The Trust

Dame Miriam Batucan is the Founding Chair of the NZ-Filipino Sto. Niño Devotees Trust, established in 1994, and has been the driving force behind Sinulog NZ activities for more than 30 years. An accountant by profession, Dame Miriam has worked with major multinational companies in New Zealand for the past three decades. Her dedication to faith, community service, and pastoral care has earned her numerous prestigious recognitions, including two Papal honors: the Benemerenti Medal, awarded by Pope Benedict XVI, and her investiture as a Dame of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Sylvester Pope and Martyr. She is also a recipient of an award in Clinical Pastoral Education and has devoted much of her life to pastoral care among both Filipino and non-Filipino communities. Her work has particularly focused on supporting young people, couples, and families across diverse communities.

In recognition of her outstanding voluntary service and commitment to community development, Dame Miriam was awarded the Queen's Service Medal (QSM) in the 2015 New Zealand Honours List. Under her leadership, Sinulog NZ has also been appointed as a Community Connectors - Care in Community Welfare Provider, working in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and other government agencies to support and strengthen communities throughout New Zealand.

Message from Dame Miriam Batucan "All glory and praise be to God for giving us the opportunity to help spread devotion to Señor Santo Niño here in Auckland, New Zealand. My heartfelt thanks go to all devotees and community groups who have worked hand in hand with us in keeping the devotion to Señor Santo Niño alive in this beautiful land of Aotearoa New Zealand. Celebrating 30 years of faithful devotion to our beloved Señor Santo Niño is a tremendous blessing for all of us. Let us continue to nurture this devotion and pass it on to future generations. Together, may we keep the spirit of faith, unity, and service alive for many years to come.

Viva Señor Santo Niño! Pit Señor!"

Contact: 📧 Batucan@xtra.co.nz

Sir Oscar Batucan exemplifies the qualities of a true servant leader. Throughout his distinguished career and lifelong commitment to community service, he has consistently dedicated himself to empowering others and creating positive change. Known for his exceptional communication skills, ability to build and inspire teams, innovative thinking, and effective problem-solving, Sir Oscar is widely respected for both his professional excellence and personal integrity. A graduate of Bachelor of Commerce, Sir Oscar has made significant contributions across government service, community development, employment advocacy, and faith-based organizations. His career and community involvement have been marked by a steadfast commitment to serving others and uplifting diverse communities. Highlights of his professional and community service include: -Senior Executive Officer, Department of Social Welfare (South Auckland District) -Manager, Inland Revenue Department (IRD), Child Support Agency, South Auckland -Case Manager, Ministry of Social Development (Work and Income New Zealand) -Justice of the Peace since 1994 -Project Development Manager -Employment, Education, and Enterprise Consultant specializing in job placement and community development -Active advocate for youth development and migrant support initiatives -Radio Anchor, Filipinas Mabuhay on 104.6 Planet FM Honors and Recognitions: -Recipient of the Papal Award and Pope Benedict XVI Benemerenti Medal -Invested as a Knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Sylvester Pope and Martyr -Recipient of the Queen's Service Medal (QSM) in the 2015 Honors List for outstanding community service Through his unwavering dedication to faith, public service, and community development, Sir Oscar continues to inspire countless individuals and remains a respected leader, mentor, and advocate for positive social change.

MARY ANNE BATUCAN is currently working as a Technical Business Analyst for Equifax. Anne as she is known to family and friends has had a number of years experience in IT particularly in healthcare, telecommunications, email and web security, airline and credit bureaus. She has been actively involved in the Trust’s activities since its inception and is currently the Secretary for the Trust.

JOYCE GESTA graduated Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Accounting. Been with Cooperative Bank (formerly PSIS) since 1988. Currently branch manager, Onehunga Branch since 2005 but have had manager roles since 1993.

BEBETH CUTTEN is a long time Trustee. She actively promotes and supports all projects of the Trust most specially the annual grand Sinulog festival.

Maria Consuelo “Chichi” Abadingo coordinates the community and choir groups involved in the annual Nine-Day Novena as part of her duties on the Liturgical Committee. She manages the Sinulog NZ social media pages and maintains the organization's website, ensuring that community members stay informed about the Trust's activities and events.

With more than 30 years of experience in business software development and project management, Chichi brings a wealth of professional expertise to her volunteer and community work. In her professional life, she works as an ERP Business Analyst. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, attending dance and fitness classes, and serving on the Holy Cross Papatoetoe Parish Liturgy Committee and organizes the monthly Filipino masses at Holy Cross.

Chichi also serves as Deputy Chair of Agape Branches, an organization that distributes rescued food to families in need. In addition, she is a member of the Le Malaga Trust, which supports caregivers of people living with dementia through community-led awareness and education initiatives. Research from the University of Auckland indicates that three New Zealanders develop dementia every hour, equivalent to approximately 500 people each week. Through her involvement with Le Malaga Trust, Chichi contributes to raising awareness of this growing health challenge and supporting carers.

