Laban sa Homesickness: How to Cope When You’re Miles Away from Home

Kapag tinanong mo ang kahit sinong Pilipino na lumipat abroad, isa lang ang siguradong sagot nila kapag napag-uusapan ang pinakamahirap na parte ng pagiging migrant: homesickness.

Hindi ito basta-bastang lungkot lang—ito’y “longing” na tumatagos sa buto. Yung tipong may amoy kang nami-miss (sinigang sa bahay, ulan sa kalsada, bango ng pandesal sa umaga), o boses ng nanay mo na nagrereklamo habang nagluluto. Lahat ng maliliit na bagay na dati mong binabalewala, bigla mong hinahanap.

For many Filipinos in New Zealand, homesickness becomes a silent battle—lalo na sa unang taon. Ang ganda ng bansa, oo—green hills, fresh air, at mababait ang mga tao. Pero pagdating ng gabi, tahimik. At sa katahimikan na ’yon, maririnig mo ang tibok ng pusong gustong umuwi.

Pero huwag kang mag-alala. Normal ’yan. At higit sa lahat, malalabanan ’yan.

Let’s talk about why we feel homesick, how it affects us, and the practical things you can do to keep your spirits up habang malayo sa Pinas.

Why We Feel Homesick

Homesickness happens because we crave familiarity. Sa Pilipinas, alam mo kung saan bibili ng taho, saan magpapalaba, at kung anong oras lalabas ang kapitbahay mo para mag-tsismisan.

Pagdating mo sa New Zealand, biglang reset lahat. Iba ang accent, iba ang weather, iba pati ang pakiramdam ng hangin. Your senses are searching for something familiar, pero wala. Kaya kahit surrounded ka by beauty, your heart longs for home.

Sa psychology, homesickness is considered a form of grief—you’re grieving for the life you left behind. Pero the good news is: just like any grief, it eases with time and action.

Tip #1: Build Your “Second Home”

Hindi mo kailangang kalimutan ang Pinas, pero kailangan mong gumawa ng bagong space na mararamdaman mong “home.”

Maglagay ka ng mga bagay na Pilipino sa bahay mo—banig, small Sto. Niño, o kahit empty Jollibee cup kung ’yan ang nagpapasaya sa’yo. Cook adobo once a week. Play OPM habang naglilinis.

Home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. So, create small rituals that remind you of warmth, comfort, and belonging.

Pro tip: kung may Filipino store sa area mo (like Pinoy Stop in Auckland or Kabayan Store in Wellington), treat yourself sa isang araw ng treats from home. Kahit instant pancit canton, minsan, panlaban sa lungkot.

Tip #2: Connect with the Local Pinoy Community

Filipinos in New Zealand are everywhere—from Christchurch nurses to dairy farm workers sa Waikato, and IT professionals in Auckland.

Join Filipino groups sa Facebook (halimbawa: Pinoys in NZ, Filipinos in Auckland). May mga church groups din at cultural associations na nag-oorganize ng events like Independence Day celebrations or Christmas parties.

Ang kagandahan sa mga Pinoy community, madali kang makakahanap ng “family.” Isang kumustahan lang, may mag-aabot na ng ulam o magyayayang mag-BBQ sa park.

Community combats isolation. At kahit isang beses lang sa isang linggo, being with kababayans reminds you—you’re not alone in this journey.

Tip #3: Learn to Appreciate New Zealand’s Culture

Instead of resisting change, embrace it.

Try learning Kiwi slang (like “chur bro” or “sweet as”), explore their local food, and understand their values. New Zealanders are known for their kindness, respect for nature, and work-life balance—something we Filipinos can really benefit from.

Kapag na-appreciate mo na ang mga bagong bagay, homesickness slowly turns into curiosity and gratitude. You’ll start to see that while Pinas will always be home, New Zealand can be a beautiful second home too.

Tip #4: Stay in Touch—but Not Too Much

Technology makes it easier than ever to connect with loved ones. Pero minsan, too much connection can make homesickness worse.

Schedule your video calls instead of doing them every hour. Try once or twice a week na mahaba, heartfelt conversation. Sa pagitan, focus on living your daily life in NZ.

Remember: your family wants you to succeed and enjoy your time abroad. Hindi nila gustong puro iyakan lang sa video call. So use those moments to uplift each other, not to dwell on the distance.

Tip #5: Keep Yourself Busy

Idleness is the enemy of migrants.

Kapag wala kang ginagawa, mas malakas ang hatak ng lungkot. So fill your schedule—join local activities, volunteer sa community, or take up a new hobby.

New Zealand offers amazing outdoor opportunities: tramping (hiking), biking, or even joining a sports club. For something chill, try gardening—sobrang therapeutic, especially in NZ’s rich soil and mild climate.

Or if you’re the creative type, mag-join ng Filipino choir or dance group. Productive distractions help you grow—and slowly, you’ll find yourself thinking less about what you miss and more about what you’re becoming.

Tip #6: Take Care of Your Mental Health

Homesickness can sometimes lead to anxiety or depression—lalo na kung mag-isa ka. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek help.

New Zealand has mental health services that are confidential and inclusive. You can talk to your GP (doctor) and ask for a referral to a counselor. Many services even have cultural liaisons who understand what it’s like to be a migrant.

For students, universities and polytechnics have free counseling services. For workers, check if your employer offers Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

Remember, seeking help is strength, not weakness.

Tip #7: Keep a Gratitude Journal

Simple lang ’to, pero powerful.

Every day, write down three things you’re grateful for. Pwede maliit lang—“nakakita ako ng rainbow today” or “nakatawag ako kay mama.”

Over time, you’ll train your brain to see the positives instead of focusing on what’s missing. Gratitude helps rewire your emotions, and you’ll notice na bumababa ang intensity ng homesickness mo.

Tip #8: Plan Visits Home—but Don’t Obsess

Of course, nothing beats hugging your family again. If kaya financially at visa-wise, plan a trip home every 1–2 years. Having something to look forward to makes the wait bearable.

Pero kung hindi pa posible, don’t torture yourself by counting the days. Instead, use that longing as fuel—motivation to work hard, save, and make the most of your experience abroad.

Final Thoughts

Homesickness doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you have roots. And roots are beautiful because they remind you where you came from.

Pero tandaan: you’re also growing new roots now. Every friendship you make, every Kiwi phrase you learn, every sunset na pinapanood mo sa bay ng Wellington or sa hills ng Rotorua—lahat ’yan, part na ng bago mong story.

So if tonight you feel that familiar ache sa dibdib, take a deep breath and remind yourself: This is part of the journey. I’m allowed to miss home, but I’m also allowed to love where I am now.

Because at the end of the day, home is not just a place—it’s wherever your heart feels at peace.

Saludo kami sa lahat ng migrants sa New Zealand. You are brave, resilient, and inspiring.

And yes, you belong.