DUBAI: As they say, children of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are called “trophies” for obvious reasons – and what better way to raise them up high on a pedestal than by acknowledging their hard work as a way to give back to their parents?
Such is the story of Earl Bordon, son of a media practitioner at the Pacific island chain, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, a US territory, who just recently completed his second course at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in London.
Earl Bordon, a former Marianas High School student on Saipan, CNMI, last December also completed a culinary management distinction course.
“I decided to study abroad in London because it is one of the biggest food capital in the world. The food industry here is huge and one of the best,” Bordon told Saipan Tribune in an email message.
He told Saipan Tribune that studying culinary arts in London exposes him to the European culinary scene.
Bordon said he chose to study at the prestigious culinary school because it is one of the oldest and first culinary institutes in Europe. “The school focuses heavily on French cuisine and pastry, which I was interested in. It is internationally recognized,” he said.
“If I find a job at the U.K. or U.S. before my student visa expires, I’ll be working right away. But if not, I’ll be coming home to spend time with my family and probably work,” Saipan Tribune further quoted him as saying.
Bordon’s father, Jing Bordon, his son going to Le Cordon Bleu is “very rewarding” and one of his greatest achievements.
“It’s very rewarding to have a son that works in such a prestigious school that is impossible for us to afford,” Tribune quoted him as saying.
According to Jing, Earl Bordon’s tuition was covered by a scholarship awarded to him by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce as well as three years’ worth of savings. Earl Bordon’s two siblings also helped.
The struggle to obtain the tuition funds, according to Jing Bordon, was also a life lesson for his son.
“My son had the essence of hard work instilled into him. His persistence and his faith is what really allowed him to pursue his dreams,” he said.
