CANADIAN DREAM: Part 6: CANADIAN ORIENTATION ABROAD

Arrived at Citibank Plaza in Paseo de Roxas, Makati at 6:30 am but wasn't allowed inside the building yet because IOM (International Organization for Migration) office opens at 7 am. Waited for half an hour at the nearest Jollibee store and went back at exactly 7. IOM office is located at the 24th floor. There were few people in line to register when I arrived. The receptionist, who speaks American English looked for my passport with my visa and the visa letter from the Canadian Embassy. Registration done on the computer and then was given free ballpen and note pad after I registered.

Sat on the right side of the room because there's an electrical socket nearby. My iPad was low batt and I need to recharge. Seminar started at exactly 8am. Miss Cecilia Leung, the speaker introduced herself before she let us introduce ourselves. There were at least 30 applicants inside the room, 98% nurses who were bound to the different provinces of Canada. There were 6 of us who are going to British Columbia and we were the noisiest group. 

We were introduced to the country, their culture, their people, their weather, type of transportation, holidays, lifestyle and many more. Pretty interesting that when I think of my Saudi experience, 80% was work, 2% fun and the rest were stress. And now I'm going to a free country. But in all honesty, the thought of leaving behind my kids gives me a higher dose of stress again. I knew exactly the feeling! However, since I planned for it, I am determined to go.

Snacks (Jollibee humburger) was provided. Coffee and tea were overflowing but I don't drink them. I had cold water for drinks the whole time. We were then introduced to the different requirements from the Philippine government to accomplish in order for us to get to the land of Maple leaf. This is where we got time to talk as a group. Found out that there were several documents that a future employee need to accomplish prior to be given an exit clearance. Mind you, it's quite expensive considering that I live in the province and some documents need be accomplished in POEA and OWWA in Manila.

I was sleepy in between. My travel from La Union to Manila was 6 hours plus another 30 minutes going to Makati. I was at Jollibee-Paseo de Roxas before 6 am sipping my hot choco while I waited for the sunrise. 'Tho at Makati Business District, people started early and I can see men and women already in their corporate uniforms walked to their respective offices. Not a very scary place to roam around even at this time of the day.

Lunch was served and afternoon session started at 1:10pm. I sneaked out to have phone calls and naps in between. I threw in few questions which was satisfactorily answered by Miss Leung. The seminar lasted til 5pm. We had picture taking and she gave us booklets to review in preparation for our trip to Canada. All in all, the seminar was informative. Speaker did well. And I learned bits and pieces about the country I was about to be a part of, maybe til my lifetime.

CANADIAN DREAM: Part V: Meeting Duncan

The face-to-face meeting was set on December but things didn't work out for Duncan, the youngest son of Jean Macintyre, my employer. First week of January 2015 however, he emailed me again that the trip to Manila will push through on January 16. 

January 16 was one of those busy days in Manila because of the Visit Papal. I thought of traveling early to avoid chaos. At 5am, kids were awake because they, too will travel to Alaminos Pangasinan. At 6am, I was ready and took Partas bus going to Cubao for my trip. It was a long 7-hour travel and another 30 minutes to Makati. Jumped off at Rustan's to have my lunch and a date with Liam Neeson. Oh, I thought about it 'tho! The movie Taken 3, of which part 1 was a hit and part 2 was unviewed so I thought of catching up on part 3 at Ayala Cinemas. 

The wildly entertaining movie finished off at 5:30pm. Meeting was at Picasso Suites at Salcedo Village and still in 3 hours. I roamed around Ayala malls but decided to check on the hotel after an hour because I'm not familiar with the place. Found Picasso Suites via Taxi but it's only 6:30 pm. The place is 47 pesos away (about half kilometer) from Landmark and it's a cool place, I should say. Looked for ATM machine to withdraw but instead of getting money from it, it took all my money away instead. ATM machine wasn't working well and my money's gone. I thought of Duncan's promise: reimburse my meals and accomodation! I was calmed hoping he will keep his promise. 

