AUCKLAND, New Zealand—While there is a big community of Filipinos here, seldom do they get together in big parties as most everyone is busy with work.

But last week, the 78^th birthday celebration of a Filipina who is visiting her daughter here, brought together Filipino migrants in a bash that made her feel like she was back in the Philippines.

Among those who joined the costume party organized by Joy for her mother Gorgonia Pelino, whom everyone fondly calls Lola Gorgonia, were a merry mix of pinoys from Lingayen, Dagupan and Mangaldan in Pangasinan, Tarlac, Cabanatuan and Gen. Tinio in Nueva Ecija, and some from Bohol in the Visayas as well as Mindanao.

Visitors came in different western costumes while Lola Gorgonia looked stunning in a white barong tagalog with matching gray pants, accented by a beauty queen crown on her graying hair.

“Masaya ako, lahat pala dito Pilipino… Parang hindi ako umalis sa Pilipinas,” exclaimed Pelino who was celebrating her birthday for the first time outside her hometown Duero in Bohol.

When she spoke with a guest from Pangasinan, she exclaimed, “Uy, masarap doon ang puto!”

Pelino said she is happy staying in lovely Auckland but finds it difficult coping with the extreme cold.

Lola Gorgonia said she wants to stay longer in New Zealand but admitted that her poor English speaking skills is a drawback.

“Buti, dito na lang ako sa bahay. Nagkakaintindihan kaming mabuti,” she quipped. –Leonardo Micua

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