Kiwi Journalist's Manila Newsroom Immersion Explores Filipino Identity and Journalism
A New Zealand journalist on a three-month media internship in Manila gained firsthand insight into Philippine journalism and unexpectedly reflected on her own cultural identity after being identified as Filipino by locals. This experience highlights the complex cultural navigation for Filipinos in the diaspora, including "Fiwis" in New Zealand.
New Zealand journalist Kate Judson recently concluded a three-month media internship with The Philippine Star in Manila, a programme supported by the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Her experience navigating the vibrant city and its dynamic news environment led to an unexpected personal insight: being frequently identified as Filipino by locals. This cultural immersion fostered reflections on identity, a theme often explored by the growing Filipino diaspora, known affectionately as "Fiwis" in New Zealand, according to Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
Judson noted a stark contrast between the newsroom culture in Manila and what she had experienced in New Zealand. The Philippine Star's newsroom was described as loud, social, and communal, fostering a collective approach to journalism. She also witnessed the immense scale of issues faced by a country of over 120 million people, covering significant political, social, and economic developments, such as a Vice Presidential impeachment, a Senate shooting, a deadly building collapse, and tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Her time at The Philippine Star, a newspaper established in the aftermath of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, offered a deeper appreciation for its historical role. Judson was mentored by seasoned journalists, including Editor-in-Chief Ana Marie Pamintuan, who shared stories of keeping bail papers readily available due to the risks associated with reporting in the Philippines. Veteran journalist Marichu Villanueva also provided a behind-the-scenes look into Philippine politics and media.
This firsthand experience resonates with broader discussions about cultural identity among Filipino-Kiwis and Asian-Kiwis. As writer Olivia Forman reflects on her Filipino-Kiwi identity, questions like "where are you from?" can be complex, highlighting the challenge of reconciling multiple cultural worlds, as noted by Asia Media Centre. Similarly, Antoinette Jongco in the NZ Herald discusses the feelings of shame or disconnect many immigrants, including Filipinos, feel regarding their ancestral languages and cultural assimilation within a dominantly white country. Judson's journey underscores the significance of cross-cultural exchanges in fostering understanding and personal connection across the global Filipino community.
Key facts
- Wairarapa Times-Age reporter Kate Judson completed a three-month media internship with The Philippine Star in Manila through the Asia New Zealand Foundation programme.
- During her immersion, Judson was frequently identified as Filipino by locals, prompting personal reflection on cultural identity.
- She observed a distinctly different newsroom culture in the Philippines, characterized by its communal approach and the significant scale of political, social, and economic issues covered daily.
- The internship provided insights into the history of Philippine journalism, including the risks faced by reporters, as shared by The Philippine Star's editor-in-chief Ana Marie Pamintuan.
Official sources
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