RISING FROM THE RUBBLE

By Mel Fernandez

Janice McMaths

Elizabeth O’Sullivan

CHRISTCHURCH - In the early hours of September 4th 2010 a recurrent nightmare for Kiwis came to pass – New Zealand’s second-largest city was struck by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. The old brick buildings in the city centre collapsed and there was loss of many lives, including those of Filipinos.

It’s been over a year since the tragic event took place but the trauma of living through the quakes and aftershocks continues to affect the residents of the city.

Pistang Pilipino 2011 featured a special dedication to the people of the Christchurch during the Cultural Show on October 22nd at Clarence Theatre in Hamilton. Filipino youth from Christchurch shared their experience of the tragedy and its impact on their lives. There was not a dry eye in the house after their emotional presentation.

We feature below, excerpts from their speeches.

Message from Mayor Bob Parker, Christchurch City Council

“I was pleased to hear that this year’s conference has been dedicated to Christchurch, its people and those who lost their lives in our quakes. Our city has suffered in a variety of ways we never would have imagined, but we know that we will build a city even greater than before; uniquely liveable, sustainable and modern city. Your support is much appreciated. Losing eleven Filipino students has been a severe blow to Christchurch and to the Filipino community in particular. Despite this loss, the outpouring of support from the Filipino community has been amazing. These young people came to our city looking for a better future, but tragically that was not to be.”

Elizabeth O’Sullivan:

“If you told me at the start of the year that my life would be changed forever through such an experience as an earthquake I never would’ve believed you. But I, as well as all of Christchurch, know that when you think that nothing out of ordinary can or ever will happen to you, you are completely wrong. A few seconds of seismic power has left us with months and years of repair. Wherever you come from in New Zealand I advice you all to join, contribute and take pride in your communities because maybe one day you will have to rely on each other in dire circumstances, just as Christchurch has done.

“It’s hard to imagine whether any good can come from such a tragic situation but there was a ray of light found in what seemed an incredibly hard time. The ray of light was our strengthened community spirit. I, like many, was very impressed by the way in which almost all Christchurch residents supported one another in what where unusual and tough circumstances. The unity and togetherness shown by all was amazing to see.

Janice Mcmaths

My name is Janice representing PCS. As a Filipino living in New Zealand I’m a very proud Kiwi-Filipino but I’m an even prouder Cantabrian. September 4, 2010 a magnitude 7 earthquake hit us which was the start of events that pretty much changed or impacted a lot of people’s lives in Christchurch.

Christchurch as a whole has suffered a huge loss and it definitely is not the same… a lot of people have moved away… buildings that once stood now are empty lots, old churches and historical buildings in ruins, roads are all uneven and there are areas where houses still stand but they are too unsafe to call a home again, all ages find it hard to deal with the aftershocks and simple things now like wanting to go into town we can’t do, the place a lot of us grew up in and to a lot of us who now call it home away from home has changed so much. The Bayanihan spirit of the Filipino community began to shine, Filipinos caring and looking out for each other. One Filipino family had just opened up a Filipino restaurant and sadly it got damaged in the earthquake causing them to shut down.

SIPAG was formed with the leadership of the Philippine embassy in which other Christchurch organizations such as a couple in the medical field and the other federation actively played major roles. On the other hand the family attracted volunteers and communicated with the SIPAG to make sure everyone is ok.

We had a Filipino police officer came down from Auckland to help out. The Filipino community was able to take care of families that travelled to Christchurch as well as those that lost their homes and kindly welcomed them into their own homes.

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