Marites was a mother of three from Bicol, Philippines. Life in their small province was simple, but making ends meet was a daily struggle. Her husband earned as a tricycle driver, while she sold vegetables in the local market. The income was barely enough to cover food, school supplies, and occasional medical bills. When her eldest child expressed a dream of becoming a nurse, Marites knew she had to make a difficult decision work abroad as a domestic helper.
The day she left the Philippines, she carried not just a suitcase but also the weight of longing and hope. Hong Kong became her new world; tall buildings, bustling streets, and unfamiliar faces. Her first employers house was modern and spacious, filled with routines she had to learn quickly.
Her tasks were endless cleaning rooms, cooking meals, doing laundry, and taking care of two young children. From sunrise to late at night, Marites poured her energy into her duties. At first, she struggled with the language barrier and unfamiliar kitchen appliances. She often doubted herself, especially when she felt her employer’s critical eyes watching her every move. But with time, she adapted, learning to cook Chinese dishes, understanding basic Cantonese phrases, and finding ways to keep the children entertained.
The hardest part was not the work itself, but the distance from her family. On Sundays, her only day off, she would gather with fellow Filipinas at Central. They sat on cardboard mats, shared food, laughed, and comforted each other with stories of their families back home. Video calls with her children gave her strength, though seeing them grow up on a screen was bittersweet. She often cried silently at night, hugging her pillow and whispering prayers for their health and safety.
Despite the hardships, Marites remained focused on her goal. Every month, she sent money to the Philippines. He remittances helped her husband pay school fees, repair their old house, and put food on the table. Over time, the results of her sacrifice began to show. Her eldest child entered nursing school, her second child excelled in high school, and her youngest proudly showed off the new shoes Marites had bought with her hard-earned salary.
Her employers eventually grew to respect her dedication. The children she cared for began to see her as part of the family, often running to her with open arms when she returned from grocery trips. Small gestures of appreciation like a smile or a thank you became priceless rewards for her effort.
After six years in Hong Kong, Marites finally returned home for good. At the airport, her family greeted her with tears and embraces. She could hardly believe how much her children had grown. With her savings, she and her husband opened a small grocery store, ensuring they no longer had to rely solely on unstable incomes.
Marites story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and quiet strength. Though her hands were tired from years of service abroad, they had built dreams, dreams that lifted her family from poverty and opened doors to a brighter future.
