Maripipi, Biliran

Dollars are like a strong magnetic force that drive people crazy to work and live abroad by all means, in a place known to be “a land flowing with milk and honey”. Lack of job opportunities and a country that is full of political bickering are the very popular reasons that sounded like a broken record why people would do anything come hell or high water to live and work abroad. A very few percentage would consider living and working abroad for some other reasons outside personal parameters. It is certainly the financial constraint that tops the reason for people to migrate or work as a temporary foreign worker.

The biggest realization I ever had is that not many realize the true meaning of hardwork. It came to me like a heavy upper cut punch right in my face the moment I started working in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

And my story begins.

As a landed immigrant – permanent resident visa holder is not all that it takes. Living in Canada as they say is like getting inside a huge freezer. The temperature can drop to as low as -40 plus the wind chill that gets to the inner core of your flesh from head to toe. Getting bundled up, wearing at least 3 to 5 layers of clothes is the way to go otherwise, with the unpredictable weather, you can end up getting frostbite. Who would ever want his fingers roll down the snowy ground? A toque and gloves are a must plus all the warmers that you need to stay alive.

Labor shortage is the biggest problem of Canada hence, the influx of immigrants and foreign contract workers. It is actually the immigrants or contract workers that boost the economy of Canada. As a common knowledge, Filipinos are all around the world and it is not an accident to bump into a “kababayan” which usually excites me as we chit-chat in the bus, C-train or malls. I usually do the first move in greeting them and for most of them, they would respond and a conversation would start. I always get the same questions that for some time I have mastered my lines. “Matagal ka na dito? Two months pa lang. Are you an immigrant or contract worker? Immigrant. Bakit pumunta ka pa dito, maganda naman buhay mo dun? Ironically, you cannot get an immigrant visa if you have nothing to prove ( skills, experience and money). All these rhetoric but I don’t mind. But after so many encounters, as I get to know them I realized that almost all immigrants or contract workers have a story to tell. They all sound the same but in different degrees of pains, troubles, homesickness, worries and problems. Almost everybody have a share of these ‘rough times” but in the process have weathered all the storms and survived the harsh reality of living and working abroad. Now for many Filipinos who have been here for so many years, they are happy, contented and established – they are absolutely inspiring. With the talent, skills, perseverance, hardwork and patience of every Filipino, there’s no way but up. Success is not far-fetched for anyone who carries the true meaning of hardwork – A Filipino value to be treasured.

Living and working in Canada as an immigrant allowed me to experience the true meaning of hardwork. I never thought there could be any other connotation of hardwork than what I have been through in life as far as family, business and career are concerned. I couldn’t imagine how people worked so hard to earn dollars and send to their love ones in the Philippines until I came here and seeing them like shedding “dugo at pawis” for the sake of their love ones. The most touching I have seen are old-aged Filipinos (65 to 70 years old) working in malls or restaurants doing janitorial jobs like mopping the floor, throwing the garbage and cleaning all the mess that customers left. I don’t find this work degrading but the thought that they are old enough but have to work because they have to send to their children and grandchildren back home makes me really sad. “Ang sabi ko nga, nanay if only your children or grandchildren know what you are doing here, baka di n’ya makain ang binili n’ya sa pinadala mong pera”. But truly I give credit to all our “kababayan” who are the epitome of hardwork. Wala nang tatalo pa sa pinoy!

For immigrants like me, it could be a real shocker if you aren’t ready to work for something you haven’t done in your career. Most immigrants are professionals and have a good career or business in the Philippines or from other countries, too but the truth is, which everybody knows, you cannot practice your profession here. You need to upgrade or have a Canadian experience for you to get a good job. For most immigrants even if they are doctors, managers or successful businessmen, they end up working in malls / stores, fast-food chains and construction business which I don’t find degrading, too. These are what we call survival jobs while hoping to get a better job. This goes to show that Filipinos are very flexible. I have high respect for people who are in this kind of work. They are the models of hardwork. This experience made me more appreciate our being a Filipino. Wherever we go, we are a treasure to keep because of what we are made of.

My first job is such a blessing for me. I know I could do anything to survive but I have to give it my best to find a job that I like. By God’s grace, I got hired by the City of Calgary assigned in a quasi-judicial setting where property and business assessment appeals are being heard. The job is very challenging and as a first job, I know I needed a good Canadian experience to boost my career. However, like most of the people here, I have to make my time financially productive and so I decided to take a second job at Tim Hortons (fast food chain) which humbles and excites me at the same time. In fact, it takes out all my stress having to make coffee and do cashiering job but I have to stop since my wife started working.

I did not write this to discourage people from coming here but to inspire. If you want to be challenged in life and experience the real meaning of hardwork, we Filipinos have the edge. I did it for myself and I will never ever regret doing it. In the end, you will even be prouder of yourself for doing everything you can do not only for yourself but for other people, too. We don’t live for ourselves alone and we all have a purpose for living. In this life that I have now, I know God is not finished with me yet. What comes next, you will never know but if you allow God to direct your steps, you will surely go on His way.

As He said in Jeremiah 29:11 “My plans for you is to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future”.

Visit also my website here!

Long Live Maripipi, Biliran!