Pinoys get a taste of New Zealand
Last weekend Filipinos had the chance to enjoy a taste of New Zealand at Experience New Zealand 2016, at Glorietta Mall, Makati City, where the New Zealand embassy presented the best of the country’s food and beverage, and travel and education opportunities.
Audiences were entertained by Nga Hua e Wha, a Māori performance group who performed Haka ( traditional dance) and waiata ( traditional songs) Many young ( and young at heart) Filipinos had the chance to perform on stage with the group. According to Trade Commissioner Hernando Banal, “Experience New Zealand 2016 was very successful. Our Whittakers chocolate and our famous kiwi fruit were particularly popular this year.
” Experience New Zealand 2016 coincides with the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic ties between New Zealand and the Philippines. Trade and economic ties between the two countries have grown strongly in recent years.
“Last year Philippines Airlines launched a flight between Auckland and Manila. Our growing air links represent a step change for the bilateral relationship,” said Ambassador David Strachan.
“The Filipino community in New Zealand has grown considerably in the past five years,” he added. “Growing people links means that more Filipinos know about Kiwi products and they are adding New Zealand to their bucket list as a holiday destination.”
Five return economy class tickets to New Zealand courtesy of Philippine Airlines were raffled off.
Among the participating exhibitors were New Zealand Natural Ice Cream, Elite Fruit Marketing for Zespri kiwis and Enza apples; Goodman Fielder Int’l. Phils. for milk, dairy, fats and oils; Federated Distributors for Palm corned Beef; Manuka Health New Zealand for Manuka honey; MYOWN Meat Shop for mussels and beef and lamb; Sonrac, Inc. for Whittaker’s chocolates; Don Revy Phils. for wines; Equilibrium Intertrade Corp. for juices and cola; Fonterra Brands Philippines for cheese, butter, cream and milk; Alexanrey Enterprises Inc. for Tastemaker vinegars, Nanric Road fruit jams, sauces, fruit pastes, jelly and mustard and Sweet Nature manuka honey; Ecostore for all- natural personal care body products.