Today With Tatay Echo: Recent Episodes
Tatay Echo
Finding the good, the odd and the funny in every day life, Today with Tatay Echo features a 40-something OFW who wants to be someone's reason to smile, because you can't change the day, but you can change your attitude towards it.
“Isipin mo ang mga prioroties mo. Just be determined and focused on what your goals are.”- MS FARRAH LESCANO-DIOKNO, former Professional in Import & Distribution in Oman
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. Join me in welcoming our guest for today:
She has worked in Oman’s import and distribution industry for the past 15 years, and has now since come back home to the Philippines. She is a mother of three beautiful children and is currently managing customers from the comforts of her home.
Friends, help me welcome MS FARRAH MAYDA DIOKNO.
A mother will do whatever it takes to make sure her children are well-taken care of, including making the hardest decisions to ensure the family's security and continued growth. Join us for this last episode of the season, featuring a strong Filipino woman determined to give her children the life they truly deserve, through her unwavering spirit and resilience to the storms that passed her way as a migrant worker in the Gulf.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 3.
**“Every day is a blessing, every day is a good day. We should be thankful for that.”
- Raymond De Jesus, Fashion Merchandising professional in Dubai**
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. JOIN ME IN WELCOMING our guest for today:
He has been in retail visual arts for the past 14 years and is currently based in the UAE. He loves to run, has lots of plants to take care of and has recently adopted a Maltese/Pomeranian Miniature Dog named Olaf.
Friends, help me welcome MR RAYMOND CLEOFE DE JESUS.
Success is something that doesn't come in a snap of a finger. It is borne of hard work, perseverance and a drive to become a better version of oneself. Join us this week as we meet yet another Filipino professional overseas who is striving to make a name for himself in the fashion merchandising industry in the Gulf, while championing the Filipino spirit through his dedication to work and family.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 3.
“You need to look out for yourself too {…} you need something to fall back to.” - MS DONNA KÜNZLER, finance professional and book author in Switzerland
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. I am honoured to have the opportunity to meet our guest for today: Our guest was born and raised in Cavite, Philippines. Her OVERSEAS fabULOUS pinay life started in 2001 when she relocated to Singapore for work. She continued her adventures in the US and then across the pond in the UK, before finally ending up in Switzerland. She and her husband currently live in Zurich where she is transitioning from OVERSEAS fabULOUS pinay to OVERSEAS fabULOUS pinay MOM with the recent addition of their daughter to the family. Friends, help me welcome MS DONNA AVELLANA KÜNZLER. Persistence is truly the twin of excellence in this episode that highlights what it takes to pursue one's passion beyond the shores, and how migrant Filipino workers carry the Filipino flag and our unwavering Filipino spirit wherever we are. This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 3.
“First that you need as an OFW is to know your why.”- MARK KATIGBAK, Enterprise Resource Planning professional in Singapore
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. JOIN ME IN WELCOMING our guest for today:
He has more than 4 years of experience in managing enterprise resource planning software specifically focused in Real Estate Management. Prior to Singapore, he was working in a consulting company and has successfully delivered 3 full cycle implementations for 3 of the largest real estate companies in the Philippines.
Friends, help me welcome MR MARK KATIGBAK.
Four years overseas might not be enough experience as a migrant worker for some, but for our guest, it's more than enough to open his eyes to what his future holds for him and what he must do to achieve all his dreams for himself and his family. A simple, endearing story of a newbie OFW who is trying to find his place in the world, through his profession, his passion and his service to his Creator.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 3.
“Every time you go to work, you bring the flag of the Philippines with you.”- CARLZ ELMSTHERSON LIBO-ON, former IT professional in Dubai and Singapore and HIV Education advocate
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. Let’s meet our guest for today:
OUR GUEST has lived, studied and worked in Singapore, the UAE and Australia for the past 8 years and is now an Advancement Office Head, currently based in Bacolod. He loves the arts and food, and his twin brother.