 I looked for a coffee shop where I can stay and kill the time. Found one at the next block. I indulged on Chocolate Truffle, so sweet but creamy. While I wait, I was able to update Teamwork on my iPad. Teamwork is our website where we (employer and prospective employee) get updates on my application. It's a conventional way to get everyone updated of our progress.

It's 8:00pm and I need to go back to the hotel. Walked through the back door and recheck on myself at the washing room to make sure I look presentable. At the reception area, I saw 2 foreigners checking in. I knew the other one was Duncan, tall, beardless (profile picture on Skype he's full of beard), on his white Polo shirt and beige pants and on his sneakers. He looked at me and said, "Ginalyn". It's Duncan, indeed! He introduced me to Jeff, his companion. Then they went upstairs to have their luggages settled in. He came back and we had dinner at Pablo's, the restaurant at the ground floor.

I was on a hurry! Or I must have been so anxious and nervous, I immediately said, "well, about the application....." He smiled and said, "let's get to know each other first!". So started the conversation. It was a smooth geting-to-know-you phase. Talked of their trip and waiter started taking our orders, too. I couldn't wait to tell him of the progress of my application. He didn't know yet that I already have a visa. One by one, I let him check on my receipt at VFS, then their response that my application has been approved. He was smiling the whole time. Then I showed him my passporf with my visa. He was elated, I mean he must have been surprised! He shook my hands and said congratulations. Jeff came after few minutes. We had wonderful conversations and were able to know each other better while we munch on our dinner. By the way, what I ordered was a mess! I thought I ordered salmon steak! It was a sandwich instead, with full of french fries on the side. I didn't finish it off! Embarrassing! But it's more embarassing when the waitress insisted I have to bring that home because "it's expensive". Duncan said I'm bringing home dog food but he changed his mind when he saw the paper bag that came with the left over. 

The meeting lasted til 11pm. I was sleepy and tired and I still need to travel for another 6 hours. When we finally said goodbye and he brought me out to get a taxi. He gave me a hug and we bid farewell. Oh, did he reimburse the money? No! And I only have more than 600 pesos on my wallet! 120 for the taxi, 456 for the bus fare! I still have to get a tricycle to get me to Rulloda compound! Well, I was able to go home with that amount! Annabelle who was on messenger while I waited for my ride and was laughing the whole time. "You should have reminded him", she insisted but shyness set in so I didn't bother. 

Home at 6am. Exhausted but satisfied of my trip. Meeting Duncan, talking to him and getting some information about his mom was a breakthrough! At least now I'm ready to meet Jean! 

CANADIAN DREAM part IV: REOPENING OF APPLICATION AND ITS APPROVAL

It's 2015 and things were seem to be not on its proper places! I thought that the year didn't start out right! Business started to slow down and the need to have plan B and C should be a priority. I thought of my Canadian dream once more.

On the 5th of January, as early as 1am Philippine time, I received a message from Annabelle: "still awake? Martha called with a good news!" It was Monday morning and I need to wake up early to prepare for Knycole's school. At 5am, Annabelle called informing me the "good news". With enthusiasm in her voice, I knew something positive is about to be disclosed. She said that Martha, my employer's representative received a phone call from the member of the parliamentary telling her my application was reopened. True to her words, an email (that went to my spam mails) from the embassy was sent as early as 5am Philippine time. Checked on it and it says there "application has been approved!".  The call and the email has slight difference but the email has more of the impact.

My enthusiasm was at its peak but nonetheless anxious that I might get to Canada before Knycole's graduation. My daughter Knycole is in 4th year High School and I wasn't around when she graduated in Elementary. This time, she hopes I could be with her on her High School graduation. 

Immediately called mom informing her of the good news. Mom was calm and positive. She gave me pieces of advice and I was somehow relieved knowing she's here for my kids. No other person knew of "good news" yet; not Duncan (my employer's son who has the power of attorney to represent his mom) nor Martha yet. But Annabelle was informed. She said we'll make it a surprise for Duncan who will come visit the Philippines in a week!

