By: Glynn Galla

Fe Dayo is one of the many Temporary Filipino Workers here in Canada,

doing her best, to provide a better life to her family.

Take time to read, you might find yourself in her shoe.

1. What was your first impression when you arrived in Canada?

My First impression upon arriving here in Canada is something that I could survive because I feel cold at that time and thinking of going back to the Philippines instead.

2. How long you’re able to adjust being far from your love ones, weather, and peers? And how was it?

Adjusting to Peers and weather is not hard for me because you can easily find ways how to handle it, so it takes only few months. But the hardest thing to adjust is being far away from my 3 kids and my loving husband. Every day for 5 months here, I always cry because this is my first time away from them, but those tears make me strong.
3. What did you do to overcome your homesickness?

Every time I feel homesick I call my husband just to know if they are ok, and talk to my kids, telling them that I miss them so much! During my day off I go to Mall just to make use of my time than staying at home.

4. As an OFW is it worth working abroad for our country?

For me it’s not worth working abroad, away from my family is one of the hardest things. As an OFW, the only thing that I see helpful is that I’m sending money back to the Philippines.

5. As a Filipino, was there any specific thing you could compare here in Canada & way back home?

One thing that I could compare as a Filipino is the so called the Mania Habit. We are used to do that in the Philippines but seldom happen here in Canada. Time is precious here.

6. Do you have any regrets of choosing Canada than teaching our young minds in the Philippines?

Yes, I feel regret in staying in Canada before, away from my family and I was not able to do my duties and responsibilities as a teacher, but I realize on how I could support my family especially my kids until they can finish their studies because my salary as a teacher there is not enough.

7. What do you miss most in your profession?

What I really miss most of my profession is when I teach the young ones on how to read and write, you can feel the happiness helping them, you impart to the good values as they grow.

8. Which do you prefer, giving your family a better life and bringing them here? Or given a chance to teach again in the Philippines?

My purpose why I grab this opportunity here in Canada is to give a better life to my family back home. And I’m looking forward to bring them here but I prefer also to teach here if given a chance.

9. What is the most challenging thing that happens to you being an OFW?

It doesn’t matter what profession you have before, for as long as you have work and do your part in your work, everything will go smoothly. It challenges me a lot being an OFW. Profession is not important for as long as you earn more than you are earning in the Philippines, it’s a big help in my part.

10. Was there any moment that you almost give up & considering the idea of going back to the Philippines, and why?

Yes, because of my children, they are still young and at this stage they need most of my care, it is my responsibility of guiding them as mother. I should be the one taking care of all their needs personally and talking to them over the phone or chatting with them thru internet won’t be enough.

But I trust my husband to do my part, giving my kids guidance, advice and care. And it makes me comfortable working here and to continue to provide them all they need and giving them a better life.

11. As a Filipino working abroad, what is your wish for the year 2011?

My wish in this year is that I can sponsor my family and we will live here together.

Geraldine Dagwasi or “Gigi” (gee-gee) is one of the OFW’s who worked in Hong Kong from 2005 to 2007. She had a wonderful experience in Hong Kong from their culture, food, language and also with making new friends. She felt fortunate because in Hong Kong, she has a better chance to come to Canada. And at the moment, Gigi is working as Caregiver in Calgary. She is one of the Filipino heroes who continues to struggle amidst any tribulations. She is a very good person who provides good things to people – care for her employer, financial support for her parents and siblings and a good friendship to everyone she knows.

Gigi was born in Quirino, Ilocos Sur. She is the youngest and only daughter of a very hardworking farmer-couple. She has two older brothers. Her parents are growing corn and rice crops. They also raise livestock. And all of these as the source of their livelihood, Gigi was able to finish schooling from elementary to college. She graduated at Namitpit Elementary School and Immaculate Concepcion High School. She took a year in AB Political Science at the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan. She also took a year in Bachelor of Elementary Education at Baguio Central University. In 2001, she has finally graduated at Central Ilocandia College of Science & Technology in San Fernando, La Union with a degree in BS Criminology.

Because of unemployment, she and her friend named Wilma Viluan have planned to put up their own business. From a small investment capital, they started running a canteen. Through their wits and high dedication for their business, their canteen became popular. They have gained the loyalty of many people in their town. They had regular costumers from various establishments in the town proper, students and bus/jeepney drivers. Their canteen got ahead more than they expected it will become. Because of this, Gigi was able to buy a residential lot in La Union. This was the first property that she bought.