Friends, help me welcome MR CARLZ ELMSTHERSON LIBO-ON.
It's not every day that someone discovers his or her own purpose in life, but more so, it becomes a gift when you receive your epiphany while working overseas as an OFW. Tune in to this episode and meet a young professional who has found his purpose in life, living as a balikbayan in his native Bacolod, and helping young people be better informed of the dangers and hope of living with HIV.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 3.
"If you leave home, you need to remember home. You need to bring that consciousness of home with you."- MS POTRI RANKA MANIS, Nurse Manager & Dance Academy Director in New York
Our guestis the daughter of a sultan from Southern Philippines. She performs the classical and tribal dances of Mindanao and other Filipino dances solo and with Kinding Sindaw, the dance company she founded and directs. She has performed throughout the Philippines, the Middle East, Hong Kong and the U.S, and is also an award-winning poet and playwright. She has performed at NYU, Columbia and Lincoln Center's Asian/Pacific American Heritage Festival, and at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., among others.
Friends, help me welcome MS POTRI RANKA MANIS.
Take a sneak peak at the amazing diversity that is Mindanaoan culture in this episode that features a OFW frontliner in The Big Apple, whose work goes beyond health sciences, and extends to preserving and prospering oral and performative tradition from Southern Philippines to the world. Cultural consciousness, a better appreciation for Filipino history, and a good dose of healthy conversation.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 3.
"Find a reason why you’re going to become an OFW."
- JOHN V CASTILLO, Health Safety and Environment Advisor in Saudi Arabia
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. This is Season 3 and let’s meet our guest for today:
Our guest has been an OFW for the past 8 years in Saudi Arabia, as part of the oil and gas industry as Health, Safety and Environment advisor.
Friends, help me welcome MR JOHN V CASTILLO.
Jumping into the unknown world of workplace safety in the Middle East is no easy task for anyone, but excellence always comes with a certain level of discomfort. Tune in to understand what it really takes to be an OFW, and how we should all learn to prepare for better days ahead.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 3.
"Irespeto mo palagi ang bansang tinutuluyan mo."
- Ryan Tamayo, Healthcare IT professional in the UK
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. Let’s meet our guest for today:
Our guest has worked in Singapore for 11 years as an IT professional, and has since immigrated to the United Kingdom and now works as an IT professional in healthcare. He is an avid enthusiast of Photography, cycling and taking care of Tarantulas, with more than 30 in captivity. He also loves cooking for his family and friends, and is always up for adventure.
Friends, help me welcome MR RYAN TAMAYO.
Discover what it takes to become a resilient OFW anywhere in the world. Another episode for the books! Catch this interview with a family man whose dedication to family is true, through and through.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 3.
“Going overseas is enlightening and it gave me a new perspective of life.”– April Tan-Pleasants, school teacher in Venezuela
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. Let’s meet our guest for today:
She is a teacher by profession, and has been a migrant worker for the past 18 years. She is currently based in Venezuela, but will soon be moving out to Brazil for her next teaching post. She is happily married with 2 adult children.
Friends, help me welcome MS APRIL JOY TAN-PLEASANTS.
When the world transplants you from your comfort zone to beyond your usual boundaries, the world opens up and smiles at you. Meet our teacher-OFW, April, whose world view turned full 180 after travelling the world for the past 18 years as an educator. Understand what's it like to be an expat across 3 continents in this fun and quirky episode.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 3.
“Gusto kong dal’hin ang sining ko sa ibang bansa. Bilang OFW […] pinapakita natin ang kahusayan ng ating lahi.”
- Jophel Ybiosa, Master Cruise Ship Photographer
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. Let’s meet our guest for today:
Our guest for today is a master photographer for a cruise line and has recently won an award from Asian Geographic for his exemplary work in photography. He has been a migrant worker for the past 6 years.
Friends, help me welcome MR JOPHEL YBIOSA.
