07 December 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Wellington joined the British High Commission in supporting the annual Save the Children International Christmas Fair held at “Homewood,” the official Residence of the British High Commissioner in Karori, New Zealand last November 28. Save the Children is the world's leading independent organisation for global action on children’s rights with a presence in 120 countries around the world including the Philippines.

Chargé d’Affaires Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa and the Philippine Embassy Team kicked it up in high gear and prepared well-loved Filipino desserts, such as sapin-sapin (layered glutinous rice cake), sumang magkayap (sticky rice cake), ensaymada (sweet Filipino buns), Spanish bread, macaroons, Maja Blanca (coconut milk and corn) and sweet cantaloupe drink to sell during the Fair, with proceeds to be donated to the Save the Children fund.  

The Fair boasted of food stalls from different Diplomatic Missions in Wellington, Devonshire teas, sausage sizzle, bacon butties and more. Great family entertainment featuring various acts including barbershop quartets, pipe bands, dance troupes, and cultural groups provided a fun day for all in the magnificent grounds of “Homewood,” the residence of the British High Commissioner.

In joining the Fair, the Philippine Embassy Team was gladly giving back to Save the Children New Zealand for the substantial assistance it provided to the Philippines in response to the needs of families affected in Tacloban and Panay in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. END