At present, Gigi is so happy that few months from now, her new house which is currently being built will be completed. This is the fruit of her hard work and tenacity from working as a caregiver here in Canada.

Pinoy Times salutes Geraldine Dagwasi for being a tough and smart OFW. May you always be successful in all your good endeavors.

by Melvin Laureano

A good father is a good provider. He is always willing to do anything for the sake of his family even flying a thousand miles away from them in order to find a better job opportunity. One of them is Crisanto S. Manio or we can just call him Cris. He is the loving father of John Vincent and the caring husband of Ness Esguerra.

Cris was born in San Ildefonso, Bulacan on April 29, 1977. He is the sixth in nine siblings. His mom owns a sari-sari store and his late father was a farmer. Living a simple life but filled with happiness, Cris has learned from his childhood experiences. During his high school days, he was helping his aunt in selling products at the supermarket and working part-time at a garments factory to earn for his schooling. With such resourcefulness, Cris was able to graduate high school at Buena Vista High School in San Ildefonso and Associate in Computer Science at Baliuag University.

After his graduation, Cris worked at Nestle Philippines as production operator for cereal processing. While employed at Nestle, he met Ness. They got married on May 23, 2003 and blessed with a child, John Vincent who was born on June 27, 2004.

Cris was one of the lucky Filipinos that was given a chance to come here in Canada. He was the first Pinoy that was hired by Weston Bakeries. He came to Calgary on July 4, 2007. Having a sense of gratitude, Cris worked diligently for Weston. Indeed, this is a common trait of most Filipinos around the world to be thankful and hardworking in return. This was the reason that his employer help him in his application for Provincial Nominee Program of Alberta. With this program, there is a great chance that he can bring his family here in a greener pasture.

While his PNP application is in the process, Cris underwent many trials and hardships. He was often stricken by homesickness especially during important occasions like Father’s Day, his birthday, his wife’s birthday, his son’s birthday, Christmas and New Year’s Day. He also had to undergo a surgical operation for his appendicitis. He was confined in the hospital for several days. It was hard to be in this condition without his family beside him. But at least, some of his friends were there to support him. Most of them were his co-workers at Nestle before.

In April 2009, he went for a vacation to the Philippines to visit his family. This alleviated his heavy homesickness that he was bearing for almost two years. In November of that same year, he went home again because his father, Reynaldo Manio, passed away. Despite of everything that has happened, Cris remained strong. He kept believing and waited patiently for his dreams to come true.

Sometime in March 2009, he received the good news – a positive notification about his application. He was so happy that day and he forgot all about his hardships. His wife and son arrived in Calgary on May 3, 2010.

Now their plan is to start a better life here in Canada. They want their son to grow up with the same Filipino culture, traits and spirit. They will strive hard to give their son a better education and hopefully to have their own house in the near future. Ness wants to find a job to help Cris financially. We would like to wish Ness a good luck.  And Cris, with all gratefulness, will do his best to please his employer.

Happy Father’s Day.

Vicky Lanag is a mother of two beautiful children, Annierose and Shenny. They are Vicky’s inspiration to strive and be strong in facing life challenges as an OFW. No matter what she encountered here abroad – hardships, sleepless nights, weariness, pains and homesickness – she prevailed.

Vicky was born in Jamindan, Capiz, a nearby town of Roxas City – the seafood capital of the Philippines. She is the eldest of four siblings. Her late father was a farmer. Her mother is a vendor at Jamindan Public Market and a part time hairdresser. Vicky graduated elementary at Agcococ Elementary School in Tapaz, Capiz.  She stayed at a boarding house in Roxas City while studying at Capiz National High School. In order to have some extra personal allowance, she sold yema and became a dealer of beauty products in their school. During weekends, she was helping her mother sell dried fish (tuyo) in the market.  Because of a scholarship privilege that she had for being a granddaughter of a World War 2 veteran, she was able to continue her schooling. She studied BS Nursing at Filamer Christian College. She graduated in 2001.

