My mother was a Migrant Domestic Worker in Hong Kong. She worked with one employer for 30 years. This was a photo of my sisters and I (in green) sending her off at the Manila International Airport, now NAIA.
I grew up without her. I got sick without her care. I got married without her by my side. I miss those years without her.
In 2011, I followed in my mother’s footsteps. I wanted to help my husband with our financial needs so I decided to work in Hong Kong. My dreams were to provide a better future for our four sons and have a nice house. It was my motivation. But it sadly didn’t work out as my husband cheated on me. So I’m now the one who is shouldering all the responsibilities as a single mom.
In the past 15 years, I have worked with employers from different cultures – Chinese, American, Italian, British and South African.
I’ve been working with my current employer since 2023 – 2 months after their baby boy was born. He is now 3 years old. They recently had another child.
I brought my skills – cooking, cleaning, child care – and a cheerful presence to the family.
I love their family. They are the best. They value me as a worker as well as a person. Our relationship is grounded in respect and open communication.
They always ask how I am doing, how my mother is. When I travel with the family, I never felt I am someone lower. I always feel comfortable, like I am part of the family.
As a PathFinders’ Ambassador, I empower migrant workers by informing them of their maternity rights and, more recently, raising awareness about the risks of overstaying. With current crackdowns targeting overstayed workers, informing our community about these consequences through the What is Overstaying? project has never been more important.
During the outreach sessions, we have the chance to understand the workers’ situation – how their employers are treating them, how they are feeling and what their motivations are in life.
Many shared that their employers didn’t treat them well, and there were instances when they told us they did not have enough food or a room to sleep in. They also did not have enough sleep.
I truly hope that employers can know what is happening with their workers and support them as needed.
Besides volunteering with PathFinders, I’m also an advocate helping distressed migrant workers in the Middle East and other countries. Together with my QUICK RESPONSE online team, we speak to our clients to understand their situation. We then send in information to the relevant government department in the Philippines.
I am really passionate to help, give moral support and sound advice to fellow migrant workers. Thank God for the internet so it’s easier to help them!
