WELLINGTON 25 March 2026 - On the occasion of National Women’s Month, the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand launched the groundbreaking e-book “Hiraya’t Paglalakbay: Filipina Monologues”, an anthology of personal stories of Filipino women in New Zealand.

The highlight of the launch activity, which was done on March 25 via the Zoom platform and livestreamed at the Embassy’s facebook page, were the live performances of these stories rendered by the authors and artists.

In her opening remarks during the launch activity, Ambassador Kira Christianne D. Azucena recognized the vital role that Filipina migrants contribute to the cultural exchange, community building, and enrichment in the host country. She likewise expressed hope that the initiative would inspire more individuals to embrace storytelling as a means of personal reflection and cultural expression, ultimately creating a lasting and meaningful impact on both the Filipino and New Zealand communities.

Inspired by the Vagina Monologues, “Hiraya’t Paglalakbay: Filipina Monologues” reimagines storytelling by highlighting the lived experiences, challenges, triumphs, and contributions of Filipina migrants. It aims to amplify their voices while fostering deeper understanding and stronger connections between Filipino and New Zealand communities.

From the numerous submissions received, six (6) stories were selected for publication:

• “Istoryahan Po Tayo” by Janet Hope Tauro
• “Blessed Journey” by Nanette Carillo
• “Sinigang Moments” by Gay Marie Francisco
• “Filipina Legacy” by Cherrylyn Panganiban
• “Sisterhood as Belonging” by Lovely Dizon
• “Dear Mahal Ko” by Ditta Mae Siena-De Guzman

The online event featured live performances by contributors Ms. Gay Marie Francisco and Ms. Ditta Mae Siena-De Guzman. Ms. Caryl Loria Illana performed the essay submitted by Ms. Cherrylyn Panganiban. The performances added a personal and engaging dimension to the program.

The project was in partnership with Philippine Studies Network (PSN). In her closing remarks, PSN co-leader Dr. Sarah Lipura described the narratives as a testimony, a recipe, a love letter, a manifesto, a homecoming, and a calling. She emphasized that, at their core, these stories are powerful expressions of resistance, solidarity, and purpose.

The e-book will soon be made available on the Embassy’s Gender and Development (GAD) Corner of its new website, as well as on the Philippine Studies Network website, to ensure wider accessibility and continued engagement.

The e-book launching also forms part of the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Philippine–New Zealand diplomatic relations in 2026. - END

In her opening remarks at the launching of the e-book “Hiraya’t Paglalakbay: Filipino Monologues,” Ambassador Azucena emphasized Filipina migrants' contributions to cultural exchange and community building through the power of sharing their stories

“Hiraya’t Paglalakbay: Filipino Monologues” reimagines storytelling by highlighting the lived experiences, challenges, triumphs, and contributions of Filipina migrants. It will soon be accessible through the Embassy and the Philippine Studies Network website.

Ms. Gay Marie Francisco (“Sinigang Moments”), Ms. Ditta Mae Siena-De Guzman (“Dear Mahal ko”) and Ms. Caryl Loria Illana (“Filipina Legacy”) rendered live performances of their contributions.


The e-book is a joint project of the Philippine Studies Network (PSN). PSN co-leader Dr. Sarah Lipura co-leader of PSN, in her closing remarks, hailed the contributions as powerful expressions of resistance, solidarity, and purpose.