When Filipinos overseas work in the service sector, most would place them within that standard box that fits the profile of their jobs. However, in this modern age, global Filipinos continue to prove that there’s more than what is on the surface – especially when it comes to showing their inner talent!
One such case is Alylia Grace Cabiza who works as a ‘Kadamah’ or household help in Kuwait. Her tale is similar to most OFWs who just wish to give her family a better life and to overcome her loneliness, she channels her creativity into magnificent works of art!
“Nag simula akong gumuhit gamit ay tissue paper lamang. Hanggang sa pa unti-unti nakakabili na ako ng mga art materials ko. Gabi gabi ako nag-pi-pinta hanggang sa hindi kuna namalayan marami rami na pala ang mga obra ko na nakikilala na sa social media. Hindi ko po inaasahan na makikilala ako dahil dito kasi para sa akin katuwaan kolang ang pag pipinta,” said Cabiza.
The 27-year old is second of 7 siblings who hails from Kidapawan in Mindanao shared that she wasn’t able to go take up fine arts but she continues to self-study to make her artworks better by the day: “Hindi po ako naka pag aral nang fine arts pero hangang ngayon nag se self-study pa rin ako about art sa tulong narin nang mga kaibigan kong mga artist.”
However as with many OFWs, Cabiza also shares the struggles of loneliness and hardships – which is why she chooses to divert her attention to do what she loves at her available time. “Hindi po biro ang maging kasambahay dito sa Middle East. Dito mo mararanasan lahat ng pagod, puyat, at higit sa lahat ang pangungulila sa pamilya,”
The proud kasambahay shared that her only secret is to have the drive to learn and the dedication to draw and create art at your spare time. “Sa mga gusto naman mag pinta na mga ofw kagaya ko kaya nyu po yan! Sipag at tyaga lang ang kailangan..at lagi tayung manalig sa may kapal kahit saan man tayu makarating matutu tayong magpakumbaba,” said Cabiza.
Look at her artworks here:
