WELLINGTON – A vibrant celebration is set to take place at the Sky Stadium, as the Filipinas prepare for a crucial FIFA Women’s Group A match against the hometown Ferns.
A hundred Filipino expatriates, adorned in colorful “Ati-Atihan” attire, will lead a spirited street dance and march from Shed 6, a popular waterfront spot, to the stadium, igniting a festive atmosphere on Tuesday afternoon.
The “Ati-Atihan” festival, a cherished annual tradition in Aklan and one of the Philippines’ top tourist attractions, has inspired this spectacular show of support for the national team. Matilde Figuracion, head of the Filipino Artists in New Zealand and one of the event’s organizers, expressed her enthusiasm for this historic occasion.
“We bought our tickets early, but it suddenly dawned upon us that this is going to be a very historic game, so we just had to do something to boost the morale of our national team,” Figuracion shared.
As Filipinos have become one of the largest ethnic communities in New Zealand, Figuracion believed it was their duty to rally behind their team.
With just two weeks of planning, the expatriate community swiftly organized the lively pep rally, which caught the attention of local media, including the Wellington-based Dominion Post.
Last week, the newspaper featured a front-page story, complete with pictures of the expatriates proudly wearing their traditional costumes.
These costumes, originally showcased during the cultural sidelights of the 2011 World Rugby Cup hosted by New Zealand, have been well-preserved and now symbolize the unity and passion of the Filipino expatriates in supporting their national team.
The festivities will commence at Shed 6, where the energetic street dance will begin, leading the enthusiastic group through the bustling side streets to the Sky Stadium.
With FIFA’s approval, the expatriates will bring their costumes and drums inside the stadium, ensuring an unforgettable and boisterous display of support.
Figuracion shared that several organizations from the Wellington Filipino community joined forces for this memorable event.
The New Zealand Boholanos Group, NZ FILIFESTR, Knights of Rizal, Silhouette Productions, and many others are participating, making it a truly collective effort to rally behind the Filipinas.
As the news spread, an individual from Aklan, Philippines, reached out to Figuracion and expressed his desire to be part of the festivities. The organizers graciously reserved one of their costumes for him, exemplifying the warmth and inclusivity of the Filipino expatriate community.
Figuracion predicts that approximately 500 Filipinos will come together to cheer for the Filipinas, with a section specifically reserved for around 150 members to ensure their voices are heard loud and clear.
Intrigued by the newfound spotlight on the national women’s football team, Figuracion delved into their history and realized that football was a sport Filipinos were well-suited for, especially women.
Eager to show their unwavering support, the spirited chants of “Hala Bira! Hala Bira!” will resonate within the stadium, intermingling with the local cheers for the Ferns.
As the match approaches, Wellington braces itself for an unforgettable spectacle of unity, passion, and unwavering support, as the Filipino expatriates turn this critical FIFA Women’s Group A match into a vibrant and heartwarming fiesta.
The Filipinas are undoubtedly set to feel the love and encouragement from their dedicated fans, fueling their determination to shine on the international stage.
