Auckland Pinoys, Christchurch, CTV Building, Filipino people, God, John Key, New Zealand, OFW, Overseas Filipino, Philippines, Pinoy, Pinoy culture

We have not forgotten

Noel Bautista

22/02/2012

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhKnJUCG3Hg]

TAKING AWAY a beloved member from any family under violent and sudden circumstances is always traumatic. It becomes even more painful when multiple members are taken away from us. Which is why it was so cruel and unfair when exactly a year ago today, 11 cherished members of the Pinoy family were abruptly removed from our circle, their bright hopes and dreams dashed to pieces by the February 22nd Christchurch earthquake. It is not for us to question the hows and whys of God‘s will. Much more so when our 11 kabayan who perished were part of the greater number of 185 from different countries of the world that fateful day. No less than New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who was among the first to condole with the shell-shocked families of the lost ones that day, observed that it was undoubtedly “New Zealand’s darkest day.” What we can do is to make sense of the motive force that brought those 11 of our kayumanggi brothers and sisters to their appointment with eternity that day, the spirit behind their actions, and the dreams that live on despite their passing. Without a doubt, our kabayan, who were practically all nurses who had finished hurdling their government licensure exams and had a year or two of practice under their belts, were in New Zealand to try their luck as medical practitioners in the potential-laden NZ environment. It wasn’t so much the financial remuneration that attracted most of them, although the compensation was handsome; it was more likely the futures of the families they would bring there as permanent residents, once their status as permanent residents were sorted. And the best way to start doing this was to pass an orientation course being taught at the CTV building in Christchurch CBD. No one could’ve known that the earthquake that would visit that day and the weakened structure of the building from a previous tremor would combine to cut short lives just beginning, careers most promising. ** ** ** ** ** In Christchurch today, each of their names, among the 185, were called in a roll of honor by rescuers and firemen, the heroes of that day. Two minutes of silence were observed in their memory, by a New Zealand that remembered those left us too soon. Lalaine Agatep. Mary Louise Ann Amantillo. Emmabelle Anoba. Valquin Bensurto. Ivy Jane Cabunilas. John Kristoffer Chua. Jewel Francisco. Jessie-Lloyd Redoble and Ezra Mae Medalle. Rhea Mae Sumalpong. Erica Avir Reyes Nora. ** ** ** ** ** The purpose of this little note is not to assign blame, nor to make others feel guilty for whatever part they played in the events of 22nd February 2011. Life goes on in Christchurch, in New Zealand, even in the Philippines around the lives of those primarily affected by the earthquake of one year ago. It’s not the easiest thing to do, especially from their loved ones, but if from the seeming senseless tragedy of the loss of lives we can draw both lessons and inspiration from their demise, then their sacrifice will not have been in vain. The entire Filipino community in New Zealand, as well as all our kabayan back home, salute the Christchurch 11 for lives well lived. Mabuhay kayong lahat !