Meet award-winning master photographer Jophel Ybiosa in this episode on personal goals, ideals, and championing the Filipino spirit and pride, in another memorable podcast on the resilience, tenacity and world-class performance of the Overseas Filipino Migrant Worker. Discover how and why our kababayan overseas continue to carry the Philippine flag proudly in their hearts in this fun and personal episode.
This is Today with Tatay Echo, Season 3.
"Teach yourself to be strong."
-- Marc Magboo, Senior Receptionist for an Australian firm in Singapore
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. Let’s meet our guest for today:
Our guest is currently working as a lead receptionist for an Australian company whose office is based in Singapore. He’s a MassCom graduate from Bauan, Batangas and has been a migrant worker for 10 years now.
Friends, help me welcome MR MARC FRITZ MAGBOO.
It is never easy to leave your family behind and forge on in a foreign land where everything can seem new and unfamiliar. But with the challenge of migrating and working overseas comes the opportunity to challenge one's own abilities and discover new ones. Join us for the pilot episode of Season 3, as the show explores both familiar and new territories and meet regular people who are trying to find their place in this world.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 3.
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. Welcome to Today with Tatay Echo.
Samahan nyo ako sa ilang minutong kumustahan at pakikipanayam sa mga katulad nating migrante mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo.
Hanapin natin ang mabuti sa isang mundong balot ng pag-aalinlangan at hamon ng buhay lalo na sa ganitong panahon ng pagbabago, sa pamamagitan ng paglalahad ng mga karanasan ng mga kapwa nating OFWs.
There is goodness in this world that needs to be unraveled. We just need to look where. Join us as we meet regular Filipinos like you and me who are trying to find their place in this world, and see goodness beyond the challenges of daily life as migrant workers overseas or now as balikbayan
Ako si Tatay Echo at ito ang TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 3.
***"You need to have a brave heart."
- Dr Amada Banaag, former language teacher in Oman***
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. Let’s meet our guest for today:
She is formerly an English lecturer at a premiere college in Oman for four years and has been a teacher for more than 30 years.
Friends, help me welcome DR AMADA BANAAG.
Oh how the world opens up to those who are willing to take that first step. Join us as we meet a strong woman whose experiences in the Middle East have helped shape her becoming the globally aware academician that she is now. Tune in this week to realise how one's innate satisfaction of why one does what one does is more important than any weight in gold.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2
"Kailangan mas sipagan mo pa…mas tyagaan mo pa… mas galingan mo."
- Khaycee Poblete, Environment Management Executive in Singapore
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. Let’s meet our guest for today:
Our guest has been in the hospitality business for 4 years, having started as a hospital cleaner and now currently works as an executive in environmental service management at a resort hotel.
Friends, help me welcome MR KHAYCEE POBLETE.
The journey to stability is a rocky road, and as an OFW you need to understand your deepest why to help you navigate through the toughest of times. Join us as we talk to a migrant worker whose unexpected twists and turns in his journey as an OFW has finally bore fruit, with the help of prayers, his determination, and understanding his deepest WHY.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2
**“Pray for it. If it’s for you, everything will be OK.”
- Mr Ivan Arcilla, Identity and Access Management System Architect in Singapore**
He is currently a Senior System Specialist with more than 10 years of security and risk experience working for Global companies, having a verifiable track record in leading and implementing projects from Data Analysis, Process Design, Testing and Implementation.
Friends, help me welcome MR IVAN ARCILLA.
The decision to move to another country is a big decision to make. Living and working overseas is definitely more than a leap of faith. It is an opportunity that opens doors, windows, even walls to many, as long as you stick to your goals. Tune in to discover how prayers helped this OFW and his family to make the decision to move and live overseas.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2.
**“As long as you love what you’re doing, you'll find fulfilment in it. [...] When at post, always find your source of happiness.”
