Kash Avena
Changemaker (n) – one who breaks the mold and challenges the status quo for the better. Meet this multi-talented, globally-oriented Fil-Canadian woman.
Live within your means and stay disciplined with your spending. Stay authentic – what I mean by this is allow your family back home to see how you are really living and struggling abroad.
Although countless stories have been told about the plight of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipino immigrants abroad, we can never fully understand the experience until we live it.
Nonetheless, every story we hear gives us an idea of what it’s like to be on the other side or more accurately, on the opposite end of the ocean. Especially when that story is full of the humanity and soul of the teller. It makes one realize that OFWs are more than statistics, and of greater value than the economic benefits they give the Philippines.
Haniely Pableo is a young Filipino-Canadian immigrant currently residing in Toronto. She is a registered nurse, a traveler, an artist, international volunteer and an active community member of the Filipino-Canadian community in Toronto. Although she is a multi-hyphenate achiever, she is no stranger to the struggles of OFWs and immigrants
In this in-depth interview, she shares with us the self-discovery that comes from struggling and leaving home.
What made you decide to practice nursing overseas? Is it because of the challenges healthcare workers face in the country?
What are some of the challenges that you face as a Filipino based abroad?
Do you have any tips on how best to handle finances when you’re based overseas, especially those whose families depend on them back home?
Our Filipino migrant narratives are not spoken of so widely. I felt the need to be a part of a group of people who tell our stories through music. It is our responsibility to do so. Filipinos must understand that we are not just statistics, we are people.
Aside from being a healthcare professional, you are also a musician. Your song “Tawa” is amazing! What inspires you to create music?
Thank you! You can listen to more of my music through www.hanhan.bandcamp.com. I am inspired by so many things but my music is mostly inspired by my experiences as a young immigrant, a nurse, a woman and as a human being. I have the courage to express myself also because of the people I surround myself with. They motivate me to be the best of what I could possibly become even when I don’t believe in myself. My art tribe in Toronto is an amazing group of creative, intelligent social and cultural innovators themselves. They inspire me. I got lucky to have been part of such a community who I got introduced to through Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts and Culture, a non-profit youth-led organization in Toronto. Moreover, my exposure to the struggles of the Filipino migrants through Migrante International, Anakbayan Toronto and Gabriela Toronto, also inspire me to make music.
Our Filipino migrant narratives are not spoken of so widely. I felt the need to be part of a group of people who tell our stories through music. It is our responsibility to do so. Filipinos must understand that we are not just statistics, we are people. We are not just commodities awarded as “bagong bayani”, we are humans with rights and stories to tell. Music is just a medium for empowerment. You see? I’m inspired by so many things! (lol) I consciously seek inspiration, I don’t wait for it to come.
What advice can you give modern-day Filipinas who are trying to make it in male-dominated fields?
Any advice to people who dream of juggling their day jobs and passion?
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