Philippine goods in a Chinese shop in New Zealand
By Leonardo V. Micua
AUCKLAND, New Zealand—In a world where migration and trade ties have made the convergence of cultures common in many corners of the globe such as here, it is no longer unlikely that one would possibly find a Philippine product in a Chinese shop in a cosmopolitan city such as Auckland.
And that was one thrilling find for a Filipina housewife here, one of the almost 15,000 Filipino migrants in New Zealand, who went out in the afternoon of December 24 in search of nata de coco, one important ingredient in the traditional Filipino fruit salad served for the media noche, the Christmas eve dinner.
First she drove to the nearby Westfield Mall, straight to a section called “Countdown” which she thought would likely be carrying the product.
Failing to find one, she sought the help of a Filipina sales aide who told her, “Wala po rito, manang,” then helpfully directed her to the Filipino store across the street.
But upon arriving at the “Tindahang Pinoy”, it was already closed as the Filipino storekeeper had closed early for the day to celebrate the holidays with his family.
While pondering her choices, she got a call from her husband who asked to be picked up from another shop.
SURPISE FIND
While waiting at the carpark, she spotted a Chinese store called “Fresh and Save” and decided to try her luck there.
And nata de coco she did finally find. And a whole gamut of other Philippine goods, including bagoong (fermented fish) from Pangasinan.
Banana is one of the biggest Philippine export products to New Zealand but the entry of other Philippine goods, mainly catering to the Filipino migrant market, has helped balance the trade between the two countries, with New Zealand exporting dairy products and lumber, among others.
Trade ties have also been boosted with the recent signing of trade agreements between the two countries when Philippine President Benigno Aquino III made a state visit here last July.
And so Filipino migrants here, even as they leave home for better opportunities, never have to totally give up their cherished traditions such as the sweet taste of Pinoy-style fruit salad on a special eve such as Christmas.
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