- Mr Gonar Musor, First Secretary and Consul of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore**
A career diplomat with more than 15 years of experience, including previous postings in Cairo, Kuala Lumpur, and Doha. Our guest is a political officer by training, with regional emphasis on Southeast Asia and the Middle East. He has also handled other portfolios, such as strategic planning, economic, cultural, public, and multilateral diplomacy.
As a writer, his works, which have been published both online and in print media, have dealt mostly with Muslim Mindanao culture. He wishes to further explore the creative non-fiction genre with a humorous twist and a Muslim Mindanao flavor.
He is married to Shayma, a registered pharmacist in the Philippines and Qatar, and has a daughter, Shazneen Anja.
Friends, please help me welcome CONSUL GONAR MUSOR.
Discover what it means to be on both sides of the fence – as a migrant worker and a civil servant – ensuring the safety and well-being of fellow Filipinos overseas. Catch this episode that presents yet another slice of the OFW life.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2.
**"Never burn bridges."
- Mr Mario Lajarca Jr, Lecturer and Media Professional in Singapore**
He has over two decades of broadcast media work experience and 10-years in the education industry and since 2015 he has shifted his direction towards teaching learners design thinking, critical reasoning/analysis & persuasion, communicating for professional effectiveness, social-media, local and overseas social innovation, and broadcast journalism. Formerly based in Manila, he moved to Colombo (Sri Lanka) in1995, got posted in Dubai (U.A.E.) in 2002, and has established his media and education career in Singapore from the 90's until today.
Friends, please help me welcome MR MARIO LAJARCA JR.
Understand what it takes to be a migrant immersed in cultural melting pots, and discover what it takes to survive as a foreign talent in a land distant from yours. Another episode that tells a unique perspective of the Filipino lives we lead overseas, and the challenges and adjustments we take to survive every emotional and physical hurdle we face as OFWs.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2.
**“I think it’s about finding who you really are, para kahit saan ka i-plant, […] you don’t change your essence.”
– Mr Walter Labajo, Zumba instructor in The Hague, Netherlands**
He has been in Dance Fitness for quite some time now, having lived overseas for the past 8 years, and is now currently based in the Netherlands. He has done it all: Event Planner/Host, Former university lecturer, Former Advertising Account Manager, Former Segment Producer for major television stations in the Philippines.
Friends, help me welcome MR WALTER LABAJO.
Our episode is special in so many ways, given that the reason why one went overseas is because of love. Discover the many facets of the Filipino migrant and their personal reasons for choosing to live and thrive in lands far away. Yet another true story of resilience and adaptability that Filipino migrants are known for.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2.
**“We’re not meant to be stuck in one place. […] We move to seek better opportunities and a better life somewhere else.”
- Tim W Go, Newscaster & media guru in Singapore**
Timothy brings with him a unique global perspective having reported news both in Canada and Asia for 20 years, providing various media services, training and consulting. He is a former newscaster for Channel NewsAsia and has been a migrant worker for 20. A jack of all trades, Tim is a semi-retired bon vivant.
Friends, please help me welcome MR TIMOTHY ‘TIM’ GO.
Starting the second half of the season is an story that underpins the opportunities that working and living overseas can bring to a young professional's life. Discover why being overseas is not a walk in the park, and yet one of the most fulfilling opportunities that you can have in your life.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2.
**"The Philippines is the world. […] We make the Philippines in places where we thrive.”
- Dr Gene Navera, University Lecturer in Singapore**
A Senior Lecturer at the Centre for English Language Communication at a premier university in Singapore, he holds a PhD in English Language Studies and writes in the areas of rhetoric and public address, critical discourse studies, and writing and speech communication pedagogies. He is the author of the book The Rhetoric of PNoy: Image, Myth and Rhetorical Citizenship in Philippine Presidential Speeches (New York: publisher Peter Lang, 2018). He has been working overseas for more than 13 years.
Friends, let us all welcome DR GENE SEGARRA NAVERA.
