I was born and raised in Lucena City and had a happy childhood. There were many festivals, fiestas, and events – it was a vibrant and exciting place to grow up in. I even joined and won Little Miss Silangang Mayao when I was young and was part of the festival parade. I remember the peryahan, or fairgrounds, the smell of popcorn and barbeque in the air, us children running around, watching the shows, and visiting the market stalls selling various items brought in specially for the fiesta. 

On the weekends, I would visit my paternal grandparents. Lola Ester made sure I was well fed with her delicious home-cooked local food, like sinukmani (dessert made with glutinous rice and coconut milk), parirutong (heirloom glutinous purple rice), and inihaw na pabo (roast turkey). I loved climbing their sampaloc (tamarind) and guava trees and harvesting duhat (java plum). It was an idyllic childhood, with the view of Mt. Banahaw in the background, the source of our fresh air and water.

My relationship with my parents was very good. My dad was my coach and mentor; he was the one who taught me English and the value of public speaking and good grammar. During family gatherings, my parents would pay me two pesos if I got up and recited my own poetry; I would save up, and when I reached ten pesos, I felt like I was so rich!

I have always been chatty, which has helped me while growing up. I am now the Area Champion Speaker at Toastmasters here in Hong Kong. My parents were instrumental in shaping me into the confident person I am today.

I was a teen mom. I gave birth to my daughter, Ela, when I was 16 years old. I was alone and confused, but I did my best to raise her on my own. I had to grow up and learn so much about pregnancy and looking after a baby without anyone to turn to. I know how difficult it is, so when I heard about PathFinders, a local charity that gives support to pregnant migrant mothers and children, I signed up as an ambassador and volunteer whenever I can. 

Ela is now 29 years old, has finished college, and has her own happy life. I might have been a very young mother, but I have never regretted it and have been adaptable to most challenges. Even in my current job, I am not only a nanny, but also a teacher, coach, cheerleader, chef, household manager, concierge, and many more.

I left the Philippines and my two young children for Hong Kong when I was only 22 years old. I needed to provide for my kids, and there were not many opportunities for a college undergraduate with no prior employment experience, so I decided to work abroad. 

My work here in Hong Kong has been great, and I have been lucky with my employment. My children are both doing well, and I have been married to my wonderful American husband, Devin, for almost 8 years. My life has been on a trajectory that has exceeded my expectations since I first left the Philippines.

Sharing my time, energy, and stories with the Filipino community has given me a great sense of accomplishment over the years. Some of the things I am particularly proud of include: helping many MDWs whose employment has been terminated; founding Horizons – a community group where people can share their talents in art, music, and other forms as an outlet for their emotions; publishing my book, Chasing Horizons; becoming the first MDW to become District Officer for Toastmasters International; speaking at TEDxCUHK; earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurial Management; and winning Asia’s Humanitarian Hero Award in 2023.

Advice for my fellow MDWs: learn how to manage your time between work, family, community, and yourself. With our employers, we need to be organised, learn to communicate well, and take the initiative to show that we can be independent and trustworthy.

Do what gives you passion and happiness. Invest in yourself, physically and mentally. Be your own number one fan, but always be mindful of your strengths and weaknesses when faced with adversity.