Trixie, a friend whom I met during the SPEAK test has been a reliable source of information. We were constantly talking through Viber since we finished the test and I constantly getting reliable info from her. I told her my application was approved! Happy, she gave me things to do for my next step. By the way, at this time she's already in Toronto for less than 2 months.

Next blog: Meeting Duncan

CANADIAN DREAM Part III: REJECTION LETTER

It was November 28 when Air 21 called to give my letter from the Canadian Embassy. I got hold of my envelope that contain my passport, my LMIA/LMO copy, COE's and reference letters and all of my educational and professional documents and the REJECTION LETTER!

You heard it right! Rejection letter! I was in my room when I opened the envelope. I admit I was nervous but excited at the same time! But my excitement suddenly left me when I read the letter. I immediately messaged Annabelle of the decision. She, on the other hand was so surprised she immediately called via Viber. She can't believe it either! I then emailed Duncan. He, too was dismayed! 

For the next 2 weeks, Annabelle was disappointed but nonetheless took time to find out what went wrong. We have to find out what we did wrong or what we did not do that made the application rejected. Annabelle suggested we make petition at the Embassy Canada! I told her I'm done with my part. It's them who will move to get an answer. Duncan and Martha worked it out to get through to the Mayor and petition reached the Parliamentary. A certain member of the parliamentary took the case and she made me sign a consent form for the reopening of my application. Unfortunately, Christmas holiday is about to start. Embassies and the Parliament were on recess and offices will be reopened on January 5, 2015.

We waited and while we wait, I prayed hard for the visa. This time, I knew I need to go! I'm not sure what made me reconsider but there is a peaceful feeling that I need to go there someday! There is this peaceful feeling every time I prayed. I knew then that God knows  what's best for me! And I learned to hope and waited! 

CANADIAN DREAM part II: FILING OF APPLICATION

IApril 2014:

Annabelle said I need to send my resume to my soon-to-be employer's son, Duncan to evaluate. He then emailed me wanting for a Skype interview. Interview was fast and verypersonalized. He must have been impressed with my resume! He immediately decided to start with the application. With the help of Annabelle who works for a recruitment agency in Vancouver, they were able to file a Labor Market Opinion (LMO) the next month.

Approval came a month after and copy was sent to me on the last week of June. I received the letter mid-July but did not make any move to fill in application forms. Those times, I already am doing well with my Glutathione business. I thought that if I fill up an application that soon, I might be in Canada on winter time. I waited for another 4 months. Duncan became impatient. He gave me an ultimatum: fill in an application or he will back off from helping me get through. Well, I was advised to push through but this time, with my "unwilling heart and mind". My prayers were then "Thy will be done, Lord!". And I started filling in forms that took me a week.

I then paid the application fee, filed up my documents and travelled to the VFS-Global Canadian Visa Center in Makati for filing hoping it will take long to wait for their response. That was a Friday. Amazingly, waiting period was 48 hours! Email was sent Monday morning with instructions that I need to have my medical examinations done, schedule my SPEAK test and send my original passport plus my employer to send proof they can pay an employee. 

Again, I was hesitant! If the application process takes so fast, then approval may also be very fast. I made the decision to file my SPEAK test on the 2nd week of November but heard that some difficulty might be encountered with registration so I was once again forced to do it ASAP. Had my SPEAK test first week of November with no difficulty. I was positive I made it. And I did!

On the next week, I proceeded with my medical exam at NHS-Baguio City. I was confident I am as healthy as a carabao and will pass the exam without a doubt! And I did!

Original passport was also submitted during the SPEAK test so the only thing left was the documents to be sent by the employer. Six documents (proof of income and accommodation) were sent by Martha, my representative and my employer's family friend in Canada a day before my deadline! Everybody was worried but we beat the deadline!

A week after we sent all what was requested by the embassy, a phone call was received! On the line, the man said, "a document from the Canadian Embassy is with me! Where is your exact address, ma'am?" This is it! I thought! I was so anxious and nervous! This is really it! But........