Robert Villos, affectionately known as Yoyong or Yongvils among his family and close friends, moved to New Zealand in 2015. Being far from home strengthened his faith and deepened his devotion to the Santo Niño. What began as a quiet and personal devotion gradually evolved into a more active and visible expression of faith, as the Santo Niño mysteriously guided his spiritual journey. Together with his wife, Jewel, Robert had the honor of serving as the 2023 Hermano and Hermana, reflecting their commitment and dedication to their faith community. Although he holds a degree in Business, Yoyong chose to build his career in New Zealand's trades industry, specializing in group home construction projects. He currently serves as the Branch Manager of Mico Bathrooms and Plumbing Wairau, a division of Fletcher Building. Yoyong and Jewel are proud and active members of the Couples for Christ West Auckland Chapter, where they continue to live out their faith through service, fellowship, and community involvement.

JEWEL VILLOS, raised by Sto Nino devotees in Cagayan de Oro, arrived in New Zealand on April 2014 that marked her long distance relationship with her family which she was not accustomed to. By God's grace she found her place working as a business lecturer in a Private Tertiary Education provider which helped her settle and further her knowledge in Adult Tertiary education. Jewel is currently working as a Faculty Academic Lead at NZMA designing academic programmes for accreditation to NZQA. Outside of work, she is the brain and hand behind Tinapay Atbp where you get your mouth watering milky Cheese Rolls. With Jewel's high energy, and entrepreneurial spirit, you'll also find her in various Filipino events. Jewel and her husband, Robert are also proud members of the Couples for Christ West Auckland Chapter.

CHRISTINE REPIZO. Born and raised in Cebu, Philippines. I have been a Sto Nino devotee since a kid tagging along my mom. I am grateful to be part of NZ Sinulog and continue my devotion not only personally but along side others of the same faith. I have been blessed working as accountant in multinational companies in NZ and pursue my hobbies in baking and sewing. Equally grateful for the blessings our family received. Viva Pit Senyor.

JC/BOBOY CABALLERO is a seasoned IT professional with a number of years of experience. Happily married to Joy Caballero with 3 young adult children. A Santo Niño devotee. Has always been a supporter of the Sinulog Trust since its inception 30 years ago. Serving as a current trustee.

JOY CABALLERO is a versatile results-oriented IT professional with a number of years of experience across various industries. Happily married to JC/Boboy Caballero with 3 young adult children. A Santo Niño devotee. Is a founding trustee of the Sinulog Trust since 30 years ago till the present.

ESPERANZA RESURRECCION ‘Rexy’ Jose brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as a Community Support Worker for individuals with disabilities at Spectrum Care Limited. Rexy's deep devotion to Sto Niño began in 2009, where she’s been involved in novena masses, offerings, and dancing.
In 2019, both Rexy and her husband, Boyet Jose, received recognition as the Hermana and Hermano, honouring their remarkable contributions by evangelising in the community and enhancing the experience for new and existing Sto Niño devotees. Since 2020, Rexy has served as a member of the Board of Trustees.

ERWIN LACKAR has been a trustee since 2021. He and wife Marilyn became devotees in 2017 and grateful to be blessed with a beautiful son in 2022. Erwin has been in the Finance industry for more than a decade. He is currently a Client Services Manager/Financial Adviser for PIE Funds. He is responsible for managing client relactionships as well as providing outstanding experiences to existing and potential clients. Prior to joining PIE Erwin worked at Fisher Funds and AMP New Zealand. He & wife Marilyn are also members of the Couples for Christ (CFC) in Auckland.

MARILYN LACKAR known as Olay to her family and friends has been a trustee since 2021. She and her husband Erwin became devotees in 2017 and grateful to be blessed with a beautiful son in 2022. Marilyn has been in the Telco-Techco industry for more than a decade - since 2008 overseas and since 2016 in NZ. A sales expert highly skilled in Strategic Account Management and Strategic solution selling. She’s currently an Enterprise Account Manager in the Key Accounts team at One New Zealand (formerly Vodafone New Zealand). She and husband Erwin are also members of Couples For Christ (CFC) in Auckland.

CATHY TOMAQUIN. I'm currently working at Auckland Council. I've been a Santo Niño devotee here in Auckland, NZ for 20+ years and became one of the trustees 4 years ago. I am also the Area Coordinator within Glenfield, Albany & wider North Shore areas where I explore Santo Nino for those families who wish a visit in their homes. Growing up in Cebu, I have always been a devotee and it is mandatory in my family to annually attend the Novena and Sinulog Festival. Over the years, it is fascinating to see how much it has evolved and to see Filipinos all over NZ gather. May people's devotions keep going and be passed on.