Waitakere (West Auckland) members hosting the Family Day or the Manukau (South/East Auckland) members hosting the Christmas Party or the Northshore (North Auckland) members hosting the Beach Outing or the Auckland (Central Auckland) members hosting the AGM. Abante Bisaya is really about serving people in different ways … members giving up some of their time, effort and resources … a continuously growing number of Bisaya in New Zealand believing, supporting and putting KBNZ’s objectives into action. More power KBNZ … Abante Bisaya! |
They say one of the crucial stages of a human life is the first year as a child. That’s why the first birthday celebration is a special one. Same goes with an organisation like KBNZ. Its first stage – the formation stage … its first two years of existence plays a vital role for its longevity … for its essence of being an organisation.