There are as many a story as there are Filipino migrants all over the globe, and listening to each individual story is what we love about this show – the opportunity to deep-dive into a gamut of insights, experiences and love for country astounds and humbles the podcast. Tune in to today's episode and discover why Filipinos bloom where they are planted.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2.
**"Kahit anino mo iiwan ka, kapag umulan […] so don’t find yourself; create yourself.”
– Ms April Joy Calabia, Flight Attendant based in Dubai, UAE**
Our guest has been a flight attendant coming to 13 years and currently resides in Dubai, UAE, with her 2 cats.
Friends, let us all welcome MS APRIL JOY CALABIA.
There are things in our lives that seem coincidental, only to realise that there are no coincidences in this world, only permutations. Discover how one call changed the life of a young professional, pushing her to pursue a life totally different from what she thought life planned for her. Tune in to a story of simple joys, gratefulness and self-love.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2.
**“Never break down. Stay focused.”
– Ms Liz Pugado, Emergency Nurse in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA**
She is currently an emergency nurse in Las Vegas, Nevada, US and has been a migrant worker for 12 years.
Friends, let us all welcome MS LIZ PUGADO.
A heartwarming story of wining over personal and professional struggles, this episode explores the strength of the Filipino mindset, and how one's own experiences both at work and at home help mould what a true Filipino migrant needs to be: focused, strong, resilient.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2.
**"Always be willing to be teachable and coachable. […] There's still a lot of things to learn."
– Ms Theresa Groyon, Financial Mentor in Singapore**
She has lived in Singapore since 2001. She started out as a lecturer in IT programming and Entrepreneurship before embarking on a self-employed career in Financial Advisory. Currently, she also manages a team of Financial Consultants, both Filipino and Singaporean alike. Our guest has been a migrant worker for 19 years.
Friends, let us all welcome MS THERESA GROYON.
Migrating to another country and building yourself from the ground up is no easy feat. Discover how a coincidental job placement led a Filipino professional to a new life overseas in this story of triumph, humility and resilience.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2.
**“Always start something you do at a point of excellence. […] Make sure you take people with you.”
- Mr Edison David, Headteacher and Schools Inspector in London, UK**
He has been based in London since 2001, and is currently the head of a three-form entry primary school in Southwest London. He is also an inspector for the Office of Standards for Education, and a member of the Primary Headteacher Reference Group, which advises the Her Majesty's secretary and ministers on education policies. He is likewise a Bagong Bayani Awardee.
Friends, let us all welcome Mr Edison ‘Ed’ David.
In this, our first episode for Season 2, tune in to meet a teacher whose pursuit of excellence has brought him to the very courts of the Queen and serve in a key role that ensures the highest educational standards for the future of global citizens. An amazing beginning for a new season that highlights excellence, drive and passion, which thrive at the heart of every Filipino migrant worker.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO, Season 2.
**You were with us all the way, and now we've reached the beginning of a chapter.
You've proven to us that our stories matter – as a people, as a nation, as heroes.**
Maraming salamat sa pag-antabay n'yo sa buong SEASON 1, mga kabayan!
Makasisiguro kayong lalo pa nating pagbubutihin na maipaabot sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan ang mga kwento ng buhay ng mga Pilipinong naninilbihan at naninirahan sa ibayong dagat.
We will continue to seek for goodness in every episode that we share.
TRUE STORIES. REAL PEOPLE. ALL FILIPINOS.
THIS IS TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.
**“Marami ka talagang matutunan once lumabas ka na sa comfort zone mo. […] Hindi tayo dapat parati sa comfort zone.”
– Mr Ruel Levida, Subject Matter Specialist in Kuala Lumpur**
He is a subject matter expert in Science and Chemistry in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and has been a migrant worker for the past 6 years.
Friends, let us all welcome MR RUEL LEVIDA.