Not long after her graduation, she was hired as a company nurse in Hilltop Luggage & Baggage – Carmona, Cavite. A year later, this company closed. She was then again hired as private nurse for a Parkinsonʼs Disease sufferer in Palanan, Makati. This was the time when she met Jojo Lanag, whom her heart fell in love with. In 2002, she was married to him and they decided to move back to Capiz. They live with peace and harmony, and were blessed with two children as a precious gift from heaven. She worked as a nurse in Mambusao General Hospital in 2003.

When Shenny was four and Annierose was one year old, Vicky decided to work abroad as the financial need of her family increased. She wanted to help her husband who was a maintenance staff at PLDT. In December 2005, she flew to Taipei, Taiwan to work as a caretaker. She encountered maltreatment from her first employer. She never had a breakfast, eat leftover foods at lunch and eat dinner at 10 PM for two months. She also never had a room but a sofa to sleep at. When she transferred to her second employer, she found a small haven and somehow a relief to all of her misery. They were very nice to her. When she finished her contract with them, Vicky moved to Calgary. And until now, she continues to strive.

There are times when she misses her family, that she wants to touch her children, longing to feel their embrace. While taking care of other children not related to her, she is thinking about hers. Are they well? Are they okay? Do they miss her too like how she misses them? Are they not suffering from any illnesses? In her heart lies so many questions and her heart filled with emptiness during those times of longing. But still, Vicky has always the hope that someday she and her family will live together in one home and no one will be away from that home, because in that home dwells a wonderful mother who is a heroine, a supermom.

Happy Mothers’ Day to all the supermoms.

-by Melvin Laureano

Emma grew up in Burgos, Isabela. Her parents were farmers. They own a huge portion of land for rice crops, poultry and other livestock. Because of these agricultural assets, Emma and her five siblings were able to finish their formal education. She graduated her primary education at Caliguian Elementary School and her secondary education at Caliguian National High School.

During her teenage years, Emma became a Kagawad for Sangguniang Kabataan in Caliguian. Because of this, she developed in herself the qualities of a good leader and a public servant. She is a very sporty woman. Emma plays tae kwon do, a Korean martial art for hand and foot fighting. She also became the Vice President of their University’s Sports Club. She graduated Associate in Computer Science at Viscaya Institute of Computer Science and her degree in Computer Science at St. Mary’s University in Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya. Shortly after her graduation, she was hired as a secretary in a private company in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

In 2000, Emma was married to Ulysses Alava, a Veterinary Medicine graduate from Central Luzon State University. At present, he is working in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. They have one daughter, the 3-year old Trisha Honey Alava.  In order to secure adequate educational fund for the schooling of her daughter, she decided to work abroad. Emma was hired as caretaker to three children in Taipei, Taiwan. She took care of them for almost four years from 2004 to 2008. Hence, they loved her as their true mom.

In summer 2008, Emma arrived here in Calgary. From then up to present, she works as Live-in Caregiver. She is far away from her loved ones but as time passes by, she is getting closer to achieving her ambitions for herself and her family. In times of homesickness, she just plays her guitar and sing out her loneliness away.

-by Melvin Laureano

Marivic or Mary was born and raised from a happy family living in the simplest way of life in Roxas City, Capiz. She was the eldest in the siblings of four. In the Philippines, being the eldest means having a greater responsibility. And this will be manifested in this story.

After graduating high school at Roxas City School for Philippine Craftsmen, Mary enrolled at Filamer Christian College.  She took Bachelor of Elementary Education. Having a weak financial support from her parents during thattime, she applied to become a working student in their school. Because of her friendliness and good oral communication skills, she became a student assistant at the President’s office in her school. Aside from making and receiving calls, she also helped in providing clerical assistance to students. She became the president of Working Students’ Association because of her hard work and sincere dedication in serving her alma mater. She graduated in 2002.

While she was waiting for her ranking, Mary decided to find a temporary job in order to help her family and support the schooling of her three younger siblings. She was hired as Cashier at Gaisano Mall – Roxas City. She was already working for five months when she realized that her income was not enough to support everyone in her family. She came up to the idea of giving a try to work abroad.

