The world famous photo blog which features different life stories on the street now tells the story of a Filipina domestic worker in Hong Kong.
In a post yesterday, Humans of New York shared the story of a Pinay OFW who left the Philippines at an early age after her father died.
“I was twenty-one when I first left the Philippines. My father had just passed away due to cancer. We have a big family: four brothers and four sisters. And there was nobody to support us. There was no work in our province, so I had to leave,” she said.
The Filipina has been working as a domestic helper in Hong Kong for 15 years now.
“I’ve been working abroad for fifteen years now. I’m a domestic helper. I’ve been lucky because my employers have been kind. But I’ve been away for so long. It’s been a hard battle for me. It’s been a sad life,” she said.
The Filipina said that she was sad to be far from her family but sometimes she feels like she’s a winner when she sees her family having a better life.
“Sad in a way. Sad because of what I’ve been through. But victorious in a way, too. Because I’ve seen my family better than before. Three of my siblings have graduated from university with my help. And I’ve paid school fees for loads of nieces and nephews,” she said.
The Pinay OFW said that being a domestic helper abroad is a tough job but it’s a clean one.
“Being a domestic helper is a tough job, but it’s a clean job. It’s an honest job. And I worked hard at it. I’m proud of what I’ve done. I don’t want to seem like I’m boasting. I’m not proud in that way. But proud in a way like I did my part,” she said.
The Filipina also shared that she is excited to return to the Philippines for good after her contract ends.
“I finished my goal for my family. And when I’m finished with my current contract, I’m going home for good,” she said.
