Finished with my postgraduate degrees at the University of Auckland

I recently received my diploma for my master of public policy, capping off my two year academic stint in New Zealand. I can't believe time flew by so fast. It seemed like only yesterday when I applied for postgraduate studies at the University of Auckland and scholarship with the New Zealand Embassy. Today, I have my Post-Graduate Diploma in Arts with Merit on Development Studies and a Master of Public Policy with Second Class Honours First Division.

I'm thankful to my wife Ria and daughter Bea for allowing me to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. I am extremely lucky to have a partner who supported me 100% of the way and sacrificed so much by taking care of our daughter and running our household, all by herself. I hope I can return their love and affection. I am grateful as well to my mom Aileen and dad Roque for their support, and to the rest of my family for their encouragement. 

Thanks are also due to my policy professor, boss, and dissertation supervisor, Dr. Julie MacArthur, for her guidance and support. I really appreciate how she gave me the freedom to work on my dissertation at my own pace, and at the same time be there for me to check on my progress, review my drafts, and give sound advice on how to improve my paper.

Lastly, I am extremely grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and all who make up the New Zealand-ASEAN Scholarships Programme (NZAS) for giving me this great opportunity to obtain a post-graduate diploma and a master's degree at the University of Auckland. Rest assured that I will use all that I learned in New Zealand to help my home country of the Philippines.

My write-up in the University of Auckland website

If you are reading this post while taking your postgraduate studies in New Zealand, and feel depressed, burdened and/or stressed with all the academic obligations, let me reassure you that this too will pass. You can make it! Good luck and God bless!

#parasabayan #parasaPilipinas

Income Tax Obligations of Filipinos who Study Abroad

In so far as tax obligations are concerned, what happens after you complete your studies in New Zealand (or wherever you studied abroad) and return to the Philippines? Is a Filipino overseas postgrad student required to file an income tax return (ITR) with the Bureau of Internal Revenue?

• Well, according to the Official Philippine Government website, the short answer is no.

• Gov.ph states that non-resident citizens are exempt from filing income tax returns. 

Which begs the question, do Filipino overseas postgrad students fall under the definition of 'non-resident citizens'?

• In my opinion, yes.

• Among those listed, Filipino overseas postgrad students fall under the classification of 'Filipino citizen who leaves the Philippines during the taxable year to reside abroad, either as an immigrant of or for permanent employment.'

HOWEVER, if you earned income from sources WITHIN the Philippines while you were away, you are required to declare that income and file an ITR.

So, to summarize:

• If you are a Filipino overseas postgrad student who did not earn any income from sources within the Philippines during the taxable year, you are EXEMPT from filing an ITR.

• If you are a Filipino overseas postgrad student who earned income from sources within the Philippines, you are required to file an ITR.

Don't Forget to bring Vicks

Pag malamig ang panahon, napansin ko na mas madalas hindi naliligo ang mga ibang lahi dito. Alam ko kasi lumalakas ang baho at putok ang naamoy ko kapag winter. Lalong lalo na sa graduate computer lab namin. Pag summer o autumn, hindi ganun ka sama. Meron paminsan minsan may uupo sa tabi mo na may amoy, pero oks lang. Lipat ka lang ng computer. Pero talaga pag winter, yung buong lab mabaho. Kahit saan ka lumipat, amoy mo yung hindi pagkaligo, or worse, yung putok. Mahihilo ka ng di oras. Ang panangga mo sa B.O. ay Vicks vaporub. Pahid ka lang ng kaunti sa may ilong mo para hindi mo maamoy yung baho. 

Ayun lang. Payong kapatid. Don't forget to bring Vicks.

Bungy jumped in Queenstown

So I ticked off another item on my bucket list...

I was in Queenstown with my friends last September and they all wanted to ski and/or paraglide. But I already went skiing and skydiving before, so I wanted to do something different naman. And since commercial bungy jumping started out in Queenstown thirty years ago, I told myself I might as well do that there, right?

Anyway, I chose to jump with AJ Hackett Bungy. Their office is at the heart of Queenstown--Shotover corner Camp Street. When you get to town, you can't miss it. After registering and paying, they weigh you. And then you ride a bus that brings you to the jump sites.

My weight in red marker.

There are three options to choose from. First is the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. This is the first and original commercial bungy jump in the world. The drop is 43 meters (roughly 140 feet)--the shortest among the three. If you're heavy enough, you can request to take a dip on the Kawarau river. Tandem jumps are also available. The next is the Ledge bungy. This site is located on top of Bob's Peak near downtown. The drop is 47 meters (154 feet), with a spectacular view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. The third and highest bungy is Nevis. It is New Zealand's highest bungy at 134 meters (440 feet)! It's crazy! The jumping platform is on a cable car suspended from wires connected to two mountains. It is not for the faint of heart.

I chose to do the Kawarau Bridge bungy jump because of its historical significance (and because it was the shortest. Haha). But you can, if you want (and if you have money to burn) do all three jumps! They have combos for that sort of thing.

Once you get to Kawarau Bridge, you line up for your turn. Of course, while you're waiting, you see the other jumpers, and it all starts to sink in and it gets on your nerves--you're jumping off a bridge. You're jumping off a bridge! Yung nauna nga sa akin, parang mag-ba-backout na, so pati ako parang ayaw ko na rin. But the people working the bungy know what to do. They've seen countless jumpers get nervous and they're trained to calm people down. They chitchat with you so that you don't think too much about the jump. 

After the lady in front of me jumped, it was my turn. So what happens is you put on a harness around your waist and pelvic area--like the ones you wear when you wall climb. Then you sit down and they wrap a thick folded towel around your leg. When that's snug, they tie a nylon cord over the towel and around your leg until it's tight and secure. Afterwards, they clip you to the bungy cord. That's it. Ganun lang pala.

So that's Kawarau River. Look at that. What a beautiful view. I made the right choice when I decided where to bungy jump. I asked the guy who strapped me if I could touch the water of the river, because it's an option. Unfortunately, I wasn't heavy enough. Apparently you have to be 73 kilos or heavier to get the water splash. Sayang.

So after strapping you, the guy helped me get to the edge of the platform and say my goodbyes to the video camera. By this time I am nervous as hell. I wanted to back out, but where was I to go? My feet were already tied. Besides, it's non-refundable. So no choice but to jump.

And so I jumped.

I thought I could get my bearing during the dive--you know, like Superman swooping down a building, but the jump goes by so fast. All I could see was a blur of bright sky, then blue water. 

Next thing I knew, I was swinging like a pendulum and worried I was going to hit the rock wall. Anyway, it was still exhilarating. Kahit na sandali lang yun, yung rush na tumalon ka from a bridge gives you a natural high. 

So what happens next? Well, you stop swinging. Then instead of pulling you right back up, there's a boat on the river that pulls you down. You grab on a pole and they lead you to the boat and unstrap you.

And that's that! 

Bungy jump, checked!

If you ever find yourself in Queenstown and have time (and money) to spare, I recommend to do it. I know it's also on your bucket list. Don't lie. You might as well bungy jump where it all started, right? And the views are not that bad. :)

Part-Time Work as a Teaching Assistant

Finally, on the last semester of my two-year masters, I got a job as a teaching assistant in the university. As I've written before, international postgraduate students on valid student visas can work in New Zealand. But whether there's work for you, now that's the question. Those with health, science, engineering and tourism backgrounds will find it fairly easy to find work here (a co-scholar who was a nurse immediately got hired at a hospital, while another Filipino scholar with experience in the hotel industry found a job at a service apartment). As you know, I come from the legal sector in the Philippines, and I found it extremely difficult to look for a job in my industry. For one thing, the law I know is different from the law they practice here. And for another, even if I did know their law, there's just not enough legal jobs for lawyers, at least here in Auckland. Siguro mas may chance pa sa Wellington, where the national government is based, but I digress.