In 2003, she flew to Taipei, Taiwan to work as caregiver. This was the inception of fulfilling her ambition, that is to help her three siblings finish college and to build a good dwelling place for her family. This objective inspired her to strive for the best, to overcome trials and obstacles along her way and remain strong in the face of all hardships. Being a caregiver in Taiwan is a tough occupation. Most caregivers including Mary, were deprived of their day-off or more exact to say, their freedom. She was not allowed to leave her employer’s house for her first year. She was not able to attend church every Sunday. She had to eat leftover foods. She did not enjoy her life in Taiwan. All she had to do is work…work and bear hardships. But despite of all these, Mary endured everything. She did not even saved money for herself. She sent all her income to her family.

After several years of countless sufferings, Mary’s noble aspirations have been achieved. Her brother Roy, graduated Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering in Iloilo. Her sister Janice, graduated Bachelor of Commerce – Major in Banking and Finance at Filamer Christian College. Her youngest brother Darryl, will be graduating this summer of Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering at Colegio De La Purisima Concepcion in Roxas City.

In December 2008, Mary has got a better opportunity, that is to work in Canada. She was hired as a nanny to the two kids of a very nice and happy couple. Up to the present, Mary is still working with this employer. They give her the nicest treatment and the real freedom. After all her hardships that yielded great accomplishments, Mary is now happy to see her family stepped up into a nicer way of living.

Comerford and grill master Bobby Flay defeated Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali in a battle using fresh harvest from the White House garden, including kale, rhubarb, broccoli and Japanese eggplant.

As usual for the show, both teams prepared five dishes for the judges – chef Nigella Lawson, Olympic gold medal swimmer Natalie Coughlin, and actress Jane Seymour.

Batali and Lagasse made scallops with a radish and fennel salad, a trio of oysters and salads, sweet potato and ricotta ravioli, quail and turkey wrapped in vegetables, and a sweet corn beignet for dessert.

Comerford and Flay prepared a fennel and apple salad with oyster, another salad with lobster and squid, a Filipino-inspired broccoli clam chowder, a barbequed veggie dish, and a meringue sweet potato tart.

Flay said, “I told her don’t be afraid to use her Filipino background, which have a lot of flavors there.”

Both teams scored equally in the taste category, but Comerford and Flay took home the win thanks to their presentation and originality.

Iron Chef America is a spin-off from the hit Japanese cooking show Iron Chef.

Comerford said “that her Filipino heritage made her better equipped to meet the challenge of feeding the family of President Barack Obama a healthy diet.” The First Lady, Michelle Obama, shares Comerford’s preference for healthy food.

Cristeta Comerford with Michelle Obama and the chefs of Iron Chef America

Mrs. Obama made a brief appearance during the show to welcome the chefs and make her pitch for a pet project called the Healthy Kids Initiative that aims to reduce childhood obesity through improved school lunches, farmers market, community gardens, and exercise.

“Mrs. Obama’s message to cook and eat fresh food encouraged us to create this historic battle,” said Bruce Seidel, Senior Vice President for Programming of the Food Network.

Batali, Flay, and Lagasse are all stars of the Food Network. They were flown in to Washington last month for the special taping at the White House.

Armed with their secret White House Kitchen Garden ingredients, the four chefs then headed to the ‘Kitchen Stadium’ in New York for the actual battle.

Since the Garden was planted back in March, it has produced hundreds of pounds of vegetables that the White House chefs use in presidential meals and that the Obama’s donate to DC area food pantries.

“We are honored to showcase The White House Kitchen Garden in Iron Chef America,” said Bob Tuschman, Senior Vice President, Programming and Production for Food Network. “This is the most intense culinary competition we’ve ever shown. It’s awe-inspiring to see what four master chefs can create from locally-grown ingredients in the heat of Kitchen Stadium.”

Domeng was born in Ramos, Tarlac. He was the youngest child in the family. At the age of three, his mother died. After a few months, his father was married to another woman. So he moved to his grandma’s house and lived under her care. When he was eight years old, Domeng did a lot of things to support his schooling. At dawn of every weekend, he joins a team of farmers in harvesting peanuts. He was selling pandesal in the streets every morning. He was selling ice candies in their school and he was walking in dark streets at night while shouting, “baluuuuut!”

Growing up without his real parents, he has learned how to become a strong, independent and good fighter. And even though he was working while studying, he graduated elementary with honor. Such achievement is what makes every parent proud of their child but for Domeng, no parent became proud of him. He continued supporting himself until he graduated high school at Central Institute of Technology – Paniqui, Tarlac. Some of his relatives supported him during his college years. He took BS Management at New Era University but during his third year, he stopped because his relatives had some financial problems.

