By Ricky Fernandez
Auckland – A Filipino-Kiwi cricketer from West Auckland, Josef ‘Jay’ Doctora, will receive the Filipino-Kiwi Sportsperson of the Year award at the upcoming Philippine Independence Day celebration on Saturday, June 7, at the Auckland Showgrounds (217 Green Lane West, Epsom). The event runs from 10am to 6pm and is free to attend.
The award is part of the Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards segment, which recognises members of the Filipino community in New Zealand who have made significant contributions in sport, business, culture, and service.
Jay has been involved in cricket since the age of 14 and currently plays at a competitive level in Counties Manukau, Auckland – with a playing history for Grafton United and Manukau City.
He made his international debut in 2023, representing the Philippines national cricket team at the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, and later competed in World Cup qualifiers in Papua New Guinea.
He has continued to represent the Philippines in tournaments across Asia, with upcoming matches scheduled in Indonesia and Thailand later this year.
Jay says cricket is gaining traction in the Philippines, in part because of efforts by the national organisation to build grassroots participation.
“Cricket is growing in the Philippines because of programs in schools, colleges… running cricket academies. They’re creating a meaningful pathway for players,” Jay said.
While the Philippines is still developing in the global cricket scene, the country holds T20 international status and regularly faces off against their Asian counterparts.
Jay is now working on forming a Filipino cricket club in New Zealand, with plans to enter a team in the Counties Manukau Premier League (CMPL).
“The idea is to have a team that represents the culture… and grow the sport here within the Filipino community,”
“I would recommend anyone interested in playing, to also contact your local cricket club around New Zealand and see what opportunities there are out there.” he said.
Jay will receive his Filipino-Kiwi Hero Award on June 7 at the Philippine Independence Day at Auckland Showgrounds. Alongside the awards segment, the event will include HUNDREDS of Filipino foods, NON-STOP cultural performances and live music, and an opportunity to meet the businesses supporting the Filipino community in New Zealand.
Jay’s award is one of several that will be presented on the day, highlighting Filipino-Kiwis who are making an impact across sectors.
Keep an eye out for Extend’s stand on June 7th at Auckland Shwogrounds where you can sign up for Jay’s Filipino cricket club, training programs and merchandise: https://extend.store/pages/filkiwi-club-application – with all registrations going into a draw for a Caraboas Playing Shirt.