CANADIAN DREAM Part I: HOW I STARTED!

It was well planned. My daughters and I were one day on bed talking about my plans. I was about to fly to the Middle East back then. Our anxiety were so high that while we talk of me leaving, there were tears on our cheeks knowing we won't see each other for a long time. Long time was 10 months for an OFW woking for the government in Saudi Arabia.

Each time I go home every 10 months for the period of 3 years (actually 10 months on the 1st year, 8months then 3 months on the 2nd and 1 year 3 months on my last year), slowly, we have forgotten our plan. No reminiscing, no mentioning, plan became a plan.

2011, after my first year in Saudi Arabia when a replacement by a citizen, also known as 'Saudization' was implemented to hospitals under the Ministry of Health and since then, nurses from different countries were terminated from work every now and then. They were forced to go back home without any benefits given my the government. April 2013, 5 nurses from the ICU department (totaling to more than 80 since 2011) were served a notice of termination, this time my name included. My reaction was blant. As if nothing serious happened. I was expecting it to happen, maybe sooner, maybe later. It came sooner and I was awaken! I suddenly thought of my Canadian dream! Where did it go? 

Time have flown so fast that when December came, I made a firm decision not to sign any contract at all (contract was offered by another agency but for the same hospital) and go home instead. I prayed for that tough decision! I though of it, I planned for it, I was determined and hopeful things will fall into its proper places. I was firm and I knew I made the right decision when I finally stepped on the plane for my exit from Saudi Arabia. 

Starting anew in the Philippines isn't easy. Although equipped with knowledge and experiences, 2 loopholes are ahead of me: my age (40 is the cut off of agencies for the Middle East) and I became choosy with offers, especially from those in KSA and other GCC countries. But I don't have a choice. After having rested for a month, I started job hunting again. There were vacancies! A lot! But in a place I vowed not to step on in again! Saudi Arabia has lots of vacancies for nurses so I turned down offers thinking I have a better place to go to other than KSA. Then came Ministry of Health-Oman. Tried my luck and passed both the exams and the interview. I started filling my brains with the thought that I will leave again in six (6) months but something happened in Oman that applications became an "express". The waiting period of 6-8months became 4 weeks! Visa was issued but I refused the second time. What gave me the courage to refuse such a job was the offer made in Canada for me to do Live in caregiving to Annabelle's (my sister) present employer. To go to Canada with a willing sponsor is a blessing. Not all people would want to do sponsorship especially that they're not relatives. This one is the break I waited for. This is an answer to a prayer!

ZIONBUILDERS Part I (How We Came Up With The Concert)

It was one of those ordinary days when I received a message from Amie. She said that Spencer wants to talk to me. I thought they need a favor or might want to order some slimming pills or glutathione injectables! I was wrong. When Spencer called me over the phone, he said he wanted to revive the concert we had almost 26 years ago! It was the Zionbuilders concert. The concert we still remember until this day because it was one of those very memorable, very successful and we really worked hard for that event that was staged on the 90's.

My first question was: who will finance? Second question was: who will choreograph? These two things, I believe from my experience were the most important aspects in making a concert this big. He said he will take care of it and we will talk to Renren so he could teach the kids dance moves and choreography. We started from there.

It was the last week of September and we barely have few weeks before Christmas. Kids would be busy by then but Spencer was positive, "we can make it!". He contacted Renren but he was busy. So we proceeded with other plans- contact the youth presidency and had them help us get through with the planning. No meeting was done except on one Sunday when we asked the youth to come for a very quick meeting, hence we decided the date of the audition and the date of the concert as well. Ihonestly  feel like these kids weren't interested at all. I couldn't see any enthusiasm! But parents of the former Zionbuilders were wearing big smiles when they heard that we are to revive the concert we had on early 90's. We then set the audition date on the 1st week of October. 

Still with no concrete plan, we proceeded with the audition. Part Ii of this blog consist of the audition process. Way to go.......