Why is New Zealand the best place for Filipinos to migrate to?
If you are looking for a country where your family can migrate to, how about considering living in New Zealand.
Yes, the island country located at the southwestern portion of the Pacific Ocean (more specifically southeast of Australia) might not be the first thing that comes to mind when Filipinos are considering to migrate to another country. It's not as popular as the United States or Canada, that's for sure.
But recent trends show that a lot of Filipinos are choosing to migrate to Kiwi country more than ever. According to the latest information gathered by the Philippine embassy in New Zealand, the number of Pinoys there has increased exponentially.
Citing data from the New Zealand 2013 Census of Population and Dwellings, the total number of Filipinos accounts to 1.0 percent of the total population of the country or 40,347. Filipinos are the third largest Asian ethnic group after the Chinese and Indians.
Another impressive piece of data shows that from the period of 2006 to 2013, the population of Filipinos in New Zealand grew at least 138 percent.
One popular Filipino YouTuber and actor, who considers New Zealand as his second home country, is none other than former TODA One I Love star Kimpoy Feliciano. He migrated there with his family 12 years ago.
Recently, he shared to his 1.3 million subscribers on YouTube, what it's like for his family when they moved to the country and the best things about living there, too.
In his vlog titled, “NEW ZEALAND CITIZEN PALA SI KIMPOY?!”, he answered some questions together with his mommy Nene about migrating to the country.
Kimpoy admitted that he was lukewarm at the idea first, when he learned that his family would be leaving the Philippines to move permanently to New Zealand.
He recalled, “My first reaction nang nalaman ko aalis kami sa Pilipinas as in super nalungkot ako. Cause I was in high school noon, siyempre ang iniisip ko barkada [laughs]
“Ewan ko high school kasi ako noon parang nalulungkot ako, parang 'ano ang mangyayari sa akin pagpunta ko sa New Zealand? Lalayo lang kami? Bakit hindi na lang dito?'.'
“And noong time na yun I was at [sic] third year high school 'yung mga kaklase ko nagde-debut na sila, tapos nagpa-party na sila. 'Yun na 'yung time na puro gala na 'yung barkada namin, tapos bibigla kami pupunta sa ibang bansa.”
The vlogger-turned-actor also cited some of the adjustments he had to deal while living in a new country
Kimpoy declared, “Pinaka nahirapan ako lagi sa English [laughs] Sa English talaga, siyempre apart sa pagkakalayo 'yung English guys, kasi 'yung English nila dito may accent talaga.
“Parang silang British accent na 'di mo maiintindihan. Three days pa lang kami sa New Zealand ipinasok na kami agad sa school…Pero pumasok na kami, lahat ng mga kaklase ko English speaking tapos may accent pa.”
On his vlog, Kimpoy and his mom Nene also went on to discuss the things they observed why New Zealand is a great country to emigrate to.
No discrimination
Kimpoy's mom stressed that New Zealanders (Kiwis) are not racist people. So it's less intimidating for Pinoys if ever they choose to stay in the country.
Mrs. Feliciano said, “Mababait tao sa New Zealand actually.
Kimpoy seconded his mom's thoughts, saying “What I really like about sa New Zealand hindi sila racist.”
Mommy Nene also noted that the neighbors at the first place where they lived in were so hospitable. In fact, these neighbors even brought firewood and fruits for them.
In addition, Kimpoy pointed out that New Zealand is really a melting pot of different nationalities and cultures that's why they are open to foreigners.
He explained, “Tsaka ang maganda sa New Zealand para na siyang melting pot, ang dami-daming [ibang tao]. May German, Italian, Korean, Chinese.”
Cost of living
If you are worried that you can't make ends meet, when you move to New Zealand, because of the high living costs, Kimpoy's mom assured everyone that it won't be a problem.
She said, “Hindi naman. Sakto lang kasi kung ano kinikita mo dito 'yun din gagamitin mo di ba.”
Education
When it comes to studying in New Zealand, Kimpoy Feliciano enumerated the many things why the education system in the country is simply the best.
Kimpoy pointed out that they have a different grading system compared to the Philippines.
“Sobrang gusto ko 'yung education system dito sa New Zealand kasi 'yung grading system dito sa New Zealand kung ano talaga 'yung naisasagot mo, 'yun 'yung grade mo.
“Wala siyang grades sa recitation, sa mga projects, extra-curricular activities. Lahat ng grades dito, based on exams. Tapos lahat ng exam namin school pare-pareho. Sabay-sabay kami nage-exam.”
In addition, the New Zealand government provides additional support to students.
“Libre mag-aral dito guys. Sa college din you get allowance 'pag nag-aaral ka from the government just by studying.”
Unemployment benefits
Kimpoy Feliciano also observed that the government ensures each citizen is well taken care of, especially if they are out of work. Unemployed citizens are given unemployment benefits.
“Kapag wala kang trabaho you get unemployment benefits. Bibigyan ka ng pera, 'pag wala kang trabaho, binigyan ka pa ng pera.
“Susuportahan ka nila until makahanap ka ng work.”
Hope you learned something about Kimpoy Feliciano's vlog about New Zealand.
Always remember to do your research first to be able to weigh in pros and cons before packing your bags and migrating there for good.
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