Praise for Open Visa

“This is a very moving and readable book detailing with the hassles, trials, and successes of real people. I expect that new as well as prospective immigrants, especially care givers, will find it informative and valuable because of its many themes: separation from family and loved ones, adjusting to a new culture, difficult employers, coping with loneliness and temptation, unscrupulous lovers, infidelity, the value of wise counsel, integrity, hard work, and support of family, caring friends and church fellowship.”

Arleigh Porte Ph. D. Registered Psychologist

“As an immigration lawyer I see the paperwork and the problem with Immigration Canada. This book completes the whole picture. Romeo gives you an intimate look into the daily lives of new immigrants and foreign workers. A must-read if you are coming to Canada.”

Irma Roberts

“It is actually very inspiring book depicting the lives, challenges and successes of Overseas Filipino Workers around the world. As a caregiver for many years before and, coming from a third world country, one wouldn’t recognize that we are a valuable member of society wherever we are in the world until you read this book. These people are the heroes of today.”

Myra Morillo RN

“An intriguing story with many twists and turns about what Filipino citizens, especially women, face when leaving their homeland to seek to provide for their families. Ultimately, it points to Jesus as the answer. Be braced to learn about cultural views and adaptations with a surprise ending!”

H. Wilson Nelson, D. Min. Dedication

This book is heartily dedicated to countless overseas foreign workers and caregivers scattered around the world. In their pursuit of a better life abroad, no amount of discouragement and ill will can stop them from moving on. The amount of service, sacrifice and care they afford to others is immeasurable. They deserve commendation, recognition, and from page 5

Given his high credibility, focused dedication, and a personality that is authentic and candid, Jerry hosted the weekly TV show FCM Live. This far-reaching multicultural media promotes, informs and advocates for the Filipino-Canadian community, taking up diverse topics and concerns that are beneficial to its audience and other stakeholders. The show features interviews, forums, and training. The main objective is always to elevate the standards of the Filipino community, inspiring and giving them the confidence to grow and evolve as a progressive and resilient community. After all,

Open Visa. Copyright © 2011 (2023 Revised Edition)

ISNB: 978-1-77069-269-5

WordAlive Press Winnipeg, MB appreciation. They are, indeed, the new heroes of today’s fast-paced world and care-deficient society.

Chapter 1

“Assembly time is 8:00. We have to be there by 7:45,” Lily said while adjusting her shawl and gown. “How do I look?” “I can’t believe it. You look so pretty in that gown,” replied Nora.

The gym was two blocks away from their three-story dormitory. The morning rush was so frantic—tricycles, jeeps, and even those nasty, smokebelching Baliwag Transit buses were cluttering the narrow Del Pilar Street. A block away, east of the dormitory, was the Provincial Capital. As usual, both the front and back alleys of the building smelled of brewed coffee and the faces of zombie-like bureaucrats were everywhere, coming in and out of the edifice.

It was a special day for Lily and Nora. Tomorrow they would be graduating from the Philippine’s Wesleyan University. Nora’s dreams of becoming a social worker were finally coming to fruition. What a noble way of helping street people, Lily thought.

As for herself, her passion came from her mother’s experience of giving birth to her. After years of sweat and toil, today was the moment she’d been waiting for. She would be one of those heroines midwifes so highly respected by the expectant moms visiting their village’s delivery room.

The gym was packed with people from all over the province. The scent of flowers dominated this is who we truly are as a people, no matter where we are.

Recognized as an excellent resource speaker, Jerry shares wisdom and inspiration through his numerous talks that showcase Filipino culture, heritage and values, highlighting successful Filipino-Canadians, and connecting them with multicultural communities. In the name of selfless, dedicated service, Jerry makes it a point that he finds time for invites to speaking engagements like these, where participants and mentors include foreign-trained professionals, and experts in their own fields.

Notably, and just as timely, Jerry is among the recognized social