I got this job because I received an e-mail blast a few months ago from the department coordinator announcing openings for graduate teaching assistants. And having been a college instructor back home, I felt this was right up my alley. So I filled up the application form, attached my supporting documents, and submitted them to the department. You get hired either as a tutor or a marker. A tutor teaches part of the course, while a marker checks coursework and other assessments. I signed up and got hired as a marker, which is supposed to be easier of the two. Pero hindi rin kasi mahirap mag-check ng essay. Hahaha.

But I'm not complaining. The extra income is good as it can supplement my stipend, and I  get to save some money for home. It's also a nice diversion to do something other than your studies and/or research--a job breaks the monotony of academic life. 

I only wish I knew about the GTA programme earlier in my studies. I could have been a tutor or a marker last year pa. So my advice, if you're like me who can't find a job related to your line of work in the Philippines, you might want to consider being a GTA. When you get here in New Zealand, look for and approach your department coordinator. Ask if there's an opening for tutor or markers. The chances are you're too late for that semester (as they hire prior to the start of the sem), but you can ask to be put on the mailing list. That way, the moment they open applications for the next semester, you'll be the first to know.

So, good luck! Hope this post helped!

Sending money to the Philippines through OrbitRemit

If you want to send money to the Philippines, I highly recommend OrbitRemit. It's money remittance made better. I like it because I can make the transaction on a computer, in lieu of bringing cash to a shop. Also, I can choose to deposit directly to a bank account back home instead of having someone pick it up at a remittance center. OrbitRemit offers excellent exchange rates and charges low fees.

Setting up an account is easy. Just fill up the application page. But here in New Zealand (I don't know the requirements for other countries), the government requires OrbitRemit to verify the identity and address of an applicant. You pass this process by uploading a proof of identity (digital copy of your passport, driver's license, etc.) and a proof of address (billing statement). 

You don't have a bill with your address? Don't worry. You can request for an address verification code. You just give them your address and OrbitRemit will send a letter to you containing a code. Once received, you just email them the code, and that's it.

After your account is verified, you can start sending to the Philippines. And you know what, the first remittance is free of charge!

Anyway, after you initiate a payment--meaning, identify the recipient, give his/her details, and specify the amount to be remitted, OrbitRemit will email you a payment number. You then have to deposit the said amount to OrbitRemit's local bank account (WestPac) and then it'll send that amount to the Philippines (person, credit card or bank account).

It's cheap, easy, and reliable. 

Devonport

First time there, on my folding bike.

It's funny I haven't written about the posh and affluent seaside community of Devonport on this blog, having been there several times already. I guess it's because I wrote about my bike tour there last year on my other page already. But that was for a different audience, so I'll write about Devonport again here.

Second time, with fellow NZAS scholars.

If you want a harbor view of Auckland CBD, Devonport is the place to go. It's because it's situated directly across the city. And Devonport has Mount Victoria. The top of this hill offers a fantastic view of the CBD and Auckland harbor.

Third time, with my family.

It's easy to go to Devonport. You can take the Fullers ferry at the ferry terminal near Britomart. Round-trip cash is NZ$11. But if you have an AT Hop Card with tertiary concession, it'll only come out NZ$7. The ferry ride is short--between 10-15 minutes. 

Fourth time, with 2014 scholars.

Once there, you walk to Queens parade, pass the shops, walk up Victoria Road. When you reach Kerr street, you just follow the path to the top of Mount Victoria. It's not that far from the pier, but the climb up the hill can leave you out of breath.

But it's worth the trip. Especially on a clear day when the sun is out and with blue skies. Beautiful view of the city.

Orientation at the University of Auckland

Some local Maori students perform the Haka for incoming international students

February is just around the corner, which means, for students in New Zealand, summer is ending and a new school year is about to begin. And like any other tertiary institution, the University of Auckland starts the year with Orientation Week. Let me guide you through it.