Capping our first season is a simple story of understanding the power of breaking free from one's comfort zones and embracing the change of perspective that comes with becoming a migrant worker in this ever-changing world. Yet one of the many stories that you need to tune in for when we start the next season soon!
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.
**"When everything is falling, everything is actually falling into the right places."
– Mr RJ Garcia, Senior Accident & Emergency Nurse in London, UK**
He currently a senior accident and emergency nurse in London, UK and has been a migrant worker for the past 5 years. He was a former student DJ and an active student leader during his university years.
Friends, let’s welcome MR RJ LOUIS GARCIA.
When times are rough, who do you turn to? Where do you gather strength from? Tune in to deep-dive on the plight of the Filipino migrant worker and take a peek at the colourful lives they live as the new heroes of the Philippines.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.
“You shouldn’t just say you’re ready […] When you say you’re ready (to be an OFW) you should have that back-up basket. Until you have that, you’re not ready.” – Ms Vida Sawit, Childcare centre supervisor in Singapore
She is currently supervising a student care centre in Singapore. It’s an after-school care where the students can eat and rest after school. She works with a team of teachers, helping kids do their homework and teaching them life skills and values.
She came to Singapore in 2004, with her children, while her husband was already working in Singapore. She went into acting for local TV and that paved the way for her to teach speech and drama.
Friends, help me welcome MS VIDA SAWIT.
Discover how one woman's strength over the tribulations of life helped her and her family triumph over the challenges of being a migrant family in an unfamiliar foreign land. Tune in to another episode of real stories from real Filipinos trying to fulfil their life-mission overseas.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.
**"Kung feeling mo na ready ka na (maging OFW), go! [...] No matter what you do, isipin nyo muna kung para kanino ito."
- Mr Roy Bargamento, Entertainer and Sports Instructor in Singapore**
Our guest has been in the entertainment and service industry overseas for the past 8 years, and is currently working as a sports instructor and entertainer in one of Singapore’s most sought-after resort hotels.
Friends, let’s all welcome MR ROY ‘BAROY” BARGAMENTO
Understanding why you need to do what what needs to be done is at the core of every Fillipino migrant worker's mission overseas. Our episode today explores the many faces that becoming an OFW takes, the challenges and personal triumphs that we go through, and the determination that pushes every OFW to move forward.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.
**"Panginoon... Pamilya... Pangarap."
- Mr Renante 'RPS' Sulit, Migration Expert in Australia**
He’s been involved in migration services in Australia for the past 11 years, and is actually a licensed professional teacher as well.
Friends, let’s all welcome MR RENANTE ‘RPS’ SULIT.
Discover how one man's vision of his future self has helped shape the lives of other Filipino migrants in Australia, in this episode that features a seasoned migration services expert. Find out how regular people like you and me are making a difference in this world by sharing their knowledge and passion to others.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.
**"It’s okay to say no, especially if you have objectives in your life."
- Mr Ed Sianghio, Project Manager in Singapore**
He is involved in project management for a multi-national financial corporation with a regional office in Singapore, and is actually a nurse by training. He’s been a migrant worker for about 6 years.
He is soon to be father of a baby boy, plays badminton and goes trail biking.
Friends, let’s welcome MR ED MARTIN SIANGHIO.
In every Filipino migrant's life, we find ourselves at a crossroad that asks us to decide where we want to go and what we want to do next. Tune in to discover how people learn to say yes and say no to the challenges that a life overseas may bring.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.
"You should have goals. Your goals would drive you on what you want to have as an outcome." - Dr Guiller 'Byron" Carpio, Learning Analyst in Singapore
He is currently a learning analyst at a local university and HAS been a migrant worker for about 4 years now. Friends, let’s all welcome Dr Guiller ‘Byron' Carpio. Listen in to our episode this week, and meet a young OFW who's got his future set for him through self-discovery, determination and a little prayer on the side. It's another insightful episode worth tuning into, featuring real stories by real people – migrant workers like you and me, who are trying to find their place in this ever changing world outside our homeland. This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.
