Overseas Filipino Worker
Harvey Colina | Visual Art
The Project
My why
My purpose for undertaking this project is to shed light on the undocumented experiences of Filipino workers in New Zealand. This initiative holds a significant meaning to me because I too am an immigrant. During my childhood, I felt like an outsider due to my dissimilarities in skin colour, accent, culture, interests, and food preferences. As I matured, I learned to appreciate my individuality. The objective of the "Overseas Filipino Worker" project is to emphasize the difficulties that immigrants face when trying to assimilate into a new country.
Methodologies
The "Overseas Filipino Workers" project will create composite images that illustrate the stories of Filipino workers. The project will begin by launching a campaign to interview immigrants about their experiences living in a foreign country. The project's objective is to document the difficulties that Filipinos encounter, such as leaving their loved ones in the Philippines, taking low-paying jobs, and adapting to cultural differences. Additionally, the project will feature second-generation immigrants. The donations collected will be used to cover equipment expenses, and the remaining funds will be invested in the people who will assist me in completing this project. By the end of this year, all final photos will be printed and showcased in an exhibit in Christchurch.
Why are working Filipinos important?
The stories of Overseas Filipino Workers in New Zealand are an artistic masterpiece that deserves to be heard. Their experiences offer a unique and invaluable perspective, showcasing the impact of their lives on the fabric of society. These individuals have faced tremendous hardships while striving to adapt to a new culture, yet their waves of laughter and joy continue to inspire others. Their stories are a reflection of the cultural diversity and resilience of the Christchurch community, and through their voices, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human experience. It is through these stories that we come to appreciate the importance of empathy and compassion, as we recognize the beauty and strength that arises from cultural differences. The tales of Overseas Filipino Workers in New Zealand are a precious gem, waiting to be unearthed and shared with the world.
We need funding to:
- To cover lighting equipment gear
- Give back to the people that will help with the project
- Organize the initial exhibition while taking care of the expenses involved in printing.
Thank you
- The names of all contributors will be acknowledged in the credits, and any amount of donation that you can provide would be highly appreciated.
- All donations are eligible for a tax deduction.
- Please assist us even more by sharing this page with your connections. This project can only receive support if people are aware of it. Kindly help us spread the word!
Boost Ōtautahi will match all contributions up to $2000, and if we fail to achieve our goal, we will not receive any funds.
Project Owner

Harvey Colina
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