Story & photo by Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
AS a former journalist, Ben Burrowes is definitely loving his new job.
Being the Education New Zealand Regional Communications and Strategic Relations Manager for Southeast Asia, Burrowes enjoys meeting and talking to international students who have lived in New Zealand and speak so fondly of their time there.
“It’s fantastic to know their time in New Zealand has had such an incredible impact on their lives— whether it means they have been able to work in their dream industry, or if it has significantly changed them on a personal level. It’s inspiring to hear their stories”, he said.
He quickly added, “I may be biased, but New Zealand, really, is an amazing country. I love being able to share it with Filipinos and the rest of the world.”
Although the executive considers New Zealand as such, there is also something about the Philippines he also likes, being here for almost every year since 2015.
“I found the Philippines to be a true melting pot of cultures. I can see the different American, Spanish, Middle Eastern and Asian influences [here], which I’ve experienced [with] the food, music, languages, art and so on. I think that may be a big reason Filipinos remain so open and welcoming”, he noted.
Speaking of food, Burrowes was here in the country in May for the Food Connection 2017’s Student Chefs Challenge, an event on the first half of the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s two-day activity.
There, representatives from top culinary schools in the Philippines from Cebu and in Metro Manila created dishes using quality ingredients from New Zealand, such as dairy products, wine, sparkling water, chocolate and organic products.
Meanwhile, Filipinos in New Zealand, he discovered, really immerse themselves in their new country and ensure they are part of the local communities. That is also true for Pinoy students who choose to be schooled in the archipelago in Oceania as their international study destination.
Through his line of work, the New Zealander found out Filipino parents put a premium on education for their children, evidenced by the fact the Philippines has one of the highest literacy rates in Asia.
“From an Education New Zealand perspective, we are not only seeing an increased interest among Filipino students to pursue higher education in [our country]; we are also producing a lot of high-quality students from the Philippines.”
He continued, “this is exciting for us, because our institutions have a lot to offer young Filipinos who want to receive global education and qualifications to take them anywhere in the world. Our eight universities are ranked within the top 3 percent worldwide by the QS [Quacquarelli Symonds] Rankings, and our institutions specialize in various fields. We are confident Filipino students will find their place in whichever field they choose to pursue,” he explained.
‘Late starter’
BURROWES recalled he had gone around the Philippines about two years ago.
“I was quite a ‘late starter’ with the Philippines. It wasn’t until early 2015 when I traveled here for the very first time. I think I have probably been back about 10 times over the past couple of years,” he said.
Prior to his trip here, the New Zealand national said he had already met some Filipinos in Singapore, where he is currently based.
“I’ve been living and working in Singapore for the past eight years; thus, I had the pleasure to interact with Filipinos who live there,” he said.
He furthered: “I have a number of good Filipino friends there; what struck me most, to begin with, was the number of similarities they share with New Zealanders. I found Filipinos to be very warm and welcoming, much like Kiwis, and they know how to find the balance between working hard and enjoying themselves. I think that balance is very important in life.”
Burrowes also expressed belief both people from New Zealand and the Philippines make a genuine effort to make people around them feel comfortable.
“I think that has also been a big part of why New Zealand proved to be such a popular study or work destination for Filipinos in recent years. We now have more than 50,000 Filipinos living in New Zealand, along with more than 3,000 studying there. Those numbers continue to grow,” he pointed out.
“In my personal life, as well as my line of work, I have also seen how Filipinos are so tightly knit, much like us Kiwis. Family plays a huge role, and I believe visitors to both countries are made to feel like such, which is very special,” he added.
Enjoying the Philippines
BURROWES said he enjoys every visit here in the country.
“The majority of my trips have been around Manila, but I’ve also traveled to Cebu and Davao”, he said, adding, “While I’ve learned these places have their own unique characteristics, what I’ve found common across them all is the energy the cities bring.”
The education executive went on to say, “Working in the education industry, it has been so encouraging to witness the forward-thinking and creative programs the government and education institutions have in place, or are currently developing, to meet the demands of such a fast-changing environment.”
Since his job entails traveling quite a lot around Southeast Asia, trying the different local cuisines proved to be beneficial.
When asked of his favorite Filipino food: “I have a real sweet tooth, so my favorite Filipino food is probably ginataang bilo-bilo”, he declared, with a correct pronunciation at that.
If there is one thing Burrowes will not forget about the Philippines, he said, “It’s the people here, who make [their country] so special.”
He quoted the Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous people, for some words of wisdom:
He aha te mea nui o te ao?
(What is the most important thing in the world?)
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
(It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.)
Despite his travels being work-related, he is looking forward to be back in our shores in no time: “I’m hoping to find time to come with my family for a holiday. Very soon.”
Image credits: Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco