Doing something for the Philippines

Nanette Alcaro, with her husband Jonno Alcaro, are fast becoming familiar names in the Internet sector locally.

Prior to becoming an Internet entrepreneur, Nanette had a 20-year hotel career having worked in Manila’s Intercon, Hyatt and Peninsula, and later in Peninsula New York (NY), Plaza Athenee NY, and Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, as Director of Sales and Marketing. "I was very fortunate because all these were deluxe properties so I enjoyed the perks and glamor of the job!"

Nanette left the Philippines in 1984. Admittedly, she always envisioned herself in NY in the ‘80’s. "I decided to go there myself. In fact, when my family moved to the U.S., they all settled in San Francisco. But as soon as I got to NY, I just loved the energy and felt at home!"

Adjusting and loving NY
Like most Filipinos who moved to the US, Nanette had her culture shock and exclaims that there's no place like the Big Apple. "When I got here, everything was so big – from the cities and buildings (in Manhattan), to serving portions in restaurants, to chicken in the supermarket, and even a head of garlic was so much bigger than what I was used to!

Everything there is on a grand scale and truly an overpopulated melting pot of all nationalities! I don’t know if I would call them fears and apprehensions as much as I would call them adjustment periods. I definitely had to adapt because you had to do everything by yourself! No maids, no drivers. I learned how to cook, do laundry, clean the house and commute in Manhattan by subway and bus, because taxis were so expensive! And yes, one had to be tough to survive NY!"

Nanette lived a hectic life as she worked 14-hour days and traveled every other month. First around America, then Europe, and South America as part of her job. "I had no life but I did what I had to do. I guess traveling and having the perks in my job was how I coped. I traveled business class, stayed in leading hotels of the world, wined and dined in the best restaurants on a corporate expense account. Not bad!"

She was also involved with Opus Dei and that made her very focused and strong. "In NY, there is so much that could distract you because everything is available at a price."

Missing the Philippines
Despite enjoying the life in NY, Nanette cherishes her good old days in the Philippines and friends. "I missed the parties, hanging out, and the food! New York City was really tough. It was simply hard work at first and I eventually got burned out. That was why I came back for a year to try and bring back the good ol’ days.

But things had already changed and so have I then. God always has a reason which is not always apparent to us at the moment but certainly takes on a different meaning in hindsight."

She has gone back to the Philippines for a vacation in 1997, and then again in 2005 with Jonno and daughter Marion. "Since then, I’ve gone on business trips in 2006 and 2007. Hopefully, Jonno and I can come together every summer."

Doing something for the Philippines
When Nanette met her husband, Jonno, she dropped her entire career and became housewife, mom, and domestic goddess. When Marion started full day schooling, they established Archipelago 7107, Inc., an Internet company building communication tools for all Filipinos worldwide. Their websites include Kababayan.ph, Barangay.ph and soon to be launched FilipinoYellowPages.ph. These projects aspires to serve as a resource and community center for all Filipinos overseas.

The idea started when Nanette took her family to Manila for the first time in 2005. "I saw all the real estate development and technology advances but was shocked at the poverty that still existed there. I came home telling my husband that having been so blessed, I would like to do something with and for the Philippines. So I convinced him to work with the Philippines instead of China or Vietnam which was where he was gearing to."

Giving in to Nanette's request, Jonno conceptualized Kababayan.ph and Barangay.ph as he had been in the Internet business, having co-founded and co-owned part of YellowPages.com. (sold to SBC and BellSouth in 2004)

"We wanted to do something that would somehow help support the economy in the Philippines. He conceived the business model for the market of Barangay.ph and we later expanded it to include other 'buildings' so eventually made it a village."

Today, Kababayan.ph functions as a global Filipino white pages where one can search for long lost family and friends. While Barangay.ph is their global Filipino village portal that showcases all things Filipino.

Lessons learned
Nanette reflects on her lessons learned from what she heard from a Filipino priest in NY. "During his sermon, he said that 'when we want something so badly, we should work like only we can make it happen, and pray like only God can make it happen!' Doing this, you simply cannot fail!"

As of this writing, Nanette plans to retire in the U.S. but would love to go to the Philippines regularly with Jonno and Marion.

A Teenager Adjusting in America

Many Filipinos, regardless of their social status in society, have an American dream which they would like to pursue in one way or another. It is as if they have convinced themselves that Uncle Sam’s homeland is a big open door where, like magic, all their dreams could come true. It is like the American country is a cradle of all the answers to all the thinkable problems and frustrations they have in life.

"Lola told me that you have to work really hard in America to be successful. You can’t just sit there and wait for your dreams to become true overnight. For many Filipinos here, they are not just competing against your fellow kababayan and other nationalities, but as well as with the natives of America," Norman related when he was asked about his American dream.

"I don’t actually have any American dream that could be called like. I am here for a different reason. I am not really that happy because I am here, although I must admit that I enjoy a lot of opportunities around here, in addition to the fact that I get to know more of my relatives in my father’s side."

Norman Ababan, now 19, left the country in December 2006 to finally re-unite with his father’s family in Union City , California . That day, he remembered, he felt half of his soul was being stripped apart from him, that any moment he wanted to change his mind and rather stay in his beloved humble country.

"I know it may sound foolish but if only I had another choice, I would rather stay there. I know I belong there.

It was a bit weird when you go out and see a lot of Americans around you. That was a funny part. Back in the Philippines , many told me I was tall for my age. Right here, I suddenly felt small compared to the kids here. It was like I always had to remind myself, uh-uh, I am no longer in the Philippines anymore.”

Norman never really had a hard time adjusting in the US. Most of his days during the first couple of months after his arrival, was with the immediate family. They also have Filipino neighbors and friends there. At first, he had to adapt to the American time and weather. But it has never become a problem at all. He busied himself by going out with his cousins and new friends.

"It was really lonely the first time I arrived here, I missed so many things back home. You really have to do something to occupy yourself so that you won’t think so much about the Philippines . Funny thing was, there were so many things that reminded me of home. We have tuyo here, although I don’t really eat tuyo. Lola always cooks Filipino dishes, just two days ago, she cooked pinakbet.”

In his third month, his lola let him to have a job in one of the local bakeries here. It helped Norman to enjoy his new life. He was able to mingle with more Americans and made friends with most of them.

Things are really doing fine for Norman. Many people were willing to help him cope with his new life now. However, whenever they hear bad news about the Philippines, he couldn’t help but get upset.

"When I learned about those things, bad news in particular, about our country, I really get depressed. Sometimes I realize, we are losing so much because we have never learned to love our own country like the Americans do for their country. I just hope that the time will come, the pride and passion Filipinos felt for the Philippines once in a while would be a lifetime commitment.”

Norman doesn't know how long before he would be able to go back or visit the Philippines. He admitted that he is starting to create his own dreams, even though he insisted to say that those dreams are truly Pinoy. He is planning to save money and put up a business when he returns to the Philippines.

"In everything I do, I make sure that I am doing the good stuff. So that, in my own simple way, I could show to many Americans that we are just like the other races in the world, who deserves respect and does much more better things than the exaggerated news circulating in the papers about the Philippines."

Home in Japan

Lani Hattori, together with her children, has been living in Japan for almost nine years. Though once wary of the Japanese, given all the negating impressions, she found at last her new home. Admittedly, Lani said her previous life choices made her go and work in Japan, thinking about her two children back then. That is why on February 4, 1999, she left the country and ventured on what could have been her destiny.

Apprehensions have been present at first, yet she find those unimportant since she’s doing it all for her family. And in the end, what she thought as a twist of fate turned as a life meant to be lived. Adjustments in terms of food and culture moreover language had kept herself at bay yet after awhile, she learned them all gradually. The people and their culture made her appreciate the kind and character the Japanese had in them. “At first ...I thought the Japanese are bad or ill-mannered yet in time, I proved how generous, caring, loving and showy they could be. They even said that the Japanese are once like us 50 years ago…very family-oriented, if there are changes those could have been due to time and upbringing.”

Through the years, Lani adapted the Japanese way of living. Being married to Japanese herself, she easily adapted with the changes. She gladly recounts how certain practices differ with that of the Philippines. For instance, during Valentine’s Day where we commonly know of guys being the ones presenting gifts to women, in Japan, it’s the other way around. It could have been weird for us but Lani was quick to advise that come March, there’s the so called “white day”, where the men finally give presents to women.

Another memorable experience she had was learning the language itself. She mentioned how fun and interesting it could be at times especially when it comes to uttering and learning both the good and bad words. About the food, Lani admits not liking them raw and uncooked; that her constant exposure somehow managed to change the idea and finally ending up liking it. Being a mother to four wonderful kids, the Japanese way of eating healthy has been part of their system ever since. How her kids love eating veggies and as to how the Japanese value said consciousness.

For now, Lani feels that her future stays with Japan. She is presently living there with her biological children and is a hands-on Mom. As if her family was not enough, she plans to adopt two more kids from the Philippines as her way of helping out.

And for those who wanted to try their fate some place else, Lani has these words to say, “I encourage them actually to come here and work. Surely, mas masarap sa sariling bansa but when given the chance to earn and live comfortably, once you see yourself achieving something out of hard work, you’ll easily adapt.”

She surely misses a lot of things…from the good old balut, bagoong, dinuguan and halo- halo to the buzz of the ever reliable jeepney and endless traffic in Manila. These are some of the reasons why Lani visits the Philippines once a year to re unite with friends and relatives. Yet for this mother and daughter, Japan had been her past as witnessed by those thriving years… her present together with her loving kids… and also her future where her life fittingly ends.

Hard Work Pays Off

It was June 6, 2006… the beginning of a seemingly good life for the Segovia family. Like those who wanted to effect change and tried fate, Stephanie Rivero-Segovia decided to take risks, leaving behind a life she practically loved and foremost wanted.

Her husband is a registered nurse while Stephanie or Phanie to her friends, was a full time mother and wife. For a while, they had their eyes set on going to the US and slowly build a stable future for their family, knowing at the back of their minds the uncertainty and the hardest of roads ahead.

Being in a different country, with nothing but persistence and solid thought, the family is presently residing in Florida. When asked as to what her expectations were, she has the following to say, "I think the only thing I have in mind was to earn a living right away." She likewise related how hard it could be for anyone to have a jumpstart in the US; how things do not merely come in a silver platter and good planning serves a person well.

Her family was not even spared with these as they need to borrow some money from a relative, and somehow be in debt. They did borrow some as part of their preparations in going for the US. “If you have no relatives here, it will be hard… puro utang… when we arrived here and since nasa California ako, my sister helped us out. I borrowed some money for my husband’s apartment in Florida since he was based there that time." For this young mom, she has no qualms in saying so whatsoever, "For all you know, you may just be paying an amount that covers around 3-4 months of your earned salary," yet, for someone who is willing to carry her own weight and do anything for her family, Stephanie has not taken all these sitting down.

Being in an unfamiliar territory, one has to muster the courage in braving the tides, almost having the strength to use her oars rightly and wisely. Stephanie needs not to worry about adapting to a new culture as she and her family had dealt with it like learning novices in time. Misconceptions of Filipinos, being second class citizens, did not even cross her mind as she felt not all people think that way. More so, she has nothing to account when it comes to being discriminated upon by other races or nationalities, although she very well knows of cases still existing in fact. “Kasi di lahat ng tao dito, ganyan ang iniisip. I have not experienced anything just yet kasi the people I work with are all nice for instance, ‘yung store manager namin, he never discriminates.”

With regards to her kids adapting, Phanie revealed how breezy it has been for the kids. She enrolled them in a public school and mentioned how different the school system had been compared to ours. All the way from submitting the children’s medical requirements up to including them in a program, specifically made for those whose English proficiency is not that enhanced. It is called ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) - a program provided to language minority students. The family likewise had been accommodated graciously as they were asked by education officials in terms of finding a school, most ideal in proximity. "About their studies, I can say na pagdating dun walang racist. They accommodated us pretty well to think na public school yun, di ba? But we have to tell them that the kids’ English are minimal and that is how they ended up in said program, they are offering it both to kids and adults."

On the other hand, Phanie is doing very well as a cashier in a known supermarket. "Here, as long as you’re hardworking and prudent, you can really save," she added. And since Filipinos are naturally resilient, industrious, and diligent, she has been greatly commended for her work.

This is one of the good things Phanie truly appreciates being in Florida, how employees are given due credit and rewarded if not acknowledged fully by their employers. "Gusto ko yung way na nakikita nila and they appreciate how I do my work." It only shows how dignity of labor exists there, minding how Phanie’s reputation precedes itself as she was able to help others find employment as well. "Una kong napasok sa work ‘yung cousin ko, then many followed. Sa akin, wala naman yun. But it’s nice knowing that whenever they put my name as reference, natatanggap sila agad. Some department managers even said that if I have friends or relatives looking for work, they won’t hesitate hiring them at all."

It appears that her life had taken a new direction in such short notice, that this beautiful mom finally realizes her worth as an individual seeking for greater heights and not just monetary gain. Building a future means taking a risk-one that she and her entire family did not deny themselves.

Phanie is still working in PUBLIX and is proud of doing well in her chosen job; meanwhile her husband is practicing his profession as a registered nurse. Life has been good to this family and sharing her blessings through the simplest of ways means another to those she was able to help. For a brief period of time, living in a place, far away from home presented new doors and windows for them to open and explore. Proving that a Filipino, given limited resources, can still serve as a spark of hope without losing its own.

A Memorable Family Reunion

For eighteen long years, Anthony Alfonso has been residing in Ontario, Canada. He knew pretty well that his present life lies on the very same place, though feels, his heart is truly living somewhere else - the Philippines. If not for the family’s decision to move and migrate, Anthony thinks leaving his true home will be the farthest probable thing in mind.

It was 1988 when his father applied for a job in Canada. Together with his elder siblings, they moved to Canada leaving the rest of his family behind. According to him, "Wala naman talaga plano magpunta sa Canada. Kasi wala naman kami kilala dito. But my father just applied and passed. I guess they took the risk and gambled so that we, their children, would have a better future."

For him, leaving is by far the hardest decision. He relates how difficult the adjustment was; leaving his friends and the kind of life he had been used to. There was too much apprehension as well as he realized the uncertainty and unsure future Canada will be offering. "It was very hard for me at first, to think it’ll be another place, and with all the new adjustment needed. I also felt that there are so many things I’ll be leaving behind like my true friends.”

And yes, it’s been almost eighteen years since Anthony remembers it all once more. The decision-making; weighing the pros and cons of him leaving, up to the very days when he eventually moved to a strange place, always yearning for good old memories. It just ended one time when he came back to the Philippines in 1996.

"Since I got here in Canada, once pa lang ako nakakauwi diyan,” he said. And by the moment he arrived, Anthony felt really at home. He said that only a few of his relatives knew him coming for he wanted his arrival to be a surprise.

"Nung umuwi ako ng Philippines for the first time in my life, I felt 'At Home' talaga. Coz iba talaga ang lupang sinilangan! Malayo sa stress at problema. Akala kasi ng ibang tao sa Philippines, porket nag ibang bansa na ang isang tao ay mayaman na. Hindi totoo yun! You have to work hard for it para umasenso sa buhay. Mas stressful sa ibang bansa kasi naranasan kong mag work till 12 midnight everyday. Tapos pasok sa school ng 6 am the next day. Kung di ko gagawin yun, di ako makakapagtapos!”

He remembers how his relatives prepared a small gathering for him. He was so excited to see them all again. Anthony totally felt happiness realizing this is what he loves about the Philippines - the warmth of family; the truth in friends, the value of looking back and reminiscing old times with those who really matter. His longing for his old home even took him to his favorite “isawan”, as his other relatives brought him there to savor this treat that evaded him all this time.

"Very memorable yung reunion sa akin kasi when I saw them I realized na ang bilis palang lumipas ng panahon, and I missed so much stuff and happenings nung nawala ako sa Philippines."

If given the chance, he wants to visit at least five times a year if not move back. It only shows that there are still those who want to spend their days in their own country, regardless of its flaws and shortcomings. And Anthony has never left his home… he merely wandered yet keeps in mind where his heart truly belongs.

Now, he is working as a Quality Assurance Analyst, living in Toronto with his wife Jackline and their son. Surely, he wants to visit anew and if his last was a personal reprieve… this time he will not be alone.

Enjoying the best of both worlds

Cannie with her son while in Long Beach, California

A lot of Filipinos who migrated to the United States of America (US) had a lot of misconception about the culture. This is what Encarnacion "Cannie" May realized when she first went to the US in 1984. She hails from Sorsogon province, a mother of 3, and grandmother of 3. Cannie has been working in the information technology field almost all her work life, although her degree is in accounting.

She currently works for Boeing as a Senior Project Manager and staying in the Seattle, Washington area all this time. Cannie's mother, who is a US-citizen, influenced her to move to the US for the sake of the children. "I was quite happy and contented working for San Miguel Corporation before I left the Philippines. I bargained with my Mom that I will only go to the US if she was going to stay with me and help me raise my kids. Without her it would not have been possible for me to be successful at work and at home."

Without household help, Cannie coped by doing division of labor at home. "I trained my kids to wash dishes, do their own laundry and clean the house early on, etc. In reality, this was actually better for all of us, less chance for the kids to goof. They were also taking life lessons in responsibilities. All these helped them as they cope with their own lives.

I think a lot of the Filipinos here in the US have this perception that they have to do or provide their kids almost everything because they didn't have them back home when they were growing up. Some Filipino parents are working two or three jobs while the children are out partying at night or out with some bad company. I think they are actually spoiling than helping them."

Adjusting to the U.S. lifestyle and culture
Cannie admits that her primary apprehension when she was new in the US was fear of driving. "We had a car in the Philippines but I never really drove it. When I got my US drivers license, I was ecstatic, especially after having failed twice, because I couldn't pass the parallel parking test. My US drivers license, I thought, was better than my green card. It was total liberation for me. It means I can go anywhere, anytime, without having to ask anybody to drive me around. Unlike other major cities, Seattle does not have a good mass transport system so people here generally drive to work or to anywhere."

She was amazed as to how US men rush to go home after work and their active participation in the household. "I was used to seeing my male co-workers back in the Philippines go out for a drink or stay out late with friends after work. Maybe this is just in Seattle, because in New York, bars there are also teeming with people after work.

I also noticed that US husbands tend to do more household chores than their Philippine counterparts. Men and women are more aware of their rights and generally would like to be successful in their marriages that there seems to more sharing of responsibilities."

Cannie was surprised that people, even strangers, would tend to greet each other anywhere. "When US people say "How's your day" or "How are you" they are actually merely greeting you. I actually didn't have to tell them my life's story or what happened that day! As one of my US co-workers would respond "Better than the rest" even if he had a rotten day."

Missing the Philippines
Today, she takes time out to visit the Philippines at least once a year. "I miss that never ending chat with my friends and relatives. I miss the rural landscape and the beaches back home that you can swim in anytime of the day or year."

Whenever in the country, Cannie can't help but feel sad as well with the poverty situation. "You still see it all around you. I feel so envious about Asian countries who are now very prosperous - but who were poor, if not poorer, than the Philippines before. Their quality of life I think have improved even with the people of the few remaining communist countries like China and Vietnam. What do they have that we don't have? It could be that we talk too much and do little.

One of my co-workers from Taiwan asked me what ever happened to the Philippines? He said he remembered sending their best students to the Philippines for advanced studies. Imagine that! The people we've trained are now more advanced than we are! We have not accomplished much despite our brain power. I think for a small country we have more professional politicians than most progressive countries in the world."

No regrets
Cannie has no regrets of migrating to the US. "I realize it wasn't just about the kids as it was about me. People here have opportunities to correct or improve something that is definitely not working, like broken marriages or low paying jobs, without having to spend a fortune or without fear of retribution. The combination of good government, good laws, allows you to do that. If only we can have that in the Philippines, I don't think people would leave."

She also notes that people are generally productive if given the chance or the opportunity. "I have seen Filipinos who were idle in the Philippines and now working 2 or more jobs in the US not just because they have mortgages to pay but because the opportunities are everywhere."

Enjoying the best of both worlds
As Cannie is eligible to early retirement and single as well, she plans to spend her time both in the Philippines and the US. "I'd be a snow bird - in the Philippines during winter in the US, and in the US when it's summer in the Philippines."