With other Filipinos in Auckland Uni. Yes, I was the only thorn among the roses (the other, Mike, was based in Tamaki).

Orientation Week started with me meeting other Filipino postgrad students at the Owen G. Glenn Building of the Business School. Aside from NZAS scholars, I learned that the ADB and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) also sent students to New Zealand. 

Joan and I are both lawyers. She took up LLM while I took up PGDip in Development Studies.

The first day is the orientation for international students (both undergrad and postgrad). Before entering the auditorium, we were greeted by the traditional Haka dance performed by local Maori students. Nothing to be scared about. They don't actually hurt you. Haha. Afterwards, we were welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor--the highest ranking official of the university.

We're all given goody bags filled with pamphlets and flyers.

In the auditorium, Rebecca Wilkinton (the International Office Director) oriented us on what to expect in the coming year. 

That's Rebecca standing in front.

Yada-yada-yada. Lot's of talking. Don't worry about it. Anyway, after the international students orientation, there'll be the postgraduate students orientation and the respective faculty (arts, business, law, etc.) international students orientation. They're all pretty much the same, and from experience, you don't have to attend all. Kahit isa lang attend mo, okay na.

The Uni Guide is on the right (not the guy on the left).

Okay, what else? Ah yes, through out the week, students wearing red, called the Uni Guides, will take you on a tour of the buildings and facilities in campus. To be honest, I did not go on one. I was busy applying for my student ID at the International Students Office and opening a bank account at the nearby ANZ branch. But if you feel you want to, then go ahead. You can join any Uni Guide tour at any time of the day.

What I do recommend is to attend the library-sponsored workshops because they are informative and educational--especially for people like me who were unfamiliar with 21st century academic research. If you're not able to make the first seminar, do not worry. They hold the same seminar several times in the first month. Attend as much as you can. They have the general library orientation, one in IT access, another in using databases, then one on thesis drafting.  

That's pretty much it. Just to summarize, you can attend just one of the general orientation talks since they'll all say the same thing. But, I strongly recommend you attend all of the library-sponsored workshops because they are very informative.

PS: The guy next to me above is Brian Lythe. Yes, that guy you're exchanging emails right now. That's how he looks like.  Cool yan. :)

NZ Apps for your iPhone

When in Auckland, I recommend you download these apps on your iPhone for your survival:

a. NewZealand

This one's a Korean app, but it's helpful in providing the basic info on New Zealand like transport and food options.

b. AucklandUni

The AucklandUni app is a must for those studying at the University of Auckland. For first timers, the app has a built-in map of all 4 campuses so you can find your way. The app also has a course list so you can browse through the different courses if you want to switch after your first week. It also updates you on news about and around the university.

c. UoA Library

The UoA Library app is a must. You can search the library catalogue for books and articles. But the thing that I like the most out of this app is that you can book (or reserve) a PC at the Kate Edger Information Commons, so you don't look like an idiot roaming each floor for an unoccupied cubicle.

d. iStudiez Pro

iStudiez Pro is a cool calendar app for students. It'll keep track of your assignments and remind you of your deadlines.

e. itravelNZ

itravelNZ is another travel guide app. I used it to find out attractions and activities of a certain place in New Zealand.

f. Tap To Track, Envelopes, DailyCost

Tap to Track, Envelopes and DailyCost are budgeting apps. Students on a tight budget need to download any one of these apps to keep track of their expenses and stay under budget. These three have been very helpful to me, Envelopes the most because it uses the "old-school" envelope method I am used to.

g. AT Public Transport

If you have to commute to and from school then this journey planner app is for you. The AT Public Transport app will help you find the nearest bus stop and give you the most convenient bus schedules. I wrote about how to use this app in a previous post. Check it out here.

So these are the app essentials to make your stay in Auckland more convenient and comfortable. Good luck!

