Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa is a glimpse into the lives of 14 Filipinos—the third-largest Asian group in Aotearoa— trailblazers who build community in their adopted home, uphold the struggles of their people in the Philippines and stand in solidarity with tangata whenua.

 

This collection brings together a diverse group of artists, academics and activists engaged in the practice of radical imagination and collective action—working towards a future that is kinder, more equitable and just. These individuals recognise that the value of social movements lies not only in binary outcomes of victory or defeat, but in the ability to forge and fortify relationships, solidarity and community.

 

Each interview is a peek into their interpretation of the legacy of care we inherit as people of the diaspora—an understanding that being guests on another’s land is both a privilege and a responsibility. We invite readers to not only hope for better futures, but take active steps towards creating them.

 

Contributors:

AM Leal Rodriguez (PhD), Donna Dacuno, Ka Eugene of BAYAN Aotearoa NZ, Hannah Pia Baral, Jess Granada, Keziah Sarmiento, Dr. Lovely Dizon (Sambajon), Maria Milmine, Mariadelle Gamit, Marianne Infante, Max Santiago, Nic of AnakBayan, Nina Gabriella Santos, Charles Buenconsejo and Grace Bariso of Soil of Cultures

 

About the editors:

Marc Conaco is a visual artist and producer with an award-winning zine-making practice. His work centres on world-building that reclaims and reimagines Bisaya culture and heritage through the lens of queer ancestry. He has worked in Aotearoa and overseas, most notably with Asian Aotearoa Arts (NZ), Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (USA) and Liveworks Festival (AUS).

 

Vivien Beduya is a digital journalist and photographer passionate about uplifting migrant and underserved communities through her storytelling. She has worked for Capsule, Re: News and Newstalk ZB, with her work also appearing in the NZ Herald, Rappler and Stuff. She is the founder of Bisaya Banter—a podcast exploring Bisaya identity in the diaspora.