Philippine Studies Network Aotearoa Launches Colloquium Exploring Filipino Identity in New Zealand Research

The colloquium explored what it means to be a researcher as both Filipino and Tangata Tiriti, through an intergenerational conversation among three Filipinos from different waves of migration. Invited speakers, Dr. Perseville Mendoza and Mr. Paolo Aquino, emphasised the importance of researchers’ active participation in meaning-making through a uniquely Filipino lens. AUT Senior Lecturer and founding member of the network, Dr. Eunice Faustino Gaerlan, facilitated lively discussions, during which the audience raised questions about the positionality of Filipino researchers within New Zealand’s academic and cultural landscapes, as well as opportunities for interweaving Māori-Filipino connections in research.

Mendoza stressed that Filipino researchers should not be afraid of approaching their work with a Filipino way of thinking, valuing concepts such as natitikman (can be ‘tasted’ or experienced), karanasan (experience), katibayan (evidence), katotohanan (truth), and pinaninindigan (justified belief). He said, “Filipino researchers may not have to unlearn an indigenous approach to knowledge, but instead find ways to utilise such a framework alongside conventional methodologies.”

Aquino, on the other hand, grounded his presentation on kapwa (shared self) and collective responsibility under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. He advocated moving beyond deficit-framed perspectives and focusing on those directly affected in the research process, inspired by Filipino values of pakikiisa (solidarity) and tayo (togetherness). Aquino explained, “Kapwa is often mistranslated to 'fellow', but there is a moral implication in kapwa that you have to respect others, which is not reflected and present in the term fellow. Just because you're my fellow does not mean I must respect you. In Kapwa, I have to.”

He also clarified that the Filipino notion of kapwa as a reflection of Filipino identity closely relates to and respects others and connects “us” in ways that may not always be visible. He then challenged researchers to be more reflexive and embed other cultural practices that may inform approaches to Filipino research.

Since its launch on 1 July 2024, the Network’s advocacy – deepening the understanding of and engagement with Filipinos and the Philippines within the New Zealand context – has gained momentum. Her Excellency Kira Christianne Azucena, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, and Members of the New Zealand Parliament Francisco Hernandez and Paolo Garcia have expressed support for the PH Studies Network NZ.

Pag(m)ulat, a term blending two Tagalog words—mulat and ulat—carries both literal and metaphorical meanings of enlightenment and expression. Dr. Sarah Lipura, lead convenor of the Philippines Studies Network Aotearoa, explained that the term was innovatively coined as an umbrella concept for the Philippine Studies Series. Its aim is to awaken, share, and articulate in diverse ways what it means to be Filipino in New Zealand. She also emphasised that Pag(m)ulat aspires to advance the network’s vision of a Philippine Studies uniquely rooted in the New Zealand context—one that upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Next year, the network will launch the second iteration of Pag(m)ulat with a walking tour of Auckland CBD on 27 February 2025. This tour will explore the intersection of art and geography, drawing on Pacific connections as it highlights selected public art and the built environment. It will address themes of identity, mobility, and change through the act of walking.

-Asia Media Centre