The first and only Filipino born and raised in Aitutaki, bearing a Cook Islands Māori name, has thoroughly embraced and immersed himself in the local culture and traditions.

Nine-year-old Manuia Cadainggan grew up surrounded by the island’s culture and traditional ways.

According to mum Jennie Cadainggan, she and her partner had not intended to have a child and only planned to live as a couple when they arrived in Aitutaki about a decade ago.

However, a year after arriving on the island, she gave birth to a son whom they named Manuia, a “blessing” to them.

In the Cook Islands Māori language, “manuia” generally means good luck, success, or well-being.

Jennie says Manuia is “a blessing and brings good luck to our little family”.

The couple also named their takeaway restaurant after their son, Manuia’s Kitchen.

Manuia is fluent in three languages, Cook Islands Maori, Tagalog and English.

He is surrounded by a strong cultural presence, especially in schools and communities on the island.

Manuia enjoys going to school due to his friends and the excitement of learning, especially Cook Islands Maori.

The Year 5 student attends Vaitau School and also enjoys participating in various sport activities both in school and after school.

“I love dancing and performing,” says Manuia.

Despite being born and raised in a culture different from his parents’, Manuia is proud to be Filipino.

“Aitutaki is my home but I love the Philippines too. I like learning about the culture and the language. I speak Aitutaki Maori and English and Filipino,” he shares.

“I learned the language from my friends in Tautu and at school. But mostly from talking to my friends whenever we play at the field.” 

According to Jennie, life in Aitutaki is completely different from life in the Philippines.

“Life in Aitutaki is peaceful and stress free compared to the big city life that we are both used to live.”

When the couple first arrived on Aitutaki, the laid-back life was unexpected and uncomfortable as they were not used to it.

Unlike the Philippines, Aitutaki has no malls, cinemas or major stores, meaning the couple found fewer conveniences available than they were accustomed to.

“But it didn’t take as long to adjust to the island life, especially most people here are kind and treats us as their own family. And we have learned to make use of what is only available on the island.”