Where to Eat in Auckland Part 2

A few months ago I wrote about international fast food chains present in Auckland. I was supposed to follow it up with another post on local fast food chains, but other things kept me pre-occupied. So here finally is my second list of where to eat in Auckland. In no particular order:

  a. Burger Fuel
  b. Burger Wisconsin
  c. Mexicali
  d. Sal's
  e. Fritz's Wieners
  f.  St. Pierre's Sushi
  g. Tank
  h. Others: Hansan, Elliot Stables, Tony's

New Zealand has its own share of home-grown fast food joints. I frequent these when I am bored eating at Mcdonalds or Pizza Hut.

Burger Fuel

First on the list is Burger Fuel. It is a local hamburger fast food chain. Think of it as Brothers Burger back home in Manila. They're supposed to be designer burgers and therefore a bit more expensive than Mcdonalds and Burger King.

Nothing really special. Parang Brother Burger lang.

It is what it is. It tastes like a Brothers Burger burger. One thing different is that Kiwis like to put guacamole (AKA avocado) in almost anything, including burgers. So, go to Burger Fuel if you want to taste avocado in your burger.

They have Burger Fuel all over Auckland. They have one in Metro center on Queen Street, and another one along Customs Street near Britomart. A standard burger combo would set you back about NZ$12.

Burger Wisconsin

Another local burger with avocado. Wala naman lasa.

Interestingly, the other local burger chain is named after an American State. Burger Wisconsin is another hamburger fast food restaurant. It too is like Brothers Burger, but slightly 'more designer'--if there is such a term, and ergo more expensive.

Burger Wisconsin outlets are fewer than Burger Fuel. In fact, there is no Burger Wisconsin in the CBD. I had to take the bus to Ponsonby to sample their burger. The other closest store would be at Onehunga. Although the burgers taste better than Burger Fuel, it is not worth the effort (and the bus fare) to go to a Burger Wisconsin branch. Eat here only if you are in the area.

A standard burger combo will set you back around NZ$16.

Mexicali

There used to be two Tex-Mex fast food joints in the city, but California Burrito closed shop late 2013, leaving Mexicali the last man standing. I love tacos and burritos, and Mexicali does not disappoint. Meals are a bit more expensive than Mcdonalds value meals, but I eat here when I'm bored with burgers. The tacos  and burritos taste fresh. It's like Chihuahua in Greenbelt 3. The mini burrito costs NZ$9.95 while a regular burrito is NZ$12.99. The mini one is enough for me. Plus they have a frequent customer card that actually comes in handy. You earn points every time you buy and after some time you get enough to pay for a taco. And they award you with a free burrito on your birth month. Sweet deal if you ask me.

There are two Mexicalis in the CBD. One is located at the Viaduct center near Quay Street. While the other one is along K Road. Both are about a 10 minute walk from City Campus, but the trip is worth it.

Sal's Pizza

My friend Grace and Sal's Pepperoni and Cheese half-and-half pizza.

Above tacos and burritos, I love pizza. And Sal's makes delicious pizza. It's like Sbarro but better--much, much better. At a time when Shakey's and Pizza Hut scrimp on tomato sauce, Sal's does the opposite--smothering the pizza with lots of juicy and tangy tomato sauce before laying the cheese. And while Sbarro tends to undercook its pizzas, Sal's makes sure their pizzas are just right and crispy. 

A slice of Sal's cheese pizza is NZ$4, while a pepperoni would set you back NZ$5. If you're eating as a group, better order a whole pizza since it will come out cheaper.

Sal's began to spread like mushrooms in 2013. There's a Sal's across the Civic Centre on Queen Street. There's another on Commerce Street. And the one I frequent is near Parnell, just a 5 minute walk from Unilodge or Carlaw Park.

Fritz's Wieners

If you like sausages, then this is where Fritz's Wieners comes in. They serve European sausages in kiosks scattered around the city (there's one along Elliot Street, near the reverse bungee jump; and another along the viaduct centre).