**"Being an OFW is not for the faint-hearted."
- Ms Tina Malimban, English Language lecturer in Japan**
Magandang araw, mga kabayan. Help me welcome our guest for today.
She is a former language professor in the Philippines and is now an English lecturer in Japan, and has been so for the past 11 years.
Friends, let’s all welcome MS CHRISTINA MALIMBAN.
Catch another episode of inspiring experiences and true stories of fellow migrant workers like you and me who find the strength in them to hurdle challenges of daily life in a foreign nation. In this podcast, meet a Filipina teacher whose life as a migrant worker is a great mix of coincidences and opportunities, with a bit of luck on the side.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO
**"If you're planning to go abroad, hanapin mo agad ang mga advantages mo."
- Mr Alvin Umahon, Part-time Domestic & Business Development Manager in Italy**
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Magandang araw, mga kabayan. Help me welcome our guest for today.
He is a part time domestic and a Business Development manager for a money transfer service in Italy. He has been a migrant worker in Italy since 2005 and was a former news correspondent for The Filipino Channel for Europe.
He has changed apartments 11 times in 15 years. For the first 5 years of his stay in Italy, he was undocumented. 2011 was the first time to be a balikbayan. 4 times palang syang nakakauwi sa Pinas in 15 years.
Friends, let’s all welcome MR ALVIN UMAHON.
In this episode, meet Batangueno OFW Alvin Umahon and his rollercoaster adventures as a long-time migrant in Rome, Italy. Discover how faith and trust in oneself and the desire to be better than what society dictates us to be has led this OFW to seek a better pasture for himself, his family and his future.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.
**"You have to have a reason why and you have to be driven to make that thing happen."
- Dr VJ Yamat, Director for Scientific Communications and Engagement in Singapore**
Doc Victor Joseph “VJ” Yamathas been in science communication since the early 2000s and has been a migrant worker for the past 10 years. He is currently the Director for Scientific Communications and Engagement in APAC for an American company with an office based in Singapore.
Friends, let’s all welcome our special guest for this episode, Dr VJ Yamat.
In this episode, Doc VJ joins us via Zoom to talk about career choices, the changing landscapes of science communications in the region and what it means to be a Filipino in the ever evolving global science media arena. Discover the resilience of the Filipino migrant worker in this episode of personal discoveries, self-reflections and relentless self-improvement.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.
**"Kailangan mo talaga, tibay ng loob, kasi lahat pwede mong kaharapin na hindi sila kasama."
- Rhea 'Thea' Del Mundo-Asi, Healthcare worker turned professional teacher**
Rhea "Thea" Del Mundo-Asi is a former healthcare worker in Taiwan and is now a professional teacher.
Friends, let’s all welcome our special guest for this episode, Ms Rhea 'Thea' Del Mundo-Asi.
In this episode, Thea joins us via Skype to talk about her challenges, struggles and triumphs as a former healthcare worker in Taiwan and why she decided to shift professions midway. It's another inspiring, heartwarming story of how the Filipino spirit thrives overseas. Join us for another episode of true stories from fellow migrant workers from all over the globe.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.
***"When we’re working abroad, we are not just representing ourselves; we are carrying the name of our country."
- Chef Edward Esmero, Co-Chef Director, My Little Spanish Place***
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He has been in the F&B industry in Singapore for the past 12 years and is currently the co-chef director of a popular restaurant and tapas bar in Singapore. Not only that, he is very passionate about how business owners, chefs and staff are coping with the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on F & B.
Friends, let’s all welcome our special guest for this pilot episode, Chef Edward Esmero.
In this episode, Chef Edwards talks to us via Zoom straight from his restaurant's kitchen in Singapore to share his insights about what it means to be a Filipino overseas, and what drives him to be better at what he does.
This is TODAY WITH TATAY ECHO.