Returning Home After a Decade

Corazon tells the story of how she left her loving hometown to provide for her children. But after a decade, she decides to go back despite earning a lot in a foreign country — far away from her loved ones.

A love of a mother

She was a housewife before working various jobs in Kuwait and left the Philippines at the age of 28 years old brought by the hardships and challenges of life in the country. According to her, it was her sister who helped and got her to Kuwait. Leaving with the goal of wanting to give her children a noble education and a bright future. She had five children to support back then, and some were already entering college wherein, the living expenses are also getting heavier to shoulder as they grow.

Filipino migrant workers seek better lives in another country, both for themselves and their families. In Corazon’s case, she was contracted as a domestic helper. However, she asked for a release after a year to apply for a different job. She needed a higher income at that time, and fortunately, the family she was working for allowed her to find one.

Looking back

Working in a foreign country surrounded by people with a different set of cultures would be nerve-wracking to bear alone — the existing unfamiliarity of the environment, food, housing, and tradition. According to her, the family status of her employer was average and can be considered poor in that country. Thus, it became the turning point for them to understand her situation — experiencing how hard life is for those below the status quo. They were very kind and considerate of her decision and situation to leave in exchange for a better opportunity to support her family in the Philippines.

After working as a domestic helper, she applied for a cashier position in a grocery store. She doubted passing the training period because of her lack of experience and intimidation of serving foreign customers. However, she succeeded to pass the training, and at the same time, she decided to open a store that caters to various items.

She had a Filipino business partner wherein they opened a store that sells items from the Philippines. Corazon takes pride in their store, wherein she proudly expressed to have multiple loyal customers who love their items, and continuously return to check weekly their products.

Greatest sacrifice

On the other hand, she only visits her family thrice every five years — she only stays for two weeks. Life was hard living alone far from her family, especially from her children, yet she endured the pain and longing for the long-term security benefits it offers.

She considers herself lucky for meeting decent and caring people surrounding her regardless of the language barrier since English and Arabic are the only languages they speak of. She couldn’t ask for more aside from reuniting with her family. Therefore, people might question why she decided to go back home even though everything seems to be fine — a stable job, a steady source of income, and conducive working conditions in favor of her.

A tragic event happened that pushed her to leave her job. Corazon was forced to go home to the Philippines due to the ongoing war in the Middle East back then. She left everything in Kuwait for her safety. The unforeseen events made her open a small business — she decided to sell pork at the wet market. She sources the piggery from Batangas, wherein she wakes up as early as 4 am to travel and get the pork there. Corazon was reliable and quick-witted enough as she invested her savings to continue earning and survive for a living after working abroad for years.

Resilient and contentment

Migrant workers continue to work hard in another country far away from their families to provide for them. They endure the hardships and longing by living far away from their home to earn enough money. However, despite the goal of providing for their families to live a comfortable life, some decide to go back home and stay in the Philippines for good. Wherein they gave up and left their job and lives abroad because of various circumstances such as health reasons, contract-related lapses, labor code violations, or simply as they yearn for their families’ affection.

With Corazon settling in the Philippines after a decade of working in Kuwait, she is now under the care of her children — who all grew up being professionals in their respective fields. Even with a health condition, she still firmly believes all of her sacrifices and hard work are worth it. She never regretted flying miles away from her loved ones but rather treasures it as a great experience that made her who she is now.

Corazon’s story is just one of the many untold stories of migrant workers who choose to work abroad for their family’s needs but, at the same time, decide to return and stay permanently to be together with them. Ironic it may sound, but that’s one truth of being a Filipino migrant worker — the strong bond and affection between families overpower everything.