When a migrant domestic worker (MDW) decides to leave their country, it is to earn a living wage, to lift themselves out of poverty, and to experience how life is in other countries – the common goal is to ensure brighter futures for their families and to one day retire to a life they have built through their hard work.

This is what inspired Ofelia P. Baquirin, Co-founder and President of UMELA, to start a livelihood programme in 2008, alongside Co-founders Joel Almeda and Arnold Gorospe, where MDWs can learn a new skill in preparation for returning to the Philippines. Since its founding almost 17 years ago, UMELA has seen a total of 913 individuals graduate from their Massage Therapy course. 

“We offer various courses like Swedish massage, lymphatic massage, reflexology, cupping, and even macramé bag making,” says Ofelia. “Nagkaroon din kami noon ng meat processing at flower making through ribbon folding at bead crafting pero nagconcentrate na kami sa Massage Therapy,” [We even had meat processing and flower making through ribbon folding and bead crafting, but now we concentrate on Massage Therapy] she adds. 

Each course takes two hours every Sunday over a period of six months to complete. Upon completion, a certificate is awarded during their graduation ceremony, which coincides with their Anniversary celebrations every August.

Most classes are held by the overpass on Harcourt Road, right next to the Hong Kong Performing Arts garden in Wan Chai. The instructors here also teach the theory of massage and basic human anatomy, erecting tents for privacy during the practical classes. They also book classrooms at the Bayanihan Centre in Kennedy Town according to Ofelia, “Sa Bayanihan po kami nag-aactual massage sa mga studyante natin para po magawa nila ang proper massage kahit malamig o mainit ang panahon.” [We do our actual massage sessions at Bayanihan, so they can learn proper massage techniques even if in hot or cold weather.]

Repatriation for those who have been living abroad for many years, or even decades, can be a challenge if no plans for earning money in their home country have been made. Even with a good amount of savings in the bank, unexpected costs – a medical emergency, a family member in need, household or vehicular repairs – can easily put a dent in our best laid plans. Hence, investing in technical and practical skills while abroad is always a good idea.

“Ilang beses ko sinubukang mag give-up due to my hectic schedule as a domestic helper. Gabi na makatapos sa work at magstudy pa bago matulog. Minsan inaabot ng 2:00am o mas late pa, kapag may exam. Minsan sa hands-on exams gusto kong magwalk-out dahil sa pagod, pero dahil sa encouragement ng beloved teacher kong si Madam Ofelia, tiniis ko lahat nang hirap, hanggang matapos ko ang Massage Therapy,” [There have been many times when I tried to give up due to my hectic schedule as a domestic helper. Work finishes late at night and I still have to study before I sleep. When there is an exam, it sometimes takes me until 2:00am or later. During a few hands-on exams, I wanted to walk-out because of tiredness, but thanks to the encouragement of my beloved teacher, Madam Ofelia, I endured until I finished Massage Therapy] shares Nora Alibusa, UMELA graduate and a former MDW, who now owns Lavish Studio Beauty & Spa in Iloilo City in the Philippines. 

Many women who go back to their home countries after being terminated – or being let go from work unexpectedly – don’t have any plans in place for earning income, which can quickly lead to anxiety and stress about the future. This is what inspired Ofelia to start UMELA.  

“Itong courses naming ang maging puhunan nila sa pagbabalik sa sariling bayan. Mainam na may pera kang naipon, pero mas maganda kung at the same time may alam kang negosyo na kaya mong gawin kahit nasa loob ka ng pamamahay at nag aalaga sa pamilya. May kita at dagdag sa kabuhayan,” [Our courses will be their investment when they go back to their home country. While it is best if they have cash savings, it is better if, at the same time, they know how to earn, even if they are stay-at-home moms looking after the family. There is added income and livelihood] beams Ofelia.

“Kaya ipinapayo ko sa ating mga kababayan na mag-aral tuwing day off nila upang magkaroon ng kabuluhan ang ang kanilang pagstay dito sa Hong Kong. Makakatulong sa pamilya, sa kapwa, at lalo na sa kanilang sarili kung sakaling mag for-good na sila,” [I advise our fellow Filipinos to study on their day off so their stay in Hong Kong counts for something. They can help their family, the community, and especially themselves in case they go back home for good] she concludes.