They keep it really simple. There's a mild sausage and there's a spicy sausage. And you can ask them to put fried onions and/or sauerkraut to your sandwich. They retail for NZ$7. I have one when I'm in a hurry.

St. Pierre's Sushi

For some reason, Kiwis love sushi. They have independent mom & pop sushi stores all over the city. But there is a chain named St. Pierre, and I go here if I want to eat sushi. 

I have to say, even if they're only kiosks, they make good sushi--way, way better than the ones sold by their counterparts in Manila like Teriyaki Boy and the like. St. Pierre makes the sushi right in front of you, and I think with the freshest ingredients because the product tastes fresh. The cheapest value pack (4 rolls) will cost you NZ$4.99. My personal favorite is salmon and avocado. Mmmmm, yummy. Just thinking about it makes me want to hop on a plane back to Auckland. For those who don't like their lunch in a seaweed roll, St. Pierre also sells Teriyaki Chicken on rice and Miso soup.

You won't have a problem looking for a St. Pierre shop around the city. Just look for the bright yellow sign.

Tank

Tank is not really fast food, but it is homegrown. It is the Kiwi's version of Jamba Juice or Big Chill. There's nothing else to say, really, except that the drinks are expensive. NZ$5 for a small cup?! Too expensive for juice. But if healthy is your thing, I'm just saying, they have Tank over here.

Other Local Restaurants

Hansan

Again, Hansan is not technically fast food, but I'll write about it since we are talking about where to eat in Auckland. It's like Pho Hoa or Pho 24. If you want to eat pho or vietnamese rice noodle soup, I recommend Hansan. They have big servings, which you can actually split in two if you want to. Tastes authentic, even though the operators are Korean and not Vietnamese. A bowl of piping hot raw beef pho will cost you NZ$12. There are other combinations. My favorite is the beef steak and pho combination because I only finish one steak and take home the other for dinner.

There is a Hansan branch on Kitchener Street just across Albert Park. It's very near City Campus.

Elliot Stables

Not fast food, but another alternative to eat in town is Elliot Stables. It's actually more of a food court than a restaurant. It's an upscale food court serving different types of food. They have artisanal pizza and european sausages to name a few. 

Tony's

New Zealand is famous for its meat. So you have a lot of steak houses around the city, but they are expensive. A standard steak meal will set you back around NZ$35. The cheapest set I found was a lunch special at Tony's Steak & Seafood on Wellesley Street. The special included rump steak, coleslaw and chips for NZ$16. Believe me this is the cheapest. Pretty good, but if I were you, you're better off cooking your own steak. You can buy two pieces of Angus rump steak for less than NZ$10 at Countdown, which could last you two dinners!

There are two Tony's Steak restaurants in the CBD. The lunch special I talked about is at the one located on Wellesley Street. The other Tony's is on Lorne Street.

So there's my list. If you cook at home, all the better. You will save a lot. But from time to time, do eat outside and sample what Auckland restaurants and fast food joints have to offer.

Happy Eating!

Where to Shop in Auckland - Men's Clothing

I'm stating the obvious when I write that New Zealand doesn't carry the local brands young Filipino men are fond of like Bench, Penshoppe, Memo and Onesimus, but they do have Kiwi counterparts. Here's my list:

Since both the Philippines and New Zealand both have them, first on this list is Cotton On. Auckland has many Cotton On stores scattered around the city. They have one on Queen street and in all major malls like Sylvia Park and St. Lukes. They contain pretty much the same so if you forgot to buy something at the local Cotton On in SM, don't worry 'coz they might have it in Auckland.

When I went to New Zealand for the first time I brought a suit. It took a lot of space in my bag and I ended up wearing it only once. So if you're not sure if you're going to need a suit for your studies, don't bring one. Instead, you can shop at Barkers. They make excellent ready-to-wear suits, shirts and jackets. For those staying near Auckland University, the nearest store would be on High Street, behind Queen Street.

