In 2017, I arrived in Hong Kong with big dreams for my family. We have always dreamed of having our own house and lot, something we can call our own.
My husband and I used to live with my in-laws or rented a house occasionally. We tried running a small business but after falling into a scam, our earnings were not enough to support our growing family.
Back in the Philippines, I have three beautiful and talented children – two daughters and a son. My ultimate motivation for working hard is to give them the future that I never had. I wanted them to finish their studies, get a stable life, career and for them to build their own families securely without needing to work far from them like me.
When I came to Hong Kong, my employer was still pregnant and days later she gave birth to my ward, Sean.
Being with the Ngan Family for 9 years, they have become like a second family. They have witnessed my heartbreak when my marriage almost collapsed, not once, but twice. They stood by me and comforted me, ensuring that I was okay.
My primary role aside from doing household chores is to make sure my ward is safe, healthy and happy. As a mother myself, I also make sure that he will grow into a child grounded with values.
In 2021 during the pandemic, I co-founded Migrant Writers of Hong Kong (MWHK). My aim was to share my passion in writing as a mental health tool. Over the years, it grew into a community. It transcended its original role as a simple platform. We built a family that leaned on each other. It has become a safe space for fellow migrant workers who need a place where they can freely share their emotions, find healing and feel a sense of belonging.
Our group published Ingat Anthology – a collection of poetry, artwork and photographs of migrant workers from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. To this day, it remains our proudest achievement.
The book became widely-known locally and internationally. We were recognised by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong as Art Ambassadors. MWHK collaborated with many NGOs and private individuals for various projects that not only helped build writing skills, but also encouraged the arts for wellbeing.
We also held workshops about livelihood so that our community can find inspiration for reintegration when they eventually settle home for good. Through our own initiatives, the Writer’s Toolbox and Write.Able, we were able to establish writing as a 24/7 health tool for fellow Migrant Domestic Workers; thus helping them cope in stressful and challenging times.
As Pathfinders’ Ambassador, I resonate deeply with its mission to care for mothers and their children. I believe that both deserve protection and love.
Over the years, serving as an Ambassador helped me become more committed to bringing care and upholding the dignity of mothers like me. It stands alongside my passion, vision and mission in MWHK that through creative expression, solidarity and compassionate care we can transform our struggles into lasting hope.