In 1990, he worked as a waiter at Aroma Chicken House. Having a beautiful voice and a great passion in singing, he tried the singing audition for Japan at Metropolitan Theater. Fortunately, he was qualified. He flew to Japan in 1991 and worked as singer at Matsuya Hotel in Tuchigi-Ken. Due to a slack of time as a singer, he worked for an extra mile in their hotel’s kitchen. In Japan, Domeng found a temporary family from his employer and workmates. He experienced how to be loved by people not closely related to him. It is one of the most amazing experiences he had.

In 1993, he went back to the Philippines and lived with his sister in Alabang. He had two jobs at the same time: (1) at Tambunting Group of Companies as Liaison Officer then became the Department Head and (2) as a cook at Venus Catering Services. In 1995, he met the woman whom he married, Amorfina Magracia. They have two kids, Gabrielle Dominic and Ella Feliz. In 2005, he worked as cook at Nikko Hotel in Koror, Republic of Palau. He went back to the Philippines in 2007. He applied several jobs online and fortunately, he was one of the lucky Filipinos to come here in Canada. He arrived in Calgary on September 11, 2008. He was hired as cook at Austin Bar and Grill in Elbow Drive. Because of his dedication, initiative and diligence, Domeng is now a kitchen supervisor.

In his story, Domeng has proven that courage with determination is the key to pursue one’s dream. Having no parents was not an excuse. Instead, it was what drove him to run faster and sail further until he finds the kind of life that he was wishing for.

By Melvin Laureano

In the Philippines, the Kapampangans are known for their unique style and taste in their foods from native delicacies to modern dishes. Most Kapampangans are good in cooking like our featured OFW for this month.

Ryan Del Rosario, 28 years old, the third child of a once well-off family in Pampanga has great passion for food and kitchen. His mother was a businesswoman who owned a travel agency before. During his teenage years, their family lived with abundance of everything. He attended college at New Era University and took Business Management. But when he was in second year, his mother’s business started to lose profit and before long, it bled dry. He then transferred to Systems Plus Computer Foundation in Pampanga and took Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

Ryan has a captivating voice and he has sung in various wedding ceremonies. He also worked in different establishments like fast food restaurants, coffee shop and supermarkets. He discovered his passion when he worked at Charlie’s Grill as a waiter. To further his passion, he decided to leave the country and work abroad. He was hired as a waiter at Hilton Hotel in Dubai. While working as a waiter, he was also trained in the kitchen. After six months, he became a chef.

When Ryan went back to the Philippines, he continued working as a chef. He worked in different restaurants before he got the chance to be hired here in Canada. In August 2009, he arrived here in Calgary. He is now working in Starlite Restaurant & Bar as a cook. Because of this, Ryan is now one step closer to his dream – to put up his own restaurant someday.

-Melvin Laureano

When Maricris graduated in elementary school, her parents decided that she should not go to high school anymore because they cannot afford to pay her tuition fees. But because of her insistence, she decided to ask for help from her relatives who are able to support her. Fortunately, her aunt agreed to take her in Masantol, Pampanga. She continued her schooling at Sta. Lucia High School. At young age, this was the first time that she took care of a sick person. Her aunt is a diabetes patient. Living away from her parents is a hard situation but she endured it. She graduated high school with flying colors. Her parents were so proud of her for being the salutatorian. She wanted to be a teacher so she took Bachelor of Elementary Education at Pampanga Colleges. She graduated and then passed the Teacher’s Board Examination.

Maricris, once a dreamer…who dreamed of being a teacher was really blessed. She was hired by her alma mater, San Jose Panlumacan Elementary School. Because of her love and passion for children, she had the feeling of self-fulfillment. She taught there for three years (2001-2004). Due to the condition of teachers during that time, she decided to give up her career and work abroad.

She worked in Hong Kong from 2004 to 2006 as domestic helper where she met her high school classmates and new friends. She moved to Canada in May 2006 to work as a nanny. She is now the breadwinner of her family. For Maricris, dealing with kids is an awesome inspiration. They go to park and play with them. She never felt like working. These things make her look young, far younger than her age.

by Melvin Laureano