Barkers is a bit expensive though. If you want something more affordable, then there's Hallenstein Brothers (or simply Hallensteins). They also sell suits, jackets and shirts, but not as well-made as Barkers. If you're not too concerned with how you look and just want something to wear to that cocktail party, then you can buy your evening clothes here. They have a store on Queen Street.

The last on this list of men's clothing in Auckland would be Bing, Harris & Co (pictured at the top of this post). It's a local brand and they sell jeans, chinos and tees and shirts. It's like Bench and Memo. The designs are up-to-date and the prices are easy on the pocket. I've actually bought a bunch of stuff here. Their nearest store to uni is on High Street.

I know, I know, men don't like shopping. But we can't wear the same thing everyday, right? So during your schooling, you will have to shop for clothes, just to put some variety in your wardrobe.

Happy shopping, guys!

5 Food Products Cheaper in New Zealand than in the Philippines

Yes, for the most part, it is expensive to eat in New Zealand. A typical Big Mac value meal at Mcdonald's will set you back around NZ$11 (or PhP 400). At the grocery and supermarket, fruits and vegetables are likewise expensive. So does that mean students receiving modest stipends will starve in New Zealand? Not necessarily. Because from my experience I know there are at least 5 food products cheaper in NZ than in the Philippines. In no particular order, they are:

Image from shop.countdown.co.nz

1. Steak

Given that there are more cows in NZ than there are people, one can expect for meat products to be cheaper than in the Philippines. I buy 2 pcs. of Countdown Angus beef sirloin steak for about NZ$10 (or only PhP 175 each). That's pretty cheap for Angus beef. So for my entire stay in Auckland I ended up eating steak at least once a week!

Image from chocablog.com

2. Chocolate

If steak is cheap, it follows that dairy products are cheap as well. This is true for chocolate. One big bar of Cadbury chocolate (220 g) can go as low as NZ$2 (or PhP 70). That's super cheap compared to how much they cost at Rustans or SM supermarket. Not only does New Zealand produce their own milk for the chocolate, they have a Cadbury manufacturing facility right in the South Island! 

Here's another thing about Cadbury. It's not even the high quality chocolate here. I feel they treat Cadbury like it was Goya. A better tasting chocolate brand is local favorite Whittaker's.

Image from mainland.com.au

3. Cheese

Let's go full circle with the cow thing. So I said that steak is cheap, and so is chocolate. Well whad'ya know, cheese is also cheap here in New Zealand. A block of Mainland brand Edam or Colby cheese (250 g), which could last you 2 weeks, is just NZ$4 (or PhP 140). That's cheap!

Image from thedailyspud.com

4. Wine

If you include cheese in your Kiwi diet, then you have to have wine. And luckily, wine is pretty cheap in New Zealand. I'm not a wine drinker, but if you're in New Zealand, you might as well start to be one. A bottle of Whale Point Sauvignon Blanc (750 g) is only NZ$7 (or PhP 245). And there's so much to choose from (unlike the very limited selection at our local supermarkets). In my time in NZ, I've tasted Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rose, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet, Moscato, Brut, and Chardonnay. Now I'm still no expert, but once you drink New Zealand or Australian wine, you'll never go back to Novelino.

PS: New Zealand is more famous for its white wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling) than its red wines. 

Image from shopnewzealand.co.nz

5. Potato Chips

And finally, in what I believe should be in every person's diet, potato chips is cheap in New Zealand. It's cheap because they grow the potatoes and manufacture the chips right here. A bag of Lays potato chips (150 g) in Rustans can set you back around PhP 110. In Auckland, a bag of Bluebird potato chips (also 150 g) can go as low as NZ$1.5 (or PhP 50). 50 Pesos! Sobrang mura, which means I ate potato chips everyday here in New Zealand!

So there. If you like steak, chocolate, cheese, wine and potato chips, like me, then you will survive here in New Zealand on your stipend. You'll get fat, yes, but you won't break the bank.

Happy eating!