28 Jun 2022  |   07:39am IST

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL

June 12 is celebrated as the Philippines Independence Day. Not many know that there is a small but vibrant Filipino-Goan community that thrives in this beautiful State’s sea shores

Shimron Nathan

P

eople from varied cultural backgrounds come and settle down in Goa due to the natural beauty, peaceful life it offers. Among the numerous cultures Goa houses, a Filipino community of almost 200 people is thriving and enjoying Goa’s traditions as well as celebrating their own. This community, of mostly women, have migrated to Goa with their partners after falling in love abroad and chose to settle in the susegad villages of the extreme South and North Goa.

The community has been active in our state for more than a decade and has recently been coming into the public eye with their activities. The community started small, with a handful of members coming together.

Then as the years passed and connections grew, they discovered that there are many more Filipinos out here in Goa. The initial community began with a suggestion to this small group of ‘Filipinas’ from another community in Mumbai. Dating back to May 2010, the community had their first meeting with the Ambassador and Consul General Maria Agnes Cervantes to set up a community for the Filipinos in Goa. The first Fil-Goan President was Marissa A. D Souza.

Currently the community President, Marevic Soares, leads and guides the Fil-Goan community with the help and support of the Filipino (Fil)-Goan Committee. Marevic shared how Goa and Philippines share so many similarities that it bring all a sense of homesickness.

“Goa is a beautiful place. I love how Goans inculcate the Catholic practices from childhood. With very caring neighbours, I’d say it is almost like living in the Philippines. Goans love to sing and dance similar to Filipinos. Living in Goa is much cheaper than living in the Philippines especially education here is within a common man's reach,” Soares said.

With the racing development of Goa in the past few years, the Fil-Goan community has been trying to weave their culture with livelihood as well preserve their culture exclusively. From crafting new Fil-Goan recipes to creating traditional Filippino dishes, some of these women pride over their cooking and even provide for households other than their own with small catering businesses centered around their diverse menu.

Marevic also shared about the food in Goa saying, “In Philippines we have similar food dishes like Sorpotel and Dinuguan, prawn curry and Ginataang Hipon, chorizo and Langonisa etc. but, of course, minus the spices as Filipino cuisine has comparatively less spice.”

Apart from the foodies, Filipinos contribute to the progress of Goa as well as the upliftment of the community by taking up a range of occupations. These super moms never let the age factor get to them neither the fact they are seen as outsiders affects them.

Anna Louvella Periera, resident of Borda, spoke about her growth in Goa saying, “I never knew that I possess this certain skill and character within. I am now a coordinator and trained Montessori teacher at International Montessori Teachers Training Institute at Margao. It’s been an overwhelming five years”

“I am teaching for preparatory students and aspiring teachers. I made new circle of friends, not only my fellow ‘kabayans’ but now a Goan community. I am now known as a fun, helpful and resourceful teacher with a touch of love and more patience to young ones and even for elder ones,”

Arlene Vaz, Filipina resident of Assolna, started her Zumba journey and became a licensed Zumba instructor 4 years ago. “I conduct Zumba classes in my own place and ive been doing this for 4 years now. Besides face-to-face classes I also conduct classes on online on Facebook Live where I receive immense support.” Arlene’s accompanying ‘Zins’ are also Filipino but the people attending her classes are from all over Goa.

Maria Soares also was a teacher here in Goa and is charitable member of the community. She shared, “In Utorda, South Goa, I taught an 8th Std. baking course in the Our Lady of Lourdes High School while also providing the oven and ingredients. I volunteer to take the senior citizens to take them for their bank work, ration collection, COVID shot etc. I try to do whatever I can to ease up their everyday activities. We also help the Street Providence. If someone we know is hospitalized, I make sure I cook and deliver a nourishing meal to the patient.”

As we leapt into the lives of the Fil-Goan community which we had not know existed, it is apparent that Goa is a land that is home not just to Goans but everyone and anyone. “Having the Filipino Community in Goa is a big positive factor. We are able to communicate in our own language, to share Filipino food products/items, and to show to our children Filipino culture. It is like being in the Philippines too. Without our Filipino Community all the above would be nil”, stated Marevic as she expressed her appreciation towards her community.

Anna Louvella also added by saying, “My fellow countrymen, as we call each other ‘Kabayan’, who stayed here longer than me, who inspired me and made me stronger against all odds. Probably without these Filipinos I wouldn’t have been able to make it and stay much longer here. Wherever and whatever place we are, it is home, where our life lives on with family.”

Arlene further voiced out her love for the community and how it would be “tough and dull” without it.

She said, “Our small Filipino community unites all the Filipinos in every way. Passing information regarding important documents that each and everyone needs to know. We know the situations of our own kabayan on who needs help or assistance. Simply to be there for each other even if we stay in different places in Goa.”

All these women have emulsified their lives into our State merging their Filipino roots with Goa’s. Goa has many hidden gems and it’s not only the scenic destinations that should be the core-focus. Many more Filipinos like these women are scattered all over and not just Filipinos but other ethnicities as well. It is a relief to know that all cultures thrive in the environment of our small little state and contribute to the essence of what Goa stands for.